Glass News July 2015

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing NewspaperIssue 52

July 2015

INSTAllERS | FAbRICATORS | GlASS PEOPlE | AlSO STOCkED IN TRADE COUNTERS

IG Glass News July15 Earpiece AW.indd 1 24/06/2015 12:59

Roger Hartshorn and Bill Griffiths have jointly announced the acquisition of Flamstead Holdings Ltd, including HL Plastics Ltd, Wegoma Machinery Sales Ltd and Vintage Windows Ltd, in a deal with Quanex Building Products Corporation.

HOwDy lINIAR! AmericAn giAnt QuAnex AcQuires HL PLAstics in ALL cAsH deAL of APProx. $145m

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Quanex, a North American industry-leading supplier of cutting edge energy-efficient window and door systems and components with $600+ million in sales listed on the New York Stock Exchange, only acquires strong business partners that have a deep commitment to customers, are eager for growth and are considered technological leaders in the fenestration and related industries.

Its latest acquisitions certainly fit these criteria, with HL Plastics’ innovative Liniar PVCu range setting industry standards in thermal efficiency and Wegoma’s Supercut machining centre helping to improve window fabricators’ productivity.

Hartshorn commented: “I am excited about our future with Quanex as I believe the combination of our outstanding companies will help to drive us even further forward and accelerate growth secured by a strong, financially sound industrial organisation.

Continued on Page 4 with exclusive Glass News interview with Roger Hartshorn...

Brent Korb (left) and Bill Griffiths (right) of Quanex with Roger Hartshorn.

Trade Counters are changing the landscape of the industry. Are you a builder who now offers double-glazing as standard? Did you start out as a traditional window fitter and are now offering other home improvements?

2 July 2015 | www.glassnews.co.uk

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3www.glassnews.co.uk | July 2015

JUly 2015The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

4 Front Page Story

6 Face To Face

8 Doors

16 Windows

30 Conservatories

38 Machinery

42 Glass News Interview: Promac/Double R

44 Hardware Expert

46 Tech Talk

48 Installer Focus

56 Trade Counter News

60 Glass News Interview: UPVC Maintenance Supplies

61 Face To Face

62 Glass News Interview: GQA

64 Colour

66 Trade News

78 Legal Eagle

80 Glass News Interview: Whiteline

82 Glass

88 Recruitment

93 Time Out!

94 Charity News

94 Voice Of The Industry

95 Software & IT

95 Find A Supplier

CONTENTS

CONTACT DETAIlSPublisher & owner: Christina Shaw 12 Sunderland Street, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9QJ M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: [email protected]

Advertising enquiries: Christina Shaw M: 07805 051322 T: 01302 759096 E: [email protected]

editor: Chris Champion T: 07850 267223 E: [email protected]

features editor: Sheilah Reed M: 07880 990144 E: [email protected]

sales: Kathy Leeming T: 01405 947279 E: [email protected]

trade counter distribution department: Roz Worgan E: [email protected]

graphic design: hook-a-duck

deadline for copy: 28th of each monthglassnews™ is a registered Trademark.

The views contained herein are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and whilst every effort is made to ensure information throughout is correct, glassnews™ does not accept liability for errors. The views expressed by contributors and the content of letters, are not necessarily those of glassnews™ and therefore cannot take responsibility.

The paper we use is 100% recycled.

Please recycle this newspaper so we can continue to use recycling in our effort to help the environment.

June 2015 crossword solution:

Over the past couple of months I’ve been fortunate to visit a number of manufacturers and fabricators and, wherever I go, it seems that innovation abounds. New products, adaptations and improvements, colours et al! Take Eastbourne based Whiteline as an example. Not content with the profile available, they are prepared to invest in tooling to improve the standard profile and give their customers something unique.

Have a look at the interview with Whiteline’s Steve Milham in this issue of Glass News to see what I mean. I also popped in to see Martin James at Dutemann and again lots happening there, too. With a move to bigger premises imminent, the appointment of a new Sales Manager and the continuing success of Glide-S….it still amazes me how just two panels spanning 6.7m wide by 3.2m wide and weighing 400 kilos per panel, can move so easily. There’s continuing development of the GRP composite door, a highly successful product but still being developed and improved. Visiting Dan Sullivan at DOORCO opened my eyes to the possibilities for the future of the GRP door.

Now you may think this is just an excuse to mention a number of companies and give them some extra publicity but that’s not the case - there’s method in my madness!

The point I’m trying to make is that, as an industry, we have the ability to produce remarkable products and, seemingly, keep improving them. But are we doing enough to let the buying public know about all this innovation? Our business model largely relies on the installer to advertise to the public unless, of course, you are one of the vertically integrated businesses. This means that promotion takes place in a relatively small area….the area covered by the local installer.

I was thinking about the problem and musing over the fact that things have changed radically from the heydays of my marketing career where, in other industries, we spent £millions on TV and

national press advertising, and it was so much easier in those days with a choice of advertising on only two TV channels and where a mid-break ad in Coronation Street would harvest between 15 million and 20 million viewers. Now, of course, the choice of channels runs into the hundreds so, and if you had the money, where would you advertise? In another of my ‘friends and family’ surveys, the picture becomes even more confused! If you think that it’s the older generation who have the disposable income, it turns out that the re-runs of Midsomer Murders, Miss Marple and the like, on ITV4, are far preferable to the game shows and reality shows of the major channels.

Is there an answer to this problem? I really wish there was because I have that sneaking suspicion that we are missing a trick….and a substantial business opportunity. Perhaps we are relying on the public to search Google (other search engines are also available) to find out what’s new in the realms of glass, windows, hardware and doors. As things stand, the installer is the most important link in the supply chain: the one who has contact with the buyer, or potential buyer, and the one who advertises the goods in the local papers and magazines. There are many installer schemes aimed at giving them the tools to market to the public but is it enough to get the homeowners attention focussed on all these new products that are available? I would just love to switch on the TV one evening and see adverts for some of these new products. I think the public would be surprised at what’s on offer. Incidentally, that advert would have to be on ITV4….I’ll be one of the old duffers watching Midsomer Murders!

INNOvATION AbOUNDS, but are we telling enough people about it?

/GlassNews

Christina Shaw

@GlassnewsMag

Chris

Got SometHiNG to Say? Email Chris at: [email protected]

‘TIME OUT’ wINNERS – JUNE!crossword: Gillian McGowan, East Sussex

eye spy: Frank Higgins, Sheffield

spot the difference: John Matthews, Q-Railing, Newcastle

sudoku: Rose Arnold, Clearview, Nantwich

Congratulations to all our winners! Good Luck in this months Time Out pages!

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Continued from page 1...

“By remaining financially involved and continuing as Group CEO for a minimum of five years, I am ensuring it will be ‘business as usual’ for staff and customers alike.

“My commitment has always been to launch new and exciting products for the benefit of our customers, and to generate employment opportunities to stimulate the economy – and with Quanex resources behind us, we will unlock the potential to achieve even greater success.”

Quanex has a track record of success in the UK and European markets, having acquired Edgetech in 2011 and helped to take the company to new heights.

Quanex Chairman, President and CEO Bill Griffiths was on site at Flamstead’s headquarters in Derbyshire to help announce the news to staff at the three companies and answer any questions.

He remarked: “The businesses Roger and his team have built are a great fit with the Quanex philosophy and we’re delighted we’ve been able to agree a deal that includes his continued involvement for the long term future. We plan to work with Roger and his team to take the Liniar and Wegoma ranges to the next level through innovation and collaboration.”

Tarpey Harris Ltd and Flamstead Investments Ltd, the remaining companies in the Flamstead Group owned by Hartshorn, will see no change, with Roger reaffirming his commitment to the business and retaining overall ownership.

Although the acquisition has surprised the trade it will be no great surprise that the company is valued so highly.

HL Plastics Ltd designs and manufactures the Liniar range of PVCu extrusions at its state of the art factory in Denby, and has seen substantial growth in the UK manufacturing sector, in no small part due to the launch of the Liniar window profile in 2008.

Operating from a state of the art factory and mixing plant in the heart of Derbyshire, HLP celebrated its 40th birthday in 2014 and has won a multitude of awards including Derby Telegraph Company of the Year in 2014 as well as the Growing Business Award for mid-sized companies, sponsored by Lloyds Bank and supported by the CBI. The innovative Liniar range was also voted Systems

Company of the Year in the 2014 National Fenestration Awards, and the brand is the main sponsor of the NFA Cool Wall.

Entrepreneur Roger Hartshorn commenced his career on the shop floor at HL Plastics and is now Managing Director. A well-known figure within the industry, Roger was voted number 3 in the Window Industries’ Top 30 Most Influential list in 2013, and also features in The Manufacturer 2014 Top 100 influential individuals in UK manufacturing alongside business heavyweights from household brands such as Dyson, MacLaren, JCB and Rolls-Royce.

The Flamstead Group of companies was included in

the London Stock Exchange’s inaugural 2013 book “1000 Companies to Inspire Britain”, and again in the second edition published in 2015.

With over 400 jobs created in the Derbyshire area (500 across the Flamstead Group), the company continues to grow and add to the UK economy.

The deal also includes Wegoma Machinery Sales, the UK business which became part of the Flamstead Group of companies in 2014. With renewed resources behind the company, Wegoma provides a different approach to windows machinery by having machines on a much reduced lead time or even available from stock.

Supplying a full and comprehensive product range from hand tools up to and including fully CNC controlled production lines, the Wegoma team’s comprehensive industry experience has been gained over decades to address the various challenges of window manufacture.

Tarpey Harris Ltd is being retained by Hartshorn. The company was formed in 1969, designing and manufacturing high quality tooling and wax injection production at a modern, purpose-built site in Denby, Derbyshire. Its main business is split into two divisions.

The toolmaking facility specialises in precision engineering and the design and manufacture of high quality tooling covering a wide range of industries – of which the largest are aerospace, power generation, medical and plastics.

