December 2020

DEC/JAN 2021 

CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN 

>>> • AUTOMATION • SUPPLY CONCERNS • HARDWARE FOCUS • RECYCLING • >>>

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Editor’s Comment 

SOPHIE STEVENS 

EDITOR 

SOPHIESTEVENS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK 

01892 732047 

WWW.TOTAL-FABRICATOR.CO.UK 

The end of the year is traditionally a time for reflection and 2020 has 

certainly been challenging. Despite cautious optimism that we will 

gradually see a return to pre-Covid ‘normality’ in the coming months 

thanks to the discovery of a viable vaccine, it is quite possible that things 

will never be the same again. 

While many sectors, not to mention individuals, have suffered immensely, the 

glass and glazing sector, on the whole, has been lucky. 

“Back in March, when the coronavirus lockdown was announced, I don’t think 

anyone expected that [this year] would also turn out to be a hugely successful 

one for many UK glazing businesses,” says Window Ware’s Sam Nuckey, on page 

16 of this issue. 

But despite the booming sales and strong consumer demand, it’s been far 

from plain sailing, with social distancing measures, extended lead times and 

materials shortages putting “well-established working relationships” to the 

test, as highlighted by Aluplast’s Ian Cocken on page 34. 

Only time will tell what 2021 has in store for the fenestration sector – and the 

wider economy – but this issue of Total Fabricator is packed with examples of 

an industry that strives to make progress through continued adversity. 

On that note, I would like to wish all our readers and contributors a very merry 

Christmas and a happy and prosperous new year. 

I hope you enjoy the issue 

Sophie 

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CONNECTING THE WINDOW & DOOR FABRICATORS SUPPLY CHAIN 

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The content of Total Fabricator magazine (and website) does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and 

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or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising 

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DEC/JAN 2021 TF 3

Contents 

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS 

34 

26 COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE 

Jack Aluminium explores residential projects 

from a commercial angle 

34 STICK OR TWIST? 

With availability of foiled product still 

causing headaches for fabricators, should 

they wait for demand to subside or make a 

more difficult decision about their current 

supply agreements? 

42 ‘80S EXCESS 

Mila takes a trip down memory lane to the 

‘crazy days’ of the 1980s as it celebrates its 

40th anniversary 

42 

FEATURES 

16 A LOOK TO THE FUTURE 

With 2020 a surprise success story for the glass and 

glazing industry, Window Ware expects more of the 

same in 2021 

20 CHEMICAL REACTION 

Aluplast comments on some of the challenges faced 

by PVC-U recyclers in light of an EU ban on lead stabilisers 

30 RAISING THE BAR 

AluK demonstrates the versatility of its BSF70 bifolding 

door system with an impressive application at 

a luxury spa 

36 THIRD-PARTY CAUTION 

Emmegi explains why choosing a third-party repairer 

for machine servicing might be a false economy 

38 THE PERSONAL TOUCH 

Elumatec explains the lengths its people go to offer 

the best service possible 

44 UNITE AND CONQUER 

Carl F Groupco explains why collaboration with 

fabricators is essential when it comes to supply issues 

4 T F DEC/JAN 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

REGULARS 

SECTIONS: 

18 TAKE FIVE 

 

Veka Recycling’s Simon Scholes answers five 

questions on PVC-U recycling 

28 PRODUCT FOCUS 

Arkay Windows explains the features and 

benefits of the two new versions of its UniFold 

bi-fold 

WINDOWS 

18 

DOORS 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

06 ‘PERFECT STORM’ WARNING 

Mila’s Richard Gyde cautions that a ‘perfect storm’ is 

brewing when it comes to freight capacity 

13 COMMITED TO FIT 

Manufacturers Veka, Exlabesa and Victorian 

Sliders are among the latest companies to confirm their 

participation at the FIT Show 2021. 

26 

MACHINERY 

36 

HARDWARE & 

ACCESSORIES 

42 

13 


DEC/JAN 2021 T F 5

Industry News 

EU WORKERS MUST 

MEET JUNE DEADLINE 

The Contractors Health and Safety 

Assessment Scheme (CHAS) is calling 

on the construction sector to encourage 

eligible EU workers to apply for ‘settled 

status’, to ensure they can continue to 

work legally in the UK once the Brexit 

transition period is complete. 

The British government has indicated that 

anyone settled in the UK for more than five 

years as of exit day (31st January, 2020) – 

will likely to be able to gain ‘settled status’, 

which will grant them the same rights as 

British citizens. Those who do not meet the 

five year criteria may still be able to gain presettled 

status which will allow them a grant 

of limited leave to remain for five years. 

Eligible EU nationals have until 30th June 

2021 to submit an application – after which 

if they haven’t done so and they continue to 

work in the UK they will be doing so illegally. 

The application can be accessed at: www.gov.uk/ 

settled-status-eu-citizens-families/applying-forsettled-status. 

For further info on recruiting from 

the EU via sponsorship, visit: https://migrate-uk. 

com/sponsor-licence-applications-uk-2021/ 

The managing director of a hardware 

company has warned that a ‘perfect storm’ is 

brewing when it comes to freight capacity. 

In a letter to Total Fabricator, Mila’s Richard 

Gyde (pictured) wrote: “Even without the 

Coronavirus pandemic, this is peak 

season when it comes to importing 

freight from Asia. Black Friday, 

Thanksgiving and Christmas combine 

to drive huge spikes in demand, and 

logistics businesses across the west also ramp up 

their orders to cover Chinese New Year shutdowns. 

“However, this year there’s something of a 

perfect storm brewing [and] it has the potential 

to impact on every single business which relies 

on goods coming into the country – and not just 

fenestration hardware. 

“Essentially, we are now seeing massive cuts in 

air, rail and sea freight capacity with resulting 

delays and a surge in prices, just at the point 

when worldwide demand for many goods has 

reached record levels. 

“Our logistics partners and our sourcing 

office in China both tell us that market rates 

for sea freight have shot up in recent weeks 

as competition has increased for space on 

containers. At the same time, many carriers are 

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

‘PERFECT STORM’ WARNING FOR FREIGHT 

avoiding the UK altogether or have introduced 

a UK Port Congestion Surcharge because of the 

operational difficulties and slow turn around 

at UK ports. And this is before we even start 

to factor in any impact that a no-deal 

Brexit might have. 

“At Mila we are obviously doing all we 

can to secure sufficient space for the 

huge orders we have on the way from 

our Chinese suppliers. But, along with 

every other major UK hardware supplier, we face 

having to pay double, treble or even quadruple the 

cost for that space if we want to bring those orders 

in on time. One logistics company has described 

the situation in Asia as ‘total meltdown’ and it 

seems likely that we will see prices in the UK have 

to rise if we are to have any chance of restoring 

product availability to normal levels early in 2021.” 

Richard concluded:“I am not scaremongering, 

and I can assure Mila customers that we are 

very much ahead of the game when it comes 

to securing the freight capacity we need 

from what is available. However, I do think 

the hardware industry has a duty to warn 

fabricators and installers of what might lie 

ahead and sound a responsible note of caution 

so that they can start to factor in yet another 

consequence of the pandemic.” 

NARM GETS NEW SAFETY CAMPAIGN TICKED OFF THE LIST 

The National Association of Rooflight 

Manufacturers (NARM), has launched a new 

campaign to support the requirement for 

laminated inner panes on glass rooflights for 

important safety reasons, bringing pressure 

on the British Standards Institute for a 

regulatory amendment. 

Current British Standards define that inner panes 

on rooflights must be laminated in applications 

more than 5m above floor level (increased to 

13m in limited circumstances) or are located 

over water (e.g. swimming pools). However, 

the relevant standard permits use of toughened 

glass inner panes in other applications, if a risk 

assessment is carried out and confirmation 

provided that this does not present additional risk 

to those below the rooflight. 

NARM asserts that the term ‘toughened’ implies 

a degree of safety which in the case of rooflights, 

is misleading. Toughened glass inner panes 

actually bring a risk of shattering and falling into 

the room beneath and it is this fact that NARM 

is addressing with its campaign, following 

a number of worrying reports of potentially 

dangerous incidents involving poorly designed or 

installed rooflights. 

The NARM campaign will focus on a new ‘tick’ 

symbol, designed to draw attention to the 

need for a laminated inner 

pane. This will be promoted 

to professional and end-user 

audiences, together with 

detailed information regarding the dangers of 

inappropriate glass specification in rooflights. 

Ian Weakford, NARM’s marketing committee 

chairman, said: “It’s important to note that a great 

looking rooflight isn’t necessarily a great rooflight. 

Our aim is that this work will increase awareness 

of the importance of laminated glass inner panes 

and give reputable rooflight manufacturers the 

opportunity to differentiate the products from 

inferior offerings in the marketplace.” 

6 TF DEC/JAN 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Get Ready For 2021 

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Industry News 

NEW ALUMINIUM 

FACTORY FOR DEKKO 

ARE YOU READY FOR THE NEW UKCA MARK? 

Yale is urging fabricators and installers to 

ensure they are ready for the new UKCA mark, 

which is replacing CE marking for products 

sold in Great Britain. 


Products such as panic exit devices 

will need to be UKCA marked 

Dekko, the supplier of high-end 

glazing products, has expanded its 

manufacturing capacity with a new 

aluminium factory. 

The 25,000ft 2 facility, located close by the 

fabricator’s main base in Greater Manchester, 

will allow Dekko to significantly ramp up 

production of its celebrated Räum range. 

First launched five years ago, Dekko reports 

that the Räum range has benefitted hugely 

from the soaring interest in premium 

aluminium glass and glazing products in 

recent years. 

Consistent high demand has led Dekko to 

invest in the new factory, which is allowing it 

to scale up production, hold more stock and 

therefore, cut lead times. 

The UKCA (UK Conformity Assessed) marking 

is the new product marking system that will be 

used for goods being placed on the market in 

Great Britain. It covers most goods that previously 

required the CE mark. 

From 1st January 2021, all new products launched 

in Great Britain must be UKCA marked, with the CE 

mark no longer being recognised in the UK from 1st 

January 2022. For existing CE marked products, 

there will be a ‘coexistence’ period until 31st 

December 2021, where these goods can continue 

to be sold in Great Britain until then. 

During this timeframe, it is expected that 

manufacturers will take steps to ensure existing 

CE marked products will have the UKCA mark 

applied in time for 1st January 2022, when the CE 

mark will cease to be recognised in the UK. 

UKCA marking must be undertaken by a UKrecognised 

‘approved body’. An EU notified body, 

which would previously have been called upon for 

CE marking, cannot be used for UKCA marking. 

Paul Atkinson, sales and commercial director for 

Yale, said: “Keeping up to date with the new rules 

and regulations surrounding the UKCA mark, and 

the deadlines when CE marking will no longer apply 

for products sold into Great Britain can be a lot for 

fabricators and installers to get their heads around. 

As such, we want to reassure our customers that 

they can have every confidence that our products 

will be properly certified to the appropriate UK 

product marking standards, meeting the fastapproaching 

UKCA and UKNI deadlines.” 

“Nevertheless, it is everyone’s responsibility 

throughout the supply chain to ensure that 

properly certified products are specified. As such, 

we would urge our customers to make sure they 

do have a solid understanding of what the correct 

product marking entails and the timescales that 

are being worked towards.” 

SUPER SPACER TRISEAL USED FOR NEW QATAR NATIONAL LIBRARY 

Edgetech’s Super Spacer has played a crucial 

role in the construction of one of the Middle 

East’s most spectacular new buildings, having 

been used to deliver the stunning 5,500m 2 

glass façade of the Qatar National Library. 

The 42,000m 2 structure is home to over a million 

books and 500,000 digital editions. The library’s 

most valuable volumes are kept in a 6m deep, glassceilinged 

room reminiscent of an excavated labyrinth. 

Its diamond-shaped facade area has been 

designed to filter out the glaring Middle Eastern 

sun, while still letting in enough light to illuminate 

the library interior. 

The facade has been designed without any 

metallic elements, ensuring there are no thermal 

bridges to conduct heat into the building – a crucial 

consideration since Qatar routinely experiences 

summer temperatures in excess of 40ºC. 

