Seal-Lite saved by Aluplast

Aluplast fully met the profile requirements of new customer Seal-Lite after its previous supply ‘went off a cliff’ as demand rocketed following the first lockdown in 2020, saving the co-owners’ sanity in the process.

Jim Shearn, co-owner and chairman of the Clevedon-based fabricator, said: “When the first lockdown was lifted in the early summer of 2020, our profile supplier couldn’t keep up with demand.

Brother and managing director Chris Shearn added: “We had already been told that the system we were on was going to be withdrawn from the market, and we were starting to look at options. But after the first lockdown, delivery dates were getting pushed back – often on the day of delivery – and when they eventually arrived, they were missing key elements, such as trims, so we couldn’t complete our orders. Supply went off a cliff.

“We felt very neglected, with a full order book, and we were seriously getting our ears chewed off by our customers.”

In June 2020, Jim and Chris decided to switch to Aluplast, a company they had previously bought from.

“We spoke to Aluplast’s owner in the UK, Keith White, and we explained the situation we were in, and he initially agreed to help us with the ancillary products,” Chris said. “But we quickly decided to switch over wholesale, and within three weeks we were completely up and running on Aluplast.”

Jim added: “They acted very quickly, and between the UK and Poland they saved our sanity. I don’t think we can overstate that.”

Seal-Lite now produces frames in the Ideal 70 system, which can achieve a WER of A+ with standard components, and has extended its range with the flush casement, which opens up opportunities in both heritage and contemporary applications, and is compatible with the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000 systems.

The fabricator also has access to Aluplast’s range of 40 foil finishes, including the next generation woodec and aludec foils.

“Seal-Lite is an old friend of Aluplast, and we are glad to have them back on board,” said Keith White.

“While they are a trade fabricator, 25% of their business comes from their retail operations. This gives them a real insight into the local economy and allows them to offer an even better service to the trade.

“We look forward to working with Jim, Chris and Sue, and providing them with new products to make the most of new opportunities.”