Fenestration sector is motoring ahead to safeguard its future

Gauging the state of the market can be a painstaking exercise. But more so than ever, interpreting the barometer reading for the outlook of the market is essential when making plans for the next 12 months. You can become immersed in facts and figures, and delve into detailed economic forecasts but often the answers may lie closer to home. Looking at investment decisions made by other companies in the sector is often a good indicator as to the general state of play. These decisions can relate to investment in company assets, product development and human resources; all represent commitments to the future prospects of the market. With all the uncertainty and mis-information surrounding Brexit, it is important to see how our own industry is reacting. The signs are that the majority of companies are ploughing ahead with investment decisions and not being tempted to slam on the brakes.

Just a glance at the last month will see a host of product investments made in the roof lantern market. Liniar is launching its Elevate lantern along with its new Resurgence PVC-U flush-sash. Roof lantern heavyweights Atlas and Korniche are continuing to push the boundaries of innovation in this sector. Deceuninck are continuing to roll out new products designed specifically for the UK, the latest being the Heritage Flush Door. Veka Recycling have cut the ribbon on their new UK recycling facility in Northampton which represented an investment of £8m by The Veka Group. Alan Rees’ Panoramic Group has acquired the sealed-unit double-glazing operations of the Epwin Group, while the Hadley Group has purchased the window and door reinforcement specialist EWS (Manufacturing). The big news before Christmas saw Roger Hartshorn’s Garner Holdings snap up the Sheerframe trade extrusion business from Synseal. Roger is a firm believer in the fenestration sector and this move along with the investment in a new aluminium plant for Garner Aluminium Extrusions is evidence of his belief in positive future market conditions. On the subject of aluminium, we have also witnessed a management buyout of Senior Architectural Systems by its current board of directors – further indication of anticipated positive future prospects by those involved, while Reynaers UK have appointed Richard Hall as new Managing Director with a remit to continue the company’s growth in the UK. All these investments have been brought to market in just the last few months. The signs are clear that the fenestration sector is motoring ahead to safeguard its future despite all the scaremongering surrounding Brexit. The real danger could be that if you were to take your foot off the gas, you could be left in the slipstream of the forward-thinking companies….

John Cowie – Editor