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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 348 27th January 2009
Sweet Sixteen for Tradelink!
At a time when business failures in our industry are dominating the headlines, it’s refreshing to hear some positive news. So congratulations to Tradelink, one of the industry’s best known trade fabricators, for reaching its 16th anniversary milestone in 2008.
[Read the Rest Here]
‘Old School’ VEKA responds to new demands
Ask anyone in Government or the media whether the economic downturn will have a silver lining for education funding in the short term and the only thing observers agree on is that they disagree.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Pilkington energiKare™, takes another stride forward in its quest to prevent heat loss
Established in 1969, Zenith now has sales of more than 50,000 windows and doors every year and will sell Pilkington energiKare™ as standard. The company will benefit from increased public awareness of Pilkington energiKare™ through Pilkington’s consumer marketing efforts, as well as the sales and marketing support given to all Partners as standard.
Alfa Windows has got the Quay
Leading Profile 22 fabricator, Alfa Windows, has delivered a prestigious newbuild contract showing the benefits of PVC-U as a cost effective, quick alternative to aluminium building products.
Crystal Direct wins over 70 new customers using Windowbase
National trade fabricator, Crystal Direct, has won over 70 new contracts following a direct mail sent at the end of 2008 using Windowbase data. Around 8,000 installers were targeted over a period of two months with a flyer promoting Crystal’s new range of composite doors.
Wood Window Alliance told to withdraw ad by ASA
The Advertising Standards Authority has ruled that a Wood Window Alliance advertisement must not appear again because it breaches codes relating to truthfulness and environmental claims.
Warm front approaching fast: Swisspacer sales up 300%!
Sales of Swisspacer’s leading warm edge spacer increased by 300% in the UK and Ireland during 2008. Global sales also showed significant growth in the past 12 months. Now with three distribution partners covering the whole of the UK and Ireland (Madgen; DGS/Solutions UK; and National Seal) sealed unit manufacturers are able to purchase the wide range of Swisspacer products in the way that is most convenient to them. Partly as a result of this positive development, the Swisspacer team fully expect another year of strong growth in 2009.
Cornwall Glass & Glazing FREE prize draw
Cornwall Glass & Glazing, the South West's leading glass and glazing suppliers, welcome all to enter their FREE prize draw and stand the chance to win a superb one week holiday for up to 8 people in Cornwall, to be taken at anytime during 2009. This holiday has a value of up to £800.
FREE Energy Efficiency Industry Seminar – Speakers Announced
Speakers have now been announced for the industry wide ‘Energy Efficiency in Focus – Revisited’ seminar on 26th February at the Coventry Ricoh Arena, organised by Edgetech. The open event will look at existing and planned legislation, opportunities available through selling energy efficient products and intended technological advances for the industry, and attendance is absolutely free!
CIOB celebrates 20 years in China with further growth in membership
In the 30th year since Deng Xiaoping declared an open door policy in China, the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) has seen a 33 percent increase in its membership throughout mainland China.
Claydon Aluminium Systems appointment
Neville Grunwald joins the company from Alumet Systems, which turned over £20m last year. Whilst at Alumet he fulfilled the role of Contracts Director and oversaw a wide range of specialist facade projects, including the development of a new blast resistant cladding solution for an MOD project.
Charlie and Sekura fly the flag for the window industry
Charlie Hill managing director of Sekura Group has proved a little good news can go a very long way.
Advertising Standards Authority rules against misleading anti-PVC advert
Fighting Back With Facts (FBWF) has welcomed the recent ruling by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) that an advert for the Wood Window Alliance (WWA) breached the ASA’s Code by creating a misleading impression of timber’s environmental performance.
Bystronic glass Appoints New Market Director
At the beginning of January 2009 Giuseppe Viggiani became responsible for the market region of Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMA) in the company management of the Bystronic glass Group. He succeeds Martin Heim, who chose to leave the group at the end of last year.
