Pilkington
Activ™ Saves Money, Lives and the Environment: so says the BRE
The
Building Research Establishment (BRE) has published the results of a six-month
research and evaluation project designed to formally quantify the benefits
and express in objective terms the non quantifiable benefits, of Pilkington
Activ™ the world's first dual action self-cleaning glass. The results
conclusively prove the effectiveness of the product in reducing costs,
environmental impact and even suggest that loss of life and serious injury
in window cleaning accidents may be reduced.
The research, funded by Pilkington but otherwise carried out completely
independently by the BRE, one of the world's most renowned research and
testing institutions for building products, is intended to provide information
on the environmental impacts of Pilkington Activ™ to specifiers and
government authorities, and thus to simplify the specification process
when considering it against conventional glass.
The
research was carried out with occupants, clients, specifiers and installers
involved with 12 separate projects already installed with Pilkington Activ™.
Subjective comments were received from architects who said it gave them
design flexibility, occupants enjoyed the permanently self-cleaning windows,
and building owners valued the cost savings and lack of disruption caused
by window cleaning. Everyone welcomed the fact that there would be less
need for cleaners to work in dangerous, and potentially fatal, conditions.
The vast majority said that they would use the product again, would recommend
it to others and believed it would one day ‘become the norm.’
Project specifiers said they would use it in their own homes.
The research identified window-cleaning cost savings from the examples
studied, with most respondents ceasing the use of window cleaners completely,
having not needed to clean their windows conventionally for two to three
years. One school that was part of the research programme had reduced
its window cleaning regime to just once a year and a zoo had changed from
daily to monthly cleaning.
Whole-life cost analyses were carried out for a three storey school, a
six storey apartment block and a twelve storey office building for which
the BRE carried out research with and without Pilkington Activ™.
This included the capital, maintenance and running costs, including window
cleaning, over the lifetime of the buildings. In every case, the lowest
whole life costs occurred when Pilkington Activ™ was used.
The cost analysis also calculated the payback period after which the investment
in Pilkington Activ™ paid for itself. Three different interest rates
were used to reflect the cost of borrowing money to pay for the initial
investment. For the school building the payback period was as low as five
to six years, for the apartment building the payback period was nine to
eleven years and for the office building the payback period was as low
as three to four years.
Even more dramatically, significant capital cost savings were calculated
if Pilkington Activ™ is used in standard windows compared to conventional
glazing in reversible windows. In multi-storey apartment buildings reversible
windows have been specified more frequently in recent years, so that window
cleaning can be done from inside; however the BRE showed that, if Pilkington
Activ(tm) in non-reversible windows is used instead, the total capital
cost of the building will be lower.
Remarkable findings were also made with regard to the water savings -
almost 100,000 litres of water would be saved by the office building during
its lifetime. The report also quantifies the impacts of the use of energy
and other resources for window cleaning of a typical semi-detached house
using thirteen separate environmental criteria. These range from the effect
on climate change, through human toxicity to water, to waste disposal.
In all respects, Pilkington Activ™ has a reduced negative impact
compared to conventional glass.
However, one of the most compelling statistics discovered by the BRE was
that falls from ladders when cleaning windows were found to result in
20 deaths and 1,500 major injuries a year, the majority in the domestic/DIY
situation and a number that is increasing annually. Simply by reducing
or removing the need for window cleaning these statistics are likely to
decrease significantly.
Rick Wilberforce, Market Development Manager for Pilkington Building Products
who commissioned the report, says that the company wanted to move the
discussions regarding self-cleaning glass generally and Pilkington Activ™
specifically on to a more objective basis: ‘Since we launched Pilkington
Activ™ there has been much conjecture and rumour about the products
that now occupy this new sector. Pilkington has a well established reputation
for the thoroughness and quality of its research and we felt it was necessary
to remove speculation and offer clearly defined parameters for how the
product performs. It is up to others to do the same with their products,
but now there can be no doubt as to how Pilkington Activ™ performs
in a variety of popular applications.’
Copes of the report 'The Quantification And Evaluation Of The Benefits
Of Self-Cleaning Glass' are available from Pilkington Building Products
- UK, Unit 1A, Wirral Business Park, Arrowe Brook Road, Upton, Merseyside,
CH49 1QZ.
Tel: 01744 692000
Fax: 01744 613049
Email: pilkington@respond.uk.com
Pilkington
Activ™ to Sponsor the Glassex Conservatory Design Competition
In
a major coup for the event, Pilkington Activ™ has demonstrated its
commitment to the new-look Glassex with the announcement that it will
sponsor the popular Conservatory Design Competition next March. The company
will also have a presence at Glassex for the first time in over five years
to promote the environmental and practical benefits of the Pilkington
Activ™ range of products.
The Conservatory Design Competition (CDC), which will be hosted at Glassex
for the third consecutive year, aims to reward exceptional conservatory
design and build skills and has become the industry’s benchmark for
excellence. Sponsorship of the CDC has become an issue of prestige as
well as support, with both the quantity and quality of the entry bag increasing
every year as more companies want to showcase their skills and talents.
