Trade
Plas Continues to take America by Storm
Nailsworth based Quantal Approved retail Fabricator, Trade Plas, is continuing
its successful American connection by opening a fantastic new indoor 'English
Heritage' conservatory village - in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
'English
Heritage' was conceived when Jim Hewitt from Wedgewood Conservatories
in New Jersey travelled to the UK looking for a top quality product and
professional partner to sell a complete conservatory package to USA. Trade
Plas was approached after he visited its conservatory showroom in Nailsworth,
near Stroud. Jim was so impressed with the aesthetics and quality of the
Quantal roofing system and the workmanship of the Trade Plas team that
he invited Steve Luff, Managing Director, to the United States to discuss
the business proposition.
Trade Plas initially fabricated three very different conservatories, using
the versatile Quantal Roofing System and aluminium powder coated windows
and doors and then shipped all of the conservatories together with a team
of installers across the Atlantic.
After this success, a site for the American conservatory village was found,
opposite the largest garden centre in Minneapolis. Steve and his son Craig
oversaw the building of the showroom, which is managed by Jim Hewitt and
his son Mike, making the project a real family concern. Everything needed
to complete the showroom was imported from the UK, from complete conservatories
to the ornaments and furniture on display. British teams of fitters from
Trade Plas were sent over to provide their American counterparts with
on-site training.
Steve
Luff explains, 'There is huge potential in the USA for selling conservatories
as it is a very new market. In the past, conservatories have been perceived
as sun or garden rooms, but customers there are increasingly interested
in using them for extra living space all year round. We have a client
base over there of architects and builders who are keen to promote the
product to homeowners undertaking home remodelling projects; offering
a top of the range conservatory enhances their stature and product range.
'We are extending the roof build floor in our UK factory by 35% so we
can cope with the increased demand from the American market for the Quantal
roof. Everything is prefabricated here in Nailsworth and shipped out to
the States, along with flooring, blinds and furniture. When our installation
training team arrives in America, the base work is already completed,
and all the conservatory components are on site, ready for work to begin.
'This sort of ground-breaking project has never been attempted before,
but we have carried out thorough research. We believe that we are offering
the highest quality product and service package possible to a very discriminating
market and are looking forward to continued growth. By taking setting
up the 'English Heritage' business in America, we are safeguarding the
future of our company in Nailsworth,' concludes Steve.
The 'English Heritage' showroom has a vast array of different styles and
finishes of conservatory, to show off to full effect the many options
available. The area is landscaped with water features, including a waterfall
and bridges, paved areas and floral displays, so that American homeowners
are able to picture how a conservatory could enhance their home and garden.
Part of the Quantal Approved Fabricator Network, Trade Plas has specialised
for more than 16 years in building bespoke conservatories. Richard Phelps,
Production Manager at Nailsworth, says, 'We offer a unique service - a
complete package providing our customers with exactly the conservatory
they are dreaming of. We are a close team, and 'can't' is not a word we
like to use - instead we work together to overcome unusual situations.'
Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk
or
http://www.Trade
Plas.com or
http://www.conservatorycompany.com
(English Heritage)
Portal
Manufacturer Breaks into US Market
British
portal frame manufacturer Aluspan, has broken into the US market, providing
large-span enclosures for customers in the Southern United States.
The company is supplying swimming pool and conservatory suppliers with
large-frame aluminium structures, shipped over from the 38,000 sq ft factory
and headquarters.
Initial structures supplied to customers in Texas and Florida measure
20 metres x 9 metres.
Formed from extruded aluminium to BS 1474 with 304 grade stainless steel
connection fittings, the system allows large-span structures to be created
from lightweight components for ease of transportation and installation.
According to Aluspan, the structures are particularly suitable for applications
where corrosion resistance due to high humidity levels, such as conservatories
and swimming pools.
Also suitable for commercial and public buildings including large-span
glazed extensions, the structures can be powder coated in a range of architectural
colours.
Tel: 01495 313 700
Synseal
Achieves U-Value of 1.8
Synseal Extrusions' Shield Window System has achieved a u-value of 1.8
'years before it becomes mandatory and with no additional props'.
'We are all aware of Part 'L' and its impact and implications on the PVCu
window installer,' comments Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director
of Synseal Extrusions Ltd. 'But many will not be aware that while the
regulations stipulate a u-value of 2.0 for England and Wales, in Scotland
the figure is 1.8. Even if window fabricators are not currently manufacturing
windows in Scotland, but are selling windows there they must conform to
1.8 now. This tougher regulation is due to be implemented in England and
Wales on April 1st 2005.
'Almost all PVCu window systems require additional 'warm-edge' and high
tech spacer bars, argon filled sealed units, 5 chambered profiles, or
coated reinforcements to achieve this more demanding u-value, already
in force in Scotland. Shield has achieved it with a standard 28mm sealed
unit, aluminium spacer bar, and single sheet of hard coat Low E glass.
'So while other PVCu window system suppliers try and find solutions for
their customers, or burden them with additional expense for additional
components, Shield meets this new regulation years before it becomes mandatory.
And at no extra cost.'
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Pilkington
Activ™ gets an Ideal Boost from Everest
The
UK's traditional launch event for the most innovative modern homeowner
solutions, the Daily Mail Ideal Home Show at Earl's Court, London this
year featured Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass. UK window, door
and conservatory giant Everest Limited used the event to introduce Pilkington
Activ™ to customers, offering the product at no surcharge across
their wide range of doors, windows or conservatories sold during the event.
Early feedback from Everest stand personnel and sales managers present
during the Ideal Home Show points to considerable success for Pilkington
Activ™ as a value added, differentiating product, with the UK's first
genuine self-cleaning glass having proved highly influential in helping
Everest attain its daily sales leads. The company reports that Pilkington
Activ™ was a particular success with conservatory sales, helping
Everest to achieve one of its most successful Ideal Home Shows.
Chris Gill, UK Marketing Communications Manager for Pilkington, is delighted
with the response received by Everest for Pilkington Activ™: 'One
senior sales manager present during the Ideal Home Show said the enthusiasm
demonstrated both by Everest and the public towards Pilkington Activ™
has been tremendous. The benefits of such a product are immediately obvious
to any consumer and companies like Everest are ideal partners to spread
the message that this is not a futuristic dream - it's an available reality.'
Such has been the initial success of Pilkington Activ™ for Everest
that the company is now including the product as part of its standard
sales presentation. The product also featured heavily in the Everest Summer
Sale.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Glassex
2004 Forges Ahead: Exhibitors take Record Stand Space
As the sales campaign for Glassex 2004 gains pace, a number of regular
exhibitors have increased their stand size following successful appearances
at the last event, signaling their confidence both in the market and Glassex,
in the most tangible way.
Following what the company says was a remarkable Glassex 2003, machinery
distributor Haffner UK has doubled its stand space for next year to 340
m2. Haffner UK did particularly well with its range of cutting and machining
centres, selling four of its new SBA machining centres off the stand in
addition to a number of other lucrative orders.
Another machinery manufacturer to 'go large' for Glassex '04 is Stuga,
a decision that was also prompted by a number of orders that 'came out
of the blue' according to the company's sales and marketing director,
Glassex veteran Steve Haines. Elumatec has also staked an early claim
to ensure a prime site close to the entrance, following its success with
a similar position this year.
Part of what is again shaping up to be a large conservatory element at
Glassex for '04 is roof systems manufacturer Aztec, which has opted for
its largest ever stand, increasing the company's stand space by a third
to cope with the company's expanding product portfolio.
Other conservatory names include K2, which, with customary confidence,
contracted next year's stand before the curtains were raised this year.
The decision was more than justified however, with Marketing Manager Iain
McInnes observing a 'greater number of decision-makers from key companies'
and benefiting from seeing 'an exceptionally high quality of visitor'
on his stand.
IT companies are already in abundance for Glassex '04 with Conservatories
Online, Comfortable Software, Caliburn, Business Micros, AB Initio, Rapid
Prototyping and Production Software Technology offering a serious early
roll-call for anyone looking for the latest computer based systems.
Neil Hadland, sales manager for Glassex says that the event already has
a highly interesting portfolio: 'It is still early in the traditional
cycle leading up to Glassex, but already we have an excellent cross-section
of exhibitors. The event is forming and growing in-line with expectations.'
Web: http://glassex.com
Network
Quality Makes its Mark
Network Veka is celebrating its first member to be awarded the Government’s
new Quality Mark (QM) accreditation.
