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Freefoam
Congratulates Highline Building Plastics
Freefoam
Plastics,
a manufacturer and supplier of quality approved roofline and rainwater
systems, offers congratulations to Highline Building Plastics, a Freefoam
stockist. Highline recently achieved a place in The Sunday Times Virgin
Atlantic Fast Track 100 league table of Britain’s fastest growing
private companies. Fast Track is a research, publishing and networking
events company tracking Britain's top performing private companies and
entrepreneurs.
Highline’s head office is based in Barnsley and the company is
an authorised Freefoam stockist for many regions in the UK. The company
also has branches in Glasgow, Maidstone, Gateshead and Leamington Spa.
‘We have an approachable, upfront and honest relationship with
Freefoam and we are looking forward to this relationship being a long
and happy association’, comments Zahir Altaf, Highline Company
Accountant.
This represents another significant partnership for Freefoam which is
becoming increasingly active in the newbuild sector.
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
Dorwin
Awarded Secured By Design License
Dorwin
Limited has been fabricating and installing
PVC windows and doors for over thirty years for the Social Housing and
commercial refurbishment market. The company says that it always worked
hard with its customers to fulfil their needs and aspirations for the
properties that they manage.
As a part of this commitment Dorwin decided that it should seek a Secured
by Design Licence. Tony Ransley, MD of Dorwin said ‘Dorwin has
always produced a high quality product and an installation service to
match. When our customers started requesting SBD as a benchmark for
security enhancement we felt it was time to pursue this avenue.’
Mr Ransley continued ‘We have had our windows tested and accredited
for a number of years to BS7412 and BS7950 and are now proud to be SBD
Licence holders.’
This is not the end of the process for Dorwin since the company is continuing
its product development and testing regime so that it can enhance the
licensed products with the full range of 60mm and 70mm casement windows,
tilt and turn windows, reversible windows, PVC doors and two ranges
of composite doors, all of which Dorwin manufactures in its Hampshire
factories. This whole process is well underway and is planned for completion
with the next few months.
As Mr Ransley concluded ‘This is a big investment and commitment
by Dorwin for the benefit of our customers and we are proud to now be
a licence holder of Secured by Design’
Tel: 01420 84217
PFL
Achieves an Industry First for Safety in the Workplace
Essex
based PFL (Permacell Finesse Limited) has become the first manufacturer
in the window industry to achieve accreditation to the new internationally
recognised occupational health & safety standard, known as OHSAS
18001. Alan Hurst, then Member of Parliament for the Silver-End area
where PFL is based, and Braintree Councillor Philip Barlow joined the
company to celebrate this landmark achievement. The OHSAS 18001 certificate
was presented to MD Terry Slater by Mark Stokes from the British Standards
Institute.
The award is good news for employees and PFL customers alike as it indicates
that all PFL products are manufactured under some of the safest conditions
in British industry today. This in turn ensures both the safety of the
workforce and the safe, efficient handling of the products at every
stage in the manufacturing process, including their preparation for
delivery to customers.
PFL was also the industry's first manufacturer to achieve accreditation
to ISO 14001, the international environmental standard, also awarded
by the British Standards Institute.
Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd has been named 'Cladding and Glazing Specialist of the year' at the Construction News specialists in Construction awards.
Irish comedian Dara O'Briain and NSCC Chief
Executive presented Installation Director Dean Walton with the award
at The Grosvenor Hotel in Park Lane.
Contact:
Dean Walton
Tel: 01926 811677
Email: mailto:dean.walton@alumet.co.uk
Masterframe
First Window Company to get BFRC Rating
Masterframe’s
Bygone Collection window is not only the first sliding sash but the
first window to have British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) approval.
The BFRC is the regulatory body for energy efficiency ratings for windows,
which are now classified using the same rating system as is currently
used on white goods, such as fridges and freezers.
Masterframe’s Technical Manager Ray Rabett gives further details:
'The old measures simply calculated how much energy a window lost, but
the new rating looks at the total performance of a window, taking into
account how much energy can be gained. Our vertical slider has achieved
a ‘D’ rating, i.e. a window that’s energy efficiency
is between -30 and -20kWh/m2/year. We’ve also achieved a ‘C’
rating in house on a new profile that we’ve developed, which is
now being independently verified.
