Case Studies

Deceuninck 2500 Tilt and Turn windows were fitted at the Imperial College in London.  Length: 30 months Products: 1,100 frames Deceuninck 2500 Tilt and Turn windows Decoroc 4 sided colour Iron Grey RAL 7011 Acoustics RW38db U Value 1.5 Customer saving versus aluminium was 30% Tilt and Turn windows key features: Bold, modern, contemporary with classic European pedigree Class 4 Air Permebality; Class 8A Water tightness; Class A5 2000Pa exposure Galvanised steel profiles optimised for strength and secure hardware attachment 'U' values can be achieved below current minumum requirements  

Deceuninck 2500 tilt and turn windows were installed in the Horlicks Building. Products: 666 Frames Deceuninck 2500 Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 Tilt and turn windows Tilt and turn windows key features: Bold, modern contemporary with classic European pedigree Class 4 Air Permability; Class 8A Water tightness; Class A5 2000Pa exposure Galvanised steel profiles optimised for strength and secure hardware attachment 'U' values can be achieved below current minimum requirements

Deceuninck casement and tilt and turn windows were installed in the Crocodile works building.  Length: 18 months Products: Deceuninck 5000 series Deceuninck 2500 Anthracite Grey RAL 7016 Casement and Tilt and Turn windows Tilt and turn windows key features: Bold, modern, contemporary with classic European pedigree Class 4 Air Permebaility; Class 8A Water tightness; Class A5 2000Pa exposure Galvanised steel profiles optimised for strength and secure hardware attachment 'U' values can be achieved below current minimum requirements

Family-run Heavers of Bridport had considered switching to an installer-only model for many years, it wasn't until 2018 that they made the decision to exit fabrication entirely.  The Dorset business, which was established in 1960, is a family-run business headed up by Ross Heaver. He switched the fabricator-installer business to an installer-only model in 2018 "We had thought about changing our business model for years but legacy, pride, and commitment to our staff made it a challenging decision.  We took great pride in making great quality frames ourselves, but the reality was it was hurting our business. As a relatively small firm manufacturing 50 – 100 frames per week, the issues around Brexit combined with spiralling costs and machinery investment, meant we had to take stock. The answer was to close the fabrication element of our business and switch the focus solely to installation.”   The decision wasn’t made lightly and before Ross took the plunge, the logical step was to find a quality VEKA fabricator who could deliver what the firm’s end customers wanted in terms of quality uPVC windows, supported by excellent customer service.   Ross says: “As part of the process, we visited four VEKA fabricators to listen to their proposals and find a business partner who would fit with our needs and values.  We chose Glazerite because, like us, they have ambitions for growth. They also continually invest in their operations and their people, and we knew we could work well together. Once we’d had the meeting with them and they walked us through what they could do for our business going forward, the decision was made.”   From the outset, Glazerite worked with Ross and his team to support the business in areas such as HR & I.T and help make the transition as smooth as possible. Working with Glazerite also gave Heavers access to an extensive portfolio of products. This has opened doors and allowed Heavers to be able to provide installs for non-standard and bigger jobs, with access to products they’d never have been able to fabricate themselves.   Following the move to installer-only, Heavers has gone from strength to strength. Ross & his team has also made use of the factory space previously used for fabrication, turning the 3,500 sq. ft space into one of the biggest showrooms in the area.   Talk to us about making the move to an installer only model.

Herefordshire-based installer Shane Howells Ltd unveiled a new showroom in the picturesque town of Ledbury. Supported with a range of samples supplied by fabricator, The Glazerite UK Group Ltd, the business, run by namesake Shane Howells and his wife Clare, has relocated to larger premises next door to their original site, which meant they were able to create a showroom six times the size of the original. The new showroom has given Shane and his 11-strong team the opportunity to showcase a huge range of products to his customers, including windows and doors from the likes of VEKA, DoorCo, The Residence Collection, Solidor and Guardian Warm Roof. “We’ve been able to put together a fantastic space to show off the range of products we can install. Thanks to Glazerite, who supplied the samples, the showroom includes composite doors, R9 windows and our range of VEKA products. We’ve worked with Glazerite for a number of years and they’ve always been supportive of us as a business, helping us with a range of services such as marketing and social media support.” Shane adds: “Having a much larger showroom makes a huge difference as it gives prospective customers the opportunity to see and feel the products, rather than rely on brochures or the limited range samples I could take on sales visits. It also makes us come across as more professional and generates trust amongst our customer base, as they can actually see the product they’re about to buy. “I can honestly say the vast majority of customers don’t leave the showroom without leaving a deposit for an installation, it’s that effective!” South West Area Sales Manager says: “Supporting our installers is very important to Glazerite, and we’re delighted to have been able to help Shane with his showroom. The finished result is very impressive and will give customers the chance to see everything Shane and his team can offer.” Shane Howells Ltd has been in business for over 20 years and carries out installations for customers across Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. 

