Running simultaneously to the buoyant aluminium market, Cotswold Architectural Products’ Managing Director Iain Morgan says that they are seeing increasing demand for such products.

“Demand for our heavy duty range of hardware is definitely increasing amongst aluminium [...]]]> A leading hardware supplier is noticing more and more aluminium fabricators using heavier duty and more robust hardware.

Running simultaneously to the buoyant aluminium market, Cotswold Architectural Products’ Managing Director Iain Morgan says that they are seeing increasing demand for such products.

“Demand for our heavy duty range of hardware is definitely increasing amongst aluminium fabricators and is a trend reflected across the whole industry.

We believe it’s because of the rise in high-end domestic aluminium projects that require the most robust hardware that is more hardwearing, looks top-end and has a long lifespan.

“Our extreme range is being incorporated into more and more domestic applications where standard weights and sizes won’t suffice. And of course commercial projects both in the UK and abroad require such hardware.

“In terms of this increased demand, it’s a relatively recent shift that is running parallel to an aluminium sector that is seeing more and more companies diversifying into it; and taking advantage of lucrative growth opportunities such as the bi-folding door boom, and to a lesser extent triple glazing.”

Cotswold recently exhibited at the FIT Show in Telford where it’s most recently designed heavy duty hardware was launched – called Validus +.

It is set to be the biggest friction stay on the market and is 32” long and capable of supporting a window that is 2.5 metres high and 250kgs in weight.

In June Cotswold is also attending Architects Malaysia 2013, an international exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which will see the world’s top architectural and glazing companies come together to find out more about the latest product innovations.

Cotswold’s Business Development Manager Alan Hartley will be attending together with the company’s Malaysian distributor Sri Ribuan.

One of Cotswold Architectural Product’s customers illustrating the trend is Complete Window and Door Ltd (CWD Ltd).

According to Its Director Ian Hammond, they have been buying in more and more of Cotswold extreme range to service demand.

He comments: “We buy in hardware from Cotswold depending on requirement and lately it’s mostly been the extreme range, for use in high-end domestic and commercial aluminium projects.

“Aluminium is certainly no longer the reserve of the commercial market and its application requires the very best and innovative hardware, especially with high-end projects.”

CWD Ltd is a specialist aluminium fabricator and its most recent project incorporating Cotswold hardware was Coleshill School in Birmingham, where a quarter of a million pounds worth of Genesis and SAPA windows were installed.

At the event, Cotswold teamed up with Giesse – who are world leading suppliers of door locks and handles; and showcased a number of product innovations.

One [...]]]>

Tim Ferkin (left) & Alan Hartley (right) showcasing Cotswold's motorised parallel stay

International friction stay manufacturer Cotswold Architectural Products returned back to its offices in Cheltenham, having seen its ‘complete hardware solution’ go down a storm at the FIT Show.

At the event, Cotswold teamed up with Giesse – who are world leading suppliers of door locks and handles; and showcased a number of product innovations.

One of which was its motorised parallel stay, which generated huge interest from fabricators. Cotswold also showcased its most recently launched product – Validus +, which is set to be the biggest friction stay on the market.

Validus+ is 32” long and is capable of supporting a window that is 2.5 metres high and 250kgs in weight. This heavy duty hinge is ideal for aluminium windows, triple glazing, and curtain walling and specialist facades.

Tim Ferkin, who is General Sales Manager at Cotswold comments: “At the show we caught up with existing customers, as well as prospective ones, and alongside Giesse demonstrated how we can offer the complete hardware solution. Regarding our product range – the motorised parallel opening friction stay was the focus of lots of attention – it is clearly filling a gap in the market.”

Alan Hartley, who recently returned to Cotswold as Sales Manager says he was inundated with enquiries from aluminium fabricators: “The launch of Validus + – and our whole range of heavy duty hinges – was generating lots of interest from aluminium fabricators.

“They were enquiring about robust hardware to meet the growing demand for high-end domestic products such as triple glazed windows, where standard hardware isn’t quite strong enough.”

Iain Morgan, Cotswold’s Managing Director comments on their involvement with the show: “Well, what a show and what a showcase for Cotswold. We’ve been manufacturing and supplying innovative hardware for over thirty years now.

