HORN Completes 12 Furnace Start-Ups in the First Half of 2025

Despite a challenging market environment, the technology company continues to prove itself as a reliable partner to the glass industry. Thanks to its innovation capabilities, comprehensive EPCM expertise, and global presence, HORN successfully completed numerous projects in the early months of 2025 – with more currently underway.

Strong Performance in the First Half of 2025

A total of 12 glass melting furnaces have already been successfully commissioned – including major projects for clients in Europe, Asia, and Australia. Six additional furnace start-ups are currently in preparation and will be completed in the coming months. Furthermore, three large-scale turnkey plant projects are in progress, where HORN is acting as the EPCM partner and taking on full project responsibility. In addition, 26 small-scale projects with a total value of around EUR 3 million have been successfully implemented.
 

HORN – Expertise for the Glass Industry

The traditional company is one of the world’s leading technology providers for the glass industry. HORN´s core competencies lie in two business areas:

• Container and specialty glass: Development and construction of melting plants for container glass, solar glass, and specialty glass.
• Glass plants: Taking over the entire project execution for the customer – from planning and procurement to manufacturing, assembly, and commissioning.

As an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) partner, HORN does not only deliver individual components but also turnkey plant solutions. With its own engineering teams, a high level of in-house manufacturing, and qualified service teams, the specialist in glass melting technology ensures that projects are executed efficiently and on schedule. Customers particularly value the company's reliability, innovative strength, and global service presence.

How the Technology Company Works – Capacity for Major Challenges

Thanks to modern planning and manufacturing capacities, HORN is able to realize 15 to 20 large-scale projects and 30 to 40 smaller projects annually. In doing so, HORN places the highest value on:

• Innovative engineering solutions that ensure maximum efficiency and durability
• Sustainability to reduce the carbon footprint of glass production
• Flexibility to best meet individual customer requirements

“Our customers do not only expect excellent technology but also a partner who takes responsibility. That’s exactly what we strive to be,” says Stephan Meindl, CEO of HORN Glass Industries.

Project Highlights from 2025

Despite challenging conditions, HORN was able to achieve important milestones in the first months of 2025. The following projects provide insight into recent accomplishments:

• Oxy-fuel furnace for Orora (Australia)
An energy-efficient oxyfuel melting furnace was delivered for the international packaging manufacturer Orora. The new plant significantly reduces energy consumption and CO₂ emissions – a major step toward decarbonization.

• Glass melting furnace for PGP Glass (India)
In January 2025, PGP Glass commissioned its new facility in Kosamba. HORN supplied an environmentally friendly 120 tpd furnace, including an E-Fusion Power Boosting System and HRD-BEAM glass level measurement system. This project highlights the strong collaboration with HORN India and the shared focus on CO₂ reduction and high glass quality.

• Furnace repair for Crown Sivesa (Mexico)
In June 2025, a 375 tpd recuperatively heated cross-flame furnace was modernized for Crown Sivesa in Orizaba. In addition to refractory repairs, the furnace was equipped with new technologies. The upgraded furnace supplies four production lines – continuing a successful partnership.

• Furnace upgrade for Noelle + von Campe (Germany)
For the long-established glass manufacturer Noelle + von Campe, HORN has comprehensively modernized the existing melting furnace. These upgrades increase efficiency, extend furnace lifespan, and lead to a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions.

Market Outlook – Challenges as Opportunities

The glass industry is facing subdued demand in 2025. However, HORN is using this phase to better position itself for the future:

• Consolidation of internal processes
• Completion of pending projects
• Investments in R&D

“Challenging times reveal who is truly reliable and innovative. We are confident that our sustainable solutions will play a vital role in shaping the future of the industry,” emphasizes Stephan Meindl.
 

Innovation & the Future – Sustainability at the Core

The development priorities of the technology company set clear signals for the future:
• Hybrid furnaces with up to 80% electrical energy input
• All electric furnaces with capacities of up to 400 tons per day

These technologies significantly contribute to CO₂ reduction and align with global climate goals. We continue to view glass as a key material – for food packaging, technical applications, and modern architecture.

Conclusion & Outlook

With over 140 years of experience, a strong team, and a spirit of innovation, HORN remains a reliable partner for the glass industry – today and in the future. The company looks ahead to the coming months with optimism and is convinced: the future of glass production is sustainable, efficient, and based on partnership.