EXLABESA SHOWCASES COMMERCIAL CREDENTIALS

One of the UK’s most experienced aluminium systems houses, Exlabesa, has been showcasing why its products are so readily accepted on commercial projects. Paul Benn, the company’s National Sales Manager, commented: “If you want to take advantage of commercial aluminium opportunities, there really is no better choice than Exlabesa.”

The reasons behind Exlabesa’s success in the commercial sector are simple. Paul explains: “Our products have all been tried and tested in a European environment so offer proven success. They have also all been designed to be easy to manufacture and install so they add tangible value to a business.”

Exlabesa UK extrudes windows, doors and facades and all products are fully integrated to provide a complete glazing solution. The product range includes the KWS51 casement window, the KWS75 casement window, rebated thermal doors, tilt turn windows, bi-folding doors, patio doors, thermal and non thermal shop fronts and curtain walling. Also available is the newly launched steel replacement window suite, KS59. It’s a technically advanced framing system with slim sightlines that can be used in punched hole, composite and ribbon window refurbishment schemes as well as new build projects.

All its products are extruded in its state-of-the-art Doncaster headquarters which is equipped with two extruders and two ageing ovens, giving the company more capability and capacity than many. An in-house powder coating plant and in-house anodising plant means it can guarantee the quality of all its items and also gives an advantage when it comes to delivery times: mill finish items typically take four working days, paint finish items typically take seven working days and all orders are delivered using its own transport for further peace of mind.

Aside from the products being a compelling offering, Exlabesa also offers fabricators working in – or looking to work in – the commercial sector a wealth of support. Paul says: “We have a great deal of experience in-house that our customers can call on whenever they need it. Whether it’s help putting together a tender, manufacturing or installation support, we’re always here when we’re needed. We have recently appointed Ripley Foster our National Specification Manager who is working closely with specifiers while further supporting our commercial fabricators too. It means we can add value to any set up.”

The right products and the right support are essential to success, perhaps no more so than in the commercial sector. And in Exlabesa, businesses will find the perfect partner.

www.exlabesa.co.uk

The accelerator pedal on 2017 has been firmly put to the metal as in the blink of an eye we near the mid-way point of the year. With a number of political hurdles closing in, it has been a relief to see that their impact on consumer confidence is looking less disruptive than we previously anticipated. Home improvement activity is acknowledged to be directly related to consumer confidence, and there is no sign of a negative Brexit or pending-election effect – yet. Latest research from Barbour ABI has revealed that in every area of England there has been a significant rise in the number of planning applications. The cycle of consumer spending trends is accelerating through its peaks and troughs, and we now find ourself in a period of higher than normal consumer spending and the return of the trend for ‘improve rather than move’ forced upon families by soaring house prices.

Every few years we enter the same economic period, in which home improvement companies report favourable trading conditions. There is however one stand-out difference this time around. It’s a situation that has been facilitated by the fenestration sector and one that should benefit many in our industry. Previously there has been a distinctive gap between products that have been created for high-end ‘Grand Design’ projects and those that match the budgets of the middle to lower ends of the market. This isn’t to say homeowners haven’t desired these design-led products, they have just been priced out of the market. There are three factors in place today that have influenced the changing landscape of the marketplace. (1) Consumers are now willing to pay more for windows and doors; (2) architecturally influenced products have become more realistically priced and (3) there is increased availability and choice. When you look back at the latest Barbour ABI research, it is also important to acknowledge that there has been a significant rise in permitted development projects in the UK. When these are added to the increased number of successful planning applications, it reveals a significant number of projects that heavily feature windows, doors and roof structures.The fenestration industry has been working extremely hard to bring to market aspiration products that match homeowners’ budgets. Until only recently, slimline aluminium windows, roof lanterns and minimalistic sliding doors were only for the rich and famous. A quick look on the Rightmove website displays a fantastic barometer of how the existing housing stock is being improved. It is now commonplace for anything from a three-bedroom semi to a standard detached property to feature an extension with a roof lantern, wide-span sliding or bi-folding doors. The message is clear for retailers and installers: you need no longer feel inhibited offering these products to the average customer. With realistic supply prices you can now help homeowners realise their dream of turning their three-bedroom semi into a design-focused dream home.

