UA Glass has reinforced its long-term manufacturing strategy with the installation of three Tenon vertical washing machines, marking the latest phase in an ongoing machinery investment programme carried out in collaboration with Flat Glass Solutions.

The new equipment forms part of a broader investment journey stretching more than two decades, with total machinery spending approaching £1 million. For the Norfolk-based company, which produces around 2,000 sealed units per week, the upgrades reflect a clear focus on improving efficiency, maintaining competitiveness and supporting long-term growth within a demanding glazing market.

UA Glass has worked with Flat Glass Solutions (FGS) through every major stage of its production modernisation. According to founder and director Neil Tomlinson, the collaboration has played a key role in helping the business adapt to rapid advancements in glass processing technology while keeping pace with evolving industry standards and regulatory expectations.

Alongside the newly installed Tenon vertical washers, the company’s production floor already includes a Yuntong glass tempering furnace, Viprotron scanners and Hakon storage racks, creating a balanced combination of automation, quality control and material handling designed for both volume and flexibility.

Tomlinson highlighted that strategic investment remains essential for preserving operational efficiency and protecting margins, stressing that FGS has consistently helped identify the right moments and technologies to move production forward.

One of the standout examples of this partnership was the installation of the Yuntong tempering furnace nearly five years ago. Before committing to the project, FGS carried out a detailed feasibility study focused on return on investment (ROI), analysing the full product range produced by UA Glass.

The projection estimated a payback period of less than four years. In reality, the furnace paid for itself in just two and a half years, a result that reinforced the company’s confidence in data-driven investment decisions.

According to Tomlinson, reliable local technical support has also been a key differentiator, with FGS coordinating specialist engineers whenever needed, regardless of where the machinery originated.

While insulating glass units remain a core output, UA Glass also offers bespoke decorative glass services, including kitchen splashbacks, balustrades and wall art. This product diversity requires a highly adaptable production layout, something integrated into the factory specification over time through close collaboration with FGS.

Managing director David “Oz” Cahill, who first connected with UA Glass more than 20 years ago at a UK trade show, emphasised the shared growth of the two businesses. The long-standing relationship has included visits to production facilities across Europe, China and Los Angeles, allowing both teams to evaluate equipment performance and investment viability on a global scale.