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The best event for window & door specifiers for more than 20 years

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FIT Show moves to NEC with more than 200 exhibitors and dozens of aluminium exhibitors for the first time ever!

Taking place towards the end of May at the National Exhibition Centre, the Fabricator Installer Trade Show – or FIT for short – will have more than 200 exhibitors showing a huge range of the latest windows, doors and related products and equipment in a business-to-business event that has grown by more than 60% over last years event. But what makes this window and door exhibition the most exciting for at least 20 years is the sheer diversity of products.

Whilst ‘the FIT Show’ is now a household name amongst window and door manufacturers and installers especially in the home improvement sector, the ‘FIT’ acronym does not ring bells for everyone. And yet behind the brand lies the most powerful buying tool available in the UK for commercial buyers and specifiers of residential windows and doors.

With more than 200 exhibitors showing the vast majority of major and minor brands serving the UK market, the event provides a fertile buying ground for design and procurement professionals from all sectors. But what marks out this year’s event is the huge contingent of exhibitors showing aluminium window and door systems and finished products in addition to virtually every PVC-U systems supplier in the UK.

An estimated 30% of exhibitors are showing aluminium window and doors, more than at any other similar UK event for at least 20 years, providing a huge choice for visitors from all sectors. And emphasising the continued buoyancy in the market and the success of the FIT Show in satisfying the needs of buyers hungry for innovation and choice, for 2017 the event moves to the NEC for the first time, taking place from 23rd to 25th May in halls 6, 7 and 8.

 

A look at the current exhibitor list will more than justify the decision to attend, with more exhibitors signing for the last few available stands on a daily basis.

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, 23rd, 24th, 25th May 2017, Halls 6, 7, 8 The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham. Register now to visit here.
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Comar Case Study – Park Regis Hotel, Birmingham

International hotelier Park Regis have opened their first European hotel in Britain’s second city Birmingham. Towering over the skyline at 16 storeys the £50 million pound hotel offers 254 rooms, a gym, various bars, business and conference centres and a 2 storey glazed terrace sky bar delivering high end dining to Birmingham.

Comar

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems were selected to provide the façade with curtain walling, windows and entrances. The key element of design for the Rofuto Sky Bar was to allow diners to enjoy clear uninterrupted views across the city, a double height Comar 6EFT Curtain wall was selected as it offers strength with a sleek 50mm sight-line. This ground breaking system, leads the way by offering a 50mm stick system with the capability to span further as the mullions and transoms have the highest Ix and Iy values on the market today. The design is also in keeping with the hotels minimalist Japanese Interior which echoes the “Byoba” art of Japanese screens. The curtain wall grid was off-set with symmetrically staggered mullions and transoms which create the typical lattice effect found in Japanese interiors.

The profiles where finished in RAL 7016 Matt Grey which seamlessly blends into the mahogany, cream and gold interior. All structural calculations were carried out by Comar’s Special Projects Team who ensured all Comar bracketry and fixings will withstand any sway, dead or live loads.

The cladding to the façade below the Rofuto Sky Bar was a palette of Ruukki panels, polished stone rain screen, and Kingspan Benchmark, A. Comar’s interface range of adaptors allowed the Comar 5Pi Advanced Windows to seamlessly integrate with the differing cladding elements. The design detailing of all these elements ensured that the façade had no thermal bridging and will maintain it’s air and water-tight solution.

Moving to the base of the building, Comar 6EFT capped curtain walling was used. Comar 6EFT interfaces with the dramatic angled cantilevered entrances. For this element of the face design the detailing and installation had to be precise to ensure that drainage and seals create a future-proof water tight solution.

Integrated into the curtain wall the entrances have to provide both a statement of welcome and ensure uninterrupted access. Often the first experience of a hotel is the entrance, which needs to provide form as well as function. The Comar 7P.i Commercial Door system is one of the most comprehensive on the market today. Sections are robust and offer an ideal solution for high traffic entrances. The doors selected were auto sliding which allow uninterrupted passage into the double storey entrance lobby.

