Welcome to THE GL@ZINE News Archive: March 2006

 

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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 213 28th March 2006

Glassex 2006 Review: Part 3
More news from Glassex, in our Exhibition Review Part 3: this week we feature Cervoglass, Aluplast, Baypolejacks, BVC, Glazekart, Goldweld, K2, Newdawn, Phoenix, Selecta, Unique and Window Widgets.
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HOLZ-HANDWERK & fensterbau/frontale 2006 Set New Record for Visitors
The exhibition duo fensterbau/frontale and HOLZ-HANDWERK 2006 has set a new record with some 100,000 trade visitors (2004: 92,294) and a distinctly larger international share. 1,184 exhibitors from 30 countries showed their products and services for woodworking, windows and facades in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22-25 March 2006.
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Thyssen Polymer Changes Name at Fensterbau
Thyssen Polymer, no longer part of the Thyssen Krupp group; since it was acquired by Deceuninck three years ago, exhibited at Fensterbau 2006 last week under a new name – Inoutic.
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Anglian Appoints New Chief Exec
Alex McNutt has been appointed Chief Executive of Anglian Group following the retirement of Larry Condon. McNutt has extensive experience in the Home Improvement and Building Products markets and was previously President of ADT Fire and Security Systems
.
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FMB 'Disappointed' by Budget
The Federation of Master Builders says that small construction firms up and down the country will be disappointed with the Chancellor's tenth Budget. Commenting on the Budget speech, FMB Director of External Affairs Andrew Large said, 'Yet again, the Chancellor has ignored the strong case for a reduced rate of VAT for domestic building work.

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Pilkington Activ™ Succeeds in Unique Home
Results from the unique Project:LIFE research experiment have now been assessed and according to David Wilson Homes who originated the concept, some significant design issues have emerged from the project.
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Super Spacer® Brings in New Custom for Clayton Glass
Since choosing Edgetech's Super Spacer®, Durham-based sealed unit manufacturer Clayton Glass Ltd has attracted new customers specifically looking for units with warm edge technology.
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Patiomaster Tells Fabricators: ‘Don't Do It Yourself’
Specialist inline sliding patio door fabricator Patiomaster is urging fabricators to save time, resources and money by buying in patio doors from a specialist manufacturer, instead of making them themselves.
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Pilkington K Glass Provides Part F Solution
The new Part F of the Building Regulations for Northern Ireland will come into effect in June 2006. It means that for the first time low-e glass will effectively be mandatory for all new and replacement windows.
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Senator Windows First in Ireland with Energy Rating
Senator Windows has become the first PVCu window manufacturer in the Republic of Ireland to offer a BFRC Energy Rating. Its new Excalibur casement window, launched at its annual dealers' conference last month, will carry the distinctive European energy-rating label, already familiar on refrigerators and freezers.
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Radiance Invests in Customer Support Function
Radiance Glass continues to invest in its customer support function to provide customers with speedy quotations and to deal with general enquiries, with the promise of a 4 hour turnaround.
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Clearshield Takes a Shower with Simpsons
Simpsons is offering Ritec ClearShield protected glass as a factory-applied extra on its top quality shower doors and enclosures. The specialist designer and manufacturer is using ClearShield Shower Protect to convert toughened safety glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass at its Surrey production facility.
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Dynamic 2D Opens Glazerite's Door
National trade window and door fabricator Glazerite Windows has become the latest manufacturer to enhance the aesthetic and security qualities of its PVC-U doors by choosing the advanced Dynamic 2D hinge from SFS intec.
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Omega Saves with SBZ 610 from Elumatec
When Omega Trade Frames wanted to upgrade the machinery in its 5,000sq ft factory, Elumatec was the first and only choice. Having invested in the company's machinery before, Omega decided to purchase the new SBZ 610 profile centre to accommodate the production of its high security, internally glazed products.
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Watson Dallas Finds a Brighter Future with Plastmo
Glasgow-based fabricator Watson Dallas has changed its profile supplier to Plastmo, in what the company feels is a move to a company that can offer higher levels of service and support.
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Pilkington Activ™ Succeeds In Unique Home
With a £2m advertising campaign about to break on TV and in the press for Pilkington Activ(tm) self-cleaning glass, Pilkington decided that window and conservatory installers throughout the UK should know about the opportunities that this would bring them.
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Solar Windows in Partnering Agreement with Denbigh
The latest example of Solar Windows' commitment and expertise in the public sector is a two year manufacture, supply and installation contract with Denbighshire County Council, which represents the largest window replacement contract the council has ever awarded.
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East Anglian Glazing Firm is Star Struck
One of East Anglia’s leading architectural glazing firms is reaching for the stars after being awarded a prestigious contract to work on the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.
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AK Windows Gets Up and Running with Plastmo
New Plastmo Customer AK Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd based in Northamptonshire has started PVC-U door and window fabrication within four weeks of company formation - from empty shell to full production.
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Tessenderlo Group: Net Profit Down 34.4%
Revenue improved by more than 4.2 % in 2005 compared to 2004 going from 2,062.9 million EUR to 2,149.5 million EUR. The Rebit amounted to 67.4 million EUR in 2005 compared to 106.2 million EUR for the same period in 2004, a drop of 36.6%.

