Clearview Midlands December 2013 - Issue 145 | Page 64

2013REVIEW

NEW REPORT: INDUSTRY
FACING MAJOR CHANGES
Insight Data has published the 2013 Fabricator and Installer Report,
which points to significant change across the fenestration industry.
The report shows the number of
window, door and conservatory
companies has risen in the last
12 months, the first increase
for 5 years, and now stands at
15,137 companies.
The number of fabricators
(PVC-U, timber and aluminium)
has increased marginally to 4,278
companies although PVC-U
fabricators have declined in the
last 12 months. This decline has,
however, led to greater volume
shared amongst remaining
fabricators, with a significant
increase in average frame volume
per company. This explains in
part why many fabricators are
reporting record sales.

‘First increase for
5 years, and now
stands at 15,137’
Helen Costeloe-Hughes,
commercial director of Insight
Data comments; “PVC-U
fabricators are evolving and
diversifying. They are introducing
alternative products, such as

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DEC 2013

aluminium, composite windows
or new products in a bid to
increase revenue and improve
margins.
“In fact, 17.5% of all PVC-U
fabricators now manufacture
aluminium, a figure that
continues to rise month-onmonth. This has been driven
by demand for aluminium
bi-folding doors, which has
created awareness and demand for
aluminium windows and doors
in general among installers and
homeowners.”

home improvement products
such as garage conversions and
extensions.

already have relationships with
homeowners and are winning
contracts under the radar.”

INSTALLERS

‘The number of
general builders
offering home
improvement
products such
as windows and
doors has increased
dramatically to
over 20,000’

According to Insight Data the
installer landscape is changing
rapidly. The number of installers
has increased over the last 12
months but a growing threat
from general builders has had an
impact on volumes.
To combat low volumes and low
margins, installers have diversified
into other products and sectors.
47% of installers now offer a
choice of materials, PVC-U,
timber or aluminium, while
many have diversified into other

Helen continues; “Installers, like
fabricators, are keen to increase
order values and margins and an
increasing number are offering
higher value product lines such as
bi-fold doors, vertical sliders and
coloured frames.
“Meanwhile, the number of
general builders offering home
improvement products such as
windows and doors has increased
dramatically to over 20,000 across
the UK. Many of these builders

TRADE COUNTERS

A shift in distribution channels
has occurred across the industry.
The traditional route of fabricator
>> installer >> homeowner is
being challenged by a rapidly
growing network of trade
counters.
Trade counter depots emerged
some years ago with a number of
operators buying from fabricators
in volume, and selling-on to small
installers and general builders.
However, a growing number of
PVC-U fabricators have now
established their own network
of depots. This provides a strong
regional presence and enables the
fabricator to capture volume they
would not otherwise gain. On
the flipside this poses a threat to
smaller, regional fabricators who
rely on local business.
Helen adds; “It is this expansion
of trade counter depots that
has fuelled an increase in the
number of general builders who

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