Richard Hall, Managing Director, Reynaers Aluminium UK, provides an overview of what lies ahead
for the company and the industry as we look ahead to 2023.
We expect many of the current trends in the glazing industry to continue to gain momentum as we move into 2023, with demand for aluminium solutions remaining high across both the commercial and residential sectors.
Slimmer sightlines and narrow frames will continue to be a popular choice across both markets, combining a stylish aesthetic and latest thermal efficiency ratings, with exceptional durability, performance and quality.
Economic challenges
Despite signs that we’re about to embark on a challenging 12 months, demand for aluminium is expected to continue. The latest Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast suggests there will be a two per cent slip back in projects starting next year, while the residential market is set to see a drop off in demand as the cost-of-living crisis bites.
While these challenges can’t be ignored, opportunities remain and a commitment to quality and outstanding service will allow trusted brands to stand apart, giving partners confidence to invest. Here at Reynaers, we continue to prioritise product development to deliver quality, high performance products giving our partners every confidence.
In supplying both the commercial and trade and retail sectors, Reynaers benefits from opportunities in both markets, and we will be looking to continue to grow our market share across the 12-month period.
Sustainability
Sustainability will continue to be a major consideration for the industry as we move towards 2025 and further revisions to building regulations. Ensuring the right products are available, when they are needed, will be an essential part of planning and product development.
At Reynaers, we keep customers at the heart of what we do, concentrating on their journey and what they need from our products and services. We proactively support this, constantly evolving to meet future needs. Throughout 2023 we will continue major innovations to increase efficiency and meet sustainability targets.
With the launch of our sustainability strategy in November 2022, Reynaers Act, we have set out a clear pathway across the organisation on how we intend to reduce the carbon footprint of our products, the buildings they are used in and our operations. Work to support this and to meet our commitment to Science Based Target Initiatives (SBTi’s) is underway, including adding more circular products and introducing additional products to achieve anticipated lower U-values as part of the 2025 Construction Products Regulation revisions.
Environmental regulations will increasingly impact architectural design and construction decisions and by having already introduced a number of products that achieve U-values as low as 0.8W/m 2 K, Reynaers is well positioned to provide products for projects looking ahead.
Product Innovation
Product development continues to be a cornerstone of Reynaers’ commitment to performance and quality. Creating innovative products and services enables us to drive our customers’ growth, by seeing increased demand. We are continually enhancing our products, for example, adding options to complement the ultra slimline HiFinity sliding doors, which will be available in 2023. The choice will expand to offer bi-part and open corner designs. We’re also launching a motorised version of the MasterPatio sliding door. Both of these doors, as well as our classic and highly popular ConceptPatio 130 system, have also received PAS 24 2016 security certification.
Supply chain issues
While the previous couple of years have seen supply chain issues across the industry, we are pleased that our current service has returned to pre-pandemic levels. We have extended the warehouse capacity at our headquarters in Birmingham, increasing stock capacity by almost 46 per cent. As part of our strategy to continue to enhance our customer service, we are studying buying patterns to adjust stock in line with requirements.
Digitalisation
To meet sustainability targets and increase efficiency, digitalisation will be a core focus for the year ahead. We’re aiming to introduce digital passports for all of our products to support ease of use and access to information, but crucially to embed environmental credentials. The aim is to have these completed by 2024. This will be supported by the Reynaers catalogue, which will also become fully digital.
Incorporating an increased level of smart build technology, along with simplified installation systems, will add value to our product range, as we look to the future of automated locking and operating systems.
Of course, having the right people is what really makes the difference to a company, and at Reynaers we work hard to attract new people into the industry, build the skills of current staff and nurture a new generation of talent – to deliver the highest standards. Our culture is founded upon the core values of being Passionate, Daring, Caring and United!
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