DOORS&WINDOWS
Making it work
Earlier in the year, Clearview spoke
to Luxal’s Frank Tate about all things
aluminium, keeping it in the family
(Luxal’s ‘top table’ is made up of four
brothers and one brother in law), and an
imminent move that would double the
size of the premises. With a note in the
diary to catch up after the relocation,
no one could have predicted that the
follow up would have taken place
in the midst of a national lockdown,
however, as the move had already gone
ahead as planned, the new 50,000 sq
ft factory has left the Luxal team in an
unexpected - yet positive - situation,
during this unprecedented time…
» “WE’RE ACTUALLY STILL WORKING,”
begins Frank. “When we made the move
at the start of the year; it was to increase
production and capacity, but since lockdown
was announced - due to our extra space in the
new premises, we’ve been able to continue
manufacturing and delivery, and maintain
comfortable social distancing measures, in line
with government advice.
“I can’t say it’s ‘business as usual’ and due
to our own suppliers, we have had to adjust
lead times accordingly, but it has allowed us to
remain operational and helps us see the light
at the end of the tunnel, when sadly so many
others have had to down tools completely -
albeit temporarily.”
‘Business as usual’ for Luxal is - in Frank’s
own words - “non-mainstream products, at
mainstream prices”; that is Reynaers premium
aluminium windows, doors, bifolds and
sliding doors. Established in 1998, Luxal
was formed by former installers, meaning
the team has the prior knowledge of what is
required on-site when it comes to premium
product, and ease of installation. Furthermore
the team’s ability to ‘muck in’ and make it
work when they’ve been ‘out in the field’ has
no doubt helped them build a business that
bridges the gap between fabricator and fitter.
36 » M AY 2020 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
Frank continues: “Because we’ve ‘been
there, done that’, we know that the best
product on paper is not always the most
suitable on site. As a team, we have been
through all sorts of specifications but we
believe that our current portfolio is the best
we’ve ever had.
“We also make sure to have the sought-after
scale of good, better, best, all in the Reynaers
brand, so that installers can provide their own
customers with the choice that sets them apart
from the rest.
“As previous installers, we also know that
things don’t always go to plan. No one could
have planned for what’s happening at the
moment, but what we can do is do our very
best to keep going.
“As a trade supplier we are used to the
variation of orders when it comes to say a one-
off door or a full spec for a ‘Grand Designs’
project. We have regular clients who place
quite routine orders with us and we have
installers who only need one unit every so
often. No matter what their requirements are
we always work with the ethos that we are here
when they need us; not just for a door or a
window but with service and support.
“Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, at Luxal,
that will never ever change.”
THE CP68
THE PERFECT FIT AND
PERFECT FOR FITTERS
One product from the Luxal portfolio
that has proved popular indeed, is the CP68
Premium Aluminium Slimline Sliding Door;
designed by Reynaers specifically for the
replacement and refurb market.
The CP68’s glazed-in system and ultra
slim sightlines are just the ticket for
homeowners that want more ‘window’,
than door; with a 68mm outer frame and
a tiny 34mm meeting point. The option of
double or triple track makes it ideal for
huge openings on larger extensions and
popular open plan living spaces; where the
homeowner can enjoy views of the outside
(and get to show off their state of the art
kitchens and living rooms to passers by).
The CP68 really ticks all the boxes for
everyone concerned, and coupled with an
installation video of just five steps in 15
minutes, and first-fit on-site assistance if
required, not only is it the perfect fit for
stylish homeowners, it’s perfect for fitters
too.
Find out more about Luxal, and its
products, including the CP68 (with
link to Installation Tutorial) at www.
luxal.co.uk or for more information,
call 0203 00 22 088