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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 212 21st March 2006

Glassex 2006 Review: Part 2
More news from Glassex, in our Exhibition Review Part 2: this week we feature comments and product launches from Synseal, Eazi Lift, Haffner, Hoppe, Masterframe, Newdawn, Plastmo, Profitmaker, Promac, Quantal/Tradeplas, Swish, Ultraframe, Windowlink, John Fredericks/Artisan and Rehau. We also have a report from the Glassex PIGS night and details of the Glassex Challenge.
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PIGS Get Snouts in Trough in Brum
One of Birmingham's leading nightspots, Mechu Bar, played host to the inaugural Glassex Publicity In Glazing Society event. On the Sunday night of the show, well over a hundred of the industry's leading marketing, advertising and PR professionals got together for the glass and glazing markets only dedicated networking event.
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Romsey Snatches Glassex Installer of the Year Title for Second Year Running
Laurence Wood and Gavin Stainburn have reaffirmed their skills and superiority in the annual Glassex Challenge as the duo from the Romsey Conservatory Company swept the board for the second year running to become the Glassex Installer of the Year 2006.
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Pilkington Hit by 'Difficult' UK Trading Conditions
Pilkington yesterday issued the following trading up-date ahead of the announcement of its results for the year to 31 March 2006. Stuart Chambers, Group Chief Executive commented: 'Trading in Group companies remains in line with our expectations, with a good performance in Automotive and Building Products holding up.
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Major Irish Distributor Plans Growth with Sapa
Sapa Building Systems has announced that it is to join forces with major Irish distributor Profile Systems in what is a strategically important distribution agreement for both companies.
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Speakers Confirmed for Energy Seminar
FaberMaunsell (ODPM), BFRC and Energy Saving Trust confirmed to speak at industry-wide seminar, Ricoh Arena May 10th Experts on the building regulations, energy efficiency and the window industry will speak at the seminar, Increase your profits: Energy Efficiency in Focus, sponsored by Edgetech IG Inc.
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Profile 22 Scores New Customer Coup At Glassex
Fife-based trade fabricator The Merlin Network is the latest business to sign up with Profile 22 Systems. The company, which operates a 25,000 sq ft factory and has a sales territory covering Scotland and North East England, was courted by a shortlist of eight systems companies before selecting the Telford-based supplier and sealing the deal at Glassex 2006.
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Deceuninck's New Sales and Marketing Director
Deceuninck Ltd, a worldwide manufacturer of PVC window systems and profiles has announced the appointment of Mike Ward as its new Sales and Marketing Director for the UK division based at Calne, Wiltshire.
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Modplan Stepping Up to the Future
Modplan Ltd, a division of the Burles Group Plc, has stepped up plans for the future by expanding its production facilities. The substantial investment arose in order to accommodate the introduction of the Veka Matrix 70mm system into the company's already comprehensive product range.
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Rehau Positions Itself as a Strong Umbrella Brand
Rehau says that it is ready for the future. With its 14,000+ employees, the polymer processor with headquarters in Rehau, Upper Franconia and active throughout the world has repositioned itself as a strong umbrella brand and as a leading provider in the construction, automotive and industrial fields.
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Complaint Against Solarshade Window Films Not Upheld
A complaint objecting to two leaflets for Solarshade Window Films Ltd was not upheld according to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA).
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Self-Certification for Kitemark Installers
BSI Product Services has just received approval from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to operate its Kitemark scheme for the survey and installation of windows and doors as an Approved Competent Persons self-certification scheme.
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Business Micros Cements Orgadata Deal at Wigan FC
Business Micros cemented the company’s new agreement with German software house Orgadata at last week's Wigan vs Manchester United Premiership match.
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You Can't Knock it: Almost Zero Remedials from UAP
How many companies can say that the number of returns of their products can be counted on one hand after 10 years of trading? Very few. But UAP can, on the company’s range of door knockers and numerals.
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Jones Tool Co Acquires Wolferal Saw Blades Business
The Jones Tool Company Ltd - based near Huddersfield in West Yorkshire, has recently announced the acquisition of the assets and stock of the Alexander S. Newell Machine Tool Company Ltd.
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Pilkington Activ™ Succeeds In Unique Home
With a £2m advertising campaign about to break on TV and in the press for Pilkington Activ(tm) self-cleaning glass, Pilkington decided that window and conservatory installers throughout the UK should know about the opportunities that this would bring them.
[More on this Story]

