The GL@ZINE News

Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems says that conservatory roof processing time can be cut by up to 50% by using the company’s new processing suite.

The suite comprises a series of equipment ranging from hand-held jigs to free-standing pneumatic punches to enable accelerated and more accurate processing of component parts for the Aztec roof.

The machines feature punches produced from hardened steel, with each punch being multi- positional to accommodate all the required fixing location points for ridge, glazing bars and undercladding.

Linked to computer software to give ± 1mm precision, each punch can be preset and dedicated to single component sections for standard Edwardian and Victorian roofs. This eliminates the need to measure along each part, mark positions for fixings holes, secure the component and then drill. It also eliminates potential room for human error, where holes are drilled out of alignment and the need to double-check alignments by factory pre-assembly. Roofs processed using the suite need not be pre-assembled, but simply boxed or wrapped for delivery to site in manageable packages.

John Sales, Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems technical director, says, ‘We always listen to our customers, in what they believe they need to continue to grow, and couple that with our own experience in fabricating and building conservatories. The result is the processing suite, which our tests show cuts processing of transom and ridge by half, and gives fabricators the assured accuracy of each processed component to stop them having to pre-assemble to check the roof fits together properly!

‘There has been huge attention to detail to produce a system that delivers what they need, and that can accelerate production whether the fabricator chooses to continue to pre-assemble roofs, or supply flat-packed.’

In addition to developing the processing suite, Aztec has made further refinements to the roof system, to further accelerate production time. A new hip bead for jack rafters on Edwardian roofs has been designed, that is simply cut to the appropriate angle and clip-fixed to the transom bar. Previously, fabricators had to slice and compound the bead to ensure a neat fit. The refinement is not only quicker to process, but makes it easier for the fitter to ‘flash’ the rafter and gives a neater appearance to the fished roof.

Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk

More than 450 glazing industry revellers partied hard at the 8th GM Fundraising Gala Dinner, held at The Palace Hotel, Manchester on Saturday evening. The annual event, organised by former Deceuninck CEO, Gary Morton and the GMF team, was sold out weeks in advance. Those lucky enough to have secured tables at the event enjoyed an excellent meal, with entertainment by stilt-walkers, a close-up magician and after dinner, an outstanding Soul band that kept the dance floor filled till the traditional bacon rolls arrived in the early hours of Sunday.

The purpose of the evening was to raise funds for the Hope House Hospice for terminally ill children. Prior to the raffle draw and charity auction, an inspiring video was shown of Connor, a 13-year old artist and respite care resident at Hope House. The video recorded the creation of one of Connor’s paintings, which later realised £6,000 at auction. The exceptional charity of everyone present saw the evening raise more than £65,000 for Hope House.

Commenting on the success of the evening, Gary Morton said, ‘I never cease to be amazed at the incredible kindness and generosity of my friends and colleagues in the glazing industry but this time they have surpassed even my wildest expectations. This record-breaking contribution will do so much to help the kids and their families and my thanks go out to all our table sponsors, raffle prize donors and auction bidders who have made this possible.’

Where are you Margaret?…Your Prize is Waiting …Network Veka Seeks Balloon Bubbly Winner

Network Veka has stepped in to help Newton Abbot fabricator Sapphire Windows to trace a mystery Champagne prize winner.

A lucky breeze blew the winning ticket from Sapphire’s prize balloon release over 230 miles from Devon to reach ‘Margaret’ of Rochester, Kent – but now her benefactors can’t get in touch!

‘We were so delighted the balloon had reached so far that we doubled the prize to two bottles of Champagne and offered to drive her here personally,’ said Sapphire’s Dave Darby. ‘But she only left a first name and e-mail address and for some reason we can’t get messages through.

‘She did say she is coming this way in a few weeks and will collect her prize then but we would obviously like to get in touch before then.’

The balloon was one of 20 released by Sapphire at a family fun day to celebrate the company’s move to new premises – and up to now it’s the only one to be claimed.

Dave Darby added: ‘I am sure she will get her prize anyway but we really would like to hear from her so that we can make the arrangements.’