Indeed, such has been the growth in interest in the event that Glassex
recently made the decision to receive all CDC entries online so that organisers
can deal more efficiently with the high number of entries. Part of the
appeal of the CDC is that it is judged by an independent panel of experts
with conservatory-specific experience, including architects, fabricators,
installers and the trade press.
Matt Buckley, Marketing Director for Pilkington Activ™, is happy
to be working alongside Glassex once more:
'The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition has become the industry target
for all designers and manufacturers to aim towards. Sound conservatory
design involves so many different factors, so I think it’s extremely
important that those who truly deserve recognition should have a stage
on which to showcase their expertise and innovation.
'We are also pleased to be back at Glassex, which we feel has made big
strides this year with the creation of new features such as the Energy
Efficiency Zone, something which is also very relevant for Pilkington.
We are looking forward to being a part of the show again.'
Lister
Reports a 31% Rise in Frame Sales
Lister
Trade Frames has just reported the company’s highest sales quarter
ever.
Based
in Stoke on Trent, and having just celebrated 30 years in the business,
Lister says that it is showing some remarkable results despite a difficult
market. Overall sales consisting of frame sales, conservatory roofs and
building plastics saw an uplift of 22.5% over 2005 figures. Frame sales
during the same quarter rose by 14% and by a massive 31% in October.
Orders have been rising steadily throughout the year for Lister and the
company believes that this has been driven by its commitment to improved
customer service and products. At the beginning of July Lister launched
an improved standard range which included BFRC certificated energy rated
windows and its new ultra secure Elitis TSL locking system. The company
also launched additional marketing materials and advertising for its customers
making it simple for them to sell the new range.
Phil Warren, Lister’s Sales Director, says that the company has gained
new business as well as seeing a marked increase in customers switching
to glazed frames rather than unglazed. ‘Before we launched our energy
windows we sold about 67% of our products glazed. But in this last quarter,
while offering energy rated, argon filled, super spacer units as our standard
product, glazed frame sales have risen to 74%.’
Lister’s business model of offering high quality, high spec products
along with a complete range of marketing materials seems to have paid
off. It shows that there are better ways to increase business than simply
dropping prices which inevitable results in lower standards. Customers
who want to build their business and reputation on quality are looking
for suppliers like Lister who have the same objectives.
‘We can't afford to drop prices’ says Phil ‘but we can
work hard on taking out costs and improving products and service. And
when we see a response like this from our customers it just reaffirms
that this is the right way to go!’
Tel: 01782 205605
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk
Now
Warm up North as Cairngorm Windows Switches to Super Spacer®
Warm
edge technology has reached North Scotland as Cairngorm Windows, based
in Inverness, has become Edgetech UK's most northerly customer. The window
fabricator and installer (a division of Inverness and Grampion Glass)
recently invested £7,000 in a new Ashton air float table.
Chris Dowling, Glass Operations Director, has been impressed by the product,
the service and the support he has received from Edgetech: ‘Importantly,
Karl Jones and Dave Cox presented to our customers, including the Clerk
of Works at Highland Council.’
The company aims to increase output from 1,000 units to 1,500 units a
week over the next two years in its new £750,000 factory in Inverness,
capital of the Highlands.
Tel: 02476 705570
Proof
that traditional chamfered frames are an enduring consumer favourite comes
from Doncaster's Real Conservatories. The company says that it is delighted
that it made the decision to start fabricating Deceuninck's new 2500 chamfered
system recently.
Real
Conservatories sells to both trade and retail sectors. The company offers
a trade counter system and operates throughout South Yorkshire. It was
looking for a chamfered system to fabricate at its new manufacturing facility
that would help grow its market share.
So why did Real choose Deceuninck's 2500 chamfered system? Because the
new system has timeless consumer appeal combined with state-of-the-art
efficiency benefits. The 70mm product platform offers the fabricator benefits
with features including pre-inserted seals and gaskets that automate much
of the manufacturing process. Real Conservatories Managing Director, Marvin
Shillito, explains: ‘We knew the 2500 chamfered's simplicity would
appeal to our trade installers as well as our retail customers. But we
were also attracted by the benefits the system offered us as fabricators
- its intelligent design is straightforward to manufacture, keeping production
efficient.’
Deceuninck holds a reputation for providing manufacturers with excellent
support, a factor which was important to Real. The company has started
working with Deceuninck's Synergebuild e-commerce platform, an online
application that gives fabricators the facility to order online, monitor
real-time stock levels and track order process. All this offers considerable
order processing savings, as Real is finding out.
Marvin Shillito concludes: ‘Deceuninck's 2500 chamfered system is
proving just as popular as we thought it would, so we're confident we'll
achieve sales growth. But not only that, support and innovation from Deceuninck
is very encouraging and makes a real positive difference to our business.
There's a feeling in the industry at the moment that it's hard to achieve
growth - I think that's reflected in the number of smaller fabricators
ceasing fabrication and buying in. We've made a decision that goes against
that trend by going into fabrication. We're confident there are big gains
to be made by companies willing to invest time and effort in their manufacturing
capabilities - with Deceuninck we are confident of being one of those
companies!’
