Tradelink
Invests In Mildenhall Site
Fabricator
Tradelink has invested over £300,000 in new machinery at its Mildenhall
plant to further increase capacity and improve output.
To maintain its position as one of the UK's leading trade fabricators,
and to standardise existing machinery, the company purchased top of
the range equipment from manufacturers Stuga and Rotox.
The new machinery includes a Stuga S65 profile saw; a Stuga Ecoline
machining centre; two Rotox frame cleaners, and a Rotox sash cleaner
and turn station. In addition, a number of smaller machines including
a single cill welder and steel saw have also been purchased.
The
fast and accurate Stuga S65 profile saw will enable work to be downloaded
directly from the main office - batched in order of delivery date. Using
the Stuga Ecoline machining centre, the cut profile can be automatically
machined with v-notching, drainage and routering.
The two Rotox frame cleaners will ensure all the different profile sections,
including foiled variants, are cleaned to such high standards that there
will be little need for human intervention.
The Rotox sash cleaner and turn station are linked directly to a quad
welder, allowing all sashes to be transported from the welder through
the cleaner and finally to the fabricator for gasketting. This has been
designed with a twin transfer mechanism to significantly speed the process
up - and, like the Rotox frame cleaners, provides state-of-the-art cleaning.
Tradelink's investment into equipment follows the rebrand of its Mildenhall
factory, obtained following the acquisition of MPM Windows. Tradelink
undertook a total restructure of the MPM Windows business with new machinery
to provide the final link in the improvements chain.
'The investment in new machinery has helped us turn the Mildenhall factory
in to one of the most up-to-date and efficient factories of its kind
in the region,' commented Jim Moody, Tradelink Managing Director.
'Tradelink has always been known for its quality, and our investment
in superior machinery is testimony to our continued commitment to this.'
Kolorseal
has moved its manufacturing and colour coating operation from 3500 sq
ft to a purpose built 12,500 sq ft factory in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire
due to the increased demand for colour coated products. The new premises
have helped Kolorseal increase capacity to over 400 frames being colour
coated per week with the added benefit of enabling them to hold stock
of all trims, fascias and soffits giving customers a 'one stop shop
for all products under one roof'.
Gary and Debbie Copperthwaite started Kolorseal some 4 years ago when
one of their trade customers asked them to manufacture and colour coat
243 frames for a housing project in Wakefield, West Yorkshire. Since
then Kolorseal have maintained their leadership in this field and have
colour coated frames, conservatories, trims and glass for clients across
Europe.
Kolorseal offers a full service from manufacture and colour coating
to supplying trims, fascias, soffits and all rain water goods in over
1500 colour options, or just colour coat other companies products.
'With the introduction of two additional 8m spray booths and temperature
controlled drying rooms we can now accept more frames and products and
turn them around faster giving our clients better lead times for their
customers'.
'Colour
coating now contributes to 70% of our total output here at Dewsbury
and our staff level has inreased fourfold over the last two months including
two in-house quality control personnel, new technology in the spray
booth equipment has led to increased efficiency and better handling
techniques which returns consistant results time and time again'.
'We encourage our clients to visit our premises here at Dewsbury because
we know all our facilities are the latest in design and technology and
we feel the client needs to know that we're not spraying products in
a garden shed'.
Kolorseal also offer a nationwide delivery service and most products
are offered with a lead time of five days from receipt of goods.
For further information please call our dedicated sales team on 01924
454 856 or fax your requirements on 01924 438 606 e-mail sales@kolorseal.co.uk.
Or vist our website www.kolorseal.co.uk.
Glassex
and GP&T 2008 Move to Three Day Midweek Timetable
Following
the announcement last year detailing the co-location of Glassex 2008
and GP&T 2008, and after analysing visitor footfall for the respective
shows, the organiser EMAP Maclaren has announced revised timescales
and dates for both exhibitions. The decision, largely driven by the
needs of exhibitors and visitors, will benefit all participants by delivering
a larger, more dynamic event within a tighter timeframe.
Running side by side over three days, both exhibitions will be held
in a new midweek slot, with the following proposed opening hours - Tuesday
8th April 9am-5pm, Wednesday 9th April 10am-7pm and Thursday 10th April
10am -5pm. The intention is to offer early opening on the first day,
late opening with special features on Wednesday and a full, normal working
day on Thursday. The two shows will remain independent within their
respective halls with Glassex 2008 in hall 4 and GP&T 2008 in hall
3A with a easy, two-way access between both shows.
Commenting
on the date move, Glassex and GP&T Sales Director Dave Broxton says:
'There are a number of reasons why this decision became essential to
delivering better exhibitions for the industry, with the main factors
being that Sundays are no longer the draw they were for the glazing
sector, whilst midweek events are proven to capture the business visitor.
Despite our best efforts, Glassex 2007 attracted just 1100 Sunday visitors,
which was in sharp contrast to the weekdays. We must accept that the
industry has matured, that there are fewer self employed visitors looking
at start-ups and people are no longer prepared to give up part of their
weekend for a trade show.'
