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Alcoa Pledges Initial $220,000 in Response to Hurricane Katrina

Alcoa Foundation announced on September 2nd that it has pledged an initial contribution of $220,000 to help local nonprofits and agencies offering relief in Alcoa communities affected by Hurricane Katrina, and will provide a dollar-for-dollar match of donations made to the American Red Cross by Alcoa employees worldwide in an effort to help the emergency relief efforts.

Alcoa businesses are also responding through the donation of goods and services, such as providing canned water to the affected region and offering the services of staff. In addition, Alcoa is promoting donations to the American Red Cross on the company's Web site, http://www.alcoa.com.

'As we continue to learn more about the growing need for help, we will work with Alcoa plant managers and community leaders to help identify additional organisations where we can make meaningful contributions,' said Kathleen W. Buechel, president and treasurer of Alcoa Foundation.

About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively invests in improving the quality of life in the countries around the world where Alcoa operates. The Foundation's grants address global and local needs in Areas of Excellence that include: Conservation and Sustainability, Global Education and Workplace Skills, Business and Community Partnerships and Safe and Healthy Children and Families. Alcoa Foundation manages Alcoa's ACTION and Bravo! programs which recognise the volunteer efforts of employees with grants to the organisations they serve. For more information about Alcoa Foundation, visit http://www.alcoa.com under Community.

DuPont Announces 10% Price Increase for Butacite® PVB Interlayer

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions has announced a global price increase of 10 percent for all grades of DuPont™ Butacite® polyvinyl butyral interlayer and Spallshield® composite films, effective 1st October 2005. DuPont's Retrim subsidiary will also increase its interlayer prices globally by 10 percent. DuPont stated this action is required due to the unprecedented and sustained increases in petrochemical feedstock, energy and freight costs.

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions provides materials, services and innovations to the laminated glass value chain for a better, safer world. The business operates within the DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers strategic business unit, part of DuPont's Performance Materials growth platform.
DuPont is a science company. Founded in 1802, DuPont puts science to work by creating sustainable solutions essential to a better, safer, healthier life for people everywhere. Operating in more than 70 countries, DuPont offers a wide range of innovative products and services for markets including agriculture, nutrition, electronics, communications, safety and protection, home and construction, transportation and apparel.

CE Marking is Here for the Glazing Industry Announces GGF

The Construction Products Directive 89/106/EEC (CPD) is one of the 'New Approach' Directives (European Community laws) to create a single European market by removing technical barriers to trade between Member States.

Products meeting the essential requirements of the relevant Directive(s) will be eligible for 'CE marking' and may be placed on the market anywhere within the European Economic Area (EEA). Under the CPD the route to CE marking is by complying with the relevant technical specifications.

The CPD applies to any construction product, which is produced for incorporation in a permanent manner in construction works including both building and civil engineering works.

During September 2004, nine draft European Standards passed formal vote, and were published October 2004, these standards have been listed within the Official Journal, from 1st September 2005 CE marking can be applied to products complying with these standards, from September 2006 it will be mandatory to affix CE marking to products placed on the market within relevant member states within the EEA.

It should be noted that within the UK it is not mandatory to CE mark products

however there is a requirement to meet the Construction Products Regulation, the GGF believe that the easiest way to comply is to go down CE marking route.

The main standards published which will affect the industry are:

EN 572-9 Glass in building – Basic soda lime silicate glass products – Part 9: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard

EN 1863 Glass in building – Heat strengthened soda lime silicate glass – Part 2: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard

EN 1096-4 Glass in building – Coated glass – Part 4: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard

EN 12150-2 Glass in building – Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass – Part 2: Evaluation of conformity/Product standard

To affix CE Marking to the product a label similar to the one shown below needs to be used:

Affixing the CE marking is the responsibility of the manufacturer or his agent or authorised representative established within the EEA.

One of the most important aspects of the CE marking is that it includes technical information in the form of declared values. Where minimum or maximum values have been set in the standards themselves, these are not repeated in the CE marking. Similarly, classes of performance may be declared with the CE marking, with the key to the classes appearing in the standard.

Hence the CE marking is in effect a harmonised technical data sheet. Together with the standard, it gives all the information needed by specifiers and regulators to judge whether the product is suitable for a particular intended use in the country in which it is sold, according to the regulations which apply there. Note that the manufacturer is not required to determine and declare values for which regulations do not exist in his chosen market sector (i.e. country/intended use). In these cases he may declare ‘no performance determined’ or NPD.

The Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) is responsible in the United Kingdom for the implementation of the CPD. Enforcement is carried out by Trading Standards Officers in England, Wales and Scotland and by Environmental Health Officers in Northern Ireland.

The CPD has been implemented in the United Kingdom law by the Construction Products Regulations 1991 as amended by the Construction Products (Amendment) Regulations 1994.

For further information or guidance on CE Marking please contact Giles Willson, GGF Director for Technical Affairs at mailto:gwillson@ggf.org.uk

VELUX to Sponsor One of the World’s Toughest Solo Yacht Race

VELUX has announced a new global sponsorship agreement. The agreement makes the Danish company the main sponsor of 5 Oceans, one of the world’s oldest, toughest and most prestigious solo, round-the-world yacht race. The sponsorship cements VELUX position as a global brand manufacturer and underlines the company’s immense interest in yachting. The next race starts in October 2006 in the Spanish port of Bilbao and will be held under the banner VELUX 5 Oceans.