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: roy.shipley@deceuninck.com
Shepley
Helps its Dealers Punch above their Weight
Shepley
Window Systems offered its dealers the opportunity to participate in an
exciting retail promotion over the summer. During this traditionally quiet
period of the summer holidays, the idea was to help retailers incentivise
homeowners towards receiving a quote by promoting a free prize draw to
win a brand new Ford Focus.
By offering this fantastic prize to one lucky person, Shepley was trying
to do that little bit extra for its retailers. All the consumer had to
do to be entered was receive a free, no obligation quote for replacement
PVCu windows, doors or conservatories.
Shepley
Sales Director Tim Walker with Ricky Hatton
Almost
40 Shepley dealers took part in this sales promotion, and they publicised
it using high impact press adverts, leaflets and in-store POS all designed
and supplied by Shepley.
With nearly 2,000 entries being received by the September closing date,
the promotion was certainly a huge success. And to top it off, Shepley
enlisted the help of World Champion boxer and local lad Ricky Hatton to
make the draw. The prize eventually went to a Miss Callis from Berkshire
who received a personal phone call from Ricky himself to inform her of
her winning ticket.
To thank Ricky for taking time out to help, Shepley made a donation to
the charity of his choice - Manchester Children's Home. ‘We wish
him all the very best for his upcoming title fight,’ says the company.
There are already plans to run another promotion in 2007 and several ideas
are being considered at the moment. Stay tuned for further news.
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Web: http://www.shepley.com
New
research into consumer Kitemark recognition reveals that the Kitemark
symbol is as strong and relevant in today's world as it was when it was
introduced in 1903 and is still the most widely recognised quality mark
in the UK.
The survey, carried out by GfK NOP in July 2006, interviewed consumers
between the ages of 18 and 70 to gauge their recognition, beliefs and
understanding of the Kitemark.
The results?
* A staggering 82% of the UK adult population recognised the Kitemark.
* Of those who recognised the Kitemark, 93% thought Kitemark products
were safer while 91% felt they would be better quality.
* 88% state that they have more trust in Kitemark products or services
and
* 75% claim that the Kitemark helps them to choose between products
Results like this show just how strong the Kitemark is in the mind of
the UK consumer.
Alastair Trivett, Global Managing Director, BSI Product Services comments,
‘The highest recognition was in the 35-55 age bracket but what is
particularly interesting is that the Kitemark is very highly recognised
by the 18-34 year old group. We had expected this to be lower and are
tremendously encouraged that the values of safety and quality have not
been missed by the younger generation.’
‘It is fantastic that the Kitemark is so highly recognised. It just
shows that the quality and trust associated with the Kitemark are as valid
today as they were when it was introduced’ continues Alastair Trivett,
‘as we demand better and better quality from our products and services,
the Kitemark will help products to stand out from the crowd and make purchasing
decisions easier. We are delighted that the efforts of so many organisations
in maintaining high standards, has been recognised by consumers across
the country.’
BSI Product Services, based in Hemel Hempstead, manages over 300 Kitemark
schemes for manufactured products and services ranging from fire alarms
to construction products and healthcare devices. To celebrate the results
of the survey the company's office has been renamed Kitemark House.
Network
VEKA may Repeat Steve Davis TV Success
Network
VEKA is planning a second run of TV advertising to build on the success
of the first campaign – and may even run a third if it continues
to produce results.
The 40-second commercial, featuring snooker legend Steve Davis, caused
an immediate upturn in website enquiries during the first run but, as
Managing Director John Ogilvie explained, their main purpose is long-term
brand building.
'Our aim was to increase the consumers’ recognition of Network VEKA
for the benefit of all the members,' he said.
'It also served to reinforce the message for members who are using any
of the Steve Davis material in their local advertising.
'We are now considering repeating the activity, probably around Easter,
when the market is coming out of winter, and perhaps again in the autumn.'
The exposure also created one interesting spin-off, he added:
'We have since been contacted by one non-VEKA fabricator and five installers,
all of whom are interested in Network VEKA since seeing the ad.'
The advert, screened on a number of digital and satellite channels, featured
Steve Davis earning the applause of a public meeting by explaining the
benefits of Network VEKA.
It can also be seen on http://www.networkveka.com
And
a Good Time was Had by All
After
an extended break over the Summer, last Thursday's Publicity in Glazing
Society (PIGS) event was a resounding success, attracting more than forty
of the glazing industry’s great and not so good, including several
first timers, to Doggetts Coat & Badge, near London’s Blackfriars
Bridge.
Hosting the evening was Neil Bryan-Harris of Homepro Insurance with the
support of bar sponsors Dave Broxton of Glassex/GP&T, our own Tony
Higgin from the Gl@zine, Nick Dutton & Sarah Newsome of Synseal and
one of the industry’s more ginger characters, who for once was feeling
a little publicity shy.
Most of the trade press were represented by their Editors and sales teams,
with a full-house from Glass Age but then they only had to cross the road.
The next PIGS is tentatively scheduled for mid-February at a new venue
to be confirmed. There is likely to be a networking event on the Sunday
night of Glassex too.
