News @ The GL@ZINE

Sales this year of Pilkington Activ™, the world's first self-cleaning glass, have trebled as a result of the £2 million spring TV and national press advertising campaign, with sales up more than ten-fold year-on-year.

The announcement comes as analysis of the biggest advertising campaign ever staged for flat glass in the UK is published by Pilkington Building Products. For the television advertising, two commercials were broadcast between February and April this year, with 25.8 million adults seeing one of the Pilkington Activ™ commercials at least once, but on average 3.8 times.

The press advertising campaign, designed to reach 30 million readers and backed by extensive public relations activity, was intended primarily to drive people to two web sites: http://www.keepupworld.com - developed especially for the campaign - and the primary Pilkington Activ™ web site http://www.pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass. This succeeded in attracting 10,647 visitors to the keepupworld.com site, and around 34,000 to the main site. Visitors to pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass increased from just over 100 in November, to an extraordinary 6,501 in February.

The effects have been dramatic for awareness of the concept of self-cleaning glass generally, with homeowner recognition increasing from 42% to 59%, equating to 15.2 million adults. Awareness by homeowners of the Pilkington Activ™ brand name rose from 32% to 43%, representing an additional 4.4 million home-owners.

Within the trade, 520 installers signed up to the Supplier Finder service contained within the web site, which offers full contact information to homeowners searching for their local Pilkington Activ™ installers.

The main measure of any such campaign is of course sales and it is in this respect that the Pilkington Activ™ spring campaign has shown the most remarkable results. In a glazing industry suffering more than some from consumer jitters, sales of Pilkington Activ™ have shot up to more than 50,000 m2 per month, multiplying sales of the product in just 12 months by a factor of 10. In volume terms this equates to the equivalent of around 900 home installations per week. Activ Blue, specifically, is now installed in more than 2000 conservatories a month.

Much of the increase comes from conservatories, for which Pilkington Activ™ provides ideal roof glazing. Pilkington Activ Blue™, the version that has effective solar-gain reduction properties and which was specifically developed for conservatory applications, accounts for a significant proportion of sales overall and many insulated glass unit manufacturers have formulated their own specialist IGUs for this purpose.

Matt Buckley, Marketing Director of Pilkington Building Products UK (pictured right) is highly satisfied with the campaign:

‘We have achieved far more than we could have hoped for and are significantly ahead of what were perceived to be some very tough sales targets. But the glazing industry has bought in to the campaign and we are very grateful to them for this. Pilkington Activ™ and has worked very positively to achieve these results, and many of our customers have developing some excellent promotional and sales initiatives for themselves incorporating the product.’

'The UK glazing industry has excelled itself in the way it has taken advantage of the campaign.' That is the view of Ian Spokes (pictured left) who, as National Product Manager for Pilkington Activ™, heads up the specialist four man team appointed to represent the world’s first self-cleaning glass in the UK and Ireland.

'Installers throughout the UK have been really fired up by the advertising campaign,' said Ian. 'I have been very impressed by many who have created their own promotions to tie in with what we have done to support the product. These companies have reported exceptional sales that would not otherwise have happened.'

Such has been the success of what is known within Pilkington as Phase 2 in the market development of Pilkington Activ™ that Phase 3 has been approved and will reach homeowners from this September. Added Buckley: ‘The autumn campaign will hit in time for the traditional fourth quarter push for conservatories and well in time for the seasonal peak. We have proved the potential of Pilkington Activ™ to generate sales and additional margin: now is the opportunity for even more fabricators and installers to get on board and enjoy the very significant boost to sales that this product is providing for the industry.’

o TV activity will continue as the core channel driving homeowner awareness
o The next burst of activity will start from 4th September and run until end of October
o ITV, the number 1 commercial channel features more strongly in this burst of activity
o The campaign will run nationally and through TGI, an in-depth media planning tool Pilkington has identified regions with a high propensity to purchase conservatories, windows and doors
o Up-weighted regions include North West, Midlands and South - targeted through TV regions
o Over 13 million ABC1 adults will see the TV commercials
o Online will continue to underpin our TV activity
product site- http://www.pilkington.com/selfcleaningglass
o Traffic driven to the site through Pilkington’s search engine marketing strategy focusing on key search phrases within the replacement window and glazing sector.
o Build brand awareness online through rich-media adverts placed on major portals

Deceuninck: Q2 Turnover up 6.5%

The Deceuninck Group has increased its turnover during Q2 of 2006 to Euro172.6m despite the comparison being with a particularly strong Q2 in 2005. The increase came despite extremely difficult market conditions in the United Kingdom and a weak Turkish Lira.

