CLICK HERE FOR GLASSEX REVIEW PART 2
CLICK HERE FOR GLASSEX REVIEW PART 1
CLICK HERE FOR GLASSEX DAILY SHOW REPORT
Busy,
frenetic, exciting: Synseal’s Global roof at Glassex
It was another fantastic Glassex show for Synseal Extrusions Ltd, with
their stand dedicated to the roof for all systems, Global. 'It was the
busiest, most frenetic and exciting show we’ve ever had,' says Nick
Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal.
'We knew there was a lot of interest in Global, but we were delighted
with just how many people visited our stand. We had well over 300 leads
over the four days. We started the show on Sunday with nine people manning
the stand, but soon had to call for reinforcements, which meant there
were 14 of us on hand to cope with the demand.
'Particularly popular was our new gutter system which visitors were queuing
up to see, closely followed by the revelation that Global can be assembled
in just 43 minutes, half the time of any other roof system prior to Glassex.
There was also a really positive reaction to Global Blue from the sector
of the market that requires this solution. The numbers speak for themselves,
but visitors were impressed with our display of products and the space
to walk around the stand and talk to the team to see what we have to offer.'
The
Warwick – the Talk of the Show
aluplast UK, PVC-U window and door system extruders and suppliers of the
Plus Plan range in the UK, launched a new window system at Glassex 2004
exhibition to 'unprecedented interest and subsequent demand from the market
place'.
The
Warwick 70mm suite is not only visually attractive, but possesses the
latest technological features demanded from such a product – five
chambers, post co-extruded gaskets, several laminate and glazing options,
full compatibility with a vast accessory range and of course, sculptured
and aesthetically shaped profiles.
aluplast UK’s cleanly designed stand, that showed the Warwick and
other PVC-U systems, was consistently busy throughout the four days, though
it reached a particular crescendo – as did the exhibition, on the
Tuesday. Similar stands, utilising the well established aluplast style,
will soon be seen in Bologna and Nuremburg as well as other locations
throughout Europe – as Glassex was just one of the events that the
aluplast group is exhibiting at during 2004.
The UK company and its expanding sales team has already started the enormous
task of following up the interest shown and enquiries made for the Warwick
system and yet further new product developments are scheduled for later
in the year.
For further information, please contact Steve Muranyi on 07798 585488,
email: steve@plusplanuk.com
Glassex
Visitors Win Next Generation Software Worth £15,000 from Profitmaker!
Following
another successful 12 months, MBN International Ltd returned to Glassex
to showcase its Profitmaker™ suite of next generation software. The
key highlights of this year’s stand were the innovative Profitmaker.net
the first true internet based single entry system, and the revolutionary
Profitmaker Pocket that allows installers and surveyors to enter orders
and surveys via a PDA or mobile phone directly into their fabricator’s
ordering system. Both are designed to save time and money, and as the
name suggests, increase profits.
Profitmaker’s Mike Nagle (pictured) comments: 'The show was great
for us, and we took some high quality leads. We believe Profitmaker.net
is the first software system to offer seamless online integration to window
fabricators and installers. It’s is a major step forward, and one
that we wanted to share with the industry. That’s why we ran the
competition at Glassex for installers to get their hands on the software
and a one year subscription for online technical help. The draw was conducted
on the last day of the show and the lucky companies chosen have won themselves
£15,000 of software.'
For further information please contact Mike Nagle on 0870 241 3089
RoofWright
Builds on Second Glassex
As a direct result of interest expressed at Glassex 03, RoofWright has
developed and introduced timber settings into its 21st century software.
This new enhancement means that timber suppliers and manufacturers can
use RoofWright to design, sell, price and fabricate timber conservatories
and enjoy the same benefits of precision and accuracy as that afforded
to the UPVC industry.
Mitre Master, the nationally recognised maker of high quality made to
measure timber windows, doors and conservatories has become RoofWright's
first 'timber partner' and has incorporated the software into its manufacturing
systems.
Tel: 0161 426 1120
http://www.roofwright.co.uk
Bohle
Hits its Glassex Target
A
specific focus on window manufacture paid dividends for Bohle UK this
year, with a constant flow of fabricators and installers to the stand.
As a result the company looks set to expand its customer base significantly
in this sector.
