‘Heavy-weight’ appointment

Ex-Pilkington AG boss John Spiby has assumed a new senior leadership role with Padiham Glass.

Appointed as CEO in the autumn of 2018, the former Pilkington AG general manager heads up a new management team, which has already committed to a six-figure investment programme in the first half of 2019.

“There are always opportunities to grow; to be better at what we do, and to deliver a continuously improving service and product offer to our trade customers,” he said.

“We’re doing that through investment in equipment, machinery and software.

“What underpins this, is the corresponding investment that we’re making in our culture, by instilling a genuine commitment to customer service and quality, in each and every member of our team.”

Starting his career with Interpane, John became managing director at IGU manufacturer AG Glass and Glazing in 2000. Acquired by Pilkington in 2007, he continued to head up the company until 2012, growing the business to a £16 million turnover.

Moving into a new role as national sales manager, with responsibilities for architectural and commercial glass within Pilkington parent company NSG between 2012 and 2017, John became managing director of Direct Trade in 2017.

Acquired by Emplas in May 2018, Padiham Glass has capacity to supply more than 15,000 IGU units per week from its 45,000ft2 Lancashire manufacturing facility. This includes Saint Gobain’s Planitherm range.

“I see no reason why Padiham Glass couldn’t become another Pilkington AG. We have the capacity to manufacture more than 15,000 units a week, with scope to grow that further through efficiencies and investment,” John said.