Aluminium
AWARD GOOD NEWS FOR ‘ NEW ’ FABRICATOR
Cheshire-based , Alutech approved fabricator , VitrineAlu , was recently awarded Bifolding Door Manufacturer of the Year at the National Fenestration Awards in Doncaster . Considering the business has been trading for only six months , this impressive accolade is testament to the hard work of all involved in the set up and running of the company . Director Duane Rogers , credits his business partners and family , as well as the support from his suppliers .
The idea for VitrineAlu has been in the pipeline for nearly 15 years , since Duane and fellow Director , Paul Fradley , met at a large independent fabricator in Altrincham where they both worked and soon became good friends , aged just 16 . They worked their way up through the company until Duane was offered an opportunity elsewhere , helping to develop their aluminium fabrication process .
Then lockdown hit . It gave both men time to think . “ It was now or never ,” explains Duane . “ We knew we had to try it now , or regret it forever . We ’ d always thought we ’ d be good at it .” They began by making rooflights but soon realised customers were looking for the whole package rather than multiple suppliers for different products and contacted Holly Sedgwick at Alutech Systems . “ We ’ d heard they had a modern way of working and were impressed by their BF73 system for bifolding , French and single doors . Alutech seemed to be moving with the times and had a reputation of being good to deal with . In fact , they were one of only a few suppliers prepared to work with us as a new company to help us get going .”
Alutech Systems Sales Director , Mike Moulds , said , “ We immediately saw the potential in Duane and Paul , particularly with their years of experience and expertise and their likeminded approach to social media and marketing . We were more than confident in giving them the opportunity to become an Alutech approved fabricator .”
Now , just six months on and VitrineAlu are producing five to six bifolds a week , a figure that continues to rise each week . The business has already outgrown its premises twice , is recruiting more staff and investing in more machinery . It ’ s
required some very long hours from Duane and Paul . Duane ’ s wife , Sarah , has also helped out along with Paul ’ s dad John , and brother , Geoff , who ’ s support has been invaluable in getting to where they are today . VitrineAlu is now looking forward to settling into their new premises , adding more products to its offer and seeing the new slimline window and patio system from Alutech , due out early next year .
Alutech ’ s BF73 door system has been designed to be fabricator and fitter friendly , with a sleek , modern look that delights the end user and robust running gear to ensure smooth operation with minimal maintenance . Weather-rated standard threshold with an option for low threshold and ramp for ease of access , there are also a range of sub cills to suit site requirements .
The optional adjustable jamb offers easier installs with 4mm tolerance . 120mm super slim sightlines , stile-to-stile , ensures maximum glass expanse , with market leading sash width up to 1200mm and 3000mm in height . Secure to PAS 24 rating ensuring insurance approval and peace of mind with a U-Value of 1.4 achieved with triple glazed units and 1.6 with 28mm double glazing to meet building regulations . The floating corner post option enables the doors , including return , to open out fully , giving the end user that wow factor . ( Structural support needs to be in place ). UK stock holding includes the leading colour choices plus a range of dual colours . Bespoke nonstock colour options to order .
www . alutechsystems . co . uk
50 JANUARY 2022 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM