Awards & Standards @ THE GL@ZINE

Secured By Design for Four more Avocet Products

A strong advocate and supporter of the Secured By Design scheme which is owned and operated by The Association of Chief Police Officers for England Wales and Northern Ireland (ACPO), Avocet Hardware has achieved SBD accreditation for four more of its products.

The Avocet Stainless Steel Multi Point door lock, BS EN 1303 Cylinder, Premium 3D door hinge, and the new Pioneer Six Pin Anti Pick Cylinder, are now all approved as meeting the strict Secured By Design criteria.

For Avocet Hardware Marketing Manager Stephanie Wright stated: ‘Secured By Design accreditation is now a key specification criterion in the tendering process for an increasing number of professional specifiers and particularly in the public sector.
But SBD is also well known amongst consumers who are increasingly aware of the security steps and standards required to secure their homes. SBD accreditation for Avocet products offers a guarantee of performance, and assurance at all levels.’

Web: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk

Austrian Innovation-Award for Lisec

Lisec Maschinenbau GmbH has received the nationwide innovation-award of the Republic of Austria for its glass tempering technology.

The Lisec flat-bed glass tempering furnace represents a pioneer development. It even tempers glass sheets up to just 2mm thickness in perfect quality without optical distortions (rollerwaves) which may appear by horizontal tempering plants with roller transport. The Lisec machine achieves an even texture with a density and surface tension of the glass which was never reached before. This Lisec safety glass has an extremely high resistance momentum so that it bends without breaking when it is exposed to high pressure or impact. Extremely thin special glass, such as for LCD-monitors or for the photovoltaic industry can be made of tempered glass regardless of their shape and type of surface coating.

(Left) Peter Lisec and his daughter Ursula receive with pride the Austrian innovation award from Minister of Commerce Dr. Bartenstein; (right) To bend a flat sheet of glass which was tempered with the new Lisec technology as if it would be made of acrylic glass is unique in the World

Engineers and designers now have a lot more possibilities to use this lightweight flat glass for automobile construction or in the architectural field because the material substance and the weight of safety glass can now be reduced essentially. Some considerable demand for such flexible but highly resistant glass sheets exists for example in the USA to be used in so called ‘hurricane’ glazing. An additional important cost and resources saving effect of the Lisec tempering process is the highly reduced energy consumption of about 40% less than other systems. So, this tempering technique provides an enormous advantage for Lisec customers all over the world in the field of ‘flexible safety-light-glass systems’.

Web: http://www.lisec.com

Vista Group Named Supplier of the Year for Trade Counters

Vista Group plc, the Wirral - based manufacturer of PVCu door panels and composite doors, has been voted 'Supplier of the Year' by Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd, which has opened a national network of trade counters under the company’s Window Installers Warehouse (WIW) brand.

Presentation of the WIW supplier of the year award. Keith Sadler, MD of Vista (left) receives the award from (centre) Ian Moran, Chairman of Advantage with (right) Danny Hague, Advantage's Group Commercial Director.

This inaugural award was the result of a series of consultations with each of the 25 plus WIW depots. They were asked for their opinions on which of several suppliers offered overall the best level of service, quality and value. Vista's range of door panels and composite doors are highly specified and Vista is one of only three English companies to hold BBA, EN ISO9001 and LAPFAG accreditation on its range of PVC-u door panels, while the composite door range holds PAS 23 /24, Secured by Design and the Q mark Scheme certification. It was the quality of the doors together with the excellent customer service that clinched the award.

The award was jointly presented to Vista's Managing Director - Keith Sadler by Advantage's Chairman Ian Moran along with Group Commercial Director Danny Hague. Keith Sadler said: ‘I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of all of the team at Vista Panels. We have been partnering the WIW network since it launched in January 2006 and we have watched it grow into a national chain of around 30 branches with more coming on board all the time. My thanks to Ian Moran and Danny Hague for the opportunity to supply their depots and a special mention to our National Sales Manager, Wesley Buchan, who has done a great job in looking after all the WIW trade counters.’

Tel: 0151 608 1423
Email: sales@vista-panels.co.uk
Web: http://www.vistapanels.co.uk

Celuform Scoops Housebuilder's Environment Award

PVC-ue building products supplier Celuform has won a top accolade from the nation's leading homes developer.

