Tradesmen
get Interbuild 2006 Started in Style
Interbuild
2006 got away to a flying start at the NEC on Sunday as tradesmen turned
out in force.
The first day attendance of more than 6,000 visitors was an improvement
on 2004, when the UK's premier construction event last took place.
And Interbuild 2006 Event Direct Gordon Thomas explained: 'It was a very
promising start to the show and we are confident it will build from there.
'Sunday is traditionally the day when self-employed tradesmen come to
discover what's new in construction and they were very much in evidence.'
An added attraction for the first time this year was the climax to Test
The Trades. Flooring took Interbuild's prestigious title of Britain's
most professional trade when the team from South Birmingham College, sponsored
by Mapei and Contract Flooring Journal, emerged victorious.
Interbuild 2006, which has attracted more than 1,100 exhibitors across
all aspects of the industry, continues until Thursday. (April 27th).
Highlight of Day 2 was the announcement of the New Product Showcase award
winners - which rewards the best innovation in the building sector and
this year has been extended to ten categories.
Solar
Innovation Wins Interbuild 2006 Best Overall Award
An
innovative Complete Solar Roof has won the prestigious Overall Best New
Product Award at Interbuild 2006.
solarcentury took the title for its fully integrated solar roof - a world
first which features the award winning C21e solar electric rooftile.
The company, which is based at Waterloo in London, received the coveted
award in the New Product Showcase at Interbuild 2006, the UK's premier
construction exhibition.
Michael Ankers, Chief Executive of the Construction Products Association,
led the panel of judges and he said: 'I found it particularly encouraging
to see the extent to which innovations are now focusing on sustainability
issues and energy concerns.
'solarcentury has been leading the way in the use of solar power in building
for quite some time and won the overall award because it continues to
improve and innovate. It has taken solar power to the next level. The
Complete Solar Roof is the logical extreme of this, with the entire roof
generating heat and energy.'
It offers a unique patented combination of solar thermal, C21t and solar
photovoltaic, C21e tiles. Together, these integrated tiles replace existing
roofing tiles to generate hot water and electricity respectively - even
in cloudy conditions.
The roof, which overcomes challenging requirements in the planning system,
offers significant savings on energy bills, as well as being easily installed
to an existing building without the need for redesigning. A typical system
will generate more than 60 per cent of the hot water requirements for
a three-bedroom home from the C21t tiles.
Mr Ankers added: 'Interbuild 2006 has once again proved itself as a great
place to launch new products and it was a joy to judge the awards. It
is clear that many of these new products are destined to have a big impact
in our industry over the coming years and are a credit to the building
sector.
'Many of the best ideas are often the least complicated ones. I find it
very encouraging that you don't have to have a nuclear physics degree
to come up with a time and cost saving innovation.'
The Interbuild New Products Awards scheme was expanded to include nine
different categories - plus the Best Overall Award - for the 2006 show
and Mr Ankers added: 'This year's New Product Awards was certainly no
exception with some exciting innovations on display, really proving the
vibrancy of the UK's building sector.
'With various London 2012 projects and the building boom in the south
east, it is a fantastic time to be involved in construction. Without innovations
from our industry many leading edge schemes would simply not be possible.'
Sealant
Partners Show Pilkington Activ™ at Interbuild
Henkel
Building Systems, and Soudal UK Ltd, both of which manufacture the silicone
free sealants approved for use with Pilkington Activ™, are showing
the world's first self cleaning glass on their respective stands at the
Interbuild exhibition, which is taking place at the NEC between 23rd and
27th April.
Both companies have committed their considerable technical resources to
developing these new sealants which allow Pilkington Activ™ to be
installed in systems which would normally require a silicone based sealant
without the risk of a 'picture frame'* effect developing. Both companies
will be featuring 'live' test units that actively demonstrate the self-cleaning
properties of this remarkable glass. Members of the Pilkington Activ™
specialist product team will also be in attendance throughout the exhibition.
Pilkington Activ™ can be seen on the Henkel stand, number 12-E10/F11,
and Soudal, number 09-C21/D20.
* Picture Frame - Silicone sealants can result in an area contamination
around the edges of the glass. This is most typically seen as droplets
of water around the edge of the glass following rainfall. This effect
is avoided with the new sealants.
