April/May 2021

APRIL/MAY 2021
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
GRiPCORE technology is
a hybrid of modern and
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A unique hybrid of LVL &
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Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com
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Editor’s Comment
SOPHIE STEVENS
EDITOR
SOPHIESTEVENS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
WWW.TOTAL-FABRICATOR.CO.UK
GRiPCORE technology is
a hybrid of modern and
traditional materials.
Find out more →
www.gripcore.com
The saying goes: ‘when life gives you lemons, make lemonade’ – and
perhaps that is what the fenestration industry has done in response to
the Covid-19 pandemic.
A unique hybrid of LVL &
hardwood, cross laminated to
create a solid timber core
A door that will not crack,
move or de-laminate
Assembled slab incorporates
the cross laminated core
pressed with 4mm GRP skin
Safety and security is in
GRiPCORE’s DNA
With lockdown easing [at the time of writing] and the UK edging closer to a life
free of restrictions, hopes are pinned on a swift recovery, but the fenestration
industry has certainly played its part in keeping the economy afloat over the
past 12 months.
Despite various challenges, the sector has remained buoyant throughout the
pandemic, thanks to its strong ability to quickly adapt to the changing social,
economic and political landscape.
In our Doors section this issue, two composite door suppliers – Distinction
Doors (page 26) and Doorco (page 28) – detail the steps taken to keep up with
marketing, changing trends and supply issues, while over in our Automation
section, software specialist, BM Aluminium, reports how the increased
adoption of automation in the aluminium sector has allowed fabricators to
maintain social distancing, while increasing their volumes to meet demand.
With aluminium still in focus, Senior Architectural Systems’ James Keeling-
Heane discusses how simplifying sustainability can bring new opportunities
in both the commercial and domestic markets (see page 16), and on page 20,
Andy Lomax, general manager of Vale Window Group, talks to Total Fabricator
about the company’s decision to expand into aluminium production with the
Decalu system from Deceuninck Aluminium.
Read on for all of this and much, much more....
I hope you enjoy the issue.
find us on facebook
Sophie
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CONNECTING THE WINDOW & DOOR FABRICATORS SUPPLY CHAIN
Advertising:
Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com
Motorway House | Charter Way | Macclesfield | Cheshire | SK10 2NY
Cover courtesy of Doorco: Ben Aspinall outlines the five key
trends in composite doors on page 28 www.door-co.com
Publishing Director: Andy Dunn
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07963 330777
Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk
Commercial Manager: Jake Roxborough
DD: 01892 732 047
Mob: 07956 133314
Email: jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk
The content of Total Fabricator magazine (and website) does not necessarily reflect the views of the editor or publishers and
are the views of its contributors and advertisers. The digital edition may include hyperlinks to third-party content, advertising,
or websites, provided for the sake of convenience and interest. The publishers accept no legal responsibility for loss arising
from information in this publication and do not endorse any advertising or products available from external sources. No part
of this publication may be reproduced or stored in a retrieval system without the written consent of the publishers.
All rights reserved.
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CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 TF 3

Contents
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS
16
14 COLOURFUL HERITAGE
The impact of a property’s age on colour and
finish is examined, following a YouGov poll
commissioned by Deceuninck
16 SUSTAINABLE ALTERNATIVE
Senior Architectural Systems suggests that
‘simplifying sustainability’ in the aluminium
sector can create new opportunities
28 COMPOSITE TRENDS
Doorco explores five key themes that are
currently trending in the composite door sector,
from colour to customer care...
FEATURES
18 DIGITISE AND THRIVE
Rehau, explores the latest technology designed to
facilitate easier communication and more efficient
trading for fabricators
28
20 IN IT TO WIN IT
Vale Window Group, explains its decision to
expand into aluminium production with the Decalu system
from Deceuninck Aluminium
26 UP WITH THE LARK
Distinction Door’s Bethaney Larkman offers her
invaluable marketing tips for retail fabricators
42 UNITED WE STAND
As the global market for smart technology continues
to grow, Smart Ready says fabricators must support
their installer partners in order to thrive
48 FIT AND READY
With less than six months to go until FIT Show 2021,
Total Fabricator takes a closer look at what’s happening
behind the scenes to deliver a show-stopping return
50 THE EDGE OF EXCELLENCE
Edgetech suggests that while products are important, it
takes excellence across the board to make a truly great
spacer supplier
4 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

REGULARS
44 WINDOW WARE SHARES
This issue, Window Ware explains why the
personal approach is key when it comes to
customer service
58 PEOPLE POSTS
The latest industry people news, including a
GGF tribute to Ritec’s Stephen Byers
SECTIONS:
SYSTEMS
16
DOORS
26
58
NEWS ROUNDUP
06 GREEN HOMES GRANT SHELVED
The GGF says it is ‘not surprised’ by the demise of the
latest government energy efficiency improvement
scheme, but the UKGBC calls it a ‘travesty’
11 RECOVERY GAINS PACE
Latest IHS Markit/ CIPS UK Construction Total Activity
Index suggests the recovery in UK construction output
gained considerable momentum in March
AUTOMATION
36
HARDWARE &
ACCESSORIES
42
GLASS &
SEALED UNITS
48
50
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 5

News Roundup
‘ABSOLUTE TRAVESTY’
The UK Green Building Council (UKGBC)
described the Government’s recent
decision to cancel the Green Homes Grant
scheme as an “absolute travesty”.
In a statement UKGBC’s chief executive, Julie
Hirigoyen, said: “Slashing more than £1bn in
funding for energy efficiency is an absolute
travesty, for households wanting to take action
and for businesses trying to plan ahead,
and has created yet another roadblock for
decarbonising the country’s 29 million homes.
“We have been left speechless by this news,
which comes just days after the Environmental
Audit Committee sent a clear message to
government that if we are to meet our legally
binding target to be net zero carbon by 2050,
urgent action is needed to improve energy
efficiency of homes this decade.”
GGF ‘NOT SURPRISED’ BY SCHEME’S DEMISE
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has
said it is ‘not surprised’ by the demise of the
Green Homes Grant scheme, but will continue
to work with the Government to “help the UK
achieve its long-term zero carbon objectives”.
John Agnew, GGF managing director, commented:
“The cancellation of the scheme comes as no
surprise. The interest and uptake of the scheme
has been low and this has been due to the limited
options for consumers combined with a lack of
approved installers to implement the scheme. The
criteria to be an approved installer included the
high level qualification requirement for companies
to be accredited to the PAS 2030 standard within
a very short time period. This scheme was
announced in July last year without consultation
with industry and I hope the Government ensures
that all future schemes will be inclusive and
for the benefit of all of the home improvement
industry and consumers.”
Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
John Agnew
The Green Homes Grant scheme, announced
in July 2020 with £3bn budgeted, was the first
substantial energy efficiency scheme for home
improvement in England for several years.
John Agnew added: “On behalf of our members
and the industry, the GGF will continue talks
with government on energy efficiency in existing
building stock and new-build, to help the UK
achieve its long-term zero carbon objectives.”
REHAU ‘WORKING IN THE DARK’ CAMPAIGN AIMS TO BOOST TRADE
Window profile manufacturer, Rehau, has
launched a consumer campaign to help create
opportunities for the window trade, after a survey
found that the average home-worker gets just 22
minutes of natural daylight per day.
Rehau commissioned the research to explore the
issues that consumers face when working from
home, and as part of a wider strategy to build
brand awareness for its trade customers. The
study of 2,000 remote workers found that three in
10 have no natural light over their working area,
with 36% saying it definitely contributes to a lack
of motivation.
When working from home, one fifth of respondents
said they would move their working area adjacent
to a window, with 65% convinced this affects their
productivity. With trends over the past 12 months
highlighting a significant rise in home renovations,
Rehau suggests that the search for natural light
creates opportunities for the window trade.
Stephen Beresford, head of marketing and
communications at Rehau Windows, said: “The
research shows that natural light and windows
are key considerations for homeowners when
making changes to their homes. Through
commissioning this study, we are raising the
profile of the Rehau brand with consumers to
create new opportunities for trade. The pursuit of
more natural light presents renewed prospects
for the fenestration industry as it means more
focus will inevitably be placed on [consumers’]
windows and doors.”
‘Working in the Dark’ is the first campaign in a
series as Rehau looks to increase awareness of
its products and ‘educate consumers that not all
window materials and brands are the same’.
6 TF APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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News Roundup
PEAK, PADDLE, PEDAL
POSTPONED TO 2022
GM Fundraising has postponed its 2021
Peak, Paddle, Pedal charity event to
raise money for Hope House Children’s
Hospices until 2022.
Gary Morton, the founder of GM Fundraising,
said: “Having already postponed our
scheduled 2020 event back to 2021 due
to the pandemic, we are disappointed to
reschedule again. With pandemic restrictions
still in place, this has prohibited the ability
to undertake the team’s extensive one:one
training programme that is needed for such
an event. In light of this situation and the
short timeframe to raise funds, we feel it was
the sensible and responsible thing to do.”
The 12 members of the Peak, Paddle, Pedal
team will now climb Snowdon, canoe 150
miles down the length of the River Severn
and cycle 150 miles back to Hope House in
Oswestry from 30 July, 2022.
With several large-scale fundraising events
being postponed or cancelled over the last
12 months, support for Hope House has
never been so vital. Gary said: “Like a lot of
charities, the pandemic has hit Hope House
Children’s Hospices hard... We are more
determined than ever to help support them
going forward and look forward to the various
planned events we still have this year.”
One such event is the GM Fundraising
Cup, which has been rescheduled for 14
- 16 September, 2021 at Quinta Do Lago
in Portugal. Gary said: “Looking at the
Government’s roadmap out of lockdown, we
are as confident as we can be of this event
going ahead. The three-day golf event is
hugely popular and more importantly raises
some much-needed funds.”
Smooth colours are the single most popular
PVC-U foiled finish according to the findings
of an independent survey of UK homeowners.
The study, conducted by leading pollster, YouGov,
and commissioned by Deceuninck, found that
smooth colours were more than twice as popular
as natural woodgrain finishes and significantly
more popular than woodgrain colours.
While as a single finish option, 42% of
homeowners selected standard white as their
preferred option for replacement windows,
combined, premium finishes (natural woodgrains,
solid colours, and woodgrain colours) were
overall more popular, cited by a total of 54% of
respondents as their preferred option.
Rob McGlennon, managing director, Deceuninck,
said: “What we’re seeing is fundamental growth
in the popularity of solid colours. This is in part
down to a general growth in appeal but also in
part at least to the installation of foiled PVC-U
products alongside aluminium.
“This is something which is also reflected in our
survey, which shows the popularity of greys with
Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
POLL: SMOOTH FINISHES MOST POPULAR
homeowners, particularly anthracite grey but also
increasingly agate grey.”
The survey found that homeowner preferences were
also influenced by age, with older homeowners aged
55+ more inclined to choose a natural woodgrain
than younger homeowners, who preferred smooth
colour options.
Rob added: “We need to be thinking about colour
preference but also finish. Woodgrains make up
a sizeable share of what we do, smooth finishes
have gained ground and given their popularity
with a younger demographic, are likely to become
increasingly important overtime.”
Rob McGlennon
DEMAND FOR FOILS ‘MAIN GROWTH DRIVER’
Aluplast says it is on target to double its yearon-year
turnover at Q1 2021, with demand for
colour and finish identified as a main driver
for growth.
Foils account for as much as 50% of total order
volume for the PVC system house, which has
invested significantly in foiling technology and
production capacity at its manufacturing facility.
Aluplast maintains that this investment, combined
with extensive forward planning ahead of the January
deadline for the UK leaving the European Union, has
been central to its ability to maintain a strong and
consistent supply of product.
Aluplast, said: “The appetite for foils and colour
is on an upward trajectory but the pressure
on fabricators and installers to deliver on that
demand is also increasing.
“Our investment in foiling lines and CNC foiling
technology has afforded us a great deal of flexibility,
even on our bespoke finishes. Traditional, manual
foiling processes can take hours, but we’ve reduced
that to just minutes, and that has a had positive
impact on cost and efficiency that we can pass on to
our customers.”
This is despite widespread congestion at UK ports
due to shipping container shortages and worsening
delays on imports owing to Brexit.
Ian Cocken, director of sales and marketing at
8 TF APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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News Roundup
H&S ON THE MENU
PURPLEX TO HEAD UP ‘MARKETING VILLAGE’
Industry brands, Purplex Marketing and
Insight Data, say they have united with the
FIT Show to “bring the whole industry back
together” in 2021.
between FIT Show, Purplex Marketing, Insight Data
and the Glazing Summit conference. The companies
have pledged to work together to deliver these two
main events in the industry calendar.
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
has launched a new health and safety
webinar programme consisting of a series
of lunchtime webinars, where members
and non-members can hear from industry
experts and special guests.
The webinars will be hosted live by James
MacPherson (pictured above), GGF health,
safety and environment manager, who has
devised the programme.
James commented: “We are pleased to
launch these regular Lunch and Learn
health and safety webinars... we have
various webinars planned over the coming
months with subjects ranging from health
and safety basics, to introductions to
human and organisational performance and
organisational drift. It promises to be an
exciting programme that will provide really
useful information and benefits for GGF
members and the industry in general.”
Webinars are running from April through to
September. For more information, or to book
your free place, visit:
www.ggf.org.uk/health-safety-webinars/
Ascot Group brands, Purplex and Insight, will
headline the ‘Marketing Village’ at FIT Show
2021 (September 26 - 28, NEC Birmingham), as
well as having a standalone presence with two
exhibition stands at the event.
The ‘Marketing Village’ is designed to provide a
central point for exhibitors and visitors to access
a dedicated programme of marketing-specific
learning material, headed up by experts from Purplex
Marketing, Insight Data and guest speakers.
FIT Show event director, Nickie West said: “Purplex
Marketing and Insight Data are at the forefront of
the industry when it comes to delivering an endto-end
marketing solution, powered by the most
up-to-date data. It was a natural decision for us to
partner with them in this way.”
The announcement forms part of a wider partnership
Andrew Scott in action at an
earlier Glazing Summit
The Glazing Summit conference, organised
by Insight Data and Purplex Marketing, brings
together leaders from across the supply chain
to discuss best-practice and debate industry
trends and developments. This year’s event will
take place on Thursday 21 October 2021 at the
Edgbaston Conference Centre, Birmingham.
Andrew Scott, MD of Purplex Marketing & Insight
Data, said: “The fact that the Glazing Summit
follows FIT Show presents a further opportunity
to bring the whole industry back together. The
timing is perfect. People will be able to get a
taster of what to expect from the Glazing Summit
when it returns to Edgbaston Stadium soon after
[FIT Show]. Without giving too much away, we’ve
got some really exciting content, speakers and
features lined up.”
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10 TF APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
SEAL OF EXCELLENCE
Window and door fabricator, Frame
Fast UK, was presented with a Seal
of Excellence award from developer
Wheeldon Brothers, for its contributing
work to The Dial in Spondon, Derby.
The Dial won a coveted Seal of Excellence
Award in the National House Building Council
(NHBC) Pride in the Job 2020 awards.
Built on a derelict brown field commercial
site, the development is made up of 113
homes – including two, three and fourbedroom
detached, semi-detached and
bungalow properties. It backs onto a stretch
of canal newly restored by The Derby and
Sandiacre Canal Trust.
Frame Fast manufactured Elite flush PVC-U
windows, composite doors and French
doors, all with triple glazing for Derby-based
Wheeldon Brothers.
Debbie Smith at Wheeldon Brothers, said: “As
a member of the NHBC, we were so pleased
to win in the Pride of Excellence Awards and
we felt it was important to recognise those
who took part in the project. Frame Fast were
a huge part of The Dial, providing top quality
products and excellent support and we have
a great relationship with them.”
WAREHOUSING EXPANSION: Alutech has added an additional 17,000ft 2 of warehousing to its West-Yorkshire premises,
taking its facilities to 62,000ft 2 for both aluminium systems and garage door supplies. The expansion was prompted by the
‘unprecedented growth’ reported by the company last year, which saw sales volumes increase by 50%. The new facility will
house sectional garage doors, the manufacturing of sectional doors and storage of garage door automation, allowing aluminium
profile systems and roller garage door components to further grow into the existing space, particularly as new products are
launched over the coming year.
CONSTRUCTION RECOVERY GAINS PACE
The recovery in UK construction output gained
considerable momentum in March, supported
by robust rises in house building, commercial
work and civil engineering.
Adjusted for seasonal influences, the IHS Markit/
CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered
61.7 in March, up sharply from 53.3 in February
and signalling the strongest rate of construction
output growth since September 2014.
Housebuilding was the best-performing category,
with strong increases in activity also seen in
commercial construction and civil engineering.
Survey respondents often commented on the
mobilisation of delayed projects, especially in
areas such as hospitality, leisure, and office
development. There were also reports of a boost
from major infrastructure projects in March, as
well as higher workloads due to greater spending
on residential construction work and rising new
home sales.
Forthcoming new project starts spurred a solid
rise in employment numbers, with the rate of
job creation the strongest for over two years in
March. Construction companies also signalled a
sharp increase in purchasing volumes in response
to greater workloads. The latest upturn in input
buying was the steepest since November 2020.
Higher demand for construction products and
materials contributed to longer wait times for
deliveries by suppliers. Around 41% of the
survey panel reported longer delivery times
from suppliers in March, while only 1% saw an
improvement. Supply constraints and logistics
issues were commonly reported by construction
companies, especially for imported items.
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CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 TF 11

The Business Pilot Barometer
RETAIL SECTOR MOTORS AHEAD
Neil Cooper-Smith, senior analyst at Business Pilot, draws comparisons with the motor industry
as consumer confidence remains high, translating into an increase in window and door sales.
Business Pilot Barometer, Edition 15: January/February/March 2021
“280,000 new cars were registered last month [March 2021], compared with 254,000 in March
2020 - that puts registrations of the new 21 plate up 10% on the same time last year. It’s
significant because the motor industry, in common with our own sector, has had to adapt to a
new sales format with showrooms remaining closed throughout the last month.
“It also shows that consumers continue to feel flush. The Bank of England Monetary Policy
Committee suggests that this runs to the tune of £125bn. Consumer confidence remains high,
and housing mortgage approvals are up by more than 40%.
“The extension of the stamp duty holiday to June, meanwhile, continues to drive activity in the
housing market.
“This housing activity, combined with cash in [consumers’] wallets – and let’s face it, still very
little else to spend it on – continues to drive the boom in home improvement. This translated
into an increase in sales, March on February, of 17%.
“Average order value was up 6%, at just short of £4,750, and leads were also slightly up.
Conversion rates were slightly down at 32.5%, something which we’ll need to track next month,
but overall the figures paint a positive picture. The comparison is, in a sense, not a fair one but
compared to March 2020, when demand fell off a cliff edge, in March this year the market is up
18% year-on-year, significantly outstripping growth in the car industry.
“And like the car industry we are also facing challenges in supply. Covid-driven disruption has
left car makers struggling to source computer chips. Our own problems may be a little less
high-tech but with polymer suppliers calling force majeure on resin; composite slabs and
hardware delayed, as well as disruption in glass supply, they are not insignificant.
“While price increases may be difficult to swallow, not having the product to make or supply, is
an altogether more bitter prospect.
“This is something which is going to make managing your supply chain, and ultimately your
cashflow, in the coming months, critical.
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).
“Cash, as they say is king, and at a time when demand is high, losing track of cashflow,
process and profitability, presents an even greater risk.”
www.businesspilot.co.uk
www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
12 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

www.vbhgb.com
ORION
proteQ10
PREMIUM
PREMIUM

Spotlight
A COLOURFUL HERITAGE
An exclusive YouGov report, commissioned by systems house Deceuninck, suggests that the
age of a property makes colour and finish critical in determining purchasing decisions.
Total Fabricator explores some of the findings...
It may seem incredible, given how broadly
the term is applied, but there is in fact no
specific definition of what counts as a period
property. There’s a general consensus that
it was anything built before the end of WWI,
but housing experts seem unable to agree,
completely at least.
“It’s about moving away from a ‘onesize
fits all’ approach to drive up
margins and win more business”
Chris Jones, Deceuninck
There’s also disagreement about if the ‘bar’
should move as time passes. A house built today,
will, after-all, at some point in the future, become
a period home!
Less open for discussion are the facts that 21%
of the UK’s housing stock was built before 1919;
16% between 1919 and 1944; 19% in the post
war period to the early 1960s; 20% through to
1980; 8% 1981 to 1990 and then everything
else, since then.
What is also notable is that much of our housing
stock was built in the pre-war period and is
notoriously ‘leaky’, and equally significantly
around 75% of the residential properties that will
be occupied in 2050, already exist.
So how does the age of a property influence
the decision-making of its occupiers when
purchasing new windows and doors?
A survey by leading pollster YouGov and
Do the maths!
Pre-inserted, co-extruded
gasket in frame, vent
and glazing beads
commissioned by Deceuninck, offers new insight.
“We asked a number of questions,” explains
Chris Jones, sales director, Deceuninck. “Energy
efficiency, acoustics, colour and finish; we
wanted to understand how each impacted on
the end-user’s choice, so that we can support
installers in targeting prospects more effectively.
Driving up margins
“It’s about moving away from a ‘one-size fits
all’ approach to drive up margins and win more
business by bringing more focus to prospecting.
“One of the areas where PVC-U sales aren’t
always easy is in sales to owners of older
properties, particularly in conservation areas. We
wanted to know what those owners understood;
what they thought, so we could address the
gaps and any misconceptions and support our
customers in targeting them more effectively.”
The findings of the study show that in common
Marine grade, dual
colour and textured
finishes as standard
with all property owners, colour was cited as ‘very
important’. Other drivers like energy efficiency
and security were also important.
How new windows matched into their home was,
however, significantly more important for owners
of properties built pre-war and immediately after
it, with 70% stating that it was ‘very important’
in their purchasing decision.
“It compares to say 56%, for people living in
properties built between 1950 and 1970, a period
dominated by large estate developments,” Chris
continues. “It’s not that the owners of those
properties don’t care about how their homes
look, it’s just that the match to their home is less
important than those who live in older pre-war
properties, where keeping with ‘character’ is
more important.
This had ramifications for colour choices too.
Owners of properties built after 1949 expressed
Modular – lower
stock holding and
release cash!
14 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

an over-riding preference for white (50%) where
they were asked to select their preferred colour.
Greys scored 15%, woodgrains 10%, while
cream polled 7%, amongst others.
“You have to look at the type of properties. Often
red brick with white windows. White is the ‘natural
fit’ says Chris. “Owners of properties built before
1919, were more inclined to select a colour finish,
with white selected by only 36% of respondents.”
This also translated into their response to
casement style, standard or flush.
Deceuninck offers a highly popular heritage flush
sash option, which as a 70mm system recreates
the aesthetic of a 19th and early 20th Century
timber window, without the complexity of additional
plaster cut-back associated with some systems.
PAS24 approved and achieving a WER A++
rating, the Deceuninck Heritage Flush Casement
also comes with options on traditional ironmongery,
and it has been specifically designed for
conservation areas, with a dedicated colour range.
This includes Heritage White; Anthracite Smooth/
Heritage White plus Black Ash; Agate Grey;
English Oak; Ice Cream; in dual colour options on
Heritage White, making up part of the 30 colour
options held in stock by Deceuninck.
Chris continues: “The survey results show that
the appeal of flush casements goes way beyond
the owners of period properties but was by far and
away preferred by them
over standard casements.
“This was particularly true
of owners of properties
built before 1920, so
those classically defined
period homes (62%),
compared to the 33%
of the same group who
preferred a traditional
sculptured casement.
“What is also notable is
that standard white PVC-U finishes, selected by
only 30% of owners of properties built before 1920,
with smooth solid colour finishes selected by 25%
of those surveyed as their preferred choice, while
14% selected a woodgrain colour; and 13% a
natural woodgrain.
He concludes: “It’s another example of how if you look
a little bit deeper, you can identify the preferences
that will allow you to sell more effectively.”
Deceuninck will be hosting a series of workshops
in the summer to build improved understanding
of how demographic impacts on purchasing
decisions and how the industry can sell more
effectively. It will be sharing key findings with its
customers in a series of presentations.
Contact Deceuninck:
01249 816 969
www.deceuninck.co.uk
@DeceuninckUK
Manufacturing efficiencies of up to40% *
Decalu by
Deceuninck Aluminium
DUAL
COLOUR
AS STANDARD
FAST
make
CUT MANUFACTURING TIMES BY UP TO 40%
*Compared to other
similar systems
Call 01249 816 969 or email
info@deceuninck.co.uk to find out more.
www.deceuninck.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 15

Sustainability
SUSTAINABILITY AS STANDARD
As the thermal performance of aluminium windows and doors continues to be a hot topic in
both the commercial and domestic markets, James Keeling-Heane, sales director at Senior
Architectural Systems, discusses how simplifying sustainability can bring new opportunities.
A
ccording to data from the UK Green
Building Council, the built environment
accounts for around 40% of the UK’s
carbon footprint and this looks solely at the
construction process. If we were to include the
embedded carbon emissions from the operation
and maintenance of a building, the stats would
be much higher. With this in mind, it’s easy to see
why the construction industry and Government
is focusing on developing more sustainable
solutions and setting stringent targets for the
energy efficiency of new-build projects.
Although significant progress has been made,
there is still work to be done in terms of
decarbonising existing buildings – particularly in
the residential sector.
Green means go… or does it?
With the UK’s aging housing stock, there is a
real challenge in finding a cost-effective and
practical way of improving the energy-efficiency
of domestic dwellings. Many initiatives have
been launched over the years but as the low
take up and logistical issues that have plagued
the Government’s recently
cancelled Green Homes Grant
scheme prove, it’s going to be
a big hurdle to overcome.
There are many elements of a
building that can influence its
energy-efficiency but doors and
windows are a good place to start
– after all, nearly all buildings
have them! However, fenestration
systems that have exceptionally high
thermal efficiency and offer ultra low
U-values are still often seen as a niche product.
This risks potentially alienating those customers,
and indeed contractors, who may worry that low
U-values and high energy ratings could equate to
higher costs and more complex fabrication and
installation processes. Fortunately, advances
in the design and development of sustainable
aluminium fenestration systems are helping to
change views in more ways than one.
The evolution of aluminium
Aluminium windows and doors provide a
welcome alternative to both domestic customers
and commercial specifiers alike. Not only
do they offer exceptional durability
which outperforms traditional timber
windows but as well as strength
and robustness, they provide
a sleeker, more aesthetically
pleasing finish than PVC-
U. Modern-day aluminium
fenestration systems are
also exceptionally efficient
but it’s fair to say that this
wasn’t always the case.
As aluminium is a good
conductor of heat and a poor
insulator, on its own it offers little
protection from heat loss and solar gain. The
development of thermally broken window systems
provided an innovative solution but even so,
the earliest examples were not without their
issues. The use of polyurethane as an insulator
to prevent heat loss between the inner and outer
frame offered only limited thermal performance
and was prone to shrinkage over time, creating
leaks in the frame. The next generation of
aluminium framed windows used a much
stronger polyamide to create a thermal break and
provide increased protection against heat loss.
However, the ever-changing Building Regulations
and requirement for even lower U-values has
created a need for aluminium windows to offer
even greater levels of thermal performance.
A workable solution
One pioneering innovation is Senior’s patented
PURe aluminium window and door system, which
is the first on the UK market to incorporate a
thermal barrier made from expanded polyurethane
foam; a material that is more commonly used
in insulation products and that has long been
recognised for its excellent thermal properties.
16 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
Despite its advanced design and construction, the
PURe system is easy to manufacture and install
using existing tooling. Through investment and
innovation, manufacturers like Senior have been
able to keep the solution simple and workable and
most importantly, fully recyclable.
In light of the pending changes to Part L of the
Building Regulations, it’s also important that
manufacturers can stay ahead of the game so
that their systems provide the required results
without having to undergo significant changes
that may affect its usability or cost. For this
reason, the most effective window and door
systems are those that have been developed to
not only meet but exceed current requirements.
This level of predictability and reassurance is
important in these challenging times for both
fabricators and clients, whether you’re looking at
low U-values in the commercial sector or Window
Energy Ratings in the domestic market.
Tangible savings
As great as the desire to save the environment
is, on most projects there is also the very real
need to save money and although the highest
“There is no doubt that sustainable construction
products are increasing in popularity but they
really need to become the norm”
performing aluminium fenestration systems won’t
necessarily be the cheapest, they can offer the
best return.
Simply put, thermally-efficient systems can help
lower domestic energy bills, significantly reduce
the operational costs of commercial buildings and
in turn, create a much smaller carbon footprint.
Rather than being a niche product, low U-value
aluminium windows and doors are actually a
much simpler, cost-effective and often less
intrusive way to meet sustainability targets than
other solutions such as photovoltaic roof panels
or underfloor heating.
The inherent strength of aluminium also means
that maintenance costs can be reduced. Although
the energy-efficiency of fenestration systems can
be boosted through the complementary use of
low-emissivity (or ‘low-e’) glazing, it’s important
to remember that the thermal performance of
many aluminium systems, including our own PURe
system, is really focused in the frame. This is much
more hard-wearing and less likely to break than
glass so represents a good long-term investment.
There is no doubt that sustainable construction
products are increasing in popularity but they really
need to become the norm so that the benefits they
can bring on individual projects can be amplified
on a wider scale. It may be a small step to reducing
the overall carbon footprint of the construction
industry, but it’s a move in the right direction.
Contact Senior Architectural Systems:
01709 772600
www.seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk
@Senior_Systems
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 17

