Tamglass continued to grow in January-June 2001

The order book of Tamglass on 30 June 2001 amounted to EUR 55.3 million, which was about 22% more than in the previous year.

Safety glass machine market developed positively

Sales of Tamglass safety glass machines developed well during the second quarter and the amount of orders received grew from last year. Sales of machines for architectural glass proceeded well and their order book reached a new record level. Uncertainty in the world economy manifested itself in the softening of the demand for safety glass machines for vehicles.

The European and Middle East market for safety glass machines has continued its relatively steady growth due to the growing significance of safety glass and the new safety regulations. In North America the ongoing commercial negotiations at the beginning of the year resulted in orders during May-June. Order accumulation of Tamglass from South America was good mainly due to Brazilian demand. The Chinese market for safety glass machines is growing as a result of new safety glass regulations in several major cities.

New products and techniques are boosting the use of safety glass

Safety glass is increasingly replacing ordinary glass. The most important safety glass application areas are buildings and vehicles, but also boats, balcony glazing, furniture, shower cabinets and domestic appliances. Demand for safety glass, moreover, is forecast to grow world-wide at an annual rate about 15 - 20%.

The promotion of safety awareness, the development of safety regulations, new value added products and production techniques will fuel the growth of safety glass use. New kinds of applications demand new properties and forms of safety glass. This will require in turn the development of new bending, lamination and tempering techniques.

High utilisation rate increase the role of after sales

Majority of glass manufacturers and processors are running the machines with full capacity and working in two to three shifts in many market areas around the world. The high utilisation rate of the machines increases the importance of after sales services provided by the machinery suppliers.

The service contract base of Tamglass safety glass machines continued to grow following the strong sales of new machines. In order to serve its customers better Tamglass has strengthened its resources for After Sales operations in Italy, Germany, the Arab Emirates, Singapore, and Finland.