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Veka and Sash UK Cement a 20 Year Relationship

Systems supplier Veka plc has boosted its 20th Anniversary celebrations by cementing a long term supply agreement with one of its longest established customers, Sash UK Ltd.

The relationship between Veka and Sash UK is regarded by many as the definitive supplier/customer partnership, with both companies setting standards for product and service quality and innovation throughout their relationship.

Following other inter-group agreements that see Veka and Sash with partnerships in other sectors and markets, this most recent signing seals the relationship in the UK. The supply agreement defines a continued programme of product development and cooperation, volume supply and pricing and a long-term commitment by Sash UK to purchase Veka products.

Sash UK's joint Managing Director David Ruzicka says that the way forward is through such agreements: ‘Business has never been as competitive as in today's markets and to remain competitive whilst extending our forward planning depends heavily on a mutual commitment with Veka, our primary supply partner.

The company has demonstrated its commitment to us, but also to its future in the UK, through continuing investment and improvement in its products and infrastructure. We share a great many philosophies.’

Mark de Meza, Managing Director of Veka plc says that the company has gained a great deal from its relationship with Sash UK: ‘Sash UK's part in the development of Veka plc over the years has contributed enormously to what we are as a company today. Many of the initiatives we have introduced have Sash UK's mark on them somewhere in the process, something that has enabled us to remain at the top of our game over the years. I am delighted to have formalised that relationship for the longer term.’

Changes for the Better for Wendland

Wendland says that sales of the Wendland Sundyal conservatory system have been flying out of the door and, following the introduction of changes to Part L of the Building Regulations, they are set to soar even higher.

For the first time, Approved Document L1B (Conservation of Fuel and Power) allows for substantially glazed buildings, under which category Sundyal falls. The official acknowledgment of this type of structure lays down distinct guidelines for compliance with the Building Regulations, making it much easier to obtain approval.

Because of its advanced construction, the Sundyal option is not exempt from Building Regulations. The amended L1B states that if a substantially glazed building fails to qualify as a conservatory because it has less than the minimum qualifying amounts of translucent material, reasonable provision should be made to demonstrate that the performance is no worse than a conservatory of the same shape and size. Sundyal is an affordable solid roof system, used in place of a conventional glazed roof. Because the roof system is solid rather than glass or polycarbonate, homeowners are offered better thermal efficiency.

Isowool 150mm high performance mineral wool product, with excellent thermal, acoustic and fire properties is integral to the Sundyal system and to its long term reliability and high performance. These insulation properties allow a room to remain cooler than a typical conservatory in hot weather yet also to retain warmth during colder months.

‘Essentially, this is very positive news for the industry,’ comments Emma Perry, Marketing Executive at Wendland. ‘This recognition will facilitate the process of obtaining compliance with Building Regulation requirements as more definite guidelines have been set down. Also, the confusion over which category of structure Sundyal fits into is eliminated.’

The design of Sundyal offers an option between a conservatory and a full extension. It has the side walls and base of a conservatory but has a tiled roof to complement any existing dwelling. It offers homeowners a solid structure that integrates with the host building, both in terms of aesthetic appearance and as an alternative to the expense of moving to a bigger property.

One Factory, One System, One Vision

Well-established, Scunthorpe-based Highseal Windows is undergoing a transformation. The company recently relocated to new premises - amalgamating its two old premises into one purpose-built 60,000sq ft factory.

The new £1.6 million site, situated close to the old premises, accommodates all office-based staff and the manufacturing facility. As a result of the changes the factory's output will increase by 30% with the capacity to produce 1000 windows each week.

Says Neil Donaldson, Managing Director, Highseal: ‘Our company had reached a critical level where we needed to invest in new premises in order to accommodate our growing business. Additionally, the logistics of operating out of two sites was proving difficult. The new factory, with all departments under one roof, will simplify things, helping us to become even more efficient.’

As part of the plans for growth, Highseal has made the decision to manufacture only Spectus profile. Consequently, Highseal now exclusively produces Spectus' Elite 70 and Sightline 70 along with vertical sliders, fully reversible windows and patio doors.

‘The Spectus suites meet all of our and our customers' requirements for aesthetically pleasing products that meet all the relevant regulations. For our public sector clients Elite 70 is particularly good because of its improved thermal performance characteristics.'