On 22nd October next year, when the racing yachts leave Bilbao on the northern coast of Spain bound for Australia, it will be with the VELUX name on their mainsails and with the Danish company as race sponsors. VELUX is the main event sponsor, meaning that – in addition to the race being called VELUX 5-Oceans for the next two years – VELUX will gain access to a completely new global platform from which to market its brand name.

For VELUX, the sponsorship means direct access to yachting’s vast audience around the world, to the event’s numerous marketing channels ranging from print media to the broadband TV channel http://www.5-oceans.tv, plus a host of race-related activities and events where the VELUX companies can network and develop their relations with clients, employees and other stake-holders.

'5 Oceans is the perfect match for our brand, values, strategies and markets. Today, we are a global group with companies in more than 40 countries and as such we need a global event to unite us. VELUX works with daylight in buildings and thus with the natural environment’s im-portance for our wellbeing. Our focus on daylight, fresh air and clear views harmonises perfectly with yachting. In addition, 5 Oceans originated in precisely the continents in which VELUX is represented, namely Europe, the USA and Australia. The VELUX 5 Oceans is an exhilarating yachting challenge with distinct features which unite it with VELUX ambitions: Mastering the elements and having the commitment to push boundaries', explains Jørgen Tang-Jensen, Managing Director of VELUX A/S.

Around the world
Following their detour to Australia, the field will set course for the US eastern seaboard, and the final Herculean challenge will be the home leg across the Atlantic Ocean en route to Spain. By the time the sailors have returned to Bilbao’s Getxo harbour they will have been out on the ocean for five months, and the hard-pressed yachtsmen and women and their craft will have put more than 30,000 nautical miles behind them or the equivalent of 55,000 kilometres. In the course of the race they will have experienced first hand the full ferocity of the elements – alone in the biting cold, swelling seas, storms and severe weather conditions. All this combined with total physical and mental exhaustion.

'Both VELUX and the 5 Oceans’ yachtsmen and women compete to be the best in their field. It is about giving your best all the time – every time despite wind, bad weather and other conditions - just as our company and its products must always deliver the very best under all conditions – regardless of cold, storms or bad weather. Externally, we will use the sponsorship to generate focus on VELUX and internally as a focal point for our employees around the globe where the yacht race will serve as a living symbol of the VELUX values of cooperation, dedication, respect, initiative and thoroughness,' says Jørgen Tang-Jensen.

Meeting of the best
Clipper Ventures Plc, owners of the rights to 5 Oceans, is also delighted to welcome the new sponsor on board.

'We are extremely proud that a company with such a strong brand as VELUX has wanted to become chief sponsor of the 5 Oceans’ event. With VELUX aboard, we can maintain 5 Oceans’ top ranking among the yachting elite. This sponsorship is an example of the best from one world teaming up with the best from another,' says Sir Robin Knox-Johnston, himself a yachting leg-end and Board Chairman of Clipper Ventures, which owns 5 Oceans.

5 Oceans is one of the world’s most professional global sports events. The race is among the toughest individual sports in the world. In fact, 10 times as many people have succeeded in climbing Mount Everest than have completed 5 Oceans. The yachtsmen and women in 5 Oceans are awarded points for each leg of the multi-leg race, adding to the excitement of 5 Oceans and heightening the sense of competitive spirit at each new stage.

Read more at http://www.VELUX5Oceans.com

TrustMark Appoints its First Chairman

Ian Livsey has been appointed as the chairman of TrustMark, the Government's scheme to help people find reputable firms for repairs, maintenance and improvements in their homes which was set up earlier this year by the Department of Trade and Industry, consumer protection groups and industry bodies.

Ian Livsey’s career spans both public and private sectors. He was formerly managing director of the Centre for Rail Skills, a membership organisation involving engineering, construction and passenger transport companies in the national rail industry. Before that, Ian held positions as chief executive of the Guidance Accreditation Board which he helped to set up from the beginning, and as director of resources in local government.

Dan Bernard, acting chairman for TrustMark since its industry launch in June 2005, said: 'Ian has just the right experience and skills for TrustMark at this critical stage in its life. He has the ability to engage with a broad set of stakeholders which is just what we need to hold together the ambitious network of organisations that is working together in TrustMark. His leadership skills, drive and integrity will also help us to promote and grow TrustMark as an initiative that is firmly rooted in consistency, fairness, reputation and quality.'

Ian Livsey said: 'I am delighted to bring my experience and commitment to TrustMark. TrustMark will be good for the construction industry and its various sectors that deal with the domestic market, and good for the consumer who will enjoy greater levels of protection and customer satisfaction.

'It is already evident to me that the establishment of TrustMark is a major achievement, and I am hugely impressed by the level of commitment and enthusiasm flooding in from such a wide range of organisations. My role, and the role of the Board, will be to focus the energy of this partnership, to promote the benefits of TrustMark and to vigorously protect its core standards.'

Everything is still on schedule for a launch of TrustMark to the public towards the end of this year. The TrustMark Board is currently assessing applications from nine organisations that wish to become approved scheme operators for TrustMark, including applications from the Federation of Master Builders, Glass and Glazing Federation, Heating and Ventilating Contractors’ Association and National Federation of Roofing Contractors. Further applications are expected from many other trade associations, certification schemes and commercial organisations over the coming months.

Web: http://www.trustmark.org.uk

Newstead Invests £100,000 on Winmac Machinery

Newstead Trade Frames has recently invested £100,000 on the latest German manufacturing machinery from Winmac UK Ltd. Winmac UK Ltd is the exclusive distributor for the German manufacturers Rotox and Hollinger.

