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New Global 600: When Traditional Fuses with Contemporary

Synseal Extrusions Ltd has announced a new concept in low pitch conservatory roofing with the launch of Global 600. The contemporary roof designed specifically for the UK market will be available in the autumn although more detailed information will be released over the next few weeks.

'Somewhere in the frenzy of conservatory development, tradition got left behind,' explains Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director.

'The new Global 600 glazing bar will recreate the way a conservatory should be - but with contemporary flair. We know the UK housing stock is designed on imperial measurements, so we designed a conservatory roof to match.

'The 600mm (2ft) glazing centres perfectly match standard UK window sizes making the overall structure easier on the eye and allowing more light in too.

'The 2.5° pitch makes this the most versatile roof for quick, simple, secure and good looking installations even in the most difficult spaces.

'The prepared components will come in environmentally friendly single or double packs ready and complete for quick and simple onsite installation.'

For more details about Global 600 visit http://www.synseal.com

Tony Morrison, Craig Brown, Colin Hedges and Simon Marshall, have all joined the Derbyshire-based firm since Premier announced its decision to withdraw from the profile market in early March.

   
(L-R): Tony Morrison, Craig Brown, Colin Hedges and Simon Marshall

As New Build Sales Manager, sector specialist Tony Morrison will play a pivotal role in helping establishing a specialist team to serve the needs of this rapidly expending part of Eurocell's business. He comments: 'As some manufacturers have found to their cost, it is pointless trying to provide a service from one centralised point, when what is needed is a regionally-based network of fabricators. Eurocell is ideally placed to offer such a service.'

After ten year's spent as Premier's Technical Manager, Craig Brown becomes Eurocell's Key Accounts Technician, a role he describes as being: 'A new challenge for myself and for Eurocell and one that should be very positive for us both.'

Craig Hodges takes on the new role of Area Sales Manager for Pinnacle in the South-West. Cornwall-based Colin comments: 'Joining Eurocell is a fresh challenge, yet it's welcoming to see there's a few familiar faces here that I've worked with before!'

Another newly-created position of Tooling Technician goes to Simon Marshall, formerly Premier's Tooling Manager and previously with HW Plastics for 16 years.

Commenting on the appointments, Eurocell's Managing Director, David Leng remarked: 'These appointments are significant for the future growth of Eurocell as we break into new sales areas and expand the range of services we can offer our customers. Collectively the four have a wealth of experience to bring to our company which is why we moved quickly to secure their services.'

http://www.eurocell.co.uk

Total's Red Army Celebrates Kings of Europe Big Win

Pictured wearing their Istanbul T-shirts and fez headgear, the lads at Liverpool-based Total Glass were preparing for the Big Match in true Scouser style.

It was certainly window fabrication with a difference on that fateful Wednesday as flags and football anthems added to the pre-match anticipation throughout Total's new 100,000 sq ft Knowsley premises.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, fabricators were a little thin on the ground the next day as the more exuberant took time off to recover from celebrating their team's stunning performance in the European Championship. MD Frank Deary was quick to point out that despite a depleted team, production was not affected.

Frank, who travelled to Istanbul for the match with Operations Director Paul Ireston and six customers, was ecstatic about the result. 'Awesome!' was how he described the dramatic event which saw the Liverpool team come back from 3-0 at half time against AC Milan to clinch the European Championship on knife-edge penalties that went into extra time.

'It was an incredible evening, and needless to say, the atmosphere in Liverpool is absolutely electric. We decided to make it a special day for the lads who wore their football T-shirts and hung flags on the factory floor. They played football anthems and the canteen laid on a special turkey lunch that day, perhaps we had premonitions that we might win!'

Among the 750,000 or so who turned out to welcome the team home was Mark Formby of Total's sales team, who adds: 'While we could not have predicted that amazing result, we all did our bit to show our support on the day and create something of a carnival atmosphere. Now everyone here is on a complete high after that amazing game.'

By a happy coincidence, the match result also gave an unexpected boost to Total's double-page advertising spread in its local newspapers. The Liverpool Post & Echo had printed thousands of extra souvenir copies on Thursday May 26th - the same day the window manufacturer and trade supplier's feature was published.

For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.

Already Over 800 Registrations to GPD 2005

By the end of May just over 800 glass industry professionals had registered to GPD 2005, held on June 17-20. Jorma Vitkala, Chairman of the Organising Committee, believes that the conference will continue on its successful track.

'It seems that people, and especially the top managers, have taken well to the fact that GPD is organised during a weekend. One third of the so far registered participants represent top management of their company and over 40% are managers of different departments. The figures show that a great amount of decision-making power will gather together again.'

