Alcoa
donates $62,000 to Conserve the Last Original Model of World Trade Center
Alcoa has announced a $62,000 grant to Save America's Treasures at the
National Trust for Historic Preservation to restore the last remaining
architectural presentation model of the World Trade Center complex. This
grant is part of the Alcoa Relief Fund, established immediately following
9/11, and fully matches a federal Save America's Treasures challenge grant
awarded to the project.
'This is a highly significant piece of American and now world history,'
said Alain Belda, chairman and CEO of Alcoa. 'We're honored to be a part
of restoring and preserving this important work.'
The
World Trade Center model is an official project of Save America's Treasures
at the National Trust. The American Architectural Foundation's Octagon
Museum is leading its conservation and restoration. Minoru Yamasaki Associates
built the three-dimensional model from 1969-71 as a presentation for the
Port Authorities of New York and New Jersey to accurately reflect the
proposed site.
Measuring eight by ten feet at the base, with the Twin Towers rising over
seven feet high, the piece vividly demonstrates the sheer size and mass
of the original site. Constructed of hand-crafted pieces of wood, plaster,
plastic and paper, the detailed representation was also painted with a
special gloss to illustrate the towers' ingenious aluminum exterior. But
the ravages of time have taken their toll on the fragile structure. Once
restored, the model will be featured at Battery Park's new Skyscraper
Museum when it opens this fall.
'The World Trade Center model is a treasured reminder of the architectural
achievement of the twin towers and the lives that were so tragically lost
on 9/11. Save America's Treasures at the National Trust is deeply gratified
that Alcoa has chosen to join us in giving a brighter future to this iconic
remnant of America's modern age,' said Bobbie Greene, director of Save
America's Treasures.
In the late 1960s, Alcoa was approached to help design a new alloy for
the World Trade Center. Alcoa created an aluminum 'skin' and cladding
system for the architects.
Save America's Treasures is a public-private partnership between the National
Trust for Historic Preservation and the National Park Service dedicated
to identifying and rescuing the enduring symbols of American tradition:
http://www.saveamericastreasures.org
The American Architectural Foundation, a non-profit educational organization,
advances the vision of a society that participates in shaping its environment
through an understanding of the power of architecture to elevate and enrich
the human experience. The Octagon, a National Historic Landmark, is the
oldest museum in the US devoted to architecture and design http://www.archfoundation.org
Youth
Triumphes over Experience at Glassex
Youth
triumphed over experience on the Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems' stand
at Glassex, when young Ben Shaw recorded the fastest lap time against
'veteran' driver and motoring journalist Tiff Needell.
Ben,
who works for Cheshire Roof Tech, of Wybunbury in Cheshire, was among
a score of Glassex visitors who took on Aztec's challenge to beat Tiff
on an arcade racing game. To ensure fairness and competition on equal
terms, every driver competed on the same track, without aids such as traction
control and ABS. Whilst no-one beat Tiff in the races, Ben recorded the
fastest lap time of 1 minute 30 seconds, winning a colour TV for his effort.
Colin Bennett, managing director of Aztec, observed, 'The game created
a real interest and draw to the stand throughout the show, and Tiff's
presence pulled in the crowds when he was with us. He certainly proved
stiff opposition for visitors to the stand, but Ben gave him a real run
for his money!'
The Tiff challenge linked into Aztec's new corporate video, unveiled at
the show, in which Tiff starred, drawing analogies between the classic
Jaguar E-Type, renowned for its engineering, speed and forward-thinking
when it was launched, and the Aztec roof system.
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
Big
Names Sign up for GPT Exhibition
Two
of the industry's leading glass machinery suppliers have committed their
support to The Glass Processing & Technology Exhibition - both have
signed contracts for large exhibition stands for the November 2003 event,
to be staged from 11th - 13th November in Hall 1 at the NEC in Birmingham,
UK.
The
UK glass machinery distributor Promac and German-based Hegla, publicly
signed their contracts at sister exhibition Glassex, emphasising their
commitment to GP&T, the first event to be held specifically for the
UK flat glass processing and specification industry as well as the decorative
glass market.
