Global view in a Brexit world
Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell reports from Aluplast’s international conference.
Cardiff was the destination for Aluplast’s international conference this week, playing host to delegates from countries as diverse as Mexico, Greece and Indonesia. Indeed, in between the presentations on machinery, hardware and IT, conversations with delegates implied that the influence of PVCU on global architecture was growing. It was also interesting to note that while the UK PVCU market is largely driven by the material’s representation of something else – predominantly timber or aluminium – elsewhere, PVCU is being recognised for its own strengths.
With Brexit looming on the horizon, a global reach is a strength for any business. CEO for the international brand Patrick Seitz said Aluplast was successful in all the markets it operates, and it continues to target the UK as a growth market especially because it is the second biggest market in Europe (after Germany) for PVCU.
Keith White, Aluplast UK’s MD, said this ambition was being reflected in the relationships he has with his customers. For example, his route to market was typically as a “solid second source” for medium-sized fabricators. However, Aluplast is increasingly becoming a primary source for smaller fabricators, thanks to an increased product portfolio and comprehensive technical support.
His words were echoed by the likes of Glamorgan Glazing and D Glass that proved to be good ambassadors for the firm during the conference.
Interestingly, this global view wasn’t shared just by Aluplast. Graeme Bailey of Business Micros gave a very thorough presentation of the software his company provides to 78% of the fabricators in the UK. While he explained that his focus is very much on the UK market, he continues to keep an eye on the rest of the world for opportunities simply because if he wants to grow the business there isn’t much room left for him in the UK. This appeared to please delegates in the room who were impressed with what he had to say.