JAM GLASS Info

JAM Glass Ltd is aimed at the toughened & laminated cut size and mirror processing market. It has been set up by Chand and Neil Modha who have invested in a computer system from Clear Thinking Software, which links to the Hegla laminated/float table and Remaster.

The new factory in Dunstable (Bedfordshire) is 34,000+ sq. feet, ideally suited for 6 x 3 jumbo glass, and sited close to the M1 motorway. The company has invested heavily in quality equipment and technology from its inception. Furthermore, the computer system it has purchased from Clear Thinking Software will plan, monitor and optimise production, as well as linking to the Hegla laminated/float table which has 24+ loading positions from a gantry loader, and Remaster. The Remaster will store up to 25 off-cuts from production runs, as well as full 6m x 3m jumbo sheets above the table. This will be crucial to JAM Glass for its varied range of products and for controlling glass waste.

For instance, if the company only has a few pieces of 10mm glass to cut right away, which cannot wait, the software will cut it efficiently and then rack the off-cut (which let us say is 3m x 3m). This off-cut can be used in its entirety on another batch, and because it is not being handled by men, it is safe and stored without scratching. Moreover, there is no need to cut sub-plates into smaller pieces for operator off-loading. Not only this, but the Clear Thinking Optimisation Software can check the Remaster at any time to identify which sizes and substances are available, and then prioritise these for the next optimal run.

This also means that the off-cuts are available to the shop floor for remakes, should there be any, without the need to communicate such minor changes to the office. As a safeguard, items locked for production runs cannot be used freely by the operator.

Finally, the software will barcode every piece of glass and rack glass together that will go to the same workstation (e.g. for drilling, polishing, bevelling, sandblasting, waterjet or cnc processing). Barcode reading stations on the shop floor will enable everyone in the company with approved access to a PC let a customer know exactly where in the production cycle their order is. JAM Glass may want to publish this information securely to its website later, to further aid customer service by allowing customers to personally check the status of their order.

Chand Modha said, 'We are pleased to be partnering with Clear Thinking and Hegla. We have done our research, and although their solutions were not cheap, we are convinced that this technology, coupled with our commitment to service, will give us a significant edge over other players in the market. We were also impressed with their commitment to join together to provide us with a complete and seamless solution'.

'We're sure that their support and expertise will enable us to fulfil our aims of providing a swift and quality service to our customers.'

Source: adapted from The Gl@zine News, 21/02/06