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Edgetech Scoops Specialist and Energy Efficiency G 06 Awards

Edgetech UK celebrated on Friday 15th September after scooping two G 06 Awards: Specialist of the Year and Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year. ‘It was an amazing night,’ says a beaming Andy Jones, Edgetech's Sales Director and General Manager, ‘and recognition of the hard work the whole Edgetech team has put in over the last year, transforming the market for warm edge.’

‘We've had three months of record Super Spacer sales in this year alone,’ continues Andy, ‘and an unprecedented number of enquiries. Edgetech UK overtook its total 2005 sales of Super Spacer® by 31st August 2006, the end of month eight, and is 55% up on the same period last year.

‘But as the 'best of the best' the G Awards don't just reward high sales. We've worked tirelessly to promote and develop the Window Energy Ratings (WER) for our customers - and the industry.’

Fourteen of the top 'A' windows used Edgetech's warm edge spacer, Super Spacer®, to secure their ratings. Super Spacer helped Piper Double Glazing achieve the very first 'A' rated window; then Tradelink, with the first double glazed 'A'; George Barnsdale and Sons, with the first timber 'A'; and was used in the first aluminium 'A' from Hazlemere.

Andy adds: ‘Our May seminar, Energy Efficiency in Focus, helped bring the WER in to a wider audience - with 223 delegates from across the industry. But this was just one part of a wider campaign. Now we're calling on the industry to join us in lobbying the Government to cut VAT on 'C' or higher rated windows, in line with other energy saving products. There's never been a better time for the WER - or for warm edge.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Alistair McGowan kept us entertained with his brilliant impressions and glazing related jokes. The audience was putty in his hands...

 

(Left) Winners of the Health and Safety Initiative, John Stopfroth and Eric Evans from Kawneer; (Right) It wasn't their night, but P&P Glass were celebrating being nominated for two awards

Masterframe Wins G 06 Fabricator of the Year

Sliding sash specialist Masterframe Windows Ltd has won the glazing industry's most coveted award - the G 06 Fabricator of the Year. The awards were announced on Friday 15th September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole. Masterframe beat tough competition from fabricators Emplas and Alumet Systems (UK) to take home the top prize.

Masterframe's Managing Director Alan Burgess is delighted: ‘We won two G 05 Awards last year - for Energy Efficiency Initiative and Customer Care. But in the industry you can't get better than Fabricator of the Year. It proves that vertical sliders is no longer a niche sector, but one that is rapidly expanding into a mass market, with Masterframe leading the field.

‘I'd like to thank all of the team here at Masterframe, who truly earned this award, and also our customers for their continued support. Installers need a high specification product that goes beyond expectations - from a fabricator that does the same.’

This year Masterframe represented the industry at key green and conservation conferences including 14 Days to Save the World and Revive; exhibited at Ecobuild, Glassex and Interbuild; made the National Business Award regional finals for Business Innovation and the Plastic Industry Award finals for Best Energy Efficiency Programme, and developed the UK's only Secured by Design sash.

Its Bygone Collection window is also the only vertical slider that's BFRC 'C' rated; and the only one that meets BBA endurance tests, certifying a life expectancy of 20 years. No other vertical sliders have passed these standards.

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

And The Winner Is...?

Bohle, the manufacturer and distributor of glass, tools, machinery and consumables, announced the winner of its first Glass Student of the year Awards at the Metropole Hotel, Birmingham as part of this years G Awards. Chris Edwards of Richmond Adult Education College was selected as the overall winner, out of the 129 submissions originally entered into the awards, for his piece Empty Vessel.

Fighting off stiff competition all the way down the line, Chris's submission was subjected to many hours of scrutiny by a distinguished judging panel comprising members of academia, industry, art and design, even before making it into the final four. Once the four finalists had been chosen, the judging process became stricter as the candidates selected all displayed exceptional talent, skill, creativity and application in glass manipulation.

Commenting on what made Chris's piece stand out, Bohle managing director and Glass Student of the Year judge, Gary Dean said: 'With competitions of this nature, it is always difficult to pick an overall winner as the quality of the submissions is extraordinarily high. Speaking on behalf of the judging panel, Chris's submission seemed to tick all of the right boxes for us, emulating the many facets of glass processing across the board. He undertook many complex techniques and methods to create his piece flawlessly, resulting in a glass sculpture that really captured the empathy of his subject matter perfectly.'

Chris's winning entry, Empty Vessel, was inspired by a lone figure sitting under an underpass submerged in a parker and blanket shell in mid-December. After seeing this image Chris wanted to create a piece that would draw the observer into the sensitive subject matter of homelessness, and therefore utilised the transparent medium of glass to achieve this. After developing various sketches around his chosen theme, Chris set about producing a clay model of the figure in order to create a lost wax mould so that open face refractory glass casting could be carried out; this formed the main basis for his piece. Once this had been completed glass cutting and grinding, glass bonding, cold working and glass polishing was undertaken to achieve the end result.

Chris joined his fellow finalists as a guest of Bohle at the G06 Awards, held on Septemeber 15th 2006, where he was announced the overall winner of the competition and presented with a £1000 cash prize and an all expenses paid 2 day trip to Glasstec by comedian and G06 compare Alistair McGowan.

Gary Dean continues: 'Chris thoroughly deserves this award. He has not only shown a complete understanding of glass processing, but he has created a thought-provoking piece of art that stirs the imagination. We at Bohle think that the final four are all winners in their own right, and have truly demonstrated what can be achieved in glass manipulation, each developing incredible pieces that warrant praise. This is the first Glass Student of the Year Award and it has been a resounding success. We have seen a wealth of high quality submissions that serve only to inspire and I would like to thank everyone who entered this year. Roll on 2007!'

