Emplas announces acquisition of leading IGU business Padiham Glass

Emplas has acquired leading insulated glazed unit and glass processing business, Padiham Glass. Padiham Glass supplies an extensive range of glass and IGU’s from from its 45,000 ft2 Lancashire manufacturing facility. With immediate effect it becomes part of the Emplas Group of businesses, purchased by the fabricator to guarantee the integrity of its IGU supply chain. Ryan Johnson, MD, Emplas, said that the agreement would allow Emplas to deliver a better service and higher levels of product quality to its installer base, but ultimately keeping a firmer grasp on Emplas’ supply chain going forward. “With significant changes in the glass sector and continued consolidation in the IGU supply chain we have taken the strategic decision to acquire Padiham Glass. This will give Emplas greater control of our IGU supply”, he said.

Johnson continued: “Padiham Glass has a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and great reputation in its own right, while we have an established track record of sustainable investment. Our purchase of Padiham Glass means that we will be able to not only guarantee the integrity of our own supply chain but also that of its’ existing customers.” It means that all glazed units supplied by Emplas move to Saint-Gobain’s Planitherm range with immediate effect. Manufacturing more than 10,000 IGU’s a week, pre-existing supply agreements between Padiham Glass and its existing customer base remain unaffected by the acquisition.

Padiham Glass will also continue to be run by its existing management team as led by its Managing Director and Sales Directors Anthony and Wes Clarkson. Johnson said: “This sets a standard and guarantees our supply chain but also that of Padiham’s existing customer base. Emplas is a family run and owned business. We don’t answer to venture capitalists or banks, which allows us to invest and deliver growth through improved product quality and service. Our decision to secure and invest in our own IGU supply chain will also directly benefit those installers and fabricators who already buy from Padiham Glass as the business now has a far stronger financial infrastructure and will benefit from being part of the larger Emplas group of businesses.”

In addition to energy efficient IGU manufacture, Padiham also offers fire rated IGUs and an extensive range of painted glass, while it has its own toughening, heat soaking and laminate cutting lines. Wes Clarkson, Sales Director, Padiham Glass, said: “Emplas has a fantastic reputation for quality, customer service, support and innovation within the glazing industry. Most importantly, however, Emplas is a family-owned and run business and shares our values and vision for long-term investment and growth.”