Are
You the UK’s Best Conservatory Designer?
In
a new feature being introduced at Glassex ’04, which takes place
at the National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham from 14th to 17th March,
Britain’s conservatory designers will get the chance to confirm their
skills and showcase their talents by becoming the Glassex Conservatory
Designer of the Year.
In addition the winning design will be shown in some of the UK’s
top industry journals. This accolade will also impress potential customers
and do wonders for sales.
The competition is free and very simple to enter, and is open to any individual
or company. No formal qualifications or membership of professional bodies
or associations are required, as a team of highly skilled experts, and
the editors of the UK’s conservatory trade journals will judge all
entries entirely on their merit.
A short list will be displayed at Glassex, with visitors having their
chance to vote for their choice, with the finalist being decided by visitors’
votes in conjunction with the judges’ final decision.
ENTER NOW!
There are three categories:
a) Portal
b) Conventional Commercial
c) Conventional Domestic
Entries will be judged on the basis of:
Aesthetics
Structural Calculations and Integrity
Innovation
Entries may be a conservatory already built, or a new design still on
the drawing board. They must consist of detailed scale drawings, including
dimensions, measurements and structural calculations, and technical specifications.
Photographs of building in progress and upon completion should be included
if appropriate. Don’t forget to name the category you are entering.
All materials should be mounted on two pieces of thick card, no larger
than A3 in size.
It’s as simple as that!
But time is short – Send your entries by Friday 20th February
to:
The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition
EMAP Maclaren
19th Floor, Leon House,
233 High Street,
Croydon
CR0 9XT
Further information including terms and conditions may be found on the
Glassex web site at http://www.glassex.com,
or from the above address.
Installer
Pays Heavily for Passing Off – ‘Substandard’ Roof Sold
as Ultraframe
Following
recent legal action, the supplier and installer SAJE has signed a court
order, giving an undertaking to the court not to infringe the ‘Ultraframe’
trademark and not to pass-off products as Ultraframe, when they are not.
Payment of £10,000 has been made by SAJE for Ultraframe, with a
further payment also for costs estimated at over £10,000 - a total
of over £20,000 to be paid by SAJE.
Ultraframe was alerted to the case by the homeowner contacting the company
directly. The homeowner had carried out his own research prior to purchase
and chose an Ultraframe conservatory roof, with the ventilated ridge of
particular importance to reduce condensation.
After installation it became apparent that the roof in question was not
an Ultraframe roof but was instead a K2 roof.
‘The roof leaked, beams were badly aligned and condensation problems
led to mould. SAJE made several failed attempts to repair the roof.’
says Ultraframe.
‘Yet throughout, when questioned by the homeowner, SAJE had maintained
it was a roof manufactured and supplied by Ultraframe.’
Nick Gale, Managing Director said: ‘Ultraframe has been working closely
with our customers for many months in our shared concern that some businesses
continue to pass-off inferior products as Ultraframe products. To our
surprise and increased concern, we have received complaints directly from
homeowners. We have followed up each and every case and have been successful
in remedying such passing-off.
‘Swift in our action, we did not hesitate to act against SAJE and
have been fully vindicated by the court outcome and undertaking by SAJE
to stop ‘passing off’ products. SAJE has paid a high price.
But to take no action would have meant the industry at large paying the
highest price of all – loss of confidence and trust from homeowners,
bringing all of our trade into disrepute.’
'Fabulous'
New Launch from Fab and Fix
Fab
and Fix, UK PVCu hardware supplier, has launched a new product suite of
fully co-ordinated hardware. From handles, hinges and locks to letterplates,
door knockers and numerals, the suited hardware comes in a range of contemporary
co-ordinated colours, styles and finishes.
Fab
and Fix says it is confident that the launch of the complete range from
January 2004 will set a new industry standard in the concept of co-ordinated
window and door furniture.
Available in standard White, Chrome, Black and Hardex Gold finishes, the
new ‘lifestyle’ range also features contemporary colours such
as Satin Bronze, Bright Bronze and Satin Chrome.
Manufactured from zinc, the new range is designed with ease of fitting
and long-lasting performance in mind.
