Modern and visionary

Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell argues that industry forecasts don’t tell the whole story.

It’s that time of the month when all the industry forecasts jostle for position. They don’t say anything new, and read on their own they make for depressing reading.

However, the glass and glazing industry keeps producing positive news, especially where investment is concerned. Last week, for example, I reported from the new ERA headquarters in Wolverhampton, which wasn’t just a case of a company expanding into a larger space – there was a mission accompanying that decision to move, and the result is something modern and visionary.

It is also worth noting that my diary is starting to fill up with invitations to new factory openings and celebrations of notable anniversaries – 10 years, 25 years, 175 years.

We also report this week how exhibition heavyweight Angus Montgomery has become the majority shareholder of the FIT Show [LINK TO ‘1 FIT SHOW’ STORY], proving beyond doubt that the event has become a valuable commodity in its own right, and one that reflects a growing sector. (The existing directors remain in place, as do the sales and marketing team – a situation that co-founders Matthew Glover and Paul Godwin were at pains to make clear.)

Also, Veka Recycling has earmarked a 5.5-acre site near Wellingborough for a new facility [LINK TO ‘2 VEKA RECYCLING STORY’], which demonstrates a confidence that the UK will continue to provide recyclable material and a market for new profile.