Tarpey Harris’ wax injection facility produces and assembles wax patterns for companies including Rolls-Royce and AETC.


FRONT COvER STORy

Roger Hartshorn cutting a cake in celebration of the recent 40th anniversary of HL Plastics

“A well-known figure within the industry, Roger was voted number 3 in the Window Industries’ Top 30 Most Influential list in 2013, and also features in The Manufacturer 2014 Top 100 influential individuals in UK manufacturing alongside business heavyweights from household brands such as Dyson, MacLaren, JCB and Rolls-Royce.”

reAder enQuirY no: 0715/0004

Speaking exclusively to Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, Roger Hartshorn answers a few of the questions not included in the official press release...

Does this acquisition indicate global, or certainly overseas market, ambitions for the Liniar brand?

There’s nothing imminent in the pipeline, but if an overseas opportunity was shown to have any benefits then of course we’d consider it.

Does HL Plastics virtually disappear with Liniar becoming the Quanex brand?

Not at all – the only change is to the overall ownership of the Flamstead Holdings group, of which HL Plastics is a subsidiary company. Quanex has purchased the group on the strength of the Liniar brand and HL Plastics’ 40-year history and expertise, so it certainly won’t want us to lose that identity.

i would presume, understandably, that staying on for 5 years was part of the deal. you’re a young man: what are your ambitions post 2020 and i don’t mean sitting on your own island in the sun?

Thanks for the compliment! All I’d say is that five years is a long time, so whatever I may think now is likely to change a number of times before then. Maybe I’ll reduce my hours after five years, but I can’t see myself sitting on any islands twiddling my thumbs…

Will Quanex be using your skills within the enlarged group? For instance, will you be joining the main board of Quanex?

I won’t be joining the Quanex board, no. I can tell you that they’ve expressed a keen interest in sharing our experiences and expertise within their own facilities in the US as there’s a definite correlation between our businesses.

I’d like to reiterate that we spent a long time looking for the right organisation and selecting Quanex. The team there have similar values to my own, they are easy to get along with and will provide proper ownership for the companies I’ve helped to build. I didn’t want to sell to a private equity buyer, looking to squeeze out a profit and exit after a few years – Quanex are in it for the long term, which should reassure our staff and our customers alike.

Thanks Roger. i appreciate your sharing these insights with Glass News, and wish you and your team well for the future.

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FACE TO FACE The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IT’S All AbOUT yOUwhere you were born and live, currently…I was born in Keighley in West Yorkshire and lived there until I moved to Macclesfield, Cheshire in 2013. Although there was a period between 1998 and 2003 I lived in London for work reasons.

your education and the subject or activity in which you excelled…I did ok at school. To be honest, I didn’t go to a great school. If you weren’t interested then the teachers weren’t particularly interested either, but my father made sure I worked hard and I ended up coming out with 9 GCSE’s, all around a C grade. I enjoyed Geography and History and Drama (I was always the attention seeker!). I was good at English and enjoyed writing stories. I also loved sport but was never as good as I wanted to be, although I played rugby at a pretty decent level.

your favourite sports or interests…I love sport in general, but my favourites are golf, football and rugby union. I played both football and rugby from an early age and got into golf in my 20’s. My

son, who is 12-years-old, is an exceptional golfer and plays to a high level so most of my spare time is spent helping him now with his coaching and ferrying him around to competitions. He and I go to watch Liverpool play football whenever we can. I did my Duke of Edinburgh during my late teens and was awarded a bronze and silver but due to work never finished my gold completely, which I regret now. I also used to manage a football team when I was living in Yorkshire.

your biggest regret in life…I don’t really believe in regrets but if I had to dig for one I’d say not carrying on at college to a higher level. I wish I had taken a degree in manufacturing but I stopped at NVQ level.

Someone or something that inspires you…There are lots of people from many different fields who I admire for one reason or another, but I was inspired by my father a lot, he taught me an amazing work ethic and to always strive to be the best at whatever I did. In sport, I always admired Steven Gerrard and Brain O’Driscoll, for obvious reasons. They’re sportsmen who achieved the pinnacle in their careers and devoted their lives to their sport. Also David Attenborough inspires me still doing what he does well into his 80’s, and the

places and things he has seen in his life.

The temptation you can’t resist…That’s a difficult one, but I’d have to say a big dirty fry up. I’ve been trying to get in shape as of late and the one thing I’ve missed is a full English. Once I get to my ideal weight it will be my little treat.

yOUR CAREERwhen and how you joined this industry…I have been involved in manufacturing for 15 years now and got into the composite door market specifically in 2013.

I worked in the timber industry for the years before that and came into the GRP market through DOORCO when I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to run their

door prepping facility. There wasn’t much difference with the day to day running of manufacturing but I had to learn new products and how exactly this market differed from the timber one, but all in all the things I’ve learned over the years helped me set up this factory and help make it the amazing success it is today.

I got into GRP by meeting the owners of DOORCO whilst working in Asia setting up a factory there. It was a difficult decision to go out there to work with a family but had I not done it I would not be where I am today so I suppose everything happens for a reason.

The job you do in 25 words…I run a composite door prepping facility as the production manager overseeing the day to day running of the factory and am also heavily involved in R&D work.

your greatest achievement…Apart from the birth of my amazing son, I’d have to say getting the job I am in now. I always dreamed of setting up a factory from scratch and working hard to make it a successful business, which with DOORCO I can safely say I have achieved. This company has a lot more to offer this industry but to get to where we have got in less than three years is staggering. The company is constantly evolving and everyday there is a new venture to get my teeth into and I have no doubt DOORCO in the coming years will be recognised as the number one composite door supplier in the UK, if it isn’t already.

The mistake you’d like to correct…I can’t say I can correct anything in my working life, at nearly 40-years-old I am exactly where I aimed to be. I will not rest there though, and I am definitely in a business that is expanding very fast. I got sent off once in a big rugby final for clotheslining an opponent and didn’t get a winners medal because of it so if I could go back I wouldn’t take that poor lad clean out like I did - sorry whoever you were.

The talent you would like to enhance…I still have lots to learn and as the business grows I will take on more responsibility and will need to enhance lots of skills. I like working at a hundred miles an hour so I’m learning to be more efficient and take stock before running into everything head on.

AND yOUR FUTUREwhat you would like to do if you weren’t in the industry…I would like to be a sports journalist. I used to write football reports for the local rag and was pretty darn good at it too.

A particular ambition…To be the Production Director of the biggest composite door supplier in the UK. Simple as that.

The way you want to be remembered…A good guy who was loyal to his friends and family and someone everyone looked at and thought, “That lad’s a grafter.”

THIS MONTH: Jason Higgins Production Manager, DOORCO Ltd, MacclesfieldJason Higgins is DOORCO Ltd’s rugby-loving Production Manager who loves a good fry up… when he’s not busy running a composite door prepping facility that is. An admirer of Steven Gerrard and David Attenborough, he went from the timber industry into manufacturing and has worked specifically in the composite door market since 2013.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email [email protected].

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Polyframe has become one of the first fabricators to start manufacturing composite door frames using the new slimline outer frame profiles recently launched by ReHaU.

The G-14 Fabricator of the Year is now manufacturing complete composite door sets for customers using the new REHAU TOTAL70 62mm profile at its dedicated door manufacturing facility in Mansfield.

Simon Loker, Marketing Manager at Polyframe, said: “The new door profile is a fantastic addition to the REHAU range. It means that all those installers who currently buy their REHAU windows from us can now buy REHAU doors as well.

“They can offer their retail customers a complete REHAU package and they can order it all from Polyframe direct.”

Polyframe has already begun manufacturing composite doors in the REHAU outer frame, with a choice of more than 20 different slab styles in 10 different colours.

REHAU’s Marketing and Technical Director Gareth Jones added: “Polyframe has been quick to realise the potential of the new outer frame in terms of winning business from all those installers who like to fit REHAU.

“They are successfully promoting all the benefits of being able to suite the door frames with side lights and matching window installations in REHAU TOTAL70, and are making sure that their REHAU customers don’t have any need to go anywhere else.”

The REHAU composite door profile was specifically developed to allow fabricators like

Polyframe who are already manufacturing composite doors to offer a fully suited REHAU window and door package.

It can be used to produce a door with a DER A rating and works neatly with all of the most widely used low thresholds on the market.


DOORS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Ark Flood Defence Network has developed an innovative flood door system which has achieved the essential ‘Zero’ leakage score in the PAS1188:1 2014 test for flood defence products using REHAU TOTAL70 outer frame profile.

The Ark Flood Defence door uses a high specification multi-point locking mechanism which creates a tight compression seal between the door sash and the frame, making it more watertight than a standard door – even when faced with water at a height of up to 600mm.

The door is available in a wide range of designs and colours, with a choice of different panel and glazing options. It has the look of a conventional panel door but with the added security of flood protection.

Phil Woodhead, a Director at Ark Flood Defence said: “As we have seen in recent years, flooding is a year round risk in the UK now. Homeowners who fear that their properties are at risk are looking for solutions which can give them protection and peace of mind. Our new flood doors in a REHAU outer frame offer the security and reassurance they require and, as a result, present a really great new sales opportunity for trade installers.”

Ark Flood Defence supplies trade and commercial customers and offers trade customers the opportunity to become Network Partners. Further details, including images of the PAS1188: 1 2014 testing, are available on the website at: www.arkflooddefencenet.com.



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Synseal has launched a new range of masterdor Benchmark high quality, low maintenance GRP composite doors, readily available for sale to the trade via Synseal’s nationwide network of approved direct purchasing account partners.

Featuring 14 beautiful and popular residential door styles with an array of stunning glass designs supplied by Synseal’s IGU manufacturing division Global Glass, the Masterdor Benchmark range is neatly summarised in an informative 40-page brochure designed for sales presentation to UK homeowners.