John Cowie – Editor

The post The accelerator pedal has been firmly put to the metal appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

When the creators of the industry’s most radical new window and door system heard that a substantial ultra-contemporary house was being planned not far from its head office, the opportunity seemed too good to miss. Fortunately, the owner of the property agreed, plans were drawn up and the result is not only a stunning private residence but also one of the best showpiece installations any manufacturer could wish for.

That system was Lumi, the innovation that had recently proved a show-stopper when Co Antrim based Apeer launched it at Grand Designs Live in 2015, and the finished house has surpassed all expectations, not only for the owner and architect but also for Apeer as a model showpiece for its new innovation.

“When we began creating the Lumi concept, our mind’s eye put it in a high-value, bespoke contemporary setting,” said Apeer MD Asa McGillian.

“Then, when we saw that the architect’s drawings were so much like that mental picture, we could not let the opportunity pass. The result is not only a superb piece of architecture in its own right but also an absolutely ideal setting to bring out the best in the Lumi system.”

He added: “Many have been surprised since that Lumi has been chosen as a feature in classical and traditional settings as well as contemporary because it has a simplicity that makes it at home anywhere. But that same simplicity is brought to the fore in such a setting as this.”

The installation makes extensive use of Lumi windows, residential doors and sliding doors, placing them among a variety of exterior materials including white render, grey random stone and shiplap timber cladding.

Anthracite grey was chosen throughout for the Lumi exteriors, with the window interiors in Signal Grey. Many of the ground floor windows are single-pane floor-to-ceiling panels, calling on the high technical spec and energy efficiency that lie behind Lumi’s unique good looks. In the case of the large panes, however, the proximity of the site did also prove to be an additional bonus, as Asa explained:

“At the time, these were some of the biggest panes we had produced in the system so, in some ways, it was a learning experience for us as well. Being such a short distance away however, we were able to supervise both transportation and installation very closely and at the same time gain many valuable insights that have now been integrated into our standard procedures.”

The Lumi system is as radical in its construction as in its looks, with its triple glazing bonded to an internal core of foam-filled reinforced glass fibre profiles. To the exterior, it shows uninterrupted ‘frameless’ panes of glass while the interior has a more recognisable window profile appearance with a variety of colour and grain options to match any interior.

Asa McGillian concluded: “The Lumi system has featured in projects and refurbs of many styles and sizes all around Britain and Ireland in the two years since its launch but this one still stands out as one of the best examples of everything that the Lumi system can achieve. We are all very proud of it and it almost goes without saying that the owner is as thrilled with it as we are.”

www.apeer.co.uk

Image Above: Conservatory Outlet retail partner Amber Home Improvements new showroom, Hellesdon Hall Industrial Estate, Norwich.

The first month of its new financial year has been another record breaker for Conservatory Outlet Limited, reporting its June 2017 sales figure up an impressive 5% on the previous record.  The Yorkshire-based fabricator is crediting its best ever month to the growth of its retail network members, with four new industry-leading showroom openings over the past six months.

With more than 6000 frames, 200 roofs and 350 composite doors processed in June, it has been a very busy period for the fabricator and its 24-strong retail network.  The firm’s sustained and uncompromising growth continues to defy wider UK concerns over the economic climate and the uncertainty of ‘Brexit’.

Conservatory Outlet Managing Director Michael Giscombe explains: “The Conservatory Outlet Network is truly alive with activity at the moment.  We’ve never been so busy in terms of both orders and in supporting new and exciting growth initiatives from around the network.

We’re looking forward to building on this strong start through the rest of the financial year and raising the company to new heights, including more new showrooms, product launches and additional marketing support.

I’d like to say a big thank you to everyone within the network for their continued support; and to our fabulous staff for their commitment and dedication in processing the overwhelming quantity of orders in June without compromising on quality. In true Yorkshire style, we celebrated with a fish and chip lunch for all our staff on Monday 24^th July as a small token of our appreciation for all their hard work.”

Conservatory Outlet Limited is on the cusp of launching two new products to its ever-expanding portfolio, ensuring its retail network are amongst the first to market with the latest innovations.

