Obituary
- Vince Irving, Synseal
It is with great sadness that Synseal must announce the tragic
loss of our Commercial Director, Mr Vince Irving, in a road accident.
Vince has been a member of the Synseal Board for many years and was primarily
responsible for the setting up of our blending operation some 10 years
ago. Vince was greatly respected for his commercial ability and personal
qualities and was a very important part of the Synseal success story.
He was a man of considerable quality both commercially and personally.
His loyalty, integrity and humour will be very sadly missed by all who
knew him.
Nailing
the Fastener Debate
'The fastener debate is over. Whilst some suppliers continue
to bleat about it, as far as the specifier is concerned the matter is
settled.' That's the view of Robin Szymura, specification manager of fastener
company SFS intec. 'It is a view backed by the latest research which shows
that, virtually unanimously, specifiers have voted in favour of austenitic
fasteners over any other alternative.
'That, in turn, is a decision vindicated by major international research
studies which have consistently shown that only austenitic stainless steel
is capable of delivering the guaranteed resistance to corrosion that current
window specifications require.' adds Robin.
A recent market survey, commissioned by SFS intec, shows the extent to
which austenitic stainless steel has won the hearts and minds of professional
specifiers.
Of those surveyed, which included a representative sample of the UK's
top 200 RSLs by housing stock size, 60% of specifications in the social
housing sector require the exclusive use of austenitic fasteners for affixing
friction hinges.
'The message is straightforward.' says Robin, 'If you want to ensure that
the product you supply into the social housing and public sector is specification
compliant, use austenitic fasteners.
'Of course it is true that there are still specifiers who leave the choice
of fasteners to their windowmaking suppliers, but the number is dwindling
fast as the market becomes more aware of the risks inherent in being lax
about the choice of critical components in window construction. Where
alternatives to austenitic are used, it is generally as a result of cost-driven
pressure by fabricators who continue to try to cut price and corners at
the expense of quality and long-term performance.'
For SFS, sales of its bi-metallic austenitic fastener ranges continue
to break all records. On top of major growth in 2003, the company is predicting
a further sales growth of over 12% in 2003, and there is no sign of that
trend abating.
Of course, not all austenitic fasteners are the same and specifiers still
need to tighten specs to ensure that the requirement is for bi-metallic
fasteners which provide threads which comprise austenitic stainless steel,
to ensure that the performance of the fastener is guaranteed. The art
of fastener manufacture - especially when it comes to bi-metallic fasteners
for affixing into steel reinforcing without the need for pre-drilling
- is quite a challenging one.
Bi-metallic fasteners comprise a carbon steel drill point fused onto a
stainless steel threaded shaft. To be effective, it is vital that the
threaded section of the fastener does not encroach into the carbon steel
drill point which will potentially corrode. The threads which affix into
the reinforcement must be made of austenitic stainless steel, and this
is where the skill lies - investing in the technology that can guarantee
such a construction.
With its global design and manufacturing capability, SFS ensures that
that is the case. On the ground though, the company is geared up to provide
the kind of technical support both fabricators and their systems companies
require to ensure they comply with the rigorous specs, and to help the
specifiers to police his own specification to ensure that he is indeed
getting what he asks for.
In an attempt to ensure that best practice is observed throughout the
industry, SFS has launched a highly acclaimed audit scheme for RSLs, in
which it provides the policing of specifications, and delivers the warranty
assurance where fabricators have demonstrated their spec compliance.
The idea is to create a level playing field, where the fabricator, component
supplier and specifier work together to deliver the best performing windows
most cost-effectively to benefit the tenants in whose homes they are fitted.
The scheme has been greeted with enthusiasm not just by hard-pressed specifiers,
but by fabricators eager to ally themselves with the quality end of the
market, and all the commercial benefits which that positioning brings.
'Of course, there will be those who feel commercially challenged by the
situation, and who will try to mount counter arguments. But in this case,
the outcome is final, as the majority of the specifier market has so readily
testified. The reputation of austenitic steel remains untarnished.' concludes
Robin Szymura.
Tel: 0113 208 5500
Deceuninck
Integration Policy Leads to Buying 75% into Detajoint
Deceuninck, worldwide producer of PVCu window systems and building
profiles, has bought a 75% interest in Detajoint, a company extruding
top-quality seals. The deal is part of the integration strategy of the
Deceuninck Group, which is aimed at keeping as many processes as possible
in-company.
