Alumayer
Group Enters UK Market
A leading firm in the field of aluminium finishing products has entered
the UK market.
The Alumayer Group, an Israeli-based company formed nearly 40 years ago
and with an annual turnover of some $30 million, is close to completing
its third project in the UK and has set up a British subsidiary to carry
out further contacts.
The
new subsidiary, Alu-Glass, has been retained by contractor David McLean
Limited, Liverpool for the design and installation of 8,000 sq metres
of exterior cladding and integral window systems for Royal Exchange House,
Leeds.
The 20-storey 1960s building in Britain's third-largest city is being
completely redeveloped and will be reborn as a 187-bedroom Park Plaza
Hotel. Architects for the project are Halpern Architects, London.
The £1.8 million Leeds contract for Alu-Glass and the Alumayer Group
involves both design and on-site installation and follows other contracts
that the firm has recently completed in London. The formation of Alu-Glass
marks the Group's formal entry into the UK and Irish markets.
The Alumayer Group, accredited to ISO 9000, is a specialist in the field
of architectural aluminium and glass finishing products and construction
finishing services. The Group offers a complete design to build solution,
with full technical support and after-sales guarantee.
The new Park Plaza Hotel in Leeds will be a prestigious addition to the
city. The hotel group, part of Carlson Hotels Worldwide, operates more
than 1,570 high-quality hotel, resort, restaurant and cruise ship facilities
in 81 countries.
The Alumayer Group has been involved in more than 3,000 projects worldwide
as manufacturer and contractor for hotels, shopping centres, offices and
public buildings. Recent contracts have included an office development
in Moscow, a new Sheraton hotel in Mumbai, India and work on the Central
Bank of Nigeria in Abuja, Nigeria.
The Group specialises in the provision of curtain walling, skylights,
aluminium windows and doors as well as PVCu windows, doors, acoustic and
decorative ceilings and partitioning.
'The Alumayer Group is a specialist in the whole building envelope and
has a long track record in the provision of a total design and build solution
- from the design of cladding, window and door systems through to fabrication
and installation. We're delighted that the Group through Alu-Glass is
now entering the UK and Irish markets,' said Moshe Dvir, General Manager
of Alumayer Intemational.
Tel: 0207 626 9806
Email: mailto:site@alumayer.fsnet.co.uk
Web: http://www.alumayer.com
FAS
and Sheerframe Re-Tie Fifteen Year Knot
UK commercial fabricator - FAS - has signed a new agreement with systems
company L.B. Plastics Ltd for the supply of its Sheerframe window, door
and curtain walling systems for the next five years.
The move reflects the partnering relationship between the two companies
who have worked together for over 15 years on some of the South-East's
biggest window projects.
Croydon-based
FAS made a £2 million move to a new 44,000 sq.ft. factory in 1998.
At around the same time it switched from traditionally styled products
to the newly introduced Sheerframe co-extruded systems, eliminating gasketing
from the manufacturing process and increasing production efficiency. The
company now intends to further build the business in the commercial and
social housing sectors on the strength of its relationship with L.B. Plastics
but also plans to set up a trade supply-only division for both windows
and Hometrim cellular trims and roofline products. Says MD Greg Sharp
(pictured left with David Strang of LB):
'We've been turning this sort of business away for years without realising
the scope it offered. It was only after discussing our five-year business
plan with L.B. that we realised how well positioned we were to provide
a first class local service in the heart of the South-East.'
FAS has stocked Hometrim products for several years but has until now,
only used it for its own installation contracts. Now the range will complement
the Sheerframe windows range for the trade customer.
Commenting on the traditional FAS markets, Greg says, 'Client demands
in the professional sector are more onerous than ever. Specifiers are
much more aware nowadays and specifications that were once written just
for tendering purposes are now being used to maintain quality throughout
the job, which is exactly as it should be. We know we are in a position
to thrive under those rigorous conditions.
'With the most versatile window system, in Sheerframe, FAS can meet even
the most complex and demanding specification.'
