After visiting a long-standing customer of his in early 2018, a leading UK IGU manufacturer, whom we all now know was Press Glass UK, discussing productivity and safety issues only glass industry experts would recognise, Robert Owen and his customer decided the time for practical automation had arrived, in particular to find a solution to replace the process of manually loading glass from harp carts to vertical transport stations.
The problem requiring a solution, as defined by Robert and his customer:

• Develop a system to automatically load glass panes of various sizes directly from harp carts to an IG Line, or other vertical processing station.
• A system which utilises the edge of the glass for handling.
• The solution should ensure a consistent and efficient loading speed for improved production, reduce Health & Safety issues, with the potential to improve quality, in particular with zero damage to glass coatings.
• The solution should easily complement and integrate into existing glass industry software, with full batch processing control, with zero issues.
• The solution should offer a defined, calculable return on investment.

The solution should be designed, manufactured, installed & supported by recognised UK glass industry experts.
The solution to the problem… GS-MR’s IG-L
Problem solved!
As with the best laid plans, a few unexpected twists & turns along the way!
We keep the original incomplete prototype manufactured in 2020, an objective reminder to the advancements achieved by GS-MR’s fabulous design.
In the true spirit of progress, with GS-MR’s tenacity & glass industry/engineering experience, our unique design far exceeds the original prototype specification & the customers concur!

GS-MR’s IG-L gives you

• Up to 180 panes loaded/hour
• Automated verification prior to loading
• Zero damage to special coatings
• Proven advancements in quality, safety, productivity & reduced wastage
• Increased staff retention & upskilling