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Posted on 05/03/2026
Forterro has just completed its largest scale Logikal MES software installation yet at AMS (Architectural Metal Systems)’ 400,000sq ft production facility in Cork, as the aluminium specialist invests in digitalising its fabrication operation.
Forterro’s Logikal MES system, integrated with its market leading Logikal aluminium processing software, gives fabricators complete control and traceability of their production flows so that they can optimise efficiency and minimise errors.
At AMS, the new Logikal MES software is running parallel production flows through three clearly defined fabrication production routes, with multiple machining and assembly stations all part of the same software framework.
Daniel Hodges, Sales Team Lead at Forterro who was responsible for the installation, explained the significance: “This was bigger and more complex than the previous Logikal MES installations we’ve carried out in the UK and Ireland and perfectly demonstrates both the capability and scalability of the software.
“AMS has a main, high volume production route for windows, doors and curtain walling and additional dedicated routes for sliding doors and bespoke doors for data centres. For the first time, our Forterro Logikal MES software is controlling and tracking each of these diverse routes separately, while maintaining consistent methods of execution throughout the fabrication processes.
“The software is automatically capturing the start and end of every operation at AMS via bar code scanning, with screens delivering clear process instructions for the operators as work progresses down the lines. Each of the assembly steps is also under FPC (Factory Process Control), and AMS has successfully migrated its existing production QC process over to the new facility.”
The new Logikal MES installation allows the production team at AMS to plan for different operations and different volumes on each line and have access to the same level of communication and visibility for all of them. It is also delivering robust traceability and documentation of the process to help demonstrate compliance for both FPC and ISO9001 audits.
It will provide benefits in terms of communication as well, with the system set up to confirm the production of customer-ready identification labels and paperwork at specific assembly points where product completion is confirmed, rather than just at the end of the lines. This ensures right first time product identification, and minimises the gap between build completion and customer-ready dispatch, reducing the risk of missing labels and any last-minute admin.
Damien Farrelly, Fabrication Manager at AMS added: “As a business committed to continual improvement, our investment in Forterro’s Logikal MES is all about optimising efficiency, accelerating workflows and minimising the potential for errors. Digital feedback from every one of the stations around the factory is available in real time via the Logikal MES dashboard, which means we can see who did what, when and where and we can control sign-off at assembly and dispatch. It is giving us a new level insight into all three of our production lines, which I am sure this will help us make even better informed decisions in the future.”
Logikal MES is an advanced software solution from Forterro that integrates seamlessly with the LogiKal aluminium processing software, providing fabricators with complete visibility of their production – from material optimisation through to identifying and managing manufacturing deviations. It displays real-time tracking of jobs, order status, errors and solutions and allows for centralised control and reporting via the integrated dashboard.
More details at: https://www.bmaluminium.co.uk/logikal-mes/ and https://www.ams.ie/
Posted on 22/01/2026
Dean Hodges Sales Director at Forterro, answers all the important questions following news of the rebrand from BM Group to Forterro.
Effectively, yes. From now on, the BM group will be known as Forterro – as will Orgadata, the Germany based developer of the Logikal software we supply in the UK which was also acquired by Forterro last year. Together, we form the Forterro windows and doors business with shared resources and a clear combined vision, and the rebrand makes that clear to customers across not just the UK, but Europe and the US as well.
The Business Micros name had existed in the UK for more than four decades so it’s probably sad to say goodbye to that, but the new identity definitely marks the start of an exciting new chapter.
Day to day, customers in the UK won't notice any immediate changes. All their existing relationships and support structures remain in place, and all our products and services will be the same, albeit now called Forterro Logikal, Forterro MES, Forterro Evolution, Forterro EvoNet etc.
The rebrand and repositioning is just the next logical step in our journey with Forterro. The operation in the UK continues as normal, although I am confident that we will be able to deliver efficiencies in backend services as we leverage synergies with Forterro moving forward.
The new windows and doors business brings together the combined expertise of BM and Orgadata. For Logikal license holders, that means we'll be working even more closely with the programming team in Germany, while for customers using Business Micros products, we'll have access to more resources to develop our products and support services.
Just as significantly though, being part of Forterro means we can also offer customers some of their other best in class add-on applications from planning and costing to analytics and ERP, and benefit from Forterro's wider international investments in cloud technologies and AI and the new branding reinforces that.
Forterro TOUCH continues to be our flagship end to end software platform, and we are continuing to invest in product development and building new system databases for that. In fact, we plan to launch the latest version of TOUCH in 2026 – with a new name and powerful new features.
Yes, we'll be exhibiting as Forterro in Hall 1, Stand 525. We'd love to see lots of UK customers there to talk more about our plans for the future.
More info at: https://www.forterro.com/en/windows-and-doors
Posted on 16/01/2026
Forterro has completed the installation of its Logikal MES production tracking system at Kingfisher Windows in Leeds, as the trade, retail and commercial fabricator continues to invest in its digital infrastructure to achieve tangible improvements in customer service.
The team from Forterro spent a week at Kingfisher's factory installing the system, which includes barcode scanning terminals at key machinery and fabrication stations so that aluminium frames can now be tracked in the same way as PVC-U frames for the first time.
The MES system has scan points at every production step within the factory ensuring that every process and operation is automatically reported, giving the operational and management team real-time visibility of progress.
