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Combilift's
New Website now Live
Combilift
Ltd., the originator of the Combilift 4-way forklift concept has launched
a new website, designed to be a more active and informative site which
offers the latest news on the company and the ever expanding range of
Combilifts available. The site has a host of new features designed to
illustrate the benefits of the Combilifts, over 4,000 of which are in
operation worldwide in diverse industry sectors.
Visitors to http://www.combilift.com
can view 'mini movies' of the trucks in action in a variety of applications
such as extrusions, timber, steel and pipes. The 'solutions' section
addresses the major benefits of the Combilift system such as safety
when handling long loads, flexible indoor and outdoor operation, even
in snow, and the customisation service available. Information can also
be found on the full product range including the Aisle-Master articulated
forklift, which is a good solution for handling palletised loads in
very narrow aisles.
'About Combilift’ contains details of the company background, the
new production facilities, research and development as well as biographies
of the 2 key personalities instrumental in the development of the Combilift,
MD Martin McVicar and Technical Director Robert Moffett. ‘Engineers,
either skilled or aspiring, should click on the careers button in this
section for the opportunity to apply to work with an award winning company
that is leading the way in materials handling technology.’ says
MD Martin McVicar.
‘We have made massive progress in terms of product range and sales
figures since we launched the Combilift in 1998’ says MD Martin
McVicar. ‘Customer feedback has always been of prime importance
to us, and this new site represents a further channel of communication
between Combilift and those seeking improved handling solutions’.
Tel UK: 07968 490051
Email: info@combilift.com
Web: http://www.combilift.com
The
Door and Hardware Federation (DHF)
has launched its new website. DHFonline is designed as an information
resource for door and hardware contractors and specifiers as well as
for its own members.
The site, at http://www.dhfonline.org.uk
, is also intended to attract more companies to become members - already
membership of the DHF is approaching 200. The federation now represents
more than 90 per cent of the UK door and hardware sector, with the leading
manufacturers and suppliers of industrial and commercial doors and shutters,
garage doors, building hardware and architectural ironmongery within
membership.
Specifiers and contractors can use the new site to find member companies’
contact and address details using a simple search tool. Members are
listed by name and by product type. Specifiers can also download the
federation’s large library of technical publications, specification
guides, codes of practice and the federation’s own code of conduct
which sets out the standard of workmanship, quality assurance and business
integrity of its members.
Access to the members-only section of the website is one of the benefits
afforded to DHF members. The password protected section provides members
with vital information on the latest British and European Standards,
and gives advice on CE Marking.
It also gives DHF members the opportunity to receive information about
health and safety compliance both in the workplace and on site. It also
includes numerous technical knowhow bulletins which enable members to
keep ahead of the non-DHF competition.
Said DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood: 'Our membership drive has
resulted in a significant boost in membership which has greatly increased
the strength and influence of the federation and made us the true voice
of the industry.
'It is important that our website is a valuable resource for contractors
and specifiers who want the reassurance of using DHF members. Not only
can they easily pinpoint specialist DHF manufacturers and suppliers
to do the job, but also they can benefit from our specification guides
and codes of practice.
'The storehouse of knowledge and advice that is available exclusively
to DHF members will give them a real competitive edge and help them
meet the increasing challenges of new legislation and adherence to European
standards.'
The DHF website also gives information about the new DHF NVQ training
scheme set up in partnership with the CITB and City & Guilds. In
the future the website will have a careers and jobs section where both
novice and experienced operatives can find job opportunities.
Tel: 01827 52337
Web: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk
Order Online with Ultraframe Ultranet-Order Manager
Ultraframe has launched a new online ordering system designed to speed up and simplify the ordering process whilst maximising order accuracy. The innovative Ultranet–Order Manager programme enables customers to complete the entire order process, from configuring a roof to receiving a quote and placing the order online.
Ultranet-Order Manager marks the first phase of the development of a real time customer interface from Ultraframe, the leading designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems. Both fabricators and installers can use the system via a password protected website. Each customer has their own secure log-in to access their account which contains all their details, including information of any customer discount arrangements in place.
Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe, said: 'There are great benefits to ordering via Ultranet. The process is conducted in real time which speeds up the processing of orders and also means that any changes to commercial information such as prices, products and customer discounts are immediately updated on the system. It is fast and easy for customers to select the roof components they wish to order. They even have the option to configure a roof online if necessary. This reduces the amount of paperwork involved and the risk of error and misinterpretation which can happen when customers send in sketches.'
