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With compliance changes on the horizon, manufacturers need to take a strategic approach to investment—ensuring solutions address current regulatory demands while supporting future operational, environmental, and commercial objectives.
As discussions around triple glazing, tighter thermal performance targets and future regulations continue to dominate industry conversations, many insulated glass manufacturers are facing a familiar challenge: how do you prepare for changing market demands without committing to costly investments that may limit future options?
While triple glazing may be driving much of the current discussion, manufacturers should also be focusing on whether their production capabilities are flexible enough to meet future demand. Read the full story on Page 20
PAGE 7 STEEL WINDOW FITTINGS RECOGNISED WITH SWA’S ASSOCIATED AWARD 2026
PAGE 9
J&K REDUCES ROUTING TIME BY 50% WITH KOMBIMATEC, LEADING TO SECOND INVESTMENT
• Three-hook locking for enhanced security
• Bi-directional steel claws for strong, consistent engagement
• Adjustable keeps for accurate, hassle-free alignment
• Sprung gearbox as standard for smooth operation
• Twin spindle for lever/lever or lever/pad configurations
• 10-year mechanical guarantee
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PAGE 20
FGS: FLEXIBLE GLASS SOLUTIONS
ATLAS ALUMINIUM’S TRANSFORMATION EARNS TWO NFA 2026 SHORTLIST
The views contained herein are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, Fenestra Build™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of Fenestra Build™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.
Available in five popular cottage door styles, the new Stable Door Range combines traditional aesthetics with the proven strength, quality and reliability of ODL Europe’s composite door slab technology. Stocked in
Steel Window Fittings has won the Associated Award at the 2026 Steel Window Association (SWA) Awards; recognising the company’s pivotal role in supporting with one of the industry’s standout projects.
Presented at the third annual SWA Awards in London, the accolade highlights the contribution of the company’s specialist ironmongery which was specified in two of the winning projects. The first project announced was Commercial Project of the Year: The Chancery Rosewood Hotel, with West Leigh, where Steel Window Fittings supplied contemporary multi-point locking mechanisms and fitted B310 hinges to provide adjustability for the large windows while preserving their original appearance.
The second project, Domestic Project of the Year; The Cotswold Casement Company for its work on the restoration of Westcote Hall, one of Northamptonshire’s most significant historic country houses. The project involved the sensitive refurbishment of a multi-phase historic building, balancing heritage requirements with improved performance and usability.
The recognition underlines Steel Window Fittings’ growing influence within the steel window and door sector where high-performance hardware plays a critical role in delivering both aesthetic and functional success across a wide variety of building types.
MD of Steel Window Fittings James Barrett said “We are very pleased to be recognised for contributing to both the Domestic and Commercial Project winners. The two winning projects are very different and its shows the specialty and the range of hardware that Steel Window Fittings designs and manufactures that is required to be used on such unique and differing buildings. The Chancery Rosewood Hotel presented challenges regarding the hardware, as the original handles needed to be retained and reused. We successfully integrated these with the W50TB concealed multipoint locking system, enhancing the building’s weather performance while ensuring full operability with the original handles. Fully adjustable B310 brass hinges were also utilised to facilitate both installation and the smooth operation of the windows.”
With an investment programme of over £500,000 since the purchase of new premises earlier this year, independent trade fabricator Fentrade Limited is now gearing up for a full factory and showroom unveiling on Thursday the 27thof August.
The purchase of the new premises was completed in February, and since that time the team at Fentrade have been working hard to transform the building into a modern production facility that will allow the established trade supplier to further improve its productivity and continue their long-term growth plans.
“We’re excited to see the how the building has changed from it’s original use to this now very modern production facility, which further benefits from a dedicated trade showroom for our sales team and our customers to use”, comments Chris Reeks, Fentrade’s Managing Director. “It’s a great pleasure to be announcing our open day for new and existing customers and industry colleagues to come and see the facilities for themselves and see how far we have come as a business in the eight years since we were established.”
Guests will be able to meet the expanding operational and sales team, view the new showroom facilities and have a guided tour of the factory to see products being manufactured including seeing how the newly introduced Elumatec SBZ145 machining centre is enhancing the whole process.
