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‘Durability
and low maintenance are important factors for homeowners when deciding
on replacement windows - but how can you really be sure the products
are going to last? There is no point in installing sealed units that
fail before the guarantee. Companies offering guarantees have an advantage
because they offer peace of mind.’ says Andy Jones, Sales Director
and General Manager of Edgetech
UK and Ireland.
‘Edgetech believes in providing a quality product that will last
for years, not just for the short term. That's why our Super Spacer(r)
has a 20 years product guarantee. Super Spacer has undergone rigorous
testing to ensure its continued high level of performance.’
Only the strongest survive the P-1 test. Super Spacer withstands 140°F
temperatures, 95 -100% humidity levels and constant UV bombardment in
what many engineers consider the world's toughest accelerated aging
and durability test. One week spent in a P-1 chamber is considered by
industry experts to be approximately equivalent to one year in the field.
All Super Spacer products pass over 120 weeks in the P-1 chamber.
‘The thermal performance benefits of Super Spacer makes it a product
for the future," continues Andy, "So it's particularly important
it stands the test of time and also reduces the cost of call backs for
failed sealed units.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Glaverbel's
EnergyNT Wins Innovation Award at Batimat
Glaverbel EnergyNT won a Silver Medal at the 2005 Innovation Awards organised by Batimat, the largest construction show in Europe. The awards ceremony, held at the Hôtel de Ville in Paris on 7th November 2005, was attended by the judges, French construction professionals and the city's deputy mayor.
Denis
Ramboux, Product Manager Float & Coatings Glaverbel, receives the
award
EnergyNT
coated glass combines enhanced thermal insulation and solar protection.
The vacuum-applied coating can be toughened by processors, making this
product the first 'ready-to-toughen' coated glass combining these two
functions to hit the marketplace. The key benefit for processors is
that they can use their own toughening furnaces, thus slashing turnaround
times.
Since EnergyNT has the same neutral appearance as non-toughenable EnergyN,
both glasses can be used in the same façade if required. In terms
of performance, EnergyNT offers excellent thermal insulation of up to
1.1 W/(m2.K) and enhanced solar protection of up to 42% depending on
the assembly (i.e. 58% of the heat produced by the sun's rays are bounced
back to the outside world). A wide variety of processing methods can
also be used on EnergyNT, including bending and silk-screen printing.
'This award confirms the value of the innovation policy we have been
pursuing for many years - especially in coated products,' said Glaverbel
CEO Arthur Ulens. Since its launch just a few months ago, EnergyNT has
already been used in several major projects, including Riverside II
in Dublin, Warsaw airport and Ikea in Gdansk, Poland.
Proskills
Awarded Full Licence
Proskills
has been awarded its licence to become the new Sector Skills Council
for the Process and Manufacturing sector. The licence was presented
at a launch celebration held aboard HQS Wellington on the London Embankment,
on 1st November, 2005, by Phil Hope, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of
State for Skills.
Proskills, as part of the UK-wide Skills for Business network, works
with employers, training providers and other stakeholders to address
the skills and workforce development challenges affecting the coatings,
extractives, glass, print and building products and refractories industries.
This very diverse sector creates a multitude of products and services
which are crucial to the success of the UK economy and the wellbeing
of its citizens. Together, these industries employ almost half a million
people in 27,000 companies producing commodities ranging from glass
to bricks, from printing ink to construction materials, with a combined
turnover of £29 billion.
(left
to right) Phil Hope, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Skills,
Stephen Falder, Proskills Chairman, Marketing Director, HMG Paints Ltd.,
Terry Watts, CEO Proskills
On
awarding the licence, Phil Hope commented; ‘I am delighted to be
here this afternoon to celebrate the launch of Proskills, the Sector
Skills Council which will be taking a leading role in promoting skills
and training for the process and manufacturing industries - sectors
that form a vital part of the UK economy. The Sector Skills Councils
are an integral part of the Government's strategy to improve productivity
and help employers compete successfully in an increasingly global market.
To achieve this objective, Proskills will be working closely with employers
and training providers across the country to ensure that relevant training
is available to meet current and future needs.’