David Stone, Managing Director of Winmac UK Ltd explains: ‘We recently supplied the top of the range Hollinger MSU 5D Five Head Turret welder and two of the Hollinger KPSM 13 Crucifix welders, an exclusive product that welds a crucifix in one cycle giving a very accurate weld allowing for a quality clean. The machine is very popular for the conservatory market as you can do single or multiple crucifixes.

‘We sell to forward thinking companies and in today’s market where quality, accuracy and support are important issues we believe we have the best range of products from Rotox and Hollinger.’

Adrian Locker, Director and General Manager of Newstead Trade Frames agrees: ‘We bought this machinery to stay ahead of customer demand and enhance our speed of production. We get complete support from Winmac’s experienced team for sales, technical advice, and servicing. The machinery’s technical superiority justifies our investment.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Synseal Takes Top Spot at Glassex for a Third Year in a Row

For the third year in a row, Synseal will take the top spot by the entrance at Glassex in 2006. ‘We don't go unless we have something to say,’ explains Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director.

‘And next year we'll be showing SynerJy blu, the fourth generation fully sculptured suite that seamlessly integrates windows, doors patios and conservatories in blue white. But that's not all. We'll also be showing Global 600, the fully comprehensive low pitch roof system. Global 600 has been based on imperial measurements - not metric - so it's easier to match the roof to the windows and doors under it to create a balanced room. This year has been tough for many in the industry with lots of changes at every level. We want to show our support for the UK window and conservatory industry by being one of the first to support Glassex 2006.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Thorough Decision Making Process Puts Synseal on Top for A C Yule

Well known industry name, A C Yule Ltd has switched to Synseal Extrusions Ltd. ‘The Elgin factory is up and running with SynerJy,’ explains Bryan Yule, Managing Director of A C Yule. ‘And our Tayside factory is now in the process of implementing the change.

We changed suppliers because we wanted a fully sculptured suite for our customers, but changing suppliers is a big decision for us and not one we took lightly. First we put together a list of companies to talk to. Then we invited our previous supplier and five others to show us what they had to offer our customers.

This was narrowed down to a shortlist of three and we arranged factory visits for these. The criterion for our final decision was based on sales support, technical support, delivery dates and consistency, price, profile quality and accreditation.

And because we know the back up service is vital to the smooth running of the business, it was important to meet the people who we would be dealing with on a day to day basis. Synseal was a clear winner. The changeover at the Elgin factory was smooth and we expect the same for Tayside. From the Tayside factory we will fabricate SynerJy and Shield so we can supply both the domestic and commercial markets.

‘We’ve been in business 59 years so our customers know what to expect from us. We’ve built up a good reputation for high quality products with a superb back up service. The switch to Synseal reflects our commitment to our customers through top quality products and service.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Ultra Installer Scheme is Better for Business

With an increasing number of documentaries and newspaper articles that highlight the dangers of rogue builders, establishing your credibility as a professional installer has never been so important. Research carried out by conservatory designer and manufacturer, Ultraframe, revealed that two thirds of installers who join the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme do so to enhance their image with homeowners. The survey of Ultra Installers also highlighted the scheme‚s success in providing outstanding marketing support for its members and helping boost business with increased sales leads.

One Ultra Installer reaping the rewards of scheme membership is Cardinal Home Improvements from the West Midlands. Steve Battye at Cardinal reported an extra £57,000 worth of new business as a direct result of the Scheme. He commented: 'We are delighted with the new business that membership to the scheme has generated. In the eight months we have been referred over 125 times and are looking forward to continued success as a Guild Approved Ultra Installer.'

The survey was carried out with over 100 Ultra Installers as part of the ongoing effort by Ultraframe to ensure the scheme offers members the best competitive advantage.

Benefits of the Scheme include immediate communication about 'hot' sales leads and monthly updates on consumer leads and referrals through the Ultraframe call centre and website. Applicants also undergo independent inspections by the BBA, which give them a head start in advance of expected Building Regulation changes and increases their credibility with homeowners. Once accepted to the scheme, installers receive regular training at Ultraframe‚s School of Excellence to ensure they are always up to date with new products and installation techniques.

Ultra Installers now have the opportunity to offer customers an Insurance Backed Guarantee, at special rates negotiated by Ultraframe, and a Certificate of Authenticity on all Ultraframe roofs, which ensures even greater peace of mind for the homeowner. They also have access to a variety of business support benefits from the Guild of Master Craftsmen, such as FENSA waiver fee and vehicle finance options.

Ultra Installers also benefit hugely from Ultraframe's promotion of the Scheme to homeowners via the Ultraframe website and the press. Plus, with the recent launch of the Marketing Toolbox, exclusive to Ultra Installers, members can now learn to effectively market themselves with the help of the comprehensive promotional and marketing support pack. With a full range of marketing templates for personalisation including leaflets, press advertising, radio campaigns, promotional gifts and stationery, the Toolbox allows Ultra installers to build awareness and sales by creating personalised marketing campaigns with minimal effort and cost. Scheme members receive a 10% discount on all orders of standard marketing materials.

Mark Hanson, Ultra Installer Scheme Manager, said: 'The positive feedback from members reflects the huge range of benefits the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme offers. The Guild of Master Craftsmen, Ultraframe and the BBA work in partnership with Ultra Installers to help them build their businesses and set higher industry standards which will enhance reputations and credibility with homeowners. News of Ultra Installer success stories seems to be spreading fast with increasing numbers of installers downloading application forms through the Ultraframe website.'

