Steinfort Glass from Franeker and Ventura Systems from Bolsward have entered into a strategic cooperation. Whereas Ventura Systems mainly obtained its glass outside the Netherlands, both parties now consciously opt for a regional approach. By cooperating regionally, the companies not only strengthen each other's position, but also the Frisian manufacturing industry as a whole.
Ventura Systems is the world's leading manufacturer of innovative door systems for public transport vehicles. These systems are supplied to bus manufacturers around the world, with high-quality, specialist glass being an essential component.
The two parties had previously worked together, but due to Steinfort's inability to produce double glazing in-house at the time, the cooperation did not get off the ground sufficiently. However, talks continued in the background, with the aim of achieving full and sustainable cooperation in the future.
For Ventura Systems, it was essential that its potentially most important supplier of glass would also be able to assemble double-glazing. Demand for such solutions is growing rapidly with the electrification of buses, where residual heat from the combustion engine is no longer available for heating, making bus insulation increasingly important. Steinfort Glas has taken up this challenge and invested in a new insulating glass line, which allows two sheets of glass to be joined into high-quality insulating glass. Since the installation of this line in September, Ventura's now first door systems have been successfully equipped with the double glass produced on this line.
In addition, Ventura Systems was looking for a glass processor capable of order-driven, reliable delivery in small series yet on a large scale. Not only for its own production, but also for the worldwide supply of spare parts The choice of a regional partner also provides important logistical advantages. By producing regionally, transport movements are drastically reduced, which contributes to sustainability, efficiency and predictability in the chain.
Launch event with King's Commissioner Arno Brok
An informal kick-off event to mark this milestone will take place today in the production area of Steinfort Glas in Franeker. King's Commissioner Arno Brok is present to mark this important Frisian cooperation and gives the symbolic starting shot on the new production line. Employees of both companies celebrate the renewed cooperation while enjoying a piece of real Frisian orange cake - a gesture that underlines the regional connection of the cooperation.
Both companies look confidently to the future. Plans are already being made for further logistical cooperation, such as the just-in-time delivery of glass in the production line in Bolsward. Steinfort Glas and Ventura Systems thus show how the Frisian manufacturing industry can become stronger, more innovative and sustainable through cooperation.