Contact: Dave Darby, Sapphire Windows, 01803 814299 or
John Ogilvie, Network Veka, 01282 473170

After a three-way pitch for the contract, Synseal Extrusions Ltd customer Nu-Era landed the £250,000 job of installing a conservatory at the prestigious Lightwater Valley Theme Park.

Gordon Bosworth, Director of Nu-Era explains how they won the project: ‘We won it thanks to our professional presentation and our ability to work to tight deadlines. We used Synseal’s Shield Conservatory System to build this 50 square metre, double ended ‘P’ conservatory.

We used Shield profile for the windows and doors adjacent to the conservatory that also needed updating. We were keen to work on this project because it will be seen by the 500,000 (approx) people per year that visit the theme park.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

The largest manufacturer and installer of home improvement products in the North-East of England has recently turned to Ultraframe for all its conservatory roofing products after 27 years in the business.

Pennine Home Improvements Limited, which has a turnover of more than £17 million a year, has teamed up with Ultraframe, the designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems. Managing Director, Brian Perry says Pennine is working with Ultraframe because of its innovation, technical advances, product support and training.

Brian said: 'Quite frankly we should have chosen Ultraframe years ago. We are convinced that the company really does provide the best value for money, and as our customers have become more discerning and demanding when it comes to design, Ultraframe roofing systems allow us to provide the technical specifications that no one else can. Conservatory design has moved on so much in recent years. Out of the leading conservatory roof manufacturers and designers Ultraframe invests more in research and development of its products. As a result its roofs are quicker to install, more configurable, more flexible and the company has a more comprehensive product range. Plus, since switching to Ultraframe we are also benefiting from increased customer sales through referrals.'

Pennine employs eight fitting teams who install around 14 conservatories a week, and because of this high turnover Ultraframe has developed a distinctive Cresting and Finial with endcaps unique to Pennine.

Peter Allen, Ultraframe's Sales Director, is delighted with this new partnership. He said: 'Ultraframe is definitely the right strategic partner for Pennine. We offer the highest quality and most complete range of products that offer real value to our customers. We look forward to developing this relationship with a product, support and training package tailored to ensure that Pennine can maximise their own business relationships.'

Peter continued: 'In Pennine we have secured yet another large regional installer by offering the highest quality products that offer real added value with the best support services anywhere in the market. We are focused on winning new accounts by simply asking customers to evaluate the overall package we offer. Quality businesses who want to offer the best on the market turn to Ultraframe because they get so much more from us.'

For further information on Pennine go to http://www.trustpennine.com or visit Ultraframe at http://www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk

Duraflex is working closely with Bristol-based fabricator, Fastframe, in its bid to develop opportunities in the growing new build and commercial markets.

Fastframe’s success includes a major contract with national housebuilder Linden Homes to provide PVCu doors and windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite for Indigo, an exclusive collection of townhouses and apartments near Bristol.

The low maintenance and high thermal efficiency of PVCu window and door systems is paramount as Linden Homes strives to achieve the twin goals of customer satisfaction and environmental care. Indigo consists of 21 new homes in the well-established residential area of Bishopston. Fastframe has supplied 121 windows for the development using the Duraflex Featured System. Being fully featured, rather than scotia or ovolo, the Duraflex Featured 70mm profile is proving a particularly popular choice with housebuilders – combining ‘kerb appeal’ with full Part L compliance. And because the detail is within the line of the original bevel, it is also fabricator friendly. All the windows at Indigo have been specified in Duraflex’s ‘Brilliant White’ finish and are internally glazed.

Fastframe has also fabricated and installed French Doors incorporating side and top lights and Slimline Patio Doors to various property types on the development. Recently introduced enhancements to the Duraflex Patio Door Kits offer a secure and cost-effective solution for new build and refurbishment projects and combine classic bevelled lines with the latest ride-over technology.

