Window News November / December 2120

8

Securing The Supply Chain

52 Aluprof Launches A New GFT System

84

High Five For NFA Award Winning Morley Glass

W CONTENTS

W INDOWNEWS THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS

TRADE NEWS 4 VIEWPOINT 30 DEAR GERALD 40 PEOPLE 42 PRODUCT NEWS 48 SOFTWARE 65 MACHINERY 70 ON SITE 72 AWARDS 84 MARKETING & INTERNET

88

CHARITY 96

You can now receive your industry news in a range of formats: Newscast, Website, Social Media, and a magazine. So whatever your preference is for catching up with the latest innovations and news in the industry, there is a Window News format to suit everyone.

We aim to keep readers up-to-date with the latest industry news, trends, technical innovations and suppliers. Our web format means that we can be in the right place at the right time – wherever that may be.

The contents of Window News are provided for general use only and do not constitute general advice and should not be relied upon.

Views/opinions, replies and specific advice expressed by external persons are not necessarily those of Window News and are not subscribed to by Window News.

To see the full terms and conditions please visit: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-disclaimer/ Privacy Policy: http://www.windownews.co.uk/window-news-privacy-policy/

Publisher Gerald Batt Tel: 01255 850245 E-mail: gerald@windownews.co.uk Editorial E-mail: edit@windownews.co.uk Production E-mail: production@windownews.co.uk Copyright © 2021 97 Pole Barn Lane Frinton-on-Sea Essex CO13 9NQ

www.windownews.co.uk

Cover picture: Luxury Market Doors From Nüevo Home, read more on page 50 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 3

TRADE NEWS

Employees At 100% Ahead Of The Curve

this, a Forum is made up from staff and directors with the aim of improving the company and discussing new ideas. Companies with employee ownership often see greater productivity, reduced absenteeism, increased revenue, and higher profitability. These successes also tend to continue over time, as the motivation of employees continues to build.

Force 8 has always been a family business and is extremely successful under the guidance of Dennis Sumner the managing director. After receiving many attractive offers to buy the company Dennis decided that the EOT (employee-owned trust) was the best way forward for Force 8.

In the case of Force 8 100% of the shares will be within the trust.

Each qualifying member of staff (who has worked for Force 8 for over 12 months) will also receive a tax-free bonus each year based on the company profits. Part of the company restructure has meant that Carol Swindles has been promoted to production manager and Lisa Mottershead is now on the board of directors.

The EOT format is prevalent in the scientific and research sectors, but is rarely seen in manufacturing, which means Force 8 is breaking new ground within the market.

FORCE 8 Stay Over the years Force 8 has grown and adapted to the current market trends with their profile bending and unique range of composite doors. They are now taking a giant leap forward by radically changing the company structure into an employee-owned company.

“Some of our staff from shopfloor to office have been with us for over 20 years”, comments Dennis. “I wanted to make sure

that the future of the company was secure, and most of all that the staff felt secure. Buy-outs and take-overs, although very generous did not offer the security I was looking for, I wanted to make sure that the workforce was looked after, as they are the main asset for the company” said Dennis.

An Employee-Owned company is one where over 51% of the shares are held in a trust for the benefit of all employees The trust which oversees the management of the company includes shop floor representatives and one non-working independent person. The trustee board must meet certain legal requirements and ensure that the company is always acting in the best interest of all the employees. Alongside

4 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

“As far as we are aware, we are the first within our industry to take this step”, comments Lisa Mottershead. “This has ener-

TRADE NEWS gised and inspired the work force and created a lot of new opportunities, as well as increased productivity and customer care.

Who would not want to deal with a company where every employee is totally committed to providing the best quality products and services? Dennis will be staying with the company during the transition and into the future to help guide the company to future success” continues Lisa.

Modular Group Investments (MGI) Completes Acquisition

of Barton Windows The transaction closed on 14 October 2021. MGI were advised by Hempsons (legal).

At the heart of the new company format along with the workforce, will be the customers. This new structure will ensure the continuity of the company and give customers peace of mind over the long term, with the company building on its previous success.

“It’s already created a multitude of quality control experts, and a host of new ideas to help improve productivity “, comments Carol Swindles.

Michael Garratt, founder/CEO at MGI said: “I am pleased to add Barton to our group and look forward to future acquisitions that can add huge strategic value. This opportunity significantly increases our aluminium product portfolio which will better serve our customer needs. We are delighted to be working with the experienced team at Barton and look forward to a promising future together”

“I could never have imagined how well an EOT would work for Force 8, and I’m looking forward to being part of this exciting new venture” comments Dennis.

Leading law firm JMW Solicitors LLP and Clarke Nicklin accountants advised Force 8 on the deal. They are both specialists in company transitions to employee ownership and were on hand throughout the process to help and advise.

Sara Bluston, Senior Associate at JMW Solicitors, said: “Force 8 is a successful, ambitious business and we are pleased to have been able to guide the team as it enters its next chapter as an employee-owned company.”

In an industry where staff and skill shortages are starting to bite, Force 8 has found what it believes is a unique and long-lasting solution to the problem. www.force8.uk

Michael Garratt founder CEO at MGI

Modular Group Investments Limited (MGI), a rapidly growing group focused on acquiring businesses around the off-site manufacturing sector has completed another acquisition this year with the purchase of the entire share capital of Barton Windows Limited, a 35-year-old aluminium fenestration business based in Barton-upon-Humber North Lincolnshire.

The latest acquisition continues to diversify MGI’s customer base and adds huge synergistic value to the group whilst also complementing MGI’s existing aluminium product portfolio of cladding and decking branded ‘Euralite’ launched only last month.

Nick Cowley, MGI Group MD commented: Barton Windows provides MGI with a new route to market and customer base within construction. The products supplied by Barton interfaced with our own Euralite aluminium system will create a complete envelope system for our clients, providing them a total solution from a dependable supplier.

Chris Butters, Chair at MGI stated: Barton represents a timely acquisition and is highly accretive to earnings due to the organic growth opportunities that are available between our subsidiary operations, once integrated these will represent a strong product portfolio for customers and a broader-base for our colleagues to work within. This is a logical deal that integrates businesses with good legacy characteristics and a proactive approach to customer expectations.

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 5

TRADE NEWS

Part L Round Table – Available

To Download Now AluK’s Part L Round Table, held at its London Design Studio on 5 October, was the latest in a series of initiatives by the aluminium systems company to try to increase awareness of the changes on their way to the Building Regs.

Recorded as a podcast, which is available to download now via www.alukgb.com/learning/fhs or the usual podcast outlets, it covered everything from whether the changes coming to Part L have been communicated well enough, to the design and manufacturing implications, and of course the likely costs.

The round table panel comprised: Sioned Roberts and Dale Pegler from AluK, Gareth Allen from Saint Gobain, Craig Bryant from Maco, Ryan Johnson from Emplas, Kevin Jones from the GGF, John Miles

from Assent Building Control and Mark Taylor from architects Allies and Morrison. Each contributed a different perspective on the likely implications of the proposed two stage reduction in U-Values between 2022 and 2025, and there was plenty of discussion and debate on who would be required to pay for that.

In terms of themes to emerge, there was general agreement that not enough had yet been done to communicate the likely changes to either the specification or manufacturing sector, and also a consensus that there will need to be better collaboration right across the industry in order to develop holistic solutions which solve the challenges posed by what are quite significant reductions in U-Values.

6 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

On the question of whether it meant a wholesale shift towards triple glazing in the future, most on the panel agreed that, at this point, it seems inevitable; with Dale Pegler from AluK, Gareth Allen from Saint Gobain and Craig Bryant from Maco all reporting that their businesses were making plans for that.

And, when it came to costs and how the industry will recoup the investments that will be required, the onus was firmly on finding a way to pass these on to homeowners – with a communications programme required to explain the changes happening in windows and doors.

There are some very interesting contributions on the podcast from Kevin Jones at the GGF and John Miles from Assent Build about possible transitional arrangements, potential conflict between the new Part L on thermal performance, Part F on ventilation, Part Q on security and what is expected to be named Part S on overheating.

All the details and the link to download the podcast are at: www.alukgb.com/learning/fhs

TuffX Continues

TRADE NEWS

Long-Term Investment With 30,000Ft² Expansion Plan And New Machinery

Alex Gray, managing director of Blairs

Blairs Become SBD Accredited

Glass manufacturer, TuffX, has applied for planning permission to increase its Knowsley premises by a further 30,000ft² in the latest stage of its extensive, long-term expansion plans. Combined with its existing 80,000ft² facility, the proposed addition will bring the total factory area to a substantial 110,000ft².

The move, made in response to continuing high demand for TuffX’s products, follows the addition of an extra 10,000ft² of factory space earlier this year, allowing the company to ramp-up production of its increasingly popular Infinity range of rooflights and walk-on glass units.

Further investment to ‘future-proof’ the business comes in the form of new machinery including a third cutting line, a fourth glass furnace, a second screen printing machine and a third insulated glass (IG) line.

This comes after the purchase of a new Bovone SLE machine, made earlier this year, as well as recent investment in a state-ofthe-art Glaston RC Series furnace and Bottero cutting line, as part of TuffX’s ongoing commitment

to increase both throughput and efficiency.

Managing director, Graham Price, said: “We’re making this latest investment in our premises, which we hope will be completed by Autumn 2022, to keep up with the continuing demand for both our processed glass products and our popular Infinity range. This, combined with our further investment in machinery, will allow us to continue offering TuffX customers the efficient, high-quality and reliable service they know, expect and deserve, despite the challenging market conditions the industry is currently facing.”

With a consistent track-record of investment in recent years, the new developments form the latest part of the leading toughened glass specialist’s long-term plan for growth. As well as factory expansion and machinery purchases, this has included the recruitment of more staff and the addition of three new 13-tonne Mercedes trucks to the TuffX fleet, bringing the total number of TuffX vehicles on the road to 34. www.tuffxglass.co.uk

Blairs Windows & Doors, a Kömmerling manufacturing partner and part of the Saveheat Group, has announce that they have joined Secured by Design, which is the official police security initiative that works to improve the security of buildings and their immediate surroundings to provide safe places to live, work, shop and visit.

Founded in 1913, Blairs Windows & Doors have developed a long-standing reputation for quality windows, conservatories, and door sets. With over 100 years industry experience, they produce superior timber, aluminium and PVCu products that are unrivalled in quality and design, claims the company. Blairs supply to contractors, general builders, and individuals, and have a wealth of knowledge to help guide clients and specifiers through design, planning, procurement and fabrication stages, alongside their Blairs approved installers.

Being recognised as having Secured by Design accreditation means that Blairs Windows and Doors products have been successfully tested and certificated to BS 7412/PAS24:2016. This important new certification also matches that of sister business within the group, Merlin Network, who are based in Dalgety Bay, Fife. blairswindows.co.uk www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 7

TRADE NEWS

Securing The Supply Chain With the boom in replacement door and window sales across the industry, it has never been more important to work with companies who can offer a robust and secure supply chain.

This is the view of Chris Pell, general manager at Total Hardware, who commented: “The measures we’ve taken to protect our customers from the supply chain disruption that’s affecting the entire industry are making us an appealing choice of hardware supplier.”

He continued: “As a result, we’ve seen astonishing sales growth in recent months, with some of our product lines increasing by over 100% year-onyear as we continue to support our customers with the rapid rise in window and door hard-

ware demand.”

As Chris says, Total Hardware has taken a number of steps to support its customers during this unprecedented surge in demand.

For example, it has extended its Leeds headquarters by 20%.

This has allowed the company to increase stock levels considerably to keep pace with demand. It has also recruited new staff and purchased new operational machinery to ensure quick and accurate order despatch.

The company says it has also benefited from its robust business model. It has built strong relationships with some of the leading worldwide hardware manufacturers, which have

8 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

been invaluable in keeping communication channels open.

It provides a quick quotation turnaround and its investment in the business means it has been able to maintain its ability to offer reliable next day deliveries nationwide.

According to Total Hardware, the company offers a comprehensive range of products across all price points, including its own ranges. Its Quantum range of premium hardware for windows and doors is aimed at fabricators who want to differentiate their own product range, while for customers working in the premium end of the domestic market the Superior 25 door hardware is a popular choice.

Chris concludes: “There are huge opportunities in the market at the moment. There are also huge challenges. To succeed, you need to partner with suppliers who can mitigate the challenges so you can rise to the opportunities. That’s exactly what we’re doing for our customers at Total Hardware.” www.totalhardwareltd.co.uk

from

£350 per leaf

bi-fold door

15%

INTRODUCTORY

DISCOUNT*

REVOLUTIONARY

CLIP BEAD

TECHNOLOGY

QUOTE CODE:

WNK02

With PAS 24 Security AS STANDARD, patented clip bead delivering the fastest glazing time. Trickle vents positioned in frame - no need for extenders! Full bearings and stainless steel hardware for the smoothest glide every time. All with a 10 year manufacturer’s guarantee.

Delivering the best products, with the best service, at the best price Contact Made for Trade for a Kwikquote today

madefortrade.co

sales@madefortrade.co | 01642 610799

*Discount applies to all trade customers and applied to the first, single item purchase only of the Korniche Bifolding Door

TRADE NEWS

PAS2030 Accreditation

For The Window

Company (Contracts)

Specialist commercial installer The Window Company (Contracts) has achieved PAS2030 accreditation, which is a requirement for installing windows and doors funded by any of the government’s energy efficiency schemes targeting retrofit projects. The company says, with only around 5% of UK window and door installers estimated to hold PAS2030, the company has joined a fairly exclusive club.

While the Green Homes Grant has been withdrawn from the domestic market in readiness for alternative plans aimed at greening the UK’s existing housing stock, landlords and housing providers in the commercial sector can still access funding through various government schemes, including the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund (SHDF).

David Thornton, chairman at The Window Company (Contracts), said: “Many of the social housing landlords we work alongside are actively now accessing the eco-funding streams, so PAS2030 will potentially give us a significant advantage in securing new work and strengthening our position as one of the best partners in the replacement and retrofit markets.

We certainly see it as being an important addition to our existing raft of accreditations, which includes ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001.”

More details at: www.thewinco.co.uk

Granada Secondary

Glazing Enjoys Record-Breaking October Granada Secondary Glazing, posted record-breaking trade sales figures in October 2021, marking the most successful October in the company’s 38-year history.

The Sheffield-based organisation, which provides secondary glazing products to its UK-wide base of trade and commercial partners, smashed the previous October record which had stood since 2016.

During the same period, Granada has enjoyed a staggering year-onyear trade sales increase of over 50% when compared to 2020.

The record-breaking achievement has been largely attributed to the launch of Granada’s new product range, which was officially unveiled in August. The new range, which features ultra-slim sightlines, additional product variations and an expanded glazing selection, has received good reviews from Granada’s trade and commercial clients alike.

In addition to the launch of the

10 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

new range, Granada took the decision to embark on an aggressive digital marketing strategy following the introduction of a new website in June, designed to proactively generate homeowner sales enquiries throughout the UK. Proving to be a huge success, the combination of pay-per-click advertising, email marketing and further search engine optimisation resulted in a 27% increase in sales leads from October 2020 to October 2021.

Zoe Grafton, trade sales manager at Granada Secondary Glazing, said: “The response we’ve had to the new range has been fantastic, and it’s great to see this now fully reflected in our sales figures.

“We worked incredibly hard to put together a revitalised suite of products that offered our customers a sleek and stylish secondary glazing solution. We look forward to many more record-breaking months in the near future.” www.gsecg.com

TRADE NEWS

Modplan Reports Significant Growth In Patio Door Sales Trade fabricator Modplan has reported considerable growth in its patio door sales. Heidi Sachs, managing director of Modplan, commented: “Our customers tell us that retail sales of patio doors remain very strong at the moment as homeowners look to upgrade and improve their spaces. The quality, turnaround and versatility of our sliding door offer ticks all the boxes for our customers.”

Modplan manufactures the Veka PVC-U patio door system and its versatility is a strong selling point.

The system is available in two, three and four pane options. The maximum size for a four-pane door is 5,400mm x 2,200mm, which delivers the huge expanse

of glass that is so popular with homeowners.

The doors are available in sculptured or chamfered options and are compatible with all Modplan’s Veka manufactured products.

There are 29 colour combinations, giving installers confidence to promote a wealth of choice when it comes to colour. There are handle choices too, including high-quality stainless-steel options if required.

Modplan says security is exceptional and the doors have a stainless steel, multi point, Yale locking system as standard. A secured by Design option is also available.

nered with Veka for 25 years because they are consistently at the forefront of window and door system design and allow us to manufacture the value-added products our customers need to grow their businesses. The patio door system is the perfect example.”

Heidi commented: “We’ve part-

www.modplan.co.uk

Distinction Doors Receives Council Recognition For Investment

Cheetham said: “We’re delighted to see the investment that Distinction Doors have made into their facility. What they have managed to achieve is fantastic for them but fantastic for the borough as they’ve created so many jobs for people.

“We know there are plans for them to take this further with additional investment and we’ll be there to offer further support to them.”

Andrew Fowlds – Distinction Doors CEO, Cllr Tim Cheetham, Helen Lovack – Distinction Doors HR director, Andrew Copeland – Distinction Doors general manager, Cllr Robert Barnard, Paul Johnson – Enterprising Barnsley.

Distinction Doors has welcomed Cllr Tim Cheetham, Cabinet Spokesperson for Regeneration and Culture to its Tankersley site in Barnsley in recognition of its ability to embrace automation to increase business productivity.

of Barnsley Council, Distinction Doors has benefited from Lean factory planning and manufacturing process improvement support to develop its facility to work efficiently as possible, increase profit margins and create over 40 new jobs within the last three years.

With the assistance of Enterprising Barnsley, the business support arm Speaking at the visit, Cllr

Helen Lovack, HR director for Distinction Doors said: “We’re very pleased to welcome Cllr Cheetham to Distinction Doors. Enterprising Barnsley is extremely supportive and proactive, with their backing we have grown and developed our business even during these challenging times. Staff at all levels have benefitted from the new processes and the positive impact is felt throughout the business and by suppliers and customers.” www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 11

TRADE NEWS

New £66 Million Framework Seeks Specialist Window And

Door Contractors For Public Sector Projects PVC-U and timber window and door manufacturers, suppliers and installers are being sought for a new four-year framework for public sector projects.

The Windows and Doors framework (WD2) from LHC allows local authorities, social landlords and other public sector bodies to source PVC-U and timber products and end-to-end design services for both residential and non-residential projects.

WD2 combines LHC’s previous PVC-U products (U10) and timber products (T4) frameworks and will also extend its scope to include aluminium clad timber windows.

Each workstream will offer standard and enhanced performance options in preparation for the inter-

stall high quality PVC-U and timber windows and door products.

“There is a huge emphasis on quality and it is the majority factor in whether a company is appointed to the framework. As part of this, third party evidence of product performance will be mandatory, with emphasis on u-values, durability and lifecycle costs.”

The framework has three lots as follows:

im uplift to Part L regulations being enforced from June next year, and the full Future Homes Standard regulations expected in 2025.

Dean Fazackerley, head of technical procurement, said: “Sustainability is top of the agenda for local authorities and housing associations. This framework is designed to help them meet the forthcoming, enhanced Part L regulations and the Future Homes Standard by providing a pool of pre-approved companies that can supply and in-

Lot 1 – Manufacture, Supply and Installation of PVC-U Windows and Doors Lot 2 – Manufacture, Supply and Installation of Timber Windows and Doors Lot 3 – Manufacture, Supply and Installation of Aluminium Clad Timber Windows For further information on the WD2 framework and to register interest, visit the LHC website www.lhc.gov.uk

CMS Group Chooses Stellar Aluminium From

Epwin Window Systems For CMS Trade Division CMS Group, facades and window provider, has selected Stellar from Epwin Window Systems to be the aluminium system for its CMS Trade division. Commenting on his company’s choice of aluminium system, Stephen Anderson, Managing Director of CMS Group, said: “Stellar is designed and developed by Epwin Window Systems – a byword for product innovation in the retail sector. It is cost-effective while offering high minium sector and their decision quality and consistency that’s to partner with Epwin Window difficult to match.”

Systems is testament to Stellar’s qualities.”

Mark Austin, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Epwin Window CMS Group undertook an exSystems, said: “We are delighted acting research process to make that CMS Trade chose Stellar. sure Stellar was the right aluThe company is undoubtedly one minium system for their trade of the heavyweights in the alucustomers, including trialling the 12 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

products through its own manufacturing processes. Stephen Anderson commented: “We liked Stellar’s unique flush aesthetics, which will appeal to today’s design-conscious consumers.

We were also impressed with the system’s excellence in design at every level. The aluminium experience and credentials of the in-house Epwin Window Systems’ team offered a further level of reassurance.”

