News @ The GL@ZINE

Window Energy Ratings are Here, and are Here to Stay, says Pilkington

After all the talk, Window Energy Ratings are here. They will play an integral part in shaping the future of the Building Regulations and the fenestration industry. The pace of development has been so rapid that Pilkington Building Products - UK has created a special WERs bulletin to keep customers abreast of events.

Launched by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), WERs are a means of promoting energy efficient windows.
The Pilkington bulletin provides a comprehensive introduction to them, offers a detailed overview about the processes involved in obtaining a BFRC Rating, who is authorised to provide one and the implications of WERs on glass specification. Crucially it confirms which Pilkington products can help achieve what Rating, all the way up to an A. A downloadable version can be found on www.pilkington.com or you can call the Technical Helpline 01744 692000 for a copy.

The bulletin explains why WERs should be warmly welcome and how they enable the positive energy aspects of a window to be rewarded. It also outlines the factors, variables and options available to improve a Rating.

With WERs now receiving the backing of the Energy Saving Trust, one of the UK's leading organisations addressing the damaging effects of climate change, it is safe to say, these Ratings are here to stay. In this, the second bulletin Pilkington Building Products ˆ UK has produced on WERs, it coves all the developments over the last 12 months since they were launched, how they have been formulated and what they mean to the glass industry as a whole.

For further information e-mail Pilkington@respond.uk.com or telephone the Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.

Masterframe First Window Company to get BFRC Rating

Masterframe’s Bygone Collection window claims to be the first sliding sash to have British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) approval. The BFRC is the regulatory body for energy efficiency ratings for windows, which are now classified using the same rating system as is currently used on white goods, such as fridges and freezers.

Masterframe’s Technical Manager Ray Rabett gives further details: 'The old measures simply calculated how much energy a window lost, but the new rating looks at the total performance of a window, taking into account how much energy can be gained. Our vertical slider has achieved a ‘D’ rating, i.e. a window that’s energy efficiency is between -30 and -20kWh/m2/year. We’ve also achieved a ‘C’ rating in house on a new profile that we’ve developed, which is now being independently verified.

'Because homeowners are familiar with the system, BFRC ratings can help differentiate products and makes a great sales tool for installers. Use of the label proves the window energy rating has been independently certified. Windows with a high rating can save consumers more on their energy bills and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. The Energy Saving Trust has calculated that the average household can save up to £200 per year on bills by using Energy Efficient products and measures.'

The BFRC Window Energy Rating is promoted by The Energy Saving Trust (EST) and the BFRC, and is supported by several key industry bodies.

Synseal Has it All Wrapped Up

Synseal Extrusions Ltd invested in the region of £200,000 in a wrapping machine especially designed to increase the speed and efficiency of the packing process. 'We also wanted to ensure that when a product is delivered to our customers, it is the same high quality as when it leaves the factory,' comments Steve Musgrave, Production Director of Synseal.

'The wrapping machine is fully automated and includes conveyors either side to maintain the speed. The new wrapping machine takes up 189 m2 which is more space than Synseal started its conservatory department in!

But it can pack an entire conservatory roof in 6 minutes, something we have to do to stay ahead of the increasing volume our customers are selling - now 1500 roofs per week. The speed of the new wrapping machine will only be restricted by how fast the pieces are loaded onto the conveyor.'

http://www.synseal.com

The Manchester Network Day, being held on Friday 21st October 2005, is a charity walk with a difference in that it involves what at best will be a fairly gentle stroll around 2-3 miles of Central Manchester. The difference is that it will involve the great and the good from every niche and sector of the glass and glazing industry and, with the help of some carefully planned - and some not so carefully planned - stops along the route in a variety of drinking establishments to cater for all tastes, is intended to create a unique networking opportunity for everyone taking part. Whether it is business, or pleasure, or that ideal combination of both that would be the perfect result of this worthy expedition, participants are invited to join Mike to raise his target of £20,000 PLUS! for Gary Morton's GM Fundraising organisation, and in turn of course the Hope House Hospice for Children, one that has, in effect, become the industry's adopted charity.

