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New Features, New Outlook as Glassex Evolves to Face New Industry Challenges

'Diversification still creates opportunities and the Glassex team is targeting businesses and sectors that dovetail with the industry's existing products. This, we are confident, will create a more rewarding and inspiring event for exhibitors and visitors alike.’ So said Glassex Head of Sales Dave Broxton at a recent press conference as he outlined what exhibitors and visitors may expect to find when they attend Glassex in March next year. He went on to add: ‘The range of new initiatives the team is rolling out are designed to help Glassex raise the bar by delivering a more representative exhibition in the first instance and expanding the remit of the event in the second.’

Broxton also emphasised that exhibitors should consider exhibiting 'smarter', and that organisers such as EMAP Maclaren understood that times had changed: ‘We recognise that many potential exhibitors can no longer justify 200+ square metre stands and lavish hospitality. However, there are still a number of companies who feel that to take a smaller stand is tantamount to admitting 'Times are hard'.

To those companies the message must be, support your industry by supporting your event - Glassex. Companies can do this by taking space within a sustainable budget that will offer a return on investment through new leads and developing existing business but first and foremost, we urge them to play their part.

The alternative is to deprive customers and prospects of the opportunity to experience their products and services at the very time when the industry is in a buying frame of mind.’

These comments were delivered as the organisers presented a host of new initiatives designed to freshen Glassex and make it a more rewarding and attractive experience for visitors, including themes designed to draw attention new business opportunities.

These include Secured by Design, through which Glassex will gain access to more than 50,000 public sector housing professionals in return for a Secured By Design seminar presentation, an information point, SBD product trail with SBD approved products emphasised in the Show Guide and You Are Here boards. Secured by Design will also present an award for the Best SBD Product at Glassex which carries with it powerful publicity potential.

Aluminium is enjoying a resurgence with many fabricators and installers turning to this framing material to realise opportunities predominantly in the commercial glazing sector. Discussions are underway with the Council for Aluminium in Buildings (CAB) which supports the interests of the architectural aluminium industry, to develop features at Glassex designed to provide practical advice and guidance for visitors wishing to move into aluminium framing.

Installers are also the focus of a partnership being developed with FENSA and the GGF to create a day specifically aimed at this key sector of the glazing industry. Sunday has traditionally been the day favoured by smaller installers to visit Glassex and for 2007 the opening day will be nominated officially as 'Glassex Installers Day'.

Working closely with FENSA/GGF a range of installer-specific seminars and other features will be developed with the specific goal of visitors being able to put what they have learned to work the very next day. Exhibitors will also be encouraged to bias their activities towards installers to ensure this key group gets the most from a single day at Glassex.

Finally amongst the Glassex '07 themes is the Energy Efficiency Zone. Designed to showcase companies offering energy efficient products and services including IG machinery, warm edge products, window and IG testing (WER), recycling and environmental protection, the intention is for this area to provide a practical source of information. An Open Forum area will be available for all exhibitors to promote their energy efficient and environmentally friendly products and services. Monday will be themed as Energy Efficiency Day to draw attention to the issue.

The Conservatory Design Competition has been a highlight of Glassex since it was launched three years ago with entry numbers doubling each year, to the pinnacle reached in 2006 when more than 70 finalists attended the presentation ceremony held during Glassex. Would-be entrants are encouraged to look out for press announcements and on the Glassex web site (http://www.glassex.com) for entry details for 2007.

To be re-introduced at Glassex after an absence of almost 10 years is a feature that was often highly contested and eagerly anticipated at every show: The Glassex New Product and Stand Awards. Designed to recognise exhibitors who have created particularly exciting and attention-grabbing stands, a parallel scheme will also recognise new product excellence.

Both awards will be judged by a panel including selected members of the press over the first two days of the show. The Glassex Stand Awards will be: Best Stand under 35m2; Best Stand 36-150m2; Best Stand over 151m2.

The Glassex New Product Awards will be for: Best New Door Product; Best New Glass Product; Best New Window Product; Best New Conservatory Product; Best New Hardware Product; Best New Software Product; Best New Machinery Product; Best New Ancillary/Consumable Product; Best SBD Product; Best CAB Product judged by SBD and CAB respectively.

Expected to become highly sought after as a status symbol amongst the glazing industry's great and good, passes to the newly introduced Glassex Gold Club are expected to be in high demand. Available for every exhibitor for allocation as required to favoured customers, tangible benefits include free VIP parking and superb business and meeting facilities.

Claire Shilling, Marketing Manager for Glassex says that the format for Glassex 2007 is the result of the simplest and most effective form of research: Listening.

‘We have noted the criticisms aimed at Glassex in recent years and the change in format for the event is the result of what we have learned from going out in the market and listening. The encouraging thing about Glassex is that the industry really cares what happens to its event. It is as if we are just guardians of the event, that the industry owns it; we believe we must honour that.

‘We see this as a partnership with the UK glazing industry and we have understood and acted in the knowledge that we must be closer to the people and companies that make up this business. We are able to do this more effectively than ever with the most industry-experienced team for years. We take enormous pride in Glassex and we are determined to provide a show that provides the industry with practical, put-to-work-now ideas.’

Glassex 2007 will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) from 4th to 7th March 2007. For further information go to http://www.glassex.com.

GP&T Co-Locates with Glassex for 2008

Emap Maclaren has announced revised dates for Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T), which will now take place on 7th, 8th and 9th April 2008, in Hall 3a at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), Birmingham. The event was previously scheduled for November 2007.

The decision to move the exhibition and conference has been taken in consultation with members of the GP&T Steering Committee and exhibitors, following research by organisers, Emap Maclaren. The move will allow an extended sales and marketing campaign to ensure the success of the event, which arrived to great acclaim when launched in 2003.