Digital Innovation
DIGITISE AND THRIVE
SYSTEMS
With digital innovation fundamental in streamlining the window supply chain, Russell
Hand, head of product management and technical at Rehau, explores the latest technology
designed to facilitate easier communication and more efficient trading for fabricators.
With home renovations increasing
markedly over the past 12 months,
homeowners are taking to social
media to document their projects. According to
Checkatrade’s Home Pride Index, the number of
results for #homeimprovement on Instagram
currently exceeds 3.3 million. As a result,
consumers are taking visual inspiration from
one another, leading to a domino effect of new
projects. While many tradespeople are reaping the
rewards of this trend, it may be challenging for
the window industry to stay abreast of this high
demand. Advances in digital technology and tools
help to streamline the window retrofit process
and make it easier for fabricators to do business
with the wider window industry.
Remaining competitive
With customers often keen to see how their
completed windows and doors will look during
the quotation process, digital visual tools can
provide great benefits, helping fabricators to stay
ahead of their competitors. An example of digital
innovation for the fenestration industry is Rehau’s
‘Rehau Connect’ project platform which helps to
organise a window project by enabling a central
place for plans, visuals and quotes. Fabricators
can benefit from tools like this as they help to
streamline conversation with installers which
could lead to increased business due to increased
efficiency and time savings.
A specific example is Rehau Connect’s 3D
visualiser, which allows users to turn and rotate
the windows and doors in all directions, to
provide the customer with a 360º impression and
realistic graphics. Tools like this help to create
more of an experience for installers and the endusers
and also act as a great sales tool to give
fabricators an edge over other suppliers. The
system will also allow tradespeople to collaborate
and create a personalised quote with company
logos, details of the configured windows, and a
“It is undoubtedly an
exciting time, with
digital innovations
offering huge benefits
to fabricators”
sketch of the windows with individual prices. This
helps to provide complete transparency to buyers
when making decisions.
Simplicity and sustainability
These days, a lot of fabricators want two
key things: more time in their day and more
sustainable, eco-friendly operations. However,
consumers are researching more now than ever
and as a result, businesses are being inundated
with requests. This means a more efficient
approach to formal processes, such as developing
quotes, is required. This is where the digital
space can pay dividends. Having platforms like
Rehau Connect can save time by enabling faster
and simpler communication between all parties,
which could help to win projects. It’s an added
bonus that it eliminates the need for a complex
and endless trail of physical documentation,
which can be a grievance to file as well as keep
organised and safe.
Eliminating paper has also become increasingly
important given the growing focus on
sustainability and waste reduction. Using digital
tools to record all necessary documentation
which can be sent and received electronically is
therefore an ideal solution. For example, Rehau
takes a digital-first approach when creating
fabricator resources in order to encourage more
efficient processes – an approach that echoes
the company’s wider sustainability strategy.
Ultimately, digitalisation can be more sustainable
as well as provide access to a network of the
right people.
The right fit
Making business easier is often associated
with being connected to like-minded people.
Therefore, using platforms which feature reliable
and professional people can help to provide
a fast, high-quality service for end-users. For
example, Rehau Connect links fabricators with
installers that have been approved through
the company’s Authorised Partner Scheme. By
choosing to do business with installers who are
reliable, specialist and accredited, fabricators
have reassurance that the high-quality window
products they produce will not be compromised
by poor installation. The digital platform in turn
helps good tradespeople to be connected and
work with each other.
It is undoubtedly an exciting time, with digital
innovations offering huge benefits to fabricators
and others in the fenestration industry. With
this in mind, it is critical for fabricators to take
advantage of these invaluable resources and
stay ahead in a rapidly digitising market so as
to remain competitive. As a result, they stand to
gain from streamlined and simplified processes,
as well as preserving quality through doing
business with other good tradespeople.
To find out more about Rehau Connect, visit:
www.rehau.com/uk-en/rehau-connect
Contact Rehau:
01989 762600
www.rehau.com/uk-en
@REHAUWindows
18 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Style & elegance
with Rio flush
fit windows
Your home is the heart of your family,
creating moments you will treasure forever.
Our stylish and elegant Rio flush fit window
is a realistic alternative to traditional timber
windows. Turner Oak makes a real impact
and adds a quality finish to your home.
Windows. Reinvented for modern life.
www.rehau.uk/rio

Aluminium
IN IT TO WIN IT WITH ALUMINIUM
Andy Lomax, general manager of Vale Window Group, talks to Total Fabricator about the
company’s decision to expand into aluminium production with the Decalu system from
Deceuninck Aluminium.
TF: Can you give us a brief background to the
Vale Window Group?
Andy Lomax (AL): The company was started
in 1996 by Brian and Richard Hackett, with a
factory in Mansfield’s Crown Farm Industrial
estate. As we grew, we took on an additional
facility in Stockport and until recently, we have
concentrated purely on manufacturing PVC-U, the
last 12 years of which have been as a leading
supplier of Deceuninck’s PVC product range.
Last year, however, we made the decision to start
manufacturing aluminium as well, taking on the
Decalu system from Deceuninck Aluminium.
This involved relocating all our PVC production
to Mansfield, in order to concentrate purely on
aluminium at our 12,000ft Stockport factory.
TF: What prompted the move to start
manufacturing aluminium?
AL: In the past, we bought in aluminium in order
to service those customers that were asking for
it, but the profit margins for us were minimal. As
demand has risen, especially for bi-folds, it was a
logical decision to bring manufacturing in-house.
We now have full control of supply and the quality
of the finished product, but it’s also given us the
opportunity to fully capitalise on growing demand
in the aluminium sector.
TF: Are you concentrating mainly on demand
for bi-folds?
AL: We are offering the full Decalu range. That
includes the Decalu88 bi-fold, but also the
Decalu163 lift-and-slide and the Decalu88
Residential Door as well as the window systems, the
tilt-and-turn, fully reversible and casement options.
TF: To what extent was the decision to
manufacturer Decalu influenced by your
experience as a Deceuninck PVC fabricator?
AL: Switching to aluminium was a big investment
for us. We weren’t going to take the decision
lightly and we spent months researching various
systems, looking at lots of manufacturing sites
and at machinery – ultimately, we chose Decalu
purely on merit.
It is true that it works very well for us to be
able to offer Decalu alongside Deceuninck PVC
because they suit so well together. That’s a big
advantage when selling to homeowners, because
you can offer the Decalu88 bi-fold or residential
door for instance, combine it with PVC windows
and if you order it all in the same finish, it will
match perfectly.
Would we have taken on Decalu if it had been
offered from a different system house? 100% yes,
we would. We took it on because of its features,
because we knew it would sell. Being part of the
Deceuninck stable was an added bonus.
TF: Can you talk us through some of the
features of Decalu that you found so attractive?
AL: From a fabrication point of view, it’s much
easier to manufacturer than other systems. There
are less components, you have a single outer
frame and sash with an identical middle section
and the gasket is co-extruded and pre-inserted,
so it saves us a lot of time.
“With the reception we’ve had for Decalu so far,
we’re anticipating the aluminium side of the
business to grow very quickly indeed”
And the pre-inserted gasket also makes it much
easier to install. If you take the Decalu88 bi-fold
as an example, you can have it glazed in minutes.
Combine that with two, 7mm adjustable jams
that allow for 14mm of tolerance for openings
20 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
that aren’t perfectly square, and it makes a
huge amount of difference for our customers.
They would normally put a whole day aside for
a traditional bi-fold installation – with Decalu
they’re telling us they can fit two in the same
amount of time.
As a retail proposition, it also ticks a lot of boxes.
Again, if you take the Decalu88 as an example,
U-values are as low as 0.68W/m 2 k with triple
and 1.4/m 2 k with double glazing, and thanks to
the standard of the hardware, the operation of
the doors is superb, even on 3m high doors and
200kg sashes.
The slim sightlines, the fact it comes with dual
colour, marine grade and textured finishes as
standard – the quality speaks for itself.
TF: How are your customers responding
to Decalu?
AL: It’s been overwhelmingly positive. We
are enjoying repeat business and we are
also experiencing pull-through demand from
customers who haven’t tried it yet but have heard
about how good it is.
In fact, it’s proved so popular, we have had
customers approach us for Decalu, and they’ve
liked it so much, we’ve won orders for our PVC
range off the back of it!
TF: What is your current split between
aluminium and PVC production?
AL: We have enjoyed strong growth with
Deceuninck – we enjoyed record sales month
on month in 2020 – and we have been very well
placed to respond to the rise in popularity of
higher-value, premium products with its Flush
Sash and heritage range, and also for the fact it
has taken the lead with its colour offer.
Our current capacity for PVC reflects that,
compared to our output for aluminium, but we
haven’t invested in a new factory just to do 50
bi-folds a week.
We’ve got off to an extremely strong start and
with the reception we’ve had for Decalu so far,
we’re anticipating the aluminium side of the
business to grow very quickly indeed.
Contact Deceuninck for further info on Decalu:
01249 816 969
www.deceuninck.co.uk
@Decalu_UK
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 21

Ultimate Security
High-Performance
Low U-Values
System 10-35 Hi / Hi+
Commercial Door and Framing
Providing high-performance strength and security,
Metal Technology’s new innovative, commercial
door and framing system has been developed to
offer exceptionally low U-values, delivering as low
as 1.27 W/m 2 K with double glazing and 0.93 W/m 2 K
with triple glazing. Ideal for high traffic locations
within the commercial, health, education or
retail sector.
Multi-point locking is achievable on sash heights
up to 3 metres and 100kgs with glazing from 28mm
to 44mm units. With the full 10-35 range of door
and framing systems tested to PAS 24, designers
can specify security doors with confidence.
Certified:

PAS 24 security tested to comply
with Secured by Design criteria
Multi-point locking
Mag locks
Panic Exit (push rail or touch bar)
All of the above in single
or double door applications
Available in single or dual colour
standard RAL finishes
Cycle tested to BS 6375 Part 2
Bespoke tooling and jigs to assist
with rapid manufacture
LogiKal estimating and production
software for manufacturing, glass
and U-value calculations
Range of stainless steel handle
options available from stock
For further information and technical data visit metaltechnology.com
T +44 (0)28 9448 7777 || orders@metaltechnology.com || Follow us on

