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It's 'C' for Crystal

Pilkington AG, formerly AG Glass and Glazing, says that it continues to lead the market for the development of window energy rated glass solutions and Romford-based Crystal Windows is the latest company to benefit from the company’s expertise.

Crystal Windows is one of the South East's largest independent retailers of windows and doors and currently manufactures 1,000 windows a week purely for the company’s own retail division. The company will be offering a 'C' rated window as standard using Pilkington K Glass(tm) as it responds to the increased importance and opportunities that the Window Energy Ratings (WERs) provide.

Tony Morris, operations manager at Crystal comments: ‘We have worked closely with Pilkington AG to develop an energy rated solution and the result of the work is a 'C' rating for our Eurocell window. We are in the process of launching this offering throughout London and the South East and believe that it is the future for the glazing industry.’

John Spiby, managing director of Pilkington AG adds: ‘The transition to Pilkington AG has been relatively seamless and will allow us to continue pushing our energy rated solutions thanks to the options that Pilkington K Glass™ provides us. Crystal has been a longstanding customer and the company has been quick to embrace the opportunities for an energy rated window. I fully expect other companies to follow Crystal’s example.’

Pilkington AG continues to work with leading fabricators thanks to the company’s partnership programme to develop bespoke solutions for companies looking to offer energy rated windows. John concludes: ‘Whether you are a systems company, fabricator or installer we have the resources, expertise and proven track record to assist with the WERs process. If this is something that companies are currently considering then we'd be delighted to hear from them!’

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

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The Glass Museum Celebrates its 2007 Annual Cristal Awards Ceremony

For dedicating their lives to promoting artistic excellence and culture, The Glass Museum presented the 2007 Cristal Award to Enrique Canales Santos, Juan Beckmann Vidal and his wife Doris Legorreta Santos de Beckmann and the Italian artist Lino Tagliapietra at a ceremony held recently at Vitro's Corporate Offices.

The awards were organised by Cristina Maiz de González Parás, DIF President, Reyes Tamez, the State of Nuevo León Education Secretary, Ambassador Alfonso de María y Campos, President of the National History and Anthropology Institute, and Fernando Margain, Major of San Pedro Garza García.

'This the sixth consecutive year we have recognised those who have an outstanding career promoting art and culture in our country and we do this with great pride and satisfaction', said Liliana Melo de Sada, President of the Board of Directors of the Glass Museum.

'I wish to sincerely congratulate winners for the great importance of their efforts and generous creativity; you are an example of dedicating all your lives to raise the human spirit', assured Melo de Sada.

For further information, click the following link.
http://www.vitro.com/vitro_corporativo/docs/ingles/052107i.pdf

Web: http://www.vitro.com

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Thermoshield Frames Business Awards Success

Fabricating and installing System 10 windows for over 20 years has helped Thermoshield to achieve a prestigious local business award for two consecutive years - success that the Essex-based fabricator is building on in 2007.

Thermoshield fought off stiff competition to scoop the Manufacturing Award at the Southend District Local Business Awards in 2005 and 2006. After first demonstrating the quality of its manufacturing processes including training, investment and contract wins, the company then had to supply evidence of significant improvements, when entering the annual awards for a second time.

Founded in 1983, Thermoshield employs over 40 staff and has a strong pedigree in the commercial sector, which accounts for the majority of its business, followed by retail and then trade.

Says Neil Haylock of Thermoshield: ‘When we entered the awards for the first time in 2005, our main goal was to see if we could compete at such a high level. We were delighted to win the category and raised the bar further still, by setting ourselves the challenge of winning for a second year in succession.

‘Our investment in new machinery and vehicles, improvements to our premises and training records, and the introduction of lean manufacturing processes to boost productivity levels, were all highly regarded by the award judges as evidence of our commitment to business development.

‘The awards have equipped us with independent, credible evidence that Thermoshield is a cut above the rest and WHS Halo System 10 has been extremely supportive of our business growth. The company has provided valuable guidance and informative 'In Business Together' training workshops as well as a superior product range that is being enhanced on an ongoing basis.

‘With the advent of the Decent Homes standard, the public sector has become a significant part of our business. It has been essential for us to use System 10 for projects across London and the South East, as the system has such an excellent reputation in the social housing market.’

Neil adds: ‘We are committed to staying at the forefront of the industry, by continually improving our business practice and fully adopting the principles of lean manufacturing. This will ensure that we can efficiently produce the latest and safest products for customers across all markets.’