With energy efficiency playing an increasingly important role in window specification, Highseal has also invested in its own soft coat glass line. ‘There is no escape from the fact that windows are expected to perform better than ever before,’ continues Neil. ‘We believe that soft coat glass is the way forward and it made sense to upgrade our glass specification at the same time as the factory move.’

Additionally, Highseal is expanding into the trade arena with a new multi product trade counter. Located within the new factory, the counter will provide a full PVC-u building solution - including windows, doors and fascias and soffits, courtesy of Spectus' group companies - Kestrel-BCE. To mark the opening of the new counter, Highseal will be hosting special events for local trades people, offering refreshments to all those who attend.

Neil continues: ‘The trade counter is a new area for us but we believe that we have the right balance of products and services to make it work. In addition to the traditional fenestration based ideas we stock and supply stone, granite and marble and other niche building product items. This diversity helps to keep the range fresh and promote us to a wider client base. Our plan is to open six more counters nationally within the next two to three years.’

From left to right:
David Maybank, Head of Sales and Marketing, Highseal Windows
Neil Donaldson, Managing Director, Highseal Windows
Dave Mulholland, Sales and Marketing Director, Spectus

Which? Withdraws Support over HIPs’ Fiasco

Which? has reacted angrily to the government’s latest announcement on Home Information Packs (HIPs) by sending a letter to Ruth Kelly (see below) stating that it was withdrawing its support for the pack.

The government has stated that introduction of the Home Condition Report in the new HIP will need further testing.

Nick Stace, campaigns and communications director at Which? said:

'The new Department for the Communities is not worthy of its title, it seems incapable of defending people in our communities making the biggest purchasing decision of their lives.

 'The homebuyer was looking to the government to hold firm in the face of criticism from the estate agents, instead the government has shown its house is made of straw.

 'Even estate agents are trusted more than politicians which is hardly surprising when politicians seem incapable of defending homebuyers. The new 'half-HIP' will be a useless but a very expensive waste of time.'

Letter from Which? to Rt Hon Ruth Kelly MP

18 July 2006

Dear Secretary of State

Re: Home Information Packs

I am writing to express our disappointment with your decision to withdraw the Home Condition Report from HIPs and our intention to no longer support their introduction.

The Home Condition Report was an essential part of the HIP. It seems extraordinary that the first major decision by your new Department is to reduce the consumer benefits of a flagship policy because you have come under pressure from the industry, including estate agents.

Which? has worked with your Department and the industry to ensure that the implementation of HIPs would be a success and we viewed the proposed pilots as key to ironing out any problems. Clearly your concern over misinformed headlines has led you to conclude that other interests should dominate.

This half-baked compromise will result in something that is of little value but of real expense to consumers and Which? cannot therefore continue to provide support. For interest, estate agents are the second least trusted profession after politicians. After this u-turn, it is perhaps not surprising.

Which? will continue to argue strongly for home buying reforms particularly the creation of proper redress mechanisms for consumers.

Yours sincerely,

Nick Stace
Director of Campaigns and Communications

BBA Launches Fast-Track - or could even be free – BFRC

The British Fenestration Rating Council scheme for the energy rating of windows has gained momentum recently at the same time as the running of the scheme has been taken over by the Glass and Glazing Federation.

The British Board of Agrément is well-known in the windows, doors and conservatory sector of the industry both for its approvals of products and systems but also for its work as the inspection agency undertaking installation inspections under the FENSA scheme.

The BBA is also a key player in the BFRC scheme as it is both an Approved simulator – able to carry out computer simulation and calculation of window thermal values – and an Approved Laboratory – able to undertake complex thermal testing on its sophisticated Guarded Hot Box apparatus – one of only two UKAS accredited Hot Boxes in the UK.

'The BBA has been offering BFRC registration - 42 BFRC registrations have been issued on the basis of work done by the BBA - and we have now developed our processes to introduce a fast-track BFRC system.

'The new process, from initial order to us( with payment) to supply of the information to BFRC to allow listing on the website will now take days where companies have all the relevant information to hand and meet the BFRC requirements. If we have looked at a system on behalf of a system supplier and one of their fabricators wishes to go for a BBA Certificate we will include the BFRC audit at no charge.'

The length of time will obviously depend on the amount of work necessary but the BBA believes this will be an attractive option for companies wishing to gain BFRC registration.

