Mackenzie Glass has said it continues to be able to offer a comprehensive product range and remains ‘well supported’ by its suppliers.
The operational update comes as the glass supply chain ‘creaks’ under the pressure of exponential growth in demand for glass since the easing of lockdown.
This combined with the impact of the shutdown of production in March and pre-scheduled maintenance has contributed to widely reported shortages this month.
Mark Herbert, joint-managing director, Mackenzie Glass, said: “Supply from within the UK and from our close European partners remains good, while supply from global partners is also continuing to deliver, so we remain in a position of strength.
“It is, however, clearly very tight out there and shortages are a very real challenge. We don’t necessarily see that changing this year and is something which could be made worse in the early part of 2021.
“Demand within Europe is also high with, as we understand it, a number of cold maintenance programmes planned by float glass manufacturers next year.
“This may or may not be helped, depending on the outcome of Brexit and the nature of our withdrawal, with or without a deal next year.”
He added that some float glass manufactures were already reporting demand for some lines at 150% of capacity. This has he said contributed to pressure on supply of 4mm glass, with some IGU manufacturers already struggling to sustain supply.
Pilkington’s first ‘Regional Partner’, Mackenzie’s offering is weighted towards the float-glass giant’s ranges. It nonetheless remains independent of it, also holding product in stock from Saint Gobain, Guardian, AGC and most recently, Pyroguard.
It reportedly supplies more than one million square metres of flat glass a year with a turnover in excess of £5m, returning to profit in 2019, just two-years on from acquisition.
Mark continued: “The demand that we’re seeing brings its own set of challenges but is ultimately exceptionally positive for the industry.
“We remain very well supported by our supply partners and currently have high levels of stock, including products which we know through working with new customers, our competitors are struggling to supply.”
