Covipor, a company specialized in flat glass processing and distribution for the construction sector, has once again placed its trust in TUROMAS technology to modernize its industrial facilities and adapt to evolving market demands.
Since its foundation in 1951 and its acquisition by the Saint-Gobain Group in 1989, Covipor has experienced continuous growth. In 2023, the company was acquired by Vanguard Properties, marking the beginning of a new phase focused on process optimization and the adoption of advanced technology to meet market requirements.
A commitment to efficiency and quality
Covipor’s commitment to customer satisfaction is one of its core pillars. Its strategy focuses on delivering products that meet expectations in terms of quality, delivery time, functionality, and price. To achieve this, the company has enhanced its production capacity, starting with the upgrade of its glass cutting lines using the latest TUROMAS technology.
Covipor follows a sustainability policy that includes reducing the environmental impact of its operations while optimizing industrial processes. TUROMAS machines enable Covipor to improve cutting precision and reduce energy consumption, aligning with its sustainability and efficiency goals.
The modernization of Covipor’s industrial facilities includes the installation of TUROMAS equipment such as the LAM 505 (2010), the LAM 505 TXR with RUBI 406 C (2022), and the latest RUBI 406 C (2024). These machines were selected not only for their technological capabilities but also for the trust Covipor places in TUROMAS’ technical support and reliability.
Interview with Covipor:
- What is COVIPOR? Overview (history, structure, vision, values, global presence, core business, philosophy, processes, clients, etc.)
With two processing facilities located in the Greater Porto area, Covipor is a company specialized in flat glass processing and distribution, primarily serving the construction sector.
The company’s history dates back to 1951 with the founding of VIDROS SEGURANÇA, LDA. Later, in 1972, VIDRONORTE, LDA was established, strengthening its presence in the Portuguese glass processing industry. In 1989, VIDRONORTE was acquired by the renowned Saint-Gobain Group, marking the beginning of a new growth phase.
In 2001, both companies merged and began operating under the name Covipor. In 2004, the industrial unit in Santo Tirso was expanded, reinforcing the company’s production capacity.
More recently, in 2023, Vanguard Properties acquired Covipor, initiating a new chapter in its history.
Covipor integrates all glass transformation processes within its industrial operations, including cutting (monolithic and laminated), processing, screen printing, tempering and Heat Soak testing, lamination, and insulating glass units.
Our main goal is customer satisfaction, ensuring that our services and products fully meet expectations in terms of performance, price, delivery time, and quality.
Sustainability is a key concern. Our aim is to reduce the environmental impact of our operations by implementing preventive and corrective measures, as well as recycling policies through strategic partnerships.
We encourage our employees to develop and apply their full capabilities in daily operations safely, respecting both the environment and their physical well-being. We believe that commitment, training, and teamwork are essential to achieving better results.
We are committed to consulting and encouraging employee participation in Occupational Health and Safety policies, fostering continuous improvement at both individual and collective levels.
The goal of COVIPOR is the continuous satisfaction of Customers, Employees, Society, and Shareholders, alongside ongoing improvement in Products, Processes, Methodologies, Environmental Protection, Safety, and Quality Systems.
We believe that technical knowledge, customer support, and the know-how of our workforce are the fundamental pillars to fulfill COVIPOR’s mission.
- How did the need for new TUROMAS cutting machines arise?
This need is driven by several key factors:
1 – Increased cutting capacity: The need to respond to growing market demand requires improvements in productivity, driven by higher processing speeds and cutting precision, as well as optimized related operations. This allows us to increase production capacity without increasing costs.
2 – Integration of new products and technologies: Glass is a highly versatile solution for the construction sector. The market is constantly evolving, requiring continuous innovation in transformation processes and resource optimization. This demands ongoing investment in new equipment and technologies.
3 – Improved product quality: The search for new markets and products has made it necessary to invest in advanced technologies and equipment to meet customer expectations.
4 – Energy efficiency: Covipor’s commitment to sustainability also includes economic considerations, leading to continuous evaluation of industrial processes to reduce energy consumption, lower costs, and promote long-term sustainability.
5 – After-sales service: When investing in new equipment, technical support is essential. Since the first TUROMAS machine acquired, the technical support, human relationships, and reliability of the components have given us the confidence to continue investing in TUROMAS.
- Which TUROMAS machine models have been installed? Why are these the best machines for COVIPOR? What would you highlight about them?
We have installed: LAM 505 (2010); LAM 505 TXR with RUBI 406 C (2022); and RUBI 406 C (2024).
As mentioned, the need to modernize our industrial facilities and adapt to new technologies — both in terms of products and glass processing methods — led us to start this renewal with the cutting process, where everything begins.
If I had to highlight one key feature, it would be: Reliability.