Ash Ellis, Kingfisher’s General Manager, says they are already very impressed: “We signed up for Logikal MES after we saw the demo at the FIT Show last year, because we felt it would give us new levels of insight into our operation that would help us enhance our efficiency and reduce the potential for errors and manufacturing deviations.
“We're already seeing those benefits. We can see the status of every order at the touch of the button and analyse any delays or issues much more quickly than before. We have also been able to eliminate paperwork in the factory which is a real step forward and we can also report almost instantly to customers on the progress of their order.
“We now have access to consistently accurate information on every job and that is having a positive impact on internal as well as external communication. As we continue to interrogate and work with the MES system, we’re confident that we will see further payback in terms of increased throughput and potentially reduced lead times.”
Daniel Hodges, Sales Team Lead at Forterro, added: “We’re really excited to see the continuing roll out of Logikal MES in the UK. Kingfisher led the way from the start by becoming the first fabricator to sign up for the system and now that it is installed, they are setting the pace in terms of leveraging maximum benefit.”
Kingfisher Windows has been a Logikal licence holder since 2010 and uses the software to support its aluminium fabrication in Reynaers, Stellar and Senior Architectural Systems.
More info at: https://www.forterro.com/en/windows-and-doors and https://www.kingfisherwindows.co.uk/
Posted on 12/01/2026
New brand identify for BM products and digital solutions for windows, doors and facades.
12 January 2026 – BM Group, the UK fenestration industry's leading software, data and web specialist, best known for products like Evolution, Evonet and Logikal, will operate under the Forterro name going forward and present all its digital software solutions within a unified brand identity. Having become part of the international software provider Forterro at the start of 2025, this step makes the BM Group’s affiliation with Forterro clearly visible and underlines the shared strategic direction.
The BM Group switch aligns with that of Orgadata, the Germany-based developer of LogiKal, which was also acquired by Forterro last year. Both the BM Group and Orgadata product portfolios are being brought together under the Forterro brand to create clarity and consolidate the company’s strengths for the benefit of customers and partners. Established solutions such as Logikal, Evolution and Evonet, together with additional Forterro offerings, now form an integrated portfolio that supports companies digitally across their entire value chain – from planning and costing through to production and process integration.
Dean Hodges, Sales Director at Forterro, commented: "The new brand identity sends a clear message: we are no longer operating as a standalone company, but as part of a unified organisation with shared resources and a clear vision."
Bernd Hillbrands, founder of Orgadata and Head of the windows and doors business unit within Forterro added: "For all our customers, this means combining our deep industry expertise with Forterro's international strength. This allows us to accelerate investment in cloud technologies, expand support structures and develop solutions that simplify processes, grow alongside the business and ensure long-term competitiveness."
The business unit's strategic direction aligns with Forterro's goal of providing comprehensive software support to small and medium-sized companies in manufacturing and skilled trades. With the successful acquisitions of both BM Group and Orgadata, Forterro has significantly strengthened its position in the windows, doors and facades segment. Under the Forterro umbrella, innovation is set to progress more rapidly, synergies will be leveraged and customers across different markets will be supported in a more targeted way.
The transition to the new branding applies to BM Group's entire product portfolio. All existing customer relationships and support structures remain in place. In this context, the Forterro brand stands for continuity and reliability, as well as a clear commitment to supporting companies in advancing their digital processes in a successful and self-directed way.
Posted on 19/09/2025
Marco Metzlaff named AI Transformation Leader
Software provider Forterro has appointed Marco Metzlaff to the newly created role of AI Transformation Leader, strengthening the company-wide commitment to artificial intelligence (AI).
The appointment develops Forterro’s strategy to embed AI as a driver of customer-centric innovation. Metzlaff, who joins the company from IBM and has previously worked for Accenture and Novartis, will oversee the development and implementation of Forterro’s AI strategy, ensuring it delivers long-term benefits for customers and the business.
With more than 20 years of experience in transformation processes – particularly in ERP and technology consulting – Metzlaff has recently specialised in the practical application of AI. In his new role, he will coordinate operational measures, strengthen existing initiatives and ensure AI capabilities are embedded across Forterro’s industrial portfolio.
The hire builds on Forterro’s successful cloud transformation and reflects the growing importance of AI in manufacturing and industry. By integrating solutions such as Prodaso and other AI microservices into the MyForterro platform, customers are using AI-driven insights to provide transparency across business and production processes, identifying optimisation opportunities early and supporting informed, real-time decision-making. This helps manufacturers reduce downtime, improve quality and increase their productivity and competitiveness in the long term.
Marco Metzlaff, AI Transformation Leader, at Forterro, said:
"At Forterro, we want to take the next logical step in artificial intelligence – professionalising our expertise and focusing it on measurable customer impact. We have decades of experience working with industrial midmarket companies and our goal is to deliver industry-specific AI solutions that make a sustainable difference to those customers’ daily operations, from shop floor efficiency to strategic decision-making."
Marcus Pannier, President, Lines of Business, at Forterro, added:
"AI transformation is integral to our long-term strategy. By embedding AI at the highest organisational level, we are making it easier for our customers to advance their own digital development and AI capabilities. This underlines our position as a dedicated partner for mid-market manufacturers right across Europe."
