Case Study: How Glass & Mirror Experts Gerry’s Glass Went From Humble Beginnings to Award-Winning Heights

In 1978, Gerry Barone founded a small, family-run window repair shop in Sydney’s inner West. Little did he know, Gerry’s Glass, his newly opened company, would go on to become an award-winning glass shop that keeps the whole family busy.

“My wife works here, my daughter works here, my son works here. My son has been here for over 13 years and is ready to take over what I started. We are proud to keep this business in the family,” says Gerry.

In the late 1970’s, Gerry and his team relied on traditional manual processes to cut glass. With TAFE schools and apprenticeships preparing a new wave of workers, it was easy to find and hire quality labourers. The Sydney-based shop branched out from window repairs, shifting their attention to creating custom window, mirror, and screen designs.

As time went by, they attracted an enviable portfolio of clientele in the architecture and design space, gaining a reputation for design thinking and technical know-how.

Then, trouble struck. Rising labour costs and compliance threatened the survival of the company. Gerry knew that something had to change – and fast.

So, he came to us.

“Innovync put together a very attractive proposal,” Gerry said. “Let’s not kid ourselves – these machines are a big investment for any business to make. But Innovync worked hard to give us the best deal. We’ve been so happy with the machine, we are now looking at getting rid of all our previous technology and getting another one to do the work.”

The Turning Point

The machine in question was a CMS Vertical CNC. It was a strategic move that the Managing Director would look back on for years to come, marking it as a major turning point for the company.

“If we kept going the same medieval way, we would’ve gone out of business. We’ve been around for over 41 years, but to survive you have to stay ahead of the pack and this machine has seen us do that,” he reflected.

The relationship first started with their acquisition of the CMS Profile Vertical CNC in 2018 which proved to be a true game-changer. Once installed, Gerry and his team enjoyed a major boost in productivity and quality – yet managed to keep their close-knit workforce intact. This was followed in 2024 with the addition of the CMS Maxima 5-Axis CNC, used to also make shaped bevels on mirrors and glass. 

“Instead of taking 25 minutes and four workers to cut a shower screen, it now takes nine minutes and one worker. That’s a huge saving for us and we haven’t laid anyone off. The workers who were cutting glass the old way, which always carried the risk of scratches and damages, are now doing other things.”

Timing is everything

The change came at exactly the right time. Demand for automation was going up, and traditional tradesmen were in short supply. Although advanced manufacturing first arrived on Australian shores in 2004, it took more than a decade for the majority of Glass shops to adopt it. Gerry realised its value, just in time.

“If we didn’t have this machine, we would have been left behind. The labour involved with the old way was killing us,” he says.

Now, Gerrry’s Glass crafts custom designs that push the boundaries of glass production. Their innovative design thinking and exceptional attention to detail has consistently earned the business awards from AGWA, the Australian Glass and Window Association; both on the State and National level. We’ve been there to support them every step of the way, ensuring that the glass-processing CNC machine is always in shape and ready for the next batch.

“There’s no doubt Innovync have gone the extra mile to ensure the machines are working as well as possible, for as long as possible,” Gerry said. “Their response time and attention to our needs are exactly what we require, being in a business where supply constantly needs to meet demand.”

Expect to experience the same level of focused problem-solving, care and dedication in your own interactions with us. Reach out today and start the conversation.