By Mike Beatty
This week, I joined our Technical Manager, Stuart Alexander and one of our customers on an in-depth audit at one of our European manufacturing partners.
Our highly experienced and articulate host looked after us superbly and alongside Stuart with his 47 years of hands-on experience – guided us through each stage of the glassmaking process. From raw materials to finished product, his insights added so much value, not just for our customer, but for me too. No matter how long you’ve been in this industry, there’s always something to learn when you’re surrounded by true expertise.
We walked through every stage of production – the batch house, melting, forming, technical inspection and packing and I have to say, I was absolutely blown away. The craftsmanship, pride and precision on display at every turn was something special.
The machines were running double and triple gob production with speed and grace. It was like watching choreography in motion: molten glass shaped into bottles and jars with astonishing precision. Over 1.4 million units are produced here every day and yet, the process felt seamless. More than that – it felt personal. You could tell every operator deeply cared about what they were doing.
What really stood out to me was the cleanliness and order throughout the plant. It was pristine. Every line, every control panel, every aisle – spotless. It gave us complete confidence in the culture of quality that runs through the company.
We sat down afterwards with their team and reviewed every element of production. Stuart and our customer had detailed technical questions and every response was thorough, transparent and clearly backed by deep knowledge. It’s this openness and willingness to share that makes us proud to represent factories of this calibre.
At Glassworks International, these audits are far more than just box-ticking exercises. They’re a core part of how we operate. We consider ourselves an extension of our customers’ teams – helping them access world-class production with full confidence. And visits like this one remind us just how important that trust is.
If you’re a current or potential customer and would like to see the glassmaking process for yourself, we’d be delighted to arrange a visit. Like today’s guest, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for what goes into every bottle and the reassurance that quality is never left to chance.
We work with only the best and we work hard to understand every technical detail on your behalf. With Stuart’s decades of experience and an incredibly knowledgeable team that lives and breathes glass, we’re here to guide you through the process – whether you’re placing your first order or fine-tuning a complex specification.
Thanks again to our hosts for their hospitality and to Stuart for another masterclass in glassmaking. A brilliant day and a reminder of why we do what we do.
Why Choose Glassworks?
We’re not just changing containers; we’re helping brands grow. With decades of experience and direct access to trusted global producers, we provide the flexibility, speed and advice that modern brands need. Whether you’re an established name or just starting, we treat your packaging as if it were our own.
From production to import, stock holding to delivery, we manage it all so you don’t have to.
Let’s Talk…
If you’re looking into new packaging or wondering how to make glass work for your brand, let’s chat. We are here to offer you and your business support and guidance… And of course the best possible pricing.
Drop us a message or give us a call. We’re always glad to help you find a better way forward.
Glassworks International takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest technologies and trends within glass manufacturing and production.