Stephen Falder, Proskills Chairman, Marketing Director, HMG Paints Ltd.,
said; ‘The skills of a workforce are the most valuable assets of
any business. Skills provide competitive advantage, quality and efficiency.
A skilled team creates the ability to evolve business to meet new challenges
and this in turn creates profit and security for the company and increased
opportunity for the employees. By working through Proskills we in the
process industries have a unique opportunity to influence Government
strategy and pull together all the ingredients to make a step change
in the skills of our workforce, to the benefit of all.’
Terry Watts, CEO of Proskills commented; ‘Raising skill levels,
with the resulting improved productivity is, I believe, a pre-requisite
for achieving business success today. We know from discussions we have
had with employers up and down the country, that there is enormous grass
roots support for Proskills and an understanding of the importance of
its objectives. Proskills' exciting role now is to work with all the
parties involved to create an infrastructure that will deliver the real
and substantial improvement in our sector's skill base that we are all
looking for.’
Proskills is one of the twenty-four Sector Skills Councils that together
form the Skills for Business Network which is responsible for helping
and encouraging employers to improve the skills levels of their employees
to increase productivity and performance.
Tel: 0121 789 5100
Email: info@proskills.co.uk
Web: http://www.proskills.co.uk
Synseal's
Shortlist Hat Trick in 2005 Construction Marketing Awards
Synseal
has just been shortlisted into three categories in the finals of the
Construction Marketing Awards (CMA). The awards, organised by Interbuild
and supported by CIMCIG (Chartered Institute of Marketing Construction
Industry Group), are designed to reward marketing, business and product
excellence and achievement within the construction supply chain.
They were established to recognise creativity, innovation and effectiveness
in the implementation and execution of a company's marketing and/or
business development strategy.
Phil Else, Marketing Manager, comments: ‘Synseal places such a
great focus on innovative and consistent marketing, we're delighted
that our efforts have been recognised by the CMA. We have reached the
final in three categories: Best Use of Exhibitions/Events; Best Use
of Direct Marketing and Best Small Budget Campaign. The awards will
be presented in London at the end of November.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
The
Council for Aluminium in Building
has been shortlisted for a Construction Marketing Award for ‘Best
Use of Events and Exhibitions’. Other shortlisted entrants include;
Corus Colours, Royal Haskoning and Synseal Extrusions Limited.
Over the last year the CAB membership has grown significantly to almost
100 member companies by offering a broad range of support services.
With an active technical committee which meets regularly, members are
kept up to date with issues regarding changing standards and building
regulations.
The CAB has also recently launched a suite of CPD seminars covering
all aspects of use of aluminium in construction and a number of technical
publications. But the visible face of the CAB has been seen over the
last few years at the excellent regional members meetings. Here members
and guests are invited to attend talks by industry speakers covering
up to date topics followed by evening dinner.
Member meetings are specifically arranged to allow good time to network
with colleagues and often members bring customers as guests. The venue
of the events is also important and recent meetings have taken place
at the National Railway Museum in York, the SS Great Britain in Bristol,
Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh and the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester,
home of the Halle Orchestra.
With leading speakers from organisations such as Wates, Skanska, BAA,
Partnership for Schools and HOK Architects addressing key supply chain
issues, CAB’s Regional Events have become the most prominent networking
activity for the UK Aluminium in Building sector.
The CMA Awards 2005 take place at The Prince Albert Suite, London Zoo
on the 30th of November 2005 and the website can be found at http://www.interbuild.com
Further information about membership can be found on the CAB website
at http://www.c-a-b.org.uk
and the CAB’s newsletter at http://www.aluminiuminarchitecture.com
Schüco
Smoke and Heat Exhuast Ventilation System is First to Meet New EN Standard
New
from building envelope specialist, Schüco International, is Schüco
SHEVS, a smoke and heat ventilation & extraction system which the
company says is the first complete system offering on the market to
meet the EN 12101 standard that will become statutory throughout Europe
in 2006.
Schüco SHEVS is expected to be popular with architects wishing
to future-proof their buildings against the new, stricter regulations.
Schüco's system, comprising the window, actuators and controls,
offers extensive choice not only in the range of window systems, but
also in types of actuators and accessories. With 50 different options
available, Schüco says that its range of EN-compliant SHEVS windows
is unrivalled.