At the glittering annual David Wilson Homes Construction Awards, Celuform took a prestigious ecological prize, the National Environmental Award for Waste Segregation Management Control.

Celuform was chosen following an assessment of 85 suppliers and their environmental performance. Celuform scooped the award, beating a number of other leading building product manufacturers which participate in the David Wilson Homes Environmental Forum.

Jason Woodbine, David Wilson's Group Procurement Manager, says that the award is recognition of Celuform's continuous improvement in all environmental aspects and the company's commitment to drive forward changes to make manufacturing processes more 'green'.

Greg Locke (right), chief executive of David Wilson Homes, presents the award to Darren Moles from Celuform.

'Celuform is now one of the top 10 suppliers who participate in the David Wilson Environmental Forum,' he says.

A £100,000 dedicated grinding and pulverising machine is a key element in Celuform's waste management strategy. Located at the main UK site in Aylesford, Kent, the grinder has significantly increased the amount of material that is reclaimed and recycled. The cellular plastic roofline, cladding and window products company also invested in a twin cylinder industrial compactor to compress non-recyclable waste for delivery to landfill.

Iain Pirie, Celuform's operations director, says that these developments are key to ensuring that the highest environmental and sustainability standards are maintained.

'Because we process tens of thousands of tonnes of PVC each year, the investment will reduce our environmental impact,' he said.

'Also, as raw material prices have risen by leaps and bounds in recent years, any action that minimises the effects of rising costs has got to be good for our customers. In addition, the installations will improve our self-reliance because all processing operations are now in-house.'

The David Wilson Home national construction awards have been held annually for the past nine years and recognise the achievements of the developer's construction teams, sub-contractors and suppliers.

Celuform produces a full range of fascia, soffit, cladding and windowboards to suit all applications. Features include plain or decorative choices, square or bull-nosed profiles, as well as a wide selection of white finishes and colours such as Expresso Brown, Mahogany, Golden Oak and Ebony. Widely specified Celuform brands include Celutex, Duoshield, Conquest, Elite, Esprit and Duoform.

Tel: 01622 719199
Email: info@celuform.co.uk
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk

Industry Recognition for FrameXpress

Industry fabricator frameXpress, based in Telford, says that it has established a strong reputation for quality and reliability which was recently recognised with the presentation of three industry standards.

The awards - BS 7412, BS7950/7412 and BS EN 1279 were officially presented by the BSI at Glassex 2007 to Barry Sumnall, Quality Manager at frameXpress.

Gaining the BSI standards will keep frameXpress at the forefront of the window, door and conservatory market and will assist in expanding benefits for customers. Senior management considers the recognition provides customers with the reassurance and confidence that all products are performance guaranteed.

Recently the company has invested over £250,000 in an on-going expansion programme that includes new machinery and an additional 10,000 sq ft factory office and floorspace, to ensure quality standards and manufacturing procedures are of only the highest standards.

All frameXpress products are rigorously tested and kitemarked and provide high thermal performance as well as being manufactured with high security handles and locks as standard.

The investment programme continues in order to satisfy an increase in customer demand and to maintain only the highest performance levels in order to further improve overall quality. This is expected to increase capacity from 600 to 800 frames per week.

Management believes that strengthening the company by investing in new fabrication equipment will pay dividends as the expansion will allow frameXpress to increase output further in line with the growth of the business.

Barry Sumnall comments, ‘The industry standards are a reflection of the commitment and hard work that every member of the team contributes to this company and its customers.’

He continues, ‘The new BSI accreditations give credence to our products by providing total reassurance through the integrity of certification.’

Tel: 01952 581100

Purrfect Quality Confirmation for KAT UK

KAT UK is celebrating its successful accreditation from the British Board of Agrément (Certificate No 06/4399).

The award of this industry recognised quality accolade confirms and further enhances KAT UK's reputation in the market place as a leading supplier of quality specialist windows & doors.

KAT UK's technical manager, Dave Morgan explains: ‘We were already manufacturing to exacting standards, so the Agrément Certificate simply gives our products a further quality guarantee. It confirms that our products are 'fit for purpose', therefore giving customers absolute confidence in their performance.’