“It provided a platform for us to communicate the expertise and knowledge we have accrued as the world’s number one specialist friction stay manufacturer; and demonstrate our latest product innovations. It was also fantastic to see so many thriving companies together under one roof – showing all that is good about this industry.”

Things are certainly hotting up in the Korean peninsula – if you thought Kim Jong IL was slightly unhinged then North [...]]]>

SK Leader's View

In a new monthly blog – Life of Brian – Cotswold’s Design Manager Brian Bunn discusses key product solutions he has delivered for companies around the world. This month Brian was in South Korea.

Things are certainly hotting up in the Korean peninsula – if you thought Kim Jong IL was slightly unhinged then North Korea’s new leader Kim Jong-un has taken things to a new level.

He is apparently ‘burning with hatred’ after the US deployed stealth bombers in retaliation to his country’s recent chest puffing over building nuclear reactors and provoking South Korea.

It’s a long story. But South Korea couldn’t be further away from North Korea (despite being neighbours), with its high-tech economy and high-standard of living.

The news regarding Korea is slightly unsettling as we do a lot of business in the South. And we are currently engaged in a major project with a company there called Siegenia Aubi.

Siegenia Aubi is a major manufacturer and supplier of window and door hardware and we have been commissioned to develop three products for them.

They approached us after coming across a similar product elsewhere. From design to manufacture we are producing heavy duty friction stays for commercial application – which have the excitingly named working titles – HD16LT, PAR21/3 and HD16PSH.

We met with the Director, Mr Insoo Mo, at an exhibition in Munich in January and he was clearly impressed with our reputation for delivering global hardware solutions for major commercial applications.

I like South Korea as a place to do business. It’s fast moving; plugged into the future and offers some fantastic architecture.

We’ve been involved in lots of projects there. One of the most recent was in Seoul – which is one of the most densely populated cities on the planet.

We supplied heavy duty friction stays from our HD22R and HD1-12 range in to 797mm by 1170mm top-hung windows, for a skyscraper incorporating apartments and offices called SK Leader’s view.

A spokesperson for Locus Holdings, who were the architects and developers of the office complex, said that we won the contract due to our reputation for quality and service.

The majority of international commentators say that North Korea’s grandstanding won’t amount to much and it is unlikely they would ever wage war.

But we’re keeping a close eye on events in this part of the world and it was a little concerning to be in South Korea when North Korea was throwing its weight around.

But like people do, everybody there just got on with life – probably because they’ve heard it all before from their mad neighbours.

The company’s latest product innovation is Validus +, which is set to become the biggest friction stay on the market following its official launch.

The heavy duty top-hung friction stay is 32” long, and capable of supporting a window up [...]]]>

Iain Morgan

International friction stay manufacturer Cotswold Architectural Products is thinking big with its latest product launch.

The company’s latest product innovation is Validus +, which is set to become the biggest friction stay on the market following its official launch.

The heavy duty top-hung friction stay is 32” long, and capable of supporting a window up to the size of 250kg and 2.5 metres high; making it ideal for even the biggest commercial aluminium windows, triple glazing, curtain walling and specialist facades.

As a matter of course Cotswold regularly create bespoke product solutions for their customers in the UK and abroad, with Validus + being the latest.

Iain Morgan, who is Cotswold’s Managing Director comments: “We received a number of enquiries from companies in the UK and more especially abroad, asking for a friction stay that could be incorporated with a window of this size and weight; but had the look and feel of a traditional friction stay.

“We launched a prototype and following extensive customer feedback and design time brought Validus+ to market. We regularly come up with new hardware solutions but we’re particularly excited about this latest design due to its originality, and the fact that this is the biggest and strongest stay on the market.”

Cotswold will be showcasing Validus + at the upcoming FIT Show in April. For the event they have teamed up with Giesse – the Italian window and door hardware manufacturers – and visitors to the stand will be able to take a look at some of their innovative hardware solutions.

“We do things other manufacturers don’t and our experienced design team work together with some of the biggest names in the business to deliver solutions that make a big difference in the market place and to manufacturer’s bottom line and productivity – Validus + is an illustration of this,” Iain concludes.

Validus +was soft-launched at the 3rd Annual Building Envelopes exhibition in Singapore, which was held last year, providing valuable feedback and much interest from renowned architects and consultants.

