THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 318 27th May 2008

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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Deceuninck Launches New 'House' Magazine
Deceuninck has just released the first edition of the company’s new house magazine: Windowshopper. The high quality, stylishly designed 24-page glossy will be published twice yearly in Spring and Autumn.
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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.
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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.
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Rogers: Eco Towns Not Sustainable
Lord Rogers has launched a broadside against eco towns, calling them ‘one of the biggest mistakes government could make.’
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Construction Diploma is Struggling
The Government admitted last week that take-up levels for the new Construction Diploma are dismal.
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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.
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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.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Expanded Role for Kommerling UK’s 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.
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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.
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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.
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First NVQ in Roofline Proves Popular with GAP Customers
The industry's first specifically designed professional roofline qualification has proved popular.
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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.
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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?
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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.
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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.
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PVCaware.org Launch
Epwin and Veka have joined forces to launch a new communication campaign, PVCaware.org, with the aim of securing industry commitment to driving forward sustainability within the industry and communicating that message to external audiences.
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The Performance Window Group
'By not using Upvc to replace timber windows you can help grow another tree, and make a bigger contribution to saving our planet!’ says Roy Wakeman, CEO, The Performance Window Group.
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Slaying the Dragon
When Dragon's Den Investor James Caan told 250 entrepreneurs that British manufacturing is dead he upset a few people. One of those was fellow panellist Gary Dutton, Chairman of Synseal, who picked up the gauntlet and threw down one of his own when he told the audience that James deserved the top prize for daft comment of the day.
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Andy Ball joins Synseal as Sales Director
Welcome to Andy Ball who joins 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.
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Stopping Cowboy Builders & Rogue Tradesmen
On Tuesday 13th May 2008 the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Gareth Thomas MP, addressed MPs at an event in the House of Commons asking them to support and promote TrustMark locally in their constituencies, in the fight against Cowboy Builders & Rogue Traders.
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Stewart Milne Timber Systems Chooses Sash UK
'Sash knows timber frame and the timber frame industry knows us!’ says Greg Kane of Sash UK, commenting on the company's newly signed exclusive agreement with leading timber frame housing manufacturer, Stewart Milne Timber Systems.
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Glasscraft Invests
Leeds based toughened glass specialist Glasscraft has invested in a second toughening plant and new automated cutting facility.
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First Class Frames Stamps its Mark on Quality
Following several years of continued growth, First Class Frames has extended its supply agreement with Eurocell.
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Rapidframe Signs for Super Spacer Dealership
Rapidframe is the latest fabricator to sign up to the Super Spacer Dealership from Edgetech, the dedicated warm edge technology manufacturer.
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Keyframe Bucks Trend With £400k Investment
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.
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Mighton's Ecotilt - UK's First 'A' Rated Timber Sash
Mighton's Ecotilt™ has become the UK's first timber sliding sash window to achieve a BFRC 'A' energy rating for energy efficiency.
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New World makes Monno Wood-Free
New World Developments has re-engineered its single rebate Monno composite doorset range as a wood-free product.
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Pilkington Reorganises Operations in South West
Pilkington has announced a reorganisation of its downstream operations in the south west of England. The changes involve the closure and sale of the Pilkington Poole site at Alder Hills, Poole and the transfer of its glass processing to the larger site at Pilkington Bristol.
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Winner of the Pilkington Shirt
With hoards of people queuing up around the Pilkington stand at this year's Glassex, all clamouring to see the Saints' stars and vying for the much coveted free prize draw signed rugby shirt, one lucky visitor managed to beat off over 200 entrants and win.
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PBM-DQS Opens in Govan
PBM-DQS is specialist materials supplier of low maintenance products to window manufacturers, small builders, small window companies and related trade customers.