Its double glazed IGUs are curved, ensuring that the 

facade is both self-supporting, and exceptionally 

resistant to wind and other strong weather. 

A low-e coating and a solar control coating filter 

and reflect sunlight, and a grey grid of 3mm 

metallic dots, with a precise 6mm spacing, was 

burnt into them in order to reduce radiation 

transmission even further. 

The need for both exceptional thermal 

performance and a product that was compatible 

with the building’s curved IGUs made Super 

Spacer TriSeal Flex an ideal choice. 


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Industry News 

GLASS PROCESSOR 

DOUBLES TURNOVER 

Halsall Glass has more than doubled its 

turnover in less than a year, driven by 

‘customer acquisition post lockdown and 

exponential growth in demand’. 

The glass processor said that it had won 

a number of new contracts while existing 

customers had also seen growth. 

Rob Halsall, managing director, Halsall Glass, 

said: “We came back early in comparison to 

our competitors because we could socially 

distance very easily and because the demand 

for glass was still there. 

“That meant we picked up a number of new 

customers, who we’ve retained, while as 

more of the industry came back, it fed into 

that demand. We’ve doubled in size on this 

time last year.” 

The company says software from Clear 

Thinking Software – including the Glass 

Office operational management tool for the 

glass processing and IGU sectors – has been 

‘instrumental’ in managing demand and 

safeguarding its profitability. 

REGALEAD WARNS OF ‘CHEAP IMITATIONS’ 

RegaLead has hit out at 

companies producing what 

it says are ‘dumbed down’ 

‘copycat’ versions of its 

decorative glass designs. 

While it is said that ‘imitation is 

the sincerest form of flattery’, 

RegaLead’s Guy Hubble wrote 

in a letter to Total Fabricator: 

“Whilst we have no objections to healthy 

competition, which drives innovation and delivers 

value, we fail to see how these tactics drive the 

market forward in any way. Isn’t this ‘flattery’, in 

fact, theft?” 

He added that “as with many things in life, there 

will always be someone who can ‘do it cheaper’, 

but at what cost? The dumbing down of a glass 

design not only reduces the aesthetic value, but 

its performance too. We have invested time, 

technical development and significant money 

into our decorative glass designs to make them 

look fantastic and perform well, so that the glass 

unit is not the weak link in the door. After all, a 

composite door warranty is only as valid as the 

weakest link. 

“This includes ensuring that our IGUs are 

According to RegaLead’s Guy Hubble, “there is always 

someone who can ‘do it cheaper’, but at what cost?” 

Document Q and Document L compliant and 

tested to EN1279, so that customers can CE 

mark with confidence with access to complete 

documentary evidence. We also operate the 

ISO:9001 and deliver consistency in design for 

the whole door system, with suited sidelights 

and toplights.” 

Guy concluded: “When installers and fabricators 

are buying decorative glass, they shouldn’t 

assume that because the glass looks similar 

that it will perform the same. They aren’t just 

buying the aesthetics that help to sell doors. 

They are buying the performance, the testing, the 

compliance, the certainty, and the confidence 

that the glass being fitted isn’t the weak link in 

their composite door.” 

STERLING GENEROSITY FROM TWO INDUSTRY BUSINESSES 

Industry machinery expert Haffner Murat 

and Warrington-based fabricator Sterling 

Windows, Doors and Conservatories have 

made a combined £5,000 charitable donation 

to Hope House Children’s Hospices, which 

provides palliative care for children with life 

limiting conditions. 

Dave Thomas, managing director of Haffner Murat, 

said: “As devoted supporters of GM Fundraising 

and Hope House Children’s Hospices, both Haffner 

Murat and Sterling Windows were well aware of the 

negative impact the pandemic had on the charity 

this year. As such, we wanted to donate some 

much-needed funds to support the charity at this 

critical time.” 

Dave continued: “We recently sold some new 

machinery to Sterling Windows, Doors and 

Conservatories. Instead of agreeing on the typical 

machinery discount, Andy Wells, director of Sterling 

Windows and I decided to donate £2,500 each to 

Hope House Children’s Hospices instead.” 

Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising, said: “A 

huge thanks to both Haffner Murat and Sterling 

Windows for this generous donation. The impact 

the pandemic has had on our charity has been 

significant and this donation will really help.” 

Hope House Children’s Hospices has faced a 

significant shortfall in 2020 with their various 

fundraising events being cancelled or postponed. 

As a result of their donation and ongoing support 

to the charity, both companies will become 

official GM Fundraising Champions. 

Gary concluded: “Despite a difficult 2020, 

people’s desire to continue to support GM 

Fundraising and Hope House remains unchanged 

– as the generosity by Haffner Murat and Sterling 

Windows shows.” 



NEW TRADE COUNTER 

NETWORK LAUNCHED 

Window Widgets has launched a new trade 

counter network, which it says is already 

looking to boast over one hundred partners 

in the first few months after launch, and in 

time will spread across all areas of the UK. 

Already a business with an unrivalled product 

range of consumables and ancillaries, Window 

Widgets says this strategic plan to drive new 

sales through trade counters will help support 

installers, builders and fabricators with a more 

localised and immediate supply of products. 

There’s already a dedicated landing page at 

https://tcn.windowwidgets.co.uk and a direct 

link on the home page to help visitors find local 

trade counters within a 20-mile radius. 

The search facility returns the best contact 

details for Window Widgets’ range of UK 

manufactured products, many of which carry 

CE Marking under its factory process control 

and certification to EN1090. Leading industry 

names such as Dekko Window Systems, 

Midland Building Plastics, SUN Trade and 

Tradelink are already listed on the website, 

and Window Widgets are actively looking for 

further trade counters to join the network, 

as they look to expand to over one hundred 

across the UK in the coming months. 

Adrian Clare, technical sales executive at 

Window Widgets, said: “With all the factors 

affecting the industry at present, there’s 

never been a better time to find trusted 

business partners, and that’s why so many 

trade counters have joined us in the first few 

months.” windowwidgets.co.uk 

MANUFACTURERS SIGN UP FOR FIT 2021 

Manufacturers Veka, Exlabesa and Victorian 

Sliders are among the latest companies to 

confirm their participation at the FIT Show 2021. 

Systems supplier Veka has signed-up for a 

‘substantial stand and significant brand 

presence’ at the event, where it is 

also set to sponsor the VIP Lounge. 

Neil Evans (pictured right), who 

assumes the role of managing 

director at the turn of the year, 

following the retirement of Dave 

Jones, said: “We will exhibit product but 

more importantly it’s the social element. We saw 

that the last time at the FIT Show. The vast majority 

of our customers wanted to come and talk, to come 

and socialise, to continue to build relationships and 

that is what we plan to focus on.” 

Commenting on the participation of manufacturer 

Victorian Sliders, group managing director, Andy 

Jones, said: “Covid-19 has posed a huge challenge, 

but despite that, the fenestration industry is 

booming. The FIT Show this May is set to be a huge 

Following the purchase of its new twoacre 

warm-edge production site in 

Wigan, Thermoseal Group has invested 

significant additional funds in the extensive 

reconstruction of the building to accommodate 

a raft of new equipment to further automate 

and increase its Thermobar and Thermoflex 

warm edge spacer production capacity. 

The new site on Challenge Way, Martland Park in 

Wigan, which is a stone’s-throw from Thermoseal 

Group’s main manufacturing and warehouse sites, 

will now be the Group’s ‘Centre for Innovation 

and Manufacturing’. With Brexit imminent, it has 

also become a primary site to house increased 

stockholding of raw materials and finished goods. 

The group now operates from over 400,000ft 2 

across its four UK locations. 

Thermoseal Group’s managing director, Gwain 

Paterson, said: “This Challenge Way site is an 

success, and we’re delighted to be attending.” 

Elsewhere, Kevin Warner, sales director at 

aluminium systems company Exlabesa, said: 

“Despite the challenges we faced due to Covid- 

19, it’s been a successful year for Exlabesa 

Building Systems, and we’re really 

looking forward to exhibiting at the 

FIT Show next May. 

“We’re excited to show off our 

new products, and we will have 

experts on hand to showcase these. 

It’s going to be a great stand.” 

Following Veka’s commitment, FIT Show event 

director, Nickie West, said: “I cannot thank the 

industry enough for their unwavering support for its 

flagship event. To add Veka to our ever-expanding 

and exciting lineup for FIT Show 2021 is a further 

sign that the market is more ready than ever to 

reconnect with the industry face-to-face at FIT 

Show next May.” 

FIT Show returns to the NEC from 25th – 27th 

May 2021, taking place in Halls 2 and 3. 

THERMOSEAL INCREASES CAPACITY 

exciting development for us, not just in allowing for 

increased production and stockholding capacity, 

but also for expansion of our Technical Centre 

and EN1279 test facilities. The site also has room 

for further expansion and has been designed to 

provide the best environment for our staff. With 

two new laboratories and a variety of additional 

test rooms kitted out with the latest equipment for 

developing a wide range of IG products to EN1279 

requirements, our technical team have everything 

they need to ensure we supply the best products at 

the highest quality standards every time.” 


DEC/JAN 2021 TF 13

The Business Pilot Barometer 

THE 'ROARING TWENTIES' RETURN? 

Will consumers emerge from the Covid crisis with a new desire to spend – as they did following 

WW1? Neil Cooper-Smith, senior analyst at Business Pilot, provides his latest analysis... 

Business Pilot Barometer, Edition 11: September/October/November 2020 

“The latest Business Pilot Barometer shows that window and door sales fell by 27% in 

November compared to October, reversing the 4% increase seen in October on September. 

November also saw a drop in new enquiries, down 17% on October, while rates of conversion 

also fell away by 5%. 

“Average lead to sale times, however, increased by 12%, suggesting retailers were still fighting 

their way through the backlog of demand seen in the summer and autumn. The results, 

nonetheless, suggest that the market for new windows and doors cooled significantly during 

‘Lockdown 2.0’. 

“The question is, how much can this be attributed to the impact of lockdown, Covid and job 

losses; how much to seasonal adjustment going into Christmas; or with vaccinations starting, a 

shift in homeowner focus away from home improvements to the planning of summer holidays? 

“The answer is probably a combination of all three. The drop-off before Christmas is a normal 

part of the window and door sales cycle, and we would expect sales to pick up again after we 

come back from the break, particularly as those cashing in on Stamp Duty relief come through 

the holiday and focus on improvements to their new purchases. 

“And while headline economic forecasts remain gloomy – official forecasts, for example, 

suggest the pandemic cost the UK three years economic growth – others point out that many 

household balance sheets have improved during the crisis. 

“The Think Tank, the Resolution Foundation, has drawn a comparison with the ‘Roaring 

Twenties’, when consumers emerged from the constraints imposed upon them by WW1 and 

Spanish Influenza, with a new desire to spend. 

“This is an analysis shared by the Institute for Fiscal studies, which suggests that the financial 

scarring caused by the pandemic will be far less severe than the 2008 banking crisis. 

“We’d suggest ‘locally’ in the window and door industry demand will hold up Q1 and Q2, but 

trading conditions may toughen going into the second half of the year as window and door 

companies find themselves facing increased competition for the consumer’s wallet. 

The Business Pilot Barometer offers a monthly analysis of the key trends 

defining window and door retail, drawing on real industry data collated 

by the Business Pilot customer relationship management system (CRM). 

“Maximising sales in the early part of the year will be key in building cash reserves... 

Have a Happy Christmas an prosperous New Year!” 

www.businesspilot.co.uk 

www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer 


Aluminium 

Bi-Fold Doors 

FROM 

ONLY 

£345 

per leaf 

Including 

delivery 

* 

MAKE THE 

SMARTER 

CHOICE 

Struggling 

with supply ? 



and let’s get you 

building... 

Fast quote 

turnaround 

GET A PRICE 

COMPARISON 

TODAY 

NEW 

Products 


widths 



Grey on White 


Tel: 01642 610799 

* 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 

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Industry View 

FUTURE'S BRIGHT FOR FENESTRATION 

It’s safe to say that 2020 has been an extremely challenging year, but despite the huge 

upheavals that tackling a global pandemic has brought about, Window Ware managing 

director Sam Nuckey argues that 2021 is likely to be a strong year for UK glass and glazing. 