The fund raising principle behind the Manchester Network Day is simple: each participant must raise, or simply contribute - a minimum of £500 to take part. If more than one person is attending from one company, this may be less per person. The walk will be organised in groups of eight - the perfect number for initial networking - which groups will intersperse as the day progresses. Of course, anyone simply wishing to make a contribution may send in a cheque, made payable to 'GM Fundraising' and posted to Mike at Radius Plastics which is sponsoring this event.

At the end of the course, during the evening a number of activities to suit all tastes will be available to continue the activities, and indeed festivities, and indeed to cement the many relationships that will have been made during the day.

In order to ensure that the charitable donations reach Hope House in full, participants will of course be expected to fund their entertainment and sustenance during the event, including overnight accommodation.

Tel: 01744 885983

Halo Effect for Regent Windows

Regent Windows (South Wales) Ltd, an established fabricator in West Wales, has recently signed up with WHS Halo to manufacture the company's innovative Eclipse and Esthétique profile systems.

Allied with the supplier switch is the company's proposed summer move to new purpose-built premises as part of its long-term expansion plans within its successful domestic, trade and newbuild markets.

At the same time, Regent is enhancing its product range with a premium Trident suite featuring high security locking systems, plus stainless steel corrosion-resistant hardware for the harsher conditions of the coastal location.

Founded five years ago by Stephen Kanaurous, sustained growth has led to Regent rapidly outgrowing its existing home in Johnston, near Haverfordwest. The company expects to move its 200 frames a week production facilities and offices to a new 8,500 sq ft factory up the road at Milford Haven around the end of August.

This first phase will create up to ten new jobs, with a further ten following in the 7,000 sq ft second phase, taking total production capacity up to 450 frames per week.

Sales and Marketing Manager Simon Apps says the phased move reflects their need for controlled growth while recognising the continued maturing of the industry. Future growth is envisaged from the expanding commercial sector in the area, along with the developing self build market to which they supply windows, doors and conservatories for around three homes per week.

Says Simon: 'When we took the decision to switch profile suppliers, we considered a number of alternatives, all the time looking for one that ticked all our boxes in terms of reputation, quality, versatility and reliable deliveries. Service is vitally important to us, given our more remote location, as we pride ourselves on giving a prompt seven day turnaround on quality products to our customers.'

Regent's customers extend throughout West Wales, the South West and M4 corridor. In recent months, it has gained several new ones who have ceased manufacturing and opted to buy in frames instead. 'We can fill that niche for the smaller window companies who want to concentrate on installing and require a quality trade supplier who can deliver the right product, on time, every time,' continues Simon.

Regent offers its local thriving new build market a supply and fit service on conservatories which are guaranteed for ten years to match the NHBC warranty. 'More and more conservatories are being installed at the build stage, particularly as this offers significant cost advantages, and our complete package, from base to roof, is proving popular with both new and self-builders,' observes Simon.

Throughout the changeover, Regent has received comprehensive technical support and back-up from WHS Halo, whose Business Development Manager, Jim Trainer helped to ensure a smooth transition to the fitter-friendly system.
'We're delighted to be assisting Regent Windows in growing their business to the next level through their decision to use the Eclipse and esthétique fully integrated suite of chamfered and sculpted profiles. These offer great flexibility in fabrication, while remaining fitter friendly and very much a product designed for tomorrow's consumer,' adds Jim.

Regent Windows (South Wales) Ltd, contact Simon Apps on 01437 891831 or visit the website www.regentwindows.co.uk.

Chiasso Brings Continental Elegance To UK Door Market

Having established itself as a force for innovation in the UK door market, Hillaldam Coburn has taken an important commercial decision to further widen its offer to architects, merchants and contractors. As a result, the Chiasso collection of sliding and folding door gear is being introduced into the Hillaldam Coburn range.

The new move makes available an innovative new family of stylish products which complements the company’s existing product suites and extends the appeal of its recently introduced Glassmaster range.

Hillaldam Coburn is expanding the Glassmaster range by introducing the Chiasso for end folding glass door installations. This has a weight limit of 65 kg per door.

Hillaldam Coburn Director and General Manager, Philip Wright, comments: 'The introduction of the new Chiasso range to include the Chiasso Glassmaster option builds on the popularity and flexibility of our already successful products.
'Essentially Chiasso crosses over between the other ranges and presents an alternative new look for our glass range, while also bringing a more contemporary architectural style to our other systems.'

