An independent joinery firm is celebrating its 40th year in business thanks to a continued focus on combining traditional skills with modern technology and window hardware from SIEGENIA-AUBI.

At a time when there are fewer joinery firms than ever in the window industry, it has been a particularly special anniversary for Huddersfield-based Croxford’s.

The firm specialises in high quality, one-off projects with a particular focus on new build and the renovation market. Croxford’s has specialised in various window designs including tilt and turn, casement and sliding sash, for over 40 years. To complement its window products the company also manufactures external and internal doors and staircases.

Ralph Croxford, who joined the family business when he left school in 1980, now heads the company. He believes that the heart of Croxford’s success lies in its commitment to modern products combined with its traditional craftsmanship skills.

He says, “My father set up the business in 1968. He used to teach me the old-fashioned ways and skills, but we both realised that modern machines and technology had a large part to play. With my mother coming from Germany, dad was inspired by the idea of an inward opening window like the tilt and turn so, back in the early 60's, he made his first timber tilt and turn window, well before any other company in the UK.

“We've worked with SIEGENIA-AUBI for over 20 years. We now specialise in folding sliding, tilt and sliding and lift and sliding doors as well as the tilt and turn window, I believe their hardware gives us an edge over the competition.”

He says SIEGENIA-AUBI hardware enables Croxford’s to offer bespoke high quality windows and doors to meet the requirements of its clients, which include homeowners, architects and builders all over the UK.

The SIEGENIA-AUBI FS Portal hardware is one of the original folding sliding door hardware systems that has helped drive the growth in this sector, maximising natural light and creating open, modern living space. Its effortless sliding action allows the doors to be folded back quickly and easily and - once open - they are easy to secure.

The HS-Portal hardware range is specifically designed for large lift and slide doors. It can carry sash weights up to 300 kg with ease, and is also very easy to operate while the PSK160 hardware offers a tilt and slide system with smooth operation, an adjustable stop block to limit the opening of the sliding sash and high security protection - all on a narrow sash profile.

SIEGENIA-AUBI regional sales manager, John Chambers, says, “Croxford’s has always strived to be one step ahead of its competitors. The firm was an early adopter of lift and slide doors almost 10 years ago, and more recently the popular FS Portal fold and slide, which meant it was well placed to capitalise on the recent growth in this market. They have completed some prestigious projects over the last 40 years, and some of their work has featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs.”