Fenestra Build Flipbook - July 2024 by Christina Shaw

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Welcome

TO THE JULY 2024 EDITION!

CREATION OF SKILLS ENGLAND NEEDS LONG-TERM SKILLS PLAN

The creation of the new body ‘Skills England’ to tackle the construction skills crisis, is a positive move by the new Government, but its success will be dependent on what it prioritises and having a long-term skills plan in place, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

The window industry sector and broader markets works closely with the organisation ‘ Building Our Skills’ and everyone is pulling together to ensure we have new skilled workers for our industry, but its a tough, slow process which each and every company should get behind and show our support.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB commented: “Over recent weeks the new Government has set out ambitious plans to get Britain building again, but this can only be achieved if the skills crisis is tackled. There is a serious shortage of all trades in the construction industry, with the result that we need additional 240,000+ workers over the next four years. The Prime Minister’s announcement to set up Skill England recognises the seriousness of the problem, but details about how Skills England will operate remain light. It will be vital that future delivery focuses on a long-term skills plan being put in place, and that plans to allow up to 50 per cent of the Apprenticeship Levy to be redirected into other forms of training don’t result in a fall in the number of construction apprenticeships available.”

As part of the Prime Minister’s announcement that the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (IfATE) will be amalgamated into the new Skills England, maintaining current skill levels, and increasing numbers further, must remain a key focus. It raises a question about what role the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) will play in this new system. We’re still awaiting publication of the Mark Framer performance review of CITB, which may help provide some clarity. The Secretary of State for Education should publish the report as soon as possible to ensure the industry has stability about its future training needs.

INTERPON POWDER

COATINGS HELP HYDRO

BUILDING SYSTEMS SPAIN

CONSTRUCT A NEW FUTURE IN SUSTAINABILITY

• Elegant, modern flush aesthetics

• Available in any RAL colour

• Complemented with a choice of contemporary glass designs

• Suites with the TriSYS® Modern framing system

• PAS 24 compliant

• 10 year warranty

THE SPOTLIGHT

USING ALUK QUIK CLIP™ ON BIFOLD DOORS AS STANDARD

Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade is now fitting the innovative AluK Quik Clip™ bead as standard across its aluminium bifold door range. Chris Reeks, Managing Director of Fentrade, said: “We chose the AluK Quik Clip™ bead for our bifold doors because it significantly streamlines the installation process. The intelligent design of the bead ensures installation is quicker and easier, providing substantial benefits to our customers.”

The new AluK Quik Clip™ bead offers a rapid, secure installation in just seconds, without the need for force or specialised tools. It maintains the door’s sightlines and provides flexibility if the glass is out of tolerance, allowing the sliding gasket to be easily replaced with a standard wedge gasket without changing the Quik Clip™ bead. Additionally, the bead can be removed as effortlessly as it is installed, ensuring there is no risk of damage to the glass.

The Quik Clip™ will be used on all bifold doors in Fentrade’s range which offers everything today’s installers need for a compelling bifold door portfolio.

Christina Shaw Editor M: 07805 051322

E: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk

Emma Champion Advertising Manager

M: 07508 263262

E: emma@fenestrabuild.co.uk

Justin Lazenby Finance Director / Press Release Enquiries

M: 07711 828710

E: justin@fenestrabuild.co.uk

Chris Champion Editorial Enquiries

M: 07850 267223

E: chris@fenestrabuild.co.uk

Jordan Beaumont Graphic Design E: jordan@identifywebdesign.co.uk

TEL: 01302 278756

FAX: 01302 247612

EMAIL: christina@fenestrabuild.co.uk

WRITE TO US: 19 Heather Close, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9UU

PAGE 13

REFURBISHED OXFORD STREET BUILDING CROWNED OVERALL WINNER AT SCHÜCO EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

PAGE 20

ENHANCING HOME

AESTHETICS: THE CHARM OF MECHANICAL FLUSH SASH WINDOWS AND THE DURABILITY OF UPVC SUSSEX DOORS

PAGE 23 FROM PIG SHEDS TO STELLAR BUNGALOWS

PAGE 27

HAFFNER LAUNCHES VILLAGE DISPLAY AT FIT SHOW 2025

Fenestra Build™ is a registered Trademark. The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Fenestra Build™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.

