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Latium Holdings announces that as at 1.00 p.m. on 7th July 2006, being the previous extended closing date of the Offer, it had received valid acceptances under the Offer in respect of 86,789,550 Ultraframe Shares, representing approximately 89.1 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of Ultraframe.

The Offer has been extended for a further fourteen days from the previous extended closing date to 1.00 p.m. on 21st July 2006.

Prior to the announcement of the Offer on 2nd June 2006, Latium Holdings had received irrevocable undertakings to accept the Offer from Ultraframe Shareholders in respect of, in aggregate, 34,821,246 Ultraframe Shares, representing approximately 35.8 per cent. Of the existing issued share capital of Ultraframe. In addition, prior to the posting of the Offer Document on 9th June 2006, Latium Holdings received an additional irrevocable undertaking to accept the Offer in respect of a further 8,222,574 Ultraframe Shares representing approximately 8.4 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of Ultraframe. In aggregate therefore, Latium Holdings had received prior to the posting of the Offer Document on 9th June 2006, binding irrevocable undertakings in respect of in aggregate 43,043,820 Ultraframe Shares (representing approximately 44.2 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of Ultraframe). Valid acceptances have now been received in respect of all of these Ultraframe Shares.

In addition, Latium Holdings has received valid acceptances in respect of 43,745,730 Ultraframe Shares, representing approximately 44.9 per cent. of the existing issued share capital of Ultraframe. Accordingly, as at 1.00pm (London time) on 7 July 2006, Latium Holdings had received valid acceptances of the Offer from Ultraframe Shareholders, in respect of 86,789,550 Ultraframe Shares, representing approximately 89.1 per cent. of Ultraframe's existing issued share
capital.

Offer Declared Unconditional
Latium Holdings has elected to waive the acceptance condition level set out in condition (a) of Part I of Appendix 1 to the Offer Document from 90% as of 10 July 2006 and the Offer has therefore been declared unconditional in all respects as of 10th July 2006.

Payment of Consideration
In respect of acceptances received prior to 1.00 p.m. on 10th July 2006 which are valid and complete in all respects the cash consideration to which an Ultraframe Shareholder is entitled under or in consequence of the Offer will be despatched to accepting Ultraframe Shareholders and/or credited to CREST accounts as appropriate on or before 1.00 p.m. on 24th July 2006.
Consideration in respect of any further acceptances of the Offer which are received after 1.00 p.m. on 10th July 2006 and prior to 1.00 p.m. on 21st July 2006 and which are valid and complete in all respects will be dispatched and/or credited to CREST within 14 days of the date of receipt.

The Letters of Entitlement which form a contingent consideration to which an Ultraframe Shareholder is entitled under or in consequence of the Offer will be despatched to accepting Ultraframe Shareholders as appropriate on or before 1.00 p.m. on 24th July 2006. Letters of Entitlement in respect of any further acceptances of the Offer which are received after 1.00 p.m. on 10th July 2006 and prior to 1.00 p.m. on 21st July 2006 and which are valid and complete in all respects will be dispatched within 14 days of the date of receipt.

Intended Cancellation of Listing
As a result of the Offer being declared unconditional Latium Holdings intends to procure the making of an application by Ultraframe to the UK Listing Authority for the cancellation of the listing of Ultraframe Shares on the Official List and to the London Stock Exchange for the cancellation of trading of Ultraframe Shares on its market for listed securities. Accordingly, the 20 business day notice period has commenced and it is anticipated that cancellation of listing and trading will take effect no earlier than 20 business days following the date of this announcement.

Offer Extension
The Offer has been extended for a further fourteen days from the previous extended closing date to 1.00 p.m. on 21st July 2006.

Mark Rogers leaves Veka

After more than 19 years with the company Mark Rogers, Sales and Marketing Director of Veka plc, has left the company by mutual consent.

The announcement follows a period of review and development that has resulted in a revised sales and marketing strategy and structure, for which phase 1 has been completed. In discussing plans to implement the new strategy it was decided mutually between Mark (pictured) and the company that he would relinquish his position as Sales & Marketing Director and leave Veka with immediate effect.

Mark de Meza, Managing Director of Veka plc says that Mark's departure is sad in many ways but was the result of open discussions about how best to take Veka forward: ‘Mark has worked for us for nearly 20 years and he has been a fantastic servant to the company. He has been instrumental in building the business to its current size. In our discussions it became clear to both of us that we were diverging and that different skills will be required to tackle the trading climate and issues faced by the glazing industry. For Mark I believe that it signalled an opportunity to seek other challenges and we part on the very best of terms. I have enjoyed working with him, and I am sure our paths will cross again in the future.’

