BISON FRAMES LAUNCH NEW GENESIS COLLECTION WEBSITE

Bison Frames, home of the Genesis product range, has just launched a dedicated Genesis website designed to highlight the benefits of their Genesis collection. The new website www.genesiscollection.co.uk offers a mixture of stunning images and compelling text to show installers and homeowners the quality and technical innovation of their Genesis product collection.

Mark Tetley, Director of Bison Frames said, “Our Genesis Vertical Sliding window really is a game-changer in terms of sash window design. And with more Genesis products being introduced into the collection we needed a high-end dedicated website that portrayed the product’s elegance and USPs to capture the attention of the customer.”

Since the product was introduced to the industry, the Genesis VS has really packed a punch in sash window design. It continues to be accepted throughout heritage buildings where previously timber would have been the only option and has gained a strong foothold in residential and new build markets too. This is due to the authentic looks and the use of traditional timber jointing methods on the frame and sash rather than the usual 45 degree PVC-u weld.

Bison Frames is known within the industry as the home of the Genesis product range. The new dedicated Genesis website is designed to help fabricators and installers grow their businesses by spreading the Genesis difference to a wider audience. Bison’s customers appreciate the quality and value of the Genesis products and they now have the opportunity to pass that message through the website to the consumer.

www.genesiscollection.co.uk

Image Above: Leon Friend, Director at Hueck UK

A series of proposed infrastructure projects surrounding the Northern Powerhouse initiative could open fresh opportunities for manufacturers of building products in the UK.

The Northern Powerhouse hopes to redress the North-South economic imbalance and attract investment into northern cities and towns.

Proposed infrastructure projects include HS2, a £50 billion high-speed railway connecting London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester.

Supporters of HS2 say the project will create better connections between the big cities of the North and Midlands and make sure our economy shares growth between the North and South.

A report by KPMG says the new rail project could boost the UK economy by £15bn a year and will create 22,000 construction jobs in the next five years.

HS2 is set to provide a big boost for the aluminium sector as specifiers on projects around the rail-line look to aluminium as the material of choice, presenting opportunities for manufacturers of these types of products.

Manufacturers are also set to benefit from an increase in new housing, particularly in the PRS sector, as young professionals flock to the major cities.

Manchester has a flourishing PRS sector. An increase in career prospects and a rise in population has seen PRS in the city grow by 85% over the last decade.

The city now has 60% more 25-29-year-olds than the UK average and needs one new home every single hour.

Leon Friend, Director at Hueck UK, says the company has seen an increase in demand for its aluminium systems for projects in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham.

He comments: “We have seen increased demand for our solutions for multi-storey residential projects in the cities; as well as commercial projects. As more young people flock to the cities, the need for single occupancy homes is growing bigger. New-build houses to buy are out and build-to-rent apartments are in.

“And this will only increase as stronger transport links are forged and more people see the North as a more attractive place to work and live.”

Hueck is one of Europe’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of aluminium window, door and façade solutions, specialising in both standard systems as well as bespoke applications.

For more information please visit www.hueck.com

It’s been a little while now since hybrid windows and doors have been on the market. Seen as a natural progression as fenestration materials blur lines, hybrid products have been highly touted but have perhaps fallen short of expectations so far.

The last few years however have seen somewhat of a next step in the quality and choice in the hybrid market. A number of timber/aluminium options are now available, and perhaps the most well known hybrid of them all right now is the WarmCore range of windows and doors from Synseal. WarmCore caused a bit of a stir upon launch as some, including myself saw this as more aluminium than hybrid. Fair to say the aluminium community disagreed with that persepctive.

Still, the way I see it, hybrids are getting better with each round of products, and might start to become a niche product that home owners begin to ask for more of.

Still a specialist niche

For me, hybrid window and door products will always remain a very specialist niche. I don’t think it will explode in the same way the timber alternative market did when that was just a niche. It’s fair to say that the timber alternative market is it’s very own market now.

But a hybrid window or door, that mix of two different materials creating two very different looks internally and externally will mean it will suit some very specific customers and some very specific properties. And in all honesty, I don’t think those producing and selling them won’t mind that.

They don’t suit every property, and I suspect that the majority of home owners may not be switched on to the idea. However, there will be a smaller percentage, and perhaps that percentage will grow over time, who will be looking for a product that creates a modern look to the outside and a traditional look to the inside. Products like Prefix Systems’ Opus range of timber/aluminium hybrid products would tick that box.

And they won’t be small orders either. Hybrid products, given their premium, high end audience, aren’t likely to be sold one or two windows at a time. They’re more likely to be sold as a part of a larger project on a property. So full houses of windows and doors, a big glazed extension, a conservatory roof replacement etc. So although they may not be the bread and butter sales for most installers, the orders that do come in will be of high value and provide plenty of fitting for that installer.