Ultranet Order Manager has already proved popular with customers during trials. Chris Baron, Director at Prefix Systems, commented: 'I found the Ultranet-Order Manager system to be very user friendly and efficient. Once the order is placed you can select your preferred delivery date, then you receive a confirmation email detailing the order and your reference number. It really is foolproof and we will certainly be ordering our Ultraframe products this way in the future.'
Linda Doughty concluded: 'Ultraframe strives to continuously improve customer service making our systems increasingly efficient and responsive to our customers’ needs. We invest in bringing our customers the latest technological advances in both our products and services to ensure that they always have the best competitive advantage.'
For more information on Ultranet-Order Manager or other Ultraframe products and services call 0870 4141007 or visit www.ultraframe.com
Hurst
Casts its Net Far and Wide
Hurst
Plastics,
the UK manufacturer of PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors, has
improved the sales lead support it provides to installers.
The move by the Kingston-upon-Hull based company comes at a time when
many installers are spending large proportions of their budgets on customer
leads in a bid to generate more sales in an increasingly tough market.
Hurst provides sales leads direct to these installers free of charge,
largely from enquiries generated on its website. Visitors to the site
– http://www.hurst-plastics.co.uk
- can register their details on a section entitled ‘Find Your Local
Installer' and Hurst will then supply contact information on the nearest
Hurst installer in their area.
The company also handles any other enquiries, such as calls into the
office or responses to other communication channels, in the same way.
Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst, said: ‘Our customer network
continues to be important to us and we are constantly looking at ways
in which we can better support them. This unique, new initiative is
particularly valuable to installers who are struggling to source leads
cost effectively in a challenging marketplace, and early indications
show that it's working as around 50 per cent of our referrals have resulted
in a sale.’
For further details on this new service, please contact the Hurst Marketing
Department on 01482 790790.
Brownhills
Glass Website Showcases Services
Brownhills
Glass
has launched a new look website, incorporating both its extensive processing,
toughening and merchanting services and the company’s recently
launched glass furniture division.
From the homepage http://www.brownhillsglass.com
visitors are directed to the area of the site they require, whether
they are architects and specifiers, glass trade or furniture customers.
The furniture section highlights the variety and nature of the bespoke
pieces which can be created in glass for both residential and commercial
use, with the facility to upload and showcase new projects as they are
completed.
The site also highlights the company's position as a key fire glass
and specialist glass stockist, providing the visitor with the opportunity
to download an up to date stock list.
Web: http://www.brownhillsglass.com
Updated
Website for Conservatory Outlet
Conservatory
Outlet has just revamped its website for homeowners with
www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk. ‘Homeowners like to check out companies
on the web before inviting them round for a quote or calling into the
showroom,’ explains Matthew Glover, Managing Director of Conservatory
Outlet. ‘So having a website dedicated to homeowners means they
feel confident before they call us or pop in to one of our three showrooms.
Prospective customers can see what we have on offer at each of our showrooms
by using the link from the site. The interactive showroom is a footprint
of the showroom layout and details the design details, size and price
of each conservatory so it's easy for customers to see what they want.
‘The website plays an important part in the overall Conservatory
Outlet marketing package. The website features in all television, radio
and press adverts to encourage more people log on to the site. Conservatory
Outlet is an exciting new initiative offering ambitious installers and
likeminded small and medium conservatory installation companies the
opportunity to join a team of growth focussed conservatory installation
companies nationwide. It offers the Conservatory Outlet website and
links as part of the marketing package, as well as television and radio
adverts and point of sale brochures.’
Tel: 01924 881920
Web: http://www.conservatoryoutlet.co.uk
New
Web Presence from The Window Outlet
The
Window Outlet
Burnley has just launched a new web site which showcases not only its
own expertise but the expertise of the Rehau Marketing Communications
Support service.
The new web site, accessed via http://www.rehauwindows.com
was developed by The Window Outlet with support from Rehau's in-house
marketing team. It demonstrates the expertise of the 1,000 frame per
week fabricator and has separate sections for trade, commercial and
domestic customers.
The trade section highlights what the company sees as its two key points
of difference over its competitors - fast turnaround times and installer
partnerships. Installers who want to grow their businesses can work
with The Window Outlet on software installation, marketing, pricing
and sales advice and the web site allows installers to register their
interest in this service.