The new dates will complement those of Glassex, which commences a day earlier, the 6th, to cater for the traditional Sunday glazing installer audience. Whilst clearly designated as a separate event, there are some synergies between Glassex and GP&T, particularly for integrated double glazing manufacturers that run IGU lines.

Dave Broxton, Sales Director of Glassex and GP&T explains, ‘When registering, nearly half the visitors to Glassex express an interest in sealed units and insulated glass and it is also clear that many GP&T visitors have an interest in fenestration. Running the events at the same time serves everyones interests; the visitors, the exhibitors and us as organisers and the move has already been greeted as a victory for common sense.’

Gary Dean, Chairman of the GP&T Steering Committee and Managing Director of glass tools and consumables specialist Bohle Ltd, believes that the dates will settle discussions about the issue once and for all: ‘There has been an enormous amount of discussion about the ideal dates for GP&T both within the Steering Committee and the industry generally. Dates set earlier in the spring, with Glassex running on similar dates in nearby halls, present the glass industry, I believe, with an ideal vehicle through which we may promote our industry.

‘We now also have a good period to prepare for GP&T to ensure the event is in our calendars, but more importantly our budgets to exhibit. I urge the industry to help make this the showcase for the UK flat glass industry,’ added Gary.

glasstec 2006: See the World's Largest Self-supported Glass Staircase

Visitors at glasstec will be able to see a unique, transparent staircase. Made exclusively of glass, it will be 8.5m long and completely self-supporting. Presented by Seele in collaboration with the Institute for Building Construction (IBK) at the University of Stuttgart, it is a part of the ‘glass technology live’ special show.

The use of the new Sentry Glas Plus film and a lamination technique specially developed by Seele has made the construction of the staircase possible. The stringers and steps are made totally of glass and the individual elements are simply joined together using fittings laminated on or into their applications in a non-positive process.

The key new feature of this future-orientated fastening technology lies in the transparent, construction-effective lamination technique (adhesion) applied to the steel fittings. Prior to this new technique, the drilled point-fixed method was used in the construction of modern glass staircases and also glass furniture. However, the disadvantage of this traditional, mechanical technique was a lower load-bearing capacity. Tests confirm that the new lamination process produces a load-bearing capacity which easily exceeds that of glass.

The attributes of the glass staircase shown at glasstec – ‘maximum transparency, high-quality design and load-bearing capacity’ - are also the arguments which have helped make this staircase model the design template for Apple High Profile Stores worldwide.

UK Representative, Messe Düsseldorf for travel packages/stand build etc.
ITSL Ltd
Tel: 01442 230033
Fax: 01442 230012
E-mail: info@itsluk.com

Pentti Yliheljo to Retire - Mika Seitovirta Kyro’s New President & CEO

Kyro Group is going to have a new CEO. MSc (Econ) Mika Seitovirta, 44, will start as the Group President & CEO in the beginning of 2007.

Pentti Yliheljo, President & CEO of Kyro since 1996, is retiring from the company. Yliheljo has headed the Group successfully since starting as President of Tamglass in 1992. Major changes carried out by Yliheljo have included the fast global growth of Tamglass, IPO’s of mother company Kyro and telecom division Tecnomen as well as Glaston Technologies’ various acquisitions, with which the Group’s main business area has become the global market and technology leader of glass processing machines.

'I wish Mika Seitovirta warmly welcome to the Kyro Group and hope that Kyro’s evolution continues in his management,' says Pentti Yliheljo.

'Before the turn of the year we in Kyro’s team have an eventful and busy quarter ahead of us, to make sure we get to our objectives for 2006,' he adds.

Mika Seitovirta, starting as Kyro’s CEO, has acted as Managing Director of Oy Hartwall Ab in 2003-2006. Before this he worked in different positions within Volvo’s Finnish and international organisation, among others as Volvo Car’s Managing Director in Finland.

'Kyro is a global market leader of its industry. The company has both the appetite and the ability to grow. It is exciting to join and continue the development of Kyro,' Seitovirta comments upon his new challenge.

Mika Seitovirta starts his orientation in the company on 1st November 2006. Pentti Yliheljo assumes his availability for the Group after the change until the end of June 2007.

VEKA Promotes 18-Year Man Torley to Head of Sales & Marketing

VEKA plc has appointed of one of its long serving employees as the company's Head of Sales & Marketing. Scot Colin Torley, who moves from his position as Product & Client Services Manager, has been with VEKA for more than 18 years and is highly regarded both within the company and by customers who have enjoyed what has been described as his 'hands on' approach and understanding of the industry.

Colin began his career at VEKA as the area sales representative for Scotland which he built into one of the strongest sales regions for the company.

He spent a number of years as the company's Sales Manager and more recently was instrumental in bringing the VEKA Fully Sculptured system to reality.

Coupled with his most recent experience as the company's principle customer services liaison officer, these and other key assignments have given Colin the ideal preparation to now lead VEKA's sales and marketing effort.

46 year old Colin is married, having recently celebrated his Silver Wedding Anniversary, with three children. He lists his interests as music - although a predilection for '80s music might cause some to question his tastes - and football, being a season ticket holder and life-long supporter of Celtic.

Colin is understandably delighted with his appointment:

‘I have had 18 great years with VEKA and this is the ultimate reward. The industry is going through extraordinary change and my new position brings some tremendous challenges for me.

'But it also offers me the opportunity, with our team, to shape what we do as a company, and how we work with our customers to maintain and increase our competitive edge.

‘We have some very interesting new projects that are well underway and which will continue to strengthen VEKA's commitment to our customers and the market. All in all it's a very exciting time!’