There was satisfactory volume growth in Central and Eastern Europe, in Turkey, and, surprisingly, in the Benelux. Year-on-year, turnover rose by 6.5%. The devaluation af the Turkish Lira and the shift of sales to regions where demand for coloured window systems is lower, explains why the consolidated volume increase by 6% in Q2 could not be translated into a proportional increase in consolidated turnover in Euro terms.

Europe

Turnover in Europe rose during Q2 2006 by 2%, with the substantial decline in the window market in the United Kingdom leading the decline in Western Europe by 5% while sales in all Eastern European outlets, with the exception of Poland, rose by more than 20%.

In the Benelux, and to a lesser degree in Deceuninck's French division, as well, the good start in Q1 carried on into Q2. The slender profile of Zendow, along with the Deuctone colour strategy, provides a response to the new-build market and has turned out to be a successful combination. It has enabled Deceuninck to strengthen its position in the market even further.

In Germany, Inoutic, which recently won the prestigious iF communication design label for 2006 for its concept in Germany, experienced growth of 5% in the local market for the first time during a complete quarter.

United States

The weakening of the building market during the second quarter is evident in the sales of the North American branch, Deceuninck North America, which only produces for the local market. Expressed in US dollars, turnover was maintained at the level of Q2 2005. After six months, Deceuninck North America has experienced turnover growth of more than 5% in USD (>10% in Euro).

Turkey

By the end of June, the Turkish Lira had lost more than 25% of its value against the Euro when viewed against the beginning of the year. Deceuninck was abie to limit the damage by making timely use of hedging possibilities. Reacting to the sudden decline of the Turkish Lira, Deceuninck adapted its prices at the end of May, as it has done in the past under similar situations. The Turkish Lira is expeded to remain stable during the second half of 2006.

Despite the devaluation of the Turkish Lira, especially during May, the strong building adivity continued unabated. A strong increase in volume, reaching historic records during June, meant that the Turkish division of Deceuninck was largely able to compensate for the loss of turnover when expressed in Euros during Q2. During the first half, the volume sold in our Turkish division rose by 20%.

Starting in the second half of 2006, Deceuninck will begin harvesting the fruits of its switchover to the Zendow platform, which became operational on the European mainland at the end of March. That will primarily be expressed in strong improvements in productivity due to the strong decrease in complexity, both in production and in logistics.

Wood composite

Following the successful launch of the Twinson wood composite products for terraces and facade cladding at the European building shows, the great interest has been translated into hard orders. The success, primarily for terraces, exceeded expectations, leading to the situation that, from time to time, demand could not be met immediately. The expansion of the Twinson wood composite products in the market has since been accelerated. The sale of wood composite terrace planks in Deceuninck North America, following the successful adaptation of the colour range at the end of 2005, is also proceeding according to plan.

Raw material prices

Due to high ethylene prices and the strong demand in the market, prices in Europe are 25% higher than during the same quarter of 2005. The trend for the third quarter continues to rise.

In the United States, as well, the prices during Q2 were 10% higher than in the comparable period of 2005. The rising costs for raw materials could only be passed on effectively starting in the second quarter on a selective and phased basis. The price increases will generally manifest especially during the second half of the year.

Prospects

'All things considered Deceuninck has again achieved strong quarterly turnover. Six per cent increase in volume, when compared to a strong second quarter of 2005. Nevertheless, the rising costs for raw materials, the foreign exchange rates and the difficult market conditions, especially in the United Kingdom, but also in Poland and the United States, are a cause of some concern for us,' says Clement de Meersman, CEO of Deceuninck.