The four Chiasso family members include Chiasso Straightaway, a series of tracks and fittings for straight sliding timber doors up to 250 kg in weight.Chiasso Centafold complements the existing Hillaldam Coburn Centafold range and will carry centre folding timber doors with individual leaf weights of up to 75 kg.

Chiasso Foldaside tracks and accompanying components permit the installation of end folding timber doors and there is also a Chiasso end folding option for external installation of timber doors with an individual leaf weight up to 75 kg.

The Chiasso tracks are of anodised aluminium, carrying four-wheel trolley hangers also manufactured in aluminium, while there is a wide variety of fittings available to support different types and styles of door leaf.

Hillaldam Coburn anticipates the Chiasso range finding applications on high-end domestic and leisure projects as well as for commercial and retail contracts.

Tel: 020 8336 1515
e-mail: sales@hillaldam.co.uk

The deal is the first within the national housebuilding market for the firm; one of the UK's market leaders in PVC-u systems, which recently completed a 100,000 sq. ft. extension at its Midlands-based headquarters and main manufacturing site.

David Wilson Homes constructs around 6,000 homes annually throughout the UK and the deal represents in the order of 120,000 windows, or in excess of two million metres of plastic profile, securing six new fabricators in the process.

David Wilson Homes procurement manager Craig Murphy explains: 'We looked at several different systems and suppliers but our fabricators felt unanimously that Eurocell's Logik best suited our requirements, particularly in view of the J-Bead system employed in the system. We also plan to use Eurocell's Cavity Closure and the company's new Ovolo sash on selected David Wilson Homes developments.'

Commenting on his firm's sales success, Eurocell's managing director David Leng said: 'This contract represents a hugely significant win for Eurocell and has been achieved amidst fierce competition. We were pitted against some major industry players, but the quality of our product and excellence of our service and delivery convinced David Wilson Homes that we were the best supplier for the job.

'The David Wilson Homes contract demonstrates our commitment to growth and shows our determination to become the major force in the new build market that we are in both the installer and fabricator sectors.'

He added: 'David Wilson Homes has built an enviable reputation based on the quality of its product and service and in selecting Eurocell has demonstrated that same high standard in its choice of window supplier.

Groupco has recently become the main supplier of multi-point locking systems for Welglaze, an established family-run trade fabricator based in Hertfordshire. Fuhr Multisafe locks from Groupco are now specified exclusively for the Welguard range of doors from Welglaze, which includes French doors and a stunning new collection of PVC-U coloured doors.

Groupco is the main UK distributor of Carl Fuhr’s Multisafe range and its largest customer worldwide. The three main residential door products available from Groupco offer lift lever, split follower and key operated locks with progressive security options. Welglaze has chosen Fuhr’s Multisafe-S Residential Door Bolt for its new coloured doors, which are manufactured from the Aluplast Knightsbridge PVC-U system. The doors are available in dark blue, dark green, red, white and black renolit foils and are offered with a wide choice of glazing.

Fuhr’s Multisafe-S hook lock has been successfully tested to PAS 23/24 security standards with the Knightsbridge door, making it the ideal solution for the Welguard range. 'They also come with a 10-year guarantee and there’s a comprehensive range of locking systems to suit our diverse trade customer base, including what we believe is the most secure French door lock on the market,” comments Tanya Clarke, Director of Welglaze.

Fuhr’s Multisafe-S from Groupco features a one-piece 16mm wide steel face plate. The enclosed zinc plated lockcase is suitable for lever and profile cylinders, with latch, deadbolt, two hook bolts, two rollers and serrations top and bottom. The split follower is designed for solid or split spindle operation.

Established in the 1970s, Welglaze has been sourcing selected door and window hardware from Groupco for many years. 'We’re a long standing Groupco customer and are impressed with their friendly and efficient service. They also offer excellent technical back up and have a flexible approach to our needs, which is why they have become our preferred hardware supplier for the bulk of our door and window fittings,' concludes Tanya

Sash Launches PVCu Decking and Fencing Range

Yorkshire based window manufacture, Sash UK Ltd, has launched a complete new range of PVCu decking, rail fencing and privacy fencing that will challenge more traditional timber and composite products.

