Glaston Leader Explains Move to Less Brands, Less Machinery
October 23, 2012

"It's a branding move," Glaston president and CEO Arto Metsnen said during a press conference the Finnish company held today at glasstec. "There is no more Bavelloni or Tamglass, only Glaston. We are keeping all the brands. We will not destroy them; but, we're not going to use them." Metsnen said that everything will be known as Glaston from now on.

He also provided further details about the company's recently announced plans to sell its Albat+Wirsam software operation. "I want to make it clear that we are not selling A+W to a competitor. This is a strategic move for us because we can focus on the machinery and A+W can focus on independent growth," he said, and added that the two companies remain good friends and partners. "We can concentrate on technology and A+W can concentrate on software."

Metsnen also addressed the lack of his company's machinery on the show floor--an unusual sight for glasstec. He said the company had made the decision not to have the physical machines at the show. "But," he added, "they are all here through touch screens which visitors to our booth can use. It saves money that we can put into product development."

Charles Cumpston, contributing editor for USGlass