By Jay Nair, sales & business development manager, at The Wholesale Glass Company.

When Ritec ceased trading earlier this year, it left many across the glazing industry asking an important question: what happens to ClearShield?

For installers, processors, fabricators, contractors and maintenance companies, the concern was understandable. ClearShield has been specified on projects throughout the UK and Ireland for many years, helping protect glass in environments where appearance, durability and ease of maintenance are critical.

The good news is that while Ritec has closed, ClearShield continues.

At the heart of that continuity is Chela, the long-established British manufacturer that has worked alongside Ritec throughout the history of the ClearShield range. The manufacturing capability, formulations and technical expertise behind the product have remained unchanged.

While Ritec was responsible for bringing ClearShield to market and supporting customers throughout the UK and Ireland, the products themselves continue to be manufactured by Chela to the same formulations, quality standards and performance specifications that customers have relied upon for many years.

Much of the discussion following Ritec’s closure has understandably focused on supply and availability. However, the foundations of the ClearShield system remain firmly in place. Production continues, with the same products being manufactured to the same formulations, quality standards and performance specifications that customers have relied upon for many years.

From a product perspective, nothing has changed.

Existing specifications remain valid. Performance remains unchanged. Warranty support continues.
The continued availability of ClearShield is particularly important for businesses that have incorporated the system into specifications, maintenance strategies and long-term project requirements over many years.

For businesses already using or specifying ClearShield, there is no requirement to amend specifications, revisit approved systems or seek alternative products. Ongoing and future projects can continue with confidence, supported by a product that remains unchanged and manufactured by a company with decades of experience serving the glass industry.
What has changed is the route to market.

To ensure continuity of supply throughout the UK and Ireland, Chela has appointed The Wholesale Glass Company as its exclusive distribution partner. This provides the industry with a dedicated route to market for the ClearShield range, supported by UK stockholding, technical support and nationwide distribution.

The partnership combines Chela’s long-established manufacturing capability with The Wholesale Glass Company’s stockholding, logistics and customer support infrastructure, ensuring reliable product availability throughout the UK and Ireland.

For existing users, the message is straightforward. The product remains unchanged, manufacturing continues under Chela, and supply is now supported through an exclusive UK and Ireland distribution partnership with The Wholesale Glass Company.

In practical terms, customers can continue specifying, purchasing and using the same ClearShield products they have relied upon for years. While the distribution structure has changed, the product itself, its manufacture and its performance remain exactly the same.