Wendland has announced new product branding for its conservatory roofing
system. The Styal™ brand name heralds the start of a phased introduction
of a host of product enhancements and marketing support initiatives, culminating
in the unveiling of an all-new roof within the next few weeks. Wendland
is generating market awareness of Styal™ through a series of trade
advertisements, and an extensive direct mail campaign running throughout
September targeted at installers and fabricators throughout the UK.
Damian Battle, Wendland's Director of Marketing says the launch of Styal™
is just the beginning of an exciting new era for Wendland and its customers:
'Over the coming weeks and months we'll be introducing a whole range of
sales and marketing tools including wall charts, trade and consumer point
of sale posters and price guides to support some major product innovations
which we believe will shape the future of conservatory roof systems.'
Tel: 08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendlandstyal@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com
Total
Conservatory Roof Systems Launched
Ultraroof, formerly a fabricator of the UK's leading conservatory roof
system, has set up its own manufacturing facility.
Ultraroof intends to concentrate its efforts on a new roof system designed
and developed by the company to accommodate new and more demanding markets.
The new system is named Total Conservatory Roof Systems (A Trading Division
of Ultraroof) and the Total brand image will now become the corporate
identity that will appear on all corporate material and a 3d image will
appear on delivery vehicles.
'The Total system, which has taken over 3 years to develop and refine
by the R&D team, was designed for the American market.
'America
requires roof systems to comply with very stringent regulations. The new
roof system has also surpassed expectations and current guidelines for
the UK market, being awarded BS standards in three categories,' says managing
mirector Stephano Zagni (pictured outside the group head office in Norwich).
'Our investment throughout the organisation in these past 4 years is quite
staggering, and prior to the Total system being launched we needed to
make a significant investment in leading edge software technology, tooling,
specialist machinery and more importantly customer support services. We
have just completed the next phase by opening our second production and
fabrication unit with a new machine line run from unique written software
developed for Total and our group head office will stay in Norwich', he
adds.
'Seven years ago in the US we were the first company to supply complete
pre-assembled roof structures to this demanding and constrictive market
from our UK manufacturing base, and throughout this time our dealer network
has continued to expand.
'The Total roof system surpassed US guidelines with a 90lb per square
foot snow loading, far in excess for UK recommended specifications and
guidelines', Stephano concludes.
The company is now in a position to service and support customers throughout
the UK. For further information, additional photography or arrange a meeting
telephone 01603 411722 or 07860 717919 and speak with Tim Duffy
Magnet's
Flint Operation Acquired by BHD Group
The Magnet PVCu window and door manufacturing facility based at Flint
has been acquired by management owned, home improvement conglomerate,
BHD, for an undisclosed sum.
Commenting on the acquisition, BHD Group chairman Bill McGrath said, 'Flint
is a first class manufacturing facility with a production and sales team
we have long admired. The additional capacity is an important part of
our strategy to underpin the growth of our existing business whilst allowing
us to develop into channels where we have thus far had little presence.
'Following closely on our acquisition of Portland Conservatories, BHD
Flint, as it will now be known, confirms the intention to grow our share
of the fast growing home improvement sector and develop a greater presence
in new build and builders merchants.
BHD Flint will be run as an autonomous operating company under Managing
Director John Bevan and Deputy Managing Director John Mark (Tel:01922-455662)
Glass
Design Awards Shortlist Unveiled
The organisers of the Bombay Sapphire Prize – the annual glass design
awards – have come up with the shortlist for the event, this year
including several entries from UK-based architects.
The three categories are architecture, design and art.
This year’s finalists for architecture are the Blue Carpet and the
Glass Bridge by Thomas Heatherwick and the Atrium by Lab Architect Studio.
The awards have a combined prize fund in excess of £20,000.
The Bombay Sapphire Foundation was set up by the gin and spirits firm
as a way to encourage contemporary glass design.
The category winners will be decided on 25 September and the final overall
victor will be announced on 26 September as part of the 100% Design show
in London.
The judging panel include the designers Ron Arad and Tom Dixon, journalists
Grant Gibson and Rachel Loos, and contemporary glass collector Dan Klein.
