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CWG Choice is 'Not a Phoenix' say Directors

New it might be but CWG Choices Ltd, the new trade only supplier of frames to installers has started with a pedigree that is beyond dispute. With a lineage that goes back to 1992, directors Jason Wilder and Philip de Clermont are both highly experienced and known for their fabrication capabilities and business ethics.

As Jason explained, 'In all of our previous twelve years of successful and profitable trading, one of our major objectives was to never let our customers or suppliers down. To a very large extent this objective was achieved, as shown in the company's results in 2003 and 2004 and the subsequent sale of the company.

Both Jason and Philip are vehement that the new operation is not a Phoenix company but a way for them to retrace their steps to what they know trade customers have always wanted. In effect, fair priced quality products delivered on the agreed date and backed up by excellent service.

As Philip commented, 'Our customers and suppliers know us for what we are and are being very supportive. It's a remarkable reflection on the past that customers have offered to help us re-establish the operation and suppliers are very enthusiastic that we were to develop upon our previous success. It's good to be back and to have responsibility for a company and for our own actions'.

A core team of familiar and highly experienced production and sales managers have been chosen to join the company. All are well known for their capabilities and commitment, and are dedicated to providing responsive, friendly and professional pre and after sales service to customers of all sizes.

Philip and Jason have consistently used REHAU as a key supplier of profiles for the fabrication of top performing windows, doors and conservatory frames. Colin Haworth, REHAU's general manager for the Midlands area said, 'We are delighted to continue what was a long and mutually beneficial relationship with Jason and Philip. We wish them well and know from experience they will leave no stone unturned to recreate their previous success and look forward to working with them in the future.

The CWG Choices Ltd operation is based at the Corby site where REHAU Tritec and the popular 70mm S706 profiles are being fabricated. Corby will also be responsible for production of the magnificent Multifold door plus the refined REHAU Heritage suite with its slim interlock and low line glazing for traditional looking sliding sash windows. Aldridge will concentrate on Kömmerling Connoisseur and Shield 70mm profiles plus Global roofs.

G06 Awards Finalists include Mila, Masterframe, Lister and Rockdoor

'The G-Awards are set to be the highlight of the year, as they celebrate the success stories of our industry and emphasise the fact that there are still opportunities for companies to shine despite a difficult market', says finalist Lister Trade Frames, whose comments we run alongside those of other finalists Masterframe, Mila and Rockdoor.

• After taking home the G 05 Awards for Energy Efficiency Initiative and Customer Care, sliding sash specialist Masterframe Windows Ltd has made the finals for Fabricator of the Year 2006.

‘As the replacement casement market founders, vertical sliders is the diversification opportunity for 2006,’ says Alan Burgess, Managing Director of Masterframe, ‘and Masterframe is leading the field. Making the finals for the coveted Fabricator of the Year two years in a row recognises just how far the sector has developed - from a niche area into a fast-growing, mass market with huge potential.

‘With Secured By Design, BBA 'system status' and the only BFRC 'C' rating for sliding sashes we believe we have the highest specification vertical slider available.

‘But it's not just about high quality and design, although that is vital, particularly as the end-users are typically homeowners with period properties. We've represented the window industry at a number of key events, including Ecobuild and conservation and green conferences such as Revive and 14 Days to Save the World.’

This year Masterframe also made the finals of the Plastics Industry Award for Best Environmental and Energy Efficiency Programme and regional finals of the Orange National Business Award for Innovation of the Year.

• Hardware distributor Mila has been shortlisted for the Customer Care Award at this year's G06 Awards. The purpose of the Awards is to ‘recognise individual and corporate achievement at raising and improving the standards, performance and products of the whole industry’ and are the only Awards dedicated to the glass, glazing and fenestration industry.

Commenting on the achievement Mila's Managing Director, Richard Gyde, said: ‘Our Evolution for Distribution initiative to improve customer service has seen us make improvements in many areas. This has been achieved through a focus, throughout the business, on customer service and we're delighted that our efforts have been independently recognised as being amongst the best in the industry. In this we have achieved our short term goals, however we are not content with this, longer term we intend our service to reach world class levels.’

• Last years ‘Fabricator of the Year’ winner, Lister Trade Frames, has been chosen as a finalist in the latest G-06 Awards.

Listers, of Stoke on Trent, is one of the few companies in the UK who are still reporting growth in what is turning out to be another difficult trading year, so has winning last years title helped them to succeed? Mark Warren, Listers MD says that there is no doubt that it has had a positive effect on the company.

‘Wining Fabricator of the Year certainly helped our business. We gained a lot of press coverage and so potential customers were aware of our achievements and what we had to offer. It opened a lot of doors to our sales team and brought us the growth that we are still enjoying today.’

Lister is a Bowater Halo fabricator and offers both its chamfered and sculptured suites fully branded under the Elitis name. The company manufactures the Ultraframe roofing system and it has the largest independent building plastics trade counter in North Staffordshire.

‘Being a finalist again in the G-Awards is a great boost for everyone in the company’ says Mark ‘We all work extremely hard to keep our customers happy and to grow their businesses. So when this gets noticed in the G-Awards it demonstrates to our staff that their efforts are being recognised as outstanding on a national basis, and that’s a great reward.’

The G-Awards are set to be the highlight of the year, as they celebrate the success stories of our industry and emphasise the fact that there are still opportunities for companies to shine despite a difficult market.

• Rockdoor, the composite door manufacturer, has made it through to the finals of the GO6 Award for Specialist of the Year. Mark Simm, Rockdoor's Sales Director comments: ‘We're absolutely delighted to make it to the finals. It's great to get recognition for the work the entire Rockdoor team has been doing over the last year.

