Windows Active - June 2026 Issue

JUNE 2026

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june 2026 | contents | 1

CONTENTS

JUNE 2026

DIRECTOR OF THE MONTH

GETTING IN CONTACT

“It’s been a tough trading environment.

There’s no point dressing it up. Costs have increased, timelines are tighter, and customers are far more informed than they were even a few years ago.

Across the board, that has raised expectations and reduced tolerance for error .”

EDITORIAL John Cowie Editor - Head of Content E: john.cowie@windowsactive.co.uk Jennie Shoglen - Graphic Designer Emma McCormack - Sub-Editor

Chris Burrows Managing Director Vista Panels

ADVERTISING SALES Steve Gravestock Sales Director Tel: 07990 671901 E: steve.gravestock@windowsactive.co.uk

MACHINERY FEATURE

Tel: 07919 448809 E: production@windowsactive.co.uk WINDOWS ACTIVE is published by: Active Magazines Limited PO Box 627 Rickmansworth Herts, WD3 0BQ

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Some key players in this sector provide some interesting articles, look out for content from Haffner, Jade, WMS and Forrel plus a round-up of two revealing stories.

Donna Crockatt Publishing & Sales Executive Tel: 07919 448809 E: donna@windowsactive.co.uk PRODUCTION AND CIRCULATION

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MARKET VOLATILITY CREATES FRESH CHALLENGES

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Darren Woodcock, General Manager at Deceuninck, explains how geopolitical instability is driving cost pressure across the supply chain.

MPN HITS THE HIGH-STREET IN STYLE

ISSN No: 1746-6663

www.windowsactive.com

x.com/windowsactive

44

Lee Darcy explains how Heritage Trade Frames is helping installers meet changing regulations and capitalize on shifting market demands.

42

MPN Windows, Doors and Conservatories has announced the creation of a new £150,000 showroom in Maesteg.

Online at: www.windowactive.com X: @windowsactive Instagram: windowsactive

FUTURE-READY BY DESIGN FOR TOMORROW’S HOMES

IT & ECOMS FEATURE

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In-depth articles on this hot topic include: Agency says campaigns for Conservatory Outlet have generated strong enquiries and rising Forté door sales growth; AdminBase Campaigns helps installers to reconnect with prospects and customers while maximising the value of existing data; As installers face growing pressures, Emplas says closer CRM and manufacturing integration is improving efficiency and results.

instagram.com/windowsactive

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W 2 | editors comment | june 2026

EDITOR’S COMMENT SHOWROOMS ARE HELPING FIRMS REBUILD CONFIDENCE

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a trusted retailer selling a product they can see and feel. Showrooms feed directly into that need and, this year, companies that have adopted a strategy of opening or upgrading show sites have reported positive results.

Strategies that focus clearly on routes to market are also delivering rewards for some companies. One major manufacturer in the sector is taking a slightly different approach and drawing attention in the process.

s we reach the midpoint of the year, the common feeling across the industry is that it has been a hard-fought six months. Challenging market conditions have been compounded by political uncertainty and global instability.

With material costs rising and consumer confidence under pressure, those working in the home improvement sector have had to adjust the way they operate.

Using price as the main mechanism for winning business remains a dangerous short-term game. Yet when short-term survival is at stake, it is easy to understand why low pricing can win the order.

The message from many businesses in the fenestration sector is clear: how can we add value to our offer while reducing cost within the operation? One area gaining traction across both trade and retail markets is the rebirth of the showroom. Over the past six to 12 months, a host of window and door businesses have invested considerable sums in creating new showrooms, or revamping and refreshing existing sites.

It is not only retail businesses making that investment.

Trade showrooms are springing up across the country as fabricators look to support installers by giving them access to professional display spaces. Just as important is the idea of the showroom as a blueprint, something a retailer or installer can replicate within their own business.

This approach is proving successful for numerous installation firms working with suppliers to deliver a modern, on-trend shop window where consumers can see first-hand what products look like and how they perform.

When asked why we are seeing this resurgence, two points come up repeatedly. First, fenestration products are always easier to sell when they can be touched, visualised and demonstrated. Secondly, while retail is increasingly dominated by online sales and social media, homeowners still want reassurance when it comes to bigger-ticket purchases such as cars and home improvements. As one retailer recently told me: “It’s amazing how many visitors to our showroom say the same thing. It’s good to see you have an actual shop, because we know where you are if something goes wrong. When people are spending a large amount of money, I understand why they feel that way.”

It is relatively simple reasoning, but it points to important areas that are often overlooked. Homeowners still have money to spend, but they are far more cautious about how they spend it. When they do commit, it has to be with

www.windowsactive.com

The company is drop-shipping bespokesized windows and doors to customers of a well-known British home improvement retailer. Customers, be they homeowners, DIYers or tradespeople, can order windows and doors directly from the website by entering their specific requirements and sizes. They are then given an instant price and can order for delivery to their home.

No installation service is provided, which means responsibility for fitting the products sits with the homeowner or purchaser, either by installing them personally or finding an installer to do the work. This model has been followed successfully by trade counters, although usually with a stronger trade focus.

In this instance, there is little doubt that some homeowners will use the online tool to obtain a price and compare it with quotes from installers and retailers. Some more competent DIYers may also attempt to install the products themselves.

Where that happens, it is essential they are made aware of the requirement to register or notify the details of the installation. If they fail to do so, they could be committing a criminal offence.

There are obvious question marks around this situation.

As an industry, we have always tried to promote the importance of using a reputable installation company.

These businesses can install the right products correctly, assess the requirements of each property and recommend specific types of windows and doors for areas that need particular attention.

What we are seeing, above all, is a sector willing to think differently. Companies are making efforts to maintain, and hopefully grow, sales during a period of intense difficulty.

New ideas are welcome, but sometimes it is previous ideas, revisited for a changing market, that prove most effective.

John Cowie - Editor E: john.cowie@windowsactive.co.uk

x.com/windowsactive

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4 | news | june 2026

Titon acquires injection moulding specialist G-Pack Manufacturing

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iton Hardware has announced the acquisition of G-Pack Manufacturing, a UK supplier of injection moulded plastic components used in the installation of windows and doors.

G-Pack supplies a range of installation accessories including bridge packers, flat packers, sill end caps and frame corner protectors. Its products are designed to work with major UK window system profiles and are used by fabricators across the UK. The acquisition adds a complementary product range to Titon’s existing Window and Door Hardware portfolio.

For customers, this means access to a broader range of products from Titon.

G-Pack’s installation accessories sit naturally alongside Titon’s existing hardware range, supporting customers who need practical, reliable components for window and door manufacture and installation.

G-Pack also brings an adjacent customer base and well-established product knowledge. Titon will work carefully through the integration to maintain

continuity for customers while identifying opportunities to improve service, availability and product support.

G-Pack’s products are currently manufactured through a third-party partner. As part of the integration, Titon plans to bring this production into its Haverhill facility.

This is expected to give Titon greater control over production, quality and future product development. It will also make better use of Titon’s existing injection moulding capability, supporting the Group’s strategy to invest in complementary

products and build on its UK manufacturing base.

G-Pack will initially operate as a standalone subsidiary of Titon. Existing customer contacts, ordering arrangements and supply processes will remain unchanged unless customers are advised otherwise.

Steve Barnes, the current owner of G-Pack, will join Titon on a fixed-term contract to support the integration and help ensure a smooth transition.

Tom Carpenter, Chief Executive Officer of Titon, commented: “The acquisition of G-Pack is a positive step for Titon and supports the delivery of our Titon 2028 strategy. G-Pack’s products sit naturally alongside our existing Window and Door Hardware range and give customers access to a broader product offer.

“Over time, we expect to bring G-Pack’s currently outsourced production into our Haverhill facility. This will give us greater control over manufacturing and support the better use of our existing injection moulding capability.”

Howard Trotter moving on to pastures new after 13 years at Shelforce

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fter 13 years, Howard Trotter is stepping down as Business Manager at Shelforce, leaving behind a thriving business, an award-winning culture and a legacy built on inclusion, opportunity and teamwork. Howard has played a central role in transforming Shelforce, the Birmingham City Council-owned manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and fire doors for local authority building projects and social housing, into an £8m-plus turnover business, with turnover expected to exceed £10m this year. Today, the company’s order book is full for the next two years.

During Howard’s tenure, Shelforce has won numerous awards and earned national recognition for its commitment to people, social value and manufacturing excellence. Awards include Greater Birmingham Business of the Year and Excellence in People Development at the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce Awards. In 2023, Shelforce secured the prestigious King’s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity through social mobility. At the heart of that success is Shelforce’s 31-strong workforce, 75% of whom have a physical disability, learning disability, autism or mental health challenge. Reflecting on his time at Shelforce, Howard said: “A manager leads but ultimately their success is dependent on the team under them and if it wasn’t for

this wonderful team we would not have had half the success that we have had. Every achievement has been down to the people here and the culture we’ve built together.

They continually show what can be achieved with inclusive employment. I’m going to miss each one of them, but I know they will continue making Shelforce a success long into the future. It’s the right time for someone else to take this wonderful team forward, to continue driving Shelforce and continue its success.”

Wayne Davies, Director of Asset Management at Birmingham City Council, thanked Howard for his contribution to the

organisation and the wider sector. He said: “Howard leaves Shelforce in an incredibly strong position and his contribution over the last 13 years has been exceptional. These are very big shoes to fill because Shelforce is far more than a business. Howard has helped create a legacy that will continue for many years to come. As we begin the recruitment process for a new Business Manager, we’re looking for someone who can build on that success and continue leading and supporting this remarkable team into its next chapter. We wish Howard all the best for the new opportunity he has moving forward.”

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6 | news | june 2026

New certification launch to help comply with the Future Homes Standard

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wo new certifications have been launched for window and doorset manufacturers, fabricators and service providers to meet the requirements of the Future Homes Standard, which will change the way U-Values for windows and doors must be calculated and declared in new dwellings from next year.

The new certifications have been created by BSI, the UK’s national standards body, in response to the Future Homes Standard, published in March as part of the UK Government’s wider commitment to reaching net zero by 2050 by setting new energy efficiency requirements for newbuild homes.

It introduces a significant change to how the thermal performance of windows and doors is assessed. Under the current rules, U-Values are calculated using a standard benchmark size and specification, a simplified approach that is not reflective of the product actually installed in most cases, leading to a performance gap between design and reality.

From 24 March 2027 in England and 4 March 2027 in Wales, Approved Document L of the Building Regulations will require a declared U-Value for the actual size and style of every product installed in a new home, a far more rigorous and technically demanding approach. A one-year transition period may apply on some projects.

To support the industry in navigating this change, BSI has developed two new Certificates of Conformity. BSI U-Value Certificate of Conformity for Window and Doorset Calculations) - is aimed at window and doorset fabricators and systems designers who carry out finite element analysis and thermal calculations. It provides independent third-party assurance that the underlying data inputted into

U-Value calculation software is accurate and compliant with Approved Document L, BR 443, and international standards EN ISO 10077-1 and EN ISO 10077-2.

BSI Certificate of Conformity for U-Value Calculation Programmes of Windows and Doorsets - is aimed at software and technology providers whose calculation programmes are used to generate U-Values.

It certifies that the programme computes results correctly in accordance with the formulas in EN ISO 10077-1, Cl.6.4.

This certification has been developed following nearly two years of close collaboration with stakeholders, including pilot clients involved throughout the development process.

Used together, the two create an end-toend chain of assurance, from the accuracy of the underlying thermal data through to the software used to generate productspecific U-Values. Where a calculation programme uses input data certified under the U-Value Certificate of Conformity for

Window and Doorset Calculations, BSI can additionally issue a UK Approved Body test report, enabling U-Value outputs to be used on a Declaration of Performance for UKCA marking.

Mark Barsby, Certification Technical Expert – Windows and Doors, BSI said: “Ensuring homes are energy efficient is critical to the UK’s transition to a lower carbon economy. The Future Homes Standard represents one of the most significant changes to how the thermal performance of windows and doors is assessed and declared in a generation. The use of robust, independently evaluated data and calculation tools can assist manufacturers in demonstrating to stakeholders that their calculation methods are transparent and in accordance with the new Approved Document L. “These certifications are designed to provide the market with a clear, credible and standards-based level playing field for specifiers seeking independently verified U-Value calculations. We have incorporated input from stakeholders over the past two years to develop a solution that meets the needs of fabricators, systems designers and software providers alike.”

The regulatory change forms part of the UK Government’s wider drive to improve the energy efficiency of new homes, running the updated Standard Assessment Procedure (SAP 10.3) in parallel with the new Home Energy Model (HEM), which will operate alongside SAP 10.3 for at least two years pending its formal launch. Under both SAP 10.3 and HEM, the thermal performance of each window and doorset must reflect its specific building opening size, configuration and materials, making product-by-product U-Value calculations essential for accurate modelling.

DUN Agency to help drive growth

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o help drive its ambitions for growth in 2026, Coventry based Blinds in Glass Group - BiGG - has teamed up with Lee Marriott and his newly created DUN Agency. Lee will work closely with managing director Ian Woolley to create a more professional sales infrastructure that incorporates the growing BiGG portfolio of quality focused products for the door and window industry.

Over the last 18 months, BiGG has added Apeer front doors, ThermINcoat membrane, VacuumIN hand soldered vacuum leaded lights, and Regency Triple® featuring Corning® Enlighten™ Glass from Regency Glass. These are in addition to the company’s existing range of windows blind products, and BiGG IGUs from its recently opened manufacturing line. Lee Marriott will be instrumental in rolling the products out to his network of window and door

companies from the Midlands south.

“The BiGG product portfolio has evolved through Ian’s absolute commitment to delivering quality above all else, giving us a solid foundation on which to build future sales,” said Dun Agency’s managing director Lee Marriott. “That quality ethos is more

important now than ever before – with companies facing smaller markets and tighter margins, having access to products which come with the confidence you can only get with quality, is crucial to long term success. The BiGG portfolio gives us multiple ways of helping window companies achieve lower U-values, no matter what their preferred method.”

“Sticking to that quality ethos is not always easy, but it is fundamental to the way in which we do business at Blinds in Glass, and Lee has a similar mindset when it comes to choosing his own product range for the DUN Agency,” added Ian Woolley.

“We’ve both been in this industry for many years and understand the damage that poor standards can do. Any savings you might make on cheaper products will always be eaten up by expensive remedials. Who needs that hassle and expense?

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8 | news | june 2026

Hardware distributor Safeware launches into trade counter network

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ardware distributor Safeware is being introduced across Quay Plastics, Shepherds, National Plastics and PBS trade counters to meet growing demand for replacement window and door hardware. The move follows a successful trial with an alternative supplier, which confirmed strong demand for replacement hardware at counter level.

With the opportunity now proven, Safeware has been selected as the long-term partner to deliver a structured, scalable and professionally supported solution.

Rob Hartill, Commercial Director at Safeware, said: “There is a clear appetite for replacement hardware within the trade counter environment. This launch enables us to introduce a credible, well-supported offer that aligns with the Epwin Trade Counter proposition and delivers real value for both the business and its customers.”

The rollout will initially cover 21 trade counter branches across four regions, providing a controlled platform to evaluate performance and refine the offer ahead of wider expansion. Carousel-style display boards and supporting literature will ensure a clear and professional in-branch presentation.

Andrew Kent, Regional Director at Specialist Building Distribution, said: “The trial clearly demonstrated the potential for replacement hardware within our branches.

By partnering with Safeware, we are giving customers access to quality products, specialist expertise and dependable availability through a trusted trade counter network.

“This initiative demonstrates how different parts of the Epwin Group can

work together to strengthen the customer proposition. By combining our branch network with Safeware’s hardware expertise, we can create additional sales opportunities, enhance customer service and support future growth across the business.”

The Safeware range delivers a focused replacement hardware solution, including window handles, espagnolette systems, friction hinges and restrictors, alongside door handles, letterplates, a universal repair lock and TS007-rated 1* and 3* cylinders.

The range has been selected around the most common repair applications, ensuring strong relevance while keeping stockholding simple and efficient.

Designed for installers, builders, locksmiths and maintenance professionals,

the proposition provides a convenient source for everyday repair products, with point-of-sale displays supporting product selection and encouraging additional purchases.

In the short term, success will be measured through sales growth, increased average order values and positive feedback from customers and counter teams. Longer term, the ambition is to establish Safeware as the trusted replacement hardware solution across the wider Epwin Trade Counter network. With more than 35 years’ industry experience, Safeware is committed to delivering high-quality hardware backed by a proactive, service-led approach that helps customers compete in an increasingly demanding marketplace.

Sheerline Bespoke launches purpose-built showroom

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heerline Bespoke, the specialist product-focused division of Sheerline, has announced the launch of its new purpose-built showroom at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Derbyshire.

The new showroom has been introduced to support Sheerline Bespoke’s next phase of growth, providing a dedicated space to support customers and showcase the full breadth of its offering.

It features its core range of installationready kits, including the award-winning S1 Roof Lantern, the S2 Conservatory Roof System, and the new S3 Architectural Glazed Roof, as well as arched frames, SheerVents® and other roof-related products.

Chris Baron, Operations Director at Sheerline Bespoke, said: “The launch of our new showroom marks a significant

milestone for Sheerline Bespoke. It gives our customers the opportunity to experience our products up close and see the quality and engineering excellence that underpins everything we do.

“And by housing the showroom within our manufacturing facility, we’re giving customers complete transparency. When they visit our headquarters, they already

benefit from seeing how our products are made, the standards we adhere to, and the level of control we have across the entire process. Now they can see the finished results and that builds trust in both our products and brand.”

Located within Sheerline’s fully vertically integrated manufacturing facility, where everything from aluminium extrusion and powder coating through to fabrication is managed on a single site, the showroom offers the perfect space to demonstrate its S Series.

“As we continue to develop new systems like the S3 Architectural Glazed Roof, having a dedicated showroom is crucial,” added Chris. “It allows us to properly showcase our innovations and support our customers as they grow their own businesses with Sheerline Bespoke.”

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12 | news | june 2026

Tougher construction outlook will hit home improvement market says GGF

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he Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has warned that tougher economic conditions are likely to put further pressure on the home improvement and house building markets this year. The warning comes following the publication of the Construction Products Association (CPA) Spring 2026 Forecasts.

The CPA predicts that total construction output will fall by 2.5% in 2026, with private housing output down 7.0% and private housing repair, maintenance and improvement (rm&i) down 8.0%.

Public housing output is also forecast to fall by 4.0% in 2026, although public housing rm&i is expected to rise by 2.0%.

The forecasts highlight the impact of higher oil and energy prices, higher inflation, borrowing costs, weaker consumer confidence and continuing affordability pressures in the housing market.

Chris Beedel, Head of Public Affairs at the GGF, said members would not be surprised that trading conditions had toughened.

“We’re facing a number of economic headwinds. The Middle East crisis is pushing up energy prices, while higher mortgage rates, and interest rates are slowing the housing market and with it home improvement”, he said.

“People are hanging on to their savings, and the Government’s big new house building programme is still not feeding through at the volumes we expected.

“That means that construction output generally is going to fall slightly this year. There are some green shoots in the next couple of years, but the short term, particularly the second half of this year, we’re going to have to overcome some challenges.”

The GGF said that based on the CPAs forecasts and its own analysis, the private home improvement market was likely to remain under pressure for much of 2026, with households cautious about big-ticket discretionary spending.

“While the backdrop is going to be less than favourable, it’s important to remember that replacement windows and doors continue to have a strong role where homeowners are focused on energy performance, comfort, security and essential maintenance”, Chris continued.

“With the prospect of higher energy prices from July with the increase in the energy price cap, home energy efficiency should move up the agenda as we move into the autumn.”

The CPA suggests a slightly more

positive outlook for social housing repair, maintenance and improvement, where output is expected to rise by 2.0% in 2026, 2027 and 2028.

This reflects the growing focus on existing social housing stock, including repairs, damp and mould, fire safety, cladding remediation, decarbonisation and energy efficiency. Chris added that the glass and glazing sector was not immune from the wider economy but had a degree of resilience because it had built a broad market rather than relying solely on government schemes.

He said the GGF would continue to press government on practical support for the sector, including fair treatment of replacement windows and doors within energy-efficiency policy, and action to support growth, employment and investment in UK manufacturing.

“Our industry provides products that save energy, improve homes and support skilled jobs. The immediate outlook is difficult, but we will keep making the case for policies that help homeowners invest, support UK manufacturers and give businesses confidence”, he concluded.

Hardware manufacturer ISEO confirms FIT Show 2027 debut

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SEO, a leading global manufacturer of high-security cylinders, multipoint locks, panic hardware and smart access solutions, has confirmed its participation at FIT Show 2027 – marking a significant step in the brand’s UK market expansion.

With more than 30 years’ presence in the UK and a direct sales team now firmly established over the past 3 years, ISEO sees FIT Show 2027 as a pivotal moment to step forward as a direct, long-term OEM partner for door manufacturers – moving beyond distribution to become the integrated hardware solution of choice for PVC, aluminium and security-focused OEMs. Already established as a trusted name in panic hardware, locks and cylinders, ISEO has significantly strengthened its presence over the past three years with a dedicated UK sales

operation and a sharper focus on door manufacturers and aluminium, system companies. FIT Show 2027 will act as a key platform to accelerate that growth, with clear objectives around OEM lead generation, showcasing new mechanical and smart products, and reinforcing ISEO’s reputation for quality, availability and support.

At FIT Show 2027, ISEO will present a working door demo that brings together its latest multipoint lock technology, three-star cylinder solutions and a flexible smart access ecosystem. The stand will be designed to give visitors a true “hands-on” experience – from feeling the mechanical performance of the new 2027 multipoint lock through to testing app-driven access, smart handles and connected security features on the same door.

“Our goal for

FIT Show 2027 is very clear – we want PVC and aluminium, composite and timber door manufacturers, OEMs and fabricators to see the full breadth of what ISEO can offer as a group,” said Adam Wearing, ISEO UKI & North America - Trade & OEM Sales Manager. “Many in the UK know us for cylinders and hardware; fewer realise that we also bring advanced multipoint locking and smart access control solutions to the table, backed by strong stock availability and a committed local team. FIT Show is the ideal place to change that perception and start new conversations.”

“ISEO is exactly the type of brand we’re excited to welcome to FIT Show 2027,” said Nickie West, Event Director, FIT Show.

“They combine decades of experience with a renewed UK focus on OEM partnerships, smart access and high-performance locking.

Their door demo will give visitors a tangible way to explore both mechanical and connected solutions in one place, and we’re delighted that they’ve chosen FIT Show as the platform to drive their next phase of UK growth.”

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14 | news | june 2026

German innovation awards for smart sensor technology from Maco

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ACO was awarded Gold in the German Innovation Award 2026 in Berlin in the “Excellence in Business to Business – Building & Elements” category. After winning the Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026, the Sense

by MACO sensor solution has now received its second prestigious European award – a strong indication of its potential in modern, connected window and door systems.

The jury of the German Innovation Award recognises products that stand out for their innovation, progress and added social value.

Sense by MACO combines traditional fitting technology with smart sensor technology, thereby meeting key requirements for convenience, security and energy efficiency in smart buildings. The award of a “Gold” medal is impressive proof of the company’s outstanding innovativeness. The solution also emerged as the winner at the international Red Dot Award: Product Design 2026.

The award, which is one of the most prestigious internationally, recognises products that stand out for their exceptional design quality, and evaluated submissions from over 60 countries.

“These two awards clearly demonstrate how effectively Sense by MACO combines innovative functionality with elegant design – and just how relevant this development is for connected applications,” emphasises Christoph Lahnsteiner, Head of Product Management for Doors & Smart Products, who accepted the German Innovation Award on behalf of MACO in Berlin.

Sense by MACO reliably monitors the status of windows, sliding doors and doors,

thereby providing the foundation for modern Smart Home and building applications.

Functions such as heating, blinds or security can be specifically linked to the actual status of a specific element – the building component becomes part of a connected building concept. The solution impresses with its concealed integration, low maintenance requirements and – depending on the design – the option to retrofit it.

Sense by MACO includes five sensor solutions to meet various requirements.

Window Pro T&T is designed for the initial fitting of tilt & turn windows and can be integrated directly into the manufacturing process. Window T&T is suitable for practi-

cally all windows and, thanks to its adhesive installation, is also particularly easy to retrofit. Casement is designed for windows that open outwards, whilst Door monitors various types of door locks. Universal complements the range for particularly flexible or fitting-independent applications – such as lift & slide doors.

Thanks to the Matter standard, Sense

by MACO can be integrated into Smart Home systems from any manufacturer. This ensures future-proofing and demonstrates how MACO combines mechanical expertise with digital functionality to form an integral part of modern window, door and sliding door systems.

Further investment at Insight Data

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nsight Data, the industry’s market intelligence company, has announced seven new roles following a £500,000 investment. Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data comments: “Our industry has faced some serious challenges in recent years and many companies have turned to Insight Data to help them navigate the market and capitalise on opportunities for growth.”

We took the decision two years ago to make a major investment in technology and we’ll soon be releasing a new platform that fuels growth and will transform how the industry attracts, converts and retains customers.”

Ahead of the product launches, Insight Data has announced a series of strategic appointments, starting with Michelle Ireland who is stepping into a new role of Data Analyst after more than eight years of being in the Insight research team.

Courtney Hewett and Ross Brock, both experienced members of the Insight team, move into roles to support customer growth, while Rob Sheppard moves into a technical support role.

In recent months, the Insight software team has doubled to six developers, including two recent appointments in AI and marketing automation. A new out-bound hybrid call centre is also being created, using both AI Agents and experienced telesales staff, to support growth. “The glass and glazing industry is evolving fast, diversifying and consolidating with record levels of M&A activity. The old

rule book has been thrown out, and there is tremendous opportunity for those with vision and ambition. Insight Data is now well placed to help those companies achieve extraordinary growth and profitability.”

Discover how Insight Data’s newly expanded team and investment in AI and marketing automation can help your business grow, visit: https://www. insightdata.co.uk/

june 2026 | news | 15

ASSA ABLOY expands test centre to offer ultimate customer experience

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SSA ABLOY is delighted to announce the expansion of its enhanced UK test centre – UKAS-accredited in recognition of its commitment to the very highest testing standards. Now spanning 691 square metres, the expanded ASSA ABLOY Test Centre has increased testing capability within its facilities. This enables it to offer enhanced capacity and a smoother workflow, providing customers with quicker results alongside complete confidence that their products are being rigorously assessed.

ASSA ABLOY promises to provide all test reports and certificates within two weeks of a successful test, highlighting its dedication to delivering market-leading service to customers.

Fully independent, secure, and confidential, the facility welcomes the products of all external customers and offers a comprehensive range of tests. These include PAS 24 enhanced security testing for doorsets, BS EN 1670 corrosion resistance for doorsets, and BS 6375-1 weathertightness.

The efficient testing processes in place and increased capacity, mean quicker results and reporting. Each test serves to validate the security and durability of the product in question, ensuring they meet the relevant standards while improving their performance and reliability.

In addition, real-time test-viewing is available for customers who wish to observe tests in dedicated viewing areas; there is an on-site training room for collaborations and presentations; and ASSA ABLOY’s technical services are on-hand to advise on any adjustments and improvements that may be

needed to advise compliance.

