Plastmo has always had a reputation for the quality of its PVC-u profile systems and offers a solution for most applications, including windows and entrance doors along with French doors and patio doors. Acquired by Eurocell a year ago, the Plastmo brand has entered a new era and is now positioned to become a major force in the UK market.

“When we acquired the Plastmo brand we knew that although it had been underperforming for years, mainly due to a lack of investment, it had huge potential,” explains Martin Saunders, Sales Director at Eurocell. “One of our first decisions was therefore to invest in much-needed new tooling and extrusion machines along with a new website, which immediately sent a message to the market that the Plastmo of old had gone and the brand had enter a new era”.

Now with the support of Eurocell, the UK’s largest PVC-u window system extruder, the general consensus is that Plastmo is well on the way to building a strong future for itself and its customers. Being part of a large group gives its fabricators access to industry-leading Research and Development, as well as manufacturing and commercial support facilities. Additionally, for the first time in its history, it means Plastmo mixes its PVC-u compound in-house, which gives it greater control over quality and service levels across its range.

At the product level, it is the interchangeability of its profile systems - fabricators can choose 70mm frames with 62mm sashes, mixing and matching systems to meet clients’ requirements that offers fabricators a key point of difference. This is important as it can give them a valuable competitive edge in a localised market dominated by several established profile systems.

Combined with this is the fact that the products have enduring appeal with end users. This is because a huge amount of effort has been put into design and styling the profile systems around the needs of the market. “We are delighted to have the Plastmo brand in our portfolio and believe that it will offer huge opportunities for fabricators over the next few years,” explains Martin Saunders.

Staying ahead of the field
Over the years, Plastmo has refined its offer to suit the market, whilst remaining true to its core principles of quality, service and value. It offers several main systems, including its popular chamfered 70 and 62mm Index System and the Charisma Vertical sliding system along with Vogue, which is an ovolo-sculptured profile and Slidex, its patio door system.

Plastmo’s new website has been crucial in communicating product and service benefits to customers. Offering an at-a-glance view of the full range of Plastmo profile systems, fabricators will be able to access information on the exact profile system they require, as well as download technical product brochures – all within a few clicks. As more homeowners search online for windows, doors and conservatories, Plastmo is confident that by investing in ongoing search engine optimisation, the new website will lead to more enquiries for its fabricators.

Public Sector opportunities
Decent Homes and other local authority projects continue to provide opportunities and Plastmo has been active recently in supporting fabricators by ensuring its profiles meet the requirements of public sector clients and contractors. The Plastmo 70mm Index System is used widely by local authorities as a direct replacement for old timber windows. This is because its deeper profile covers paintwork or uneven plaster, ensuring that replacement windows are fitted quickly and with the minimum of remedial work.

Its 62mm and 70mm profile systems are BSI Kitemarked and British Board of Agrément (BBA) approved, which is important for local authorities looking for products with independent third party certification.

Responding to the market
The Charisma vertical sliding window system is one of the most popular ranges offered by Plastmo. It combines classic Georgian styling with the latest technical advances in PVC-u. The window has gained a loyal following and allows homeowners to clean the glass from inside the house by simply pressing a button and reversing the sashes. For homeowners and property managers, this means the task can be carried out quicker and easier as well as being much safer, by avoiding the need for ladders and other access equipment.

With security in mind, Charisma has an innovative anti-jemmy aluminium security bar that prevents the bottom sash from being forced open. At a time when homeowners are being urged to make sure their home is properly protected, this enhanced security ensures that fabricators can address the concerns of their customers.

Cases of burglaries tend to rise during times of economic hardship and the months ahead are likely to follow this trend -so this benefit will be particularly appropriate.

The Future
Since being acquired by Eurocell, Plastmo has clearly demonstrated that it has entered a new era. Judging by feedback from customers, the consensus was that this was long overdue.

By maintaining its own unique identity, whilst being able to leverage the strengths of a larger group dedicated to the PVC-u industry, Plastmo is well placed to build a strong future. Its commercial operation in Northampton is providing dedicated support to fabricators and has maintained total continuity of commercial staff, which means that knowledge and expertise has been retained to provide excellent customer service.

Remaining true to its core principles of quality, service and value has enabled it to win new customers in a tough market. Martin Saunders concludes: “Plastmo offers fabricators a genuine alternative which, combined with a well designed product range, is ultimately giving consumers more choice. All in all, there has never been a better time to become a Plastmo fabricator.”

To find out more about the benefits of becoming a Plastmo fabricator, contact the customer services team on 0800 783 7580