‘Installers need products that are specifically designed for the domestic market, not just adaptations from social housing designs. Proven in the marketplace, Rockdoor gives installers a fully guaranteed product within a rapidly increasing market. Weighing seven-and-a-half stone, it combines strength with good looks, and is literally ready to fit. As the market has grown we've invested £2 million in automating the factory for efficient, accurate service.

‘We even have a website for homeowners http://www.rockdoor.com. This shows all the component parts as well as the finished designs and includes a step-by-step guide to choosing your Rockdoor," continues Mark.

‘The whole team is looking forward to the night. If we take home the prize, we'll use it to open up new opportunities for our customers.’

'Exceptional Talent' Takes Four To The Final Of The Bohle Glass Student Awards

With such a high level of quality submissions entered into the Bohle Glass Student of the Year Awards - with the Winner to be announced at the G06 Awards ceremony on September 15th - the judging panel has had its work cut out selecting four finalists out of the 12 candidates who made it onto the much-coveted shortlist. Facing the challenge head on, the final four were chosen for their outstanding ability in glass manipulation and design.

The four submissions that caught the judges' attention were selected for their overall processing skills, quality of finish and originality, all of which were deemed exceptional. The students that have reached the Final are:

Wendy Barker
University College Falmouth
Taking inspiration from the sea, Wendy's sculpture titled Beyond was made up of over 30 individual pieces all of which were cut, grosed, sandblasted, polished by cold working, acid etched and cleaned. Even though Bullseye Glass and Float Glass are considered incompatible, Wendy managed to fuse the six pieces together to create an attractive wave that focuses on the transparency and colour of the sea.

Chris Edwards
Richmond Adult Community College
Chris' sculpture, Empty Vessel, was inspired by a lone figure sitting under an underpass submerged in a parker and blanket shell. 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 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.

Nick Hazzard
Richmond Adult Community College
Nick's sculpture 'Hokey Cokey' was developed around an Aboriginal theme. Made up of seven individual pieces, Nick layered and fused 3mm Bullseye glass sheets together while overlaying lampworked stringers to create the patterns on the pieces.

June Kingsbury
Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College
Produced by blowing a glass disc, June's piece, Wardrobe Stories, comprised two glass colours, transparent grey and pale opaque, that were cast into a refractory mould containing an impression of a dress. This child's dress forms part of a series of work exploring the basic concept of 'journey'.

Commenting on the selected finalists' work, Bohle's UK Managing Director and Glass Student of the Year judge Gary Dean said: 'Each project submission is a testament to the dedication and commitment the students in the final four have to their craft, highlighting their knowledge in glass processing and underlying their exceptional talent. These four have shown a complete understanding of glass manipulation across the board and have managed to produce some truly outstanding pieces that we, the judges, have enjoyed looking at. Each submission offers something completely different, and whoever the winner maybe, we at Bohle would like to wish each finalist the best of luck and firmly believe that each one has a promising career in glass ahead of them.'

To be announced at this years G Awards, held at the Metropole Hotel, adjacent to the National Exhibition Centre (NEC), the winner will receive a £1,000 cash prize, an all expenses paid three-day trip to Glasstec and a visit to the Bohle headquarters in Germany.

AB Glass Thanked by Prince of Wales for Supporting Reservists

AB Glass (Doors & Windows) Ltd of Swansea was recognised for its support of members of the Reserve Forces at a reception hosted by HRH the Prince of Wales at his Clarence House residence on Wednesday 19th July 2006.

Alan and Petra Brayley Directors of AB Glass, were among more than 50 employers from across the UK who attended the reception. Their son Christian Brayley was a regular soldier who served in Kosovo and after leaving the Army became a reservist. Christian who is now a Director with AB Glass was called up as a reservist in 2003 to serve in Iraq and through the appeals process was relieved from going owing to the importance of his role within the company. Alan Brayley Managing Director of AB Glass said SaBRE was fantastic with the appeal and understood completely the pressures and difficulties employers have in situations like ours; the support we got from them was invaluable.

Thanking them for their continuing support of Reservist employees, particularly those who have experienced mobilisation, The Prince of Wales said: 'The Reserve Forces are vital as an integral part of the Armed Forces. Releasing valuable employees for mobilisation can place a considerable burden on employers and I would like to express my appreciation to the companies involved. There is an enormous debt that is owed to employers.

Alan Brayley of AB Glass said 'We are proud to support our Reservists. They perform a crucial role for the nation and the skills and experience they gain makes them valuable employees who enhance our company. We give them our full support'.

Tim Corry, Campaign Director of SaBRE (Supporting Britain’s Reservists and Employers) said: 'Mobilisation can be a time of concern for Reservists and employers alike. Having the support of their employer makes a huge difference to Reservists. SaBRE’s role is to listen to employers’ concerns, relay these to the MOD, and support employers by providing information on the benefits, rights and obligations associated with employing a member of the Volunteer Reserve Forces'.

Under Secretary of State for Defence Tom Watson said: 'We owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to our Reserve Forces, who do a tremendous job in often difficult circumstances. Their contribution to recent UK missions including Iraq and Afghanistan has been outstanding. However this would not have been possible without the support of employers who agree to release their employees for operations as well as routine training, and I would like to pay tribute to the leadership that they all offer. It is clear that in turn they recognise the additional skills and experience that Reservists can bring back to their workplace.'

Alan Brayley {centre} presented with his certificate from SaBRE by The Under Secretary of State for Defence Tom Watson {Left} and Major General The Duke of Westminster Assistant Chief of the Defence Staff Reservist and Cadets.