MRA
Defends Conservatory Market Study
'In a recent statement Ultraframe disputes the accuracy of the conservatory
roof systems market shares published in our latest study of the UK Conservatory
Market', Lucia Di Stazio, Manager Research Division, Michael Rigby Associates
writes.
'This comprehensive two-volume report covers routes to market, trends
in prices, conservatory styles and sizes, market sizes in volume and value,
forecasts and market shares of leading players and much else besides.
Ultraframe claims that our view of its volume, which puts Synseal ahead,
is 'inaccurate' and our calculations are 'pure guesswork'. Ultraframe
still claims to be market leader in volume and value.
It would be foolish to claim 100% accuracy in anything, but we do aim
to produce the most accurate and objective report of the market because
that is in the best interests of the industry as a whole. Indeed we go
to great lengths to achieve this. Over the course of several months we
talked to over a thousand companies to get their figures and their views
and perspectives on the market. We talked to specialist conservatory roof
fabricators, trade fabricators, fabricator-installers, installers only,
timber specialists and house builders. We also talked directly to the
leading players and got full cooperation and figures from most because
they believed it was in their interests to get the most accurate picture
of the market as possible. We met Ultraframe but they did not feel it
was in their interest to reveal their figures to us.
We have been tracking the market shares of leading players for some years
and indeed over a period of five years we reported Ultraframe's share
and those of other roof systems companies. During that period when they
dominated the market they did not challenge those market shares.
In calculating market shares we use a variety of primary and secondary
sources to arrive at the most accurate figures we can. We use the continuing
Quarterly Trends survey, now in its tenth year and sponsored by Eurocell;
the massive 1,000 plus survey of conservatory companies and others; published
information, including Ultraframe's own statements and financial reports;
and direct volume sales figures from leading conservatory roof systems
companies. None of these sources are conclusive in their own right, but
taken together they do give a pretty accurate picture, and one that other
leading companies agree with.
If we are wrong about Ultraframe's market share figures then we are happy
to be corrected, but to do that we require verifiable figures, just as
any other leading company provides. Even at this late stage we are happy
to take any new figures Ultraframe supplies and redo our calculations.
If we are wrong then we will reissue our report with those fresh figures
and apologise. However we did ask, and we also sent our preliminary market
share figures to all subscribers to the report - including Ultraframe
- and the company chose not to comment. Interestingly this is the first
year Ultraframe has challenged the figures. The company did not do so
when our research showed it to be market leader or when the Financial
Times (21st September 2004) quoted our estimates.
For several years we showed Ultraframe to be clear market leader, but
by our calculations Ultraframe lost the lead in volume last year while
remaining clear leader by value. We are not convinced that our figures
are wrong, but we are open to persuasion. However we cannot simply redo
the figures to suit one company without some convincing new figures to
prove it.
Deceuninck
Develops On-line Stock Control Program
Deceuninck
has been working very closely with the company’s customers to develop
an on-line bespoke Stock Management Program. The newly launched program
is fully integrated with its total e commerce solution, SynergeBuild,
thereby offering the customer a one-stop shop to all products and services.
The
Stock Management Program was developed to help Deceuninck customers manage
their stock more efficiently. Stock outs are not only disruptive to the
fabricator but can be costly with disturbed production having an overall
negative effect on the business. Conversely, holding too much stock is
equally costly as capital is tied up in product and higher warehouse costs.
The majority of current stock management programs are more often than
not, over complicated and costly and do not deliver the benefits required
by the fabricator. These packages are not linked to supplier product codes
and order processes, so in effect, are adding more work to the stock management
function for the fabricator.
With Deceuninck, the new Stock Management Program forms an integral part
of the company's central e-service platform and is fully integrated to
Deceuninck's product database. This gives the customer access to product
information, stock levels and technical data at all times and is available
on all PCs with an internet connection.
Commenting on the launch of the new Stock Management Program, Lesley Bowling
Deceuninck E-Business Manager said: ‘During our initial research
and development and through direct discussion with our customers, we realised
that the program must be able to link with production systems and have
an automatic method of updating stock usage. Our easy to use interface
allows flexible management of all warehouse information. The download
and upload functions of the package further permits customers to use simple
spreadsheet applications to maintain product details. The program is simple
to operate and demonstrates the added value Deceuninck consistently offer
their customers.’
Deceuninck have a dedicated team of in-house SynergeBuild specialists
to help all customers with the initial training and set up of the program.
Deceuninck also offer ongoing support for additional peace of mind.