'With this in mind, and with GP&T dovetailed alongside Glassex,
there was also a concern that GP&T visitors may attend Glassex on
Sunday to find their event closed. The new dates mean we can avoid that
potential disappointment. It was also clear that with an early-Easter
next year we needed to respond to the needs of those exhibitors attending
Fensterbau, who wanted to exhibit at Glassex or GP&T, as they were
faced with having to close in Nuremberg on Saturday and open at the
NEC the following day. All in all, I think most people will consider
the move a victory for common sense and proof positive that we are listening
to our customers', he adds.
Dave concludes, 'The net result of the move will reduce the overall
show time of Glassex by just three hours, whilst offering a full days
on-site savings to the exhibitor in terms of accommodation, subsistence
and time out of the office. Better yet, GP&T will benefit from an
additional four hours of open time, including the late night on Wednesday
and probably the most important advantage of reducing the overall tenancy
from ten days to nine is that we are able to pass on some cost savings
to exhibitors. Combining the new rate card for Glassex and GP&T
we have been able to respond to exhibitor feedback by developing a wider
range of price bands, linked to realistic stand sizes, lowering the
cost of exhibiting for most companies, which has been a criticism in
the past.'
The Emap team has invited comment on the changes so if you wish to make
an observation on the move to three, midweek days or are interested
in finding out more about next year's events then please visit www.glassex.com.
Bostik
Launches Freemelt Format
Global
sealants and adhesives firm Bostik has announced it is to launch 'Freemelt',
a new production format for its Insulating Glass (IG) Hot Melt Butyl
edge sealants, designed to help manufacturers maximise efficiencies
in their manufacturing processes.
Bostik's Hot Melt Butyl sealants, Bostik P5125, Evo-Stik Hiflo and Bostik
5000, will all be available in the new Freemelt format, which will be
produced at the new dedicated IG Hot Melt plant at the sealant manufacturer's
Leicester facility.
From Q2 2007, Bostik customers opting for Freemelt Hot Melts will receive
their product supplied as compact 'pillows', packed twenty-eight per
box. Freemelt pillows are treated with a specially developed inert coating
that dissolves completely when heated in the application machine, without
affecting the sealant's performance in any way.
The coating prevents Freemelt pillows from sticking to each other or
to their packaging. This means that rather than the siliconised packaging
traditionally used for supplying Hot Melt blocks, Freemelt is packed
in plain, non-siliconised, rectangular cardboard boxes which are fully
recyclable.
As siliconised packaging can be both time consuming and expensive to
dispose of, this is a significant benefit for IGU manufacturers looking
to improve site efficiencies and who are conscious of the increasing
legislative demands likely to be placed on companies in the future regarding
environmental impact.
The compact, light-weight pillow design also delivers other benefits.
Product can be loaded into hopper systems more easily, reducing the
likelihood of strains or burns, and can also be loaded to more exact
levels, thus ensuring that optimum sealant supply is constantly maintained.
Richard Sellman, marketing manager at Bostik, comments: ‘Demand
for Hot Melt sealants has increased dramatically in recent years and
as a supplier we have responded to this with significant investment
and product development.
‘As well as increasing our current IG hot melt production capacity
by 50% in a brand new fully automated plant, we have developed a unique
product format to meet the current and future manufacturing requirements
of our customers.
‘This investment programme is the biggest in Bostik UK's history
and is a clear reflection of the company's commitment to the market
and its evolving needs.’
For further information on Freemelt or on other products and services
offered by Bostik, contact Richard Sellman on 01785 272727.
Whiteline
Group Launches New Hardware Improvements
The
Whiteline Group has announced that in partnership with Laird Security
Hardware, it has launched an improved range of security hardware for
its Goldline range of Kommerling Connoisseur Gold windows and doors.
The
new Goldline window range features the Saracen HS shootbolt, an enhanced
six point locking system with twin locking cams in the centre and stainless
bars and rollers providing the latest in window security.
Secure friction hinges and the latest in stylish handles, the Ultima
and the contemporary Charisma both with secure locking, completes this
new package.
For Goldline doors the Saracen 6000 lock features a triple hook high
security locking system with precision compression rollers for enhanced
weather sealing and ease of operation.
The bi-directional hooks lock into a robust fully adjustable three piece
keep bar, providing an effective anti-lift and separation deterrence
against unauthorised entry.
For French doors, Goldline have selected shoot bolt extensions to the
master and finger bolts to the slave leaf, optional shoot bolt extensions
are available on both locating into robust keeps to ensure compliance
with the latest security amendments.
A stylish range of modern 'Hoppe' designed lever and pad handles, secure
locking cylinders and the Nexus 100 flag hinge provide proven security
without compromising on style.
For additional security, all French door locking cylinders are protected
by the Euro-Secure cylinder clamp. A simple but innovative solution
to the vulnerability of Euro-profile locking cylinders the clamp been
designed to prevent forced external entry through the removal of the
profile cylinder.
The clamp may also be fitted to single doors as part of the 'Security
Plus' option.
Steve Stewart, Sales Director of Laird commented, ’We are delighted
to be part of the launch of the new range of Goldline windows and doors.
