Leaders of Emplas have added a state-of-the-art Bottero cutting table to the business’ Padiham insulated glass unit (IGU) operation, building further capacity. The Bottero table significantly increases float cutting capability in line with growth in demand for IGUs, and increasing demand for triple glazing.
John Spiby, managing director of Padiham Glass, explained: “We’re growing, so we have a requirement to increase our capacity. We’re also seeing increased demand for triple-glazed products, which increases our cutting requirement.
“With the Future Homes Standard likely to increase that demand from 2025, it’s important that we build additional capacity now, to make sure that we continue to have the room to comfortably meet future growth. It’s our expectation that Future Homes will increase demand for triple-glazed products.”
Consultation on the Future Homes Standard is expected to start imminently. Industry leaders expect that this will introduce a new notional value for new build of 0.8 W/m²K, with a limiting value of 1.2W/m²K.
The new Bottero cutting table is a continuation of Emplas’ investment in its glass operation. This includes a £1m+ investment in a new Forel vertical IGU Line, which was installed at the end of last year. The firm has also invested in the Forel vertical washer and Forel’s Art AS Flexible spacer applicator. This automatically applies spacer bar to the edge of the glass sheet with an ultra-high level of accuracy.
“We’re in a good place,” John continued. “Product quality and service has been transformed in the last 12 months, with the new Forel line significantly increasing our capacity but also quality.
“The Bottero cutting table allows us to build increased resilience and further capacity into our operation, including increasing our in-house toughening capability, delivering a positive impact right down the line and ultimately better quality and a more flexible service to our customers.” For more information about Emplas, visit the fabricator’s website, email info@emplas.co.uk or call 01933 674 880.
