Test
results: Fact or fiction?
There has been an alarming trend recently of suppliers attempting to confuse
the industry with so-called independent test results that are at best
meaningless, and at worst outright distortions of the facts, David Ballinger
Managing Director, UK Fastener writes to THE GL@ZINE.
What is most alarming is that these reports have appeared in articles
in a number of respected trade journals without the normal disclaimers.
They have been presented as fact, whereas they are at best one side of
a debate. Some are quite misleading.
Window companies and specifiers have a right to know how products perform
in independent tests because their reputations - and sometimes more than
their reputations - are at stake. This is particularly true for vital
components like fasteners. They also expect to be able to distinguish
between a company's promotional claims and test results or factual assessments
of the performance of their own and competing products.
Over the last year or so I have read fastener tests from grand sounding
testing bodies in various countries that are neither accepted nor truly
independent. In some cases the small print acknowledged that testing was
conducted with the active help of the supplying company! A clear case
of who pays the piper plays the tune.
Tests are also presented as if they are done to accepted international
standards, yet there is no internationally recognised test for fasteners,
and to pretend there is, is disingenuous. Tests must be relevant to the
requirements of real life, in application and use, so we need to know
the full testing details to allow us to determine their validity.
One of the fundamentals of scientific testing is that you should get the
same results if others carry them out under similar conditions. It is
alarming then that many produce quite different results when reputable
UK testing bodies conduct the tests. One can only question the tests or
testing conditions that produce such very different results when carried
out by others.
I believe passionately that every industry should be able to select the
right product for the job. No one can do that with misleading or incomplete
information. That's why we're publishing all our test results - including
full testing details - on our website http://www.ukfasteners.co.uk for
window companies and specifiers to make up their own minds, and I challenge
our competitors to do the same.
David Ballinger
Managing Director, UK Fasteners
Kombimatec’s
‘NIPPA’ Takes Off Following Glassex Launch
Just a few months after its successful debut at Glassex 2002, GTI - Kombimatec
Machines Ltd reports that orders are flooding in for the new NIPPA relief
miller for decorative profiles, with new customers already expressing
their delight with the machines high level of performance.
The
new machine attracted a great deal of interest at the show, with hundreds
of leads taken during the event for the NIPPA alone. Many of those leads
have already been converted to sales , and customers are only too pleased
to offer their opinions on how effective the NIPPA really is.
KeithMathews of Bristol based fabricator TradeFrames is impressed by the
NIPPA: ‘I’d definitely recommend it, this is a simple solution
to the cleaning of sculptured profiles for those who aren’t yet ready
for a CNCmachine.’
Introduced for the first time at this years Glassex, the NIPPA offers
a fast, easy-to-use and cost -effective solution to cleaning decorative
PVC profiles. An alternative to a common corner cleaning problem, the
NIPPA pre - trims the decorative profile so that no sprue or flash needs
to be cleaned from the inside corner of the joint after welding. Its technique
is particularly effective for decorative woodgrain profiles , previously
a problem area for many fabricators as the foil can easily be torn away.
GTI - Kombimatecs Sales Director Ian Wheatley believes that the NIPPA
will revolutionise the industry: ‘The new NIPPA offers smaller fabricators
both an affordable and effective method of manufacturing decorative windows,
something that could give them a major boost to their profits. At the
same time, larger fabricators can benefit from a machine which gives an
unprecedented finish when used for woodgrain decorative profiles.’
A semi - automatic machine with several patents applied for, the NIPPA
has adjustable depth stops for optimal speed and is also capable of relieving
two matching sections of profile simultaneously. A flexible option, the
NIPPA also offers adjustable speed control and can be adapted to suit
any profile system.
Tel: 01582 455934
Email: mailto:sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.gtikombi.demon.co.uk
No
Frills Manufacturing
Status
fabricator United Trade Frames will be seeing in its first anniversary
with production rates surpassing 230 frames per week, and investments
of over £35,000.
The power of word of mouth recommendations has created a growth curve
that necessitated significant recent capital investments. £16,500
was put towards a new delivery vehicle, and a further £20,000 went
on a triple headed and a single headed welder.
