March/April 2024

MARCH / APRIL 2024
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
DECEUNINCK MARKETING SUPPORT
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>>> • SECTOR TRENDS • COLOUR: OUTSOURCE OR IN-HOUSE? • AUTOMATION • HARDWARE • >>>
DeceuninckMarketing232x210.indd 1 08/03/2024 13:00

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& CAPTURE YOUR BRAND
CAPTIVATE &
SHOWCASE YOUR
PRODUCTS
IMPRESS.
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ENTERTAIN.
BROCHURES AND
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GENERATE MORE LEADS
DIGITAL MARKETING
SUPPORT
FOR HOMEOWNERS
TO FIND INSTALLERS
Editor’s Comment
SOPHIE STEVENS
EDITOR
SOPHIESTEVENS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK
WWW.TOTAL-FABRICATOR.CO.UK
DECEUNINCK MARKETING SUPPORT
WHY YOU NEED THE FULL PACKAGE!
VIDEO
In these individualistic times, many homeowners are keen to stand
out from the crowd and when it comes to windows and doors, they are
achieving this with colour.
360° VR TOURS
MEDIA CENTRE
PHOTOGRAPHY
LEAFLETS
QUOTING
ENGINES
INSTALLER SUB-SITES
WEBSITE
SUPPORT
On page 18, Andrew Cross, Marketing Manager at Kestrel Aluminium Systems,
acknowledges that while grey has reigned supreme for some time now, an
increasing number of people are looking to adorn their fenestration with more
adventurous hues.
Likewise, RegaLead’s Guy Hubble says that “with consumers becoming evermore
discerning, [the market for colour] is only going to increase” and urges
fabricators to take control of this demand, by setting up in-house painting
facilities. According to Guy, it’s more straightforward than you think, and you
can read his full argument for integrating painting into your current processes
on page 20.
Elsewhere is this issue, DoorCo unveils plans to open a new manufacturing
facility in the UK (p.12); Profine UK is placing the WarmCore product range
and a new partner programme at the heart of its 2024 agenda (p.16); and as
Spring arrives, Brouha Marketing’s Fiona Lund offers some handy tips to help
you measure and adjust your marketing strategy, in order to keep things fresh.
Read on for all of this, as well as some great contributions from companies
including Allegion UK, First Degree Systems, Glass Express Midlands and
Winkhaus to name a few...
I hope you enjoy the issue.
Sophie
Cover courtesy of Deceuninck. Find out more about the company’s
extensive offering at www.deceuninck.co.uk
CONNECTING THE WINDOW & DOOR FABRICATORS SUPPLY CHAIN
Advertising:
Deceuninck Limited • Stanier Road • Porte Marsh • Calne • Wiltshire SN11 9PX
T +44 (0)1249 816 969 • deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com • www.deceuninck.co.uk
DeceuninckMarketing232x210.indd 1 08/03/2024 13:00
Publishing Director: Andy Dunn
DD: 01892 730 890
Mob: 07963 330777
Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk
Editorial Director: Matt Downs
DD: 01892 730 890
Mob: 07963 330774
Email: mattdowns@media-now.co.uk
Editor: Sophie Stevens
DD: 01892 730 890
Email: sophiestevens@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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GLAZE
TUBE
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CONTENT FOR YOUR SECTOR
Head over to www.glaze-tube.co.uk for the latest video content
from the key players from throughout the supply chain.
Packed with how-to’s, installation advice, interviews and opinions,
Glaze-Tube is an informative and entertaining platform keeping you
up to date with what’s happening in your industry!
To showcase your video on Glaze-Tube contact Andy on 01892 730 890
INSTALLATION HOW TO’S:
ALUFOLD DIRECT XENLITE ROOF

Contents
ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS 48
20 IN-HOUSE OR OUTSOURCE?
RegaLead’s Guy Hubble discusses the advantages
of taking full control of your painting and colour
requirements
30 PANIC VS EMERGENCY
Allegion UK’s Sue Corrick explores the evolution of
panic and emergency exit hardware
38 KEEPING IT FRESH
Brouha Marketing’s Fiona Lund discusses the
importance of measuring and adjusting your
ongoing marketing strategy
FEATURES
12 UK EXPANSION
DoorCo unveils plans to open a new manufacturing
facility in Thorne, Doncaster
16 ALL EYES ON WARMCORE
Profine UK is set for sales to increase in 2024, with
WarmCore and a new partner programme at the heart of
its strategy
18 A RAINBOW OF OPTIONS
Grey may be the new black when it comes to aluminium
windows and doors, but more colours are available for
those looking to stand out, says Kestrel’s Andrew Cross
32 STYLISH SECURITY
Winkhaus UK details three new additions to its autoLock
AV4 range
12
34 SMART AND SIMPLE
ERA’s Sumier Foster-Shah discusses demand for devices
that combine ease of use with peace of mind in a fastpaced
world
42 ONE STEP AHEAD
Cornwall Group’s Mark Mitchell, explains why investment
is still crucial, despite a ‘bumpy year’ ahead
48 FOR THE LONG HAUL
Emmegi UK’s Ian Latimer on the service and support that
has seen one business relationship endure
4 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

REGULARS
10 BP BAROMETER
Business Pilot’s Neil Cooper-Smith reveals
encouraging retail stats despite fears of a ‘difficult
year’ ahead
26 THE DOORCO COLUMN
DoorCo’s Ellie Pool gives us an insight into what’s
hot for Spring in the composite door sector
SECTIONS:
SYSTEMS
16
26
DOORS
26
NEWS ROUNDUP
07 MISSED OPPORTUNITY?
The recent Budget was a missed opportunity to build
new homes and improve the ones we have, says FMB
08 CARBON LEVY IS COMING
Sheerline is highlighting the Government’s plans to
introduce a Carbon Levy, and the impact it will have on
the aluminium supply chain
08
HARDWARE &
ACCESSORIES
30
GLASS &
SEALED UNITS
40
AUTOMATION
46
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 5

News Roundup
NEW VISION UNVEILED
Karen Starkey
Conservatory Outlet, the UK fabricator of
premium home improvement products,
is launching its new company ‘vision and
values’, as well as rolling out a brand-new
‘employee value proposition’.
Conservatory Outlet’s new ‘workplace four
pillars’ encapsulates the Wakefield-based
manufacturer’s dedication to honesty,
innovation, teamwork, and community. The
company says these four values will run
throughout the business and continue to
positively shape the company’s culture.
The launch event saw Conservatory Outlet’s
150-strong workforce take part in multiple
interactive presentations. Each session
focussed on one of the company’s key
principles and attendees were encouraged
to discuss their actions, behaviours and
recommendations relating to each value.
Discussing the launch of the new vision and
values, Karen Starkey, Head of HR, expressed
her enthusiasm about what it means for
both Conservatory Outlet the company, and
its staff: “Our four key values guide every
aspect of our business and will help propel
us to further success. Everything that we do,
either as a business or as individuals, will
be guided by these four values and will truly
set us apart both as an employer and as a
nationally recognised manufacturer.”
Conservatory Outlet’s CEO, Greg Kane, said:
“Our employees are the backbone of our
business. The launch of our new vision and
values is an important step forward within
our business strategy as we continue to
evolve and grow in the coming years.”
www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
AT PRECISION OPENS NEW EXTRUSION PLANT
Hardware supplier, AT Precision, has opened a
new extrusion plant at its Durham HQ.
The company says the new facility marks a
‘significant leap forward’ in sustainability, housing
an integrated recycling plant that repurposes
post-consumer and industrial PVC-U waste to
manufacture recycled thermal reinforcement (RTR)
bars, reducing the reliance on virgin resources.
Made from 100% recycled PVC-U, the RTR bars
add strength and increased thermal performance
to windows, are quick and easy to install, and
boast a minimum lifespan of 35 years.
The new extrusion plant has also allowed AT
Precision to expand into the roofing market with a
new range of roof laths and joists.
The EcoLath range is also made from 100% recycled
PVC-U thanks to the new in-house recycling scheme,
and according to AT Precision, offers several
advantages over traditional timber alternatives.
Sales Director Michael Hewitt said: “Our new
extrusion plant represents a pivotal moment for
AT Precision.
The UK’s first practical training centre for the
fire door industry has been officially opened
in Bury, Greater Manchester.
The purpose-built 3,000ft 2 academy has been
launched by Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) to
raise industry safety standards. Comprising
various fire doors and components from a range of
manufacturers, the facility will provide spaces for
both hands-on training and theory-based learning.
Accredited by GQA Qualifications, the awarding
body for specialist and occupational roles, the
academy will offer a variety of courses. The first to
launch will be a fire door inspector course, followed
by a course centred on fire door maintenance, and
another focusing on fire door installation.
As well as ensuring compliance with the latest
fire safety regulations, the accredited training will
respond to the Hackitt report’s recommendations
following the Grenfell Tower fire. A variety of fire
“By combining cutting-edge technology with a
deep commitment to sustainability, we empower
fabricators to offer superior solutions while
minimising their environmental impact. Together,
the production of RTR bars and the extrusion of
our EcoLath range of roof laths and joists set a
new standard for performance and responsibility
within the industry.” www.atprecision.co.uk
FDM OPENS 1ST FIRE DOOR TRAINING CENTRE
safety awareness courses will also be on offer for
anyone wishing to learn about the latest legislation
and how to raise safety standards.
Owned by UAP, FDM is led by former business
consultant, Nicola John, who has two decades
of experience in the door manufacturing and
construction industry.
Nicola said: “The Training Academy is the first
to offer practical fire door training in the largest
centre of its kind. The Hackitt report underlined the
importance of the ‘golden thread’ and this is at the
centre of our specialist training.”
fdmltd.co.uk/training-academy
6 TF MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
FMB HAILS BUDGET A
‘MISSED OPPORTUNITY’
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB)
says the recent Budget was a missed
opportunity to build new homes, and
improve the ones we have to make them
more energy efficient and stimulate
economic growth.
Brian Berry Chief Executive of the FMB, said:
“The Budget could have been an opportunity
to kickstart the housing market with house
building rates stagnant, but the Chancellor has
done nothing. It was also disappointing there
were no new measures to help homeowners
improve the energy efficiency of their homes.
This was an opportunity to reform the planning
system, boost local authority planning teams’
capacities, and review the financial burdens
the planning system places on smaller house
builders, but again these much-needed
reforms have been overlooked.
Berry continued: “The Chancellor could have
helped to close the construction skills gap
ensuring the UK has the workers with the
green skills needed to retrofit the UK’s homes,
and provided support to help small builders
deal with the administrative burden of training
apprentices. All these areas could have grown
the economy, instead builders got left behind –
this Budget was a missed opportunity.”
Berry concluded: “The Chancellor’s
announcement to increase the VAT threshold
for small businesses from £85,000 to £90,000
is welcome, but the rate has been frozen for
seven years so in real terms it makes little
difference.” www.fmb.org.uk
FMB’s Brian Berry
8 HOUSEBUILDERS UNDER CMA SCRUTINY
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA)
has launched an investigation into suspected
breaches of competition law by eight
housebuilders.
The announcement comes on the back of the
publication of the CMA’s final report on the
housebuilding market in Great Britain, which
found that the ‘complex and unpredictable’
planning system, together with ‘the limitations of
speculative private development’, is responsible
for the persistent under delivery of new homes.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said:
“The CMA has opened a new investigation into
the suspected sharing of commercially sensitive
information by housebuilders which could be
The eight housebuilders whose activities are being
influencing the build-out of sites and the prices of
investigated are Barratt Developments, Bellway,
new homes.
The Berkeley Group, Bloor Homes, Persimmon,
While this issue is not one of the main drivers of Redrow, Taylor Wimpey and Vistry Group.
the problems we’ve highlighted in our report, it is
At the time of Total Fabricator going to press,
important we tackle anti-competitive behaviour if
the CMA had not reached any conclusions as to
we find it.”
whether or not competition law has been infringed.
FABRICATOR INVESTS £4OOK IN SOLAR PANELS
Sternfenster has invested £400K in
photovoltaic panels that will provide more
than a fifth of the energy that the Lincolnbased
trade fabricator consumes.
The new PV array is estimated to produce
490,000kWh per year, offsetting 115,000kg of
carbon in the process.
Managing Director, Mike Parczuk, said: “This is
a major investment for us and it demonstrates
our ongoing commitment to reducing our impact
Before the new solar panels were installed,
on the environment. These new panels will join
Sternfenster measured its current impact on
the PV array we already have in operation, and
the environment. It found that: 100% of its
together they will produce around one third of all
manufacturing waste is recycled; 100% of
our electricity needs.
post-consumer waste is recycled; 24% of its
“To put our new investment into context, it is aluminium used is from recycled aluminium; 20%
the equivalent of planting 11.5K trees, or driving of its current fleet is electric; and it had made a
852,000 fewer miles per year in your average 7% overall reduction in carbon emissions in 2022.
family saloon.”
www.sternfenster.com
Richard
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 TF 7

