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Glassex Indicates Future Trends as Composite Doors Prove all the Rage

With just a few weeks to go before the annual Glassex show opens its doors for the 24th time, details on what exhibitors are planning to launch at the event reveal that once again Glassex will accurately represent both the current movement and future trends of the UK window, door and conservatory industry. This is illustrated for the 2004 event by the number of composite door manufacturers who have signed up to appear at the event.

Composite doors are widely acknowledged to be one of the industry’s biggest growth areas at present, with some forecasters predicting that the market for these products will increase over 200% by 2007. It’s no surprise, then, that many manufacturers want to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by Glassex to maximise their chances in this burgeoning market.

One such company is Irish PVCu door panel manufacturer New World Developments, which plans to launch Apeer, a new GRP composite doorset with patent pending features. Visitors to the stand will be able to test and touch real examples of Apeer’s eight styles, which the company says are manufactured with a matching integral framing unit for perfect fit and aesthetic appeal. Another is Evergreen Door, which aims to communicate with Glassex visitors that ‘making composite doors is easy’. The company claims to do this through its ‘one stop shop’ approach, providing the complete package of components that a fabricator needs to supply fully finished doors and door sets.

Joining these companies is PatioMaster, returning to Glassex with what the company claims to be a unique offer to installers wishing to capitalise on the growing and lucrative composite door market. A specialist network of in-line patio and composite door fabricators, PatioMaster aims to simplify the business of making composite doors, enabling its customers to take advantage of supplying a quality product with short lead times and national supply. Door manufacturer Timberlike Ltd will also introduce a composite French door for the first time at Glassex that the company says can be easily installed without the ‘toe and heeling’ process.

For general information about how to get to Glassex, Opening Times etc, please click here

GGF tops Glassex Seminar Programme

Today the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) announced that everyday throughout the Glassex Exhibition it would be addressing the industry on the latest to do with Approved Document L – proposed revisions for 2005; Health & Safety and the contribution warm edge technology can make to increasing the energy efficiency of windows.

Approved Document L (ADL) 2005
ADL is currently being revised; the GGF has representation on the Government Building Regulation Advisory Committee (BRAC), which undertakes these changes. Hear it all from the experts and let Giles Willson put the record straight.

Health & Safety
Health and Safety has taken on a new impetus within the glass industry since the launch of The Glass Charter and this year’s safety related seminars deal with some of the issues that have been identified and the future of the Glass Charter. Safety seminars will be looking at Manual Handling within the industry and how to take a different approach to prevention.
Users of compressed air and related equipment will find the Pressure Vessels overview interesting as this will help them identify the loop holes in their schematics small print.
Finally, with the onslaught of the Working at Heights Regulations later this year, all organisations should be aware of the impact and how to implement them, these seminars will help companies understand their obligations.

Warm Edge Technology
This GGF Government funded project has collaborated with industry to see what role warm edge technology can play in making windows more energy efficient. At Glassex, Norman Blower and his colleagues will be presenting their interim results and looking for your views to progress this project further.

‘It is important that industry is made aware of all these issues,’ said Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive. ‘It is no longer acceptable for us to hide our heads in the sand. These seminars at Glassex have provided us all with a great opportunity to exchange views and get those views fed back to Government. Let the GGF make life easier for you,’ he concluded.

For a full seminar programme go to:
http://www.glassex.co.uk/seminars.asp?p=seminars.

Festive Frolics Caught on Camera in Coventry’s real-life Version of The Office

Millions of viewers tuned in to watch the latest festive antics of egotistical boss David Brent in BBC’s hit comedy The Office – but staff at Coventry based U-fit.co.uk gave him a run for his money in the Christmas TV schedules. They let their hair down for the cameras at the Christmas party – and the hilarious results were screened in the documentary Office Christmas Parties on BBC2 on Sunday, December 21 at 10.20pm. Nearly two million households tuned in to watch the show and the firm has been bombarded with thousands of emails from well-wishers saying how much they enjoyed it.

 
U-fit husband-and-wife team Ann and John Armstrong

The cameras rolled as the 33-strong workforce partied the night away at the Charterhouse in Stoke, Coventry – and TV producers loved their capers so much that they devoted the entire hour-long programme to them.