With the enforcement of Part L, the introduction of thermally enhanced
reinforcing, used in conjunction with Sheerframe four-chamber profile,
will further strengthen FAS' scope for winning new work in the region,
believes Greg Sharp.
'We are an ambitious company, and L.B. have demonstrated yet again that
they have the expertise and innovative vision to invest in the new product
developments which will take the industry forwards. Look around, and there
are very few systems campanies actually investing in new products in the
way that L.B. have done so consistently over the past fifteen years.'
Tel: 01773 852311
Email: mailto:sheerframe@lbplastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.sheerframe.co.uk
Obituary:
Paul Rogers
More than 100 glass industry friends and ex-colleagues joined family and
friends at the funeral and memorial service of Paul Rogers, on 7 October
2002 at St Andrew’s Church, Eastern Green, Coventry. Paul died on
28 September, aged 76, after an illness spread over almost two years.
The church was full to overflowing with some mourners standing four-deep
in the transept to hear a moving and amusing address given by long-time
friend and colleague, John Hartley.
Paul was a well respected and much loved figure throughout the trade in
the whole UK and Ireland, as well as in many far-flung world glass markets,
in all of which Paul was active throughout his over 50-year time in the
flat glass industry.
Paul Rogers started with Pilkington Brothers and his activities included
representative for Ireland, product management at St Helens and Regional
Manager for Scotland. After more than 20 years, he left Pilkington in
1972 to become the head of sales and marketing of Glass (Coventry) Limited,
the first of the "super" glass merchants, which formed the basis
for what, 30 years on, is now the Solaglas Group.
He is survived by his wife, Jean and by sons, Tim and Simon. In 1987 Paul,
together with Simon, formed a local company known as Coventry Glass
Pilkington
Activ™: Cleans Itself and it's Good for the Environment!
Architects designing a rest and observation station for a public garden
and sculpture park in the United States have chosen Pilkington Activ™
self-cleaning glass for the windows, in one of the first commercial applications
for the product. However, the product has been chosen for its environmental
benefits as much as its ability to keep itself clean.
Pilkington
Activ™ has been installed in double glazed units in the building
at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
The facility is set in 30 acres, featuring natural wetlands, a tropical
conservatory, arid garden, stunning outdoor gardens, nature trails and
more than 100 sculptures by renowned artists. The grounds include a huge
conservatory, comprehensive theatre and conference facilities, and three
galleries that have hosted exhibitions featuring the work of such artists
as Auguste Rodin.
The park is maintained with incredible care, the key reason why Pilkington
Activ™ was chosen, explained Linda Vos-Graham, president of glazing
contractor Vos Glass Inc.: 'The primary reason for specifying Pilkington
Activ™ glass in this project was the appealing environmental properties.
You don't need cleaning detergents to clean the station which eliminates
the danger of chemicals harming the botanical environment.'
The architects also had their eye on aesthetics and low maintenance costs.
'The major architectural challenge of this project was to create a natural
look sculpted into the building that was sensitive to the horticultural
landscape,' said Greg Metz, architect at Progressive, who also served
as engineers on the project. 'Pilkington Activ™ glass fits very well
because its properties provided an undistorted view of the landscape and
building components without requiring a high amount of labour and resources
to keeping the windows clean.'
The large glass areas - 400 feet2 of Pilkington Activ™ was installed
in sealed units - also provide excellent natural light for the building,
which reduces energy, another key factor in the specification. Clear glass
was used for the inner leaf of many units and, where appropriate, obscured
glass in other areas.
The microscopically thin, permanent, dual-action coating of Pilkington
Activ™ self cleaning glass is activated by ultra violet light to
continuously break down deposits of organic dirt. The second action of
the coating then causes rainwater to 'sheet' on the glass instead of forming
droplets, to literally rinse the dirt away leaving windows dry without
spots and streaks.
Launched in the US in June 2001, Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning
glass has been available in the UK since September 2002.
Tel: 01744 692000
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Breton
and Ebor Lead the Way
Ebor Equipment Ltd and Breton SpA have announced a new partnership bringing
new glass processing CNC machinery to the flat glass industry.
