News @ The GL@ZINE

Rehau Restructures to Improve Efficiency

REHAU has announced a new structure in its window division with Wolfgang Gorner as overall head.
The marketing, product development, technical and customer service teams are being brought closer together into one new business unit with clearly defined new product and sales targets.

It sits alongside similar business units for REHAU’s heating and plumbing and cable management products within the company’s Building Solutions division. REHAU’s other UK divisions – Industrial Products and Automotive also share the same new structure.

Wolfgang Gorner says that the business unit is intended to bring significant benefits to customers, most notably in terms of faster delivery of new products because the technical and product development teams are now directly linked and a greater responsiveness to shifts in the market with customer service working alongside marketing.

It does not involve any job losses and recruitment is ongoing for several newly created key roles.
The restructuring is part of REHAU’s ongoing European strategy to improve efficiency and where appropriate eliminate costs.

As part of this, it also plans shortly to dispose of its old corporate head quarters in Slough, Berkshire. This building has been used as a regional sales office and warehouse facility since REHAU relocated to Ross on Wye in 1995 but it is much too large for its current requirements. REHAU therefore plans to open a new sales office in Slough in a more appropriate facility and is expanding the warehouse at its Manchester sales office to provide even greater storage capacity.

The new structure mirrors that in place in REHAU’s German and French operations where the company says it has already delivered improved sales and service.

Glassex Announces Seminar Programme

As Glassex celebrates its Silver Anniversary the organisers have announced what it believes is the most comprehensive seminar programme in the history of the event, with an emphasis on presentations that bring practical, effective information to delegates in the front line of the industry.

In addition to a programme that covers such key issues as doorstep selling, the use of safety glass and of course, the latest revisions to Part L of the Building Regulations, a full day will be dedicated to conservatories, and the conservatory market generally. The extensive programme has been created in association with the Glass and Glazing Federation.

Find Out if You Are You Breaking the Law

Sunday 13th March, traditionally a day for the smaller fabricator and installer, is clearly biased towards problems faced by small businesses making and installing windows and doors, whilst Monday 14th delves more into regulatory, issues, and the topics of energy efficiency and labelling, and recycling.

Special Programme for Conservatories

Wednesday 16th March is Conservatory Day, which, with the sector being of such key importance to the growth of the glazing market, should be high on the agenda of anyone visiting Glassex. The Building Regulations relating to conservatories are expected to be heavily revised in the near future and will be a focus of the programme, as will the new regulations regarding electrical installation. Experts will also discuss design issues, and opportunities in the commercial sector.

Preceding the conservatory programme will be a special presentation on the proposed new nationally recognised government-backed Quality Scheme, delivered by Margaret Lovett, a senior representative of the Department of Trade & Industry.

One Day Conference for Housing Professionals: Glazing in the Public Sector: Focus on Housing

In a brand new initiative for Glassex the seminar programme for Tuesday 15th March has been devoted entirely to public sector housing managers and officers, who are now clearly established as the glazing market’s biggest customer group. As such Glassex is the obvious place for these highly valued specifiers to learn of the legislative, product and market changes that are anticipated to affect the market in the next few months. Again, Part L will be a part of the presentations, as indeed will such key issues as energy labelling. A special afternoon programme will focus on recycling, with presentations that look closely at two local authority refurbishment schemes for which recycling is a key part of the specification. A separate programme is available for this Conference, in hard copy and on the Glassex web site, at www.glassex.com.Places are Limited
Places for the Glassex seminars are limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Anyone wishing to attend any of the sessions for which fees have been waived by Glassex, or the whole programme, must register on the Glassex web site at www.glassex.com.

Tuffx Reborn with New Management Team

With the continuing success of specialist glass processing products marketed under the Tuffx brand a new dedicated company has been formed as Tuffx Limited to concentrate on consolidating and expanding on that success.

Tuffx single toughened and dual sealed units Kitemarked BS5713, in both hard and soft coat glasses, a wide range of other glass types including solar controlled, Pilkington K, Planitherm Total low E, tinted, patterned and clear glass will continue to be produced at the Aintree factory. The new generation Cervoglass range of conservatory roof glass is going from strength to strength with more and more fabricators and specifiers for both domestic and larger, more prestigious installations.