“Launch of this new GRP composite door range is an important step in the development of our Masterdor Ltd group subsidiary business,” comments Synseal Chief Executive, David Leng. “We’ve compiled an ideal range of door style and matching glass combinations with colour finish and hardware options together with premium and security upgrades, all available on a 7-day lead time. Everything is packaged into an easy-to-use brochure backed by an online sales configurator on www.masterdorbenchmark.co.uk and a recommended retail price list is also available to help our customers sell directly to consumers.”

Masterdor Benchmark doors all have attractive names such as the ‘Moorgreen’, ‘Derwent’ and ‘Butterley’, inspired by local rivers and water courses located across the Derbyshire region, which is home to Masterdor Ltd’s production facilities at Nether Heage.

Available in 11 stylish external colours and woodgrains, all Masterdor Benchmark doors boast a White internal finish and 44mm thick door leaves, constructed of a hard-wearing GRP skin and a core of 40mm high density foam for excellent thermal performance. Outer frames are manufactured using multi-chambered and triple-sealed Sheerframe lead-free chamfered PVC-U profile fitted with plastic thermal reinforcement for added strength, security and thermal efficiency.

Choices include 3 threshold designs including a Part M compliant aluminium low threshold, 3 types of sill, 4 styles of sidelight, fire resistance specifications and hardware upgrades.

The ‘Premium’ upgrade employs Hoppe handles, letterboxes and door knockers to provide a 10 year guarantee for both mechanical operation and surface finish. The ‘Secured by Design’ upgrade meets the UK

Police preferred specification requirements with additional £1,000 break-in insurance cover and an ERA 5-star guarantee is available against forced door entry for up to 10 years.

For further information contact Mark Schlotel on 01623 446207 or 07764 229694; email [email protected].

Installer DGA Frames has installed front doors in half the houses in a street in Weston-Super-Mare.

After installing a new Door-Stop composite door to his own house, Dave Goodwin, owner of DGA Frames, had so many enquiries from his neighbours he’s now fitted 6 more doors in ‘The Copse’. There are only 12 houses, all detached, on the small cul-de-sac in Weston-Super-Mare, and doors 8 and 9 are already being lined up by Dave.

“It’s a lovely cul-de-sac with detached houses built around 10-12 years ago. The original doors were cheap and cheerful metal composites,” comments Dave Goodwin. “The paint is now flaking off and the thermal

insulation isn’t great. We’re replacing them with a much higher quality, energy efficient GRP composite door. Every time we’ve put one in it’s generated enquires from the neighbours – it’s all about keeping up with the Joneses!”

Most of the doors have been supplied in traditional black or white, but red and Anthracite

Grey have also been chosen. Two typically popular styles – 4 panel 1 arch and 2 panel 2 square 1 arch – were preferred.

DGA Frames deals with new enquiries quickly. “We always use the Door-Stop dropcards that come free with each door – these are branded with our own logo and company details, but

we also add the house number that we’ve just fitted so people can take a look. The dropcards work really well with our newly revamped website, especially now we’ve added Door-Stop’s Sales Manager. Homeowners can design a door on our website and ask for an emailed quote or a callback, which has helped win us 4 customers this week.

DGA Frames supplies and installs windows, doors (including bi-folds and curved sliding doors), and conservatories, as well as glass balustrades and balconies which are specified all over the UK. DGA also has a trade counter and Weston’s largest indoor showroom.

For more information on DGA Frames visit http://www.dgaframes.co.uk/.

Order a Door-Stop door today at www.door-stop.co.uk, or follow Door-Stop on Twitter @doorstopdoors or LinkedIn at www.linkedin.com/company/door-stop-international.




kEEPING UP wITH THE JONESES! dgA frAmes fits doors in HALf A street in 6 montHs

DGa Frames has fitted half the doors in Weston cul-de-sac ‘The Copse’.

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Wintech engineering Limited, the UKaS accredited testing specialist, is pleased to announce an 18% increase in its turnover for the latest financial year.

Gailord Nepp, Managing Director of Wintech comments: “We take a slightly different approach to testing at Wintech – we want to make the whole process easy and as quick and painless for customers as possible. That’s why across all our divisions: window and door, onsite and façade testing, we aim to deliver a high standard of service at all times. As a result we have a loyal customer base that have partnered with us for the last 20 years.”

Mike Wass, Technical Director of Wintech adds: “Within the Window and Door division we have seen a particular increase in demand for Secured by Design testing, which we expect to continue with the recent announcement that Approved Document Q: Security has been passed and will be introduced in October. Companies are also switching to Wintech because they know they can rely on us. For example customers tell us that the lead time for cyclical door testing is prohibitively high with other suppliers, but that they can rely on Wintech to deliver what they need, when they need it.”

Gailord concludes: “We’re thrilled with our latest results but we are always looking to continuously improve our service and in-house efficiencies so we have no intention of resting on our laurels and will continue to work with customers to provide everything they need.”

For more information about Wintech Engineering please call 01952 586580 or visit www.wintechtesting.com.

DEMAND FOR Wintech testing On the Up

DOORSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper


Bifolding Doors | Patio Doors | Residential Doors | Lantern RoofsWindows | Box Sash Windows | Flush Casement Windows

Timber, PVCu & Aluminium

01625 439 666 [email protected] www.katuk.co.uk

Endurance® Doors are proud to announce the latest door in their extensive range: the Mayon.

This stylish door is designed to complement modern architecture with its simple, elegant lines and can be specified in a wide range of colours and configurations to suit existing schemes. It’s shown here in their luxurious new Walnut colourway with a stainless steel pull handle.

The entire Endurance Door® range is built with strength and security in mind and the Mayon is no exception. It features a Kerto LVL solid core made up from 17 laminations to

provide a 48 mm thick cross bonded timber slab offering unrivalled strength and stability. It is available with a range of locks including remote locking systems and can be supplied fully Secured by Design compliant.

Managing Director Stephen Nadin is excited to see the Mayon launched to their trade customers. “It’s always a pleasure to see a new design roll off the production line for the first time” he says, “all of us at Endurance® Doors have worked hard to make the Mayon a reality so it’s great that it’s ready for sale”.

The Mayon is not the only new door design to be added to the Endurance® range. “With the great feedback we have received since we launched our more traditional styles we have created a further two complimentary doors designs. These will

come to market this July” Stephen adds.

To find out more about the Mayon or any other Endurance® Doors products please visit endurancedoors.co.uk or call 01652 659259.


introducing the Mayon froM endurance® doors

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an exclusive partnership has been agreed between two leading manufacturers of sealing solutions to supply a new product to the UK window and door industry.

Birmingham based ExtrudaSeal has teamed up with Spanish company TecSeal to add the innovative Tri-Fin® wool pile to its portfolio. Tri-Fin® features an advanced design, with three pliable barrier fins, and can help dramatically improve weather tightness on PVC-u, aluminium and timber windows and doors. Tests have shown a 25% reduction in air infiltration compared to a single fin.

“We’re always looking for new ways to help our clients further improve performances on their windows and doors,” said Chris Byers, ExtrudaSeal managing director. “This partnership means ExtrudaSeal is the UK’s exclusive supplier of the advanced Tri-Fin® wool pile, which delivers a long list of benefits for the fabricator.”

With an ideal material consistency and maximum structural integrity, the Tri-Fin® creates a tighter seal against air and water infiltration that is also highly durable. The wool pile has been successfully tested under pressures up to 600 Pa in sliding systems, achieving class 4A air permeability according to BS EN 12207:2000.

The deal comes as the Government’s deadline for the implementation of a zero carbon policy on new homes is quickly approaching. “Next

year will see the industry facing tighter energy efficiency requirements for the new build market, and we’re preparing to assist our clients with a series of innovative products that will enable them to capitalise on the new opportunities in this sector. Tri-Fin® is the next generation of wool pile and we are delighted to supply this solution to the UK market,” added Chris.

Tri-Fin® features laminated fins, an exclusive technology developed by TecSeal which, apart from providing excellent weather tightness, also helps reduce the noise made by a window or door when operated. The advanced technology means the fins, fibres and backing are part of an integrated assembly that won’t break, bind or stretch during fabrication or while in use. For more information on Tri-Fin®, or other sealing solutions for windows and doors, call ExtrudaSeal on 0121 3569733.

INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIP bRINGS new sealing solution to the uK MarKet

extrudaSeal managing director, Chris Byers (left), and Joaquin Gracia, owner of tecSeal (right).

Tom has been with IG Doors for over 10 years and jumped at the chance to move onto the Truedor side of the business when the opportunity came along last year; why...

“I could see what was going on with the product and how it was being developed very specifically to meet the demands of the trade/consumer market and it really struck me that it was going to be an exciting ride”!

“Having been with IG Doors for 10 years I was delighted that the company was completely open to the idea of me moving into a different area of the business as a part of my own personal development, but in equal measure to bring my experience of the company and how it works into our new venture”.

“I have not been disappointed – it is everything I was expecting and more. My life outside of work is quite regimented. I get

up at 5am and enjoy a high protein breakfast. Then I make my son’s packed lunch for school and make sure his uniform is ironed and looking pristine. Once my morning routine is done, I head to the gym for the 6.30am opening for my daily workout then my ‘Truedor day’ begins!

It is great to see what has happened overnight with our on-line ordering system for the trade and how many orders have come into the business. It is a real buzz”.

“The next few hours are spent checking the orders, looking for any anomalies or technical queries which I think might need to be checked with the customers and phoning them up. I really enjoy the personal contact”.

“As a company we want to be known for offering outstanding customer service, and going the extra mile is the least we can do. It is exactly why I wanted to get involved with the trade team in the first place - it is dynamic, personable, challenging - and very rarely dull”.

“The rest of the day continues in the same vein, lots of customer contact, answering queries, preparing estimates, problem solving – all leading to a great sense of satisfaction for me personally and the rest of the team I work with”.

“At the end of a day, knowing I have given 100% and that I have done my job in looking after our customers, and knowing that I have worked as a part of a team with my colleagues gives me a great sense of satisfaction”. After all Truedor is more than a great looking door!