This year, 2020, has probably been the 

strangest, most difficult year in a generation 

– but back in March, when the coronavirus 

lockdown was announced, I don’t think anyone 

expected that it would also turn out to be a hugely 

successful one for many UK glazing businesses. 

When restrictions were first eased in the summer, 

firms throughout the sector cautiously started to 

re-open under Covid-secure guidelines including 

stringent social distancing measures, and 

gradually bringing employees back from furlough. 

But the big challenge was that no-one could 

accurately predict business volumes; would 

demand have disappeared over the long three 

months of lockdown? Would homeowners really 

be thinking of home improvements in a time of 

national crisis? 

The concern was understandable – but in 

hindsight, we needn’t have worried. 

When the first national lockdown ended, UK 

fenestration returned to massive interest in 

windows, doors and conservatories – so much 

so that many businesses, Window Ware included, 

went on to enjoy several record-breaking months 

in a row. 

So where did that huge demand come from? 

Changing behaviour 

In the beginning, many suspected that the rush 

of orders and enquiries fenestration businesses 

were receiving were just the result of pent-up 

demand from the three-month lockdown. 

When that backlog was cleared, they expected 

business to slow significantly. In actual fact, the 

demand didn’t disappear – and the summer and 

autumn months went on to be some of the busiest 

and most successful in the industry’s recent history. 

Lockdown forced millions of people to spend more 

time indoors than ever before – and it seems that 

made home improvements jump up their list of 

priorities. Combined with travel restrictions that 

took the possibility of foreign holidays off the table, 

thousands of homeowners have clearly decided to 

divert their disposable income into windows, doors, 

conservatories, extensions and more. 

What lies ahead? 

Sam Nuckey 

“The concern was 

understandable – but 

in hindsight, we needn’t 

have worried” 

Now, as 2020 comes to a close, the question the 

industry is asking is ‘how long will this last?’ 

Is it a temporary phenomenon that will start to 

tail off in the early part of 2021? Or does it reflect 

a permanent shift in consumer behaviour? 

Personally, I think the best way of understanding 

it is as an acceleration of a trend that had already 

been picking up pace for years now. 

Once, people looked at windows, doors and other 

home improvement products in mostly practical 

terms – they wanted something that was 

affordable, and that worked. 

Since the turn of the millennium, driven in part by 

the rise of aspirational TV shows like Channel 4’s 

Grand Designs, that’s changed – and now people 

are much more discerning. 

They want quality products that reflect their 

own sense of style and the look and feel of their 

homes and the surrounding areas. 

In my view, coronavirus is only going to reinforce 

that trend. Even when the pandemic is over, I 

suspect that many more of us will be working 

from home than ever before – which is only 

going to increase demand for garden offices, 

loft conversions, rear extensions, and, more 

generally, home environments that are just 

pleasant to spend time in. 

Window Ware – here to help 

At Window Ware, we’ve worked extremely hard to 

serve our customers throughout this challenging 

year – and we’ve been delighted to see so many 

enjoying success after what we know has been 

an extremely stressful period. 

We’re confident that 2021 will be a positive 

one for them and the rest of our industry – but 

regardless of how it turns out, we’ll be here doing 

our utmost to support the brilliant businesses we 

work with. 

Contact Window Ware: 

01234 242724 

www.windowware.co.uk 

@WindowWare 


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Take Five 

CHANGING PERCEPTIONS OF PVC-U 

With waste reduction a rising priority, Simon Scholes, managing director of Veka Recycling, 

answers five questions on PVC-U recycling, from moral obligation, to why non-recycled 

products should not be cast as the ‘poor cousins’ of the cause. 

1When it comes to the inclusion of 

recycled material in new window profiles, 

you’ve previously suggested that the 

window industry had been dragging its heels 

(up until recently). Why was the industry 

initially reluctant to include second-hand 

material it its products? 

There is a perception that ‘second hand’ – we 

prefer ‘recycled’ – material is just that; it has 

been used and is therefore sub-standard. 

Fortunately that perception is changing and 

significantly so. Despite society generally 

accepting and practicing recycling on a wide 

scale, some in the window industry have 

perpetuated the belief that homeowners would not 

accept anything other than virgin material in their 

window frames. This is entirely counter-intuitive, 

as most other consumer-facing industries have 

embraced sustainability as a positive way to 

promote their products and services. 

2A number of the big systems houses 

have made sustainability one of the 

key tenets of their brand 

in recent years. What was 

responsible for the shift 

in priorities to place 

sustainability front 

and centre? 

I believe that they have 

simply caught up with 

other sectors. They have 

realised consumers see 

sustainability and especially 

recycling, as a positive. But we still 

have some way to go with this. For many window 

and door companies at all levels, recycling 

remains an afterthought, rather than it being a 

key point of their overall company philosophy and 

of their marketing strategy. They are missing a 

trick: our industry is usually so alert to messages 

that sell windows and doors to homeowners, 

and yet so few discuss this in any form in their 

messages to homeowners. 

3 

How does our use of 

recycled material in the UK 

compare to other European 

nations when it comes to 

window manufacture? 

It varies from country 

to country and much 

depends upon the 

policies of national 

governments. In Germany, 

for example, it has long 

been illegal to ground-fill 

PVC-U. It must be disposed of 

responsibly and the obvious way to do 

that within the law is to recycle the material and 

produce something new from it. 

I believe we recycle the majority of the old 

window and door frames removed in the UK. 

However, not all of it is used to manufacture 

new window profiles. But the important point is 

that it is used extensively and in a variety of new 

products, including electrical accessories and 

trunking, building materials such as cills and 

trims, and a whole host of other products. 

4How does sustainability make commercial 

sense for the PVC-U framing industry? 

It makes sense financially and morally. We 

must first grasp the concept that the real value 

of PVC-U is as a material. A material that brings 

us an energy efficient window and a material that 

may be re-used over and over with little loss in its 

primary properties. It should never be confused 

with single use plastics. 

“There are those out 

there that are still 

determined to paint 

PVC-U as the 

devil material” 


I believe that we will benefit as an industry 

by including advice and marketing material 

to homeowners about the value of PVC-U as 

a material; about how their old windows and 

doors – which will inevitably be PVC-U – will be 

taken away and recycled and become brand new 

products within weeks of being removed from 

their homes. I believe this should be an accepted 

standard across the window industry. 

There are profile houses in the market who do 

not use recycled content and as a recycler of 

PVC-U windows I am very keen for them not 

to be cast as the poor cousins to the recycling 

cause. I would prefer them to keep going but to 

design their products with recycling in mind so 

my company, and others, can recycle them when 

they reach end of life. 

I feel the recyclability of PVC-U is its major selling 

point. As an energy efficient window it brings us a 

warm and dry home for a cost effective price. Once 

we get our hands on an old window it becomes 

source material – ripe for recycling and rebirth. 

“I feel the recyclability 

of PVC-U is its major 

selling point” 

Morally, of course, we all have a duty to protect 

our environment and, with PVC-U such a core 

part of the product offer from our industry, we 

have a responsibility to demonstrate respect and 

appreciation for it, so others may also feel that way. 

5In an article you wrote for Total Fabricator 

earlier this year, you hoped that 2020 

would see the industry unite to promote 

the sustainability credentials of PVC-U 

and move to distance it from the negative 

connotations associated with single use 

plastics etc. Has this been achieved in 2020? 

Well, the focus overall may have been slightly 

deflected during 2020. 

However, the fear of many that PVC-U window 

and door frames may be tainted by the awful 

images of single use plastics floating in the 

seas, is probably unfounded as most people 

are intelligent enough to make the distinction. 

However, there are those out there that are still 

determined to paint PVC-U as the devil material, 

that it has no redeeming qualities and should be 

universally banned. 

This is patently ridiculous but we will always need 

to do more to counter these extreme views. As a 

plastics industry we are still not fully aligned, and 

that concerns me. 

Log onto www.total-fabricator.co.uk for an 

extended version of this interview, where Simon 

shares his thoughts on rogue waste contractors, 

Veka Recycling’s new Wellingborough HQ and 

the future of PVC-U recycled windows.... 

Contact Veka Recycling: 

01933 427750 

veka-recycling.co.uk 

@VekaRecycling 


DEC/JAN 2021 T F 19

PVC-U Recycling 

BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW? 

With a European ban on lead stabilisers in recycled material and the UK likely to follow 

suit in the short-term, Aluplast’s Keith White talks to Total Fabricator about some of the 

challenges faced by PVC-U recyclers... 

In February, the month before Covid-19 turned 

the world upside down, the PVC-U recycling 

industry was turned upside down by a decision 

by the EU which effectively banned the use of 

recycled product containing lead stabilisers. 

This flew in the face of the widely held belief that 

recycled material would secure an exemption 

from REACH regulations. 

This was based around proposals to permit the use 

of recycled material containing lead as long as the 

maximum concentration of the product as a whole 

did not exceed 2% by weight of the total material in 

rigid PVC, and 1% in flexible PVC products. 

Toxic substance 

That wasn’t enough however, to convince MEPS 

who noted in their response ‘that lead is a toxic 

substance that can seriously affect health, 

including irreversible neurological damage, even 

in low doses.’ 

“It’s an enormous decision for the recycling 

industry,” says Keith White, managing director, 

Aluplast. “At a time when sustainability is at the 

forefront of the social and political agenda, the EU 

effectively imposed a ban on recycling any postconsumer 

PVC-U installed before 2015, the point 

at which the ban on lead stabilisers came into 

force, unless you can evidence that that product 

didn’t use it. 

“That’s something that is obviously very difficult 

to do and could send hundreds of thousands of 

tonnes of post-consumer waste to landfill. It’s 

simply counterintuitive.” 

This analysis is shared by many on either side 

of the Channel, with the European Chemicals 

Agency (ECHA) concluding that recycling is 

currently the best waste management option 

for PVC waste product and the additives and 

“Short-term, the ability 

of UK recyclers to 

recover post-consumer 

waste is limited unless 

it’s from known sources” 

Keith White 

stabilisers within it. 

While also recommending maximum 

concentrations of 2% (rigid) and 1% (flexible), it 

said that further safeguards could be put in place 

by ensuring that ‘lead-containing recycled PVC 

should be entirely encapsulated within a layer of 

virgin material’. 

“Since then, we’ve had Covid, the exponential 

growth in demand, the challenge of supply and 

the general chaos of the last eight months to 

contend with,” continues Keith. 

There are a number of underlying issues 

that make recycling of post-consumer 

waste in PVC-U manufacture, problematic 

according to Keith White, left 

As things stand, the Withdrawal Act includes 

plans to create a ‘UK REACH’, adopting and 

carrying across the ‘key principles of the EU 

REACH regulation’. This, however, assumes that 

we leave with a deal, something that (at the time 

of writing) appears far from guaranteed. 

Under a ‘no deal’ scenario, the UK would not be 

committed to a regulatory alignment with Europe 

in the medium to long term – but short-term, it’s 

expected to follow regulations set out by it. 

“Things are about as clear as mud right now but 

it remains likely that regardless of what happens 

with Brexit, UK REACH is going to look more or less 

the same as EU REACH and anyone exporting to the 

EU will need to be aligned to it,” Keith continues. 

“Will the UK adopt a different approach on lead 

stabilisers in recycled PVC? It may well do in 

time. There is a very strong argument that Europe 

Continued on page 22 


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DEC/JAN 2021 T F 21

PVC-U Recycling 

Continued from page 20 

should revisit the decision and may come under 

pressure from its remaining member states. 

“Short-term, the ability of UK recyclers to recover 

post-consumer waste is limited unless it’s from 

known sources and they can prove that it doesn’t 

contain lead stabilisers.” 

According to the latest figures from VinylPlus, 

the PVC industry sustainability programme, 

the collective efforts of the PVC industry has 

contributed to an all-time high PVC-U building 

product recycling rate of nearly 740,000 tonnes 

– 92.4% of the VinylPlus 2020 target while 

cumulatively, almost 5 million tonnes of PVC have 

been recycled since 2000 

“There are a number of other underlying issues 

that make recycling of post-consumer waste in 

PVC-U manufacture, problematic in addition to its 

lead content,” Keith continues. 