As one of the very few sash window manufacturers to hold BBA certification KAT UK will now have an even greater advantage over some of its competitors who cannot provide acceptable certified guarantees for specifiers and organisations such as the NHBC. The BBA badge will be used by both KAT UK and its customers to prove they are offering the highest quality sash windows available.

The technical approval process involved three distinct areas. Firstly rigorous laboratory testing at BBA's UKAS test house, which involved weather testing, cycle endurance testing and a human intervention security test.

This was followed by a full factory audit by the BBA's own inspection services, which covered every process from receipt of order and goods inward through to final quality control, inspection, packaging & labelling - all of which was audited against the agreed and approved quality plan.

Thirdly, factory production control which involves regular calibration and testing of tape measures, combination squares, checks of temperature on weld heads and weld testing, compliance with approved work instructions, full traceability and continuous control of manufactured product and final record retention.

Dave Morgan continues: ‘It is very pleasing to see our team working consistently to a high standard, producing products that are right first time with the added assurance for our customers that it is backed up with a third party technical approval in the form of the Agrément certificate’.

KAT UK BBA certificates are available for downloading via the BBA's own web-site http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

Tel: 01625 439666
Email: sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

Top Marks from TRADA for Kenrick and CWG Choices Ltd

Trade fabricator and Kenrick hardware user CWG Choices Ltd has scooped two prestigious Q Marks from BM TRADA for its Rehau 706 and Rehau Tritec range of windows. The company gained the two accreditations - BS 7412 and BS 7950 - whilst using Kenrick's Easi-Fit multi-point locking system.

The accreditations recognise the enhanced security and weather performance of PVC-U casement windows. They complement CWG Choices' accreditation for high manufacturing standards under BS EN 9001:2000.

CWG Choices Ltd has successfully been using the Kenrick Easi-Fit system on its windows for some time. It is reliable and cost effective and benefits from bi-directional claws and opposing mushroom cams to provide greater security and enhanced weather performance. The claw locking mechanism provides secure engagement with a substantial die-cast keep and exceeds BS7950 security requirements. Critically, it also features a non-crop design, making it much easier and quicker to fit than many other multi-point locking systems.

Philip de Clermont, CWG Choices' Director, says: ‘We're naturally delighted to clinch these two prestigious accreditations which mark how seriously we take quality in every area of our business. The Kenrick system is by far the best system that we have worked with. It exceeds BS7950, offers high security to end users at no extra cost and is quick and easy to fit for our installers. We have no doubt that Easi-Fit helped CWG Choices achieve these accreditations and would have absolutely no hesitation in recommending it to other fabricators.’Following its accreditation, CWG Choices is pleased to be able to increase the maximum manufacturing size of its side hung windows to 750mm x 1400mm.

Kenrick is leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established By Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick's range of top quality products includes the Excalibur multi-point locking system and the four-point Centurion system. The Easi-Fit and Espagnolette locking systems are cost effective and easy to install.

Tel: 0121 553 2741
Email: sjones@kenricks.co.uk
Web: http://www.kenricks.co.uk

Security Certification for Steel Window

Developed by Clement Steel Windows and now available from members of the Steel Window Association, the EB24 steel window has been awarded BS7950 through third party independent testing. The company says that the window is the only option in the domestic residential market to offer three different handle designs and six different finishes, enabling a far wider choice than previously available.

Tested successfully to BS 6375 and ‘Secured By Design’, the EB24 offers thermal insulation compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations, with a U-value of 1.8w/m2K. Security is assured with a multipoint locking system and inside glazing.

Aesthetically, the EB24 provides very narrow sightlines, making it suitable for use in period replacement. Windows may be manufactured to fit existing apertures, fixed direct to brickwork, concrete stone or into sub frames. Glazing bars are available both in horizontal and vertical options.

For a Specifiers Guide to Steel Windows and a list of members call the SWA on 020 7637 3571, e-mail info@steel-window-association.co.uk or look at the SWA website: http://www.steel-window-association.co.uk.

