July/ August 2022

JULY/AUG 2022
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Editor’s Comment
GEORGE LEWIS
EDITOR
GEORGELEWIS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
WWW.TOTAL-FABRICATOR.CO.UK
‘The market is down, inflation has hit, and the boom is over.’ Strong words
and a tough takeaway from the most recent Business Pilot Barometer, which
showed that window and door sales dropped by around 12% in the three
months from April to June and are down nearly a third (30%) year on year.
Potential problems are also on Mark Mitchell, Chair of Cornwall Group’s mind, as
he suggests the worst could be yet to come for glass processors after the cap on
household energy bills was increased to £2,800 a year at the end of May (page 56).
But supply chain issues are almost now something we’re accustomed to
navigating, and on page 20, Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and
Technical at REHAU Windows, discusses the measures the company has taken to
maintain stable polymer supplies for fabricators in the midst of global disruption.
But despite the many challenges, it is not all doom and gloom. Throughout this
issue the opportunities for targeting the higher end of the market are discussed,
with companies such as Mila discussing its offering for ‘premium’ customers on
page 48.
The key theme of sustainability is also discussed in this issue. My recent trip to
VEKA Recycling’s new Wellingborough PVC-U plant highlighted the opportunity
and process for obtaining new material through recycling post-consumer and
virgin offcuts (page 28). Likewise, Paul Webb of Eurocell, explains how the
company’s ‘closed loop’ recycling service is helping prevent volumes of waste
plastic materials ending up in landfill (page 52). And, as we report, the message
of sustainability is now ‘right at the heart of the new positioning and philosophy’
of systems company Kommerling (page 24).
So read on for all this and much, much more!
I hope you enjoy the issue.
George
WA_Front Cover_SilverGrey.indd 1 07/06/2022 12:28
Cover courtesy of Deceuninck: Find out more about the company’s
extensive offering at www.deceuninck.com, and read about its
flush window offering on pages 14-15.
CONNECTING THE WINDOW & DOOR FABRICATORS SUPPLY CHAIN
Advertising:
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NFA22 FINALIST - COLOUR SPECIALIST OF THE YEAR
Tel 01249 816 969 | deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com
www.heritagewindowcollection.co.uk
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
Registered office: 1 Forstal Road, Aylesford, Kent, ME20 7AU
Editorial Director: Matt Downs
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Email: mattdowns@media-now.co.uk
Editor: George Lewis
DD: 01892 732 047
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Email: georgelewis@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
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All rights reserved.
GLAZE
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Contents
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS
52
20 ENSURING SUPPLY CHAIN
STABILITY
Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and
Technical at REHAU Windows, discusses the measures
the company has taken to maintain stable polymer
supplies for fabricators in the midst of global disruption...
52 IMPROVING YOUR CREDENTIALS
Paul Webb, Director of Recycling at Eurocell, explains
how Eurocell’s initiatives like its ‘closed loop’ recycling
service can assist fabricators when it comes to
providing more sustainable options
56 A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS?
As the cap on household energy bills was increased to
£2,800 a year at the end of May, Cornwall Group’s
Chair Mark Mitchell says the worst could be yet to come......
FEATURES
22 HOW TO FIND CASH IN YOUR
BUSINESS
Total Fabricator talks to First Degree Systems’ Sales
Manager Greg Beachim to get his thoughts on how to make
life easier amid a shrinking market and rising input costs
26 CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
George Lewis recently visited VEKA Recycling’s UK plant to see
how it annually processes 35,000 tonnes of post-consumer and
virgin offcuts, plus he discusses the demand for sustainable
products and recycled frames...
36 INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
With the skills gap set to widen in the next few years, Kurt Greatrex,
Dekko Window Systems’ Sales Director explains that with hard
work and the right investments, we’ll rise to the challenge
40 A STICKY SITUATION?
Total Fabricator hears about Bohle’s new LiftMaster Quadro
automatic vacuum lifting system and how it can handle the
weight of expectations...
54
46 MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
Julian Roberts, Technical Services Director at UAP,
discusses the vertical and horizontal models in its
Fullex Kinetica+ K4 range and provides tips on selecting
the most appropriate model...
48 A HELPING HAND
Richard Gyde, Managing Director of Mila explains the
company’s ‘House of Handles’, which has been created
to help its customers target the higher end of the market
54 STILL GOING STRONG!
Marking the 15th anniversary of the opening of Edgetech’s
UK manufacturing centre, MD Chris Alderson reflects on a
turbulent period for both the world and for fenestration,
and explains what he feels the future may hold for the
industry...
4 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

REGULARS
16 BEHIND THE SCENES
In the latest ‘Behind the Scenes’ from Selecta
Systems, we take a look at the company’s
marketing department and the support the team
can offer customers in this area
32 SWITCHING IT UP
16
Distinction Doors’ Bethaney Larkman discusses
the latest brand benefits and the importance of
quality marketing communication in building
and developing customer relationships
SECTIONS:
SYSTEMS
16
DOORS
30
NEWS ROUNDUP
6 FOCUS ON FIRE DOOR SAFETY
The BWF has revealed nearly a third (30%) of those
responsible for fire door safety say they do not fully
understand their responsibilities under the Building
Safety Act
13 ‘THE BOOM IS OVER’
In the latest Barometer, Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior
Analyst at Business Pilot, explains that whilst it’s not
all doom and gloom out there, the market boom is well
and truly over...
13
AUTOMATION
40
HARDWARE &
ACCESSORIES
46
GLASS &
SEALED UNITS
54
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 5

News Roundup
DOUBLE ACQUISITION
FOR ASSA ABLOY
ASSA ABLOY has finalised the acquisition
of the entire share capital of Arran Isle,
a designer, manufacturer and distributor
of door and window hardware in the
UK, Ireland and Europe, and Caldwell
Manufacturing, a designer, manufacturer
and supplier of hardware for the
fenestration industry.
The acquisition of Arran Isle has undergone
full regulatory approval by both the
Competitions and Market Authority (CMA) in
the UK and the Competition and Consumer
Protection Commission (CCPC) in Ireland.
The acquisition of Caldwell Manufacturing
includes Caldwell Hardware UK, based in
Coventry, England but excludes Cotswold
Architectural Hardware Limited.
”Arran Isle Group and their respective
businesses bring well-known brands and an
operational model that delivers consistent,
great service” said Harry Warrender, Senior
Vice President and Head of ASSA ABLOY
Opening Solutions UK and Ireland.
“Their portfolio delivers on our strategy to
extend the ASSA ABLOY product and service
offering for the UK and Ireland and it gives
me great pleasure to welcome the Arran Isle
team to our organisation.
“Their portfolio is a complementary addition
to our own ranges and delivers on our
strategy to extend the ASSA ABLOY product
and service offering for the fenestration
industry in the UK and Ireland. I look forward
to welcoming the Caldwell Hardware UK team
to our organisation.”
The Arran Isle management team will report
into ASSA ABLOY UK&I’s executive team, and
the intention is said to be very much ‘business
as usual’ and to focus on continuing to deliver
customer service excellence.
www.assaabloy.com/group/en
FOCUS ON FIRE DOOR SAFETY, SAYS BWF
Nearly a third (30%) of those responsible
for fire door safety say they do not fully
understand their responsibilities under the
Building Safety Act*, one of the UK’s leading
authorities on fire door safety and thirdparty
certification has revealed.
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF)
Fire Door Alliance’s survey of 1,000 people
with responsibility for fire door specification,
installation, and maintenance across the
UK identified a lack of understanding of fire
safety-related responsibilities under the new
legislation. Almost one in ten (8%) were
unaware how new laws will affect how fire
doors are specified.
However, in signs of an early positive effect of
new legislation, more than half of respondents
said they would now ask for more information
on product traceability and seek more proof of
performance.
Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF Fire Door
Alliance, said: “Our findings clearly show that
while the new legislation appears to have had a
positive initial impact, there is still some work to
be done in disseminating the detail, and building
an understanding of how compliance with the law
can be met.
Hardware specialist VBH (GB)
turned 40 in July!
After originally supplying
British fabricators direct
from Germany, Peter Kinze
of VBH group company Heinz
Wagner GmbH persuaded the
board that a local company
was needed to capitalise
fully on the riches that the fledgling UK market
could bring. Peter recruited Graham Organ and
Barry Amey, and Heinz Wagner (GB) Ltd opened
in Rochester on 7th July 1982. This company
changed its name to VBH (GB) in 2009.
The first product lines were mainly European and
Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the BWF Fire Door Alliance
“This must be made an urgent priority for all those
responsible for fire safety.”
Encouragingly, more than half (55%) of fire doors
that respondents had responsibility for are thirdparty
certified, 80% said that end clients, such
as building owners and managers, do not require
third-party certification.
Helen added: “Our latest report, which we’re
proud to launch as part of our Be Certain, Be
Certified campaign, calls for those ultimately
responsible for building fire safety to specify
third-party certified fire doors as a requirement
throughout all UK buildings. Not only will this raise
the standard of fire door safety but crucially, it will
help protect lives.”
www.bwf.org.uk/
VBH (GB) CELEBRATES ITS 40TH IN STYLE!
included brands such as CES,
Gege, BSW, Hautau, Wehag, and
Fuhr. Wagner even sold door
panels for a while. Although many
of the brands have disappeared
from the range, some, such
as Roto and Deventer, are
still very much part of VBH’s
product portfolio, alongside the
company’s own greenteQ brand.
The VBH team celebrated in style with a dinner/
dance at Leeds Castle in Kent in May. Staff from
all three UK sites got together to remember old
colleagues and, in many cases, to meet new ones.
www.vbhgb.com/
6 TF JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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News Roundup
FIT FOR ALL JOBS
DOORCO INVESTS IN ITS APPRENTICES
Composite door supplier DoorCo has
achieved the We invest in apprentices Silver
accreditation, providing an apprenticeship
framework for the business to attract and train
new talent to the business.
Snickers Workwear says its trouser families
are suited to any kind of work on site.
Said to deliver maximum functionality, comfort,
protection and mobility, they’re the products
of choice among discerning professional
tradesmen and women.
The company says hi-tech fabrics, functionality
and fit are the hallmarks of these products, and
the AllroundWork trousers are ready for any kind
of work in any trade.
FlexiWork trousers are said to deliver superior
freedom of movement, while LiteWork trousers
keep you cool, dry and ventilated.
Then there’s RuffWork trousers, reinforced and
tough for the roughest work on site; ProtecWork
protective wear for hazardous environments;
and certified High-Vis trousers when personal
visibility on site is a priority.
Snickers Workwear trousers also deliver
certified protection with the patented
KneeGuard System for greater flexibility,
comfort and durability.
www.snickersworkwear.co.uk
Jayne Sullivan, Co-owner at DoorCo, commented:
“As an industry, we need to do more to attract
talent. The fenestration industry is fantastic to be
part of and one that offers opportunity for varied
and fulfilling careers for young people.
“Promoting this at grassroots, through schools
and universities is key, and by offering
apprenticeships, we are able to invite young
people into our thriving industry.
“This is something DoorCo is passionate about,
so we are delighted to have achieved the We
invest in apprentices Silver accreditation for the
next three years, based on the apprenticeships
and training we have delivered so far.”
Matthew Elliot, DoorCo’s Systems Lead, has been
instrumental in obtaining the accreditation. He
said: “Apprenticeships give DoorCo an opportunity
to develop skills relevant to our organisation.
They are available at multiple levels and ages
– not just for young people leaving education
– and therefore provide an opportunity for
people upskilling in their careers or looking for a
complete career change. DoorCo is passionate
about being a top employer and is always keen to
shine the spotlight on the team’s achievements.
To be awarded Silver on our first assessment is
an incredible achievement and a credit to the
hard work of all the managers, mentors, and
apprentices at DoorCo.
“We are very much committed to delivering our
action plan that is focused on providing our current
and future apprentices – a new generation of talent
– a structure to help them develop their skillsets
and knowledge at the very start of their lifelong
careers with us, and we are already working
towards obtaining the Gold accreditation to improve
the experience even further.”
Jayne concluded: “The We invest in apprentices
recognises DoorCo as a good employer, raising our
profile to help us stand out from other apprentice
employers and ultimately, attract better talent.
“Afterall, good apprentices want to work for good
employers, and this is key to the future of our
business and the industry at large.”
www.door-co.com
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8 TF JULY/AUGUST 2022
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
TRADEGLAZE’S JONATHAN IS A RISING STAR
Lincoln-based fabricator Tradeglaze has
announced that its management Board
member, Jonathan Brewer, scooped the
‘Rising Star of the Year’ award at the 2022
Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards.
Nick Oates
NEW WEBSITE GOES LIVE
The ‘Rising Star of the Year’ category recognises
individuals in the county who have made
impressive progress in their career and constantly
strive for innovation and excellence.
The black-tie dinner welcomed almost 300
guests at the Engine Shed in Lincoln to celebrate
business achievements and give out awards in
11 categories.
A recent graduate from Lincoln Law School at the
University of Lincoln, Jonathan joined Tradeglaze
in August 2019 as Trade Sales Representative. He
grew his sales at a phenomenal speed and was
promoted to Board member in May 2020, making
him at 28 years of age the youngest senior
manager in the company.
He is said to be a team player of the highest
acumen who is well respected by his colleagues,
be it in the factory or the Boardroom
Jonathan said: “What a great evening at the 2022
Lincolnshire Business Excellence Awards! Thank
you to The Lincolnite and the University of Lincoln
for organising such an impressive event.
“I was proud to win another award for
Tradeglaze after a very successful couple of
years for us. I couldn’t do it without every one of
the team!”
This accolade comes on the back of Jonathan’s
’30 Under 30’ award which he earned at the
recent FIT Show.
Jeremy Wetherall, Managing Director at
Tradeglaze, commented: “This is another
prestigious local accolade for us and we could
not be more proud of Jonathan and the whole
Tradeglaze team who have worked harder than
ever through the challenging trading conditions of
the last 12 months.
“Tradeglaze is growing at a fast pace and
the glazing and fenestration industry is often
under-represented on the local business
scene, making it a difficult industry to recruit
for.
“Occasions like the Lincolnshire Business
Excellence Awards give us the opportunity to
get people talking about the modern, highly
professional glazing and fenestration industry and
the exciting career opportunities it holds.”
www.tradeglaze.co.uk/
Following a record breaking year, arched
and angled frame manufacturer Premier
Arches has launched a new website,
enabling its customers to have full access
to information about the products and
services the company has to offer.
Customers now have easy access to information
about the full Premier Arches product range,
which includes arched, angled, gable, circular and
entirely bespoke windows and doors in a range of
seven stocked systems, including Residence 9,
plus another five non-stocked systems.
Managing Director Sean Greenall commented:
“From our point of view, the website and the
analytic tools behind it are invaluable in helping
us identify our customers, how they found us,
and what they’re looking for – and using this
information to adapt the business to maximise
on potential sales. With the new website, we
hope our valued customers will see the benefits
of using our services, and in turn we promise
to deliver the high-quality products and great
customer service that our existing customers
are used to.”
www.premierarches.co.uk
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CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN JULY/AUGUST 2022 TF 9