Businesses Confused by New Fire Law

Businesses and organisations across England and Wales are in confusion over new fire safety legislation.

The new fire prevention and protection law (affecting all non-domestic premises) changed on 1st October, making existing Fire Certificates defunct.

Few are prepared for the fundamental change which puts responsibility for safety on the business' boss or building's owner. Non-domestic premises now need a risk assessment to comply. Those that get it wrong or ignore it could be liable for a fine and invalidated insurance.

Large organisations with health and safety departments or risk assessment agencies on board will be prepared for the new regime; SMEs will be hard hit. With minimal Government publicity, employers may be exposed.

Matthew Knowles, spokesman for the Federation of Small Businesses, says: ‘The new legislation will cause a lot of headaches in the short-term. A survey we carried out in March 2006 showed that 59% of small firms in England and Wales were unaware of the new requirements.’

Station Officer Day of the Westminster Branch of the London Fire Authority, says: ‘The Fire Authority will visit all business premises in an area (to check there is an up-to-date Risk Assessment). If an organisation is not operating the new principles after receiving a 14-day-notice, it could be in breach of fire regulations. As well as the 'responsible person' being liable for the breach, the insurance on the property could be invalid.’

David Sugden, Chairman, Passive Fire Protection Federation says: ‘Most people don't know what they're looking for, or how to look for it. How many will check beyond sprinklers and alarms? Fire protection measures should be built into the fabric of a building.’

Tel: 01274 861338
Email: pfpf@associationhouse.org.uk
Web: http://www.pfpf.org

CE Mark Means Peace of Mind for Industrial Door Specifiers and Users

Specifiers and users of industrial and commercial doors and shutters face increased risks of not complying with the latest legislation if they choose products which do not carry the CE mark.

This is the warning from the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) which for a long time has been helping its members to successfully meet the CE marking challenge.

Said Ian Wood, chief executive officer of the DHF: 'Now there is an increasing emphasis on self-certification by building owners, it is more important than ever that specifiers, contractors and purchasers avoid non CE marked products to ensure they comply with current legislation.'

The DHF is pointing out that door makers can only CE mark their products by adhering to the new Standard BS EN 13241-1. In addition, Construction Products Regulations require all construction products, including doors, to comply with a number of essential requirements. The CE mark is confirmation that products comply with these requirements.

Said Mr Wood: 'CE marking gives specifiers and end users peace of mind - they know their equipment complies with the current state of the art in safety and so meets all the relevant regulations. Building owners in particular need to be aware that, increasingly, the responsibility for certifying the safety of their buildings lies with them rather than with the authorities.

'From the specifier’s point of view, CE marking is the single most effective and practical way of demonstrating to clients, enforcement officers and health & safety professionals that their products are safe and comply with the law.

'We have recognised for a long time the importance of putting the correct testing procedures into place so that members had CE marked products ready to supply when the new regulations came into force.

'All that planning has paid off, as our 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.'

And he pointed out that CE marking is compulsory in all EU countries, save for the UK and two others. The three countries which have not made CE marking compulsory are currently facing a European court action.

For more information, contact the DHF secretary, 42 Heath Street, Tamworth, Staffs B79 7JH. Phone: 01827 52337. Fax: 01827 310827. Email: info@dhfonline.org.uk.

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

Czech This Out! Izos Passes EN 1279 Part 2 with Triseal

Czechoslovakian sealed unit manufacturer Izos has just passed EN 1279 Part 2 with Edgetech's Super Spacer® Triseal™. Izos is the first firm to pass the standard with Triseal.

Triseal features a continuous moisture vapour seal across the profiled back of the warm edge spacer. It can be used in conjunction with polyurethane; polysulphide; hot melt butyl or silicone secondary seals.

Izos manufactures up to 3,000 insulated glass units a day in Czech cities of Pilzen and Zatec. A fully automated Lisec line has just been installed for Triseal application in its factory in Zatec, with capacity to manufacture 1,000 units a day.

Tel: 02476 705570

Freefoam Provides Increased UV Protection

Freefoam Plastics, a manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems, has conducted a significant amount of research into the colour stability of PVC products when exposed to increased UV levels.

Back in the early 1990s the consensus was that 4 parts TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) per hundred was adequate for UV protection of white products based on average regional UV levels. However, updated data from the National Radiological Protection Division of the Health Protection Agency shows that the worrying trend of increasing UV radiation levels has continued in 2005 as shown in the graph.

The implications of this trend are significant for all those involved with exterior PVC products – extruders, stockists, installers, raw material suppliers and homeowners too. Just as our skin needs protection if exposed over long periods to intense heat and UV sunlight, so too does PVC which has what is referred to as a ‘tipping point’ of UV exposure beyond which discolouration, chalking, crazing and embrittlement are rapidly accelerated.

Freefoam says that its products have never been at risk from this trend. The company has been supplying markets in southern France for some time, and had added the necessary 5-6 parts per hundred to all its fascia products for operational simplicity, whether they ended up in France, the UK or Ireland.

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

HOPPE's Advice not Just Hot Air

Would you let a plumber give you mortgage advice or consult a gardener if you pulled a muscle? The answer is obviously no. Keith Holt, Joint Managing Director of HOPPE (UK), one of the leading suppliers of door and window hardware, believes that hardware buyers should rightly expect qualified, expert advice from their suppliers - not just hot air to get a sale.

‘We put many of our staff through the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers Diploma course - the only recognised professional qualification within the architectural ironmongery industry - so that customers can have confidence in the support they get, we even have our own in house tutor. It's a reflection of how importantly HOPPE values responding quickly and accurately to our customers needs.’