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PROTEQ10 GUARANTEE IS SIMPLIFIED

VBH, the specialist behind the greenteQ hardware range, has made improvements to the registration process for its proteQ10 profile cylinder anti snap guarantee.

Under the guarantee, which covers the popular greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder, consumers can expect a payment of £2000 should an Orion snap to allow a successful break in.

VBH has launched a completely new registration process to make it ‘even easier’ for the end customer to register their cylinder.

The information card that comes with each cylinder has now been updated to include a QR code that takes the customer directly to the registration page of a new website.

The easy-to-use site takes the visitor through the simple registration process in just a few clicks. Once registered, the cylinder’s 10-year anti-snap and function guarantees are activated. In addition, by setting a Key Security Password during registration, the user activates the free Key Security Scheme, which prevents additional keys from being ordered via the key number unless the password is provided.

Gary Gleeson, Marketing Manager at VBH, says, “We have had over 18,000 individual registrations since launching the proteQ10 guarantee and security scheme.

“These improvements to the key card and website make product registration easier than ever. greenteQ Orion is the obvious choice for installers and lock replacement specialists, as it is easy to explain the benefits of the cylinder and the process of registering for proteQ10 to potential customers.

“Once the cylinder is registered, VBH takes over responsibility for all dealings with the end user in the unlikely event of an issue, saving our customers the potential headaches and costs of call outs and providing replacement products.”

VBH can be contacted on 01634 263263 or by email at info@vbhgb.com.

• Choice of three-sided extension or four-sided freestanding garden room

• Choice of finishes and options for dwarf walls, full walls or defined heights

• Modular construction – ideal for access restrictions

• Installed on concrete pads –no extensive groundworks or foundations

• Construction in just three to five days including fitting the Leka Base, Leka Walls and Leka Roof System

• Superb thermal efficiency

• GRP construction eliminates woodworm or moisture absorption

• A range of internal finishes are available

ENDURANCE® DOORS EYES FURTHER NFA SUCCESS

After being named ‘Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year’ at the 2023 National Fenestration Awards (NFAs), Endurance® Doors looks set to build on its success with further recognition at the 2024 awards.

The manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors, as well as multiple members of its team, have been shortlisted in no less than eight separate categories.

Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, comments: “We were delighted with our success at the 2023 awards with Imogen Payne from our marketing department winning Young Person of the Year and the business winning Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year – an achievement of which we’re particularly proud given its specific relevance to what we do.”

The different categories at the 2024 NFAs where Endurance® Doors and its teams have been shortlisted are:

Composite Door Manufacturer of the Year

Manufacturer of the Year

BDM of the Year – Gary Baldwin

Director of the Year – Stephen Nadin

Office Manager of the Year – Kayleigh Startup

Social Networker of the Year – Imogen Payne

Young Person of the Year – Ben Dowell

Young Person of the Year – Joel Joseph

The nominations come after another strong year for Endurance® Doors.

Since the 2023 NFAs, the business has seen month-on-month sales growth and introduced multiple new products and installer partner support initiative.

INTERPON POWDER COATINGS HELP HYDRO BUILDING SYSTEMS SPAIN CONSTRUCT A NEW FUTURE IN SUSTAINABILITY

Hydro Building Systems Spain, a global manufacturer of aluminum profile systems, is extending its 20-year partnership with AkzoNobel and using the innovative Interpon Anodic range to give architects and designers more choice and flexibility than ‘traditional’ anodizing, with reduced environmental implications and cost.

As an Interpon Approved Applicator for many years, Hydro Building Systems Spain was already familiar with the support Interpon provides to its global operations. Now it was looking for further support to move away from anodizing, both because it had to be outsourced and because of its harmful effect on the environment.

Arantxa Oritz Barredo, Hydro Building Systems Spain Purchasing and Powder Management, says that with the Interpon Anodic range, Hydro can create the appearance of an anodized finish, but in a powder coating, and produce it in-house: “The metallic effect finishes we are capable of creating are superb, and very well-received by our customers,” she says. “The quality of finish is further guaranteed by industry-leading warranties, and Interpon’s accreditation to Qualicoat Class I and II.”