Updates
1ST CLASS EDUCATION THANKS TO METAL TECHNOLOGY
Metal Technology systems have been used as part of a £60.5m
education campus project for West Lothian Council.
Developed in response to significant housing expansion in the area,
facilities will include: Holy Family Primary School – a replacement
primary school which includes a nursery; two secondary schools
(Winchburgh Academy and Sinclair Academy) and a shared physical
education and community block.
Metal Technology says it performed an ‘intrinsic technical role’ in
this collaborative design approach with both Ryder Architecture and
JM Architects, to propose elements of commonality in the design of
the aluminium glazing throughout the overall scheme, whilst achieving aspects of individuality across the secondary and primary education buildings.
The main contractor Morrison Construction and approved Metal Technology fabricator Albann are simultaneously collaborating on the £14m Calderwood
Primary School as part of the commitment by West Lothian Council and its development partner Hub South East, to expand upon the school estate with
purpose-built facilities to meet the growing demands of the local communities.
Across the buildings, Albann are utilising Metal Technology’s System 17 capped curtain walling and a number of systems from its high-performance low
U-value range of windows and doors to include System 5-35Hi+ tilt/turn, System 4-35Hi+ casement, System 5-20D Hi+ thermal door suite and System 22
barrier grilles. www.metaltechnology.com
VEKA PLEDGES TO RECYCLE BEYOND INFINITY
PVC-U systems supplier, Veka, has unveiled plans to increase usage of recycled
material beyond its existing Infinity system.
In 2007, Veka’s sister company, Veka Recycling, opened the UK’s first window
recycling plant and last year the company invested £150k in six new silos to increase
the storage capacity at its Wellingborough site.
Veka describes its Infinity profile, launched in 2010, as ‘a dedicated system with an
environmental conscience that contains up to 80% recycled material’.
The coming months will see Veka start to roll-out recycled material across a number
of its mainline profiles, starting with cills and following with frame extensions, with
potential to expand further throughout the course of the year. The company has also
committed to driving further usage of recycled PVC-U in the coming years.
With recycling now a crucial part of Veka’s strategy, over the last five years more
than 24,000 tonnes of PVC-U has been diverted away from landfill. www.veka.co.uk
WICONA SELECTED FOR WARDIAN DEVELOPMENT
Wicona glazing systems have been selected to help achieve the optimum aesthetic,
energy, acoustic and other performance objectives at the Wardian development in
London’s Docklands.
Inspired by Dr Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward’s ‘Wardian case’, which botanists used to transport
plant specimens from remote parts of the globe during the 19th century, the development by
EcoWorld Ballymore comprises 50 and 55-storey residential towers, containing one and two
bedroom flats, as well as penthouse suites with views of Canary Wharf. Additionally, a podium
houses a private screening room, restaurant and retail units. Design practice Glenn Howells
Architects was responsible for not only the overall concept and detailed design, but also much
of the interior work. The decision to utilise Wicona’s Wicline 75 doors, bespoke Wicslide 150PS
sliding glazing and Wicline 90SG windows – all integrated into the custom unitised façade
solution – was taken by Czech-based façade contractor, Sipral. www.wicona.com
24 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
The Residence Collection says it has ‘set the design standard’ in premium PVC-U systems in terms of
single and dual colour options, profile shape and the design of ‘cleaner’ rebates.
According to the Residence Collection, typical glazing rebates in PVC-U windows and doors have changed little
since the 1960s, with gaskets either rolled-in or co-extruded onto the upstand of the outer frame. By design, R2,
R7 and R9 frames don’t carry any gaskets on the frame. They sit within the sash, much like the way in which
timber windows are carefully constructed, helping to create the ‘easy clean’ rebate.
When opening an R9 window, there is also the ‘visual appeal’ of a fully laminated rebate, matching the colour and
finish of the internal face. Both R2 and R7 feature seven different substrates so that the internal face has a closely
matching through-colour too. The Residence Collection says that all of its window and doors, regardless of the
design, are also far easier to clean than standard PVC-U windows and doors. www.residencecollection.co.uk
For further info on all these systems updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
RESIDENCE REBATES ARE 'THE STYLISH CHOICE'
KAWNEER SYSTEMS HELP HOSPITAL OPEN EARLY
Architectural glazing systems by UK manufacturer Kawneer, that were installed offsite,
helped elements of a £350m new hospital build to finish almost a year ahead of
schedule – and helped with the Covid crisis.
Kawneer’s AA720 HI Reflex Plus windows were fabricated into precast sandwich panels
at the main contractor’s off-site factory for installation at The Grange University Hospital at
Llanfrechfa Grange in Gwent, South Wales.
The Kawneer windows were complemented by the manufacturer’s AA100 zone-drained
curtain walling with 50mm sightlines, and three types of entrance doors – AA720s, AA190
TBs and folding/sliding AA3720s. www.kawneer.co.uk
FIXINGS GUIDANCE FROM RAPIERSTAR & EUROCELL
Window and door fastener specialist, Rapierstar, has developed a new Recommended Fixings Manual (RFM), for all
Eurocell systems, in conjunction with Eurocell’s technical team.
The new guide is the culmination of years of close technical collaboration between the two companies, which extends into
support for testing. As a result, every window and door tested in Eurocell’s learning and development centre, including new
product developments, are assembled using Rapierstar fasteners to set a consistently high standard that fabricators can
now replicate. Available to download in the Info Point section at www.rapierstar.com, the RFM’s new ‘easy-to-read’ layout
and colour coding is designed to make it easier to identify screws for insertion into profiles and steel reinforced sections.
Eurocell’s latest range of profiles is covered, including the Modus and Logik systems, and Rapierstar will update the RFM
to add new profiles as soon as they become available to Eurocell fabricators. www.rapierstar.com
SPECTUS CHOSEN FOR FIVE-BED 'EXECUTIVE' HOMES
Vertical sliding windows from Spectus have been installed in the first phase of a new 900-home
development in Holbeach, Lincolnshire.
The Spectus windows were specified for the ‘executive’ five-bedroomed detached homes at Holbeach
Meadow, which features a mixture of properties of various sizes, designed and built by Ashwood Homes.
Awarded to Spectus fabricator, Highseal Manufacturing Company, based in Scunthorpe, the Spectus
vertical sliding windows were manufactured in anthracite grey on white, with run-through sash horns
and chrome hardware for traditional styling. Several sets of French doors were also manufactured in
the Spectus Elite 70 system to complement the exacting specification of the new executive properties.
www.spectus.co.uk
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 25

Marketing
UP WITH THE LARK
Distinction Doors’ marketing guru, Bethaney Larkman, gives Total Fabricator the lowdown
on lockdowns, online presence and real-life experiences post-pandemic as she offers up her
top tips for retail fabricators and home improvement companies in 2021...
Chatting to Bethaney Larkman from
Distinction Doors over Teams, Total
Fabricator is struck by the marketing
manager’s enthusiasm and vivacity. We’re in the
midst of ‘Lockdown 3’ and like many, Bethaney is
working from home. “It’s fine; I’m keeping busy,”
she says, smiling. “I have a routine and I think
that’s made all the difference.”
Bethaney joined Distinction, the UK’s largest
supplier of composite doors, almost six years
ago, initially as the company’s graphic designer,
before the lure of a wider marketing function
saw her accept the role of marketing executive,
a job which, a year later, led to promotion – as
marketing manager.
In this role, Bethaney is responsible for promoting
Distinction products to audiences in the trade,
retail, new-build and social housing sectors,
and providing valuable marketing support to its
fabricators.
“No one day is the same and that’s what I enjoy
most. It’s been particularly useful given the
monotony of the past year! I manage everything
from PR and communications, advertising,
events, our online presence, design and print;
pretty much everything that the role requires. I’m
very hands-on.”
Flexible and agile
The conversation soon turns to the pandemic and
its impact upon Distinction’s marketing plans.
“Like many businesses, we soon discovered that
things had to change, and fast.”
Multiple lockdowns and a surge in home
improvement spending meant that the company’s
online platforms were invaluable. “Our doordesigner,
showroom locator and request a
brochure option have been by far and away our
“Everyone is keen to return to face-to-face
interactions and I believe that showrooms will
be central to the sales proposition in the months
and years ahead” Bethaney Larkman, Distinction Doors
most powerful marketing tools ever since the first
lockdown. The figures have been extraordinary.”
Some of the highlights for January 21 include
website users increasing 67% year on year (YOY);
door-designer overall sessions increasing 82%
YOY and direct quotes going up a whopping 129%
YOY. Digital interest has also led to an astonishing
number of printed brochures flying out of the
door!
Prepared for the V-shaped recovery
As the vaccine roll-out gathers pace, Bethaney
is focussed on supporting her customers and
helping them to maximise the opportunities
presented by the ‘V-shaped recovery in 2021 and
consistent future growth until 2025’, (predicted
by AMA Research).
“As part of our marketing support package we
provide a Design Boutique service where we
create completely bespoke brochure artwork
for our customers. It’s not only cost-effective
because they don’t pay for the artwork, but they
also benefit from our design expertise, marketing
skills and access to our image library.
“We are investing in additional lifestyle CGI
photography this year which will be infinitely useful
and allow us to better reflect modern living.”
One of the company’s most popular marketing
tools is its Door-Designer – a free online portal
available to both Distinction customers and theirs.
“Our Door-Designer is a classic example of
an effective online sales tool which suits new
consumer behaviour patterns. It is interactive;
provides a good user-experience across all
platforms; creates an engaging visual, and
26T F APRIL/MAY 2021
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

enefits both the business and consumer – an
instant door design with auto-issued enquiry and
24-28-hour quote turnaround.”
In real-life
Away from the internet, Bethaney is confident
that the desire for real-life experiences will
gather pace, post-pandemic. “Our data proves
that consumers are eager to visit showrooms.
Everyone is keen to return to face-to-face
interactions and I believe that showrooms will
be central to the sales proposition in the
months and years ahead.”
Bethaney and her team
have advised several
customers recently, helping
to reinvigorate their
showrooms. “We suggest
a review of all the touch
points – from the moment
the prospect arrives in the
car park to the welcome over the
threshold; the lighting; background
noise; movement around the space; everything
– it’s a holistic approach.”
Bethaney believes that a good showroom should
appeal to the senses. “We want to create spaces
with positive energy. Colour is dominating our
current order book and it’s important that whilst
eye-catching, coloured products are presented
practically and cohesively. They must be visually
appealing, and this is why good, well-positioned
lighting is vital,
as is natural light,
for viewing the
door and creating a
healthier showroom.
“Touch is also incredibly
important – whether it’s the
woodgrain effect of the door or the ergonomics of
the handle. But we must ensure that this sensory
impulse be catered for while adhering to Covidsafe
procedures – we are all responsible for
maintaining safe and hygienic spaces.”
Top marketing advice
With only a few minutes to spare before Bethaney
has to leave for a virtual customer meeting, we
discuss her top tips for retail fabricators and
home improvement companies in 2021.
“All my advice would hinge on their online
presence,” she says. “Invest in good photography
and video for sharing online, and make sure
you’re on top of your social media; all too often
we see incomplete profile pages and dated feeds.
I recommend picking one or two social media
platforms and doing them well. It’s all about the
quality not quantity of accounts or posts.
“If they have a showroom, it’s got to be on the
Google My Business profile. It’s far more than a
free listing, it lets you manage how your business
appears on Google search and maps.
“As for the company website, view it on a mobile
device – they now account for around 50% of
online searches, and people may be surprised
by how the user-experience differs to a desktop,
and not always for the better. If this is the case, it
may be time for a refresh.”
And with that, our time with Bethaney is up. With
a winning smile and friendly goodbye, she’s off
to help yet another Distinction customer thrive in
these challenging times.
Contact Distinction Doors:
0345 2000 816
www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
@DistinctionDrs
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 27

Article The Doorco Column
FIVE COMPOSITE TRENDS
Ben Aspinall, IT and marketing manager for composite door supplier Doorco, explores
fi ve key themes that are currently trending in the composite door sector, from colour to
customer care...
My role as IT and marketing manager
means I am really close to the door trends
we see at Doorco. With an IT hat on, we
operate a fully integrated IT-based manufacturing
system that communicates orders, stock levels,
capacity and allows us to create detailed reporting.
From a marketing perspective, as well as having
access to sales analysis, we know what people
‘like’ on our social media. The power of marketing
is also to drive trends. For example, it’s a wellknown
fact at Doorco, that the door which is on
the front of our brochure is always a best seller in
that period!
Over the last 12 months, we have seen a massive
shift in the norm and I am going to share five
key trends which may surprise you:
1Modern choices
There has been a definite
shift in our best sellers
since we came out of the
first lockdown. Historically,
traditional door styles have
taken top billing and although
our more modern door styles
like Monza II, Farmhouse
and Links have been growing in
popularity, the volumes of sales over the
last year has been unprecedented. So far in 2021,
our best-selling door is the Farmhouse. In fact,
nearly half the doors we’ve sold this year have
been a Farmhouse design. Carnoustie is second
place, closely followed by Monza II.
2Colour
There is a definite shift towards colour
throughout the fenestration industry and
our painted door sales are up 55% on this time
last year. In fact, we’re just in the process of
extending our paint
lines to keep up with
demand. Tastes are getting
bolder and the pink doors – a movement started
on social media by Instagram-influencer Mrs
Hinch and her Hinchers (as her followers are
known) – is a growing trend. Doorco launched
its own pink door range in aid of We Mind &
Kelly Matters last year with success. But even
considering all this, grey is still king. Anthracite
is our top selling standard colour; Doorco has 13
shades of grey in its current colour range, and in
February, grey doors made up 38% of our sales.
“There is a definite shift towards
colour and our painted door
sales are up 55%”
3Glass
Glass has a major impact on a door’s
overall style and allows the consumer
to add their own personal statement. Adding
a modern glass like Bold Pink to a traditional
door design like Lytham can really transform it
into something contemporary. Glass supply has
always been a challenge. We took the decision to
massively invest in glass so we can supply direct
and have better control, as well as increasing our
range with bespoke designs. Our customers have
really taken advantage of this: In the first two
Continued on page 30
28 T F APRIL/MAY 2021
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

The Doorco Column
Continued from page 28
“There is still a demand for fast turnaround
and we often get enquiries as to whether
we can deliver a door quicker than a
competitor has quoted”
months of 2020, 34% of our doors were sold with
glass (glazed and unglazed); this year that figure
has increased to 79%. More interesting, our
bespoke glazing service has increased by 148%
in the same period.
4Customers need more help
Glazing is just part of our flexible prepping
service which our fabricator customers
are increasingly making use of. There are several
factors to this: Firstly, there’s no denying we’re
in a home improvement boom (long may it last)
and we’re all buzzing. Supply issues are widely
reported, and some say the pandemic has taught
us patience, but the ‘Amazon-inspired next day
delivery’ want is still very apparent. There is still
a demand for fast turnaround and we often get
enquiries as to whether we can deliver a door
quicker than they’ve been quoted by a competitor.
Even with a Just in Time (JIT) delivery service
for fabricators and short lead times across
the board, more and more are turning to us for
painting and prepping support to simply keep up
with demand.
Secondly, we are all still operating under a lot of
strain with health and safety constraints, social
distancing and illness. As with everybody else,
we’ve suffered with delays due to the global
shipping crisis combined with sheer
demand in some of the emerging
trends we’ve mentioned
above, but we’ve worked
hard to overcome these
issues and support
our customers as best
we can. Keeping our
workforce healthy with
stringent procedures
and regular testing means
we’ve been able to step in and
support them during downtimes.
Levels of prepping and painting
have nearly doubled this year.
5Marketing on Instagram
Over the last year, Doorco’s
marketing strategy has
changed to become more consumer
facing. The biggest catalyst was
the desperate need to keep our
lines of communication open when
we headed blindly into the first
lockdown, to make sure we had
leads to come back to. With many
of the usual channels closed,
we turned to social media and in
particular, Instagram.
Instagram is picture-led; a place
of inspiration, and property
renovation is a big trend. There’s
a whole network of renovators
and self-builders, designers and
influencers sharing their stories and
there are some fun hashtags (like
#ihaveathingwithdoors) that you
can plug into.
For Doorco, it’s about brand awareness and
lead-generation on behalf of our customers,
although it has also become
an influential platform for
tradespeople, so we get
trade enquiries too.
We started sharing
inspirational images
of the things that
make Doorco unique
– Farmhouse, Monza
II, a wide range of colour
choices, a bespoke glass
collection and our added value services.
This has certainly paid dividends – from an
almost standing start, we have nearly 2,500
followers and get regular enquiries from
homeowners that we can pass on to our
customers.
To find us on social media, visit @doorco_official
on Twitter, DOORCO Ltd on LinkedIn and Facebook
or @DOORCOUK on Instagram.
Contact Doorco:
01625 428955
www.door-co.com
30 TF APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

