Feb/March 2021

FEB/MAR 2021 

CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN 

DRIVING FORWARD IN 2021 


Made for Trade continues to build on the successes of its Bi-fold 

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>>> • FIT SHOW Q&A • SAFER BUILDINGS • SUPPLY ISSUES • AUTOMATION • >>> 

TOTAL Installer Cover - JAN/FEB 2021.indd 1 12/01/2021 08:29

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Editor’s Comment 

SOPHIE STEVENS 

EDITOR 

SOPHIESTEVENS@MEDIA-NOW.CO.UK 

WWW.TOTAL-FABRICATOR.CO.UK 


While the vaccine roll-out is making good progress in getting Covid-19 

under control, the UK remains in lockdown [at the time of writing], with 

restrictions likely for some months to come. 

But for those of us chomping at the bit to get back out there and have a 

good old-fashioned face-to-face conversation with somebody other than the 

members of our own household, hope is on the horizon in form of the FIT Show. 

Hot on the heels of announcing new September dates, FIT Show event director 

Nickie West talks about the challenges of the past year, what we can expect 

from the show’s 2021 outing and why “nothing beats the power of live events 

when it comes to connecting with the market and bringing your products and 

services to life” (see pages 32-33). 

Elsewhere in this issue, CAB, Exlabesa and Window Ware all give us their 

predictions for the year ahead (see pages 18, 22 and 44 respectively); UAP’s 

David Jennings discusses the importance of resilience planning as supply 

chain disruption continues to impact the fenestration sector (see pages 42- 

43); and in the wake of the Grenfell tragedy, Adam Turk, CEO of Siderise and 

chair of the Construction Products Association Marketing Integrity Group, 

explains the newly-proposed Code for Construction Product Information – and 

appeals to the glazing industry to help rebuild confidence, credibility and 

integrity in the construction sector: 

“Whether you are making windows and doors, specifying them, fitting them or 

maintaining them, we all need to be confident that the products we come into 

contact with everyday behave and perform as they should. It’s your reputation 

on the line,” comments Adam, and you can read what else he has to say from 

page16 ... 

Enjoy the issue. 

Sophie 

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12/01/2021 08:29 

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FEB/MAR 2021 TF 3

Contents 

ISSUE HIGHLIGHTS 

42 

16 REBUILDING CONFIDENCE 

The proposed new Code for Construction 

Product Information is explained 

32 FIT AND READY FOR 2021 

FIT Show’s Nickie West talks about the 

challenges of the past year and what we 

can expect from September’s event 

42 SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE 

As the effects of Covid continue to ripple around 

the world, the importance of planning and 

ensuring an efficient supply chain is discussed 

FEATURES 

18 ALUMINIUM INSIGHTS 

A word from CAB on what the aluminium fenestration 

sector might expect in 2021 and how it compares to 

the wider construction sector 

26 

20 NON-STOP SUPPORT 

Alutech Systems explains how it has adapted its 

fabrication training and customer service in response 

to the coronavirus pandemic 

22 OPPORTUNITIES AHEAD? 

While some difficulties are inevitable, there are plenty 

of opportunities for the fenestration sector says Exlabesa 

28 ‘GAME-CHANGING’ FIRE DOOR 

ODL Europe explains the concept behind the 

Guardsman composite fire door 

36 MORE THAN CNC LINKS 

Business Micros argues that there’s more to automation 

than just cutting and prepping 

50 INVEST, BROADEN, GROW 

Thermoseal Group discusses the company’s plans to 

increase warm edge production to meet growing demand 

for more energy efficient components 

4 T F FEB/MAR 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

REGULARS 

SECTIONS: 

12 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR 

Safety concerns over bi-fold door deliveries and 

supply issues are both in focus 

38 VIEWPOINT 

 

Elumatec’s Neil Parton on why the pursuit of 

perfection is not always the best path to success 

12 

SYSTEMS 

20 

DOORS 

INDUSTRY NEWS 

06 GLASS PRICE HIKE WARNING 

Glass processors and IGU manufacturers should 

prepare now for increased prices and lower 

availability says Mackenzie Glass 

08 SKILLS SHORTAGE WOES 

The Secretary of State for Education has highlighted 

the negative economic impact of the skills shortage in 

the government’s Skills for Jobs White Paper 

26 

AUTOMATION 

36 

HARDWARE & 

ACCESSORIES 

42 

06 


FEB/MAR2021 T F 5

Industry News 

BORDER DELAY ‘HELL’ 

Three-fifths of manufacturing firms 

experienced “hell” due to border delays in 

recent weeks, according to Make UK. 

A survey by the manufacturing trade body 

revealed 60% of manufacturers experienced 

disruptions due to increased “paperwork and 

red tape” moving goods in and out of the EU, 

despite being prepared for the end of the Brexit 

transition period. 

This comes as the UK manufacturing sector 

recorded the longest supplier lead times in the 

last 30 years due to Brexit and Covid impacts, 

according to the latest PMI. 

Make UK called for the UK government and EU 

to ease disruptions, by simplifying customs 

paperwork on both sides of the border, fasttracking 

training of customs agents, and 

working with haulage firms to reduce issues. 

Ben Fletcher, policy director at Make UK, told 

The Guardian: “The last month has been like 

Dante’s fifth circle of hell for importers and 

exporters unable to move supplies because of 

new red tape.” 

Source: www.cips.org 

‘PREPARE NOW FOR GLASS PRICE HIKES’ 

Glass processors and IGU manufacturers 

should prepare now for increased prices and 

lower availability of product caused by the 

global shortage of shipping containers. 

This warning from Mackenzie Glass is made amid 

reports of price increases of as much as 35% on 

some products in as little as 24hours. 

This, according to the company’s joint managing 

director, Mark Herbert, is attributable to a 

massive jump in the price of shipping containers 

from the Far East, because of a 30% increase in 

demand and the significant disruption caused by 

Covid-19 to global shipping. 

This has seen the price of a 40ft container to 

the UK from China soar from $2,000, to between 

$8,000 and $10,000 – a price Mark warns will 

have to be passed on through the supply chain. 

Mark said: “Shipping containers aren’t in the 

right places at the right times, and that means 

the slots allocated to them at ports are being 

missed and the problem becomes worse. The 

implications for UK glass supply are massive at 

a time when scheduled maintenance is about to 

significantly reduce domestic capacity. 

“We have been talking to our suppliers and the 

price increases in only a few months have been 

Find more industry news at: www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

Mark Herbert 

staggering. That’s impacted the price of products 

coming from China and Japan – purely because 

of the cost of shipping. What it’s also created 

is increased disruption at UK ports, something 

which makes the plans by many of the big glass 

manufacturers to bring product in from Europe 

while carrying out cold maintenance programmes 

in the UK, more challenging.” 

Cold maintenance programmes scheduled for 

spring and summer this year, by Saint Gobain 

and Guardian are expected to run anywhere from 

12-20 weeks, significantly reducing capacity. 

Mark added: “We’d encourage glass processors 

to think as far ahead as they can and talk to 

us now about the projects that they have on 

the horizon, so that we can work with them 

to manage out price increases and potential 

shortages in the months ahead.” 

VEKA SETS OUT ITS STALL FOR 2021 WITH ‘FEARLESS OPTIMISM’ 

VEKA is “facing the future with fearless optimism” 

and “ambitious plans” according to the systems 

house’s newly appointed MD, Neil Evans. 

Having begun the year with “record breaking sales” 

and order books that are “healthier than ever”, 

Neil, who took the helm of the business in January, 

said: “We are in a good position, facing the future 

with fearless optimism, but a newly earned respect 

for the need to be able to flex our strategy and be 

nimble in these extraordinary times. 

“We are committed to supporting our customers 

as the ripples of the pandemic continue to provide 

after-shocks not only for our industry, but for 

the economy as a whole. As a business, and as 

management team, we have a shared ruthless 

focus on where we want to be by 2025 and how 

we’re going to get there, whilst remaining mindful 

that there will be some unexpected twists and 

turns along the way. 

“Our plans are ambitious, but sustainable, as 

we will never put the stability of the business or 

people at risk.” 

VEKA reports that the year ahead will see it 

concentrate on further innovation and driving 

improvement for the industry, while ‘continuing to 

ensure the business is a great place to work and 

always keeping customer service at its heart’. 

VEKA will also be exhibiting at the 2021 FIT Show; 

continuing to support the industry and embracing 

face to face connections once again. 

Neil Evans 

Neil added: “Standing still is effectively going 

backwards, and that has never been an option 

for me or VEKA... We know where we are going, 

we have learnt from the events in 2020; we know 

what we are going to achieve and as a team we 

will tackle 2021 as part of our 2025 strategic plan 

not only with energy & positivity, but with a clear 

call to action.” 

6 TF FEB/MAR 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN

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Industry News 

VBH’S NFA HAT-TRICK 

Hardware supplier, VBH, won three of the 

four categories in which it was shortlisted 

at the 2020 National Fenestration Awards. 

For the second year running, VBH was crowned 

Hardware Company of the Year, and also recorded 

wins in the Social Networker and Young Person 

categories, through marketing manager Gary 

Gleeson and Northern England area sales manager, 

Tyler Shutts, respectively. Customer service team 

leader in VBH’s Gillingham head office, Louise 

Eagle, finished as runner up to Tyler. Gary Gleeson 

said: “We see all these wins as a reflection of 

how hard the whole VBH team works to make 

our customers’ working days easy, as well as 

recognition of the excellent products and services 

on offer. These include new products such as our 

greenteQ Invicta window shootbolt and Orion 3 star 

profile cylinder, and the recently refreshed Q-secure 

consumer security guarantee.” www.vbhgb.com 

SKILLS SHORTAGE IS ‘HOLDING US BACK’ 

The Secretary of State for Education has 

highlighted the negative economic impact of 

the skills shortage in the government’s Skills 

for Jobs White Paper, suggesting that college 

courses and apprenticeships can offer “better 

outcomes” than university. 

In the forward to the Department for Education 

document, Gavin Williamson said that “too many 

people – and too many employers – wrongly 

[believe] that studying for a degree at university 

is the only worthwhile marker of success”. 

He continued: “Although our universities are 

world-class, it is not the only choice: in many 

cases, a college course or apprenticeship can 

offer better outcomes. 

“As a result we have a skills gap that is holding 

us back economically. We do not have enough 

technicians, engineers or health and social care 

professionals. Redressing this will be critical 

to improving our productivity and international 

competitiveness. This is why we intend to prioritise 

the courses and qualifications that enable people 

to get great jobs and which will support our 

economy to compete with the world’s best.” 


Gavin Williamson 

In response to the government’s publication of the 

White Paper, the Federation of Master Builders 

(FMB) said that improvements to the vocational 

education system will help address skills gaps in 

construction and support local builders to train. 

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: 

“Enhancing apprenticeship opportunities in the 

construction sector is vital if we are to ‘build back 

better’ from the coronavirus pandemic, and local 

builders must be at the forefront of these plans. The 

White Paper’s intention to create greater parity of 

esteem between vocational and academic education 

is an important first step and will encourage more 

young people into apprenticeships.” 

Photo credit: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 

NEW SILOS INCREASE CAPACITY AT £15M RECYCLING PLANT 

VEKA Recycling has invested £150k in six new 

silos to increase storage capacity at its stateof-the-art 

Wellingborough recycling plant, said 

to be the most advanced of its kind in Europe. 

The extra space created by the installation of the 

two 20m 3 and four 10m 3 silos, completed in January 

2021, will increase efficiency by reducing the manual 

handling of product via forklift. This will greatly 

improve the flow of materials around the pioneering 

site, which is now fully operational following the 

completion of a phased, £15 million investment 

programme spanning three years. 

Simon Scholes, managing director at VEKA Recycling, 

said: “This latest investment in six new silos not 

only increases our storage capacity in order to 

streamline our own operations but further illustrates 

the commitment of our organisation to increase the 

capacity for PVC-U recycling in the UK. 

“We have obtained planning permission for additional 

20m 3 silos at the plant, if and when required and, 

although installation is not imminent, there is plenty 

of future capacity available should VEKA Recycling 

decide to construct these later down the line.” 

The six new silos join an existing 130-tonne capacity 

silo installed by VEKA Recycling, in late 2019, to hold 

a significant proportion of the old window frames 

delivered to site prior to processing. 

Ultimately, the new silos will enable the organisation 

to recycle even greater amounts of waste PVC-U 

product in order to achieve its objective to keep as 

many end-of-life PVC-U windows and doors out of 

landfill as possible. 

Simon added: “The recyclability of PVC-U is 

becoming a major selling point, as organisations 

– along with consumers – become increasingly 

aware of the impact of post-consumer waste 

on the environment. At VEKA Recycling we are 

absolutely determined to reduce this impact and 

our ongoing investment in our Wellingborough 

plant, which is the most advanced in Europe – 

and possibly the world, demonstrates that.” 


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Industry News 

Obituary: 

DES TURNBULL 

Hardware specialist VBH has announced 

that Des Turnbull, until recently the area 

sales manager for the Northern Counties, 

passed away in hospital on the morning of 

Saturday 16th January. 

VBH said in a statement: “Des was an 

integral part of the VBH team for the best part 

of two decades before retiring last February. 

He was very well respected and much liked 

by his customers, suppliers, and all at VBH. 

“Des was very knowledgeable and enjoyed 

passing on his expertise. He was particularly 

helpful to newcomers to our industry, helping 

them understand some of the vagaries of 

window and door hardware. He was always 

quick with a joke and will be well missed by 

his friends across the whole of VBH. 

“Des and his wife, Cath, often combined their 

holidays with charity work, frequently taking much 

needed equipment to under-funded schools. 

“Our sympathies are with Cath and their 

family and friends at this very sad time. We 

will miss our friend Des dearly.” 

WINDOW AND DOOR SALES BOUNCE BACK 

Window and door sales bounced back from the last year, to wider concerns about the economy? 

decline seen in December, with a 34% jump We can draw confidence from the start that we 

in sales and new leads up 111% in January, have seen this year, especially when we consider 

according to the latest Business Pilot Barometer. that a number of retailers came back later in the 

month, following extended Christmas breaks. 

Commenting on the Business Pilot Barometer, 

Edition 13: November/December/January 2020/21, “As we have highlighted in previous editions, the 

Neil Cooper-Smith, senior analyst, Business Pilot, housing market remains active and we should 

said: “The latest Business Pilot Barometer shows expect completions in March, ahead of the 

that window and door sales bounced-back from Stamp Duty holiday deadline, to convert into new 

the decline seen in December with a 34% jump in business in April and May. 

sales. More promising still, new leads more than 

“Forecasts that unemployment will peak at 6%, while 

doubled – up 111% in January on December! 

significant, could also have been very much worse 

Conversion rates remained more or less static, 

given the size of the shock to the UK economy.” 

hovering at around the 42% mark. 

Year-on-year analysis January 2020 v. 2021 

“This bounce in demand for windows is in stark 

“January 2021 is the first month in which we 

contrast to forecasts for the wider economy. This 

can draw a year-on-year comparison. This was 

includes the consumer confidence index from 

obviously a time when Covid-19 appeared a far 

market research firm GfK, which recorded a drop 

and distant problem. 

to -28 from -26 in December, when it jumped by 

the most in eight years on the back of news about “Although given the unique set of challenges the 

Covid-19 vaccines. 

UK has seen in the last year, we should need to 

“This may be in part driven by growing concern resist the temptation to apply too much weight to 

about the impact of increased hospitalisations, the figures. A comparison of leads, January 2020 

the knock-on effect of how and when, the UK will to 2021, shows new business enquiries were 

come out of lockdown. This has also prompted down year-on-year by around 8%. Sales were 

a downgrading of economic forecasts in the 25% down. The caveat is that in January 2020, 

first quarter of this year. KPMG, for example, we weren’t in lockdown and conversions were far 

suggesting UK growth for 2021 could oscillate easier to achieve. 

anywhere between 2.2 and 5.6%. 

“These are perhaps the learning points for all of 

“The million-dollar question is, will the home us. We need to make sure that our businesses are 

improvement sector remain immune, as it did ready for whatever we don’t see coming next!” 

SCIENTIST ELECTED 

Anna Plesniar, a process development 

scientist at AluK, has been elected 

as vice chair of the Qualicoat 

Council for the UK and Ireland. 

