Doors & windows

Forster Profilsysteme is a world-leading supplier of steel profiles for doors, windows, and facades. The company utilises Magnelis® from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products to create its all-steel solutions which are free of plastics. The self-healing properties of Magnelis® offer exceptional corrosion protection during transport and storage of the profiles. Welding operations are also simplified with Magnelis®, enabling Forster to create high-quality and durable profiles. To enhance the sustainability of its operations, Forster is currently building a state-of-the-art headquarters which will bring together production, administration, and sales. And wherever possible, they’re utilising ArcelorMittal steels.

Timeless, sustainable, robust

“We see steel as a timeless, sustainable, robust, and durable product which gives us the opportunity to offer a globally unique profile which is entirely made from steel,” says Willi Lüchinger, CEO of the Forster Group. “Unlike other profile makers, Forster does not use a plastic web to connect the two half-shells of a profile. Instead, we use a specially designed stainless-steel web. This improves the recyclability of the product, and its stability, without restricting the thermal properties of the system.”

Magnelis® offers easy weldability and protection

Forster has offered Magnelis® solutions since they became aware of the unique steel coating in 2015. “In our business, the zinc-aluminium-magnesium Magnelis® coating is primarily there to provide corrosion protection in transport and storage,” says Willi Lüchinger, CEO of the Forster Group. “But the biggest benefit of Magnelis® to us is the quality of the welding process. It is almost as easy to weld as black steel.”

The company sees the innovative strength of ArcelorMittal and the relationship as central advantages says Willi Lüchinger: “ArcelorMittal products such as Magnelis®, and initiatives such as XCarb®, show that the partnership is based on a common mindset. They are also an important building block in realising our own ambitions for even more mindful and sustainable use of our world’s resources.”

Sustainability is a key driver in Forster’s business as Willi Lüchinger explains: “Dealing with resources in a mindful way is part of our DNA. We are currently undergoing a company-wide process to evaluate where and how we can reduce our carbon footprint further, and ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® initiative is part of that discussion. Obtaining XCarb® green steel certificates for the steel we buy from ArcelorMittal could be a game changer, and a major step towards a greener future.”

Solutions deployed in new builds and renovations

Forster products have been deployed in both new builds and renovation projects, and their profiles are sold around the world though Europe remains the company’s leading market. Most of Forster’s main system profiles are made from flat steels supplied by ArcelorMittal.

The main customers for Forster’s products are metal fabricators who create profiles based on the designs of architects and building owners. The profiles are turned into window, door, or facade solutions by specialist fabricators. “We train the fabricators in the optimal processing techniques for our systems and provide technical support,” notes Willi Lüchinger.

With sustainability and the future firmly in mind, Forster has begun construction of a new headquarters in Romanshorn, Switzerland. “It will be known as the Forster Campus and includes a new showroom, training and customer centre, offices, and production. The facade of the office building, all doors and windows, and all glazed partition walls are made from our products – hence they contain a lot of flat steel from ArcelorMittal.”

About Forster Profilsysteme

Forster is an internationally renowned supplier of high-quality steel doors, windows, and facades. Founded in 1874, Forster has transformed from being a steel profile manufacturer to a world-leading system supplier. In 2024, the company will move its headquarters to a new purpose-built facility in Romanshorn, Switzerland.

More info: www.forster-profile.ch

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
© Forster
© Forster, Damian Poffet
© Forster, Roman Keller
© Forster, We are Contents / Stéphane Aboudaram

Related link(s)

La Samaritaine

Epco, a leading producer of insulated panels for garage, commercial, and industrial doors, has recently purchased XCarb® green steel certificates from ArcelorMittal Europe – Flat Products with the Granite® organic coated steel used in its products.

“ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® green steel certificates will help us orient the door market towards a greener future,” says Luc De Deygere, CEO of Epco. “We see the certificates as a major opportunity for all involved.”

Greener production routes

Epco is very aware of the need to continue its active role in helping the world to reduce carbon emissions as Luc De Deygere explains: “The recent flooding in Belgium and Germany and the forest fires in the south of Europe are clear indications that climate change is happening faster than expected. As a business, Epco has already taken action to reduce our carbon footprint. That has seen us install solar panels on the factory roof and make use of electric vehicles. But we need to do more. That’s why we have decided to purchase ArcelorMittal’s XCarb® green steel certificates.”

“We are working with our suppliers to identify raw materials with a low environmental footprint and which contain as much recycled content as possible,” says Luc De Deygere. “These materials must be easy to recycle. Steel is already very environmentally friendly as it contains a lot of recycled material, and it can be recycled over and over. The XCarb® green steel certificates help to confirm this advantage.”

Motivating customers

Epco will pass the XCarb® green steel certificates on to its customers. “We hope they will help to motivate them to follow greener production routes,” says Luc De Deygere. “That will bring real change to the door market.”

About Epco

Belgian company Epco supplies panels under two main brand names – Epco and Tecsedo – from three production sites in Belgium, Poland, and Switzerland. The panels are supplied to customers who provide complete door solutions to end customers around the world.

More info: www.epco.be

Text:
ArcelorMittal Europe Communications
Constructalia

Images:
Epco

Related link(s)