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Fervent West Yorkshire Windows Converts its Customers
West Yorkshire Windows' enthusiasm for the company’s Adminbase management system is so strong that the company has embarked upon a mission that has so far seen four of its own trade customers converted
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AllWeather Plastics finds GAP to be a Clear Winner
One of the Northwest's largest installers of Roofline products, Lancashire-based AllWeather Plastics has recently switched supplier to home improvement stockist GAP.
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Proactive Growth
Bolton-based Proactive Procurement continues to expand and its move into new premises in Blackrod, Bolton shows a further commitment to growth for both core and new markets.
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Balcony Solution for Irish Market
Balustrading specialist Balcony Systems Ltd has launched its glass and aluminium balcony solutions to the Irish market with the appointment of Northern Ireland-based Senator Windows as its sole distributor for the island.
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Clear Thinking Software Chosen for LGT Subsidiary
Software solutions provider Clear Thinking Software was recently chosen to supply its new Optimisation programme for Regional Toughened Glass (RTG), a subsidiary of LGT, leading glass toughening plant suppliers based in the Midlands.
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Sheerframe and Crystal Shine in £119m Contract Win
Sheerframe windowmaker Crystal UPVC has been selected to supply windows for a £119 million programme of works in the North of England.
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Bystronic at the Cutting Edge with Lee Glass
Bystronic has recently completed the installation of a new Smart'lamicut cutting table which is the first of its kind in the UK.
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NSG to Invest $100 Million in California Pilkington Plant
Officials from Pilkington Building Products North America, part of Japan's Nippon Sheet Glass, have proposed a $100 million investment in its float glass facility in Lathrop, California.
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$200m Float Glass Firm Ready for Operation
Dubai Investments' Green Field Venture, the $200-million Emirates Float Glass (EFG), will commence operations by mid 2008.
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Heritage Secures New Window Energy Ratings
Specialist supplier to the trade, Heritage Trade Frames, has launched its new range of high-performance energy rated windows to help customers grow their market share.
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The Rubberman Hits the Road!
Following the success of the company’s recent displays at Glassex and the National Homebuilding shows at the NEC, National Roofing, nationwide supplier of EPDM rubber for flat roofing, has been inundated with bookings for its Installation Workshops.
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T R Freeman Brings £750,000 'Beach Hut Roofs' to Major Retail Development
Cambridge metal roofing and cladding firm T R Freeman is starting a major £750,000 project in Bury St Edmunds. It is installing over 10,000m2 of zinc roofing at the town’s new retail development, called ‘arc’. There will be six retail and residential blocks each with a ‘beach hut’ theme of 45 degree roofs.
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Mercedes Move is Elementary for Watsons
When Wolverhampton-based Watsons Glass decided to switch commercial vehicle suppliers, one brand emerged as the clear front-runner – Mercedes-Benz.
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Jewson Director Sacked over Alleged £1m Fraud
Jewson has dismissed two members of staff and contacted police after an internal investigation revealed evidence of an alleged £1m fraud at the firm.
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Experts Challenge Developers to Raise their Game on Eco-Towns
Fourteen leading experts yesterday challenged developers to improve their visions for eco-towns and deliver world class proposals for the first new towns in the UK for 45 years.
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New Vision of Climate Change through Google Earth
Millions of Google Earth users around the world will be able to see how climate change could affect the planet and its people over the next century, along with viewing the loss of Antarctic ice shelves over the last 50 years, thanks to a new project launched yesterday.
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Pennsylvania Proposes Emissions Controls on Glass Furnaces
The Pennsylvania Environmental Quality Board proposed to limit nitrogen oxide emissions from glass furnaces to reduce ground-level ozone during ozone season in Pennsylvania May 1st through to September 30th.
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HSE Warns on Work at Height after Roofing Company Proprietor Jailed
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is warning companies to ensure its employees working at height have proper safety equipment and that the risk to them is fully assessed.
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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 316 13th May 2008

Construction Industry Slowdown Set to Continue
Slowdown in construction has continued throughout the first quarter of 2008 according to the latest joint Trade Survey Report from the Construction Products Association and the Construction Confederation.