Anna has been AluK’s representative on the 

council since the company joined in December 

2016 and has been a long-standing advocate 

of the benefits of membership to systems 

houses and applicators, as well as pretreatment 

and powder-coating suppliers. 



Obituary: 

KULLY HUNTER 

Emmegi (UK) has announced the very 

sad death of Kully Hunter, the company’s 

service manager. She died suddenly on 

Friday 8 January 2021. 

£6M INVESTMENT BY CORNWALL GLASS 

Cornwall Glass Manufacturing has committed 

to more than triple the size of its Highbridge 

IGU and glass processing operation as part of a 

£6million investment programme. 

To be delivered over three-years, the 

investment programme will give Cornwall Glass 

Manufacturing’s Highbridge IGU lines new 

capacity to handle jumbos as well as manufacture 

over-sized units. 

It will also house a new heat soak oven and 

autoclave, reflecting increased demand for heatsoaked 

products from the commercial sector, 

as well as laminated and specialist products, 

creating up to 30 new jobs. 

Mark Mitchell, chairman of the Cornwall Group, 

said: “We are at the start of what is a three-year 

investment programme. What Highbridge will give 

us at the end of that journey, is one of the UK’s 

most advanced manufacturing facilities with the 

ability to handle and process almost any product, 

from over-sized IGUs, through to walk-on insulated 

glass units; nonslip glass floors; staircases and 

other specialist processed glass products. 

“While the market remains competitive, we 

see significant opportunities going forward. 

Investment in our Highbridge site, gives us new 

reach along the M4 corridor and the southern half 

of the UK.” 

The investment programme takes the site from 

15,000ft 2 to 55,000ft 2 , making it the largest of the 

Cornwall Group manufacturing division’s three sites, 

with the other two located in St Austell and Plymouth. 

Ian Latimer, Emmegi (UK)’s managing 

director, commented: “The whole team here 

is devastated by the news. Kully was a friend 

as well as a colleague, and we will all miss 

her terribly. 

“Kully had worked in this industry for many 

years and was really popular and well-liked, 

so I know her death will be felt by many. 

“All our thoughts are obviously with her 

husband Wayne, daughter Jess, and her 

family and wide circle of friends.” 

NEW GGF PRESIDENT 

GGF Group Vice-President Tony Smith, 

of Pilkington United Kingdom, has been 

elected as the Federation’s new President. 

Former President, Mark Austin, stepped down 

from the role on 31st December 2020 but will 

remain on the GGF Board as immediate Past 

President. 

Tony Smith said that despite the “huge 

challenges ahead” due to the issues posed 

by the coronavirus pandemic and Brexit, 

there are also “exciting opportunities for the 

industry and the GGF”. 

CAB APPOINTS NEW CHIEF EXECUTIVE 

The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) working with him.” 

has named its new CEO as Phil Slinger, who will 

Phil (pictured below) said: “I’m thrilled to be 

join the Association in March 2021. 

named as the new CEO and eager to 

CAB President, Mo Panam, said: 

continue the advancement of the 

“Phil has a strong trade association 

business strategy and developing 

background including working 

additional services for CAB 

with and for membership bodies 

members. 

in the UK construction sector and 

“I look forward to meeting with our 

European hardware and DIY markets. 

diverse membership, to learn more about 

“It was Phil’s enthusiasm, focus and experience each member and discover what we can do to 

in trade associations that secured him his 

support their businesses, alongside promoting 

appointment and we are all looking forward to aluminium within the construction industry.” 


FEB/MAR 2021 TF 11

Letters to the Editor 


MADE FOR TRADE CALLS FOR SAFER BI-FOLD DOOR DELIVERIES 

Handling and moving big, heavy and 

cumbersome aluminium bi-folding doors is not 

a task you would expect just anyone to do, but 

this is something the window and door industry 

has turned a blind eye to for many years. 

In reality, handling a large door off a delivery 

vehicle is fraught with danger... an accident 

waiting to happen.... out of sight... out of mind. 

The industry seems to just expect the driver to deal 

with off-loading on site himself and this is a worry . 

This is an issue that we, at Made for Trade, have 

grappled with for years and although we have 

done everything possible to maintain safety, 

accidents could happen. 

It only takes one serious accident for the Health & 

Safety Executive to be all over it and have ongoing 

consequences for the industry as a whole, and 

when our insurers get hold of it, you can be sure 

they will demand stricter risk assessments and 

higher premiums. 

Think about it !... we always request that the 

customer have people in attendance to receive a 

bi-fold door delivery but if it is a private residence, 

then it might just be an old lady, so what does the 

driver do? He struggles... helps when he shouldn’t 

and a lost time accident beckons. 

With the ever increasing volumes of aluminium 

bi-folding door sales, the decision was taken to 

add 12 new delivery vehicles to our fleet and with 

it, we set our engineering department the design 

task of improving delivery safety. 

The result is greatly improved safety for drivers 

and customers peppered with some relief. 

All deliveries are lifted off our vehicles automatically 

with our custom designed hoist, ensuring the door is 

delivered safely to ground level. 

‘Safety’ in the industry, I believe, is taken very 

seriously but fully assembled bi-fold deliveries 

seem to have been forgotten about. 

Some companies deliver bi-fold doors as a kit , 

separate panels with the outer frame to assemble 

together on site... which entails a great deal of 

time and potential hassle on site for a skilled 

installer, because all the parts have to be fitted 

together during the erection process. 

Made for Trade like most in the industry deliver 

completely assembled doors which are quicker 

and less dependent on skilled tradesmen to 

install, hence the importance of safe handling of 

a delivered door to site. 

Made for Trade now offer safer delivery options, 

but the safe delivery of an assembled bi-fold door 

to site I think needs addressing by the industry 

as a whole. 

Richard Gaunt 

Made for Trade 

LEAD TIMES MUST BE LENGTHENED, SAYS SMART READY’S GIO 

The fenestration industry has seen an 

enormous increase in sales over the last nine 

months and I believe this places the industry 

in a strong position to welcome and embrace 

change as we continue into 2021. 

For that change to benefit the industry as a whole, 

we must widen our consideration to include the other 

businesses in the industry rather than focussing just 

on ourselves. The businesses that make up a supply 

chain are not singular entities, rather they are part of 

an ecosystem that supports and is supported by the 

other businesses above and below them. It makes 

sense that decisions are made that strengthen these 

connections rather than adding undue strain. 

Freighting components and raw materials into the 

UK from China and the Far East has gone up nearly 

270%, and when sea freighting isn’t available, the 

price of air freighting is exorbitant. These panicdriven 

decisions are not sustainable. These supply 

issues are not permanent, and we will be able to go 

back to meeting our usual lead times at some point in 

the not-too-distant future. In the meantime, there is a 

quick fix that will ease the pressure we are all under: 

lengthening lead times across the industry. 

Increasing lead times is a way that we as individual 

businesses can offer breathing space to both 

ourselves and the other businesses in the industry. 

If we extend delivery times, we would be avoiding 

the current ‘feast or famine’ situation that we’re 

all in now. When materials arrive, there is a glut of 

fulfilled orders but when supply slows, businesses 

are back to not being able to deliver. This yo-yo-ing 

is frustrating for everyone in the supply chain and is 

especially exasperating for our ultimate customers 

who have been assured of delivery times and are 

bored with hearing about Covid-related delays. 

The cost of buying raw materials from Asia is 

going to increase and it will inevitably be in a 

permanent way. We don’t need to hamstring the 

industry by overspending on the delivery of these 

goods at their current prices. Bring lead times up 

to two weeks (or longer) across the board so that 

we all know where we stand without the stress of 

failing to meet deadlines. 

I know we can and will all get through this by working 

collectively and collaboratively, and that ultimately 

by doing this, our industry will come out stronger and 

more resilient. 

Giovanni Laporta, Smart Ready 

Got a comment, contribution or rant? email 

sophiestevens@media-now.co.uk 


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Advertorial 


Driving forward in to 2021 

Made for Trade complete 

investment in enhanced 

safety delivery fleet 

Made for Trade have announced a significant long-term 

investment in the expansion of their fleet of delivery 

vehicles. Each of the 10 new vehicles also comes equipped 

with another MFT design innovation, changing the way 

their products are handled both at the factory and also at 

delivery sites, the new design significantly decreases risk 

and puts safety of their employees first. 

MFT’s announcement, along with other news of their product 

expansion is a strong indication of their industry position and 

growth plans throughout 2020-2021 and beyond. 

“For some time, we have been looking at the handling 

challenges presented by the loading and unloading of large 

heavy products from our wagons and we had some good 

design ideas of what we wanted to achieve. With sales 

dictating a need for more wagons to satisfy increasing 

delivery requirements we took the opportunity to kill 2 birds 

with one stone and had a custom fleet developed with local 

vehicle suppliers. We think this is a first in fenestration and 

is a significant step forward in transport safety.” Chris Wann. 

Business Manager. 

2020 has been a tough year for many businesses within 

the fenestration industry and some of the industry heavy 

hitters are either gone or have been significantly reshaped. 

Thankfully, it has not all been doom and gloom and there are 

many winners as a market driven by home improvements 

went stratospheric. With ongoing investment in new vehicles, 

additional staff and the expansion of their delivery coverage, 

Made for Trade really do mean business as they enter 2021 in 

a strong position with some exciting new developments on 

the brink of release into the market. 

FLEET IMPROVEMENTS 

The new 12-tonne Rollaflex vehicles have been commissioned 

from a local vehicle supplier with the functional design 

concept provided by the engineering team at MFT. The brief 

was to come up with a cost-effective loading and unloading 

solution which minimised the risks associated with manual 

lifting and provided a safe means of working at a height. 

Health and safety is one of MFT’s top priorities when it 

comes to the welfare of their staff and the safe delivery of 

their products. 

depending on the style of door. Once all stillages are full, 

the wagons move into the loading positions, the retractable 

curtain is drawn back, and the stillage is moved by forklift 

onto the wagon bed and locked into place. 

Once at the customers site, the driver conducts a risk 

assessment, cordons off the area and uses an articulated 

crane mounted to the vehicle bed for the safe and secure 

unloading of the door from the wagon to the ground in 

readiness for the customer to collect. The new design 

ensures that manual lifting of the doors is eliminated and 

that the operator is always safe, even when working from the 

unprotected wagon sides to attach the crane hook to the 

slings via a retractable barrier. 

DELIVERY COVERAGE EXPANSION 

The addition of more vehicles to the fleet also allows MFT to 

increase their delivery coverage area to include several new 

postcodes in Scotland. This move, the implementation of the 

first phase of a larger growth plan, cements the company’s 

intention to provide their top class service to customers 

that had previously struggled to obtain MFT door products 

alongside the Korniche lantern roof which is delivered 

nationwide. 

For more updates on this news, new product releases and 

to see how MFT provide the BEST PRODUCTS, at the 

BEST PRICES with the BEST SERVICE, head over to www. 

madefortrade.co and register online to receive regular emails. 

We would also like to take this opportunity to say a big 

thanks to all our customers in what has been a turbulent 

2020. Your loyalty has contributed entirely to our great 

sales volume, which in turn allows us to maintain the level of 

investment needed to improve service and expand our trade 

product range available to you, our customers. 

With these improvements to our service and 2 new products 

ready for launch in the new year, here’s hoping for a 

smoother journey in 2021 


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14 T F FEB/MAR 2021 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN 

Advertorial_layout - Vehilces_DEC_2020 copy.indd 1 09/12/2020 13:19

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Product Standards 

BETTER DATA: SAFER BUILDINGS 

Adam Turk, CEO of Siderise and Chair of the Construction Products Association Marketing 

Integrity Group, explains the new proposed Code for Construction Product Information and 

appeals to the glazing industry to help rebuild confidence, credibility and integrity in the 

construction industry in the wake of Grenfell. 

In the aftermath of the Grenfell disaster, Dame 

Judith Hackitt was commissioned to carry out 

an independent review of Building Regulations 

and fire safety. Her final report – Building A Safer 

Future – included important recommendations 

for greater clarity in construction product 

information. The report also made clear that 

action was needed to ensure events like Grenfell 

never happened again. 

MIG Chair Adam Turk 

Providing misleading product information is not 

common practice and in 30 years of working in 

the industry, I’ve found that most businesses 

operate with integrity. So, while they are in 

the minority, companies who provide false or 

misleading product information negatively impact 

the whole industry’s reputation. 

To stand up to the credibility challenge facing 

construction and address the findings of the 

report, the Construction Products Association 

(CPA) established the Marketing Integrity Group 

(MIG) in 2018. I was appointed to lead the Group, 

alongside Polypipe divisional marketing director 

and MIG deputy chair, Catherine Fyfe. 

Creating the Code 

The first step was to understand what the 

industry thought, from both providers and users 

of product information. So we undertook a Call 

for Evidence survey in 2019, which received 

over 500 responses and almost 200 pages 

of free text information. It was clear from the 

detail submitted that change was needed and 

in particular that product information could be 

relied upon by those that depend on it. The MIG, 

as representatives of product manufacturers from 

across the construction supply chain, set about 

creating a new Code of Conduct. 

“Whether you are making windows and doors, 

specifying them, fitting them or maintaining 

them, we all need to be confident that the 

products behave and perform as they should” 

This Code would ensure construction 

manufacturers provide reliable, accurate 

information – whether written in a brochure, a 

presentation, on a website or said in conversation 

– so users of product information have all the 

facts when making decisions about specifying or 

installing their products. 

The Code would be voluntary but there would be 

encouragement to join and achieve widespread 

compliance. The alternative could be something 

devised and imposed by the Government, 

developed with minimal input and involvement 

from the industry. 

Working with industry marketing and technical 

professionals, the Code for Construction Product 

Information (CCPI) was created. The Code is built 

around five ‘acid tests’, derived from the Call for 

Evidence survey where most people told us that to 

be trustworthy, product information must be Clear, 

Accurate, Up-to-date, Accessible and Unambiguous. 


The Code has 11 clauses and is broken down into 

four main sections: 

1. Information creation 

Ensure rigorous sign off procedures are in place, 

that version control is used so the latest information 

is always available and ending the practice of 

misleading and/or ambiguous wording or images. 

2. Core information 

Where performance or compliance information is 

given, it must be supported by evidence. 

3. Associated information 

This covers information regarding the handling, 

installation, operation, maintenance and disposal 

of construction products. This section also 

covers guarantees and warranties, to ensure 

manufacturers are transparent about what is 

covered, excluded and required to comply with 

any terms and conditions. 

4. Support and competence 

Ensuring that people providing support and advice 

have sufficient training and knowledge for their role. 

Management & auditing 

For this Code to truly make a difference, it’s 

important compliance is independently assessed 

and verified. We don’t want manufacturers 

‘marking their own homework’, but equally, we 

need to recognise the effort behind compliance. 

So the CPA, with the support of the Considerate 

Constructors Scheme (CCS), have established 

Construction Product Information Limited (CPIL) 

– an independent, not-for-profit organisation 

that will be responsible for administering and 

managing the forthcoming Code, and auditing 

registrants. CPIL will have an independent 

Board as its governance structure with Amanda 

Long, CEO of CCS also taking on the CEO role for 

CPIL. All successful assessments will be given 

a numbered licence to demonstrate compliance 

with the CCPI. The licence will be valid for one 

year and subject to ongoing assessment. 

Working together for change 

Ideally, we’d like the Code to go live in June 2021, 

with the first companies being CCPI approved 

by the end of the year. But before we reach that 

point, we need your help. 

We are running an industry-wide consultation 

from 1 February 2021 to 31 March 2021 to gather 

feedback on the Code, its launch and the ongoing 

management and policing of it. 

Why are we asking you to take part? Because we 

are all in this together. Construction products are 

used throughout the life cycle of a building and 

have a critical impact on safety, energy efficiency 

and performance. Whether you are making 

windows and doors, specifying them, fitting them 

or maintaining them, we all need to be confident 

that the products we come into contact with 

everyday behave and perform as they should. It’s 

your reputation on the line. 

The country is watching how we respond to 

Grenfell and while our industry’s integrity has 

been damaged, we can demonstrate our strength 

by rising to the challenge and building a legacy of 

safer buildings. 

The CCPI Consulation Report gives further 

details on the proposed new code 

For more information, read the Consultation 

report at: https://bit.ly/36Zn5w9 and then tell us 

what you think before 31 March 2021. 

