1 November 2024

With Future Homes Standard (FHS) 2025 set to be introduced next year and with anticipated changes to Building Regulations, many companies in the supply chain may feel it will only apply to new build however the regulatory direction of travel suggests that companies in the glazing supply chain are likely to see some impact on retrofit glazing in the future. It is therefore advisable for companies to stay ahead of the game to make sure they are in position to react in event of any changes to Building Regulations that will mean mandatory compliance.

One forward thinking company is SWC Trade Frames. Family run since 1989, SWC Trade Frames is a large regional fabricator that produces over 1500 frames per week of premium quality PVCu & aluminium windows, doors, and specialist products such as lantern roofs, shaped frames and composite doors.

From its 80,000 square foot premises in Scarborough, SWC Trade Frames exclusively supply the trade and with their experienced and dedicated staff have earned a strong reputation for quality, customer support and commitment throughout the glazing supply chain.

SWC Trade Frames value partnerships and this extends to their suppliers. Already a customer of Glazpart (the leading glazing plastic component manufacturer) for several years and now a Glazpartner, SWC Trade Frames had already found the best solution for trickle ventilation in Glazpart’s Link Vent, before the Building Regulations (Approved Document F – ventilation) interim changes in June 2022.

Glazpart’s ‘Link Vent’ range sizes include 5000, 4000 and 2500 EQA. The vents are designed to fully comply with Building Regulations, Approved Document F1 (means of ventilation).

The Link Vent follows a clever design that is simple and user-friendly for both opening and closing – the innovative closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it is easy to control and reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants.

With smart design, easy fitting and functionality as well as a huge choice of 1000s of colours and decorative finishes, it is clear to see why the Link Vent is the perfect choice for SWC Trade Frames range of PVCu and aluminium windows and doors.

Mark Catchpole, Sales Director at SWC Trade Frames commented, “We value and support our customers immensely, but our suppliers are just as important. We were in a great position when the regulations around home ventilation changed in 2022 because we were already installing Glazpart’s Link Vent on our profiles and therefore fully compliant. The Link Vent’s smart design and wide range of colours has been well received by our customers and homeowners alike.”

Dean Bradley, Sales Director, Glazpart added, “We are pleased that SWC Trade Frames are Glazpartners and with our strong working relationship. Our Link Vent range complements SWC’s products and helps them comply with Building Regulations. We are also delighted to hear that the Link Vent is being well received by homeowners. This is no surprise as the vast range of colours and finishes allows the Link Vent to blend in perfectly with the overall design of any window or door.”

On the imminent Future Homes Standard, Dean Bradley comments, “2025 will see the Future Homes Standard come into force. As always, the Glazpart team is keeping well up to date with any news or information from Government and industry experts. In 2022, we were ready to help our customers and the industry comply and we are ready again for 2025. My advice to all companies in the glazing supply chain is, to avoid any compliance issues, be prepared and be agile. If you do need any support or advice, the Glazpart team is always available to help our customers with any incoming legislation and in finding solutions.”

25 October 2024

Glazpart is looking forward to the Manufacturing and Engineering North East (MENE) where the company will showcase a range of products and share its expertise with the broader manufacturing and engineering sectors.

Manufacturing and Engineering Northeast (MENE) returns on Thursday 28^th November at Vertu Motors Arena in Newcastle. This vibrant trade exhibition highlights manufacturing innovation and engineering expertise across the North of the UK and attracts market-leading suppliers and leading industry experts.The one-day show is packed with seminars and opportunities for manufacturing and engineering professionals in the north of the UK to meet, learn and grow.

At MENE over 80 companies in the manufacturing supply chain, serving multiple industries, will be exhibiting and showcasing their latest products and innovative solutions.

On Glazpart’s participation Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented:

“To stay ahead in the sector, it is vitally important that Glazpart participates at focused regional exhibitions where we can not only learn from others but also continue to raise our profile by showing companies from new sectors our innovative products and explaining our manufacturing capacity. The MENE Show is the ideal platform to reach companies in the North East from multiple sectors including construction, furniture, automotive and many more sectors.”