Alan and Petra Brayley talking with The Price of Wales at Clarence house after the presentation.

Bohle Moves Glasstec to Cheshire!

Want to see the latest glass processing tools and machinery but can't make it to Glasstec this year? Can't afford to spend days away in Düsseldorf because your time and resources are limited? Well for those of you who are unable to go to Glasstec, Germany's international glass trade fair, Bohle Ltd is opening up its doors to showcase the very latest range of products it has to offer as requested by it customers.

Held on Friday 6th of October 2006, Bohle will be exhibiting a wealth of machines and tools to match any requirement at its UK head office based in Cheshire. The range of machines on show will include straight line edgers, glass belt machines, automatic drilling machines, vacuum lifters and upright diamond edgers but to name a few, coupled with full working demonstrations of all equipment on show.

Commenting on the open day Bohle's UK managing director, Gary Dean said: ‘This is the ideal opportunity for our customers to see the very latest range of equipment we have to offer first hand, and most importantly local to them! We now have a wide variety of machines and tools to match any glass processing requirement, ranging from smaller compact and economical machines for small glass shops, right up to heavy duty capital machines.’

Dedicated to delivering unsurpassable customer service, Bohle patrons have been asked to fill out a customer survey satisfaction form before attending the event. This will not only allow Bohle to gather important feedback and its clients honest opinions about the service and the products they offer, but also enable them to make crucial developments and improvements across the board. Customers who return the forms before the event will automatically be placed into a prize draw, where they can win a Pico Drill 100, complete with drill bit and coolant worth £700, a bottle of champagne and a luxury food hamper.

Says Gary: ‘Getting our customers' feedback is extremely important to us. It is our mission to deliver exactly what the market requires and in order to do this we listen to what they want. This open day will not only allow our customers to scrutinise our products, but also voice their opinions face to face and that is extremely important to us in order to move forward.’

If you would like further information on the open day, please contact Bohle on: 0161 3421100.

Edgetech Celebrates One Billion Feet of Super Spacer®

Edgetech UK's global parent company, Edgetech IG Inc produced its billionth foot of Super Spacer®, on July 24th. The company is one of the world's largest manufacturers of warm edge spacer systems, and the billionth foot was produced for Oregon-based Jeld-Wen Windows & Doors.

‘It's a milestone for entire company,’ says Andy Jones, Edgetech UK's Sales Director and General Manager. ‘While our warm edge technology is transforming the UK market, this proves the rest of the world is just as convinced of its benefits.’

An Edgetech partner for eight years, Jeld-Wen recently installed two fully automated Super Spacer lines. According to Martin Seier, Jeld-Wen Canada General Manager, Corporate Services, the partnership has saved the company millions in after-sales service.

Seier comments: ‘Considering we have the worst weather extremes in Winnipeg [Canada], this was a no-brainer - Edgetech was the only solution. Now Super Spacer is our standard.’

Edgetech's President Mike Hovan assists Lauren International Chairman Dale Foland in cutting the billionth foot of Super Spacer®. Gerhard Reichert and Larry Johnson of Edgetech look on.

Edgetech IG Inc.'s Executive Vice-President Larry Johnson and Regional Sales Manager Erin Barker presented the 1-billionth foot in a commemorative shadow box to Seier and Jeld-Wen Winnipeg General Manager Tod Blanchard at a celebration held July 27th at their Winnipeg facility.

According to Blanchard, installing the automated Super Spacer line was key in Jeld-Wen's decision to increase its warranty programme. ‘We currently offer a 20-year package. Given the high performance Super Spacer provides, we've decided to extend that to a lifetime warranty.’

Just how long is one billion feet? Edgetech employees did some research and learned that they could wrap the leading warm edge spacer around the earth more than seven times. Super Spacer can be found in more than 100 million insulating glass units - or 50-60 million windows - in as many as 60 countries.

Tel: 02476 705570

Chiltern Dynamics Warns of Tough New PAS 24 Tests

The new clauses added to PAS 24 have without doubt made testing for doorsets more rigorous, to ensure they are fit for purpose as enhanced security doorsets, said Chiltern Dynamics Engineer Paul Andrews. 'Since being tested under the new requirements, a significant number of door leaf and lock designs have shown themselves to be vulnerable to attack from the opportunist burglar.'

The additional test clauses are A.11 Security hardware and cylinder test (to assess the door furniture, hardware and cylinder resistance under manual attack) and A.5.4 Manual cutting test (using Stanley knife, paint scrapers and chisels to gain entry by making an aperture in the infill panel or fabric of the door leaf). The tests were introduced into PAS 24, it is understood, in response to break-ins using the methods now addressed in the new tests.

Mr Andrews added, 'Doors which have previously passed PAS 24 requirements are now failing, because these aspects were not included in the original testing regime. A Stanley knife is an effective tool and can, in combination with the other specified tools, breach even an apparently solid door in less than the three minutes prescribed by the test. All it needs in some cases is a hole big enough for the attacker to put an arm through to unlock the door from the inside.'

To pass the manual cutting test, some door manufacturers of enhanced security doors have had to rethink their designs and the materials used, Mr Andrews added. 'It is however a level playing field for everyone and manufacturers of security doors are returning with improved products and successfully passing the tests.'

The security hardware test has shown that within the prescribed three minutes a door handle can be removed and the locking cylinder by-passed to allow a would-be burglar to gain entry. 'This has been easier for industry to address, as hardware manufacturers have been developing ranges of robust hardware to remove the vulnerability and help doors pass this test.

