Float Glass invests in the future

A LONG-standing glass company has completed a £2m investment to extend its premises and replace its manufacturing equipment.

Float Glass Industries, which is based in Wythenshawe, south Manchester, has provided glass to Manchester United for its corporate boxes and to retailers like Mulberry for its shop front in Spinningfields.

Founded in 1894 Float Glass which has annual sales of £22m and around 160 employees, was supported in its investment by NatWest and its asset finance sister company Lombard.

As well as building an extension to the site at the Roundthorn Industrial Estate, Float Glass has bought three new machines.

One of these, made by Glaston is the most advanced toughening furnace on the market and produces high quality toughened glass the firm’s own brand, Everseal. The Glaston technology offers a 30% saving in energy consumption.

Dawn Offland, joint managing director of FGI, said: “As demand for our products continues to increase, we have to invest in equipment that can deliver. Our previous machinery was 18 years old and we needed to replace it whilst also having the physical space to do so.”

NatWest relationship director Guy Boxall arranged a seven-figure loan to facilitate the developments.

Boxall said: “I was delighted to support Float Glass Industries on this funding arrangement which will allow the company to continue forward with its business growth aspirations. It is a fantastic organisation that continues to grow and grow, and I wish them every success for the future.”