News @ The GL@ZINE

Revised British Standard Acknowledges Role of Self Cleaning Glass

Safe window-cleaning practice has always been a concern for both the British Standards Institute (BSI) and the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM), which holds the responsibility for Building Regulations in England and Wales. However, due to increasing specification of Pilkington Activ™ for high-rise developments and commercial properties, both organisations are now acknowledging the growing popularity of self-cleaning glass.

The relevant British Standard – BS 8213 Part 1 – was revised in October 2004 to include guidelines on the use of self-cleaning glass. The revisions make it even simpler for architects, specifiers and building control officers to see the benefits of choosing Pilkington Activ™ in accordance with these recommendations.

BS 8213 Part 1 is essentially a code of practice for ‘design for safety in use and during cleaning of windows’. The paper offers guidance and recommendations for the construction, operation, maintenance and cleaning of windows. The revised paper now includes the wording: ‘If it is not possible to provide windows that can be safely cleaned on both sides from within the building, self-cleaning glass should be used in situations where satisfactory cleaning is likely to result.’

Pilkington Activ™ can therefore help specifiers to fulfil this recommendation, provided it is used in situations where it is fully exposed to daylight and rainfall, enabling the glass to work to full effect. Its dual-action cleaning process can then use UV light to break down and loosen organic dirt and for rainwater to then wash it away. In situations where there are deep window recesses or overhangs in the building design, the self-cleaning glass would need occasional hosing down, and this would need to be taken into account when considering the new Standard’s suggestions.

With the commercial use of self-cleaning glass rising rapidly in the UK, the acknowledgment of the importance of the product by these relevant building authorities supports the belief that Pilkington Activ™ - the world’s first self-cleaning glass - represents the present and future of the glazing industry.

Pultec’s Green Claims Supported by BRE report

New evidence from the Building Research Establishment (BRE) indicates that Pultec is the most environmentally friendly window profile company in the UK. The material from which Pultec’s window systems are made – pultruded fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) - has been given an overall ‘A’ rating, the highest achievable environmental rating, in BRE’s new Green Guide to Composites. This is an update of its first ‘green book’ published in 2000, which is now the architects’ bible for comparing the environmental impacts of various building products.

Composite materials such as FRP – also known as GRP and glass fibre - were not included in the original guide because they were not in general use. They have since grown in popularity, and are being actively promoted for their long term durability and strength through BRE’s ‘ngcc’ (Network Group for Composites in Construction).

This latest development will have further serious implications for other commonly used window materials. The only other material to receive the Green Guide’s ‘A’ rating is softwood, which has long term maintenance issues. Aluminium and PVCu both received lower ratings in the original guide.

Pultec is the only UK manufacturer to offer a complete suite of windows from this revolutionary new material, using a patented thin wall pultrusion process. With this latest accolade from BRE, the Pultec system offers the most complete combination of environmental, practical and best value benefits to specifiers. It is guaranteed for 20 years but has a life expectancy of over 50 years.

Pultec targets two main markets, the housing sector and commercial windows, including curtain walling. Its systems are available in all today’s popular window designs – traditional open out casements, vertical sliding sashes, tilt and turn, horizontal sliders and patio doors. The Pultec profile is so strong that it is load bearing, like aluminium, but needs no metal reinforcing inserts, like PVCu. Therefore, far larger windows and glazing screens can be produced than is possible with PVCu – but without the thermal disadvantages of aluminium.

Paper on Cracked Laminated Glass Receives Industry Recognition

A paper, co-authored by Dr. Stephen J. Bennison of DuPont’s Glass Laminating Solutions business unit, on the 'Mechanical Response of Cracked Laminated Plates', has received recognition from ASME (American Society for Mechanical Engineers). Dr. Bennison, along with fellow authors of the 2002 paper, Dr. Anand Jagota (then also of DuPont), Professor Sunil Saigal and Dr. Muralidhar Seshadri (then both of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh), received the 2004 Orr Award for contributions to the literature on fracture and failure investigations. The research contained within the paper has contributed strongly to the modelling competency of DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions for understanding and engineering laminated glass.

Laminated glass plates are used in architectural and transportation applications to enhance structural integrity, safety, security and acoustic performance. The mechanical behaviour of the laminates after glass-fracture, for example their projectile energy absorbing capacity and residual stiffness, determines their utility in many applications. This paper provides a framework for analysing the combined influence of interlayer properties and glass properties in order to guide laminate design.