Chiltern Dynamics' sister company BM TRADA Certification Ltd operates a third-party Q-Mark Enhanced Security door scheme that meets the requirements of PAS 24, which in turn is incorporated into the police initiative 'Secured By Design' (SBD) for social housing developments. 'Q-Mark members have to submit their products for re-testing under PAS 24 every other year and we are addressing with them the issues thrown up by the two new tests,' said Mr Andrews.

Another change in the standard which manufacturers will welcome is that testing has been extended to double leaf doorsets, where previously only single leaf doors were covered. 'Chiltern Dynamics was doing ad hoc testing of double doors before this amendment, so it is good to have it formalised,' Mr Andrews confirmed.

For more information contact Paul Andrews on 01494 569800 or email pandrews@chilternfire.co.uk.

Expansion of Solaglas' National Distribution Centre

Solaglas Sittingbourne, which has supplied the UK market with laminated glass for over 30 years, has been re-structured to manufacture and/or supply a vastly extended range of laminated and also monolithic products in flexible quantities.

The monolithic products include many of the specialist 'design' glasses which are used to create real visual impact. This significantly improved availability is good news for the market. Companies can be supplied with stock sheets and processed product via their local Solaglas branch, or with stock sheets and processed product directly from Sittingbourne subject to volume. The types of products now available in these flexible quantities include: all ten SGG PLANILAQUE® (lacquered glass) colours; the SGG MASTERGLASS® contemporary patterned range; the various colours of the mirrored, acid-etched SGG SATINOVO® CONTRAST; the thicker SGG SATINOVO® products (10 -15mm); and SGG DIAMANT® low-iron glass (4 -19mm).

In addition to the well established specialist laminates, such as SGG STADIP COLOR® and SGG STADIP SILENCE®, Solaglas Sittingbourne is now also manufacturing bullet and blast resistant laminated glass.

Download a PDF version of the brochure here

Solaglas Sittingbourne: 01795 421 534
Email: solaglas.msn@saint-gobain-glass.com
Web: http://www.solaglas.co.uk

Norscot Joinery Sizes Up with Veka Matrix 70

Having used the Veka Matrix 58mm profile for a number of years, Scottish based Norscot Joinery has switched production totally to Veka’s Matrix 70mm system.

'The change to 70mm is across the board, with all of our PVCu frames now manufactured with this option,' explains Commercial Director, Callum Grant. 'The decision was made to allow us more scope in design and more flexibility with our ranges.'With a reputation within the industry as one of the most versatile profiles on the market, less than 40 profiles can be used to create virtually any style or design of windows and doors in any kind of building. The fully integrated PVC-U system with a fully integrated design is the result of massive investment in development, tooling and extrusion technology.

'We have a commitment to our customers, which range from domestic, retail, trade and local authority market sectors, to provide components that are of the highest quality and that meet all the requirements for quality and safety,' continues Mr. Grant. 'Veka has always been at the forefront of product and market development and provides us with the technology to continuously upgrade our product ranges to suit the ever changing market demands.'

Norscot produces a range of PVCu windows and doors in white, cherrywood and rosewood finishes, in casement, top swing and tilt and turn options. To promote and distribute its products throughout Caithness, the company owns a purpose built showroom, sales office and storage facility on the Carse Industrial Estate in Inverness. Norscot Joinery operates throughout Scotland, manufacturing and distributing a range of windows, doors and conservatories. The company operates from a 25,000sq ft factory, with incorporated office space and an all product showroom. The factory is equipped with sophisticated computer controlled machinery which helps produce the widest range of building components and related products available from a single source anywhere in Scotland.

Cooltemper Worldwide Success

Cooltemper has received an order for the first continuous tempering furnace in Europe from Saint Gobain. Though Cooltemper has continuous plants in Asia, this will be the first to be installed in Europe and will go into a purpose built factory in Poland.

This plant is capable of producing over 2000 pieces of appliance glass per hour, most of which are either coated or silkscreen printed.

Cooltemper is rapidly coming to the forefront of the Tempering Industry with offices and service centres throughout Europe and the USA. Cooltemper machines range from small oscillating plants to double and continuous furnaces.

With the amount of building work going on in Dubai and the whole of the Middle East, it is hardly surprising that the demand for toughened glass has increased dramatically. Dubai is no stranger to using curtain wall systems and is proudly building the tallest building in the world and it is covered in glass.

Cooltemper has recognised the requirement and now has an office in Dubai. This is primarily to support the 2 machines that are being installed there at present but Dave Raven, Managing Director of Cooltemper, has no doubt that future orders from the whole of the Middle East are imminent.

Cooltemper is being recognised worldwide and the company have machines in over 63 countries. The opening of this latest office in Dubai follows the opening of offices in Ankara, Turkey and Atlanta in the USA.

For further details contact:
Cooltemper
Tel: 01274 615550

Edgetech Lobbies Government - Letter to the Prime Minister

The following is a letter sent by Andy Jones of Edgetech to the Prime Minister, to promote the Window Energy Ratings. It was also sent to Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government Ruth Kelly, and Environment Secretary David Miliband.

Dear Mr Blair

In your interview with BBC Radio 1 (Monday 7 August), you said that if each household had three energy-saving light bulbs, '[we] would save...the equivalent [energy] of all the street lighting in Britain.'

We could save even more by choosing energy saving windows, which as you know are now energy rated like fridges and white goods. But most people aren't aware that these windows are available - let alone how to source them. And there are no Government incentives to buy.

The energy saved by choosing between a 'B' rated window over an 'E' rated one can be as much as (if not more than) the difference between single and double glazing.