For further information or to request an application pack visit http://www.ultraframe.com, or call 0870 756 0173

TWS – Building for the Future

Work is nearing completion on a new 6,000 ft2 showroom and warehouse facility for Leeds-based TWS, a customer of Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd.

The project is due for completion in September 2005 and will provide TWS with an expanded warehouse and distribution facility, new offices and a new showroom that will display nine full size conservatories.

TWS’ Managing Director Tony Grindley says: ‘our new showroom and warehouse development represents an overall investment of £750,000. Plans were first laid three years ago and now we are nearing completion, all the hard work and tough meetings with planning authorities and architects will have been worthwhile. Despite the fact that we have never had a purpose built conservatory showroom, we have managed to increase our turnover each year and are still the largest conservatory installer in Leeds. The assistance and support we have received from Advantage has been a key factor in proceeding with our ambitious expansion plans.’

Advantage will play a key role in kitting out the new showroom. Danny Hague – Advantage’s Group Commercial Director said: ‘TWS has consistently shown a desire to grow the business. Earlier this year the company invested heavily in a new fleet of vehicles and its new showroom and warehouse facility demonstrates a strong commitment to expand. We at Advantage are fully behind TWS. We have offered a full package of showroom support and have entered into a two year supply agreement to further strengthen our partnership. In a time of difficult trading conditions, TWS are a clear demonstration of what can be achieved through positive planning and forward thinking.’

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd
Tel: 01625 856488

TWS Ltd
Tel: 0113 287 7718

Siegenia-Aubi In for the Long Haul

It's when times are tough that you find out who your real friends are, says Siegenia-Aubi general manager, Léann Hearne.

‘We're finding that those firms with a long term view stick together when there's a downturn in the industry,’ she says. ‘They're the same people who will reap the benefits when the market picks up.’

Siegenia is currently investing in a programme of new product development at its headquarters in Germany, and Léann is quick to justify this investment at a time when some might question it:

‘While I can appreciate the temptation, it would be incredibly short-sighted to put a stop to product development now. We've seen it many times before - the industry slows down, people put prices up and product development grinds to a halt. When things pick up again the market is lacking innovation and people are paying over the odds for outdated products.

‘We haven't increased our prices this year and we are focusing our efforts on developing new hardware and ventilation solutions. We're in it for the long haul and, while at times you feel as though you're swimming against the tide, there's no doubt that we'll be able to offer our customers innovative products when the market is ready for them.’

Hot New Wrapping Machine for Synseal

Synseal Extrusions Ltd has invested in a new, fully automated polycarbonate wrapping machine, costing over £100,000. Polycarbonate sheets are fed through a conveyor, and then shrink-wrapped to ensure that customers receive the goods in perfect condition every time. Heating up to temperatures of 215°C, the machine can wrap 75 pieces of polycarbonate an hour.

Steve Musgrave, Production Director, explains the benefits: ‘As well as being safer than the previous system, it improves the speed and efficiency of the wrapping process.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Green Thinking L.B. Plastics goes Unleaded

L.B. Plastics says that it has become the first UK based window and door systems company to phase out the use of lead stabilisers across its range of PVC products, ten years ahead of the Europe-wide EU monitored voluntary agreement to do so.

After two years of materials and tooling development work at L.B. Plastics, Sheerframe windows and doors, Sheerlite conservatory roofs, Hometrim cellular boards and trims, and Sheerline decking, fencing and drawers are now manufactured using calcium organic stabilisers rather than lead. L.B. Plastics took the decision to implement this change at the earliest possible stage to reassure consumers, housebuilders, local authorities and housing associations that all the constituents of PVC are completely safe.

Despite scientific evidence which proves that lead additives, known as salts or soaps, pose no danger to human health or the environment, as a precautionary measure the PVC industry pledged to phase out lead stabilisers by 2015 as part of the Vinyl 2010 Voluntary Commitment.

David Strang, product director at L.B. Plastics says, 'We are totally committed to sustainability in all its forms, from recycling end of use window frames to the efficiency of our manufacturing process and the thermal performance of our windows. The speed with which we have been able to introduce calcium organic stabilisers to replace lead shows just how seriously we take the issue.

'We are fully behind the decision to end the use of lead additives in PVC, even though it is a precautionary measure. Although elemental lead has never been used as a PVC additive, memories of the health benefits brought by the removal of lead from such products as petrol are still fresh, and the widespread public perception may well be that any lead additive is dangerous.

'We are particularly pleased at the positive health benefits provided to our workforce that this move gives. While processed PVC products provide no health risk whatsoever with no leaching of lead based materials, the in-house preparation of dry blend is a controlled process and we believe by removing any airborne lead particles we will make a positive contribution to risk reduction.

'As one of the UK's largest producers of PVC profiles for windows and doors, L.B. Plastics has a strong track record when it comes to health and safety and sustainability. As a material for manufacturing frames, PVC makes an extremely positive contribution to the environment, being energy efficient to manufacture using limited amounts of a finite resource and requiring virtually no maintenance throughout its long life expectancy.

'Sheerframe PVC windows, in particular, are also designed to offer excellent thermal performance, complete with high levels of air and water tightness. L.B. Plastics pioneered the co-extrusion process for gaskets and seals, and was one of the first manufacturers to introduce four and five chamber profiles to deliver significantly improved thermal performance.'

The company's most recent development in creating the optimum energy efficient, low carbon window is the introduction of Thermlock®, its thermally enhanced reinforcer. This allows fully reinforced PVC windows to achieve high ratings under the new BFRC Window Energy Rating system.