“Having the showroom facility encompassing the full range of our products will enable us to further promote these to our customers, and more importantly it will be a great asset for our trade customers to use as their showroom in their own sales process”, continues Chris. “We’re delighted to be throwing open our doors on the 27th of August and welcoming in everyone to see everything for themselves and to share in our journey going forward”.
With invitations being sent out shortly you can register interest in attending the Fentrade Open Day on the 27th of August in advance by emailing the team on sales@fentrade.co.uk with your name and contact details and full details will be sent by return.
Kombimatec is continuing to demonstrate how the right machinery investment, backed by practical support and expertise, can help fabricators improve efficiency, accuracy and profitability, following a successful partnership with Norfolk-based fabricator J&K Glass & Glazing. The family-run business first partnered with Kombimatec through the installation of a CR5650 Trickle Vent Router, which reduced routing times by 50%.
The success of that investment, coupled with the hands-on support provided by Kombimatec managing director David Parsons, led J&K to return to the machinery specialist when it came time to upgrade its mitre saw capability.
“Accessibility to David and his knowledge is second to none,” said Andrew Chilvers, general manager. “So when we identified the need to update our mitre saw a year after the installation of the vent router, we went straight back to see what Kombimatec could offer in comparison to some of the other machinery suppliers.
David Parsons presented them with his DGS500 Electronic Double Mitre Saw.
“I admit that when we spoke about it over the phone, it sounded quite complicated,” continued Andrew. “But travelling down to view the machine at Kombimatec’s Leighton Buzzard HQ, I could appreciate the inherent simplicity of the machine and its ease of use. It was clear that it would give us great accuracy and efficiency. Add to that the price tag – coming in at a significantly more sensible price than its closest competitor – and Kombimatec’s proven customer service – the decision was a fait accompli before I had even arrived back in Norfolk.”
Since its installation earlier this year, the DGS500 has gained a real fan club across the J&K’s production team, many of whom are family members.
“Not only is the machine more accurate, but its ease of use is a hit across all the operatives no matter how experienced they are, or not”, added Andrew. “There’s a flow to the way it carries out each process – accommodating the different ways each operator handles the profile to create a consistent and uniformed result.”
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Pyroguard, a leading independent provider of fire safety glass, has delivered a comprehensive fire safety glazing solution as part of the major redevelopment of the TX Building at Strijp-T in Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Originally constructed in 1929 for Philips and recognised as one of Eindhoven’s most significant industrial landmarks, the TX Building has undergone an extensive transformation to create 56,000 m² of contemporary workspace for high-tech businesses. The redevelopment combines the preservation of the building’s historic character with modern standards for safety, performance and occupant wellbeing.
A key challenge for the project team was creating open, light-filled interiors while meeting stringent fire safety requirements across multiple occupancies. To achieve this, Pyroguard supplied more than 2,000 m² of fire safety glass through glazing specialist Glasdesign for use in internal partitions, stairways, escape routes and fire compartmentation zones throughout the building.
The design vision centred on maximising daylight and visual connectivity within the vast industrial structure, while ensuring safe evacuation in the event of a fire.
To support this objective, Pyroguard Protect T-EW30/13-1 and T-EW60/13-1 were specified throughout the development. The toughened fire safety glass provides reliable fire integrity and radiant heat control while maintaining high levels of transparency, helping preserve the open character of the refurbished building. The specification also achieves a 1B1 impact classification and offers strong acoustic performance and UV stability, contributing to a safe and comfortable environment for occupants.
All glazing was installed within timber framing systems, allowing the project team to retain and enhance the building’s authentic industrial aesthetic. To support the use of fire-resistant glazing within the timber framing systems, an overall assessment was undertaken by fire safety consultancy Peutz. This validated the proposed installation approach, including the use of pinned glazing beads, ensuring the system met the required fire performance criteria.
Kenrick is reporting growing demand for its Excalibur multipoint door locking system, with fabricators and hardware distributors increasingly choosing the high-security lock for its proven performance, reliability and compliance credentials.
One of the company’s flagship door hardware products, Excalibur has built a strong reputation across the industry thanks to its combination of security features, smooth operation and ease of fabrication. Designed to help fabricators meet the demands of today’s security-conscious market, the lock continues to gain traction across both new-build and replacement door projects.
