Glass Articles
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Bohle’s director of finance and administration, Andrea Dench, recently spent time working with colleagues in the warehouse to gain valuable insight into their roles. We explore the significant benefits of cross-departmental awareness for Bohle, and its customers. “I think the best way to get to know a company, and the way the different departments interlink with each other, is to...
After 45 years of dedication, mischief, and masterful craftsmanship, Mike Rastrick is preparing to hang up his tools at Topline Glass in Ilminster. Since 1980, Mike has been a cornerstone of the company – part technician, part historian, and full-time source of amusement for his colleagues. With his signature blend of sharp wit and deep industry knowledge, Mike Rastrick has...
Steve Goodburn, business development director at Pyroguard, discusses the transition to European Standards for fire door systems and how the industry can ensure compliance. From September 2029, fire door systems tested to BS 476-22 will no longer meet UK building regulation requirements. Instead, compliance must be demonstrated through testing and classification under the European Standard; BS EN 13501-2. This change...
Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, visits the new Press Glass factory in Port Talbot, South Wales, a hugely impressive, purpose-built facility that combines a wealth of state-of-the-art machinery, sustainable operations and an intimate knowledge of glass production. Standing inside the brand-new Press Glass factory in Port Talbot, South Wales, it’s hard not to be struck by the sheer scale, precision,...
Neil Syder, managing director at Pilkington UK, reflects on how the glass industry’s push towards decarbonisation aligns with the latest Climate Change Committee advice and why collaboration is key. The UK’s Climate Change Committee (CCC) recently issued a series of recommendations in its Seventh Carbon Budget, including measures aimed at decarbonising the manufacturing sector to help keep the UK within...
On her 25th year at Bohle, we talk to customer services manager, Helen McKerracher, to get her take on the industry, the future and her career highs and lows. Glass Times (GT): Helen, can you talk us through your Bohle career? Helen McKerracher (HM): So, I didn't come straight into Bohle as the customer service manager in 2000. I started...
With the average spend of home improvements projects increasing, high-end glazing solutions have emerged as a lucrative opportunity for installers. Partnering with a comprehensive glass supplier is a strategic move that can unlock this high-margin market for installers. The UK home improvement market is valued at over £55 billion a year, with a significant portion of that driven by high-net-worth...
In a market where speed and precision are critical, installers need more than just a reliable product – they need a supplier that listens. Daniel Büchner, Bohle’s senior vice president of development and engineering, explains how the hardware manufacturer use the power of in-house R&D to create tailormade products for their customers. At Bohle, in-house design, development, and manufacturing allows...
Thermoseal Group’s sales director, Mark Hickox, explains why the knowledge and experience of your supplier’s team can be just as valuable as the products they provide. The perfect IGU isn’t just about having the right materials – it’s about having the right support, guidance, and expertise behind those materials. Afterall, the difference between a supplier and a true partner lies in the experience and knowledge that...
By Mike Butterick, marketing director, Saint-Gobain Glass. In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable construction, Saint-Gobain Glass has started UK production of Oraé, the world's first lower-carbon glass, at its Eggborough facility in Yorkshire. This strategic development underscores our commitment to reducing the carbon footprint of glass manufacturing without compromising on quality, aesthetics or performance. Oraé sets a new benchmark in...
By Paula Owen, director, GS-MR robotics. Range Rover, BMW, Mercedes – popular vehicles built by robots in an industry that turned to automation 40 plus years ago to remain in profitable business. It’s 2018. An IGU manufacturer makes the strategic decision to automate manual loading on a trusted IG line with a robotic solution that loads verified glass on its...
Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, visits Wellingborough glass processor, Double R Glass & Roofing, which has introduced new levels of product quality, efficiency and service with the addition of a state of the art Cooltemper furnace from glass machinery specialist, Unilam. As a previous G-Award winner for Glass Company of the Year, Wellingborough based Double R Glass & Roofing Systems...
Thermoseal Group’s sales director, Mark Hickox, explains how partnering with a supplier who embraces transformative technology can save you time – and money. In the world of IGU manufacturing, knowledge is critical – not just in precision manufacturing but also in understanding production costs; afterall, ‘the perfect IGU’ is not perfect if it doesn’t make you any money. An in-depth...
Aligning with the right brand isn't just about having access to quality products – it's about using the power of brand association to enhance market position. It’s a philosophy that has been central to Padiham Glass's long-standing partnership with Edgetech, which has delivered far more than just superior spacers and has helped drive the IGU manufacturer's growth and successful transition...
As the fenestration industry moves towards triple glazing, Gaby Mendham, joint managing director at Ecoglass and former director at the Glass and Glazing Federation, has been a driving force in priming the narrative of this evolution. Alongside her husband, Roger Middleton, she has helped shape Ecoglass with a strong focus on quality, people, and sustainability. With significant changes on the...
After winning the prestigious Glass Company of The Year at the 2024 G Awards, ToughGlaze is starting 2025 on a high – including the launch of its cutting-edge, fire rated and toughened safety glass, TG FR, a product that can work with all major glazing and profile systems and provide up 2-hours integrity and insulation. When ToughGlaze moved into its...
Intro: Andrew Taylor, MD of Specialist Glass Products, discusses the many benefits, types, and considerations associated with skylights and roof lights for builders and architects. There are many types of skylights and roof lights, including flat roof skylights, walk-on roof lights, roof lanterns, electric roof windows, opening skylights, and sliding skylights. One window trend that is becoming particularly popular is...
Ian Short, managing director of Uni-Blinds manufacturer Morley Glass, explains why its new approved installer scheme offers enhanced support for installers seeking to offer integral blinds for the first time or boost sales. As a product manufacturer, we know how important it is for our customers to understand what we are supplying to them, how to sell them effectively, how...
Simon Boocock, MD at CR Laurence, discusses why now is the right time for fabricators to capitalise on the growing market for bespoke shower solutions in commercial as well as residential applications. We all know that 2024 was a challenging year for the industry. And when market conditions are uncertain, it’s more important than ever to think outside the box...
Kristian Chalmers, strategic commercial manager, reflects on the development of low carbon glass, Pilkington Mirai and its win for New Product of the Year at the G24 Awards. Innovation has been at the heart of Pilkington UK for many years, beginning with Sir Alastair Pilkington’s invention of the modern day float glass manufacturing process. Today, we’re continuing that legacy with Pilkington Mirai....