Stephen Anderson commented: “Reliable service and premium product quality are consistently cited as our customers’ two most important requirements – and that’s exactly what our trade factory delivers.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk

roof lantern

10%

NEW TRADE CUSTOMER

FASTER FIT

DISCOUNT*

STRONGER WARMER

QUOTE CODE:

WNKO1

SLIMMER Supply & install the multi-award-winning aluminium Korniche Roof Lantern. Fitted in minutes, glazed in seconds. The strongest lantern in class, available up to 3x2.5m in four glass panels and a maximum size of 6x4m

Delivering the best products, with the best service, at the best price Contact Made for Trade for a Kwikquote today

madefortrade.co

sales@madefortrade.co | 01642 610799

*Discount applies to all trade customers and applied to the first, single item purchase only of the Korniche Bifolding Door

TRADE NEWS

COP26 Hydrogen Tour Stops In The North West As

Pilkington Runs Whole Furnace

On A Hydrogen Blend

Change Conference (COP26) in Glasgow. The DGA’s goal – with the support of members, Hydrogen Now, the UKHFCA and BEIS – is #GettingNetZeroDone.

Matt Buckley, Managing Director of Pilkington United Kingdom Ltd, part of the NSG Group, said: “We are proud to sit at the forefront of hydrogen innovation in the glass industry. Our team’s collaborations with HyNet and HyDeploy are enabling huge steps forward to be taken, as we work towards the decarbonisation of our activities.

“Both trials have successfully demonstrated that it is possible to use hydrogen to safely and effectively fire a float glass plant. We now look forward to HyNet being fully up and running from 2025 in order to turn these demonstrations into reality.”

Leaders gathered at Pilkington UK in St Helens, Liverpool City Region last month, to drive the conversation around hydrogen marking the North West ‘stop’ on the Decarbonised Glass Alliance’s (DGA) Hydrogen Roadshow.

The event brought together HyNet and HyDeploy project team members with industry and local stakeholders to discuss the region’s innovative hydrogen activities and development. Home to glass-making since 1826, Pilkington UK’s Greengate site in St Helens has recently undertaken two ground-breaking demonstrations of using hydrogen to replace natural gas.

Recently announced was the exciting news that Pilkington UK has just completed a pioneering project using a blend of hydrogen with natural gas in the furnace, running for a full five-day period.

The successful demonstration proved that the full furnace could be run safely on the hydrogen blend, without compromising on quality standards or operational performance. Each day during the trial, two tonnes of hydrogen were consumed – which could have provided an equivalent hydrogen blend to approximately 30,000 average-sized homes.

This new demonstration follows on from the news that, back in August, Pilkington achieved a global first by firing 100% hydrogen in part of the furnace.

The event marked the latest leg of a UK-wide roadshow, demonstrating the role that hydrogen will play in helping meet the UK’s target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Launched in Westminster on 18th October, the ambitious national tour, led by the DGA, will run until 27th October, ending the weekend before the UN Climate

14 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Speaking about the Roadshow, DGA chair Chris Barron said: “Hydrogen can help us meet the UK’s ever-pressing need for net zero carbon emissions, safely, at low cost, with minimal disruption, and while creating thousands of sustainable jobs across the country.

“It has a particularly valuable role to play in the hard to decarbonise sectors – transport, industry and heat. As a nation, we rely heavily on these industries, but they account for 40% of UK greenhouse gases. We must work together to create a deliverable pathway to a net zero energy infrastructure.”

Elaborating on the hydrogen innovation being demonstrated in the North West, HyNet’s Project Director David Parkin said: “For industry to play its part in the UK’s drive to Net Zero, we must tackle our carbon emissions from gas.

HyNet is working across the North West and North Wales regions to provide our vital industries with low carbon hydrogen, enabling them to flourish through our energy transformation. These demonstrations are proving to industry

TRADE NEWS that the switch to hydrogen is not only possible, but just around the corner.

setting the region on course to be the world leader in clean energy innovation.”

“HyNet will bring employment and economic growth to the North West region, kick-starting a low carbon hydrogen economy. We are focused on reducing emissions and protecting the North West’s existing 340,000 manufacturing jobs and creating over 6,000 new, permanent jobs,

Cllr Andy Bowen, Portfolio Holder for Environment and Transport, St Helens Council, said: “I’m delighted to be here today to join the DGA roadshow. It’s a real opportunity for the DGA to see what’s happening here in the borough and for us to learn from them about the benefits of hydrogen

and the decarbonisation of the gas supply sector.”

The roadshow, which uses a hydrogen car to travel between stops, is currently making its way around the country, visiting multiple ground-breaking projects along its route, to drive greater sustainable energy conversations among the local community, regional industries and political stakeholders.

Firstly, many of the jobs being fitted now or over the next couple of months were sold before suppliers implemented a string of price increases. It means jobs could be fitted at drastically reduced margins or even at a loss in some cases.”

Cashflow Crisis Could Be Looming, Says Insight Data Insight Data’s CEO and industry consultant, Andrew Scott, warns that the industry could face a cashflow crisis over the next few months.

“As an industry, we’ve been focused on managing supply-chain issues and employment headaches caused by the pandemic and Brexit, and managing customer expectations in extremely difficult circumstances.

“But it may be time to go back to the fundamentals of business and cashflow management as we approach Christmas and New Year.”

an installer survey during the recent Glazing Summit Conference.

“Secondly, many installers have amassed huge order books where homeowners have paid large deposits months ago, providing a significant and artificial cashflow bonanza which in some cases has been used to prop-up the business, mitigate margin erosion or fund larger stock levels and work-in-progress.”

Andrew says now is the time to re-visit cashflow forecasts and budgets and take prudent business steps.

“The industry has never faced a situation like this, and we all know “The data shows consolidation how quickly cashflow can swing, with the number of installers and especially after a few weeks of PVC-U fabricators declining.

Christmas/New Year slow-down This can be good news, with less or bad winter weather. Installers competition companies are windon’t have the option of factoring ning more business but there are or invoice discounting so planning some underlying issues that could ahead now could avoid a potencreate some real problems over tial disaster, especially as supplithe next few months” ers are less likely to be flexible.”

Presenting at the Glazing Summit Andrew outlined how installers had large order books and many were fitting jobs now that were sold 4 or 5 months ago (or longer).

Andrew revealed the latest industry facts and figures and results of “There are two problems here.

This is an extract from the full Insight Data Report 2021, which will be available shortly.

Interested parties can register to receive a copy at www.insightdata.co.uk/reports/

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 15

TRADE NEWS was important that this exercise focused on evolution, not revolution. It had to mark the progression of DoorCo as a business but retain our identity that has been with us from the beginning and is still important to us today.

This is represented by the Co in DoorCo.

DoorCo Reveals Brand Evolution DoorCo MD Dan Sullivan unveils the brand evolution the company has recently undergone: “Over the last decade DoorCo has grown to become a serious player in the UK composite door market. When a company goes through such exponential growth, you would expect it look different. DoorCo may be bigger, but it is also better than ever before. We strongly believe this is because the foundations of our business have remained consistent: the fundamental beliefs and behaviours set out back at the beginning, still underpin everything we do today.

“A big change this year has been the creation of our house of brands, developed to give individual identities to our prod-

ucts under the DoorCo umbrella.

Creating these separate brands gives them personality so they stand out from the crowd and appeal to customers with different tastes and requirements. But it is what sits at the top that is the most important factor, and following the work done with our creative partners to launch our two new products Gripcore and Flip, we were inspired to look at how DoorCo itself is represented.

“DoorCo is still essentially a composite door component supplier, and while our company name might be obvious, it is synonymous with what we do and the reputation we have developed. This is as much our brand as our logo is and therefore, it

16 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

“Although the visual identity has been modernised, our logo has been given a facelift with a new font and colour scheme, we’ve added a new tag line – ‘Whatever it takes’ – which aligns with our attitude and indicates what you can expect from dealing with DoorCo, and we have developed stamps and idents that show we’re proud of the quality of our products and services, the same core logo remains. This is because for us, the Co represents a set of principles that we live and work by. The foundations of what makes us, us and the cornerstones of our business. These are our compass and include values like Conscientious, Committed, Collaborative, Considered, Connected, Consult, Complete, Communicate and Committed.

“For the last 18 months we’ve all been at ‘code red’. New customers that have joined DoorCo since March 2020 probably aren’t aware of what we truly stand for, so the rebranding has given us an opportunity to take stock and re-group, and most importantly remind everyone of the spirit that built DoorCo. Our foundations are what has seen us through a very turbulent period and has enabled us to emerge stronger. It’s time to re-establish the ground rules and set the compass to take us on to the next level.

“Our compass and the meaning behind our values, and our brands are all demonstrated on our new website, that has been given a full overhaul in line with the new brand.” www.door-co.com

VISOGLIDE PLUS SLIDING DOORS

10%

FIRST ORDER INTRODUCTORY DISCOUNT QUOTE CODE WN-VG01

GET A QUOTE TODAY THERMALLY BROKEN ALUMINIUM Slim profile, Lipped outer frame, Sobinco locks

INDUSTRY LEADING CUSTOMER SERVICE Comprehensive install guide & support

LARGE SASH WIDTHS Up to 6.4m wide in 2 panes. 2-4 panes available

SLIMMER STOCK COLOUR CHOICE Uninterrupted Sight Lines

White, Anthacite Grey & Black, Dual Colour

FROM

SUPPORT

2 WEEK LEAD TIMES The best trade lantern

Reliable safe site delivery www.madefortrade.co Tel: 01642 610799

find us on facebook

* Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply * Per leaf price is unglazed and may vary depending on size and specification of the door. Lead time is based on a standard colour. Postcode restrictions apply * Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Smart Visoglide Plus Sliding Doors | Image for representation ony * Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Smart Visoglide Plus Sliding Doors | Image for representation ony

TRADE NEWS

BMBI Reports Continued

Strong Year-On-Year Growth The latest report from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) reveals that builders’ merchants’ July sales were 14.5% higher year-on-year, with two less trading days. Average daily sales in July were up 25.5%.

Total merchants value sales were helped by Timber & Joinery Products (+42.4%) recording its highest ever monthly sales since the BMBI report began. Kitchens & Bathrooms (+13.9%) chalked up its highest sales for 12 months.

Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+10.4%) and Heavy Building Materials (+8.9%) also performed well compared to the same month a year ago. Only Tools (-1.5%), Landscaping (-1.6%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-29.5%) sold less, although the latter two categories saw significant Covid-related growth this time last year.

Compared to July 2019, a more normal pre-pandemic year, total merchant sales in July 2021 were 13.1% up, with two less trading years this year. Much of this growth was driven by just two categories – Timber & Joinery

Products (+44.6%) and Landscaping (+23.4%).

After a bumper June, total merchant sales were 3.8% lower month-on-month with one less trading day in July. Kitchens and Bathrooms, and minor categories Services and Miscellaneous increased marginally (+1.1%), while Timber & Joinery Products was flat (+0.1%). Other categories sold less than the previous month including Heavy Building Materials (-4.2%), Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-8.1%), Landscaping (-12.9%) and Workwear & Safetywear (-17.0%).

July’s BMBI index was 151.1 with strong performances from Landscaping (204.8) and Timber & Joinery Products (199.8).

Seven other categories exceeded 100, including Heavy Building Materials (136.8), Ironmongery (129.2) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (126.5).

John Newcomb CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation comments: “The year-on-year figures show the post-Covid recovery continuing strongly, but

18 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

historically high levels of demand are testing the supply chain and manufacturers’ and shippers’ capacity to the limit. Supply shortages and lengthening lead times in particular product categories are constraining project starts and completions, and the supply chain has sustained a wave of significant product price rises. However, with no sign of an easing in these unprecedented levels of demand, merchants are exceptionally busy and positive while they keep Britain’s builders building.”

Developed and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.

July’s BMBI report, published in September, is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Fentrade Reflects On Reasons For Growth Director of Fentrade, commented: “We are delighted to be seeing this growth, which is partly due to existing customers placing bigger order volumes with us and new customers joining us.”

It’s been an impressive year of growth for aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade. Overall, turnover is up 40% year-on-year, with several areas of the business seeing triple figure growth. Chris Reeks,

Reflecting on why customers choose Fentrade, Chris comments: “We’re always keen to deliver above and beyond for our customers. When we ask them what they value about our service, they tell us it’s our hands on approach and attention to detail that makes the difference.”

The company also prides itself on its customer communication. “We all know about the supply chain challenges at the moment,” says Chris. “We believe in keeping an

open dialogue with our customers so they know exactly when their orders will arrive and can plan accordingly. We know they find this transparency very useful.”

As well as the strength of the service, Fentrade customers also benefit from an impressive product range across all sectors. It partners with renowned industry brands such as AluK and VBH Greenteq and manufactures a full range of aluminium windows, doors, bifolds, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products.

The entire industry has seen impressive growth in the past year, but, as Chris concludes, customers still have a choice where they place their business. “Customers vote with their feet. We’re proud that so many customers old and new are placing their trust in us.” fentradealuminium.co.uk

The Joedan Group’s Five Design Centres

To Trade As Joedan Windows & Doors The Joedan Group is gearing up for an exciting rebrand – which will see all their Design Centres trading under the same name of Joedan Windows & Doors.

ed from founders John and Nicky Purcaro’ s two children Joseph and Daniella – a testament to their strong family values.

The family-run business, which has a renowned 35-year history designing, manufacturing and trading in bespoke aluminium windows and doors, will rebrand three of their five Design Centres.

Newport Isle of Wight, Winchester Hampshire and Orpington Kent, will follow Tewkesbury Gloucestershire and Bournemouth Dorset in bringing all the Design Centres under one name of Joedan Windows & Doors.

Founder John Purcaro said: “Due to a period of significant growth, we believe that now is the right time to bring the Design Centres under the Joedan name.

The decision is the perfect opportunity to revitalise the Group and will not only strengthen our commitment to our staff, but will also reinforce our continued investment, unique product placement and dedicated service to our customers.”

First launching in Tewkesbury in 1985, the Joedan name originat-

With plans to officially launch the rebrand in January next year, the move will involve all five Design Centres and more than 204 employees in a project which will see new signage installed both externally and internally, to include new marketing material, new website, new uniforms and new livery into 2022.

John added: “We look forward to bringing our dedicated staff along with us on what will be a fantastic journey and would like to reassure our loyal customers that they can still expect to experience the high standard of professionalism and service that makes the Joedan Group an industry leader.” www.joedan.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 19

TRADE NEWS

Supalite

Maintains 2-Week

Lead Time

Despite Supply

Chain Disruption

While some companies across the industry have had to extend lead times due to supply chain chaos, SupaLite has maintained its twoweek lead time for customers.

The conservatory roof manufacturer has managed to continue to provide excellent service levels while bringing in an influx of new business and enquiries.

Managing Director Steve Hacking said: “Companies have been continually struggling due to the creaking supply chain, with their customers suffering due to extended lead times at a time when demand needs to be met.

“But thanks to the relationship we have with our supply chain partners, we haven’t been as affected, which has meant we have been able to maintain our two-week lead time for our customers.

“With many fabricators and installers dealing with customers demanding urgent fittings, we have always understood the vital role we play in making sure their service levels don’t drop.”

SupaLite’s £300,000 investment in a new Haffner machining centre last year, and the continuing strengthening of its workforce, has also allowed the company to increase its productivity levels. www.supaliteroof.co.uk

Mercury Rising

In Sliding Door Sales Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing has announced a tenfold increase in demand for its popular aluminium sliding doors. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury, explains: “As a specialist aluminium window and door fabricator we offer our customers the reassurance that they are working with an expert business when it comes to the manufacture of high-quality aluminium sliding doors. As the boom in the sliding door market continues, we’re becoming the obvious partner for installers and builders looking to tap into this growing market trend.”

Steve reports that the sales growth comes across the entire aluminium patio door range that the Gloucester-based business offers, including wide-span sliding doors.

Steve comments: “In the domestic sector, more and more consumers are discovering what sliding patio doors have to offer when it comes to the trend for big expanses of glass. The aluminium sliding patio door delivers on this trend better than any other option as the con-

20 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

struction allows for wider glazed panels, up to 3000mm wide, and fewer vertical frames to break the view, which customers find appealing.”

The company manufactures the Cortizo 4700 aluminium patio door, which delivers superb energy efficiency and thermal retention with contemporary aesthetics at an attractive price point. Steve says: “Our aluminium patio doors are suitable for both commercial and residential projects and we have recently offered an introductory price of just £500.00 per pane, which is proving popular with customers.”

Since 2020, Mercury has doubled its turnover and remains well on track to meet its growth strategy over the next three years. Having opened their second bespoke manufacturing unit, the company has made a sizable six-figure investment in automated machinery and recruited several high-level appointments to their talented 60-strong team. www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

VISOFOLD 1000 BI-FOLD DOORS

10%

NEW CUSTOMER DISCOUNT QUOTE CODE WN-B01

EASY INSTALLATION Market leading trade Bi-fold Door

LARGE SASH WIDTHS Up to 1200mm wide

STOCK COLOUR CHOICE White, Anthracite Grey, Black & Dual Colour

PRE-HUNG & SLIMMER QA CHECKED

Uninterrupted Sight Lines Safer site delivery

SUPPORT

Competitive pricing, reliable, The best trade lantern fast lead times

www.madefortrade.co Tel: 01642 610799 * Discount applies to new trade customers and first, single item purchase only of the Visofold Bifolding Doors

find us on facebook

TRADE NEWS

As The Skills

Crisis Worsens,

Automation’s Time Is Now

Edgetech managing director Chris Alderson argues that, for IGU manufacturers, automation is the only long-term solution to the ongoing skills crisis.

It’s been looming for decades – but it looks like it’s the painful combination of Brexit and coronavirus that will finally tip Britain’s skills shortage into a full-blown crisis.

Back in January 2019, the British Chambers of Commerce released a report claiming manufacturing was facing the worst skills shortage in 30 years.

Having conducted a wide-ranging survey of UK manufacturers, they’d found that an alarming

81% were struggling to recruit and retain experienced staff.

Really, that should’ve been a wake-up call for everyone in the sector – a sign that, without urgent action, the skills shortage wouldn’t just severely hamper its prospects for growth, but seriously affect its ability to operate at even the most basic level.

But it was something we’d all heard a thousand times before.

We all knew it was a problem – but it was one we’d learned we could repeatedly kick into the long grass without much consequence. The sector would muddle through, because it always had.

22 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

A crisis waiting to happen But this was of course before what will almost certainly be looked back on as the two defining events of the decade – Brexit, and the arrival of Covid-19.

The scale of the challenge was already enormous. A third of the British workforce is aged 50 or over, meaning that millions of the country’s most experienced workers will retire in the coming decade.

But since Britain officially left the EU in January 2020, an estimated 1.2m foreign workers have left the country. Around 90,000 Bulgarian and Romanian workers have returned home, and, according to jobs site Indeed, there are 36% fewer EU citizens looking for work in Britain than there were pre-Brexit.

The impact has been enormous, and felt in virtually every sector.

The lack of qualified HGV drivers has been especially damaging – the managing director

TRADE NEWS

Getting A Handle

On Deliveries

Edgetech’s managing director, Chris Alderson

of supermarket chain Iceland recently revealed it was seeing between thirty and forty deliveries cancelled every day for that reason.

And given that the government is rejecting calls to relax its post-Brexit immigration rules to try and ease the skills crisis, the Confederation of British Industry is predicting the current severe labour shortage could go on for two years.

Against that backdrop, I think it’s time that our sector, and many others, started to take a very serious look at automation.

Futureproofing the IGU industry In glass and glazing, the arguments for automation were already extremely strong.

By far, it’s the best long-term strategy for boosting productivity and improving quality in IGU production.

Switching to a high-speed automated Super Spacer line can yield savings of up to £180,000, and increase output by 18%, all while requiring less than half the

number of operators.

But in the years to come, those gains will become even greater.

The severe labour shortage we’re experiencing at the moment will inevitably lead to wage inflation – with more vacancies than there are qualified workers, the price tag for finding and keeping quality personnel is bound to significantly increase.

In five years’ time, your wage bill for the same number of employees could be 20% higher – let alone if you want to grow.

It’s been a tough time lately for the industry, which is why online builders’ merchants Door Superstore, part of the CMO Group, is helping its trade customers get back on track with free delivery and next day delivery options available on a wide range of doors and hardware.

As part of the retailer’s commitment to exceptional customer service, Door Superstore has made it easier than ever to choose, purchase and install products from across its 14000 strong range of internal and external wooden, glazed and composite doors, and accessories.

For greater quality, efficiency, productivity and a long-term solution to a skills shortage that’s going to get much worse before it gets any better, we encourage you to do the same.

The superstore’s current offers include free delivery on all orders over £150+ VAT, and next day delivery on a range of door lining sets, locks, handles and both internal and fire rated doors. Further discounts are currently available, with 5% off all orders over £500 and 10% on orders over £1000.

