

Wrightstyle says that purchasing high performance fabricated steel and glass systems, for today's demanding building environment, has just become a whole lot easier - with watertight guarantees of superior quality [More Here]
Eurocell Building Plastics (EBP), a national network of building plastic depots offering roofline and accessories, is offering its customers a safer method of working at height, using its new Ladder Staging System (LSS) [More Here]
Super Spacer triple glazed units allow greater freedom in glazing design, says Reflex glass whose sealed units are now available as triple glazed manufactured using Super Spacer warm edge spacer [More Here]
2008 has seen the launch of many new products by Freefoam Plastics. One, a new double plank cladding is available in the UK, Ireland and Mainland Europe [More Here] Windowlink has enhanced its sales presentation and pricing software for doors and windows with new door panel libraries featuring a wide range of woodgrain options and lead/bevel designs [More Here]
Designed to grace any door, Kenrick says that the new Excalibur door handle range combines high quality with exceptional durability [More Here] One of the leading architectural aluminium systems companies had added Cotswold's 'one type fits all' Heavy-Duty hinges to its range [More Here]
Cova Products has expanded its high-quality Cova XL exterior product range with the announcement of a new Natural Oak added to the Cova XL PREMIER range of exterior grade veneers [More Here] LSH UK has announced the launch of a push-fit slot vent for windows and doors [More Here] Rockdoor says that it helps installers achieve an edge with its unique and fully engineered composite PVC-U Stable Door [More Here] Yale UK has launched a new armoured security handle designed to provide fabricators and installers with a complete solution against euro cylinder attack, as part of a new range of suited door furniture [More Here] Swisspacer's warm edge technology is available in a wide variety of colour options so the spacer bar perfectly matches the colour of the frame [More Here] Hardware distributor VBH-Wagner has announced the arrival of the esco Design-Line range of products for aluminium doors [More Here] New to Schüco's expanding AWS aluminium window range is the Schüco AWS 105 CC.HI, a specialist window that delivers extremely high levels of sound reduction combined with excellent thermal insulation [More Here] Product Archive (300+ Listed Products) Go Here: For a directory of products sorted by product type
Go Here: For a directory of products sorted by company in alphabetical order

The Sales Manager for REHAU's range of renewable products is giving new meaning to the term green energy [More Here]
Mighton Products has appointed Paul Kirkby as Sales Executive to help raise awareness of the Mighton and Ecotilt brands [More Here] Andy Ball joined as Synseal's Sales Director from 1st May. Andy has worked within the construction industry for 23 years and directly in the window industry for the last eight. [More Here] Steven Massey has joined Regency Glass as sales and marketing manager More Here: Following the launch of Edgetech's 360 Business Support Package, the only dedicated warm edge manufacturer in the UK has introduced the team dedicated to supporting its customers, including a new addition More Here: Mercury Glazing Supplies, the manufacturer of PVC Vertical Sliding Windows, has announced the appointment of Sales and Marketing Director, Steve Reynolds More Here: Former Network VEKA admin officer Karen Lund has rejoined the organisation to work with existing and prospective members throughout England and Wales More Here: Bob Stocker, well known throughout the Industry for his work with RegaLead and North Western Lead, has joined Double R Glass & Roofing Systems Ltd of Wellingborough More Here:

In what could be regarded as a highly-unusual move in a mature industry, Bob Wallis, Managing Director of Essex-based Window-Tech Trade Ltd has successfully returned to trade fabrication this year with the help of his machinery supplier Wegoma More Here:
So
impressed was JMW (Aluminium) Ltd of Newcastle with Elumatec's
SBZ130 CNC profile centre, that the company has now invested
in a second machine
More
Here:
Kombimatec has introduced a new economically priced corner cleaner with the ability to clean 25 different shaped profiles More Here:

