Fabricators are introducing more diverse product lines as a response to demand for higher value windows and doors. As an expert in engineering solutions for the fenestration sector and with unrivalled experience in delivering manufacturing efficiencies, Jade is on hand to help make the most of opportunities at the premium end of the market.

There has been a noticeable increase in fabricators diversifying product lines to include higher value windows and doors, a trend that highlights the need to focus on the higher margin, premium end of the market and insulate against the ‘race to the bottom’ on commodity white PVC-U.

This is the view of Jade, the industry’s leading specialist for fenestration manufacturing solutions and an organisation that has unrivalled insight into the ebb and flow of fabrication firms all over the country.

Headed up by Adam Jones and Sean Mackey, two of the most highly respected and experienced individuals in the industry, Jade’s distinctive machinery is a common sight on factory floors where it plays a vital part in ensuring optimum product quality and production efficiency.

“We’ve noticed a real uptake in premium PVC-U production, and particularly with high end vertical sliders” says Adam. “That’s because fabricators have realised they need to be more creative with their output, to make sure they have the products that appeal to more affluent consumers and move away from a reliance on standard white plastic.

“There will always be a requirement for volume white PVC-U, but it’s currently a tough market and there’s no future in competing solely on price – introducing added value, premium products has never been more important and will be central to surviving the next few years.”

Jade’s outlook is supported by market reports, including data from Tommy Trinder, the installer quotation software platform, which shows the value of premium PVC and that 61% of installers now offer a vertical slider, a product that represents 8% of the market by value.

High value flush casements also continue to perform, accounting for 17% of the PVC-U by value, according to Tommy Trinder.

And while PVC-U still dominates in terms of overall volume, aluminium is continuing to take market share, driven by the success of slimline patio doors and bi-folds. It now accounts for as much as 30% when measured by installed value thanks to strong product innovation and investment in supply chain infrastructure from key players.

According to The WindowBase Market Trends 2025 report, there was 3.6% rise in fabricators manufacturing aluminium from 2023 to 2024 and nearly a 10% rise in installers fitting them according to data from Tommy Trinder.

“Aluminium is where the growth is,” says Sean Mackey. “There are some brilliant PVC-U products available, but we’re not seeing the level of innovation that is taking place in the aluminium sector.

“We’ve been working more and more with aluminium companies that are bringing exciting new developments to market, with shaped and raked frames, with improved thermal efficiencies and slimmer sightlines, but also with advanced profile to accommodate triple glazing.”

Pivoting to higher value PVC-U and aluminium production may be an important step for fabricators, but it can also be problematic for those who have had to adapt existing factories or even those who have invested in new and dedicated facilities.

That’s particularly true for established PVC-U fabricators taking on aluminium for the first time, where the introduction of different machinery and processes runs the risk of unforeseen errors and costly delays.

“A shift to higher value products is essential for the industry, but can also be challenging even for experienced fabricators who need to adapt production lines, especially if they are working with aluminium for the first time,” continued Adam.

“This is where we can help. At Jade, we know what works and what doesn’t and we can help manufacturers get up to speed as quickly and efficiently as possible. That includes starting from scratch with new machinery, optimising existing lines, support for tooling and calibration and even training if required.

“Premium PVC-U vertical sliders and flush casements along with aluminium products can deliver growth even when times are tough – we can ensure fabricators are perfectly positioned to take full advantage them.”