Commenting on Thermoshield's success, Mike Stevenson, Marketing Director for WHS Halo System 10, said: ‘It is rare for a company to twice win an award like this and it is testimony to Thermoshield's excellent approach to customer service and continuous improvement. We offer our congratulations to all employees and are delighted to be working with Thermoshield in the public sector.’

Entrants into the Southend District Local Business Awards were required to submit historical evidence from the previous 12 months, before conducting a field visit with judges and presenting their case to the awards panel.

Thermoshield fabricates a wide range of PVC-U windows, including casements, vertical sliders, tilt and turns, top swings and pivots.

For further information on Thermoshield, please telephone 01702 541841 or visit http://www.thermoshieldwindows.co.uk.

More information on the System 10 range of windows, doors and curtain walling for the public sector is available from WHS Halo's Commercial Development Managers on 0121 749 3000 or by logging on to http://www.system10.co.uk. To find out more about working in the public sector, please visit http://www.publicsectornewsline.co.uk.

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Bygone Preferred Installer Countryside Home Improvements gains BSI Kitemark

Countryside Home Improvements, one of Masterframe Windows Ltd's Bygone Preferred Installers (BPI), has gained the BSI Kitemark for survey and installation of windows. The Kitemark, one of the UK's most respected and widely known standards, is regarded in the window sector as a symbol of quality, safety and reliability.

Eddie Burgess, Managing Director of Countryside Home Improvements based in Notcutts Garden Centre, Woodbridge, explains: ‘We joined Masterframe's network of preferred installers 18 months ago to enhance the company profile and to gain exclusive access to the company’s Bygone range of windows. In January we decided to go for the BSI Kitemark to achieve further recognition and credibility and to stand apart from other local companies.'

‘It's all very well having great quality products,’ says Carol Slade, Masterframe's BPI Network Co-ordinator, ‘but performance can be let down by poor survey and installation. Our BPI's operate at a very high standard and the Kitemark award is an independent endorsement of that. The Kitemark standard proves Countryside Home Improvements conducts superior installations and homeowners can recognise that they are an established, reliable company.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

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Ford Windows wins Sub-Contractor of the Year Award

Sheffield-based Ford Windows has been awarded the prestigious title of ‘Sub-Contractor of the Year’ from George Wimpey West Yorkshire.

Ford Windows scored highly throughout the year to beat off stiff competition from both regional and national contractors to secure first place.

Roger Sidebottom, Chairman of Ford Windows, explains: 'This is a great achievement for us and is credit to the dedication and expertise of our staff. We are delighted to have been recognised in such a way and look forward to continuing our excellent partnership with George Wimpey.'

John Murphy, Production Director of George Wimpey West Yorkshire, said: 'We would like to congratulate Ford Windows team and to thank them for all their hard work and efforts during 2006. The position of first place is well deserved.'

Photograph shows Roger Sidebottom, chairman of Ford Windows (left) receiving the award from John Murphy, Production Director at George Wimpey, West Yorkshire

Eurocell Profiles became Ford Windows’ profile supplier in 2006 and since then the company has gone from strength to strength. This has led to Ford Windows being shortlisted for a Manufacturing Award in the Sheffield Business Awards. Ford Windows uses Eurocell’s Eurologik window and door system. Ford has also benefited from Eurocell’s other extensive ranges, and has recently added products such as bi-folding doors and vertical sliding windows to its range.

Martin Saunders, Sales Director for Eurocell Profiles Ltd adds: 'Ford Windows have set their sights and their standards high and it is no surprise that they have been commended in this way. Well done to all involved!'

For more information on Ford Windows contact 0114 261 7519 or visit the website http://www.fordwindows.co.uk

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Rotherham PVCu Fabricator Awarded Three BSI Kitemarks Simultaneously

Calendar Home Improvements is leading the way in improving standards in the window industry by the award of not just one BSI kitemark, but three-all at the same time.

This is a significant achievement for the Rotherham-based Fabricator, which has worked intensively over the past 12 months to achieve these prestigious accreditations:

BS EN1279 Kitemark number KM510366
For the manufacture of Double Glazed Units

BS 7412 and BS 63750 Kitemark number KM510367
For Eurologik internally glazed casements-tilt and turn windows

BS 7950 Kitemark number KM510368
Specification for enhanced security performance

From left to right Bob Watkin Production Manager, Kevin Frewin, Technical Expert from BSI Product Services, Jim Churchill Managing Director of Calendar Home Improvements, Mr Dennis Emms-Moss, Consultant to Calendar.