News Roundup
CHARITY CHALLENGE
NEW CARBON LEVY TO IMPACT ALI SECTOR
Sheerline is highlighting the Government’s
plans to introduce a Carbon Levy, which it
says has ‘big implications’ for importers of
carbon-intensive products like aluminium.
Reports in December 2023 suggested the Carbon
Levy may come into effect by 2027, with many
systems companies around the UK ‘scrambling to
get themselves ready’, according to Sheerline.
WarmCore’s Andrew Charlesworth is raising money for
Harry’s Pals, a charity named after his own son, Harry
This September, Andrew Charlesworth,
Global Director of WarmCore, will be
taking on a momentous challenge
as he sets about scaling the highest
freestanding mountain in the world -
Mount Kilimanjaro.
Dad of three Andrew, 43, will start his ascent
up the mountain in September 2024 to raise
money for two charities; Kelly’s Heroes, a
mental health support charity, and Harry’s
Pals, a charity that provides emotional support
to parents of severely ill or disabled children.
Having found out about the incredible work
that climb organisers Kelly’s Heroes do,
Andrew was keen to get involved, with one
ask, that he could also fundraise for another
charity too: Harry’s Pals, so named after his
little boy Harry, eight, who is severely disabled.
Set up by Hayley, Andrew’s wife, Harry’s
Pals provides free counselling and therapy
sessions, as well as short breaks to
help families across the country who are
struggling as they grapple with the emotional,
practical, and physical implications of their
child’s diagnosis.
To support Andrew, go to www.justgiving.com/
fundraising/andrew-charlesworth-page
or scan the QR code below.
www.harryspals.org
www.kellys-heroes.co.uk
In terms of aluminium, Sheerline says not just
large manufacturers but businesses of all sizes
could potentially be affected, and is urging
fabricators within the fenestration industry to
‘review their suppliers ahead of time to avoid
increased costs’.
Imported aluminium looks set to be hit with
an additional charge through the Carbon Levy
– costs that systems companies who rely on
overseas supply will look to their fabricators to
cover, according to Sheerline.
Ross Hartshorn, Technical Production Director at
Sheerline, commented: “Sheerline is ready for
the future, but many manufacturers will struggle
UAP, the specialist in locks and hardware
for doors and windows, has expanded into a
new 120,000ft² headquarter building in Bury,
Greater Manchester.
The £750,000 investment has seen UAP relocate
from sites in Radcliffe and Whitefield, bringing all
its processes under one roof. As well as improving
efficiency and connectivity between departments,
the Orbital 60 building in Dumers Lane has more
than doubled UAP’s stockholding capacity.
Order fulfilment for all seven UAP brands has
been streamlined through specialised racking as
well as new picking systems and software. The
building also houses the company’s production
lines, testing centres, and training facilities.
The move follows a year which has seen UAP’s
overall business grow by more than 50%.
Strategic acquisitions with Maher London and
Security Hardware helped to fuel this expansion.
in the coming months and years because the
Carbon Levy has the potential to shake up the
UK aluminium market, which extends to the
fenestration industry.
“Our priority is ensuring our fabricators know that
when they choose Sheerline, they’re choosing
simplicity. We are a one-stop supplier of wholehouse
premium aluminium solutions that are
designed, extruded, moulded, painted, and
assembled in-house. We’re the obvious choice
for fabricators who want to embrace simplicity,”
he added.
For more information email info@sheerline.com
UAP EXPANDS INTO NEW 120,000FT² HQ
UAP also invested in two new businesses in 2023
– Fire Door Maintenance (FDM) and Armadillo
Metal Coatings. Both are located at the new site,
including FDM’s 3,000ft² Training Academy.
A total of 80 employees are based at Orbital 60
with teams at Security Hardware and Locking
Systems remaining at their existing locations in
the West Midlands and Tyne & Wear respectively.
uapcorporate.com
8 TF MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk
£9K RAISED FOR GMF NET ZERO REFURB FEATURES METAL TECHNOLOGY
Manufacturer Quickslide has made a
substantial donation of £9,289 to GM
Fundraising, following the company’s
latest fundraising efforts. The money was
raised from a combination of Christmas
parties and raffles.
Adrian Barraclough, Chairman of Quickslide,
said: “At the heart of Quickslide is people,
whether that’s our fantastic team, customers,
or suppliers. That is why supporting charitable
causes and people less fortunate than us
has always felt like a natural extension of the
business.
“We’re always proud to support Gary [Morton]
and the great charitable work he does, and
we all had a great time raising money across
two Christmas parties and our raffles. Our
annual Christmas celebrations exemplify
our commitment not only to fostering strong
relationships, but also to making a positive
impact beyond business boundaries. Prizes
for the raffles were completely varied from
pot noodles to premium hospitality tickets to
Arsenal, but everyone dug deep and proved
themselves to be wholeheartedly generous
once again.
Metal Technology’s glazing systems have been
used for the striking commercial development,
1000 Aztec West, a £17m remodelling and
refurbishment of a 1980’s two-storey office
building in Bristol.
Designed by Scott Brownrigg Architects and
delivered by Beard for property group CEG, the
project is the South West’s first net zero carbon
out-of-town development.
With a BREEAM Excellent rating, the all-electric
building is powered by renewable energy and
boasts energy-efficient heating, cooling and
lighting systems.
The design required extensions to the existing
floorplates, the addition of a new floor and a
striking three-storey atrium to the centre of the
new, all-glass structure which has expanded the
building from 38,000 to 80,000ft 2 .
Located close to Aztec Lake, the building
incorporates a state-of-the-art gym and a cafe,
as well as places to eat, meet, drink and work.
The South East / West and the North East /
West façades feature two of Metal Technology’s
curtain walling products – System 17 SP (Silicone
Pointed) and System 17 Capped. The concave
façade, featuring the SP curtain walling, leads
to the feature atrium area. The façade utilizes a
range of extended feature caps to the transoms,
creating a striking architectural vista. Metal
Technology’s System 5-20D Hi+ thermally
enhanced doors were also installed.
metaltechnology.com
REYNAERS’ SUSTAINABILITY GOALS APPROVED
“Special thanks must go to Regency Glass
who donated an incredible £5,000, and to
our amazing suppliers and customers who
donated prizes.”
On receiving the cheque from Quickslide, Gary
Morton of GM Fundraising, said: “A huge thank
you to Adrian and the team at Quickslide for this
magnificent gesture. Adrian and Quickslide are
long term supporters of GM Fundraising and never
cease to amaze me with their efforts to support
the kids at Hope House Children’s Hospices.”
www.quickslide.co.uk
Reynaers Aluminium’s global emission
reduction targets have officially been validated
by the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi).
The climate action organisation has confirmed
that both the company’s 2019 baseline targets,
as well as its ambitious 2030 goals, meet
the strict standards and have been approved
following a 15-month process.
Reynaers Group’s sustainability goals are among
the most ambitious targets within the SBTi
programme and include reducing scope one and
two ‘direct’ carbon emissions by 46.2%, and
scope three ‘indirect’ carbon emissions by 55%
per tonne of product by 2030, starting from a
baseline of 2019.
The Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) is an
environmental partnership between the WWF and
the United Nations that sets emission reduction
Richard Hall
targets for businesses all over the world to
support companies with clear-cut, science-based
goals that help them operate more sustainably.
Richard Hall, Managing Director of Reynaers
Aluminium UK, said: “Reynaers is committed to
taking action to support climate change targets,
not just talk about them, and having our targets
validated by the SBTi clearly demonstrates our
determination to achieve real, quantifiable change
in our operations. www.reynaers.co.uk
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 TF 9

