Ultraframe
shines in the US, promises continued growth in the UK and backs out of
Glassex in favour of a new £0.5m marketing initiative
Strong performances both in the UK and
the US have led to a 50% increase in volumes for the year for conservatory
roof manufacturer Ultraframe. Shares rose 14p to 242.5p on the announcement.
However, chief exec David Moore sounded a note of warning, saying that
the revenue growth rates achieved this year was unlikely to be repeated.
Revenue grew by 6% in 2001 and 8% this year, but expectations for next
year are more modest. Profits rose 10% to £27.1m for the year to
September 27th, before goodwill amortisation charges of £3.2m relating
to the purchase of US conservatory producer Four Seasons. This was Four
Seasons first full year with Ultraframe. Group sales from continuing operations
jumped from £95.7m to £145.2m, of which £54.7m came
from the USA, while the UK accounted for £90.5m. UK sales growth
was 3%.
Ultraframe sold its commercial arm – Ultraspan – to its management
team in Southampton, as reported in last week's Gl@zine. As part of the
deal, however, Ultraframe has retained the right to design, fabricate
and supply portal framed glazed structures to its customers for installation
by them. To support this increased commitment to its UK installation base,
all of the Clitheroe staff will be retained and deployed appropriately
to ensure this is successful.
In 2003 Ultraframe is planning its biggest launch ever, using promotion
methods to reach major customers and opinion formers. A significant £500,000
launch spend has been allocated which will enable Ultraframe to consolidate
and improve its position.
To facilitate further growth both of the overall market and that of its
customers, Ultraframe is to launch a new consumer initiative that will
provide sales leads for dealers. This is set to publicise to homeowners
the benefits of using trained installers who have been vetted and approved.
These new initiatives have required an enhanced level of spend combined
with a radical look at the way the 'marketing cake' has previously been
divided. For 2002-2003 it means that exhibitions, including Glassex, are
to take a back seat in preference to more direct contact methods that
will allow Ultraframe to get the message across to all its key customers.
Contact: Mark Hanson
Tel: 01200 452375
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com
Hemscott
makes Ultraframe Share of the Week
In
its last week's Bulletin, the financial analysis specialists Hemscott
made Ultraframe its 'Share of the Week' following its impresive (and trend-bucking)
performance. Hemscott said the following: 'If house prices really are
beginning to wobble it may seem a bit perverse to make Ultraframe our
share of the week. Common sense suggests that people will be much less
interested in expensive home improvements if the value of their property
no longer appears to be chalking up double-digit growth'.
More from Hemscott here, including
the last
chance to win a £5,200 television in Hemscott's pre-Christmas
Bang Olufsen DVD TV offer.
Introducing
an Inspirational New Concept in Glass
Independent
glass processors and benders, Darby Glass, has announced a new division,
Pro-Glass by Darby, which has been formed to implement a new strategy
and market a new range of products. Created to serve the street furniture,
architectural and industrial sectors - in the UK and globally - Pro-Glass
by Darby provides a range of processed, curved, laminated, filmed and
decorative glasses especially created for the 'Internal Architectural'
market.
Originally formed to serve major national building contractors, Darby
Glass has grown into a specialist manufacturer and distributor of a wide
range of value added glass products in the UK and on an international
scale. Pro-Glass by Darby has been developed from Darby Glass's Processed
Glass Division which was formed in 1999.
The first step in the formation of Pro-Glass by Darby has been the strategic
placement of key team members who bring a wealth of knowledge, expertise,
dynamism and a fresh approach to the continued development of the division
and processes.
Under the leadership and direction of Managing Director Vahid Farah-Abadi,
Pro-Glass by Darby is set to complete its transition and continue its
development. He is supported by Sales & Marketing Director Angela
Cann-Sagoe and other senior appointments include John Kadzionis, who takes
up the new role of Business Manager of the Northern Region to support
customers at all levels.
The new Pro-Glass by Darby product family comprises four distinct product
types each offering a specially designed selection of processed glass
products which cover an extensive range of glass applications.