The world’s largest curtain walling manufacturer Yuanda were amongst the attendees at the event, and Cotswold used feedback from the event to refine the product ready for its official launch.

Cotswold has been in business for over thirty seven years and is recognised as the world’s number one specialist friction stay manufacturer.

Alan, who is 46 and lives in Poole, Dorset, previously worked for Cotswold, joining the company as a teenager and working in internal and external sales roles as well as in a business development position.

He spent [...]]]>

Alan Hartley

International friction stay manufacturer Cotswold Architectural Products has appointed Alan Hartley to the role of Business Development Manager.

Alan, who is 46 and lives in Poole, Dorset, previously worked for Cotswold, joining the company as a teenager and working in internal and external sales roles as well as in a business development position.

He spent over 12 years working for Cotswold before leaving the company to work in the construction industry in a marketing role, focusing on design and innovation.

Alan also worked in structural steel fabrication and was involved in major projects such as the re-development of Gatwick Airport.

On his return to Cotswold he comments: “It really is great to be back and see so many of the companies I was dealing with previously, doing so well despite the recession.

“What I’ve always respected about Cotswold is that the company is not just about selling hardware – it’s about quality, reliability and working together with customers to create solutions that make a difference to the user.

“It’s clear that Cotswold is pushing the boundaries of manufacturing, is forward thinking and in tune with industry demands. They offer solutions that other hardware suppliers don’t and have the technical experience and expertise to design and launch new products quickly.”

Alan hasn’t needed much time to get back in the swing of things. Since re-joining he has brought on a number of new customers and is anticipating bringing more on in the coming months, including some big names.

Iain Morgan, who is Managing Director of Cotswold Architectural Products, comments: “Alan knows this industry inside out and has a good rapport with customers. He is quick to develop lasting relationships with potential customers and we’re pleased to welcome him back. His appointment fits in well with our strategy for developing and selling cutting edge hardware solutions to the trade and commercial markets.”

Firstly – a belated Happy New Year. I ended 2012 with a visit to China [...]]]>

Example of a project in Mumbai

In his new monthly blog – Life of Brian – Cotswold’s Design Manager Brian Bunn discusses key product solutions he has delivered for companies around the world; as well as talking about key market trends that are shaping the industry.

Firstly – a belated Happy New Year. I ended 2012 with a visit to China where I found out more about the hardware scenario over there.

But moving on; to kick of 2013 I have been over to India. Mumbai to be exact and it was the subject of restrictor arms that brought me there.

Cotswold are the only manufacturer to supply seven different restrictor arm solutions; and they can be found in commercial buildings all over the world, such as hotels and office complexes where restricting the opening of windows is key to ensuring safety.

Whilst in India I attended several meetings with manufacturers, architects, Specifiers and developers to discuss our range of solutions.

As we know India is developing fast and the combination of changing building regulations and more high-rise buildings being constructed makes fertile ground for hardware suppliers.

But flexibility and variety is important when it comes to restrictor arms as every building is different and every requirement will be different.

So what about our restrictor arms? As mentioned we have a number of options.

One of which is our Auto-latch Cavity Restrictor which is compatible with all of our domestic and commercial range of friction stays; it automatically resets when the window is closed and is tested to withstand a force of 600N when opened to its restricted position.

Another is our Locking Friction Arm which is released using a key, allowing for the vent to open to its full potential- ensuring it is easy to clean the exterior glass from the inside of the property.

Then there is our Heavy Duty 102 Latch Friction Arm and Heavy Duty 102 Friction Arm which are both ideal for heavier windows found in commercial buildings.

It is a superior option to the peg stay and can be supplied in all different sizes to suit customers’ specific requirements.

We also supply a Telescopic Support Arm which can be locked open at a desired position for ventilation and to prevent sudden closing during extreme weather.

All our products are manufactured with the highest-grade steel and are cutting-edge solutions.

They went down a storm India and we are currently working with key-contacts on a number of upcoming developments, which I will keep you posted about. Cotswold already has hardware incorporated in some very impressive buildings in India such as the recently constructed Canara Bank in Mumbai (see here).

As an aside to communicating the benefits of our restrictor arms it was interesting to compare the Indian market to the Chinese, having been in one country so soon after the other.