'Because homeowners are familiar with the system, BFRC ratings can help
differentiate products and makes a great sales tool for installers.
Use of the label proves the window energy rating has been independently
certified. Windows with a high rating can save consumers more on their
energy bills and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions. The Energy Saving
Trust has calculated that the average household can save up to £200
per year on bills by using Energy Efficient products and measures.'
The BFRC Window Energy Rating is promoted by The Energy Saving Trust
(EST) and the BFRC, and is supported by several key industry bodies.
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
European
Glass Group Presented with BSI Registration
European
Glass Group was presented with its BSI registration
to BS EN ISO 9001:2000 and Kitemark certification to BS 6206:1981 for
safety glass by BSI Product Services at Glassex 2005 Exhibition in Birmingham.
European
Glass Group was established in July 1994 as a specialist glass processor
and manufacturer for toughened and laminated safety glass. After a decade
of trading, European Glass says that it has maintained strong growth
by anticipating, and some cases, shaping the market it serves within
the UK and European market. For example, European Glass is working to
develop new standards for toughened curved glass. Says Vilia Griksiene
Quality Manager, ‘It is important that we are able to clearly demonstrate
for our customer’s assurance, that our commitment and product quality
continue to meet the highest quality standards, represented by the BSI
brand and Kitemark symbol’.
‘Every organisation, regardless of size and sector, strives to
provide a quality culture that will permeate all levels of their organisation.
But establishing optimal working practices, which can enhance profit
as well as customer satisfaction, doesn’t happen by accident. Today’s
most successful companies know the importance of having a proven quality
management system in place. ISO 9001:2000 is process based activities
and enables you to link business objectives with business effectiveness
more directly,’ she adds.
At the product assurance level, BSI Product Services has been providing
testing and certification services for safety glass for 25 years and
has a comprehensive test laboratory to assist manufacturers with assessing
the safety performance of their glass. Kitemark certification to BS
6206:1981 helps demonstrate that safety glass meets appropriate safety
requirements and complies with the relevant aspects of Building Regulations
part N1.
The Kitemark is a voluntary, independent third party mark that offers
peace of mind for both the consumer and the specifier. Recent National
Opinion Poll research found that 80% of the British public recognise
the Kitemark as a symbol of integrity, quality and safety.
Farzana Johal, Group FD says, 'Being completely ISO 9001:2000 certified
is another important step towards ensuring that European Glass Group
continues to set higher standards within the developing glass market.’
Tel: 020 8961 6066
Email: mailto:sales@europeanglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.europeanglass.co.uk
BSI
Web: http://www.bsi-global.com
BBA
Certification for CWG’s Global Plus Conservatory Roof
Martyn
Reed, Head of Certification at the British Board of Agrément
recently presented the Corby Windows Group
with its BBA certificate. CWG was the first fabricator of the Shield
Global conservatory roof to be accredited by the leading test and certification
centre after an in depth audit and inspection of production systems
and methods.
During the presentation, Martyn Reed complimented CWG personnel for
their dedication and hard work in achieving the levels of performance
and quality required and for being part of the BBA scheme.
(left
to right) : Jason Wilder, Man Dir - Corby Windows Group; Stewart Hull
- CWG Conservatory Manager; Martyn Reed - British Board of Agrément;
Gary Dutton – Chairman Shield/Synseal
The
advantages of the Shield conservatory roof and particularly its significant
fitting benefits for installers have made it an important part of the
wide CWG product selection. For even greater versatility, the group
has developed the CWG Global Plus roof that is compatible with just
about any other PVC-U systems including all those fabricated by the
company.
CWG has been producing conservatory roofs for over ten years. The company
started with the Shield roof when it was first introduced after being
impressed with the 70mm Shield PVC-U window and door profile system.
The Group fabricates Shield alongside Rehau’s 60mm Tritec, 70mm
S706 and S719 Heritage VS systems plus the fully sculptured SynerJy
and Kömmerling Connoisseur suits.