Several members are in the process of applying to use the QM logo but
the first to be granted was Bedford-based installer Ousebank.
The
Quality Mark is a government-backed, publicly available register of independently
assessed companies that carry out repair, maintenance and improvement
work for private householders. QM companies demonstrate that they are
technically competent and have the skills and resources to do the job.
Ousebank already has the Investors in People accreditation and is Trading
Standards approved, and owners Ron (pictured right) and Colette Cox were
keen to add the QM mark to the list.
'Being on the register means that reputable traders like ourselves can
be distinguished easily from the cowboys in the industry,' says Colette.
'It helps to give customers peace of mind about the people they have employed
to do their work.'
Ousebank was visited by a QM auditor before it was accepted to ensure
all the company's policies and procedures met its standards. The company
will continue to receive industry-specific support from Network Veka,
which is not available through QM. Quality Mark approved Network Veka
members will also be able to offer the QM guarantee, instead of the Network
Veka 10 year insurance-backed package.
The Quality Mark is being rolled out over the UK, following initial successes
in Birmingham and Somerset.
For further information, please contact:
Ousebank Windows, Ron Cox, 01234 825106
Network Veka, John Ogilvie, 01282 473170
http://www.networkveka.co.uk
Alcoa's
Q2 Sales up 7%, but Profits down 6%
Net income of worldwide aluminium group Alcoa - currently embroiled in
a hostile bid situation against Pechiney (who yesterday employed no fewer
than five banking companies/advisers in order to defend itself against
Alcan's unsolicited public offer: BNP Paribas, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan
and Rothschilds) – in the second quarter of 2003 was $216 million,
up 43 percent from $151 million, in the first quarter, and down from $232
million, in the 2002 second quarter. 'We demonstrated an ability to improve
profitability in what is still a challenging climate by any measure,'
said Alain Belda, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa.
'Improved
performance by our downstream businesses and seasonal strength in packaging
helped drive double-digit profit growth over the first quarter.'
Continued Top-Line Growth
Sales were $5.5 billion up 7 percent from $5.1 billion in the first quarter,
and up 6 percent from $5.2 billion in the second quarter of 2002. Strong
aluminium ingot shipments and a robust global alumina market drove the
improvement. Both packaging and residential construction markets saw seasonal
improvements, helping boost revenue to its highest level since the third
quarter of 2001.
Automotive markets were flat in the quarter, and European demand for fabricated
products showed weakness. Global markets in aerospace, industrial gas
turbine and telecommunications remained soft.
'Given the uncertain climate, our continuing focus will be on productivity
improvements and cash generation through the deployment of the Alcoa Business
System,' said Belda. 'While we have not seen signs of market improvements,
we are well positioned to reap the benefits of any upturn.'
Driving Cost Savings
The company achieved $16 million in savings in the quarter. Second quarter
energy and benefit costs were substantially higher than the previous year.
Despite higher energy, raw material, and benefit costs, the company's
margins held steady over the prior year at 20.4 percent. Alcoa has now
achieved $872 million toward its $1 billion cost savings goal by the end
of 2003 and remains solidly on track to meet that challenge. Energy costs
are excluded from the cost challenge because of their volatility.
The second quarter tax rate of 26 percent includes a benefit for recently
enacted international tax legislation. A substantial portion of that benefit
is offset by an increase in minority interest. The company expects the
full-year tax rate for 2003 to be lower than the rate in the first quarter.
Expanding Low-Cost Facilities
In the quarter, Alcoa continued to seize opportunities to consolidate
and improve its low cost position as a supplier of primary metals and
alumina. As previously announced, the company reached an agreement to
acquire the 40.9 percent minority stake in its South American operations,
primarily mining, refining, smelting and fabrication facilities of Alcoa
Aluminio S.A. in Brazil. The company also has begun engineering for a
600,000 metric ton expansion of its low-cost refining facility in Pinjarra,
Western Australia.
Strengthening the Balance Sheet
In the quarter, Alcoa reached an agreement to sell its PET business in
Latin America, and continues to pursue the divestiture of non-core businesses.
Proceeds from those sales will primarily be used to pay down debt.