Imported direct from the USA by Sash, the Fitrite®decking and Fitrite®fencing range, is seen as a premium price group of products that offer extensive features and benefits over the more traditional decking and fencing materials. The most appealing benefits to the end user being the fact that the PVCu will not warp or rot and can be jet washed making it very easy to maintain.

David Ruzicka, Joint Managing Director for Sash UK Ltd, said: 'It has taken more than 12 months and an investment of £300,000 to bring the product to this stage of its development. However, following a very successful launch to potential distributors last Wednesday (27th April, 2005), we now have both the financial support and infrastructure needed to take the product out into the market.

'On the day of the launch over 150 specially hand picked guests enjoyed a breakfast reception at the company’s impressive headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, before being transported by executive coaches to a conference suit at a nearby hotel. Guests heard seminar presentations from various VIP’s including motivational speaker Suzanne Parkes who pioneered and launched the chain of health clubs, Virgin Active, for Richard Branson. She was also the UK Sales & Marketing Director of Fitness First Limited, the largest health club operator in Europe and the second largest in the world. And Kevin Seiling, the General Manager of fence, deck and railings at Veka Innovations, the stateside home of International PVCu Extruder, Veka Inc flew over from Pittsburgh USA to share his 18 years of experience in the vinyl industry.

Following the seminars and an inspirational speech from David Ruzicka, an impressive exhibition of the product in its various applications was revealed. This included a full size conservatory, a 13 foot (3.96 metres) diameter PVCu pagoda and even a modern static caravan that had been recreated especially for the day. The impact of the intricate exhibition was obvious when the entire audience gasped in awe before simultaneously leaping from their seats to browse around.

The overall objective of the launch was to get 20 potential installers/distributors who would each take on an exclusive designated trading area in the UK. This would be protected and policed by Sash to avoid any unnecessary price cutting and subsequent loss of profit, as currently being experienced in a very saturated window and conservatory market.

Spire Invests in Haffner

Kömmerling fabricator Spire Windows Ltd is taking its hand crafted, Secured by Design blueprint for success, to the next level. Major investment in state-of-the-art new machinery is now being added to Spire’s recipe for quality, secure windows and doors.
Spire’s problem had become finding the skilled workforce to fabricate the profile– New apprentices can make costly mistakes, slowing down production for the whole shop floor.

MD, Dennis Clark says 'With our product quality and security assured, and having even passed indicative testing for PAS023 and PAS024 on double doors, we knew that the next big leap forward was to come from consistency of our production quality – We needed to minimise hand tooling on the line.

When you’re working with a top quality profile like Kömmerling Connoisseur, you want a top quality finish for every job, every time. We opted for the Haffner SBA1 Machining Centre.'He visited various fabricators across the UK to see the Haffner in full flow, 'I was very impressed by the efficiency of the machine and the quality of the finished products – I thought, 'That’s the one for us!' Spire has made a name for itself in the quality end of the market, specialising in Secured by Design products and in a competitive industry it needs a supplier who will help maintain that position – Dennis Clarke believes Spire has found one in Haffner.

The SBA1 delivers direct labour savings, increased quality of finished product and cost efficiency increases for Spire. It’s extremely user friendly, and has the ability to manufacture 400 windows per week by utilising just one member of staff. Spire had software made by Business Micros to link the SBA1 with the software Spire already uses.

The speed and accuracy of the machine has revolutionised overnight, the way Spire works. The SBA1 pushes Spire’s maximum 150 windows per week manufacturing output to 400, creating a totally efficient operation. Dennis Clark says, 'You’d have thought I’d be a little uncomfortable parting with a six-figure sum -- I didn’t even bat an eyelid – It’s proven to be one of the best business decisions I’ve made. Our products have now made the next major leap forward in quality.'

The Louth-based fabricator is now exploiting the opportunities created by increased productivity and is making its own K2 conservatory roofs and blinds in a new factory – giving it greater control of its conservatory business. The new factory doubles up as a showroom, for conservatory furniture, blinds and glazing. In the same building visitors can also see blinds and roofs being made. Dennis Clark says, 'There’s a demand for this type of set up, there’s a growing consumers interest in conservatories, customers can now find quality furniture and fittings – all under one roof. We show customers what we produce –And what they see in the showroom, is actually what they get!'