But current legislation only calls for our windows to be 'E' Rated for replacements, and 'D' Rated for new build.

According to the Energy Saving Trust, a household fitting the minimum 'C' rated Energy Saving Recommended windows in place of standard windows can typically cut carbon dioxide emissions by over half a tonne per year. This is a huge saving, as 20% of the heat lost from an average home occurs through the windows.
'C' rated windows are now offered at little or no extra cost to homeowners, or the Government - and the technology is readily available.

If all of the 25.6 million homes in the UK replaced their windows with Energy Saving Recommended ones, you could reduce carbon emissions by up to 12.8 million tonnes a year... and every year thereafter. The latest 'A' rated windows are even more energy efficient - with corresponding savings on carbon emissions and household energy bills.

Carbon audits just aren't enough. Cutting VAT on windows and indeed all Energy Saving Recommended products will encourage take-up and make a real difference to the UK's carbon emissions and energy bills. This would reduce our dependency on imported gas and oil.

Specifying 'C' or higher rated windows in Building Regulations for all properties - including new build and existing housing stock - would help even more.

As you say, this is an urgent issue. Why are we heating the world instead of our homes, when Greenland's ice sheets are melting at an 'ever-faster rate' (as reported by the Financial Times, 11.08.09) and temperatures hit 100 degrees Fahrenheit this summer? What more are we waiting for?

Yours sincerely

Andy Jones
Sales Director and General Manager
Edgetech UK
02476 705570
07968 952429

cc Rt. Hon Ruth Kelly Secretary of State for Communities and Local
Government

cc Rt. Hon David Miliband Environment Secretary

Business Slams New £37bn EU Goods Transport Plan

The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) recently hit out at a European Union draft Regulation on enhancing supply chain security. The proposal, should it be approved, will cost small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across all sectors 55 billion Euros (£37 billion) without any clear benefits.

The European Commission‚s proposal aims to protect freight transport by road, rail and inland waterways against terrorist attacks. The proposal is that member states should be obliged to create a 'quality label' for security. Firms can subsequently be granted the status of 'secure operator' but, to be recognised as such, they must prove that there are no security gaps in their areas of responsibility. This will include screening employees and costly audits.
The proposal foresees a voluntary phase running from 2006-2008 after which it would become compulsory.

The regulation would apply not only to goods coming in to the EU from abroad or travelling between EU member states but to items being transported within one country. Therefore, even small firms taking their products from Leeds to London would be affected. It would also affect businesses across all sectors from manufacturing to retail because each is a step in the supply chain from factory to shop.

However, the passenger transport system is the weak link in the chain, as demonstrated in the past and again in recent days. The business community is keen to play its part in fighting terrorism but does not support disproportionate action that will have a huge impact for little return. This is even more so when law-makers do not have the courage to propose a similar draconian system on passenger transport.

It is due to be discussed on the fourth of September by the Council of Ministers where the FSB hopes it will be rejected. However, the proposal is being fast-tracked and the FSB fears that this will increase the likelihood of it being poorly implemented, hitting businesses very hard.

Tina Sommer, FSB European Affairs Chairman, said:
'When British businesses, especially manufacturers, are competing against firms from the Far East or the US the last thing they need is disproportionate EU legislation like this as a millstone around their neck.

'The FSB is very concerned that the struggle to defeat terrorism, which we all of course support, is being misused to create a heavy-handed and bureaucratic system that will put many people out of work without actually increasing security.

'A founding principle of the EU is the free movement of goods and people. This proposal threatens to put a huge number of firms out of business, put up costs to the consumer and increase red tape on other companies. It also directly contradicts this founding principle of the EU with no tangible benefit. It must be dropped immediately.'

Web: http://www.fsb.org.uk

HOPPE (UK) and Synseal Join Forces

HOPPE (UK), the supplier of door and window hardware, has announced a new partnership with Synseal. In a statement Stewart Lamb, National Sales Manager for the Door & Window Division of HOPPE (UK), says that window, door and conservatory fabricators and installers can now combine cutting edge hardware with one of the UK's most popular profile.

‘HOPPE is delighted to be working with Synseal, one of the leading window, door and conservatory companies in our industry, and in a market as highly competitive as ours, products and brands with a proven track record will be picked first. Both companies have a great pedigree which, put together, will allow customers to trade on instantly recognisable names. With homeowners demanding increased quality and flexibility from their installers, the ability to offer handles with a 10 year guarantee, in a wide range of finishes will be vital. The brass and chrome finishes on the flagship Tôkyô handle, which will be supplied to Synseal, will also come with a 10 year surface guarantee. The combination of the wide colour range of the profile and the contempory styled hardware will give fabricators and installers the best chance of staying ahead of demand and boosting their bottom lines.’

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

SWC Appointed Sub Stockist for Eurocell Building Plastics

SWC Trade Frames Ltd in Scarborough has been awarded sub stockist status from PVC-u manufacturer Eurocell Building Plastics (EBP). This makes SWC an official stockist of EBP's extensive range of building plastics products such as soffit, fascia, and capping board, architrave and skirting, and gives the company the support of a nationwide PVC-u manufacturer.

Eurocell Building Plastics has more than 71 trade depots nationwide. Adding a respected sub stockist like SWC is key to bringing more access to EBP's products in areas like Scarborough where EBP does not have a trade counter. SWC's customers' will benefit by gaining access to more products through a committed supplier - ensuring consistency of supply.