The balance sheet showed substantial improvement in the quarter due to
improved profitability, lower working capital, a partial pre-payment on
a metal supply contract, and tight control on capital expenditures. Capital
expenditures were below last year's level by approximately 35 percent
and ran at 70 percent of depreciation. The metal supply contract included
a cash pre-payment of $440 million, and represents 7500 tons per month
over 72 months at market rates.
The debt-to-capital ratio dropped 300 basis points to 40.4 percent. The
$722 million decline in debt was the largest single quarterly decrease
since the first quarter of 2001. The third quarter should show additional
improvement as the purchase of the Latin American interests and additional
asset sales are expected, along with continued restraint on capital expenditures.
Whiteline
'Goes It Alone' with the Launch of its Own Security Guarantee
The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator of PVCu
windows and doors, has introduced its own, fully independent homeowner
security guarantee. The Goldline Security Guarantee, which the company
claims offers significant advantages over other schemes, covers failure
of both PVCu frame and hardware and also includes 20% savings on house
and contents insurance.
'Valid
for five years the schemes benefit is two fold. Most schemes only cover
hardware failure. But Whiteline guarantees up to £1,000 compensation
to the homeowner in the event of a break in as a result of either PVCu
frame or hardware failure on Goldline doors and casement windows. The
payment includes repair or replacement of the damaged door or window up
to a value of £500, plus an additional £500 payment for the
resulting stress and inconvenience.' says the company.
The homeowner can also benefit from the opportunity to make savings on
household insurance through one of the UK's largest independent insurance
brokers.
The installer is also due to reap two advantages from the scheme. Firstly
the Goldline Security Guarantee has been set up to assist installers cash
flow. The homeowner has only 14 days to yield the benefits of this scheme
through registration with Whiteline. The installer is therefore presented
with an additional lever for prompt payment.
Acting as an additional promotional tool and offer, the Goldline Secure
Guarantee scheme is backed by a range of marketing support. A two page
A4 leaflet is provided to generate interest in the scheme, a top of the
range Rolla graphic banner stand is available for use in the showroom,
and a four page leaflet (with registration form) is on hand for customers
on completion of the installation and prompt payment.
The scheme, which comes into effect on 1st October, is open to all approved
Goldline and Goldline 70 installers. As with all Whiteline's point of
sale items, costs can be offset against customer's individual Marketing
Reward Programme.
Tel: 01323 647800
Web: http://www.whitelinewindows.com
Indigo Products Launches Conservatory Division
Midlands
based trade fabricator, Indigo Products Ltd, has launched a dedicated
conservatory division, supplying its customers with complete conservatories
including the new Global roof system together with Spectus frames.
Guaranteeing a seven to 10-day turnaround on standard conservatories and
a written quotation within 24 hours, the company now has the capacity
to produce 40 to 50 complete conservatories per week.
National Sales Manager, Dave Stearman said, 'Conservatories are a logical
extension to our existing business and one which our research showed would
be greatly welcomed by our trade customers. We can now offer one of the
most advanced products on the market and at an extremely competitive price.'
The company recently began fabricating the new Elite 70 system from H.W.
Plastics, alongside the established and highly specified Sightline 70
system.
Contact: Danny Hague
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
BBA
Recognised by BFRC
The
BBA has been recognised as achieving the requirements of the British Fenestration
Rating Council (BFRC) in three key areas: Approved Simulators, a Test
Laboratory and an Approved Independent Agency.
The BFRC is dedicated to the operation of a UK national rating system
for the thermal performance of fenestration products sold in the UK. Their
team consists of technical, management and other people with a wide experience
of both the UK window industry and the energy efficiency area. The rating
system allows consumers, developers and the Government, to assess the
energy efficiency of windows and doors in the market place.
Details of the three areas where the BBA has met BFRC’s criteria
are:
Approved Simulators — named individuals who undertake thermal modelling
of these products to calculate thermal performance and whose results have
been independently checked and validated.
Test Laboratory — using Guarded Hot Box testing equipment to the
specified Standards, being certified for its operation and having Quality
Management systems in place.
Independent Agency — holding UKAS approval and validating simulations
submitted by window manufacturers, having a Quality Management System
in place to ensure accredited results and with Approved Simulators for
checking results.
With the universal drive to minimise global warming, and the Government
focusing its attention on the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions in
the UK, caused mainly by transport and energy loss through buildings,
the need for energy-efficient windows and doors is becoming critical.
