Innovation leader Arglass enlists Lenovo to further transform and optimize their state-of-the-art glass production facilities with AI-ready services and solutions
Global technology leader Lenovo is working with U.S.-based glass manufacturer Arglass to implement AI solutions to drive increased sustainability, efficiency, and operational excellence.
Arglass, a recognized innovator in glass production, prioritizes sustainability through the development of a “clean glass” ecosystem, utilizing breakthrough production techniques, biogenic materials and the endless recyclability of glass. They recently broke ground on a second facility on their campus in Valdosta, Georgia, scheduled to open in the first half of 2025, and recognized the opportunity to further revolutionize their industry and apply the transformative power of AI.
Arglass turned to Lenovo to help transform operations, from employee computers to back-end intelligent infrastructure. Lenovo specializes in providing end-to-end solutions and expert consultation to help businesses accelerate success and navigate the AI landscape. As a global technology leader, Lenovo helps customers find the right solutions to put AI to work for their organizations quickly, cost effectively and at scale to bring AI from concept to reality—a perfect fit for Arglass in simultaneously overhauling existing technology and defining the future.
“This is a powerful opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI and related technologies, further pushing the limits of how we produce, refine, and recycle glass,” said Arglass Chair and CEO José de Diego Arozamena. “We approach sustainability holistically, and we know Lenovo does as well, and the possibilities in that space are constantly changing. Here we see the potential of AI at scale, at our fingertips in the office, and embedded within massive and complex industrial processes.”
Beginning in 2023, Lenovo replaced the software components across Arglass’s infrastructure, seamlessly converting existing hardware to run Lenovo’s ThinkAgile environment—creating less waste and greater speed without compromise. The team also provided new Lenovo hardware to support alternative cloud infrastructure —future-proofing the next phases of Arglass innovation as they move to the new manufacturing facility and leverage Lenovo’s hybrid cloud infrastructure solutions.
“We developed a customized solution after visiting Arglass and seeing their infrastructure first-hand,” said Mat Remillard, senior technical business manager for Lenovo’s Infrastructure Solutions Group. “The multi-vendor approach, where we can adapt and integrate third-party technology, makes Lenovo uniquely flexible and powerful in meeting our customer’s individual needs.”
The new facility is expected to be capable of producing over 350 million “clean” glass containers annually. This state-of-the-art manufacturing plant will define the future of glass with a fully integrated production network, driven by AI-powered real-time data monitoring, predictive modeling, and fully automated closed-loop production and quality assurance systems.
Lenovo will play a key consultative role to optimize everything from bottle quality control to shipping efficiencies. Related AI solutions under consideration from Lenovo’s portfolio include using digital twins of the factory and machinery and powerful compute at the edge to reduce latency and increase immediate, actionable insights. Lenovo already offers sustainability-centric solutions including a powerful ESG navigator and asset recovery services to help recycle materials. Arglass and Lenovo expect that their collaboration will identify and power ways to further reduce waste and increase efficiency.
“The infusion of cutting-edge AI technology can accelerate the impressive, disruptive work of Arglass,” Remillard said. “This collaboration highlights our shared commitment to meaningful and responsible transformation, keeping people and the planet at the center of our AI solutions.”
A hybrid gas, electric, and hydrogen oxy-fuel furnace will power the new Arglass facility, complemented by five megawatts of solar power. The new facility will be able to produce up to eight different glass container types simultaneously for maximum flexibility, enabling smaller production runs, faster reaction to market demands, lower inventory levels, and reduced investment in molds.
Lenovo’s AI-ready services, devices, and infrastructure provide a full pipeline deployment. The Lenovo ThinkAgile MX is a subscription-based hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution that helps Arglass modernize their hybrid cloud infrastructure. It includes servers consistently rated as the most reliable in their x86 class, as well as simplified management with Lenovo XClarity. ThinkAgile MX also allows users to run virtual machines on-premises and easily connect to Azure, eliminating the need for external storage.
“It’s amazing to see that something as old and ubiquitous as glass can still be reimagined and improved, perfecting the production and recycling processes,” Arozamena said. “We appreciate the chance to work with Lenovo to embrace AI and continue to break new ground.”
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