Pilkington
Sells K'Mac and Buys AG
Pilkington
has pulled off a remarkable double: the purchase of AG Glass and Glazing
Ltd and the sale of K McAnallen Ltd, (K'Mac) in the same week. This is
surely one of the cleverest bits of management we have ever seen from
Pilkington, and bodes well for the independance of the UK glassmaker after
the NSG takeover.
AG Glass and Glazing Ltd is a leading IGU manufacturer averaging more
than 20,000 units per week from its state of the art manufacturing unit
in Tankersley, near Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
David Stoker , Commercial Director of Pilkington Building Products UK,
said: ‘AG Glass is a very successful business and we will incorporate
the skills and experience of the management and employees of AG Glass
to ensure Pilkington continues to grow. The acquisition is consistent
with the Building Products UK strategy of developing its position in IGU
manufacturing sector within the UK’
The business has been renamed Pilkington AG and the company's Managing Director John Spiby, said: ‘I'm sure that I speak for all the staff at Pilkington AG when I say that 'We are delighted to join the group.' Our two businesses have worked together for nearly twenty years - it has always been a great partnership. We all look forward to a very bright future together.’
Pilkington
Group has also announced the sale of K McAnallen Ltd, trading as Pilkington
K'Mac, to Camden Group Ltd. The business and assets of Pilkington K'Mac
of Benburb transferred over on January 24th, 2007.
The Contracts of Employment with K McAnallen Ltd will remain in place
for the 95 people currently employed at K'Mac.
David Stoker said: ‘Pilkington K'Mac has been a very successful business
within Pilkington Building Products UK and it is testament to this that
Camden Group considered Pilkington K'Mac to be an attractive acquisition.
Both Pilkington and Camden Group believe this is to be a significant and
exciting opportunity for the new business and that its integration will
be beneficial to the employees and customers of Pilkington K'Mac.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Namechecking
The Gl@zine in The Times
In a recent Times article by sports columnist Giles Smith, Leeds chairman Ted Bates has been compared to Everest Double Glazing's Ted Moult (oh come on - you remember - the feather thing?) in becoming the public face of Safestyle. And did The Glazine get namechecked? Oh Yes! (pronounced as per Vic Reeves in Churchill ads). And was he taking the piss? Oh Yes. We've got our eye on you Mr Smith!
Anyway,
here's some of the article in question:
'In a development that few cultural analysts saw coming, Ken Bates is
the new Ted Moult. Picking up, with typically brazen aplomb, the mantle
of the late countryman who, back in the golden age of double-glazing adverts,
urged the nation to ‘Fit the best, fit Everest’, the Leeds United
chairman and perpetually bristling controversialist is the new face of
Safestyle windows of Bradford.
The television advertisement arising from this spectacular alliance has
yet to see heavy rotation in the primetime slots, although, to be fair,
news of it got a decent showing on The Glazine, the weekly e-mail
bulletin for the glass, glazing and fenestration industries. And, if on
an underoccupied afternoon you should happen to be watching repeats of
Emmerdale on ITV2, you, too, may be privileged to catch sight of a dashingly
bearded gentleman with a twinkle in his eye and a window over his shoulder.
(I mean behind him. We don't see Bates humping the things around. That
wouldn't be dignified.)
The advertisement transports us to the balcony and sitting room of Bates's
sun-dappled retreat in Monaco, where, the implication is, a well-fitted
window would certainly shut out the noise of the riffraff and assorted
Eurotrash, enabling our host to enjoy in peace the company of his clear-glass
coffee table and rather firm-looking armchair.
If Safestyle really is the company Bates chose to fit the windows to his
Monte Carlo apartment, it would be slightly surprising. The customer testimonials
on the company's website tend to be from closer and more taxable locations,
such as Doncaster and Gillingham. Even so, there can be no denying the
lure, wherever you are, of Safestyle's ‘buy the front, get the back
free’ offer, something that, if it could only be adapted for the
football transfer market, could make life a lot less miserable for lower-league
clubs.
Read the rest here
Synseal's
nationwide branding campaign kicks off with the prime time ITV spot 2nd
March in the centre break of Coronation Street. But if you'd like a sneak
preview click onto http://www.synseal.tv/tvcampaign.asp
The 30 second commercial was screened for the first time on Wednesday
21st February at Mansfield Cinema. Local dignitaries, including Executive
Mayor Tony Egginton, were joined by members of the press and local customers.
‘The reaction was fantastic,’ said Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales
and Marketing Director. ‘Everyone was impressed by the advert and
it will be great when it goes out on air. The branding campaign centres
on the TV advert, but it doesn't stop there.
There's also a nationwide billboard campaign. To support the nationwide
branding message on the TV and billboards, we have created a new comprehensive
marketing suite for our customers and their customers.
‘Whether adding the brand to vans or showrooms, press adverts or
drop cards, Synseal has it covered. There's a new clothing range with
the 'Synseal, ask for it by name' logo. In fact, the marketing suite is
so comprehensive; it even has its own brochure!’
The entire marketing suite, the billboard, the conservatory used in the
advert, and the advert can be seen on Synseal's front of house stand at
Glassex 07.