1.3 U-value
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Doors also support SFS 3D face mounted
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sheerline.com | info@sheerline.com

Updates
For further info on all these door updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
'GET READY FOR THE UKCA MARK' URGES MD
Wojciech Brozyna, MD of Aluprof UK, is urging manufacturers selling external fire doors in the UK to ensure that all
their products are reassessed through UK Approved Bodies before the end of this year.
In an article, (which can be read at www.total-fabricator.co.uk), Wojciech (pictured right) states how, following Brexit, the
UK now sits outside the European Economic Area (EEA) and as a result has launched its own ‘UKCA’ conformity mark. This,
says Wojciech, means that all products produced (inside or outside the UK) for UK use must carry the new UKCA mark. Both
the CE mark (widely used throughout the EU) and UKCA marks can be used this year, but from next year (2022), all products
sold in the UK must carry the UKCA mark.
Wojciech writes: ‘In Northern Ireland, manufacturers have their own UK(NI) mark to comply with, which must be used
alongside the CE marking. Whilst Great Britain will accept the UK(NI)+CE marked products known as ‘unfettered access’, products manufactured in Northern
Ireland only need to carry the CE mark if they are to be sold solely in the EEA. Part of the reason for the difference in Northern Ireland is that whilst Northern
Ireland sits within the EEA, from the 1st January 2021, it is now outside the EU Customs Union. It must be reiterated that for products manufactured and sold
in Northern Ireland, they must always carry both the CE mark and the UK(NI).
‘The ‘product’ from the ‘end fabricator’ must be CE marked (accepted up to the end of 2021) and/or UKCA marked. This refers to all the parts that make up
the final product from various suppliers such as the framing system, glazing and hardware. This must be declared in one document and on installation, it is
not possible to substitute any part. The product, such as supplied in a firescreen, including doors and glazing, is supplied to site complete in a fabricated form.
Glazing can be supplied separately on a stillage but must be supplied by the ‘end fabricator’.
‘The door and sidescreens, or top-lights, must fall within a single overall frame, it is not possible to declare and UKCA mark a coupled door frame to a side screen
or toplight. The company installing the product on-site may be another company who has sourced the product from an ‘end fabricator’. It is the manufacture of the
installed product that carries the responsibility for the UKCA marking by ensuring that the installer follows detailed installation instructions.’ aluprof.co.uk
DISTINCTION LAUNCHES NEW FIRE SYSTEM
Distinction Doors has introduced a new, fully compliant FD30 composite fire door system through new brand, fds (fire
door systems).
The new system, Neuma fds, has consistently proven fire resistance with 44 individual test specimens subject to 22 bi-directional
fire tests, achieving an average of 45 minutes integrity. The fire door system was independently tested to EN1634-1: 2014 by EU
notified body test houses. To address variables in test laboratories and prove consistent performance, Neuma fds experienced the same
test methods across three countries and was installed in both rigid and flexible supporting wall construction. Every fire test was filmed.
All submitted doorsets featured the same letterplates, viewers, and auto-throw lock to underpin the need for consistency in testing.
A variety of overhead door closers were also tested. Neuma fds not only demonstrates integrity against fire but also delivers on ambient
smoke control (EN1634-3:2004), security (PAS24:2016), weather (BS 6375), sound insulation (Approved Document E) and thermal
performance (Approved Document L). www.firedoorsystems.co.uk
ONLINE SUCCESS FOR HALLMARK DOORS
Hallmark Doors and Panels has recorded a threefold increase in orders since the first lockdown and, as a direct
result, has been able to make investments in the business totalling £1m.
When the sudden shift online happened in 2020, Hallmark was in the fortunate position of already having what it describes
as a ‘market leading’ web presence and online ordering system in place, created by The Consultancy. This, it believes, has
been key to its achievements.
Paul Spencer, Hallmark’s sales director, said: “We’ve been working with The Consultancy for more than three years and during that time they have
built us a brand-new website, created a dedicated ordering portal and delivered bespoke online door designers for both trade and retail window customers.
These were already helping us to support existing customers and win a significant number of new ones before the pandemic, but the real exponential
growth for Hallmark came in 2020, which is when we were able to see the true value of the investments we had made.” www.theconsultancy.co.uk
32 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

We have what you need
At Kestrel we stock a vast range of aluminium extrusions for the fabrication of windows,
doors and roofing – in a variety of lengths - standard, half and quarter. This means the
most economical option is always 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 BRINGING LIGHT INTO LIVING
www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk
Tel: 0121 333 3575

Glaze Tube: Video Content
PRESS PLAY ON QUALITY
CONTENT FOR YOUR SECTOR...
Glaze Tube is the new platform for digital content from the leading players in your sector.
Easily accessible on any device, Glaze Tube is packed full of and constantly updated
with practical, informative and entertaining video content, including how-to’s; project and
product focuses; installation advice; training and webinars; plus interviews and opinions
from those operating throughout the glazing and associated products supply chain.
With new FIT Show dates in
place, hear why VEKA feel it’s
such an important event in the
industry calendar...
See how you can be ‘fitting in
minutes, glazing in seconds… and
having a brew before you know it’
with a demo of Made For Trade’s
Korniche Lantern...
E
TUBE
PRACTICAL CONTENT
INTERVIEWS & OPINIONS
INSTALLATION ADVICE
THE ONLINE
COMMUNITY FOR
INSTALLERS AND
FABRICATORS
34 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

See the latest hybrid
technology for composite
doors, brought to you by
Doorco...
Watch VBH’s Gary
Gleeson explain more
about the new greenteQ
Orion TS007 3 Star
profile cylinder...
So head over to www.glaze-tube.co.uk to view all these videos and so much more, or
if you’d like to make the most of your digital content, contact Andy or Jake on
01892 732 047 to put your company and products in front of your potential customers.
GLAZE
TUBE
FIND US AT WWW.GLAZE-TUBE.CO.UK
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 35

Case Study
KEEPING PACE WITH THE COMET
AUTOMATION
Hot on the heels of the first Emmegi Comet R4I installation in the UK, Edinburgh-based
Charles Henshaw & Sons is now up and running with the larger R6I version...
Just a few months after the installation of
the first Emmegi 4m Comet R4I 5-axis CNC
machine in the UK, Emmegi (UK) has now
also completed the installation of the first, larger
Comet R6I version.
That machine has gone into Charles Henshaw
& Sons, the Edinburgh-based specialist
manufacturer of both aluminium and steel curtain
walling and integrated façades.
Like so many fabricators, Henshaw is
experiencing an increase in demand on
commercial projects across the UK, so has
made the investment in order to expand its
manufacturing capabilities.
Three years ago, Henshaw had invested in a
heavy duty 10.5m Emmegi Satellite XT 5-axis
machining centre to cut and prep oversized
curtain walling profiles and bespoke elements;
and has been impressed by the quality and
durability of that machine.
The mobile gantry on the Satellite enables different
workpieces to be machined at the same time in
two separate work areas, or one end loaded and
unloaded while the machine is operating at the
other. The Comet R6I offers many of the same
Installation of the Comet
R6I is now complete
opportunities for production efficiencies as the
Satellite XT, with single or double zone modes
which allow for machining either a single 6m bar
length or multiple shorter lengths.
The ‘I’ in the R6I model means that the
machine offers ‘independent’ positioning of the
servo-controlled vices. That means when the
electrospindle is operating, the machine can
be automatically setting up the vices ready for
machining in the next area and this obviously
has the potential to save significant amounts of
operator time.
12-piece tool magazine
The Comet R6I can machine bar lengths up to
6m, machining from -15° to 90° on the horizontal
axis and a full 360° forwards and backwards on
the vertical axis across all the profile faces. It has
a 12-piece tool magazine on the gantry that can
hold a blade with a maximum diameter of 250mm
for cutting and notching large sections and a
guaranteed fast changeover time. It also has a
mobile worktable for easy loading and unloading
which increases the machinable section on the
vertical axis as well.
The R6I at Henshaw has also been installed
with a fully soundproofed
cabinet to minimise noise
levels in the factory.
Graham Chung, Henshaw
managing director,
commented: “We chose
the Emmegi Comet R6I
as a natural upgrade on
our current CNC machine
and it is fully delivering
on our criteria to advance
our manufacturing
capabilities. Although there
are other CNC machines
similar to the Comet R6I on the market, we
decided to go with Emmegi as we have had a long
and prosperous relationship with Emmegi UK.
This further investment, only three years after
the installation of the Emmegi Satellite CNC, is
a reflection on our expanding order book and the
increase in demand for our products and services
on a UK nationwide basis.”
Ian Latimer, Emmegi UK’s managing director,
said demand for machining centres has remained
strong throughout the pandemic. He commented:
“There’s certainly no lack of confidence in the
market. We’re seeing fabricators right across
the UK making really significant investments in
machinery – partly to keep pace with demand
and cope with the limitations imposed by social
distancing in their factories, but largely because
they want to optimise their efficiency in the way
that Henshaw has done, ready for when the
market returns to something like normal.”
Contact Emmegi UK:
02476 676192
www.emmegi.com
@emmegiuk
The first Emmegi Comet
R6I in the UK arrives
at Charles Henshaw &
Sons in Edinburgh
36 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 37

Updates
AUTOMATION
AUTOMATION ACCELERATING IN ALUMINIUM SECTOR
The accelerating pace of automation in the aluminium sector has been illustrated by new
figures released by software specialist, BM Aluminium. They reveal almost a doubling in the
number of CNC links currently being bought by fabricators.
BM Aluminium’s managing director, Dean Hodges, said: “In a normal year, we would expect to be
setting up between 20 and 30 new CNC machine links using our LogiKal software module, but we
have set up that number just in the last six months, and demand shows no sign of slowing down.
“Clearly, it’s being driven by Covid on two different levels. One, using a CNC link can potentially
reduce the number of people required in the workplace and help with social distancing, and two,
it means fabricators can increase their volumes much more easily and keep up with the current
levels of demand. The LogiKal CNC module does much more than just optimising material usage, it
smooths the whole machining process and means fabricators can get more from their machinery investment.
“There’s obviously been a long-term trend towards CNC links for saws and machining centres, but we’ve really never seen a dramatic spike like this in the
14 years that BM Aluminium has been distributing LogiKal.
“Around a quarter of the CNC links we’ve done since October 2020 have been for new customers who are starting out with a CNC module to link LogiKal
directly to their machines. But a staggering three quarters have been for existing customers who are linking software to CNC machines for the first time.
“I think that’s a reflection of the level of confidence in the market at the moment and the very significant investments being made right across the
aluminium sector in new machinery as fabricators look towards future proofing their operations by building in extra capacity.”
The machine links carried out by BM Aluminium reveal a diverse range of choices in terms of machinery investment. Fabricators are continuing to purchase
machines from all the big brands – including Elumatec, Emmegi, FOM and Mecal, as well as Pertici, Tekna and Schüco.
Dean Hodges added: “One of the big benefits of LogiKal is that it can work across virtually any aluminium system and any machine, so it has the inbuilt
flexibility which fabricators need in such a fast-moving market. We also of course have a very experienced team supporting the software and helping
customers with installation and training.” www.bmaluminium.co.uk
ROSEVIEW LEVELS UP WITH KOMBIMATEC
Roseview has bolstered the production of its Rose Collection of heritage, PVC-U sash windows with the addition of a second AMC602 machining
centre from Kombimatec.
The Buckinghamshire-based fabricator’s premium offering, the Ultimate Rose, features true mechanical joints, a deep bottom rail, run-through horns,
‘seamless construction’ and what Roseview claims is the slimmest meeting rail on the market, representing ‘the pinnacle of PVC-U heritage style windows’.
For Roseview, the addition of a second AMC602 machining centre has been essential in order to keep up with customer demand, and to maintain the
exceptional production standards required for its flagship product.
Roseview’s production director, Tim Bygrave, explained: “Ultimate Rose is easily the most authentic, timber alternative sash window on the market, and our
Kombimatec AMC602 machining centres form an integral part of its manufacture.
“We ordered a second machine in order to keep up with high levels of current and anticipated future demand. In fact, they’ve proved to be so popular with
the production team here at Roseview, that we’ve named them Mario and Luigi after the Nintendo characters – they just get things done!”
The AMC602 machining centre is suitable for both PVC and aluminium
profiles. Manufactured with a solid steel construction using high quality
components, it incorporates advanced CNC control with CADCAM software
which provides exceptional levels of precision and reliability during
production.
As standard, the AMC602 includes a wide range of features, such as 4
x controlled axes, adjustable pneumatic clamps, a 5.5Kw electro-spindle
and an automatic tool change system. It also comes with a comprehensive
options list, including a bar code reader, automatic clamp positioning,
offline programming software, a larger tool cabinet, and a double
workstation enabling manufacturers to tailor the machine to their exact
requirements. www.kombimatec.com
38 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

36 Years Experience Supplying
Market Leading Aluminium Machinery
to the Glazing Industry
n Supplier of the first FOM LMX 650
cutting line in the UK
n Agents for Comall and FOM
machines for over 20 years
n Specialists in providing aluminium
machinery solutions
01753 885 408
sales@rogerfranklin.co.uk
SERVICES TO THE GLAZING INDUSTRY
www.rogerfranklin.co.uk