'We now have the capacity to take production to over 300 frames a week,'
said United Trade Frames director Tracey Yearn. 'From a standing start
last year we were producing over 100 a week straight away. With Status'
help, and a deep seated desire to build a strong local reputation based
on the reliability of products and services, we have nurtured a steady
growth.'
Tracey believes that communication is everything, and that any problem
can be overcome if honesty prevails.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.statussystems.co.uk
Paragon develop bomb proof windows and doors
There
is currently a new development at Paragon in the shape of bomb proof windows
and doors. Paragon have won through a partnership with Drawn Metal Ltd
of Leeds a prestigious contract for these products, and installation will
be completed later this year.
'Paragon Joinery exhibited its core range at Interbuild, including factory
made to measure staircases. 'These complement the Paragon range and philosophy
of cost effectiveness through labour saving on site, along with high quality
materials and finish.' says the company.
The demands of meeting architectural requirements together with the structural
engineering implications has produced a product that Paragon and Drawn
Metal see as a significant opportunity for the future.
Paragon are now in a position to discuss requirements for these special
products with both architects and developers, as well as the core product
range.
Tel: 01732 500501
All
In One Windows relocated to new factory premises
Plastmo fabricator All In One Windows Limited has relocated to new factory
premises in Leicester.
The new 35,000 sq ft factory, purchased within a £1.7m business
expansion programme, contains state of the art production machinery,including
automated cutting and machining centres, welding lines and corner cleaners,
raising the company's production capacity to in excess of 2000 frames
a week.
The relocation allows All In One Windows to service its expanding nationwide
trade, commercial and local authority markets, whilst providing the capacity
for the company to achieve its next goal: entry into the newbuild sector.
All In One Windows has already established trade depots in Ilford, Colchester
and Biggin Hill, as part of its programme of continued expansion in the
southern half of the UK.
Tel: 01604 790780
Email: mailto:info@plastmo.co.uk
Web: http://www.plastmo.co.uk
Vitro
Reports Annual Results
Vitro, S.A. de C.V., the Mexican glass manufacturer, reported increased
net sales for the fourth quarter and for 2001 in dollar terms, driven
by the performance of its flat glass operations.
Consolidated net sales reached a record $3 billion, up 6.7 percent for
the quarter and 5.1 percent for the year. Net income increased for the
quarter, in dollar terms, from $6 million to $38 million.
Sales in peso terms for the flat glass business unit remained practically
flat, according to company officials. Flat glass was able to increase
sales in dollar terms as a result of the consolidation of Cristalglass,
the company’s European-based subsidiary.
On the domestic front, the flat glass business remained relatively stable,
despite pricing pressures from Asian imports. Volumes for the quarter
were flat for both the construction and auto segments, although for the
year volumes declined by 2.9 percent, primarily due to the slowdown of
the auto segment. The company also reports that it has significantly reduced
its debt.
Unique
Industry Alliance Raises Security Awareness
As part of the celebrations for the 20th Anniversary of National Neighbourhood
Watch in April, May and June Yale teamed up with the National Neighbourhood
Watch Association (NNWA) to hold the first ever NNWA Roadshows across
the UK. The aim of this important strategic alliance is to reduce crime
in local communities and to create demand for Yale and Chubb security
products.
Starting in Plymouth, the interactive 44ft state of the art Yale Mobile
Exhibition Centre, was officially opened to the public by the Lord Mayor
and Mayoress. To make the Roadshows accessible to as many people as possible,
Yale toured 10 regions with a central venue selected in each area. These
included Plymouth, Preston, London, Cambridge, Middlesborough, Leicester,
Birmingham, Port Talbot, Llandudno and Leeds, all of which were very well
attended by the public, members of the NNWA and Crime Prevention Professionals.
Regional awareness was also created for each Roadshow through a targeted
press and radio campaign. The extensive media coverage featured interviews
with local NNWA representatives, a competition to win Yale products and
the broadcasting of an Audio Feature jointly recorded by Yale and the
NNWA. This Audio Feature emphasised the need for better home security
and the benefits of joining the NNWA.
According to Paul North, Yale Brand Manager, 'Yale is very proud to be
working in partnership with the National Neighbourhood Watch Association.