All these product performance qualities help home owners and tenants to reduce their energy consumption and enable RSLs and housebuilders to make further progress towards their corporate environmental objectives.

The PVC window industry as a whole is also on course to achieve a waste recovery target well in excess of almost every other material used in windows. By the end of this year, the sector is on course to meet its commitment to fully recycle 50 per cent of collectable end of use frames, and L.B. Plastics is an active partner in helping to deliver this pledge.

For further information on the lead-free Sheerframe, Sheerlite, Sheerline and Hometrim systems, telephone L.B. Plastics on 01773 852311 or visit http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk.

Vitro in Discussions with Libbey to Pursue Sale of Vitrocrisa

Vitro has announced that it is in discussions to pursue the sale of its 51 percent stake in Vitrocrisa to Libbey Inc.

Vitrocrisa is a joint venture between Vitro and Libbey, and is the largest manufacturer of glass tableware in Latin America. Libbey currently owns 49 percent of the shares of Vitrocrisa and serves as the exclusive distributor of Vitrocrisa's products to the United States and Canada since the joint venture's inception in 1997.

With annual sales of US$236m for 2004, Vitrocrisa manufactures and distributes glassware for the retail, food service, and industrial segments of the glassware industry.

Vitro, through its subsidiary companies, is one of the world's leading glass producers. Vitro is a major participant in three principal businesses: flat glass, glass containers and glassware. Its subsidiaries serve multiple product markets, including construction and automotive glass; food and beverage, wine, liquor, cosmetics and pharmaceutical glass containers; glassware for commercial, industrial and retail uses. Vitro also produces raw materials, equipment and capital goods for industrial uses.

Roof-Glas™ Sales Go Through the Roof

Just six months since it was launched sales of the Roof-Glas™ conservatory glazing unit from Darby Glass are more than double the projected estimate. With orders currently running at over 20 per week, Darby Glass believes sales could reach £250,000 a month by this time next year. The glazing unit is proving a winner with all areas of the conservatory industry, from roof fabricators to retails and installers, giving them an opportunity to add value and choice to their product offering.

Roof-Glas™ is a double-glazed toughened safety unit that keeps a conservatory cool in summer and warm in winter. It is available in clear, bronze, blue and blue+ glasses, each allowing varying amounts of light transmission and with different solar factors, although all glasses have an impressive U-value of 1.1. An easy clean coating ensures the glass stays pristine for longer and requires less vigorous cleaning, while the argon-filled units are effective against rain noise.

Darby Glass is delighted with the reaction to Roof-Glas™, as Chris Roberts, Sales and Marketing Director of Darby Glass explains: ‘Developed in direct response to our customers' requirements we feel Roof-Glas™ has actually exceeded the market's expectations and so raised the bar for our competitors. In addition to superb U-value performance, the choice of colours, short lead times and range of selling aids have also contributed to the phenomenal success of Roof-Glas™.’

The technical and aesthetic benefits of the new glass have been communicated to the market by Darby's 12-strong sales team and through a selection of marketing tools, including brochures, advertisements, and special 'heat lamps' to demonstrate its thermal efficiency.

Chris Roberts says Darby Glass is now preparing to build on the initial success of Roof-Glas™ with further advertising and sales incentives: ‘We'll be offering our customers items such as posters, overprinted brochures and giveaways as part of an ongoing promotional campaign. We want to lead the way with this innovative glazing concept and develop the market to its full potential.

‘Darby Glass was winner of the Glass Company of the Year at the recent G05 Awards which the amply illustrates the innovation and success of both Roof Glas' and the group as a whole. The benefits are being felt throughout Darby Glass as our customers understand that they are dealing with an organisation that has been recognised as the best in its field.’

Copies of the recently published Roof-Glas™ brochure are available from Darby Glass on 01724 280044, or by email at mailto:sales@darbyglass.co.uk.

Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk

K-Seal Differentiates with Edgetech

Birkenhead based sealed-unit and toughened safety glass manufacturer, K-Seal, differentiates itself with Edgetech's Warm Edge Super Spacer® technology. Having invested over £250,000 in an Ashton sealed unit production line in 2003, K-Seal has since been awarded a BSEN1279-2:2002 with all its products now conforming to the latest quality accreditations.

K-Seal, now 10 years old, invested in excess of £750,000 in plant and equipment in 2004-5. ‘We plan even more investment in IT systems, an automatic glass-loading device and an upgrade for our Lisec IGU production line,’ comments Steve Woolley, Commercial Director of K-Seal Glass. ‘Edgetech is one of our preferred suppliers. It provides an efficient despatch and delivery system and excellent support. With Edgetech's support we hope to achieve our target of complete certification faster and look forward to the next decade. Ten years on and more investment is on the cards.’

Tel: 02476 705570

IMI plc Completes the Sale of Polypipe

IMI plc, the major international engineering group, announced yesterday that it has completed the sale of Polypipe to Castle Harlan Partners IV L.P., an investment fund owned by New York based private equity investment firm Castle Harlan Inc. Polypipe is a leading plastic pipe and building service products manufacturer.

The proceeds of the completed transaction are worth up to £293 million on an enterprise value basis, comprising: cash consideration and debt paid at completion of £219 million; a further £39 million satisfied by a vendor loan note; plus contingent consideration of up to £35 million payable in cash dependent upon Polypipe reaching certain performance targets for the three calendar years ending 31st December 2007. The loan note has a maximum duration of ten years and carries a cumulative non-cash coupon of 13%. It is expected that the loan note will be redeemed in the short term from a refinancing by the buyer or that IMI would exercise its right to sell the loan note at a time consistent with achieving best value.

