Universal Trade Frames says it has strengthened its commercial capability for 2026 with the introduction of in-house, flush tilt and turn manufacturing, expanding its offer to meet growing demands.

For sales director, Richard Hammond, the move isn’t about chasing trends, but about aligning a proven fabrication model with the realities of today’s specification landscape.

“Flush tilt and turn isn’t a new idea in itself,” he says. “What’s changed is the level at which it’s being specified and the type of projects it’s now being used on.

“We’re seeing it come through consistently on apartment blocks and larger developments, where you need the functionality of tilt and turn but the aesthetic expectations are much higher than they used to be.”

Tilt and turn systems have long been the default for high-rise and multi-occupancy buildings, offering inherent safety, controlled ventilation and ease of maintenance. What flush tilt and turn adds is a more refined, contemporary finish that aligns with current architectural preferences.

“It’s about bringing two established ideas together properly,” Richard explains. “Tilt and turn gives you the performance and practicality you need for those environments. The flush aesthetic brings it in line with the way buildings are now being designed.

“When you combine the two, you end up with a product that feels current, but still does exactly what it needs to do.”
There are also clear design advantages. The system allows for larger sash sizes than a typical flush casement, supporting the move towards increased glazing in modern construction.

“You’re able to achieve bigger openings and more glass, which is something architects are pushing for,” says Richard. “That’s where tilt and turn really comes into its own, because it handles those larger sizes comfortably.”

Built for specification-led work
Bringing the product in-house gives Universal full control over how it is manufactured, specified and delivered, removing reliance on third-party supply and strengthening its position in the commercial sector.

“For us, it’s about control and consistency,” Richard says. “If we’re supplying into more complex projects, we need to know exactly how that product is being made and how it’s going to perform. Bringing it in-house gives us that confidence.”

That confidence is backed by a broader capability that extends well beyond fabrication. Universal has built a reputation for supporting installers through the technical and administrative demands of commercial work, particularly at tender stage.

“Commercial projects are a different environment altogether,” Richard explains. “You’re not just quoting a window, you’re working from detailed specifications that cover everything from acoustic performance and thermal targets to security and compliance.

“We’re used to taking those full contract packs, working through them and making sure what we’re proposing is exactly right.”

This process removes a significant burden from installers, many of whom do not have the time or resource to interpret complex specification documents.

“What we’re offering is clarity,” Richard continues. “Installers can pass us the information and know that what comes back is compliant, considered and ready to go.

“That’s a big part of why we’re seeing more of this type of work come through.”

With Secured by Design and PAS24 forming part of the overall offer, Richard says that Universal is able to support projects that demand higher levels of compliance, while maintaining a consistent manufacturing approach.

It also reinforces the company’s wider position as a full-systems fabricator, capable of supporting multi-product requirements within a single supply chain.

“We’re not trying to be everything to everyone,” Richard adds. “But where we do operate, we want to do it properly.

“Bringing flush tilt and turn in-house is part of that. It strengthens what we already do and gives our customers more scope to take on the kind of work that’s becoming more common in the market.”

As specification requirements continue to evolve, that combination of product capability and technical understanding is becoming increasingly important.

“It comes back to confidence,” Richard concludes. “If our customers know they’ve got the right product and the right support behind them, they’re in a much stronger position.

“That’s what this is really about.”