Edgetech managing director, Chris Alderson, took to the stage at the recent Glazing Summit, to discuss how innovation and technology is reshaping the sector as part of a panel of industry experts.
“At Edgetech, we’ve always prided ourselves on focusing on more than just our own day-to-day objectives as a business,” Chris commented. “We’ve got a long track record of helping drive the industry forward, including with our ‘Energy Efficiency in Focus’ and ‘Triple Glazing Question’ events, and the Glazing Summit has given us a chance to do so again.
“On stage, while acknowledging that innovation has and is continuing to transform the way we work, I also stressed that fenestration is lagging behind other industries in many ways. Other sectors invest a significant proportion of their annual sales revenue in research and development – in the pharmaceuticals industry, the figure is in double digits. In glass and glazing, by contrast, it’s estimated to be less than 1% – and that’s undoubtedly held us back.
“I also suggested a number of ways fenestration businesses can accelerate and incentivise innovation. At my previous employer, a percentage of our sales targets had to be fulfilled by selling new products, for example.
“At Edgetech, we’re focused on new product development, and we’re also championing modern automated insulated glass manufacturing techniques. We’re seeing other countries already investing significantly in manufacturing automation and the UK needs to embrace these efficient manufacturing methods and technologies to be able to compete in the global marketplace and offset the widespread labour shortages.
“Fenestration faces challenges in the years ahead, there’s no doubt – but seeing the industry come together to intelligently discuss them at events like this makes me optimistic about the future.”
