Warrington, Cheshire – August 2026

Employee-owned commercial glazing specialist extends two decades of expertise into fire-rated products, with an ambition to set the standard for quality, compliance and competence across the sector.

Britplas, the Cheshire-based commercial glazing and façade specialist, has announced the launch of a dedicated fire-rated products division, extending its 20-year track record in secure and compliance-driven fenestration into fire-resistant glazed screens, doors and curtain walling systems.

The move responds directly to intensifying pressure across the construction industry to demonstrate accountable, certified fire performance in the built environment. Since the Building Safety Act came into force, developers, main contractors and building owners have faced growing scrutiny over the traceability and certification of fire-rated products, from initial specification through to the “golden thread” of information required across a building’s lifecycle.

Britplas has built its reputation on solving complex, safety-critical glazing challenges, most notably through its award-winning Safevent anti-ligature window, which is specified across NHS Trusts, mental health and secure facilities in the UK, US and Australia. The new fire division applies that same depth of technical and regulatory expertise to fire-rated systems, giving main contractors and architects a single accountable and competent partner.

“We believe this industry should never stand still, particularly when it comes to fire safety. We’ve spent two decades building traceable and accountable compliance into specialist glazing and we’re bringing that same approach to fire-rated sector.” said Chris Kennedy, Managing Director (Britplas Secure).

To lead this shift, Britplas has appointed expert Andy Vooght as Head of Fire Glazing, tasked with building the same standard of traceable and evidenced compliance into fire-rated systems that the company has established elsewhere in its product range.

Andy has a Level 3 Certificate in Passive Fire Protection with the Institute of Fire Engineers, more than 20 years’ experience in construction and fire safety and has specialised exclusively in fire-resistant glazing since 2019. He has worked extensively with the ASFP in recent years, helping to develop their technical guidance ‘Clear Book’ on the use of fire resistant glazing, and brings his detailed knowledge of testing standards, certification and regulatory requirements governing where and how these products can be used to Britplas.

“Fire-rated glazing has to be treated with the same rigour as any other life-safety system, and that means clear accountability from design through to installation and beyond. That’s what I intend to build with the team here at Britplas.” said Andy.

The new division will offer fire-rated glazed screens, doors, openable windows and curtain walling systems, certified to current UK fire safety standards and supported by Britplas’ in-house design, fabrication and installation capability at its 40,000 sq ft Warrington facility.

The launch comes 2 years after Britplas transitioned to full employee ownership in 2024, with the business reinvesting in new capability as part of its long-term growth strategy under the Employee Ownership Trust model.

 

ENDS

 

About Britplas

Britplas Group is an employee-owned business (EOT) that has been driving innovation in the built environment since 2006. The group comprises three specialist capabilities: Britplas Secure – the market leader in fenestration for secure healthcare environments, Britplas Fire – a specialist fire-rated glazing division and Britplas Façades – delivering high-performance building envelopes for commercial projects;

Britplas Fire is the specialist partner that architects, main contractors and glazing contractors turn to for the design, manufacture and installation of fire-rated glazing. Its core portfolio spans fire-rated windows, curtain walling, doors and screens.

Britplas Fire operates under Britplas Secure Ltd, part of Britplas Group and is committed to compliance, competence and quality.

 

For media inquiries, please contact:
Ronni Lang – Marketing Manager
ronni.lang@britplas.com
01925 824317