Fitrite
Mows Down the Competition at The Lawns
Situated
in an exhibitors' hotspot at this year's The Lawns Exhibition
- Europe's largest caravan, holiday and park homes tradeshow,
Sash UK's decking & fencing
company Fitrite generated an unprecedented level of interest in
its latest range of verandah products, seeing its stand literally
swamped over the full five days. From this, sales enquires in
the full range have increased no end!
With
the show attracting over 20,000 visitors each and every year ranging
from caravan manufacturers and trade professionals right down
to the general public, the Fitrite team has been extremely busy
converting its many leads into concrete sales. This year the calibre
of visitor was at an all time high, seeing Fitrite dealing with
a wealth of interested high-end manufacturers throughout the course
of the show.
Fitrite 'wowed' visitors attending its stand by showcasing its
new contemporary range of elegant decking & fencing options.
Offering new colour schemes of black and charcoal for both its
decking & fencing products that incorporates all new glass
panels and balustrades, not to mention its new range of colour
coordinating matching window profiles too, Fitrite attracted a
wide range of caravan manufacturers that are looking to include
its fashionable decking options as a complete package.
Commenting on the level of success the Fitrite product range received,
Sash UK's joint managing director Stephen Morrell said: ‘When
developing our products we know instantly how successful they
are going to be, because we know our market implicitly! Whilst
all of the other exhibitors seemed to offer the same traditional
products, we offered a contemporary variant that has unequivocally
whetted the appetites. In today's contemporary market place, consumers
are relentlessly searching for products that emphasise modernity
and individuality...and of course this transfers over to holiday
homes, where that home from home feel is all-important.
‘This has been further highlighted by a plethora of caravan
manufacturers wanting to incorporate our products into their bespoke
ranges giving them the leading edge. This is one area of the PVCu
market that is buoyant, seeing our operations grow and grow...and
since the show our phones have not stopped ringing off the hook.’
For more information on Fitrite go to: http://www.sashuk.com.
At
the recent Vitrum Exhibition Unilam International displayed a
wide range of coloured laminates produced using the company’s
resin laminating system.
Particular interest centred on the cracked ice range of mirrors
and glasses.
Unilam is celebrating 25 years of distributing laminate resins
worldwide, proving that this product can stand the test of time
and climates. Currently distributing to over 72 countries the
company’s laminate resins system goes from strength to strength.
COOLTEMPER enjoyed one of the best Vitrum Exhibitions for many
years. The company received three orders on the stand for complete
Toughening Plants. Two for delivery in the UK and the other for
delivery in Europe.
The company received a tremendous number of enquiries for its
Saflex Continuous Laminating Line, which does not require an Autoclave.
COOLTEMPER, working in conjunction with Solutia, the world's largest
PVB producer, is offering a full turnkey package to laminate manufacturers.
Tel: 01274 615550
Email: sales@cooltemper.com
Mighton
Exhibits at Win-Door, Toronto
After
its success at Atlanta's GlassBuild in October, Mighton Products
has headed back over the pond to Toronto's Win-Door exhibition
from 13th to 15th November. As one of the biggest fenestration
and door shows in North America, the sash hardware specialist
is looking forward to exhibiting with its Canadian distribution
partner, Ferco.
Mike Derham, Managing Director of Mighton, explains: ‘In
America there's a lot of interest in our Ecotilt' timber sash
window system. With an A energy rating in house (shortly to be
approved by the BFRC), the highly insulated Ecotilt reduces heating
bills and a home's carbon emissions so it's an easy product for
sash window manufacturers and installers to sell. US homeowners
are able to save money on utilities and be greener by fitting
this timber sash window. At GlassBuild, many of our products generated
interest, such as Ecotilt, the new screwless Boston Hinge and
Ultrashoe, our adjustable pivot shoe. We're hoping to repeat that
success in Canada.’
Tel: 01223 497097
Email: sales@mighton.co.uk
Web: http://www.mightonproducts.com
BASF
is presenting new products and technology for radiationcuring
coatings at the RadTech Europe exhibition, which is being held
in Vienna from November 13 - 15, 2007. Experts from BASF are also
on hand to answer visitors' questions concerning the new EU Chemicals
Regulation (REACH).
Laromer® PR is a new range of high-performance resins from
BASF that are distinguished by their outstanding mechanical properties.
