Distribution & Production

Press Glass to Invest $43.55 Million in its First Virginia Manufacturing Operation

Press Glass, headquartered in Poczesna, Poland, and one of Europe’s largest independent flat glass processing operations, will invest $43.55 million to establish a 280,000-square-foot architectural glass fabrication facility in Henry County, Va. The new location will be in the Commonwealth Crossing Business Centre in Ridgeway, Va., and is expected to create 212 new jobs. Construction is expected to begin near the end of 2018 and production is scheduled to begin at the end of 2019.

Press Glass was founded in 1991 and employs 2,100 across its 11 manufacturing operations. At its plant in Stoneville, N.C., which recently changed its name from Glass Dynamics to Press Glass, the company fabricates insulating, laminating, decorative and digital printed glass, as well as all-glass entrance systems.

According to Press Glass officials in a statement, “This new investment in Henry County is an important step for the company’s growth strategy. From this location, the new production facility enables Press Glass to enter a targeted sales territory and market segment. There are many reasons for selecting Henry County and Commonwealth Crossing. The location of the industrial park is near to our existing production facility in Stoneville, N.C., which will enable synergy between the two facilities allowing them to share knowledge, resources and management …”

The company is eligible to receive state benefits from the Virginia Enterprise Zone Program, administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development, and Sales and Use tax exemptions on manufacturing equipment. Funding and services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

Metro Performance Glass Installs Bystronic B’Jumbo

Bystronic glass commissioned and installed a new B’Jumbo insulating glass (IG) line in Auckland, New Zealand. The project is part of an expansion phase at one of Australasia’s glass processors—Metro Performance Glass.

Accommodating glass dimensions from a minimum of 7.5 inches by nearly 14 inches, and a maximum of just over 126 inches by 236 inches, the system can produce IGUs or commercial units from nearly ½ inch to just over 3 inches thick.

United Plate Glass Installs Automated FuseCube from DFI

United Plate Glass (UPG) is now applying Diamon-Fusion International’s (DFI) protective coating with its new FuseCube.

“We are enhancing our line of fabricated glass and commitment to our customers,” said Mike Cully, UPG president. “Glass goes into the FuseCube unprotected and comes out as a high-performing surface that reduces maintenance, looks beautiful for longer and guards against dust, debris, rainwater and other environmental pollutants. It’s a transformative process, and huge for the longevity and performance cycles of insulating glass (IG) units.”

UPG will treat storefronts, glass railings, spandrels and more. UPG will also use the coating on its line of shower doors and heavy fabricated glass.

Machines and Wheels to Represent Skill Glass

North American machinery distributor Machines and Wheels, based in High Point, N.C., is now representing machinery manufacturer Skill Glass based in Schio, Italy. According to a company release, this partnership will expand Machines and Wheels product lines and improve quality and customer support.

With more than 30 years of industry experience, the Skill Glass brand includes large machines that can be used either in stand-alone settings or in line with other systems: vertical drilling and milling machines, machines for grinding and polishing, sandblasting machines, and machines and systems built to specific requests.

“It was time for us to grow, and Skill Glass was the perfect partner for Ma-chines and Wheels. We look forward to a very long relationship with Skill Glass. After seeing their machines, I knew that this was exactly what the industry needed,” says Scottie Stephens, Machines and Wheels president.

“We know that Machine and Wheels is well known and has a very good reputation in the glass market. We were the first to believe in vertical machines, and with their support we are sure that it will be a success also in the U.S. market,” adds Beniamino Dal Santo, president of Skill Glass.

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