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Window
and door systems company Swish has ended its supply relationship with
extruder Aluplast bringing its manufacture of chamfered profile in-house.
Aluplast has supplied Swish Window and Door Systems since 2000, manufacturing
the Swish chamfered 70mm system, 70 Plus and since 2006, the sculptured
Swish Feature 70 range.
However, following a number of ongoing concerns about quality and supply,
Swish Window and Door Systems has taken the decision to bring manufacture
in-house with immediate effect.
This gives Swish full control of the manufacture and supply process and
allows the company to deliver a higher standard of service and support.
Paul Lindsay, general manager, Swish Windows and Doors, said: ‘Swish
is fully committed to delivering the very best products, support and service
to our customers.
‘Despite our best efforts to work with Aluplast to resolve ongoing
concerns over supply and quality, we have been unable to come to a satisfactory
agreement.
‘Our priorities clearly lie in delivering an ongoing and exemplary
service to a standard befitting the Swish brand. Regrettably we do not
feel that Aluplast can support us in achieving this and have, therefore,
taken the decision to end our supply agreement with the company.’
Following the decision Swish Window and Door Systems will now supply its
customers with the Traditional 70 profile system. Offering a wide choice
of decorative or double chamfer sashes, thermally efficient five-chamber
construction and slim sightlines, it is already a popular choice with
customers.
In addition to choice, it also offers a post co-extruded (PCE) gasket,
saving time and money during manufacture. In addition, the decorative
sash has an inside chamfered edge, which means it can be welded and cleaned
by standard machinery, further saving on fabrication costs.
Lindsay
said: ‘The concerns surrounding Feature 70 and 70 Plus ranges mean
that the vast majority of our customers have already made the switch to
the Traditional 70 system.
‘This is a more advanced product, making fabrication simpler and
giving installers a wide choice of options, helping them to differentiate
their products in the market place.
‘Moving forward we will continue to invest in the Swish brand to
ensure that we deliver the most technically advanced and innovative products
to our customers.’
Tel: 01455 555330
Web: http://www.swishwindows.co.uk
The
super coated conservatory glass reflex is staring in two films this month.
Firstly on the Synseal stand at Glassex, the company chose to use reflex
smart glass to glaze the conservatory used in their multi million pound
TV adverts about to hit ITV. The second is the launching of an installer
sales DVD by reflex glass designed to explain to consumers the unique
advantages of having reflex glass in their new conservatory purchase.
Filmed with the domestic homeowner in mind the short film helps customers
understand the premium branded conservatory glass benefits. Showcasing
the product updates which will come into production during March reflex
will boast 99% UV protection and 90% Infrared heat blocking as standard,
something no other glass unit can offer with a 20 year unit warranty,
the company says.
'Nothing else in the double glazed unit market can compare to the performance
of our latest reflex+ range of glasses', commented Sally Hassle from reflex.
'We have fine tuned our coating manufacturing to produce the ultimate
conservatory glazing to stand us apart from anything else' she added.
'You get what your pay for' is the theme with the DVD; the professionally
made film uses animated graphics and cleverly shot footage to convey the
difference between reflex glass and basic tinted glass units with limited
UV and IR blocking performance.
With over heating issues in summer being addressed right through to energy
savings in winter and a no nonsense approach to low maintenance easy to
clean glass, the DVD is the perfect tool for installers. Both existing
and new reflex accounts can use the DVD to promote a 'total shield' glazing
package, with both the roof and side windows for maximum UV and IR protection.
Homeowners are becoming more switched on with regards to energy efficiency
and warm edge spacer bar technology features greatly in the DVD to explain
how more heat is lost through metal spacer bars than the Super Spacer
product that completes the premium unit package.
The improved UV and IR protection, make reflex glass the best performing
product that money can buy, better IR protection than any of the competitions
glass units, no other toughened conservatory glass comes close to the
99% UV protection that reflex glass will now offer.
Visit stand B090 at Glassex for UV andIR transmission demos.
Web: www.reflexglass.co.uk
Email sales@reflexglass.co.uk.
Window
Energy Rating – The BFRC Answers its Critics
Window
Energy Rating has been with us for several years, and after an initially
slow start, has gained momentum rapidly. By the 23rd January 2007, the
British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) had registered 203 windows
of which 159 were rated as C or above - a very clear indication that,
to date, the scheme has had the desired effect. It has made system companies
and fabricators much more aware of thermal performance and the need to
develop energy efficient windows.
The BFRC currently has 33 Registered Certified Simulators, working within
many of the major system companies, industry certification bodies and
consultancies. It would appear that the industry’s initial scepticism
about the BFRC rating scheme has been replaced by a cautious acceptance.
That is not to say that the scheme does not still have its detractors,
but many of the criticisms levelled at the scheme stem from a lack of
detailed understanding about Window Energy Ratings.
1) 'The rating is too heavily dependent on solar heat gain'
The equation used to obtain the BFRC rating was developed by the European
Window Energy Rating (EWER) scheme which rigorously tested the scientific
approach to assessing the energy balance of a window over a 12 month period.
The resulting number obtained from the equation indicates the amount of
energy lost (or gained) by a window in a year. The influence of solar
heat gain within the equation is a consequence of the climatic conditions
in the UK and not a result of an inappropriately applied equation. Neither
was it a result of a sinister plot by certain glass manufacturers!!!
