Industry Prices Continue to Rise

The combination of material cost increases, supply chain disruptions along with other economic pressures has forced companies throughout the globe to raise prices. These volatile factors have also impacted the glass industry, which has recently seen major companies such as Guardian Glass announce price increases and surcharges. Guardian is not alone, as five other industry companies issued price increases. These include Viracon, Vitro, Kuraray, Blue Star Architectural Glass and Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope®.

Viracon, an architectural glass fabricator based in Owatonna, Minn., announced it will raise prices on all expired, revised or new quote requests by 5-12%. The announcement cites the increase in rates by glass suppliers, supply chain issues and other inflationary pressures.

“By now, most of you are aware that two of our major primary glass supplies within the commercial architectural industry announced float glass increases between 20-40%, which go into effect between June 20 and July 1,” said Garrett Henson, vice president of sales and marketing at Viracon in the statement. “Simultaneously, our industry continues to experience volatile and substantial raw material cost increases, supply chain disruptions, allocation and other inflationary pressures. We fully recognize the importance of supporting our customers and their clients during these challenging times.”

Viracon also stated that all currently quoted projects will be price protected with receipt of a letter of intent.

Vitro Architectural Glass in Cheswick, Pa., notified customers it will also raise prices. Its price increases range from 15-40% depending on the product. Furthermore, the prices for tinted glass and clear glass will increase by 25% on June 27, 2022, with the remaining percentage applied on August 1, 2022. All other products will be increased on June 27, 2022.

“We continue to ask for your patience regarding deliveries as carrier scarcity and driver and labor shortages prevent us from servicing with our customary standards,” said Mark Seeton, vice president of sales at Vitro. “We commit to redouble the efforts to service our current customer base and fulfill our backlog.”

Additionally, Kuraray, an interlayer supplier for laminated glass, announced that it will increase the prices of interlayer films for shipments on or after July 1, 2022. Kuraray cites cost increases in raw materials, packaging materials, transportation, logistics and energy. Kuraray previously announced a price increase in December 2021 for interlayer films and Mowital® PVB resin.

Blue Star, which is based in North Brunswick, N.J., will also raise its prices beginning Monday, June 27,2022. In a notice sent to customers, Blue Star states that the increase in glass products has forced it to raise its prices. However, the company adds that it “will never increase prices at a flat rate across the board.”