To manage the success of Tuffx Limited a new management board has been created under the chairmanship of Managing Director Graham Price. Peter Mason has been appointed Commercial Director and John Tierney Operations Director. Peter is a results oriented Director experienced in driving through step changes in efficiencies and change management. John Tierney is an experienced glass manufacturer with nearly 20 years knowledge of the glass industry. He was an apprentice at Pilkington and has managed operations at that company. John is an excellent communicator and excels at creating strong working relationships at all levels.

Commenting about Cervoglass, Peter said 'Cervoglass, with U-values of as low as 1.2, presents an exciting opportunity for installers. Customers are increasingly energy conscious, and will be excited to know that the heat loss from Cervoglass is half that of ordinary glass units, so saving heating bills - while, in summer, it reflects 75% of the uncomfortable heat of the sun. Installers are coming to us because we are one of the very few independent manufacturers in the UK. We will supply any fabricator or installer and are supported by an excellent point-of-sale display kit and software so that customers can e-mail dimensions directly to us.'

To back all this up is a comprehensive in-house glass processing technology that includes an EFCO toughening furnace specially aspirated by GT Lambert for hard and soft coat, computer controlled edge deletion Helga cutting tables, an Intermac processing station and an in-house heat soak oven. A wide range of CNC cutting, drilling and edging processes can be undertaken and cold pour laminating. An in-house silk -screen unit for Spandrel glass and heat soak testing to DN 500049-2-1 are among the in-house facilities demanded for architectural projects.

Find out about new Tuffx Limited – phone 0151 523 7070 or email jptuffx@mistral.co.uk

zendow® achieves full accreditation

The zendow® suite of profile has proved that it is more than just a pretty face. The contemporary new profile suite from Status Systems is now fully accredited for specification by specifiers. Following stringent tests, zendow® is now wholly compliant with BS EN 12608:2003, BS 7950 and PAS 23/24 for doors. Status Systems Quality Assurance Manager, Austin Greene commented 'zendow® sailed through these rigorous tests without any problems.'

BS EN 12608:2003 is a kitemark British Standard for the material properties of plastic extrusion. All zendow® profiles were comprehensively tested to show that the product is of a good quality. For example, sample zendow® windows were tested for air and water penetration. In addition, welded profile was tested for breaks, heat reversion and impact resistance. To comply with the BS7950 security test, a fully fabricated zendow® was installed in a test rig and efforts were made to break into the window. zendow® passed with flying colours. The test requirement of PAS 23 and 24 for doors includes air and water penetration plus security. Once again zendow® doors delivered an excellent performance, achieving the required standard.

Super Unleaded Drives KBE Forward

As part of profine Group’s ‘Greenline Initiative’, all KBE profile is now extruded lead free, using environmentally friendly calcium-zinc stabilisers which have brought additional advantages.

These include further enhanced surface finish of the profile and improved thermal benefits. Tests also show that KBE’s calcium-zinc stabilised profile is more resistant to weathering, coping even better in aggressive atmospheres. Environmental benefits include easier recycling for waste material and, in the longer term, for windows.

Greenline is the profine Group’s commitment to a cleaner world, by, wherever possible, using environmentally friendly ingredients and manufacturing processes that extends product lifecycles.

Colin White, KBE UK’s Technical Director said ‘profine Group are constantly striving to be at the forefront of technological innovation, giving KBE the ability to continually deliver market leading improvements to its UK fabricator network.

Stuga Scores More Successes in Ireland

After two long established and successful Flowline installations in Northern Ireland at Blair Niell in Belfast and Sean Timony in Enniskillen, Stuga sold a Flowline to Murnane and O’Shea right down in Bantry Bay in the south west of the Republic.

Following the completion of commissioning in the deep south Stuga sold another Flowline to Frames Direct, still in the Republic but this time right up in the north west tip not far from the border with the North.
The next in line will be Star Elm near Shannon, which most people know is in a beautiful part of the far west of the Republic.

Due to their remoteness from the hub of the machinery business which happens to be mainly based in central England one of the most important factors for all of these Irish fabricators is how good the service will be. In each case the fabricators realised that dealing with a manufacturer who is based in England gave them several advantages over purchasing from a German machinery company through a British based dealership.