Their excellent abrasion resistance and scratch resistance make
them an ideal choice for use in hard-wearing wood paints. Test
results have shown that the Laromer® PR resins perform very
well on many different types of flooring, and special products
are available that meet the demands of all conventional methods
for testing abrasion such as the Falling Sand Test and the S42
Test.
A team from BASF is available at the RadTech to advise visitors
on formulating coatings quickly and economically at all stages
from the raw materials through to the finished product. BASF has
the most up-to-date high-throughput screening facilities in Ludwigshafen
for testing the performance of raw materials in coating formulations.
This modular, robotised system makes it possible to evaluate a
very wide range of different formulations under conditions that
closely resemble those encountered in practice. For instance,
UV-curing coatings for all conceivable applications can be developed
and tested within a very short time. The advantage for customers
is that they do not have to wait for detailed test results, even
for highly complex formulations.
BASF is also presenting a comprehensive range of polyalkylene
glycols at the RadTech Exhibition that perform very well as monofunctional,
difunctional and trifunctional reactive diluents after they have
been acrylated. Apart from aromatic diluents based on Bisphenol
A and phenol, the range also includes alkoxylates based on methanol,
butanol, TMP and glycerol.
‘As well as our standard products, we also supply products
that are tailored to our customers' requirements,’ says the
company.
Based on 70 years of experience, BASF offers the world's broadest
range of functional vinyl monomers. These chemical intermediates
are employed successfully in a great variety of applications.
As monomers, for example, they are used in the production of special
polymers. As reactive thinners, they are used in radiation-curing
coatings, printing inks and adhesives. It is their high reactivity,
excellent dilution properties and low toxicity that marks them
out for these uses. They also serve as synthesis building blocks
of consistently high product quality in the pharmaceutical industry.
BASF's world-scale capacities and advanced logistics ensure very
reliable delivery. BASF has a long history of supporting customers
with its extensive range of technical and chemical know-how, creating
solutions that help its customers to become more successful. Its
global leadership in acetylene chemistry has also made BASF the
leader in the development and production of functional vinyl monomers.
With more than 5,500 research scientists, BASF can provide customised
products to meet the specific demands of its customers.
The EU Chemicals Regulation (REACH) that came into force on June
1st, 2007 poses a demanding challenge to manufacturers and consumers
of chemicals. Experts from BASF are attending the exhibition to
answer questions and provide detailed information on the new REACH
legislation.
Web: http://www.basf.com
Over
400 senior delegates, from more than 20 countries, will be attending
this year's UK NanoForum, organised by UK Trade & Investment
in association with the Nanotechnology Knowledge Transfer Network
and Nanotechnology Industries Association.
Taking place on 27th November, at the QE11 conference centre in
Westminster, the conference, exhibition and workshops will provide
an ideal platform for the UK's nanotechnology community to showcase
its products and services.
Building on the success of UK NanoForum 2006, the event will attract
visitors from South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan,
China, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy,
Sweden and other countries.
Looking ahead to the event, UK Trade & Investment Chief Executive
Andrew Cahn said:
‘Last year's UK NanoForum created a networking event to promote
the burgeoning UK nanotechnology sector and provided a launchpad
for new business partnerships. I am confident that UK NanoForum
2007 will generate many more lasting and successful joint ventures.
‘UK NanoForum 2007 will be bigger and better than 2006 with
greater representation from high growth markets and in particular
a distinguished inward mission from India led by Dr Arup Chatterjee
of the Innovation Centre for Applied Nanotechnology.
‘The day will provide fantastic networking opportunities
for industry and academia, as well as venture capitalists, technology
purchasers and those seeking to develop joint ventures.’
The programme will include a presentation on the current UK nanotechnology
scene by Paul Reip of QinetiQ and there will be case studies from
Barry Parks of Oxonica, Michael Edelman of Nanoco Technologies,
Bob Carr and Jeremy Warren of NanoSight and Dr Arup Chatterjee
of the Innovation Centre for Applied Nanotechnology, India.
For the first time delegates will, once registered, have access
to a new online networking tool enabling them to browse and search
fellow delegates and to make contact before, during and after
the event.
To register visit http://www.UKnanoforum2007.com
glasstec
2008: The Course is Charted
Exhibitor
invitations have been sent out thereby firing the official ‘starting
pistol’ for preparations for glasstec 2008. From 21st to
25th October 2008 the global glass industry will convene in Düsseldorf
for the 20th time to present the latest developments in the field.