‘With this prestigious BBA accreditation, Corby Window Group’s
installer customers can be assured of continuing top quality plus a
high standard of service and performance.’ says the company.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
Volkswagen
Success at Professional Van & Light Truck Awards
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles celebrated double success
at the Professional Van & Light Truck Awards 2005 recently, collecting
trophies for both the Transporter and the Caddy.
The Transporter won its category outright, taking the title 'Best Panel
Van' against tough competition. However, the Transporter is no stranger
to awards, having previously won International Van of the Year, What
Van? Van of the Year; and Fleet News Best Van 2.1-2.8 Tonnes.
The new Caddy was also recognised at the gala evening held at Birmingham's
Metropole Hotel - which coincided with the opening day of The Commercial
Vehicle Show 2005 at the NEC. Volkswagen's compact van was highly commended
in the Small Van category, for its comprehensive blend of abilities
and high quality.
Tim Campbell, publisher of Professional Van & Light Truck magazine,
said: 'Volkswagen has quite a reputation for its specialist dealer support
and network, and the Transporter's quality of build and finish marks
it out as a clear winner.'
As a range, the Transporter offers something for every need. It is available
as a panel or window van, shuttle people carrier, and as a single or
double chassis cab; with a choice of two wheelbases and three roof heights
- standard, medium and high; four engine options and four gross vehicle
weights. 4MOTION four-wheel drive will be available later this year,
broadening the model's appeal still further. The body configuration
possibilities and optional equipment available make this Transporter
the most flexible and versatile vehicle that Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
has ever offered.
The Caddy builds on the many virtues of the model it replaced, yet is
a significantly different concept. Rather than being a car-based hi-cube
van, the latest Caddy is a distinctive design in its own right with
a 'monobox' appearance. It is also bigger, offers more loadspace and
higher payloads, has greater versatility, is equipped with more powerful
and more fuel-efficient engines and features as standard many safety
and luxury items which are far from commonplace in its market segment.
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is enjoying increasing success in the
UK, with sales passing the 20,000 unit mark for the first time last
year. This year the trend has continued - in March the brand delivered
its best sales results for a single month so far, with over 3,000 vehicles
finding customers
The
Driving Force of Securistyle
UK
window hardware manufacturer Securistyle Ltd
has been awarded the 'Revved Up' award for demonstrating excellence
in upgrading its computer software systems.
Awarded by Minerva, an IT software supplier, the 'Revved Up' award is
given out once a year, recognising dedication to staying at the forefront
of technology, as well as the efficiency to implement changes.
The newly fitted computer software provides a platform for Securistyle
to continue to collaborate with customers and suppliers and build on
'best practice manufacturing' principles using the latest IT technologies.
Chris Browning, finance manager at Securistyle said:
‘This recognition of our work encourages us to continue striving
to improve our business systems. At Securistyle we are not complacent
and always aim to find contributing factors to aid our success. At the
moment we are completing phase two of the project, addressing the benefits
of the new systems we are using.’
Chris Davis, support director at Minerva said:
‘We have enjoyed an ongoing 12 year partnership with Securistyle
and have always been impressed with the level of commitment and professionalism
to Securistyle’s projects. Securistyle always manages its projects
extremely efficiently and commits the necessary resources to ensure
successful implementations.’
Tel: 01242 221200
Web:
http://www.securistyle.co.uk
Everglade
Wins Fabrication Award
Following
a successful year which has seen the company move to prestigious new
premises and increase the volume of conservatory roofs it manufactures,
Everglade Windows has been awarded
'Regional Fabricator of the Year 2005' by Quantal Conservatory Roofing
Systems.
Managing Director Vinod Gopal was presented with the accolade by Tim
Campbell, Area Sales Manager of Quantal, at Glassex 2005.
Vinod explains, 'The superior aesthetics, flexibility and strength of
the Quantal roof complement the classic lines of our window system to
produce a conservatory that really satisfies the refined tastes of homeowners
across London and the South East.
'We began fabricating the Quantal system in increased volumes when we
moved to our new factory, which incorporates a bespoke roof build floor.