The partnership began earlier this year, when Ebor became Breton's exclusive
distributor throughout the UK & Ireland for the company's Stone Machinery. The
demand for Breton machinery has been so overwhelming that a new line of
glass processing CNC machines has been put into development to be launched
in January 2003.
Breton is a world class manufacturer with over 40 years experience within
the natural stone machinery market. Throughout the years it has developed
a range of machinery, which has a reputation for high quality, reliability
and production capacity. For over 17 years the company has been manufacturing
CNC machines with 3, 4 and 5 axis.
Ebor has been a leading supplier to the flat glass industry since its
launch in 1981 and it is this experience and knowledge that has lead to
some of the world's leading manufacturers becoming key partners.
With 20 CNC machines have been sold in the UK within the last 6 months.
With Breton's precision engineering technology and Ebor's vast experience
of the flat glass industry, the new range of 3 & 4 axis glass processing
CNC machines are likely to be a success. The machines come in two
basic models - the NC250 and the NC260 - and are compact and ergonomic.
Stephen Boocock, Sales Director of Ebor commented, 'Working with Breton
has proved to be refreshing with their professionalism and people focused
environment. As with Ebor, Breton understands the importance of customer
satisfaction through continuous development into ways to improve both
the products and service, from regular customer feedback.'
Tel: +44 (0) 1706 869691
Email: mailto:general.enquries@ebor.co.uk
Web: http://www.ebor.co.uk
Shaping
up with Masterdor
The London Borough of Barking & Dagenham Council has specified Masterdor
for the £140 miilion Shape Up For Homes project, one of the largest
housing improvement programmes in the UK.
Around 16,000 doors have already been installed as part of this seven
year programme, which also involves the replacement of windows, roof-maintenance
and external works, as well as the installation of gas fired heating systems
and loft insulation to some of the properties. The huge project is due
to finish in 2004, by which time 22,000 doors will have been installed
on houses and low-rise flats.
Previously, wooden doors were used on site, but these raised maintenance
issues due to the high cost of any repair work made necessary by movement
in the hardwood. As the doors aged, they had to be treated each season,
which was unfeasible.
Bespoke Masterdors consist of an engineered timber door leaf fitted into
a PVCu frame. Manse Masterdor Ltd fitters trained the council's installers,
ensuring that they understood the fitting procedure and could show tenants
how to operate the locking system. The three point locks and high quality
cylinder mechanism, combined with the sturdy frame to masonry fixings
create a door-set that is resistant to burglary and vandalism.
A spokesman for the Council comments, 'Not only are we very impressed
with the performance of the Masterdors installed on our sites and the
company's IT based ordering and product database, but we are also pleased
with the flexibility of the Masterdor design team. We have a huge range
of properties and felt that some of them needed a particular style of
door. Rather than forcing us to compromise, Manse Masterdor Ltd allowed
us to submit our own design, which they then translated into a door model
featuring their high specification, using the CAD system. Their ability
to offer us a range of styles, at very little extra cost, allowed us to
offer tenants a greater choice.'
The sheer variety of Barking & Dagenham's properties is reflected
in the door types supplied. Fire check doors for flats, feature frames
with PVCu side lights and panels, hardwood 'all round' glazed frames,
double glazed and period style panel doors in a variety of colours add
character and individuality to the council's housing.
Although standard door-sets were specified for rear doors, tenants were
offered a selection of at least three front door designs, available in
a wide range of colours. In contrast to the original blue painted wooden
doors, which gave the impression of dull uniformity, tenants were given
the chance to offer a personal touch to their homes.
The Council spokesman continues 'Our large estates do not suffer from
many of the problems associated with inner cities, and tenants generally
keep the properties in good order, taking pride in the gardens and interiors.
The 'Shape up for Homes' initiative will reinforce this impression, with
the Masterdors improving the aesthetic appeal of the properties, whilst
saving us money on maintenance.'