2) 'It is too difficult to obtain an A-rating'
The criterion for obtaining an A-rating is not simply to obtain the highest
rating possible. An A-rating is awarded to a window that achieves a neutral
or positive energy balance i.e. within the context of a predominantly
cold UK climate, the window will often actually have an overall heating
benefit throughout the year. So instead of window sizes being limited
in order to minimise heat loss, A-rated windows can be maximised to obtain
the highest possible, passive, solar gain – a very useful tool in
the quest to develop the “zero carbon house” that we have been
hearing about so much lately.
3) 'It is too easy to obtain an A-rating'
The standard for an A-rating has been covered in point 2 above. This criticism
stems from the fact that after approximately two years of the scheme,
there are now some 25 windows with A-ratings. This isn’t because
the standard was set too low, but rather it is a tribute to the ingenuity
and resourcefulness of window designers who applied innovative application
of existing technology, or developed novel technologies to make the windows
more energy efficient. Details of how improvements could be realised were
outlined in the BFRC Information Sheet No.5, first published in 2004 and
updated in 2005. Designers have used this advice to realise improvements
in ratings. It should also be remembered that most current A-rated windows
are relatively expensive to produce; This is therefore reflected within
the prices charged for this premium product.
4) 'It is becoming easier to obtain A – C ratings'
This is absolutely true, but not through any inconsistency in the calculation
method, or laxity by simulators. It is simply and solely due to the fact
that window designers are becoming much more aware of how to obtain better
overall energy performance and hence good ratings. The first C-ratings
were hard won, simply because window designers had less experience of
how to best achieve good ratings. Now, the benefits of triple glazing,
flush gaskets, warm-edge spacer bars and low-iron glass are well understood,
and consequently it is easier to obtain a good rating for a window. It
should not be forgotten these A-C rated windows are substantially superior
to those on the market which meet the current mandatory Building Regulations.
There can of course be additional problems created when utilising some
of these thermal performance enhancing techniques e.g. triple glazing
by having the additional glass will result in a heavier, wider product,
often more expensive which is not always accepted for replacement windows
within the UK due to the house design. The ingenuity of the industry in
designing and producing windows which achieve high energy performance
and ratings without always requiring triple glazing and therefore potentially
allowing greater take up in the mass domestic replacement market is to
be commended.
5) 'Obtaining an Energy Rating has no effect on sales'
With all due respect, Window Energy Rating was never designed to be a
sales and marketing gimmick. Energy Rating is simply a means of comparing
the thermal performance of widely differing windows. Companies that have
carried out Energy Rating, been innovative in their design process to
improve their ratings, and then promoted their work with an effective
marketing campaign have seen measurable improvements in terms of sales.
Energy Rating is only one tool of many that can be used to effectively
market windows.
6) 'Energy Rating favours PVC-U / timber / aluminium'.
This is absolutely untrue. It should be noted that there are A-rated windows
available in each of these materials. The fact that there are more PVC-U
windows with ratings simply reflects the market share enjoyed by the product
and that the rating scheme has been more readily taken up by companies
in this market sector. There is absolutely nothing preventing other material
sectors obtaining equally numerous, high ratings.
If you would like to learn more about the BFRC and Window Energy Rating,
or need help with Energy Ratings from an independent Certified Simulator,
detailed information can be found the BFRC website at www.bfrc.org..
Decent
Homes with Everest Commercial
Everest
Commercial, respected window and door supplier to the UK’s commercial
market, has teamed up with Rok – the nation’s local builder
– to provide Decent Homes standard properties for Newlon Housing
Trust in East London.
Everest
Commercial, the major supplier of fenestration and access products to
all property sectors, is part of the Everest Group. Everest has been helping
customers raise the standard of their homes for over 40 years and now
Everest Commercial is maintaining those standards in commercial and local
authority housing.
For the last five years, Everest Commercial has been working in partnership
with the nation’s local builder, Rok, on Newlon’s refurbishment
project across Hackney in East London. It is a partnership of which both
companies are justifiably proud and which is set to continue until Newlon’s
programme is completed in 2010.
Newlon Housing Trust is a charitable housing trust that was established
in Hackney in 1968 to provide more decent and affordable homes in the
local communities. Initially focussing on refurbished street properties
in Hackney Newlon gradually expanded and began to get involved in the
neighbouring boroughs of Enfield and Tower Hamlets. In the 1980s, Newlon
began its first new build projects as it continued to grow and now has
properties ranging from Waltham to Haringey, Islington and Redbridge and
includes over 5,600 homes in its care. Rok has teams of property maintenance
specialists throughout the country and in the London area an integrated
construction, building and property maintenance service is available to
a wide range of public and private sector customers. Operating from a
main office in Sceptre Court at Tower Hill there is a growing network
of local bases around outer London including one in Hackney. Chris Sambridge
has been the project manager in the Hackney office since October 2001
and in that time has already overseen the refurbishment of some 815 properties.
