Pro Installer June 2026 - Issue 159 | Page 3

News
Read online at www. proinstaller. co. uk
JUNE 2026 | 3

News

Winkhaus UK celebrates 10 nominations at the 2026 National Fenestration Awards

The nominations span a wide range of categories, reflecting Winkhaus UKs continued focus on technical excellence, product development, service, and industry support:
• Hardware Company of the Year
• New Product of the Year Crafted Synergy- Polaris
• Door Component of the Year Crafted Synergy- Polaris
• Window Component of the Year aluPilot
• Fire Door Safety Product of the Year Winkhaus fire doorset systems
• Digital Campaign of the Year AV4 campaign
• Best Use of Video Winkhaus overview video
• Managing Director of the Year Justin Harris
• Customer Service Person of the Year Sophie Baker
• Young Person of the Year Sophie Baker
The shortlist recognises several key areas of focus for Winkhaus UK, including the continued development of aluPilot, the company’ s modular aluminium window hardware platform, and Crafted Synergy with Polaris, its smart, compliant security ecosystem designed to bring locking systems, cylinders, protective hardware, and smart control together as one tested solution.
It also highlights the role of Winkhaus UK’ s fire doorset systems, customer support teams, digital activity and leadership, alongside individual recognition for Sophie Baker and Managing Director Justin Harris.
Winkhaus UK is also continuing its support of the National Fenestration Awards as a Main Sponsor for 2026, marking the third consecutive year the company has supported the industry-led awards programme.
Voting for the 2026 National Fenestration Awards opens on Monday 27 April at 9am and closes on Friday 18 September at 5pm.
www. winkhaus. com

FOREL RETURNS FOR FIT SHOW 2027 WITH TRIPLE THE SPACE

Forel, the Italian glass processing machinery specialist, will return to FIT Show 2027 after a highly successful debut in 2025, having more than tripled its stand space and secured a frontline position for the next event.
Taking place from 18- 20 May at the NEC, Birmingham, FIT Show is the UK’ s only dedicated fabricator and installer trade show, bringing together manufacturers, installers, fabricators, specifiers and industry professionals under one roof.
Forel’ s expanded presence for 2027 reflects the strong response to its FIT Show 2025 debut, where it launched its triple thin concept for manufacturing a triple IGU using a 1.0mm inner glass pane. The launch generated significant interest from IGU manufacturers, processors and systems houses, helping position Forel at the centre of conversations about performance, efficiency and future-proofing in the glass sector.
The more than tripled stand space for 2027 mirrors that innovation-led message and underlines the scale of Forel’ s ambition for the next show. With a significantly larger footprint and a prominent frontline location, the company will be able to maximise the impact of its participation and showcase its latest machinery innovations to an even broader audience.
Forel will utilise FIT Show 2027 to showcase its latest machinery innovations, reconnect
with customers and continue conversations that began at FIT Show 2025 around the future of high-performance glass processing.
As the market continues to move toward higher thermal performance standards, FIT Show remains a vital meeting place for the industry, offering businesses the opportunity to discover new technologies, understand market developments and build relationships that support long-term growth.
Brian McDonald, Forel UK & Ireland CEO, said:“ We see FIT Show as the premium event for the UK and Ireland glass and fenestration industry. Our 2025 presence gave us the springboard to introduce triple thin and start meaningful conversations about what the market needs next. In 2027, we want to build on that momentum, demonstrate our latest technology live and show how Forel continues to deliver practical innovation with real commercial value.”
Alongside the exhibition floor, FIT Show’ s Learning Program will explore key issues affecting the industry, including thermal regulations, compliance, product performance and emerging market trends, offering practical insight for visitors across the supply chain.
Forel, which was founded in 1976, will begin its 50-year celebrations this May. The business continues to design and manufacture flat glass and insulating glass processing solutions entirely in-house from its headquarters in Vallio di Roncade, Italy, and serves customers in more than 70 countries.
With 280 employees, four foreign subsidiaries and 33 active proprietary patents, Forel remains focused on combining industrial continuity with ongoing innovation and international growth.
www. forelspa. com www. fitshow. co. uk
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