Detajoint NV is located in the industrial zone of Dottignies (near Mouscron
in SW Belgium) and specialises in the extrusion of TPE seals. TPE, or
ThermoPlastic Elastomers, is a flexible synthetic material based on top-quality
synthetic rubber.
The company was established in 1995, achieved sales of 2.5 million euro
in 2002, operates seven tri-extrusion lines and employs 15 people. Having
invested in state-of-the-art machinery, Detajoint produces complex tri-extrusion
seals for many leading companies, both in the building and automotive
industries.
The Deceuninck Group uses more than 30 million meters of seals annually.
They are mostly inserted into the PVCu profiles when these are being extruded,
saving considerable time for window manufacturers. Seals ensure that windows
and doors are water and windproof.
Deceuninck expects Detajoint to double its sales to 5 million euro in
2003. 'Our interest in the company strengthens our integration strategy,
which is aimed at optimum control over the knowhow of our processes. In
addition, Detajoint will be able to further develop this specialised process,
which will benefit both companies', says Clement De Meersman, Deceuninck's
CEO. The current management and staff of Detajoint will stay with the
company in order to maintain continuity.
Deceuninck is an integrated worldwide group, specialised in compounding,
design, development, extrusion, finishing and recycling of PCVu systems
and profiles for the building industry. The company is active in more
than 32 countries, has 22 subsidiaries (production and/or sales) and employs
2700 people worldwide, of whom 560 in Hooglede-Gits. Deceuninck achieved
consolidated sales of 362.2 million euro in 2002.
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Price
Reductions Announced for Shield Conservatories
'How many conservatory suppliers do you know of, who have actually
reduced prices for all their customers and not just as part of a special
deal? None? Well that's about to change, because that's exactly what Synseal
has done for the Shield Conservatory.' says Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing
Director of Synseal.
'When we launched Shield, we hadn't sold conservatories by volume,' explains
Nick. 'So prices had to be created on the basis of what we anticipated
the costs would be. A year on, we have the experience and data to produce
better prices for Shield customers.
'We take an honest approach so that if our costs go down, the price of
our products do too. This means our customers will see a drop of 4% across
the board, 13% fall in the average price of a Georgian conservatory and
23% decrease on a 25mm polycarbonate white lean to. So even though our
conservatories continue to improve with developments like the new box
gutter system, the clipless guttering system and new aluminium woodgrain
top caps, Synseal customers can rely on fair and honest prices.'
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Pilkington
Glasses to Feature in Major Cultural Project in USA
Bridging the considerable gap between the most up-to-the-minute
technology of today and the very beginnings of the Earth's history, Pilkington
Activ™ and Pilkington low-e glasses have been specified for the construction
of a major paleontological museum in upstate New York, USA that aims to
tell the 4.5 billion year history of our planet.
Scheduled to open in July 2003, the Museum of the Earth will be operated
in Ithaca, New York by the Paleontological Research Institution (PRI)
and will include one of ihe USA's largest collection of fossils as well
as many other exhibits. The new 18,000 sq ft Museum - based on a 6.2 acre
site - is expected not only to be a major tourist attraction but also
a significant educational and cultural centre, and it is anticipated that
50,000 - 60,000 visitors a year will pass through its doors.
Designed by renowned New York architectural firm Weiss/Manfredi - who
also recently designed an award-winning Women's War Memorial at Arlington
National Cemetery in New York - the Museum is organised into two parallel
and interconnected buildings, both of which make extensive use of Pilkington
glass for their exterior facades. Cortland Glass of Cortland, NY was the
glazing contractor for the project and Floral Glass of Hauppauge, NY its
glazing fabricator.
Launched last year, Pilkington Activ™ has revolutionised the glass
and glazing industry as the world's first genuine self-cleaning glass.
Using a special dual-action coating, Pilkington Activ™ allows windows
and other glazed structures to literally 'clean themselves' by harnessing
the natural elements.
Pilkington Activ™ and low-e glasses were, therefore, considered ideal
for the project due to their combined benefits. Around 6,000 square feet
of 6mm Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass and Pilkington low-e
glass were used in total for the project. Comments Warren Allmon, Director
of PRI:
'After learning about Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass, it sounded
like it would lower our maintenance costs and, because we have a lot of
glass in the building, it was important to use the Pilkington Activ™
and Low-E glasses to provide UV protection for the exhibits.'
