Wood Glass Team: Growing Step by Step with HEGLA Technology

WOOD GLASS TEAM proves that even in a saturated market, there is always room for uncompromising quality and innovation. The Strzelno-based company successfully combines the advanced production of insulating glass units with exclusive wooden window joinery under the WOODNATURAL brand. Discover the story of an enterprise that has spent over a decade building its competitive advantage through modern technology and product responsibility.

In the second decade of the 21st century, Poland’s insulating glass market was one of the fastest-growing in Europe. Numerous specialised plants were operating across the country, while international groups continued to expand their presence in Poland. It was in this environment that a project was launched which, over time, became an important producer of insulating glass units as well as timber and timber-aluminium windows and doors.

WOOD GLASS TEAM, based in Strzelno, began its operations in January 2014. From the outset, the company developed two complementary areas: the production of insulating glass units and window manufacturing under the WOOD Natural brand.

The company’s history demonstrates how consistent investment in technology and production development can create a business capable of meeting the needs of demanding customers.

From an Idea to Production 

Among those looking at the market from the perspective of many years of business experience was Karol Podraza, an entrepreneur previously associated with SANPLAST and SANGLASS.

Following his experience in the bathroom equipment industry, it was time for another project. This is how the concept of WOOD GLASS TEAM in Strzelno was born –-a company specialising in the production of insulating glass units and timber windows.

The company was established in 2012 and began operations in January 2014. From the very beginning, the plant was developed with the aim of creating production capabilities that could meet the requirements of window manufacturers, particularly in the timber segment.

Already at the plant design stage, WOOD GLASS TEAM allowed for the future expansion of its infrastructure. This made it possible to develop the machinery and equipment in line with increasing production volumes, rather than limiting the company to a one-off investment.

Technology as the Foundation of Production 

When designing the plant, WOOD GLASS TEAM focused on solutions intended to streamline successive stages of production - from storing glass sheets and cutting them to preparing insulating glass units.

The company equipped the plant with technologies enabling process automation and the handling of various types of glass. Particular importance was attached to glass cutting solutions and, subsequently, to the automation of residual glass sheet management.

From the outset, timber window manufacturers whose products are supplied to demanding European markets have been an important customer group. In such projects, both the technical parameters of the glass and its compatibility with a specific window design are crucial.

Glass for Demanding Projects 

WOOD GLASS TEAM manufactures, among other products, insulating glass units used in timber windows and in projects involving the renovation of historic buildings.

The company is also developing its production of façade glass. Thanks to its machinery and equipment, it can handle a wide range of orders and expand its product portfolio alongside further investments.

For specialised projects, it is not only the properties of the glass itself that matter, but also process repeatability, cutting accuracy and the ability to handle different product configurations.

These areas have become one of the key directions of WOOD GLASS TEAM’s technological development.

A Plant Developed Alongside Production 

From the beginning, WOOD GLASS TEAM developed its plant in stages. The first solution was an automatic portal storage system working with two glass cutting lines.

As production volumes increased, so did the number of glass types being used. The company therefore expanded its storage system with KPL mobile racking warehouses and subsequently commissioned a second portal storage system in a parallel production bay.

The combination of the two systems made it possible to maintain uninterrupted operation of the cutting lines while replenishing glass stocks.

Subsequent investments were driven by specific production requirements. As a result, the plant’s infrastructure has evolved alongside the scale of the company’s operations.

Automation That Changes Day-to-Day Work 

From the beginning, glass cutting has been handled by two specialised lines.

The first was OPTIMAX, featuring automatic glass breaking along the X and Y axes. Automation reduced the number of manual operations performed by operators and lowered the risk of errors associated with manual process handling.

The second solution was the ProLam line, designed for cutting laminated glass. The selected solution also allowed float glass to be processed, enabling the line to handle a broader range of production requirements.

The system was designed from the outset with the possibility of subsequent integration with residual glass sheet storage systems. Several years later, WOOD GLASS TEAM commissioned its first ReMaster warehouse.

The solution changed the way residual glass sheets were managed. Instead of treating them solely as material left over after cutting, the company could reintroduce them into the production process.

Experience gained from the first implementation influenced subsequent investments. ReMaster was also incorporated into later cutting lines.

The latest stage of development is a new generation of the ProLam line equipped with LSR technology. The solution has expanded the company’s laminated glass cutting capabilities and improved process repeatability.

WOOD Natural – Timber Windows as the Second Pillar of the Business

WOOD GLASS TEAM’s development is not limited to glass production. Another important area of the company’s operations is the production of timber and timber-aluminium windows and doors, developed under the WOOD Natural brand.

WOOD Natural was created for customers looking for windows that combine the natural character of timber with solutions meeting modern technical requirements.

Timber makes it possible to create windows with a distinctive appearance that can be used both in contemporary architecture and in projects with a more traditional character.

In timber-aluminium constructions, the timber remains visible on the interior side, while the exterior receives an additional protective layer in the form of aluminium.

The brand is supported by WOOD GLASS TEAM’s production facilities and the company’s experience in manufacturing both windows and insulating glass units. This allows both elements to be developed within a single company.

Such an approach makes it possible to view the window as a complete product, in which the structure, glazing, manufacturing method and technical parameters must work together.

The Next Stage of Development 

Today, the company’s development and overall operations continue to be overseen by Karol Podraza. In the areas of production and technological development, he is supported by Krzysztof Wojtowicz, who serves as Technical Director.

The company employs approximately 200 people. Further investments are increasing its production capabilities. One of the latest is the commissioning of a glass tempering furnace, which enables the company to expand its production capabilities and take on new projects.

WOOD GLASS TEAM’s development is therefore not based on a single investment. The company is gradually expanding its machinery, storage facilities and glass production technologies, responding to changing customer needs and the growing scale of its operations.

Step by Step 

WOOD GLASS TEAM began operations in 2014 as a project focused on the production of insulating glass units. In the years that followed, the company developed both its technological capabilities and its second area of business - timber and timber-aluminium windows and doors under the WOOD Natural brand.

Today, the company combines insulating glass production, an advanced glass storage and cutting system, and window manufacturing.

Further investments are a natural continuation of this development. Rather than relying on a single major investment phase, WOOD GLASS TEAM has consistently expanded its plant in line with changing production requirements.

Step by step. With further growth in mind.