Whether you need inspiration or help with installation, the Door Superstore website also features a variety of how to guides and technical articles, with the team’s customer service advisors on hand to provide support from start to finish.

www.edgetechig.co.uk

www.doorsuperstore.co.uk

At Edgetech, we’ve seen interest in embracing automation soar over the last year. Prospects and customers who previously saw it as a ‘nice to have’ are reassessing their priorities, and making investing in automated lines a key part of their expansion plans for the years ahead.

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 23

TRADE NEWS The Residence Collection officially appointed Window Ware as its approved Regal Hardware distribution partner, that, coupled with our own positive experiences and their industry-wide reputation for reliability, sealed the deal for us! We decided it was the right time to streamline our supply chain and move all our hardware sourcing to Window Ware.”

This move couldn’t have come at a better time for Stedek, as Residence’s new hardware distribution partnership with Window Ware gave them and other Residence Collection fabricators exclusive early access to the new Regal Hardware Mark II handle 5 months before its general launch to market this autumn.

Andy Young, Stedek’s Operations Manager (left) and Richard Bryant, Window Ware’s Commercial Director

Stedek Switches Up With Window Ware

When fabricator Stedek switched its manufacturing to the Aluplast system late last year, they turned to Window Ware for the full hardware support they needed to ensure a seamless transition and uninterrupted production, even in the face of soaring demand and supply challenges caused by the pandemic.

Today, the midlands-based company not only sources all the hardware for its Aluplast products from Window Ware,

but also, more recently, for all of its Residence Collection offering too.

Andy added: “We have built our reputation on providing Residence excellence and delivering flawless products to our customers. Being able to offer exceptional hardware like the enhanced Mark II handle in advance ensures we can continue to deliver the superior levels of quality we’re after.”

Richard Bryant, commercial director at Window Ware, said: “We are absolutely thrilled that Stedek have chosen Window Ware to be its primary provider of hardware for the Aluplast and Residence systems.”

“When we switched profile, we needed a new hardware supplier we could rely on,” explained Andy Young, Stedek’s operations manager. “We’d been buying some products for our Residence Collection doors and windows from Window Ware since 2018 and we had always received exemplary service.”

“Taking on a new fabricator during a time of shortages is never easy, but the solid relationships we have with our supply partners put us in a strong position to meet their hardware needs even if the supply chain gets a bit bumpy! Regular and open dialogue with Stedek helped to make the transition to a new profile as seamless as possible for them and ensure their production lines carried on running smoothly.”

“Then in April this year, when

www.windowware.co.uk

24 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Benefits without compromise with TOTAL70 Our TOTAL70 window and door system achieves the highest possible energy ratings and performance. With two aesthetic options to choose from, TOTAL70c (chamfered) and TOTAL70s (sculptured), REHAU opens up a world of choice to complement any style of property.

Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.uk/windows

TRADE NEWS

Deceuninck UK Processes More Than A Million Linear Metres Of Foiled Product In One Month Deceuninck UK has underlined its position as the UK’s leading supplier of foils and colour by processing more than a million linear metres of foiled product in September, claims the company.

Designed to process highly complex profiles and delivering an exceptional quality of finished product, they have further enhanced Deceuninck’s colour offer and its ability to supply more than 30 different colourways from stock.

“And as soon as that has been selected and despatched, orders are automatically raised with our production department to replace the profile that’s been sent out,” continued Rob. “We are replenishing our stock, rather than manufacturing to a just in time model.”

Operating six foiling lines, each dedicated to a specific product type, Deceuninck is also able to supply an additional 20 colours in just 15 working days.

The systems company has invested significantly in its manufacturing capacity, including a multi-million pound spend on new extrusion lines and an additional Luna R automatic profile lamination machine.

Part of a dedicated, state of the art foiling facility at Deceuninck’s 140,000ft2 facility in Calne, Wiltshire, the latest Luna R machines represents the cutting edge of lamination technology.

to Amazon. Orders are placed remotely, through Deceuninck Online, and as soon as they come in, we are able to access the stock that’s required from our warehouse, so there’s no additional lead time.

Deceuninck MD, Rob McGlennon

“Demand for colour has increased massively and our customers can benefit from that because we are able to supply them with product ‘off the shelf’,” said Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck UK. “We operate a similar model

26 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

“We know from our research with YouGov that homeowners want colour, but not all installers have been able to take advantage of that because they’ve been increasingly compromised on the price and availability of foils from their supplier,” said Rob. “For our customers that’s not the case, on average they are selling twice as much colour as their competitors, and for some it represents as much as 60% of their total order volume. It’s proved to be a key driver for growth,” he concluded. www.deceuninck.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Wigan Council First To Go Green With Device That Helps Saves Tenants

Energy, Money, And Cuts Carbon Emissions gets, while also bringing benefits to our tenants.

“Thermocill was a really good fit for us and our tenants, bringing the potential to reduce a tenant’s heating bill by 8%, which is significant given the pending rises in energy costs.

“There are huge benefits to the fabric of the property, the environment and the individual tenant so we feel it’s a no-brainer for us.”

L-R Dave Lyon (Assistant director for environment, Wigan Council), Paul Barton (Director for environment, Wigan Council), Angie Brabbs (Scheme manager, The Rowans), Keith Rimmer (Inventor, founder and chief executive, Thermocill), Councillor Susan Gambles (cabinet portfolio holder for housing, Wigan Council)

Social housing tenants will potentially save energy, slash their fuel bills and reduce their impact on the environment after Wigan Council became the first in the UK to install a pioneering device made from recycled materials.

The device, which is passive, requiring no input from the householder, is fitted beneath any windowsill located above a radiator and designed to create a wall of warm air in front of the window.

Windowsills in council properties across the borough will be fitted with Thermocill, an eco-friendly device designed to enable a room to heat up quicker and, at the same time, reduce energy use.

News about the introduction comes as forward-thinking Wigan Council celebrates its first Go Green Fest in the run-up to UN climate change conference COP26.

The device, which is independently verified by the Energy Saving Trust, is set to be installed in 2,000 homes every year and will assist the forward-thinking council in reaching its goal to be net carbon neutral by 2035.

About 2,000 of Wigan Council’s 22,000 houses become vacant every year. Thermocill, which is made from recycled materials, will be fitted in these properties as part of usual refurbishment work carried out before new tenants move in.

Wigan Council has taken delivery of its first batch of the innovative product from Thermocill Limited, based in Altrincham, and said the benefits made it a “no-brainer”.

Paul Barton, director of environment at Wigan Council, said: “It was important for us to find a solution that would help us work towards our carbon reduction tar-

The wall of warm air created by the Thermocill reduces both the amount of cold air entering the house and the amount of warm air leaking out via the windows, warming up a room 19% quicker according to the company. Reducing condensation and moisture on windows means less damp and improved air quality, safeguarding the health of residents, and protecting the condition of the property.

Thermocill is working with Wigan Council to train its in-house teams in fitting the device, which will be installed in every window situated Continuede on page 28

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 27

TRADE NEWS above a radiator. The council is also exploring a link-up with Wigan and Leigh College to potentially incorporate the training into its existing apprenticeships.

Mr Barton said: “The many benefits of Thermocill, the fact that it is made of recycled materials and the lack of disruption to the tenant when balanced with the affordability of the product really impressed us. Although we are starting with 2,000 homes in the first year, we’d like to see it installed in every one of our properties – that’s our aspiration.

“We’re a very pro-active council that has prioritised addressing the effects of climate change and Thermocill is a welcome boost to us ultimately achieving our targets.”

Keith Rimmer, inventor, founder and chief executive of Thermocill, said the partnership with Wigan Council was a key step in Thermocill’s journey and a recognition of the benefits.

Thermocill is scientifically proven by the scientists and engineers at Salford Energy House and the University of Manchester.

He said: “We are delighted to announce our work with Wigan Council, which will see thousands of people benefit from warmer homes for lower energy costs. We have worked closely with the council to deliver this landmark order, which will contribute to the Wigan borough fulfilling its climate change strategy.

“We are now interested in linking up with other councils to help them explore the benefits of installing Thermocill in their properties.”

Wigan Council’s Go Green Fest, taking place 11 to 15 October, is an online festival highlighting the council’s progress and actions taken by businesses and residents across the Borough to help tackle climate change.

Morley Glass Triples

Post-Consumer Glass Recycling Capacity

Kevin Murphy, Morley Glass general manager and Lee Glover, batch plant and cullet recycling manager

The UK’s largest manufacturer of Screenline integral blinds will be recycling more post-consumer glass and supporting more local good causes than ever following the installation of new state of the art automated machinery to process waste glass collected from Uni-Blinds installers.

The new plant commissioned

by Morley Glass at its HQ and factory near Leeds replaces its pioneering ‘Crush’ machinery, which has been retired after two reliable years of service. The new machine is designed to be smarter and more productive through automation, extracting a larger amount of annealed glass out of the frame.

This eliminates some of the more time consuming and labour-intensive stages of the glass recycling process to enable larger volumes to be handled. Through a process of separation and crushing, the glass is turned into cullet which can then go straight into the manufacture of new glass, whilst spacer bars and any other materials are channelled off into a separate waste stream.

This first stage recycling process is a joint initiative between Morley Glass and Saint-Gobain Glass

28 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

whereby recycled glass cullet is collected in half tonne bags for use as a raw material in the production of new glass. Since the initiative started in 2019, more than 670 tonnes of glass cullet have been produced which has saved more than half a million tonnes of ‘virgin’ sand from SaintGobain Glass’s manufacturing process.

But the benefits of recycling post-consumer glass in this way go far beyond saving our sand reserves. Using waste glass in place of virgin raw materials also reduces the amount of energy needed in production, which means that 199,000 tonnes of CO2 has been saved already – that is the equivalent of 332 ‘energy years’ for an average UK household.

Morley Glass goes even further, however, to make sure the value of the recycled glass cullet can be utilised to fund environment initiatives across West Yorkshire through its GreenVision Fund.

This enables local organisations involved in environmental improvement and green micro initiatives to benefit from individual grants of £500 to support the work they do.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “We’re thrilled that we can now handle three times the amount of recycled glass that we could previously, helping the industry take another important step forward in terms of sustainability. But equally important will be our increased ability to support more green initiatives than ever as the size of our GreenVision Fund grows with recycling volumes – it’s a win-win.” www.morleyglass.co.uk

Innovation comes built-in

Morley MD, Ian Short

Integral Blind Company

New Product: SV+ & Pleated Blind

Best Use of Video

Social Networker: Charlotte Gilbert

HIGH FIVE FOR NFA-AWARD-WINNING MORLEY GLASS

Young Person: Charlotte Gilbert

Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd Unit 3 Leeds 27 Industrial Estate Bruntcliffe Way Leeds LS27 0HH

morleyglass.co.uk 0113 277 8722 sales@morleyglass.co.uk

VIEWPOINT

Stocking Up On Colour Window News visits Deceuninck UK’s Calne headquarters.

It’s certainly no secret that over the past year, issues within the supply chain have caused headaches for many companies across the industry. But why is it that

long-held philosophy of supplying customers from stock, rather than manufacturing to order, it was simply a case of enhancing this aspect as demand began to rise.

some have coped better than others?

Recent OTIF figures from Deceuninck of 90% (only down from 97% pre pandemic), would appear to back this up. And with turnover predicted to reach a record £50m+ this financial year, the company appears to be more than ‘on track’.

Deceuninck UK managing director, Rob McGlennon, believes the systems company has been ‘better placed than many – if not most’ to ride the storm. With a

One aspect Rob is clear about is where the success is coming from: colour. In recent years Deceuninck has firmly believed that coloured profile is key to ena-

30 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

VIEWPOINT

bling their customers, and their customers’ customers, to make better profits from discerning consumers keen to differentiate their properties with a unique and coordinated appearance.

In recent consumer research commissioned by Deceuninck and carried out by YouGov, 75% of surveyed consumers thought that choice of colour was important in shaping their buying decisions, and 96% declaring that a match to the overall appearance of their property was also key.

Although there is no denying that while white, in volume terms, is still the predominantly preferred

colour across the UK (43% within the survey), it is easy to see how colour offers a tangible point of differentiation when it comes to price.

So how important is price in current market conditions? Well, according to the YouGov survey it was significantly less important for older homeowners. Only 56% cited price as a prime consideration in the over 55 age group as opposed to 68% in the 35-44 age category. The older generation saw buying from a trusted source as a greater priority.

And with house prices showing an annual average increase of 13.2%

from June 2020 to June 2021 (HM Land Registry figures), Deceuninck do not believe the wheels are about come off – at least not yet.

During a recent press event at Deceuninck’s Calne headquarters, a tour around the huge warehouse facilities – courtesy of production director Darren Woodcock – showed just how much profile is readily available to be shipped to customers. Colour now accounts for more than 60% of all Deceuninck sales, and the offer of 30 colourways from stock and 20 additional colours in 15 working days demonstrates why that much space is required.

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 31

VIEWPOINT

To keep up with demand for colour, Deceuninck continues to invest. Foiling capacity was increased towards the end of 2020 as part of a multi-million-pound investment from the company in its extrusion and lamination capability and new Combi-lift slide loaders were added to the warehousing facility to make moving all those stillages more efficient.

Darren’s enthusiasm and professionalism in all aspects surrounding production were in plain evidence during the tour. The most physically notable was the attention to detail when it comes to the correct temperature of the factory during lamination, with an employee making constant and regular checks in key areas - a major factor in achieving exceptional results, according to the experienced production director.

Rigorous and regular testing is also meticulously carried out to ensure consistent results. And little is left to chance; crucial spare parts are always kept on-hand in the event of a machinery breakdown.

So what about future prospects for the industry? Well, in the short term Deceuninck believes that al-

though there is, and will continue to be into 2022, pressure on the supply chain, such as challenges to the availability of PVC-U, high steel prices, disruption in glass supply and increased shipping costs, the company is ‘well-positioned’ to cope with most eventualities. And with significant growth shown by its existing customers and a number of new account wins this year, Deceuninck looks poised for another record-breaking year.

With the COP26 climate conference taking place recently in Glasgow, sustainability can only increase in importance to the consumer – and demonstrably by the younger generation. According to the YouGov survey commissioned

by Deceuninck, 8 out of 10 consumers were concerned about plastic pollution. So it will come as no surprise that the PVC-U industry needs to be able to evidence what it’s doing to reduce waste and carbon emissions.

Deceuninck says it has invested €15 million in ‘one of the world’s most advanced recycling and compounding facilities’ at its Belgium headquarters. This new facility is said to be able to process

32 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

up to 45,000 tonnes of post-consumer and post-manufacturing PVC-U per year. The company estimates that this could prevent 3 million windows from going into landfill annually and a reduction in CO2 emissions of 90,000 tonnes compared to virgin feedstocks.

And are there any new developments in the Deceuninck product offering on the horizon? Rob McGlennon says the company is working on a new triple-track patio door solution, together with a mechanical jointing solution for flush windows and doors, and also a dedicated outer frame for composite doors.

The window industry has seen a remarkable recovery from an uncertain position 20 months ago when the pandemic first hit, and has had to endure considerable headaches within the supply chain on the back of the unexpected upturn. However, it would seem that with foresight, future planning and good governance, Deceuninck is set to continue to be a major systems company player in the UK market well into the future. www.deceuninck.co.uk

Whatever it takes Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com Motorway house, Charter Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NY

VIEWPOINT

Tailored Solutions

By Wojciech Brozyna – MD of Aluprof UK

Buying from a systems company offers an immediate partnership between the fabricator and supplier. This bond can become very strong over time as both systems company and fabricator work

together to gain specification and supply architectural aluminium installations. Typically the systems company supplies an ‘off the shelf’ tried and tested aluminium system, be it a door system, windows or curtain wall, complete with detailed fabrication information which can include tooling and

34 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

even fabrication software.

The procurement process is mainly one way, from systems company to fabricator, with system construction being prescriptive in order to meet the outline of the tests that the systems comply with. The benefit to the systems company is that they can share all the legislative and testing costs across many projects and customers, this keeps costs down.

For the fabricator, to have a range of systems off the shelf is certainly much more competitive than having to try and design their own bespoke systems.

At Aluprof we have placed more emphasis on flexibility with our ‘Tailored Solutions’ approach. For example, by having an experienced and extensive design team

VIEWPOINT in Poland, coupled with our own Polish extrusion facility we can quickly create bespoke profiles to suit any project. Our design team here in the UK will work with architect and fabricator to agree a solution which then becomes part of the overall Aluprof warranty provided on any project. But that is just part of the story.

Minimal profile and hardware stock is held here in the UK and we rely on twice weekly deliveries direct from Poland to anywhere in the UK. It did not seem sensible, when we set up in the UK some fifteen years ago, to double-handle project specific material; delivery to a UK warehouse and then onto another delivery vehicle for final delivery. This way material will often travel further to get to the fabricator with increased lead times. We also pride ourselves in shipping orders complete, this enables the fabricator to schedule fabrication from delivery, rather than having to check and wait for all the materials to arrive. Both these approaches to supply significantly reduces lead times allowing the fabricator to get products installed on site quicker, with an improved cash flow.

We also recognised that not all fabricators can put on extra shifts to meet busy times as production facilities often utilise a lean working ethic to maintain competitiveness. To assist fabricators, Aluprof introduced a fabrication facility in Poland that can manufacture some or all of the supply at the request of the fabricator. This has proven to be a real benefit to our customers and we have often seen the more difficult constructions within a project being made by us.

From specification through to installation, our team in the UK ‘partners’ with our customers to ensure that system supply is value managed, maximising profit for our customer. We believe this ‘Value Management’ strengthens our relationship with our customers

cutting. To reduce wastage on fabrication, profiles can be extruded to special lengths which offer high levels of cutting optimisation which in turn reduces material waste, which then reduces costs.

These are just some of the important issues that are reviewed in the Value Management process which ensures that the completed project performs exactly as specified and perfectly meets with the clients expectations.

Wojciech Brozyna, Aluprof UK Managing Director

who then often ask us to partner them on projects they have secured.

Value Management encompasses Value Engineering as it looks at every process from order through to completion. To begin with, an overview of the complete project programme is needed, with each of the processes and deadlines for completion itemised. It is at this stage that options are discussed.

One of the obvious choices is that of the systems to be used for the windows, doors or facade. As with other high end systems companies, Aluprof offer their systems in various designs to meet the exact needs of the building. An example of this can be seen in Aluprof’s popular MB-SR50N Curtain Wall system, far from being a single system there are many options to choose from, these include various insulation levels, capping options or structural arrangements, each choice represents a cost or a cost saving. It’s a little like specifying options on a new car taking the base model of choice as a starting point.

A further consideration is the optimisation of aluminium profile

To ensure that any installation meets exacting site requirements, new profiles can form part of the Value Management process.

New profiles could offer not just a better detail, but new profiles can reduce the time taken to install on site. At the extreme end of Value Management is the option of developing an entirely new system to meet a projects requirement. The experience within the technical team at Aluprof makes this option entirely possible, it has been done before. On this point, we do have some exciting news shortly with a new system for the UK being launched very soon.

Installation ‘Value Management’ could mean that on site teams are chosen with installers who are experienced and trained in the systems being installed, possibly by making up new teams with experienced site agents who have used the systems being as they have worked on installations using the same systems.

These are but a few of the ‘Value Management’ principles that are explored by Aluprof on any project that they become involved with by specification. As expected, it is an iterative process and one that offers both value for the client and sustainable manufacture for Aluprof and its network of UK fabricators and installers. To take advantage of, or learn more about our ‘Tailored Solutions’ get in touch with one of our team members. aluprof.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 35

VIEWPOINT

The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends defining window and door retail. It draws on real industry data collated by Business Pilot, the cloud-based business management tool developed by installers for installers.To find out more see www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer

The Business Pilot Barometer Uncertainty and inflation, slows demand

now expect to see filtering into increased demand for windows and doors. People move, they invest in improvements – usually within the first few months of being in.

That isn’t, however, what we’re seeing.

By Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst, Business Pilot

New windows and door leads fell by 12% in October. Average sales also fell by 4%, while average conversion rates held at around the 36% mark.

According to the latest Government statistics, the provisional seasonally adjusted estimate of UK residential transactions in September 2021 was 160,950, 68.4% higher than September 2020 and 67.5% higher than August 2021.

We’re not suggesting for a moment that the market is about to fall away. House prices jumped 1.8% in October (Rightmove) and with order books running through to end of Q1 2022, installers are going to be busy for a long time to come.

It’s attributable to the rush to take advantage of the Stamp Duty holiday, which closed on the 30th of September, and something which we would

The bubble isn’t bursting but it may be deflating – just a little.

36 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

VIEWPOINT Fuel and food shortages, rising energy prices and surging inflation mean that consumer confidence according to GFK, fell a further four points in October, following on from the fall seen in September. This may explain why some homeowners – have temporarily at least – put their improvement plans on hold.

