Stoelzle invests in a major furnace modernization at Heřmanova Huť

A major investment to expand capacity, improve energy efficiency and strengthen the reliable supply of pharmaceutical glass packaging across Europe.

Hermanova Huť, Czech Republic – 23 July 2026 – Stoelzle Glass Group today announces a major investment in its Hermanova Huť production site, reinforcing its long-term commitment to supplying high-quality pharmaceutical glass packaging across Europe. The project includes a complete rebuild of the site's amber furnace, together with targeted upgrades to forming, inspection and packaging technologies to increase production capacity, improve energy efficiency and further strengthen supply reliability.

Construction is scheduled to begin in August 2026. The furnace rebuild is planned over a 65-day period, with production expected to resume in October 2026. As one of the site's most significant investments in recent years, the project forms part of Stoelzle's strategy to modernise its European manufacturing network while supporting customers' increasing expectations for quality, sustainability and supply security.

The new furnace will feature a complete rebuild, including forehearths and regenerators. The end-port furnace design incorporates an expanded melting area and doubled electrical boosting capacity. Together, these improvements are expected to reduce specific CO₂ emissions per tonne of glass melted while increasing production capacity.

In parallel, Stoelzle will modernise key downstream operations through upgrades to glass distribution, forming, inspection and packaging equipment. These investments will further improve manufacturing efficiency, process stability and the consistent high quality required for pharmaceutical packaging.

Leading technology partners for the project include HORN (furnace), Interprojekt (ESP filter), Bucher Emhart Glass (IS machine), MORAVIA GLASS TECHNOLOGY, Heye International and Iris Inspection Machines (cold-end equipment), and B&B (packer).

Maintaining uninterrupted customer supply throughout the rebuild is a key priority. Stoelzle has implemented a comprehensive continuity plan, including increased production ahead of the shutdown and additional support from its Austrian production facilities to ensure continuity of supply while maintaining agreed specifications and delivery schedules.

Hermanova Huť is one of Stoelzle's key European production sites for amber glass packaging, serving the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries as well as selected food & beverage and mini spirits applications.

"This investment reflects our long-term commitment to our customers and to the future of European pharmaceutical glass manufacturing," said Dr. August Grupp, CEO of Stoelzle Glass Group. "By modernising one of our key production sites, we are strengthening manufacturing capabilities, improving energy efficiency and ensuring we continue to deliver the quality, reliability and sustainability our customers expect."

"A furnace rebuild is one of the most demanding projects a glass plant can undertake," added Libor Kraft, Plant Manager at Stoelzle Hermanova Huť. "It requires careful planning and outstanding teamwork. Our focus is to deliver the project safely while ensuring the continuity, quality and service our customers rely on every day."

About Stoelzle Glass Group

Headquartered in Vienna, Austria, Stoelzle Glass Group is a leading manufacturer of premium glass packaging solutions for the Spirits, Beauty, Healthcare and Consumer (food & beverage) industries. Founded more than 200 years ago in Austria, the company has been part of the family-owned CAG Holding since 1987. Today, Stoelzle operates six production sites and four decoration facilities across Europe and North America, supported by sales offices in Austria, the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Poland, Italy. This global network enables the Group to deliver innovative glass packaging solutions to brands around the world, combining quality, creativity and responsibility with a strong commitment to excellence.

About Stoelzle Union s.r.o

Located in Heřmanova Huť in the Czech Republic, Stoelzle Union s.r.o is one of Stoelzle Glass Group's key production sites for amber glass packaging. Established in 1907 and part of the family-owned CAG Holding since 1992, the site specialises in pharmaceutical and healthcare packaging while also serving the spirits and food & beverage markets. With around 240 employees, the facility combines more than a century of glassmaking expertise with advanced manufacturing technologies and operates under internationally recognised management systems, including ISO 15378, ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO 45001 and ISO 50001.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Nathalie Benoit-Sommer                                                                                 

Group Communications Manager                                

+43 664 8898 0883                             

nathalie.benoit-sommer@stoelzle.com