Be it glass producers, glass machinery manufacturers or the glazier
trade - glasstec is the only international trade fair covering
the entire value chain for glass with all its facets.
‘Glass and energy’ will be high on the agenda at the
forthcoming glasstec. Worldwide reductions in CO2 emissions and
careful use of oil and gas resources are as pertinent issues as
ever. And the demand for new, energy-efficient glass products
and manufacturing technologies is correspondingly high. Companies
from throughout the world are currently working 'flat out' on
the development, optimisation and supply of the relevant products,
their applications and the associated manufacturing technologies.
Many solutions for ‘energy-efficient products and production’
will be showcased at glasstec 2008. However, such ‘classic’
subjects as laser technology, functional coatings, nano-technology,
industrial glass and special glass will also leave a lasting mark
on glasstec 2008. Innovative potential will be equally high in
these sectors once the development of new applications and manufacturing
processes for glass come into play.
Special show ‘glass technology live’ on ‘glass
& energy’
glasstec 2008 will once again host the Special Show ‘glass
technology live’ plus accompanying technical symposium to
complement the versatile products and services exhibited by companies
at glasstec 2008. The motto of the Special Show will also be ‘glass
& energy’ tying in with the overriding trade fair theme
of energy efficiency. Both the Special Show and the Symposium
will look beyond products fit for mass production reaching out
to innovations and visions of the glass sector for the future
- both in technical and aesthetic terms. As part of this Symposium
renowned speakers from leading institutes, associations, enterprises
and architects' offices will impart their knowledge elaborating
on current and forward-looking subjects. Also in 2008 this unique
2-in-1 event will attract glass experts, machine manufacturers
and suppliers as well as numerous architects, planners and users
from all over the world.
Continuous education possibility for architects
In cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia's Chamber of Architects
and the Technical University of Delft Messe Düsseldorf will
be organising an architectural congress at glasstec 2008 for the
second time in a row. The successful debut in 2006 showed that
glasstec provides a perfect setting for a continuous education
event of this kind. 2006 saw almost 500 architects attend the
congress who then took the opportunity to visit glasstec. All
information concerning the next Architectural Congress will shortly
be posted on the Internet at the glasstec portal http://www.glasstec.de.
GlassArt displays works of art related to glass
Under the heading ‘GlassArt’ glasstec 2008 will also
provide an insight into the way artists handle glass materials.
International artists will exhibit the complete spectrum of modern
glass art ranging from glass vessels and sculpture-type objects
to tinted glass.
At the latest glasstec in October 2006 more than 1,250 companies,
associations and research institutes from 46 countries were presented.
Over 54,000 trade visitors from throughout the world gathered
information at the Düsseldorf exhibition halls. 98% of these
visitors rated the trade fair as very positive voicing their satisfaction
with the visit.
For further information on glasstec 2008 visit http://www.glasstec.de.
Polyclose:
European Trade Fair for Window, Door, Sunblind, Access and Front
Technology
The
European trade fair Polyclose will be held for the 13th time at
the Flanders Expo in Ghent on Thursday, January 17th to Saturday,
19th January 2008, covering an area of about 28,000 m2.
Polyclose, the key to international market supply
A quick look at what will be on offer:
Profiles (PVC, aluminium and steel), window systems, roller doors,
door panels, veranda systems, safety and automatic locking systems,
access control, hinges and locks, sealing materials, ventilation
grids, machines and tools, glass and accessories, software. In
addition to the traditional sectors that made Polyclose great,
the sunblind group has grown into a full-fledged sector with 30
exhibitors. Other sectors present at the fair are also certain
to expand in the future.
Polyclose is not a Belgian but an international event
Polyclose is a genuinely international fair of European stature
and will be mentioned by people involved in this sector in the
same breath as the French ‘Equip'Bai’ and the German
‘Fensterbau’.
The ‘Hollander’ and Polyclose
The last Polyclose show in 2006 was visited by 15,364 professionals.
Especially noticeable was the large number of Dutch exhibitors
and visitors. No less than 22 percent of the total number of visitors
came from The Netherlands. Proof that this specialised exhibition
is, within the Benelux, the most sought-after location where professionals
in this sector can find everything they're looking for.
Polyclose is going to new heights with new faces....