Film crews spent several weeks in the run-up to the party following the working lives of U-fit husband-and-wife team John and Ann Armstrong and their staff adjusting to life in their new offices – dubbed the ‘Pink Palace’ for the bright and unique decor.

And there were plenty of David Brent moments caught on camera – including John laying down the law to his sales team dressed as Father Christmas and the couple frantically practising their karaoke skills before the big night. And while Ann appeared to spend most of her time at work replaying the security videos to see if she if she could catch someone smoking in the yard, at home her bedtime reading consisted mainly of business guru self-help books such as 'The Magic of Thinking Big' and 'How to Transform your Company and Enjoy it'. 'If we keep reading these books, our company is bound to get bigger, she exlpained to TV cameras.

Ann went on to say: 'The film crews captured the trials and tribulations leading up to the office do – and it certainly wasn’t plain sailing for us'.

Viewers saw Anne introduce a 'clean desk policy' because she was fed up having to tidy up after people (most viewers wondering at this point why cleaners were not employed). Staff had to tidy their work areas every day, including emptying their own bins. One hapless employee had the temerity to query the new rules, the answer to which was 'just adhere to them or go and work somewhere else'.

The company had agreed with a local Indian restaurant to take over the whole premises on a quiet Sunday evening for the party, but on realising that this would mean dozens of no shows on Monday morning, desperately tried to change it to a Friday, which that restaurant was unwilling to do. Another Indian restaurant was found which was big enough to accomodate them, and Ann set off to buy a sari for the night which cost hundreds of pounds.

'We were forced to switch the venue of our Christmas party from an Indian restaurant just days before it was due to happen. It was all quite hectic really. John conducted an important sales meeting dressed as Santa – and no-one even batted an eyelid – but he certainly wasn’t spreading Christmas cheer that day.'

It was at that meeting he uttered the following classic 'Brentism': with the sales force not hitting targets after he had raised them again and again, John tried to rally them with the immortal line 'Start aiming for the stars and you'll hit the moon'.

Another Brent moment came when some A4 colour invites to the party had been knocked up on the company computer, which were duly handed rounded to the office staff first. They were then asked to give them back so that the same invites could be recycled to the shop floor staff.

Ann's real dream, however, was for husband John to buy her a Bentley Turbo, which they bickered about in front of the cameras with John regarding it as an extravagance for a company which was still growing (turnover £3.5m). However, in a romantic Brent-like gesture, John presented her at the staff party with a 'Bentley Turbo' mop and bucket set (mop pictured: buy it at http://www.bentleybrushware.co.uk).

'On the night of the party everyone let their hair down, the drink flowed freely. There were rows, some people couldn’t even stand up properly and there was even a Sharon Osbourne moment from me, I’m ashamed to say!'

Other highlights on the night included a karaoke session which forget to collect slips from people saying what they wanted to sing, an Oscar-style awards ceremony where no-one actually won anything apart from a round of applause and a comedian who was so old that you needed a history degree to understand his 'jokes'.

The company seem to be trying to make the best of its Reality TV experience, however: on the website, sales manager Paul Jones is decribed as 'taking U-fit to the stars'.

http://www.u-fit.co.uk/information/meettheteam.asp

Web Cam Tracks Progress with Veka’s New Distribution & Logistics Centre

Veka has found the ideal solution for keeping tabs on progress of building work on the company’s new 200,000 square feet distribution and logistics centre by installing a web cam high above the site. In fact, anyone can take a look at this impressive project through the company’s web site at http://www.veka.co.uk/lucas.htm.

If you just want the picture, use this link but you have to refresh it yourself (it updates every 10 seconds) http://www.veka.co.uk/axis/Lucas.jpg

The £6.5 million project will more than double the size of Veka’s Burnley, Lancashire site to 380,000 square feet and is being developed to a specification written by the company to deal with 35% growth in the last two years, and a similar increase in business anticipated by 2006.

The project, which is set for completion by spring this year, will make Veka’s Burnley site the second largest in the Group behind the company’s US operation.

When completed, the centre will allow all of the company’s warehousing and distribution operations will be housed on a single site. The workforce, which has increased during the last 2 years from 235 to 330, will again be strengthened with the completion of the new centre.

