According to the latest figures from Insight Data, there has been a year-on-year rise in the number of aluminium fabricators across the UK.

This follows a steady upturn in the number of aluminium fabricators over the last five years. Insight Data’s latest report reveals that there were 872 companies manufacturing aluminium in 2019 and now there are 903, an increase of 3.5%.

In contrast, there has been a slow decline in the number of PVC fabricators over roughly the same period, with Insight Data’s figures showing that there were 1,180 manufacturers in 2022, down from 1,327 in 2019. Go back as far as 2011 and there were 1,860 PVC-U fabs.

Much of this decline can be attributed to the loss of smaller, lifestyle businesses, with larger fabricators benefitting as a result as they absorb the additional volume. But the figures also reflect that more companies have moved into aluminium to take advantage of growing demand in the retail sector for high quality sliding, bi-fold and entrance doors, roof lanterns and windows.

And there has been a huge amount of innovation in aluminium system design in recent years to capitalise on that demand.

The R&D departments at the likes of Epwin, Made For Trade, Garnalex, Deceuninck Aluminium – to name just a few – have worked wonders to bring desirable aluminium products to market that are better looking, better performing and, crucially, easier to manufacturer and install than ever before.

That last point is, arguably, one of the biggest factors behind the ongoing success of aluminium as a material. In the past, bi-folds – for example – were a pain to fit. These days, thanks to integrated gaskets and clever glazing beads, they’re a doddle and that’s helped installation companies to really make the most of a much more valuable, and more profitable product.

It has not all been plain sailing though, thanks to the introduction of stricter Part L regs in the summer of last year and the promise of even tougher requirements to come in 2025. This has been a bit of a wakeup call for some manufacturers and while most have managed to get around the 2022 updates, it may take more than a few modifications to ensure compliance for the Future Homes Standard.

Some systems are ahead of the game but for others, the clock is ticking…

And that’s important because a Part L compliant system will be vital for aluminium fabricators and installers wanting to continue to take advantage of demand for aluminium. Those that haven’t already ‘future proofed’ their portfolio should make doing so a priority – a good place to start would be to look at some of the outstanding solutions that are highlighted in this supplement.

And for the commercial sector and new build market, the new regulations in the pipeline for 2025 are even more concerning because it is these that will be impacted first. That’s combined with a growing requirement for systems houses to produce systems that are not just highly energy efficiency but ones that can demonstrate how ‘green’ they are too!

In the commercial sector, contracts can now be won or lost on the strength of a product’s carbon footprint and that’s why sustainability is now as much a part of ongoing product development – if not more so – than R&D into Part L compliance.

With all that in mind, there’s no denying the sheer aesthetic appeal of aluminium products, the combination of slim sightlines and ‘maximum glass’ that is unmatched in PVC and the reason why it continues to be such a popular option with consumers.

It’s also why stands showcasing aluminium products are so eye-catching at the FIT Show – and why I’m expecting them to be particularly busy at the 10 year anniversary event in May.