The Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) has appointed a new chairman. Peter Dziurzynski, managing director of Parkside Group, which owns Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, takes on the role from Mo Panan, who stepped down recently after serving for 11 years. 

Peter, who is already a board director at the CAB, brings with him a wealth of experience. He’s worked in the aluminium industry for more than 30 years and before joining Parkside Group in 2009, held roles within both multi-national PLCs and small businesses spanning the automotive, aerospace, food packaging, nuclear and super alloy manufacturing sectors.

Peter commented: “It is a great honour to be elected to the position of chairman of the CAB. I would like to pass on huge thanks to Mo Panam for his selfless contribution over the last 11 years in this role. He will be a hard act to follow.”

CAB provides expert technical information and guidance on regulations, standards and best practice and is proactive in a number of aluminium and sustainability initiatives in the UK and internationally. In his role as chairman, Peter says he will champion the use of aluminium in the building trade and to the Government, media, regulations and standards agencies and other trade bodies and associations.

He is said to have extensive experience in all aspects of aluminium manufacturing including extrusions, rolled products and castings.

“I look forward to working with the team to build our presence within the construction market and to ensure that we remain a relevant and valuable contributor towards the long-term success of our members and our industry,” he said.

Outside of his new role at CAB, Peter adds that his team at The Parkside Group have had ‘a busy year’, as Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems and sister brands Axim Architectural Hardware and Alu-Timber ‘go from strength to strength’.

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems is one of the largest British, privately owned aluminium systems company in Europe and is celebrating 55 years in the industry.

In the spring, Comar also debuted its new Legacy Suite range of windows and doors at The FIT Show 2022.

“We were excited to launch the Legacy range – our 50 years plus worth of experience and technical expertise have gone into creating windows and doors that are designed to leave a lasting impression,” said Peter. “Every product uses the latest in thermal technology for greater energy efficiency and has been produced using recycled aluminium, making it a sound and eco-friendly window and door solution for any home.”

Axim Aluminium Systems, a supplier of architectural hardware to a Europe-wide network of aluminium systems houses, is also marking a significant milestone this year, celebrating 35 years in business.

Peter added: “At The Parkside Group, we’ve long championed the capability of aluminium as a cost effective and sustainable option for all new-build and restoration projects and we believe it’s the future – especially given that the glazing industry is moving collectively toward a target of net zero status.

“Our own strategy is aligned to help our clients work toward the new regulations, and as the new chair of CAB I also look forward to being part of a wider discussion around how our members, and businesses in the supply chain, can proactively manage their sustainability journey.

“The new Part L, F and O regulations are already in effect and in just three years’ time the introduction of the Future Homes Standard 2025 will require a 75% reduction in carbon emissions based on today’s standards.

“The government has also mandated that every UK business must reach net-zero by 2050 or before,” he concluded. “It was one of the big topics of discussion at this month’s CAB Autumn forum and will be one we expect to be predominant in the aluminium and glazing industries for some time to come.”