Owner and Managing Director Paul Richings originally founded the company in 1989. At this time the company sold, manufactured, delivered and installed PVCu products to the public in the domestic market. In 1995 SWC moved towards supplying the trade sector and since then has continuously invested in new machinery and staff exceeding all expansion expectations; growing from a small local company into a large regional company serving a vast market reaching between Lincolnshire to the Scottish border.

Paul Richings comments: ‘Becoming a sub stockist for Eurocell Building Plastics products is a great way for SWC to continue to expand our market share and increase the number of products we can offer our customers.

‘We're committed to driving our business forward and supporting our customers. We're in our seventeenth year and during that time we have increased our sales to around 1000 frames each week plus 30 conservatory roofs.

‘Over the years we have built loyalty through trust and have invested in relationships based on being responsive and flexible - to best meet our customers' needs. We have an 'in business together' training programme that is purpose designed to support our customers individual business needs and that also endorses our company philosophy of 'building the future together' in partnership with others’.

Earlier this year SWC consolidated its operations onto one site to maximise efficiency. In a market place that is constantly changing, SWC's strategy is to keep its customers in front with innovative products, consistent service standards and competitive prices.

Everest Commercial Division – Growth Business

Everest says that it has long been recognised as the brand leader in the domestic home improvement markets so whilst the Everest Group’s venture into the commercial market is still relatively young, the Company’s performance since its launch in 2000 is impressive.

Everest Commercial now regularly provides solutions for major contract partners nation-wide, satisfying all product requirements with a range that includes a variety of frames and glazing options in PVC-u, aluminum and wood, composite entrance doors, roofline, cladding and curtain walling. It’s a comprehensive product catalogue that can satisfy all requirements of any major contractors.

In the 5 years to date, Everest Commercial, originally a start-up operation with just five full-time staff has grown to a 23-strong team with an average annual revenue growth of 65% per annum. This growth has echoed the increasing scale of the division’s contracts and has required an exponential increase of facilities, staff and the consequent training and administration. The appointment of Everest Commercial as a prime supply partner for Land Securities Trillium - the UK’s leading provider of property outsourcing solutions - with an expected turnover generation of £2.0m per annum is a major landmark for the Division. That, the ongoing relationships with BAA, Metropolitan Housing Trust and the continued development of the relationship with ROK Llewellyn, provides the assured revenue streams that will enable yet further growth and consolidation of the Division.

2006 sees the continued expansion with production of SAPA’s Dualframe aluminum products beginning at the factory in Treherbert. This key development gives commercial division the best products in its class and means that Everest will now be able to satisfy over 85% of Commercial sales with in-house manufactured products and ensure the high level of control and quality that Commercial and its partners require.
 
Dualframe casement and sliding windows will be introduced August 2006 and the topswing reversible window will be come on-stream at the year-end to complete the product suite. All this makes Commercial a rare national business capable of offering a full product range in a wide range of materials including PVCu, Aluminum and Timber. The product is backed-up with a 24/7, 365 days per year customer service programme developed in alongside the overall strategy for Everest to offer a superior product and customer service package, with the back up of the best guarantees in the industry and the support of the biggest brand.

Since September 2005, Commercial sales growth has lead to the recruitment of a third surveyor and sixth contracts manager to cover the north east & west of the country has been put into place. Continual improvement of systems in the surveying department mean better improved on-site surveying time, savings which are in turn passed onto the customer with improved schedules.

'Our commitment is to offer a surveying service within two weeks from receipt of a purchase order, thereby ensuring product is placed into manufacture quicker,' says Craig Forder, Commercial Manager. 'Within four weeks the product begins arriving on site where our operations team commences the programme.'

Everest Commercial focuses on four main markets - Schools, New Build, Key Clients and General Commercial. This enables the sales and marketing arm of the Company to focus on clear objectives and target accordingly; another reason for the great performance.

'Our growing reputation has been enhanced by the recent release of our new range of literature, brochures, and web site,' says National BDM, Bob Johnson. Not surprising then, that this has resulted in a huge increase in enquiry levels. 'To meet this growing demand meant our estimating team had to be strengthened and we’re growing all the time.'

It’s a very positive picture as Everest Commercial continues to grow apace. The final word comes from Head of Commercial, Glen Swatman: 'Our growth plans for Everest Commercial are ambitious, just like the growth plans for Everest as a whole; however I have no doubt that with the team and strategy that we have in place, these will be readily achieved.'

For more information on Everest Commercial, visit http://www.everestcommercial.co.uk

Freefoam Invests in New Build/Public Sector

Freefoam Plastics, a manufacturer of quality approved environmentally friendly roofline and rainwater systems, has announced two significant investments to further expand its business in the new build, specification and public sector markets.

Firstly, Dean Richards has been appointed National New Build & Specification Manager. Dean spent the last 5 years working with Celuform Ltd where he was responsible for the development of business in the new build and specification sector.

He worked closely with stockists and distributors and was successful at procuring solus supply agreements with major house builders. He has been working closely with house builders for 20 years on different products and in doing so has built up strong relationships with a variety of individuals in the industry.

Dean comments 'I believe that I have joined an independent company in Freefoam Plastics with a great potential to grow within the new build and specification sector and I am looking forward positively, with a rapidly growing company, to the challenge ahead.'

Secondly, Freefoam’s recent acquisition of the Permacell product range significantly widens the range of window trims and related products that Freefoam can offer to the market. Both of these initiatives represent significant investments by Freefoam to further expand the company's business in the new build, specification and public sector markets.

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

A Quality Partnership for Pilkington and Banaglaze

Value and quality are the ingredients to the successful 20-year partnership between Pilkington Building Products - UK and Banaglaze Window Systems. The uninterrupted stretch is remarkable in any industry, but for these two companies to enjoy such a relationship in the glazing sector is a cause for celebration.