Whiteline is renowned for its exceptional service and an unwillingness
to compromise on quality, the improved security features and higher
corrosion resistance provides significant benefits for customers.’
Contact: Whiteline Group Tel: 01323 723724
Laird Security Hardware Tel: 0121 224 6000
EAG
Bags London School of Economics Contract
English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has secured a contract worth
£1.1m to install glazing and external cladding elements to the
£32m New Academic Building for the London School of Economics
and Political Science (LSE).
EAG will be installing stick and unitised curtain walling, glazed doors,
rainscreen cladding and louvres as well as a fully glazed atrium roof
to the 12,700m2 building, which will allow natural light to filter through
into the rooms below.
Commenting on the challenges the company will face on this project,
Edward Whipp, Pre-Construction Director at EAG, said: 'This project
presents many challenges, from the installation of the unitised glass
panels and the sloping atrium roof to the fact that we have to work
with limited access due to the building’s central location on campus.
But we love rising to a challenge and the project team is one of the
best in the business so we’re confident of the outcome.'
The project, which is being led by contractor Osborne and design architect
Grimshaw, involves a complete remodeling of the existing building situated
at 24 Kingsway in the West End – formerly the Public Trust Office
– which was built around 1912. The building is an eight-storey,
U-shaped structure. The plans incorporate an atrium, roof pavilion and
a revamped central courtyard. Once completed it will provide three new
lecture theatres, 18 classrooms, research facilities and academic offices
on the upper floors and will provide capacity for a further 2,500 students.
The New Academic Building will ease overcrowding in the centre of the
campus and enable departments with similar academic interests to come
together.
Tel: 01638 510000
Web: http://www.eag.uk.com
OFT
Makes 'Fast Track' Offer in Biggest ever UK Cartel Investigation
On 21st March the OFT was looking to fast track its current bid rigging
cartel investigation in the construction industry, by making an offer
of reduced financial penalty to all those implicated companies that
have not so far applied for leniency but are willing to cooperate with
the OFT in certain specific ways.
Over the last two years the OFT has been carrying out an investigation
into bid rigging by construction companies in England, and during this
investigation 57 companies have been raided, and 37 companies have applied
for leniency. As a result of the investigation, the OFT has uncovered
evidence of bid rigging in thousands of tenders with a combined estimated
value approaching £3 billion.
Construction companies throughout England are now informed that in view
of the extent and the quality of the evidence obtained by the OFT so
far, no further applications for leniency in this investigation are
being considered. Construction companies could therefore face significant
financial penalties for cartel behaviour, without the prospect of any
reduction for leniency. For more information on these penalties go to
http://www.oft.gov.uk.
Any business found to be part of a cartel could be fined up to ten per
cent of its worldwide turnover. Under the OFT's leniency programme,
members of cartels may have their financial penalty reduced substantially
or they may be able to avoid a penalty altogether. The OFT has written
to businesses that are a suspect party in the cartel investigation but
have not so far applied for leniency, and has notified these companies
that it will be making them an offer of a reduced financial penalty
in exchange for admissions to participation in bid rigging along with
certain ancillary promises. The reductions in penalty available to these
companies will not be as large as those available to the companies that
have applied for leniency, but will still be significant.
The OFT will publish further information as the investigation continues.
New
Design Service Launched by Schüco International
Schüco International, the European building envelope specialist,
has broken new ground with the launch of Schüco Engineering Services.
The aim is to provide a professional, cost-effective technical design
and drawing service for architects, main contractors and fabricators
involved in the façade market where rapid growth - combined with
tight deadlines - has put huge pressure on in-house design teams.
‘Schüco Engineering Services can offer such companies a unique
package - not only Schüco's knowledge of façades, curtain
walling, window and door systems and a matchless level of engineering
expertise, but also PI (professional indemnity) cover. It is a 'value
engineering' approach designed to deliver practical solutions that represent
'best value' in terms of cost and speed of response.
‘Staffed by experts with long experience of designing both aluminium
and steel systems, Schüco Engineering Services will enable clients
to offer their customers the reassurance of bespoke solutions that have
been engineered by an acknowledged market leader. Moreover, since these
solutions will be using the most up to date information available, the
need for expensive re-draws should be eliminated.’
The division's services will include supplying advice at an outline
proposal stage, providing detailed drawings for submissions, carrying
out thermal analyses, researching materials with interface characteristics,
drawings for approval, fabrication drawings, optimisation scheduling
in formats required by the industry.
Based in the Business Design Centre in Islington, North London, Schüco
Engineering Services will undertake commissions on either a fee or a
time basis and is confident that its involvement will prove of real
benefit to clients looking to compete in an increasingly pressured business
environment.
For more details about Schüco Engineering Services, contact either
the Marketing Department, Schüco International, Whitehall Avenue,
Kingston, Milton Keynes MK10 0AL (tel: 01908 282111) or John Chatley,
Commercial Manager, Schüco Engineering Services, Business Design
Centre, Suite 215, 52 Upper Street, Islington, London N1 0QH (tel: 020
770 46704). Alternatively, visit the Schüco website: http://www.schueco.co.uk
TG
Commercial Wins Prestigious Contract
Total
Glass Commercial has won a prestigious on-going contract to supply thousands
of highly-specified PVC-U windows for GM Procure, one of the largest
social housing consortia in the North West. The Liverpool-based fabricator
was selected by GM's supplier, Valueworks from a number of suppliers
bidding for a slice of one of the UK's largest social housing refurbishment
projects.