“If material was extruded in the ‘80s it’s likely 

to have used barium cadmium, the industry’s 

stabiliser of choice before the switch to lead. 

The point is that you cannot possibly know 

what you’re getting in recycled content and you 

consequently can’t predict product performance.” 

The strategy adopted by the window and door 

industry (in line with ECHA) has been to apply a 

skin of ‘virgin’ material to recycled content. Even 

this, however, Keith argues, can be problematic 

simply from a production and product quality angle. 

“The origin of post-consumer waste is ‘unknown’ 

and variable, it can be very difficult to control the 

substrate, which in turn can have a significant 

impact on surface gloss and consistency of finish, 

skinned or not,” he says. 

According to Aluplast, this is where its model of 

recycling delivers a significant advantage over 

those which simply ‘skin’ recycled product with 

virgin material. 

Ecotech from Aluplast uses only post-production 

material from known sources containing calcium 

organic stabilisers – this means there’s no lead 

or cadmium. 

Aluplast also isolates this recycled material away 

from structural elements of the profile and the 

surface, guaranteeing manufacture to exacting 

tolerances and surface stability. 

This is delivered in part through the use of 

artificial intelligence to monitor the co-extrusion 

process, tracking it to exacting tolerances and 

guaranteeing performance. 

“Ecotech provides a unique commercial platform 

for our customers. We can guarantee that it’s 

free of lead; performance and surface stability 

are guaranteed at the same time as bringing 

hundreds of thousands of tonnes of material back 

into use in a new generation of low maintenance 

and energy efficient products. 

“Going into 2021, while a lot remains uncertain, 

the importance of product sustainability to the 

end-user is beyond question.” 

“You cannot possibly 

know what you’re 

getting in recycled 

content and you 

consequently can’t 

predict product 

performance” 

Keith White 

Contact Aluplast: 

01684 273401 

aluplast.co.uk 

@aluplastsystems 


Window Updates 

For further info on all these window updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

THE JOINERY NETWORK'S NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE 

The Joinery Network has launched a new website to support UK joinery manufacturers looking to 

manufacture PAS 24:2016 Document Q ready timber windows and doors. 

The new website has information on The Joinery Network’s range of fully tested, accredited timber 

windows and doors, Lignum, and is live at www.thejoinerynetwork.co.uk. 

Owen Dare of O T Dare Joinery Consultants, and one of the founder directors of The Joinery Network, said: 

“We launched the new website to make it easy for joinery manufacturers to see the range of fully tested 

timber windows and doors that are available, exclusively, for them. There is also lots of information on 

which tests our product range has passed. With this information, joinery manufacturers can choose the 

products they need, get licences for each product against each test result, and cascade the data to use as 

their own. This transparency means that both big and small joiners, offering a full or selective range, can 

fully comply with regulations without worrying about falling foul of the law.” www.thejoinerynetwork.co.uk 

OPTIMA FITS THE BILL FOR NEW DEVELOPMENT 

More than 250 Profile 22 Optima flush tilt and turn windows were manufactured and 

installed in a new-build contemporary apartment block in Shirley, West Midlands. 

Fabricated and installed by Profile 22 Approved Contractor, Kingfisher Windows, the development 

comprises of 27 two-bedroom apartments with expansive views overlooking Shirley Park. 

The project specified flush tilt and turn windows manufactured in 7016 anthracite grey to deliver 

the streamline contemporary aesthetics required. 

Optima flush tilt and turn windows are suitable for large windows in medium or high-rise 

buildings and the opening sash sits inside the window frame, creating its ‘flush’ appearance which 

was crucial to deliver the modern, ‘clean’ aesthetics. www.profile22.co.uk 

GARNALEX EXPANDS SHEERLINE DESIGN TEAM 

Jonathan Crohill (pictured left) has joined the Garnalex technical team as a Sheerline project manager, where he 

will be responsible for delivering further innovative Sheerline products. 

Jon said: “The research and investment Garnalex has put behind Sheerline is exactly what aluminium needed. The 

substantial manufacturing facility also shows a real commitment, giving a great deal of confidence to fabricators and 

installers. I’m excited to be joining at such a key phase of growth for the company as I have no doubt it will be a success.” 

Garnalex CEO Roger Hartshorn added: “The Sheerline system has been designed to be easier and faster to fabricate. 

We’ve invested in the design team to ensure we continue to innovate and deliver groundbreaking aluminium products for 

the industry. Jon plays a vital role in our ongoing commitment to transforming the aluminium market and I’m delighted to 

have him on board.” www.sheerline.com 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE WINDOWS 

Approved Spectus fabricator, Sidey, recently manufactured and installed more than 200 flush 

tilt and turn windows for a low-rise, contemporary new apartment block in Edinburgh. 

Forming part of Places for People’s Waterfront 3 development, the project was designed by Reiach 

and Hall Architects and was built using a mix of traditional and timber-framed modular construction. 

Spectus flush tilt and turn windows were chosen for the project because they combine contemporary 

looks and large aperture with high-performance, including low U-values of 1.4 W/m²K. 

Spectus Window System’s SER certification also provided evidence that the glazing meets the 

relevant structural integrity codes of practice, which was needed for the warrant stage. 

www.spectus.co.uk 


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Commercial Doors 

THE COMMERCIAL ADVANTAGE 

Ash Pearson, sales manager at Jack Aluminium, talks about approaching residential 

projects from a commercial angle. 

W 

ith the announcement from 

government in early summer that 

there would be a consultation on the 

future of home planning, it was good to see the 

inclusion of easing of restrictions for changing 

the use of commercial buildings into residential 

properties. Over the last few years, we have seen 

a trend for transforming old mills and factories 

into modern, industrial-style living spaces and 

many of our clients have been utilising our highperformance 

commercial glazing systems to 

achieve the specifications set by architects for 

these transformational projects. 

It’s always fantastic to see old, disused buildings 

brought back to life. With the sad situation of the 

high street in decline, and the success of working 

from home for many companies this year, we predict 

that there will be more opportunities to turn old 

commercial properties into residential developments. 

This gives a great opportunity for both fabricators 

and installers. 

Getting into commercial 

Jack Aluminium’s roots are in commercial 

glazing, so we approach product development 

from a commercial perspective, which is proving 

invaluable. We understand the intricacies 

of the commercial market and the stringent 

specifications that need to be met. 

Every system has been designed, adapted and 

developed to meet these stringent needs and we 

have ongoing investment in testing our products 

with bigger sizes, different configurations and 

specialist hardware combinations to ensure 

optimum performance. 

This makes it easier for fabricators to get the 

windows and doors right for these change-of-use 

conversions, because our commercial range is 

easily adaptable to this high-spec market. 

TD68 commercial doors featured 

in a residential lobby 

Openings for windows and doors on these existing 

commercial buildings are usually bigger than on a 

standard domestic property, but our commercial 

systems already have the performance values 

and test data ready for fabricators to deliver 

larger doorsets and windows at the right spec. 

Lobbies and communal entranceways need to 

be kept secure and offer high thermal efficiency, 

as well as being robust enough to withstand 

the harsh everyday use that these high-traffic 

entrances receive. Our TD68 thermal commercial 

door system has been tested to PAS24 standards 

with a range of remote opening options, which 

perfectly lends itself to newly residential 

apartment blocks and dual-purpose buildings. 

TD68 thermal commercial doors 

It’s been more than 10 years since we first 

launched the TD68 commercial and shopfront 

system to the market and it has proven to be 

one of the most popular commercial doorsets 

on the market. Straightforward to fabricate and 

easy to fit, it’s designed to perform superbly 

and has been installed in all kind of commercial 

properties, from schools to hospitals, care 

homes, leisure facilities and sports clubs. 

It has also featured in a range of conversion 

projects, including the transformation of an 

Edwardian Mill into 89 modern apartments in 

Leeds and a former solicitor’s office into 28 

eco-friendly apartments in Manchester. 

Adding commercial doors to your range 

For fabricators who are being asked for 

commercial glazing options for large conversion 

jobs, we make it simple and straightforward to 

offer TD68 thermal commercial doors. 

We offer a cut-length service on door stiles to 

reduce waste and we deliver fast. Single-colour 

powder-coated profile is delivered in fiveseven 

working days whilst dual colour is available 

in 10-15 working days. 

Doors are PAS 24 and Secured by Design 

accredited, even on motorised and magnetic 

remote locking door configuration options, for 

the utmost security standards and high levels of 

thermal performance. 

We also have our TW70 TruEnergy window 

system that is suitable for both residential and 

commercial applications and offers the same high 

specifications. 

We predict this relaxed planning will offer many 

more opportunities for fabricators and installers 

in 2021. If you’re not involved in the commercial 

market at the moment, Jack Aluminium’s TD68 

thermal commercial entrance door is the perfect 

entry-level product. 

Contact Jack Aluminium: 

02476 467449 

jackaluminium.co.uk 

@Jack_Aluminium 


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Product Focus 

BI-FOLD BENEFITS FROM ARKAY 

Arkay Windows has upgraded its UniFold bi-fold. Below, the company explains the features 

and benefits of the two new versions, with feedback from an array of happy customers... 

Arkay Windows has launched two upgraded 

versions of its hugely popular slim bifolding 

door. 

As a contemporary aluminium bi-fold, the 

UniFold and UniFold+ offer market-leading 

performance in many areas including modern, 

narrow sightlines, thermal efficiency, security 

and ease of installation, with the UniFold having 

a traditional construction, and the UniFold+ 

offering a fully adjustable jamb for rapid fitting 

and adjustment. 

Commenting on the launch, Raju Radia, managing 

director of Arkay Windows, said: “In direct response 

to customer demand, the improved UniFold and 

UniFold+ bi-folding doors have been designed to 

offer installers and clients the choice between a 

traditional bi-fold or an adjustable-jamb bi-fold, 

both with market-beating pricing. The UniFold and 

UniFold+ are a fantastic proposition for companies 

“As everyone’s profit margins are increasingly 

squeezed, we need to find ways to increase 

our competitive advantage without 

compromising quality” 

Balraj Virk, United Windows & Conservatories 

installing bi-folds in the highly-competitive 

residential market, without any compromise 

made on quality, security or aesthetics.” 

Both doors have the same slim sightlines, suited 

colour-matched hardware and the capability to 

create extremely large and heavy panels, all at what 

Arkay describes as a ‘market-beating price point’. 

Nick Paraskeva, sales director at Arkay Windows, 

commented: “At Arkay Windows, we are focussed 

on continually evolving and investing in our 

products, processes and people. Our brand has 

come to be known for being at the forefront of 

innovation, and with the new range of UniFold 

and UniFold+ doors, our customers can now 

choose the bi-fold installation method and pricepoint 

that suits them, all with the support and 

rapid lead times they have come to expect from 

Arkay Windows. Both doors offer the same slim 

sightlines, colour-matched hardware and 

ultra-smooth, heavy duty running gear, 

and both products are 


capable of achieving extremely large panel sizes, 

fully-openable corners, and can meet PAS24:2016 

for high-security.” 

As Marcus Bernard, director of 1st Folding Sliding 

Doors, commented: “The UniFold+ bi-fold door 

with fully adjustable jambs is really popular 

with our residential customers. It’s also very 

competitive and affordable.” 

Balraj Virk, managing director of United Windows 

& Conservatories, added: “As everyone’s profit 

margins are increasingly squeezed, we need to 

find ways to increase our competitive advantage 

without compromising quality. Despite the 

economic uncertainties around Covid and Brexit, 

we never cut corners. Offering high-quality 

products like the UniFold with its competitive 

pricing is even more important for us. Every 

little helps. All our in-house fitters are very 

experienced – we never sub-contract and all our 

work is based on recommendation only. Being 

able to offer this competitively priced slim bifold 

which delivers consistently high quality has 

become important for our business.” 