Local companies and suppliers are being used wherever possible for the construction and fitting out of the project and, as part of the contract, main contractor Barnfield Construction has committed to using its own local workforce rather than subcontractors from outside the area. As well as the ultra-modern factory design, Veka will also add landscaping and trees to create a distinctive and prestigious frontage.

Veka plc managing director Peter Abbott commented: ‘We have achieved very substantial increases in business during the last two years, something that is all the more impressive in a difficult and highly competitive climate. This is a major milestone in the development of Veka in the UK, and may be viewed by our customers as a commitment to them to provide unrivalled products and support for their businesses.

‘On a local level, we are delighted that we were able to secure this local site and keep the benefits within our home town of Burnley, especially as we have been able to make such good use of a brownfield site.’

Synseal Launches Pre-Gasketed Shield

Synseal Extrusions Ltd has recently launched pre-gasketed Shield profile. ‘It will save customers a substantial amount of time,’ explains Andy Dunbar, Technical Manager of Synseal. ‘All Synseal fabricators have to do now is cut and weld. And all they have to pay for this time saving addition is the price of the gasket, nothing more.

‘Our Research and Development Department has been working on the development of this product now for many months. We did not want to just jump on the bandwagon at the earliest opportunity and simply put an existing gasket into the Shield profiles. We have designed an exclusive gasket, which we extrude ourselves, that perfectly matches the internal contours of the Shield profile. The first windows off the line have just successfully completed the rigours of weather testing rigs.’

Following the successful take up of Synseal Extrusion’s 90o and 135o sill joiners for the 150mm sill, the systems company has been inundated with customer requests for an inline version. ‘We are always keen to give our customers a choice, so we have now launched our inline sill jointer,’ explains Andy Dunbar, Technical Manager of Synseal.

‘Like the angled corner joiner, it’s particularly useful for shipping long lengths of sill sections easily and securely. It is ideal when the customer has specified that any joints must remain welded, but by eliminating the need for joints on the corner of the sills it gives you and your customers choice.’

Web: http://www.synseal.com

Status Takes Logical New Approach to Nationwide Logistics

Status Systems has signed a contract with transport experts RF Fielding (Cheshire) Ltd to implement improvements to its logistics network, in direct response to increasing sales. With over 30 new fabricators joining the Status ranks in 2003, the extruder has taken a long term approach to overhauling its transport systems to ensure standards of customer service are maintained.

Status will have access to a dedicated fleet of vehicles with extensive back-up from Fielding's nationwide fleet should any unforeseen problems arise. More efficient routes will be calculated in line with customers' requirements, and TT links will be established with the Fielding's logistics software.

'Because we have such a strong sales support and operations team here at Status, we have managed to maintain certain standards for our customers as we have grown. However, behind the scenes we have been thoroughly analysing our logistics needs in line with our growth trends, knowing that there will shortly be a very real need for changes in the future,' said Status general manager Chris Foreman. 'Those future predictions have now arrived, and all that hard work and research behind the scenes is settled in place ready to take us further forward.

'RF Fielding has an excellent reputation, working with names as nationally commonplace as Morrisons and Safeway,' continued Chris Foreman. 'All our existing drivers who have already built up their own relationships with our customers during their rounds, are transferring to RF Fielding, and will themselves be given better opportunities for training and development.'

Fielding will also provide a dedicated contract manager to work exclusively with Status during the first few months of the contract to ensure that all systems are implemented as smoothly and efficiently as possible.

Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk

PICTURED: On left standing Dave Lowe, sitting Reuben Fielding of RF Fielding Ltd; On right standing Status operations manager Bobe Howe, sitting Status general manager Chris Foreman.

Two Leaders : One Complete Glass Solution

Suppliers to the glass industry, Bohle AG and Ritec International Ltd announce the formation of a new joint venture company in Germany, Bohle ClearShield GmbH, as of 1st February 2004. The new company will provide a wide range of solutions for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass.

Respected in their own fields, the two organisations have joined forces to offer the ClearShield technology which converts unprotected, high maintenance glass into ClearShield Low-Maintenance (Low-M) Glass‚. With similar mindsets and views on market development, the synergy between the two companies is ideal. Bohle, recognising the potential and increasing demand for low maintenance glass, was looking to enter and develop its market share faster and with sustainable growth with the best product that satisfied the needs of glass users.

