THE GL@ZINE - your glass, glazing and fenestration industry news first

Weekly Email News for the Glass, Glazing and Fenestration Industries
26th July 2005
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Bohle has developed ‘Europe’ – its first own manufactured range of shower door hinges, developed exclusively for glass shower doors
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Two of Thermoseal's most popular machines, the Automatic Sealer and the Profile Bender, have had enhancements made to them and will be available soon from the company
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Glassex was the launch pad for the newest product to the Hubtex range, the Hubtex 4 Way Pedestrian truck, which is specifically targeted at the smaller fabricator and installer
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The handling of long loads inside and out has become easier now with the introduction of the Hubtex 2123 multidirectional electric sideloader
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TruSeal has unveiled DecoSeal - a specially engineered warm edge spacer IG system for decorative glass used in windows and doors
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Veka fabricator, Modplan Ltd has recently introduced a new window egress handle. The in-line handle has a long lever for greater grip and ease of operation, together with a glow in the dark strip
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Avanti has upgraded its award winning frameless glazed Solare partitioning system to improve performance and also appearance
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Freefoam recently launched its new interior decorative panelling system Geo-panel. It provides a smooth, stylish and waterproof wall covering for new and existing interior walls in homes
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Suitable for most structural bonding, appliance and equipment assembly operations, the SikaFast 3000 Series is a new generation of fast-curing, flexible adhesives
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In compliance with the new BS8213-1 code of practice, Maco has launched an updated version of its auto-latch window restrictor which can be used with all window systems and framing materials
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GTI Kombimatec has extended the versatility and memory capacity of its successful EV470 CNC Weld Cleaner
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Kawneer, Europe's largest manufacturer and supplier of leading architectural aluminium systems, has launched the AA®201 Unitised Curtain Walling System
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Product Archive
(300+ Listed Products)
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A bespoke fire glass manufactured by CGI is meeting the safety and aesthetic demands of a new health and beauty centre at Bicester Golf & Country Club in Oxfordshire
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Surrounded on three sides by the Atlantic, Newquay's Headland Hotel stands on the cliff top over the Cornish coastline. Secondary glazing specialist, Selectaglaze was called upon to help resolve the noise and draught problems
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Pupils of Dorcan Technical College in Swindon can now learn in style thanks to a little help from Senior Aluminium Systems
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KAT UK, a supplier of patio doors and sash windows, has supplied 143 three-pane patio doors to Blendworth Windows for installation in Butlins’ new hotel – Shoreline Hotel - at Bognor Regis
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The Wallace Building, part of the University of Wales, has recently undergone major façade renovations, including the incorporation of Pilkington Insulight Therm units from Pilkington Building Products - UK.
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Sapa Building Systems' fabricator Hazlemere Windows has added to its portfolio of school projects with a mixed new build and refurbishment project at Leon School in Milton Keynes valued in excess of £5m
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Karnaval Group Ltd used a dark blue spray coating on the fascias of the properties at Ashton-under-Lyne to complement the cladding on the nearby Portland Basin Museum
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Securistyle hardware is being put to the ultimate test by over 450 students living in purpose built Gill Street, Halls of Residence, owned by Nottingham University
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Senator Windows Ltd has announced the appointment of Kevin Richards as Group Managing Director from July 1st 2005
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Trade fabricator John Fredericks has appointed Kevin Hill as its new managing director
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Ultraframe has appointed Jason Middleton as Head of Component Supply Chain
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Chas Hollis has joined specialist colour coater Kolor-fast as a director, bringing 20 years of experience in the window industry and 13 years in PVC-U colour coatings
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Dave Oxton has been promoted to Depot Manager of GAP Wirral UPVC Warehouse