Apart from growing broader in scope, Polyclose is also reaching
new heights. What stands out is that at the last show, stands
were given a more attractive, more original finish but more especially,
were getting higher. A development that underscores the philosophy
of the fair. Because it's not about quantity, but quality. Something
that the exhibitors, too, stress year after year.
People who faithfully visit the fair every time will notice there
are many new faces among the exhibitors. In September the organisers
had already counted 29 new exhibitors. Obviously this ensures
that the fair never stands still and that visitors will be surprised
by what is on offer.
‘During their search for new trends and market players, visitors
will also be able to enjoy original acts and the extensive catering
that they will find at most stands. After all, apart from having
a reputation as being an interesting fair, Polyclose is also known
as a sociable sort of affair. Compared to other trade fairs, Polyclose
is always about having a good time and visitors are pampered extensively.
The hunger for information and the needs of the inner man (or
woman) are always high on Polyclose's list of priorities. Therefore,
we are convinced that this 13th edition will once again be a milestone
for both visitor and exhibitor.’
Polyclose unimaginable without sunblind sector
This is not an unexpected development especially now that sunblinds
play a more prominent role in the building industry. As a result
of the increased stringency of the EPB Energy Performance Standard,
people drawing up building specifications will include sunblinds.
This means that sunblinds take centre stage in the building industry
and, as a result, play an increasingly prominent role at Polyclose.
From key to finger scan
The development from traditional keys to ‘domotica’
(home automation) and beyond. Domotica are the electronics found
in and around a building. The possibilities are endless and developed
from keys to remote controls, infrared as well as radio-controlled.
It didn't take long for the impressive transponder or the chip
to follow, as well as fingerprint scans and iris scans. These
applications are not yet standard in housing construction today,
but open up unprecedented possibilities in the future. This is
a sector that because of the rapid developments will attract a
lot of attention again at the 2008 edition of Polyclose.
New website online
‘We have worked very hard on a new website for Polyclose.
We wanted to create a more convenient and accessible site and
our efforts have paid off. In just a short moment, visitors get
a good impression of Polyclose and the handy PDF with route description
shows you the way to Flanders Expo in Ghent so you can visit the
fair yourself. Curious? Surf to http://www.polyclose.be.'
Full = full!
‘Obtaining a spot at the fair is no longer something to be
taken for granted, incidentally. From the beginning of September
2007, the available space at the fair was already 90 percent spoken
for. For the last show, we already had to keep a waiting list
from November. What this positive development, together with the
stringent admission criteria, means to potential exhibitors is
that they will have to be quick for 2010.'
For more information: http://www.polyclose.be.
You can request free invitations via e-mail: info@polyclose.be.
For
the first time this year Bayer Sheet Europe presented at the Hortifair
in Amsterdam from October 9th to October 12th. The company displayed
its product palette of unbreakable, transparent Makrolon®
multi-wall sheets for the construction of greenhouses.
‘Remember
the hailstorm that turned your greenhouse into a claim for the
insurance company? This outcome would not have happened with Makrolon®
multi-wall sheets because this material is 250 times less breakable
than glass and therefore avoids the cost for expensive safety
glass and the additional insurance. Because of their good temperature
retention, the sheets significantly reduce the energy cost to
run greenhouses. Heat is being stored for a long time in greenhouses,
using less energy, resulting in lower CO2 emissions. In this way,
the greenhouse also contributes to environmental protection.
For greenhouses that are being used for retail purposes, Bayer
Sheet Europe offers a special solution: An office building can
be attached to the actual greenhouse that looks just like the
transparent display garden from the outside. Inside the office,
Makrolon® IQ Relax Sheets create the right room temperature
depending on the season. Construction of the greenhouse and the
installation of the Makrolon® multi-wall sheets are simple:
the transparent sheets can be cut on site, and because of their
slight weight can be mounted on a light supporting structure.
In this way an elegant design can be created. It is even possible
to create curves because Makrolon® multi-wall sheets can be
bent without using heat. At the same time, the material is long
lasting, and even after years of use, its light permeability,
stress resistance and unbreakability remain unchanged.
The company
Bayer Sheet Europe develops, produces and distributes Makrolon®
sheets from polycarbonate, Axpet® und Vivak® polyester
sheets as well as Bayloy® sheets from high value plastic.
Bayer Sheet Europe products are used in the construction industry
for sports stadiums, rail road stations and greenhouses. Examples
of the products applications in the area of visual communication
are plastic sheets for surface protection of large displays, billboards,
traffic signs and price shields. In addition, Bayer Sheet Europe
products are also used in industry, for instance for protective
visors, protective layers for machines, billboard protection and
casings.
