Emplas has stepped up its IGU manufacturing capability with the installation of a second state-of-the-art Forel Vertical IGU-line. Installed at its Padiham IGU manufacturing facility and representing a £1million plus investment, it doubles Padiham’s capacity.
Ryan Johnson, Managing Director, Emplas Group said: “When we acquired Padiham Glass in 2018 we did so with a commitment to invest in its manufacturing capability. That included the installation of our first Forel Vertical IGU-line in 2023, and now a second at the start of 2025.
“Stability in glass supply is key. Pressure on employers in the form of rising energy costs and the increases that come into effect at the start of April in the National Minimum Wage and National Insurance, makes further consolidation likely.
“We’re building capacity to make sure we continue to meet the needs of Emplas customers and support them in capitalising on future opportunities during a period of what we expect to be significant industry change.”
The latest round of investment gives Emplas ‘twin’ Forel lines. This includes the Forel Vertical Washer, and Forel’s Art AS Flexible Spacer Applicator.
This automatically applies spacer bar to the edge of the glass sheet with an ultra-high level of accuracy, delivering an instant and far better bond than traditional spacer systems, maximising thermal performance.
The Forel coupling press then simultaneously couples IGU’s while filling them with gas ahead of automatic sealing, delivering a highly accurate final seal on units and significantly reducing the likelihood of failure.
“We remain investment-led as a Group”, continued Ryan. “The market is going to continue to see change and we are making sure that we’re ready for it by investing in our capability across our businesses”, he said.
Emplas supplies a comprehensive range of products from Saint-Gobain Glass. This includes Planitherm Standard, Comfort and Comfort Plus.
Ryan added that against the backdrop of still high energy costs and the increase in the Energy Price Cap at the start of April, upselling on glass, should create opportunity for installers.
“Products like Comfort Plus deliver a 63% energy efficiency gain. While high energy prices are making it more challenging for business, they are also making end-users far more receptive to messaging on energy efficiency”, he said.
Ryan concluded: “If you have access to the right products, the right glass – and don’t have to worry about the stability of your supply chain – then there are still big areas of opportunity ahead.”