“Tired and exhausted I head for home to my family, PJ’s on sat on the sofa like lord of the manor the day comes to an end…. but I know I get to do it all again tomorrow – ideal”!

tel: 01633 627 190 www.truedor.co.uk




An ideAl ‘dAy in the life’ of... Tom ReaRdon SENIOR SALES & CUSTOMER SERvICES CO-ORDINATOR FOR TRUEDOR...

13www.glassnews.co.uk | July 2015IG Glass News July15 Ad AW.indd 1 24/06/2015 13:08

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Fresh from having launched its redeveloped and much improved Door Designer app for apple devices, Solidor has now launched this for all android devices, through Google Play.

The new Door Design App benefits from a completely new environment to provide a far better user experience for consumers and salesmen with mobile devices and tablets. This will help create the most individual of door designs with the full Solidor range available, including side panels, French and stable doors. The improved functionality and additional features have been carefully implemented, so that users can save various door designs in their own Solidor gallery, find their local installer and share their design with friends.

A new entrance can be brought to life by designing a door specifically to suit the front of your home by taking a photograph or indeed, choosing one from a pre-determined gallery of house facades. Throughout the process of designing a door, consumers are able to choose door and frame colours both inside and out, thanks to the new inside view feature, glass options, hardware finish and once they are happy with the final design, that there’s the facility to request a quote or even share it with friends. It’s a relatively quick process, yet it can generate an infinite number of beautiful door combinations.

The response for the revised Apple version of this App has already been impressive, with great feedback on the improved functionality from version one.

The Apps for both Android and Apple are all part of a range of new marketing tools that are planned for launch during the course of the year as Solidor firmly sets its position as the ultimate composite door brand in the UK.

Joe Martoccia, managing director of Solidor comments: ‘So far this year it’s been all about investing in our business operations and we’re now seeing some excellent service performance indicators. Whilst we are very much still on that journey to excellence, we can now begin to introduce some of the exciting business development plans. We will be introducing a superb range of powerful sales and marketing tools to support our network partners and making our Door Designer app available across both mobile platforms is another example of delivering industry-leading sales enablers to our network.

He continues: ‘The product innovation and marketing that have helped build this incredible brand is now very much back in full swing and we’ve an incredibly exciting future ahead of us.’

To find out more about Solidor then log on to their website at www.solidor.co.uk, call their sales office on 01782 847300, or add to their Twitter following @solidorltd. You can download the free Solidor App at Apple’s App Store or on Google Play by searching for Solidor.

Origin, the leading British manufacturer, celebrates one year today since launching its premium quality flush casement window, adding to the company’s Origin Home range of bi-folding doors, windows and blinds.

The Origin Window has had an impressive first year since launching at the FiT Show in 2014. Sales have increased quickly; averaging nearly 18% each month from December 2014, which has contributed to a 34% rise in Origin’s year on year turnover.

Neil Ginger, CEO at Origin, said: “The adoption rate from our trade customers has been incredibly high, with 88% now offering the Origin Window. We’re extremely pleased about how the window has been

received by both trade and consumer customers, which is reflected in a large number of agents displaying it in their showrooms.”

The Origin Window was introduced in response to demand from trade partners who were seeking a window to match the quality and aesthetics of Origin’s bi-folding door system.

Designed and engineered at the company’s High Wycombe factory by Neil Ginger and the internal R&D team, the window has also allowed Origin to grow its network of display agents.

It has also led to increased orders for the company’s bi-fold doors. “Giving homeowners the choice of having windows to match their bi-fold doors has boosted our overall sales. The number of customers ordering with Origin has risen by 41% in the last year alone.”

Since launching the new window, Origin has halved the lead time on the bespoke system. Neil explains: “When we launched the window we knew that customers would want the same standard of customer service that they receive when ordering our doors. As a result, we

have cut the lead time on our window system to just one week – a record for the window industry.

“We now plan to reduce this lead time even further, matching the zero lead time ‘Your Lead Time, Not Ours’ service offered on the Origin Bi-fold Door.”

The Origin Window has an industry leading 20 year guarantee and is available in a number of configurations; fixed, side or top hung, dummy sash and gable.

The aluminium window frames offer the right combination of strength and weight, allowing for narrow sightlines, whilst providing superior thermal performance and improved acoustic dampening.

Available in over 150+ different colour options, the Origin Window is the perfect match for any modern build, but also an ideal replacement for windows in a period property,

For further information on the Origin Window, please visit www.origin-global.com.

2015 marks the 20th year in business for leading Humberside-based composite door manufacturer, Hallmark Panels. The company, which specialises in the manufacture of PVC-U and aluminium decorative infill panels, composite doors and architectural mouldings is a long-standing client of The VeKa UK Group, using renowned Halo profile systems for the outer-frame of its extensive and varied range of doors.

Hallmark Panels has manufactured infill panels for the window industry for more than 25 years and is one of the pioneers of composite door manufacturing with over 20 years’ experience. The company is considered to be at the forefront of design and innovation, leading the way in both modern and traditional product design offerings.

Group Marketing & Digital Manager, Gary Maddock-Greene comments: “During my time at Hallmark, I have seen numerous innovative products developed and delivered to market. Our wide range of products – including GRP

Architectural products, twin-rebated composite doors and bespoke panel manufacturing at our group company, Laminated Supplies – often takes new customers by surprise. By investing in 5 state-of-the-art CNC machines over the last 10 years we have been able to reduce internal manufacturing costs and time to market, enabling Hallmark to become more competitive without compromise on quality or service.”

Hallmark uses both traditionally sculptured and contemporary-looking bevelled profiles from the Halo portfolio, further maximising the potential for personalisation in its door designs.

Gary continues: “When deciding on a PVC-U profile manufacturer to work with, Halo’s dominant market position was a major contributing factor. As one of the UK’s leading composite door manufacturers, we needed an established, competent supplier that could demonstrate a commitment to continued product development and supply. Through the distinctive aesthetics of Halo’s Rustique and Eclipse 70mm profiles, we are able to cater to a wide and varied market.”

Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director for The VEKA UK Group adds: “We’re proud that Halo profile plays such an important part in the winning blend of materials and techniques that Hallmark Panels has developed over the years.

The company demonstrates a truly proactive approach to its work, constantly looking for ways to improve and streamline its manufacturing processes, minimise its environmental impact and pass the savings onto clients. Values like these align perfectly with what we do at The VEKA UK Group and we look forward to continuing our work together with Hallmark. Here’s to another 20 years’ success!”

Hallmark Group Products companies, Hallmark Panels, Laminated Supplies and Fortrace have now been joined by Toughened Glass Solutions Ltd., adding a fast and efficient supply of shaped, toughened glass services to the group and high quality sealed units to the trade.

The company’s recent purchase of a TRUMPF laser cutting machine coincides with the launch of new aluminium door and panel collections and, with an expanded range of 30-minute fire doors hitting the market, Hallmark is set to continue its impressive programme of product innovations throughout its 20th anniversary year.

Tel: 01282 716611 - www.vekauk.com




SOlIDOR’S DOOR DESIGN APP NOw ON ANDROID

ORIGIN CELEbRATES ‘WindoW-VersArY’

HAlO PUTS HAllMARk IN THE FRAME FOR CONTINUED SUCCESS IN ITS 20TH yEAR


m a n a g e rm a n a g e rm a n a g e rm a n a g e r

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wINDOwS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Today’s customers are smart, connected, web savvy, and can be fiercly loyal. What’s more, they enjoy and expect a growing array of product and brand choices. Today’s customers are both critics and creators - they have a huge say in what they want, and are prepared to vote with their feet to get it.

This ultra-competitive landscape presents an

excellent opportunity for you as an installer to stand out from the crowd. By giving your customers greater product choice and better service, you will be well placed to meet their needs and expectations. It will also help set you apart from other installers and provide you with more opportunities to upsell.

But, with so many options of windows, doors and conservatories to choose from, providing your customer with infinite choice can be a bewildering and time consuming experience, especially if you have to align yourself to a number of different suppliers.

That’s when it’s time to consider using the services of a one-stop-shop company. Completely independent, these suppliers provide a wealth of choice across leading brands in the

windows, doors and conservatories market, leaving you time to focus on your customers.

Suppliers like SIG Windows have already invested time and energies in sourcing the most competitively priced products suitable for installation; thereby providing your customers with a clearly defined and comprehensive range of windows, doors and conservatories from a variety of fabricators. Rather than being beholden to just one brand, products are sourced from a variety of manufacturers; thereby enabling you to provide your customer with the right product range, for the right job, and for the right budget.

SIG Windows literally offer thousands of products such as windows, composite doors, bi fold doors and conservatory roofs also in a combination of materials including PVC, aluminium and timber - all under one name. They can also deliver these at speed through local branch networks to all parts of the country, as well as guaranteeing continuity of supply. Enlisting their services will not only help maximise your selling power, it will leave you to do what you do best, and ensure your customers get the choice and service they deserve.

But, choice should also be carefully administered

with guidance. Customers do want choice, but they also want a fast and easy resolution, and that’s where good customer service comes in.

At least 70% of buying decisions are based on emotion, and the rest are justified with logic, so above all, respect your customers’ wishes and listen carefully to what they are saying. Leave your sales patter at home - it may be that ultimately, they want to replace all their windows, but due to budget constraints, their priority right now is to

fix the one faulty window. Put yourself inside your customers’ head, work out what their problems are and solve them. By gaining a better understanding of your customers’ requirements, you can impact the value of work you do for your customer and increase your selling opportunities.

It’s also important that you recommend products for all the right reasons, and not because of heavily discounted promotions or familiarity. Instead, be upfront and outline options available, encouraging prospects to consider the ‘whole of life’ costs, rather than the initial outlay.

It’s also important to educate customers about the benefits of product warranties and quality control schemes. SIG Windows’ QC scheme, for example, offers complete peace of mind to customers by supplying the right

materials to the right place, in the right time and ensuring no delays on their project.

