Glasstec 2010 marks a significant step for IGA UK Ltd, who are launching the latest development in low-e coating technology supported by manufacturer and supplier Interpane AG. Interpane iplus Alpha is a superior performance offline low-e coated float glass, which achieves the highest g-value and highest light transmission figures of any low-e glass on the market. The glass is a single stock toughenable product which toughens faster and at lower temperatures than other leading low-e glasses, with consequent cost savings. Interpane iplus Alpha also benefits from superior clarity and visual appearance and can help achieve levels A, B & C of the Window Energy Ratings scheme.
IGA have a long standing distribution arrangement for Interpane products, which goes beyond that of a traditional customer-supplier relationship. The companies have been working closely together on product innovation, specifically on coated glasses, with an eye to the forthcoming changes to Part L of the building regulations in the UK. Glasstec 2010 offers the ideal opportunity to launch the new product and introduce it to the UK trade customers and prospects.
With an established reputation for the quality and performance of its coated products, Interpane, led by Managing Director Jorn Hesselbach, recognises the opportunity presented in the UK by the Window Energy Ratings. “From 1st October onwards, we will be supporting IGA to launch iplus Alpha which is specifically suited to the changes in UK Building regulations, which we hope will provide significant competitive advantage for all of our customers.” Jorn commented “We believe our extensive experience as glass processors and our vertical integration into float manufacturing gives us a unique perspective on what is necessary within float product innovation to suit processor’s requirements. Our particular expertise in coatings technology and experience of fabricating high performance insulating glass units for the German and other continental European markets puts us in an ideal position to develop products which will meet the needs of the UK market.”
David Stoker Managing Director of IGA UK said “Whilst times remain challenging in the UK marketplace the changes to Part L of the building regulations provide a chance for the industry to take significant steps forward. Product innovation is a very necessary part of that process, developing the market for coated glasses and offering a product mix that can benefit our clients is vital to ensure a competitive edge. The launch of Interpane iplus Alpha will offer processors a robust solution to meet the needs of the regulatory changes. Glasstec provided us with the ideal timing for the launch, coinciding with the implementation date of the changes in the UK”.
Frank Passman, Managing Director for Interpane Germany sees the mutual benefits of the relationship with IGA and Interpane’s history of innovation. “The relationship with IGA enables a very collaborative approach that allows us to evaluate an opportunity together and work towards achieving joint goals. It has been important for us to understand the specific needs of IGA customers so that our product development can be tailored to their need. Our product innovation process has reaped rewards for us previously in the UK. Interpane were awarded the Glassex Best of Show Award 2008, for our triple insulating glass iplus 3CL, which can achieve an insulation (u)value as low as 0.5 W/m²K . We hope that our current developments will enable us to provide the UK marketplace with a glass that helps our customers meet all of their energy efficiency requirements”.
David Stoker continued “IGA have taken the view that along with challenge comes opportunity and believe that others can elect to do similar. Product innovation is an important aspect of meeting the needs of a changing marketplace and there remains sufficient opportunity for those companies who want to make the most of the changes and the prospects they can provide. The launch of iplus Alpha at Glasstec will provide us with the chance to demonstrate just how we can further work in partnership with companies operating within the UK marketplace to mutual gain. We look forward to discussing the product with our customers and contacts, old and new, at the exhibition and taking the chance to develop those relationships and explore mutually beneficial new business opportunities”.