With the excellent facilities we have, we can offer a short turnaround
time while maintaining the demanding standards of quality and service
that our
customers rightly expect.'
Established over 25 years ago, Everglade has grown into a thriving business
and is one of the leading fabricators in the London area. The company
is a member of the flourishing Approved Quantal Fabricator Network.
For further information visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
or telephone 08700 110195.
Double
Win for AGS and Quantal
Devon
based Quantal Approved Fabricator
AGS has won awards in two categories
of the Conservatory Design competition at Glassex 2005. Paul Symons,
Contracts Manager and Paul Martin, Conservatory Senior Surveyor, were
presented with their certificates by Stephen Redman, Exhibition Manager
for emap maclaren.
Paul
Symons, Contracts Manager at AGS, explains, 'We are proud to have received
the Bronze award in the Conventional Domestic category and Silver in
the Portal category. This is a really original design that fulfils all
the criteria set by the homeowners, who wanted to make the best possible
use of existing space in a cohesive and elegant way.
'The judges felt that the excellent aesthetics of this installation
enhanced the style of the house in an innovative way, and they were
impressed with the technical details and calculations that we had to
undertake to produce the structure.
'The strength and integrity of the Quantal roof and box gutter, with
its traditional yet stylish looks, lends itself perfectly to this kind
of design.'
The property, a former nursing home on the edge of Dartmoor, enjoys
far reaching views because of its elevated position. But the unusual
shape of the house, the close proximity of large trees, a steeply sloped
garden and the exposed situation proved a real challenge for the designers
at AGS.
The solution was this unusual octagonal lantern style conservatory with
an aluminium portal frame, linked to the lounge and the dining area
of the house with an Edwardian hip and a small Lean-To roof.
Self-cleaning 'Active' glass was used to glaze the roof, and it further
benefits from the 60 micron polyester powder coated finish of the Quantal
roof, which is highly resistant to grime and easily washes clean.The
roof, windows and three sets of French doors for the conservatory were
all fabricated in AGS' factory, and the project was carried out by the
company's own teams of experienced fitters.
Established over 30 years ago, AGS manufactures and installs conservatories
across the West Country.
For further information visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
or telephone 08700 110195.
Telephone AGS on 01626 334499 or visit http://www.agswindows.co.uk
In
recognition of yet another outstanding year, Swansea based Conservatory
Roofing Direct has received the prestigious 'Regional Installer of the
Year' from its supplier Quantal
for the fourth consecutive time.
General
Manager of CRD Robin Williams received the certificate at Glassex 2005
from Jackie Sutton, Area Sales Manager for Quantal.
'During the last year CRD has invested in new, purpose-built premises,
which houses a state-of-the-art fabrication facility, a superb conservatory
showroom and a new trade counter', explains Robin.
'The move has enabled us to increase productivity as well as expand
capacity, and business is booming as a result. However, we never lose
sight of our aim, which is to supply top quality products and give our
customers superior service.
'We consider the Quantal roof to be the best on the market, so it definitely
meets with our criteria', concludes Robin.
In addition, Securahome, the retail division of the company won 'Regional
Installer of the Year' for the second time. Managing Director Nigel
Williams accepted the award on behalf of the company.
Conservatory Roofing Direct is a member of the approved Quantal Fabricator
Network. For further information on products and services visit http://www.quantal.co.uk
or telephone 08700 110195.
Eurocell
already has a string of accreditations to its name and now three more
of its products have just been issued with BBA certificates. A formal
tribute was paid to The Pinnacle conservatory roof, Pinnacle 500 modular
lean-to roof and Eurologik window and door system at a recent presentation
at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, Birmingham, made by Alan Thomas, Sales
and Marketing Director of the BBA.
The BBA's Agrément Certificates have been providing authoritative
and independent information on the performance of building products
for over 35 years. Every Agrément Certificate contains important
data on durability, installation and compliance with Building Regulations,
not just in England and Wales, but in Scotland and Northern Ireland,
too.
Eurocell's Pinnacle bespoke conservatory roof system, the Pinnacle 500
modular roofing system and Eurologik, Eurocell's co-extruded system
featuring a patented easy fit bead system, all passed with flying colours.