Additional information about Bayer Sheet Europe's multiple products
are at: http://www.bayersheeteurope.com
Using
the theme, ‘This wouldn't have happened with Makrolon®,’
Bayer Sheet Europe presented its product range for unbreakable,
transparent swimming pool roofs in Barcelona at Piscina, from
October 17th to October 20th, 2007. On display are 2-fold, 4-fold
and 6-fold multi wall sheets in different versions. As a durable
and safe material, Makrolon®-sheets offer great possibilities
for creative design options.
Makrolon®-sheets
provide the swimming pool roof all-purpose protection from the
exuberant kicks of little soccer players. Whenever glass breaks
or splinters, it can cause serious injuries. Multi wall sheets
are reliable because the material is 250 times more resistant
to breakage than glass. The panels will not only withstand hard
charging soccer balls but they'll also resist hail storms. With
Makrolon®-sheets indoor water sports are fun in all types
of weather because with a transparent roof neither wind nor rain
can shut down the operations of a swimming pool owner. The sheets
make possible an even, light-diffused environment in the interior,
creating a feel-good atmosphere. Because of its low weight and
high resistance quotient, architects can enjoy great design capability.
In addition the material can be simply cut into shape and mounted
onto a supporting structure.
Available for the roofs of swimming pools are multi wall sheets
that are two-fold, four-fold and six-fold. Makrolon® two-fold
wall sheets are offered in 6, 8 and 10 mm thickness. Makrolon®
4-fold wall sheets are available in 8 and 10 mm thickness and
the Makrolon® 6-fold in 16 mm thickness. All sheets are available
in clear, transparent or opalescent white. Depending on customers'
request, additional colors are also available.
Bayer Sheet Europe offers the sheets with various layer options:
* UV-Protective Layer: The UV-Protective layer absorbs most of
the UV sunlight and protects the sheets from the impact of weather.
* Non-drop-Layer: This layer allows condensations to run off as
a film and prevents the formation of drops on the inside of the
roof.
The company
Bayer Sheet Europe develops, produces and distributes Makrolon®
sheets from polycarbonate, Axpet® und Vivak® polyester
sheets as well as Bayloy® sheets from high value plastic.
Bayer Sheet Europe products are used in the construction industry
for sports stadiums, rail road stations and hothouses. Examples
of the products applications in the area of visual communication
are plastic sheets for surface protection of large displays, billboards,
traffic signs and price shields. In addition, Bayer Sheet Europe
products are also used in industry, for instance for protective
visors, protective layers for machines, billboard protection and
casings.
Additional information about Bayer Sheet Europe's multiple products
are at: http://www.bayersheeteurope.com
HOPPE
Launches Retail Division at Security Live Exhibition
HOPPE
(UK) launched its Retail Division at the Security Live Exhibition
at the Royal Armouries, Leeds, which took place 21-23 September.
As a leading door and window hardware specialist HOPPE (UK) showcased
its new Retailers Range of merchandisers and pre-packed products,
as well as its top-selling HOPPE and ARRONE ranges. The merchandisers
and pre-packed products are aimed at Architectural Ironmongers
and locksmiths. Also on show was a selection of products for the
PVC-U market and HOPPE (UK)'s Access Control and ABUS division
ranges.
Michelle Wilkinson, UK Sales Manager for the HOPPE (UK) Retail
Division, comments: ‘The eye-catching merchandisers and pre-packed
products have been specially designed to reflect the range and
quality HOPPE offers. Whatever the market, HOPPE has a hardware
solution to meet our customers' needs.’
Tel: 01902 484400
Web: http://www.hoppe.co.uk
Caption: Michelle Wilkinson (left), UK Sales Manager for HOPPE's
Retail Division, and Shelley Hawkins (right), Regional Sales Manager
for the Retail Division.
Mighton
Woos Glassbuild Visitors with Ecotilt
Companies
with combined turnover of over $1 billion sent representatives
to Mighton Products’ stand, at this year's Glassbuild. Mightons'
B energy rated timber sash window system, Ecotilt™, proved
a hit with visitors who, in a cautious market, are looking for
new ways to add value and differentiate.