Commenting on the growth, Suzanne Nicholl, Sales and Marketing Director at Kenrick, said: “Fabricators are under increasing pressure to offer doors that deliver exceptional security, reliability and long-term performance. Excalibur continues to meet those requirements, which is why we are seeing such strong and sustained demand across the market.”
At the heart of the Excalibur lock are three high-strength sintered steel hooks, two steel anti-lift bolts and three adjustable roller cams that combine to deliver outstanding protection against forced entry. The lock is PAS24 accredited and forms part of Secure by Design-compliant door systems, giving fabricators complete confidence in its security credentials.
Suzanne commented: “One of the features that sets Excalibur apart from many competing products is its sprung gearbox, which delivers smoother operation and more consistent engagement throughout the life of the lock. Combined with three hooks, two anti-lift bolts and PAS24-capable security, it offers the ideal balance of performance, reliability and protection. Alignment marks and extendable lock options also make fabrication and installation straightforward, which is something our customers really value.”
Available with 35mm and 45mm backsets, Excalibur offers flexibility across a wide range of door applications. Additional options including fast-lock functionality, slave locks and top and bottom shoot bolts allowing fabricators to tailor the solution to individual project requirements.
Force 8 has once again demonstrated its flair for innovation with the introduction of a stunning new Deep Copper finish for its range of smooth (no woodgrain) composite doors.
Designed to replicate the appearance of premium steel entrance doors, the new finish creates a rich metallic effect that delivers all the visual impact of steel, but with the warmth, thermal performance and security benefits of a modern composite door.
The latest addition gives installers and fabricators a distinctive new product to offer homeowners looking for something beyond the traditional woodgrain composite door. Suitable for both contemporary and more traditional properties, the Deep Copper finish transforms the appearance of the door, creating a luxurious, architectural aesthetic that would normally command a significantly higher price.
Unlike conventional painted doors, every Force 8 Deep Copper door benefits from the company’s dedicated in-house paint facility, where both the door and frame are prepared and sprayed together. This ensures a flawless colour match across the complete entrance system, providing a premium factory-applied finish that simply cannot be achieved with separately sourced components.
The development of the Deep Copper finish has been the result of extensive research and testing by the Force 8 team. Achieving the perfect bond between the specialist paint coating and the composite door surface presented a significant technical challenge, but after months of refinement the company has produced a finish that combines exceptional durability with a truly eye-catching appearance.
The result is a product that offers homeowners the sophisticated look of a bespoke steel entrance door, while retaining all the practical advantages of composite construction, including excellent thermal efficiency, outstanding security and low maintenance.
ODL Europe has further expanded its composite door range with the introduction of a new stable door, giving fabricators and installers access to one of the market’s most recognisable door styles.
Available in the Cottage door slab range, the new offering includes five designs: Solid, Stanley, Canning, Sandon and Benton. Bryan Bultema, Managing Director at ODL Europe, said: “Stable doors continue to be a popular choice with homeowners because they combine character, practicality and versatility. By adding this option to our Cottage door range, we’re giving our customers another opportunity to meet market demand and offer homeowners even greater choice.”
The stable door slabs are stocked in white and can be supplied painted in any RAL colour through ODL Europe’s state-of-theart in-house paint facility. The dedicated paint plant gives complete control over quality, consistency and colour accuracy, while allowing customers to offer a truly bespoke solution. The facility uses a hard-wearing polyurethane paint system and every painted door benefits from a 10-year guarantee against fade, loss of gloss and adhesion.
Manufactured from the proven ODL Capstone slab, the new stable door delivers the same exceptional strength, durability and long-term reliability that have made ODL Europe one of the most trusted names in composite doors. Its consistent performance helps fabricators and installers avoid costly callbacks while protecting their reputation and margins.
The slab has been purpose-designed with a robust 100mm integrated PVC mid-rail, delivering the structural integrity required for stable door applications without compromising on aesthetics.
