As VEKA UK celebrates 40 years in the UK in 2026, a recent enquiry from a homeowner offered a reminder of the lasting impact of quality window systems.

The homeowner got in touch after discovering original installation paperwork showing the PVCu windows in their property were fitted on 29 November 1979.

Having moved into the house four years ago, they had no idea of the windows’ history until uncovering the documents while sorting through paperwork. Located in an

exposed area subject to significant wind and weather, the property still retains the original frames today, with only the glass units having been replaced in 2011.

What makes the story particularly interesting is that the homeowner wasn’ t looking to replace the windows. Instead, they contacted VEKA to ask whether there was a way to adjust the windows to reduce draughts that had become noticeable during winter.

For an industry often focused on the next installation, it’ s a useful reminder that windows are among the few products fabricators and installers manufacture and fit that can remain part of a home for decades.

Since VEKA established its UK operation in 1986, the industry has undergone significant change. Thermal performance standards have evolved, security requirements have increased and manufacturing technologies have advanced considerably. Yet one thing has remained constant: the importance of quality.

For fabricators, quality starts with the system itself. For installers, it continues through every stage of fabrication, specification and installation. Ultimately, homeowners rarely remember the profile name, the hardware specification or the glazing package. What they do remember is whether their windows continue to perform year after year.

That is why quality remains at the heart of VEKA’ s approach. Through rigorous product testing, controlled manufacturing processes and ongoing support for fabrication and installation partners, the focus remains on delivering systems designed to meet the demands of modern homes and modern homeowners.

The enquiry also arrives at a time when discussions around whole-life value are becoming increasingly important. While the industry rightly focuses on innovation and future performance, stories like this demonstrate the long-term relationship homeowners have with their windows and doors.

As VEKA marks its 40th anniversary in the UK, the homeowner’ s discovery provides a connection between the company’ s history and the industry’ s future. More than four decades after those windows were installed, they are still part of the conversation.

And for fabricators and installers, that may be the strongest reminder of all: quality doesn’ t stop at installation day.

www. vekauk. com

Six months after launching its new Partner Program, Abloy UK is celebrating a strong uptake, with a growing network of installers and integrators joining the initiative to strengthen their technical expertise, win new business, and deliver a better service to their customers. Created to build closer, more collaborative relationships with security professionals, the Abloy Partner Program has already welcomed over 30 partners from across the UK, with members actively engaging in technical training, project registration and joint business development activities.

The program provides partners with access to Abloy’ s premium portfolio of

mechanical and electromechanical locking solutions, alongside dedicated commercial support, technical expertise, lead generation opportunities and marketing resources.

Over the past six months, partners have also taken advantage of tailored training delivered through the Abloy Academy, helping them expand their knowledge of the latest security technologies and confidently specify, install and maintain high-security access solutions.

The program is built around four core principles that underpin every partnership. These include‘ delivering a premium experience through high-quality products and expert support, acting as trusted advisors

with over a century of security expertise, becoming stronger together through collaboration, and remaining responsible by nature by promoting sustainable and ethical business practices.

The program’ s project registration scheme and dedicated support from regional sales and program managers have also enabled partners to identify and secure new business opportunities.

Johnathon Dale, Partner Program Manager at Abloy UK, said:“ The response to the Partner Program has exceeded our expectations. From day one, our aim was to create something that genuinely helps our partners grow their businesses, rather than simply offering another basic supplier relationship.

“ We’ ve seen fantastic engagement from businesses that recognise the benefits of combining our renowned products with ongoing technical training, specification support and collaborative business development.

“ Our partners are experts in their own right, and our role is to provide the tools, knowledge and support that help them stand out in an increasingly competitive marketplace.

“ Whether that’ s through training, technical guidance or collaborative marketing,

we’ re committed to helping them succeed because when our partners grow, so does the value we can collectively deliver to customers.”

For further information about the Abloy Partner Program or to apply, email partner-program @ abloy. co. uk