Mike Derham, Managing Director, says that innovation always attracts
interest in the US: ‘We had lots of enquiries, and quality
leads, for Ecotilt. Being able to say that we have the most secure
and energy efficient timber sash window system available on the
UK market had a big impact. But other products went down a storm
too - Ultrashoe, our adjustable pivot shoe and Fenestrator, a
manually operated system that allows heavy sliding sash window
- timber or PVC - to be opened, drew a lot of visitors to the
stand. There was a real buzz around the stand and it was great
to see the US market react the way the UK market has to our product
range.’
Tel: 01223 497097
Email: sales@mighton.co.uk
Web: http://www.mightonproducts.com
AAMA
Presents Live, Full-Scale Demonstration of the University of Florida's
Hurricane Simulator
Showing
the real-world effects of hurricane force winds and wind-driven
rain, University of Florida's mobile windstorm simulator conducted
a full-scale demonstration for building code officials, manufacturers
of exterior building products, and others attending the American
Architectural Manufacturers Association's (AAMA's) National Fall
Conference.
The
world's largest, portable simulator of its kind, the apparatus
is mounted on a trailer and composed of eight 5-foot-high industrial
fans powered by four marine engines that collectively produce
2,800 horsepower. It is designed to blast building mock-ups with
winds of up to 130 mph - Category 3 on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane
Scale - and high-pressure water jets that mimic torrential wind-driven
rain of up to 35-inches/hour.
This whole-building approach allows researchers to learn more
about how hurricanes damage real homes and how to modify windows,
doors, walls and other building materials to best prevent that
damage.
See podcast at http://news.ufl.edu/2007/08/29/hurricane-wind-machine
Speakers:
* Rich Walker, President and CEO, AAMA, rwalker@aamanet.org
* John Lewis, Technical Director, AAMA, jlewis@aamanet.org
* Dr. Forrest Masters, Assistant Professor of Civil and Coastal
Engineering, University of Florida, masters@ce.ufl.edu
About
the Demonstration:
Traditionally, researchers would study hurricanes by measuring
their damage in a laboratory. As the fenestration industry's source
of performance standards, product certification, and educational
programmes, AAMA has called on the University of Florida to demonstrate
the world's largest portable hurricane wind and rain simulator.
The simulator - calibrated to recreate actually recorded wind-driven
rain scenarios - provides a realistic evaluation of building products
and test methods intended for hurricane-prone regions.
'When this programme first started, we brought the lab to the
hurricane. Now, we're bringing the hurricane back to the lab,'
said Dr. Forrest Masters, assistant professor of civil and coastal
engineering at the University of Florida.
Although most residential and light commercial properties that
are built in compliance with current codes will physically withstand
hurricane winds, water intrusion through windows, doors and walls
remains a recurring issue. When rain penetrates these exterior
building products and their assemblies, it often causes significant
interior damage, occupant displacement, business interruption,
and extensive restoration expenses.
'The information gathered will help us ensure performance of the
windows, doors and wall assemblies under real-world hurricane
conditions, and ultimately, protect more people and properties
from costly damages,' concludes Rich Walker, AAMA's president
and CEO.
About AAMA:
American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), is the
leading trade association dedicated to the promotion of quality
window, door, curtain wall, storefront, and skylight products.
Founded in 1936, the organisation has been developing product
performance standards for over 70 years and has been certifying
products for over 40 years. The association also engages in product
testing, market research, and continuing education programmes
for industry professionals.
The membership represents the two major market segments (residential
and architectural), all window framing materials, and two regional
organisations in the Western and Southeastern United States.
Learn more at http://www.aamanet.org.
About the Speakers:
Dr. Forrest Masters, Assistant Professor of Civil and Coastal
Engineering, University of Florida
Dr. Masters joined the University of Florida in 2006. He previously
served as the director of the Wall of Wind and the director of
the IHRC Laboratory for Wind Engineering Research at Florida International
University. His research interests include field measurement of
surface-level tropical cyclone winds, wind effects on structures
and stochastic simulation of natural hazard events.
Since 1999, Dr. Masters has researched 19 named tropical cyclones.
During landfall, he and his colleagues deploy mobile weather stations
to capture ground-level wind speeds and equip single-family homes
to measure wind pressure loading. After the storm, damage assessments
are conducted to evaluate the performance of the building stock
and the codes and standards that guided their construction. Currently,
he is developing a mobile windstorm simulator to reproduce the
actual dynamics of Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Scale 2-4 winds impinging
on a low-rise structure at full scale.