For more information or to be added to the PIGS mailing list, please contact
Claire Shilling of Glassex/GP&T on 0208 277 5533 or by email at Claire.shilling@emap.com.
Hayley's
Hatrick and Promotion Too
Hayley
Dixon has been promoted to Central Area Sales Manager at Plastmo Profiles
and has celebrated this by picking up three new fabricators.
Frame Academy, Nottingham; P&M Trade Windows, Hull and Steve Gilbert,
Peterborough have all been added to the growing list of Plastmo approved
fabricators.
Hayley was previously responsible for the sales support function in the
South East and brings with her nearly 10 years experience with the Plastmo
product.
Robert Thiroff, sales and marketing director comments:
‘I am absolutely delighted to offer Hayley this important role and
she has fully justified her promotion especially with the introduction
of three new accounts. Keep going!’
Hayley concludes:
‘I am thrilled with my new role and the early successes. I enjoy
the company and I am enjoying working with the fabricators. We are having
a good year and I expect us to build on this in 2007.’
Tel: 01604 790780
Five
Years of Recruiting Success
TEN
Human Resources, which specialises in recruitment for the window, glass
and associated industries, is celebrating its fifth anniversary. According
to founder and MD, Bill Pratt, the team's 20 years' industry experience
and extensive HR knowledge are key to the company's success and its flourishing
reputation with companies and candidates alike.
The
past five years have meant changes and challenges for many in the fenestration
market and while areas such as glass, aluminium and the commercial sectors
have enjoyed growth, it's been a difficult time for PVC-U. However, Bill
Pratt believes we're now seeing the first signs of a recovery for plastic,
with an increase in recruitment, particularly in operational and production
management as companies realise the need to improve efficiency and cut
costs. ‘And from our experience,’ he says, ‘small to medium-sized
fabricators have been better able to adapt to the changing needs of the
market as they have more manufacturing flexibility than some of the fully
automated super fabricators, many of whom have been hit hard by the recent
downturn.’
TEN also reports that demand for proven sales professionals, not simply
order takers, remains high. When trading conditions are tough it's even
more vital to have the best team on board and TEN has helped many leading
industry names recruit the right people for their business, as David Stoker,
Commercial Director for Pilkington Building Products UK can confirm: ‘TEN
has worked with us to identify candidates who will both complement and
supplement our existing sales teams across the UK. Their approach is collaborative
and customer focused, working with us to recruit from both within and
outside the industry.’
Similarly, Mark Atkinson of Hurst Plastics has found that using a specialist
agency like TEN HR can save valuable management time compared with handling
recruitment in-house, ‘After having advertised you start with a mass
that you have to funnel down to a selected few. Utilising TEN means you
actually start with a selected few. Also, they can cast a bigger net over
a larger and more diverse portfolio of candidates, so we'll certainly
consider using their services again.’
Looking ahead to the next five years and beyond for TEN, Bill Pratt says
the team will continue to build on its strengths and use its networking
skills to stay in touch with the needs of a fast moving industry and the
people who work in it. The company is also looking to build strategic
alliances with other experts in the HR sector, including training specialists,
in order to provide a complete package. ‘I believe that's the way
forward for our business and the industry and will enable us to develop
and grow our service without losing that all important personal touch.’
Tel: 01454 418855
Autoglass
Cup Back to Sweden Again
At
The International Master Fitter Competition® 2006 the Swedish representative
took the cup back from Italy to the north of Europe again. Thomas Kolsvik
proudly took the biennial cup and the emptied champagne bottle with him.
The International Master Fitter Competition was held for the first time
as a follow-up to former European events. All occasions were organised
by Automotive Glazing Europe UEMV, the European umbrella for national
trade organisations. The eight representatives from Germany, Denmark,
Italy, Japan, Norway, The Netherlands, Sweden and United States met for
two days. An international jury judged their quality on the repair of
a windscreen, the dismantling and instalment of a backlight, the replacement
of a side window and finally the replacement of a windscreen. All cars
were of the same type and met the same technical specifications.
Thomas
Kolsvik, winner of the IMFC 2006, proudly presents the biennial cup
The
jury judged mainly on health and safety aspects, the way the jobs were
structured and on how the fitters took their responsibility on the safety
of the driver ands his passengers. After a long comparison of the different
scores the jury announced the order of the competitors: gold for Sweden,
silver for Norway and bronze for United States. The differences between
the competitors were minimal.
As a tradition the competition took place during glasstec in Düsseldorf
in the last week of October. The world's largest glass trade show received
over 54.000 visitors. Most of them came from outside Germany.
US
Window Fabricators use Intercept® Warm Edge Spacer System
As
many as 8 out of the Top 10 ranked US window fabricators use Intercept
Warm Edge Spacer System, according to a new Customer Satisfaction Index
Ranking carried out by global consumer marketing specialists J D Power
and Associates.
J D Power is perhaps best known for its New and Used Car, Insurance, and
Safety Ratings universally published in both the trade and consumer press
and reported worldwide by the broadcast media.