Based in Daventry, Northamptonshire, the fact that the ASSA ABLOY Test Centre is in the UK helps to remove reliance on overseas facilities and reduce lead times. It is easily accessible from the motorway and conveniently positioned for both northern and southern routes, as well as offering free on-site parking and EV charging.

Staff Cooke, Technical Director at ASSA ABLOY, comments: “We’re thrilled to be opening our expanded Test Centre, now with UKAS accreditation to give our customers absolute assurance that our testing meets strict, nationally recognised standards. Just as importantly, tests are carried out by specialists who understand the products inside out—because we test windows and doors every day.”

“What the ASSA ABLOY Test Centre really offers is this: an independent, first-class testing facility that combines accredited processes with real product know-how. Unlike generalist centres that may switch from one type of test to the next, our team understands what matters when setting up and assessing windows and doors—right down to the details that can affect performance.

This gives UK manufacturers everything they need to innovate and produce the best compliant security and safety products they can.”

The expanded ASSA ABLOY Test Centre is one of the first ASSA ABLOY sites to fully reflect ASSA ABLOY’s new 2026 identity, featuring a clean, modern aesthetic and enhanced customer-journeys designed around clarity, innovation, and trust.

Forterro expands software for manufacturers with aquisition of 3E

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orterro, a leading European provider of industrial software solutions, today announced its intent to acquire 3E, a well-established software provider for manufacturers of windows and doors. The acquisition expands Forterro’s capabilities for small industrial and specialist manufacturers across the European mid-market and further strengthens a category it has been actively building through recent acquisitions including Orgadata, BM Group and Klaes. The deal is expected to close in Q2.

3E adds strong expertise in ERP, machine interfaces and production planning for PVC and timber manufacturers, complementing Forterro’s existing software portfolio for specialised and industrial manufacturers.

Together, the businesses will be even better placed to support customers across materials including timber, PVC and aluminium, as well as different stages of growth and

operational complexity, while leveraging cloud and AI-enabled capabilities.

“3E is a strong strategic fit for Forterro.

This acquisition strengthens our offering for specialised and industrial manufacturers, expands our support for mid-market manufacturers, and reinforces our position as a long-term partner to the industrial champions driving the European economy. Just as importantly, 3E chose Forterro because

of our clear AI strategy and the value it can deliver for their customers. They chose us on behalf of their customers, and we are excited about what we can build together from here,” said Bernd Hillbrands, MD, Windows & Doors Line of Business, Forterro.

Following completion, 3E will become part of Forterro’s solutions set for specialised and industrial manufacturers, led by Bernd Hillbrands. His leadership of this expanding category reflects Forterro’s model of enabling founders to thrive within the group while helping shape its long-term direction.

3E customers will benefit from continued product innovation and investment, particularly in AI, while also gaining access to Forterro’s broader portfolio of solutions designed to help industrial businesses improve efficiency and support growth. Forterro also plans to enable 3E to connect to its cloud and AI-based platform over time.

16 | news | june 2026

Mila celebrates 100 consecutive days of perfect next-day despatch

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ila has achieved 100 consecutive days of 100% next-day despatch on time, marking a significant milestone that underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to reliability and customer service excellence.

The milestone, reached on Tuesday 2nd May, reflects a consistent team effort to remain customer-centric and ensure the right products are picked, packed and despatched on time, and includes over 99% despatch in full across the period.

It comes at a time of continued investment across Mila’s product portfolio, as the business strengthens its offering with a dual focus on dependable supply and innovative, high-performance hardware solutions.

These include the Harbour Collection,

a fully suited premium range covering door and window applications, and the Eurospec Multipoint Door Lock range, a highperformance locking system designed for PVCu and aluminium doors.

Mila also continues to expand its range of colour and finish options, providing evergreater flexibility to help customers achieve design consistency.

Julie Holmes, Sales Director at Mila, comments: “Achieving 100% on-time despatch and over 99% in full across 100 consecutive days is a fantastic achievement, showing the dedication and precision of our teams at Mila. Combined with our ongoing product innovation, it underlines our commitment to providing the best service we can for our customers.”

Discover the Mila range here: https:// www.milasecure.com/uk/en.

Morley Glass data reveals shift in integral blind colour trends

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round two thirds of all Uni-Blinds® integral blinds manufactured by Morley Glass are in colours other than white, with black on the ascendency and silver continuing to prove particularly popular for specific systems, according to an analysis of the company’s latest sales data.

Anthracite’s declining popularity is reflected in Morley Glass’s data, although the drop was relatively small. In 2024, anthracite’s share stood at 30.4% of sales and this has reduced to 28.7% in the latest report. One of the reasons why anthracite is being chosen by fewer customers compared to previous years may be the availability of more ScreenLine® colours introduced to the UK market by Morley Glass over the past few years – several on an exclusive basis.

One of the notable upward trends is black (B160), which is now chosen for 10% of all Uni-Blinds® units, reflecting its current popularity in contemporary interior décor. Silver (S157) continues to be a popular colour choice for both the slimline ScreenLine® SL16 system and the battery operated W Smart, accounting for 17.5% of sales of both systems.

White continues to account for the lion’s share of sales with almost 37% of all ScreenLine® Venetian integral blind units manufactured in this colour by Morley Glass in 2025. Its timeless appeal is demonstrated by the fact that its share is actually increasing, up by 4 percentage points since 2023.

While the sales proportions for all the other Uni-Blinds® colour options have remained relatively static, Morley Glass has seen a slight growth in agate grey (S120) – indicating an increasingly popular niche.

There is also some variation across the different ScreenLine® systems, with black being the third most popular colour for the magnetic slider controlled SV and SV+ systems in the standard SL20 range, and both beige and cream each accounting for approaching 7% of sales of the SL20 MB System – the ScreenLine® range’s world-

class brushless motorised integral blind.

Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass, commented: “Given how well white integral blinds complement virtually every other colour, it is no surprise that a large proportion of homeowners and commercial customers opt for this. But what is interesting to see is that of all our other colours, anthracite, black and silver are undoubtedly the standout performers, signalling that these neutral options are not only very much on-trend but also compatible with the wider choice of frame colours now available to property owners and developers.”

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18 | news | june 2026

Stuga Machinery supports Voilàp Group at Fensterbau Frontale

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tuga Machinery’s Danny Jones attended Fensterbau Frontale as part of the Voilàp Group presence, supporting discussions around the Stürtz portfolio and wider group capability for the UK market, at one of the industry’s most important international trade fairs.

Fensterbau continues to bring together machinery specialists, fabricators and technology providers from across the window and door sector, providing a valuable opportunity to share ideas and explore how the industry is evolving.

The exhibition gave visitors a clear view of Voilàp’s global capability, highlighting its cross-disciplinary expertise, ranging from profile processing and welding technology through to automation and digital solutions, and how these areas continue to develop together.

During the event, Danny worked alongside colleagues from across the Voilàp Group, supporting discussions around the Stürtz range and the wider group technologies on display.

Danny said: “It was a really good couple of days. Fensterbau is always a great place to catch up with customers and speak to new people who are looking at machinery and automation.

A lot of what we develop comes

from those conversations and understanding the challenges on the shop floor, so it’s always useful to hear what people are seeing day to day.

Being part of the Voilàp Group also means we’re able to draw on continued development across machinery, automation and digital systems, while still focusing on what matters in practice – helping our customers run efficient, reliable production.”

The exhibition also highlighted wider innovation across the Voilàp Group, particularly in digital technology and customer experience through Voilàp Digital, showing how connected systems are increasingly supporting productivity and more informed decision-making on the shop floor.

Being part of the Voilàp Group allows Stuga Machinery to combine its UK manufacturing expertise with ongoing investment across a wider portfolio of machinery, automation and digital technologies. This broader capability continues to evolve through close collaboration across the group, shaped by real-world customer feedback and

the day-to-day demands of production environments.

This continued investment is already taking shape within Stuga, with further developments planned that will strengthen both the capability of our machinery and the long-term support behind it.

Fensterbau Frontale once again proved to be an important event for the industry, but for Stuga Machinery, it also reinforced how UK manufacturing, supported by global innovation and development, helps customers invest with confidence for the long term.

Future Homes Standard puts IGU components firmly in the spotlight

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hermoseal Group is urging IGU manufacturers to reassess their component choices, as the Future Homes Standard (FHS) introduces a fundamental shift in how window performance is calculated.

Under the new Home Energy Model (HEM), calculations for new build homes move away from standardised assumptions, towards modelling each individual window based on its exact size, configuration and components.

This means that for new build glazing, every element within the window – including spacer bars, sealants and desiccants – will directly influence the overall thermal calculation of the installation.

“The Future Homes Standard represents a real change in how performance will be measured in new build housing,” says Mark Hickox, Sales Director at Thermoseal Group. “It’s no longer enough to rely on a notional window. Under HEM, every component within the IGU contributes to the final calculation – and that includes all ancillaries.”

As window designs become more complex, with smaller apertures and added

features such as Georgian bars and dummy sashes, achieving target U-values becomes increasingly difficult.

In this context, the performance of each component is critical – and even marginal gains can determine whether a window passes or fails.

Thermoseal Group has positioned itself at the forefront of this shift, offering IGU manufacturers a fully evidenced component supply chain backed by industry-leading testing and product performance.

Its Thermoflex warm edge spacer, independently tested and BFRC approved, delivers a market-leading thermal conductivity of 0.125 W/(mK) – making it the most thermally efficient flexible spacer system available.

“With HEM, higher-performing components like Thermoflex can make a real difference to whether a window achieves compliance in a new build project,” Mark explains. “When every decimal point counts, performance is no longer optional.”

Crucially, Thermoseal supports this performance with robust in-house testing and validation. Operating one of the industry’s most advanced EN1279 laboratories, the company undertakes comprehensive analysis of materials, adhesion and long-term durability to ensure full traceability and real-world performance.

This level of evidence will be essential as the industry adapts to a regime where assumptions are replaced by measured data.

“As new build specifications tighten, IGU manufacturers need more than just components – they need evidence,” adds Mark. “That’s where working with a supplier like Thermoseal Group, with a proven testing infrastructure, becomes critical.”

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22 | news | june 2026

Insight Data calls for shift beyond traditional project-based tracking

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he industry’s market intelligence company, Insight Data, has launched a direct challenge to traditional project-based data suppliers, claiming the industry must move beyond “tracking projects” and focus instead on commercial growth intelligence for businesses supplying into the construction and RMI sectors.

The company, which operates the Salestracker Growth Platform, works with manufacturers, distributors, merchants and specialist service providers across the glass and glazing, construction and building products sectors.

Andrew Scott, CEO of Insight Data, believes too many suppliers are relying on project feeds and contract alerts while overlooking the businesses and decisionmakers that actually drive long-term revenue.

“Project data only tells part of the story,” said Scott. “Most manufacturers and

suppliers don’t grow simply by tracking construction projects. Growth comes from understanding routes to market, identifying the right businesses, targeting decisionmakers and building consistent commercial engagement across the supply chain.”

Unlike traditional project-led platforms, Insight Data focuses on live company intelligence and commercial engagement.

Its in-house research team makes thousands

of verification calls every month to maintain real-time data on companies, decisionmakers, routes to market and commercial activity across the construction and RMI sectors.

“Project platforms tell you what’s in development,” Scott added. “Salestracker was built to help businesses identify who to target, who makes the decisions and how to consistently win more business.

It combines market intelligence, CRM, outbound marketing and automation into one connected growth platform.”

The move comes as more supply-side businesses seek greater visibility, faster sales execution and improved commercial performance in an increasingly competitive market.

Discover how the Salestracker Growth Platform can help you understand alternative routes to market and target the right decision-makers today by visiting: https://www.insightdata.co.uk/

Keystone report reveals major gap in homeowner understanding

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eystone Market Research is pleased to announce the launch of its latest UK Consumer Fenestration Trends Report, alongside new consumer findings highlighting a significant opportunity for installers to better connect with homeowners during the sales process.

In Keystone’s latest consumer research, only 7% of homeowners said that when window or door salespeople visited their home, they addressed what mattered most to them and recommended styles that suited their taste very well - demonstrating substantial room for improvement in how companies understand and respond to homeowner preferences.

This insight becomes even more important when considering that 92% of homeowners said that if two installation companies offered similar products, they would choose the company that better demonstrated an understanding of their needs and style. Significantly, 53% also said they would still choose that company even if it was more expensive.

The findings reinforce that understanding homeowner priorities, lifestyles and aesthetic preferences - and being able to communicate this effectively in the home - is now a major competitive differentiator within a challenging market.

Against this, Keystone’s latest UK Consumer Fenestration Trends Report delivers fresh insight into homeowner preferences, priorities and investment intentions across windows, doors and glazed extensions - with a dedicated special feature

exploring the growing opportunity within the aluminium market.

This latest edition combines analysis of shifting homeowner attitudes with deeper behavioural segmentation using newly updated Mosaic homeowner profiles. A major focus is the aluminium-preferring homeowner segment, which the research identifies as one of the strongest growth opportunities currently emerging within the fenestration sector. The dedicated aluminium feature explores who these consumers are, what they prioritise, how they research products and where they are planning to invest over the short and medium term.

Charlotte Hawkes, Director of Keystone Market Research, commented: “This latest report highlights that while core homeowner priorities remain stable around quality, security and energy efficiency, we’re seeing much clearer segmentation in who is actively investing, how they make decisions and where the strongest growth

opportunities lie.

“The aluminium feature was particularly interesting because it revealed a very engaged and investment-ready consumer group. These homeowners are highly design-led, more decisive in their purchasing behaviour and significantly more likely to be planning projects in the near term. For businesses in the premium windows and doors space especially, this represents a very important opportunity area for the year ahead.

“Our findings around homeowner expectations of salespeople show there is still a major gap between what consumers want and what they currently experience during the fenestration buying journey.

Businesses that can better demonstrate understanding of homeowners’ style preferences, priorities and lifestyles will be in a much stronger position to win work, even in a difficult market, and that valuable intelligence is readily available to the industry within our research.”

The report has once again been made possible through the continued sponsorship of Business Pilot, Endurance Doors, Epwin Window Systems, the GGF, Liniar and VEKA, whose backing enables Keystone to make this research freely available to sponsor’s customers and more widely accessible across the fenestration supply chain by subscription.

For more information on the latest Consumer Fenestration Trends Report, sponsorship opportunities or annual subscriptions, visit www.keystonemr.co.uk.

june 2026 | news | 23

Profile 22 helps deliver premium coastal living on Anglesey

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rofile 22 windows and PatioMaster doors have been installed in a new coastal development, combining contemporary aesthetics with high-performance weather protection in one of the UK’s most demanding environments.

Tai Porth Llechog is an exclusive £4.5 million development by AH2 Developments, positioned overlooking Bull Bay on the Isle of Anglesey. Built on the site of the former Bull Bay Hotel, the scheme has transformed a derelict structure into a prestigious residential destination comprising 13 high-specification properties, including apartments, detached homes, a dormer bungalow and a mews house.

Designed to maximise uninterrupted sea views, expansive glazed elements were central to the architectural vision, placing window and door performance firmly at the heart of the specification. Main contractor DU Construction Ltd selected Profile 22 and PatioMaster, with all products manufactured

by Approved Commercial Partner Heritage Trade Frames.

The exposed cliff-top location presented significant environmental challenges, including high wind loads, driving rain and constant coastal exposure. To meet the demanding specification requirements, the products were required to achieve severe weather ratings in line with BS6375, including air permeability and water tightness of 600Pa, alongside wind resistance of 2400Pa. At the same time, the project required a flush casement aesthetic that would deliver

a modern heritage appearance in keeping with the development’s architectural styling. Profile 22’s Flush Casement Window provided the ideal solution, combining an authentic timber-style appearance with the thermal efficiency, low maintenance and weather performance benefits of a modern PVC-U system. PatioMaster sliding doors complemented the installation, delivering a seamless visual finish and consistent performance throughout the scheme.

Across the development, Heritage Trade Frames manufactured 80 Profile 22 Flush Casement windows and seven Profile 22 French doors, alongside multiple PatioMaster sliding door configurations and compos-

ite entrance doors.

All products were finished in Anthracite Grey externally with White internally, creating a contemporary appearance that complements the surrounding coastal landscape. The completed development is already proving successful within Anglesey’s growing tourism market, with properties operating as high-end short-stay accommodation and attracting strong interest from buyers and investors alike.

The project highlights how Profile 22 and PatioMaster deliver the specification needed for demanding coastal environments while enhancing the premium appeal of the development.

Customers engage at conference

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ome improvement companies from across the United Kingdom met in Manchester to attend CO Manufacturing’s latest Sales & Marketing Conference, Held this year in the iconic 1868 Suite inside Emirates Old Trafford Cricket Ground, owners, directors and senior leaders from across the CO Retail Network were given the opportunity to learn about the fabricator’s plans for the upcoming twelve months. Additionally, attendees had the chance to hear from the manufacturer’s marketing team, its partner digital agency and other key note speakers.

The day-long conference covered a variety of topics, with sessions covering everything from lead generation and AI-driven search marketing through to sales training structures, recruitment and data-led campaign planning.

Those in attendance were also given an early look at upcoming product launches, such as its new Forté Marcella door range and Envisage Flush French Doors. Reflecting on the event, Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing, said: “The purpose of the conference is simple: It’s to help our retail partners continue to

perform well above market expectations.

Whether its through sector-leading marketing campaigns, new sales processes, product development or shared learning, our focus is always on creating additional value for our retailers. What makes the CO Retail Network different is the openness and collaboration between members. Their willingness to share ideas, discuss challenges and collectively improve is something that genuinely sets the group apart.”

As well as focussing on new initiatives, the conference also highlighted the success

of CO Manufacturing’s wider marketing strategy. With lead generation numbers up 14% year-on-year, businesses within the CO Retail Network are reaping the rewards of having access to this specialised and highly tailored marketing support.

Paul Reid of the Dundee-based Ecofit Windows & Doors commented: “Events like this are hugely valuable because they’re built around real-world insight rather than theory. You’re not just hearing from CO Manufacturing, you’re learning from other successful retailers across the Network, sharing ideas and taking away practical strategies that can immediately make a difference.”

By combining future planning with hands-on commercial support, CO Manufacturing’s Sales & Marketing Conference once again reinforced the company’s position as a strategic growth partner to independent retailers across the UK. Greg added: ““It’s certainly an exciting time to be part of the CO Retail Network. With both sales and leads up, we’re continuing to buck the wider market trend. It certainly isn’t easy out there. But we’re proving that with the right product, backed up by the right support, businesses can thrive.”

24 | news | june 2026

Rooflight association strengths board with key leadership appointments

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he Rooflight Association is pleased to announce two significant appointments to its leadership team: Paul Reid, Sales Director at Velux Commercial UK & Ireland as Vice Chair and Bethany Smith, Marketing Manager at Hambleside Danelaw as Marketing Committee Chair. With their combined industry expertise and extensive sales and marketing experience, these appointments reinforce The Rooflight Association’s commitment to championing quality, compliance and the holistic benefits of rooflights in the built environment.

Paul Reid was announced as a new Board Member last July, and since then has made an important contribution to The Rooflight Association, using his experience in commercial sales, his understanding of the role rooflights play in creating better commercial buildings and strategic leadership skills to offer valuable insights, feedback and guidance.

Commenting on his new role as Vice Chair, Paul said: “Rooflights have an important role to play in helping create brighter, healthier and more sustainable spaces. I’m delighted to take on this role and continue supporting The Rooflight Association at such an important time for the industry.”

Bethany Smith has long represented Hambleside Danelaw at The Rooflight Association, and more recently, supporting the marketing committee.

This appointment is a natural progression for Bethany. Currently a PhD candidate, Bethany has a passion for learning – a passion that has only grown since she

entered the rooflight industry in 2021.

Of her new role as Marketing Committee Chair of The Rooflight Association, Bethany said: “I can’t wait to get stuck in. The Rooflight Association has grown from strength to strength thanks to work from core supporting members. There are some exciting things on the horizon, and the work of the Association is more important than ever.”

Mark Wilcox, Chair of The Rooflight Association welcomed the new appointments. Speaking at the Association’s Annual General Meeting, he said: “The next few years will be significant for The Rooflight Association, as decisionmakers look to maximise daylighting,

reduce dependency on electric lighting and improve the social and environmental impact of our built environment. In fact, it is something we’re already experiencing, as more people download and engage with our technical guidance, for example.

“As an organisation and the voice of the UK’s rooflight industry, we are used to change, in fact, we actively influence and drive positive change through the actions of our committees and working groups.

With Paul and Bethany’s support, we can build on this, using their skills, experience and connections to ensure The Rooflight Association message is heard loud and clear and reaches the people that matter. We congratulate them on their new roles.”

Awaab’s Law white paper released

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white paper launched by Shelforce has highlighted the vital role the fenestration industry has to play in helping the social housing sector meet the demands of Awaab’s Law. Based on a UK-wide survey of private landlords, housing associations, and local authority housing providers, the new white paper examines current levels of understanding around damp and mould in particular, and compliance, exposes areas of uncertainty, and highlights where meaningful progress must be made.

But it also presents a clear opportunity for fenestration to play a more strategic role in supporting social landlords as they respond to evolving legislation and rising expectations around tenant safety.

Introduced through the Social Housing (Regulation) Act 2023, Awaab’s Law places a legal duty on landlords to act swiftly on health hazards, particularly damp and mould.

The research by the Birmingham-based manufacturer and supplier of high-

quality windows, doors and fire doors for Birmingham City Council reveals that over 73% expect damp and mould to require the greatest increase in investigation and remediation.

Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce, said: “We produced this white paper to not only understand how prepared the social housing sector is for Awaab’s Law but to also highlight how a building’s fabric,

especially windows and doors, can help landlords meet their obligations.”

The findings underline the importance of windows and doors in tackling housing health risks. Over 70% of respondents agreed that poor building fabric, including windows, doors and ventilation, contributes significantly to damp, mould and wider hazards.

Encouragingly, 33.8% of landlords already have window and door replacement programmes underway, with further projects planned or under consideration for the next two years.

“This is a significant opportunity for our industry,” added Howard. “Local authorities and housing associations are actively looking for partners who can deliver compliant, high-performance solutions that address both thermal efficiency and ventilation. The sector must be ready to support social landlords with the right products, expertise and guidance.” https://www.shelforce.com/awaabslaw-whitepaper-download/

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26 | news | june 2026

Certass shares key compliance insights following discussions with OPSS

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ecent discussions between Certass, OPSS and product information specialists Buccaneer Solutions highlight the growing importance of documentation, traceability and evidencing compliance across the fenestration sector.

Certass is encouraging installers, fabricators and suppliers to take a closer look at how they evidence compliance following recent discussions with the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) and product information specialists Buccaneer Solutions.

The conversations explored common themes emerging across product compliance enforcement, including documentation, conformity marking, traceability and the ability of businesses to demonstrate compliance when challenged.

While the focus of OPSS activity spans multiple construction product sectors, the discussions highlighted lessons that are increasingly relevant to the fenestration industry as regulatory expectations continue to evolve.

One of the strongest messages to emerge was that compliance is no longer simply about having the right product. Businesses must also be able to demonstrate that products meet the relevant requirements through clear documentation, accurate records and robust evidence.

In many cases investigated by OPSS, concerns did not necessarily arise because products were proven to be unsafe or non-compliant. Instead, problems emerged because businesses were unable to provide the documentation, labelling and conformity marking required by law, undermining confidence that products met the relevant standards.

As regulatory scrutiny increases, the ability to evidence compliance is becoming just as important as compliance itself.

For installers, this has implications beyond product selection. Documentation is increasingly becoming a critical part of the installation process, from demonstrating competence and recording customer decisions through to maintaining evidence of product performance and specification.

The discussions also reinforced the growing importance of supply chain due diligence.

Installers are often the final link in the chain, but they remain responsible for understanding the products they are fitting and ensuring appropriate documentation is available. This includes checking that products are correctly labelled, supported by relevant declarations and backed by the information needed to demonstrate compliance if questioned by regulators, clients or building control bodies.

The timing is particularly significant as the industry prepares for further regulatory change.The Building Safety Act continues to drive greater accountability across construction, while proposals for a Single Construction Regulator are expected to create a more joined-up approach to oversight of products, buildings and professional competence.

At the same time, the Future Homes Standard and evolving energy efficiency requirements are expected to place greater emphasis on product performance, specification and documented evidence of compliance.

For many businesses, this represents a shift away from assumptions and towards demonstrable evidence.

Jon Vanstone, Chair of Certass and Chair

of the Industry Competence Committee, said: “The key message from our discussions was straightforward. Compliance is no longer something businesses can simply assume. Increasingly, organisations need to be able to demonstrate it. Across construction we are seeing a move towards greater accountability, stronger documentation and clearer evidence trails.

“Whether it is product information, conformity marking, installation records or customer decisions, the ability to evidence compliance is becoming increasingly important.

“Businesses that can evidence compliance have nothing to fear and much to gain.”

Certass believes the message is particularly important for SME installers operating in a challenging market.

As homeowners become increasingly price conscious, installers are often placed under pressure to reduce costs, alter specifications or justify recommendations.

Maintaining clear records of advice given, products specified and decisions made helps protect both the customer and the installer while demonstrating professionalism throughout the customer journey.

The organisation says the wider direction of travel is becoming clear: competence, documentation, traceability and accountability are no longer separate issues. Together they form the foundation of modern compliance.

Certass will continue engaging with regulators, government bodies and industry stakeholders to ensure members remain informed about emerging requirements and have access to practical guidance that helps them navigate an increasingly evidence-led compliance landscape.

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30 | news | june 2026

The moral and technical case for safer, better evidenced doorsets

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n a market shaped by standards, certification, and regulation, it is easy to treat compliance as the final measure of product responsibility.

Does it meet the standard? Is the product correct for the intended application?

Those questions matter, but they are not enough on their own.

For doorsets, particularly those designed to deliver fire performance, the industry must look beyond minimum compliance and ask a more important question: does the finished doorset provide the level of safety, evidence, and real-world performance that customers, residents, and homeowners have the right to expect?

That is both a technical question and a moral one.

Product standards are documented rules and specifications that define the quality, safety, and performance requirements a product must meet. They create a shared framework for testing, specification, and accountability.

But standards are not the same as responsibility. They tell us what must be achieved at a given point in time. They do not remove the need for manufacturers, suppliers, fabricators, and specifiers to think carefully about product suitability, component compatibility, and how a doorset will perform once it leaves the test environment.

A doorset is not a single component. It is a system. The lock, cylinder, protective

hardware, hinges, keeps, seals, frame, threshold, and door leaf all play a role in final performance. If one element is changed or substituted without the correct supporting evidence, the performance of the complete doorset can be affected.

That is why evidence matters.

Evidence such as a field of application should not be treated as a document that simply sits in a file. It is the technical evidence behind any performance claim. It shows what has been tested, which components were used, which configurations are covered, and where the boundaries of that evidence sit.

When that link is clear, everyone in the supply chain has more confidence.

Customers can trust that the finished product reflects the evidence behind it. Specifiers can see why a solution is suitable. Fabricators know what they can manufacture. Installers understand what they are fitting and maintenance can be conducted correctly.

When that link is weak, risk enters the process. A compliant component does not automatically create a compliant doorset. A similar product is not always an equivalent product. For fire doorsets, poor specification or unsupported substitution can compromise the Golden Thread before the product reaches site. For enhanced security doorsets, a fragmented approach can create weak points that are not obvious when individual components are viewed in isolation.

