PVC fabs continue to decline
According to the latest Fenestration Market Overview by Insight Data, the overall number of PVC-U fabricators in the UK continues to decline, from 1,534 in 2014, to 1,132 in 2025 – a loss of 402 firms.
In terms of volume, the impact of this is felt most strongly in smaller businesses, according to the report. In the last six years, the number of PVC-U fabricators making 100 frames a week or less is down from 731 to 607, whereas the number making 500 frames or more a week has reduced from 141 to 117 – although as a percentage the numbers are very similar (circa 17%).
The number of aluminium fabricators, however, continues to rise, up from 802 in 2014 to 901 in 2025, reflecting the popularity of the material, especially for bi-fold and sliding door installations.
Smaller fabricators (100 frames or less) are making more aluminium than ever before, the numbers are up from 567 in 2019 to 619 in 2025, although volume for larger aluminium fabs has actually remained relatively static in the same time period.
At 11,650, there are also fewer installation firms in 2025, down from 13,281 in 2017, although it is interesting to note that the vast majority of these firms (9,957 of them) reportedly fit less than 50 frames per week. In contrast, there are just over 1,000 installing 51-100 frames per week and only 20 doing more than 1,000 frames per week.
As for IGU manufacturers? Down from 756 to 661 in the last six years.
So, what does all this mean? Well, as an overview it really just confirms what many industry leaders will already be aware of, and broadly speaking is a representation of decreasing volumes and market consolidation in an industry that continues to face strong headwinds.
However, as the report’s authors point out, with ‘fewer active players’, there is opportunity for forward thinking and proactive business to gain market share, especially if they use all the tools available to them – including good quality data and market insight…