'In case you have not registered yet, you should do it today. There is still room in a few hotels in the city centre', says Vitkala.

Web: http://www.gpd.fi

Ritec to Stimulate Debate at GPD

Most glass performance standards work in theory but not in practice. This will be the theme for the workshop, hosted by Ritec International Managing Director Stephen Byers at GPD. Unless the glass surface is protected against environmental conditions that cause corrosion and staining these standards will drop.

This eye-opening issue is likely to be a hot topic for debate both at the workshop and for many months to come.

With co-presenter Paul Bastianen of Bohle ClearShield, Stephen will discuss the fact that huge amounts of time, effort and money are spent on establishing and fulfilling industry performance standards for glass – such as light transmittance, solar energy reflectance and heat gain or loss – only to see the standards drop later on.

The workshop will show this can be overcome and how glass that has diminished in performance can be restored to the original standard, as well as looking at the future of glass surface protection in the context of new building regulations and pending EC marking regulations.

The bi-annual GPD (Glass Processing Days), held in Finland from 17th to 20th June, attracts key members of the industry eager to discover the latest technology and gauge market trends from the world’s leading experts in their fields.

At the workshop on Friday 17th June, Stephen will be stimulating debate about the fact that there are no performance standards governing low-maintenance and self-cleaning glass, and that the various technologies now available may not be fit for purpose for every case.

‘Anyone who is anyone in the glass industry is likely to be at GPD,’ says Stephen. ‘It gives us a great opportunity to discuss the technical and aesthetic benefits of Low-M Glass® and show exactly what we can offer the industry.’

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

Windows in a Click!

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd – the Cheshire based fabricator, has launched a new pricing software package that has been exclusively developed over the past six months.

Available to both existing and new customers, this new software is tailor-made to the agreed discount structure for each individual company and allows customers to send orders directly to the factory with the ‘click of a button’.

The software package is fully tested and secure and is capable of producing 100% accurate prices for windows, doors, glass and door panels and can be programmed to include variable profit margins and fitting costs. It also provides companies with the ability to produce personalised quotations, contracts, delivery notes and invoices.

Commenting on the new software, Danny Hague – Advantage’s Group Commercial Director said: ‘because this new software has been designed exclusively for Advantage, it already contains all the relevant manufacturing and technical information. The days of waiting for your frame supplier to return a quotation or order confirmation by fax or post are a thing of the past. This new pricing software gives Advantage a clear lead over our competitors but more importantly allows our customers the opportunity to offer a fast, accurate service in today’s highly competitive market.’

http://www.advantageconservatories.com/APS_software.htm

A Clear Case for Recycling

The Government’s Decent Homes initiative which aims to bring all housing in England up to a ‘decent standard’ by 2010 is driving many refurbishment projects in the social housing sector. Window replacement is helping to ensure dwellings are upgraded to the statutory minimum standards, such as greater thermal efficiency.

Research commissioned by WRAP (the Waste & Resources Action Programme) reveals up to 500,000 tonnes of flat glass waste arises from buildings in the UK every year – increasingly from the social housing sector.

Window waste from domestic replacements accounts for some 190,000 tonnes of material each year, including 90,000 tonnes of glass (60,000 skips every year). Very little of this waste is currently recycled, but the potential is considerable and growing.

To assess the practical, technical, and economic viability of recovering post-consumer waste window materials, WRAP has recently funded trials with the Building Research Establishment (BRE). This case study looks at on-site window waste processing in Reading with key project partners including Spectus Window Systems and Viridor Glass Recycling.

How the recycling scheme works
This PFI (Private Finance Initiative) three-year refurbishment project of 1,400 homes for Reading Borough Council is managed by Wates Construction with the replacement of mainly PVC-U windows by Dorwin Ltd, a Spectus fabricator and installer.

Windows are removed within two miles of a central deconstruction compound to where Dorwin’s fitters deliver window waste. A dedicated team monitors waste management activities and deconstructs windows for material segregation. Glass is placed in a skip provided by Viridor Glass Recycling.

Implementation issues
On-site deconstruction requires the correct tools and methods. This project includes a prototype PVC-U weld exploiting channelled energy machine – the ‘corner cracker’ developed with funding from Spectus Window Systems. This breaks the corner welds on PVC-U window frames by exerting pressure (via a foot pump) onto the weld, the weakest point of the profile. Breaking the frame to bar lengths maximises space in the skips and allows easy access to remove the metal reinforcements inside the hollow profiles for metal recycling.