Responsibility beyond the minimum means recognising these risks early.

At Winkhaus, this thinking underpins our approach to doorset hardware, testing, and system development. Our role is not simply to supply components, but to support customers in creating doorsets that are practical, compliant, and properly evidenced.

As expectations increase, the strongest doorset solutions will be those that combine technical evidence with responsible judgement. They will not depend on assumption, unsupported substitutions, or isolated component claims.

Ultimately, responsibility beyond the minimum is about doing more than asking, “Can we demonstrate compliance?”

It is about asking, “Is this the right thing to put into the market?”

Because safer, better evidenced doorsets are not just a technical requirement. They are an industry responsibility.

FIT Show 2027 will provide debut platform for EVA CRM

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VA CRM, the newly launched CRM business developed in-house by the Emplas group, will make its debut at FIT Show 2027. Using FIT Show as a launchpad, EVA CRM will introduce its platform to a wider market of fabricators, installers and related trade businesses, while building on the success of the system already developed and used within the wider Emplas business.

Developed over the last 24 months by an in-house IT team, EVA CRM has been created to support different business models and offer a more flexible approach to customer relationship management. The platform is designed to integrate directly with manufacturers, pulling data into the CRM through API links and helping businesses streamline operations, improve accuracy and support growth.

Importantly, EVA CRM has been established as a separate brand and business, distinct from Emplas, allowing it to develop its own market identity while still

drawing on the experience and technical capability behind its creation.

The brand recently launched its new website, www.evacrm.co.uk, marking another key step in its go-to-market strategy as it prepares to build awareness ahead of FIT Show 2027 and beyond.

Headed up by Jo Savant, EVA CRM will utilise FIT Show 2027 as an opportunity to introduce EVA CRM properly to the market

and connect with a broader audience of fabricators, installers, doors and windows businesses and wider trade partners. JoAnne Savant said: “FIT Show gives us the ideal platform to launch EVA CRM to the market in a meaningful way. We’ve built the system carefully over the last 24 months and we see the show as a great opportunity to open up those conversations, demonstrate how it works in practice and show how it can support business growth.”

Nickie West, FIT Show event director, added: “It’s always exciting to welcome new brands to FIT Show, especially those using the event as a launchpad for growth. EVA CRM is a great addition to the show because it brings something new and relevant for visitors who are looking for smarter, more efficient ways to run their businesses. Its debut reflects the kind of innovation and ambition that makes FIT Show an essential meeting place for the industry.” www.evacrm.co.uk

june 2026 | news | 31

Putting fabricator branding at the heart of product traceability

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eynaers Aluminium has introduced an update to its DigiTrace digital product passports, enabling fabricators to incorporate their own branding on labels affixed directly to its full range of aluminium windows, doors and curtain walling systems.

The latest update to Reynaers’ DigiTrace allows fabricators to add their branding to element-specific QR code labels, applied to each product. When scanned, these labels provide access to the digital product passport, displaying key system data such as glazing specifications and component details, supporting improved traceability throughout the supply chain.

This information supports accurate U-values calculations and informs sustainability assessments. It also helps to clearly identify the materials for enhanced safety and transparency.

The update also supports compliance, with the option to include the CE Mark logo on labels linked to digital passports that feature a digital CE declaration.

By scanning the QR code, users can instantly access performance, material and sustainability data. This supports the digital passport approach and helps to maintain the ‘golden thread’ of information across the building’s lifecycle which is a fundamental requirement for futureproof buildings.

Designed to promote transparency from manufacture through to end use, DigiTrace enables building owners, installers, architects and contractors to access and share in-depth system, technical and performance data for specific products and elements throughout the lifetime of the system’s use.

Martin Boland, Technical Support Manager at Reynaers Aluminium UK, said:

“Reynaers is committed to supporting its fabricator partners, and this latest DigiTrace update is all about giving them greater visibility while strengthening traceability across the supply chain.

“DigiTrace was developed to allow fabricators to upload documentation and certification, which is then easily and instantly accessible by all stakeholders.

This improves communication between site and office teams, enabling queries to be resolved quickly—often without the need for a site visit. With this latest development, fabricator branding is visible at the point of installation and beyond, standing alongside Reynaers as a shared mark of quality while further enhancing traceability.

“Product details and technical informa-

tion is exported directly from ReynaPro, Reynaers’ calculation, ordering and production software. Additional documentation such as Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), maintenance guides, warranties and installation instructions, can also be uploaded by stakeholders at any stage of the product lifecycle.

Martin added: “Our goal at Reynaers is to make life easier for fabricators, installers, architects and end users. By enabling branded labels linked to DigiTrace passports, we are supporting clearer product identification and ensuring critical project information remains accessible throughout the supply chain.” www.reynaers.co.uk/fabricator

Warehouse relocation for BJ Waller

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J Waller, specialist distributor of timber window and door hardware for the UK joinery sector, has announced its warehouse operation has relocated into a modern streamlined distribution depot which it now shares with Window Ware.

The relocation forms part of BJ Waller’s continued investment in service capability, designed to strengthen despatch speed, picking accuracy and fulfilment consistency for joinery manufacturers across the UK. Customers are already benefiting from access to advanced distribution systems and improved operational infrastructure, supporting BJ Waller’s long-term commitment to consistent and reliable service performance.

BJ Waller has supplied the UK joinery sector for over 40 years, supporting timber window and door manufacturers and specialist joiners with ironmongery and trusted technical guidance. The relocation

represents the next stage in strengthening the foundations behind the BJ Waller service proposition.

Luke Piper, Business Development Director at BJ Waller, commented: “This move is about giving our customers an even stronger fulfilment platform. It will improve despatch capability and strengthen operational consistency, while allowing the BJ Waller team to remain focused on what we do best

- supporting joinery manufacturers with practical technical guidance and the right hardware solutions for their business.”

Sam Nuckey, Managing Director at Window Ware & BJ Waller, added: “BJ Waller is a long-established and respected name in the timber joinery sector. By bringing the BJ Waller warehouse operation into the Window Ware distribution depot, we can provide access to proven systems and processes designed for speed, accuracy and scalability.

It’s a significant step forward in strengthening fulfilment capability, while keeping BJ Waller’s dedicated team and customer relationships at the heart of the business.”

BJ Waller has confirmed that customers will continue to deal with the same expert team throughout the transition, ensuring continuity of service and technical support.

BJ Waller will also remain a distinct brand, focused on the needs of timber window and door manufacturers and the unique realities of joinery production environments.

32 | director of the month | june 2026

DIRECTOR OF THE MONTH In this month’s director of the month feature, we talk to Chris Burrows, Managing Director of Vista Panels

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the ability to do what you say you will do has real value.

Alongside the retail sector, we’ve continued to see strong performance in areas such as new build and social housing.

Those sectors bring their own challenges, particularly around compliance and legislation, but they also reward suppliers who can provide consistent support alongside the product itself.

It is not enough to simply supply a door.

Customers expect guidance, technical input and a level of responsiveness that helps them navigate what can be a complex environment. When you get that right, you become part of how they deliver their own projects, not just a supplier to them.

That is something I’m keen to build on.

The responsibility is not just to maintain what Vista has done well over the last 30 years in business, but to continue evolving how we support our customers in a market that’s becoming more demanding.

tepping into the role of Managing Director at Vista Panels has come at a time when the industry is being tested, and that’s exactly why it’s the right moment to take a clear position on where we’re heading.

I’ve been in this sector for over 25 years now, across hardware, systems and manufacturing. One thing you learn quickly is that this industry rewards consistency, not noise. Over the last 12 months, that’s been brought into even sharper focus.

It’s been a tough trading environment.

There’s no point dressing it up. Costs have increased, timelines are tighter, and customers are far more informed than they were even a few years ago. Across the board, that has raised expectations and reduced tolerance for error.

The conversation has shifted What that means in practice is the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just about product or even price in isolation. It is about reliability, consistency and whether the suppliers you choose make your life easier or more difficult.

For a long time, parts of the market have been driven heavily by price. In quieter conditions, it becomes even more pronounced. The difficulty with that approach is you very quickly remove the value that allows anyone to operate properly.

The industry has spoken a lot about the race to the bottom – in some areas, we are already there.

What we are seeing now is a gradual correction. Customers are still costconscious, but they are also more selective.

They’re asking better questions, looking more closely at who they work with and, importantly, remembering the suppliers that let them down when it mattered most.

That’s where certainty has become so important.

Speed is only valuable when it’s reliable If you are installing a door on a tight schedule, you need to know it will arrive when it’s supposed to, with everything exactly as expected. If something does go wrong, you need confidence that it will be resolved quickly and properly. Those are the factors that protect your margin and reputation.

At Vista, that has been a big part of my focus.

We have always placed a strong emphasis on lead times, but not in a headline-driven way. Speed on its own is not particularly valuable unless it’s backed by consistency.

What matters is being able to give a clear, reliable commitment that customers can pass directly to their own clients without hesitation.

That’s why our operation is structured the way it is. The just-in-time model we run requires everything to be aligned – order processing, production planning, machinery, logistics – because if one part slips, the whole system feels it. It allows us to offer lead times that are not just competitive, but dependable.

Five working days In practical terms, that means we can deliver standard doors in five working days and maintain fast turnaround across a broad range of options, including any RAL colour door in as little as seven working days.

For our customers, that is not just another service benefit; it’s a commercial advantage.

It allows them to quote confidently, manage expectations and keep work moving without unnecessary friction.

That operational discipline has been particularly important over the past year.

In a market where demand has been inconsistent and pressure has been high,

Product with purpose, not just choice On the product side, we are in a strong position, but also realistic about the level of competition. Composite doors, in particular, are a crowded market. There is a huge amount of choice available, and it would be easy to respond by simply adding more and more options.

That’s not where we see the opportunity.

For us, it is about making sure what we offer is relevant, easy to sell and properly supported. The XtremeDoor range continues to evolve, with ongoing development in styles, finishes and colour options, but always with a clear focus on what customers actually need to win work and deliver it successfully.

Alongside that, our PVC-U panel range remains a core part of the mix. There is strong demand for design-led solutions that sit at a more accessible price point, and with the right styles and finishes, panels remain

FACTS & FIGURES

First job: Commis Chef (basically cutting carrots all day!)

When did you join current company: August 2023 Most useful/favourite gadget: Love my Whoop fitness band- although I usually hate gadgets!

Favourite/most useful website: The Telegraph site (my socialist dad still hates me reading it) Favourite restaurant for business: The Thornton Spa (Wirral) Business person you admire: Sir Paul Marshal. Although making his money as a hedge fund manager, I admire businesspeople who then go on to make a difference in the world.

What lesson have you learnt about business over the last 12 months: Lessons for me are always around people – when experience goes, have patience and foresight to replace it.

Best business decision: Putting trust into those around me.

Other interests: Family, Walking and Rugby League.

june 2026 | director of the month | 33

WORKING DAY Mondays are very early – working 90 miles away from Vista, and battling multiple motorways means a 4:30 am start. Someone once told me, ‘beat Monday and beat the week’, so I use an early start to set myself up for the day.

Once I land at the office, I review my daily meetings and prepare. The meetings cover health and safety, business risks and a review of the previous week.

It’s mainly about holding people to account, but supporting and making sure any blockers that are in the way are removed. I’m fortunate to have a capable management team around me, so the reaction to change is always positive.

I like to see customers each week and spend time with the sales team. Most of my life has been on the road, so 5 days in the office still feels alien, and I like to have regular customer contact to understand how Vista is performing and get market feedback.

One promise to my kids was that I’d work from home on a Friday after being away.

Picking my youngest up from school is still the highlight of the week and is nonnegotiable for me until high school starts in September.

a hugely important part of the market.

Understanding how customers sell is just as important as what you are selling.

There is also wider recognition across the industry that the quality of the fit is just as important as the quality of the product.

You can manufacture a high-performing door, but if it’s not installed correctly, the end result falls short.

We have invested in practical support to help address that, through technical guidance, fitting resources and direct access to expertise when it’s needed. It’s about helping installers get it right first time, reducing unnecessary callbacks, and ultimately strengthening their own reputation with the end user.

Looking ahead with clarity Every part of the supply chain is under more scrutiny than it used to be. The businesses that will succeed are the ones that can deliver consistently, communicate clearly and remove friction from the process wherever possible.

Looking ahead, I do not expect the market to suddenly become easier. There are still external pressures to contend with, and confidence will take time to rebuild.

But there is opportunity in that.

As the market continues to adjust, there is space for businesses that are well structured, operationally sound and clear in what they offer to take share. Growth may not come from chasing volume at any cost, but it will come from being the

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supplier that customers trust to deliver, especially when conditions are less predictable. For installers and fabricators, that means being more deliberate about who you partner with. The right supplier should not just provide a product, but reduce risk, protect your margin and make your working day easier.

Doing our job properly For us at Vista, the focus is straightforward. To continue to do what we say we will do, delivering consistency and being easy to work with at every stage of the process. If we can support our customers’ businesses as reliably as we supply to them, then we are doing our job properly.

And in this market, that is what makes the difference. www.vistapanels.co.uk

WORKING LOCATION Our 3 buildings are situated not too far from the River Mersey in Prenton, the Wirral. Despite being on an industrial site, the Wirral is a lovely spot. We employ 180 people, and it’s a little tight on office space, so I share a room with the IT Manager and Projects Director, which is great as they are the brains behind the business, and I need support on a regular basis with IT stuff!

34 | industry dashboard | june 2026

The expanding role of fenestration in building performance

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here was a time when window specification was largely a conversation about thermal performance, aesthetics and cost, writes Tim James, National Specification Manager at Veka.

“Today, that conversation is much broader. As building performance expectations continue to evolve, windows and doors are increasingly expected to support multiple objectives simultaneously. Alongside energy efficiency, they are now playing a role in ventilation strategies, overheating mitigation, occupant comfort and architectural design.

This shift is changing how fenestration is viewed throughout the supply chain.

More demands, more complexity The introduction of Part O brought overheating firmly into the design process, while SAP calculations and ongoing discussions around future energy standards continue to place greater emphasis on overall building performance.

As a result, glazing choices are increasingly being considered within the context of how a building operates as a whole.

Larger glazed areas, contemporary flush aesthetics and changing ventilation requirements can all influence specification decisions - often creating competing demands. For example, increased glazing can support daylight and design intent while also introducing overheating risk, and ventilation requirements can influence opening configurations, acoustic performance and security considerations. The challenge is no longer achieving one objective in isolation.

It is balancing several at the same time.

In my role, I’m increasingly involved in conversations where the starting point isn’t simply achieving a U-value or selecting a preferred aesthetic. Instead, project teams are looking at how fenestration choices interact with ventilation strategies, opening configurations and wider performance objectives from the outset.

That represents a noticeable shift from the specification conversations many of us were having just a few years ago.

Why it matters beyond specification - For architects and developers, this means greater scrutiny of how fenestration contributes to wider project outcomes.

For fabricators, it means supporting customers with increasingly varied requirements while maintaining manufacturing efficiency and consistency.

For installers, it increasingly means delivering projects where opening configurations and system choices are influenced less by installation preference and more by compliance with ventilation, performance and design requirements - often requiring greater coordination across the supply chain.

In short, windows and doors are no

Navigating a market that won’t stand still

B longer simply meeting individual targets, but are expected to help resolve competing performance requirements within a building.

Looking beyond product performance alone - As expectations continue to rise, the industry may need to think differently about how specification decisions are made.

The question is no longer only whether a product can achieve a particular performance value. Increasingly, it is whether a chosen system can support the balance between performance, practicality, compliance and design intent, subject to project requirements and configuration.

This places greater emphasis on early collaboration, informed decision making and a willingness to challenge assumptions that may have been carried forward from previous projects without review.

A practical takeaway - Think about the last specification change that created additional work, cost or delay.

Was it caused by a product issue, or by changing project requirements that had not been identified early enough?

As building performance expectations continue to evolve, asking that question earlier in the process could help avoid problems later.

Because in today’s market, success is increasingly determined not by how a window performs in isolation, but by how effectively it contributes to the overall performance of a building.

This shift towards more integrated specification requirements is also influencing how systems are being developed. At Veka, for example, recent enhancements to the OMNIA system have focused on supporting ventilation integration, flexible configurations and contemporary design requirements within a coordinated double flush platform.”

eing agile in an inconsistent market will define success in the next 12 months, says Sam Nuckey, MD of Window Ware.

“If there’s one word to describe trading in the last 12 months, it would be “mixed”, which probably won’t come as a surprise to anyone operating in our industry. We’ve seen clear contrasts across the market, with some businesses exceptionally busy and others noticeably quieter than in previous years. That inconsistency tells its own story.

It underlines that success today is less about market conditions alone and more about the decisions businesses have made over time. Strategy and positioning are playing a far greater role in determining performance than any broad market trend.

Looking ahead, the market isn’t about to hand out easy wins. Trading conditions are likely to remain broadly similar to 2025, and businesses will need to work hard for growth. At the same time, we can’t ignore the wider economic backdrop. Ongoing geopolitical tensions, including the conflict in the Middle East, have the potential to impact supply chains, costs and confidence, so it’s vital to remain agile and focus on what you can control. The most successful companies are those that understand their customers, recognise their own strengths and build a clear, consistent strategy around both. And don’t forget that periods of slower demand can also be valuable if used correctly. They can offer an opportunity to step back, reassess your business model and refine your offering.

That kind of reflection is often what positions companies for stronger, more sustainable growth when conditions improve. At Window Ware, we’re approaching the next 12 months with cautious optimism. A major priority for us is the integration of BJ Waller into our operations. Bringing the business into our facility and aligning it with our service standards will create a strong platform for future growth.

Beyond that, our focus is on strengthening our presence across multiple material sectors. While we have a well-established position in PVC, there’s significant opportunity in aluminium, as well as a growing foothold in timber with BJ Waller. Our ambition is to build a truly comprehensive hardware offering that supports our customers across the board, whatever the wider landscape brings.

june 2026 | industry dashboard | 35

Endurance® Doors highlights the power of true installer partnerships Ongoing dominance of anthracite grey

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ndurance® Doors is reinforcing the importance of strong supplier relationships in today’s competitive market as more installers prioritise long-term value over short-term price gains.

With margins under pressure and customer expectations continuing to rise, installers are increasingly looking beyond products alone, choosing partners instead that also support their business with premium quality, service excellence and opportunities for growth through marketing and more.

As James Hayes, Customer Experience Manager at Endurance® Doors, explains: “Success today is built on confidence and installers need to have confidence in the product, the service, and the partner behind it. Busy retail companies need to know they can rely on their supplier day in, day out, because ultimately, their reputation depends on it.”

For many installers, this shift reflects the growing impact of consistency and reliability on overall business performance. High quality products that contribute to right first time installations reduce costly callbacks and improve efficiency, while dependable service supports smoother project delivery and stronger customer satisfaction.

The role of the fabricator is evolving beyond product quality though. Installers are increasingly seeking partners who contribute to their wider business success through marketing support, technical expertise and a collaborative approach to growth.

At Endurance® Doors, this philosophy is central to the way the business operates with a strong focus on working closely with its installer network to support long-term success.

“We genuinely see our relationships with our installers as partnerships,” continues

James. “It’s about working together to succeed in a competitive market. When our customers grow, we grow with them.”

This approach is reflected across Endurance® Doors’ wider offering, including access to marketing tools, digital support and ongoing assistance through its Technical and Customer Experience (CX) teams, who are there to ensure that installers benefit from a consistent and reliable service at every stage of the journey.

For Endurance® Doors installer partner, Choice Windows, this collaborative relationship has been key to their ongoing success.

Explaining, Lee Kaminski of Choice Windows, said: “We’ve been working with Endurance Doors for around seven years now and they’re the only composite door manufacturer we use. The product quality is superior, which means we rarely have issues that lead to customer callbacks. That level of reliability is crucial for the success of our business.

“The level of support we’ve had has been excellent. They supported us when we built our showroom, providing doors, hardware and marketing materials, which was a huge help. They also work closely with us on things like case studies and content creation, including sending a content photographer/videographer recently when we won Installer of the Month. It really does feel like a partnership, and that’s a big part of why we continue to work with them.”

Ultimately, the message is clear: in today’s market, installers who invest in strong supplier partnerships are better positioned to deliver consistent results, build customer trust and drive sustainable growth.

As James concludes: “The most successful installers aren’t working alone, they’re in partnerships where support, growth and opportunities are all part of the deal.”

uroglaze proudly claims to offer the widest range of Rehau PVC-U products of any UK trade fabricator – from Total 70 casements and Heritage sliders to Rauferno fire rated windows, Rio flush sashes and Slinova patios. It is perfectly placed then to be able to provide a snapshot of the current colour trends shaping the market in PVC-U and in Rehau windows and doors in particular.

Alfie Booker, Euroglaze’s data technician apprentice completed an analysis of the company’s sales of coloured frames as part of his ongoing training, and his findings make interesting reading for anyone who thinks that anthracite grey has had its day. Unsurprisingly, white remains the dominant choice amongst Euroglaze’s trade customers, but anthracite grey is still by far the next most popular option.

Over the past year, anthracite grey has outsold pearl grey, elephant grey and slate grey by almost three to one, with pearl grey the most popular of the three alternatives.

The biggest growth in sales at Euroglaze has actually been in black and midnight black frames for use in both traditional and contemporary settings, while rosewood is still an enduringly popular choice for casements. Nicky Park, Euroglaze’s Senior Business Development Associate, commented: “On casement windows in particular, anthracite grey clearly isn’t going anywhere yet. On our flush sashes though, it’s a slightly different picture with pearl, elephant and slate grey rapidly gaining ground alongside the two black finishes. Alfie’s work is helping us track changes in demand, and we are constantly looking to respond to that. For instance, we already offer all the standard Rehau foils, but have recently added their brand new Alux gunmetal colour with metallic finish so that our customers have another more premium grey option for Total 70, Rio and Slinova products.

“We also work with a specialist local coating company to offer a bespoke colouring service in virtually any RAL colour on everything from finished frames to trickle vents. We can even spray components and accessories to match our frames if they are out of stock from one of our suppliers for any reason. What elevates this service from Euroglaze is our fast turnaround and attention to detail. customers.”

36 | active voices | june 2026

ACTIVE VOICES Lauren Mawford, GGF Director: We want the GGF to be recognised as the voice of the industry. An organisation that businesses trust, rely on and see as an essential part of helping them succeed

T

he glass and glazing industry is facing a period of significant change.

From increasing regulation and competence requirements to economic pressure and growing expectations around compliance, businesses across the sector are being asked to adapt faster than ever before.

At the same time, expectations around what trade bodies should deliver for their members are also evolving.

Businesses are increasingly looking for practical support, technical expertise, advocacy and guidance to help them navigate a more complex operating environment.

For the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF), that means evolving alongside the industry it represents.

Earlier this year, Lauren Mawford was appointed Director of the GGF, becoming the first woman to hold the role in the Federation’s history.

Having already spent several years working within the organisation across health and safety, commercial and operational roles, Lauren believes the industry is entering a period where support, guidance and strong representation are becoming more important than ever.

“There are some really significant challenges facing businesses at the moment,” explains Lauren.

Real need for organisations like the GGF “We have economic pressures, regulatory changes, global uncertainty and a huge amount of information businesses are trying to keep up with all at once.”

“I think that creates a real need for organisations like the GGF because members are looking for support, guidance and expertise to help them navigate those changes.”

Lauren joined the GGF Group in 2022 after spending more than a decade working within engineering and construction.

Her background spans compliance, health and safety and operations, including senior operational roles within construction businesses working across the UK. That experience, she says, has helped her understand the pressures many businesses within the glazing sector are currently facing.

“A lot of our members are trying to balance running successful businesses while also keeping up with changing regulation and compliance requirements,” she explains.

“That is not always easy, especially for smaller businesses that may not have large in-house teams supporting them.”

For Lauren, one of the GGF’s biggest responsibilities is helping simplify that

process.

“We work really hard to support members through advocacy, technical expertise, training and practical business support,” she says.

“We are speaking directly with government, engaging with consultation groups and helping members understand what regulatory changes actually mean in practice.”

That support has become increasingly important as the industry adapts to major changes including the Future Homes Standard, the Building Safety Act and wider Construction Product Reform.

Lauren believes many businesses are only now starting to realise how significant some of these changes will become over the next few years.

“The regulatory environment is becoming much more demanding,” she says.

“That means businesses need access to reliable technical support and clear information more than ever before.”

Alongside technical guidance and advocacy, Lauren also believes the Federation needs to continue modernising the way it communicates with the industry.

More visible and more vocal One of her priorities since stepping into the Director role has been ensuring the GGF becomes more visible and more vocal about the work it does on behalf of members.

“I do not think we have always shouted loudly enough about what the GGF actually does,” she explains.

“We provide a huge amount of value across technical support, training, health and safety, HR support, advocacy and member services, but historically we probably have not communicated that strongly enough.”

For smaller businesses in particular, Lauren believes those services can make a real difference.

“We have a very diverse membership base,” she says.

“Some members have their own HR departments, compliance teams and technical specialists internally, but many smaller businesses do not have those resources.”

“That is where the GGF can really help support businesses and give them access to expertise they may not otherwise have.”

Lauren also believes the industry itself is changing culturally.

Having worked within construction for more than 10 years, she says she has seen clear progress in the number of women entering senior positions across the sector.

“When I first worked in construction, it was still very unusual to see women in leadership roles or even regularly on site. That has definitely improved over the years, and I think the more women that come into the industry, the better it will be.”

She believes increasing diversity brings fresh thinking and helps modernise the sector more broadly.

“The glazing industry has traditionally been quite quiet compared to other parts of construction,” Lauren says.

Promoting the opportunities “I think we now need to become much better at promoting the opportunities within the industry and showing people what a great sector it can be to build a career in.”

Looking ahead, Lauren says her focus is on helping ensure the Federation remains fit for purpose as the industry continues to evolve.

That includes strengthening collaboration across the wider GGF Group, modernising services and making sure members continue to receive practical value from membership.

“My role is really about helping lead the organisation forward and making sure we are continuing to evolve alongside the industry. There is a huge amount of change happening right now, but there is also a huge opportunity for the sector.”

For Lauren, the future of the Federation is clear. “We want the GGF to be recognised as the voice of the industry,” she concludes.

“An organisation that businesses trust, rely on and see as an essential part of helping them succeed.”

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38 | active voices | june 2026

ACTIVE VOICES Paul Sullivan, Managing Director of Anglo: Paul reveals how sourcing steel reinforcement from Anglo, fabricators can save money, free up cash that may be held in stock, operate more efficiently and improve profit margins

T

he question that many window and door fabricators will be asking themselves at the moment, is ‘what do we need to do in order to continue to operate and make a decent margin when there are so many forces acting against us?’

At a time when housebuilders are downgrading future output due to lack of demand, planning delays and surging construction costs, home renovation approvals are at their lowest in more than a decade and consumer confidence has stalled, it is a tricky question to answer.

With operational and energy costs remaining high, the breathing space to move forward is becoming increasingly restricted.

But there are still ways for manufacturers to ‘trim the fat’, to introduce savings on raw materials, improve efficiencies on the factory floor and free up valuable cash that might otherwise be locked into product inventory.

