Mexicali has installed a new Lamino furnace, increasing capacity by about 225,000 windshields per year.
The Mexican plant mainly supplies the AGR market in North America.Originally developed for Pilkington Collingwood as a press assisted bending furnace (GDP3), the Lamino has been redesigned by Pilkington AE Finland for reassembly in Mexicali as a box furnace.
"The furnace is very flexible and is capable of making more complex shapes than older Lamino furnaces," said engineering manager Miguel Musso.
"It gives us the ability to increase production volumes and improve on process capabilities in terms of glass size and bending process control."
The installation project has also included modifications to the rest of the production area to make room for the increased windscreen flow rate in the plant.