The shortlisted glass designs will be showcased at The Gallery, Vinopolis
on London’s South Bank from 26 September to 5 January and will then
tour the UK for six months.
http://www.bombaysapphire.com/home.html
CSS
Drives to Success
CSS Aluminium looks set for success in 2002. The Leicester-based specialist
aluminium subcontractors enjoyed sustained growth during 2001 with annual
tumover nudging £4 million and a healthy order book.
As part of its growth strategy, CSS has extended its vehicle fleet with
a fully liveried 7.5-ton delivery lorry and three fully 'kitted out' new
installation vans to handle its present and projected orders. The livery
features the CSS logo and is part of the company's latest drive to extend
its corporate branding across the whole business.
Nigel Trasler, commercial director of CSS, says 'The investment in new
lorries is just one of the ways in which we are endeavouring to build
on the success of 2001 and be prepared to meet projected growth. In the
last three years we have seen the company grow from 50 to 70 employees
and we have seen an 50% increase in turnover.'
Established in 1987, CSS Aluminium Contracts of Leicester are a specialist
subcontractor providing curtain walling and commercial window packages
from design conception to installation with a complete in-house service
to developers, architects and main contractors alike.
Tel: 0116 260 5000
Email: mailto:cssaluminium@virgin.net
Web: http://wwwcssaluminium.co.uk
Special
Formulation Sheerframe for Malaysian Mansion
Ten
years after launching its Sheerframe window system in Malaysia, L.B Plastics
continues successfully winning business in the region.
Sheerframe windows have recently been fitted in a new palatial mansion
in Kuala Lumpur, owned by a major Malaysian timber magnate.
Made and installed by Port Klang-based Windoor Maker, the Sheerframe 63
system windows feature a special PVC formulation, developed by The Litchfield
Group, of which L.B. Plastics is a part, to cope with the high UV levels
experienced in the Far East and Australasia.
The two-storey mansion features a range of window styles - including curved
frames, curved bays, multi-opening light casements and patio doors.
'The Malaysian economy has made a good recovery following the Asian instability
in the late 1990s, and there continues to be a demand for Sheerframe windows
in both newbuild and refurbishment projects. Its excellent thermal performance,
coupled with the special compound formulation for UV tolerance, sets Sheerframe
apart from other systems which have proved less successful in the region,'
says Sheerframe product director David Strang.
As well as manufacturing in the Far East and UK, L.B. PLastics has Group
operations in Germany, Poland, Australasia and the USA.
Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk
Ashford Windows wins £5m tender
Veka
fabricator Ashford Windows Ltd has won the tender for a £5 million,
five year project to supply PVCu doors for 5,000 homes in a refurbishment
project for North Norfolk District Council. The properties include houses,
bungalows and flats and work commenced in July 2002.
Ashford has just completed another 5-year window refurbishment using the
Veka profile within the same area and the second phase of the project,
which uses Ashford's own composite doors installed in Veka frames, will
fully complement the previous refurbishment work undertaken.
Veka's Big Rig mobile exhibition unit was used to stage roadshows for
the tenants to allow them to view and comment upon the improvements due
to be made to their homes.
Rod Cox Capital Works Officer for North Norfolk District Council commented:
'We are very pleased with the quality of the Veka windows installed in
the first phase of the refurbishment work by Ashford who also won the
second tender based on their very competitive pricing structure. It is
also a bonus that the company are based locally to the work being carried
out and, having built up a close working relationship with them during
the first phase, we are very pleased to have Ashford and Veka back on
board for the second round of work'.
Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com
Astraframe
Chooses WHS Halo
Norwich-based window manufacturer, Astraframe, has announced its decision
to fabricate a range of PVCu windows and doors from systems company WHS
Halo.
Astraframe's move to manufacture the WHS Halo range is based on the belief
that it has found a true support partner that has the resources and the
expertise to jointly help develop its planned expansion programme.
Another influential factor was WHS Halo's ability to produce technically
versatile PVCu systems in both chamfered and sculpted formats to suit
all segments of the window market, giving its customers the opportunity
of competing at all levels of window replacement.
In the competitive fabrication marketplace Astraframe's managing director,
Trevor Collier, knows that in order to remain successful the company needs
to offer the highest levels of customer service and product quality. Taking
this philosophy forward, he believes that the move to WHS Halo will further
Astraframe's opportunities for growth:
'WHS Halo is a well known, trusted brand name in the industry. We were
impressed by its extrusion technology and design capabilities, in addition
to its extensive distribution and logistics resources. We know it is able
to exactly provide the products and support that we and our customers
want.'