Lesley Bowling concludes: ‘Stock management is often a complex subject,
but it doesn't need to be. By introducing the new Deceuninck Stock Management
software into your system, you are making life easier and in today's time-pressed,
cost conscious world, that has to be very good news for everyone.’
For more information on SynergeBuild and the Stock Management Program
visit http://www.synergebuild.com
or call Lesley Bowling on 01249 816969.
Greenberg
Invests in Atlantic Tilt Table to Increase Capacity by 25%
Time
and cost savings, better productivity and increased protection for its
workforce all prompted Greenberg Glass's recent £16,500 investment
in a new Atlantic tilt table for warm edge Super Spacer® application.
‘We manufacture bespoke glass units up to a maximum of 4m x 2.43m,’
says Robert Jack, Branch Manager for Greenberg Glass.
‘Before we bought the tilt table we had up to 12 people at once man-handling
the unit through different stages, which was excessive. Now we're semi-automatic
we have cut out two of the stages, need only two men for the handling,
and have achieved 20% time savings. We have trained four operators and
once they are up to speed with the new machine, I estimate that we will
increase capacity by 25%. All of these are benefits we can pass onto our
customers.
‘With the machine now installed we can offer a faster delivery time,’
says Robert, ‘and with Edgetech's warm edge technology, we have a
better product. I looked at other warm edge technology companies but felt
Edgetech's Super Spacer® was the answer. Edgetech is a phenomenal
marketing machine. The company is in tune with its customers and the markets,
and its product provides a solution in an evolving industry. The technology
is far superior to anything else on the market.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Million
Pound March for Everwhite
Everwhite
Plastics achieved sales of more than £1 million in March. ‘We're
delighted to exceed the £1 million mark,’ explains Simon Reynolds,
Everwhite's Sales and Marketing Director. ‘We achieved this milestone
for the first time last August and sales continued to break the million
pound barrier until November. To reach this milestone so early in 2006
is fantastic. We are committed to giving our customers what they want
so they can grow. And it's thanks to our customers doing well in a difficult
market that we've achieved these outstanding sales results.’
Tel: 01685 882 447
The
Hills Were Alive with HOPPE Hardware!
Secured by Design and PAS24 certification successes were just two of the
latest product developments on the agenda during HOPPE's annual customer
visit to Europe last week. The trip to the door and window hardware supplier's
head office in Mustair, Switzerland also included educational tours around
610,800 sq ft of its impressive brass, nylon and aluminium handle manufacturing
facilities in three locations in Italy. Guests came from leading distributors
and fabricators across the UK.
Roger
Benton, Joint Managing Director of HOPPE (UK), explains: ‘This trip
is a great way for customers to experience directly how much importance
we place on product development and investment, and how much work goes
on behind the scenes in the manufacture of handles. Feedback on the trip
was fantastic with people commenting on particular highlights like the
HOPPE environmental policy, state of the art robotic manufacturing and
our visible commitment to product development.
‘A case in point is the launch of our PAS24 and SBD certified upgraded
Tôkyô handle. We announced the launch to the UK market recently,
but it's hard to demonstrate how much development has gone into the unprecedented
security performance of the new version without seeing the comprehensive
design and stringent testing processes in the flesh. Our commitment to
marketing featured heavily during the trip too, with visitors able to
see the laser etching process which will be used for branding the coveted
SBD logo onto the upgraded sets. For the full story on the trip, don't
miss the next issue of HOPPE News.’
Tel: 01902 484400
Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk
ETF
(Fylde) Ltd is adding another VEKA profile to its door, window and conservatory
range to meet demand from its trade customers. Currently using the Matrix
70 profile, the company has made the decision to use the latest offering
from the VEKA Matrix portfolio, the Matrix FS Fully Sculptured suite,
as part of its standard production output.
‘Having used the VEKA profiles since we established the company,
it was a natural option to embrace the new system,’ comments ETF
Director, Scott Law. ‘We found that more and more people were asking
for the Matrix FS and so it was a case of supply and demand.’
The new fully sculptured Matrix FS system is technically advanced, adding
a softer more rounded look. With perfectly balanced curves and slender
sightlines, the profile offers superior weather resistance, heat insulation
and physical strength. Suitable for doors, windows and conservatory applications,
the Matrix FS offers specifiers a wider aesthetic choice in profiles,
creating an appearance that blends in with any style of property, from
traditionally classic to modern contemporary.