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Radway, the UK fenestration contractor, has announced the appointment of Stephen Kent to its new position of Operations Director
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Architectural glazing systems company Metal Technology has appointed a new architectural advisor for Northern Ireland to further strengthen its team
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South Yorkshire window, door and conservatory fabricator, Sash UK Ltd, has appointed Greg Kane as its new UK Sales Manager to reinforce the company’s UK presence
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Sapa Building Systems has rolled out a new interactive Web Shop that it says is revolutionising how the company and its customers conduct their business
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DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions has introduced an online glass strength calculator which can be used by architects to optimise their designs for laminated glass balustrades, stair treads, floors, canopies and much more – including one-sided and two-sided support systems under uniform and line loads
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New World Developments is now providing one-to-one training of its on-line ordering programme PanelSpec, at fabricator's premises
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Children at a special needs school in Morecambe, Lancashire, are benefiting from additional care and learning activities thanks to a generous £1,500 donation from windows, doors, conservatory roofs and PVC-u profiles manufacturer Eurocell
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Two brave souls from Lister Trade Frames have raised over £1000 for the Royal National Institute of the Blind. The two ‘willing volunteers’ from Listers joined a number of local companies in Stoke on Trent to take part in a sponsored abseil from one of the areas tallest buildings
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Windowlink’s Managing Director Giles Hayhurst was pleased to hand over a cheque for £273 in support of the tsunami appeal following the first leg of the company’s motorbike road show
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The much-awaited ‘1279’ standard was finally published towards the end of May 2005. ‘But be careful, you still cannot claim that you comply with the standard until the beginning of 2006.’ says Two River Solutions
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Alcoa has announced that 15 employees and contractors from Alcoa locations across the globe have been selected as Earthwatch Institute fellows and will participate in scientific research expeditions around the world as part of the company's overall conservation and sustainability efforts
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The Green Guide to Composites is based upon the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of functional units appropriate for composite manufacture, not construction and therefore CANNOT be used as a supplement to the Green Guide to Housing Specification.
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Research commissioned by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) reveals up to 500,000 tonnes of flat glass waste arises from buildings in the UK every year – increasingly from the social housing sector
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The OFT, the Office of Government Commerce (OGC) and Defra are looking at the effects of public procurement on competition and capacity in the municipal waste management sector
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Having recently completed installing 33kWp at the Spinal Injuries Association HQ in Milton Keynes, Solar Technologies Group has now exceeded 2 Megawatts of installed PV solar solutions - furthering its position as the UK's largest installer for commercially integrated systems with an estimated 75% share of all building Integrated Solar in the UK today.
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MR Windows, a Duraflex fabricator and installer in Luton, is growing. Set up less than three years ago, the company has just completed an extensive factory refurbishment, including the addition of a mezzanine floor to double floor space. The investment is set to increase capacity from 180 to 400 frames a week.
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New regulations came into force on 6th April 2005, applying to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. To assist the construction industry the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently published a Question and Answer Brief
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To Sue or Not to Sue
It's quite illuminating, really, to discover just how much litigation goes on these days. In recent years Ultraframe has become known as the industry's No 1 litigant, and not surprisingly since the continuation of its dominance in the market place relies heavily on protecting its patents. Only weeks after its victory over Eurocell, we now hear of another victory for Ultraframe, this time in a failed action by Burnden. We still have the result of the bigger Ultraframe v Burnden case to come, probably in the next week or two.