The Business Pilot Barometer
SALES CONTINUE TO RISE
Many are expecting a ‘difficult year’ but Neil Cooper-Smith, Senior Analyst at Business Pilot,
reveals the retail stats, so far, look more encouraging...
Average sales increased again in February.
It may have only been by 1.2% to 59.1,
but it demonstrates that the big leap in
January wasn’t a one-off. It is also worth noting
that this figure is 25.7% higher than the same
period last year.
Leads have fallen back marginally – down 9.9%
to 126 – but they are still 15.8% higher than the
same period a year ago.
In most years we see both average sales and
average leads drop back in February, most likely
because January is a correction following a quiet
December. Only in 2021 did we see both sets of
figures increase in February, and that was when
demand went through the roof following Covid.
This year, many people are expecting a difficult
year, but so far this isn’t reflected in the data –
especially from a retail point of view.
Interesting picture
When we take the other metrics into account, an
interesting picture starts to emerge. Remember,
when looking at this data, that the current mood
music is one of negativity and concern that 2024
is going to be a tricky year.
First of all, the average order value for February
2024 fell by 3% to £3,054. And this figure is
34% lower than the same period last year –
which itself was actually a small increase on the
previous month.
But this time last year was characterised by a fall
in demand in the volume market, which is why we
saw average order values remain high. The fact
they are lower this year – and currently falling
month on month – suggests that either demand
is driven by distress purchases, or the volume
market is picking up.
The fact that average leads are considerably higher
this year makes me think that it is the latter.
I can understand why some people are jumpy
when we continue to see companies enter
administration. Take fabricator Euramax for
example, which manufactures and supplies
PVC-U windows and doors for sectors including
modular construction, leisure and DIY.
It entered administration following the collapse
of a major customer, and reports reveal that
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.
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
profitability had dropped considerably since the
beginning of 2020; for the year ending June 30,
2022, it reported a turnover of £26.5 million, with
pre-tax profits of £129,000. That’s a profitability
of less than 0.5%.
Cash is king
There have been – and will be – others. Euramax
isn’t the best example, because they are a
commercial fabricator, but it does serve to remind
us that we all need to keep an eye on profitability,
and that cash is king.
If we learned anything from the aftermath of Covid,
it was that fantastic sales can often mask poor
profitability, especially as the cost of raw materials
rise. We know that if business leaders don’t keep a
constant eye on this, then it could spell trouble.
But Business Pilot can give you the numbers you
need to keep on top of your business, so there is no
excuse to be in the dark.
www.businesspilot.co.uk/barometer
10 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Market leading System
10-35 Commercial Door
and Framing goes from
strength to strength
Metal Technology’s
System 10-35 Hi / Hi+ Commercial Door
and Framing has been recently enhanced to include:
New structural mullions
Auto door profiles
New concealed closer options
for wider and heavier doors
New Mag and electric lock
solutions to suit standard and
PAS24 security applications
New rebated door option for anti-finger
trap stiles as well as additional pull
handle and threshold variants.
These are already in stock and on LogiKal.
PAS 24
Security
Tested
U values
as low as
1.0W/m2K
Multi-Point
Locking +
Mag Locks
Panic Exit
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Business Focus
DOORCO EXPANDS UK OPERATIONS
In its latest, and potentially biggest move yet, composite door company DoorCo has
unveiled plans to open a new manufacturing factory in Thorne. Total Fabricator caught
up with Head of Operations, Mark Towers, to discuss the new facility.
It’s great to end Q1 of the new year with a
big announcement: the expansion of our UK
operations with a brand-new facility in the
industrial town of Thorne, Doncaster.
Establishing this new site has been a project
I have been focused on for a while behind the
scenes, so I’m delighted to finally share our latest
and probably biggest growth news yet. The new
facility represents significant investment. It will
be the home of DoorCo Manufacturing, a new
arm to the business that will work alongside
our overseas partners in the production of our
growing composite door portfolio.
The site offers us an additional 20,000ft 2 (with
an additional 60,000ft 2 to grow into) to develop a
UK-based DoorCo Manufacturing operation. The
expansion is a natural progression for DoorCo
enabling us to grow, gain more control of our
manufacturing processes here and create more
space for innovation.
A space to create
DoorCo is well-known for leading the way
with innovation and it’s something we remain
passionate about and fully committed to
continuing. In fact, we want to do more, and
this new facility will give us greater flexibility to
create, test and trial more products right here in
the UK.
Doubling as both a manufacturing factory and
R&D space, this new facility allows us to have a
UK-based location to produce new products on a
full-time basis whilst also testing new concepts
and working on bespoke projects with both our
customers and for the benefit of the wider market.
The home of a new brand
One of the most exciting parts of the news is that
the DoorCo Manufacturing space will become the
home of a new brand, which is yet to be released.
We’re the proud owners of Original, Gripcore and
Flip but we knew there was an obvious opening
for the addition of a new product. We’re in the
Right: Mark Towers
“This new facility allows us to have a
UK-based location to produce new
products whilst also testing new concepts”
final stages of bringing this to market now and it
is due to go into full production this Spring.
An opportunity to recruit
Of course, no new facility is complete without
a team dedicated to running it. Opening a new
facility in a new location means we are able to
provide the area with job opportunities and grow
one of our best assets, our team.
We’re proud to be one of Macclesfield’s largest
employers and have put a lot of work into the
packages we offer our staff, so it’s great to be
able to now expand our reach into a new area.
We’ve hired for a number of positions including
Production Operatives and management roles,
and it’s exciting to have fresh new faces in the
business to help us progress this new step in
our journey, alongside some key members of our
Macclesfield team who are also supporting in
getting our new endeavour off the ground.
Our HR team is working closely with our new
team members to fully integrate them into the
world of DoorCo and ensure they feel part of our
core team, as any member of our Macclesfield
base does.
A message from Dan
Commenting on the opening of the new space,
DoorCo’s Managing Director, Dan Sullivan, says:
“We’re really pleased to see the Doncaster facility
coming together now and are nearly ready to
start production.
“We’re passionate about innovation and having a
space in the UK where we can research, develop,
test and create is such a great next step for us.
We’re excited to welcome the new team members
who are helping us bring this exciting new project
to life and to see the new brand in production in
the space very soon.”
Contact DoorCo:
01625 428955
trade.door-co.com
12 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Advertorial
UL SOLUTIONS TELFORD CENTRE
HELPS REDUCE TIME TO MARKET
Mike Wass, business manager with the Built Environment group at UL Solutions,
explains how the Telford testing facility can help door and window manufacturers get
products tested and certified in as little as four weeks.
Testing construction products in the United
Kingdom (U.K.) has proved challenging
for many years. The introduction of the
U.K. Conformity Assessed (UKCA) marking, the
uncertainty that came with it and an evolving
regulatory landscape alongside routine testing needs
have caused an influx in demand that saw some
manufacturers waiting months to get a testing slot.
UL Solutions opened its newest testing laboratory
at its Telford centre in the U.K. to provide a single
location for door, window, hardware and building
envelope system manufacturers and to help relieve
the backlog. U.K. Accreditation Service (UKAS)-
accredited test and third-party certification
facilities provide mechanical testing and
certification for physical security, durability and
performance of doors, windows and hardware.
Furnished with state-of-the-art testing equipment,
the Telford facility can accommodate a variety of
window and door configurations, testing to a range
of industry-recognised standards, including PAS
24: 2022 and the BS 6375 series.
In some cases, the experts at the Telford
laboratory can do single tests for PAS 24,
enhanced security performance requirements for
doorsets and windows in the U.K., and BS 6375
Part 1, Performance of Windows and Doors –
Classification for Weathertightness and Guidance
on Selection and Specification, in as little as two
weeks. The resulting reports are also available
within two weeks of testing.
Secured by Design
For manufacturers wanting to enter the U.K.
market, verifying performance through independent
assessment proves that both products and
procedures meet accepted performance standards.
The new UL Solutions testing laboratory in Telford
Accreditation looks beyond just the products
for the police-backed Secured by Design (SBD)
scheme. This is where the vital third-party
certification element comes into the equation.
UL Solutions’ approach to PAS 24, which can
help demonstrate that a product meets SBD
requirements and the relevant fit-for-purpose
standards, is not just about mechanical and
manual checks on the product; it also involves
scrutinising the factory and manufacturing
processes.
If the product meets requirements, UL Solutions
will issue a certificate allowing the manufacturer
to promote the product as certified to PAS 24. The
product then undergoes annual audits thereafter
to confirm that it meets the requirements and to
demonstrate that its compliance was not incidental.
Trusted partner
Manufacturers working with UL Solutions can
access safety science expertise with global safety
and testing knowledge. UL Solutions serves as
a trusted partner to global businesses, helping
them demonstrate compliance in the U.K. market.
For example, Schüco UK, a global manufacturer
of aluminium and steel window, door and façade
systems, has been utilising the facilities at Telford
as part of its ongoing testing procedures.
“At Schüco UK, we take huge pride in the testing
and certification of our products that support our
partners and end users,” said Paul Feldwick,
product manager for steel systems, fire and
security, testing and certification at Schüco UK.
“Given the size of our product portfolio and
the rapidly changing marketplace we operate
in, the positive ‘can do’ attitude, coupled with
their commitment to quality, were key for us in
selecting UL Solutions as our testing provider,”
Feldwick continued.
For more information or to book a test, contact
the UL Solutions team at Telford:
• Steve Bramhill (steve.bramhill@UL.com,
07985 302272)
• Callum Richards (callum.richards@UL.com,
07789 498 224)
For additional information about UL Solutions
services in the U.K., please visit uk.UL.com
14 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Brand Spotlight
SYSTEMS
A 'PIVOTAL' YEAR FOR WARMCORE
With strong investment in its Huthwaite site paying off, systems supplier Profine UK is set
for sales of its brands to increase in 2024, with a renewed focus on the WarmCore product
range and a new partner programme at the heart of its progress. Total Fabricator reports...
Since acquiring the former Synseal
manufacturing facility at Huthwaite,
Nottinghamshire, in 2020, Profine UK,
owner of the Kömmerling brand, has invested
extensively in people, products and processes.
With a multi-million investment programme
helping to transform the site into what the systems
supplier describes as a ‘world-class’ manufacturing
facility, Profine predicts export sales of its brands,
including Kömmerling’s 70mm PVC-U systems and
the aluminium/PVC-U hybrid WarmCore, to grow
considerably over the next five years.
WarmCore
Andrew Charlesworth, the previous Technical
Director for Kömmerling in the UK, has been
promoted to the new role of Director Global
Category Management – WarmCore, as the
brand looks to ramp-up interest from its existing
customers, while also extending its reach to the
wider aluminium sector.
Andrew said: “This is a hugely exciting and
important role for Kömmerling and Profine.
While I will have an international perspective for
WarmCore, I do believe that 2024 will be pivotal
for this product platform in the UK.”
Designed to accommodate triple glazing from the
outset, WarmCore windows can achieve
1.3 (W/m 2 K) double glazed and down to
0.80 (W/m 2 K) triple glazed as standard with 44mm
units.
Featuring casement, flush and tilt and turn windows,
along with ‘feature-rich’ patio and bi-folding doors
that also provide impressive thermal insulating
properties, the WarmCore product offer is supported
by a new range of literature, with POS materials
‘to follow imminently’. A new website is being
built for WarmCore and there will be a dedicated
social media platform launched at Fensterbau
too. From a UK perspective, there will also be
an integrated advertising and direct marketing
campaign commencing from March onwards.
Kömmerling At Home
With a newly opened Design Centre, used to host
visits from Kömmerling’s customers, prospects
and business associates a stand-out feature of
the Huthwaite facility, another key development
aimed at manufacturers, installers and other
businesses within the supply chain, is the launch
of partner programme, Kömmerling At Home.
Comprised of elements including a digital hub for
marketing and technical assistance, industryrelated
news, and information on Kömmerling’s
extensive product range, the Kömmerling At Home
Training Academy is another stand-out feature,
offering certified online training, free online
coaching webinars and access to an enquiry
forum offering expert advice.
Kevin Warner, Sales and Marketing Director
of Profine UK and Kömmerling, explained:
Contact Kömmerling:
01623 579600
Andrew Charlesworth has been promoted
to the new role of Director Global Category
Management – WarmCore
“While I will have an international perspective
for WarmCore, I do believe that 2024 will be
pivotal for this product platform in the UK”
“Kömmerling At Home has been part of our
strategic vision for the last 12 months with the
view to gaining strong insights into our complete
supply chain. It is important that Kömmerling
products stand out for our customers and meet
their needs and the high expectations from
consumers of what to expect from a global brand.’
‘Fantastic benefits’
Robert Thiroff, Managing Director of Profine UK
and Kömmerling, added: “We created a detailed
plan of investment here in Huthwaite from the
very start of the acquisition with a clear vision of
how we wanted the business to grow. Creating
stronger relations with our supply chain partners
through Kömmerling At Home and being able to
provide an avenue where we sell UK designed
products, such as WarmCore, globally will bring
fantastic benefits.”
www.kommerling.co.uk
16 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Aluminium
SYSTEMS
A RAINBOW OF COLOUR OPTIONS
Grey is said to be the new black when it comes to aluminium windows and doors, but more
colours are available for those looking for further choice according to Andrew Cross,
Marketing Manager at Kestrel Aluminium Systems...
Once upon a time most domestic windows
and doors in the UK were either black or
white. These neutral colours fit with any
style of property and fabricators and installers
would offer them as standard, with customers
rarely suggesting, or perhaps even being aware
of, any other choices.
But times have changed and as aluminium
frames have become increasingly popular in the
UK compared to other materials, so have the
wider range of colours that aluminium frames
make easy to provide.
Grey has become the new black (or white) when
it comes to aluminium frames. This colour was
originally made popular by the huge influx of bi-fold
door installations we have seen in recent years,
as homeowners looked to improve their homes
and ‘bring the outdoors in’ to make the most of the
spring and summer sunshine. Then, once the grey
doors were in situ, homeowners began looking to
add grey windows so that everything would match
on the façade of their home.
Over-sold
Anthracite grey is the colour most often seen on
new window and door systems, but the market is
now starting to question whether this colour may
have been over-sold, with people looking for other
colour options to help their properties stand out
from the crowd.
There are, in fact, many different colours that
property owners can choose. One of the benefits
of aluminium as a material is that it is easy
to finish with any RAL colour that the specifier
chooses. RAL is a colour matching system that
defines colours for paints, coatings and plastics
dating back to 1927. The benefit of RAL colours
“Aluminium is easy
to finish with any
RAL colour that the
specifier chooses”
is that each colour is given a specific number,
which is then used by manufacturers to ensure
that every product they make using that number
will have an exact colour match. When it was first
invented there were 40 RAL colours available,
but there are now more than 200 classic RAL
colours in many different hues. Any one of them
can be used to powder-coat an aluminium door
or window section – you’re not just limited to
traditional neutral colours.
Through Kestrel’s in-house powder-coating
facility you can specify aluminium windows
and doors in any of these RAL colours. Pastel
Green (RAL 6019) and Sage Green (RAL 180 60
20), for example, are wonderful colour choices
for traditional properties, as are the pastel
yellow colours that you may have seen on more
traditional cottages. Kestrel can also provide
frames in any RAL with a typical lead time of
five working days, so there is no need to delay a
project while waiting for the windows.
Powder-coating provides a long-lasting finish
that helps protect the aluminium frames for
many years. It also creates a strong protective
barrier against damage, scratches and chips
and helps the metal remain rust free. While
untreated aluminium won’t rust, exposure to
oxygen can cause it to oxidise and form a chalklike
substance on the frame, which the powdercoating
will prevent by sealing the aluminium
away from the open air.
The coating is applied by spraying polyesterbased,
coloured powder onto the aluminium
section using an electrostatic charge to ensure
the powder adheres to the aluminium. Then, the
product is heated to melt the powder and ensure
a smooth coating that is chemically adhered to
the aluminium. Once the system cools down, the
process is complete.
Qualicoat approved
Kestrel Powder Coating, sister company to Kestrel
Aluminium, provides powder-coating to the
relevant quality standard (BS EN 12206) and was
recently awarded a Qualicoat license.
Qualicoat is a global quality label organisation
committed to maintaining the quality of
lacquering, painting and coating on aluminium
and its alloys for architectural applications.
Receiving a Qualicoat coating applicator approved
license shows that Kestrel’s state-of-the-art
powder-coating plant offers fantastic customer
service, and uses only the highest-grade
polyester powder paints.
Contact Kestrel Aluminium Systems:
0121 333 3575
www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk
18 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Kubu
Kubu Smart Security
Your Front Door is Unlocked
Now
BEST COMPONENT
SUPPLIER ‘23
BEST NEW
PRODUCT ‘23
BEST WINDOW
COMPONENT ‘23
BEST DOOR
COMPONENT ‘23
BEST MARKETING
CAMPAIGN ‘22
Kubu is a multi-award winning range of high-security Smart
sensors that fit seamlessly into your doors and windows, and
integrates with other Smart Home devices to create a next
generation perimeter alarm system that is simple to fit, and
provides added value for the fabricator, installer or property
developer with virtually no additional cost.
To find out more about how working with Kubu can add value
to your business:
Visit: getkubu.com/trade or email: sales@getkubu.com
Be Sure It’s Secure, with Kubu

Spray Debate
SYSTEMS
IN-HOUSE VS OUTSOURCING
Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead, discusses the advantages
of taking full control of your painting requirements.
Vertical integration is a popular phrase in
manufacturing – fenestration included. By
bringing as many processes as possible inhouse,
it enables better control over production and
helps to control different stages along the supply
chain, instead of relying on external suppliers.
Many fabricators strive to achieve this through
the production of IGUs as well as their full range
of products, avoiding buying anything in and
ensuring consistent quality across the board.
However, when it comes to painting, this passion
for maintaining full control seems to fall by the
wayside, despite fabricators in foreign markets
and joiners in the timber window and door
market having done so as par for the course for
many years.
The colour of money
Colour is a rapidly growing market and with
consumers becoming ever more discerning and
demanding, this is only going to increase.
According to Tommy Trinder’s analysis of more
than 270,000 PVC-U casements quoted by
installers in 2022, only 59% were unfoiled.
The data also showed that an incredible 1,841
different colour combinations were quoted during
that period.
Homeowners are really switched on when it
comes to colour these days. They want something
unique, something that gives their property real
kerb appeal and sets it apart from the neighbours.
They’re tuned in to the latest trends and aspire
for Farrow & Ball-esque hues – a limited palette
just will not do.
It’s not possible for foiled options to meet
this demand. Not only would it be far too cost
prohibitive, but it would massively exacerbate
the issues fabricators already experience
with ever-challenging stock levels of coloured
profile. Minimum order quantities of special non
stock from syscos means potential wastage or
unnecessary stockholding.
Out of control
So, the simple solution for any jobs that require
a non-standard colour is to outsource to a
specialist paintshop. What’s the problem with
that? Well, where do I start…
Firstly, outsourcing painting will significantly
increase lead times on the products in question.
Then you’ve got the additional admin headache of
booking the jobs in, packaging them up, labelling
them correctly, and extra transport costs ferrying
them to and from the paintshop, increasing your
carbon footprint.
We all know the complications that this can
bring and how easily individual items can get
mislaid. For instance, a missing cill or threshold
would hold the job up even further – booking a
replacement to be cut and then sent out to be
painted again – all extra aggravation that should
be unnecessary.
However, the main disadvantage of outsourcing
is that loss of control. Loss of control over the
quality of finish, loss of control over the palette
of colours you can offer customers, and loss of
control over lead times.
Take back control
By setting up your own in-house paintshop,
you’ll regain control over all these elements of
your production. You’ll be able to achieve perfect
matching colours across each job, offer a wider
palette, cut unnecessary transportation and
admin, and integrate painting into your current
processes for maximum efficiency.
But it’s not that simple, I hear you cry! We’ll need
to hire experienced staff, we haven’t got the room,
the equipment is too expensive, we just haven’t
got the time to do it.
All fair points, but also not particularly accurate.
We remove the aggravation from the process of
taking painting in-house. We can educate your team
and guide you through with minimal disruption.
A spray booth can be set up in a relatively small
area and for as little as £10k, enabling you to
make a ROI in a short period of time.
We’ll give full support to your project manager
and help to plan how you can facilitate it in your
premises, also providing full ongoing assistance
and maintenance.
We will teach your staff all the skills they’ll need
to operate the spraying booth at our own training
centre, and our online ordering system has been
specifically designed to take the hassle out of
replenishing stock. We’ve also got two trade
counters, located in Manchester and Kent.
If you want more information on how to bring
painting in-house and take control of another
element of your production, then get in touch
(sales@regalead.co.uk) – we’ll be happy to
paint you a picture of just how easy it is.
Contact RegaLead:
0161 946 1164
www.regalead.com
20 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

CREATE
THE HERITAGE
LOOK
with Urban Bar,
the clip-on aluminium
astragal bar solution.
Urban Bar is the latest innovation from RegaLead
and is designed to offer Aluminium fabricators a
cost effective, high performance solution for
creating the ‘steel heritage look’.
• Simple to apply
• Cost effective solution
• Clip system ensures no more bars
falling off
• Available in a wide range of colours
and foil finishes
For more information and to
order a sample pack, contact
Ella 0161 946 1164 or scan
the QR code:
RegaLead Limited
Columbus House I Altrincham Road I Sharston I Manchester I M22 9AF
Tel 0I6I 946 1164 I Fax 0161 946 1033 I Email sales@regalead.co.uk
Urban Bar is a division of RegaLead Limited