The Customer Satisfaction Index Ranking for windows is the result of an
inaugural survey, the Residential Window and Patio Door Builder and Remodeler
Satisfaction Study, carried out by the firm and published in September
2006. The Top 10 Ranking is based entirely upon the responses given by
consumers to J D Power consultants.
Designed to provide comprehensive information to assist window and patio
door manufacturers in their efforts to improve customer satisfaction,
according to the survey, ‘Simonton receives the highest ratings in
four satisfaction factors: warranty and repair service; delivery; price
and placing orders. Simonton is followed in the rankings by CertainTeed
and Marvin in a tie, Andersen, Milgard, Pella, respectively.’
Ply Gem, Atrium Companies, Weather Shield, and Jeld-Wen completed the
Top 10 Ranking.
All but two out of the Top 10 use Intercept Spacer Systems in their IG
units.
Peter Baka, Business Development Manager at Intercept processing machinery
developer GED Integrated Solutions, comments:
‘This short customer list represents approximately 175,000 Intercept
IG units manufactured each day, which is only part of the total daily
global production for Intercept. Intercept Warm Edge Spacer Systems clearly
help provide desirable levels of customer satisfaction, both in terms
of warranty and reliability for the consumer once installed, and utilising
GED processing equipment and software, creates manufacturing and order
handling efficiencies in the factory.’
Glass manufacturer PPG introduced Intercept Spacer System in 1992. Since
that time over 10 billion feet of Intercept has been incorporated into
IG units fabricated using GED glass processing equipment.
Web: http://www.geduk.com
Appealing
Curves from Euroglaze
Barnsley-based
Euroglaze is launching its own range of windows fabricated in the new
REHAU-Edge fully sculptured 70mm system - to be branded Euroglaze-Edge.
The company says it is responding to demand amongst its existing trade
customers for windows with curved detailing and also expects to be able
to win business from new customers looking for a reliable, high quality
source of fully sculptured frames.
Euroglaze-Edge windows will be available as internally glazed casements,
bay and bow windows, tilt and turn and French windows. They are expected
to be popular with homeowners seeking an authentic looking replacement
for timber windows and with those wanting to introduce traditional detailing
into their properties.
Martin Nettleton, Euroglaze's MD, says: ‘Euroglaze-Edge has all the
sculptured detailing which retail customers love and has lots of advantages
for installers too such as hardware fixed into steel and a single leg
bead to make glazing easy and secure. They represent an excellent new
sales opportunity.’
Fabricating around 1,100 frames per week, Euroglaze says that it is renowned
for the quality of its products and for its lean manufacturing techniques
which routinely deliver less than 0.5% rejection rates. It will be manufacturing
Euroglaze-Edge to the same exacting standards as the rest of its range
and says this is what will make its windows stand out from the crowd.
The company has invested in new software, tooling and cutting blocks to
enable it to manufacture Euroglaze-Edge alongside its existing frames
in REHAU S706.
It has launched an eye-catching mailing campaign targeting trade installers
looking to use sculptured profiles and is offering a free delivery service
to customers throughout England and Wales.
Largest
Independent Installer gives Thumbs-up to Celuform
Fascia
Mania, the UK independent fascia and soffit installer, is specifying Celuform's
range of products for all commercial and domestic installations.
Fascia
Mania says that its success and growth from being an installer in the
Nottingham area to servicing he Midlands and south Yorkshire, has been
attributed to its progressive approach and part of this is a commitment
to offer customers the very best on the market.
'All our people, from our installers to our management team, are completely
committed to bringing our customers the high quality products, service
and value they deserve,' says chief executive Clyde Scothern.
'We don't cut corners, we don't do things by halves, and we certainly
don't resort to 'hard-sell' tactics. Instead the quality of what we do
speaks for itself,' he continues.
'We were extremely impressed by Celuform's innovations, particularly Duoshield,
which gives a good, strong finish without a bulky profile.'
Fascia Mania is planning to expand further and to become the UK roofline
industry's most trusted name. 'We know that the only way we will achieve
this is by continuing to offer our customers unrivalled quality and fair
prices and using Celuform products will help us achieve our aim,' adds
Clyde Scothern.
Jeremy Foyles, Director of Sales at Celuform said, 'This is a great coup
for Celuform and we are thrilled to be doing business with Fascia Mania.
Its commitment to quality and service mirrors our own and we are looking
forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with the company.
'Celuform was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and
today is the largest supplier of cellular plastic roofline products. The
company supplies stockists throughout Europe and the UK.'
Tel: 01622 719199
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk
Golden
Hour Meets Darkest Hour as Clocks go Back
A
British supplier of replacement doors and window frames to the insurance
industry is bracing itself for the country's darkest hours.
'In the first two weeks after the clocks go back we will see a 25% increase
in the number of daily visits our assessors make to homes and business
premises that have suffered a break-in,' said Phil Martindale, Managing
Director of based Martindales.
'For the crime business it's their golden hour - for homeowners and business
operators, it's their darkest hour.
'When the clocks go back there is that crucial extra hour of darkness
in the evening when homes are extremely vulnerable - they're dark, they're
empty and there's nobody around to see burglars and thieves at work.