The Doors and Windows business of Polypipe has been closed and therefore excluded from the transaction.

The Polypipe group turnover and operating profit included in the IMI Group’s reported results for 2004 was £372 million and £27.2 million respectively. The book value of the unamortised goodwill (£183 million) together with the operating assets transferred at completion, is expected to be £335-340 million.

The interim results announced yesterday include as an exceptional item an estimated loss on sale of the Polypipe businesses of £90 million. In arriving at this estimate the contingent consideration has not been recognised. In addition the results will also include as an exceptional item the closure costs of £8 million in respect of Polypipe Doors and Windows.

It is IMI’s intention to review the use of the sale proceeds in the context of the organic and acquisition growth opportunities in its continuing businesses and the Group’s ongoing capital management programme.

IMI’s Chief Executive, Martin Lamb, commented, 'The sale of Polypipe is the last disposal identified in the strategic repositioning I announced in 2001. Polypipe has contributed well to the improved financial strength of IMI since that date. With a strong balance sheet and a clear strategic direction in our Fluid Controls and Retail Dispense businesses, I intend to ensure that the Group is focused firmly on delivering further value for our shareholders'.

Rehau's Commitment to the UK Pays Dividends

With continuing uncertainty in the PVC-U systems market, Rehau says it is beginning to pick up new customers who are attracted to the strength and security of the market leader.

Wolfgang Gorner, the Business Unit Manager for Rehau Windows, says: ‘We have won customers from systems companies who have pulled out of the market but we have also noticed a trend among fabricators in other systems to start talking to us because they feel that their continuity of supply may be under threat.

‘In these difficult times, customers are turning to the system suppliers who they know will still be here in the UK next month and certainly next year and, with more than 90% of our manufacturing in the UK and an unwavering commitment to this market, Rehau is strengthening its position and providing both security and reassurance.’

One customer who has chosen to switch supply to Rehau is Yorkshire Windows Trade Ltd in Keighley which had lost confidence in its previous supplier and felt uncertain about its ongoing supply.

Adrian Throup, the director of the company, says: ‘As trade suppliers throughout Yorkshire, we are bucking the current trend in the PVC-U window market with record sales figures so far this year. We are expanding production from 120 to 200 frames per week and wanted to be certain that we were moving forward with the right systems company.

‘We chose Rehau because we knew it was the market leader and could offer the security we wanted. On top of that of course, it is a hugely popular trade brand and we felt it could help us as we expand over the next 12 months.’

To mark its switch to Rehau, Yorkshire Windows Trade held an open day recently and invited installers to visit its factory to view is production facilities and to meet representatives not only from Rehau, but also from Gap and Systems Hardware.

Tel: 01989 762600

Sold Secure is a Classic for Window Company

With over two decades of successful trading, Classic Windows knows a thing or two about delivering quality products and service. The company was quick to recognise the benefits of GU Ferco's Sold Secure scheme.

Based in Dronfield, North Derbyshire, Classic Windows provides UPVC conservatories, windows and doors to the trade and public. Three years ago, the company was one of the first to join GU's Sold Secure initiative, the independent, non-profit making scheme that embraces a broad cross section of security products, and hasn't looked back.

Classic Windows uses GU Ferco keepers and locks including Rhinobolt and has found Sold Secure accreditation to be an effective sales tool. Administered by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA), Sold Secure has built up an excellent reputation. GU products are currently the only ones of their type in the marketplace allowed to carry the Sold Secure symbol - proving that they have been independently tested to withstand forced entry and attack.

‘We use Sold Secure to promote a range of products to end user customers. The quality and security of windows has become an important issue with householders. Sold Secure approval offers them added reassurance that the hardware on our windows is certified by a trusted, independent scheme,’ explains David England, proprietor of Classic Windows.

Sold Secure has become firmly established with the trade and public. The brand has been used by Halfords and major DIY outlets and has become so well recognised that many insurance companies and brokers now offer discounts for Sold Secure approved products. Some insurers even insist upon a Sold Secure product being used before they will offer cover.

‘Sold Secure has been so successful compared to other ideas because installers and fabricators really do gain tangible benefits from it,’ comments GU's Marketing Manager, Ian Ward. ‘It offers an extra sales tool to help them to mark out their products from the competition. It also fosters trust with customers who benefit from greater peace of mind and lower insurance premiums.’

Sold Secure differs from other 'security approvals' in its close association with the Police, insurance companies, insurers and its membership of the MLA. They share information about the latest break-in techniques in use by real burglars.

‘Rather than restricting themselves to a prescribed set of tools and time frame as some testing schemes do, they analyse up to the minute data and use it to incorporate an equivalent test into their own programme,’ says Ian Ward. ‘It all gives added reassurance, both to our customers and their clients, that Sold Secure is highly credible, totally practical security scheme that is here to stay.’

Tel: 02476 217900
Email: mailto:help@g-u.co.uk
Web: http://www.g-u.co.uk

Profitmaker helps Maximise Fitting Capacity and Turnover

Cash really is king when you’re running a business. Run out of cash, and the business fails. And as window companies get paid at the point of installation, it’s fitting capacity that’s a crucial factor in determining cash flow and turnover. If you maximise fitting capacity, you maximise cash flow and turnover.

Mike Nagle, Sales and Marketing Director of MBN International, the makers of lean manufacturing Profitmaker software, explains: ‘Unfortunately most industry software handles this process the wrong way round, by scheduling production based on average manufacturing times.

