No surprise?

Those in the know say the emergence of Ultraframe as buyer of the former Synseal Group roof systems hardly came as a surprise but then, it is not at all clear what the scale – and implications – of the sale might eventually be.

The news raised eyebrows among many about the sheer volume of market share the move may give such an already very dominant player. However, it must be borne in mind that the two roof systems, especially Global, are not the force they once were but also still in mothballs with no immediate plans for resurrection, so perhaps any talk of monopoly issues may or may not only become relevant when the fate of these two elements is eventually finalised. Read more

Elsewhere, one theme dominates the industry this week as the gradual and cautious return to work that started with a trickle is now gathering momentum at all levels. We are yet to learn what plans the government may have for easing the lockdown around the country as a whole but many will be watching the lead that the industry is taking here.

While we watch and wait, we hope you all stay safe until next week.

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

STOP PRESS, WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 Customade Group
for Sale

Customade Group the £124million super-fabricator/trade counter group has been put up for sale by accelerated process.
The group, with nine manufacturing sites, seven core brands covering PVCu and ali windows, doors, comp doors, ali roofs, IGUs and specialist glazing as well as 33 Stevenswood trade counters, is being offered via Alvarez & Marsal under the codename Project Kirkwood.

Read more

Ultraframe acquires Synseal/Aperture roof systems – but Global and Celsius remain mothballed

Ultraframe last night confirmed that it is behind the acquisition of the former Synseal Global, Celsius and Stratus roofing systems from administration, saying it will resurrect the Stratus system using its own factory but the other two are to remain mothballed pending talks with industry stakeholders.

Read more

Yates departs AluK to
lead AluFoldDirect

Russell Yates, MD of AluK, today announced he is leaving the business to become key shareholder and MD of Lancashire-based fabricator AluFoldDirect.

Read more

Guardian pulls from Glasstec

Guardian Glass says it has decided not to participate at glasstec 2020 in Dusseldorf in October but will instead prioritise on a resumption of business and acceleration of its own digital initiatives.

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GGF replies to confusion over working in homes

The GGF has sought to clear up confusion around the industry over working in homes during the Covid crisis after gaining further government clarification on the rights and responsibilities of domestic installers.

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We Have Email

From: Rob McGlennon, MD, Deceuninck

Over the past two weeks, with Government encouragement, the construction industry has started to return safely to work. A survey by Build UK (29 April) of major contractors reported close to 70% of sites were back at work.

Read More