Back left to right: Lee Piper, Chris Mills, Robbie Chrimes, Dean Cox, Jason Tonks
Front l to r: Sam Mills, Lisa Douras

The Guild was founded in 1961 to promote standards in integrity and excellence in the business of Architectural Ironmongery - setting a standard among companies in the industry. Each new applicant to the Guild has a three year study period covering topics like Architectural Hardware and Escape Hardware. On completion they receive a Diploma and become Registered Architectural Ironmonger's. The qualification lapses after three years if Continuous Professional Development is not maintained.

Keith continues: ‘10 of HOPPE's team are already qualified. The knowledge they gain from this Diploma ensures that all of our customers continue to get top quality service as well as top quality hardware.’

Tel: 01902 484400
Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk

Henderson's Invests in Homeline

North West based roofing merchant B & M Henderson has invested in a new warehouse so it can add new products including the roofline range Homeline, available exclusively from GAP.

Mark Henderson, owner of B & M Henderson, explains: ‘As part of our expansion programme we have invested £600,000 in a new warehouse, a truck and two vans. The new warehouse gives us space to keep a massive range of roofing products, as well as the roofline range. We have supplied roofline to our customers through GAP for seven years, but having more space means we can keep it in stock too. We will be keeping over £20,000 of Homeline stock, and we'll still have the backup from GAP's daily deliveries so if one of our customers needs something quickly it can be delivered straight to site.

‘GAP had helped us with posters for the warehouse, and of course our customers will get the full range of Homeline marketing materials.

‘We see the importance of roofline for roofing contractors. That's why we wanted to stock the best roofline range, Homeline.’

Tel: 01254 682888

Conzzeta Group: Further Marked Rise in Revenues and Profit in the First Eight Months of 2006

The Conzzeta Group achieved a marked improvement in revenues and profit in the first eight months of the current year. Compared with the corresponding period of 2005, revenues were up by 12% to CHF 791.5 million (previous year: CHF 704.0 million). Adjusted for the effects of acquisitions, divestment of business activities and currency translation, net revenues increased by approximately 15%. All business units contributed to this pleasing growth. Thanks to the proportionately greater increase in the operating result (EBIT), which reached CHF 52.8 million (CHF 35.4 million), and to extraordinary income from the sale of business activities, Group profit rose from CHF 30.1 million to CHF 48.9 million.

The gratifying revenue growth resulted from a sustained upswing in the relevant markets, the introduction of new products, and geographic expansion of market presence. The consequent increase in capacity utilisation and measures to improve efficiency brought a welcome improvement in profitability: the EBIT margin increased from 4.9% to 6.4% compared with the same period a year ago.

The financial fundamentals of the Conzzeta Group continue to be very solid. The equity ratio stands at around 71%. The rise in current assets is attributable to increased inventories and work in progress.

Impact of sale of business activities
In the first third of 2006, Conzzeta sold the remainder of the construction-related activities, notably the Swiss Lack Group (architectural paints), and the business activities of Siegfried Keller AG (noise control) and Prebeton SA (prefabricated concrete construction). This eliminates net revenues of CHF 60 million for the comparable reporting period; the effect on the result is not significant.

Through the sale of these business activities in the first four months of 2006, a total of CHF 26 million in net assets was transferred to the buyers. The extraordinary profit from the divestments totaled about CHF 9 million.

Business units
The Sheet Metal Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic) generated strong growth in the first eight months of the year, with revenues up 24% to CHF 371.4 million (CHF 299.0 million). Order books are well-filled and new orders are still running above 2005 levels. The regional picture shows revenue growth above expectations in Europe – particularly in the new EU member countries – as well as in Korea. Bystronic's market position will be further reinforced by the upcoming launch of innovative products and expansion of the distribution network.

The Glass Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic glass) increased its sales by 11% to CHF 145.2 million (CHF 131.3 million), thanks above all to the higher demand for insulating glass manufacturing systems. Bystronic glass has a solid order book and the inflow of new orders continues to be healthy, although demand for vehicle glass manufacturing systems is falling off.

Newly established in September 2005, the Automation Systems business unit (ixmation), comprises Seckler AG and Cox Automation Systems Inc., which was acquired a year ago. Net revenues for the first eight months of 2006 totaled CHF 42.1 million. Compared with the same period last year, the acquisition effect on net revenue was CHF 28.8 million.

At the Foam Materials business unit (Foam-Partner), the market environment continued to improve compared with 2005. Rising demand in all segments – above all for mattress cores and automotive applications – led to a 9% increase in net revenues to CHF 95.5 million (CHF 87.6 million). Raw material prices are still very high and continue to squeeze the profit margin. The buoyant demand for natural latex mattresses necessitated an increase in production capacity. In view of the fact that there is no room for further expansion at the existing location at Hadlikon/Hinwil ZH, FoamPartner has decided to transfer production to Döttingen AG by March 2007.

Outlook
'On the basis of the performance so far and the order status, we expect a significant year-on-year improvement in the Group result. However, given that a marked upturn in results was already emerging in the second half of last year, the percentage growth compared with 2005 will lessen towards the end of the year because of the basis effect.'

All Systems go for Slade UPVC

Forward thinking, proactive companies that are doing well despite the market need support from their supplier. ‘Newstead's installer support package, the Selling Made Easy scheme, is a brilliant tool when I am putting together quotes for large projects.’ comments Ian Slade, Owner of Slade UPVC Systems. ‘The package includes marketing support with easy to use books, brochures, product sample boxes and much more.’

Ian first used Newstead eight years ago when he set up his Cwmbran-based business. He continues: ‘Newstead offers quality products and help when I need it. For example, when a homeowner wants to order a conservatory I can go and measure up and send the details to Newstead who will work out the dimensions for me. Newstead's prices are competitive and I save around 30% a year compared to local fabricators.’