Updates
AUTOMATION
For further info on all these automation updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
STELLAR FACILITIES FOR EPWIN WINDOW SYSTEMS
The manufacturing facilities for Stellar, the aluminium
window and door system from Epwin Window Systems,
offer state-of-the-art production at every level.
Clare O’Hara, managing director at Epwin Window Systems,
said: “Stellar sets a new standard for the aluminium industry
and this starts from our in-house UK production facilities.”
Systems are automatically monitored at its new
powdercoating plant to ensure conformance to quality
parameters. The latest technology is used in its pre-treatment
system, which is already chrome-free, ahead of legislative
requirements.
Clare commented: “Legislation coming into effect in
September 2021 bans the use of hexavalent chrome pretreatments
because of the environmental damage they cause.
Having already invested in a chrome-free system, we’re already ahead of the curve and able to maintain our track record of commitment to the environment.”
The fully-automated production facilities were designed from an exacting brief to ensure consistent quality at every level. Clare said: “We worked closely with
our machinery manufacturers as quality and consistency is vitally important and we’ve considered it at every stage. They have more than delivered and we are
delighted with the results.”
Quality is further enhanced with the short cycle-times from pre-treatment to powder-booth that lowers the risk of contamination and handling damage. The
plant also features a fully automatic quick change powder-booth with advanced product detection and automatic gun adjustment, so it does not use manual
spraying processes or suffer from the associated quality variation.
The product recipe input delivers consistent and repeatable coating quality for an additional level of reliability. The impressive facilities also incorporate what
Epwin says is the first fully-automated thermal break, gasket and packaging line. The combined automated line delivers all three functions ‘seamlessly and
efficiently’. www.emmegi.com
FOM INDUSTRIE MACHINING CENTRE INSTALLED
Specialist aluminium door manufacturer, UK Doors Online, recently invested in an FOM Industrie Adir C CNC machining centre from Haffner Murat.
The new machine was installed at UK Doors Online’s state-of-the-art manufacturing centre in Ravensthorpe, Wakefield, in February, and the
company has reported a return on investment from day one.
Andrew Glover, managing director at UK Doors Online, said:“We operate a streamlined factory to ensure we deliver the highest quality of product
for our customers with a fast and efficient turnaround. Our previous manufacturing processes were taking between 10-15 minutes per aluminium bifold
door and this is something we needed to improve. By using the new Adir C CNC machine we have reduced our bi-fold production time to just 6.5
minutes per door.”
As well as the improvement in manufacturing efficiencies, Andrew also
praises the machine’s intelligent software. He said: “Programming of our
aluminium bi-fold doors was completed very quickly. The machine uses
touchscreen control and all operations are controlled automatically using
FomCam software which is very straightforward to use. We are now in the
process of programming additional aluminium products into the machine too.”
The Adir C CNC machining centre transforms speed and efficiency on
the fabrication floor. Features include CNC controlled axis linear guides for
precision machining and four pneumatic vices with dual working pressure to
ensure quick and accurate profile clamping. There is an option of a five or six
position tool holder for manual or automatic change operation and pneumatic
rotation of the work table achieves angles of 0°, 90° and 180°. It is fully
guarded for safety and has a pneumatically controlled front guard for ease of
loading the material. www.haffnermurat.com
40 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Innovation comes built-in
60
Quotes
available in
60 minutes
LIGHT AND SHADE
MADE EASY
Choose ScreenLine integral blinds: unrivalled performance and
the most stylish option for controlling light in all window and
door applications including bi-folding and sliding doors.
Morley Glass & Glazing Ltd
Unit 3
Leeds 27 Industrial Estate
Bruntcliffe Way
Leeds LS27 0HH
morleyglass.co.uk
0113 277 8722 sales@morleyglass.co.uk

Smart Technology
While much of the fenestration industry’s
focus is on products, it’s the installers
on the frontline that are marketing and
selling these products, day in day out, and I don’t
think they get the recognition they should.
Often overlooked during B2B conversations, it’s
installers that carry the ultimate responsibility
to create, react to and fulfil consumer sales
demand. But that doesn’t mean that we, as
suppliers, should offload the sales burden. In
fact, it’s quite the opposite.
Businesses further up the supply chain should
invest heavily in time, expertise and money
to give installers every sales tool they can to
facilitate the greatest success possible. This is
precisely what Smart Ready, in partnership with
Sac and Hug Technology, have spent the last 18
months doing.
Smart Ready can make selling easier
Smart Ready has been established to help
consumers and businesses navigate the
emerging market of smart technologies within the
door and window industry.
By promoting the easy adoption of smart
products through a set of simple requirements,
and working with certified suppliers so that
consumers can simplify and improve life around
the home, Smart Ready will be the bedrock on
which all future smart windows and doors will be
sold by installers.
Profits are there to be made
Global predictions for 2021’s
smart home market suggest
smart technologies growing
to nearly £80bn. With the UK
forecast as one of the fastestgrowing
adopters, the fenestration
industry is primed to benefit from this significant
spend. As with any emerging market, forwardthinking
businesses will do their research and
pay due diligence about who they should choose
as their partner to help navigate the new world.
These kind of businesses are unafraid to look to
the future, embrace change and commit to the
highest levels of customer satisfaction.
This puts them in a powerful and influential
position. Fabricators who understand this and
position their business to support the installers
will thrive. As product designers, we rely on the
expertise of installers to inform and guide us
on how consumers will engage with products
and are deeply grateful for their insight. In turn,
Smart Ready and certified hardware and tech
partners, such as Sac and Hug, have taken
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
UNITED WE STAND
As the global market for smart technologies continues to
grow, installers provide a crucial link between fabricators and
consumers. Smart Ready’s Giovanni Laporta says fabricators
must support their installer partners in order to thrive...
The boom that came off the back
of the first lockdown took
us all by surprise and
the momentum that we
have seen through the
subsequent lockdowns
has meant the industry
has survived better than
many. Those glory days can’t
last though. Consumers will
be close to having done everything
they can through traditional renovations
and extensions, and now we are standing at the
beginning of a new, exciting and innovation-driven
phase in our industry.
Invented for the whole supply chain
Installers are at the forefront of our industry and
their success is ultimately the success of the rest
of the supply chain. They are the professionals
having the hands-on sales conversations with
the consumer and as such, are in the driving
seat of understanding their needs and desires.
“Fabricators who
support installers
will thrive”
considerable steps to ensure that
fabricators are provided with
solutions that are simple
to incorporate into
any door or window
product. On top of that,
we’ve made sure we’ve
created a brand that is
appealing to consumers.
When fabricating a finished
product that has a clean, sleek
design, with extensive features offering
security-enhancing services, it takes all the hard
work out of selling. This is what Smart Ready is
all about – making your life easier.
Recognising potential
When a solution is designed so specifically
to be easy to bring into consumers’ homes, it
gives fabricators the opportunity to demonstrate
their understanding of the market and their
consumers’ desires. Most importantly, the Smart
Ready brand will make them stand out from their
competitors. The team behind Smart Ready is
very aware of the significance technology will play
in the fenestration industry, and we want to take
our support of fabricators further and make sure
they have everything they need to embrace the
dawn of a new smart door and window market.
If you’d like to know how Smart Ready and our
partners can support the success of smart
within your business, see us at the FIT Show in
September – you will be impressed!
Contact Smart Ready:
smartready.com
@hellosmartready
www.linkedin.com/company/smartready
42 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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
Your customers deserve
a little peace and quiet
Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction
Window
Company Logo Ltd
PVC-U Casement Window
A Rated Windows
A++
A+
A
B
C
D
E
A ++
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.
Correction for high frequency and low
frequency (C,C tr )
51
(-1,-4)
Licence No. 123456
Review Date: 03/08/2020
To verify this licence please contact
enquiries@bfrc.org
Noise Reduction
Door
Company Logo Ltd
Composite Door
A Rated Doors
A++
A+
A
B
C
D
E
A ++
Noise Reduction (R w )
(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.)
43
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’
rating label - independent, impartial, trusted.
Homeowners no longer select new windows and
doors simply based on price. They want to know
what they purchase will improve their home’s
comfort, so product performance is now a priority.
Find out more at bfrc.org
By using the renowned BFRC rating scale to
demonstrate the noise reduction properties of your
windows or doors, you can show installers and
consumers the quality of your products.
Your products will stand out from your competitors’
and you’ll be able to avoid a race to the bottom
on price. Sell using BFRC proven performance and
leave your customers in no doubt.

Customer Service
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
'THE BEST HARDWARE CHOICE'
With plenty of hardware providers out there, it’s never been more difficult, or important, for
fabricators to choose the right one to support their business says Sam Nuckey, managing
director of hardware specialist Window Ware...
There was a time when offering good products
at decent prices was enough to set a
company apart from the competition, but not
anymore. These days, customers are much more
discerning. They want the ‘full’ package. That
means their supplier must deliver not just on the
products and price, but on service, reliability,
quality and flexibility too.
At Window Ware, our ‘every customer counts’
approach keeps us totally trained on the needs
of the market and ensures we’re a front runner in
the race to be the hardware provider of choice.
In safe hands
Despite a hugely challenging 12 months for the
industry, we’ve worked hard to keep the hardware
coming for our customers so they’re able to get
finished product out the door. In fact, we’ve just
recorded our highest line OTIF since lockdown 1.0
of 94.7% – exactly the kind of dependability of
supply fabricators and installers need during the
current home improvement boom!
Our valued brand partners and ace purchasing and
warehouse teams have beaten the odds to meet
and fulfil the influx of new orders promptly, as well
as progressively clear backorders fast as stock
becomes available in the supply chain. In some
instances, our goods-in/goods out turnaround was
so fast that critical stock was arriving and leaving
the warehouse within just a few hours.
We also strive to provide the best possible level
of service for our customers, with our average
call pick-up times now just four seconds and
customer satisfaction at an all-time high
“We pride ourselves
on knowing the
individual needs of
each customer”
demonstrated by a happiness factor in February
of 96.6%.
We’ve made sure that our personal, customerfocussed
approach begins from the moment
a new account is set-up, thanks to a new
and improved welcome process that helps
new customers quickly get acquainted and
comfortable with our products and services,
as well as providing consistent contact, even
during our busiest times, whilst maintaining the
renowned service that our existing customers
expect and are used to.
We pride ourselves on knowing and
understanding the individual needs of each
customer, and by maintaining a close relationship
with them we can make sure we’re always on the
same wavelength and meeting their needs time
and time again.
Continuous investment
As a multi-brand distributor, we can offer
fabricators an extensive choice of specialist
products from industry-leading brands all brought
together conveniently in one place.
Our strong relationships with most of the
leading hardware brands means we
can secure essential bulk stock
for our customers even in
the face of global supply
disruptions. What’s more,
because we don’t have all
our supply chain eggs
in one basket, we
often have multiple
hardware solutions
capable of meeting
specifications if
orders can’t wait.
We are continuing to
invest in our stock. In
“We can offer fabricators
an extensive choice of
products in one place”
fact, this month, we’ll have over £3million worth
of products on the shelf and ready to ship. It’s
important that we are at the front of the queue for
our customers. For that, we have needed to make
bold decisions and work closely with our supply
partners to increase the size of our inventory
and make sure our warehouse shelves are fully
stocked to meet demand.
Looking ahead
All these investments in stock, time and
resources combined with the amazing efforts of
our teams have resulted in an outstanding start
to 2021. January and February both turned out to
be record sales months.
We plan to keep our stock levels high and carry
on providing the best possible service. We are
within touching distance of reaching our pre-
Covid delivery service levels but even when we
hit our +97% average OTIF again, we won’t stop
striving for delivery perfection.
This, plus the launch of our new and improved
website, means it’s an exciting time for both us
and our customers. For any fabricator – large
or small – thinking about switching hardware
suppliers, we hope you’ll give Window Ware
the opportunity to earn your trust with five-star
service, our friendly and knowledgeable team and
dependable deliveries to help your business go
from strength to strength.
Contact Window Ware:
01234 242 724
www.windowware.co.uk
@WindowWare
44 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Aluminium Hardware PVCu Hardware Composite Door Hardware Tools & Consumables
STILL THE UK’S LEADING HARDWARE DISTRIBUTOR
It’s no secret that the fenestration supply chain is suffering ongoing disruptions due to COVID-19.
Nevertheless, Window Ware is still here, going the extra mile to meet your door and window
hardware needs.
Dependable deliveries
Despite the challenging times our
OTIF is still over 92%
We won’t let you down
Our input accuracy is still over 99%
We’ll always get back to you
All queries answered same business day
Fast response
We’re still answering over 95%
of calls within 10 seconds
Always in the loop
We keep you informed with
automated email documents for
every order you place
FINALIST
Experts in
Hardware
“ We’ve steadily increased the
range of hardware we buy from
Carl F Groupco over the last
16 years. Their product range,
service level and support
has proven them to be our
preferred hardware supplier…”
Julie Warner
Product Manager
Carl F Groupco
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
Scott Dowling
Cairngorm Group
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 45