The debate around hybrids

The conversation around what exactly a hybrid product was came about when WarmCore was first introduced. This is a window and door system which incorporates aluminium profile around a PVCu core. The PVCu is there for thermal efficiency, the aluminium is there to make it look like, well, aluminium. Some, including myself, saw this as an aluminium product rather than a hybrid, principally because you couldn’t see the PVCu, you could only see the aluminium. And that it was aimed at the aluminium market,

Those in aluminium disagreed, quite strongly, insisting that this was indeed a hybrid because of the two main materials used and not a thoroughbred aluminium product through and through. I could see their point of view.

For me, products like Opus by Prefix are the true definition of a hybrid. A product which combines two materials but back to back. Creating very different looks inside and out. I guess that WarmCore is a kind of hybrid, but not in the same way Opus is. It’s still aimed more at aluminium for me. Opus is the truer version of a hybrid.

The question remains though, how much demand for these products will there be? As I said earlier in the post, this is still a very niche product aimed at a very specific part of the market. Namely at the higher value properties and to home owners who are more discerning than your average home owner. If hybrids can establish themselves in that part of the market, there is a chance that it can grow outwards to a wider part of the market from there.

We saw the same thing happen with aluminium bi-folds and timber alternative windows and doors. They started life in the higher value part of the property market and have grown outwards to pretty much every part of the property market since. It may take some time, but it’s not inconceivable to think that the same pattern may occur with hybrid windows and doors.

I would say that the hybrid market is probably now well placed to step things up a gear and start hitting the market harder. When they were first introduced there were question marks about the quality of the product. From what I’ve seen of the products that are currently in the market those days are now gone.

Linktrusion^TM from Deceuninck is changing the way the market specifies fenestration, thanks to a trademarked manufacturing process and material content that results in the best of both worlds: top performance thermal efficiency usually associated with PVC-U with the strength, durability and design freedom of aluminium but up to 30% lower cost.

Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon says: “As specifiers, clients and architects have woken up to the benefits of this unique technology, we are now looking for ambitious companies across the UK to help meet this relentless demand for next generation fenestration solutions and to help grow our fabrication and installation network.

“London and Quadrant (L & Q) was one client who chose this advanced technology for their recent flagship project in Abbey Road, Barking. Being one of the UK’s leading housing associations and one of London’s largest residential developers, this technology was fitting for this attractive development. Using Deceuninck’s unique Linktrusion^TM technology the project was completed in Decoroc Anthracite grey RAL 7016 –a very popular choice of colour in the current commercial sector.

“The system really is a dream to sell as it is unrivalled in the market place. The benefits of this exceptional manufacturing process include the ability to produce windows which are as strong as steel reinforced windows, 30% more thermally efficient with U values below 0.8W/m²K, with up to 40% saving on materials and weight. New design opportunities are also generated through slimmer sightlines and increased sash sizes (1150 x 2500 single doors) traditionally the domain of aluminium is now easily manufactured using Linktrusion^TM.

“With a heritage spanning eight decades, Deceuninck is one of the top three PVC-U extrusion systems’ companies in the world. Over 2,000,000 products are made from Deceuninck profile every year in the UK and many of these go into commercial new build and refurbishment projects. It’s precisely this experience and scale that means we are in the privileged position to be able to look at existing solutions – be it from a material, design or value for money perspective – and invest in bringing to market something better.”

If you’re interested in joining Deceuninck to meet this increasing demand and would like to discuss the potential please call us now on 01249 816969 or visit www.deceuninck.co.uk/specification

Profile 22 has announced a strong start to 2017. Paul Lindsay, Sales Director for Profile 22, commented: “We know what a big decision it is to move profile partner and the number of new sign ups we’ve had so far this year is evidence of just how much Profile 22 has to offer.”

When it comes to a market-leading offering, Profile 22 claims it really delivers. Its award-winning Optima system is billed as the best of everything. It offers two main systems in chamfered and sculptured variants, complemented with a heritage style flush casement system and a unique flush tilt and turn system designed to compete with aluminium. The systems offer impressive technical innovations such as more thermal chambers, deep drainage channels, a central eurogroove position, thickened walls around screw locations and a secure bead system. There are a wealth of glazing options, a wide range of ancillaries and an impressive colour selection too. While the list of innovations is impressive, Optima retains the familiar Profile 22 appearance, something that offers a clear visual differentiation. “The response from the market has been excellent,” said Paul. “Fabricators recognise just what a strong product Optima is and this is reflected in the number of new sign ups this year.”

Profile 22 says it can also offer the reassurance of a genuinely seamless transfer from one system to another. In fact, the process is so detailed, finely tuned and proactive that it is possible to finish with one system on the Friday and begin with Optima on the Monday. “Many fabricators fear changing profile partners because of the potential disruption to their business, but with Profile 22 we can guarantee there will be minimal or no disruption,” said Paul. We know this to be the case because when we launched Optima last year, we successfully undertook a complete changeover of nearly 100 Profile 22 fabricators to Optima in nine months.

Profile 22 has got over 30 years’ experience in the industry and this latest news shows it is maintaining its position as one of the industry’s go-to profile partners.

www.profile22.co.uk

PatioMaster’s appeal is continuing to grow amongst fabricators, installers and homeowners and for Carmen Velilla, PatioMaster’s Brand Manager, there are several good reasons for this. “We’re the market leaders because by specialising in manufacturing patio doors we’re recognised as the experts. Then there’s our business model. We offer the reassurance and power of a nationwide brand but with our network of local fabricators and installers, both businesses and homeowners can support their local economy. It’s the best of both worlds.”