REHAU trade fabricator Keyframe has invested almost £400,000 in a new machining centre and associated software. The move is intended to increase capacity at the Bolton-based company from 1,000 to 1,500 frames per week. [More Here]
Anchor Windows, based in Ebbw Vale, has expanded its product range to now include the full range of Deeplas by Deceuninck building products including soffits, fascias and cladding More Here: Relocation to new premises and a change of name have given KJN Windows and Conservatories (previously Ryjack Windows) a new burst of energy within the industry More Here: Sheffields leading manufacturer and installer of Kömmerling PVC-u windows, doors and conservatories, Vision Windows, has reached its ten year milestone as a dedicated Kömmerling fabricator More Here: Wellingborough-based trade fabricator, Glazerite Windows has enjoyed an encouraging start to 2008 and sales has seen an excellent year on year increase More Here:  High performance timber windows and doors from Mumford & Woods Contemporary range have been specified for a new build development of luxury apartments in Kent More Here:
A new technology centre with 21st century teaching facilities was recently completed at Loughborough College, using Thermowood cladding from John Brash More Here: ION Glass was commissioned by Karin Verzariu, BIDA, director of design company Key Interiors, to supply a range of bespoke glass installations at a penthouse apartment on the Strand in London More Here:
Mapleton Homes, based in Kent, has recently constructed two prestigious six bedroom five bathroom homes, with attractive sliding sash windows and French-style patio doors. One of the properties features a 12 foot high JELD-WEN timber feature window More Here:
Hertfordshire-based Forest Hall Joinery has been given the opportunity to tender for a huge national housebuilder project with Mighton's Ecotilt timber sash window system More Here:
 Celuform, the specialist in PVC-UE roofline, cladding and window finishing products, has announced that its fully redesigned website is now live at www.celuform.co.uk [More Here]
Madico Graphic Films has launched a dedicated website to promote the attributes and revenue-enhancing opportunities offered by its range of UV, and eco-solvent inkjet and thermal transfer printable window films [More Here] Phoenix Door Panels, the privately-owned composite and PVC-U door panel manufacturer, has totally revamped its website, giving it a new look with a multi-purpose appeal to both trade customers and consumers alike [More Here] K2 has just launched a web log at www.k2blog.co.uk, embracing the latest trends in internet social media and making what may be considered as yet another industry first. [More Here] A new website has been launched in the UK by PVCu systems supplier, Kömmerling More Here: KBE fabricator Sunshine Windows is flying high in the customer service ratings according to a national trade regulation website More Here: Designed to help increase customers' profits, Edgetech's 360 business support has gone live on www.superspacer.co.uk More Here:

Promac Group will be the headline sponsor for GM Fundraising's Ride 4 Hope, a charity bike ride that will take a team of twelve riders plus support crew from San Diego to Atlantic City, USA in September this year More Here:
Staff at KBE Window Systems fabricator Distinction Windows Ltd are aiming to conquer new heights later this month and raise a record amount of money in a demanding mountaineering event for charity More Here: The majority of the Ride 4 Hope team have just returned from Majorca in preparation for their September bike ride across the USA in aid of Hope House Children's Hospices through GM Fundraising More Here:
 'Over one in three construction sites visited put the lives of workers at risk and operated so far below the acceptable standard that our inspectors served 395 enforcement notices and stopped work on 30% of the sites', Geoffrey Podger, HSE's Chief Executive said recently. More Here:
 We have published a number of articles on Part L of the Building Regulations which you can find here: PART L ARCHIVES
 We have published a number of articles on EN1279, which you can find here: EN1279 ARCHIVES
| | The Gloves Are Off! The stakes have been raised considerably in the PVC-U vs. Timber sustainability debate by the launch of PVCAware.org, which we reported on last week. Showing rather unfortunate timing, but with a spirited defence of his love of timber, eminent window man Roy Wakeman also weighed in to the debate last week.
This week, it looks increasingly as if the gloves are off, and the 'debate' has turned into full scale war. Spectus MD Sam Kennedy has joined the fray with the kind of aggressive defence of the sustainability of PVC-U which the industry should have been doing years ago. It is perhaps significant that of our seven featured projects this week, four are timber, two aluminium.
As well as defending the sustainability of PVC-U - and pointing to an even greener future when plant oils replace crude - Sam attacks the record of the timber window industry in accepting that as much as 40% of timber coming into this country is not certified sustainable. In a separate article, Jon Skinner, chairman, BPF Windows Group Marketing Committee welcome the PVCaware.org initiative.
We think this is a crucial debate for the future of the window industry as a whole, it is not just about the merits of one material versus another. By properly addressing the environmental impact (or benefits!) of its products the entire window industry will gain from increased consumer confidence and respect from the wider contruction community.