Promac, which distributes a full range of processing and IG equipment
in the UK from producers such as For.El, Tomas, Keraglass and MTL, has
a reputation for its dynamic exhibition stands, which it uses to show
and demonstrate the company's products.to prospective purchasers.
Hegla, which opened its UK office in January 2003, is one of the world's
leading manufacturers of cutting, handling and storage systems for flat
glass. It enjoys a solid reputation for the design and engineering of
its systems, and its directors were quick to recognise the need for an
event such as GP&T. UK Managing Director Steve Goble remarked: 'With
the advent of high performance coated glasses there is a very real need
for a forum for both the industry, and the specifiers of its products,
to ensure their potential is fully realised. GP&T promises to fulfil
that need.'
Jim Jellicoe, UK Technical Sales & Marketing Manager for Promac Glass
concurred and added: 'The products that we offer are highly sophisticated
and complex systems. Potential buyers should have the opportunity to study
the products available to them in the market place, and to try them out
for themselves. GP&T will offer the opportunity to compare the products
of a number of suppliers, all under the same roof, and at the same time.'
GP&T has already attracted support from the key sectors, including
glass manufacturers, specialist processors and other services, and will
be accompanied by a full seminar programme, aimed squarely at glass merchants
and processors on one level, and specifiers such as architects and designers
towards the user end.
A number of key issues will be examined, with a leading architectural
journal sponsoring the design and specification content of the seminars.
The organisers of Glass Processing Days, the glass conference held bi-annually
in Finland, have launched GPD UK, which will take place as part of the
GP&T Exhibition - more details regarding the conference programme
will be announced soon.
Contact: Leah Tidy
Tel: 020 8277 5733
Email: mailto:leah.tidy@emap.com
Web: http://www.gptexhibition.com
Ultraframe
Conservatories bring 'Well Being' to the Consumer
Ultraframe
has launched a series of initiatives to help homeowners realise their
dreams of owning a conservatory. The focus for these initiatives was the
unveiling of The Wellbeing Pyramid Conservatory - designed by renowned
paranormalist Uri Geller.
Uri
was a perfect design partner for the project bringing his knowledge and
understanding of the benefits of light to the conservatory. Uri realised
that there's no more effective way of allowing natural light into your
life than through a conservatory.
Immersing oneself in light doesn't just enhance a living space; it can
also enhance health. There's even an official medical name for depression
and health problems caused by lack of light - Seasonal Affective Disorder.
Thanks to Ultraframe Conservaglass™, an advanced glazing technology,
Uri has achieved his lifelong dream of building a pyramid conservatory.
The pyramid form is both mystically potent and mathematically significant,
with the power to refract light and break it down into its component colours
and wavelengths.
Ultraframe is internationally renowned for the design and manufacture
of conservatory systems, with over 300 international patents testimony
to its radical engineering credentials.
Ultraframe uniquely supplies Conservaglass™, and it was the company's
introduction of this glazing technology that enabled Uri to complete the
design of The Wellbeing Pyramid Conservatory. Ultraframe Conservaglass™
provides five benefits in combination which, first and foremost, can increase
conservatory usage over a typical UK summer by up to 70 hours per month
compared to standard double glazing. It simultaneously offers superb thermal
performance and lower solar heat gain. An Easyclean finish reduces homeowner
maintenance, while a 'peel clean' factory film helps builders and installers
to handover pristine conservatories. Conservaglass™ double glazing
is also guaranteed for 20 years.
Bathed in natural light, conservatories have a unique ambience and are
perfect places to spend time with a drink and a favorite piece of music
or curled up with a good book. They are also ideal venues for entertaining
friends or spending quality time with family.
The multi-faceted nature of modern living is also addressed by conservatories
inherent flexibility. Contemporary storage and furniture systems allow
the home office to be stowed away so that by night, the conservatory's
use can be changed into a dining room or a space to spend time with the
family.
Conservatories are incredibly versatile spaces. They provide the luxury
of an additional room that's just perfect for dining, entertaining, working,
playing with the younger members of the family or just simply relaxing.
Unlike the rest of the home, a conservatory affords the opportunity to
create a domestic space from scratch. So whatever the reasons for wanting
a conservatory, it's one of the most desirable and appealing improvements
that can be made to a home.
