N&C Glass, said to be the UK’s largest independent supplier of glass and glazing products, has reportedly invested more than £250,000 in new manufacturing equipment to meet increased demand for shaped Pilkington fire glass and enable the business to become a one-stop shop for fire-resistant glass, regardless of its complexity.
The company, based in Beckton in London’s Docklands, specialises in fire-resistant glass, safety & security glass, window glass and high-performance commercial units. Through its on-site manufacturing facilities and owned distribution network, it supplies sealed units and stock glass to a broad range of customers, from high value commercial projects to independent glaziers.
Over the past 12 months N&C Glass has reportedly experienced increased demand for fire-resistant glass in a variety of shapes, as customers request products that not only meet the necessary safety requirements, but are also aesthetically pleasing. The new investment will enable N&C to deliver a complex product that meets both challenging design and performance requirements.
N&C Glass’ recent investment has seen the company add a state-of-the-art waterjet cutting equipment and new vertical saw to its manufacturing facility. The new kit means N&C Glass can complement demand for straight edged panels with more complex, non-linear shapes. As a result, it has more than doubled its output of cut to size glass, while also reducing lead times for customers.
Graham Ingle, product manager, clear fire protection glass at Pilkington United Kingdom, said: “N&C’s significant investment in two new pieces of equipment reflects the growing demand for shaped fire-resistant glass across the industry. It is now a one-stop shop for the complete range of fire-resistant glass, regardless of its complexity.
“Fire-resistant glass plays a critically important role in protecting both buildings and their occupants, and because of this we only work with a handful of trusted firms across the UK to process and supply Pilkington fire-resistant glass products. N&C has fully met our expectations over the years and we look forward to seeing the business continue to go from strength to strength following its investment.”
Richard Howe, operations director at Nicholls & Clarke Glass, added: “Fire-resistant glass plays a major role in our business and the decision to invest £250,000 in new equipment to meet the increased demand for shaped fire-resistant glass was an obvious one.
“We’ve worked alongside Pilkington for more than two decades now, providing its products to our customers, and our two new machines will enable us to continue to meet customer demand more effectively and efficiently.”