“Our industry’s integrity 

has been damaged but 

we can demonstrate 

our strength by rising 

to the challenge and 

building a legacy of 

safer buildings” 

www.buildingsafely.co.uk 


FEB/MAR 2021 T F 17

Aluminium 

ALUMINIUM INSIGHTS FOR 2021 

With Brexit and Covid-19 issues still very much with us, Adrian Toon, board director 

at the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB), analyses the data with regard to the 

aluminium fenestration sector and the wider construction industry. 

CAB’s 2020 final quarter ‘State of the Trade 

Survey’ showed a distinct caution within 

the fenestration industry compared to 

the wider construction industry. CAB’s survey 

is taken from its membership and the results 

benchmarked against the wider construction 

industry by the CPA. Normally CAB members fare 

much better, or are more optimistic than that of 

the general construction industry, but the last 

report of 2020 offers an interesting insight. 

Only 36% of the CAB membership, on balance, 

said that their historic sales, which reflect the 

fourth quarter of 2020 against the third quarter 

of 2020, had increased compared to 85% on 

balance of the wider construction industry. 

Looking forward to the first quarter of 2021, on 

balance, only 32% of CAB members expected 

sales to increase, whilst 48% on balance of the 

wider construction industry expected sales to 

increase. The change could be reflecting the delay 

in which the supply of aluminium fenestration 

follows some time after building starts on site. 

The year ended with a net balance of 14% of 

CAB members suggesting that sales volumes had 

reduced in the previous year. 

The main driving factor for CAB members remains 

the costs of materials and obviously the exchange 

rate, as much of the UK’s aluminium is imported. 

Looking forward, 62% of CAB members suggested 

that the demand for product would be the likely 

constraining factor in business for the next 12 

months, reflecting the conservative figure in both 

reported historic and expected sales forecasts. 

Looking at capacity utilisation and companies 

that are operating at over 90% of capacity, less 

than 50% of CAB members suggested they were 

running at this level and there does not seem to 

be an expected improvement in the year ahead. 

The wider construction industry is faring a little 

better, but the restrictions imposed by the Covid- 

19 outbreak continue to make business difficult 

for most. 

On balance, 27% of members have indicated that 

labour costs during the last year have increased, 

and on balance 64% of members expect that there 

will be further increases in cost in the year ahead. 

Both historic and expected costs remain higher 

than that of the wider construction industry. 

Encouraging to see is that capital investment 

from CAB members, on net balance across all 

capital assets, is set to double in the year ahead, 

suggesting confidence in the coming months. 

Construction output will rise 

The Construction Products Association (CPA) 

anticipates that construction output in 2021 

will rise by 14% with the largest growth rates in 

2021 expected to be in infrastructure at 32%, 

public housing RM&I at 21% and industrial 

construction by 19%. The CPA’s main scenario 

for 2022 anticipates that construction output will 

rise by a further 4.9%, with the largest growth 

rates expected to be in public housing (10%) and 

industrial construction (8.5%). Obviously, these 

figures are based on combating the Covid-19 virus 

as one of the main restrictions we currently face. 

In fenestration circles, whilst commercial newbuild 

and refurbishment outlooks may be a little 

cautious, there is a possibility that the home 

improvement sector could bounce back after the 

current lockdown, as it did for the first lockdown 

in 2020. With homeowners looking to spend 

capital not spent on holidays, in improving their 

homes and property, these improvements often 

include replacement windows and doors. Whilst 

still far from the most widely used fenestration 

material in the UK today, aluminium continues to 

grow and is arguably the material of choice for 

the homeowner given its affordability. 

Despite the pandemic, it is business as usual 

at CAB and staff are on hand at the offices and 

working remotely to answer any aluminium 

fenestration related questions. Information is also 

regularly updated on the CAB website. 

Contact CAB: 

01453 828851 

www.c-a-b.org.uk 

@CABaluminium 


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Customer Service 

NON-STOP SYSTEMS SUPPORT 

Aluminium systems supplier, Alutech Systems, tells Total Fabricator how it has adapted its 

fabrication training and customer service in response to the coronavirus pandemic, to ensure 

its customers continue to thrive in testing times. 

The full extent of the impact of the 

coronavirus pandemic on the UK economy 

is still unknown. But for some businesses, 

adversity has fuelled innovation and changed 

the way they operate forever. That is certainly 

the case for West Yorkshire-based aluminium 

systems supplier, Alutech Systems, whose quick 

response to supporting customers through the 

pandemic has resulted in significant growth. 

SYSTEMS 

Despite these testing times, Alutech has 

continued to challenge the levels of customer 

service that the fenestration industry has come 

to expect from suppliers, in the way it has 

adapted its processes and procedures during the 

pandemic to continue to provide the support its 

customers need to not only survive, but thrive. 

“When lockdown began in March last year,” says 

managing director, Steve Hudson, “we quickly 

adjusted to continue the set-up training we offer 

to new customers, which is usually delivered at 

our in-house training and product demonstration 

suite or at their own premises, and instead 

deliver it virtually via a live online video link. 

“We also produced a series of fabrication 

training videos for our YouTube channel, 

designed to work alongside 

our technical manual for our 

BF73 system for bi-folding 

and French doors, enabling 

our customers to review any 

technical training information 

accessibly and easily, at a time 

that suits them. 

“As part of our ‘new normal’ 

going forward, virtual training 

will continue as a fantastic 

addition to our available services, 

enabling our friendly and skilled 

Above and below: Set-up training for new 

customers is now delivered virtually, via 

video link. Right: Fabrication training videos 

are available on Alutech’s YouTube channel 

training staff to connect with 

customers around the country 

from the comfort of their own 

warehouse.” 

Alutech’s adaptability, hardworking 

staff and huge stock capacity has certainly 

stood the company in good stead, with volumes 

up 50% last summer. Existing customers have 

grown and new ones have come on board, in 

favour of Alutech’s personal, 

friendly approach to customer 

service, on which the business 

is founded. 

Steve adds, “Our customers 

come to us wanting more than 

to be treated like a number and 

that’s not how we do things 

here. We like to be on first 

name terms and will work 

closely with each customer 

from one order to the next. 

“Customer experience is 

everything to us, nothing it 

is too much trouble and we believe in going the 

extra mile by doing the little things that count a 

lot. Such as, taking the time to individually wrap 

each length of profile for every order to ensure it 

arrives in perfect condition, cutting down on the 

time spent on remakes and returns. We also offer 

flexibility when it comes to delivering profile, so 

our customers get what they want, when they 

need it. And thanks to our large storage facility in 

Yorkshire, we’ve been able to hold many weeks’ 

worth of finished product and hardware, right 

here in the UK, available for immediate delivery, 

throughout the pandemic. This has allowed us to 

maintain our five-day delivery on stocked product.” 

Contact Alutech Systems: 

01924 350 110 

alutechsystems.co.uk 

@AlutechSystems 


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2021 Forecast 

SYSTEMS 

REASONS TO BE CHEERFUL IN 2021? 

While 2020 is behind us, the impact of Covid-19 is not and many are wondering what this 

year will bring. Kevin Warner, Exlabesa Building System’s sales director, argues that while 

some difficulties are inevitable, there are plenty of opportunities for the fenestration sector. 

F 

enestration weathered the coronavirus crisis 

of 2020 better than most industries. Retail 

and hospitality were devastated. Travel and 

tourism were forced to close down almost entirely. 

But partly through a summer where millions were 

shut inside and forced to face home imperfections 

that otherwise would’ve been easy to ignore, 

and partly through people diverting income that 

normally might’ve gone on pricey foreign holidays, 

the glazing sector has boomed. 

After the first extremely challenging lockdown 

of 2020, fabricators and installers returned to 

find shockingly high demand for their services 

– so much so that many struggled to keep up, 

particularly given the severe disruption to the 

supply chain. 

The second half of the year went on to be one of the 

most buoyant periods in the history of fenestration. 

Over the Christmas period, naturally, things 

slowed – and while 2020 is finally over, the crisis 

isn’t. Coronavirus is still very much a present 

threat, and even with the roll out of the vaccines, 

we are unlikely to see substantial changes until 

mid-2021. 

But at Exlabesa Building Systems, we’re confident 

that 2021 will be a positive, prosperous period for 

UK glass and glazing. 

Construction-led recovery? 

For the first quarter of this year at least, we know 

we’ll still be riding the wave of the post-lockdown 

boom that kicked-in last summer. Many of our 

customers are fully-booked months in advance, 

and I can easily see them being busy well into Q2. 

After that, it’s much harder to say. It’s possible 

that this summer might look something like the 

last – with much of the population vaccinated, 

life could start to get back to something 

“Millions of 

homes will 

need upgrades 

to windows and 

doors if they’re 

going to be fit for a net 

zero future” 

approaching reality, but I suspect it will be a 

while before millions of people are able to start 

jetting around the world again. 

In that scenario, you can foresee people again 

using their disposable income to make the most 

of warmer weather in the UK, by installing patio 

doors, bi-folds, balustrades, balconies and other 

products that help blur the lines between indoors 

and outdoors. 

One thing we know from past recessions is that 

governments often make housebuilding and 

construction more generally a major part of their 

plans for economic recovery. 

In the UK, Downing Street has repeatedly stated 

its intention to ‘build back better’, and I think 

it’s certainly possible that fenestration could 

benefit from a government-backed increase in 

construction projects around the country in the 

year ahead. 

Climate back in the spotlight 

As we gradually get on top of the pandemic 

throughout 2021, I think we’ll see climate change 

quickly take corona’s place as the world’s most 

urgent priority – and dominate the conversation 

in our sector and the country more generally 

between now and 2050. 

Again, that presents opportunities 

for fenestration. Millions of 

homes around the country 

will need renovation work – 

including upgrades to windows 

and doors – if they’re going to be 

fit for a net zero future. 

New products in the pipeline 

At Exlabesa Building Systems, we’ve got ambitious 

plans for the months ahead – including the launch 

of new product lines, and a raft of enhancements 

to our already extensive existing range. 

After a long year of Zoom and Teams calls, we’re 

very excited for the chance to showcase all this 

and more at the FIT Show in September. 

We’re sure it might look a little different 

than normal, but we’re still looking forward 

to reminding the industry of the outstanding 

selection of products Exlabesa Building Systems 

can provide. 

Contact Exlabesa Building Systems: 

01302 762500 

www.exlabesa.co.uk 

@exlabesaBS_UK 


Updates 

GARNALEX LAUNCHES SHEERLINE PRESTIGE 

Garnalex has launched Sheerline Prestige, described as its most 

versatile and thermally efficient aluminium window and door system. 

Featuring a full-depth Eurogroove, Prestige lets fabricators use their existing 

PVC-U hardware to streamline manufacturing, and according to Garnalex, is 

set to help ‘redefine installer expectations’ in 2021. 

Prestige boasts what Garnalex claims is the widest range of window styles 

and includes doors and French doors. The system is available in the same 

style options and 12 stocked colours as Classic, Sheerline’s ultra slim 

window system. Prestige also includes 28-44mm glazing options and a 

choice of small, intermediate and large outer frames to accommodate 

different plaster lines and window reveals for a perfect finish for any size and 

style of home. 

Prestige was developed from Sheerline’s core principles of beautiful 

aesthetics, top performance and innovative, fabricator and installer-friendly 

design. Built around Sheerline’s Thermavic multi-chamber, thermal design, 

U-values are as low as 0.9 W/(m²K) for triple glazing and 1.3 U-value W/ 

(m²K) double glazed. Sheerline’s cills feature this same technology coupled 

with innovative in-built weather sealing that keep draughts and rain safely 

outside. Prestige also incorporates Sheerline’s patented corner jointing 

method, ‘making it easy and quick to fabricate beautiful, easily repeatable 

perfect corners, time and time again’ according to Garnalex. 

Roger Hartshorn, Garnalex CEO, said: “The launch of Sheerline Prestige 

is timely. The market remains strong and consumer demand for high 

performance, beautiful products is soaring. Sheerline is perfectly poised to 

help fabricators and installers benefit from this demand. Our first system, 

Sheerline Classic, is a super-slim specialist window, ideal for replacing 

traditional steel-framed windows or contemporary properties. Our second 

system, Sheerline Prestige is our most versatile system with beautiful looks, 

and doors and French doors, and a choice of sizes and designs to suit any 

type of property. The feedback from fabricators has been extremely positive 

and we’re excited about the year ahead.” www.sheerline.com 

TECHNAL SYSTEMS TRANSFORM DATED OFFICE 

Technal aluminium window, curtain walling and doors have been 

specified and installed at Heathervale House – transforming the 

outdated office development. 

Situated in the centre of Royal Tunbridge Wells, Heathervale House is a 

commercial property, which has been used as an office space for decades. 

Originally clad in brick, slate and hung tile, the building had started to show 

signs of disrepair, looking tired and dilapidated. To bring it back to life, the 

building owner developed plans to undertake a wide scale refurbishment 

and extension of the property. Following a feasibility study, the building was 

handed across to design-led architectural practice, MortonScarr. 

From the outset, MortonScarr recognised how important updated glazing 

systems would be in improving the aesthetics and performance of the 

building, both internally and externally. Previously, Heathervale House had 

featured small, brown-framed windows, which limited how much sunlight 

those inside the offices received through the day. 

Explaining how the architectural aluminium systems supplier got involved, 

Technal project consultant, Graeme MacInnes said: “MortonScarr 

contacted us at an early stage of the design process to provide the build 

team with technical advice on how it could best achieve its vision whilst 

improving the building’s external envelope performance. One of the project 

team’s key ambitions was to incorporate more glazing products into the 

build, to create a much brighter, lighter space.” 

The entire façade of the original three-storey building was re-clad with 

concrete tiles, with projecting brass window boxes also incorporated. 

The window boxes, which feature Technal systems, added visual 

relief to the building externally, whilst maximising internal vistas for 

occupants. www.technal.com/en/uk/ 


SYSTEMS 

TWO-DECADE TECHNICAL PARTNERSHIP FOR SENIOR 

A 20-year partnership between Senior Architectural Systems and Rapierstar demonstrates how a 

continued focus on fastening systems is a key factor in achieving long-term success for window, 

door and curtain walling systems. 

Senior Architectural Systems is approaching 30 years in the market and is renowned for the continuous 

innovation which has delivered a technically superior range of UK designed and made aluminium systems. 

Rapierstar worked closely with Senior in the original development of the SF52, launched in 2015, to ensure 

the suite of fasteners recommended for the assembly of the curtain wall provides a robust, reliable fix for the 

duration of the installation’s service life and beyond. This included developing a bespoke screw to fix a cleat 

that was key to the success of the system, and five years on Rapierstar is supplying an average of between 60,000-70,000 of these fasteners every month. 

Rapierstar fasteners have been tested with all Senior’s aluminium systems which gives any fabricator of SF52 and its other systems full confidence in the 

long-term success of an installation. www.rapierstar.com 

A Rapierstar stainless steel self-tapping drill point screw, 

which is typically used in products manufactured using 

Senior Architectural Systems’ aluminium profiles 

SHEERLINE LAUNCHES DEDICATED VIDEO WEBSITE 

Garnalex has produced a suite of high impact, engaging videos to support the launch of Sheerline 

Classic. With a dedicated website, www.sheerlinevideo.com, Garnalex’s practical videos tell fabricators 

and installers everything they need to know about this groundbreaking new window system. 

The quality videos, which are short, bite-size length for quick and easy viewing, demonstrate clearly 

Sheerline’s innovations and key benefits. A useful reference and sales aid for fabricators and installers, 

the comprehensive library covers a range of practical topics including: Assembly; Installing and 

deglazing; Installer and fabricators benefits; Maintaining Sheerline aluminium windows for homeowners. 

Garnalex CEO, Roger Hartshorn said: “Sheerline is so innovative – and different from older aluminium 

systems – that it needs to be seen to be believed. We’d originally invested in a state-of-the-art training suite but with Covid-19 restrictions likely to be 

in place for some months, we realised we needed to adapt. So, we commisioned this series of practical and easy-to-digest videos so fabricators and 

installers can start fabricating, selling and installing Sheerline straight away to maximise their sales... The response has been very positive – and it’s 

great to see so many fabricators and installers using our dedicated video library website so frequently.” www.sheerlinevideo.com 

SPECTUS FLUSH TILT & TURN WINDOWS SPECIFIED 

Some 200 Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn windows were specified for a 60-home extra care development 

in Grimsby. The three-storey building, Burchester Court, comprises of 60 one and two-bedroom 

apartments, all with accessible and open plan living space. 