WE HAVE EMAIL...
How Sustainable is Timber Really? Roy Wakeman of The Performance Window Group (The Glazine, 20th May) claims that 'by not using Upvc to replace timber windows you can help grow another tree'. But back in the real world, rapid deforestation is going on across the planet. Sam Kennedy, Managing Director, Spectus Window Systems [Read full Email Here] Showcase Your Talents In light of recent discussions about investment into our industry I am writing to you this week to urge companies to get on board with this year's G08 Awards. Andy Jones, Managing Director, Edgetech [Read full Email Here]
Blowing Smoke and Breathing Fire Having read your latest edition of The Gl@zine 20.05.08, I was delighted to see Gary Dutton 'Slaying the Dragon'. It's Gary's no nonsense, positive approach to business that has made his company a market leader. Martin Randall, Chairman, Crystal Direct [Read full Email Here] PVCAware - is the BPF Aware? Having read the news that the Epwin Group and VEKA have decided to set up a website (PVCAware.org) to spread the good news about PVC-U, one has to ask the obvious question: What is the British Plastics Federation Windows Group (BPFWG) doing? Mike Gannon, Freelance Business Journalist [Read full Email Here]
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Business For Sale An opportunity to acquire a profitable, long established and respected home improvement company based on the South Coast, sensibly priced, cash positive and well run with long serving employees.. [More Here]
Arrissing Machine Glass Arrissing Machine for sale Purchased from new; good condition. Manufacturer: Simec model FAV 4T/ 250. [More Here] 
Technical Auditor Chiltern International Fire is one of Europes leading authorities on fire, providing a range of services to clients in the construction industry. These services include consultancy, research, training and testing to British, European and International standards. [More Here]
energiKorner Tips "Opening your oven door to check if your food is ready actually reduces its temperature by 25 degrees, making it take more time and energy to cook your food" [Visit energiKare Website]

Glass Technology Live 2008 How can solar-active building skins be used? What are the benefits of triple glazing in modern office buildings? An exclusive preview of the future of glass technology and its use in architecture will be provided by the Special Show glass technology live presented as part of the international trade fair glasstec from 21st to 25th October 2008 in Düsseldorf. [More on this Event] Switchable Glass at Grand Designs Smart-Tint switchable Glass - now you see it - now you don't - was shown (and also not shown...) by maker Reflex Glass at Grand Designs Live in London this month. [More on this Event] Russian Revolution For Hurst Hurst Plastics has returned from one of its most successful overseas shows ever. The MosBuild building and interiors exhibition, which is the largest trade event in Russia, was held in Moscow in early April. [More on this Event] Celuform to Exhibit at CIH Celuform, manufacturer of PVC-UE roofline, cladding and window finishing products with particular expertise in the specification sector, is exhibiting at the Chartered Institute of Housing Exhibition with its Celutex product. [More on this Event] Kestrel Spreads Calcium Organic Message at CIH The no lead, no tin, 100% calcium organic brand of PVC-UE building products, Kestrel, will be exhibiting at this year's Chartered Institute of Housing Exhibition. [More on this Event] Rockdoor Returns to CIH Exhibition Rockdoor will be returning to this year's Chartered Institute of Housing (CIH) exhibition at the Harrogate International Centre from June 17-19, to showcase its fully engineered PVC-U composite door. [More on this Event] Conference on Coatings on Glass and Plastics The 7th International Conference on Coatings on Glass and Plastics will take place in Eindhoven / Veldhoven, The Netherlands from June 15th - 19th 2008. [More on this Event]
Fenestration China Protects Exhibitors Events of world format are currently boosting the Chinese building industry, which is booming in any case. The window and facade construction industry also profits from this. Representatives of this industry presented their products at the international exhibition Fenestration China 2007 from 14-17 November 2007. [More on this Event] Glasstech Asia 2008 Vietnam Glasstech Asia 2008 Vietnam, is the 7th International Glass Products, Glass Manufacturing, Processing & Materials Exhibition. It will take place in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam from 20th 22nd November 2008. [More on this Event]
Profiles 2008 AMIs programme for Profiles 2008 has a range of top speakers (June 3-4, Hilton, Charlotte Center City, NC, USA), [More on this Event] GlassBuild America Listed as one of the Top 200 trade shows in the U.S. by Tradeshow Week magazine, GlassBuild America is clearly the place to be from October 6-8th 2008. [More on this Event]
More Events More upcoming events are listed below. [More Events]
Exhibition Calendar Go Here: for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world.