Ritec’s strategy was to partner a reputable organisation targeting similar business sectors to enable more efficient and effective penetration of the European market. Bohle’s brand awareness and impressive infrastructure will now allow Ritec to focus more attention on research and development into new products. The new venture also means the two companies have become the largest solution providers to glass processors and fabricators across Europe.

The capabilities, experience and expertise of both companies will allow Bohle ClearShield to increase awareness of low maintenance glass protection throughout Europe as well as provide an enhanced service for glass users with a unique one-stop shop for high-quality glass processing products.

http://www.ritec.co.uk

http://www.bohle.de

Total Glass Partners with Cotswold

Liverpool based fabricator Total Glass Ltd has reinforced its partnership with Cotswold Architectural Products to ensure all its customers, whether fitting one or one hundred windows a week, are installing windows that meet with emergency egress requirements.

Total Glass' customer base consists of independent and national builders and parochial installers, large housing associations and local authority projects requiring several hundred frames. Through close association with friction stay manufacturer Cotswold the fabricator can guarantee that every specified friction stay meets egress requirements.

'Whether you are fitting a single replacement window in a private dwelling, or one hundred in a housing estate, egress has equal importance,' said Total Glass managing director Frank Deary. 'Working with Cotswold ensures that we have constant access tochanging hardware requirements, and that we are in a much stronger position to advise, and make recommendations to those specifying future fenestration projects.'

Cotswold's Specification Sales Manager Andrew Jennings added:
'Total Glass takes a long term and dogged approach to maintaining the integrity of its products, concurrently maintaining an efficient and financially stable approach to its own commercial success. It accepts its responsibility as a fabricator to ensure safety standards are upheld throughout the chain. As asupplier and partner we wholeheartedly support this level of commitment by doing everything in our own power to ease the complexities of the various standards, and working with Total Glass to push the information through the chain.'

Total Glass focuses on a 33 per cent growth target per year, while maintaining profitability within the economies of scale.

Web: http://www.cotswold-windows.co.uk

Aluplast UK – Three new Extruders in Three Months

Aluplast UK has recently installed three new extruders at its expanding Lutterworth extrusion base in Leicestershire. The installation programme was completed just after the New Year, having started back in November 2003 with the first extruder being installed in record time. These new machines include high output extruders capable of processing over 500kg of powder per hour.

Further upgrades and improvements to aluplast UK’s extrusion hall are planned for 2004, in line with the rest of the aluplast group that will see its number of major extrusion lines surpass 125 as it reaches for its 2004 target of extruding over 100,000 tonnes of PVC in the year.

Tel: 01455 555316

Picture caption: Pictured are aluplast UK’s extrusion team, headed by Director of Operations Axel Dutson-Steinfeld (second from left), who installed the first extruder in record time.

Celuform Blames Dramatic Rise in Raw Material Costs for Price Hike

A 5.5 per cent price increase has been announced by Celuform, the UK PVC-ue building products manufacturer. 'Since July last year raw material costs have increased by more than a fifth, and we have been absorbing the higher prices,' says Ged Ferris, Celuform's marketing manager.

'However, because there is no sign that resin costs are going to decline again, we are going to have to raise our prices.'

The 'across the board' hike will affect deliveries made on and after 1st March 2004. Celuform is expecting other PVC-ue product manufacturers to follow suit shortly because they have been subject to the same commodity price increase.

Celuform says that it was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and today processes 10,000 tonnes of PVC a year. The company supplies building product stockists throughout Europe and the UK with cellular plastic windowboards, cladding, fascias and soffits.

Tel: 01622 719199
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk

GGF Announces new President

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has appointed Nigel Richmond, Chief Operating Officer of Bowater Windows, as their new President. With several years experience in the window industry, Nigel Richmond has been actively involved in GGF affairs for many years, most recently spending 9 years as Chairman of the Finance and Membership Committee. He succeeds Trevor Coles of AGS Home Improvements to the position of President.

Commenting on his appointment, Nigel Richmond (right) said:
‘This is a challenging time for the industry. Changes in Regulations continue to dominate the horizon and it is important that the Federation is actively involved in the process and represents members’ interests to Government.

‘The GGF is a strong trade association; with a wide reaching agenda and many activities which all help promote and protect the interests of the industry. I am looking forward to leading the Federation and look to the membership and to the GGF staff for their support in tackling this challenging agenda.’