Technoform Builds on Experience in UK

Technoform Glassinsulation, the European warm-edge spacer producer is now represented in Great Britain by Andrew Whitmore, Petra Sommer and Jörg Lenz, who have been developing the polyamide thermal break business for their sister company Technoform BAUTEC since 1995.

‘Experience has shown that the industry is cautious when adopting new technology and we are fortunate enough to have a broad technical support base to help customers understand and integrate our product into theirs.

‘Like our spacer, many of the warm - edge spacers currently available facilitate an A, B or C rated window. However, our spacer is also bendable on all the conventional bending machines on the market as well as being competitively priced. We think it is evidence of Technoform's traditional policy of understanding and fulfilling customer needs.’

TGI spacer is available in a broad range of widths and colours and is tested to EN 1279 2&3.

‘Visit us at Glasstec in Dusseldorf 24th to 28th October 2006’

Contact:
Andrew Whitmore
TGI
Email: awhitmore@technoform.co.uk

Fascia Mania Group Appoints new Managing Director

Fascia Mania, the independent supplier of roofline systems which provides work for over 200 people in its head office in Hucknall and its branch and depot network, has recently announced a key appointment to the company’s team.

Simon Ricketts has joined the company as Managing Director with the brief to develop the sales and marketing teams as part of the plan to grow the business into a national organisation.

Clyde Scothern, the Group's Chief Executive, said,

'Simon Ricketts has an industry-wide reputation for achieving exceptional results in a direct sales environment and joins the Group at an exciting point in our development.

Although we have been acknowledged to be one of the fastest-growing businesses in the East Midlands we are now ready to commence rolling out our business model on a wider front.

'By appointing Simon as Managing Director we are sending out a strong signal that we can expand our activities beyond our Midlands home into a truly national enterprise.

Simon was previously the Managing Director of an international company based in London and we count ourselves fortunate that he sees the opportunities for growth in the Fascia Mania Group to be sufficiently attractive to relocate from his home in the south.'

Simon Ricketts said, 'It took an exceptional company to attract me from my previous position but the challenge of taking an already-successful company onto the national stage was just too good to miss. When I learned from Clyde what his growth plans entailed it was really a very easy decision for me to take.

Force 8's New Web Site Reflects Renewed Focus on Customer Satisfaction

'We have been working hard recently on making Force 8 an easy company to do business with, especially focusing on On-Time delivery and Quality,’ says Force 8's Managing Director Dennis Sumner. ‘I am pleased to report that our On-Time delivery performance is at an all time high of greater than 97% and hence we have been able to move to actual delivery dates for even our most complex arched products.

‘Feedback from many of our customers is that they simply weren't aware of our full capabilities and therefore we thought the best way to let customers and prospective customers see our portfolio was to create a user friendly website. We have used a professional photographer to help capture the full aesthetics of our products and we do hope everyone enjoys browsing the site’

Bending specialist Force 8 is also offering a simple, cost effective solution for fabricators and installers buying arched frames: It has introduced a glazed service which supplies frames complete with glass in a similar timescale to unglazed frames and at competitive prices.

Dennis continues: ‘Typically, installers buying small quantities of arched frames as specials to complete jobs will order frames on a 14-day turnaround and then wait to order the glass until the frames have been delivered. This takes time and often means installers have to go back to jobs to complete the final installation.’

‘We have simplified the whole process and are offering a 14-day turnaround on fully glazed arches so that installers can complete jobs more quickly and simply and improve the service they offer to customers.’

3 Days Gable Ends
Force 8 has recently launched a complete solution for buyers of gable end conservatory sunbursts with versions available in Rehau, Veka or Synerjy profile. The company can now offer a 3 day turnaround with glass sizes available within 24 hours.

Georgian Bow
The one-piece Georgian bow window consists of an easy-to-fit single frame. Unlike similar products, which are made up from a collection of pieces that have to be screwed or welded together, Force 8's custom-made bow windows perfectly replicate the traditional Georgian window style, with no unsightly joins or welds. Each of the individual glass panels is a stand-alone unit, creating a series of artfully constructed mini-windows, rather than the usual one sheet of glass covering all, adding to the high quality and performance of the product.

Dennis Sumner commented: ‘We've worked to perfect a product which supersedes anything else that is already in existence in the market, without increasing the cost for our customers. Our Georgian window is designed to give purchasers a radical and far superior alternative to anything currently available. It now provides a benchmark for the industry, as it is definitely the first and the best of its type.’

Expertise
‘Force 8 has spent the last 5 years developing its propriety manufacturing process that enables a whole 6.5 metre profile to be bent into shape in a single operation.

‘This therefore gives no unsightly and problematic welds and a massively superior finish to these high value items, especially woodgrains. All frames are fully gasketed. Our extensive expertise in the bending and fabrication of arched products has allowed us to remove a lot of the time consuming aspects of manufacture and this results in shorter overall manufacturing times and guaranteed lead times. We work with you before we start manufacture, to ensure that we deliver what you need on time so no need for templates in most cases and we give in-house design expertise if required.’

View the new website http://www.force8.co.uk

Easy as A, B, C: Lister Celebrates 30 Years with Energy Rated Windows using Super Spacer®

Stoke-on-Trent fabricator Lister Trade Frames Ltd is celebrating 30 years of trading this year, with A, B and C BFRC rated windows using Super Spacer®. Established in Hanley in 1976, Lister (G05 Fabricator of The Year) achieved a 'C' rated window in March, but waited until it could provide A and B energy rated products on both of its systems before launching the new range.