Saint-Gobain Glass' UK plant has won The Sunday Times national award for training and motivation of staff on environmental issues and has also been named as one of UK's greenest companies in The Sunday Times' 50 Best Green Companies list published at the weekend (Sunday 18th May). More here:
As part of its Marketing Support Package, Lister Trade Frames has awarded winning installer, D & L Windows of Montgomery, Powys with the companys annual Elitis prize. More here:
Panoramic Windows and Conservatories of Bristol has been awarded the prestigious BSI Kitemark® for its installation services. More here:
 Natalie Murphy of Essex has become only the second ever winner of Safestyle UKs Diamond Account Club quarterly prize draw, having her entire £4500 account balance for installation of energy-saving double glazing paid off in full. More here:
When it comes to point of sale materials, Sarnafil Roof Assured's latest showroom model is a perfect and practical demonstration with running water. More here:
 A new catalogue demonstrating the benefits of fitting timber windows is now available from JELD-WEN. More here:
The ever expanding range of decorative lead products from North Western Lead Co (Hyde) Ltd has proved so popular with customers that the company has had to reprint its design brochure. More here: Friends of the Earths new book, How Can I Stop Climate Change? is a step-by-step expert guide to todays hottest issue, providing a complete run-down of how you can improve the quality of your life and the planets and save some cash while you do it. More here:
AAMA 506-08, a voluntary specification for impact and cycle testing, has been released by the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA). More here:
 15 Locations Shortlisted for Eco-Towns The country's first eco-towns took a step closer to becoming reality recently as Housing Minister Caroline Flint announced 15 potential locations will go forward to the next stage, providing the opportunity for a major boost in affordable housing across the country whilst tackling climate change. More here:

Smaller company members of the British Woodworking Federation have just been handed an opportunity to develop their organisations skills and management. More here:
No less than 80 of Hull-based Hallmark Panels' staff have been awarded NVQ Certificates for achieving Level 2 in Business Improvement Techniques. More here: GAP, the home improvement stockist, is working in partnership with Wigan and Leigh College to provide the first NVQ Level 2 in Special Installation of Roofline Systems in the UK. More here: Kestrel, the no lead, no tin, 100% calcium organic brand of PVC-UE building products, has teamed up with Wigan & Leigh College to provide a formal qualification in roofline installation for all Kestrel Registered Installers. More here:

Lister Trade Frames, the Stoke on Trent based fabricator recently took delivery of a CK International Mini-Compactor to ensure its recyclable polythene packaging waste doesnt end up in landfill. More Here:

The UK's leading PVC-U recycler Dekura has launched a new service designed to support fabricators and installers address the new Site Waste Management legislation which came into force on April 6th. More Here:
It's all green and go at Sash UK's factory in Barnsley, where two new baling machines are not only saving money, but complying with the environmental agenda to reduce the impact of waste on landfill. More Here: Profile manufacturer KBE has joined forces with Bristol-based Penfold Plastics Ltd to almost entirely eradicate waste from its customers production lines. More Here: Dekura, the PVC-U recycler has unveiled its new post-consumer waste processing machine - 'Titan'. More Here:
 Linde Nippon Sanso (LNS), a company of The Linde Group, has signed an exclusive contract with Malibu GmbH & Co. KG in Bielefeld, Germany, to supply all of the gases needed to make photovoltaic modules. More Here:

