Clearview National December 2016 - Issue 181 | Page 31

Annual Review Aluminium Timber Windows »»A REPORT BY PALMER MARKET Research has already seen huge growth in the popularity of aluminium timber composite windows and expects it to only grow further throughout 2017 and beyond. Combined with timber, aluminium windows provide fantastic benefits for homeowners and this is why the aluminium timber composite market continues to grow in popularity. AluWood Windows, specialist manufacturers of aluminium clad timber window systems, has seen this growth throughout 2016 as its aluminium clad timber window system is proving popular with homeowners. AluWoods’ window system has an aluminium outer skin that looks extremely stylish and is easy to maintain, leaving the window looking great for longer. Its system is cleverly designed with timber on the inside, creating a cosy and homely feel. “The window market is starting to see a shift towards wood windows, and aluminium timber composite windows in particular are really whetting the appetite of homeowners,” says Callum Grant, Commercial Director at AluWood. “We’re finding homeowners really love the combined low maintenance of aluminium on the outside, with the insulating benefits and natural look of timber on the inside. We expect this trend to continue throughout 2017 as more homeowners and selfbuilders look for glazing which combines a modern look with practicality.” The flush casement can be both top or side hung, as well as fully reversible, making it a really versatile window system that can be used for not only domestic projects, but also commercial projects including offices and hotels. The timber on the inside provides added insulation, whilst the aluminium on the outside gives the window robust durability. Because of the growth in popularity of its window system, AluWood is looking to grow its network of fabricators around the UK. If you’re interested in becoming an AluWood fabricator, call 01955 641303. http://www.aluwoodwindows.co.uk/ A YEAR OF PROGRESS »»ESTABLISHED IN 1987 IN Telford, Shropshire, Winlock Security Ltd is the only remaining volume manufacturer of window handles in the UK. It is a leading supplier of innovative door and window hardware including timber, aluminium, PVCu and social housing product ranges to UK and European fabricators. Alan Parker, MD at Winlock, discusses the growth and complexities of the past 12 months. He says, “2016 has been a year of progress for Winlock, with increased sales in every area. “We’re particularly proud that this progress has not been a result of market growth, but rather driven by our product and service initiatives. Of note, our new Deltalock and Lifetime Concealed ranges have been very well received, and our Document Q programme has generated a lot of customer interest. “2016 hasn’t however been without complexity. The main difficulty has been the depreciation of Sterling and the consequent cost increases on many of the ranges we sell. Recovering all the cost increase is difficult and time consuming. Thankfully, consumer confidence has held up reasonably well against this Brexit-effect so our market volumes have remained stable. As one of the UK’s only hardware manufacturers we are also now considerably more competitive against our Asian counterparts than we were in 2015. “Looking forward we are expecting significant growth in 2017 against the backdrop of a static or falling market. The products and services launched in 2016 will bring us a full year’s benefit, plus we have very high hopes for the new collaboration we have launched with Ingenious Locks & Hardware,” Alan concludes. www.winlock.co.uk C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » D E C 2016 » 31