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Welcome to the Digital Magazine EDITION 3

From the industry’s leading independent fenestration media

12 F E AT U R E D

Guardian Glass Plant Repairs And Upgrades Will Be Finished This Month

Letter To The Editor: The Benefits Of Brisant’s Secure Supply

Forvet S.p.A Aquired By Biesse Group

Fenestration Installers, It’s Time To Get Paid

Could Fenestration Be Affected By The Energy Crisis

New Windows And Doors About To Become Even More Expensive

BMBI Reports Continued Strong YearOn-Year Growth

Construction Sector Job Vacancies At Record High

CNC Recycling Gains NFA Nomination For Recycling Company 2021

Morley Glass Triples Post-Consumer Glass Recycling Capacity

Bau China 2021 Postponed

There’s A Silicone Shortage

This Is How Much You Actually Save By Recycling Glass

Freefoam: Hero’s Of Zero

Double Glazing Blogger www.doubleglazingblogger.com

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GLAS

Guardian Glass Plant Repairs And Upgrades Will Be Finished This Month

At long last, some good news on the glass front. According to Guardian Glass, repairs and upgrades at their facility in Goole are due to be completed this month. They released a statement on their website yesterday to give a progress report on the state of play at their plant in East Yorkshire, and it looks like some relief may be on the horizon by the end of the year, if not the start of next year.

Guardian Glass Statement Here is what they published just yesterday:

Guardian Glass is investing significantly in its Goole, East Yorkshire float glass production plant to increase the company’s ability to supply float glass, primarily to the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland, while also improving the plant’s energy efficiency. The cold tank repair, which began in April and will be completed this month, will rebuild the furnace with one of the most advanced technologies available, and expand the melting capacity by 20 percent to 825 metric tons per day. “Guardian Glass is investing in the future of commercial and residential building in the UK and Ireland,” says Guus Boekhoudt, Executive Vice President, Guardian Glass. “This work assures that Guardian can continue to support the evolving demands of our customers with greater capacity, efficiency and environmental stewardship. It also underscores our Vision to be a preferred partner to our customers, suppliers, employees and communities

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based on a foundation of mutual benefit.” As one of the world’s largest manufacturers of float, coated and fabricated glass products, and the only UK glass manufacturer with building products achieving the bronze Cradle to Cradle Certified™ Products Standard version 3.1, Guardian is committed to our Stewardship Framework. This core principle ensures that we consider environmental, social and corporate governance priorities in our day-to-day operations as we strive to find more efficient uses of resources, continuously improve our products and services and strengthen partnerships with our local communities around the world. The Goole facility produces a wide range of float, coated and laminated glass products. Almost 100 percent of the solar control glass produced at the facility supplies projects within the UK. Enhancements to the Goole facility include: ◌ A furnace with improved energy efficiency and increased output. ◌ Enhanced automation to provide more reliable operations and reduce manual tasks. This enables team members to advance their skills by taking on more challenging responsibilities. ◌ Ongoing initiative to recycle cullet. Increasing the cullet ratio in products cuts energy consumption, reduces raw materials and reduces waste. “Operations transformation improves efficiency and effectiveness, which boosts productivity and gives Guardian Glass a competitive advantage,” explains Goole Plant Manager Chris Duguid. “These changes are critical to demonstrate to our partners that we value them and will continue to support them with industryleading products and services. We’re very proud of the team’s execution, especially during this challenging time.” We may have to be a bit patient. The finishing of a glass plant upgrade doesn’t mean immediate glass hitting IGU companies. And there is still ongoing repairs at the Saint-Gobain facility in the UK as well. It’s going to take a bit of time to get the glass off the line at the Goole facility and into IGU makers. I don’t imagine there is going to be a flood of glass hitting the market straight away. That being said, the end of the year and the start of next year should see more glass available within the fenestration sector, which should ease at least some of the supply chain problems. So long as there are no more unexpected problems between now and then! There is also going to be a fight for supplies with the automotive sector. They too require huge amounts of glass and they will be urging their own suppliers to supply them first. I’m not anticipating a return to 100% availability, but it should be far better than it has been of late. So, how to solve the shortages of everything else… Read the original Guardian Glass statement here.

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Latest Plimsoll Report Fires Warning On UK Glass Production A worrying new report from Plimsoll, a global research and analysis business, has published a new report which says that there is significant trouble ahead for UK glass production.

vetted the financial health and outlook of the UK’s 256 leading glass companies. Based on the latest data, this interactive analysis of the UK market shows:

in this sector have been passing on costs to installers, who in turn have been passing those on to homeowners. Also, the price cap on what consumers pay for their energy has risen earlier this month ◌ 105 companies were rated as and is due to rise again in April, if This warning comes on the back Danger or Caution – almost half of not before. of sustained problems with glass the market supply in the UK, and a backdrop Plimsoll also makes note that of supply chain problems that ◌ Profit margins are down to just profit margins have dropped have affected every facet of the UK 1.8% in the latest year from 5.4% dramatically from over 5% to under the year before fenestration sector. 2%. That is a precarious position for companies to be in and may Profit Margins Battered ◌ Sales per employee is down to go some way to assuage installers just £92,000 – there is little room for that not all manufacturers are The report summary, available on wage growth attempting to profiteer from the the Plimsoll website, paints a very current supply chain problems. difficult picture for the UK flat glass ◌ Growth in the market is recovering from the pandemic but is We face a scenario in the coming sector. still down 3.5% months where we could see a These are the key areas of the number of glass companies being ◌ 88 companies have seen their forced to close. This would be a summary that matter: debt position deteriorate in the bitter blow to the sector as these Leading figures in the glass market latest year closures would be caused not by are warning that high energy prices lack of demand, but by supply could see many UK manufacturers And they go on to say: chain constraints and rising costs shut down. David Dalton of the that are largely out of their own British Glass Manufacturers If costs outweigh the revenue control.

Association said some companies generated the UK’s glass-making were days away from halting companies are right to be drawing up plans to cease production. The production. economic case for the production of While UK consumers are, glass in the UK is being sorely tested temporarily at least, insulated by a perfect storm of shortages and from soaring energy prices, glass cost increases. businesses are not, and the energyintensive nature of making glass This summary, no matter how leaves the UK market ill-equipped to you look at it, presents us with absorb rocketing energy costs. A job something that looks like it is crisis could be looming for regions of going to be very difficult and the UK with sizeable glass-making imminent. Although one point I industries as new research from would gently disagree on is with Plimsoll shows how little scope there UK consumers being insulated is to continue profitable production from soaring energy prices. We in the face of cost inflation on such know that manufacturers have had to pay more in energy costs as well an unprecedented scale. as more for their raw materials. We The new Plimsoll Analysis has know that fabricators and suppliers