Now called 'Capital Works Group', as a result of amalgamating with the
Major Repairs Allowance (MRA) programme, the Shape Up For Homes project
has received a host industry accolades. It has recently scooped the 'LGC
Awards 2002- Procurement lnitiative of the Year'. The Council attributes
this achievement to adopting the private sector's innovative procurement
approach. To facilitate this approach Barking and Dagenham has established
a genuine integrated management partnership with the private construction
company, Schal International. The approach has paid dividends with savings
of around 32% in the first year.
Tel: 01423 866868
Email: mailto:info@masterdor.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterdor.co.uk
Connecting
2 Customer Service
Connect 2 National Plastics aims to ensure that every branch has more
than enough resources to provide an extensive product range and high levels
of service.
The latest branch to benefit from the company's continuous investment
programme is based at Pyle, South Wales, where the premises have been
extended into a neighbouring unit to double the size.
Customers can now enjoy a total of 5,000 sq ft dedicated to holding large
stocks of popular brands, including the full range of Veka and BCE trims,
Flo-Plast rainwater goods and Everbuild products, as well as all the tools
and fixings required for installation.
'The branch has always been popular with local builders, window and roofing
installers' says Jim Baitup, branch manager, 'but our reputation seems
to have spread farther afield, with customers visiting from a much wider
area.'
For Jim and his staff service is the real key to success. 'Our branch
is no different from any other Connect 2 branch across England or Wales'
continues Jim. 'Staff are highly knowledgeable, providing friendly, expert
advice and we have recently taken on an extra driver to support our popular
same day delivery service.
'If you're looking for a local supplier, with all the resources of a national
company, then Connect 2 your local depot and experience the wealth of
products available, not to mention this months special offers!'
Tel: 01495 244551
EuroWindoor
Signs Agreement with Russian Window Association
During a mission to Russia, EuroWindoor, the stakeholder of the European
fenestration industry, signed a cooperative agreement with the Russian
association APROK. A delegate of EuroWindoor visited a number of leading
Russian window companies in late July. The mission was concluded by agreeing
with A.V. Spiridonov, the first vice-president of APROK, on a common work
program. APROK is the Russian Energy Efficient Windows Manufacturers Association.
The cooperation is aimed at including the fast growing Russian window
market in the European integration process, i.e. membership of APROK in
the material-specific European trade federations FAECF (aluminium), FEMIB
(wood) and EPW (plastics). It was furthermore agreed to develop a common
project for harmonisation of European and Russian standards, exchange
market information and prepare measures to help member companies gain
a foothold in the respective partner markets.
Prior to conclusion of the agreement, EuroWindoor visited leading window
and door manufacturers to get an insight into the product range and performance
of the companies. In Moscow and its neighbourhood as well as in St. Petersburg,
the EuroWindoor delegate was welcomed by the APROK-members 'Hobbit', 'Global
Shield', 'Agrisvgaz', 'Bamo', 'Okna Rosta', 'Sp-les' and 'SoyuzStroyTrest'.
Karl Heinz Herbert, secretary general of EuroWindoor, comments on conclusion
of the agreement as follows: 'the APROK cooperation reflects European
and global developments. With Russia, another strong partner comes aboard
the international cooperations of EuroWindoor and its European window
federations after Japan, followed by the US, China and Australia.'
Tel: +49 (069) 9550 5413
Email: mailto:eurowindoor@eurowindoor.org
Web: http://www.window.de
Frigoglass
Growth in Nigeria
Frigoglass of Greece has invested 18 million euros to improve its two
glass packaging factories in Nigeria, the former Delta Glass and Guinea
Glass operations now running under the Beta Glass name, and a flat glass
factory it acquired last year.
The former Delta factory at Ughelli saw one of its furnaces partially
rebuilt to increase output by 40%. At the former Guinea factory in Agbara
a furnace has been totally rebuilt to double production to 200 tonnes
per day, and an automated inspection system has been installed. And at
the TSG flat glass factory, formerly Triplex Safety Glass, new machinery
including a CNC cutter has been installed and a new bending furnace has
been ordered.
Modplan
Applies Customer Satisfaction
Working closely with both customers and suppliers plays a part in the
strategy of Modplan Ltd, and was reinforced earlier this year through
the results of a customer survey.
