What does this mean for Viridian industry partners? For window manufacturers, it will ensure outstanding quality consistency and surety of supply on a daily basis. For

instance, while IGU lead times have traditionally been up to 4 days, Viridian now have the ability to reduce this significantly.

For Viridian industry partners in other sectors, Highbrook means other Viridian plants can be dedicated to focus on the needs of their sector. Again, this will deliver greater efficiencies and improved quality for these highly customised and high-value products.

In other words, Highbrook will deliver its product in a way that directly benefits  customer business. Their investment is further proof that Viridian is committed to growing our industry together.

The Highbrook difference

With the commissioning of Highbrook, Viridian is making a confident investment in the future New Zealand glass industry.

As one of the most efficient glass processingplants in the world, it will help secure a competitive position for the locally-processed glass market. And with Highbrook’s increased capacity, Viridian are well-placed to meet market growth.

Highbrook is all about working smarter – so Viridian can better serve you, their industry partners. For instance:

•  They can offer flexible lead times; allowing you to place your order at anytime and then specify your preferred delivery date.
• They have the ability to put through customised orders, so your products are delivered in the order you wish
• Their real time tracking service can update you on the exact progress of your glass at any time; and fast-track a job when required

Some of the features of Highbrook include:

Complete automation: As each piece of glass enters the processing line, it is etched with a unique barcode that is scanned and tracked throughout processing – enabling it to be located on the system at any given time.

Minimal handling: In a manual processing line, glass could be handled up to 50 times, with the associated risks and wastage. At Highbrook, it is touched only once – when it is removed at the end of line and transported.

Speed of production: Highbrook is approximately four times faster than traditional glass plants – with one insulated glass unit (IGU) rolling off the line every 30 seconds.

NZ’s first gas-fired furnace: Highbrook boasts New Zealand’s first, and largest, gas-fired toughening furnace. It provides for higher specification and more exacting tolerances and with four times the speed it’s also much more energy efficient than conventional toughening plants -- toughened glass that’s higher quality, quicker and better for the environment.