Martin Althorpe, Technical Director of Spectus, explains: ‘The corner cracker is a portable tool that is safe to use and doesn’t require power. It effectively breaks down the frames without creating noise problems.’

This project is a recycling model for Spectus. ‘Local authorities are more aware of the potential cost-savings in reducing landfill and we are promoting this as an added benefit,’ adds Martin.

Cost savings
Martin Dickie, Business Development Manager of Dorwin Ltd says the scheme is relatively simple to set up, but commitment from all is essential to its success. ‘Recycling window waste makes sense, financially and politically in terms of the cost savings and good kudos, for the contractor, the client and the resident. Deconstructing frames requires fewer skips, which contributes to cost savings as well as giving a financial return on the value of the waste.’

Recycling saves an estimated 30% of waste disposal costs, helping to pay for a waste management operative to oversee the scheme.

Waste figures
• 144 tonnes of PVC-U – equal to 100 miles if profiles are laid end to end;
• 144 tonnes of glass – equal in sq m to the size of the new Wembley Stadium pitch and
• 4.8 tonnes of rubber gasket – equal to the weight of a medium-sized elephant.
Source: Dorwin Ltd

Maximising waste value
• use correct tools and techniques to carefully deconstruct frames;
• segregate component materials, ie: glass, PVC-U, metal, rubber;
• keep glass waste clean to maximise its recycling value;
• communicate recycling objectives to the workforce and
• monitor waste collections.

Viridor Glass Recycling’s Technical Director, Dave Richardson comments: ‘Reducing contaminants in glass waste is crucial to maximise its recycling value. This project highlights the benefits of committed teamwork.’

Comment
Michelle Leong of the BRE says: ‘Large social housing sector refurbishment projects will continue to generate significant volumes of window waste. The numbers of stakeholders in these projects create challenges of their own, but commitment to these types of waste recycling schemes can divert significant volumes of window waste from landfill.’

Contact Details
WRAP, The Old Academy, 21 Horse Fair, Banbury, Oxon OX16 OAH Helpline 0808 100 2040 http://www.wrap.org.uk

Dave Richardson, Viridor Glass Recycling, Lancots Lane, St Helens, Merseyside, WA9 3EX Tel: 01744 454444 http://www.viridor-waste.co.uk

Martin Althorpe, Spectus Window Systems, Queens Avenue, Macclesfield, Cheshire, SK10 2BN, Tel: 01625 420400

Michelle Sjogren Leong, Centre For Resource Management, Building Research Establishment, Garston, Watford, WD25 9XX, Tel: 01923 664516

Business Micros Bucks Trend with Record Sales Figures

Software specialist Business Micros says that it is successfully bucking the current downward trend in the window industry and has just recorded the company’s best ever six month trading figures.

The company, which supplies software solutions to more than 3,000 window fabrication businesses across the UK, has achieved sales up 12% on the same period in 2004, when sales reached their previous record.

Business Micros attributes much of its success to the overwhelming response from customers to its new Evolution software system which has prompted many to upgrade and take advantage of the additional features which Evolution offers.

Managing Director Graeme Bailey (pictured) says: ‘As the market tightens, many customers are looking to improve the efficiency of their operations and to reduce costs.

Evolution is proving an excellent way to achieve that and we are naturally delighted with these results.’

Business Micros has also benefited from the increased investment by mainly commercial fabricators in new software to work alongside new machinery and prepping centres, and the shake up in the PVC-U market prompted by the departure of Premier and Schüco has led to many customers switching to Business Micros from previous suppliers in line with their new system company’s recommendations.

Graeme Bailey is bullish about the future. He says: ‘Business Micros is now the leading software supplier in the market and when things get tough, people often turn to the strength and security of the market leader. We have more staff out on the road helping customers than any of our competitors and with 34 staff in total we have larger support teams in both our Dumfries and Warrington offices. Customers are recognising the strength of our product and our support services and our booming sales reflect that.

‘Despite the downturn, I expect us to finish our financial year with record sales figures and to record our seventh successive year of positive growth.’

Tel: 01925 422957
Email: mailto:sales@businessmicros.co.uk

Temporary Move Pushes KBE Forward

KBE Window Systems, part of profine, has relocated to larger premises on the Amington Industrial Estate, to the south of Tamworth. The move heralds the start of KBE's development programme in the UK, which will see the company moving into a purpose designed logistics centre within the next nine months.