As we look ahead to the New Year, it is however, worth taking note that demand is very unlikely to be sustained at the levels we have seen, for the duration of 2022. A slowdown is inevitable, in housing transactions, if not prices. This makes normalisation in the home improvement market likely.

Other factors may be longer lead times and supply chain disruption, which may also be suppressing demand.

That means it’s time to think about lead generation and lead management again. The opportunities are and will still be there, it’s simply that we’re going to have to work a little harder for them.

As a business management tool developed by installers for installers Business Pilot can help you understand where your leads come from, target prospects and manage the lead to conversion process more effectively.

That is going to be more important in the year ahead. www.businesspilot.co.uk

Complete Hardware Support

Technical advice from industry experts

In house fit ups and training

Testing and accreditation guidance

Comprehensive manufacturer guarantees

£millions in stock to support OTIF delivery service

Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

VIEWPOINT

Increase In Fabricator

Start-Ups Predicted Andrew Scott, industry consultant and CEO of Insight Data, predicts an increase in fabricator start-ups as capacity problems plague existing fabricators.

His prediction follows data revealed at the recent Glazing Summit conference, where he highlighted a decline in PVC-U fabricators – from 1,860 manufacturers ten years ago to 1,195 today.

“In the last few years, we’ve seen the number of PVC-U fabricators dwindle. Some have pulled out of fabrication to focus on installation, others, such as Sash UK and Indigo Products have collapsed.”

While many fabricators have expanded production capacity in recent years the current increase in consumer demand, coupled with supply-chain problems

means many installers are struggling to source products, with lead times extending and prices increasing. Some fabricators have even turned away customers.

Andrew continues; “Faced with ever decreasing options, some installers are now seriously considering manufacturing. The main driver appears to be better control over their supply chain.

Indeed one systems company reported that only 40% of new customers this year are swap-overs, 60% are either companies wishing to fabricate for the first time or are returning to manufacturing after pulling out in the past.”

“Of course, manufacturing brings its own set of problems and requires specialist skills – as well as availability of machinery, materials and labour. However, it appears to be an increasingly

38 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Andrew Scott

attractive – or necessary – option for some firms.”

Make UK, the body that represents 20,000 British manufacturers, upgraded its forecast in June and expects manufacturing growth to double.

“Our industry is facing a unique set of circumstances with a reduction in manufacturers and increased consumer demand, as well as the supply-chain issues and rising costs that other sectors are facing. It’s no surprise then that we may see some firms turn to manufacturing themselves.”

Insight Data is the research and data company tracking the activities of over 15,000 companies across the fenestration sector.

This data is an extract from the full Insight Data Report 2021, which will be available shortly.

Interested parties can register to receive a copy at www.insightdata.co.uk/reports/

VIEWPOINT

One In 10 Construction

Workers In The South West Admit To Poor Mental Health

Constructing Excellence South West (CESW), a member led organisation designed to drive change in construction, has explored the current state of construction worker’s overall wellbeing for the first time.

CESW partnered with Red Dot 365 and found 10% of construction workers rate their mental and personal wellbeing as poor. This is two and a half times more than the national average (3.5%) which highlights how mental health is a huge challenge in the sector.

The study also uncovered that stress is a big concern as almost two thirds (62%) of workers admitted to feeling stressed and 57% shared they were looking to find a way to feel less stressed day-today.

Andrew Carpenter

The results of the investigation follow the launch of the first ever mental and physical wellbeing dashboard for the construction industry designed by CESW and Red Dot 365. The platform gives organisations insight into their employees perceived mental health and wellbeing which, in turn, helps create in-depth solutions to tackle the issues through management courses or individual coaching programmes.

Andrew Carpenter, CEO of CESW said: “We wanted to get a better insight into the size of the mental wellbeing challenge and the common themes running through the industry and there have been some really interesting stats from it.

“Thanks to our collaboration with Red Dot 365, we found that 10% of workers rated their mental and personal wellbeing as poor which could be down to poor working conditions, the macho nature of the sector to just ‘man up and get on with it,’ a low paid environment, or the culture of working long hours, often away from family, which can have a massive effect on home life.

“The main challenge is to get a gauge of what is required from the people on the front line, bring attention to this, and then shape the right solutions to help and start affecting government policy and working environment.” https://bit.ly/3CAki9J

“We’ve Never Been Let Down”: Why Building Product Solutions

Work With Edgetech A leading South Yorkshire IGU manufacturer has begun buying from warm-edge pioneers Edgetech – motivated in part by the company’s intuitive new e-commerce platform.

“We switched over to Edgetech because of the great combination of supply and cost-effectiveness they were offering,” comments Dominic James of Building Product Solutions.

Founded in 2009 amid a deep recession, Rotherham’s Building Product Solutions overcame the economic crisis to become a highly respected presence in the IG sector, noted for its commitment to innovation and consistent quality.

“Their e-commerce offering was also a big factor in why we decided to switch, and has benefitted us greatly.

The company has won loyal customers around the region with its strong work ethic, quick turnaround times and excellent service – and it was its desire to continuously improve that led it to enquire with Edgetech.

“So far, they’ve always met our demand. We’ve never been let down.

Even in the current climate, we can rely on them for great service.”

Edgetech’s Head of Sales, Tony Palmer, comments: “We were delighted that Building Product Solutions chose Edgetech, and that they’ve benefitted from our e-com-

Tony Palmer

merce platform.

“We implemented e-commerce to make customers’ lives easier. Our library feature allows users to save their previous orders, so they can quickly and simply re-order each time.

“We’d strongly encourage any IGU manufacturers looking to save time, increase productivity, have consistency and quality in application from a supplier you can trust to improve their business across the board to get in touch!” visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 39

DEAR GERALD

Dear Gerald

Dear

Over the past year, we all know there’s been a fairly radical shift in the supply chain dynamic – and not just when it comes to demand, supply and labour.

Gerald Dear Gerald

Supply problems disrupt business. They can even stop it dead. Recently, the shortage of HGV drivers was one of the factors that led to a limited supply of fuel, which caused chaos across the UK. Globally, supply chains are failing. China is facing an energy crisis – Goldman Sachs estimates 44% of China’s industrial activity has been impacted by regular blackouts. The largest ports in the world are clogged with container ships and the supply problems of the past 18 months are forecast to continue.

In addition, businesses face unpredictable events.

Brisant had a month’s worth of product aboard the Ever Given, the container ship which blocked the Suez Canal. It wasn’t a crisis, because we didn’t run that tight, but it could have been when the ship was impounded in Egypt for months. Letting customers down was out of the question; we asked our manufacturing partners to remake it and air freighted it to the UK, so customers didn’t suffer any disruption.

Brisant’s new strategy is simple. We don’t rely on product stored on the other side of the world. Our goods are in the UK. We have more than doubled UK stocks to 10 to 12 weeks of sales. When a Brisant customer orders, their requirement will be in the UK. This means customers get their orders on time and in full.

One of the most interesting changes that’s taken place is in the relationship between the supplier and the customer. Where once the onus was on suppliers to invest in the relationship and try to build customer loyalty, that’s been completely turned on its head and it’s now customers having to do most of the hard work.

I’ve been in this industry for decades and I’ve never known a situation like we are in now where customers at various points in the supply chain are having to compete with one another to get hold of stock.

Understandably, there’s allocation going on at every level – from raw materials and profiles to hardware, glass and finished frames, but the decisions about who is getting that allocation seems to come down to relationships as much as it does to buying power.

I’m regularly hearing of component suppliers and fabricators shedding customers as they prioritise those who are easiest or most profitable to deal with, and certainly I know plenty of installers have found themselves almost without stock as a result.

As a commercial installer buying upwards of 500 frames per week and with a track record for always paying our bills promptly, we would consider ourselves to be a ‘good customer’. Certainly, we’ve never had any problems getting hold of frames before, but this year that’s been as much down to the time we’ve spent visiting suppliers, negotiating on deadlines, and dual and triple sourcing, as it has to our ability to pay.

Everyone needs dependable suppliers in this unpredictable world. A dependable supplier has to have the resilience, agility, and resources to make quick decisions and deliver reliable products on time. And that’s exactly what Brisant offers.

I’m not sure how long this situation will continue or whether it represents a permanent shift in how the supplier/customer relationship will work but, if it does, where does it leave the smaller installers in this industry who don’t have time to invest in keeping their suppliers on side and who don’t have the resources or buying power that we do?

Nick Dutton

David Thornton

CEO of Brisant Secure

Chairman The Window Company (Contracts)

40 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

DEAR GERALD

Dear Gerald I felt compelled to write to you after reading the United Front open letter from nineteen fenestration companies. I’d like to congratulate them on their approach to the current ‘unprecedented and unrelenting challenges’ that we as an industry have faced since March 2020.

As an independent hardware distributor of leading manufacturer brands, Carl F Groupco have always been at the mercy of price increases from our partners and distribution costs. During my 32 years as managing director for the company, never have we experienced the volume and consistent, unpredictable nature of price increases that we have incurred over the past 12 months. As stated in the open letter, price rises are global and are impacting the whole construction industry and further afield.

Supply chain issues for hardware seem to be levelling out with many of the issues resolved following the post-lockdown boom and issues arising from restarting production lines and importing goods. We have significantly increased stock levels, ordered hardware further in advance and work with our manufacturers and fabricator customers to ensure we mitigate the risks of any shortages.

I’d like to pass on my gratitude to all the companies that signed the open letter. It’s important that these messages are passed down the supply chain and this is a powerful statement covering the complex issues we collectively face. Far too long our industry has had a tarnished reputation, however the professionalism and clarity shown in with the #unitedfront letter is refreshing.

We sponsored the Glazing Summit held in October which provided further proof of the enhanced professionalism within the industry. With 425 delegates attending to discuss the most pressing issues we face; the importance of collaborating is evident.

We are a resilient industry, and we will continue to successfully manage the challenges that lay ahead, especially as we collaborate and put value on the products and services that we offer.

John Crittenden Managing Director Carl F Groupco WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 41

PEOPLE

Made For Trade

Further Expansion Leads To

Commercial Director Acquisition Made for Trade are looking forward to big steps forward in 2022 as they continue to build on the success of the multi award winning Korniche Lantern with the ramping up in production of their new Korniche Aluminium Bifolding Doors.

Another bumper growth year has led to the appointment of Industry stalwart Andy Jones as Commercial Director at Made for Trade, a move which adds some new perspective on the business’s strategy as it continues rapidly expanding out of the SME arena and becomes a larger enterprise.

Andy’s industry knowledge and

established business relationships will be a fantastic asset to MFT’s growing sales department and his broad experience of glazing products gives some new insight into product development strategy.

Andy joins Made for Trade following an exceptional 18 months for the business and during a period where market demands have created challenges for many in the industry. Despite some bumps in the labour and supply chain MFT have so far managed to negotiate the issues effectively and despite some increased lead times and associated customer service workload, despite this MFT have managed

42 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Bradley Gaunt, Andy Jones and Chris Wann

to keep delivering on promise dates and increased their manufacturing resource by 15% creating and filling around 35 new jobs.

“We are pleased to announce Andy has joined the team at Made for Trade, his industry knowledge is second to none and he’s been bringing some great new ideas and opportunities to the table. His experience will help to support the current Directors in areas such as market research, evaluation of areas for strategic growth or diversification and of course we are keen to capitalise on his network of industry contacts to acquire new customers” Andy Jones commented on his appointment “I am really looking forward to working alongside Brad, Chris and the wider MFT team. I have known MFT and its directors for many years

PEOPLE and have always admired their attention to detail in product design and engineering. Their award-winning products have placed them in a unique position moving forward, they are already the UK’s largest manufacturer of aluminium Lantern roofs and Bi-folding doors and I look forward to increasing this position over the coming months and years and taking the Korniche brand to the next level. Under Brad and Chris’s management MFT have established themselves as the number one trade supplier for these products and I intend to use my knowledge and industry contacts gained over the last 35 years to enhance this position further as MFT seeks to move to the next stage of their already impressive growth plans.

The market has changed hugely over the past 35 years especially in the past 18 months and its no longer the survival of the fittest but more the survival of the most agile and MFT have agility in abundance, I have visited 100’s if not 1000’s of manufacturing companies all over the world in my previous roles and I can honestly say that I have rarely come across a business which invests so much in research and development, process control, training and continuous improvement as MFT do”.

Alongside Andy, Made for Trade has recently made some other senior position appointments with experienced Head of Finance David Jones joining Made for Trade from a family run manufacturing business that has experienced the kind of stratospheric growth MFT are maintaining. Sufri Weithers has also joined the team as Sales Manager. Sufri brings with him many years of service and account management experience to support MFT’s ever expanding customer base.

For more information on Made for Trade’s innovative products www.madefortrade.co

Platinum Anniversaries

For Carl F Groupco’s Julie And Pamela

Julie Warner, Roto Product Manager (left), Pamela Wilson, Regional Sales Manager (right)

Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has recently celebrated the platinum work anniversaries of two key team members. Julie Warner, Roto product manager and Pamela Wilson, Regional sales manager for Scotland and Ireland have each achieved 20 years’ service for Carl F Groupco.

Joining the company in 2001, both Julie and Pamela have been prominent figures at Carl F Groupco and key drivers of one of the most successful product ranges for the company, Roto FRH UNI reversible window hardware. Julie has provided technical customer support for the range, managing stock and orders, while Pamela has worked directly with fabricators to increase sales and provide dedicated hardware support across her region.

The market for reversible window hardware is traditionally dominated by Northern Ireland and Scotland, comprising primarily of commercial and domestic high-rise buildings, for which the Roto FRH UNI system had been designed.

Over the last decade, demand for reversible hardware become more widespread within Scotland in particular, with many new build developers, housing associations

and local authorities opting for the solution in their low-rise domestic applications, too.

Commenting on the career milestones, managing director John Crittenden said, “It is no small feat to achieve twenty years’ service in any organisation, but to have achieved the success that both Julie and Pamela have during their time at Carl F Groupco, is something to be commended.

“Over the last two decades, we have been subject to the financial crisis in 2008, merged companies in 2010 and more recently faced the impacts of Brexit and Covid-19.

They have built and sustained the business throughout these challenges and developed solid customer relationships.”

Julie and Pamela join a number of other Carl F Groupco colleagues who have achieved long service accolades, with two thirds of the company’s workforce reaching the ten-year milestone. The knowledge and expertise gained by the teams’ experience allows Carl F Groupco to provide outstanding technical support and continue the unwavering commitment to OTIF delivery service. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 43

PEOPLE

New Managing Director

To Lead St Helens Glass Giant In New Chapter For The Industry Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has appointed Neil Syder to managing director to lead the glass manufacturer as it adapts to an age of decarbonisation and targets new opportunities.

Neil brings over 30 years’ experience within the company to the post. Most recently as head of operations, Neil has brought a new standard of efficiency and customer focus to the St Helens manufacturing operations.

He was the second Syder to hold the position of head of operations at the glass giant, moving temporarily to Sweden as a child as his father established the company’s Halmstad plant.

Neil began at the company working in R&D in the 1980s, building extensive experience over four

decades in specialist glass coatings, running production lines, and operational planning.

Neil takes over from Matt Buckley, who takes retirement after serving as managing director for more than a decade and having spent 30 years with the business. The change takes effect from the end of December 2021.

Neil Syder, incoming managing director at Pilkington UK, said: “It’s an exciting time to take this new post, with the glass industry set to play a transformative role in an age of decarbonisation. We’ve undertaken the world’s first trials in powering a glass furnace with hydrogen at our base in St Helens to help improve our carbon impact within supply chains, while simultaneously delivering the materials that will enable better energy performance in the built environment.

44 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Neil Syder

“What’s more, Pilkington UK has a fantastic team with a wealth of expertise, operational efficiency, and range of advanced production capabilities to grow as an even more dynamic supplier.

“Agility will be crucial as we target more collaborative growth opportunities with our customers, while seeing off current headwinds facing the wider manufacturing sector.”

Pilkington UK recently became the first glass manufacturer to trial the use of hydrogen in a glass furnace. In 2022 Pilkington UK will also mark the 70th anniversary of the float glass process – the method of manufacturing glass pioneered by Sir Alastair Pilkington in St Helens, Merseyside, and used to this day around the word.

In 2006, Pilkington was acquired by leading glass supplier The NSG Group, which today has principle operations around the world and sales in more than 100 countries. https://bit.ly/3kTtOyM

PEOPLE

SupaLite Strengthen Management Team With New Appointments And Promotions Conservatory roof manufacturer SupaLite has strengthened its team by appointing three new managers across a range of roles, at its headquarters in Preston.

The company has welcomed Kevin Pratley as the new office manager.

With over 20 years experience in the industry, Kevin has extensive knowledge and understanding of the conservatory roof market, which will be invaluable for his role at SupaLite.

As investing in the personal development of its existing workforce is just as important to SupaLite as recruiting new talent, two members

of SupaLite staff have also recently been promoted to management level.

(L to R) Luke Carter, Technical Manager, Laura Cort, Customer Sales Manager, and Kevin Pratley, Office Manager

Laura Cort, who previously worked in the sales department, is the newly appointed customer services manager. Since joining the organisation in 2018, Laura has moved from sales to overseeing the customer services team. Her role ensures SupaLite customers are continuously supported, from ordering a product right through to installation and aftercare.

heavily on new SupaLite products as well as reviewing the current ways of working to help make improvements across the organisation.

Luke Carter also recently received a promotion internally to technical manager. His position will focus

Steve Hacking, managing director at SupaLite, said: “It’s an exciting time at SupaLite and investing in our workforce is really important as we continue to grow. Promoting existing team members and recruiting new talent is key to taking the business to new heights. www.supaliteroof.co.uk

Luminia Select Partner

Award Winning Windows & Doors to the Trade

Luminia Select Partner

LEAD TIMES FROM 15-DAYS THE F82 LUMINIA ALUMINIUM BI-FOLD FROM EMPLAS • Standard colours including Anthracite; White; Black; Anthracite on White; and Black on White in as little as 15-days • U-Values of 1.4W/m²K (double-glazed) and 0.9W/m²K (triple) • Ultra-slim and symmetrical sightlines

t. 01933 674880

e. info@emplas.co.uk

• Contemporary hardware including patented flush ‘T’ handle • Fully tested to PAS24 and Part Q • Clip-on cill option

www.emplas.co.uk

PEOPLE

Fabricator Glazerite

Welcomes New Faces

The Glazerite UK Group has welcomed several new faces in support of its ambitious growth plans.

New additions to the management team include Paul Jagger, who has recently joined Glazerite as Group Head of IT, and Luke Hatfield, who has been appointed as

Group Procurement Director.

Paul says: “Having worked in the industry for 25 years, I’m looking forward to being part of one of the most respected trade fabricators in the industry. The IT systems and team in place already

Kevin Returns To Kömmerling After a 2-year absence working in the aluminium systems sector, Kevin Warner has come back to profine UK and the Kömmerling brand as sales and marketing director, working as he had done previously with Robert Thiroff, managing director.

The introduction of Kevin has been a welcome one not just in the UK but at group level too, yet this time part of a significantly larger business and one that’s looking to build upon its position in the UK with significant planned investment.

With the recent launch of the super energy-efficient flush sash and with a sizeable stand at next year’s FIT Show there’s much to be buoyant about as Kevin explains. He said: “I’m excited to 46 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

are impressive, and I’m looking forward to further enhancing the output and efficiencies across the Group.”

Glazerite Group MD, Rob Brearley, says: “We’re delighted to welcome Paul and Luke to the team.

Both will play an important role in aligning our IT, infrastructure, and procurement needs with our operational capability and plans for growth. While Paul will look to further optimise IT, Luke has taken on the challenge of navigating the current supply chain issues the industry is facing, while futureproofing Glazerite for the longer term.”

Glazerite has also welcomed the return of Mitch Gooch, who has been appointed Group Technical Manager. Rob says: “The Group Technical Manager role is critical to our product offering as it allows us to create a product specification that meets the needs of our customers in line with our current and future capabilities. We’re delighted to welcome Mitch back to Glazerite.” www.glazerite.co.uk be back with Kömmerling and at the start of what I’m hoping will be an exciting journey for us all and our valued customers. With major investment plans, product launches and the FIT Show on the horizon I’m relishing the opportunity to meet fellow staff and importantly re-introducing myself to the customer base over the coming weeks and months.”

Robert Thiroff, managing director of profine UK added: “I’m delighted that Kevin has decided to return to the profine and Kömmerling family. We worked together in the past for over 8 successful years and are already putting a new and expanded sales team together, news of which will be announced in the next few weeks and months.” www.profine-uk.com www.kommerling.co.uk

Gareth Turner Strengthens Brisant Sales

Hardware house Brisant Secure has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Gareth Turner as Northern Business Development Manager.

Gareth, a well-known name in hardware with over 25 years’ industry experience, will be looking after customers in Northern England and Scotland.