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Highseal
Bonds with Elumatec
Elumatec was the favoured choice of Scunthorpe based Highseal
Windows when increase in production meant an expansion in the company's
machinery.
Highseal's purchase of Elumatec's VS704 multi head welding machine and
ES710 single head welder is only the start of new machinery within the
company, with MD/Owner Neil Donaldson now wanting to review all the remaining
equipment in the factory with a view to replacing more machinery over
the next 24 months.
The company is very diverse as it supplies two different profiles of UPVC,
soft wood and hardwood frames, conservatory roofs, vertical sliders, patio
doors and recently adding composite doors to the list. Highseal also has
its own glass line, but PVC is the company's core business with 60% of
their products supplying the trade market, commercial and new build.
After Highseal's recent purchases of the Elumatec machinery Neil Donaldson
commented 'We of course did our homework before buying the new machinery
and found that despite Elumatec not being the cheapest machines on the
market, they are a reputable well established company - something that
is unusual in today's market with so many other companies going out of
business. Elumatec machinery does a decent job, with a good back up service
and spares being very reasonably priced - we will of course be comparing
the rest of the Elumatec range to see if any more equipment can cater
for our needs.'
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
Double
Boost for Network Veka Insurance
Network Veka has unveiled two major developments in the administration
of its insurance and guarantee infrastructure - its acceptance as a member
of the General Insurance Standards Council and the launch of a new guarantee
for non-PVCu installations.
Members can now offer a version of the organisation's Insurance Backed
Guarantee on installations such as aluminium and timber while still fulfilling
their obligations to FENSA.
The guarantee is available through a new initiative known as Network Protect
that offers near-identical terms to the standard Network Veka guarantees
given to all PVCu customers free of charge.
'Many members install other materials as well as PVCu, partly because
a small number of end-users ask for it,' said Operations Manager John
Ogilvie.
'The Network Veka guarantee package is a mainstay of the organisation
and one of our strongest marketing points so it is a great benefit for
members doing some work in other materials to offer a similar guarantee.
'It also enables them to comply with the rules of FENSA by offering customers
an appropriate Insurance Backed Guarantee.'
In a separate move, Network Veka has been accepted as a member of the
General Insurance Standards Council (GISC).
The organisation's acceptance comes only after it submitted to strict
vetting procedures. Under its regulations, every member has had to register
with the body.
It also obliges every member to answer all insurance-related questions
fully and truthfully or to refer the question back to Network Veka if
they cannot.
Network Veka is one of only a few Insurance Backed Guarantee registering
organisations ever to be accepted for membership.
Contact: John Ogilvie, Network Veka
Tel: 01282 473170
Combilift
MD Weds
It will come as no surprise to those acquainted with Martin
McVicar, MD of Combilift Ltd., that at least one photograph of his brainchild,
the Combilift multi-directional forklift, had to be included in the wedding
album.
Martin married Montessori school proprietor and teacher Pauline Rooney
on April 26th at Clontibret, Co. Monaghan. The couple will be setting
up home just a few miles down the road from Combilift's manufacturing
facility.
Email: mailto:info@combilift.com
Web: http://www.combilift.com
HRH
The Princess Royal opens Tower Place
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal recently opened the seven
storey offices of Marsh and McLennan Companies designed by Foster and
Partners.
The
development provides 42,000 square metres of highly energy-efficient office
space in two blocks, broadly triangular in plan, which are linked by one
of the largest glazed atriums in Europe. This semi-public space allows
pedestrians to use it as a sheltered thoroughfare.
The building replaces a sixteen-storey 1960s office development which
obstructed important view corridors between Greenwich and St Paul’s
Cathedral and between the Monument and the Tower of London. The new buildings
restore these views and open up this historically important site, creating
a new public plaza with trees and water features.
The engineering of the atrium’s glass walls – in excess of twenty
metres in height – is technically highly advanced: they are hung
like curtains from tension cables stretched between the two buildings.
They terminate one storey above ground level, creating an open space through
which the public can move freely.