Sales & Marketing Director
OTE £80,000 plus package
One of the UK's leading window manufacturers is looking for a dynamic Sales and Marketing Director to join the fast growing commercial sector business. This is a national role and will require travel throughout the UK together with attendance on a regular basis at head office in the East of England.
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Regional Opportunities
Sash UK, one of the UK's leading super fabricators, is looking for Commercial Sales/Account Handlers in London and the South East and Scotland as well as Business Development Advisors in Scotland and Ireland.
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Sales Representative
OTE In Excess of £50,000 + Car; M62 Corridor
A unique opportunity has arisen to join one of the UK’s leading glass and glazing companies. Reporting to the Sales & Marketing Director, you will be a results orientated sales professional and have the ability to play a key role in a dynamic sales strategy.
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Retail Double Glazing Business For Sale
PVCu Windows, Doors and Conservatories
The partners wish to retire and are offering this well established and profitable business as a going concern. Situated on the Hampshire/ Surrey borders for more than 25 years.
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Exhibition Calendar
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for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world.
UPDATED!!

UK systems company L.B. PLastics Ltd has published a comprehensive product guide detailing its all-new Sheerlite conservatory roof system.
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Total Glass has launched its new Total Glass Commercial brochure for architects, specifiers and designers.
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Ultraframe has produced a new range of marketing literature which the company says clearly shows the benefits of its conservatory roofing systems.
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Hardware distributor, Mila, has recently updated the company’s catalogue and hardware guide ‘The Key’. The fully revised edition includes the latest additions to Mila’s exclusive Trinity and Evolution ranges.
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Since its recent successful switch to WHS Halo for profile supply, Regent Windows (South Wales) Ltd, is offering well-produced comprehensive support literature to help them to sell in the home.
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Obtaining specific information on a particular glazing product or issue has just got easier with the updated Gl@ss CD Rom from Pilkington Building Products - UK.
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The Trade Division of illbruck Sealant Systems UK Ltd. has published a new guide to its Webbseal family of professional sealants and adhesives.
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The new Roof-Glas™ high performance unit from Darby Glass now has a full-colour, user friendly brochure.
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Radway has been awarded Contractor of the Year 2005 at the Housing Excellence Awards, recently held at Mere Golf and Country Club, near Manchester.
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Watson Dallas Window Systems, the Scottish subsidiary of the Abbott Group, continues to progress from strength to strength, with a prestige Award from one leading national house builder and key contracts from another.
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Lister Trade Frames recently experienced a unanimous staff walk-out at lunch time - and the directors and managers joined in! The exodus was Listers' way of celebrating the company's award as Fabricator of the Year in the 2005 G-Awards.
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Winning the G05 Social Housing Project of the Year has provided conclusive recognition of Select Home Improvements status as a leading commercial fabricator.
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Rehau has announced that all its BSI approved articles currently being produced in the UK now conform to BS EN12608.
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Wendland Roof Solutions has produced a new series of contemporary marketing literature that reflects the increasing popularity of its Styal system amongst UK homeowners.
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Seems like you couldn't put a rod wrong in the Total Glass Fishing Competition if your name was Dave. Organisers were left reeling by the coincidence, for all three winners in the fabricator's third popular annual angling contest shared the same first name.
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A specially designed sample case is now available from Sash UK to customers wishing to sell the benefits of austenitic products to the end user.
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Construction Orders in the year to May 2005 rose by six per cent compared to orders in the previous twelve month period, and orders in the three months to May 2005 rose by eight per cent compared to the same three months a year earlier. Orders in the three months to May 2005 rose by 14 per cent compared to the previous three months, with increases in all sectors except public non-housing orders.
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Polar Windows Ltd, a Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems approved fabricator, recently held a series of RIBA approved CPD’s at Polar’s extensive premises in the North East of England.
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At the recent series of half-day events held around the UK, over 95% of attendees supported the formation of Proskills, the prospective Sector Skills Council, which will work with Government to develop the skills that UK business needs in five key industry sectors.
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Classic Rooflines and Claddings which has just been awarded PERC status (Purveyors of Excellence in Roofline and Cladding) from Deeplas by Deceuninck. The PERC installer scheme, offered by Deceuninck, is an effective training programme.
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Merlin UK has recently been commissioned by Pilkington, the UK glass supplier, to deliver a five day installation training programme for Matthew Scraton an apprentice working at the Pilkington Sheffield branch.
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Ray Rabett, Technical Manager for Masterframe Windows Ltd, comments on the predicament: ‘When – not if - the government fails to deliver on its Kyoto protocol commitments, a further tightening of the legislation is inevitable
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PART L ARCHIVE

Coastal Open Day
Tuesday 14th June saw Spectus trade fabricator Coastal open its doors to customers. An open day was held at the company's factory in Poole to demonstrate the wide range of products and services Coastal can supply.
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GM Fundraising Turns Up the Heat for Golfers
The tree-lined fairways and glassy greens of the Hawkstone Park, Windmill Course provided both a test of golf and a stunning backdrop to the 2005 GM Fundraising Golf Day
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Adding Support to Timber Zone at Interbuild
More leading companies are following the example of Eleco and Akzo Nobel in backing a concerted push by TRADA, the Timber Research & Development Association, to raise the profile of timber at Interbuild 2006.
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Defra Plans for RWM
Confused about the Landfill Trading Allowance Scheme? Unsure exactly how the Waste Electrical Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive will affect you? To get some straight answers, come to the Legislation Zone at the Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (RWM05) at the NEC, Birmingham from 13-15 September.
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Glasstech India 2006
Glasstech India 2006, The International Glass Products, Glass Manufacturing, Processing and Materials Exhibition, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, India, 13 - 15th December 2006.
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MosBuild+ 2006
MosBuild+ 2005 Exhibition was the biggest Windows & Doors exhibition ever to be held in Russia. The event hosted over 300 Exhibitors and 40,000 visitors over the four day International Event. The 2006 show will be 4-7th April.
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Interplas is Reduced to One Hall
Reed Exhibitions has confirmed that Interplas 2005 will now occupy just one hall of the National Exhibition Centre when it takes place on 4-6 October.
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Fenestration China 2005
Fenestration China 2005 takes place in Beijing from 16-19 November. Experts estimate the market for windows and doors for the coming five years at approximately 200 million window units per year.
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Intelligent Building Middle East 2005
From hot and humid coastal climate in the summer to minus temperatures on winter nights - the climatic conditions in the Middle East create difficulties for both people and buildings in this region.
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Interbuild 2006: New Owners, New Show
Major changes have taken place since Interbuild 2004 as control of the event switches entirely into the hands of Emap Construct.
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GlassBuild America Autumn Dates
The National Glass Association (NGA) has announced that its trade show, GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo, will now be permanently moving to the autumn beginning in 2005.
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Exhibition Calendar
Go Here:
for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world.
UPDATED!!