Updates
25 YEARS OF QUALICOAT APPROVAL FOR VERTIK-AL
Vertik-Al, the UK-based independent powder-coater, is celebrating 25 years as a Qualicoat approved coating
applicator after successfully passing its latest third-party inspection.
The Birmingham-based business was awarded the quality label in January proving conformity with Qualicoat 2024
specifications. It is also one of a handful of approved members to offer Qualicoat Seaside class powder coating, suitable for
exposed sites.
As the first Qualicoat UK and Ireland licensed applicator in 1999, Vertik-Al has helped set the standard for other coating
applicators and has raised awareness of the quality label amongst specifiers operating in a wide range of industries.
John Park-Davies, Group Managing Director at Vertik-Al, said: “In a challenging market such as now, this differentiates
us from competing businesses. It assures our existing customers that they are receiving the very best possible product and
service, and proves to new potential customers that we are a trusted and consistent supplier.” www.vertik-al.com
'TAKE CONTROL' OF ARCHED FRAME QUOTES
Arched and angled frame manufacturer, Premier Arches, has updated its online pricing and ordering
platform to allow customers to add their own logo and selling price to quotations for a more personal
and professional customer experience.
Through the platform, fabricators, installers and trade counters are able to price and order complex arched and
angled frames in a wide range of profile systems in a matter of seconds. They are also able to save their quotes and
view their orders through a unique portal on the Premier Arches website, taking full control of their ordering process.
The latest update also allows users to personalise their quotes by adding in their own logo, selling price,
colour scheme and quote footers, helping them deliver a more professional final document to their retail or trade
customers. www.premierarches.co.uk
NEW-BUILD OPPORTUNITIES WITH STELLAR ALUMINIUM
Specialist fabricator Capital Windows is leveraging the advantages of Stellar Aluminium from Epwin Window Systems
to advance its presence in the new-build sector.
Peter Adams, General Manager at Capital Windows, explained: “All Stellar windows and doors are compliant with Part L of the
building regulations, enabling us to provide customers with a complete new-build solution utilising a single aluminium system.
This simplifies the process and ensures consistent quality and aesthetic appeal throughout the entire construction project.”
Stellar’s windows and doors can achieve a U-value of 1.2 W/(m²K) with triple glazing, the regulatory standard for the newbuild
space. This includes the Stellar Flush Tilt & Turn Window, Flush Casement Window, Fully Flush Casement Window and
the Bay Window, as well as the Flush Residential Door, Flush French Doors, Lift & Slide Door, Slimline Bi-fold Door and the new
Stellar Inline Sliding Door. www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
SHEERLINE HELPS D&I WINDOWS 'GROW SUSTAINABLY'
D & I Windows has been announced as one of the latest companies to add Sheerline’s
premium aluminium range to its product offering.
The Barnsley-based fabricator and manufacturer pivoted from PVC-U to aluminium because of
rising costs and increased competition post-pandemic. Since deciding to fabricate Sheerline’s
versatile whole-house aluminium systems, D & I has gone from strength to strength, even launching
a new company called Radius Aluminium, which is dedicated to supporting trade customers.
The launch of the new trade business comes after a busy period, which has seen the company grow
and enabled business owners and directors, David Saxon and Ian Haddock, to achieve their goal of
creating a sustainable long-term business. www.sheerline.com
22 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SYSTEMS
Sheerline’s SheerVent roof vent is now exclusively available for S2 conservatory roofs,
alongside the company’s award winning S1 lantern.
With a ‘stylish’ ventilation option that integrates properly with the rest of the roof aesthetic,
Sheerline says SheerVent is ‘the perfect solution’ to the longstanding challenge of adding
reliable ventilation to glazed roofs, without creating weaknesses for water ingress. It
does this through an integrated muntin bar, and fitting directly into the ridge baffle, thus
eliminating the possibility of leaks. In addition, it offers thermal efficiency as it is fully
thermally broken using high-performance 24mm glazing, ideal for keeping conservatories
warmer in winter and cooler in summer. This system also utilises discreet light, wind and
rain sensors for comfort, additional convenience and peace of mind. info@sheerline.com
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
SHEERVENT NOW AVAILABLE FOR S2 GLAZED ROOFS
ALUNET FORGES KEY PARTNERSHIP IN NI
Aluminium systems supplier, Alunet Systems, has forged a strategic partnership with Northern Irish door and window
specialist, Malplas UPVC, marking a significant milestone in its growth strategy.
Ryan Mallon, Operations Manager for Malplas UPVC, said: “The training and the support we’ve received from the Alunet team
can’t be faulted. It was in early February that we were officially set-up with the new products, and already orders are flooding in.”
Mike Moulds, Key Account & Product Development Director of Alunet Systems, said: “The loyal customer base Malplas
UPVC has built speaks for itself. The team have earned their strong reputation through providing thorough, personalised
customer care that ensures efficient lead times and quality. At Alunet, we share a lot of these same values, so it’s really
exciting to partner with Malplas UPVC to provide the market in Northern Ireland with a dependable service and high-quality
products.” www.alunetsystems.co.uk
REYNAERS UPDATES KEY CURTAIN WALLING SYSTEMS
Kurt Greatrex (pictured) founded Dekko Window
Reynaers Aluminium UK has enhanced two of its key curtain walling systems, adding compatible components ‘to
support architects in enjoying design freedom’, and allowing it to respond faster to industry demands.
The latest update to Reynaers’ ConceptWall 50 (CW 50) and ConceptWall 60 (CW 60) curtain walling systems has seen
the components updated along with introducing the ability to use 60mm mullions with 50mm transoms to allow larger
transom spans in support of wider design capabilities. Both systems now use the same gaskets, screws, insulators,
glazing tables and glass supports, which will also help to support availability of parts during construction.
In addition to the component upgrade, Reynaers has increased the glass load capabilities and thermal efficiency of CW
60. Designed for the harsher environments high-rise buildings can face, CW 60 now offers a higher weight load of 530kg,
and thermal efficiency has also been improved. www.reynaers.co.uk
'LOOKS, VERSATILITY & 1ST CLASS ENERGY EFFICIENCY'
Stedek & The Residence Collection have helped a new-build development achieve outstanding
thermal efficiency.
71 Old Penk in Cannock, Staffordshire, consists of three high-tech, eco-friendly homes that have been
designed to be exceptionally sustainable. They incorporate solar panels, electric charging points, groundsource
heat pumps, and mechanical ventilation with heat recovery. Crucial to their fabric-first approach
to energy efficiency, however, were the windows, as Alex Page of Stedek explained: “To deliver the thermal
requirements the developers wanted, we provided 44mm triple glazed Residence 7 windows, capable of
achieving U-values of just 0.9. That’s the brilliance of The Residence Collection – the way it can balance
looks, versatility and first class energy efficiency.” www.stedek.co.uk
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 23

Aluminium Shopfronts,
Commercial Doors, Curtain Walling,
Windows, Glazed Roofing
We have all the sections you need

At Kestrel we understand the stress, financial and
otherwise, that comes from a missed deadline. That’s why
we pull out all the stops to provide a fast and reliable
supply of quality aluminium sections when you need them.
We supply a vast range of sections for the fabrication of
shopfront, commercial doors, curtain walling, windows,
and glazed roofs.
In addition, with our in-house powder coating facility
and transport fleet, we typically deliver with a
5 working day lead time.
For further information visit
www.kestrelaluminium.co.uk
or call 0121 333 3575.

The DoorCo Column
SPRING INTO THE NEW SEASON
With Spring on its way, we caught up with DoorCo Marketing Manager
Ellie Pool to explore the latest style trends...
Ellie Pool
With pops of colour, curved furniture and
quiet luxury set to be top interior trends
this Spring, we predict a rise in the use
of colour and statement design to set the tone of
the home from the entrance.
Old and new styles unite
As we enter a season of both tradition and new
beginnings, we’re excited to see both new and
old styles unite in popularity. As we’ve come to
know, the classics such as Carnoustie, Lytham
and Sunningdale will always remain popular, but
we can see that the response to our new designs
sets them in good stead.
Our new Eaton style delivers eight new traditional
styles, while our reinvented flush ¾ lite brings
with it five new contemporary designs. These two
“We predict a rise in
the use of colour and
statement design to set
the tone of the home
from the entrance”
slabs alone can bolster any composite door range
to feel vibrant and refreshed.
A pastel palette for Spring
With Easter upon us, we’ve started thinking
about the pastel shades in our range, which lend
themselves perfectly to the Spring season.
Pantone are leading the way with their Colour
of the Year featuring as ‘Peach Fuzz’, a perfect
pastel orange which has us anticipating the rise
of paler shades this year.
From neutrals such as Clotted Cream and Clay
to something a little more colourful such as Pale
Pink, Cotswold and Moonshine, our range of
premium paint shades has something to suit all
tastes during the warmer weathers.
Chartwell Green and Agate Grey, now a standard
colour in the most popular styles, are also
perfect nods to Easter from our standard range –
available on a seven-day lead time.
New glass for a new season
With some of our slow-selling glass styles being
discontinued on April 1st, we’re excited to see the
rise in popularity of our newly released designs.
From the bright colours of Jazz to the intricate
heart design of Blossom, our new designs have
something to suit every door design and can give
classic styles a whole new lease of life.
Upgrade to future-proofed engineering
On the theme of quiet luxury, an upgrade to our
newly-engineered Gripcore 2.0 slab is the perfect
choice. Future-proof engineering at its finest, the
latest version of Gripcore is made with a hybrid
timber foam core and features thin sheets of
aluminium to reduce moisture infiltration and
provide a stronger composition than ever before.
Encased in our signature GRP skins, Gripcore’s
premium core is a hidden secret that improves
thermal performance and provides a strong,
reliable entrance for years to come.
We’re excited to head into the new season and
see these trends come to life – will you be
updating your marketing to reflect the above?
Contact DoorCo:
01625 428955
trade.door-co.com
26 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

INTRODUCi NG
OUR NEW
DOOR STYLES
Discover our brand-new range of
door designs, brought to you from
our two new slabs, Eaton and the
redesigned flush ¾ lite.
Eaton
Including 4Grid and
Solid options
Knightsbridge
Including
Solid option
Tatton
Including 4Grid and
9Grid options
Gleneagles
Including 4Grid option
Enquire Today.
Email: info@door-co.com Call: 01625 428955
Web: www.trade.door-co.com
Oulton Kings Grove
Safety
Storage
Efficiency
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• Safer product handling
• Optimised production space
• Improved storage capacity
• Increased productivity & output
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To find out how Combilift can help you
unlock every inch of your storage space
combilift.com
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Updates
CLIMA63: 'COMPETITIVELY PRICED, THERMALLY EFFICIENT'
Hörmann Truedor has launched the Clima63 thermally efficient composite door, which is able to achieve a U-value of below 1 W/m 2 k, ‘fully
addressing the requirements of both the Future Homes Standard and consumers looking to make their
homes more energy efficient’.
Produced at the company’s IG Doors manufacturing plant in South Wales, Clima63 consists of a 63mm
insulated GRP door slab with a door frame featuring a thermally efficient reinforcement and a unique triple seal
system for added insulation. Triple glazed units which are fitted via a unique Hörmann Truedor cassette system
further aid thermal insulation, together with protecting against water ingress and improving sound insulation.
Gareth Burgess, Sales Manager for Hörmann Truedor, said: “With Hörmann Truedor being the only
manufacturer of composite doors to produce their own slab in the UK, customers can be assured of delivery security, an issue that is being highlighted by the
continued disruption to worldwide shipping in the Red Sea.” igdoors2023.co.uk/clima63-thermal-door-range
DYNAMIC INTRODUCES PATENT-PENDING 3D HINGE
Dynamic Hardware has launched the patent-pending Dynamic 3D Door Hinge for PVC-U door profiles.
The Dynamic 3D Door Hinge is part of Dynamic Hardware’s Premium Door Hardware Collection and features a
patent-pending ‘anti-lift’ security feature with a 2.5mm steel sash plate that gives enhanced product performance
and security. The outer packaging comes in various options designed to facilitate both high and low volume
assembly whilst minimising wasted labour and materials, all while considering the environmental impact.
It is non-handed and is available in 19mm and 22mm height options with a variety of hinge packers, as well as
a choice of colour options and painted finishes to make it suitable for all door colours and finishes. The hinge is
constructed from high-strength aluminium, zinc alloys, steel and 304 stainless steel to offer ‘superb’ durability
and product strength. dynamichardware.co.uk
NEW STELLAR INLINE SLIDING DOOR FROM EPWIN
Epwin Window Systems has launched the latest addition to its multi-award-winning
Stellar Aluminium range, the new Stellar Aluminium Inline Sliding Door.
With a slim aluminium profile and an interlock of just 35mm, each sash can be up to
1675mm wide, so there are fewer sashes and wider glazed expanses. And because the
outerframe seamlessly aligns with the sash, the door delivers a flush appearance that perfectly
suites with other products in the Stellar Aluminium range. It’s available in two, three, and fourpane
configurations with a maximum total width of 6500mm to cater to the largest of spaces.
Polyamide thermal breaks deliver a U-value of 1.4 W/m²K with 28mm double glazing, and as
low as 0.9 W/m²K with triple glazing. www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
'THE BEST POSSIBLE STABLE DOORS' FROM DOORCO
Composite door supplier DoorCo has launched a specially-designed stable door range, available in both the Original and
Gripcore brands, in response to customer desire for ‘a purpose-built door that delivers on both stability and design’.
Technical and Sales Manager, Ian Glenister, said: “Stable doors are a popular customer ask, but as with everything we do
at DoorCo, we wanted to supply a product that is fit for purpose and exceeds the quality of any other products available on
the market.
“The key with stable doors is to ensure the best possible stability and finish. The traditional method of creating stable
doors in the industry is to cut a standard foam filled slab in half, remove the foam and back fill with timber. This can cause
instability and for DoorCo, this just isn’t good enough. We have therefore re-innovated the composition of our standard Original
slab specifically to create the best possible stable doors.” trade.door-co.com
28 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Hurst says it is helping its customers meet the increased homeowner-demand for colour by investing in a new stateof-the-art
paint shop at its site in Hull.
The new £200k dedicated paint facility comprises of Downdraft preparation bench, bunded paint mixing room, fully enclosed
spray shop with forced air input system, dedicated ATEX-rated flash-off area, and a Schubox Catalytic IR drying system.
The new paint facility will give the door supplier greater control over the manufacturing process, while minimising error and
reducing lead times in the process.
Hurst surveyed its customer base at the start of 2024 to learn more about how the latest trends among door specifiers and
homeowners were feeding through to supply and installation. It found that 62% of respondents consider the appearance and
design of the door to be the most important factor in selling entrance doors. It also found that four in five respondents had seen
an increase in demand for bespoke colours. www.hurstdoors.co.uk
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
HURST'S BOLD INVESTMENT IN COLOUR CHOICE
DEMAND FOR FLUSH SEES NXT-GEN SALES SOAR
Distinction Doors reports that 2023 was ‘the best year yet’ for its nxt-gen door range, with prep sales
up 5% on the previous year and doubling since 2020. This success is attributed to ‘rising consumer
awareness and demand for flush products’.
“With many homeowners now choosing flush windows, they want the same look and feel from their entrance
door,” commented Distinction’s Emma Fowlds, Junior Marketing Manager. “With its exclusive flush-fitted beaded
system and moulding, our nxt-gen entrance doors meet that demand.”
With seven doors in the nxt-gen range, exclusive decorative glass choices and a bespoke colour palette with dualcolour
option, Distinction says there’s a style to suit any property, allowing those already supplying and fitting flush
windows to maximise sales opportunities with a complete suite of flush products. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
FIT IT FAST WITH ALUK'S QUIK
Kurt Greatrex
CLIP
(pictured)
BEAD
founded Dekko Window
FOR BI-FOLDS
AluK says fabricators and installers have yet another reason to choose its ‘tested, tried and trusted’
BSF70 bi-fold, with the launch of a brand new clip-in bead option.
AluK says its new Quik Clip bead takes just seconds to clip securely into place, with no need for force or
special tools, and it doesn’t impact on the sightlines of the door. A key benefit in terms of installation is
that Quik Clip works with a sliding gasket which can be fitted either by the fabricator in the factory or the
installer out on site. If the glass is out of tolerance, there is flexibility to replace the sliding gasket with a
standard wedge gasket, without needing to change the Quik Clip bead. It clips out just as easily as it clips in and there is no risk of damage to the glass.
Priced in line with the existing, standard AluK bead, AluK says the new Quik Clip bead represents ‘value for money, with no compromise on quality or
performance’. Visit glaze-tube.co.uk/aluk-quik-clip/ for a demo video. uk.aluk.com
ODL LAUNCHES NEW TRISYS MODERN FRAME SYSTEM
ODL Europe has launched its new Trisys Modern cassette, a contemporary design variation of its market-leading
Trisys three-piece frame system.
Bryan Bultema, Managing Director at ODL Europe, said: “The new Trisys Modern cassette is a sleek framing system
that combines the unique fitting properties of the original Trisys three-piece frame system with streamlined contemporary
styling that’s perfect for modern doors.”
The new cassette is offered in a range of sizes and colours including white, black and grey. The system utilises the
proven Trisys three-part framing system that saves time and improves manufacturing efficiencies. The outer frame and
inner cassette screw together, allowing the same system to be used for a wide range of door thicknesses, while the inner
frame snaps on for a uniformly ‘clean’ look. europe.odl.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 29