ETF (Fylde) has been manufacturing components for the trade for seven
years and prides itself on its hands-on approach. ‘We offer a friendly,
professional service with all 16 staff, including the directors directly
involved in the daily operation of the company,’
continues Mr. Law. ‘So far, we have expanded by 20% every year on
average and are continuously launching new products, including a PAS 23-24
rated residential door. Our relationship with VEKA allows us to produce
the finest components for our customers, backed by the support and technical
ability associated with the VEKA brand.’
Everwhite
Recruits 87 Registered Installers in 2005
Everwhite
Plastics Ltd, the independent roofline manufacturer, recruited 87 registered
installers to its new Registered Installer Scheme in 2005. Simon Reynolds,
Sales and Marketing Director, comments: ‘When a Registered Installer
Scheme is put together properly by suppliers who really understand the
market, it can make a big difference to installers. Our scheme provides
comprehensive support via our nationwide network of stockists.
‘To date,’ continues Simon, ‘members of our Registered
Installer Scheme have registered hundreds of jobs. We provide them with
a specially designed brochure which promotes the benefits of Everwhite
to homeowners at point of sale. We also offer a 21 year guarantee - the
longest in the market - which is registered with Everwhite and helps build
credibility by demonstrating to home owners that they are buying quality.
‘All this is designed to give homeowners important extra reassurance,’
explains Simon, ‘and it does help our registered installers win more
sales. In a difficult market, we believe in supporting installers as much
as we can, and although the scheme has been running less than two years,
early feedback shows it has hit the mark for stockists, installers and
homeowners.’
Tel: 01685 882 447
Two
more A's for Edgetech - from Corby and Ashton
Corby
Window Group and Ashton Windows are the latest companies to achieve 'A'
rated windows, both using Edgetech's Super Spacer®. Corby has achieved
a rating of 0 kWh/m2/yr with a double glazed window, with Ashton Windows
following quickly with a triple glazed product achieving 4 kWh/m2/yr.
Ashton's Thermatech Triple A Window is one of four ratings the company
has achieved. ‘We can now offer customers A, B or or two options
for C rated windows,’ says Brian Britch, Director of Ashton Windows.
‘Super Spacer is simply the best spacer technology on the market.
Warm edge has been the way forward for Ashton.
‘We began preparing for testing last August, with a good response
from customers. This is a great product for schools and airports - it's
not only energy efficient, it has good sound proofing qualities too. It's
a more saleable product that backs up our philosophy to offer the best
products available.’
Corby achieved its A rating with sealed units from AG Glass. ‘Unusually,
the units are krypton gas filled, and double glazed. They're more cost-effective
too,’ explains Corby's Technical Services Manager Ross Walker. ‘We
only started using Super Spacer units a few weeks ago but we're already
seeing the benefits. An A rated window has given us a lot of attention
- and we intend to capitalise on it.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Successful
retail fabricator, Coral Windows, has emerged as the first company in
Yorkshire to achieve BSI Kitemark status for 'survey and installation
of replacement window and door sets'. The Bradford-based business, which
fabricates the Deceuninck 2800 decorative system, satisfied the assessment
parameters and was able to demonstrate a consistent quality of workmanship
which was a critical part of the overall appraisal criteria.
The
Kitemark scheme for the 'survey and installation of replacement window
and door sets' has been developed with the input of consumer and industry
feedback to prevent poor installations and finishing of double-glazed
window and doors. The scheme was formulated to address both industry and
consumer concerns regarding poor quality installations.
Commenting on the accreditation success for Coral Windows, Business Manager,
David Waddington said: ‘Coral Windows prides itself on being at the
forefront of industry. For fifteen years we have been manufacturing and
supplying the highest quality windows, doors and conservatories to consumers
throughout Yorkshire. For Coral Windows, achieving a recognised quality
Kitemark certificate for the survey and installation of our products,
once again demonstrates our commitment to and investment in quality standards.
In a competitive market, the best way to defend and increase margins is
to offer customers an installation which not only uses technically sound
products, which we have with Deceuninck, but where the customer has a
clear and credible assurance as to the professionalism of the installer
they choose. We are delighted to have achieved this accreditation.’