The analytical model and the simulation technique described in the paper can be useful tools for the design of laminated glass structures in terms of determining failure probability in the glass ply. This information is in turn used to generate a set of fragment patterns that are most likely to arise after glass fracture. The polymer layer and the glass–polymer interfacial bonding may then be designed to satisfy a residual strength criterion. The technique is also useful in evaluating the residual strength of damaged laminates and deciding whether replacement is necessary.

The Orr award, presented by ASME, honours the memory of Leighton Orr, whose interest in the properties of fractured glass earned him national renown among engineering professionals in the US. An ASME Life Fellow, he was a Society member for more than 60 years. He headed the physical testing at PPG Industries Research Laboratory in Pittsburgh and retired in 1972. He continued to work as a consultant up until February 2004, handling more than 900 assignments in total.

The paper, ‘Mechanical Response of Cracked Laminated Plates’ by M. Seshadri, S.J. Bennison, A. Jagota and S. Saigal, is published by Elsevier Science Ltd., in the journal Acta Materialia, volume 50, pages 4477–4490, in 2002. Reprints are available from www.actamat-journals.com or by calling +1 (407) 345-4020.

For the first time at Glassex, public sector housing managers and officers are being catered for with a special one-day conference organised specifically to deal with some of the key issues facing this market.

Glazing in the Public Sector: Focus on Housing will take place on Tuesday 15th March, and is free of charge to bona fide public sector delegates, on a limited first come, first served basis. Demand for places is expected to be strong with content that addresses key issues such as the Building Regulations, Collaborative Procurement Groups, and the Window Energy Rating scheme. The opening address will be given by Judith Harrison, Director of The Housing Forum who will outline the impending legislation and other demands that will face housing managers during the next few months, with other presentations made by some of the UK’s foremost experts in their fields. The afternoon of the conference will be dedicated to glass and window recycling, including presentations on the recent practical experiences of two British local authorities.

The full programme and on-line registration can be found at http://www.glassex.com/Socialhousing.asp?id=702.

A full seminar programme is also being organised at Glassex on the broader aspects of glazing and issues facing the glazing industry, with a bias towards window, door and conservatory fabricators and installers. The programme for Wednesday 16th March is dedicated to the conservatory sector. A strong emphasis has been placed on ensuring that the presentations offer practical, real-world advice that delegates may immediately put to work. Again, the full programme may be found on the Glassex web site.

Glassex 2005 is at the NEC Birmingham UK from 13th – 16th March 2005.

'The Advance 70 bandwagon is rapidly gathering momentum for Selecta Systems . . . and plenty of people are jumping on board!’ says Mark Richmond, Selecta’s Sales and Marketing Director . ‘New business is up by 18% and it continues to increase and we are already looking at a 25% increase in turnover this year.

New business, new customers and new recruits have been the results that the new 70mm suite has produced since it rolled off the production line at the Birmingham-based extrusion company.

It has more than fulfilled the expectations Selecta had when the company launched Advance 70 at the 2004 Glassex Exhibition, all of which meant that its availability was eagerly anticipated.

‘There has been a fantastic response so far and that has more than justified the confidence we had when we launched Advance 70 last year,’ adds Mark (pictured left).

‘Business has been so buoyant that we have had to take on new staff because we couldn’t cope with the level of enquiries.

‘While a number of companies have decided to switch to Selecta because of Advance 70, we have also welcomed back six customers who went elsewhere for a while out of a pressing need for this product. But Advance 70 and our level of service has now lured them back.’

He added: ‘We were well aware that there was a lot of interest in Advance 70 throughout the industry among both existing customers and potential ones following the launch and it is very exciting to see the way that interest is now being converted into new business.

‘Advance 70 possesses all the vital attributes in terms of technical sophistication, aesthetic appeal and versatility.

‘It has many other outstanding features too. It is strong, durable, functional and attractive, as well as being secure, thermally efficient and having greater design flexibility. Above all, it can be fabricated and installed quickly, which reduces costs and saves time.’

The five chamber profile of the Advance 70 provides its strength and durability, while the U value and hi-flow drainage ensures no problems are caused by adverse weather.

The new suite is quick and easy to put together because it has single leg knock-in beads speeding up the installation process and the co-extruded gaskets improve efficiency and the finished look.