BBA
Sales & Marketing Director, Alan Thomas (left) presents the Logik
and Pinnacle award certificates to Eurocell Managing Director, David
Leng
The
products were tested for watertightness, effects of wind loads, snow
loads, and static loads, suitability of materials, effects of heating
from solar radiation, compliance of technical manuals, section properties
and glazing bar design charts, design methodology, structural performance,
ease of installation and performance in service.
Ian Kernaghan, Eurocell's Drawing Office Manager, commented: ‘Gaining
BBA approval gives us and ultimately our fabricators the reassurance
that our products are the best available. Not only does it open up new
markets, it also gives the end user, the homeowner, total confidence
in the product and that can be the difference between a sale and lost
business.
‘Gaining this approval is a giant step forward, opening up opportunities
for new business and keeping us at the forefront of the window and conservatory
market. It underlines the fact that Eurocell is committed to giving
its fabricators every possible chance of operating competitively in
the window and conservatory marketplace.’
Pinnacle conservatory roof
The Pinnacle bespoke conservatory roof system offers a choice of Victorian,
Edwardian, Gable Ended, P-Shaped, P-Shaped Hipped, Double Hipped and
Lean-To conservatories.
They are available over the counter from Eurocell Building Plastics
branches nationwide, in any bar length, and are easy to install. They
are also available from Eurocell's fabricator network that is independent
from the EBP trade counters.
Pinnacle 500 modular lean-to roof
The Pinnacle 500 is a modular roofing system which features pre-cut
components boxed in kit form and ready for easy assembly. A continuous,
uninterrupted panel assembly, with no unsightly rafter trims internally
visible, adds to the aesthetic appeal of the Pinnacle 500, which can
be erected up to a maximum of 6m supported and 4m unsupported projection
and in any width.
The Pinnacle 500 system is suitable for sun rooms as well as covered
walkways and other commercial applications and comes with sculptured
or square line guttering. Available in white or brown, its quick and
easy assembly instructions save money on installation time. It has a
2.5 degree pitch as standard and can go up to a maximum of 10 degrees,
with optional 2.5 degree firrings available.
The Eurologik window and door system
Eurologik, Eurocell's co-extruded system featuring a patented easy fit
bead system, has all the usual benefits to be expected from a 70mm suite
from one of the industry's major players, while also offering some unique
features.
These include a patented lock-in bead system, available with 28mm putty
line and Ovolo beading options, a soft line bevel feature mirrored by
the putty line bead, easy-clean internal rebates, a range of ancillaries,
single reinforcement for main frame and transoms, single hinge and espagnollette
location in sashes, full-depth Eurogroove for maximum hardware compatibility,
clip-in starter packs, optional woodgrain finishes, common glass size
for internal and external, integral capillary groove on all inward-opening
frames, a main profile supplied with low line PCE gasket for speed of
manufacture and single reinforcement for internal/external glaze windows
and doors.
The Eurologik range will be extended still further in the summer, when
a full range of Ovolo, fully sculptured window and door profiles are
introduced.
Tel: 01773 842395
Email: mailto:david.wigley@eurocell.co.uk
KEB
Fabrications has presented three of its experienced team
with long service awards.
Fabricator
Kirit Pandya, Despatch Operative Tracey Winters and Quality Manager
Manher Patel have all served twenty years or more with the Midlands
based commercial fabricator. Presenting gold watches to them, KEB Managing
Director, Lawrence Breakspear said, ‘The loyalty and service shown
by Kirit, Tracey and Manher is deserving of our recognition and respect.
Our workforce is the cornerstone of KEB Fabrications. They are our greatest
asset and the continuity and experience which they offer, reflects on
our performance as a business’.
The average length of service of KEB’s employees is seven years,
at a time when staff retention is an issue throughout the glazing industry.
Breakspear offers an explanation, ‘We have created a great working
environment at KEB. We are an equal opportunities employer and are respectful
of all our work colleagues. Over the next twelve months I will be awarding
more gold watches for long service. It is a reminder that behind the
scenes, a lot of people are working very hard, manufacturing our products
and building our reputation’.