Deceuninck recalls that growth of 5% to 10% in turnover and better results for the full year 2006, were foreseen on the basis on stable (high) raw materials prices and stable currencies. The Turkish Lira has since weakened and the raw materials prices have increased by approximately 10% over the past six months.

Deceuninck will therefore carry on unabated with implementing its projects from the business plan 2009. The streamlining projects will shortly lead to increased productivity in the production sites in the United Kingdom, the United States, France and Belgium and the personnel costs could be reduced more rapidly. Most of those concerned were on temporary contracts. The extrusion locations in Pontivy (France) and, as early as last year in Oldham (United Kingdom) were closed. In the United Kingdom, the distribution activities of Royton were transferred to the new distribution centre at Calne. Furthermore, as stated in the business plan, additional measures were taken to reduce working capital and cost evolution is being monitored closely.

'With the measures we have taken, we are doing everything we can to achieve our financial objectives in 2006. The evolution in raw materials prices, along with the currency developments and the volume growth during Q3, will be decisive in succeeding,' De Meersman says.

It is with regret that VEKA announces that John Laing passed away suddenly last week whilst on holiday.

John served the Company as a Sales Account Manager and Specification Rep for Scotland and was a loyal and valued member of the VEKA team.

John joined VEKA four years ago to take up the Specification role for Scotland and the North east of England and over the past year or so he took on a dual role for the company by adding the Account manager role to his responsibilities. Whilst this was a new direction he took to it like a duck to water and built very strong relationships with his customers in a very short period of time.

Born in Dundee John went to school at Langside Academy in Dundee and progressed to Edinburgh University where he completed one year of an Environmental degree. He then went to Napier University where he completed a 4 year course to achieve a BSc in Science with Industrial Studies. On leaving university he joined Marley on the company's graduate training scheme.He eventually moved into sales various technical sales positions which led him to the PVCu window and door market.

During the four years John has been with VEKA, he has become an integral part of the department and the Company, he will be sorely missed both as a friend and as a colleague.

John is survived by his wife and two children.

Web: http://www.vekauk.com

SWC Trade Frames Ltd in Scarborough has achieved a hat trick of British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) energy ratings for its PVCu window ranges, with BM TRADA Certification Ltd. The company's System 10 and Esthetique windows have achieved A, B and C ratings, enabling the company to differentiate itself still further from competitors.

According to Managing Director Paul Richings, the replacement window market 'can be too focused on price. As homeowners and specifiers become more conscious of the need to save energy, the BFRC ratings with their clear labelling system give customers different choices.' SWC intends to promote the C-rated windows as standard within the System 10 and Esthetique ranges, with A and B-rated options for those wanting an even higher specification.

Concern about the environment is probably the single most important driver for the changes taking place within Building Regulations and the BFRC scheme is not only called up in Part L1B of the Building Regulations, but is also supported by the Energy Saving Trust.

SWC - a manufacturer of doors and conservatories, too - has aimed to be at the leading edge of PVCu window manufacture for almost 17 years, producing some 1,000 frames a week. In a recent survey of installers by industry database specialists Window Base, SWC was cited as one of the top 24 fabricators in the UK - quite an achievement for a company which chooses to sell regionally rather than nationally. Its customers are predominantly in Yorkshire and the North-East.

Working within a 'strategic alliance' with extrusion supplier WHS Halo, SWC offers its installers a training and consultancy programme called 'In Business Together'. Training courses on offer include a range of industry specific disciplines such as retail selling, improving conversion rates, installation and surveying best practice.

'This has helped us to develop a close and loyal working relationship with installers. The new energy ratings will give them more options to offer to their customers and we will of course provide full sales support and training to help them promote the many benefits of the BFRC scheme,' said Mr Richings.

For further information on
* SWC Trade Frames telephone 01723 582666
Email: mark.catchpole@swctradeframes.co.uk
Web: http://www.swctradeframes.co.uk

* BFRC Energy Rating Programme contact Andy Sumner of BM TRADA on 01502 679990
Email: asumner@bmtrada.com
Web: http://www.bmtrada.com

South-Wales retail fabricator, Stevly UPVC has experienced an impressive 60% increase in its sales turnover since the company adopted the zendow 3000 system by Deceuninck.