A qualified accountant, Nigel joined the Bowater Group in 1978 and spent 13 years in the Print, Packaging and Corporate divisions in senior financial positions.
In 1991 he became the Finance Director of the Bowater Windows Group and took over as Chief Executive of the Bowater Windows UK division in 1994. He was part of the management team that worked with Venture Capitalists to take the Group out of Rexam Plc in 1999.

GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees welcomed Nigel Richmond’s appointment and commented:
‘The President has an important role to play in the success of the GGF and Nigel’s experience and his proven commitment to the work of the Federation means that he is well placed to help take the industry forward and we look forward to a successful period of office’

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

Crystal Makes a Clear Choice with Ukae

Sealed unit manufacturer Crystal Units Limited has signed an agreement for UKae Ltd to supply all of its IGU consumables and components over a two year period. The new supply deal, which coincides with Crystal Units' recent move to a 40,000 sq ft state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North London, is a major coup for UKae.

Based in Hendon Broadway, North London, Crystal Units Ltd provides the latest in advance technological glass production, supplying customers with a high specification of glass from specialists worldwide. The Hendon factory is equipped with automated machinery from Lisec and currently produces around 5000 units per week. However, the company plans to more than double this output within a year, and needed to find a supplier that was both reliable and flexible. UKae was considered the ideal candidate due to its 'one stop shop' service: the company manufactures all spacer bar, Georgian bar grilles, lead and decorative films in-house from its Midlands facility. Crystal Units was also impressed by UKae's reputation for speedy deliveries and product quality.

Garry Ealing, Managing Director for UKae, is delighted with the new agreement: 'UKae and Crystal Units are both very forward-thinking organisations, and we look forward to supporting the company as a supplier during what will certainly be a period of phenomenal growth for the company.'

Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk

China Glass Teams up with GP&T for 2004

The organisers of the Glass Processing and Technology Exhibition have been approached by the organisers of the China Glass Exhibition to arrange a UK group of exhibitors and visitors to China Glass 2004 which takes place in Beijing from the 11th - 14th April this year.

Last year China Glass had 436 exhibitors from 21 countries and attracted more than 20,000 visitors from 37 countries. China as a country has been widely acknowledged as having a vigorous economy and a very high speed of development. China ranks first in glass output in the world and leads in glass production and glass processing technologies among developing countries.*

Should you wish to exhibit within the UK pavilion, the stand package cost is just £4,500 + VAT which includes a 9m2 stand with Nimlok build, use of a communal meeting area and refreshments within the pavilion, electrics, furniture, one return flight to Beijing, single accommodation for 6 nights, transfers, inclusion on the group visa and a management fee.

Should you wish to visit the China Glass Exhibition with the UK delegation the visitor package cost is £1195 + VAT per person and includes one return flight to Beijing, single hotel accommodation for 6 nights, use of the communal meeting area and refreshments within the UK pavilion, transfers, inclusion on the group visa and a management fee.

So if you are looking to sell product or are looking for an agent/distributor in China, want to evaluate the Chinese market or are simply curious to see the latest technologies and developments emerging from this fast moving region we can offer a highly cost effective way of doing so.

Space on this trip is very limited and visitor and exhibitor places will be allocated on a first come first served basis. Final booking deadline is 26th February 2004. For further information please contact Leah Tidy on 020 8277 5733 or email mailto:leah.tidy@emap.com

* Information published in the Official China Glass Literature.

Quicker Cutting at KAT

As part of its overall investment programme for 2004, KAT UK has recently installed a new double mitre saw, worth in excess of £20,000, at its dedicated patio door line in Macclesfield.

'KAT patio doors are the leading brand to the window fabrication and installation market in the UK, and were responsible for nearly £5m of KAT UK's overall 2003 turnover. The company is committed to maintaining its number one position, and will do so by ensuring the quality of its products and KAT service levels remain consistently high.' said KAT director David Richards.

'This is just one of a number of investment programmes we will be announcing over the coming months,' added David.

