Glasshape Ltd, who manufactures the renowned DuraShield® Superyacht Glass product line, has officially announced their presence in USA with the opening of their office on the west coast of North America this month. The opening of the USA office was announced by key directors of Glasshape, including Managing Director Andrew Forrest.
Glasshape
Glasshape Ltd, an ISO-9001 and American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) endorsed facility, has catered to the Australasian Superyacht industry for many years, specializing in both Curved and Flat IACS Classed Superyacht Glazing.
American yards, catching wind of the company’s revolutionary “turn-key” measure-supply-install programs, soon grew to the point where presence in the North American marketplace became mandatory to fulfil demand of the industry’s high end manufacturers.
ABS and MCA LY2 Code Glass requirements quickly endorsed the company, whose unique glass manufacturing processes offers Superstructure Glazing which exceeds design pressure requirements stipulated by the industry’s governing Class Societies.
Located in Washington State, the ‘West Coast Superyacht hub’, Glasshape’s new project and support facility services the existing Superyacht customer base across the United States, and additionally providing support to the growing refit market. “Landed presence in the States was inevitable-actually a demand” mentioned Forrest, “the demand for our unique product has been overwhelming throughout the past 24 months”.
Centred in Seattle, the new facility is headed by Mr Ian Gracey of Torrid Marine Systems. Gracey, having many years’ experience in the high-end yacht and Superyacht sector was well associated with the DuraShield® branding. “We were well aware of Glasshape’s ever increasing presence and demand in North America, and I desired to be part of the Most Innovative Marine Glass Company in the World” Gracey said at Fort Lauderdale. “When the opportunity came, it was just too good to ignore” he added.
Glasshape posted increased USA sales of 37% in the 12 months ending September 2012. Such excellent results have been produced due to the wide glass range, having attained full certification to American Bureau of Shipping.
Lady Linda superyacht
Glasshape have their DuraShield® Marine Glass installed on many significant projects in the States already. Some examples of their expertise can be seen on Superyacht Lady Linda, motor yacht DB9 and yacht Tzumat among others. New and innovative marine glass applications can also be viewed on sailing yacht Ohana, which is scheduled for launching shortly. This unique Dubois built superyacht features spectacular glass, including an all-glass interior staircase designed and built by Glasshape.