Mark Rogers, on holiday in France at the time of the announcement, echoed Mark de Meza's remarks: ‘Veka is a unique organisation with some of the best products, people and customers in the industry. I have thoroughly enjoyed my 19 years at the company and am proud to have been part of the success in building Veka in the UK. I also take great pride in seeing some of the past and present Veka customers outperforming the market and selling premium products as best value and not just the best price. Additionally I have been privileged to work with some great people and have some fantastic memories.

‘This is an excellent opportunity for me; I feel it is the right time for a change and I am looking forward to doing something different. I have a number of projects that I will be working on, some of them in the industry. But not least I will take the opportunity to spend some time with my wife and young family. The new plans for Veka are very exciting and herald a new era for the company; I wish Mark and my colleagues and many friends at Veka continued success.'

Mark de Meza added: ‘Put simply, our aim is to provide the best customer service in the industry. As we implement Phase II of the improvement plan, customers will see further improvements in the coming months and we will provide further details of this in due course. Veka plc is committed to the UK PVC-u market and our customers will see exciting new products and strategies over the coming months and years. We have already started the process for recruiting a new Sales and Marketing Director as further evidence of this commitment.’

Highly acclaimed impressionist and actor Alistair McGowan, will reel out his extensive list of sporting and TV celebrity impressions to entertain and delight a packed audience at the G 06 Awards Presentation Gala Dinner, being held at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole on Friday September 15th.

Widely known for his David Beckham and Sven Goran Eriksson characters, Alistair joins the list of top name celebrities to host recent G-Awards presentations. The master of mimicry boasts a repertoire of over 100 impersonations from his award-winning show Alistair McGowan’s Big Impression and, with accolades under his belt for Best Comedy Entertainment Award at the British Comedy Awards 2000, and Best Entertainment Programme at the Broadcast Awards 2001, is a highly fitting host for the G06 Awards. He also includes in his achievements a string of acting performances and appearances in some of TVs best known shows, together with performances in repertory theatre.

The G06 Awards to be handed out by Alistair McGowan will recognise excellence and initiative amongst deserving members of the glass, glazing and fenestration industries, with the G-Awards now established as the social event of the industry calendar. Around 700 people are expected to enjoy Alistair’s performance whilst cheering on the Awards winners as they collect their trophies.

Tables are selling fast and are expected to be in short supply as news of Alistair McGowan’s participation spreads. Reserve you place now at this glittering occasion by going to www.g-awards.com or contacting Tony Higgin on 01923 461527.

Super Spacer® Achieves Six Firsts in Window Energy Ratings

With six firsts under its belt, Edgetech UK says that its Super Spacer® is a star performer of the Window Energy Ratings.

The company reports that the Warm edge technology Super Spacer helped Piper Double Glazing achieve the first 'A' rated window, with a BFRC rating of 4 kWh/m2/yr. This was a triple first, as it was the first PVC-U 'A' rating, and the first triple glazed window rated too. Tradelink swiftly followed with the first double glazed 'A. ‘Now we have a choice of materials too, with the first timber 'A' rated window from George Barnsdale and Sons, and the first aluminium A from Hazlemere. And they all used Super Spacer® to secure their top ratings.

‘The elite band of companies with 'A' ratings are capitalising on their achievements with increased orders and premiums,’ states Andy Jones. ‘But the industry cannot rest on its laurels now: we need to work together to promote the WER, lobby Government and develop the end-user market further.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Swisspacer to Target UK Market

Swisspacer says it is the European warm-edge market leader with an estimated market share of over 20%. Having strengthened its position in the East European and Nordic countries as well as Germany and France, this Saint-Gobain Business Unit is now focusing on developing sales in the UK.

The Swisspacer business unit will provide two products: Swisspacer and Swisspacer-V. Both are made in a synthetic material with 35% glass fibre content. This material is then covered with ultra thin foils of Aluminium (Swisspacer) or Stainless Steel (Swisspacer-V).

Swisspacer-V is recognised by independent laboratories, certifiers and competitors, as giving the best thermal values on the market. Swisspacer also offers a full range of accessories, from Vienna Georgian Bars to coloured corner keys.

The key advantages of this technology are as follows:

- Excellent insulation: Swisspacer-V gives the best thermal values on the market
- Aesthetics : matt finish with no shiny metal aesthetics, perfect 90° corners and a wide range of colours
- The rigid material ensures a clean sight line, with no possibility of unsightly waviness on application
- Wide product range : full range of sizes, thicknesses and accessories
- Low manufacturing costs: no investment is required and Swisspacer offers good value prices
- Quality assured: fully accredited under EN1279 and CE standards.

