We speak to Ian Cocken, aluplast, about the benefits of partnering with the leading global systems house, from state-of-the-art manufacture, to next generation products.
aluplast is a key player when it comes to PVC-U extrusion. Can you tell us more about the company’s global presence and evolution?
Ian Cocken (IC): Absolutely. Rooted from a German family business, over the last four decades, aluplast has evolved into one of the top global PVC-U systems houses. Today we rank among the largest four extruders of PVC-U window and door profile in the world.
What advantages does that kind of scale bring to aluplast customers?
IC: Our size and stature have given rise to one of the most advanced manufacturing capabilities of any systems house supplying the UK. We operate from a 15-hectare, state-of-the-art smart facility, where the latest automated technology enables us to produce high-quality products at speed and at scale. The result is efficiency, reliability, consistency and value, which are all massive plus points for our customers.
With such a broad portfolio, how has aluplast tailored its offering to the UK market?
IC: While we’re a global company, we understand that each market has its own demands. In the UK, we’re focused on giving fabricators and installers a complete systems solution. We’ve been rapidly expanding our product range in the UK, with versatility, and flexibility in finish and design central to our offer. The UK needs modern-day solutions, in a rapidly changing landscape. That’s in respect of building regulations and social and economic factors, too.
aluplast had a significant presence at the FIT Show this year. What were your objectives, and did you achieve them?
IC: We were keen to increase visibility, showcase the depth of our range, and set out a statement of intent to demonstrate that we really mean business in the UK. The FIT Show was the perfect platform for us to highlight what we believe it’s a very compelling proposition and, by the number of leads that we picked up, that seems to have been achieved! It’s been an exceptionally successful show for aluplast.
The aluplast flush casement window was a key feature of the stand. Tell us a bit more about it.
IC: Our flush casement windows, available in both the fully sculptured Ideal 70 and SquareLine Ideal 4000 profiles, were real attention grabbers with sightlines of just 58mm. Pair the Ideal 70 system with mechanical jointing and a deep bottom rail, and you’ve got an authentic heritage look. The Ideal 4000, on the other hand, is great for contemporary builds and delivers U-values as low as 1.2W/m²K.
Energy performance is clearly central to your offering. How does the Ideal neo system take that further?
IC: Ideal neo is part of our energeto family and sets a new benchmark for energy efficiency, achieving U-values as low as 0.67W/m²K. It also combines sleek aesthetics with top-level security, so it’s very popular with architects and is well-suited to commercial projects. We also offer the neo smart-slide door, which is proving extremely popular. It achieves Passive House equivalent standards with U-values as low as 0.63W/m²K, while spanning up to 6m with just two panels.
Tell us about the ecotech extrusion process
IC: The ecotech process involves the extrusion of both recycled and virgin PVC-U within a single profile. Recycled material is locked into the profile’s core, while the outer walls maintain a flawless, high-gloss virgin compound finish. This process minimises environmental impact without sacrificing quality. It’s something that we’re very proud of because it’s a much smarter, cleaner and sustainable way to extrude PVC-U.
Tell us about some of the finishes you offer
IC: The full aluplast product range is available in both our woodec and aludec foils. woodec resembles natural timber so effectively, you’d struggle to tell the difference between woodec and the real thing. It really is next generation stuff! aludec gives a premium aluminium aesthetic, even replicating powder-coated finishes. And these foils aren’t just about appearance. They feel authentic too.
Those finishes are key to another innovation: the Engineered Door. Tell us why.
IC: The Engineered Door is our response to growing demand for higher-end aesthetics in the PVC-U sector. It allows us to closely convey the look and feel of timber or aluminium doors using our Ideal 70 or 4000 profiles, combined with woodec or aludec foils. The result is a door that rivals composite doors in both appearance and performance, but without the limitations on size associated with a composite slab, plus all the benefits of PVC-U. Low maintenance, high insulation, and greater design flexibility – as well as increased margin for our customers.
How do all these products integrate into aluplast’s complete systems philosophy?
IC: At aluplast, we don’t just manufacture profiles, we offer complete, engineered systems. All our products are designed to work together and that’s the strength of our offering. We make it easier for fabricators and installers to deliver outstanding results, whether the project is heritage, contemporary, residential, or commercial.
You teased a new aluminium product at the FIT Show. Tell us about that.
IC: Yes, we’re in the introductory phase of a brand-new aluminium window and door system. It was unveiled at the FIT Show and generated a lot of interest. Ready for 2026 it’s all about offering choice. We’re known for PVC-U, but there are some instances, especially in the commercial sector, where that’s not always a viable option. Aluminium gives us another string to our bow, enables us to enter new markets and cater to every application and customer need.
Can you sum up the benefits of partnering with alupast?
IC: We’re committed to delivering the best quality and value for our customers. Whether that’s through advanced thermal performance, authentic aesthetics, or ease of fabrication, our stand-out products really give our partners a competitive edge. The addition of aluminium further elevates our complete systems offer. Combine that with a premium service and support package to match our products, and the benefits are clear.
For more information call 01684 273401 email info@aluplast.co.uk or visit www.aluplast.co.uklast.co.uk