Part of the Decent Homes guidelines laid out by the Office of the Deputy
Prime Minister includes strict standards for energy efficiency. The ODPM
brief recommends that landlords take the opportunity to exceed the standard
when fitting double-glazing as part of a wider attempt to alleviate the
effects of fuel poverty and climate change. As part of Rok’s commitment
to providing the highest standards, Everest Commercial was brought into
the supply chain in 2001 to achieve that goal.
To handle such a large-scale project, Everest and Rok have had to jointly
develop systems to ensure accurate and efficient delivery of service to
tenants across the borough. Mick Kyprianou is the Everest contract manager:
'We survey properties months in advance of the installation dates and
action the manufacturing process. We have a dedicated store within the
Rok compound in Hackney to which products get delivered from our factory
and from where our teams of installers collect before heading out to the
property in question. It’s a system that works well.'
To date, Everest Commercial has worked at 140 addresses across the area
with the majority of properties receiving Everest uPVC casement windows,
some timber products and rear entrance doors.
'We’ve been very pleased with the Everest Commercial relationship,'
says Chris Sambridge. 'The guys are great on site and we’ve had no
problems. The products work well and the installations go down well with
the tenants.' One such tenant is Mrs Vicki Hussey who has lived in the
area for over 10 years. Mrs Hussey received 9 of Everest’s uPVC frames
and cills to replace the original wooden frames as well as an Everest
uPVC door to the back of the house. The difference was immediately noticed:
'The house is quieter and it’s noticeably warmer in the kitchen,'
she said.
Like Rok, Everest Commercial prides itself on offering a customer service
package that’s unequalled in the industry and includes a 24-7, 365
days a year customer service support as back up to tailor-made schedules
of work and programmes designed around providing the best product for
a customer’s needs.
Bob Johnson, National Business Development Manager says: 'Working hand-in-hand
with key clients such as Rok is a fundamental part of our business strategy.
We are experts at developing partnerships with management companies and
local authorities, a strength that comes from many years’ experience
and which centres around listening to the project requirements and applying
that knowledge accordingly. The work we are doing with Rok on Newlon’s
programme demonstrates how we dovetail our expertise and quality to work
seamlessly within the operations of the management company. We’re
proud of our work and proud of the strong relationship we have been able
to build with Rok.'
For more information on the products and services that Everest Commercial
can provide for you, please visit http://www.everestcommercial.co.uk
or contact Bob Johnson, National Business Development Manager on 01603
264 962.
Guarantee
Success for Freefoam Installers
Freefoam
has announced that Just Fascias from Wakefield Road in Barnsley has once
again topped the Freefoam guarantee table of total registrations for 2006.
The south Yorkshire based company also topped the poll in 2004 and 2005
signifying its commitment to offering the highest possible standards of
customer support.
Freefoam is a manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems
for the Northern European market and launched its 20 Year Extended Guarantee
scheme early in 2003. Since then, the number of installers participating
in the scheme has grown consistently year on year, with registered installations
in 2006 showing an increase of 44% from 2005. The system has proved an
enormous success for both Freefoam and its customers.
Homestyle Fascias Ltd, based in Mansfield, Nottingham, is another company
of many availing themselves of the benefits of the 20 Year scheme. The
company ended the period in 2nd place in a very close encounter, and integrates
the guarantee into its product offering as standard.
Brendan Hyland, Freefoam Marketing Manager, comments, 'We are delighted
to have such reputable and service-orientated companies as Just Fascias
and Homestyle Fascias offering our 20 Year guarantee on completed installations.
It not only adds weight to their sales proposal, but it also gives the
homeowners greater peace of mind that comes from receiving confirmation
of their guarantee direct from the manufacturer.'
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
No
Price Increases From Gretsch-Unitas
Gretsch-Unitas
UK has announced that the company will not be increasing prices –
'unlike many of its competitors in the hardware industry'.
Most manufacturers are planning to hike their prices from between 5.5
percent to a staggering 20 percent over the next 12 months, but G-U is
able to keep its prices consistent due to the significant manufacturing
and buying power that comes with being part of an international group.
Worldwide, G-U has seven manufacturing plants located in France, Germany,
Turkey, Canada and China – giving the company significant leverage
when it comes to purchasing raw materials and components.
Managing director Paul Gerrard, said: 'In light of the constantly fluctuating
base material prices globally, whilst price rises can never be guaranteed
in such a climate, I am pleased to confirm that there are no planned price
increases to the UK list prices this year.
'Being part of a global group gives us an advantage that many of our competitors
lack, allowing us to plan ahead in terms of production and giving us greater
control over our pricing structure.'
As well as having no plans for immediate price increases, Gretsch-Unitas
UK is set to launch its new FERCO doorbolt range – the first in the
industry to come complete with a 25-year guarantee
http://www.g-u.de
Pro-Bend,
the UK profile bending company, has recently launched a new pricing guide
for 2007. This 4 page guide allows pricing within seconds for Gable, Raked,
Semi-circular, Circular & Arched frames.
Pro-Bend wanted to take the brainwork out of pricing shaped frames and
also allow less variables when it comes to working out the final figure.
‘Many shaped frame pricelists I have viewed from our major competitors
have far too many pages within them and pricing is often a lengthy, involved
process. We have kept it simple as it can be. You can work out the price
of any one of our shaped frames within our guide within 10 seconds!' commented
Matthew Wilkinson, Pro-Bend MD.