Fab and Fix Managing Director, Phil Freeman believes the company has taken
the lead in responding to market demand for a fully ‘suited’
product range to satisfy the increasingly sophisticated tastes of modern
homeowners.
He says: ‘Fab and Fix has an ability to conceptualise and design
products in a way we believe no other company can do. We don’t hang
about when we spot an industry trend; we convert customer requirement
into reality – fast.
‘This was the thinking behind our new range; a need for which we
identified several years ago and its final launch after months of careful
research and planning. This complete co-ordinated hardware suite allows
fabricators to buy from a ‘one-stop shop’,’ continues Phil.
‘We are justifiably proud of what we think is classic, yet contemporary
design backed with sound reliability, performance and long-lasting good
looks.
‘With more people investing in their homes and improving their existing
properties, there are plenty of opportunities for our customers to capitalise
on a strong and growing market in the home improvement sector,’ adds
Phil.
Tel: 02476 618182
Web: http://www.fabnfix.co.uk
Celsius
Creates a Warm Glow for K2
Less
than a year after acquiring CCG and incorporating it into the company
as K2 Glass, K2 is reporting success for its Celsius performance glass,
with the product surpassing forecast sales by as much as 300% in a single
month.
Launched
at Glassex 2003, Celsius was designed specifically for use in conservatory
roofs, providing a temperate environment all year round by reflecting
heat in summer and providing improved insulation in winter. Thanks to
the product’s positioning in the marketplace and sustained marketing
support activity from K2, the company says that Celsius has now become
synonymous with thermal performance glass and is being specified by name
by both installers and consumers.
Explains Dave Bradshaw (pictured): ‘Celsius is the only true thermal
performance glass currently being manufactured for use in the conservatory
industry in the UK. This means that we can turn round an order in just
5-7 working days. The product’s functionality and the service that
we can provide in terms of order fulfillment and production of bespoke
orders have really helped us differentiate and address a growing consumer
demand for glass roofs.’
Celsius glass typically reflects 72% of total solar energy – more
than three times the amount reflected by standard glass – giving
it a u-value of just 1.4. Meanwhile in winter, Celsius retains 50% more
heat than standard glass, helping to reduce heating costs.
In
addition to the temperature benefits Celsius offers, the glass creates
a pleasant environment within the conservatory, reducing noise penetration
by up to 100% compared to standard polycarbonate and decreasing glare
by up to 55% compared to standard glass, whilst providing a good level
of light for all year round conservatory usage.
To cope with the growth in demand since Celsius was launched by K2, the
company has taken on additional staff at its Blackburn production plant
and is currently recruiting for more. Additional shifts have also been
implemented and K2 has applied the best practice production efficiencies
from its main Bolton plant to the Blackburn facility.
Comments K2’s Marketing Director, Iain McInnes ‘The success
of Celsius has exceeded all our expectations and reveals a real consumer
trend towards glass roofs. The product offers so many advantages in terms
of thermal performance, noise reduction and ease of maintenance that installers
are finding it easy to up sell from polycarbonate to Celsius. And with
a BS5713 Kitemark and 20 year warranty, installers can also offer their
customers confidence that they are purchasing a premium, high quality
product for their conservatory investment.’
K2 predicts that sales of Celsius glass will continue to grow at a similar
rate over the coming few months and that demand for the product will have
more than doubled a year on from launch. Dave Bradshaw adds: ‘Both
aesthetically and practically it is clear that there are many advantages
to installing a Celsius roof. The product maintains K2’s reputation
for innovative and quality products and will play a key role in the continued
success of the company during the next 12 months.’
Web:
http://www.k2conservatories.com
Sjølund
Gears up for Growth in UK
Sjølund
A/S claims to be the leading profile bending specialist in Europe. The
company bends sections and thin sheets of steel, stainless steel and aluminium.
The company has 65 highly qualified employees and says that short delivery
times and a flexible approach make Sjølund A/S a reliable business
partner for a large number of companies within a broad section of industry.
'We usually deliver within 2-3 weeks of receiving an order and are very
willing to produce single items with or without supplying materials.We
collect and deliver through our forwarding agents near you.' says the
company.
CSD has been an agent for Sjølund since June 2002 and has recently
moved into new offices.