Securistyle ‘Defends’ Market Leading Position
Two more of the best selling domestic window hinges, all manufactured in the UK, have been redesigned and enhanced by maker Securistyle Ltd.
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New Machinery Completes Transformation at Exeter Glass Centre
Exeter Glass Centre, a new glass merchant in the South West, has just taken delivery of a range of new glass processing and handling equipment which completes the company's creation of an 8,000sq-ft home fit for the demands of the glass trade in the 21st century.
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Lister’s Arch Partner
Once upon a time there was a sharp intake of breath when a customer asked for a plastic window to replace that old round wooden window in the hallway, or the gothic timber frames that so suited their lovely house. ‘What would be the cost?’ ‘Could it even be made?’ and ‘What would the quality be like?’
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De Vere Hotels Chooses Newstead as Nominated Supplier
De Vere Hotels, one of Britain's leading hotel groups, has recently named fabricator Newstead Trade Frames as a nominated supplier. Since being chosen to partner De Vere Hotels Newstead has already been awarded contracts to supply windows for a variety of hotel projects across the UK.
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Rockdoor Celebrates 10 Years
Composite door manufacturer Rockdoor celebrates its tenth anniversary in 2006. Co-founder and designer of the fully PVC composite door, Darren Chesney said: ‘It's been an amazing journey in just ten years. The factory is now fully automated and we've invested £2 million to increase capacity to 3,000 doors a week.
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Plastics 2 Go on the Move with Conservatory Outlet Support
Plastics 2 Go, a Sheffield-based specialist PVC-U builders' merchant, switched its window, door & conservatory supply to Conservatory Outlet in December. Owner Andy Hawley, who at 23 has been in the roofline industry for four years, made the change because he wanted a supplier who could help his business grow.
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2005 Successful Financial Year for Homag Group AG
Development for the Homag Group AG in the financial year 2005 was well out ahead of an almost stagnating overall market for woodworking machinery, meaning a further increase in the Group's market share.
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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 211 14th March 2006

Glassex 2006: The Evolution Continues
The transition of Glassex from the annual away day for Britain's window installers to a professionals-only buying fair continued as the event entered its 26th consecutive year as the UK window, door and conservatory industry's primary showcase.
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Glassex Spotlight Report
Sambrook Research International recently visited the Glassex exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham and conducted a survey at the show, examining market trends, key threats and opportunities within key sectors.
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Quotes and Comments from Glassex 2006
'We came here to celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UK, and the 10th anniversary of Network Veka, and to establish our commitment as a UK systems company to the British market. It's a cliché but we've had a steady rate of enquiries the quality of which has been excellent; when we have done shows like this in the past the effects last for many years. This has been very effective for us. We wanted to make the biggest impact in the shortest time and it's worked very well.'.
[More Comments Here]