The BBA is participating in this drive in a number of ways:
* by its approval of ever more energy-efficient products
* through the inspections we carry out in support of the FENSA scheme
for the installation of doors and windows, and
* gaining BFRC recognition in the evaluation of the thermal performance
of windows against BFRC criteria.
If you are a window or door manufacturer and wish to have your products
BFRC-rated, please contact Alan Thomas BBA Sales and Marketing Director
by e-mail: mailto:athomas@bba.star.co.uk
giving details, and a quotation will be prepared for you.
DP
Plastics Increases Investment in Doortech
DP
Plastics Group is a major shareholder in Herefordshire based Doortech,
manufacturer and supplier of composite doors to local authorities, housing
associations and trade fabricators. It has recently invested heavily,
increasing its production capacity, and resulting in new improved products.
Doortech
Sales Director Alan Goodes says, 'I am very excited at the prospect of
taking the company from an 80 door a week production facility into 150
plus and tapping further into the growth market of 'Secured by Design'
composite doors.
'As further testimony to the quality of our range of composite doors.
Sunderland Housing Group and Doortech have just signed a new five year
partnership agreement building on the success and confidence of the partnership
over the past two years.
'The demand for Composite Doors is on the increase compared to PVCu doors
and we have positioned ourselves to take advantage of this great opportunity'.
Doortech drains and vents sub-frames to ensure there is no possibility
of water retention, which may cause the bottom rail to swell. The quarter,
centre and bottom rails have drainage tubes in them, which allows any
water to pass into the threshold and out through concealed drain holes.
Coloured doors retain more heat than a white door, this build up of heat
can cause the door to bow, split or even de-laminate. Doortech therefore
vents the top rail to allow any warm air to escape.
'We pride ourselves on our first class workmanship. The company's original
promise of unbeatable value for money, which was made when starting out,
still holds good today. There's not a lot more you could wish for.'
Tel: 0870 410 1430
Email: mailto:doortech@dpplastics.com
Web: http://www.dpplastics.com/doortech
ICD
Announces Strategic Partnership with Visteon Versalux
ICD's
Opaci-Coat-300® Silicone Spandrel and Visteon Versalux Tint &
Reflective Glass couple to show how high performing glass and high performing
coatings create vast design opportunities as well as lasting performance.
'We are very excited to be working with an innovative company such as
Visteon and their Versalux products,' states ICD Marketing Manager Kris
Vockler, 'Opaci-Coat-300® spandrel and Versalux glass give Architects
what they want, creative possibilities and proven performance.'
One of the first tools the two companies will do together is a glass palette
showcasing tinted and reflective glass with harmonising Opaci-Coat-300®
spandrel.
Web: http://www.icdcoatings.com
& http://www.visteon.com/floatglass
HT
Troplast AG Integrates its Profile Activities
At
its meeting on 26th June, the Supervisory Board of HT Troplast AG approved
plans for the legal and organisational integration of window profile activities
in a new company. The Board of Management of the new company headquartered
in Troisdorf/Germany will comprise Dr. Hans Werner Kleffner (Chairman),
Messrs Helmut Marzahn and Detlef Fahlbusch.
In fiscal 2002, profile and board activities reported sales of some 560
million Euro with a workforce of more than 3,000 at nine production locations
and a large number of sales companies world-wide.
To optimise the exploitation of market potential, the Kömmerling,
KBE, Trocal and Knipping brands will continue with their successful multi-brand
strategy.
Web: http://www.ht-troplast.com
New
Data Sheets on House Builders Database
With
the launch of its House Builders database earlier this year, Windowbase
has released two new information sheets covering the contents of both
the 'Standard' and the 'Enhanced' versions of the House Builders database.
The data sheets explain the information contained in the House Builders
database, which comprises the names of the chief executive and the senior
buyer (where different). Some 3900 companies are detailed giving over
5000 named contacts. But this is just the tip of the information available,
addresses, numbers of houses built and group associations are just part
of the information.