Bryan said: “As you would expect from an ODL Europe product, the stable door has been designed to deliver the same levels of quality and reliability our customers expect from us. By combining the proven ODL Capstone construction with an integrated PVC mid-rail, we’ve created a solution that brings together traditional appeal and modern performance.”
Bryan concludes: “We’re continually looking at ways to expand our product offering and support our customers with solutions that reflect current market demand. The addition of the stable door is another example of that commitment.” www.odleurope.com
Aluminium windows and doors have become increasingly popular with homeowners as the sector continues to grow with more companies now offering new product and component solutions.
One of the key considerations for aluminium window and door manufacturers is ventilation. Since the changes in building regulations in July 2022, compliance with building regulations as set out in Approved Document F (means of ventilation), is now critical for companies replacing windows or doors made of any material including aluminium.
With mechanical ventilation being expensive, inconvenient and time consuming to install, the most practical and affordable way to compliance, for both installers and homeowners, is to install trickle vents to the window and door profiles or frames.
Over the last decade, Glazpart’s Link Vent with its clever design, easy installation and operation combined its availability in a vast colour range, has made it the trickle vent of choice for window and door companies. However in the last 18 months, Glazpart has concentrated on component solutions specifically for aluminium fenestration.
Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director outlines the niche strategy, “Since 2022, and our market domination with the Link Vent, we continued to explore the trends and different niches within the glazing sector. With more fabricators offering aluminium windows and doors, we collaborated with our customers and aluminium experts. In 2024, we joined the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) to gain greater insight and knowledge of aluminium as a building material. In the spring of 2025 we launched our first aluminium glazing component with the introduction of the Bi-Fold Vent and most recently we have launched the AluVent.”
The launch of the innovative Bi-Fold Vent at FIT Show 2025, certainly gathered much interest with many visitors to the Glazpart stand seeing a physical demonstration (using a model bi-fold door) of how the vent performed and looked within a bi-fold door system.
The Bi-Fold Vent’s shallow (slim) height is designed to work within the low hinge stack heights when the doors in a bi-fold system are in the open position – it has unique low-profile louvred canopy design combined with a low profile vent to allow both the internal vent and louvered grille clip in to easily sit between the open concertinaed door leaves.
Just eighteen months after its relaunch as an independent business, Atlas Aluminium has been named as a finalist in two categories of the National Fenestration Awards 2026 – ‘Aluminium Fabricator of the Year’ and ‘Bi-Folding Door Manufacturer of the Year’ – true recognition of the investments it has made to deliver unrivalled support to its trade partners.
Atlas Aluminium’s management-backed acquisition in December 2024 marked a new chapter for the business. Since then, Atlas Aluminium, a leading supplier of aluminium doors, window and glazed roof systems, has made significant investments in its capabilities and improvements to its operations.
One of the core strengths of Atlas Aluminium is its people. Its skilled team of over 200 has a wealth of experience in aluminium glazing systems, with many team members having built long careers within aluminium fabrication. Around 28 percent of employees have been with Atlas Aluminium for more than ten years, and the longest-serving team member has 35 years’ experience. This experience supports customers who need technical guidance and a supplier that understands the demands of aluminium fabrication.
To deliver the reliable service that so many trade customers rely on, Atlas Aluminium has made investments in its production and distribution capabilities. With team members within production trained across different product areas, Atlas can quickly respond to customer requirements while maintaining standards. All this means better technical support and shorter lead times across the range, with nationwide delivery and real-time tracking also offering partners added piece of mind that their order will be delivered on-time, in-full.
Jamie Newall, CEO at Atlas Aluminium said: “The last eighteen months is proof it is possible to retain the best of the past while building a new, stronger identity. Being shortlisted in two National Fenestration Awards categories is recognition of our razor-sharp focus on our customers. Since relaunching as an independent business, we have listened to our customers and made improvements that are having a positive impact on their business. It is encouraging to see that recognised by the industry.”
As heritage uPVC brand Timberlook marks its tenth year, Amelia Gaughan, Head of Marketing for Affordable Windows Group, looks back at the brand’s beginnings and shares what the future holds.
When we launched Timberlook back in 2016, I do not think any of us truly knew what we were setting in motion. The idea was straightforward enough: to produce heritage-style uPVC windows and doors that could genuinely hold their own against the look of traditional timber.