For details of your nearest member of The Ultraframe Guild of Approved
Conservatory Installers which takes the worry out of sourcing a professional
installation company, a copy of The Ultraframe Essential Guide to Conservatories
which guides you through the choosing and buying process or for more information
on Ultraframe Conservaglass™, please call 0500 822340 or visit http://www.ultraframe-conservatories.com
HT
Opens new Production Plant in China - Plans for 55,000-Tonne Annual Capacity
in the Long Term
On
28th February, in the presence of the Mayor, regional government representatives,
employees and customers, HT Troplast AG (HT) opened a new production plant
for Kömmerling plastic windows in Tianjin (China), a city with a
population of ten million about 150 kilometres southeast of Peking. 'HT
is happy to be able to stay here and continue working at the new site
not only for geographical and economic reasons,' said HT CEO Dr Hans Werner
Kleffner in his opening address, 'but also because of the industrious
and friendly people of Tianjin.'
Tianjin was carefully chosen. The city is currently growing at a rate
of 12 per cent per annum. In addition, the region is being developed into
a financial centre for Northern China. In the last few years alone, 45
million square metres of green-field building land has been created. Together
with an additional 15 million square metres of modernised buildings, the
total demand for window units comes to 12 to 15 million.
The Kömmerling Tianjin Kunststoffwerke Company Ltd (KTK), which has
belonged to the HT Group since 2002, has been manufacturing plastic window
profiles for the Chinese market since 1995. The restructuring of Tianjin's
industrial geography and the building of a new university plus the expansion
aspirations of the Troisdorf Group demanded a move last year for the existing
production plant within the city. The construction of the new production
plant, which took place at an unaccustomed speed, even by European standards,
is taking place in the Jinnan development area on the southern fringe
of Tainjin. The move has now created the necessary conditions for participating
more effectively in the rapid growth in the Chinese construction market.
The capacity of the plant in its present state is almost 10,000 tonnes
p.a. and is to be raised to 20,000 tonnes in the medium term. The envisaged
target on the overall 80,000 square metre site is an output of 55,000
tonnes of profiles and an extension of mixing facilities to 65,000 tonnes
in the year 2007.
KTK's 140 employees are currently working towards this goal. Karl Heinz
Freund, KTK Managing Director, is optimistic. 'The emphasis until 2006
will be on expanding sales at KTK. In the four target regions, we want
to establish five sales offices with 40 employees.'
The strategic goal for the next four years is the improvement of the market
share to over five per cent. According to the current growth forecasts
for the Chinese market, this would amount to sales of over 47,000 tonnes.
Boom-nation China
Promotion of PVC construction products by the Chinese government and the
expectations associated with the 2008 Olympic Games have given the profile
market in China massive impetus. In the run-up to the Olympics, an additional
US$ 9 billion is being pumped into the Peking region alone. The market
volume for PVC windows alone has risen from 200,000 tonnes in 1998 to
530,000 tonnes last year in China's four most important regions: the North
East; the region around Peking, Tainjin and Shanghai; the area around
Gaungdong and Hainan in the south; and the six adjacent provinces in the
west with Sichuan, Chongqing, Shanxi usw. This is where 90 per cent of
the Chinese population lives.
China's economy has been growing at a rate of seven to eight per cent
for several years now. The exchange rate for the national currency RMB
is stable, which is partly due to the prudent currency policy of the Chinese
People's Bank.
In addition, the privatisation of the economy continues. For instance,
China's four latest state-owned banks plan to seek stock exchange listing
in the next three to five years.
Automotive industry
The rapid expansion of the Chinese economy is particularly manifest in
the automotive industry. While car registrations in China in 1990 came
to 240,000, this figure had risen to 3.65 million by the year 2000. In
the same year, China produced 3.3 million cars, 38 per cent more than
a year earlier. This means that China as a car producer has advanced from
eighth to fifth position worldwide within a year. For the VW Group, China
is today the biggest quantity market after Germany.