Slade UPVC recently won a refurbishment contract for a local carpet company. Ian comments: ‘Using Newstead's Selling Made Easy scheme helped me beat three other companies to the £10,000 contract. The job included the shop front windows, a wheelchair access door and a decorative door. The shop owners were so impressed with the finished product that I was given the remainder of the refurbishment to do too.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Locking in the Specification

In order to ensure 100% client satisfaction by providing safe and secure windows, South Bedfordshire District Council is working in partnership with the UK's leading window hardware manufacturer Securistyle and fabricator and installer Wrekin Windows.

Now one year into its second three-year window replacement programme, the council was keen to maintain the partnering agreement with Securistyle to ensure consistency in the quality of the work as well as the quality of the products. This consistency is guaranteed by using Securistyle's unique service The Partnership Pledge.

Left to right: resident Sharon Yanks, Securistyle's Ken Evans and Jonathan Rogers of South Bedfordshire District Council

Jonathan Rogers of South Bedfordshire District Council, said: ‘The Partnership Pledge is the ideal way for us to make sure that we are we getting the exact hardware we specified, that it comes with a 10 year guarantee, is fitted correctly and comes from a company that we trust.

‘It is also important to us that our partners are directly involved with the projects we are undertaking. Securistyle and Wrekin Windows have been key in taking our window replacement programme forward, providing us with up-to-date information and products and even inviting us to watch the Defender Lock breeze through the BS7950 test.’

So far, over 1000 properties have been fitted with austenitic Securistyle hardware as part of the council's commitment to replacing timber and metal windows with PVC. The new phase will see Securistyle's Defender range of friction hinges installed, along with the Virage handle, including the easily visible green button version for emergency egress windows, the Defender High Security Lock and Ancillary Security Devices.

For more information on all Securistyle products please call 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

Energy Surge for Padiham Glass

Bostik customer Padiham Glass has reported a significant upturn in demand for its insulating glass units, a development the firm believes could be linked to growing industry emphasis on energy efficiency.

Within the past eighteen months, Lancashire based Padiham has invested over £3million in new premises and equipment, a key component of which has been a new Forel production line which incorporates a hopper system to apply Bostik P5125 Hot Melt sealant, and which also uses Super Spacer® technology.

This particular combination has enabled Padiham to increase its output by around forty per cent and means the company can offer some of the most energy efficient units available.

In fact the set-up has proved so successful that another Forel line, capable of handling both Super Spacer(r) technology and traditional aluminium spacers, is to be installed in November after its appearance on the Forel stand at this year's Glasstec.

The additional machinery will double current capacity, reduce lead times and strengthen the firm's growing commitment to providing well built, energy efficient units.
Jeremy Kemp, operations director at Padiham, believes this will be essential for future growth.

He comments: ‘With the current focus on Window Energy Ratings and likely future amends to Part L, being able to offer energy efficient units is paramount. This is why we have taken great care to select products and equipment that help our units excel in this particular area.

‘Our glass, spacer, sealants and robotic equipment are all the best on the market in terms of facilitating production efficiency and unit performance. As a result, we can offer units with U-values well below the current permitted maximum levels and help support our customers in producing 'A' rated windows.

‘Add this to the other improvements we have made, such as offering a nationwide delivery service, and it is clear to see why we have witnessed such a massive increase in business. Indeed, this increase is so substantial that we have even taken steps to further strengthen our sales team with the appointment of Wes Clarkson.’

Richard Sellman, marketing manager at Bostik, Padiham's sealant supplier for the past 20 years, agrees that growing environmental and legislative demands are having an impact on IGU production trends.

He comments: ‘As a supplier we have to be up-to-date with the latest trends, issues and legislative requirements affecting our customers and ensure that our own product range is designed to fulfil these demands in the best possible way.

‘Padiham has done likewise. As well as ensuring that its units meet current regulations including BS EN 1279 Padiham has also had the foresight to recognise the increasing emphasis on energy efficiency and has invested in its production systems accordingly.’

The firm's adaptability is reflected in the extensive nature of its specialist IGU range, which includes Padiham's own brand Thermalight units, solar control systems, specialist acoustic laminates and a wide variety of painted, coloured and shaped options.

For further information on Padiham Glass, please contact Jeremy Kemp on 01282 774124.

For further information on Bostik, please contact Richard Sellman on 01785 272727

Cervoglass Continues to Strengthen Leading Position

This year has been a phenomenal success story for Cervoglass, the conservatory roof glass manufacturer. The company, based in Liverpool, has seen a steady but considerable growth in a number of aspects but in particular this has been clearly defined by a continual increase in sales.

Graham Price, Managing Director at Cervoglass attributes the success to a combination of factors. This year saw the launch of Cervo Activ and Cervo Activ Blue Plus which were additions to the already established Cervo Sol range.

An increase in customer expenditure has demonstrated that this next generation of glass for conservatory roofs combines technical superiority with aesthetics that are unmatched in the industry. The reliability of the range from the company are substantiated by the guaranteed superior performance associated with Pilkington glass products.

The Activ Blue self-cleaning glass clearly provides superior standards, with unique properties incorporated into the coating that react with UV light to break down organic particles on the surface of the glass. When wet, this coating attracts water making it spread as a thin film across the glass and run off taking the dirt away with it. Additionally this dries quickly without leaving any unsightly droplet marks.

The Cervo range of easy-clean and solar control glass provide 75% heat reflection and 37% light transmission with U-values as low as a true 1.1. Statistics which prove that these products can be relied upon as demonstrated by the upward trend in sales at the company.