In the event of a fire, sensors automatically trigger the actuator and
the window opens, helping to remove heat and smoke (the cause of most
deaths). In turn this facilitates the work of the rescue services, increasing
the efficacy of emergency exits by keeping them smoke-free and reducing
the damage to the building fabric.
Also a practical proposition for normal ventilation and building climate
control, Schüco SHEVS is applicable right across Schüco's
widely specified Royal S and Royal C window systems (including Royal
S 106D roof vents) whether inward- or outward-opening, top-, bottom-
or side-hung.
A particular bonus of the new Schüco SHEVS solution is the partnership
of Schüco with SE Controls, a leader in its field of ventilation
control, who is able to offer the company’s expertise to assist
in specification, installation, commissioning and maintenance. A 24-hour
emergency service can also be provided as part of the package.
For more details of SHEVS including relevant trade literature, contact
the Marketing Department. Tel: 01908 282111 or visit the website: http://www.schueco.co.uk
Cornwall
Glass and Glazing Flying High with Kitemark Approval
A
commitment to quality improvement by a family owned Cornish manufacturing
business has been rewarded with the British Standards Kitemark approval.
The Kitemark symbol of quality will be displayed on insulated glass
units produced by Cornwall Glass & Glazing
Ltd at the company’s St Austell factory.
The £2million purpose built state-of-the-art factory was opened
in 2004. Housing, within it’s 17,000 square feet, high-speed glass
cutting equipment, a robotic sealed unit production line and the only
glass toughening plant in Cornwall.
‘We have invested substantial resources in order to achieve Kitemark
status. It reflects our commitment to continually improving our products.’
Said Mark Mitchell, managing director. ‘We are delighted to be
producing the highest quality insulated glass units, that surpass all
relevant standards, here in Cornwall.’
The business has successfully developed from its beginnings in 1998
and initial complement of 11 staff. Its next project, the imminent opening
of a new branch in Exeter, will see staffing levels reach 100.
To contact Cornwall Glass & Glazing Ltd call 01726 66325.
Ultraframe
Values Outstanding Contributions with Awards
Ultraframe,
the manufacturer and designer of conservatory roofing systems, has recognised
the commitment and the contributions of its staff by presenting them
with Values Awards.
Attended by Mary Robinson, the Mayor of The Ribble Valley, David Moore,
Chief Executive of Ultraframe Plc and founder John Lancaster, the presentation
ceremony was hosted at Ultraframe’s Clitheroe headquarters on 3rd
Oct 2005. The Value Awards celebrated employees who have demonstrated
their commitment to Ultraframe’s company values through their positive
behaviour.
The Awards were presented in five categories, representing the company’s
core values of Innovation, Integrity, Total Quality, Premium Service
and Customer First. Employees were encouraged to nominate their colleagues
to be recognised for an award. Five members of staff were short-listed
for each category, which resulted in an overall category winner. Each
was presented with a certificate and a small gift as a token of the
Company’s appreciation. A special Managing Director’s Award
was also made to the individual who excelled across each of the five
core Values.
L-R:
Dave Moore, Chief Executive of Ultraframe, John Lancaster – Founder
of Ultraframe, Mary Robinson - the Mayor of The Ribble Valley, Vanda
Murray - Managing Director, OBE
Vanda
Murray OBE, Managing Director of Ultraframe (UK) Ltd, presented the
awards. She said: 'The awards celebrate the hard work and commitment
of the Ultraframe team. The winners are truly Ultraframe ‘champions’
whose positive contributions to the company reflect our core values.
The company’s reputation for quality and service is critical to
our future success and we should not underestimate the contribution
that our employees make. This is a great opportunity to express our
gratitude.'
Sian Howitt was nominated for The Managing Directors Award. On receiving
her award she said: 'I’m delighted with this award as I was put
forward by the team I work with everyday. It’s great to feel that
the work I have contributed has been appreciated by the company.'
The Value Awards are the latest initiative by Ultraframe as part of
the company's drive to deliver innovative products and services, which
offer a unique value proposition to its customers. Earlier this year
Ultraframe recognised 269 employees in its Long Service awards, which
recognised the loyalty and dedication of long standing members of staff.