Advance 70 now forms part of Selecta Systems’ extensive range of suites which include the 8000 system (60mm), 8000 system (70mm) 7000 system – holiday home and superslider – patio kits

http://www.selectasystems.com

Following last year’s announcement that Sentinel Doors was becoming part of the worldwide Therma-Tru family, the companies have confirmed that they have combined their UK operations under the single company name, Therma-Tru Ltd. After the name change, the company’s south Wales headquarters will be the foundation of the European growth strategy of the new integrated business.

This adoption of a unified company name reflects the continuing integration of the two original companies' operations, a shared ambition to build the one specialist door brand of unquestioned authority across the UK market, and the unrivalled reputation of the Therma-Tru name in the international doors market. Both companies’ product ranges will continue to operate in tandem until a full range evaluation and integration has been achieved.

'Unification behind this single company name is another important step towards total integration, incorporating product portfolio, production and service operations,’ commented Steve Brown, head of Therma-Tru European operations. ‘Our first objective is to ensure that each of our customers continues to enjoy all the benefits seen to date when dealing with us, but then sees added value created by our merger. Consolidating two companies' strengths into the one Therma-Tru operation means we can offer a more efficient, customer-focussed service together with the UK's leading portfolio of composite door products.’

Uniting the two companies creates new possibilities in the UK door market. Sentinel has always been known as the complete door company offering customised, value-added products plus a comprehensive door installation service, while Therma-Tru’s considerable resources, technical and R&D capabilities have taken it to the forefront of the fibreglass door category. The acquisition will allow the companies to expand into new markets as well as consolidating strong positions in existing sectors.

Therma-Tru has been manufacturing doors in the USA for forty years and selling fibreglass doors in the UK for nearly fifteen. In 2004, the company acquired Sentinel Doors, the UK manufacturer of composite doors, in a move designed to accelerate its growth in the UK. The company has put in place ambitious expansion and investment plans to meet its target of achieving number one status in the UK door market.

Contact: Cathy Sullivan
Tel: 01443 229219
Email: mailto:csullivan@thermatru.com

Synseal Extrusions Ltd has invested in four new technical vans which bring the technician and new tools together to help fabricators with the initial set up, if they are new to Synseal.

Dave Bingley, Conservatory Operations Manager of Synseal, comments: ‘The technical vans are great for getting initial machinery out to new fabricators. Having the expertise and machinery there at the same time makes the set up time quicker. We also use the vans as part of our ongoing technical support scheme for existing fabricators and their installer customers. The striking livery is designed to create awareness of the Synseal name for installers and homeowners that creates pull through for our fabricators.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

As one of Status Systems' longest serving accounts, D & G Windows was the first customer to fully convert production over to zendow® five months ago. Since then, the Lancashire based fabricator has seen a significant increase in business, particularly installing zendow® into older properties.

General Manager, Jimi O’Neil explains, ‘We moved over to zendow® in August because it was clearly an aesthetically superior profile. Initially we saw zendow® smoothline as a contemporary, modern product.

'However, customers with older properties are now choosing zendow® over chamfered products. The low sightlines and grey weather seal are virtually invisible giving the finished product a traditional appearance on older properties.’

The change to zendow® has delivered production efficiencies, adding value to the bottom line, with fabrication staff and fitting crews preferring the new product. Jimi adds, ‘We have made great progress following the change to zendow® and we are investing in a new, larger showroom.

'Most of our business comes from referrals and having been in business since 1987, we are even fitting for second-generation customers. Homeowners buy with their eyes so we are confident that the combination of the new showroom and zendow® products will deliver even more growth.’

Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:anna.bulmer@status-systems.co.uk

Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T) exhibition is set to provide a further boost for the flat glass industry when it takes place at the NEC Birmingham UK on 17th, 18th and 19th May 2005, the second event in the series. Widely hailed a success by exhibitors and visitors alike following its launch 18 months ago, GP&T went on to be honoured as the Best Launch for a trade show by the Association of Exhibition Organisers, which represents the exhibition industry itself.

Now, in the run up to the 2005 event organisers EMAP Maclaren report stand sales already ahead of the last show despite there being five months to go. ‘Most of the big names have already signed up again, or are expected to,’ commented Steve Redman, Event Manager. ‘GP&T is already larger than last year, so visitors can be certain of a worthwhile visit.’