Graham Price comments, ‘The products we produce lead the industry in terms of design and reliability as they provide radical performance levels that meet all current and future industry legislation requirements. That is a vitally important aspect at a crucial time when the industry as a whole must adapt or face serious consequences.’

A progressive approach to the market has also been a key factor in the further growth of Cervoglass. With uncertain industry trading conditions through 2005 and the upcoming changes to industry legislation many have been unsure how to move forward with confidence. The team at Cervoglass recognised that as the manufacturing requirements of the industry became more stringent that the company had to take measures to ensure that they would be ahead when it came to legislative changes.

Subsequently, the technical and management teams evaluated the requirements, adjusted production methods accordingly and passed the official industry tests back in 2004, achieving the company’s licence to use the BS EN1279 kitemark on all its products in May 2005.

The flexibility of in-house manufacturing and the superior support services provided by the Cervoglass team also contribute to the company's ongoing success story.
More recently the in-house production facilities and services have been streamlined and now include two state-of-the-art glass processing lines as well as an in-house transportation fleet to ensure that every aspect from production to nationwide delivery can be handled efficiently, swiftly and can be guaranteed.

The sheer increase in volume for Cervoglass products has led to essential and well structured recruitment and a commitment to on-going training and development. A new transport manager was appointed to organise a larger fleet of vehicles that delivers nationally, direct to customers or to factories, within 5-7 working days. This ensures the delivery of products remains punctual and efficient.

Graham Price continues, ‘Customer input is vitally important and we do listen to feedback. It is imperative to monitor and maintain ongoing service standards in every department to ensure that we meet specific requirements of every customer on large or small projects. Our customers know that they can rely on us to get it right.’

The company says that as a whole it is undoubtedly carving a niche in the market which is supported statistically by the fact that it is classed by Pilkington as one of the top independent customers for Pilkington Activ products.

When considering the future of the company Graham Price demonstrates that he is a man with vision who evaluates the market and restructures according to requirements. He has worked in the industry all his life and clearly recognises its direction and future possibilities.

He comments, ‘Our product range will continue to develop in line with changing market conditions and standards. I believe there is great potential for technical development within this industry in areas such as light transmission, solar reflection and noise reduction. Take for example south facing conservatories, people should consider that it is not just the roof that incorporates solar control and light transmission but also the side panels. There are many great possibilities.’

Graham Price continues, ‘Due to more media involvement such as tv and the internet, consumers are becoming more aware of product performance therefore as their understanding increases, so do their demands. We acknowledge that fact. At Cervoglass we intend to stay in our leading market position by discussing research and development ideas with glass manufacturers as well as continually monitoring our products and services. This will ensure we stay keenly aware of all the contributing factors that have helped to make this company as successful as it is today.’

He concludes, ‘It is this special combination of choice, quality, production control, reliability and progressive attitude that makes Cervoglass unique within the conservatory roof glass industry.’

Tel: 0151 522 6604
Web: http://www.cervoglass.co.uk

REHAU Hosts Open Days

REHAU continues to invest in the infrastructure necessary to deliver effective sales support to its customers across the UK and recently held Open Days at two of its regional offices to showcase its resources.

In Manchester, staff, suppliers, family and friends were invited to the official opening of the company's new warehouse facility and in Slough a similar event marked the opening of a new exhibition area.

REHAU has six regional sales offices in London, Dublin, Glasgow and Birmingham as well as Manchester and Slough and uses them to provide a mix of local support to its network of fabricators and installers and specialist commercial expertise for regional specifiers and clients.

The Manchester warehouse is used for the storage and distribution of all REHAU's range of automotive, industrial and building solutions products excluding its PVC-U window profile, while the Slough exhibition area is designed for use by REHAU and its customers to demonstrate its product quality and innovation.

Roseview Slides to Success

Roseview Windows, based in Olney, Buckinghamshire, has now added the Plastmo Vertical slider to its product range. The fabricator - in the industry for nearly thirty years - is well respected for its fine quality sash windows which have always been very much in line with the traditional appearance of such elegant windows.

The company has now started to manufacture the Plastmo Charisma vertical slider so that it can offer its customers another product which appeals to new build and the trade market. The Charisma vertical slider incorporates slim front to back dimensions, equal sightlines, lowline beads and hidden gaskets to provide a cleaner look. In addition, the product is further supported by a number of decorative options including sash horns, ovolo beading and a range of Georgian bars.

Lindsay Rose (Managing Director) comments: ‘We are very excited about offering another vertical slider to our customers, as it will enable them to win more contracts in the new build market. The Scotia bead details on the sash are more like a modern window and this definitely appeals to new build and also young people who are buying homes.’ She continues: ‘Alongside our new sash windows, we will also be able to offer a cavity closer which will match and so our customers will have a whole package to offer builders.’ Willie Kerr (Sales Director) is equally enthusiastic: ‘We have opened up a whole new market by adding this product to our range and we are sure that our customers will benefit greatly from this.’

Roseview has recently added another line to its factory with the acquisition of a new quad welder, so that an additional 150/200 frames a week can be achieved. The company now has capacity for over 500 sash windows a week. Roseview has also increased its shop floor staff by 20% owing to its recent three busy record months.

Lindsay comments: ‘We have been very busy recently and we are extremely pleased. Now that we have more products to service all market areas, we are confident that not only will Roseview continue to prosper, but our customers will be even more successful.’

From the start Roseview Windows had set out to offer its customers a quality product with a good back up service, to ensure that they can always win an order. Roseview has continued to carry on supporting its customers by ensuring that they have all the right products. Over the last year, the company has started manufacturing aluminium doors instead of buying them in, so that it can control the quality of the product and also reduce lead times for its installers. Back in 2005 Roseview also invested in profile bending machinery so that again the company can offer its customers a great product.

