Do U value quality? The N&C Glass portfolio

N&C’s portfolio includes everything from sealed units to acoustic, fire and bullet resistant glass, as well as bevelled, drilled and polished products.

Stephen Forbes, Managing Director, says: ‘With annual sales of more than £17 million, producing healthy profits, N&C Glass are able to keep ahead of the technological game.’

This includes the manufacture of high performance 1.1 W/m2K sealed units, incorporating soft-coat low E glass.

With manufacturing floor space in excess of 100,000ft2, operating from three sites, it is no wonder N&C are one of the largest independent suppliers of glass products in the UK.

Remarkably, this operation, combined with the Group’s other activities has been ongoing for over 130 years. Initially a stock glass merchant, the company has traded with glassmaker Pilkington since the 19th century.

Processing power

Whilst maintaining its status as a leading stock glass merchant, N&C has developed over the last 15 years as a manufacturer and processor of sealed units, toughened and fire resistant glass.

With continued research and development and over £3m invested since 2000 at the company’s three operations (London, Dunstable and Fareham), the glass division shows no sign of letting up.

Stephen Forbes continues: ‘Much of this investment has been spent on plant to satisfy the demands for products that will comply with the new and anticipated legislation, especially where soft coat products are required to meet the strict criteria of the commercial glazing market.

‘With two toughened plants and four sealed unit lines, we are more than capable of producing 15,000 sealed units a week. It has taken a little while to get there but it has shown that with the right investment and with the commitment from all our staff, it has been worthwhile’.

Fire glass specialist

As a leading fire glass specialist N&C are capable of supplying informative, practical and technical advice concerning all areas of specification and application to meet the regulations governing fire.

Having products ranging from 6mm wired glass to 27mm fully insulated glass, the company is able to satisfy virtually every customer requirement. The fact that N&C have over 10 years of experience in processing fire resistant glass is a comforting thought to existing and new customers. They can be sure that the information they are receiving at the enquiry stage of an order through to the processing, handling and delivery of the end product has been well managed by experienced and capable staff.

Stephen Forbes adds: ‘With the fire resistant market becoming increasingly competitive, it is great to have this abundance of knowledge. You cannot just go out and buy the latest bit of machinery and some fire resistant glass and claim to be the quickest and the best. It takes time to build up this wealth of knowledge, which is only gained through experience. That is why our customers keep coming back and why we are attracting new ones.’

As part of the Nicholls & Clarke Group of Companies, which has remained independent from the beginning, the glass division recognizes that it has a crucial part to play in its contribution to the continued development of the Group.