For further information contact:
Alan Thomas
Tel: 01923 665382
Email: athomas@bba.star.co.uk
Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

Eden Gains Trademark

Eden Trade Systems has successfully received its Trademark rights after recently being re branded by The Consultancy.

Budgets Trade Windows Fabrication Department was successfully re-branded to Eden Trade Systems at the beginning of 2006. The name and image transformation was developed in order to distinguish it from Budgets' other departments, as well as to meet future growth requirements, advancing the company’s current position within the market.

By receiving its acceptance within the Trademark rights, along with its new look, Eden Trade Systems says that it is set for new and bigger prospects in the near future.

Paul Callaghan, General Manager at Budget Windows commented: ‘Receiving our trademark rights has concluded the end of a successful change for Budget Windows as a whole. The re-branding of Eden Trade Systems has clearly distinguished and modernised the trade fabrication department providing a fresh image which will be projected to its customers more clearly. By doing so the business has more potential and more scope when dealing in new markets in the future’.

Web: http://www.budgetwindows.co.uk

Pilkington Activ™ Sales Chief Reports Huge Trade Endorsement of Ad Campaign

'The UK glazing industry has excelled itself in the way it has taken advantage of the campaign.' That is the view of Ian Spokes who, as National Product Manager for Pilkington Activ™, heads up the specialist four man team appointed to represent the world's first self-cleaning glass in the UK and Ireland.

His remarks were made as Pilkington reported that sales of Pilkington Activ™ are enjoying a sustained 10-fold increase compared to a similar period a year ago, driven by what is now being hailed as the most successful advertising campaign for flat glass ever staged. 'Installers throughout the UK have been really fired up by the advertising campaign,' said Ian. 'I have been very impressed by many who have created their own promotions to tie in with what we have done to support the product. These companies have reported exceptional sales that would not otherwise have happened.'

Sales this year alone of Pilkington Activ™, the world's first self cleaning glass, have trebled as a result of the £2 million spring TV and national press advertising campaign, which will be run again in the autumn. But, says Spokes, the sales would not have developed if the industry had not taken up Pilkington Activ™: ‘The campaign finished at the end of April but sales have continued to grow as a result of fabricators and installers continuing to take advantage of the buzz that the advertising created. Pilkington Activ™ Blue has been a particular success with a number of IGU manufacturers producing their own branded conservatory roof units using this product. We have even sold 25 tonnes to another major glass manufacturer!’

Spokes added that many of the figures and claims being quoted by other so-called 'self' or 'easy' clean glass products are spurious and should be dismissed: ‘One supplier has even quoted a standard for low maintenance glass that turned out to be for spectacles. Others quote solar control performance figures that are inaccurate or untrue. There are just two manufacturers of dual-action self-cleaning glass in Europe and the claims from others should be treated with caution.’

Spokes also went on to comment on the market percentages of glass versus other roofing materials: ‘Although it is very difficult to obtain definitive research anecdotes and our own sales show that there is a very significant swing towards glass as the favoured conservatory roofing material. Pilkington Activ™ has definitely contributed to this.’

One market that has been slow to take up Pilkington Activ™ is Ireland - an ironic position for Pilkington as it was first launched there five years ago. ‘We will be putting additional focus on Ireland during the coming months,’ said Spokes. ‘Eire has the highest home ownership in Europe, a high interest in home improvements and ideal weather conditions for Pilkington Activ™, all of which were reasons why we carried out our pre-launch trials there. We plan to do roadshows and customer training to ensure installers are up to speed with the latest product developments. Once installers are confident handling and selling the product we can then promote it so that homeowners there can also enjoy the benefits of self-cleaning glass.’

Other market sectors that are expected to drive up sales of Pilkington Activ™ still further, says Spokes, are social housing, education and hospital projects, and commercial markets, for which specifications will often be driven by health & safety issues. This will be supported by advertising, PR and telesales activity. And, whilst the TV and press advertising is aimed squarely at homeowners it will have had an unmeasured but highly positive effect on professional specifiers as the message reaches them in their homes.

Swish Links with HomePro to Enhance Installer Scheme Benefits

Swish Window and Door Systems - one of the UK's most recognised consumer brands of home improvement products - has adopted HomePro Insurance as the preferred provider of Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) to its Authorised Fabricator and Installer Scheme. Furthermore, Swish is giving its scheme members preferential access to the range of products from HomePro - including listing on its powerful Find-a-Pro directory of trade professionals and subsidised membership of FairTrades, Britain's leading multi-trade association.