With contemporary design a key feature of the new development, the window contractor choices were critical. 

Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn windows are an ideal solution for both medium- and high-rise buildings such 

as residential housing, offices, hospitals and universities. Specifically designed to prevent the framework 

from overlapping to give a more ‘flush’ appearance, a high-performance centre seal system with optional 

third weather seal means the window can achieve a Window Energy Rating of A++ with double glazing 

and a U-value of 0.8 W/(m 2 K) with triple glazing. The Spectus Flush Tilt & Turn is suitable for large window apertures and can accommodate opening sizes 

of 1,464mm x 2,314mm with a sash weight load of 150kg. A triple seal is also available for improved weather and thermal performance. 

In this project, the sleek look of the windows, combined with a grey on white colour, created the contemporary look required. www.spectus.co.uk 



Composite Doors 

ENGINEERED FOR SUCCESS 

Dan Sullivan, MD of composite door manufacturer, DOORCO, tells Total Fabricator why 

the company’s new solid core composite door, engineered using GRiPCORE Technology, is 

pushing boundaries. 

DOORCO is driven by innovating products 

which help our customers stand out from 

the crowd in the increasingly competitive 

composite door market. We have unique doors 

in our portfolio, like the leading contemporary 

composite door Monza II, the unrivalled 

aluminium alternative LINKS, the versatile and 

fashionable Farmhouse and the 6/4 Combi for 

easy manufacturing of traditional styles. All these 

products have one thing in common – a traditional 

foam filled core. Developing a DOORCO solid core 

door was a logical step for us. 

A solid core composite door is not groundbreaking, 

therefore DOORCO needed to create something that 

really pushed the boundaries and engineer out all 

the issues consumers face with the current market. 

With GRiPCORE Technology we have done just 

that, thanks to our collective experience and new 

specialist partners. 

“It is truly the most 

engineered door I have 

ever seen” 

What is GRiPCORE? 

GRiPCORE Technology is a hybrid of modern 

and traditional materials. It has the same 4mm 

GRP skins as the rest of our products, which are 

pressed on to a unique matrix of cross laminated 

engineered timber and hardwood stiles and 

rails. Safety and security have been built into 

GRiPCORE’s DNA, delivering a stronger, heavier 

and more robust door that will not crack, move or 

de-laminate. It is truly the most engineered door 

I have ever seen. In fact, we are so confident in 

the product and the engineering and investment 

behind it, we are offering a 10 Year Warranty on 

all GRiPCORE doors, with a further guarantee that 

the door blank will not move/bow/twist more than 

3mm in that time. Both will give you and your 

customers confidence for years to come. 

Launching GRiPCORE 

The new GRiPCORE doors will be available in the 

next few months and if you are an existing DOORCO 

customer, very little investment is required to 

introduce the new range into your product portfolio. 

GRiPCORE’s manufacturing requirements do 

not vary from our standard door product, so no 

additional tooling or equipment is required. Stock 

is also often a big challenge, so we’ve made this 

simpler too: GRiPCORE is available in a one size 

fits all 914mm blank. This means that from one 

slab, you can make all required door sizes which 

minimises complex ordering and storage, saving 

you time and money. 

To put it simply, as the majority of our existing 

door styles are available, GRiPCORE is a premium 

DOORCO alternative. We will, of course, be 

launching some bespoke glass and colour options 

to match and a new suite of marketing materials 

to support your sales. This includes a new stateof-the-art 

video illustrating how GRiPCORE is 

made, which can be viewed on the homepage of 

our website. 

We are really excited about GRiPCORE’s potential 

and anticipate it being a real game-changer for 

DOORCO and the composite door market as a 

whole. 

Contact DOORCO: 

01625 428955 

www.door-co.com 

@DOORCO_Official 


GRiPCORE technology is 

a hybrid of modern and 

traditional materials. 

DOORCO’s signature 4mm GRP skins are pressed on 

to a unique matrix of cross laminated engineered 

timber and hardwood stiles and rails. 

Safety and security have been built into GRiPCORE’s 

DNA, delivering a stronger, heavier and more robust 

door that will not crack, move or de-laminate. 

Available as a one size fits all 914mm (44mm) door. 

Register your interest today → 

01625 428955 

Email. info@door-co.com | Visit. www.door-co.com 

Motorway House | Charter Way | Macclesfield | Cheshire | SK10 2NY

Fire Doors 

A 'GAME-CHANGING' FIRE DOOR 

The Guardsman composite fire door is the result of a two-year, six figure development by 

ODL Europe in conjunction with Capstone Engineering. Nathan Barr, managing director at 

ODL Europe, discusses its development, features and benefits with Total Fabricator. 

What prompted the Guardsman’s development? 

Our goal was simple: to develop a 30-minute 

composite fire door that offered reliable 

performance and consistent test results. We 

wanted to develop a product that would perform 

over and above anything else currently seen in 

the composite fire door market. 

What was the biggest challenge when 

developing the door? 

There were two key challenges we needed 

to overcome. We needed a material that would 

replace the phenolic foam core that’s at the heart 

of most composite fire doors. We also needed a 

design that would consistently meet the required 

standards even when assembled by different 

fabricators. We worked with the engineers at our 

partners Capstone, the world-leading supplier of 

composite doors. We also enlisted the help of a 

handful of experienced fire door fabricators and 

we then put a six-figure investment sum behind 

the development. 

How does the door perform in tests? 

To know we had succeeded, we set ourselves the 

toughest test. The doors would have to be tested 

to the European fire test standard of BS EN 1634- 

1:2008, the more onerous test standard required 

by Part B of building regulations. This would give 

evidence of our success because many other 

fire doors on the market still rely on BS476-22 

test evidence. While this means they meet legal 

standards because it’s listed as an alternative 

standard in Part B of building regulations, it doesn’t 

take a door out of its comfort zone. We wanted to 

do better. At ODL Europe we have a saying ‘good 

enough, isn’t good enough’ and with the safety 

performance and responsibility of a fire door, we 

needed to ensure that we were delivering something 

over and above anything else in the market. 

You have described the Guardsman as a 

‘gamechanger’. How does it differ from the 

composite fire doors currently on the market? 

You only have to look at the headline benefits. The 

Guardsman’s performance – in both glazed and 

unglazed versions and across multiple fabricators 

– has proved unrivalled and most importantly, 

consistent. Consistency in fire door performance 

is critical and our Guardsman door slab has 

achieved the same consistent results, with several 

fabricators during rigorous testing. We set out to 

develop a 30-minute fire door and in our most 

recent tests, the doors achieved, on average, a 

100% overrun past the 30-minute mark. In some 

instances, they achieved over 70 minutes. 

We tested the doors in conjunction with our 

market-leading TriSYS glazing cassettes and 

TS008 letterplates. Both achieved ratings far in 

excess of anything they’ve achieved with any other 

composite fire door and we don’t say that lightly. 

We have the testing evidence to back this up. 

Nathan Barr 

Of course, the fire rating was the critical element 

for us. But we knew there were other factors that 

were important. For fabricators, that means the 

Guardsman can be fabricated to a range of sizes 

from just two base designs. This comes on top 

of the reassuring reliability of the fire resistance 

ratings. And the quality of the 2mm GRP facings 

and the classic low maintenance benefits of a 

composite door mean it is able to withstand the 

rigours of day-to-day life. 

What is Agrifiber and what are the 

environmental benefits? 

Our first challenge was to the replace the 

phenolic foam core. In its place, we are using 

Agrifiber, which is a board material made from 

resin-bonded agricultural fibres. At the right 

density, it has the superb structural properties 

and the excellent fire resistance we needed. It’s 

also a green building product, which will help 

specifiers wanting to maximise the environmental 

standards of a scheme. We’ve coupled Agrifiber 


“We believe that Guardsman can kickstart a step 

change in the composite fire door sector and deliver 

better, more reliable fire protection” 

with hardwood stiles and rails and Capstone GRP 

skins. It means we have developed an exceptional 

composite fire door with all the superior qualities 

of a Capstone door. 

What advantages does Agrifiber hold over the 

phenolic foam traditionally used in fire doors? 

Agrifiber is stronger and more stable than the 

phenolic foam that most other composite fire doors 

within the market use. It offers consistent material 

densities, which delivers the same consistently 

exceptional fire resistance results every time. 

We believe that Guardsman can kickstart a step 

change in the composite fire door sector and 

deliver better, more reliable fire protection. 

What are the specific benefits of the 

Guardsman for fabricators? 

We are working with strategic fabricating partners 

who are undertaking independent testing as 

a criteria of supply. The Guardsman Fire Door 

can be manufactured to suit any structural door 

aperture in a range of door styles from just two 

base designs. 

What are the colour options? And what about 

security, weather testing and warranties? 

Colour: Black, white and grey. 

Testing: The Guardsman Fire Door has been 

independently tested to the European fire test 

standard of EN 1634-1:2008. 

Security: The Guardsman Fire Door has been 

tested and complies to PAS24:2016 accreditation. 

Environmental Standards: Timbers used in the 

manufacturing of the Guardsman Fire Door slab 

are subject to FSC chain of custody certification, 

ensuring they are from sustainable sources. 

Management: Capstone and ODL Europe operate 

certified management systems to ISO 9001 and 

ISO 14001. 

Manufacturing: The Guardsman Fire Door 

slab is manufactured as part of the BM Trada 

Q-Mark scheme, which means we have full 

manufacturing traceability. 

Memberships: ODL Europe are members of the 

Association of Composite Door Manufacturers 

(ACDM), which means that all our door slabs are 

tested to and comply with all current UK standards. 

What’s next for ODL Europe when it comes to doors? 

2021 has already seen the launch of two 

new door slabs – Deco and Moderne. The 

new Moderne door taps into the trend for 

contemporary door design and offers elegant 

modern detailing throughout. And the new Deco 

door is a cottage door design that gives the 

sophisticated heritage styling that is so popular at 

the moment. Both door slabs were as the result 

of customer feedback and deliver on the latest 

trends in composite door design. As for the future 

– I would just say, watch this space! 

Contact ODL Europe: 

0151 933 0299 

www.odleurope.com 

@ODL_Europe 



Updates 

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

GET IN THE GROOVE WITH INFINITY EXPANSION 

Distinction Doors’ popular Infinity Collection has been extended for 2021 with the addition of 10 striking 

new designs, featuring distinctive groove detailing and a variety of glazing apertures. 

Distinction Doors has reported a huge increase in demand for its products over the past 12 months as 

consumers spend more on home improvements during the pandemic. The buoyant market prompted the 

entrance door supplier to expand its Infinity Collection – a premium set of ‘on-trend’ grooved door styles. 

The 10 new designs all feature five grooved horizontal lines running the full width of the door. Building on the 

unswerving popularity of Distinction’s top 10 best-seller, the original grooved design – GD01, GD07 is available 

as a solid door. 

For those homeowners who wish to add natural light to their home, GD08, GD09 and GD10 all come with 

glazing apertures, each with three options for positioning – left, centre and right. Glazing to complete and 

complement the new door designs is available through Distinction Glass. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk 

NEW HYBRID SLIDING SYSTEM FOR HIGH-RISE LIVING 

Designed to ‘future-proof’ for an ageing population, more extreme weather conditions and increasingly 

noisy, high-rise cities, Technal has launched Tigal. This new, hybrid sliding aluminium system combines the 

advantages of a sliding door with the high performance of a window, and is especially suitable for tall buildings. 

Designed to provide quiet, comfortable surroundings for occupiers whilst performing well in challenging high-rise 

conditions, Technal has paid particular attention to Tigal’s design. Combining sleek lines and concealed hardware, it 

delivers a balanced aesthetic that won’t detract from the overall design intent of the building. 

This hybrid system combines multi-point locking around the perimeter and Technal says its patented central 

sealing system guarantees exceptional water-tightness performance which is up to four times better than a 

traditional sliding door. www.technal.co.uk 

WINDOW WARE'S NEW EBROCHURE IS OUT 

Independent hardware supplier, Window Ware, has launched its new commercial door hardware ebrochure. 

Featuring 20 pages packed with closing solutions for all kinds of commercial aluminium doors developed by Axim 

Architectural Hardware, the ebrochure is the final piece of a launch campaign which started back in March 2020 but got 

interrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic. 

The ebrochure showcases Axim’s collection of durable, easy-fitting EN 1154-complaint concealed overhead transom 

closers, including the TC8800 transom closer and its longer spindle variant, the TC9600 – both top choices for 

commercial door fabricators – as well as the fully adjustable TC9900, which Window Ware describes as ‘the go-to 

replacement closer for many a door repair’. The Axim commercial door hardware ebrochure is available to read now in 

the download section at: www.windowware.co.uk 

ONE DOOR SYSTEM THAT DOES IT ALL 

Alutech says it is taking away the headache of having to stock multiple systems by offering fabricators one 

system that caters for all door styles with the BF73 aluminium door system. 

Whether the project is a single door, French door or bi-folding door, they can all be fabricated from the same BF73 

system. The system is so versatile that it can cater for projects that call for shaped frames, fixed frames, sidelights, 

astragal bars, blinds in glass and can even be used as an entrance door with optional inserted aluminium panels. 

The BF73 system has been designed to be quick and easy to fabricate and install. The system offers a unique 

adjustable jamb feature for maximum adjustability during the installation stage. The optional adjustable jamb offers 

easier installs with 4mm tolerance. Alutech says its aluminium door systems also offer high levels of security, thermal 

efficiency, noise reduction and weather proofing. www.alutechsystems.co.uk 


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Roundbrand 



FIT Show Q&A: Nickie West 

'I CANNOT WAIT TO DO WHAT WE DO 

BEST WHEN WE OPEN THE DOORS' 

Hot on the heels of announcing its new September 26th – 28th dates, we chat to FIT Show 

event director Nickie West about the challenges of the past year and what people can expect 

when the show opens its doors later this year... 

TF: It’s been a very difficult year or so for 

the live events sector – what’s been going 

on behind the scenes at FIT Show? 

NW: Well, we have become quite good at 

changing dates, which isn’t something I wanted 

to add to my repertoire. Across the event industry, 

we have all had to adapt to the challenges 

presented by the ever-changing impact of the 

global COVID-19 pandemic. But we are a resilient 

bunch, we know how to manage even the most 

challenging of situations, we know how to run 

safe and secure events and I know that the 

events industry will return stronger than ever as 

soon as the Government gives the go ahead to 

do so. 

Behind the scenes we have very much been 

focusing on enhancing our proposition to meet 

the changing needs of the market. We’re in a 

very fortunate position in the sector because of 

the uplift in home improvement demands on the 

back of the amount of time people have spent at 

home during the various lockdown periods. We’ll 

be introducing new features, such as our outdoor 

living focus, as a direct reflection of the demand 

within the market. 

We have also been putting exciting plans in place 

to increase the lifetime value of the show. We’ve 

worked on our brand story and have also been 

exploring new and innovative ways to work with 

exhibitors to develop content that will add value 

to a visitor both pre and post FIT Show. A great 

example of this is the ‘WorkSmart’ campaign we 

have just launched with Business Pilot to help 

installers increase profitability. We have had 

more time to develop our content and this will 

directly benefit our FIT Show audience. 

“It’s going to be a very 

exciting showcase 

of the very latest 

products from every 

corner of the industry” 

Many exhibition organisers opted 

for virtual events – was this ever a 

consideration for FIT Show in some format 

– even in addition to the Live event? 

A virtual FIT Show was never on the cards, nor 

is it on the horizon any time in the future. FIT 

Show is all about face-to-face connections, 

seeing the latest products up close, being able 

to compare them side-by-side. You cannot do 

this virtually. I am yet to see one example of 

an online alternative to a B2B trade show that 

has delivered. Yes, virtual has a role to play in 

enhancing the show experience, such as hybrid 

events, or in delivering learning content, but it 

doesn’t match up to the power of live events. 

We are already looking at ways to increase the 

shelf life of the content delivered at FIT Show, and 

how we can extend our whole offering above and 

beyond the three physical days at the show. You 

can expect to see some hybrid elements to our 

next instalment, but it will be very much the live 

FIT Show platform that our audience expects with 

enhancements rather than replacements” 

It’s exciting to have the new dates in place 

– what has the response been like to the 

announcement? Are you getting a strong 

feeling people will be happy to be back at 

live events? 

