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Polyframe Gathers No Moss After Duraflex Loss
Polyframe has swiftly moved to buying some of its profile from Eurocell as its previous supplier, Duraflex, is on the verge of going out of business. Polyframe also fabricates using Rehau systems.
The fabricator wasted no time in finding a new supplier as soon as the writing was on the wall for Duraflex Window Systems – which was part of the troubled UK Windows & Doors Group.
Duraflex had previously applied for voluntary liquidation in 2020 but PricewaterhouseCoopers salvaged the company. UK Windows & Doors Group (which has made no announcement on its website while the Duraflex website is still active) has disclosed that it does not see Duraflex as a financially viable business – and is ‘consulting with all affected employees’.
In 2020, UK Windows & Doors Group took a £12 million funding package from Secure Trust Bank Commercial Finance but seemed unable to re-invigorate its fortunes or achieve the level of expansion that was expected. That is not to say that its other group companies are under threat. UK Windows & Doors Group fabricates at sites around the county – it is one of the largest fabricators in the UK…but now does not have a group profile extruder to call on. Group company Seven Day (doors, windows and conservatories) consists of 27 trade depots serving the small installer, builder and even the DIY market; Evolution manufactures timber-alternative windows and doors; Safechoice has installer partners and provides sales leads to those installing products purchased from UK Windows & Doors; TechniGlass supplies IGUs.
Duraflex was one of the largest extruders of PVCu profile in the UK and had been in business in one for or another for 70 years. Of the 1,100 group staff, Duraflex was the biggest employer (in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire).
“After exhausting all options, we have regrettably reached the point where we must consult with employees regarding the closure of the Duraflex site in Tewkesbury. The challenges in recent years mean the site is no longer financially viable, despite our best attempts. This action, though extremely difficult, is necessary to support the long-term future and create a more stable financial position for the wider group.x”
– Matthew Scoffield
CEO, UK Windows and Doors Group
Polyframe and Eurocell
Based in Norwich and Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, Polyframe has been supplying fabricated fenestration systems for over 30 years and has chosen to join with Eurocell to ensure long-term security and reliability in supply and service. Polyframe, Norwich itself survived when parent company Customade closed its Polyframe Halifax and Polyframe Livingston factories (and threw hundreds of people out of work) under a pre-pack administration/liquidation deal (in which a company goes out of business but sells itself to previous investors and thus begins to operate again without paying its previous debts. It is legalised ‘phoenixing’ according to many observers).
New friends
Polyframe will benefit from Eurocell’s reinvigorated technical support along with the company’s investment in new machinery and products The proposal will include business development support from expert teams as well.
In addition to its existing offering, Polyframe, will now be able to offer a wider range of PVC-U with the Eurocell Logik System, which comes in a range of foil colour options, both in chamfered and sculptured profiles.
Sustainability
Eurocell’s PVC-U profiles contain high levels of recycled content and thus partners can benefit from the carbon savings this provides and are able to communicate these to customers as part of their own commitment towards a more sustainable future.
Long haul
Phil Walker, Polyframe’s MD, says: “Eurocell is a well-respected and long-standing business with similar vision and values around service and support to that of Polyframe.
“Eurocell has a detailed understanding of the Future Homes Standard and other potential legislation changes, and we are well placed to work with Eurocell long into the future to provide our customers with sustainable and systems.
“I can assure customers that Polyframe will offer the same high levels of product quality, consistency of supply and levels of service with the new Eurocell options – all delivered in five days.”
Andy McDonnell, commercial MD at Eurocell, says: “Polyframe will have the tools required for sustainable growth and we can guarantee a smooth transition with minimal disruption so Polyframe can continue doing what they do best for their customers.”
Picture: With thanks to PVC-U extruder Duraflex, which is now on the verge of being closed down.
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Article written by Brian Shillibeer
05th July 2023