Huddersfield-based manufacturer Specialist Glass Products (SGP) has invested £1.2 million in advanced new equipment as part of its ongoing commitment to growth and innovation. The company, renowned for its expertise in curved and flat glass, secured £840,000 in funding from Lombard to support the purchase.

SGP is the first UK company to install the Systron proHD Vertical Glass Processing machine in a jumbo size, enabling the production of larger-scale panels up to 6000mm x 3210mm without compromising quality or value.

Housed at its Huddersfield factory, the new equipment enhances SGP’s ability to fulfil bespoke glass orders - including both flat and curved configurations tailored to precise specifications.

The installation is expected to drive turnover growth to £15 million within two years, with annual sales forecast to increase by at least 10%.

Andrew Taylor, managing director at Specialist Glass Products, said: “The machine will help us streamline processes with automated services, enabling us to produce high-quality units more efficiently. Specifically, it will allow us to achieve excellent edge finishes more quickly and consistently, which ultimately benefits our customers by offering competitive lead times and maintaining the high standards of quality they expect.”

The multi-functional machine can polish, grind, cut and shape glass into virtually any form. It also enables the production of up to 120 fully finished panels per day, supporting high-volume orders for identical units while maintaining bespoke capabilities.

Key features include precision polishing with controlled pressure, patented water-cushion guidance for guaranteed arris parallelism, vibration-free processing to prevent chipping, and protected suction cups to reduce damage risk during manufacture.

Andrew added: “This new processing machine is part of our broader strategic investment plan and highlights our commitment to pushing the boundaries of glass processing. Following on from our significant £1.75 million investment in 2023/24, which saw the acquisition of a jumbo cutting machine, two polishing machines (both vertical and horizontal), and a CNC processor, this new addition further strengthens our capabilities.

“It will not only streamline our capacity but also positions us to lead in delivering cutting-edge solutions to meet evolving market demands. It’s an exciting step forward in our mission to innovate, diversify, and grow sustainably.”

Over the past two decades, Specialist Glass Products has built a national reputation for excellence in curved, flat and laminated glass, with high-profile commissions including the Crossrail Elizabeth Line and the Hendrick’s Gin Palace. Its work has also been featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs and Remarkable Renovations.