The product types are:
Processed - general processed and CNC machine safety glasses
Proactive - a design lead range of printed glasses
Protective - laminate, heat soaked and filmed glasses
Profiled - curved glass in any combination of the Processed and Proactive
ranges
'At Pro-Glass by Darby, we are committed to provide a dedicated bespoke
service to our customers,' says Angela Cann-Sagoe. 'We are building a
design-lead division which is truly innovative and inspirational, as well
as providing practical solutions to glass applications.'
Contact: Angela Cann-Sagoe
Tel: 01724 291280
Email: mailto:angela.cann-sagoe@darbyglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Bohle,
European glass tools and machinery supplier, has expanded its global network
with the opening of two new subsidiaries in Estonia and South Africa.
With these additions, Bohle now has wholly-owned subsidiary companies
in eight countries around the world.
Set to join the European Union in 2004, Estonia offers Bohle a gateway
to the fast developing states of Eastern Europe, together with access
to Western Russia and the Baltic countries. This latest subsidiary, based
in the capital Tallin, will comprise a well-equipped warehouse and sales
office supplying a comprehensive range of glass tools, plus Bohle glass
processing machinery as the business becomes more established.
Bohle's new subsidiary in South Africa enables the company to provide
both new and existing customers with a wider range of products and services
than previously available through local distributors. Located in Johannesburg,
the team is looking forward to introducing this burgeoning market to the
benefits of Bohle's latest tool and machinery technology, as well as developing
the emerging interest in art glass and UV bonding.
Commenting on this recent expansion, Gary Dean, Bohle UK's Managing Director
says, 'Geographically and commercially, Estonia and South Africa open
up exciting new opportunities for us. Having already established a presence
in both countries, the time is now right to build on that success in line
with Bohle's ongoing strategy to further strengthen and grow the organisation
through international subsidiaries.'
Tel: 0161 628 7878
Email: mailto:bohleuk@bohle.de
Web: http://www.bohle.de
Many
Openings Still to be Filled in Home Improvements, says Palmer
Many
commentators on the Home Improvements Market talk as though it's now all
conservatories. 'Not so!' says Palmer, 'In our report on 'The Market for
Private Sector Home Improvements 2002', we show that the value of Home
Improvements entrance doors is higher now than it has ever been. Even
the installed volume by numbers of doors was higher in 2001 than any year
since 1991. We see further door growth over the next five years.'
The market for replacement windows is in long term decline, with the installed
value now less than half of the total home improvement spend. Conservatories
have grown to 38% of the value, but entrance doors are also growing fast,
11% in 2001. Palmer attributes this continuing growth to the importance
of the appearance of the entrance door to homeowners, and the increasing
emphasis on security.
Comparing 2001 with 10 years earlier, the main differences in the home
improvement entrance door market have been, a doubling of PVC-U, an 89%
drop in Softwood, a halving of Aluminium and a 10% reduction in Hardwood.
Although composite door leaves still only account for 3% of the home improvement
market they are forecast to reach 8%, a near trebling, by 2006.
This year's report shows a greater level of detail and is presented in
a new format with bulleted sub-headings, that make it suitable for the
busy marketing executive (who will be most interested in the critical
forecasts by product, material and market sector), as well as for the
marketing analyst, who will find answers to the details, construction
and channels of distribution of each product. 'It has always been difficult
to get the information in a form suitable for everyone,' comments Palmer,
'but this report has received particularly favourable comment from our
regular subscribers.'
Of course, the window market, still the biggest sector, is covered in
great depth, with the whole of volume one of this two volume report being
devoted to this. In spite of the longer term downward trend, the direct
sell window market grew in the past year by 3.1%. The biggest surprise,
perhaps, was the 28% growth in the number of hardwood frames, although
this is now a very small part of the direct sell market.