Exit Hardware
PANIC VS EMERGENCY EXIT HARDWARE:
WHERE, WHEN AND WHY?
Sue Corrick, of Allegion UK, explores the evolution of panic and emergency
exit hardware, examining the specification and installation points that
decision makers must consider throughout modern application.
Sue Corrick
The swift evacuation of a building and
its occupants is critical in an escape or
emergency situation. And for decades,
escape doors and exit hardware have been codependent
in their purpose of facilitating safe
egress when it matters most.
In fact, exit hardware has been providing users
with a safe means of escape since the early
20th century. Following a string of high-profile
disasters, including the infamous Iroquois Theatre
Fire in Chicago in 1903, the conditions of the
world’s built environment and its emergency exits
were more closely inspected as crucial elements
of public safety, in large part to The National Fire
Protection’s (NFPA) Life Safety Code in the US.
Incidentally, this period was a catalyst for change
in the exit device industry, with the world’s first
panic bar made available in an assortment of
configurations in 1908, courtesy of Von Duprin.
Today, the term ‘exit hardware’ is more
conventionally categorised as either panic
hardware or emergency exit hardware. With
distinguishing characteristics and features, both
categories of exit hardware provide users with
a safe means of escape, and both have come a
long way since their inception all those years ago.
As such, selecting the most suitable solutions can
be a challenge for modern projects and decision
makers are reminded to consider a number of key
factors.
“As with all other fire door hardware,
there is no one-size-fits-all solution where
exit hardware is concerned”
Distinctive door hardware
In a fire scenario, a building’s evacuation
methods must be as straightforward and defined
as possible. When a person reaches an exit door,
it is essential that the door can be operated with
ease, regardless of who is operating it and where
it is being used. While all exit hardware plays
an integral role in this process, decision makers
must consider a building’s type, application and
its occupation levels when selecting between
panic and emergency exit hardware, since there
are meaningful differences between the two.
Panic hardware, for example, is a type of exit
device that has been designed to provide safe
and effective escape through doorways with
minimum effort and without prior knowledge of
its operation. Panic hardware devices come in
the form of horizontal push or touch bars and
are commonly applied to outward opening doors
in public facing buildings or buildings with more
than 60 occupants, where they can be operated
by untrained people or members of the public,
ensuring safe and effective escape. As such,
panic device push and touch bars should be
installed to provide the maximum effective length,
but never less than 60% of the door leaf width,
as stipulated by BS EN 1125 and harmonised CE
and UKCA designated standards.
With its size, panic hardware is typically easier
to see and operate than some emergency exit
hardware devices. With this in mind, decision
makers should often choose to implement panic
hardware solutions in busy public spaces such
as hospitals, shops and places of entertainment
where usability is paramount. For spaces where
opening width is limited, a non-intrusive touch
bar can also be a practical option. Furthermore, in
cases where users may wish to gain access from
30 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
the outside of a door with a panic bar, an outside
access device can also be applied to maintain
equal levels of accessibility and security.
Emergency exit hardware is dissimilar in a few
areas. Typically smaller devices, emergency exit
hardware is often applied in buildings with less
than 60 occupants or non-public buildings,
where its users have prior knowledge of the
building’s layout, its escape routes and the exit
devices placed throughout them. Think office
spaces and warehouses for example. In design,
emergency exit devices commonly comprise of
a single push pad with a rim latch or a lever
handle operating a mortice escape lock or
nightlatch and allow for single action egress.
Where emergency exit hardware is applied, it
must be certified to BS EN 179.
Information is key
As per Approved Document B, all doors located on
an escape route must have suitable exit hardware
installed. And so, with varied solutions available,
specification teams must also consider the door
in which an exit device will be fitted. Will the
device be applied to single or double doors? What
are the height and width requirements? And does
the device need anti-thrust bolts for added levels
of security? Above all, does it meet the latest fire
safety standards?
If in doubt, decision makers are urged to select
door hardware devices that are tested to EN 1125
while referring to harmonised and designated
standards if they feel unsure. BS EN 1125 and
BS EN 179 standards provide important safety
and reliability details on panic hardware and
emergency exit devices respectively, reviewing
classification, product performance requirements,
test cycles and test methods as standard. For
traceability purposes, decision makers and endusers
can also review the UKCA and CE marks
on exit hardware to find its fire rating, certificate
numbers and the manufacturer’s details.
Typically, dependable devices will be
supplied with full product information from
the manufacturer – including Declaration of
Performance (DoP), Certifire certification and
product data sheets – showing that they comply
with the necessary harmonised standards. The
Code for Construction Product Information has
been designed to assist people in reviewing and
selecting door hardware solutions transparently
and can also be referred to for clear, accurate and
up-to-date product information, to ensure door
hardware solutions conform to the latest building
standards and UKCA and CE certifications.
Similarly, when it comes to installation, teams
are advised to use the support that’s made
available by manufacturers, in the form of helpful
online tools and product guides. This further
helps to ensure there are no oversights made
at the installation stage that could develop into
life-threatening issues later down the line. Under
current EN standards, it is also recommended
that all of a fire door’s hardware devices should
be supplied from the same manufacturer and
tested together to ensure the full doorset remains
compliant in application.
As with all other fire door hardware, there is no
one-size-fits-all solution where exit hardware is
concerned. Panic hardware and emergency exit
hardware play crucial but separate roles in a
building’s evacuation routes, and as such both
decision makers and end-users alike must be able
to distinguish between them both. After all, it could
make the difference when it comes to escape.
Contact Allegion UK:
0330 8080 617
www.allegion.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 31

Door Locking
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
'REDEFINING SECURITY,
FUNCTIONALITY AND STYLE'
Winkhaus UK details three new additions to its autoLock AV4 range ...
Winkhaus UK is delighted to
announce the expansion
of the autoLock AV4 range
with three variants: AV4 M4, AV4
Entry Guard, and AV4 U-rail. These
additions follow the successful launch
of AV4 and AV4 Heritage at FIT Show
2023 and continue to showcase the
company’s commitment to innovative
design, security and style.
1. AV4 M4 – fourfold security:
Elevating security standards, the AV4
M4 variant introduces a state-of-theart
four-hook version, providing users
with four automatic security locking
points and five including deadbolt.
This precision-engineered mechanism
enhances security and engagement,
redefining secure access for residential
and commercial properties.
2. AV4 Entry Guard – innovative
door chain alternative:
The AV4 Entry Guard variant offers a
revolutionary alternative to traditional
door chains. Designed to enhance the
appearance of modern doors, it sits
flush within the door frame, providing superior
security with an elegant touch for contemporary
door designs in both residential and commercial
applications.
3. AV4 U-rail – versatile compatibility for
aluminium systems:
Available throughout the AV4 range, this new
faceplate variant seamlessly integrates U-rail
and flat plate profiles to suit all major aluminium
system requirements.
Winkhaus UK is also introducing six new colour
options for the autoLock AV4 range, including
Graphite Black, Anthracite, Antique Brass, and
Bronze, providing customers with an exciting range
of options to enhance their door solutions. These
new colour finishes not only enhance the aesthetic
appeal but also showcase a commitment to style
without compromising on security.
Mike Rushen, Sales Director at Winkhaus UK,
expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “We are delighted
with the immediate success of AV4 and feedback we
are seeing from our customers and the market.
We feel AV4 is a game-changing product for
fabricators, installers, and end-users, with
these new variants and range of finishes further
widening its versatility.”
The AV4’s features include:
• Widest installation tolerances:
AV4 boasts the widest installation
tolerances to date in an autoLock,
ensuring adaptability to various door
configurations.
• Lowest required force to operate:
The AV4 series requires the lowest
force to operate, ensuring ease of use
without compromising on security.
• Non-handed for reduced
inventory: AV4 is designed as
non-handed, reducing inventory and
simplifying the procurement process.
• Optional day/night latch: The
AV4 series offers the flexibility of an
optional day/night latch, providing
additional flexibility for varying user
needs.
• Tested to and compliant with
industry standards: AV4 is rigorously
tested and compliant with the
requirements of PAS24 and Secured
by Design.
Winkhaus UK remains dedicated to
redefining industry standards, delivering innovative
security solutions that seamlessly blend with
modern living.
For detailed specifications, available colour
finishes, and more information on the autoLock
AV4 range and its new variants, please visit
www.winkhaus.co.uk/en/autolock-av4
Contact Winkhaus UK:
01536 316000
www.winkhaus.co.uk
32 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

autoLock AV4
The next generation of automatic door locking solutions
Introducing the new AV4 range of autoLocking solutions and the benefits they
provide for modern entrance doors including 2 hook, 4 hook, Heritage, Entry Guard
and U-rail variants.
Precision engineered and manufactured in Germany with reduced operational force
for ease of use, increased operational tolerances to eliminate issues with
doors that warp, non-handed to simplify your ordering and inventory
management, with the optional flexibility of day/night mode for
re-entry off a latch.
Precisely what you would expect from a Winkhaus door locking system.
For further information please visit winkhaus.co.uk
or contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk
Scan here for
more information
winkhaus.co.uk