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

CAP Reorganises for Service Expansion

CAP, the UK architectural glazing manufacturer and installer has restructured to offer improved flexibility in a changing marketplace. Now with an Architectural Division specialising in large projects like the Lowry Hotel, Salford and a RMS Division which will concentrate on refurbishment, maintenance and small works, the company claims that these two dedicated teams can operate with improved focus and skills appropriate to the contract.

' CAP Aluminium has a partnering culture, developing mutually-beneficial and long term relationships with contractors and specifiers. With particular regard to Local Authority work, it can produce first class results quickly and is underpinned by a substantial organisation. CAP has grown slowly and steadily over 20 years, gradually improving human and plant resources to become a major player.' says the company.

CAP’s resources and capability has allowed it to compete and win many major projects for prestigious specifiers. As Kawneer’s largest customer, CAP is also on the project teams for both NHS LIFT and ProCure 21 initiatives which are rolling-out across the country.  It is also an integral part of the CLASP initiative which is helping to refurbish the nation’s schools.

CAP has invested heavily in personnel to service the ‘front end’ of its growing business and winning ten, £1M+ projects in 2001-03 has contributed substantially to a £22M turnover this year. 

Recently completed and current projects include: Lowry Hotel, Salford (£2M);  University of Surrey (£1.1M); Prudential Assurance’s development at Green Park, Reading £2.2m;  Quayside Tower, Birmingham (£1.3); Broadway Plaza, Birmingham (£1.4M);  Centenary Plaza, Birmingham (£3M); Bournemouth’s CastlePoint shopping & leisure centre (£1M+); The Island Site,  Brentford Lock (£1.5M); Evelina Children’s Hospital, Westminster (£1.3M); St Catherine’s College, Oxford  (£1M+). 
  
Tel: 0121 525 1000 
Email: mailto:enquiries@capaluminium.com

Leamore Continues Expansion Plans

Leamore Windows, one of Eurocell’s most prestigious fabricators has recently revealed a further £35k investment in a new showroom to complement the two existing ones on the company’s site.

Based in Bloxwich, just off the A34 near Walsall, Leamore Windows is well established within the local community, having celebrated the company’s 20th Anniversary last year of which the last ten years have been at its current purpose built site. The site has seen continual improvements since the company moved there in 1993.

The decision was made early last year, by partners Gary and Martin Hackett that a further showroom was required in order for customers to see exactly what they were having fitted to their house. The showrooms which the company already had made up almost 2,500 sq feet, the third one, completed towards the end of 2003 now brings that total to around 3,000 sq ft.

‘When customers came into the showrooms we sometimes had to refer to a brochure for their exact requirements, with the addition of the new showroom we can almost say that the customer can now see almost all styles and finishes of windows which are available. Since we have added the showroom a gradual increase in production has been seen, and we expect it to continue into 2004.’ said Gary Hackett, Leamore Windows.

What really makes the new showroom so effective is the way Leamore has picked out the most popular styles of houses in the surrounding area, a detached, a pair of semis and the more traditional terraced house and recreated them in full size within the existing premises. The company’s own team of bricklayers and window fitters have built the façades allowing Leamore to exhibit all window styles in all finishes in a way, which makes the choice for the customer a great deal easier. The showroom also contains a range of Eurocell coloured doors and a conservatory as well as an internet connection on which customers can look in depth on the company website, http://www.leamorewindows.co.uk.

‘Leamore have been with us for five years now and it is exciting to see the company’s progression. From the moment you walk into its impressive showroom you know it is a company, which is here to stay. Both Gary and Martin have been influential in the firm’s development and will be in the future. We can look forward to continuing our successful relationship for some time to come.’ commented Martin Saunders, Eurocell Profiles Sales Director.

Leamore Windows fabricates Eurocell’s Ultimate 70mm window system as well as using Eurocell Building Plastics extensive range of complementary products. Leamore has also introduced a wide range of furniture that is also available to customers and can be seen at the company’s premises.

Tel. 01773 842 100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http:// www.eurocell.co.uk

Wessex Frames Takes the South West by Storm

Long time Hallmark Panels customer Wessexframes PVC-U Windows and Doors Trade Supplies is on course to increase its output by 55% within just 12 months thanks to a combination of strategic investment and a good service record that has seen the company become one of the biggest trade suppliers in the South West.