‘It
was a very good show for us. We deliberately geared our style and approach
towards the window market and the number of new companies we met was most
encouraging,’ comments Managing Director, Gary Dean. ‘By actually
selling lifters, cutters and fitting tools from the stand, people were
able touch and see the quality of our products and many were surprised
at what good value they offer. And, of particular note was the opportunity
to talk to fabricators with a glass side to their business which we may
not have been aware of previously.’
The Bohle range of drilling and grinding machinery also met with a very
positive reaction from glass processors and tougheners and leads were
taken from a promising number of new names. ‘In fact our Glass Belt
Grinding Machine on display was sold within the first two hours of the
show opening to Milton Glass of Portsmouth. And, as always, our continuous
demonstrations including Bohle’s Scratch Away and UV Bonding systems
generated considerable interest.’
Summing up, Gary, who has already booked Bohle’s stand for next year’s
Glassex, says: ‘We now have a very professional exhibition team,
which has been developed over the years. We reached fabricators and installers
because we adapted our presentation to suit them, and they were amazed
at the extent of the range of tools and accessories on offer from suction
lifters to silicone. It was also a first for us to sell off stand and
changing the pitch worked wonders.’
Tel: 0800 616151
Web: http://www.bohle.ltd.uk
Network
Veka Teams up with New Product Ranges
PVCu
gates, fencing, and even decking are to become part of the Network Veka
offering in a new initiative launched at Glassex in association with Veka’s
foam division, Vekatrim.
Members are being urged to take a wider view on home improvements by including
these new ranges along with their existing range.
Network Veka Managing Director John Ogilvie said: ‘This presents
members with two distinct opportunities. As well as extending the product
range they can offer to new customers, it is also an excellent opportunity
to revisit existing customers with the new products.
‘That gives every member a ready-made database of potentially hundreds
of customers to introduce to the new products. There is of course the
added bonus that every one of those customers will already have experience
of Network Veka’s quality and service.’
Veka’s PVCu gates are already available but the company also used
Glassex as the debut for its fencing and decking products. All the ranges
will also be available to non-members as with other Veka products.
Vekatrim Divisional Director Trevor Grant said: ‘These are product
areas with a proven track record in a number of other countries.
‘Just as with roofline and cladding in recent years, consumers will
see how the resilience of PVCu can replace conventional materials in many
other areas of the home.’
John Ogilvie, Network Veka, 01282 473170
Trevor Grant, Vekatrim, 01282 716611
Promac
Celebrates Double Whammy
As
an ever present at Glassex, you would expect that the Promac Group had
seen it all before but the company was surprised when not one but two
visitors placed orders for Rapid Optima VIA 6500 processing centre’s
during the show. ‘It capped off a very successful Glassex for us’
commented Promac MD, Derek Bonnard. He added, ‘We commenced our Silver
Anniversary celebrations at Glassex and you could say these last two orders
were the icing on the cake!’
Business was brisk on all areas of the stand despite visitor numbers being
down. The unveiling of the Pertici Scarabeo 55 cutting centre was well
received as was the new Urban SV430 automatic corner cleaner, both generating
firm enquiries and a number of on-site sales. The Promac Consumables Division
was also in demand, selling tools from the stand, distributing hundreds
of catalogues and racking up lots of enquiries. There was particular interest
in the online purchasing of spares and consumables from the Promac website,
http://www.promac.co.uk
and the launch of Promac Financial Services attracted a number of capital
investment enquiries.
The final word went to Derek Bonnard. ‘As good as Glassex was, I
am cautious about commenting on any exhibition in the immediate post show
euphoria. Exhibiting at Glassex is a major investment for any company
and Promac’s customers, both existing and new, have responded with
firm orders and serious enquiries. The real value of Glassex to the Promac
Group will become apparent as we follow up the hundreds of sales leads
we took but if we had not been here, we would certainly have missed out
on some substantial orders. Ultimately, Promac is proud to support Glassex
and more especially the fenestration industry, through our presence at
the show.’
Tel: 01788 577577
Email: mailto:sales@promac.co.uk
Ritec's
Glass Protect Takes Centre Stage
A
new improved formulation for its ClearShield system that offers greater
surface protection for all types of glass, and an invitation to try its
liquid solution to the problem of removing unwanted sealants were at the
centre of Ritec’s programme for this year’s Glassex exhibition.
