Madam Wang Shyung – Chinese Consul General – conferred with the minister on a tour of Encirc’s Derrylin facility in August, which has been producing container glass at the site since 1998.
Glass manufacturing output by Encirc now accounts for 32% of the combined UK and Irish container glass market. The company uses recycled cullet in its process which can be mixed with other raw materials and processed in the melting furnace to form new containers.
Madam Wang Shyung’s focused on the Encirc Academy, a global training and consultancy provider launched by the company in 2014 to promote ‘excellence in glass manufacture’ through ‘process improvement, new technology and improved operating practices’.
Process
According to the business, the Consul General was “keen to understand the comprehensive process behind the technical support offered by the Encirc Academy and also the excellence standards that are leading the glass industry”.
Adrian Curry, managing director of Encirc, said: “When you look at the global glass industry Encirc is one of the newest players, yet because of our skills, investment and agile approach we are setting standards and supporting the global glass industry. The success is a true reflection of the efforts, abilities and dedication of our team and the investment made in their continued development.”
During the visit the First Minister Arlene Foster and Madam Wang also discussed potential opportunities within the Chinese market, and heard the company’s plans for ‘sustainability-focused’ investments over the coming years.
Mr Curry added that the firm is looking to improve the environmental credentials at Derrylin and reduce costs via its ‘Gas to the West’ project – which will install a natural gas supply to the production plant.
Furnaces
The company is also in the planning stages of a ‘significant’ investment in furnace rebuilds at the plant which are due to take place in 2019 and 2021.
Ms Foster said: “This impressive facility reflects Encirc’s ambition to become a leading player in the global drinks industry. Their ability to combine product design, glass manufacturing and beverage formulation, along with filling and logistics services, sets them apart from their competitors.
“Not only is Encirc a major employer in the Fermanagh area, but the company is operating on the world stage, driving the highest levels of operational excellence. It has consistently invested in skills and wider capability development in order to capitalise on sales outside Northern Ireland.”
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