‘We want to give our customers a choice of the best in energy rated windows,’ explains Lister's Managing Director Mark Warren. ‘But our customers are price conscious too, and the cost advantages of Edgetech's warm edge technology means we - and they - can still be competitive.’

‘We expect 'C' rated windows to become the norm over the next year - similar to the use of Pilkington 'K' glass. But we have decided to offer 'C' energy rated windows as our standard product right now, and at no extra cost to our customers!’ Lister has already supplied 'A' rated windows for a domestic installation and has received several other enquiries.

Tel: 02476 705570

Kolorseal Adds Synseal Synerjy

Specialist PVCu colour coater Kolorseal has added Synseal Synerjy to its window and door manufacturing division, this is in addition to the Sheild profile already being used.

'We had been approached by numerous fabricators and retail installers about the colouring and manufacturing of windows and doors all under one roof here at Dewsbury but we were unable to offer a fully sculptered profile until now' said Gary Copperthwaite, Director .

'Many of our clients offer a fully sculptered suite to their customers but we could only colour their own profile because we only manufactured the shield chamferred suite. now with the introduction of the Synerjy Suite we've opened up a new door for the complete package not only for existing Synseal fabricators but for all those who require a sculptered window or door.

'To complement all this we have now added a range of facias, soffits and trims to our stock,

'A full collection and delivery service is offered nationwide as from September. More information is available from our website: http://www.kolorseal.co.uk'

Safestyle UK is part of the Style Group UK Limited which has headquarters in Bradford and has a large manufacturing unit at Wombwell, near Barnsley where it is the area's largest single employer - all in United's substantial catchment area. The company manufactured and installed more than £100m worth of windows and doors in the last year and it is now the largest independent company of its type in the United Kingdom with over 40 branches from South to North and its own transport fleet

Abbseal Takes over at Norman & Underwood

Abbseal (UK) Ltd has announced that with immediate effect it has taken management control of the Glass Processing & Merchanting operations of Norman & Underwood (Eastern) Limited, based at Kings Lynn in Norfolk. ‘We feel this fusion of two of the most experienced and respected names in the UK glass industry represents an excellent opportunity for both the company and it's customers.’ says Neil Butler, Business Development Director.

Abbseal (UK)'s customers will benefit from the production facilities available at Kings Lynn and the enhanced product range this now brings to the Group including glass distribution, cut sizes (both annealed and toughened) as well as a full range of acoustic and fire resistant glass types.

‘Current Norman & Underwood (Eastern) customers will benefit from Abbseal's enhanced DG unit production facilities across the UK ensuring the availability of an extensive range of glass types from all the major manufacturers, expert technical support for design and specification, and on time deliveries across the UK via our extensive fleet of specialist vehicles.

‘We would like to reassure customers of both operations that they will continue to receive the highest standards of quality and service they currently enjoy and should continue to liaise and, of course, order through the usual channels.

Email: nbutler@abbseal.co.uk

West Yorkshire Conservatory Components Transferred to 3 D Laminates

As of October 1st 2006, the business of West Yorkshire Conservatory Components Limited will be transferred to 3 D Laminates Limited.

‘Due to significant company restructure and refocus the management felt it appropriate to trade under a new company name, which is more in keeping with our current and future activities’ says Mark Lofthouse, Managing Director.

‘We will continue to focus on the foiling and decoration of moulded components for the roof line, window, door and conservatory industry, where our commitment to this service has resulted in additional production lines to increase our overall capacity and improve customer service and quality.

‘In addition we have recently added to our activity the stocking, distribution and supply of PVC and other polymer based sheets for the door fabrication and conservatory market. These sheets are available in a range of whites, colours and highly weatherable plain and embossed wood grain foil finishes. We will be announcing further details of this part of our operation in due course.

‘Following the recent recruitment of Neil Muffitt as Finance Director, the Board has been strengthened further by the appointment of Alan Stonard as Commercial Director. Recently of PFL, his role will focus on the streamlining of our supply chain as well as utilising his vast experience in injection moulding and purchasing.

‘The planned appointment of Trevor Rowley on November 1st as National Sales Manager for extruded sheet division further strengthens our drive to become a significant player in the supply of products and services to the plastics building products market sector in the UK and Eire. Trevor has extensive knowledge of the UK sheet market and is well respected within the industry.

‘We would like to thank you for your support you have given us over the previous years and hope that this continues for many years to come.

‘Our main office address, telephone numbers etc. and contact personnel remain the same.’

Bay jacking Kits from Cap

Cap Designs Ltd has recently aquired the design rights from Micro Jacking Systems Ltd and the company shall be marketing these items under trade name of Microjack UK.

The company will be retaining all systems and using two manufacturing sites is now planning to increase production and sales drive following the great interest in the toploader jacking system.

The company says that it is maintaining the quality and low unit costs to installer, it can supply most systems and has no minimum order quantity.

Tel: 0844 4772505

Masterframe's BPI July Sales up 40%

Masterframe Bygone Preferred Installer's July sales of vertical sliders have increased 40% on last year, while the rest of the market still struggles. The core replacement casement PVC-U market has hit saturation, but for BPIs including Chelmsford Patio Doors, Derwent Windows and Thistle Windows Ltd, life just gets better and better.