Swisspacer also offers its customers a high level of technical and marketing support. Strongly convinced that attractive brochures are not the be all and end all of marketing, Swisspacer has worked closely with independent laboratories to develop a piece of software called Caluwin. This software, available from June, will enable window makers or IGU manufacturers to quickly and easily calculate the ‘whole window U-value’ (Uw value) of their windows in accordance with EN standards.

Solaglas was the first company in the UK to offer Swisspacer units. Having recently completed a re-assessment of the UK warm-edge market, they are now promoting Swisspacer more extensively and are assisting their customers in achieving good Window Energy Ratings. They will soon be followed by distributors and other IGU manufacturers. According to Kathryn Dalgleish, Marketing Manager of Solaglas and Matthew Kershaw, Commercial Manager of Solaglas Leeds, Swisspacer is the most appropriate product to satisfy UK demand.

In the UK, lots of prestigious projects have been glazed with Swisspacer units. Well-known examples include HSBC tower in Canary Wharf (London), Swiss Re building (London).

Tel: +41 071 686 92 70,
Email: swisspacer@saint-gobain.com
http://www.swisspacer.com

Veka and Sovereign Seal Three Decades with Supply Deal

Nelson, based Sovereign Group Ltd has signed an exclusive supply contract with the company that has supplied its window and door profiles for the past 30 years, Veka.

Sovereign is not only the UK's longest established Veka fabricator in fact it was responsible for introducing Veka to the UK two decades ago. The company now uses Veka profiles to fabricate up to 10,000 frames per month at its Lancashire headquarters, with a client base across the UK and a large proportion of work in London and the South East. Expansion of the Lancashire factory will double the amount of space to 100,0000sq ft., to increase output to cope with the company's growth, particularly in the public sector where Sovereign is especially successful.

The supply agreement defines volume supply and pricing, a programme of product development and cooperation, and a long-term commitment to purchase Veka products.

Sovereign's Managing Director Glenn Taylor says the agreement underscores a special relationship: ‘The link we have with Veka is unique in that we introduced the Veka system into the UK, which lead to the formation of Veka plc. We have used Veka products longer than any other British company and we continue to believe, quite simply, that it is the best system available. We are delighted therefore to formalise that relationship to take our partnership well into the future.’

Mark de Meza, Managing Director of Veka plc says that the relationship with Sovereign is a model: ‘With Sovereign we have what is close to the perfect commercial relationship. But it goes way beyond that because the personal relationships that exist between us at every level within both companies are very special too, providing a synergy between the businesses that cannot be created overnight. Sovereign is a great company and one that is providing an example of how a business should be run in tough times as well as good.’

Foilcraft UK Becomes Part of Elecon Group

Foilcraft UK Ltd, the UK lamination company has been bought by the Elecon Group and sits alongside Proactive Procurement within the Group.

The acquisition of the Washington-based company was made by Peter Gray, the managing director of the Elecon Group and former head of operations at The Burnden Group and K2 Conservatory Roof Systems. The company operates from a 15,000 square foot facility in Washington, Tyne and Wear and supplies over 40,000 laminated sheets to a number of companies in the window and door industry.

Peter Gray comments: ‘Foilcraft is already a successful business and with further planned investment and expansion we expect even greater returns. It's an exciting time for everyone involved in Foilcraft, particularly the employees and customers.’

With demand for laminated products increasing in the window and door industry the company feels that it is ideally positioned to exploit further market opportunities. There are a number of new foils becoming available from several leading suppliers and this will increase the number of products available from Foilcraft. For further information please contact Foilcraft UK Ltd on 0191 415 1615 or e-mail: sales@foilcraft.co.uk

L.B. Plastics Truck Drivers Clock up one Million Miles Each

Two truck drivers from the Litchfield Group of Companies, of which L.B. Plastics is a part, have clocked up one million miles each.

The long-distance duo joins two other drivers who have already achieved the amazing record, which is the equivalent to driving around the circumference of the earth 40 times.

Robert Pollard and Andrew Smith have taken almost nine years to reach the one million mile landmark – an average of 111,000 miles a year. Robert joined the ‘One Million Mile Club’ on his return from delivering L.B. Plastics window profiles to Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides and Andrew hit the mark while delivering doors from group-owned company Masterdor to Keith in the Scottish Highlands.

The existing members of the ‘One Million Mile Club’ are Andy Wheeldon who has travelled 2.7 million miles since joining the company 34 years ago and Roger Gerrard, who has travelled 1.36 million miles.

The Litchfield Group of Companies, including L.B. Plastics, manufactures high-performance products and components primarily for the building industry. Product ranges include Sheerframe window and door systems, Sheerline decking and fencing and Hometrim cladding, soffits and fascias.