The trade division of retail heavyweight Permaframe, established in 1986, Wessexframes quickly ascended the South West league table with a reliable service and a proven product range, featuring doors manufactured with superior quality Hallmark panels. Based in Frome, North Somerset, the company last year decided to purchase an adjoining factory to its existing premises, boosting its production area by a further 7000 sq ft and bringing its total manufacturing area to 23,000 sq ft. A total investment of around £1/2 Million also included the purchase of new state-of-the-art machinery and the creation of a plush new showroom highlighting the breadth of the company’s range of products.

With an annual turnover that already exceeds £1 Million, Wessexframes says that it is set to increase this figure significantly in 2004, with the new investments and increased business opportunities seeing its units-per-week output increasing from 300 to over 500 within just 6 months. Says General Manager Keith Tyrrell:
‘Our aims are simple: we want to provide our customers with the best possible service they require, and we know that reliability is the all-important factor. Now we can provide an even better level of performance, and word is getting around that we are the right supplier to go for’

A Hallmark customer for some years, Wessexframes is thankful for the contribution the company has made towards its rapid growth during that time. Says Keith Tyrrell:
‘Hallmark has looked after us well and we have a good working relationship with the company. Their products are always of an excellent quality and arrive exactly when we need them, enabling us to give the best possible service.’

Tel: 01482 781111
Email: mailto:hallmark-panels.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com

Malbern Expands Vehicle Fleet

Manchester based Malbern Windows Group has added three new vehicles to its fleet bringing the total to over 20. The new vehicles were needed to cope with the growing retail business and the continued expansion of the company`s new build and trade fabrication business, through it`s specialist division Malbern Direct.

The number of window installers using the trade fabrication service is rapidly expanding from the North West into Staffordshire and beyond and includes retailers both large and small. Malbern Direct has also won some major new build and refurbishment contracts for main contractors, local authorities and housing associations and is currently working on sites in Yorkshire, Staffordshire and the North West.

Wayne Clarke, Malbern Joint MD commented: ‘We now have the right number of vehicles in our fleet to cope with the continued expansion at Malbern Windows. We have also been careful to get the right mix of sizes from Transit types to 10 tonners so that whether our customers need a delivery of 15 or 50 windows we have the right vehicle for the job. We are planning for more to be added as they are needed so that we will always be able to manage the substantial future development plans that are now in place.’

Malbern Direct: 0161 336 1772
Eurocell: 01773 842 100

CertainTeed Continues to Innovate with New Patent Grants

Two U.S. patents were recently granted to CertainTeed Corporation for innovative new products designed to make composite deck and vinyl siding installations easier and more accurate than ever. The patents were granted for the company's Boardwalk Triangle Deck Square and STUDfinder™ Installation System.

‘CertainTeed continues to create a path of innovation through great product design. These newest patents join the more than 350 patents we've held on our products throughout the past 30 years,’ says Walt Hoyt, Director of Marketing for CertainTeed's Siding Products Group. ‘Our Boardwalk Triangle Deck Square and STUDfinder are two great examples of smart industry tools that make installation more safe and efficient for builders.’

The Boardwalk TriangleDeck Square is a multi-purpose tool, which makes installing decking planks, balusters and deck accessories easy and efficient. The three-sided instrument serves as three-tools-in-one: a straight edge, gapping tool and baluster spacer. One flange is a 1/8" gapping tool for measuring consistent spacing between deck planks during assembly. The other side is 1/16", the appropriate starting gap for plank placement end-to-end. The tool features marks for common angles from 15 to 60 degrees and may be used to strike lines, space fasteners, maintain baluster spacing, identify distances and angles, and indicate levels. The Boardwalk Triangle Deck Square carries the U.S. Patent No. 6,622,394.

Additionally, CertainTeed now holds U.S. Patent No. 6,625,939 for its STUDfinder, which is designed to help speed the installation of vinyl siding by as much as 25 percent. STUDfinder is engineered with precisely spaced nail slots, which meet construction standards of 16" and 24" on centre. Designed with indicator letters centered under each nail slot, STUDfinder helps installers quickly locate studs, accurately position nails and use the correct number of nails. The system helps to avoid errant nailing into wall cavities that contain wiring and plumbing and helps ensure secure installation. STUDfinder is available on traditional Ashland-Davis, CertainTeed and Wolverine vinyl siding product lines.

Web: http://www.certainteed.com

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