Clear advantage Casa Noastra

CLEAR ADVANTAGE

Casa Noastra is a leading European manufacturer of quality PVC insulated windows and doors. Philip Yorke reports on a dynamic company that is committed to producing ‘best-in-class’ products and to further global expansion.

Casa Noastra’s ‘QFORT’ brand is well known throughout Europe as a high quality range of insulated PVC windows and insulating glass. Established in 1994, the company began life as a distributor of PVC windows and doors manufactured in Romania. In 1995 the company took the strategic decision to start its own production of innovative products and systems for the manufacture of PVC windows, doors and insulating glass. Casa Noastra created its own quality brand, QFORT, in 2007 and followed this with a €30 million investment in the latest state-of-the-art production facilities, offices and logistics support.

Today the company operates three modern production facilities that cover an area of more than 21,000 square metres, with additional logistics capacities of over 10,000 square metres and a fleet of more than 300 vehicles. Casa Noastra has numerous logistic centres and re-sellers throughout Europe and currently employs over 1000 people. In 2015 the company recorded sales of almost €50 million.

Innovation driving sales

From the outset, Casa Noastra has adopted a policy of continuous investment in technology, research and development. During the last few years many new and innovative solutions have been launched by the company, including the introduction of a new type of roller shutter, versatile venetian blinds and highly efficient insect screens. Major investments have been directed into two channels: firstly towards building a new, purpose-built production hall and the purchase of cutting-edge equipment; and secondly, towards increasing capacity for the production of thermo-insulating glass, as well as increasing its manufacturing capabilities with regard to PVC frames.

This strategic investment programme has resulted in some very positive results for the company’s bottom line. The latest new product developments at Casa Noastra include a brand new range of window profiles, called ‘7 Stars®’, in which each profile will have seven chambers and a depth of 85mm. This high-tech addition to the company’s range will be launched early in 2017. Furthermore, each product will come with a comprehensive five-year guarantee.

Putting quality first

Thanks to Casa Noastra’s commitment to matching or exceeding the high standards already established in western Europe, its clients today benefit from the low labour costs and overheads prevalent in Romania, without sacrificing on product quality and reliability. The company uses the same high-quality raw materials as its competitors in France or Germany and, in addition, offers a far more costeffective pricing structure. Furthermore, in most cases Casa Noastra is able to offer a quicker and more reliable delivery service.

Furthermore, the company prides itself on being more flexible when it comes to accepting products which contain non-standardised elements and individual specifications. It works closely with its suppliers and partners to achieve the best possible outcomes and to supply consumers with precisely what they are looking for.

Winkhaus

Founded in 1854, Winkhaus has grown into a leading provider of high-quality window and door technology, with five facilities in Germany and international subsidiaries in eight countries. Today it is owned by the fifth generation of the founding family and is known as a pioneer in hardware for industrial use, as well as for its innovative window and door concepts. Winkhaus’s activePilot tilt and turn hardware is one of the best new fittings on the market with features including easy handling, modern design and durability. Its AV 3 multipoint door lock, with independently acting hooks for claw action and elements for a dynamic contact pressure, is also a market leader and has performed exceptionally well since its launch.

Winkhaus has become a main supplier to some of the largest window manufacturers in Europe, including, of course, Casa Noastra. Its activPilot hardware is applied in all Qfort tilt and turn windows, its door locks are used for Casa Noastra’s external door systems and its sliding hardware for the company’s patio doors. Winkhaus values its excellent relationship with Casa Noastra and hopes it will continue for many years to come.

Expanding global footprint

Recently, Casa Noastra has been focused on increasing its exports and global reach. Mr John Burada, the company’s Product Development Manager, said: “Over the next five years our goal is to achieve growth of a minimum 20 per cent, thus exceeding our €100m threshold.

“This year we have increased our number of agents in both Italy and France, and have already achieved a 10 per cent market share in Italy which puts us in second place in that particular market. The aim for next year is the consolidation of our current markets and to reach a 15 per cent market share in Italy. This is in addition to securing new agents and distributors in other countries located outside the European Union.”

Extensive product portfolio

Currently Casa Noastra’s QFORT offers an extensive range of products including PVC windows, which can be divided into three categories: 4Stars profiles with five air chambers and 70mm in depth; 5Stars profiles with five air chambers and 70mm in depth; and 6Stars profiles with five air chambers and 82mm in depth. In addition, the company offers A-Class PVC entrance doors which are also divided into four categories. These are Classic, Modern, Future and Elite, all of which can be provided with insect screens according to their different openings. Exterior roller shutters are available with a PVS casing, which is installed above the window or with an aluminium casing installed directly onto the window.

“We probably provide the widest range of products available on the market today, as well as offering a tailor-made service when required. The quality of our products is of utmost importance to us, especially with regard to their long life and sustainability. We also offer a five-year unconditional guarantee for our entire product range, unlike most of our competitors on the market,” said Mr Burada

With its on-going programme of investments and its commitment to quality and sustainability, the company certainly has the competitive advantage and as a result its future looks bright. n

For further details of Casa Noastra’s innovative range of products and services visit: www.qfort.ro.