PatioMaster says its inline sliding doors offer some of the best features in the business and the company’s expertise is evident in every detail. The doors are claimed to be perfect for design-conscious homeowners because of their elegant aesthetics and superb quality. They have low profile frames and are available in a wide range of configurations, colours and finishes. They are complemented with impressive security features such as a six point locking system and a wide range of accessories.

The doors are are easy to fit and get right first time and come with easy-to-use fitting kits for exteriors, porch and room divider sliding doors. The slimline profiles mean less damage to the plaster on fitting and free technical support is available from national and regional teams.

And there are advantages for fabricators choosing to buy-in sliding doors rather than manufacture in-house. Perhaps the most compelling of these is the rise in profit margins because the unexpected overheads, hidden costs and disruption of producing doors in-house are removed.

Each door is manufactured by the customer’s nearest PatioMaster regional manufacturer and is typically delivered within five working days, helping to speed up installation and invoicing schedules for both fabricators and installers. Every regional manufacturer operates to the same high standards and offers a friendly, efficient and personalised service.

www.patiomaster.co.uk

Fabricators and installers can improve profitability and grow their businesses by visiting the Origin stand at this year’s FiT Show. The British manufacturer of bi-fold and residential doors, windows and blinds will be presenting its entire Origin Home Range and sharing details of how it supports its partners to assist in business growth.

Visitors will be able to learn more about Origin’s revolutionary online ordering system, Sale Safe, which has been designed to drastically streamline the process of quoting and ordering. Rather than quoting on individual products, live demonstrations will show how its clever functionality allows customer projects to be built, saving considerable time on administration and allowing for more proactive lead follow up.

In addition to this, those in attendance will find out more about the gold standard of service that Origin offers, including comprehensive marketing support, ‘Fitter Fitter’ installation training to encourage best practice, sales training, technical support and more.

Visitors will also be given a sneak peek of a secret new Origin product that will be available to partners later in the year.

Ben Brocklesby, Origin’s Sales and Marketing Director, comments: “Origin always produces a show-stopping stand, and this year is definitely no exception. We will be detailing the extensive range of services that we offer to our partners, which includes everything from marketing support through to installation training for our products. Our partners are part of the Origin family and we are constantly evolving to try to help them grow their businesses. Our unrivalled lead times, high quality products and exceptional service are all part of the ‘Origin package’, helping our partners to grow alongside us. The show also acts as the perfect platform for us to educate other installers about the benefits of working with us.”

Origin will use the FiT Show, held at Birmingham’s NEC on 23-25 May 2017, to debut the Residential Door to the FiT Show audience for the first time. Originally unveiled to partners in September 2016, it can either be used as a front or garage door, combining security and aesthetics for an integrated front of house look.

Sharing similar style profile to the bi-fold and window, the addition of the Origin Residential Door ensures a harmonious look between products, creating complete front of house unity.

With over 35 panel choices to choose from, ranging from the ultra-modern through to traditional options, it ensures that partners can cater for all property types effortlessly. Expertly engineered for optimum energy efficiency, both the frame and sash feature have an advanced polyamide break to limit heat transfer. The panel is also made with a highly efficient Thermimax core.

Designed with heightened security in mind, from the locks and barrels, to the hinge design and aluminium composition, all combine to make for an ultra-secure system. Two different locking systems are available: a 5-point multipoint lock or Origin’s industry-leading 8-point multipoint locking system, with an offset spindle function for complete security performance. Additionally, Origin offers two barrel choices, both of which are three Star British Kite Marked, proven to protect against snapping, picking, drilling and bumping, offering homeowners a proven defense that is second to none.

In addition to showcasing the Residential Door, Origin’s stand will also have its renowned window system – the only window in the industry to feature a stunning internal and external flush casement. Designed so the sash sits perfectly in line with the frame, and with no overlapping profile, it ensures a smart and elegant appearance.

The Origin Window is the only window in the UK that can be upgraded to the revolutionary Aerogel, which boasts the lowest thermal conductivity of any solid material, claim the company. Using just 10mm of it in the thermal break of the window can boost thermal efficiency by up to 67%. When combined with the Origin Window, it delivers an A++ energy rating and certified 0.9 U-Value.

Visitors will also be able to see Origin’s range of made-to-measure blinds, catering for any requirement, with each blind offering a different effect, look and feel. Plus, Origin’s Bi-Fold Door will also be on show. These expertly engineered, high quality products make up the Origin Home range, coming together in a show-stopping stand.

Brocklesby concludes: “We will also be using FiT Show 2017 to unveil a brand new product, which we are confident is going to be a gamechanger within the marketplace. It allows us to offer even more to our partners, a one-stop-shop if you will, and we are really excited about it. I am not allowed to say anything more than that for now, but visitors will want to make sure they have the Origin stand on their FiT Show planner.”

For further information about Origin, please visit www.origin-global.com.