Boxing clever

The right product choice can give you multiple options in numerous markets, explains Dave Broxton, MD at Bohle.

Diversification was the key message to emerge from the three-day FIT Show in May earlier this year, believes Bohle’s MD Dave Broxton, as traditional window installers explored ways in which they could broaden their offering and extend their market reach.

“Our strategy going to the FIT Show was very clear,” Dave says. “We presented window installers with a range of products designed to open-up new, profitable opportunities in the home, away from their established window and door ranges.

“And it was a clear success, with our FrameTec 2.0 dry-glazing glass partitioning system, and Lyon Juliet balcony significant crowd pleasers.”

True adaptibility

But diversification should not be limited to the home setting, Dave believes, and that true adaptability means turning your hand to different types of projects.

There was a time when the glazing industry was all about white windows and the volume domestic refurbishment market,” Dave says, “and it was very successful at what it did, because that was what the market demanded.

“In the modern era of home improvement, the work is still there, but it is coming from a variety of sources, so consumers want to look beyond standard white window ranges. But not only do we need to look at the variety of work within the home but also from different sectors, like retail and commercial.”

Dave points out that while the demands may be different, the skills remain the same whether they come from the domestic refurbishment sector, newbuild, retail or commercial.

“To seize the opportunities from different clients, you often just need the flexibility in your product range, and this is what we’ve been addressing at Bohle,” he says.

A case in point is Bohle’s easy-fit VetroMount balustrade system, which is now available with a 1.5kN line-loading. This, Dave says, makes it suitable for the growing retail, hospitality and commercial market, as well as for domestic use.

Simple installation

VetroMount is available in a standard face or floor fixing option; a flush-finish; and a third, ‘Y’ shaped channel, which tapers down to the face of the substrate, to create a clean minimalist finish.

Each minimises fixings, while making installation simple using Bohle’s patented zip-fix technology and cradle to hold the glass firmly in the channel. This also makes alignment easy, with simple adjustment.

Available in standard 2.5m and 5m lengths, VetroMount accommodates glass thickness of up to 21.5mm. It’s also counterbored, which means it’s suitable for use with standard, rather than more expensive counter-fix fixings.

“Sometimes, the best way to create opportunities and build in margin is to box clever,” Dave says. “And the VetroMount has been designed and manufactured by Bohle to do just that.

“First of all, it allows window fitters to cross sell on projects. For example, someone replacing their windows may also have a requirement for balustrading, which could otherwise go to another contractor.

“Secondly, with VetroMount, we’ve simplified the balustrade installation, so there’s no need to carry specialist tools, which reduces fixing costs and protects margin.

“Thirdly, while balustrading for domestic use only requires a 0.74kN line loading, the contemporary all-glass system can be upgraded to a 1.5kN system using additional glass carriers and 21.5mm PVB laminated glass. This means the product can confidently be installed in commercial areas open to the public such as footways, pavements, retail spaces, bars, restaurants and vehicular areas, including stairs and landings.”

VetroMount was independently tested in August 2023 to BS6180:2011 for a 1.5kN line load.

“And, finally, this is supported by an excellent customer service department who can offer guidance to make sure the right products are delivered for the right job and that all orders are 100% fulfilled,” Dave concludes.

“Fundamentally, we want our customers to diversify into different markets without any additional investment, and the versatile VetroMount balustrade is a good place to start.”