The company also remains firmly focused on achieving its £20m turnover goal by 2018, and on securing full UK coverage by actively seeking new retail partners in areas of the UK untapped by its network, including Essex, Cornwall and South Wales.

For more information visit www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

A third of small building firms say that soaring material prices are squeezing their margins and almost a quarter have had to pass these price increases onto consumers, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Construction SMEs have reported a range of material price increases since the depreciation of sterling following the EU referendum in June 2016. Small building firms were asked which materials have increased the most and the results were as follows:

• Timber
• Insulation
• Bricks
• Blocks
• Windows
• Plasterboard / Slate (joint sixth)
• Boilers and radiators
• Porcelain products

The impact of these material price increases includes:

• 85% of builders think material price rises could drive consumers to hire rogue traders in an effort to save money on their building projects;
• One third of construction SMEs (32%) have had their margins squeezed;
• Almost one quarter (22%) have been forced to pass material price increases onto their clients, making projects more expensive for consumers;
• More than one-in-ten builders report making losses on their building projects due to material price increases.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Material price increases have left builders under severe pressure. This research shows that following the fall in the exchange rate, timber is the material that the majority of builders say has increased most in price but the problem doesn’t end there – everything from insulation to windows to bricks and blocks are soaring in price. A third of builders report that these price increases are eating into their already razor-thin margins – and this on top of increased wages and salaries stemming from long-term construction skills shortages. Furthermore, one-in-ten builders say that they’ve actually made losses on projects due to material price increases – this is most likely to happen when a particular product or material jumps up in price mid-project when then builder has already quoted for the work. Perhaps unwisely, some builders are absorbing these extra costs as opposed to re-quoting for the project.”

Berry concluded: “Material price spikes aren’t just a problem for builders – they’re also a problem for the home owner, with almost one quarter of builders saying that they have had to pass on price increases to their clients. This means that building projects now cost significantly more than they did this time last year. What with stagnant wages and price inflation across the economy, consumers are feeling the pinch and it might be that they decide not to commission that loft conversion or extension after all. Or worse still, 85% of builders believe that home owners will be tempted to hire rogue traders who are quoting a lower price than a professional building firm such as those that belong to the FMB. If that’s the case, material price rises could lead to a flurry of botched jobs and distressed consumers. We’re calling on home owners to hold their nerve – they’re better off commissioning a more modest project from a professional builder than a high spec project from a cowboy. Don’t take the risk.”

www.fmb.org.uk 

KAT has announced an exclusive partnership deal with global aluminium profile maker, Kawneer (an Arconic Group company), to bolster its product offering to the trade residential sector.  The agreement ensures that KAT will exclusively supply the Kawneer range of products to the trade and residential sector in the UK and Republic of Ireland.

Adding a completely new and comprehensive range of aluminium glazing products to the existing KAT collection and an additional stock colour, KAT will introduce Kawneer’s range to meet growing demand in the trade for state-of-the-art designs and styles of aspirational quality aluminium doors and windows.

Kawneer, which is an established international leader in architectural systems, has a manufacturing facility in Runcorn, Cheshire.  Providing commercial, health, arts and leisure, education and transport sector products, Kawneer has already supplied some of the country’s most significant construction projects in the commercial arena.

Now manufacturing signature Kawneer products at its Cheshire facility, KAT provides tilt turn windows with hidden sash technology, casement windows, bifold doors, in-line sliding patio and lift & slide patio doors. The products are tailor-made to larger measurements up to 2.6 metres high and an impressive 13 metres wide. KAT will also be offering its recently launched aluminium front door made in the Kawneer system. KAT continues its industry-leading seven stock colour proposition, with the Kawneer range offering an additional black anodized finish that is guaranteed for 20 years.

Already one of the few selected UK manufacturers of Schüco aluminium door and window systems for the trade residential sector, KAT will introduce its Kawneer products as principle range aspirational alternatives for projects throughout the UK and Ireland. As with all KAT’s aluminium products, the Kawneer range is available on a two-week ‘order to delivery’ basis.

