Select Windows Ltd specialises in providing windows and doors to the social housing and commercial development sectors. Based in Walsall, West Midlands, the company covers the whole of the UK, with its focus split between the commercial and trade (80%) and retail (20%) sectors.
The company was formed in 1979 by Tony and John Wood and started out as a retail business, fabricating made-to-order windows for homeowners in the Midlands. In 2003 they won a contract with Walsall Housing to refurbish 4,500 houses, which became the start of a very successful commercial division for the company.
In 2010, Select wanted to line up an alternative systems provider and took a look around the market place to see what was available. They visited Liniar and liked the set-up of the factory as well as the excellent showroom displaying the full product range – in addition to being impressed by the way Liniar was run and the people involved. Fast-forward to 2014, and Select have used Liniar on a significant number of commercial developments.
They’ve found that architects and specifiers are impressed by the thermal efficiency of the lead-free profile, in addition to the cost savings generated by the reduction in steel reinforcement required. They also like the innovative product enhancements offered by Liniar, such as the dam on the tilt and turn windows designed to keep out rain on high-rise buildings.
One of their latest projects is a new build scheme by Willmott Dixon involving a 74-bedroomed care home and 11 associated bungalows in Bedworth. Originated by Glancy Nicholls Architects on behalf of their client Housing 21, the project consisted of Grey 7016 uPVC casement windows for the care home and white uPVC for the bungalows, as well as requiring an interface with different materials such as cedar boarding to be jointly designed into the window system.
Select won the contract due to solid communication with Willmott Dixon and their proactive way of working with subcontractors – which matches perfectly with Select’s own philosophy. An open approach combined with a superb site set up by the main contractor made the whole project run smoothly, without the usual site obstacles to contend with.
Completed on time and within budget, this first contract with Willmott Dixon, worth £120k, looks set to lead to further projects for Select in the future.
Matt Somers, Principal Surveyor for Willmott Dixon said,
“Select Windows were identified at an early stage in procurement to help the client with their specification choice. Throughout the process they have been a delight to work with, promoting a cost effective and environmentally friendly option for the client which met all their needs. The install team kept to their programme, whilst adhering to the strict Health and Safety Regulations – I look forward to the next job with Select!”
Gary Wylde, Select’s Director in charge of the project commented,
“The team at Willmott Dixon were clear about what they needed and encouraged a good line of communication right from the start of the project, making it easier to deliver on our promises – we’re looking forward to working with them again in the future.
The team at Willmott Dixon were clear about what they needed and encouraged a good line of communication right from the start of the project, making it easier to deliver on our promises.
