(Left to Right) Tony Palmer, Edgetech Head of Sales with Julian, Noella and Angharad Palmer – Derw Glass

Leading IGU manufacturer and glass processor Derw Glass is celebrating its 35th anniversary with a major milestone of another kind, one year of automated insulated glass production powered by Edgetech’s Super Spacer®.

Founded in 1991 in West Wales as a one-man operation by Julian Palmer, Derw Glass has grown in the last three decades.

Today, under the stewardship of Julian’s wife Noella Palmer and their daughter, director Angharad Palmer, the business continues to evolve, most recently through its transition from rigid spacer bars to Edgetech’s flexible Super Spacer® as part of a new automated IGU line.

The results, one year on, have been transformative.

“We invested in the new line to improve quality, and moving from rigid to flexible spacer bar has been 100% better,” said Noella. “We’ve seen significantly less wastage and a much more consistent unit.”

Automation has streamlined operations across the factory floor, reducing manual handling and improving workflow. Where once up to eight operatives were required, the new system now runs efficiently with just three, all while delivering a higher output.

“The quality is better, customers are happier, and we’re able to meet demand more effectively because we can produce a lot more units because of the speed of the line,” added Angharad Palmer.

Central to the success of the transition has been Derw Glass’s close working relationship with Edgetech, a Quanex company. From initial planning through to installation and beyond, the support provided has helped ensure a smooth and confident move into automation.

“Edgetech have been fantastic from the outset,” said Noella. “Even before the line was fully installed, Tony Palmer and the team were helping us analyse usage, forecast volumes, and guide us through the process. The ongoing support has been invaluable, and we see Edgetech as more than a supplier; it’s a genuine partnership.”

Tony Palmer, Head of Sales Edgetech with Noella Palmer, Director at Derw Glass

Tony Palmer, Head of Sales at Edgetech, commented: “Derw Glass is a great example of how forward-thinking manufacturers can embrace automation and flexible spacer technology to achieve significant gains in quality and efficiency. We’re proud to support them and look forward to continuing our partnership long into the future.”

With investment in automation securing the business for decades to come, Derw Glass is optimistic about what lies ahead.

“This investment will take us forward for the next 20 years,” added Angharad. “We’re building a future we can pass on to the next generation of the family to keep the Derw Glass legacy going, and we definitely see Edgetech as part of that journey.”