Keith Sims, transport and logistics manager, said: 'Our delivery service takes us to all corners of the United Kingdom with the furthest point presently being Stornoway in the Outer Hebrides. We are proud of our track record of long serving employees in all areas of the organisation but for our drivers this one million mile record is an amazing achievement and a testimony to their commitment and professionalism.'

Robert Pollard said: 'I enjoy driving and can’t believe I’ve clocked up one million miles. It is a real landmark achievement and I’m proud to have made so many deliveries. There is a good camaraderie amongst the drivers and there is a lot of support from colleagues and from the company. I’m looking forward to the next million miles.'

The group, which employs 1000 people worldwide including 14 drivers, has a remarkable record of long serving employees with over 170 receiving gold watches to celebrate 25 years’ service, since the business started in 1922.

For further information about L.B.Plastics and the Litchfield Group of Companies call 01773 852311 or visit http://www.lbplastics.co.uk.

glasstec 2006: Find Out Today what is Feasible Tomorrow

Glass has long been an essential construction material and a vital component for designing modern building fronts, roofs and foyers.

It allows architects and designers to build structures that impress with their lightness, to create light-flooded rooms and establish a unique connection between interiors and the outside world. Glass has also been increasingly used for interior design since floors and ceilings can be styled just as impressively with this versatile material as can walls, staircases and furniture.

Another forward-looking application of glass is photovoltaic modules. Forming an integral part of the building, these elements not only generate environmentally friendly energy but offer façades a different, individualised look.

The pre-requisite for the diversified applications of glass is the glass producers', processors', suppliers' and machine builders' ability to innovate. Only the on-going further development of functional glass types, coatings and machining techniques - as well as of fittings and sealing technology - can bring about ever new structural and optical solutions.

Innovative products such as light-directing, self-cleaning and switchable glass are worth mentioning due to their ‘add-on functions’ which enhance the performance portfolio of functional glazings and make their appearance ever more viable. The continued development of these products will also have a decisive influence on glass architecture in the future.

According to many glass experts this also holds true for using glue to join glass and frame to form structural units. Glued joints permit planners to substantially reduce frame widths, permitting slimmer window and façade structures despite larger glazed surfaces. In the past, this development was also driven by innovative window hardware manufacturers who engineered their fittings with a higher load-bearing capacity. As a result, glass became the dominating material in the façade. Now the next development step is leading in the same direction.

However, these and many other trends in the glass sector would not be possible without corresponding developments in machine technology. In this connection, the feasibility of finishing larger sheet formats as functional glass is just as important a milestone as the production of bent insulating glass and the use of high-precision laser technology in glass finishing.

At glasstec 2006 visitors will be able to see what glass producers, finishers and suppliers from all over the world have to offer today and what new perspectives for glass production and finishing are shown by the innovations of glass machinery builders.

Technology must rise to new challenges especially when multi-functional insulating glass and photovoltaic or solar thermal systems are to be integrated into building shells. Organiser of the Special Show, ‘glass technology live’, Professor Stefan Behling, (Senior Architect at Fosters & Partners from London) and his team from the Stuttgart University will show the latest products, technologies, trends and designs under the heading ‘Future Homes’. Focal topics of the exhibition will include ‘Tomorrow's Materials’, ‘Future Insulating Glasses’, ‘Façade Technology’, ‘Bionics’ and ‘Adaptive Systems’.

A whole series of current projects handled by architects that include Adjai Associates, Rem Koolhaas, Ben van Berkel, Diener + Diener and Delugan + Meissl will complement the Innovation Show and the technical symposium running alongside it. The importance of the special show is also reflected in this technical symposium, which welcomes first time participation from Germany's largest Chamber of Architects, (AKNW), and the leading solar technology institute ISE (Fraunhofer-Institute for Solar Energy Systems).

Under different daily headings, speakers from a wide variety of fields will discuss and elaborate upon the focal points of the special show. An added benefit for interested architects is that by attending the technical symposium they also meet statutory continuous education obligations.

For further information about glasstec 2006, the Special Show ‘glass technology live’ and the accompanying technical symposium, please visit the website at http://www.glasstec.de

Lister Invests in Navman Wireless Vehicle Tracking

Getting customer's goods delivered on time is a major challenge these days. Route planning, scheduling and the constant fight with traffic delays can be a nightmare for any transport manager. Knowing where your vehicles are and being able to contact and quickly redirect drivers is vital if you are to consistently meet the customer's expectations.

So, with Lister’s delivery record at an all time high the company gives an insight into one of the secrets to its success.

Some months ago the company wanted to improve the speed and accuracy of its deliveries while also cutting down on the constant mobile phone messages between driver and base. So Lister scoured the market for a system which would meet its own demanding criteria.

