Stoelzle has invested in its Heřmanova Huť, Czech Republic, production site.

The company plans to completely rebuild the site’s amber furnace, including forehearths and regenerators.

The end-port furnace design incorporates an expanded melting area and doubled electrical boosting capacity.

Stoelzle will also upgrade its distribution, forming, inspection and packaging technologies to increase production capacity and stability, improve energy efficiency and further strengthen supply reliability.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026.

The rebuild will take place over a 65-day period, with production expected to resume in October 2026.

The project is part of Stoelzle's strategy to modernise its European manufacturing network while supporting customers' expectations for quality, sustainability and supply security.

Dr. August Grupp, CEO of Stoelzle Glass Group, said: “This investment reflects our long-term commitment to our customers and to the future of European pharmaceutical glass manufacturing.

“By modernising one of our key production sites, we are strengthening manufacturing capabilities, improving energy efficiency and ensuring we continue to deliver the quality, reliability and sustainability our customers expect.”

Technology partners for the project include Horn (furnace), Interprojekt (ESP filter), Bucher Emhart Glass (IS machine), Moravia Glass Technology, Heye International and Iris Inspection Machines (cold-end equipment), and B&B (packer).

Libor Kraft, Plant Manager at Stoelzle Heřmanova Huť, said: “A furnace rebuild is one of the most demanding projects a glass plant can undertake.

“It requires careful planning and outstanding teamwork.

“Our focus is to deliver the project safely while ensuring the continuity, quality and service our customers rely on every day.”

Maintaining uninterrupted customer supply throughout the rebuild is a key priority for Stoelzle.

The company has implemented a comprehensive continuity plan, including increased production ahead of the shutdown and additional support from its Austrian production facilities to ensure continuity of supply while maintaining agreed specifications and delivery schedules.