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Aluk’s new 350,000ft2 headquarters in Chepstow is a massive statement of intent, as Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell discovered when he was recently shown around the site. Describing something’s size is not easy, which is why people tend to use football fields as a standard measure; in which case, five and a half football pitches can fit inside Aluk’s new...
Selecta’s marketing manager, Mark Walker, discusses the current and future developments from the marketing team at Selecta. Over the last 16 months we have expanded the marketing and customer sales support team, giving fabricators their own personal contacts for all their marketing and sales support requirements. The addition of Donna and Michele has allowed us to focus on ensuring customers...
John Mumford, co-director of Westbury Windows and Joinery, discusses how the window industry changed over the last 30 years. Thirty years ago, timber windows were tarnished with a bad reputation because many post-war windows were shoddily manufactured with cheap softwoods that had succumbed to rot by the late-70s/early-80s. I remember everybody wanting to clad their house with white PVCU windows,...
As Spectus opens up new heritage opportunities by adding a mechanically jointed option to its vertical slider, Spectus Brand Manager Carmen Velilla explores why the window remains a popular choice. There’s no denying the elegance of a sash window; it’s a design that has lasted for centuries for good reason – the perfect complement to beautiful 18th, 19th and early...
Whether designing a new build with an 'old soul' or renovating a property with a traditional aesthetic, the choice of windows can make or break the overall look, according to Dawn Brickwood, marketing director for Veka Group. For heritage projects in particular, the balance between a classic style of window, that is in-keeping with the integrity of the building and...
Under pressure to innovate but with limits on capacity, PVCU systems houses face some tough choices about product offer and future investment, according to Chris Duff, business development manager at Euroseal. Systems investment doesn’t come cheap. New extrusion lines cost, and making that investment now, at a time of significant economic uncertainty and market volatility, can be difficult to square....
Saving aluminium window manufacturers both time and money, the aluPilot fitting system from Winkhaus was well received at the 2017 FIT Show. Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK’s national sales manager, explains how it works. In all areas of manufacturing, time really is money. The whole idea behind our aluPilot concept was to make the production process of aluminium windows more efficient....
As PVC-U window systems continue to evolve, with new finishes and fabrication processes to mimic both timber and aluminium frames, consumers have more options than ever before to get the look they want but with all the advantages of energy efficient, low maintenance PVC. Michael Hart from Rehau discusses the merits of ‘timber look’ weld technology, and asks whether time...
More than 30 fabricators have joined Selecta in the first six months of 2017, according to sales director Andy Green, who says the firm is bucking the trend. The European referendum, the triggering of article 50, and the decision to hold a general election – all in the space of a crazy 12 months – have had an impact on...
At this year’s FIT Show, Prefix Systems launched two aluminium window systems and the striking new contemporary UrbanRoom. Co-director Chris Cooke highlights his vision for complete aluminium glazed structures. Yet again the FIT Show perfectly highlighted the increased importance for aluminium windows, doors and roofs, with the vast majority of systems well represented. Aluminium is certainly enjoying a renaissance and...
Kaliber Group – which owns KAT, Ayrshire Aluminium and Spitfire Doors – recently acquired Universal Arches. Group chairman, David Richards, tells Glass Times about the opportunities now possible across Kaliber Group businesses. There is an established relationship between Kaliber and Universal Arches, with synergies between KAT and UA especially. Both manufacturers have become major players in the industry, with KAT’s strong...
Selecta Systems’ technical manager Richard Bent examines the way the industry carries out the marketing of energy efficient PVCU products, and asks if we doing enough to educate customers. The improvement in the technical performance and specification of window and door systems has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Thermal performance is an area where PVCU...
Being truly sustainable requires more than just a commitment to designing energy efficient products for end users. Gareth Jones, Rehau’s marketing and technical director for window solutions, explains why sustainability starts at home. When it comes to energy efficiency, Rehau offers a market-leading range of thermally efficient window and door systems. These include our Agila Passivhaus doors and our Geneo...
Selecta Systems’ technical manager Richard Bent examines the way the industry carries out the marketing of energy efficient PVCU products, and asks if we doing enough to educate customers. The improvement in the technical performance and specification of window and door systems has come on leaps and bounds over the last few years. Thermal performance is an area where PVCU...
When Window Energy Ratings were established, energy rated windows were deemed more of a marketing opportunity than a necessity. Forward-thinking companies that jumped on board straight away had a tool to differentiate them from their competitors. A tool that homeowners could instantly recognise and were familiar with. Even a ‘C’ rating was big news when the first ratings started to...
Aluplast’s new lift and slide door offers Passivhaus standard U-values. Yet this is just one of a number of features the systems giant is pushing, arguing that more is needed to persuade homeowners to part with their hard-earned cash, according to Ian Cocken, director of sales and marketing at Aluplast UK. Aluplast unveiled its new lift and slide door at...
By Russell Yates, managing director of Aluk. At the FIT Show, Aluk launched two new doors in our premium Luminia range: the F82 bifold and the SC156 slider. These struck an immediate chord with visitors because they are beautifully designed and impeccably stylish; customers told us that if they installed either of these in their showrooms, they could almost guarantee...
Phil Parry, head of research and development at Synseal Group, explains how energy efficiency requirements have influenced product innovation and marketing strategy across the company’s WarmCore aluminium products. The WarmCore system was introduced for folding sliding doors in 2014, and has since developed into a full, thermally efficient suite including flush sash, tilt and turn and slim vent windows, a...
Deceuninck has raised its UK profile in recent years, particularly in relation to it investment in colour. Part of this is thanks to the company’s strong Belgian parent company, so Glass Times editor Nathan Bushell went to find out more. Deceuninck’s UK base in Calne, Wiltshire, continues to expand as the company grows its market share and invest in colour...
As the sliding patio door market continues its resurgence, Paul Benn, national sales manager of Exlabesa, says it’s important to choose your product wisely if you want to capitalise on the opportunities available. Not so long ago, the sliding patio door was a reliable stalwart of the average portfolio. You could guarantee it would perform solidly year-in, year-out, justifying its...