Darren Liston of Active Business Communications, based in Stockport, demonstrated the latest Navman system to Lister, which would not only track a vehicle and give the driver a pre-planned route; it could also monitor each vehicle's position. And Lister base could communicate, redirect and provide additional information to the driver straight to the single device in the cab.

Although Lister isn't planning delivering world wide just yet, the system will work from any internet-ready PC in the world via the sophisticated OnLineAVL software. OnLineAVL gives you clear high-quality mapping with pin-point accuracy and mission-critical data reports. It makes maps and a-z's a thing of the past, and thus further reduces downtime and communication costs.

‘This has revolutionised our way of scheduling and route planning,’ says Simon Lewis, Listers Transport Manager. ‘Daily routes are simply pre-planed and sent via wireless to each vehicle. Each driver can rely on an accurate satellite generated delivery point and any changes to the route, because of traffic problems or a simple request from the customer, can all be made directly to the device from our computer terminal without any need to ring the driver.’

The Navman system does all the above plus it provides a range of reports and data that is extremely impressive. Information on mileage, fuel consumption, vehicle site reports and even ignition times help to you to control, plan and review deliveries on a daily basis. And if you like watching your fleet as little dots move around a map on your computer screen, it will even let you do that!

Simon says that ‘It's involved some serious research and investment to get the right system. But it really has paid off in simplified scheduling for us and accurate on time deliveries for our customers. We're interested in maintaining a good record for health and safety especially on the public highway and the reduced communications needed with the vehicles is really helping us. Plus It takes divers straight to delivery point (even hard to find addresses) thereby speeding up the service. I can't remember how we managed without it!’

Contact Lister on 01782 205605 http://www.listertf.co.uk
Contact Active Business Communications on 0161 355 1717 http://www.ab-comms.com

World Cup Win for Rehau Employee

With Germany hosting the world cup, it was probably natural for Rehau to stage a world cup themed competition for its staff.

To mark the launch of its new international corporate identity, all of Rehau's 14,000 employees worldwide were invited to enter a competition answering questions about the company and its operations and all the correct entrants were put into a draw to win tickets to a group stage match.

One of just five lucky winners was Lorraine Allsey, an internal sales manager at Rehau's Manchester Sales office. Lorraine won a three day trip to Germany for her and her partner taking in the match between the USA and Ghana as well as sightseeing, a brewery trip and a tour of one of Rehau's most advanced automotive component manufacturing facilities.

Lorraine thoroughly enjoyed the experience. She said: ‘I couldn't believe I had won - it was a wonderful experience and really opened my eyes to what a global giant Rehau really is. The other winners came from the USA, South Africa, Poland and Germany so it was a truly international event.’

Tel: 01989 762600

AG Glass goes Warm Edge

AG Glass has become one of the first companies in the UK to invest in a fully automated Lisec Super Spacer® line. This new £1m investment is already being used to develop solutions for fabricators that will enable them to offer energy rated windows.

John Spiby, managing director comments: ‘As a company we have always been at the forefront of technology as our history of investing in machinery shows. But this new Lisec line really is special and we have already been able to work with a number of our customers to develop energy rated windows.’

The company believes that the future of the window industry is in energy rated windows and that means the integration of Warm Edge technology in the form of Edgetech's Super Spacer® product. The new Lisec line is capable of producing 3,000 units per day and this will certainly satisfy the short-term demand from fabricators.

With order fulfilment levels running at an audited 99.95% level the company is able to back up the quality of its units with an industry leading supply process. For fabricators this means both standard and energy efficient units can be delivered on-time, every time.

The glazing industry is difficult to predict but AG Glass is fully committed to the energy efficiency initiative and the development of solutions for fabricators. Other fabricators considering offering energy rated windows should speak to AG Glass for further information.

Tel: 01226 356500
Email: john.spiby@ag-glass.co.uk

Polar Windows Benefitting from BM TRADA Certification

One of the window manufacturers who has most recently made the move to join BM TRADA's Q-Mark scheme for the certification of PVC-u fabrication has expressed its satisfaction with the level of service on offer and is already enjoying renewed success in the commercial sector.

Chesterfield based Polar Windows produces high performance PVC-u windows in a wide range of opening configurations employing multi-chamber profiles and joined the BM TRADA scheme last year to achieve the Q-Mark for IG unit manufacture and enhanced security as well as PVC-u window fabrication.

Under the supervision of BM TRADA Polar Windows has had a full programme of testing carried out at Chiltern Dynamics and been awarded all three Q-Marks. Polar Windows has also moved to using a new profile supplier, with BM TRADA ensuring all the necessary type test evidence from the system house was processed as smoothly as possible.