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News Roundup
A TRUSTED SUPPLIER
Q-SECURE BOOST FOR VBH
In today’s post-pandemic trading climate
– fraught with lingering supply chain
issues and subsequent price increases
– all fabricators are looking for reliable
suppliers who won’t compromise on quality.
It’s one reason why when it comes to
manufacturing arched frames in particular,
PVC fabricators often opt to buy them
in rather than become caught up in the
complicated and time consuming processes
it takes to make them.
And one company that promises competitive
pricing matched with exceptional quality is arched
and angled frame manufacturer Premier Arches.
Based in St Helens, the company
manufactures arched, angled, gable, circular
and entirely bespoke windows and doors in
a range of seven stocked systems including
Residence 9, plus another five non-stocked
systems, offering a full service to fabricators,
trade counters, installers and local builders.
Because arched and angled frames are in
themselves complicated and time consuming
to manufacture, by focusing solely on these
products, Premier Arches aims to make
fabricators’ lives easier.
“Everything we do, change or introduce at
Premier Arches links back to one of these
principles, and practicing what we preach is
what makes us such an attractive option for
arched, angled, and difficult to manufacture
frames,” said Sean Greenall, MD of Premier
Arches.
“If you’re on the lookout for a reliable arched
frame manufacturer you can trust, give us a
call today – we’d love to hear from you.”
www.premierarches.co.uk
VBH has reported a steep rise in
registrations for its Q-secure consumer
security guarantee.
Q-secure guarantees the security of windows,
doors and patio doors up to a potential £8000
payout, which is paid direct to the end user
in the event of a break in through a registered
product.
Installations must have been carried out by
an approved Q-secure installer and registered
direct with VBH.
Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson said: “A near
doubling of registrations is really encouraging
and shows that our guarantee is proving a hit
with our customers who find it to be a real help
in closing deals. Q-secure Network members
John Fredericks Plastics
has agreed a partnership
deal with Reynaers
Aluminium to become their
sole supplier of aluminium
windows and doors,
following an increase in
demand from its customers for engineered
aluminium door systems.
The partnership comes after a year of discussions
between the two companies and substantial
investment by John Fredericks in a new factory and
recruitment of staff dedicated to manufacturing their
new aluminium products. The new site is a stone’s
throw from their existing site which manufactures a
range of PVC window and door products.
have a valuable, but free, extra carrot to dangle
now that salespeople once again have to work
hard to achieve new business.”
VBH help by generating free leads for the
Network with advertising and other activities
direct to the general public.
Gary added: “We are talking to quite a few
potential new customers who are interested in
switching to VBH so they can offer Q-secure
either direct or through their installer base.
“We expect to be reporting another big rise
after Q2 as more people realise that Q-secure
is beneficial to everyone in the supply chain,
and just needs to be offered by the salesperson
at the sharp end. It’s a no-brainer, really.”
www.qsecure.co.uk
A PERFECT PARTNERSHIP FOR REYNAERS
Terry Ledwith, Head of Trade and
Retail Sales at Reynaers has
been coordinating the partnership
discussions and supporting
John Fredericks throughout the
onboarding process. He said: “The
cost and availability of resin is
having a significant impact on the price of PVC and
closing the price gap between PVC and aluminium.
“If you experience the look and feel of aluminium and
the way that Reynaers’ systems operate, you will
soon appreciate why aluminium is rapidly becoming
the material of choice for discerning homeowners.”
www.reynaers.co.uk
12 TF JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Contract Business Talk Pilot Barometer
'THE BOOM IS OVER'
In the latest BP Barometer, Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst at Business Pilot, explains that
whilst it’s not all doom and gloom out there, the market boom is well and truly over...
We can now say with confidence that the
market cooled significantly in the last
quarter, with sales dropping by around
12% in the three months from April to June.
It follows a small drop in average sales in June on
May, down by 3%. The number of new leads also
fell month-on-month, recording a 6% drop.
Those monthly falls aren’t necessarily anything
to write home about. The three-month trend
is, however, worth noting. The market is down,
inflation has hit, and the boom is over.
Year-on-year, things are stark. Sales are down
June 2022 on June 2021 by 30%. Leads are down
29% over the same period.
As we have stated previously, this doesn’t
indicate that we’re heading for a crash, but the
year-on-year change is nonetheless striking.
Average order values, did, however, continue to
climb, up 1% on May. Year-on-year, June 2022
compared to June 2021, the increase is 43%.
As we highlighted last month, we attribute this to a
shift away from single item and ad hoc aspirational
spend, for example the purchase of bi-folds or a
new front door, to a more comprehensive whole
house approach to home improvements.
This is being driven by inflationary pressures,
which is on the one hand driving an element of
market contraction, but on the other creating new
opportunities, particularly in home energy efficiency.
Although the rate of house price inflation has
slowed, simple pressures of supply and demand
mean that the house prices have held firm. As
long as people have equity in their properties and
confidence in the housing market we can expect
them to continue to want to invest.
The Greener Homes Attitudes Tracker from
Natwest showed last month that the number of
people planning green home improvements rose
from 16% at the end of 2021, to 22% in May
this year. It also suggests that homeowners were
bringing improvements forward in response to
rising energy prices.
This indicates that those with a greater
disposable income are continuing to spend. Those
who are feeling the pinch, aren’t.
While council tax rebates and energy relief
payments from government are welcome, they
provide a short-term solution only.
We would argue against this context and as called
for by the Climate Change Committee at the end
of June, the creation of a programme to support all
homeowners in improving the energy efficiency of
their homes is now pressing from an environmental
but also socio-economic perspective.
We believe that this pattern is going to define the
market going forward this year and into much of 2023.
The Bank of England says it expects inflation to
hit a high of 11% before falling back to around
2% by sometime in 2024.
The market is going to be tougher for the
foreseeable future, so understanding where
your leads are coming from and maximising
conversions is going to be key.
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). Business Pilot uses cloud-based technologies to give installers complete visibility of every
element of their operation from leads and conversions to job scheduling, cost of installation, service
calls, and financial reporting.
www.businesspilot.co.uk www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 13