‘To take the ease of shaped frame pricing a step further, we shall
be introducing our new online shaped frame calculator available at http://www.pro-bend.co.uk
within the next few weeks.’
To obtain your free copy of the new pricing guide contact Pro-Bend on
01482 876680, Email info@pro-bend.co.uk
or visit http://www.pro-bend.co.uk.
Profine
Group has posted a 2006 turnover of €848m, having achieved sales
growth of 18%, against a budgeted 10%, and up on the 4% achieved in 2005.
Eastern Europe has been the fastest growth area for Profine group, with
41% sales growth in the region, followed by China with 34% growth. South
Eastern Europe sales also grew strongly 17%, as did 'new markets' with
13%.
Earnings (EBITDA) were also above the budgeted 8% increase, preliminary
figures indicating growth above 10%.
The three profile brands grew in volume by 21% to 297,000 tonnes, with
Berlin-headquarted KBE doing best with 30% higher sales, followed by Trocal
(formerly a HT Troplast brand) at 12% and Kömmerling at 10%, the
latter's sheet making up 13% sales growth, close to the group's 12% sheet
volume sales growth of 12% to 38,000 tonnes.
KBE's growth is being supported by the start-up of eight extruders in
2Q 2007, boosting capacity in Berlin to 135,000 tpa.
Web: http://www.profine-group.com
Kestrel
Sales are Up on Budget
Kestrel,
the manufacturer of PVC-U and PVC-U roofline, cladding, window board and
trim products, has announced good sales results for December 2006 and
January 2007. Traditionally the toughest months for home improvement companies,
sales are up 32.1% and 15.7% on what was an already ambitious budget for
the two months respectively.
‘Sales are even better than we expected for December and January,’
says Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of Kestrel. ‘This
is great news because it means our customers, whether stockists, installers,
house builders or specifiers are doing well too. With the benefit of being
able to choose from the widest range of products in the industry, that's
over 1300, our customers can rely on Kestrel to meet their demands quickly
and accurately, allowing them to stay ahead of the competition at this
critical time.
‘Our international sales are also going well with sales in France
and Ireland looking healthy too. We are looking forward to another busy
year with all our customers this year.’
Tel: 01724 400440
Email: info@kestrelbce.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
Jones
Window Systems adds Five New Customers a Week with GAP
For
a company to achieve sustainable growth it needs the backing of a good
supplier. The quality and range of products are essential but efficient
and knowledgeable after-sales support is just as important when expansion
is planned.
Which is why St Helens-based Jones Window Systems, has switched to GAP.
Gareth Jones, Managing Director of Jones Window Systems, explains: ‘We've
been in the roofline industry for six years but were using another supplier.
GAP offered us a great package and, knowing that the company and brand
is highly regarded in the market, we accepted. We intend to double capacity
and as we work towards this we know that GAP has the infrastructure to
support this growth without increasing delivery times.’
Gareth continues: ‘I have one point of contact at GAP and that person
knows all our company needs so there's no time wasted. We've signed a
two year agreement where JWS becomes a mini-stockist for GAP. Because
of the Homeline brand we will soon be supplying builders' merchants too.
It's opened up a whole new market to our company and we will proudly be
flying the GAP flag outside our premises.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Lift
& Lock Launches Approved Installer Programme
A
new company has been launched to recruit and oversee quality installers
of the new, recently launched security handle from Lift & Lock.
Lockguard
Security Handle Ltd will manage the nationwide recruitment and appointment
of registered and approved installers to provide, principally, the retrofitting
of the armoured versions of the Lift & Lock security handle and is
showing the new system for the first time at Glassex (Stand No D130).
At this moment, more than 30 qualified companies have approached the company
ahead of the formal launch and this number will rise dramatically in coming
weeks as advertising and other promotional activities take place.
Proving a complete answer to the security problems of 'cylinder snap'
and 'cylinder pull' that make millions of homes vulnerable to burglars,
the product range, being marketed as 'The Lockguard Security Handle' can
be retrofitted to almost all door locks that have been installed in the
last 25 years. The product incorporates a universal fitting system that
incorporates a sliding keyway accommodating cylinder centres between 68
and 92-mm.
Lockguard approved and registered installers will also have access to
other models in the Lift & Lock range in order to provide a comprehensive
'complete house' customer service, including internal locking and non-locking
door handles to give a cohesive, unified appearance throughout the home.
However, the emphasis is on the high security retrofitting range initially
which meets the highest Grade 4 level and the soon-to-be-harmonised European
thief-resistant codes - a first in the UK. All products comply with BS/EN
1906, PAS 24, EN 1627-30, SS306, CDTM 02 and meet guidelines laid down
by both the police and fire authorities.
Tel: 44 (0) 1743 466488
Email: info@lockguardsecurity.co.uk
Web: http://www.lockguardsecurity.co.uk
Masterframe
Windows Fuel Demand - but Not at Glassex
For
the first time in 15 years, Masterframe Windows Ltd has decided not to
exhibit at Glassex. Alan Burgess, Managing Director, explains the choice:
‘We have always tried to support trade events but this year's focus
is on fuelling the demand for our customers through a different mix of
marketing channels.
