Kömmerling
Kömmerling is part of Profine Group, Europe’s largest extruder of window and door systems and is renowned for innovation, product design and the use of lead free materials.
About the company
The Profine Group operates under the Kömmerling, KBE and Trocal brands across 21 different countries and began extrusion of PVC-U profiles for windows and door in 1967. Since then many £millions has been invested in new extrusion technologies and materials including the latest C70 Gold and O70 Gold systems which have been designed specifically for the UK and Irish market.
Most recently, the company has launched the 88 Plus System (pictured top right) which takes UK hardware and can readily achieve ‘U’ values lower than 0.8 W/(m2K) and has recently gained PassivHaus Certification. Kömmerling and KBE can also lay claim to be one of the most environmentally conscious brands in the UK, supplying window and door systems using Greenline, a lead-free compound and supporting this with the Recyline recycling initiative.
Product ranges
Product design is also a function of the materials used and it’s now 6 years since the launch of Greenline, Profine’s unique lead-free compound. Despite a pan-European commitment for the removal of lead from PVC-U window and door systems among other sectors before 2015, only a few companies have made the change. It’s a lengthy and costly process and one in which we’ve already devoted our resources to.
The new O70 Gold and existing C70 systems (pictured bottom left) are the flagship products for Kömmerling in the UK. The O70 Gold systems is a 5 chambered system that has just been launched and is designed to make the achievement of the Window Energy Ratings and lower ‘U’ values less reliant on glass specifications and that makes for a more cost effective overall window. The C70 system shares the same design philosophies of its newer brother and has recently benefitted from a new door frame and slim sash. Many of the profiles from each system are fully interchangeable and there is also the option of low sightline grey or black gaskets. Kömmerling’s inherent product quality can be seen throughout the product range and this makes life easier for the fabricator and installer on site.
There is now a range of 44 colours and woodgrain finishes for O70 Gold and C70 Gold with small minimum order runs, thanks to the combined group resources of Profine. This will help open up new sales opportunities for installers looking to offer the consumer something a little different and will also help in the commercial market, alongside Kömmerling’s impressive green credentials.
As ‘U’ values and building specifications begin to change, PassivHaus specifications are becoming a key topic of discussion. With most PVC-U systems only achieving a ‘U’ value of 1.3 W/(m2K) there’s considerable development needed. Existing systems may be able to come close with some expensive re-engineering, fiddly add-ons and near cost prohibitive glass, but it is not the answer.
The Group’s range of 88mm Systems can readily achieve a ‘U’ value of 0.8 W/(m2K) and have recently won awards in Germany for its contribution to the environment, thanks also to its fully recycled internal structure. Through the use of special reinforcement sections and triple glazed units, PassivHaus levels of performance are now a reality without the need for cost prohibitive Krypton glass. There’s also the option of external aluminium cladding sections which can be coloured in any standard RAL colour. Hardware need not be a problem either, as these systems can readily accept UK hardware.
Finally, within our expansive product range are a number of door solutions including the Premiline patio door, which includes an innovative full length aluminium handle for further rigidity. However, one of the most exciting developments in doors for large openings is the Lift and Slide Premidoor which is capable of delivering sash openings 3000mm wide and 2500mm high. This provides an alternative to our bi-folding door systems which already provide an impressive degree of functionality and performance. Collectively, all these products complete one of the UK’s most comprehensive window and door systems offerings not just for today but for tomorrow’s more stringent environmental demands.
Services and support
Kömmerling can provide customers with a fully tailored support package and there are also the resources of the Group in which to call upon. The launch of the lead-free test kits in 2010, which are exclusive to Kömmerling, have helped increase the awareness of lead in other systems and ultimately have helped close more sales.
There are already plans underway for new consumer brochures, the next issue of Kömmerling News and further updates to the recently re-designed website, along with the offer of a free PR service for coverage in the trade media. This is further commitment to supporting the customer network.
Tel: +44 (0) 1543 444 900
Fax: +44 (0) 1543 444 990
E: enquiries@profine-group.com
W: http://www.koemmerling.co.uk
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