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Strategic Partnership Between FINEO And Masterframe AGC Glass Europe and Masterframe form a strategic partnership to bring FINEO vacuum insulating glazing for PVC-U sash windows to the UK market. Requirements for low-energy homes, reduced fossil fuel use for heating and reduced greenhouse gas emissions are increasing. High-performant glazing plays a vital role to bring warmth and comfort to homes. This can now even better be achieved with vacuum insulating glass (VIG) installed in new sash windows. With FINEO vacuum insulating glazing, AGC Glass Europe embraces innovative technology. This ultra-slim glazing (10 mm total thickness) achieves unrivalled thermal and acoustic performances, along with better light transmission. Masterframe is a recognised sash windows specialist in the UK. Manufacturing to the highest quality, they focus on bringing innovative and premium products to the market. This standard of excellence makes Masterframe a perfect partner for FINEO. Together they will launch a FINEO sash window, which will be exclusively offered to the UK market. Carol Slade, Managing Director of Masterframe Windows Ltd says, “Masterframe is delighted to be entering into this strategic partnership with FINEO. Although we are true sash window specialists, we are now operating in a highly competitive sector. To remain a specialist and to stay ahead of our competition, we are completely design and performance focussed and seek to offer customers brand new and exclusive innovations. Serge Martin, CEO FINEO Glass welcomes this new step saying, “This partnership with Masterframe is key for FINEO deployment in the UK, where sash windows are a staple of the windows market. We have been working closely together over the past months to design a premium window that will stand out in the UK market, and we are very confident about its future success.” Masterframe and FINEO together bring an environmental solution for new windows with the sustainability aspect of an ultra-thin product being both 100% recyclable and lead-free. About Masterframe: Masterframe Windows Limited is an award-winning sash window manufacturer based in Witham, Essex, specialising in producing the most authentic timber alternative sash windows on the UK market. The company supplies high-end, top-quality sash windows to the trade, including for many prestigious commercial projects, and to the consumer through a network of approved Master Installers. Incorporating no less than nine patented features, sash windows from Masterframe have been designed and innovated with attention to every detail, making them a sound investment for customers who require traditional sash windows for retrofit or new build purposes. For more information, visit www. masterframetrade.co.uk for trade enquiries or www.masterframe.co.uk for consumer products. About AGC Glass Europe: Based in Louvain-la-Neuve (Belgium), AGC Glass Europe produces, processes and markets flat glass for the construction industry (external glazing and interior decoration), the automotive industry (OEM and replacement glass) and industrial sectors (transport, energy and high-tech). It is the European branch of AGC, the world’s leading producer of flat glass. With over 100 sites throughout Europe, from Spain to Russia, it employs around 15,500 employees. For more information, visit www.agc-glass.eu, www.agc-yourglass.com or www.fineoglass.eu. Sponsored Content Masterframe

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Letter To The Editor: The Benefits Of Brisant’s Secure Supply This is a letter to the Editor from Brisant Secure CEO Nick Dutton: Dear Jason, Supply problems disrupt business. They can even stop it dead. Recently, the shortage of HGV drivers was one of the factors that led to a limited supply of fuel, which caused chaos across the UK. Globally, supply chains are failing. China is facing an energy crisis – Goldman Sachs estimates 44% of China’s industrial activity has been impacted by regular blackouts. The largest ports in the world are clogged with container ships and the supply problems of the past 18 months are forecast to continue. In addition, businesses face unpredictable events. Brisant had a month’s worth of product aboard the Ever Given, the container ship which blocked the Suez Canal. It wasn’t a crisis, because we didn’t run that tight, but it could have been when the ship was impounded in Egypt for months. Letting customers down was out of the question; we asked our manufacturing partners to remake it and air freighted it to the UK, so customers didn’t suffer any disruption. Brisant’s new strategy is simple. We don’t rely on product stored on the other side of the world. Our goods are in the UK. We have more than doubled UK stocks to 10 to 12 weeks of sales. When a Brisant customer orders, their requirement will be in the UK. This means customers get their orders on time and in full. Everyone needs dependable suppliers in this unpredictable world. A dependable supplier has to have the resilience, agility, and resources to make quick decisions and deliver reliable products on time. And that’s exactly what Brisant offers. Nick Dutton CEO of Brisant Secure

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HAR

Gareth Turner Strengthens Brisant Sales Leading hardware house Brisant Secure has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of Gareth Turner as Northern Business Development Manager. Gareth, a well-known name in hardware with over 25 years of industry experience, will be looking after customers in Northern England and Scotland. Gareth says: “Brisant has changed the face of hardware and security with its high quality, innovative, market-leading products, but what Brisant wants to achieve is different, and that’s what appealed to me. The service and support are ground-breaking too. Interfacing with homeowners to pull through demand and adding value to fabricators’ and installers’ products so they are more profitable is a good reason to convert. So, the offer to become part of the team was too big to miss! I’m joining at an exciting time as we’re launching a number of products such as the new 3-star security solution which includes an all-new 2-star security handle. “My role at Brisant is to consolidate long-term partnerships with customers to help them grow and win more business. I’ll also be getting to know prospective customers and converting them to our market-leading products. I’m particularly excited by Ultion Smart locks as this is an area with huge untapped potential.” Nick Dutton, Brisant Secure CEO adds: “We’re delighted to welcome Gareth to the Brisant family. He’s widely respected in the industry and comes with bags of experience in forging strong relationships with customers. Gareth will be working closely with fabricators and installers to give them the products and support they need to stand out. I’m confident he will be a great asset to the team.” Discover more about Brisant Secure at www.brisant-secure.com, call 01924 410 200 or email contact@ brisant-secure.com Sponsored Content Brisant Secure

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Ultion 3* Security Solution For New Sheerline Bi-Fold Door Working in partnership with Garnalex, hardware house Brisant Secure has provided a security solution for the new Sheerline Prestige bi-fold door. Available now for Sheerline’s range of Prestige bi-fold doors, the innovative new Ultion 1* Plus 2* security solution combines the Ultion one-star lock with the game-changing two-star security handle. Brisant worked closely with the Garnalex technical team to understand their requirements and produce an exclusive folding Ultion key for the Sheerline bi-fold door to protect the frame from damage in the fold position. The Ultion 1* Plus 2* offers the very best in security alongside very beautiful looks. With the two-star handle, the latest product from Brisant Secure, its unique seamless curves prevent burglars from ripping it from the door and the molybdenum cylinder shield protects against drilling and lock snapping. It’s also designed to last while keeping its looks. Compared with normal handles that struggle to withstand the corrosive effects of saltwater weathering and fail within a week or two, the handle still looks stunning after a full year in the weather test chamber. Sheerline’s new bi-fold door is the latest addition to the popular range of Sheerline Prestige aluminium windows and doors. The Sheerline Prestige bi-fold offers the perfect balance of style, security, innovation, and sustainability with extremely low U-Values which meet the more stringent Building Regulations energy standards, due to come into force next year. Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure, says: “We are delighted to be working with Garnalex on a bespoke solution that combines our ultrasecure Ultion one-star lock and brand new twostar handle with a unique folding key for the innovative Sheerline bi-fold door. We believe our new security solution will change the market’s perception and use of security handles. “Working in close partnership with the Garnalex technical team on their Sheerline bi-fold door is just one example of how we go the extra mile to provide innovative solutions for customers. We are excited to see our new security handle,

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in combination with the one-star Ultion lock, on one of the most revolutionary and beautiful bifolds on the market.” Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Garnalex, adds: “The new Sheerline Prestige bi-fold door is a gamechanger in many respects – in looks, performance and energy efficiency, and security too. Not only does Ultion offer innovative three-star security protection, but it also looks great on our new innovative bi-fold door. The new folding key, developed with the Brisant team for our bi-fold door, prevents scratching or damage to the frame, a huge benefit for homeowners. Couple that with the three-star security solution and you’ve got a top-quality lock, security handle and folding key option on the Sheerline bi-fold and it’s available now.” To learn more about Sheerline, call 01332 978000, email info@sheerline.com or visit www.sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates. Discover more about Brisant Secure at www.brisant-secure.com, call 01924 410 200 or email contact@brisant-secure.com Sponsored Content Brisant Secure