Once you have your product offering in place, you can then focus on creating added value. If you can provide a customer experience above and beyond what the competition can, then homeowners will choose you. Providing a pleasant, productive, and personalised experience that makes them feel special is key. If you can impress your customers with quality products, great installation, attention to detail and genuine care, you can turn them into champions of your business and brand. Word of mouth goes a long way.

So, before embarking on your next quote, remember that the customer has the power of choice, so listen to them and give them what they want. Leaving your customers satisfied is the best business strategy that your company can ever have. Remember, your business lives and dies by its customers, and you don’t have a whole lot of room for error when it comes to taking care of them.

By Steve Jones, Operations Director at SIG Windows.

For further information on SiG Windows, contact 01480 466777 or visit www.sigwindows.co.uk.

ARE yOU REAlly lISTENING TO yOUR CUSTOMERS?

“SIG Windows’ QC scheme, for example, offers complete peace of mind to customers by supplying the right materials to the right place, in the right time and ensuring no delays on their project.”



www.sigwindows.co.uk

WINDOWSDOORSCONSERVATORIES

Looking for real choicefor windows, doorsand conservatories?

SIG Windows offer an extensive range with unrivalled service for the window installer

Visit your local SIG Windows branch at one of over 30 locations, visit our website or ring: 0845 0036 825

*Ask local branch for details and availability We supply. You fit.

n Windows, doors and conservatories - by leading manufacturers including REHAU,Duraflex,HaloandResidence9n A range of materials - including PVC, aluminium and timber and also a combination of materialsn Support with comprehensive in-branch facilities - including SIG Finance Tools, ‘Quality Checked’ products, MTC assessed staff, marketing support, site surveys, storage, disposal and skip service*

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• Triple gasket seal

• Double euro groove allows for versatile hardware options, concealed hinges and window locks

• High security Winkhaus lock system

• Kitemark glass and Kitemark Lumi composite front door options

• Fab & Fix hardware

• Variable clear glazing options

• Concealed hinges offer smooth action, high weight load opening and wide opening

Lumi comes with a 10 year guarantee (structural, mechanical and colour fast).

Lumi windows are available as left and right opening options, fixed panes and top openers. External colour options are light blue, black, white, cream, light grey, Chartwell green, anthracite grey and slate blue. Interior finish choices are in halo white, cream, black, anthracite grey, AnTeak,

Siena, Winchester and Swamp Oak.

Tel: 028 2563 2200 www.apeer.co.uk

New iSo-BLoCo FiLLeR from iSo-Chemie provides a fast and cost effective solution for new and replacement window installations of all sizes and in all environments. it is particularly suitable window replacements in Scottish dwellings that have no existing cavity closure. The iSo-BLoCo FiLLeR provides an external weather-tight seal, giving both a thermal and airtight seal to the existing cavity.

Specifically developed for cavity walls applications with a check reveal, ISO BLOCO FILLER is fitted between the inner and outer walls to provide a high performance, reliable and effective sealing tape solution for all weather protection.

ISO-BLOCO FILLER saves time and money on site, as it can be fitted in the wet and without the need for external access, which is ideal for all windows above ground level. No other products are necessary in most cases, but it is compatible with all of the ISO-CHEMIE internal airtight sealing solutions.

ISO-BLOCO FILLER is made up of two components: a special elastic foam filler block which provides the basis for sealing the window against the brickwork before forming an airtight and thermally insulated seal to the wall cavity, ensuring compliance with the various energy saving regulations including the European (EnEV) and the RAL quality assurance association.

The second component is an impregnated foam sealing bar designed to seal the window frame against the outer wall and protect the window connection joint against the elements, providing an ideal solution for check reveals of up to 30%.

Resistant to temperatures between -30ºC to +90ºC, product is available in a range

of options depending on installation requirements: 1000 x 60 x 60 for cavities 60 – 44 mm; 1000 x 60 x 80 for cavtities 80 – 60 mm, and 1000 x 60 x 100 for cavities 100 – 80 mm.

ISO-Chemie is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques.

The company’s UK technical and distribution operation is based in the North East of England, supported by a dedicated logistics service to ensure customer orders are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible (usually next-day delivery). More at www.iso-chemie.co.uk or email [email protected]. Tel: 01207 566874.

Lumi the groundbreaking new, structurally bonded window and door glazing system from Apeer, is set to take the market by storm.

Following its dazzling debut at Grand Designs Live in London, the company has been overwhelmed with leads and enquiries for the radically styled range of frameless windows, doors, entrance glazing, French doors and a bi-fold door system.

Said marketing manager Linda Tomb: “It was a hugely successful launch and we are now refining our pricing and ordering systems for Lumi along with our technical and training manuals and videos.

“We have developed an at-a-glance pricing structure where each window and price and spec is clearly presented, enabling retailers to give customers a fully fitted quote which can later go on to be converted to an order.

“We have also built a training ‘house’ at our Ballymena factory where we can offer fitters hands on experience of how to install the windows. The facility can also be used as a showroom for customers and potential buyers so they can see the Lumi range for themselves and how it differs from anything else on the market.”

A first in its field, the new Lumi collection is set to bring the seamless sophistication of iconic glass structure to the residential housing market.

Offering a frame-free, ‘wall of light profile’ the triple glazed system is distinguished by its fused

ceramic colour border. This is available in eight different exterior colours and eight further interior finishes.

In development for more than two-and-a-half years, the launch of Lumi represents an investment of nearly a million pounds for the company – and its first step into the windows market.

As well as being available in a full suite of matching designs, Lumi has a host of construction and performance benefits:

• stormproof design with flush proportional glazing (the double rebate is completely hidden)

• 50mm triple glazed (6-4-4) toughened glass for maximum insulation and noise reduction

• 80mm GRP double rebate frame offers exceptional U-values - as low as 0.7w/m2k on fixed glazing panels

Lumi Looms LArge


NEw ISO-blOCO FIllER IDEAl FOR CAvITy wAll wINDOw INSTAllATIONS IN SCOTlAND


unlimited product choice for you, the installer...

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The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing NewspaperwINDOwSwINDOwS


The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

A range of products supplied by leading fenestration design and manufacturer Senior Architectural Systems and installed by CS Aluminium Windows Ltd has helped to give a healthy new look to a purpose built Primary Care Resource Centre in Buckley, north-east Wales.

Designed by architects Austin Smith Lord, a focal point of the new medical centre is the large atrium waiting room and reception area. Here, Senior’s SCW+ aluminium curtain walling system has been used to create a welcoming entrance for patients by providing copious amounts of natural light and stunning views across the common.

The new centre has also benefitted from the use of two of Senior’s robust aluminium door solutions

which are ideally suited for use in high traffic commercial environments. In addition to the use of the thermally efficient aluminium SPW 600/e window system, Senior’s thermally broken polyamide SPW 501 commercial door system has been specified for the centre’s automatic doors and emergency exits.

As well as providing a high performance and cost effective solution for main contractor Par Homes Limited, the specification of Senior’s innovative portfolio of products have helped contribute to the new facility achieving a BREEAM rating of ‘Very Good’.

The new medical centre, which houses two GP practices and a self-contained pharmacy unit, has been built on the site of the former Ysgol Belmont Special School and has been developed by the Healthcare Property Company (Wales) to provide a modern healthcare facility for the local Buckley community.

The successful delivery of the scheme has helped strengthen Senior’s established 20-year relationship with Flintshire based aluminium fabricator and installer CS Aluminium Windows who has recently become the first company to use Senior’s innovative new PURe window system on a new residential contract.

Sharon Edwards from CS Aluminium Windows said: “Over the past three years we have undergone a period of expansion and investment and we wanted to use the new medical centre in our home town to showcase our capabilities. With the help of Senior Architectural Systems we have been able to achieve a cost effective high performance fenestration solution for this project by integrating different systems from within Senior’s product range.”

For more information about Senior, visit www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

NEw MEDICAl CENTRE IS bETTER by design thanKs to senior


“With the help of Senior Architectural Systems we have been able to achieve a cost effective high performance fenestration solution for this project by integrating different systems from within Senior’s product range.”

wINDOwSwINDOwS

The Georgian Bar Company Ltd

The ONLY snap-onGeorgian Bar SystemCall us today to learn about Geofast from theGeorgian Bar Company or visit www.geofast.co.ukto see the best solution for Astragal Georgian Bars.

Head Office (Unit 1), Warehouse & Distribution (Unit 8),Clifton Business Park, Preston New Road,

West Preston. PR4 0XQTel: 01772 631441 Fax: 01772 679886

Email: [email protected] Web: www.geofast.co.uk

Geo-fast is also available to buy direct from your system company:

13x31.5cm Glass News Advert_Layout 1 20/02/2015 14:00 Page 1

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Quickslide is setting out to empower its staff to be problem solvers with a series of performance and improvement courses via its Quickslide Academy training programme.

Over 70% of the Yorkshire fabricator’s workforce are taking part in the initiative, which includes courses up to a year long, all with the aim of reducing variations in shop floor and office processes, minimising waste and improving quality.

Operations Director Michael Connor explained: “When we say our people are our most valuable asset, we mean it and we back that up by investing in them. We are giving our employees the tools and techniques to empower them to improve efficiency.

“We want 100 problem solvers throughout the business, not just two or three at the top. We are continuously improving our business

through our people to deliver the best customer experience possible.”

Some candidates have begun the 12-month BIT (Business Improvement Techniques) Lean Manufacturing Apprenticeships and others the four-month NVQ Level 2 PMO (Performing Manufacturing Operations). Quickslide is also putting 60 operators through a manual handling training refresher as part of its continuous improvement on safety.

The initiative is further evidence of the company’s commitment to the principles of Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement and Quickslide’s long-term philosophy of becoming ‘the Toyota of the window industry.’

Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed sliding sash windows, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors for trade and commercial customers.

