For fabricators looking to make the most of growing demand for high value aluminium and hybrid products, Jade is on hand to ensure new and existing production lines are operating as efficiently as possible. We talk to Jade’s Adam Jones, to find out more.

As we head into the tail end of 2025, it’s clear that demand for aluminium and hybrid products continues to remain relatively strong, despite ongoing challenges from the broader UK economic backdrop.

A casual browse of any current trade magazine or website will confirm this outlook, with numerous manufacturers and system companies promoting the latest in aluminium slimline windows, bi-folds and sliding patio doors, a testament to current consumer appetite for modern design and premium aesthetics.

But it is also supported by data from various industry sources. At the recent Glazing Summit, delegates were informed that the number of PVC fabricators has declined 6% in the last five years, while the number of aluminium manufacturers has increased by nearly 4% in the same time frame, demonstrating how the industry has pivoted towards higher value products.

Reports from quoting platform, Tommy Trinder, which trawls data from installers on a monthly basis, indicates that while PVC accounts for 80% of all items installed in the UK by volume, it only represents 64% of the market by value.

Aluminium on the other hand, accounts for 15% of all items in the UK but 30% of the market by value.

And while the latest consumer trends survey from Keystone Market Research confirms that the market is still under a lot of pressure, it also points to opportunities from younger homeowners as we head into 2026, a demographic with money to spend and on the latest design trends – in other words, aluminium and hybrid products that can deliver thinner sightlines, a heritage steel aesthetic and open plan living.

For many fabricators, it is clear that an aluminium product offer is now an essential lifeline, but for those who have historically focused on PVC – or are thinking about upgrading existing production machinery – aluminium manufacture can often bring new or additional challenges that will need to be overcome, as Jade’s Adam Jones explains.

“It’s evident that aluminium and premium hybrid systems have continued to gain market share,” he says. “We’ve seen it highlighted in various industry reports but also first-hand as we speak to and visit a significant number of fabricators up and down the country.

“Product and system innovation is always to be welcomed, especially when it opens up valuable, higher margin opportunities at the premium end of the market,” he adds. “But introducing the new machinery that’s required into production lines can often result in unforeseen technical challenges – and that’s where Jade can help, by identifying and resolving snags and presenting solutions that are designed to maximise efficiency.”

As one of the most well-known and respected names in UK window and door manufacturing, Jade represents years of engineering experience, both at fabricator and system house level.

Operating from a dedicated facility in Coventry, the result of a £4million investment that launched at the start of 2025, Jade is ideally placed to supply custom tooling and machine parts that are designed specifically for aluminium and composite systems.

Jade’s expert team is able to assist fabricators that are planning a large scale investment, for example a new, dedicated aluminium production facility, or where budgets are tighter, it can modify or re-engineer existing machinery to adapt to new materials, helping to minimise outlay.

“Aluminium manufacturing – and especially for hybrid products that combine aluminium and PVC components – requires a different approach than PVC, so it’s crucial for fabricators that want to hit the ground running that they fully understand the processes and have the right equipment in place in order to avoid costly mistakes or frustrating delays,” says Adam.

“At Jade, we know from our experience working on countless production lines, what works and what is likely to cause an issue. We can offer full support for tool setup and calibration as well as training for those that need it.

“Ultimately, the ability to offer high quality, premium aluminium products means access to a valuable revenue stream that in the current market, is more important than ever,” concludes Adam.

“We can help you get it right, from the very first cut.”