Smart Technology
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
SMART SOLUTIONS FOR
TECH-SAVVY CUSTOMERS
With smart technology increasingly becoming a permanent fixture in many homes, Sumier
Foster-Shah, Smart Security Product & Customer Support Manager at ERA, discusses
demand for devices that combine ease of use with peace of mind in a fast-paced world.
From setting reminders and reducing energy
consumption, to playing music and securing
our homes, more and more homeowners
are looking to smart home technology to support
their busy, modern lives. Last year alone, the
global smart home security market was predicted
to increase by 10.8%, according to Meltwater’s
Digital 2023 report.
With many people switching on to just how
impactful the introduction of smart home
technology can be, and with AI and Matter set to
offer even more convenience for consumers over
the next few years, it makes sense that smartsavvy
customers will continue to look to technology
for convenience and security combined.
So, how can fabricators be prepared for this
and what can they offer to customers who value
maximum convenience and peace of mind?
How can smart home security solutions
offer convenience?
From same-day deliveries and automated
subscriptions, to biometric access to our
smartphones, today’s consumers are used
to getting what they want, when they want it.
This has been driven by evolving technologies
that provide customers with the capability of
accessing the things they need faster than ever
before. As such, all aspects of our lives are being
transformed by technology that can make even
the smallest tasks easier and more efficient.
ERA’s TouchKey solution is a good example
of innovation that offers users maximum
convenience, when it comes to the secure entry
and exit of the home.
The only system of its kind to offer five different
methods of entry, TouchKey is perfect for a
ERA’s TouchKey
homeowner who wants the freedom of choice
without compromising on security. Customers can
choose to unlock their door via fingerprint using
the latest in secure biometric technology, using
the ERA Smart Home app, geolocation, voice
activation, or manually by a hidden key override.
For added efficiency and convenience, 50
authorised fingerprints can be stored directly
into the handle, providing easy, fuss-free access
to a property for approved users. What’s more,
users won’t find themselves repeatedly trying to
gain access on rainy days because its advanced
biometric technology offers a waterproof sensor,
tested to IP66 – the highest rating for waterproof
protection.
For those who prefer to access their property
hands-free, personalised voice command and
geolocation technology can be used to open the
door securely when activated by a registered voice,
or when a recognised smartphone’s Bluetooth
connection is within range of the handle.
In addition, with use of ERA’s Smart Home app,
TouchKey can be unlocked with the simple touch
of the app screen. App e-keys can also be sent to
offer timed access to permitted individuals, such
as family, health care professionals or domestic
workers, without the hassle of having to drop off
a key or be home for their arrival.
What does this mean for security?
While convenience is important, security is the
primary consideration for customers when it
comes to investing in smart home solutions.
It is vital that convenience isn’t favoured over
ensuring customer peace of mind.
It is possible to achieve both in one solution,
as evidenced by ERA’s TouchKey, which has
been independently tested to BSI’s new Smart
Residential Locking Device standard – a standard
first developed in conjunction with ERA. This
standard combines both the BSI Internet of Things
(IoT) Kitemark with TS 621 for mechanical security
with smart locking, and independently certifies
that a smart locking device has undergone rigorous
penetration and vulnerability testing.
In addition, TouchKey has been awarded Secured
by Design’s (SBD) Secure Connected Device
accreditation, launched specifically for Internet of
Things (IoT) products.
Solutions like TouchKey certainly satisfy the
appetite of consumers who are looking for
convenience in their day to day lives, but who
also want to ensure that their security and peace
of mind isn’t sacrificed in order to gain efficiency.
In a modern world with advances in technology
happening constantly, homeowners can now enjoy
the latest in fuss-free entry solutions, whilst
maintaining a premium level of home security.
Contact ERA:
01922 490 000
www.eraeverywhere.com
34 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Iron Guard 3* Cylinder
Scan to View
the Iron Guard 3*
Cylinder Range
t 01733 393330 (Peterborough)
t 01236 721557 (Cumbernauld)
e sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk
www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
Aluminium Hardware PVCu Hardware Composite Door Hardware Tools & Consumables
HELPING YOU BRING THE HOMEOWNER’S WISH LIST TO LIFE
With a wide range of smooth-running hardware solutions for bi-folds and lift & slide doors
Bi-fold door hardware
Lift & slide door hardware
Member
NEXT DAY
DELIVERY
Call 01234 242724
E: sales@windowware.co.uk
W: windowware.co.uk

Updates
CUSTOMERS URGED TO 'GIVE NEW PORTAL A TRY'
Hardware manufacturer VBH has launched its new VBH24 Customer Portal.
The Portal builds on the success of the previous VBH online shop, but VBH says it offers users ‘a number of
very useful additional benefits’. As well as placing orders, VBH24 users can view and download supplementary
information including drawings, literature, guarantee information and safety data sheets through the Portal.
VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson said: “The new features have struck a chord with many people who were
previously not that keen on ‘online shopping’, with many additional customers now being willing to give it a go.
Once they see how convenient it is, and see some of the new features including order templates, cost centres,
item sharing and budgets, they quickly become VBH24 converts... I would urge anybody to try it. It really is a 24-
hour doorway to our stocks.”
For more information on VBH24 or to sign up for access, fill in a contact form at www.vbhgb24.com
UAP EXPANDS SLIM PULL HANDLE RANGE
UAP is bolstering its range of slim pull handles with new colour options for residential and commercial properties.
The first to launch is the Black Pull Handle. Made from marine-grade stainless steel and finished with a black powder coating, the
handle provides a contemporary appearance and exceptional durability. A further two handles are currently in development offering the
same qualities with either a granite or rose gold finish.
To enhance aesthetics, all slim handles in the range feature 32mm diameter bars, are available with matching accessories, and can be
paired with complementary hardware, including the Fullex Flexi Lock.
Each pull handle has two fixing points with an individual plate on each, and comes with an Allen key and two Allen bolts on the
upstands. To maximise flexibility, three methods can be used for installation – hidden fixings, bolt through and back to back. These
options also mean the door can be sent to site without the pull handle, preventing the risk of any damage in transit. uapcorporate.com
SECOND SILVER SCORE FOR MILA'S SUPASECURE
Mila says its fabricators now have even more choice when it comes to offering the ultimate in high-security stainless
steel door hardware.
The Mila SupaSecure TS007 two star escutcheon has achieved the same Silver grading in the Master Locksmith’s Sold
Secure attack test as the Mila SupaSecure door handle did just weeks earlier.
Mila’s Technical Director Strafford Cooke says it means fabricators can now offer the same level of reassurance to customers
on door security – whether they are pairing their 1 or 3 star cylinder with a handle or an escutcheon. He said: “The Sold Secure
attack test is more intense and more sustained than the PAS24 security test... “It’s so arduous that the received wisdom used
to be that the maximum rating achievable by door hardware was Bronze. Mila’s SupaSecure products have obviously changed
all that and we’re very proud to have raised the bar in this sector.” www.mila.co.uk/supa-escutcheons
MIGHTON TO SHOWCASE SMART INNOVATIONS
Mighton Products will be showcasing its range of traditional hardware solutions, as well as its next generation Avia
Secure smart products at Fensterbau Frontale.
For Mighton, it will be the perfect opportunity to showcase the Avia Secure family of smart enabled devices and to unveil
the multipoint, autolocking Avia Smart lock, alongside the new Avia USA Smart Deadbolt+.
Compatible with Apple’s HomeKit and HomeKeys technology, which means Apple users can operate the door lock remotely
or directly via any Apple device, the Avia Smart lock comes with Sold Secure and PAS24:2016 approval and has been
proven to be the most secure smart lock available. Designed and extensively tested for the ultra-secure Apple Operating
System, it has also been developed to work with ThreadNetwork, a wireless mesh networking system that ensures reliable
communication between connected devices in a home, even if certain devices go offline. www.mightonproducts.com
36 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Winkhaus, the specialist in window, door, and access technology, will
exhibit at Fensterbau Frontale under the slogan ‘Way too much to keep
under wraps’.
The company will be presenting trade visitors in Hall 4, Stand 4-243 with
a wide range of new product developments, digital services, and an eagerly
awaited ‘world premiere’.
Members of the Winkhaus UK team will be attending to support UK customers
and visitors. If you’re visiting or planning to visit Fensterbau Frontale and
would like to arrange a meeting, please contact marketing@winkhaus.co.uk
Winkhaus is also offering its customers the opportunity to grab free tickets for
the trade show, at events.winkhaus.com/messen/fensterbau-frontale
HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
WINKHAUS TO UNVEIL NEW INNOVATIONS AT FENSTERBAU
Show highlights:
• Innovations in window technology: In addition to the ‘world premiere’,
Winkhaus will be presenting numerous window technology innovations
which enhance security, increase fabricator productivity and functional
reliability for the user. Innovations include additions to the activPilot and
aluPilot hardware solutions.
• Innovations in motorised access control: Winkhaus is launching
the new generation of motorised security door locking systems:
blueMotion+, blueMatic EAV4 and blueMatic EAV4+. Convenience
is the highlight of the new blueMatic EAV4+ and blueMotion+ door
locking systems with the integration of Bluetooth and WLAN technology
enabling smartphone-controlled access through the Winkhaus
doorControl app, transforming smartphones into universal door openers.
• Innovations in mechanical access control: Winkhaus will also be
presenting a wide range of mechanical solutions with focus on the KeyOne
X-pert, keyTec N-tra/Ntra+ and keyTec VSX/VSX+ systems. Security
experts will be particularly interested in the reversible key system keyTec
Ntra+ as it offers elevated levels of security for medium to large locking
systems. The features include AZE protection, a technical copy protection
in the key that is interrogated in the cylinder core, six spring-loaded
tumblers and a third and second interrogator row.
www.winkhaus.co.uk/en
DEBAR FORGES STRATEGIC MIDDLE
Kurt Greatrex (pictured) founded
EAST
Dekko Window
PARTNERSHIP
Bi-fold hardware manufacturer, Debar, has partnered with Epsilon, provider of façade hardware and
engineering solutions, in a bid to expand its service offering overseas.
As part of this new joint venture, Dubai-based Epsilon will be promoting the Debar brand to the Middle
Eastern market and will also be stocking and supplying companies throughout the region with the renowned
DeWall System, originally launched by Debar in 2015. With specialist experience in the development of
bespoke bi-folding doors, Debar will also be working closely with Epsilon to introduce a brand-new heavy
duty system to the Middle East. As manufacturing larger systems is specific to the UK, the team at Debar will
be using their expertise to design a product that can accommodate the unique sizes required for the bigger
and more grandiose specifications commonly required in Dubai. www.debarhardware.com
VBH JOINS SECURED BY DESIGN
VBH, the hardware specialist behind the greenteQ hardware and furniture brand, has joined Secured
by Design (SBD).
SBD is owned by Police Crime Prevention Initiatives (Police CPI), part of the UK Police Service. Its aim is
to ‘design out crime’ through a number of prevention and reduction initiatives across the UK, including a
scheme to ensure the adoption of independently tested security hardware products on windows and doors
for new-build projects. At the time of VBH’s membership commencing, 32 products from the greenteQ
range and from selected VBH supplier partners have achieved Police Preferred Specification and appear
on VBH’s list of approved hardware. VBH advises that this number will grow steadily as more products are
developed and are independently tested to the relevant security standards. www.vbhgb.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 37

Marketing
FRESH SEASON, FRESH APPROACH
A great marketing strategy isn’t always about the next new idea. Here, Fiona Lund, MD
of Brouha Marketing, discusses the importance of measuring and adjusting your ongoing
strategy in order to keep things fresh – and offers some top tips to help you do this.
We are starting to see the first signs
of Spring and it’s a welcome sight.
Lighter mornings, crisp dry days and
the impending clock change are all helping lift
the spirits and fill us with renewed energy as we
head towards the more comfortable seasons.
The start of a new year is always a busy time
in our line of work, as it provides us with an
excellent opportunity to revitalise and reinvigorate
customer campaigns, and put in place new
strategies and plans for the year ahead. Of
course, if it isn’t broke, there’s not always the
need to fix it and we can take forward some of
the successes of the previous year, but ensuring
the marketing continues to align with the overall
business strategy is fundamental to its success.
Importantly though, you need to make sure you
review and evaluate your marketing approach as
a continual process. You might decide to switch
things up with each new year, giving things
time to build traction in that new arena, but it’s
important you monitor success and aren’t ever
afraid to alter your approach if things aren’t going
to plan. The key to good marketing is not to let it
get stale, so as well as planning a new strategy,
it’s just as important to plan to measure and
adjust that strategy as needed.
Tips for keeping your marketing fresh
Reassess your target market. What led you to
success in the past won’t necessarily continue
to do so going forward. Rethink your marketing
strategies and keep an eye on new trends and
audience changes.
The days of sending mass emails without
personalisation are in the past. Instead of
taking a blanket approach across your entire
customer base, think about breaking things down
and grouping customers together into smaller
lists with similarities and target the messages.
This drives a much higher engagement and is
worth the time it takes to create.
“The key to good marketing
is not to let it get stale”
Diversify your content. Think outside of the box!
Social media posts are a prime example of where
things can get stale, because the frequency of
the messaging is much higher. Try and mix it up
without just rehashing the same content – you
could go live for example and actually engage
in real time with your followers. Are there any
events or exhibitions relating to the work you do
coming up where you could suggest meeting up?
Competitions or requests for images of completed
works also prove popular and allow you to really
engage with your followers.
Use the latest tools, wisely. AI is a perfect
example of where you might think using the latest
marketing tools are the most effective marketing
strategy. But, like with everything, it’s the way
you use it that matters most. AI isn’t a way of
producing copywriting on the cheap, it’s best
placed for market research, data organisation and
review. It’s still important to keep things personal,
which is something AI can’t do.
Work as a combined sales and marketing
team. For so many years we have pushed the
importance of any marketing campaign aligning
with the sales team’s goals – we attend sales
team meetings for this very reason. It sounds
an obvious one and of course, driving sales isn’t
the only requirement of the marketing team, but
it still amazes us how many businesses have
regular sales team meetings and don’t have
their marketing teams involved. Having the two
disciplines working to support each other is a lot
more effective.
If now is the time for you to measure the success
of your current strategy and consider your
proposition, it’s also the perfect time to give your
marketing approach a Spring clean.
Contact Brouha, as specialists in marketing
and PR for the built environment, we’d be happy
to help.
Contact Brouha:
01672 514947
hello@brouhamarketing.com
Fiona Lund
38 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Winkhaus XR6 Cylinder Range
XR6 1 Star Cylinder Range:
Unrivalled Security, Uncompromising Quality
The XR6 cylinder range is meticulously designed,
engineered, and produced in our state-of-the-art Munster
facility. Renowned as a centre of excellence for mechanical
and electronic access control solutions, our XR6 cylinders
are crafted with precision and commitment to unparalleled
security standards. Holding the esteemed British Standard
Kitemark with a 1-star rating, XR6 sets the benchmark for
high-security profiles. The cylinders feature anti-bump,
anti-pick, and anti-drill protection, ensuring an
impenetrable defence against security threats.
Our commitment to excellence extends to the materials
used in production. XR6 cylinders are crafted from
premium materials, boasting a brass body, steel cam, and
hardened steel anti-drill pins. Supplied with nickel-plated
brass keys, our cylinders not only deliver robust security
but also exhibit superior craftsmanship. Designed to
seamlessly integrate with the complete range of Winkhaus
locking solutions, XR6 offers a comprehensive security
ecosystem. Choose XR6 for a fusion of innovation and
assurance, where your safety is our top priority in the
ever-evolving landscape of security solutions.
Find out more about
XR6-51
winkhaus.co.uk/en/
xr6-51-cylinder
Find out more about
Access Control
winkhaus.co.uk/en/
access-control
winkhaus.co.uk