QUICkSlIDE ACADEMy AIMS FOR ‘100 ProBLem soLVers’


CWG Choices customer Avon Bridge Conservatories & Windows Ltd, recently completed an impressive installation in Chartwell Green on white using Kömmerling’s revered 5 -chambered O70 Gold® system.

Avon Bridge have worked on an illustrious list of properties in various Cotswold villages and towns and believe that their expertise and the product range from CWG Choices and Kömmerling is a deciding factor. With Cream and Chartwell Green available from stock is a major plus with homeowners in £½-1 million properties looking for something other than plain white, along with leaded glass as this example shows

off perfectly. In total there are 8 foiled finishes available from stock and over 40 other bespoke colours and woodgrains to chose from, that are ordered on a short lead time.

These larger properties in the Cotswolds also require more heating and therefore the adoption of a 5-chambered window and door system has also added further weight their sales proposition, with Avon Bridge offering ‘A’ rated windows as standard. Ollie Spragg, co-director commented: ‘The Kömmerling product from CWG Choices is we believe the best system in the UK market today. With colours such as Chartwell Green, Cream and agate (heritage) grey we have an outstanding consumer proposition.’

Jason Wilder, co-director of CWG Choices concluded: ‘Avon Bridge have been a great customer for us over a number of years and have been quick to adopt the new foils available from stock from Kömmerling. Our sales of foiled windows are now quickly approaching 30% of our business.’

For further information on CWG Choices then log on to www.cwgchoices.com or phone their dedicated trade number on 01536 271940. You can also add to their large following Twitter @CWGChoices.

This year swapping horses for greyhounds, Glazerite Windows Ltd continued its annual tradition celebrating its 8th consecutive Race Day at Towcester’s famous race course, as well as 15 years in the business.

Taking place Friday June 5th, this year’s Race Day had a record turnout with over 200 guests arriving from far and wide, including visitors from both Aberdeen and Cornwall. A thank you to its loyal customer base for its continued support over the past 12 months, Glazerite were the evening sponsors of all 15 dog races, donating 13 of them to several of its customers. These included: Frames Conservatories Direct Ltd, Charles Grosvenor Ltd, Towy Valley Windows and The KJM Group Ltd.

Breaking the bar bill record yet again, shattering last year’s amount by quite some figure, this, as well as the many sore heads reported the next day, is a good indication that fun was had by all.

Add to this the late night disco and the excellent food and service put on by the brilliant staff at Towcester and you’ve got more than enough reasons to understand why you might have missed out on a good evening if you weren’t in attendance.

“It gets better and better each year,” said Glazerite Director Jason Thompson. “We continue to be grateful for the loyalty shown by our customers so it’s nice to be able to give them something back. Not only that, it was nice to be able to celebrate Glazerite’s 15th birthday.”

Raising money on the night for the Because of Beau charity, a charity set up to support the family of Beau Mae Smith, a young girl who was diagnosed with Alveolar Rhabdomyossrcoma at just 18 months old, Glazerite and the Race Day’s attendees helped raise just under £600.

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

CHARTwEll GREEN IN THE COTSwOlDS

IT’S A DAy AT THE DOGS AS GlAZERITE CElEbRATE ITS 8TH SUCCESSFUl ANNUAl RACE DAy



Glazerite’s Race Day was a success. Photo features (L to R) ian Bruce, Hugh Bain & andrew Cadman of Thistle Windows & Conservatories Ltd.


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Leading UK fabricators framexpress Ltd has announced the launch of a new, redesigned version of its website www.framexpress.co.uk.

The website now has responsive capabilities that accommodate the Google update introduced earlier this year, which ensures that mobile, android and tablet browsing works perfectly. This will help to create a mobile-friendly experience for customers and site visitors whilst also increasing awareness about framexpress as a brand.

Key features of the site include a cleaner and more attractive design, a more engaging user experience with enhanced search and navigation, and the capability for customers to utilise parts of the site as POS material that will engage both homeowners and specifiers.

The site’s refreshed and simplified look, combined with enhanced content, improved search functionality, and optimization for mobile devices allows users to better interact with frameXpress online. Promotional areas throughout the website provide the opportunity for news, products and services to be updated and highlighted.

Digital Specialist, The Consultancy, has worked alongside framexpress in the revamp of the original site, developed by them five years ago. The creative team has worked hard to provide the right online solutions tailoring the project specifically to meet the company’s current and future needs.

With analytics this will enable the company most importantly, to better understand customer preferences whilst also further extending its national reach. In addition, frameXpress customers will be able to use the technology to obtain quotes directly from the website.

“We are excited to be able to offer an e-commerce solution to customers, ensuring there is an up to the minute resource for them to use as a point of reference,” Helen Duval, Marketing Dept. commented. “With e-commerce now being recognised as the fastest growing sales market in Europe, it is imperative to adapt and update online activity regularly to build site traffic. According to recent UK trading figures, there will be an expected increase of 18.4% in online sales across the UK in 2015. As a company, it is vital to explore and develop this avenue as a full marketing tool, to ensure the company offers as many paths to customers, consumers and specifiers as possible, regarding the benefits of the frameXpress brand.”

Mark Westbrook Managing Director commented, “The easy to navigate design of the site ultimately, will help to drive sales and improve customer and consumer awareness. Our mission as a 21st century fabricator is to provide an innovative platform for our customers that will boost the discoverability of the portfolio and connect to an even wider audience.”

For more information on the products and services available from frameXpress Ltd, please visit the website www.framexpress.co.uk.

FRAMEXPRESS UNvEIlS MODERNISED RESPONSIvE wEbSITE


The much anticipated Fabricator and installer market Report from insight Data made upbeat reading for anyone involved in the fabrication or installation of vertical sliding sash windows. The report stated: “The stand-out PVC-U product in 2014 was vertical sliding sash windows, with 7,495 installers now actively offering this product, an increase of 600 firms compared to 2013.”

The positive result mirrors statistics released by specialist sash window company Roseview Windows. Roseview recently teamed up with Insight Data and conducted their own study into the sash window market, discovering that 88% of installers expect more sash window jobs in 2015.

“We were delighted to read that the number of sash window installers has increased but I can’t say we were surprised” commented Mike Bygrave, marketing manager at Roseview Windows. “We’ve experienced a surge in demand from installers over the last year, many of whom were new companies entering the market, and our manufacturing volumes have more than doubled over the past three years. What’s more, when we conducted our own study into the market we also found much positivity, including the fact that 65% of installers feel sash windows are more profitable compared to casements. It’s an exciting market and I would encourage any installer that wants to be a part of it to get in touch.”

Roseview Windows are the UK’s longest established manufacturer of uPVC vertical sliding sash windows, and they are specialists in the field – they only making this style of window from their state-of-the-art production facility in Buckinghamshire. Roseview’s specialism has enabled the

company to create arguably the most sophisticated collection of sash windows on the market today, each suited to different applications and budgets.

The G-Award winning Ultimate Rose window includes mechanical joints and Roseview’s exclusive run-through sash horn as standard and has been accepted in numerous conservation areas. The Heritage Rose is also packed with traditional looking features, such as a deep bottom rail and authentic astragal bars, but it can include welded joints and a clip-on sash horn if requested. The Charisma Rose meanwhile is a simpler, more contemporary looking sash window that’s perfect for new-build properties or when the installer needs to be price competitive.

If you would like to discuss the market report in more detail, contact Roseview on 01234 712657.

www.roseview.co.uk

YET MORE OPTIMISM FOR THE SASH wINDOw MARkET


Kömmerling is now celebrating a 5-year anniversary for their 5-chambered, energy efficient O70 Gold® window and door system, boasting a number of high profile and well respected manufacturers throughout the UK and Ireland.

Profile design in the PVCu window industry has been based on a 3/4-chambered design for several decades, yet the launch in 2010 of Kömmerling’s 5-chambered systems, broke convention and for good reason.

With energy efficiency top of the agenda through the implementation of the Window

Energy Ratings back in March 2004, there was a need not just from glass processors, but from all companies in the supply chain to make their products perform better.

Today Kömmerling can boast the 5-chambered chamfered C70 and ovolo O70 Gold® window and door systems, which share the same beads and the profiles are also both fully interchangeable, which is a considerable benefit for fabricators looking to offer both styles of window design. Whilst these 5-chambered systems are now cast in design for the immediate future, Kömmerling are already working on new window and door systems, which push the boundaries of design and energy efficiency further. Already their KBE System 88 has been tested to achieve a U-value of just 0.6 W/m2K, while their new PremiDoor 88 can readily achieve the requirements for Passivhaus.

Over the last 5 years, Kömmerling has outgrown the market by some way, as fabricators have looked for a better profile system partner. New customers have built volume up quickly, while new starts have been successful in offering a quality German engineered product, right from day 1.

Kevin Warner, head of sales and marketing at Kömmerling commented: ‘The launch of O70 Gold was a landmark for the industry back in 2010 and since then as a Group we’ve been investing heavily in product design as the new European platform of System 76 and our latest PremiDoor 88 lift and slide door clearly shows.

He continues: ‘The Kömmerling name represents quality and innovation and this is something that will carry through to the new product launches later this year.’

For further information, call 01543 444900, e-mail [email protected], log on to www.kommerling.co.uk or follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk.

FIvE yEAR ANNIvERSARy FOR O70 GOlD®


“New customers have built volume up quickly, while new starts have been successful in offering a quality German engineered product, right from day 1.”

wINDOwS


Vertical Sliding Sash Windows / Flush Casement Windows / Fold & Glide Doors

Tel: 0800 321 7284 Fax: 01226 707 947 Email: [email protected]

The NEW Genesis VS SASH WINDOWS

A new generation of vertical sliders

Introducing the New GENESIS VS with traditional jointing methods taking aesthetics to the heart of the design process.

Unique joint design to both sash and outer frame replicates a timber window for a truly authentic appearance, setting your windows apart from the rest. Combined with period hardware and a complete range of heritage finishes, the Genesis VS pushes the boundaries of modern PVC-U sliding sash windows.

