The leadership might have changed at the Glazerite UK Group following the completion of the recent management buyout, but the new team of directors have the same passion for investment, innovation and installers, with a host of exciting plans afoot.
One of the five-strong MBO team is Matthew Thomas, the Managing Director of Glazerite East, which focuses on the Halo portfolio. Having been with the fabricator for three years, Matthew has already overseen a huge transformation of the site to align it with the rest of the group.
Innovation in manufacturing efficiencies and products includes the adoption of Timberweld® technology across the company’s flush sash range to replicate authentic timber windows. This has allowed Glazerite greater flexibility in manufacturing across its sites, while increasing product choice for its installers.
Matthew says: “We tested Timberweld on Halo Flush Sash over the course of several months, with the support and technical expertise of Masterframe, Total Machinery Solutions (TMS) and VEKA. As a result, we are now able to strengthen our portfolio to include a timber-look butt joint across all three of our flush sash window options. “Not only does it give us consistency in manufacturing, it allows for a greater throughput of products without compromising on quality.”
The market demand for heritage-style windows is strong and set to continue with high growth, as consumers seek a solution that combines low maintenance and durable uPVC with an aesthetically pleasing, timber-like finish.
Matthew adds: “Glazerite has always had a strong commitment to innovation. We combine these ambitions with continuous investment into our facilities, our portfolio and our people. Everything we do is always with customers in mind and by introducing Timberweld, we’ve been able to open doors for installers who haven’t previously specified R9 for example, as it can now be ordered unglazed and is therefore easier to handle and transport.”
Matthew is also delighted with the service his team has been able to offer installers keen to specify Timberweld-fabricated Halo. One such installer is Northamptonshire-based A-Team Glazing who has just completed the transformation of a stone cottage using Halo Flush Sash in Pebble Grey. A-Team owner and Glazerite installer, Adam Pardon, explains: “The homeowner wanted to replace the existing rotten frames with uPVC because they wanted something that would help to reduce the road traffic noise, and which was low in maintenance, more energy efficient and secure. They were also keen to replace the wood with something that looked handcrafted and timber-like to blend in with the stonework surrounds and the period charm of the cottage. Halo using Timberweld offered the perfect solution and the homeowner is thrilled with the results.”
In addition to the introduction of TImberweld, Glazerite East has undergone a number of changes since it was acquired by Glazerite in 2016. Improvements to production has led to a significant increase in output – more than doubling the number of frames the site was able to achieve. Its current capacity is 700-750 frames per week, a figure set to grow even further by 2022 thanks to recent investment.
Matthew adds: “This year’s investment has also allowed us to add a new corner cleaner and a sash horn miller. This means we can now manage the run-through sash horn process fully in-house and has removed our dependency on third parties manufacturing it for us. This ultimately benefits our installers as it gives us much greater flexibility on lead times.”
Matthew is now looking ahead to the next phase of Glazerite’s plans. He adds: “We are continually trying to find ways to broaden and improve what we offer our installers, whether that’s enhancing our production facilities, investing in new technology and machinery or adding to our service offering. The introduction of Timberweld has been a real game-changer for us and our customers, and we’re looking forward to finding more ways to meet the needs of our installers and their customers.”