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It can't be easy for the companies who lose these cases, and I'm sure there will be those that question the efficacy of UK patent law, particularly in terms of the granting of patents which are so difficult to get round they may be close to becoming generic. However, the laws we have are the best/only way of preventing competitive anarchy, so can anyone complain too much about the execution of those laws, even if, at times, it seems an imprecise art which sees top High Court Judges disagreeing with each other over interpretation?

I suppose the naive view is that there should be more co-operation, rather than competition, that companies should be able to pre-empt these issues and deal with them before they have to go legal. Pilkington, for example, has come up with a few good ideas in its time and has earned a lot of money from licensing. However, the glass maker seemed pretty powerless when it came to certain countries 'borrowing' float technology without paying for it and one can't help feeling that there should have probably been more Pilkington lawsuits over the years - and not just over the float process! I guess it's ultimately a question of financial judgement, and that's a fairly imprecise art as well, despite what the bean counters would have us believe!

The B2BZine Team:

Tony Higgin
tony@theglazine.com

Richard and Debbie Schwarz
news@theglazine.com

NOTICES

Insolvencies, Winding up Orders, Petitions and Creditors' Meetings
Some familiar names from the glass, window and conservatory markets turn up in this week’s look at recent Notices from the Company Courts: ATA Windows, Staffs Glass & Glazing Co, Imperial Windows Europe, JJ Glass, European Glass Sealed Units, Roofmaster, Regent Windows, The Original Leaded Light Co, Sapphire Conservatories, The Period Window Co, Granada Windows, Oldham Glass & Glazing, SDtarlight Windows, Beltway (Hitech Conservatories), Sigma Doors, Town & Country Conservatories, SF Structural Glazing, Clark Glass, Taylor Made Windows & Conservatories.
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PROJECT OF THE WEEK

'Bubbles' of Glaverbel Glass Distilled at 'Nardini'
To celebrate the 225th anniversary of Italy's famous Nardini Distilleries, the Nardini family - which still owns and runs the company - treated themselves to an architectural work of art, erecting a stunning glass creation designed by Massimiliano Fuksas and Doriana O. Mandrelli. Glaverbel, European coated glass manufacturer, helped to ensure that this magnificent project - dubbed Bolle - saw the light of day.
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

Bohle Introduces new Mirror Fixing Sets
New ranges of mirror hanging and fixation devices have been launched by Bohle this week. Under the registered brands of ‘Safeclix’, ‘Safefix’ and ‘Safemax’; these mirror sets offer a range of ‘invisible’ mirror hanging options.
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THIS WEEK'S NEWS

