Progressive path
Carl F Groupco has reported high spec hardware sales growth for 2019, despite the uncertainty that has underpinned the year.
The distributor has experienced expansion in the aluminium window and door sector, particularly with high specification doors, bifolds and high rise windows resulting in strong demand for supporting hardware including tilt and turn and reversible gearing.
Aesthetic and style preferences for aluminium, along with the release of some major public sector contracts, are considered by Carl F Groupco to be key factors contributing to growing demand, and this is predicted as a trend set to continue in 2020.
The third anniversary of SmartSecure was celebrated in 2019; increasing demand for the company’s keyless technology has most notably been experienced in design led applications and the social housing and housing association sectors.
Carl F Groupco’s managing director John Crittenden said: “Brexit has had a major impact on all businesses, resulting in uncertainty that has impacted the UK industry’s ability to plan for the future. Volatile exchange rates along with the cost of raw materials and freight have meant prices fluctuate dramatically. This has particularly affected the hardware sector as most products are purchased in US dollars or euros.
“But it hasn’t been all doom and gloom as witnessed with high spec sales and it is important to pay tribute to our workforce at our UK distribution centre in Peterborough, at our Cumbernauld facility in Scotland and our staff who operate nationwide in the field.”