‘We have nearly completed the redesign of our two websites –
http://www.masterframe.co.uk
and http://www.bygonecollection.co.uk
- further raising our online presence. Our Bygone Installers are also
getting a new brochure that reflects our commitment to quality to help
whet homeowners appetites. And we'll be getting our message across to
homeowners via regional consumer events throughout the year. 2007 will
cement our BPI's as the first port of call for any homeowner who wants
to install the most secure, most energy efficient sash window available.’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
UK's
Largest Affordable Homes Builder Chooses Celuform
Cellular
plastic fascia, soffits and bargeboards from Celuform are being specified
for all housing developments built by leading affordable housing provider
and refurbishment specialist Lovell Homes.
The
housebuilder says the UK's longest established plastic building products
manufacturer has been chosen because of high quality standards and the
company's outstanding experience in the market.
Celuform roofline products are being used exclusively on Lovell developments
and refurbishment projects over the next two years. The company is the
largest builder of social housing in the UK.
'What we're looking for is product consistency, the ability to ensure
the material is where we want it when we want it,' says Lovell's central
procurement manager, Rob Worboys.
'Celuform's pedigree and the various quality management and other accreditations
the company holds, satisfied us that they were one of the few suppliers
in their market that could fulfil all our criteria,' he continued.
There is a full range of Celuform systems to suit all applications. PVC-ue
roofline products are particularly popular with social housing providers
because they require almost no maintenance, eliminating ongoing costs,
unlike timber fascia and soffit.
Product features include plain or decorative choices, square or bull-nosed
profiles, as well as a wide selection of white finishes and colours such
as Mahogany, Golden Oak and Ebony. The range also includes the recently
launched and highly successful Celutex, an embossed wood grain finish
that is almost indistinguishable from timber.
Widely specified Celuform brands include Conquest, Elite, multi-purpose
board used as soffit, Duoform, Emperor, and open V-joint and shiplap claddings.
Tel: 01622 719199
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk
UV
Tek and RegaLead - a Successful 10 year Partnership
March
2007 marks the 10 year anniversary of one the industry's longest standing
relationships. It was at Glassex 1997 that RegaLead launched the UV Tek
bevel bonding system onto the market. As the first company to offer a
range of UV adhesives and compatible equipment UV Tek quickly became the
market leader and within two years most of the major UK insulated glass
manufacturers and door panel producers were using the system.
10
years on and the system is still the most widely used in the market, and
the company says that no other manufacturer has developed a system to
compete with it. As the years have passed there have been challenges to
the system's dominant position in the market, the most publicised being
the ‘White Light’ products. UV Tek has managed to keep abreast
of these industry changes and introduce new grades including the Visible
410 product in 2001 to keep its market leading status.
Nobody would have thought in 1997 that 10 years on the demand for UV Tek
luminaries would continue unabated but the continual development of the
equipment, introduction of the system into European markets and strong
demand from the USA have lead to a steady demand for new machines. To
date the UV Tek/ RegaLead partnership has supplied over 1000 units and
expects demand to continue at a similar rate as older equipment is replaced
and new customers start in the decorative glass market.
The key to UV Tek's success in the market has been its technical support
and testing that have given the market confidence to continue to bond
bevels using UV adhesives. When the UK bevel bonding market started in
the early 1990s a whole range of adhesives and curing equipment were offered
by the various suppliers with varying degrees of success. It was the introduction
of a fully developed system that really changed the market dynamic and
alternative equipment has almost disappeared from the market at the volume
producers. Alternative adhesives have certainly been introduced - but
most claim to be similar in nature to UV Tek's flagship product 116 and
no competitor has been able to seriously challenge UV Tek's position with
a complete package of luminaires and equipment.
The 10 year anniversary of the launch of the 116 and 108 grades is a milestone
in the company's history and the products can claim that it they have
outlived the guarantees typically given to Insulated Glass units. Accelerated
weathering tests which are norm in the building industry have always been
subject to interpretation about how they reflect the performance of a
product in real time, but now UV Tek and its customers can look back on
10 years of product use with almost zero product failures and have confidence
that the formulations work. New grades have been added over the years
but the original 116 grade continues to be the best seller with over 100,000
bottles sold which is a testament to its quality. UV Tek have resisted
the opportunity to supply 116 as own label and customers can be assured
that if it does not say UV Tek 116 on the bottle it isn't 116 in the bottle!
As the sole UK distributor for the UV Tek brand RegaLead has been very
happy with the relationship and since the partnership was formed in 1997
have never bought product elsewhere. David Rabone, RegaLead's Managing
Director, comments ‘the partnership of UV Tek and RegaLead has grown
stronger over the 10 year period and we continue to work with customers
and the manufacturer to improve the product offering. UV Tek has certainly
helped us in our goal to be the market leader in decorative glass components
in the UK. We are looking forward to working with the UV Tek team for
many years to come’.
Web: http://www.regalead.co.uk
When
it came to looking for a new and better performing supplier, Littlehampton-based
Kayvex Windows & Conservatories sought out a complete solution from
Interframe.
Kayvex
is a long and established company with an annual turnover of around £1
million primarily from the retail sector, with a new showroom in Littlehampton
where four conservatories and a number of windows and doors are on display.
