Total Glass, one of the UK’s most experienced fabricators, has added aluminium to its extensive product portfolio following significant investment in new machinery and skilled staff at its 100,000 sq ft purpose-built premises in the North West.
Recognising the growing demand for aluminium glazing products, the Liverpool-based company has signed with two of the market-leading aluminium systems suppliers – Kawneer and Sapa. Their full range of profiles will be manufactured in a dedicated 10,000 sq ft production area, alongside existing PVC-U fabrication, within the Total Complex.
A new company – Total Aluminium – has been created as part of the Total Glass Group’s overall strategy to diversify into new markets and expand choice to meet all its customers’ needs. In 2008, the Group celebrates 25 years as a quality supplier of PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories and ancillary products.
Headed up by Managing Director Ken Deary and Marcus Wilson responsible for sales, Total Aluminium offers an extensive portfolio, including windows, doors, curtain walling, facades and shop fronts, to suit all applications across the housing and commercial building sectors.
These include Kawneer’s comprehensive range of high performance products - entrances, framing systems, windows and curtain wall systems, as well as Sapa’s comprehensive product offer from its thermally broken Dualframe range.
The recent resurgence in the use of aluminium in everything from external facades to fenestration, coupled with its high quality, energy efficiency and sustainability are key reasons for entering the market, says Ken Deary, brother of Total Glass MD Frank.
“With strong growth predicted for aluminium throughout 2008 and beyond, we are convinced of the future business opportunities,” he comments. “Given the growth in commercial sector activity, from industrial buildings to shops and schools, it’s a market opportunity we couldn’t afford to ignore,” says Ken. “As larger projects tend to use aluminium for its strength and versatility, together with sustainability and whole-life cost issues, we believe this material has a very positive future indeed.”
Palmer Market Research estimates the value of the commercial aluminium glazing sector was £2.7 billion in 2005 - 66% of which was made up of aluminium products and with 5% projected year on year growth. For the domestic marketplace, Palmer’s 2007 report reveals aluminium windows in newbuild beating market performance for the second year running - growing by 10% against an overall growth of 2% in terms of number of frames.
Kawneer says it is delighted to welcome Total Glass to its Customer Network, increasing its geographic coverage in the North West. “Total Glass is a well-respected window and door manufacturer in that area and will be a valued addition to the Kawneer Network,” says a Kawneer spokesman.
“We will work closely to develop their business in the commercial aluminium market. Kawneer and its Customer Network work in partnership and have experience of working on projects of all sizes in various market sectors, while striving for the best and most cost-effective solutions.”
With the market research, infrastructure and trained aluminium team already in place, Ken stresses that Total Aluminium’s approach mirrors the same high standards of quality, workmanship and customer service for which its sister PVC-U company Total Glass is renowned.
“Aluminium is a logical extension to our flourishing PVC-U business, so it means we can offer a complete partnering solution with larger commercial customers to satisfy all their fenestration requirements. Work progressing on a variety of early projects, such as shop fronts and apartments, is clear evidence of this,” adds Ken.
“We aim to be a major force in aluminium fabrication in the North West, which will widen choice and opening up new market opportunities for our customers.” For more information on the full range of Total Glass products, contact Ken Deary, Stuart Waring or Julian Wetherall on 0151 549 2339 .