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FORVET

AQUIR BIESSE Over in Europe, the M&A scene has sparked back into life with the news that Biesse Group, based in Italy, has agreed to buy fellow Italian machinery company Forvet S.p.A. Statement from Biesse Group Here is the announcement from Biesse Group about the acquisition: Biesse Group signs a contract for the acquisition of 100% of the quotes of Forvet Costruzione Macchine Speciali S.p.A., a manufacturer of special automated machines for glass machining through a deal with a value of about 41 Euro mln. This operation, in line with Biesse Group’s strategic plan, will increase the product portfolio of glass machining centres, a sector in which the Group has been present since the second half of the 1980s with Intermac brand technologies. Indeed, thanks to the introduction of Forvet S.p.A.’s proprietary technologies, the group strengthens its offer towards the high end of the market by offering highly automated, customised and unique machines and systems. “This is a strategic acquisition that allows us to complete the range of glass machining centres with complementary industrial solutions that can be perfectly integrated with our technologies, thus offering technologically advanced customers modular lines and automated systems that can guarantee high levels of productivity and flexibility” said Roberto Selci, Biesse Group CEO. Forvet S.p.A., founded in Volvera, Turin, in 1990, is a unique reference in the market for the production of automated lines that encapsulate a high level of know-how, capable of producing a complete product in a reduced space, including loading, unloading and intra-logistics operations that can be customised according to customer needs. Statement from Forvet Here is what Forvet S.p.A. had to say about the deal: On October, 11th 2021 an agreement was signed for the sale of the entire shareholding in FORVET S.p.A, a Turin-based company and leader in the design and manufacture of special glass processing machines, to BIESSE S.p.A Group, listed in the STAR segment of the Milan Stock Exchange. This operation allows Biesse Group to increase its product portfolio of glass processing machines and, thanks to the introduction of Forvet S.p.A.’s own technologies, the Group will strengthen its offer

MACHINERY 14

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T S.P.A

RED BY GROUP towards the higher end of the market by offering highly automated, customised machines and systems that are unique in the sector. “The result of the product offered will be increasingly advanced technology with modular lines and automated systems, capable of guaranteeing high productivity with the incredible flexibility typical of Forvet products” commented Davide Gariglio – Forvet S.p.A. CEO To all Forvet’s historic customers who have contributed to the growth of our company, and to all the new customers who invest in our technology every month, we guarantee the qualitative continuity and dedicated attention that have distinguished Forvet’s management, implemented by the dynamism of a large industrial group. About Biesse Group: Biesse Group is an international company that designs, manufactures and distributes systems and machines for processing wood, glass, stone, metal, plastic and composite materials aimed at the furniture, housing & construction, automotive and aerospace sectors. Founded in Pesaro in 1969 by Giancarlo Selci, it has been listed in the STAR segment of the Italian Stock Exchange since 2001. 85% of its consolidated turnover is achieved abroad. It operates in over 160 countries with 13 manufacturing sites and a direct presence in the main world markets. Its customers include industry-leading companies and some of the most prestigious names in Italian and international design. Today it has 4,300 employees. About Forvet S.p.A.: Founded in 1989, Forvet has always kept its philosophy by offering special machines with a high content of innovation and technology. The key to the company’s success lies in this specific attitude: to produce unedited machines by developing new ideas and solutions, for a careful and evolved market segment. Forvet has invented a new way of conceiving the procedures of glass processing: from the first CNC drill in the history to the edge processor grinding lines CHIARA, where the machine is the one that moves around the glass, to the Combiflex production island, a jewel of technology, where all processing is carried out simultaneously. New ideas, supported by continuous important investments in R&D, have allowed the company to grow constantly with the definition of numerous world patents, testifying the evolution of the idea, which becomes customer satisfaction, and therefore real progress.

ERY (sourced from corporate Linkedin page)

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The age-old problem of getting paid. It’s worth mentioning from the start that the majority of homeowners are good payers. They pay installers on time, most of the time, and are reasonable people. However, you cannot escape the difficult customers out there, and it does seem that there are more than there used to be. This post has been created in response to a post on one of the industry Facebook forums, with an installer frustrated at not being paid after doing their work.

Fenestration Game Has Changed It still surprises me how many installation companies operate on no or very low deposits. It’s a very trusting way to operate a business, and whilst most clients are reasonable and legitimate, it does leave a company open to abuse by those who wish to cause trouble. As I mentioned above, this post has been created in response to a Facebook forum where an installer had undertaken some work, but after completion the client was impossible to contact, making it difficult to get paid. Over the last two years, our industry has undergone so much upheaval and change. The trading environment has drastically altered, and the cost of our goods to homeowners has gone up a good 30-40%, maybe even more in some cases. It is against a backdrop like this, where the challenges are extreme, installers have to prioritise getting paid. That means a few things. First, take a bigger deposit. Even if 99% of your customers can be trusted, the 1% cannot create so much stress and

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hassle that it cancels out the positive energy of the rest. We have all felt that anger and frustration by a client that refused to pay for something unreasonable, or sometimes a barefaced lie. Installers, start taking chunky deposits. If you have to pay your supplier upfront for your goods, make sure the deposit covers the costs for the materials. Second, start taking stage payments on larger jobs. We never used to do this at our place, but a few years ago after having a very protracted and farcical argument with a customer who was withholding a substantial sum over a less-than-substantial issue, we decided to take stage payments on bigger contract values. Turns out almost everyone is OK with this and we have not looked back since. The extra money being paid sooner protects the business, pays staff and suppliers and leaves you at less risk of being taken for a bigger amount if the client turns out to be a rogue one. Third, use contracts. I know some of you reading this still like to do things verbally, but this leaves you wide open to abuse, and a “he said, she said” style argument if things go sideways. Get everything in writing, in detail, with clauses that protect both you and the customer. Then get them to sign it. That way, if you ever have to take a dodgy client to court, you have all the proof you need to show that you are in the right and they are in the wrong. If the client doesn’t want to sign a contract then you probably shouldn’t be dealing with them in the first place. Fourth, leave small balances. From experience, on larger contracts where people have been happy to pay stage payments, they have also been happy to leave smaller balances. Don’t give

the bad client an excu large sums from you f like scratched handles a sealed unit. A small b outstanding removes t puts more leverage in You control the situati just make sure you sol issue may be.

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value contracts to not be paid to put a small installations company at severe risk of going under. That is why we have to focus now on getting paid. Times have changed. The trading environment is very different to what it once was. And the few customers that want to make life difficult can also be the ones that do the most damage.

Fenestration Installers, It’s Time To Get Paid Double Glazing Blogger

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OPINION DGB MAGAZINE

Could Fenestration Be Affected By The Energy Crisis? Double Glazing Blogger

Among the many crises that the UK is battling at the moment, the energy crisis is perhaps one of the most serious. Over the weekend it became clear that factories in all sectors were coming under extreme pressure due to the spiralling cost of gas and electricity. Industry leaders from steel, glass, paper, ceramics and more have been holding emergency talks with the Government about support. It’s not clear whether UK fenestration would have been included within the glass sector, but it would be difficult to imagine that manufacturers in this sector would escape the pressure brought by rising energy costs.

Energy Crisis Will Affect All We know that the cost of wholesale gas in the UK has risen dramatically this year, with most of that rise occurring over the past few months. However, it’s not just gas. The price of electricity has shot up as well, with both gas and electricity quadrupling in price. For homeowners, that means higher prices. Ofgem does have a price cap, but that was lifted recently which lead to a doubledigit rise in prices for homeowners. But there remains pressure on that price cap and it is likely it will have to be raised again sooner than the planned rise in April. For manufacturers, including those in fenestration, these higher prices are going to cause pain. At the start of the year, when prices were stable and much lower, the idea of power prices rising more than four-fold won’t have been budgeted for. This rise comes at a time when all other costs for businesses are rising. Rising energy prices simply adds more fuel to the fire. 20

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It will mean more costs that are passed down the chain to installers and then to homeowners. Over the past year or so we have seen the price of steel, PVC resin, hardware, glass and transport all contribute to higher costs for fabricators and then to installers. Installers have then had to deal with rising labour costs to keep hold of their existing fitters and to try and attract new ones as they try to grow their businesses. Higher energy costs will inevitably be felt down the supply chain. But over the weekend, the Government has been warned that some factories are weeks away from closure as companies face battles on all fronts, with higher energy costs threatening to close companies. At this moment I am not aware of any fenestration sector related companies facing such a predicament. But given how interconnected all our supply chains our, it is perfectly conceivable that our industry could be disrupted by events in other parts of the manufacturing economy.