The Kingdom of Sash Celebrates 40 Years, Medieval Style
South Yorkshire window door and conservatory manufacturer, Sash UK Ltd, celebrated 40 years of business this summer. The company marked its achievement with a Medieval themed family event where over 800 guests, dressed in authentic period costume, enjoyed medieval entertainment and cuisine in the encampment specially recreated in the grounds of a local hotel.
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Court of Appeal Rules in Favour of Ultraframe in Litigation with Burnden Group
On July 20th Ultraframe announced that the Court of Appeal has handed down a favourable judgment in two legal actions. The two actions were pursued by Burnden Group, and involved claims that Ultraframe (UK) Ltd, an Ultraframe Director and two wholly owned subsidiaries of Ultraframe, Northstar and Seaquest, allegedly infringed Burnden's intellectual property rights.
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The Burnden Group Plc - Court of Appeal Decision
Barry McMahon, Technical Director of The Burnden Group Plc comments, ‘Yes, we lost the appeal. We knew that the appeal was speculative and we were aware of the risks. The original judgement was based on the Judge's opinion of novelty and obviousness and not necessarily purely on points of law.
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Keymer Adds Deceuninck VS to Range
Deceuninck fabricator, Keymer Double Glazing, has introduced the vertical sliding window to its range of windows, doors and conservatories. The Deceuninck vertical slider offers an authentic replica of a traditional sash window with all the performance expected of a modern day window design.
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Two Ultra Successful Launches
Members of the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme attended two events to celebrate the launch of the Ultraframe’s Marketing Toolbox. Hosted by the company’s marketing team in Reading and Clitheroe, the events showcased the new marketing support package.
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Fakro Roof Windows Relocates
In under three years of establishment in the UK, Fakro Windows GB has needed to relocate to accommodate current and projected business levels. The new premises, in Swadlincote near Burton on Trent, house all head office, sales and customer services functions as well as providing cavernous accommodation for warehousing and dispatch.
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Freefoam Stockist Plans Three New Depots
Kompass Plastics, a specialist supplier of roofline building products with depots in Seaham, South Shields and Cramlington, says that it is enjoying a sustained average growth rate of circa 50% per annum and plans on opening three new depots in Northshields, Newcastle and Durham over the next 18 months.
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What Goes Down, Should Come Up - HWL Stops Installers Price Fighting
Fledgling Kömmerling Fabricator, HWL Trade Frames Ltd., is celebrating its first year in production and its £1m turnover milestone. In the current downturn in the window market HWL says that it is a company that has spread its wings – and is flying high.
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Abbott Group Chosen to Supply Taylor Woodrow
Abbott Group, the Hailsham Sussex based PVCu door and window manufacturer, together with subsidiary Watson Dallas of Glasgow, is celebrating its appointment as one of only three approved suppliers to homebuilder Taylor Woodrow.
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The Ups and Downs of Nature in South Yorks
South Yorkshire manufacturer Sash UK truly has had a productive spring and summer this year… and not just in terms of factory output. However another new family residing near to Sash was not as fortunate, despite the care and hospitality provided the company.
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Chief Appointment Fosters New Chapter for Fineline
Kent-based Sheerframe window fabricator FineLine has appointed Simon Foster as new general manager following the retirement of Peter Goee, who leaves after 35 years with the company.
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Masterdor Creates a Solution to Part 'M' Compliance Within Existing Openings
Manse Masterdor ltd says that it has created a solution to installing Part M compliant wide door-sets into standard brick openings. Housing providers across the country now have a simple and cost effective solution to providing DDA compliant doors to residents without having to alter brick openings in existing properties.
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Wendland Gets into Fortress
Fortress Architectural Systems of Seaham, County Durham, a heavyweight commercial supplier and installer within the North East of England, commenced fabrication of the Styal conservatory roof system in June 2005, entering the conservatory roof supply market for the first time.
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Join Roto on the Road to Morocco
Roto is offering motorcyclists within the fenestration industry the opportunity to take part in a 7-day tour of Morocco in October this year. Headed by renowned motorcycle adventurer, Nick Sanders, the tour will take place between 13th and 20th October this year
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New MD for Newstead
Newstead Trade Frames has announced Adrian Locker’s recent promotion to Managing Director. Previously Director and General Manager, Adrian has helped Newstead stay ahead in an uncertain market.
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Annual Figures Confirm Carl F Growth
Tribute has been paid in the Carl F Group’s annual report to Carl F Petersen Ltd. Market growth was achieved by the UK hardware supplier with a 12 per cent increase in turnover gained during the last financial year.
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New President for Steel Window Association
John Chamberlain of Rea Metal Windows has been elected President of the Steel Window Association, with Matthew Hahn of Steel Window Service & Supplies as Vice President.
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Proskills - Skills Initiative Gears Up For Success
On Wednesday, 6th July, Proskills, the new Government backed skills and training organisation for the process and manufacturing industries, was recommended to receive a licence to operate from the Education and Skills Secretary, Ruth Kelly.
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