Sotech collaborates with PCS Ltd to Strengthen A1 Composite Facade Capability in the UK

Delivering safe, sustainable facade solutions through aligned expertise and engineered systems

Sotech has announced a new strategic collaboration with PCS Ltd, the UK Supply Partner Company for ALPOLIC A1 and ALPOLIC A2 Laminated Aluminium Facade Panels with Geo Mineral Core.

 

The collaboration brings together Sotech’s market-leading façade engineering and fabrication capability with PCS Ltd’s in-depth product knowledge and access to ALPOLIC’s globally proven A1 and A2 composite technologies. The result is a fully supported, low-risk route to compliant, buildable A1 composite façade systems for architects, contractors, and building owners across the UK.

A Joined-Up Approach to Fire Safety and Compliance

The UK façade market continues to evolve in response to tighter regulations, increased scrutiny from insurers, and heightened awareness around fire performance. In this environment, the demand for fully non-combustible, well-documented façade solutions has never been greater.

James Meylan, Managing Director at PCS Ltd, explains:

“This collaboration brings together ALPOLIC’s proven A1 and A2 technology, PCS Ltd’s product and technical expertise, and Sotech’s market-leading façade engineering and fabrication capability. Together, we’re offering the market a joined-up, lower-risk route to A1 and A2 composite solutions.”

James Meylan, Managing Director at PCS Ltd

ALPOLIC A1 was the world’s first truly non-combustible Laminated Aluminium Façade Panel with Geo Mineral Core, achieving A1 classification under EN 13501-1. It also achieves fire resistance classification E15 under EN 13501-2, providing flame- and gas-tight integrity for 15 minutes and supporting compartmentation strategies.

For specifiers, this supports greater design flexibility while maintaining consistent façade performance.

James adds:

“Many clients now start discussions by asking for A1 as a baseline, not an upgrade. Insurers and asset managers are more risk-averse than ever. A1 materials provide the highest level of reassurance in real-world conditions.”

Strengthening the Entire Facade Journey

With over 40 years of experience in façade cladding, Sotech has built its reputation on engineered, tested systems – not standalone products. Sotech is committed to delivering enduring façade solutions that are safe, innovative, and market-leading in design and manufacturing.

250 City Road, where Sotech’s Optima FC+ Hook-on Rainscreen System and bespoke façade detailing, fabricated from Alpolic aluminium composite material, were used. View full case study >>

Optima façade systems are designed with manufacturability and buildability in mind, supported by:

• Full-scale BS 8414-2 fire testing
• BR135 classification
• EN 13501-1 fire classification
• CWCT Sequence B testing at UL Solutions
• Mechanical fixing methods, supporting true A1 and A2 systems
• Full system Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs), including project-specific reporting

Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech, commented:

“For us, this collaboration is about strengthening the entire façade journey – from early design conversations through to fabrication and installation. ALPOLIC A1 is a best-in-class product, and by working closely with PCS Ltd, we ensure that panel performance, system design, and testing strategy are fully aligned.”

“Choosing Sotech means more than selecting a façade system – it’s about partnering with a team that brings unrivalled fabrication expertise, technical support, and a commitment to engineering excellence at every stage.”

Jamie Brown, Business Development Manager at Sotech

One of the key advantages of the collaboration is its fully coordinated approach to specification and delivery. Rather than treating panels, systems, and installation as separate conversations, Sotech and PCS Ltd operate collaboratively from early-stage design and fire strategy discussions through to supply and fabrication.

From PCS Ltd’s perspective, this means hands-on involvement in:

• Early design and fire performance discussions
• Panel build-up advice and specification guidance
• Technical documentation and test evidence support
• Coordination with ALPOLIC manufacturing and logistics teams
• Training and CPD delivery

Jamie adds:

“Supporting clients and designers on system interfaces, detailing, and long-term performance requires close collaboration between our technical team and the wider supply chain, backed by strong engineering knowledge and product test data. PCS Ltd’s technical extertise and understanding of A1 composite solutions make them well positioned to support growing market demand.”

The benefit is clear technical responses and reduced compliance risk. It also means greater confidence in material consistency, fabrication stability, and programme reliability.

Supporting Sustainability and Long-Term Performance: 

The collaboration also aligns with Sotech’s sustainability objectives. Sotech was one of the first companies in the sector to produce full system EPDs for complete built-up rainscreen cladding systems, rather than for individual components alone. The company is on track to achieve net zero by 2035 and actively tracks emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3.

ALPOLIC panels further support sustainability goals through:

• Long service life (up to 70 years)
• High recyclability
• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions during manufacture (compared to many European alternatives)
• Low-maintenance performance

This shared emphasis on lifecycle performance and transparency reinforces both companies’ commitment to responsible façade design.

Importantly, the shift toward A1 and A2 materials has not reduced architectural ambition.

James, Managing Director at PCS Ltd, notes:

“Architects are pushing for interesting colours, metallics, and specialist finishes – but within an A1 or A2 framework. ALPOLIC’s broad colour range and high-performance coating systems allow them to achieve ambitious design intent without compromising on fire performance.”

Combined with Sotech’s advanced CNC fabrication, precision forming capability, and digitally driven design validation processes, the collaboration enables complex geometries, bespoke detailing, and high-end finishes to be delivered with confidence.

Looking Ahead: 

In its early stages, the collaboration will focus on delivering the first wave of ALPOLIC A1 and A2 projects within Sotech’s engineered Optima systems, alongside joint CPDs and technical engagement with architects and consultants.

Jamie, Business Development Manager at Sotech, concludes:

“We are one team. We go above and beyond for our partners. By combining ALPOLIC’s performance with our engineered systems and testing track record, we’re giving the UK market a robust, buildable, and future-ready A1 façade solution.”

James, Managing Director at PCS Ltd, adds:

“What excites us most is the opportunity to combine a genuinely best-in-class A1 composite product with a partner that understands how to turn that into safe, manufacturable façade systems. We’re looking forward to seeing those schemes come to life.”

Contact Sotech

To discuss your next façade project, request technical guidance, or book a CPD on A1 composite solutions, contact Sotech’s specification team today. Our experts are on hand to support you from early design through to delivery – ensuring your façade is compliant, buildable, and future-ready.