Epwin Window Systems has long been synonymous with offering the largest portfolio of PVC-U and aluminium window and door systems, providing its customers with a competitive edge. This advantage also extends to window and door hardware through its dedicated in-house division, Safeware. Glass News caught up with Rob Hartill, Commercial Director to discuss the value Safeware’s products add to fabricators’ businesses, enhancing efficiency and boosting their market position.
Congratulations on being shortlisted as Component Supplier of the Year at the G24 Awards. Your Safeware hardware division isn’t new but when was it first established?
Safeware was established as a brand in 2003, but Epwin Window Systems has been selling hardware for over 30 years. As the first systems house to offer a dedicated hardware division, we provide our customers with a unique resource. While other systems houses may have strategic partnerships with hardware distributors, none offer an internal hardware business dedicated to serving the needs of its system profile customers
What was the driving influence to start Safeware?
The driving philosophy behind Safeware is to simplify the fabrication process for our customers. Ordering hardware can often be complicated, with multiple suppliers, deliveries and concerns about compatibility. Safeware eliminates these challenges by offering one order, one invoice, and one delivery, with the assurance that all products are fully compatible. This integrated approach streamlines the entire process, significantly reducing administrative time and complexity for our fabricators.
Is Safeware dedicated to Epwin Window Systems customers or are products available to any fabricator?
At present, Safeware is a dedicated resource for Epwin Window Systems fabricators and installers.
Is it a full hardware range and are the products your own or do you stock items from the whole range of hardware manufacturers?
We offer a comprehensive range, with over 2,500 SKUs that include locks, hinges, handles, stays, cylinders, vents and other furniture. Our products are sourced from over 60 leading industry hardware suppliers including Cotswold, ERA, Fab & Fix, Hoppe, Maco, Roto, Securistyle, Siegenia, Stormguard, Trojan and Yale. This extensive portfolio allows us to meet diverse project requirements, covering all performance and price point needs.
As a supplier of hardware do you have your own testing and accreditation facilities?
All our products undergo internal indictive assessment before undertaking independent testing to ensure compliance across our window and door systems. This thorough process guarantees compatibility and performance for our customers.
Do the products comply with Document Q, Secured by Design and have all the necessary kitemarks?
Yes, when specified correctly, all our products comply with Document Q, hold Secured by Design accreditation and meet the necessary BSI Kitemarks. This eliminates the need for fabricators to conduct costly and time-consuming independent testing.
I can see the advantage of ordering profile and hardware from one supplier but can you expand on the advantages to the fabricator?
There are many advantages to working with Safeware. We have strategic partnerships with over 60 top hardware brands, giving us the ability to provide a broad range of products that meet any requirement—whether it’s based on performance, price, application or function. Safeware’s relationships with suppliers also allow us to develop bespoke hardware solutions for our customers, which would be difficult for fabricators to justify directly. Moreover, our purchasing power ensures competitive pricing, which helps our customers remain competitive in their own markets.
Although ordering, delivering, invoicing from one supplier is a great incentive, can you stock enough product to match up with demands – after all you’re shifting a vast amount of profile?
Absolutely. We maintain robust stock levels, with over £2 million of inventory at any given time. Our On Time In Full (OTIF) rate is consistently above 98%, so our customers can rely on us as a dependable hardware partner.
Do the hardware lead times match up with those of supplying profile?
Yes, we are highly competitive in this area. Hardware is delivered together with the window and door profiles in the same consignment, so there’s no need for customers to wait for separate deliveries.
Is Safeware based at the same place as the warehousing for profile? I’m wondering how the two different product lines come together for delivery to the customer?
Yes, our hardware is stored at our state-of-the-art warehouse and distribution centre in Telford, alongside our system profiles. This allows us to pick and pack hardware and profile orders simultaneously, ensuring a streamlined fulfilment process.
Keeping up to date on hardware innovation must be difficult, for instance is SensCheck, the integrated smart door sensor, available through Safeware?
Innovation has always been at the heart of Safeware. We’ve collaborated with our hardware partners to bring unique solutions to market, such as the Safeware 7 and 8 door locking systems and the SFS Dynamic 2D hinge. More recently, we’ve collaborated closely with Yale and became the official launch partner of Yale SensCheck™ window and door locks. We are continuing to work closely with Yale to extend the SensCheck™ range and incorporate more smart solutions into our offering.
Are all the Safeware products compatible with your different profiles – Profile 22, Spectus, Patiomaster and Stellar?
Yes, we offer complete hardware solutions that are compatible with all our systems.
Do you provide technical assistance on the hardware you provide and is that a different team from the team who would assist fabricators with profile queries?
Our business is headed by a team with extensive experience. I myself have over 35 years in the industry, having worked at Assa Abloy, Hoppe and ERA. Paul Hinds, our Head of Sales, has been with Safeware for 20 years and has over 25 years of experience in hardware sales. Our Supply Chain Manager Helen Mason oversees inventory management and OTIF performance. We align closely with Epwin Window Systems’ sales, marketing, and supply chain teams to ensure comprehensive support for our fabricators.
Does Safeware’s growth mirror that of Epwin Window Systems, or does one side drive the other?
Both businesses are strong and work closely together. Safeware is an integral part of our proposition and has seen consistent year-on-year growth reflecting the synergy between the two businesses.
For more information on Safeware from Epwin Window Systems visit
www.epwinwindowsystems.co.uk or Email: info@epwinwindowsystems.co.uk
Watch video with Rob Hartill here: https://youtu.be/3Wga5T1t_VI
