Cham, Switzerland — Emhart Glass is pleased to announce the introduction of “FlexIS”, a new generation of Forming Control Systems, which represents a major advance towards the requirements of an integrated glass container production line. FlexIS is the new platform which provides basic forming, servo applications, data management and line information in an integrated way, which will be the standard supply for all future IS Machine applications and proposals.

To date, more than 50 FlexIS systems are already successfully installed and running under glass.

As a consequence of these developments, we have taken the decision to freeze development of the T600 product family, and therefore, no non-critical software or hardware upgrades will be done after this year. Furthermore, no new orders will be accepted for T600 controls after 31-December 2006.

T600 machine timing systems were introduced more then 20 years ago to become the world wide industry standard, but we had to recognize that they were approaching their limits in terms of software enhancements and, more critically, hardware component availability.

We can assure you, however, of our continuing commitment to support the large installed base of T600’s, with the supply of Spare Parts and Technical Service for a minimum of 10 years, until at least the end of 2016, always providing, of course, that we are able to obtain the critical components on the market.

A detailed listing of the T600 controls systems affected by this decision is show below:

Should you require any further information regarding these developments, please do not hesitate to contact your local Emhart Glass sales representative.