APiC, a Comar Approved Fabricator were involved throughout the specification stage with both Comar and the Architect. APiC also worked closely with the Contractor to ensure that the project programme was met to ensure the time critical opening of March 2016 was achieved. Steve Tycer Managing Director of APiC UK, said. “We enjoy working with Comar as I know we can reassure our clients that site deadlines will be met. Comar’s Market Leading delivery is a key factor when we are up against a tight programme.“

Developer: Colmore Tang Construction
Architect: BDG (Building Design Group) Tamworth
Project Value: £50million

Comar: Designed for Performance, Backed by Delivery

For further information about Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, please visit www.comar-alu.co.uk call 020 8685 9685 or email projects@parksidegroup.co.uk.
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Window security – a clear solution

Window security is a key design requirement with all market leading systems tested to the PAS 24 standard to meet the demands of the Secure By Design (SBD) initiative and Building Regulations Approved Document Q (ADQ).

Automated windows that are utilised for ventilation strategies will also need to comply to the standard, which requires the actuators to resist 3000N of negative force when the window is closed. This is becoming commonplace in applications such as school refurbishment where façade automation remains a popular and cost effective solution of providing improved ventilation performance over manually operated windows.

The SECO N 24 25 twin actuator from SE Controls has successfully passed the PAS 24 test and in addition to presenting physical resistance to intruders, it also provides a signal to the controller, should the window fail to close fully, to maintain the integrity of the security system, as requested by the SBD schools standard. Two locking points in one neat enclosure with programmable gasket relief optimise weather performance and security to meet BS 6375 parts 1,2 and 3 in addition to the PAS 24 test.

Bespoke fixing brackets and reinforcement to the window is often required to provide sufficient strength for the fixing, which is usually the weakest point of resistance, as the actuator provides 2 x 4000N of resistance to forced opening.

The ability to manufacture bespoke body lengths allows SE Controls to locate the locking points on different size windows exactly as tested, relative to the corners, to maintain consistency of performance and compliance. Test conducted with an actuator located at the centre of a vent will either not pass the test or can only be utilised for different widths.

Martin Oates

Similar to EN12101-2, the fabrication and installation solution requires a process that is audited by an independent notified body and must be re-tested annually.

If you have requirements for SBD or ADQ certified automated windows, please contact the SE Controls team or visit www.secontrols.com.

Written by Martin Oates – Commercial Director with SE Controls
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Reynaers nominated in top industry awards

Reynaers has once again been recognised as leading the industry, after receiving two award nominations this month.

The aluminium systems company has been put forward for the prestigious G16 Awards and the Construction Marketing Awards (CMA), which recognise marketing excellence in the built environment.

Judges from the CMAs selected Reynaers as a contender for the ‘Best use of advertising’ award. Reynaers designs and supplies aluminium window, door and curtain wall systems to both the commercial and domestic construction markets and its use of testimonials in its advertising this year has made it stand out from competitors.

Meanwhile, Masterline – the latest window system addition to Reynaers’ portfolio – has been nominated for ‘New Product of the Year’ at the G16 Awards.

The Masterline window system is a completely new window suite that will be launched next year in the UK. It is destined to set a new benchmark in terms of thermal insulation, weather resistance, security, strength and durability, sustainability, design flexibility, aesthetics, production efficiency, and value for money.

Running for more than a decade, The G Awards celebrate and reward excellence in the UK Glass and Glazing industry.

Hugh Moss, Reynaers’ Head of Marketing, said: “We’re delighted to have been nominated for both of these awards and can’t wait for the results. It is fitting that in 2016, our 25th anniversary year here in the UK, we have been recognised as leading the industry with our products and our marketing.”

For more information please visit www.reynaers.co.uk.
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CMS delivers for groundbreaking Northumberland housing development

Leading window and door designer, manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has completed work on a pioneering housing project in the north-east of England, which offers older and vulnerable residents the opportunity to retain their independence while providing them with the support services they require.

With Northumberland’s population ageing faster than that of England as a whole, the 58 modern apartments in Weavers Court development in Alnwick represent a sea-change in accommodation for older residents, offering improvements in lifestyle and support whilst not compromising on the quality of their living space. Led by housing company Isos, the £5m scheme enables those with chronic and other health conditions to live in the community, preventing admissions to residential care whilst giving residents and their families the reassurance that help is always on hand.