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Behind the Scenes
SYSTEMS
Irrespective of how good a products
qualities are, what has been very evident
over the last couple of years is that
customer service, support and care remains
as important as ever...
I’m speaking following a very recent personal
experience of purchasing a new car from a
dealership.
MAKING THEIR MARK
In the fourth part of our ‘Behind the Scenes’ feature, Mark Walker, Selecta Systems’ Marketing
Manager, gives readers a candid insight into the company’s marketing department and outlines
how the Birmingham-based systems house can support customers in this area...
There is nothing more frustrating than buying
a quality product, of which I am extremely
satisfied with, to be somewhat disappointed in
the lack of communication and support
that you would truly expect to
compliment that purchase.
It sours the purchase and
relationship.
Although this is different in
the terms of it being a B2C
experience, rather than B2B,
the principles and perception
surrounding customer expectations
beyond the sale of the product
remains.
As consumers, many of us will
value our involvement with a
brand or company purchase,
not just solely on the product
that we buy, but on the whole
customer experience.
At Selecta, we see marketing support as
an integral and essential part of that after sales
support service.
Ensuring that we meet the individual
requirements and expectations of a window
and door fabrication and/or installation
business is key.
16 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022
Above: Some of Selecta Systems’ marketing support produced by Mark and his team.
Left: Marketing Manager Mark Walker and Donna O’Reilly, who heads up Marketing and Customer Support
Marketing and customer
support
Heading up Marketing and
Customer Support is Donna
O’Reilly, whose bubbly, energetic
and friendly approach helps to
build strong relationships with potential
and existing customers.
All online, email and telephone
requests from fabricators,
installers and homeowners
are managed and actioned
by Donna, providing a vital
service of managing and vetting
all sales leads that come in to the
business.
Donna also collates a wealth of data to assist in
the support of existing and potential business,
whilst also providing a range of product and
sales reports to the sales director and myself for
marketing strategies and plans to be drawn up.
These reports provide vital information to aid the
continuous development of our marketing support
package and services to ensure that we continue
to meet our customers’ needs.
We recognise that marketing support goes beyond
just the supply of a quality product brochures,
information sheets and guides.
Combined with the information at hand and
the uniqueness and flexibility of the business,
it means that the whole marketing support and
service package doesn’t stop at just supplying a
few brochures!
Creative and design service
From a marketing and PR perspective, everything
that we create, design and write is done so inhouse
at Selecta, personally by myself.
Whilst external marketing and PR resources work for
a variety of businesses, it’s something that Selecta
have moved away from for a variety of reasons.
The decision was made in early 2014 to build,
embrace and develop the skills from within the
business. What this has meant is that we have
been able to provide a very flexible, unique
and personal marketing support service and
Continued on page 18
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Behind the Scenes
SYSTEMS
Continued from page 16
experience.
For me personally, this means no two days are
ever the same!
One day I could be designing and creating a brandnew
logo for a new customer who has come on
board and wants to freshen up their image, then I
could be receiving a design brief from an existing
customer who would like graphics designing for his
new installation/delivery van.
I could then be invited in to a technical meeting
where a new fact sheet, guide or booklet is
required for customers, or a customer may
contact me, requiring help with their social media
presence, posts and activities!
I’ve worked on an array of customer specific and
bespoke projects over the years, like branded
flags, company signs, A boards, posters, vinyl
banners, roller banners, videos, stickers, work
wear, adverts etc. and even designed wall
graphics for customer showrooms!
The list of projects is varied, and I’ve often said to
customers that if we can do it, we will, but if we can’t,
we will tell you… no matter how diverse the request!
The majority of the creative and design work is
carried out using the Adobe Creative Suite of
software titles. Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop
being the most used software with Premier Pro and
After Effects excellent for video productions.
This creative and design element of the role is
exciting and ticks a big box for some, where they
do not have access to these skills within their
own business.
We’ve opened up the whole customer experience,
so that they can utilise our in-house skills and
resources to assist their business. We recognise
that their success is our success.
The Digital Age
What is now apparent, is that we are now well
and truly entrenched in the digital age and
these last couple of years have undoubtedly
transformed buying habits.
Enhanced websites, interactive product designers and
ordering systems, lead generation tools, customer
“We are now well and
truly entrenched in the
digital age and these
last couple of years
have undoubtedly
transformed buying
habits”
support portals and social media presence are now
more of a must, than just fancy like-to-have luxuries.
Digital marketing and on-line solutions now
undeniably form part of any forward-thinking
business’ marketing plans and this is truly within
our realms of support.
Our assistance already extends to social media,
website creation, lead generation and Connect, our
customer support portal.
We provide a website package, where the
fabricator / installer can have a themed and
ready made website where they can add their
logo, colour theme, contact details and ‘about
us’ info.
This is an excellent quick, simple and effective
way of having a brand-new website up and
running in next to no time.
Furthermore, behind the scenes, I have been creating,
designing and building two brand new websites.
Firstly, a new revamped and fresh Selecta
Systems website that is responsive, informative
and easy to navigate.
This is supported by a completely new
homeowners’ website, full of consumer-based
information and a Find a Fabricator / Installer
function, a simple and effective lead generation
tool for our customers.
Our existing site generates a large volume of
homeowner leads per week, which we pass on to
our customers.
The new website’s lead generation capture and
reporting functions will provide a far more slicker
and sleeker platform for consumers, whilst the
planned homeowner inspired digital marketing
campaigns will push further traffic to the website.
There are also arrangements for further website
and on-line add-ons to enhance the homeowner
experience and support our customers further, with
the intention of generating additional sales leads.
It’s very difficult to provide an all-encompassing
behind the scenes insight in to our marketing support
and services, as it’s evolving all the time as we
focus on providing a unique, personal and extensive
marketing service and support package. It’s all about
providing the perfect mix to strengthen and enhance
the whole customer journey.
Contact Selecta Systems:
0121 325 2100
www.selectasystems.com/
@SelectaSystems
18 TF JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Supply chain pressures
ENSURING SUPPLY CHAIN STABILITY
Russell Hand, Head of Product Management and Technical at REHAU Windows,
discusses the measures the company has taken to maintain stable polymer supplies for
fabricators in the midst of global disruption.
Not long back, mass upheaval occurred in
everyday life and affected entire industries
– including the fenestration sector.
Lockdowns and social distancing rulings forced
householders to remain indoors and concentrate
their spending on home improvements, as
opposed to socialising and holidays.
Such a notion is evidenced by a OnePoll survey
taken following pandemic-based disruption in
2020. The results suggested that homeowners
were spending twice as much time on property
improvements than they did before lockdown.
Consequently, the windows industry entered a
period of high demand, which coincided with
numerous material suppliers having to halt
operations. To make matters worse, re-emergence
was only possible once COVID-safe, socially
distanced working had been implemented.
Like most other manufacturing companies,
REHAU had to temporarily cease production at
its window profile manufacturing site in Blaenau
Ffestiniog in March 2020 as the first lockdown
came into effect.
The factory remained closed to all but essential
security staff until new Government rules enabled
its reopening in June 2020. Since then, the
site continued with COVID-compliant working
arrangements in line with ever-changing rules.
The impact of these events for the sector cannot be
perceived as short-lived however. While an air of
uncertainty has continued to pervade the past two
years, we have still seen demand for frames endure.
As reported by home design experts Houzz & Home
for example, in October 2021 the amount spent
on home renovations had surged by 36% over the
past year – to a median of £15,000 per household.
There has been significant
pressure on the supply chain
due to polymer shortages
“While an air of uncertainty has continued to
pervade the past two years, we have still seen
demand for frames endure”
As social distancing regulations have loosened, the
peak period of disruption has left in its wake ongoing
– but no less challenging – supply chain pressures.
Many companies had no choice but to discontinue
ranges due to imported polymer shortages and
lack of other ingredients like impact modifiers,
pigments and titanium dioxide for the PVC mix.
Suppliers on a smaller scale may have been unable
to meet demand, while larger organisations were
faced with the challenge of using existing stocks to
manage the boom in window orders.
Yet again, these challenges have remained, with
supply chain disruption being a major contributor
to stunted growth in the construction sector.
While demand continues to rise, the industry is
comparatively forecast to manage only 2.8%
growth in output this year.
Although this strain is very much felt by all
polymer providers, more sizeable multinational
companies are better placed to stabilise supply
and provide pre-COVID support levels in 2022.
Comprehensive support
Support networks like REHAU’s local and global
institutions allowed the company to consider
multiple options with the aim of maintaining their
supply chains.
The Blaenau Ffestiniog plant is a prime example
of taking such measures. When the factory was
able to continue production, and travel was again
permitted, REHAU decided to temporarily bring
20 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
in four additional skilled extrusion operators from its
other European plants.
On top of this, 20 new employees were hired to work
on the production lines.
“REHAU has used its global reach to
minimise PVC delivery delays for
installers and fabricators”
These workers have been retained, and played a
pivotal role in the manufacturing site running at
130% of pre-lockdown capacity after re-opening.
It is through such efforts that production was able
to meet demand.
Alongside strengthening its workforce, REHAU
also invested in the plant’s extrusion and
lamination lines in order to prevent bottlenecks
around mono polymer material production.
All lines continue to operate beyond regular hours,
along with a fourth lamination line installed in
winter 2021 to permanently bolster capacity.
Additional co-extrusion capacity is also planned for
installation in the second half of 2022, in an effort
to further strengthen supply chains going forward.
PVCR sourcing
Through its sister company, PVCR, REHAU was able
to secure another UK stream of polymer. As the
largest PVC recycler in the North West, PVCR’s plant
processes over 13,000 tonnes of post consumer
polymer windows and doors annually.
This level of activity has required considerable
and continuous investment, with PVCR moving
to a new purpose-built site in Runcorn in 2019 –
further enhancing its processing capacity.
REHAU’s work with the polymer recycler has
predominantly served to increase the company’s
recycling capabilities across Europe, in line with
aims to improve sustainability.
That being said, it has proved to be an invaluable
resource asset during this challenging period of
global disruption.
By supplementing REHAU’s virgin PVC stocks with
a steady supply of recycled polymer, the company
has been able to provide additional materials to the
windows industry throughout the past two years.
It is a capability that would simply not exist
without this recycling infrastructure in place.
Global avenues
Although action has been taken to reduce reliance
on imported materials in this arduous period,
it must be acknowledged that domestic supply
alone would not be sufficient to ensure stable
national supply chains.
With this in mind, REHAU has used its global reach
to minimise PVC delivery delays for installers and
fabricators across the fenestration sector.
Here, another of the company’s sister
organisations were used to help stabilise supply.
As a worldwide supplier of polymers and polymerbased
products, the Meraxis Group has been
instrumental in securing supplies of virgin PVC
from around the globe.
Through this worldwide reach, REHAU has been able
to source further material for use in the UK and take
additional pressure off strained supply chains.
Parallel production is another strategy that brought
significant support. REHAU was able to temporarily
move some of its backup production tools and
machines from its Blaenau Ffestiniog plant to REHAU
facilities in Germany during the busiest periods.
While a complex logistical undertaking like this is
difficult to establish, it is a crucial element of the
multinational support available to organisations like
REHAU.
With UK production levels being backed by
European facilities making profiles for British
customers, the company has subsequently been
able to ramp up its supply of key products such
as glazing bead and window sills. All product
ranges remained available as a result in spite of
the pandemic, and contingency plans are in place
to re-establish parallel production should supply
chain disruption occur again.
While REHAU’s supply chains have been able
to rely on avenues of support, it is not to say
that these were unaffected by the pandemic
– its impact has been wide-ranging and led to
disruption on a scale not seen before.
Yet by using its support network, the company
has been able to increase UK PVC availability and
production capacity against the odds.
As the industry continues to weather this storm,
suppliers such as REHAU can therefore provide
a stable port for installers and fabricators in
otherwise choppy seas.
Contact REHAU:
01989 76260
www.rehau.com/uk-en
@REHAUWindows
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 21

Software
SYSTEMS
HOW TO FIND CASH IN YOUR BUSINESS
With a shrinking market and rising input costs, the pressures on window fabricators are
the highest they’ve been for some years. So, what can you do to make life easier? Total
Fabricator talks to First Degree Systems’ Sales Manager Greg Beachim to get his thoughts.
As inflation is on target to hit
11% this year, the pressure on
business leaders to maintain
a healthy cash flow has never been
greater, but with increasing overheads
pulling in the opposite direction, creating
those buffers has been tricky.
“When leads are coming in thick and
fast, and supply costs are manageable,
cash flow tends to look after itself,” First
Degree Systems’ Sales Manager Greg
Beachim said.
“You rely on the processes you’ve created in your
business, and you trust the old adage that if it ain’t
broke, don’t fix it.
“So, when your suppliers start charging you more
and the number of leads start to slow, you can
sometimes feel like you’re stuck between a rock
and a hard place.”
One solution, Greg says, is to look at your
processes to see if efficiencies can be found there.
“Take window remakes,” he explained. “The cost
of a window remake extends far beyond the price
of material and labour. If you factor in the delay to
other products in the manufacturing schedule, the
delivery to site, the potential delay to the project, and
the reputational damage, then the cost of that one
remake is much more than what you first estimated.
“Yet, these errors can be significantly reduced if
the right design software is employed. Not only
that, but further efficiencies can be realised that
also add margin and profit to the bottom line.”
With material costs continually rising and the
constant threat of material shortages, avoiding
errors and the inevitable remakes should be top of
your list of priorities, according to Greg, especially
as he says new start-ups entering the industry are
Above: Greg Beachim, First Degree Systems’ Sales Manager
making the most of their software and fabricating
windows more efficiently.
“With Window Designer, we have created a
seamless suite of products to get information
from the homeowner to the window installation
company, through manufacturing, and back out to
the end user again,” Greg said.
“Not only does it speed up the window design
process, but it reduces the possibility of error and
the associated costs: the window remake and
delivering it to site.”
Within the Window Designer suite of software
products, there are solutions for managing
stock efficiently, another area that can free up a
significant amount of cash.
“Good stock control comes down to understanding
demand,” explained Greg. “If you know what you
want, and when you want it, you don’t need to buy
profile on spec.
“And, as homeowners have more product choice,
it is more important than ever to keep stock levels
down, otherwise you could find yourself bursting
at the seams.”
First Degree Systems’ Stock Assistant programme
integrates fully with Window Designer,
and gives fabricators full oversight of
their stock holding.
It can offer just-in-time stock ordering,
pre-allocate requirements, and even
reconcile accounts.
“This means that you can reduce your
general stock overhead, and you’re buying
in at demand,” Greg advised.
“And if you’re working effectively with your
stock lead times, you will reduce your
stock levels. Generally, this will release
the money that you’ve got tied up in stock. And
what it means for the future is that you are not
overburdening your stock requirement.”
A significant knock-on effect of this is that you
don’t have to find extra space to put stock in, and
you can free up additional floor space, which can
be used profitably.
Greg has seen, even from medium-sized
businesses, around £150,000-worth of released
capital thanks to effective stock control, which can
be critical for any business.
“If you already have Window Designer installed to
manage your production, the chances are that there
are bolt-ons – such as the Stock Assistant – that can
help you become more efficient,” Greg continued.
“And if you own an old version of the Window
Designer software, you may want to consider
upgrading to our cloud-based rental version. This
will keep you up to date, and you will have the
option to easily add useful extras,” he concluded.
Contact First Degree Systems:
01283 808042
www.firstdegreesystems.com
@FirstDegreeSys
22 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Updates
SYSTEMS
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
A NEW ERA FOR KOMMERLING IN ITS 125TH YEAR
In its 125th anniversary year, Kömmerling is positioning itself for the future with the
realignment of its brand, with sustainability right at the heart of the company leading
into the future.
This new philosophy is said to be about taking action today and making the right
decisions for tomorrow, and this philosophy is reflected with a completely new
brand image, with a new logo and slogan.
Dr. Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine, discussing the background to the
brand relaunch said: “Living up to our responsibility means protecting the future.
“It’s up to us, the industry leaders of our time, to make a difference today. As
determined and ambitious doers, we have the strength and the will to deliver
positive change in everything we do.”
He continued: “But we want to be more than a pioneer, we also want to be a role model for others. For everyone who, like us, feels equally committed
and capable of rising to this major challenge.
“Our goal is to create a sustainable loop for high-quality products made of synthetic materials.
“Today we develop the right solutions for tomorrow and set standards for a future worth living for. This is what our Kömmerling brand stands for.”
Kömmerling says the ‘Today for Tomorrow’ message reportedly becomes the central brand core, which is reflected in all product, image and social media
communication deliverables.
The company says communication of the brand puts responsibility and sustainability issues into focus and the new Kömmerling logo displays natural
elements like the sun and water in abstract form and embodies circularity.
The new slogan is the ‘thematic and emotional framework for the new appearance’ and in just three words, it is said to sum up the brand message and
direction that Kömmerling stands for: Today for Tomorrow.
The new branding will be rolled out across Kömmerling UK’s marketing communications imminently. www.kommerling.co.uk
FUTURE PROOFING FACADES A HIT WITH ATTENDEES
QUALICOAT UK & Ireland’s ‘Future Proofing Facades’ conference at the Building Centre in London has
been hailed a success by all who attended.
The event concentrated on aluminium in construction as a sustainable fenestration material and, in
particular, how powder coating has advanced over the last few years to meet specifiers expectations.
The Conference was opened by Angus Mackle, Chair of the QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Association, who
welcomed speakers and delegates to the day’s proceedings.
Naveen Sandhu, Specification Manager of AkzoNobel Powder Coatings, was part of a packed day of speakers.
With the knowledge that fire resistance of building envelopes over 11m in height has become is now
essential following the Grenfell Tower disaster, Naveen explained how correctly applied powder coatings comply with an EN 13501-1 classification of A2-
s1,d0 and is permissible under Part B Regulations for buildings over 18m (11m in Scotland). Naveen went on to describe the BS 8414 Test Methodology
using full scale testing with assessment to BR 135 where powder coating meeting the A2-s1,d0 classification is fully compliant. It is crucial that the
complete cladding build-up, including the insulation, cavities, fire breaks, etc. are specified correctly to ensure full compliance and fire safety.
Chris Mansfield, of Tomburn, followed Naveen and explained the update to BS EN 12206.1 2021 and what changes had been made since its previous
iteration released in 2004.
Jan Lukaszewski, Secretary of QUALICOAT UK & Ireland, then gave the delegates an overview of aluminium’s characteristics. Aluminium is said
to be perfect for use in construction where the material has its highest recycling rate where, on average, 96% of aluminium is recycled on building
deconstruction. It was explained that the challenge now within the industry is to ensure that we begin to recycle within the many grades of alloy so that
grades of recycled aluminium is not lost. This will enable the industry to take a scrap window extrusion and recycle it back into window extrusion.
Chair Angus Mackle closed the day’s proceedings by thanking the speakers and the delegates who had given up their day to learn more about ‘Future
Proofing Facades’. Delegates were invited to stay on within the meeting venue to network with speakers and members of the Association.
www.qualicoat.net
24 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Out & About: VEKA Recycling
CREATING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE
VEKA Recycling’s Wellingborough PVC-U plant is said to be ‘Europe’s most advanced’. George
Lewis visited the plant to see how it processes 35,000 tonnes of post-consumer and virgin
offcuts annually, and hear why it can be a way for the sector to become more sustainable...
With homeowners becoming increasingly
aware of ways to reduce their
environmental impact in every part of
their daily life, it has become apparent that the
fabricators and the whole supply chain needs to
find ways to be more sustainable.
One company who has felt the requirement to
push this message is VEKA Recycling, who recently
officially opened its new £15 million PVC-U recycling
plant in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
Said to be Europe’s most advanced, the plant was
created in order to turn used PVC-U into highquality
recycled PVC-U pellet, which can then be
used again in brand new window and door profiles,
without losing any durability.
Total Installer recently had the chance to visit the
site, which boasts the capacity to process up to
35,000 tonnes of post-consumer and virgin offcuts
in the UK annually, which is then crushed and made
into PVC-U pellet, and then sold to window and door
fabricators to use again during the extrusion process.
The Wellingborough plant is the third facility to
be built by VEKA Umwelttechnik, the specialist
recycling subsidiary of the VEKA AG Group (who
financed the project), with the other two plants in
France and Germany.
Across the three plants, the capacity reaches in
excess of 100,000 tonnes of PVC window material
recycled per year.
Simon Scholes, who began as Sales Manager and is
now Managing Director of VEKA Recycling UK, is the
company’s second longest serving employee, and
joined the company just a few months after it began
trading in its original location in Swanscombe, Kent.
He led a tour round the facility, said to be borne out
of the messages received from installers reporting
Above: The post consumer frames ready for recycling. Inset: Simon Scholes, MD of VEKA Reycling UK
an interest from homeowners in the future of the
windows being removed from their homes and where
those frames end up.
He said: “The Wellingborough plant was built from
scratch to take advantage of the latest recycling
technologies and we now produce the highest quality
polymer for use in a range of products, including
brand new window and doorframe profiles.
“We have the ability to promote and deliver PVC-U
windows as truly sustainable at a time when plastic
generally is under close scrutiny, and to make the
most of what is a tremendous resource.
“And of course, greater emphasis than ever is
now placed on recycled PVC-U material following
the supply chain issues that have hit the industry
in recent times.”
Company beginnings
The company began its life in the UK in the
Swanscombe site in May 2007, before transferring
to the 5.5-acre site in Wellingborough early in 2018.
The site became fully on stream in December 2020.
But due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was only
officially opened in March 2022, by VEKA Group CEO
Andreas Hartleif.
Continued on page 64
“The recent FIT Show provided considerable
anecdotal evidence that homeowners now want
to know that the PVC-U windows being removed
from their homes will be dealt with sustainably”
26 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
Across the complete VEKA brand it has a total of
6,500 employees across 25 facilities in 16 countries,
and is said to have been committed to recycling PVC
since 1993 with the opening of VEKA Umwelttechnik,
the German recycling plant that year, before France’s
VEKA Recyclage was built in 2006.
But it is now the UK that boasts the next generation
of recycling PVC, dubbed by Simon as “VEKA 4.0”,
with all the latest technologies placed into the site
with room to grow as those technologies advance.
The recycling processes
The processes employed at all plants separate the
rubber, metals and other impurities from the PVC-U,
obtained through post-consumer frames and postindustrial
offcuts, to enable re-use of all materials,
with the Wellingorough facility deemed to be the
most sophisticated plant at being able to remove all
potential contaminates.
Simon said that whilst some quality will be lost
during the process, with regards to the PVC itself,
nearly all of what goes in comes out as PVC pellet.
VEKA Recycling is aiming to educate both the
homeowner and the installer of the benefits of
recycling window profiles.
Simon explained: “We are determined to make
sure people understand the logistics and realities
of recycling windows, especially the potential
consequences for installers and their homeowner
customers for committing waste fraud, which is a
serious issue.”
The finished product
The new pellet can be used at least 10 times even
if the frame was many years old when taken out of
a home, meaning it could be used in windows for at
least 300 years whilst not losing any of its quality
when installed during new projects.
The future
The decision to invest in a new plant in the UK was
made post-Brexit, which VEKA says reaffirms its
commitment to the UK market, irrespective of any
politically related economic fears.
Thousands of frames are recycled at the Wellingborough plant each year
“Greater emphasis than ever is now placed on
recycled PVC-U material following the supply chain
issues that have hit the industry in recent times”
Andreas said at the time of its official
opening: “As one of the World’s largest
users of PVC-U the UK remains a key
market for VEKA Group. As such it is
important for the UK to be as selfsufficient
as possible, and now served
by a recycling facility that allows the
full processing of PVC-U without the
need for transport overseas.
“The completion of this site has been
a remarkable achievement, against
the toughest conditions created by
the global pandemic, and also for
advancing the quality of material now
achievable through recycling end-of-life frames.”
Simon added: “The recent FIT Show provided
considerable anecdotal evidence that homeowners
now want to know that the PVC-U windows being
removed from their homes will be dealt with
sustainably.
“This is gathering momentum, with more retailers
now proactively advising homeowners that their old
windows will be recycled.”
With the completion of the site, it remains to
be seen just how much both homeowners and
installers alike will want and promote the use of
recycled PVC in new projects.
Of course, this will always come down to cost and
quality versus PVC without any recycled cullet in
it, but with net zero and the need to be carbon
neutral by 2050 in the forefront of people’s mind,
it may be a process that becomes more and more
the ‘norm’.
Contact VEKA Recycling:
01933 427750
veka-recycling.co.uk/
@VekaRecycling
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 27