The site uses echoes of the Rehau corporate identity which The Window
Outlet felt was important, particularly for trade and commercial visitors.
David Morant, the MD of The Window Outlet Burnley asked Rehau to help
design the site because he felt the company's expertise would be valuable.
He says: ‘Rehau’s marketing team know exactly what works and
doesn't work on the web. They have developed a number of sites for both
fabricators and installers and we are really pleased to have been able
to benefit from their experience.’
The Rehau Marketing Communications Support service is available to all
its fabricators and installers and encompasses everything from logo
design and consumer literature to showrooms and web sites.
Trade
Website Launched for Building Plastics by Roplas
‘The
last year has seen a number of new ‘Buy Online’ Websites created
by Building Plastic stockists, but our new site is something different,’
says Rob Carmichael, MD of Roplas.
‘It offers the usual service of a full product range, national
next day delivery service and the ability to place your order online,
but it also has a special area for Trade users. By logging onto to our
secure Trade site, the Tradesman can view their previous orders. They
can also use the product catalogue to build job quotations and save
them for future conversion into orders. Also, after they have had an
account established, any extra discount they have is automatically displayed
on the website and they can order onto their credit account.’
The website was a year in the making and was professionally crafted
by an external Web Designer. Now Roplas can offer its growing range
of Building Products across the UK and will continue to add new services
and products to the site over the coming months. Currently the site
has roofline products, window trims, plumbing and drainage, glazing
bars, adhesives and fixings and also contains a step by step guide to
building up a composite door or door panel. These will all be complemented
with a conservatory roof system, polycarbonate sheeting and many other
allied products soon.
Contact: Mark Robinson
Tel: 01482 224614
Web: http://www.roplas.co.uk
Replacement
Parts at the Click of a Button
‘One
of the most confusing things about this industry is that many components
have two or three different names’, comments Paul Thompson, Shepley's
IT consultant, ‘this makes ordering replacement parts difficult
for our customers, that's why we've developed a new system to alleviate
this problem, the Shepley parts catalogue’.
The new system can be accessed live on the Shepley.com website and includes
past and present components that go into making Shepley products. The
parts catalogue details the manufacturing dates of each component and
displays a photo of each individual item. Customers can literally search
on a word and the catalogue will find all the possibilities including
photos.
Paul explains further, ‘if needed we can search on the web at the
same time as the customer and guide them to the relevant photo. The
customer can then see the part prior to placing the order meaning the
right part gets to them first time’.
The parts catalogue has been developed in-house, so when new products
are introduced they can be added straight away keeping the information
up to date and relevant. For further information on Shepley's range
of products and services please call on 0161 339 2433.
Web: http://www.shepley.com
Market
Research - a Numbers Game & it’s Free
‘If
you can’t stand Su Doku, you probably don’t like market research.’
Says Windowbase. ‘Trying to
plan your sales with only basic information to start with, means the
pressure is on to find those elusive new customers. Now, using Windowbase’s
web site, you can easily get the numbers you need.’
Windowbase’s September update of the Window, Door and Conservatory
fabricators & installers database contains over 12,150 companies.
The company observes that there seem to be increasing changes in companies
as the industry adapts to difficult trading conditions.
Even over the last quarter 399 different companies came or went, with
over 4,100 changes to existing records. But what matters to anyone selling
to the industry is where those companies are.
By visiting the Windowbase web site – http://www.windowbase.info
- you can find out the number of companies covered by over 65,000 combinations
of UK regions, material and activity in the fenestration industries
alone. No longer need market research remind you of Su Doku – and
you don’t have to wait for the answers, they come up on the screen
while you wait.
And that’s just the glazing industry data. There’s information
on numbers of housebuilders, housing specifiers, and related industry
activities also available on the website.
'What’s the catch? Quite simple, really. You can find out how many
there are freely. To find out who they are, Windowbase reasonably asks
you to pay. That makes it a win-win situation – Windowbase has
done the hard work, you work out what you need and only pay for that.
Best of all, as you see the numbers come up, you can see the cost; if
you don’t like it, just go for a selection that meets your budget.'
says the company.
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@windowbase.info
Web: http://www.windowbase.info
Ultraframe’s Website is a Hit with Homeowners
10,000 homeowners are visiting Ultraframe’s interactive consumer website every month for advice and inspiration when planning their conservatory. The website has experienced a month by month increase in traffic and is now receiving thousands of hits each month from homeowners looking for inspiration for the latest conservatory designs and details of their nearest Ultra Installers.