Hans Pabst, head of KBE UK, said‚ ‘The Apollo site had served us well since 1989 but in the last year we found ourselves increasingly challenged by lack of space for our growing business. The old site gave us no long term advantages, so when this new, temporary, location at Felspar Road was found, it answered all our immediate needs. Its position, closer to the national motorway network, has benefits all round and we look forward to operating from here until our new logistics centre is ready'

The move took place over the Bank Holiday weekend, so the comapny was able to minimise any major distruption to its business. The full address details are: KBE Window Systems, Units 1A & 1B Felspar Road, Amington Industrial Estate (West), Amington, Tamworth, Staffordshire, B77 4DP. Tel: 0845 130 6169

Bekaert Specialty Films Launches 2005 European TintOff Championships

Window film manufacturer Bekaert iscalling all professional Window Tinters and their guests to come along to the first ever Bekaert European TintOff Championships on 11th and 12th June 2005.

The weekend aims to draw together Tinters from all fields for two jam-packed days of competitions, demonstrations, refreshments and fun at the company’s UK service centre near Worcester. The TintOff Championships will pitch the best Auto Tinters from around Europe against each other in a series of timed heats - but even if you’re not an Auto Tinter there is still a great opportunity to get involved with a range of other activities.

‘There will be a host of seminars, demonstrations, prize draws and smaller competitions that will take place over the weekend. If you think you could show your Auto Tinter buddies a thing or two, you’ll be able to try your hand at fitting ClearShield Paint Protection Film in the ClearShield Challenge. Bekaert will also be running a series of dealer and fitter-oriented seminars and demonstrations that will focus on a number of topics including ‘Film Fitting Techniques,’ ‘The Advantages of Computercut’, ‘ClearShield, the new market opportunity for Tinters’ and ‘Marketing Tips’. You’ll also have the opportunity to find out more about installation of graphics, signs and designs, and specialist tools for solar, safety and high-quality films.’ says the company.

‘Even if you’re not competing, come along to relax and enjoy the atmosphere of this unique weekend. It’s the perfect opportunity to rub shoulders with other installers and swap tips and ideas. You can even save money by stocking up on special-offer Bekaert films, gadgets and tinting tools while you’re there.

‘Competitor and visitor participation is by pre-registration only. Places are going fast so book up now!’ To apply or get more information call Susanne Loveridge on 01905 640 400, or visit http://www.tintoff.com

Listers G-05 Fabricator Finalist

Lister Trade Frames described the company's reaction to being selected as finalists for the G-05 Fabricator of the Year as 'delighted, but not surprised'. Lister's MD Mark Warren explained why.

'It's easy to roll out all the usual 'customer is king' phrases, but if you look at what we've done in the last year, you can make your own judgment of our priorities.

'Last year saw us invest over £2 million pounds in a new window and conservatory production site. We launched two new window systems. We invested in half a million pounds worth of additional production machinery. Then we built a new head office complex. We wanted to take a full day out of our delivery cycle, so we re-located our distribution centre. There was an opportunity to simplify and speed up our customer service, so we designed and built our own multi document interface software system. That left us feeling a bit bored, so we created a major consumer brand to help our customers sell, and launched a complete suite of customisable marketing materials to support their sales efforts.

'Here's another well-used phrase for you - you only get out what you put in. We keep hearing stories of doom and gloom, yet we're seeing a continued upturn in our business. The lesson, if there is one, is that when times get tricky, try harder.'

Tony Frost, the winner of Listers Speed Bead Competition

The new Elitis sculptured and chamfered frames are full of fitter-friendly features like ultra-fast beading and connection systems. Lister's launch event featured a speed beading competition at which several installers were able to bead a full window in under ten seconds. They were impressed with that -but when they were told they were working with laminated glass (the installer‚s nightmare), several of them had to be restored with strong drink.

'To back up the new products there's a huge marketing support package that stretches from first class brochures to personalised, subsidised Websites for installers,' says Mark, 'We've included advice for our customers' customers to help them make the right choices; we see this as an important element in raising the profile of the industry and encouraging a quality-focused mindset from manufacturer to end user. We also help our installers to raise their personal presentation standards with Elitis vehicle livery, site boards and clothing. The Elitis brand allows installers to compete on a level playing field with the national companies.'

'The G-05 Award is a real prize, so if we're selected as the winner, then of course we'll be delighted and most grateful. But the real accolade comes from our customers, who right now are giving us our best year ever. And for that, we're truly grateful.'