Efficiency Drive The Government is at war with itself as to how to deal with this new crisis. Over the weekend Business Secretary Kwasi Kwarteng said that they were in talk with the Treasury about how to deal with soaring energy costs for businesses. The Treasury subsequently denied any conversations were ongoing and went on to imply that Kwasi Kwarteng was making things up. At the moment, there is no sign that there is going to be help for businesses during this increasingly difficult period. Against a backdrop of borrowing that goes beyond

£400bn, and a Conservative Party Conference in which the Chancellor made clear that support schemes were going to be ended, it is not clear that there is going to be any help at all for companies. In light of this, our sector, as well as all others, has to start looking at where they can make running their companies more efficient. We have to start an efficiency drive with the aim of reducing energy usage and therefore costs. Normally, this would start in switching energy suppliers. But the advice on switching has changed during this turbulent period and people are actually being advised to stay put. Instead, we all have to start looking at the ways we run our business and find where we can reduce power usage. This won’t be easy if you’re running a fabrication business but given the costs of gas and electricity right now this cannot be ignored. We also have to look at where we can invest in our buildings. It could be replacing the windows and doors in our units to make them more energy-efficient. It could be installing heat pumps and solar panels. It could be fitting battery storage units to store energy produced from renewable sources on site. Unfortunately, running our businesses more efficiently is going to mean spending money. Not something all that palatable against a backdrop of soaring costs on all fronts. But this has to be seen in the long term and not the short term. Investing in our buildings will serve us better in the future. It will allow us to use less energy to run our companies and will help the fenestration sector’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

www.vbhgb.com

ORION PREMIUM

PREMIUM

proteQ10

New Windows And Doors About To Become Even More Expensive

During the course of last week, it became apparent that a number of fresh price increases were about to hit the windows and doors market. And we’re not talking about small singledigit increases here. Until now, I would have said that the balance of rising costs versus the ability for homeowners to pay it was about right. However, I believe we have sailed past that equilibrium and we’re headed for problems.

New Raft Of Price Increases For New Windows Prices have been rising for the last 18 months without any let-up. But some of these latest increases are particularly steep. Here are a few of them: ◌ Certain glass products to rise by 15% ◌ Certain aluminium systems to rise by 16% ◌ Steel to rise by high doubledigits ◌ One letter to customers lays out the total increases in raw material prices since the start of the year: ◌ PVC: up 41% ◌ Steel: up 94% ◌ Stainless: up 40% ◌ Aluminium: up 44% Those are raw material costs. Now add to the mix that wages have gone up double-digits, as has the price of energy. This particular raft of increases however is particularly steep. And a number of suppliers are now doing what has been long predicted and turning the temporary surcharges into permanent price increases. That

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will perhaps be less of a shock as no one really expected those surcharges to actually materially be reversed. One particular supplier however did supply within their letter to customers a number of charts to show how far material prices had risen, and where the line lies before prices can be reduced. The reality is that we are miles off prices becoming stable, and most of those charts were still on an upward curve. The reality is stark. The marketplace for raw materials is incredibly unstable. Global demand is pushing prices higher, with raw materials, as well as transport, going to whoever can afford it the most. This drives costs up further. The effects are then seen further down the supply chain, which reflect in 15% rises in costs of glass for example. At the moment, there is little sign of stability coming. Suppliers are warning of costs rising into 2022. This was different from only a couple of months ago when there was perhaps some optimism that the end was in sight. It appears not. My more immediate concern however lies with the spending power of the public.

A Tipping Point Reached As an industry, we are now being buffeted from two sides. The first is the cost of raw materials. That has seen inflation in our sector rise dramatically, as per the bullet points above. The second is the cost of living. Food shortages, benefit

cuts, rapidly rising inflation, petrol and diesel costs up, gas prices up. The day to day cost of living in the UK is rising fast for many and is taking not only spending money out of people’s pockets but confidence too. In the midst of a wave of rising prices and Christmas around the corner, I fear public spending on big-ticket items is going to be reigned in significantly. We are now at a pinch point. Perhaps sooner than we all thought. But then again inflation and the breaking down of various supply chains has happened pretty quickly too.

I do now fear that for some portions of the public, the price increases within our sector are now putting the idea of new windows and doors out of reach. This has always been the risk. That the public can take so much inflation, but there is a limit. I believe we are there. As a result, with the economic backdrop looking far more serious than it did in the summer, coupled with constant fenestration sector price increases, I believe we’re in for a very tough winter compared to the last 12-18 months.

Only a couple of months ago I believed that we were at some kind of balance with the public. That even though prices were rising in our sector, the public did seem to have the ability and willpower to pay. I sense that this situation is now changing. Sales at our places have slowed in comparison to only a couple of months ago, and it’s noticeable. We have four months of work already ahead of us, so there is no imminent problem in terms of installations. But I have spoken with a large number of installers over the past couple of weeks and there appears to be a definite shift to slower sales over the last couple of months. For fabricators and systems companies reading this, you may well think differently. But with installers sitting on so much work in advance, fabricators and then systems companies won’t feel the effect of any kind of slow down for a while. Perhaps not until closer to the end of the year or even the New Year. There is however a definite move to a different trading environment for installers.

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Rising Prices: What Fenestr For the installation side of UK fenestration, we now seem to be moving out of a euphoric phase of mega business, into a phase where worries about price rises and a much more challenging business landscape for installers is coming to the fore. Our industry has been hit with wave after wave of price increases over the past year which has seen the price of our goods to the public rise somewhere in the region of 30-40% in a year. Perhaps more. The outlook is looking a lot more choppy than even just a couple of months ago. If you’re an installer, this is what you should be doing in the coming months to help ride this particular storm out.

Pass On Price Increases Hopefully, installers have been doing this anyway. Remember in the pre-pandemic days where you’d only get one or two per year? Just like buses, you wait for ages for one, then 27 all turn up at once. At least that’s how it feels at the moment. Prices that have been rising right at the very start of the supply chain, such as raw steel, polymer and transport, have been making their way down the supply chain to installer level for a good 12-15 months. As a result, the price of new windows and doors to homeowners has risen somewhere in the range of 30-40%, maybe more in some areas. What is most important is the protection of margins. Installers cannot absorb these levels of increase. If they did they’d cease to exist in a matter of weeks. Ultimately, no matter how uncomfortable you feel about charging customers more, it is the homeowner that has to be the one to pay. In the end, that is what business is about. The end-user of the product or service is the one that has to pay. I appreciate that there has been a hell of a lot of increases this year, but to absorb as much of that as you can is to put your own business at risk.

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Add A Contingency Percentage In addition to passing on price increases to the homeowner, I would strongly advise adding a certain percentage to each contract. This will protect you from any future price increases that come in quickly but that you won’t have taken into account. For example, we have been putting 5-10% on our contracts for most of this year. The amount depends on the product and supplier. This has stood us in good stead as almost every month we have had significant increases. That extra few per cent that we add to each contract has protected us a number of times against unaccounted price increases and allowed us to protect our margins. With prices as high as they already are, the idea of adding even more on top will feel very odd indeed. But, I can assure you that when things are as fluid as they are right now, that extra 5-10% you add will almost certainly protect you from future price increases in the months to come. If you don’t add a contingency then you leave yourself at risk of your margins being eaten away.

Be Honest You really would have to have been living under a rock all year to not know what is going on with supply chains and higher than usual demand. Thankfully, most of the general public know what is happening and expect the cost of whatever it is they are buying to be going up and to have to wait longer. With this being the case, installers need to continue to be very honest and open with their clients when it comes to price and lead times. It’s all about managing expectations from the start and not allowing the client to try to dictate the process. It also cuts out any potential nasty surprises for customers when you come back to them with fitting times longer than they might have expected.

ration Installers Need To Do Being honest from the beginning actually builds up trust and a better relationship with the client. They see you at the very start as a company that won’t lie and will be straight up with them if queries arise or problems happen.