Ultraframe Stands for Design
It was not just the remarkable standard of inspiring entries in the Conservatory Design Competition sponsored by Ultraframe, that was turning heads at Glassex this year, the creative Pavilion stand, which displayed the winning entries is becoming a key attraction at the show too.
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Putting the ‘Fun’ into Fundraising
The GM Fundraising team has announced a series of events for 2006 commencing with the return of the glazing industry's premier social occasion, the GMF Gala Dinner on 17th June at The Palace Hotel in Manchester.
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Lupus Capital Acquires Schlegel Building Products Division
Lupus Capital plc agreed on Friday, March 3rd, to acquire the Schlegel Building Products Division from Unipoly. Schlegel Building Products makes environmental sealing systems for windows and doors.
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Having a Bay-Bee Just got Easier
Eurocell Profiles Ltd, the manufacturer of PVC-u, has been awarded a LANTAC (Local Authority National Type Approval Confederation) approval certificate by Amber Valley Council.
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Newstead Hosts Exhibition on March 16 and 17
'We've decided to hold a two day exhibition,’ comments Newstead's Managing Director Adrian Locker, ‘to demonstrate the depth of Newstead's product range.’
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Business Micros to Sell Logikal Software in UK
Business Micros, which says that it is already the leading supplier of software solutions to the commercial aluminium sector, has announced a new agreement which looks set to further strengthen its position in this marketplace.
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£1m Investment Opens Door to New System 10 Composite Range
Following a £1m product development programme, PVC-U profile manufacturer WHS Halo has unveiled an extensive new collection of composite doors, designed to meet the very latest security, design and construction challenges.
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AG Glass Invests in Edgetech's Super Spacer®
AG Glass has started 2006 with a massive investment into Edgetech IG Inc's warm edge Super Spacer® for its state-of-the-art insulated glass unit production.
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Padiham Glass Invests in Super Spacer® with Forel Line
Lancashire-based fabricator Padiham Glass Ltd has extended its factory by 10,000 ft2 to house a state-of-the art fully automated Forel line.
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Abbott Group Wins Taylor Woodrow Manufacturer Award
While many companies claim to be market leaders in the new housing sector, the Abbott Group says that it has proven just that by winning the manufacturer of the year award at the prestigious Taylor Woodrow Supplier Awards 2006.
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Securistyle ‘Defends’ Market Leading Position
Two more of the best selling domestic window hinges, all manufactured in the UK, have been redesigned and enhanced by maker Securistyle Ltd.
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Top Gear - Roger Takes Charge of DHF Industrial Door Group
Roger Gear, managing director of Mercian Industrial Doors, has been appointed chairman of the Industrial Door Group within the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).
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Andersen Launches New Self Cleaning Window Package
Andersen Windows, one of the world's largest wood window manufacturers, says that it has launched a new all inclusive windows and patio doors package designed to give the builder, architect and end user even better performance and value for money.
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AV Technology Testing Assists with New Building Regulations
AV Technology Ltd (AVT), the European noise and vibration prediction consultancies, is testing new and converted buildings for sound resistance in accordance with amendments to the building regulations.
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Conzzeta up 13.8% in 2005: Mainly Due to Bystronic
In 2005 the Conzzeta Group increased its revenues from CHF 1,013.8m to CHF 1,153.4m, a rise of 13.8%. The highest growth rates were recorded by the Sheet Metal Processing Systems (Bystronic) and Glass Processing Systems (Bystronic glass) business units.
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Recommended cash Offer by Linde for BOC
Linde has agreed to make a pre-conditional offer to acquire the entire share capital of The BOC Group, for £16.00 in cash per share. The board of directors of BOC intends to recommend BOC shareholders to accept the offer.
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Bumper Order Book for a Firm which Exports 75% of its Output
A bumper order book means a York firm is looking forward to a record-breaking year for business. Sheppee International, which is based at Elvington, has introduced a batch of top appointments to boost sales and productivity in recent months and says that its hard work is already paying off.
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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 210 7th March 2006

