Home Editors Comments
Posted On - 24/07/2024
I’ve visited a lot of window, door and conservatory manufacturing facilities over the years and while they have varied in their square footage and quality and/or quantity of machinery, they do all have one thing in common. They are all operated by a small army of people. And that army – according to the numerous managing and operations directors I’ve...
Posted On - 17/07/2024
Veka hosted a media day earlier this week, an opportunity to re-introduce itself to the trade press, underline the strength of its service and product offer and outline its vision for the future. Sustainable operations, and a greater push for recycled PVC-U to be used in its manufacturing is a key objective for the Burnley based systems company. Currently, 28%...
Posted On - 10/07/2024
Of all the conversations I had at last week’s Glass Times Magazine race day at Haydock Park, I don’t think the topic of the General Election was discussed once, despite it being held on the same day. That was probably due to the result being – more or less – a foregone conclusion, but also because the vast majority of...
Posted On - 03/07/2024
As voters across the UK prepare to have their say at the General Election this Thursday, it’s interesting to note the latest stats from the Business Pilot barometer, which records sales, leads, average purchase orders, lead times and conversion rates from the retail sector. The headline figures confirm what many industry business leaders will already know, in that average sales...
Posted On - 26/06/2024
Next Thursday, 4th July, will mark one of the most highly anticipated events of 2024. There will be celebrations, there will be jubilant scenes, we could see firm favourites overtaken in the final furlong and rank outsiders coming from nowhere to claim a stunning victory. There will also be plenty of betting, although hopefully nothing too scandalous… That’s right, it’s...
Posted On - 19/06/2024
Hardware firm, Maco, is the latest big name to sign up for the Glass Conference, the new industry event that’s scheduled for 16-17 October, at Telford International Centre. The two-day Glass Conference, which is backed by the Glass & Glazing Federation (GGF) and The FIT Show, will aim to bring all sectors of the industry together, from systems houses to...
Posted On - 12/06/2024
The latest Insight Data Insolvency Report reveals that while there was a further increase of fabricator and installer companies registering as insolvent in May – up 34% compared to April – the rate at which businesses have been failing has in fact slowed since the beginning of the year. According to Insight, 86 fabs and installers registered as insolvent last...
Posted On - 29/05/2024
As the UK recovers from its winter recession, and with a general election on the horizon, could we see an upturn in demand in the second half of 2024? It would certainly come as a welcome boost for the industry, which has been grinding on through a period where the overall market is reported to have been down by anywhere...
Posted On - 22/05/2024
Composite door manufacturer, DoorCo, officially launched a new timber core product last week, at its new factory in Thorne, Doncaster. Called BritDor, the new product is positioned in the middle of DoorCo’s offering, below the range topping GripCore timber/foam/aluminium hybrid. Comprising a timber core finished with Thermoplastic CoolSkin technology, BritDor will include existing styles like 6/4 combi, flush and farmhouse,...
Posted On - 15/05/2024
Quality of service is always a big talking point within the glass and glazing industry, and many organisations are quick to point out that it is one of their leading priorities as a business. But what exactly constitutes great service? Is it fast lead times or a strong OTIF score? Is it the capacity to answer customer phone calls or...
Posted On - 08/05/2024
The glazing industry is always well represented for the annual King’s Award for Enterprise, which recognises outstanding achievement by UK businesses for innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. This year, Made For Trade has won a King’s Award in the innovation category, acknowledging the success of its Korniche roof lantern. This is a brilliant achievement...
Posted On - 01/05/2024
The news broke last week that Everest had been entered into administration – confirming speculation that the firm was in trouble – with reports that around 350 jobs are at risk. The administration process is being handled by ReSolve, which is attempting to find a new buyer. Everest, which was previously rescued by a pre-pack administration in 2020 (prompting a...
Posted On - 24/04/2024
Veka has launched a new product suite called Omnia, which has a flush finish on both interior and exterior and comes complete with options for casement and tilt and turn windows as well as residential and French doors. The new range – along with a host of other new services – was unveiled to customers at a recent event in...
Posted On - 17/04/2024
Energy efficiency is currently the number one driver for sales with homeowners looking to improve the energy efficiency of their properties and reduce heating bills in the long term. That’s according to Sternfenster’s sales director, Nathan Court, who discusses demand for products that can demonstrate low U values in an exclusive article for the May issue of Glass Times. And...
Posted On - 10/04/2024
I’ve previously discussed the importance of good data, and how installers and fabricators should take advantage of market reports and software tools in order to benefit from accurate information on industry trends and products. Software provider, Tommy Trinder, which has developed next gen quotation technology for installers, is one such company that provides regular market analysis via ‘The Sketch’, which...
Posted On - 03/04/2024
The latest Business Pilot Barometer, which is based on industry retail sales, presents some positive – and some less positive – data this month. Average retail sales are climbing, but the first quarter of 2024 is still underperforming when compared to the same period last year. And while there are some interesting stats in this month’s Barometer, it’s also worth...
Posted On - 27/03/2024
The GGF, FENSA and the FIT Show have launched a new, two-day industry conference – called Glass Conference – that is scheduled to debut on the same day as the 2024 Glazing Summit. Taking place on Wednesday 16th and Thursday 17th October, at Telford International Centre (the Glazing Summit is currently booked for 17th October at its usual Edgbaston venue...
Posted On - 20/03/2024
It might seem like a long way off, but I have a feeling that next year’s FIT Show could be a standout event. Scheduled for 29 April – 1 May 2025, reverting back to the usual two-year gap between outings, it should be better timed to coincide with new product development within the industry, meaning more companies taking stand space...
Posted On - 13/03/2024
Attracting talented, young people to the industry to fill a widening skills gap continues to be a challenging and pressing issue, so it was encouraging to see such a positive response to the Building Our Skills career ‘festivals’ held last week. Held over two days, the festivals started at Barnsley FC’s Oakwell Stadium and concluded at Manchester City’s Etihad stadium....
Posted On - 06/03/2024
I enjoyed a trip to Aylesbury based JCL Glass last week, a family run glass processing company that has spent the last few years investing heavily in automation. When I last visited, back in 2022, JCL had just installed an IGIS IGU line and that has since been followed up by a £750k spend on a new Cooltemper toughening plant,...
Copyright 2024 | Glass Times is the Industry Leading Magazine reaching 10,531 professionals each month. 100% individually reader requested | Sitemap