M.T, director of a company based in the London 

Home Counties region added: “Aluminium bifolds 

are increasingly popular for households. The 

UniFold+ is a really affordable, yet premium bifold 

that we provide as part of our overall offering. 

The adjustable jamb option on the UniFold+ 

enables our installers to fit in high volumes 

without compromising on installation quality. 

Choice is important for us and Arkay Windows 

consistently listens to and responds to changing 

customer demand.” 

Arkay Windows is one of the UK’s largest 

aluminium fabricators with more than 45 years’ 

experience of supplying high end, premium 

aluminium glazing solutions to some of the 

country’s biggest retail companies, contractors 

and commercial installers in the London/home 

counties/South East region. It supplies leading 

brands such as Aluk, Schuco, Cortizo, Pinar, 

EdgeGlide, InfiniGlide and InfiniLight. 

Contact Arkay Windows: 

01923 803 923 

ArkayWindows.com 

@arkay_windows 


DEC/JAN 2021 T F 29

Case Study 

BSF70: RAISING THE BAR ON STYLE 

AluK has demonstrated the versatility of its BSF70 bi-folding door system with an impressive 

application at a luxury spa... 

Ragdale Hall Spa in Leicestershire has just 

opened its glamorous new Twilight Bar, 

which showcases AluK’s BSF70 bi-folding 

door system in an innovative way. 

Installer, Fearns of Carlton, have used the AluK 

system to create open-out bi-folding windows for 

the new 1920s themed cocktail bar and lounge. 

These can be opened up completely on two 

sides to let guests at the destination spa enjoy 

uninterrupted views of the adjoining garden. 

The slim profiles and elegant lines of the windows 

complement the luxurious, art-deco styled 

interior of the Twilight Bar, which features lots of 

scalloped prints and shapes, velvet seating, fringed 

lampshades and brass fittings. The exterior of the 

bar is clad in oxidised copper and the green finish 

of the copper has been designed to contrast with 

the anthracite grey of the windows. 

Fearns of Carlton worked closely with the design 

and build contractor, Concorde BGW Group, on 

the project, advising on how to use AluK’s BSF70 

system most effectively to achieve the inside/ 

outside look they wanted and to add to the 

architectural character of the space. 

Jak Fearn, from Fearns of Carlton, explained: “We 

recommended the AluK BSF70 system because 

it met the criteria that Concorde had laid down – 

simple operation, clean lines, bold colour and a 

quality finish.” 

Concorde BGW Group have been rewarded for 

their outstanding design work and attention to 

detail on the project with a nomination in the Bar/ 

Club/Lounge category in the 2021 International 

Hotel and Property Awards. 

The installation demonstrates the versatility of 

the AluK BSF70 system, which can be used for 

either open-in our open-out windows or doors 

with individual panels up to 1200mm wide x 

2400mm high. The innovative, flush line pop-out 

handle allows panels to stack flush when they are 

fully open, adding to the sense of openness that 

can be achieved. 

The art-deco themed interior of 

Ragdale Hall’s new Twilight Bar 

featuring AluK BSF70 bi-folds 

“The AluK BSF70 

system offers simple 

operation, clean lines, 

bold colour and a 

quality finish” 

Jak Fearn, Fearns of Carlton 

AluK bi-folds used in Ragdale 

Hall’s new Twilight Bar 

Contact AluK 

01291 639 739 

uk.aluk.com 

@AluK_GB 


Door Updates 

ULTION LOCKS 

AS STANDARD 

FAULTY FIRE DOORS RISK LIVES 

CWG Choices, the trade supplier of 

windows and doors, is standardising 

on Ultion premium locks as “Ultion is 

synonymous with security”. 

CWG Choices managing director, Chris 

Powell, explained why the company has 

decided to use Ultion as standard: “As the 

leading trade manufacturer of windows 

and doors in the UK, one of the reasons we 

switched to Ultion was the brand awareness 

for both our consumer and trade customers. 

We know Ultion gives comfort and credibility 

to consumers, and our partnership is at the 

forefront of security. 

“Ultion has all the security accreditations 

and provides a guarantee for any break-ins 

as a result of lock failure. To date we have 

not had a claim.” 

Brisant, the hardware house that created 

Ultion, Sweet, Lock Lock, and Ultion Smart, 

has supplied CWG Choices for four years 

and will now be provided as standard 

following an increase in demand for their 

trade network. Brisant and CWG Choices 

are partners in a mission to provide 

homeowners with robust security. 

Nick Dutton, Ultion CEO, said of the 

partnership with CWG Choices: “We’re 

very pleased CWG Choices has made the 

decision to switch to Ultion as standard. 

Installers can be confident that they’re 

fitting doors with the robust security 

homeowners expect. And a solid guarantee 

to back it up!” 

Above: Chris Powell (left) and Nick Dutton 

The news that three quarters (76%) of 

fire doors inspected last year by the Fire 

Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS) are not fit 

for purpose highlights the challenges the 

industry faces to ensure fire doors do the lifesaving 

job they are supposed to. 

That’s the view of Howard Trotter, business 

manager of Shelforce, which specialises in 

providing high-quality PVC-U and aluminium 

windows and doors to Local Authority building 

projects and recently launched its new compliant 

Fireshel 30-minute fire, smoke, and security 

resistant door. 

The FDIS data, which refers to more than 100,000 

inspections in more than 2,700 buildings across 

the UK, showed that nearly a quarter (24%) of 

fire doors that were third-party certificated were 

correctly installed and maintained, 40% of thirdparty 

certificated fire doors were condemned due 

to poor maintenance and 36% due to both poor 

installation and poor maintenance. 

Installation failures included excessive gaps 

around the door and the use of non-compatible 

foam, while maintenance issues included smoke 

sealing and poorly adjusted door closers. 

Howard said: “The installation and maintenance 

of fire doors is as life critical as the product 

specification itself. 

“It doesn’t matter how good the door is – it will 

not prevent the spread of fire when it counts if it 

has been installed incorrectly or not maintained. 

The correct specification, installation and 

ongoing maintenance of a fire door can mean the 

difference between life or death for occupants, so 

it’s vital that building owners take responsibility 

and ensure that their fire doors are regularly 

inspected and maintained.” 

To help provide Local Authorities with everything 

they need to ensure fire doors are performing to 

their maximum every time, Shelforce is offering a 

comprehensive fire door package with its Fireshel 

system, ranging from fabrication through to 

installation, maintenance, and emergency repairs. 

Howard added: “It’s important for Local 

Authorities and building owners to be provided 

with the right information about fire doors. 

“While third-party certificated fire doors provide 

crucial specification information and proof of 

performance, they must be installed by thirdparty 

accredited installers who have completed 

additional enhanced training at the door 

manufacturer.” 

The Fireshel door set solution has achieved 

all the new stringent recommendations set by 

the MHCLG, and has proven 30-minute fire 

resistance consistency having been fire tested 

from both sides many times to EN1634 -1, 

achieving 49 minutes fire resistance. It has 

also been PAS 024 Security tested and Q Mark 

3rd Party independent audited for both fire and 

security compliance. And all components have 

been tested and approved against the new 2020 

Q Mark 170 Scheme Fire and Security Composite 

door Set requirements. www.shelforce.com 


For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

WICONA DOORS USED FOR NEWFOUNDLAND TOWER 

Systems manufacturer, Wicona, has designed 

a high-performance, unitised facade system 

incorporating two new door innovations for 

Newfoundland Tower, the tallest residential 

tower to be built within the Canary Wharf Estate. 

Developed to perform well in challenging highrise 

conditions, the doors feature unrivalled 

weather performance, reduced sightlines and are 

aesthetically pleasing without detracting from the 

overall design intent of the building. 

Newfoundland Tower is the first tall building 

to be designed and built by HCL Architects. Its 

slim flattened diamond plan responds to the 

narrow footprint of its tight site and the diagonal 

alignment of adjacent streets. 

The tower’s distinctive diamond pattern created 

by the external structure, provides lateral stability 

and is the most efficient way for a tall building to 

withstand wind forces. 

The unitised facade system was designed as a 

bespoke solution by WICONA’s project engineering 

team in partnership with its client, Schneider GB. 

Wicona’s bespoke project service, which involves 

collaborating closely with architects on a projectby-project 

basis, meant that it was well placed 

to design two innovative door solutions that 

integrated seamlessly within the unitised facade 

and provide comfort to the users, whilst managing 

the challenging high-rise conditions of this building. 

The first of these innovations is Wicona’s ‘Pull 

Slide’ opening mechanism to a sliding double 

glazed door with integrated Juliete balcony. Unlike 

a conventional sliding door, when opened, this 

easy to use bespoke, aluminium framed system 

pulls the door 8mm internally before it slides 

quietly and smoothly along its track. The action 

of turning the door handle releases pressure 

from the perimeter gaskets integrated around the 

door opening. When closing the door, the highly 

engineered mechanism compresses the door 

against the gaskets tightly sealing it and providing 

exceptional high wind and water performance. 

Wicona has also developed an inward opening 

Juliete balcony door that won’t slam shut in strong 

winds. The key to this innovation is the new 

two-stage turn limiter designed by Wicona. This 

integrated safety feature provides an anti-slam 

function, which is necessary where doors are 

installed at height and exposed to potential high 

pressures. www.wicona.com/en/uk/ 

WIDER APPEAL FOR STELLAR BI-FOLD 

The Stellar aluminium bi-fold door has 

proved popular with fabricators and 

installers ever since it came to market last 

year. Its innovative, quick-fitting design 

has seen a growing number of installers 

fitting Stellar, and this appeal looks set 

to increase as a result of the new bi-fold 

hardware which allows for wider door 

apertures. 

Paul Booth, design director – Aluminium 

Products, explained: “The new Stellar bi-fold 

door hardware allows for an increase in sash 

sizes of 1200w x 2500h with a maximum 

height plus width of 3500. 

“This allows the Stellar bi-fold to be used in 

wider door apertures which are very much ontrend 

with consumers at this time.” 

As you would expect from an Epwin Window 

Systems’ product, the new bi-fold hardware 

meets all quality and testing standards. The 

hardware is PAS24:2016 compliant, meets BS 

6375-2 accreditation for the operation and load 

strength of internal/external doorsets and has 

undergone all weather, security and cycle testing 

at the new larger door sash sizes. 

The door hardware range is available in black finish 

as standard and 7016 anthracite grey is available 

to order too. www.stellaraluminium.co.uk 


DEC/JAN 2021 T F 33

Talking Point: Foiled Products 

IS IT TIME TO SWITCH SUPPLIER? 

With availability of foiled product still causing headaches for fabricators, should 

manufacturers wait for demand to subside or make a more difficult decision about their 

current supply agreements? Aluplast’s Ian Cocken talks to Total Fabricator. 

have had to accept 

significantly extended lead times from 

“Fabricators 

their systems companies. There’s 

a big difference, however, between accepting 

something because you have to and being happy 

about it. There are lots of fabricators who are 

reviewing all of their supply arrangements and 

with justification,” says Ian Cocken, sales and 

marketing director, Aluplast. 

“2020 has presented a unique set of challenges 

to the industry, and it would have been extremely 

difficult for anyone, at the start of the year, to 

have to accurately predicted the position we are 

coming through,” he continues. 

“What it’s exposed is the ability of systems 

companies to react, adapt and maintain 

acceptable levels of service – which many 

clearly haven’t,” he adds. 

High levels of demand over the summer, 

specifically from the retail sector, have provided 

an unexpected boost for the industry since 

lockdown measures were eased. Many companies 

have reported consecutive months of record yearon-year 

sales, and some installers are even said 

to be booking jobs far into next year. 

Discontent 

On the flip side, however, for all the positive 

news regarding growth and sales, there has been 

increasing discontent when it comes to quality 

of supply, including glass and hardware, but in 

particular foiled products. 

With rumours that further consolidation in 

system’s supply could be imminent, and with 

demand showing no real signs of slowing down, 

Cocken argues that fabricators may need to 

consider reassessing their current supply 

agreements in order to minimise the impact to 

their business and reputation in the long term. 

“Well established working relationships are really 

being put to the test at the moment, but with 

questions now being raised over the longevity of 

certain systems companies, can fabricators really 

afford to ‘ride it out’ in the hope that things might 

get better a few months down the line? 