Glassex Visitors ‘cue’ to Meet the New Face of Network VEKA
Six times World Snooker Champion Steve Davis proved to be the hardest worker at Glassex with a three-hour marathon of almost non-stop autographs and handshakes.
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Want to join TrustMark?
GGF is an approved scheme operator for TrustMark and can sign up firms that meet its standards.GGF is the glazing industry's driving force behind TrustMark and was one of the first approved scheme operators that received a licence last October.
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ELECON Acquires Foilcraft in £2 Million Expansion Plan
Bolton-based Chartered Accountants Cowgill Holloway has advised the ELECON Group on its acquisition of Foilcraft for an undisclosed sum. The ELECON Group produces accessories for conservatories, windows and doors, supplying its products to major conservatory manufacturers. ELECON’s products are used in nearly 25 per cent of all UK conservatories installed, the company says.
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Nine of the First Twelve A to C Ratings used Super Spacer®
12 window companies have achieved C or higher ratings, nine of them using warm edge technology Super Spacer® from Edgetech I.G. Inc. at the time of writing. Congratulations are due to all, and especially to the three firms who have crashed through the energy savings barrier with coveted 'A' ratings.
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Pilkington Helps to Achieve 'A' Grade
Products from Pilkington have been instrumental in creating an industry first. With the industry adopting Window Energy Ratings (WERs), the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) has passed the first ever 'A' rated window, an achievement that had not been expected for several years.
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FMB and K2 in Search for Britain's Best Conservatory Installer
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has launched its annual search to find the best builders and conservatory installers in Britain, with the overall winner set to receive a brand new Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice.
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Towards Greater Profits with Total Glass
Recognising the continuing trend towards outsourcing by companies which cease to manufacture, trade fabricator Total Glass has launched a comprehensive guide for firms planning to go down this more profitable route.
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FENSA Perfect for Second Successive Year
For the second successive year Safestyle UK, the key retail subsidiary of Style Group UK Limited, the independent replacement window and door company, has been awarded a 100 per cent Building Regulations pass record by the Government approved Fenestration Self- Assessment Scheme (FENSA) for its installations.
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Allure Conservatory System is the Customer's Choice
‘Customers uninspired by so many similar PVC-U conservatories are not prepared to settle for a make-do purchase,’ says Chase Window Company/ ‘We are finding that by offering the aluminium Allure conservatory system, exclusively manufactured by QRS, we are able to tempt an increasing number into investing in an altogether different conservatory.’
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'Real' Signs of Growth
Yorkshire-based Real Conservatories, a customer of Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd, has expanded its showroom to incorporate a new display of hot tubs and spas. The retail site - based at Thorne on the outskirts of Doncaster, has been doubled in size from 1,250ft2 to 2,500ft2 to accommodate the new showroom and provide extra storage space. The multi-function site also contains four show conservatories, offices and a trade counter.

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Express Wishes for KAT UK
Preston-based Express Trade Frames Ltd has chosen KAT UK as its preferred supplier of patio doors and vertical sliding sash windows.Express Trade Frames, a manufacturer of the Rehau S706 window and door system, says that it selected KAT UK's Halo Elegance patio doors and sash windows for their superior quality.
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2005 Another Great Year for Glaston Technologies
lncluding Tamglass, market leader of safety glass machinery and Z. Bavelloni, leading supplier of pre-processing machinery, Glaston Technologies increased its total net sales by 18%, from 203.0 million euros to 238.9 million. Its operating profit grew by as much as 21%, from the previous year's 18.4 million euros to 22.1 million.

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Surge in Demand for Q-Mark Certification
Construction certification specialist BM TRADA reports strong demand for its Q-Mark scheme for doors and windows due in part to rising popularity of the Secured By Design police initiative.
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New Showroom Puts Central's Assets on Display
Welsh installation company Central Windows, a Newstead customer since 2002, has recently opened a showroom in its offices in Montgomery, Powys.
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Specifying for the Long Term
'As an independent supplier of quality hardware, Groupco is ideally placed to advise the public sector on a 'best value' package.’ That's the view of Jason Burgess, the latest addition to Groupco's Business Development team
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Sash Windows Mean Higher Margins for Classic
Many installation companies are forced to compete on price in a competitive market. But this puts pressure on profits at a time when installers can least afford it. Hertfordshire-based Classic Window and Conservatory Company says that, for them, it's no longer an issue.
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Futuristic Regeneration Scheme in Glasgow Wins String of Awards
A lively and colourful residential and commercial development in Glasgow, which features innovative use of glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialist, Technal, has won another major award.
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Collusive Tendering for Flat Roof and Car Park Surfacing Contracts in England and Scotland
The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that a number of roofing contractors colluded in relation to the making of tender bids for flat roof and car park surfacing contracts utilising mastic asphalt, and flat roofing contracts using felt and single ply in England and Scotland
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CertainTeed in Team Sponsorship of NASCAR Cup for 2006
CertainTeed Corporation, one of North America's leading building products manufacturers, has announced a partnership with sister companies Norton Abrasives and BPB in a team sponsorship of the number 66 Best Buy Chevrolet for the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season. The car, driven by 2000 NASCAR Busch Series champion Jeff Green is owned by Haas/CNC Racing.
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Vitro Reports 4Q 05 Consolidated Sales Up 9.3%
Vitro S.A. de C.V. one of the world's largest producers and distributors of glass products, recently announced its 4Q 05 unaudited results. Year-over-year consolidated net sales rose 9.3 percent and EBlTDA increased 13.1 percent.
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Fiscal 2005: Leap in Linde Profits
Linde Group sales increased, on a comparable basis by 7.3 percent to 9.501 billion euro (2004: 8.856 billion euro). Operating profit improved by 18.0 percent to 913 million euro (2004: 774 million euro).
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