Hydro is respected for its pioneering work in sustainability and started working with AkzoNobel after building a new manufacturing site in Spain at the start of the new millennium. Today it offers a choice of more than 175 different Interpon powder coatings in a range of colors and finishes. The Interpon D team works closely with Hydro Building Systems Spain to ensure its finishes are always on trend, enabling the client to build its own library of additional, bespoke colors from which its customers can choose.

As well as multiple colors, Hydro Building Systems Spain also offers powder coatings with imaginative textures and finishes and different levels of durability. This is important to protect surfaces from some of the more challenging climates to which Hydro Building Systems Spain’s products may be exposed, ensuring their color integrity and performance is maintained for many years to come.

SCHÜCO MAKES SUSTAINABLE SWITCH WITH HVO

FUEL INITIATIVE

Schüco, a leading aluminium façade and fenestration systems supplier, has announced its latest environmental initiative: converting its entire fleet of diesel-powered haulage vehicles to operate on sustainably sourced Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) fuel.

The company anticipates that this move will save over 380 tonnes of carbon emissions in the next 12 months alone, based on its average mileage.

As part of the transition, Schüco has installed an HVO tank with a capacity of 19,000 litres at its Milton Keynes site, home to its UK warehouse, to ensure ample storage for the company’s fuel needs. The HVO fuel supplier is an approved Renewable Fuel Supplier under the Renewable Fuels Assurance Scheme (RFAS) and is International Sustainability and Carbon Certification (ISCC) accredited.

Schüco has also incorporated a Tecalemit fuel management system to allow an auditable trace of fuel drawn from the tank, for precise tracking of HVO fuel usage.

The switch to HVO comes with many sustainability benefits. HVO is made from renewable raw materials such as vegetable oils and animal fats which reduces dependency on finite resources such as fossil fuels and supports a more circular economy.

HVO is compatible with existing diesel engines, allowing for an easy and immediate switch without the need for additional infrastructure or engine modifications. It has a high cetane number, which can lead to better engine performance, improved combustion, and increased efficiency. It often burns cleaner than regular diesel, potentially leading to reduced engine maintenance and longer engine life due to fewer deposits and cleaner combustion.

Schüco researched various fuel options, deciding on HVO with its good storage stability for extended periods without degradation, unlike some other biofuels. Despite the higher cost of HVO compared to regular diesel, Schüco anticipates that as HVO becomes more widely available across the country, prices will decrease.

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REFURBISHED

OXFORD STREET BUILDING CROWNED OVERALL WINNER AT SCHÜCO

EXCELLENCE AWARDS 2024

The Parcels Building, located on Oxford Street in London, has been named the Overall Winner at the prestigious Schüco Excellence Awards. The awards, presented in association with Architecture Today, were announced at a celebratory lunch at The Pelligon, Canary Wharf, London on 27th June.

The event was hosted by architectural designer and television presenter, Charlie Luxton, for the fifth consecutive year. A prominent fixture in the industry’s calendar, the Schüco Excellence Awards showcase exceptional achievements in architecture and building envelope design.

Winners were announced across twelve categories after being judged against four key criteria: creativity, innovation, technical skill, and creative collaboration between design teams and specialist contractors.

Overall Winner, The Parcels Building was designed by Grafton Architects, in collaboration with specialist contractor Structura UK Ltd. The project also won the award for Refurbishment and Adaptive Reuse.

Originally built in 1957 on the corner of Duke Street and Oxford Street, the development gets its name from the historic Royal Mail post office tunnels that run beneath it. The project involved stripping the building back to its core and introducing a new, clean-lined classic façade to echo the iconic Selfridges building opposite.

The judges were impressed by the creative approach to reusing an existing structure, and the transformation achieved by the new façade, which enhanced both the building’s appearance and performance. They applauded The Parcels Building as an exemplar for revitalising outdated buildings on urban sites, and were further impressed that the scheme is targeting BREEAM Outstanding and on track to achieve net zero carbon.