As Anglo’s managing director, Paul Sullivan explains, you can achieve all of the above simply by re-assessing steel reinforcement supply.

“Fabricators that rely on their system supplier for steel reinforcement might do so becomes they feel it is more convenient, but often they are being charged a premium for that service,” says Paul.

“Anglo is an independent supplier, but we have the backing of the Amari Metals Engineering Group – a multi-billion-dollar organisation – and that gives us the buying power to offer significant savings on steel, as much as 50%, depending on the size of the business.”

Paul adds that, by switching to Anglo, it is not just the immediate cost savings that are beneficial to fabricators, as the longterm improvement in service is also highly advantageous.

Customers no longer have to worry about cutting bar length stock to size on site, or spend money on saws and machinery maintenance, as this is a service that Anglo has offered for more than 25 years.

“Buying in steel reinforcement, particularly when it’s cut-to-size, means you don’t have to order what you think you might need, because with Anglo you get exactly what you need, when you need it,” continues Paul.

“There’s no need to tie up cash in excess stock, we will deliver it hassle free with a quick and efficient lead time, so you don’t have to buy steel ahead of time and then have the problem of storing and handling it.”

In addition, explains Paul, fabricator customers that buy in steel cut-to-size are also eliminating waste disposal costs and any requirement for re-cuts. With dimensions confirmed at order stage, manufacturing efficiencies are greatly improved with far less opportunity for error during fabrication.

“We’ve invested significantly in our own manufacturing facilities, including a £1m double-sided roll-forming line, to ensure our steel is precision cut,” says Paul.

“Anglo can help reduce costs for fabricators, but that’s not at the expense of quality.

We are an accredited ISO9001 company, which demonstrates that we are operating to the world’s most recognised standard for quality management systems.”

As part of a concerted effort to expand Anglo’s reach and promote the cost saving

and manufacturing advantages to more of the UK’s fabricators, Anglo has now partnered with the DUN Agency, headed up by former colleague, Lee Marriott.

Lee, who worked at Anglo prior to the Amari acquisition in 2021, played a key role in helping to build the company’s aluminium ancillaries sales, as well as helping hundreds of businesses save thousands on steel prices.

“It feels great to be working with Lee again,” concludes Paul, “he knows the industry like the back of his hand and with the support of the DUN Agency, I’m confident that we are better placed than ever to help fabricators cut costs and increase profit margins in what is one of the most challenging periods for the industry.”

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40 | active voices | june 2026

ACTIVE VOICES Stuart Dantzic, Managing Director of Caribbean: Stuart welcomes the Climate Change Committee’s latest adaptation report, arguing that external shading and passive cooling must become central to the UK’s response to rising overheating risk

T

he Climate Change Committee’s (CCC) latest report, A Well-Adapted UK, should finally put to bed the outdated idea that overheating is only a matter of comfort. Today, it is a national resilience issue, a public health issue and an energy issue all rolled into one.

For years, the UK’s built environment has been designed around retaining heat, which made sense in cooler periods. But as the report clearly states, the climate we are living in today is not the one our homes, schools, hospitals and workplaces were originally built for. Hotter summers, more frequent heatwaves and prolonged periods of extreme temperatures are becoming the rule, not the exception.

As temperatures continue to rise, reducing heat gain before it enters buildings must become a fundamental principle of building design. Just as we would not heat a home in winter without insulation, we should not cool one in summer without shading.

The CCC’s findings reflect this reality and, importantly, acknowledge something our sector has long understood: the smartest and most effective way to cool buildings is to stop heat getting inside in the first place.

External shading is vital for overheating adaptation and must now become a standard part of climate-resilient building design. The report’s support for passive cooling measures should therefore be strongly welcomed.

Not a marginal improvement One of the most striking conclusions is that external shading in hospitals can reduce temperatures by up to 4°C on peak heat days. That is not a marginal improvement; in healthcare settings, where vulnerable patients are already at risk from extreme heat, those reductions can have very real consequences for wellbeing and safety.

There is much talk of air conditioning being the answer to climate change and undoubtedly it has a role in certain environments, such as hospitals, care settings and other high-risk buildings. But cooling buildings mechanically without first addressing solar gain is fundamentally the wrong approach and it cannot become the default answer to every overheating challenge.

Passive cooling should be prioritised in all buildings, with active cooling introduced only during prolonged or intense heatwaves.

This reflects the cooling hierarchy adopted within the London Plan and increasingly referenced by local authorities and industry guidance. Why? Because if we rely solely on mechanical cooling, we risk creating a cycle where rising temperatures drive higher

energy demand, increased emissions and greater pressure on the grid. External shading must always come first because it lowers indoor temperatures before heat enters the building, significantly reducing any later requirement for mechanical cooling. That is a far more sustainable, cost-effective and resilient route.

BBSA research, previously cited by the CCC and referenced within the Government’s Warm Homes Plan, found that external shading can reduce indoor operative temperatures (the temperature we feel) by up to 18°C. By preventing heat build-up at source, external shading can significantly reduce reliance on air conditioning, lowering energy demand, cutting carbon emissions and, in many applications, eliminating the need for mechanical cooling altogether when combined with ventilation and thermal mass.

This is becoming increasingly important as modern architecture continues to favour larger areas of glazing, sliding doors and open-plan living. While these designs maximise daylight and connect interiors with outdoor spaces, they also increase overheating risk dramatically if solar control is not properly considered. Flexibility is also key because solar conditions constantly change throughout the day and across seasons, which is why adjustable, dynamic shading solutions are essential. This is not new technology. Solar shading has been used for centuries in architecture designed for warmer climates and has long formed part of prestigious buildings and major public architecture, including Buckingham

Palace. Yet despite rising temperatures and increasingly frequent heatwaves, it remains significantly underutilised across the UK built environment.

The CCC is right to highlight that most of the homes standing in 2050 have already been built, which means adaptation is now immediate. Retrofitting existing buildings with effective passive cooling measures will be essential if we are serious about creating climate-resilient communities.

Conversation is finally shifting Lord Krebs, former Chair of the CCC Adaptation Sub-Committee, previously stated: “We are not designing buildings for preventing overheating. Shading – shutters or awnings – is not costly or difficult to install, it’s just that we’re not doing it.”

What is particularly encouraging is that the conversation is finally shifting. Overheating is no longer being treated as an occasional inconvenience during a hot spell.

Instead, it is now recognised as a long-term infrastructure challenge requiring strategic action. The CCC’s report is an important step forward because it recognises that resilience starts with smarter design, not more energy consumption. External shading may once have been viewed as an optional add-on, but that position is no longer tenable in a warming climate. Today, it must be seen as essential climate adaptation infrastructure and a fundamental part of how we design, retrofit and futureproof buildings across the UK. www.cbsolarshading.co.uk

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42 | general feature | june 2026

MPN hits the high-street in style

A

MPN Windows, Doors and Conservatories has announced the creation of a new £150,000 showroom in Maesteg

family-run home improvement specialist is looking to grow sales by 50% after announcing plans to launch a new showroom in Maesteg. MPN Windows, Doors and Conservatories, which is led by Melanie Webster and her son Nathan, is investing nearly £150,000 into transforming a 5000ft2 building on the high-street into a state-of-the-art showcase for its wide range of products and living extensions.

From here potential customers will be able to explore top of the range ‘Forte’ composite doors and ‘Extreme’ UPVC windows, as well as tapping into the latest CAD/CAM software to bring designs to life.

The company’s ambitious growth plans will be boosted even further with news that it has become the 30th member of the CO Retail Network, a premium group of retailers that work together to share best practice, boost digital marketing and bring exciting new products to market.

“2026 is going to be a really big year for MPN and one where we build on over 34 years’ experience in the trade,” explained Melanie.

“The new showroom should be ready for an official launch at the end of June and will be a big boost to Maesteg’s bustling high street.

We’re in the process of renovating the old Boxing Gym to create a modern and welcoming place for people to come in and chat with our experts about doors, windows, conservatories and, increasingly, our popular range of living spaces.

“We’re the only retailer who has access to the ‘Forte’ and ‘Extreme’ ranges in South West Wales and down the M4 corridor this will be a big selling point as they offer more colours and styles than conventional collections.”

MPN, which has recently joined Fensa and the Glass and Glazing Federation, currently employs ten people across its retail offer and its installation team, the latter completing more than 1000 installs every year.

With sales revenues set to increase dramatically once the new showroom is open, the firm is expecting to embark on a major recruitment drive that will see up to ten new jobs created locally.

“There’s a real personal approach that can only be generated by a family-run business. That’s what makes us so special and accounts for all the repeat business we’ve enjoyed over the last 34 years…in some instances we’ve had three generations use us,” added Nathan.

“The relationship with CO Retail Network will help us extend our reach outside of our traditional customer base. We’re going to be receiving a brand-new, industry-leading website, custom-designed branded brochures and lots of support across digital marketing, including a series of retail videos.”

Greg Kane, CEO of CO Manufacturing (formerly known as Conservatory Outlet), added his support: “South West Wales was an area we’d looked at for a while, so to get a company with the local reputation of MPN is a big coup for the network.

“In Melanie and Nathan, we have two people who are hugely committed to delivering exceptional service to existing and new clients and share our values of always going beyond the norm to make sure the perfect install is completed. I’m really excited to see how the new showroom takes shape and how we can help the duo grow.

“This partnership will allow us to accelerate our growing brand in key locations. By being able to rely on industry-leading marketing output, including SEO, PPC and traditional literature, we’ll reach more homeowners than ever before.”

In true CO Retail Network style, MPN will receive a brand-new, industry-leading website and a custom-designed suite of branded brochures. Also planned are an enhanced PPC and multi-channel digital campaign, as well as a series of retail videos. www.mpnwindows.com www.cohomeimprovements.co.uk

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44 | fabrication | june 2026

Lee Darcy explains how Heritage Trade Frames is helping installers meet changing regulations and capitalise on shifting market demands

Future-ready by design for tomorrow’s homes W ith the Future Homes Standard now confirmed, the window and door sector faces a significant shift in performance criteria. Lee Darcy, Sales and Marketing Manager at Heritage Trade Frames, discusses how the fabricator is futureproofing its product range to turn these compliance challenges into valuable sales opportunities for customers.

For several years, the industry has debated what the Future Homes Standard would mean for windows and doors. Now we have our answer.

While the notional U-value for new build windows remains at 1.2 W/m2K, the biggest change is the move towards assessing the thermal performance of actual window configurations rather than standard reference windows.

That may sound like a subtle difference, but it has significant implications. Every mullion, transom, dummy sash, Georgian bar and heritage detail now has a direct impact on performance calculations. As a result, achieving compliance becomes more challenging, particularly on smaller windows and more complex designs where frame-to-glass ratios increase.

For me, the publication of the Future Homes Standard only confirms what we knew - thermal performance will continue to move up the agenda. That’s why we

always invest ahead of market changes rather than react to them.

One of the most recent examples of this approach is our decision to become one of the first fabricators to introduce Regency Triple® featuring Corning® Enlighten™ Glass across our portfolio. We recognised early on that the future would demand products capable of delivering exceptional thermal performance and Regency Triple® achieves exactly that.

Triple glazing has traditionally presented challenges. While it offers outstanding thermal efficiency, increased weight and greater unit thickness have often limited its appeal. For many applications, the practical considerations around handling, installation and long-term hardware performance have outweighed the benefits.

Regency Triple® changes that equation.

Using an ultra-thin 0.5mm Corning® Enlighten™ Glass centre pane, Regency Triple® delivers the performance benefits associated with conventional triple glazing while remaining only around 5% heavier than a standard double-glazed unit. It removes many of the barriers that have historically prevented wider adoption of triple glazing across the UK market.

Using 40mm Regency Triple® with Planitherm One glass, we can achieve U-values as low as 0.84 W/(m2K). In Window Energy Rating terms, standard casement windows can achieve an A+ rating.

These figures don’t simply meet today’s requirements. They comfortably exceed them, giving installers a powerful opportunity to differentiate themselves in an increasingly competitive market.

Being able to offer glazing solutions with exceptional thermal credentials allows installers to move the conversation beyond price and focus on value and performance.

As one of the North West’s leading trade fabricators, Heritage Trade Frames has always focused on helping customers access products that create genuine market advantages. Our early adoption of Regency Triple® is the latest example of that philosophy. While some businesses are now assessing how the Future Homes Standard will affect them, our customers already have access to products that exceed current requirements and position them strongly for the future.

The Future Homes Standard has provided the industry with clarity. Thermal performance will continue to become more important and demand for higherperforming products will only increase. At Heritage Trade Frames, we’re committed to ensuring our customers are future ready through continued investment in innovative products, manufacturing capability and the long-term support they need to grow their businesses with confidence. www.heritagetradeframes.co.uk

A GREAT SASH WINDOW IS MORE THAN A SUM OF ITS PARTS True authenticity comes from a blend of heritage styling and modern performance.

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46 | fabrication | june 2026

Glazerite expands its aluminium operation with installer-friendly systems focused on performance, efficiency and service reliability

Glazerite strengthens aluminium offering A s demand for aluminium products continues to grow across both residential and commercial sectors, installers are increasingly looking for systems that combine thermal performance, ease of installation and reliable supply.

For fabricators, the challenge is no longer simply offering aluminium products, but delivering systems that are practical to manufacture, efficient to install and commercially viable within an increasingly competitive market.

Against this backdrop, Glazerite has continued to strengthen its aluminium offering through the launch of a dedicated aluminium manufacturing operation at its Northwest site, supported by a carefully selected product range focused on installer efficiency and performance.

Leading the operation is Aluminium Manager Louis Nuttall, who played a central role in developing the facility from the ground up.

“This was originally just an empty space,” Louis explains. “We built everything from scratch including machinery, workflows, health and safety processes and production planning. The focus from day one was making sure we created an efficient operation that delivered the right products for our customers.”

With more than a decade of experience across aluminium fabrication, estimation and commercial design, Louis says product selection was driven by a clear understanding of installer priorities.

“At the moment we manufacture the Cortizo 4900 sliding door, Cortizo Bifold Plus and AluK windows,” he says. “The systems we’ve chosen are designed around efficiency, thermal performance and ease of installation.”

Installer efficiency at the forefront Central to Glazerite’s aluminium strategy is the Cortizo Bifold Plus system, selected specifically for its installer-friendly features and thermal capabilities.

“Our new aluminium bifold door is the Cortizo Bifold Plus,” Louis explains. “It’s thermally efficient, has slim sightlines and includes several features designed to make installation quicker and easier.”

Among those features are pre-gasketed clip-in beads, integrated sills and adjustable jambs, all designed to simplify on-site fitting and reduce installation time.

“The adjustable jamb is a major benefit

for installers,” Louis says. “It gives up to 6mm of adjustment either way, which can make a significant difference on site.”

According to Louis, this becomes particularly important on larger bifold configurations where small tolerances can quickly accumulate.

“With a five-pane bifold, if one sash is even slightly out or a frame corner isn’t perfectly aligned, you can quickly end up 2 or 3mm out across the full door set,” he explains. “The adjustable jamb allows installers to fine tune the system on site and get everything operating correctly without needing replacement components.”

The result is a more forgiving installation process that helps installers complete jobs more efficiently while reducing snagging and call-backs.

“We generally recommend adjustable jambs on bifolds over five panes because it gives installers that extra flexibility,” Louis adds. “It helps get the job finished properly and efficiently.”

Slim sightlines, strong performance Alongside bifolds, Glazerite’s aluminium range also includes the Cortizo 4900 sliding door system, which Louis believes offers a strong balance between aesthetics, thermal efficiency and practicality.

“We’re one of the first companies in the UK to bring in the Cortizo 4900 system,” he says. “What makes it stand out is that it achieves strong thermal performance while still maintaining a slimmer overall frame.”

Unlike many sliding systems on the market that exceed 100mm front to back, the Cortizo 4900 operates on a 70mm outer frame, making it easier to handle, transport and install.

“Most sliding doors are much chunkier

systems,” Louis explains. “The 70mm frame makes this system easier to manage both in the factory and on site, while still delivering compliant U-values and slim 35mm sightlines.”

The system also includes adjustable rollers, adjustable keeps and the option for either factory-glazed or beaded delivery depending on installer preference and site requirements.

“It gives customers flexibility depending on the size of the glass units and the type of installation they’re working on,” Louis says.

Bringing PVC-U reliability to Aluminium While product performance remains critical, Glazerite believes long-term success within aluminium fabrication also depends on consistency of supply and service. For Louis, replicating the reliability already associated with Glazerite’s PVC-U operations has been a major priority throughout the aluminium expansion.

“The biggest challenge within aluminium is often service and supply consistency,” he says. “Our goal has been to replicate the same reliability, lead times and customer experience that Glazerite is already known for within PVC-U.” The aluminium operation is fully integrated with Glazerite’s wider systems and ordering infrastructure, helping streamline processing and improve communication for customers already working across multiple product categories.

“We want to provide the right products, at the right price, with accurate lead times and dependable service,” Louis concludes.

“That’s ultimately what installers need from a fabrication partner.”

E: sales@glazerite.net

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48 | fabrication | June 2026

After 13 years of partnership, Dekko continues to strengthen its position as the trusted Residence Collection fabricator

Built on a long-term Residence partnership T hirteen years is a long time in the fenestration industry. Markets evolve and homeowner expectations shift one way and then the other.

Throughout that time, one thing has remained constant, Dekko Window Systems’ commitment to the Residence Collection.

Since first partnering in 2013, Dekko has grown to become the UK’s largest Residence Collection manufacturer, producing the full suite of R9, R7 and R2 systems from its Lancashire manufacturing base.

Today, with dedicated Residence manufacturing facilities and specialist customer support teams, the fabricator continues to set the benchmark for quality in the premium flush sash sector.

For installers, that longevity matters.

In a market where reliability and consistency are more valuable than ever, working with an experienced fabricator gives installers confidence they are partnering with a business that understands the product inside out.

A commitment to quality For Kurt Greatrex, Managing Director at Dekko, the partnership has always been built on a shared commitment to quality.

Dekko’s manufacturing expertise also means they are the only Residence Collection fabricator in the UK able to offer traditional mechanical joints alongside bonded Timberweld and seamless Graf weld options.

“From day one, the relationship with the Residence Collection has been about delivering exceptional products that homeowners genuinely aspire to own,” said Kurt.

“Over the last 13 years, we’ve invested heavily in manufacturing expertise, technology and specialist production processes to ensure every Residence product we produce meets the highest standards possible and allow our customers to confidently offer them.”

Continuing demand That investment has paid off as flush sash demand continues to rise, with homeowners still investing in products that offer long-term value, authentic aesthetics and superior performance, particularly when replacing traditional timber windows.

Steve Collett, Sales Director at Dekko, believes that creates a major opportunity for installers.

“Installers are under increasing pressure to stand out in a competitive market,” he says.

“Supplying premium systems like the Residence Collection allows them to tap into that flush sash window demand, especially when homeowners are looking for premium, lowmaintenance alternatives to timber or aluminium. differentiate themselves and improve margins at the same time.

Combined with dedicated trade counters in Ashton and Swindon, alongside full technical support, installers benefit from a complete service package designed to simplify specification, ordering and installation.

A strengthening partnership Now, Dekko has strengthened its Residence offering even further with the addition of the new Residence Collection entrance door to its portfolio.

The launch gives installers access to a fully suited system across the complete Residence range, allowing them to offer homeowners perfectly matched windows and doors from a single supplier.

“The Residence Collection Entrance Door is a significant addition for installers,” said Steve. “Homeowners increasingly want a fully coordinated look throughout the property, and installers can now offer a complete Residence solution across R9,

R7 and R2 projects, which creates a much stronger proposition.”

The Residence entrance door combines traditional timber styling with modern engineering, featuring heritage detailing, deep bottom rails and a wide range of hardware and colour options. Alongside aesthetics, it also delivers impressive thermal performance and PAS 24 accredited security.

For Dekko, however, the latest product is about more than expanding a range. It represents the next chapter in a partnership that has already spanned more than a decade.

“We’re incredibly proud of what we’ve achieved alongside the Residence Collection,” added Kurt. “The partnership has always been focused on innovation, quality and supporting our customers’ success. Installers need dependable suppliers with the expertise to help them grow, and that’s what Dekko continues to deliver.” www.dekkowindows.com

Future Homes Ready The products, performance and partnership installers need for the next generation of homes

U-values as low as 0.84 W/(m².K)

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Regency Triple® featuring Corning® Enlighten™ Glass

PVC-U, Aluminium & Composite Door Solutions

Ready for the future?

Partner with Heritage Trade Frames and give your customers the performance they’re looking for today and tomorrow.

T: 01204 664 700 E: info@heritagetradeframes.co.uk W: heritagetradeframes.co.uk

Trusted Trade Fabricator Since 1989

50 | fabrication | june 2026

Liam Isaac explains how Modplan’s extensive product portfolio is helping customers gain an advantage in today’s market

Strength through choice in a changing market S trength through choice in a changing market is becoming increasingly important as competition intensifies across the industry. Installers need more than competitive pricing to win business; they need products that stand out, create value and help secure sales.

There is no denying that the market has become increasingly competitive over the past few years. With household budgets under pressure and consumer confidence remaining fragile, homeowners are scrutinising spending decisions more carefully than ever. Projects are taking longer to convert and installers are working harder than ever to secure every sale.

In an environment like this, having the right trade supply partner becomes even more important. It’s no longer enough to simply offer a good-quality window or door.

Installers need products that help them stand apart from competitors and give homeowners a compelling reason to choose them.

At Modplan, we’ve always believed that choice is one of the biggest advantages an installer can have. That’s why we’ve spent decades building one of the most comprehensive trade product portfolios in the industry. From Veka and Profile 22 PVC-U systems through to patio doors, bifold doors and conservatory roofs, our aim has always been to provide customers with a complete solution from one trusted manufacturing partner.

A product that’s attracting particular attention is Veka OMNIA. Since introducing the system, we’ve seen demand continue to grow as installers recognise its ability to create new opportunities. In a market where aesthetics increasingly influence buying decisions, OMNIA delivers exactly what homeowners are looking for.

Its double flush appearance creates a premium, high-end aesthetic that appeals to both contemporary and traditional properties, while features such as the zero sight-line and invisible mullion options help achieve the clean, uninterrupted aesthetics that are becoming increasingly desirable.

Homeowners are becoming increasingly design-conscious and looking for products that combine style with performance.

OMNIA delivers on both fronts, giving installers a strong proposition that helps them stand apart from competitors still offering more traditional solutions.

What we’re finding is that installers aren’t simply selling a window or door; they’re selling a lifestyle, an appearance and an aspiration. OMNIA helps them have those conversations with confidence.

Of course, having an attractive product is only part of the equation. Reliability remains critical. That’s why we’ve invested heavily in our manufacturing operations to ensure customers can depend on consistent quality, dependable service and fast reliable lead times. Our Newport multi-plant manufacturing facilities allow us to produce

the full OMNIA suite, including casement windows, tilt and turn windows, French doors and residential doors, all supported by the service levels our customers expect from Modplan.

The success of OMNIA also reflects a wider trend. Installers are increasingly looking for products that offer added value and help improve margins. The same thinking sits behind every area of our business. Whether it’s the latest Veka FEINSTRUKTUR foil finishes that provide the appearance of powder-coated aluminium, our extensive conservatory roof offering or our wider range of windows and doors, we continually look for ways to help customers win more business and maximise opportunities within their local markets.

For us, innovation is about understanding what our customers need to stay competitive and ensuring we have the products and support in place to help them succeed. That commitment remains as strong today as it has ever been.

As we look ahead, we’re preparing to launch an exciting new composite trade door offering that will further strengthen our portfolio and provide customers with even more opportunities to grow their businesses. It’s the latest step in our ongoing commitment to delivering the products, service and support that installers need in a changing market. www.modplan.co.uk

52 | fabrication | june 2026

As it marks 30 years, Universal Trade Frames reflects on growth, investment and its focus on future installer needs

Building a business for the long term R eaching 30 years in business is a milestone few companies achieve, but for Universal Trade Frames, the anniversary reflects how continuous investment and development have shaped the business it is today.

Founded in 1996, the Shropshire-based fabricator has grown from a 5,000ft2 operation into a 30,000ft2 manufacturing facility, supported by ongoing investment in machinery, systems and product development. According to Sales Director Richard Hammond, that consistency is what matters most.

“Thirty years is something we’re really proud of, but it’s not just about celebrating a number,” he says. “For our customers, it sends a clear message that we’re established, stable and here for the long term. In this industry, reassurance matters - people want to know they’re working with a supplier that will be there not just today, but years down the line.”

Rather than a single milestone, the anniversary reflects a long-term approach to growth. “It’s been 30 years of continuous improvement,” Richard explains. “We’ve grown the business step by step, expanded our facilities and consistently reinvested in manufacturing. That’s always been our mindset.”

That investment is reflected not only in infrastructure, but in the breadth of UTF’s product offer. Today, the business manufactures 21 PVC-U products in-house, supported by a wider range of aluminium systems, composite doors and conservatory roof solutions.

The aim is to give installers a more streamlined and reliable supply chain through a single partner.

“That’s a big part of where we’re heading,” Richard says. “If we can offer a broader range of products, all manufactured or supplied to the same standards, it simplifies things for installers and gives them more scope to grow.”

“There will always be cheaper options in the market, but they don’t always stand the test of time. Our approach is to offer a level of quality and consistency that installers can rely on, while still remaining competitive where it counts.”

This focus on improvement is reinforced

by UTF’s commitment to FIT27, supporting quality, compliance and continuous development across its operations.

“We’re always looking at how we can improve what we do,” Richard adds.

“Whether that’s through new products, better processes or further investment, the aim is to stay on the front foot.”

That same approach extends beyond the factory, with Universal Trade Frames already confirmed for FIT Show 2027.

“We’ve committed to FIT Show 2027 and are already planning how to make it count,” says Richard. “It’s a chance to showcase how the business continues to evolve, not just in product terms but in the overall offer we bring to customers.”

Building on a successful return in 2025, where new product developments and manufacturing investment attracted strong industry interest, Universal is now approaching the next event with a clear focus.

“The last show gave us a great platform to show the depth of what we do,” Richard explains. “It’s not just about individual products, it’s about the full picture, the range, capability and support behind it.”

Carrying the business forward Alongside investment and expansion, Richard believes the people behind the business have been central to its development.

“As people move through the company, they each leave their mark,” he says. “We often describe it as being custodians of the business. You take it on, improve it and pass it on in a better position than you found it.

“That’s how Universal has evolved over

the years. It’s been shaped by the people within it, but always with a focus on doing things the right way.”

That responsibility now sits with the current leadership team, who are guiding the business through its next phase.

“With the leadership team we have today, we see ourselves as part of that ongoing journey,” Richard explains. “Our role is to respect what’s been built, but also to keep moving it forward. The industry moves quickly, and our customers’ needs are changing all the time, so our job is to anticipate that and make sure we’re evolving in the right way.”

Those demands have increased significantly in recent years, with installers facing greater pressure around compliance, performance and project complexity.

“Our customers are dealing with a lot more than they were even five or ten years ago,” Richard says. “There’s more detail, more regulation and more expectation on every project, so it’s about making sure we’re supporting them properly. That means not just supplying a product, but giving them confidence that it’s right and will perform.”