Chris Reeks, Modplan's sales manager, was surprised at the numerous responses
received and more than satisfied with the analysis of the results. 'Our
growth in sales is testimony to the quality of product and service we
already offer,' says Chris, 'but Modplan is determined to not simply maintain
these high levels, but to constantly improve upon them.' The survey confirmed
that Modplan is working in the right direction.
To thank customers for responding to the survey, Modplan entered all the
responses into a prize draw, with Drainaway Services winning a Matrix
In Line Patio. 'It seemed relevant to offer one of our most popular products,'
continued Chris, 'especially as we worked hand in hand with our customers
and Veka on the initial development of the patio door.'
The Matrix has proved popular since it was first introduced into the Modplan
product portfolio, with its slim sightlines to allow maximum light and
the option of a sculptured glazing bead to add to its appearance. It has
a four point locking system, together with a secure interlock and anti
lift device.
Modplan manufacture the patio door for other fabricators as well as their
installer customer base. Chris explains, 'The 58mm Matrix patio is very
popular with installers and consumers, but many fabricators do not have
the capacity to fabricate additional door units, or can only manufacture
70mm product. We built a dedicated extension last year to make sure there
is sufficient capacity for continued sales growth well into the future.'
Tel: 01495 246844
Vitro
Provides Glass for Tallest Building in Latin America
Vitro will provide close to 31,000 square meters of float glass for Torre
Mayor, equivalent to more than four soccer fields of glass.
Vitro, S.A. de C.V. announced on September 24th that it was awarded the
contract to provide glass for the construction of the Torre Mayor building,
in Mexico City.
Vitro's glass will serve as one of the fundamental elements in the construction
of this architectural masterpiece, located at Reforma Avenue, close to
the Angel de la lndependencia statue in the Mexican Republic's Capital
city.
When concluded, Torre Mayor will be the tallest building in Latin America
with 55 floors rising to 225 meters in height. It will house word-class
offices for national and international corporations, offering intelligent
building services through state-of-the-art technology and first-class
materials.
Canadian-based Reichmann International, a world leader in the building
construction business, awarded Vitro the contract to provide glass for
this monumental enterprise after participating in an international bidding
process.
Vitro's Vidrio Plano de Mexico facility, located in the Mexico City metropolitan
area, is manufacturing Torre Mayor's flat glass requirements, including
duo vent glass - which is used to isolate heat and noise in hospitals,
corporate offices and residential areas - tinted glass, and low-emissions
glass, among others.
The thermal and acoustic properties of these glass products generate significant
savings in energy consumption by reducing heat and air conditioning usage.
Juan Manuel Contreras, head of Construction Giass at Vitro's Flat Glass
Division, said, 'In addition to their thermal and optical advantages,
our products have the aesthetic properties that this type of project demands.'
Web: http://www.vitro.com
A
Doorway into History
A further seal of approval for Panels Plus, the UK manufacturer of door
panels, has been given by Chatham based S&A Double Glazing Ltd.
A family run business in the South East corner of England S&A produce
bespoke hand crafted decorative glass panels for customers wishing to
restore older style houses to their former glory.
Husband and wife team Stuart and Anne McMachan became aware of the ever
increasing demand for this very specialised work some years ago, and realised
that as house prices continued to increase in the area so did the demand
for bespoke windows, doors and conservatories.
The older and often more affluent generation of home owners seem loathe
to move house and instead take great pride in restoring features, which
over the years had been replaced or destroyed, in keeping with the age
and style of the original building.
S&A, already very active in the conservatory market were quick to
recognise this niche market and were fortunate enough to have in their
employ staff capable of producing such beautiful bespoke work. Most of
which comes by recommendation.
General manager, Ted Fullager, has been with S&A for over twelve years
and has an impressive background in decorative glass work, first at art
college and then at the Royal Naval base in Chatham, until its closure,
producing intricate heraldic coats of arms and other art works.
Following discussions with the customer, Ted submits colour drawings for
their approval, and once the desired effect is achieved the design is
then faithfully reproduced onto the glass by hand
The glass panels, cut to the required shape are supplied by Panels Plus,
and after the decorative designs have been applied by S&A they are
returned to be installed into a sealed unit.
