In today’s competitive landscape, working with a proactive and experienced hardware supplier can unlock real commercial benefits. To illustrate the advantages, Owen Coop, CEO of leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco, discusses the company’s longstanding partnership with trade fabricator, Glazerite UK Group Ltd.
In today’s competitive landscape, working with a proactive and experienced hardware supplier can unlock real commercial benefits. To illustrate the advantages, Owen Coop, CEO of leading independent hardware supplier Carl F Groupco, discusses the company’s longstanding partnership with trade fabricator, Glazerite UK Group Ltd.
At Carl F Groupco, our goal is simple: to provide a level of service that gives fabricators total confidence in choosing us as their long-term hardware partner. The strength of our relationships is best illustrated by loyalty, with six of our top ten fabricator customers having worked with us for over two decades. That kind of trust is built on consistency, reliability and a partnership-led approach.
One of those long-standing relationships is with Glazerite. For over 25 years, we have supported the company through multiple product transitions, supply challenges and operational developments.
Earlier this year, we worked with Glazerite to ensure the Roto fully reversible gearing on its VEKA profile met with the latest PAS24:2022 requirements. That support went far beyond product supply, it included tailored hardware advice, pre-testing guidance, on-site training and detailed assistance around complementary items such as fixings and reinforcements.
Our ability to deliver this level of support is sustained by our long-established relationships with our own supply partners and the strength of our internal team. For example, we’ve worked with Roto’s reversible hinges since 2001, so there is a mutual trust and a deep understanding that enables fast, coordinated care.
The value of that collaboration was again reinforced in 2024 when Glazerite switched to Roto gearing on its VEKA and Deceuninck Tilt & Turn Windows. Carl F Groupco’s already strong relationship with Glazerite made them an ideal partner for Roto to provide the support and training to complete a smooth and efficient switchover.
Our commitment makes a big difference. Reflecting on the product changes we have helped Glazerite with over the years, Phil Taylor, Head of Group Procurement at Glazerite, said: “The strength of the testing, specification and communication means product switchovers are totally seamless for us and, more importantly, for our customers. As a result, Carl F Groupco now supplies hardware into all our sites, including Wellingborough, Peterborough, Bolton and more recently Barnsley.”
Product specification and changeover are just the first steps in reliable hardware supply. Equally important is the consistent delivery of that hardware, so customers know they can rely on us. Our OTIF (On Time In Full) target is 98%, a high bar made even tougher by how we measure it: by full order, not by individual component. This sets a higher standard than most and reinforces confidence in our supply performance.
Earlier this year Glazerite began fabricating the new VEKA OMNIA flush sash system during a period of wider supply chain disruption. Thanks to the efforts of our Roto Product Manager, Julie Warner, Glazerite received all the hardware it needed on time and in full. In fact, Glazerite showcased an OMNIA Tilt & Turn Window at the FIT Show 2025, a real point of differentiation made possible through reliable supply and close collaboration.
As with all our customers, we’ve supported Glazerite with comprehensive stock planning to help secure supply where it’s needed most. In particular, we collaborated closely to hold enough hardware to meet a full year’s forecasted demand. That forward planning proved invaluable when Glazerite secured a major commercial contract, enabling us to quickly scale up our procurement and respond to the sudden surge in demand. As a result, there was no disruption to production and the contract was delivered on time and in full.
Securing a commercial advantage is more than supplying the right hardware products, it is about the right partnership. Our longstanding relationship with Glazerite demonstrates how strategic collaboration, proactive planning and responsive service can deliver real benefits. From navigating complex product changeovers to responding rapidly to unexpected spikes in demand, we have helped ensure Glazerite can keep its promises to its customers without compromise.
Our partnership with Glazerite is proof that when hardware supply is backed by expertise, planning and responsiveness, the commercial results speak for themselves.
Carl F Groupco