Glass Supply
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
THE RIGHT SUPPLIER?
When you specify products, you should also be taking a close look at the supplier, according
to Fraser Caithness, Sales Director at IGU manufacturer Glass Express Midlands.
The correct glass specification will have a big
impact on the success of a project, from the
desired aesthetics through to the performance,
including insulation and solar gain, according to
Glass Express Midlands’ Sales Director Fraser
Caithness. But choosing the right supplier will
also play a key role in that project’s success.
“Using glass suppliers as valued glass
businesses is massively important,” Fraser says.
“I believe that when you specify products, their
value is improved significantly if the supplier
you’ve chosen can also add value.
“Glass Express Midlands is very careful in terms
of how we select a supplier. For example, we
buy from UK sources wherever we can. Not only
because that helps in terms of a shorter supply
chain, but the bigger glass companies are based
here in the UK.”
Like all glass processing companies, Glass
Express Midlands is aware of the many cheaper
glass options that are available in the UK,
especially as the global demand for glass has
dipped over the past year to 18 months.
“We avoid this source of cheap glass, mainly
from a quality perspective,” Fraser says. “By
working with the main UK manufacturers – as
well as some of the bigger European sources
– you are not only getting access to their highquality
products, but also their significant
investment in research and development.
“We have an open dialogue with them, and they
regularly come to us with new products and new
opportunities – things we can bring to the market
for our customers’ benefit, such as low-e glass,
solar control glass, modern laminated glass, antireflective
glass, and toughenable mirrored glass.”
Fraser points out that the ultimate beneficiaries
of this relationship are Glass Express Midlands’
customers and their clients.
Widest choice possible
“Architects and specifiers spend a great deal of
time choosing the right glass, so that it is both
aesthetically pleasing and high performing,”
Fraser says.
“We are responsible for ensuring that they have
the widest choice possible, and that through us,
they have access to market-leading research
and development. Not only that, but our technical
team is on hand to offer the necessary support
to ensure that the project is completed without a
hitch – something that isn’t always on hand with
suppliers of cheaper alternatives. And because
we have those connections at the upper end of
the industry, we can act proactively by providing
our customers with technical updates via CPDs
and seminars.”
Ultimately, Fraser says, it’s about being able
to provide exactly what is required, rather than
offering alternatives.
“Where architects and specifiers are already
talking to the specification teams of the large glass
manufacturers, then we can offer complementary
technical support,” he says. “So, when our customer
comes to us and asks for a particular product, we
can say ‘yes, we can supply that,’ rather than
trying to switch them over to something else.”
Architects will also benefit from a sustainability
point of view if they partner with the right
suppliers, Fraser says.
“Reducing your impact on the environment, and
building in sustainability measures into every
project is a key concern for all our clients,” he
says. “And it is something that resonates clearly
with our suppliers.
“For example, Glass Express Midlands’
sustainability strategy is constantly being
updated, and it currently includes a cullet return
scheme where all our offcut glass is returned to
the manufacturer to be recycled. This significantly
reduces the amount of energy needed to produce
the glass, as well as reducing the amount of raw
material used.
“The leading glass manufacturers are also looking
at new ways of reducing the embedded carbon in
their products, including using renewable energy
in the manufacturing process.
“Together, these measures allow us to deliver
innovative products with lower carbon footprints,
which our clients can build in to their own lowimpact
projects. This is something many other
suppliers cannot offer.”
Fraser says that by choosing the right supplier –
as well as the right product – glass is more than
just a component part of a building.
“Glass is so versatile and, by choosing the right
supplier, it is more than just a component part,”
he concludes. “You have access to industry
leading opportunities.”
Contact Glass Express Midlands:
0121 552 7616
glassexpressmidlands.co.uk
40 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

SLINOVA ®
The slimline
sliding door
Stylish, minimalist and sustainable.
SLINOVA offers slim sightlines and the flexibility
of a dual and triple track door system, as well as
a large number of sliding door combinations.
With a minimalist discreet design, SLINOVA
provides outstanding performance and design,
for today’s modern contemporary homes.
rehau.uk/slinova
enquiries@rehau.com
Tel: 01989 762600

Glass Market
Cornwall Group – which includes Cornwall
Glass Manufacturing, Mackenzie Glass,
Cornwall Glass & Glazing, and the recently
acquired Birmingham-based Forward Glass – has
its eyes set on a profitable year, even though the
challenges facing the industry are significant.
“If you look at the commercial sector – which is the
source of a lot of work for companies like Cornwall
Group, and indeed many glass companies in the
UK – many short-term investment decisions have
been put on hold,” Cornwall Group’s Chairman
Mark Mitchell says. “Which means many project
starts have been delayed.
GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
ONE STEP AHEAD...
Cornwall Group’s Chairman, Mark Mitchell, explains why
the organisation is still committed to investment, despite a
‘bumpy year’ ahead. Total Fabricator reports...
“One significant challenge for us all is the rate of
inflation, which we hope will level off and perhaps
settle at 3% or 4% before Christmas. The same
goes for the cost of borrowing and interest rates,
which we hope will follow a similar path to
that of inflation. Right now, they are barriers to
short-term investment, and as a result we are
anticipating a challenging year.”
Despite this, Mark expects the Group to maintain
a turnover similar to what it posted in 2023, even
if other factors will contribute to an overall level
of uncertainty and instability.
“Yes, 2024 will be bumpy for most of us,
but if you can keep one step ahead of
your requirements, then you’ll be
ready for a more positive 2025”
Mark Mitchell
“I’m sure other glass companies are experiencing
what we are experiencing, which is lowerthan-projected
order levels, and glass prices
dropping,” he says.
“There is a lot of glass stacking up, and that
means that the prices have softened. It would
be a sad day if we see one of the float tanks in
the UK being mothballed or taken offline, but
currently it is hard to justify the three glass
manufacturing plants that are in the UK currently.
“And that’s concerning, because it’s not
sustainable and we need healthy competition.”
But the situation would be much more worrying
if you were a company dealing with problems as
they occurred, and didn’t have a five-to-ten-year
plan in place, according to Mark.
The decision to acquire Forward Glass, for
example, was made months ago, and it
fits Cornwall Group’s medium to long-term
strategy. Furthermore, the company is already
committed to buy new plant and machinery at
the Birmingham site, and will be introducing an
apprenticeship programme. “This will make us
stronger for when the market improves in a year
to 18 months’ time,” Mark says.
This is a strategy that Cornwall Group is
already following across its other sites. Recent
investment across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset
include: a new sealed unit line, a new heat soak
oven, a new cutting table, and new vehicles, to
name just a few.
“If you order a new toughener, then it will take a
year to arrive, and a new purpose-built lorry will
take at least nine months,” Mark explains. “So,
you’ve got to be one step ahead.
“If you don’t constantly invest in your business,
then when the market picks up again in 2025
– when we expect to see a return to normalised
trading – you won’t be prepared to make the most
of those opportunities.”
Mark admits the Cornwall Group of companies
is in a stronger position than many other glass
companies of a similar size, because of the way it
is structured.
“We are still family owned, and we plough all our
profits back into the company,” Mark says. “This
is why we own all the buildings we operate from,
and why many colleagues stay with us for most
of their careers – from apprentice to MD in some
cases.
“For those companies that are owned by private
equity firms, often there isn’t the same longterm
commitment. If the short-term growth
isn’t forthcoming, there may be some awkward
conversations at board level.
“Yes, 2024 will be a bumpy year for most of
us, but if you can keep one step ahead of your
requirements, then you’ll be ready for a more
positive 2025.”
Watch the video at glaze-tube.co.uk/cornwallgroup-views-of-2024/
Contact Cornwall Group:
01726 66325
www.cornwallglass.co.uk
42 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed
decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products.
© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd
This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed
decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products.
© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd
Your customers deserve
a little peace and quiet
Noise Reduction
Noise Reduction
Window
Company Logo Ltd
PVC-U Casement Window
A Rated Windows
A++
A+
A
B
C
D
E
A ++
Noise Reduction (R w )
(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or
BS EN 14351.) Actual acoustic performance for a
specific application depends on: the type and
location of the external noise, the location of the
window or door, and how the elements or fabric of
the building perform.
Correction for high frequency and low
frequency (C,C tr )
51
(-1,-4)
Licence No. 123456
Review Date: 03/08/2020
To verify this licence please contact
enquiries@bfrc.org
Noise Reduction
Door
Company Logo Ltd
Composite Door
A Rated Doors
A++
A+
A
B
C
D
E
A ++
Noise Reduction (R w )
(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.)
43
Licence No. 123456
Review Date: 01/01/2019
To verify this licence: enquiries@bfrc.org
British Fenestration Rating Council
Prove acoustic performance with BFRC ratings
BFRC Noise Reduction Ratings let you prove the
acoustic performance of your window and door
products with our highly recognised ‘rainbow’
rating label - independent, impartial, trusted.
Homeowners no longer select new windows and
doors simply based on price. They want to know
what they purchase will improve their home’s
comfort, so product performance is now a priority.
Find out more at bfrc.org
By using the renowned BFRC rating scale to
demonstrate the noise reduction properties of your
windows or doors, you can show installers and
consumers the quality of your products.
Your products will stand out from your competitors’
and you’ll be able to avoid a race to the bottom
on price. Sell using BFRC proven performance and
leave your customers in no doubt.

Updates
AUTOMATION & EDGETECH HELPS TWINSEAL SAY AHEAD
Twinseal has been ‘at the forefront of British IGU manufacturing’ for 22 years, thanks to its ‘long-standing
commitment to embracing new products and technology, and the support of trusted supplier, Edgetech’.
Two automated spacer application lines, combined with the labour-saving benefits of Edgetech’s Super Spacer, have
helped the York-based firm streamline its operations and offer excellent product quality.
“With Edgetech’s support, we’ve been able to improve productivity and ensure we’re delivering the best possible IGUs
to our customers,” said Production Director Lee Cowen.“People often think automation is about replacing humans with
robots, but at Twinseal, that’s not been the case at all. Even the most automated production line in the world still needs
staff to oversee the production, and that human element can’t be replaced. My team is an integral part of what we do
here at Twinseal – it takes extremely skilled staff to run our production line.”
Edgetech Head of Sales, Tony Palmer, said: “We’re delighted that Twinseal has seen such success working with Super Spacer
over the years, and are a fantastic example of what can be achieved by adopting automation.” www.edgetechig.co.uk
PROMAT SYSTEMGLAS SPECIFIED FOR SCOTS MUSEUM
Fire resistant glazing system, Promat Systemglas, has been chosen for the replacement of a large multi-pane
window at Scotland’s National Museum of Rural Life in East Kilbride.
Spanning nearly 7m with a height of 1m, the new viewing window helps the museum’s operator, National Museums Scotland,
to optimise fire safety within the building while also improving aesthetics and acoustics. Promat UK was tasked with developing
a fire rated solution for the window in the main exhibition hall. The brief demanded EI (integrity and insulation) protection for 60
minutes and the timber frame Systemglas Ligna EI60 system was chosen, incorporating the intumescent Promat Promaseal-PL
Strip around the perimeter of the frame. The window was split with three vertical mullions, with Promat F1 glass used in line with
its fire test certification which confirms its suitability for use in a landscape orientation. The resulting glazing provides an
EI60 fire rating with the added benefit of UV stability, as well as an excellent acoustic rating of 45dBrw. www.promat.com
FULL TECH SUPPORT FROM GLASS EXPRESS MIDLANDS
Full technical support is key when specifying glass for commercial projects, Glass Express Midlands has said, arguing
that modern architectural demands on building products require specialist advice.
Glass Express Midlands’ Sales Director, Fraser Caithness, said: “When we speak to architects and specifiers, many of
them say they often don’t get the advice they need from other suppliers when designing projects.
“Given that the technical capabilities of glass are improving year by year, and the building regulations place new
demands on building components – whether that’s thermal, security, acoustic, or weather tightness, etc. – companies like
Glass Express Midlands are often best placed to share that specialist knowledge to their clients.”
Glass Express Midlands operates out of a modern manufacturing facility in Oldbury, in the West Midlands, and has recently
invested in a new cutting table for the specialist provision of oversize units to commercial projects. The company also has a
full technical team that liaises with clients on product specification and installation. glassexpressmidlands.co.uk
Fraser Caithness
THE 'NEXT GENERATION' OF FIRE SAFETY GLASS
Pyroguard, the independent provider of fire safety glass, has launched Pyroguard Advance – the
latest addition to its portfolio of cuttable solutions.
Pyroguard Advance is a brand-new, high-performance product, featuring an innovative gel interlayer
technology expertly developed following the completion of a dedicated research, development and test
programme. Providing EW classification with a fire resistance of 30 or 60 minutes, Pyroguard Advance can also
deliver exceptional fire protection at larger certified pane sizes, with a high tolerance to variations in glazing
media – all helping customers to meet the demands of increasingly challenging fire safety applications.
Certified for use across a wide range of steel and timber profiles, Pyroguard Advance is available in 7mm,
8mm and 11mm thicknesses, with the 7mm option able to be cut simply and quickly by hand. It conforms to EN
14449 requirements for laminated fire safety glass and is impact tested to BS EN 12600. www.pyroguard.eu
44 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS
Thermoseal’s Sales Director, Mark Hickox, has described the Future Homes
and Buildings Standard as a “red herring” that “we should have guessed
would never come to fruition”, urging the industry to “get the basics right” if
we want to make a real impact on the long-term energy efficiency of buildings.
Mark says: “On December 13, 2023, the government finally opened the
consultation on the Future Homes and Buildings Standards. At the heart is
a significant shift away from a ‘fabric first’ approach to improving energy
efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, and towards mechanical services,
such as heat pumps.
“To say this was a missed opportunity would be an understatement. We
know from the work we’ve done with our IGU manufacturing customers that
many had prepared their operations for an expected increase in demand for
triple glazing.
“In some ways I think the whole Future Homes Standard – and the
expectation that we would have to move to triple glazing to meet U-values of
Sarah
0.8W/m 2 K – has been something of a red herring.
“Don’t forget that the government had previously set 2016 as the date when
new buildings should be ‘net zero’ – a ‘zero carbon home’ was defined as
achieving a Level 6 of the Code for Sustainable Homes. In 2015, a year before it
was due to come into force, the government scrapped this commitment.
“There are many products on the market that are not made to the current
building regulations, let alone fanciful improvements that we should have
guessed would never to come to fruition.”
Mark adds: “There are glass units being sold today that don’t have the
For further updates, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk
HICKOX: 'GET THE BASICS RIGHT TO MAKE REAL IMPACT'
correct warm edge spacer bar, don’t have the correct depth of seal or sealant
type, contain non-conforming desiccant and incompatible edge tapes that
can degrade the unit’s integrity. This means U-values and energy ratings will
not match specifications, as well as leading to premature failure of IG units
that could have easily been avoided.
He concludes: “If we want to make a real impact on windows’ performance,
and the long-term energy efficiency of buildings, we should start with getting
the basics right. It will be difficult to confidently produce triple glazed units if
our double glazed units are not up to standard due to use of cheap imported
unproven components.” www.thermosealgroup.com
MIRAI VERIFIED AS LOWEST EMBODIED CARBON GLASS
Pilkington Mirai glass by Pilkington United Kingdom, part of the NSG Group, has been
independently verified as having 52% less embodied carbon, certifying it as the lowest carbon
glass of its kind.
The independent verification comes from a new Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) now
available for Pilkington Mirai launched in October last year. EPDs provide data about the global
warming potential (GWP) of products by assessing the carbon emitted at each stage of a product’s
lifecycle. Pilkington Mirai has 52% less total embodied carbon when compared to standard float glass
produced by Pilkington UK. The company claims that the glass offers the lowest carbon alternative to
regular float glass on the market, with no difference in performance, quality, or aesthetic appearance.
www.Pilkington.co.uk/epd
Mark Hickox (above) says we should “start with getting the basics right” if we want to make “a
real impact on windows’ performance and the long-term energy efficiency of buildings”.
CE MARKING FOR IGU WITH PRESSURE EQUALISATION
Integrated into the glazing edge of multi-pane insulating glass units (IGUs), Swisspacer Air ensures
continuous pressure equalisation with the environment and thus mitigates climate loads.
IGUs with Swisspacer Air have been recognised as regulated construction products on the German market
since 2019. In cooperation with Swisspacer and the Saint-Gobain Glassolutions Isolierglas-Center, the
foundations have now been laid to enable CE marking via a European Technical Assessment (ETA).
As a small component in the glazing edge of insulating glass units, the Swisspacer Air can minimise
damage that can be caused by excess or negative pressure in the cavity between the panes – for example as
a result of height differences during transport or due to climatic loads. The permanent pressure relief ensures
that the IGU retains its function and quality in the long term. The risk of curved panes, glass breakage and
premature ageing due to excessive stress on the glazing edge is significantly reduced. www.swisspacer.com
CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
MARCH / APRIL 2024 T F 45