Update Your Contracts First, if you’re an installer and still doing business verbally with clients, stop. You have to start using contracts, especially now with how uncertain and uncontrolled things are. Second, if you’re using contracts, start adding in new clauses about price increases and extended lead times. You have to protect yourselves and your business. Do not leave yourself open to clients who may wish to cause you harm or instigate problems if they become unhappy with waiting or if you have to go back to them with price increases.

they are buying is built very solidly, that it comes with premium hardware, that the colour will be as good in 20 years time as it is on day one, that it will be installed by highly qualified installers, that it’s very secure and that there is an after-sales service on hand to rectify any problems swiftly. Trying to sell a door at £2500 and simply cutting your margins back to knock a couple of hundred pounds off because you’re scared to lose it to the competition is not a sustainable business model in this climate. As we head into the winter, things are set to get very rocky. The trading landscape has changed quickly and it won’t be plain sailing on the sales front in the way it has been. Installers have to start adapting right now to protect their business during what will likely be the most turbulent time of this particular chapter so far.

Sell On Quality, Not Price This industry in the past has done much of its selling based on price. That has lead to the race to the bottom, thin margins and prices that have been kept artificially low for decades, rather than rising gently with inflation over time. Now, we find ourselves at a pinch point with prices rising quickly, and with it, anger. But we are being presented with an opportunity to learn a lesson and move forwards differently, rather than slip back into old behaviours. For those that have sold on price first, and everything else second, you have to move on from that. Prices are too high to be using that kind of tactic. There can be no more races to the bottom when new windows and doors are costing what they are right now. Sales have to be based on quality and service. These are two factors which when executed properly makes it very simple to justify a price that the client thinks is quite high. Selling a single door for £2500 is much easier when the homeowner is being told that the door

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The Fenestration I Understand Ea You can feel the strain between the different `levels of the supply chain right now. Fabricators are becoming frustrated with system companies. Installers are already frustrated with fabricators. The last 12-18 months has certainly put a strain on us all and across the supply chain. But those relationships are coming under increased pressure, and there are accusations of profiteering and some taking advantage of the current market situation. A lot of this comes down to knowledge and what we know, or don’t know, about the supply chain itself. This is where the sector needs to educate itself.

Know More About Each Other Running a business in UK fenestration right now is a very difficult task. Whether you’re an installer trying to plan and schedule four months of fitting, a fabricator trying to service hundreds of customers, or a systems company trying to ensure you get a solid supply of raw materials to see you through the next quarter. We’re all incredibly busy trying to make sure our own businesses are working. What has become clear over the last year or so is the fact that we perhaps know very little about how other businesses in the supply chain work. We know how are customers are, and we know who our suppliers are. But do we really know, on mass, how each other’s businesses actually work on a day to day basis? Given the massive disruption in 26

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the supply chain at the moment, I think this is a very good time to start learning how the supply chain in our industry actually works. For installers, this is knowing how a fabricator actually works. How they get their deliveries, how the production line functions, what it costs to run a factory, employ staff, what overheads they have etc. At the moment, fabricators are coming in for a lot of flack when they issue price increase notifications, with accusations of profiteering and making more than they should be from the ongoing situation. If installers knew more about what it really takes to run a fabrication business, perhaps there would be less anger about current price increases and even a better relationship between the two parties.

Two-Way Relationships It works both ways. It pays for an installer to know how a fabrication business runs. But it is very much worth knowing how an installations business works in detail if you are a fabrication company. Some do. Some businesses take the time to get to know their installers well and spend some time with them to increase their knowledge of their client. But some don’t. And that means the communication links between the two parties are not as good as they should be. If the manufacturing supply chain knew in better detail how installation businesses worked on the ground, how decisions

Industry Needs To ach Other More at their level affected installers, then perhaps better and more informed decision making could take place. Communication would certainly be improved, and both parties could then work together to combat issues. Speak with each other, rather than at each other. The same applies to systems companies and glass systems companies and their own clients. Having full knowledge of how their own clients work at a detailed level would help them to run their own businesses better. At the moment, frustration from installation companies is spilling out into social media and online forums at the sheer number of price increases. There are a growing number of accusations that companies are jumping on bandwagons and seeking to make more than is reasonable. Speaking with my installer hat on, I can confirm that the price increases continue to come in thick and fast, and the last set we have had, namely for silicones, roofline products, glass and profile have all been hefty. That is on top of all the other hefty ones we have had this year.

for manufacturers. Elaborate on statements about supply chain problems and a lack of this or missing that, explain, even in public if necessary, what actual operational problems this creates. The whole world knows about supply chain problems, but better explanations and finer detail communicated to customers what effects that have when it comes to delivering products will perhaps go some way to negating some of the growing frustrations. In the end, more knowledge about our entire supply chain, not just our own business, actually helps us all. I cannot say with great confidence that we all know how the entire supply chain works from top to bottom. But perhaps it’s time we did. If we can all join up the dots better, and understand how you get from point A to point Z, we can use that information to better the supply chain itself through collaborative work and greater communication.

But whilst it is frustrating to see prices rise so quickly, I know from speaking with fabricators who have been willing to share quite detailed breakdowns of what is currently happening with their own businesses, the situation on the ground isn’t matching the accusations. I am sure there will be some out there making the most of this right now, but I believe that they are the minority, rather than the majority. So perhaps there is a hint there

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ALUMINIUM Express Trade Frames Says Sheerline Is ‘Ahead Of The Market’ Express Trade Frames (ETF) is one of the latest fabricators to manufacture Sheerline, the innovative aluminium window and door system from Garnalex. Managing Director Scott Law says: “We knew Sheerline was going to be a great system and we wanted to get on board and grow with them as they grow. It’s ahead of the market. We’d followed Roger Hartshorn’s success at Liniar and wanted to be part of it. “For us, the speed and ease of fabrication are important, and Sheerline really delivers. The market is asking for lower U-Values, especially on new build sites to meet tighter building requirements, and this is easily achieved with Sheerline. We fabricate the flush sash option as standard and it’s beautiful with low sightlines. The feedback we’ve had from installers has been really positive, they say it’s easy to install and glaze up.” Based in Fleetwood, Lancashire for 22 years, ETF has been fabricating aluminium for just three, but aluminium has grown so fast it now exceeds its PVC-U sales. It’s grown fast because of its sustainability credentials, colour choice and slim sightlines. Scott adds: “The market has responded very well to Sheerline and we’ve already picked up several commercial contracts on the back of sending out samples. As delivery times from Garnalex are so quick – within five working days – we’ve been able to reduce our stock levels. The support and service from the Sheerline team have been faultless, they have sorted any queries we’ve had quickly and easily.” Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Garnalex, says: “We’re delighted to have Express Trade Frames as one of our Sheerline partners. And we’re particularly pleased that Scott refers to our quick delivery service and ‘faultless service and support. One of my objectives from the very start was to build Garnalex’ service and support around customers’ need to provide their customers with first-class service and support. That’s why it’s ‘Made in Britain’ here in Derby, and why

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we keep all our profiles and components in stock. That gives us complete control over our short supply chain and enables us to offer the shortest lead times in aluminium. Customers get delivery of Sheerline profiles in 12 stocked colours in just five working days, or – for normal aluminium – an amazing 10 working days for bespoke colours. Not only is Sheerline ahead of the market in innovative design, but it’s also beautiful, and it’s ahead of the market in terms of service and support too.” For information about ETF, visit www.e-t-f.co.uk. To learn more about Sheerline, visit www.sheerline.com or www.sheerlinevideo.com. You can also call 01332 978000 or email info@sheerline.com. Follow @SheerlineSystem and @GarnalexSystems for the latest news and updates. Spoonsored Content Garnalex

IUM

BMBI Reports Continued Strong Year-On-Year Growth other categories exceeded 100, including Heavy Building Materials (127.0), Ironmongery (120.2) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (118.3).