Updates
OPTIMISING PRODUCTIVITY WITH RAPIERSTAR
Window and door manufacturer Quickslide has partnered with specialist fastener supplier,
Rapierstar, ‘to help enhance its reputation for delivering superior quality finished products’ and
‘raise the bar’ on manufacturing efficiency.
Rapierstar has become Quickslide’s exclusive supply partner for window and door fasteners, meaning its
products are now used in the assembly of its core PVC-U product range. Following an initial fastener health
check, which is a review conducted by Rapierstar’s technical consultants to assess the use and application
of the many different fastener types across the factory, the company has supported Quickslide to implement
changes that will rationalise fastener use and streamline assembly. Rapierstar’s practical support has
included putting procedures in place to ensure Quickslide’s fabricators can easily identify and use the right
fasteners in every aspect of assembly. This has included the production of quick-reference application charts
for the factory and clearer labelling. www.rapierstar.com
UAP CELEBRATES SILVER ANNIVERSARY
The company maybe more familiar with plated steel, but it will be silver all the way for UAP in 2021 as the hardware
specialist celebrates its silver anniversary after 25 years in business.
UAP first started trading as Universal Imports in July 1996 with a single product – a door knocker – and a makeshift bedroom
office. By 2000, the company had moved to its HQ in North Manchester and changed its name to UAP. These days, it has grown to a
£22m business, selling more than 3,000 products across 25 countries with a portfolio of brands including Fullex, Locking Systems, Intelligent Hardware,
TradeLocks and Firemongery. David Jennings, CEO of UAP said: “Our anniversary provides an ideal milestone, not only to celebrate the company’s
achievements but also to thank our customers, our supply chain partners and our team for supporting us and contributing to our success over the past
25 years. In many ways, it could not have come at a better time because, after the challenges of the pandemic, a reason to celebrate is just what we
need right now and we have plans to keep the celebrations going all year!” uapcorporate.com
SMART SELLING WITH KUBU PRODUCT SAMPLES
Fabricator, Dekko Window Systems, says it is selling more smart doors thanks to Kubu product samples.
Keen to help its trade customers sell as many smart equipped doors as possible, the fabricator has spent
the last few months providing installers with product samples and marketing materials, enabling them to
explain the benefits of smart tech to the end-user.
Dekko sales director, Kurt Greatrex, said: “Consumers are becoming more aware of smart tech and how
it can perform a huge variety of tasks around the home, and we want our trade customers to have all the
tools they need to sell the benefits as easily as possible. Working closely with Avantis, we’ve been dishing
out Kubu lock samples and brochures to some of our key customers and the response has been fantastic –
we’ve experienced a surge in orders and interest is growing by the day.” www.kubu-home.com
Sylvester Allen, Dekko
NEW STABLE DOOR GEARING OPTIONS
Hardware distributor, Carl F Groupco, long-standing supplier of the full Fuhr door lock range, has
announced new options for the manufacturer’s stable door gearing.
The latest gearing variants provide 16 and 20mm faceplates with 35 and 45mm backset options. With the
addition of a 20mm faceplate, the lock now caters for the needs of timber and composite fabricators who
traditionally use a wider faceplate.
Fuhr’s simple to fit stable door gearing comprises two locking mechanisms which can operate the stable
door sashes independently or in tandem. A purpose-designed right angle bracket provides added strength to
the interlocking sashes. A system eurogroove end-cap is available if required, which means no preparation is
needed on the transom. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk/products/fuhr_stable_door
46 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
For further info on all these hardware updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
'GETTING IT RIGHT' WITH THE NEW ORION 3-STAR
Hardware specialist, VBH, has added to its family of greenteQ profile cylinders with the new Orion 3-star barrel.
Orion is tested to TS007 and is rated as a 3-star profile cylinder. This means that it offers full protection against drilling, picking, bumping and snapping,
without the need for any additional support such as a security handle or shroud.
Orion is supplied with five Q-branded dimple keys for the standard individual cylinders and is
available in nickel and brass finishes in key/key and thumb turn variants. VBH advises that keyed
alike pairs and suites are also available. The thumb turn itself features a button that releases the
cam from the inside after the interlocking mechanism has activated following a cylinder attack.
This ensures that the door can be opened quickly from the inside. Dan Powell, VBH head of sales,
said: “We’ve taken our time developing Orion as we wanted to make sure it was just right for our
customers, whether they’re fabricators or installers, or if they’re on the locksmith or repair side.
From the feedback we’ve had, our greenteQ design team have got it right again.” www.vbhgb.com
PAS 24 SUPPORT FROM CARL F GROUPCO
As part of its full consultancy service to fabricators, hardware distributor Carl F Groupco says it has supported
many of its customers in achieving PAS 24 accreditation.
One fabricator recently supported through the PAS 24 testing process is longstanding Carl F Groupco customer,
Roundbrand. A new PVC-U commercial door set has been fully tested which features Yale fittings supplied by Carl F
Groupco, including the Lockmaster 21 multipoint door lock, Platinum 3* cylinder and Sparta door handle. The hardware
provider worked closely with Roundbrand and Yale to facilitate PAS 24 testing for this project, ensuring relevant
requirements were achieved for the fittings supplied. Assistance included advice regarding the most appropriate
hardware solutions, an advisory presence during testing and technical support to Roundbrand throughout the process.
www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
NEW FACTORY RAMPS UP EVERGLIDE PRODUCTION
Supplier of bi-fold hardware, AT Precision, has opened a new 18,000ft 2 factory at its
premises in Durham, scaling up production of its Everglide hardware range.
The new factory houses state-of-the-art hardware manufacturing machinery to produce the
range, which includes PAS24:2016 accredited bi-folding door rollers, high-quality top guides, pull
handles, hinges, cleats and shootbolt handles, all of which are made from cast aluminium and
are said to ‘compatible with major systems’.
The company has also bought in a new flexible extrusion line, designed for the production
of Everseal, its new and exclusive range of gaskets, which can accommodate any aluminium
system on the market. www.atprecision.co.uk
REHAU INVESTS IN HARDWARE AND ACCESSORIES
Installers and fabricators should look to expand their window offering with new customisation
options according to polymer specialist, Rehau, as it makes ‘significant investments’ into
hardware and accessories.
Malcolm Taylor, commercial product manager at Rehau, is spearheading the rollout and advocates
that offering more choice of the finer window details will help tradespeople stand out from
competitors in a buoyant market.
The latest launch sees Rehau enhance its Rio flush fit window with a range of ‘monkey tail’ and ‘tear
drop’ handles, along with complementary stays and pegs, that are particularly suited to homeowners
‘seeking a traditional timber window aesthetic’. www.rehau.com/uk-en/rio-flush-fit
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
APRIL/MAY 2021 T F 47

FIT Show
GETTING FIT FOR THE SHOW
With less than six months to go until FIT Show’s return to the NEC (from Sunday 26 -
Tuesday 28 September 2021), Total Fabricator takes a closer look at what’s happening
behind the scenes to deliver a show-stopping return...
an extended period of restricted
face-to-face business, and with no
“After
industry platform since 2019, we are
more excited about our next event than ever,”
says FIT Show event director, Nickie West.
“We understand that world events over the last
12-18 months have proven extremely challenging,
but have been encouraged by the positive impact
that this has had on the UK home improvement
sector. With the roadmap to recovery well
underway, including the big landmark of
showrooms (and pubs) reopening already passed,
we have seen a steady increase in enquiries from
potential FIT Show exhibitors.
“We are working hard to ensure that FIT Show
returns triumphantly, and the sentiment across
the sector reinforces the excitement and appetite
to get back to doing what we do best, face-toface,
at FIT Show.
“To ensure a safe and successful return, we are
closely following all Government guidance around
Covid. Measures may include mask wearing, the
use of hand sanitisers and enhanced registration
protocols and cleaning regimes.
“The stand contracting industry is very much
prepared for the opening of events and are keen
to discuss with exhibitors what their requirements
are. We believe all our exhibitors should use ESSA
members to build their stands as this is the best
way to ensure their stands will be built within all
relevant guidelines, efficiently, effectively and to a
standard that represents their brand.
“Preparations are well underway behind the scenes
to develop new and exciting content and features
for the show. And I am anticipating that there will
be more new products to see than ever before.
“Since our last event in 2019, the biggest
innovators have been investing in new product
development, streamlining operations and
looking at new and exciting ways to connect with
customers. FIT Show in September will be the
perfect platform for them to do just that. It will offer
that chance for customers to see, touch and play
with all of the latest products under one roof.”
Outdoor living
To reflect the huge increase in demand for outdoor
living enhancements, which have seen a reported
64% increase in demand over the last 12 months,
FIT Show 2021 will see the launch of a brand new
‘Outdoor Living’ feature. The feature will showcase
everything from sun rooms and garden rooms
through to conservatories and canopies, decking
and fencing, awnings, gates and other associated
outdoor home improvement products.
Evan Francis, marketing manager for Renson,
which will headline the new outdoor living
feature, adds: “Events such as FIT Show provide
the perfect platform for us to bring our clients
and prospects together in one place, to meet
face-to-face, either for the first time, or to
re-establish connections. Trade shows are an
essential part of our marketing strategy and we
cannot wait to get back to them when we exhibit
at FIT Show in September.”
The Window Company (Contracts)’s David
Thornton insists that the 2021 FIT Show will be
more important than ever in determining his
company’s future trading partners.
David comments: “It will be a celebration, an
outlet for the pent-up frustrations of being unable
to work, of having to close factories, the struggle
to survive.
“And in fact, I will regard any exhibitors at the
2021 FIT Show as companies that I am more
likely to do business with, simply as they have
not only survived, but they can afford to be there
both financially and logistically. By then they
are likely to have rationalised their products
and services and will have taken a lot of hard
decisions during the lockdown that will make
those companies leaner, fitter and simply better
to do business with.”
Contact FIT Show:
0207 886 3100
fitshow.co.uk
@fitshow
The appetite to get back
to ‘face-to-face’ business
is strong, according to FIT
Show’s Nickie West
48 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Warm Edge
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
THE SUPPLIER WITH THE EDGE?
Tony Palmer, Edgetech’s head of sales, argues that while products are important, it takes
excellence across the board to make a truly great spacer supplier.
For 30 years, Edgetech has been at the
forefront of spacer technology.
We’ve been continually investing, evolving
and striving to push the boundaries of what highperformance
IGUs can achieve.
It’s a legacy we’re extremely proud of. Today,
a third of British IGUs are made with Edgetech
products and over two million miles of Edgetech
spacer have been fitted around the world.
But despite those achievements, we’ve always
known that great products alone aren’t enough to
make an exceptional spacer supplier.
They’re obviously extremely important – and we
have one of the most versatile and extensive ranges
in the world, comprising rigid and flexible spacers
suitable for anything from everyday residential
projects to the most ambitious commercial
developments. We also offer a wealth of ancillaries
like hot melt, edge keys, PIB and more.
But just as much as the outstanding products,
we think that it’s our constant commitment to
improving customer service that sees leading
IGU manufacturers continue to work with us year
after year.
Customers at the centre
For years now, putting customers at the centre
hasn’t just been an airy aspiration, but a central
part of our strategy as a business – and one of
the key measures we use to judge our success.
In the last couple of years, that’s seen us
comprehensively restructure our customerfacing
teams, as we take a new, more joined-up
approach to meeting and exceeding our
customers’ expectations.
That’s resulted in a unified Customer Fulfilment
team, which brings together expertise from right
across the business to ensure we’re offering
outstanding service, from order right through to
final delivery.
“We’ve always known
that great products
alone aren’t enough to
make an exceptional
spacer supplier”
Every quarter, our Voice of the Customer survey
goes out to a randomly selected cross-section
of the businesses who work with us, and asks
them what’s working, what isn’t, and how we can
improve.
That regular feedback is a vital way of making
sure we’re meeting our customers’ ever-changing
needs, and often provides the inspiration for new
developments in products and service.
At the height of the first national coronavirus
lockdown last year, for example, we asked our
customers how they wanted us to keep in touch
– did they want socially-distanced meetings,
telephone calls, Zoom meetings, or another
approach entirely?
Their responses indicated they were happy to
switch to more remote forms of communication
during the pandemic – which led to us developing
a number of digital tools to help support them
from afar, like instructional videos to assist with
product testing, for instance.
A safe pair of hands
When we ask our customers why they work with
Edgetech, one very common answer is that they
see us as a ‘safe pair of hands’.
We’ve been around for decades. Our products have
been extensively tried and tested all over the world
– and that means they have a level of confidence
in us that they don’t have in other suppliers.
They also cite the stability that comes from
us being part of the global building product
powerhouse Quanex – the hugely respected
billion-dollar group that’s listed on the New York
Stock Exchange.
The Quanex relationship doesn’t just bring
financial security – it gives us access to
incredible expertise from all over the world,
including from Ohio’s University of Akron, which
is renowned for its polymer research and has
close, long-standing links with the group.
In uncertain times like these, being part of
Quanex also allows us to guarantee continuity of
supply. We benefit from not one but three worldclass
manufacturing facilities – in Coventry,
Ohio and Heinsberg, Germany – meaning that
disruption in one area doesn’t affect our ability to
keep serving our customers.
Challenging the norm
But despite all this, we’re not complacent. We’re
constantly on the lookout for ways to improve our
products, and help our customers ramp up their
businesses.
We’re passionate about production efficiency,
process simplification, best performance and
value for money – and we’ll never stop looking
for ways to give our customers an edge over the
competition.
Contact Edgetech:
02476 639931
www.edgetechig.co.uk
@EdgetechUK
50 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SUCCESS
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PR | Web | E-Commerce | Digital Marketing | Social | Creative
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purplexmarketing.com
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/company/purplexuk
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Updates
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
DOWSIL SEALANTS USED FOR COMMERCIAL PROJECT
Dowsil sealants have been supplied by the Sherwin Williams Company
to one of Dow’s leading Quality Bond customers, Architectural
Engineering Ltd (AEL). The products helped to facilitate the delivery of
a unitised glazing and cladding package for a commercial office project
in one of Manchester’s key regeneration areas.
100 Embankment at Greengate, Salford, is the second phase of a joint
development on the site of the city’s historic Exchange Station, forming part
of a new business district. The project is being led by BAM Construction and
contractor Prater; the latter renewing its partnership with unitised curtain wall
specialist, AEL. The 11-storey steel-framed building has been designed by
London-based architectural practice, Flanagan Lawrence.
While the structure of the podium skyscraper shows elements of rainscreen
cladding and glass reinforced concrete, AEL’s high performance curtain wall
package encloses the four main elevations. A total of 1,164 panels – featuring
a 350mm deep aluminium channel covering the floor zones – were installed,
making a total area of 7,000m 2 . The façade’s assembly and installation
included the use of Dowsil 993 Structural Glazing Sealant to bond the glazing
elements, as well as Dowsil 791 Weatherproofing Sealant for all of the weathersealing
applications.
Additionally, all of the insulating glass units (IGUs) were assembled by subcontractor,
Interpane, using Dowsil 3363 Insulating Glass Sealant – specifically
formulated in response to modern architectural designs featuring larger glass
areas. This product is ideal on tall buildings where wind and other loads are
generally higher. The two-part neutral curing, high modulus silicone sealant
is twice as strong as conventional products while also facilitating faster unit
assembly and greater durability.
The final specification of the Dowsil products for the Greengate 100 contract
rested with Prater, verified by the architects and main contractor. As part of
the Quality Bond procedures, both AEL and Sherwin Williams conducted tests
before and during the contract period, including assessment of a trial rig
comprising the structural glazed units and the aluminium feature panels. The
largest glass panels used measured 1,646 x 3,296mm while the ‘bite size’
for the structural glazing was 12 x 6mm, with individual units weighing up to
300kg. There was also the additional challenge of manufacturing and installing
a variety of curved panels designed to different radii.
specification.sherwin-williams.co.uk
SAGEGLASS SET TO FEATURE AT EXPO DUBAI
SageGlass, Saint-Gobain’s dynamic glazing, is set to feature in the
‘Belvédère’ events space in the France Pavilion at Expo Dubai.
The theme of the expo, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab
Emirates (UAE) between October 1, 2021 and March 30, 2022, is
‘connecting minds, creating the future’, with three key sub-themes:
sustainability, opportunity and mobility.
The France Pavilion is designed to serve as ‘an outstanding showcase
for French excellence and savoir-faire’. It will also illustrate France’s
commitment to creating the future through political, economic, cultural
and social action and initiatives.
light is a source of deflection as well as reflection. SageGlass smart
glazing is wholly in keeping with this theme, and the Pavilion will be a
perfect place to showcase this innovation from Saint-Gobain.”
SageGlass automatically regulates the amount of light and heat entering
the space using sensors placed in different areas of the facade – a
feature that persuaded the project’s architects, Atelier du Prado and
Celnikier & Grabli Architectes, to incorporate this state-of-the-art glazing
into the Pavilion. www.francedubai2020.com
The Compagnie Française des Expositions (Cofrex), the project owner
of the France Pavilion, has selected Saint-Gobain’s SageGlass dynamic
glazing to feature among the French innovations in the Pavilion. This
smart glazing tints and clears automatically or on demand to control
sunlight and prevent glare and excess heat.
Erik Linquier, Cofrex CEO, said: “The architectural theme of the France
Pavilion is ‘Light, Enlightenment’. Light will be presented in a variety of
different forms throughout the exhibit, creating a unique experience where
52 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