The Kitemark is one of the UK's most respected marks and it is very well established and recognised in the windows and doors sector, as a symbol of product quality, safety and reliability, and offers an excellent way of demonstrating commitment to quality, and as a route to demonstrating compliance with the Construction Products Directive.

Calendar's Managing Director, Jim Churchill says, 'We are proud and delighted to have achieved these accreditations and I would like to thank all of those who have worked so hard to make this happen, including our staff, consultants and the BSI itself for its guidance and support. It is a clear indication of our continuing commitment to quality and we are convinced that this development will directly benefit both ourselves and our customers'

Calendar operates a modern computer-controlled window, door, conservatory manufacturing factory and produces high performance PVCu products designed to comply with the most stringent building regulations. Calendar offers a fast and professional manufacturing service to builders and installers across the Midlands and Yorkshire and the North East.

Ian Chamberlain, Product Specialist at BSI Product Services, commented: 'We are very proud to award Calendar with 3 Kitemark licences for the manufacture of their windows, doors. The award of these Kitemarks is the latest acknowledgement of Calendar's commitment to quality'

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

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Alumet Wins Again!!

Full facade specialist Alumet Systems (UK) Ltd, based in Southam, Warwickshire was named 'Glazing and Cladding specialist of the Year'at the recent Specialist in Construction awards at the Park Lane Hilton. Alumet last won this accolade in 2005.

Alumet Conracts Manager Steve Hicksbeing presented with the award by comedian Frankie Boyle and Jo Simcock from sponsors ACIA.

The judges said 'While earning a reputation for product development, Alumet is also admired for its adherence to best practice'

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

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The Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award 2007

Following the success of the Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award, presented at the G06 ceremony last October, the event has been launched in its second incarnation with the goal of eliciting more examples of Britain's finest students of glass arts and crafts.

Bohle, the manufacturer and distributor of glass, tools, machinery and consumables, continues to back the event that it conceived and launched as part of the company's commitment to education in glass crafts, arts and technology, confident that the standard of entries received last year may be maintained or even improved. ‘We are in a good position to promote entry to the Bohle Glass Student of the Year competition through our involvement with many of the colleges teaching glass art, craft and technology,’ explained Bohle MD Gary Dean.

‘Nevertheless, we were overwhelmed at the willingness of student to put themselves and their work forward, with superb results. I look forward to presenting this year's prizes and trophy confident that the standards will again be exceptional.’

Entries will again be sought from students whose work demonstrates outstanding skill, vision, design and/or artistic flair in working with glass. Although presented as part of the G07 Awards entries undergo a separate judging process, with a specialist judging panel that includes eminent members of academia, industry, art and design.

Entry will be open to students from all UK and Irish educational establishments and will be subject to some simple criteria for entry to encourage as many entries as possible:

* Entries submitted must use mainly glass as a medium or subject
* Course work will be accepted as an entry, if sanctioned by the institute's Head of Department
* The work can be structural, practical or of an artistic nature
All entries must have been created during 2006/7
* There must be one entry per participating student only
* The creator along with a completed entry form, must submit all entries
* Entries to be submitted by photograph via email (jpeg or bmp) or post; we suggest 2-4 good quality images, clearly marked with the students contact details. We recommend that copies be submitted, as these will not be returned.
* Entrants must agree to the possibility of Bohle Ltd using the images for advertising / marketing in the future
* All entry forms must be countersigned by a representative of the Educational Institute

The judges will be looking for development of ideas and an appreciation and knowledge of glass, as well as a demonstration of skill in the execution of the entry. Closing date for entries is 30th June 2007.

The judging panel will short-list the entries to 12 pieces from which four finalists and their work will be selected. A member of the judging panel will visit the educational institute that the student represents to view these pieces in person and discuss the entry with the creator. All 4 of the finalists will be invited as guests of Bohle to the G07 Awards, which takes place once again at the Hilton Metropole Hotel, National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham on Friday October 12th 2007, where the overall winner will be announced and be presented with the Bohle Award prize by a well-known celebrity.

The Prizes
The most valuable prize for the winner of the Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award will be the exceptional recognition it will bring, judged by some of Britain's leading authorities on glass art, craft and technology. To sweeten the accolade still further however, Bohle will present the winner with a Bohle ECO45 Glass Fusing Kiln and ancillaries worth more than £1,000, together with an expenses paid trip to the Bohle headquarters in Haan, Germany, one of the leading centres of glass processing technology with a great tradition of glass working.