Alan Burgess, Managing Director of Masterframe Windows Ltd, is delighted: ‘This huge growth is due to increased demand for quality vertical sliders. There is a growing move away from cheap, poorly performing products. Offering the UK's only Secured By Design sash, the only Energy Saving Recommended sash, and the only one that's independently certified by the BBA for a 20 year life expectancy gives BPIs a massive advantage over rival firms.

‘We've put into place a persistent marketing campaign so homeowners are better informed,’ continues Alan, ‘and actively seek out the Bygone Collection window so leads are top quality. Because homeowners know it's a premium product, they're prepared to invest in quality.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

Quay Plastics is Bigger and Better in Newcastle

A move to bigger premises means that Quay Plastics' Newcastle depot can now offer an even greater range of specialist building products to roofline specialists, window fabricators and installers, builders and contractors, as well as local DIY enthusiasts.

The new depot is situated at Unit 5 Tyne Tunnel Trade Park, Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, North Shields Tyne and Wear, and is conveniently positioned near the Tyne Tunnel making it ideal for customers both north and south of the river.

Depot supervisor John Graham explains: ‘Quay Plastics is well known for carrying a wide range of PVC-U building materials, and these new premises mean we will have even more stock available for immediate collection or delivery.

‘Customers can be sure of friendly and efficient service, backed by vast product knowledge and a quick turnaround time when they visit us.

‘In addition to PVC-U window trims, roofline and cladding, conservatory roofs, doors and all the associated fittings and ancillaries, we are pleased to offer a next-day delivery service for cut, blown and taped polycarbonate sheeting,’ adds John.

Quay Plastics has 15 depots across the North, Midlands and South East, and each one features a combination of quality, service and price.

Visit the new depot at Unit 5 Tyne Tunnel Trade Park, Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, North Shields Tyne and Wear or telephone 01913 703141. Alternatively call the freephone number, 0800 7315490, for a quote.

Caption: John Graham, Depot Supervisor & Stewart Slatter (Right) Area Sales Representative

REHAU-Dimension Roofs Available from Yorkshire Trade

Yorkshire Trade Windows in Castleford, West Yorkshire is one of the first fabricators to begin manufacturing the new REHAU-Dimension conservatory roofs.

The trade fabricator, which already manufactures around 600 frames per week in REHAU's S706 70mm and REHAU-Edge 70mm systems, is now supplying customers with complete REHAU branded conservatories in a move which it hopes will help it win business from its competition.

Stuart Drewell, the company's managing director, says: ‘Installers love the REHAU brand because it is high quality and easy to fit. By adding a REHAU-Dimension roof to our product offering alongside our REHAU frames, we are confident we will strengthen our relationship with our existing trade customers and crucially win new business.’

Significantly, Yorkshire Trade also intends to supply roofs to other REHAU fabricators and is putting together a package of prices and customer service initiatives which it says will make buying in the roofs a very attractive proposition.

Initially, Yorkshire Trade is manufacturing around 20 roofs per week but already has capacity to double that number as demand increases. It will supply customers throughout the north and south of England, delivering up to 100 miles from its Castleford factory.

The REHAU-Dimension roof is the result of a joint development programme between REHAU and Wendland. It has all the essential elements of a high quality roof such as strength, durability, ease of installation and flexibility in size and shape but it has the key additional benefit that it matches perfectly with conservatory walls fabricated in REHAU profile.

Yorkshire Trade for example is offering roofs to match both the chamfered S706 system and the fully sculptured REHAU-Edge.

Stuart Drewell adds: ‘I am certain that REHAU-Dimension will quickly become a leading brand in the conservatory roof marketplace and we intend to be one of the biggest and best known manufacturers. We are very excited to be in at the start of this new venture.’

Expert Speakers from FIRA and TRADA Impart Industry Knowledge at W6

Visitors to this year's W6 (Working with Wood exhibition) at the NEC from 8th - 11th October will be in an unique position to hear from timber and furniture experts about significant issues affecting the trade. FIRA and its sister organisation TRADA, will manage a full programme of seminars throughout the Birmingham exhibition covering subjects as diverse as major health issues affecting the wood processing industries, innovation in recycling of wood and successful lean manufacturing.

The rolling seminar programme has been designed to be both topical and thought provoking, covering a variety of subjects that will help attendees to gain a clearer understanding of business issues within the furniture and timber industries. The timing is such that delegates will be able to take this knowledge away with them as they visit suppliers around the exhibition.

Managing Director of FIRA, Hayden Davies commented: ‘Both FIRA and TRADA felt it was important that the seminar programme was designed to impart knowledge that visitors would find of use when talking to exhibitors on their stands. We hope that the information they gain will help visitors to make better informed buying decisions.’

The audience will include members of both the furniture and timber industries and seminar content will reflect market trends as well as innovative technical developments. To find out more about subject matter and timings and to book a place at any of these seminars, visit http://www.w6exhibition.com. ’

New Global Business Director at DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions

Effective September 1st, 2006, the Swede Torkel Rhenman (43) is the new global business director, DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions, responsible for continuing the business' growth and leadership in the laminated glass marketplace. He succeeds Luigi Robbiati, who will assume a new role as growth director for DuPont Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Torkel's position prior to his new appointment was that of global technology and strategic planning director for DuPont Performance Elastomers, a business which he has been with since 1986. During that time, he served in various marketing, manufacturing, technology and business leadership roles in Europe, Japan and the US.

Commenting on his new role, Torkel Rhenman said:

‘I am committed to maintaining DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions' reputation as the industry's preferred supplier of laminated glass while continuing to look for ways to further differentiate DuPont from the competition through both the innovative laminated glass products and the value that we offer.