'We are looking forward to a steady growth in sales' says Shaun Clarke
from CSD. 'Sjølund is extremely strong in mainland Europe in the
Curtain Walling/Window industry'
Shaun
Clarke
CSD Ltd.
T- 0044 1270 666000
F- 0044 1270 666500
M- 07775 907030
http://www.sjoelund.dk
FGI
at the Cutting Edge with Promac
Float
Glass Industries (FGI) has invested in the latest For.El vertical laminated
glass cutting line – one of only two currently installed in the UK
supplied by Promac. The new For.El VC3302 with automatic loading and stocking
facilities is part of an ongoing investment programme at FGI’s state-of-the-art
glass processing operation in Manchester. The company says that the new
machinery brings manifold benefits to FGI and its customers including
increased productivity, faster turnaround, together with enhanced quality
and accuracy.
Fully
automatic, the For.El VC3302 can cut up to 1400m2 of laminated glass per
day, giving FGI the capacity to handle high volume orders on short lead
times. Installed in the main factory, it is used in the production of
glass for partitioning and specialist Low E and acoustic glass for commercial
I.G units.
By cutting laminated glass in a vertical rather than a horizontal position
the For.El VC3302 also saves valuable factory floor space. A typical installation
running parallel to a wall occupies a footprint of only 25m x 3m. Once
the glass is loaded on the stocking station it is not touched again until
it reaches the end of the line. Limiting the amount of handling and keeping
the glass vertical increases productivity and also reduces the possibility
of accidents.
A further benefit is a significant reduction in wastage, from about 30%
with FGI’s previous table to just 10% on 6.4mm laminated glass with
the For.El.
The new machine has two cutting bridges, which work simultaneously to
optimise both glass yield and output capacity. When combined with automatic
loading, as at FGI, the equipment can cut 6m x 3m ‘Jumbo’ sheets
of glass into SSS sizes in less than two minutes operated by just one
man. The machine has been modified at FGI’s request to handle both
Jumbo and Lehr End Size stock sheets for greater cutting versatility.
Furthermore, FGI’s additional investment in a For.El 810 manipulator
at the end of the line enables one operator to ‘download’ glass
up to 140kg with ease and safety.
FGI supplies safety glass in a diverse range of thicknesses and make-up
to some of largest names in the commercial IG market. Commenting on the
new automatic cutting facility, David Offland, FGI’s Joint Managing
Director says, ‘More stringent building regulations have brought
an increased demand for laminated glass, particularly for soft coat. This
latest investment plays a key role in our strategy to automate wherever
possible to facilitate volume production and reduce lead times.’
Tel: 0161 946 8000
Web: http://www.floatglass.co.uk
Flat
Glass Merchants of Corby Invests in Tamglass Plant
Flat Glass Merchants Ltd of Corby, Northants, have recently commissioned
a Tamglass HTF 42/21 furnace capable of toughening glass from 4-19mm at
a maximum size of 4200 x 2100.
The furnace comes as part of a large investment of processed machineary
at the Corby factory.In addition to this Flat Glass have added the appropriate
edging and washing machines and have also added a shaped beveller/polisher
to it's list.
Managing Director, Paul Buckley commented "the furnace will help
us to supply our current and new stock customers with toughened glass
and other processed products (like a one stop shop) and as we are not
unit manufacturers there will be no conflict"
Flat Glass can now offer Stock, Toughened, Drilled and Polished, Resin
Designs, Safety Backing, Shaped Bevelling all produced in house.
For further details of our range, please contact our office on; 01536
268419 or you can fax your enquiry to 01536 268469 or email: sales@flatglassmerchants.com
The
Consultant who Liked the Company so Much he Bought It!
Manchester based window, door and conservatory manufacturer Sureframe,
is set to build upon an impressive sales performance in 2003, following
the announcement of a successful management buy out and a change of ownership.
Garry Naden, who was formerly a Management Consultant at Sureframe, purchased
the Wythenshaw business from previous owner Paul Masterson, after seeing
turnover exceed £2million for the first time in 2003 and recognising
the business‚ future growth potential.