Tel: 01782 205605

Warmseal Leads the Way in Four Categories at G05

Warmseal Windows (Newcastle) Ltd, a WHS Halo fabricator and installer, has reached the final in four categories of the G05 Awards. Kevin Taylor, Managing Director, stated:

‘We are absolutely delighted in reaching the final for Installer of the Year, Conservatory Installer of the Year, Health & Safety Initiative and Social Housing Project. This proves we are the best and most forward thinking window company in the North East covering the Retail, Trade and Commercial sectors. This year has seen turnover increase by 25%, an expansion of our workforce which is now up to 140 and still growing, and an increase in our manufacturing capacity to 1,500 products per week – all in all this proves we are not a company standing still!’

Following a management buy out in December 2003, Kevin and his team have carried on the ethos of ‘Do it Right or Not At All’ and taken the company to the next level with their sights set high with regards to expansion in both size and geographical coverage.

Kevin stated ‘This will be carried out through organic growth or by acquisition. In May we reached a milestone in the history of the company by breaking the £10million turnover barrier with over a month yet to go for this financial year’.

Kevin went on to say, ‘Reaching the finals is testament to all the hard work put in by the workforce. If we win an award we will be adding to the already long list of accreditations that Warmseal has achieved’.

Email: mailto:info@warmseal.co.uk
Web: http://www.warmseal.co.uk

Super Factory for Superglazed

The move to larger, more modern premises for London-based fabricator Superglazed – a long-time member of Beaufort Secure Design’s Approved Fabricator scheme – is enabling the company to focus on increasing its capacity to provide both domestic supply only installers and the commercial sector with a full range of aluminium windows and doors.

Harish Vekaria, Superglazed Factory Manager with Hasu Parmar, Managing Director - Superglazed

Following a major investment of £1.8 million, an impressive 14,000sq ft factory in Park Royal, North West London, is the new home of Superglazed. The move has been completed smoothly and Superglazed is now running efficiently from its smart new factory, which is in fact two buildings which have been combined into a single unit. The layout has been designed for Superglazed by Beaufort and equipped to meet its precise specifications.

Superglazed outgrew its former premises in North London, which have been the company’s base since it was established 11 years ago. The rise in demand for aluminium and the continued use of the successful Beaufort system will allow Superglazed to set its sights on growth of 300% over the next three years.

Managing Director Hasu Parmar says that Superglazed currently produces 150 frames a week, predominantly for the domestic market. It is now looking to expand this to 450 units to meet the demands and expectations of the commercial sector, while continuing to benefit from the growth of its domestic customers that have become loyal to Superglazed after many years’ reliable service. With the increased capacity and capability now available, Superglazed is ready and able to make that jump.

At the moment, the company’s business is split is 60:40 between domestic and commercial, and Superglazed is well placed to capitalise on the buoyancy it has noticed in both sectors, with significant amounts of business coming from major domestic and commercial window installation companies. While Superglazed works with both aluminium and PVC-U, around 90% of its business is in aluminium these days, and that is the sector where growth is particularly dynamic.

There has been significant investment in equipment too, to the tune of £120,000, including an Elumatec SBZ 122 Profile Machining Centre, DG 104 double mitre saw and EMA 201 Beading System to speed up fabrication as well as raise and maintain consistent quality standards throughout the production cycle.

And a large trade-only showroom is planned at the new site and will be situated alongside the factory, giving customers the opportunity to see the complete Superglazed offering first hand and to discuss the technical aspects of the product range.

The new premises are well situated on a modern industrial estate just off the North Circular that offers easy access to Superglazed’s customers. It represents a significant step forward and marks the start of a new phase in the development and growth of the company.

Tel: 020 8965 7761
Web: http://www.superglazed.co.uk

GP&T Success for Ebor

While GP&T may not have been the busiest show of its kind, Ebor Equipment says it attracted the right visitors to its exhibition stand.

Simon Boocock, Stephen Jones and the Ebor team continued to greet a steady stream of visitors throughout the exhibition. As a result, they achieved a number of significant sales, along with several serious enquiries, from both existing customers and new prospects, all of which are currently being actioned.

Successes during the week included two agreed sales of Clean 20 water cleaning systems and three enquiries to be confirmed.

As UK suppliers of the world’s leading machinery for the glass industry, it was no surprise to Ebor that the stand attracted a lot of attention. This resulted in orders for a Metral CR8, 8 spindle, straight line edging machine and a Bovone ELB10, straight line edging machine, with several additional orders for smaller Metral belt machines. In addition, enquiries are being followed up for a Gadia CNC machine, other equipment from Metral and Bovone and a Forvet automatic drilling machine.

Add to this list an automatic laminate cutting table, Ebor’s own new glass harp rack, specifically manufactured for the careful handling of soft coat glass, and the interest shown in Ebor’s new ranges of pinza grab and suction lifting equipment – from handheld suction caps through to automatic lifting frames, it can be said that it was a successful show for the company.

