MEMBER PROFILE | WINDOWS father as Alumil got started in Australia . “ After graduating from high school , I worked as an entry level all-rounder ,” he remembers . “ To prepare myself for bigger things , I began talking extensively to as many fabricators in the industry as I could find , significantly building up my technical knowledge in the process .”
Eren ’ s father made the decision to bring Alumil to Australia over a decade ago . “ In 2006 , my father visited Europe on a business trip in his capacity as an aluminium supplier ,” he recalls . “ He was extremely impressed with Alumil products , and resolved to bring them to Australia .”
Yet it took some time for this bold vision to be realised . “ Alumil replied : ‘ We appreciate your enthusiasm , but we ’ re not ready to enter the Australian market ’,“ Eren explains . “ My father ’ s initial enquiry proved invaluable seven years later though , when the European market slowed . As the company was doing well in the US , they began conducting their own research to assess the viability of breaking into our industry .
“ In 2013 , Alumil shortlisted companies across Australia , with their sales representative visiting capitals and meeting with fabricators and suppliers ,” Eren continues . “ When they finally met my father , they decided his expertise would be an ideal pathway into the market .” It was at this point that Eren ’ s long-awaited opportunity arrived and he ’ s never looked back .
Even today , the operation is surprisingly lean . “ Alumil initially benefited considerably by using the company ’ s existing infrastructure to establish the Australian business ,” Eren says . “ We started out on a small scale , with a rented office space that we subsequently converted into a showroom .”
Making the decision to supply systems in Australia has involved significant commitment . “ We could have gone down the prefabricated path , but supplying these quality products locally really made good business sense for us ,” Eren comments . “ We ’ re here to serve as the best possible supplier of European architectural systems , rather than to make a quick buck . Alumil Oceania functions as a local company , creating a range of jobs within our corporate head offices . We eventually aim to encompass the Asia-Pacific region , including New Zealand … but it ’ s early days yet .”
Throughout the company ’ s Australian expansion , Alumil ’ s impeccable pedigree and commitment to quality has proved to be an invaluable asset . “ As an international systems supplier of aluminium products , we partner with the world ’ s most reputable manufacturers ,” Eren explains . “ We use German-made Dr Hahn hinges , for example , which are widely recognised as the best globally available .”
This dedication has resulted in an inspiring product range . “ This commitment to quality means we can guarantee our products will last and function as intended for many years ,” notes Dimos . “ As well as precise extrusion and high-grade componentry , we do all our own testing in-house with the best available materials . For example , our rubber is natural rather than PVC – the latter is cheaper , but begins to lose performance after around five years . Through this painstaking attention to detail , we have built up a reputation for quality and reliability .”
As a result of this dedication , Alumil ’ s window systems are uniformly recognised as state-of-the-art . “ Our architectural systems involve double and triple glazing with thermally broken frames , as well as a range of other products from operable roof pergolas to balustrading systems and fireproof doors ,” Eren states . “ As well as creating accessories , we prepare technical catalogues and accompanying information required to manufacture the product .”
The company remains a relentless driver of innovation . “ We believe the world is making a rapid and irreversible transition into green building practices , centred on sustainability and energy efficiency ,” Dimos comments . “ Windows and doors are a major and often-neglected part of environmental effectiveness , so we ensure our systems meet the highest possible standards of insulation and effectively reducing energy consumption .”
Advanced materials are a hallmark of Alumil ’ s designs . “ As one example , Alumil was the first company to incorporate carbon fibre into architectural window systems , façades and curtain walls , which is extremely strong and lightweight in comparison to steel ,” notes Eren . “ We ’ re always asking ‘ what technology can we produce next ?’ And we ’ re proud of our central role in realising that innovative vision in Australia .”
“ THIS COMMITMENT TO QUALITY MEANS WE CAN GUARANTEE OUR PRODUCTS WILL LAST AND FUNCTION AS INTENDED FOR MANY YEARS .”
As environmental issues become decisive , Alumil is again at the forefront . “ Our efforts to raise awareness of energy efficiency issues have made Australian consumers far more receptive to the need for advanced technology in window systems ,” Eren says . “ Taking a comprehensive approach to efficiency is vital . Installing low-E glass is important , for example , but it works best in tandem with measures such as our thermally broken and doubleglazed window profiles .”
Keenly conscious of the importance of exchanging knowledge , Alumil Oceania has benefited immeasurably from AWA membership . “ Joining the AWA was one of our very first moves ,” says Eren . “ We signed off on the business plan with our overseas partners , agreed on a business name , and registered with the AWA ... all in the same week .”
The partnership between Alumil Oceania and the AWA has grown into a highly productive one . “ We greatly appreciate everything the AWA has done ,” Eren says . “ We ’ re closely aligned with their way of thinking , and strongly believe that all of us in the industry should work closely together .”
Alumil Oceania ’ s dedication to the local industry , coupled with a wholehearted commitment to implementing new technologies , are invaluable assets in the rapidly evolving Australian marketplace .
01 Eren Kanli , Business Development Manager ( left ) and Dimos Paspaltzis , National Sales Manager ( right ) in the Alumil Oceania showroom .
WINDOWS MAGAZINE 23