Commercial sales growth for Fentrade amid estate refurbishment project

Aluminium trade fabricator Fentrade has reported a 21% year-on-year increase in commercial sales following a successful start to 2024. Chris Reeks, Managing Director at Fentrade, said: “This growth is a sign of the underlying strength of the commercial sector and the quality and reliability of our commercial product offer.”

The sales upturn coincides with a current commercial project led by Fentrade’s landlord at its operating site in Maesglas, near Newport, Gwent. Chris said: “The landlord of our industrial estate has initiated an extensive refurbishment program covering all business units on the site. The project’s primary aim is to enhance the thermal efficiency of the windows and doors and improve the various buildings’ aesthetics. They approached Fentrade to help deliver the project.” 

Chris continued: “Having run through the detailed specifications and timeline, we have manufactured and supplied 22 AluK 58BW casement windows and five GT55 doors for this stage of the project.” 

The selection of AluK 58BW casement windows was driven by their thermal performance capabilities, achieving a U-value of 1.4W/m²K with 28mm double-glazed units. All 27 windows and doors were manufactured in anthracite grey, aligning with the contemporary aesthetics sought by the landlord for the ongoing estate-wide renovation. 

One of the project’s key challenges is the need to align with the installation contractor’s exacting timescales to minimise disruption to the daily operation of the various businesses on the estate. Chris said: “Even though the project is right on our doorstep, hands-on project management and tight communication is critical at every stage. We supplied all products in full and on time, to meet the phased installation schedule and worked closely with the installation teams to avoid any disruption to the businesses.”

Award-winning Fentrade works with trade and retail customers throughout Wales and the West and along the M4, M5 and M6 corridors. It partners with renowned industry brands such as AluK, Kestrel Aluminium and VBH Greenteq and manufactures a full range of aluminium windows, doors, bifolds, inline sliders, GFT commercial screens, shopfronts and curtain walling products. The company is a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building and prides itself on maintaining the highest standards in every area of its business.

Chris concluded: “Our continued involvement in the Maesglas refurbishment project and our surge in commercial sales reflects the trust and confidence our customers place in our ability to meet their commercial project requirements with precision and efficiency.”