Ultraframe has introduced a number of employee programmes including
monthly Employee Recognition Awards and Team Briefings.
Vanda concluded: 'Ultraframe will continue to invest in the business
and will focus on the training and personal development of our staff
whose expertise and experience are unsurpassed in our industry.'
Triple
Kitemark for Window World
Window
World Ltd
the manufacturer, installer and supplier of PVC-U home improvement products
and services has been awarded three Kitemark licenses in six weeks.
Window World was presented with BS 7412 for the manufacture of windows,
BS 7950 for enhanced security and BPF W362 for the survey and installation
of windows and doors, becoming the first and only company in the North
West to hold this prestigious accreditation.
Says Pete Davidson, Quality Manager at Window World, 'It is an honour
to have received these Kitemarks after all the long hours and effort
we have put in to meet the stringent standards required. Even in the
short period of time that we have held the Kitemarks we have noticed
an improvement both in the quality of our service and a growth in demand.'
Company owner and MD, Cliff Spooner added 'Reaching the Kitemark for
Installation and Surveying is a reflection of the strides made at World
Group to provide the highest levels of customer service available, we
are very proud of this achievement and are sure it will pave the way
for even more growth in the future. What is even more satisfying is
we achieved all three Kitemarks during an incredibly busy period during
which we have moved to new larger premises and showroom facilities.'
Says Chris Lewis, BSI Business Sector Manager for Construction Products,
'We are pleased to award Window World with these three Kitemark licenses
and especially glad to welcome them into the exclusive Kitemark Window
Installers 'club'. The Kitemark is recognised by more than 80% of UK
consumers as a symbol of quality, safety and trust. Window World can
now differentiate itself from its competition and provide reassurance
to its customers that both the company's windows and its survey and
installation service are independently assessed by BSI'.
Sapa’s Windows Awarded BS7950 Kitemark
Sapa Building Systems has been awarded the BS7950 Kitemark for its Dualframe dual-colour window system.
The Dualframe window system was tested to and exceeded the requirements of BS 7950 which specifies the security standards for windows.
Increasingly, Sapa is seeing the Kitemark being built into the performance specifications for local authority housing and private sector residential developments as well as being demanded by private homeowners that are refurbishing their own properties.
Jon Palethorpe, Sales & Marketing Director for Sapa commented: 'We have invested heavily in testing to these standards and following through with formal Kitemark assessment. This approach helps to ensure that our customers are able to fully meet the demands of the market and compete against those systems that are not Kitemarked as well as giving specifiers confidence in specifying our products as well'.
Saint-Gobain Glass Steals Show at Best Factory Awards
Saint-Gobain's Yorkshire float glass plant was named as the UK's best factory on 20th September at the prestigious Best Factory Awards in London. Short-listed in six categories, the company scooped four awards, including the overall title Factory of the Year.
Presenting
the award, Dr Marek Szwejczewski Director of the Best Factory Awards and
one of the panel of judges from Cranfield School of Management, hailed
Saint-Gobain Glass as ‘a great example of a modern process plant
in action’, saying, ‘This plant demonstrated exemplary performance
in all areas.‘Success comes from having strong leadership, a clear manufacturing strategy, an imbedded culture of continuous improvement, being customer focused, innovating both products and processes, and investing in improving your capabilities - both the people and the technology.’
Alan McLenaghan, Site Director at the winning Saint-Gobain Glass plant, said: ‘We're absolutely delighted to have won the Best Factory Award and this success is a true reflection of the skill and commitment of the entire team.
‘To be held up as the best in British manufacturing is a huge achievement for such a young site, especially when the competition included established names such as Gillette, Siemens and Campbell's Grocery Products. It is just five years since we started production at the plant and in that time we are proud to have set new standards in innovation and operating efficiency within the glass industry.’
As well as clear float glass, the Saint-Gobain plant produces SGG PLANITHERM® TOTAL 1.3 - the first 'single stock', toughenable and durable high performance low-E glass, launched last year. The glass is manufactured on the UK's first magnetron coater, housed in a £15 million facility opened at the Eggborough plant in July 2004.