The Swish Authorised Fabricator and Installer Scheme scheme is designed to help fabricators and installers run a hassle free business, increasing their profits by offering real tangible benefits. All Swish Authorised Installers get extensive technical and customer service training, plus the confidence and back-up that comes working with a brand trusted by consumers for 50 years.

Offering home owners Insurance Backed Guarantees (IBGs) as part of a package of works is a good means of enhancing their confidence - and a powerful marketing tool when it comes to increasing quote acceptances - and HomePro Insurance is one of the UK's leading providers.

HomePro Insurance offers a choice of insurance backed guarantees covering eventualities required by trade professionals and home owners alike. The basic policy covers the work carried under the guarantee, including labour and materials.

The next level of cover takes care of homeowners' deposits for up to 25% of the project value. This level of cover makes closing the sales process much easier, because customers are so much happier handing over the deposit in the knowledge that it is fully protected.

Swish Window and Door Systems' scheme members will also enjoy the ability to deploy the well-regarded FairTrades brand on their promotional materials and vehicles; while being in for a chance to bid for £20 million worth of business enquiries annually generated by HomePro and FairTrades. FairTrades members also benefit from cheaper Yellow Pages and Thomson advertising and have access to conciliation services.

The arrangement with HomePro Insurance and FairTrades is further evidence of Swish Window and Door Systems' commitment, through its scheme, to delivering the highest levels of support and service available.

Paul Lindsay, General Manager, Swish Window and Door Systems, said of the deal: ‘This is a great opportunity for both our companies to develop an extra level of support for our customers’.

Nick Egdell, Managing Director of HomePro Insurance said, ‘Obviously, Swish is one of the UK's best known brands of home improvement products - and we are delighted to be supporting its authorised fabricator and installer scheme with our range of services. The opportunities for access to our IBGs and FairTrades membership benefits will be of great benefit to both businesses - but especially Swish's authorised scheme members’.

HomePro Insurance was one of the first companies in the sector to achieve Financial Services Authority (FSA) authorisation and is listed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in its advice to homeowners published in Having Work Done on Your Home: Organisations That Can Help. All HomePro insurance products are underwritten 'on shore': IBGs by IGI Insurance Company Ltd and Red Sands Insurance Company (Europe) Ltd; while others - such as Public Liability - are underwritten by Allianz Cornhill.

Tel: 0870 734 4344
http://www.homepro.com
http://www.homeproinsurance.co.uk
http://www.fairtrades.co.uk

New World and Senator in Door Deal

New World Developments has signed a long term contract with Ireland’s prestigious PVC window and conservatory manufacturer, Senator Windows. Senator will purchase an exclusive GRP door slab from New World which will be branded as Sentry and marketed through its extensive franchise network.

Senator Windows franchise dealers are based throughout Ireland and says that its products are widely regarded to be excellent. Group managing director for Ireland, Kevin Richards says 'I have vast experience of other composite doors and New World Developments is not only the best I've ever used, but the market leader. We're dealing with a first class product from a first class company who understands service and customer needs.'

Making good commercial sense for both companies, the new Sentry door will have its own hardware and doorset features. New World spent over three years and £3m developing the GRP double skinned door technology. Unique features include the realistic grain definition, the moulding detail and patent pending glazing system. Weatherability tests by all parties have been extremely successful.

Managing director of New World Developments Austin McGillian says, 'We are very pleased to be doing business with another fine Irish company who also wants to raise the quality standards for homes here and in the UK. Composite doors have been identified as a growth area of the overall door market on both islands so we decided to research and develop a door with features not currently offered by competitors. We were able to develop a highly technical product that has given us a very strong advantage in the marketplace.'

Tel: 028 2563 2200
Email: linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com
Web: http://www.nwd.uk.com

‘Is the Timing Right to Sell your Business?’

With the Industry facing major consolidation, several players exiting the market and the recent surge in acquisitions, perhaps its time to consider selling your business.

Purplex, the industry consultants, has recently launched Purplex M&A, a specialist division specifically to assist business owners sell their company or complete a management buyout.

Purplex M&A says that it provides a highly professional, confidential service. Andrew Scott from Purplex commented ‘The next few years will see major realignment in the Industry, bringing alignment to the current supply and demand imbalance. We can no longer assume that the major players today will continue to hold the top spots tomorrow.’