GlazeKart, the endurance outdoor karting race for the glass and fenestration industry, has announced the date for the 2008 event, Friday, 6th June. [More on this Event] From 21st to 25th October 2008 the global glass industry will convene in Düsseldorf for the 20th glasstec to present the latest developments in the field. [More on this Event]
Exhibition Calendar Go Here: for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world
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PRODUCT OF THE WEEK Venetian Blinds Sealed into IGUs can be Programmed to Work Automatically Many 'intelligent' devices can be fitted into the home and office, where functions such as heating, lighting, ventilation, entertainment and security can be controlled automatically. Now, home owners, property developers and architects can add another essential function - automatic operation of Venetian blinds sealed into insulated glass units. [More on this Product]
Product of the Week Archive here
PROJECT OF THE WEEK A&F Pilbeam Chooses Masterframe to Meet Conservation Regulations A&F Pilbeam Ltd recently installed 32 Masterframe Vintage 'Secured by Design' sliding sashes to its own housing stock in Brighton. The general building contractor specialises in social housing and aims to sell the four new build terraced houses (currently privately let) to a housing association, so it was important for the company to fulfill the latest regulations. [More on this Project]
Project of the Week Archive here Think Like Champions With Pilkington Activ The search for the Best Team in the Window Industry, sponsored by Pilkington Activ continues with a fabulous prize of a Money-Cant-Buy Training session with World-class rugby league side St Helens Saints, a fantastic stay at a to spa hotel and seats at the traditional grudge match with Wigan Warriors, the hottest battle in the Super League.. [Read the Rest Here]
THIS WEEK'S NEWS Housebuilding Slump Continues The downturn in the housebuilding sector continues, with bad news this week from Kier, Bellway Homes, Taylor Wimpey, McCarthy & Stone, Crest Nicholson and Wolseley. [Read the Rest Here] Property Market Stable but Consumer Confidence is Still Shaky Members of the National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) reported that the picture is still very regional but elements of the market are stabilising. Members reported stability in the sales agreed, the number of viewings before a sale is secured and the average difference between asking and sales price. [Read the Rest Here]
Industry Steps up to Deliver United Campaign The British Plastics Federation has welcomed initial proposals from the PVCaware.org campaign to promote the sustainability of PVC building products as having 'strong correlation' with its own initiatives. [Read the Rest Here]
Climate Change Festival for Synseal Synseal fabricator and installer Finestral Windows, is going to the Climate Change Festival to promote its new A rated window. [Read the Rest Here]
Force 8 Predicts Composites as the Next Big Market Door-Stop customer Force 8 predicts composite doors as the next big market. In fact, Dennis Sumner, managing Director at Force 8, has changed the retail homepage on www.force8.co.uk to focus on composite doors. [Read the Rest Here] Deceuninck Launches New 'House' Magazine Deceuninck has just released the first edition of the companys new house magazine: Windowshopper. The high quality, stylishly designed 24-page glossy will be published twice yearly in Spring and Autumn. [Read the Rest Here]
Kat UK's Tenth Anniversary Sees a New Partnership with Deceuninck Macclesfield-based trade supplier Kat UK, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year, has just announced a new partnership with Deceuninck. The specialist sliding products manufacturer will be fabricating the Deceuninck bi-folding door. [Read the Rest Here] U Plastics Opens Second Branch Stocking Freefoam Products U Plastics, the largest independent merchant in the East Anglian area, has recently opened a new branch in Ipswich. It started in Newmarket four years ago and stocks the Freefoam range of roofline products in both branches. [Read the Rest Here]
Provincial Signs First Super Spacer Dealership in Ireland Provincial Glass and Mirror is the first company in Ireland to sign up to the Super Spacer Dealership. [Read the Rest Here]
Solar Windows Adds REHAU RAUFERNO to Product Range Commercial specialist Solar Windows is now offering fire resistant PVC-U windows and doors using the REHAU RAUFERNO system. [Read the Rest Here]
Solaglas Contracting - Key Project Wins, Monthly Update May has been a positive month for Solaglas Contracting. Key wins totalling more than £2.7-million include:- [Read the Rest Here] Boris Slashes Affordable Housing Targets For Developers Plans by the new mayor of London to slash affordable housing requirements across the Capital have been welcomed by the British Property Federation and Home Builders Federation. [Read the Rest Here]