As Universal Trade Frames marks its 30th anniversary, the focus remains on continuing to invest, improve and evolve in line with the needs of its customers and the wider market.

“This isn’t the end of anything,” Richard concludes. “It’s a milestone, but it’s also a starting point. What matters is that we keep improving and continue to give our customers the confidence that they’ve got the right partner behind them.”

E: info@utfl.co.uk

THE

#1

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Please buy yourself a coffee and take 2 minutes to read below to find out why!

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At Titan Aluminium we spend a lot of time making your life easier, we just aren’t great at telling you what we do.

We don’t have a big marketing budget or team to create exciting content for you and we’re sorry if you feel you see the same info on repeat.

Unlike many of our competition, we have a personal face to our company and always will, If you call our number (01256 760070) one of our internal sales team Eve or Ellis will pick up the phone, no pressing 1 for sales, 2 for accounts.

Every single order matters to us, it always has since day one and always will. We’re a small team (19 of us) but work together to achieve the very best for you.

We know that time is money on the roof when installing so we prep your roof before it goes out and do all we can in the factory to ensure ease of fitting.

We don’t sell to your customer, We are trade only and strict about it, We have a warranty and we actually honour it, You must have all had that experience where a supplier is trying to squirm out of paying for their mistakes or issues. WE DON’T. Yes we make mistakes from time to time but If we mess up we honestly do go out and fix it. If something is missing, someone will be in a car to rectify it.

A single point and time of delivery, no frames one day and glass on another.

Our owners are both salesmen, John and Tony and work closely with Craig in the office and Jonathan and Derek on the road to ensure we are on hand to support you throughout your quote to order process.

We think we’ve got a really good looking flat roof product that your customer will love and the S1 lantern with its thermal properties and slim sight lines makes this a winning combination of products for your customer.

Yes, we’re not always the cheapest but the work we do above will honestly save you money and makes us the best Value for Money rooflight manufacturer on the market.

I guess the question is....................Will you give us a chance to prove it to you ?

Written by James, General Manager

54 | fabrication | june 2026

Quanex Hardware Solutions’ Sarah Knight discusses streamlining sliding door fabrication by working with a single hardware supplier

Creating a cohesive sliding door system C ombining style and practicality, the sliding patio door has stood firm despite the changing tastes of modern consumers, with Keystone Market Research reporting that they remain the most preferred door style across the UK. As this demand continues, door manufacturers and fabricators remain focused on delivering systems that seamlessly balance aesthetics and performance.

With this in mind, Sarah Knight, Technical Product Manager at Quanex Hardware Solutions, which includes home security and fenestration brand ERA, discusses the advantages of working with a single, reputable hardware partner to ensure a cohesive sliding door system, improving efficiency and offering greater assurances for customer satisfaction.

Hardware you can depend on ERA’s sliding door solutions include a six-hook Multi-Point patio door lock, an ERA Decorative patio door handle, and a range of patio door rollers, providing manufacturers with a comprehensive system for sliding door applications.

Delivering both affordability and aesthetics, this cohesive selection of products offers all the performance and quality characteristics expected of the ERA brand.

All components provide consistent material quality and manufacturing standards and are engineered to deliver consistency over long periods of time, allowing customers to reap the benefits of reliable, long-term performance.

Manufacturers need total confidence that each piece of hardware will work to ensure a highly secure sliding door installation.

When all components are supplied by one supplier, manufacturers are safe in the knowledge that each element can function as part of a unified system. As a result, installation risks are reduced and performance is paramount.

Simplifying the fabrication process Another advantage of working with a single hardware supplier is the simplification of the fabrication and ordering process. Rather than managing the fitting and ordering requirements of multiple components, manufacturers benefit from a unified solution and a single point of contact. This streamlines the production process, helping to improve overall efficiency, from design through to assembly and set up.

However, to reap these benefits, manufacturers must select a hardware brand that offers high-quality, easy-to-install components.

ERA’s sliding door solutions have been designed with simplicity in mind for maximum productivity. With this, the MultiPoint patio door lock supports minimal fabrication and profile preparation, with a 1500mm lock length as standard, and a universal gearbox for compatibility with a standard Euro cylinder for ease.

The design allows for a +/-2mm adjustment of the keep, while the lock’s antislam and anti-lift pins also help to reduce installation errors, supporting accuracy and alignment for quick, consistent setups.

Where form meets function Choosing a supplier with a wide range of stylish hardware helps manufacturers deliver a cohesive exterior look for their customers.

ERA’s Decorative door handle provides the ultimate finishing touch. The highquality handle, which is available in six finishes, including popular polished chrome and white, helps customers to achieve a stylish look at a cost-effective price point.

In addition, the wider ERA Decorative range features stylish door and window handles, letterplates, a knocker, numerals and letters, so manufacturers have a suitable match for other areas of the property.

This allows manufacturers to not only deliver products that perform well, but also offer a strong visual identity.

Additionally, ERA’s sliding door hardware offering delivers a Multi-Point patio door lock, boasting an aesthetically pleasing keep, manufactured from aluminium and finished in a silver anodised coating, for a neat fit within the frame. Finally, ERA’s multi-fit, Slimline, and Tandem patio door rollers offer strong corrosion resistance and excellent performance for the long haul.

The ERA solution ERA’s cost-effective sliding door solutions provide door manufacturers with a comprehensive range, designed to deliver an industry-leading performance for sliding door applications.

The bi-directional, six-hook Multi-Point patio door lock is a robust, durable solution complete with an anti-lift pin to protect against jemmying to gain unauthorised access to properties. While its anti-slam pin supports smoother operation and prevents misalignment of the lock on closing, reducing the risk of damage. The lock complements ERA’s stylish Decorative patio door handle, part of a comprehensive yet cost-effective hardware range.

The ERA patio door rollers are available in a choice of nylon and stainless wheels for a practical, reliable fit. Designed with built-in adjustment for a host of systems and performance needs. www.eraeverywhere.com

R A E

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BE PAR T OF FIT With one year to go, now is the time to join FIT Show 2027. Get in front of 10,000+ decision makers, show the market you’re fit to do business, and stay ahead of the competition. Be the brand fabricators, installers, house builders and specifiers can’t build without.

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The UK’s Only Dedicated Fabricator and Installer Trade Show NEC BIRMINGHAM • 18 - 20 MAY 2027

56 | fabrication | june 2026

Simplifying aluminium supply chains helps support installer customers

A

s project pressures continue to intensify across the UK fenestration sector, Astra Windows says more installers are actively simplifying their supply chains in a bid to improve efficiency, reduce disruption and stay competitive.

According to the Greater Manchesterbased aluminium fabricator, installers are increasingly moving away from managing multiple suppliers across single projects and instead looking for dependable fabrication partners capable of supplying complete aluminium packages under one roof.

For Astra Windows, it reflects a wider shift in how installers are approaching both residential and commercial projects in 2026.

“Installers are under huge pressure to deliver projects faster, more efficiently and with fewer complications,” says David Jackson, Managing Director of Astra Windows. “Managing multiple suppliers across one project creates unnecessary delays, communication issues and installation headaches. More installers are now looking for a fabrication partner that can simplify the process and support the entire job.”

The demand for whole-project

aluminium sourcing has grown significantly as installers look to streamline operations and reduce friction on site. Homeowners are increasingly looking to renovate and complete a whole house refresh. Fabricating a product range that satisfies this full range of end user demand is integral to what Astra Windows defines its complete trade offer.

Rather than sourcing windows from one supplier, sliders from another and commercial systems elsewhere, installers are increasingly seeking a single aluminium partner capable of delivering consistency across every aspect of the project. For the installer, this reduces the risk of complication. The need to manage multiple supply chains is removed and more importantly, the trust in quality and time efficiency on site becomes a unique selling point for them to win more work and make more money.

To support this shift, Astra continually reviews and expands its aluminium offering, growing their standard portfolio with products fabricated in-house at its Greater Manchester facility using systems from aluminium brands including ALUK, Aluna and Jack Aluminium.

According to Astra, reducing project

complexity has become just as important as product performance itself. “Installers are trying to eliminate avoidable problems wherever possible,” David explains, “When you’re coordinating deliveries, managing labour and working to tight schedules, the last thing you need is multiple points of contact, inconsistent lead times or varying product standards across the same job.

A simpler supply chain creates smoother installations, better organisation and ultimately a more profitable business.”

E: info@astrawindows.co.uk

Glazerite highlights importance of supply consistency in evolving market

R

eliable supply and consistent service are becoming more important than ever for installers and fabricators across the industry.

With businesses working to tight schedules and high customer expectations, dependable lead times and clear communication can make a major difference to day-to-day operations.

Glazerite says reliability remains a key focus across every part of its business.

“Installers need to know they can rely on their supplier,” says Rob Brearley, Group Managing Director at Glazerite. “When projects are running to tight deadlines, consistency and communication are incredibly important.”

Glazerite operates multiple manufacturing sites across the UK, helping the business remain flexible and responsive to customer demand.

Its nationwide delivery network supports customers across both PVC-u and aluminium product ranges, helping maintain stable lead times and dependable supply.

The company also works closely with leading systems houses including VEKA, Deceuninck and Cortizo to support product quality and availability.

“Our aim is to give customers confidence in their supply chain,” Rob explains. “That comes from investment in manufacturing, logistics and strong supplier relationships.”

By operating across several locations, Glazerite can continue supporting customers efficiently while reducing pressure on any one site.

Many installers are looking for ways to reduce operational pressure while continuing to deliver a strong customer experience.

For some businesses, outsourcing fabrication can help simplify operations and free up more time to focus on installations, customer service and winning new work.

“Installers still keep control of the customer relationship,” says Rob. “What changes is that they no longer have to manage the challenges that come with manufacturing and logistics internally.”

Working with an experienced fabrication partner relieves staffing, production, and supply chain pressures, freeing up installers to focus on growing their business.

This allows installers to spend more time

focusing on growing their business while relying on an experienced manufacturing partner for support.

“Consistency is one of the most valuable things a supplier can offer to help installers meet customer expectations and keep projects moving,” says Rob. Glazerite says its continued investment across manufacturing, delivery and customer support is designed to help installers work with greater confidence and fewer day-to-day pressures.

“Our focus is on making life easier for customers,” Rob concludes. “We want them to know they have a supply partner they can trust.” www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

june 2026 | fabrication | 57

Get Snug delivers more than 700 consumer leads for Emplas installers

G

et Snug, Emplas’ consumer-facing brand and lead-generation platform connecting homeowners with installers, has prompted more than 700 enquiries in its first six months.

Promoting the comfort, security and aesthetic benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors, a dedicated website – www.getsnug.co.uk – backed by social media and SEO campaigns, has created tens of thousands of pounds-worth of business for Emplas installers.

“Over the last six months, we’ve generated 700-plus leads with Get Snug, representing more than £48,000 in value for our Installer Partners,” confirmed David Robertson, Brand Manager, Emplas.

Built around a constant stream of online activity, regular digital content promotes Emplas products to a wider audience, with videos from inside the Emplas factory receiving more than 600,000 views on TikTok. Get Snug’s lead portal manages and distributes leads to installers based on postcode. To improve conversion rates, Snug also pre-qualifies leads before passing them on, with a web configurator to further refine enquiries.

“By the end of the process, hopefully we’re able to provide installers with the exact product that the homeowner is looking for, dimensions if they have them,

and pass on all of their contact details,” explained David.

Installer feedback has already driven improvements to the Snug portal, including the provision of a prominent ‘requirements box’ so office and sales staff can see, at a glance, what each homeowner wants. Integration with Emplas’ EVA CRM tool is also under development to give partners a ‘single entry’ point for all leads.

Get Snug is also building a valuable

audience and brand presence through competitions, influencer projects and a new 12-month commercial partnership with Hillarys, all with the aim of pulling more homeowners into the Snug ecosystem.

“Not every enquiry is ready to buy on day one,” said David. “But the fact we’ve already delivered 700 plus leads and over £48,000 in value shows that Get Snug is working – and we’re only at the start.”

For more information on Emplas, visit www.emplas.co.uk, email info@emplas. co.uk or call 01933 674880.

Open Day success for CWG Choices

L

eading trade fabricator CWG Choices held another successful Open Day at its Corby site on Thursday 23 April.

Welcoming more than 100 trade customers and installer prospects from across the UK, the event gave attendees the opportunity to tour CWG’s state-of-theart manufacturing facility, network with supplier partners and explore the trade showroom area.

Sales Director at CWG Choices, Dean Hague, said: “It’s always a privilege to welcome installers to our sites, to reconnect with them face to face and show them around our manufacturing facilities.

“It also gives them the ideal opportunity to connect with our own suppliers, building closer relationships, and giving them a more in-depth, technical understanding of our extensive product range.”

Representatives from supplier partners Aluroll, AluK, ERA, GlazPart, Kubu Smart Security, Kömmerling, Press Glass, Solidor, The Residence Collection, Ultion and Vista Panels were all in attendance to offer advice, information and a range of popular freebies. CWG Choices’ digital team were

also available to give trade customers advice on using their Window Designer tool to streamline quoting and discover the digital marketing support that’s available to them to support lead-generation.

Dean adds: “Our Open Day is one of the most long-standing and recognised in the sector and we always love welcoming

customers to help them discover and make the most of the trade support that’s available to them.

“Everyone always leaves having discovered something new in our range, and with a packed goody bag to keep their offices stocked with essentials - we’re already looking forward to next year!”

58 | fabrication | june 2026

Unique strengthens commercial offer with two key appointments

U

nique Window Systems has strengthened its commercial division with the appointment of two experienced project managers from respected companies within the façade construction industry - Colin Warlow and Jenny Thomas.

The appointments enhance Unique’s already impressive ability to supply fenestration solutions to commercial customers, such as main contractors and developers, involved in the delivery of largescale projects across the UK. Bringing extensive and relevant expertise and experience, Colin and Jenny will work alongside the existing project management team at Unique, ensuring projects are delivered on time, on brief and on budget.

Colin joins the company with a diverse background spanning fenestration, cladding, render and fire-rated systems installation, having worked across new build developments, renovation projects and listed and heritage sites. He will oversee projects across the Midlands and South of England.

Speaking about his appointment, Colin said: “I was attracted to Unique by the professionalism of the team from the very first conversations and factory visit. I was particularly impressed by the operational fluidity across departments and the collaborative way the business works, which played a big part in my decision to join.

“I believe my background in client relationships and commercial management

will be a valuable addition to the projects assigned to me. I’m delighted to join the team and look forward to the new challenges and opportunities ahead.”

Jenny brings a wealth of industry experience to her new role and will cover the North of England. Commenting, Jenny said: “Having worked in the fenestration and façade industry since I was 18, I’ve developed extensive experience across a wide range of projects and built a strong understanding of what it takes to deliver successful outcomes for customers.

“I was looking for a new challenge and, after meeting the team and learning more about the business, it quickly became clear that Unique was the right fit for me.

The passion, professionalism and culture throughout the organisation really stood out.

“I bring a strong quality assurance mindset and a firm but fair approach to project delivery. I’m excited to be joining the team and look forward to contributing to

the continued success of the business while taking on new challenges along the way.”

Speaking about the new appointments, Mir Patel, Aluminium Operations Manager at Unique, said: “To build on our already extensive track record of supplying windows, doors and curtain walling to large and diverse commercial projects, Unique continues to prioritise the recruitment and development of an unmatched team of talented and experienced people.

“The appointment of Colin and Jenny reflects that and adds to a skills base within the business that already offers valuable industry knowledge, a strong customer focus and proven project delivery expertise.

They will play an important role in supporting our customers and in ensuring that projects continue to be delivered to the exceptionally high standards that Unique is known for.

“We look forward to the fresh perspectives, professionalism and experience they will bring and would like to extend a warm welcome to the Unique family. We wish them every success in their careers with us.”

During its 20th year in business, which spanned 2025 and early 2026, Unique Window Systems reached the milestone of delivering more than 1,000 new build and commercial projects. This included a wide range of developments from buildto-rent schemes and purpose-built student accommodation, to data centres, large logistics hubs, and industrial buildings.

Universal Trade Frames offers lowest ever trade prices on Solidor

S

hropshire-based fabricator Universal Trade Frames (UTF) is offering its lowest ever trade pricing on Solidor and Door-Stop composite doors, giving installers a timely opportunity to strengthen margins and win more work in a competitive market.

The move follows a newly secured supply agreement, allowing UTF to deliver significantly improved pricing across its composite door range, without any compromise on product quality or service.

“We don’t usually lead on price,” said Richard Hammond, Sales Director at Universal Trade Frames. “But in the current market, we know how important it is for installers to stay competitive. This is a genuine opportunity for them to buy better and sell with more confidence.”

Despite the sharper pricing, UTF is clear that the fundamentals of its offer remain unchanged.

Installers can expect the same Solidor

and Door-Stop products, backed by the same manufacturing standards, service levels and support the business is known for.

“Nothing else changes,” Richard explained. “It’s the same doors, the same quality and the same service. The difference is that we’ve been able to secure a better deal, and we’re passing that straight on to our customers.”

As part of its wider service proposition, UTF continues to provide reliable on-time, in-full (OTIF) deliveries, a dedicated aftercare team and a straightforward ordering process designed to minimise hassle for busy installers.

In a market where pricing pressure is increasing, the ability to access consistently competitive rates without sacrificing

reliability is becoming increasingly important.

“There’s a lot of noise around price at the moment,” Richard added.

“But it only works if it’s backed up by service and consistency. That’s what we’re focused on delivering.”

The new pricing is available now, with installers encouraged to request a quote or explore the full Solidor range via UTF’s online door designer.

Richard concluded: “If you’re looking to stay competitive, protect your margins and win more work, now’s the time to take a look at what we can offer.”

For more information about Universal Trade Frames’ product and service offer, please call 01743 442244, email info@ utfl.co.uk or visit www.utfl.co.uk

june 2026 | fabrication | 59

Heritage announces major relocation to support continued growth

H

eritage Trade Frames has announced plans to relocate its entire operation to a new purpose-built 120,000 sqft headquarters at Arrow Point, Bolton. The move will bring Heritage’s PVC-U, composite and aluminium fabrication facilities together under one roof for the first time. Expected to complete in July 2026, the company anticipates moving into the new premises from January next year.

Located on the adjacent road and just 200 metres from Heritage Trade Frames’ current facilities, the new site will allow a seamless transition with no disruption to production or customer supply.

Paul Culshaw, Managing Director, commented: “This move represents a major milestone for the business. Demand for our products has continued to increase year on year, and this new facility will give us the capacity and environment we need to take the next step in our growth. It’s an investment not only in our company, but in our people and the local community.”

Interestingly, the new headquarters is being built on the former Tesco site in Horwich, the place where Paul Culshaw started his first job at 16.

Paul added: “For me personally, it feels like things have come full circle. To be returning to the site where I began my working life makes this move all the more

meaningful.”

The new headquarters will feature stateof-the-art offices, boardrooms and a training centre across three floors. Around 20% of the roof will be fitted with solar panels, supporting Heritage’s sustainability objectives, while the factory has been designed and built to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, and an EPC rating of A, providing increased natural light and improved working conditions and facilities for the staff.

The site will also offer over 130 parking spaces, including more than 17 EV charging points, and benefits from a prime location just off the M61 with excellent transport links.

Once operational, the move will increase Heritage’s total manufacturing capacity to 5,000 frames per week, supporting growth across all product areas and allowing the business to further expand its range of

PVC-U, composite and aluminium windows and doors. To support this increased scale, Heritage is also expanding its fleet of transport, to include HGVs, to further strengthen logistics and delivery efficiency.

Paul added: “Bringing all three of our current factories together will make our operations even more efficient and strengthen our service to customers. Importantly, it also allows us to retain our highly skilled local workforce, which has always been central to our success.”

The relocation follows several years of sustained investment and innovation from the Bolton-based fabricator and CorpAcq. Established in 1989, Heritage has grown to become one of the North West’s leading manufacturers of PVC-U windows, composite doors and aluminium fenestration, recognised for its reliability, product quality and long-term customer partnerships.

Paul concluded: “This is an incredibly exciting time for Heritage Trade Frames. The move marks the start of a new chapter that builds on more than 35 years of growth. Our new facility gives us the platform to continue innovating, investing and delivering the quality, reliability and partnerships our customers expect from us.”

Expansion on this scale is always noteworthy, but in a fluctuating market it is particularly impressive and reflects the strength and stability of Heritage Trade Frames.

Massive 55% growth in the solid timber core brand BRiTDOR

D

oorCo is delighted to report a massive 55% growth in the solid timber core brand, BRiTDOR - as more and more customers add the versatile range to their offering. Ben Aspinall, DoorCo’s Commercial Director, explains more: “BRiTDOR sales are absolutely flying with customers signing up almost on a weekly basis as they recognise the benefits of adding a new product from our ONE range to their door offering and the additional revenue that will generate.

“The important thing to note is that solid timber core doors complement existing composite door portfolios by adding more variety to the range, rather than replacing ORiGINAL foam filled doors. This is vital in continuing to be able to offer choice to our customers supplying the retail market.

“BRiTDOR’s construction is a solid timber core offering superior strength, security and durability, finished with thermoplastic CoolSkin technology outer layer with heat reflective properties, scratch resistant and a beautiful defined woodgrain, that has been carefully designed to complement our wider

door range.

“Our first product to be manufactured in the UK, the BRiTDOR collection boasts the largest range of styles – including exclusive designs styles such as Enzo, Glenman and Eaton – and colours available in its class.

We’ve curated the colours so the most popular options, including stains, are available, with the foils colour matched to frames

and windows for a superior finish across the home. The addition of colour matched foiled drip bars completes the package.

“Customers say the seamless finish, along with the premium look of the stained options is helping them stand out in the retail market, especially for buyers wanting colour-matched doors and windows. We’ve also added Short Doors to the range, reengineered to meet the staggering opportunities for smaller entrances, such as homes built before 1919 (which equates to 2-3 million homes that are likely to have non-standard entrances), outbuildings, garden sheds, garages and side entrances.

“Of course, BRiTDOR comes with everything you can expect from any other slab in the DoorCo ONE Portfolio and is backed up by our ONE Supplier promise.

This means it’s really easy to start selling BRiTDOR. “So, whether you’re an existing customer or new to DoorCo, if you’re interested in a hassle-free way to increase sales and create more opportunity for you in the market, BRiTDOR is the way to do it”

60 | pvc-u systems | june 2026

Leader in window ancillaries, Window Widgets, sees a selection of its products installed on the illustrious Welborne Garden Village project

Heritage aesthetic with modern performance

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ash window specialists, Roseview Windows, will install more than 800 sash windows in phase one of the project, which will include a number of Window Widgets products, including trickle vent covers, Jacks, a VS variable aluminium baypole, as well as VS bay pole cover trims - all manufactured by Window Widgets.

Having already chosen Roseview’s Ultimate Rose sash window for the project, Welborne’s design team specified the trickle vent covers to complement the aesthetic.

The challenge was to provide Future Home Standards Part F-compliant ventilation without compromising the project’s focus on heritage styles.

Most trickle vent options on the market are very visible, and while concealed variants are available for sash windows, typically, they require reductions to frame heights or glass areas to make space for vent channels. The Window Widgets trickle vent covers keeps external sightlines slim and preserves full-height window proportions.

The trickle vent covers were foiled in white woodgrain to match the finish of the windows, to give a more discreet overall

look.

Jo Trotman, Sales and Marketing Manager at Window Widgets, said: “We are delighted that four of our Window Widgets products are being used on this unique development, which perfectly blends heritage aesthetic with modern performance.

“The Welborne development is a very exciting project to be a part of, and we are

very proud that our products have been selected for the project, which is an exciting mix of properties that have a heritage look and feel, with all the benefits of modern homes’ performance.”

Roseview’s Managing Director Richard Burrells comments: “Ultimate Rose is a fully authentic modern sash window, and on a project like Welborne, the combination of performance and aesthetics is everything.

That’s exactly why we chose Window Widgets products for this project, giving us that perfect balance and crucially, meeting Part F ventilation standards.

“The fantastic benefit of working with Window Widgets is that they offer everything you could possibly need for the installation.

“We’re excited to continue working with the project design team and developers as the remaining 5,000+ plots come together.

It’s rare to see a development this large keep such a close eye on the heritage details that matter, proving you can deliver modern housing on a huge scale without compromising style and quality.” www.windowwidgets.co.uk

Accessories: Your All-in-One Partner Our range includes: ▪ Cut length, pre punched steel ▪ High quality hardware including locks, handles and hinges ▪ Colour matched trims Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.uk/accessories enquiries@rehau.com Tel: 01989 762600

62 | pvc-u systems | june 2026

Darren Woodcock, General Manager at Deceuninck, explains how geopolitical instability is driving cost pressure across the supply chain

Market volatility creates fresh challenges G eopolitical instability is feeding cost pressure into the window and door supply chain, as rising energy prices, transport disruption and raw material volatility create fresh challenges for manufacturers, fabricators and installers.

The CPA Spring 2026 Forecast predicts total construction output is forecast to fall by 2.5% this year, with private housing output down 7.0%.

At the same time, the home improvement market is also under pressure, with private housing repair, maintenance and improvement forecast to fall by 8.0% this year as homeowners remain cautious about discretionary spend.

The CPA highlights UK GDP growth of just 0.5% in 2026, CPI inflation averaging 3.5%, real household disposable income falling 2.0%, and Bank of England base rates rising to 4.25% by the end of the year.

“It’s not comfortable reading”, says Darren Woodcock, General Manager, Deceuninck, “and we need to be honest about that.

“It’s increasing costs for every single manufacturer in the UK, while impacting consumer confidence with a knock-on effect on the housing market, new build and home improvement.

“It requires a dose of realism - and we’re adjusting for it. Controlling costs where we can, supporting our customers in doing the same and helping them to convert and maximise margin on each and every opportunity that comes their way.

“It’s important to remember that even in a slower market there is an opportunity to grow market share if you approach things in the right way.”

Consumer confidence is low. GfK’s Consumer Confidence Index fell four points to -25 in April, while expectations for the wider economy over the next 12 months dropped to -43, the lowest level since February 2023. Fuel costs, the prospect of higher energy bills and wider global instability are clearly feeding into household caution.

“On the one hand, costs are rising. On the other, consumers are becoming more price sensitive. Our customers need more flexibility from us because their customers need it from them”, Darren adds.

Single length foils - free up cash!

He points to flexibility in Deceuninck’s colour offer. This includes its ability to supply foiled profile in single lengths with

evidenced during COVID, we moved forward with fairness and we’ll do that again now.

“We need the surcharge to ensure that our business model is sustainable in the face of rising costs. Every systems company in the UK, in Europe, globally - is facing exactly the same pressures.

“Anyone who is saying anything else is simply not recognising the reality of raw material and energy increases.”

no minimum order requirement.

“It gives fabricators far greater flexibility than a conventional model, particularly when they need to match a specific colour on a one-off job, complete a remedial order, or fulfil a lower-volume heritage job without committing cash to unnecessary stock”, he says.

“It improves cashflow, reduces risk on slower-moving colours and makes it easier to say yes to more specialist enquiries”, Darren continues.

“It also supports a higher-value sales strategy, because our customers can offer a broader and more design-led foiled range without carrying the commercial burden of stocking every finish in volume.”