Window fabrication should be driven by installation dates, not the other way around, and certainly not based on averages. That’s why we designed our Profitmaker™ software to work on both installation dates and factory schedules. The Installation monitor module of Profitmaker software knows the capacity of each fitting crew and the time required to fit each job.

‘As soon as a job is scheduled, the date links back to the Factory Monitor. So production and turnover are driven by the installation diary. The factory manager can easily shift jobs around, reschedule jobs where appropriate or arrange overtime – anytime into the future. If an order includes woodgrain or extra reinforcement, then the times will go up.

It can spot extras like decorative glass, bevels, or tilt and turns, and make allowances ahead of time. It is flexible, easy to use and accurate. Daily work sheets are issued to staff with their priorities, giving managers a real-time view of how is each job is doing. With the Factory Monitor companies can focus on controlling growth, and maximising cash flow and profit.’

Tel: 0870 241 3089
Web: http://www.profit-maker.net

Ireland's Senator Fixes SFS Quality Deal

Wexford-based Senator Windows has added at least a further 12 months to its 14-year relationship with SFS intec, with the signing of a new deal for the supply of fasteners and door hinges.

Producing more than 1,500 windows and doors per week at its 77,000 square foot Wexford factory, Senator will continue to use only SFS intec fasteners, including austenitic stainless steel for appropriate applications, as well as SFS Estetic 2D door hinges. These hardware products are used across Senator's extensive PVC product range which, as well as standard casement windows, includes vertically sliding sash windows, tilt & turn windows, angles, arches, French windows and doors, plus residential and patio doors.

Senator says that quality and innovation has underpinned the company’s success, which is this year celebrating 20 years in business. Serving both the new-build and replacement markets, Senator is now also experiencing growth in its Senator Commercial division as well as its Senator Conservatory division. Senator operates via a successful network of almost 30 franchise dealers in the Republic and Northern Ireland. The company also has successful operations in the UK.

Commenting on the new 12 month deal with SFS, Kevin Richards, Group Managing Director at Senator Windows says, ‘We insist on the best raw materials and components for our windows and this is why we have always used SFS fasteners and hinges. This gives us total confidence in the long term performance of our PVC products and enables us to provide our customers with a 10-year guarantee.’

Senator Windows is part of SFS intec's large and growing customer base in Ireland, served by Belfast based sales engineer Paul McAuley.

‘Our unrivalled product quality has always been a major attraction for window and door fabricators, but increasingly it is our ability to deliver on-time and our support that really makes us stand out,’ says Paul. ‘As Europe's only manufacturer of window and door fasteners, we are ideally placed to provide all the technical expertise that fabricators need and our highly sophisticated logistics system means we can ensure on-time deliveries on more than 99.5% of occasions.’

Tel: 0113 208 5500
Web: http://www.sfsintec.biz/uk

Further information on Senator Windows is available at http://www.senatorwindows.com

HB Construction says Newstead ‘Beats Competition on all Counts’

Unreliable deliveries and high prices forced HB Construction (North West) Ltd, based in Stoke-on-Trent, to look for another supplier of windows, conservatory roofs and doors. ‘We’ve used other trade fabricators in the past, but we just weren’t happy,’

Stewart Chapman, Director of HB Management comments. ‘My foreman, recommended Newstead Trade Frames. He’s been in the window industry for a long time, and knows who’s up to the job, so we switched to Newstead two months ago.

‘Newstead beats the competition on all counts. The windows are well made, they deliver when they say they will, and if by chance there’s a problem, it’s sorted out fast. Newstead also help out with ordering. As a qualified joiner, I’m used to timber terminology - Newstead’s staff put me right if I use the wrong terms, and we get what we need. Newstead also supplies a range of top quality, high strength hardware. The company’s prices are very competitive too.'

HB Management is completing an extension now for a customer who wanted a conservatory built, and four windows and two sets of French doors replaced. ‘He’s delighted with the work we’ve done so far,’ says Stuart. ‘We can work more quickly because the windows are easier to install – especially the beading – and the quality of Newstead’s product speaks for itself.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

FitriteXpress Customer Wins Pole Position at Silverstone

PVCu fabricator, Sash UK Ltd, has announced the winner of its FitriteXpress Grand Prix competition as First Stop Builders Merchants Ltd in Kilmarnock.

Managing Director of First Stop, Gordon Bowie, and his son Craig attended the British Grand Prix 2005 at this year. They won the fantastic day out after entering a competition run by Sash UK in conjunction with the launch of the company’s fast fit hi-tech conservatory system, FitriteXpress.

Sash customers were automatically entered into the prize draw each time they ordered the system, which the company says uses the best of technology to offer quick installation time and state of the art security. ‘When it comes to speed and precision FitriteXpress has lot in common with Formula 1 so a day at the British Grand Prix seemed like the most fitting prize we could offer,’ said joint Managing Director and Formula 1 fan, David Ruzicka.

Since its launch back in March 2004 FitriteXpress has noticeably boosted conservatory sales at Sash. The conservatory kit was designed to save time and increase productivity for installers and put Sash to the forefront of the industry in terms of technological advancement.The system incorporates some of the industry's most respected brands including Veka PVCu 70mm fully reinforced modular windows, the Ultraframe Uzone roof and Pilkington K Glass.

For speed and ease of installation the roof has interlocking components which allow it to be erected in just 90 minutes. All cappings and claddings are pre-cut to the right length and all aluminium parts are numbered for ease of positioning the glazing bars. Virtually no silicone is required when installing the roof and only 14 bolts are needed. And the built-in spirit level has proved to be a big hit with installers.