The changeover is the latest stage in Astraframe's continued development.
The company has over 22 years fabrication experience and it has grown
steadily during this time. This sustained success has enabled it to invest
£1.2 million in the construction of a large, purpose-built manufacturing
facility equipped with the latest CNC technology.
Trevor Collier concludes, 'The combination of WHS Halo's support and the
quality of our fabrication facilities means that we are looking to the
future with great enthusiasm and optimism.'
Tel: 0121 749 3000
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk
Corby's
Conservatory Sales Rise with Shield
'Some weeks this year our conservatory sales have been double what they
were last year,' says Philip De Clermont, Joint Managing Director of Corby
Windows Ltd, 'and so far our conservatory sales are about 60-70% up on
2001. Our standard offer has been conservatories with an Ultraframe roof
and Rehau frames, and we've been very successful with that. But this year
we added the Shield conservatory to our line up and give customers a choice
of two ranges of conservatories.
'Shield is a completely integrated conservatory system of matching roof
and frames, and sales have simply taken off. Because you can fix the roof
directly from the inside without having to clamber about on the roof,
and it's been designed to reduce labour and time on the job it's often
possible to complete an installation within two days, say, rather than
having to come back to finish it the next morning. That means that installers
can go straight on to the next job and perhaps squeeze in an additional
job during the week. That's a big saving and installers are highly enthusiastic
about the new system.
'We're very pleased with the way things have gone this year,' Philip confirmed.
'We're not planning to change to one system - we believe strongly in giving
customers a choice - but I think we can safely say that we're looking
for significant growth in our Shield sales in the second half.'
Tel: (01623) 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Corby Windows Group
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg.uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
Sovereign
is LHC Partner of the Year - Not a Single Complaint in £5m of Work
Window manufacturer/installer The Sovereign Group has won one of the most
coveted of accolades in the social and contract sector with the award
of the title LHC Partner ofthe Year.
Glenn Taylor,
left, receives the cup and perpetual trophy from Dr Kienwald at the exhibition.
Sovereign's
win comes at the end of a year in which the company achieved the 'remarkable'
feat of attracting not a single complaint in dozens of contracts covering
more than £5million of work.
'That is an extremely rare achievement, especially on such a high value
ofbusiness,' said LHC Director Dr Eli Kienwald presenting the award at
the recent Chartered Institute of Housing Exhibition in Harrogate. But
he added that the judges - thee LHC, three independent -scored Sovereign
very highly on a number of other factors including accuracy, punctuality
and good communications between its own and the LHC's salesforces.
Sovereign MD Glenn Taylor said the accolade was the latest in a series
won by the group, including runner-up Supplier ofthe Year to construction
group Kier North West.
However, he added: 'We have earned many compliments from organisations
of all kinds but this award is the most significant by far. The LHC is
not only one ofthe most respected organisations in the industry but it
is also known for not compromising on quality and standards.
The LHC is a non-for-profit local government organisation that exists
to bring together bodies such as local authorities and housing associations
with suppliers of building components and services.
The Sovereign Group, based in Nelson, Lancashire, is one ofthe UK's longest
established Veka fabricators. Its domestic division Sovereigndirect is
also an active member ofNetwork Veka.
Contact: Jim Gregson
Tel: 01282 618171
Email: mailto:sgl@sovereigndirect.co.uk
Web: http://www.sovereigndirect.co.uk
Pictured: Glenn, left, receives the cup and perpetual trophy from Dr Kienwald
at the exhibition.
Ability
Handling Appointed as New Combilift Dealership
Combilift Ltd, the lrish manufacturers of the Combilift multidirectional
forklift truck, have appointed Rotherham based Ability Handling Ltd. as
their new dealership for the Yorkshire area.
Ability Handling look set to increase its customer base with this new
addition, as the Combilift, designed specifically for the long-load handling
sector, has been a success story within the handling industry since its
launch onto the market in 1998. Essentially three machines in one, this
LPG or diesel powered all-wheel drive forklift can work both in indoor
storage areas in aisles as narrow as 2m, as well as outside on semi rough
terrain and in all weathers. Thanks to its ability to operate as a sideloader,
counterbalance and narrow aisle truck, it is a cost effective 'one truck
solution' for customers who deal primarily with long and awkward loads
enabling users to make vast savings on warehouse space. Lift capacities
range from 2.5 to 9 tonnes.