BBA Newsletter

In this month's What's New section of the BBA website there is news on a new BBA inspection scheme run for Excel Building Solutions for its BBA-approved Warmcel insulation product and Eclipse Trade Frames BBA-verified BFRC A to E energy-rated range of Profile 22 windows and an article on Hargreaves Foundry Drainage Ltd's recently approved Halifax Cast Iron Soil System

New Certificates added between 06 February 2007 and 05 March 2007
07/4413 REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM

Amendments to Existing Certificates between 06 February 2007 and 05 March 2007
02/3891 DECEUNINCK PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Rugby Windows Manufacturing Ltd
03/4033 SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - TFD SCOTLAND LTD (T/A Trade Frames Direct)

Certificates withdrawn between 06 February 2007 and 05 March 2007
01/3794 DURAFLEX PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Sean Timoney & Sons

Lapsed Certificates between 06 February 2007 and 05 March 2007
03/3993 K2 CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEMS - Home Counties Roofing Systems
91/2724 VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Sash UK Ltd

New Window Certificates added between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
06/4394 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Dem Window Solutions Ltd
06/4395 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Midland Plastic Windows (Hinckley) Ltd
06/4396 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Jomar Excellence in UPVC
KAT UK PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - KAT UK
07/4405 EUROCELL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Weathershield Windows Ltd

Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

Rooms and Views Wins Redrow Award

Kevin McClure and Martin Davidson of Rooms & Views were asked by Phil Heaps, Redrow Homes' (Lancashire) Commercial Director to attend the company's offices at 10.30am on Friday 23rd February 2007. They were given no agenda and Phil was tight lipped when asked what the meeting was for.

Kevin and Martin duly arrived on the day and were shown into the meeting room by the receptionist. Phil Heaps arrived shortly afterwards with a box, followed minutes later by Keith Collard the Construction Director. Still no indication as to why Phil had called the meeting, until they offered the box for opening, Kevin & Martin took the box and lifted the lid, inside was an elegant glass ornament with the inscription 'Redrow Homes Lancashire, Sub-contractor of the year 2005/2006, Rooms and Views'.

Rooms and Views manufactures, supplies & fits pvc-u windows and doors with 95% of its business going into the newbuild market. In addition to three other regions of Redrow in the Midlands and North the company also provides services for National housebuilders Bellway Homes, Miller Homes, Morris Homes and Antler Homes as well as many regional developers in the North West of England and North Wales.

Email: roomsandviews@aol.com

Marvin Windows and Doors Ranks Highest in Satisfying Architects According to J.D. Power and Associates Study

An inaugural study conducted by J.D. Power and Associates and McGraw-Hill Construction ranks Marvin Windows and Doors highest among residential window and patio door manufacturers in satisfying architects.

The 2006 Residential Window and Patio Door Architect Satisfaction StudySM was designed to provide comprehensive information to assist window and patio door manufacturers in their efforts to improve customer satisfaction. Overall architect satisfaction was based on performance in six factors. They are (in order of importance): features and design; performance; sales and marketing support; architectural design support; warranty; and price.

Marvin received the highest ratings in four of the most heavily weighted satisfaction categories: features and design; performance; sales and marketing; and architectural design support.

‘As the lead designers, architects play a critical role in bringing people's homes to life,’ said Susan Marvin, president, Marvin Windows and Doors. ‘We value the opinion of these experts, which makes this recognition exceptionally rewarding. We will continue to strive to exceed expectations and maintain our company's core commitment to customer satisfaction.’

The 2006 Residential Window and Patio Door Architect Satisfaction Study was based on responses from 712 architects. Each respondent evaluated up to two manufacturers of windows and patio doors they specify for projects most frequently.

About Marvin Windows and Doors
Marvin Windows and Doors brings its Built Around You™ philosophy to life with every customer and every solution. A premier manufacturer of made-to-order wood and clad wood windows and doors, Marvin offers an extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes and options to fit the diverse needs of builders and match the personalities of homeowners. Marvin's tradition of delivering the finest craftsmanship in windows and doors began in Warroad, Minn., a small town just six miles from the Canadian border, where the privately-held, family-owned company is still headquartered today.

About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is an ISO 9001-registered global marketing information services firm operating in key business sectors including market research, forecasting, consulting, training and customer satisfaction. The firm's quality and satisfaction measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. J.D. Power and Associates can be accessed online at http://www.jdpower.com.