Stuga have all of the parts for their machines at their headquarters in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, as they are needed for the manufacture of new machines, meaning the very minimum of delay when parts are required. Also the fact that Stuga specialises in a small but versatile range of cutting and prepping machines designed specifically to suit windows in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland means that their engineers are all factory trained specifically on this equipment. Having the highest ratio of engineers to machines in the field compared with all competition these remote customers know that they can rely on Stuga to ensure production is re-started with the minimum of delay in the event of a breakdown.

As every machine that Stuga manufactures is software driven there is a regular call for machines to be upgraded for new profiles or complete changes of profile suite and this has led to Stuga having a team of three software technicians on the road who are all available to troubleshoot any problematic software issues quickly and easily.

Shepley Launches New Range of Modular Conservatories

Shepley’s taken a long, hard look at how modular conservatories can benefit the installer and has come up with a bright idea. Not only is Shepley’s modular range available in a selection of the most popular styles, but customers can order any size as long as it’s between a minimum and maximum size. And all at preferential prices!

Shepley’s new range packages PVCu frames, roof and polycarb in a unique one-stop-shop service. It can now be ordered literally in a matter of minutes. All you have to do is choose the conservatory style, colour and accessories, specify the position of the door and the rest is down to Shepley. The options available are limited so that you can pass on cost savings to your more price sensitive customers. The sizes are flexible as Shepley realise you can’t always fit standard sized conservatories onto the back of homes – it’s just that easy!

'The products chosen for this range are based on the best use of materials and Shepley customers can enjoy a significant saving over bespoke prices', comments Wes Clarkson, Shepley’s conservatory roof sales manager; 'it also helps you to compete against the DIY or budget end of the market. It makes it so much easier for customers to quote for jobs. In this business, you must be competitive and this new range will help to give retailers that all-important edge.'

Winlock Directors Risk Frostbite by Dipping Toe in Moscow's Big Chill

Intrepid adventurers Philip Swann and Graham Pearce of Winlock recently wrapped up warm and sallied forth to brave the ravages of a Russian winter (minus 15 degrees Celsius and heavy snow) in order to introduce the company’s products to visitors at the Fensterbau Frontale Windows and Doors Exhibition in Moscow.

The exhibition was the first to be organised by Fensterbau in Moscow and Winlock was one of just three British exhibitors. Winlock’s sales and marketing director, Philip Swann, said: 'The trip was an opportunity for us to ‘dip our toe’ into the Russian market and find out how everything happens there. I have to say we were very encouraged by the response we received.'

Winlock returned with many enquiries from fabricators, distributors, architects and builders and is currently in negotiations with one of Russia’s biggest distributors which it met during the visit.

Winlock’s director of business development, Graham Pearce, said: 'There are millions of pounds worth of business in our industry out there if the difficult trading conditions can be overcome.'

TWS Gains Advantage with Merc Fleet

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Limited’s customer TWS has invested half a million pounds in 20 new Mercedes vans. The Leeds based company has recently taken delivery of a new fleet that includes panel vans, dropsiders and a tipper. All the vehicles were supplied by Northside Truck and Van. The fleet will play an important role in the Garforth company’s plans to raise still further its profile across West Yorkshire in 2005, as founder Tony Grindley explains. 'Customers quickly form an opinion of a company based on its vehicles. That is why we chose Mercedes, whose reputation for quality and reliability matches our own. We are confident the vans will raise the profile of TWS.'

Handover…Northside’s Julian Graham (left) is pictured with Tony Grindley of TWS and the company’s fleet of new Mercedes vans

The vans are sure to turn heads, thanks to striking liveries. 'As we specialise in conservatories, we employ installers, electricians, builders, plasterers and maintenance staff,' says Mr Grindley, 'and thought it a novel idea to customise the builders’ vans with a picture of a builder at work, the plasterer’s van with an image of a plasterer and so on. As well as being eye-catching on the road, it enables customers to watch with interest the progress of their conservatory as the different vans come and go.'