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FENTRADE USING ALUK QUIK CLIP™ ON BIFOLD DOORS AS STANDARD

The Quik Clip™ will be used on all bifold doors in Fentrade’s range which offers everything today’s installers need for a compelling bifold door portfolio. It includes multiple configurations and opening options and can accommodate double or triple glazing, with standard and low threshold options available. Rollers have up to 5mm adjustment and will accommodate up to 120kgs, making them suitable for the widest door apertures.

The doors are available in a wide range of single, dual and anodised colour finishes, with hinges, rollers and guides offered in silver, black, white or grey with matching furniture to create a high-calibre aesthetic.

To open up even more opportunities, frames can be supplied as “flat pack” if there are access issues on site.

The introduction of the AluK Quik Clip™ reflects Fentrade’s commitment to its customers. Chris commented: “As an experienced fabricator, we’re always looking at ways to make life easier for our customers. The introduction of the Quik Clip™ is the latest example of our efforts to enhance our market offer.”

It’s this commitment to putting the customer first that is one of the reasons Fentrade continues to go from strength to strength.

www.fentradealuminium.co.uk

SAFEDOORS INTRODUCE THE AUTOLOCK AV4 FROM WINKHAUS

Safedoors, a leading provider of high-quality composite doors has further enhanced its doors’ security credentials with the introduction of the autoLock AV4 from Winkhaus.

Available on doorsets with pull bar handles and finger pulls, this high-quality automatic multi-point locking system takes door security and product functionality to the next level.

Steve Jones, Managing Director of Epwin Fabrication, said: “The autoLock AV4 has replaced Safedoors’ current auto fire locks when used in conjunction with pull bar handles and finger pulls. The AV4 automatically engages multiple locking points when the door is pulled closed, eliminating the need to lift a handle or use a key. It’s a high quality locking system which perfectly aligns with our reputation for offering product excellence.”

As you would expect from a high-security locking system, the autoLock AV4 is PAS 24:2022 compliant ensuring that Safedoors’ products continue to meet rigorous security standards. Additionally, the lock is Secured by Design approved, providing customers with added peace of mind regarding the safety and security of their homes.

Steve said: “We are committed to providing our customers with the highest levels of security and convenience, and the AV4 exemplifies this commitment. With its automatic locking functionality and compliance with industry standards, the autoLock AV4 sets a new standard for door security.”

Mike Rushen, Sales Director for Winkhaus uk, commented: “Winkhaus are privileged to have worked closely with Safedoors for over a decade now, with our high security multi-point locking solutions in use for over 90% of their product range. AV4 was unveiled to a very positive reception last year, and I’m proud to see that Safedoors has taken it on in our latest collaboration.”

The autoLock AV4 requires the lowest force to operate and has the widest installation tolerances, significantly reducing the need for lock adjustment throughout the door’s lifespan. This not only saves valuable time, but also minimises associated maintenance costs, providing a cost-effective solution and greater consumer satisfaction.

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STELLAR ALUMINIUM PROVIDES WOW FACTOR ON TWO HIGH-END BARN CONVERSIONS

Stellar Aluminium windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for the high-end conversion of two barns in High Roding in Essex. The products were precisionmanufactured by Prestige Aluminium Essex Ltd and meticulously installed by local installer V. Fullalove Installations Ltd.

Stellar Aluminium was selected for the project by the developer Chelsteen Homes because of its unique ability to deliver on all of the project’s demanding specifications.

Energy efficiency was a key feature of the conversion, with the barns using air source heat pumps and underfloor heating. Stellar windows and doors can achieve a U-value of 1.2 W/(m²K) with triple glazing, the regulatory standard for the new build space, which meant they had all the credentials required.

Aesthetics were a key consideration too, not least because expansive glazed elements were a central feature of the design. The system’s fully flush window option was used to deliver a sleek and understated appearance, while the Anthracite Grey colour used on both sides gave a crisp, modern finish. At the same time, Stellar’s exceptionally slim sightlines more than delivered on the remit to retain an abundance of natural light and put the spotlight on the surrounding countryside.

In total, Prestige Aluminium Essex and Fullalove Installations manufactured and installed 33 Stellar Fully Flush Casement Windows, four Stellar Slimline Bifold Doors, three Flush French Doors and three Flush Residential Doors. The centrepieces were two sets of bifold doors to the upper and lower front aspect, which added visual drama.