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Blue Chip MBO Secures Everwhite's Future
The company says that a management buyout of Everwhite Plastics to form Everwhite Ltd has ensured it remains one of Britain's biggest independent manufacturers of PVC-UE cellular foam building products and the leading manufacturer of internal PVC-UE plantation shutter systems for the UK, US and European markets.
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Pilkington Suncool's Grand Success
A new house designed with high quality Pilkington glazing as an integral feature has won the Best New Home category at the prestigious Grand Designs Awards.
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Saint-Gobain is Short-listed in the Top 50 'Best Green Companies' by Sunday Times
Saint-Gobain Glass UK Ltd has been short-listed in the Top 50 'Best Green Companies' by The Sunday Times newspaper. This prestigious award aims to recognise and encourage companies who are committed to improving their environmental performance. Saint-Gobain Glass UK has been short-listed out of approximately 500 companies for its 'green' activities.
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Builder Sets Up ‘Cowboy Customers’ Website
A builder has set up a website to name and shame ‘cowboy customers’ who won't cough up for expensive work. Boss Nigel Gray made headlines last month when his men demolished a £15,000 conservatory and porch because client Anita Dovey would not pay her bill.
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Hillmead Joinery Arson - Appeal
A four figure reward is being offered for information that leads to a conviction following an arson at Hillmead Joinery on Marshall Road, Swindon, which occurred on Sunday 10th Feb between 3.00 pm and 5.00 pm.
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Wood Windows are Highly Rated
BRE says that the publication of the new, updated edition of BRE's Green Guide confirms that wood windows are the most effective choice in the battle against climate change.
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Altex UK Chooses Spectus Patio Door to Grow
Altex UK, based in Essex, recently decided to start fabricating the Spectus patio door system after buying in an alternative system for 20 years.
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Web, Log and Blog at K2
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.’
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National Profiles Launches Exclusive Contract with Spectus
National Profiles marked the launch of an exclusive contract with Spectus Window Systems to the Irish market on March 27th with a launch seminar at Maryborough Hotel in Cork.
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Shepley has the Edge
Shepley Windows and Conservatories has just completed its first month back in action under its new management team of Dave Howard, Tim Walker and Tony Fry.
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Entrance Composite Door Outperforms Fire Door Test
In a recent 30 minute firedoor test held at Chiltern, Entrance Composite Door Solutions well surpassed the required time limit by achieving 43 minutes with a half glazed composite door set, featuring the new Capstone Composite Firedoor.
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Eurocell Customer Celebrates 10 Year Partnership
GJ Cox PVC Installations, a company based in Skipton, North Yorkshire, has marked its 10 year anniversary as a Eurocell customer by opening a trade counter business called A&G Trade Plastics that sells the entire EBP product range.
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General Building Plastics Chooses Freefoam as New Supplier
General Building Plastics has recently decided to go with Freefoam as its new supplier of many roofline products. The announcement from the family-run business will see Freefoam products being distributed throughout the four branches in Rugeley, Shrewsbury, Walsall and Banbury.
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Final Call for Entries in GlazeKart 2008
With the event less than four weeks away, organiser Walnut Motorsport is calling for final entries in this year's GlazeKart competition. The annual industry event has again attracted a high class field including entries from the likes of Synseal, Profile 22, Emplas and Glazpart.
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Lister Awards Annual Elitis Installer Prize
As part of its Marketing Support Package, Lister Trade Frames has awarded winning installer, D & L Windows of Montgomery, Powys with the company’s annual Elitis prize.
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Window Enterprises Moves to Super Spacer
Beginning May 1st, Texas-based Window Enterprises LLC now manufactures all insulating glass for its windows using Edgetech I.G. Inc.'s Super Spacer, the supplier reports.