Gareth says: “Brisant has changed

A Welcome

the face of hardware and security with its high quality, innovative, market-leading products, but what Brisant wants to achieve is different, and that’s what appealed to me. The service and support are ground-breaking too. Interfacing with homeowners to pull through demand and adding value to fabricators’ and installers’ products so they are more profitable is a good reason to convert. So, the offer to become part of the team was too big to miss! I’m joining at an exciting time as we’re launching a number of products such as the new 3 star security solution which includes an all-new 2 star security handle.

“My role at Brisant is to consolidate long-term partnerships with customers to help them grow and win more business. I’ll also be getting to know prospective customers and converting them to our market-leading products. I’m particularly excited by Ultion Smart locks as this is an area with huge untapped potential.” www.brisant-secure.com

Return for

Dave Newton

P C Henderson is pleased to welcome back, Dave Newton to the sales and commercial team as he takes on his new role as Sales and Commercial Director.

Dave will be responsible for the strategic direction and development of the commercial side of the business including sales, customer service and marketing.

Dave first worked for P C Henderson from 2001 until 2009 and

has since developed his career within the sliding and folding door gear industry. Commenting on his return to the company, Dave said, ~ www.pchenderson.com

PEOPLE

Roseview

Focuses

On Customer

Care

Sash window manufacturer Roseview Windows has increased its focus on customer service with an expanded customer care team headed up by a new Customer Care Manager, Brian Read.

Brian brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to Roseview’s operation, having spent many years in the UK and America running customer care functions at high-end companies such as Mecho Systems, PPG, Rationel and Cherwell Windows.

The majority of Brian’s time has been spent at manufacturing companies, largely within the fenestration industry.

Brian’s initial priority is to change Roseview’s focus from a traditional service and parts team to an expanded modern customer care team with a wider and more complete customer care remit.

To that end Brian has already increased the team by adding an extra service engineer plus an extra office-based customer care representative. www.roseview.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 47

PRODUCT NEWS

VBH And Garnalex Collaborate On Bi-Fold Door Hardware specialist VBH has announced that it has been working with aluminium systems house Garnalex to develop the hardware solution for the new Sheerline bi-fold door.

The new bi-fold allows up to a seven pane configuration, the choice of fitting it as an outward or inward opening door, and offers four different threshold combinations.

With doors measuring up to 6.5m wide x 2.6m high and possibly triple glazed, Garnalex’s choice of hardware had to be sufficiently strong and hard wearing to cope with large, heavy sashes.

VBH’s greenteQ design team worked closely with their counterparts at Garnalex, with the result being the greenteQ Clearspan hardware system for

Sheerline with a weight capacity of 120Kg per sash. greenteQ’s bi-fold hardware for other systems is tried and tested. Clearspan for Sheerline is designed with everyone in the supply chain in mind; it is quick and easy to put together and there is ample adjustment for installers, says VBH Clearspan is available in a standard version and in a PAS24:2016 tested security spec that features the greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder. Being a 3 star cylinder, this enables the fabricator to fit either the greenteQ Alpha Slim lever handle set, or the standard Alpha lever handle which is available in 10 colours of the greenteQ Suite of matching window door and patio furniture. As the Suite covers patio doors it enables installers to tie

48 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

together a full house installation, giving them an edge over their competition.

Companies offering Sheerline doors built to VBH’s PAS24 hardware spec can join the Q-secure approved partner network. The Q-secure consumer security guarantee will pay the end user up to £8000 in compensation in the unlikely event that a break in is achieved due to hardware failure.

Simon Monks, MD of VBH said: “I’m personally delighted to be working with Garnalex, and am very pleased at the way that the two technical teams have worked together as one to bring this project to fruition; it’s been seamless.” www.vbhgb.com www.sheerline.com

PRODUCT NEWS

A Universal Approach To

Aluminium Ancillaries

Throughout their portfolio, Window Widgets brings a holistic view to product development and that includes their range of dedicated ancillaries and accessories for the aluminium window and door systems sector.

These proven ancillary products include 16, 20 and 24mm couplers, the latter a thermally broken design as is one of the fixed 90o corner post solutions for 5876mm frame depths, along with other bay and corner solutions. Many of these solutions can also facilitate load bearing and can accommodate fully CE Marked and compliant Window Widgets jacks which are load tested to 9 tonnes, but capped at 2 tonnes from a certification and warranty perspective.

The aluminium window and door systems ancillary product range is detailed on their website at windowwidgets.co.uk and shown in detail within an expansive 158-page product catalogue and there’s also direct technical support through Tom Edwards and Adrian Clare.

With an increasing number of companies now manufacturing more than one aluminium system, the company says harnessing a range of universal ancillaries makes perfect sense, as Adrian Clare, technical sales executive of Window Widgets points out. He said: “Throughout our entire product range we’ve looked to design products that can be used in many different brand systems and additionally we’re providing a matched white and foiled range to support this.”

He added: “The aluminium sector is now different and if anything shows that manufacturers often have two, three or even four systems as part of a standard offering and so our universal range helps reduce stockholding from a cost and space point of view. When combined with other universal ancillaries for window and door manufacturers it can make a notable and positive commercial impact on businesses.” windowwidgets.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 49

Fast aluminium fabrication It’s simple with Stellar!

Its unique reverse butt joint eliminates the need for dummy sashes, Stellar’s proven jointing methodology is perfect for easy, rapid and scalable manufacturing, Limit stock holding by utilising common window and door components.

Stellar: leading the market in system design.

stellaraluminium.co.uk 0845 300 9356

PRODUCT NEWS

Luxury Market

Doors From

Nüevo Home After a successful year, bespoke glazing specialist Nüevo Home has added a premium range of aluminium bi-folds and patio doors to its product portfolio, helping architects, developers and contractors tap into this luxury and growing market.

Designed for large panoramic openings, EvoFold bi-fold doors can accommodate up to 14 illuminating panels as well as inside and outside 50 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

openings, plus practical lead door and expansive corner bi-fold door configurations.

Described as one of the slimmest aluminium bi-folds on the market, EvoFold has impressive panel widths of up to 1.2m wide and 3m high, comes in limitless designs, and can be either double or triple glazed.

Meanwhile, Nüevo Home’s ultra-slim EvoSlide aluminium sliding doors are available with 2 to 6 panels of up to 2.5m wide and 3m high, as well as multiple track, threshold and style options.

The company says these sleek sliding patio doors also offer the possibility of an innovative pocket system, smoothly disappearing into a wall cavity when fully opened for a truly minimalist architectural feature.

Taking this a step further is the EvoGlide sliding door, which as well as the traditional manual operating system, offers a practical, state-of-the-

PRODUCT NEWS

art automatic motorised mechanism – the ideal finishing touch in luxury home automation.

Complete with ‘top of the range’ automatic door gearing and handling a maximum weight of up to 700kg, the motorised EvoGlide door comes in panels of 4m x 4m, and is especially favourable for renovation projects that require substantial panel widths, delivering effortless accessibility with a simple touch of a button, says Nüevo Home.

Nüevo Home director Amar Dhillon comments: “Our EvoFold, EvoSlide and EvoGlide doors are the perfect choice for those looking for premium products that let in plenty of natural light while remaining sturdy and secure. Homeowners are increasingly looking for luxury, so if you’re an architect, developer or contractor looking to tap into this lucrative and growing market, then give us a call today – we’d love to help.” www.nuevo-home.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 51

Easy aluminium fabrication It’s simple with Stellar!

Pre-gasketed profiles, No system-specific machinery is required to manufacture so you can get up and running quickly, No machining is required on cills so this speeds up fabrication even more!

Stellar: leading the market in system design.

stellaraluminium.co.uk 0845 300 9356

PRODUCT NEWS

Aluprof Launches

A New GFT System

By Wojciech Brozyna – MD of Aluprof UK The UK and Ireland have long embraced the European-style systems which have now been specified in the British Isles for many decades. Many of the UK based systems companies have emulated these European systems, but still, the majority of window and curtain wall systems installed in the UK and Ireland are supplied through European systems companies, that is until it comes to robust entrance door systems, or what is better known in the UK as ‘Ground Floor Treatments’ or ‘GFT’.

In Europe, there is a preference for mitred and rebated single and double door sets for swing entrance doors for shopping

centres, offices and leisure facilities. Whilst their use is on the increase, the UK and Ireland have never fully embraced such door systems and instead preferred a non-rebated commercial door fitted on either floor or overhead concealed spring closers. These systems made their early debut in the 1960s when they were supplied in the UK by North American aluminium systems companies. Using framing based on a 4” x 2” profile the systems were initially used in new shopfronts and office entrances. These GFT systems are still being specified today because they offer a cost-effective, robust construction coupled with a good life expectancy.

With Aluprof’s continued growth in the UK and North America, our

52 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

systems designers have been busy developing a high thermal performance GFT door and framing system to meet this market requirement. Enter our new MB100GFT, a stand-alone thermally broken GFT system that has been developed to interface with other products in our systems portfolio.

The new system from Aluprof builds on all the features you would expect from a modern UK GFT system, namely the robust construction, anti-finger trap hinge stile, glazing options up to 48mm in width, and of course class-leading thermal efficient aluminium profiles. The system is available in two thermal variants, the ‘ST’ or ‘SI’ which is offered with EPS or polyethylene inserts between thermal breaks. The SI variant allows shopfront framing to offer U values as low as 1.2 W/(m2K) and doors as low as 0.96 W/(m2K) which is currently the highest performing GFT door system available in the UK. Using the low height, thermally

PRODUCT NEWS

Compliant

And Creative

Aluminium

Windows

And Doors Pure cross section

system to offer even greater design flexibility.

Senior’s Pure window Arundel House, Coventry

broken flush threshold, doors can achieve a water tightness of class 3A (100Pa) to EN 12208, so are ideal for use for a wide range of commercial applications. Given these qualities, MB-100GFT systems provide ideal solutions for buildings that are exposed to heavy pedestrian traffic areas such as schools, hospitals, leisure facilities, shops, shopping centres and even offices. The system also promises to deliver thermal comfort and security to high-street shop owners without compromising the aesthetics, accessibility and durability. Security options in the system include single or three-point locking or the use of panic hardware. There are also multitude of other hardware options from third-party suppliers that can also be accommodated.

The new system is now available in a wide range of finishes.

Should you wish to have an introduction to the system, do not hesitate to give Aluprof UK a call. aluprof.co.uk

With the thermal-efficiency of aluminium windows set to become even more important in light of the pending changes to Part L of the Building regulations, Senior’s Pure system claims to offer specifiers functionality and flexibility thanks to the extensive range of design options, styles and configurations available.

The system benefits from a high-performance PUR thermal barrier which allows significantly lower U-values to be achieved without compromising on the overall aesthetic of a scheme.

Manufactured using strong yet slim aluminium frames, Senior’s Pure windows are available in a choice of styles including casement, tilt and turn, overswing reversable and parallel push opening styles.

With the tilt and turn and casement options offering U-values as low as 0.71 W/m2K and 0.73W/m2K respectively when calculated as a CEN commercial standard window, the two styles can also be integrated with the Pure Mutiframe

Senior says its Pure aluminium windows are not only fully compatible with the manufacturer’s other fenestration solutions, including the company’s popular SF52 aluminium curtain wall system, but they can also be used to great effect when specified alongside Pure aluminium doors which are currently available for use in both commercial and residential settings. Comprising the Pure FOLD and Pure SLIDE patio style doors and the Pure Commercial Door, which is Senior’s largest and strongest door to date, the range benefits from the same patented PUR thermal-break technology, which gives exceptional low U-values, says the company.

According to Senior, the Pure aluminium window and door range has been specifically designed to meet, and where possible, significantly exceed current building regulations, to give specifiers a tried and trusted solution to meeting future requirements and lower thermal targets. The full range is also available in a wide variety of colours and finishes, both inside and out, via Senior’s in-house powder coating facility. https://bit.ly/32tdQoA

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 53

PRODUCT NEWS With the extensive research completed by the Qualicoat membership it is now recognised that the alloy makeup can effect the extended life expectancy of the powder coating. Enter the Qualicoat 3.0 Label for premium corrosion resistance class.

Introducing Qualicoat 3.0 In 1986 several national associations encompassing coaters of architectural parts formed a quality label organisation called Qualicoat.

The aim was to standardise procedures and increase the quality of powder coatings for its membership.

As an association it is our membership who continue to work together and undertake research which enables the Qualicoat Standard to be updated on a yearly basis. The aim of the membership continues to be to produce the highest quality coatings for extended life expectancy. With membership that includes the coaters, pretreatment suppliers and powder manufacturers, Qualicoat licences members encompasses the complete supply chain.

Qualicoat is a worldwide organisation which works to a single standard, so a specification by an architect in London for a Qualicoat finish will be coated to the same standard in any city across the globe. Membership continues to grow and includes all of the professional architectural coaters in the UK & Ireland. To ensure standards are maintained coating

The Qualicoat 3.0 Label allows for the use of both primary and recycled aluminium and is to be awarded to the aluminium extruder. Aluminium Qualicoat 3.0 requires an aluminium grade 6060 or 6063 where the relationship between alloying elements, extrusion quality, microstructure and corrosion potential meet the details laid down in the appendix of the latest Qualicoat Standard. A Qualicoat 3.0 specification will require a coating member to carry the ‘Seaside’ class membership as this is a prerequisite coating procedure for Qualicoat 3.0.

The aluminium extruder will then get the “Aluminium Qualicoat 3.0 grade” Label after a satisfactory result of the following tests; an Optical Emission Spectroscopy test; an Anodic Cyclic Polarisation test and an Metallographic Study.

Angus Mackie – Qualicoat UK & Ireland Chair

members welcome unannounced inspections twice a year by an association nominated test house.

Members who fail the inspection could loose their Qualicoat licence.

As with any applied finish, pretreatment is crucial to ensure that the bond of the finish is maintained, one of the crucial elements is the alloy substrate and its cleaning. In the Qualicoat standard and the BS EN 1279, the surface is to be etched with acid or alkaline to remove impurities which is followed by a pretreatment system that seals the substrate and creates the key for coating adherence. Qualicoat 3.0 goes further by looking at the alloy structure itself.

54 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Qualicoat 3.0 will be driven by specifiers who are looking to achieve even higher levels of robust coatings for extended service life. Further information is available from Qualicoat UK & Ireland.

The next Qualicoat UK & Ireland members meeting takes place on 19th October 2021, at the Arden Hotel & Leisure Club, Solihull , please contact the General Secretary, Jan Lukaszewski, via the Qualicoat UK & Ireland website, should you wish to attend. For details on the availability of various colours and finishes contact any Qualicoat UK & Ireland member for more information. For updated information about the use and specification of Qualicoat in the UK and Ireland, please visit the UK & Ireland Association website at www.qualicoatuki.org

Growing Pains Over the years Alufold Direct has built up a solid reputation for offering quality aluminium bifold doors, sliding doors, windows and more. All on enviable lead times and delivered with ease. Unfortunately, over the last 12 months this reputation has taken a good few knocks and although some of this was down to the whole industry suffering from supply chain issues, we certainly didn’t help matters.

So, to all our customers who were affected by this unplanned slip in our usual standards, please accept our sincerest apologies from all of us here.

However, although temporarily painful this ‘blip’ wasn’t without good reason. You see, the Alufold Direct you all know and love had reached its capacity. So, to not only future proof the business for years to come, but take it to the next level for our customers we embarked on an extremely bold plan.

I’d love you to read all about it by visiting;

alufolddirect.co.uk/growing Here’s to bigger and better futures for all!

Russell Yates Managing Director

PRODUCT NEWS

Glasshouse Installs Three Decalu88

Bi-Folds In A Day Deceuninck Aluminium customer, Glasshouse, has successfully fitted three sets of Decalu88 bi-folds in one day, on a single project.

to Decalu’s co-extruded gasket, a feature that has been designed to reduce glazing times to a matter of minutes.

Glasshouse Managing Director, Shaun Armstrong, said that the installation – which included two sets of three pane doors, plus a dual pane – was made possible thanks

“Switching to Decalu has made a massive difference,” commented Shaun. “In the past, we may have just about managed to fit two, three pane doors in a day, but on

56 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

this particular job we were able to install an additional two pane door as well.

“That’s purely down to the ease of fitment with Decalu, the co-extruded gasket saved us so much time,” he continued. “We were able to complete the installation in one go and fitting that extra dual panel door meant we could put an additional £2.5k on the invoice for that day!’

Cardiff based Glasshouse, which supplies premium fenestration products to high end residential projects across South Wales, switched to manufacturing and installing Deceuninck Aluminium’s Decalu bi-folds at the start of 2021.

PRODUCT NEWS

“It’s easier to install, but it’s also faster to fabricate,” continued Shaun. “It’s a modular system, which means there are fewer components and because the gasket is co-extruded, we don’t have to manually insert it during manufacture.

“Decalu outperforms our previous aluminium bi-fold system in so many ways. That includes the U values it is capable of, but also the size at which it can be manufactured. Homeowners and architects want as much glass as they can get, so the fact that we can confidently supply doors as tall as 3m without any problems is a key factor for us.”

The Decalu88 bi-fold, which can

accommodate individual sash weights of up to 200kg, successfully passed PAS24 testing on a 3m high door – at its first attempt – in July 2021.

Deceuninck Aluminium says that compared to competitor systems, which are compromised by traditional PA66 compound thermal breaks, Decalu incorporates thermal inserts made from recycled PET bottles and can achieve U values as low as 0.68W/m2k – comfortably meeting the proposed, stricter energy efficiency require-

ments for Part L. “Demand for home improvements and premium products such as bi-folds has increased significantly during the pandemic, we have increased our turnover by 50% from where we were pre-Covid,” concluded Shaun. “The strength of the Decalu88 system, combined with the quality of finish and the ease at which it can be manufactured and installed – it’s played a big part in that success.” www.deceuninck.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 57

PRODUCT NEWS draughts and can reduce heat loss by as much as 65%.

Suitable for all types of properties, including historic and listed buildings, the heat retention capabilities of secondary glazing can dramatically improve insulation and contribute to a warmer, more comfortable and energy-efficient property.

Homeowners will also benefit from a better Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, claims the company.

A secondary glazing system comprises an internal window installed either face-fixed or reveal-fixed on an existing primary external window. This extra ‘barrier’ creates a 10-20cm air gap which dramatically improves thermal performance, as well as reducing outside noise through better insulation.

Help To Keep Energy Bills Lower And Stay

Warm With Secondary Glazing Secondary glazing specialist Granada Secondary Glazing highlights a simple home improvement measure that could help homeowners keep their energy bills lower despite rising energy prices.

With millions of households set to face higher gas and electricity bills in the coming months due to soaring energy prices, staying warm and conserving expensive heat in the home is going to be a key concern for many.

Bills for those on standard tariffs with typical levels of energy use will rise by £139 to £1,277 a year, while prepayment meter custom-

ers will see a £153 increase, as a new higher energy price cap takes effect, according to recent press reports.

Due to the current crisis, trying to save money by switching to a cheaper deal is not an option.

Therefore, it is essential to address the thermal efficiency of our homes to prevent heat escaping and keep energy bills in check.

Installing quality secondary glazing is a cost-effective, unobtrusive and heat retention solution – especially for older, singled-glazed properties – that reduces utility bills. The discreet internal windows eliminate

58 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

To maximise energy efficiency, a low-E glass system is used with a reflective coating to direct heat back into a room. This helps to conserve heat and reduce energy consumption, thereby saving on heating costs.

Added insulation provided by the pocket of trapped air between the secondary glazing and external window acts as an extra layer of defence against heat loss – similar to loft insulation under your roof.

It’s all about keeping your home warmer, more comfortable and less expensive to heat.

Slimline aluminium frames support the glass and are virtually invisible once installed. The frames can be powder coated in over 200 RAL shades to blend in and match any existing interior décor.

Designed in various configurations to suit all types of primary windows, secondary glazing offers a flexible range of access solutions for cleaning, opening and ventilation – even arched and unusual shapes. granadaglazing.com

Doors Deserve Mila.

Our market-leading enhanced security door hardware line-up

Supa™ Stainless Steel Door Handles

Supa™ Secure TS008 Letterplate

ProSecure Door Hinge

Yale & Ingenious Multipoint Locks

ProSecure 3 Star Cylinder

VISIT MILA.CO.UK/DOORS-DESERVE-MILA-EDIT TO SEE MORE

Mila is digital first online | on mobile | on tablet

PRODUCT NEWS by the signature Lockmaster hook and anti-lift pin on both the top and bottom leaf, maintaining the hardware story across multiple door styles offered by the majority of fabricators. It also features an easy-to-use push-in snib feature to prevent accidental lock-outs.

The range includes 35mm and 45mm backsets, is available with or without rollers, and comes with a two-piece keep that makes installation easier.

