A new £5.4m white flint furnace is now fully operational at glass manufacturer Beatson Clark. The furnace has a daily capacity of approximately 200 tonnes of glass and gives Beatson Clark in Rotherham the same size melting area as the previous furnace. However, an improved design will mean greater efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions in line with new government targets. About 80 contractors have been involved in the rebuild and maintenance project, including Sheffield-based Tecoglas which designed the furnace, Chapman Brack which has undertaken the rebuild and Batts Engineering of Rotherham which fabricated and installed the structural furnace steelwork. The furnace rebuild is part of a £10m investment which Beatson Clark has made in plant and equipment at its Rotherham base this year. A successful repair was made to the amber furnace in December 2011 and Beatson Clark has also installed new vision based inspection equipment at its factory. "Our staff have worked closely with the contractors to ensure a smooth installation," said Beatson Clark's furnace manager Dean Duke. "The new furnace and the major maintenance work that has been undertaken will enable us to continue to produce quality glass for our customers for years to come."