The optional 'Enhanced Database' gives more information on the purchasing
choices made by over 1800 of the companies in the full database. This
gives details of the house prices, and the percentage of houses built
by each respondent with conservatories, usage of PVC-UE roofline materials
and the preferences expressed by each builder for different window frame
materials. This is essential information for any marketing person researching
this market and, having looked at the overview, the sales team can have
direct links to the companies expressing these preferences. For instance,
if you want companies building Houses over £300,000 in the South
East using PVC-U conservatories on over 10% of their housing, then you
need the Enhanced database. If you are looking for companies using timber
windows on houses costing under £200,000 in the Midlands, then this
Enhanced database gives that too.
Mike Davis of Windowbase, remarks, 'These datasheets are the first step
in finding out if and how the data will help. Then we find that people
go direct to our website - http://www.winbase.co.uk - where they download
a sample of the real data, to see how it might work for them, - then they
order the database. As we supply the standard database in regional chunks,
we notice that a number of companies have started this way, before committing
themselves to the full UK database.'
The House Builders Database - the Enhanced Version - information for
the industry.
The chart, produced by Windowbase, is derived from the information contained
in the Enhanced database given by 1920 House Builders. The information
was given in response to a question, 'Do you use PVC-UE materials for
roofline or cladding on your houses?' It indicates that some 84% of Northern
Ireland house-builders are using PVC-UE materials on some or all of their
houses. Equally, it shows that 16% of the builders in the region do not
use PVC-UE materials. At the same time it may be seen that PVC-UE is not
used by nearly 40% of house-builders in Scotland, Northern, or East Midlands
regions. (Note that the South East is divided into two roughly along the
Thames for Windowbase analysis.) This chart is produced by Windowbase
to show how the information within the House Builders Database (Enhanced
version) may be used.
For information just ask for:
Data Sheet 10 for what is included on the 3900 companies and over 5000
contacts in the 'Standard' House Builders Database, and for
Data Sheet 11 for details of the in depth information including price
ranges, use of conservatories on new build housing, usage of PVC-UE roofline
products and window frame material usage from some1900 named House Builder
contacts.
Contact: Mike Davis
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@winbase.co.uk
Versatile
Invests for the Future
With
recent investment in a new operating system, Kevin Barnard, director of
Versatile, is convinced that the company has taken another step forward
in making conservatory roof installation simplicity itself. 'The operating
system will make the whole process even faster and more accurate,' explains
Kevin, 'with wide ranging benefits for both our fabricators and installers.'
The software, which has been designed and supplied by PST (Production
Software Technology), is already having an impact on fabrication at Versatile's
own plant.'We have completed the first few phases of the plan' says Kevin,
'which is already having a great impact on production efficiency.'
With each component of the Versatile roof system input into the system,
the software allows glass schedules, reports and fabrication drawings
to be produced, providing cutting lists to show overall length and the
type of cut on each end of the profile, so that Versatile's computer aided
machinery can be driven through the operating system.
'The program allows an infinite variation of standard and bespoke designs',
continues Kevin, 'which can be converted into a specific roofing or sidewall
system, using true extrusion data to ensure accurate fabrication, reducing
trial erection requirements.'
Versatile's first practical trial of the program was to fabricate and
build the lantern roof displayed on its stand at Glassex earlier this
year. Working closely with PST, visitors were also able to view the operating
system first hand on PST's stand during the exhibition. 'The software
created a lot of interest and customers are looking forward to the completion
of the final phases,' concludes Kevin.
The end product will make on line ordering available, offering Versatile
customers a simpler, quicker and more efficient method of purchasing,
whilst the numbered and sequenced drawings, in a 3D perspective, will
be produced for installers, allowing the most complex design to be constructed
with a minimum of effort and greatest accuracy.
Tel: 01495 247233
Energy
Savings Paramount for Islington
Energy-saving
was the top priority for the London Borough of Islington when it was looking
to replace windows at almost 1,000 apartments on two estates.
Because the on-going contract began before Part L of the new Building
Regulations came into force, the Council could have taken the line adopted
by many social landlords at the time, of not complying with the regulations.
But Dave Hardcastle, Senior Technical Officer with the Council, says energy-saving
is a long-standing prime concern, and outweighed any additional cost of
installing windows with a u-value of 2.0 W/m2K or lower before there was
a legal requirement for them.
This is a philosophy echoed by Radway, the company manufacturing and installing
the windows and doors specified for the two estates in the £1.75m
contracts.