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Pinnock Windows Falls Foul of ASA
A complaint, objecting to a regional press advertisement for Pinnock Windows & Conservatories of Llandudno, Gwynedd was upheld according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
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Housebuilding Output Drops, Opportunities Rise
The need for an up-to-date housebuilders database has never been greater says Damian Kemp, Windowbase Commercial Manager: ‘Rapid change in the financial markets and subsequent doubts about future housebuilding output have left the industry re-organising.
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Crystal Breaks the £1m Quote Barrier Again, and Again!
Following the success of Crystal Direct's first 'Million pound week' in February, the Hertfordshire-based fabricator achieved four more consecutive £1 million weeks, quoting over a million pounds every week from 4th to 25th April 2008.
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GAP's Trade Counter Transformation Continues
GAP, the trade home improvement stockist, is continuing its trade counter transformation programme. Work started at its flagship Blackburn depot last year and now its Wirral, Leeds, Nottingham and Bolton depots have been made-over.
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PBM-DQS Opens in Canning Town
PBM-DQS is a specialist materials supplier of low maintenance products to window manufacturers, small builders, small window companies and related trade customers.
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Pulse Building Products Relocation
Pulse Building Products Ltd (suppliers of PVCu and associated products to the Roofline, Window & Construction Industry) has announced the relocation of the company’s Chinley branch to Hazel Grove.
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Small Businesses to Get Free Access to Public Sector Contracts
A free trial started recently to provide small and medium sized businesses with access to thousands of public sector contract opportunities. From 1st May until 31st July 2008, the www.supply2.gov.uk website will allow new registrants to gain free access to public sector contracts valued under £100,000 for the UK and Northern Ireland.
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Home Information Packs - Benefiting Consumers
The Government has announced a package of measures to help ensure consumers are seeing the vital information in Home Information Packs and are receiving a higher standard of service in the home buying and selling process.
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Office Owners Overestimate their Buildings' Energy Ratings
Two-thirds of office landlords believe their buildings will get higher energy performance ratings than those anticipated by experts.
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Pet Owners Asked to Beware After a Spate of Burglaries
Police are warning pet owners with dog or cat flaps to be on their guard after four break-ins at homes in the Western area of Hertfordshire over the past two weeks.
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Vitro Reports Q1 Growth Despite Decline in Margins
Vitro, one of the world's largest producers and distributors of glass products, has announced 1Q 08 unaudited results. Year over year consolidated sales increased 6.1 percent while EBITDA declined 15.6 percent.
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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 315 6th May 2008

BWF Responds to Green Guide Ratings
Commenting on the publication of the new BRE Green Guide, BWF Chief Executive Richard Lambert said, ‘We are delighted that the new Green Guide confirms that wood windows' lower Global Warming Potential makes them the most effective choice in the battle against climate change.
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AGC to Shut Float Lines
AGC Flat Glass North America, formerly known as AFG, is closing three float glass production lines and two glass coating operations this year, and also plans to sell its glass fabrication business.
[Read the Rest Here]

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions Announces Price Increase
DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions has announced a price increase of 15 percent on all grades of DuPont™ Butacite" polyvinyl butyral interlayer including The Wedge™, SentryGlas® Plus interlayer, and Spallshield® composite films effective June 1st, 2008. The price increase will be applied globally.
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14% of Firms could Go Under
One in seven construction companies could disappear if the market downturn deepens, a report has warned. In its report, analyst Plimsoll Publishing examined figures from the top 2,000 construction companies in the UK and said an increased reliance on short-term finance was behind its forecast.
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Clayton Glass Invests in New 'Energy Efficient' Factory
Edgetech Super Spacer customer, Clayton Glass, has invested over £0.5M in kitting out a brand new factory to stay ahead of increasing demand for its high performance sealed units.
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The Campaign Continues to Reduce VAT
Having continued to get those all important signatures at Glassex-GP&T in support of the VAT campaign, Edgetech, the warm edge technology manufacturer, highlights the importance of ensuring the momentum is maintained in order for the Government to listen to our combined industry voice.
