National Glass & LiSEC: A partnership built on reliability, innovation, and LONGLiFE solutions

Founded in 1989, National Glass is a leading Australian glass processor with a strong heritage rooted in supporting its parent company, Bradnam’s Windows and Doors. With two major sites in Brisbane and Townsville and a workforce of 150 employees, National Glass primarily serves the Queensland market and parts of New South Wales with glass products processed by LiSEC machines.

National Glass mainly supplies high-quality glass products to its parent company and its partners. It also serves the wider commercial market, especially when complex or custom glass is needed. The company is known for fast delivery, technical know-how, and the ability to create tailored products ranging from patterned double-glazed units to custom laminates. Its main goal is to support its parent company while growing in areas like processed glass, double glazing, and advanced laminates. Sustainability is also important, with ongoing efforts to reduce energy use, recycle waste, and use solar power.

The partnership with LiSEC

National Glass’s relationship with LiSEC spans decades. From the very beginning, LiSEC equipment played a foundational role in the production of National Glass. Early investments included LiSEC cranes, cutting tables, and processing machines, which proved to be so reliable that they remained in operation for over 20 years. This trust in LiSEC’s reliability and innovation has only deepened over time. As National Glass expanded and modernized, LiSEC remained the partner of choice for both machinery and software. Today, LiSEC equipment makes up about 90 % of the machinery on National Glass’s shop floor – a testament to the enduring strength of the partnership.

The cooperation is close and ongoing. National Glass is in regular contact with LiSEC whether it’s for safety upgrades, new equipment quotes, or staying up to date with the latest technological developments. The relationship is described as a true business partnership, with LiSEC providing not just products, but also expertise, training, and responsive support. What makes LiSEC stand out for National Glass is the broad product portfolio and having one point of contact.

Efficiency, automation and end-to-end integration

LiSEC’s all.in.one:solutions have transformed National Glass’s operations. From order entry to dispatch, LiSEC machinery and software handle every step: cutting, edge deletion, seaming, laminating, and double glazing.

This seamless integration has enabled National Glass to process everything from large panels to small, highly customized pieces with unmatched efficiency and minimal manual handling. The adoption of LiSEC software such as GPS.prod, GPS.autofab, and ident has further streamlined production, providing visibility and control from the front end to the back end. This has been crucial in maintaining National Glass’s reputation for fast lead times and high service levels.

The drive for increased automation was a key reason National Glass chose LiSEC. The combination of LiSEC machinery and software has reduced manual handling, minimized the need for additional staff, and increased throughput. This has been especially valuable in a tight labour market, allowing National Glass to do more with less and reduce product damage.

Reliability and service

LiSEC equipment is renowned for its reliability. For example, an old LiSEC ESL cutting table, installed around 2000, ran flawlessly for nearly two decades before being replaced. National Glass highlights that LiSEC machinery is very reliable. Also, service and support are great. Even from Australia, National Glass can access 24-hour support from LiSEC, with rapid responses and remote troubleshooting.

Fit for the future with LONGLiFE upgrades

A major differentiator for LiSEC is its LONGLiFE program. In 2023, National Glass made a comprehensive LONGLiFE upgrade across its factory, updating about 30 PCs to newer versions supporting Windows. This was driven by IT security needs as the company wanted to ensure ongoing support and security. The upgrade process was seamless, with minimal disruption to production. LiSEC worked closely with National Glass’s IT team. Since the upgrade, reliability and uptime have been excellent. In the words of National Glass, LiSEC’s LONGLiFE program allows customers to extend the lifespan of their equipment through targeted upgrades, rather than replacing entire machines. This has saved National Glass significant time and cost. A PC upgrade can be completed overnight, compared to weeks of downtime for a full machine replacement.

Training and knowledge transfer

National Glass has also benefited from LiSEC’s comprehensive training programs, including sessions at LiSEC’s Austrian headquarters. These programs have equipped staff with the skills needed to operate and maintain advanced, automated equipment, and have fostered a culture of knowledge sharing within the company.

Looking ahead

With the Queensland market evolving, especially with the upcoming 2032 Olympics, and a growing demand for insulating glass and advanced glass products, National Glass is well positioned for the future. The company remains committed to sustainability, innovation and delivering the best possible products and service to its customers. They look forward to deepening the partnership with LiSEC throughout future expansions and upgrades, confident that LiSEC will support National Glass’s growth and innovation for years to come.