In order to prevent the façades from swaying under wind loads,
they are tied back to the columns that support the glass roof with ‘glass
needles’ – bora-silicate glass pipes, more commonly used to
transport corrosive chemicals. Each needle consists of two layers of glass
– an inner structural tube and an outer protective layer. A PVB interlayer
holds the two together. The tubes have been pre-compressed in order to
overcome the inherent weakness of glass when under tension. Each tube
takes the wind load of almost 50m2 of facade. The tubes have been tested
to three times their design load. They have never been used in an architectural
application before.
The building is highly energy efficient, incorporating blade-like aluminium
louvres for solar shading, displacement ventilation and high insulation
levels. The lobbies incorporate two large wall paintings by the renowned
American conceptual artist Sol LeWitt.
Lord Foster commented, 'This project is more than simply an office building.
It is about urban renewal, regeneration of the city and the creation of
public space.'
IMI
plc AGM reports a 'Year of Good Progress'
IMI plc, the major international engineering Group and parent company
of Polypipe/Premier Profiles, held its 2003 Annual General Meeting on
16th May. At the meeting Gary Allen, Chairman, commented: 'It was pleasing
to be able to report that 2002 was a year of good progress both operationally
and strategically. Against a backdrop of an increasingly uncertain economic
outlook we pressed ahead into the second year of our restructuring programme
and continued to reshape our portfolio of businesses.
Group sales in continuing businesses were £1463m (2001: £1419m)
including £55m from acquisitions. In continuing businesses on a
like for like basis, new products and market share gains limited volume
reductions in the first half to less than 2% while volumes in the second
half were slightly ahead of last year.
Profit before rationalisation and restructuring costs, goodwill amortisation
and exceptional items increased by over 4% to £131.5m compared with
£126.1m last year.
Rationalisation and restructuring costs charged against profit were £32.2m
(2001: £44.6m), making a total of £76.8m for the full two
years of our restructuring programme, in line with our previous indications.
The benefits from the restructuring and cost reduction are now showing
through in most areas with operating profit and margins improving.
During the year we spent £47m on the acquisitions of STI (Severe
Service) and DCI Marketing (Merchandising Systems). Since the year end
we have added further to Severe Service with the acquisition of Fluid
Kinetics, and increased our investment in Indoor Climate with the acquisition
of Commtech in the UK, at a combined cost of around £15m.
Significant activity on the disposal front saw us divest all the remaining
copper businesses with the sale of Copper Fittings and Copper Tube for
a total of £78m. We also sold the small Eley shotgun cartridge business.
In late December the sale of the Witton site was completed and we relocated
our headquarters to the Birmingham Business Park in April 2003.
We have maintained focus on cash throughout the last two years of restructuring
and repositioning of IMI. Strong operational cash flow performance and
controlled corporate activity has reduced borrowings from £403m
at the end of 2000 to £174m at 31st December 2002.
The interim dividend paid in October 2001 was maintained at 6.0p and the
Board is recommending the payment of an unchanged final dividend of 9.5p,
making a total of 15.5p for the year.
Two years into our repositioning we stand in good shape. Much of the portfolio
change has been completed and we are focused around a smaller number of
higher added value businesses; our operational cost base has been materially
reduced and our balance sheet has been significantly strengthened.
In the current year to date, trading volumes overall have been steady
at similar levels to the early months of last year. Fluid Controls is
making encouraging progress, particularly in Fluid Power where the cost
benefits arising from the restructuring programme are showing through.
In Retail Dispense, as expected, sales are lower in Beverage Dispense
where 2002 enjoyed the benefit of the one-off contract for frozen carbonated
beverage equipment and trading generally is subdued. DCI, acquired in
August 2002, continued its pleasing start within Merchandising Systems.
The Building Products businesses generally remain steady.
As is our usual practice, it is our intention to issue a trading update
on 30th June in which we will comment in more detail on current trading.
Our view on the outlook for this year remains as it was at the time of
our preliminary results announcement in March. With general economic conditions
yet to show any significant improvement, 2003 will again present a challenging
environment. However, the solid foundation we have been laying for the
past two years should enable us to continue our progress'.
Ultrasonic
Cleaning for the Burnden Group Plc
Bolton based manufacturing group, The Burnden Group plc has
recently taken steps to enhance its tooling department with the purchase
of an Ultrasonic cleaning system. The Group which is more widely associated
as the manufacturer and distributor of the Conservatory Roof System, K2,
has placed investment into the technologically advanced Ultrasonic cleaning
system to cleanse and enhance the lifecycle of the company's extrusion
processing dies.
