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In these difficult economic times, businesses need suppliers that they can rely on. Here, Martin Saunders, Sales Director of Eurocell, looks at the factors that influence a fabricator’s choice of system supplier.

“Fabricators have always expected hassle-free supply and consistently high quality products from their suppliers. However, for the partnership to be truly successful in today’s competitive market, many fabricators are now looking for a distinctly different offer – and that means suppliers adding value both to their product and service.

Working in partnership

A systems supplier that has an essential understanding of the industry, such as new legislation and customer trends, is vitally important to keep you ahead of the market. For example, check that they have sufficient BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) assessors in-house as these are crucial in helping you develop energy rated products, which will ultimately mean you can win more business in these environmentally-aware times.  This was a major influencing factor when A&B Glass recently decided to partner with Eurocell, as it recognized the fact that with our team of five BFRC assessors, we had enough resource to give it the level of service it required for its product development plans.

A systems supplier also needs to be able to demonstrate an understanding of current issues across all market sectors, including new build and replacement. Take, for example, the work we have been doing with leading organisations such as the BRE (Building Research Establishment) on its ‘Rethinking Housing Refurbishment’ programme. This aims to highlight the contribution that existing houses have to play in reducing UK carbon emissions. The BRE has specified windows fabricated using Eurocell profile systems on three of the Rethinking Refurbishment exemplar projects at BRE Watford, Newcastle and Huntingdon, to demonstrate how important refurbishments will soon become in creating sustainable homes and the role PVC-U has to play in creating sustainable windows.

Products with an edge

In terms of product, the breadth of range is an important consideration. Indeed, access to a wide range of products is key to helping you win more business - because more choice provides you with more strategic options to run your business. For example, our new Eurologik Ovolo Irish Oak and White Ash finishes will enable A&B Glass to offer its customers something that is distinctly different because of its natural appearance and unique complimentary profile colour – giving the best aesthetics at all times. Again, this is important in both new build, where developers look to add extra curb appeal to their properties, and replacements, where homeowners strive to add extra value to their homes.

A potential supplier should be able to offer profile systems that demonstrate high levels of energy efficiency and sustainability, too. Our response to this need has been to develop a low carbon 0.8 U-value window specifically for new build. Alongside this, we have developed the Eurologik A14 window, which is currently the highest BFRC (British Fenestration Ratings Council) rating for a double-glazed PVC-U window in the UK – offering both new build and replacement sectors maximum thermal performance.

It is also important to consider the environmental credentials of your supplier.  With global concerns about sustainability, they should have systems in place to make use of recycled PVC-U.  Your systems supplier should therefore be able to demonstrate that they are actively developing energy efficient and sustainable products made from recycled material. For example, developing value for money energy rated products with our fabricators would not have been possible without our 100 per cent recycled PVC-U Thermal Inserts.

Let’s also not overlook the obvious – continuity of supply and therefore financial stability, which is vital choosing a supply partner. Hard evidence of resources and an ability to deliver is required to give you peace of mind.  Evidence of the backing Eurocell has from our parent company Tessenderlo was enough to give the management team at A&B Glass this confidence.

Choosing a profile partner that recognises opportunities going forward and has the capability to maximise on them, means that fabricators can indeed look forward to a bright future as the economy begins to recover.”

To find out more about the benefits of becoming a Eurocell fabricator, call the customer services team on 0800 988 3049, or visit www.eurocell.co.uk.