Ted says, 'Our working relationship with Panels Plus works extremely well,
they offer a fast and efficient service, and they supply the glass with
an area site line larger than most other suppliers, making our work that
much easier.
'When the finished glass panel is returned to be installed in the sealed
unit, it is important that it is treated with great care as the paint
work can be easily damaged. The staff at Panels Plus seem to have everything
right, we have every confidence in them and they are a pleasure to work
with.
'Over the years Panels Plus have supplied us with door panels, half panels
and currently the new System X composite doors, their service is second
to none and we are very happy to endorse their products.'
Tel: 01708 630 045
Email: mailto:sales@panelsplus.co.uk
Website: http://www.panelsplus.co.uk
S&A Double Glazing Ltd Tel: 01634 843148
Sash
Customer Panel Takes the Fast Track
Sash UK Ltd's Customer Panel, which has provided crucial market and customer
information to the company since being formed in 2000, recently got the
opportunity to meet another team in the fast lane when they went behind
the scenes at Sheffield Speedway.
Following one of the Panel's regular meetings at Sash UK's Barnsley/Grimethorpe
HQ, some of the ten strong group went on to receive the VIP treatment
during a meeting of one of motorsport's most dangerous and edgy events,
in which riders hurl their brakeless motorcycles sideways around a cinder
track, accelerating as fast as a Formula 1 car! After watching the racing,
members of the Panel - which included Colin Poole, Paul Bird, Nick Hibberd,
David Ruzicka, Nigel Bird, Alan Cosgrove and Mal Jones - then chatted
to Sheffield Tigers' stars Sean Wilson and Scott Smith.
'Our Customer Panel meetings can be very intensive, so we decided to unwind
at the end of this meeting to see how another team faces its challenges'
said Sash UK's Dave Ruzicka. 'Having spent an evening at Sheffield Speedway,
you've got to admire these guys for their skill and sheer nerve,' continued
Dave.
The Sash Customer Panel comprises of selected representatives of its customer
network from throughout the UK, who are invited to join the group to help
formulate future policy. The group is encouraged to be frank about any
issues it believes directly affects them and, by assumption, other Sash
customers. From these meetings, as well as the results of quarterly surveys
taken from all trade customers discussed at the meeting, future product
and customer service initiatives can evolve eventually going on to form
part of the company's future operating procedure.
Speaking about the Customer Panel, Dave Ruzicka added: 'The home improvement
market is now moving at such a pace that the need to detect and anticipate
change - or perhaps better still to affect it - has never been so important.
The quickest and most effective way to do this is simply to ask the people
working in the front line - our customers.'
Tel: 01226 715619
Email: mailto:mailbox@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Eurocell
Customer Wins Large Contract
Eurocell Customer Just Roofing has recently won a large contract to refurbish
a number of flats in Kashmir Rd and Chester Close, Leicester after a fire.
'Just Roofing was contacted because of the quality of its service as well
as the products which it uses.' says the company. The job was started
immediately as the roof was almost completely destroyed.
Facias, soffits, architrave, utility boards, silicones and other products
have been used all supplied by Eurocell's Leicester Depot. Eurocell Building
Plastics now has close to 50 depots nationwide with the network expanding
continually. As well as supplying a large number of its own manufactured
products all depots carry a wide range of complimentary products from
other suppliers.
Just Roofing : 0116 276 0201 / mob. 07885 254 560
Eurocell Building Plastics: 01773 842 300
Rehau
Opens Display at Building Centre
Rehau has just opened its first display in London's Building Centre to
showcase its range of products for the UK construction industry.
The display, operated via an interactive plasma screen, features Rehau's
range of PVCu window systems as well as its underfloor heating and cable
management systems.
The display is aimed at architects and specifiers and is intended to demonstrate
the features and benefits of the individual product ranges and to show
the synergy which exists between them.
Email: mailto:window.enquiries@rehau.com
Web: http://www.rehau.co.uk