Aluminium glazing enjoys ‘considerable resurgence’
According to industry report

A new report on the UK’s window industry by Insight Data has found that aluminium glazing has experienced a ‘considerable resurgence’ within the UK’s residential window and door market, as consumers ‘demand greater space and light within living areas’.

Data software firm, Insight Data published their overview of the UK’s window, door and conservatory industry, along with top performing companies, and found that the sector had experienced an increase of 328 firms operating in the marketplace since 2014.

The company revealed that in 2008, there were 2,370 PVC-U fabricators operational throughout the UK, but this number has declined significantly year-on-year and by 2014 had fallen by almost a third to 1,534 operational fabricators; due largely to the growth in demand for energy efficient aluminium designs for rooflights, windows and doors alike.

According to the industry report, some companies had experienced an ‘unpredictable’ year to date, with some firms reporting a decline in sales of up to 15%. Nevertheless, other firms recorded more encouraging sales figures, particularly those manufacturing premium glazing products and working in commercial and new-build sectors.

The report also states that with interest rates still incredibly low, unemployment at a record low and consumers still spending ‘albeit more cautiously’, there are still plenty of opportunities in the industry despite the challenge of Brexit to contend with. It is also reported that Chancellor, Philip Hammond will announce further government stimulus in the Autumn Budget 2017 to improve house-building levels, helping to continue a drive towards low-carbon, energy efficient homes and glazing solutions that maximise energy performance.

Andrew Scott, managing director, Insight Data, said of the report: “The industry is currently facing some challenges with more companies now reporting a slowdown in business, some as by as much as 15%.

“However, there are still plenty of opportunities and a number of companies are bucking the trend. The increase in mergers and acquisitions over the last year also points to a realignment of the [UK fenestration] industry”.