Letter to the editor
Dear Tony, It’s disappointing to hear the news that Glassex has been postponed. I think it’s a shame the show will no longer exist as its own entity but I do believe EMAP has done the right thing. Perhaps not brilliantly handled, but as Glassex has recently struggled to get the footfall it once did, a new route had to be explored.
FENSA CEO confirms prices frozen for 7th year
FENSA has announced that it has frozen all its charges; registration, inspection and £1.50 per job notification charges for the seventh year. Prices have remained the same since FENSA was first established in April 2002, and will be capped again for 2009.
Guardian Industries Looks to the Future with Super Spacer®
Edgetech I.G. is pleased to announce that Guardian Industries has recently switched from aluminium box spacers to Super Spacer® to improve the thermal performance and long-term durability of its residential IG units.
Innovative flat entrance door sales soar
An innovative new flat entrance door has seen unprecedented sales in its first six months. JELD-WEN’s internal flat entrance doorset was introduced to meet market demand for an entrance door for apartments that was extremely robust as well as offering fire rated properties.
New delivery vehicle promotes ICENI windows brand
ICENI Windows is set to become a more familiar brand across East Anglia and the South of England now that the company has invested around £40,000 in a new, fully liveried delivery vehicle.
Frost & Sullivan Maps the BIPV Hotspots in Europe
The European Building Integrated Photovoltaics (BIPV) market is showing great investment and growth potential as it spreads through Europe.
Door-Stop More Secure as Over 2 in 3 Burglaries Are Through the Door
A massive 67% of burglaries are attempted through a door, so how confident are you that the doors you’re selling can withstand such a statistic? Nick Dutton, Managing Director of Door-Stop International, the composite door supplier taking the panel market by storm, explains what installers should be looking out for in a door: “I think everyone accepts that security and energy efficiency are two of the biggest selling points for our industry.
Avocet invests to optimise stock control
Leading hardware supplier Avocet Hardware has invested £100,000 in a new stock management system. Optimiza is an advanced inventory management computer programme which allows Avocet to ensure its stock profile meets growing customer demand.
“CAB Present Aluminium’s Green Credentials at Ecobuild ”
Sustainability has long been the byword of aluminium’s use in construction and we continue to use increasing quantities of the material in our new and refurbished buildings. With the recent recognition by the BRE that the materials ratings in its Green Guide should be applied within the context of a building’s overall sustainability performance, now is an excellent time to specify aluminium.
A Swish New Website
Swish window and door systems has launched a new website which provides a wealth of information for both trade customers and consumers at the click of a mouse.
Daedalian brings a touch of Tiffany to Knightsbridge
Interior designer, Tatiana Mikhailova, has brought her own distinctive style to bear on one of her current projects - an apartment in London’s Knightsbridge.
GAP appoints Simon Brayshaw as Group Finance Director
Leading home improvement stockist GAP has appointed Simon Brayshaw as its Group Finance Director as part of the company’s long-term strategic growth plan. Simon’s proven track record makes him ideal for the job, having worked at DABS, a very successful e-commerce business, for six years.
New Mighton Sash Access SystemTM for hard to reach windows
Mighton Products has produced a Sash Access SystemTM so windows can be maintained from inside the building, eliminating the need for scaffolding when painting and renovating. The Sash Access System consists of three products.
A year for aluminium
K2 Conservatories has just published a 4 page aluminium roof system product guide aimed at fabricators, installers and specifiers and expects demand for this system to grow significantly in 2009.
McNeill-McManus Glass has gone into administration
McNeill-McManus Glass, based in Mallusk, Northern Ireland, and which employs 75 people, has gone into administration. The glass processing and installation company has been in the industry for more than 80 years.
Grey the new White?
Bi-Folding Door manufacturer Colourline, report a 62% increase in sales of grey powder coated doors with Ral 7016 being the colour of choice during 2008.