Business Development manager for Polar Windows, Rob Hawkins, comments: ‘BSI did our initial type testing on our sealed unit for the new European standard, but we decided to make the switch to BM TRADA back in the autumn of last year. We have found everyone at BM TRADA to be not only very approachable, but also they have kept us up to date with progress at their end, guiding us through the process.

‘There is no doubt about it, becoming part of the Q-Mark scheme has helped us get into commercial markets.’

Tel: 01494 569607
Email: qmark@bmtrada.com
Web: http://www.bmtrada.com

Cash and Carry Windows Supports Sold Secure

A Lancashire door and window fabricator has joined the growing list of customers to benefit from GU Ferco's Sold Secure Scheme. Based at Thornton Cleveleys near Blackpool, Cash and Carry Windows is a 'supply only' specialist to trade and DIY customers across the North West and beyond. This family business, run by brothers, Ian and Terence Clark, has been established for 11 years and has built up a loyal customer base.

One of the reasons for the firm's continuing success, says Ian Clark, is insisting exclusively on GU Ferco hardware, backed by the Sold Secure initiative. ‘We use the full range of GU Ferco door locks including Rhino bolts, keepers and the French door slave bolt. In the past we have tried a variety of other brands but now stick to GU. Other products simply could not compete with the high quality and reliability of GU.’

Cash and Carry Windows took its commitment to GU a step further in January 2006 when it joined the Sold Secure scheme. This independent, non-profit making scheme is operated by the Master Locksmiths Association (MLA) and covers a broad cross section of security products from safes to car alarms. GU products carry the Sold Secure symbol, proving that they have been independently tested to withstand forced entry and attack.

Ian Clark comments that high quality hardware equals reliable, secure products for our customers and the end user. No fabricator wants to waste time, money and risk its reputation by having to make repair visits to faulty locks - which is where the Sold Secure scheme really comes into its own. All members of the scheme are offered a free five-year parts and labour warranty on a range of GU products, subject to certain terms and conditions. In the unlikely event of a GU/Ferco product proving to be faulty due to product failure, a mobile engineer from Lock Solutions, a specialist organisation which provides a national 24 hour emergency lock repair service, will undertake a site visit and repair or replace the faulty item. If the failure is due to product manufacture rather than installation, GU will replace the product and cover the cost.

Ian Clark comments: ‘Sold Secure gives our customers added confidence that they are buying windows, doors with excellent quality hardware and the five-year guarantee and back-up from Lock Solutions just gives us extra peace of mind. We are proud to be part of the scheme and to use GU products.’

Tel: 02476 217900

EAG Clinches Westminster Academy Contract

English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has clinched a £2.6m contract from Chelsfield Plc to provide external glazing and terracotta cladding to the new Westminster Academy in Paddington, London.

The contract forms part of a £25million project to build a new school for pupils aged 11-18 who will be relocated from North Westminster Community School, which is marked for closure.

EAG will be installing Schuco glazing systems, including high performance FW60+ pressure cap and FW60 structurally bonded curtain walling with integral RS65 glass doors and bi-parting entrance doors.

EAG will also install a glass balustrade on the north-west elevation and glazed terracotta cladding in six shades of green and yellow in a large staggered arrangement to the front of the building.

EAG is scheduled to begin work on site in July this year with a view to completing in January 2007. The main contractor is Galliford Try.

Greenwood Makes Life Easier for Manufacturers and Installers

Greenwood Airvac has published two comprehensive data sheets aimed at assisting window manufacturers and installers in the newbuild and replacement window markets, to comply with recent changes to Part F of the Building Regulations. The data sheets provide key information and guidance about ventilation requirements as well as detailing the range products available from Greenwood Airvac.

As ventilation system design in new build moves away from a standardised approach, requirements will need to be assessed on key information such as floor area, number of bedrooms and occupancy, combine with a choice of four different methodologies. For the first time, replacement windows now also fall under Building Regulation control with the introduction of Section 3 ‘Work on existing buildings’.

Greenwood Airvac is keen to simplify the main points of the new approach, to assist those responsible for the specification and installation ventilation systems to comply with the new regulations. 'As the only well established manufacturer and supplier of all of the necessary solutions we are ideally placed to play a pivotal role in communicating the changes to the industry,' says the company.

Greenwood’s range of products includes a broad range of passive and mechanical ventilation products and as they have all been designed and manufactured by the company, they have been developed with both Part F and Part L of the building regulations in mind.

Datasheets for replacement and new build windows are available from Greenwood Airvac via website enquiries - please visit http://www.greenwood.co.uk to request a copy.

John Fredericks Links Up on Conservatory Roofs

Trade fabricator John Fredericks has signed an exclusive deal with Ultraframe conservatory roof fabricator Link Conservatory Roof Systems to provide conservatory roofs for its growing customer base.