Tel: 0208 569 8222
Email: sales@marvinUK.com
Web: http://www.marvin-architectural.co.uk

Countryside Home Improvements Gains BSI Kitemark®

Woodbridge based Countryside Home Improvements has been awarded the BPF 262/2 BSI Kitemark® status for the survey and installation of windows and external doorsets.

As one of only 37 companies in the UK to obtain this respected, voluntary award, Countryside's customers can be assured that their windows will be fitted to standards set by the British Standards Institution (BSI). All process-based Kitemark® schemes involve a pre-licence audit against the relevant standard, including an assessment of process management controls, on an on-going basis and also close inspection of all jobs completed.

Managing director Edward Burgess is very proud of achieving this status and says;
'People often choose products that conform to a British Standard Kitemark®, but can often be let down by poor quality installations. By using a company with the Kitemark® status for installation, consumers can be assured that all aspects of the work will be carried out in accordance with the strict guidelines set by BSI. All our surveyors and fitters had to be able to demonstrate that they are properly trained and competent before we could receive the Kitemark® Licence'.

'Achieving this award is a fantastic accomplishment and shows the quality of our workmanship we offer to our customers. I believe that having this independent endorsement of the Kitemark® shows our commitment to our customers to ensure they have the highest standard of installations.’

Countryside Home Improvements recently supplied and installed the specialist, glazed roof over the Hydro Pool central to the new Spa at Best Western Ufford Park. Jolyon Aldous, Ufford's chief executive had used Countryside to install new glazing and a conservatory at his home in Coggeshall - he commented:

‘Countryside Home Improvements was recommended to us and proved to have a very high level of customer service throughout both installations even though they were very different. These days, customer satisfaction has to be very high on every business's agenda in order for them to continue to trade successfully and this Kitemark® shows that Countryside Home Improvements has taken this on board’.

Tel: 01394 386666
Email: info@countrysidehi.co.uk

Hubtex Wins Prestigious 2007 FLTA Award for Ergonomics

Despite strong competition, Hubtex has won the 2007 FLTA Award for Ergonomics this year with its Twin Masted Picking Platform, namely the EZK20. The truck is unique in the fact that it allows two men to pick long loads like worktops and sheet material safely and very quickly. This concept is comfortable for the drivers as everything is picked at waist height and damage to the product is minimised.

The trucks were initially installed into IDS Nuneaton last year and have since enjoyed further success with other companies in the UK, mainly in the Timber related industries but also other industries are beginning to realise the benefits of such a truck.

The Award was collected by Jim Hammond Sales and Marketing Manager for Hubtex UK at the FLTA Awards Dinner at the NEC. The event had a full 007 theme to it which added to the sparkle of the evening. Only a few awards are given out each year and the standard of nominations is always very high.

‘This is a very proud moment for Hubtex’ stated Jim shortly after the award was received. ‘we worked hard to implement the truck in the UK and I am pleased that the voters agree that it is worthy of this high level of recognition.’

Web: http://www.hubtex.com

BBA News

In this month's What's New section of the BBA website there is the latest information on a new Prototype Product Assessment Scheme designed for products under development, details of the BBA's new-look website for 2007, incorporating many enhanced facilities, and news of former Chief Executive Peter Hewlett's Gold Medal for recognition for his contribution in the field of concrete.

New Certificates added between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
06/4394 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Dem Window Solutions Ltd
06/4395 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Midland Plastic Windows (Hinckley) Ltd
06/4396 WHS HALO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Jomar Excellence in UPVC
05/4260 SIKA CAVITY DRAINAGE MEMBRANES - SIKA LTD
06/4399 KAT UK PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - KAT UK
07/4405 EUROCELL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Weathershield Windows Ltd

Amendments to Existing Certificates between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
88/2108 VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Prestige Glazing Services Ltd
01/3863 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - Betterview Windows & Conservatories Ltd

Certificate Reinstatements between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
None.

Certificates withdrawn between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
02/3909 SLIMLINE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - JELD-WEN (UK) LTD
01/3847 PERMACELL FINESSE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - A & B Glass Co Ltd
04/4162 SYNSEAL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - ASSET MANUFACTURING LTD
02/3909 SLIMLINE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - JELD-WEN (UK) LTD

Lapsed Certificates between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
00/3762 WENDLAND CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - Tailored Roofing Systems
03/4061 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - ASTRAL CONSERVATORY SYSTEMS LTD

Suspended Certificates between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
None.

