Xpantastic!

Here comes a link to Noritake:
http://www.noritake-itron.com/SubPages/ProductsE/vfmodlcdcomp.htm

Let me quote again David Hawkins' answer from Noritake:

" Hello ..., we have a 1-row x 40 character x 5mm VFD glass and module available but they 
are totally different from the FG405A2 and FG405B2-9DM as on the latest products the 
Driver IC is built in to the glass envelope.  

I have attached the specifications for both the DN4015B VFD glass and the CU406-
KTW220A VFD module for your information. 

To try and build a 40 character display using other Itron products is not really practical, 
there is a significant amount of glass area between the display areas. It would look very 
strange unless you can split the message in two?  "

Here is an other manufacturer, if there is a need for change of color, for example:
http://tianma-europe.com/products/customdesignlcds/index.html

Cheers,
Tiitu.