KEB Fabrications Ltd specialises in supplying high performance quality
PVC-U windows and doors to the social housing refurbishment market and
has recently acquired JAG Glazing in Shropshire.
Tel: 0121 555 5533
Email: mailto:lbreakspear@kebfabrications.co.uk
Web: http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk
Future
Directions of Architectural Education
In
Dublin on March 16th, the EAAE Prize for writings in Architectural Education,
sponsored by Velux, was awarded
for the 8th time. The competition sets a base for a much needed discussion
on the content and direction of architectural education. The theme of
the EAAE Prize 2003-2005 was: How will the demands of the information
society and 'new knowledge' affect the demands for relevant or necessary
know-how in architectural education?
The
1st prize was awarded to Architecture Associate Professor Frank Weiner
from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. In his prize-winning
paper 'Five Critical Horizons for Architectural Educators in an Age
of Distraction', Frank Weiner offers a broad platform from which to
view some of the current challenges facing architectural educators as
we collectively seek future directions.
'I am happily surprised to see that the jury acknowledges my views on
architectural education. This is an important task, since architecture
is capable of inciting both the most tragic and serious emotions that
reside within us as well as the most comedic and delightful emotions.
Therefore, teaching architecture is in Martin Heidegger's words an 'exalted
matter',' says Frank Weiner.
The 2nd prize was awarded to Thomas McQuillan from the Oslo School of
Architecture in Norway. In his paper 'Informed Architecture: Three Tensions'
he explores three approaches to the challenges of the future of architectural
education.
'While demands for 'new knowledge' will inevitably need to be met, I
argue that the production and strengthening of 'old knowledge' will
be equally important, and that the present climate in architecture may
hold the promise of drawing forth a more fit and diverse discipline,
by identifying and strengthening architecture's basic multiplicity,'
says Thomas McQuillan.
The 3rd prize was shared by Rachel McCann and Kim Sorvig. Architect,
architectural historian, and theorist Rachel McCann is an Associate
Professor at Mississippi State University. Kim Sorvig is a Research
Associate Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning & Landscape
Architecture, University of New Mexico.
In her paper 'On the Hither Side of Depth', professor McCann describes
the problems inherent in architectural pedagogy stemming from the mind-body
split brought about by the Enlightenment and exacerbated by the information
age, and makes the case for a pedagogy based in corporeal engagement
In his paper 'Virtual and Real: Teaching the Paradoxes of Design', professor
Sorvig challenges the popular view, that computers will either rule
or ruin architecture and other design fields. Instead he proposes a
more holistic view: If society as a whole actually obsesses on virtual
electronic lifestyles, that will leave designers as the last humans
to deal with tangible reality.
'I was very pleased that the EAAE competition process welcomed my rather
down-to-earth ideas as worthy companions to more intellectualised viewpoints.
This competition is unusual in structure - a collaboration among jurors
and finalists, especially that produced the winning results in a way
directly parallel to the design process, rather than as a narrowly 'competitive'
contest,' says professor Sorvig.
Warmshield
Awarded BSI Accreditation
Trade
and commercial fabricator, Warmshield Windows
recently received their latest accreditation from the BSI. The Halifax-based,
Status Systems fabricator was awarded
certificates for BS7412 for PVC-u windows and BS7950 for high security.
Commenting on the award, Stuart Brocklehurst, Quality Manager for Warmshield
said, 'This award reaffirms our ongoing commitment to manufacture the
highest quality products.
As one of our leading supply chain partners, Status Systems has been
very supportive in helping us to achieve our quality goals. This latest
accreditation is an important element in our strategy to target the
Commercial sector.'
The Commercial Division of Warmshield has grown significantly in recent
months with the award of a number of high profile local authority contracts
and long-term partnering agreements with leading main contractors.
The company, which has recently started to fabricate zendow products,
has also achieved substantial growth in the New-Build market. Prestige
housebuilder’s are appreciating the superior aesthetics of zendow.
Warmshield Windows is rapidly establishing itself as a major manufacturer
and installer of commercial products.
http://www.status-systems.co.uk/zendow.php