Three Tenon vertical washing machines are the latest addition to UA Glass’ ongoing programme of machinery investment with Flat Glass Solutions, which amounts to a total of nearly £1 million over the last two decades.
The Norfolk based glass company manufactures an average of 2000 sealed units per week and has collaborated with FGS with every stage of its glass processing equipment update over the last couple of decades.
As well as the Tenon vertical washers, UA Glass operates a Yuntong glass tempering furnace, Viprotron scanners and Hakon storage racks.
“With the rapid advancement in glass processing technology, and the expectations around regulations, the relationship we have with Oz and his team at FGS has been an essential part of our growth,” said Neil Tomlinson, founder and director of UA Glass. “The key is to invest to maintain efficiencies, remain competitive and protect margins, and somehow Oz knows instinctively what we need to make that next move.”
Neil and Oz (aka David Cahill, managing director of FGS) first met at a UK trade show more than 20 years ago, and have grown friendship and businesses (in that order) in lockstep ever since. That friendship has crossed continents as they have visited plants in Los Angeles, China and Europe, assessing machine performance and calculating length of time any investment will take to recoup costs.
“We installed the Yuntong tempering furnace nearly five years ago after carefully looking at all the options. Prior to this, FGS conducted an extensive feasibility study on ROI for us looking at the total range of the products we manufactured. It was estimated that payback would be less than four years”, continued Neil. “It actually paid for itself within two and a half years. And the machine is still running with no issues all these years later. No matter where in the world the machine has come from, if there is any issue at all, FGS will bring in a specialist engineer to sort it out – real local service from a global supplier!”
As well as the IGU line, UA Glass also runs a bespoke service for more decorative glass products such as kitchen splashbacks, balustrades and wall art. The variety in products also requires a versatility on the factory floor – something that Oz has worked into the specification and design of the plant.
“UA Glass is one of those family run businesses that has glass in its blood, so working with them over the years has been an education for myself,” said Oz. “It’s safe to say we have grown and matured together, nurturing a production process that has kept UA Glass as front runners in local glazing supply”.