Plastics
Each year over two million tonnes of plastics are used in the construction
of Chinese buildings. However, China itself can only produce half a per
cent of this. The materials have to be imported at high cost, with a large
portion coming from its Asian neighbours. China needs about 25 per cent
more plastic each year in order to realise its huge construction projects.
China is therefore turning increasingly to foreign companies above all
for the production and development of high-grade plastics.
Joining the WTO
Having joined the WTO, China's industry is now rapidly coming into line
with international standards. This is being accompanied by ongoing liberalisation
of the market and an accelerated legislation process.
Today, Germany is China's biggest trading partner in Europe, and for Germany
China occupies a central position in its strategy for Asia. Over 1,600
German companies have settled so far in China, investing a total of 7.6
billion. The Transrapid magnetic levitation railway that went into operation
in Shanghai in December 2002 symbolises the good relations between the
two countries.
Web: http://www.ht-troplast.com
Christopher
Leslie MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Office of the
Deputy Prime Minster was the guest recently at a Luncheon held by the
Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) in the House of Commons. Over 50 guests,
including MPs from all parties, Lords, representatives from the glass
and glazing industry and the media heard GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees
address the Minister on a range of issues from Building Regulations and
the Construction Products Directive (CPD) to autofilm, the Construction
Industry Scheme, Training and Health and Safety.
Building Regulations/Approved Document L
In his speech, Nigel highlighted the work that the Federation had undertaken
in launching the FENSA Scheme. He also looked to future revisions of the
Building Regulations combined with the issues raised in the Government's
recent Energy White Paper. Nigel then focused on the fact that the UK
door and window industry had embraced the Kyoto Protocol and the 2002
changes to Approved Document L. However, future revisions to the Building
Regulations should consider the steps and investment already taken by
the industry and the dangers of pushing the industry too far resulting
in company failures and job losses.
It was suggested that future revision should take account of the total
energy performance of doors and windows - ie comprising solar gain, lighting,
air leakage as well as heat loss factors.
Construction Products Directive (CPD)
As the effects of the CPD become more apparent to both the industry and
consumers, clarification of the UK Government's position on CE Marking
was requested. It was perceived that the UK marketplace could become confused
with some products being CE Marked and others not.
Health and Safety
Nigel then highlighted how the GGF were supporting the work of the ODPM
relating to 'Revitalising Health and Safety'. In particular he mentioned
the GGF and British Glass, GLASS Charter initiative which was aimed at
meeting the Deputy Prime Minister's targets for Health and Safety.
Nigel closed his speech with mention of the new Sector Skills Councils
and the fact that the GGF had set aside a training fund to encourage and
fund training initiatives undertaken by its Members.
The Minister in his response to Nigel thanked the GGF for the instrumental
part they had played and the support they continued to give to FENSA.
On the issue of future changes to the Building Regulations he recognised
that there would be difficulties but he was sure that the GGF would be
on hand to put forward the industry's view and solve the technical problems
highlighted by Nigel. He was also pleased that the Federation had been
on hand to contribute to the ODPM's Conservatories Working Party.
The Minister then confirmed that the UK Government's stance on CE Marking
was that it should not be mandatory and that it was important that Building
Control and the Industry were aware of the education and training requirements
of the Directive.
Finally, after confirming that the Government were pleased with the stance
that the GGF were taking both on health and safety and training the Minister
indicated that he would refer issues outside his remit to his relevant
colleagues. He hoped that the relationship between the GGF and the Government
would continue to be constructive.
Tel: 020 7207 5864
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Tessenderlo
Group Results 2002: Net Profit of 70.6 Million EUR in 2002
•
Net profit, group share, 70.6 million EUR, up by 8.9%
• Net cash flow up by 23.0%
• Net dividend maintained at 0.85 EUR per share
Tessenderlo Group - Eurocell's parent company - closed 2002 with net profits
of 70.6 million EUR, an improvement of 8.9% on the 64.9 million EUR recorded
at the end of 2001, despite a difficult economic situation throughout
the industry.
This rise is mainly attributable to the upturn in the PVC, although the
Plastics Converting and Fine Chemicals divisions also played a part.
Turnover was up by 2.3%, rising from 1,890 million EUR to 1,933.9 million
EUR.