ClearShield Glass Protect follows the introduction last year of Sandblast
Glass Protect, while Ritec’s Silicone Eater SE-550 dissolves unwanted
silicone from glass or any surface.
Ritec,
which has recently formed a new joint-venture company in Germany with
Bohle to form Bohle ClearShield, also announced details of its 5-star
travel package – including luxury riverboat accommodation –
for this year’s Glasstec exhibition in Düsseldorf, Germany.
ClearShield Glass Protect
Ritec is introducing the latest developments for its ClearShield system
for the conversion of high maintenance unprotected glass into Low-M (Low
Maintenance) Glass®. It is focusing on providing specialist factory-applied
solutions for areas of difficult maintenance, and in particular glass
for conservatory roofs – a growing market for Ritec’s customer
base.
New ClearShield Glass Protect replaces ClearShield Plus, and is available
in standard multi-applications formula and specialist versions. Using
the company’s polymer technology, ClearShield Glass Protect ensures
higher resistance to corrosion and staining, with easier cleaning without
the need for harsh chemicals.
It can be applied in the factory or on site, using either manual or fully
automatic spraying equipment as part of Ritec’s ClearShield System.
Silicone Eater SE-550
Silicone sealants bond firmly to common building materials and have high
chemical resistance, often making them difficult to remove. Ritec’s
fast and efficient Silicone Eater SE-550 dissolves unwanted silicone without
the need to scrape sealant that may have bled onto glass or framework.
The liquid is not toxic or corrosive to metals, is non-carcinogenic and
does not use halogenated solvents. SE-550 has been especially formulated
to avoid harmful and uncomfortable odours.
Samples of Silicone Eater SE-550 were available at Glassex, with a questionnaire
to obtain feedback on how effective users find the product. A donation
to the Macular Disease Society for the visually impaired will be made
for each questionnaire returned, and one entry will win a DVD player.
Bohle ClearShield GmbH
Suppliers to the glass industry Bohle AG and Ritec International Ltd have
formed a new company to service the German market. Set up on 1st February,
2004, Bohle ClearShield will provide a wide range of solutions for the
renovation, protection and maintenance of glass. Together they become
the largest solution providers to glass processors and fabricators across
Europe.
With similar mindsets and views of market development, the two companies
feel that the synergy is ideal. Bohle, recognising the potential and increasing
demand for low-maintenance glass, was looking to enter and develop its
market share faster and with sustainable growth with the best product
that satisfied the needs of glass users.
Ritec’s strategy was to partner a highly reputable organisation targeting
similar business sectors to enable more efficient and effective penetration
of the European market.
Glasstec 2004
Glasstec will be held in Düsseldorf in early November. Ritec –
in association with the Glass & Glazing Federation, Glass Age and
Pressplan Travel – is offering visitors to Glasstec the chance to
stay on the 5-star River Princess hotelboat, which will be moored close
to the heart of the post-show nightlife in the Altstadt (Old Town).
The boat will also be close to the U-Bahn (underground tram system) which
has excellent direct connections to the show.
Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk
Installers
Beat a Trail to the Jungle Themed Stand to Join the Guild Approved Ultraframe
Registered Installer Scheme
Ultraframe
says that its jungle themed stand proved to be a huge success at Glassex
with a record number of installers proclaiming 'I'm an Installer, get
me into here' as they considered joining the Ultraframe Registered Conservatory
Installer Scheme, Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen.
The jungle themed stand attracted some 350 installers who expressed interest
in the Guild Approved scheme. Visitors were also able to enter in a competition
to win a luxury holiday in the Australian jungle.
The new members who joined the scheme will benefit from a intensive marketing
campaign, including consumer PR in national home interest magazines that
will act as a major sales lead generator reaching over 1,000,000 readers.
Helen Fothergill, Marketing Director said 'We are delighted by the response
to our stand and that installers recognise an industry scheme which offers
real business benefits and a ready made channel to consumers.'
Members of Ultraframe's register of installers can be further assured
by a recent Mori survey which showed that almost twice as many homeowners
would trust a conservatory installer approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen
to build their conservatory over another installer scheme.