Wiltshire-based SJ Window Installations has recently completed a domestic project using Residence 9 windows and French doors from leading fabricator, the Glazerite UK Group Ltd.  Specifying Clotted Cream on the exterior combined with a White Ash interior, the installation matched an existing R9 window fitted in a previous extension on the property, which is situated in the Wiltshire village of Little Somerford.  A total of nine windows and a pair of French doors were installed over five days by Simon Jordan, owner of SJ Window Installations, who was carrying out his first ever Residence Collection project. He says:  “This was the first time I’ve installed Residence 9 though I’ve used the Halo FlushSash in a number of properties of late. Both are great systems and alongside the R7 - which I also have access to via Glazerite - I have a number of flush sash solutions for customers, whatever their needs or budget.” Simon adds:  “The marketing done by Residence Collection in support of both R9 and R7 is impressive, and this particular customer found me via the installer search on their website, which is fantastic.  “By working with Glazerite, I also have access to their own technical and marketing support which has been invaluable for my business. I’m able to call on them at any time, whether that’s to double check measurements for a complex project or the design and build of my website.” Giovanni Sangiovanni of Glazerite’s Southwest division says: “SJ Window Installations is a great example of an installer who is taking advantage of the marketing available from the Residence Collection. Having a profile on their online installer search facility results in great leads. Simon is passionate about quality and R9 is a premium product that has helped him to deliver a stunning installation.”  This year SJ Window Installations is celebrating 21 years in business. The installer works across the Wiltshire towns of Marlborough, Trowbridge and beyond, fitting a range of uPVC windows, doors and conservatories sourced from Glazerite.

Oldham-based D&M Windows & Doors Ltd has recently completed the transformation of a Liverpool office building using windows fabricated by The Glazerite UK Group Ltd. VEKA Installer, D&M Windows completed the 7,786 sp ft Burlington House development in Crosby in October 2018. In their first job for Amspec Ltd, D&M Windows installed over 500 VEKA M70 windows in Anthracite Grey, with a white interior. The project took just under five months to complete.  Run by father and son team, Mark and Darren Hoolickin, D&M Windows prides itself on providing excellent customer service. Mark says: "The install was a big job but we were able to achieve a high quality install thanks to the supply and fabrication of the excellent M70 product from VEKA and Glazerite" "The final result looks stunning and the Anthracite Grey really gives the building a distinctive edge. We're pleased to have been able to play a part in this project and work once again with the team at D&M Windows." - Peter Smith, Area Sales Manager - Glazerite UK Group  

Offices housing employees of the industrial manufacturer, Siemens, have undergone a huge facelift thanks to the Glazerite UK Group Ltd and their customer, D&M Windows Ltd.  Oldham's D&M Windows was chosen by contractors Brown & Bancroft to carry out the transformation of the four storey building in Congleton, Cheshire, because of their extensive experience in commercial and domestic installations. Glazerite fabricated and supplied over 200 VEKA M70 windows in white for the install, which took three months to complete.  Mark Hoolickin, who runs D&M Windows with his son, Darren, says: "As a family-run business we always want to ensure that every customer receives the very best. Thanks to VEKA and Glazerite, we were able to achieve everything Siemens wanted, and we've since been contacted by them to install new windows on their manufacturing units." "We've worked with D&M Windows for a number of years, supplying windows and doors for bespoke domestic projects through to large commercial installs like this one. Their work is always of the highest quality and we're delighted to have been able to work with them on this prestigious project." - Peter Smith, Area Sales Manager North West - Glazerite UK Group

Kent based Adeva Home Improvements has built on its recent success in large scale commercial window installation with a triple glazing retrofit for a sheltered housing scheme in Whitstable.  Once again, the group praised The Glazerite UK Group Ltd and VEKA for their support in specifying and completing the contract, for 279 casement windows in the VEKA 70mm fully sculptured system finished in white, at the 12-storey Windsor House. As with the previous installation, VEKA supplied the wind load calculations essential for installations at such hight, with other technical support by Glazerite, without which Director Geoff Dwyer said the company would not have had the confidence to tender for the work.  "They were with us all the way when we had the chance of our first large scale commercial contract. That gave us the confidence to continue our activity in the sector and the result was another success for us with Windsor House. The technical support from Glazerite and VEKA was brilliant, the clients are very pleased with the result and we are already looking at several more prospects." Elderly residents at Windsor House were finding the first generation double glazed PVC-U had become draughty as well as making the flats costly to hear in cold weather. Adeva replaced them with far more energy-efficient A+Rated, triple glazed VEKA 70FS units, for main contractor Hamilton Building Contractors.  Jason Thompson, Director of The Glazerite UK Group, said the installation was another model example of what installers of any size can achieve with the right materials and the right technical support: "Most good installers are perfectly capable of carrying out such medium and even large scale commercial contracts but may be put off by the technical back-up and specification advice. But all Glazerite installer partners know that all you need is a good, supportive fabricator and system supplier and they can achieve virtually anything."