Detail Sheet Suspensions between 04 December 2006 and 05 February 2007
None.

Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

DDG Groups' Bi-folding Doors Pass with Flying Colours

London based trade fabricator DDG Group (formerly Discount Double Glazing) had reason to celebrate recently following successful air, wind and water testing of the company’s ‘Revolutionary’ UPVC bi-folding door. The testing, which was carried out by independent test house Chiltern Dynamics, was to BS 6375: Part 1: 2004 which is designed to assess the weathertightness of windows & doors.

Commenting on the achievement, Manager of DDG Group Jeya Lachani said:
‘We know that we manufacture a high quality product and this is a great way to differentiate ourselves from the competition. We believe in testing our products to the relevant industry standard but unfortunately there is no standard for weather testing bi-folding doors. BS 6375 is the closest standard, so it made sense for us to choose it.

‘Prior to the test, Chiltern was dubious that a bi-folding door would pass. However we've been manufacturing these doors for over 10 years and have even developed our own solution to improve performance under weather testing.

‘We also worked closely with our hardware supplier Mila. As such, we'd already carried out indicative testing at the Mila test centre so we were confident our door would perform well. Of course, nothing is certain when you are testing, but we were pleased to see that our doors performance exceeded Chilterns' expectations.’

The benefits of the testing are not limited to DDG but also to its trade customers. Jeya explains – ‘We are one of the first companies to get their doors weather tested, not only is this a bonus for us but it's also good for our trade customers.
The back up of a test certificate assures both them and their customers that they are purchasing a quality product, making sales easier and more profitable.’

‘Revolutionary’ bi-folding doors from DDG are available in ten separate opening variations and in a choice of white, light oak, or woodgrain.

Tel: 0845 260 2888
Email: info@discountdoubleglazing.co.uk

frameXpress Achieves the Grades

Industry fabricator, frameXpress has recently been accredited with three new BSI accreditations. In line with recent expansion phases at the company, senior management felt it imperative to further improve standards within production and quality control departments.

The company achieved BS 7412 for windows made from PVC-u extruded hollow profile easily achieving the requirements in relation to safety, operation and strength. Weather performance was also a crucial aspect regarding this standard where air permeability, watertightness and wind resistance are all important elements.

After assessment and rigorous testing procedures frameXpress also gained the BS Kitemark licence for BS 7950/7412 which caters for enhanced security performance of casement and tilt and turn windows for the domestic market.

As one of the first manufacturers to produce doors and windows using Profile 22's FS70 profile, amongst other systems, directors Stuart Green and Mark Westbrook progressed to attain certification in order to ensure that the company's manufacturing methods were of only the highest standards.

The assessment process to achieve the licenses involved testing frameXpress products to ensure that all required levels in terms of performance and quality could be met. Quality management systems were also evaluated with quality control and internal reporting systems thoroughly checked to ensure they would pass the exacting standards.

Additionally frameXpress has achieved the stringent requirements needed to pass the BS EN 1279 standard relating to U-values. As a result the company has introduced an on-going programme of product testing to ensure that quality standards in relation to its manufacturing methods are met and maintained.

Mark Westbrook comments, ‘Although BS EN 1279 has been slow to be introduced into the industry we consider it a vital element that helps to demonstrate the quality standards. This is something the team at frameXpress is always dedicated to maintain. Customers have come to rely upon the products and services we supply and in light of industry changes it was imperative that compliance was achieved.’

He continues, ’The industry standards are critical to the continued success of this business as there can be no room for uncertainty when it comes to the standards we offer.’

The accomplishment of gaining the Kitemarks is the latest acknowledgement that the company is continuing to expand and diversify in order to provide only the best quality standards and is committed to customer satisfaction. The frameXpress team has always maintained a pro-active approach to product development, production and support services and will continue to develop the company in line with the developments of the market.

Mark Westbrook concludes, ‘Our customers now have added assurance in relation to the range of products available. With the new Kitemark licences we offer complete product confidence through the credibility and reassurance that certification provides.’

Tel: 01952 581100