The Buckinghamshire-based company had been trading for just four years before it partnered with Pilkington. Since they started working together in 1986, Banaglaze MD Ian Leigh says they have been providing customers with value and quality, the secret to the two-decade success. The Chesham company specialises in window and conservatory installations, sold on word of mouth recommendations.

He comments: 'Banaglaze has been in existence for 24 years and our relationship with Pilkington has been pretty much constant. Even in the recent tough times, we've seen a significant growth in our sales and the help and assistance we‚ve received from Pilkington Sealed Units at Oldbury has been a key factor. On the technical side the service we receive is unequalled and the products are excellent quality.'

Banaglaze has remained ahead of the game because of its refusal to compromise on service, quality or price. Ian continues: 'We take a strategic and methodical approach to our business. We aim for the top end of the market and we emphasise added value, whether it is in the product offering or service. We put a lot of stock in new developments and innovations. We used Pilkington K Glass as standard for 10 years before legislation forced other companies to upgrade their offer, we've been heavily involved in promoting Pilkington Activ and we are working on offering a Window Energy Rating compliant unit as standard. We are very positive about the future and we look forward to working with Pilkington for many years yet.'

David Storer, Pilkington Building Products-UK IGU sales development manager, comments: 'Pilkington Sealed Units is proud of the partnership with Banaglaze. They have worked hard to establish a reputation that is associated with quality and reliability. We enjoy an open and honest relationship with them and any issues we have are discussed frankly and resolved quickly. In a tough climate for window companies, Banaglaze has created a blueprint for success.'

Further information can be obtained by contacting Pilkington Building Products - UK by sending an email to pilkington@respond.uk.com or by calling 01744 692000.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Nippon Sheet Glass buys Ashton's FastTrak Arrissing Line and HWPRO Washer

A prestigious contract indeed for Ashton Industrial. World leading glass manufacturer NSG has specified Ashton Industrial's FastTrak system for its Tokyo plant, combined with the HWPRO high performance stainless steel washer and automatic corner dubbing units.

Corner dubbing is performed by special driven flipper arms carrying diamond belts, which sense the glass' presence and just touch the sharp corners before flipping away; a simple yet very effective solution which increases yields when processing thin glass, by relieving the pointed corner that remains after arrissing.

Panes are processed at the rate of over 3000 pieces per shift.

Since NSG has acquired Pilkington Glass, there are now 3 Ashton lines operating in the group.

KEB Puts Glassex Team Through its Paces

On a day when high temperature records were being broken all over the UK, Social Housing refurbishment specialists KEB Fabrications played host to the sales team from Glassex.

With temperatures outside hitting 36 degrees centigrade, Mark Green and Daniel McAlpin of Glassex found themselves working over welding equipment operating at 240 degrees centigrade after taking up a challenge from KEB Managing Director, Lawrence Breakspear to visit the company and make windows. Lawrence Breakspear explained: ‘I had been critical of the way Glassex seemed to have distanced itself from the sharp end of the industry in recent years so I challenged them to get their hands dirty and have a go at making windows themselves. To their credit, they took up the gauntlet and though I won’t be offering them a fabricators job just yet, they really threw themselves into it.’

Under close supervision Mark and Daniel were manufacturing high tolerance pivot windows, part of a major Birmingham tower block refurbishment contract, which KEB Fabrications were recently awarded. Glassex Head of Sales, Dave Broxton says that the day had very serious intentions: ‘This is part of an ongoing process that we have now put in place to ensure our team understands the real issues of the industry they serve, from a practical point of view. It is our intention to get members of the Glassex and Glass Processing & Technology teams visiting fabricators, IG companies and glass processors over the next few months as part of our commitment to engage with the industries we serve and to improve their market knowledge.’

Commenting on the day, Glassex Sales Executive, Mark Green said: ‘I now have a much greater appreciation for the skill of the employees and the technology that goes into manufacturing windows and sealed units. It has also been useful to see how various products fit into the supply chain. All in all it has been a valuable experience, despite the heat. We have also learned a great deal about the issues facing fabricators, all of which will help us to offer accurate advice to companies thinking of exhibiting at Glassex and GP&T.’

Details of Glassex can be found at http://www.glassex.com and for information on KEB’s products visit http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk.

AG Glass Supports Lister with 'A', 'B' or 'C'

AG Glass has been working with Lister Trade Frames to offer energy rated windows that carry an 'A', 'B' or 'C' rating and now the Stoke-based fabricator is supplying a 'C' rated window as standard.

Throughout the industry leading fabricators have been looking at not only testing a window within the parameters of the energy ratings but offering one as a standard product. Mark Warren, managing director at Lister Trade Frames comments: ‘We have been working with AG Glass for a while now and the company’s expertise and ability to consistently supply a quality energy efficient IG unit has been exceptional. We are now supplying a 'C' rated window as standard, thanks to AG.’

John Spiby, managing director at AG Glass adds: ‘We are working with a number of leading fabricators to offer energy rated windows. Our experience and understanding of the issues in energy ratings has proven invaluable to our customers and any fabricator looking to offer such a product should come and speak to us.’

With a commitment from the Energy Savings Trust and adoption of the scheme from the Glass and Glazing Federation, the energy rated window is likely to become the norm sooner than many people may think.

Contact AG Glass:
Tel: 01226 356500
Email: john.spiby@ag-glass.co.uk

EAG Scoops Kilburn College Contract

English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has clinched a contract worth £736,000 from Mansell Construction Services Ltd to carry out external envelope work at Kilburn College of North West London.