In a further show of innovation and growth, Saint-Gobain is investing £4 million in a new extension to the site which will house a laminating line. The new state of the art facility will begin production mid-October 2005, and will produce SGG STADIP / SGG STADIP SILENCE laminated safety glass for the building and architectural sector. Once at full capacity the new investment will be able to produce over 2 million m2 per annum.
As well as the overall Factory of the Year Award, Saint-Gobain Glass won awards in the following categories:
* Best Process Plant Award
* Regional Award Yorkshire and Humber
* Health, Safety and the Environment Award
Winners
of Inaugural Vehicles & Plant Awards Announced
The
winners of the inaugural Vehicles & Plant
Awards were announced on 14th September at the National Motorcycle
Museum in Birmingham.
Over 200 people attended the awards dinner, hosted by Vehicles &
Plant Technology magazine, to find out which companies and organisations
would be named industry leaders in the collection, transportation, recycling
and disposal of waste. Entries were received from local authorities,
organisations, waste management companies and contract hire companies.
The winners included:
Cumbria Waste Management Ltd (Best Commitment to Health and Safety Practices)
who introduced a comprehensive health and safety policy across all its
sites, praised by judges, who noted it was 'not just a central plan
but site specific.'
RU Recycling (Developments in New Technology), who installed a new recycling
plant at Darwen, Lancashire, which is capable of recycling up to 56,000
tonnes of mixed containers a year.
Paul Knibbs of PFB Self Drive (Best Newcomer of the Year) who has been
known to spend time with collection crews to see how the job is done
at the sharp end and deliver vehicles in the middle of the night to
ensure they are available for the morning rounds. Judges said: 'He doesn't
stand still.'
Gullivers Truck Hire Ltd (Best Hire Company of the Year), who judges
said showed 'good understanding of the industry and strong customer
service,' by listening to customer suggestions and requirements and
using the company's own staff to answer break down calls rather than
a call centre.
Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council (Best Kerbside Collection Team
of the Year), which claims to have the lowest cost kerbside recycling
service in the UK thanks to the latest technological advances in kerbside
collection and materials processing. Judges described the entry as 'very
positive and impressive.'
London Borough of Lambeth (Best Waste Reduction Initiative), whose internal
waste reduction scheme has produced impressive results. The judges said:
'These are simple things which can be replicated anywhere, but the important
thing is that the council has plans to move forward and is not standing
still on this.'
Jane Rayner, group editor for Vehicles & Plant Technology and Materials
Recycling Week who chaired the judging panel said: 'The Vehicles &
Plant Awards attracted entries from a variety of sectors and demonstrated
the dedication and hard work that is taking place in this industry.
All finalists should be proud of the achievements that have been made.'
The Vehicles & Plant Awards were sponsored by Allison Transmission,
Dennis Eagle Ltd, Faun UK, P&L Software, RWM05 and www.mrw.co.uk
and coincided with the Recycling and Waste Management Exhibition (RWM05)
which took place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) in Birmingham.
aluplast
wins Prestigious MOE Award
aluplast's
commitment to investment in Central and Eastern European countries has
been recognised at a special celebratory ceremony on 17th June 2005
at the Old Orangery in Lazienki-Park in Warsaw, Poland, when the company
was presented with the prestigious MOE award.
aluplast has invested in Central and Eastern Europe since the early
nineties and a significant proportion of the company's impressive €275m
plus turnover is now achieved in these regions. In Poland aluplast is
a clear market leader and also enjoys market leading positions in Slovakia
and Slovenia. aluplast has strong market shares in Bosnia-Herzegovinia,
Croatia, Hungary, Rumania and Serbia, all served by a Europe wide network
of production facilities in Germany, Austria, Poland, Russia and of
course the United Kingdom. New facilities in Italy and the Ukraine will
open very shortly as aluplast continues to invest in innovation and
growth.
Picture
shows (from left to right:) Dirk Seitz, Patrick Seitz, Christian Voicu
and Manfred J. Seitz of aluplast after accepting the MOE Award in Warsaw.
