PROPERTIES OF CHEMICALLLY TEMPERED GLASS

Physical properties

Type of glass

- Sodium-calcic glass

- Glass materials with special chemical composition.

Thickness of glass

- From 0,5mm

Maximum size of glass

- 3200x2200mm

Mechanical properties

Deeper of penetration

- 20-100 micron

Bending resistance

M.O.R.ASTM C 158-95.

- 300-600Mpa

Different values, harder then the above ones, can be obtained depending on cycle length and temperature.

Value must be selected according to special project requirements and articles use conditions.

Working

- Chemical tempered glass can be successively cut, ground, drilled, shaped and decorated.

Statistical Portrait of the branch of mirrors: a majority of TPE and stable jobs

AGEFOS SMEs publishes the results of the statistical portrait of the branch of the mirrors. It includes all companies with activities such as the marketing and implementation of flat glass in the building and decoration.

Panorama companies

The branch has two main business areas: painting and glazing for 25% of businesses and shaping and processing of flat glass for 44% of them. It gathers 64% of employees.

The geographical distribution of companies is close to any sector since they are mainly located in the Ile-de-France (17%), the PACA (13%) and Rhône-Alpes (10%). In contrast, only 11% of employees work in the Ile-de-France, against 24% for the whole economy.

Finally, 15% of employees working in the branch of TPE, against 29% for the whole economy.

Stable jobs

Men represent the majority of employees, 76% against 53% in any sector; this can be explained by the industrial character of the area. Furthermore, 22% of employees are under 30 years and about 10% are between 55 and 60 and over, the distribution by age is similar for men and women. The branch has 59% of workers, among whom 70% are men. As for women, 54% of them are employed. Finally, the employment contracts of CDI rate reaches 90%, or 30 points higher than that for the overall economy.

Presentation of the activities of the branch

Professional branch of mirrors, glass processing and trading groups all enterprises whose main activity is the application of glass techniques for the marketing and implementation of flat glass: window, facade, interior design , equipment, furniture and decoration. The branch consists of two main sectors: glass processing and installation of windows, and four professional categories: glass processing, trade, construction and the installation and logistics.

Methodology of statistical portrait

The statistical portrait of the branch is to describe the characteristics of companies and employees. The methodology is based on processing the latest data from the DADS made available by INSEE. Performed at an annual rate, this study also observed on trends in employment and training in the industry.

New start for AGC Moustier

AGC Glass in Moustier is going up a production line, but not a new one. These are the machines Site Athus in southern Luxembourg that is transferred to the Basse-Sambre. It was announced a year ago. On one side we stop production, the other one goes back and construct a new tool. Athus was losing money Moustier away from where the glass he used was produced. Tomorrow everything will be manufactured in the Basse-Sambre.

The aim, improve profitability

There will be transportation to carry the flat glass produced in Moustier to Athus where it was processed into laminated glass for the construction market. Then he returned to Moustier for packaging and shipment to the customer. It is a significant saving. With this concentration of means of production on one site AGC tries to resist the crisis that has hit the flat glass sector since 2008. With the result, excess capacity and the closure of production units across Europe. We remember that in Belgium the neighboring sites of Saint-Gobain Sekurit Glass and put the key under the door there two years ago. We also remember that AGC had arrested a closed oven Moustier no in 2012. AGC Glass Europe has also closed a plant in northern France and another in the Netherlands. Today, the group feels happy to have arrived at a better balance between supply and demand. But he dare not bet on the future.

Fewer job creation at Moustier

With the transfer of south Luxembourg activities to the Lower Sambre, 85 Athus operators will lose their jobs. But Moustier, only a small half, about 40 position will be created. Athus workers are obviously a priority. But they live near the Luxembourg border, at least 160 km. There are therefore three executives who have accepted the proposal. Two former employees of Saint-Gobain Auvelais were also hired.

The new laminated glass line should be ready in late June.

HELANTEC under new management

The two managers, Jochen Weiß and Gregor Witrofsky, who for more than 10 years have been a fixed component in the company and who have played a key role in the continuous development of the company, have jointly taken over the management of the company. Over the last 10 years new technologies have been introduced, the product spectrum has virtually been doubled and the internal quality assurance has been optimised.

The corporate structure remains intact, product development will be driven forward and direct customer support will be intensified. Initially the focus will be expanding the insulated glass business segment. Systems for monitoring various production processes for the manufacturing of insulated glass are almost ready for market introduction and additional products are in development.

"Manufacturers of insulated glass have a competitive advantage through the use of HELANTEC products; and in everyday operations they more easily meet the constantly increasing market requirements", explains Gregor Witrofsky (36).

"Custom webinars, online presentations and personal customer visits are planned for intensification of customer support. Due to the global export business and to ensure the best possible support, the network of our sales partners will be further expanded", adds Jochen Weiß (38).

The worldwide demand for insulated glass represents significant potential for HELANTEC GmbH. Thanks to experienced developers and a reliable production team the new managing directors look to the future with confidence.