Solaglas benefits from size of parent Saint Gobain

GLAZING company Solaglas Installation said the size of its parent company was helping it to win more work in a tough environment as it opened a new base in the region.

The South Yorkshire firm said it was seen as a less risky proposition because it is owned by French building materials giant Saint-Gobain.

Solaglas Installation, which works in the construction, property maintenance and insurance markets, has moved from two smaller sites in Hellaby, near Rotherham, to a manufacturing and customer service base in Waterlands at Manvers, near the town, as it brings together three operating divisions.

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It wants to take on a further 200 staff in installation over the next few years.

The new 60,000 sq metre site at Waterlands was opened by Rose McNeely, the Mayor of Rotherham, at an event on Friday.

She was joined at the event by more than 100 customers, supplies and staff from Solaglas Installation.

The installation firm will provide services for contracts ranging between £10m and £50m.

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Ian Davy, a director, said the move would help the firm to grow.

“The opening of Waterlands is key to the growth of Solaglas Installation and part of our journey to become the clear market leader within the UK glass business.

“Our new base in South Yorkshire means that we are ideally positioned close to major transport networks which will enable us to deliver high-quality manufacturing and excellent customer service to our clients.”

Solaglas Installation is on course to turn over £55m this year, he added.

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Its main business areas are emergency repair, replacement maintenance and installation services for glass, window frames and doors and it is also a major installer of aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and frameless glazing for external and interior projects.

Solaglas group, made up of three companies, is a £120m turnover firm with 1,200 staff in 22 locations in Britain, and is owned by Saint-Gobain.

“Because we are part of Saint-Gobain and in a tough market some of the big national players are looking for safety in size in terms of contracting.

“Being part of a global group means we are seen as a less risky operation.”

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Peter Hindle, Saint-Gobain general delegate, said: “I feel strongly that Solaglas Installation is in a unique position to sustain growth through its technical expertise, innovation and service ethos.”

Last week Saint-Gobain was reported by a French publication to be planning an analyst meeting to discuss a planned public listing of its packaging unit.