Nickie West, FIT Show event director 

We’re really pleased to have secured new dates 

for the show later in the year, when we feel we 

will be in a much stronger position to deliver a 

successful FIT Show for the industry. As always, 

our community has thrown its weight behind the 

dateline. As well as moving our exhibitors over to 

the new dateline, we have also attracted some 

exciting new brands on the back of the new date 

announcement. 

The sentiment across the sector is very much that 

people are desperate to get back to face-to-face 

business. In addition to the need for face-to-face 

interaction, there has been no industry event 

since 2019 and throughout this time businesses 

have still been developing new products. Brands 

are relying on FIT Show as a platform to bring 

these products to market. It’s going to be a very 

exciting showcase of the very latest products from 

every corner of the industry – and a celebration of 

bringing everyone back together again. 

With regards to the format of the show, 

will you have any measures in place and 

do you envisage any differences in terms 

of social distancing, hand sanitisers, 

stand layouts etc.? 


FIT Show will still have the same award-winning 

look and feel that the industry expects from our 

event. We will be running one seminar theatre 

in September with an extremely comprehensive 

learning programme and will be introducing new 

demonstration and meeting areas so that we can 

give our audience more opportunities to see the 

latest products in action and build connections. 

In terms of mask wearing and hand sanitizing, 

we will follow whatever guidelines are in place at 

the time. Our operations team are staying abreast 

of the ever-changing guidelines for running safe 

events, which might include rapid testing and 

screening. Whatever happens over the next few 

months, I can assure our audience that we will 

deliver a safe and successful FIT Show when we 

are allowed to do so. 

Do you feel the types of challenges the 

pandemic has presented for fabricators 

and installers around supply of materials, 

working in the home, remote-selling etc. 

will influence seminars and debates at 

this year’s FIT Show? 

We will absolutely be addressing key industry 

issues as part of the FIT Show 2021 learning 

programme. We have not finalised the seminar 

programme as yet, but our core pillars will 

include; ‘doing better business’, ‘sustainability’, 

‘innovation’ and ‘legislation’. We expect that 

these topics will evolve significantly over the 

coming months, especially as we see the full 

impact of Brexit and the Greener Homes rollout. 

Our learning programme will be fully up-to-date 

to help arm our visitors with the content that is 

most relevant to them at the time of the show. 

Likewise, I’m sure on the tech and 

product side there’ll be many new 

launches to assist installers and the 

supply chain, as well as present new 

offerings to the home-owner who we’re 

constantly hearing has more money to 

spend and extend… 

New products are an element I am hugely excited 

about when FIT Show returns. I’ve spoken to 

so many exhibitors who have got multiple new 

“Quite simply, we would not run FIT Show if it 

was not safe to do so. All of the necessary safety 

measures will be in place before we open the 

doors to anyone” 

products and innovations that they are going to 

be bringing to FIT Show - this will be the first time 

that visitors will have had the opportunity to see 

these products up close. 

“I’ve spoken to so 

many exhibitors who 

have got multiple 

new products and 

innovations that 

they are going to be 

bringing to FIT Show” 

In terms of new offerings, alongside the 

unprecedented surge in demand from 

homeowners for home improvements in general, 

outdoor living enhancements have seen a 

massive 64% increase in demand. To reflect 

this, we have developed a brand new ‘Outdoor 

Living’ feature which will showcase everything 

from sun rooms and garden rooms through 

to conservatories and canopies, decking and 

fencing, awnings, gates and other associated 

outdoor home improvement products. 

What would your message be to potential 

exhibitors or visitors, if there are any, who 

are perhaps still reluctant to venture to 

the FIT Show this year? 

I would reassure anyone who had reservations 

about attending a live event that event organisers 

are experts in delivering safe events. We have 

dealt with various health and safety issues, from 

natural disasters through to terrorist threats. 

Quite simply, we would not run FIT Show if it 

was not safe to do so. All of the necessary safety 

measures will be in place before we open the 

doors to anyone. And, if during the run up to FIT 

Show, I did not hand-on-heart believe that we 

could deliver a safe event, we would work with 

our exhibitors and stakeholders to find a solution 

that was right for them. 

We were ahead of the curve in terms of moving 

the May show to a dateline we felt offered us all 

more room for the climate to improve, but we will 

of course remain nimble. As always, our priorities 

are protecting ROI for exhibitors and visitors, 

alongside protecting the FIT Show brand for the 

industry. 

I believe that it’s more important than ever that 

brands support FIT Show 2021. We believe that 

the exhibitor line-up will be a real marker of those 

brands that have not only survived the pandemic, 

but indeed thrived. Our team is poised and ready 

to bring new exhibitors on board and work with 

them to deliver a seamless FIT Show experience. 

What have you learned from the past year 

with regards to Live events and is there 

anything you’ll take with you from this 

experience going forward? 

Over the last year, I have been reminded how 

resilient the events industry is. We have had to 

think on our feet throughout the pandemic and 

react to the needs of the market where we would 

usually be proactive. 

The biggest thing that the pandemic has 

highlighted is that nothing beats the power of 

live events when it comes to connecting with the 

market and bringing your products and services 

to life in the live event arena. I cannot wait to do 

what we do best when we open the doors on FIT 

Show in September. 

Find out more about FIT Show / book a stand 

0207 886 3100 

fitshow.co.uk 

@fitshow #FITShow21 



Advertorial: Metal Technology 

'A TRUSTED PARTNER' IN ALL AREAS 

With a product portfolio encompassing over 30 window, door, curtain walling, brise soleil 

and louvre system solutions, and extensive experience across all sectors, it’s no surprise 

Metal Technology has established itself as a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, 

contractors and architects... 

The company 

Since 1985, Metal Technology has been 

defining spaces through its architectural 

glazing solutions and has grown to become 

one of the UK and Ireland’s leading designers 

and suppliers of bespoke aluminium window, 

door, curtain wall and solar shading systems for 

commercial and residential applications. 

Committed to excellence in all aspects of 

sustainable product design, customer service 

and technical support, the company has become 

a trusted partner of fabricators, developers, 

contractors and architects. 

Product range 

Metal Technology’s product portfolio 

encompasses over 30 window, door, curtain 

walling, brise soleil and louvre systems. Its 

Thermally Enhanced (Hi+) portfolio offers the 

designer a wide and diverse choice of profiles 

that provide structural integrity, weather 

performance, thermal enhancement and security. 

The company has recently launched a new 

65mm capped curtain walling product, System 

17-65, which has been designed specifically to 

accommodate greater floor slab deflection and 

glass movement in high-rise or multi-storey 

applications. 

Sectors 

Education 

Metal Technology has vast experience of 

providing fenestration solutions for over 1,000 

universities, colleges, schools and student 

accommodation throughout the UK. The company 

was a key supplier in a number of recently 

completed projects: the award-winning Horizon 

Heights student accommodation development 

Above, examples of projects Metal Technology have been involved with. Left: CDE Global HQ; Right: Queensferry High School 

in Liverpool, City Campus at Canterbury 

Christ Church University, the environmentally 

sustainable Queensferry High School and the 

£29m South West College in Enniskillen, which is 

Northern Ireland’s first Passivhaus Premium Plus 

education facility. 

Retail 

From leading supermarkets and shopping centres 

to high-spec showrooms, Metal Technology’s 

products have provided designers with the 

flexibility to combine aesthetic architectural 

statements with value engineered practicality, 

performance and durability. 

Leisure 

Metal Technology has supplied its design 

solutions and high-performance systems for 

major hotel groups such as Maldron, Marriott, 

Hilton and Jurys across the UK and Ireland. 

Recent developments include Hastings Grand 

Central Hotel in Belfast and Dublin’s new stateof-the-art 

Marlin Hotel. A vast range of Metal 

Technology’s systems were utilised for South 

Lake Leisure Centre, a significant new multi-use 

sports and leisure facility in Northern Ireland. 

Healthcare 

From Glasgow’s Victoria and Southern General 

Hospitals to its Maryhill Health Centre, Metal 

Technology has applied its expertise in close 

collaboration with designers to deliver financially 

economic yet technically robust solutions. 

Commercial 

Contracted for many commercial schemes 

throughout the UK, Metal Technology supplied 

their architectural glazing systems for a number 

of recently completed developments: CABI’s 

stunning new low energy headquarters in 

Wallingford, Earl Grey – the signature Grade A 

office space in Dundee, and the award-winning 

CDE Global headquarters in Cookstown. 

Residential 

Signature apartment blocks in London, Belfast 

and Manchester are excellent examples of how 

Metal Technology’s windows, curtain walling, 

sliding and bifold doors meet the aesthetic, 

security and thermal performance requirements 

of any building. Finishes can vary internally and 

externally, adding to the design possibilities, while 

the intrinsic qualities of aluminium – infinite 

recyclability, durability, strength and lightness 

mean it is one of the most sustainable building 

materials in use today. 

Contact Metal Technology: 

028 9448 7777 

metaltechnology.com 

@MetalTechAlumin 


Ultimate Security 

High-Performance 

Low U-Values 

System 10-35 Hi / Hi+ 

Commercial Door 

and Framing 

PAS24 Security Tested 

Mag locks 

Panic Exit 

Multi-point locking 

metaltechnology.com 

Providing high-performance strength and security, 

Metal Technology’s new innovative, commercial door 

and framing system has been developed to offer 

exceptionally low U-values, delivering as low as 

1.27 W/m 2 K with double glazing and 0.93 W/m 2 K with 

triple glazing. Ideal for high traffic locations within the 

commercial, health, education or retail sector. 

Multi-point locking is achievable on sash heights up 

to 3 metres and 100kgs with glazing from 28mm to 

44mm units. With the full 10-35 range of door and 

framing systems tested to PAS 24, designers can 

specify security doors with confidence. 

Follow us on

Software 

MORE THAN MACHINE LINKS 

AUTOMATION 

Nick Bailey, business development manager at window industry software supplier Business 

Micros, argues that there’s more to automation than just cutting and prepping.... 

In a typical year, the Business Micros team 

probably averages one machine link installation 

every three weeks. Over the last extraordinary 

year though, that increased to one every other 

week as fabricators invested record amounts in 

machinery to try to increase their output, while 

constrained by social distancing in their factories. 

“Using software to automate more 

factory processes can arguably 

make an even bigger impact on 

accuracy and margins than the 

CNC machine itself” 

We’re still quoting at much higher volumes on 

machine links than ever before and, with no 

sign of any tailing off in demand, I think that will 

continue for the foreseeable future. 

For most fabricators, investing in a CNC machine 

is obviously all about automating as much of the 

cutting and prepping process as possible to increase 

volumes, and maximise efficiencies and output 

per person. But it’s also about achieving greater 

accuracy, reliability and consistency and eliminating 

errors which ultimately compromise margins. 

There’s no reason though why automation needs 

to stop at cutting and prepping. Using Business 

Micros EvoNET software to automate more of the 

processes within the factory can arguably make 

an even bigger impact on accuracy and margins 

than the CNC machine itself. 

For instance, EvoNET can be used to automate 

batching – freeing up the admin time used on the 

task, improving the flow around the factory and 

making the machine itself work more efficiently. 

Users can set their own filters and batching rules 

according to how orders are placed with them so 

that when they come to release a day’s work, it 

has already been filtered by colour, product, route 

and even complexity. 

Adding EvoNET barcode scanning alongside 

allows for an even smoother journey round the 

factory and lets users know exactly where every 

frame is at every given moment. Custom scan 

points can even be added which push some 

frames ahead of others based on their priority 

status. And, once a frame is completed, EvoNET 

can even be used to trigger automated alerts for 

customers to advise that orders are ready for 

collection or set to be delivered on time. 

Despatch and delivery can be automated using 

EvoNET in exactly the same way. The software 

can be set up to pre-allocate customer orders 

onto specific delivery routes and despatch scan 

points used to ensure vans are loaded in the drop 

order set by the transport team. When the frames 

arrive at the customer, the process completes with 

a digital signature on the delivery device. This is 

automatically sent back to EvoNET and a delivery 

note is sent direct to the customer’s inbox. 

Users can add automated invoices and a whole 

raft of other custom paperwork options to the 

collection and delivery notes, and free up admin 

and processing time to reduce costs while also 

improving service and customer satisfaction levels. 

Effectively, EvoNET can eliminate the vast majority 

of paperwork, which takes out the opportunities 

for manual errors either at the fabricator or at their 

customer, and frees up time for both parties to 

focus on other areas of their business. 

As well as all the aspects of automation, 

EvoNET is also, of course, an effective business 

management and reporting system. It allows 

customers to view a real-time dashboard showing 

everything from work in progress to quality errors 

and generate reports on turnover, margins, bills 

of materials and even fitting schedules. The data 

it produces helps customers to analyse areas for 

improvement within the business, and to support 

better forecasting and optimised stockholding. 

There is wide range of standard modules 

available within EvoNET so customers can add 

the ones which are the best fit for their business 

and focus on those areas where they can 

generate the biggest payback in terms of both 

accuracy and efficiency. 

Contact Business Micros: 

01925 296105 

www.businessmicros.co.uk 

@Business_Micros 


This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed 

decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. 

© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd 

This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed 

decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. 

© Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd 

the benefits with BFRC 

Noise Reduction Ratings 

Noise Reduction 


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Company Name Ltd 

PVC-U Casement Window 

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(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or 

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Review Date: 03/08/2020 

51 

(-1,-4) 

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Door 

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(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.) 

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Review Date: 01/01/2019 

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AUTOMATION 

THANKFULLY, NOBODY'S PERFECT 

Neil Parton, managing director, Elumatec UK, explains why the pursuit of perfection is not 

always the best path to success, even when it comes to machinery... 

As I write this, it’s damp and grey and we’re 

back in another lockdown. Right now, the 

new year’s resolutions set back in January 

are starting to look somewhat optimistic but 

I’m okay with that. I’ve seen enough Januarys 

to realise that progress isn’t always smooth but 

even small steps move you forward. I also know 

that aiming for perfection doesn’t always serve 

us well. 

The joy of imperfection 

I’m thankful that we’re not perfect because it’s 

our imperfections that make us interesting. They 

are the source of so much richness, creativity and 

excitement. If you’re not sure what I mean, imagine 

you’re watching your football team. By relentless 

application, the team has achieved perfection. 

Every single member of the squad is in peak 

condition, every pass they make is judged to the 

millimetre and they never lose possession. Every 

shot on goal sails past your opponent’s keeper. 

You’d stop celebrating when the score was sixnil. 

By 10-nil you would have stopped caring 

because this is the most boring display you’ve 

ever seen. As soon as the novelty wears off, there 

is zero tension. No drama, nothing to debate, 

no attacking play on which to pin your hopes, 

no heart-in-the-mouth final injury-time minutes 

when an equaliser seems inevitable. 

Perfection isn’t only a problem in sport. It’s also 

well documented that some faces are deemed 

unattractive because they are too symmetrical, 

too cold, too alien to our expectations. We like 

our fellow humans to look human and we like 

them to be human in their behaviour too. And that 

applies across every walk of life, from the football 

pitch to the catwalk, from the shop floor to the 

boardroom. We relate to people we can relate 

to, but it’s very hard to establish rapport with 

someone who doesn’t seem to have any flaws. 

It’s imperfect and that’s okay 

I’ve used the expression ‘seem to have’ because I 

don’t believe perfect people exist, and if someone 

is trying to convince you of their perfection, you 

can bet they are feigning something. The same 

applies, of course, to plant and machinery. 

If someone tells me they are looking for the perfect 

machine, I’ll make certain they know all the pros 

and cons of what we’re offering. The last thing 

we want to do is erode long-term trust by using 

a false pretence to make a sale. If we can deliver 

something that comes close − possibly closer 

than any alternative − we’re happy, but we’re not 

blind to the fact that our machinery and software 

are still being refined by our engineers. As a 

business, Elumatec isn’t standing still. We are 

proud of what we do, but we remain determined 

to enhance our products and service. And that’s a 

good thing because thinking you are already at the 

very top of your game is a route to complacency. 