The proportion of the rise attributable to the year’s main acquisition
of Saplast is very low. It only entered the consolidation perimeter in
September of last year.
Cash flow was up significantly at 206.7 million EUR compared with 168
million EUR in 2001.
Tangible investments for the year were 110 million EUR, a lower level
than in previous years. The largest items relate to the adaptation of
the rendering factories to new standards imposed on this trade, and investments
to develop the ‘profiles’ activities in the United Kingdom.
In 2002, the group strengthened its position considerably in the field
of compounds by acquiring the French company Saplast, with a capacity
in the region of 80,000 tonnes/year. Following this acquisition the group,
which already had a presence in this sector through the Cousin-Tessier
company, has now moved into fifth position in Europe.
The group’s net financial liabilities were 303.3 million EUR at the
end of December 2002, compared with 340.9 million EUR at the end of 2001.
This debt reduction can be explained by the year’s considerable available
cash flow. A stronger Euro also helped to reduce the proportion of the
debt denominated in US dollars.
On the other hand, this debt has been consolidated in the medium term
through two five-year bond issues for 40 million EUR and 60 million USD
respectively.
The group’s equity capital is down on the previous year following
the cancellation in December 2002 of the 2,473,639 company’s own
shares, worth 106 million EUR.
Equity capital per share rose by 4.5%.
During the year, despite the BEL 20 being down, the share price rose from
26.60 EUR to 28.60 EUR, a rise of 7.5%.
Following a very bad start to 2002, PVC again recorded positive results
from May onwards, thanks to a steady increase in sales prices.
Overall, profits for the whole year are up significantly on the disastrous
results of 2001, but it has not been possible for the positive results
of recent months to erase the losses accumulated.
Productivity was able to improve further in a European market growing
gradually. In contrast with a difficult climate in the shoe industry,
compounds performed better in the building and car industries, due to
rationalisation and quality improvement measures.
The Plastics Converting division enjoyed an increase in profits. The ‘profiles’
business did not suffer from the effects of a weak construction market.
The British subsidiaries operated particularly well thanks to innovations
in product ranges and an increasingly robust distribution network. The
US unit was able to improve its results significantly.
Pipes suffered a fall-off in northern Europe. In France, on the other
hand, an improvement was recorded on 2001, which was a disastrous year.
Supreme
Windows of Bury, Manchester, has become an HW Plastics' Approved Installer.
The Approved Installer Membership Scheme (AIMS) takes as its entry criteria
the Government's new Quality Mark accreditation. This means that all AIMS
members have passed a rigorous service audit covering all steps from the
initial inquiry call to completion of the project, including complaints
and insurance procedures.
Supreme has been in business for 15 years, and has been a loyal Spectus
customer. MD Peter Gill is enthusiastic about the scheme: 'HW Plastics
has always provided us with excellent quality, service and support, of
which this is just another example. To be seen by customers to be an Approved
Installer gives us a badge of excellence, which, coupled with the DTI's
Quality Mark, gives our customers complete peace of mind about our reliability.
'The other great thing about both systems is that we are now listed on
their websites as an accredited company, and householders can search for
those in their area. Hopefully this will bring us new business by ensuring
that our already excellent reputation becomes more widely known.'
For more information on AIMS and the Quality mark, visit the Spectus website
at http://www.spectussystems.com
'White
Van Man' Power for Quality Mark: Scheme goes Mobile
A
campaign to recruit more members to the Government-backed Quality Mark
Scheme for good builders is using 'white van man' power to get its message
across. White vans, the favourite workhorse of the nation's builders,
are driving around with a Quality Mark message on the sides to advertise
the Scheme and encourage companies to sign up and join.
The high-octane campaign has hit the road in 10 regions where Quality
Mark has already started to roll out and membership of the national register
of Government-approved firms is growing.
The slogan on the side of the vans, '86% of customers would prefer to
employ me' is based on a national homeowners poll carried out in January,
which showed overwhelming public support and consumer demand for Quality
Mark.
With 1.4 million white vans in Britain, it is the most popular form of
transport for the nation's builders and traders, and therefore the ideal
vehicle for an eye-catching marketing campaign.