Attendance of the Roadshows has been excellent across the UK with many
people commenting on how useful it has been having access to NNWA information
and Yale security advice in one place.'
For further information about booking the Yale Mobile Exhibition Centre,
please contact : Paul Shill on 01902 366911 or e-mail: paul.shill@yalesecurityuk.com
Repair
Range has Significant Impact at Designer Pine
Designer Pine of Barnsley has expanded its business and is set to put
30% on the bottom line since taking on board the Briwax Professional woodgrain
and colour repair range.
Darren and Simon Allen opened Designer Pine in 1999 as a retail outlet
but, as Simon explained, 'Three factors led us to look more into the repair
and restoration side of the business. Firstly, the furniture we bought
in for finishing here before sale inevitably sustained minor damage now
and then in transit - this work had to be subcontracted. We also won contracts
to finish fitted kitchens after installation and, as a result, started
to get enquiries about repair and restoration work on older pieces.'
Having heard about Briwax Professional, they took advantage of the special
training course and haven't looked back since. Simon added, 'lt was a
new area for us and I was very impressed with how easy it is to use and
the extremely effective results. We bought a kit and immediately began
to increase business. Within twelve months we are looking at a 30% increase
in profits.'
Designer Pine can now assure retail customers that a repair service is
available to restore any damage which occurs in the home and this has
proved a great selling point. In addition, the company no longer needs
to outsource any repair business and has also established a growing reputation
in antique restoration.
Although the business was built on pine furniture, the company now deals
with a whole range of different coloured hard and rain forest woods and
many different colour finishes. 'There are both soft and hard waxes in
the range and all in a comprehensive range of colours,' continued Simon,
'I only wish it had been around when we started out three years ago.'
Tel: 0845 601 2905
Email: mailto:sales@bollom.com
Web: htp://www.bollom.com/briwaxprofessional
Raising
a Glass to Kerbside Collection
In support of National Glass Week, the Waste and Resources Action Programme
(WRAP) this week publishes a study demonstrating the contribution kerbside
collection of glass could make to reducing the amount of glass sent to
landfill sites and helping the UK meet its targets for packaging recycling.
But with only one in ten UK households currently having access to kerbside
collection of glass, much potential support for glass recycling remains
untapped.
The report, Kerbside Collection of Glass, has been produced for WRAP by
Glass Technology Services and draws on British Glass data collected from
the quarterly returns made by all Municipal Collection Authorities (MCAs).
By analysing the kerbside collection schemes currently in operation in
the UK, the study quantifies the increase in glass collected by the participating
local authorities and presents operational cost estimates for collection
schemes.
'Currently, the container glass recycling rate in the UK is about 33%,
compared to an average of 62% across Europe and rates in excess of 80%
being achieved by some of our nearest neighbours,' explains Andy Dawe,
WRAP's Material Sector Manager for Glass.
'Lack of collection infrastructure is a barrier to increased glass recycling,
and if this is not expanded, the UK is unlikely to meet future EU targets.
The study shows clearly that kerbside collection of glass will be vital
to the expansion of glass recycling, and that it can be cost-effectively
done with colour separation of containers.'
Detailed analysis of the information reveals that a doubling of glass
collection has been achieved by around 39% of the MCAs operating kerbside
schemes, as opposed to only 13% of those using non-kerbside methods. At
present, around 60,000 tonnes of glass are collected through kerbside
schemes, but the study estimates that if all 21.1 million households in
the UK were offered kerbside collection, this figure could increase tenfold
to 650,000 tonnes. While taking into account the reduction in the amount
of glass which would be collected through bottle banks, the total tonnage
would rise to 880,000 tonnes a year from all sources. Presuming that all
the material collected was subsequently recycled, this would represent
an increase in container glass recycling in the UK from 33% to around
51%.
Ray Georgeson, Director of Policy for WRAP concluded: 'This short study
and series of case studies points clearly to expansion of kerbside glass
collection as a route forward to help councils meet recycling targets.
At a time when councils are reviewing their future recycling options,
the report provides evidence of the vital role source-separated kerbside
collections can play.'
Kerbside Collection of Glass (ISBN 1-84405-004-1) is available on the
WRAP website at: http://www.wrap.org.uk
Tel: 01295 819900
Email: mailto:andy.dawe@wrap.org.uk
Consumer
groups investigate idea of 'local traders' guide'
Consumers who want to avoid rogue traders could in future be able to contact
an independent body to find out about local firms.