According to Fastframe’s Commercial Sales Manager, Bryn Sheridan, Duraflex has played a key role in company’s push into new markets. ‘With the domestic replacement market at saturation point, we realised it was time to diversify.
Duraflex, and in particular their Commercial Sales Manager, Frank Yorke, has been a real help in making this strategy a success for us. In addition to Linden Homes, we’re also building profitable working partnerships with a number of other housebuilders and local housing associations,’ comments Bryn.

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk

Using CGI’s Pyroguard unwired fire glass has been made even easier for glaziers, door manufacturers and joiners now that it has a substantially extended listing shown on its revised CERTIFIRE documentation. A huge increase in the number of completed tests by Pyroguard’s manufacturer, CGI International, has led to a much larger list of compatible glazing systems.

The CERTIFIRE Certificate of Approval is run by the Warrington Fire Research Centre, where testing is carried out. Included in the documentation is a list of CERTIFIRE approved products for use with the 7.2mm Pyroguard glass.

The revised Pyroguard CERTIFIRE Certificate No CF 257 carries details of the tests and assessments of 11 different glazing systems from five separate sealant manufacturers, providing a very wide test base to choose from.

Tom Ritchie, CGI’s Chief Executive, says, ‘It will be a great help for all installers of fire glass to have so many product approvals in this one document to choose from. We are able to do this because of our testing programme which is continually pushing out the boundaries for our fire resistant glass.’

Increased pane sizes from CGI’s successful tests also allow designers to specify even larger glass areas. As the CERTIFIRE revision was being undertaken, it was possible to make allowances for the change in Building Regulations Document M, effectively calling for larger glass vision panels in doors to enable wheelchair users to use safely. From 1st May, 2004, doors to buildings other than dwellings have had to provide increased visibility. To meet Approved Document M, vision panels in doors must extend to within 500mm from the door bottom.

Tom says, ‘Pyroguard has now been approved in a single-pane aperture up to 2125mm high x 375mm wide – a size easily satisfying most vision panel requirements.’

A separate CERTIFIRE document CF 260, allows the same increased usage for CGI’s Pyroguard safety wired glasses.

CGI International offers a complete range of fire products to fulfil a wide variety of performances and appearances enabling specifiers to obtain all their requirements for fire and speciality glass from a single source. CGI’s products are now used all over the world and earlier this year the company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade, 2004.

Tel: 020 7960 6060
Email: mailto:alison.emerson@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk

The latest quarterly database release from Windowbase now has over 12,200 entries of companies manufacturing or installing fenestration-related products. This includes over 800 new companies over the previous quarter.

‘In the period June to August, we were able to contact over 800 new companies not previously on our database; that’s a remarkable 7% increase!’ says Mike Davis, ‘As we only include companies we have contacted, the new information is reliable, and not just an ‘industry estimate’. We also removed 226; on top of our own research, we are greatly helped by our customers who point out companies they have difficulty contacting, so we can then double check to maintain the accuracy of our database.’

Restrictive Legislation
With legislation making business-to-business trading more difficult, the need for accurate data and alternative means of communication becomes essential.
Windowbase notifies customers of Telephone and Fax Preference Service registrations.

‘The Telephone Preference Service – available to sole traders and partnerships – is used by about one in six of the small companies, while the new ‘Corporate TPS’ has shown a take up of 1% of eligible companies registered so far, but it’s only been going three months. As the larger companies make most use of tele-marketing themselves, it will be interesting to see how this develops.’

The Fax Preference regulations are now widely used in the industry, reports Windowbase, with over 60% of those able to register with FPS having done so. (Like the Corporate TPS, it is available to limited companies and Plcs as well as the smaller trader.)

Windowbase customers are protected from the threatened fines by monthly updates of the TPS, FPS & CTPS registrations.

Contact: Mike Davis
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@winbase.co.uk
Web: http://www.winbase.co.uk

Over 1,800 product enquiries have flooded into Winlock Security within two months of the launch of its BoaRestrictor, breaking all previous records for the Telford-based manufacturer.

New regulations suggest that in some circumstances restrictors should be fitted to windows. In such situations the BoaRestrictor’s specifications have created a huge demand for the product.