Windowmaker has finished 2008 on a high, with sales 5% up on 2007
Goronwy Jones, Managing Director, explains “We are in the business of taking cost out of fabricators’ business processes.
Fast Frame awarded BM TRADA Q-Mark for enhanced security
Fastframe UK Ltd of Nottingham has achieved the BM TRADA Q-Mark for Enhanced Security Windows and Doors, as well as BFRC A and C window energy ratings for its Deceuninck 2800 Series, with BM TRADA Certification.
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 347 20th January 2009
Glassex rescheduled to run alongside Interbuild 2009
Following growing demand from the window, door, conservatory and glass industries and the successful re-negotiation with key suppliers, Glassex will be rescheduled from its planned March date to take place at the NEC alongside Interbuild from the 18th to 21st October 2009.
[Read the Rest Here]
Bohle appoints Broxton as head of UK sales & marketing
Bohle Ltd UK, the British arm of the world’s leading supplier of machinery, tools and consumables for glass processing and assembly, has appointed Dave Broxton as the company’s Sales & Marketing Director.
New Spectus Directors work directly with fabricators
Leading system company Spectus has promoted Peter Colclough and Chris Powell to Production Director and Operations Director respectively. Both Peter and Chris have worked in the extrusion factory for many years in a variety of roles. They will now work much more closely with customers, meeting key accounts for active feedback to provide a better and more efficient service.
Synseal announces David Leng as new Managing Director
David Leng is appointed as Managing Director for Synseal Extrusions Ltd. This cements the long term strength and stability of the management team. The appointment allows Malcolm LeMasurier to focus on the growth and development of Synseal Holdings Ltd, the parent company of Synseal Extrusions Ltd and Door-Stop International Ltd.
Super Spacer® in Abu Dhabi mosque
Edgetech’s Super Spacer® has been used in the windows of the third largest mosque in the world, in Abu Dhabi. With more than 2,500 different free forms, around 5,000 square metres of installed glass and more than 8 kilometres of Super Spacer, the building project is unique. For the motorised glass sliding doors, each weighing up to 17 tonnes, numerous material tests had to be carried out onsite to ensure that the aluminium structure could be installed without warping.
Train to Gain windfall ends this month
The Skills Minister (John Denham) has introduced a £30m Capacity Building fund grant aimed at Train to Gain Training Providers to help them increase their delivery of the Government's flagship skills programme Train to Gain.
Further appointments made as Framexpress strengthens corporate position
As one of the leading fabricators in the UK, frameXpress is set to further establish its corporate position with the appointment of a new Business Sales Manager. Lisa Lee is the latest recruit to join the frameXpress team and she brings with her a vast amount of sales experience.
Bi-Folding Door manufacturers Colourline end the year on a High
During a year when it seemed that the industry was firmly in the doldrums, Colourline bucked the trend with record sales figures.
Windowlink offers electronic alternative to printed pricelists
Windowlink has launched an electronic price book that can replace a trade supplier’s printed price list. Focus Price-Book offers a fast, simple and more accurate alternative to traditional printed versions. WIndowlink sets up each Focus Price-Book with the products and pricing information for the individual trade supplier which they can then issue to their installer customers to help make pricing doors and windows quicker and easier.
TimberWindows.com: Engineered to sell
TimberWindows.com has added a new tagline to its logo to epitomise its offer. The new phrase ‘engineered to sell’ sums up the company’s unique business model and products that helps its network of Registered Installers sell in an increasingly competitive window market.
Sales up as production reaches record levels at Rockdoor
Sales at leading composite door manufacturer Rockdoor continue to soar, with production reaching record levels each month. In 2008, sales grew by 80% compared to the previous year.
The Omega Group attracts 135 new leads with Insight Data
Leading Spectus fabricator, The Omega Group, received 135 trade leads after using Insight Data’s installer database to launch their new composite door range.