Commenting on the acquisition Garry Naden said: 'Over the past three years
I have seen Sureframe become one of the leading manufacturers in the area
and the company still has untapped potential. The replacement window market
in Lancashire is worth £79 million per year and I believe that with
our expertise, experience and a growing portfolio of products to offer
our customers, we have a significant opportunity to capture and develop
an even greater share of it.'
Sureframe's growing product range was recently enhanced by the company's
acceptance into the James Harcourt network of manufacturers. This coup
provides the business with exclusive rights to produce James Harcourt
products in the North West and is set to provide the business with an
excellent means of differentiating itself in an increasingly competitive
market.
Paul Masterson will remain as proprietor of specialist conservatory installers
- Crystal, consolidating the business as a leader in its field.
Garry Naden added: 'Since joining the team in October 1999, Sureframe
has gone from strength to strength. The excellent results in 2003 and
the recognition of the business as members of the Approved Network of
James Harcourt manufacturers, has allowed us to move into 2004 with renewed
optimism.'
Sureframe is based on Roundthorne Industrial Estate in Wythenshawe and
currently employs 25 dedicated window, door and conservatory-manufacturing
specialists.
'Midlands
Regions Show the most Company Changes in 2003' says Windowbase
'The
year 2003 had more companies changing details than we have seen so far
in the past nine years' says Windowbase in its annual summary of changes
to the Industry-wide database of UK window, door & conservatory companies.
With over 12,300 companies contacted in the past twelve months, this analysis
shows what is happening in the industry.
'The latest 'Volatility Index' value of 36.7% - a measure of the changes
occurring on a year on year basis - is four percentage points higher than
the 2002 figure. The index shows that over one-third of the companies
on our database has changed during the year in some significant way.'
says Mike Davis. 'It reveals the proportion of companies new to the database,
the number gone, and the number who have moved in the year,'
'Overall, the proportion gone out of business is higher than last year
at 10% and the number that moved premises is rather lower - at 6.3%. As
last year, the main difference is in the number of new companies added
to the database; now even higher at over 20%.'
This Windowbase database, with over 11,100 companies at the end of the
year, only records companies who are prepared to give details of their
activities. Not all the companies reported as 'new' commenced trading
in the year, but were those now willing to provide details to Windowbase.
Why? Mike suggests, 'FENSA registration seemed to many small companies
to be an opportunity to generate sales by being on an 'official' list.
Consequently, many small builders and other local craftsmen thought that
merely paying their fee would bring them new business. These are companies
who had rarely, if ever, advertised and who previously relied upon local
contacts to bring them business. Consequently, we have now been able to
contact them and discover their interests.
The biggest changes are in PVCu installers, where new companies exceed
those no longer installing by 2:1.
A major difference between this year and last year is that the Midlands
regions have shown the greatest volatility, with East Midlands having
the most new companies (nearly 25% of those on the database at the end
of the year); while Scotland has the greatest percentage of companies
that have gone or ceased to be involved in windows over the past year.
As last year, East Anglia appears as the most stable region of England.
The proportion of new companies is least in Northern Ireland where Part
L does not apply.
'Once again, we can see the rate of change in the industry, and how important
it is for anyone concemed with fabricators or installers to ensure they
are keeping up with new entrants, while not wasting time on companies
who have gone' says Mike.
The Company Volatility lndex shows the change in the number of companies
on the Windowbase UK Window, Door and Consenratory company database fram
November 2002 - November 2003.
It comprises the sum of three measures,
a) the number of companies removed from the database during the year expressed
as a percentage of those at the beginning of the year,
b) the number of companies added during the year expressed as a percentage
of those at the end of the year, and
c) the number of companies with changed addresses expressed as a percentage
of those that stayed on the database during the year.
One technical note is that where a company is removed from the database
and is both a fabricator and an installer, then it will be counted for
each category. That explains why the percentage in each category is higher
than the average for all companies. This does not apply for the regional
analysis.
Contact: Mike Davis
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@winbase.co.uk
Web: http://www.winbase.co.uk
Allerton
Windows Becomes HW Plastics 100th AIMS Signatory
Due
to the success of HW Plastics' Approved Installer Membership Scheme since
its launch in Summer 2002, the company has announced that Allerton Windows
of Bootle, Merseyside has become the 100th company to sign up to the AIMS
Initiative.
