GLASS PRICES TO RISE DURING 2007
MUCH HAS BEEN MADE OF THE IMPENDING PRICE RISES AND SCARCITY OF 2MM FLOAT GLASS FOR THE PICTURE FRAMING INDUSTRY. THE FOLLOWING ARTICLE WAS PUBLISHED IN THE 'ART BUSINESS TODAY' MAGAZINE (APRIL 2007):
GLASS PRICES will rise during 2007, suppliers have warned, as the supply of float glass switches from Europe to the Far East.
Pressures introduced by EU legislation have meant that manufacturers are cutting back production on low-profit uncoated, 2mm float glass, staple of the framing industry, argues Mike Page of KC Glass. 'To make 2mm float glass, manufacturers have to slow furnaces at half the speed to make a product that sells for half the price. There isn't enough profit in it for them and I'm afraid the framing industry will see prices rise as stocks run lower,' he said.
IN THE SAME ARTICLE, JOHN PALMER OF GLASS & MIRROR SAID:
We forsee a steadily rising price scenario over the next few years on raw 2mm float glass. We also expect some volatility due to new factors in play such as the US$ rate, shipping problems and the rapidly changing nature of the local economies in the Far East.
AS MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE ARTICLE, SHIPPING COSTS FROM THE FAR EAST WILL ALSO BECOME A MAJOR FACTOR. THE VOLUME OF TRADE FROM THAT REGION TO EUROPE HAS EXPANDED CONSIDERABLY, PUTTING PRESSURE ON SHIPPING COMPANIES AND LEADING TO HIGHER SHIPPING PRICES. IN ADDITION, RISING FUEL COSTS HAVE INCREASED SHIPPERS RUNNING COSTS.
AT WESSEX PICTURES WE ARE CONFIDENT OF OUR SUPPLY OF 2MM FLOAT GLASS AND WOULD LIKE TO ASSURE OUR CUSTOMERS THAT WE WILL BE ABLE TO SUPPLY THEIR NEEDS. HOWEVER, IT IS INEVITABLE THAT THERE WILL BE FURTHER PRICE INCREASES BUT WE WILL ENDEAVOUR TO KEEP THESE TO AN ABSOLUTE MINIMUM.
ASHLEY YOUNGER
SALES DIRECTOR | 