GP&T was established following one of the most extensive research projects undertaken in recent years by EMAP Maclaren, which is a division of one of Britain’s biggest exhibition specialists. The results confirmed the organising team’s belief that there was a need for an exhibition and conference forum as the processing and specification of flat glass becomes increasingly complex following legislation and regulation in all areas of building and construction.

GP&T will therefore follow a similar format to that established with the first event, with a large business-to-business exhibition, in-hall events showcasing glass crafts and specialist skills, and a seminar programme aimed at glass professionals. The Architects Pavilion, which succeeded in attracting full houses throughout most of the last event, will take place once again. Programmes will be published in February.

Further information can be found on the GP&T web site at http://www.gptexhibition.com, on which visitors may pre-register, and potential exhibitors obtain details about taking part in the event. The site offers a number of innovations, such as links that automatically paste the event in users’ Outlook diaries, and alert friends and colleagues.

Walnut Motorsport has been asked to organise the 2005 Schüco Karting Challenge for the third successive year.

This competition for the construction industry has proved extremely popular and, in 2005, the maximum number of entrants will be raised to 288, from 240 last year and 144 in its first year (2003).

It will take place at 6 regional qualifying rounds during May with the top 4 drivers at each round qualifying for the UK final in July.

New this year will be a team competition running alongside the main event for individuals. The event is open to those working in the construction industry in architects, developers, main contractors, surveyors and consultancies.

Employees of fabricators of Schüco’s door, window and curtain walling systems are also eligible. Up to three employees from each company can enter and their finishing positions can count towards qualification for a team final.

Last year’s top three individuals represented the UK at Schüco’s European final at Majorca and came away with the top prize! Simon Ham (Arup Acoustics), Martin Smart (Acanthus Clews Architects) and Stephen Johnson (Peter Walker Group) will all be taking part again hoping to defend their title.

Walnut Motorsport specialises in corporate hospitality and event management in the exciting world of motorsport and many of the company’s clients are drawn from the building products industry, thanks largely to the previous experience of Managing Director, Nick Moss.

The company’s hospitality packages range from unique and exclusive places at Grand Prix worldwide to tailored, cost effective VIP treatment at UK events such as British Touring Cars and British Superbikes. Walnut Motorsport’s range of corporate events include karting, track days, exhibition show cars and driver appearances.

If you want to treat your customers, staff or stakeholders to something a little different, contact Nick at mailto:nick.moss@walnutmotorsport.com or on 01386 710106.

Beaufort Secure Design’s aluminium door profiles have achieved PAS 23 / 24 approval – the industry’s most stringent performance and security standard.

The relevant tests were conducted on a range of full size aluminium doors from the Beaufort system at Winkhaus Testing Ltd, a registered UKAS laboratory. The doors used for testing were fabricated by Essex-based Duration Windows Ltd, an ISO 9002 accredited company and member of Beaufort’s Approved Fabricator Scheme.

PAS 23 covers a range of general performance criteria including weather resistance and basic security, whereby products are subjected to a 50,000 cycle test to assess the durability of the door leaf, frame, hinges and locks. PAS 24 relates to enhanced security levels including hard/soft body impact, mechanical load tests and the ability to withstand manual attack.

During the three-day testing procedure, Beaufort aluminium doors were mounted into a test rig and various loads applied, both laterally and horizontally, to simulate the forces of an attempted break in. Also, in a human intervention test, experienced testers tried to use their knowledge to gain entry.

PAS 23 / 24 approval represents an important performance standard within the door market, particularly in the public sector, which specifies these standards before awarding contracts. Indeed, gaining PAS approval is already reaping rewards for Beaufort customers, as Nigel Yates the company’s Sales Director explains, ‘In a recent contract for 22 doors for a Havering Council project PAS 23 / 24 was an essential condition.

Everglaze, a Beaufort fabricator in East London, won the contract on the strength of our outstanding test results. Achieving this standard gives specifiers and main contractors the peace of mind that the Beaufort aluminium range has been tried, tested and can be trusted,’

Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk

Supertrucks Ltd has long established customers in Germany and Belgium and following a successful Glasstec 2004 Exhibition now has it's sights set on the rest of Europe. During the next five years Supertrucks plans to expand its sales of glass carrying racks and bodies into Holland, France and Austria. These examples have just been completed, and are some of the first supplied by Supertrucks into Austria via the company's southern German partner Max Klemm GmbH.