Allerton
Windows is an established company with over 30 years experience and claims
to be the largest local independent replacement windows, doors, conservatories,
porches and roofline products company in the Northwest. It employs 50
staff and fabricates between 250 and 300 bespoke units per week at its
factory in Bootle. The company has also opened a new office and showroom
in Bromborough, Wirral.
With Allerton Window's guiding principles being 'Superior quality, unbeatable
price, exceptional service', it says it is able to achieve these principles
by manufacturing products using HW Plastics HW70 window and door system
profile. This profile offers a commercially orientated 70mm profile suite,
which has innovative design features that bring benefits for fabricators,
making installation quicker and easier. A full range of ancillaries and
accreditations ensure that HW70 meets the needs of commercial, domestic
and even new build market sectors.
Paul Kyriakides, Marketing Manager at Allerton Windows says about AIMS
'HW Plastics Approved Installer Membership Scheme offers real benefits
to us as a company. When coupled with the support offered by HW Plastics
we are able to provide our customers with quality products and peace of
mind at the same time'.
The benefits of scheme membership ensures that the enquiries received
by Allerton Windows from the general public are answered with confidence.
This confidence only helps facilitate an increase in the number of enquiries
and helps to boost 'demand pull' sales.
For the consumer, the scheme operates in conjunction with the DTI's Quality
Mark initiative, which aims to create a register of approved domestic
contractors. The Quality Mark is the Government's stamp of official approval
for all domestic contractors such as Allerton Windows.
'It is gained through inspection by an independent accreditation organisation
ensuring that the business conforms to stringent performance criteria.
HW Plastics makes sure that only the most reputable companies, that is
those with the Quality Mark, bear its own mark of quality membership of
AIMS. The AIMS mark will therefore guarantee the consumer high quality
PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, in the absolute certainty of quality
workmanship and real value for money.' says HW Plastics.
'AIMS membership, in conjunction with the DTI's Quality Mark, is increasingly
becoming the benchmark by which consumers will chose an installer. Installers
are now finding that many customers are seeing Quality Mark accreditation
and AIMS membership as a pre-requisite to employing a company to carry
out work in the new-build and replacement PVCu window, door and conservatory
market.'
Tel: 01625 666153
Dedadiamond
Introduces its Diamond Tools to the UK Market
Dedadiamond
is a growing Singapore investment company in China. Its diamond tools
are made with Japanese technology with Japanese collaboration. The company's
manufacturing activities are as follows:
Flat Glass Application
• All standard wheels are shaped like 12A2, 1A1 etc. or tailor-made
non-standard wheel shapes to your specification.
• Cerium Oxide Polishing Powder
• BD Wheel
• Polishing Wheel
• Optical Glass Raw Material
Stone Applications
• Segments for re-tipping diamond saw blades of all sizes.
• Small diamond blades from 100 mm to 350 mm.
• Large blades from 400 mm to 3000 mm.
• Flexible polishing pad, polishing bricks etc.
Dedadiamond says that its many years of experience in supplying diamond
tools to the glass and stone industries in China and worldwide gave the
company opportunity to grow into what it is today. The company still aims
to continuously sharpen its skills and develop leading edge technologies
in diamond tools and polishing solutions.
'We are first in quality and most competitive in prices. And plus our
immaculate after sales services we have emerged as one of the leaders
in diamond tools business.' says the company.
Contact: Mark Low
Web: http://www.dedadiamond.com
Is
the UK on its way to 85% Warm Edge Technology like North America?
With
a quarter of a century in sealed unit manufacture, and one of the first
companies to use Super Spacer® bars in the UK, Holdens Supaseal have
more experience than most. ‘We’ve been using the Super Spacer
for seven years now and about 25% of our 5000 sealed unit output per week
is manufactured using the Edgetech product,’ says Alan Pearse, General
Manager of Holdens Supaseal.
‘Obviously
with this level of weekly volume, economies of scale meant it made sense
for us to take advantage of state of the art automation in our manufacturing
process. We opted for a Willian machine, which combined with the Super
Spacer, allows us to build high-performance sealed units with improved
manufacturing productivity. From a manufacturer’s perspective it’s
great, with significant time and cost saving benefits. Ideal for unusual
or arch shaped units, Super Spacer is flexible and easy to use.