The new Ultrasonic equipment, acquired from Kerry Ultrasonics Ltd, a world
market leader in ultrasonic cleaning, will not only speed-up the cleaning
activities, but will help to reduce labour costs by 80% per annum by its
ability to achieve extremely high standards of cleanliness in a fraction
of the time.
TCS Graduate, Jonathan Yap, said: 'The investment into such technologically
advanced cleaning systems will bring many benefits, such as improved efficiencies
and optimised performance, to the production facilities here at The Burnden
Group.'
'Not only will it prove to be beneficial in terms of prolonging the life
of our extrusion processing dies, but it will also help to ensure that
the overall production quality of the K2 product portfolio remains one
which is first class.'
Tel: 01204 554580
Glazerite
joins Maco Secure Scheme
Another
customer-service orientated fabricator joins the Maco secure scheme. Glazerite,
based in Wellingborough Northamptonshire made the decision to move over
to the Maco Mach II Shootbolt Espagnolette initially to streamline and
improve its productivity in the factory. The Mach II is designed to provide
a simple and fast process removing the need to crop extensions to size.
Assembly is simplified as components are snapped into place in the Eurogroove
before final screw fixing.
Glazerite has been fabricating for 3 years and Managing Director John
Hewitt says, 'The Maco Mach II Shootbolt Espagnolette not only gave us
faster fabrication, but it is also one of the securest products in the
marketplace. It seemed a natural step to add the extra marketing and customer
benefits of the Maco Secure Scheme. Maco not only provide us with a superbly
engineered product but backed us up with the use of their comprehensive
in-house testing facilities and technical support that enabled us to pre-test
our casement windows and smooth the path to us successfully achieving
BS7950'.
Maco Secure is set up to enhance householders insurance. Should a break-in
be affected through a window supplied and or installed by a participating
member of the scheme, Maco will pay up to £1000 of the householder's
insurance excess.
Tel: 01795 433900
Web: http://www.macouk.net/secure
lnternal
Windows Acquired by New Owners
lnternal Windows, one of the north west's leading commercial
PVCu window fabricators has been acquired by new owners and looks set
for a continued period of expansion.
lnternal
was set up in Birkenhead in 1995 to fabricate in Rehau's S706 70mm system
and has grown year on year to its current capacity of 400 frames per week.
It was this growth combined with a reputation for quality products and
service which attracted Keith Hutchinson and Kim Wallsworth to purchase
the company when it came onto the market recently, and the two experienced
PVCu window specialists have already voiced their ambitions to expand
the company's commercial division even further.
Keith and Kim both have impressive CVs, having accumulated between them
almost 30 years experience within the window industry, most recently as
senior managers within PVCu systems and fabrication companies.
Once the pair decided they wanted to purchase their own business, they
spent many months identifying a suitable company which they felt had the
right combination of strengths for them.
Keith says: 'We wanted to acquire a business which had a good location,
a high quality premises and showroom, a reputation for quality and a proven
period of growth. It was a long search but eventually we found all that
here at Internal.
'We are looking to expand the business further and to build on its strength
in the commercial sector either through further acquisition or through
an extension of the Birkenhead facility.'
lnternal Windows already has an impressive commercial client list. It
fabricates and installs windows in Rehau's S706 system for housing associations,
local authorities and private developers throughout the north west and
north Wales.
Under its new ownership, it looks set to become an even bigger player
and to widen its geographical spread.
European PVC Industry Makes Progress on Sustainability Initiative
The
European PVC industry published its third annual Progress Report on 6th
May, showing a quickening pace of activity toward sustainable development
during the past year.
Underscoring the commitment of the entire PVC sector, the Vinyl 2010 Progress
Report shows a substantial increase in investment on waste management,
research and development and other projects of the industry's Voluntary
Commitment during 2002.
Funding from Vinyl 2010 and its members - resin producers, converters
and manufacturers of additives and plasticisers - totalled Euro 4.5 million
in 2002, a 74% increase from 2001. Despite a difficult economic environment,
Vinyl 2010 expects continued growth in activities and spending during
the current year.
'We're now well into our 4th year of work as Vinyl 2010. Our commitment
to achieving sustainability throughout the entire PVC lifecycle is stronger
than ever before,' said Vinyl 2010 Vice-Chairman Joachim Eckstein.