The service, if it goes ahead, will have a list of companies, ranging
from mechanics to builders, and information about whether they are reputable.
The idea of a database of traders has come from the National Consumer
Council and the Trading Standards Institute.
It follows the development of a similar service operating in parts of
the United States.
Consumers who want to employ a reliable decorator or have just moved to
an area and want a new accountant, for instance, could contact the service
and get independent advice.
The National Consumer Council and the TSI are currently investigating
how the service would work, and wants suggestions from members of the
public.
They are teaming up with the BBC1 consumer programme Watchdog, which is
launching a questionnaire on the show.
National Consumer Council director Anna Bradley said: "NCC and TSI
are enormously grateful to the BBC for its role in this important joint
initiative.
"The answers from viewers will make an invaluable contribution to
the evidence we are gathering about what consumers want to know about
the track records of business and how best to get that information to
them."
TSI chief executive Ron Gainsford said: "The ultimate aim is to assess
the potential for a one-stop information service on reliability, competence,
solvency and so on."
Vetrotech
Saint-Gobain Glass Passes Milestone Fire Test
A
specialist glass from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain has become - it is claimed
- the first fire resisting glass in the UK to pass a significant international
milestone, further underlining its unique performance capabilities.
A panel of SGG Pyroswiss Classic measuring 1 3OOmm by 2860mm has been
successfully tested to BS 476 Part 22:1987 - believed to be the largest
panel of 6mm fire resisting glass ever to pass this test.
The element tested was a Jansen single leaf single acting doorset incorporated
within a glazed screen, manufactured for the test by Baydale Architectural
Limited. The test was conducted at the Warrington Fire Research Centre
and the element achieved 38 minutes integrity.
This latest fire test underlines the high performance characteristics
of SGO Pyroswiss Classic that in 20 years of production has successfully
passed over 100 fire tests from Japan to the USA and from Europe to Australasia.
SGG Pyroswiss Classic is a Class A safety glass to BS 6206 and is heat
soaked as standard to eliminate the possibility of nickel-sulphide inclusions
that can lead to tempered glass spontaneously breaking. In addition, the
glass has high-impact mechanical strength coupled with tempered glass
break-safe characteristics.
"For many years other companies have tried to copy SGG Pyroswiss
Classic but, from our benchmarking tests, none have managed to produce
a product that is as consistently reliable -one reason for its continuing
success around the world," said David Clarkson, UK managing director
of Vetrotech Saint-Gobain.
"This fire test underlines how specialist glasses are continuing
to push the design envelope, particularly as fire resisting glasses have
become increasingly cost-effective in recent years," he said.
SGG Pyroswiss Classic is available in clear glass or with green, grey
or bronze body-tints. The glass is available from 6mm to 25mm thicknesses,
can be incorporated into double glazed units or with solar control or
low emissivity coatings - making SGG Pyroswiss Classic an extremely flexible
choice for a wide range of applications.
You can visit Vetrotech Saint-Gobain at www.vetrotech.com
or contact the firm by e-mail at infovsguk@vetrotech.co.uk
Double
celebrations as MILA's 4th Trinity Challenge concludes
Feelings ran high on Saturday 15th ]une as plastic injection moulding
specialists Patterson & Rothwell lifted the MILA Trinity Challenge
trophy as overall winners of this year's tournament - all on the same
day that England beat Denmark 3 -0 in the Second Round of the World Cup.
Encompassing three separate sporting events for football, karting and
golf, the MILA Trinity Challenge - co-sponsored by Hautau, KFV and Siegenia
- is fast becoming the industry's definitive annual sporting and social
event, offering an impressive £9000 prize fund to be shared amongst
the winners.
With much sought-after team places booked well in advance of the competition,
a total of 24 teams assembled from every facet of the industry battled
it out at various sporting venues in Northamptonshire, each vying for
the title of Trinity Challenge Champion.
Alan
Rothwell (centre) accepting the MILA Trinity Challenge trophy, with footballer
Frank McAvennie (left) and MILA's maketing assistant Sarah Burden (right).