A long wheelbase Peugeot Boxer (pictured below left) is now in service with Firma Spiel of Fehring Austria. The rack is light alloy anodised finish with system 2 security poles and light grey rubber. This light grey rubber protects white pvcu window units in transit, eliminating abrasion marks from the regular black rubber, this is available as an option on all Supertruck Racks and Bodies.

Firma Manahl, of Bludenz Austria took delivery of a Supertruck body (pictured above right) in November 2004. Mounted on the VW LT 4025mm wheel base chassis cab the light alloy rack measures 4600mm long x 2500mm high and has an anodised finished and equipped with the latest reflective red/white safety markers and reflective rubber base blocks.

Tel: 01744 25348
Web: http://www.supertrucks-uk.com

Everwhite Plastics Ltd is exporting PVC-UE profiles for an internal louvered window shutter system exclusively for the US. Vince Richardson, Technical Director of Everwhite, explains why an American company has chosen a UK company to design and manufacture the product:

‘Rather than simply copy the existing vinyl shutter systems, Everwhite has taken 18 months to develop a unique profile that looks better and lasts longer. The improved colourfastness, tougher impact resistance and increased rigidity outstrip any competition in the American market.

‘The satin finished louvers are fully skinned and even had another leading manufacturer foxed because he couldn’t see the join! It’s a complicated design.

'Technically it’s been a challenging project to get the quality and output levels right. We’ve made changes to the manufacturing equipment and processes, by developing a new design of extruder screw configuration, along side bespoke tools and downstream equipment.

'All were necessary to manufacture the required volume of product to the highest specification. In total, the investment in new machinery alone has topped £1 million. We have four new extrusion lines to increase capacity for the American contract as well as staying ahead of the UK demand.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Getting on-time, every time, in-full deliveries is vital for installers. If stockists let them down, they let their customers down and risk their reputation. GAP, the standard setting roofline stockist and door panel manufacturer, understands the importance of deliveries. Mick Skinner, Depot Co-ordinator for GAP, explains:

‘We constantly ask ourselves how we can improve our already high levels of customer service. Unlike most other roofline stockists, we have massive warehouse space that enables us to stock the full range of board colours and thicknesses. So we challenged ourselves – what else could we do to set ourselves apart to offer customers exemplary service?

' We decided on overnight picking and loading so that more of our customers could enjoy the benefits of morning delivery. Any order that’s received by 4pm will be loaded overnight for our customers and the trucks will set off even earlier, ensuring more of our customers get morning deliveries. The results have been well received by customers such as Butler Roofing.’

Bolton-based Butler Roofing has been using GAP for its roofline supplies for eight months. Doug Greenhouse, Sales Manager of Butler Roofing, makes the point: ‘Having products on site at the right time is vital for our business especially with the big projects we work on in conjunction with BASS Construction for Social Housing in Wigan and Bolton.

' We are currently working on 160 two and three-bedroomed properties in Farnworth. GAP’s Blackburn Depot provides next day delivery on stock items if we order before 4pm and fulfils any special orders within 48 hours. If we run short, GAP will go out of their way to bring it to site – even in their own car, on the way home. This level of personal service makes GAP an excellent supplier.’

Contact Mark Simm on 01254 682888 or email mailto:simmy@gap.uk.com for further information.

Conservatory installer Turkingtons has signed up to become a K2 installer, as a direct result of K2’s launch of Options, its range of interior trims.

Turkingtons, which was founded in 1951 by J H Turkington will be supplying Options, and the K2 roofing system and has also opted to provide L2 in a Pack on demand. The company had previously carried a competitor’s kit system but realised that there was a gap in the product range that it stocks, with no provision made for products which allowed homeowners to personalise their conservatory. Turkingtons was impressed by the Options range, with ease of installation, product quality and attractive pricing and this convinced the company to switch to K2.

Ian Young, General Manager of Turkingtons comments (pictured right); ‘As a rapidly expanding business, we need to be able to offer customers a full product range which responds to their needs. We had always been impressed with the quality and functionality of K2’s products, but the launch of the Options range convinced us that K2 was a complete systems provider, which pays attention to even the smallest details. The Options range provides a wide range of decorative trims in a variety of colours and patterns, allowing homeowners to add those all-important finishing touches to the conservatory and making it part of the home.’

