By Richard Hall, MD, Reynaers Aluminium UK.

We expect many of the current trends in the glazing industry to continue to gain momentum as we move into 2023, and despite signs that we’re about to embark on a challenging 12 months, demand for aluminium is expected to continue across both the commercial and residential sectors.

The latest Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast suggests there will be a 2% slip back in projects this year, while the residential market is set to see a drop off in demand as the cost-of-living crisis bites.

While these challenges can’t be ignored, opportunities remain and a commitment to quality and outstanding service will allow trusted brands to stand apart.

Here at Reynaers, we continue to prioritise product development. In supplying both the commercial, trade and retail sectors, we benefit from opportunities in both markets, and we will be looking to continue to grow our market share across the 12-month period.

Sustainability

Sustainability will continue to be a major consideration for the industry as we move towards 2025 and further revisions to building regulations. Ensuring the right products are available, when they are needed, will be an essential part of planning and product development.

Throughout 2023 we will continue major innovations to increase efficiency and meet sustainability targets.

With the launch of our sustainability strategy in November 2022, Reynaers Act, we have set out a clear pathway across the organisation on how we intend to reduce the carbon footprint of our products, the buildings they are used in and our operations.

Work to support this and to meet our commitment to Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTi’s) is underway, including adding more circular products and introducing additional products to achieve anticipated lower U-values as part of the 2025 Construction Products Regulation revisions.

Environmental regulations will increasingly impact architectural design and construction decisions and by having already introduced a number of products that achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/m²K, Reynaers is well positioned to provide products for projects looking ahead.

Product innovation

Product development continues to be a cornerstone of Reynaers’ commitment to performance and quality. We are continually enhancing our products, for example, adding options to complement the ultra slimline HiFinity sliding doors.

We’re also launching a motorised version of the MasterPatio sliding door. Both of these doors, as well as our classic and highly popular ConceptPatio 130 system, have also received PAS 24 2016 security certification.

Supply chain issues

While the previous couple of years have seen supply chain issues across the industry, we are pleased that our current service has returned to pre-pandemic levels. We have extended the warehouse capacity at our headquarters in Birmingham, increasing stock capacity by almost 46%. As part of our strategy to continue to enhance our customer service, we are studying buying patterns to adjust stock in line with requirements.

Digitalisation

To meet sustainability targets and increase efficiency, digitalisation will be a core focus for the year ahead. We’re aiming to introduce digital passports for all of our products to support ease of use and access to information, but crucially to embed environmental credentials. The aim is to have these completed by 2024. This will be supported by the Reynaers catalogue, which will also become fully digital.

Incorporating an increased level of smart build technology, along with simplified installation systems, will add value to our product range, as we look to the future of automated locking and operating systems.

Of course, having the right people is what really makes the difference to a company, and at Reynaers we work hard to attract new people into the industry, build the skills of current staff and nurture a new generation of talent – to deliver the highest standards.