The M&A Division will be headed by Martin Burgess who has been involved in Mergers and Acquisitions for over 15 years. A Cambridge graduate and chartered accountant who has held senior roles at ASDA and Dixons, Martin has successfully completed several high-profile acquisitions, disposals and MBO's in the UK and US. ‘The Window Industry still represents significant opportunity for growth and wealth for those companies with ambition. As companies seek volume and margin improvement, acquiring another business is a real option.
This means many more companies have the opportunity to sell’ added Martin.

Purplex is currently compiling a Register of Companies for sale in the UK which will go live in August. This database will be marketed to potential buyers inside and outside the Industry.

For more information on selling or acquiring a business, MBO's or to find out more about the For Sale Register, visit http://www.purplex.uk.com or contact Andrew Scott on 0870 062 5318.

High Specification Eurocargos for Brownhills Glass

Aldridge-based Brownhills Glass has taken delivery of two new Iveco Eurocargos from local distributor Guests Trucks, each fitted with specialist glass carrying bodies.

The order comprises a Eurocargo 75E17S and a Eurocargo 180E24/P, the latter of which is fitted with an uprated 7.5 tonne front axle and a specification which includes air horns, under bumper fog lights, 90 amp alternator, central locking and headlamp protection.

Bodies for both vehicles have been manufactured by Supertrucks of Saint Helens and feature a nearside external rack set at a five degree angle of lean, together with double interior racks with ratchet straps for the secure transport of glass. The vehicles will operate throughout Central England making deliveries to double glazing manufacturers, shop fitters, glaziers and commercial interior specialists.

‘We selected the Eurocargo for its lightweight chassis, which provides us with the maximum possible payload,’ says Rob Laceby, Managing Director of independent glass merchant and processor Brownhills Glass.

‘We typically operate our vehicles for over ten years, and this latest 18 tonner replaces an 11 year old Cargo which we have operated from new,’ he adds.

Power for the two Eurocargos is provided by Iveco's proven tector engine line-up, with the 7.5 tonner fitted with 3.9 litre four-cylinder engine, which is capable of producing up to 170 hp at 2,700 rev/min and a maximum torque of 560 Nm between 1,200 and 2,100 rev/min.

The larger 18 tonne model is powered by a 240 hp version of the 5.9 litre tector engine, which develops up to 810 Nm of torque between 1,250 and 2,100 rev/min.

Like all Eurocargos, both vehicles also feature ABS and an electronic engine immobiliser as standard, as well as a triple activation exhaust brake which can be actuated by the brake pedal, the exhaust brake pedal or by releasing the accelerator.

About Iveco
Iveco is a global company that produces a complete range of light, medium and heavyweight commercial vehicles, as well as specialist vehicles for applications such as fire fighting, off-road missions, civil defence and protection. It also markets a range of buses and coaches under the Irisbus brand. Iveco employs 32,000 people and runs 49 production units in 19 countries across the world using cutting edge technologies developed in 15 research centres. Outside of Europe, the company operates in China, India, Russia, Turkey, Australia, Argentina, Brazil, and South Africa. Its product range is supported by more than 4,500 service dealers in over 100 countries, guaranteeing technical support wherever an Iveco vehicle is operating.

Elumatec Increases its Aluminium Production Range

Machinery specialist, Elumatec, has joined forces with German manufacturer Ruchser to distribute the Ruchser range of equipment which includes the RU-FE automatic taping machine and the RU-EV-HS gasket insertion machine.

The RU-FE automatic taping machine covers profile with protective tape on two sides as standard, or with an optional third side if required. Therefore, with a tape length of up to 500m per roll this allows the processing of large profile quantities without constant roll changes. A buffer option allows for effective working practice as operators have no need to move between in-feed and out-feed sections for every bar. The profiles are fed manually into an automatic cycle which pulls them through the machine and pushes them out onto the out-feed table after cutting the tape. The RU-FE helps to protect the profile surface since the tape is only removed when the product is delivered to the site.

Ruchser's RU-EV-HS machine is typically used for gasket insertion into transoms and mullion and other similar profiles. The roll up device allows for considerably reduced production times for fitting seals, with a roll up rate of 50cm per second.