The joint venture between John Fredericks and Link - a family run business which has been fabricating conservatory roofs for more than 12 years - will provide customers with a high quality product, a fast and reliable service and flexible approach. All John Fredericks and former sister company S&J Marketing’s conservatory roofs are now being manufactured at Link’s purpose built 12,000 square feet factory in Yorkshire. The business has the capacity to manufacture in excess of 100 roofs a week on a standard five day turnaround.

John Fredericks has sold certain assets to Link and a new company has been formed - S&J Link. This has made S&J Link one of the UK’s largest Ultraframe roof fabricators. As a large operator, S&J Link is able to provide the highest levels of quality and service, whilst benefiting from greater economies of scale that it can pass on to customers.

Kevin Hill, John Fredericks’ managing director, commented: ‘We are pleased to announce the joint venture between ourselves and Link. As a quality manufacturer with an excellent reputation in the industry, Link has a great synergy with John Fredericks. We have worked hard to improve the levels of service and quality we provide to our customers and we are confident that this strategic move will further enhance our offering and broaden our national reach.’

Paul Nellis, director at S&J Link, added: ‘We are delighted to be in partnership with John Fredericks. We bring experience, skill and quality to the table and are now able to provide a truly national service, supported by the stature of John Fredericks which is recognised throughout the industry as one of the best super fabricators. Customers will have a reliable one stop shop for windows, doors and conservatories, safe in the knowledge that they will receive high quality, a flexible service and competitive prices.’

Tel: 01422 314100
Email: khill@johnfredericksplastics.com
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.com

KEB Towers above the Rest

KEB Fabrications Ltd has won a prestigious contract to supply and fit over 3000 70mm Profile 22 pivot windows to refurbish four tower blocks in the shadow of the Symphony Hall in central Birmingham.

The £1million+ contract was awarded to the Smethwick-based fabricator by Wates Construction, which holds the contract for refurbishment of the Civic Close tower blocks from owner Birmingham City Council.

The refurbishment project has already received a great deal of media attention and has been publicly backed by Birmingham MP and cabinet minister Clare Short. It involves the comprehensive refurbishment of all four buildings, including windows, external cladding, and the replacement of kitchens and bathrooms, to improve the overall standard of accommodation they offer.

The window installation programme at the four buildings (Galton, Crescent, Norton and Cambridge Towers) will be carried out by 15 of KEB's specially-trained fitting teams and is expected to be completed by mid October 2006.

Andrew Reid, Profile 22's head of sales, says: ‘This award shows faith in KEB to deliver high quality products and service in an extremely prestigious refurbishment project. I congratulate the company wholeheartedly in the effort and commitment it has demonstrated to become one of the UK's foremost social housing specialists.’

Lawrence Breakspear, managing director, KEB Fabrications Ltd, says: ‘This once again emphasises KEB's continual success in the Social Housing Sector. We have considerable experience in the refurbishment of tower blocks and this gave the city and the main contractor the extra confidence that was needed.

‘In addition, our recent success in the acquiring of the BSI's accreditation for surveying and installation of windows underlined our professional commitment to all of our clients and the end user.’

Tel: 0121 555 5533
Web: http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk

No Energy Surcharge with Reflex

Customers buying their Reflex branded solar control conservatory roof glass from glass fabricator Roof-Maker will already be used to not having to pay an energy surcharge on any of the Reflex glass products they specify.

This is because the company firmly believes that charging a separately itemised energy surcharge on manufactured glass products could possibly be illegal if proved to be the work of collective price fixing agreements between the major European manufacturers.

Scott Nicholas, Managing Director of Roof-Maker, told us that: ‘For glass producers to try and charge extra for the manufacturing of their products is ethically wrong. The growing excessive fuel costs should be included in quoted prices.’

‘Passing on energy surcharges in the trade is virtually impossible," Scott adds, "with many processors now totally refusing to pay it. These surcharges cannot be passed on to the homeowner who wouldn't stand for it, but are instead absorbed by firms like ourselves.’
‘Its time to make a stand and refuse to pay this ridiculous and potentially illegal stealth profit, and a growing number of glass suppliers are now starting to see the light.

‘Reflex glass will never be subject to an energy surcharge or any other type of surcharge, what next, an invoicing supplement, or handling surcharge?’

Tel: 0116 269 6297
Email: roofmaker@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.reflexglass.co.uk

Twin Valley Homes Secures Tenants Homes with Rockdoor

Twin Valley Homes Ltd is on target to make all entrance doors more secure for tenants by the end of 2006. When Twin Valley Homes took over from Blackburn and Darwen Borough Council, it promised tenants £80 million upgrades on their homes including secure entrance doors, double glazing, central heating, upgrade insulation and replacement kitchens for any over 15 years old.