‘The FitriteXpress modular conservatory is an excellent example of how modern technology can be harnessed to offer benefits to both the installer in terms of installation time and the end user in terms of pricing. It has been well received by our fitters and customers alike,’ said prize-winner, Gordon. ‘We would have bought the FitriteXpress system from Sash despite the prize draw and will continue to do so. However we were delighted to win the competition and had a fantastic day at Silverstone. I would like to extend my thanks to Sash UK Ltd,’ he added.

Tel: 01226 715619
Web: http://www.sashuk.com

The 2005 Annual British Glass Health & Safety Conference

This year's British Glass Annual Health & Safety Conference and Exhibition (jointly with Glass & Glazing Federation) is to be held at the Mere Golf and Country Club in Knutsford on the 2nd November 2005. The theme this year is Worker Involvement.

‘Companies that seek to make their safety management systems more effective see that involving their workers improves safety performance,’ said Declan Moore, British Glass’ Health & Safety Manager. ‘Partnerships are essential for health and safety performance to be successful and involving the workforce means that health and safety becomes everybody's business.’

Guest – and mystery - speaker this year will be the European Minister for Social Policy, Prof. Garreth Class. He will be discussing proposed amendments to related European directives that are likely to affect the industry over the coming year. He will also be presenting the prestigious Glass Charter Awards in the afternoon, now in their third year.

The keynote speaker is to be Stewart Barnes, Divisional Director of HansenGroup. He will be speaking on an organisational approach to worker involvement. Stewart is a guest lecturer (specialising in leadership, culture and change management) on the full-time MBA and Change Management courses at Lancaster University where Stewart gained his MBA in 2002.

Conference Agenda this year comprises:
* Organisational Approach to Worker Involvement - Keynote Speaker
* Industry Support for Worker Involvement and the Benefits - Alison Bettac-Rodgers
* Worker Involvement - A Manager's Story - David Graham, Optima
* Worker Involvement Project - a Union case study
* Worker Involvement - a Worker's case study
* GLASS CHARTER AWARDS

‘We will also be introducing our latest support pack for the glass industry at the Conference,’ said Declan. ‘This will enable organisations to put into place systems that will encourage both worker involvement and partnership working.’

Sponsors of this year's Conference are Brunner Mond, Pilkington Glass, Rockware Glass, Saint Gobain UK, Float Glass Industries, Tornado Gloves and Bohle UK.

Book your place now by contacting Joan Tollerfield mailto:j.tollerfield@britglass.co.uk Early booking is recommended to avoid disappointment. Application packs can also be obtained by contacting the: Glass Safety Unit, British Glass, 9 Churchill Way, Chapeltown, Sheffield S35 2PY; tel: 0114 290 1850, fax: 0114 290 1851.

Coloured Profile Increases in Popularity

Renolit foil based coloured profile accounts for 8% of Kömmerling's total sales to UK fabricators. Its popularity has risen over the past 5 years and is continuing to grow.

The Kömmerling 70mm system and the third generation Kömmerling Connoisseur profile are available in White, Rosewood, Golden Oak, Rosewood on White and Golden Oak on white. The fully-chamfered Kömmerling 58mm GOLD system range differs slightly; Mahogany takes the place of Rosewood, creating the Mahogany and Mahogany on White variations.

Golden Oak profile is manufactured on a caramel colour base, with light brown overtones; Rosewood and Mahogany both share the same dark brown base for their respective finishes.

GAP, Has it Licked!

GAP, the PVC-UE roofline stockist has supplied Swish fascias, soffit, cladding and window trims to Knowsley Housing Trust for the latest stage of its £300 million refurbishment programme. Over 1,000 houses at Lickers Lane, Whitson brings the number of homes refurbished to over 15,000.

Knowsley Housing Trust says that it has not looked back since GAP was recommended to it over six years ago by contractors who had nothing but good things to say about the local stockists. Paul Peters, Specifier for Knowsley Housing Trust says: ‘We get very good value for money from GAP, and we know it carries the levels of stock required for projects of this size. Our fitters can also rely on GAP to have any extras we need that were not pre-ordered to pick off the shelves’.

Tel: 01254 682888

Sign Windows says Masterframe’s Windows put the Rest to Shame

Leicester-based Sign Windows started looking for a premium vertical slider fabricator when its systems company wouldn’t produce a profile for an authentic-looking sash window. Paul McGonigle, General Manager of Sign Windows, elaborates: ‘We added Masterframe Windows Ltd’s Bygone collection to our product list two years ago and haven’t looked back since. As a Bygone Preferred Installer, we were specially selected by Masterframe, and have to offer a professional fitting service that matches the quality of the windows. We also get leads through the Bygone website. One of these was for a four-bedroom house, where the previous owners had replaced the original timber sash windows with unsightly casements.

‘All of the other houses on the street had sashes, so the house stood out like a sore thumb. The new owners wanted the place restored to its original look and we came to the rescue. Eleven thousand pounds later and the house stands out because it puts the rest to shame. The owners are delighted with the end result – it’s brought back all the original character of the house.

‘Masterframe’s Bygone window is by far the best sliding sash on the market, with a strong mechanism which has been tried and tested for endurance. It’s a solid, guaranteed, authentic-looking window. None of the other manufacturers on the market had the quality we were looking for. We have a good reputation to maintain, so our manufacturer had to be the best – and that’s what you get with Masterframe.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

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