To make improvements happen, you need to 

Neil Parton 

“If you wait for 

perfection − which you 

will never find − you 

paralyse your operation” 

believe that things need improving and honesty 

about that is essential because only an honest 

appraisal will help you fix an issue. Going back 

to the football pitch, there’s no point pretending 

there’s nothing wrong with your defence if you 

concede every five minutes. 

Paralysed by perfectionism? 

But let’s go back to that search for the perfect 

machine, and let’s assume for a moment that 

it doesn’t exist. The ones on the market all 

have a drawback − it could be something like 

delivery timescale or spares availability. What 

are you going to do? Will you keep on looking for 

perfection or will you compromise? 

If you compromise, you have the capacity to 

start improving your business now. If you wait 

for perfection − which you will never find − you 

paralyse your operation. In time, because your 

competitors have capitalised on sub-optimal 

gains, you find yourself going backwards. 

Perfectionists can be crippled by their high 

standards. They might believe, wrongly, that 

they can’t be faulted, and their arrogance makes 

them unstable or difficult to work with. For other 

perfectionists, nothing is good enough, so nothing 

gets done and that’s no way to take a business 

forward. 

We’re all human. Things go wrong and during 

these exceptional times, we have sometimes 

been caught out by events, but we always strive 

to do our best − for our customers, our people 

and our community. I say forget perfection: it’s 

far smarter to aim for the best you can manage, 

with good intentions, honesty and complete 

understanding of your position. That way you will 

make progress. 

Contact Elumatec: 

01908 580 800 

www.elumatec.com 

@elumatecUK 


36 Years Experience Supplying 

Market Leading Aluminium Machinery 

to the Glazing Industry 

n Supplier of the first FOM LMX 650 

cutting line in the UK 

n Agents for Comall and FOM 

machines for over 20 years 

n Specialists in providing aluminium 

machinery solutions 

01753 885 408 

sales@rogerfranklin.co.uk 

SERVICES TO THE GLAZING INDUSTRY 

www.rogerfranklin.co.uk

Updates 

NEW MACHINERY SCALES UP PRODUCTION FOR D&I 

Fabricator D&I Window Solutions is scaling up its operation with investment in numerous 

aluminium fabrication machines from industry specialist, Haffner Murat. 

The large-scale investment is a result of D&I Window Solutions’ strategic expansion into trade manufacture. 

David Saxon, director of D&I said: “We’ve seen a considerable increase in demand for aluminium bi-folds 

in recent months and we spotted an opportunity to capitalise on the growth by expanding into the trade 

market. When it came to investing in the machinery we needed, Haffner Murat was the only choice for us.” 

D&I will be investing in six new machines in total to set up their new trade production: an Adir C 

Fom Industrie CNC machining centre, a Panda Echo 300 Fom Industrie pneumatic saw, a Quota Base 

Fom Industrie 3m discharge roller table, a Porter Fom Industrie 3m infeed roller table, a Crab XL Fom 

Industrie corner crimper & rollertable, and a TT 405 Haffner Murat double mitre saw. 

www.haffnermurat.com 

PREMO IS FIRST IN THE UK WITH QUADRA L3 

Premo Fabrications is the first façade manufacturer in the UK to take delivery of a new L3 version of 

Emmegi’s flagship, 20-axes Quadra aluminium machining centre. 

The L0, L1 and L2 versions of the Quadra can all cut, drill and machine in one single operation, delivering huge 

advances in efficiency, but the L3 adds an extra dimension with a secondary module equipped with a dual drilling 

unit. This can mill, drill and tap at any angle on the ends of the profile as well as on the horizontal, allowing 

companies like Premo to broaden the options they can offer in unitised curtain walling. 

Jack Tait, the facades production manager at Premo Fabrications, explained the benefits of the new machine: 

“This dual drilling unit opens up additional new business streams for us and gives us capabilities which go beyond 

our immediate needs but which we know will be useful in the future.” www.emmegi.com 

Premo Fabrications has taken 

delivery of a new Emmegi Quadra L3 

FABRICATOR INVESTS £96K IN NEW MACHINERY 

Colin Shorney, managing 

director at Dudley’s 

Cardiff-based aluminium fabricator, Dudley’s Aluminium, has invested £96,000 in state-of-the-art machinery as it 

continues to work on a number of important projects throughout the UK. 

The company has purchased a Phantomatic M3 CNC machining centre, featuring three controlled axes allowing processing on 

three sides of the workpiece, as well as an electronic double mitre saw complete with a swarf extractor and connection kit. 

The machines have both been purchased from Emmegi, a leading supplier of advanced equipment for aluminium, light alloy and 

steel fabricators, to complement Dudley’s existing major CNC machining centre. 

CNC machining is a process used in the manufacturing sector that involves the use of computers to control machine tools. The 

new and existing equipment will be able to read each other’s programmes as well as standardising operation and maintenance 

procedures, leading to improved product accuracy, increased output and shorter lead times. 

AN ALUMINIUM 'FIRST' FOR SHEERLINE 

In what is said be an industry first for aluminium, Sheerline fabricators can now use Sheerline’s product 

database on Business Micros Evolution, First Degree and LogiKal. 

While it is common for PVC-U systems companies to provide compatibility with multiple software systems, 

Sheerline, by Garnalex, says it is the only aluminium systems company to offer this benefit and its software 

partners ‘make it quick and easy for fabricators to set up with Sheerline’. 

Adrian Girling (pictured right), Garnalex’s software development director, said: “We understand the importance 

of user-friendly software systems for fabricators. The Garnalex team has a lot of in-house experience of using 

this type of software and we’re delighted to offer compatibility with Business Micros Evolution, First Degree and 

LogiKal. www.sheerline.com 


AUTOMATION 

For further info on all these updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

STERNFENSTER INVESTS IN PRECISION CRIMPING 

Sternfenster has invested in state-of-the-art aluminium crimping technology, bringing new levels 

precision to its aluminium product lines. 

Its new 4-head Ever Theta frame crimping machine from FOM brings exceptional accuracy to manufacture 

using profile scanning technology. This includes flagging out of tolerance profiles of as little as 0.4mm out in 

length or 0.9mm on the diagonal, bringing a very high degree of accuracy to 45º mitre and 90º joints. 

Mike Parczuk, managing director, Sternfenster, said: “The precision that the new crimper brings 

to manufacture is incredible. It picks up out of tolerance profiles in a way that you simply cannot do 

manually – however, good the individual operative. 

“More importantly it does it over and over again, bringing a far higher degree of consistency to 

manufacture compared to manual processes. That means we can guarantee product quality from the first 

to the two hundredth frame. It’s about repeatability.” www.sternfenster.com 

SECOND LUNA R INVESTMENT FOR EPWIN 

Epwin Window Systems has increased its foiling capacity with the investment of sixfigures 

in a second Luna R automatic profile lamination machine. 

Clare O’Hara, managing director at Epwin Window Systems, said: “This latest investment will 

support the continuing growth for our coloured products by reducing set up times, increasing 

product output and delivering superb product accuracy.” 

The Luna R machine offers the best in lamination technology with an automatic set-up, allowing 

Epwin Window Systems to efficiently scale-up its foiling capacity in line with demand. The 

machine’s flexibility and intelligent technology can wrap even the most complex of profiles whilst delivering exceptional product quality. 

www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk 

QUICKSLIDE MAXIMISES EFFICIENCY WITH EVONET 

Quickslide is using EvoNET software to 

streamline its operations 

Quickslide has highlighted its commitment to improving standards and service with a comprehensive overhaul 

of its business management and IT infrastructure. 

The latest investment will allow the West Yorkshire based fabricator to drastically reduce its reliance on old 

fashioned paperwork, introduce digital, automated documents for invoicing and order notes, plus allow for greater 

efficiency in the processing, manufacture, transport and delivery of its product range. Developed using the latest 

EvoNET management tool from Business Micros, the new system means that every order that arrives at Quickslide 

can now be tracked from the factory floor, right up to point of delivery. As well as being able to automatically 

generate orders into delivery runs, the new system integrates with satellite navigation to work out the most 

efficient delivery route and introduces a host of other commercial benefits for Quickslide. www.quickslide.co.uk 

3D ALUMINIUM UPGRADES TO PHANTOMATIC X4 

Oxfordshire-based 3D Aluminium has upgraded its original Emmegi Phantomatic T3A 3-axes machining 

centre to a brand new Phantomatic X4 4-axes model, to add to the X4 it already owns in order to expand 

capacity and increase its versatility. 

The fourth axis on the X4 model allows it to machine profile at any angle from 0 to 180°, in comparison with the 

T3A which can machine from above and from 90º to right and left from the vertical. This gives 3D more flexibility 

for machining on profile edges and on more complex profile shapes. 

Alongside the new machining centre, 3D has also invested in a new Emmegi Precision TS2 twin-head electronic 

saw, complete with a patented profile clamping device which, as the name suggests, achieves extremely precise 

cuts. www.emmegi.com 



Supply Chain Challenges 

BUILDING SUPPLY CHAIN RESILIENCE 

David Jennings from door hardware specialist, UAP, discusses the 

importance of resilience planning and ensuring an efficient supply chain 

for fabricators and installers. 

For anyone waiting for consignments of 

products arriving from overseas, the news 

coverage of stationary lorries marooned 

nose-to-tail at British ports in December was 

a worrying sight. Those scenes may have been 

the result of a perfect storm that has, for now, 

abated, but they were also a premonition of what 

may lie ahead for fabricators and installers that 

rely on an international supply chain. It may be 

manufacturers who need to manage the prompt 

production and transport of goods to the UK but 

the knock-on effects will be felt throughout the 

wholesale, retail and installation sectors too. 

As we’ve been told more than once by both 

media and government over the past year, these 

are unprecedented times. During 2020, we all 

navigated the challenges of Covid-19, with 

lockdown restrictions, reduced staffing, social 

distancing and PPE requirements. Fluctuations 

in demand affected companies across all 

links in the supply chain which, coupled with 

changing rules, made it difficult to plan. With 

the end of the Brexit transition period on 1st 

January and the continuing battle against the 

pandemic, those challenges remain in 2021. 

Even before the temporary border closures in 

December, stockpiling strategies to safeguard 

against potential ‘no deal’ shortages were already 

causing chaos at UK ports and a number of 

shipping lines have been avoiding consignments 

to the UK as a result. Now that the EU trade 

deal has been agreed, that backdrop has been 

embellished with confusion over new import rules 

and paperwork requirements, which is having 

an impact on goods entering the UK from beyond 

Europe too. It’s a complex supply chain landscape 

with the potential to spell one word for the 

fenestration sector: delays. 

“It’s a complex supply chain landscape with the 

potential to spell one word for the fenestration 

sector: delays” 

It may be complex, and there have definitely 

been a few curve balls along the way, but it 

was clear from the earliest stages of Covid-19 

that supply chains would be affected and that 

the effects would last beyond the peak of the 

pandemic. As time has gone on, the impact has 

been cumulative. Breaks in production, demand 

for warehousing and logistics and port delays 

have all had a profound and lingering impact on 

lead times and the fenestration sector has relied 

on manufacturers acting promptly and wisely with 

contingency planning to get them the components 

they need on time. 

How China affects the UK 

Even when the disruption of the pandemic has 

subsided and the dust has settled following the 

new EU trading relationship, the consequences 

of the past 12 months will continue to affect 

supply chain efficiency, particularly for any goods 

imported from China. 

The Chinese manufacturing landscape is one we 

know very well at UAP, because we have been 

working with trusted manufacturing partners 

there for many years. Our products are designed, 

developed and tested by us in the UK, but 

manufactured to our exacting quality assurance 

standards by Chinese factories, so we understand 

how the sector operates over there. Just as 

the Christmas and New Year break punctuate 

production schedules and influence the timing of 

maintenance shut downs in the UK, Chinese New 

Year is a time of celebration that has a major 

impact on manufacturing capacity in China. Every 

year, workers who have travelled to the cities to 

work in factories travel home for Chinese New 

Year, often spending a two-week break with their 


HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES 

family, which is bookended on either side by a 

journey of at least a week. Each year, a proportion 

of the Chinese workforce opts to stay in the 

provinces after the celebrations and the need 

to replace them can cause further production 

delays and reduced capacity. That annual cycle 

has a significant effect on production schedules, 

for which UK companies importing goods from 

China need to prepare by ordering in advance 

and managing their UK stockholding. This year, 

the fall-out from Chinese New Year is likely to 

be even greater than usual because lockdown 

restrictions prevented the 2020 celebrations so 

Chinese factories are anticipating a longer hiatus 

and an increased worker drop off this year. 

Against this backdrop, changes in the Chinese 

manufacturing sector are also affecting capacity. 

For example, the drive to meet international 

environmental standards has reduced the number 

of metal plating operators, cutting capacity for 

plating of hardware products. As a result, UK 

companies must have established relationships 

and diligent lead time planning in place if they 

are to meet demand and offer acceptable delivery 

terms to customers. 

established manufacturing partnerships and a 

good understanding of how the Chinese market 

operates. Indeed, our relationships in China meant 

that we were faster than most in recognising how 

severely it was likely to affect the UK market. 

Because of those insights, we were able to plan 

and implement a strategy for maintaining stock 

levels and mitigating the risk of delays. Product 

development and investment continued, and we 

looked at where we needed to add more warehousing 

capacity in order to build resilience for the company 

and our customers. As a result, we started 2021 

with an additional 25,000ft 2 of warehousing space, 

with a further 35,000ft 2 planned for this year. Our 

All of these factors make manufacturing products 

overseas for the UK market more challenging 

for the fenestration supply chain, but none of 

them are insurmountable. At UAP, we began the 

pandemic in a position of strength with longstockholding 

currently sits at £7m, and will increase 

to £8m by the end of 2021. 

Because we anticipated delays and production 

capacity issues in China during February and March 

2021, we ordered our products months in advance 

and ensured that consignments for Q1-2 were either 

received or en route by the end of 2020. Products 

for Q2-3 are already on order and we will continue 

to build the likelihood of extended lead times and 

shipping delays into our production planning. 

Capitalising on potential 

It’s been a tough year for the fenestration sector 

but, with a strong housebuilding sector and 

consumers spending their holiday budgets on 

home improvements instead, the potential for a 

strong recovery is very promising. But recovery 

can only happen if the products needed are 

available to respond to demand, so supply chain 

resilience is central to the future prosperity of the 

industry. That’s why UAP has been so focused 

on planning ahead with high stock levels and 

advance orders, not only to underpin our own 

business continuity, but also to ensure fabricators 

and installers can rely on consistent service 

levels and short lead times. 

Contact UAP: 

0161 796 7268 

uapcorporate.com 

@UAP_Limited 



2020 Review 


LOOKING BACK, MOVING FORWARD 

2020 created both challenges and opportunities in equal measure for all kinds of 

businesses. Sam Nuckey, managing director of Window Ware, tells Total Fabricator how her 

company successfully navigated what was an unprecedented year. 

S 

am Nuckey, managing director of window, 

door and conservatory hardware distributor, 

Window Ware, admits that the past ten 

months have been “tough going”. 

But, she says, “thanks to careful pre-planning, hard 

work and determination, our resilient teams and brand 

partners have rallied together and come through.” 

Sam goes on to explain, “It turned out that by 

diligently maintaining our usual buffer stock and 

high stocks pre-Covid, we had at the same time 

ensured we were in a strong position to weather 

the first national lockdown and better manage 

the impact of the pandemic. All those months 

spent putting Brexit contingency measures in 

place and managing essential stock to cushion 

our customers against supply chain issues has 

proved invaluable. 

“Despite those efforts, like many providers, we 

know our service has still suffered somewhat in 

the past few months, but the situation could have 

been far worse were it not for our primed agility, 

adaptability and planning. 

“Regular conversations with all stakeholders and 

persistent forward thinking have been crucial in 

our company’s ability to stay agile, take action 

and adapt, both throughout lockdown and during 

more recent months as restrictions lifted and the 

industry finally got back to work.” 

Despite the complications the pandemic has 

caused, Window Ware has nevertheless been 

able to maintain a strong OTIF of 92% and an 

input accuracy of over 99%, with the whole team 

going the extra mile to make dependable next day 

deliveries the norm even in abnormal times. 

Customers could still count on a quick 

response too. Even during the tightest lockdown 

restrictions, the Window Ware crew made sure 

to answer all queries the very same working day, 

picking up 95% of customer calls within just 10 

seconds, and continuing to keep their customers 

informed with all the usual order updates. 