That was nearly five years ago. And the programme is coming to an end as all entrance doors for houses will be replaced with Rockdoor by the end of 2006. 'It’s over 8,000 doors,'explains John Hargreaves, Asset Manager for Twin Valley Homes. 'Tenants wanted to feel secure in their homes, and it was important to have a door that would keep burglars out and our tenants are now far less likely to report break-ins through doors to us. We’ve even had some feedback from the police that they struggled to get through Rockdoors with their battering rams!

'Rockdoor has been well received by tenants. So we’ve kept our promises and our tenants have got secure entrance doors front and back. There’s also another benefit. Rockdoor is a well sealed and insulated door and has helped decrease tenant’s fuel bills so it fits into our energy strategy too.'

Securistyle Meets Tenant Choice for Gateshead

Results from tenant focus groups and questionnaires have contributed to the development of a refurbishment programme by The Gateshead Housing Company. The £232 million programme will see 23,000 homes in Gateshead, Tyne & Wear refurbished to meet the standards determined by the Government’s Decent Homes Standard by 2010.

The refurbishment programme includes the replacement of timber windows with double glazed uPVC. The Gateshead Housing Company has specified window hinges by UK manufacturer Securistyle, which will be fitted and installed by six window fabricators. The specification includes the Defender Standard hinges and the Defender Restricted friction hinges for child safety plus ancillary security devices (ASDs) – all manufactured from austenitic stainless steel for maximum resistance to corrosion.

Russell Urwin, senior contract administrator at The Gateshead Housing Company, Darren French of the Decent Homes team and Neil Rabbitts, northern specifications manager for Securistyle.

Russell Urwin, senior contract administrator at The Gateshead Housing Company, said: 'We wanted to provide our tenants with Best Value products and Securistyle came out top in our research. I had used Securistyle hardware in the past and had lots of faith in the quality of the products. We have also benefited from the excellent levels of customer service and advice that the company provides.'

Neil Rabbitts, northern specifications manager for Securistyle added: 'We are committed to communicating the benefits of specifying exact hardware requirements, because it is the only way that housing associations and local authorities can ensure their tenants get the safest and most secure windows.'

For further information on Securistyle hardware call Maria Fatica in the Specifications Sales Team on 01242 221200 or visit http://www.securistyle.co.uk.

Proskills Embarks on Major Consultation on Glass and Glazing Skills

Sector Skills Council, Proskills, has embarked on a UK-wide consultation with employers which will shape the future of skills provision and funding for the glass and glazing industry. The information gathered during this consultation process will form the basis of the Sector Skills Agreement (SSA), the fundamental collaborative action plan between the three key players: employers, government and the education sector, which will determine the way skills are delivered and developed for the sector.

Proskills CEO, Terry Watts, commented; ‘Appropriate training provision is vital if UK industry is to thrive and survive in today's fiercely competitive global market. According to productivity figures, UK manufacturing ranks only 11th out of 16 competitor nations, and much of the problem lies in our lack of skills. If the UK were as productive as the best in Europe then we could add £80Billion to our nation's wealth each year’

‘This major consultation is not a vendor-led initiative to promote training for its own sake. Nor is it a single-issue initiative to address a specific problem such as encouraging more young people into the glass and glazing industry - although that is of course a worthy aim. The objective of the SSA is to generate measurable improvements in productivity by developing and maintaining skills in this key sector of the economy. However, for the initiative to succeed it requires support from everyone involved, particularly employers, managers and professionals who really understand the needs of the glass and glazing industry.’

It is anticipated that the entire five-stage SSA process will be completed by September 2007. The initial stages, which include the assessment of current and future skill needs, together with the assessment of current provision and an analysis of present gaps and weaknesses, are being undertaken by an external consultancy.

Work is already underway on stages 1 and 2: the assessment of needs and provision, which includes an employer survey of 2000 telephone and web-based interviews, with an additional 500 in-depth interviews and discussions with key employers. Focus groups and workshops addressing specific industry groups will develop a range of possible future scenarios and elicit key future issues and drivers from business leaders.

Initial findings from this stage will be reported and will be used to create the detailed interviews and discussion topics of the focus groups. A postal survey of 150 training course-providers will also be undertaken, supported by 60 in-depth telephone interviews with key training provider managers. Reports on both these activities are expected to be delivered in September, 2006.

Stage 3 of the SSA process will analyse the gaps and weaknesses in training provision which have become apparent as a result of the responses to the survey. Critical areas will be identified and a report on strategic priorities will be delivered by the end of October, 2006.

Tel: +44(0)1235 833 844
Email: info@proskills.co.uk
Web: http://www.proskills.co.uk

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