Clearshield The Clear Option On Aqata Shower Enclosures

The difference is clear for customers of Aqata Shower Enclosures opting for Ritec’s award-winning ClearShieldTM protection system on their shower glass.

Renowned for quality, innovation and design, Aqata is established as one of the UK’s leading shower enclosure manufacturers providing an extensive range of luxury products at affordable prices. Aqata has been applying ClearShield™ Shower Glass Protect to its bespoke shower doors and screens at its factory in Leicester with excellent results.

ClearShield™, manufactured in the UK by Ritec International, features a proven polymer formulation that bonds chemically to glass, leaving a transparent, non-stick surface. Resisting build-up stains from limescale, grease, dirt and body fats, this protection system also possesses hygienic properties that hinder the adherence of bacteria. Glass treated with ClearShield™ is always much easier to clean without the need for harsh abrasive materials. This saves time and effort and the glass remains visually attractive for longer.

Available as an optional extra on Aqata shower enclosures, ClearShield™ is proving to be a popular choice amongst customers, and approximately 70% of all Aqata shower enclosures have this unique system applied to them. The company has been so successful promoting the unique benefits of ClearShield™ on their shower screens that it has allocated a large area of floorspace at its premises for its application.

With a particular focus on customer satisfaction, Aqata also offers a simple AfterCare program for ClearShield-treated shower enclosures to keep them looking like new for longer. Customers simply register their shower enclosure details with Ritec by post, phone or on the website to activate the warranty. ClearShield™ is available on Aqata’s Minimalist and Exclusive Solutions range of enclosures.

Jayne Barnes, Aqata’s Sales Director, explains, “Aqata was the first shower enclosure manufacturer to launch ClearShield™ in the UK. We were impressed with the benefits that ClearShield added to our shower glass and it’s a perfect complement to our existing products.

'Our customers are really pleased with ClearShield’s performance. The easy cleaning and simple low maintenance AfterCare program are a real advantage for today’s busy lifestyles,' says Jayne.

With over 20 years of proven track records, the application of ClearShield is versatile. It has been successfully applied to all kinds of glass, such as architectural glazing, decorative glass, residential windows, conservatories and marine glass in addition to shower enclosures.

www.ritec.co.uk

Clear, simple, safe and consistent solutions for fire resistant glazing has always been fundamental to Glaverbel’s communications strategy within the passive fire protection industry. To this end, Glaverbel UK has announced its affiliation to the Certifire third-party certification scheme for fire resistant glazing operated by Warrington Fire Research. This scheme is a mark of assurance and quality recognised by U.K and overseas regulatory bodies and requires adherence to ISO 9001:2000, as well as factory audit testing. Certifire accreditation now means that Glaverbel’s broad range of test evidence has been collated into a user friendly, practical document offering an easy way to navigate the often-complex specification and installation maze with confidence. With one page per application type detailing full glazing specification and supporting diagrams, specifiers and installers alike will be guaranteed peace of mind when using this reference tool.

Glaverbel is also associated with the BM Trada Q Mark Scheme for timber fire doors. In operation since 1981, this third-party scheme provides independent assurance to architects, specifiers, enforcing authorities and building owners that all doors sold under the scheme meet the specified technical and regulatory requirements. Successful fire testing of Glaverbel's Pyrobel range at Chiltern International Fire means that all fire door manufacturers seeking product certification under the Q Mark Scheme will find these products listed as approved materials for glazed apertures.

Pyrobelite and Pyrobel from Glaverbel offer fire protection from 30 minutes integrity right up to 120 minutes integrity and insulation when glazed in tested systems. For more information why not visit the company on stand D20 at GP & T at the NEC from 17th to 19th May or contact Glaverbel UK on 01788 535353.

About Glaverbel
The Glaverbel Group is the European branch of Asahi Glass (Japan), the world’s largest glassmaking group.