Updates
PREMIER ARCHES: YOUR TRUSTED PARTNER
When it comes to manufacturing standard square window and door frames, Premier Arches says most PVC
fabricators have no hassle at all following tried and tested processes that have been their bread and butter
for decades; but when it comes to arched frames, you’re looking at a different ball game altogether.
St Helens-based Premier Arches specialises solely in arched and angled frames, meaning their customers are
sourcing their products from a truly independent partner.
The company manufactures and supplies arched, angled, gable, circular and entirely bespoke windows and
doors in a range of seven stocked systems including Residence 9, plus another five non-stocked systems,
offering a full service to fabricators, trade counters, installers and local builders.
Managing Director Sean Greenall said: “At Premier Arches, we operate on three core values – exceptional
manufacturing quality, a ‘make life easier’ offering, and clear and honest customer service – and customer
loyalty plays a huge part in that.” info@premierarches.co.uk
SENIOR SHOWS OFF ITS NEW SHOWROOM
SYSTEMS
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
Senior Architectural Systems is opening its doors – and windows – to invite its fabricator and specification
customers to visit a new dedicated showroom space at the company’s UK headquarters in South Yorkshire.
Senior has invested in its Denaby site to create a welcoming and informative space for meetings with its
supply chain partners.
Each of the window and door displays are supported with ‘at a glance’ product information including lowest
achievable U-values and Window Energy Ratings.
The new showroom also features information on the most popular colour palettes for aluminium
fenestration systems, with all finishing requirements undertaken at Senior’s state-of-the-art powder coating
facility which is located at the same site. To arrange a visit contact: enquiries@sasmail.co.uk
A COLOURFUL ADDITION FOR EPWIN
Epwin Window Systems has introduced its new stocked colour offering across its PVC-U system brands.
Clare Bailey, Managing Director of Epwin Window Systems, said: “Our enhanced stocked colour offering
represents the industry’s preferred colour palette. From contemporary colours to heritage classics and natural
palettes to expression hues, it’s an intelligent colour offer designed to support our customers at every level.”
The new colour offering features 19 stocked foil finishes which include on-trend colour choices including Sage,
Claystone and Pebble Grey. The offering also includes 30 Made to Order options that reflect modern trends
in colour selection. Clare said: “We’ve listened to our customers and expanded our Made to Order range that
suits all sectors and tastes. This includes an expanded selection of contemporary greys and heritage colours in
addition to new metallic finishes for the best in modern aesthetics. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
JACK ALUMINIUM PROVIDES THE RIGHT REMEDY
Jack Aluminium’s JD47 system is said to have once again shown its incredible versatility, being used for a
bonded double door set at the headquarters of one of the world’s biggest pharmaceutical companies.
Architectural aluminium glazing specialists Rodnic were asked to provide something with an elegant aesthetic to match
with the external façade, as well as being stronger and more durable than a standard frameless glass door. The slim
sightlines and robustness of the JD47 are said to have made it the obvious choice for this project. “The JD47 was the
ideal product for this bonded door,” said Chris Rodger, Managing Director at Rodnic. We’ve been using the JD47 system
for years now and it’s so robust, straightforward to manufacture and extremely versatile. The slim sightlines matched
perfectly with the external façade of this building and the JD47 was ideal for this situation as the bonded door set was
being used as an external windbreak with another set of doors inside.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk
28 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Company profile: Metal Technology
A HIGH PERFORMANCE GLAZING
SYSTEM FOR ALL NEEDS
Metal Technology’s product portfolio encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain
walling, brise soleil and louvre systems, with two high performance, ‘next generation’
products recently certified by the Passive House Institute.
Since 1985, Metal Technology has been
defining spaces through its architectural
glazing solutions and has grown to become
one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers
and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window,
door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for
commercial and residential applications.
CABI’s new low energy
HQ in Wallingford
Committed to excellence in all aspects of
sustainable product design, customer service
and technical support, the company has become
a trusted partner of fabricators, developers,
contractors and architects.
Product range
Metal Technology’s product portfolio
encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain
walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its
Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the
designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles
that provide structural integrity, weather
performance, thermal enhancement and security.
The company has recently been awarded by
the Passive House Institute, certifying System
5-45 Hi+ Window and System 17 Hi+ Curtain
Walling, with the latter achieving the highest
ranking of A+.
Projects
Metal Technology has vast experience of providing
fenestration solutions across a variety of sectors
throughout the UK.
The company was a key supplier in a number
of recently completed education projects: the
landmark £41m Health Innovation One building at
Lancaster University; the innovative £69m Barony
Campus, Scotland’s biggest school; the 1,480
bed £130m University of York flagship student
The i9 building in
Wolverhampton
accommodation campus; the £29m South West
College in Enniskillen – Northern Ireland’s first
Passivhaus Premium Plus education facility and
Madras College, Fife’s new ‘Platinum Standard’
sustainable school.
Contracted for many commercial schemes
throughout the UK, Metal Technology supplied
its architectural glazing systems for a number of
recently completed developments:
• CABI’s stunning new low energy headquarters in
Wallingford;
• Brinell Building, the BREEAM Excellent rated
contemporary office space in Brighton city
centre;
• The award-winning CDE Global
headquarters in Cookstown;
• The Halo Enterprise and Innovation Centre
(HEIC), part of the £63m brownfield
urban regeneration project by HALO Urban
Regeneration Company and;
• Wolverhampton’s BREEAM ‘excellent’ rated
i9 Building which picked up Best Commercial
Development at the RICS West Midlands
Awards, and is now home to the Ministry of
Housing, Communities and Local Government.
Metal Technology has applied its expertise in
close collaboration with designers to deliver
financially economic yet technically robust
solutions for the healthcare sector.
The company has recently been appointed to
supply high-performance glazing systems for the
prestigious, £233m Baird Family Hospital and
Anchor Centre healthcare project in Aberdeen for
NHS Grampian.
Contact Metal Technology:
028 9448 7777
metaltechnology.com
Email: sales@metaltechnology.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 29