‘From the installers’ perspective the product benefits are clear
too. Not only does it meet and even exceed Part L regulations in certain
combinations, it has to be one of the best solutions for the future when
legislation gets tougher.
'Importantly, selling sealed units manufactured using Super Spacer allows
installers to differentiate themselves. So why, after 10 years in the
UK, aren’t we like North America, 85% converted to warm edge technology?
I think the answer is that like many industries, the window industry can
be slow to accept new developments and apprehensive about change. But
with the introduction of the new building regulations this pace has already
begun to accelerate, and will continue to do so in the global drive for
better thermal efficiency. The time has never been better to increase
awareness and understanding among home owners and installers of the unique
benefits of Super Spacer’.
Tel: 02476 363614
Stain
Blocking Primer Research Strikes a Chord
TRADA
Technology Ltd has been overwhelmed by offers of support from industry
for a DTI-sponsored project to research the effectiveness of stain blocking
primers for wood joinery, announced in May last year.
Peter Kaczmar, TRADA Technology' s Coatings and Treatments specialist,
who heads up the research, said: 'The importance of this project to the
joinery and paint industries is evident in the interest it has generated.
We have been offered technical and laboratory support, as well as a wide
range of case study opportunities, which will be invaluable in the information
gathering phase of the project.'
The £150,000 project is being carried out under the Partners in
Innovation programme and arose from the growing problem of discolouration
and staining of light coloured coatings on wood joinery. As Mr Kaczmar
explained, 'Corrective action can be extremely costly, as in the worst
cases it might be necessary to repaint completely all wood joinery in
a new building.'
The research will pay particular attention to water borne coatings, which
seem to exacerbate the problem, partly because they are so much in demand
as a result of environmental and legislative pressures.
The results will be published in two documents, a product specification
guide and a best practice guide. The research wiil encompass:
• a survey of the wood cladding and joinery sectors to identify 'stain-blocking'
strategies currently in commercial use
• case studies of sites where extractive staining is known to be
a problem
• comparative laboratory evaluation of different stain blocking primers
• a programme af natural and artificial weathering tests.
Project partners are: TRADA Technology Ltd, the Timber Research and Development
Association, Teknos (UK) Ltd, AKZO Nobel Woodcare, Becker Acroma Ltd,
Ronseal Trade Granwax Products Ltd, Valtti Specialist Paints and Michael
Abbott.
For further details conceming the research programme contact Peter Kaczmar
at TRADA on 01494 569637.
Web: http://www.trada.co.uk
21
Years of Trading Adds Experience to Future Growth Plans
2004
is the 21st anniversary for Status fabricator Window Warehouse, and to
see the New Year in with a bang the company has recently invested extensively
in a conservatory roof manufacturing line for the manufacture of Ultraframe
roofs. This investment forms part of a package of changes and lmprovements
the Stockton-on-Tees based manufacturer is carrying out to gain greater
market share during its 21st year of trading, and beyond.
Director
Geoff Longstaff has put a lot of effort into recruiting personnel from
outside of the window industry - staff who bring with them objectivity
and experience from more established, blue chip companies. Qualified engineers
have been brought into the factory to run the new roof line, and work
to a higher degree of professionalism and to enhanced quality targets.
Geoff has also brought in Stan Stevenson as co-director (right). Stan
brings with him many years of blue chip board level experience in IT,
management and legislative issues.
'We have seen the window industry chop and change many times over the
years, and the fortunes of Window Warehouse has waxed and waned along
with the best of them,' said founding director Geoff Longstaff.
'Today we are proud to be still trading profitably, and most importantly
we have consistently maintained a good local reputation in both the trade
and retail markets. This provides excellent foundations on which to build
the next phase of growth. Setting up the conservatory roof line was the
final piece of key investment to help us attack the forthcoming market
opportunities more proactively.'
Stan Stevenson added: 'As a relative newcomer to the industry it is exciting
to see so many changes happening in one market place. We have spent a
lot of time tightening up the company to create a mean and lean operation.