This results in a production time of between 15 and 30 seconds per continuous metre of profile, dependent upon the profile type and length. Operating with simple efficiency, the RU-EV-HS gasket insertion machine only requires the profile thickness to be adjusted using a hand wheel. For seals of the same thickness, several seals can be fitted in one run. With an electric motor profile feed, and pneumatic operation of the seal cutting device, the RU-EV-HS is simple, reliable and efficient to operate, with possible profile dimensions ranging from 20mm to 100mm in width and 10mm to 250mm in height (including seals).

By becoming a distributor for Ruchser's tape cutting and gasket insertion machinery, Elumatec's commitment to quality throughout the supply chain is demonstrated. ‘We have an excellent, long standing relationship with Ruchser that enables us to offer a complete solution to the fabrication process, including taping and gasket insertion,’ comments Phil Heavey, managing director of Elumatec. ‘We are dedicated to providing a service that assists all those involved in the fabrication of PVCu and aluminium profiles, and by distributing the product range from Ruchser, we can ensure a complete package for the fabrication market.’

Web: http://www.elumatec.com

Mighty Oakland as Strong as its Namesake after 20 Years in Sealed Units

Oakland Glass celebrated its 20th year of trading on 14th July - and 18 months of using Edgetech's Super Spacer®. One of the UK's leading independent glass processors, it manufactures argon gas filled, Kite Marked sealed units with toughened safety glass. Ahead of much of the market it has passed EN 1279 Part 2, and uses Super Spacer in around 50% of its units. ‘Our energy efficient units help our customers move forward,’ Tina Birkenshaw, Part Owner and Sales Director of Oakland observes, ‘as the window industry sees increased demand for energy rated windows. We already have the technology to comply.’

Part-Owner Tina Birkenshaw with Operations Director David Scholefield

Dewsbury based Oakland is one of the biggest manufacturers of glass units using warm edge technology. It produces 12,500 units per week with a capacity of double that throughout all shifts. Tina continues: ‘We want to give our customers the best units we can possibly make. We're investing heavily into new machinery - in particular an Arrissing line and a Coupling/Gas press. The Arrissing machine, part of a fully automated Promac For.El line, was installed to remove the sharp edges from the glass units making them less harmful to handle, and the whole production line more efficient.

‘We're growing year by year. We began as a four man operation and now employ 150 over three shifts - from little acorns indeed!’

10th GPD Secures Top Level Speakers - Leading Executives to Present Glass Trends and Visions

The Opening Session Speakers for the 10th GPD Conference Transparent Forum in June 2007 have now been confirmed. Top level representatives of Asahi Glaverbel, Guardian Industries Corporation, NSG Group and St. Gobain will address the Conference and participate in the ensuing Grand Panel discussion on June 15th, 2007 at Tampere, Finland.

The Opening session speakers are Mr Arthur Ulens, Executive VP AGC Flat Glass and CEO Glaverbel, Mr Russell J. Ebeid, President, Glass Group, Guardian Industries Corp., Mr Tomoaki Abe, Vice Chairman of the NSG Group and Mr Jacques Aschenbroich, President Flat Glass Group, St. Gobain.

'This exceptional participation gives us a historical opportunity to bring together the views of four of the leading companies in the global glass industry at the same Conference, at the same time and before the same audience,' says Jorma Vitkala, Chairman of the GPD Organising Committee. 'The speakers represent the broadest possible view of the glass industry today and their range of expertise stretches from overall industry development to specific special markets to the application of advanced products for different application areas. They represent major, globally operating companies that strongly affect the future of the industry. For the GPD the top level agenda also marks strong recognition of the contribution the organisers wish to bring to all the participating professionals from different parts of the world.'

Effective Information-Sharing and Practical Case Studies
The 2007 GPD Conference programme follows its traditional objective of creating a forum for information sharing among specialists. The weight of practical case studies has been increased in order to make the Conference as practical and useful as possible.

'In 2007 we pay special tribute to the objectives of the Kyoto Agreement on sustainable development,' Jorma Vitkala says. 'There are many things that high-performance glazing and structures can offer to facade designers, builders and architects for the purpose of reaching energy saving objectives. It is largely a matter of controlling energy flows in and out of buildings that consume almost half of the world energy consumption today the other half being allocated to traffic and industry.

