Netherfield's glass act proves a worldwide success

The Dalkeith-based firm won the contract last month to build 85 glass museum showcases in a purpose-built centre in Little Rock, Arkansas, to display the archive of the former United States President’s two terms. The William J Clinton Centre will include a museum, educational research facilities and library which will house the largest collection in US presidential history.

Chairman Raymond Chaplin, who founded Netherfield around 25 years ago, says: "We’ve really taken off in the last four or five years. We’re also in the process of moving to new premises in Livingston, where we’ll be running from Friday."

The workforce at the firm, headed by managing director Jim Stewart, is also set to swell from 26 to more than 40.

Netherfield’s cases, used to display everything from ancient Egyptian artifacts to stuffed mammals in museums across the world, are coveted for their durability and security.

The glass cases are shatter-proof and feature a laminated plastic sheet sandwiched between two panes to add strength.

Along with the Clinton centre, Netherfield has also built cases for the Smithsonian Institute in Washington and technical director Mike Chaplin says the company has supplied "well over a quarter" of the museum market in Australia.

Mr Chaplin adds: "All the manufacturing is done in Scotland, and we’d very much like to keep it that way to ensure quality control."