The thermally broken aluminium system has established itself as a popular choice in the UK market thanks to its combination of performance, adaptability, and ease of fabrication. PAS24 accredited and available in Part L compliant configurations, including High Insulation (HI) variants, the 58BW is suitable for both replacement and new-build applications.

One of the system’s key advantages is its versatility. Fabricators can produce top-hung and side-hung casements, tilt-and-turn windows, pivot windows, bay windows, French windows, and inward-opening designs using the same core system. The availability of chamfered, ovolo, and flush sash options allows installers to meet varying architectural preferences, from contemporary developments to more traditional properties.

The platform also extends into the heritage sector through the 58BW ST variant, which replicates the appearance of traditional steel windows while delivering modern thermal and security performance. This broadens opportunities for fabricators looking to enter refurbishment and conservation-led projects.

Beyond design flexibility, the use of a single system across multiple project types can simplify stock management, streamline production, and improve operational efficiency. Reduced complexity in fabrication often leads to fewer errors, lower waste levels, and more consistent lead times.

With extensive colour options and applications ranging from residential homes to commercial buildings, the 58BW continues to provide fabricators and installers with a practical solution for serving diverse market demands while maintaining efficient production processes.

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The investment forms part of a broader expansion program at the Tarsus site, which has rapidly become one of Şişecam’s key flat glass production hubs. Over the last six months, the company has brought into operation a new flat glass line with an annual gross production capacity of 432,000 tons, alongside energy glass production lines capable of manufacturing 47 million square meters per year. Together, these investments significantly enhance the site’s manufacturing capabilities and support growing demand for advanced architectural and energy-efficient glazing solutions.

According to Şişecam, the coated glass products manufactured in Tarsus will be supplied to both domestic and export markets. Key target regions include the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Eastern Europe, and South Asia, where demand for high-performance coated glass continues to increase due to stricter energy-efficiency requirements and expanding construction activity.

The new line is expected to increase the proportion of value-added products within Şişecam’s flat glass portfolio while improving supply chain resilience and operational flexibility. The strategic location of the Tarsus complex also enables efficient access to regional and international markets through established logistics networks.

Commenting on the project, Şişecam CEO Can Yücel stated that the company continues to pursue a disciplined investment strategy in the coated glass segment. He noted that recent capacity additions in Bulgaria and Italy, followed by the commissioning of the Tarsus line, reinforce Şişecam’s leadership in Türkiye and strengthen its competitive position globally.

Şişecam has accelerated its coated glass investments throughout 2026. In January, the company commissioned a new coated glass line with an annual capacity of 6 million square meters at its flat glass facility in Bulgaria, followed by another coated glass line at its San Giorgio di Nogaro plant in Italy in February.

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Having relied on Emmegi machinery for decades, 3D Aluminium selected the Phantomatic X4 as part of its strategy to increase production capacity, enhance machining capabilities, and support future growth. The investment reflects the company’s continued commitment to delivering high-quality aluminium curtain walling, doors, and window systems for commercial projects.

The Phantomatic X4 is designed for demanding fabrication applications, featuring a 7kW high-torque electrospindle and an eight-position tool magazine capable of handling heavy-duty machining operations. Its 4-axis technology enables machining on multiple sides of a profile without repositioning, improving efficiency and accuracy. The machine also accommodates bar lengths of up to eight metres, making it well suited to curtain walling and large-profile fabrication.

Integrated software automatically positions vice units according to workpiece dimensions, while a movable 15-inch touchscreen interface provides operators with a user-friendly and intuitive control system.

According to 3D Aluminium, the new machining centre will help improve productivity, maintain consistent quality standards, reduce lead times, and strengthen confidence among commercial clients.

Paul Batts, Operations Director at 3D Aluminium, stated that the investment represents a new chapter in the company’s commitment to precision engineering, operational efficiency, and manufacturing excellence.

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The project includes extensive fire-resistant glazing at the main entrance and atrium, as well as stairwells and elevator cores. In total, approximately 250 fire-rated glass panes were installed within the stair and lift areas alone, highlighting the scale of the glazing package.

