Recently the glass industry was jolted by the purchase of Cervoglass Ltd by Pilkington Glass. In a move that bolstered the building products division an agreement between the two companies now places Graham Price as Commercial Director of Pilkington Aintree Ltd.
Previously Managing Director, Cervoglass, conservatory glass roof and side frame glazing products Graham has proved to be a man with great vision. The evolving IG market in respect of thermal, solar and self-cleaning properties remains a challenging concept to a man who saw so much more than the simple glazing aspects of a company he has reformed over the last 20 years.
As my client and friend he recently made some keen industry observations on the insulating glass sector as a whole.
A brief synopsis follows:
"Many procedural advances have occurred in respect of IGU manufacturers as well as some industry directives that have had a major impact on insulating glass manufacturing. Whether looking at a window or sealded conservatory roofr unit, these changes have been introduced to improve the market for the installer and ultimately the end user.
The introduction of new industry regulations will continue to have far reaching consequences for many manufactuters as production methods must accommodate BS EN 1279 and other European directives. This mandatory legislation affects IGU production on a number of levels but in particular in relation to gas filling and retention.
New guidelines from the European Union dictates the European standards that must be adhered to in respect of CE markings. This now places additional pressure on manufacturers in particular regarding Low-E glass and IGU production methods. According to the dictate by the CEN most glass products that are CE marked and sold in the European Union must now conform to the directive.
According to Graham particular attention should be focussed on Part 3 of the legislation as this refers to the measurements of gas concentration and gas leakage within a units. This requires that performance data for certain high performance products must be presented at new levels.
With nearly all glass processors using Argon gas as standard to improve the overall U value, manufacturers have previously made technical calculations based upon 100% gas filling with a glass unit.
With the introduction of EN 1279 the European Union has declared that a gas filling level of 90% must be used. Obviously, this has an impact on the declared U value of most high performance, low-E products despite the fact that physically they have not changed.
Graham concluded,
The insulated glass unit industry has seen radical transformation in the UK in recent times and the new directive will undoutbtedly ensure the highest results regarding performance and stability of all IG units. The industry however, is facing hard challenges if steady growth is to continue in such a fiercely compeitive market. With consumer awareness increasing the industry marking and production methods will have much more meaning in relation to profit margins for those who fail to recognise their value!"
Prior to the buy-out Cervoglass was recognised for innovative development by winning 'Best New Product' at the leading UK glass industry event - Glassex.
Graham! Congratulations! continue with your vision, values and 'flare' Helen :)