'The next several years will be a dynamic time in our industry with increased use of glass and consumers' growing safety needs. DuPont will continue to provide value through reliable supply and improved service, as well as the introduction of new, innovative products.’

DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions provides materials, services and innovations for a better, safer world. The business operates within the DuPont Packaging and Industrial Polymers strategic business unit, part of the DuPont Performance Materials growth platform.

Frametrade UK Chooses Haffner

New trade windows manufacturer, Frametrade UK Ltd has recently taken receipt of the popular Haffner SBA Cutting and Working centre and the company says that it is delighted with its purchase.

The SBA cutting and working centre has constantly been promoted by Haffner as a machine that offers fabricators both improved efficiencies and exceptional product quality, which for many time-pressed fabricators are critical considerations.

For Nottingham-based Frametrade UK the company’s requirements were to increase its production output without incurring additional labour costs. As we are all aware, good staff are still hard to find, expensive to train and difficult to keep. Furthermore, Frametrade UK wanted to ensure a consistent product quality was delivered to its trade customers, a reputation that has been associated with the company's successful retail operation Classic Design.

Having looked at the market for some time Fametrade UK chose Haffner. Managing Director of Frametrade UK, Jason Bamford explains: ‘We liked the look of the Haffner machining centre and the statistics that the machine claims, were very impressive. The German-built machine is exceptional quality and having visited Haffner's European headquarters we were very impressed with the craftsmanship and design excellence that goes into the machine.’

Having recently taken receipt of the SBA cutting and working centre, Frametrade UK is delighted with its choice. Jason concludes: ‘The machine has recently been installed and initial production is very pleasing. Haffner has worked closely with us and we are impressed with its proactive approach. With the introduction of Frametrade UK into our business, we are looking at doubling our existing output and we are confident that the SBA machining centre will easily allow us to achieve this target.’

Frametrade UK manufactures a range of quality windows, doors and conservatories for the trade market offering a fast turnaround with a reliable service promise.

For more information on the SBA cutting and working centre from Haffner GB Ltd, call Dave Thomas on 01785 814032

For more information on the products and services available from Frametrade Ltd call Jason Bamford on 07968 809355.

Hurst Signs Exclusive Deal with Thermaglaze

Hurst Plastics, the manufacturer of PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors, has signed an exclusive deal with window and door fabricator Thermaglaze.

The one year contract with Thermaglaze will see Hurst Plastics supply around 50 door panels a month to the Nottinghamshire-based fabricator.

Thermaglaze had previously been working with a number of panel suppliers and wanted to establish a reliable and secure supply chain with a reputable manufacturer. Having worked with Hurst Plastics for around 12 months, Thermaglaze was confident that the company would benefit from a high quality product with quick turnaround and dependable delivery, whilst avoiding the administration problems associated with working with several suppliers.

Alan Miller, general manager of Thermaglaze, said: ‘We had worked with many suppliers in the past and decided that we wanted to establish a better business relationship with just one panel company. Because we had been working with Hurst for a year, we knew that its service, product quality and delivery were good and we had no hesitation in securing an exclusive contract with the company.’

Thermaglaze employs around 20 staff and is currently manufacturing around 250 frames a week. The company supplies a full range of products including windows, doors, shaped and French doors.

Hurst Plastics is UK manufacturer of high quality PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors. Based in Kingston-Upon-Hull, the company also supplies a wide choice of unique 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

Olympus chooses Design-5

The new Design-5 aluminium timber composite system from AM Profiles has been selected by specialist Harrogate based bespoke timber window manufacturer Olympus.

The Design-5 system is the result of extensive testing by AM Profiles to offer a traditional timber window manufacturer a simple way to achieve a broad range of composite window styles to complement its existing product portfolio.

Design-5 profiles are carefully designed aluminium extrusions which fix to the front of the timber window with nylon toggles which cater for the differential movement between the two materials. The resulting window has the typical looks of a commercial window from the outside whilst retaining the natural beauty of timber on the inside. Whilst the extruded aluminium can be finished in a wide range of coloured finishes including anodising and powder coating, the inside timber surface can be either finished with a clear or opaque micro-porous finish, such as 'Morrells' which allows the timber to breathe.

Olympus use a Weinig 'Unicontrol 12' with a set of machine heads set up to 'profile' their timber windows to accept the Design-5 extruded profiles. Steve Nelson, MD of Olympus, explains his reason for choosing the Design-5 system, 'AM Profiles is the only specialist window systems company in the UK working both in timber and aluminium and has an in depth understanding of the commercial aluminium market.

'We encompass the latest technology for manufacturing high quality timber windows and have spent a great deal of time perfecting our product. I see the choice of the Design-5 systems as a perfect partnership between two companies who understand their respective materials very well. The Design-5 system allows us to broaden our product range into the growing commercial market for aluminium timber composite windows for offices, educational and healthcare projects without a considerable investment in research.'

Design-5 is available now from AM Profiles, see http://www.design-5.co.uk, more information about the full AM Profiles product range can be found on the website at http://www.amprofiles.com or by calling 01246 856000 for information.

Extra Wide Masterdors Win Over Housebuilder

Looking for a wide door, solid in structure, housebuilder Kamac Ltd has installed Masterdor door-sets at two of its luxury homes in sought-after St Mary's Road, Ascot.