Web: http://www.coralwindows.co.uk
Success
in the South West for Fireswiss Foam
The
Cornwall Glass and Glazing Group is gearing up for expansion with CGI's
new Fireswiss Foam. The flat glass specialist has recently started stocking
the fully insulated fire glass, which uses a production process for achieving
superior quality and larger sheet sizes. As the first stockist of Fireswiss
Foam in the South West the Group sees an ideal opportunity to build on
its existing customer base and attract new business in the region.
With nine branches throughout Cornwall and Devon the Group supplies a
range of glass and glazing products for trade and retail applications,
and already stocks CGI's Pyroguard laminated fire resistant safety glass.
Mark Michell of Cornwall Glass and Glazing comments: ‘We've developed
a good working relationship with CGI over the years and with Fireswiss
Foam we can now offer a complete portfolio of products for the growing
fire glass market.’ The company has invested in a specialist saw
for its new Exeter Glass Centre for cutting Fireswiss Foam to size. All
stock will be based at this branch, which is ideally located to supply
the Group's other eight outlets and trade customers in the South West.
(left
to right): Kevin Downs - Workshop Supervisor, Mike Pannel - Sales Administrator,
Chris Smith (kneeling down) - Glazier, Keith Hartshorn - Sales Representative,
Mark Herbert - Glazing Supervisor and Paul Garrard - Branch Manager
Fireswiss Foam is sold exclusively in the UK by CGI in a joint venture
with the product's Swiss manufacturer. It is a multiple laminated glass
using layers of float glass with silicate laminates and is available in
two basic versions: 15mm thickness for 30 minutes integrity and insulation
(30/30), and 23mm thickness for 60 minutes integrity and insulation (60/60).
It has successfully completed a series of fire resistance tests to European
Standard (EN) 1363 and to British Standard (BS) 476. It has also undergone
safety impact tests to EN 12600 - class 1, which is currently the highest.
The glass is designed for applications where insulation from both heat
transfer and fire spread are required, such as in escape corridors and
fire lobbies in multi-occupancy dwellings and public buildings.
Established in 1998, Cornwall Glass and Glazing specialises in all types
of flat glass product and recently opened a factory in Cornwall for manufacturing
sealed units and toughening its own glass. The company offers glass and
mirror cutting and processing at all its branches, as well as teams of
professional glaziers. Summing up, Mark Michell says: ‘Being the
only company in the area that can offer cut sizes of a high performance
insulated fire glass like Fireswiss Foam represents a great marketing
opportunity for our business, and I know we can rely on excellent service
and support from CGI.’
Tel: 020 7078 6660
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
Increase
in Demand Puts Cervoglass Ahead of the Competition
Despite
a variable trend in the market trading conditions, conservatory glass
roof manufacturer, Cervoglass has seen a 78% increase in sales over the
last year and the expectation is for this trend to continue.
Recent customer installation contracts worth over £1 million has
ensured that the company is now placed as a market leader within this
specialist field.
Key elements to the developing growth are due to the corporate philosophy
of providing quality products and superior customer services. In this
specialist industry sector, Cervoglass says that it has established ‘a
reputation that is the envy of the glass industry’.
‘Currently Cervoglass is leading the market in glass roof manuafacturing
and the Cervoglass Activ Blue and Cervo Sol Plus products have helped
to further strengthen the company's position in a highly competitive market.
Since the launch of the range Cervoglass has maintained a leading market
presence providing value for money and lasting customer benefits.
‘Cervo
Activ Blue is manufactured into sealed units that benefit from permanent
self-cleaning and thermal properties which surpass the restricted performance
of conventional conservatory roof glass systems. The unique dual action,
self cleaning qualities provided by Pilkington Activ Blue glass guarantee
the quality and performance of the Cervoglass roofs.’Cervo Sol Plus
has an easy clean coating that provides consumers with far more than the
obvious benefits of 'Easy Clean Properties'.
The solar reflection qualities combined with the reduced light transmission
and low U-Values offer customers a light, comfortable environment that
can be enjoyed throughout the year.
The need for manual cleaning is greatly reduced as rain water reacts with
the coating by forming into water droplets, which then run off the surface
carrying away any deposits or pollutants.
With consumers demanding more from the products they purchase, the technical
team at Cervoglass felt that the easy clean and continuous cleaning properties
provided in the range, would ensure that every budget could be accommodated
whilst the outside appearance of the conservatories would be maintained.
Graham Price, Managing Director comments, ‘As demand for our products
continues to increase it is clear that we are providing the right solutions
at the right prices. The Cervoglass range offers an ideal, cost-effective
solution for all conservatory roofing installations.’