“Current levels of output, which could very well 

be bolstered by a fresh wave of demand from 

record levels of activity in the housing market, 

would suggest that difficult decisions might need 

to be made,” continues Cocken. 

In stark contrast to several other leading systems 

houses, Aluplast says it has managed to buck 

the trend of extended lead times by continuing 

to supply stock foils on a rapid turnaround. It 

34 T F DEC/JAN 2020 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

also adds that the investment made in its foiling 

facility has allowed it to manage lead times on 

non-standard and dual colour foils effectively. 

This has been made possible by virtue of the 

fact that the German owned company operates 

on a global scale. It processes 150,000 tonnes 

of PVC-U in Europe, annually. To put that into 

context, that’s roughly 75% of the UK and Irish 

markets combined. 

As a family-owned concern, Aluplast says it also 

has an immediate advantage over system houses 

that have to answer to venture capitalists, with 

sustained investment in product development, 

growth and manufacturing facilities as a result. 

This includes significant investment in foiling at a 

13-hectare manufacturing facility in Poland. State 

of the art automated foiling lines and CNC foiling 

technology mean a huge step up in efficiency 

compared to traditional manual techniques – 

Aluplast says it can foil over 90,000m of product 

each day. 

With corresponding investment in Germany, 

Cocken says it gives Aluplast the scope to deliver 

growth through into the next decade. 

“Our foiling capability means that we have 

“Can fabricators really 

afford to ‘ride it out’ in 

the hope that things 

might get better a few 

months down the line?” 

Ian Cocken 

actually been able to increase capacity and 

manage service levels despite the huge growth in 

demand experienced in the UK, since the end of 

lockdown,” continues Cocken. 

“Stock colours, including anthracite grey on 

white, anthracite grey on both sides with our grey 

substrate, our smooth options – these have all 

remained ‘in stock’. It’s been in the UK and ready 

to go throughout the summer. That’s put our 

customers at a big advantage.” 

Aluplast offers more than 30 standard foils, 

recently adding smooth anthracite grey across its 

Ideal 4000, Ideal 70 and Smart-Slide patio door. It 

also offers Woodec, the ‘next generation’ foil that is 

designed to deliver the look and feel of real timber. 

“Until recently, we have often operated as a 

‘second system’ for larger fabricators, as part 

of a dual supply arrangement, but this dynamic 

is changing,” explains Cocken. “Our growing 

reputation is one reason, our product innovation 

is another. 

“Our new Smart-Slide inline slider, for instance, 

is technically superior to any other PVC-U patio 

door on the market. It can span 4.5m with just 

two panes and offers installers the opportunity to 

up-sell against other PVC systems, or even as a 

genuine alternative to aluminium. 

“Our flush fit casement, which was developed 

specifically for the UK market, is another example 

of the innovations that are winning over new and 

existing customers. 

“Great products are one thing, being able to 

deliver them is another. What summer has shown 

is that fabricators need stability of supply more 

than ever before – and the fundamental areas of 

weakness within their business models. 

“Short-term ‘sticking plaster fixes’ are no 

substitute for sustained investment” 

Contact Aluplast: 

01684 273401 

aluplast.co.uk 

@aluplastsystems 


DEC/JAN 2020 T F 35

Repairs & Maintenance 

MACHINERY 

BEWARE THE THIRD-PARTY REPAIR 

Wayne Hunter, service and operations manager at Emmegi (UK), explains why choosing a 

third-party repairer for machine servicing might be a false economy. 

When budgets are tight, it’s 

understandable to want to reduce costs 

and save money. But saving money by 

turning to unauthorised third-party service agents 

rather than sticking with the Original Equipment 

Manufacturer (OEM), can actually end up costing 

fabricators more in the end, and here’s why. 

Firstly, only the OEM will have access to technical 

data, systems, drawings and guaranteed original 

spare parts for every single machine in their range. 

Secondly, only the OEM will have access to the 

latest software and safe system updates which 

are essential to the efficient running of any 

machine. These are identified and provided during 

routine maintenance and repairs; but won’t be 

available to any third-party. 

Emmegi has a team of highly 

trained engineers operating 

across the country 

“Like so much in life, 

if it looks too good to 

be true, then it almost 

invariably will be!” 

And thirdly, only the OEM will have a team who 

can guarantee that all works will be carried out to 

their pre-defined standards. 

It’s not a question of OEMs deliberately excluding 

third-party repairers to gain some kind of 

commercial advantage. I think customers will 

appreciate that the only way we can warranty our 

machines and our components is if we know that 

they have only been worked on by technicians 

trained by us. 

Beyond that though, there are risks and potential 

pitfalls associated with using a third-party which 

many fabricators might not even have considered. 

The biggest risk comes from a health and safety 

perspective. If an accident were to happen 

involving any piece of equipment and machinery, 

the HSE will want to see the training records 

not just of the users of the machine, but also of 

anyone who has carried out any maintenance 

or repair. The onus will be on the manufacturer 

to show that the equipment was being operated 

and maintained in accordance with the OEM’s 

recommended periods and processes and also by 

persons with the relevant skills and training. 

If you are tempted to use a third-party service 

agent, you will need to ask them to provide the 

necessary evidence before they start work. 

And, when it comes to costs, it’s important to look 

beyond the hourly charge. If a third-party repairer 

can’t complete the work quickly or they don’t 

follow the correct procedures, then the actual 

costs can be much higher than you expected. 

If they have to wait for a part for example, then 

the downtime costs for the machine will almost 

invariably outweigh any saving you might have 

made. Like so much in life, if it looks too good to 

be true, then it almost invariably will be! 

Highly-trained engineers 

Emmegi has a team of highly-trained engineers 

operating across the country and a warehouse 

in Coventry fully stocked with spares, so we will 

always be able to dispatch one of our team to 

carry out repairs quickly and efficiently. We can 

also, of course, schedule in routine maintenance 

at times to suit customers. Added to that, if 

demand surges for any particular reason, we can 

even draft in engineers from Italy to keep our 

response levels high. 

We do our best to keep our servicing costs 

down and our quality and response levels up. 

Fundamentally, what we want is strong and 

positive relationships with our customers, and 

the key to that is providing an outstanding service 

which means our customers simply don’t want to 

go anywhere else. 

Contact Emmegi: 

02476 676192 

www.emmegi.com 

@emmegi 


AL-220/70 Aluminium Machining Centre – 

AUTOMATION 

AT ITS BEST 

Undertakes all sawing, milling, drilling and marking operation 

Key Features: 

• Stacking of 10 profiles (max 6.5m length) 

• Automatic cutting in all angles between 

30° and 150° 

• High speed precision thanks to 7 axis 

controlled by servo motors 

• Ability to open drain slot routing, drilling 

and milling at variable angles 

• Operates with data from various 

window production software ensuring 

minimum wastage 

• Safe production facility via threedimensional 

collision and error control 

system 

• Finance options available* 

Computer controlled technology 

Tel 01785 222421 

www.haffnermurat.com 

The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ 

* Subject to status. Terms and conditions apply.

Customer Care 

THE PERSONAL TOUCH 

MACHINERY 

Neil Parton, managing director, Elumatec UK, explains the lengths its people go to ensure 

Elumatec customers receive the best service possible – and it doesn’t stop at the sale... 

I 

n a year that’s had us reeling, 

it’s been a timely moment to 

reflect on how we got here and 

understand whether we can rely 

solely on what we produce, or is 

there more to it? 

It doesn’t take much soul-searching 

to realise we wouldn’t be where we 

are without wrapping our service in 

multiple human layers; layers that 

add value, technical expertise and a 

friendly voice when things go wrong 

(it happens sometimes!). 

At Elumatec we want the end-to-end service 

experience to be compared to the efficient, 

seamless service customers receive at Rolls- 

Royce, or the joy of buying a brand-new Mercedes 

knowing you’re in safe hands. It’s about being 

proud of the name on the product and wanting to 

stand by it, even after the sales and installation 

are complete. 

Like most manufacturers, we put a high level 

of craftmanship into our machines and adopt 

innovative engineering solutions to create 

machines that are built to last. So, we don’t 

just want to sell our creations. We want our 

customers to understand them inside and out and 

use them to their full capacity. 

Red carpet 

If we had a red carpet, we’d roll it out every 

time we made a sale. A great example of this is 

a Wales-based client who has been with us for 

more than 20 years. The client is an international 

specialist in the design and manufacture of bus 

shelters, wayfinding and street furniture, and with 

over 30 years’ experience, they need products 

that won’t let them down. 

A workshop full of Elumatec machinery is 

testament to their appreciation of our products, 

Elumatec set up this Covid-safe 

training classroom on the shop 

floor for one of its clients 

including three SBZ 130 profile machining 

centres, one of which is over 19 years old and 

still going strong. This client recently purchased 

our flagship SBZ 151 machine, a great piece of 

machinery that will give them more flexibility to 

manufacture the wide range of products they deliver. 

It’s easy to celebrate a purchase and think that’s 

the end of it, but that’s not how we do things at 

Elumatec. And it’s not how we keep satisfied 

customers and functioning machinery, for nearly 

two decades. 

We believe it’s our multi-layered service that 

makes us stand head and shoulders above other 

manufacturers. For our Wales-based client, our 

team of engineers spent two weeks on site. One 

week was spent installing the machine and a 

further week was dedicated to delivering bespoke 

training to the operatives. 

It’s this face to face contact that makes all the 

difference. And with years of experience installing 

and delivering our machines, we’re quick to adapt 

to our customers’ needs and the environment 

we’re working in, and 2020 has certainly provided 

a few challenges. 

At one point, in Wales, there were eight members 

of staff on-site who needed to be trained. That’s 

Contact Elumatec: 

01908 580 800 

www.elumatec.com 

@elumatecUK 

no mean feat in the time of the 

coronavirus, so we worked closely 

with our customer to make sure 

social distancing was adhered to 

at all times. The result was a new 

training classroom on the shop 

floor, and what a great space to 

be – sandwiched between the 

new SBZ 151 CNC and new DG 

244 double mitre saw. A perfect 

location for training and all 

completely Covid-safe. 

The standard of training we offer 

never falters. We sent one of 

Elumatec’s dedicated applications engineers to 

Wales to hand over the SBZ 151 and explain the 

features and software in detail. And now that the 

installation and training is complete, the same 

engineer will remain on-call for any future needs. 

We even provide remote assistance by dialling 

directly into the machines and fixing issues from 

a distance. A great initiative, which has become 

so much more significant in the wake of Covid, 

and the social distancing measures which have 

now become the norm. 

At Elumatec, we believe the human element is a 

key part of our manufacturing process. We stand 

out from the playing field because we don’t just 

sell our machinery, we share it. We want to see it 

work, we design it to last and we’re proud to keep 

working with it after installation. 

From beginning to end, our service is geared 

towards quality, trust and longevity. Even in an 

era of social distancing, while the machines take 

the starring role, it’s the people who make it. 


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Insight Data helps businesses in the fenestration and construction 

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Machinery Updates 

MACHINERY 

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

CMS REAPS DIVIDENDS FROM QUADRA INVESTMENT 

CMS Facades’ investment in an Emmegi Quadra L2 fully automatic cutting and machining centre in 

November 2018 doubled its aluminium capacity almost overnight. Two years on, the company says the 

payback on the machine is coming from the number of large-scale projects it is now winning. 

Stephen Anderson, CMS Facades director, said: “We were the first company in Scotland to acquire a Quadra L2 

and it has definitely given us a real competitive advantage when it comes to façade projects. We can now quote 

for projects using bigger sections than we could have done previously and we’re building an impressive portfolio of 

commercial and public sector installations as a result.” 

When CMS purchased the Emmegi Quadra L2, they had already been awarded the façade contracts at Cala 

Homes’ The Crescent development in Edinburgh and at BAM’s Atlantic Square commercial office development in 

Glasgow. The Quadra meant that the company could machine the 3m x 3m sliding doors and 300mm curtain wall 

sections required, and in timeframes up to 25% quicker than with their existing machine. www.emmegi.com 

'SAFE & AFFORDABLE' SPEED AND LENGTH SENSOR 

With the SPEETEC non-contact sensor for speed and length measurement, SICK has added a compact, 

eye-safe laser surface motion sensor to its portfolio, which is able to measure a wide range of 

continuous, web-fed or cut-to-length plastic products down to a resolution of 4 µm. 