A
panel of expert MOE Award judges: - Anton F Börner (President of
the German Association of Wholesale and Export Trades), Wolfgang Koberski
(Manager of European Politics at the Federal Ministry for Economy and
Labour), Dr. Hermann Kresse (General Manager of AUMA), Klaus Mangold
(Chairman of the Eastern Board of the German Economy), Burkhard Schwenker
(Manager of Roland Berger group of companies), Dr. Wolfgang Basserman
(HVB Group) and chief editor of 'Impulse' magazine Dr. Klaus Schweinsberg
voted aluplast to be the best of an impressive field of finalists. ‘aluplast
is an ideal role model for any progressive company looking to include
prosperity in Central and Eastern Europe in its strategy and has clearly
demonstrated its commitment and success in these regions.’
So what are the ingredients for aluplast's success? aluplast, while
very significant in its market sectors, is still a family company so
decision making is rapid and effective. The company has an impressive
track record, and an programme of product innovation and development,
somehow managing to maintain compatibility between all products. aluplast's
sustained growth and continued success is also undoubtedly due to the
skills and commitment of it's 1100 strong workforce.
Following its acquisition of Plus Plan (UK) in the summer of 2003 aluplast
(UK) Limited is now allocating significant investment in people, product
innovation and production equipment and processes in order to achieve
the success enjoyed in Europe with its United Kingdom operation.
Contact:
Alan Fielder
Tel: 07771 856928
Email: mailto:alanfielder@aol.com
Premier
Trade Frames
added another badge to the company’s collection recently with the
award of membership of the Secured By Design Scheme.
Secured by Design is the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the
principles of designing out crime. In a refreshing change to the general
fate of awards which are usually either superceded within months of
their launch or carry little value to the end user, SBD works in conjunction
with existing standards such as BSI and BBA to deliver products that
are appropriate for the end use.
Premier’s new Castle Suite is fully accredited under SBD and installers
can therefore be confident that, should the need arise, they will be
able to prove the quality and security of their doors and windows.
Caption: Thom Emerson receives Premier’s
certificate from Chris Fox of the ACPO
System
10 Fabricator Scoops Top Industry Award
Remploy
Building Products,
a fabricator of WHS Halo's System 10 PVCu windows and doors, has been
named as 'Supplier of the Year' at the industry's prestigious '2005
Housing Excellence Awards'.
Remploy, which supplies PVCu windows and doors for social housing projects
throughout the UK, was firmly in the frame for the esteemed national
award, thanks to its partnerships with suppliers and its commitment
to creating local employment.
The company, which celebrates its 60th anniversary this year, is the
UK's largest provider of jobs for disabled people and last year, it
helped more than 12,000 people with a range of physical, sensory and
mental disabilities into employment.
Established almost three years ago, the Remploy Building Products division
now employs over 150 people from its Oldham, Bridgend and Barking locations
and has enjoyed business growth of more than 150% this year.
Using high quality System 10 profile and benefiting from WHS Halo's
twenty years experience of working in the public sector, Remploy has
developed a fast track manufacturing operation. Window profiles are
cut and welded in Oldham, before being transported to Council boroughs
throughout the UK, where the completed windows are then assembled ready
for installation by teams of trained local workers.
Remploy Sales and Marketing Manager, Giuseppe Rogers, explains: ‘We're
delighted with this award, as you might expect! Our success is based
on working closely with our business partners, like WHS Halo, to supply
quality products and to form partnerships with local authorities that
enable us to employ local disadvantaged people in the final assembly
and installation of windows and doors.
‘This includes providing intensive training that surpasses industry
standards, resulting in a skilled labour force that can provide a real
service to the community.
‘WHS Halo's experience in the public sector and the technical expertise
and support the company shares with us has been invaluable in helping
us to develop our operational approach, which brings benefits to local
communities as well as our customers.’
Mike Stevenson, Sales & Marketing Director, Public Sector, for WHS
Halo System 10, adds: ‘We are clearly delighted with Remploy's
success and offer our congratulations to the whole team. The company
is a shining example of how fabricators can adapt to and capitalise
on the increasing number of business opportunities arising from the
Government's new social housing standards and the continuing fragmentation
of the public sector market. We are extremely proud to have played a
part in Remploy's success and look forward to developing this successful
partnership still further in the future.’
Web: http://www.whs-halo.co.uk