'We're aware this isn't an easy enterprise, but sustainability won't be
achieved through wishful thinking. Sustainable development - as agreed
by world leaders in Johannesburg last year - depends on real commitments
and actions, by real people in a real world. This is what Vinyl 2010 is
all about,' Mr. Eckstein added, speaking at the launch of the Progress
Report at the PLAST trade fair in Milan.
Vinyl 2010 is the Brussels-based international non-profit association
that brings together the whole European PVC industry. It provides the
necessary infrastructure to translate the Voluntary Commitment into reality.
Among the highlights in last year's activities were:
- Further progress on the industry's EDC, VCM and S-PVC Charter (93% full
compliance, up from 88% in 1998);
- Start-up of the Vinyloop cable recycling facility in Ferrara, Italy;
- Launch of recycling projects in Germany, Denmark, France and other countries,
involving pipes, window frames, roofing membranes, coated fabrics, feedstock
recycling and mixed plastics waste;
- Cooperation with European municipalities and regions in Spain and Portugal
in partnership with the EU-supported Association of Cities and Regions
for Recycling (ACRR).
The British Plastics Federation's (BPF's) Vinyls Group is the platform
for the implementation of the Commitments in the UK and achievements are
being registered by the sector.
During the next few weeks, Vinyl 2010 is scheduled to set up a Monitoring
Committee with Members of the European Parliament, officials of the European
Commission and trade union representatives to independently evaluate the
industry's progress.
'This is a major step in the development of Vinyl 2010 and a testimony
to our commitment to good governance, openness and accountability,' said
Vinyl 2010 Secretary General Jean-Pierre De Greve.
'The Vinyl 2010 project is indeed a long-haul effort and much hard work
remains to be done. But we are confident that our continued efforts are
proving effective in dispelling any unjustified doubts that may remain
about the future of PVC and the tens of thousands of European companies
involved in the production and transformation of PVC products.'
Web: http://www.vinyl2010.org
Creative
Thinking Wins Tony a Weekend Away
Profile
22 turned to the creativity of its employees to help choose a suitable
name for its new pre-applied gasketed profile reflecting the nature of
the product.
Suggestions were drawn from a hat and the name bubblex won Tony Lloyd,
one of the sales co-ordinators, a weekend for two in a luxury London hotel.
Presenting
Tony with his prize, Profile 22 Managing Director Keith White, commented:
'bubblex represents a significant new product for us and we wanted to
involve our staff in the process of naming it.
'We received a terrific response to our appeal for names and would certainly
consider running a similar competition again in the future. It provides
everyone with the chance to give their input,' added Keith.
A delighted Tony said: 'It's the first time I've won anything for a long
time, so I'm delighted and looking forward to the trip very much.'
Available from May, bubblex is a new integral pre-applied post co-extruded
lowline gasket system from Profile 22 offering considerable manufacturing
cost savings. The name describes the use of a post co-extruded Bubble
system as opposed to the 'rolled-in' gasket route which allows fabricators
to simply weld frames together in the conventional way without any pre-preparation
of the frames.
Post co-extruding the gasket to the profile face removes the need for
fiddly and time-consuming gasketing by hand. Time spent gasketing can
be used more profitably to make more frames...and ultimately more money.
Time studies by Profile 22 have shown that fabricators can save 4 minutes
18 seconds per frame using the pre-gasketed system as opposed to standard
fabrication methods. Crucially, time is saved through not having to cut
and fit gasket in the sashes and outer frames.
Yet another five minutes can be saved on site or factory fitted gaskets
to glass apertures, making a total saving of 9 minutes 24 seconds per
frame. These preparation times are based on a 1400 x 1200 frame side hung
next to fixed.
Frames incorporating the post co-extruded seal can be glazed quickly and
efficiently as the seal is welded into position that prevents seal displacement
when glazing.
The continuous welded seal improves weathering performance and security,
while the lowline appearance maximises visual glass area and minimises
the seal sightline making windows with bubblex more aesthetically appealing.
The post co-extruded profiles mean fabricators no longer have to stock
items such as pencil drills and bits; gaskets or glue, silicone and tape
for securing and sealing.
Tel: 01952 290910
Pic caption: Profile 22's Managing Director, Keith White (left) presents
Tony Lloyd, one of the company's sales co-ordinators, with his prize.