A commitment to ‘play fair’ Darren points out that its not the first time in recent history that the industry has faced challenge, highlighting disruption to the supply chain during COVID. Now as then, Deceuninck has opted to move forward with a surcharge rather than a price increase. “We went with a surcharge in March. Not a price increase”, he explains.

“That’s an important differentiation.

“A price increase is permanent. A surcharge is a temporary measure, designed to help us manage exceptional input-cost shocks and protect the long-term stability and sustainability of our business and our customers’ businesses.

“We appreciate it doesn’t make it a necessarily less bitter pill to swallow. We don’t like increases. Our customers don’t like increases - but it is fair. We won’t profiteer from this.

“Th future is clearly difficult to call but as

Transparency backed by investment Deceuninck’s ability to limit the scale of the surcharge is supported by long-term strategic investment in its UK operation.

That includes the installation of 2,500 solar panels at its manufacturing facility in Calne, generating 895,762 kWh of clean energy per year and reducing CO2 emissions by 498,507kg annually.

A further six-figure investment at the start of this year also saw Deceuninck add two new chillers to its operation, delivering a 50% reduction in energy usage.

Continuing opportunity Darren points out that while higher energy prices tend to make consumers more cautious overall, they also make the energy efficiency message more relevant.

“People remember how quickly energy costs increased in recent years”, he says.

“When prices begin to move again, it tends to focus minds on the long-term efficiency of their homes.”

Deceuninck is supporting home improvement specialists in delivering this message through practical sales tools including its Energy Calculator, which demonstrates how replacing older windows can reduce household energy consumption and heating costs.

“We all need to be measured. When things are less certain (in fact it feels a long time since anything has been certain), homeowners may be tempted to delay major purchases, take longer to decide and scrutinise value more closely”, Darren says.

“That doesn’t, however, mean the market disappears. It means the case for investment has to be clearer, more tangible and better evidenced.

“We’ll continue to support our customers in doing that and giving them the confidence to move forward through transparent and honest pricing.”

Tel: 01249 816 969 E: deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

64 | pvc-u systems | june 2026

An industry workshop led by Eurocell has revealed critical knowledge gaps in compliance regulations and sustainability

Helping to bridge the knowledge gap

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ritical knowledge gaps are stalling building projects and undermining sustainability goals, according to an industry insights session led by Eurocell, the UK manufacturer and recycler of PVC-U windows and doors. A lack of confidence around building regulation compliance - particularly Parts L, O and E alongside misconceptions about sustainable materials means UK building projects risk costly remedial work and significant delays.

The balancing act of compliance A key takeaway from the industry workshop was that evolving building regulations continue to pose a challenge.

The introduction of Part O (overheating) has raised questions about how it might affect window sizes, and whether its scope might expand beyond new-build dwellings to include major renovations and extensions in the future. For now, its strict requirements apply only to new residential constructions.

While the simplified method within Part O places strict limits on glazing-to-floor area ratios, many specifiers are finding that dynamic thermal modelling is required to maintain larger window designs without failing compliance.

Another point made clear by the session is that UK builders and specifiers are stuck in a balancing act, struggling to meet the demands of different regulations that sometimes seemingly conflict with each other. Parts L and O are examples of this one demands higher insulation and low air leakage, while the other wants to prevent excess heat from building up.

Furthermore, Part O’s ventilation requirements often clash with the acoustic requirements set out in Part E, especially for

projects in urban environments.

To navigate this, Eurocell advises that specifiers can consider a more integrated approach - using a combination of acoustic glazing, controlled ventilation, shading, layout planning and mechanical or passive cooling solutions - rather than viewing regulations in isolation.

Thermal trap The workshop also revealed that the relationship between insulation and solar gain remains a technical blind spot for many, making it difficult to meet Passivhaus standards. Lowering the U-value to improve insulation generally reduces the g-value as well, as high-performance coatings often block some solar radiation.

Arron Crisp, Technical Specification Manager at Eurocell said: “Following the Government’s update to the Future Homes Standard, the industry’s now gearing up to meet these elevated requirements.

While the pressure is on to adapt to these new benchmarks and the transition from SAP 10.3 to the new Home Energy Model (HEM), confusion remains about existing legislation, specifically the June 2022/23 updates to Parts L and O, which have already been in place for several years.

“We need clear, actionable guidance to avoid the cycle of non-compliant builds, delays and costly redesigns. Builders and specifiers must be brought along on the journey when new regulations are being developed and introduced. Only then will the industry feel confident and truly ready to implement these changes.”

Challenging the ‘plastic is bad’ narrative Sustainability remains a hot topic, yet the workshop revealed that the industry is

still unclear on the sustainability aspects of modern materials like PVC-U. There’s an old narrative that plastic is bad for sustainability, but this isn’t always the case. The session highlighted that through advanced co-extrusion and up to 10 recycling cycles, the material lifecycle of PVC-U can span 300+ years, maintaining high structural and thermal performance throughout.

Furthermore, PVC-U offers a significantly lower embodied carbon footprint than aluminium, something that will be increasingly vital as the industry moves towards low-carbon home mandates.

Furthermore, the mechanical recycling of PVC-U is a significantly less energy-intensive process than the smelting required for recycled aluminium, contributing to a lower initial embodied carbon footprint for PVC-U frames.

Exactly how the age of plastic and its recycling history might be proven remains an ongoing challenge. While exact tracking of individual frames isn’t yet possible, batchlevel traceability and mechanical testing can help ensure material integrity through recycling loops, with options such as digital product passports or embedded QR codes likely to enable more precise tracking of production batches, recycling history and material composition in the future.

With the Future Homes Standard coming into force, Eurocell’s latest consultation highlights the need for clarity and a more collaborative approach to technical education in the sector. By bridging the gap between regulatory theory and on-site application, the industry can treat building regulations and sustainability goals as complementary and achievable goals, rather than conflicting obstacles.

The Residence Collection brings together a suite of premium window and door systems, designed and made in Great Britain.

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66 | colouring & foiling | june 2026

Steve Musgrave, Sheerline’s Operations Director, explains how expanded foiling improves colour choice and flexibility

Expanding choice in woodgrain foiling I t’s been just over two years since we launched our in-house woodgrain foiling service to provide an authentic wood effect look with all the benefits of modern aluminium. We took the strategic decision to add this service to our offering for a couple of different reasons.

We operate a highly vertically integrated single manufacturing site. This is where everything takes place from aluminium extrusion to powder coating at our QUALICOAT approved paint plant, quality control, and distribution via our fleet of vehicles and in-house drivers.

Having full oversight gives us control and enables us to implement consistent quality processes across all our operations.

For example, as part of the powder coating process, we implement a seven-stage chrome-free pre-treatment system, enabling us to achieve a consistent finish.

In-house control This approach overcomes several issues associated with using an external service provider. It allows us to oversee the quality assurance process whilst also reducing the likelihood of the profiles being damaged in transit.

Being able to manage every step from start to finish expedites each process whilst reducing our reliance on third-parties.

In turn, this adds agility to our service, enhancing our ability to respond quickly if there are any last-minute updates or changes to orders.

Launching the woodgrain foiling service allowed us to satisfy our customer’s demand for a foiled product. Many of our

customers need to match new products with what’s already in place when working on renovation projects and extensions.

The advantage of foiling is that we can offer an exact match where homeowners choose a combination of PVCu products with aluminium. In the past, if a bi-fold had been installed in an extension alongside existing foiled PVCu windows, it wasn’t always easy to match the existing windows without a lengthy lead time.

Design flexibility One of the key advantages of the service we offer is our competitive lead times. We have seven stocked colours available on 10day lead times, which isn’t far off the level of service we offer through powder coating – 5-day lead times on stocked colours. This is

significantly better than the six-to-ten weeks that it typically takes for foiled products in the wider industry.

A question we frequently get asked is whether dual colours are possible with foiling – they are. In fact, there is almost an infinite number of combinations. This allows homeowners to create a distinctive aesthetic on the outside of the property without compromising on the internal colour scheme.

Our fabricator partners – and their customers – can choose from a wider range of colours and finishes. One of the reasons we offer such a wide colour and foil range is that homeowners want their homes to match their personalities and look as individual as they are. With Sheerline, they can create any aesthetic they want.

Arguably, since the aluminium industry has been reinvigorated, homeowners are increasingly choosing aluminium over PVC because of its refined, architectural aesthetics, thermal efficiency, and durability.

Woodgrain foiling offers a new realm of possibilities, particularly for those who want to achieve an authentic timber or woodgrain look, but without the maintenance or upkeep that is required when using timber frames.

We pride ourselves on offering a 100% fully matched range. For us, this relates to the fact every product perfectly matches in terms of style, finish, security, warranties, but also colour. Adding woodgrain foiling has allowed us to expand the range of options available to homeowners.

E: info@sheerline.com

RENOLIT EXOFOL MX Anthractite Grey

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The Application of Colour.

Where colour and quality combine.

Colour expert RENOLIT produces specialised, high-performance decorative films designed for exterior applications such as window profiles, cladding, door panels and decking.

Whatever your needs, you can rely on RENOLIT EXOFOL films. With a range of grades on offer, there is a film to meet every requirement. Each type is technically optimised to fulfil specific performance criteria.

Contact us for further information at renolit.uk@renolit.com www.renolit.com/exteriorsolutions

68 | colouring & foiling | june 2026

A fully funded solar PV project at Renolit’s Cramlington site in the UK is setting new standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction

Shining a light on sustainability

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t RENOLIT, we’re committed to shaping a more sustainable future. Our latest milestone? A fully funded solar PV project at our Cramlington site in the UK that’s setting new standards for energy efficiency and carbon reduction.

A Powerful Partnership for a Greener Tomorrow - When RENOLIT UK wanted to significantly cut carbon emissions, reduce energy costs, and boost on-site generation, without the requirement to use any of their capital, they knew that collaboration was key. Together with Zestec Renewable Energy, Seed Renewables Limited, and Octopus Energy Generation, they’ve implemented a 1.76 MWp solar solution producing 1.47 GWh of electricity annually that combines rooftop and carport solar arrays, along with an integrated EV charging infrastructure.

The results speak for themselves: • 331 tonnes of CO₂ reduction forecast in the first year • 97% of generated solar power used directly on site • Cost savings already being realised • Improved long term energy resilience • Reduced reliance on the national grid

Engineering Excellence Meets Smart Planning - This project came with a few challenges. For example, we needed to keep the car park accessible while work was underway, and we had to strengthen the warehouse roof before installing the solar panels. Our teams managed these tasks by planning carefully and working closely together. We scheduled the roof and construction work during regular maintenance shutdowns, so there was as little disruption as possible. At the same time, we organized the work in phases to make sure staff could still use the car park throughout the project.

“The project is a combination of engineering passion, excellent teamwork and a can-do attitude to solve some of the technical challenges a complex, busy manufacturing site presents,” says Russ Kelsall, Project Manager at Zestec Renewable Energy.

The finished project includes a rooftop solar array with a capacity of 900 kWp and a carport array in the staff car park that adds another 866 kWp. We also installed EV charging stations to help us use even more of our own renewable energy for our growing fleet of electric vehicles.

A Model for Sustainable Operations

By adopting a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) model, RENOLIT benefits from clean, on-site electricity generation – without upfront investment. With a PPA, a third-party provider finances, installs, and maintains the solar PV system, while RENOLIT purchases the generated electricity at a predetermined rate, typically lower than standard grid prices. This approach not only strengthens our operational resilience and reduces our carbon footprint but also supports our longterm sustainability goals by allowing us to access renewable energy in a cost-effective and risk-free way.

“This solar PV project marks a significant milestone for our site and RENOLIT’s sustainability journey. It has been inspiring to see so many teams and partners come together, overcome challenges, and deliver a solution that benefits both our business and the environment. We’re proud to lead by example, demonstrating what can be achieved when innovation and teamwork go hand in hand,” says Simon Wilson Managing Director at RENOLIT UK Tel: 01670 718222 E: renolit.uk@renolit.com www.renolit.com

Specialist Fabricators for Large-Scale Developments. www.spdbyastraseal.co.uk 01933 227 233

A New Revolutionary Window System.

Astraseal introduces the REHAU Artevo System - designed to give our partners a competitive edge. This hybrid profile combines the strength of glass fibre-reinforced PVC with optional aluminium cladding, offering the flexibility to meet a wide range of specifications.

With 72mm glazing capability, 48dB acoustic performance, and U-values as low as 0.6 W/m²K, Artevo delivers high-end performance, slim sightlines, strong thermal results, and straightforward fabrication making this range a practical upgrade for any product range.

Speak to one of our experts to find out more: Call: 01933 227 233 Email: info@astraseal.com

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70 | colouring & foiling | june 2026

Deceuninck’s single bar length coloured foiling supply model is proving such a powerful advantage for fabricators

Broader colour offer without the risk H omeowners want more choice in colour and finish than ever before. For fabricators, delivering that choice efficiently can be the difference between winning profitable work and walking away from it. That’s why Deceuninck’s single bar length supply model is proving such a powerful advantage.

From flush sash heritage installations to contemporary smooth matt finishes, foiled products have given fabricators and installers a platform to sell at a premium, increase margins and give homeowners greater freedom of choice.

It’s defined the market, with Deceuninck’s own homeowner research consistently reinforcing the importance of aesthetics in residential sales, with 75% of homeowners saying colour influences their purchasing decisions for windows and doors.

The challenge for fabricators has traditionally been balancing that demand for choice against the operational realities of stocking foiled profile.

Don’t believe in forcing the hand Ordering specialist colours often meant committing to full pack quantities, sometimes 36m or 72m per profile depending on the foil. That tied up cash, consumed warehouse space and created pressure to recover costs on relatively small orders.

“We don’t believe in forcing the hand of our customers or holding a gun against their head so that they have to buy complete packs.

“We want to offer them access to as flexible a service as possible - including offering them single bar length options.

“No one wants unused packs tying up their cash. Especially in the current climate.

“Supplying single bar length gives our customers complete flexibility and keeps their cash working for them”, says Darren Woodcock, General Manager, Deceuninck.

Instead of committing to bulk stockholding, Deceuninck’s offer allows fabricators to order exactly what they need for a specific project, including specialist colours and premium finishes, all on rapid lead times.

“We know that the market is tough.

Lead times are really important in retail in helping installers get orders across the

line”, continues Darren. “That in turn is putting pressure on fabricators to turn round product quickly.

“The flexibility to order product with no minimum order quantities is important in getting those jobs won, without having to commit to hold large volumes of product in your yard and with it, cash.”

A broader colour offer, without the risk Deceuninck currently offers more than 30 colourways from stock, with additional colours available on fast turnaround times.

Its growing premium range now also includes the Continental Conti Mattex collection, featuring finishes including Beige Grey, Shine Beige, Shine Dark Graphite, Green Grey and Turner Malt Oak. The ultra-matt appearance of Conti Mattex closely replicates powder-coated aluminium, creating opportunities for fabricators to offer more architectural and design-led products while retaining the fabrication advantages of PVC-U. Critically, fabricators can access those finishes without minimum order quantities. That means they can confidently offer a much broader palette of colours, including niche and specialist finishes, without carrying excess stock or

building unnecessary complexity into their operation.

Case in point: Rapid Windows North-East fabricator Rapid Windows is one company already seeing the benefits of the model in practice.

It switched to Deceuninck after finding traditional bulk ordering on foiled profile restrictive and commercially frustrating.

“We’ve always been stung with having to order between 36m and 72m pack quantities, depending on the foil,” explained Sam Hewitt, Operations Director at Rapid Windows.

“Someone might want just one door and a window in a particular colour, but we would have to order 36m of each individual profile, meaning we’ve then got a load of stock sitting on the shelves.”

By moving to Deceuninck’s single bar length supply, Rapid transformed how it approached colour sales.

“It’s enabled us to cost-effectively manufacture the more obscure window and door colours that we’ve never been able to before,” adds Sam. Supporting a more agile fabrication Ordering profile specifically against

june 2026 | colouring & foiling | 71 confirmed contracts improves stock control, reduces waste and allows fabricators to operate more efficiently.

Warehouse space can be used more effectively, while purchasing becomes more closely aligned to live production requirements.

That operational agility is especially valuable in a market where homeowner tastes continue to evolve quickly.

“We’re already seeing growing demand for softer greys, creams, heritageinspired finishes and smooth matt foils as homeowners move away from more traditional colour choices”, continues Darren.

“That colour moves through our warehouse because we get the volume.

For fabricators it could sit on their shelves indefinitely.

“If you throw in ancillaries, the loss of cash from your business in dead stock, can be staggering.”

Investment paying off Flip this on its head and the advantages of partnering with Deceuninck are clear. In addition to operating one of the UK’s most advanced extrusion and foiling operations, it’s made significant investment in stockholding to hold more than 4,000 product lines in stock. This includes profiles, trims and ancillaries, across 140,000ft² of warehousing space.

A fully integrated online ordering platform gives fabricators live visibility of

stock levels, lead times and order status in real time, with orders digitally picked and scanned on and off vehicles, helping to improve accuracy and traceability.

This investment in stockholding, manufacturing capability and digital infrastructure has also helped Deceuninck maintain an exceptionally strong OTIF sitting consistently above 98%.

“We want to give fabricators the

confidence that we’ll get what they need to them when they need it. That’s fundamental to our wider offer.

“Our customers are in control of what they order and when, including individual lengths of foil. We won’t ever dictate what they have to buy.”

Tel: 01249 816 969 E: deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com

MORE OPTIONS. MORE STYLE. MORE HOME. MAKE A STATEMENT − ANY TIME OF DAY Enjoy the natural look of wood during the day and a stunning backlit façade at night. When paired with LED lighting, woodec finishes open up entirely new design possibilities around the clock. Warm, elegant and inviting, they help turn a house into a true home.

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72 | colouring & foiling | june 2026

With greater focus on finishes, Glazpart supplies colour-matched trickle vents for modern window and door installations

True colours, perfectly matched finishes F or most products in everyday life colour choice is important, from clothing to interior decor, to cars and furniture and so on. For homes it is no different. Homeowners are now usually looking for the absolutely perfect finish to their property whatever type of window or door is being installed.

To meet homeowners’ expectations, companies manufacturing and PVC-U installing windows and doors need to make sure they have reliable and flexible suppliers that can deliver the right components with matching or complementary colours to complete the installation to the homeowners’ satisfaction.

With a more competitive marketplace and consumers increasingly focused on the finished look, Glazpart, the leading plastic component manufacturer, has planned meticulously to stay ahead of the competition by supplying components that more than meet customers’ requirements for colour and finish Glazpart consistently invests in state-ofthe-art machinery and processes to provide a vast spectrum of colours and finishes of its award-winning trickle vent - the Link Vent range. It is therefore no surprise the company is in pole position to supply all colours and/or decorative finishes of trickle vents for practically any type (wood, PVC-U, aluminium ) of window or door profile.

As demand increases due to the consumer choice of windows and doors and aligned with regulatory changes, Glazpart has led the way with the development and easy availability of trickle vents that come in more than just the most common colours (white and grey).

Some of the most popular colours in the Link Vent range include, Chartwell Green, Anthracite Grey, Redwood, Black and Cream.

Link Vents can also be camouflaged on window profiles in over 40 moulded system house colours, with finishes that can also match embossed and woodgrain patterned foils. Glazpart’s trickle vents can even be sprayed at source to match aluminium RAL colours.

Glazpart launched the innovative Link Vent in 2013 in sizes 2500 and 5000 EQA and since then, with addition of the Link Vent 4000 (in 2022), the Link Vent has become the leading ventilation solution for fabricators and installers to ensure compliance with Building Regulations, Approved Document F1 (means of ventilation).

Smart design, easy fitting, and functionality are fundamentals but it is the huge choice of colours and decorative finishes that sets Glazpart apart from the competition.

Glazpart is an approved colour paint sprayer for many paint systems developed for application onto plastic. The spray systems are special coatings designed to paint PVC-U and other hard plastic such as ABS, polycarbonate and acrylic where the systems form a molecular cross bond with the plastic surface.

As well as standard RAL (European Colour Systems) and BS (British Standards) colours, Glazpart can also match to most other colour systems. In addition, the company has a specialist colour matching service that can match non-standard colours and supplied colour samples.

For homeowners, the benefits of Glazpart’s colours go beyond simple aesthetics but also durability. The colours are extremely stable and resistant to UV rays, so homeowners can be safe in the knowledge that the vents will hold their colour in extreme weather conditions and constant exposure to the elements of weather, without noticeable fading.

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director summarises: “For fabricators and installers, getting the finish and colour right is important to meet homeowners’ demands for windows and doors, which is why Glazpart has consistently invested in modern machinery to offer the widest possible choice of colours and finishes for trickle vents.” https://glazpart.com/colour-options/

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june 2026 | machinery | 73

Kombimatec’s PBM60 automated bending machine reduces labour and enables efficient production of arched windows

Driving UK fabrication around the bend K ombimatec has introduced an automated PVC-U profile bending machine to the UK window manufacturing sector, addressing persistent skilled labour shortages whilst enabling fabricators of all sizes to compete in the premium arched window market.

The PBM60 is a hydraulically actuated three-roll profile bending machine that produces controlled, incremental curvature on metal and plastic sections, combining heavy-duty construction with configurable control systems for precise and repeatable geometry.

This transforms what has traditionally been a specialist, labour-intensive process into a single-operator function. The system uses hydraulic technology combined with electronic controls to bend PVC-U profiles around precision guides, eliminating the manual judgement calls that frequently result increased, over-bent, or misshapen profiles.

“The quality of the finished product surprises fabricators most,” explains David Parsons, managing director of Kombimatec.

“It’s not just about the physical result, but the confidence in knowing each bend will be consistent. Operators can be up and running straight away with full training, compared to the months or years required to develop manual bending skills.”

Traditional profile bending requires two skilled operatives working in tandem.

One must judge the precise time and temperature to cook the profile in the oven so that it becomes malleable. Then together with the second operative they must quickly transfer the soft material to the cooling table without distortion and quickly wrap it using internal and external formers around a predefined curved shape. They have to hope and pray the material does not collapse, crease and become irreversibly damaged.

The automated system eliminates both requirements. Electronic controls manage temperature and speed parameters, whilst the machine’s design allows a single operator to complete the entire process.

This represents a 50% reduction in labour requirements for fabricators undertaking curved window production.

A resilient premium market The timing proves significant. Whilst the broader fenestration market has slowed, demand for premium arched windows remains strong. The top end of the market continues to show resilience, with heritage

buildings, commercial projects, and highend property developments maintaining steady demand for curved profiles in both windows and doors.

The technology addresses two distinct fabricator requirements. Existing manufacturers producing curved windows gain improved efficiency and costeffectiveness, whilst those previously unable to offer arched products can now access premium project opportunities that were formerly beyond their capability.

Complete curved system “Finding the right skills within the workforce has been the real barrier to expanding on arched window manufacture, rather than capital investment,” continues David Parsons. “This is a specialised market where fabricators serious about adding arched windows to their portfolio need to commit properly.”

To support this commitment, Kombimatec offers the bending machine as part of an optional integrated package alongside an EKS432 single head welder and AFV370 Electronic radius end miller.

This combination provides fabricators with a complete curved window manufacturing solution, removing the need to source compatible equipment from multiple suppliers.

The three-roll methodology protects profile integrity whilst achieving precise

bends. Manual bending relies on operator experience to judge when profiles reach optimal malleability. Misjudgements result in visible creasing, incorrect shapes, or over-bending that renders profiles unusable.

The automated system’s electronic controls eliminate these variables, delivering consistent results that manual methods cannot match.

Arched windows made accessible This precision proves particularly valuable for fabricators tendering on architectural projects where tolerances matter. Smaller operations can now compete for complex curved window installations previously reserved for specialist manufacturers with dedicated skilled teams.

The machine represents a strategic shift in how the fenestration industry approaches skilled labour challenges. Rather than attempting to recruit and retain specialists in an increasingly difficult employment market, fabricators can transform the process itself, making premium manufacturing accessible to operations of all sizes.

Kombimatec supplies advanced manufacturing machinery to the fenestration industry, specialising in automation solutions that address skilled labour shortages whilst maintaining precision and quality standards.

74 | machinery | june 2026

From factory floor to final fix, Jade understands that better installations begin with a joined-up approach to manufacturing

Engineering better on-site installation F or more than 30 years, Jade Engineering’s machinery and tooling expertise has helped PVC-U and aluminium fabricators improve productivity, solve technical challenges and get more from their production lines.

But while Jade is often associated with fabrication, its engineering knowledge has never stopped at the factory door, says director Adam Jones: “Fabrication and installation are often treated as separate parts of the process, but in reality, they are completely connected.

A product is only truly finished when it has been installed correctly and efficiently.”

This whole-process thinking is what has allowed Jade to develop solutions that not only improve factory output, but also help installers work faster, more accurately and with greater consistency. As fabricators continue to face pressure on costs, labour and lead times, efficiency has become a priority across the supply chain. While much attention is focused on automation and production machinery, Jade believes some of the most valuable improvements can be made further downstream.

“Installers are often working under tight deadlines and in less than ideal conditions,” Adam says. “If they don’t have the right tools, a relatively small task can become time-consuming and compromise the final finish. Our role is to engineer those difficulties out wherever possible.”

Portable solutions where they’re needed Jade has a long-standing understanding of how windows and doors move from profile through fabrication and on to installation.

“We’ve spent decades seeing where problems occur,” Adam says. “And sometimes the best way to improve factory efficiency is to make life easier for the installer. Fewer call-backs, fewer remakes

and fewer site delays all feed back into better profitability.”

A clear example of this approach is Jade’s portable astragal bar miller. Developed in response to conversations with installers and fabricators, the compact machine allows fitters to prepare and install astragal bars on heritage-style PVC-U windows directly on site.

Weighing just 15kg and roughly the size of a site radio, the machine is easily transported in the back of a van and can be carried from job to job. Featuring profilespecific jaws and diamond-plated cutters, it delivers precise, clean cuts for both chamfered and ovolo bar designs.

“It was created because fitters told us they were struggling to achieve a consistent finish using hand tools,” says Adam. “We knew there had to be a more controlled and repeatable way of doing the job.”

The result is a practical solution that reduces fitting time, minimises waste and avoids the need to return frames to the factory for remedial work.

“When an installer can resolve an issue immediately, the whole job keeps moving,” Adam says. “That saves time, protects margins and ensures the finished window meets the standard the customer expects.”

Working with international insight The portable astragal bar miller has been well received by The Georgian Bar Company, which has supplied more than 60 units in the UK and introduced it to overseas markets including India and

California. Working closely with Jade, it has helped refine the design to accommodate different bar sizes and international profile variations.

“That collaboration has been invaluable,” says Adam. “Feedback from fabricators and installers has enabled us to fine-tune the machine so it performs a very simple task exceptionally well.”

The success of the machine demonstrates that relatively modest investments can deliver significant operational gains.

“Not every efficiency improvement requires a major capital purchase,” Adam says. “Sometimes a small, purpose-designed tool removes a persistent bottleneck and delivers a rapid return.”

For Jade, the portable miller represents the company’s broader philosophy of supporting every stage of the window and door journey with a full supply chain perspective that helps fabricators reduce pressure on production while giving installers the tools they need to maintain quality standards on site.

“We don’t just think about how something is fabricated,” Adam explains.