Fire doors: Comment
KEEP THINKING ABOUT FIRE DOORS
Howard Trotter, Business Manager of Birmingham-based window and door manufacturer
Shelforce, explains why he feels there needs to be a better understanding when it comes to
specifying fire doors and a greater understanding of their components.
Product manufacture, quality, installation,
and maintenance are all life critical when
it comes to fire doors. Everyone plays their
part in ensuring a fire door performs as intended
and saves lives.
The last few years have brought a much-needed
wake-up call on fire safety, not just for the
fenestration industry, but for the construction
industry and society more generally, but the
recent news from the Fire Door Inspection
Scheme (FDIS) that three quarters of the fire
doors inspected in the UK by its approved
inspectors did not meet the required
standard means that more must be done.
A greater understanding
The FDIS’s data, based on more than 100,000
fire door inspections conducted by its approved
inspectors in 2021 – many on buildings with
vulnerable residents such as healthcare, local
authorities and housing associations – revealed
the most common reasons for failure were
improper installation, including excessive gaps
between the door and the frame, care and
maintenance issues, and smoke sealing issues.
With this in mind, greater understanding of fire
doors and their components, including testing
and certification, regulations and standards,
inspection, and maintenance is needed.
It’s crucial that trained fire door installers
are used, and reputable and trained fire door
inspectors conduct fire door inspections.
Raising awareness and encouraging building
owners and users to check the operation and
condition of their fire doors, and make sure they
are regularly inspected and maintained, is vital.
Caution when specifying
There is now a greater sense of responsibility and
caution when specifying and using materials on
Above: Shelforce’s Fireshel
30-minute Fire Door
Inset: Howard Trotter
buildings and an increase in requests for thirdparty
evidence to prove the suitability of them.
As a result, the Ministry of Housing, Communities
and Local Government (MHCLG) has worked
with third-party certification bodies to develop
minimum standards of assurance for fire doors.
Fire safety for Local Authorities is imperative,
and when it comes to specifying a fire door
solution for any project, they must understand the
standards that must be met.
It is a legal requirement for fire door manufacturers
to provide test evidence to show their product’s
ability to resist fire. The Field of Application is the
document that collates all the test evidence and
makes the official statement that door sets within
the size ranges listed are all compliant; without the
Field of Application, variations of tested composite
door sizes are not allowed.
Any fire door installed must have a Field of
Application from the manufacturer and if it does
not then you will not be fitting the right door,
making the consequences potentially catastrophic.
All fire doors must be third party audited for both
fire and security compliance and have third party
certification, which provides an additional level of
assurance that the product is produced to the same
specification and quality as that originally tested,
and that the original test behaviour and criteria is
both met and reliably maintained consistently.
They should reference and carefully check the
manufacturer’s test evidence/certification and
documentation for proposed fire door sets to
ensure that it demonstrates compliance and
meets the performance requirement in the
Building Regulations guidance for fire resistance
and smoke control from both sides.
A fully compliant fire door
Our fully compliant 30-minute Fireshel composite
fire door uses the FireFrame dual fire, smoke
and security compliant fire door set solution
from Winkhaus which includes the FD30 / FD60
FireFrame outerframe, and the Winkhaus AV2 autolocking
multi-point door lock with optional access
control, and is tested to resist security and fire
including TS008 compliant letterplates, numerals,
eye viewers, door knockers and security chains.
The door has achieved all the new stringent
recommendations set by the MHCLG, has proven
30-minute fire resistance consistency having
been fire tested from both sides many times to
EN1634 -1, achieving 49 minutes fire resistance,
and has also been PAS 024 Security tested for
security compliance. Fireshel doors are also Q
Mark 170 Scheme 3rd Party Accredited.
We are also planning to offer a comprehensive
fire door package with it for local authorities,
ranging from fabrication through to installation,
maintenance, and repair.
Contact Shelforce:
0121 603 5262
www.shelforce.com
@ShelforceUK
30 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Innovation comes built-in
60
Quotes
available in
60 minutes
VERSATILE PRIVACY AND
SHADING FOR EVERY DOOR
Our bespoke integral blinds are made to measure to suit
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

Brand awareness
SWITCHING IT UP
Bethaney Larkman, Marketing Manager at Distinction Doors, discusses the latest brand
benefits and the importance of quality marketing communication in building and developing
customer relationships.
The Distinction Doors product brochure
Communication is the key to marketing. It
is the principal way of raising awareness
of products and services. And I am proud
to say that here at Distinction Doors we are often
praised for our communication.
Through verbal, print and digital mediums,
we regularly inform, educate and inspire our
fabrication customers, with these messages often
reaching their customers, and in some instances,
the consumer.
We know through independent research and
from speaking with our customers that our
interpersonal communication – mainly face-toface
interaction with our business development
executives and exchanges with our customer
service team – is highly praised.
That’s why recent changes have focused
on boosting other modes of communication,
including digital marketing, direct marketing and
sales promotion.
These developments follow the launch of our new
brand identity back in April. Our new trademarked
ID is designed to better reflect our premium
position in the market and appeal to consumers;
it’s vital therefore that all our marketing tools and
communication support this.
Refreshed door-designer launched
Our biggest improvement to-date is the relaunch
of our door-designer configurator.
Undoubtedly our most popular sales tool, the
door-designer has been upgraded to improve the
user-experience.
This is particularly important as we brand the
“Communication is the key to
marketing. It is the principal way of
raising awareness of products and
services” – Bethaney Larkman
configurator for many of our customers, and it is
used for sales support in both the showroom and
home.
We have improved the functionality and its overall
design. Our biggest challenge was reducing the
load time. Thanks to the amazing support of our
internal IT team, we have not only increased the
load speed, but we have also been able to use
higher quality images.
This means that consumers can now appreciate
more of the detail, including our beautiful
woodgrain finish, in higher-resolution door and
glass images.
32 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Distinction Doors has increased its
activity on Instagram
The preview function now works better too. Users
can tweak and re-size the door to suit their
chosen house or sample image.
Easier to use
One of our main objectives for revamping the
door-designer was to make it even easier to use.
This meant removing the complexity and adding
new functions.
We have streamlined the options; for example, the
glass option will now only show what is available.
The new ability to save orders and return to them
later is perhaps our most valuable function.
This should prove to be extremely popular
with our customers’ installation and home
improvement customers, saving them time and
ultimately, money.
We have also added FAQs, request a brochure
and a search function in the top menu bar.
Direct marketing
Email communication has long been a successful
means of communication for Distinction Doors.
We use email to underpin our face-to-face and
telephone conversations – whether to start the
conversation or act as a reminder.
With email we can reach the people that matter,
quickly and effectively, all at the same time.
Since the re-brand we have enhanced our email
marketing so that it truly represents the breadth
of our business.
The email template has been re-designed inline
with our brand identity and the content is
informative and inspiring.
Alongside our usual business-related email bulletins,
customers now receive a monthly round-up.
I cherry-pick a selection of updates and
developments for sharing.
Last month, for example, it included the launch
of our new Venture Collection; how we are
supporting our fabricators through the changes
to Approved Document L; how to order our new
cleaning hangers; and an interview with our paint
and Glazing Department Manager, Cath Barker.
We want our customers to know us inside and
out!
Insta-ready doors
To extend our consumer reach we have also
increased our activity on Instagram. So far, this is
proving to be extremely rewarding and we know
there’s even greater potential.
A recent promotion received a fantastic response,
for example, and we’re keen to build relationships
and trust off the back of this.
Colour
After launching six new colours recently, we
have designed a new colour guide. These have
always been popular with our customers and their
customers too, that’s why they form an important
part of our new literature suite.
The new guide is arriving today (at the time of
writing) and is an A4 size to complement the
product brochure, with large, grained colour chips
showing our bespoke and standard colours.
Oh, and one last thing, as we sign off on another
print run of our new product brochure, I am
pleased to say that we have also begun the task
of delivering a new Distinction Doors website.
More on this later in the year!
Contact Distinction Doors:
0345 2000 816
www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
@DistinctionDrs
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 33

Updates
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
A MODERNIST LOOK FOR SHEPLEY'S DOOR RANGE
Shepley has expanded its collection of composite doors with the launch of the Modernist range.
Featuring ten new door designs, exciting new colours and stunning glass designs, the Modernist
range is aimed at homeowners who want to make a statement with the front of their home.
Modernist is the latest addition to the popular Visage brand. Named after innovative artists
throughout the ages, it offers the best of contemporary styling to give customers an even greater level
of choice.
“A lot of homeowners are looking for a style that sets them apart from the rest of the street and adding
the new Modernist range to our product offering will help customer make the most of current trends,”
said Ian Griffiths, Managing Director at Shepley.
“The large array of available colours and glass options means homeowners can still maintain that
traditional touch to their homes, with the new designs allowing customers to combine modern and
classic styling.”
As well as the new Modernist door designs, Shepley has also updated its glass, colour and hardware
options across the Visage composite door collection, making it an even more versatile choice for installers to have in their portfolio. www.shepley.com
MODPLAN'S SALES TEAM BOOST
Trade fabricator Modplan has further strengthened its sales management team with the
recruitment of Gareth Burgess and Matthew Davies as Business Development Managers
The team, headed up by Field Sales Manager Ian Lewis, has over 75 years of combined
industry experience, and is focused on supporting Modplan’s existing and potential new
customers.
Ian commented: “We’re delighted to welcome Gareth and Matthew to the team as we further
strengthen our sales support and customer development focus. The two new appointments reflect
the high level of importance we attach to providing excellent customer support across all areas.”
L-R: Gareth Burgess, Ian Lewis and Matthew Davies
The company manufactures a comprehensive range of products that includes Veka Matrix 70
and 70FS, Halo Flush Sash windows, Liniar windows and doors, a dedicated painting facility,
PVC-u patio and bifold doors, conservatories, and the Vertex, Wendland, Ultrasky, Livin room and Leka roofing systems. Ian concluded: “We are witnessing
considerable business growth which has resulted in several largescale investments being made within the business to support our customers. This is an
exciting time to join Modplan and I am confident that Gareth and Matthew will positively impact the business.” www.modplan.co.uk
OPEN THE DOOR TO THE COMPLETE ALUMINIUM LOOK
Sheerline has released the latest addition to its aluminium window and door range, the Prestige
Composite Door Frame.
It has been designed to allow installers and fabricators to offer ‘whole-house’ aluminium solutions,
where all frames are perfectly matched across a project, with consistent styling, colours, performance and
guarantees across the house, right down to the frames around the composite doors.
A choice of two aluminium outer frames that fit both 44 and 48/49mm door blanks are all ready to
help doorsets meet the new requirements of Part L which came into force on June 15th this year, with
Sheerline’s unique Thermlock thermal breaks delivering outstanding thermal efficiency as always.
The system’s two low threshold options, tested to the requirements of Part M, can be run continuously
under sidelights if required for improved aesthetics, with both thresholds able to accommodate a mechanically jointed ‘T’ transom/mullion, providing slimmer
sightlines when doors are configured with sidelights, all designed to match seamlessly with the rest of Sheerline’s Prestige and Classic range.
Delivered on the same agile lead-times and available in bespoke and dual colour options, Sheerline’s newest addition to their Prestige range underlines
their commitment to offering installers and fabricators the very best ‘whole house’ aluminium solution. www.sheerline.com
34 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Skills gap: Comment
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
As an ageing workforce retires, the industry’s skill gap is set to widen in the next few years. Kurt
Greatrex, Dekko Window Systems’ Sales Director, tells Total Fabricator why he believes that with
hard work and the right investments, we’ll rise to the challenge…
The UK construction industry is a huge part of
the national economy, generating over £110
billion a year and accounting for around 7%
of the country’s GDP.
But it’s long been known that the industry
is experiencing an acute skills shortage that
remains one of the biggest problems the sector
has had to tackle.
Today, in a post-pandemic market, the industry’s
workforce has been stretched like never before,
further highlighting the gap.
Certainly a lot has changed over the past two
years, but one thing that’s remained is the
growing gap in the market of skilled workers.
Contributing factors
The biggest reason for the shortage is an ageing
workforce. According to the Office for National
Statistics, over 20% of UK tradespeople are aged
over 50, while 15% are in their 60s.
Above top: Sales Director Kurt Greatrex
Above: Dekko’s newest apprentice Liam Birch
The problem is, as this generation starts to retire,
the same percentage of younger people aren’t
entering these professions.
In fact, a YouGov survey shows that just 3% of
people aged 18 to 24 are searching for jobs in the
construction industry.
School leavers are generally pursuing university
degrees in the hope of lucrative careers, often
forgetting that you can actually earn quite a good
living in construction and fenestration.
Brexit is another big reason behind the growing
industry skills gap.
According to the Labour Force Survey, 8.2% of
the UK construction workforce are EU nationals,
many of whom have returned home following the
UK’s departure.
There are also many workers who returned home
during the height of the pandemic, and have not
since been able to return due to new stringent
immigration laws.
36 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Contract Talk
Figures from the Construction Industry Training
Board show that in order to make up for this, the
UK construction industry will have to recruit an
additional 250,000 workers in the next four years.
“It’s our goal to limit the impact of
the skills gap on our customers as
much as possible”
And while it of course remains possible to recruit
people from overseas, new immigration rules
make it a hassle many businesses simply don’t
want to have to contend with.
So what’s the solution?
The skills shortage is something that affects
every company in every sector, and I strongly
believe that as individual businesses, we should
all be doing a lot more to try and ease the crisis.
One solution to tackling this growing crisis is
apprenticeships – training up young workers and
giving them the opportunity to learn about the
industry while earning a living.
In the past year, we’ve taken on five new
apprentices, taking on roles in HR, manufacturing
and engineering. The most recent hire, Liam Birch
(pictured left), has taken on the role of Digital
Marketing Apprentice, and has been tasked with
maintaining the Dekko brand through online social
channels by creating unique content that reflects
the business and the premium products and
services we provide.
Bright future
While we’ve all been stretched due to increased
demand, at the same time, an ageing workforce is
retiring, and we’re just not getting enough skilled
workers in to replace them, and with fewer people
coming into the industry with the necessary skills
to keep it growing, one of the biggest challenges
we face to keep the industry driving forward is
this skills shortage.
Attracting the younger generation to the industry
is vitally important, something we at Dekko
are determined to achieve in the coming
years.
It’s our goal to limit the impact of the skills gap
on our customers as much as possible, and one
proven way to do this is with our apprenticeship
programme, which we plan to expand on in the
coming years.
The skills gap is of course a very daunting
prospect, but I believe that by working together,
planning ahead and investing in the right people,
we as an industry will overcome it and come back
bigger and stronger than ever before.
Contact Dekko Window Systems:
0161 406 0055
www.dekkowindows.com
@dekkowindows
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 37