Brought to the project by main contractors Galliford Try, CMS was contracted to manufacture and install casement windows, as well as single and double doors for the development. A highly energy efficient specification was required to maximise the cost-saving benefits of the installation for residents. Additionally, to ensure that Weavers Court would be a desirable and attractive place to live, it was important that the aesthetics of the works package would complement the rest of the building design.

CMS met the brief with high-performance units to help create an energy-efficient building envelope, eliminating draughts and reducing heat transfer to create a comfortable environment and ease residents’ heating costs. Smart grey PVCu casement frames from Sheerframe’s 8000 range ensured a sleek, modern appearance, with the layout of glass panels in the building envelope helping to create a light, bright interior for the building and ensure fantastic views towards the south of Alnwick.

Ensuring a secure building envelope was also crucial to the project: besides the primary benefits conferred by good security, an overarching priority for Weavers Court was to create homes in which residents could feel safe, protected, and in charge of their own space. CMS responded to this need by using products accredited by Secured by Design, a police-led initiative promoting superior safety specifications for building materials, to exceed security standards and ensure residents’ peace of mind.

CMS’s work on the Weavers Court project was completed in June 2016, with the development opening officially in mid-2016. CMS’s Managing Director, Andy Kerr, welcomed its completion: “Weavers Court represents a really unique opportunity for older and vulnerable residents of Alnwick, and demonstrates that the needs of this sector of society are being increasingly well catered-for.

“The pairing of high-quality housing and on-hand care facilities is an ideal solution to helping residents maintain their independence for longer while ensuring they are enjoying the quality of life they deserve. The support that the Extra Care scheme offers to tenants is invaluable, and it was a real pleasure for CMS to be able to contribute to its creation.”

Mark Massey, senior partner at idpartnership, the architect of Weavers’ Court, said: “The design of Weavers Court reflects best practice in inclusive design and design for well-being. The scheme will be a “step-change” in housing for the elderly, enabling them to become the focus of the community, offering a hotel-like environment in which an active and positive old age can be enjoyed.”

For more information about the project, please visit www.cmswindows.com.
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CMS wins Aberdeen art gallery redevelopment contract

Leading window, door and curtain walling designer, fabricator and installer CMS Window Systems has been appointed to work on a £30 million project to redevelop the prestigious Aberdeen Art Gallery.

Working for main contractor McLaughlin & Harvey, CMS is tasked with providing curtain walling as part of the two year project designed by Hoskins Architects which will transform the city’s Art Gallery, Cowdray Hall and Memorial Hall. This will create new educational facilities, upgrade performance and reflection spaces and provide 21 new galleries in what was previously unused space.

A significant part of the project will be to alter the building envelope and create a new rooftop extension by removal of the existing pitched roofs and skylights, together with a new build extension to the rear. CMS will provide the solutions for this part of the project.

The company, which is based at Castlecary near Glasgow, will fabricate and install nearly 150 sq. m of curtain walling using Metal Technology’s System 17 SP (Silicon Pointed). This structural glazing system’s classic visual appearance provides a continuous and expansive external glass face to the façade in order to meet the contemporary design of the new building elements.

The curtain walling features 32mm insulating glass units (IGUs) which incorporate a 6mm SECURIT glass outer skin, a 6mm PLANITHERM low e glass inner pane and a 20mm cavity with warm edge spacer bar, silicon sealed with toggle glazing insert. The façade on the west elevation offers additional solar control with the inner pane on these IGUs being 6mm COOL‐LITE SKN 174 to manage solar gain in peak sunshine. The façade also features spandrel glazing created with a 6mm EMALIT ceramic painted inner skin insulated with 75mm foil faced rigid PIR.

Aberdeen Art Gallery was handed over to the main contractor in July and CMS is scheduled to begin installing the windows, doors and curtain walling in September. This comes as the gallery continues to raise the remaining one third of funds required for the project, which is already backed by The Heritage Lottery Fund and Aberdeen City Council who have each granted the project £10m.

A public fundraising campaign is helping to bridge the gap, which will see donors digitally acknowledged and anyone wishing to donate can visit: www.aagm.co.uk or call 01224 523670. Donations can also be made by texting AAGM001 to 70970 to donate £5, and AAGM001 to 70191 to donate £10.