Prestige Aluminium Essex and Fullalove Installations worked closely with the main contractor to ensure a seamless installation, which took just two weeks.

Prestige Aluminium Essex is a distinguished family-owned and operated fabricator that has a well-deserved reputation for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality aluminium products.

ENHANCING HOME AESTHETICS: THE CHARM OF MECHANICAL FLUSH SASH WINDOWS AND THE DURABILITY

OF UPVC SUSSEX DOORS

This year Window Warehouse is excited to announce the expansion of its UPVC door range with the introduction of the ‘Sussex Door’. These residential doors feature mechanical joints and come in 21 traditional and contemporary designs. Customers can choose from 13 woodgrain laminated colours and matching outer frames.

The Sussex Doors are a cost-effective alternative to a composite door, offering a traditional look with mechanical mid-rails and mullions. They combine the look of solid timber doors with durability and low maintenance materials. These doors are extremely secure, strong, and robust, featuring full steel reinforced outer frames and sashes.

Security options include a multi-point lock or slam lock, Ultion high-security cylinders, and Evolution high-security hinges. Additionally, the Sussex Doors work with Kubu Smart Security which has been newly launched on their UPVC windows, ensuring homeowners can monitor the status of their entire home in real-time.

Window Warehouse proudly manufactures UPVC Mechanical Flush Sash Windows with a 70mm profile, and outer frames available in either 56mm or 72mm. Engineered for superior energy performance, these windows achieve U-values as low as 1.1W/m2K with triple- glazing and 1.4W/m2K with double-glazing. Window Warehouse prides itself on prompt and efficient service, offering a remarkable lead time of 7-10 days on standard foil profiles.

For those who prefer the sleek look of aluminium, Window Warehouse also manufactures flush sash windows in aluminium. These windows offer style and thermal insulation with a 70mm profile and U values as low as 1.4W/m2K. They feature 75mm edge sight lines and are fully secure with multi-point locking systems.

To learn more about Window Warehouse products, visit www.window-warehouse.co.uk, call 02392 327744 to speak with a sales team member or email info@window-warehouse.co.uk.

PROFILE 22 DELIVERS REQUIRED SPECIFICATION FOR RETIREMENT LIVING COMPLEX

Over 200 Profile 22 casement windows and over 100 doors have been specified and fitted at the Lavender Fields Care Village, a newly developed retirement living complex situated just outside Barmby Moor village in Yorkshire. The development includes a care home, 25 closecare bungalows and The Hub, a multifunctional facility featuring a bar, café, wellness centre, gym, hairdressers, nail bar/therapy centre, cinema, general store, post office, and multi-function room.

The main contractor for the project was Firecrest Construction Ltd. The window and door contract was awarded to Kingfisher uPVC Windows & Doors Ltd, an Epwin Window Systems Approved Commercial Partner. Given the extensive glazing requirements essential for maximising countryside views and ensuring thermal efficiency, the project demanded an experienced commercial fabricator. Kingfisher, an established business with over three decades of experience, was wellequipped to deliver exceptional results.

For this project, the windows and doors were manufactured using the award-winning Profile 22 system from Epwin Window Systems. The widely-specified system meets and exceeds all regulatory build requirements and can achieve a 1.2 W/m2K U-value as standard. When using a triple-glazed unit filled with Argon gas, U-values as low as 0.8 W/m2K can be achieved.

The system also brings market-leading structural strength and security. Profile 22 Casement Windows are PAS 24:2022 approved as standard and Secured by Design requirements can also be met where required, making it a compelling solution for projects of all sizes and sectors.

The PVC-U windows and doors were manufactured in Anthracite Grey on White to match the development’s aluminium glazed elements, providing a sleek and modern appearance.

Kingfisher’s installation team collaborated closely with Firecrest Construction, phasing the installation of windows and doors as the buildings progressed. In The Hub, Kingfisher installed 55 windows, 50 doors, nine curtain wall screens, and 19 aluminium doors. In the 25 close-care bungalows, the team installed 149 windows, 25 sets of French doors and 25 composite doors.