Danny Hague, Advantage’s Group Commercial Director says; 'TWS’s investment in their new fleet demonstrates that they take customer satisfaction very seriously and their prime concern is to provide a reliable service. When we first began working with TWS – I knew – based on many years of experience, that their work ethos and professional approach to customers set them apart from their competitors. TWS will continue to go from strength to strength and we at Advantage are delighted to be associated with such an ambitious and forward thinking company and wish them continued success.'

Everest Commercial Division Committed to Government School Programme

Everest Commercial Division sponsored the Local Government Chronicle’s ‘Local Education Partnerships (LEP) in Practice’ conference at Earls Court on 3rd February as the Company’s reputation as a premier schools fenestration solution-provider continues to grow.

The event was well attended by delegates from local authorities from across the country eager to learn from the experiences of LEPs created in the first wave of the Government’s ‘Building Schools for the Future’ programme which will see all schools in England and Wales refurbished or renewed over the course of the next 15 years. The day-long event featured talks designed to give the assorted public and private sector delegates the benefit of observations and techniques developed in Lancashire, Newham and Telford & Wrekin before the schools renewal programme rolls into the second and third regional waves.

Everest Commercial has long been gaining a reputation among local authorities as the respected experts in tailoring window and access refurbishment projects. By specifying product and programmes to suit the needs of individual schools, Everest are winning on quality and cost as they continue to provide the ideal window frames and doors for the job.

The Everest name is respected throughout the country for both domestic and commercial installations and the expertise developed over more than 3 decades helps when faced with the particular requirements of school refits. As is often the case, Everest’s school contracts come with certain added values; restricting works to short school holiday periods, concentration on health and safety of both product and site and often short lead times from tender to completion. Experience gives Everest Commercial the edge; they get in, do the job, and get out on time leaving satisfied customer after satisfied customer.

More and more local authorities are turning to Everest Commercial for their fenestration solution. As the BSF programme rolls out across the country, Everest’s commitment to quality will see yet more endorsements from LEPs and local authorities.

Dynamic Investment for New World Manufacturing

With the start of a new year and a major presence at Glassex, Ireland’s leading door manufacturer New World Developments has made major changes to its factory operation to improve productivity and deliver even better service to customers.

Re-aligning the whole layout has now allowed the company to have faster, dedicated lines for its Apeer composite door and PVC door panels operations. Also, introducing longer flexi-hours for staff maximises the machinery and opens up employment opportunities which benefit both New World and the local community.

Newly appointed factory manager John Waide explains “ All the changes have been led by a customer-first mindset. We wanted to decrease the time factor and drive even more quality through the system.”

Replaces a time-consuming manual operation, computerized bead-gluing has been integrated offering speed and accuracy. A new spray booth for both lines is running to full capacity and two new dispatch areas with dedicated personnel ensure that the output is delivered on time.

'Currently the increase in productivity is about 20-30% but this will increase 30-40% as the systems are bedded in. ' says John. ' We are completely dedicated to customer care. Communication is vital. We listen to what they want and focus on giving it to them.'
http://www.nwd.uk.com

Finesse Wins Swish National 2004 Customer Service Award

'Having achieved an average 99.38% positive response in an independent customer survey conducted by the Guarantee Guild, there was no doubt in our minds who the recipient of this award should be for 2004' said Steve Couchman, Director for Swish Window Systems, when presenting the award.

'We encourage extremely high standards from all our authorised manufacturer installers” he said, 'however manufacturing in a controlled environment is one thing, providing quality installation, back up and after sales service is a totally different aspect of business, Finesse have shown that they excel in all areas'.

David Bown is the Sales and Marketing Director of Finesse Windows: 'We are delighted to have received this award from Swish, for 23 years our business philosophy has been to look after our customers and we recognise that there is a real demand for this, particularly when it comes to home improvements'

He argues that the brains and skills of professional people experimenting with new ideas and technologies have created a demand for the resulting products. No one is better placed to appreciate this trend than David Bown himself. He started his working life as an apprentice technician with Dunlop Aviation Division and spent many years selling British made products overseas, before moving into the windows industry in 1980.

