Positive Results After Optima Launch

After Profile 22 announced that it would be discontinuing the FS 70mm and FC 60 systems from January this year, management at frameXpress initiated a soft launch of the new suite in 2016 to test its suitability for customers.

Subsequent to that, the leading trade fabricator has experienced an extremely busy period since its introduction with great feedback from customers, end users and specifiers.

On the back of this success, Managing Directors Stuart Green and Mark Westbrook opted to introduce the chamfered system at the end of October 2016, to give customers greater opportunities in terms of design options and growth potential across the domestic and commercial sectors.

The Optima range incorporates a new flush casement window and includes many innovative features that will help customers generate more sales.

The advanced system now replaces all other pvc-u systems at the company and has been meticulously designed having been built around a six chamber outer frame and a five chamber sash.

It includes a choice of 24mm and 28mm double, and 36mm, 40mm and 44mm triple-glazed beading options, which can easily achieve u-values as low as 0.8W/m2K on triple-glazed units.

The system has been designed to meet all current and future industry legislation security criteria, making it fully compliant with PAS24:2012.

Streamlining Production

Once the decision had been made to integrate Optima into the frameXpress portfolio, production was then streamlined and geared up to optimise manufacturing procedures.

With the other older systems now being withdrawn by Profile 22 Systems senior management felt it was essential to evaluate production methods and reorganise the production floor where necessary to ensure it could surpass existing manufacturing techniques.

Mark Westbrook, Managing Director comments, “As soon as we made the decision to integrate Optima into our portfolio earlier this year, we have then taken time to discuss the advantages with our customers to ensure they could see the obvious benefits of the new system. Overall we have received excellent reports which is very reassuring given the enormity of our decision.”

Stuart Green, Managing Director continued, “In the long run the older systems will become more expensive to fabricate as they will be on longer lead times and cannot be optimised. The benefits of improved performance and weather tightness as well as greater security provide significant assurances. These are key aspects that customers need to know they can rely upon, particularly when approaching consumers and dealing with specifiers.”

For the sales team there has been a smooth transition to Optima with customers readily acknowledging the technical advantages and broader choice now available.

Longstanding frameXpress customer Tony Fairweather has always been impressed with the quality standards associated with the company however, the technical advantages that can be passed on to the end user via Optima are creating greater opportunities as well as referral business.

He comments “With the demand for flush casement windows increasing considerably the Optima system does not compromise on performance providing a good, long-lasting product that offers the best in energy efficiency. This is reflecting well in terms of lead generation for us.”

According to Karen Gardner, Sales Manager at frameXpress the improved choice and simplicity to install Optima products has been impressing her customers since its introduction into the range; while New Business Manager, Dave Stearman has seen a sharp increase in orders with Optima providing an array of improved features including improved security and strength that are inspiring homeowners.

According to other frameXpress customers, cost, performance and security remain the highest priorities for people when looking to invest in their homes.

Ian Davis, Sales Manager comments, “With insurance companies demanding such high standards from products these days, our guarantees and security accreditations are also a huge advantage which our customers can pass on to consumers.

In general we have had a very favourable response with installers liking Optima as it is easy to fit. Combine this with choice, the ancillaries and the colour options we have available and it clearly makes it very attractive all round.”