Ebor accessories and tooling were not neglected either. Continuing the recent success of the ADI tooling range, these products maintained a lot of interest and subsequent orders. However, the star of the show in this area and the product that drew more interest than most was Ebor’s new Goldfinger router bit. This attracted a high level of enquiries and orders as customers recognised the good value it offered, combined with its quality, speed and life.

‘Although the GP&T exhibition was not as well attended as the previous one, the Ebor stand still managed to attract a lot of interested customers and potential customers,’ said Simon Boocock, director for the Ebor Glass Division, ‘Because the show wasn’t teaming with visitors, it meant that we had more time to spend with those who were genuinely interested in what Ebor has to offer. And, as a result of them being able to see that we had a lot of good products to offer, we made the sales and picked up the business and the enquiries.’

http://www.ebor.co.uk

See the GP&T 2005 Review here

Seeing Double at Peterborough

Eurocell Building Plastics has doubled floor space and trebled the size of the trade counter at its busy Peterborough branch.

The move has seen the branch expand to take on a neighbouring unit at its Saville Road, Westwood site, increasing storage capacity from 4,000sq ft to 8,000sq ft, and enabling it to increase its stock holding of Pinnacle 500 and a number of popular roofline products.

Says branch manager Richard Drew, ‘While Eurocell's next day delivery service has always been a bonus for our customers, we are now in a position to increase stock holding by fifty percent, meaning that more and more of our customers will be able to get everything they need from us in just one visit.’

Serving customers as far afield as Stamford, Kings Lynn and Cambridge, Eurocell Building Plastics' Peterborough branch first opened its doors some eight years ago, and continues to serve a diverse range of customers including window and conservatory installers and fascia fitters.

Tel: 01773 842395
Email: mailto:david.wigley@eurocell.co.uk

Masterframe in Finals for National Business Awards South East

Staff at Essex-based sash window manufacturer Masterframe are celebrating after winning through to the finals of the Customer Focus Awards category of the National Business Awards South East.

Managing Director and founder of Masterframe, Alan Burgess has pioneered the development of PVC-U modern sash windows to look just like authentic timber.

He explained: ‘We work hard to ensure our customers get the very best and we firmly believe our business can grow through developing long-term relationships with them.

‘Our aim is to become known as the most honourable, reliable and trustworthy supplier of PVC-U sliding sash windows in the UK. As a privately owned company, our employees are more like family. We have a common goal that is to provide the very best quality of product, on time and exceed customers’ expectations.’

The National Business Awards is one of the biggest business competitions in Europe. Reaching this stage is a significant step with staff looking forward to the ceremony and gala dinner on July 14th at the Radisson Edwardian, Heathrow.

Masterframe says that it is constantly innovating and improving its products, based in part on customer feedback and information from its installers. If Masterframe solves a problem for a particular customer, it aims to make that solution standard on all of its windows. Feedback, secret shoppers and regular training and seminars are all essential in verifying the effectiveness and commitment of installers, along with customer satisfaction surveys.

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

‘Where Have you Been All my Life?’ says Newstead Customer

Greasby Windows approached Newstead Trade Frames because it needed a quality fabricator that matched its own reputation for quality, but also supplied golden oak profile.

John King, owner of Greasby Windows explains why the company needed Newstead and how things have turned out since switching: ‘Newstead was the only supplier that could help us win the project of 18 windows and a porch on a four bedroom house. In the last 18 years, I’ve worked with five other fabricators and never come across such excellent quality, strict quality control and good, quick service. I know it’s a cliché, but ‘where have you been all my life’ springs to mind when I think about Newstead.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Prestige Plastics Moves Its One-Stop Shop To Larger Premises

Profile 22 fabricator Prestige Plastics has moved to premises five times larger than its original home, to accommodate its rapidly expanding fabrication and building plastics supply operation. Founded just four years ago, the company is already established as a major supplier of windows for mobile home refurbishment throughout the Midlands, South East and South Coast. It has now invested £450,000 in a new 9,000 square feet production facility to house its rapidly expanding trade window, door and conservatory fabrication business alongside a comprehensive one-stop shop for all of its customers' plastics needs including fascias, soffits, guttering, cladding, trims, silicones and sundries.