The manufacture of PVCu windows was increasingly dominated by independent
trade fabricators who saw 13% growth in the sector in 2001. Palmer shows
that this growth was fuelled by the increasing installation of PVCu replacements
by Builders - up by 27% in the last recorded year. Meanwhile the big vertically
integrated home improvement PVCu companies lost share for the third year
running. The report shows that these shifts were not evenly distributed
across the country, and the regional analysis is comprehensive.
The document reports on more than window frame materials, of course. Hardware
markets are recorded. The section on Glazing shows that windows with leaded
lights increased to one eighth of window area in 2001 after a slight recent
reduction the year before, but there has been a downward trend in both
Georgian bars and stained glass usage. On a percentage share basis, stained
glass is most popular in Scotland, and leaded lights most popular in the
North of England.
The Conservatory market, on which Palmer has already reported, grew by
15% by value in the past year. The home improvement market for conservatories
is fully detailed in volume two of this report. Sliding patio doors (declining)
and folding French doors (growing) are also set out by material and hardware,
while the long term decline of secondary glazing is equally well documented.
The forecasts to 2006 are comprehensively explained and are one of the
main reasons why companies subscribe to this two volume report, now available
direct from Palmer Market Research. The fee of £4,850 + VAT includes
a personal presentation by Robert Palmer.
Contact: Robert Palmer
Tel: 020 8390 8131
Email: mailto:info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk
Web: http://www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk
BDG
Achieves BBA Accreditation for its Roof System
The
BDG System 21 Conservatory Roof System has been designed and fabricated
by BDG Group Ltd of Lurgan since 1984, and in that time has notched up
over 12,000 installations. Already manufactured to BSEN9002 since 1994,
the system has now passed the criteria which allow it to be used in the
exposure conditions described in BBA's Agrement Certificate.
The
roof system is of aluminium construction with white or woodgrain PVC-U
internal and external cladding available in the following configurations:
• Victorian/Edwardian/Georgian styles (duo pitched) with roof pitches
between 15° and 35°
• Lean-to (mono pitch) style with roof pitches between 3° and
35°
• Combination 'P' shape (duo and mono pitched combined) achieved
through a variable angle valley section.
Permissible size parameters and configurations are described in the BDG
Group Ltd Technical Manuals. The BBA Certificate relates to roofs used
on conservatories not exceeding a floor area of 30 m2 (8 m2 in Scotland)
within these parameters.
The BDG roof system consists of a ridge beam, ring beam, valley and thermally
broken glazing bar box section, all extruded from aluminium to BS 1474:1987
material designation 6063-T6. The roof can be glazed with either three
wall or five wall polycarbonate panels or double-glazed sealed units.
The glazing may be varying thicknesses 16 mm, 20 mm, 24 mm, 25 mm and
32 mm and glass carries the BSI Kitemark to BS 5713:1979.
'We use a traditional 'Timber Style' rafter which has a far better appearance
than the T-bar style rafter used by the great majority of companies. We
are especially pleased that this well designed and well engineered product
has now achieved the BBA Certificate, which will give trade customers
and specifiers even greater confidence.'
For a copy of the Certificate, please contact Andrew Russell.
Tel: 028 3832 7741
Email: mailto:techoffice@bdg.co.uk
Web: http://www.bdg.co.uk
Polysulfide
- the technology of the future, says sealant group
Polysulfide - which has proved its worth for about sixty years - is a
sealant of the present which we couldn't imagine doing without - not only
in the secondary sealing of insulating glass. It's also a sealant of the
future, according to a new collaboration between a group of sealants manufacturers
'PolysulfideSystemPartners'. They are an amalgamation of leading raw materials
suppliers of polysulfide, Thioplast Chemicals, a company of AKZO Nobel,
and the largest European processors, the sealant manufacturers Chemetall,
FENZI, Henkel Teroson and KÖMMERLING.
Polysulfide,
an environmentally safe quality sealant, was one of the main topics at
Glasstec 2002 in Düsseldorf. At the specialist symposium entitled
'Forum Zukunft Polysulfid' ('Forum Future Polysulfide') the sealant was
the focal point of a number of high level technical presentations)The
sealant which attracted so many experts to Düsseldorf continues to
constitute the principal European standards in insulating glass sealants
- approx. 60% share in Germany alone. This prominent position is based
on the unique combination of processing and application characteristics,
which is due to the special structure and the oxidative cross-linking
reaction of polysulfides.
On the basis of environmentally-friendly and tailor-made polysulfide types
with low viscosity, high reactivity and excellent chemical/mechanical
properties, optimised insulating glass sealants have been developed which
stand out due to their simple handling and processing including their
suitability for machines, quick setting, strong adhesion, low diffusion
values for water vapour and inert gases, thus ensuring the durability
of the insulating glass unit.
Product characteristics such as the resetting ability of >90 % and
the very good adhesion to glass and aluminium are also advantageous. One
important point of view is its compatibility with the environment and
health. Polysulfide does not irritate the respiratory organs, eyes or
skin and does not, therefore, have to be indicated on the label. No impairments
during processing due to the observance of special protective measures
have been recorded.
Website: www.polysulfidsystempartner.com
Thermoseal
Group will launch new products following Glasstec 2002
Thermoseal
Group reports that it had a very successful Glasstec, both in terms of
meeting old and new customers on its stand, and also in forging closer
links with its machinery and consumables suppliers, no fewer than eight
of whom were exhibiting at the show.
Thermoseal
exhibited its Perma-led products and resin tables. Perma-led products
– particularly the new coated lead – generated over 200 enquiries
world wide.
The launch of a new automatic edge deletion machine for soft coat low-e
glass was also greeted with a lot of interest – this is expected
to be a big seller as it has a very low starting price (£36,000
plus vat).
The ‘icing on the cake’ was provided by the conclusion of a
deal with Liverpool based Custom Glass Ltd, who ordered two new Masterbend
spacer bar bending machines, one of them being the top end 550 model which
will be the first of its type in the UK.
Thermoseal Isomelt is now running very successfully on the newly installed
hot melt robot at Lancaster based CCG Ltd. Word got round at the show,
and the Kömmerling stand was busy with companies interested in following
suit. The characteristics of the highly advanced material help it work
extremely well on the new equipment.
An agreement between Simec and Thermoseal Services should soon see the
addition of a hot melt robot to complement the two-part robot already
offered by the company. The main advantage of this machine is that it
will operate using standard blocks of material instead of outdated metal
drums.
According to Mark Hickox, Thermoseal Group sales and marketing director,
there will be more developments from the exhibition which will be announced
in due course:
‘Glasstec remains the best forum worldwide for the international
glass industry and we are in discussions with a number of companies who
brought innovative solutions to the show, and who are interested in using
our market penetration of the UK IG market’.
Contact: Mark Hickox
Tel: 0121-331 3950
Email: mailto:general@thermosealgroup.com
Web: http://www.thermosealgroup.com
K2
Conservatories Parts from Parent Company
K2
Conservatory Roof Systems has moved from a brand into a separate limited
company, in a move which has been justified due to its parent company
becoming ever more diverse in the construction and plastics industry.
Sally Fielding, who has now moved into the role of managing director,
commented on the announcement: 'K2 has evolved into a professional and
mature operation in a short period of time, which can be put down to the
teamwork and performance of the staff and the close relationships we have
with our dealers.
'We feel that K2 is now well positioned and capable of delivering further
success in its own right, whilst still maintaining a competitive edge
and the status of being a true challenger brand.'
K2 has recently enhanced its logistics capabilities as part of the facility's
continuing investment programme, which so far has exceeded £60,000
to date.
Utilisation of space contained within the warehouse is of vital important
in order for K2's logistics function to operate to full efficiency. Adding
to existing systems, K2 has recently invested a further £300,000
on cantilever racking, which has been specifically designed and installed
for storing the company's portfolio of PVC extrusions.
Peter Gray, K2's operations manager, explains: 'The implementation of
the new racking system has meant that K2 can now carry a higher volume
of product, with current stock availability consistently running in excess
of 98%.'