Quality Mark Implementation Manager Chris Guiton said: 'Everyone knows
the white van is the traders' favourite.
'We are using a lot of traditional advertising and awareness raising -
newspaper and radio ads, billboards and leafleting - in our current 'Get
Approved' campaign in the regions where Quality Mark is becoming established.
'The great thing about advertising with the vans is that it is low cost
and high impact. You ensure you get the message to the maximum number
of people in your target market at the optimum times of day in as many
places as possible.
'Where the Quality Mark white vans are turning up at trade outlets, materials
suppliers and town centres, it is proving eye-catching and we are getting
a good number of calls from traders wanting to know more about the Scheme.
It has raised a smile with many of them and prompted a great deal of positive
interest.'
Focusing exclusively on the 20 trades in the home maintenance, repair
and improvement market, Quality Mark works by placing contact details
of firms who reach the required standard on a national register. This
is accessed free-of-charge by phoning local rate call centre number 0845
300 80 40 or via the internet at http://www.qualitymark.org.uk
Landmark
Deal for UK Glass Recycling
Valpak
has agreed to sell its commercial glass collection business in a deal
which will propel the UK towards meeting future recycling targets.
recycle-more-glass, the scheme which collects mixed glass for recycling
free of charge from pubs, clubs, restaurants and bars, has been sold to
the UK's largest commercial and domestic glass collector and processor,
Berryman.
recycle-more-glass has enjoyed unrivalled success since it started out
in June 2001. After just 18 months it has already signed up more than
16,000 premises nationwide, including some of the largest chains in the
catering and leisure trade. The scheme collects 60,000 tonnes of glass
a year, the equivalent to nearly 200 million bottles and jars.
The deal agreed with Berryman involves a payment for the assets, trade
and goodwill of recycle-more-glass. This represents good value for Valpak
and its members and ensures that this success can be developed further.
As part of the deal, Valpak has also signed a five year supply agreement
with Berryman, with an option of extending this further.
The sale to Berryman means that recycle-more-glass will continue to expand
and develop, bringing in more waste glass to help the UK meet its challenging
recycling targets in years to come.
'The UK could well be expected to recycle around 60% of its waste glass
by 2007/08, under the European Union's Packaging and Packaging Waste Directive,'
explained Valpak Chief Executive Jonson Cox, 'Currently, we only recycle
around 30%. If the UK is to meet these targets then it is vital that we
all redouble our efforts to recycle glass. Valpak and Berryman are leading
the way with this pioneering agreement.'
Mick Keogh, General Manager of Berryman, comments: 'The acquisition of
recycle-more-glass fits in very well with our extensive investment programme
to provide more and better quality recycled glass to our customers. We
look forward to building on this solid foundation that Valpak has laid
over the past eighteen months with recycle-more-glass.'
'Valpak founded recycle-more-glass in order to increase UK glass recycling
levels,' continued Jonson Cox, 'We identified a previously undeveloped
source of waste glass in the licensed trade and leisure industry. Our
innovative approach has meant that the scheme has enjoyed rapid growth
and is now a hugely successful business. Having completed this essential
groundwork, we feel recycle-more-glass can only continue to flourish under
the expertise and infrastructure that Berryman can provide. We now look
forward to applying our innovative approach to fresh projects within the
recycling sector.'
Tel: 01789 208712
Entries
lnvited for 2003 Imagination Awards
The
best in aluminium glazing projects will be on show at the London Marriott
Hotel on July 17th as part of the 2003 Aluminium lmagination Awards.
The biennial awards are designed to showcase design excellence and best
practice in the architectural application of aluminium. Glazing in its
varied forms, particularly curtain walling and glazed roof structures,
has played a very prominent role in the awards since their launch in 1999
and this year will be no exception.
With over £17,000 worth of prizes and three new categories, the
2003 awards are expected to attract more entries than ever before. The
winner of the 2003 Aluminium lmagination Award will receive £10,000,
and will be announced alongside seven category winners, each of which
will receive £1,000. The overall winner will be the UK building
the judges consider exhibits the best overall use of aluminium, both in
terms of practicality and aesthetics.
