Clearview 229 - December 2020 | Page 38

HARDWARE

WANT TO SAVE YOURSELF A SMALL FORTUNE IN HARDWARE COSTS ? READ ON …

» ALUMINIUM FABRICATORS COULD save themselves a small fortune by changing their hardware buying habits and going direct to the manufacturer – this is the view of Michael Hewitt , sales director of Durham based AT Precision .
AT Precision manufacture rollers and hinges for aluminium bi-folding doors , and Michael puts forward a convincing case as to why
fabricators should re-think how they currently source components .
“ Most aluminium fabricators buy their bi-fold hardware from either their systems company or a distributor . Buying profile and hardware from the same source is probably quite convenient , and even buying hardware from your distributor may seem more costefficient , but it ’ s by no means the best value for money ,” comments Michael .
“ An aluminium fabricator making 10 bifolds per week could save themselves £ 1,200 per week – or £ 60,000 per year – by sourcing their hardware from AT Precision . We do the math as part of the AT Precision sales pitch , and fabricators are often staggered when they see the savings they could be making .”
A £ 60,000 saving sounds great , but the pessimist would of course assume this means there is a compromise in quality . Not so according to Michael .
“ Our products are manufactured using cast aluminium , which is much better quality than the zinc-based components you find on the market . Our products are at the premium end of the market , but our prices are much lower , which is a real ‘ win win ’ for aluminium fabricators .”
If high quality and low cost isn ’ t enough to convince you to switch over to AT Precision , the company has one more major selling point up its sleeve – speed of service . “ We offer next day delivery as long as you place your order with us by 1pm ,” explains Michael .
“ The window industry supply chain is really creaking at the moment , so we ’ re finding this element of our service is really appreciated by our customers .”
AT Precision bi-folding hardware is compatible with Smart Systems , and they will soon be offering solutions for other aluminium systems in the not too distant future . The company will also be launching a range of gaskets and plastic components later in the year .
www . atprecision . co . uk

COMPREHENSIVE NEW HARDWARE FOR UPGRADED COMPOSITE RANGE

» APEER HAS UNVEILED A comprehensive new collection of hardware and door furniture , consisting of 60 new pieces that have been designed to suit a wide variety of home styles ; and complements the recent introduction of the contemporary Sweet hardware range and Ultion Smart lock from Brisant Secure , as well as the latest security upgrades to the slab used on all Apeer doors .
The composite door manufacturer has reported high levels of activity throughout the course of 2020 , despite the challenges imposed by the Coronavirus , while the introduction of an exciting , consumer facing marketing campaign has been perfectly timed to correspond with a
significant increase in demand for home improvements over the summer months .
As a result , Apeer adds that these latest additions to its product range have helped to further extend the appeal to homeowners specifying its doors through the Doorbuilder function on the company ’ s website as well as to its network of retailers located throughout the UK and Ireland .
Of particular note within the new hardware options are the Heritage and Architectural ranges . Ideal for rustic oak-style doors installed on period buildings and cottages , Heritage handles include such classics as teardrops and monkey tails , with matching accessories including knockers and letterplates . And , as might be expected , Architectural door
furniture offers clean , sleek lines with finishes in chrome and satin silver .
Similarly , the Forged Black and ‘ beaten ’ Pewter options , provide authentic detailing for homeowners choosing doors to complement period-style homes , but who prefer a ‘ hand-forged ’ appearance .
A new anti-bacterial handle has also been introduced , in response to a demand for solutions to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 . Designed with simple , clean lines the handle has an antibacterial and antimicrobial surface that suppresses the growth of pathogens on the handle , as confirmed by independent lab and practice tests .
Apeer ’ s Managing Director , Asa McGillian , says : “ We continuously
review the specification of our products to appeal to every price-point and taste . We were especially impressed with the Heritage and Forged Black ranges for their authenticity in appearance and excellent product quality , when we were looking at extending into homes with a more rural or period style .”
www . apeer . co . uk
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