He continues, ‘No other company offers the levels of quality and
service that we provide in terms of manufacturing, advice and delivery.
Through the dedicated state-of-the-art production facilities and a team
of dedicated professionals we offer the best to customers looking for
the highest standards for the next generation glass for conservatory roofs.’
For more information on the products available in the Cervoglass range,
please call 0151 522 6604 or email: info@cervoglass.co.uk
Significant
growth in the roof-glass sector and the availability of technologically
advanced glass coatings is raising customer expectations of glass performance.
However, if you believed the recent, and repeated, claims set out in press
releases from some manufacturers, you could be forgiven for thinking 'self-clean'
and temporary wax coatings were the only options for consumers.
‘It
is imperative that customers are not misled on the performance of the
various products on the market,’ explains Simon Mercer, commercial
director of Signo Ltd, which promotes the nanotechnology-based Signo Glassguard™
as the most durable glass improvement system available for glass. ‘For
example, 'self-clean' is something of a misnomer as these brands require
UV or rainwater for activation, while traditional wax-based easy-clean
products can have a slippery surface, but usually need reapplication,
and generally contain some compromising ingredients.’
According to Mercer, Glassguard is in a different category. ‘We supply
a number of leading manufacturers in the roof-glass market. These brands
greatly benefit from the quick and easy application of our highly advanced,
anti-stain, non-discolouring easy-clean coating, which has a ten-year
wear warranty available,’ continues Mercer.
Ironically, nanotechnology is behind the chemistry of both Signo Glassguard
and the 'self-cleaning' glass brands - their permanent performance is
achieved through the minute molecular structure of their components. Beyond
this, however, the mechanics of performance differ fundamentally; Glassguard's
performance is hydrophobic, characterised by water beading off the glass
in droplets, while the 'self-cleaning' brands rely on hydrophilic performance
in which the water spreads as a sheet across the surface.
‘Signo provides the end purchasers of our customers' products with
a permanent easy-clean solution that creates rationale end-user expectations
from realistic and demonstrable claims,' explains Mercer. ‘Our product
repels both organic and inorganic contaminants by preventing them from
adhering to all types of glass surface, and this helps reduce cleaning
frequency and effort by up to 70%.’
To help manufacturers and consumers understand the relative performances
of glass enhancement products, Signo has produced a fact sheet (Glassguard-for
roofs) highlighting the deliverables of Glassguard, the company’s
permanent glass protection/easy-clean coating. Copies can be downloaded
from the Signo website http://www.signo-spt.com/glass.htm
Posing a final thought on self-clean, Mercer concludes ‘If there's
any significant period of drought this summer, will a premium price self-clean
customer left with a dirty roof be content with the performance of his
investment?’
New
Customer Support Package from Wendland
Wendland
Roof Solution's new customer support package is designed to solve any
queries arising from the company's Sympla software, faster and with minimal
disruption to the user. Should any problems arise with the installed software,
Wendland operatives are on call on a dedicated helpline, with an online
web support system available as a supplementary facility. Every call is
received by staff trained on the Sympla system so that typical delays
associated with matching the problem with the right solution are immediately
eliminated.
The web support system uses Microsoft technology that works with Microsoft
Windows security rather than bypassing it. This simplifies the online
process and eradicates access problems. Where the system is unique, is
that it allows Wendland to take control of the user's desktop with their
permission, thus making it easier to locate and solve the problem. With
the capacity for 15 people on the web support programme at any one time,
access to support is significantly accelerated, and the user can be confident
that Wendland operators will quickly and expertly source the problem.
In the unlikely event that it cannot be immediately fixed, then Wendland
will continue ownership of the problem if further assistance is required.
As the web support package is incorporated as standard into every Sympla
software package, there are no large downloads for the user. This comprehensive
level of service is available to every user, regardless of any variables,
such as the amount spent on Wendland product or the number of seats required.
The Wendland customer support package can be accessed through any stage
of the software's operation, from installation to advanced use, with the
facility for one to one training and regularly updated seminars on new
technology.
Wendland Roof Solutions has launched this comprehensive customer support
package to benefit both the user and the company. By maintaining ownership
of any problems that may occur with the Sympla software package, Wendland
can use its trained personnel to provide a fast, efficient solution, keeping
disruption to the user to the absolute minimum.