Tuscan rooflights with Pilkington Activ™
Conservation rooflights are becoming increasingly popular as more and more period properties are being renovated for habitable purpose. Tuscan Foundry Products rooflights provide light, aesthetic appeal and energy efficiency and they also offer an added bonus – they are self-cleaning, courtesy of Pilkington Activ™ glass.
A warm safestyle welcome for baby Isabella
The Erwood family of Stevenage in Hertfordshire recently welcomed baby daughter Isabella into the world and with the assistance of Safestyle UK, ensured she received the warmest of welcomes.
Emplas delivers better prospects for trade customers
Data experts at Emplas are offering truly bespoke, intelligence-based marketing support. A new, complimentary support service is now available to Emplas trade customers seeking to grow their business. Marketing Assistant, Clodagh Sexton works closely with Craig Johnson and Mark Holloway in the sales and marketing team, Clodagh works on behalf of customers to identify and contact installers and builders local to the customer.
20% growth follows MPS decision to choose Emplas
Since opting for Emplas, window and conservatory company MPS has seen terrific improvements in performance and quality.
Balcony Systems Ltd: Curved views to Welsh coast
Three sets of curved sliding glass and aluminium patio doors supplied by Balcony Systems Ltd have been installed at this luxury architect-designed home to make the most of expansive and breathtaking views across the North Wales coast.
Home Discount Supplies committed to Everwhite
Reading-based PVC-UE roofline stockist, Home Discount Supplies, is Everwhite’s longest established customer – having stocked its products since the brand was first introduced. The company remains committed to Everwhite because of its great quality products and competitive pricing, and believes that the relationship can only improve following the management changes earlier this year.
Carl F and HOPPE celebrate synergy
A partnership dating back to the year 2000 has been celebrated by Carl F Petersen Ltd and HOPPE UK. Synergies in service philosophy were highlighted by the companies’ managing directors as key to the trading relationship.
Suppliers must raise their game, warns Insight Data
Companies are still wasting time and money chasing new customers who have moved or gone bust, according to Insight Data’s commercial director Helen Costeloe-Hughes; “In this market place it’s essential that companies win new business, but many marketing departments and sales teams are still using poor quality, inaccurate information costing companies thousands of pounds every year.”
Five new A-C energy ratings from Crystal
National trade fabricator Crystal Direct now offers five energy rated windows: three thermally efficient ‘C’s and two top ‘A’s in Synseal’s SynerJy and Shield profiles. Crystal’s Chairman Martin Randall comments “Energy efficiency is high on homeowners’ priorities, and becoming even more important as they seek to cut their costs of living against a back drop of recession, expensive fuel bills and the need for Energy Performance Certificates. Offering a range of energy efficient windows can help installers differentiate themselves and offer homeowners best value for their money. The ratings are an invaluable sales tool.”
New high quality colour coating service for glass tougheners
The Glass Wall Company has introduced a new high quality glass colour coating service that is competitively priced and designed to help glass tougheners improve their margins. The process, known as Toughcoat Interior, provides a durable, glossy and totally opaque finish; and any RAL Classic or RAL Design colours can be matched and a textural finish – or even digital imagery to any size – can be printed as well.
Packexe launches new glass & glazing protection film
The leading range of self-adhesive protection films from Packexe now includes a product specially designed for internal and external glass and glazing. New Glass & Glazing Protection Film has a medium to light adhesive on one side, making it ideal for use on windows and glass to prevent damage not only during transportation and while construction, renovation or decoration work is being carried out, but also during window installation.
KLEIBERIT Adhesives / Germany announce new General Manager for UK
KLEIBERIT Adhesives, a worldwide leading manufacturer of Adhesives for industry and construction, based in Germany, has recently appointed Mark Dunn as its new UK General Manager to lead and strengthen the existing experienced UK team.
Pioneer Trading offers customers real-time online ordering
Synseal fabricator Pioneer Trading Ltd has invested £20,000 in real-time online ordering. The system is set up so its customers using a unique user code can input orders directly into its system.
