It is a common criticism today that companies are not prepared to invest in new technology, especially if that technology is speculative & high cost. The case of Pilkington's invention & development of the float glass process in the late 1950s is sometimes cited as an example of the adventurous spirit which has been lost in a modern business world dominated by accountants & investment analysts. The common memory is that Pilkington committed over £7 million (over £110 million in current values) to the development of float glass, and risked the future of the company on a single development. The history is rather more prosaic. The original approval for the first full scale plant was for £225,000 not an exceptional sum in a year when profits were £6 million.