It is tested to 240 hours of corrosion resistance (Grade 4) and features a faceplate made of 430 stainless with Yale branding.

Yale Launches Lockmaster 21

Stable Door Lock

Yale has responded to the increasing trend for stable door functionality in more contemporary settings as well as cottages and farmhouses with the launch of its new Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock.

Made specifically for PVC and composite stable doors, the lock is a combination of Yale’s recently launched Lockmaster 21 multi-point door lock and its Lockmaster Keyturn key-operated multi-point lock for doors with a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. This enables it to provide the highest levels of security, style and functionality,

says the company.

The Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock has been designed, developed and tested with Shepley, the leading trade window and composite door fabricator, to enable them to deliver the very best performance. The stable door lock has been designed to achieve PAS 24:2016 security as standard when incorporated as part of a doorset – demonstrating that it has satisfied a range of criteria to prove it can resist common methods of attack from burglars.

Its ‘impeccable’ security is aided

60 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Tony Ball, sales director at Shepley, comments: “We were pleased to work with Yale on the development of the Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock, providing our expertise to help ensure that testing and functionality are of the highest possible standard.

The final product is an excellent addition to the market, and will enhance both our own range of stable doors and other stable doors across the industry.”

Paul Atkinson, managing director at Yale, adds: “The new Lockmaster 21 Stable Door Lock is a long anticipated, welcome addition to our range, enabling us to offer an outstanding solution for composite, timber and PVC stable door sets, which are now a popular choice in modern settings as well as more traditional ones.

“The range provides all the security and compliance benefits that people expect from our Lockmaster line, while seamlessly fitting in with the aesthetics of stable doors. In this way, it provides the ultimate lock solution for fabricators and installers of stable doors.”

To learn more please visit: https://bit.ly/3HLCrFa

PRODUCT NEWS

Carl F Groupco: 20 Years Supplying UNI

Reversible Window Gearing

PVCu, timber, aluminium and timber/aluminium composite windows. It’s a robust hardware system designed for situations where safe control of the window opening is necessary: including high-rise applications where wind and height issues are of concern. Safety features such as integral child restrictors and reverse catches provide ultimate protection.

Catering for all project requirements, the FRH UNI system offers multiple options for opening, including top swing hinges, which allow end users to fully reverse the window, and Projecting side/top hung hinges for standard outward opening window operation. These hinges utilise the same sash and frame details, allowing any style to be fitted without changing profile routing. This ensures a uniform aesthetic appearance of all window designs and provides a standardised window style throughout a property.

Commenting on the milestone, Carl F Groupco’s Roto product manager, Julie Warner said: “It’s been a pleasure to be a part of the FRH UNI’s growth and success over the last 20 years. Since Roto acquired the brand in 2016, we have seen major product developments to futureproof the range. The biggest enhancement has been to upgrade all components to Grade 5 corrosion resistance as standard, which has been a massive appeal to new and existing customers.”

Hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco, is celebrating 20 years of supplying the market leading fully reversible Roto FRH UNI window hardware in the UK. During the past two decades, the FRH UNI range has become the most successful window product range in

Carl F Groupco’s portfolio, owing its success to the functionality provided and the strong reputation of the UNI brand in the UK market.

FRH UNI hardware is designed to suit traditional reversible window profiles, including

With a trading history dating back over 70 years, Carl F Groupco has a strong reputation for hardware expertise.

Since Roto acquired the FRH UNI range, the distributor has taken on the TSL and SSL espagnolettes, NT and Designo tilt and turn gearing plus the Inowa patio hardware. https://bit.ly/30Vqmwu

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 61

PRODUCT NEWS

Dormer Transformation Whilst homeowners take pride in their home, and want it to look it’s best, it can sometimes come at a price. Many are looking for low maintenance options to free up precious time and save money over the years.

One such family in Banbury, Oxfordshire, turned to local Freefoam Registered Installer Ricky Romera of Professor Windows to help them with an ongoing issue with their property. The house featured ten dormer windows around the front and back elevations covered in painted concrete render. With constant exposure to the elements cold frosts caused the render to separate and become cracked and discolored.

Consequently to keep the property water tight and tidy this meant the homeowner was spending

thousands of pounds every year on scaffolding and repair. They needed a long term solution.

Replacing with a traditional timber cladding was an option, but again would involve regular maintenance. Professor Windows had undertaken other work for the homeowner and recommended Fortex embossed PVC cladding, in the Weatherboard option.

Having used Freefoam cladding on other properties Ricky was confident that it would be the ideal solution for this situation.

Ricky explained “We’ve used the Freefoam cladding before on dormer elevations, and it works really well. This property took us a couple of weeks. With scaffolding in place we removed all the render, fitted battens and installed

62 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Before and After dormer

the cladding on each dormer. It was easy to fit and we used the matching trims to give each one a neat, professional finish.”

Fortex embossed cladding is available in a wide range of colours and the homeowner was able to choose the Sand option, which was a similar colour to the original painted render, and coordinates very well with the windows and brickwork.

Ricky summarized “The homeowner is delighted with the results, and has had lots of positive comments about the transformation the cladding has made from neighbours and friends. He is also very pleased to be saving a considerable amount of money each year, with no costly repair and maintenance. We’ve seen a big increase in requests for PVC cladding and have more jobs lined up. It’s a cost effective, easy care solution that can completely transform a house and makes a great addition to our business” www.freefoam.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Garden Room

Opportunities From Making Your Space Backed by former Polyframe director Martyn Buckley, Making Your Space is the garden room partner for the trade thanks to a dedicated manufacturing facility and product range that’s been designed with the adoption of the latest off-site construction techniques, says the company.

The UK market for garden rooms is expected to explode in 2022 and beyond as an increasing number of consumers look to work from home, while the others look for a gym, reading or music room, cinema pod, space for the kids or as a place to entertain. There’s no planning permission required and all that’s needed is a suitable flat

base and a low voltage electricity feed, with the preparation already made in the factory for ease of installation and typically delivered on 2-3 pallets.

Making Your Space says these modular garden rooms have been designed with quick-fix SIPS construction wall cassettes that simply slot into place and clip together. Estimated build times from the company are said to be around 2-3 days from start to completion, prior to any additional works e.g. plastering and there are a wide range of aluminium and PVCu windows and doors incorporated within the design options, along with an EPDM roof.

64 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

There’s a strong brand behind this trade only product proposition with brochures, installation and product specification guides and a unique garden room builder on the website at makingyourspace.co.uk, where everything can be built in 3D and priced directly with the consumer with pre-determined profit margins. This software module can also be placed on the websites of Design Partners too, which is based on the Business Micros new TOUCH platform.

Ryan Crossley, director of Making Your Space commented: “We believe that this is the perfect garden room proposition for the trade, and we’ve spent the last 12 months getting everything right from marketing, product design and business operations with a 4-week delivery. We’re already putting on training days for installers and are actively looking for Design Partners from across the UK.” www.makingyourspace.co.uk

SOFTWARE

Evonet Helps Ramage Windows Increase Output Efficiently

EvoNET into the business has helped to make Ramage more efficient than ever and given the team much more control of their operation.

Director Andrew Ramage Jnr explained: “The payback on the software was almost instant.

A year after it was installed, we are producing double the number of frames, but with no increase in the amount of time we spend on admin.

“We now have barcode scanning stations throughout the factory which gives us total visibility of what is being produced and we can see the status of every job via the in-built dashboard. We can batch production using EvoNET to optimise material and labour efficiency and generate reports instantly on everything from output per fabricator to quantities of remakes.”

Ramage Trade Windows has included the EvoAssist module within its EvoNET set up so that it can automatically send order confirmations and invoices to customers via text or email.

When lead times on PVC-U frames were at their peak in 2020, one of the responses from fabricators who were buying in even a portion of their output was to increase their own manufacturing volumes.

For Newcastle upon Tyne based Ramage Trade Windows, which doubled its output from 130 to 270 windows per week during the pandemic, that process was made considerably easier thanks to its investment in Business Micros EvoNET software, says the company.

Ramage Trade Windows had previously bought in around half of its volumes but when it started to suffer significant supply shortages, took the decision to

invest in new machinery and new software so that it could reduce its reliance on other fabricators and deliver increased certainty to its trade, retail and new build customers.

The company, which supplies Eurocell windows throughout the north east of England, had been a Business Micros Evolution software user for many years. While it was only manufacturing a hundred or so windows per week, it was easy to manage things like production batching and despatch manually, but when volumes started to increase, the Ramage team wanted to ensure that they stayed as efficient as possible.

In fact, the integration of

Andrew Ramage Jr added: “We have streamlined our entire operation while also reducing our reliance on outside suppliers.

The addition of EvoNET means we can confidently grow our volumes still further and know that we won’t have to compromise on efficiency or customer service.

“We’ve been really grateful for Business Micros’ support throughout the entire project.

The team have always been available to help – whether that’s in person or online and have more than justified our decision to choose the number one software supplier in the market.” ramagewindows.com www.businessmicros.co.uk/evonet

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 65

SOFTWARE

A Revolution In Customer Care which is part of a wider programme of new IT infrastructure, has been implemented to help streamline the whole customer query process and the ticketing system will ensure that all communications are fully traceable and trackable. It’s also the same sort of platform that’s used by some of the most trusted and respected consumer brands in the UK.

The quest for an ever-better customer experience continues at Endurance Doors with the introduction of Amicus, a new automated ticketing system which improves the flow of information to and from Installer Partners.

This investment in Amicus,

Any customer query that’s raised online will be followed by the receipt of a formal acknowledgement within minutes and subsequently a member of the customer care team appointed to that ticket within Amicus. Early beta testing of this software has shown that it speeds up communications between Endurance and their Installer Partners sig-

nificantly and without the issues of staff absences and holidays which can hamper the traditional operations of a customer care team.

It’s also part of a programme to build a ‘world-class’ customer care programme as Kayleigh Startup, customer relationships manager of Endurance Doors explains: “The Amicus ticketing system is part of a wider investment programme that’s been partly driven by customer demand, through important feedback that we’ve taken on board.

We’ve got a thirst to be the very best at what we do not just in terms of producing an outstanding composite door, but in every other way that we engage with our Installer Partners.” https://bit.ly/3HJ2oW1

Stay In Control Of Your

Business, Says Onsite 7 As the industry boom continues, it’s never been more important for installers to operate as efficiently as possible. Rhys Hoddinott, CEO at Onsite 7, says: “Job management software is an effective tool in helping installers stay in control of their businesses. We know from customer feedback that Onsite 7 is smart working for busy companies managing multiple jobs with multiple teams and back-end processes.”

The Onsite 7 system includes a team calendar where installers can schedule their jobs. It helps ensure a smooth-running schedule and helps them manage their teams’ time efficiently, preventing clashes and gaps in workflows.

Installers can allocate actions to a particular team member and

track progress so there’s less risk of something being forgotten.

Installers can also check every stage of each job from sales and survey to install and service. It provides an at-a-glance way to see where a job has got to and whether action is needed.

The company says the information contained in Onsite 7 helps installers get valuable insight into their business too. There is endto-end supply chain accountability to help installers keep track of their orders. There are reports, including job costing and profit reports and the software integrates with Xero and QuickBooks accountancy packages to help speed up financial admin processes.

66 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Onsite 7 customer Karl Symmonds, director of Truplas, sums up the difference it makes when he says: “With multiple software systems, paper-based practices and time consuming tasks we were certainly in the market for that ‘one software package’ to help streamline our activities and also provide us with a link to site activities. Key admin staff and management can now login into the Onsite 7 console from any location to review customers, jobs, active jobs, completed jobs… it is very much a software for all… and so easy to use.” www.onsite7.co.uk

SOFTWARE

ARCDesign: Augmented Reality For Conservatories Tech start-up Augmented Reality Creations (ARC) has launched a ground-breaking technological innovation that’s already set to be a game changer for the conservatory market.

Using state-of-the-art augmented reality technology, ARCDesign is a web-based conservatory designer and visualisation tool that sees installers give control to their customers via their website,

allowing their hard-earned web traffic to design, visualise and explore their dream conservatory.

With ARCDesign, potential customers can design their dream conservatory, choosing their preferred style, shape, and materials, as well as doors, windows, roof, and any other decorative extras.

Once they’ve finalised their design, customers have two

68 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

choices – they can either submit their design to the installer to get an informed quote, or they can use the innovative augmented reality software of ARCDesign to project a virtual, explorable, life-size 3D model of their conservatory onto their home via a smartphone, allowing them to visualise and explore where it would end up in real life.

ARC COO and co-founder Andrew Clear comments: “ARCDesign is an extremely powerful lead generation tool that allows customers to truly engage with their new glazed extension, experience it in situ, and share it with friends and family before making their final decision.

“The innovative software is guaranteed to increase engagement with an installer’s website, while also boosting con-

SOFTWARE version rates, trust and brand reputation.

With ARCDesign, conservatory installers can add a real wow factor to their sales visits, giving potential customers more control over their investments, increasing their conversion rates and potentially growing their business.”

“It’s also sure to speed up the sales appointment process, eliminating tiresome paperwork and saving time, money, and energy.

“Augmented reality might have already made its mark on many sectors, but it’s only just beginning within the glazing industry.

ARC co-founder and COO, Andrew Clear

For more information or to request a free demo, visit www.arc-solutions.co.uk.

My AdminBase Diary App Keeps

Off-Site Personnel In The Loop Software provider, Ab Initio, has launched My AdminBase Diary, a free diary app linked to the AdminBase installer business management system.

Displaying full details of current and future customer appointments, the new app provides off-site personnel with handy remote access to the main AdminBase system diary, when out and about.

While AdminBase can be integrated with mobile devices via Google Diary, conveniently merging the appointment data with any other engagements logged on the device, My AdminBase Diary has the added benefit of allowing additional material such as documents, pictures, or voice notes from the main AdminBase system to be shared between both platforms.

Commenting on the brand new app, which joins the other four existing AdminBase apps, Rhonda Ridge, creator of AdminBase, said: “Our installer customers have been asking for a simplified way of passing relevant appointment details such as notes, documents and pictures from AdminBase to on site personnel, and vice versa, so we launched My AdminBase Diary to make that possible.

“This app, like AdminBase itself, is slick, quick, and easy to use and means installers have access to all the information they need at their fingertips, on or off site.” www.abinitiosoftware.co.uk WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 69

MACHINERY

Roseview Windows Invests In Second SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining

Centre From Haffner Vertical slider manufacturer Roseview Windows has invested in a second SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre from Haffner to support continued growth in its manufacturing.

Roseview has grown year-onyear since it was established over 40 years ago and has witnessed a sharp upturn in demand in the past 18 months as a result of the continued popularity of feature-rich sash windows.

To help meet the growth in demand, Roseview ordered their first SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centre earlier this year to replace an ageing machine and drive greater efficiencies across the shop floor. Having been impressed with the machine’s

manufacturing efficiency and automated capabilities, they recently took the decision to invest in a second machine to further support their growth strategy.

Mike Bygrave, sales & marketing director at Roseview Windows, commented: “As a business, we are renowned for the quality of our sash windows and the efficiency of our operations. The SBA-4 VS PVC-U Profile Machining Centres will help us maintain and enhance this reputation, even as we continue to grow.”

Bryan Dando, regional sales manager at Haffner, commented: “Roseview were finding that many of their previous machining centres were unable to cope with the complexities of sash window

70 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

manufacture, which meant a lot of processes were done manually. With the technical innovation and high-performance accuracy that sits behind the SBA-4 VS PVC-U Machining Centre, it is more than capable of supporting complex vertical slider manufacture, including both standard and mechanically jointed versions.

We’re delighted to see Roseview seeing so much value from their investment.”

Roseview Windows was established in 1977 and serves the retail and trade markets. In 1985 it was one of the first companies in the UK to start manufacturing PVC-U vertical sliders. Based in Buckinghamshire, the company has three manufacturing units and currently manufactures around 700 windows a week, with plans in place to increase their output to 1,000 windows per week. www.haffnermurat.com www.roseview.co.uk

DELIVERING

THE BEST

IN SEAMLESS WELDING TECHNOLOGY

STAND H21

• Superior transom welding quality

• No imperfections, even on curved profiles

• Utilising patented V-Perfect® transom welding

• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints

• Precision accuracy – delivering a perfect weld every time

• Faster fabrication

• Weld seam elimination

• Fully automated processes

DISCOVER MORE on the range of Graf Synergy machines EXCLUSIVELY from Haffner

Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ

ON-SITE

Smart Windows And Doors Feature In Stunning

Grand Designs Project A derelict mill in a Cumbrian hamlet has been transformed over a three and a half year selfbuild project into a stunning four bedroom, four bathroom house, together with workshop and office space. Featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs programme, the project saw a new timber-framed, SIPS-construction house built within the footprint of the existing mill building, with many of the original mate-

rials, retained or reclaimed and reused.

The blacking mill, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, had lain empty and deteriorating for 60 years and required full restoration. Marlin Windows, one of Smart Architectural Aluminium’s key partners, worked closely with the architect and client to design, fabricate and install 40 windows and 7 doors as part of

72 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Images courtesy of Marlin Windows

the project.

Adrian Martin, Marlin Windows’ Managing Director, said: “Our brief was to provide contemporary aluminium windows and doors with flat, square edged profiles that would not only echo the design style and architectural lines of the building, but would also maximise the natural light coming into it. We were also tasked with ensuring the colour and finish were sympathetic to the reclaimed stone and new timber facing materials, as well as the surrounding natural environment.”

For the main feature windows,

ON-SITE ic, it’s like a super-wide cinema screen. It almost completely fills my field of vision.”

Providing a stunning main entrance to the property, a wide Sherbourne door style from Smart’s high-performance Designer Door range was installed, featuring a low threshold for easy access and matching glazed side light. The company’s Alitherm Plus door system was installed for access to the workshop, utility and roof garden areas.

The windows and doors were all painted in textured Vulcan Black from Smart’s sensations colour range, the colour selected to harmonise with the local environment and adjacent materials.

Smart’s Managing Director, Eddie Robinson, said “This is a fantastic project, with huge credit going to Adrian and the team at Marlin Windows for the quality of the fenestration work. The products not only look magnificent in this unique project, but their thermal performance will make a significant contribution to energy-efficiency.”

the experienced Marlin team installed Smart’s EcoFutural system, with its slim profiles and outstanding thermal efficiency enabling the maximum glass area to be achieved. Smart’s Alitherm 800 casement windows were then used elsewhere to provide natural ventilation and fire exit options.

Two large Smart Visoglide Plus sliding doors were incorporated to enhance the open plan living space, flood the room with light and open up the panoramic views beyond. Featuring slim frames to maximise the glazed areas, Kevin McCloud, Grand Designs’ presenter, said of the seven metre wide sliding doors: “That vast window is panoramWINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 73

ON-SITE

Sheerline Hits TV Screens Sheerline’s innovative aluminium window and door system is appearing in a popular home improvement TV programme.

The newest episode of George Clarke’s Old House, New Home features homeowner Leighla Davenport and her Grade II listed home, Callowell House, nestled in Stroud’s idyllic countryside.

The refurbishment project saw the construction of a modern extension that was integrated in a meaningful way with the rest of the property. Sheerline, with its slim sightlines and perfectly mitred corners, was a sympathetic enhancement to the original building.

Leighla’s newly-refurbished home features a mix of Sheerline products, including 12 Sheerline Classic windows in cream with Sheerline Prestige fixed frames in black, and

two Sheerline Prestige doors, also in cream.

Leighla says: “I found Sheerline through internet research of premium aluminium systems companies and I thought that it was a really nice product. We needed some unusual glazing and Sheerline had the capacity to do all of the windows we required. At a time where lead times were anything but normal, Sheerline offered the shortest delivery times, meaning we could keep the project on track.

“We have a Grade II listed building and Sheerline, and the Classic beadless range with its slim sightlines in particular, works across the entire building – both in our 150-year-old mullion windows and in our new extension – it’s so versatile and really brings in light.

It’s high performance, maintaining modern functionality as well

74 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

as being in keeping with the look and feel of our home. Plus, the low U-Values mean we don’t have to compromise between energy efficiency and the way it looks.

“A huge selling point for me was the fact that Sheerline is Made in Britain, and all the benefits that brings. There aren’t many companies investing in manufacturing in the UK, and it’s really great to see that happening in Derbyshire.”

The episode of George Clarke’s Old House, New Home featuring Sheerline was broadcast on 10th November at 8pm on Channel 4. www.sheerline.com

with your prospects are looking good.

Our data allows you to target your prospects directly, helping you win more sales, more effectively.

So if you need more fabricator, installer or trade counter customers, we’re the only database supplier that’s 100% dedicated to the window, door, conservatory and curtain walling industry.

And with the recent legislation changes, we can help you with GDPR compliancy too.