Entries should be submitted to:
Alic McCabe
Bohle Ltd UK
Fifth Avenue
Tameside Park
Dukinfield
Cheshire SK16 4PP
Email: amccabe@bohle.de

Further information about the G07 Awards is available at: http://www.g-awards.com

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Award Winning PVC-U Fire Door From Graham Holmes Astraseal

Trade and commercial fabricator Graham Holmes Astraseal won the Innovation of the Year Award at the recent LHC (London Housing Corporation) annual awards ceremony.

The company's new FlameTEK half hour fire resisting door and side screen was chosen from 12 submissions received from the 34 members of the LHC approved supplier network as the best example of product design innovation by Bruce Meechan, Editor of Housing Association Magazine.

FlameTEK is Astraseal's first volume market application of REHAU's RAUFERNO fire resistant system which enables PVC-U frame and composite door sets to comply with BS476 Parts 20 and 22.

Astraseal used its resources and expertise to combine its composite door leaf with a side panel fabricated in REHAU's RAUFERNO system and submitted it to the rigorous testing regime necessary to achieve both FIRAS and Warrington Fire Research certification.

As a result, Astraseal has won orders for more than 1000 doors from its social housing partners including Crosskeys, Whitefriars and Walsall Housing Associations.

RAUFERNO was developed in 1997 by the late Dick Weatherall, REHAU's renowned technical manager. It uses intumescent material - which expands in heat - to create a barrier with the frame reinforcement, fire retardant glass and door panel sufficient to meet the requirements of BS476.

It was the first time intumescents had been used successfully in the PVC-U industry and it demonstrated their potential. However, this potential has now been further exploited by Astraseal when it took the decision to invest in the technology and use it to develop a universal fire door solution.

Richard Coulson, Commercial Sales Manager at Astraseal said: 'RAUFERNO was a ground breaking product in 1997 and its development owed much to Dick's enthusiasm and technical knowledge, but until now its application has been limited to one specific door leaf. It is really satisfying to see that it will now reach a much wider market.'

As well as supplying its own customers, Astraseal is also now supplying FlameTEK to trade customers who need to install fire doors in escape route applications such as communal entrances, staircases and balconies.

The company expects significant demand since, for the first time, customers will be able to choose a cost-effective PVC-U frame and composite fire door from a completely reliable and fully accredited source which can match the rest of the doors in a design scheme.

Richard adds: 'Fire doors are a niche product which most fabricators don't have the resources or technology to be able to manufacture themselves. Now, with our FlameTEK solution, we are offering them a cost effective option which we are confident will prove extremely popular.

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Goldline 58 and 70 Achieve BFRC B & C Ratings

Whiteline Group in Eastbourne has achieved British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) B and C Window Energy Ratings for its Goldline 58 and Goldline 70 window ranges, with BM TRADA Certification.

Founded more than 20 years ago, Whiteline is the largest specialist trade fabricator of PVC-U windows and doors in the south-east, manufacturing glazed and unglazed frames for the replacement market.

Managing Director Tim Gourmand said, 'Whiteline sees tremendous possibilities for energy-rated products. We believe consumers are becoming more aware of the issues around their use of energy and spending money on replacement windows is one of the most cost-effective investments in green technology that they can make.'

Whiteline is continuing to develop its energy-rated product range and plans for a 'reasonably priced A-rated window are in the pipeline', he added. This product enhancement will go hand-in-hand with a programme of retailer education.

'Whiteline is very service focused and in addition to offering a great product, we aim to support our retail customers with information and education on the benefits of energy rating. It is vital to the development of this market that they know how to explain benefits to consumers.'

For further information on
* Whiteline telephone 01323 723724 or email nigel.hadden@whiteline.co.uk.
Web: http://www.whiteline.co.uk

* BFRC Window Energy Rating Programme contact Andy Sumner of BM TRADA on 01502 679990 or email asumner@bmtrada.com. Visit also http://www.bmtrada.com.

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Kenrick Easi-Fit Achieves SBD Approval

The patented Easi-Fit multi-point locking system from hardware manufacturer Kenrick has been granted Secured by Design approval. Kenrick now has four Secured by Design window locking systems - Excalibur, Centurion, Easi Fit for windows with Eurogrooves and the Sentrilock shootbolt, which is designed for non-Eurogroove PVCu and aluminium window systems.

Secured by Design is one of the UK's most widely respected benchmarks for security aimed at ‘designing out crime’ by the use of effective crime prevention and security standards for a range of applications. It supports the government's key planning objectives - the creation of secure, quality places where people wish to live and work - and research has shown that it can reduce burglary and car crime by 50 per cent and criminal damage by 25 per cent.