Find out more about CMS at www.cmswindows.com.
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SMARTGLASS Dynamic – Innovative Glazing Solutions for Offices & Residential Homes

SMARTGLASS Dynamic, powered by SageGlass is a new glazing technology which has been hailed as a revelation. SMARTGLASS allows you to switch from clear glass through three progressively darker tints, giving you more control over both heat and light levels – all in a matter of minutes. The various shades of blue tint help to reduce glare and allow for a relaxed environment, no matter what the weather is doing outside.

Developed in the US and only recently arriving on UK shores, SMARTGLASS is currently available for residential homes via a range of lantern roofs, with full conservatory and bi-folding door products due to be available at a later date. SMARTGLASS is also ideal for offices and commercial buildings, especially where meetings take place and where screens suffer from glare.

SMARTGLASS offers three basic tint levels. The clear state is indistinguishable from normal glass and will let the same amount of light into the property. This tint level is ideal for darker winter days and for when a lot of light is required.

The full tint, at the opposite end of the scale, blocks 96% of the sun’s rays and reduces light transmission to just 1%. This full tint stage is ideal for very bright summer days, or where glare is a problem when reading or using technology. The blue hue creates a calming and relaxed space.

There is also a choice of intermediate states which allow you to tailor the perfect amount of incoming light. The glazing is tinted via a switch, which allows you to fully customise the light levels to best suit your needs.

SMARTGLASS Dynamic, powered by SageGlass works in a very simple and effective way. The glass itself is covered with layers of electrochromic coating. This is practically invisible to the naked eye and when in the clear state, this glass will simply look like ‘normal’ glazing. The layers of coating control the tint levels by allowing the lithium ions and electrons to travel through the layers when a low voltage is applied. When the ions and electrons are all transported to one layer of the coating, a dark tint is observed. As soon as the voltage polarity is reversed, the ions and electrons will travel back to their respective layers and the glass appears clear.

The voltage required is low (less than 5V DC) and is easy to install; just a simple wire through the frame is required. As mentioned above, SMARTGLASS is initially available in a range of roof lanterns. Five size options are available:

SMARTGLASS-Dynamic

Further information can be requested from Evander – one of the leading property services companies in the UK.
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Optima from Profile 22: future-proof high performance windows

Months of rumours and speculation are now at an end as Profile 22 launches not one but two of the industry’s most eagerly awaited window and door systems. Hailed as the biggest new product introduction in the window industry for a decade, Profile 22 has unveiled Optima, developed to be the most advanced products of their type available in the UK today.

Developed specifically with commercial sectors in mind, and backed by the Profile 22 Approved Window Contractors scheme, Optima offers a compelling choice for the professional specifier. Behind this launch is a radical rethink of each of the key processes in the production of a window and door system for the 21st Century: extrusion processes that ensure superb quality and consistency whilst protecting the environment through reduced energy and ecological impact and products that easily satisfy current technical and aesthetic demands by anticipating those of many years ahead.

The two product streams are characterised by the Optima Chamfered System and the Optima Sculptured System, from which a large number of options are available including a brand new Flush Casement to compete in the burgeoning ‘heritage’ flush sash timber replacement sector.

In basis the systems offer a 6 chamber outer frame (up to 8 with RCM inserts) and a 5 chamber sash (6 with RCM), structures that provide optimal thermal performance and rigidity with the capability of U values as low as 0.8 W/m2K with appropriate Argon filled IGUs. Around these basic structures will be the widest range of ancillaries and add-ons of any system on the market to allow the production of windows in every style, for every property type. Important niche products such as a fully reversible window; a vertical sliding sash; flush tilt & turn; a flush casement; composite door; french door sets; and a patio door may be manufactured by combining existing profiles with the Optima suite. Performance is to A++ Window Energy Rating.

The Profile 22 system that Optima replaces enjoyed huge popularity for its aesthetics and Optima retains a close similarity, but with a larger rebate and stylish slim upstand. The distinctiveness enjoyed by Profile 22 over other systems will therefore continue.

The real difference however is in the details: the system is designed with a high performance centre seal option for improved weather and thermal performance, features that are unique to Optima amongst UK systems; deeper drainage channels further improve water egress and contribute towards weather performance.