Visit our website: www.bisonframes.co.uk

/BisonFrames

@bisonframes

Traditional Genesis recreates the timeless beautiful styling of a traditional timber sliding sash window like no other. With its authentically jointed frame and sash it replicates the windows of yesteryear that are found in period cottages, older properties and conservation areas.

Modern With its elegant styling and precision design, the Genesis vertical sliding sash will enhance any modern home as well as a traditional property. Designed for modern living, Genesis combines cutting-edge technology with the traditional character of a box sash window. Precision-engineered for smooth, simple operation, Genesis effortlessly complements your modern lifestyle.

Home to the range of products

CONSERVATION APPROVED!

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A County Durham-based Halo Approved Fabricator and Installer is marking its 30th year in business with a move to new, larger premises near Chester-le-Street.

BMW Windows was established in 1985, with founders Bent, Murphy and Wilkinson lending their initials to the company name. Its current executive team – John and Debbie Jefferson and their sons, John and Andrew – took over the running of the company in 1997-98, with John Snr. leaving his accountancy job to branch out in business alone.

He commented: “It's not often that you come across a double glazing company celebrating its 30th year in business. We're proud to have reached this milestone – testament to our hard work, determination and commitment to supplying systems of the highest quality.

“Our association with Halo and The VEKA UK Group in general stands us in good stead with customers, who realise that we only work with the best. Now – for the first time – being able to display our products in the comfort of a bespoke showroom, customers have the opportunity to browse our range of products first-hand – invaluable for visualising how they'll look in their own home.”

An impressive sun room forms the entranceway to BMW's new base – an 11,000 sq ft unit on the Stella Gill Industrial Estate, Pelton Fell. It makes for a warm welcome to their showroom and a stark contrast to the working factory environment that, formerly, had been the company's only means of showcasing its products.

“We have invested more than £300,000 in the new showroom and factory” John continues. “It's created the capacity we need to sustain

our growth, with turnover increasing by 22% over the past three years and no signs of it slowing!”

In the same period, BMW has taken on seven new members of staff, raising their total workforce to 20. Besides its 12 manufacturers and eight sales, installation and admin staff, the company also employs three teams of fitters on contract.

Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director for The VEKA UK Group congratulated BMW on the recent expansion: “It's fantastic to see Halo fabricators and installers overcoming and now flourishing in the wake of an economic downturn that held significant repercussions for the home improvement industry.

“The family atmosphere has filtered down from the directors throughout the entire BMW team. There's a real sense of pride in the business and its future, and we're honoured that Halo products continue to play an integral part in its story. Great products with great service are always a winning formula. Here's to BMW's next 30 successful years!”

A family fun day on 30th May 2015 sees the launch of BMW's new showroom, with all welcome to attend.


BFRC has officially launched the applications process for the first ‘A++’ band in England & Wales for Window Energy Ratings (WERs).

There will be four months for window companies to develop new ‘A++’ product as the first licences will not be issued until 1st October 2015 – with the first ‘A++’ product being launched shortly afterwards.

BFRC follows the 10 point band cut offs illustrated in section 4.2 of Approved Document L1b’. The new ‘A++’ rating will be no different, with ratings starting at an energy index value equal to or greater than +20. This means any BFRC ‘A+’ rated product which achieves 20 or more can be upgraded to an ‘A++’ for an administration and verification fee of £100 (ex VAT).

Alternatively, manufacturers can also apply for new ‘A++’ licences. All applications must be accompanied by a simulation report and can be made either directly to BFRC or through an Independent Agency. These new ‘A++’ licences are available both as Simplified Energy Licences (SELs) and Detailed Energy Licences (DELs).

“The launch of the BFRC ‘A++’ ratings band – the first in the country – reinforces the message that BFRC is driving technological developments that give homeowners the latest and best in energy efficient windows,” comments BFRC managing director Chris Mayne. “And contrary to some ill-informed comment within the industry ’A++’ rated windows will not cause homes to overheat.”

‘a++’ aND tHe oVeRHeatiNG miSCoNCePtioNOverheating in a domestic situation happens when the internal room temperature becomes higher than the comfort level, and cannot be reduced by simply opening the windows. It can be caused by two factors:-

The first is high external ambient temperatures, which can lead to high internal ambient temperatures due to heat conduction through the building envelope (including, but not limited to, windows).

But ‘A++’ (and ‘A+’) windows have significantly lower U values than lower rated windows, so they will reduce the amount of heat being transferred into the home from outside. With existing glass coating technology, there is a hard physical upper limit to solar gain performance that cannot be exceeded, so the

only way to achieve higher ratings bands is through lower U values.

The second cause of overheating is excessive solar gain - particularly on south facing elevations.

It is expected that all ‘A++’ windows (and about 70% of ‘A+’) use triple glazing, with two panes of low-e coated glass. Their solar gain factor is significantly lower than the equivalent double glazed window.

So all BFRC ‘A++’ rated windows (and the majority of ‘A+’) will actually help to reduce overheating during the summer months. In the winter they will help keep the home much warmer.

“A further benefit to ‘A++’ windows is their lower U values give warmer internal surfaces effectively eliminating the risk of internal condensation,” adds Gary Morgan BFRC technical director.

For more information on ‘A++’ please contact BFRC direct: 020 7403 9200 / [email protected].



bMw ROllS OUT NEw FACTORy AND SHOwROOM FOR 30TH ANNIvERSARy

FIRST ‘A++’ RATING FOR ENERGy EFFICIENT wINDOwS lAUNCHED

titon has added the maCo m-SPaG telescopic shootbolt espagnolette to its range of window security products. Suitable for use on PVCu, timber or aluminium windows, the m-SPaG enables the fabrication of a wide range of easy to operate window styles from a single high security locking system.

There are four telescopic sizes and one croppable size available, covering a standard application range of 320mm up to 1,500mm, with the option of two backsets (20mm and 22mm) and two cam heights (7.7mm and 9mm).

The modular design of the MACO M-SPAG allows extension pieces to be fitted to increase the standard sash rebate size, as well as position the handle off-centre if required. Options include a French casement version incorporating night vent strikes and a low handle height version.

Tyson Anderson, Sales and Marketing Director at Titon, said: “We have been a MACO distributor for 30 years and, as we’ve

come to expect from all their items we stock and supply, the M-SPAG telescopic shootbolt espagnolette is a high quality product. Not only is it extremely durable, it has also been vigorously tested to ensure levels of safety and performance which exceed the requirements of industry standards, resulting in a modern and secure piece of window hardware.”

The rapid-fit shootbolt security locking system boasts an array of benefits, including having all the screw fixings on one face for ease of assembly. Plus, steel ended shootbolts maximise the security performance, which can be enhanced even further by fitting stabilising plates to the end pieces. Each M-SPAG also has compression adjustment, central and end mushroom cams, while

centre locks can also be fitted enable the construction of tall, top-hung windows.

The MACO M-SPAG is suitable for use on all windows with a minimum 5mm deep Eurogroove. All products have been PAS24-2012 security tested, as well as endurance tested to Grade 5, 25,000 cycles EN 13126 Part 4. The silver look surface treatment has also been tested to 480 hours Class 5 EN 1670 corrosion resistance, while all M-SPAG systems benefit from a 10-year warranty.

titon strengthens security with Maco M-spag range

wINDOwS



The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper wINDOwS

Warm Edge for Windows

Don’t just fit it, TruFit it.

Add value to your installations with TruFit expanding foam edge tape:

l Cleaner and quicker onsite application

l Differentiate yourself from the competition

l Insulates the perimeter gap to maximise the performance of your windows

l Expands to effectively seal all recesses – ensuring guaranteed consistent weather and airtightness

l Full marketing support

Call: 02476 995841or visit: www.trufit-it.com

Sheerframe 8000 Top Reversible windows from Synseal fully reverse for ease of cleaning in total safety from inside the building.

This specialist Top Reversible window design features a purpose-designed Sheerturn hinge and is ideal for domestic applications including escape windows as well as medium and high rise dwellings and office or hotel accommodation.

A range of transoms and mullions provide additional multi-light and stick construction curtain walling configurations to complement this user-friendly window design and deliver effective fenestration solutions for commercial buildings.

Sheerframe 8000 Top Reversible windows are part of an enhanced thermal performance range which offers specifiers, fabricators and professional installers the widest range of fixed and opening light combinations. The 70mm window profiles are extruded from calcium organic lead-free Sheerblend

impact modified PVC-U complying with BS EN 12608 and feature thermally-efficient Thermlock frame reinforcements, five separate insulating chambers and twin co-extruded weather seals to maximize weather performance.

Top Reversible windows can achieve U values as low 1.2W/m2K using standard 28mm double glass with Argon gas fill. To exceed Part L of the Building Regulations, triple glazed low energy Zero Carbon windows with U values down to 0.8W/m2K are also available, using either 36mm triple glass with Krypton gas fill or 44mm triple glass with Argon gas fill.

The Sheerframe 8000 Top Reversible is fitted with the reversing Sheerturn hinge allowing the window to open out traditionally, retaining the advantages of a casement but reversing for safer cleaning from inside the property. The window is balanced at all angles and has a locking restrictor on both the initial opening position and also on the fully reversed position. Windows are

manufactured to customer specification and the maximum recommended size for individual opening lights is 1250mm wide by 1500mm high.

Popular colours including Rosewood, Light Oak, Anthracite Grey, Black, Cream and White are held in stock at Sheerframe Ltd, with other colours available on a ‘made to order’ basis.

As an optional specification, this window can also be configured as a Side Reversible. The hardware for a Side Reversible is similar in operation but allows the windows to be opened on a horizontal axis. This gives in excess of 90% open area and therefore can be used to achieve compliance with fire safety regulations.


SHEERFRAME’S TOP REvERSIblE ENSURES WINDOW CLEANING IN SAFETY



Find local installers and the elusive white van man, with Glass News.

We distribute to trade counters, as well as posting copies to a database of installers.

