The Cornwall Group has rejoined the GGF (Glass & Glazing Federation) after a 10-year hiatus.
It is a move that demonstrates both the continued focus on professionalism at the leading group of glass companies, and the vital role the trade association plays in the glass and glazing industry.
“Today, we are proud to call ourselves GGF members, and we are excited to not only benefit from the services the Federation offers, but to also contribute to the health of the industry,” Cornwall Group’s Chair Mark Mitchell said.
“We feel this renewed partnership is a natural extension for both us and the GGF, and it ensures traditional glass and glazing members are appropriately represented within an active Federation.
“At a time of continued pressures on the industry, including increased business costs, skills shortages, and supply chain issues, it is vital that we work together to promote best practice and create a stable future for us all.”
All of the Cornwall Group of companies will become full GGF members, including Cornwall Glass Manufacturing, Cornwall Glass & Glazing, Mackenzie Glass and Forward Glass.
The family-run business proudly invests the vast majority of its profits back into its operations, regularly investing in new machines, infrastructure and transport. For example, Cornwall Group recently made a once-in-a-generation investment in three new state-of-the-art Glaston Tempering Furnaces, representing more than £3m, with each going to different sites within the Group.
“We believe this is the first time in at least a generation that an order for three furnaces was placed simultaneously,” Mark said. “Which goes a long way to proving how committed we are to ongoing investment within Cornwall Group.
“We’ve got an eye on investment that will take us well into the second half of this decade. We are not looking for short-term gains. Instead, we are looking for long-term stability, which will give our customers confidence to look for new opportunities.”
The company also has a very active apprenticeship scheme, which attracts fresh new talent to the industry and trains the new generation of skilled glazing professionals across all areas of the business.
“If we were to only think of the cost (and it is a big investment) then our apprentice journey would be very short, but the truth is we learn just as much from our students as they do from us, and many colleagues stay with us for many years,” Mark said. “In fact, of those who stay, 95% have more than five years’ service.”
Finally, Cornwall Group leads the way in modern manufacturing techniques, and has been recognised as a leader in sustainable manufacturing.
For example, the whole Group is on target to return 2,543 tonnes of cullet to Saint-Gobain Glass in 2024 – as part of its ‘Glass Forever’ scheme – saving 1,780 tonnes of CO2 and saving 3,051 tonnes of virgin raw material.
“A key advantage of operating as a group of companies is that we can create significant operational efficiencies that ultimately benefit our customers,” Mark said. “But these positive figures also demonstrate that those efficiencies translate into sustainability benefits, and we are pleased to be doing our bit in reducing our industry’s impact on the environment.
“As a forward-thinking ambassador for best practice, I believe we offer a lot of knowledge and expertise that will benefit the overall health of the industry via our membership of the GGF,” Mark concluded. “And we look forward to playing a proactive role within several specialist groups and regions.”
