British Focus

Pyroguard CEO Neil Tilsley (left) explains the manufacturing process to Conor McGinn MP.
Pyroguard CEO Neil Tilsley (left) explains the manufacturing process to Conor McGinn MP.

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell recently attended the opening of Pyroguard’s new glass processing facility in St Helens.

On Monday I visited Pyroguard in St Helens to take part in the official opening of the company’s new factory, which will produce made-to-measure toughened fire-resistant glass units – a product that was previously imported from France.

In a presentation to customers and the local MP Conor McGinn, chief executive Neil Tilsley explained that while Pyroguard was a European company with an increasingly global reach, it was British owned – of which the company is extremely proud.

Following on from my trip to Glastec a couple of weeks ago, and my last two leader comments on this newsletter, it seemed appropriate that I should visit a company like Pyroguard, especially one that was expanding the business and investing in the British market.

Neil acknowledged that demand for Pyroguard’s products had increased dramatically in the last three to five years, while importing from France has presented its own logistical problems.

Therefore “this UK facility is a significant step forward and represents a commitment to the UK and Irish market”, Neil said.

Conor McGinn MP said that ‘Haydock 2’, as the site is known, is a huge vote of confidence for the borough of St Helens.

“This is a very good day,” he said. “This is not just about our heritage – of which we are proud – but also about our future.”

Further details will appear in the December issue of the magazine.