Re-launched
last year with even more features, http://www.ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk,
helps homeowners discover the benefits of choosing a conservatory with
a high quality Ultraframe roofing system. Visitors can view a gallery
filled with inspirational pictures and case studies and experiment with
a 3D designer to visualise their dream conservatory against a picture
of their own home.The site also promotes the use of a Guild Approved Ultra Installer for total peace of mind during the conservatory buying and installation process. Homeowners can access a list of approved Ultra Installers in their area by simply typing in their postcode.
Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe, commented: 'When we re-launched our consumer website we wanted to make it the first port of call for anyone thinking of planning a conservatory. We aimed to answer the homeowner’s most common concerns, such as how to find a reputable installer, do they need planning permission and how to make the conservatory comfortable all year round with the use of climate controlled glazing, like Conservaglass. The website is also an effective showcase for Ultraframe’s latest innovative conservatory designs and contemporary solutions designed to appeal to today’s conservatory buyer.
'The website has also proved successful in generating referrals for Ultra Installers many of which have been converted into sales. The number of requests for copies of the Ultra Guide, an attractive magazine produced by Ultraframe, which provides homeowners with all they need to know when planning a conservatory, have also rocketed thanks to the website.'
Linda concluded: 'Ultraframe is delighted to have reached a staggering 10,000 hits per month and we are convinced this figure will continue to rise as we drive traffic to the website through our targeted consumer marketing campaign. Ultimately the website success is great news for Ultraframe and all Ultraframe customers. Ultra Installers in particular will see increased sales leads through the increased number of visitors to the site.'
Support
at the Touch of a Button from Profitmaker
In
a volatile market prices and margins are under pressure, and fabricators'
productivity, cost control and cash generation matter more than they
ever have before. Advanced software systems can help with lean manufacturing
but technical problems or computer errors can be costly, holding up
production. That's why Profitmaker
software says that its online support system is so popular with its
customers.
‘Each of our customers has a personal online account created for
them,’ explains Mike Nagle, Sales and Marketing Director of MBN
International Systems, maker of Profitmaker software. ‘They can
send messages to our technical support team by logging in at http://support.mbni.net
and get an immediate response. Most importantly, users are given an
estimated time of when their problem will be solved, so they can plan
ahead. MBN staff can see at a glance what Profitmaker products are used,
and if there have been any previous issues in the past.’
‘Profitmaker's online support system is tremendous - I'm online
all day, five days a week. We get an instant, intelligent response to
every email we send - either with a solution or a timescale,’ comments
Colin Crothers, Operations Manager of Northern Ireland-based fabricator
and installer Fairco McIlhagga Ltd, which has used Profitmaker software
for many years.
Mike continues: ‘Profitmaker software is uniquely stable because
you don't have to constantly modify the underlying software for new
machinery or products, but immediate support with any problems helps
our software systems - and our customers - perform at an optimum level.’
Tel: 0870 241 3089
Web: http://www.profit-maker.net
Ten
Human Resources New Web-Site
‘Ten’
Human Resources
employed the services of Whale Marketing to design an industry specific
web-site. It was extremely important to develop a site that underlines
the fact that ‘Ten’ is dedicated to the needs of the Fenestration
industry.
Comprehensive research was conducted into the relationship ‘Ten’
has with its clients. On the whole the feedback was very positive. Naturally
there are certain areas that need to be improved. Identifying areas
for improvement was the whole point of the exercise. The next stage
was to develop a website that complemented the services that ‘Ten’
has to offer. Every two weeks http://www.tenhr.co.uk
is updated with the latest exclusive opportunities that have been secured
by ‘Ten’.
‘We have a simple and unique formula for our success,’ commented
Jude Bryant.
‘If you are looking to appoint key individuals from sales through
to senior management positions, or are possibly looking for your next
career move contact us in the strictest confidence. Visit our web site
http://www.tenhr.co.uk’
Wendland
Launches Consumer Website
Wendland
Roof Solutions
has launched a new consumer website aimed at supporting installers and
providing homeowners with useful information about their conservatory
purchase. The new website includes information on product design, implications
on planning permission and details on a typical installation process.
In an age where many homeowners use the internet as a means of research,
Wendland feels the company has addressed this issue with the launch
of a consumer specific website which will help support the installer.
All complex technical information has been left out to ensure that visitors
benefit from clear and logical information.