UK’S BIGGEST AND BEST TRADE SHOW
FOR THE WINDOWS, DOORS, GLAZING & COMPONENTS INDUSTRY
EXHIBIT AT SHOW
WITH THE INDUSTRY’S VERY BEST
10,000+
POTENTIAL CUSTOMERS
90% OF ATTENDEES
INTEND TO PURCHASE WITHIN MONTHS OF VISITNG THE SHOW
SEE THE BEST IN THE INDUSTRY, BE THE BEST IN THE BUSINESS.
NEC BIRMINGHAM, 26-28 SEPT 2021
Find out more about booking your stand
at fitshow-2021.reg.buzz/totalinstallerad
#FITShow21

Updates
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
NEW GLASS DESIGNED TO HELP PREVENT BIRD STRIKES
Pilkington United Kingdom, part of the NSG Group, has developed Pilkington AviSafe – a new glass with a special
coating designed to help prevent birds from colliding with the windows and facades of buildings.
Most birds collide with glass when they confuse what’s visible in its reflection for the real thing, such as trees or an open
sky. Pilkington AviSafe features a UV enhanced pattern that’s more visible to birds than it is to humans, which helps to prevent
these collisions and ensures maximum transparency, while maintaining the aesthetical appeal of glass in architecture.
The glass will support building design professionals as legislators begin to enforce the use of bird-friendly materials
in construction. In the US for example, New York and San Francisco have adopted mandatory codes for commercial
development that encourage the specification of glass that is visible to birds.
Pilkington AviSafe would be used on the exterior surface of an insulating glass unit (IGU), and can be combined with
other NSG products for additional benefits, such as thermal insulation, solar control, safety and noise control. The glass has been successfully trialled at Mere
Sands Wood, a nature reserve near Pilkington’s research and development hub in Lancashire, UK. www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk
SAFE VACUUM LIFTING UP TO 800KG
Bohle has unveiled the new Liftmaster Quadro automatic vacuum lifting system, which has been developed to
safely handle weights of up to 800kg.
The German-engineered automatic glass lifter features a patented operational system and digital displays. This is
built around a dual-circuit vacuum system, which, says Bohle, means the Liftmaster Quadro ‘doubles-up on safety’. It
is also fully tested to the European Standard for lifting systems EN13155.
Liftmaster Quadro offers a high degree of operational flexibility, comfortably coping with weights of up to 600kg with the
standard unit, or 800kg through the use of four extension arms. The system can also be swivelled through 90º and rotated
through 360º or locked in any one of 12 positions. A continuous handrail runs the entire circumference of the lifter which
means that the Liftmaster Quadro can be controlled from any angle, ‘comfortably and safely’. www.bohle.com
PYROGUARD PROVIDES SOLUTION FOR BANK HQ
Pyroguard’s multi-functional range of toughened fire safety glass, Pyroguard Protect, has been used to
build the new Algeria Gulf Bank headquarters.
Through the informed specification of additional counterpanes, the curtain wall of this futuristic building
was able to achieve an EI120 fire rating, as well as effective solar control. Meanwhile, in the internal lobby,
where ‘safety and style were key’, a unique composition that combined both requirements was used.
Approximately 800m 2 of Pyroguard T-EI120 glass panes with a solar control layer was installed inside the
fire-rated steel curtain walling, which will provide the lift shaft with integrity and heat insulation for 120
minutes in the event of a fire. It also delivers 1B1 impact classification, UV stability and strong acoustic
performance. www.pyroguard.eu/en/fire-glass-products/pyroguard-protect/
TUFFX STEPS-UP TO RENOVATION
A stunning home renovation in Winchester was finished off with a ‘dramatic’ entrance hall featuring a
staircase with laminated toughed glass supplied by TuffX.
In keeping with the overall style of the revamped property, the staircase, featuring open risers and
17.5mm toughened and laminated glass, ensured an uninterrupted flow of light from the double height
glass-fronted property right through the entire hallway.
Beech timber treads were chosen to complement the flooring, while the glass panels were bolted directly
to the side of slimline zig-zag steel stringers, which were powder coated to match the property’s external
doors and windows. The frameless glass panels were cut by TuffX to fit the stringer line, and then topped
with a 50mm diameter beech handrail. www.tuffxglass.co.uk
54 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Press play on quality
content for your sector
Easily
accessible on
your desktop,
mobile or
any device
Free
content that
is constantly
updated
Subscribe
to channels
for your specific
areas of
interest and
expertise
The new platform for digital content from the key players in
your sector, including: How-to’s; Projects and product focuses;
Installation advice; Training and webinars; Interviews and opinions.
www.glaze-tube.co.uk
In association with Total Installer and Total Fabricator magazines.
To discuss showcasing your video content, contact Andy or Jake on:
01892 732 047
or email andydunn@media-now.co.uk / jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk

Workwear
COOL AND COMFORTABLE
Snickers’ brand new men’s and women’s work shorts for the flexible working environment are
designed for superior comfort and freedom of movement.
Combining four-way stretch fabric that delivers working comfort all day with ‘street-smart’, slim-fit
designs, Snickers says its work shorts are ‘great for grafting in the warmer months’.
These lightweight garments feature a body-mapping design and are made from a self-ventilating
stretch fabric with Cordura reinforcements for durability and all-round mobility when you need it most.
The men’s FlexiWork lightweight work shorts come with flexible gusset seams, as well as easyto-access
holster pockets with zip compartments, an expandable stretch cargo pocket and a ruler
pocket. The AllroundWork women’s multi-purpose slim-fit shorts have four-way stretch panels for
consistent comfort and practical pockets for optimal functionality.
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
NEW HELLBERG RANGE KEEPS EYE SAFETY IN FOCUS
Hellberg Safety has launched a new range of safety eyewear.
With basic to premium ‘street-smart’ styles, the new range promises to deliver a
consistently clear line of sight and safe vision for professional tradesmen and women,
wherever they’re working on-site.
Built with lightweight, durable materials and specially developed lens technology, the
eyewear provides complete protection and comfort throughout the working day, and can
be easily combined with other PPE including ear-defenders, safety helmets, and visors.
With a focus on enhanced safety in all conditions, Hellberg glasses and goggles have
impact-resistant lenses with anti-scratch and anti-fog coating on both sides, and there
are styles that can be worn over prescription glasses.
www.hellbergsafety.com
ENHANCED VISIBILITY AND SAFETY
Snickers Workwear says it can offer a ‘superior’ range of hi-vis protective-wear for all kinds
of light conditions.
With updated styles and designs added to the extensive range of jackets, trousers, shorts, tool-vests,
shirts and fleeces for men and women, there’s a host of garments in the range to satisfy the specific
requirements of Classes 1, 2 and 3 protection levels.
Snickers says these ‘outstanding’ products combine its ‘unrivalled hallmarks of functionality and
comfort’ with the requirements of the EN20471 standard for high-visibility warning clothes.
With advanced designs and high-tech fabrics that are windproof and water-repellent, all the
garments have durable, colour-fast protection that Snickers says ‘will last for wash after wash’,
retaining shape and comfort throughout the life of the garments.
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
56 T F APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

GLAZING
SUMMIT
2021
THURSDAY 21 ST OCTOBER
THE FUTURE OF THE GLAZING INDUSTRY
insightdata
business is better with insight
organisers of
LIMITED
SPONSORSHIP
REMAINING
2019 IN
NUMBERS
Book your place today.
The Glazing Summit returns to Edgbaston Conference
Centre on 21st October.
Two years ago, we brought together 350 business owners, leaders
and decision makers from across the industry. Now, we’re doing
it again.
Glazing Summit 2021 will tackle head-on the issues facing the
industry, from supply chain to consumer trends, technology to
sustainability and new regulations.
Everything has changed. Fabricators, installers, glass companies
and component suppliers will come together with a host of industry
experts and keynote speakers for this one-day conference.
“You gave the industry a tremendous boost with this superb
event.” James Lee, Director of External Affairs, The GGF
“The last Glazing Summit was a breath of fresh air.
The 2021 event looks set to be bigger and better.”
Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director, Yale
With the UK now looking beyond the pandemic towards the
economic recovery, Glazing Summit 2021 will sell out fast.
For more information, call 01934 808293,
email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk
or visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk
7
MAJOR INDUSTRY
TOPICS
25
INDUSTRY PARTNERS
& SPONSORS
20+
EXPERT SPEAKERS
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INDUSTRY LEADERS

People Posts
NEWS IN BRIEF
• Chris Alderson (below centre),
Edgetech’s managing director, is marking
his five-year anniversary at the company.
Chris joined the warm-edge spacer bar
manufacturer back in 2016, after more than
20 years spent in a series of senior roles at
adhesive and sealant experts Bostik.
Elsewhere, Edgetech has also welcomed
two new recruits: Hamzah Sheikh (below
right) as a trainee accountant and Tracey
Powell as customer services administrator.
• Victorian Sliders has taken on 24
more manufacturing staff to cope with
continuing high demand for its popular
EcoSlide sash window.
The new employees will help the fastgrowing
manufacturer build on the momentum
of 2020, and ramp up production as it invests
a further £4.2m on top of the more than £12m
it’s spent over the last five years.
• Home security and fenestration
component provider, ERA, has
appointed Helen Downer as the
UK and Ireland President of its
parent company, Tyman.
Superseding Darren Waters from 1st April
2021, Helen is responsible for leading ERA’s
continued growth across the fenestration,
distribution, specification and consumer
markets with the support and investment of
Tyman.
• Zoe Wooster has joined FIT Show as
portfolio marketing manager.
Zoe joins FIT Show from Futurebuild where
she spent three years as marketing manager
and played an integral role in taking
the sustainable built environment
event independent.
GGF PAYS TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN BYERS
The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has
paid tribute to Stephen Byers, co-founder and
managing director of Ritec International, who
passed away peacefully on 6 March 2021, aged
79, as a result of pneumonia.
John Agnew, GGF managing director, said: “It
is a very sad loss for the industry and the GGF.
My heartfelt sympathies go to Karen and the
immediate family at this time.”
Ritec has been a GGF member since 1987 and
over the last 30 years, Stephen held various
GGF positions, including chairman of the London
Region (2006-2010) and chairman of the GGF
Modified Glass Group (2013).
Stephen and wife Karen’s achievements were
deservedly recognised, when they received the
GGF award for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the
Industry’ at GGF Members’ Day 2019.
DAVE DUFFIELD JOINS ALUTECH
Dave Duffield (pictured right) has joined
Alutech Systems as the company’s first UKbased
product development manager.
Dave lived in China from 2013 to 2018, where he
worked for a manufacturer and supplier to many
European hardware companies. In 2016 he began
working with Brisant, returning to the UK in 2018 to
develop hardware such as the Sweet furniture range.
Sternfenster’s inhouse ‘technical guru’ Kevin
Wallis is celebrating 40 years at Sternfenster.
Kev (pictured) joined Sternfenster having
spent time working in the construction
industry in the Netherlands.
Turning in his CV in Dutch, he holds
the record for the shortest interview by
any Sternfenster employee, Sternfenster
founder Eddie Parczuk asking: “What does Ik ben
hard aan het werk en je moet me een baan geven’
mean?” The reply that came back: “It means that
Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
Stephen (right) and wife Karen receiving the GGF award
for ‘Outstanding Contribution to the Industry’ from John
Agnew (left).
Peter Stuttard, GGF head of membership said:
“Stephen was a true gentleman and stalwart
of the GGF membership. He was a popular
and productive chairman of the GGF London
Region. He will be sorely missed and my sincere
condolences to Karen and her family and friends.”
Elsewhere, Alutech has also
recruited two new business
development managers to the team.
Ben Kelly and Chloe Bullers, who are both based
in the South of England, will allow Alutech to
expand their coverage of the UK and provide even
better customer service, supporting the future
growth of the business.
40 YEARS AT STERNFENSTER FOR KEV
I’m hard working and you should give me a job!”
Mike Parczuk, who today heads up the trade
specialist, said: “Kev demonstrates an
unwavering commitment to ensuring
that our customers, our colleagues and
our suppliers are respected, treated
fairly and given every ounce of effort to
assist them with whatever issue they are
faced with at the time.
“Everyone in Sternfenster owes him a huge debt
of gratitude.”
58 TF APRIL/MAY 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Fabricators
Grow Your Business!
01_TI0319.qxp_Layout 1 05/07/2019 10:47 Page 1
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MAY/JUNE 2019
PRACTICALCONTENTFORTHEGLAZINGINSTALLER & HOMEIMPROVEMENTSPECIALIST
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PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
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PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST
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