Software
INVESTING IN THE FUTURE
AUTOMATION
Greg Beachim, Sales Manager at Cyncly business First Degree Systems, says a measured
approach to investment will lay the foundations for tomorrow’s growth.
Investment in infrastructure and systems should
begin yesterday, or at least that’s how it feels
when you realise that your business operations
are not ready for an sudden change in market
demand. This is the view of Greg Beachim,
Sales Manager at Cyncly business First Degree
Systems, supplier of the Window Designer suite
of software.
“We’ve had a lot of conversations with companies
who are reviewing the way they are run, to
improve efficiencies and customer service,”
Greg says. “This is great news, because the right
software, used in the right way, can reduce errors
while maximising output for less cost.”
Since software forms a critical component of
a manufacturer’s infrastructure, upgrades are
unlikely to have an immediate effect, Greg believes.
“Window Designer can play an important role from
quoting, through to design processing, and back out
to delivery,” Greg says. “This isn’t a sticking plaster
approach. This is a fundamental investment by a
fenestration business into its future.”
Changing conditions
Significantly, once Window Designer is installed,
it can help companies adapt quickly to changing
conditions, while preparing the ground for future
opportunities.
Cyncly is a leading provider of software solutions,
which has teams of dedicated professionals
who help customers identify the challenges of
tomorrow, and deliver solutions that will help
them thrive, according to Greg.
Key to Cyncly’s strategy from 2024 onwards, he
says, is a recognition of the part the consumer – or
the end-user – plays in the life cycle of a product.
“Many of our conversations may exist in the
B2B space,” Greg argues, “but we’d be foolish
not to factor-in the consumer in the design and
manufacturing process.
“The right
software, used
in the right way, can
reduce errors while
maximising output for
less cost”
“At a simple level, homeowners are conducting
more of their research and purchasing online,
which is encouraging increasing numbers
of window companies to move more of their
operations in to the virtual space.
“With the right software tools, we can help create
a single journey from quote, to order, to design
processing, to the factory floor, to dispatch, and
ultimately back to the homeowner.
“At each point, you are reducing the need for
double entry, which removes human intervention,
and reduces the possibility of errors. You are
also speeding up the processes, which can help
window fabricators meet their promises for
shorter lead times.”
From this initial software-driven framework, other
processes and efficiencies can be built in, which
can offer further benefits, Greg explains. These can
include tracking orders through a factory, managing
stock levels, closer communication with suppliers.
“This isn’t about what software can do, it is about
what our customers want to achieve, and how
we can help them do that most efficiently,” he
says. “Many companies have already invested in
high-end machinery, such as cutting and prepping
centres, welders, corner cleaners, and bead saws.
We are creating solutions that help them maximise
the potential that investment offers.”
Greg says that he is talking to more
fabricators who are taking on greater
automation within the window, door and
glass industry as a strategic response to
overcome external pressures.
Greg Beachim
For example, as window retail companies look
for a single supplier of window products, window
fabricators are adding in new production lines
across PVC-U and aluminium in response. This,
in turn, requires larger or multiple premises,
greater stockholding, and more employees.
“Where companies are scaling up to meet
the requirements of their customers, they are
exposing themselves to increased costs that
could put pressure on their cash flow,” Greg says.
“Stock control is an excellent case in point. If you
are introducing new product lines, in multiple
systems, in a wide range of colours, then you
have to allocate space in your warehouse for the
stock required to make them. And you are talking
about profile, gaskets, glass, hardware – all of
which ties up money in stock.
“Cyncly provides the digital intelligence to speed
up fabrication, reduce waste, reduce stock
holding, reduce reliance on human intervention,
improve profit margins, and put the business on
a secure footing to win new business – now, and
into the future.”
Contact First Degree Systems / Cyncly:
01283 808042
www.firstdegreesystems.com
46 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Machinery
AUTOMATION
FOR THE LONG HAUL
Ian Latimer, Managing Director, Emmegi (UK), details the service and support that has seen
one business relationship endure for more than a quarter of a century...
In our experience, most customers who invest
in fabrication machinery genuinely want to
build a partnership with their supplier. There’s
a clear acknowledgement that you get more from
your machinery company if you allow us to really
understand how your business operates and how
you want it to develop, and trust us to be by your
side for the long haul.
Obviously, that works best if your machinery
company, like Emmegi (UK), already has a strong
track record, an experienced and knowledgeable
team and, crucially, the resources required to
guarantee that they will be around for as long as
you are.
We’ve seen the perfect example of that recently
with the supply of a new Phantomatic M3
machining centre and Classic Magic electronic saw
to ATB Systems in Stourbridge, more than 25 years
after they bought their first Emmegi Comet Isola
machining centre and original Classic Magic saw.
Over the past two and a half decades, ATB’s
factory has become an impressive ‘Emmegi
manufacturing zone’, with more than a dozen
different machines supplied by us brand new, and
several purchased pre-owned via sales auctions.
Unsurprisingly, the investment in production
machinery has almost directly tracked the growth
and increased output of the business.
If you ask ATB’s fabrication manager, James
Sabey, why the company continues to put its faith
in Emmegi, he’s clear that’s it’s about more than
just quality and price – although the fact that the
original Classic Magic saw is still in daily operation
shows that Emmegi machine quality is something
that ATB can very much take for granted.
Exact match
James told us: “Over the years, Emmegi’s Sales
Manager Martin Linnell has spent the time to
really understand ATB’s operation, and we trust
his advice on which machines will best help us
achieve our objectives. The Emmegi range is huge
as well, so we know that as we move forward,
they’re always able to supply a machine which is
an exact match for our needs.
“Since the arrival of the Comet Isola and the first
Classic Magic, ATB has grown and also diversified,
and our range now includes bespoke lightweight
windows and doors for portacabins and temporary
buildings, automatic door barriers and aluminium
louvres, alongside more traditional windows, doors
and curtain walling. Emmegi has supported us in
that diversification and helped us get the right mix
of machines, without any hard sell.”
The customer/machinery supplier relationship
obviously goes beyond just the purchase of
new machines though. We’ve supported ATB
with responsive service and regular machine
maintenance over 25 years and, like all our
customers, that ongoing support is key to our
partnership with them. James Sabey also stated:
“ATB Systems is a quality focused business, so we
rely on Emmegi to keep the machines operating in
top condition. They have the resources required to
do that and we’ve been impressed at the service
we’ve received – especially given that a couple of
our machines are now more than 20 years old.”
Since 2013, Emmegi (UK) has supplied ATB with
two 12 axis electronic corner crimpers, three 300S
bead saws and one 400S single head saw, three
Phantomatic M3 3-axis CNC machining centres, a
Classic Magic double mitre saw and a Lilliput 320
end milling machine.
More details on the products at:
www.emmegi.com/en/home
www.atbsystems.co.uk
48 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

FORMULA
HIGH PERFORMANCE MARKETING
PURPOSE.PLAN.EXECUTE
THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY MARKETING MACHINE
CONTACT PURPLEX TODAY ON
020 3137 9319 | grow@purplexmarketing.com
www.purplexmarketing.com
#FORMULAP

Factory Floor
SUB-STANDARD PPE ITEMS 'WIDESPREAD' WARNS BSIF
The British Safety Industry Federation (BSIF) has issued a warning
to those overseeing personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety
product procurement, after its latest tests on non-member products
highlighted the widespread availability of sub-standard and even
dangerous items.
Between December 2022 and December 2023, the BSIF examined
123 non-member products, assessing advertised performance, marking
adequacy and compliance with standards. Shockingly, only 21% proved
fully compliant, leaving a staggering 79% falling short of testing criteria.
Worryingly, many of these sub-standard products are still available and in
use, posing serious risks to unsuspecting users.
Examples of products from non BSIF-registered members that failed testing
include a pair of safety boots which failed toe-cap compression tests; a pair
of safety spectacles which failed an impact resistance test; protective gloves
which failed abrasion testing, and a respiratory protective mask (FFP3),
purchased from a PPE distributor, which performed at only half the required
level during filter penetration tests against contaminants.
BSIF CEO, Alan Murray, said: “Our latest test results show that you don’t
have to look very far to find examples of inadequate and sub-standard PPE
and safety equipment for sale in the UK.
“Shockingly, many unsuspecting users are relying on these compromised
products for their safety.
“Buyers and specifiers must urgently review their procurement processes
and consider what assurances they have that the PPE and safety equipment
they are being supplied with is fit for purpose.
“Checking for the BSIF Registered Safety Supplier shield is the easiest
way to ensure you only deal with compliant, competent and trustworthy
suppliers. Remember, anyone can sell safety, but you shouldn’t buy safety
from just anyone; always check for the shield.”
For a full list of Registered Safety Suppliers, visit:
www.registeredsafetysupplierscheme.co.uk
NEW QUIET SERIES AIR COMPRESSOR
Makita has added a new air compressor to its Quiet Series range.
Designed for use across a range of applications to enable efficient and consistent operation of tools,
the new, compact MAC210Q is the latest air compressor to be launched by the tool manufacturer, and
it is available in 110V or 240V options.
Makita says the new one-HP, two-gallon, oil-free electric MAC210Q including case and base, ‘carries
all the Makita hallmarks that users rely on’ – faster recovery time, lower noise, longer tool life, and
consistent performance.
With a noise level of just 60dB(A) and weighing just 44lbs, the MAC210Q is perfectly suited to indoor
use and easy to transport around. www.makitauk.com
'NO COMPROMISE ON PROTECTION OR COMFORT'
Carhartt says its Michigan Rugged Flex S1P Mid-cut Safety Boot (F700909) is designed for ‘hardworking
tradespeople who refuse to compromise on protection or comfort’.
With a sneaker-inspired design, Carhartt says the Michigan Safety Boot blends advanced safety and
smart design features with lightweight materials, setting a whole new standard in occupational safety in
dry environments.
This shoe has a strong fibreglass safety toe that meets the stringent EN ISO 20345:2012 S1P standards,
providing solid protection from 200 joules of weight and impact. As comfort is so important for long days at
work, the design includes a fully cushioned footbed with shock absorption to reduce fatigue, while the fit is
carefully engineered to give enough space for your feet to expand over time, ensuring lasting comfort.
www.carhartt.com
50 T F MARCH / APRIL 2024 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

Fabricators
Grow Your Business!
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