The new high-tech manufacturing plant on the Sanders Road Industrial Estate in Rushden was converted from a derelict unit in just four weeks and customers are already benefiting from the convenience of collecting everything they need from a single source. Long standing customer Peter Cooper of Park Home Services in Southampton explains why Prestige Plastics has been good for his business: 'I've been buying windows and doors from Prestige Plastics since the company first started and it's never let me down. The company provides a great package of product quality, service and delivery. Even though it's some distance from us I couldn't get a better service locally and we will certainly be looking at the company's new plastics range to source other products that we need, confident that they would be supplied without hassle'.

In a toughening market, Prestige Plastics is providing a distinctive range of benefits to its growing number of trade customers. In addition to its one-stop shop approach, the company is also offering installers practical help in developing their business through Trade Lynks, the marketing support package provided by Profile 22 free of charge to its customers and its customers' customers. Help provided by Trade Lynks is tangible and includes brochures and drop cards delivered regularly to the installer's door to help them generate new leads.

Full details of the products and services offered by Prestige Plastics can be obtained on 01933 418400. Information on Trade Lynks can be found at http://www.tradelynks.com or by telephoning 0870 950 4500.

Quantal Fabricator Bucks the Trend

While other window companies in the area are feeling the pinch, and are cutting working hours, reducing fitting teams and operating shorter working weeks, business for Cheltenham based Approved Quantal Fabricator Regent RS Group is flourishing.

In fact, the long established window, door and conservatory manufacturer and installer is considering a move to larger premises in order to service its full order books. Managing Director Andrew Genko puts the success of the business down to the company's proactive approach to the marketplace. 'Regent has responded to the current down-trend in the domestic home improvement market by maintaining a carefully balanced approach to the retail, commercial and trade sectors.'

'We offer high quality products that comply with all the latest building regulations, manufactured in our own state-of-the-art factory. We operate a stringent quality control procedure, checking at every stage of the process. In addition, all our fitting teams are employed by the company so we can be sure of providing excellent workmanship on site.'

Andrew continues: 'The Quantal roof is the ideal choice for our company. Versatile with pleasing aesthetics, it is the preferred choice for our discerning customers and perfect for commercial applications because of its inherent strength and rigidity.'

Quantal Conservatory Roofing Systems offers members of their Approved Fabricator Network a turnkey business opportunity tailored to suit each member's needs and help them grow their business in a manageable way. For further information visit http://www.quantal.co.uk or telephone 08700 110195.

New Design Possibilities with Pultec

Pultec, the new generation of high performance window profile, is opening up new design possibilities for large glazing areas, thanks to its structural soundness and good strength to weight ratio.

Pultec’s window systems are manufactured from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), ‘the building material of the future’, according to BRE, and ‘the new alternative to PVCu and aluminium’. The Pultec profile is so strong and stable that it is load bearing, like aluminium. Therefore, far larger windows and glazing screens can be produced than is possible with PVCu – but without the thermal disadvantages of aluminium. It is guaranteed for 20 years, but has a life expectancy of over 50 years.

‘For commercial and public buildings, the appeal of Pultec also lies in the degree of accuracy and detail in the finished product, which is obtained through the state-of-the-art thin wall patented pultrusion process. Pultec will compete with aluminium on price while providing a more versatile appearance.’ says the company.

The systems are available in all today’s popular window designs – traditional open out casements; vertical sliding sashes; and tilt and turn.

Tel: 0117 947 4727
Email: mailto:windows@lindman.co.uk

Outlook Good for Freefoam

Manufacturer of PVC roofline and rainwater systems, Freefoam Plastics, says that it maintains market share in an increasingly competitive market. Increasing oil and raw material costs, unsustainable levels of price-cutting, and high profile manufacturer/supplier conflicts have all contributed to less than ideal trading conditions in the roofline market over the past 6-12 months.

Price pressure on stockists selling more than one brand has made product differentiation difficult for those with weak or inconsistent branding. Like-for-like products can’t survive in a hostile under-cutting environment and many installers are fleeing their current supplier in search of more favourable trading relations elsewhere.

Freefoam says that it is weathering the storm well. The company attributes its strong position to ‘a commitment to producing the highest quality products that perform well and offer the best value for money.’ The company has invested a significant amount of time and money in expanding operations, product range, as well as the choice of styles and colours available to customers.

Tony Walsh, Freefoam Managing Director, comments on his company’s performance, ‘Freefoam has always traded on quality, service and a commitment to responding to customer needs. We’ve built, and continue to build, a strong customer base of professional business people who realise partnership is the key to sustained growth.’