Sam Nuckey 

“Obviously, we know we haven’t succeeded 

to satisfy our customers first time, every 

time”, admits Sam. “But our aspirations and 

service targets remained high and didn’t waver 

despite the challenges we faced. We’ve had 

to temporarily change team and resource 

responsibilities, as well as adapt our alter 

processes in order to save time or add immediate 

and continuous visibility.” 

Successful year 

While no one could have predicted how 2020 

would ultimately turn out, Window Ware made 

sure to begin the year with a bang when it 

launched its new premium Glide Hardware sliding 

door solutions and was appointed approved 

hardware distribution partner for PVC-U systems 

house, Kömmerling. 

The following month, the preferred hardware 

distributor extended its offering of tilt-and-turn 

gearing with the arrival of the GU Uni-Jet range. 

Alongside Maco T&T components, fabricators could 

now take their pick from two leading-brand systems 

for their PVC, aluminium and timber windows. 

That same month, Window Ware celebrated 

10 years since the launch of the specialist 

tools range, Xpert, which has helped trade 

professionals work faster, smarter and safer 

since 2010 with a tried and tested selection of 

essential tools such as moon knives, PVC-U saws 

and gasket shears. 

When autumn arrived, Window Ware kept up 

the pace with a new campaign to promote Yale 

Lockmaster 21, the latest iteration of Yale’s bestselling 

multi-point door lock. At the same time, 

it extended its range of RW Simon Framevent 

window trickle vents with several on-trend grey 

finishes and continued to give fabricators a 

hassle-free way to offer a ‘smart’ upgrade on 

their doors with the Kubu-version multipoint door 

lock from Avantis Hardware. 

Safety first 

For every order, every process and every 

interaction with customers, colleagues and 

brand partners alike, Window Ware has made 

health and safety the utmost priority. Strict 

social distancing, new operational ‘bubbles’ 

and rigorous hygiene measures have been 

implemented throughout the warehouse, trade 

counter and office space to minimise risk of 

infection and keep everybody fit and well. 

Sam concluded: “We know that the challenges we 

faced in 2020 are spilling over into 2021, but with 

our proven technical and commercial skills and 

many years of industry experience on our side, 

I’m confident that we will continue to go from 

strength to strength.” 

Contact Window Ware: 

01234 242 724 

www.windowware.co.uk 

@WindowWare 


Aluminium Hardware 

PVCu Hardware 

Composite Door Hardware 

Tools & Consumables 

Press play on 

quality content 

for your sector 

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accessible on 

your desktop, 

mobile or 

any device 

STILL THE UK’S LEADING 

HARDWARE DISTRIBUTOR 

It’s no secret that the fenestration supply chain 

is suffering ongoing disruptions due to COVID-19. 

Nevertheless, Window Ware is still here, going 

the extra mile to meet your door and window 

hardware needs. 

Free 

content that 

is constantly 

updated 

Subscribe 

to channels 

for your specific 

areas of 

interest and 

expertise 

Dependable deliveries 

Despite the challenging times our 

OTIF is still over 92% 

We won’t let you down 

Our input accuracy is still over 99% 

The new platform for digital 

content from the key players in 

your sector, including: How-to’s; 

Projects and product focuses; 

Installation advice; Training 

and webinars; Interviews 

and opinions. 

www.glaze-tube.co.uk 

In association with Total Installer & 

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To discuss showcasing your video content, 

contact Andy or Jake on: 01892 732 047 

or email andydunn@media-now.co.uk 

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Call 01234 242724 

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FINALIST 



Updates 

SECURITY ENHANCED BI-FOLD LOCK FROM ALUTECH 

Yorkshire-based aluminium systems supplier, Alutech, says it is offering its 

fabricator customers ‘the ultimate security kit’ for aluminium bi-folding doors, with 

the launch of its new AluLock. 

Alutech MD, Steve Hudson, explained: “AluLock is available exclusively for Alutech 

customers, providing a top security solution for their bi-fold doors in one easy to order 

kit, which combines a one-star barrel, with the option to upgrade to the Ultion three-star 

barrel, along with the Brisant Sweet handle and an exclusively designed Duplex double 

hook lock. The AluLock kit has been designed to remove the headache for our fabricators 

of sourcing locking hardware separately and provides premium security and aesthetics to 

help them differentiate their product above that of their competitors.” 

Download the brochure from: https://alutechsystems.co.uk/downloads/ 

FABRICATOR-FRIENDLY HERITAGE RANGE 

Fabricator, TruFrame, made a significant contribution to the design and development of Mila’s new range of Heritage espag 

handles, helping to make the range “more attractive, easier to fit and much less prone to mechanical failure”, so it’s no 

surprise that the fabricator has become one of the first customers to start fitting the new handles on its flush sash windows. 

TruFrame worked closely with Mila’s design team to give a fabricator’s perspective on how the perfect ‘heritage’ espag handle 

would look and function – and Mila reports that the finished product ticks every item on its wish list. 

Stand-out features include a ‘proper’ push-button key locking mechanism, a simple push-fit screw cover cap with faux clocked 

screw detail for truly authentic styling, and a unique rosette key design. 

Mila reports that the Heritage range is already proving popular with customers fabricating in all of the ‘big name’ sculptured and 

flush sash ranges, including the likes of Liniar, Deceuninck, Epwin, Rehau and R9. www.mila.co.uk/heritage-espag-handles/ 

BESPOKE LOCK PACKAGE 

Working with established manufacturer partner, FUHR, Carl F Groupco has created a bespoke stainlesssteel 

locking package for Senior Architectural Systems, PURe aluminium door range. 

Carl F Groupco’s brief was to source stainless steel multipoint locking solutions to address every door type 

in the PURe range including lever, key wind up and SmartSecure electronic operated single commercial doors, 

panic/emergency escape and French doors. 

Working with FUHR, a tailored package of door locks was created to Senior’s exacting specification, all with 

bespoke keeps designed specifically for the profile. Flexibility of the hardware supplied enables special extensions 

and add-ons for full multipoint locking for doors up to 3m high. 

www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk/architectural-systems/pure-commercial-door/ 

U70 PARTNERS WITH YALE ON WINDOW LOCK 

Yale has strengthened its relationship with trade fabricator U70, after developing a new 

Encloser window lock as part of the launch of U70’s Kommerling C76 window system. 

Martin Killick, MD at U70, said: “We have been using a range of Yale products, including window and 

door locks, friction hinges and cylinders, for over a decade and have complete faith in the brand and the 

quality of its products. As we expand our range, we’re dedicated to ensuring that our PVC-U window systems 

have superior security credentials. As such, we are thrilled that Yale have developed a new 26mm backset 

Encloser window lock specially tailored to the requirements of the Kommerling C76 window system.” 

The Yale Encloser features bi-directional locking technology with optimal weather proofing and 

security performance. www.yaledws.co.uk 



For further info on all these hardware updates and more, visit www.total-fabricator.co.uk 

VBH GETS SMART WITH NEW ELECTRONIC HANDLE 

Hardware supplier, VBH, has added the Q-Smart electronic smart handle to its range of premium 

quality window and door hardware and furniture. 

It’s a keyless product which gives the homeowner three methods of gaining access. The first is a 

proximity fob that communicates with a reader built into the handle unit; the second is via the Blusafe 

app that allows the user to use their mobile phone as a key, and the third is fingerprint recognition. The 

app enables the main user to send permanent or temporary timed keys to people’s phones. 

VBH says that this eliminates any need to lose control of physical keys by leaving them with neighbours 

or in a ‘safe’ place’. The app has the added benefit of keeping a log of operations, thus providing visitor 

management records. 

Q-Smart is fully tested at BSI and certified to ETSI TS103 645 (CYBER; Cyber Security for Consumer Internet 

of Things). www.vbhgb.com 

UAP LAUNCHES FULLEX KINETICA+ K4 LOCK 

UAP, the manufacturer of security and fire safety hardware for doors and windows, has launched 

the Fullex Kinetica+ K4; a state of the art locking system that combines advanced, patented 

features to deliver what it claims is ‘one of the most secure 3* cylinder locks ever produced’. 

Building on the credentials of the Fullex Kinetica locking range, Kinetica+ K4 breaks new ground in 

security hardware by combining a standard 3* cylinder lock profile with multiple intricate design features, 

delivering a lock that is easy to install but ‘virtually impossible’ to bypass. Rigorously tested at UAP’s inhouse 

test facility and by a third party testing house as part of the product development process, the new 

lock has defeated the newest methods of gaining entry developed by locksmiths and is Secured by Design, 

British Kitemarked and Sold Secure Diamond Standard. https://uapcorporate.com/ 

PAS 24 SECURE HARDWARE FROM AT PRECISION 

Supplier of aluminium bi-fold hardware, AT Precision, has recently passed the PAS 

24:2016 test, meaning all of its products now meet the industry standard. 

AT Precision sells to more than 100 fabricators across the country, and its Everglide range 

includes bi-folding door rollers, high-quality top-guides, pull handles and hinges, all of which are 

made from cast aluminium and are compatible with major systems. 

The company’s sales director, Michael Hewitt, said: “We are delighted to have been PAS 

24:2016 accredited, as it means we can confidently guarantee all our customers that our 

products meet the industry standards, and that they are of the highest quality.” 

www.atprecision.co.uk 

'GAME CHANGING' DELIVERY FROM MILA 

Mila has launched what it is calling ‘the most fabricator focused’ TS008 certified letterplate on 

the market. And, claims Mila, it’s ‘the best looking’ to boot. 

Developed in response to feedback from fabricators on what their ideal TS008 letterplate would look 

like, it is slimline, ‘stylish’, leakproof and easy to fit in standard apertures. 

The Mila letterplate is available in both stainless steel SupaSecure and standard ProSecure versions. It 

has ‘sailed through’ the Door & Hardware Federation’s TS008: 2015 security standard, which is now part 

of the updated PAS24: 2016 required to achieve Secured by Design accreditation and Approved Document 

Q. The letterplate also incorporates patent-pending ‘anti-fishing fins’ which open with a smooth 

concertina action to allow mail to be posted through. www.mila.co.uk/supasecure-ts008-letterplate/ 



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Warm Edge 

GLASS PROCESSING & SEALED UNITS 

INVEST, BROADEN, GROW 

Thermoseal Group’s sales director, Mark Hickox, reflects on the ‘rollercoaster’ that was 2020 

and discusses the company’s plans to increase warm edge production to meet growing 

demand for more energy efficient components. 

Thermoseal Group has a clear strategy to 

become a world leader in the warm edge 

spacer market. 

We estimate over 50% of all insulated glass 

produced in the UK contains our products, the 

vast majority of which will now be our highest 

performance warm edge spacers. Whilst the impact 

of using a warm edge spacer is relatively small in 

relation to the whole window, it is enough to help in 

pushing a Window Energy Rating of a ‘B’ to an ‘A’ or 

even from an ‘A+’ to an ‘A++’, thus generating an 

increased demand for our products as we all strive 

for a more energy efficient offering. 

I am sure everyone will agree that the past year has 

been a rollercoaster and will not be surprised to see 

that our sales of warm edge spacers have followed 

a similar path to most of the window industry. If you 

look at the graph (below), you will see the steep fall 

in sales from the end of March which is synonymous 

with Covid-19 lockdown number one. You will then 

see a period of increased sales which follows a 

similar trajectory to 2019, but at a higher volume. 

This past year has been one of the most uncertain 

in everyone’s lifetime for many reasons, but it is 

thanks to our team and their vigilance in following 

strict Covid-19 guidelines and remaining in small 

“We have a list of customers 

waiting for our production 

capacity to be increased” 

work bubbles that we have kept the virus at 

bay across the business and even managed to 

increase our production of warm edge products to 

meet the increased demand. Like most, we have 

had a few isolated incidences of the virus when 

we have had teams self-isolating (all of which 

have recovered well), but multi-skilling our staff 

has meant that we have managed to stretch our 

resources to cover. 

We are in the fortunate position that we 

purchased a new warm edge production site in 

the latter part of 2019, which has been extremely 

useful this past year. It allowed us to move 

Thermoflex production to our new site which gave 

our team a larger workspace to implement and 

maintain Covid-19 guidelines. It has also allowed 

us to increase production capacity of Thermoflex. 

This site has now become our ‘Centre for 

Innovation and Manufacturing’. It has two new 

laboratories and additional test rooms to give our 

technical team everything they need to develop 

new energy efficient products, whilst maintaining 

the highest quality standards and enhancing our 

current product portfolio. 

Another vital use of this building has been to 

house our increased stockholding to help ensure 

continuity of supply to the UK and export markets 

to counter supply issues caused by Covid-19 and, 

of course, Brexit. Where possible, we have also 

dual-sourced products to counter any delay in 

sourcing materials that are vital for production. 

We only work with established high-quality 

suppliers, so this is not always the easiest thing 

to do. 

Moving into 2021, I think we have all accepted 

that we will have to live with the constraints of 

the Covid-19 virus, but on the basis that we have 

a list of customers waiting for our production 

capacity to be increased, we are planning to 

continue to invest, broaden our product range 

and grow our warm edge capacity. We have new 

machinery currently being installed and further 

equipment on order to increase our capacity 

further throughout this year. This includes 

both production of warm edge spacers and an 

expansion of our ever-growing injection moulding 

division which currently produces many millions 

of fittings per year. 

Contact Thermoseal Group: 

0121 331 3950 

www.thermosealgroup.com 

@SamThermoseal 


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Glass 

WW1 PROJECT BENEFITS FROM GREENVISION FUND 

Leeds-based Morley Glass & Glazing has pledged £500 to help fund 

repairs to an important piece of Yorkshire’s World War One heritage. 

Morley’s contribution to the Yorkshire Trench is its first donation from its 

GreenVision Fund, where it uses the money it receives from supplying Saint- 

Gobain Glass with recycled glass cullet to support charities and support 

sustainable projects. 

Located just outside the Belgian town of Ypres, The Yorkshire Trench earned 

its name after it was manned and improved by the 49th West Riding of 

Yorkshire Division in 1915. The small section of trench is one of the very few 

World War One front line trenches that still exists in its original position, after 

being rediscovered by a group of amateur archaeologists in 1992. 

Now, a campaign led by Yorkshire historian John Morrison, is seeking to reinstate 

the site after recent bad weather conditions in Flanders have led to 

serious damage to the trench, which until recently was accessible to the public. 

An initial estimate for repairs is £135,000, part of which will be contributed by 

the city of Leper, which owns the site. The campaign is crowdfunding the costs 

via a JustGiving page, which has already amassed over £3,000 in donations. 

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass & Glazing, commented: “Morley 

Glass is honoured to help preserve the memory of such heroic men. It would 

be a terrible shame for such an important piece of Yorkshire history to be 

lost. Together with our customers, we have recycled 318 tonnes of postconsumer 

waste glass, saving 95,400 tons of Co2 emissions, and are looking 

for more charities and green initiatives to support with the money we receive 

for the cullet.” 

If you would like to make a donation, visit the campaign’s JustGiving 

page: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/yorkshiretrench or email 

YorkshireTrench@gmail.com for more information. 

If you’d like to be considered for a Green Fund donation of £500 email 

greenvision@morleyglass.co.uk or visit: 

www.morleyglass.co.uk/glass-recycling-leeds/ 

CANADIAN PROJECT BRINGS THE OUTSIDE IN 

Lake Huron House sees local ‘cabin country’ architecture completely 

reimagined to create a modern family retreat on the banks of one of 

North America’s five Great Lakes. 

Taking a contemporary architectural approach, the residence maximises 

its lakeside views, while remaining sensitive to its surroundings and 

sustainability impact in the extremes of the Canadian climate. 

Glass not only provides distinct visual features throughout the home, 

but also serves as a robust external surface that plays a vital role in 

maintaining the building’s energy efficiency. 

iron Pilkington Optiwhite, it ensures that the neutral appearance does not 

spoil the beautiful views of the landscape and creates a bright and airy 

internal living space. 

The glazing ensures that the occupants can enjoy the vistas and are 

comfortable all year round, while reducing the need for constant air 

conditioning, in turn cutting energy bills and making the home more 

environmentally friendly. 

The lake-facing side of the house features a double-height glass wall 

that maximises natural light in the interior of the building and also offers 

expansive views towards the lakeside. 