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
FAS
and Sheerframe Re-Tie Fifteen Year Knot
UK
commercial fabricator - FAS - has signed a new agreement with systems
company LB Plastics Ltd for the supply of its Sheerframe window, door
and curtain walling systems for the next five years.
The move reflects the partnering relationship between the two companies
who have worked together for over 15 years on some of the South-East's
biggest window projects.
Croydon-based
FAS made a £2 million move to a new 44,000 sq.ft. factory in 1998.
At around the same time it switched from traditionally styled products
to the newly introduced Sheerframe co-extruded systems, eliminating gasketing
from the manufacturing process and increasing production efficiency. The
company now intends to further build the business in the commercial and
social housing sectors on the strength of its relationship with LB Plastics
but also plans to set up a trade supply-only division for both windows
and Hometrim cellular trims and roofline products. Says MD Greg Sharp
(pictured left with David Strang of LB):
'We've been turning this sort of business away for years without realising
the scope it offered. It was only after discussing our five-year business
plan with LB that we realised how well positioned we were to provide a
first class local service in the heart of the South-East.'
FAS has stocked Hometrim products for several years but has until now,
only used it for its own installation contracts. Now the range will complement
the Sheerframe windows range for the trade customer.
Commenting on the traditional FAS markets, Greg says, 'Client demands
in the professional sector are more onerous than ever. Specifiers are
much more aware nowadays and specifications that were once written just
for tendering purposes are now being used to maintain quality throughout
the job, which is exactly as it should be. We know we are in a position
to thrive under those rigorous conditions.
'With the most versatile window system, in Sheerframe, FAS can meet even
the most complex and demanding specification.'
With the enforcement of Part L, the introduction of thermally enhanced
reinforcing, used in conjunction with Sheerframe four-chamber profile,
will further strengthen FAS' scope for winning new work in the region,
believes Greg Sharp.
'We are an ambitious company, and LB have demonstrated yet again that
they have the expertise and innovative vision to invest in the new product
developments which will take the industry forwards. Look around, and there
are very few systems campanies actually investing in new products in the
way that LB have done so consistently over the past fifteen years.'
Tel: 01773 852311
Email: mailto:sheerframe@lbplastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.sheerframe.co.uk
New
All-Ireland Window Companies
The
new All Ireland database from Windowbase - released November 2002 contains
more than 1,000 companies who make or install windows, doors or conservatories.
This represents an increase in the number of suppliers in the Republic
of 25%.
'Our most recent research, from August to November, concentrated on finding
new companies in the Republic' reports Mike Davis of Windowbase. 'We now
have 748 records in the Republic, of which only 590 were on the previous
database, 77 appear to have gone, and there are 158 new companies. That's
a net increase of over 25%'
As with the UK database, the full Irish data [890 installers and 720 fabricators]
includes: details of materials and/or profile systems, differentiation
between fabricators and installers, and size of operation by numbers of
employees and installation teams. Phone and fax numbers are expressed
so they can be used from either the UK or from the Republic.
The Northern Ireland part of the All Ireland database is derived from
the continuously updated UK databases, and so the exact number of companies
may vary as the information is updated. 'At present, anyone taking this
latest database gets a total of 1020 companies, together with the dates
when they were last contacted by us,' says Mike.
The information is available in the form of mailing labels, follow-up
lists or as licensed computer data from £236 + vat. The full data
is available on a time unlimited licence for £780 + vat, direct
from Windowbase.
For an updated Datasheet no 6 'How to make sales to the Irish Window &
Conservatory Industry' and further information, contact:
Mike Davis
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:eiredata@winbase.co.uk
Web: http://www.winbase.co.uk
Renaissance
for Second City...
The
relocation of Second City Window and Door Manufacturers to a purpose-built
prestige site in the West Midlands has led to a significant improvement
in quality reliability and expertise, the company claims.