We are manufacturing to better efficiencies, we have a firm grip on all
costs, we have in place an exceptionally professional workforce of 50
dedicated people.
'An important element to improving our internal procedures has been the
implementation of Status' e-commerce system Synergebuild,' continued Stan.
'this has helped us streamline the paperwork and practically eliminate
administrative errors. The fact that Status' parent company is Deceuninck,
the world's number one extruder, gives us access to some excellent resources,
as well as giving us as a window manufacturer exceptional kudos.
'Window Warehouse currently manufactures 300 windows a week, and is now
set to double this over the next two years, looking particularly at increasing
sales to the trade market.'
Modplan-
the Home of Customer Support
Over
the last few months, customers of Veka fabricator, Modplan Limited, have
welcomed the improved scheduling and production system resulting from
the installation of specialist software earlier this year.
Although the introduction of the software is seen as a long-term project,
which will help the company to remain competitive well into the 21st century,
Modplan’s processing manager, Andrew Evans, has been focussing on
developing the system further, in order to make available to customers
the additional benefits offered by the program.
‘Our aim is to make the purchasing process quicker and more efficient’
explains Andrew. ‘Immediate access to purchase prices, glass sizes,
on-line ordering and the facility to add their own on-costs will make
a huge difference for both the customer and ourselves.’
Always fast to respond to customers, when Andrew received a call from
Merthyr County Borough Council asking for help with their own recently
installed software system, it was a perfect opportunity to put some of
his hard work into practice.
Modplan has been working closely with Merthyr Council, supplying pvc windows
and doors for social housing stock and a wide variety of public sector
building applications, since the Council ceased to fabricate in-house,
some years ago.
‘Because the Council has such a broad range of product requirements,
obviously the easier we can make the purchasing process the better.’
comments Andrew.
‘Being able to build the specification on screen and price it fully
at the same time, prior to actually placing an order, will make an immense
difference to the accuracy as well as the speed of the buying process.’
Having personal experience, Andrew is well aware that when the software
is initially installed it can seem slightly daunting. ‘When we are
able to offer Modplan’s front end package to our customers, it will
be very important that we make the time to provide on going training and
support' continues Andrew, 'allowing customers to feel confident with
the operation and thereby use the package to its full potential.'
Working with Merthyr Council has provided the opportunity for Modplan
to try out some of their future plans for the training and implementation
of the front-end package. 'Any computer system is only as good as the
information you put in,' explains Andrew, 'which is why working with Merthyr
has been so useful. Their large range of application requirements covers
an immense amount of product detail, which we have worked diligently to
ensure is accurate, as well as being able to provide reliable advice on
the best way to use the program.'
A spokesman for Merthyr CBC commented, 'Modplan has always provided solid
support and the considerable time they have invested in helping us get
the software up and running has been no exception. We are looking forward
to the increased efficiency and ease of ordering that the system will
undoubtedly offer.'
Modplan hope to be available to offer customers a front end package in
the very near future, but are determined to make the process as proficient
as possible before progressing. 'The exercise with Merthyr CBC has been
truly beneficial to both parties", concludes Andrew. "We have
all gained some valuable experience over the last few weeks and we will
be able to progress our plans with confidence.'
Tel: 01495 246844
Scotplas
– the PVCu Merchant to the Roofline, Window and Building Industry
has opened its fourteenth branch in Bangor, North Wales, and brings the
total to ten opened in the last five years.
Following a year of consolidation, allowing the company to bed in its
new IT System, an extensive market research was conducted in the North
Wales area.
After the successful completion of this, suitable premises were located
on the busy Llandegai Industrial Estate, Bangor close to the main A55
coast road. The branch opened for business on the 5th January 2004 and
carries a wide range of stock to meet the customer’s needs. These
include Celuform and Everwhite cladding, fascias and architraves, Aquaflow
Rainwater systems, Laminated Flooring, Hurst Door Panels, Conservatory
Roofs, Ancillary Products and a whole lot more.
The company says it is now fully committed to its strategy of nationwide
coverage within the next two years, with a further four branches planned
for 2004.
The Bangor Branch is at Unit 9, Llandegai Industrial Estate, Llandegai,
Bangor, Gwynedd, North Wales, LL57 4YH.