Visitors to MENE can expect to gain valuable insights from industry visionaries during informative keynote sessions and develop hands-on skills and expertise through engaging practical workshops. Glazpart’s team of experts will also be on hand to demonstrate Glazpart’s full range of services from sharing market insights and research to design and development through to the manufacturing of plastic moulded product solutions.

Fay Bibi, Glazpart Specialist and Custom Product Manager added, “Glazpart leads the way in plastic injection moulding product solutions and our bespoke products are supplied and are available across many different sectors, so it makes sense to exhibit at MENE. At the show, we will be sharing information on Glazpart’s manufacturing capabilities and product knowledge, with potential customers and other industry leading experts. I’m looking forward to attending what promises to be a great event.”

Dean Bradley, added, “At the present time, we are witnessing a lot of change in the plastics industry with key issues at the forefront around regulations, recycling, materials cost, product availability and timely delivery. With this in mind, we aim to reach as wide an audience as possible to present our broad range of products and solutions to buyers and key influencers. It may be challenging time but that’s we are attending the MENE show, to help others by sharing our market intelligence, innovation, solutions and demonstrating our technology.”

You can visit Glazpart at MENE, Stand Number 26. To find out more and/or to register free as a visitor, please go to the MENE website: Manufacturing & Engineering North East 2024

11 October 2024

Glazpart is pleased to announce that it is now a member of Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) – the UK-based trade association representing leading fabricators, installers, systems companies manufacturing companies operating in aluminium market for the construction sector.

With over 140 members across the supply chain, CAB is the largest trade body representing aluminium in building.

Glazpart has joined CAB to gain the benefits from networking with like-minded companies as well as gaining and sharing knowledge in this sizable but niche sector in construction.

On joining CAB, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented, “We are pleased to become members of CAB as they will be an invaluable resource to expand our knowledge of this specialist sector. We will also look to take full advantage of the networking opportunities at CAB meetings and events.”

On the news of Glazpart joining CAB, Nigel Headford, CAB CEO commented, “We are delighted that Glazpart has joined CAB. Though a plastic components manufacturer, Glazpart supplies many aluminium fabricators and installers in the glazing supply chain to help compliance with building regulations. We look forward to sharing technical expertise and working together for mutual benefit.”

Dean Bradley added, “Being part of CAB will allow us to expand our network and knowledge in the aluminium sector. Our award winning Link Vent product has proved the ideal ventilation solution and used by many aluminium window and door manufacturers and installers”.

To find out more about CAB please visit https://c-a-b.org.uk/members/glazpart-ltd/

30 September 2024

Glazpart is delighted to announce that the Glazpartners programme has been shortlisted as finalists at this year’s G-Awards in two categories:

• Customer Care Initiative of the Year
• Promotional Campaign of the Year

Both nominations are a reflection of the success of the ongoing development and strong promotion of Glazpartners since the initiative started in Spring 2023.

Glazpartners was designed to create closer collaboration between Glazpart and its customers across the supply chain to share industry challenges and create product solutions. The initiative has the additional benefit for Glazpart customers with the multi-channel marketing of Glazpartner companies and their brands at industry events, in trade media, online and via social media.

On hearing the news Dean Bradley, Sales Director of Glazpart commented:

“We are thrilled that Glazpartners has been nominated for not just one but two G-Awards!  Glazpartners has been a great success since it was launched last year at FIT Show and with our customer account management and marketing campaign, the initiative continues to gather real momentum. We now have 40 companies across the glazing supply chain signed up to be Glazpartners and more are joining each month to gain the multiple benefits of the programme. We are very much looking forward to attending the awards event in London at the end of November.”

Now in its 20^th anniversary, the G-Awards is the longest standing and most prestigious awards in the glass and glazing sector. The event is dedicated to rewarding innovation and exceptional performance in the UK market. Combining networking, recognition and entertainment, hundreds of professionals in the glass and glazing sector come together each year for the Gala Dinner Event to celebrate the best in the industry.

This year’s event takes place on 29th November at London’s Park Lane Hilton and tickets are still available on  G24 Awards (g-awards.com).

To find out more about Glazpartners please contact dbradley@glazpart.co.uk or visit the Glazpart website Glazpartners | Glazpart.