The new development at Great Bridge, Tipton covers an area of 32,000 sq.
ft and has included an investment of £1/2 million - much of this
towards the installation of high-tech new machinery. Business has increased
by 25% since the move and projected turnover is now £5million for
the company - which was established 16 years ago.
Chairman
Andrew Thompson said:- 'Our investment is paying dividends. Business opportunities
have been developed to their ultimate potential and far beyond our expectations.It's
an exciting time at Second City and our Business Plan is proving to be
most effective and of significant benefit for the Company and our customers'.
Second City has chosen the new Tri Tec system by Rehau to continue their
success story into the 21st century.
Rehau-Tritec is a 60mm system with a consistent three-chamber configuration
for thermal efficiency. It offers a combination of aesthetic benefits
and technical advances which make it easier to manufacture, more secure
and able to perform better once installed.
The system is available either fully chamfered or with sculptured sashes
and features low line silver gaskets with white profile and matching caramel
and mahogany gaskets with woodgrain finishes.
One of the main advantages of Rehau-Tritec is that it is a comprehensive
system comprising 23 main profiles, 22 optional glazing beads, sills,
bay poles, frame extensions, couplers, head drips Georgian bars and supplementary
profiles available from other Rehau ranges. This enables it to be used
to make a wide range of window and door styles from internally glazed
casements to French doors and pivot windows.
Says Wolfgang Gorner of Rehau:
'More and more fabricators across the UK and Eire are choosing either
to add Rehau Tritec to their existing S706 offering or are switching to
it from our previous 60mm system S702. We are delighted to welcome Second
City to the ranks of Rehau-Tritec customers and we wish them every success.'
Second City has achieved the BSl Kitemark and ISO 9002 standard with a
100% conformance rate.
Contact: Carol Dudley
Tel: 0121 521 5210
Email: mailto:admin@2ndcitywindows.co.uk
Masterdor
and Sheerframe - the Perfect Combination
Yorkshire
Housing has specified Masterdor and Sheerframe on a major refurbishment
programme to help meet specific design requirements and improve energy
efficiency.
Yorkshire Housing is the parent company in the Yorkshire Housing Group,
a family of housing associations that currently manages over 9,000 homes.
The Group recently undertook the refurbishment of Victorian terraced houses
in the Beeston area of Leeds, as part of its commitment to providing a
diverse range of quality homes maintained to the highest standard.
The
properties were originally fitted with timber doors and windows, which
had deteriorated so much that they were becoming a serious maintenance
issue and were giving rise to complaints from customers.
Mike Cheung, project officer at Yorkshire Housing comments, 'We wanted
doors and windows that would meet our maintenance and energy efficiency
requirements, but style was also an important issue. In order for the
refurbishment to complement the unusual style of the houses, the window
system had to be able to replicate the double hung sliding sash windows
and the door system needed to be flexible enough to accommodate the gothic
arched and round shaped head configurations.'
The Masterdor and Sheerframe systems both offer a variety of flexible
designs, making them perfect partners. It is this flexibility that has
enabled Yorkshire Housing to offer individual customers a style of window
that suits their home and a choice of six different door styles in a variety
of colours, without having to compromise on security performance.
Each Masterdor is made to measure and consists of an engineered timber
door fitted into a PVCu frame, meaning the system is flexible in design
terms and has the energy efficiency and good looks of a wooden door leaf,
without the weather-related maintenance problems.
Masterdor's production technique enables specifiers to meet the requirements
laid down in Part M of the Building Regulations for external doorways
in residential developments providing wheelchair access. With PAS 23 and
PAS 24 and Secured By Design accreditation, Masterdor also offers protection
against burglary or vandalism and if damaged can usually be economically
repaired rather than replaced.
Yorkshire Housing used the PVCu Part L compliant Sheerframe 7000 window
profile, including vertical sliding sash windows.
Tel: 01423 866868
Email: mailto:info@masterdor.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterdor.co.uk
It's
All Part of the Kolorplas Service
A
range of specialist facilities is available from the Oxon based Kolorplas
Group. The company offers PVCu colour coating and profile bending plus
sash and casement windows complete with exterior Georgian Bars.