The seven categories are:
•Award for the best use of extruded aluminium in a building
•Award for best use of aluminium in a building by a new architectural
practice (established in the last 10 years)
•Award for the most exciting use of colour in a building
•AJ Award for the best use of aluminium in an international building
(outside the UK)
•Award for the most innovative use of aluminium in a structure or
building element
•Award for the most innovative use of aluminium in a building that
contributes to its sustainability
•Specialist sub-contractor Award demonstrating 'best practice'
Mike Nevitt, President of CAB (The Council for Aluminium in Building),
one of
six sponsors of the Awards, comments: 'We have added the three new categories
this year to broaden the scope, Glazing companies can not only nominate
architectural practices with which they have worked for the various categories,
but also enter themselves in the new specialist sub-contractor award which
we anticipate will be particularly popular as a way of highlighting the
ever increasing importance of 'best practice' in the construction industry.'
Entry forms are available from the Aluminium lmagination Awards Press
Office, Monaco House, Bristol Street, Birmingham B5 7AW Tel: 0121 622
6860. The deadline for receipt of entries is May 5th, 2003.
Email: mailto:info@aluminiumimaginationawards.co.uk
Web: http://www.aluminiumimaginationawards.co.uk
Work
Completed on Revolutionary London Development
Work
has been completed on a new residential development that features the
world's first use of an undercut glass anchor on a façade application.
The Micropoint fixing used to retain the façade of Perspective
on London's Westminster Bridge Road fixes the glazing panels without penetrating
through the glass.
The
Micropoint technology has been patented by German manufacturer fischer,
and was engineered and installed on Perspective by Metal UK, part of the
LMC Group, the sole UK agent. The undercut holes in the glazing panels
are drilled by the first drilling centre in the country by Metal UK's
sister company, Glass UK, using a CNC-controlled static drilling machine
supplied by fischer. The panels are then toughened and heat-soaked.
Metal UK provided a total solution for the project, designing, engineering
and installing the 500m2 entrance screen glazing, as well as curtain walling
to an adjacent 50m link bridge.
The main entrance has a 15m wide frontage, with two 7m returns at either
end, and is 11m high. It is glazed using 10mm green toughened glass, supported
by 19mm clear toughened glass fins. The Micropoint fixings are connected
to the glass fins with stainless steel spring plates, enabling Metal UK
to achieve a reflective external surface, uninterrupted by countersunk
bolt heads or disc washers.
The installation was carried out by operatives quality trained by LMC's
specialist training and recruitment company, Skillbroker.
'We are absolutely delighted with the façade, architects have waited
years for a glass fixing that allows for a completely flush finish and
the effect is stunning,' says architect Paul Clements of Pearce Group.
'It really appears that the glass is just floating, there is absolutely
nothing else like it. We have pushed for a high level of quality on this
important elevation and the system has been fundamental to achieve this
objective.'
'Micropoint really is a revolutionary new technology,' says Metal UK Managing
Director Rod Milicevic. 'We believe that this product will take the bolted
glass fixing sector by storm – in terms of the aesthetic impact it
is streets ahead of existing technology. We are also particularly pleased
to be able to demonstrate the full capability of the LMC Group companies
involved in the project – this fits well with our Architectural Intelligence
ethos, supplying a full range of vertically integrated services, from
design to engineering, training and installation.'
Tel: 01895 629940
Email: mailto:enquiries@metaluk.co.uk
Web: http://www.metaluk.co.uk
Lancashire
UPVC Trade Joins Forces with HW Systems
Lancashire
UPVC Trade, a new Bolton based fabricator specialising in the retail sector,
has signed an agreement with HW Systems to fabricate its HW70 suite.
Lancashire UPVC Trade was only formed in April of this year by Mark Rowland
who has 22 years of experience in the glazing industry. 'I have worked
for various companies over the years in both the trade and commercial
sectors and decided that it was time to become my own boss,' explains
Mark.
After working with HW Plastics in his previous company, it made sense
for Mark to carry on the association with his new company. 'Having worked
with the HW Systems brand in the past, I have found the company's service
100 per cent,' concludes Mark. 'The HW70 suite is easy to manufacture
and very installer friendly. With my knowledge of the industry and the
support of HW Plastics, I am confident that Lancashire UPVC Trade will
be able to provide customers with exactly what they want - an unrivalled
service and quality products.' This commitment to quality and service
can already be seen in the company's policy of offering a five day turnaround
and delivery service for customers.