It's a tough decision for any SME - risk stepping up to your biggest contract ever or to play safe and lose out on a big chunk of business. But it was less of a dilemma for Kent-based Adeva Home Improvements because, as Director Geoff Dwyer explained, the backing of the Glazerite UK Group, as well as VEKA, was crucial in tackling the job. We might otherwise have had serious doubts about taking it on". he said after completing the installation of nearly 3,000 windows and doors as part of a £2.2 million refurbishment of Wandworth's Wimbledon Park Estate. "But Glazerite was with us all the way. We've been working with them for about six years, and VEKA much longer. We knew the product and the customer service. Glazerite were very supportive; they were up to speed on manufacture and delivery and, just as important, if any problem arosem, they would be there to rectify straight away." The job was not without challenges, he continued, firstly in removing the original Crittal steel frames, which were not only set into concrete but many had to be taken out in a single three metre by two-metre piece.  Also, the new frames were an unusual combination of side-hung casement and tilt/turns which might have been a problem for some fabricators, though Glazerite took them in its stride. Adeva installed the A-Rated, SBD specification windows and doors based on the VEKA M70 system in white, for main contractor Mulalley and Company Ltd of Woodford Green on behalf of the London Borough of Wandsworth. VEKA also carried out the wind load calculations for the design specification.  Geoff Dwyer concluded: "This was a very substantial piece of work, and by far our biggest contract to date. But we may well have had to think twice about going for it had it not been for the support we got from Glazerite".

As part of a large scale renovation programme, The Glazerite UK Group Limited and its Stockport-based customer, Arctic Seal MCR Ltd, have supplied and installed 1000 windows for a state-of-the-art 260,000 square foot business community.  Universal Square is a unique office campus based on the Picadilly fringe of Manchester City Centre, offering a professional service to more than 50 companies. As part of the demanding refurbishment project, five new interlinked buildings and all congregated around an impressive courtyard, with 24-hour security, car parking facilities, a restaurant, fitness centre and more. The old building has been completely transformed and, as well as external cladding to the complete building, 1000 VEKA M70 windows were supplied to Arctic Seal for installation. The new structurally coupled windows are finished in Anthracite to replicate aluminium in alignment with the modern, 21st century look and feel of the building. All ground floor windows are Secured By Design accredited and all glazing is grey tinted.  Arctic Seals Director Shahzad Ashraf commented: "Having visited the Glazerite UK Group stand at the 2017 FIT Show, we were very impressed with the quality of their windows, and in addition to that their windows met our requirements in terms of what size frame they could supply. Since then we have worked with them on the Universal Square project, as well as two office-to-flat conversions in both Derby and Cannock, totally around 1000 windows. Each of these were standard frames bit with different levels of glass spec due to soundproofing and depending on elevation. All projects have run to schedule thanks to great communication from Glazerite and all deliveries arriving as planned." Glazerite's Sales Manager, Pete Smith said: "This project is one of three across the country that we have worked on together with Arctic Seal within the last year after meeting at last year's FIT Show. The 2017 show as a platform for Glazerite to showcase further new projects and support services, and we are pleased this has led to working with Arctic Seal on such projects. Now almost complete, the Universal Square project no longer bears any resembelance at all to the buidling that was historically built to house Great Universal Stores. Arctic Seal have achieved a fantastic result with an inviting and modern space for businesses of all sectors 

Funded by the government's Condition Improvement Fund, The Window Company (Contracts) has just completed an impressive window replacement project at Hatcham College in South East London, part of the prestigious Haberdasher's Askes' Schools Federation.  The award winning commercial installer was appointed as the principle contractor by Arcadis Consulting, working on behalf of the school for 3-18 year olds.  Parts of the historic Hatcham College date back to 1890, so the challenge for The Window Company (Contracts) was to supply and install windows which were in keeping with the age and character building but still represented best value. Because they are entirely independent, they were able to successfully identify a range of different products from a number of different suppliers which perfectly matched the different elements of the specification.  This included six 4600(h) x 2000(w) bespoke sapele hardwood double glazed sash windows for the school hall from NJL Joinery in Essex, painted white on the exterior but left varnished in the natural wood on the interior to match the hall's existing panelling. These were fitted with Guardian SunGuard SuperNeutral glass to minimise solar gain and even feature the original openers which The Window Company (Contracts) expertly restored and refitted. In other parts of the building, they installed a mix of arched head vertical sliders and tilt and slide windows with Astragel bars, fabricated by Glazerite in VEKA's Matrix profile which matched the external appearance of the timber they were replacing. They also created a new opening in the dining hall and fitted a new set of Comar Commercial aluminium double doors.  The Window Company (Contracts) has extensive experience in the education sector and its team are all CRB checked and fully trained to work on school sites. It has the flexibility to be able to deploy fitters at short notice to work during school closure times and is renowned for its commitment to always delighting clients. Mary Williams, Business Manager at the school, was impressed with their approach: "What we liked was that The Window Company (Contracts) did exactly what we wanted on the project and not just what suited them best. We are delighted with the products they recommended, particularly the new timber sash windows, and with the attention to detail they showed on every aspect of the project.  We knew that we could trust everyone on the team and, with one project manager responsible for everything on site, they were very easy to work with. Nothing was too much trouble and we would definitely work with them again."