Glass Times editor, Luke Wood, visits Universal Trade Frames to learn more about why the fabricator has invested over £500k to deliver the ultimate Residence Collection offer.

When it comes to premium fabrication, few companies in the UK window and door sector match the ambition and precision of Universal Trade Frames.

Based in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, and operating from a 30,000ft² facility, Universal has built a strong reputation as a specialist window and door fabricator. But it’s the company’s recent £500,000+ investment in the Residence Collection that signals its clearest intent yet: to dominate the ultra-premium end of the home improvement market – and to do so at volume.

With a wide-ranging portfolio that includes the full Residence Collection (R9, R7, R2 and RD), Solidor composite doors, and leading flush and heritage solutions from Epwin and Spectus, Universal offers more than just products. It offers a platform for installers looking to streamline their operations and maximise value.

“Premium products are often installed at the same time, so getting everything for a job, including glass, on one delivery, makes life a lot easier,” explains Richard Hammond, sales director at Universal. “If it’s all coming from one supplier, it makes things so much simpler. You’re streamlining the whole process by placing a single order, with everything on one invoice. This saves a significant amount of time – and for installers, time is money.”

At the heart of Universal’s new push is a substantial investment in its Residence Collection capabilities. Designed to create the ultimate version of the Residence product range, this project focused not only on manufacturing precision but on scaling production in a way that remains faithful to the collection’s hallmark aesthetics.

“Residence still occupies a niche within the market,” Richard says. “Despite the growth of flush and heritage styles, Residence remains relatively immune to pricing pressure. It’s aspirational. Our goal was to deliver that exceptional quality – but at a pace and scale that helps our customers grow with it.”

Factory flow

Universal’s 30,000ft² facility is split between two core production streams: the high-throughput ‘motorway’ for standardised products, and the more bespoke, artisan-focused ‘B Road’, home to the Residence Collection line. This dual approach allows Universal to maintain speed and volume without sacrificing attention to detail on more specialist jobs.

And nowhere is that more evident than in its custom-built Haffner MAC 345 profile processing centre.

Commissioned specifically for the fabrication of Residence Collection windows and doors, Univeral’s MAC 345 has been specially designed so that it is bespoke to the manufacturer. Featuring 3-Axis CNC control, an automatic 25-tool magazine, and a 0.1mm machining tolerance, the 9m-long system delivers unparalleled precision.

From chalk-on-foil colour flexibility to its unique back fence storing station, every detail of the machine is geared toward one goal: making the highest quality Residence products in the UK.

“Most Residence fabricators operate with a 0.5mm back chamfer,” explains Duncan Saunders, operations director. “It’s a way of masking small variances. But we don’t need to hide anything. With the MAC 345 and our HeritageWeld process, we’re achieving a 0.2mm finish on the sash and zero on the outer frame – that’s virtually unheard of. And the HeritageWeld itself? That’s a true, 90° butt joint with no visible plastic melt. It’s as close to a traditional timber joint as you can get – but done at scale.”

The HeritageWeld is central to Universal’s Residence Collection offer. Exclusive to the company, this method delivers an ultra-precise, mechanically styled joint that is strong, consistent, and aesthetically perfect.

For installers, the benefits are tangible. The HeritageWeld finish gives them a compelling story to tell homeowners – one of authenticity, craftsmanship, and quality – while still providing the convenience and efficiency of a modern, welded system.

Even better, Residence sashes from Universal don’t require glass bonding – a common frustration among fitters. This means lighter, easier installations, simplified logistics, and more flexible glass sourcing.

FIT Show success

Universal’s capabilities were put firmly in the spotlight at the FIT Show, where the company was a launch partner for the new Residence Timber-Alternative Door. Positioned adjacent to the main Residence stand, Universal saw a significant uplift in visibility and interest.

“The response was phenomenal,” Richard Hammond recalls. “In the six weeks following the show, we generated around £1.5 million in Residence Collection orders. That speaks volumes about the appetite in the market – and the strength of what we’re offering.”

The new door, like its window counterparts, is constructed using the HeritageWeld process and is PAS24-accredited, increasing its appeal for both home improvement and luxury new-build markets. It can also be specified with Yale SensCheck – giving installers the opportunity to combine classic looks with modern smart-home tech.

Engineered for growth

This level of product innovation and manufacturing excellence allows Universal’s customers to stay ahead of the curve in a competitive market.

“Installers coming to market with the new Residence Collection Timber-Alternative Door can tap into Yale’s brand strength, benefit from SensCheck’s smart features, and upsell the unique HeritageWeld construction,” Richard says. “If they’re buying from us, they’re buying something no one else can match. It’s all about creating space between us and our competitors – and helping our customers do the same.”

Setting the standard

For a business that has long been trusted as a single-source supplier, Universal Trade Frames is now positioning itself as a benchmark for ultra-premium PVC-U fabrication. The company’s £500,000+ investment in its Residence Collection line isn’t just about increasing capacity; it’s about offering customers something that’s truly differentiated and valuable.

And as the premium end of the market continues to grow, Universal is proving that precision, performance, and volume can go hand in hand.