Altegra appoints new General Manager to accelerate regional growth plans

Somerset-based Altegra Window & Door Systems has announced the appointment of Billy Hawes as its new General Manager, marking a significant step in the company’s growth strategy across the trade and commercial sectors. The aluminium specialist, widely recognised in the South West for its high-quality window and door systems, is aiming to strengthen its operational capabilities and client service under Hawes’ leadership.

With a reputation built on technical expertise and long-standing supplier partnerships, Altegra has established itself as a key player in the aluminium fabrication industry. The company supplies premium aluminium window and door systems tailored for trade and commercial clients, combining deep industry knowledge with a consistent focus on customer satisfaction. As one of the foremost aluminium fabricators in the region, its success has been built on an ability to deliver bespoke, durable solutions that meet demanding project requirements.

Hawes arrives with a breadth of experience that spans the full construction lifecycle, from on-site installation to executive-level leadership. “I began my career on the tools,” he says, “gaining hands-on experience in installation and site coordination. That foundation has given me a deep understanding of the technical and logistical challenges involved in both residential and commercial projects.” His early grounding in the practical side of the industry has informed his leadership approach, with a focus on realistic, delivery-driven solutions and a clear understanding of what constitutes quality at every stage of a build.

As his career progressed, Hawes moved into increasingly senior roles across project and operations management. He has led multi-site teams, optimised supply chain logistics, and overseen complex installations, all while ensuring that budgets, schedules, and client expectations were met. “From there, I transitioned into project and operations management,” he explains. “I successfully led teams across multiple sites and worked to streamline supply chains and deliver complex installations on time and within budget.” His background in estimating and tendering for large-scale contracts has further strengthened his commercial acumen, particularly in the areas of cost control, risk management and value engineering.

This combined expertise in operations, logistics and financial management will be instrumental in his new position. As General Manager, Hawes will take responsibility for a wide span of business functions, including leadership of the Estimating team, oversight of in-house manufacturing, and the development of client relationships. His role will encompass the full project lifecycle—from initial enquiry to delivery and aftercare—ensuring that all aspects of Altegra’s operations are aligned with the company’s standards for quality, reliability and customer service.

“In my role, I aim to ensure that every aspect of our operation is aligned with outstanding customer experience,” Hawes says. “By overseeing the full project lifecycle and driving efficiency across estimating, manufacturing and delivery, I can ensure we provide reliable, cost-effective, and high-quality solutions that meet or exceed client expectations.”

He also brings experience of working closely with manufacturing teams and suppliers—an important advantage in an industry where aligning production capabilities with project timelines and customer requirements can be a defining factor in a company’s success. “My background has helped me align production capabilities with client needs while maintaining high standards of quality and compliance,” he adds. “These experiences, combined with a strong focus on customer satisfaction and team development, laid the groundwork for me to take on a strategic leadership role and drive business growth from both an operational and commercial standpoint.”

Hawes’s appointment reflects Altegra’s intent to consolidate and build on its existing strengths while adapting to new demands in the market. With a growing pipeline of commercial and trade projects, the business is looking to embed more streamlined systems and enhance its responsiveness to clients. The new General Manager’s focus on operational discipline, coupled with a clear commercial perspective, is expected to play a critical role in supporting this strategy.

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“What drew me to Altegra was the company’s strong reputation for quality, innovation, and its client-centric approach—values that closely align with my own,” says Hawes. “I was particularly impressed by Altegra’s ability to deliver tailored solutions across a diverse range of commercial and trade projects.”

Hawes also emphasises the importance of understanding the differing needs of clients across sectors. “My experience in both trade and commercial sectors means I understand the unique needs of each client type and can tailor our approach accordingly,” he notes. “Ultimately, my role is to create a streamlined, high-performance operation that delivers not just great products, but peace of mind—ensuring every customer feels confident they’ve chosen the right partner in Altegra.”

With Hawes now in place, Altegra Window & Door Systems is poised to sharpen its competitive edge while reinforcing the operational strengths that have earned it a leading reputation in the South West.

E: trade@altegra.co.uk