The company says that zendow 3000 represents state of the art window design. The design allows for personalisation of the window style with a choice of three glazing bead styles - standard, contemporary and decorative - along with two sash options. As a result, consumers have all the aesthetics of an innovative window, with realistic options to make an individual personal statement to their home.

Since its launch back in 2004 by Deceuninck, the company says that the system has witnessed unparalleled success due to the modularity of the product coupled with its contemporary design that sits well with today's consumer trends.

Stevly UPVC says that it has been delighted with the company’s growing sales from zendow 3000. Director of the Aberbargoed-based business, Lee Johnson explains: ‘We began fabricating zendow 3000 in January 2005 and we witnessed immediate success from the start. Zendow 3000 is a very popular system with consumers as it offers a contemporary appearance along with a quality window design that cannot be beaten. Our sales continue to grow and in market that at best is flat, we are understandably delighted with the sales opportunity this system has given us.’

As a result of the success of zendow 3000 for Stevly UPVC, the company has expanded its manufacturing facilities in South Wales to accommodate its growing order book.

For more information on Stevly UPVC call 01443 839080.

English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has won a £3m contract from Lace Market Properties to design, manufacture and install curtain walling, windows and doors to the Litmus Building - Nottingham's largest new-build apartment block.

The Litmus Building is part of the ongoing City Centre regeneration and when complete will feature 298 one and two bedroom apartments, with secure underground car parking, a concierge service and an enclosed leisure facility with swimming pool and gymnasium.

EAG is due to begin work on site in late July and will be installing Schuco FW50+ curtain walling with associated RS65 turn tilt windows and RS65 double and single doors. The contract is scheduled for completion in early 2007.

Laing O'Rourke is the main contractor and CPMG is the architect.

The winner of Hurst Plastics' Sales Person of the Year award is regional sales manager Patrick Dean.

Patrick, who joined the manufacturer of PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors two years ago, beat off stiff competition from the rest of the Hurst sales team to win a fantastic, all expenses paid golfing break for him and his wife to the exclusive resort of La Manga in Spain.

Patrick was rewarded for his overall sales performance throughout the year in his area, which covers much of Yorkshire. He achieved a particularly impressive result in new business, which swung the vote in his favour.

Patrick says:

‘Naturally I was delighted to have performed so well and to win the trip to La Manga. It was a superb, luxury break and a perfect opportunity for me and my wife to rub shoulders with the rich and famous.’

Mark Atkinson, Hurst Plastics sales director, added:

‘We were very pleased with Patrick's performance. He worked hard throughout the year and his efforts have paid off with this great trip as a reward. The only trouble is that we will have to think of somewhere equally appealing for our award next year!’

Hurst Plastics is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of high quality PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors.

Based in Kingston-Upon-Hull, the company also supplies a wide choice of glazing options and a selection of GRP products, including overdoor canopies, bow canopies and conservatory roofs.

Tel: 01482 790790
Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.com

Cervoglass the conservatory roof glass manufacturer has recently invested in a new state-of-the-art computer software system to help improve efficiency and profitability at the firm.

The new system installed at the company has been developed over a 10 year period and provides a comprehensive roof panel library with a high quality graphical reporting facility for product quality assurance.

Senior management at Cervoglass considered it was imperative to update the software packages throughout the company in order to supply customers with the highest standards. The software package offers many benefits to production methods including the ability to batch one or more jobs at the same time with integrated manufacturing/cnc production information. It is now possible for the company to accept e-mailed orders from roof programmes.

The system eliminates the need to key-in panel geometry and can combine automatic shape optimisation with CAD manipulation. The programme automatically produces cut paths to cut shapes from stock sheets making it easy and effective to use.

The new computer system software at Cervoglass has already proven to be significantly faster than other traditional methods of industry data input and can generate considerable information on areas and weights of panels for both handling and transportation.

Every product element is listed which minimises the possibility of mistakes and disputes. The system was specifically tailored to meet the increase in demand for Cervoglass products since the launch of the new Cervo Activ and Cervo Sol Plus product ranges.