The Ultraframe Registered Conservatory Installer Scheme is committed
to training, quality standards and technical support to registered members.
Approved by the Guild of Master Craftsmen, the scheme stands out as the
measure of quality, clearly recognised with the new scheme logo, offering
peace of mind to homeowners nationwide.
A prize draw for the holiday to Australia will take place shortly.
Tel: 0500 822340
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Ultraframe
says that hundreds of installers came to Ultraframe’s Uzone no nonsense
stand at Glassex, which offered a practical hands-on opportunity to experience
and erect the roof.
Phil Wharf, who managed the Uzone stand, was amazed and delighted at the
response. He said: ‘We brought our very successful Roadshow to Glassex.
The challenge was to combine a realistic working environment within exhibition
setting. It was a challenge but it paid off – we had at least 150
visitors to the stand every day. Many installers had a go at erecting
the roof, which really can be put up in less than 90 minutes.’
Ultraframe installers demonstrated the clicklock joint connection technology
that’s at the heart of Uzone, giving speedy, practically bolt-free
and virtually tool-free on-site assembly.
Gareth Short of Leekes Conservatories said ‘Our fitters said it was
the best roof they’ve ever fitted and it only took them 40 minutes
to do!’
Uzone is a suitable roofing system for conservatory designs of any size
from 2.5m x 2.5m up to 3.75m x 3.75m. It is now available, for a limited
period, at 39% off list price across all sizes. This makes a 3mx3m Uzone
Victorian roof in White with 25mm polycarbonate now only £550 +
VAT.
Tel: 0500 822340
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Windowlink–
Constantly in Demand
For
software house Windowlink, Glassex 2004 proved even more successful than
in previous years. With continuous one to one demonstrations taking place
throughout the show it presented the ideal opportunity for visitors to
see first hand the company’s latest window and conservatory sales
presentation and manufacturing software options.
Windowlink’s Vector Plus conservatory pricing program attracted a
great deal of interest. Comments Managing Director, Giles Hayhurst. ‘With
our personal ‘try before you buy’ approach, even those people
who couldn’t see how pricing could benefit their business changed
their mind when they saw how powerful it is in action.’
In addition to fabricators and conservatory retailers, Windowlink was
delighted to welcome a number of major conservatory roof systems suppliers
to the stand and can confirm that deals were struck with two of them there
and then.
Giles continues: ‘It was a surprisingly busy show, even on the Wednesday
–
in fact we were constantly in demand. It was also good to see satisfied
customers returning to say how pleased they are with the software, and
to see the latest features such as the new 3-D Georgian layout. Our only
minor complaint is that we were so busy, we weren’t able to leave
the stand to get some lunch!’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http:// www.windowlink.com
‘Sky-Vent
whipped up a storm at the recent Glassex exhibition, where the new Re-Flex
was launched, as an industry first by the company. This revolutionary
glass offers protection and comfort throughout the year: cooler in summer,
warmer in winter and even quiet when it rains.’ says the company.
To draw attention to the product Sky-Vent introduced the Re-Flex girls
who managed to get themselves photographed everywhere they went. Clad
in Re-Flex and Sky-Vent branded T-shirts the girls handed out well over
2,000 virtual brochures detailing the new product.
The
Re-Flex girls pop onto the Gl@zine stand and get friendly with a guest
Halina Witek, Managing Director of Sky Vent comments: ‘We wanted
to inspire existing customers and potential new customers. The virtual
brochure is a unique offering and gives customers the opportunity to learn
about our ground breaking products, they can even submit an order via
our built in order form. This new brochure can also be downloaded simply
by pressing a button on our new look website http:www.sky-vent.co.uk
‘
Sky-Vent is delighted with the exposure it gained at Glassex, the company
has received an enormous number responses to the new Re-Flex offering.
Halina continues: ‘This new product is stirring up a lot of excitement
within the industry from both large and small companies. There is truly
nothing like this on the market, this is a high specification product
that others can only try to imitate. It was great to have the opportunity
to present the unique benefits of Re-Flex first hand.’
These benefits were illustrated on the Sky-Vent stand, where visitors
were able to feel the difference between a standard IGU and the performance
of Re-Flex IGU’s set up under a full height infared heatlamp display.