For your FREE trial go to: windowbase.info/free-trial e: info@windowbase.info t: 01453 845717

@WindowbaseLtd

ON-SITE

Optima Windows And Doors Transform An Award-Winning Barn Conversion Profile 22 installer Oswestry Windows and Doors has recently completed an impressive installation of Optima windows and French doors in an award-winning barn conversion situated on the outskirts of Maesbrook near Oswestry, Shropshire. The exclusive five-bedroom gated property involved the installation of 16 Optima Flush Casement win-

dows and two sets of Optima French Doors.

As you would expect on a high-quality property, the brief from the homeowner was exacting. Matthew Dunne-Smith, Owner of Oswestry Windows and Doors, explains: “Because the property was one of two exclusive barn conversions,

76 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

aesthetically the new windows and doors needed to perfectly complement the adjacent property which were fitted with original wooden windows. Due to the superior aesthetics of the Optima system, the new windows and doors replicated the original window design and blended perfectly with the adjacent property.”

In order to deliver the seamless finish required, the Optima Flush Casement windows were manufactured in the popular heritage hue of Agate Grey and the two sets of French doors in Anthracite Grey.

Optima is an incredibly versatile system and its Flush Casement window is based on a traditional British timber cottage window design. The award-winning Op-

ON-SITE

Success Breeds Success

For Apeer And Window

& Door Centre North East

tima system offers market-leading thermal efficiency and has a huge range of ancillaries and add-ons to enable windows in every style and to suit every property type to be manufactured. But while its looks are diverse, at its heart it is a system designed for the modern home with optimal thermal performance and rigidity thanks to its six-chamber outer frame and five chamber sash construction.

It surpasses the UK and EU Building Regulations’ requirements, achieves PAS24:2016 on all options and is accredited by the British Standards Institute.

The windows and doors were manufactured by longstanding Profile 22 fabricator Emplas and fitted by the expert Oswestry Window and Door team in just one week. www.profile22.co.uk

A new front door for a residential refurbishment in Bishops Auckland, Co. Durham resulted in added insulation, security and aesthetic appeal for one happy homeowner – plus increased sales for the Apeer trade partner after photos of the project were shared on social media.

Window & Door Centre North East Ltd undertook the eight week project after a customer came into their showroom and went straight to the anthracite grey Silka Wilton door on display. A survey was booked, further products were also ordered, following which work on the house began.

The resulting installation not only updated the building’s exterior, the fitting of the 70mm insulated door also helped improve the home’s insulation and security. Photos from the fiånished project were then shared on the company’s social media, which generated interest from other potential customers as well as resulting in follow on

sales.

Window & Door Centre North East has been an Apeer customer for more than eight years, supplying Apeer composite doors, in particular from the Apeer 70 and Silka ranges.

“Our customers like the style and designs of Apeer’s doors, especially the smooth texture of the Silka doors,” said managing director Eddie Wood. “The quality of the products speak for themselves: Apeer has a wide and varied range of doors and styles. Their glazing design options and colour matching services are also a great selling point for us.”

As an Apeer trade partner, Window & Door Centre North East benefits not just from the quality products but from Apeer’s support throughout the sales process: “Apeer’s after sales and customer service are always supportive and on hand to assist us,” added Eddie. www.apeer.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 77

ON-SITE

Kawneer Systems Help Set New Standards

By The River Mersey Architectural glazing by Kawneer features on a landmark residential tower in Liverpool.

landmark BTR (Build-to-Rent) residential development overlooking Liverpool’s iconic waterfront.

A diverse range of architectural glazing systems by UK manufacturer Kawneer were specified for a

Kawneer’s AA®100 curtain wall, AA®720 windows and doors, AA®541 window vents and

78 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

AA®190 TB doors all feature on the £60 million Copper House at 21 Strand Street, designed by Leach Rhodes Walker architects and developed over three years by main contractor Graham.

The Kawneer systems were installed by teams of up to 20 operatives by approved specialist sub-contractor FK Group. These included AA®100 zone-drained curtain wall on the ground, second and third storeys, AA®720 top-hung casement and fixed light windows at the rear of the building, and AA®720 single and

ON-SITE It is framed around two concrete tower structures, with off-site podded bathrooms and a system façade designed to withstand the inclement weather conditions overlooking the River Mersey estuary.

Residents of the one- to three-bedroomed apartments benefit from rooftop facilities – garden space with flexible and fixed seating, booths with fire pits and fire tables, an outdoor covered kitchen, and a multi-use central space for events or exercise, all enclosed by a 2m-high glass balustrade that provides weather protection without detracting from the stunning views of the river and the Albert Dock.

Constructed of reinforced concrete frame and lightweight external walls with rainscreen and brick facade, the building has risen adjacent to the Albert Dock Conservation Area.

Christian Gilham, Director at Leach Rhodes Walker for the project, said: “We had promised the city a high quality, landmark building befitting its fantastic location, and we needed the same high-quality materials to accompany the quality of design proposed.”

double-leaf doors on the first and sixteenth floors. AA®541 casement vent inserts also featured in the curtain wall on floors one to 16 and AA®190 TB doors to the ground floor screens.

The city centre brownfield site, formerly offices and car parking, has been transformed into a 29,000m2 (GIA) landmark development of 383 apartments for rent over 15 floors, with communal facilities including a residents’’ lounge and private gym and 1,000ft2 of commercial units on the ground floor.

Joe Carroll, Project Architect and designer of the scheme, said: “I am very proud we have realised this exciting and unique design on the prominent site, and being able to specify the quality of façade materials was key in delivering this.”

Ralph Sage, Senior Project Leader for Leach Rhodes Walker who are frequent specifiers of Kawneer systems, said the systems were specified for “familiarity, known quality, and extensive range” and were a significant feature of the elevational treatment.

“They provided the quality feel and appearance appropriate to the prestige location. They also met the security requirements where required and the thermal and acoustic requirements,” he said.

FK Group’s Associate Design Director Robert Clarke said: “We tendered Kawneer due to our very strong relationship with the systems company, both in fabrication and technical. They are our preferred and No 1 system supplier.”

Graham was appointed by joint venture partners Patten Properties and Panacea Property Development on behalf of Invesco Real Estate, the global real estate investment manager, as part of its growing UK residential portfolio.

Peter Reavey, Construction Director for Graham, believes The Copper House set a new standard for residential accommodation in Liverpool.

“Graham is proud to have delivered this high-quality residential scheme that provides a stunning addition to this iconic part of Liverpool city centre. The Copper House is a stand-out development. The quality of both the design and the build sets it apart, offering future residents a modern living environment with a community feel.”

Neil Patten, Joint Managing Director of Panacea Properties, said: “We were ambitious in the vision we set out for The Copper House, and to see it realised in such a spectacular way is something the entire team is very proud of.

This has been a long, challenging scheme, but the commitment to get every detail right has paid off considerably. Liverpool now has a sought-after residential development that encapsulates the optimism and ambition of the city.

“We enjoyed working with Invesco Real Estate and the delivery of the project by Graham has been first class. The consultant team have all worked tirelessly to deliver a building that sets a new standard for the quality of residential living in Liverpool City centre. My thanks go to the entire team for their efforts, especially in the face of the challenges presented by the pandemic.” www.kawneer.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 79

ON-SITE

Senior

Helps Build The Nest Various aluminium fenestration solutions from Senior Architectural Systems have flocked together to create The Nest, a new community sports facility in Norwich.

Designed by architects Chaplin Farrant and built by Cocksedge Building Contractors for Norwich City FC’s Community Sports Foundation, the new state-ofthe art sports centre features Senior’s slimline SF52 aluminium curtain wall system alongside SPW600 aluminium windows and both SPW501 and SD automatic sliding commercial doors.

The fenestration package has been fabricated and installed by

Senior’s supply chain partner The Page Group.

A key part of the building’s overall design is the strategic use of daylighting and the seamless connection between the different areas which include football pitches, a gym, conferencing and event spaces, and a cafe. This has been achieved through the use of Senior’s SF52 aluminium curtain wall to both main elevations, with the slim sightlines offered by the system helping to create an open and inviting entrance and providing wide-reaching views of the new floodlit 3G football pitch at the rear. The flow of natural light

80 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

and open-plan layout has been further enhanced with the use of Senior’s thermally-broken SPW600 aluminium windows and commercial door systems throughout.

The single-storey building has been designed to be sympathetic to the surrounding landscape and importantly, not interfere with the flight path of the nearby Norwich International Airport.

Externally, the building’s dark undulating roof and attractive wood cladding are complemented by the slim frames of the fenestration systems, which have been powder-coated and further accentuated by the use of ‘canary’ yellow detailing around the openings. These pops of colour, which are also used in the signage, pay homage to the team colours of Norwich City FC, with the facility itself named The Nest in honour of the club’s famous former ground. seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk

ON-SITE

Optima Windows

Chosen For Prestigious Oswestry Refurbishment

Profile 22 installer Oswestry Window & Doors has completed an extensive refurbishment to a prestigious detached property in Cae Du Edgerley near Oswestry, Shropshire. The home refurbishment project involved the installation of twelve Optima Flush Casement Windows, which included gable-shaped frames, three sets of Optima French Doors and one four-pane PatioMaster sliding door.

The original building plans specified aluminium windows and doors for the project, but the experienced team at Oswestry Windows & Doors were able to demonstrate that the Optima PVC-U system would deliver greater high-end aesthetics. Matthew Smith-Dunne of Oswestry Windows & Doors commented: “We showed the Optima Flush Casement Window system to the customer, who

was very impressed with the aesthetics of the product. Having taken the time to run through all the options, they could see that the combination of the equal window sightlines coupled with the smooth foil finish in Anthracite Grey would create the high-end contemporary aesthetics they were seeking for their home.”

the Emplas team and maintain transparent communication with everyone involved so we could deliver the white glove service we pride ourselves on.”

All the products were fabricated

by Oswestry Windows & Doors’ long-term fabrication partner Emplas Window Systems Ltd.

Matthew concludes: “Optima is the perfect window and door system for us because it allows us to fit all styles of properties.

Its quality, versatility and performance has helped us achieve sales across several large-scale and high-end projects. As a result of this recent project, we have already secured additional new work and like the homeowner, we are delighted with the finished result.”

The project was undertaken during the pandemic, which brought obvious challenges. The company was able to overcome every difficulty to put the homeowners’ minds at ease. Matthew commented: “Stringent health and safety protocols were followed to protect everyone on site. We also needed to liaise closely with

The end result is a sophisticated home that showcases the ability of the Optima system to bring stunning aesthetics to any project.

www.profile22.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 81

ON-SITE

Perfectly Framed

Views For New

Development Located next to Leigh-on-Sea, the quaint town of Hadleigh in Essex recently welcomed in its newest housing development.

With the new block of flats and penthouses overlooking the scenic Salvation Army Field, installers SGC Glass were under pressure to deliver a high-performing and appealing window solution that would do justice to the development’s excellent views.

When the team at Springfield Residential Limited (Springfield) were looking for eye-catching windows for their new Hadleigh build, it was clear that only the best would do. This ambition was further amplified by the architect’s demands for a specific design that would complement the surrounding scenery.

Such strict guidelines meant the company needed to be sure of any potential solution’s quality, and were just about to place an order elsewhere when they were approached

by SGC Glass (SGC) and their eye-catching product solutions.

Springfield’s Director, Dave Springfield, was particularly interested in SGC’s respectably priced Rehau Total70 casement product offering that not only promised aesthetic appeal, but full functionality and low maintenance.

Impressed with the products and pricing, Springfield placed an order the very next day. In total, SGC installed 103 case-

ment windows, nine French doors and four arched universal casements, all in white uPVC. The development’s owners were keen to ensure that the modernity of the buildings was reflected in all aspects of its design. This included any window solution products, which needed to be energy and thermal efficient, yet cost-effective. As well as ticking these boxes, Rehau’s double-glazed window systems contained a compound which allowed for a smooth gloss finish. As a result, they require very little follow-up work, ensuring they continue to look and function as good as new for years to come.

Chris Cottage, Director of SGC Glass, noted that the developer was already aware of Rehau: “I don’t know what was in mind previously for the development, but as soon as we mentioned Rehau, Dave was very interested. He knew that Rehau produced good, high-quality windows, so he trusted us.

“He was also very impressed with the price, as Rehau Windows are known for adding value to any build at a reasonable rate.”

Instead of just replacing tired, old windows, SGC Glass found it refreshing to work on a clean new build that would complement the beauty of the surrounding area. The priority was to make sure everything

82 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

suited the plan and to follow exactly what the architect had approved. To ensure that the developers were happy with everything that had been required, SGC were efficient in providing an install evaluation.

Chris was particularly taken with the simplicity of the installation process. He said: “It was a really nice hassle-free job, and ideally we would want to try and get more work like that.

ON-SITE

Besides the penthouse suites, many of the windows were repetitive in sizing and all in white – they were all two-bed flats with two sets of windows and doors each, so if adjustments were required, they were easy to make.”

In response, Dave was very pleased with the build: “Generally, the whole installation was very satisfactory. It took approximately two weeks to

complete and we encountered no problems during the entire time.

“It was exactly what we asked for and I would definitely recommend any of the Rehau Total70 casement products in the future for any similar projects.

I look forward to working with SGC Glass again.”

Barry Gilligan, National Sales Director of Window Solutions at

Rehau commented: “We have a longstanding relationship with SGC Glass, and we are proud of their professional and reliable installation service. The Total70 range guarantees both aesthetically and performance pleasing results, and we are sure that the residents of the new Leigh-on-Sea development will be thrilled with the Total70 range.” https://bit.ly/3cEVcf8

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 83

AWARDS

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass (centre) and the Morley Glass team celebrating at the 2021 National Fenestration Awards presentation event.

High Five For NFA

Award Winning

Morley Glass

Uni-Blinds integral blind manufacturer Morley Glass has triumphed at the 2021 National Fenestration Awards (NFAs) by picking up awards in five categories.

The company was once again crowned the industry’s best ‘Integral Blind Company’ and named the winner in the ‘New Product’ category for its latest exclusive integrated blind innovations, the symmetrical SV+ sliding venetian blind system and the pleated blackout blind. Like all Uni-Blinds, these new products are manufactured using only ScreenLine blind systems, which the company says offers high quality, great visual appeal and reliable long term performance in carefully tailored shading

and privacy solutions.

Morley Glass was also recognised by the industry for the way it has used video over the last 12 months, both in its own marketing and to support window and door installers large and small by helping them create virtual showroom tours. These videos proved invaluable during the pandemic lockdown periods, and they continue to be an incredibly useful asset to installers as homeowners and developers research new products and services online at the early stage of their search.

In addition to these three corporate awards, one member of the Morley Glass team was a double

84 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

award winner too, reflecting the outstanding contribution she has made to the company’s success.

Sales adviser and marketing coordinator Charlotte Gilbert, who has become an integral part of the team since joining just 15 months ago, was presented with awards for ‘Social Networker’ and ‘Young Person’.

Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass said: “I’m absolutely thrilled that we’ve won three 2021 NFA awards for the company, and over the moon for Charlotte for her well-deserved individual awards.

A big thank you to everyone who voted for Morley Glass and who took time to get involved with the NFAs in whatever capacity they chose to – as a sponsor, nominee, voter or attendee.

“In what has been another pandemic-affected year, Lee Clarke and the NFA team deserve a lot of credit for successfully delivering the NFA awards programme. It is really important for the industry to get the chance to get together in person to celebrate the very best in our sector and we are already looking forward to the 2022 programme!” www.morleyglass.co.uk

AWARDS

Haffner Wins Machinery Company At The NFA Awards 2021

Haffner are celebrating a back-to-back win at the NFA Awards 2021. The company, which took the title in the Machinery Company category at the 2020 awards, was again confirmed the winner of the 2021 award. The Haffner team collected their awards at the gala event held at Doncaster racecourse on Saturday 6th November.

The event was the first of its kind, with award presentations being made to the 2020 winners and live announcements and presentations of the NFA 2021 awards.

Dave Thomas, managing director of Haffner, said: “We are delighted to win this award for the second year, particularly as it’s voted for by our industry peers, so it’s a real vote of confidence.

I’d like to thank everyone who voted for Haffner as it means so much to the whole team.”

The win rounds off another successful year for the Staffordshire-based business. Dave says: “2021 has been an extremely busy and somewhat challenging year for the industry but we have continued to invest in our business to keep pace with the demand for our automated machines. This has included several largescale investments being made across the business and an increase in staff to support our growth. The investments have kept us ahead of the curve and allowed us to deliver the much-needed automated machines to our customers as quickly as possible.”

The National Fenestration Awards recognises all areas of the UK fenestration industry. As Dave says, there is no judging panel and voting is purely down to individuals across the industry to vote and decide their overall winner. This year saw the highest number of votes across all categories, reflecting the growing popularity of the awards.

Haffner describes itself as a team of industry and technical machine experts who really un-

Bryan Dando, regional sales manager at Haffner.

derstand the fabrication industry and believes the company offers the largest and most comprehensive PVC-U and aluminium fabrication machinery portfolio in the industry. It has an exclusive supply partnership with Italian-machine innovators, Graf Synergy, which is well-known for its world class seamless welding technology and patented welding techniques. Haffner is also the sole UK agent of Haffner Machinery, which designs ‘innovative and high-quality engineered products at competitive industry prices’ and supplies a range of aluminium fabrication machines from worldwide machine-giants, Fom Industries. Italy’s Fom Industrie is part of the worldwide FomGroup, which Haffner says has an outstanding product range offering the widest choice of quality machines with competitive lead times.

The company also says it works closely with fabricators of all sizes to offer the best in machinery quality and reliability. www.haffnermurat.com WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 85

AWARDS fore. As a result, the number of solid retrofit roofs and new build conservatory extensions has risen dramatically as witnessed by our record sales.”

As a result of the increase in demand, Modplan has made several strategic investments throughout 2021, which has opened up new opportunities and provided additional capacity to support its long-term growth efforts. Heidi said: “Our recent investments in our infrastructure, including our dedicated roof plant, have given us outstanding product quality and further improved our manufacturing efficiencies. We now operate from a total manufacturing space of 165,000 sqft which ensures that we can continue to offer the best in product quality with exceptional manufacturing efficiencies for our customers.”

Rob Hicks (L) and Gareth Mason (R) , part of Modplan’s senior management team

Modplan Wins Conservatory Roof Fabricator

At NFA Awards 2021 Trade fabricator Modplan has been announced as the joint winner of the Conservatory Roof Fabricator category at the National Fenestration Awards 2021.

out of busy schedules to vote for us, is a true vote of support.

Congratulations also goes to our fellow winner, Premier Roof Systems.”

Speaking of the win, Heidi Sachs, managing director of Modplan, said: “We are thrilled to have won this award. It’s particularly relevant as it was voted for solely by the industry and I would like to thank everyone who took the time to vote for Modplan. It has been an extremely busy year for everyone in the industry, so taking time

The award concludes a successful year for Newport-based Modplan which has seen a sharp rise in demand for products, particularly in conservatory roofs, in response to consumer demand.

Heidi said: “The huge spike in demand for conservatory roofs is not totally surprising as consumers are now scrutinising their living spaces more than ever be-

86 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

Modplan manufactures a complete range of conservatory roofs, so installers can maintain a diverse product portfolio.

Products include the popular Leka Solid roof, Leka orangery roof and Leka Xi modular system. Also available is the Vertex roof which offers a one-piece peripheral main beam with integral gutter and can be supplied with a choice of polycarbonate or glass options.

And the Wendland range and LivinRoof by Ultraframe completes an impressive conservatory roof offering.

Heidi concludes: “We are obviously delighted to have picked up this award. It is clear recognition of the commitment and hard work we have put into our conservatory roof offer to deliver the best for our customers. As a business, we are never complacent and that has ensured we have remained a strong and reliable partner for nearly five decades. It’s why this win means so much to the team.” www.modplan.co.uk

AWARDS

Victorian Sliders Celebrates Third NFA Win Sash window specialists Victorian Sliders are celebrating after winning a much sought-after National Fenestration Award for the third year running.

Companies from across the industry attended the presentation event held at Doncaster Racecourse, where the Welsh company was announced as the winner of the Fabricator/Manufacturer award, one of the NFA’s most competitive categories.

It also collected the award for Vertical Sliding Window Company from the 2020 NFAs, which were held virtually last year because of Covid restrictions.

Held annually since 2013, the NFAs have won respect throughout the industry as the only glass and glazing awards event decided by a public vote rather than a panel of judges.

This latest win marks the third year running that Victorian Sliders have walked away with an NFA. “What a fantastic way to round off a challenging and successful year”, commented marketing manager Geoff Bishop.

“It’s a huge honour for us, and we’re blown away by the level of support we’ve received from across the country.

VBH Celebrate

Success At NFA’s

“We want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who voted for us, and all our hardworking staff and fantastic customers. Without them, none of what we’ve achieved would’ve been possible.

