Specialist division set up at Pelaw glassmaker

Jan 3 2009 by Chris Knox, The Journal

A GLASS making firm that makes products for shops and homes has set up a specialist division which it believes will help it hit a £1m turnover despite the economic downturn.

Donwood Glass will begin promoting Advance Glass Design as a stand alone trading division this month as a way of tapping into growth in the home improvement market.

The firm, set up in 23 years ago, has seen increased sales in its decorative glass and work top glass operations as more people turn to home improvements as a replacement for buying their next home in light of current conditions in the property market.

The firm, based at Shields Road, Pelaw, believes the division, which has a six figure turnover, can achieve sales of £1m by 2010 and is looking to add a number of jobs to its 51-strong workforce.

It manufacturers a wide range of glass, including insulated and tempered safety glass as well as more specialist processed and decorative glass.

The company was subject to a management buyout in 2005, in which saw brothers Andrew and Darren Donnelly bought the company from their parents Ged and Norma.

Managing director Andrew Donnelly said: “We are determined to expand the glass processing side of the business to protect our existing workforce and provide additional employment opportunities in the future.

“We are finding that people are turning to our products as a way of improving their existing properties rather than look around for a new home.”

Despite tough conditions on the region’s high streets, Mr Donnelly said trade from its retail customers was relatively strong and it was also looking to expand into laminated glass over the coming years.

It has recently invested £80,000 in a new sophisticated glass cutting machine from Italy.

The new CNC machinery cuts glass to the customer’s requirements, which can then be etched or painted and polished before being tempered in high-temperature computer controlled ovens.

Operations director Darren Donnelly said: “Because we handle all the processes on site we have total control over quality. This means we can provide our customers with a quick turn-around if necessary and keep control of our costs.”