System 10-35 Hi / Hi+
Commercial Door
and Framing
Ultimate Security
High-Performance
Low U-Values
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 U-values as low as 1.27 W/m 2 K
with double glazing and 0.93 W/m 2 K with triple
glazing, Metal Technology’s 10-35 Hi / Hi+
Commercial Door and Framing system is ideal
for high traffi c 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. The full 10-35 range of
door and framing systems has been tested to
PAS 24, allowing designers to specify security
doors with confi dence.
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
Scan to visit our website for
further technical information
on System 10-35 Hi / Hi+
metaltechnology.com

System 10-35 Hi / Hi+
Product Features
Available in single or dual colour
standard RAL fi nishes
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

Lifting systems
A STICKY SITUATION?
With a modular design and capable of handling weights of up to 800kg, the LiftMaster
Quadro from Bohle is said to deliver a step change in safety. Total Fabricator hears about
this new automatic vacuum lifting system and how it can handle the weight of expectation...
Weight is a killer. Glass has become a
key structural element in contemporary
architectural design and on that basis,
the glass the processors and manufacturers have
to handle in the factory, and installation teams on
site, is getting bigger and heavier.
And that means risk in handling both in
production and installation is also greater. “The
weight per sq metre of, say, a laminated doubleglazed
unit in a fairly standard 6/16/8.8mm
configuration is probably around 35kg. You can
add on at least another 10kg per m 2 for a triple
glazed unit,” explained Dave Broxton, Managing
Director of Bohle.
“With 4m 2 plus units almost a standard product,
there is a growing pressure to handle bigger units
and heavier glass in the production environment but
Dave Broxton
also on site. The ability to do so safely is critical,” he
continued.
Cue the Liftmaster Quadro automatic vacuum
lifting system, from Bohle. The first battery
powered lifting system to be tested to the ultrastringent
German TÜV GS mark – providing an
independent guarantee of performance.
It’s built around a dual-circuit vacuum system,
which means the Liftmaster Quadro doubles up
on safety, so if vacuum is lost on one circuit, the
second will support the load.
This echoes the design principles which
underpin Bohle’s Veribor range, which is
designed to have a minimum 2:1 safety margin
to reflect real world usage.
“We’re talking about the capacity to handle
some really big weights here in a production
environment – or out on site. You can’t afford for
things to go wrong,” explained Dave.
“The GS Mark, which stands for ‘Geprüfte
Sicherheit’, or ‘Certified Safety’, is recognised
Europe-wide. It’s peace of mind that you’re
using the best equipment and a standard which
we already use across our manual handling
ranges”, he added.
The lifting system can handle
weights of up to 800kg
40 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

AUTOMATION
The LiftMaster Quadro has
been given the German TÜV
GS mark meaning it has been
independently tested
It can also be packed down in
its entirety to be easily moved
around
This focus on the realities of the ‘real’ working
environment are also represented in the Liftmaster
Quadro’s additional design features. This includes
a high degree of operational flexibility.
The system can be swivelled through 90° and
rotated through 360° or locked in any one of 12
positions making it flexible for use on site or in
manufacturing environments where space is tight.
This is made easier through the use of a
continuous handrail which runs the entire
circumference of the lifter, and which means that
the Liftmaster Quadro can be controlled from any
side or angle, comfortably and safely.
“The LiftMaster Quadro comes in four different
capacity options. A 300kg lifter, which can
be extended to 600kg through the use of four
additional extension arms; or a 400kg option which
can be extended to 800kg”, Dave continued.
“And it’s this last option that we’re running with
in the UK because we believe that it offers our
customers most flexibility. The benefit across
those weight classes is the modularity.
“For most glass processors and installers, 400kg
is going to comfortably meet your requirements.
“But if you do want to step up or have a specific
need for a 800kg option, you can through the
addition of the arms.
“It delivers a lot of flexibility and to increase capacity
at a later date without having to start over.”
The focus on safety is again evident in Bohle’s
decision to enclose cables and hoses inside the
housing of the lifter so there is nothing to catch,
while it also features audio visual warnings and
alarms, including a digital temperature display.
This also shows battery level. An easy-release
mechanism means that this can also be changed
quickly and without the use of specialist tools – it will
even hold its vacuum while the battery is replaced.
The charger is also mobile, so if you’re on site,
you can keep the spare power packs topped up,
ready to go.
As a system, Liftmaster Quadro can also be packed
down in its entirety, to fit on a dedicated transport
frame, making handling and storage simple.
“It’s a really flexible platform. Running off a
standard Li-ion battery it can be used on site, in
addition to the manufacturing environment, while
it’s also highly mobile and will fit into the back of
a city van”, Dave enthused.
“Considering the maximum weights it can
handle, which are approaching a tonne when it’s
equipped with the four additional extension arms,
it’s an invaluable bit of kit.
“You can handle heavy, oversized glass on the
factory floor or on site with absolute confidence”,
he concluded.
Contact Bohle:
0800 616151
www.bohle.com
@BohleLtd
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 41

Business acumen
AUTOMATION
Neil Parton, Managing Director of machinery experts Elumatec, gives us his thoughts on how
there are multiple layers to creating a successful business and his top tips to maintaining it...
Stories of business success often emphasise
the hard work and determination required.
They might mention the setbacks, the
seven-day weeks and endless hours, the homes
re-mortgaged and the dark days before the order
book began to fill.
You’re less likely to hear about the effect of luck.
It makes a better tale if the eventual success is
the result of our actions and not the result of a
chance event.
CREATING A STRONG BUSINESS
Chance, however, always plays a part. Whether
it’s the blind chance of our birth and early years
or any one of the random events in our life,
chance has affected where we are now and what
we’ve achieved.
But here’s a thought: What if that thing we call
luck isn’t random chance but something we can
engineer more of?
Elumatec MD Neil Parton
questions. They didn’t have the answers, but they
were willing to explore.
Maybe you’re not in product development but
imagine this: a traffic jam holds up your taxi and
you miss your flight. You could get angry, stress
about the effect on your plans and growl away
the wait.
Or you could strike up a conversation with a
stranger who just happens to have a contact, who
just happens to have an idea, who just happens...
It’s madness to assume that your Sales Order
Processing team only understands how to process
sales orders.
Maybe someone on the team spends every
weekend perfecting the design and build of the
ultimate racing yacht. Maybe in their previous
post, they had a trick for reeling in lapsed
customers.
Talk to everyone. About lots of things.
Don’t let expertise confine your thinking
We all respect expertise and deep reserves of
specific knowledge can be invaluable, but both
can be limiting. You can start to see things in
fixed ways, and those ways can limit you.
You might persist in the refinement of outdated
technologies for which there’s no longer a market or
be unwilling to adopt a better method of achieving
because “we’ve always done it that way.”
That’s the message of Dr Christian Busch who’s
amassed a wealth of evidence to back his findings.
It seems that the chap who lands on his feet
whatever trials and tribulations come his way,
isn’t a favourite of the gods. He’s just learned
how to be lucky.
The good news is that this is a skill we could all
develop. There are more, but I’ll highlight three
approaches that help foster lucky outcomes.
Look for the potential in the unexpected
No one likes to admit when things don’t go to
plan. Fearing it makes them look less than
competent, “failures” are swept under the carpet.
They shouldn’t be. There should be a no-blame
review because there could be real potential in
what looks like a dud.
The powerful glue 3M were trying to develop?
That “failure” spawned the Post-It note. That,
and many other famous accidental discoveries,
became huge successes because someone asked
You get the picture: fixed thinking, rigid mindsets
and plans set in stone don’t let you discover
new connections and new possibilities. There is
potential in the unexpected.
Listen to other voices
You don’t need to have a conversation with a
stranger in an airport lounge to make a discovery.
Your team could be the source of your next ‘lucky’
move, but only if you have a culture where people
can express themselves without fear of judgement.
If questioning the boss elicits a vitriolic response
or ridicule, everyone will agree with him, whatever
he says ... even if you’re being led down a route
doomed to failure.
But where cross-functional contact is the norm,
where there are safe spaces to talk about the
day- to-day challenges of the job and input is
encouraged, ideas can emerge from unexpected
sources. We all have multiple connections.
We have different interests and experiences.
Those games where you’re challenged to come
up with as many alternative uses for a brick as
possible are revealing.
If you can only see a brick as a building block,
you’ve got a problem. We live in a constantly
changing world where adaptability and creativity
are key business skills.
Get lucky
These approaches generate conditions where
chance events, ideas or encounters can be
explored.
They may lead to nothing. They may lead to
unimagined breakthroughs and lasting success.
The truth is that those who appear to have been
lucky in business may have actively created their
own luck.
Contact Elumatec:
01908 580 800
www.elumatec.com
@elumatecUK
42 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Total performance
with TOTAL70
Our TOTAL70 window and door system
achieves the highest possible energy ratings
and performance. The unique compound with
a smooth gloss finish ensures that your windows
retain their pristine appearance for years to
come meaning they will never warp, rot or
need repainting.
Windows. Reinvented for modern life.
www.rehau.uk/windows
enquiries@rehau.com
Tel: 01989 762600

Updates
A SEAMLESSLY SMART PARTNERSHIP
Dekko Window Systems has signed a multi-million-pound machinery deal with Haffner to invest in
Graf Synergy’s fully seamless window fabrication set up.
Dekko Sales Director Kurt Greatrex said: “Following the success of our Infinity range of PVC-U
windows, we’ve improved our offering to manufacture a window with a fully seamless weld. It’s a
world first from Dekko, and we would not have been able to make it happen without the Graf Synergy
machines from Haffner. The innovative smooth corner weld design of this new window is stylish and
attractive, perfectly replicating authentic timber frames, and the perfect choice for adding charm and
character to any property.”
Matt Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner, said: “Graf Synergy seamless welding technology is a
gamechanger for the industry. The patented technology delivers a transformational difference in product
quality and we are delighted that Dekko Window Systems have invested in this latest technology.” www.haffnerltd.com
BELIEVING IN AUTOMATION
Leicestershire’s respected Sapphire Glass Merchants have become the latest fast-growing firm to invest in automated
Super Spacer application technology.
Director Stefan O’Meara said: “We knew automation made sense – it would allow us to do more, more quickly and
efficiently, and to an even higher standard.”
Ian Pickard, Director of Operations, added: “Automation technology can be a major investment. That’s why we decided to acquire
a pre-used, refurbished automated line – which has allowed us to benefit from all those advantages, but at a fraction of the cost.”
Edgetech Head of Sales Tony Palmer commented: “By far, automation is the best long-term strategy for boosting
productivity and improving quality in IGU production. Switching to a high-speed automated Super Spacer line can yield
major savings, and increase output by 18%.” www.edgetechig.co.uk
AUTOMATION
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
STERNFENSTER COMMITS TO NEW MACHINERY
Sternfenster has committed to a £600K-plus investment for a new Schirmer cutting and machining centre
for its PVC-U fabrication line, which will benefit customers with reduced lead times and improved product
quality.
This new machine, which will come online during the first quarter of 2023, is part of a wider capital expenditure
by the Lincoln-based fabricator that will result in efficiencies across all aspects of the business, including IGU
manufacture, window and door production, and delivery.
The Schirmer cutting and machining centre is designed with efficiency in mind. A high-speed gripper transports
the full-length profiles – or re-useable off-cuts – through the machine with vastly improved accuracy, and a sixaxis
tooling module performs all necessary routing in a single pass. A three-axis milling unit allows Sternfenster to end-mill the profile online – rather than as a
separate process – again improving accuracy, speeding up production and reducing damage to profiles thanks to reduced handling. www.sternfenster.com
APEER INTO THE FUTURE WITH £160K INVESTMENT
Apeer has announced a £160k investment to boost production of both its popular Silka doors and its sister
brand Lumi’s range of aluminium window products.
Focusing on investing in machinery at its Ballymena-based factory in Northern Ireland, Apeer is responding to a
growing demand for its Silka composite doors and Lumi Aluminium windows. A new Emmegi machining centre has
been installed at the fabricator’s recently expanded factory, as well as a new mechanical saw.
MD Asa McGillian said: “Quite simply, we need to make this investment in machinery to keep up with the enduring
popularity of our Silka doors, along with the consistent and growing demand we’ve seen for our Lumi Aluminium range
since its launch last year. “Future proofing our business by investing in the factory processes and machinery is the
best way we can ensure that Apeer and Lumi are able to meet future demand for these products.” www.apeer.co.uk
44 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

www.firmanglass.com
Fire Rated Sealed Units
Firman offer a wide range of fire
resistant glass options with varying
levels of protection as required by
your project. Contact our sales
office for further information.
• Attestation 1 Certified
• Rated 30/0 to 60/60
• Certifire compliance
• Impact resistance
• Sound insulation
• Thermal insulation
• Integrity only – in stock
• Internal / External use
• Fire Doors
• Partitions
01708 374534 sales@firmanglass.com www.firmanglass.com

