FRIMLEY, UK, Feb 28, 2017 – Siemens PLC (UK & Ireland) and leading glass manufacturer and contract bottler, Encirc have today agreed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that will see both companies enter a strategic digitalization partnership.The memorandum represents the start of a technology partnership agreement between the two companies, designed to spearhead the deployment of advanced digital technologies and services across Encirc’s operations.
L>R Steve Martin, head of Siemens Glass, Fiacre O Donnell, head of strategic development at Encirc, Adrian Curry, managing director, Encirc, Juergen Maier Siemens UK CEO and Mike Houghton managing director, Siemens Process Industries
Encirc, part of the Vidrala group since 2015, has two sites; one in Fermanagh, Northern Ireland and one in Chester, England. With over 33% market share, the company manufactures container glass for the food and beverage industry. With its state-of-the-art contract bottling facility, 52,000m2 automated bonded warehouse and a multi-faceted logistics offering, Encirc supports its customers with sustainable beverage supply chain options.
The company plans to invest significantly in furnace rebuilds over the next five years at both its sites. The technology deal comes into effect immediately and will be based on three core themes; A commitment from Siemens’ Digital Factory and Process businesses to supply innovation and new product across Encirc’s sites. A unique energy partnership designed to significantly reduce emissions Siemens’ commitment to deliver a wholesale digital transformation project. Adrian Curry, managing director of Encirc, said: “We are looking forward to developing this strategic partnership with Siemens, which will enhance our reputation as leaders in technology, innovation and sustainable manufacturing. It represents Encirc entering a new phase in terms of digitalization and future technologies. Further reducing our energy use and emissions will also build on our commitment to provide customers with the most environmentally friendly route to market possible.”
Siemens UK and Ireland CEO, Juergen Maier, added: “This is a landmark technology partnership which is about two central challenges – industrial digitalization and reducing carbon emissions. We’re delighted to be partnering with Encirc who understand this deal is a platform to showcase industrial digitalization in the UK glass sector. We’re looking forward to joining Encirc on this important journey over the coming years.”
About Siemens
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability and internationality for more than 165 years. The company is active in more than 200 countries, focusing on the areas of electrification, automation and digitalization. One of the world’s largest producers of energy-efficient, resource-saving technologies, Siemens is a leading supplier of efficient power generation and power transmission solutions and a pioneer in infrastructure solutions as well as automation, drive and software solutions for industry. The company is also a leading provider of medical imaging equipment – such as computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging systems – and a leader in laboratory diagnostics as well as clinical IT. In fiscal 2016, which ended on September 30, 2016, Siemens generated revenue of €79.6 billion and net income of €5.6 billion. At the end of September 2016, the company had around 351,000 employees worldwide.
Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
About Encirc
Encirc is a market leader in glass container design, manufacturing, bottling and logistics solutions for the UK and Irish food and beverages industries.
With almost 1,200 employees, it operates from its purpose-built sites in Derrylin, Co Fermanagh, NI and Elton, Cheshire, the company produces more than 2.7 billion glass bottles and other containers annually, and can fill up to 250 million litres of bulk shipped beverages every year. For more information, visit www.encirc360.com