13 September 2024

As Sternfenster continues to celebrate its 50^th anniversary, Glazpart is delighted the company is part of the award-winning Glazpartners programme.

As one of the UK market leaders in fenestration for over five decades, Sternfenster manufactures a unique and high quality range of uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.

Operating from an 80,000 square metre state of the art factory in Lincoln, Sternfenster ensures every window and door goes through a rigorous manufacturing process to ensure installers, builders and homeowners have products that are up there with the best available in the UK.

To maintain its levels of excellence, Sternfenster relies on strong supplier relationships who can deliver the right products and on time. One such relationship is with Glazpart who have  supplied Sternfenster with the Link Vent range for the last five years.

The Link Vent range comes in sizes include 5000, 4000 and 2500 EQA (Equivalent Area – the measure of the vents air flow performance) and the products are designed to fully comply with building regulations, Approved Document F1 (means of ventilation).

The Link Vent follows a clever design that is simple and user friendly for both opening and closing – the innovative closing action allows the closure plate to be positioned so that it reduces draughts by directing air away from occupants.

With smart design, easy fitting, and functionality as well as a huge choice of 1000s of colours and decorative finishes, it is easy to see why Sternfenster use Glazpart’s Link Vent for their extensive high quality range of uPVC and Aluminium windows and doors.

Nathan Court, Sales Director, Sternfenster UK commented, “Our relationship with Glazpart has gone from strength to strength over the last 5 years and we are pleased to be Glazpartners. Our products are high quality, so it is essential we use components that are also high quality. The Link Vent range offers a perfect solution. It complies with regulations and offers a vast range of colours and finishes. Aligned to that, it is easy to install and complements the finished product.”

Dean Bradley, Sales Director, Glazpart added, “We are delighted that Sternfenster are celebrating their 50^th anniversary and it’s a pleasure to have companies of such long standing and high standards, in our Glazpartners programme. I look forward to our relationship growing even stronger.”

13 September 2024

Glazpart, the leading glazing components manufacturer is looking forward to the Glazing Summit in October and to participating in a panel debate on the hot topic of triple glazing.

The debate will take place at Glazing Summit, Edgbaston in Birmingham on 17^th October and is titled “The Triple Glazing Dilemma: Is the industry up for the challenge?”

Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director will be representing the glazing components sector on the panel along with other panellists including, Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Solar Fabrications and Mark Gajda, REHAU, Head of Technical Services and Certification and Chair of GGF Systems House Group.

Ahead of the debate, Dean Bradley commented, “Triple glazing has its advantages and disadvantages, but for installers the questions are multiple. Firstly, there’s understanding the compliance with regulations should it become a compulsory measure at some point in the future. Secondly, is the companies’ capability and what they have to do to compete. There’s a lot to debate and many factors to consider, but the one thing that is certain is that triple glazing is not going away and if anything, it is likely to increase over the next decade.”

Triple glazing does have its environmental and economic benefits for homeowners but there are issues in the supply chain and in particular at the installation end.

Dean Bradley adds, “Glazpart as always keeps abreast of the incoming legislation to ensure our customers are aware of what is coming down the pipeline. As well as imparting knowledge, we have also prepared products with our range of glazing accessories for fabricators and installers who make and fit triple glazing. We are ready for the inevitable increase in triple glazing, though I’m not so sure our industry as a whole is prepared for what lies ahead. I look forward to the debate and sharing my views and knowledge on triple glazing, which is more than just an extra pane of glass in window.”

Full details of the programme and booking tickets online are available on the Glazing Summit website  2024 Glazing Summit – Home Page

13 September 2024

Glazpart is pleased to announce that it is now a member of GTMA – the UK-based trade association representing leading companies in precision engineering, rapid product development, toolmaking, tooling technologies, and other critical manufacturing-related products and services.

Joining GMTA, Glazpart will not only be able to share and compare knowledge of manufacturing processes with other leading manufacturers but will also receive a range of benefits. These include technology advice, marketing activities such as promotion via GMTA’s digital channels and events, knowledge access and transfer plus contact building and networking.

On joining GMTA, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented, “We are delighted to join GMTA as it will be another resource we can use to advance our manufacturing knowledge even further. It will also be useful to network and share knowledge with leading manufacturers serving different sectors.”