Ability's Managing Director Roger Hardman comments: 'The incorporation
of this innovative and superbly engineered forklift into our range enables
us to offer local industry and commerce one single and reliable source
for all their materials handling needs'.
Tel: 07968 490051
Email: mailto:combilift@eircom.net
Web: http://www.combilift.com
Ability Handling: Tel 01709 821821
Asahi
Glass (AGC) Now Owns 99% of the Share Capital of Glaverbel
Asahi Glass Co., Ltd announced on august 20th that it has increased its
direct and indirect shareholding in Glaverbel to a level of 99.11% of
the total number of outstanding shares.
At the end of the public offer, ended May 6, 2002, AGC held, directly
and indirectly, 92.11% of the share capital of Glaverbel. The increase
in the stake follows an off-market transaction between AGC and two institutional
investors who had not tendered their Glaverbel shares during the offer
period.
The financial terms of the transaction with the two institutional investors
are identical to those of the recent tender offer: the price per share
paid by AGC for the 7.00% block is EUR 140.86, which is equal to the price
per share offered in the tender offer (EUR 145) minus the gross amount
of the dividend paid in the meantime (EUR 4.14), as decided by the Annual
Meeting of May 29, 2002.
Commenting on the above transaction Mr. Masayuki Kamiya, Director Corporate
Planning of AGC stated, 'We are very pleased about the outcome of this
transaction and we envisage to proceed with a squeeze-out offer on the
remaining 0.89% in the near future'.
Asahi manufactures and sells a variety of glass products. Main products
include flat glass for construction, glass for cathode-ray tubes, and
glass for automobiles. The Company also produces electronic parts, fine
chemicals, and new ceramics. In fiscal year ended March 31, 2002 the group
posted net sales of US$ 10.3 billion.
Web: http://www.agc.co.jp/english
Web: http://www.glaverbel.com
Sash
UK Delivers its Green Image
When the delivery vehicles of the Sash UK delivery fleet turn up with
the latest load of windows, doors and conservatories, the trucks are not
just liveried in the distinctive Sash green, but are kinder to the environment
too.
Sash UK has just added another Mercedes Actros 1835 drawbar unit to its
fleet bringing the total to five. These vehicles, which also feature interchangeable
backs, not only comply with the company's strict environmental policy,
but also satisfy the needs of Sash's comprehensive delivery schedules
throughout the UK mainland.
The Mercedes' enable lower road tax under the government's emission rating
system, with the drawbar configuration doubling the load carrying capacity
and therefore reducing vehicle journeys, when needed. The flexibility
of the vehicles also allows the trailer to be left outside congested cities
and towns, with just the smaller, less polluting and more economical tractor
unit and box making the final deliveries.
David Ruzicka, joint managing director of Sash UK, says that cost savings
are very tangible with the Mercedes being classed as one of the most economical
and environmentally friendly trucks on the market. 'We have spent a great
deal of time analysing our delivery requirements. We decided on our own
vehicles very early on, to ensure total control over our deliveries to
ensure good service to our customers.
'Having done that, we have now chosen vehicles that may not be the cheapest
in capital cost, but they provide the flexibility we need, and substantially
reduce running costs and environmental impact. Our trucks are not just
liveried green.'
Tel: 01226 715619
Email: mailto:mailbox@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Swish
Expands Fleet
Swish Building Products, the manufacturer and supplier of low maintenance
cellular PVC roofline and cladding products, has expanded its fleet of
vehicles. This extra capacity will help Swish maintain its commitment
to reduced lead times and stock availability.
The company, which achieved record growth during 2001, now operates 11
trucks in its core fleet. The trucks include F2000 tractor units and rigid
curtain-sided vehicles. The vehicles have been upgraded to improve running
costs and reliability and to maintain an efficient service to customers
across the UK.
'Last year we returned to in house distribution, after several years of
using external logistics companies, and it has given us greater control
over the standard of our delivery service', explains Ken Simpson, Managing
Director. 'Our delivery performance has improved, which means that Swish
is in stock where and when installers need it.'