Optima has been designed to offer the widest choice of glazing options on the market including 24 and 28mm double and 36, 40 and 44mm triple glazed units. Bead location has been fully researched with the result that glazing clips are unnecessary to pass security tests and are future-proof against proposed and anticipated enhancements to PAS24.

The systems have been awarded the British Standard Kitemark which includes testing to BS6375 parts 1, 2 & 3, Performance of windows and doors in addition to testing in relation to PAS24:2016 enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Both standards are the latest to be published and allow specifiers to assess Optima against the most exacting UK standards currently available.

Products are also manufactured under Environmental and Health & Safety standards BS EN ISO 14001 and BS EN ISO 18001 respectively and BES6001 to ensure Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. The Optima systems far surpass UK and EU Building Regulations and PAS24, and have the highly accredited Secured by Design approval. In short Optima is the most accredited window system available in the UK market today.

The increased demand in the window market for colour and woodgrain has been acknowledged with an increased stock and fast turnaround of special colour options. The Optima foil offer is superior to that of any other systems supplier boasting 28 colour options. The range of greys competes well with aluminium products.

Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director of Profile 22 says: “We wanted the new window systems to be the best in the market and represent innovative design and exceptional thermal performance. We designed the new products around the needs of the specifier for slim, modern and stylish aesthetics, whilst offering the most technologically advanced product features and performance capabilities to future-proof our product range in meeting future Building Regulations.

“To achieve this we have invested in the most advanced extrusion systems available today. This investment ensures consistently excellent window and door profile quality whilst also significantly reducing the environmental impact of the production process. This is a key element in the specification of modern window and door products,” added Andrew.

“Specifiers can include Optima knowing that they are choosing the most advanced window and door products available in the UK today with key benefits of exceptional thermal performance, reduced maintenance schedules and improved durability. Their clients will also enjoy the benefits of excellent design, greater comfort levels and security as well as reduced heating bills for tenants and homeowners alike.”

Those wanting to appreciate Optima are encouraged to visit the Profile 22 microsite www.profile22.co.uk/optima, the showroom in Telford or at the Building Centre, London.
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“Selly Oak students get bronze!”

Birmingham University scholars, lucky enough to have student accommodation at the new Athena Sudios, Bristol Road, Selly Oak, have top quality bronze anodized, composite windows, with dark Anthracite Oak veneers internally, in every room – which sets them apart from ordinary accommodation.

Uniform Architectural Ltd is pleased to have supplied the latest, Italian designed uni_one® range of composite windows and doors, to Torsion Group Ltd, major building contractors.

As can be seen on this impressive development, Uni_one composite windows are ‘raising the bar’ by having introduced to UK, a new higher standard of excellence, in terms of quality, innovation, design originality and reliability – plus, many exclusive and valuable features:

  • Welded aluminium corner joints – simply NO joint to see, or to deteriorate.
  • Car windscreen glazing system – structurally bonded, factory glazed sashes for ultimate weather protection and strength.
  • Thermal and acoustic excellence – Triple glazing, 0.8 U values and Rw 50+ dB sound reduction.
  • Narrow sight-lines and flush exterior of the uni_one Executive™ outward opening casement windows and doors – including Fully Reversible – and ‘Parallel’ opening, pushing straight out.
  • Maximum performance and widest range – uni_one Standard™ tilt & turn system, double and triple glazed.
  • Lift & Slide patio units – up to 3 metres wide per door, ultra-smooth, finger-tip light operation.
  • Widest range of finishes in UK.
  • Internally, 12 beautiful and hard wearing timber shades and pastel colours.
  • Externally, Bronze or Aluminium, natural or anodised, any RAL colour & texture.
  • Fully concealed for maximum elegance – Hinges, drainage, trickle vents and handles.
  • Spandrel panels – externally deglaze-able for inspection behind, or if damaged.

Despite the many advantages above, all schemes are tendered for and won against fierce competition in the Design and Build market.

