|
| | | | |
|
 | | FAKRO – ROOF WINDOWS AND LOFT LADDERS SETTING NEW STANDARDS | | | Fakro GB Ltd | | 09/08/2007 | | | Since Fakro’s entry into the UK over six years ago, a good deal has changed, both in the roof window market and to the company itself. It now has a strong merchant base, including a mixture of groups and independents, is a Unimer supplier and has moved to newly built premises with a 33,000 square foot, high bay warehouse in Swadlincote. But what does that mean for the merchant?
The scale of the Fakro operation may still come as a surprise to many. The roof window range has expanded dramatically and now includes a wealth of accessories and blinds, and products supported by BBA and FSC accreditation. According to Managing Director Noel Shanahan commented “Factors such as BBA and FSC certification show how determined Fakro is to set standards. They also confirm that our product quality and manufacturing standards are and will continue to be judged independently”.
The most significant development has been a unique and patented hinge mechanism which enables a window to be switched from top hung to centre pivot operation at the flick of a sliding switch in the frame. The preSelect® hinge, used in Fakro’s FPP windows means that, in top-opening mode, the sash is totally secure in any position between 0-35° while in centre pivot operation it can be rotated through 180° to clean the outer pane. With the handle in the lower part of the sash rather than the top, up to a10% bigger glazing area is provided. In-store displays show just how easy to operate the windows are, as well as their distinctly modern style and finish.
Recent introductions have also included the triple glazed, energy saving FTT window, with its exceptionally low whole-window U-value of 0.94. Its specially designed 32mm twin chamber sash is 30% thicker than a standard frame and utilises a glazing unit with a U-value of 0.5, ideal for today’s airtight interiors. By contrast, the PTP steel-reinforced PVC window has been designed for use in high humidity areas. It fulfils a need brought about by the increasing trend towards wet rooms and kitchens in upper floors, as well as demand for matching roof and vertical windows. The PTP is Fakro’s only non-timber window but, in just the same way as other Fakro windows, its handle is in the bottom of the sash rather than the top. Top-hung and pivot alternatives will be launched later this year to complement the existing centre pivot option.
Fakro supplies exclusively through merchants, with a minimum carriage paid order of just seven windows or loft ladders (or a combination of products). Window and loft ladder displays are available to all stockists, to demonstrate the quality of the close-grain redwood pine used in all products. UK Sales Director Phil Adams added “There has been a tendency among some roof window suppliers to by-pass the merchant, but over the six years since Fakro entered the UK market, we have maintained absolute consistency in selling only through local stockists, and our 12 sales managers throughout the UK .support them in every practical way. The timber used in our windows and loft ladders is guaranteed to be knot-free, one of the most visible signs of our product quality. Being able to demonstrate this at the merchant trade counter is key”.
Coming to the market in June, the launch the SLT Light Tunnel will add further flexibility for buyers. It complements the range by providing a product which enables natural daylight to be brought to windowless areas and those where installation of a roof window is impractical. Utilising a conventional light dome, the flexible light tube can by-pass obstructions, enabling the ceiling diffuser to be fitted where required. It can be used in pitches from 15-60°, with a flat roof option available to special order. Completing the roofing range, the BBA accredited vapour permeable membrane, Eurotop N35, provides the means to source underlay and roof window together. It can be used in either cold or warm roof constructions.
The Fakro pine loft ladder range should not be forgotten. It too has seen significant sales growth and new product introduction. All 2, 3 and 4-part folding ladders, come complete with integral, insulated hatches, though the LWF access hatch also has a half-hour fire rating. The range’s popularity owes much to the adjustable spring operated opening mechanism which enables loft access to be completely unhindered.
Roof windows undoubtedly offer the opportunity for increasing turnover and profitability. But with so much changing in this developing sector, there is much to keep up with if the best is to be made of sales opportunities. Fakro’s team of trained fitters now routinely provides its merchant network with help on subjects as diverse as installation, roof design, sustainability, accessories, Building Regulations and bespoke manufacture. But, as MD Noel Shanahan concluded “Size of range, product quality, speed of delivery and training have all been key to Fakro’s success”. | |
|
| | | View similar articles: | | |
| | | |
|
 | People who viewed this article were also interested in |  | |  |
|
| Other articles from Fakro GB Ltd | | | |
|