The decision to change supplier was forced on Kayvex due to the continued
poor performance of another supplier.
Poor service and product finish cost the company several leads and was
in danger of damaging a very good reputation in a competitive local market.
Interframe is now providing Kayvex with windows, a range of residential,
patio and composite doors and conservatory roofs.
Ian Parrott, managing director at Kayvex comments: ‘We have a great
working relationship with the people at Interframe. Our experience shows
that the company’s product quality is exceptional and the level of
customer service must be a benchmark in this industry. We are looking
for a long and rewarding relationship for both parties.’
Gavin Balouza, sales manager at Interframe echoes Ian's comments: ‘We
are not only in the business of delivering product but more importantly
quality and service, that's the Interframe difference. I see a number
of installation companies with product and service issues every month
and feel our experience and expertise sets us apart and helps us address
these issues. If you want to find out more about why Kayvex and other
installers have moved to Interframe then come and speak to me!’
Email: sales@interframe.co.uk
Add
some Juice to your Conservatory Sales by Offering Orangeries
Even
for the most successful conservatory installers sales can be patchy and
unpredictable, with every sales lead hard fought for and an increasingly
valuable commodity. Offering your customers something different is one
of the most effective ways of securing sales in the face of tough competition
and a number of conservatory installers are doing just that by offering
Orangeries, a style of conservatory that fills the gap perfectly for homeowners
that want to add attractive, light space to their properties, but with
something more substantial and original than conventional conservatories.
Consumer advice web site http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
has a special section devoted to this stylish and increasingly specified
type of construction and the owners of the site say that the number of
'hits' is growing rapidly. ‘We receive more than a million visits
a year now through ConservatoriesOnline.com and its sister home improvement
sites,’ says founder Barry Dunlop. ‘What is clear from the analysis
of those hits is that homeowners increasingly want something different,
especially those with larger and generally upmarket homes. An Orangery
fills the gap between those that do not want a conventional conservatory,
but who want the benefits of light and airiness that a conservatory offers.’
Anyone fond of visiting stately homes and large country houses will be
familiar with the term and therefore associate it only with grandiose
homes. However, increasing numbers of modern day homeowners are replicating
the style as an alternative to conventional building extensions and conservatories,
with the Orangery no longer the exclusive domain of wealthy and aristocratic
'home improvers’.
Just what is an Orangery?
As the name suggests historically an Orangery was a place for the cultivation
of oranges and lemons and other exotic plants, first introduced to Northern
Europe in the 1700's but gaining wider popularity in the early 19th Century.
The surrounding gardens in which orange trees were placed were referred
to as Orangeries - although in time the term was used to describe the
associated buildings themselves.
The classic Orangery design had stone built parapet walls containing large
vertical sliding sash windows such that the glass area on the sides was
in excess of 75%. They had a glass roof on timber rafters with a box gutter
(usually cast Iron) all round inside the parapet wall. They were usually
separate from the main house.
For the smart conservatory installer Orangery-style structures can utilise
many of the existing skills, techniques and components that are routinely
used in the construction of conventional conservatories so a switch should
be relatively pain free. ‘The key is the marketing,’ says Barry
Dunlop, ‘and targeting the right type of customer. By doing so a
whole new market is available amongst homeowners who would never install
a conventional conservatory, and who expect to pay more for something
that is appropriate for their home and lifestyle. And many of those homeowners
are visiting ConservatoriesOnline.com
for information. The opportunities are available now and building steadily.’
Based
in the North East of England, Peter Haney Windows Ltd specialises in the
manufacture and fitting of PVCu windows and doors. Last year, the company
took possession of an Elumatec SBZ610
profile centre with the specific aim of boosting the company's manufacturing
capacity as well as reducing staffing costs. Six months on, and the managing
director, Peter Haney is a very happy man.
‘This is the first time that we have used an Elumatec machine and
so far, it has proved invaluable,’ he enthuses. ‘Not only has
it substantially saved on labour costs with the machine doing the work
of at least three people, we are also assured on a uniform and precise
profile at all times. This obviously enhances our reputation for producing
quality windows. Customer satisfaction is the key to our success! Since
being established in 1988 we have been proud to manufacture and supply
the very best in UPVC window, door and conservatory products. We serve
a variety of domestic and trade customers across the North East with extremely
high standards of workmanship and very competitive rates.’
A major factor in the specification of the Elumatec SBZ610 was its compactness
of design. With limited space in the Consett factory, it fitted neatly
and easily into the existing operational framework. ‘There was minimal
disruption during the installation process,’ continues Peter Haney.
‘The operators were trained on the machine by Elumatec, and so far
production of the profiles has progressed extremely smoothly. We are able
to boost capacity and develop more business.
Moreover, the value for money that the machine represents is obvious.
The SBZ610 has the ability to produce each profile systematically identical
and to the highest possible quality standards, and we expect a very short
payback from this investment thanks to its high performance and quality
output.’
Tel: + 44 (0) 1908 580800
Email: sales@elumatec.co.uk
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
Kyro
to Propose Name Change to Glaston at AGM
At
the Annual General Meeting to be held on 13th March 2007, Kyro Corporation's
Board of Directors will propose to its shareholders that the Group's name
be changed to Glaston Corporation (Glaston Oyj Abp).
