In the world of food and drink manufacturing, timing is everything. Whether you’re launching a new gin, rolling out a limited-edition chutney, or keeping a best-seller on the shelves, your packaging has to be ready when you are. That’s why lead times – the gap between placing your order and receiving your stock are so important.
At Glassworks International, we’ve spent nearly 25 years making sure our customers know we are working alongside them to ensure transparency and the best possible support. We understand the complexities of the global glass supply chain inside out and more importantly, we’ve built the systems, relationships and stockholding capacity to keep those complexities firmly behind the scenes.
Why Lead Times Matter in Glass Supply
Glass packaging isn’t made overnight. From sourcing raw materials to producing moulds, manufacturing, quality control, shipping and warehousing, each stage of the process takes careful planning. Throw in the reality of today’s business climate – fluctuating demand, shipping delays, fuel costs and environmental considerations – and it’s clear why you can’t just order at the last minute and hope for the best.
That’s where our approach stands out. Many of our customers work with us not just as a supplier, but as a partner. We plan ahead together, ensuring there’s always enough stock in place to keep their production lines moving.
Holding Stock So You Don’t Have To
One of the biggest advantages we offer is our ability to hold stock in our warehouses – sometimes as much as 12,000 pallets at one time. For many businesses, this is a game-changer. It means they can guarantee supply without tying up valuable space on their own premises and of course the reassurance that their stock is ready and waiting…
When customers ask us to hold stock, it’s not just about convenience – it’s about peace of mind. It protects our customers from price fluctuations, production delays and unexpected market changes. And because of the large volumes we buy from our global supplier network, we’re able to negotiate very competitive pricing – savings we pass directly to our customers.
People Who Make It Happen
Behind the systems, there are real people making sure things run smoothly every day.
Stuart, our Technical Manager, is the person you want in your corner when you’re trying to achieve the perfect bottle specification. His technical expertise ensures that your packaging isn’t just beautiful – it’s functional, fit for purpose and ready to perform in the real world.
Tania, quietly works in the background alongside our team and many supply partners; with her incredible product knowledge, is the go-to for matching the right bottle or jar to your brand’s needs. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of glass colour, advising on closures, or anticipating supply trends, she brings an unmatched depth of experience to every conversation.
Choosing Efficient and Sustainable Shipping
We work with suppliers from around the world, carefully selecting the most efficient and sustainable shipping methods available. That could mean consolidating shipments, optimising container loads, or working with ports that have a strong focus on reducing environmental impact.
For us, sustainability isn’t a bolt-on – it’s a way of thinking that runs through the entire supply chain. By planning ahead, we can avoid the quick-fix shipping options that are more costly and less eco-friendly.
Communication: Working as One Team
At Glassworks, communication is never an afterthought. We make a point of keeping our customers informed at every stage of the journey – from production updates to shipping milestones and warehousing schedules.
We don’t see ourselves as “the glass supplier” and you as “the customer.” We imagine ourselves as one company, working together towards the same goal: getting your product on the shelf, on time, in packaging you’re proud of.
Seeing Quality First-Hand
We’re proud of the relationships we’ve built with our supply partners, and we love inviting customers to see them in action. Visiting a production site and witnessing the dedication, transparency and attention to detail that goes into every bottle and jar is something our customers never forget.
A Growing Business – And a Competitive One
The past 6 months has seen a significant upturn in our business and customer engagement, which means we’re now looking for new staff to join the team. We’re expanding because more and more companies are discovering that the old belief – that glass suppliers can’t be competitive, is simply a myth.
When you buy at the scale we do and when you have the relationships we’ve built, the result is pricing that can rival (and often beat) alternative suppliers and manufacturers, without compromising on quality or sustainability.
Case in Point: Crisis Averted
Not long ago, a long-standing customer called us in a panic – their existing supplier couldn’t meet their delivery deadline and their production run was just weeks away. Because we already held stock for them in our warehouse, we were able to arrange delivery within days, keeping their schedule intact and their supermarket order on track.
It’s stories like this that show the real value of forward planning and stockholding.
Honest Advice, Competitive Supply
If there’s one thing we’ve learned in the glass business, it’s that lead times, insured supply and fair pricing are what customers value most. At Glassworks International, we make it our mission to tick all three boxes.
We’re here to offer good, honest advice, backed by decades of experience and a network of global suppliers who share our commitment to quality and transparency.
Join the many companies who are enjoying a different way of doing business – one where your glass supplier feels like part of your team, your stock is always ready and your pricing is as competitive as it gets.
Glassworks International takes pride in keeping up to date with the latest technologies and trends within glass manufacturing and production.