Having lived in the area for over 25 years, father and son duo Ken and Matthew Ayling, founders of Kamac Ltd, wanted to create two properties that would stand the test of time and be admired by local residents. Both properties were built with six en-suite bedrooms and a 500 sq ft games room, but were each individual in style, with contrasting coloured brick and unique intricate detailing on the façade.

Following a recommendation by Castleford Homes, made to measure, engineered timber Masterdor door-sets were chosen to fit the wide door openings of the property, complementing the individuality of the entrance and the grandeur of the rest of the property.

Managing director of Kamac, Ken Ayling, said: ‘We always expect high standards from our suppliers and Manse Masterdor ltd was no exception. We wanted a traditional-looking timber door, but without the usual problems associated with traditionally manufactured timber doors. Masterdor produced a Security Plus frame which had timber capping which makes it look like a traditional hardwood frame.’

As Masterdors are made to measure they can be tailored to complement any building type, from a stable door in a country cottage to an extra wide panelled door for a Georgian town house. And because Masterdors are made using engineered timber rather than traditionally sawn timber, they protect against weather conditions and are low maintenance.

Manse Masterdor ltd says that it provides the largest range of Secured by Design and Sold Secure certified door-sets on the market. Masterdors exceeded PAS23/24 BSi tests, meet the requirements of Part M of the building regulations, and fire-check versions have also been successfully tested to BS476 Part 22.

TRICOAT puts Rust on the Run on the North Kent Coast

Maco has supplied the first hardware manufactured with the company’s new high performance finish - TRICOAT. Working with Sash UK and profile manufacturer Veka, Maco says that it has set a new milestone in hardware performance with this new surface protective coating.

The installation, a refurbished building owned by Places for People (Formerly North British Housing Association) sits on the sea front at Herne Bay, Kent. Subject to high winds carrying sea spray on an exposed site, it is a major test for any metalwork, let alone that which is expected to perform continuously over many years. David Lewis, Head of Housing Services of places for People was keen to stress the fact that:

‘For the Housing Association, investing in both the building infrastructure and long-term resident satisfaction and safety were key issues, it was also important to have a product that would guarantee a long, low-maintenance working life under such conditions.’ He went on to explain that ‘Places for People set out to create neighbourhoods of choice for all, and that achieving and sustaining quality is part of the process,’ which fitted the ethos of specifying fixtures and fittings that support that aim.

The TRICOAT barrier surface protection coating developed by Maco, sets out to offer levels of performance that have never been previously possible. The MACO TRICOAT surface provides an outstanding performance for use in regions with high saline air, and those areas affected by increased chemical attack. TRICOAT has achieved the highest performance levels when salt-spray tested in accordance with DIN 50021-SS. Furthermore, MACO TRICOAT provides high resistance against chemical attacks from acids and alkaline solutions and has been tested to withstand up to 1000 hours corrosion resistance.

It is normal for individual unassembled components to be tested in accordance with DIN 50021-SS salt-spray test. As the TRICOAT surface is applied on top of the MACO silver look chromate surface, fully assembled fittings are always tested. This ensures that all vulnerable parts are fully protected, safeguarding the quality of the completed window. Maco also supplied specially coated screws which prevent contact corrosion, thus ensuring that the life of the window is further extended. Not only is the Maco TRICOAT surface extremely resistant to corrosion it is also resilient to scratching, and repels water and dirt.

As main contractor for the development, Sash was responsible for the overall project management, including manufacturing and installing some 460 Maco TRICOAT tilt and turn windows installation of a new entrance door system and organising subcontractors for the replacement of the roof and concrete repairs to the outside of the building.

Tel: 01795 433900

Ticket to Success for Carlisle Window Systems

Carlisle Window Systems has recently celebrated 10 years in business, seven of which have been as a Plastmo fabricator. The company has also recently invested in a new show site comprising eight conservatories in what is one of the largest displays in Cumbria.

The company claims that the support from its suppliers and a pro-active approach to lead generation including local shows and shopping centre displays has continued to place the company as the leading home improvement installer in the area. Stuart Thompson, director, comments: ‘We continue to look at different ways in which to generate our sales. But the leads are only converted thanks to the quality of the products we offer and the comprehensive and committed service we offer.’

With a new conservatory show site, Carlisle Window systems feels that it is set for further success but only with the help and support from suppliers such as Plastmo. Stuart concludes: ‘We have invested in the show site for one simple reason, our customers. The show site gives them the opportunity to see at first hand what we can offer and it forms an important part of our selling process. It also re-affirms our position as the leading home improvement company in the area.’

Guarantee Success for Freefoam Installers

Freefoam has announced that Just Fascias from Wakefield Road in Barnsley has once again topped the Freefoam guarantee table of total registrations for the first half of 2006. The south Yorkshire based company also topped the poll in 2004 and 2005 signifying its commitment to offering the highest possible standards of customer support.

Freefoam is a manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems for the Northern European market and launched its 20 Year Extended Guarantee scheme early in 2003. Since then, the number of installers participating in the scheme has grown consistently year on year, with registered installations in the first half of 2006 showing an increase of 11% over the second half of 2005. The system has proved an enormous success for both Freefoam and its customers.

Fairco Mcillahagga, based in Duncrue Industrial Estate in Belfast, is another company availing of the benefits of the 20 Year scheme. The company ended the period in 2nd place in a very close finish.It integrates the guarantee into its product offering as standard.

Brendan Hyland, Freefoam Marketing Manager, comments, 'We are delighted to have such reputable and service-orientated companies as Just Fascias and Fairco Mcillahagga offering our 20 Year guarantee on completed installations. It not only adds weight to their sales proposal, but it also gives the homeowners greater peace of mind that comes from receiving confirmation of their guarantee direct from the manufacturer.'

