29/10/2021
Shortages are becoming a seemingly popular issue these days. From material shortages to gas shortages, we have seen more in the past 12 months to even keep track. But for more than the past 12 months, we have one that is really impacting our supply chain: a glass shortage.
As you may or may not have heard, the glass shortage which started during Covid 19 is still with us well into 2021. Due to various factors, including the global pandemic and rising international gas tariffs, glass is becoming harder to find and more expensive to purchase.
Unfortunately, due to the recent global pandemic, various factories and manufacturers have had to put a halt to or slow down glass production, making it extremely difficult to meet demands. Getting back on their feet after being closed or at minimum production for so long has been extremely difficult, especially if they aren’t at normal work capacity due to health and safety guidelines. Thus, the shortage.
The glass shortage impact on the construction industry is immense. Already impacted from other materials and labour shortage when employees have left the industry, combined with the heightened prices over the last 12 months, the construction industry has taken continuous hits during the pandemic. We have issues keeping track of price increases…
Over the shut-down period, people were investing both time and money to rebuild or remodel their homes, creating a huge need for supplies. However, with the decrease in production and the increase in demand, it has been difficult for the industry to keep up. Now, relaxed Covid 19 working we have the difficulty to find and obtain basic flat glass types.
We as a company are taking a huge hit because of this issue. Our supply chain is badly disrupted and at times we are obviously feeling the pressure. Our number one supplier continually warns us about unavailability, price increases, and extended lead times — all impacting our ability to serve our customers at our normal efficiency. We can only apologise, but we cannot alter market forces.
With our customers being our first priority, we try to provide the best service possible amidst the challenges we are all facing. We remind you there is no 2mm picture glass; 3mm horticultural glass and many other glass product lines unavailable to us at present and have been so for some months. We have access to very limited flat glass so our cut to size glass for customers is severely disrupted.
Our door and window spares and repairs side of the business remain functioning, with only a few parts still stuck in containers from the Suez Canal ship blockage, with those items yet to arrive at suppliers. Please bear with us, we’re trying really hard.
John Todd.
