Providing Technical support & Training for the Glass & Fenestration Industry
About Me.
It would have been impossible for me to foresee how my career would develop when I lifted a glass cutter for the first time as a new apprentice over 45 years ago . After several years as a glazier I seized the opportunity to be part of the team setting up a new insulating glass unit production unit. My first venture into the manufacturing area of our industry and it would lead to involvement in toughening, laminating, decorative glass & pre-processing as well as fabrication & installation of both aluminium and PVCu windows and doors. My practical background and technical knowledge gained over the years also gave me the opportunity to work in other parts of the world such as Dubai, India & Malaysia. Returning to the UK and after a few years in production I joined the GGF as a Technical Officer and finished my tenure 6 years later as the Head of Technical. Throughout my career I have enjoyed my involvement in training and mentoring newcomers to the industry and this latest venture detailed in this website continues that area of my career.
I hope to work with you soon!
Industry Expertise
Insulating Glass Units (IGUs)
My involvement with IGU manufacture commenced in the late 70s. Starting with manual production and progressing through the years to semi and fully automatic production. From standard domestic sizes through to jumbo size commercial IGUs. Experienced with various means of manufacture i.e. using two part polysulphide, hot melt, silicone with metal spacer, warm edge & flexible. Created FPCs for all types and currently representing the industry on the relevant BSI, CEN & ISO Working Groups for IGU standards.
Laminated Glass
My first connection with laminated glass was setting up a "cold pour resin" production back in the early 80s. Move forward to 1988 and I set up and managed the World's first full jumbo PVB laminated line. Since then I have been involved in PVB laminated glass production as well as using products such as EVA & SGP both in the UK and overseas.
Toughened Glass
1992 seen the use of safety glass become mandatory in critical locations in both domestic and commercial locations. For many glass processors the easiest and quickest solution was a toughening line. Again, innovations in production have seen this equipment become more efficient and able to manufacture thicker and bigger glasses. Largest panels I've been involved in manufacturing being 9m x 3m for a Singapore shopping centre.
Architectural & Engineered Glass
There is no question that the introduction of CNC machinery and edgeworking machinery producing high quality and accurate drillings and routing greatly widened the scope for toughened and laminated glass for balcony and balustrade installation as well as making products such as point fixing glass panels and all glass entrance screens a commonplace rather than rare occurence.
Decorative Glass
I have been involved with decorative glass throughout my career be it glass or mirror. This extends to acid etching, sandblasting, leaded glass panels, stained glass, copper foiling and right through to the latest in digital printing for wall panelling and curtain walling installations.
Commercial Aluminium & Curtain Walling
My first venture into window and door fabrication started with shopfronts & entrances. This was seen as a natural development in our business which carried out shopfront glazing. We further developed the department by introducing commercial windows and curtain walling. Experienced with both Kawneer and Comar systems.
Home Improvement Windows & Doors
It seemed a natural progression of our commercial aluminium department to widen our scope and start fabricating and installing domestic products such as windows, entrance doors and patio doors. Starting with standard aluminium extrusion, then thermally broken and finally setting up production of PVCu product