Total Glass is supplying white casement windows, fabricated using the
Profile 22 system, for 290 homes throughout the West Wythenshawe, South
Manchester area managed by registered social landlord, Parkway Green
Housing Trust. All windows carry 'Secured by Design' accreditation to
meet the client's specification requirements for quality and security.
A second phase, involving window refurbishment of over 300 flats, maisonettes
and houses in the Brooklands area of Manchester, is scheduled to start
in the early summer.
Total Glass is one of five fabricators supplying windows for the estimated
25,000 properties requiring refurbishment on behalf of social landlords
throughout the region. Future window volumes will be confirmed as the
contract progresses to its projected conclusion in 2010.
Paul Ierston, TGC Operations Director, comments: ‘This further
highlights our on-going success in the social housing sector. As well
as confirming our technical expertise and ability to deliver to Best
Value and the high standards required, it underlines our commitment
to collaborative working with our social housing partners.’
One of just five social housing consortia to be awarded 'trailblazer'
status by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG),
GM Procure is responsible for the repair and upkeep of in excess of
100,000 properties for nine social housing providers.
Its collective budget of £425 million is earmarked to be spent
on housing renewal over the next four years as it works towards meeting
the Decent Homes standard.
Vicki Murcott, Director of Application Services at Valueworks, says:
‘Working with an experienced supplier such as Total Glass is in
line with our emphasis on providing a steady and increasing flow of
work to contractors that are interested in long term partnerships and
developing their business.’
Ian Gregg, PGHT Director of Asset Management says: ‘We are pleased
to be working in conjunction with Total Glass whose understanding of
the Best Value principles ensures we are getting a good product at a
competitive price.’
He adds: ‘The contract is progressing smoothly and the tenants
are very happy. Any issues, queries or updates on progress are discussed
at our monthly site meetings with Total Glass representatives to maintain
full communication between all parties at every stage of the project.’
TG Commercial is manufacturing the windows from a dedicated production
line at its 100,000 sq ft premises from where it supplies probably the
widest range of PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories and ancillaries
in the industry. For more information, contact Stuart Waring or Julian
Wetherall on 0151 549 2339 or visit the websites at http://www.totalglass.com
/ http://www.tgcommercial.com.
Kenrick
- The Total Solution for Total Hardware
Hardware
distributor Total Hardware has entered its second year of working with
hardware manufacturer Kenrick.
The
Leeds-based distributor, which offers a nationwide one stop shop for
high quality hardware solutions, had previously been working with another
supplier but had become frustrated with poor product quality and service.
Company directors Andy Cunningham and Gary Cox knew Kenrick had a reputation
for high quality products and a reliable service and took the opportunity
to appoint the company as one of their major suppliers.
Kenrick supplies a range of products to Total Hardware, including its
Excalibur, Centurion and Esapagnolette systems as well as anti-jemmy
hinge protectors.
The Excalibur shootbolt system is Secured by Design approved and one
of four proven BBA certified window locking systems that Kenrick manufactures.
It offers first rate security features, yet it’s simple to install.
Durable and reliable, it’s a multi-point locking system that benefits
from a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and bi-directional die-cast
claws. It also fits all Eurogroove systems, making it a very flexible
option for many different systems and applications.
The Centurion system is simple and easy to use and is one of the fastest
to fit shootbolt locks available, making it a popular product with fabricators
and installers alike. It benefits from steel shootbolts, a robust unhanded
die-cast gearbox, adjustable mushroom cams and a night vent. Available
in backsets of 20mm and 22mm, the system also exceeds the corrosion
requirements of BS7412.
Gary Cox, Total Hardware’s director, says: ‘We are delighted
that we appointed Kenrick. The company is a quality operation which
offers good service and competitive prices. Its products are excellent
and, in the time that we have worked with Kenrick, we have never had
a single product failure. We know that we can always confidently sell
its systems, safe in the knowledge that they will continue to offer
the highest levels of security to our customers.'
Total Hardware was set up by directors Andy Cunningham and Gary Cox,
who have 30 years’ joint industry experience, in 2004. The firm
operates from its 7,500 square foot premises in Beeston, Leeds and employs
10 staff. Total Hardware always has high levels of stock in its warehouse
to enable it to provide a fast, reliable delivery throughout the country.
Kenrick is supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber
window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more
than 200 years, having been established By Archibald Kenrick who manufactured
buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products
includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system and
the four-point Centurion system. The Easi-Fit and Espagnolette locking
systems are extremely cost effective and easy to install.
Tel: 0121 553 2741
Email: sjones@kenricks.co.uk
Web: http://www.kenricks.co.uk
Duraflex
Aims for ISO 14001 by Summer
'Product
sustainability becomes even more important now that we have the new
Code for Sustainable Homes demanding whole house environmental assessment.