Claire Leadbeater, marketing executive at Wendland explains ‘rather
than build a single site we have decided to address the needs of various
market segments. The consumer website is the first part of our strategy
and this will be followed up later in the year with the launch of our
trade specific site.’
The new website has been developed using the latest web technology which
will allow Wendland to update the site in-house ensuring that homeowners
will benefit from up to date information. Log on to http://www.wendland.uk.com
to find out more.
FairTrades
Launches New Contractor Website at www.fairtrades.co.uk
FairTrades,
the national multi trade association has launched a new website as a
benefit to current members and as a 24 hour information point for trade
professionals who are interested in joining FairTrades.
The site gives further information on products available to members,
such as Insurance Backed Guarantees, Public/Employer’s Liability
Insurance, Van and Business Insurance, marketing materials to improve
business performance, copies of the Today’s Contractor newsletter,
special offers and much more.
Members also have access to the Yellow Pages/FairTrades Corporate Advertising
Scheme where they can make substantial savings on their Yellow Pages
advertising.
Homeowners visiting the site are redirected to FairTrades' sister company
site, http://www.homepro.com
where they can find a local, vetted trade professional.
If you are interested in a website link, advertising on the site (button/banner
adverts are available) or if you have any articles that you would like
to add to the FairTrades site, please contact:
Tel: 08707 38 48 58
Email: mailto:claire.harris@homepro.com
Web: http://www.fairtrades.co.uk
Web: http://www.homeproinsurance.co.uk
Improved
and Easier to Use – Log on and See for Yourself
Everwhite
Plastics Ltd
has updated its website to include more product information, a photo
gallery of its premises and products, and more news stories to keep
stockists, installers and homeowners in the picture. Just a year later
and the company is already updating the site further. Simon Reynolds,
Everwhite’s Sales and Marketing Director, explains: ‘We want
our website to reflect the continual development Everwhite thrives on.
While the new look website is still recognisably Everwhite in design,
we have updated it again to give it a fresher look that ensures it is
in keeping with the new marketing materials we have developed in this
period too.
‘Everwhite recognises the importance of having a professionally
designed, easy to navigate website for stockists, installers and homeowners.
Homeowners like to do their own research in their own time on home improvement
products much more now than they used to. The internet is increasingly
becoming the first point of call for easy fast product range and quality
and price comparisons. If manufacturers don’t have a website that
homeowners can easily access, they run the risk of not even being considered
for the job. If the manufacturer has a presence with the homeowner,
the homeowner is more likely to ask their local installer if they stock
that product, so improving sales for the installer and in turn, boosting
sales for the stockist. And of course our sales then improve too - everyone’s
a winner.’
Tel: 01685 882 447
Web: http://www.everwhite.biz
All
about Sika Adhesives on the Web
Engineers,
designers and specifiers have access to a wealth of product and technical
data at www.sika.co.uk/industry. The new user-friendly website from
Sika, the sealants and adhesives
supplier, is packed with useful information about its extensive range
of products and services.
Within the comprehensive Industry Division site are downloadable data
sheets and technical documents containing essential advice on a range
of products applicable to almost every market sector. Project guidance,
product types and brochures are dealt with in depth.
New additions include the Sikaflex Marine Handbook and Sikaflex 512
Caravan leaflet, both of which are available in colourful PDF formats
to download for reference. Also new within the site's information centre
is an easy-to-use Product Selector highlighting the relative performance
of each of the technologies under different application and service
conditions guiding the enquirer towards the best one for the job. The
site also features an estimating guide to determine volumes and quantities.
Fully launched at the beginning of the year, the revised site has been
a huge success and continues to attract high visitor numbers seeking
the most appropriate sealant and adhesive solutions. Simply click on
http://www.sika.co.uk/industry
for further information.
Sika manufactures a specialist adhesive system for almost every application
across a wide range of industry and construction sectors. The company
also offers technical support and service in developing professional
solutions for specific customer requirements.
For further information contact Kate Strauss on 01707 394444 or email
at mailto:industry@uk.sika.com
'Glaverbel
Glass Configurator' - a Unique Glass Calculation Tool on MyGlaverbel.com
'Looking
for information or total, reliable and rapid glass solutions? Whether
you are a sealed unit manufacturer, architect, glass processor or end
user, MyGlaverbel.com (the only glass website available in nine languages)
is the forum for converting your ideas into interior design or architectural
glass solutions.' says the company.