'When the mornings are dark through to 9am, there is a further upsurge
in break-ins - nobody expects their house to be burgled first thing in
the morning, but for petty criminals it's happy hour.
'In our estimation, 50% of all doors and windows in Britain are a piece
of cake for an experienced housebreaker through a combination of the age
and integrity of the door or window, or the period the building is empty
during morning and evening darkness.'
Between March and October, Martindales assessors, instructed by the major
insurance companies, make on average 72 calls a day to homes and business
that have suffered a break-in. By the end of the first week in November
this has risen to an average of 90 calls a day, a level it stays at through
to early Spring.
Homes and businesses fitted with replacement or original windows and doors
since 2001 are most secure.
'It's in the past five years or so that lock and catch manufacturers have
really started producing hardware that matches the level of security PVC
frames and double glazing can actually provide," said Phil Martindale.
'Crooks will quickly give up if the window or door is proving tough to
crack, but if they're really determined, then the amount of damage they
can do to newer frames is much more extensive because of the extra effort
they have to put in.'
Because of the vast range of types and sizes of doors and windows, plus
the range of materials, it is impossible for any insurance-company appointed
replacement door and window specialist to hold a stock.
'We are on a permanent state of high alert. We never know what we're going
to be asked to replace. It's a bit like a restaurant kitchen: we get the
order, it's given to the production team, and we have to pull together
the ingredients very quickly - and deliver a perfect job.
'As well as the size of window or door frame, there are many other variables:
the type of material - wood, metal or PVC; the type of glass, the type
of insulation in the frame, the types of locks, hinges and so on.
'It's impossible to automate the whole process, so we have an extremely
skilled team of fabricators and craftsmen who can move very fast and accurately
to create and install replacement doors and windows in a matter of days,'
said Phil Martindale.
Web: http://www.martindales.ltd.uk
J&S
Adhesives Moves to Larger Premises
J&S
Adhesives - manufacturer of Light Curing Adhesives, including the original
Safe2Bond bevel adhesives, has recently moved to larger premises.
MD John Jackson says 'We are delighted with our new premises in Coningsby,
Lincolnshire. We had out grown our old premises due to increased volume
in sales and we have had the new premises custom fitted to suit our needs.
We now have a larger manufacturing facility and plenty of room for future
expansion.
‘We would like to thank our distributors, Ulmke/Ukae Ltd (Tel: 0121
313 3010) and Magden Ltd (Tel: 0161 796 2030) for their support during
this busy period.’
Contact J&S Adhesives on the company's new number: 01526 344100.
A
& A Double Glazing Switches
to New Kömmerling System 70 Gold
Leicester
based fabricator A & A Double Glazing is experiencing outstanding
form of late, proving itself through substantial growth year after year.
With close to £1m of recent investment and an astute strategic move
to the new System 70 Gold from European systems company, Kömmerling,
A & A says that it is a customer focused company with an excellent
future.
Operating
out of a 30,000 square foot factory space, Rakesh Odedra, Sales Director
for A & A Double Glazing says there are plans to expand the business
further still through diversification. He said, ‘Demand for a one
stop shop for trade customers selling recognised trade brands had been
rising for some time. Moving to our new premises, has given us the space
we needed to grow and move into areas of business which are becoming popular
within the trade market.
‘As the market for replacement windows nears saturation and the market
is becoming flooded with cheap, inferior quality windows, we have continued
to stay true to what we do; making quality products that will stand the
test of time.’
The premises located on the corner of Blackbird Road and Ravensbridge
Road was a smart acquisition for the firm. Situated just outside of Leicester’s
city centre on one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares, the company
receives much interest and passing trade.
As a company, A & A Double Glazing prides itself on sustainable growth.
Having been around for 19 years, it is well established and has an excellent
reputation for quality amongst the local community in Leicester. The firm
is already geared up to offer a wider product range to customers, including
possible toughened glass plant products in the future, having already
gained significant experience in the sealed unit business.
The company works on recommendations and believes its slant on a one stop
shop for its customers is what has helped it to succeed to the level it
exists at today. Rakesh Odedra says, ‘Our trade customers become
lifelong customers for one reason; we support them. Whether it with technical
fitting advice, product training or checking orders – We help them
to do the job right – first time.’
A & A Double Glazing has upgraded its profile to the new Kömmerling
System 70 Gold in order to best serve its growing bank of trade customers
with a profile from a systems company proven in the trade arena. Rakesh
Odedra said, ‘Trade customers know Kömmerling and the qualities
the brand represents. We produce a product that is quality from the profile
and hardware through to our sealed units. The New System 70 Gold is the
base on which we’ve built our new product range. It’s already
proving to be a success.’
A & A Double Glazing is a company with tried and tested infrastructure
and the capacity to produce 700 frames per week. Its wealth of experience
gives it the foresight to invest in quality improvements in efficiency
through machinery and training. Such focus is important for its new Kömmerling
System 70 Gold product range.
The System 70 Gold suite is the latest in the product offering from Kömmerling.
The internally beaded system, available white, oak and rosewood, features
a beveled edge and an ovolo bead.