PVCu
sash windows are becoming increasingly popular for new build and refurbishment
projects and, in response, Kolorplas manufactures WHS/Halo's range of
Part L compliant vertical sliding windows, which it brands as 'Fast Sash'.
With a choice of design and sash sizes, Kolorplas' colour coating expertise
means that 'Fast Sash' can also be supplied in over 1500 colours, although
black, white, green and cream are the most frequently requested to recreate
a period effect. That traditional appearance can be further enhanced with
the application of Georgian Bars and Horns.
In addition, Kolorplas has its own bending operation at its Didcot factory
for the full range of WHS/HaIo profiles, and this service has recently
been extended to include Rehau vertical sliders. Significant investment
has been made in the latest technology to enable production of high quality
curved sections or complete arched units, which can be delivered glazed
or unglazed ready to install.
'This broad spectrum of quality products and services is one of the company's
main advantages over its competitors. Indeed, this scope has opened up
a number of different market opportunities, from domestic retail to specialist
commercial projects and new build and the company is committed to continued
development of the specialist services it offers.' says Chas Hollis, Sales
and Marketing Director at Kolorplas.
Tel: 01235 516700
Email: mailto:sales@kolorplas.co.uk
Web: http://www.kolorplas.co.uk
System
10 Swings into Action for the Public Sector
A
new System 10 Top Swing window is currently being supplied and fitted
by Sidey Glaziers of Perth in one of Scotland's largest window and door
partnerships to date.
The new Top Swing window from WHS Halo is suitable for the exacting requirements
of Housing Associations and Local Authorities.
Launched
in line with the latest requirements of the Building Regulations, the
new System 10 Top Swing window has been designed with four chambers and
a twin seal operation. It gives specifiers the opportunity to select from
a range of gearing, including a side swing option.
Replacing the existing version, the new Top Swing design provides a system
which fully meets not only the existing building regulations but proposed
future amendments with regard to thermal insulation.
Designed to make cleaning of the window possible from the inside, the
new product is ideal for high rise applications, and meets the requirements
of BS8213 Safety in Use and Cleaning for High Rise Applications. Another
element of its design also making it suitable for high rise specification
is the inclusion of safety restrictors for all the product's major gearing
applications.
The new Top Swing window is primarily offered for high rise applications,
but it is anticipated that it will also be widely specified for low and
medium rise use. It is already winning support from many architects across
the UK who are seeking an alternative to the standard casement window.
The window is also being selected for certain applications where its use
in a coloured format provides an enhanced aesthetic appeal. The new Top
Swing window can be offered in a variety of foil colours, and is available
in this format for special applications on a project by project basis.
With its integral Transom and Mullion, sublights or fan lights can be
included over the integral part of the unit without having to incorporate
independent couplings.
The product is offered in 70mm sections in order to complement the rest
of the System 10 range.
For further information on WHS Halo's range of services and PVCu windows
and doors for housing associations and Registered Social Landlords either
visit the company's dedicated System 10 sponsored website at http://www.specifiernewsline.co.uk
or email mailto:info@whs-halo.co.uk
Seal
of Approval for Bostik P5125
Malbern
Insulated Glass has turned to adhesive and sealant company Bostik Findley,
to provide solutions for maximising productivity by using its Hot Melt
Butyl (HMB) product, Bostik P5125.
Malbern Insulated Glass was established in 1989 to supply its own window
manufacturer Malbern Windows and Doors. The former has expanded rapidly
over the years at its site in Denton, Manchester with over 80,000 sq ft
of purpose built premises producing more than 4,000 insulating glass units
per week.
Looking to increase productivity in its manufacturing of IGU's Malbern
Insulated Glass made the move from using a polyurethane sealant to hot
melt butyl in May 2001. The subsequent decision to convert to Bostik P5125
was made early this year.