Vitro Cristalglass Provides Glass to Madrid's lnternational Airport
Vitro
Cristalglass, European subsidiary of Vitro Sa, was selected to provide
more than 50,000 square meters of glass to the new Satellite Building
of the lnternational Airport of Barajas in Madrid, Spain. Vitro Cristalglass
was chosen for this project, which is currently under construction, because
of its experience in the construction of large lcon buildings.
Vitro Cristalglass will provide Solarlux and Akustex brand glass for the
building's facade and domes, which will be installed by Alcotan-Uniseco,
Inasus, Aluminios Vical and Estrumaher, renowned companies focused on
glass installation.
The Madrid Airport complex's new construction site is part of the 'Barajas
Expansion Plan,' which is expected to conclude by 2004. The expansion
basically consists of the development of two large sites: the new terminal,
which is under construction; and the runway expansion project, which is
in the environmental impact authorisation process.
'Madrid wiil be home to the world's most modern airport terminal. It will
be comparable in size to Hong Kong's airport, but there will be nothing
of its kind in terms of design and operation,' said Manuel Sánchez,
Plan Barajas Director.
According to Jesus Mendiluce, Construction Project Chief, the new terminal
will fulfill projected passenger and flight requirements through 2020,
and if needed, the terminal will be built to accommodate future growth
projects.
Pepa Martin, reporter for 'Airports' magarine in Spain, underscored that,
with the new terminal's first-class services, the Barajas airport's authorities
expect to serve future passenger traffic, and to consolidate Madrid as
the capital for the twenty-first century.
The new three-level Satellite Building will host more than 15 million
international passengers annually and will connect to the main terminal,
which will have the same architectural design.
'We are proud to share our significant experience in this important architectural
site for Spain and the world. We will continue to increase our presence
in Europe and contribute to our core businesses' selective growth strategy,'
said Javier Prado, President of Vitro Cristalglass.
The Satellite Building, which is located on the northern part of the Barajas
Airport, will comprise more than 273,000 square meters and have 26 direct
passenger boarding positions.
The winning project design was developed by the prestigious architects
Richard Rogers and Antonio Lamela. And, the project's construction was
awarded to Dragados, Obras y Proyectos, S.A., and OHL, S.A. The project
contest was promoted by Spain's Airport and Air Navigation Agency, and
the Development Ministry.
In addition to this important project, Vitro has participated in the construction
of key lcon buildings worldwide, such as the L'Oceanographic Museum in
Valencia, Spain, the Walt Disney Conference Hall in Los Angeles, the Winter
Garden Atrium in New York, the Torre Mayor in Mexico City, as well as
the remodeling of Victoria's Secret shops in the U.S., among others.
Vitro Cristalglass is Spain's leading fabricator, distributor and marketer
of architectural and construction flat glass products and, through its
Vitro Chaves subsidiary, is a leader in Portugal. The company has almost
550 employees and recorded sales of approximately US$90 million in 2002.
Vitro Cristalglass has five facilities in Spain: three flat glass production
plants in Camponaraya, Villadecanes (province of Leon) and Fuenlabrada
(a suburb of Madrid); and two distribution facilities in La Coruña
and Valensia.
Web: http://www.cristalglass.es
Sky-Vent
Introduces 24hr Turn-Around Service
Conservatory
roof vent manufacturer Sky-Vent is offering customers 24 hour turnaround
on it's pre-glazed Sky-Vent package.
'Our standard leadtime is two days but we understand customers often need
vents nextday for last minute orders or replacements' said Halina Witek.
'Sky-Vent is a new generation of roof-vent featuring pre-glazed and factory
sealed lids for maximum performance and speedy fitting. Vents have become
very popular and the last thing conservatory manufacturers need is call
backs on leaking vents. Sky-Vent features sculptured lines, which make
it very popular with K2 roof fabricators as it matches the glazing bars
perfectly.'
The BBA has weather tested the product to BS6375 for a 1200pa water tightness
pressure test. Sky-Vent comes with its own 10 year guarantee.
'With the Sky-Vent product you get the best of both worlds, a slimline
high strength aluminium lid with a fully welded leak proof PVCu base frame',
the company says.
Contact Halina Witek
Tel: 0121 212 1434
Email: mailto:sales@sky-vent.co.uk
Web: http://www.sky-vent.co.uk