15 years of partnership - B.FT Okna i drzwi, Polen
Bartłomiej Karaszewski started production of PVC windows in Barlinek, Poland in 2009. He began by earning the trust of investors in Poland and neighbouring countries who wished to replace old windows in their buildings with new ones. He offered them a complete service, from measuring through to installation. Nowadays, demand due to construction of new buildings is dominant.
For a long time now, B.FT has produced not only windows but also doors, roller shutters, garage doors and a wide range of accessories. Right from the start, Karaszewski relied on a partnership with Roto. Tilt&Turn windows are implemented with the Roto NX modular system, main doors are created with the Roto Door range and sliding systems are produced with Roto Patio Inowa.
At the Fensterbau Frontale trade fair, the businessman once again discovered even more applications with “future potential”. The Roto Patio Inowa | Max service package demonstrates that extremely large sliding systems are always possible. “The new concealed hinge side for the Roto NX as well as the Roto Safe A | Tandeo automatic multipoint lock and the Roto Safe E | Eneo A electromechanical multipoint lock are ideal for economical production of modern windows and doors,” Karaszewski concludes.
Electronics on the rise
Integrating the 4in1 access control system into the Eneo multipoint lock results in an electronic door lock that can be actuated via Bluetooth, finger scan, RFID or numerical code. Karaszewski values this product benefit very highly, as demand for electronic multipoint locks is constantly growing and integration of the main door into electronic monitoring systems is becoming ever more important.“ As a Roto partner, we are able to offer excellent solutions for both of these aspects.”
And which innovation provides the greatest potential for change and growth for B.FT? The window specialist particularly anticipates increased electrification of windows and doors in equal measure:
“The future belongs to electronic control of the room climate and building security.”
The industry expert believes that windows and doors will become intelligent assistants to people, and B.FT intends to be prepared for this. “As such, the solutions displayed in Nuremberg that we found particularly exciting were the electronic multipoint locks, the thresholdless solutions and the Roto E-Tec Control and magnetic locking sensor contact elements.”
For any building type
In Poland, demand for the products and services offered by B.FT primarily comes from private builders working on constructing their home or renovating their apartment. The company also counts Polish residential construction companies among its customers. Outside of the country, B.FT concentrates on the project business. Its in-house installers ensure proper installation of windows and sliding systems in retirement homes, office buildings, hotels, commercial properties and larger apartment buildings.
“Our core customers build across Europe – and we are alongside them.”
Sales throughout Europe are also supported by retailers that Karaszewski has gained as customers. Private customers are given advice in the B.FT showrooms in Barlinek or from retailers. Karaszewski visits project customers personally in order to participate in their planning. His project managers take measurements on site and coordinate delivery and installation.
Flexible and resilient
The decline in construction of new residential buildings in certain European countries does not worry the businessman much. “B.FT has a solid economical position, enabling us to adapt our production very flexibly to suit demand, ”The explains. And this flexibility has been further increased by the procurement of a new film-coating system. B.FT offers its customers a particularly wide selection of decors and colours, enabling it to meet the current rising demand. Profiles with smooth, white interior and exterior surfaces are becoming proportionally less popular, according to Karaszewski, while demand for designs that include surfaces with a timber or aluminium appearance is increasing.
“Windows now play an important role in the architecture of modern buildings.”
Reliability when meeting high requirements
The trend towards particularly thick, highly insulating elements is also continuing. “Anyone working in construction nowadays needs to place a high value on energy efficiency in order to be able to meet statutory requirements for new buildings,” Karaszewski emphasises. The result of this is that the vast majority of windows produced by B.FT are equipped with triple glazing, which has increased requirements for the hardware. “This is not a problem for us, as Roto window hardware and door hinges are designed accordingly and we are able to ensure the reliable long-term functionality of our products.” As the company works with a proven system from aluplast and Roto, it can easily supply the more and more frequently requested RC 2 security class for ground floor installation in multi-storey residential construction projects.
Dialogue forms the basis
Karaszewski emphasises that, in addition to the Roto products themselves, it is above all regular dialogue that has formed the basis for the 15 years of successful collaboration with Roto: “We are glad to take part in training sessions led by Roto’s responsible expert consultants. This exchange of information is very valuable, and Roto frequently takes our proposals on board when developing hardware.” Thanks to the Roto IT department, B.FT has become one of the first companies in Poland to perform digital hardware configuration. “In the event of problems, we can always count on quick and professional help from the IT specialists at Roto. And our advisor in the Roto sales department is also always available for any questions.”
Just like the previous year, B.FT will complete a variety of investment projects in 2024. Administration has already been expanded, and the showroom is currently undergoing a redesign. Introduction of a new profile system and Expansion of aluminium window production are also planned. “We are very optimistic when it comes to development of demand in future, and we are currently making preparations to ensure that we can offer all possible comfort in any design at the customer’s option. And with consistently high, reliable quality. To do so, we will also use the opportunities offered by automation at B.FT.”
“Roto supports us in a number of ways for implementation of our plans. We truly appreciate this.”
Social engagement
The benefits of good company development are not limited to the employees of B.FT: Karaszewski also intends to maintain the company’s policy of supporting regional sports clubs and school projects for children with learning difficulties. “There will be plenty to do in the coming years. We will only manage it as a strong community.”
This article was published in Roto Inside 55.