Sapa Invests SEK 70 Million in a New Paint Plant

Sapa is investing SEK 70 million in a new vertical paint plant in Puget, France. 'Through this investment, we will meet the market's increasing requirements in terms of volume, quality and delivery time,' says Fernand Venturi, director, Sapa in France.

As a result of the technology used in the new plant, aluminium profiles will be powder coated vertically rather than the traditional method of horizontal coating of profiles. The selected technology results in significantly increased productivity and a surface with an excellent finish.

'We will be increasing our capacity significantly, which will benefit both profile customers and customers within building systems, a growing customer segment,' adds Fernand Venturi.

'France is Sapa's single largest market where we have a leading position. We see an increasing trend for surface-treated aluminium profiles, especially within the construction sector, which is why this investment will contribute to continued success in France,' says Lennart Evrell, President and CEO of Sapa.

The investment, which includes land, buildings and machinery, is scheduled to be operational in early 2008.

Web: http://www.sapagroup.com

The National Glass Association (NGA) has announced the election of Wesley Topping Jr. to the office of Chairman of the Board.

Topping, of Elite Auto Glass in Commerce City, CO, has been a supporter of the NGA for many years, having served on the board since 2000. Topping took the office of Chairman on September 21st at GlassBuild America in Las Vegas. He will serve a one-year term.

Joining Topping as executive officers are Chairman-Elect, Rodney Van Buskirk of Bacon Van Buskirk in Champaign, IL and Treasurer, Stephen W. Mort of Don's Mobile Glass, Inc. in Modesto, CA. Thomas D. Lee III of Lee Cates Glass Inc. in Jacksonville, FL, serves as immediate past chairman for the coming year.

John Heinaman of Heinaman Contract Glazing in Lake Forest, CA leaves the board after nine years of service. Chris Mammen of Mammen Glass Mirror in Irving, TX joins the board of directors to serve a three-year term.

Board members returning for the 2006-2007 term are: Steven R. Burnett of Walters Wolf Curtain Wall, Mukilteo, WA; Al Gauntlett, General Glass Co., Inc., Portland, OR; Bob Lawrence, Craftsman Fabricated Glass, Inc., Houston, TX; Douglas Linderer of Go-Glass Corp., Salisbury, MD; Kevin M. McMahon, K-Man Glass Corp., Bethel, CT; Gregory P. Pattakos, Advanced Auto Glass, Inc., Akron, OH; Robert J. Trainor, Trainor Glass Co., Alsip, IL; and Richard Voreis, Consulting Collaborative, Dallas, TX.

About NGA
Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass industry. Based outside Washington, DC, NGA offers certification, education and training, and recently debuted MyGlassClass.com—a state-of-the-art, online training resource. NGA publishes the trade magazines—Glass Magazine®, Window Door®, AutoGlass£, and new e-newsletters, e-glass weekly and WDweekly.

Web : http://www.glass.org

David Parsons’ Welding Advice

David Parsons, Technical Director, Kombimatec Machines provides more welding advice on making internally glazed windows.

Greater support when welding PVC profile brings rewards because it results in easier cleaning of the weld and better sized and superior quality frames.

In the past welding standard outward opening and Tilt & Turn windows we have been able to insert profiles into the welders wide face down. In other words, with the rebate up, pointing to the sky. However, when it comes to making internally glazed windows the narrower face of the profile will sometimes be on the table bed of the welder, rebate down. If the profile is not supported on the inside of the rebate the tendency will be for the profile to roll under the pressure of the clamp.

This rolling is inevitable because profiles are hollow and will crush under pressure. Support blocks help limit the crush and allow the profile to spring back after welding. This recommendation is vital in my opinion when welding 'Z' transoms and 'T' sashes.

Another thing internally glazed window manufacturers will find an absolute blessing is to use a crucifix welder or cross welder to make, guess what? Yes, Cruciforms! When I speak to fabricators they are often expressing the irritation of constantly having to alter the vee cut saw depth. Even when using machining centres. Do you find this?

It's being done because they are finding their frames just aren't straight. Bowed in fact. Incorrect vee notch depths are often the cause of the problem.

Those who haven't got a crucifix welder are forced to make this type of joint in two halves. First creating a 'Tee' joint before producing the cross.

A crucifix welder can improve the consistent quality of frames as they completely eliminate vee notching. All four pieces to be welded together are simply arrow-headed. That also means no reverse butt welding is needed here which removes another potential effect on tolerance.

It's not just quality that benefits the fabricator who uses a crucifix welder but the time saved by cutting once, welding once, sticking in the reinforcement only once and cleaning once. This represents a huge saving.

Furthermore cleaning a cross weld in one go means no mis-match of the grooves in the centre of the joint that can result from creating this type of joint in two halves. Plus the main welder is left set to make frames avoiding fence removal & refitting.
Tel: +44(0) 1582 455934
Email: sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.kombimatec.com

Picture: Kombimatec HDX welder is the one machine fabricators begin to recognise the benefits to internally glazed window production. The quality enhancement and the increased efficiency.

Sika and sia Abrasives Establish Joint Venture

Intensifying their collaboration in the automotive repair business, sia Abrasives and Sika have established a joint venture company in Germany, called part GmbH, to serve this market segment on a sustained basis. The objective is to strengthen the competitive position of both companies.

