Aluminium capacity increased

Sternfenster has expanded the capacity of its aluminium facility with the addition of a new Schirmer ALU BAZ Composite Orbit-C machining and cutting centre.

Delivered in the autumn and representing a six-figure investment, the new Schirmer further expands Sternfenster’s aluminium bifold capability, while increasing precision and product quality.

“We also planned to expand the capacity of our aluminium bifold line, so this isn’t something that we have done in response to the exponential growth that we have seen since the easing of lockdown but as part of a strategic investment strategy,” Mike Parczuk, managing director of Sternfenster, said.

“That said, with demand where it is, the timing of the Schirmer’s arrival is great for us and for our customers, allowing us to meet that demand but to do so sustainably.”

Sternfenster committed to a £3.6 million investment in a dedicated aluminium manufacturing facility in 2017. With a 30,000ft2 shop-floor footprint, plus 10,000ft2 of office space, this includes its own powder coating line.

Together with the investment that Sternfenster has made in its in-house IGU business, it means that the company can offer its range of aluminium bifolding doors, manufactured in the Smart Visofold System, and inline sliding doors fabricated in Smart Visoglide, on industry leading delivery times, the company said.

“Aluminium has been one of the biggest drivers of industry growth,” Mike said. “What we’ve seen over the last couple of months is that demand accelerate. We may see some interruption to that growth later this year and the start of next but long-term aluminium is going to be critical for us and our customers.”