'We had adapted our manufacturing process enabling us to fabricate and
install windows which would comply with Part L up to three months before
the new regulations took effect,' says Quality and Technical Manager Harpal
Singh. 'This is because we work at the quality end of the windows market,
and many of our customers, such as Islington, pre-empted the new Building
Regulations by asking us to fit Part L-compliant Kömmerling window
systems before it became mandatory last year.
'We also took the initiative to manufacture several windows from our extensive
product range and arranged for their testing at the National Physical
Laboratory to ensure they met the requirements of this new legislation.'
Radway Door and Windows Ltd. was awarded the first contract because, according
to Dave Hardcastle, 'it is the highest-rated LHC company'. That contract
was to provide Tilt-before-Turn windows along with patio and residential
doors at 395 apartments at Islington's Elthorne Estate.
Following on from that, came a 45-week contract to replace single-glazed
sliding aluminium-in-timber-sub-framed windows with Kommerling Gold Casement
and Tilt-before-Turn windows, and patio and residential doors, at 243
apartments on the Girdlestone Estate in the Borough. And Radway was further
awarded Phase Two of the Girdlestone refurbishment, involving a further
274 apartments.
The Kömmerling Gold system used at Islington is the 58mm, with Pilkington
K Glass™ air-filled glazing, with aluminium spacers. This gives a
unit u-value of 1.8 W/m2K and whole window u-value of 1.97 W/m2K .
The windows provide energy savings in line with the Government's agreed
objectives detailed in the Kyoto Agreement, which allows for the reduction
of energy in the United Kingdom by 20% below the 1990 levels by 2010.
With Building Regulations stipulating a u-value of 2.0 W/m2K or lower
in England and Wales, u-values in Scotland have just been reduced to 1.8
W/m2K - a move which John Warburton, Kömmerling's Technical Manager,
says may well be copied in England and Wales within the next three to
five years.
Web: http://www.kommerling.com
BWF
Membership Makes Good Sense for Door Company
After
two years of steady expansion, and now with seven employees and a growing
customer base, joining the British Woodworking Federation makes good sense
for Antique Style Pine Doors of Birstall near Leeds.
Company secretary Sallie Sandom was in at the start when managing director
Paul Burr set up the business, which specialises in Victorian-style doors.
All hand-made in pine, with a stained and waxed finish, the doors come
glazed or solid, and are available nationally through more than 150 retail
pine shops, or direct to the trade from the company’s new premises.
'We got to the point where we knew we needed help with employment issues
and health & safety, in particular,' says Sallie Sandom, 'and we wanted
to make sure we made the right choice.
'Paul checked out other organisations and we have even used some of their
services, but the BWF struck us as being the most professional and the
most proactive. It has the knowledge and resources that I can see being
invaluable to us as we continue to grow, especially since the introduction
of a fire door to our range.'
Antique Style Pine Doors joins the BWF at a time of substantial membership
growth. Its credibility has been consolidated recently by the adoption
of a new Code of Conduct which is applicable to the entire membership.
In addition, the Federation is the driving force behind the BWF Timber
Window Accreditation Scheme and the BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset
Scheme, both of which are administered by an experienced secretariat,
working under director, Richard Lambert.
The BWF also offers other services, including a fortnightly news update,
an annual Members’ Day with a full programme of seminars and workshops,
and a team of experienced people with first-hand knowledge of technical,
employment, legal and health & safety matters.
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:firedoors@bwf.org.uk
Locked
into Security Solutions
Visitors
to the Fullex Locks stand, at this years Chartered Institute of Housing
Exhibition in Harrogate, were shown an insight into the performance of
Fullex door locks and the flexible approach which the company applies.
Every product within the Fullex range is tested to comply with PAS 23
and 24, combining high quality, durable materials with gearboxes rather
than vulnerable springs, and bolts as opposed to rollers to provide maximum
protection against break in, good weathering properties, reliability and
practical functionality. These high security door locks are designed for
optimum performance, with detailed attention to the vagaries of specific
materials and door styles into which the locks may be fitted.
But product is not the only reason why Fullex Locks are popular within
the Public Housing sector. Under the leadership of specification manager
Sue Cook, the company tackles each contract with an eye for fine detail
and a willingness to adapt both product and service to suit the needs
of each individual project.
A major restructuring programme, implemented following a management buy
out in 2002, has made headway into improving systems and schedules in
order to further enhance service performance. The most recent development
is the outsourcing of suppliers to undertake the company's pressing requirements.