Without effective Environmental Management Systems (EMS) individual
and industry efforts to at least maintain, and preferably improve standards,
can come to nothing,’ says Duraflex Quality Services Manager Dave
Riley.
It
is with this in mind that Duraflex has set its sights on achieving BS
EN ISO 14001-2004 by the summer of this year.
‘Looking beyond the competitive and overall performance advantages
that this can bring, it is good to see that the elements of 14001 follow
the same format as the ISO 9001 QMS System. With this already in place
here at Duraflex, we can seamlessly combine it with 14001 to provide
efficient and effective controls right across the workplace.
‘Over the past few months we have been identifying, first, any
activities which may have an environmental impact, and then assessing
the likely significance.
‘Where required, action plans are then put in place for anything
classified as significant and these are based on the standard methodology
known as Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA). Furthermore, in taking this action
we will also be addressing the legal implications involved.
‘We are already working with the BSI as our registrar, and are
fortunate to have advice and assistance from Masco personnel. Further
assistance is also being provided by a local university graduate who
is currently studying for her Masters degree.
‘With these resources we look forward to establishing an EMS that
will make us even more efficient when it comes to our environmental
responsibilities and making them an integral part of our business, whilst
confidently complying with current and future legislation.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
'Secured
By Design' Results in 75 Per Cent Drop in Break Ins
The
Scottish Executive has released its 'Secured by Design' report highlighting
a 75 per cent reduction in house break-ins following installation of
new secure products.
Anglian
Building Products was appointed by Glasgow Housing Association (GHA)
to install 'Secured by Design' approved doors and windows across the
city.
Over 1,500 homes, where the products have been installed for over six
months, have now been evaluated in terms of crime, physical security
and fear of crime. The results highlighted that house break-ins since
January 2004 have dropped by 75 per cent, with focus group participants
reporting that they felt 100 per cent safer in their homes.
George Young, Regional Director from Anglian Building Products, says:
‘We have worked in partnership with Glasgow Housing Association
and the 'Secured by Design' Strathclyde police team for four years and
we are delighted with the results that have been achieved.
‘The findings from the Scottish Executive report are testament
that our products are effective in the fight against crime in terms
of both their strength and also their ability to deter criminals from
attempted burglary.’
Residents reported that they not only felt safer when in their homes
but also when they had to leave them empty for any period of time.
'Secured by Design' is the UK-wide police initiative supporting the
principles of "designing out crime" by use of effective crime
prevention and security standards for a range of applications in housing
and the built environment.
Glasgow Housing Association's ten-year investment programme, which began
in 2003, incorporates a range of 'Secured by Design' (SBD) elements.
11,500 homes have now received SBD doors and 7,500 homes have received
SBD windows. Anglian Building Products continues to roll out doors and
windows in GHA homes across the city as part of this ongoing investment
programme.
GHA's Quality Assurance manager, Jim Sodden, adds: ‘From the very
beginning GHA was determined that the products installed in our tenant's
homes would meet 'Secured by Design' specifications.
‘The results, so far, speak for themselves both in terms of crime
prevention and residents' satisfaction and their peace of mind. Everyone
apart from the criminals seems to be a winner in this partnership.’
John Cole, 'Secured by Design' Licensing and Technical Manager, explains:
‘'Secured by Design' strives to ensure security in the home. It's
very encouraging to see our tenants working closely with their clients
in order to develop highly secured products. As a result, tenants are
benefiting from a much safer and more pleasant environment in which
to live.’
Anglian Building Products is also due to commence works this summer
with construction partner Wates Living Space on the installation of
the circa 1650 windows on the 3 high rise blocks at Dundasvale Court
project in Cawcadden, Glasgow.
Anglian Building Products is the business-to-business division of the
Anglian Group, specialist in the home improvements industry. It has
established itself over 30 years as one of the most respected suppliers
of PVCu products to the construction industry, supplying both the new
build and refurbishment sectors and developing long term partnerships
with public and private sector organisations.
With nearly 40 years' experience and an annual turnover of £300million,
Anglian ensures it stays ahead of the competition with a continuing
research and development programme.
For further information on Anglian Building Products visit http://www.anglian-building.co.uk
Lister
Trade Frames has been using Kestrel for its PVCU-E roofline products
for the last 11 years.
‘Selling windows to the trade since 1976, we got into PVC-UE roofline
relatively early compared with the market place in 1991,’ says
Mark Warren, Director of Lister. ‘We always aim to offer our customers
the widest range of products and best service, driven by our ethos of
being an independent, knowledgeable 'one stop shop' specialist for installers.
We immediately recognised the ideal fit between windows and roofline
products and the benefits to our customers of being able to get their
frames, gutters and trims from one place, and offer more to homeowners.
‘After settling down and trying a couple of suppliers, we moved
to Kestrel in 1995 and I know it's a cliché, but I can honestly
say we have never looked back. Kestrel's product range has continued
to grow in line with installer demand. We work closely with the company’s
new product development team to suggest gaps in the market and opportunities
on the basis of our installer customer feedback. It's always been a
partnership and because we listen to our customers, we can develop products
with Kestrel that the market needs, so the products we end up supplying
simply fly off the shelves. The black trims for example we worked on
with Kestrel, and then 6 months later, we were supplying them. Installers
love the Kestrel name and the range is excellent especially for the
commercial sector.’
