INTERVIEW WITH GRUPO CRESPO VIDRIO

Grupo Crespo Vidrio is the third generation of a family business focused on glass machinery manufacturing and engineering. The company is located in Burgos (Spain) as well as their glass processing factory (Mabuvi Vidrio) and the glass paint factory (Creative Resins Europe).

GCV Glass Machinery arises from the need to enhance the application of decorative resins to make it fully automatic. From the first Wizar Alpha to the last Wizard Illustrator, they tried to make the cord application machine as easy and economic as possible. After more than 300 machines sold worldwide, the compaany can say that it was a success.

When the decorative resin demand started to decrease, the lacquered glass arrived to the market. At the beginning there was a plenty of colours with a very good price but this situation was changing over time.

Then they started the new formulation of resins to adapt them for solid colour application. The next step was obvious: to automate the painting process for a big and efficient consumption.

Since that moment, the Picasso machine was created.

Easy Engineering: What are the main areas of activity of the company?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: At this moment, we are focused on Picasso V2 project. Trying to make it as perfect as possible: adjusting the 3D models to accelerate the mounting in our factory, updating the software to add new features that our customers request, overcoming the electronic supply crisis, etc.

Of course, we continue installing the lines all around the world non stop, teaching the operators how to use, maintain and getting the maximum of the machine.

From the office we keep in touch with every customer to solve any doubt or possible problem trying to answer as soon as possible. The after-sale service is a key part of the company and we are 100% aware with it.

E.E: What’s the news about new products?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: The latest product is the Picasso V2 line but, as I explained before, it is continuously updated to be always taking the lead.

At this point, our main goal with Picasso V2 is to adapt the Industry 4.0 with a fully automatic functioning for a minimum possibilities of failure.

Apart from Picasso V2, the new Frida line is the biggest and fastest spray painting line in the market. It is possible to paint Jumbo glass sheets (6×3.21m ones) at 900sqm/h: one sheet every 1 minute and 20 seconds.

E.E: What are the ranges of products?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: In glass machinery we have:

  • Picasso V2 line

– Picasso V2 180 or 260 (1.8 or 2.6 meters width)

– Dryer 180 or 260

– Cooler 180 or 260

– Brushing module for the cooler

  • Frida line

– Frida 250 or 330

– Dryer

– Cooler

– Brushing

  • Wizard Illustrator

– 2715 (2700x1500mm max glass size)

– 2115 (2100x1500mm)

– 1515 (1500x1500mm)

In glass paints we have:

  • Acrylic glass paints: 10 year warranty two component paint with the best quality in the market
  • Automatic or Manual carrousel kit: to get more than 15000 colours (including RAL, NCS, Pantone, Dulux, etc.) with just one system and using just the desired amount.
  • Ceramic enamel ink: specially formulated for spray application with our machinery.
  • Ceramic enamel station: to get RAL colours with just 12 basic ones.
  • Solvent reclaimer: the perfect machine to reuse the dirty solvent used to clean the application system of the machines separating the solid paint and the clean solvent. It decreases the expenses in acetone or any other solvent in a 90%.
  • Shakers: to blend the paint perfectly before use.

E.E: At what stage is the market where you are currently active?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: We are living our best moment. Since the beginning of the pandemic, we installed more than 11 lines and we plan to install at least 4 more until the end of the year.

The market has welcomed the new Picasso V2 line with open arms even without presenting it in any exhibition.

We plan to do the official showing in the next 2022 Glasstec exhibition (Dusseldorf, Germany).

E.E: What can you tell us about market trends?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: The painted glass market is still growing. The ceramic enamel is getting more important with the time and the combination with Picasso V2 machine is perfect as we can answer to the big production requirements and to be flexible at the same time. 

Also, the laminated glass is getting popular as some of the most important regulations are requesting for tempered laminated glass. Without any doubt, the combination of laminated and colored glass is a fantastic choice for architectural and decoration glasses.

E.E: What are the most innovative products marketed?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: In the whole glass industry, the fully automatic lines are getting the lead and that is what we are working for. 

So, the future wants fast, automatic and flexible machines for every industry and glass business is also included.

E.E: What estimations do you have for 2022?

Grupo Crespo Vidrio: Our expectations for 2022 are fabulous: GCV is opening the market with new distribution contracts, Picasso brand is getting popular and our service is well known in the industry.

In addition to that, the covid cases drop and the vaccination worldwide is a peace of mind. We want to go back to normal with global exhibitions to show that we were working hard since the last one in 2019.

To sum up, we hope a 2022 full of work and new happy customers.