Following Glazpart becoming the latest GMTA member, Alan Arthur, GMTA Chief Executive added, “We welcome Glazpart into the GMTA membership. With their history of being a leading manufacturer across multiple sectors and with their technical expertise in plastic injection moulding, I have no doubt that Glazpart will be a great asset to GMTA.”

GTMA engages with other trade associations, government bodies, and organisations to access market information and bring its members collective data, intelligence and insights to help their businesses.

Being Affiliate Partners to MAKE UK (the manufacturers’ organization), GMTA’s engagement with Government is done through membership of EAMA, an alliance of Engineering Associations jointly represented at Central Government in Westminster.

GTMA also has strong ties with Universities and Catapult centres across the UK, supporting research projects that can feed into advances in manufacturing products and services.

Dean Bradley added, “Glazpart has made great progress over the last decade with new products, innovations, investment in state-of-the-art machinery and upskilling staff as part of our strong growth strategies. However, we are not resting on our laurels. We are always looking for ways to improve our knowledge and to hone our expertise. Joining GMTA will allow us to network with other leading manufacturers, ensuring we stay ahead of the game, to bring our customers the best possible product solutions.”

To find out more about GTMA please visit Glazpart – GTMA.

23 August 2024

It’s just over one year since, Glazpart launched  its unique Glazpartners initiative and in that period over 40 companies have joined as the initiative has enjoyed record PR coverage, numerous award nominations with ultimate recognition at The Installer Awards in March 2024, when Glazpartners won “Best Customer Support Programme”.

For Glazpart and the Glazpartners story, the good news continues as companies continue to join each as Glazpart prepares for a busy and landmark 2025 ahead when the company celebrates its 40^th anniversary.

In October, Glazpart will be launching a Glazpartners annual brochure featuring all the companies who have joined the initiative and with articles reflecting on the programme’s success to date and on the plans for 2025.

In addition, Glazpart plans to promote all Glazpartners at the Glazing Summit in October at Edgbaston in Birmingham, where the Glazpartners brochure will be distributed to every visitor, sponsor and exhibitor.

Already this year, Glazpart has welcomed 10 companies to the Glazpartners programme and the latest to join are A&B Glass, Fenster Karsal and media company Fenestra Build.

Shaun Croft, Sales Manager of A&B Glass commented, “We are pleased to be Glazpartners. Having strong relationships with Glazpart and other suppliers have been key to our success.”

Karsal’s (Fenster) long-standing business relationship with Glazpart has helped them achieve product excellence as Matt Searl, Production Manager of Karsal commented, “Becoming Glazpartners was an easy choice. For some time, we’ve used the Glazpart Slimline Vent range but are moving to the Link-Vent option. With the Link Vent range Glazpart has developed a well-designed product that’s not just versatile but has thousands of options for colours and finishes to meet consumers’ needs.”

Leading online media outlet Fenestra Build and Glazpart have enjoyed a long-standing working relationship with Glazpart contributing to the window industry’s largest online media portal. On joining the Glazpartners initiative, Christina Lazenby, Managing Director said, “We are pleased to be a Glazpartner. For some years, Glazpart has worked closely with Fenestra Build with content featuring in online platforms, social media, in video and in our e-newsletters. We look forward to continuing our strong working partnership.”

Dean Bradley Glazpart Sales Director added, “In addition to the promotional benefits we offer all Glazpartners, our collaboration with our customers and particularly Glazpartners is now more important than ever, as we work in challenging markets where availability and new products are critical for growth. Any companies interested in becoming a Glazpartner are more than welcome to experience what we can offer in terms of products, support and promotion.”

The Glazpartners Programme offers the following benefits for all participating companies.

• Listing, logo and a promotional article on the bespoke Glazpartners webpage and in the Glazpartners annual brochure
• Product display and branding on Glazpart’s stands at trade fairs/exhibitions.
• Joint articles for the trade and regional media
• Use of the Glazpartners Logo
• Promotion via social media channels

If you are interested in becoming a Glazpartner, please contact Dean Bradley – Glazpart Sales Director dbradley@glazpart.co.uk or visit the Glazpart web page:  Contact Us | Glazpart

3 July 2024

Glazpart is pleased to announce two new agreements with Glazing Summit that further strengthens the working partnership between the two companies.

