New Department to Exceed Customer Expectations Even Further

From replacing a broken window in Mrs. Jansen’s back door to the complete renovation of three hundred homes as part of the energy transition—and everything in between: glass specialist Alhra Glas, part of the Alhra Group, supplies and installs glass for a wide variety of applications. From single-pane glass, insulating glass, laminated glass, and tempered glass to mirrors, curved glass, stained glass, and fire-resistant glass. The Alhra Specials division now adds knowledge and expertise in (toughened) glass structures, spider facades, and curtain walls to this portfolio.

“With the recent addition of Perry de Leeuw to our organization, a long-cherished wish has come true,” says René Caumo, deputy director at Alhra Glas BV. “After all, from now on we’ll also be able to properly execute and successfully complete special projects such as (tempered) glass structures, spider facades, and curtain walls.” These special projects require specific passion, knowledge, and expertise, he explains. “Both in terms of architecture and technical craftsmanship. For example, in many offices we deal with tempered glass interior walls that meet specific sound requirements and are structurally bonded (to each other) and installed using specific profiles. In addition, there are spider facades, such as the one on the Polderhuis at Woonmall Alexandrium in Rotterdam, where tempered laminated glass is suspended from modules using only a single spider at the back. Such projects require careful strength calculations and detailed AutoCAD drawings. But they also demand a different set of skills than those used, for example, in our replacement, renovation, and transformation projects. Perry is taking on this challenge and will set up the new Alhra Specials department with passion and enthusiasm. He will be the primary point of contact for clients and will prepare our quotes and provide advice. He will be supported in this by several enthusiastic colleagues and a dedicated team of technicians who specialize in this field.”

Exceeding Expectations

Alhra Glas thinks in terms of opportunities and likes to go against the grain. This is clearly evident in the new Alhra Specials division, Caumo emphasizes. “While many view the market for special projects as a declining one, we actually see great opportunities—both with our products and with our new colleague, who has been active in the industry for many years. Perry has extensive experience in work planning and cost estimation, but he’s also had his boots in the mud himself. Because of this, he knows exactly how to install special glass structures. With his knowledge and expertise, we can exceed customer expectations in this area as well.”

Nice references

Although it will soon become a full-fledged department, Alhra Glas is no stranger to working on special projects. “In recent years, we’ve already had the opportunity to carry out various special projects, such as replacing the broken glass panels in the facade of Woonmall Alexandrium,” said Caumo. “Another showcase project is the renovation of the first floor of Rotterdam Airport, where the single-pane glass was replaced with soundproof triple-pane glass. We stripped the old facade down to the structural steel, after which it was rebuilt as a curtain wall. Because the renovation and sustainability upgrades were not supposed to be visible, we developed project-specific profiles.”

Alhra Glas installed glass balustrades for a homeowners“ association, which are clamped only at the bottom. ”We are also currently working on the glass facade of the Alexandrium Noord parking garage on Schorpioenstraat, where we are replacing the rubber gaskets and bolts on the glass clamps. In the coming months and years, we hope to add many more special projects to our portfolio.”