My Glass Toolbox contains various technical modules. The latest tool
on offer is The Glass Configurator, a module which enables you to calculate
the performances of any Glaverbel standard glazing.
To use the configurator, simply log in, go to My Glass Toolbox and click
on Glass Configurator. Then select a glass type, specify its thickness
and select the gas and cavity thickness. You will automatically receive
full data concerning the light and energy properties as well as the
UV transmission of the product you selected.
The toolbox is continually updated to include the most recent product
performances. The calculations given conform to EN and/or ISO standards.
Looking for other reasons to surf on MyGlaverbel.com? Hundreds of photographs
of projects from around the world using Glaverbel products are included
to illustrate their many applications. More than 25,000 pages of text
can be easily accessed with just a few clicks. When registered visitors
(whether end users, architects, glass companies, etc.) log in after
their first visit, the site will automatically be displayed in their
language with information specific to their own market. They will also
enjoy an enhanced level of information.
http://www.MyGlaverbel.com
Glass Configurator is available to all registered users
Sheerlite
Tops it All with New Brochure and Website
UK
systems company L.B. PLastics Ltd
has published a comprehensive product guide detailing its all-new Sheerlite
conservatory roof system, which is available on the new Sheerlite website.
The new, universal roof system offers fabricators of all window profile
systems the opportunity to buy roofs in kit form, or as bar length components.
Already Sheerlite is proving popular with mainstream Sheerframe systems
fabricators and is appealing to others who want to combine market differentiation
with good service, delivery and technical support.
The new 24 page brochure outlines the major benefits of Sheerlite with
detailed drawings of features such as the variable ventilated ridge
options and the fast-fit gutter designs. It also highlights the engineering
qualities of the system which has been rigorously tested at Taylor Woodrow's
UKAS accredited cladding technology centre in Hertfordshire.
Copies of the brochure are available on request. Selected details are
also available on the new Sheerlite website at http://www.sheerlite.co.uk
which features a hotline orderlng system.
Sapa Customers Switch On to Revolutionary New Technology
Sapa Building Systems has rolled out a new interactive Web Shop that it says is revolutionising how the company and its customers conduct their business.
The launch of the web shop is the result of £300k of investment and over 2 years of research and planning.
While the concept of on-line trading is well established in some areas of industry, the potential for the fenestration industry is relatively new. The Sapa web-shop goes beyond offering customers a simple on-line ordering facility and takes them to the next level in interactive trading.
Jon Palethorpe, Sales & Marketing Director for Sapa commented: ‘The over-riding benefit to customers is that they are in control as it allows them to view and check the status of an order, check a delivery or confirm a price at any time of the day or night. Technical data such as product manuals and bulletins are also easily accessible to the user and because the web-shop alerts the user to new product updates, our customers can be confident that they are always viewing the most up to date information available’.
The web shop facility, which was phased in over a number of months to ensure that customers received all the training they needed to be confident in operating the system, is part of a multi-million pound investment in new technology at Sapa.
DuPont
Glass Laminating Solutions
has introduced an online glass strength calculator which can be found
at the company’s website www.dupont.com/safetyglass. The easy-to-use
glass strength calculator can be used by architects to optimise their
designs for laminated glass balustrades, stair treads, floors, canopies
and much more – including one-sided and two-sided support systems
under uniform and line loads.
'We believe that this easy-to-use web tool to calculate glass strength
will assist designers by making the glass strength calculation less
burdensome and time-consuming,' said Jeff Granato, worldwide director
for architectural glass products at DuPont Glass Laminated Solutions.
Stress loads and deflection behaviors modelled
The strength calculator can help architects and structural engineers
model stress loads and deflection behaviors in glass laminates of varying
construction. Interactions with the tool include the ability to model
different types and thicknesses of laminated glass made with DuPont™
Butacite® PVB interlayers or new, stiffer SentryGlas® Plus structural
interlayers.
Support conditions include one-sided support systems, such as those
used in balustrades, and two-sided support systems, such as those used
in stairs. The calculator allows for loading of the glass at fixed locations
such as line loads, or as pressure loads spread across the surface.
Loads can be modelled for short-term or long-term conditions, simulating
glass performance challenges such as wind gusts or snow loads respectively,
and at various temperatures.
The calculator helps architects consider the relative influence of common
laminated glass design variables on strength performance in applications
they may be considering. Final specifications for laminated glass used
in construction projects should always be confirmed by qualified design
professionals.