Comments Paul Carter, Sales Manager of K2: ‘Manufacturers often pay attention to the exterior appeal of their designs, but it is important that they also provide products which allow consumers to personalise the interior of the conservatory and link it to the rest of the house. Turkingtons’ decision to become a K2 installer demonstrates the importance of manufacturers being a complete systems provider and demonstrates the validity of our approach to leading the marketplace, both in terms of product development and commitment to an extensive product range.’

The Options range is available in a full range of colours, including white, blue/white, golden oak, mahogany and rosewood, to complement K2’s range of roofing profiles. The decorative trims range from the subtle ‘plain’ and ‘rope’ patterns to the traditional ‘egg & dart’ or ‘floral’ designs and the contemporary ‘Greek key’ design. The range also includes a decorative corner piece available in each of the colour.

Newstead Trade Frames is a one-stop-shop fabricator. Not only does the company supply windows, conservatory roofs, and doors but also building plastics and associated products.

Newstead recently launched its Building Plastics Trade Counter as a separate division. Eleven times world darts champion, Phil Taylor, agreed to do the honours by officially opening the new division.

Adrian Locker, Director and General Manager of Newstead, said on the occasion:

‘We wanted to send a clear message to our trade customers that we specialise in more than just windows and doors.

The division has been purpose built for our trade customers. It offers a wide selection of products ranging from tools, and building materials to drainpipes, gutters and even sand and cement.

The division includes a new trade counter to ensure we continue to offer an efficient service, despite the expansion.

We also have an expert team on hand to offer advice and any technical assistance installers may need.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

As part of an on-going stock investment programme, Therma-Tru Limited incorporating Sentinel Doors, has supplied and installed over 150 composite residential doors for a third Kingfisher Housing Association contract.

The contract was awarded following the successful completion of similar projects in 2002 and 2003 for which over 550 doors were supplied, and was completed in fourteen weeks with Sentinel supplying front doors from its Series 600 range.

Kingfisher arranged for its tenants to choose from three door styles and five colours and when the tenants’ choices were made, they were passed to Sentinel, who arranged to survey each property.

Commenting for Kingfisher’s property services division, assistant building surveyor Ben King says: 'We were happy to negotiate with Sentinel because of the company's performance in previous contracts. Its doors offer excellent value for money and the fact that the company is ‘Secured by Design’ also provides added peace of mind for our tenants.'

Tel: 01443 229219

Sapa Building Systems subjected one of its Dualframe horizontal sliding windows to a ‘wrecking test’ in front of a group of prospective clients as part of a demonstration of its security performance.

The security tests were performed for the benefit of a group of specifiers and head teachers to prove the effectiveness of the window system’s security and establish it as the right window for a number of schools’ requirements.

There are no formal test methods relating to horizontal sliding windows which mean that the specifiers were unable to build a test standard into their specification. Security was a high priority for the school as it had suffered from repeated break-ins in the past and so Sapa was asked to conduct the security demonstration so that the specifiers, as well as the school’s head teacher, could see first-hand the protection provided by a Dualframe horizontal sliding window fitted with high security locks.

The tests were carried out based on established break-in test methodology using various methods of attack. The window stood up to repeated attack and so the testing continued until the window ultimately failed, proving beyond doubt its suitability for the high specification the school was demanding.

The installation that followed the rigorous testing is one of hundreds of school projects that use Sapa’s specifically designed systems that combine essential high security with the ease of use and maintenance demanded by a school environment.

A forward-thinking approach between Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) members has led to the development of a hardware system for Document L compliant aluminium patio doors.

The development of PSK LM sliding door hardware was driven by hardware manufacturer Siegenia-Aubi in conjunction with major aluminium systems companies faced with the challenge of producing the larger profile sections required to provide increased chamber depth for Document L compliance.

The new PSK LM system can carry sash weights of up to 150kg, which allows for a larger glass door surface area, and fits traditional aluminium eurogrooves. Another hardware option is also available for the increasingly popular PVCu eurogrooves.

Alastair Wheeler, Siegenia-Aubi technical sales manager (pictured left), explains, ‘We anticipated a need for bespoke hardware that would fit the new, larger profile sections, so we instigated partnerships with profile manufacturers to develop a hardware solution that would work with their products. The result is high performance, Document L compliant patio doors for the new build and refurbishment sectors.’