Profile 22 unveils ‘green’ new build window system
Window systems leader Profile 22 will launch its unique green new build window system which boasts individual product recycled content of up to 98 per cent while eliminating the complexities of site product installation.
Solaglass appoints divisional technical manager
One of the most experienced technical experts in the industry has joined Solaglas Contracting as its first Divisional Technical Manager. John McComb joins the company from Kawneer Global Special Projects where he was Business Unit Manager. Prior to that, John was at Reynaers for 12 years and was latterly employed as Technical Director.
Conservatories in full bloom
K2 installer, Windowcare Conservatories, has just opened one of the largest conservatory villages in the North West at the new £10m Dobbies Garden World in Southport.
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 346 13th January 2009
E.A.S. offers BFRC B and C rated windows
REHAU fabricator E.A.S. Windows is renewing its focus on energy efficiency with the addition of both BFRC B and C rated windows to its range. The Oadby, Leicestershire based company, which supplies retail, trade and commercial customers throughout the East Midlands, says that it is responding to their demands for simple, off the shelf window solutions which enable them to satisfy both legislative and market requirements on energy efficiency.
Network unveils exclusive white foil
Network VEKA has launched its first ever exclusive product – a white woodgrain foil profile to be available only to fabricator members. The profile is a bespoke product based on VEKA’s Matrix 58, commissioned by the organisation in specific response to demand from fabricators, as MD John Ogilvie explained.
Supaseal continues to expand with major investment in Bystronic
While the industry seems beset with stories of panic and self destruction, Supaseal Glass considers that potential for organic growth is viable and is making bold moves with a dramatic expansion programme that has been instigated with the opening of Supaseal North East.
PVCaware.org month of action
PVCaware.org, the campaign to provide correct information on PVC, is planning to sign up window companies in the new year to support a month of action to take key messages to more specifiers and more end users.
Total Group appoints new quality manager
As part of its on-going commitment to providing customers with the best in product quality and service, Total Group, one of the UK’s most successful PVC-U and aluminium fabricators, has appointed Mike Hurst as Quality Manager.
GPD to participate in Bau 2009
GPD will participate in BAU 2009 in January (12 - 17 January, 2009). The venue is Munich Trade Fair Centre
Open day success for CWG Choices
The two day event on 11 and 12 December held at CWG Choices Aldridge Factory was a massive success. With over 80 customers and prospects coming to see what’s new at CWG Choices Ltd.
Watsons Glass 'breaks' the ice
Glass processing specialist, Watsons Glass, has developed a stunning new process that will be a literal ‘ice breaker’ in any business meeting, or social gathering.
Speedy KAT
KAT uk ALUMINUM Division has recently installed a Stuga Router into their factory based in Hazel Grove, Stockport to further improve their lead times for Bifolding Doors.
Quantum Windows leaps ahead with Eurocell
Quantum Windows, a fabricator based in Corby, Northamptonshire, has become the latest window and door business to take advantage of Eurocell’s recent acquisition of Plastmo Profiles.
Door-Stop Launches Yale Electronic Door Viewer
Installers wanting further differentiation on their composite doors can now offer Yale’s Electronic Viewer with Door-Stop International, the composite door supplier taking the panel market by storm. Nick Dutton, Director of Door-Stop explains how installers will benefit: “Orders for doors with this new technology will be pre-routed to save installers time on site. With a wide 90º angle, the viewer allows homeowners to see live who is at the door. An optional memory card also saves time stamped images of any visitors who may have called while they’ve been out.
New fire door ignites huge amount of interest
JELD-WEN, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of interior and exterior doors, has reported a huge amount of interest in its recently launched FireGuard® door. The new door, which was recently commended as one of the most innovative products of the year by the Construction Products Association 2008, is already becoming a firm favourite with builders, contractors and home-renovators.