The marketing collaboration with Sika AG, a global speciality chemicals company in Baar, is being promoted by the formation of part GmbH, a joint venture company based in Bad Urach (Germany). part (premium automotive repair technologies) stands for a distribution model that sia Abrasives and Sika have adopted to offer a combined spectrum of automotive repair products through existing and new sales channels. The range encompasses adhesives and sealants from Sika, abrasives and surface finishing systems from sia Abrasives, and a line of workplace safety products. This enables the partners to distribute the best quality products and services from a single source through a more closely knit sales network. While realising synergies in marketing, distribution and logistics, the partners expect to gain market share and thereby strengthen their competitive positions.

The new company, part GmbH, will start operations on 1st November 2006, having made its debut at the Automechanika Trade Fair in September 2006.

Web: http://www.sia-abrasives.com

US Homeowners Remodel to Curb Cooling Real Estate Market

While the residential real estate market is cooling and demand for energy is heating up, US homeowners are investing in remodeling projects to increase the market value of their homes. In fact, Americans spent an estimated $215 billion on home remodeling projects in 2005, according to the National Association of Home Builders. Industry experts anticipate this figure will grow to a record $238 billion this year.

‘The feverish pace of our real estate market is tapering to a more manageable pace, but the recent home buying spree seems to have created high demand in the remodeling sector. Once people move into a new house, they're ready to renovate,’ says Peter Dachowski, President and CEO of CertainTeed Corporation, one of North America's leading manufacturers of building products.

According to Dachowski, market-smart homeowners are focusing on two large real estate issues: curb appeal and energy efficiency.

Cutting-Edge Kerb Appeal
In today's competitive real estate market, kerb appeal is among the most important challenges home sellers face. Smart facelifts create long-lasting, low-maintenance exteriors that have classic appeal. While re-siding or re-roofing projects can be among the more expensive home improvements next to kitchen and bath remodels, they can pay dividends in kerb appeal and improve a home's energy efficiency when installed properly.

CertainTeed offers a Web-based service called Picture My Home Makeover(tm) that allows homeowners to visualise how their homes will look with various styles and colours of CertainTeed siding and roofing. Homeowners can go to http://www.certainteedpicturemyhome.com for a virtual home makeover that will help ensure they make the best decisions on roofing and siding.

For quick-fix home improvements that will look good for years to come, many homeowners replace wood railings with weather-resistant composite or vinyl railing products or conceal worn porch posts with vinyl porch post wraps to give drab outdoor spaces a refreshed look.

Energy-Wise Home Improvements
Heating and cooling comprises 50 to 70 percent of overall energy costs for the average homeowner. Adding appropriate amounts of fibre glass insulation is one relatively affordable way to help manage these expenses. Homeowners in the market for more energy efficient windows can also look for ENERGY STAR-rated vinyl windows with R- and U-values appropriate to their regions. And, new technologies allow homeowners to customise their windows to create the look of bevelled glass at a more affordable price.

Getting Started
Not all projects should be do-it-yourself projects. For large undertakings like roof, window or siding replacements, working with a qualified contractor may be your best bet. Before hiring a prospective contractor, ask the following questions:

* What is the full name and address of the company?
* Does the company carry insurance?
* Is the company a licensed or credentialed contractor?
* How long has the company been in business?
* Will the company provide referrals or references from previous jobs?
* What is the company's workmanship warranty?
* What is the company's track record for solving customer complaints?

To learn more about options for increasing kerb appeal and energy efficiency, visit http://www.certainteed.com.

Trelleborg Acquires American Reeves Brothers Inc.

Trelleborg, through its Engineered Systems business area, has signed an agreement to acquire the American company Reeves Brothers Inc., with about 1,000 employees and annual sales of approximately SEK 1.4 billion.

Reeves is a leading international player in the development and production of polymer-coated, high-precision material in, for example, rubber, silicon and polyurethane. The acquisition provides Trelleborg with a world-leading position in polymer-coated fabrics and thereby strengthens what was already a market-leading position in the European market.

Reeves, with its head office in Spartanburg, South Carolina, has four production units, of which two are in the US, one in Italy and one in China. Reeves’ operation is divided into two divisions of equal size: Engineered Fabrics – polymer-coated fabrics with numerous application areas such as the aerospace industry, personal protective equipment, the defense industry and fluid solutions – and Printing Blankets – polymer-coated composite fabrics designed in several layers for use in commercial offset printing.

'The acquisition is another step in our strategy of growing in profitable industrial segments', says Peter Nilsson, President and CEO of Trelleborg. 'Reeves’ areas of operation are based on precision material that satisfy high demands for reliability, robustness and elasticity, which means that they correspond well with Trelleborg’s core competencies: to seal, damp and protect in demanding industrial environments. With printing blankets, the acquisition opens a new and growing market segment for us, while also generating synergies in existing operations. As a result of the acquisition, the Trelleborg Group’s structure is further improved.'

'Printing blankets for the graphic industry is a very attractive segment for us, in which we will now expand our customer group based on our technology and applications know-how. Reeves has a very strong position in this consolidated, profitable and growing segment with high entry barriers,' says Lennart Johansson, Business Area President of Trelleborg Engineered Systems. 'In total, Reeves provides us with a strong platform with excellent geographical cover; we gain a leading position in the US and establish ourselves in a rapidly growing market in China, while consolidating operations in Europe and creating favourable synergies.

'Reeves’ earnings capacity is favourable and its operating margin is higher than that of Trelleborg Engineered Systems in its entirety.'

The purchase price totals approximately SEK 1,300 M in cash. The acquisition is conditional upon the fulfillment of certain terms, and requires the approval of the appropriate authorities. The acquisition is expected to be completed during the fourth quarter of 2006. The operations will be integrated into Trelleborg Engineered Systems.

Reeves is currently owned by a number of investment funds and separate accounts that are managed by Oaktree Capital Management LLC.

Web: http://www.trelleborg.com

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