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com

Back Injury the Most Common Accident for UK Workers

Industrial injury statistics consistently reveal that back injury is the most common type of accident affecting workers in the UK. Back injury and other associated manual handling injuries result in high levels of absenteeism and unproductive working environments. FIRA is running a manual handling training course in Stevenage on 12th October 2006 to help employers and employees cope with the challenges associated with manual handling.

It is a common perception among employers that those who hurt themselves in manual handling operations have only themselves to blame, but to what extent is that perception correct? As an employer you are required by law to provide safe equipment and premises for your employees but it is the correct use of these facilities that is key to ensuring the safety of those workers. Litigation is now a common route for employees in the UK that feel they have suffered an injury at work that could have been avoided. This is tremendously expensive for employers that have to defend themselves and can result in costly pay-outs to injured parties.

FIRA's tailored made training course will help to ensure that injury is avoided and that the commercial success of businesses is not threatened. At a cost of £95 (£75 FIRA members) this is one not to be missed. To book your place on this half day course please contact Janet Voss at FIRA on 01438 777605 or email jvoss@fira.co.uk

Clearly Focused on Sealed Units

Ely based Holloseal is in a prominent position as a supplier of bespoke sealed units to a wide and varied customer base because of the company’s focus and versatility.

With Holloseal, the question is, what type of sealed unit is wanted? Annealed glass, toughened, laminated, tinted, sun screens, self cleaning, soft or hard coated low ‘E’ types and many more. Varying thicknesses to suit the widest selection of frames, timber, PVC-U, aluminium and even composite types. All shapes and sizes including architectural glass, shapes for conservatory roofs, Georgian bars, a choice of five spacer finishes, even gas filling and, well just about anything a customer might want. And there is more to come.

Managing director Fraser Nicol explained, ‘We moved into our custom built premises in Ely during 1998 from our original East London base where we only produced toughened glass for customers. We made a conscious decision to expand our production with the supply of sealed units, but we decided to be different, to offer what we found most other manufacturers did not want to be bothered with. Simply we decided to offer pretty well anything a customer might want at reasonable cost and of a proven quality that could not be bettered’.

‘Clearly our toughening experience plus the multi-million pound investment in the required plant was a good launch pad but we needed to go even further. Everything we make is made to order. Bespoke literally means ‘Made to the customer’s specification’, and that’s precisely what we do. Of course, Part L and the new BFRC ratings has raised awareness of the need to ensure units can provide the highest energy efficiencies.

Consequently, we stock no less than four low ‘E’ variants but the new glass types now available such as self cleaning, sun screening and so on has raised the perception of glass as being more of an architectural medium rather than a building material that one looks through and keeps the rain out’.

A factory visit is enlightening. Besides the modern toughening plant now supplying the company’s own needs for safety glass, there is state of the art equipment sealed unit manufacturing equipment everywhere from computer controlled cutting tables, washers, arrissing, Kitemark etching and spacer bending, an automatic Lisec line with soft coat capability plus robotic sealant mixing and application, gas filling and everything else that is needed to ensure the specified unit goes to the right customer at the right time.
Outside, there is even more, with a fleet of dedicated delivery trucks including two brand new 18 tonne vehicles complete with sleeper cabs and close coupled draw bar trailers.
Obviously this is a company which intends to go far – literally. Customers across the Midlands, East Anglia and the South East can be certain of an excellent service and the company has its sights on extending its delivery area even further.

The company has absolute faith in its capability to not only produce what is specified but that it can be traced throughout the production, delivery and installation process. A label, which includes a bar code for internal use plus size, material, customer and so on is attached to each unit. It is traced throughout the factory and onto the stillage ready for despatch where, incidentally, there is a great deal of protection incorporated as standard to ensure the finished units are delivered like new. When ready for despatch, each stillage, which has its own unique identification code, contains a packing list so each and every unit on either side can be identified and importantly traced to its order, the specification and application. On site, the installer can identify each individual unit reducing the possibility of mistakes and hold ups.

The company goes that one step further by identifying each unit internally. Others print on the spacer but Holloseal not only provides details of the British Standard but the company name, BS registration number, glass size, order number and even the line of the order referring to that particular unit. This is all printed in bright yellow for the simple reason that for additional convenience a customer can read these details, no matter what the colour of the spacer be it white, black, aluminium, gold or bronze.

Besides versatility, choice and, over fifteen years of IG manufacturing experience within its management team the company is well qualified to claim that it produces units to all the required standards including BS EN 1279 part 2. With the recent commissioning of non evasive gas fill testing, the company will be able to prove the volume of gas contained in each unit thereby fulfilling the requirements of BS EN 1279 part 3.

Of course, standards mean nothing if production personnel aren’t performing properly. It’s obvious when watching them at work that not only are they highly motivated but fully trained at inspection and checking everything that has been and is being done, right up to the correct mixing, application and curing of the two part polyurethane edge sealant which is the company’s proven sealant of choice though any other edge sealant, including hot melt, can be used as required by a customer.