For further information, brochures or a quotation please visit www.uniform-arch.co.uk or email us at enquiries@uniform-arch.co.uk or call 01275 217227.
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Optima from Profile 22: Future-proof high performance windows

Months of rumours and speculation are now at an end as Profile 22 launches not one but two of the industry’s most eagerly awaited window and door systems. Hailed as the biggest new product introduction in the window industry for a decade, Profile 22 has unveiled Optima, developed to be the most advanced products of their type available in the UK today.

Developed specifically with commercial sectors in mind, and backed by the Profile 22 Approved Window Contractors scheme, Optima offers a compelling choice for the professional specifier. Behind this launch is a radical rethink of each of the key processes in the production of a window and door system for the 21st Century: extrusion processes that ensure superb quality and consistency whilst protecting the environment through reduced energy and ecological impact and products that easily satisfy current technical and aesthetic demands by anticipating those of many years ahead.

The two product streams are characterised by the Optima Chamfered System and the Optima Sculptured System, from which a large number of options are available including a brand new Flush Casement to compete in the burgeoning ‘heritage’ flush sash timber replacement sector.

In basis the systems offer a 6 chamber outer frame (up to 8 with RCM inserts) and a 5 chamber sash (6 with RCM), structures that provide optimal thermal performance and rigidity with the capability of U values as low as 0.8 W/m2K with appropriate Argon filled IGUs. Around these basic structures will be the widest range of ancillaries and add-ons of any system on the market to allow the production of windows in every style, for every property type. Important niche products such as a fully reversible window; a vertical sliding sash; flush tilt & turn; a flush casement; composite door; french door sets; and a patio door may be manufactured by combining existing profiles with the Optima suite. Performance is to A++ Window Energy Rating.

The Profile 22 system that Optima replaces enjoyed huge popularity for its aesthetics and Optima retains a close similarity, but with a larger rebate and stylish slim upstand. The distinctiveness enjoyed by Profile 22 over other systems will therefore continue.

The real difference however is in the details: the system is designed with a high performance centre seal option for improved weather and thermal performance, features that are unique to Optima amongst UK systems; deeper drainage channels further improve water egress and contribute towards weather performance.

Optima has been designed to offer the widest choice of glazing options on the market including 24 and 28mm double and 36, 40 and 44mm triple glazed units. Bead location has been fully researched with the result that glazing clips are unnecessary to pass security tests and are future-proof against proposed and anticipated enhancements to PAS24.

The systems have been awarded the British Standard Kitemark which includes testing to BS6375 parts 1, 2 & 3, Performance of windows and doors in addition to testing in relation to PAS24:2016 enhanced security performance requirements for doorsets and windows in the UK. Both standards are the latest to be published and allow specifiers to assess Optima against the most exacting UK standards currently available.

Products are also manufactured under Environmental and Health & Safety standards BS EN ISO 14001 and BS EN ISO 18001 respectively and BES6001 to ensure Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. The Optima systems far surpass UK and EU Building Regulations and PAS24, and have the highly accredited Secured by Design approval. In short Optima is the most accredited window system available in the UK market today.

The increased demand in the window market for colour and woodgrain has been acknowledged with an increased stock and fast turnaround of special colour options. The Optima foil offer is superior to that of any other systems supplier boasting 28 colour options. The range of greys competes well with aluminium products.

Andrew Reid, Commercial Sales Director of Profile 22 says: “We wanted the new window systems to be the best in the market and represent innovative design and exceptional thermal performance. We designed the new products around the needs of the specifier for slim, modern and stylish aesthetics, whilst offering the most technologically advanced product features and performance capabilities to future-proof our product range in meeting future Building Regulations.

“To achieve this we have invested in the most advanced extrusion systems available today. This investment ensures consistently excellent window and door profile quality whilst also significantly reducing the environmental impact of the production process. This is a key element in the specification of modern window and door products,” added Andrew.

“Specifiers can include Optima knowing that they are choosing the most advanced window and door products available in the UK today with key benefits of exceptional thermal performance, reduced maintenance schedules and improved durability. Their clients will also enjoy the benefits of excellent design, greater comfort levels and security as well as reduced heating bills for tenants and homeowners alike.”

Those wanting to appreciate Optima are encouraged to visit the Profile 22 microsite www.profile22.co.uk/optima, the showroom in Telford or at the Building Centre, London.
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