Watsons glass receives ‘government’ approval
Watsons Glass recently welcomed local MP and Government Minister Pat McFadden to their West Midlands glass processing Centre, to see for himself the results of a multi-million pound investment programme aided and supported by the Manufacturing Advisory Service (MAS) – West Midlands.
TimberWindows.com recruits new installers with Windowbase
TimberWindows.com recruited two new Registered Installers in a specific area of London after targeting the region with direct mail using Windowbase’s installer database. Around 50 companies were specially targeted to receive just one mail shot, resulting in two new customers to date.
Rehau launched new consumer website
REHAU has made a substantial investment in a new website specifically for homeowners, which will deliver consumer enquiries direct to its network of fabricators and installers.
The Frame People ahead for heights in Manchester
The Frame People, a Eurocell window and door fabricator based in Salford, has become one of the first customers in the UK to gain business using Eurocell’s new reversible window system. Recent projects supplied by The Frame People include a 20 storey apartment block in Salford.
Creating sustainable homes across Carmarthenshire
Anglian Building Products (ABP) is working with Carmarthenshire County Council to deliver their Decent Homes Improvement Programme by providing high quality windows and doors.
Calls to the bar from WHS Halo
WHS Halo – one of the UK’s leading systems companies – has introduced a new Weather Bar to complement its Eclipse, Eclipse Esthétique, Rustique and enhanced System 10 profiles. The new Weather Bar is available in chamfered or sculptured options, as per the four systems, and employs the same securing method as previous items.
Beaufort – Bucking the trend
Patrick Burke, Beaufort Secure Design’s Head of Sales confirms the company is all set for the challenging year ahead.
Contractors putting in unprofitable tenders
Contractors are so desperate to win work during the downturn that they are submitting bids that are too low to make a profit, according to Building Cost Information Service (BCIS).
Dekura unveils new waste management service
Dekura, the UK’s leading PVC-U recycler, will showcase its unique post-consumer waste PVC-U recycling and waste management service, at ecobuild.
Police request Masterframe SBD sashes for Crime Prevention showhouse
Masterframe’s Secured By Design (SBD) sash windows have been installed at a Centre of Excellence for Crime Prevention in Birmingham. West Midlands Police run a community safe-house to show members of the public what crime prevention products and concepts are available. Situated next door to the police station, more than 3,000 people have visited the top security demo house since June 2007.
VEKA workers ‘putt-up’ for cancer teens
A teenage cancer charity is £300 better off, thanks to big-hearted amateur golfers at PVC-U system supplier VEKA.
Edgetech Celebrates Anniversary Milestone in 2009
Edgetech celebrates more than 20 years as a leader and partner to the fenestration industry this year. Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech UK and Europe comments: “In 1989, a breakthrough occurred in the fenestration industry – one that promised energy efficiency, durability and unmatched customer support. That promise was delivered and continues 20 years on as Edgetech continues to develop products and real business support for its customers.”
Whitehall data errors
According to The Telegraph (2 January), 3.5 million personal records held by the Government are inaccurate, raising fears that data has ended up in the wrong hands. Mistakes will also be used by various Government departments to assess or tax us. Laptops lost on trains and planes and stolen from cars in recent years have given us cause to be concerned. Personal data could be exchanged or passed to those who have no right to it. The biggest worry is that we’ve lost trust in the Government’s ability to keep our data secure.
NEW e-Newsletter from Thermoseal Group
Thermoseal Group has introduced a new e-Newsletter as part of its commitment to the continual improvement of its customer service offering. The content will also provide a source of news to window fabricators and installers, builders and contractors and anyone with an interest in the double glazing industry.
PLUG IN to the power of web for FREE
In a National Statistics study conducted in summer 2008, it was revealed that 16 million households in Great Britain – that’s 65% - had Internet access.