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk
Indian
Market Hots Up for Kombimatec
The
market for PVC windows is heating up in India for Kombimatec machines
and the company is even flying out product to meet the demand.
Kombimatec has received another new order from India for three packages
of machines for three separate factories in different cities. The first
package, destined for Bangalore the call centre capital of India, has
been shipped by airfreight to help satisfy the growing demand for PVC
windows & doors.
Kombimatec has been exporting machinery to India for the past four years
offering sales and after sales service. The company helps with factory
planning, import and customs clearance, delivery, installation and operator
training. In fact the full Kombimatec service like UK customers now
almost take for granted from the company.
Although the market is predominantly 2 and 3-track horizontal sliding
windows there is a need for outward opening casement windows just like
the UK.
The house building programme in India continues to develop a pace with
an annual growth of more than 25 percent. PVC has so far captured less
than 2 of the window market so there is plenty of scope for Kombimatec
to deliver more good quality machines.
Web: http://www.gtikombi.demon.co.uk
GAP
Equips Area Sales Managers with Personal Digital Assistants
GAP,
the independent PVC-U stockist, has equipped its team of Area Sales
Mangers with up to the minute Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). The
hand held computers allow the sales team to have immediate access to
customer accounts and emails so they have up-to-date information while
they are on the road. Having the PDAs also allows the sales team to
offer excellent customer service as they will be able to see the products
customers are ordering and advise them on what they can have to complement
their order. The information Area Sales Managers receive is updated
overnight from GAP's main computer system.
Joint Managing Director Simon Bird comments: ‘Equipping our Area
Sales Managers with PDAs ensures that they have all the information
they need when they visit a customer. It also saves our sales team's
time because they don't have to return to one of our 11 depots to get
the information they need before their next customer visit. Customer
service is at the heart of GAP and our customers appreciate that we
know everything about their business and can help them grow.’
Tel: 01254 682888
American
Elements Announces New AE Solar Energy™ Product Group
American
Elements has announced the formation of a new product group to merge
production, sales and marketing of its solar energy photovoltaic products
including silicon, CIS and CIGS solar energy materials and related products
into a single product group under its tradename AE Solar Energy™.
The effected operations will include silicon, cadmium, indium, gallium,
selenide and several other elemental materials and the crystal growth,
nanoparticle and thin film manufacturing departments.
The consolidation is intended to streamline sales and customer support
of solar energy materials and combine production capabilities where
possible for better efficiency. The consolidation will not result in
any worker or staffing reductions.
American Elements is an American manufacturer and supplier of advanced
material products with distribution offices in Europe, Asia and South
America.
For further technical and pricing information on AE Solar Energy™
products, please contact your local American Elements distributor or
American Elements U.S. corporate headquarters at (1)310-208-0551 or
http://www.americanelements.com.
Better
Data Collection in Building Control Proposed
A consultation paper has been published on proposals to improve record
keeping on the building control functions of Local Authorities (LAs).
The Building Control Information Registers aims to improve consistency
in the record keeping of LAs and provide uniformity in the information
and the costs provided to both the public and the property industry.
Currently, LAs are required to keep public registers containing information
relating to the building control activities of Approved Inspectors,
but they are not obliged to keep information or documentation which
they receive or issue in their own capacity as building control bodies
(including information and documentation from competent persons).
The changes aim to:
* improve consistency in the record keeping among Local Authorities;
* provide a comprehensive record of building control activity including
that of Competent Persons;
* address variations in the charge to the public for copies of documents;
* assist property search companies and surveyors in retrieving information
more easily at a reasonable cost; and
* promote good practice amongst LA.
Communities and Local Government minister Angela Smith said:
‘The proposals in this consultation will help drive out poor quality
and inconsistency in the delivery of building service control. Requiring
Local Authorities to keep, maintain and make available public registers
on their own building control functions as well as that of Approved
Inspectors and Competent Persons will provide clarity, benefiting both
the public and industry.
‘The register will also assist with home sales following the introduction
of Home Information Packs in the summer by helping buyers check on the
lawfulness of any building work that has been carried out on the property
they are interested in buying’.
The consultation will last three months.
New
CIS Starts on 6th April
With the new Construction Industry Scheme (New CIS) going live on 6th
April, contractors are being urged by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
to make sure that they can hit the ground running.
The new scheme is being introduced to make life easier for customers
and ensure a level playing field for all.
By removing the need for subcontractors' old tax certificates and registration
cards, HMRC has simplified the process for contractors and subcontractors.
From April, registration cards and tax certificates will no longer be
valid, and will be replaced with a verification service. Contractors
will be able to verify with HMRC whether the person or firm they are
engaging is registered as a subcontractor, and whether the subcontractor
should be paid gross or have money deducted, by going online or phoning
the Department.