It operates in the fields of raw glass (float glass, coated glass, patterned glass, laminated glass and mirrors in large dimensions) and processed glass (glass and mirrors for the building industry, for furnishing and interior decoration, for transport and certain other sectors of industry).

Glaverbel has production sites throughout greater Europe, from Spain to Russia, with 15 float plants and around 200 production units.

Through its international network of agents, the Group has a commercial presence all over the world.

A star is born: The new Nürnberg congress centre CCN Ost was opened on 16th April with a magnificent light show by the world-famous light architect Gert Hof. Around 1,500 guests from industry, politics and culture experienced a gala evening of superlatives. The day after, more than 10,000 visitors scrutinised the new building on the 'open day'. The 60 million euro CCN Ost is to promote Nürnberg to one of Europe's leading exhibition and congress cities.

'Discover a new world of congressing' - the CCN CongressCentre Nürnberg is positioning itself under this motto with the aim of establishing Nuremberg on the European congress market: catering for top-ranking medical congresses with supporting exhibition through to exceptional product presentations up to festive gala banquets for several thousand participants. With the opening of the new CCN East in April 2005, the congress capacity at the Nuremberg exhibition centre will increase from 8,000 to more than 11,000 seats.

The negotiations that have been in progress since January of this year on close strategic cooperation in the architectural paints sector between the SWISS LACK Group, which is a subsidiary of Conzzeta Holding, and Akzo Nobel have resulted in a decisive realignment. Akzo Nobel will take over the SWISS LACK Group, a leading supplier of paints, plasters and varnishes to the construction industry in Switzerland, with effect from January 1st, 2006, and integrate it into Akzo Nobel Coatings AG. SWISS LACK's product range, retail outlets and production centre at Wallisellen will be retained, as will the market presence under the authoritative SWISS LACK brand.

An evaluation undertaken by the two companies showed that close cooperation between the SWISS LACK Group and Akzo Nobel would offer trade customers in Switzerland an even better customer service. In order to reap the benefits of the merger with as little delay as possible, Akzo Nobel will acquire the SWISS LACK Group with effect from January 1st, 2006. The transaction is conditional on being granted the necessary approval by the authorities.

Explaining the reasons behind the sale, Heinrich M. Lanz, Chairman of the Group Executive Board of Conzzeta Holding, said: 'Conzzeta's divestment of its architectural paints business is a logical consequence of the increasing concentration in the European paint and varnishes sector. The merger with Akzo Nobel will offer SWISS LACK far greater potential for growth than if it were to remain a member of the Conzzeta Group.'

According to Akzo Nobel's Leif Abildgaard, General Manager, Decorative Coatings Europe: 'Thanks to SWISS LACK's acclaimed product range, the excellent coverage of its sales network and the expertise of experienced staff, this acquisition will put Akzo Nobel in a leading position in the Swiss architectural paints market.'

The marketing activities, including the sales companies, the Wallisellen production site, the in-house sales force and administration of SWISS LACK Group will be integrated into Akzo Nobel Coatings AG. The regional sales companies which are part of SWISS LACK AG will continue to operate under their existing names. Akzo Nobel will retain the services of all the SWISS LACK Group employees working in these sectors as well as the employees of Akzo Nobel Coatings AG. The existing retail outlets of SWISS LACK and Akzo Nobel will continue to trade under their present names.

For the most part, the well-established brands and products of SWISS LACK will be retained. The product offering at the retail outlets of SWISS LACK and Akzo Nobel will be complemented by each other's strong brand products.

SWISS LACK's production programme at its Wallisellen plant will be enlarged to include products made by Akzo Nobel for the Swiss market. However, paint production in Adliswil will be shut down with effect from the end of 2005. For some time now, the plant's low production volume has made it unprofitable to manufacture paint there on a modern and competitive basis. The products concerned will in future be sourced from Akzo Nobel. Unfortunately, this means the loss of 18 jobs at Adliswil.

After the merger with SWISS LACK as of January 1st, 2006, Akzo Nobel Coatings AG will be jointly headed by Wim Bramer, the serving Chief Executive Officer of Akzo Nobel Coatings AG, and Martin Renggli, currently the Chief Financial Officer of the SWISS LACK Group. Christoph Studer, currently Sales Manager at the SWISS LACK Group will take charge of sales management at the merged company.