According to SICK, SPEETEC combines ‘unprecedented affordability’ with precision surface measurement for 

process control and quality inspection tasks used in the manufacture of plastic products including processes 

such as extrusion of plastic pipes or PVC-U profiles, and cut to length sheet materials. The Class 1 eye-safe 

infra-red laser light eliminates the need for special guarding or safety measures required by many conventional 

velocimeters. The SPEETEC uses the Laser Doppler principle to work at speeds between 0.1 and 10 m/s to 

measure directly on the material surface with an accuracy of 0.1%, and a repeatability of 0.05%. www.sick.co.uk 

BETTER PRODUCT & SERVICE THANKS TO SCHIRMER 

Sternfenster has expanded the capacity of its state-of-the-art aluminium facility, with the addition of a new Schirmer 

ALU BAZ Composite Orbit-C machining and cutting centre. 

Representing a six-figure investment, the new Schirmer further expands Sternfenster’s aluminium bi-fold capability, while also 

increasing precision and product quality. As well as offering rapid and ultra-precise cutting and milling of bar length, the ALU BAZ 

Composite Orbit-C features a highly innovative machining module. This increases the speed of manufacture by combining linear 

and rotary movements along eight axes, so that drilling and milling tools always take the shortest path around the bar profile. 

Sternfenster’s Mike Parczuk (pictured left) said: “In bringing increased precision to how we cut and prep bar length, as well as 

supporting us in manufacturing product and shipping it more quickly, the Schirmer allows us to deliver a better product – but also 

critically, service, to our customers.” www.schirmer-maschinen.com/en/ 

APEER MAKES £285K MACHINERY INVESTMENT 

Apeer has invested £285,000 in machinery in the last 12 months, with even more planned for 2021. 

Among the new additions to its Ballymena facility is a waterjet cutter with a 3m x 2m bed, speeding up 

processing time for cutting laminated glass and giving Apeer the capability to cut all types of glass, as well as 

other materials, into any shape. 

A new Butyl extruder and hot glass press, along with a new large glass washer was also installed in November, 

while two additional jib cranes with vacuum lifters were introduced on site as part of Apeer’s commitment to 

protecting the health and safety of its employees while also improving production workflow. In addition, a second 

SCM Accord 25FX 5-axis CNC router will be installed in February, joining the first which was commissioned in 

January 2018, as part of an on-going machinery replacement and upgrade programme. www.apeer.co.uk 


This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed 

decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. 

© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd 

This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed 

decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. 

© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd 

the benefits with BFRC 

Noise Reduction Ratings 

Noise Reduction 


Window 

Company Name Ltd 

PVC-U Casement Window 

A Rated Windows 

Noise Reduction (R w ) 

(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or 

BS EN 14351.) Actual acoustic performance for a 

specific application depends on: the type and 

location of the external noise, the location of the 

window or door, and how the elements or fabric of 

the building perform. 

A ++ 

A + 

A 

B 

C 

D 

E 

Correction for high frequency and low 

frequency (C,C tr ) 

Licence No. 123456 

A ++ 

Company Name Ltd 

Composite Door 

A Rated Doors 

Review Date: 03/08/2020 

51 

(-1,-4) 

To verify this licence please contact 

enquiries@bfrc.org 


Door 

A ++ 

A + 

A 

Noise Reduction (R w ) 

B 

C 

D 

E 

(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.) 

A ++ 

51 

Licence No. 123456 

Review Date: 01/01/2019 

To verify this licence: enquiries@bfrc.org 

British Fenestration Rating Council 

Prove acoustic performance with BFRC ratings 

BFRC Noise Reduction Ratings let you prove the 

acoustic performance of your window and door 

products with our highly recognised ‘rainbow’ 

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Homeowners no longer select new windows and 

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Find out more at bfrc.org 

By using the renowned BFRC rating scale to 

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Your products will stand out from your competitors’ 

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leave your customers in no doubt.

Mila at 40 

IT WAS ACCEPTABLE IN THE '80S 

As Mila’s 40th anniversary year draws to a close, managing director, Richard 

Gyde talks to Total Fabricator about the crazy days of the 1980s and how the 

company still remains, in many respects, a ‘family’ business. 

Mila has been operating in the UK since 1980. 

How did it all begin? 

Mila actually originated in Denmark. It was started 

by two guys named Michael and Lars – hence the 

Mi-La name and, after dipping their toes into the 

UK market with a stand at Interbuild in 1979, 

they decided to open a UK premises in 1980. 

Mila started out with just two staff, how many 

people does it employ now? 

Those first two staff were my father Ray and his 

PA Diana. Now, Mila employs a team of 70. 

You have been involved with the business 

since 1981 – why did you come on board? 

This was my first job straight from school and, 

with my father and then later my twin brother 

Robert working here, it almost felt like I was 

joining the family firm. My first job was painting 

the toilets though before I progressed to working 

in the warehouse, so there was definitely no 

special treatment! 

How do your weekly tasks compare – from 

then to now? 

When I joined in 1981, I was still driving our 

invoices to Luton airport every Friday evening 

so they could be flown back to Denmark. Even 

once we acquired a fax machine and our very 

own Texas Green Screen computer, we were still 

very reliant on manual processes, whereas now 

we’ve probably got some of the most advanced IT 

systems in the industry and weekly tasks which 

took hours just take seconds. 

You mention Mila’s ‘family’ mentality and 

‘sense of belonging’ for staff – many of whom 

have worked at Mila for decades. What is the 

secret to retaining people? 

We’ve got plenty of parents and children working 

at Mila, as well as siblings and couples, so it 

definitely has a family feel and I think people 

appreciate that as a business we genuinely 

care about their wellbeing. There’s no secret to 

The Mila team in 1989. Richard 

Gyde is pictured far left, front row 

retaining people in an industry which networks as 

extensively as this one does, but we really do put 

a value on experience, and invest in training our 

own team as much as we can. 

Exhibitions such as Interbuild have played a 

big role in the Mila story – do exhibitions still 

hold the same value for Mila today? 

I love exhibitions and Mila was a stalwart of 

Interbuild, Glassex and then FIT. The current 

crisis has shifted things obviously though, and at 

the moment, our marketing focus is on creating 

digital assets which our customers can use online 

either on their websites or as part of remote sales 

presentations... But of course, there’s no substitute 

for meeting people face to face and for hardware 

in particular, I know customers like to see and feel 

the quality of the product for themselves before 

they make any buying decisions. 

What would you have done to celebrate Mila’s 

40th anniversary in the UK this year if it hadn’t 

Early days of testing at 

the Mila Test Centre 

been for the Coronavirus pandemic? 

We were planning a big summer BBQ for staff, 

family and friends so that’s had to be postponed 

until next year. 

You describe the ‘80s as ‘crazy times’ for the 

window industry. Can you elaborate? 

I think the Open Day we held when we opened 


HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES 

our current Daventry premises in 1986 probably 

sums it up perfectly. We were offering helicopter 

trips to customers around the site and we had 

a BMW M3 touring car which they could drive 

around a course we had set up in the carpark. 

There was no such thing as ‘too much’! 

What are the most significant changes for Mila 

– and the industry – since those crazy years? 

For Mila, operational efficiency has been 

transformed over the years. When demand 

outstripped supply in the early days, we used 

the volume of our back orders as a measure 

of our success. Now of course, with our huge 

investments in supply chain and logistics, we 

judge our success on our OTIF (On Time In Full) 

score, which in normal times, sits around 98%. 

For the industry as a whole, I think it was the 

shift from PVC-U profiles which were designed 

primarily for the German market to profiles 

designed and extruded here for the UK. The tilt 

and turn windows from the early days were 

replaced with casements and the hardware sector 

responded with locks and handles to match. 

What was the biggest game-changer – in 

terms of products – for Mila throughout its 

40-year history in the UK? 

I don’t think I could single out just one. I would say 

we’re constantly introducing game changers. Mila, 

for example, was the first company to develop the 

concept of ‘central locking’ for the home more than 

An Open Day in 1986 featured 

helicopter rides around the Mila site 

“We were offering 

helicopter trips to 

customers... There 

was no such thing 

as ‘too much’!” 

15 years ago and we introduced an anti-microbial 

composite window handle way back in 2015. 

Our Evolution door hinge is probably the standout 

development though because, even after 20 

years and a few regular enhancements, it’s still 

arguably the best on the market. 

What products were in vogue back in the ‘80s and 

how do they compare to what’s popular now? 

I’ve actually dug out the original Key catalogue 

from the Mila archives and it featured plenty 

of Ferco PZ70 four-roller door locks and Fuhr 

Infront patio door gearing, which probably won’t 

surprise many people. What might surprise them 

though is the prices and how they show just how 

commoditised hardware has become over the 

years. Cego window handles were £5.65 back in 

1980 and I see comparable handles being sold for 

around £1 today and multi-point door locks which 

were once £65 are now around £17. 

How has customer service and marketing 

changed over the years? 

The value of the customer service relationship 

never really changes in this industry which is why 

we still invest in recruiting and retaining the very 

best internal and external sales people. When it 

comes to marketing, we were already investing 

online but that’s been accelerated this year for 

obvious reasons… 

What is the secret to Mila’s success? 

It’s never just one thing. I think our product 

design and our supply chain set us apart from the 

rest and we’re an agile and adaptable business. 

Fundamentally though, the culture at Mila is to 

treat customers and suppliers in the way that we 

would want to be treated, and I think that’s what 

makes us special. 

What are your hopes for the future? 

I think we all just want to see a vaccine as soon 

as possible! 

The Mila stand at Glassex, 1983 

Contact Mila: 

01327 312400 

www.mila.co.uk 

@milahardware_uk 


DEC/JAN 2021 T F 43

Supply Challenges 


IT'S TIME TO UNITE AND CONQUER 

As the coronavirus crisis continues to present supply challenges across the industry, 

John Crittenden, managing director of hardware distributor Carl F Groupco, explains why 

collaboration with fabricators is essential. 

T 

hese are unprecedented times for the 

industry and it is no secret that hardware 

supply has faced significant issues since 

the bounce back began during the summer. 

But we are managing the situation in a number 

of ways – we are working with fabricators to 

address panic buying and encouraging people to 

only order what they need, rather than stockpile. 

This is an important part that fabricators can 

play – we are asking customers to avoid buying 

excess stock to give everyone a fair chance to 

access what they need. 

Communication is key: it is hugely beneficial 

for fabricators to tell us if and when production 

is going to be increased or stopped so we can 

stagger shipments to help manage our stock. 

And, if you have a problem, do tell us – if we 

know, we can do everything in our power to sort 

it. These are busy, difficult times but we are here 

and making time to talk... we would much prefer 

to discuss your needs ahead of problems arising 

later down the line. 

We are constantly in touch with our fabricator 

customers, checking orders and working with 

manufacturers to keep flow through the system. 

There is no easy fix, a lot of handles are being 

shipped from China which means, if they are 

being transported by boat, that could take around 

a month to arrive then, on arrival in water ports, 

there can be delays in customs processing 

– everything is taking longer due to social 

distancing. For speed of delivery, a number of 

our suppliers have invested in air freight which is 

quicker but more expensive and not sustainable 

in the long-term. 

Every order is analysed to maintain customer 

deliveries and behind the scenes we are 

constantly working with our suppliers to fulfil 

John Crittenden 

“Transparency and 

honesty is key to 

manage the delivery 

challenges the industry 

is experiencing during 

the corona crisis” 

orders. Our experience and technical knowledge 

means that, in agreement with the fabricator 

placing the order, we can modify and rework 

products to fulfil requirements when necessary. 

We are adept at providing work-arounds to satisfy 

fabricators’ needs and we keep talking to all 

involved to find solutions. 

