Fabricators Articles
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Glass Times talks to Mike Bygrave, director at Roseview Windows, about how buying an independent foiling company has delivered flexibility and some unexpected wins. Over the last decade, the window industry has seen a shift in homeowner preferences. Smooth white PVC-U windows – once the only option – are no longer the default. Today, customers want choice, and not just...
Danny Williams, managing director of Pioneer Trading, gives his thoughts on the 2025 FIT Show, and on the price pressures that are now being applied to premium products. Although by the time you read this, thoughts of the FIT Show will be far from most people’s minds, at the time of writing this, my latest sharing of wisdom, FIT Show...
Following FIT Show 2025, regional sales manager, Mike Wilson, at Everglade Windows, reflects on the event and how the show put a spotlight on the importance of added value in a product-rich market. While another FIT Show has come and gone, it was a powerful reminder for us and the industry as a whole. Walking the corridors of the NEC,...
Warwick North West’s managing director, Greg Johnson, discusses how the industry can stop talking about the skills shortage and start taking action. The skills shortage in the construction and fenestration industry isn't news to anyone. We've all read the headlines, seen the statistics, and probably contributed to countless discussions about the crisis. The Construction Products Association tells us we're set...
By Danny Williams, managing director, Pioneer Trading. I am prompted to revisit this issue as rumours abound about the closure of a substantial factory that bears the name of an industry PE repeat offender. By the time you read this, all might be revealed. Our industry continues to be a magnet for Private Equity, something that baffles me after so...
Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, talks to Jamie Newall, CEO of Atlas Aluminium (the newly rebranded Real Aluminium Products Limited), which acquired the aluminium businesses of the Customade Group (Real Aluminium and Atlas Roof Solutions) out of administration. Luke Wood (LW): Atlas Roof Solutions and Real Aluminium were acquired by Real Aluminium Products from Customade in December last year –...
In an industry where efficiency and quality are paramount, Genius PVC Trade Frames is using lean manufacturing principles to drive an ambitious growth strategy that it says will position both the business and its customers for future success. Five years of unprecedented growth for Genius PVC Trade Frames might suggest that, for the next five years and beyond, ‘if it...
There are many misconceptions about replacing windows in conservation areas. Roseview’s Mike Bygrave helps clear up the confusion. Roseview has more than 40 years of experience in manufacturing sash windows. Throughout that time, we’ve seen installers and homeowners struggle with conservation areas; it’s a subject shrouded in uncertainty, misconception and false assumptions. This is understandable; conservation lacks a single defining...
By Danny Williams, managing director, Pioneer Trading. Whilst few of us wear masks now and contracting Covid has become as inconsequential as a bout of ‘normal’ flu, we continue to feel its economic effects five years after it hit the world and locked the UK down on 23 March 2020. The pandemic sent shockwaves through the planet and here, at...
PVC-U vertical sliders are a high value sales opportunity – but their true potential can only be realised with the addition of comprehensive marketing support, says Quickslide’s sales director, Tom Swallow. When Quickslide entered the market 20 years ago, the options for replacing tired and rotten timber sashes in our nation’s historic housing stock were relatively small. Those tasked with...
Mark Dicconson, managing director at John Fredericks, explains why he sees 2025 as an exciting opportunity for businesses that prioritise quality, service, product innovation and a comprehensive business proposal. I always approach the future with a positive mindset, and while 2025 will undoubtedly bring its share of challenges, I firmly believe that they will create opportunities. It’s during times of...
Joe Trueman, shareholder at Glyngary Joinery, talks about a return to quality and craftsmanship, and why it’s setting hearts racing. In a world dominated by mass production and disposable goods, it’s time we rekindle our appreciation for the lasting appeal of timber, especially in the form of expertly crafted windows and doors. At Glyngary Joinery, we’ve spent years perfecting our...
Along with a future-proofed approach to product development and an expanding manufacturing facility, David Pickering, managing director at Glideline, talks about being at the forefront of supplying demand for aluminium. Looking back over the past 12 months, the peaks and troughs we’ve faced as an industry have been difficult to predict. Plus, with some design preferences changing, and trends being...
A new addition to Glazerite’s heritage portfolio is set to create extra opportunities for its installers. Group sales & commercial director, Jeff Dunn, shares more on the leading trade fabricator’s latest product offering, Omnia from Veka. Giving our installers access to a range of heritage products means they can more than meet the growing demand for classic styles. This includes...
Endurance Doors has become known for offering innovative products and exceptional levels of installer support. Now those same traits are set to be available from a new aluminium fabricator, Endurance Aluminium. The Endurance group has never been an organisation to do things by half. So, it should come as no surprise that it has started the year with something of...
By Sunny Attlas, managing director, Chigwell Window Centre. Industrial, Art-Deco or steel look windows and doors are becoming the latest trending home renovation product with orders for these products increasing every month for both residential and commercial properties and are expected to increase in popularity over the next few years. It’s quite appropriate that Chigwell Window Centre has become a...
Rhodri John, AluFold Direct’s new technical director, highlights the company’s Commercial Door range which has been designed to set new standards in security and compliance. As the demand for higher-performing, regulation-compliant aluminium doors continues to grow, AluFold Direct is setting the benchmark with its Commercial Doors range. Built to meet the most stringent safety and technical standards, this series is...
Laura Richardson, finance director at TWR Group, discusses her (very) early start in the industry, excitement at a major move for the North East fabricator – and why family matters in business. Glass Times (GT): How did you get started in the industry? Laura Richardson (LR): I’m not sure I can class climbing and playing in PVC stillages with my...
By Danny Williams, managing director, Pioneer Trading. repare my thoughts for this latest DannyRant, the sun is making a rare appearance. However, despite spring drawing nearer the forecast for UK businesses remains distinctly dark and stormy. Scanning this morning’s headlines, front and centre and the reason for a dip in my mood is the headline on Reuters: ‘UK firms brace...
When it comes to digital marketing, it’s vital not to get left behind. And installers who want to get ahead should start with their suppliers, explains Quickslide’s Tom Swallow. Anyone who works in the fenestration industry can tell you the sector has always been innovative when it comes to adopting new technology. Whether it’s developing the latest products to attract...