MACO UK is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2026, marking four decades of supporting the UK window and door industry with high performance hardware solutions, technical expertise, and long standing partnerships. Founded in 1986, the first MACO UK office and warehouse was located in Dartford before relocating to the market-leading sales, distribution, and innovation centre in Sittingbourne in 2000, where it continues to operate today.

Over the past 40 years, MACO UK has played a key role in the development of window and door hardware. Early innovations such as offset and inline mushroom espagnolette systems

and the MKI Shootbolt set new standards for security and ease of fabrication. This foundation has been built on over time with solutions including intelligent security cams, telescopic shootbolt systems and advanced surface coating technologies. The latest evolution of the MACO

espagnolette platform marks the next generation of espagnolette design, developed to meet the changing needs of modern fabrication and installation, and reflects MACO’ s ongoing focus on practical innovation that supports customers in a competitive market.

Alongside product development, MACO UK has continued to invest in supporting its customers and the wider supply chain. The MACO Partner Portal provides fabricators and installers with easy access to the company’ s e-catalogue and latest updates, helping streamline day-to-day operations. Meanwhile, the MACO Secure Plus scheme has been developed to give homeowners added confidence, offering a 10-year guarantee and financial contribution towards replacement in the event of a break-in for registered installations. Complementing this, Sense by MACO enables fabricators

and installers to expand their offering with smart, connected hardware solutions, meeting the growing demand for intelligent homes.

Kevin Whiting, Managing Director of MACO UK, commented:

“ Reaching 40 years in the UK is a proud milestone, and one I’ m pleased to have played my part in more recently. It reflects the strength of our partnerships, the commitment of our team and a shared focus on innovation. We’ re proud of what’ s been achieved and excited about what comes next.”

MACO UK will mark the anniversary with a celebratory event on 1 July 2026. Following this, the company will share customer stories, staff reflections, and host a series of customer-focused activities throughout the year. As it looks ahead, MACO UK remains focused on supporting the next chapter of the industry, with continued innovation including developments such as Multi Matic IQ.

www. maco. eu

Freefoam Building Products’ long-standing relationship with LBS Group demonstrates how the roofline manufacturer supports builders’ merchants by establishing strong partnerships based on trust, service, and shared values.

Established in 1931 in Llandilo the business is run today by Rachel and Ben Davies – great grandchildren of the original owner. From small beginnings at just one location the company has grown and now operates with 52 branches over 29 sites.

As the largest independent builders’ merchant in South Wales LBS has grown significantly over the years, and its partnership with Freefoam is an example of how a supplier relationship can contribute to long-term success.

The partnership is featured in a new video release from Freefoam, filmed at LBS branches in South Wales and at the company’ s head office in Ammanford. The video highlights how Freefoam works closely with merchant partners such as LBS to provide consistent product availability, trusted support, and a relationship-led approach that helps merchants serve their customers with confidence. Rachel Davies says the company’ s focus on people and partnerships has

been central to its growth.“ Cultivating long-standing relationships with customers, staff, and suppliers such as Freefoam Building Products has given our business the grounding it needs to succeed. Our relationship with Freefoam has gone from strength to strength over the years. As we have grown the business and added merchant branches, every single one of those has been stocked with Freefoam products. It’ s a sign of success.

That same commitment to long-term relationships is reflected in the way Freefoam works with LBS.“ We’ ve been working with Freefoam for 15 years. Freefoam shares our values and works well with management and our branch staff— the feedback is always positive,” says Ben. Freefoam soffit and fascia roofline products

are kept in stock at all 19 builders merchant branches, with White a traditional big seller. Woodgrains and Anthracite Grey are also popular.“ It’ s the depth of our stock and the fact it’ s always available that keeps customers coming back,” explains Ben.

Aidan Harte, CEO Freefoam Building Products, concluded“ We are proud of the relationship we have with LBS. It’ s the perfect example of how Freefoam manage and support large multi-branch merchants. We make sure they get the same high level of service and integrated support as a single site independent customer and we’ re committed to being part of their ongoing growth and development.”

See Freefoam’ s full range at www. freefoam. com or call 01604 683866 for merchant prices and more.