glass technology

Unlike economists who only forecast the future but rarely reflect on their past predictions, as a glassmaker I will tread on safer ground. I will foretell the past, and if you deem this speaker credible, predict the future. Let's review the record. In the last century, nearly a decade ago, I addressed this prestigious audience and assembly of experts at Tamglass' Sixth Glass Processing Days. Among other topics presented, I offered the following main points to the audience at that time.

1. The glass industry's leverage would shift from the producer to the user.
2. Enhanced products would be needed just to maintain sales and customer interest.
3. There would not be a correlation between a company's size, profitability, nor market value.
4. The global group would consist of Japanese, French, American, and English glassmakers.
5. Newer regional niche entrants would challenge global players.
6. Mergers and acquisitions were on the horizon.
7. The clock speed of this industry would accelerate substantially.
8. The technology would spread outside of the worldwide producers.
9. Competitive pressures from the Pacific Rim would erode normal profit margins.
10. Solar energy management via coatings on glass would generate interest and be a most exciting addition to the industry.
11. Our industry is positioned to benefit from the leading wave of democracy.

This preamble was intended to allow you to decide whether the next segment of my speech is worthy of your attention or if an afternoon nap might be a better option. I will also point out mega trends in our industry, especially those that illustrate how government regulations and product innovation have combined to change the business climate irreversibly. These are the real pressures that will shape our industry in the years to come. I will leave the micro trends and technology details to others in your technical sessions. For those of you who are still with me, we will do a little time shifting for the next few minutes as I further develop my comments of my last speech and talk about what winning in the future will look like.