Omega Group launch British Security Composite Doors
Composite doors are the latest “big thing” among fabricators and installers but according to Rob Morley from the Omega Group, there is very little to differentiate one from the other. Until now that is. The company has recently launched their new composite door under the “British Security Composite Door” brand, and it’s already proved a real winner.
Epwin Group to showcase ‘green’ innovations
The Epwin Group, the specialist low maintenance building materials group, will be showcasing its new generation of advanced sustainable and energy efficient PVC-U products at ecobuild.
New member to the Pilkington Suncool™ Family
Pilkington has unveiled a brand new addition to its popular Pilkington Suncool™ range to help meet the changes to the Part L of the Building Regulations in 2010.
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 345 6th January 2009
Filling the GAP in Hemel Hempstead
Leading home improvement stockist GAP is to open its 12th depot in Hemel Hempstead. The 22,000sq ft warehouse and huge 2,000sq ft trade counter at Unit 3, Swallowdale Lane will open for business seven days a week from February 2 2009, and will offer installers and builders within a 50 mile radius a wide range of home improvement products. The depot will also act as GAP’s southern hub providing a platform for further expansion. Richard Cockett, a well known face in the industry, will lead the new Southern Sales team and oversee the expansion plans.
Make sure the price is right
The key message for 2009 from software specialist, Windowlink, is to make sure that your selling price is properly related to costs. MD, Giles Hayhurst, says too many companies are using out of date price lists or simply not keeping track of costs. “In these tough economic times, customers want – and know they can usually get – a special deal. But if you aren’t sure what a job is costing your business, how do you know how much discount you can offer without risking a loss?” he says.
The frame people ahead for heights in Manchester with Eurocell
The Frame People, a Eurocell window and door fabricator based in Bolton, has become one of the first customers in the UK to gain business using Eurocell’s new reversible window system. Recent projects supplied by The Frame People include a 20 storey apartment block in Salford.
New ISO standard tackles recyclability of earth-moving machinery
Over the years, earth-moving machinery reaching the end of its useful life has significantly contributed to the total volume of waste needing to be treated or disposed of. For this reason, end-of-life recycling has today become a market requirement and an integral phase of a machine’s life cycle. To ensure environmentally sound treatment of a machine and all its components when the time comes, it is essential that eventual recovery issues are already taken into account during the design phase, along with safety, emissions, fuel consumption and other design considerations.
John Brash Western Red Cedar helps create sustainable home
An energy-efficient new build house adjoining an existing barn, located in the village of Comberton in the South Cambridgeshire countryside, is the latest sustainable development to use Western Red Cedar cladding from John Brash.
Crystal Direct gets top marks in sealed unit audits
Hertfordshire-based national trade fabricator, Crystal Direct, scored 97% in its latest sealed unit audit by CENSolutions. The audit examines EN1279 quality standards for the production of sealed units. Chairman, Martin Randall, originally set up Crystal’s glass division to have tighter control over standards of production. The company supplies sealed units to both installer customers as well as fabricators who appreciate quality output.
Softview Commits to Composites with Door-Stop
Softview Windows, Doors and Conservatories is committing to Door-Stop’s composite door, confident in the knowledge that the time is right to push this high end product. “It’s becoming more difficult to sell the big ticket items such as conservatories in today’s economic climate,” explains Adrian Wymer, Managing Director of Softview, “but people still enjoy spending money and are prepared to buy an attractive improvement to the entrance of their home.
Windowbase reports new company formation exceeded failures in 2008
There’s hope for the industry, says Windowbase, as the latest annual analysis shows that, overall there are more companies entering the industry than leaving it. The major part of the new wave are installers of windows, doors, roofs and conservatories who do not fabricate, while there has been a slight reduction in the number of fabricators - with many new companies formed from the remains of those that have failed.
frameXpress celebrates 10 years as leading industry fabricator
Leading window, door and conservatory fabricator, frameXpress celebrates 10 years success in providing only the highest standards possible when it comes to product and service support for customers.