Complete
Solution from The Conservatory Factory
The
Conservatory Factory is now able to offer a complete conservatory product
offering thanks to a recent supply agreement with Premier Trade Frames
for windows and doors.
The Frome-based company is one of the South West's most established conservatory
fabricators and will be offering a range of windows and doors to the trade
installer along with conservatory roofs and Radiance™ Glass. While
many window fabricators have moved into conservatories, The Conservatory
Factory has moved the other way based upon demand from the company’s
existing customer base.
Bob Lilley, managing director, explains: ‘We have decided to offer
windows and doors to our customers due to demand. Many of them have problems
with suppliers and we have been able to find one that can offer a good
product with a consistently reliable service. A number of our customers
have already started to buy the frames and we look forward to offering
the products to our other ones.’
Bob concludes: ‘We have the ability to offer a complete conservatory
including Radiance Glass and any installers looking for a better trade
supplier of conservatories should look no further. We are one the most
experienced fabricators in the South-West and this is already proven beneficial
to many of our customers.’
Tel: 01373 473900
Email: info@theconservatoryfactory.co.uk
BM
TRADA Q-Mark is Answering the Fire Test Questions
BM
TRADA reports increased interest from product manufacturers and specifiers
in the Q-Mark Schemes for fire door manufacture and installation.
The British Airports Authority (BAA) has made membership of the Q-Mark
door scheme a requirement for fire doors supplied and installed on all
its sites in the UK.
The Q-Mark scheme is open to four categories of members, making both its
appeal broad and its coverage comprehensive. In the first instance it
covers manufacturers who produce complete doors or doorsets to their own
design. Secondly there are the companies who manufacture door blanks and
sell them on to others to utilise in producing the finished article. Thirdly
are these added value operators, while specialist installers/contractors
complete the membership profile.
Whichever category the member comes under, the fire door concerned must
have successfully undergone testing at a UKAS approved laboratory and
it is necessary for manufacturers to have in place a recognised, traceable
quality management system to ensure that every door is produced to the
same high specification.
All member companies undergo audit by one of BM TRADA's experienced auditors,
while accredited products are subject to an audit test at least once every
three years. Installers are given further training and are inspected at
least twice a year to ensure product performance will not be compromised
by poor workmanship on-site.
The most important physical feature of the Q-Mark scheme is the use of
colour coded plugs located in the edge of the doors or doorsets. The outer
ring to the plug defines the period of fire resistance (30, 60, 90 or
120 minutes) and the code number in the centre enables customers or building
managers to trace the door manufacturer.
For the specifier the BM TRADA Q-Mark gives access to independently tested
products through certified manufacturers/installers. As well as the scheme
literature, the website, http://www.bmtrada.com/qmark,
incorporates an easy to use search facility. This enables the end user
to compile a list of potential suppliers and also includes links to member
companies' own websites.
Tel: 01494 569607
Email: qmark@bmtrada.com
NGA
Announces First Annual Glazing Executives Forum
The
National Glass Association (NGA) announced on 5th April that Patrick MacLeamy,
chief executive officer of prominent architectural firm HOK, will be the
keynote speaker September 18th, 2006 at the first annual Glazing Executives
Forum, to be held in Las Vegas in conjunction with its annual trade show,
GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo.
'We are extremely pleased that such a distinguished member of the architectural
community will be participating in our inaugural Glazing Executives Forum,'
said David Walker, vice president of association services. 'MacLeamy's
keynote address will focus on the need for the development of a new building
standard.'
The Glazing Executives Forum is being presented by NGA's Architectural
Glazing Committee, whose members are comprised from a veritable who's
who of the glass industry. Committee chairperson and NGA board member,
Rod Van Buskirk of Bacon & Van Buskirk Glass Co., Inc. in Champaign,
IL, had this to say, 'The Glazing Executives Forum is targeted toward
North American company owners and key project managers - the leaders of
the glazing industry. The Forum will build enduring relationships and
information exchange among our glazing business leaders through roundtables
and discussions.'
The Glazing Executives Forum will feature interactive discussions, peer-to-peer
sharing among dealers and contract glaziers, and fresh updates on challenging
topics impacting the industry. Expert speakers and panelists will also
share their perspectives and forecasts for the contract glazing industry.
The day will capstone with a networking reception. The fee for the daylong
event is $195. Registration will begin on May 8th, 2006 at http://www.glass.org.