Innovation leader Arglass is tapping Lenovo to further transform and optimize its cutting-edge glass production facilities with AI-ready services and solutions.
Global technology leader Lenovo works with US-based glass manufacturer Clay to implement AI solutions to increase sustainability, efficiency and operational excellence.
Arglass, a recognized innovator in glass production, prioritizes sustainability through the development of a “clean glass” ecosystem, using revolutionary production techniques, biogenic materials and infinite recyclability of glass. They recently broke ground on a second facility on their Valdosta, Georgia campus, 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 its operations, from employee computers to back-end intelligent infrastructure. Lenovo specializes in providing end-to-end solutions and expert advice to help businesses accelerate their success and navigate the AI landscape. As a global technology leader, Lenovo helps customers find the right solutions to bring AI to their organizations quickly, cost-effectively and at scale to take AI from concept to reality – a solution ideal for Arglass in simultaneously reshaping existing technology and defining the future. .
“This is a tremendous opportunity to unlock the full potential of AI and related technologies, further pushing the boundaries of how we produce, refine and recycle glass,” said José de Diego Arozamena, President and CEO of Arglass. “We approach sustainability holistically, and we know that Lenovo does the same, and that the possibilities in this area are constantly evolving. Here we see the potential of AI at scale, at our fingertips in the office and integrated into massive and complex industrial processes.
Starting in 2023, Lenovo replaced the software components of Arglass’ infrastructure, seamlessly converting existing hardware to run Lenovo’s systems. ThinkAgile environment—creating less waste and greater speed without compromise. The team also provided new Lenovo hardware to support alternative cloud infrastructure, future-proofing Arglass’ next phases of innovation as they move to the new manufacturing facility and leverage expertise from Lenovo. hybrid cloud infrastructure solutions.
“We developed a custom 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, in which we can adapt and integrate third-party technologies, makes Lenovo particularly flexible and powerful in meeting the individual needs of our customers.
The new facility is expected to be capable of producing more than 350 million “clean” glass containers per year. This state-of-the-art manufacturing facility will define the future of glass with a fully integrated production network, driven by AI-powered real-time data monitoring, predictive modeling, and full-loop production and quality assurance systems fully automated closed.
Lenovo will play a key advisory role to optimize everything from bottle quality control to shipping efficiency. Related AI solutions envisioned in Lenovo’s portfolio include the use of digital twins of the factory and machines and powerful computing at the edge to reduce latency and increase immediate, actionable insights. Lenovo already offers solutions focused on sustainability, including a powerful ESG Navigator And asset recovery services to help recycle materials. Arglass and Lenovo hope their collaboration will identify and implement ways to further reduce waste and increase efficiency.
“Injecting cutting-edge AI technology can accelerate Arglass’ impressive and disruptive work,” 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 oxy-fuel oven will power the new Arglass facility, complemented by five megawatts of solar power. The new facility will be capable of producing up to eight different types of glass containers simultaneously for maximum flexibility, enabling smaller production runs, faster response to market demands, lower inventory levels and reduced investment in the molds.
Lenovo’s AI-ready services, devices and infrastructure enable full pipeline deployment. The Lenovo ThinkAgile MX is a subscription-based hyperconverged infrastructure (HCI) solution that helps Arglass modernize its hybrid cloud infrastructure. It features servers consistently ranked as the most reliable in their x86 class, plus 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 an object as old and ubiquitous as glass can still be reimagined and improved, perfecting production and recycling processes,” Arozamena said. “We appreciate the opportunity to work with Lenovo to embrace AI and continue to innovate. »
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