Windows for Europe

Fakro is a company of international standing. What is your market position in Europe? With a global market share of approx. 15 per cent, Fakro is the second-biggest company in the world in the roof window segment; that is, every seventh window that is installed was manufactured by us. When it comes to the question of our most important export countries, I should like to stress that every market is important to us, that we look at every market individually. Taking market potential into consideration, the German and French markets are the biggest in the roof window segment, not only in Europe but throughout the world. Which is why they are especially important to us. The company, which is located in the Polish city of Nowy Sa¸cz, was founded 20 years ago. What changes have there been in the range of products and your target group? We started off by manufacturing standard products. These were classic centre-pivot windows, with the axis of rotation in the exact geometric centre of the casement. Then came a trail-blazing introduction: the FPP preSelect top-hung and pivot window with the innovative solution that has full patent protection. Over recent years we have been developing windows with a higher axis of rotation. The ProSky windows with a larger glazing surface are tailored to the distance between the roof spars. Because the axis of rotation has been moved higher, even quite tall people can stand close to the lower edge of the window. Our Thermo windows are yet another type, this time featuring a thermal insulation parameter that makes them particularly suitable for installation in passive or energy-saving houses. The most important target group in the roof window segment are trade professionals, who have a direct influence on end consumers’ choice of roof windows. They include architects, roofers who also install windows, and dealers who sell the products. The Fakro Group numbers around 3 200 employees in its 13 subsidiaries right across the world. How do you organise production and distribution? Fakro has its own modern research and development units where more than 70 engineers are employed. Our engineers are the authors of over 80 innovative solutions for which patent applications have been made. We are involved not only with exporting roof windows but also with conveying the creative ideas of Polish design engineers and technological solutions to the world as a whole. We determine new developmental trends for the roof window segment right across the…