Win
a TV Today with Synseal's 'Where's the Billboard' Competition!
Congratulations to Gl@zine reader Ian Bird who won Synseal's 'Where's
the Billboard' competition who correctly answered St Paul's in Cheltenham.
If you didn't win last week, you've got another chance to win this week.
So if you know where this photo was taken of this billboard, please send
your answer to billboard@synseal.com
You
can win a Flat Screen TV if you know where this Synseal Billboard is
Synseal's
national billboard campaign is in its sixth week and they have been viewed
over 50million times.
Synseal customers can also personalise billboards with their own company
details. The first customer to have a billboard put up is Truemans Ltd
in Rossendale.
'We didn't know a local company like Truemans could have a billboard,'
says Joe Trueman, Director. 'We thought they were only for national companies.
So when Synseal let us know we could have one of our own we jumped at
the chance.
'We chose one just around the corner from the showroom. Our business,
trade and retail, is mainly within Rossendale so it's a great way to let
people know where we are, and that we are their local Synseal company.'
Super
Spacer to be made in Great Britain
Demand
for Edgetech's Super Spacer® is so high the company is making a major
commitment to the UK market by investing in a world class manufacturing
facility. This will make it the only dedicated Warm Edge Technology (WET)
extrusion facility in the UK.
The new £2.5m plant in Coventry will manufacture Super Spacer specifically
for the UK market. Edgetech IG will continue to supply global demand from
its 476,000 sq ft Headquarters in Cambridge, Ohio, but as Mike Hovan,
President of Edgetech IG explains: ‘We had to expand our manufacturing
capacity to stay ahead of increasing global demand for Super Spacer. The
UK market has seen in excess of 300% growth in the last 3 years, so we
wanted to demonstrate our commitment to the UK market by investing in
a facility here.’
Mike
continues: ‘Edgetech UK was established 11 years ago and it has been
fantastic to see its growth, particularly in the last few years with some
big names coming on board, including most recently, Camden. That's why
we made Andy Jones (pictured) Managing Director of the UK at the end of
last year, because we knew the UK was well on its way to following the
US trend, where WET is the norm over aluminium.’
‘UK companies and individuals like to buy British,’ adds Andy
Jones. ‘As well as a sense of pride, it gives us security to know
our suppliers are completely accessible. Manufacturing in the UK means
Edgetech can offer its customers shorter lead times, helping them offer
their customers even more flexibility and efficiencies. This is the latest
development in Edgetech UK's continuous drive to offer the best product,
service and support.
‘I've seen first hand the changes in the UK market over the last
few years,’ continues Andy. ‘More people are asking for Energy
Saving Recommended Windows, and our industry is helping to drive this
demand. There are an increasing number of companies that see the future
as WET and are investing in Super Spacer machinery to be able to offer
the best. Our customers are prepared to invest in the future of the industry,
and so are we.’
Edgetech's new factory will be fully operational in the summer and to
celebrate the opening of the new facility, Edgetech will be holding a
launch event. More details on that to follow.
Tel: +44 (0) 24 76 705570
Email: ukenquiries@edgetechig.com
No
Outcome Reached at UN Junket on Sustainable Development
No
negotiated outcome has been reached at the meeting of the UN Commission
on Sustainable Development, which was held in New York from 28th April
until 11th May.
The meeting was the culmination of two years work on the issues of energy
for sustainable development, industrial development, climate change and
air pollution and atmosphere.
The UK and its EU partners came to the meeting with high aspirations,
given the growing recognition of the urgent need to tackle the wide-ranging
impacts of climate change and to move to cleaner and increasingly renewable
and sustainable energy sources at the same time as making progress towards
the Millennium Development Goals.
Regrettably, no agreement could be reached, particularly on the subject
of energy, on where individual countries, regions and the international
community should go from here.
Ian
Pearson, UK Minister for Climate Change and the Environment said:
‘This failure to reach agreement on energy for sustainable development,
climate change, air pollution and industrial development is a deep disappointment.
‘The world's population is growing and hundreds of millions of people
live in abject poverty. We are far from achieving our Millennium Development
Goals. To make progress we have to work for economic growth and stability.
Continuing to use energy in an unsustainable manner, with rising emissions
and environmental degradation, will risk the very growth and stability
we are trying to achieve.
‘Climate and environmental sustainability cannot be an add on or
an afterthought to our economic, development, trade, social justice or
security policies. They need to be at the heart of our decisions.
‘The latest reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
tell us that more, not less ambition is needed. This meeting of the Commission
on Sustainable Development offered the international community an opportunity
to demonstrate that ambition.
‘The UK and our EU partners came to the table keen to negotiate a
progressive outcome. Regrettably, rather than build consensus on the further
steps needed to address these common challenges, many attempted only to
reiterate commitments made almost five years ago. This is not progress
and does not reflect the increasing urgency with which we need to take
action.
‘The Chairman offered a text to all the negotiating parties in the
end game. But it went nowhere near far enough.
‘We shall continue to put climate change and energy at the top of
the international agenda. We will now look towards the meeting of the
Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change
in Bali in December to take the next steps.’
Nigel
Rees Elected Vice President of CPA
Nigel
Rees, Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) Chief Executive was recently
elected Vice President of the Construction Products Association (CPA).
The
CPA acts as a single, influential voice for the manufacturers and suppliers
of construction products.
Its aim is to build a growing, profitable and sustainable future for the
construction products industry.
At the heart of the UK economy, the construction industry provides essential
materials for our homes, schools, hospitals, factories, offices, roads
and railways.
Every year the industry:
• has an output of £40 billion,
• exports 10% of output,
accounts for:
• 40% of total construction output,
• 20% of the UK's manufacturing output,
• 4% of the UK's Gross Domestic Product (GDP)
and employs over 650,000 people in almost 30,000 companies
'I am looking forward to being able to promote the needs of the window
and glazing industries through my new role. I also plan to harness the
proactive work of the CPA particularly on the lobbying front to ensure
that our voice is heard,' commented Nigel.
The
Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award 2007
Following
the success of the Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award, presented at
the G06 ceremony last October, the event has been launched in its second
incarnation with the goal of eliciting more examples of Britain's finest
students of glass arts and crafts.
Bohle,
the manufacturer and distributor of glass, tools, machinery and consumables,
continues to back the event that it conceived and launched as part of
the company's commitment to education in glass crafts, arts and technology,
confident that the standard of entries received last year may be maintained
or even improved. ‘We are in a good position to promote entry to
the Bohle Glass Student of the Year competition through our involvement
with many of the colleges teaching glass art, craft and technology,’
explained Bohle MD Gary Dean.
‘Nevertheless, we were overwhelmed at the willingness of student
to put themselves and their work forward, with superb results. I look
forward to presenting this year's prizes and trophy confident that the
standards will again be exceptional.’
Entries will again be sought from students whose work demonstrates outstanding
skill, vision, design and/or artistic flair in working with glass. Although
presented as part of the G07 Awards entries undergo a separate judging
process, with a specialist judging panel that includes eminent members
of academia, industry, art and design.
Entry
will be open to students from all UK and Irish educational establishments
and will be subject to some simple criteria for entry to encourage as
many entries as possible:
* Entries submitted must use mainly glass as a medium or subject
* Course work will be accepted as an entry, if sanctioned by the institute's
Head of Department
* The work can be structural, practical or of an artistic nature
• All entries must have been created during 2006/7
* There must be one entry per participating student only
* The creator along with a completed entry form, must submit all entries
* Entries to be submitted by photograph via email (jpeg or bmp) or post;
we suggest 2-4 good quality images, clearly marked with the students contact
details. We recommend that copies be submitted, as these will not be returned.
* Entrants must agree to the possibility of Bohle Ltd using the images
for advertising / marketing in the future
* All entry forms must be countersigned by a representative of the Educational
Institute
The judges will be looking for development of ideas and an appreciation
and knowledge of glass, as well as a demonstration of skill in the execution
of the entry. Closing date for entries is 30th June 2007.
The judging panel will short-list the entries to 12 pieces from which
four finalists and their work will be selected. A member of the judging
panel will visit the educational institute that the student represents
to view these pieces in person and discuss the entry with the creator.
All 4 of the finalists will be invited as guests of Bohle to the G07 Awards,
which takes place once again at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, National Exhibition
Centre (NEC) Birmingham on Friday October 12th 2007, where the overall
winner will be announced and be presented with the Bohle Award prize by
a well-known celebrity.
The Prizes
The most valuable prize for the winner of the Bohle Glass Student of the
Year Award will be the exceptional recognition it will bring, judged by
some of Britain's leading authorities on glass art, craft and technology.
To sweeten the accolade still further however, Bohle will present the
winner with a Bohle ECO45 Glass Fusing Kiln and ancillaries worth more
than £1,000, together with an expenses paid trip to the Bohle headquarters
in Haan, Germany, one of the leading centres of glass processing technology
with a great tradition of glass working.
Entries should be submitted to:
Alic McCabe
Bohle Ltd UK
Fifth Avenue
Tameside Park
Dukinfield
Cheshire SK16 4PP
Email: amccabe@bohle.de
Further information about the G07 Awards is available at: http://www.g-awards.com
Avocet
Broadens Range Appeal with Exidor 500
Avocet
Hardware has become the latest UK distributor of the Exidor 500 series
for commercial door panic and emergency egress products.
Since
its launch last year, the Exidor 500 range has become a popular choice
for all commercial, retail and especially care and nursing sector applications
for external PVC-U doors. Despite the slim line design and simplicity
and ease of fitting and adjustment, the products offer high security and
effective emergency operation.
The series offers a choice of either cross bar or push pad operation with
modern styling. Non handed, Exidor 500 utilises standard bolts and latches,
or with vertical and horizontal Pullman catches.
Various keep options are available to suit a wide range of door styles,
with availability in most RAL colours. The range meets all the security
standards for multi point locking and is certified to EN 1125 and EN 179
European CEN Standards for the push bar and pads respectively. A major
advantage is the ability to accommodate low thresholds.
‘Avocet is renowned within the industry for quality door and window
hardware,’ says Stephanie Wright, Avocet's Marketing Manager. ‘By
becoming one of the UK distributors and suppliers of the Exidor 500, we
have opened up a new avenue for the company and by stocking this range,
offer our customers a range of fittings for additional markets. This is
an excellent example of how Avocet is developing its portfolio to offer
wider market opportunities.’
Web: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems says that current industry practice is for many
components to be on back order, and delivered orders to be missing parts.
Aztec is bucking the trend: the company has undertaken £1m investment
in both stockholding capability and bar length stockholding; as a result,
it claims it has zero back orders, and every new order is dispatched complete,
enabling the roof to be fabricated and built without delay.
States Aztec Sales Director Colin Bennett, ‘Our investment means
we can always supply exactly what has been ordered and is needed. How
many other roof systems companies can claim that?
‘In the tight trading environment of the past couple of years, roof
systems companies have had to reduce costs. It has become the 'norm' to
receive incomplete orders, but it shouldn't be accepted or acceptable!
You wouldn't accept a new kettle without its lid, a new car without wheels!
Profit needs to be balanced with passion: customers need to be given service,
and looked after. Their business is valuable. If items are missing from
orders either through carelessness in order picking or inefficient stock
control, the roof can't be completed. Aztec has the focus to ensure that
situation doesn't happen to our customers.’
To further ensure the order process is as efficient and smooth as possible,
Aztec has expanded its administrative team, and doubled its technical
staff. Colin observes,
‘It's no good having a warehouse full of stock if there aren't enough
people to look after customers' requirements! We'd all rather talk to
someone, instead of a computer! Orders need to be processed, and customers
helped with anything from how many glazing bar end caps they need to a
technical issue on fabricating a box gutter for a difficult location.’
Tel: 0161 707 8611
Email: colin@aztecsystems.net
Eurocell
meets ISO 14001 Environmental Standard
Eurocell
Profiles Ltd, a supplier of window, door and conservatory systems, has
recently achieved ISO 14001 accreditation the international standard for
environmental performance.
The
award is one of the strongest independent pieces of evidence available
to show that the company adheres to strict environmental policies and
procedures in all areas of its business. It also shows the company’s
commitment to helping its fabricator base as they enter new areas that
require them to demonstrate environmental credentials.
The company achieved the award by taking proactive measures to reduce
the amount of waste and energy usage across the entire site. The process,
which involved the commitment of the entire workforce at all levels involved
achieving demanding targets including packaging requirements, reducing
energy usage, improving water treatment facilities and focusing on combustion
engine emissions. The scheme has also helped reduce power consumption
across all facilities including production plant, distribution and offices.
As part of its commitment to ISO 14001, Eurocell ensures that all waste
that can be recycled now enters a managed and audited process in the facility
- from product packaging to cups from the water fountain - resulting in
a large reduction in waste that the company sends to landfill sites.
Eurocell will continue to make improvements against specific targets to
meet overall environmental objectives which will also help drive forward
the efficient use of raw materials. Eurocell Profiles Ltd uses an aspect
table to continually set new targets and monitor future areas for improvement.
Trevor Reybold Eurocell's Quality Manager explains: ‘We have already
achieved several of these goals and look set to make even more improvements
in the next few months. The whole process enables us to build, define
and maintain the ISO14001 achievement we have already made.’
Trevor adds: ‘Our goal was to reduce our impact on the environment
by focusing on sustainable methods of running our business. Achieving
ISO14001 not only demonstrates how we are adding value to our customers
and employees but also shows our commitment to the environment locally
and globally.’
At a time when sustainability and environmental issues are of increasing
importance achieving this accreditation shows Eurocell's commitment to
good environmental policies and practices.
For more information visit the website http://www.eurocell.co.uk
or contact Eurocell on 01773 837490.
Redrow
Rewards Rooms and Views
Spectus fabricator, Rooms and Views, based near Chester, has received Subcontractor of the Year award from Redrow Homes (Lancashire Ltd), one of the UK's most successful residential property developers. Presented by Redrow's Lancashire region - one of four Redrow regions that Rooms and Views works closely with - the award recognises quality of service and supply.
Kevin
McClure (left) and Martin Davidson (right), Directors of Rooms and Views
Say
Kevin McClure and Martin Davidson, Directors of Rooms and Views: ‘We
have a long history with Redrow, working with the company for around 7
years. During this time we have supplied windows, patio doors and French
doors manufactured originally from Spectus' Vinylock 1600 range and more
recently the Elite 63 range. Redrow is obviously pleased with the quality
of the product it receives but the award is given on the basis of service
provided. We are delighted to have won the award as service - whether
to a large housebuilder such as Redrow or an individual replacing windows
in their own home - is key to our ethos and what makes us the successful
company we are today.’
Rooms and Views has been trading for 10 years and in that time has developed
into a leading supplier of windows, doors and conservatories operating
mainly in the new build market. The company holds BS 7412 the British
Kitemarked Standard for the manufacture of windows from PVC-U profile.
Web: http://www.roomsandviews.co.uk
Making
an Entrance into Ireland
Entrance
cds Ltd, supplier of the Capstone range of composite door slabs, has announced
that the company has appointed Lurgan-based AMK Supply Company Ltd as
its agent in Northern Ireland and Eire.
Tim Clemmett, Entrance's Operation Director said, ‘There has been
a great deal of interest in our Capstone composite door range since it
was launched last month. It was important that we move quickly to establish
a base in the Irish market to capitalise on this interest. We're pleased
to be working with such a high profile distributor as AMK and we're looking
forward to a mutually beneficial relationship.’
Entrance cds Ltd is based in Milton Keynes. ‘Our 44mm Capstone composite
door range offers a breakthrough in composite door technology. And judging
by the interest shown in the range since its launch, it's a breakthrough
that the building industry has welcomed,’ says Tim.
‘The sturdy, durable doors make use of an LVL (laminated veneer lumber)
stabilising frame rather than a single piece of timber, reducing the risk
of warping and movement. They also feature a one piece composite frame
rather than the traditional two piece meaning that there is no glue line
to weaken the structure and cause problems during fitting. Aesthetically,
the doors also offer benefits over their rivals: their soft beading and
high quality grain appearance mean they look more like timber doors and
they are available in over 150 combinations to maximise versatility.’
The company offers a nationwide delivery service and offers a rapid order
turnaround time achieved by supplying doors from stock.
Tel: 08456 036046
Email: info@entrancecds.com
HL
Plastics Revolutionises 3D Prototyping
Derby
based HL Plastics has recently made a considerable investment in a new
Dimension 3D printer that will significantly reduce product development
cycles for both the company's products and those of its sister company,
Liniar.
The
machine converts engineering CAD drawings to physical 3D models in a matter
of hours. The functional prototypes are manufactured from ABS material,
producing a durable model that can withstand rigorous testing.
This allows customers to not only see and feel the models, but also examine
how the product would react in a working scenario - particularly useful
in clip and snap details. Customers can assess the design and make any
changes before it reaches the more expensive and time consuming tooling
phase.
HL Plastics says that its decision to invest in this technology is virtually
unique in the marketplace, with the majority of other manufacturers choosing
to sub-contract out this facility, which in turn increases the timescale
and cost of the process.
Providing an in-house service also retains the confidentiality of new
products by limiting the number of people with copies of the designs.
Roger Hartshorn, Group Managing Director, is delighted with the investment:
'Our customers are increasingly looking for their products to reach the
market quicker and more cost effectively, and this new rapid prototyping
machine allows us to do just this.
'We can now bring a concept to life in a matter of hours, allowing customers
to quickly spot important design changes and give them an edge in their
markets.
'It
is just the latest example of HL’s ongoing commitment to invest in
initiatives that will deliver tangible service benefits to our customers.'
The introduction of the Dimension printer is the latest in a series of
investments by Flamstead Holdings, which saw the group move to new £7
million purpose built facilities earlier in the year, housing the manufacturing,
distribution and administration operations of all group companies.
Web: http://www.hlplastics.co.uk
OMIS
Opens Door to Japan for Durham Firm
A
Durham company has signed up a new distributor and won its first order
from Japan with the help of UK Trade & Investment's Overseas Market
Introduction Service (OMIS).
PC Henderson Ltd, specialises in the design and manufacture of sliding
door hardware and already exports its goods to more than 100 countries
worldwide.
Launched in 1921, the company employs more than 300 staff at its factory
in Bowburn. Since 2000 it has been a member of the Cardo Door group of
companies, part of Cardo AB, a major European engineering products group.
With more than 80 years experience the company already has an enviable
reputation as a successful exporter, but was keen to explore new markets
and enlisted the support of UK Trade & Investment.
David Philips-Baker, International Sales Director at PC Henderson Ltd,
explained:
‘In 2006/07 our focus has been to expand into certain volume markets
for the first time. First was China, where we have now established our
own company and sales force and Japan was our second market.
‘With a continuing commitment to existing markets, the process of
seeking new distributors in new markets puts a strain on our available
sales resource given the time-consuming process of evaluating market potential,
routes to market, selection and appointment of any eventual distributor.
‘We find the OMIS service invaluable as it's tailor-made. We issue
a detailed brief and the overseas post, through close liaison with us
and our International Trade Adviser, produce not only exactly what we
want but will equally make initial soundings with potential distributors
on our behalf.
‘The OMIS service to Japan not only included the recommendation and
provision of first class interpreters but also invaluable instruction
in the cultural aspects of business.’
Ron Seymour, one of UK Trade & Investment's International Trade Advisers,
said:
‘PC Henderson Ltd clearly has a wealth of experience in international
trade but it is not complacent about its success and has been working
hard to develop new markets for its products. And it's great news that
the company's determination is paying dividends.
‘UK Trade & Investment can help companies, whether experienced
or novice exporters, and OMIS is an ideal means to research new markets
offering a tailor-made package of advice and support, putting companies
directly in touch with UK Trade & Investment staff in overseas offices.’
OMIS offers five levels of service, built around the typical requirements
of a business making its first steps into a new market, all providing
a flexible blend of preparatory advice and research as well as support
when a company visits the market. Prices range from £200 up to £1,700
including VAT, depending on the level of service required.
For more information about the range of support services available through
UK Trade & Investment to help your company succeed overseas call the
North East International Trade Hotline on 0845 05 05 054 or email: enquiries@ukti.rito.co.uk
Web: http://www.pchenderson.com
Fabricator
St Neots Windows has signed a distribution deal with New World Developments
for Apeer and Monno. Covering the A1 corridor and the South East, St Neots
has two main showrooms at Letchworth, Herts and its Cambridge HQ to display
conservatory, window and door products.
New World’s deal involves the company making the main door slab to
the St Neots’ specification. It then completes the doorset with ironmongery
and frame to suit. The arrangement has been in place for six months now
and both companies agree its going well.
Explains St Neots managing director John Woods, who founded the company
over ten years ago, 'Apeer is a brilliant door. All the customers we have
are very pleased and New World is a great company to deal with, and the
staff are very helpful. I’m confident business will grow over the
next year and Apeer will have helped that.'
Linda Tomb, marketing manager says, 'St Neots is just the excellent kind
of company that we want to sell our doors. We have invested a lot of time
and money into the development of Apeer and Monno and they are widely
considered to be the best in the marketplace. We look forward to a mutually
profitable and long term relationship with John and his team.'
New World is shortly to launch its 30-minute fire door which will target
an important market niche and extend the flexibility of New World distributors
to bid for larger housing and local authority contracts.
Tel: 028 2563 2200
Email: linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com
Web: http://www.nwd.uk.com
Tradestyle
Grows with Profitmaker's Products
The
five year business relationship between Tradestyle and Profitmaker has
grown with Tradestyle's adoption of the new web-based 3D Conservatory
Calculator.
Tradestyle
customers are now using Profitmaker's 3D Conservatory Calculator to generate
accurate conservatory price estimates in under a minute.
A 3D image of the conservatory is created. It can be zoomed in on and
rotated, and uses a drag and drop system for components, so making changes
to the design is simple and fast.
Once generated, an order can be placed in a matter of seconds which is
received automatically by the trade supplier. Tradestyle, the nationwide
PVC-U window, door and conservatory fabricator, already uses the Profitmaker.net
system throughout the company and will use it as the platform for the
Conservatory Calculator.
Dave Evans, Tradestyle Sales Director comments: ‘Profitmaker products
always do exactly what they say they do - make profit! A log-in can be
set up for new customers in minutes. And because the system is easy-to-use
and easy-to-teach, it's essentially fool proof. Using the Profitmaker.Net
system also means fewer staff and lower admin costs.
‘Because we've found it so useful we use Profitmaker as part of our
marketing package - giving customers a free trial so they can see the
rewards of the system while we have complete control. Our customers praise
Profitmaker's systems too as professional, clean, lean and simple. It's
a great selling tool and truly differentiates us from our competitors.’
Tel: 0870 241 3089
Web: http://www.profit-maker.net
Continued
Support from Securistyle
Window
hardware manufacturer Securistyle Ltd is helping Wirral Partnership Homes
complete a window replacement project, supported by its Partnership Pledge
initiative.
In
February 2005, 13,100 homes were transferred from Wirral Borough Council
to Wirral Partnership Homes. In order to bring the housing stock into
line with current regulations, nearly 25,000 windows have since been replaced
with PVCu and fitted with the Securistyle austenitic Defender Restricted,
Defender Egress, Vector Excluder Anti-jemmy Devices, Defender Cavity Fit
Restrictor Mechanisms, Excluder Lock and Virage handles, to provide residents
with safe, secure homes.
The replacement windows were designed by Wirral Partnership Homes and
Securistyle's technical department assisted the team to ensure they complied
with legislation for the sizes of suitable egress windows to meet building
regulation requirements.
Trevor Powell, Head of Property Services at Wirral Partnership Homes,
said: ‘We chose Securistyle for this contract as we are extremely
happy with the service that the specification team has given us, we are
pleased with the products it offers and believe they are best for our
tenants.’
As part of the specification, Wirral Partnership Homes has written Securistyle's
'Partnership Pledge' into its tender documentation. Through the Partnership
Pledge Audited Warranty Scheme, each time the complete Vector Excluder
package is specified, Securistyle's Specification Support Team will work
with the window fabricator and the social housing provider to ensure that
the specific requirements of the specification are met and that the window
hardware is fitted correctly, in conjunction with a 10 year guarantee.
Vivienne Taylor, Securistyle specifications manager, commented: ‘Since
we launched the Partnership Pledge in April 2004 we have had a very positive
response from fabricators and specifiers alike. We have worked closely
in partnership with Wirral Partnership Homes, to achieve this successful
window replacement scheme.’
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk
Merger
Sees LA Elwell Steel a March
Two
of the Midlands' leading manufacturers of cold rolled steel profiles for
the fenestration industry have joined forces in a bid to become the premier
player in their sector.
Wolverhampton-based
LA Rollform has merged with West Bromwich-based Elwell Sections to form
LA Elwell, taking gross turnover to over £20 million.
The new company builds on Elwell's 52-year heritage and LA Rollform's
dynamic use of cutting edge technology and innovative design.
LA Elwell's extensive product range covers everything from modular building
systems and structural profiles to window reinforcement, partitioning,
racking and shelving and specialist transport industry sections. In particular,
the 100-strong company is capable of offering bespoke solutions tailored
to suit individual customer needs and has its own in-house tooling department
and CAD platform design service.
Andrew Lamsdale, managing director of LA Elwell said: 'This merger creates
a strong, technologically advanced business which can compete at the highest
level both nationally and internationally.
'As one of the UK's few remaining independent steel roll formers, we're
able to avoid the red tape and bureaucracy that weighs down many of our
competitors, leaving us free to concentrate on delivering state-of-the-art
products and outstanding service.'
Mr Lamsdale continued: 'We already have a solid customer base in the construction,
transport and fenestration sector and our ambition is to significantly
develop this over the next five years. Our merger is a catalyst for growth
and we're looking forward to exciting times ahead.'
Its ambitious agenda for growth sees LA Elwell looking to capitalise on
London 2012. The firm has invested heavily in the very latest roll form
technology and handling equipment to enable it to further enhance its
extensive range of light steel framing and structural beams.
'Events
like London 2012 are a major opportunity for us,' said Mr Lamsdale. 'As
a leading manufacturer of cold rolled steel profiles for the modular building
sector, our TechFrame™,
TechBeam™ and TechSpan™ range of products are suitable for a
variety of construction and general engineering applications and they
are already being successfully used across the UK in hotels, hospitals,
schools and temporary housing.
We've established strong links with some of the key players in this sector
and we have identified it as a major growth area for us.'
LA Elwell has also identified growth opportunities in the window reinforcement
sector. The company already supplies top brands including Synseal, Veka
and Spectus and it favours a partnership approach, with customers being
encouraged to treat its business services as an extension of their own.
LA Elwell currently works with over 100 key customers across 12 market
sectors. The company purchases over 30,000 tonnes of predominantly British
steel annually and is capable of manufacturing steel profiles from 0.5mm
to 6mm in thickness and from 10mm to 450mm in width.
For more information, contact LA Elwell on 01902 871111 or visit http://www.laelwell.com.
Caption: Pictured left to right, joint managing directors of newly formed
LA Elwell, Andrew Lamsdale and Steve Harding.
Focus
on New Buildings may Cost the Earth
The
British Property Federation has raised the stakes in helping to meet the
Government carbon emissions targets by developing and launching an energy
efficiency measurement and benchmarking tool for existing commercial properties.
The Government is concentrating its efforts on creating zero -and low-carbon
buildings, but these initiatives will take at least 100 years to significantly
reduce CO2 emissions, as only 1% of the commercial building stock is renewed
each year.
If cuts are to be made as quickly as advocated in the Stern Review and
other reports, the focus needs to shift to existing buildings, which make
up 99% of all buildings, and where efficiency gains can be made quickly,
easily and cost effectively.
Recognising this, the BPF decided to take matters into its own hands and
develop a method of measuring, benchmarking and reporting the energy efficiency
of existing office buildings - the Landlord's Energy Statement (LES).
LES helps landlords to understand the energy used by landlord's services
(things like heating, air conditioning, lifts and lighting in common areas)
in the office buildings they own. They can use the information for individual
buildings or aggregate it across their property portfolio to build up
a picture of their portfolio's total carbon emissions.
The benchmarking element of LES rates their buildings' energy use and
carbon emissions against sectoral benchmarks, showing how individual buildings
are performing compared to others in their sector. It also identifies
where improvements could be made and tracks changes in performance over
the years.
It is intended that LES will become the industry-standard method for recording
and reporting energy efficiency and will be a useful corporate responsibility
reporting tool.
As the LES process is based on actual energy-use data, it could be used
to inform the statutory targets for reducing carbon dioxide emissions
that will accompany the Climate Change Bill.
Seven
New Vehicles to help GAP's Customers Grow
GAP,
the independent PVC-U stockist, has added two three-and-a-half tonne delivery
vans and five seven-and-a-half tonne lorries to its delivery fleet in
order to increase the number of deliveries made each day.
The
new vehicles take GAP's delivery fleet to over 50. The smaller vehicles
will be used to offer a same day delivery service from trade counters
in Bolton and Bury. It is the first time the two depots have been able
to offer a delivery service.
During a typical day, GAP makes over 600 deliveries to its customers with
the record standing at 1,024 in a single day.
Joint Managing Director Simon Bird believes that delivery is a crucial
part of the overall package GAP offers its customers. He comments: ‘In
a competitive market customer service is vital and GAP prides itself on
the high level of customer service on offer. Our customers need on time
deliveries and complete orders to be able to finish projects on time.
The latest additions to our delivery fleet will enable us to keep ahead
of the demands of our customers so they get what products they want, when
they want them.’
Tel: 01254 682888
New
Management Team and Operating Structure for Glaston
Kyro
Corporation (Glaston Corporation as of 1st June 2007) has formed a new
management team and business areas. The company now fully focuses on developing
Glaston now that the Energy business area is divested.
'The new organisation and structure ensure improving profitability, readiness
for a change as well as future growth,' explains President & CEO Mika
Seitovirta.
The two primary business areas are Pre-Processing, including manufacture
and sale of glass pre-processing machines, and Heat Treatment, responsible
for manufacture and sale of tempering, bending and laminating machines.
Glaston's One-Stop-Partner (OSP) unit is in charge of integrating all
products and services as well as offering comprehensive solutions to customers.
Glaston's management team consists of, in addition to President &
CEO Mika Seitovirta, Director of Pre-Processing operations Paolo Ceni
(Bavelloni's Managing Director), Director of Heat Treatment operations
Topi Saarenhovi (Tamglass' new Managing Director), Mauri Leponen (One-Stop-Partner),
Tapio Rauhala (After Sales), Kimmo Lautanen (Finance and Information Management),
Ari Himma (Human Resources) and Juha Liettyä (Quality and Business
Development). Members of the management team report to President &
CEO Mika Seitovirta.
Claus Carlsen continues as Managing Director of the Tamglass Glass Processing
business area, and Jukka Vehmas as Managing Director of Uniglass.
Web: http://www.kyro.fi
Web: http://www.glaston.net
Resurgence
of Aluminium in Building
The
Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) has seen a resurgence in the interest
and use of aluminium in building over the last few years, from windows
and fenestration products to cladding and roofing systems, aluminium specification
is on the increase.
There is a great deal of interest from the UK’s fenestration fabricators
who are being asked more often for an aluminium alternative to other materials
and the CAB is pleased to offer guidance and support to fabricators who
are wishing to extend their product portfolio into the material.
The CAB is launching an initiative to seek further fabricator membership
of the association and has produced a new brochure outlining the benefits
of membership to companies who currently fabricate aluminium products,
or those who are new to aluminium and need unbiased guidance and support
in order to operate efficiently. The CAB now has a pro-active membership
which works collectively to bring about change in the industry and is
not just a ‘talking shop’ for the industry.
In 1994 several aluminium associations in the UK merged to form the Council
for Aluminium in Building and now members consist of extruders, systems
companies, fabricators and a wide range of businesses which offer products
and services to the sector. Membership of the CAB currently stands in
excess of 100. The Association offers a broad range of services to its
membership which includes technical support and guidance, but most importantly
the ability to use the CAB logo on all market communications which shows
that the member company is a reputable business operating in the industry
and supporting best practice.
2007 sees two exhibitions supported by the CAB emphasising the importance
of aluminium in construction. March saw the ‘UK Aluminium in Renovation
Awards’ and in October the ‘Power of Aluminium Awards’
both are being promoted to the construction industry and are seeking some
of best uses of the material in the UK today.
Further information about the activities of the CAB and details of membership
can be found on the CAB website at http://www.c-a-b.org.uk
and in the CAB's free monthly industry newsletter which can be seen at
http://www.aluminiuminarchitecture.com.