So where next for this highly flexible sealed unit manufacturing company? Computers are already making a significant contribution to the day-to-day running especially production control and processing and customers can now order electronically direct into the company’s server. However, as Fraser continued, ‘We fully intend to keep abreast of developments in glass types, sealants and performance requirements but more importantly, what our customers require. We’ve supplied units for all sorts of uses from homes, including mobile homes, to all sorts of prestigious and high tech architectural developments. The next step? Fire protection. We are ready to produce sealed units using intumescent glass types that meet a building specification and we are certain that when new glass variants are introduced that are suitable for use in sealed units we will incorporate them into our production when a customer needs. We are ready, willing and able no matter what are the challenges of technology, materials, standards and customers’.

Tel : +44 (0) 1353 666169
Email : fraser@holloseal.com
Web : http://www.holloseal.com

'Linde' and 'The BOC Group' become 'The Linde Group'

Linde AG announced on 6th September its plans for the future, following the merger of Linde AG and The BOC Group plc. The merger, which took place on the 5th September 2006, will create a world-leading industrial gases and engineering company.

The new company will trade under the name 'The Linde Group'. A new brand has been designed based on the long tradition and corporate heritage of both companies, but which also represents the newly international character of the company. The name change applies to the group only. On the operating level, the Linde and BOC brands will remain unchanged.

Senior management team
The global aspiration of The Linde Group is also reflected in the senior ranks of the new company.

The management team has five members, led by Professor Dr Wolfgang Reitzle (57), President and Chief Executive Officer of Linde AG. The Group's global functions also report directly to Professor Reitzle who is also responsible for the logistics division, Gist. In a matrix-structure of global and regional business units and business areas, Dr. Aldo Belloni (56), Member of the Executive Board of Linde AG, is in charge of the Europe and Middle East regions as well as for the Global Business Unit Healthcare. He also manages the Engineering division and is responsible for Innovation Management. Kent Masters (45), previously on the board of BOC with responsibility for the Line of Business ISP, will take charge of the Americas and Africa, as well as of the On-site global business unit and the Liquid Gases business. Trevor Burt (48), until now responsible at BOC for North America, will manage the Asia/Pacific region as well as for the Packaged Gases and Electronics Gases businesses. Georg Denoke (41) will be in charge of finance comprising Controlling, Financial Statements, Treasury, Taxes, Mergers & Acquisitions and Procurement. Up to now, Mr. Denoke has been responsible for finance at Linde Gas. He follows Dr. Peter Diesch (51), who will be leaving the company of his own volition at the end of the year. Until then, Dr. Peter Diesch will remain on the board of Linde AG as before and support the sale or initial public offer of the company's Material Handling business segment. 'Dr. Peter Diesch played a significant role in shaping the new strategic direction of The Linde Group', says Professor Wolfgang Reitzle. 'His contribution to the merger with BOC has been particularly valuable. Linde AG thanks him for his exceptional achievements and outstanding support.'

Company head offices
'The Linde Group' will have its head office in Munich which is also the location of the Executive Board. Some supporting functions will be located in Surrey, England, close to the current head office of the BOC Group.

By merging cross-group functions into one lean, efficient unit, the new company head office will quickly support realising expected synergies.

The merger of Linde and BOC into 'The Linde Group' creates a world-leading industrial gases and engineering company with an annual pro forma turnover of approximately 12.7 billion euro, operating profit (EBIT) of 1.6 billion euro and approximately 53,000 employees worldwide.

'This is an historic day for Linde and BOC', said Professor Reitzle. 'Both companies have a proud history streching back 100 years, and our paths have crossed many times before. Today we are finally coming together to form a world market leader, a true global player. We will approach the upcoming integration process in partnership with BOC, in order to create all the conditions necessary to extract the maximum potential from what is a perfect combination of companies.'

BOC Edwards
Following the successful acquisition of the BOC Group, Linde intends to review strategic options for the divestment of the equipment businesses of the subsidiary BOC Edwards. It will retain the bulk and electronic gases elements of BOC Edwards and integrate them into The Linde Group organisation. The total revenues of the equipment businesses were approximately 800 million euro for the financial year ending September 2005.

BOC Edwards is a leading designer and manufacturer of vacuum pumps as well as instrumentation and systems for the semiconductor industry.

'The BOC Edwards equipment businesses have strong positions in their chosen markets, are successful businesses in their own right and will, we believe, prosper whatever their future ownership structure,' Professor Wolfgang Reitzle said.

Deutsche Bank has been retained by Linde to manage the disposal process.

Material Handling - KION Group
In parallel with the merger with BOC, Linde AG has made the Material Handling business segment legally independent, by grouping the three brands Linde, STILL and OM in a new holding company - 'KION Group'.

'Material Handling will have greater focus on its business as an independent company', said Professor Reitzle. 'By focussing on a clearly-defined business area, it will be possible to bundle strengths even more efficiently and to better extract the potential of the individual brands.'

Hubertus Krossa (58) is spokesman of the management board of the 'KION Group'. Mr. Krossa is a Member of the Executive Board of Linde AG with full responsibility for the Material Handling business segment since January 2005. Other executives at the "KION Group" include Ralf Speth (50), previously executive manager of the Material Handling business segment, and Dr. Nedim Cen (40), who was most recently Managing Director at Credit Suisse where he was responsible for M&A in Germany and Austria.

'The new 'KION Group' will bring together all our strengths under one roof, so we can position ourselves to maximise cross-market synergies', said Krossa. 'We have a great platform. With our three brands Linde, STILL and OM, we are the undisputed market leader in Europe as well as on the technology front. This provides the basis for us to strengthen our global position in the future.'

With over 19,000 employees, the three brands Linde, STILL and OM recorded a total turnover of 3.6 billion euro and an operating profit of 223 million euro in fiscal 2005. The new holding company will be located in Wiesbaden.

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