Recent litigation has ruled that architects, owners of public buildings and even installers can be liable for people falling out of windows, the warnings for the industry are stark. 'Winlock’s new initial opening restrictor with its impressive features has caught the mood and enthusiasm of the market and is destined for huge success.' says the company.

Designed to exceed the revised BS8213 safety code, along with, BS6375 and BS7412 standards, the BoaRestrictor restricts initial window opening to 100mm giving two-handed operation to avoid accidental disengaging and automatically re-engages when the sash closes.

The BoaRestrictor has the ability to fit in line with friction stays and save costs by incorporating run-up blocks. The BoaRestrictor is easy and quick to fit, fully concealed and can be retro-fitted. Convenient 13mm and 17mm stack heights are provided to suit fabricators’ systems.

Tel: 01952 680178

K2 has signed up over 50% of its dealer network to a three-year trading agreement. The Trading Partner Customers make up more than 65% of K2's trade sales. With negotiations already in progress with a number of additional customers, the company expects to secure a further 11% of its dealer business by signing three-year trading agreements within the next few weeks.

Explains Sally Fielding, Managing Director of K2: 'Many of our dealers have been exclusively stocking K2 product for three or four years already and it seemed natural to reward this loyalty by offering them the opportunity to enter into a trading agreement. In this way, because we know that trading partner dealers are committed to buying product from us for the next three years, we are able to provide them with financial rewards, as well as the additional benefits of our excellent service record, technical support and marketing assistance.'

While some in the industry have spoken out against sole supply deals, K2 has adopted a strategy of building closer relationships with its suppliers in order to ensure it remains close to the pulse of the market and in tune with dealers' requirements. The company has consistently upheld service delivery standards of 99% across its business and is continuing to invest in equipment, IT, logistics and personnel to ensure that it upholds this record.

Amongst the dealers to sign up to a three-year trading agreement with K2 is Scarborough-based SWC, which has been stocking K2 product since January 2001 and distributes across the entire Yorkshire and North East region. Comments Paul Richings, Managing Director at SWC: 'Because we have been dealing with them for so long, we know them well and know that they have a high quality product that we can work with. We had no plans to change the range we carry and the offer of a trading agreement was very attractive. It means that we gain increased benefits from stocking K2 product while maintaining the service and support we have come to rely on as integral to the success of our business.'

SWC's business has expanded significantly since becoming a K2 dealer, as like K2, the company says that it offers its customers a first class standard of service, a pattern that can clearly be mapped across the K2 dealer network.

Sally Fielding continues: 'A significant number of our dealers have grown by at least 30% over the past year and we will do everything we can to continue to support their success. We have a role to play in the profitability of their business, not only by supplying high quality, functional products, but by offering them opportunities to sell more effectively, deliver on their service commitment and pass on financial savings to their customers. That's what the trading agreement is all about - finding ways to work together more closely, a partnership in every sense of the word.'

Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com

Versatile Proves Versatility with Roof Choice

‘It's all about choice’, says Kevin Barnard, managing director of Versatile Limited. ‘Now that we have established two divisions within the company, we are able to offer product combinations that reach across every sector of the conservatory market.

‘The Versatile Roof System Division continues to offer the company's own, advanced roof system design, which combines innovative materials with simple and efficient methods of manufacture and construction, to provide high efficiency and longevity without compromise to aesthetics. Certified as an Approved Conservatory Roof System by Network Veka, the Versatile Roof system has developed a loyal following over the last two decades and since it's development towards a completely grp product has been experiencing exceptional growth within the new build sector.

‘From the very start the Versatile design team set out to provide installers with minimal parts that result in maximum impact and loyalty from many of our long standing customers is due in large part to the incredible ease of installation’,
explains Kevin. ‘Whereas Versatile's appeal to specifiers and house builders is more far reaching than that. They recognise the long term value and benefits of the pultruded grp components, which offer excellent physical and mechanical properties. For instance, the low thermal conductivity of GRP provides greater insulation than ‘traditional’ roof system materials, whilst high dimensional stability means minimal expansion and contraction with temperature changes and heat loading. They know the product will provide sustainable reliability, whilst providing outstanding consumer appeal.