Locking systems
Julian Roberts, Technical Services Director at UAP, discusses the vertical and horizontal
models in the UAP Fullex Kinetica+ K4 range and provides tips on selecting the most
For most end users, a vertical cylinder is
the expected and most natural installation;
whether they are opening the front door to
their property or their double doors onto the garden.
But different designs of door, different property
layouts and personal preference all have an
influence on whether a vertical or horizontal 3*
cylinder is the most appropriate choice.
Personal preference
Personal preference is usually the key driver for
the choice between a vertical and a horizontal
cylinder, but it’s important to understand
the needs of the end user to ensure that the
installation is aligned to the requirements.
This includes a consideration of the installation
environment, along with the position of the
cylinder in the door.
MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE
appropriate model.
The Vertical Kinetica+ K4
cylinder can provide more
than 200,000 different key
combinations
Sometimes, where a vertical cylinder might be the
obvious choice, a horizontal cylinder can provide
a solution to a spatial issue, for example, or there
may be aesthetic factors to consider.
In many ways, whether a vertical or horizontal
cylinder is chosen is immaterial, because both
options are usually equally simple to install and use.
Both can be keyed alike, to enable the end user
to operate more than one lock with a single key
if, for example, they have a pair of double doors,
or they want to use the same key to access their
home at both the front and the rear.
Security perceptions
The design of horizontal cylinders means that they are
often perceived to offer more robust levels of security,
so this may be a consideration for properties where
the residents feel vulnerable or locations where there
is a greater risk of break ins.
“Ultimately, all cylinders – vertical or horizontal
– should be easy to install, smooth to operate
and capable of providing robust security
performance throughout their service life”
In reality, if they are Secured by Design
accredited, BSI 3* Kitemarked, and Sold Secure
Diamond Standard approved, both vertical and
horizontal cylinders will provide a robust level
of security that makes it extremely difficult for
criminals to break.
Nonetheless, perceptions can carry substantial
value, both for residents and insurance companies.
For developers constructing retirement villages
and assisted living projects, offering assurances
of the number of different key combinations
provided by the cylinder installed is another
marketing message to add into the mix.
The UAP Fullex range of Kinetica+ K4 3*
cylinders highlights the key difference between
vertical and horizontal models.
Both models are BSI Kitemarked and Secured
by Design accredited and Sold Secure Diamond
Standard approved, and they have many of the
same security features, including UAP’s anti-pick,
anti-bump and anti-drill systems.
Vertical Kinetica+ K4 cylinders provide more
than 200,000 different key combinations
thanks to six vertical pins within the cylinder.
In the horizontal model, these are replaced
with six dimple pins and five laser track side
46 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
The Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder is supplied with Bio
keys that have been tested to ISO 22196:2011
“Personal preference is usually the key driver for the choice between a
vertical and a horizontal cylinder, but it’s important to understand the
needs of the end user to ensure that the installation is aligned to the
requirements”
pins, creating the potential for 13 million
differs, and making the lock even more difficult
to pick.
As an additional security measure, the UAP
Fullex Kinetica+ K4 horizontal cylinder has been
designed to allow only single-orientation key
insertion.
This has enabled the in-house UAP design team
to create a smaller keyway for the horizontal
model, making it even harder to attack the
cylinder.
By working closely with locksmiths to understand
the latest techniques, the UAP design team
approaches product development with a problemsolving
focus that considers new ways to
overcome attempts to break in.
Meanwhile, an emphasis on the end-user
means that the design considers ease of use
and convenience too; in this case, leading to the
provision of an indentation on the key to indicate the
correct key position for the end user, making it easier
for them to open the door first time, every time.
Just like the vertical model, the Kinetica+ K4
horizontal cylinder is supplied with three UAP
Fullex Bio keys, which have antibacterial and
antiviral properties.
The Bio keys have been tested to ISO 22196:2011
standards and shown to reduce Staphylococcus
aureus and Escherichia col.
They have also been tested to ISO 21702:2019
standards and shown to reduce SARS-COV-2
(COVID-19).
The Bio keys’ unrestricted keyway makes it
easier to have duplicate keys cut using the
UAP Fullex Kinetica key blank, making both the
vertical and horizontal models suitable for both
domestic use and small mastersuite installations
for commercial projects or multi-occupancy
environments.
Functionality first
Ultimately, all cylinders – vertical or horizontal –
should be easy to install, smooth to operate and
capable of providing robust security performance
throughout their service life.
For those unsure whether to opt for a vertical or
horizontal cylinder, the specification choice begins
by selecting a brand you can trust.
Contact UAP:
0161 796 7268
uapcorporate.com
@UAP_Limited
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 47

High-end handles
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
A HELPING HAND
Richard Gyde, MD of Mila, discusses the company’s ‘House of Handles’ option and its
comprehensive offering to help customers target the higher end of the market.....
As the cost-of-living crisis really starts
to bite for consumers at the lower and
middle end of the income scale, we’re
seeing the early signs of a slowdown in
enquiries for mainstream PVC-U casement
offerings – albeit from last year’s very high
levels.
This tallies with a recent sharp fall in the
value of shares at budget retailer B&M and a
statement from the Finance Director of Primark
that less affluent customers will be buying less
this year.
Understandably then, fabricators are looking
at other sectors of the market where demand
seems likely to remain much more robust and
asking their suppliers for help in targeting these.
The feedback we’re getting from Mila customers
is that there are still significant opportunities at
the higher end of the retail market, with affluent
purchasers better protected from the cost-of-living
crisis and more likely to have accumulated savings
during the pandemic.
And, as long as the housing market stays strong –
which all the indicators so far are that it will – they are
confident that there is still plenty of business for them
to go after using premium products like flush PVC-U
casements and timber replacement composites.
It’s obviously vital that fabricators have the right
product offering for the higher end and premium
sectors of the market though – one which will not
only look the part but also helps them to sustain
and even strengthen their margins.
For Mila, that is our Heritage hardware range,
designed and developed in house to suit the
sculptured and flush sash ranges from all the big
names, including Liniar, Deceuninck, Epwin, Rehau
and Residence 9.
espag handle would look and function, and we
made sure that we ticked every item on that
wish list.
For example, the stand-out features on the
Mila Heritage handle are a ‘proper’ pushbutton
key locking mechanism, a simple
push-fit screw cover cap, with faux clocked
screw detail for truly authentic styling, and
a unique rosette key, rather than a standard
zinc or allen key.
TruFrame also gave us the benefit of their
experience of fitting heritage window handles
from a different supplier.
As a result, we could design out all the issues
which caused them problems in the factory
and deliver a range which was easier to fit
Above: Mila’s Heritage espag handle; Inset: MD of Mila Richard Gyde
and much less prone to mechanical failure.
In fact, we’re so confident that this product is
right for customers who are moving into flush
casements and timber replacements for the first
time, or who want a more appealing option than
they are currently using, that we’re currently
offering them ‘A House of Handles on Us’.
Mila customers who haven’t ordered the Heritage
espag handles before can get 10 free to try out for
themselves – in their choice of classic or modern
finish and in either the monkey tail or pear drop
lever design.
For us, it’s not just about giving them samples so
that they can see how they will appeal to buyers,
it’s also about showing just how easy they are to
fabricate and fit.
An important point to note about our Heritage
handles is that we involved leading trade fabricator
TruFrame in our original development programme.
TruFrame gave us what proved to be an invaluable
fabricator’s perspective on how the perfect ‘Heritage’
We hold stock of both our monkey tail and pear
drop Heritage espag handle designs in both left
and right-handed options. There are nine different
finishes to choose from – textured black and
textured pewter, matt black, white, polished
chrome, polished gold, satin chrome, pewter patina
and antique bronze.
All have been independently tested to PAS24: 2016
and are Secured by Design accredited.
And as buyers would expect from Mila, they also
come with a 10-year guarantee on finish and
performance.
More details on the complete Heritage
range including an online form to order a
House of Handles are at: www.mila.co.uk/
heritage/#house-of-heritage
Contact Mila:
01327 312400
www.mila.co.uk
@milahardware_uk
48 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

www.firmanglass.com
Established in 1975 Firman Glass is one of the leading
independent glass processors in the UK, manufacturing
toughened glass, laminated glass and specialist sealed
units.
Based in Harold Wood Essex within 5 minutes of junction
28 of the M25 and half an hour from Central London we
are ideally situated to service our ever growing and
diverse customer base.
Manufacturing all forms of processed toughened glass,
with comprehensive stocks of clear float, low iron, satin,
body tinted, mirrors, laminated glass, acoustic laminated
and fire rated glass.
With some of the most advanced capabilities in place
Firman Glass is able to manufacture high quality products
for all markets sectors including architectural, retail, leisure
and domestic
Glass Excellence
Products
• Toughened glass
• Processing
• CNC shaping
• Laminated glass
• Toughened and laminated
constructions
• EVA and Vanceva coloured interlays
• Fabric and decorative interlays
• Structural interlays
• Specialist insulating glass units
• Anti–slip glass
• Fire rated glass
• UV bonding
• Electric switchable glass
• Heated glass
• Decorative glass
• Sandblasting
• Colorfirm TM back painted glass
Applications
• Structural glazing
• Glass floors
• Partitions
• Roof lights
• Balustrades
• Full height barriers
• Canopies
• Staircases
• Treads and stringers
• Shower screens
• Shelving
• Glass doors
• Acoustic reduction
• Fire rated
• Decoration
• Wall cladding
• Splashbacks
• Privacy
• Technical Support
• Nationwide Coverage
Further information is available from our sales and technical offices or visit www.firmanglass.com
Firman Glass,19 Bates Road, Harold Wood, Romford, Essex RM3 OJH
Tel: 01708 374534 Fax: 01708 340511 Email: sales@firmanglass.com
In association with
www.firmanglass.com