Whereas the Chinese government is heavily subsidising manufacturing, the Indian government is more heavily subsidising the software and service sector.

When it comes to the manufacturing of engineered products, if you go to a Chinese factory, it will potentially be state-of-the-art but if you go to an Indian one, it will probably not be of the same standard.

From spending time in India it is also fascinating to see the transformation of its communities. If you are wealthy in India, you may live in a large gated community with a shopping centre, pools and security guards and in these communities PVCu windows have become desirable.

Many Indian households have aluminium windows of the kind that were in homes across the UK around thirty years ago, before the PVCu boom hit. PVC-u is clearly in vogue in India and brilliant white PVC-U windows have become something of a status symbol.

This is interesting when you think about what PVC-u windows symbolise in the UK and the domestic growth of aluminium. India, like China is on a fascinating journey and it is their idiosyncrasies that fascinate me.

Giesse is a world-leading hardware supplier and the Italian company has partnered with Cotswold for the event, where the two companies will be showcasing the complete hardware solution for the fabricator.

Iain Morgan, Cotswold’s Managing Director discusses the [...]]]>

Iain Morgan

International friction stay manufacturer Cotswold Architectural Products has teamed up with Giesse for the up-coming FIT Show.

Giesse is a world-leading hardware supplier and the Italian company has partnered with Cotswold for the event, where the two companies will be showcasing the complete hardware solution for the fabricator.

Iain Morgan, Cotswold’s Managing Director discusses the partnership: “Cotswold is the world’s leading specialist friction stay manufacturer and well known in the UK, having been in business for over thirty years.

“As the specialist manufacturer of friction stays we do things other manufacturers don’t and regularly design and deliver bespoke solutions for some of the biggest fabricators in the country.

“Giesse is a specialist handle and locks supplier and by teaming up with them fabricators that come to our stand will be able to see the complete hardware solution.”

At the FIT Show, visitors to Cotswold’s stand will also be able to find out more about the company’s latest product innovation – Validus +.

Validus + will be the biggest friction say on the market. It is capable of holding a window up to the size of 250kg and is 32 inches long and 2.5 metres high. The heavy duty hinge is ideal for aluminium windows, triple glazing, and curtain walling and specialist facades.

Iain comments: “We received a number of enquiries from companies in the UK and abroad, asking for a friction stay that could be incorporated with a window of any weight; and also had the look and feel of a traditional friction stay.

“We launched a prototype and following extensive customer feedback and design time brought Validus+ to market. We regularly come up with new hardware solutions but we’re particularly excited about this latest design. The FIT Show is the ideal platform to launch what will be the biggest friction stay on the market.”

At the FIT Show visitors will be able to find Cotswold in Hall 1, stand 1-026.

One of the great things about working for Cotswold Architectural Products is that the company [...]]]>

An example of a Cotswold product in China

In his new monthly blog – Life of Brian – Cotswold’s Design Manager Brian Bunn discusses key product solutions he has delivered for companies around the world; as well as talking about key market trends that are shaping the industry.

One of the great things about working for Cotswold Architectural Products is that the company has an international focus. From Jakarta to Jalalabad there is more than likely a skyscraper incorporating Cotswold friction stays along the way.

This can be a double-edged sword though – because as much as I love the world and its many wonders, there is no place quite like good old Blighty.

But by being involved with so many high-profile projects abroad you get to see reality, rather than perception.

Take China. She is going at a thousand miles an hour; hot on the heels of America to become the world’s most powerful economy.

And an interesting point I picked up on when I was there recently was the fact that Chinese manufacturers and architects aren’t that ‘sold’ on their own friction stays.

It’s a baffling scenario; a bit of a paying Peter to rob Paul one when you think about it. At a time when many UK manufacturers are buying cheaper Chinese made hardware, many local architects and consultants in China are buying UK made hardware, due to fears about the longevity and quality of Chinese manufactured friction stays.

From being on the ground it seems that if you are involved in the construction of a skyscraper in China and you’re an architect, it isn’t worth compromising your reputation by choosing locally made hardware that may be cheaper but not as robust or well-designed as, excuse the plug, a Cotswold made friction stay for example.