Visit http://www.dupont.com/safetyglass
to locate the online glass strength calculator.
New
World Launches On-Line Training Programme
New
World Developments
is now providing one-to-one training of its on-line ordering programme
PanelSpec, at fabricator's premises.
PanelSpec, which can be used on or off line to select options which
builds an ideal door panel in minutes. Styles, colours, glass designs
and accessories can be selected, changed and viewed prior to placing
an order. This accurate preview ensures that customers will be completely
satisfied when the door is fitted.
'We have three in-house training personnel available and we will sit
with the buyer or sales team and practice ordering a door panel. There
is a logical sequence which only takes about five minutes. Even a total
novice will easily grasp it' says sales manager Alex Moore. 'The system
is straightforward, quick and foolproof. PanelSpec eliminates both paperwork
and errors so lots of fabricators have signed up. Time saved is profit
gained!'
Recently it scooped the DTI award as Northern Ireland’s champion
E-Business winner and it was also short-listed in the UK for the category
‘E-Systems Marketing’ by the Charted Institute of Marketing
[CIM].
New World is now recording over 90,000 hits per month for its ordering
service and product catalogue at http://www.nwd.uk.com
CEN
Solutions Website Goes Live
Just
as EN 1279 has passed final voting and is soon to be signed into law,
CEN Solutions Ltd, the glazing
and fenestration consultancy, is launching its new website: www.censolutions.com.
Technical director, Mike Gaillard comments: ‘We have always intended
that our website would be an information centre for the industry. Thousands
of sealed unit manufacturers have yet to achieve accreditation to EN
1279 and now that it is soon to be a legal requirement, time is running
out. Anyone visiting our website can follow a step by step guide on
all aspects of the accreditation process, so they can understand exactly
what is required. Obviously, one of our consultancy team will be happy
to support them through the process once they have made contact.’
The website is being kept up to date as developments on all European
legislation proposals affecting the glass and windows industry are announced.
It carries full details of all aspects of the CEN Solutions service
package, including the new test house facility and ongoing compliance
management support after initial accreditation.
Tel: 07985 073707
Web: http://www.censolutions.com
Rehau
Launches On-Line Customer Portal
Rehau
has launched a customer portal on its web site which allows it to offer
on-line ordering for the first time.
Piloted by a number of customers from Rehau’s Manchester sales
office at the end of 2004, it proved such a success that it is now being
rolled out to the rest of Rehau’s regional sales network and will
be fully operational across the UK and Ireland by the summer.
Accessed via http://www.rehau.co.uk,
the portal allows customers to order on-line either using their own
or Rehau’s part numbers and allows them to view the status of any
order 24-hours a day.
It is password protected and the content is tailored to each individual
customer. This means that orders can be placed based on a favourites
menu built up from previous transactions and customers can view relevant
price lists and stock information.
The portal is very user friendly and easy to navigate but Rehau is also
offering introductory training to all its customers.
The technology behind the portal means that it is also being used to
give customers access to other useful and relevant information from
Rehau. As well as product details from the whole of the Building Solutions
division, this will also include on-line versions of information bulletins,
newsletters and downloadable marketing material.
Wolfgang Gorner, Rehau’s Business Unit Manager, is delighted with
the response to the portal. He says: ‘More and more of our fabricators
have been asking us to facilitate on-line ordering and we are seeing
a really enthusiastic take up of the facility. They tell us that they
like the fact that it gives them instant access to all the information
they need about their orders and of course that it can be accessed 24
hours a day.
‘It isn’t intended to replace the sales and order processing
teams at our regional sales offices but rather to complement their work
and give customers an even better and more flexible service.’
Tel: 01989 762600
Independent
hardware distributor, Wagner, has
announced the launch of a fresh new website.
The site, which can be reached through Wagner’s online shop, is
a good tool for promoting new products and special offers, as well as
giving existing and potential customers, architects and specifiers direct
contact details for sales, technical and accounts personnel within the
company.
Full details of the company’s six UK sites are given, as well as
a comprehensive A-Z of products and brands within the hardware range
and a link to the Architectural Ironmongery Division.
Users can find out about the company’s history and also view current
news items, such as events and product modifications etc.
There is a link to the online shop, where registered users can place
and track orders online, and check their prices and stock levels 24
hours a-day.
Web: http://www.wagnergb.com