Alastair, who also sits on the CAB technical committee, adds, ‘The CAB provides an environment in which members are encouraged to work together to develop cutting edge solutions that will meet the challenges raised by new legislation.’
For more information about the PSK LM hardware system contact Siegenia-Aubi Ltd.

Permasteelisa 2004 Orders Slightly Ahead of Previous Year

The orders awarded to the Permasteelisa Group during 2004 amount to 935 million Euro with an increase of 1.5% compared to the previous year.

Considering the sale of the aluminium extrusion business occurred during the beginning of 2004 and maintaining the same consolidation criteria, the increase corresponds to 5.7%.

The United States proved to be the main market of the Group and represent approx. 25 % of acquired orders. The growth in Japan, China and Middle East is remarkable too.

The new headquarters of the Bank of America in New York and the Shanghai World Financial Center in China were among the more prestigious buildings awarded during recent months.

The new headquarters of the Bank of America is being built close to Time Square in New York. Designed by Cook + Fox Architects, it will reach 57 floors and 300 metres in height. The value of this job is approx. 73 million US Dollar.

Besides an aesthetic point of view, the building will use all existing technologies to maximise energy saving and interior comfort. Permasteelisa Group is a leader in the New York market where the company is realising seven other prestigious buildings: particularly the Morgan Pierpont Library designed by Renzo Piano, the headquarters of Hearst designed by Sir Norman Foster and the headquarters of US Interactive designed by Frank O. Gehry.

The Shanghai World Financial Center is located in the Pudong area in Shanghai. Designed by KPF, the US architecture firm the building will reach 492 meters in height and consist 101 floors. Completed with a metallic superstructure, it will be taller than 1O1 Taipei in Taiwan and will consequently become the tallest building in the world. 1O1 Taipei, faced by Permasteelisa Group, is 480 meters in height to which 28 meters of structure are added on the top. The building rises 40 meters above Jin Mao tower, the tallest tower in China up until now and also faced by Permasteelisa Group.

This new project constitutes the best business card for the expansion of Permasteelisa in China and in the Asian south east. The value of this job will be approx. 47 million US Dollar. Permasteelisa Group has a strong presence in the Chinese market where the company is also completing the headquarters of China National Overseas Oil Company in Beijing and where approx. 600 people are employed in Shanghai, Dong Guan and Hong Kong structures.

'It is too early to affirm that the slowdown of the main markets is over', remarked Enzo Pavan, Chairman and CEO of Permasteelisa Group, 'of course, the low value of the US Dollar is still damaging us and the slack period in some markets is significantly affecting our activity, although by now the recovery is consolidating more and more'

Asahi Glass Co Ltd has decided to restructure the funnel manufacturing facilities of the cathode-ray tube (CRT) operations. To this end, the Company will stop operations of one funnel production furnace at its Takasago Plant (Takasago, Hyogo Prefecture) by the end of 2005.

After shutting down the Funabashi Plant, which produced CRT glass, at the end of 2003, Asahi Glass integrated domestic CRT glass operations into the Takasago Plant to continue manufacturing panels and funnels. As for production of funnels at the Takasago Plant, the Company has endeavoured to raise productivity and reduce costs. However, the effects of such efforts were overwhelmed by negative factors, including: a decline in sales prices; an increase in transport costs following the CRT producers (the Company's customers) manufacturing base relocation to overseas; and a surge in raw materials and fuel. Under such circumstances, profitability of funnel production at the plant has fallen, which makes the continuation of manufacturing at that site difficult.

Meanwhi!e, global demand for CRT glass used in personal computers is expected to nearly decline by half to about 33.0 million units for fiscal year ending December 2007 from around 63.0 million units in fiscal year ended December 2004, affected by the growing shift to TFT LCDs. Although demand for CRT glass still remains strong from television manufacturers in emerging markets, centering on BRICs - Brazil, Russia, lndia and China, overall demand for CRT glass is forecast to weaken.

To cope with the situation Asahi Glass will enhance competitiveness of the CRT glass operations, by closing one funnel production furnace at the Takasago Plant by the end of December 2005. Asahi Glass will continue manufacturing panels at the Takasago Plant, and panels and funnels in South East Asia, South Korea and China, while pursuing an optimal division of production that meets, overall demand and the needs of customers' manufacturing bases.

With the closure of the funnel production furnace at the Takasago Plant, the company projects to incur an extraordinary loss of an estimated 3.3 billion yen for the year ended December 2004.