The contract forms part of a major new build project worth £5m. As the specialist glazing contractor on site, EAG will be installing a combination of its own bespoke systems alongside products from Schuco. These include windows, doors, curtain walling, louvres and rainscreens.

Work is due to begin on site later this month [August] with completion scheduled for the end of the year.

DHF Opens its Doors to Door, Shutter and Hardware Visitors

The first ever Conference and Expo for the door, shutter and hardware sectors will take place in Loughborough on Thursday, September 28th. Its organisers, the Door & Hardware Federation, says the event will showcase best practice in the sector and it expects a large number of visitors throughout the day.

They will be able to visit a variety of trade stands. They will also attend be able to attend workshops which cover a wide variety of hot topics, including the latest legislation which is impacting on the industry, a guide to the latest fire door hardware, and the repair and maintenance of doors and shutters.

The DHF represents more than 90 per cent of the key players in industrial and commercial doors & shutters and garage doors and also represents the leading UK manufacturers of building hardware and architectural ironmongery.

In previous years the DHF has held a trade show for its members alongside its annual meeting. But this year, for the first time, the event has been greatly extended in scope and non DHF members are being invited to attend.

Said DHF chief executive Ian Wood: 'The expansion of the event, and opening it out to non members, reflects the increasing importance of the metal door and hardware industries within the construction sector.'

The DHF Conference and Expo will be held in the conference area at Loughborough University's Sir Denis Rooke Building, Holywell Park on Thursday, September 28th from 9 am to 3 pm. Entrance is free. A buffet lunch will be available for all delegates.

At the event there will be more than 25 exhibitors, ranging from lockmakers to door security producers, who will be manning their stands throughout the day. In addition there will be a number of free workshops that delegates can attend.
Workshop topics include domestic fire safety, fire door certification, the benefits of CE marking garage doors under the Construction Products Directive, fire door hardware, access for the disabled, working at heights, employment law, repair and maintenance, anti fall back devices and power operated driveway gates.

Said Mr Wood: 'We are facing an increasing number of challenges, in particular legislative challenges, but they actually offer us greater commercial opportunities. Legal changes put the onus of risk onto the building owner or occupier, and this presents opportunities to our members who offer certified and CE marked products.

'The DHF Conference and Expo is an opportunity for us to showcase best practice within our industry and we are confident it will attract a large number of visitors.'

Door & Hardware Federation
Tel: 01827 52337
Web: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk

Drawn Metal Purchases Elumatec SBZ122

Elumatec has supplied Drawn Metal Ltd with its SBZ122 CNC profile machining centre for the company’s aluminium product range. Drawn Metal Ltd is one of the country’s foremost manufacturer of doors, windows and bespoke architectural metalwork components. Manufacturing with a variety of metals, the company’s long term plans included expansion into the aluminium market and for this purpose, Drawn Metal purchased the SBZ122 from Elumatec.

‘We wanted to improve our position in the aluminium marketplace,’ comments Richard Marflitt from Drawn Metal. ‘The SBZ122 was specified together with other equipment from Elumatec to help us realise this and so far, we have seen significantly improved throughout and sales for our aluminium products which range from lightweight doors and windows to heavy duty products. The decision to invest in this technology was down to a number of considerations, including cost and space availability. We wanted a machine that would easily fit into the daily operation of our factory and that would perform the task required efficiently and reliably.'

Manufacturing mostly to the retail and construction industry, Drawn Metal operates from one factory site in Leeds and a major issue in installing the SBZ122 was its ease of installation, without disrupting the routine of any of the other equipment in place. The machine centre was quickly and efficiently installed and fully operational within a short space of time.

The SBZ122 has enabled Drawn Metal to produce its frames faster for its market sectors, and supported by Elumatec’s software package that accommodates the latest serial and parallel interfaces for online connection, barcode scanner, modem and label printer, its operation could not be easier.

‘The installation of the SBZ122 has enabled us to consolidate our position within the aluminium profile market,’ continues Mr Marflitt. ‘The investment into the dedicated machinery has been well worth it in terms of cost effectiveness and the efficiency of the machine over the past 18 months has been unquestionable. The profile machine centre saves time and man power and is thoroughly reliable in doing what it is intended to do, which is produce aluminium frames for the fenestration market.’

Web: http://www.elumatec.com

MyGlassClass.com Serves Needs of Architectural Glass Segment

The National Glass Association (NGA) announced recently that member company Tubelite Inc. has become the first subscriber to its new on-line training programme, MyGlassClass.com. Tubelite, based in Reed City, MI, is a leader in architectural aluminium, specialising in storefront systems, entrances and curtainwall.

'Securing Tubelite as our first subscriber is an extremely significant step for MyGlassClass.com,' said David Walker, NGA Vice President for Association Services. 'It highlights the reality that our on-line system is comprehensive enough to serve multiple segments of the glass industry.'

MyGlassClass.com was launched last month and offers dozens of courses specifically designed for both the auto and flat glass industry, ranging from safety instruction to professional development to industry certification. It was developed in partnership with leaders in the glass industry and will be continually updated and enhanced to reflect industry needs, with more than 100 course offerings planned for the first year.

'There is simply nothing else out there as comprehensive and accessible as MyGlassClass.com. It is an impressive product that we believe will be particularly useful in jump-starting the training of new employees,' said Steve DeYoung, Tubelite's technical director.

For more information on MyGlassClass.com, contact the NGA's Debi Schneider at 703/442-4890, ext 126.

Web: http://www.glass.org

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