'I am proud of the products we produce at Finesse and proud to provide them to people who understand what quality really means. With more demand for high performance products in respect of security, safety and energy saving, plus an increase in the number of homeowners installing conservatories, our specification has to meet very high standards. Using Swish, Ultraframe, Hallmark and Kendrick products in our manufacturing and installation process certainly gives us the best opportunity to supply this demand.'

The Guarantee Guild who compiled the report received 654 customers’ questionnaires relating to sales approach, installation efficiency, standards of workmanship and satisfaction. Jeremy Taylor speaking on behalf of the Guarantee Guild said, 'Finesse customers not only completed the questionnaire, many of them added extremely complimentary comments, we congratulate everyone at Finesse on their award which is in our opinion thoroughly deserved'

A copy of the survey is available for the general public to read.

For more information please contact David Bown on 0121-433 3027

Trelleborg Group Reports Successful 2004

The Trelleborg Group can look back at a year with a new structure and favourable growth. For the full-year, net sales increased to SEK 22,912 M (17,960). Overall growth in comparable currencies was 30 per cent. Conditions in many of the Group’s principal markets improved. Several of the Group’s business area’s showed favourable organic growth, and the new business area, Trelleborg Sealing Solutions, met expectations well.

For continuing operations, before goodwill amortization, restructuring costs and impairment losses, profit after financial items increased by 35 per cent to SEK 1,531 M (1,130). During the fourth quarter, profit amounted to SEK 367 M (375). For the full year, earnings per share increased to SEK 12.40 (9.40).

Operations were further streamlined, e.g. through the sale of the 49-per cent holding in Trenor. The Group now has a well-positioned and stable structure for the future.

Net sales for the full year increased by 28 per cent to SEK 22,912 M (17,960). Organic growth was 3 per cent. During the fourth quarter, net sales increased to SEK 5,529 M (5,351).

Net profit for the full year increased by 41 per cent to SEK 988 M (702). For the fourth quarter, a loss of SEK 157 M (profit: 220) was reported due to the negative effect of restructuring measures.

Earnings per share for the full year increased by 33 per cent to SEK 11.20 (8.40). During the fourth quarter, negative earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.85 (2.65).

Decisions on restructuring measures during the fourth quarter included the transfer of tire production from the town of Trelleborg. Costs charged against earnings for the fourth quarter of 2004 amounted to SEK 476 M before tax and SEK 338 M after tax.

New trade stockist, WCS Ltd, has recently signed up with Deceuninck to offer the complete range of Deeplas cellular products and additional ancillary items.

The Deeside-based company opened the doors of its new 4,500 sqft premises in October last year having spent more than twenty years working directly within the industry.

Having studied the market for some considerable time WCS needed a supplier that could offer a full spectrum of quality products that would support the needs of the installing customer. As a result, WCS turned to Deeplas by Deceuninck as the company offered both the quality and diversity of product range that was needed.

On becoming a Deeplas stockist, Director of WCS, Jason Tomlinson said, ‘Having looked at numerous suppliers, we found Deeplas by Deceuninck offered the highest quality products with an impressive portfolio. By working with Deeplas, we can offer a comprehensive range of roofline products coupled with some innovative niche products such as the Décor range of wall and ceiling panels. Our business objective is to offer the highest levels of products and service as demanded by our customers and by working with Deceuninck we know we can achieve this goal.’

For more information on WCS log onto http://www.wcs.ltd.uk

As homeowners become increasingly aware of the availability of the combination of maintenance free and more traditional looking products, it’s vital installers can satisfy these needs. That’s why Lincoln-based JB Windows turned to Newstead Trade Frames for its supply of premium, coloured PVC doors.

Phil Long, Partner at JB Windows, comments: ‘We have been installing for twenty-five years and are aware that consumers’ tastes are evolving. Homeowners today want greater choice in doors than ever before and will buy from whichever installer succeeds in keeping up with these demands. We specifically wanted to supply coloured doors to our customers, so Newstead’s portfolio of PVC-U, low maintenance, good looking doors in a variety of colours was a natural choice.

‘We’re the first in our area to offer such a range, and are delighted this is backed up by great service, product quality and delivery times.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Damage to raw glass surfaces during the construction process can be costly, but this can be avoided by converting ordinary glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass‚ with Ritec’s ClearShield system. The use of ClearShield Glass Protect makes glass easier to clean, keeps it looking like new, reduces costs and increases customer satisfaction.