The sale of SWISS LACK Group will not affect the other divisions of Conzzeta Holding's Coating Materials business unit, Schmid Rhyner AG (print finishing products) and Siegfried Keller AG (noise control consultancy and products).

Taking place at the NEC Birmingham, from the 17-19 May, The Facilities Show 2005 is the ideal place to source and compare new products and services, view the latest technologies and innovations and keep up-to-date with the FM industry. What ever your remit, a day at The Facilities Show can save you time and money!

Over 80 exhibitors from across the workplace spectrum will be showcasing their products and services, enabling you to compare a wide range of products and services and find the best possible prices. Exhibiting companies include: Avery Dennison, FDS Advanced Systems, FSI, Mass Systems, Pendax, Planon, Securitas, Tabs FM and Total Move Solution to name but a few.

With the remit of the facilities professional ever widening, it is essential to keep up-to-date with developments in other industries such as Safety and Health, Security and Fire Protection & Prevention. By pre-registering as a visitor to The Facilities Show you will be able to visit adjoining events Safety and Health Expo , IFSEC - Security Solutions and Network Advantage , International Fire Expo , and ACPO free of charge. All of these events have something to offer you.

Safety & Health Expo 2005
The Information Theatre Sponsored by Norwich Union Risk Services Legislation, training and key issues in the safety and health industry will be the focus of this varied and lively seminar programme. With key providers such as Norwich Union and RoSPA, these informative sessions will cover important topics including selecting PPE, ergonomics, slips and trips and the updated Working at Height regulations. All the seminars are FREE to attend and open to all.

Asbestos Seminar Theatre
Free seminars taking place on each day of the show covering topics including the selection of asbestos removal contractors and asbestos surveyors; managing asbestos contracts; and clients' duties under the control of asbestos surveyors at work regulations 2002.

For more information on the seminar programmes please visit http://www.safety-health-expo.co.uk

International Fire Expo 2005
If you are looking for advice on sourcing the best fire protection and prevention equipment, International Fire Expo is hosting free seminar days specifically designed to be relevant to all visitors, not just fire specialists.

Security Solutions
Security Solutions at IFSEC is the exhibition zone that caters for the needs of end-users seeking more knowledge of the security market. You'll get access to jargon-free advice, a chance to compare and contrast hundreds of new products, and the opportunity to find the most cost effective security solutions for your company. Make sure you register today http://pull.xmr3.com/p/1036-1B7F/46717237/Register2.html and take advantage of everything that is on offer at The Facilities Show this year.

The Facilities Show 2005, 17-19 May, NEC, Birmingham

Opening Times:
Tuesday 17th May 10.00 - 17.00
Wednesday 18th May 10.00-17.00
Thursday 19th May 10.00-16.00

Specifiers and end users of industrial, commercial and garage doors are demanding the products they choose are CE marked to ensure they comply with current legislation.

The BS EN Standard 13241-1, which is a harmonised product standard, has now been published. The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) points out that door makers can only CE mark their products by adhering to the new standard.

The ability of DHF members to CE mark their products in line with specifiers’ expectations follow years of guidance and advice the federation has been giving to its members. Over the past 18 months the DHF has held a number of CE marking seminars for members. In addition, detailed written guidance on the correct application of CE marking has been made available to members.

Said Ian Wood, chief executive officer of the DHF: 'Our members recognised the importance of putting the correct testing procedures into place so that they had CE marked products ready to supply when the new regulations came into force.

'All that planning has paid off, as members now have CE marked products on the market which architects, specifiers, contractors and end users are demanding. Those non DHF member companies that cannot supply CE marked products now find themselves at a grave commercial disadvantage.

'By installing CE marked doors in the workplace, employers can demonstrate that their equipment complies with the current state of the art in safety and so meets all the relevant regulations.'

Construction Products Regulations require all construction products, including doors, to comply with a number of essential requirements. Door makers can now confirm their product complies by applying the CE mark. DHF members know this is the best and most practical way of demonstrating to clients, enforcement officers and health & safety professionals their products are safe and comply with the law.