‘Many of the features of Versatile's design are attractive to installers, consumers and specifiers alike. One of these is the ring beam, which acts as an integral gutter, adding to the attractive appearance of the finished product, while saving time and cost. GRP is also faster and stronger to work with than PVCu and provides great adaptability for awkward applications, such as properties with low eaves.

‘With this unique system, many may wonder why we have recently established the Versatile Global Division’, continues Kevin. ‘It is simply allowing us to offer choice. No matter how exceptional a product it doesn't appeal to everyone! The main reason for choosing Global was that it engenders the same principles as the Versatile system. Assembling the Global roof from the inside, makes it easy to install without compromise to quality or aesthetics.’

Versatile Limited has completely restructured sales and production facilities in order to form the two separate divisions. ‘The results are already proving beneficial,’ says Kevin. ‘And we have gained more than just an increase in sales. We have gained a much clearer picture of customer needs, both geographic and demographic, through offering the two products. This will enable us to target prospective customers more easily and fulfil existing customer requirements more effectively.’

As part of the Burles Group, Versatile Limited sells conservatory roofs and complete conservatory packages through nationwide fabricator Modplan Limited and the Group's branches of National Plastics, as well as selling direct to installers and offering the Versatile System in bar length to conservatory manufacturers.
With such a broad customer base Kevin feels that being able to offer two distinctly different products, without compromising the company's basic principles, make Versatile Limited better placed to fulfil all their needs.

He concludes, ‘Versatile has always provided continuous product improvement, with design and material innovation that add value and take time and cost out of the system. With the huge investments we have made into the Versatile Roof System we thought very hard about introducing what would normally be felt to be a 'competitors' product, but we believe that the team at Global will provide these same benefits and work with us in the future so that we can offer greater choice and continue to keep our customers at the forefront of innovation across all sectors of the market.’

Tel: 01495 247233

Banbury's Cherwell Windows has a new name - Planet Oxfordshire. The area's conservatory installer has now become part of Planet Group Ltd - with a £160,000 investment in its Beaumont Road showroom in the town.

Planet is the UK's largest installer of conservatories and Jim Breslin who has taken his 18-year old Cherwell Windows business into Planet as a franchise says it can only be good news for local people who want the best in conservatories, windows and doors.

'We built up Cherwell Windows over 18 years and have thousands of delighted customers,' says Jim . 'By becoming part of Planet we have an even greater competitive edge - we are a local company but with a strong national backing and infrastructure.'

Jim, who was chairman of Banbury United in the early 90's and has lived in Banbury and the local area for over 30 years, believes joining Planet will bring the 'best of both' to his business, while still protecting his existing client base.

'Only Planet manufacture Planet conservatories, windows and doors and we can now offer Planet's revolutionary new roofing system which is the most heat-efficient on the market and has been designed to meet the requirements of the government's new environmental regulations,' he adds.

Planet Oxfordshire is the 19th showroom in Planet's network of outlets across the UK and is the third new showroom to open in less than four months with two new showrooms having opened in the Midlands (at Tipton and Leamington Spa).

The 3,000 sq. ft. refurbished showroom features a display of six fully built conservatories along with a window and door gallery and has opened to positive feedback from both new and potential customers.

One of the conservatories is themed as a children's playroom and has a stunning mural, which takes up the whole of one wall, and is based on the nursery rhyme 'Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross'. The Banbury showroom also features a new and exclusive range of classical and contemporary furniture.

Commenting on Planet's latest new showroom opening, chairman Dean St John said: 'Oxfordshire is another key area for the business and the new showroom demonstrates how committed we are to providing the region's homeowners with the finest choice of conservatories, doors and windows in the market. We're delighted to welcome Jim, Sophie and their team to Planet. They have a wealth of experience and expertise to bring to Planet.'

Planet Group Ltd is forecasting a £70 million turnover for 2004/05 and employs over 500 staff at its headquarters and manufacturing facilities at Bamber Bridge, near Preston in Lancashire.