Tel: 01248 362348
Fax: 01248 364549
Email: mailto:bangor@scotplas.co.uk
Family
homes at a new Fairclough Homes development on Merseyside are benefiting
from high performance PVCu windows and doors courtesy of the Duraflex
Diamond Suite. New build specialist, New View, is currently installing
the 360 windows together with patios and French doors in properties at
Victoria Gardens in Rainhill.
Following consultation with New View, Fairclough Homes specified traditional
opening casements in a brilliant white finish from Duraflex’s 65mm
Bevelled range of profiles. Fabrication is being undertaken by Norvik,
a long-standing Duraflex customer and New View’s exclusive supply
partner.
One of the UK’s leading housebuilders, Fairclough Homes prides itself
on building modern, energy efficient homes with low maintenance and running
costs.
Fairclough’s construction methods and choice of materials, such as
high performance PVCu windows, reflect this commitment to prospective
purchasers.
Independent testing approved by the BBA show that both 65mm and 70mm Duraflex
profiles achieve U-values significantly lower than even the proposed standard
under Document L: 1.8 W/m2K.
In addition to standard casements, selected property types feature in-glazed
Georgian Bars to create an attractive period effect, together with walk-in-bays
for certain house styles.
Based in Wigan, New View, was set up by Kevin Seddon in 2002. Kevin brings
a wealth of experience in the industry to his new venture and now heads
up a highly successful team. In less than a year the company has built
mutually beneficial working partnerships with many of the UK’s national
and regional housebuilders.
‘The excellent support we’ve received from Duraflex and Norvik
has certainly helped us prove ourselves in the demanding new build sector.
Product quality and delivery have been second to none, and that’s
absolutely critical when you’ve got strict deadlines to meet on site,’
comments Kevin.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Optima
Architectural Glass Wins Project for Porcelanosa's UK Flagship Showroom
Optima
Architectural Glass, part of the High Wycombe-based HLS Construction Group,
has won a glazing package for Porcelanosa's new £3.3 million UK
showroom. The project will include a number of bespoke architectural glass
features including an inclined nine metre high double glazed, spider-bolted
façade supported by glass fins, a double flight helical glass staircase
with balustrading and laminated sandblasted glass treads, glass cantilevered
entrance canopy, and a glazed entrance with frameless glass sliding doors.
Optima is working with main contractor Cirus, also part of the HLS Construction
Group, international architects DTR:UK and Project Managers Pick Everard.
The four-storey contemporary-designed showroom, due for completion in
June 2004, is located close to Wandsworth Bridge, London.
The 330-sqm site, formerly a Shell petrol station, will be transformed
into a state-of-the-art show room, featuring a central glass lift and
stairway. The modern dynamic steel-framed building will be clad with metal
composite panels and feature a specialist roof incorporating an insulated
liquid membrane topped with paving slabs to provide a roof terrace overlooking
the River Thames.
About Porcelanosa
The Spanish-based Porcelanosa Group was founded in 1972 and is the parent
company of seven brands - Porcelansoa Ceramics, Venis, System-Pool, Gama-Décor,
L'Antic Colonial, Noken and Butech. The Group manufactures hand-made terracotta,
stone and marble wall and floor tiles, bathroom furniture, mirrors, shower-sauna
cubicles, sanitaryware, adhesives and grouting.
Tel: 01494 492 693
Email: mailto:gary.evans@hlsgroup.com
Web: http://www.optimaglass.com
Alcoa
Acquires 44 Million Additional Shares in Chalco
Alcoa
announced on 6th January that it has participated in the Aluminum Corporation
of China's (Chalco's) new share placement.
Alcoa will acquire approximately 44 million additional shares in Chalco
as part of the offering. This purchase will maintain Alcoa's approximately
8 percent ownership in Chalco and cost approximately $32 million.
Chalco is the sole alumina producer and the largest producer of primary
aluminium in China, and was ranked 2nd in terms of alumina production
volume in 2001 in the world. Its mining, refining and smelting operations
are the largest in the Chinese aluminium industry. Alcoa has held its
8 percent stake in Chalco since 2001.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com