During construction, concrete splatter, cement dust and slurry, as well as other types of alkaline construction materials, damage and corrode the surface of glass. This can be a particular problem for large scale projects, with greater quantities of glass in windows, doors, curtain walling and so on. Water run-off carrying contaminants and air pollution containing chemicals can also adhere to the glass surface, and if allowed to bond to the glass, cleaning is either very expensive or impossible, requiring the costly replacement of the glass itself. Inadequately protected glass results in a dirty and unsightly look, expensive clean down and lengthy delays in construction. It also leads to dissatisfied customers and occupants because of a spoiled glass façade.

ClearShield Glass Protect is a surface finish which provides protection to the glass before, during and after construction, by making the glass stain resistant as well as being easier to clean and keep clean in the future. It is part of a fully-integrated system for the renovation, protection and maintenance of glass, and can be applied in the factory before installation or on-site after installation, using either manual or fully automatic spraying equipment as part of Ritec’s award-winning ClearShield™ System. The renovation process can remove most staining from glass as long as no physical damage has yet occurred.

Among the major projects to recognise the problem of the potential damage to the glass surface is the new Bangkok International Airport in Thailand, currently being built, which had ClearShield specified to protect the glass during construction. With approximately 100,000m2 of glass being installed, protecting the glass with ClearShield will save both time and money for architects and building contractors alike.

ClearShield™ Glass Protect, a proven glass surface finish that is not a film or a coating, has a successful track record of more than 20 years on all types of glass in a wide range of applications. These include architectural and residential glazing – including conservatory roofs – as well as shower and sandblasted glass. The protection is based on the company’s proven polymer technology enhanced with a new and more active catalyst. It ensures higher resistance to corrosion and staining for easier cleaning without the need for harsh chemicals.

Even if ordinary, unprotected glass is stained after construction, the ClearShield system can renovate the glass into an ‘as-new’ condition and then be applied with ClearShield to resist future staining. Examples include the Lloyd’s of London building, train platform shelters and a hotel near Heathrow airport.

Stephen Byers, Ritec’s Managing Director, says, ‘There are so many ways that raw glass surfaces can be damaged on a building site, so it makes sense to protect them from the outset. ClearShield™ offers the ideal solution as it protects glass and keeps it looking clean, saving time and money, not only during the construction period but for many years to come. The resulting glass is easy to see through and to keep bright and sparkling.’

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

Recycling education, economics and sustainability will be the focus of the next Waste Action Forum, being held on 16th and 17th March in Barnsley. Waste management professionals from local authorities will hear presentations from government and industry on the latest developments in waste and recycling.

Over 50 local authorities will be attending the event, which is run by Rexam Glass and supported by Glass Recycling UK (GRUK). The Forums help local authorities to devise best practice for effective waste management and recycling through an interactive event that draws upon the knowledge of key speakers from industry, government and local authorities.

Presenters at the March Forum will include Rosie Edwards from the Cambridgeshire Environment Education Service (CEES), who will discuss the important role played by education in creating sustainable lifestyles and Chris Maltbaek from Jacobs Babtie, who will talk about the ‘pros and cons’ of PFI funding in the waste industry.

This will be the sixth Waste Action Forum in the series which is attracting a growing number of local authority delegates. Other presenters at the event will include after dinner speaker Ian Collins, managing director of Plastic Omnium Urban Systems Ltd; Gill Weeks, the regulatory affairs director for Cleanaway Ltd; Glenn Fleet, sustainability group manager at Warwickshire County Council and David Williams, commercial manager for Corus Steel Packaging Recycling.

'We are keen that our Forums are not too high-brow to ensure that they provide real value to local authority delegates,' said Nigel Pritchard, director of Rexam Glass. 'I believe we continue to achieve this – which is shown by the fact that many of our delegates have been to all six events.'

Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’ commitment to the van operator goes much further than selling high quality, award-winning vans. As motorists know, regular servicing and maintenance are essential to keep their vehicles running at optimum performance. To ensure its customers enjoy the ultimate van driving experience, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle Finance offers a number of Fixed Cost Maintenance packages.

Fixed Cost Maintenance is available to two customer groups: Retail covers sole traders and small businesses running no more than ten vehicles; while Fleet covers small to medium sized businesses operating more than ten vehicles. The maximum contract period for Retail customers is 48 months and up to 120,000 miles. The Fleet option can provide cover for up to 200,000 miles over a 60 month period.

For both groups there is a choice of three plans:
• Service only
• Service and Maintenance
• Service, Maintenance and Tyres

Service includes the parts and labour charges required for work carried out as part of the manufacturer’s specified service schedule.

The Service and Maintenance option provides one of the most extensive cover plans in the motor industry for certain components that need replacing through wear and tear. These include brake pads, batteries, alternators, starter motors, clutch parts, transmission units, exhaust systems and windscreen wipers.

The full package of Service, Maintenance and Tyres also allows the fitting of brand new tyres when the old ones have succumbed to wear and tear. Wheel alignment is also covered under this contract option.

Fixed Cost Maintenance offers customers a straightforward way to control the cost of maintaining their vehicles, whether they operate just one van or one hundred. Other advantages include:

• servicing at an authorised Volkswagen Van Centre by skilled Volkswagen technicians using genuine parts
• the van obtaining a complete full service history, which may protect residual values
• a choice of cover options to suit the customer’s needs and budget
• Volkswagen Emergency Assistance included for the duration of the contract

For further information on Fixed Cost Maintenance call 0800 717131. Alternatively, visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk to locate your nearest Volkswagen Van Centre.

Robin Rice, Managing Director of Abloy Security looks at the latest issues and developments affecting access control.

The challenge of creating an effective balance between security and access control is steadily growing for all those responsible for managing public sector buildings. In addition to the ever present problems of preventing theft and vandalism, facility and building managers are increasingly being forced to compromise between the need to control and monitor the movement of both staff and the public, while allowing increased access and mobility as defined under legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA).

This trade off between security and access for visitors and staff has until recently proved difficult due to the limitations of cost and the technology available.
New developments in lock and access control equipment, however, look set to allow building managers to resolve this dilemma and to comply with the legislation.

The new prEN13637 European Building Hardware standard for electrically controlled emergency exit systems is already being adhered to throughout the UK. New buildings are already being scrutinised and will not be approved by Fire Officers if they do not comply with this regulation.

In particular, the prEN13637 standard stipulates that all electrically controlled emergency exit doors must open under a side pressure of 1000N, yet be resistant to intrusion. Although no existing locks can meet this specification a new generation of electric locks, including the effeff 351 RR AK RR, is being introduced. These offer exceptional performance – the 351 for example has been tested to release up to 5000N, far exceeding the requirements.

Previously, electro-magnets or electric strikes have been used to provide conventional access control systems. This can be a low cost option in applications where security is not a high priority or where fire and safety standards have been less rigorous. In the advent of prEN13637 and the tightening of controls on fire door security has meant that the use of these solutions may no longer be an option, particularly when security is a consideration.

Fire routes naturally require a quick and safe exit, and while buildings can comply to prEN13637, standards such as BS EN179 and BS EN1125 must not be ignored. Final exit doors in particular can be operated using panic exit devices in conjunction with a lock that will open under side pressure. This type of device is available with mechanical or electric operation, and when connected to a central security system, electronic panic exit devices can add even greater levels of flexibility and security, with the ability to be monitored and operated either remotely or centrally.

While a lot of thought can be put into creating a system that provides easy access for everyone, legislation such as the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 (DDA), should not be overlooked. Designing building access control systems to include door operators, touch pads and even the correct door furniture from the outset will allow regulations to be met once the final part of the DDA comes into force in October this year.

A range of products suitable for improving disabled access to buildings, include the hi-tech Abloy Automatic Swing Door Operator, which is used extensively in banks, hospitals, hotels and increasingly in the homes of disabled people. Installed in conjunction with access control, interlocking and central locking systems, the door operators can offer high security as well as easy access.

Ensuring that public buildings meet new and current legislations can prove daunting, but with the correct advice and product awareness it need not be - secure yet easily accessible buildings are achievable.