With a special break taken during the tournament to watch the England
vs. Denmark match on a large screen at Staverton Park clubhouse, the smell
of victory was already in the air as each of the Trinity Challenge's three
sporting events took place throughout the day. After some fairly tough
competition, the winners of each event were:
6-a-side football tournament: Space Aluminium
Karting:
Patterson & Rothwell
Golf: Patterson & Rothwell
The day's sporting victories - both for Patterson & Rothwell and
the England team - were celebrated later that evening at the Trinity Challenge
Gala Awards Dinner, where the entire England vs. Denmark match was re-played
during dinner for those who had missed out on the World Cup action. Over
250 guests wined and dined the night away, entertained by special guests
including Scotland footballer Frank MCAvennie and impressionist Kevin
Connelly, the latter giving guests a taste of the England team spirit
with expert impressions of David Beckham, Sven Goran Ericsson and Paul
Gasciogne amongst others.
MILA Marketing Manager Kelvin Green believes that the 4th Trinity Challenge
was the best yet:
"The Trinity Challenge is always a fantastic day out and a lot of
fun - even though all the teams take it quite seriously! But this year
the atmosphere was even more electric, and the England victory definitely
added a jubilant spirit to the proceedings. Who knows? Maybe by the 8th
Trinity Challenge in 2006 we'll celebrate with a World Cup trophy as well
as our own!"
Following the event's conunuing success, venues have already been booked
for the 5th MILA Trinity Challenge, with the new date announced as Saturday
14th June 2003.
Stuga's Ecoline Prepping Centre stands alone
Since
the launch of the Ecoline Prepping Centre at Glassex 2001 Stuga have sold
eight machines to date and already successfully installed two.The Ecoline is a stand-alone prepping centre that can waterslot/pressure equalise, espag/shootbolt prep, trickle vent, 'V'/'Y' notch and produce all door preps including keeps, locks and hinge bolts.
The Ecoline can work with any type of saw including double mitre saws but is even more effective when working with the Stuga high output automatic saw centre.
The operator only has to pass the cut piece over the scanner and place it on the machine infeed and from this point there is no human input as the software tells the machine when and where to place all preps. This enhances quality and consistency as well as removing the risk of errors and omissions.
The Ecoline is normally barcode driven but other formats are possible and in any case Stuga take care of all software issues as they have their own in-house software team based at their Great Yarmouth headquarters.
In fact, taking care of the software issues is one of many reasons why so many companies now choose Stuga as their main supplier for cutting and prepping equipment.
For further information on this excellent machine please call 0800-169-5444
or email: stuga@eurotec.org
A
bird's eye view for VEKA
A
new development of luxury apartments in Cleethorpes provides a bird's
eye view - literally - for the occupants of its ultra swish penthouse
suite. For the building, with windows and doors manufactured and installed
by VEKA fabricator Premier Window Systems (Grimsby) Ltd, is distinguished
by a crows-nest on its roof, providing stunning views over the river and
surrounding countryside.
The Eastshore development, built by local building contractors F A Would
Group, was designed from the outset to appeal to purchasers looking for
unusual and well-appointed apartments that were built to the highest standards,
with high quality fixtures and fittings specified throughout.
Competing against many other glazing companies for the work, Premier won
the tender by quoting a competitive price, but with windows and doors
manufactured using the VEKA Matrix 58 system that were felt to be unbeatable
for both their appearance and quality. In particular the slim sight lines
of the windows complemented the elegance of the apartments whilst also
ensuring unobstructed views.
In fact, so successful has the project been that builders F A Would Group
has now commissioned Premier to provide doors and windows for The Waterfront,
a larger development of 24 luxury apartments.
Premier managing director Paul Campling commented I have dealt with VEKA
plc for a number of years and find that the versatility of the VEKA Matrix
58 ideal for us as it suits all of our customers requirements. It is also
a very good system to fabricate."
Under Paul's watchful eye, Premier has successfully grown from manufacturing
fifteen windows a week to now producing over one hundred and seventy windows
using the VEKA Matrix 58 profile.
Supplying the trade and commercial markets, the company has now also successfully
launched into the conservatory sector.
Tel VEKA on: 01282 716611