Contact: Clare Sampson
Tel: 01242 243444
Email: mailto:marketing@swishbp.co.uk
Eurocell teams up with Derbyshire CCC
Eurocell
Profiles Ltd, Eurocell Building Plastics Ltd., together with Sister Company
HL Plastics has sponsored Derby County Cricket Club for the season 2002.
Eurocell continues to promote a policy of supporting local sport and the
package with D.C.C.C is another example of this.
Derbyshire are having a good season, as well as finishing well in the
County Championship, they have also entertained the Indian Touring Team
under the watchful eye of the Sky Sports TV Cameras. HL Plastics also
supplied the 'Plastic Fencing,' which is used around the full perimeter
of the ground.
Eurocell would like to wish Derbyshire a strong finish to the season and
good luck in their winter preparation for the coming season.
Contact: Neil Riley
Tel: 01773 842 100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
SWC
give full Commitment to Hallmark
SWC Trade Frames Ltd, the North of England fabricator, has announced that
Hallmark Panels Ltd has been chosen as the company's exclusive supplier
of door in-fill panels.
The decision was made after SWC carried out an extensive review of all
of the key suppliers of door in-fill panels. Hallmark satisfied the company's
stringent criteria for product aesthetics and manufactured quality, but
also Hallmark's ability to supply according the tight delivery deadlines,
whilst coping with SWC's ambitious growth plans.
SWC is currently producing over 1200 frames per week, but an additional
production unit will shortly supplement the company's Scarborough facility
to substantially boost output. The two-acre site also has a manufacturing
area dedicated to SWC's BBA accredited conservatory roof manufacturing
division currently producing 50 roofs per week.
'The decision to tie into an exclusive deal with Hallmark I believe marks
SWC's commitment to fulfil its strict criteria of providing the best quality
products on the market,' Managing Director Paul Richings commented. 'After
carefully reviewing all the products available to us, we believe Hallmark
to be the best available, backed up by a product guarantee and an excellent
customer service facility which in turn means we can offer our own customers
the same high level of service.'
Tel: 01482 703222
Email: mailto:info@hallmark-panels.com
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Pro-Dek
Racking at Specialised Aluminium Extrusions
Narrow-aisle cantilever racking from Pro-Dek Storage Systems with capacity
for 1350 tonnes of aluminium extrusions has been installed at a new 10,000m2
central warehouse opened by Senior Aluminium Systems in South Yorkshire.
SAS,
the UK supplier of aluminium glazing systems, has a turnover of £20
million a year. It supplies about 500 different types of extrusion, as
well as fittings and accessories, for entrances, doors, ground floor systems,
windows, patent glazing and advanced curtain walling.
Virtually all the material now passes through the new £5 million
central warehouse which acts as the hub for five regional service centres
dealing directly with fabricators and specifiers throughout the UK and
lrish Republic.
Extrusions are received from suppliers in bundles up to six metres long,
and fittings and accessories as palletised loads. All the products are
held in the warehouse on 8.5-metre-high narrow-aisle cantilever racking
with Pro-Dek's Pro-Klamp arm adjustment system.
Extrusions are stored on the racking in stillages measuring 5500mm long
x 750mm deep x 600mm high and weighing a nominal 1500kg. The racking consists
of 11 double-sided runs of 18 metres and one single-sided run of 50 metres,
all of them having nine arm levels to provide sufficient space for 900
stillages with a total weight of 1350 tonnes.
In addition to storage for extrusions, Pro-Dek has also made provision
for storage of small parts, fittings and accessories. This has been achieved
by decking out the base and first arms levels of the 50-metre single-sided
rack.
Tel: 0114 244 0100
Email: mailto:mail@pro-dek.co.uk
Permadoor
Joins ACDM
Permadoor, the UK supplier of thermoplastic composite doors, has become
one of nine founder members of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers.
The Association was launched at this year's Interbuild to raise the profile
of composite door systems within all market sectors including public sector,
retail and new build and establish a presence on all key decision making
bodies.
'The association will seek to highlight the fundamental differences and
benefits that a composite door offers, as well as providing a voice on
important issues, such as British Standards', comments Paul Nugent, Managing
Director of Permadoor. 'We have passed the entry criteria to become a
founder member and are committed to increasing awareness of composite
door systems'.
Permadoor operates out of three, purpose built factories, manufacturing
an extensive range of doors including the Permagrain range of timber effect
doors and a collection of cassette glazed doors to the specification marketplace.