Several units presented significant logistical challenges, with the largest glass panes weighing up to 308 kg. To ensure safe and efficient installation, glaziers utilized specialist glass lifting equipment and a mini crane.

The project demonstrates the importance of early collaboration between suppliers, contractors, and installers to achieve compliant fire performance. The completed installation provides robust fire protection while maintaining transparency and architectural quality throughout the development.

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Despite its growing recognition, secondary glazing remains a niche option within the commercial building sector. Industry experts point to a longstanding preference for complete window replacement, which continues to dominate renovation and modernization projects.

According to Lisa May, Director of Preconstruction and Architectural Services at Apogee Architectural Metals, secondary glazing is often introduced too late in the design process. Instead of being considered as a primary building envelope upgrade strategy, it is typically explored only when historic preservation requirements, budget constraints, or acoustic concerns limit replacement options.

Research increasingly supports the performance potential of secondary glazing systems. Studies have shown that when installed on existing non-thermally broken aluminum frames, secondary glazing can deliver thermal performance that rivals or even exceeds some conventional double-glazed replacement systems. In addition to reducing energy consumption, these systems can improve occupant comfort while preserving existing architectural features.

Real-world applications have reinforced these findings. Evaluations conducted on commercial and government buildings have demonstrated measurable energy savings, highlighting secondary glazing as an effective pathway for extending the life of existing window assets while improving overall building performance.

Government initiatives have also recognized its potential. Programs designed to accelerate the development of high-performance secondary window technologies have encouraged innovation and highlighted the role of retrofit solutions in achieving energy-efficiency targets.

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The themed salon combined product demonstrations, employee sharing sessions, and intelligent vehicle test drives, offering NorthGlass employees direct access to Huawei’s latest technologies and smart ecosystem solutions. Jia Cheng, Operations Director of NorthGlass’s Tempering Business Unit and a long-time Huawei user, opened the event by sharing how Huawei technologies support both his professional responsibilities and everyday life.

Huawei specialists introduced the newly launched Pura X Max foldable smartphone alongside the latest HIMA intelligent vehicle lineup. Participants explored the connectivity and functionality of Huawei’s HarmonyOS ecosystem through hands-on demonstrations of smartphones, tablets, smartwatches, and other interconnected devices. Employees also had the opportunity to test-drive HIMA vehicles and experience their intelligent driving features and performance capabilities.

The event highlighted the long-standing partnership between Huawei and NorthGlass. Their collaboration began with the Huawei Global Flagship Store at MixC World Shenzhen in 2019 and later expanded to major projects including the Huawei Baicaoyuan Headquarters Campus and numerous Huawei Smart Life retail locations throughout China. NorthGlass is currently producing customized architectural glass solutions for approximately 50 additional Huawei stores.

Both companies share a strong commitment to independent research and development, technological innovation, and quality excellence. This common philosophy continues to drive collaboration as Huawei and NorthGlass explore new opportunities that combine advanced technology, intelligent manufacturing, and architectural innovation.

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Glass has become a defining element of modern partition systems, providing transparency, openness, and improved workplace aesthetics. However, larger glass surfaces also increase expectations regarding visual quality, safety, and acoustic performance. Even minor imperfections such as scratches, inclusions, or bubbles can impact customer satisfaction and project acceptance.

To ensure reliable quality across all projects, Lehnert sought a more advanced inspection solution. The company sources glass from multiple suppliers, making consistent quality control essential regardless of material origin. Previously, inspections relied on manual visual checks performed during production. As production volumes increased and quality requirements became more stringent, this approach reached its limits, with some defects only being discovered after further processing or delivery.

Following a detailed evaluation, Lehnert selected the Viprotron ECO Scanner due to its compact design, ease of integration, and strong price-performance ratio. The system was seamlessly installed within the existing production line, with the camera module positioned behind the washing machine and the reflector belt installed ahead of the system, creating a space-efficient solution without major modifications.

