Over the past few years we've all become aware of the growth of China as a major manufacturing force in most all industries--including the glass industry. An increasing amount of glass and glazing products are being imported into the United States from China, despite the fact that lead times can be longer than those of domestic producers.
What's driving this growth? Some say, without a doubt, cost is their number-one reason for buying Chinese-produced glass and glazing products. With the commercial construction market so busy right now, others say it's been the need to find alternative sources that can meet project owners' schedule demands when domestic producers have been unable to do so due to their own busy schedules.
Whatever a company's reason to buy or not buy imported products, the industry is changing. What do you think of the matter? Has your business been affected? Are you operating differently as a result of these changes? I always like to hear your thoughts an opinions and welcome your comments and emails.
Friday, January 19, 2007
Friday, January 12, 2007
Glass All Around
If you are like me, it's difficult to go anywhere and not notice the glass. Every building I see, every window I pass, I have to check out the glass. You know you do it, every time you're in a hotel room don't you check out the windows to see who did the glass?
While examining the glass in storefronts and hotel room windows is something I find myself doing quite often, lately I've been finding more and more unconventional uses of glass that have made me stop and look closer.
For example ...
In airports I'm finding myself examining the handrail systems on the elevators, as well as the decorative uses of glass in some of the bars and restaurants there.
I went on a cruise recently and was amazed at all the ways glass was used: floors, walls, doors ...in one of the bars on the cruise ship I noticed condensation in one of the IG units. Glass was literally all around.
I can't remember the last time I just walked pass a window or a storefront ... any use of glass for that matter ... and did not take notice of something about it. I wonder, what do you see first when you notice a glazing system? Post your comments here and let me know.
While examining the glass in storefronts and hotel room windows is something I find myself doing quite often, lately I've been finding more and more unconventional uses of glass that have made me stop and look closer.
For example ...
In airports I'm finding myself examining the handrail systems on the elevators, as well as the decorative uses of glass in some of the bars and restaurants there.
I went on a cruise recently and was amazed at all the ways glass was used: floors, walls, doors ...in one of the bars on the cruise ship I noticed condensation in one of the IG units. Glass was literally all around.
I can't remember the last time I just walked pass a window or a storefront ... any use of glass for that matter ... and did not take notice of something about it. I wonder, what do you see first when you notice a glazing system? Post your comments here and let me know.
Friday, January 5, 2007
Get Smart(er) in 2007
The start of a New Year brings a lot of opportunities. That is, a lot of people look at a New Year as an opportunity to make changes. But these resolutions and changes don't always have to be about changing ourselves personally; we can also resolve to improve our work and professional selves as well.
One great way to do this is to take advantage of available educational and learning opportunities. Lucky for us in the glass industry, there are many programs of which you can take advantage--and a good chunk of them fall within the first three months of each year. What great timing!
By taking part in industry conferences, seminars, trade shows, etc. you have the opportunity to learn valuable information, improve your work self and performance and, perhaps prove yourself a stronger employee and asset to your company.
So, what can you do at these industry events? You can participate in technical working sessions, which allow you to help in creating many of the standards, guidelines and procedures followed in the industry. You can hear presentations and take part in discussions that are focused on current issues that are impacting the industry, such as energy codes and the environment as well as the growth of China's glass manufacturing and production industry.
If you think getting involved and taking part in some of these events is right for you, take a look at the industry event calendar at www.usglassmag.com.
One great way to do this is to take advantage of available educational and learning opportunities. Lucky for us in the glass industry, there are many programs of which you can take advantage--and a good chunk of them fall within the first three months of each year. What great timing!
By taking part in industry conferences, seminars, trade shows, etc. you have the opportunity to learn valuable information, improve your work self and performance and, perhaps prove yourself a stronger employee and asset to your company.
So, what can you do at these industry events? You can participate in technical working sessions, which allow you to help in creating many of the standards, guidelines and procedures followed in the industry. You can hear presentations and take part in discussions that are focused on current issues that are impacting the industry, such as energy codes and the environment as well as the growth of China's glass manufacturing and production industry.
If you think getting involved and taking part in some of these events is right for you, take a look at the industry event calendar at www.usglassmag.com.
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