The latest report from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) reveals that builders’ merchants’ August value sales were 23.0% higher year on year, with Timber & Joinery products once again topping the list of best-performing categories (+51.5%). Helped by one more trading day this year, eleven out of the twelve categories sold more in August 2021 compared to August 2020. Heavy Building Materials (+16.9%), Landscaping (+11.5%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+11.3%) put in a strong monthly performance. Workwear & Safetywear (-2.7%) was the only category to sell less over the period. Average like-for-like daily sales in August 2021 were up 17.1% in the same month last year. Compared to August 2019, a pre-pandemic year, total merchant value sales were up 18.2% on August 2021, with no difference in trading days. This growth was largely driven by two categories – Timber & Joinery (+48.4%) and Landscaping (+29.7%). Heavy Building Materials (+10.1%), Services (+9.7%) and Kitchens & Bathrooms (+2.9%) also recorded higher sales compared to the same month two years ago. For the second month in a row, total merchant sales were down in August compared to July (-7.9%) with no difference in trading days. Only Workwear & Safetywear (+3.1%) sold more, while Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (-3.6%), Kitchens & Bathrooms (-6.5%), Heavy Building Materials (-7.2%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-8.6%) all sold less. Landscaping (-14.4%) was the weakest category month-on-month. August’s BMBI index was 139.3, helped by strong performances from Timber & Joinery Products (182.6) and Landscaping (175.3). Seven

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research who produce this report, said: “After a bumper year, sales began to ease over the summer. With all Covid restrictions removed in July, I expect a combination of exhausted people trying to grab a summer break and the continuing impact of material shortages and supply chain problems contributed to slowing sales. There are murmurs of material shortages easing but with no significant lessening of demand it will take time to shorten current long lead times for many products and solve the complicated supply chain problems.” Emile van der Ryst, Senior Client Insight Manager – Trade at GfK Retail & Technology UK adds: “The exceptional growth seen against both 2019 and 2020 continues ahead, but we’re seeing the first stages of a pressurised market starting to ease off. Merchants have done well to manage supply chain challenges and continue to reap the rewards of this. Growth should continue to slow down in the coming months, especially with the stamp duty holiday coming to an end and some of the other wider UK economic challenges coming to the fore.” Developed and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter. August’s BMBI report, published in October, is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.

Sponsored Content Garnalex

MRA Marketing Shortlisted For 4 Construction Marketing Awards Full-service agency MRA Marketing has been shortlisted for awards in four different categories at this year’s Construction Marketing Awards (CMAs). Despite industry supply problems, high demand and COVID-19 constraints, the prestigious awards have again attracted the best and brightest from across the sector. Winner of 20 previous CMA awards, and twice winner of the CMA’s Agency of the Year, MRA Marketing has been selected as a finalist in two categories for their work with Deceuninck: in the prestigious Strategic Planning & Management award, and for Best use of Press & Public Relations. The company is also a finalist in Best Built Environment Member Organisation Marketing Campaign for the Construction Products Association’s highly successful Building Safely consultation. MRA Marketing’s Verity Bailey was also shortlisted for Emerging Agency Star of the Year. Verity is a recently promoted Middleweight Designer who has established herself as a true star, taking a leading role in a number of high-profile projects since joining the agency a year ago. Phil Boyland, MRA Marketing’s Operations Director says: “MRA Marketing has a long legacy of wins at the CMAs, and we’re delighted to be four-times finalists again in these respected and influential marketing awards. “To be shortlisted in four categories is a fantastic achievement and a true representation of the commitment of our team and their dedication to helping customers grow and win in their markets. I, for one, can’t wait to celebrate in-person with customers, colleagues and industry partners at the awards ceremony in December. Good luck to all the finalists!” The winners will be announced at a ‘live’ gala dinner on 2nd December. See the full CMA 2021 shortlist here: http://www.cmawards.co.uk/cma21-finalists-announced/ For more information on MRA Marketing visit www.mra-marketing.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @MRAMarketing and LinkedIn @MRA-Marketing. Sponsored Content MRA Marketing

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MRA Research Shortlisted For Its CX Improvement Engine In CMAs Sponsored Content MRA Marketing

MRA Research, the construction industry research specialist, has been shortlisted for an award at this year’s Construction Marketing Awards (CMAs). Always a highlight in the calendar for industry professionals, this year’s CMAs has attracted fierce competition from across the sector. MRA Research is a finalist for Best Use of Research & Insight for its work with Hanson UK. MRA Research developed an innovative and cost-effective research solution – the Customer Experience Improvement Engine – with Hanson UK to drive customer service improvements in real-time. The project was so successful that, starting with Concrete, Hanson has rolled it out to their Asphalt, Cement and Aggregate businesses with similarly effective results. MRA Research is one of the UK’s longest-standing research and insight agencies serving construction, building materials and home improvement markets. Ralph Sutcliffe, MRA Research Business Development Director, says: “We are delighted to be selected as finalists at these prestigious marketing awards for our work with Hanson UK. It’s a fantastic achievement to be shortlisted, and as a previous winner of the CMA Research & Insight award, we’re keeping our fingers crossed. Good luck to all our fellow finalists!” Paul Lacey, General Manager, Hanson Customer Service Centre, Hanson UK adds: “The CX Improvement Engine which MRA Research designed for us has been invaluable to our businesses, enabling us to keep our finger on the pulse, implement changes and measure their effect before making any further improvements that are needed. It’s helped us raise customer satisfaction to very high levels, even when the whole market is suffering supply difficulties. This new approach is so powerful and cost-effective, we have now rolled it out across six business lines.” MRA Marketing has also been shortlisted in four other categories at the CMA Awards: Strategic Planning & Management, Best Use of Press & Public Relations and Best Built Environment Member Organisation Marketing Campaign. Middleweight Designer Verity Bailey is also a finalist for Emerging Agency Star of the Year. The winners will be announced at a gala dinner presentation on 2nd December. See the full CMA 2021 shortlist here: http://www.cmawards.co.uk/cma21-finalists-announced/ For more information about MRA Research, visit www.mra-research.co.uk or follow us on Twitter @MRA_Research_UK.

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Morley Glass Triples Post-Consumer Glass Recycling Capacity The UK’s largest manufacturer of Screenline integral blinds will be recycling more post-consumer glass and supporting more local good causes than ever following the installation of a new state of the art automated machinery to process waste glass collected from Uni-Blinds® installers. The new plant commissioned by Morley Glass at its HQ and factory near Leeds replaces its pioneering ‘Crush’ machinery, which has been retired after two reliable years of service. The new machine is designed to be smarter and more productive through automation, extracting a larger amount of annealed glass out of the frame.

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

previously, helping the industry take another important step forward in terms of sustainability. But equally important will be our increased ability to support more green initiatives than ever as the size of our GreenVision Fund grows with recycling volumes – it’s a winwin.” By providing a post-consumer glass recycling service, Morley Glass helps its customers reduce the amount of waste they need to dispose of and improve the wholelife sustainability of Uni-Blinds® integral blinds. It also assists Saint-Gobain Glass with their sustainability goals as they seek to increase the amount of recycled content in new float glass, which is already at the forefront of the industry.

Morley Glass goes even further, however, to make sure the value of the recycled glass cullet can be utilised to fund environmental initiatives across West Yorkshire through its GreenVision Fund. This enables local organisations involved in environmental improvement and green micro initiatives to benefit from individual grants of £500 to This eliminates some of the support the work they do. more time consuming and labourintensive stages of the glass Ian Short, MD of Morley Glass recycling process to enable larger said: “We’re thrilled that we can To find out more about the volumes to be handled. Through a now handle three times the amount sustainability initiatives of Morley process of separation and crushing, of recycled glass that we could Glass visit www.morleyglass.co.uk. the glass is turned into cullet which can then go straight into the manufacture of new glass, whilst spacer bars and any other materials are channelled off into a separate waste stream. This first stage recycling process is a joint initiative between Morley Glass and Saint-Gobain Glass whereby recycled glass cullet is collected in half tonne bags for use as a raw material in the production of new glass. Since the initiative started in 2019, more than 670 tonnes of glass cullet have been produced which has saved more than half a million tonnes of ‘virgin’ sand from Saint-Gobain Glass’s manufacturing process. But the benefits of recycling postSponsored Content Morley Glass

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GENERAL In an unprecedented move to communicate the ongoing supply chain problems to the rest of the sector, 19 fenestration sector companies have signed an open letter to the industry in a show of support.