Locally, Jim and wife, Sophie head a team of experienced and professional staff who can help generate ideas and discuss designs with customers in the showroom. Sophie adds: 'We are fortunate to work with such a committed team, all of whom are dedicated to continuously improving the service we give our customers, from design through to completion.

'Joining Planet enables us to benefit from Group Training Schemes, to develop our employees, products and services in a market which is becoming increasingly competitive.'

Jim added: 'Two new staff have already been taken on which now takes the number of employees to 15. And Planet Oxfordshire is already looking to recruit more staff to expand its fitting team capability to keep up with an ever-increasing demand.'

Jim continues: 'Conservatories have become an essential improvement for many homeowners, but their reasons for investing in one are quite diverse. Nowadays people use conservatories for everything from an extra lounge or dining room to a home office or play space for their children.

'A conservatory can be a lower-cost and relatively quick-build solution for families who have outgrown their existing home, but otherwise are content to stay where the family is settled especially when the costs of moving are taken in to account.
The conservatory design options displayed in our newly refurbished showroom are flexible enough to meet any family needs. Additional living space really can make a difference to the way a family lives - not to mention the additional peace parents get!'

Planet's conservatories will be familiar to many in the area, having featured several times on Carol Vorderman's Better Homes TV show, where homeowners are challenged with making home improvements that really add value to their homes.

In a recent programme, a Planet conservatory won not only the episode, but also the first prize for the series, adding the most value to a home compared to other home improvements that featured in the series, including new kitchens and bathrooms.

Customers can take further advantage of Planet Oxfordshire's genuine opening offers, by choosing free blinds or floor tiles with a conservatory order placed in October.

Customers can contact the Banbury showroom on Tel: 01295 270938. The full address of the showroom is Beaumont Road, Banbury, Oxon OX16 1QY (at the same site as Cherwell Window's old showroom) or email: mailto:jim.breslin@planetpvc.co.uk

High Profile Support for the Glassex Challenge as the GQA Steps Forward to Sponsor

Following a highly energetic and successful first appearance at Glassex 2004, the Glassex Challenge – which seeks to expose the most talented and committed window, door and conservatory installers in the UK – will not only be back for Glassex 2005 but will also appropriately be sponsored by the Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA). GQA is an important part of the UK national qualifications framework and works with the glass sector to raise occupational standards and award competence based qualifications.

An established organisation within the industry, the Glass Qualifications Authority is the UK’s only awarding body of national vocational awards (NVQs and SVQs) specifically created for glaziers, fabricators, installers and fenestration surveyors. Based in Sheffield, the GQA has been awarding NVQs since 1990 and has awarded over 10,000 NVQs within the industry since that date. The GQA also has another 8,000 active candidates registered on its database who are working towards its NVQ/SVQ awards.

Allan Murray, Chief Executive of the GQA, feels that there is a close synergy between his organisation and the aims of the Glassex Challenge:
‘One of our external verifiers and several of our clients witnessed the Glassex Challenge in action this year and were impressed with the quality of workmanship demonstrated during the event. I believe that events such as this encourage better standards of work within the industry, something that we also strive for constantly. It is this common interest that led us to consider sponsorship of the event.’

The Glassex Challenge, which made its debut appearance at Glassex 2004, was one of the event’s most popular feature areas. Teams from all over the country installed a door, a flat window, a bay window and a conservatory roof, and were judged on speed, finish, and health and safety issues. Prizes were awarded each day to the team that achieved the best combined score across each installation. Crystal Vision of Brighton took the Conservatory Installer of the Year title with a time of just 23 minutes, whilst Henman Green Ltd, a family firm based in Dereham, Norfolk, were clear overall winners across all the disciplines.

Stephen Redman, Glassex Event Manager, is delighted that the GQA has come forward to sponsor the next Challenge in 2005:
‘Glassex, as the industry’s leading event, has a responsibility to help nurture the future health of the industry. Better standards of work and higher qualifications can only benefit this industry, and the GQA has long recognised this. We are delighted to be working in partnership with the organisation to help encourage high standards of workmanship through the Glassex Challenge.’