Sky-Vent also erected a 4m x 3.5m Victorian Conservatory Roof with Re-Flex
glass so that visitors could see the quality for themselves.
The Sky-Vent stand also showed off the latest innovations to the Sky-Vent
product, including the added PVC thermal break/condensation lip on the
inside of the aluminium pre glazed lids.
'Glassex presented some excellent leads for the Sky-Vent team and also
allowed us to meet with valued customers. We have no doubt that we will
be returning next year.' added Halina.
GTI
Celebrated 20 Years of Manufacturing at Glassex 2004
Ian
Wheatley, Sales Director of GTI Kombimatec Machines Ltd, said, 'Glassex
was very special for us this year as we celebrated 20 years of manufacturing.
Our new stand attracted a constant stream of visitors throughout the show,
even Wednesday was busy and produced business for us.
'A great deal of interest was shown in our entire range of machinery,
particularly in the EV470 CNC Cleaning Machine for transoms and corners
and the DGS530 CNC Double Mitre Saw, both these machines help customers
produce a better quality product without the need for skilled operators.
'Customers from all over the UK obviously came with the intention to buy,
and deals were signed on the spot, companies placed orders from geographical
areas as diverse as Portsmouth, Manchester, Scotland, and Hereford.
'With more than 250 leads to follow up after the show we are confident
of even further sales. Many of the leads came from people who having researched
the various options available to them, now look to us to help them to
make the final decision.
'Congratulations to the organisers and we look forward to an even more
productive show next year.'
Tel: 01582 455934
Email: mailto:sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://gtikombi.demon.co.uk
Glassex
2004 was a hectic time for the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF). Not
only did it launch the interim results of a Government funded Partners
in Innovation (PiI) project on warm edge technology, it also ran seminars
each day on issues such as Approved Document L 2005 and heath and safety.
In addition the GGF provided visitors with the latest facts from the Office
of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) – the Government Department responsible
for changing Building Regulations – on Conservatories as well as
tackling Building Regulations K (protection from falling), M (access to
buildings) and N (safety). Finally the Federation launched details of
two of its showcase conferences that will take place later in the year.
Warm edge technology
This study looks at the combination of frames, glass and spacers and how
together they can save energy and improve window performance. These interim
results have been made available for comment by the industry at large
and will be incorporated into the final report which should be issued
in July.
Approved Document L
Giles Willson’s seminar gave an explanation of what the current requirements
are of Approved Document L, why Part L1 is changing, the process for change
and what the industry proposals for change are. Finally he looked at what
industry needs to do next, the long term future and then took questions
from the floor.
Glassex FACT SHEETS
The GGF always ensures that the information it issues to the industry
is correct. This means its Members are assured that they receive the facts
and not speculation. This allows them to make business decisions fully
informed. Bearing this in mind the GGF produced a number of Fact Sheets
especially for the Glassex exhibition covering:
• Conservatories
• Approved Document K (protection from falling)
• Approved Document M (access to buildings)
• Approved Document N (safety)
• Approved Document (conservation of fuel and power)
• VAT
• Health and Safety
• Training
A Day not to Miss – GGF 04 Conference
Every year the Glass and Glazing Federation hold an annual conference
and this year is no exception. Unlike other years, this event on 18th
June 2004 is now being opened up to the whole of the industry.
This year's keynote speaker is Paul Everall who is Head of Building Regulations
at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM). Paul is responsible
for all the changes to the Building Regulations - this includes the current
review of Approved Document L which will effect windows and doors, and
the discussions relating to bringing conservatories back under Building
Control.
Come hear what Paul has to say and take the opportunity to get your views
heard on the subject.
In addition, there will be a whole series of seminars dealing with issues
facing small businesses; a manufacturing forum; and a range of seminars
covering issues such as low maintenance glass, marketing, energy ratings,
CE marking and architectural glass.
In the evening the Federation is teaming up with the Glass Industry Awards.
Further details to follow.
If you would like to reserve a place at this event contact Lis Chapelhow
on 0845 257 7956 or you can e-mail Lis on mailto:lchapelhow@ggf.org.uk
Technical Forum – How to CE Mark
Being held at the University of Northampton on 16-17 September 2004, this
year’s forum is aimed at assisting delegates to understand what they
need to do to show compliance with the harmonised European norms which
will enable companies to CE Mark their products.
Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive commented, ‘Each year there are more
and more issues for the industry that need to be commented upon and interpreted.
The GGF continues to do this for its Members and the industry. At Glassex
this year we took the opportunity to discuss a number of these issues
through our seminar programme, FACT SHEETS and on the GGF stand itself.’
Web: http:// www.ggf.org.uk
Conservatory
Industry Group Meets During Glassex
The
Building Regulations Advisory Committee (BRAC) industry working party
on conservatories met in Birmingham on 17th March to consider the views
of both central and devolved Government for incorporation into the industry’s
proposed horizontal document. This horizontal document is designed to
provide technical guidance that could be used throughout the whole of
the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland.
As the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) explained on its Glassex FACT
Sheets this horizontal document could form the cornerstone of a proposed
way forward should BRAC decide that conservatories have their exempt building
status removed either partially or fully.
If you are involved in the conservatory market you should contact the
GGF’s Conservatory Association to find out how to get involved -
contact Bridie Joyce on 0845 257 7970.
A
Rose By Any Other Name
Corby
Windows launched the very latest woodgrain on its stand at Glassex. A
frame fabricated using Rehau S706 70mm profiles, complete with CWG’s
recently announced integral gaskets, was displayed in the new Rosewood
finish.
CWG says that the grain and darker natural swirl effect apparent within
the Rosewood finish is attractive and aesthetically pleasing. Redder in
hue than Mahogany, Rosewood provides the authentic appearance of a natural
wood but with subtle shades of burgundy that will complement practically
any setting.
Rosewood is available in both Rehau 60mm Tritec and S706, 70mm profiles.
The introduction means that CWG now has a wide selection of woodgrains
from which its installer customers can choose. The two Rehau systems can
be supplied in Mahogany or Golden Oak, as well as the new Rosewood and
as fabricators of the Shield 70mm system, Mahogany, light Oak and Cherry
Oak are also available. Neither should woodgrain finishes on white be
overlooked. Popular for conservatories, such a combination provides the
best of both worlds with the clean effect of the standard white finish
internally and a woodgrain of choice, possibly matching existing windows
or the fabric of the building, to the outside.
Colours are additionally becoming a favourite with customers in both the
domestic and commercial sector, CWG’s installers are increasingly
fitting frames in the durable coloured finishes supplied by Corby Windows
Group. Recent installations include white frames with black surrounds,
as traditionally seen in cottages and older dwellings, silver externally
and white internally for an educational establishment, cream in an executive
house and many more.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
Recycle,
Don’t Landfill says Dekura
With
several hundred quality leads to follow up from its Glassex 2004 attendance,
Dekura is convinced that its recycling
message is starting to ‘hit home’ with fabricators.
Dekura
is actively encouraging fabricators and installers to use its service
as pressure grows to recycle PVCu waste rather than send it to landfill.
But while the company acknowledges that encouraging more recycling remains
a challenge due to fabricators’ competing business pressures, it
would appear that growing awareness of its services is prompting more
of them to seek information.
According to Dekura’s General Manager, Tony Moore, this can only
be good news all round in the face of rising landfill costs and the need
for the industry to comply with increasingly-stringent legislation.
He comments: ‘We were very impressed with the quality of the several
hundred leads from the show and it would appear that many fabricators
are either dissatisfied with their existing waste PVCu collection, or
they’ve been landfilling. We’re confident of having a busy year!’
Dekura’s successful ‘information centre’ approach to PVCu
recycling is helping more and more fabricators and systems companies to
take advantage of its efficient waste PVCu recycling service.
The company also offers a progressive Green Compliant certification scheme
for fabricators and installers. Certificates are awarded to companies
demonstrating an on-going commitment to PVCu recycling to a required level,
in turn giving them a new ‘selling aid’ to their customers.
Meanwhile Dekura continues to invest significantly to meet future initiatives
under EC legislation regarding the recycling of PVC windows and doors,
and to pioneer new techniques. Recycling is made simple and efficient,
with little or no disruption to fabricators’ existing operating procedures.
It enables fabricators to avoid the rising cost of landfilling.
