The use of glass in front of electric fires is a reasonably recent innovation. Electric fires were historically seen as “low end” products with flame pictures that were at best “unrealistic”. However, as electric fires account for over half the total number of appliances sold in the UK each year, significant developments in flame picture generation have occurred with a new generation of “top end” electrics becoming available.

As Chris Chapman, Managing Director, Valor Fires puts it

“The Valor Dimension range is redefining the market for fuel-effect fires. Using cutting edge technology we have created a product that meet today’s needs for convenient and economic warmth combined with stunningly effective design…”

SKAN’s involvement with the “Dimension” was two-fold:

Dimension Range: Innova Functional glass – SKAN provide a reflective mirror product, used internally within the whole “Dimension” range, in the area of the flame picture generation.

Decorative glass – SKAN also provide a 4 piece glass fascia assembly (including metalwork), used on the front of one of the Dimension range called the Innova

This two-fold approach is typical of the SKAN glass business today where not only are SKAN products customer-facing, but also hidden from view, but of significant importance to the actual working / functionality of the appliance.

As William Burn, Technical Director of Valor Fires explained

“Throughout the development of the Dimension project work, we sought to work with material providers with necessary technical and innovative ability to help us bring this product to market. The Dimension’s unique flame picture generation technology, coupled to the high-end aesthetics, was key to the success of Valor fires”.

William goes on to say that

“SKAN worked closely with us at all levels from concept / design / samples / pre-production and full consignment stocking, and assisted Valor greatly, especially on the glass fronted Innova product.”

It wasn’t all plain sailing though! The 4 piece glass assembly of the Innova fascia required a completely new assembly technique, to ensure that the glass elements were aligned with the highest precision possible… During the rapid roll-out and pre-production phase, the demand out-stripped the capacity through this production bottle-neck. Resources in the form of additional tooling / labor and management focus enabled SKAN to overcome the shortfall in less than 10 days, moving swiftly into a “supply from stock” position, which remains today.

As William goes on to say

“Having a proven supply track record as well as innovative products, goes a long way with Valor. Valor is currently working with SKAN on a series of new developments both in our electric and gas fire ranges, which we believe will continue to raise the benchmark within our industry”.

With the expansion of “decorative glass fascia” technology across the Valor business, the future use of glass in this area looks set to grow still further.

Founded in 1890, Valor began selling oil storage containers then began selling oil heaters in the Erdington, Birmingham area.

Today, the , and brands all belong to Valor Fires, the UK's number one fire manufacturer. Valor Fires is part of Europe's leading heating and home comfort specialists the Baxi Group, who continue to provide all types of living and working spaces with warmth and hot water (for more information please visit: www.baxigroup.com).