In recent years, Rakvåg Glass AS has secured a strong foothold in the future of glass production through impressive investments and modernizations. With the new fully automated processing centre systron proHD, the company is meeting the increasing demands of a fiercely competitive market. “We are facing increasing competition and preparing the company for the future,” explains Owner and Managing Director Roy Rakvåg.
Rakvåg Glass AS, based in Hjelset outside of Molde (Norway), produces a wide range of glass products: from insulating glass to tempered and laminated glass, as well as fire-resistant glass and other special glasses. The company’s machinery is impressive: modern CNC machines, a tempering furnace, a laminate line, an insulating glass line, various cutting tables, and polishing and grinding equipment. The family business has continuously invested in modernizing its machinery, with the latest addition representing a significant milestone.
The latest highlight in Rakvåg’s machinery is the systron proHD glass processing centre with integrated water jet cutting technology. This all-in-one system allows for edge processing, milling, drilling, grinding, polishing, and cutting of glass. Thanks to the patented water jet cutting technology, precise holes and complex cutouts can be produced in formats up to 2.5 x 3.5 meters.
“This investment ensures a significant efficiency gain,” emphasizes Bendik Rakvåg.
The new technology enables Rakvåg to more than halve the production time per glass. Up to seven glass racks with various types of glass can be prepared for production. Manual interventions are limited to moving the racks, after which robots take over the entire loading and unloading process automatically.
“This allows us to produce high quantities with an unmanned machine,” explains Bendik Rakvåg.
Despite a tough market, where Rakvåg competes with both Norwegian and foreign suppliers, the company has maintained stable sales at around 40 million NOK. “All costs are rising, but we don’t win bids by increasing prices accordingly. If we want to survive in an increasingly tough market, investments like this are necessary,” says Roy Rakvåg.
In the past two years, the company has reduced its number of employees from 30 to 22, focusing on efficiency and productivity improvements. Alongside automation, Rakvåg Glass focuses on sustainability and transparency by implementing systems to create Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) for all products. “We need to deliver what the market accepts and expects,” explains Roy Rakvåg.
With their strategic investments and focus on cutting-edge technologies, Rakvåg is setting a benchmark in the glass industry. The combination of innovative production methods and a clear understanding of market requirements ensures a promising future for the company. Rakvåg remains a prime example of how traditional manufacturing can successfully transition into the next era through modern technology and forward-looking strategies.