Since commissioning, the ECO Scanner has continuously monitored glass surfaces, automatically detecting and visually displaying defects in real time. This enables operators to make immediate decisions regarding further processing, rework, or supplier claims, preventing defective glass from advancing through production.

The introduction of automated inspection has significantly improved process reliability, reduced complaint rates, and increased transparency throughout Lehnert’s quality management process. The company now benefits from greater confidence in project execution, particularly for demanding construction projects where flawless glass quality is essential.

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Traditionally, electrical, thermal, and optical performance have often been assessed separately during the design process. However, this fragmented approach can limit the overall effectiveness of BIPV systems. Artificial intelligence enables a more integrated methodology by analyzing multiple performance parameters simultaneously, allowing façade systems to respond more effectively to changing environmental conditions and operational demands.

One of the key advantages of AI-driven BIPV solutions is their ability to improve energy forecasting and system management. By processing large volumes of weather, occupancy, and building performance data, intelligent algorithms can predict solar energy generation more accurately and optimize the interaction between photovoltaic systems, energy storage, and building services. This leads to greater energy efficiency, improved self-consumption, and reduced operational costs.

The growing use of digital twins and parametric design tools is further enhancing the development of adaptive façade systems. Through real-time simulation and performance analysis, designers can evaluate multiple façade configurations before construction begins, identifying solutions that maximize solar exposure while maintaining indoor comfort and daylight quality. Such digital workflows support more informed decision-making and help optimize the overall energy balance of buildings.

Artificial intelligence is also accelerating façade design through generative and performance-based design processes. Advanced computational tools can automatically evaluate thousands of design variations, optimizing elements such as photovoltaic shading devices, façade geometry, and glazing strategies. This enables designers to achieve a balance between architectural aesthetics, occupant wellbeing, and renewable energy generation.

As sustainability targets become increasingly ambitious worldwide, the integration of AI into BIPV façade design is expected to play a critical role in the future of high-performance building envelopes. By connecting design, simulation, and operational intelligence, AI is helping create façades that are not only energy-generating but also adaptive, responsive, and capable of contributing significantly to a building’s long-term environmental performance.

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The investment follows the successful installation of the company’s first FMC 340 in 2023, which delivered significant improvements in production efficiency, precision, and reliability. Building on these results, Selectaglaze chose to invest in a second machine as part of a planned replacement of older equipment and its wider strategy to modernise manufacturing operations.

According to Duncan Saunders, Head of Production at Selectaglaze, the original FMC 340 proved its value by increasing automation across the factory while delivering the accuracy and performance required for the company’s bespoke secondary glazing products. As a result, selecting the same machine again was a straightforward decision.

The new investment forms part of Selectaglaze’s broader vision to create a more connected and efficient production environment. The company is currently implementing a barcode system throughout its factory, supporting its long-term objective of moving towards a fully paperless manufacturing process.

Once fully implemented, the system will enable manufacturing data, dimensions, and cutting programmes to be integrated directly into both CNC machining centres. This will streamline workflows, improve operational efficiency, and minimise the risk of production errors through greater automation and digital connectivity.

Haffner worked closely with the Selectaglaze team throughout the project, tailoring software configurations to align with the company’s future automation goals. The installation was completed with minimal disruption, with the machine fully installed, commissioned, and operational within just two days.

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Hosted at Brown & Bye on Bristol’s vibrant harbourside, the event will welcome manufacturers, installers, suppliers, and industry organisations for an evening dedicated to networking, knowledge sharing, and business development. Known for its informal and approachable atmosphere, PiGs has established itself as a key platform for fostering industry connections and encouraging open discussion among professionals.

Ahead of the main event, attendees will have the opportunity to participate in the latest PiGs Talking Shop with Glazpartners session. Beginning at 4pm, the technical discussion forum will focus on current industry topics, providing a space for professionals to exchange expertise, discuss challenges, and explore practical solutions relevant to today’s glazing market.

The main networking event will commence at 5pm, offering participants the chance to strengthen existing relationships, meet new contacts, and gain insights into the latest developments shaping the sector. Interest from businesses operating across both the glazing and joinery industries continues to grow, further broadening the event’s appeal.

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