Graham Price, Managing Director, Cervoglass comments, ‘We consider this company is pro-active and that this IT investment is of paramount importance as it will play a vital role in supporting and sustaining our continued expansion programme.’

He concludes, ‘We can link with all parts of the company from sales through to the factory floor which reduces both errors as well as costs and helps us to optimise our production time.’

Web: http://www.cervoglass.co.uk

Steve Ashton has announced that the first all-new SeamMaXX™ line is currently under test in the Ashton Industrial factory, and 'initial runs have us absolutely delighted'.

'SeamMaXX is exceeding our best expectations and output rates are tremendous,' says Steve.

'The high performance Seek-and-Find facilty which automatically sets the seaming heads to random glass sizes, is as fast as a typical cutting bridge. Glass size changes from 150" to 12" take less than 3 seconds!'

'Film footage will be available in a few weeks.

'SeamMaXX will be featured, complete with automatic furnace batching, on our stand at the GlassTec show in Duesseldorf later this year. Along with the latest Ashton Industrial vertical I.G. production line.

'Ashton Industrial is relocating to a new factory facility at the end of this year, to double the available production area. We are anticipating a massive demand for SeamMaXX, not least because it requires half the space and costs $100,000 less than our renowned FastTrak lines.'

Tel: ++44 208 551 4046
Email: sashton@ashton-industrial.com

In the notoriously competitive window and door industry, installers are increasingly looking for added value features to entice the homeowner.

Most now offer suited hardware available in a variety of finishes, leaving installers little to differentiate with. Hoppe (UK), the supplier of door and window hardware, is anodising its hardware so installers can offer homeowners a unique package.

Roger Benton, Joint Managing Director of Hoppe (UK), explains that standing out from the crowd is half the battle:

'Having a wide variety of styles or finishes isn't enough to get noticed. But when homeowners are told the benefits of anodised handles - like high resistance to abrasions and scratching, or that it's anti-corrosive with good colour stability, including against UV rays (all leading to a long lasting high quality appearance). A major benefit for busy homeowners is that it's easy to maintain too and cleaning with a mild soap will usually restore anodised handles to their original appearance.

It's all possible because rather than a superficial coating of paint, the finishes on anodised Hoppe handles are actually embedded in the aluminium. Such fundamental benefits are easily communicated to the homeowner, giving fabricators and installers a differentiating edge over competitors and homeowners a reason to buy.’

Tel: 01902 484400
Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk

Leeds ALMOs Achieve Best Value by Getting Tough on Window Hardware Perfomance

Ensuring that Best Value is being met is one of the design briefs of Tony Allen, Project Manager for Leeds Property Services Management, which is currently undertaking one of the largest window replacement projects in the country.

He will be co-ordinating with 4 of the 6 A.L.M.O.s involved in the scheme which could last up to 5 years and which has already seen over 42,000 windows fitted in the financial year 2005/6.

Having achieved good results from recently upgrading the friction stay hinges from Ferritic to Austenitic, Tony wanted the same corrosion performance from the locking mechanism but without compromising security to meet this high specification Tony chose the Mach II Shootbolt Espagnolette from Maco.

Maco fittings have a 3 stage surface protective finish the third of which is a special wax coating. When tested to BS7479:1990 - 'Salt Spray Corrosion Tests in Artificial Atmospheres' Maco exceeds the requirements of BS7412 (Class 3 - 96 and Class 4 - 240 hours) to 500 hours corrosion resistance.
Maco was able to demonstrate that the Mach II Shootbolt Espagnolette not only complied with the security requirements of BS 7950:1997 but exceeded it by over 66% and by specifying its use Tony not only ensured that he got the corrosion performance, but he also exceeded the level of security required.

Tony Allen reiterated, ‘By investing in a high level specification we are assured that future maintenance costs will be kept to a minimum whilst providing a window which meets BS7479 for corrosion and exceeds the accepted BS7950 standard for security.’

John Kalter, Maco Northern Specification Manager commented ‘It is encouraging to see such a forward thinking quality specification, that typifies the aspirations of specifiers to achieve a 25 year predicted life cycle of a complete PVC window.’