Chris Powell, managing director, KAT, spoke about the exclusive partnership with Kawneer: “We are continually evolving to provide the quality and style of products sought by our informed customers and end-users alike.

“With Kawneer’s global knowledge and expertise, we bring a unique and robust offering that fits perfectly with our existing portfolio to add an aspirational collection for new home and renovation projects.

“With predicted further growth of our aluminium glazing products in 2017/18, we intend to lead the demand curve supported by our strong relationships with leading suppliers to offer trade customers the most comprehensive range for all small and large projects.”

The post KAT introduces global residential aluminium range to UK and Ireland markets appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Tougher second-time replacement sales and the shift away from home ownership, are driving long-term change in the window and door industry. The analysis was delivered by Robert Palmer, Palmer Market Research during the recent FIT Show seminar programme. He said first-time window and door replacements had dropped from 80% in 2000 to less than 30% in 2015, with ‘replacement of replacement’ installations now accounting for 70% of all installations. He argued that this was driving increased focus on aesthetics: “Homeowners want something that is tangibly different and the appearance of windows is increasingly important in the market,” he said. “That in turn is driving innovation in the industry and the shift to premium finishes and foils in retail markets. “While there will always be a place for standard budget white PVC-U, there has been a definite shift in consumer expectation.

“The industry has responded with foils and premium finishes as well as the very substantial growth that we’re seeing in demand for aluminium.” To this end he forecast that aluminium is on course to reach a 17-year high by 2020, topping 220,000 frames by the end of the three-year period. This he said would be delivered by significant growth in the bi-fold market, which he forecast was set for growth of 30% through to 2020 in all material types to 55,000 door sets. Of these, he predicted that aluminium would take the lion’s share of the market at 35,000 units.

Palmer cited ‘exponential growth’ in the solid roof conservatory market as a second key area of opportunity. According to The Window, Door and Conservatory Markets in Housing in Great Britain, (October 2016) the market for replacement conservatory roofs was up 62% in 2015 to 11,200 installations and is forecast for continuing growth through to 2020.

He also forecast continuing if steady growth in the composite door market, which he said would increase to around 850,000 door sets per annum in the next three years. But while citing sizeable areas of growth, he tempered forecasts with predictions of continuing challenge. Alongside the shift to tougher second-time replacement sales, Palmer said that the long-term decline in homeownership was also driving a long-term change in the market. This according to figures has dropped from a peak of 14.8million in 2005 to below 14.3million last year. Conversely, the private rental sector was up from around 2million properties in 2005 to 4.5million.

“The private rental market tends to be again, that little bit tougher and price driven. There are however incentives – or perhaps more accurately, disincentives for not doing so – to improve the energy efficiency of their properties. “MEES or Minimum Energy Efficiency standards give landlords just a year to bring the energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of their properties to no lower than E for new tenants and to all existing tenancies from 01 April 2020,” said Palmer. He concluded: “Brexit is clearly also an influence. What that influence will be right now is very difficult to predict as we know so very little about its potential shape. “Regardless of this, however, message is that the market as always never stands still and that product innovation. but also end-user expectation, coupled with the impact of legislation, is reshaping how the industry does and will need to do business.”

Tel: 020 83908131

The post Redefining the window and door industry appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Sometimes it’s simply all about being in the right place at the right time. For Trade Frame Manufacturers Ltd this was certainly the case when they stumbled upon Kombimatec at FIT Show 2016 inspiring a working relationship that both parties were excited about.

Visiting the last FIT Show to be held at the Telford International Centre before moving to the NEC in 2017, Pembrokeshire-based Trade Frame Manufacturers went with the purpose to view the machinery on offer as they were in need of some new equipment. Impressed with the speed and ease of use that Kombimatec’s machines offer, according to Trade Frame’s Russ Evans it was an easy decision to make when committing to purchasing a pair of machines from the Bedfordshire-based machinery manufacturer.

Choosing a 4HDV Four Combination Head Welder and 6 Axis CNC Corner, Transom and Cruciform Cleaner, Russ explained what it was that sold Trade Frame on Kombimatec’s range. “The fact that they are a UK based manufacturer was a huge plus for us,” he said. “This way if we ever need any replacements parts or a service it’s easy enough to sort out.”