“We think about how it is transported, installed and maintained. That gives us a much better understanding of where real efficiencies can be found.

“The best operations are the ones where fabrication and installation work together seamlessly. When both sides are supported with the right engineering, the result is a smoother, more reliable process from start to finish.”

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76 | machinery | june 2026

Why world-leading timber-style window machinery manufacturer Kruba chose WMS as its UK partner

Driving innovation in timber-style fabrication A s demand for premium timber-style PVC-U windows continues to rise, fabricators are increasingly seeking machinery that can deliver authentic timber aesthetics without compromising manufacturing efficiency.

Andy Parker, Director and Co-Founder of Window Machinery Solutions (WMS), explains why partnering with a worldleading machinery specialist such as Kruba is helping UK fabricators unlock new opportunities in this growing sector.

The timber-look window market continues to gain momentum as homeowners seek the traditional character and appearance of timber windows while avoiding the maintenance requirements and costs associated with real wood. This growing demand has created significant opportunities for fabricators able to deliver authentic, high-quality timber-style products efficiently and consistently.

Recognising this trend, WMS is proud to announce its appointment as the sole UK supply partner for Kruba, widely regarded as one of the world’s leading specialists in machinery for timber-style PVC-U window fabrication.

For Kruba, selecting a UK partner was a significant decision. As a company that has pioneered timber-look fabrication technology for decades and built an international reputation for engineering excellence, it sought a partner with the technical expertise, industry knowledge and customer-focused approach necessary to support fabricators throughout the UK. That partner was WMS. Kruba’s Operations Manager, Neils van Essen, commented: “We are pleased to be working with WMS to strengthen the presence of our machines in the UK market.

Andy and Steve bring valuable machinery experience and a clear understanding of what fabricators need from their equipment, which makes them a strong partner for us.

We look forward to working together on some exciting projects.”

This new partnership reflects a shared commitment to helping fabricators invest confidently in machinery that delivers both performance and long-term value.

Kruba has long been recognised as one of the industry’s foremost innovators in HVL (Hout Verbindings Look) technology,

a process that creates highly authentic mechanical-style corner joints which replicate the appearance of traditional timber construction. The result is a premium PVC-U window ideally suited to heritage, conservation and high-end residential projects.

As one of the original pioneers of HVL technology, Kruba has spent decades refining and advancing its machinery to meet the evolving requirements of modern fabricators. Today, its solutions are recognised internationally for their precision, reliability and automation capabilities.

Among its flagship systems is the Kruba 4024/2 HVL, a highly sophisticated machine capable of processing both 45-degree and 90-degree cut profiles. The machine accommodates a wide range of fabrication methods, including HVL joints, straight-toangle connections, mullions and reinforced profiles.

Its advanced specification includes a powerful 9.5kW milling unit with variable spindle speeds up to 18,000rpm, CNCcontrolled interpolation functionality and an automatic tool-changing magazine capable of holding up to 26 tools. Together, these features enable fabricators to produce complex timber-style products accurately, consistently and efficiently.

We’ve spent many years supporting

fabricators across the UK and understand that machinery investment decisions are about far more than technical specifications,” Fabricators need confidence that the machinery has been proven in production environments and that they have access to expert support, training and service for years to come. Kruba’s reputation as a global leader in timber-style window machinery, combined with its ongoing commitment to innovation, made it a natural fit and opens up opportunities for our customers.

The appointment further strengthens our position as a trusted machinery partner for UK fabricators. Rather than simply supplying equipment, we work closely with customers to understand their production requirements, identify growth opportunities and ensure machinery investments deliver maximum return.

As the timber-style window market expands, fabricators need both advanced machinery and expert local support. The partnership between Kruba and WMS combines cutting-edge technology with industry expertise, giving UK fabricators access to solutions that deliver longterm value in a market driven by quality, aesthetics and efficiency.

E: sales@windowmachinery.co.uk www.windowmachinery.co.uk

Since 1985, we’ve provided trusted machinery solutions to the UK glass and window industry, combining decades of expertise with commercially smart investment support.

Our equipment is installed across the UK, with reference sites available for live demonstrations. Bassra is known for strong after-sales support, with a UK-based team providing installation, commissioning, training, and ongoing service.

From glass processing and toughening to complete window fabrication solutions, we deliver proven technology backed by experienced local expertise.

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78 | machinery | june 2026

Latest Graf Synergy developments help fabricators achieve premium quality without compromising production performance

Better frames through seamless welding F or some time, fabricators have had to balance premium product aesthetics against manufacturing efficiency.

Today, advances in seamless welding technology are removing that compromise. Matt Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner, explains why the latest developments from Graf Synergy are helping fabricators achieve exceptional product quality while maintaining production performance.

There is no denying that today’s market remains challenging. Economic pressures continue to affect consumer confidence, projects are taking longer to convert and competition for every order has intensified.

In this environment, fabricators need more than quality products and competitive pricing. They need products that give installers a compelling reason to choose them.

That is one of the reasons we continue to see growing interest in our seamless welding technology.

For many fabricators, seamless welding is viewed primarily as an aesthetic feature.

And while perfectly finished corners without visible weld lines undoubtedly create a premium appearance, particularly on flush and heritage products, focusing solely on aesthetics misses the bigger picture.

The real value lies in the manufacturing process itself.

As the sole UK supplier of Graf Synergy machinery, we have seen first-hand how seamless welding is helping fabricators

improve both product quality and manufacturing efficiencies.

Graf Synergy’s patented V-Perfect technology removes the need for corner cleaning and secondary finishing operations altogether. By eliminating an entire stage of fabrication, fabricators can reduce handling, improve workflow and remove bottlenecks that traditionally occur between welding and cleaning operations.

The result is a flawless frame finish alongside greater consistency, reduced waste and improved production control.

What is interesting to note is how the technology continues to evolve.

Recent developments from Graf Synergy demonstrate that fabricators no longer need to choose between premium detailing and fabrication performance.

New machine innovations can produce exceptional welded mechanical transoms and other high-end detailing while maintaining cycle times comparable to a traditional quad welder. For fabricators, it delivers the ability to manufacture premium products efficiently and consistently at scale.

Importantly, these machines are not just reserved for specialist fabricators.

The Graf Synergy range offers options for fabricators of varying sizes and output requirements, whether manufacturing heritage-style windows, flush casements or high-volume casement products.

What is particularly encouraging is

the level of investment we continue to see across the market. Despite ongoing economic pressures, Haffner maintains a strong pipeline of machinery orders, demonstrating that many fabricators remain focused on long term investment and recognise the role automation can play in strengthening their competitiveness.

At Haffner, we have worked closely with Graf Synergy for many years, bringing some of the industry’s most innovative fabrication solutions to the UK market. That partnership continues to evolve.

Having recently seen the latest technology in action alongside customers at Graf’s headquarters in Italy, the feedback has been exceptional. We will be announcing further details shortly, but the development represents another significant step forward in seamless welding technology and reinforces why we remain at the forefront of fabrication innovation.

As market demands evolve, fabricators need machinery solutions that deliver more than incremental improvements.

They need machines that enhances product quality, streamlines production and delivers a genuine competitive advantage. And with our continued drive for ongoing innovation, fabricators can be confident they are investing in fabrication technology that is shaping the future of window manufacturing. www.haffnerltd.com

80 | machinery | june 2026

FIT Show 2025 gave Forel the ideal platform to introduce triple thin and demonstrate its market potential

The power of a FIT Show launch F orel’s presence at FIT Show 2025 gave the business a powerful platform to introduce its triple thin concept to the UK and Ireland market and start conversations around the future of highperformance glazing. For the Italian glass processing specialist, the show was not just about visibility - it was about proving that innovation, simplicity and relevance can create real engagement with the right audience.

Founded in 1976, Forel has grown from a family business into an international partner to the glass industry, designing and manufacturing flat glass and insulating glass processing solutions entirely in-house from its headquarters in Vallio di Roncade, Italy. Today, the business employs around 280 people, serves more than 70 countries and continues to invest heavily in research, development and innovation.

Why FIT Show 2025 mattered For Forel UK & Ireland, FIT Show 2025 was the right place to launch its triple thin concept and speak directly to manufacturers, processors and systems houses. The business has long viewed the show as the premium event for the UK and Ireland glass and fenestration industry, and the 2025 edition provided the ideal environment to present a new idea to a highly relevant audience.

Joe Hague, FOREL Intl Business Development Manager, comments: “FIT Show is the premium event for the UK and Ireland glass and fenestration industry. I have supported FIT Show since inception and found it to be the most relevant event to showcase products to local customers.”

Launching triple thin Forel used FIT Show 2025 to unveil its concept for the manufacture of a triple IGU using a 1.0mm inner glass pane. The idea was designed to address a very real market challenge: how to deliver the performance benefits of triple glazing while reducing the weight, size and cost barriers that can hold the market back. The response was immediate and encouraging. By showing the concept in person, Forel was able to explain not only the technology itself, but also the wider commercial value it could bring to IGU manufacturers looking to future-proof their businesses.

Brian McDonald CEO of Forel UK and Ireland, adds: “We knew that leading the industry on this topic was going to be about

engagement, because the potential benefits the product provides manufacturers could solve many future challenges in the production of triple IGU.”

closely with the increasing focus on the role of glass in meeting thermal performance targets, particularly as regulations continue to evolve in the UK and Ireland.

Market response and commercial value The feedback Forel received from IGU manufacturers, processors and systems houses confirmed that the concept had struck a chord. As the wider market continues to focus on energy performance, compliance and production efficiency, the triple thin proposition has helped position Forel as a business that is not only innovative, but also commercially relevant.

Brian adds: “In a mature industry sector like ours, bringing something new to market will always be judged by its relevance, ROI and customer requirement. Our customers recognised that future-proofing their business with our equipment is a smart way of guaranteeing competitiveness in an everchanging market dynamic.”

Looking ahead The success of FIT Show 2025 gave Forel a springboard for future conversations, including its planned return in 2027. Brian continues: “FIT Show gave us the perfect platform to introduce triple thin to the UK and Ireland market and start important conversations about what comes next for glass processing. The strong response from visitors confirmed there is real appetite for innovation that delivers both performance and commercial value.”

“Any opportunity where you can maximise your time by visiting all your relevant business contacts because they are all in the same place is obvious.

When you couple that with seeing upto-date equipment and becoming more knowledgeable about industry topics and changes, it becomes a no-brainer”.

Nickie West, FIT Show event director concludes: “Forel is a fantastic example of a business using FIT Show to launch innovation and have meaningful conversations with the market. Visitors benefited from seeing a company that brings real technical expertise, practical solutions and a clear focus on the future of glass manufacturing. We’re delighted to welcome them back for FIT Show 2027.”

Why the stand made a difference Forel’s FIT Show 2025 presence gave the team an important opportunity to go beyond a product explanation and have meaningful face-to-face conversations with the market.

The stand helped create momentum, build awareness and demonstrate that the concept was not just theoretical - it was practical, achievable and backed by realworld manufacturing experience.

The company’s approach also aligned

82 | machinery | june 2026

Flat Glass Solutions provides advanced glass scanning systems designed to detect defects during production, reducing waste and remakes

Seeking out defects in glass processing T he biggest efficiency gains don’t tend to come from increasing output.

Often, they come from reducing the amount of product that has to be remade. In glass processing that could be because of a scratch missed on the line, a coating defect spotted only after installation, or a large unit rejected on site. Each one eats into margin, disrupts schedules and puts hard-won customer relationships at risk.

As the exclusive distributor for Viprotron in the UK and Ireland, Flat Glass Solutions (FGS) is introducing advanced glass scanning systems designed to detect defects during production. Which means Viprotron arrives on our shores with the highly regarded FGS promise: top global innovation delivered with exceptional local support.

“Sometimes the most effective solutions are not developed on your doorstep,” says FGS Managing Director David ‘Oz’ Cahill.

“There’s some outstanding engineering being developed internationally, and Viprotron is a very good example of technology that can make a measurable difference to UK glass processors.”

Manual inspection remains common in many factories, but it has limitations.

Operators can miss subtle imperfections, particularly when production volumes are high and units are moving quickly through the line. As glass panels continue to increase in size, identifying defects becomes more challenging, particularly when inspection must be carried out from a distance of a metre or more from eye level. Throw in some poor factory lighting, and you have the perfect environment for missing out on spotting defects.

“One of the biggest costs in any processing operation is poor-quality glass,” says Oz. “You not only have the direct cost of remaking the unit, but also the knock-on effect on deliveries, installers and customer confidence. Viprotron’s systems are designed to identify defects during manufacture, allowing processors to remove faulty panes before they progress further down the line.”

Viprotron offers both manual and fully automated scanning solutions, allowing manufacturers to choose a system that matches their production requirements and budgets. Entry-level options include the ECO Scanner and ECO Scanner Pro. Suitable for installation after the washer, these systems can be integrated into horizontal or vertical lines and can inspect both single and parallel glass production.

“They are an excellent starting point for companies that want to automate inspection without redesigning the whole line,” says Oz. “The systems are straightforward to integrate and easy for operators to use.”

For more demanding applications, the Quality Scanner 3D uses three camera channels to examine the glass from different angles and under different lighting conditions. In bright field transmission, diffused backlighting simulates overcast conditions, helping reveal bubbles, scratches and fingerprints. Dark field transmission uses side lighting and a dark background to mimic sunny conditions, highlighting washer marks, haze and partially cleaned fingerprints. A reflection channel identifies pinholes, coating scratches and brush marks.

“Different defects show up under different lighting conditions,” Oz explains.

“The Quality Scanner 3D replicates those conditions automatically, giving a far more reliable inspection process than the human eye alone.”

At the top of the range is the Temper Scanner 5D, installed after the furnace exit. This system combines five detection channels to assess distortion and optical

quality, including roller wave, edge kink, anisotropy, white haze, scratches and coating defects.

“For toughened glass producers, it offers an exceptionally clear picture of product quality,” says Oz. “In the current economic climate we all need to operate as efficiently as we can. But reducing waste is only part of the story. Consistent quality also strengthens customer confidence and creates a valuable competitive advantage.

“Every pane should be right first time. It’s good for existing customers because they receive a more reliable product, but it is also a valuable differentiator when speaking to potential new customers. Automated scanning helps manufacturers operate more efficiently, reduce unnecessary costs and maintain consistent quality. And if you can demonstrate robust quality control, you are far less likely to have to compete on price alone.” www.flatglasssolutions.com

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84 | machinery | june 2026

Selectaglaze strengthens automation strategy with second Haffner machine

B

espoke secondary glazing specialists Selectaglaze has further strengthened its manufacturing capabilities with the purchase of a second FMC 340 CNC Machining Centre from FOM Industrie, supplied by Haffner.

The investment follows the successful installation of the company’s first FMC 340 in 2023. Having experienced the benefits of improved efficiency, accuracy and automation across its production facility, Selectaglaze had no hesitation in returning to Haffner when a machine replacement opportunity arose.

Duncan Saunders, Head of Production at Selectaglaze, said: “The first FMC 340 has been a fantastic addition to our manufacturing operation, delivering the accuracy, reliability and efficiency we were looking for while helping increase automation across the factory. When the opportunity came to renew one of our older machines, investing in a second FMC 340 was the obvious choice.”

The decision was driven by Selectaglaze’s plans to create a more connected and efficient manufacturing environment. The business is developing a barcode system throughout the factory as part of its longerterm strategy to move towards a fully paperless production process.

Duncan commented: “The addition of the second FMC 340 gives us the platform to further develop our automation

strategy. As we roll out our barcode system, our aim is to integrate manufacturing data, dimensions and cutting programmes directly into both machines, creating a more seamless workflow across production, improving efficiency and reducing the potential for errors.”

Haffner worked closely with the Selectaglaze team throughout the project, configuring the software to support the company’s future automation objectives and ensuring both machines are ready to operate as part of a fully integrated production environment.

The installation was completed with minimal disruption, with the machine installed, commissioned and fully operational within just two days.

Duncan added: “The installation process was excellent from start to finish. From Bryan Dando and the office team through to the service engineers on site, everyone has been knowledgeable, responsive and easy to work with. We have been extremely happy with both the machinery and the service we have received from Haffner.”

Bryan Dando, Commercial Director at Haffner, said: “When a customer chooses

to invest in the same machine for a second time, it speaks volumes about both the performance of the equipment and the support behind it. We are delighted that Selectaglaze has chosen Haffner as part of its ongoing automation strategy.”

Founded in 1966 and a Royal Warrant Holder since 2004, Selectaglaze is the UK’s leading specialist in the design, manufacture and installation of secondary glazing systems. By continuing to invest in advanced manufacturing technology and working with trusted machinery partners such as Haffner, the company is ensuring it remains at the forefront of the industry.

Jade’s clever solution for RegaLead’s ingenious astragal bar kits

D

ecorative door component specialist, RegaLead, has launched a new range of astragal bar kits thanks to a clever machining solution from Jade.

The cut-to-size astragal bar kits, with matching decorative glass, have been designed to create new heritage-look composite door glazing styles that mimic the aesthetics of individual glass panes traditionally found in Victorian and Edwardian door designs.

Guy Hubble, joint managing director at RegaLead explains: “There is growing demand for heritage inspired doors and we are always looking for ways to help fabricators take advantage of trends, without making significant factory investment or massively altering manufacturing processes.

“The idea was to create pre-cut, easy-to-fit astragal bar kits that were compatible with existing glazing cassettes, so that fabricators could easily offer a completely new style of heritage door.

“The problem lay in how we created the kits. We had multiple bars that needed to

be cut to different lengths and milled in different ways to fit the existing cassette beading. We took the problem to Jade, sent samples and they came back with a really clever solution for us.”

Jade adapted their Astragal Bar miller to incorporate interchangeable blades for each bar profile, so that the multiplebar kits could be prepared using just a single compact, portable machine.

“When RegaLead came to us with their predicament, we immediately recognised that our miller could be the answer,” added Jade director Adam Jones.

“By using the existing machine, with multiple cutter inserts, it could easily adapt to the different milling requirements. It also means that if more bar profiles or milled end styles are ever required, the machine can be easily adapted to suit, offering great potential for RegaLead to grow its range of

Georgian Bar kits in the future.”

Guy concludes: “Jade took away the pain, created a solution and enabled us to launch this great new product to the market. The miller is accurate, efficient and very wellengineered. It’s portable too, meaning that we can showcase our bar cutting capabilities to customers onsite and develop further product offerings - it completely futureproofs our astragal bar kit manufacturing.”

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86 | it & ecoms | june 2026

Agency says campaigns for Conservatory Outlet have generated strong enquiries and rising Forté door sales growth

DigitalKOG passes 500,000 leads for client D igitalKOG, a Preston-based digital marketing agency, says it has generated more than 500,000 web leads for Conservatory Outlet and its network of independent Premium Retailers over six and a half years.

The agency has managed more than £15m in advertising spend for the Wakefield manufacturer and fabricator of luxury home improvement products since the partnership began in November 2019. It said the campaigns had produced an average of more than 13,500 leads a month across the period.

The work has included a series of multi-channel campaigns for Conservatory Outlet’s retail network, including the Love your Home and Stay at Home campaigns during the Covid period. DigitalKOG said subsequent initiatives had helped maintain lead volumes after that period.

Composite door campaign One recent campaign, launched in 2025, has promoted Conservatory Outlet’s Forté composite door collection after the range was updated with new hardware, colour options, glass styles and slab designs.

Conservatory Outlet said the campaign had helped produce a 34% year-on-year rise in leads for Forté. Sales of the premium door range increased by 61% after the campaign launch.

Greg Kane, chief executive of Conservatory Outlet Manufacturing, said the figures reflected longer-term investment in product marketing rather than a short burst of activity.

“A 34% year-on-year uplift in lead generation reflects consistent investment rather than short-term activity,” he said.

“These are high-intent enquiries delivered directly to Premium Retailers at no cost to them.

“I must recognise the substantial contribution of our lead generation partners, DigitalKOG, who continue to be a perfect extension of our in-house marketing team.

“Their strategic approach, creativity and ongoing optimisation have been fundamental in driving both the scale and quality of enquiries we are seeing across the Forté range and other product lines.”

DigitalKOG said the Forté campaign had drawn attention to the wider lead count achieved since it began working with Conservatory Outlet. The agency said lead generation remained a central part of its

work for the group.

Conservatory Outlet’s Premium Retailer support package also includes protected local territories, tailored digital activity and ongoing sales support intended to help partners turn enquiries into longer-term growth.

Richard Manser, owner of 5 Star Windows & Conservatories, said the Forté campaign had supported his Midlands business.

“We are seeing a steady flow of targeted enquiries coming into the business, which has led to a clear increase in booked appointments and confirmed sales,” he said.

“Having that level of centrally generated demand removes a significant amount of pressure from our own marketing activity and allows us to focus on converting opportunities and delivering for customers.”

Conference appearance Last month, several DigitalKOG specialists attended Conservatory Outlet’s 2026 Sales and Marketing Conference at Old Trafford Cricket Ground. The event was attended by Conservatory Outlet’s senior leaders and more than 30 Premium Retailers.

DigitalKOG used the conference to outline how the Forté campaign would develop over the next 12 months. It also shared its broader strategic plan for further lead generation and sales growth across Conservatory Outlet’s network.

The activity is linked to Conservatory Outlet’s aim of reaching £100m in sales by 2029.

Steven Ormand, managing director of

DigitalKOG, said: “Achieving more than 500,000 web leads in only six and a half years is no mean feat and testimony to the robust partnership we have built up with Conservatory Outlet from day one.

“Between us, we have engineered high-quality enquiries on an enormous scale through a mix of analytical thinking, evidence-based decisions and constant campaign optimisation.

“While proud of what we have so far achieved, now we want to build on these results.

“Our focus is firmly fixed on identifying even smarter ways to drive lead generation and revenue growth over the coming years for everyone connected to Conservatory Outlet.”

Competing for customers The milestone comes as manufacturers and retail installers continue to compete for consumer attention in the home improvement market, where digital enquiries have become a key measure of sales activity.

For Conservatory Outlet’s network, the model is designed to provide centrally generated demand while allowing retailers to concentrate on appointments, conversion and customer delivery. DigitalKOG said it would continue refining campaign activity around product launches, retailer needs and sales targets, with Forté among the ranges expected to remain a focus through carefully planned digital marketing activity. www.digitalkog.co.uk

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88 | it & ecoms | june 2026

AdminBase Campaigns helps installers to reconnect with prospects and customers while maximising the value of existing data

Turn existing leads into new opportunities O

audiences, helping improve engagement and making marketing activity more relevant.

ver the years, installers accumulate thousands of prospect and customer records, from quoted enquiries that never proceeded to completed installations and repeat purchasers. But once the original job is finished – or the enquiry goes nowhere – many of those contacts never hear from the business again.

That means a lot of valuable data often sits unused in the CRM. AdminBase Campaigns has been developed to help installers get more from the contacts they already have. Available as an optional add-on to AdminBase, it allows businesses to create and send targeted marketing emails directly from the CRM, so installers can keep prospects and customers up to date with special offers, reward schemes, new products and seasonal promotions without having to export data to third-party marketing platforms.

Making better use of customer data Every installer has opportunities hidden within their database. There may be customers who requested a quote but never went ahead, or homeowners who are now considering further improvements years after their original installation. Staying in touch with these contacts can help generate new enquiries without the cost of finding completely new leads.

Rather than relying on the same generic marketing message sent to everyone, AdminBase Campaigns enables installers to target specific groups of contacts using flexible selection criteria based on information already held in AdminBase.

Audiences can be built around previous

A simpler way to run campaigns Many email marketing platforms require customer data to be exported from the CRM before campaigns can be created. As well as adding extra admin, this can lead to duplicate records and uncertainty about whether information is fully up to date.

AdminBase Campaigns removes that extra step by allowing marketing emails to be sent directly from the data already stored in AdminBase. Installers can manage campaigns while working from a single source of customer information that remains visible across the business.

“AdminBase Campaigns was developed to help installers make better use of the data they already have,” Rhonda explains.

“Because it works directly with AdminBase, there is no need to export records into separate systems. It is faster, more efficient and ensures everyone is working from the same information.”

With everything held centrally, responses can be recorded within AdminBase and shared with relevant teams, helping maintain accurate records and a complete view of customer interactions.

purchases, enquiry outcomes, customer history or almost any other data stored within the system.

Rhonda Ridge, Managing Director of AdminBase developer Ab Initio, says AdminBase Campaigns was created to help installers unlock greater value from their existing data: “Installers work hard to generate enquiries and build customer relationships, but too often valuable contacts are forgotten once the immediate sales opportunity has passed. AdminBase Campaigns makes it easy to identify the right audience and send relevant marketing communications directly from within AdminBase.”

This gives installers a straightforward way to reconnect with older leads, keep existing customers informed about new products and services, and maintain regular contact through professional email campaigns.

Because campaigns are built using information already held in the CRM, businesses can tailor messages to different

Supporting long-term growth While AdminBase manages quotations, appointments, customer communications and the day-to-day sales process, AdminBase Campaigns gives installers another way to generate value from their existing database.

Installers can create targeted campaigns for dormant leads, unsuccessful quotations, previous customers or other prospects, helping them generate additional opportunities from contacts that may otherwise remain untouched.

By keeping customers informed and maintaining regular communication with prospects, businesses can strengthen relationships, encourage repeat business and help installers get more value from every lead they generate.

“Generating enquiries is only part of the challenge,” says Rhonda. “The real value comes from making the most of the contacts you already have. AdminBase Campaigns gives installers a simple way to stay connected with prospects and customers, helping create new opportunities from existing data.”

90 | it & ecoms | June 2026

As installers face growing pressures, Emplas says closer CRM and manufacturing integration is improving efficiency and results

Connecting directly to the factory floor A s margins reduce and customer expectations rise, window and door installers must run tighter, smarter operations to remain competitive and stay ahead of the game. For Northampton-based trade fabricator, Emplas, the answer lies in closer digital integration between installers’ customer management systems and the manufacturing process itself.

Through EVA CRM, installers gain a front-end platform that connects directly with Emplas’ manufacturing facility, ensuring critical information flows seamlessly between the office, the site and the production line.

“We are the only CRM that links with the manufacturer,” says Jo-Anne Savant, Head of EVA CRM. “That allows us to pull your data directly into our system and pre-populate your point-of-sale information, cutting out a lot of admin.

“It allows installers to operate far more efficiently, and everything is kept in one place.”

Communicating directly with the Emplas factory, EVA CRM automates workflow management to keep installers up to date as orders move through production.

This unique integration with the manufacturing back end feeds product and price data from Emplas straight into EVA, saving installers the trouble of typing in information or manually attaching PDFs from separate systems.

This means EVA can pull Emplas product data and configurations into accurate quotes and orders; maintain a single contract record that runs from lead through to completion; and reduce the risk of mismatches between what was sold and what was ordered with the factory.

Seamless workflow integration To match how installers actually work, a lot of development has also gone into EVA’s mobile app.

“A key feature is the ability to change who’s using it and what they see in accordance with their job roles,” says Jo. For installers, that means sales reps can create and update leads and quotes on the road, while surveyors and fitters can see their schedules, job details, documents and photos in the field.

Site information flows back to the office

and, critically, stays tied to the contract linked to Emplas’ manufacturing data.

Because everything sits under a single job record, it becomes much easier to prove what was agreed, what was ordered and what was fitted – a key factor in reducing disputes and callbacks.