Pilkington Suncool 70/35 OW T was specified for the project to help bring 

the outdoors in by creating the perfect balance of natural light, while 

minimising solar heat gain. Having an eye on sustainability was key, 

and this specification delivers excellent thermal properties that can help 

reduce the home’s energy consumption. 

By combining the Pilkington Suncool coating with extra clear true low 



BARRIER CONCEPT RECOGNISED BY HIGHWAYS UK 

Highways UK has recognised an innovative roadside barrier concept, 

developed by Pilkington United Kingdom, in its Civils and Materials 

Innovation Awards. 

The barrier concept designed by Pilkington UK features a special coating 

that’s able to break down gaseous nitric oxide emissions from road traffic, 

while its lamination also gives it sound-attenuating properties that help to 

reduce noise pollution. 

The company, which hopes to arrange trials of the barrier, expects the 

combination of features to have a big impact on the health and wellbeing 

of communities that live near busy roads and motorways. The concept 

won the award scheme’s environment category against strong entries from 

infrastructure giant, Balfour Beatty, and road marking specialist, WJ-Group. 

Meanwhile, the barrier’s self-cleaning functionality and hurricane-rated 

lamination make it a low-maintenance solution for highways authorities. It 

can also be screen-printed with a pattern visible to birds – preventing them 

from flying into the reflection they see in the barrier. 

While less common in the UK, highway barriers are often used across Europe 

to help protect against crosswinds. Pilkington Optiwhite glass manufactured 

at Pilkington Italia’s Venice plant was recently specified for barriers on Renzo 

Piano’s San Giorgio Bridge in Genoa – the replacement for the Morandi 

Bridge that collapsed two years ago. 

Rory Back, R&D incubator technical manager at Pilkington parent company, 

the NSG Group, said: “This recognition of our concept ultimately represents 

the increasingly expansive role that innovative flat glass can play in our built 

environment. Billions are set to be injected into necessary UK infrastructure 

projects and much-needed housebuilding in the next few years – which is 

likely to put more of the population living within reach of busy roads. 

“Our roadside barrier concept will help infrastructure planners and 

developers in meeting their obligations to the environment and the wellbeing 

of the communities they build by.” 

www.pilkington.com/en-gb/uk 

UK'S LARGEST STOCK GLASS DISTRIBUTION CENTRE 

Glassolutions has opened what it claims is the UK’s largest stock 

glass distribution centre, in Elland, West Yorkshire. 

The Glassolutions Northern Hub comprises a 30,000ft 2 warehouse and 

10,000ft 2 office space and will employ 35 people from its former premises 

in Bradford and Huddersfield, including the creation of 11 new jobs. 

Lisa Dunn, distribution director at Glassolutions, which has invested 

more than £1million in the new premises, said: “The Northern Hub is 

an impressive facility that will lead to an even better service for our 

customers and is an exciting development for Glassolutions in the UK. 

“Situated close to the M62 between Leeds and Manchester we are 

perfectly located to serve the North of England with fast, efficient 

deliveries of the widest range of glass and glazing products, plus our 

enhanced online ordering system means that our customers can even get 

their glass on the go. The Northern Hub puts us in a fantastic position for 

the future growth of the business.” 

https://glassolutions.co.uk/en-gb 

“This will be a complete one stop shop for all glass and glazing products 

including clear float, tinted float, low iron, soft and hard coat, laminated, 

patterned, wired, silvered, fire-glass and self-cleaning glass in stock, cut 

sized and processed. 

“All our customers from small traditional glaziers and joiners to large 

sealed unit manufacturers, window fabricators and installers, fit out 

companies and glass merchants will benefit from daily deliveries across 

the North of England, as well as online ordering and a collection service. 



Updates 

Swisspacer has claimed there are ‘good opportunities for window 

makers in Europe to turn their gaze overseas’ as the US and Canada 

begin to ‘catch-up in matters of energy-efficient construction’. 

With the North American market showing an increasing interest in windows 

made in Europe, two studies prepared by EMU Systems in Colorado, on behalf 

of Swisspacer, list the differences between the relevant American and European 

standards. According to Swisspacer, these provide important insights for those 

looking to engage with the North American and Canadian markets. 

In ‘The Impact of Glass Spacers on Energy Performance and Risk of 

Condensation in American/Canadian Windows’, five glass spacer bars 

were combined with nine window frame profiles. The studies investigate 

the thermal resistance on the frame, the glass edge and across the entire 

window, as well as the surface temperature at the glass edge on the basis of 

the locally applicable standards and calculation methods. In some cases, the 

latter differ significantly from European regulations and designations. 

While, for example, the spacer bars are included in the formula as a separate, 

purely linear factor in Europe, in North America the spacer bar is considered 

in the calculation as being a ‘glass edge’ area. This involves calculating a 

corresponding value for an area with a width of 63.5 mm (2.5 ins) all round. As 

this overlaps with the “U-frame”, a better spacer bar also results in a better 

value for the frame. Based on the North American calculation methods, it is 

possible to improve the U-values of windows by up to 22%. 


EUROPEAN WINDOWS IN DEMAND IN NORTH AMERICA 

The studies supply relevant results in the area of condensation precipitation 

in the various climate zones of the North American continent. With a highly 

efficient spacer bar between the panes, the risk of condensation reduces 

significantly: thus the temperatures on the glass edge were on average 7.2 

°C higher than for aluminium spacer bars across all systems. A maximum 

improvement of up to 11 °C is possible. 

The studies also explain the classifications for the Energy Star label used 

in the USA and Canada. The requirements are based on climatic zones and 

primarily measure the U-value of the windows and the solar gain. In Canada, 

an energy rating factor of at least 40 is also required for new buildings. Even 

in high-quality profile systems, this is achievable only in conjunction with the 

best spacer bars available, such as the Swisspacer Ultimate. 

‘The Impact of Glass Spacers on Energy Performance and Risk of Condensation 

in American/Canadian Windows’, is available at: en.swisspacer.com/studies 

SUPER SPACER USED FOR DANISH STUDENT BLOCK 

Edgetech’s warm edge products have been used at a 415,000ft 2 

student accommodation block in Copenhagen, Denmark, with ‘costeffectiveness 

and sustainability at the forefront’. 

BaseCamp Lyngby’s ventilated curtain wall was insulated with rock wool 

and clad with slabs made of pressed volcanic basalt rock from Rockpanel, 

while its green roof is covered in solar panels to generate electricity. Any 

rain that falls on the structure is disposed of via evaporation, reducing the 

ambient temperature and strain on the sewer system. 

It required more than 4,000 IGUs, which had to conform to the irregular 

shape of the undulating building – and that, combined with the need for 

outstanding thermal performance, made Super Spacer T-Spacer Premium 

Plus a suitable choice. 

Danish IGU manufacturer Glaseksperten, which was contracted to work on 

the project, operates a fully-automated, state-of-the-art Super Spacer line. 

“Super Spacer is of key importance to Glaseksperten in supplying quality 

products which also ensure we are a leading company in economical 

and ecological terms,” said sales manager, Jesper Hønning. “The fully 

automated continuous application of spacer from the reel saves time and 

money, while guaranteeing top-class product quality.” 

Chris Alderson, Edgetech managing director, said: “We’re absolutely 

delighted to see Edgetech products used in such a stunning building. 

Scandinavia is a global pioneer in sustainable construction, and a major 

growth market for warm-edge technology. 

“We’re confident that Super Spacer T-Spacer Premium Plus will offer the 

building’s residents outstanding performance for many decades to come.” 

www.edgetechig.co.uk 


NEC BIRMINGHAM, 26-28 SEPTEMBER 2021 

Register for a FREE ticket today by scanning 

the QR Code or visiting FITShow.co.uk 

#FITShow21

Sustainable Workwear 

TURNING WASTE INTO WORKWEAR 

Peter Dumigan, managing director of the Hultafors Group UK, which owns Snickers 

Workwear, Hultafors Tools, EMMA, Solid Gear and Toe Guard safety footwear, as well as 

Hellberg Safety PPE, talks ‘Preferred Fibres’ and sustainable workwear… 

Just as the effects of plastic waste on the 

environment have been brought to the 

centre of consumer consciousness in recent 

years, so the problems caused by the disposal of 

clothing and shoes are coming to the fore. 

Images of ‘ragpickers’ on our waste clothing 

mountains in Africa are an increasing cause 

for concern as landfill sites in the UK become 

overwhelmed and we dispose of our waste on 

someone else’s doorstep. That’s why the sourcing 

of sustainable and environmentally responsible 

workwear and safety footwear is becoming a key 

part of our environmental consciousness. 

Fabric technology has always been a key driver 

in the design and development of Snickers 

Workwear garments. Fabrics that deliver comfort 

and functionality, flexibility and durability are key 

components of every single product in the range. 

Now, as consumers and corporates strive to 

reduce their impact on the planet, the Hultafors 

Group is implementing a policy of replacing 

conventional fabrics in its workwear products 

with sustainable fabrics – Preferred Fibres. 

Given the increasing levels of awareness about 

the impact of waste on our environment, this 

will surely have an impact on the clothes people 

choose for work in years to come. For Snickers 

Workwear, this product development and design 

philosophy is being applied to every new product 

in the Snickers Workwear collection with the 

additional assurance that the Snickers hallmarks 

of design, comfort, functionality and durability will 

not be compromised in any way. 

Snickers Workwear’s objective is to ensure that 

by 2030, 70% of the fabrics used are Preferred 

Fibres – those with sustainable properties and 

a lower environmental footprint. As early as 

2023, the company will be at 40% – a significant 

achievement by any measure. For those that 

haven’t come across the term, Preferred Fibres 

are those that have more sustainable properties 

compared to conventional man-made alternatives. 

Given that almost any fabric and garment can be 

developed with recycled polyester yarn, Snickers 

Workwear’s aim is to replace conventional fibres, 

such as polyester, with Preferred Fibres which 

have full manufacturing transparency, traceability 

and thus reduce our climate impact and prevent 

waste from going into landfill. 

Environmentally friendly fleece jackets 

Man-made materials such as nylon and polyester 

fabrics can easily be recycled to create new, 

Preferred Fibres, that have the same performance 

levels in comfort, flexibility and durability as the 

originals. Take Snickers Workwear’s new fleece 

jackets and gilets for example. 

Snickers Workwear’s new fleece Jackets 

for men and women are made from 100% 

recycled Polartec polyester, which increases the 

breathability of the fabric and makes them very 

comfortable and warm. 

They’re lightweight with great insulation 

properties and, with designs for both men and 

women – and a fit that ensures mobility and 

flexibility on site – these soft and versatile 

Safety footwear that's creating 

a positive footprint 

We’ve all seen how quickly clothing and footwear 

containers at waste disposal centres fill up, which is why 

we all have to ensure that footwear and garments are 

disposed of in an environmentally responsible way. 

EMMA Safety Footwear, the Hultafors Group’s latest 

brand addition to its market-leading PPE portfolio, 

has the solution to this problem. It’s a policy of ‘100% 

Circularity’ in all its products. Every shoe and boot in the 

EMMA range is made entirely from recycled or recyclable 

materials. It’s a 100% ‘circular’ manufacturing, usage 

and recycling process for every shoe and boot it produces. 

www.emmasafetyfootwear.com 

garments are great for both work and leisure. 

Either as an everyday outer jacket in dry, cold 

weather, or as an insulating mid-layer on cold 

and wet workdays. 

Wearing sustainable garments such as these 

is an easy but very urgent step in developing 

your company’s and your own sustainability 

roadmap, so you will be able to make a conscious 

contribution to the environment and save 

valuable resources such as energy and water 

with your buying decisions. 

Contact Hultafors Group / Snickers Workwear: 

www.hultaforsgroup.co.uk 

www.snickersworkwear.com 


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Workwear 

HIGH-PERFORMANCE JACKETS FIT THE BILL 

With ‘street-smart’ designs for men and women, 

all Snickers Workwear jackets include ‘must-have’ 

features that focus on fit and freedom of movement, 

as well as using innovative fabrics that are designed 

to deliver long lasting protection and stretch comfort. 

Snickers says whatever you need – for work, play or 

protection against hazards – Snickers can offer jackets 

that will work on site and are also ideal for leisure, 

ensuring optimal performance, comfort, good looks and 

visibility. 

Snickers’ AllroundWork Jackets are just what the name 

suggests, delivering a great all-round performance. 

There’s also FlexiWork Jackets that provide ‘superb’ 

comfort and weather-proofing for those on the move, 

and LiteWork jackets that keep the wearer ‘feeling cool 

and looking good’ in warmer weather. 

www.snickersworkwear.co.uk/products/93 

2021 SNICKERS CATALOGUE OUT NOW 

With a focus on comfort, performance and sustainability, the 2021 digital 

catalogue from Snickers Workwear includes new products made using the 

recycled performance fibre brand, Repreve. 

There’s also new AllroundWork Topwear with the cooling 37.5 moisture 

transportation fabric, as well as upgraded FlexiWork Stretch trousers with extra 

functionality and durability. By popular demand, there’s also a stretchy hi-vis 

work jacket with great comfort and flexibility for high-performance work and 

high visibility in low-light conditions. 

‘Street-smart’ stretch fabrics in the AllroundWork clothing range offer mobile 

comfort and a layered clothing system to suit the weather on site – rain or 

shine, wind or snow – plus an extensive range of EN-certified ProtecWork and 

PPE products. 

Complemented by Snickers Workwear’s profiling and embroidery services and 

the most extensive range of garment sizes, Snickers Workwear says this clothing 

system delivers the ultimate solution to make every man and woman’s workday 

easier and safer. 

Visit: www.snickersworkwear.com/page/product_guide_media to download a 

digital catalogue. 


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To discuss showcasing your video content, contact Andy or Jake on: 

01892 732 047 

or email andydunn@media-now.co.uk / jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk

Fabricators 

Grow Your Business! 

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MAY/JUNE 2019 

PRACTICALCONTENTFORTHEGLAZINGINSTALLER & HOMEIMPROVEMENTSPECIALIST 

JULY/AUG 2019 

PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST 

SEPT/OCT 2019 

PRACTICAL CONTENT FOR THE GLAZING INSTALLER & HOME IMPROVEMENT SPECIALIST 

TI Talk: Pro-Fitter 

Product Updates 

Business Focus 

Top Tips: Bi-folds 

Total Talk Q&A 

Step by Steps 

Product Updates 

Total Talk Q&A 

Business Talk 

FEATURES 

• FIT & FOCUSSED: WHAT’S IN STORE 

FOR INSTALLERS AT FIT SHOW 2019? 

• AVOID THE PAY GAPS: TOP TIPS TO 

OVERCOME CASH FLOW PROBLEMS 

• SMART STUFF: MAKE SURE YOU’RE 

READY TO SELL SMART 

FEATURES 

• MONEY TALKS: CERTASS’ NEW 

OFFERING MAKES FINANCIAL SENSE 

• ON THE UP: UP-SELL WELL TO MAKE 

THE MOST OF YOUR DOOR SALES 

• HOT TOPIC: WARM WEATHER 

WORKWEAR – STAY COMFY ON SITE 

>>> • NEWS • ENTRANCEDOORS • HARDWARE • GARAGE AG 

DOORS • WORKWEAR >>> 

FEATURES 

• COMPETENCY ENCY CLAIMS: SKILLS 

AND THE FUTURE OF GLAZING 

• COVER UP: INSURANCE ADVICE 

FOR SELF-EMPLOYED INSTALLERS 

• LIGHTING THE WAY: A GUIDE 

TO INSTALLING LANTERNS 

>>> • ROOFLINE • ENTRANCE DOORS • TOOLS & VEHICLES • WINDOW FIXINGS • >>> 

>>> • WIDE EXPANSE DOORS • SMART HARDWARE • SOCIAL MEDIA ADVICE • >>> 

Put your company in-front of over 7,000 Glazing Installers for as little as £250 

Total Installer is read exclusively by glazing installers including: 

All CERTASS 

Approved Installers 

+ 

The Leading FENSA 

Approved Installers 

Contact Andy or Jake on 01892 732 047 

Email: andydunn@media-now.co.uk or jakeroxborough@media-now.co.uk 

And they will advise you on the best marketing package for your budget. 

www.total-installer.co.uk

Feb/March 2021

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