Caption: Upgrading the Profile: Keshav and Rakesh, two of the five directors
at A and A Double Glazing.
Newquay
Glass Centre New Name for Coloured Glass Specialist
A
long established coloured, decorative and stained glass specialist in
the South West has been re-branded as Newquay Glass Centre and has become
part of Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd.
This traditional glass and glazing outlet has additionally developed a
reputation for itself in the region as a leading leaded light, stained,
decorative and coloured glass specialist. The company undertakes repairs,
restoration and new commissions.
The company's decorative glass specialist, Jimmy Levett, has many years
of decorative glass experience and embraces both traditional and modern
techniques in his work. Customers, predominately from Cornwall and Devon,
are advised on all aspects of this specialist area from design to the
pros and cons of the increasing number of techniques available to turn
projects into reality.
Newquay Glass Centre also offers a full range of traditional glass merchant
products and services, from glass and mirror cutting & processing
to sealed units as well as sandblasting and a 24-hour glazing service.
Company partner Garry Mitchell, says: ‘Both sides of Newquay Glass
Centre are kept busy. Our renowned specialist coloured glass department
is occupied with repair and restoration work as well as new commissions
for our customers in the region.’ Mr Mitchell adds ‘There are
also a lot of creative people in this area, no doubt influenced by our
inspirational surroundings, so we are looking to start coloured and fusing
glass training courses and currently retail a wide range of related products
from colourful glasses to kilns.’
More information can be obtained from Newquay Glass Centre on 01637 873233
or info@newquayglass.co.uk.
Cervoglass
- Ahead of the Game by over 18 Months
As
energy ratings continue to be one of the current major subjects for discussion
within the window sector, Senior Management at Cervoglass consider it
should be made clear that just as much importance should be placed on
the conservatory roof glass industry. Conservatory glass roof manufacturer
Cervoglass achieved the requirements to comply with the new industry regulations
EN1279 nearly two years ago.
Cervoglass
is already in a position to provide customers with total assurances regarding
the certification of their roof glass products. All the products within
the Cervoglass range have been assessed to achieve the performance requirements
defined in BS EN1279 parts 2 and 3 which were attained in November 2004
and January 2005 respectively.
Additionally the company was granted the right and the Licence to Kitemark
all its products in May 2005. Senior management at Cervoglass considered
it vitally important to comply with the regulatory controls in order to
provide only the best in terms of quality and product performance to customers.
Graham Price, Managing Director, comments, ‘We wanted to ensure that
we maintain only the best standards possible in terms of consistently
high quality levels in our production of the glass roof units. Our Activ
Blue and Cervo Sol Plus ranges are made to the highest specification enabling
us to maintain our statement of leading the market.’
Over the last 4 years Cervoglass says that it has established a leading
market position through product development and innovation. Management
at the company was aware that development work on EN 1279 had been under
way for a number of years and wanted to ensure that all performance levels
and requirements could be offered as a peace of mind warranty.
Graham Price continues, ‘Statistically it is estimated that as many
as 3000 companies manufacture IGUs and many of them are likely to produce
units with gas filling. However, only a very small number have so far
sought to achieve the stringent approval under the EN1279-3 test procedure,
which is a vital production element.’
Management at Cervoglass consider that the conservatory roof glass market
has a huge potential but that the introduction of EN1279 will have a considerable
impact on glass roof manufacturers.
Graham Price comments further, ‘We understand the importance of this
legislation and knew that measures had to be taken as failure to comply
will have far-reaching and possibly devastating consequences for those
who fail to see its relevance.
‘Cervoglass
products combine technical superiority with aesthetics that are unmatched
in the industry. The Activ Blue self cleaning glass range has a unique
coating that reacts with sunlight which helps to break down organic particles
on the surface of the glass. When wet this coating attracts water making
it spread like a thin film across the glass. This then dries without any
unsightly droplet marks being left on the glass pane.
‘Cervo Sol Plus solar control low E units provide 75% heat reflection
and 37% light transmission with U-values as low as 1.1. These statistics
combined with the reliability of the product range have been substantiated
by a dramatic increase in the demand for Cervoglass products.’
In addition to the performance assurances that can now be given Cervoglass
has the additional guarantee of satisfying customer requirements because
of speed and efficiency at the in-house production facilities.
Manufacturing and support services have been streamlined to include two
advanced glass processing lines as well as an in-house transportation
fleet which ensures all aspects of production and nationwide delivery
can be guaranteed.
Graham Price concludes, There is no other company that can match the superior
standards we offer. The team at Cervoglass is in complete control from
order processing, through to production and final delivery which completely
reassures our customers. Today, if companies are to succeed they must
re-evaluate their production methods and adjust them accordingly. Now
that we can support our products and services with the required accreditations
we consider that this places us ahead of the market in the conservatory
glass roof industry.’
For more information on the products available in the Cervoglass range
please call 0151 522 6604 or contact us at http://www.cervoglass.co.uk.
That
Was Retirement.....That Was
So
Jason Wilder and Philip DeClermont are back together again, just like
old days, which go back to 1992. Nothing particularly surprising about
that, except when you consider that Philip had been put out to grass,
literally, mowing the lawn, flying his helicopter and trying to help others.