'For glass processors the 10th GPD Conference offers exceptional opportunities to meet with the developers and designers that decide on the use of advanced glass products,' Vitkala says. 'Interaction with the decision makers who use the products supplied by the processing industry will increase the understanding of designing and the requirements of handling the new advanced products to avoid damage in the logistic chain. It also gives valuable input that will assist processors to plan their operations for improved efficiency and productivity in the competitive climate that is becoming increasingly tougher,' Vitkala underlines. 'Factory visits and hands-on process presentations also add to the advantages offered.'

The Call for Papers - summons to GPD 2007 is now out and the date for submission of abstracts is October 10th, 2006. Details are available at http://www.gpd.fi. Thorough documentation of past GPD Conferences including technology and case presentation is available through the special Internet-portal http://www.glassfiles.com. .

For additional information on the GPD Forum 2007, contact: Mr. Jorma Vitkala, GPD Glass Processing Days, Chairman of the Organising Committee, Tel. +358 3 372 3216, email: jorma.vitkala@glassfiles.com

New Health Centre in Belfast Wins Major Award for Architecture

A health centre in Belfast incorporating architectural aluminium glazing systems from Technal, has won a major award for architecture.

The Arches, a £15m community health and social services centre, has been presented with a Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Award. The scheme features innovative use of Technal's systems, including around 100 windows in different colour combinations, frame and span sizes. The centre was designed by Penoyre and Prasad LLP, with Todd Architects as executive architects.

The RIBA Awards were presented at a dinner in London's Hilton Hotel during Architecture Week. The winning projects will be competing for the RIBA Stirling Prize to be announced in October.

Commenting on The Arches project, the judges said, ‘......a skilled design team has redefined healthcare buildings. This unique scheme will be much visited as a guide for the future, not to be copied, but as an inspiration on how to create architecture by continually pushing boundaries and challenging preconceptions.’

Bob Welsh, General Manager of Hydro Building Systems which supplies the Technal brand, said, ‘This building has a lively design theme and the colourful windows and curtain walling were central to that. The systems were capable of achieving the architect's requirements for aesthetics and large spans to allow a high level of light deep into each room, with all the low maintenance benefits of aluminium.’

A 'stained' glass façade constructed from Technal's curtain walling spans three storeys above the main entrance. The double glazed units are structurally bonded to the curtain walling system to give the appearance of one large pane of glass. An abstract image of a flower, signifying regeneration, growth and health, was printed onto vinyl film and applied to the inner face of the double glazed units.

Dual colour tilt/turn casement windows were supplied by Technal from the FXi46 suite and finished in a variety of colours - grey, red, blue, black and purple - contrasting with the white rendered external envelope. Internally the frames are white, with the opening vents taken from the palette of colours.

Polyester powder coated infill panels were inserted into the window frames and were also finished in different colours, creating an animated and dynamic appearance. The windows, which have mullions of varying sizes, were 2.4m high for the front elevation and used as 1.5m high units in 11m long runs to the rear of the building.

Trame Verticale curtain walling encloses the three-storey circular stairwell. The system was glazed in dark grey anti-sun glass, silver caps accentuate the vertical lines to further balance the building, and concealed vents allow natural ventilation.

The Arches accommodates seven GP practices and brings together treatment, care and information services which were previously provided from a large number of buildings across east Belfast. These services include speech therapy, dentistry, district nursing, physiotherapy, homecare, health visiting and citizens advice.

Web: http://www.technal.co.uk

SIAC Facades Wins Acclaimed Safety Award for Sixth Consecutive Year

SIAC Facades, a specialist contractor for the design and installation of roofing and external building envelope solutions in the UK and Ireland was given the prestigious International Safety Award by the British Safety Council.

Following tough independent adjudication, SIAC Facades won the Award which recognises it amongst those companies with exemplary health and safety records and practices. Only companies with accident incidence rates lower than the industry average are eligible to apply.

Sean McGettigan, Managing Director, SIAC Facades says: ‘We are delighted to have won the award again this year. It's a great achievement which endorses SIAC's commitment to health and safety for our customers, suppliers, partners and employees. It is especially rewarding to see that we have out-performed the standard measures set for the construction industry and are working hard to achieve the award again next year.’

Winners must have sound safety policies and plans, showing a commitment to health and safety from the shop floor to the boardroom. They must detail their health and safety manager's qualifications and provide details of significant health and safety advances for the year.

Prime Minister Tony Blair acknowledged the hard work saying: ‘I send my congratulations to all those organisations being presented with an award by the British Safety Council. These awards recognise the success that these organisations and their employees have achieved in their pursuit of excellence in the management of health, safety and environmental matters.’

