Clearview South Feb 2013 - Issue 135 | Page 44

INDUSTRYNEWS 2013 – A YEAR OF CHALLENGE OR OPPORTUNITY? No-one is predicting a year of growth for the door and window industry in 2013 and there are certainly challenges looming on the horizon. But, as BEN PENSON, technical director of grouphomesafe, points out in this article, there will be opportunities for those who can demonstrate that they are different from the competition. One of the key challenges for 2013 will come in July with the introduction of CE marking which will place additional pressure on fabricators. It will be a challenge principally since, although in reality only six months away, so few in the industry are ready for it. The new regulations state that CE marking will be required on “any product or kit which is provided and placed on the market for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works or parts thereof and the performance of which has an effect on the performance of the construction works with respect to the basic requirements for construction works.” In