Tel: 01795 433900

Proactive Procurement has been established by Peter Gray, the former head of operations at The Burnden Group and K2 Conservatory Roof Systems.

The company supplies a wide range of tie bar kits, aluminium castings, plastic extrusions, vacuum formed products, vent accessories and other related items to the window, door and conservatory sector.

These products have been sourced both in the UK and in overseas markets to provide both high quality and cost effective offerings for companies throughout the industry.

Proactive Procurement not only supplies the more cost-effective products from Asia, but also UK sourced products for better quality and improved lead-times. Peter comments:

‘I have spoken to numerous companies in the industry over recent years and the fact remains that people have different requirements. With that in mind we've had to source an increased number of components to offer a broader product range. As our business name suggests we are pro-active and we will have to be able to satisfy the demand of the market not just in the short term, but in the longer term too.’

As the company continues to grow and expand its product portfolio so too will the opportunity to offer companies better product options.

Tel: 01204 663800
Email: sales@proactiveprocurement.co.uk

Network Days, a new initiative by Schüco International, are evidence of the company's commitment to keeping all sectors of the façade industry fully up to speed with new developments.

Its first two Network Days took place in May at Schüco's Milton Keynes Headquarters and the response was so good that the company plans to run more Network Days before the end of the year.

Attended by 120 architects, main contractors and fabricators, the Network Days brought together well-informed speakers such as Ant Wilson of FaberMaunsell, an acknowledged expert on sustainable development and the environmental performance of buildings, who is also the author of the new Part L of the Building Regulations.

After outlining the thinking and methodology behind Part L - whose aim is to reduce the carbon footprint of new buildings - he went on to emphasise that the regulations themselves are not overly prescriptive and allow architects and fabricators considerable latitude in the way that the reduction may be achieved.

Other topics covered included cutting-edge solar energy technologies such as photovoltaics, innovations in the education sector and the new regulations and testing procedures governing specialist façade systems designed to minimise the harmful effects of fire and smoke.

Delegates networked together enthusiastically on these and other subjects during scheduled 'breakout' sessions in the exhibition area of Schüco's impressive training centre.

Also on display in Reception during the two Network Days, was a full-scale replica of the Team McLaren Mercedes Formula 1 Grand Prix racing car that Schüco sponsors as part of its commitment to the development of world-class engineering excellence.

Content and dates for the next set of Network Days have yet to be agreed, but anyone interested in attending should contact the Marketing Department, Schüco International, Whitehall Avenue, Kingston, Milton Keynes MK10 0AL. Tel: 01908 282111 or visit the website: http://www.schueco.co.uk

Spectus and A&B Glass are each celebrating 25 years in business and have marked the occasion by joining forces. As a result of the partnership, A&B Glass will now exclusively supply Spectus' Elite 70 window system, from its Suffolk-based factory along with vertical sliders and patio doors.

Dave Barrett, Managing Director of A&B comments: ‘For some time now it has been clear that Spectus has the product range, professionalism and commercial acumen we require from a systems manufacturer. A&B is an ambitious company, determined to expand and develop. Having Spectus as a business partner is an important part of our plans for growth.’

A&B Glass decided to make the wholesale switch over to Elite 70 because it believes that it has many features that will appeal to its existing customer base and also to new customers. The most obvious benefit is that the system looks good but it also has many features that make it easy to fabricate and install.

Available in both ovolo and bevelled options, Elite 70 a complete and flexible system. From the fabricators' point of view, the Spectus technical team has done its homework and added features to make fabrication easy. Additionally, the selection of colours and ancillary products available mean that Elite 70 can be adapted to produce windows sympathetic to almost any building style and customer requirements.

With such benefits available A&B Glass is going out 'guns blazing' to attract new customers and installers to its Approved Installer scheme.

‘Marketing has always been one of our strong points,’ continues Dave Barrett, ‘our package for installers is like no other in the industry. As well as a full range of marketing materials we provide practical support in the form of advice, training and technical expertise. Spectus also recognises the importance of good marketing and this is reflected in the quality of their sales support material. We're confident that the combination of excellent product and sophisticated marketing will mean growth for us and satisfaction for our customers and installers.’