Dr. Masters has given presentations to groups ranging from the
International Codes Council to every federal agency that comprises
the U.S. Hurricane Warning Programme. PBS, the Discovery Channel,
National Public Radio, and NBC Nightly News have produced segments
on his work. The National Science Board invited him to participate
in the Workshop on Hurricane Science and Engineering, and he drafted
the Memorandum of Understanding between the U.S. and Bangladesh
for the NSF Consortium for Windstorm/Storm Surge.
Dr. Masters is a member of the ASCE/SEI Technical Activities Division
Wind Effects Committee and Sub-Committee on Computer-Aided Wind
Engineering. He is also a member of ASTM E6.51 (Performance of
Windows, Doors, Skylights and Curtain Walls) and the Coastal Windstorm
PML Standard Development.
Rich Walker, President and CEO, AAMA
Since joining AAMA, Rich Walker has served as the executive vice
president, technical director, and Southeast region director.
His accomplishments include spurring AAMA's membership to its
current level of 400+ members; ensuring fiscal stability; and
promoting quality window, door, curtain wall, storefront and skylight
products. He also has increased participation in the AAMA Product
and Profile Certification Programme, and ensured member interests
were addressed in regulations promulgated in the Southeast U.S.
As the association's president and CEO, Walker represents AAMA
as a member of the Board of Directors of the Building Environment
and Thermal Envelope Council of the National Institute of Building
Sciences (NIBS), Walker also represents AAMA members in the coordination
of private and public research, expediting the acceptance of innovative
technologies and building practices.
He is also an active member in the American Society of Association
Executives, National Association of Manufacturers, and the International
Code Council.
Walker previously worked with the Society for Plastics Industry
and was technical director for the Vinyl Window and Door Institute.
His primary assignments were the development of window profile
performance standards, liaison with the model building codes,
ASTM, Dade County, and managing a statistical reporting programme.
After graduating from Lafayette College with a B.S in chemical
engineering, Walker started his professional career as a design
engineer for Dow Corning Corporation in Midland, Mich., and went
on to work for 16 years with BFGoodrich. He also has earned an
M.B.A. in finance from the University of Connecticut.
John Lewis, Technical Director, AAMA
An active member participant with AAMA since 1997, Lewis joined
the association's professional staff in July 2006. He currently
acts as AAMA's representative to NFRC, ASHRAE and various other
technical organisations.
As technical director, he draws from 23 years of engineering and
engineering management background, which closely mirrors the AAMA
membership - ranging from aluminium windows, doors and curtain
wall for the high performance commercial/architectural markets,
to residential vinyl, aluminium and wood windows.
Prior to joining AAMA's staff, Lewis was employed by TRACO as
vice president of engineering in Cranberry Township, Pa., responsible
for engineering, research and development, and related areas.
From 1997 to 2004, he worked as vice president of engineering
for Philips Products Inc., in Elkhart, Ind., where he oversaw
product design engineering, testing and building code compliance
for the company, a window and door manufacturer for the residential,
manufactured housing industry and recreational vehicle marketplaces.
Lewis holds two patents and has earned two bachelor degrees from
the University of Illinois; a B.S. in occupational and practical
arts education and a B.S. in general engineering. He also earned
an M.B.A. from the University of Notre Dame.
AAMA is the source of performance standards, product certification,
and educational programmes for the fenestration industry.(SM)
GM
Fundraising - 70s Gala Dinner
This
year's GM Fundraising Gala Dinner will be a 1970s extravaganza
- disco balls and flares permitting! A few tables still remain
but be quick...
On Saturday November 10th, the GMF Gala Dinner will be held at
the Holiday Inn at Smallbrook, Queensway in Birmingham. The evenings'
theme will be the 1970s and will include the usual high level
of entertainment and an impressive charity auction.
Only
a few tables remain in what is regarded as an important part of
the industry's social calendar. The GM Fundraising team promise
an unprecedented level of fun and entertainment throughout the
evening in what is expected to be their best gala dinner yet.
Please contact Gary Morton on 07831 608882 or e-mail gary@garymorton.co.uk
to reserve your table, it's an opportunity that shouldn't be missed.
Don't forget your outfit!