• Choice of welded or mechanically jointed options

• Wide variety of smooth colour or textured woodgrains

• Suitable for heritage and modern properties

• Choice of options for window personalisation

• Rapid quotation turnaround

• Expert technical support

• 30 years’ experience in sash window manufacture

FROM PIG SHEDS TO STELLAR BUNGALOWS

Stellar Aluminium windows and doors from Epwin Window Systems were selected for a truly astonishing property conversion – two former pig sheds in Ingatestone, Essex, have been converted into two luxury bungalows.

In total, 35 Stellar Flush Casement Windows and three French Doors were manufactured for the properties by Prestige Aluminium and installed by local installer V. Fullalove Installations Ltd.

Josh Fullalove, Project Manager at V. Fullalove Installations, said: “We recommended Stellar windows for this project because it ticked every box. We knew its aesthetics would bring the wow factor that would take the conversions to the next level. At the same time, it complies with the requirements of Part L and Part Q of Building Regulations as standard, so it’s an incredibly practical choice.”

David Kilworth, Managing Director of Prestige Aluminium, said: “We’ve worked with V. Fullalove Installations on a number of high-end Stellar Aluminium projects now. The system always adds value to a project, as these latest conversions so clearly show.”

Stellar Aluminium Flush Casement Windows are renowned for their high-end flush aesthetics. The patented knock-in glazing beads leave a clean gasket line that lifts the high-quality finish even further. In this project, the windows were manufactured in Anthracite Grey to provide a dramatic contrast to the original brickwork of the pig sheds.

From the Building Regulations perspective, Stellar has helped the properties achieve the required thermal and security performance requirements. It’s Part L-compliant by design, even in new build properties, thanks to the patented reverse butt joint. This innovation means there’s no need for dummy sashes, reverse profiles or adaptors which reduces the amount of frame and increases the thermal efficiency.

Prestige Aluminium is a distinguished family-owned and operated Stellar fabricator that has a well-deserved reputation for its expertise in manufacturing high-quality aluminium products.

V. Fullalove Installations Ltd is a family-run business with over 30 years’ experience in window and door installation services throughout Essex and its surrounding areas.

Experts in Hardware

Our people are the heart of Carl F Groupco, and we know that our customers value buying from reliable and proven experts.

THE FASCIA PLACE LTD NOW OFFERING YALE SENSCHECK™-COMPATIBLE PRODUCTS

AS STANDARD

Epwin Window Systems customer The Fascia Place Ltd has announced that all Profile 22 windows and doors manufactured by its in-house fabrication division, Our Factory, are now Yale SensCheck™-compatible as standard.

Mark Lilley, Head of Sales and Marketing at The Fascia Place Ltd, said: “The decision to add SensCheck™ will bring even more value to our PVC-U window and door offering and give our customers a competitive advantage.”

All 14 of The Fascia Place’s branches will have an active onsite SensCheck™ display so customers can see the technology for themselves. Mark commented: “The audience in our branches tends to be builders and consumers. We often see builders bringing their customers into our branches to look at different window and door options. Having a fully operational SensCheck™ display will demonstrate the high security and useability of the technology. As such, it will offer an excellent upselling opportunity for our customers.”

Yale SensCheck™ will be supplied via Safeware, the specialist hardware division of Epwin Window Systems. Paul Hinds, National Sales Manager at Safeware, said: “We’re delighted to be supporting The Fascia Place and working with the team to help them continually add value to their offering. Yale SensCheck™ notifies homeowners via the Yale Smart Living app about the status of their doors and windows, indicating whether they are open or closed, locked or unlocked, and if the windows are in the night vent position. It is also compatible with leading voice partners Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing homeowners to use commands like ‘Alexa, is my front door locked’ or ‘Alexa, is my bedroom window open?”

The Fascia Place has been manufacturing Epwin Window Systems’ award-winning Profile 22 system since 2022 and is delighted by what the system has brought to its business. Mark commented: “We have worked with Epwin Window Systems for two years and our sales have grown year on year as a result. The quality of the system is exceptional and is well received by customers.”

A LONGSTANDING PARTNERSHIP

Sterling PVCu Ltd, one of the North West’s largest window and door fabricators, has highlighted the value of its 25+ year partnership with independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco.