Easi-Fit is one of four proven BBA certified window locking systems that Kenrick manufactures. It is designed to be extremely quick and easy to install and it benefits from patented bi-directional claws and opposing mushroom cams to provide greater security and enhanced weather performance.

Reliable and cost effective, this 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.

Kenrick's other three SBD approved solutions are the Excalibur, Centurion and Sentrilock systems. The Excalibur system offers unique security features, yet it's simple to install. Durable and reliable, it's a multi-point locking system that benefits from a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and patented bi-directional die-cast claws. It also fits all Eurogroove systems, making it a very flexible option.

Engineered to provide a reliable, adaptable and cost effective locking system, Centurion offers high levels of security and is extremely easy to install. It benefits from steel shootbolts, a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and adjustable mushroom cams with night vent facility. Available in backsets of 20mm and 22mm, the system exceeds the security requirements of BS7950 and the corrosion requirements of BS7412.

Sentrilock is Kenrick's slim line 3 point locking system for non-Eurogroove PVCu and aluminium windows. A robust steel centre tongue locks into a die cast or stainless steel keep and two adjustable shootbolts lock into secure end keeps. Sentrilock exceeds BS7950 and has been widely used for many years.

Kenrick is 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 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

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Eurocell meets ISO 14001 Environmental Management Standard

Eurocell Profiles Ltd, a supplier of window, door and conservatory systems, has recently achieved ISO 14001 accreditation the international standard for environmental performance.

The award is one of the strongest independent pieces of evidence available to show that the company adheres to strict environmental policies and procedures in all areas of its business. It also shows the company’s commitment to helping its fabricator base as they enter new areas that require them to demonstrate environmental credentials.

The company achieved the award by taking proactive measures to reduce the amount of waste and energy usage across the entire site. The process, which involved the commitment of the entire workforce at all levels involved achieving demanding targets including packaging requirements, reducing energy usage, improving water treatment facilities and focusing on combustion engine emissions. The scheme has also helped reduce power consumption across all facilities including production plant, distribution and offices.

As part of its commitment to ISO 14001, Eurocell ensures that all waste that can be recycled now enters a managed and audited process in the facility - from product packaging to cups from the water fountain - resulting in a large reduction in waste that the company sends to landfill sites.

Eurocell will continue to make improvements against specific targets to meet overall environmental objectives which will also help drive forward the efficient use of raw materials. Eurocell Profiles Ltd uses an aspect table to continually set new targets and monitor future areas for improvement.

Trevor Reybold Eurocell's Quality Manager explains: ‘We have already achieved several of these goals and look set to make even more improvements in the next few months. The whole process enables us to build, define and maintain the ISO14001 achievement we have already made.’

Trevor adds: ‘Our goal was to reduce our impact on the environment by focusing on sustainable methods of running our business. Achieving ISO14001 not only demonstrates how we are adding value to our customers and employees but also shows our commitment to the environment locally and globally.’

At a time when sustainability and environmental issues are of increasing importance achieving this accreditation shows Eurocell's commitment to good environmental policies and practices.

For more information visit the website http://www.eurocell.co.uk or contact Eurocell on 01773 837490.

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Redrow Rewards Rooms and Views

Spectus fabricator, Rooms and Views, based near Chester, has received Subcontractor of the Year award from Redrow Homes (Lancashire Ltd), one of the UK's most successful residential property developers. Presented by Redrow's Lancashire region - one of four Redrow regions that Rooms and Views works closely with - the award recognises quality of service and supply.

Kevin McClure (left) and Martin Davidson (right), Directors of Rooms and Views

Say Kevin McClure and Martin Davidson, Directors of Rooms and Views: ‘We have a long history with Redrow, working with the company for around 7 years. During this time we have supplied windows, patio doors and French doors manufactured originally from Spectus' Vinylock 1600 range and more recently the Elite 63 range. Redrow is obviously pleased with the quality of the product it receives but the award is given on the basis of service provided. We are delighted to have won the award as service - whether to a large housebuilder such as Redrow or an individual replacing windows in their own home - is key to our ethos and what makes us the successful company we are today.’

Rooms and Views has been trading for 10 years and in that time has developed into a leading supplier of windows, doors and conservatories operating mainly in the new build market. The company holds BS 7412 the British Kitemarked Standard for the manufacture of windows from PVC-U profile.

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

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