There are a number of steps contractors need to undertake before entering
into a working arrangement with a subcontractor. Contractors must:
* establish the subcontractor's employment status;
* check whether the subcontractor is on the list HMRC sent them in March,
of subcontractors they don't need to verify, then verify subcontractors
not on that list to find out whether the payment to the subcontractor
should be made gross, or should have a deduction made at the standard
rate of 20 per cent or the higher rate of 30 per cent; and
*
start sending HMRC a monthly return with all the details required about
their subcontractors' payments and deductions, where appropriate, as
well as confirmation that they have checked their subcontractors' employment
status. The first monthly return needs to be with HMRC by 19th May.
New CIS Programme Director, Mark de Brunner, said:
‘With less than two weeks to go, the construction industry needs
to make its final preparations, so that it is up and running by 6th
April.
‘There is a lot of help available if contractors need it - online
and over the phone.’
The latest 'New CIS Update', which is being sent to all contractors
from next week, covers all the main elements of the new scheme. There
is also a handy 'Contractor's timetable' which lists all the important
CIS dates, and reminds contractors of the key deadlines.
Construction
Innovators - Please Step Forward
The search is on to find UK's most innovative building and construction
companies. A new competition has been launched for UK construction companies
which will give winners the opportunity to showcase their innovative
products and ideas to industry leaders at this year's 2007 Building
Exchange (BEX) event.
UK Trade & Investment CEO Andrew Cahn said the BEX Innovation Competition
was aimed at construction companies who are developing cutting-edge
innovations in construction products and services.
‘I want to find the most forward thinking companies that are creating
innovative materials and technology,’ Mr Cahn said.
‘Climate change is a continuing challenge and the construction
industry needs to look at innovative ways to reduce its carbon footprint
and make our living and working environments more sustainable.
‘Working together, we can help this sector become greener,’
he said.
The four winning companies will be offered the opportunity to attend
the BEX event in Valencia at the heavily discounted price of £2,575.50,
representing a saving of nearly £10,000.
The winners will also receive two nights accommodation and full hospitality
for the duration of BEX at the host hotel.
To be eligible to enter, companies must have less than 250 employees,
an annual turnover not exceeding £50 million or an annual balance
sheet not exceeding £43million.
Carol Barker, Managing Director of BEX, said the event is a great launch
pad for small to medium sized companies to showcase their winning innovation
to worldwide decision makers and business leaders.
‘Never before will so many senior decision makers in the build
and design community come together under one roof to fast-track decisions
which will shape the future of the industry,’ Ms Barker said.
‘Attending BEX could potentially generate huge amounts of business
for companies looking to expand or export to overseas markets.’
The UK construction industry, the second largest in the EU, provides
more than £7billion worth of exports and employs around 2.1 million
people in Britain.
The BEX Innovation Competition was launched on 23rd March by UK Trade
& Investment in conjunction with Building on Business, Construction
Products Association and British Expertise.
To register your interest please email Peter Cain at UK Trade and Investment
at peter.cain@uktradeinvest.gov.uk
by 5th April 2007.
An entry form will be sent to you and must be completed by 5pm on 20th
April.
Minister
Visits Award-Winning Thamesmead Ecopark
Communities and Local Government Minister Angela Smith visited Gallions
Housing Association's Ecopark on March 20th to view low-carbon affordable
housing.
Located in Thamesmead, Ecopark is an affordable housing scheme of 39
houses for rent as social housing. This includes two, three and four
bedroom houses designed specifically to reduce energy and water consumption
- these measures result in a lower environmental impact than standard
developments. Running costs for residents living in these homes is therefore
less than average.
The houses are not the only eco-friendly measures in this scheme, they
have been built on brownfield land and the development of the land in
and around the Ecopark has been designed to include the drainage of
rainwater into a network of canals containing reeds and other water
plants.
During her visit, Angela Smith was shown round the 'Naked House', a
show home which showcases selected environmentally sustainable products
and hands-on and interactive exhibits.
Angela Smith said:
‘We need to build new homes for the next generation but we also
need to make sure that they are eco-friendly and affordable too. This
is why we have announced a new timetable and strategy to make all new
homes zero carbon by 2016.
‘It's great that Gallions have taken the opportunity to integrate
green technology into their affordable housing, demonstrating that practical,
cost effective environmentally sustainable development are accesible
to all.’
Gallions Housing Association Chief Executive, Tony Cotter said:
‘It's very encouraging to see politicians taking such a serious
interest in the Green Agenda. Ecopark is a great example of low-carbon
housing and we're delighted it continues to be recognised as a demonstration
of practical and affordable environmental excellence.’
Web: http://www.gallionsecopark.co.uk
Alcan
Named Most Admired Metals Company in the World by Fortune Magazine
Alcan has been named the industry champion for metals on Fortune Magazine's
‘World's Most Admired Companies’ list in 2007, and was also
ranked the top company in Canada. The Company ranked second out of the
more than 1,000 largest global companies surveyed for its efforts in
the community and the environment, and sixth for its globalness.
‘Alcan is pleased to be recognised as the world's most admired
metals company, an honour that reflects the significant efforts of all
of our 68,000 employees around the world,’ said Dick Evans, President
and Chief Executive Officer, Alcan Inc.