Dave Mulholland, General Manager at Sterling PVCu, said: “Strong supplier relationships are the cornerstone of our business. We truly value the quality of the partnership with Carl F Groupco and the benefits it delivers.”

Dave highlighted the synergy between the two businesses: “The collaboration between Sterling PVCu and Carl F Groupco is all about delivering quality. We have built our business by offering quality windows and doors, while Carl F Groupco provides superior hardware solutions. Together the partnership adds value to our products and benefits our customers.”

He noted that the strength of the relationship also extends to the level of support Carl F Groupco offers, saying: “We also benefit from the high level of added value service they offer, in particular their testing assistance. The experienced team supports us throughout the entire testing process, from hardware selection advice to onsite fit-ups and pre-test preparations. It’s an end-to-end testing package that is invaluable.”

John King, Sales Director at Carl F Groupco, said: “Sterling PVCu has grown to become one of our largest customers and are a great example of how a fabricator can leverage maximum benefit from a partnership with us by making full use of the resources we offer. We are proud of the strength of our relationship and the mutual value it brings to both businesses.”

Sterling PVCu was established in 1993 and is dedicated to delivering high-quality windows, doors and conservatories in PVC-U, aluminium and composite profiles. The company operates three dedicated factories in Warrington, manufacturing and installing high-quality products for the trade and domestic markets.

Dave concluded: “Over the years, we’ve grown to manufacturing over 2,000 frames a week. Carl F Groupco has supported us throughout this growth and remain integral to our ongoing success.”

Carl F Groupco is one of the industry’s longest-established names in hardware. Its business success is founded on the strength and longevity of its relationships with customers, as displayed by its longstanding partnership with Sterling PVCu.

HAFFNER LAUNCHES VILLAGE DISPLAY AT FIT SHOW 2025

Award-winning machinery supplier Haffner Ltd has announced its ambitious plans for FIT Show 2025. Spanning 565 sqm including the bridging gangways, the Haffner Village will showcase its vast range of cutting edge machinery. Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner said: “We had the largest stand in the show in 2023, and we’re going even bigger in 2025, with a ‘village’ of stands! We’ve taken such a large space because FIT is a key platform for us – a powerful forum to showcase everything our machinery has to offer.”

Nickie West, FIT Show Event Director, said: “Haffner has supported every single FIT Show since its inception in 2013 and always bring innovation, quality and technical expertise to our fabricator audience. We’ve been working closely with the team to align our campaigns for FIT Show 2025. I’m excited to announce the launch of the Haffner Village at FIT Show, the largest stand in the show’s history, occupying a whopping 565 sqm. More will be revealed over the coming months, culminating in the unveiling of the Haffner Village next May.”

The Haffner Village will consist of three adjacent stands, each dedicated to showcasing one of Haffner’s machinery groups, Haffner, Graf Synergy and Fom Industrie.

Haffner designs innovative, high-quality engineered machines at some of the most competitive industry prices. Graf Synergy is world renowned for its patented seamless weld technology that gives fabricators a quality advantage. Fom Industrie specialises in high-quality automated machinery helping fabricators in the aluminium space. Together, the three stands will create a unique village of cutting-edge machines, demonstrating the collaborative strength of Haffner’s offer.

Matt said: “The theme of FIT 2025 is ‘We fit together’. We’re looking forward to showing how we work closely with fabricators of all sizes and to find the machinery solutions that’s the perfect fit for them.”

Each stand will feature key machinery, with live demonstrations running throughout the three-day show, to showcase the powerful impact automation can have on fabrication efficiency and output. Matt said: “Our machinery demonstrations are always very popular because they are the best way for fabricators to see what a difference automation can make to manufacturing processes.”

from Total Hardware

• Modern, stylish and slimmer aesthetics

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• 10 year mechanical and surface finish guarantee on powder-coated finishes The premium-quality Apex Door Handle delivers an elegant yet robust design helping fabricators and installers differentiate their offer.

EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS TO EXHIBIT AT EDUCATION ESTATES®

Epwin Window Systems has announced it will be exhibiting at Education Estates®, the UK’s largest exhibition focused on the funding, design, build, maintenance and management of schools, colleges and universities.