'This was not an easy decision to make,' explains Ian Southall, managing
director of Fullex Locks, 'but with increasing sales and decreasing lead
times, we felt that our customer base would be better served if we could
have dedicated resource to the various lines. We have chosen four suppliers,
which will be using our own machines to ensure continuation of accuracy
and design, whilst allowing greater capacity. Lead times and delivery
schedules are as important to the Fullex team as providing high quality
product and the roll out of the company's new IT system is progressing
speedily to eventually allow customers to order on line.'
With much of her time spent working closely with architects, specifiers
and maintenance teams, Sue Cook also presents CPD seminars and workshops
across the country, so the many enquiries from the CIH exhibition will
add considerably to her work load.
Contact Sue on 01384 401312
Changes
in Schott’s Top Management
Dr.
Leopold von Heimendahl (60), Chairman of the Schott Management Board,
has elected to retire on December 31st, 2003 according to the terms of
his contract.
In its meeting on June 26th, 2003 the Advisory Board appointed Dr. Udo
Ungeheuer (52) as successor for the position of Chairman of the Board
of Management, with effect from January 1st, 2004. This is subject to
the approval of the Foundation Administration. Ungeheuer has been a member
of the Corporate Management Committee since 1994. He is currently the
Board Member responsible for the Strategic Business Units (SBU) Home Tech
and Display Solutions, as well as Technology Development and Human Resources.
Effective as of October 1st, 2003, Dr. Hans-Joachim Konz (43), Executive
Vice President SBU Home Tech, and Peter Scarborough (50), Vice President
Corporate Human Resources, have been appointed to the Schott Corporate
Management Committee, where they will join the Chairman of the Management
Board and Board Members Dr. Karl-Peter Merz und Klaus Rübenthaler.
Laminated
Glass is The Car Security Option According to July Which? Report
This
summer's Which? report on car security (Break-in Records - July 2003)
has yet again demonstrated that not all of today's cars offer sufficient
resistance to break in. The report did however offer substantial support
for automotive laminated glass and would like all car manufacturers to
offer laminated glass as an option.
DI Keith Brayne, Vehicle Crime Prevention for the Metropolitan Police,
commented that, 'There are around two million thefts from cars every year.
In 20 years time, with this type of secure glass installed in all cars,
theft from cars could be a thing of the past.'
Indeed, the Which report findings* showed that while ordinary toughened
glass (installed in the majority of our cars) breaks in seconds, laminated
glass took five times longer to break in the Which tests. Add to this,
the noise factor. The Which? tester referred to his attack on laminated
glass, as 'brutal and noisy'. Any attack, they reported, 'needs precision,
the right tools and - for a would-be thief - the guarantee that it can't
be heard'.
Chris Patience, Head of Technical Policy at the AA, said; 't's just as
easy to steal a bag or camera from your car today as it was 20 or more
years ago.
'In the AA's view, widespread adoption of LSG would be the single most
significant advance in car security since the introduction of the immobiliser.'
Could your car have laminated side glazing? - if not why not - ask your
car manufacturer - the choice should be yours.
*The Which report took 12 new models of popular cars and put them in a
league table based on resistance to break-in
New
Director of Cartel Investigations for OFT
Simon
Williams, currently a case controller at the Serious Fraud Office, has
been appointed as OFT's new Director of Cartel Investigations.
In his new post Simon will succeed Adrian Walker-Smith in leading the
OFT's programme of uprooting cartels on both the civil and criminal sides.
The effective detection and deterrence of cartel activity is one of the
OFT's key competition enforcement priorities in making markets work well
for consumers.
The Enterprise Act 2002 recently introduced criminal penalties for individuals
who dishonestly engage in the worst types of cartels. The OFT will investigate
and the Serious Fraud Office (and the Lord Advocate in Scotland) will
prosecute individuals with the possibility of five years imprisonment
and an unlimited fine on conviction.
After qualifying as a barrister, Simon became a legal officer at HM Customs
and Excise (HMCE). In 1997 he was seconded to the Companies Investigation
Branch of DTI as an investigations manager. In 2000 he returned to HMCE
as a senior legal adviser to its National Investigations Service. Since
2002 he has been seconded as a case controller to the Serious Fraud Office.