Contact:Tony Moore
Tel: 0191 586 2379
Big
Interest in Evergreen’s Composite Doors at Glassex
Evergreen
Door’s partnership opportunity for fabricators was unveiled at Glassex
2004 generating considerable interest from existing and potential customers
with a number of quality leads collected over the four days.
The
company’s Making Composite Doors Easy business offer was launched
in response to predictions of composite door sales rising 219% by 2007,
opening up new market opportunities for its customers.
The offer is based on Evergreen’s ‘one-stop shop’ approach
providing the complete package of components that the fabricator needs
to supply fully-finished doors and door sets. This ‘turnkey’
business opportunity covers everything from products, set up and business-to-business
lead generation.
From a choice of door leaf material to a quality range of hardware items
and a stylish selection of glazing options, the service ensures fabricators
have all they need to succeed in a rapidly expanding market sector.
West Yorkshire-based Evergreen also provides technical and marketing support,
as well as advice on new materials and machinery requirements.
Evergreen’s Managing Director Robert Benn, comments: ‘We believe
there is an excellent opportunity for fabricators to take advantage of
dramatic changes in the marketplace thanks to the growth of composite
doors. And this was backed up with around 900 quality leads from show
visitors, many of them key decision-makers, so we’re very pleased.’
Robert
adds: ‘As experts in providing fabricators with all they need, our
aim is to help them get into the market without the usual hurdles and
to make fabricating composite doors easy. And we believe we have the best
package to make this happen.’
Evergreen Door is a supplier to the door fabricating market and aims to
create a national network of fabricators. It holds the ISO 9001:2000 quality
standard and is a Secured by Design licensee.
Tel: 01924 423171
Wise
Move for Patiomaster at Glassex
PatioMaster
reports that its fourth Glassex presence proved a wise decision with the
in-line sliding patio manufacturer attracting plenty of interest in both
its core offering and its new line of composite doors.
Product
Manager Richard Parker reported a number of high quality leads and inquiries
from as far afield as Botswana and Lanzarote. He commented: ‘It’s
been very busy for us and despite being a smaller show, the quality of
leads has been very high. Well worth attending.
‘Installers have shown great interest in our unique composite door
offering enabling them to source both patio and composite doors from our
network of regional specialist fabricators,’ continued Richard.
Up-to-date Palmer Research predicts composite doors will show the strongest
growth in the home improvement entrance door sector with the market more
than tripling in size between 2002 and 2005.
‘Through our specialist network of in-line patio and composite door
fabricators, PatioMaster simplifies the business of making composite doors,
enabling customers to take advantage of supplying a quality product with
short lead times and national supply from a local manufacturer.
‘We foresaw a need for this type of product in what is a very fast-growing
market with great business potential,’ added Richard.
Since
its launch three years ago, PatioMaster has steadily expanded its national
network of fabricators which it plans to grow throughout the UK and Europe.
A agent has already been appointed to recruit new fabricators in France.
Contact: Richard Parker
Tel: 01952 210850
A
Sharper Market Focus will get Windowmaker Back to No.1 in the
Tim
Hall, the recently appointed International Business Development Director
for Windowmaker Software, has a brief to re-establish the company as the
No.1 solutions provider in the UK. He will also be building on Windowmaker’s
strong presence across Europe and North America.
Initially the marketing focus has been on getting internal processes ready
for the greatly increased demand already being generated. Now the focus
will be on building on the very positive feedback to the pre-release of
Windowmaker 5 and new marketing materials on display at Glassex.
Tim comments: ‘A key reason for joining Windowmaker was the company’s
ability to provide more than software. Unlike many competitors we ask
what your real business and commercial needs are, then provide solutions
which really improve your bottom line.’
‘The message was reinforced at Glassex using material leading with
the line ‘Windowmaker is more than Software’. Whether a current
or prospective customer the team can demonstrate how Windowmaker will
work with you to design your system for today and also be adaptable enough
to support your future success. As your Windowmaker expertise and business
grow, our Healthcheck tool ensures the system is refined and staff trained
to deliver maximum return on your investment.’
Tim continues: ‘The application can be expanded to grow with your
business and it's increasingly demanding commercial needs. Regardless
of entry-point, we are one of the few providers who can legitimately deliver
this capability and do so at remarkably competitive rates. With Windowmaker
you will not outgrow your initial investment and have to start again.’
