Fives powers Europe’s largest flat glass line for Şişecam
With a production capacity of 1,200 metric tonnes per day, the TR9 line is now the largest flat glass production line in Europe and ranks among the highest-capacity facilities worldwide. The line will primarily serve the domestic market with clear flat glass while also supplying raw glass to the adjacent coating line in Tarsus.
This flagship investment marks a significant milestone for both Şişecam and the global glass industry, setting new standards in high-capacity and energy-efficient manufacturing.
Advanced technologies at the core
As part of the project, Fives delivered the complete engineering design of the tin bath, along with a new generation of associated equipment. The company also supplied the annealing lehr, engineered to achieve cooling speeds of up to 28 meters per minute - significantly faster than previous installations - enhancing both productivity and product quality.
Off the wire
Q: What makes this line truly unprecedented?
A: Gökhan Samsa, TR9 Line Plant Manager at Şişecam Tarsus: The TR9 line is the largest flat glass production facility we have ever built. It integrates advanced technologies such as AI-powered furnace automation, low-NOx combustion systems, and state-of-the-art forming equipment. This significantly strengthens our industrial capabilities and reinforces our position in the global market.
Q: What were the main challenges in executing this project?
A: Gökhan Samsa: The primary challenges were related to supply chain disruptions and workforce constraints driven by global economic fluctuations. However, leveraging Şişecam’s presence in 14 countries and more than 90 years of experience, we successfully overcame these obstacles through a flexible, solution-oriented approach.
Q: How would you describe the cooperation with Fives?
A: Gökhan Samsa: Fives demonstrated a highly responsive and solution-driven approach, providing skilled personnel on-site and adapting quickly to project requirements. The collaboration was excellent. Their expertise in energy-efficient, low-emission technologies and high-capacity equipment played a crucial role in achieving our performance and sustainability goals.
The TR9 line marks a new step in Şişecam’s industrial development, combining scale, performance, and sustainability. Delivered in partnership with Fives, the project sets a new reference point for the flat glass industry in Europe and beyond.