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VEKA Fabricator Moves Forward
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.
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Stillwater Continues Acquisition Trail in Lincolnshire
Watford based Stillwater Group has continued its acquisition trail with the completion of the purchase of Kawneer commercial fabricator and installation company Lincolnshire Architectural Glazing Ltd.
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Highseal Achieves C-rating with Spectus Bevelled and Ovolo
Highseal Windows Ltd has achieved a BFRC C-rating on its Spectus Elite 70 bevelled and ovolo casements. The windows also have extra security with MK111 Maco Shoot Bolts and a BS7950 Anti-Jemmy Device, and feature New Cotswold Easy Clean Hinges.
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OGC Embarrassment at New Logo
Officials at the Office of Government Commerce are trying to explain the thinking behind their new logo, which seems to imply a rather literal hands-on approach.
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HSE Warns of Robust Action after Prosecution of Everest
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has issued a stark warning that companies face robust enforcement action following its prosecution of Everest Ltd, after workers were found to be repeatedly exposed to the risk of falling from height.
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EYG Announces More Investment at its Hull Headquarters
Hull-based conservatory and glazing specialist, the EYG Group, has announced a further £300,000 investment in new machinery and vehicles as part of its planned programme of expansion for 2008.
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County Grows Sales 45% with TWC
TimberWindows.com Registered Installer County - 'The Home Improvers' has grown sales 45% in the first quarter of 2008 compared to the same quarter last year.
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Masco Corporation Reports First Quarter Results
Masco Corporation has reported that net sales from continuing operations for the quarter ended March 31st, 2008 declined 13 percent to $2.4 billion compared with $2.8 billion for the first quarter of 2007.
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Heritage Buildings at Risk Due to Skills Gaps
Two reports by the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG) highlight serious skills and knowledge gaps affecting specialist workers in England and building professionals working across the UK built heritage sector.
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Belfast Health Centre Wins Second Major Award for Architecture
A health centre in Belfast incorporating architectural aluminium glazing systems from Technal, has won its second award for architecture.
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T R Freeman Starts Fourth Job in a Row for Contractor R Durtnell
Metal roofing and cladding company T R Freeman is starting its fourth job in a row for contractor R Durtnell Sons. This time, the Cambridge based business is fitting a £350,000 Kalzip roof to the old swimming pool building at Dulwich College in London.
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Business Micros (Aluminium) Ltd Links Up with Universal
Universal Aluminium has become the latest aluminium systems company to switch to the LogiKal software system, distributed exclusively in the UK and Ireland by Business Micros (Aluminium) Ltd.
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Dyrup Industry Carries on Making Good Progress
Dyrup, the Danish manufacturer of wood care products, varnishes and paints continues to strengthen its position on the industrial wood protection market. According to the recently published annual report, the group realised an annual turnover of €226 million in 2007, which represents an increase of 2.4%.
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Commercial Aluminium Glazing: Palmer Reports
The good times might well be over for the aluminium commercial glazing market in the UK, according to Palmer Market Research, the market research analyst, but not before further growth in 2008.
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Norsk Hydro - Strong Operational Performance
Hydro's underlying income from continuing operations amounted to NOK 1,442 million in the first quarter of 2008, up from NOK 1,402 million in the previous quarter and down from NOK 2,345 million in the first quarter last year.
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First Panorama Study Shows Quarter Million European Firms Linked to Silicones
Launched recently at a Centre for European Policy Studies (CEPS) seminar on competitiveness and sustainability, the ‘Socio-Economic Study on Silicones in Europe' shows how these specialist materials have become a staple ingredient for almost 100,000 firms, mostly SMEs.
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Report from Trelleborg AB’s Annual General Meeting
Approximately 900 shareholders participated in the Trelleborg Group’s Annual General Meeting in Trelleborg on April 28th. CEO Peter Nilsson described how Trelleborg develops high-performance solutions that seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments throughout the world.
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