#unitedfront It was statement:

comprehensive

CONTINUED SUPPLY CHALLENGES Overwhelming demand for construction products since the easing of lockdown restrictions has left many resources in short supply, with much longer than usual lead times. An industry web forum attended by many of us during the first closure, predicted that post lockdown demand would drift back up to perhaps 70% of normal levels by late September. In reality, most of our industry peers saw demand of 130% within 6 weeks of reopening – initially a huge relief of course, but with that relief came a number of subsequent serious issues. Basic building materials, such as cement, timber, steel and paints, quickly became and continue to be heavily restricted, along with composite door slabs, uPVC profile, glass and other components. Manufacturers have quite rightly shrunk back to focus on delivering their core products in volume, and so the huge choices our consumers and retail customers have enjoyed in recent years, are suddenly limited. 40

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These factors have made it much harder for manufacturers, processors and fabricators to manage continuity of supply, often having to deal with last-minute shortages and delays beyond our control. We fully acknowledge the impact this has had on the ability of our customers to forward plan their own scheduling requirements, and we are constantly working to improve forecasting and communication.

PRICE RISES Global shipping costs have risen sharply due to a shortage of empty containers caused by Covid-19. This, coupled with massive demand and competition from Europe, has meant most raw materials and components involved in construction have been subject to overwhelming price rises. For the time being at least, the days where price could be leveraged with scale of purchasing and volume buying are over, with all levels of the supply chain opting or needing to prioritise margin on a scarce resource over their top line. This ultimately makes all our products more costly to manufacture and leaves us with no choice but to pass on surcharges and rises to our customers if we want to keep trading. Energy costs are also looming large on the horizon and may prove to be the toughest nut to crack long-term. Please be assured, only those costs that can’t be fully absorbed are passed on, and, in all cases,

limited to the lowest extent possible. This must be an approach taken by every level of the supply chain, with the focus moving away from undercutting rivals to focusing on long-term sustainable business planning. LABOUR SHORTAGES Brexit has impacted heavily on recruitment in our industry, especially in our ability to recruit and retain logistics and manufacturing staff. This has been further compounded by the ongoing challenges of Covid-19 isolation requirements, which has seen some of our signatories lose 30% of their workforce overnight. The historic stability of our industry workforce that allowed for high levels of reliability has been replaced with the need to manage a more transient and volatile landscape. At the heart of this will be a commitment to investing in our people, their wellbeing and job security, and we will continue to focus on training and development across all sectors.

A POSITIVE FUTURE So where does this take us? The complexity of the fenestration supply chain today means there have been, and will continue to be, occasions where all suppliers and fabricators are forced to make unprecedented last-minute changes to their production schedules, commercial terms and delivery dates. We accept the knock-on effect at

19 Companies Sign Open Letter To UK Fenestration Sector

consumer level can cause unjust damage to the long-standing reputation of strong, resilient businesses who are fighting tooth and nail for their customers and livelihoods. Consumers, on occasion, are also not receiving the service they have been accustomed to. Our eyes are wide open to this, and on behalf of the wider supply chain in which we all operate, we would ask for your continued patience and understanding whilst we continue to work round the clock to deliver a product and service that you are happy with. It is categorical that each of the above issues will self-correct and stabilise, only the timing of when this will happen is unknown. Collectively, we hope this letter goes some way towards explaining the current challenges we are facing, and please be rest assured that we are all doing our utmost to support customers against the odds. If any industry can adapt and emerge from this year stronger than ever, it’s ours. This statement was then signed by 19 prominent trade fabricators: I don’t believe in my time in this sector I have seen such a coordinated response from a wide number of different companies. But the fact is, the problems that our sector is experiencing are affecting everyone. They are likely to last a while longer yet, so there remains a need for everyone to collaborate together, be calm, be kind and be as productive as possible. DGB MAGAZINE

Bau China 2021 Postponed The pandemic continues to cause problems around the world when it comes to event planning. This time it is Bau China 2021 which has had to move its dates. Thankfully not too far, only to mid-December and just before Christmas. China does continue to have a very strict COVID containment policy, and so any hint of a possible problem and the Government steps in.

Bau China 2021 Statement This is the official release from the show, as per their website:

Dear Exhibitors, Visitors and Partners: According to the most updated pandemic prevention and control requirements in Shanghai, the Organizing Committee have prudently come to decide that: The BAU CHINA 2021, including FBC (FENESTRATION BAU China), CADE(China Architectural Design Expo), RealTech Expo and China Roofing and Waterproofing Expo, originally scheduled to be held in Shanghai·Pudong·New International Expo Center from November 2 to 5, 2021 will be postponed to be held from December 19 to 22, 2021. At the same time, the venue has been changed to the National Exhibition and Convention Center (NECC) (Shanghai). All concurrent conferences and events of the exhibitions during the same period will also be moved to the updated dates and venue. We deeply apologize for the inconvenience caused by the postponement of the exhibitions! We will immediately launch the adjustment work. In parallel, during the nearly 50 days of extension, we will work closely with our media and industry partners to upgrade promotion to ensure the success of our exhibition. We are fully confident that we will present a fantastic gala of premium quality for the industry. Last but not least, we would like to extend our gratitude to all the exhibitors, visitors and partners in such a special period. Your understanding and support are the drivers for our continuous efforts to forge forward.

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See you in December in Shanghai! The Organizing Committee of BAU CHINA MMU BAU Fenestration Co., Ltd. So not only a change of date but a change of venue. This is quite a shift so close to the originally planned opening date. Hopefully, all goes well in December.

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

have been able to take advantage of that because they’ve been increasingly compromised on the price and availability of foils from their supplier,” said Rob.

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

“For our customers, that’s not the case, on average they are selling twice as much colour as their competitors, and for some, it represents as much as 60% of their total order volume. It’s proved to be a key driver for growth,” he concluded.

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

For more information, call Deceuninck on 01249 816 969, email deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk Sponsored Content Deceuninck

Designed to process highly complex profiles and delivering an exceptional quality of finished product, they have further enhanced Deceuninck’s class-leading colour offer and its ability to supply more than 30 different colourways from stock. “Demand for colour has increased massively and our customers can benefit from that because we are able to supply them with product ‘off the shelf’,” said Rob McGlennon, Managing Director, Deceuninck UK. “We operate a similar model to Amazon. Orders are placed remotely, through Deceuninck Online, and as soon as they come in, we are able to access the stock that’s required from our warehouse, so there’s no additional lead time. “And as soon as that has been selected and despatched, orders are automatically raised with our production department to replace the profile that’s been sent out,” continued Rob. “We are replenishing our stock, rather than manufacturing to a just in time model.” Operating six foiling lines, each dedicated to a specific product type, Deceuninck is also able to supply an additional 20 colours in just 15 working days. “We know from our research with YouGov that homeowners want colour, but not all installers

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There’s A Silic And so the shortages of fenestration supplies continue to stack up. This time its silicone. There have been sporadic warnings about the lack of silicone throughout the year, but this one feels a bit more significant. Prices are also going up markedly too. Many are seeing steep double-digit increases, which are only going to add to the mountain of other increases on various materials we have all incurred this year, and are set to keep incurring for the foreseeable future.

GAP Makes A Silicone Statement In a sign of the strain on the supplies of silicone at the moment, major trade counter stockists GAP issued a statement on Thursday:

With a worldwide supply chain issue affecting Soudal and all other Silicone manufacturers, we are working hard to keep our depots stocked, so our customers have the stock they need. To ensure this, we have temporarily put limits on the amount customers can buy, to avoid excess stock being purchased. In the coming days, we will share alternative products to help ease the demand for Silicones. Thank you in advance for your patience.

