a Rochère glass works is equipped with automatic machines capable of producing large and medium series of blown and pressed glass.
The equipment comprises presses and blowing machines integrated in a fully automated line ending with product sorting at the outlet of the annealing furnaces.

In 1967, seeing that mechanical glass making was developing rapidly, the management decided to take a new direction and develop collections designed for the Table art and Decoration market.

Major investment was put into furnaces and machines to modernise the production tool and manufacture "mechanical glass" in large and medium series.

In 1999, as part of a process to achieve higher performance levels, a new furnace and new mechanical glass-making lines were developed, opening up new markets.

- mechanical blown glass
- mechanical pressed glass
- centrifuged glass (semi-automatic)

For mechanical manufacture, La Rochère uses a type of silico-sodocalcic glass containing 3 basic components: sand, soda and lime. Various other products are added in small quantities to assist refining and improve brilliance.
The glass is produced by melting, at around 1450°C, a mixture of silica and one or more alkaline or metallic substances (such as soda, potassium, etc.).

Pressed glass

Items manufactured using this technique on multi-mould presses are generally ice-cream bowls, ashtrays, candle-holders, plates, glasses, tumblers, etc.

1. A drop of precisely calibrated glass falls into a mould.

2. A feeder is used to press the glass into the mould.

3. The moulded item is then cooled by driven air.

4. Annealing in a tunnel lehr.

5. Inspection and packaging.

1. A precisely calibrated drop of glass falls into a blank mould.

2. The glass blank is blown mechanically in the mould.

3. The moulded item is then cooled by driven air.

4. Annealing in a tunnel lehr.

5. Inspection and packaging.

Items manufactured using this technique on multi-mould presses are generally salad bowls, dishes, vases, etc.

1. A drop of precisely calibrated glass falls into a mould.

2. The mould is rotated and the item takes shape under the effect of centrigual force. This leaves the edges slightly less regular, giving the object a crafted appearance.

3. The item is then cooled by driven air.

4. Annealing in a tunnel lehr.

5. Inspection and packaging.