17.05.2017
aluplast at this year’s FIT show
But if on the one hand that shows that we need to do a little bit more to communicate that message to UK fabricators, it also means that our existing and growing customer base benefits from some genuine points of differentiation – and we and they, have an opportunity to grow.
That’s what for us, the FIT Show is about this year. aluplast processes more than 150,000 tonnes of PVC-U in Europe annually. That’s equivalent to 75 per cent of the whole UK and Irish markets combined. With our worldwide customer base manufacturing more than 10million windows per year we have the scale to support an incredible level of investment.
That’s evidenced in our FIT Show offer. Our stand features our new ultra-thermally efficient Lift-and-Slide door. The first lift-and-slide door to achieve the Passive House standard and capable of spanning huge apertures in just two panels, it delivers exceptional sightlines and massive sales opportunities.
Modular, the 85mm system, features a light touch easy-operate lift-and-slide opening and closing mechanism, and energy efficient thermally broken aluminium threshold as standard. An Ultra-energy efficient GRP option, raises the bar still further achieving u-values as low as 0.65 W/m2K – meeting Passive House standards.
But it’s the span that’s most impressive of all – 6.5m wide and 2.8m high, with just 2 sashes. This includes a sash weight of up to 300kg.
It’s a flagship innovation globally but one which is delivering direct opportunity to fabricators and installers here in the UK. We have made a significant investment in our UK operation. This includes a state-of-the-art UK distribution centre, customer service and technical support teams.
We’re also investing in our systems. In addition to Ideal 70 and Ideal 70 ecotech, both fully sculptured and WER A+ systems, developed specifically for the UK – we’re unveiling our new Ideal 4000 and Ideal 4000 aluskin offers.
Defined by a contemporary ‘SquareLine’ profile Ideal 400 is a leading-edge PVC-U system in its own-right. With its urban, SquareLine chamfer, it delivers great sightlines and has been fully testes to Part Q, PAS24 and Secured by Design Specifications.
Combined with more than 27 foils offered by aluplast from stock, the Ideal 4000 also delivers the flexibility for use in a wide variety of architectural applications from domestic replacement, to premium residential and commercial buildings.
We foil more than 1.2million metres of product each month. That means that we hold thousands of metres of coloured and woodgrain profiles in stock, including popular anthracite grey, black, cream, rosewood and golden oak. These are available for delivery within just days of orders.
In a market increasingly driven by finish, we can also offer special foils in 15-days or less. What’s more, there is no minimum order, no surcharge and no setting up charge on special colour orders. Even orders for single windows can be accommodated.
aluskin moves finish on a step further as a highly innovative ‘clip-and-fix’ aluminium fascia. Building on proven technology, it allows PVC-U fabricators to manufacture an aluminium-clad PVC-U casement window without the requirement for specialist equipment – opening-up access to new market sectors.
Delivering strong aesthetics and slim contemporary sightlines, it also allows aluminium system fabricators to manufacture a thermally efficient WER A+ window.
These are key points of product differentiation in a crowded market place and made possible by the global scale that sits behind our UK offer. This scale also allows us to be highly competitive. Economies of scale and the efficiencies delivered by continuous investment, means that we minimise our own operating costs – savings we’re passing onto our customers.
We haven’t been immune from the price increases the industry has seen at a systems level but our starting point is far lower than that of other systems companies, while our product offer and the innovation that we’re bringing to the UK is global leading.
We have big plans in the UK and Ireland and the FIT Show is just the beginning.