Glaston has been the name of Kyro's main business area since 2003, when
Kyro acquired the Italian company Bavelloni, a leading manufacturer of
pre-processing machines, to be the sister company of Tamglass, the global
market and technology leader in safety glass machines.
Glaston is already the established name of the industry's most comprehensive
product and service concept, which the companies represent, and there
are plans to further strengthen the brand. The strong names of Tamglass
and Bavelloni will be maintained as product brands.
From 2003 on, the emphasis of Kyro's strategy has been on Glaston's growth.
As far as Kyro's second business area, Energy, is concerned, Kyro signed
an agreement in September 2006 on the possible sale of the business to
M-real in the summer of 2007. If realised, the agreement would mean that
Kyro will be entirely focused on its development as a technology company.
'Glaston will be developed into a strong brand that defines reliability,
quality and customer-orientation, a One-Stop-Partner to glass processors
around the world. Exports make up more than 80 per cent of our sales,
so the name Glaston also reflects a truly internationally operating company,'
explains Kyro's President & CEO Mika Seitovirta.
'After improving profitability, our second most important priority is
the development of a united Glaston. A common name is a step towards an
efficient organisation where every employee shares the same vision, values,
culture and objectives. Moreover, the new name simplifies our structure
also in the eyes of our other interest groups,' adds Seitovirta.
Provided that the proposal is accepted by the Annual General Meeting,
Kyro's name will be changed to Glaston on 1st June 2007.
Web: http://www.kyro.fi
Web: http://www.glaston.net
New
Raked Frame Fabrication Line Installed at Conservatory Roof Plant
A
new PVCu fabrication line, designed to produce raked frames for gable
conservatory ends has been installed by trade fabricator Tradelink at
its conservatory roof plant.
The 9,000 sq ft plant, where individually fabricated Global conservatory
roofs are produced and pre-assembled, is among the most advanced in the
country. The new line, introduced as part of the company's continued attention
to detail and commitment to quality, will ensure that frames for gable
end conservatory roofs are manufactured along side.
Quality assurance checks can now be carried out, once the conservatory
roof has been pre-assembled, to ensure a perfect match each and every
time. This will help to ensure that Tradelink's 99.16% conservatory roof
accuracy record is maintained - or even bettered.
As part of the new line, Tradelink has also invested in new machinery
for welding, routing and drainage cutting.
HSE
Warns Employers about Safe Working at Height
The
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has warned employers of the need to
'plan to avoid' work at height as a firm of specialist joiners was fined
a total of £10,000 plus full costs of over £2,124 following
a fall in which a contractor was seriously injured.
HBR (North) Ltd of Dunnington, York pleaded guilty on 22nd February in
York Magistrates' Court to charges under Section 3 (2) of the Health and
Safety at Work etc Act 1974, and Regulation 6(3) of the Work at Height
Regulations 2005, for failing to prevent the fall of a contractor through
a large opening in the floor left by the removal of a dust extractor.
The contractor, who worked for AMG Ltd, was installing a compressor when
he fell through the hole to the floor two metres below, pulling the equipment
weighing 120 kg on top of him. As a result he fractured his pelvis and
spine in several places, was hospitalised for a number of weeks and remains
in pain and unable to work.
HSE Inspector Andrea Lowe, who investigated the case, says:
'This was an incident with very serious consequences, but what makes it
even more tragic is the fact that it could have been so easily avoided
with some forethought and planning.
'The company failed to plan or supervise the work, and did not consider
maintenance and the risks that would be involved in future work at height.
It is a basic requirement, when looking at any such project, to 'plan
to avoid' such work - in this case, for example, they should have considered
the viability of siting the compressor at ground floor level.
'The company has now covered the hole in the floor, but unfortunately
it has taken a life-threatening event to bring about a common-sense decision.'
Falls from height are the most common cause of fatal injury and the second
most common cause of major injury to employees, accounting for around
15% of all such injuries.
All industry sectors are exposed to the risks presented by this hazard
although the level of incidence varies considerably. Latest figures show
that 46 people died from a fall from height at work in 2005/06.
Trelleborg
Acquires Gummiteknik GTM AB
Through
its Trelleborg Engineered Systems business area, Trelleborg has signed
an agreement to acquire Swedish company Gummiteknik GTM AB, with approximately
30 employees and annual sales of about SEK 36 M. Gummiteknik is privately
owned and is based in Bålsta, on the outskirts of Stockholm.
Gummiteknik is a producer of advanced rubber components in short and medium
series for the engineering and construction industries, among others.
The production methods include injection molding, hot extrusion and pressing
of material combinations (rubber/metal and rubber/plastic).
'Gummiteknik is one of Sweden’s most successful smaller companies
in its specialised area and has shown a high degree of expertise in developing
complex products for various applications,' says Lennart Johansson, President
of Trelleborg Engineered Systems. 'In combination with Trelleborg’s
similar operations, the acquisition will also generate synergies in purchasing
and production.'
The transfer is expected to take place on March 1st, 2007.
Web: http://www.trelleborg.com