For the UK window and door industry, diversification is no longer a strategic luxury – it is a necessity, says Ian Cocken, aluplast’s Director of Sales and Marketing.
With a fresh hike in inflation, subdued levels of consumer confidence, and increases in National Insurance on the horizon, 2025 – at face value – appears to be off to a challenging start, and it can be all too easy for us to fall into a ‘doom and gloom’ outlook for the year ahead.
But we must remember that growth has also been forecasted, with both the newbuild and RMI (Repair, Maintenance and Improvement) sectors expected to expand significantly this year.
Glenigan | Powered by Hubexo has forecasted a “construction boom” throughout 2025-2026, with a 13% rise in newbuild housing starts in 2025 alone. And according to a recent survey by Redrow, home improvement is the number one New Year’s commitment for Brits in 2025, making up 39% of resolutions – outshining common goals such as weight loss and career promotions.
But whilst opportunities for growth are predicted to grow this year, they are only valuable if you have the right quality, product offering to set yourself apart from the crowd and capitalise on the demand.
Embracing change
We believe that adapting to the changing dynamics of the market this year means embracing innovation and expanding beyond ‘traditional’ offerings. Spearheading this approach, is our partnership with RegaLead in creating their exciting new Engineered Door.
It is a product that combines aesthetic flexibility with unparalleled performance, and reflects a gap in the market for premium alternatives to traditional products, fuelled by the growing demand for visually stunning, high-performance doors.
Composite doors, for example, have long been the go-to choice for those seeking a blend of design and durability. However, the Engineered Door now offers fabricators – who already have expertise in manufacturing aluplast Ideal 4000 and Ideal 70 systems – a chance to compete in this space.
Featuring our cutting-edge aludec and woodec foils, the Engineered Door replicates the refined aesthetics of aluminium and timber, while leveraging the cost-effectiveness and performance benefits of PVC-U.
Changing perceptions
Historically, PVC-U doors have been viewed as economical, but limited in their design scope. However, the introduction of the Engineered Door, with our revolutionary foils, has turned this narrative on its head.
It achieves the sophisticated look of aluminium or timber, without the associated price tag, eliminating both aesthetic and budgetary concerns.
It also goes a step further by incorporating design features like bolection mouldings – decorative enhancements that evoke the craftsmanship of authentic timber detailing. This innovation enables fabricators to offer a bespoke product that challenges the dominance of composite doors, while giving installers the opportunity to up-sell premium doors with strong margins.
A door to the future
I like to think that our partnership with RegaLead Ltd exemplifies the importance of collaboration in innovation. It took us two years to perfect all of the details, but our joint efforts are ensuring that customers are in a position to deliver a product that meets – and exceeds – expectations.
But at the end of the day, diversification is not merely about expanding product lines; it’s about anticipating and shaping market trends. For fabricators and installers, the adoption of premium solutions like the Engineered Door marks a step toward future proofing their businesses, by differentiating themselves from their competitors, and meeting the demand for high-performance, high-quality products.
Diversification is not just a strategy; it is the key to resilience and success in 2025 and beyond.
Fabricators can get more information about aluplast’s market-leading products by calling 01684 273401, emailing info@aluplast.co.uk, or visiting www.aluplast.co.uk. Or alternatively, for a first-hand look at our products and services, why not visit us at the FIT Show on 29th April-1st May, on stand N40.