Web: http://www.gmfundraising.co.uk
Kestrel
on Show at Batimat Exhibition in France
Kestrel, the brand of no lead, no tin, 100% calcium organic PVC-UE
and PVC-U roofline, cladding and window trim products, has announced
its presence at one of the largest building material exhibitions,
Batimat from the 5th to 10th November in Paris. The 225,351 square
metres of exhibition space spread over 11 halls is likely to attract
more than 400,000 distributors, building contractors, builders'
merchants and architects from 141 countries.
‘Despite being well established in France for many years
now, as a reflection of our increased focus in Europe generally,
we wanted to step up activity in mainland Europe,’ comments
Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director of the Kestrel brand.
‘We'll be focusing on demonstrating our three key attributes
to France at the show - firstly the fact we believe we are unique
to the cellular building product market with our no lead, no tin,
100% calcium organic products manufactured in the UK. Secondly,
the three shades of white we offer allowing a more accurate colour
match to consumers' existing window and guttering systems. And
finally, our vertically integrated manufacturing and distribution,
in place to achieve consistently high quality by controlling as
many processes as possible.
‘Our international sales team and French agent will be there
to talk visitors through the products we've specifically tailored
for the French market as well as the samples of some of our UK
products for UK and other European visitors.’
Web: http://www.latiumbp.co.uk
Clearly
the Best - GlassBuild America 2007 Sets Records in Atlanta
GlassBuild
America: The Glass, Window Door Expo set records at its event
held September 10-12 in Atlanta. An all-time high of 538 exhibiting
companies occupied 218,840 square feet of exhibit space. 9,500
glass, window and door industry professionals - coming from 54
countries and the U.S.- gathered for the three-day event, exceeding
the expectations of show organisers.
The show hosted 160 international exhibitors and 130 first-time
exhibiting companies, both figures are record highs. In addition
to the trade show floor, the show featured day-long educational
forums by both NGA and IGMA, seminars, live demonstrations, the
debut of the Auto Glass Pavilion, and an appearance by NASCAR
legend Rusty Wallace. Many affiliated meetings, such as BEMA's
annual membership meeting and GANA's Fall Conference, were also
held in conjunction with the event.
'The show was just phenomenal,' stated Denise Sheehan, NGA VP
of Industry Events. 'I think we set an all-time record for the
busiest day in GlassBuild America history on Day Two - I've had
many exhibitors tell me that they had their best show ever this
year. We saw a boost in attendance from glass dealers and distributors
and contract glazing companies, while the residential window and
door dealer and manufacturer numbers held steady with previous
years, even with the challenging market conditions in that segment.
The attendance overall exceeded our original estimates and that
was a very pleasant surprise.'
News and photos from the event can be found at http://www.GlassBuildAmerica.com
GlassBuild America 2008 will be held October 6-8, 2008 in Las
Vegas.
Reynaers
Helps Bring Aluminium to Life at Elumatec Show
Reynaers showed its extensive range of aluminium systems at
the 'in-house show' at elumatec's headquarters in Milton Keynes,
September 18-20th.
The exhibition, which has become an annual event, will showcase
aluminium systems and the capabilities they can provide. It
offers fabricators an opportunity to see, touch and try the
latest in aluminium machinery while meeting system providers.
‘Supporting the elumatec initiative provides us with an
ideal vehicle to get alongside fabricators who may be considering
aluminium systems for the first time,’ explained Paul Duffy
of Reynaers. ‘It also allows us to meet with existing customers
to introduce them to some of the most recently introduced Reynaers'
aluminium systems.
‘There is never a better opportunity to discuss and explain
to fabricators the many benefits of using aluminium and what
the material has to offer and how easy it is to work with’.
Reynaers has an extensive range of dedicated aluminium systems
suitable for windows and doors, sliding systems, curtain walling,
sun screening and peripheral systems in addition to reference
information and dedicated services. It recently introduced the
new Eco system for windows and doors, which combines a cost-effective,
easy to assemble system with the ecological benefits of aluminium.
To attend the show fabricators should register, in advance,
direct with elumatec on Tel: 01908 580800 or via email: sales@elumatec.
Providing quality aluminium systems for over 40 years, Reynaers
maintains its high standards through continual testing and development.
All of the systems are available in a choice of RAL colours,
in matt, gloss, anodised and metallic finishes. For further
information contact: Reynaers Limited, Tel: 0121 421 1999, Fax:
0121 421 9797 or email: reynaersltd@reynaers.com.
Web: http://www.reynaers.com