Now, I don’t want to sound like I’m criticising China unduly because from being there you can’t help but be impressed by how she is developing; and they do have manufacturing prowess in some areas. But when it comes to friction stays they are certainly obeying the doctrines of global market economics, and simply buying what is best.

Chairman Mao would turn in his grave.

Next month I am going to be talking about an in-genius solution I came up with for a customer of ours in the UK; as well travelling to India to assess the market there.

In its thirty year history Cotswold has been involved in a number of developments around the world.

For its latest, the Cheltenham based manufacturer supplied the hardware for the construction of [...]]]>

SK Leader's View

International specialist friction stay manufacturer and supplier, Cotswold Architectural Products, was once again the preferred supplier for a prestigious project outside of the UK.

In its thirty year history Cotswold has been involved in a number of developments around the world.

For its latest, the Cheltenham based manufacturer supplied the hardware for the construction of an office and apartment complex in Seoul, which is the capital of South Korea and one of the latest and most densely populated cities on the planet.

The skyscraper building, which is named SK Leader’s view, incorporated 1670 pairs of heavy duty friction stays – from Cotswold’s HD22R and HD102 range – in to 797mm by 1170mm top-hung windows.

Iain Morgan, who is Cotswold’s Managing Director comments: “We’re no strangers to supplying projects of this magnitude but still, every time we’re involved in one it is exciting to be so.

“Seoul is a breath-taking mega-city and this is a development of office space and apartments which is particularly eye-catching. It was a pleasure to be involved with and we’re naturally pleased that the architects and developers turned to us for this element of the project.”

A spokesperson for Locus Holdings, who were the architects and developers of the office complex, said that Cotswold won the prestigious contract due to its reputation for quality, customer and technical service and world-leading products.

Cotswold’s heavy duty friction stays were also chosen because of the requirement that only foreign hardware be used in the development.

Carine Geoffroy, who is Cotswold’s Export Sales Manager comments: “Cotswold is the world’s number one specialist friction stay manufacturer and we offer years of British manufacturing experience, top-quality products and a commitment and energy to create hardware solutions that meet the demands of high-profile developments all over the world.”

Cotswold has been in business for over thirty years and regularly creates bespoke solutions for fabricators across the UK, including some of biggest names such as Polyframe and Safestyle.

Cotswold work regularly in China and its latest assignment in Shenyang City, in the Liaoning Province of China, saw them supply 400 pairs of 15” Parallel stays and 800 pairs of [...]]]>

Sheraton Hotel

In one of its most recent international projects, Cotswold Architectural Products played its own small part in the transformation of the world’s largest economy.

Cotswold work regularly in China and its latest assignment in Shenyang City, in the Liaoning Province of China, saw them supply 400 pairs of 15” Parallel stays and 800 pairs of 18” Parallel stays.

When the project is complete, a Five-Star Sheraton Hotel will be constructed. Cotswold’s Managing Director Iain Morgan says that the project was interesting for a number of reasons:

“Parallel windows are not traditionally popular in China, so there was an element of breaking new ground with this project.

“It meant that from pre-design to the sample windows going through the test, we had to provide lots of advice and support to the architect, project managers and the curtain walling consultant.”

According to Iain this type of window is becoming more and more popular as tastes change and China’s rapid transformation intensifies:

“The specification of more parallel windows is just another small symbol of how things are changing in China. It speaks volumes for us that we’re the go to company for advice of this nature.”

One of the reasons why parallel windows are becoming more popular in China, and across the globe in general, is the fact that it allows air to penetrate around its entire perimeter, facilitating highly efficient ventilation and increasing air flow by almost double, compared to a traditional top hung window.

This reduces the dependency for air conditioning systems, reduces operating costs and improves the working environment.

On this occasion the developers, Greentown China Holdings Limited, selected Cotswold’s friction stays for the project due to their ‘good quality’ ‘better design’ and ‘professional support’ and ‘on-time service’.

A spokesperson for the developer comments: “Our aim is to provide high quality products and offer professional services to support the productivity, profitability and competitiveness of our customers.

“In this case, as a partner of Cotswold Architectural Products, we are confident of fulfilling this promise.”

Cotswold has been in business for over thirty years and is the world’s number one specialist friction stay manufacturer; regularly creating bespoke solutions for fabricators across the UK, including some of biggest names such as Polyframe and Safestyle.