Firstly, Glazpart will once again sponsor Glazing Summit 2024 and will participate in the panel discussions at the event in October.

The Glazing Summit takes place on Thursday 17 October when over 500 leaders from across the glass and glazing industry will come together for the industry’s biggest conference at the world-renowned Edgbaston Stadium and Conference Centre, Birmingham.

This exclusive event for the window, door and conservatory industry brings together business owners, directors and senior management from across the entire industry for a packed one-day summit and an optional Gala Dinner in the evening. It is the ‘must attend’ event for industry professionals.

The second agreement that further cements the strong relationship is the news that Glazing Summit has become a Glazpartner and will work closer with Glazpart on future marketing and promotional activity.

Glazpart set up the award-winning Glazpartners initiative just over 12 months ago to offer multiple promotional benefits for all participating companies – customers and media/events partners.

By joining, Glazpartners can benefit from the following brand promotions:

• listing, logo and promotional article on the bespoke Glazpartners web section on Glazpart’s website
• Product display and branding on Glazpart’s stands at trade fairs and events (including FIT Show 2025)
• Joint articles for the trade and regional media
• Branding, listing and discounted advertising in the annual Glazpartners brochure (distributed to over 20,000 companies in the supply chain and at industry events)
• Use of the Glazpartners logo on stationary and for promotional purposes
• Promotion via social media channels

On the positive news, Dean Bradley, Glazpart Sales Director commented, “We are delighted to sponsor Glazing Summit once again, as it is one of the industry’s biggest and best events for networking. It is also very pleasing that Glazing Summit has joined our award-winning Glazpartners initiative which has established itself as one of the sector’s best customer support programmes since its launch in May 2023. We are very much looking forward to Glazing Summit where our team will be exhibiting our products, meeting customers, taking part in expert panel debates and promoting all our Glazpartners throughout the event.”

Chris Beck, Editor of GGP, organisers of Glazing Summit commented, “Glazing Summit promises to be the outstanding event in the industry’s calendar with top tier keynote speakers discussing the major challenges impacting on our industry. We are thrilled that Glazpart has agreed to be one of our sponsors and will be sharing their expertise on the glazing accessories and ventilation products markets. With Glazpart’s commitment to Glazing Summit it is fitting that we have agreed to join their Glazpartners’ initiative and we look forward to working closer with Glazpart and to mutual promotional benefits.”

To find out more about Glazing Summit and to book your places please visit  2024 Glazing Summit – Tickets

If you are interested in becoming a Glazpartner, please contact Dean Bradley – Sales Director, dbradley@glazpart.co.uk or visit the webpage Glazpartners | Glazpart.

28 June 2024

Glazpart, the leading plastic component manufacturer, is delighted to announce that it has recently further invested in excess of £300k for more state-of-the-art machinery to continue its production growth to the very highest manufacturing standards.

Glazpart’s latest investment is the Hurco Five Axis Swivel Head and Rotary Table.

Offering maximum flexibility, the new machine has multiple advantages, starting with the machine’s design configuration that utilizes a torque B axis swivel head and C axis style rotary table.  The generous size of the rotary table provides maximum versatility because you can use the extra table space for secondary operations or 3-axis work.  With exceptional cutting feed rates (with patented high-speed motion technology) Glazpart can continue to manufacture plastic components using the fastest cutting technology while producing the best surface finish.

On Glazpart’s latest acquisition, Dean Bradley, Sales Director commented, “We are pleased to continue to invest in our manufacturing to make sure they have high quality products readily available. Glazpart is experiencing sustained long-term growth on all fronts. As demand increases our production, warehousing and distribution always has to be well equipped to deliver quality products on time. Our level of investment will continue to make sure our manufacturing facilities are at the highest end of market so we can continue to supply the best for our customers.”

For more information regarding the specifications for the Hurco Five Axis Swivel Head and Rotary Table please visit Hurco CNC Machine Specifications

To find out more about Glazpart and its product ranges please visit Glazpart | Injection Mould Specialist Since 1986