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com

Web: http://www.freefoam.com

It Needn't be Hell for RSLs - Inspired Solutions for Secure Living

Tenants at a flagship housing development in Woodall Spa are getting some of the most high security windows and doors available. Broadgate Homes Ltd has selected Kömmerling fabricator, Spire Windows, to manufacture its Secured by Design products for registered social landlord (RSL), Longhurst Housing Association. Many RSL projects are a showcase of innovation and forward-thinking in the housing industry. As a result, many are equipped to a higher standard than the majority of new build residential properties.

Spire MD, Dennis Clark states, ‘You can't make a poor quality window secure - you just can't do it. Forward-thinking project managers don't want poorer quality windows that are going to distort and sag causing numerous maintenance problems. They're looking for the best - at a sensible price - and that's what we do.’

Broadgate Homes Ltd, project manager, Peter Cliff was so impressed by Spire's Secured by Design craftsmanship on a subcontracted project that he invited Dennis Clark to put forward a proposal for the Woodall Spa development. He says, ‘The RSL specified Secured by Design from the outset. We wanted well built and secure windows in the properties without a major cost increase per unit.’

Peter Cliff ordered 150 windows and 60 doors for the project, to be fabricated from the Kömmerling 70mm profile - which is popular for both new build and replacement window projects.His confidence was further supported by the knowledge that each installation would be scrutinised by Secured by Design product expert PC Peter Gravells of Lincolnshire Police.

In addition to the precision engineering of Spire's windows and doors, the project's extra security features include the clear marking of boundaries for each dwelling to differentiate public from private property, light sensitive exterior lighting to illuminate darkened corners and secure garden lock-ups to prevent theft.

Broadgate Homes' Woodall Spa development began in March 2004 and completed in May 2005. Peter Cliff says, ‘By using the right subcontractors we've knocked five months off the build programme. To accomplish that in this business you need quality subcontractors who adhere to our planning deadlines and understand our need to be efficient.’

120 of Spire's Secured by Design windows were also supplied for installation at Skegness Police Station. Dennis Clark explains, ‘We've never cut corners on quality workmanship and testing, and although that means we're not the cheapest - Lincolnshire Police know we're among the best in terms of quality and security.’

He says having the best possible materials is also key to Spire's success, ‘We discovered a long time ago that Kömmerling profiles were the constant in our equation for success - it's one of the best quality profiles on the market. We're dedicated to pushing the boundaries of greater quality - a dedication that is shared by our RSL business clients.’

Work at Height - HSE Explains What the Regulations Mean for the Construction Industry

New regulations came into force on 6th April 2005, applying to all work at height where there is a risk of a fall liable to cause personal injury. To assist the construction industry the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has recently published a Question and Answer Brief to explain what the new regulations mean in practice and the standards HSE expects the industry to meet. It is available on the HSE website.

Commenting on the new regulations Kevin Myers, HSE’s Chief Inspector of Construction, said: 'Falls from height remain the single biggest cause of workplace deaths and major injuries in the construction industry, responsible for some 40 per cent of fatalities in 2004/05. Preventing falls from height is a key area where the construction industry can take steps to drive down the number of accidents. The regulations give the industry an opportunity to refocus efforts to improve standards for work at height and reduce deaths and injuries.

'A particular area of concern for HSE is the number of major injuries caused by low falls – it’s worth pointing out that there are more major injuries resulting from low falls than from falls above two metres. The new regulations remove the old divison between low and high falls; the ‘two-metre rule’ for high falls has not been retained because dutyholders need to prevent falls from any height. HSE inspectors will ensure that the existing standards are maintained but that greater attention is also paid to the risk from low falls.'

Mr Myers also made the following key points:
'Those following good practice for work at height will already be doing enough to comply with the new regulations;
follow the risk assessments you have carried out for work at height activities and make sure all work at height is planned, organised and carried out by competent people;
follow the hierarchy for managing risks from work at height - take steps to avoid, prevent or reduce risks; and
choose the right work equipment and select collective measures to prevent falls (such as guardrails) before other measures which may only mitigate the distance and consequences of a fall (such as nets or airbags) or which may only provide personal protection from a fall.'

HSE’s publication of the Question and Answer Brief for the Construction Industry on the Work at Height Regulations 2005 demonstrates its commitment to being a good partner – working with others to improve health and safety. The Brief is free and can be downloaded at http://www.hse.gov.uk/construction/pdf/fallsqa.pdf

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 (S.I.2005 No 735 ) are accessible via the HMSO website at http://www.legislation.hmso.gov.uk/si/si2005/20050735.htm.

Printed copies are published by The Stationery Office Ltd (TSO). For further details, please contact TSO, tel: 0870 6005522; fax: 0870 600 5533; e-mail mailto:customer.services@tso.co.uk

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