Updates
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
THE TEAM MAKING VBH TICK
VBH, the company behind the greenteQ brand, has been busy in 2022 recruiting new staff and giving existing team
members new responsibilities where their proven skill-sets can be brought to the fore.
Simon Monks, MD of VBH said: “We believe that we have the best team of any hardware company. It is a healthy mix
of experience and youth, with all the benefits of both. We’ve had a re-shuffle, carried out some promotions and brought
in some new faces this year to enhance what was already a successful team. As well as promoting from within, we have
been recruiting to ensure that we continue to exceed customer expectations now we are faced with evermore challenges
outside of the industry’s control. Simon Eshelby returns to VBH in the new position of Distribution & Systems House
Manager, following six years away. It’s great to have Simon, and all his technical expertise, back at VBH.“We have just
received news that we have been short listed in no less than 10 categories at the NFA awards. It’s the people that make
our company tick, so this success is a tribute to the VBH Team.” www.vbhgb.com
Above: Thomas Nicholls has joined the VBH
accounts team
CARL F GROUPCO KEEPS A HANDLE ON BUSINESS
Independent hardware distributor Carl F Groupco has further expanded its product hardware
inventory with the introduction of the new patented Release and Turn (RT) handle by J Banks & Co.
The new lockable, easy to operate RT handle offers a unique slim, compact design perfect for securing windows
without obstructing internal blinds and fittings. Designed and manufactured in the UK, the patented handle is
suitable for use on aluminium, PVC-U and timber windows and delivers a low stack height of just 16mm. The
handle incorporates a slim lock and key release cylinder and fits all espagnolette and shootbolt systems with
43mm hole centres. Available in various spindle lengths, the RT handle has a comfortable handle grip lever, while
its non-handed design delivers product flexibility. And for customer reassurance, it has been designed, tested and
manufactured to meet all UK standards of strength and durability. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
A STRONG GUARANTEE WITH VBH
VBH (GB) has reported a continued increase in take up of its proteQ10 profile cylinder guarantee.
proteQ10 is a free guarantee offered with each greenteQ Orion TS007 3 star profile cylinder.
If the Orion cylinder is snapped in situ, allowing the door to be opened unlawfully, VBH will pay the resident
£2000 direct in compensation, according to the terms of the guarantee.
Orion was launched early in 2021 and is said to be proving popular among manufacturers of all kinds of
doors, from residential doors through to bi-folds and sliders.
VBH advised that the guarantee is also proving to be a hit with consumers as the numbers of cylinders
registered under the scheme in the combined months of April and May were 25% up on the previous two
months. www.vbhgb.com
A SECURE SUPPORT FOR ERA'S FAB PARTNERS
ERA is continuing to support its extensive network of fabrication partners in providing homeowners with the
highest standards of certification and performance with the launch of its new Nu Mail Shield TS 008 Letterplate.
Specifically designed to prevent access through the letterplate via fishing or reaching, the independently certified TS
008 letterplate has a restricted flap to protect the property within, automatically closing when not in use to prevent
damage to interior walls. The shield provides a stylish slimline aesthetic to the inside of the door designed to provide
maximum protection against potential attacks, whilst simultaneously ensuring clear access for postal items.
Available in eight distinctive finishes, which perfectly match over 200 hardware products within the extensive
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50 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Sustainability
IMPROVING YOUR CREDENTIALS
Paul Webb, Director of Recycling at Eurocell, explains how Eurocell’s ‘closed loop’ recycling
service is helping prevent volumes of waste plastic materials ending up in landfill, and how
such initiatives can assist fabricators when it comes to providing more sustainable options.
Eurocell has been heavily committed to
supporting the aims and ambitions of
recycling for over two decades.
Recognising a corporate and societal need to
do what is required to minimise plastic waste
and, where possible, reuse materials across our
largescale manufacturing processes, we have,
over time, moved from externally purchasing
recycled plastic to the establishment of our own
nationwide waste recycling system.
The output from the system is now used to
furnish Eurocell’s manufacturing operation with
recycled plastic raw material from which our
extensive range of dual material extruded plastic
product solutions are fabricated.
Eurocell Recycle reduces plastic waste volumes
going to landfill and enables us to recycle old
products at the end of their life into new PVC-U
profiles.
Newly created material via this method
accounts for approximately 29% of all
Eurocell’s manufacturing materials
The service has proved so successful that the
newly created material now accounts for around
29% of all the material Eurocell’s manufacturing
business requirements.
Regulatory standards mean we must use a
certain amount of virgin material in specific
areas.
“The future for Eurocell Recycle promises scaled
growth driven by demand and an increased
appetite for sustainable product answers for
fabricators and homeowners”
As such, this is incorporated into the outer face
so it does not impact the look or UV performance
of the frames, but wherever possible we replace
virgin plastic for recycled plastic on all new
products.
Two PVC-U waste plastic recycling plants at
Ilkeston and Selby are at the heart of Eurocell
Recycle.
Using a ‘closed loop’ recycling system that deals
with both post-consumer and post-industrial
plastic waste, the two plants are now responsible
for processing approximately 44,000 tonnes of
PVC-U waste annually, equivalent to around 3.4m
window frames.
Without the service, a high proportion of the
plastic waste generated by large manufacturers,
fabricators, and installers would simply end up
in landfill and contribute further to the unwanted
waste disposal challenge the UK continually faces.
‘Closed loop’
The closed loop system is a six-stage recycling
process. It starts with a national collection
service.
Old and discarded plastic windows, door frames,
and other plastic offcuts are collected from
locations and waste management centres across
the UK.
When the waste arrives at one of the two
52 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Continued from page 54
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ullamco laboris nisi ut aliquip ex ea commodo consequat.
Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis
iste natus error sit voluptatem
accusantium doloremque
New PVC-U window frames using recycled
polymer can last up to 35 years
Eurocell recycling processing plants, the material
undergoes an extensive sorting and separation
process which divides metals, white polymer, and
coloured materials, as well as capturing material
which is non-recyclable.
After a transformative process which creates
a powder or pellet form similar to virgin PVC-U
material, the recycled plastic is used by Eurocell
to manufacture its extensive range of extruded
plastic products.
And the recycling process promises much for the
future. New PVC-U window frames using recycled
polymer can last up to 35 years so delivering
long-term performance benefits and assurance.
In addition, the material can also be further
recycled by up to ten times providing ongoing
sustainability-driven benefits for generations to
come.
The future for Eurocell Recycle promises scaled
growth driven by demand and an increased
appetite for sustainable product answers for
fabricators and homeowners.
Eurocell is committed to continuing to advance
the sustainability agenda. We understand its
importance and relevance.
We strive to ensure previously discarded plastic
material is conveniently sourced and converted
into new, long-lasting recycled fabricated
products that supports the efforts of fabricators
to make a positive contribution to the creation of
a better world.
Old materials are picked up
all across the country using
a national collection service
Contact Eurocell Recycle:
0800 988 3049
www.eurocell.co.uk
@EurocellRecycle
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 53

Industry reflection
WHAT HAS CHANGED IN 15 YEARS?
Marking the 15th anniversary of the opening of Edgetech’s UK manufacturing centre,
Managing Director Chris Alderson reflects on a turbulent period for both the world and for
fenestration, and explains what he feels the future may hold for the industry...
Fifteen years ago this year, Edgetech stepped
up their commitment to the British market.
It’s true that Edgetech products, particularly
our flagship Super Spacer, had been present in
the UK market before, but it wasn’t until 2007 that
the company moved from a small distribution site
to begin designing and manufacturing a range of
world-leading warm-edge products from Coventry.
Chris Alderson was in
attendance during the
Coventry site opening in 2007
For me personally, it’s a strange time to look back
on. I didn’t work at Edgetech, I worked for another
key IG component supplier. But I was there the day
the ribbon was cut on the new Coventry facility.
It was a great event, and I was excited to see this
globally respected brand establish a permanent
presence here in the UK – but honestly, I had no
idea that just a few short years later I’d be its
Managing Director.
Turbulent times
In one sense, the world in 2007 wasn’t all that
different to the one we live in today. In another,
it’s almost unrecognisable.
“I’ve always believed that the future is very bright
for fenestration, and while the last few years
have been difficult and unpredictable, that core
belief hasn’t changed”
2007 was the year the first iPhone was released.
House prices were 30% lower than they are
today. Electric vehicles, increasingly common on
Britain’s roads, were virtually unheard of. Tony
Blair was Prime Minister, and George W. Bush
was American President.
The decade and a half since have brought
enormous changes to the way we live – and
thrown up plenty of challenges, too.
We’ve lived through the Great Recession of 2008.
We’ve had four general elections and five different
Prime Ministers.
We’ve faced Brexit, and had to adapt to the
economic realities of life outside the European
Union – and then we were hit with something that
arguably dwarfed all of that.
The pandemic saw whole industries shut down
almost entirely, and caused a wave of supply chain
disruption we’re continuing to deal with today.
The rise of warm edge
But in fenestration and construction, it’s been a
time of more positive change, too.
The general standard of the window and door
products in use has increased significantly – with
energy efficiency an area where we’ve seen
particular improvement.
Back in 2007, warm-edge spacer technology
was still very niche, and energy efficiency was a
marginal concern, mostly associated with cutting
energy bills rather than protecting the environment.
Thanks in no small part to efforts made by
Edgetech, that’s dramatically changed. Warmedge
technology is the norm, energy efficiency is
highly prioritised up and down the supply chain,
and sustainability is taken more seriously than
ever – although we’ve still got a very long way
to go.
For Edgetech in particular, the last 15 years
have been fantastic. In 2011, we were fortunate
enough to be acquired by Quanex – a globally
54 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
Chris believes there will be
a significant increase in the
use of automation in the
sector in the next few years
recognised building products group with an
incredible legacy of excellence and innovation.
Under their leadership, we’ve been able to take the
business to the next level, and strive for excellence
in every aspect of what we do – customer care,
health and safety, product innovation, employee
wellbeing, sustainability and much more.
It was around the same time that we expanded
our presence in Germany, too, establishing our
first manufacturing site in mainland Europe.
Through the often turbulent 2010s and 2020s, our
ability to call on global resources has proved a
huge asset, and we’ve benefited hugely from the
world-class technical expertise of Quanex in Ohio,
our own Coventry facility, and our site in Germany.
Housing, skills and climate
Milestones like this one naturally make you think
about the future and what the next 15 years will
bring, both for Edgetech as a business, and the
sector and the economy more generally.
I’ve always believed that the future is very bright
for fenestration, and while the last few years have
been difficult and unpredictable, that core belief
hasn’t changed.
The biggest crisis facing all of us is climate change
– and the coming decades will be pivotal. There’s
been a huge amount of debate and discussion, but
now that talk needs to turn into action.
Given the urgent need to retrofit aging homes and
In 2011 Edgetech was
acquired by Quanex
buildings in countries across the world, energy
efficient glazing products are going to be in more
demand than ever.
What’s more, although it’s been overshadowed
by more urgent challenges in recent years, Britain
still faces a housing crisis, which can only be
solved with the construction of millions more
affordable homes.
However, the sector will continue to face
obstacles. Some we know about – others we
don’t, and the global situation is certainly more
unpredictable than it has been for decades.
Centrally important for glass and glazing will
be dealing with a worsening skills shortage.
One major change I expect to see throughout
the 2020s is a significant increase in the use of
automation in the sector.
Whatever the world throws at us, however, I
remain confident that fenestration will rise to
the challenge as it always does, and continue to
thrive into the 2030s and beyond.
I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all our
customers, suppliers and employees for their
incredible support over the last 15 years.
Contact Edgetech:
02476 639931
www.edgetechig.co.uk
@EdgetechUK
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
JULY/AUGUST 2022 T F 55

Supplier costs
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
A SAFE PAIR OF HANDS?
As the cap on household energy bills was increased to £2,800 a year at the end of May,
Cornwall Group’s Chair Mark Mitchell says the worst could be yet to come...
Homeowners looking to manage their
household budgets were given more bad
news in May when they learned that Ofgem
had increased the energy cap to about £2,800,
which will come into force in October.
While businesses don’t enjoy the same safety net,
the cap increase has brought attention back to the
volatile nature of the cost of energy, and the increasing
influence it is having on our everyday lives.
And energy prices that feed through the supply
chain are only reined in by careful negotiation by
business owners and the timely passing on of
extra costs to customers.
“In the glass industry, the effect of the volatile
energy market is most keenly felt by the
surcharges that the glass manufacturers pass
on to glass processors, merchants and IGU
manufacturers,” Mark Mitchell, Chair of Cornwall
Group, explained.
“But keeping up with those surcharges is often
easier said than done.”
Some price increases have been dramatic. For
instance, in the space of a week during March,
the energy surcharge on one lorry load of glass
from one manufacturer went from £350 to £6,500
– an almost 2,000% increase.
Mark points out that since different
manufacturers have a different mechanism for
calculating the surcharge, customers are left
juggling pricing structures as they attempt to
pass on the cost.
Often with just a day or two’s notice, whole product
ranges could see significant surcharges applied to
them, while others remain untouched.
Further complications occur if customers buy
products using glass from different manufacturers.
“For the smaller glass company, finding a method
of calculating an independent surcharge that is
not only truly reflective of the extra costs they are
incurring, but is also agile enough to respond to
increases that can be made within days of being
announced, is frighteningly difficult,” he said.
Cornwall Glass Manufacturing buys glass from
Saint-Gobain Glass, Pilkington, AGC, Guardian
Glass, and other suppliers from across the globe.
This ensures that it can make buying decisions
based on the current market price for glass, as
well as for the technical specifications required
for certain product ranges.
“We have decided to calculate an average cost
“2023 will be when all the issues of
the previous three years will come
home to roost” – Mark Mitchell
increase based on the surcharges we receive
from all glass manufacturers,” Mark explained. “This
way, we may take a hit from time to time, but our
customers will always get the best deal possible.”
But Mark says that despite these difficult
conversations with suppliers and customers, the
worst is yet to come.
“We are actually preparing ourselves for 2023,
when all fixed prices will come up for renewal,”
Mark said.
“Companies have spent the last 6-18 months
hedging or fixing prices, in a bid to take the sting out
of the tail, or offer some stability in the supply chain.
Continued on page 58
56 T F JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Supplier costs
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
Continued from page 56
“But next year we expect the market to be put
under greater strain when those deals come to an
end and prices are increased across the board.
“Not only that, but Covid loans will need to be
paid off, the cost of borrowing will inevitably
increase, and we will likely see some associated
insolvencies, which will create holes in
companies’ balance sheets.”
Mark acknowledges that much of what he says
sounds like doom-mongering, but understanding
the bigger picture is vital to managing a business
successfully, especially if it is energy intensive.
“You can’t plan in hindsight, but you can create
agile businesses that can weather inevitable
storms,” Mark said. “For example, while none of
us could have predicted the war in Ukraine, and
the effect it would have on the global gas market,
we can structure our businesses to be able to
accommodate those knocks, and we should
partner with customers and suppliers who are
similarly minded.”
So: 2020 was characterised by Covid and furlough;
2021 was all about the struggle with supply and
price increases; and 2022 will be dominated by the
cost-of-living increase, energy insecurity and the
struggle to hire and retain good employees.
“2023 will be when all the issues of the previous three
years will come home to roost,” Mark explained.
“But the Cornwall Group is in a very strong
position to cope with these challenges, especially
since we restructured the business in 2019 to
focus on our core strengths.”
Cornwall Glass Manufacturing – which now sits
alongside glass merchanting business Mackenzie
Glass and retail-focused Cornwall Glass &
Glazing – offers a diverse range of options in
IGUs and single glass, with three manufacturing
facilities in St Austell, Highbridge and Plymouth.
The latter provides the foundation for the
manufacture of super-sized units in a wide range
of solar control, acoustic and Low E monolithic
and laminated glass options.
The company also has heat soaking and jumbo
cutting facilities, and has invested in enhanced
CNC and waterjet capabilities.
“We have had 45 years of weathering storms,”
Mark concluded.
“And we’ll approach the coming years in a similar
fashion.
“For example, over the last three years we’ve had
to duck and dive to get the right products to our
customers at the right price, at the right time, and
we will continue to do so.
“We know we are not perfect, but we are
definitely a safe pair of hands.”
Mark says 2022 will be dominated by the cost-of-living increase, energy insecurity and the struggle to hire and retain good employees
Contact Cornwall Glass:
01726 66325
www.cornwallglass.co.uk
@CornwallGlass
58 TF JULY/AUGUST 2022 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Fabricators
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