Dave Mulholland, Spectus Sales and Marketing Director is delighted that A&B Glass has made the decision to work exclusively with Spectus, commenting: ‘As one of the industry's biggest success stories A&B Glass is exactly the sort of company we want to be working with to develop and grow business together. The company is also a great example to other glazing businesses of the opportunities that are available given the right combination of product, sales techniques and marketing support. We look forward to supporting A&B Glass in their future plans.’

Staff accommodation at Chesterfield Royal Hospital has had its ageing timber windows replaced with modern PVC-u units by a member of BM TRADA'S Q-Mark scheme.

The phased contract encompassing the fabrication and installation of over 650 frames for the 24 houses and 11 medium rise blocks, containing flats and individual bedrooms, was undertaken by Polar Windows Limited. Not only did the double glazed replacement windows need to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations, but those specified for the ground floor openings also had to meet BS 7950 for enhanced security.

Polar Windows has recently gained the Q-Mark for PVC-u frame manufacture and IG unit production as well as for enhanced security under the BM TRADA certification scheme, and was therefore able to satisfy all the requirements for the hospital project.

Business Development Manager for Polar Windows, Rob Hawkins, comments: ‘The windows we manufactured for Chesterfield Hospital using our 70 mm system were all casements. The specification from the client directed that all the downstairs windows should meet BS 7950 and 7412 for general performance. Having independent certification for our windows was a key element to winning the work and everyone at BM TRADA has been extremely helpful in getting us registered.

‘Since the completion of the work on the accommodation we have been asked to replace other windows which has been quite challenging.They include some rising out of a flat roof, around three metres up in the air, for which we have had to provide mechanical folding openers.’

One of the additional benefits to the contract carried out for Chesterfield Hospital was that all of the original 1960s timber windows that were removed from the various buildings were deglazed and the ironmongery removed before the frames were sent for recycling. This is a policy Polar brought in some time ago and results in 50% of frame waste being recycled. The end of life timber frames have now been chipped and utilised for the fabrication of domestic work-surfaces which are sold through the major DIY chains.

Tel: 01494 569607
Email: qmark@bmtrada.com
Web: http://www.bmtrada.com

UAP, the supplier of door furniture, has reported that sales of its Ultimate Door Viewer in the company’s Secure to View range is growing rapidly - so much so that the company has doubled its normal stockholding and re-order levels.

Being able to see clearly who is at the door from as far as 2 metres away has obvious advantages for the elderly, disabled, or partially sighted residents.

And with a 60 minutes fire rating, many of these viewers are being fitted in multi-tenanted buildings where a greater percentage of the occupants are likely to be considered vulnerable.

With its large viewing screen and 200 degree viewing range, the partially sighted or elderly user can feel less vulnerable to callers.

Available in 4 finishes including PVD colour match gold and chrome, UAP are offering a free sample to convince anyone of the obvious quality.

‘To some, our range of high security door viewers can mean the difference between life or death’, says John Cross, Sales Director of UAP.

UAP has supplied the UK PVCU door and window market for 10 years, selling over £3 million of product annually. The company was the first to offer a collection of different door furniture products including numerals, letterplates and handles that exactly match in finish, shade and sheen levels. All UAP products have a long-term life span and guarantees of up to 10 years.

Tel: +44 (0) 161 763 5290
Email: uap@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.universal-imports.com

Window Widgets has invested in a new CNC machine designed for the manufacture of its BBA certified bayjacks and has tested it with the manufacture of 1,000 key rings.

The new machine is part of an expansion programme at Window Widgets which has also seen the company invest in a new warehouse racking system and new injection moulding machinery.

The new machinery is designed to improve production efficiencies and improve product quality.

Dan Gill, managing director comments:

‘We have invested in this new machinery to ensure that our product quality reflects the fact that the products are BBA certified. There are other inferior products out there and we want to ensure that we deliver the best products in our sector.’

To test the new CNC machine, Window Widgets has manufactured 1,000 mini bayjack keyrings as part of a promotional drive. Anyone wanting a key ring should call Window Widgets on 01452 300912.