Cornwall Group has welcomed four new Apprentice Glass Operatives to the team at Forward Glass, marking a significant step in its commitment to training and developing future talent in specialist glass manufacturing.
Joining the team are four young recruits: Charlie, aged 18, Dylan and Junior, both 17, and Irslan, aged 16.
The appointments come as part of Cornwall Group’s long-term strategy to invest in people, processes, and performance at Forward Glass, following its acquisition in December 2023, with £3million already having been invested during its first two years under Group ownership.
Forward Glass claims to be now the Midlands’ largest independent toughened glass manufacturer and stock distributor. Employing almost 90 people, with all four apprentices joining the dedicated toughening team - working hands-on with some of the most advanced glass processing equipment in the UK.
This includes its newly installed Glaston toughening furnace; the first of three such furnaces to be installed across Cornwall Group sites this year, forming a £3m investment programme across the Group.
With installation having begun in May, the new furnace will be capable of processing glass up to 4.8m in length, with increased efficiency, precision and quality.
The Glaston will also significantly reduce energy consumption, cutting electricity use by nearly 300,000 kWh annually and lowering CO₂ emissions by over 62 tonnes. Designed to handle complex glass types, such as the toughening of thicker structural glass, as well as efficiently processing standard configurations, the furnace positions Forward Glass at the forefront of UK toughened glass supply.
“These apprentices are joining at an exciting time”, said Cornwall Group Chairman, Mark Mitchell. “With state-of-the-art equipment now in place, Forward Glass is building upon its reputation for supplying industry-leading quality and capacity.”
“Our apprentices will gain invaluable experience working alongside seasoned professionals, building the skills needed to support our next chapter of growth.”