Tel: 01827 52337
Email: mailto:info@dhfonline.org.uk
Web: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk

Single Handed Investment at GAP

GAP now has a total of seven Combilifts, having recently invested in the latest bit of kit for the Nottingham warehouse. Each machine costs £40,000 taking the total investment to £280,000. Mick Skinner, Depot Co-ordinator explains how the Combilift saves time and money:

'We carry large stock levels to give our customers what they want, when they want. When a delivery comes in from our suppliers, the Combilift simply picks up the stillage from the wagon and stacks it directly in the warehouse. We don’t have to unload the stillages until the products are ready to be loaded for delivery.

So some stock never goes onto the racks and this saves us time loading and unloading. This reduces the time taken to accept deliveries – and associated costs – giving us more time to invest in making the GAP difference to our customers.'

Glass Specialist Supplies 21st Century Demand for Top Specification Units with Edgetech

From a handful of staff and 3000 sq ft in 1986 when the business began, Dewsbury-based Oakland Glass has grown to occupy premises of 35,000 sq ft and employ 120 people on three shifts. In the mid-1990s founder Richard Oakes identified a big part of the company’s future lay in toughened glass. Oakland Glass signed up with Edgetech at Glasstec last year to grow the business even further.

Dave Scholefield, Operations Director explains: ‘We first saw Super Spacer® 15 months ago and considered all of our options carefully during a year of customer and competitor research. It was clear that Super Spacer could give us the necessary specifications demanded by both legislation and customer requirements, while at the same time imitating as near as possible the aesthetic appearance of our previously manufactured IG units and importantly the stabilisation of prices.

‘By keeping one step ahead of new legislation and the EN1279 standards, we realised that there was a role for us as solution providers - as ‘glass specialists’ we could take care of the impending glass processing issues for the smaller manufacturers. It was clear that our future lay in attracting other forward-looking customers. To do that, we knew we had to make serious investments in a new plant.

‘It’s the first of its kind in the UK, combining Super Spacer and For.El. technology. We can now provide up to 3,000 of the highest specification sealed units within a full shift cycle. Demand for these top specification units is being driven by 21st Century legislation and 21st Century customers. These high performance sealed-units are competitive, look good and will give our existing and future customers that extra edge to help them sell in a competitive market.’

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Belfast-based trade fabricator KMR Windows has upgraded its fastener specification to demand only SFS intec’s austenitic stainless steel bi-metallics throughout its windowmaking operation.

KMR Windows, which was established in 1998 by current managing director George Kritikos, has built a good reputation amongst trade customers for the high quality of its windows, in a sector often dominated by volume and price alone.

Up until this year KMR had always maintained a firm commitment to using only quality fasteners, choosing SFS intec’s precision-engineered yellow passivated and Durocoat-coated carbon steel fasteners. However, it took the decision to upgrade to austenitic stainless steel fasteners to help deliver the highest possible standard product to its customers across Northern Ireland, Scotland and the Republic of Ireland.

Manufacturing an average of 500 frames per week using the KBE profile system, at its 16,000 sq. ft. Newtownabbey factory north of Belfast, KMR is a growing trade fabricator with ambitions to develop its market share in Scotland and the Irish Republic, currently the destination for approximately 30% and 25% of its output respectively.

KMR’s George Kritikos says, ‘We’ve been using SFS fasteners almost since the day we set up the business because we know there is a large sector of the market demanding excellent product quality in addition to a competitive price. Our decision to upgrade to austenitic stainless steel bi-mets is a proactive step to take our product to an even higher standard.

‘In addition to high quality fasteners, we insist on quality hardware from other leading European manufacturers to ensure our customers can sell to the end user with total confidence in the product and it enables us to offer a 10-year guarantee on all our frames.’

Independent laboratory tests continue to show that austenitic stainless steel bi-metallic fasteners from SFS intec are unrivalled in terms of corrosion resistance and long term performance. Although only a slightly higher cost per unit – and with the cost of fasteners typically only accounting for around 1% of the total cost of the window, SFS intec’s austenitic stainless steel fasteners reduce the risk of window failure significantly and enable fabricators to offer extensive guarantees.

To find out more about austenitic stainless steel fasteners from SFS intec, contact Glen Wainwright on 0113 208 5500.