But I don’t want to paint an overly gloomy picture, 

we have excellent relationships with our suppliers 

and we are all moving heaven and earth, working 

around the clock to maintain deliveries… and 

succeeding. 

Due to social distancing, we have introduced new 

methods of communication with fabricators and 

this is another area of collaboration where our 

customers have adapted to using video calls to 

replace face to face meetings. I’d like to stress 

that, where necessary, we still meet fabricators 

where local restrictions allow – with safety our 

paramount concern for both our staff and our 

customers. We have built our business on the 

strength of our personal service and some face 

to face contact is essential. Our regional sales 

managers are available for pre-arranged visits; 

we are keen for you to know that we are still 

accessible. 

Working together 

Transparency and honesty is key to working 

together to manage the delivery challenges 

the industry is experiencing during the corona 

crisis. As part of this, we would like to reassure 

fabricators that we don’t ‘massage the metrics’, 

we measure by despatching a complete order 

– we know that sending all components except 

a handle is no use to the fabricator waiting to 

assemble a door. 

We don’t promise anything that we can’t deliver. 

Honesty and openness is essential from both 

sides. Now more than ever it is essential that 

we honour our policy of never over promising or 

under delivering. 

Continued collaboration is vital to managing the 

challenges of supply during the pandemic and, 

because we have built Carl F Groupco on our 

commitment to service, you can rest assured that 

we will do everything in our power to support your 

hardware delivery needs. 

Contact Carl F Groupco: 

01733 393330 

www.carlfgroupco.co.uk 

@Carl_F_Groupco 


John Mitchell 

Technical Manager 

Carl F Groupco 

Experts in 

Hardware 

“ 

Carl F Groupco’s hardware 

support throughout 

PAS 24 testing has 

been invaluable…” 

Amanda Hale 

Roundbrand 

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

Hardware Updates 


For further info on all these hardware updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

UNCONQUERD: SHOOTBOLT OFFERS HIGH SECURITY 

Hardware supplier, VBH, has added the Invicta shootbolt locking system for outward opening windows to its 

greenteQ range of premium quality window and door hardware and furniture. 

Invicta has been successfully tested to PAS24 on a number of profiles and is suitable for windows where a high-security 

locking system is required. The system consists of a gearbox, in a choice of industry standard 20 or 22mm backsets, and 

a series of extensions to cover sash sizes up to 1540mm. The extensions are connected to the gearbox and secured in 

place by an attractive central cover plate, which clearly announces the shootbolt as a greenteQ product. The shootbolts 

themselves can be set to project by 15mm through the striker plate and penetrate into the profile if desired, or to a lesser 

projection if preferred. A comprehensive range of night vent mushroom strikers and shootbolt strikers is available. 

VBH marketing manager, Gary Gleeson, said: “As well as being the name of the rampant white horse which is the 

symbol of our home county of Kent, Invicta is also Latin for unconquered or unvanquished, which is very apt when you see 

how well it performs during PAS24 testing.” www.vbhgb.com 

A DECADE OF ONLINE DEVELOPMENT FOR BRISANT 

As Brisant-Secure approaches its 10th anniversary in 2021, it is paying tribute to the team at The 

Consultancy, who have been behind the company’s online presence from the start. 

Managing director, Nick Dutton, says that The Consultancy has almost become an extension of Brisant 

Secure’s own in-house IT department, helping to create a raft of market leading websites for its Brisant, Ultion, 

Lock Lock and Sweet hardware brands. He said: “It’s a mistake to think a website can ever be finished, so 

having The Consultancy on board gives us the ability to constantly add new features and enhance the user 

experience so that we are always driving the brands forward online.” 

Brisant Secure and The Consultancy say they are already working on the next web project together which will 

be revealed early in 2021. www.theconsultancy.co.uk 

'WORLD'S FIRST' SMART DISINFECTING HANDLE 

A tech company has launched what it claims is the world’s first smart self-disinfecting door 

handle, which ‘can potentially eradicate millions of pathogens per building, save businesses 

thousands in cleaning costs and contribute to a post-Covid-19 way of life’. 

Swiss tech company, Tweaq launched its self-cleaning aluminium door handle, Touch 1, in November 

and customers can register their interest now, for delivery in 2021. 

When a user engages with the door handle, the Tweaq Touch 1 is activated as the handle is released 

and the peristaltic pump brings disinfectant liquid from the casing to the sponge inside the ring around the 

door handle. An internal system then drives the outer aluminium ring backwards and forwards once along 

the surface, eliminating 99% of bacteria and viruses in under three seconds. www.tweaq.co 

YALE STAYS CONNECTED UNDER LOCKDOWN 

Yale says that it has broadened its communication opportunities to allow for its specification 

service to continue with new socially distanced working practices. 

Neil Rabbitts, specification sales manager at Yale DWS, said: “Like many people during this time, 

we’ve been swapping out our usual face-to-face meetings with virtual ones, using software such as 

Zoom, Teams and Skype to keep in touch with customers. 

“Connectivity is vital when delivering quality specification, and that’s why we’re making it easier 

than ever for customers to contact us directly. We’ve continued to carry out meetings to discuss 

project requirements and issues throughout lockdown, which has allowed us to specify to our usual 

high standard and overcome any obstacles along the way.” www.yaledws.co.uk 


SELL MORE with 

The 

Cutting Edge 

Consumer Guarantee 

Provided By 

Homeowners receive UP TO £8000 in the event of a break in 

VBH generate enquiries for Q-secure approved partners 

Q-secure helps fabricators and installers sell more 

Receive a Q-secure Approved Partner Accreditation 

Company listing on our NEW Q-secure website 

Offer Q-secure PREMIUM products at no additional cost 

Top quality products 

with a MULTI-BRAND 

security guarantee 

Join the Q-secure Network Today! 

qsecure.co.uk/join-our-network 

We are proud to offer the Q-secure hardware guarantee for our 

security tested products. Q-secure helps Approved Manufacturers 

& Installers offer the customer more, and SELL MORE. 

info@vbhgb.com 

www.qsecure.co.uk 

@vbhgb 

01634 263 300

Hardware Updates 


For further info on all these hardware updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

MACO MKV AVAILABLE FROM CARL F GROUPCO 

Carl F Groupco is a stockist for Maco’s new MKV shootbolt. Developed and designed alongside 

fabricators and installers, the MKV provides advanced window security. 

Special features of the MKV include a slimmer, smaller 21mm universal backset to cater for all 

eurogroove depths, enhanced cam design and lower operating forces on handle movement. Testing 

standards are assured as the MKV has undergone assessments that exceed PAS24. Benefits include fast 

fitting as all screws are on one face. The shootbolt is available in telescopic or croppable versions. 

Hardware distributor Carl F Groupco and Maco have an established relationship dating back 26 years 

and the full Maco range is featured in the Carl F Groupco catalogue including espagnolette, shootbolt and 

tilt before turn gearing. 

The Maco MKV is suitable for use with aluminium, PVC-U and timber profiles: side/top hung casement, 

French casement and fully reversible windows are catered for. The MKV can also meet Disability Act 

(DDA) standards when using the REACH low handle height option. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk 

BRISANT LAUNCHES TWO NEW ULTION LOCKS 

With a focus on extreme security and innovation, hardware house Brisant has 

announced two new locks: the Ultion 1* cylinder which is being launched now, 

and a new Ultion 3* product which will be launched in the new year. 

The new Ultion 1* cylinder has been tested by master locksmiths and is Sold Secure 

Gold accredited. The cylinder can be used with 2* security handles to achieve 3* 

security overall. 

Specifically developed in 2019, Brisant upgraded the original Ultion lock to the WXM 

with more molybdenum and the strongest key on the market. This 3*Plus solution 

delivers extreme durability for where locks are subjected to extreme stress. This change 

was evidenced by its cycle test, beating the 100,000 requirements by a further one 

million cycles. The marking on the lock is changing to show this achievement by displaying the 3*Plus. 

Then, in the new year, Brisant will be launching a new Ultion 3* lock to sit between the new 1* and the existing 3*Plus. The intention is for the lock to be 

TS007 3* rated and Sold Secure Diamond security rated. 

Uniquely, the new 1* and 3* Ultion locks can be keyed alike. So, with one single Ultion key, homeowners can access all areas of the home: a PVC entrance 

door with a 3* Ultion, a PVC panel inner door on a porch with 1* Ultion, a bi-fold door with a 3* Ultion, and even a garage door or shed. 

All Ultion locks are backed with the Ultion security guarantee against burglary by lock snapping. The guarantee does not ask the homeowner to report on the 

performance of the installer, as some guarantees do. www.ultion-lock.co.uk 

TITON TO EXHIBIT AT VIRTUAL FENEX SHOWS 

With routes to market challenged by the constantly changing pandemic, Titon will be exhibiting 

at Fenex, the UK fenestration sector’s first ever virtual exhibition aimed at the window, door, 

conservatory and glazing industry. 

Titon will be showcasing its range of window and door hardware products at Fenex 2021 in April next 

year. Rounding up the digital shows will be the Aluminium Expo to be held in July. 

Tyson Anderson, sales & marketing director at Titon, said: “We’re really excited at Titon to be taking 

part in the first digital exhibition in this sector, and are looking forward to seeing what this new show 

environment can bring us. The real benefit of virtual exhibitions is the flexibility it gives everyone in being 

able to attend whilst still remaining busy and at their place of work. There’s nothing better than face to face meetings, and we’re looking forward to the 

time when we can all get back to that, but there’s no doubt whilst we are restricted and the future is uncertain, a digital show helps us all.” 

For more information about Fenex, please visit: www.fenex.co.uk. www.titon.com 


We do things 

differently 

At Kestrel our approach to aluminium door and window 

manufacture is a little different. Not only do we stock 

an unrivalled range of sections in a wide variety of lengths, 

we also supply standard, half and quarter lengths too. This 

means the most economical option is invariably available 

for your project. 

Minimal waste and high sustainability in profiles of the 

highest standard from a company with a 30 year pedigree. 

For more information please call 

0121 333 3575 or email 

info@kestrelaluminium.co.uk 

WINDOWS DOORS ROOFING SHOPFRONT CURTAIN WALL 

BIRMINGHAM’S BEST KEPT SECRET 

www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk 

Tel: 0121 333 3575

Workwear 

NATURAL, WARM AND SUSTAINABLE 

Snickers says its 100% all-natural merino 

wool mid and base-layer clothes deliver 

optimal comfort for all kinds of working 

environments and leisure activities when the 

weather gets chilly. 

There are short and long sleeve t-shirts, as well as 

leggings and topwear that combine ‘superior wool 

warmth’ with body-mapping designs for ‘the ultimate 

base and mid-layer protection’ in really 

cold conditions. 

Designed by nature for excellent ventilation and 

insulation, merino wool is extremely soft and 

naturally odour-preventive for an ‘all-day fresh feel’. 

The material is also temperature-regulating, antistatic 

and repels water and dirt particles. 

With animal welfare in mind, Snickers also ensures 

that the wool it uses is ‘mulesing-free’. 

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 

BE 'VISIBLY AHEAD OF THE REST' THIS WINTER 

While fabric, functionality and fit are hallmarks of 

Snickers Workwear, Snickers says it’s the innovation and 

fabric technology in the design of its new FlexiWork neon 

fleece hoodie, jacket and gilet that really set these new 

garments apart. 

They’re great for working outdoors in the colder months. Delivering 

superior flexibility and comfort, these lightweight four-way stretch 

garments come in a body-mapping design and are made from an 

elastane/polyester fabric with a water and wind-repellent finish for 

comfort and durability. 

‘Street-smart’ and visibly striking with neon panels and reflective 

details for enhanced visibility, Snickers says they’re designed ‘for 

the fast-paced professional who’s always on the go and delivering 

top class work on site’. 

For professionals who rely on their gear in demanding 

environments, Snickers says the FlexiWork range is a must for 

those who want to be ‘visibly ahead of the rest’ on site this winter. 

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk 


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Fabricators 

Grow Your Business! 

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MAY/JUNE 2019 

PRACTICALCONTENTFORTHEGLAZINGINSTALLER & HOMEIMPROVEMENTSPECIALIST 

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