David Ballard, Chief Executive of the British Safety Council, said: ‘For nearly fifty years, we have led the way in promoting health, safety and environmental best practice in society. In the 21st century, many organisations worldwide are now making health and safety a top priority. A company that consistently works towards improving its safety record is investing in the future.’

For further information on the International Safety Awards, please visit: http://www.britsafe.org/isa.

About SIAC Facades
SIAC Facades is a specialist contractor for the design and installation of roofing and external building envelope solutions in the UK and Ireland. SIAC Facades is a division of the SIAC Construction Group, one of Ireland's major multi-disciplinary construction groups. The company's origins date from 1913 in Cork when the main business was the manufacture and laying of mastic asphalt. It was known as the South of Ireland Asphalt Company Limited until 1983 when it became SIAC Construction Limited.

Over the years SIAC has developed a trusting and well respected working relationship with Developers, Architects, Quantity surveyors and Main Contractors. SIAC is committed to a high standard of health and safety, and good environmental practices in all its operations.

Web: http://www.siac.ie

Norking Welcomes New Dealer Agreement with VELFAC

Norking Aluminium is one of only three companies chosen by Danish company VELFAC for a new dealer agreement.

This comes at a time when Norking as a company is growing faster than it has at any point in its 30 years history.

VELFAC, which manufactures in Denmark but has two offices in the UK, has been established for 50 years and has a respected reputation in the industry. The company is a subsidiary of VKR Holdings.

The company’s composite timber and aluminium windows - timber on the inside aluminium on the outside - are a key feature in some of the most stunning buildings in Northern Europe.

As well as constantly pursuing a portfolio of British and European performance standards, VELFAC is also a company built on sound environmental principles.
Graeme Gibson, MD at Norking said this week:

‘We at Norking are delighted to add a new product range of such quality and excellence to our portfolio.

‘This new dealer agreement marks another positive milestone for us and we look forward to our association with VELFAC.’

EAG Wins Two Prestigious New Build Contracts

English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has recently won two contracts: a £3m deal from Lace Market Properties to design, manufacture and install curtain walling, windows and doors to the Litmus Building - Nottingham's largest new-build apartment block, and a £2.6m contract from Chelsfield Plc to provide external glazing and terracotta cladding to the new Westminster Academy in Paddington, London.

The Litmus Building is part of the ongoing City Centre regeneration and when complete will feature 298 one and two bedroom apartments, with secure underground car parking, a concierge service and an enclosed leisure facility with swimming pool and gymnasium.

EAG is due to begin work on site in late July and will be installing Schuco FW50+ curtain walling with associated RS65 turn tilt windows and RS65 double and single doors. The contract is scheduled for completion in early 2007.

Laing O'Rourke is the main contractor and CPMG is the architect.

The Westminster Academy contract forms part of a £25million project to build a new school for pupils aged 11-18 who will be relocated from North Westminster Community School, which is marked for closure.

EAG will be installing Schuco glazing systems, including high performance FW60+ pressure cap and FW60 structurally bonded curtain walling with integral RS65 glass doors and bi-parting entrance doors.

EAG will also install a glass balustrade on the north-west elevation and glazed terracotta cladding in six shades of green and yellow in a large staggered arrangement to the front of the building.

EAG is scheduled to begin work on site in July this year with a view to completing in January 2007. The main contractor is Galliford Try.

Aluminium Roofline Products Address Key Issues

With sustainability a key focus at every level of the public sector, Mustang® continuous guttering system has been chosen by Cannock Chase District Council to address some of these issues. To reduce responsive repairs Cannock Chase is installing seamless aluminium guttering to approximately 850 properties per year. This is part of its partnered five year external envelope programme.

Jim Muddimer, Managing Director of ARP which supplies Mustang comments: ‘Local authorities have many obligations to fulfil, not only legislative but also to taxpayers. To work at height on call backs for failing guttering is an unnecessary risk and a waste of time and money.

Because Mustang is one continuous piece of aluminium it eliminates call backs for leaks. Every component of Mustang has a 30 year life expectancy, which is accredited by the BBA. And with 97% of the guttering being recycled environmental concerns are being addressed too. Local authorities who choose to install Mustang are confident that they can reduce both the amount of time working at height and reinforce their commitment to sustainable development.’

Tel: 0116 2894400
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com

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