Clearview Midlands December 2013 - Issue 145 | Page 36

ALUMINIUM Fabricating aluminium with a PVCu mind-set When long established PVCu fabricator Sterling of Warrington decided they wanted to move into the aluminium market they had a very clear strategy. Sterling already had a reputation for offering a fast turnaround, razor sharp prices and exceptional quality among PVCu installers, and they wanted to replicate this approach with their aluminium range. Aware that some aluminium companies had a reputation for offering a slow turnaround, Sterling could see a gap in the market for an aluminium fabricator offering ‘PVCu service’ – so that is exactly what they did. Eighteen months on and it’s safe to say Sterling have made a success of their venture into aluminium. They have a growing, loyal customer base of installers in the North West and Midlands and are firmly established as one of the region’s leading aluminium fabricators. Dave Mulholland, comments: “Like PVCu installers, aluminium installers want a fast turn around and good service. We made a conscious effort to replicate the service we offer on the PVCu side to our aluminium customers and I’m pleased to say our strategy has worked fantastically well. Where ever possible, we always make sure we carry extra stock.” For more information contact Sterling on 01925818700 or visit http://sterlingpvcu.co.uk/ IDEAS FOR GROWTH The MD of a leading specialist aluminium fabricator is outlining his thoughts on how to cement the economic recovery, following some recent positive signs. Gloucester based CDW Systems has performed admirably throughout the recession, recently posting record trading figures. But its Managing Director, Jerry Webb, believes more can be done to boost manufacturing output and increase demand in the commercial and domestic glazing sectors. “Aluminium has experienced a renaissance in the last few years and as a company we have benefitted from strong demand in the commercial and domestic sector, for our aluminium windows and doors. The bi-fold boom has also helped. “But looking forward we can’t become complacent and a recent report by AMA, on the commercial glazing sector, is predicting a relatively stagnant market over the next two years, with recovery strengthening from 2016. “How do we accelerate that? What levers do we need to pull? I personally believe a reduction in the level of VAT on commercial and domestic work and a major house building programme is required.” Jerry says that a Green Deal that works would also allow smaller building companies to carry out upgrade work on existing properties. Call CDW Systems on 01452 414853 or visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk Delivered with care Architectural aluminium systems company, Metal Technology, has supplied its window products at a 240-home retirement village at Hagley Road, Edgbaston in Birmingham. Built for The ExtraCare Charitable Trust by contractor Galliford Try, and designed by Nicoll Thomas Architects, facilities include an Enriched Opportunities Suite for residents with dementia, a café bar, craft room, hair and beauty salon, and fitness suite. As consumers become more discerning about their at-home and home-from-home surroundings, specifying for these sectors grows more challenging than ever before. At 36 DEC 2013 Hagley Road sustainability and accessibility are at the heart of the scheme, making System 4-35 Hi+ an optimum solution. Part of Metal Technology’s Thermal range, System 4-35 Hi+, in conjunction with the correct glass specification, is designed to meet or exceed the latest thermal requirements of current building regulations. The high level of thermal performance has been achieved using the latest technology with bespoke thermal centre-seal gaskets, cellular foams and finned polyamide thermal isolators all contributing to the final performance figure. The Thermal range offers the designer a wide and diverse range of profiles that provide structural integrity, weather performance, thermal enhancement and security. Ease of maintenance is in-built and 100% recyclability is guaranteed. www.metaltechnology.com To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com