Britain's long and well-regarded engineering heritage continues to flourish across a number of sectors; and can be seen fully represented by the businesses, of different sizes, which belong to the Steel Window Association.
The SWA membership undertakes a wide range of work, from replica refurbishment, and even in-situ repair, to the fabrication and installation of new, high performance fenestration and doorsets, which are fully compliant with current building regulations. All of them, however, manufacture their products here in the UK using a mainly British-based supply chain.
Covering the whole country, they enable clients from individual homeowners to large corporations to, in effect, ‘minimise their window miles'. SWA members manufacture their windows and doors in UK factories and therefore can help specifiers cut their carbon footprint.
In addition, the SWA's home-grown expertise offers a variety of benefits with special skillsets being passed down, primarily through in-house training initiatives, though some of the larger companies do offer college linked apprenticeships in trades such as welding.
Another dimension to the Steel Window Association's strong heritage is that the manufacturers' design and technical personnel are fully familiar with most of the window types common to the UK's often unique backdrop of buildings. Members can help to conserve properties varying in architectural style from old warehouses and factories to the very distinctive buildings of the Art Deco and 1950s periods. They are also in big demand to supply fenestration for retro-style minimalist dwellings that revisit the work of the Modern Movement with rectilinear walls and large windows beneath flat roofs.
The President of the SWA, Govette Windows' Darren Lloyd, comments, "All of the manufacturing processes, including the hot dip galvanising and powder coating, are carried out in the UK and are normally local to the individual manufacturer."
"Our members offer a very comprehensive range of services as well as ranges stepping up in performance from the classic W20 to W30 and W40, as well as the new thermally broken system. The SWA is very active in terms of product development: having just achieved a half hour fire certification for both single and double doorsets."
Whatever type of steel window which consultants, contractors or owner clients are seeking, they can ensure they achieve a ‘home grown' solution by contacting a member of the SWA.
Members of the Steel Window Association offer a UK wide service for the repair and replacement of various types of old metal windows, doors and screens, as well as being able to manufacture new fenestration which fully meets the requirements of the building regulations. Choosing an SWA member to manufacture and install your steel windows and doors ensures that you are receiving the highest standard of fabrication, installation and customer service.