However the prospect of coming back to support his old mate soon put stop
to all that. As Philip said, ‘I knew all along, that there was a
flaw in the advice given about retirement.’
CWG
Choices Ltd is up and running with remarkable speed. The fact is that
any Company is only as good as its people. To end this, when we decided
to start up CWG Choices we made a wish list of those who we knew and wanted
in the new company taking into account its small size. In fact, at a first
management meeting, we were delighted to greet everyone that had been
on the list. We considered ourselves very fortunate and grateful to all
those who had put their faith in us. Likewise, customers have been very
generous and understanding, seeming to remember the good old days, but
equally seeming to forget that Philip was a ‘grumpy old man’
even then.
With the new team in place, we are busy getting sorted out and a hard
slog it has been, with great thanks going to Phil red fern and his team.
However, two things are being made paramount importance from the start,
once is to produce real quality products and service and also to maintain
exceptional communications.
Jason and Philip have kept things simple by having two factories. The
factory in Aldridge produces Shield and Kömmerling, the factory in
Corby produces Rehau 70 and Tritec. In addition, the Corby site produces
specialist products such as the MultiFold door, Vertical Sliders and Astragal
Bars. Each site has its own site manager responsible for everything on
that site. In addition, Distribution and Logistics are controlled from
Aldridge, under the eagle eye of Helen Chambers who is fully qualified
Transport manager. The two sites are connected by a voice over IP link,
giving seamless communication between the two sites and to the outside
world.
The most spoken about words in the company are ‘Quality’ and
‘Communication’. Jason and Philip are determined that company
will excel in both. To help them, there is Stewart Hull, who is the Conservatory
guru and also heads up the Processing Department, which depends heavily
on good communication and accuracy to prevent errors creeping in right
at the start.
To enhance the basic product ranges, interesting hardware has been introduced.
For doors, the Yale Lock is now in use with its smooth operation and stainless
finish for appearance, being only two of its attributes. The Door hinges
have the choice of the Upgraded Conqueror or as an optional extra, the
Haven DL with its gold and chrome effect finishes. The window range uses
the Cotswold range including the new answer to the Fire escape but clean
from the inside problem. In addition, the windows incorporate the Kenrick
Easifit lock which exceeds BS 7950 and obviates the need for shoot bolts.
The benefit being, that in not having to ‘bolt on’ an extra,
the possibility of failure reduced.
As part of our drive for communication excellence, the ability to send
an order directly to our processing system via the internet, is proving
very helpful and popular. Chris Aitken, our man with laptop and disk,
who is constantly out with customers setting up the system and carrying
out any training required. Again, it is another hedge against irritating
(but expensive) errors that creep in, when mere mortals are left to copy
one to another. Back at Corby, there is Scott Mcqueen who keeps us all
on the straight and narrow as far as computers and allied systems are
concerned.
Out there in the field, there is John Sharpe and Nick Rudd keeping in
touch with customers old and new.
Finally, in the interest of enhanced communication, please log into our
website http://www.cwgchoices.com
and see more of what there is to offer. If nothing else, you could get
some enlightenment or total confusion from the 'quote of the day'.
Volkswagen
Designers Create Futuristic Nanospyder Concept
A
team of highly creative Volkswagen designers based in California have
unveiled their own unique take on the future of modern transportation.
The result is the Volkswagen Nanospyder. Futuristic nanotechnology supported
by hydrogen fuel cells, solar power, wheel-mounted electric motors and
inflatable organic body panels combine to form the unusual shape of the
two-seater concept.
Nanospyder is the work of a team of three young designers - Patrick Faulwetter,
Daniel Simon and Ian Hilton - based at the Volkswagen Design Centre in
Santa Monica. They created the Nanospyder in response to a challenge laid
down by 'Design Los Angeles', a conference set to take place at the upcoming
Los Angeles Motorshow in November. The brief - unlike the solution - was
simple. To design a vehicle able to make the most of California without
harming the environment.
The team met its brief by thinking well beyond current manufacturing techniques.
According to its creators the Nanospyder would be formed out of a latticework
of billions of tiny programmable nano devices measuring less than half
a millimetre in diameter. Each of these tiny devices can be programmed
to be as strong or weak as required meaning active crumple zones can be
created. The 'spine' of the vehicle, onto which the rest of the components
are attached, remains immensely strong.
Clothing the nano-lattice are panels formed out of a mix of organic materials
some of which can inflate to provide further cushioning in the result
of an impact. The material doubles as a power source as polysynthesis
generates small amounts of electricity. This coupled with hydrogen fuels
generates power to drive the tiny electric motors mounted within the hubs
of all four wheels.
The Nanospyder, although purely intended as a concept vehicle, gives an
insight into the depth of thinking going into the search for sustainable
forms of modern transport.
The concept was created to be entered in the third Los Angeles Design
challenge - the winner of which will be announced on November 30th at
the Los Angeles Motorshow.
The Volkswagen studios, established in 1991, won the very first challenge
in 2005 with the innovative Mobile Lounge concept.