But what has followed over the last decade has surpassed anything we imagined at the time. Sitting here now, reflecting on the journey, I feel an enormous amount of pride in what this brand has become, and a genuine excitement about what is still to come.
If you want a measure of how far Timberlook has come, look at the manufacturing operation behind it. We started with one small corner of the factory dedicated to Timberlook production; we now run three Timberlook production lines, supported by three Supercut saws committed solely to flush window manufacturing.
Amelia Gaughan, Head of Marketing, Timberlook
Recognising the need to make sure our logistics can keep up with demand, we have also steadily grown our fleet of delivery vehicles, adding 32 vehicles across 2025 and 2026, with eight new vehicles and 16 demountable boxes among the most recent additions.
Our wider AWG fleet now stands at 64 vehicles, backed by a 50-strong transport team who make it their business to get orders to installers on time, every time. To put the scale of that into perspective, our fleet delivers around £1,000,000 worth of goods every single week. That figure still surprises me when I say it out loud.
With compliance changes on the horizon, IGU manufacturers need to take a strategic approach to investment—ensuring solutions address current regulatory demands while supporting future operational, environmental, and commercial objectives, says David “Oz” Cahill.
As discussions around triple glazing, tighter thermal performance targets and future regulations continue to dominate industry conversations, many insulated glass manufacturers are facing a familiar challenge: how do you prepare for changing market demands without committing to costly investments that may limit future options?
Flat Glass Solutions (FGS) believes the answer lies not in following a single trend, but in investing in equipment that delivers high-performance units today while providing the production flexibility manufacturers need to adapt to future market, regulatory, and customer demands.
“There’s a huge amount of discussion around what products the market may need in the future,” says FGS Managing Director David Cahill. “Whether that’s vacuum insulated glass, lightweight triple glazing, enhanced double-glazed units or emerging technologies that aren’t yet mainstream, manufacturers need to be able to adapt without restructuring their entire factory as the market changes.
“The most successful businesses are usually the ones that can react quickly. If a customer specification changes or regulations shift, they need equipment that can support that transition. That’s where production flexibility becomes incredibly valuable.”
Bringing world-leading solutions to UK manufacturers
While triple glazing may be driving much of the current discussion, Oz believes manufacturers should also be focusing on whether their production capabilities are flexible enough to meet future demand. Central to that approach is FGS’s long-standing partnership with insulated glass machinery specialist Tenon, supplying UK manufacturers with production equipment capable of meeting a wide range of insulated glass requirements.
With more than 30 years’ experience in IGU manufacturing equipment, Beijing-based Tenon has developed a range of production lines that can accommodate everything from standard double-glazed units through to larger, more complex and higher-performing products, including single seal triple glazing. It has built a reputation for delivering systems that combine high levels of automation with the flexibility to adapt to evolving product specifications.
Quanex company Liniar, the UK’s leading PVCu systems company, is delighted to announce the appointment of Martin Benn as Sales Director New Build & Social Housing, and Stuart Nelson as Commercial Manager New Build & Social Housing, both joined the business on 13th July 2026.
Martin and Stuart bring with them an exceptional level of experience, having collectively spent more than 50 years within the industry, where they have played pivotal roles in establishing and developing one of the most successful new build sales operations in the UK fenestration sector.
Throughout their careers, Martin and Stuart have worked at the forefront of the new build market, building long-standing relationships with national and regional housebuilders, driving specification success, and helping to secure significant market share across the sector.
Their decision to join Liniar reflects both the strength of the company’s growth ambitions and the significant opportunities that exist within the new build and social housing markets.
Commenting on the appointments, Nigel Bishop, Vice President of Sales at Liniar, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Martin and Stuart to the Liniar team. Their reputation within the industry speaks for itself. Over the past two decades they have consistently demonstrated an unrivalled understanding of the new build sector and have been instrumental in shaping one of the strongest market propositions in the industry.
“As we continue to invest in our future growth strategy, particularly within new build, social housing and green retrofit markets, the addition of Martin and Stuart significantly strengthens our capability. Their experience, customer relationships and market knowledge will be invaluable as we continue to expand our presence and support customers across the UK.”