Trade Frame, who have specialised in the manufacturing of uPVC windows, doors and conservatories since 2001, have benefitted from the excellent customer service Kombimatec offers to all of its customers. “It’s been very good! I really can’t fault them,” Russ explained. “The delivery and installation went without a hitch and because of that we wouldn’t hesitate in recommending Kombimatec to others who might be on the market looking for new machinery.”

Providing greater fabrication flexibility than ever before, Kombimatec’s 4HDV Four Combination Head Welder comes with individual start buttons for each head that enables the machine to be operated from any head. Essentially two machines in one, it can be used as 4 heads together, 2+2, 3+1 or 1+3.

The EV475 6 Axis CNC Corner, Transom and Cruciform Cleaner is the fastest and most reliable of its kind. With two separate sets of cleaning tools, each with their own independent programmable movements, it can work on both sides of the joint at the same time. This speeds up the overall cycle time because transoms and cruciforms can be cleaned in one complete clamping sequence.

Since 1984 Kombimatec has delivered over 10,000 machines for working PVC and aluminium profiles worldwide. Designed and manufactured to the highest standards, the machines are easy to use, simple to maintain and with CAD experts on hand to assist with factory planning the company’s technical expertise has built over 30 years of serving the industry.

For more information visit: www.kombimatec.com.

National Plastics has just announced that Pro-Can canopies will be available through its UK trade counter network. Geoff Foster, National Plastics’ Managing Director, said: “Pro-Can canopies don’t compromise on quality and use the best materials and the latest production processes. We’re proud they are available through us.”

Pro-Can canopies are constructed in the UK using high quality GRP, polycarbonate and steel and have been designed with the tradesman in mind. All products are robust and supplied fully protected and shrink wrapped to ensure they reach site in perfect condition. They are easy to fit and come with the minimum number of separate parts because as much assembly as possible is done in the factory. A complete fixing kit is included in each pack, including a full installation guide, Rawlplug fixings and with fixing templates where required.

All nine Pro-Can canopies are available via the National Plastics network which include the Clear Top Flat and Clear Top Curved, the Flat Top Thin and the Flat Top Deep, the Classic Flat, the Peaky Top Boxed, the Double Top Open, Double Top Sunrise and the Big Top.

National Plastics is renowned for being a one-stop shop when it comes to building plastics. The Pro-Can canopies will be part of an offering that also includes bathroom panels, guttering products, fascias and soffits, cladding, drainage products, roofing products, PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories, composite doors, garden products, accessories and wall panels.

All products are sold with the promise of National Plastics’ competitive pricing and by knowledgeable and experienced staff making it such a successful trade counter network.

www.nationalplastics.co.uk

The Epwin Group has just announced that it has appointed Katie Leese as Programme Manager for Excellence as Standard, its groundbreaking new member programme. Sharn Samra, Epwin’s Marketing Director, said: “We are delighted Katie will be managing the Excellence as Standard programme and I’m personally looking forward to working closely with her on our ambitious new initiative.” Katie added: “I’m excited to be joining Epwin and leading the mission to make Excellence as Standard the benchmark for quality in the industry.”

Katie has over 16 years’ experience in the industry and is no stranger to the Epwin Window Systems – she spent over 8 years as the Brand Manager for Profile 22. It means she has a deep understanding of the industry in general and the Epwin Window Systems’ brands and culture in particular that will stand her in good stead as she takes up her new role.

Excellence as Standard was launched at FIT 2017 and is a powerful new initiative to drive quality in the industry. When an installer signs the Excellence as Standard charter, they are making a pledge to commit to striving for excellence in fenestration. From day-to-day business operations through to product manufacturing processes and physical installations in the home, Excellence as Standard is a culture that permeates every level of a member’s business.

In return, installer members have access to a wealth of support and tangible benefits designed to drive quality and sales. These can be divided into six areas: quality products, the EAS Academy, effective lead generation, marketing support, partner benefits and the support team.

Epwin’s status and reputation means it can attract the best and brightest talent. The appointment of Katie Leese, with her wealth of industry experience, is a perfect demonstration of this ability in practice.

www.epwin.co.uk