Rogers: Eco Towns Not Sustainable Lord Rogers has launched a broadside against eco towns, calling them one of the biggest mistakes government could make. [Read the Rest Here] Construction Diploma is Struggling The Government admitted last week that take-up levels for the new Construction Diploma are dismal. [Read the Rest Here] A Breath of Fresh Air for Ventilation Belgium-based ventilation and louvre specialist Tunal now has a dedicated sales and support base in the United Kingdom. [Read the Rest Here] Product Diversification at AWJ Glass AWJ Glass is one of the UK's leading sealed unit manufacturers and after substantial investment the management team has diversified the product range for the architectural market with highly efficient Tri-seal units that will provide considerable energy saving benefits to customers. [Read the Rest Here] New Alliance Builds Low Carbon Future The UK's drive towards a sustainable built environment received a significant boost last week with the launch of a new partnership between the University of East Anglia (UEA) and the Building Research Establishment (BRE). [Read the Rest Here] The Ultra-Magnificent 7 The Ultraframe Ultra Installer Scheme continues to go from strength to strength, with seven new members coming on board over the last month. [Read the Rest Here] Carl F Celebrates Carl F Petersen is celebrating the fifth year of its on-line tools and accessories shop. Carl F direct, which was launched in 2003, now offers over 1,500 products including power tools, maintenance products and health and safety equipment. [Read the Rest Here] EYG's Latest Regional Base Gets Off to Flying Start Hull-based EYG Group's latest expansion - a new regional base in South Lincolnshire - has got off to a flying start, the company announced recently. Within the first few days of trading, sales at the new centre in Spalding had already exceeded expectations and had topped the £30,000 mark. [Read the Rest Here] New Security Guarantee from Kenrick Kenrick, one of the UK's leading window and door hardware manufacturers, has enhanced the guarantee scheme it offers for its range of high security window and door locking systems. [Read the Rest Here] Expanded Role for Kommerling UKs Commercial Manager Kommerling UK, a leading provider of sealants and adhesives to both the glass and glazing industry and the automotive and vehicle body building sector, announced on 22nd May that it has extended Lee Foulkes role to have a greater international dimension. [Read the Rest Here] PBM-DQS a Success in Edinburgh PBM-DQS is a specialist materials supplier of low maintenance products to window manufacturers, builders, window installation companies and related trade customers. Part of SIG plc, the company has reported three very successful months trading at the recently-opened branch at Unit 2 Sir Harry Lauder Road, Edinburgh. [Read the Rest Here] New Line Seals it for Phoenix Door Panels Investment in a new sealed unit line has boosted PVC-U door panel production capacity to in excess of 1,500 per week at Cambridgeshire-based Phoenix Door Panels, enabling the company to meet forecast growth in 2008 and beyond. [Read the Rest Here] First NVQ in Roofline Proves Popular with GAP Customers The industry's first specifically designed professional roofline qualification has proved popular. [Read the Rest Here]
Ecofirst Enables Window Installers to Benefit from Booming Renewable Energy Market Window installers looking to benefit from the boom in renewable energy systems by installing energy-efficient technology will find that Ecofirst Limited, a company established in 2006 by sustainable housing pioneers, ZeroC (formerly Cornhill Estates), has all the answers they need. [Read the Rest Here] Product and Solution the Key to Value Sales 'If I can beat the price, can I have your order?'. Words that striker terror into anyone who is concerned about where our industry is heading, or indeed their own profit margins, but what are we actually doing to differentiate ourselves from the cheap and not so nearly cheerful elements, who seem to repeatedly come and go, using the cheapest possible products that rarely deliver all that they boast and each time further eroding market prices in their search for a quick buck? [Read the Rest Here] Fenzi Group: Italian Business Culture Less than two years after its inauguration, Fenzi China Paints and Sealants Company Limited, the Fenzi Group company in China set up in June 2006, has already received two important recognitions by the Chinese authorities. [Read the Rest Here] Glaston Puts Strong Focus on Solar Energy Glaston Corporation, the global specialist in glass processing machines and the only supplier of comprehensive One-Stop-Partner integrated line solutions puts, in line with its new strategy, strong focus on the growing solar energy market. Glaston has the product range, know-how, experience and global presence to meet the needs of the solar energy segment and its customers. [Read the Rest Here] |