Budding Installation Teams of the Year should contact Stephen Redman on 0208 277 5000 or go to http://www.glassex.com to register their interest in taking part in the Glassex Challenge 2005, 13 – 16 March inclusive at the NEC, Birmingham.

Kent-based Sheerframe window-maker FineLine has recently completed a £500,000 refurbishment contract for Wandle Housing Association. The project, part of a long-term partnering arrangement between the two organisations, has resulted in major improvements to the quality of life for tenants in a housing block in Rotherhithe.

The four month project, which FineLine completed ahead of schedule, has seen the replacement of poorly performing timber windows in four accommodation blocks and adjoining town houses in a horseshoe configuration at Christopher Close in Surrey Quays, Rotherhithe.

Although the accommodation was built just over ten years ago, the windows had proved draughty and impacted adversely on tenants’ heating bills. The need for scaffolding during repainting had added to the maintenance costs and influenced the decision to opt for PVC replacements where future maintenance requirements would be minimal.

Working with chartered surveyors Jensen Tyrell, FineLine installed high performance co-extruded double-glazed Sheerframe 6000 windows throughout. The casements styling also featured arched head windows in upper floors of the five storey blocks.

FineLine and Wandle HA have been partnering for around four years and this is the latest of a series of window replacement programmes successfully completed by the Strood windowmakers.

Tel: 01773 852311

Devon based Omega Trade Frames has high expectations of all its suppliers. ‘We only use the best suppliers so that our windows are of the highest quality,’ explains Martin Grant, Production Director of Omega Trade Frames Ltd.

‘Producing in excess of 300 frames per week, getting quality and quantity right are both vital. But to find a good supplier of fasteners isn’t easy. We have had nothing but trouble from previous fastener suppliers, so when we switched to UK Fasteners it was a pleasant surprise. I can’t think of one problem we’ve had with UK Fasteners in the three years we’ve been using its product. The failure rate is non-existent, the price is competitive and the deliveries are always on time and complete.’

Tel: 01242 577077

Sarnafil Swings into Action with ‘Designer Lead’ Solution

Eight years since starting to install single-ply membrane, David Salisbury Conservatories has recently started using Sarnafil Roof Assured (SRA) PVC single-ply flat roofing membrane.

Six-months after selecting Sarnafil, the company’s easy to use PVC single-ply flat roofing membrane has become David Salisbury’s ‘new look lead sheet’ just as its use of single-ply membrane is set to rise from 10% to 30% of installations.

When they think of lead, many people visualise traditional lead sheeting for the high-value, high-quality roofing for the sort of top-end conservatories and orangeries that underpin David Salisbury Conservatories’ success. Any replacement for lead has to match – or exceed – these established quality expectations.

‘Such is the market standing of Sarnafil that David Salisbury Conservatories didn’t hesitate before using the product, which comes with BBA certification to last in excess of 30-years. While GRP was briefly considered, the cleanliness of Sarnafil’s product, its ease of use advantages and the fact that installation isn’t weather dependent swayed the decision.’ said Peter Brown, technical director for David Salisbury.

‘We’re delighted. In our part of the market many customers have traditionally insisted on lead. Now, unless it’s a listed building where nothing else will do, Sarnafil’s PVC single-ply flat roofing membrane gives us the perfect ‘designer lead’ alternative.’

Tel: 01603 748985
Email: mailto:robert.newall@sarnafil.co.uk

Alcoa announced on October 8th that workers at its idled Wenatchee, WA aluminium smelter, represented by the United Steelworkers of America (USWA) and the Aluminum Trades Council of Wenatchee, Washington, voted to accept a labour agreement that will save the jobs of approximately 400 workers.

The agreement was approved on the night of 7th October. Alcoa is taking immediate steps to restart the smelter, which has been idled since July 2001. Two of the four lines at the smelter are expected to be restarted, based on availability of acceptable power contracts. The ramp-up to two lines is expected to be completed by mid-2005.

Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium and alumina facilities, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminium products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa® wheels, and Baco® household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has 120,000 employees in 42 countries and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com