Permadoor was the first company to develop the thermoplastic composite
door in 1989 and is BSI registered. A wide range of doors are licensed
by Secured by Design and tested to comply with PAS 23 and PAS 24 British
Standards.
Tel: 01242 243 444
Email: mailto:sales@permadoor.co.uk
Web: http://www.permadoor.co.uk
Work has commenced on the new 'Reynaers Institute'
Work
has recently commenced on the new 'Reynaers Institute' in Belgium. This
new development aims to enhance the service offered to both clients and
employees of Reynaers Aluminium and will append itself to the existing
facility in Duffel. The project comprises various elements, including
a learning centre, test facilities and showrooms.
The lnstitute will provide a suitable setting for commercial and technical
training, product launches and seminars. There will be two showrooms:
'Reynaers Project' and 'Reynaers @'. In the 'Reynaers Project' showroom
larger samples will be on display and an area set aside for providing
demonstrations to architects. The 'Reynaers @' showroom will serve for
the provision of ebusiness and software application demonstrations.
In addition, the centre will incorporate an attractive reception area,
conference facilities, cafeterias and offices. Reynaers clients will have
full use of the facilities offered by the Institute, including conferences,
training and lectures.
Work commenced on the project in June 2002 and completion is set for July
2003. The building will incorporate Reynaers curtain walling CW 86 with
parallel opening windows. From September, it will be possible to see photographs
of the project and to view its progress at http://www.reynaers.com.
Tel: 0121 421 1999
Email: mailto:reynaersltd@reynaers.com
Loughborough
Building Plastics Expands With Eurocell
Loughborough Building Plastics has now been an Eurocell customer for 5
years and business is booming. This has been emphasised recently with
the £100k which father and son partners Keith and Carl Peacock have
invested in new premises. The new site, which comprises a split-level
unit, a large yard and outbuildings as well as a large display area have
already had an impact on their business.
Like Eurocell who have grown through reinvesting profits, Loughborough
Building Plastics have done the same. They know that this significant
investment, at a time when property is expensive, will allow them to grow
in a more professional way.
Having been established for sometime now their new depot on Loughborough
Rd in Shepshed, allows them to capitalise on the huge growth within the
building plastics market, and the partnership with Eurocell Building Plastics
is a key element.
The company supplies all types of Eurocell Products but have outlined
the following as their core areas, facias, soffits, bargeboards, cladding,
roofing bars, polycarbonate and a full range of ancillaries. Carl, a budding
drummer, also outlines the fact that the family tie up is a key factor
for his success. His wife Julie is responsible for the telesales arm of
the business, whilst father and son are co-owners as well as sales, development
and delivery.
'Our key asset is our teamwork with many customers staying loyal, in a
very competitive market. Our service levels and attention to detail help
to keep us ahead of the rest when quoting for large jobs and maintaining
our existing business,' says Keith Peacock.
L.B.P. are like Eurocell looking for local commercial work as they recognise
that it can raise their profile as well as providing an area of repeat
business.
L.B.P. 01509 506060
lbuildplastics@aol.com
Eurocell 01773 842100
marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Website: www.eurocell.co.uk
Decorative
Glass Design Studio Growth at Panels Plus
With the demand for coloured glass on the increase, Panels Plus, UK manufacturer
of PVCU door panels, has invested in a skilled team of craftsmen to produce
an extensive range of decorative glass units. The glass department has
seen considerable growth in recent months with an increase in space and
staff numbers. Head of the department Chris Bullen said, 'The team's versatility
and skills are put to good use producing intricate, exciting designs as
standard, and creating new designs from customer's basic instructions.'
The
design studio produce a computerised plot (template) from the customers
instructions, plus full production information, which is then submitted
for the customers approval and signature of acceptance prior to production.
All designs are produced under the standards laid down by their ISO9001
certification.
The glass department use a variety of decorative techniques from traditional
lead, bevel and Georgian designs to Artlead, Artbevel and Etchglass. Using
a computer controlled 3D application table, very elaborate designs can
be created. The Artlead process applies a tough two-part mix of black
or metallic resin directly onto the surface of the glass. The CAD system
uses a technique similar to that of a routing machine but rather than
cutting a design a resin outline is applied. Once the resin has dried,
colours are hand painted into the required areas. This product carries
a ten-year warranty.