In order to ensure an enhanced offering and service delivery, Windowmaker
has strengthened the customer facing team. In offices Worldwide, Windowmaker
has recruited commercially minded staff whose responsibility is to determine
customer's business and financial needs. Only once the goals are clear
does the emphasis shift to design and implementation of the software solutions,
all of which will be supported, enhanced and expanded in the long-term’.
Contact:: Tim Hall
Tel: 020 8390 4931
Email: mailto:timhall@windowmaker.com
Web: http:// www.windowmaker.com
New
Gas Filling Machines from Inagas
The
first models in the new Inagas IGA Series of gas fillers for ig units
were launched at Glassex on stand F088. Malcolm Kemp, Inagas director,
says: ‘The IGA-30 and IGA-60 are at the heart of our range. They
are designed to meet the needs of the great majority of ig unit manufacturers,
providing one or two line capability and filling speeds some 10 per cent
faster than other machines of this size.’
IGA Series machines can be set up for one or two hole filling, usually
vertically, but one hole filling can be accomplished horizontally. They
feature touch pad controls and visual displays, allowing easy adjustment
of percentage levels and dwell times and swift fault finding analysis.
Early sales of the new machines support Malcolm Kemp’s contention
that a new approach was needed. He comments: ‘Technology develops
all the time and we wanted to use our long experience to combine the reliability
which people have come to expect, with an up to date approach to the needs
of the customer. Hence easy to use controls and a robust, modular design
which allows us to develop larger capacity machines in the near future.
The feedback we are getting from the first customers for the IGA-30 and
-60 shows that our initiative is welcome and working well.’
Service agreements for UK customers include an annual check and optional
re-calibration. All parts are fitted at cost and if required, Inagas will
arrange for unit testing.
Tel: 01442 832764
Email: mailto:info@inagas.com
More
Exhibitor Quotes From Glassex 2004
'This was a great opportunity for exposure for DeWalt and we enjoyed being
involved in the Glassex Challenge.’
Nick Cook – DeWalt
‘We’ve had a steady flow of visitors and loads of interest in
our underfloor heating systems from conservatory installers. Everyone’s
been really friendly and we’ve enjoyed being here.’
Steven Rooney – Sales Manager,
DEVI Electroheat
‘The launch of our new 70mm Advance system has gone down extremely
well here and we’ve been busier than any of us expected, with lots
of people entering our stand competition. Good show this year.’
Dawn Pritchard – Marketing Manager,
Selecta Systems
‘Our new composite door, Apeer, we consider to be unique and launching
it here has been ideal. All the doors on our stand were sold within a
couple of hours of the show opening and we’ve had an excellent response.’
Alex Moore – Sales Manager, New
World Developments
‘We’ve been overwhelmed with interest in our niche products
– we made sure that we took advantage of all the pre-show publicity
opportunities, which helped a lot, and we appreciated the ease of using
the online manual. This was the ideal place for us to see over 300 existing
UK customers – a number we’d never get round to in one place
any other way – and to promote our panic door. Truly brilliant.’
Garry Catchpole – Managing Director,
Polycastle Nu-Span
‘We are expanding and have invested over £4 Million in new
machinery, so it was important for us to attend Glassex. The show may
be a bit smaller but there is still plenty to see here, and we’ve
certainly been pleased with the leads we’ve had. In general, we think
that other exhibitors we’ve spoken to agree and are very happy with
what they’ve seen here this year.’
Andy Haste – All-in-One Windows
‘It’s been a very good year for us at Glassex 2004 – we’ve
had excellent leads and are very pleased indeed with what we’ve got
from being here.’
Phil Heavey – Managing Director,
Elumatec UK Ltd
‘Our sponsorship of the Glassex Challenge has been an excellent opportunity
for us to demonstrate the quality of our system, its individual benefits
– proven in the USA – and new initiatives. We’ve had invaluable
feedback from customers and previewed our climate control document with
great success. We were happy to support EMAP and Glassex as we feel it
remains the industry standard by which all others are set. It’s been
both enjoyable and profitable.’
Joseph Solomons – Sales &
Marketing Director, Total Conservatory Roof Systems