HEPWORTH FRAMEWORK MANUFACTURES A RANGE OF ALUMINIUM PRODUCTS AT THEIR NEW BRIGHOUSE FACILITY

The date had been in the diary for some time and Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, set off for to visit Hepworth Framework and see their extended manufacturing facility and the new showroom at their Brighouse, West Yorkshire, base. What he wasn’t prepared for was to be greeted by John Collins and his family!

Prepping for a visit to any business inevitably involves scoping out the website and checking through any press releases that have crossed your desk. In this case the research was somewhat lacking such that Hepworth’s pedigree came as a surprise. This family-based company has been around for a long time and has extensive experience in the manufacture of aluminium doors and windows and is part of the JCI Ltd empire that includes timber products, retailer Vufold, and linked to composite doors with DoorCo. Over £1 million has been invested in this purposebuilt plant that caters for both the domestic and commercial sectors and includes new machinery, a product showroom and an increase in manufacturing staff as well as manufacturing space.

Aluminium is Hepworth Frameworks’ speciality and their work isn’t restricted to standard shapes. There was evidence of many curved frames as well as frames which involved curved glass, too. While their main customer focus is on installers and builders their abilities attract architects and specifiers who are looking for specific design expertise. As the MD, Richard Steckles said “With the right partner, you can reap far higher rewards with better sales conversions and profit margins too. We are here to help.”

As aluminium is more challenging to work with than PVCu a knowledgeable and reliable supplier is essential and talking to the people on the shopfloor as John Collins gave a guided tour, it was obvious that there was expertise aplenty! What was also interesting was how the bi-folds and patio systems were all glazed and fitted into rigs to prove fit and reliability prior to shipping. This is all filmed and salted away in case there are issues when fitting on site and Hepworth Framework can demonstrate that a specific product was in full working order before shipping.

Hepworth’s has been a long standing customer of Senior Architectural Systems’ products and this grew from the demand for commercial applications. Seniors is also used for domestic installations but Hepworth has added the Cortizo range to their offering to give them a range of products and price points, which is important as aluminium gains traction in the domestic residential market.

Hepworth’s showroom also contains examples of PVCu and composite door products they offer as a full service supplier.

This Open Day was attended by the Mayor of Calderdale, Councillor Angie Gallagher, who spoke of the importance of businesses such as Hepworth Framework who provided employment and an important service to the immediate area and beyond. She cut the ribbon declaring the new facility open and presented a cheque to the Brighouse Central Foodbank that Hepworth has chosen as their local charity in recognition and support for the important work they do in the local area.

Managing Director Richard Steckles summed up what the company was all about and why they have invested in this facility: “At Hepworth, our business is selling bi-fold and patio doors and windows to our trader partners, installers and builders, for them to install into extensions, renovations and new-builds. However, as consumers continue to build home offices and other multi-functional living spaces in 2023, aluminium is totally on-trend and represents an opportunity for growth.

Aluminium delivers more natural light through the larger glazing areas with its stronger but slimmer sightlines, creating light, bright spaces that consumers want. Not only does aluminium offer design flexibility, it is also sustainable and durable.

“This is great news for anyone making, selling and installing aluminium windows and doors but to gain the most benefit, getting the supply right is critical. And for that, you need to work with a reliable, professional, expert aluminium partner like Hepworth Framework. We have invested to provide exceptional products and service for our customers and our next investment is to open a trade counter.”