“Now, we’re focused on making 2022 the best year in our history, and bringing outstanding sash window products to even more glazing businesses across Britain.” www.victoriansliders.co.uk

Hardware specialist VBH has been successful in 2 categories and finished as runner up in 3 more at the National Fenestration Awards.

The company won Best Digital Marketing Campaign for their promotion of the Q-secure consumer hardware guarantee which will pay out up to £8000 in the event of a break in, and regional sales manager Tyler Shutts shared the Young Person of the Year award to follow up her outright win in 2020.

Marketing manager Gary Gleeson said, “It’s great to be recognised in this way by the industry and we really appreciate every vote cast our way. We see all awards success, regardless of category, as a giant pat on the back for the whole team and everyone at VBH is thrilled to bits.

“Having said that, for Tyler to get the nod two years in a row in her individual category shows just how highly rated she is by her customers in the north and is testament to the great service that she and her customer service co-ordinators provide.”

A team from VBH travelled to Doncaster races for the awards ceremony and a great time was had by all, said the company. www.vbhgb.com WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 87

MARKETING & INTERNET

Connect Hub Helps Users Achieve A

Flexible Telecoms Solution

Epwin Window Systems has launched an exclusive partnership with innovative telecoms provider ConXhub for users of its integrated digital resource centre, Connect.

ConXhub helps tradespeople enhance connectivity with their customer base delivering a flexible and streamlined telecom solution.

Gerald Allen, Marketing Manager at Epwin Window Systems, said: “Connect helps our fabricators and installers to access the vast range of business support available to them and, in doing so, help them drive sales, grow profit and simplify the access points. ConXhub was the perfect fit for us to assist our tradespeople by providing them with the most efficient and flexible telecoms solution on the market.”

Mark Trowbridge, Founder and CEO of ConXhub, added: “We are

delighted to have partnered with Epwin Windows Systems and be part of Connect. At ConXhub we have taken all the communication tools any tradesperson, SME or corporation needs and designed a perfectly mobile and super cost-effective telecom solution to replace all outdated and equipment dependent predecessors.”

As a result of the partnership, Epwin Connect users can receive an additional phone number attached to their mobile. This means they can have a telephone number solely dedicated to their customers, but still only need to have one mobile phone which provides a cutting-edge streamlined platform.

It gives them more privacy and helps them achieve an improved work/life balance.

ConXhub simply sits on top of a user’s personal mobile phone

88 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

and nothing else is needed. With an unbeatable monthly cost that includes all features and unlimited outbound and inbound calls, it puts even the most sophisticated of communications tools into the hands of every business, not just those with bigger budgets.

Epwin Window Systems says the Connect platform is something only a systems house with the size and scale of Epwin Window Systems could provide. It’s a 24/7/365 bespoke-designed digital integrated platform for the vast range of value-added benefits that are available to Epwin Window Systems’ customers. It brings together all the company’s technical, commercial sales and marketing support, plus a lead generation mechanism that passes retail and commercial leads to fabricators and installers. Rolling discounts from industry partners adds even more value, as this latest partnership with ConXhub demonstrates.

Epwin Window Systems customers who have already signed up to Connect will see details of the partnership the next time they log in to the platform. To join for the first time, complete the form at https://bit.ly/2YBP0AW

MARKETING & INTERNET

ODL Europe Launches New

Composite Door Brochure

ODL Europe has published a new composite door brochure to support their growing customer base.

Ian Glenister, ODL Europe’s Technical Sales Manager, said: “Our new brochure showcases our complete composite door collection, including our newly-launched Deco and Moderne door ranges. The brochure will continue to support our customers while appealing to to-

day’s design-conscious consumer by demonstrating the wide choice on offer.”

The comprehensive 60-page brochure is filled with high-quality images throughout covering the full range of doors and multiple glazing options available from the Bootle-based business.

The contemporary new brochure design demonstrates their extensive door range including the wide selection of composite door styles, choice of finishes, four glazing frame collections, large colour palette and extensive decorative glass options. Ian said: “Our new brochure will not only support our fabricating customers but also translates into a better representation of our doors for the domestic market.”

The new brochure has lifestyle imagery throughout and is supported with technical information to help homeowners choose the right door for their home. Ian said: “The brochure stresses the technical benefits of our products so today’s consumer can buy with increased confidence. We have developed a range of traditional and contemporary door styles that will suit all tastes, house styles and budgets, along with some unique door styles to satisfy the most discerning customers.”

Copies of the new Composite Door brochure can be downloaded from the website at www.odleurope.com

AluK Design Studio Goes Online To Welcome People Face To Face

As the UK returns to face-to-face meetings, networking and showroom visits, AluK has launched a new website to promote its London Design Studio. Located right in the heart of London’s architectural community in Worship Street, the Design Studio showcases all of AluK’s window, door and curtain walling systems and provides a dedicated contemporary meeting space.

The user-friendly new website at www.alukdesignstudio.co.uk includes a video tour of the studio, and a page dedicated to the products on show.

Gavin Snowdon, the London Design Studio Manager, commented: “The website hopefully reminds customers and industry colleagues of this fantastic space and facility. We’ve already hosted a post-lockdown get together and one of our famous AluK Quiz Nights and it was so great to welcome people back.

It also makes it easy for visitors to book slots for viewings or meetings with the AluK team, and even submit an enquiry to hire the whole studio to host their own event.

“We’re now putting together a whole schedule of events for specifiers and consultants during the Autumn and Winter and these will all be posted on the website and available to book in addition to regular visits.”

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 89

MARKETING & INTERNET

Victorian Sliders Showcases Brand

New Trade Website

A new website is the latest investment from sash window specialists Victorian Sliders.

The new site has been designed to clearly communicate the benefits of the company’s market-leading ECOSlide window, and provide a one-stop shop for new clients, queries and product information.

Victorian Sliders Marketing Manager Geoff Bishop comments: “The new website has been a real labour of love for us, and we’ve put in a huge amount of work to ensure it offers visitors the best experience possible.

“Now, customers can get everything they need all in one

place – they can apply for a trade account, download quote forms, request brochures and other marketing materials, access a wealth of information about ECOSlide, and gain more insight into our manufacturing process than ever before.

“Since the pandemic, people are more ‘online’ than ever, and our industry is no exception. We hope our valued trade customers around the UK like the site and find it easy to use, and we’ll be continuing to update it regularly in the months ahead.”

The company has also focused on revamping its physical marketing material by updating their ECOSlide brochure including

90 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

an interactive digital version, as Geoff explains.

“In 2021, having a digital presence is more important than ever, which is why our digital brochure can be viewed and shared online, but that doesn’t mean companies should neglect more traditional forms of marketing.

“I believe that there will always be a demand for printed brochures, that can inspire end-users and encourage them to invest in your products, and that’s why Victorian Sliders is committed to providing them.”

You can access the updated brochure by visiting www.victoriansliders.co.uk

MARKETING & INTERNET

Kolorseal Launches

Pinterest As Customer Support

Kolorseal has launched a new corporate Pinterest page with a view to supporting customers.

The idea is to help companies and customers to promote their work by highlighting completed projects that have been ‘Kolorsealed’.

Deborah Hendry, Managing Director considers now is the perfect time to thank people for their loyalty to Kolorseal over the years.

The Pinterest page will not only post the photos on the Kolorseal page, but will name the companies who have completed the project, with contact details for those who are inspired by what they see.

Deborah comments, “We always want to offer our customers as much support as possible. In today’s digital world, being able to demonstrate the quality of finished products has never been easier, and this will also better help consumers to understand the possibilities now available with colour.”

The company is fully aware that time is very precious to installers and fabricators, but as a means to thank customers, each month a favourite project will be selected to win a prize. This could be any-

thing from an Amazon voucher, to an Echo Dot or even one of Geri’s gift boxes.

Deborah continues: “We are very much looking forward to seeing the photographic skills of our customers and those they supply to – it will be an excellent way to promote not just the products but the overall service that we all achieve together.”

To be profiled on the new Pinterest page, please ensure that homeowners have approved taking photographs of their home.

Also, the projects can only be pictures of coloured products from Kolorseal Ltd. To be a part of the Kolorseal profiling on Pinterest, please send copies of all photos to Geri@kolorseal.co.uk together with accurate business and contact details.

Brisant Launch Home Truths Book Brisant-Secure has launched a new publication “The Book of Home Truths” which helps locksmiths and door installers explain to homeowners why Ultion will ensure their doors stay locked.

The book demonstrates the opportunities Ultion offers for the trade, with case studies of people’s homes who have been protected. Key crime statistics are laid out, which Ultion was developed to combat; for example, according to the Brisant Secure, a staggering two thirds of burglaries occur when the homeowner is present. The £2000 security guarantee is explained.

Debbie concludes, “With so many ongoing projects it makes sense to highlight colourful applications – which could be anything from doors and windows, to composite doors that make a striking difference to property or even the matching of rainwater products to finish off an installation perfectly.”

It highlights technical points explaining about the inner core being made from molybdenum, an element 25% tougher than iron.

A QR code activates the augmented reality model to bring the lock’s technology to life. There’s the convenience of one key working all doors in the house, including the shed padlock, and that these can be delivered the following day.

www.kolorseal.co.uk

www.brisant-secure.com

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 91

MARKETING & INTERNET

Edgetech Helps Homeowners Find Energy

Saving Glazing With New Lead-Gen Website Edgetech has launched a consumer-facing lead-generation website, the latest result of the company’s long-standing commitment to investing to support its customers.

The Energy Saving Glazing site seeks to educate consumers about energy efficiency, warm-edge spacer bar technology, and how it can help them cut both their electricity bills and carbon footprints.

In an unprecedented step for a UK spacer manufacturer, the site will then help visitors find nearby window installers whose products incorporate Edgetech spacer technology.

In doing so, the company will support the IGU manufacturers it directly serves, their fabricator customers, and the installers who buy from those fabricators.

Edgetech Head of Marketing Charlotte Hawkes comments: “We know that consumers are increasingly concerned about energy

efficiency and looking for ways to live more sustainably.

“Research from GlobalData suggests that four in ten consumers now bear the environment in mind when purchasing items, and in the years ahead, that’s only going to increase.

“With the Energy Saving Glazing site, we’re giving them the opportunity to choose windows that offer outstanding performance, thanks to Edgetech spacer technology.

“A large proportion of the leads we received from our previous website were from homeowners looking for suppliers who could install our energy saving products in their home.

“Through our Dealership scheme, we would cascade these leads through the supply chain, but by developing the website in this way we’re able to offer visitors quicker and easier access to this information, while also notifying the suggested installers automatically so

92 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

that they can follow up themselves too.”

“While we’re aware the industry is currently experiencing huge demand, we’ve invested in this area to ensure when things return to previous levels of interest we’re ready to help IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers make the most of this opportunity.”

You can visit the Energy Saving Glazing website at www.energysavingglazing.co.uk/ Edgetech has also invested in a new trade-focused website, which you can find at www.edgetechig.co.uk “This new website has been developed around our different audiences with the aim to improve our visitor experience by making navigation to appropriate content clearer,” Charlotte continues.

“With the rise in online research and product evaluation, this is an important step in ensuring the content on our website is both relevant and easily accessible to people searching for information.”

If you’d like your company details added as a recommended supplier on the website, contact Edgetech via contact details on the website.

MARKETING & INTERNET

DoorCo Goes Live With New Website

Composite door supplier DoorCo has revealed its brand-new website that has been fully redesigned in an engaging and modernised manner to bring the company’s online presence in line with their enhanced product and service offering, better reflecting what DoorCo stands for, and what they want to achieve going forward.

Ben Aspinall, DoorCo’s IT & marketing manager explains: “Working with our web partners The Consultancy, we wanted to strengthen our online presence and bring it in line with where DoorCo stands today. Since March 2020, we’ve made some significant changes to our marketing. We’ve developed a house of brands under a new identity that better reflects the core values that DoorCo stands for and where we are heading in the next phase of our growth. The house of brands includes our two ground-breaking new products: our new solid timber core door engineered with Gripcore technology and Flip, our revolutionary glazing cassette system with unique ‘Foam in Place’ technology; our revitalised foam core Original door;

our updated Paint and Glazing ranges; and a few new brands that will be coming online in the coming months. The progression of the market has also been reflected in our door collections. In addition to Traditional and Contemporary, we’ve added Designer to showcase the next generation of composite doors. It includes some of our best products, like Links and Monza II (especially when coloured with our unique Patina range) that really are in a league of their own.

“The aim of the website is to continue growing our online brand and making us more accessible to our customers. The website clearly demonstrates what we can offer each type of customer in a professional and creative manner.

“As well as showcasing DoorCo’s brands and services, the new website has been developed to be functional too. It includes new features that allow us to easily support our customers. For example, there is a new Asset Portal where customers can log in securely and download whatever they need from marketing materi-

als to technical information. A new Inspirations gallery where we’re collating images of our doors in real-life and designer situations to help showcase DoorCo doors in a multitude of properties, with input from customers and homeowners that have shared their new doors with us. Our online Door Designer has also been updated in line with all our changes – new categories, products, glass and glazing options, colours and hardware options, including smart technology that we now supply. The Door Designer is an important tool for collating leads for our customers from homeowners who submit their door designs via this portal for a quote.

“We’re delighted with the new website – the structure, design and useability has modernised the DoorCo offering in a unique and creative way, and it stands us in good stead to enhance our communication with customers and potential new customers for years to come. So far, the feedback has been great, and we’d love to know what you think. Have a browse: www.door-co.com

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 93

MARKETING & INTERNET their needs.

The free-standing, metal POS unit, which has been specially designed for the Intelligent Hardware Essential Range, allows everything to be displayed neatly so that customers can view what’s on offer. The pick and go packaging and displays are designed to reduce wait times and entice impulse buyers, making it quick and easy for customers to select the right items with the innovative product selector.

UAP Ltd Revamps

Intelligent Hardware ‘Essential’ Range To Boost Pick And Go Sales Potential UAP Ltd has refreshed its Intelligent Hardware ‘Essential Range’ with new products, new packaging and new graphics to help builder’s merchants, wholesalers and trade counters benefit from increased pick and go sales.

Available with a compact, flatpacked and easy to assemble point of sale (POS) display to help entice customers to buy, the Intelligent Hardware Essential Range includes over 100 products across internal door hardware, external door hardware and window safety.

All items are clearly branded and labelled, with eye-catching graphics for ease of identification and blister packaging

for ease of display and robust protection of the product.

New lines including letterplates, door knockers and door viewers have been added to the popular range, which is now co-ordinated and instantly recognisable in its new format. The varied products are all stamped with the Intelligent Hardware ‘Best

by Design’ seal of approval and have been selected by UAP Ltd’s experts to ensure the range offers excellent choice and compatibility. Every item is supplied with full fitting instructions and UAP has also produced literature to help customers familiarise themselves with the range and select the right combination of products for

94 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

The Intelligent Hardware Essential Range includes handles, escutcheons and bath turns, hinges, door locks and complete door packs for internal doors.

For external doors, the range offers handles, cylinder locks, mortice locks, letterplates, knockers, viewers, numerals, door chains and hinges, and for windows it provides window restrictors and window locks (sash jam). All items are supplied with a 5-year mechanical warranty where applicable and are fully-tested where required.

Simon Marr, general manager of Intelligent Hardware commented: “Many of the products in this range are already popular with builders, joiners and DIYers, and are go-to lines for merchants and trade counters.

“Our aim with this revamp was to co-ordinate the range with consistent branding, packaging and installation instructions so that customers can instantly identify what they need and trust every item in the Essential Range for quality, ease of use and value for money.

“The new look, packaging and POS will help merchants and trade counters to attract increased sales and, because UAP has such extensive UK stockholding, the wholesale sector can rely on consistent availability too.”

MARKETING & INTERNET

Perfect Match: Vista Sponsors Blackburn Rovers Ladies Player

New Veka Recycling Video

Composite door and uPVC panels manufacturer Vista Panels will be sponsoring Blackburn Rovers Ladies player Hannah Coan for the 2021/22 FA Women’s Championship season.

The defender is the daughter of Vista employee Gemma Lloyd, who works in the company’s Wirral-based sales office.

20-year-old Hannah progressed through the youth ranks at Everton, making her senior bow in December 2019 in the Continental League Cup. She then moved on loan to Sheffield United at the beginning of the 2020/21 season before joining Blackburn Rovers on loan last January, where she is now a permanent member of the squad.

Hannah comments: “I’m really excited to be signing with the Rovers. I came here towards the end of last season on loan and really enjoyed my time, so I’m happy to

be back. Now that the supporters are back as well, it will be even more exciting.”

Vista took the opportunity to take up the sponsorship package and are looking forward to watching Hannah progress.

The company also wishes all the Blackburn Rovers team good luck as they compete in the FA Women’s Championship this season.

Vista’s Business Development Manager Ian Smith comments: “We have been keeping track of Hannah since Gemma told us she was at Everton, but now that she is playing first team football for Blackburn, we thought it was time we gave her our full backing and support.

“We are very proud of Hannah, and we wish her every luck for the upcoming season.” www.vistapanels.co.uk

Veka Recycling has launched a new video that shows how its recycling processing facility is playing its part in transforming end-oflife PVC-U frames into brand new windows and doors. The Wellingborough, Northamptonshire plant was completed at the end of 2020 after a two-year build at a cost of £15 million.

The 2-minute video is compelling and beautifully shot, with jarring images of waste being groundfilled, followed by sweeping views of a Veka Recycling tanker wending its way through the countryside laden with tonnes of processed PVC-U pellet. Adding impact to the striking imagery are the mountains of frames at the five-and-a-half-acre site being fed into the plant, with dramatic shots of the various stages of processing.

“We are immensely proud of what we have built here,” said Veka Recycling managing director Simon Scholes. “After our plans to show people round were severely curtailed by Covid we decided to make this video, to ensure we can show the importance of recycling old PVC-U window and door frames, and how efficient our new plant is at doing so. The Veka Recycling video can be seen at: https://veka-recycling.co.uk

WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021 95

CHARITY their programmes in the field.

Closer to home, UAP Ltd has also co-funded a respite weekend for children living with encephalitis and their families in the Peak District. The first ‘in person’ event held by the Encephalitis Society since the beginning of the pandemic, the action-packed weekend included zip wires, archery, raft building, orienteering, abseiling, and a singalong with a storytelling folk singer, along with focus groups to discuss topics as diverse as coping at school and how the Encephalitis Society can improve its outreach work.

Dr Nicholas Davies, Chair of the Encephalitis Society’s Scientific Advisory Panel

UAP Ltd Aids Encephalitis Society Outreach

Across Three Initiatives

Hardware and locking systems specialist, UAP Ltd, has helped provide support to those living with the effects of encephalitis and to further research into diagnosis and treatment with a triple charity donation initiative.

UAP Ltd has a long history of raising money for charity and helping communities local to their Manchester HQ and around the world, so David was keen that encephalitis would be a key focus for this year.

The company’s CEO, David Jennings, was appointed vice president of the Encephalitis Society in January. He is passionate about research into treatments and prevention for the condition, which is an inflammation of the brain caused by an infection or a faulty immune response. He is also keen to help those living with the condition, having lost his own brother, Phillip, to encephalitis at the age of just 17 in 1975.

The company has contributed to a travel bursary to help medical professionals from low-to-middle income countries attend the Encephalitis Conference in London in December, hosted by The Royal College of Physicians, so that they can benefit from knowledge sharing and the latest insights and research into the condition. UAP has also contributed to seed funding to help researchers in developing countries to further

96 WINDOW NEWS | NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2021

David Jennings commented: “From raising money to help build schools in Nepal to donating PPE supplies to local faith groups and community services during the pandemic, charity initiatives are embedded in our culture at UAP Ltd. “I have very personal reasons to want to help those working towards encephalitis prevention, treatment and support for people living with the condition, but the whole UAP team has got behind the fundraising initiative and I am proud that we have been able to contribute for those involved with the Encephalitis Society in the UK and around the world.”

Dr Ava Easton, Chief Executive at the Encephalitis Society added: “Bringing people together, whether for respite on a residential weekend or for learning at our annual conference, is a very important part of what we do. The financial support that UAP has provided this year is so valuable to so many people; those living with the condition and working to improve outcomes now, and in the future.

We’d like to thank David and UAP for their support.” uapcorporate.com

Whatever it takes Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com Motorway house, Charter Way, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2NY

DELIVERING

THE BEST

IN SEAMLESS WELDING TECHNOLOGY

STAND H21

• Superior transom welding quality

• No imperfections, even on curved profiles

• Utilising patented V-Perfect® transom welding

• Suitable for both V Joints and Butt Joints

• Precision accuracy – delivering a perfect weld every time

• Faster fabrication

• Weld seam elimination

• Fully automated processes

DISCOVER MORE on the range of Graf Synergy machines EXCLUSIVELY from Haffner

Tel 01785 222421 www.haffnermurat.com The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