Reducing errors and admin The Emplas-EVA integration also directly addresses three common pain points for installers concerning duplicate data entry, order accuracy and visibility and control.

Without integration, installers often quote in one system, then re-enter orders into a separate ordering tool or manual form for the fabricator. EVA’s link to Emplas means product and pricing details are shared, so what you quote is ready for manufacture.

In addition, because the CRM is using Emplas’ product definitions, there’s less risk of specifying something the factory can’t build – or mis-typing a critical detail. Attachments, photos and notes sit with the contract, helping Emplas and the installer see the same information if there’s ever a query.

Joined manufacturing and CRM data also make it far easier to track orders through their lifecycle, from lead to survey, to manufacturing to installation. This means installers get a clearer view of upcoming work and can plan fitting teams and cashflow more effectively.

With a roadmap that mirrors Emplas’ own digital ambitions, installers are set

to benefit from EVA CRM’s continued development.

This includes in-app forms for on-site risk assessments, vehicle checks, sign-offs and snag lists, completed and signed on the app and stored against the job.

SMS and email marketing campaigns will also be driven from EVA’s existing customer data, turning installation history into repeat business and referral opportunities.

“We aim to help you use the data already in the EVA system for further marketing and lead generation,” confirms Jo. “There will also be opt-out and compliance management tools to ensure that everything is done within GDPR rules, and with proper consent tracking.”

With installer feedback crucial to EVA CRM’s future path, a quarterly customer forum is set to be launched, giving Emplas installers the opportunity to have a direct say in which features and factory-side integrations land next.

“What we’ve done all along is listen to what our customers want. “In our new quarterly forum, we’ll be discussing the top five to six elements for development and considering what’s going to impact our customers the most. That will have a direct influence on what we build next.”

As digital integration becomes increasingly important across the sector, this collaborative, integrated approach gives installers the tools they need to operate more efficiently, reduce errors and stay competitive in a demanding market.

Tel: 01933 674880 E: sales@emplas.co.uk

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92 | it & ecoms | june 2026

Endurance® Aluminium enhances operations with LogiKal investment

F

abricator of high-end aluminium windows, doors and internal screens, Endurance® Aluminium is continuing its relentless pursuit of production excellence by adopting LogiKal - the UK’s leading software solution for the aluminium fenestration industry.

The use of LogiKal will ensure the business’ installer partners and their homeowner customers can benefit from even higher levels of manufacturing quality, accuracy and efficiency.

In addition to delivering immediate enhancements and improvements, the implementation of LogiKal will lay the foundations for the introduction of a full manufacturing execution system (MES) by Endurance® Aluminium later this year.

This MES will provide real-time visibility across the shopfloor. Digital screens will provide live updates and enable teams to clearly see the status and position of each product as it moves along the production line.

The numerous benefits of this greater visibility include the ability to supply materials and components to different parts of the production line with precise timing,

supporting a more efficient just-in-time approach.

Commenting on the adoption of LogiKal, Martin Baker, business systems manager at the Endurance group, said: “We are continually looking for ways to improve every aspect of our operations and the implementation of LogiKal reflects that.

‘The use of this technology will deliver significant benefits in a range of different areas including performance management, efficiency and, importantly, customer experience.

“As we continue to develop the system into a full MES later this year, this initial investment will also play a key role in supporting our long-term growth and

service offering.”

The use of LogiKal is already delivering measurable results across the business including increased data accuracy, greater calculation precision, enhanced documentation and improved OTIF. For Endurance® Aluminium’s installer partners, this translates into a more streamlined and reliable experience, from faster quotation turnaround times to clearer, more detailed documentation and communication that supports smoother project delivery.

The rollout of LogiKal forms part of the fabricator’s wider strategy of investing into technology and systems that support both scalability and consistency, ensuring the business is well-positioned to meet increasing demand while maintaining high standards of quality and service.

Concluding, Martin adds: “The roll out of LogiKal is just the latest demonstration of our commitment to being a forwardthinking, technology-driven partner for the trade. It will help to ensure that we can deliver the reliability and performance that installers need to succeed in a competitive market.”

Window Tracer’s fast and complete window and door design software

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pertureWorks launches Window Tracer in June, a design tool built around how installers actually work on site.

ApertureWorks, the Hertfordshire SaaS company behind CIS Invoice and TakeoffPDF, launches Window Tracer this June. The company says it is the fastest and most complete window and door design software in the trade.

Window Tracer is built for the surveyor on site, not the designer at a desk. Founder Paul Edwards spent more than 20 years in fenestration before starting ApertureWorks, and says the team scrapped two earlier ideas before landing on the right one.

“We thought about a 3D window designer. Then a tablet app to draw on. Then we watched what actually happens on a survey. Every fitter I know has sketched a job on the back of a fag packet, an old receipt, the corner of a quote pad. It’s not lazy. It’s fast. It works. So we built Window Tracer to respect that.”

Window Tracer is the simplest and fastest way to design a window or door. Layer in sketch2quote and a surveyor can sketch an opening on any bit of paper, snap it with their phone, and have it converted into a working Window Tracer design in seconds.

Edwards calls sketch2quote the Netflix moment for fenestration. The Uber moment

From rough sketch to finished design.

The fastest way to design windows and doors on site.

for surveys. He argues the trade’s design tools have for decades served fabricators, leaving the small window companies and one-man installers at the front line with software that doesn’t match how they work.

Window Tracer is one of six products in the ApertureWorks suite, positioned as the operating system for window and door installers. Spicy Designer, a white-label door configurator that lets installers offer

homeowners a branded online designer without being tied to a single fabricator, also launches in June. Hub CRM is the connective tissue across the suite and is already in beta with installers. Leads, an automated postal outreach tool driven by planning application data, follows later in the year. Both join CIS Invoice and TakeoffPDF, already live.

The waitlist is open now at windowtracer. com.

june 2026 | it & ecoms | 93

Free software from Kömmerling to simplify future homes compliance

K

ömmerling has launched an advanced new Planning Software platform designed to help fabricators and installers navigate the increasing complexity of compliance under the Future Homes Standard.

The web-based platform allows users to assess windows and doors on an individual basis, reflecting the requirement for products to be evaluated by exact specification rather than through standard model calculations. For those operating across the commercial sector in particular, where compliance requirements are becoming more detailed and project-specific, the software offers a significant step forward.

Available free of charge to all Kömmerling fabricators and installers, as well as architects and specifiers, the platform enables users to configure and assess a wide range of Kömmerling systems, including casement, flush and tilt and turn windows across the Kömmerling 70, Kömmerling Flush and Kömmerling 76 ranges. A range of doors including patio, lift and slide, balcony and residential options are also included from systems such as the PremiLine and PremiDoor lines. The planning software is available via the Kömmerling website through the dedicated Planning Software portal, where users can register by completing a short form.

Users can configure products in detail, making their selection from a broad selection of profiles and ancillaries, including frame, sash, mullion and bead options, as well as multiple glazing specifications, opening combinations, colours and spacer bar types. Reinforcement sections can also be added or removed independently for each side of the frame. As changes are made, the

software dynamically recalculates U-values in real time, while an intuitive traffic light system highlights whether the chosen specification sits within Kömmerling design parameters.

Explaining more, Gareth Parton, Sales & Marketing Director at Kömmerling UK said: “The Future Homes Standard is fundamentally changing the way windows and doors are assessed and specified, particularly within commercial and large-scale residential developments. This software has been developed to make that process significantly easier and more accessible for our customers.

“It gives manufacturers, installers and specifiers the ability to configure products in precise detail, instantly understand the performance implications of those changes, and work with confidence that systems remain within Kömmerling design parame-

ters. Because the platform is web-based and continually updated, it will evolve alongside both regulations and our product portfolio, ensuring customers always have access to the latest systems and functionality. Our manufacturing partners can also operate the system with their own branding and full administrative control.”

Alongside configuration and compliance functionality, the platform also offers a range of export capabilities including BIM models, STEP files for animation and X and Y section CAD drawings in both PDF and DXF formats. Further developments are already planned over the coming months, including the integration of the WarmCore platform, Kömmerling VS, and wind loading calculations by postcode. www.koemmerling.com/en/service/planning-software/

OWD improves design with vsHome

P

roduction Software Technology’s vsHome software is helping home improvement companies improve how they present and develop projects with customers. For OWD Group, the platform has become a valuable part of their design process, supporting more collaborative and confident customer interactions.

OWD began reviewing their design software during the COVID period, exploring several alternative platforms in search of a more realistic and flexible solution. While a number of systems were trialled, none fully aligned with the way the business operates.

Michael Powell from OWD explains: “We

tried four or five different systems, but there was always something missing that made them incompatible for us. When we came across vsHome, it seemed to check all the boxes.”

Getting started with vsHome proved straightforward. The team were provided with setup resources and a tailored tutorial, allowing them to begin working with the system using their own project examples.

A two-week free trial gave them time to become familiar with the platform and access support where needed.

Today, vsHome plays an important role during customer consultations. The OWD team regularly creates designs using vsHome whilst with the homeowner, making adjustments in real time to reflect their preferences. The ability to update layouts, colours and configurations instantly has improved both efficiency and the overall customer experience. “We do a lot of designs with customers sat in the room,” says

Michael. “Being able to make changes while they watch makes the experience much more engaging and helps everyone stay on the same page.” Providing customers with a clear and accurate visualisation before installation has also helped build confidence in purchasing decisions as homeowners can see a close representation of the finished result and tweak details before work begins.

Alongside the software, PST’s customer support has been a consistent benefit. The team at OWD have found support to be responsive and reliable, with queries resolved quickly and efficiently, helping them have minimal disruption to their day to day work.

For OWD Group, vsHome has become a simple yet powerful tool that supports how they design and communicate with customers. By enabling clear visualisation and real time collaboration, it helps remove the uncertainty from the process and ensures homeowners feel confident in their decisions before committing to a project.

94 | product innovation | june 2026

Hurst introduces new sprayed finish service for S-Class solid core doors

H

urst has launched a new premium sprayed finish service for its S-Class solid timber core composite doors this May, giving homeowners a significantly wider choice of colours when selecting a timber core front door.

The new service allows S-Class doors to be finished in more than 1,600 RAL colours, opening up far greater design flexibility for homeowners who want their door colour to complement the style of their property.

The introduction of sprayed finishes strengthens the appeal of S-Class as a recently launched collection, providing installers with a clear point of difference when discussing design options with homeowners who value choice and individuality.

“Our sprayed finish service is about giving homeowners more freedom when it comes to colour,” said Mark Atkinson, Sales Director at Hurst.

“Being able to offer such a wide range of RAL colours allows installers of solid core composite doors to meet a much broader set of design preferences, while still delivering a

consistent, factory-applied finish.”

All sprayed finishes are applied in a controlled factory environment to ensure consistency and quality, and every sprayed S-Class door is supplied with a five-year warranty on the finish.

The S-Class composite collection features a solid timber core and Hurst’s lowmaintenance Thermoplastic CoolSkin outer skin with heat-reflective technology. The range is available in 57 door styles and offers flexibility in sizing to suit a wide variety of projects.

A wide choice of decorative glazing is also available, including the contemporary sandblasted Harmony Collection and the nature-inspired Bee and Butterfly designs, alongside an extensive range of hardware options.

Made to order at Hurst’s dedicated manufacturing facility in Hull, every S-Class door includes a high-security multipoint locking system as standard and is compatible with Kubu Smart technology.

“This addition builds on the strength of the S-Class range by expanding design choice without complicating the

specification process,” added Mark. “It gives installers another practical way to add value for homeowners.”

For more information, visit www. hurstdoors.co.uk, email info@hurstdoors. co.uk, or call 01482 790790.

Senior’s PURe® and simple solution for the new Future Homes Standard

S

enior Architectural Systems is helping designers and housebuilders prepare for the forthcoming Future Homes Standard (FHS), with its aluminium window systems already engineered to meet the more stringent thermal performance requirements that will apply from 2028.

Published in March 2026, the updated Standard confirms a major shift in the way window performance must be assessed.

Under the new Home Energy Model (HEM), wholewindow U-values must be calculated for the exact configuration installed, replacing the previous approach that allowed the use of a standardised window. The maximum allowable U-value for windows in new homes will also tighten from 1.6 W/m2K under current Part L to 1.2 W/m2K.

Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system is already designed to meet both current regulations and the new Future Homes Standard using double glazing, providing a straightforward route to compliance without the need for deeper profiles or tripleglazed units. This performance advantage is delivered through PURe®’s unique PUR thermal break technology, which enables significantly lower wholewindow Uvalues across a wide range of styles and configurations.

For projects requiring alternative aesthetics or specific design features, Senior also offers additional window systems including the slimline, heritage-inspired Ali VU and the newly launched SPW+.

Both can be specified in double or triple glazing to help meet projectspecific U-value requirements, offering further flexibility for residential schemes.

Senior Architectural Systems’ specification support manager Karl Kovak said: “The Future Homes Standard provides much-needed clarity for the industry, and window performance will play a central

role in achieving the required outcomes.

PURe® has been engineered from the outset to deliver longterm, future-proof thermal performance, and we are confident that our full range of aluminium window systems is well placed to support designers and housebuilders as they prepare for the transition.”

Senior is encouraging early engagement on new residential schemes, with full product information, technical resources and regional support available via its NBS Source profile and company website.

For more information, please visit www. seniorarchitectural.co.uk or visit Senior’s profile on NBS Source.

june 2026 | product innovation | 95

New minimalist sash version for Cortizo’s bi-fold system

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ortizo introduces a new 45 mm sash for the bi-fold system: a solution that reduces the sightlines of the central meeting stile to just 100 mm, maximizing the glazed surface area and filling interior spaces with natural light.

In this way, the possibilities of this well-established system on the market are expanded. It features a thermal break and a 73 mm frame depth. This solution is ideal for enclosing large openings in both residential and commercial spaces, facilitating the transition between indoor and outdoor areas. In addition, it allows multiple combinations of even and odd numbers of sashes, configurations of up to 14 sashes (with a maximum of 7 folding to each side), and both inward and outward opening options. It also includes the possibility of creating 90º corner configurations without a mullion.

The bi-fold system supports sash weights of up to 120 kg and maximum dimensions of 1200 by 3000 mm, making it possible to cover openings of nearly 17 metres in width. The rollers and tracks are concealed, providing a clean aesthetic when the system is closed. In addition, it offers the possibility of a fully recessed threshold, improving accessibility.

This system features a maximum glazing

capacity of 45 mm, providing outstanding thermal and acoustic performance. All these features are reinforced by the excellent results achieved in AEV testing: Class 4 (air permeability), Class 9A (watertightness), and Class A3 (wind resistance). In addition, it has successfully exceeded the demanding

requirements of the British PAS 24:2012 security certification.

This new minimalist sash is now available in Cortizo’s Croydon and Leeds showrooms, where customers and architects can experience its features and applications firsthand.

UK Rooflights Online expands product range with frameless rooflights

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K Rooflights Online has expanded its product range with the introduction of sleek, frameless rooflights and a high-performance rooflight kerb, reinforcing its focus on high-performance, installer-friendly products and solutions.

Designed to meet the growing demand for contemporary architectural glazing, the new frameless rooflights deliver a clean, contemporary finish, featuring a slim, flush design that maximises natural light.

Increased glass area creates brighter, more open interiors, making them suitable for residential and commercial applications.

When paired with standard glazing, the units achieve U-values as low as 1.0 W/m²K, supporting strong thermal performance and energy efficiency. Each rooflight is made to measure and manufactured with toughened glass as standard.

Working alongside the new and pre-existing rooflight range, Alongside the frameless range, UK Rooflights Online has launched a purpose-built rooflight kerb designed to streamline installation and improve building compliance. The kerb provides a factory-made, insulated upstand that simplifies installation and improves consistency for each project. By eliminating

the need for on-site construction, it reduces labour time and helps ensure compliance with building regulations. When used as part of a complete system, it supports thermal performance targets of 2.2 W/m²K, meeting building regulation requirement.

The introduction of both frameless rooflights and the rooflight kerb highlights UK Rooflights Online’s focus on delivering

solutions that combine aesthetics, performance, and practicality. Manufactured in South Yorkshire, both products are available now via the UK Rooflights Online website, with bespoke sizing, fast delivery, and expert support.

The products are also available via UK Doors Online, Trade Window Centre and QUAD, all part of UKO Group.

96 | product innovation | june 2026

Door-Stop launches Modern Collection with eight new door styles

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ow available to order, the new range of composite doors from Door-Stop is designed to give installers a straightforward option for more contemporary door styles.

The Modern Collection focuses on clean ladder designs that work across a range of properties.

It is suitable for both new-build homes and refurbishment projects, giving customers more choice without added complexity.

Featuring sleek, contemporary cassettes with a subtle grained finish, the new doors

are available in a wide selection of DoorStop colours – including Grey and Chartwell Green as standard – allowing customers to match current design trends.

The collection is available with top boxes and glazed side panels to bring more natural light into the home. It also includes Aurora and Tahoe glass designs, created specifically for the Modern Collection, giving installers additional glazing options across different property styles.

Drew Pearson, sales director at Door-Stop, says: “The Modern Collection is a strong addition to Door-Stop’s portfolio while

maintaining the quality installers have come to rely on.

“It is built with the same quality construction and attention to detail, delivering a secure, long-lasting and energyefficient solution.

“With this launch, we are offering our customers more versatile styles that reflect what homeowners are asking for, while providing the same level of service: easy online ordering, reliable 10-day lead times and products that are simple to install.” www.door-stop.co.uk

Morley Glass records 80% increase in slimline integral blind sales

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emand for slimline integral blinds is growing strongly, with Morley Glass reporting an 80% yearon-year increase in sales of its ScreenLine® SL16 system as more and more window and door installers capitalise on growing homeowner interest.

Unlike standard integral blinds, the slim Venetian system is compatible with IGUs with an overall thickness of 24mm because it is designed to fit within a 16mm cavity. It achieves this thanks to its slightly narrower slats, coupled with a reduced depth header and bottom rail, and it offers the same high performance as all the other ScreenLine® integral blind units manufactured by Morley Glass.

Exclusively available in the UK from Morley Glass as part of its Uni-Blinds® range, the manual and motorised control SL16 has opened up significant new opportunities for installers. Most importantly, it provides an integral blind solution to homeowners who are looking to retain their existing window and door frames and vertical sliding sashes.

In both these cases, they will often require a 24mm IGU rather than the 28mm thickness used more commonly in new windows and doors.

Ian Short, Managing Director of Morley Glass said, “As end-user awareness

of integral blinds grows, so too is understanding of how and where they can be fitted within new windows and doors and as an upgrade for installation in existing frames. These are amongst the main reasons why we’ve seen increased interest and sales growth over the past 12 months, with the SL16 busting the myth that integral blinds are only compatible with IGUs in thicknesses of at least 28mm.

“We’ve also seen further increased interest since we launched the new motorised version of the SL16 – the SL16MB – which allows the blind to be controlled using a remote control handset, a wallmounted control unit or a smartphone app when integrated with a smart home system.

This offers all the benefits of our premium MB System, including an ultra-smooth, quiet and reliable brushless motor to raise, lower and tilt the slats.”

Providing a solution for all types of décor in contemporary and traditional properties, the SL16 system is available in nine colours, including Agate Grey (S120), Black (B160) and Light Grey (S155). As with all the integral blind units manufactured by Morley Glass, the SL16 is always made to order and supplied to installers within as a little as 10-12 working days with complimentary delivery, and backed with a robust, manufacturer-backed five-year warranty.

The SL16 has additional potential for windows and doors in new build projects where the goal is to install Part Q compliant glazing with a laminated outer pane, without going beyond a 28mm IGU thickness. Whilst the reduction in cavity width resulting from the use of a 6.8mm outer pane, rather than 4mm glass, makes it too narrow for standard integral blind systems, this is not so for the SL16. It will fit and function comfortably within a more robust PAS24 and Secured by Design grade unit.

Find out more about the ScreenLine® SL16 from Morley Glass at www.morleyglass. co.uk.

june 2026 | product innovation | 97

Origin reponds to market demand by launching new tilt and turn window

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Tilt and Turn Window has been one of the most requested additions to the Origin range, and we’re thrilled to announce its arrival.

With precision engineering, an exceptional design and true innovation, this is not a bolt on or makeshift system – it’s an all-new premium solution that’s been designed to help you win more projects where quality, performance and aesthetics are paramount.

A Timely Launch Homeowners today are increasingly design led and performance focused. They expect products to elevate their homes aesthetically, offer lifestyle value, optimise thermal efficiency and keep their property secure. This new window allows you to meet these demands head on and respond with confidence.

With an extensive design, testing and refining process, this product therefore represents a significant milestone in demonstrating the company’s ongoing commitment to championing its partners growth ambitions whilst exceeding the evolving expectations of modern homeowners.

This launch is more than the introduction of a new product – it signals a defining moment in Origin’s evolution.

A High Performance Solution for Modern Living The Tilt and Turn Window offers exceptional flexibility, allowing homeowners to control the ventilation levels in their home to their own personal preferences.

Tilt and Turn may be familiar as a category - but in its execution, it is unmistakably Origin. Designed with a flush casement for a seamless and elegant finish, the system can enhance and elevate the aesthetic of any property.

Furthermore, it also delivers on a performance front. With a U-Value as low as

0.83W/m2K, it delivers impressive thermal efficiency, ensuring year-round comfort.

Additionally, with safety and security in mind, the window is PAS 24 certified, giving homeowners ultimate peace of mind.

Complete Customisation Like all Origin products, the Tilt and Turn Window is completely bespoke, manufactured and finished to clients precise requirements in our Buckinghamshire based facility. In addition to being able to be made in window and door sized apertures, it is available in over 150 RAL colours, allowing customers to tailor designs to their exact specifications and uses.

What This Means for Partners Commercially The Tilt and Turn Window offers partners a powerful new solution to elevate their offering and meet higher customer expectations.

Designed and built for desirability, this new system enables partners to: • Elevate their showroom presentation

• Strengthen design led sales conversations • Expand their customer base by being able to order a wider selection of products • Unlock new growth opportunities by exceeding client expectations and better aligning with customers who prioritise quality over price A Commitment to Excellence Now and In The Future - The launch of the Tilt and Turn Window underscores Origin’s direction: continued investment in innovation, expansion of its product offering, and an unwavering focus on quality.

On top of unrivalled design, performance and customisation possibilities, it comes with an industry-leading guarantee of up to 20-years and delivers genuine lifestyle value for homeowners and tangible business benefits for partners.

Neil Ginger, Origin’s CEO, comments: “This wasn’t about bringing a product to market quickly, it was about bringing the right product to market – one that truly supports our partners’ growth and reflects our commitment to premium design and engineering.”

Origin is excited to introduce this new system and looks forward to seeing how partners utilise it to create exceptional spaces and drive future growth.

98 | movers and shakers | june 2026

Hurst has promoted Julie Rose to National Business Manager following her threeyear stint as a Regional Business Manager at the company. With extensive sector experience, Julie brings comprehensive industry knowledge and a strong professional network to the Hurst stable.

While continuing to manage the South East area, Julie will support the management and development of the national sales team, working closely with Sales Director, Mark Atkinson, to drive performance and put plans into action.

“Julie is a well-known and respected industry figure, and she’s really proved her worth over the past three years she’s spent with us at Hurst,” said Mark. “We like to promote from within, where possible, and we’ll be investing in Julie’s continued growth with ongoing support from senior leadership, so her journey will be onwards and upward from here.” Julie’s promotion forms part of a strengthened sales team, which includes Emma McDonald, who recently returned to Hurst to boost customer engagement in the South West.

Rehau has appointed Gareth Thomas as Senior Product Manager for System Accessories, enhancing the company’s service and support for the growing accessories market. Gareth joins Rehau’s product team after 12 years in fenestration sales, the last five of which have been spent working for Rehau across London, South East and South West England, and Wales. As part of his new role, Gareth will use his sales experience to strengthen Rehau’s service and support for key accounts, drawing on the known wants and needs of fabricators and installers to drive strategy and bring new products to market. He said: “After 12 years in the fenestration industry, and five at Rehau, I’d like to think I have a really good grasp on what fabricators and installers are looking for. I saw this as an opportunity to influence the way we approach products using my sales background, and also build on my existing knowledge of our product offering.”

Gareth’s remit will span hardware such as hinges, steels, and Window.ID, as well as looking at new product areas.

Endurance® Doors is strengthening its marketing function with a series of hires as part of a wider strategic investment to elevate its position as a leading premium brand in the fenestration sector.

Commenting on the recent appointments and the strategy behind them, Scott Foster, Group Marketing Director, said: “As a business, we’ve been very clear about where we want to go. We’re building an aspirational brand that resonates directly with homeowners, and that requires a different level of investment in how we present ourselves and communicate our message. “This isn’t just about increasing output within the marketing team; it’s about raising the standard of everything we do and ensuring that the Endurance® Doors’ brand is recognised, trusted and sought after in the consumer space.” The recent expansion has seen Ross Tilley appointed as creative lead and Jordan Buffey as content photographer and videographer. Further digital, content and brand focused appointments are planned for the coming months.

Spitfire Doors has appointed Tom Evans as Sales Director. This appointment marks a significant step in Spitfire’s growth strategy, as the company moves to strengthen it’s commercial leadership and expand reach across the premium residential, developer and architectural specification markets.

Tom brings a proven track record in the premium fenestration and glazing sector, with experience in developing effective sales strategies, driving new business and building mutually supportive relationships with customers. Tom particularly enjoys collaborating with architects and developers to develop solutions for high-end residential projects. He joins Spitfire at a pivotal time for the brand, with growing demand from homeowners who now regard a Spitfire entrance door as the defining statement of a luxury home.

Tom said: “I’ve admired Spitfire for a long time. The product quality is exceptional — the engineering, the thermal performance, the attention to design detail — and the brand has a clarity of purpose that is rare in this industry.”

Winkhaus UK has appointed Adam White as Project Manager for the South East region, further strengthening its customer support and project delivery capabilities across the area. Adam joins Winkhaus with more than five years’ experience in the premium window and door sector, bringing a strong background in project management, customer relationship development, stakeholder engagement, and technical product support. Having worked with Winkhaus products throughout his career, Adam already has a clear understanding of the firm’s reputation for quality, innovation, and engineering excellence. In his new role, he will support customers across the South East, working closely with fabricators, installers, and project partners to help deliver high quality fenestration solutions. He said: ““This next chapter represents a fantastic opportunity for me personally and professionally, and I’m excited to be joining such a respected firm with a strong heritage and a forward thinking approach.”

Flat Glass Solutions has appointed Paul Hughes as maintenance engineer, helping the company fulfil maintenance contracts on both its own range of imported glass processing machinery, as well as offering help with brands outside of its own portfolio.

Paul brings with him a wealth of engineering experience gained after seven years as maintenance engineer with CT Glass, and prior to that 32 years working with the machinery at Symphony Kitchens.

“The biggest challenge for any glass company is to release a machine for checking and controlling without disrupting production output,” commented Paul Hughes.

“FGS has always understood how glass companies need to operate and our maintenance protocols are designed to accommodate their schedules. Having said that, we are persistent in booking our visits – a regular maintenance protocol is crucial for the long term health of the machinery and we see it as our responsibility to maintain that regularity.”

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