Solaglas partners with Carillion in new glazing deal

Flexibility, speed and cost effectiveness are the key benefits for companies entering sole supply partnerships, according to glass solutions company Solaglas.

Construction company Carillion plc has chosen Solaglas as its sole supply partner to service its entire external envelope glass supply requirements, a first for both companies.  Solaglas is also in final discussions with another leading construction company to sign a similar agreement.

Included in the framework agreement with the Saint-Gobain-owned business is the supply of façade glass systems and sealed units.  It also includes reactive window maintenance and replacement glazing.

Solaglas has also joined Carillion’s list of approved sub-contractors for the design and installation of curtain-walling façades as a key member of its ‘Envelope Evolution’ defect reduction programme.

Kieren Curry, Carillion’s Global Supply Chain Manager said: “Innovation was one of the key reasons why we chose Solaglas as a national partner for our glazing envelope requirements.  Solaglas has proved itself to be flexible and responds quickly to our fast-moving pace, listening to our needs, while coming up with innovative options that often encompass more than one of their business streams.  As a company, Solaglas can do this whilst driving the expected quality of the ‘Envelope Evolution’ process and adding value at many levels of the supply chain.”

The framework agreement is the first of its kind for Carillion and for the glazing industry and helps the company achieve its commitment to sustainability and compliance with health and safety legislation.

The relationship recognises Solaglas’ unique position in the industry to provide Carillion with an enhanced warranty, backed by Solaglas’ parent Saint-Gobain, chain of custody and many other key requirements.  The agreement also recognises Solaglas’ ability to meet Carillion’s demands across a number of business requirements.

Mike Butterick, marketing director of Solaglas said: “We are delighted to work with such a prominent player in the market.  Stability, efficiency and a ‘can-do’ approach are qualities that we believe Carillion were after from a supply partner.  This relationship is testament to the extensive investment Solaglas is making in products and services to secure our leadership position in the industry.  

“It is a formula that works for both parties and delivers real benefits for the client too.  That’s why we are speaking to other companies in the construction sector who would value a sole supply agreement.”

Solaglas is a £110m turnover business with 1,200 employees based across 25 separate locations, covering the whole of the UK.  It directly employs engineers and approved glaziers, and delivers an efficient, cost effective and robust emergency glass and frame repair and replacement service.

It is also one the UK’s largest installers of aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and frameless glazing for external façade and interior glazing projects, delivering contracts from £5,000 to £10 million.