The systems company has exhibited at the event on several occasions. Jonathan Reece, Head of Commercial Sales at Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are thrilled to be returning to Education Estates® again this year. It’s a valuable opportunity for our specification managers to talk to stakeholders in the education estates community, including policy makers, designers and educators about our multiple systems and services and what they have to offer. We’ll also have product samples on our stand so visitors can take a closer look at their benefits.”

He continued: “The event is a key resource for attendees to gain valuable insight and practical knowledge from experts in the sector. We are looking forward to being able to share the wisdom of our experience, as well as discuss upcoming projects and opportunities.”

Epwin Window Systems has a near-50 year track record of supporting the education sector, a longevity that few can match. Its systems, Profile 22, Spectus and Stellar Aluminium, have proven public sector pedigrees in both new-build and retrofit projects. They are designed to play a critical role in helping educational establishments provide high quality learning environments and deliver the performance levels required to help them meet decarbonisation and Net Zero targets. For example, Stellar Aluminium Flush Casement windows were recently used in the refurbishment of a Surrey college because they were able to meet or exceed the specification, including meeting the requirements of the Department for Education’s Standards for School Premises. The 113 Stellar windows were manufactured to achieve a U-value of 1.4 W/m2K, with solar glass used in the south elevation windows to prevent solar gain and glare.

Projects also benefit from the expertise of a highly experienced specification team that provides comprehensive support from start to finish.

ENDURANCE® DOORS BOOSTS SALES SUPPORT PACKAGE

Endurance® Doors has enhanced the already comprehensive range of sales support it offers its installer partners.

The manufacturer of solid, secure, and stylish composite doors has published a new and comprehensive 148-page brochure.

The new brochure, which is the brand’s largest to date, makes it easier for installers to showcase the Endurance range and for homeowners to choose from an ever-growing portfolio of door styles, colours, glazing and door furniture.

The new Endurance® Doors’ brochure also combines the best of off and online media in order to deliver maximum benefit and value.

Smartphone scannable QR codes allow users to complement their on-page experience with easy access to complementary digital resources such as videos, online door designers and 3D product imagery viewable from 360°.

Speaking of the new brochure, Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance® Doors, said: “Our commitment to offering high quality sales support to our installer partners is relentless and we never stop looking for new avenues and opportunities to help them generate enquiries – and to convert those leads into physical orders.

“The introduction of our new and biggest ever brochure adds to an extensive package of value adding assistance that already includes help with digital marketing, the supply of showroom materials, and access to useful assets such as installation photography and video case studies.”

Summing up, he adds: “The new Endurance® Doors’ brochure reflects the aspirational nature of our range as well as the fact that a new door is a major investment with huge impact on the overall kerb appeal of a property. Thanks to its high quality design, inspirational imagery and use of premium print methods and materials, our new brochure compels people to pick it up and learn more.”

CARL F GROUPCO APPOINTS ALEX MACINTOSH AS NEW CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco has appointed Alex Macintosh as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), succeeding Owen Coop following his appointment as Chief Executive Officer (CEO).

Alex held senior finance positions both within and outside the fenestration industry. He holds a professional accounting qualification and a diploma in business and will oversee all finance-related activities at Carl F Groupco, including business planning, budgeting, forecasting and negotiations. His proven expertise will be instrumental in driving the company’s continued growth and success.

Alex said: “I am delighted to have joined Carl F Groupco, a company with such a strong heritage and track record. I’m looking forward to working with the management team and beyond to continue taking the business forward.”

Owen Coop, CEO, commented: “As I know from my own experience, the role of Chief Financial Officer is critical in a successful organisation. Alex has all the credentials we were looking for and brings a great deal of valuable experience to the business.”

Carl F Groupco is one of the only independently-owned hardware distributors in the UK, supplying an extensive range of premium quality window and door hardware to the fenestration industry throughout the UK. It also offers a genuine commitment to customer service, advice and product solutions.

As Carl F Groupco continues to evolve and adapt to the demands of the market, the appointment of Alex Macintosh highlights the company’s dedication to business excellence and sustained growth.

Email: sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk