502
Million Windows are Sold Annually Worldwide - Focus moves from Europe
to Asia
While Western Europe and North America are experiencing a slight decline in the window market, Asia records a market growth of 2.4% and Eastern Europe shows an increase in windows units sold of 14.8%. A clear shift in the market potential from the western to the eastern hemisphere can be seen - whereas the total worldwide volume is relatively stable at approximately 500 million window units as the results of a current study from InterConnection Consulting Group show.
With 1.2 billion inhabitants China is, by far, the most highly populated
country on Earth. The population explosion naturally has a very strong
effect on the construction sector. The total market for window units increased
by 59% between 1997 and 2003. Until 2006 a further increase of 23% to
a total of 175 million window units is expected, with the majority of
the frames being made of metal.
Asia is by far the strongest continent with a total of 250 million window
units sold in 2003. That is 0.066 window units per person - in a comparison
of Asian countries China lies clearly ahead, followed by Japan and Malaysia.
China therefore reaches the levels of some European countries.
The USA with a population of 290 million and a total of 83 million window
units naturally belongs to the Top 5 countries considering the total markets
of the individual countries. But there, in contrast to China, a market
decrease is expected in the next few years. A slight increase in volume
of 0.3% to 85.3 million window units is expected in 2004, however the
total market will sink to 82.8 million window units by 2006. With a market
share of 50% the material group PVC is the strongest, followed by metal
with 25%.
The North American market consisting of the USA, Canada and Mexico lies
with 100 million window units sold just slightly behind Europe. In comparison
to 2002 a market decrease of 2.7% was seen in North America - this trend
will also continue in the next few years, especially in the USA. The very
high ratio of 0.2 window units/person in the USA and Canada are, in comparison
to Europe, peak values. The reasons for this ratio are found in the high
proportion of private dwelling construction and the shorter life of the
windows.
The market in South America is behaving quite differently. The number
of window units per person lies with an average of 0.05 far beneath the
average in North America - however in 2002-2003 a market growth of 3.3%
was recorded. With approximately 14 million window units sold in 2003
the entire South American market is still equal to only 17% of the USA
market. Brazil - the largest South American window market - is only about
half as big as the Spanish market, but its growth of 4.4% lies within
the good South American average. The front-runner in South America is
Colombia with a growth rate of 15.3%.
Europe with a total volume of 106 million lies clearly behind Asia but
still ahead of North America. The market trends correspond to worldwide
development - the West is slightly decreasing, the East, in contrast,
is a growth magnet. With approximately 84 million window units in 2003
the Western European window market showed a decrease of 1.5% in the comparison
years 2002-2003. Western Europe with an average of 0.215 window units/person
still lies clearly ahead of Eastern Europe with a per capita average of
less than 0.07 window units sold. The Western European front-runner is
Austria with a window unit/person average of 0.3, followed by Switzerland
and Spain. In Eastern Europe the opposite is the case - high growth rate,
low ratio of window units/person: the total growth rate for Eastern Europe
lies at circa 12% for 2002-2003. The boom market par excellence is Russia
with a growth rate of 25%, followed by Hungary. The highest per capita
consumption is found in Slovenia with an average of 0.217 units/person,
followed by the Czech Republic and Lithuania and therefore the connection
with the EU is already fulfilled.
In spite of their large area the regions of the Middle East, Africa and
Oceania play only a minor role in the global window market. In the Middle
East and Africa 24 million window units were sold in 2003, this total
was in turn distinctly concentrated in a few countries, for example South
Africa and Dubai Oceania holds just 0.7% of the global window market with
3.5 million window units sold.
In summary, a clear trend can be seen: The number 1 growth magnets are
Asia and Eastern Europe, whose individual markets will rapidly develop
over the next few years. In contrast, the North American market is declining.
The Western European market is relatively constant with individual regions
already showing a tendency toward saturation.
The IC-MARKET FORECASTS® WINDOW are available in 50 countries and
offer detailed market and branch analyses. They include market figures
in volume and value for the years 2000-2003 and development prognoses
till 2006f according to material groups, product groups, business segments
and distribution channels.
IC- MARKET FORECASTS®
-
Prices per Country from 500 - 1500 Euros
Contact: Alex Schurian MA. +43-1-5854623-13:
Email: mailto:schurischurian@interconnectionconsulting.com
Hunter
Douglas: First Quarter 2004 Results - 11.2% Higher Sales and 14.6% Higher
Profits
Hunter
Douglas, the world market leader in window coverings (Luxaflex®),
and a manufacturer of architectural products (Luxalon®) reports its
results for the first quarter of 2004.
Sales were EUR 399.3 million, 11.2% higher than EUR 359.1 million in the
first quarter of 2003. The sales increase is attributable to 8.7% volume
increase, 7.1% negative currency impact and 9.6% increase from acquisitions.
All geographic areas had organic growth, except Europe.
North America accounted for 50% of sales, Europe 37%, Latin America 4%,
Asia 5% and Australia 4%. Window Coverings represented 90% and Architectural
and Other Products 10% of total sales.
Net profit was EUR 22.7 million, 14.6% higher than EUR 19.8 million in
the first quarter of 2003. This increase was achieved despite a EUR 2.8
million negative effect from the weakening of the USD. Profits were higher
in all areas, except Asia.
Net profit per average outstanding common share increased to EUR 0.55
compared with EUR 0.46 in the first quarter 2003, adjusted for stock dividends.
The investment portfolio had a net market value on March 31st, 2004 of
EUR 448.8 million. The portfolio's return in USD was 3.7%. Net investment
income, after deduction of imputed interest, expenses and provisions was
EUR 5.5 million. Management of these assets is delegated to a widely diversified
range of independent managers.
The company completed its Share Buy Back Program in April, repurchasing
1.7 million shares for EUR 65.9 million, which will be cancelled.
Outlook
Economic conditions have improved in most markets. Hunter Douglas continues
to see substantial potential for growth and remains cautiously optimistic
about the outlook for 2004 in view of the strong position of its products,
distribution and finances.
Profile
Hunter Douglas has its Head Office in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, and
a Management office in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Group is comprised of
157 companies with 64 manufacturing and 93 assembly operations in more
than 100 countries. Hunter Douglas employs about 15,900 people, and had
sales in 2003 of EUR 1,655 million.
The common shares of Hunter Douglas N.V. are traded on the Dutch and German
stock exchanges.
Web: http://www.hunterdouglasgroup.com
Twin
Benefits Attract Gemini to Veka
Oldham
based trade fabricator Gemini UPVC Ltd says that it has opted to switch
to Veka’s Matrix 70mm fully sculptured system ‘due to two of
the most major benefits offered by the UK systems supplier: superior product
quality and a forward-thinking approach.’ The decision to change
supplier comes at a time when Gemini is on the cusp of significant growth
following its recent move to a new 9000 sq ft factory, plus other major
investments.
Founded
in 1985, Gemini UPVC Ltd is now run by brothers Paul & Michael Griffiths,
who joined their father and original co-founder Robert Griffiths as board
directors a few years ago. The company, which supplies purely to the trade,
is in the midst of a major expansion programme designed to boost capacity
and output. In addition to its recent move to factory premises double
the size of its original home, Gemini has also made a number of other
important recent investments. A Stuga Eco-Line CNC prepping centre which
was installed at the end of April 2004 has boosted manufacturing capacity,
while a new Business Micros Evolution package integrated at the beginning
of May aims to synchronise order processing, production and delivery and
maintain a superior communication network.
The decision to choose Veka’s fully sculptured system was made with
perfect timing, says Michael Griffiths:
‘We are currently producing around 270-300 frames per week at the
moment and our business plan forecasts an increase to 400-450 per week
within the next 24 months. With our recent investments, everything was
in place for us to go to the next level, but we knew that trends were
changing and that we had to adopt a sculptured 70mm system to satisfy
increasing demand.’
‘After
12 months of research and comparison, we have chosen to manufacture exclusively
using Veka’s Matrix 70mm system simply because it’s the best
system available on the current market in terms of quality materials,
aesthetics, fabrication technology and choice. For example, it is very
important to be able to cater to the high demand for products for a Rosewood
finish, and Matrix allows us to do this in a fully sculptured format.
‘We also saw for ourselves – and heard from many others - that
Veka is a well-run, well-marketed organisation that is constantly looking
forward to the future and looking for new ways to do business. This is
exactly the type of pro-active approach we are seeking to help support
us as we grow – we think Veka’s philosophy is a good match for
Gemini’s.’
A
great deal of interest was generated by SunPipes being featured on the
ITV programme 'Building the Dream', hosted by Linda Barker, the television
personality. Four
SunPipes have also been installed in the new Big Brother house on the
new set built at Elstree, where the TV Show is currently being broadcast.
SunPipes have already been featured on 'Grand Designs' on an underground
house built in Cumbria and have also been featured on the Tommy Walsh
DIY TV programme.
Five
12” diameter SunPipes were installed on
the ITV programme 'Building the Dream'
and the programme makers were amazed at how much natural light was produced
by the SunPipes, the inclusion of which formed an important part of the
TV programme, where contestants competed for a £1ž2million house
and voted one or other off throughout the series.
Monodraught has a full range of 15 different SunPipes, including the Conservation
SunPipe and the Square SunPipe, which fits virtually flush with the roof
surface. These have proved a great success in conservation areas and for
use on listed buildings. SunPipes can also incorporate ventilation and
they are called Monovent SunCatchers and Monodraught’s latest innovation
is the Sola-Vent, a solar driven extract fan coupled with the SunPipe
to provide energy free bathroom lighting and ventilation.
A discreet solar panel attached to the roof provides power for the fan,
which is triggered by a PIR sensor as soon as you enter the bathroom but
the unit also carries special batteries, which are constantly being charged
up to power the Sola-Vent unit for up to 8 hours.
SunPipes
were introduced to the UK by Monodraught eight years ago and have since
proved a success. There have been several other makes enter the market,
all of which have been similar, but SunPipes have been specially developed
for the UK market. Monodraught’s skill and expertise is in designing
a wide range of roof flashings to suit any type of roof style.
The company has also developed a Patented ceiling diffuser that not only
easily clips into place but can also be just as easily removed for cleaning
or for access to the integral low voltage halogen light kit, which is
available as an optional extra. On one particular make detailed experiments
have been carried out at Nottingham University to compare the performance
of SunPipes with the flexible SunPipes available but it was found that
SunPipes produce more than three times as much light as the flexible variety
on a standard 1.5m system.
All Monodraught systems carry a 25-year guarantee except the solar driven
systems, which carry a 10-year guarantee due to the life of the battery
and solar panel. There are 26 Showrooms and Advice Centres throughout
the UK, where members of the public can view the SunPipe in action and
can also arrange to have the SunPipe installed by specialist SunPipe fitters.
Tel: 01494 897700
Email: mailto:info@monodraught.com
Web: http://www.monodraught.com
Ayreshire
Agencies goes Global
‘Changing suppliers after 10 years is not something you look to do,’ comments Cecil Wilson, Managing Director of Ayrshire Agencies, the Scottish roofing fabricator. ‘But some companies change when they get bigger.
'We’d
had a long and successful relationship with our previous supplier, but
we’d become just a number and were no longer on friendly terms. Our
prices were not competitive and our sales were falling in a rising market.
But no one listened or took note. Instead we had to accept higher prices
in 2003, so we looked at all the alternatives. You can’t fail to
be impressed with Global, with the product and the whole setup. It’s
a good product and customers are singing its praises and we are on a sales
blitz.’
‘We are over the moon to have Ayrshire Agencies as a customer,’
says Kevin Harvey, Synseal’s Director of Sales. ‘Ayrshire’s
name is respected throughout Scotland, Northern Ireland and the North
of England. We couldn’t hope for a better partner.’
Tel: (01623) 443 200
Omega Group Brochure Attracts Complaint
A
complaint, objecting to a brochure for glazing company The Omega Group
of Peterborough, Cambridgeshire was not upheld in three of the five objections
according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
Complaint:
Objection to a brochure for a glazing company. The brochure stated '...
Individually made for your home Our doors, windows and conservatories
have been the choice of many thousands of security conscious homeowners
for many years. Each product is individually made to order ... All windows,
doors and conservatories are subject to rigorous quality checks before
they leave our factory ...'. Under a subheading 'Complete peace of mind'
the brochure stated 'We realise that buying a conservatory is a major
decision but we offer complete peace of mind by ensuring that the product
undergoes a rigorous quality control check before it leaves our factory
and is fitted by our experienced installation team. Once we have completed
the installation to your satisfaction we will issue a comprehensive guarantee
and information about how to keep your conservatory in pristine condition
...'. Under a subheading 'We care about our customers', the brochure stated
'All our Window, Door or Conservatory products are backed by one of the
industry's most comprehensive guarantees ...'. It featured a picture of
a certificate that stated '... Additionally all workmanship involved in
installation is guaranteed for ten years. All sealed glass units, gaskets
and hardware are guaranteed for performance and quality for a period of
ten years from installation allowing for fair wear and tear'. The brochure
featured logos of the British Board of Agrément (BBA), FENSA and
ISO 9002.
The complainant challenged:
1. the claims 'Individually made for your home' and 'Each product is individually
made to order' because he believed his conservatory was a quality control
reject from a factory;
2. the claim 'All windows, doors and conservatories are subject to rigorous
quality checks';
3. the claim 'our experienced installation team';
4. the implication that the advertisers offered a comprehensive guarantee
because he believed they had not honoured it and
5. whether the advertisers were entitled to display the BBA, FENSA and
ISO 9002 logos. The complainant understood that the BBA certificate did
not apply to conservatories.
Adjudication:
1. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers said the complainant's installation was manufactured from
an original order for them and was not a reject from the factory. They
sent an assembly list, order forms, an internal requisition form and surveyors'
plans; all documents had the complainant's name and address on them; one
order form listing the complainant's requirements was signed by the complainant.
The Authority noted the lists and plans were detailed and specific to
the complainant's signed order form. The Authority considered that the
advertisers had shown that the complainant's conservatory was made bespoke
and was not a reject from a factory. It concluded that the advertisers
had justified the claims.
2. Complaint upheld
The advertisers explained they made several random checks and sent a list
of the quality control checks they made and instructions to their staff
on how to conduct some of the tests. They asserted that production rates
were such that to document all the inspection checks was not possible
and they were therefore unable to send documentary evidence for each contract.
The Authority noted the advertisers had quality control procedures but
was concerned that they had not shown that conservatories, including the
complainant's conservatory had undergone the checks. It told the advertisers
not to use the claim unless they could show that quality control checks
were made on every installation.
3. Complaint upheld
The advertisers explained that all members of their installation teams
had at least four years' experience with the company. They said some members
of their teams had other relevant work experience and qualifications.
They sent documents that showed the names of persons on their payroll
in April 2000 and in December 2003; the Authority noted that five names
appeared on both lists; the surveyor and the installation foreman who
had overseen the complainant's installation were among those names. The
Authority noted the installation foreman had several years' experience
but considered that they had not shown that other members of their installation
teams were experienced. It told the advertisers to amend the claim.
4. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers said they had recently changed the wording of the guarantee.
They said they honoured the guarantee when they had received a customer's
payment in full but the complainant had withheld part of the payment;
they sent sales records that showed that. They sent service call job sheets
that showed that they had carried out repairs for other customers under
their guarantee. The Authority considered that the advertisers had shown
that they honoured their guarantees and that the complainant's experience
did not invalidate the claim.
5. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers sent their BBA, ISO and FENSA certificates. The Authority
understood that the BBA certification applied to window and doors and
did not apply to conservatories. It noted, however, that the logos appeared
at the end of a brochure that featured conservatories, windows and doors.
The Authority considered that the advertisers were entitled to display
the logos. The Authority did not object on this point.
Duraflex
Aids R.I.G. Conversion
Duraflex
reports a rapid conversion of its customer base to Rolled in Gasket (R.I.G.),
which it says now accounts for over 70% of all Duraflex extrusions. This
high performance gasket is standard on all Diamond Suite main line profiles
and is a natural choice for new business. In addition, the company’s
range of specification literature has recently been updated to incorporate
RIG.
Duraflex’s dedicated Technical Services Team is dealing with ongoing
demand for RIG changeovers and the setting up of new customers. Mike Wintle,
Kevin Jones and Neil Boswell have over 30 years service with Duraflex
between them, while ‘new boy’ Andy Stafford has seen both sides
of the industry with fabricator as well as systems company experience.
The team works closely with the company’s sales force to provide
co-ordinated customer support on a wide range of technical issues.
The
Duraflex Technical Services team: from left to right Mike Wintle, Andy
Stafford, Neil Boswell & Kevin Jones
‘Feedback on RIG has been universally positive, with output increasing
and productivity improving for fabricators – and installers are happy
too as it makes glazing so much easier,’ comments Mike Wintle.
Product development is never still at Duraflex and the company is continually
improving every aspect of the range. ‘And RIG is no exception,’
continues Mike.
‘In fact, we are already on our third generation of the gasket, with
detail improvements to material specification to enhance dynamic performance
and the design of the foot, which eases the insertion process on the extrusion
line.’
Duraflex is now working towards 100% conversion to RIG for all customers.
For their part, the Technical Services Team is looking to achieve the
changeover with minimum of disruption to customers, while maintaining
Duraflex’s high level of general technical support.
Duraflex RIG delivers cost savings and productivity improvements for the
fabricator, and provides a guarantee of consistent performance in correctly
manufactured windows. With RIG, labour used to manually insert gaskets
into profiles can be re-deployed into other areas of production, and valuable
factory space is freed up. Apart from the gasket’s static and dynamic
performance characteristics, quality is derived from the fact that it
is factory-fitted as part of the extrusion process. Furthermore, Duraflex
has worked with a leading machinery manufacturer to develop a unique piece
of equipment that removes the sprue from under the gasket, providing both
a continuous seal and eliminating the risk of glass breakages when glazing
up the frame.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
IsoSystems
Back in the Frame
Long-established Midlands-based trade fabricator, IsoSystems has launched
IsoFrames - a quality range of 60mm and 70mm internally glazed window
and door frames offering among the widest choice of configurations available
on the market.
Together
with the IsoFrames Promise - a dedicated commitment to customer service
and product quality, the fabricator is focussing its twin-pronged approach
on what it does best - serving its local market.
With its 'one call does all' concept, the dedicated IsoSystems customer
support team makes ordering simple and convenient, with the added bonus
of technical help on product specifications available if needed.
The two new IsoFrames brands comprise windows, doors and conservatory
packages and are available in virtually any configuration with a choice
of finishes, beads and hardware to suit any application. Both brands are
backed with a suite of new support literature.
Offering excellent value, the Iso60 is a proven slimline internally-glazed
window system which comes complete with lowline pre-applied gasket in
a range of attractive finishes. Frames can be supplied unglazed or glazed
as required with a choice of beads and hardware.
Where security and high thermal efficiency are top priority, 70mm frames
from the high performance Iso70 range come with a four-chamber profile
and high-security shootbolt locking as standard. They are also more fitter-friendly,
requiring less finishing off.
Both systems are BBA and BSI-accredited with the added benefit of a 24
hour pricing service - or quicker if you need it - under the IsoFrames
Promise.
Both systems offer great versatility in producing a variety of quality
window types and IsoSystems National Sales Manager, Tracey Walstra says
these attributes offer creative and innovative solutions to customers.
Says Tracey: ‘We aim to make the whole process for our customers,
from initial receipt of order to final delivery, as easy as possible.
With our 'one call does all' philosophy, installers just fax their order
through and we take care of the rest, allowing them to concentrate on
running their businesses.’
She adds: ‘After 20 years in the business, we have refined our product
and service offering to suit the needs of our local market. And we believe
it works.’
Tel: 01299 254300
H
Jarvis transfers from Kitemark to Q-Mark
Redcar-based H Jarvis & Son has joined the BM TRADA Certification
third-party certification scheme for PVCU windows, replacing the Kitemark
with Q-Mark. The company - one of the first members of the Q-Mark scheme
for high security windows when it was launched in 2001 - has also transferred
its quality management certification under ISO 9001:2000 to BM TRADA.
H Jarvis and Son Joinery was established in 1878 as a timber window and
joinery manufacturer but decided eight years ago to diversify into PVCU
windows, predominantly for the new build market. The company now produces
more than 22,000 units a year, across a product range that includes standard
casement windows, tilt and turn, fully reversible and vertical slide windows,
as well as French doors and related products.
Before taking the step to join the Q-Mark scheme for PVCU windows, Production
Director Dave Glendinning wrote to NHBC (National House Building Council)
to confirm that the Q-Mark would be recognised as an acceptable alternative
to the Kitemark, which has dominated this market sector until recently.
The answer was a firm yes.
The BM TRADA PVCU Window scheme was relaunched two years ago and is generally
regarded by members to be 'tough'. They are required to undertake a programme
of testing to ensure that each of the components in the windows to be
included in the scheme meet the standards called up in BS 7412. This test
programme is structured so that, over a three-year period, a product from
each range is fully re-tested to the original test standard, ensuring
that no potential faults are missed.
A quality management system under ISO 9001:2000 is a stipulation of any
certification scheme, but unlike others, on BM TRADA Q-Mark schemes, the
QMS is audited at least once a year by a specialist auditor with direct
experience of the testing required.
This fact is appreciated by Dave Glendinning, who added, 'BM TRADA has
provided fast and efficient service with no hidden costs. Our decision
to transfer to Q-Mark has been good for the company and for our customers.'
For further information about
* BM TRADA Q-Mark schemes contact Simon Beer on 01494 569800 or email
mailto:sbeer@bmtrada.com.
* H Jarvis & Son contact Dave Glendinning on 01642 482366 or email
mailto:DaveGlendinning@hjarvisandson.co.uk.
UK
Kitemark First for Radway
Public sector window contractor, Radway, has become one of the first companies
in the UK to be awarded the BPF Code of Practice W3621/2 Kitemark, which
monitors the survey and installation of replacement PVC-U windows and
doorsets.
One of five contractors to pilot the scheme, Kömmerling fabricator
Radway Door and Windows Ltd. succeeded -- with only two other organisations
-- in fulfilling the rigorous criteria required to be awarded the new
BSI Kitemark.
The new standard recognises the direct relationship between manufacturing
and installation, maintaining the strong emphasis on value and performance
through to the installation process, including CSCS registration and NVQ
level 2 training for key personnel.
Sales and Marketing Director John Park-Davies says: ‘With customer
communication a vital part of our daily activities, we were able to demonstrate
effective procedures for monitoring product information, contractual operations,
and customer care and reporting feedback.’
Pictured:
from left: Radway MD William Briggs; Radway Quality Manager Harpal Singh;
LHC Principal Dr Eli Kienwald; John Park-Davies; BSI Construction Certification
Manager Chris Lewis.
Already monitoring the quality of installation within the scope of its
existing Quality Management System BS EN ISO 9001:2000 Licence, Radway
welcomed the introduction of the new Kitemark scheme, with its demands
and expectations of the construction industry.
An approved NVQ Training Centre, Radway demonstrated the personnel development
skills and management of its network of supply chain partners to the highest
standards. Says John Park-Davies: 'Radway fully embraces the BPF Code
of Practice W362/1, along with the system suppliers’ requirements
to ensure installations are undertaken to meet the stringent standards
-- which were fully explored by the BSI in a series of in-house and site
audits, for compliance.'
Radway is one of the UK’s leading commercial fenestration contractors,
manufacturing Kömmerling windows solely for its own contract work
in the social housing, local education, health trust, and Ministry of
Defence sectors.
Large
Sheets of CGI Fire Glass Pass Major European Fire Test
Specialist
fire glass manufacturer CGI International achieved a first when its Pyroguard
fire-resistant glass, which at only 7mm can be used in standard profiles
for partitioning, was tested successfully to stringent new European standards.
This important fire test, using large sheets of the glass, was carried
out in conjunction with partition system maker Maars API, and met the
new EN 1364 standard which is accepted across most of the EU, including
the 10 new member countries.
The accreditation was achieved when Maars and CGI tested a new pressed
steel profile frame, featuring a spaced dual-glaze system. One side was
glazed with standard 6mm tempered glass and the fire-resisting glass element
was provided by CGI’s laminated 7mm Pyroguard.
The
test featured full-height glass panels, within the 4m by 3m test furnace,
and the individual panes of 872mm and 2590mm reached the 30-minute standard.
For the EN test, a new measurement of the total transmitted heat is used,
which leads to a heat flux measurement expressed in kW/m2. To reach the
EW 30 classification level, the heat emission from the whole construction
must measure less than 15kW/m2, and despite the huge glazed area in the
test, an emission level of just 11.6 kW/m2 was measured.
Tom Ritchie, CGI’s chief executive, says, ‘The significance
of this is that many of the commonly used fire glasses will fail this
test in the sizes we tested – over 2500mm high – by a margin
of over 100%. In the past, the only way to meet the 15kW limit was to
use a much thicker, and much more expensive, glass.’
The test was carried out at the TNO test centre at Delft, in the Netherlands,
and one reason for using the TNO-Dutch national test facility was to ensure
that compliance was confirmed to the important radiant heat transfer levels
as demanded in the Netherlands and which are now a feature of all European-Norm
fire tests.
Maars, one of the largest partitioning manufacturers in the Netherlands
and with a subsidiary office in the UK, handled all the technical elements
of the test through its head office at Harderwyjk, with input on glass
design by CGI.
Tom says, ‘CGI believes that this test sets a new level of fire-resistance
and heat control, using the unique properties of its C7/30 Pyroguard glass
in floor-to-ceiling single panels. Pyroguard can safely be used in such
situations as it also meets class 2 level of impact safety, measured by
EN test 12600. In many situations, the lower class 3 impact is now considered
unacceptable.’
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Email: mailto:alison.emerson@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
Bohle
Expands Machinery Range in the UK
In
response to UK customer demand, Bohle has expanded its standard range
of glass workshop machinery to include manual glass cutting tables, glass
breakout tables, basic belt grinders and glass classifiers.
‘We
were constantly being asked for manual cutting tables, which we’ve
been building in Bohle Iberia for many years, so we decided to make them
available in the UK too,’ explains Nelson Graham, Bohle UK’s
Sales Manager. ‘Once this decision was made it seemed logical to
offer all the machinery we build at our Spanish subsidiary in Madrid.
So in addition to the tables we can now offer our UK customers glass classifiers,
glass breakout tables and a range of simpler belt grinders for the smaller
budget,’ he adds.
Bohle UK has initially made available four versions of its manual glass
cutting tilt table, ranging from basic to full hydraulic with air floatation
and breakout bars. Its modular Glass Classifying system is a safe and
space saving way of storing sheets up to half jumbo size, and its basic
range of belt grinders is designed to offer budget solutions in the under
£2,000 sector.
As with all Bohle machinery, customers can be confident that they are
dealing directly with the manufacturer, and that the machinery is fully
compliant with all CE requirements, which are hallmarks of Bohle machinery
wherever it is built.
Further information is available by calling Bohle on freephone 0800 61
61 51.
Windowquoter
Helps Man Cheated by Firm
Internet
firm WindowQuoter has stepped in to help a customer cheated out of cash
by a dodgy windows and conservatories company, whose shady practices were
highlighted on consumer TV show Watchdog.
BBC programme Watchdog featured an article on Suffolk firm Millennium
2000 and the man behind it - Brian Reynolds - after receiving a number
of emails from viewers who had arranged to have conservatories built.
They had found Mr Reynolds to be friendly and charming. Some had paid
him deposits for work; others had paid the full amount - up to £10,500.
Unfortunately, said Watchdog, Mr Reynolds did not seem to be the trustworthy
man people thought he was. He has left unfinished conservatories and absconded
with deposits. Even people who had taken him to court had not received
money they were owned.
Post Office worker Robert Didwell, from Norwich, handed over a £100
deposit for a £2,000 order to Mr Reynolds, who never turned up to
install his windows and doors.
He was put in touch with Millennium 2000 after using the Internet-based
windows and conservatories quoting service WindowQuoter, which had been
unaware of Millennium 2000's shady practices. Mr Didwell unsuccessfully
tried to contact Mr Reynolds to get his money back before a routine follow-up
call from WindowQuoter, operated by Price Engines Ltd, asking how he had
got on - when he recounted the sorry tale.
WindowQuoter had in fact already stopped passing on leads to Mr Reynolds
before Watchdog's probe after complaints from customers. The incident
also prompted it to introduce a deposit protection scheme to protect customers
from any such firms in future.
Mr Didwell has since found another firm to carry out his work, but WindowQuoter
did not want him to be out of pocket and has given him his £100
deposit back.
A spokesman for WindowQuoter said: 'If we get complaints about a firm
we immediately investigate. If there's more than one substantiated complaint
we stop supplying that firm. Thankfully these type of incidents are fairly
rare because we carry out strict checks on firms we supply business to.
'We decided to help Mr Didwell despite our deposit protection scheme being
introduced after his dealings with Millennium 2000.
'We do not want customers using our service to be out of pocket. We recommend
three companies so they have a choice. We also say not to pay more than
10 per cent deposit and we protect up to 10 per cent through our new scheme.
If something goes wrong we will also arrange for another company to carry
out the work for the same price so the customer does not lose money.'
Mr Didwell said: 'I was very pleased with WindowQuoter's service - I told
them that. Unfortunately, the man I dealt with was a bit of a wrong one.
It's a very nice gesture of WindowQuoter, though, to give me my deposit
back.'
A spokeswoman for Watchdog, which has a new series out in the autumn,
said the team would be very interested to hear the latest instalment in
the Millennium 2000 saga.
Addison
Supplies First Mecal CNC in Ireland
Addison
Saws Ltd is supplying Architectural Aluminum Ltd of Dublin with the first
Mecal 4 axis cnc machining centre in Ireland.
Architectural Aluminium Ltd is Irelands largest fabricator of curtain
walling and commercial windows, doors and special glazing products. After
extensive market research the company decided to purchase the Mecal Ariel-3
4 axis machining centre from UK and Ireland importer Addison Saws Ltd,
which has successfully installed many similar machines throughout the
UK.
The Mecal Ariel-3 machine will be supplied complete with the sound proof
cabinet, and full integration to Architectural’s existing Mecal cnc
double mitre saw.
The Ariel-3 is the latest evolution in Mecal’s long bed pendular
loading 3&4 axis range, it has been specified with individually motorised
self positioning double loading clamps for fast setting up and maximum
loading capacity, coupled with two end and centre reference points means
that it is possible to load a maximum of 8 profiles, and pendular loading
gives unbeatable seamless production.
The Mecal CAD3d software will receive machining lists direct from the
customers preferred commercial software, and read bar-code labels printed
by the double mitre saw containing the relevant programme triggering information.
Addison Saws Ltd has a skilled team of technicians offering nationwide
service and support, with priority given to effecting speedy solutions
for all types of related problems, in most cases the machines are accessible
through a modem connection further reducing costly downtime.
Tel: 01384 456333
Web: http://www.addisonsaws.co.uk
Kestrel Appoints New Distributor
The
distributor, Derby Building Plastics Ltd has recently formed a new alliance
with the UK PVC- UE building products specialist, Kestrel.
Derby Building Plastics headed by two brothers, Peter Smale and Rob Smale,
established itself as a small distributor five years ago and has now expanded
to five branches in Mansfield, Nottingham, Burton, Chesterfield and Derby.
The company is looking to expand further with three more branches.
'Through the years, Derby Building Plastics Ltd has developed a strong
presence in the market. We pride ourselves on the exemplary customer service,
recognising that everyone is different and has different needs. This is
evident in our work with major window companies and roofline companies,
a main reason why we are a chosen favourite with Kestrel.' says the company.
Kestrel has a prominent footing within the building and construction industry,
its product range extends to more than 1800 different items all available
on next day delivery, with sales in excess of £20 miliion. The cementing
of this relationship is in anticipation of a greater development, as the
company is looking to continue growth and to maintaining a good installer
network for its clients.
Tel: 01625 412114
Email: mailto:info@kbp.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
Late
Arrival Proves Worthwhile for Patiomaster
PatioMaster
reports that its last minute decision to exhibit at Interbuild 2004 resulted
in positive inquiries from public sector prospects for its range of PVCu
sliding patio doors.
‘The PatioMaster tradition of providing a rapid turnaround, coupled
with excellent customer service, was ably demonstrated in creating the
stand with less than 48 hours to the show's opening.’ commented
Product Manager Richard Parker.
‘We were offered the opportunity to exhibit at very short notice
and we're pleased we did. The durable quality and high security of the
product makes it an ideal choice for the social housing sector and we
received a lot of inquiries.
‘We're following up some high quality leads, so the rush was well
worthwhile,’ he added.
Through its specialist network of in-line patio and composite door fabricators,
PatioMaster simplifies the business of making in-line sliding patio doors,
enabling customers to take advantage of supplying a quality product with
short lead times and national supply from a local manufacturer.
Since its launch three years ago, PatioMaster has steadily expanded its
national network of fabricators, which it plans to grow throughout the
UK and Europe.
Contact: Richard Parker
Tel: 01952 210850
Alfa Signs Long-Term Deal with Profile 22
Alfa
Windows Ltd, one of Profile 22's fastest-growing trade fabricators, has
signed a multi-million pound deal with its profile supplier, reinforcing
the successful working relationship between them.
Profile 22's Sales and Marketing Director, Rob McGlennon finalised the
details of the agreement with Alfa's directors Nigel Porter and Gerard
Hiscock. The deal ensures continuity and stability for both partners amid
an increasingly competitive marketplace.
In just two years from a start-up in January 2002, Alfa Windows has enjoyed
impressive sales growth to become Profile 22's largest fabricator in the
North East. And this is set to continue when the company plans to move
later this year to 20,000 sq ft new premises in Hebburn, four times bigger
than the present Gateshead site.
Alfa's directors attribute their success to offering a quality product
at a competitive price and backed with reliable service to a loyal and
growing customer base. Profile 22's fabricator and fitter-friendly system,
along with valuable technical and marketing support, has also contributed
to their overall business success.
Says Nigel: ‘Working in partnership with Profile 22 helps us to progress
our business with the stability and backing of a long-established and
quality profile supplier. We're pleased with this agreement that enables
us to plan and develop our strategy over the long-term.’
Gerard is equally buoyant, adding:‘It's an exciting time as this
year sees us taking our company to the next level as we continue to build
up our trade business. We're currently producing 300 frames per week and
our customers value our straightforward approach to delivering the right
product on time.’
Alfa Windows was founded thanks to the generosity of Nigel's dad, Alf
(after whom the company is named) when he put up his house as security
to help his son achieve his dream of running his own business.
Since those early days, the company has expanded to 'one-stop shop' status,
supplying not only windows and door panels, but also everything from a
screw to a conservatory. Alf must be a very proud man!
Contact Alfa Windows on 0191 487 2123
Caption - left to right: Nigel Porter, Rob McGlennon, Gerard Hiscock
Newstead
Trade Frames Wins NHS Contract
Newstead
Trade Frames has won a contract to manufacture 250 double glazed PVCu
units to replace the previous wooden-framed box sash windows at Leek Memorial
hospital, Bucknall Hospital and clinics at Cheadle, Chesterton, Knutton
and Werrington. ‘And they’re not just standard windows, some
units in the ward areas will be fitted with anti-sun glass to reduce glare
for patients and staff,’ says John Davies, Commercial Manager of
Newstead.
‘The orders underline a good start to the year, with sales already
up 100% year-on year. The windows had to be installed soon after the order
was placed, but thanks to our recent £2 million investment programme
our factory is able to accommodate sudden increases in demand, this addition
to our order books is not a problem for us.’
Tel: (01782) 641 642
Roplas
Agrees the Benefits of Everwhite at Head Office and Branch Level
Roofline
stockists need suppliers they can rely on. It’s not enough to have
high quality products for a good price – suppliers need to go the
extra mile to ensure consistent on time complete deliveries, great marketing
support and attentive customer care. According to Roplas, the £12m
turnover stockist, Everwhite does just this. Rob Carmichael, Director
of Roplas comments: ‘We’ve stocked Everwhite for six years and
it’s been great to see it invest in and develop the company in all
areas, to become the professional real contender it now is in the market
place. Everwhite has improved its product range, produced well designed
literature and set up a useful installer scheme. It also has an excellent
sales team to provide us with the support we need.
‘We stock three brands because different customers have different
specifications, but also because we don’t want everything to fall
apart if one of our other suppliers lets us down with our deliveries.
Everwhite is a reliable supplier with consistent product quality and offers
value for money. We’ve had good feedback on Everwhite from our branches
and intend to make Everwhite products available from our new branch in
Warrington.’
All too often it can be tricky to fulfil the needs of both Head Offices
and local outlets when deciding what and why to stock. ‘But the feedback
from our branches regarding the Everwhite range and service has confirmed
that we made the right choice,’ continues Rob.
‘Everwhite delivers once a week and is always reliable,’ says
Darren Young, Manager at the Hull branch of Roplas. ‘Its system of
packaging and delivery means it’s easier to count what’s there,
the product arrives in perfect condition and the delivery is always complete.
This makes it better than any of our other suppliers.’
Tel: 01685 882 447