Bumper second year for Blackburn doors and windows firm

Blackburn business AluFoldDirect is reaping the benefits of helping North-West builders and window installers tap into the fast-growing aluminium window and door market at its new Aluminium Glazing Design Centre.

AluFoldDirect generated sales of £6.2m in only its second year, up 44 percent from its first year total of £4.4m. The company employs 60 people, all from the local area. 25 of the team has joined since Summer 2016, when AluFoldDirect moved to a dedicated 35,000 sq ft facility on the Whitebirk Industrial Estate, Blackburn.

This year, the launch of the AluFoldDirect Aluminium Glazing Design Centre – the only dedicated showroom and advice centre for aluminium glazing outside London – is bringing even more trade. The success is down to AluFoldDirect’s commitment to supporting customers make the most of the growing popularity of aluminium doors and windows.

“When we moved to a larger factory last year, we wanted to create a space to help builders and installers win new business,” explains Craig Miller, AluFoldDirect’s managing director.

“We’re finding that builders and installers are bringing their customers to the centre to discuss the design options on projects. It gives them a place to show a professional, expert image and reinforce good customer service – exactly the reasons we set up the centre in this way. “There’s never been a better time to look at aluminium. A recent industry report forecast sustained growth for aluminium over the next three years, because high-value items like bi-fold doors are massively popular with homeowners and they’re increasingly looking to upgrade their windows and doors with aluminium, too."