The demand for the process is growing steadily and Panels Plus now have
two application systems. For mass production this system is much faster
than hand leading and gives consistent designs.
Artbevel is a process where crystal clear resin is injected into a specialised
mould to produce a spectacular glass bevel effect. The product is cured
on a high temperature infra-red conveyor. All of which is carried out
in a controlled environment.
The latest advance in this area is adding colour to the design, this has
been developed in conjunction with Glasslam Ltd.
Panels Plus also creates everything required to produce a varied range
of Etchglass designs, from producing the initial ‘Resist’ to
‘Blasting’ the glass.
Tel: 01708 630045
Web Site: www.panelsplus.co.uk
Email: sales@panelsplus.co.uk
Evergreen
Door Shows Off
Evergreen Door now has a new showroom to display a wide selection of doors
including French doors, fibreglass doors and pre-finished options, as
well as grained and smooth finishes.
Examples of GRP and steel-faced products are also represented in the showroom
which provides a meeting and presentation facility for the company and
its customers.
Robert
Benn with a customer in the new Evergreen showroom
The showroom is among several business initiatives being pursued this
year by Evergreen Door. The company is aiming to achieve the ISO 9001/2000
quality standard later this year.
General Manager Robert Benn adds: 'Gaining ISO 9001 will open up new opportunities
for us and give us access to new markets and further business growth.'
Tel: 01924 423171
Connect
2 the Yorkshire Skyline
With three acquisitions in the last 18 months, plus the expansion and
development of many of its branches, Connect 2 National Plastics continues
to show rapid growth.
The most recent acquisition, Skyline Building Plastics, has meant that
Connect 2 now has branches in the Yorkshire area for the first time, making
a total of 12 branches across England and Wales.In line with the other
Connect 2 depots in England and Wales, the Yorkshire branches will specialise
in building plastics, offering an extensive range of well known brands,
including Kestrel and Marshall Tufflex, with all the tools and fixings
required for installation.
'Skyline Building Plastics was a well-established company in the area,
consisting of a 4,000 sq. ft outlet in Rotherham, with an additional satellite
depot in Sheffield' comments Sev Holt, general manager for Connect 2.
'Existing customers will be experiencing benefits right from the start
as we have already made Sheffield into a stand alone branch, stocking
a full complement of products and its own delivery vehicles.'
Sev adds, 'The growth of Connect 2 has been phenomenal in a short space
of time, but there is still more to come! We have development plans in
place for some existing outlets, including the new one in Sheffield, and
we are negotiating for further acquisitions.'
Call your local branch for further information. Rotherham: 01709 563564
Sheffield: 0114 2700788
Plastic
Lights up Woodlands Enterprise
A permanent 'centre of excellence' to support sustainable woodland industries
has turned to plastic from Brett Martin to help construct its prototype
'world first' timber building.
The
£1million Woodlands Enterprise Centre (WEC) in Flimwell, Sussex,
has been designed by Feilden Clegg Bradley Architects to provide, among
other elements, an exhibition area to promote timber and timber products
emphasising their environmental benefits, craft workshops and training
in woodland skills. Construction managers for the project were In Wood
Developments.
The WEC building features what is believed to be a world first in the
green jointing of small diameter sweet chestnut, demonstrated in the curving
grid shell roof. Continuing the emphasis on natural resources, daylight
is maximized within via the use of vertical glazing panels of Marlon ST
Longlife 16mm triple wall structured polycarbonate up to 5m long, manufactured
by Brett Martin Ltd. .
Commented Chris Broughton of Brett Martin, 'It seems unusual to use plastic
in a sustainable building but there were several reasons for its choice.
It offers good insulation and is recyclable, a requirement for all materials
in the building. There was also a requirement for optimum natural daylight
but with a degree of obscurity: the structured format of the Marlon meets
that.
SpaceAge Plastics in Poole provided 16 panels of Marlon ST Longlife 16mm
cut to size, for installation by Derek Greenwood & Sons.
Brett Martin's Marlon ST Longlife 16mm triple wall polycarbonate offers
a U value of 2.4W/m2K and direct light transmission of up to 82%, whilst
eliminating 98% of harmful UV radiation.
Tel: 028 9084 9999
Email: mailto:mail@brettmartin.com
Web: http://www.brettmartin.com