A Super Spacer Sealed Unit Every 23 Seconds
As we head into another New Year and energy, transport and labour costs continue to rise, manufacturers are looking for maximum efficiency. “A fully automated Super Spacer production line removes labour intensive processes such as dessicant filling, bar bending and manual spacer application, typically removing a minimum of three men from the overall production process.
John Brash caldding is top of the class
John Brash has supplied its Western Red Cedar cladding to the new Educational Village in Gainsborough, which is aimed at improving the learning opportunities for pupils, as well as the general community, around Gainsborough.
Colour your refelction with new Lacobel painted glass
AGC Flat Glass has launched an exciting new range of Lacobel decorative painted glass in no fewer than 25 hand-picked colours that offer unique design possibilities for all kinds of commercial and residential interior applications, from wall panels and sliding doors to display units and table tops.
1.‘Let the GGF Help You in these Difficult Times’, Thoughts for 2009 – Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive
Who said “Things can only get better!”? I would certainly appreciate a discussion with them over the next twelve months. We all appreciate that 2008 has been a difficult year for the Industry and that 2009 is showing little sign of being any easier. There has therefore never been a better time to be a Member of the leading Trade Federation for the Glass and Window Industries. You need to be putting all your efforts into promoting your company and product and you do not want to be facing problems along the way. It is our place to seek out these problems and difficulties and solve them for you, so that you can face the ride ahead, without obstacles.
Pilkington Helps the Energy Efficiency Evolution with Argon Gas Free of Charge
Pilkington is now offering Pilkington Insulight™ insulating glass units, incorporating Pilkington K GlassTM, with argon gas filling free of charge. In the coming months many of our direct customers will benefit from the added-value units which comply with the strict requirements of EN1279, in particular Part 3 for gas filling.
Response to Mark Hanson
I wholeheartedly agree with Mark Hanson’s comments in The Gl@zine: ‘Online for success when the economy is depressed?’ (16th December). Like it or loathe it, most of us are now online.
Clear Thinking Software would like to welcome Shaws of Brighton as their 200th customer since the launch of their flagship Glass Office program in 2000.
Shaws of Brighton was established in the 1970s, and was taken over by Lee and Robert Claxton in 1998. They've recently started making sealed units.
Solaglas shines at Star Awards
Glass and glazing specialist Solaglas Contracting North has won Shepherd Construction’s Supply Chain Partner award at its annual Star Awards. Held at York racecourse Shepherd’s Star Awards recognise the very best suppliers and employees in the construction industry. The Supply Chain Partner award specifically recognises the exceptional relationships forged with suppliers through collaborative working.
Accentuate the Positive
While many are predicting tough times ahead, Ritec has a more positive message for its customers for 2009. Ritec’s Stephen Byers says the highest rates of growth for the company’s ClearShield durable glass surface protection have been during recessions. “For example, in the downturn of the early 1990s, glass and glazing companies offering ClearShield were able to win sales and protect profit margins by adding value to their product – and the same goes for our customers in today’s declining market,” he says.
Safestyle opens unique national training centre to produce UK’s best installation teams
A new National Installation Training Centre of Excellence, the first of its kind in the UK and designed to produce the country’s best qualified and customer-conscious installation personnel in the replacement window and door industry, has been opened in Birmingham by market-leaders Safestyle UK.
Energy Efficiency in Focus– Industry Wide Seminar 26th February - REVISTED!!!
As an industry we all agree 2009 will be a tough year. But as well as the challenges that will present themselves, there will also be opportunities. Manufacturing and selling energy efficient windows as one such opportunity will be the focus of the industry wide ‘Energy Efficiency in Focus’ seminar being held at the Coventry Ricoh arena on Thursday 26th February.
TimberWindows.com wide colour choice drives colour to 47% of its installations
Timberwindows.com, the engineered timber window system company, says 47% of its installations in 2008 were ‘colour’ (ie not white) - up on 35% in 2007.