The company currently employs six staff at its 9,500 sq ft offices in
Breightmet, Bolton and already has plans for expansion, which includes
taking on new staff in the near future.
Lancashire UPVC Trade: Tel: 01204 548899
HW Plastics: Tel: 01625 420400
PHOTO CAPTION: From left to right: Neil Selby New Business Manager, HW
Plastics with Peter Snape (Director) and Mark Rowland (Managing Director)
of Lancashire UPVC Trade.
And
then One Day You Find - 10 Years have Got Behind you
Maco
has been established in the UK as a company for just over 16 years, run
by Managing Director Rob Lawrence throughout the whole of that period.
Nine others of his current team join Rob with a long service record, totalling
115 years service between them all.
Throughout the various departments, the Maco ethos prevails, keeping a
team together maintaining the levels of service to the customer, and the
loyalty of the customer to Maco.
Tel: 01795 433900
Email: mailto:maco@macouk.net
Web: http://www.macouk.net
Seen in the photograph are from left to right;
Harry Sutton (10), Sylvia Stopford (12), John Staton (10), Petita Wiles
(11), Rob Lawrence (16), Vivien Norman (10), Mark Edwards (12), Craig
Bryant (13), Dave Smith (11), Peter Rhodes (10).
Vetrotech
Saint-Gobain Adds a Touch of Glass to New Queen
Specialist
glass from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, the manufacturer of fire resisting
glass, is being installed in the largest and most prestigious cruise liner
of all time.
The
£550 million Queen Mary 2 is taking final shape in a French shipyard,
and is set to carry her first fare-paying passengers to Florida next January.
Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is supplying some 1,400 square metres of SGG Pyroswiss
Extra for doorways between passenger cabins and their own external balconies.
The contract was confirmed following extensive and successful fire testing
at the Registo Navale Italiano in Genova.
The new Queen, which is shortly to begin sea trials, is approximately
150,000 gross tons - almost twice the size of her illustrious predecessor.
She'll carry up to 2,620 passengers and 1,254 crew.
The Cunard ship, whose keel was laid in Saint Nazaire in July 2002, will
have 17 decks served by 37 lifts, a lobby with seating for over 1,000
people, 14 bars - with their own micro brewery - five swimming pools and
tennis and basketball courts.
SGG Pyroswiss Extra is a Class A safety glass available in both 6mm and
8mm
thicknesses, providing between 60 and 120 minutes of integrity. It was
chosen because it's made from a unique glass substrate - the first of
its kind developed for fire resistance - which makes it both ultra light
and slim.
The Queen Mary 2, at 345 metres in length, is longer than the Eiffel Tower
is tall and only just smaller than the Empire State Building.
Passengers will travel in seven-star luxury, accommodated in either state
rooms or deluxe penthouse apartments. They'll be able to visit the ship's
570-seat cinema, take tea in the winter garden, buy a few souvenirs in
a large shopping centre or visit the ship's planetarium.
The Queen will have 1,550 miles of electric cable, 80,000 lighting points
and 8,800 loudspeakers, whilst her generators will produce enough electricity
to power a city the size of Southampton, her home port.
SGG Pyroswiss Extra can be incorporated into double glazed units, used
in conjunction with solar control glass types or low emissivity coatings
for increased thermal insulation.
Its light weight and aesthetic qualities, coupled with high mechanical
stability and tempered glass breakage, made it a good choice for this
prestigious contract where such factors as high wind loading also had
to be taken into consideration.
'We were extremely pleased to be specified for this enomously prestigious
contract because it underlines how well our specialist glasses perform,
on land or at sea. With a comprehensive range of glasses to meet all fire
specifications, we have the complete glass solution,' said David Clarkson,
UK managing director, Vetrotech Saint-Gobain.
Tel: 0113 239 1500
Email: mailto:infovsguk@vetrotech.co.uk
Web: http://www.vetrotech.com