Bostik P5125 Hot Melt sealant has been specifically developed for the
edge sealing of factory produced insulating glass units. As a single part,
100% solids content sealant, it sets quickly from its molten state, allowing
units to be moved from their assembly location within five minutes of
application. This speeds up the manufacturing process enabling units to
be sealed and glazed within the same day with minimal wastage.
Stuart Young, managing director of Malbern Insulated Glass comments:
'We value quality and performance to the highest standards in our production
process and with the introduction of new legislation, it is essential
that our units measure up to the stringent requirements specified by the
new prEN 1279 standard. Bostik P5125 has made a significant contribution
in achieving these standards.
'We had our units tested by BSI to prEN1279 at the beginning of the year
and found that the units produced an average moisture penetration index
much lower than that required by the pass criteria of prEN1279-2.'
Contact: Richard Sellman
Tel: 01785 272727
Email: mailto:glazing.sales@bostikfindley.com
Web: http://www.bostik-findley.co.uk
TimbaPlus
Sells its Polystyrene Business to Highwood
The
Polystyrene division of TimbaPlus Products Ltd has been sold to Highwood
Consultants Ltd of Ryde, Isle of Wight. Polystyrene profiles have been
produced by TimbaPlus for many years but the entire production of Styrene
has now been moved to the Isle of Wight with effect from December 1st.
The sale ofthe goodwill and assets, for an undisclosed figure, follows
the company's decision to re-equip the Coleshill, Birmingham factory for
the production of its new Wood Polymer Composite - PolyTimba. A PolyTimba
extrusion line has already been installed and further lines will follow
on completion of building alterations.
'We have decided to concentrate our production on the new product which
will be officially launched early in the New Year,' says David Mattia,
Managing Director of TimbaPlus. 'Early indications are that PolyTimba
will be particularly well received and we have world-wide interest in
the product.'
Toby Parker, Commercial Director for Highwood Consultants, said; 'We already
have a highly successful track record in the Polystyrene industry and
have more than sufficient capacity within our existing plant to absorb
the consolidated business. We are confident that we will continue to supply
quality products to all our customers.'
Contact: David Mattia
Tel: 01675 46732
CAP
Announces New Investment Programme
West
Bromwich-based fabricator CAP has been implementing new investment plans
for its business, founded in 1983.
In the first part of a three-phase technology up-date programme, two new
£300k Elumatec CNC-controlled linked saws and machining centres
have been installed. This has already increased manufacturing output.
Specifically designed for window and curtain walling systems, the new
technology will be connected to CAP’s existing Autocad resources,
further reducing lead times and minimising human error.
To advise and monitor progress on lean manufacturing, CAP has employed
an external consultancy. This involves the company in a substantial training
programme and will affect every part of the manufacturing and business
process. Implementation of a new project planning system will be the first
tangible result of this rigorous self-examination.
Improving communication and control is vital, so CAP has also begun a
six figure investment in new IT software and hardware. Deputy managing
director Martin Dobbs explains 'These investment initiatives will be rolled
out over the next few months to ensure CAP’s continuing performance
as a company with sound resources and dynamic plans for the future.'
Contact: Eric Wilding,
Tel: 0121 525 1000
Email: mailto:enquiries@capaluminium.com
Interframe
Ltd, the Paignton-based manufacturer of Rehau Tritec PVCu windows and
doors has recently expanded into the South London area.
Interframe has acquired its sixth trade counter, this time in Mitcham,
Surrey. This represents a significant step forward for the company, which
recently announced a £500,000 investment in new machinery at its
Paignton factory.
Managing Director, Warrick Butler, said 'The acquisition of the South
London trade counter represents the completion of a key part of our strategic
plan. It will enable us to develop further our customer base in the London
area where there is a huge potential for the sale of our products.'
Interframe now has trade counters in Plymouth, Paignton, Poole, Fareham,
Marlborough and Mitcham, and has a turnover of £12 million per annum.
Tel: 01803 666633
Email: mailto:mail@interframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.interframe.co.uk