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cone Shortage I am aware installers have been buying supplies of silicone fearing that they will not be able to access supplies. In the world of window and door installation, no silicone means no fitting, unless you can get your hands on an alternative. GAP, and I suspect others soon, have decided to limit sales to be able to make sure everyone gets access to at least some of what they need. There are no signs that demand for silicone will let up soon, and with global supply chains creaking more than ever, we cannot know when this will end. Here’s another factor to consider when it comes to silicone and other sealant products. Many installers are sat on three to four months of work. That is a huge amount of new windows and doors that are going to need silicone and other sealants. Many installers won’t have placed their orders for the work being fitted months in advance. So thinking ahead, the demand for silicone is going to remain high, and perhaps rise further, in the months to come. The strain will increase.

Time To Look For Alternatives The vast majority of installers continue to use silicone every day for finishing around new windows and doors. This is despite the product becoming significantly more expensive and being thermally inefficient. But it is the material everyone knows and so it is the material everyone uses.

the edge of the frame and the wall could be very useful. They have U-Values that are far better than silicone gives, are quick to install, far less messy and improve the overall energy efficiency of the new window or door. If fitters don’t want to go down that route, there is a range of hybrid silicones out there called Silane modified polymers. They are solvent-free, they are isocyanate-free and stand up well in high temperatures and show good UV resistance. I am not aware that hybrid polymers and sealants are in short supply, so perhaps this is a more viable alternative for installers to be looking at. As the cost of our materials continues to shoot to the moon, we are approaching a time where we all may have to start looking at alternatives. The argument of passing all costs down to the consumer can only go so far before a company begins to price themselves out of contention. As a sector we’re going to have to start getting crafty about what we spend our money on. We’re going to need to prioritise product and supply over most other things. We may well have to look at using alternative products that haven’t rocketed in price and that have good supplies. Only this week, major suppliers have warned that the problems with supply chains may not be fixed until 2023 or 2024, in which case inflation is going to be a huge cause for concern, and something we have to try and be proactive about now.

What happens then when the supply of silicone becomes short? The choice is being taken out of our hands. It is time to look for alternatives. We may not run out completely, but if supplies really start to get thin on the ground, installers have to find ways to be able to finish their work else risk backlogs in their fitting schedules. One alternative to using silicones is to use expanding insulation tape. I have talked about this in a previous post on DGB a while back. Tapes like the ISO-Chemie range of tapes that expand around a window or door to completely fill the cavity between

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This Is How Much You Actually Save By Recycling Glass Recycling is going to play a massive part in the fenestration sector’s efforts to reach net zero. PVCu recycling has continued to grow at a good clip, but one area that I believe needs massive improvement is glass recycling. Glass is pretty simple to recycle, yet the number of companies that have taken to recycling glass versus the recycling of PVCu, Aluminium and timber is far greater. More IGU companies need to take up glass recycling as part of an industry-wide effort to reduce carbon emissions. To give you some idea as to what you can actually save when you recycle glass, I have taken a look at some of the most recent figures from Morley Glass, who have their own glass crusher on site. The numbers are seriously impressive (See page opposite):

step up and invest in glass recycling facilities. They will most likely get paid by their glass systems suppliers for providing that cullet back to them, which in turn pays for the investment in the glass crushing machinery. Or, IGU makers could even invest that cash into local charitable causes. Of the many ways our industry needs to become more sustainable, the recycling of glass is one of the most accessible and readily available options to many of us. I would urge those who aren’t yet doing so to really think about making this a priority for 2022. All data included in the infographic has been provided by Morley Glass and verified by Glassolutions (Saint-Gobain).

DOWNLOAD INFOGRAPHIC These stats cover roughly three years of glass recycling from one crusher at one site, namely Morley Glass in Leeds. Over that time they have managed to amass a saving of energy that is quite remarkable. To power a home for more than 300 years with the glass they have recycled is amazing. It is the other factors that make glass recycling compelling. The sand it has saved for example. I was told that the sand that goes into the production of glass here is sourced from UK beaches. That is raw material that stays where it needs to and protects the domestic environment. It is the CO2 emissions that are kept out of the climate, which is a lot in this case. Perhaps most important at this present moment, is that is all glass has gone back into the circular supply chain. The valuable glass that we are so short of at this moment in time has found a new purpose and has been kept out of the ground. You have to wonder if perhaps we were recycling glass on a much bigger level up and down the UK, the glass shortage we are suffering from now wouldn’t have been so severe. This is where more IGU companies need to

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ROOFLINE Dormer Transformation Sponsored Content Freefoam

Whilst homeowners take pride in their home and want it to look its best, it can sometimes come at a price. Many are looking for low maintenance options to free up precious time and save money over the years. One such family in Banbury, Oxfordshire, turned to local Freefoam Registered Installer Ricky Romera of Professor Windows to help them with an ongoing issue with their property. The house featured ten dormer windows around the front and back elevations covered in painted concrete render. With constant exposure to the elements, cold frosts caused the render to separate and become cracked and discoloured. Consequently to keep the property watertight and tidy meant the homeowner was spending thousands of pounds every year on scaffolding and repair. They needed a long term solution. Replacing with a traditional timber cladding was an option, but again would involve regular maintenance. Professor Windows had undertaken other work for the homeowner and recommended Fortex embossed PVC cladding, in the Weatherboard option. Having used Freefoam cladding on other properties Ricky was confident that it would be the ideal solution for this situation. Ricky explained “We’ve used the Freefoam cladding before on dormer elevations, and it works really well. This property took us a couple of weeks. With scaffolding in place, we removed all the render, fitted battens and installed the cladding on each dormer. It was easy to fit and we used the matching trims to give each one a neat, professional finish.” Fortex embossed cladding is available in a wide range of colours and the homeowner was able to choose the Sand option, which was a similar colour to the originally painted render, and coordinates very well with the windows and brickwork. Ricky summarized “The homeowner is delighted with the results, and has had lots of positive comments about the transformation the cladding has made from neighbours and friends. He is also very pleased to be saving a considerable amount of money each year, with no costly repair and maintenance. We’ve seen a big increase in requests for PVC cladding and have more jobs lined up. It’s a cost-effective, easy-care solution that can completely transform a house and makes a great addition to our business”. 50

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Freefoam, Hero’s Of Zero Sponsored Content Freefoam

As many manufacturing plants strive towards operating in a more sustainable way to help reduce waste and manage valuable resources Freefoam Building Products announce a significant milestone on their journey. Working with waste and energy partner BIFFA, Freefoam send no site waste to landfill. Production and site waste is processed in three ways. In the year to date, 44.43% of our general waste was foam and rigid plastic which is collected by our waste partner who processes it into shredded PVC recyclate format. This material is a valuable commodity and can be used to manufacture many other products. The remaining 8.77% of packaging and cardboard is also sent to be recycled. Our commercial waste, which cannot be recycled, goes to Energy Recovery. It is also collected and transported to a nearby Energy Recovery Facility. Here it is processed and turned into energy, which is subsequently sold back to the National Grid. Energy recovery is a technology that sees non-recyclable waste burned at high temperatures under carefully controlled conditions. The process is extremely efficient, robust and safe, with emissions from the process treated to meet stringent European guidelines. So what happens to the energy once generated? Taking one month as an example the energy provided by Freefoam waste could have powered a 400-watt fridge freezer for 354 weeks, or 6.8 years or a 1500 watt dishwasher for 118 weeks, or 2.2 years – amazing!

towards the UK’s target to become a net-zero economy.”

Herbert Livingstone, Quality, Safety, Health & Environmental Manager (QSHE), commented “We are very proud to be operating our plant in such a sustainable way. We have worked hard to separate and manage waste on-site so that we don’t need to send any to landfill. This work is just a small part of a much wider programme to ultimately deliver a circular business model and help

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