The annual survey is a respected benchmark by which the world's most
successful companies are ranked. Alcan was also voted America's most
admired metals company by Fortune Magazine this month. Alcan was the
only Canadian company featured on the list and also placed 5th out of
all companies for its efforts in the area of social responsibility.
For both surveys, more than 16,000 senior executives and directors were
interviewed, along with financial analysts, to identify the companies
that enjoy the strongest reputations within and across their industries.
Alcan's overall score places it within the top 10 of all 1000 companies
that participated in the ‘World's Most Admired’ survey. The
Company ranked first in its industry in each of the key nine evaluated
areas: innovation, people management, use of corporate assets, quality
of management, financial soundness, long-term investment, and quality
of products/services, globalness, and community/environment.
‘At Alcan, two of our highest priorities are the health and safety
of our employees and the stewardship of our environment and the communities
in which we operate. To be ranked number two out of the 1000 companies
worldwide for our community and environmental efforts is further demonstration
of the Company's commitment to long-term sustainable, profitable growth,’
said Mr. Evans.
In 2003, Alcan implemented EHS FIRST, a key component of Alcan's Integrated
Management System (AIMS), as the framework and mindset through which
the Company's commitment to putting environment, health and safety first
is translated into recordable and measurable actions.
Between 1990 and 2005, Alcan's total GHG emission intensity was reduced
by 25 percent. The Company recently committed to a further 10 percent
reduction in direct C02 equivalent emissions intensity from 2006 to
2010.
Alcan recently was awarded the National Safety Council's (NSC) Robert
W. Campbell Award, which acknowledges the very best businesses worldwide
to integrate environment, health and safety management as a key business
value. Alcan was also awarded the World Environment Center's (WEC) Gold
Medal for International Corporate Achievement in Sustainable Development
for the Company's comprehensive integration of sustainability into its
business decision-making and operations.
Alcan was recently included as one of only five Canadian companies on
the annual Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World list.
Announced at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the list has featured
Alcan for three consecutive years.
Alcan Inc. is a leading global materials company, delivering high quality
products and services worldwide. With world-class technology and operations
in bauxite mining, alumina processing, primary metal smelting, power
generation, aluminum fabrication, engineered solutions as well as flexible
and specialty packaging today's Alcan is well positioned to meet and
exceed its customers' needs. Alcan is represented by 68,000 employees,
including its joint-ventures, in 61 countries and regions, and posted
revenues of US$23.6 billion in 2006. The Company has featured on the
Dow Jones Sustainability World Index consecutively since 2003. For more
information, please visit: http://www.alcan.com.
Engineering
Excellence from Alumet
Warwickshire based Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd collected the prestigious
Engineering Excellence award at the recent FORCE (Forum for Constructing
Excellence) awards evening held at the Ricoh Arena.
Alumet received the award for the company's latest innovation - the
ABLE Facade System (AFS), the AFS is a lightweight off-site fabricated
walling system designed to withstand the effects of a terrorist bomb.
The AFS is Alumet's latest unique contribution to the construction industry
following the success of its Avon Dry-Wall Beam (winner of The Queen's
Award for Enterprise), Alumet says that it now sees innovation as no
longer just an option but a necessity to keep the company ahead of its
competitors.
The photo shows Director Dean Walton and Finance
Manager Damien Bradley being presented with the award by Sir Digby Jones
and sponsor Peter Goodgame (Deeley Properties).
Higher
Output from AM Profiles
AM Profiles has recently seen an increased demand for fabricated product
following a timely production restructure in 2006. The company, whose
normal supply was in system ‘bar length’ from a wide range
of aluminium and composite systems, has invested in an automatic CNC
machine which has substantially increased production capacity.
AM
Profiles’ fabricator and installer network now purchases a mix
of fabricated and bar length material depending on their own internal
production commitments. This is proving a major advantage when AM’s
customers wish to take on additional projects in access of their own
production capacity.
Also very popular is AM Profiles capability as regards production of
complicated shapes and so sloping headed and curved window designs are
regularly made at AM’s Derbyshire facility.
For aluminium fabricators in the UK who do not wish to set up to fabricate
aluminium/timber composite windows and doors, fabrication by AM profiles
is the perfect answer and keeps production in the UK. New customers
are very welcome and AM Profiles offer a quick turnaround of quotes
through its automated system.
The company says that Design-5, a new aluminium clad timber window system,
is the only product of its kind to be developed in the UK and specifically
designed for the British market, is particularly in demand by discerning
specifiers in the local authority housing and healthcare markets.
A further expansion in the fabrication capability at the company's premises
in Chesterfield is underway which will further increase levels of supply
to customers for the full AM Profiles range.
Systems supplied by AM Profiles include a broad range of aluminium systems - including curtain wall and commercial doors, ALARBOND which is an aluminium/timber composite window, ALARCLAD which is a PVCu clad aluminium system and of course, the new Design-5 range. Specifiers wishing to use the company’s product can be introduced by AM profiles to local installers who can offer a bespoke supply and install service.