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Confirming its pioneering ‘omnichannel’ sales and marketing position in the UK fenestration sector, Eurocell is reinforcing its online presence with a new website that delivers a powerful range of e-commerce, content and online marketing services in user-friendly formats, optimized for both mobile and desktop.

Omnichannel is where manufacturers, retailers or distributors consistently and seamlessly promote their products and services across multiple ‘touch points’, such as web, email, social media, telemarketing and ‘bricks and clicks’ stores.

Central to the success of such strategies are powerful, fully-featured websites, and the new iteration – www.eurocell.co.uk – delivers design tools, product information, online purchasing and marketing collateral that specifiers, fabricators/installers and homeowners can access in a fast, straightforward fashion.

There is a wealth of content – more than 1,000 pages

of main content and 6,000 further pages including B2B and B2C e-commerce sites. Yet the advanced ‘responsive’ design makes it readily accessible on all devices: whether desktops, laptop, mobiles, tablets or phablets. Furthermore, it’s super simple to navigate thanks to its ‘sticky’ – or fixed – navigation that stays in view while the user is scrolling up or down, combined with an innovative ‘super navigation’ drop down menu that previews the content as the user hovers on any given link.

One crucial element of the ‘omnichannel’ approach is to share marketing resources so that trade customers can benefit from Eurocell’s expertise and research and tailor these to their own customer base. Eurocell trade customers can register and log into their own discreet area of the website to download consumer brochures, customisable

literature, Eurocell system guides, How-To guides, case studies – and find out about RightSite, Eurocell’s ground-breaking trade customer website design and build service.

RightSite offers a choice of designs uniquely customised for each client, to deliver a sophisticated, professional website with the latest technical features that will easily match other sites in appearance, usability and design – but at a fraction of

the normal cost. Eurocell can do this because it has already invested heavily in producing copy and visual materials – and content is precisely where fabricators and installers need the most support.

As a fully-fledged tool for e-commerce, the new Eurocell website enables consumers to purchase roofline products and trade customers to select any Eurocell product through a ‘Click & Collect’ service from any of the company’s 130-plus branches. And best-in-class security is guaranteed because the site meets the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) Level 1, the highest proprietary information security standard for organisations that handle branded credit cards from the major card schemes including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB.

Naturally, the site is optimised to deliver the same usability to mobile devices such as smartphones, phablets and tablets as it would to a laptop or desktop computer and interfaces seamlessly to Eurocell’s own free YourPad tablet apps – the bespoke project visualisation tools for trade and consumers.

And, thanks to its custom-designed Content Management System, Eurocell manages the bulk of the site in-house, so that it will always be up-to-minute in terms of news, product innovations and technical content.

Among the resources available are more than 20 case studies targeted specifically at one of the three main Eurocell customer groups – Homeowners, Specifiers and Trade – and no fewer than 24 promotional and installation videos. These videos include step-by-step guides to installing Skypod skylights and Equinox, the fully insulated tiled roof system that converts a conservatory into a room, plus an introduction to the YourPad app, the ultimate ‘try before you buy’ tool for trade and consumer use.

Architects and specifiers can also use the site for their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) courtesy of an interactive video that introduces Modus – the company’s innovative integrated window and door system. It explains the post-consumer recycled material process and technology used in the profiles; and how to achieve lower U-values at lower cost than is currently the case. This combination

of sustainability and value benefits makes Modus a ‘win win’. What’s more, the site hosts commonly-specified Modus BIM models to help drive specification, generating further business opportunities for Eurocell fabricators and installers.

The new website provides comprehensive support for every element of the market. Installers can register so they can use Eurocell marketing materials and services such as brochures, system wall charts, health and safety data sheets, and templates for their own collateral.

There are also buyers’ guides to the most-commonly discussed issues. The guides, initially aimed at helping consumers source the right windows for them, are part of an initiative that sees Eurocell striving to become a single source of authoritative sector information, irrespective of audience. The guides have been created in conjunction with independent partners – such as a Top10 architectural practice and an independent industry body – to add increased value and credibility to the high-quality content.

To explore and enjoy the benefits of the new, comprehensive Eurocell online offering, visit www.eurocell.co.uk today!

For more information about Eurocell, call 0800 988 3049 or visit eurocell.co.uk.

introducing its latest options available on the evolution online software, Glazerite Windows Ltd invited a handful of its customers to a training day at The Beeches Hotel in Bournville, Birmingham to learn the ins and outs of the latest additions to its key ordering system.

Held on May 20th and part of a series of regional training days scheduled it proved the perfect platform to explain the capabilities and key features of the Wellingborough-based fabricator’s software. Allowing customers to do their own quoting 24/7, Evolution cuts out the middle man and gives them the ability to order directly with Glazerite online.

Glazerite also demonstrated how they can create bespoke reports tailor-made to suit every customer’s requirements. Options available include order confirmation, customer quotations with their own company

logo and company letter prepared for printing and emailing, surveyors reports, as well as anything else they might require.

This means that once the initial information is entered into the system there is no need to transfer it to any other format manually, therefore it reduces the amount of work and time used as well as helping to stop mistakes happening when having to rewrite any documents. A presentation was also given by Austin Green of Assure Windows & Doors on Document Q and the impending changes to building regulations.

“The Evolution training session was great,” said Scott Swayles of Delta Plastics. “It gave

us lots of things to think about. We will definitely be looking to use the reports that were shown to us.”

Glazerite is VEKA’s largest trade fabricator in the UK as well as a prominent and long-standing Network VEKA member. It offers a fully nationwide service based on manufacturing units in Northants and Greater Manchester as well as a distribution hub in Bristol serving South Wales and The West of England.


gLAZerite’s eVoLution trAining ProVes A Hit WitH customers

EUROCEll PUTS CUSTOMERS IN CONTROl wITH NEw ONlINE OFFERING


“Eurocell manages the bulk of the site in-house, so that it will always be up-to-minute in terms of news, product innovations and technical content.”



Origin is the UK’s leading specialist in aluminium folding sliding doors and windows, and thanks to our national press and TV advertising, we are also one of the industry’s fastest growing brands. As an Origin supplier, your business can enjoy significant benefits:

• Huge consumer demands through national advertising support • 24hr lead-times • Tailor-made, aluminium bi-fold doors and windows • UK based customer services and support • Unmatched quality products • Designed and manufactured in the UK

Join in our success by calling us today on 0808 168 5816, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.origin-global.com for specifications & quotes.

Think smart, supply Origin...

See more of our photography on our Twitter & Facebook pages

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mila has launched a new ‘Smart Spindle’ espag handle designed specifically for the window repair market. it makes easy work of replacing virtually any PVC-U window handle and is suitable for use with all of the most common PVC-U profile systems in the UK – past and present.

The new Smart Spindle is essentially five handles in one. Based on Mila’s popular ProLinea espag handle, it comes complete with five different spindles as standard in lengths from 9mm to 55mm. The really ‘smart’ part is the fact that the spindles are completely interchangeable and simply click-fit into place as needed, depending on the requirements of the window.

A clever new rosette in the back of the handle allows positive location of each spindle with an audible click when the lever is rotated through 90º, and the click fit feature ensures that only the

correct end of the spindle can ever be inserted.

In line with its policy of delivering products in customer friendly packaging, Mila is offering the Smart Spindle either in blistered packaging for the fast growing trade counter market or in a bagged and boxed version for high volume users.

Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde is enthusiastic about the launch. He said: “Replacing window handles used to mean identifying the profile system and choosing the correct handle and spindle length every time. In turn, this meant holding lots of stock of different options and potentially wasting time on site if the right handle wasn’t available. Now, thanks to Mila’s ‘Smart Spindle’, one handle fits all so it offers real savings on stock holding and greater on site efficiency because the right handle is always to hand.”

The stylish ProLinea handle element of Smart Spindle is available in six colours including polished gold, polished chrome, white and black and comes complete with an edge to edge screw cover cap on the rose for a contemporary look. It is supplied with cut-off screws as standard and in a choice of locking, push button and emergency exit versions. It also meets the enhanced security requirements of Secured by Design and has been tested to 50,000 cycles under load.

Further information is available via the Mila website at www.mila.co.uk.


The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing NewspaperwINDOwS

Barnsley based euroglaze has added the ReHaU Heritage window system to its product portfolio, strengthening its claim that it offers the widest range of specialist ReHaU products to the trade.

Euroglaze, which is renowned for its commitment to lean manufacturing processes and a cutting edge quality management regime, is now fabricating REHAU Heritage vertical sliders alongside its comprehensive range of products in REHAU TOTAL70. This includes both chamfered and sculptured casements, fully reversible windows, flush fitting windows and even the REHAU RAUFERNO fire rated window.

Managing Director Martin Nettleton explained the company’s strategy: “We had previously been manufacturing vertical sliders in a different system, but we took the decision to switch to REHAU Heritage and focus on our strength as a REHAU supplier to the trade.

“Our customers now know that, whatever project or sales opportunity they’re working on, we have a REHAU product in our range which will suit them. We are making their lives easier by providing a huge range of options, ensuring that they don’t miss out on sales or waste time finding a different supplier every time they get an enquiry for a more specialist REHAU product.”

He added: “The REHAU Heritage is an obvious fit in our range. It’s a market leading window which trade customers like because it has all the authentic looking features which their retail buyers are looking for and at the same time is easy to install. It also, of course, benefits hugely from the manufacturing precision and attention to detail which is Euroglaze’s trademark.”

REHAU Heritage frames are now available from Euroglaze in white and a full range of woodgrain and foiled colours including the popular White Ash and Clotted Cream.

The company also offers a full choice of colours on its

chamfered and sculptured casement and tilt and turn windows in REHAU TOTAL70C and REHAU TOTAL70S and on its fully reversible and flush fitting windows in REHAU TOTAL70R.

Euroglaze is one of REHAU’s longest established trade fabricators, with more than 30 years’ experience. The company boasts that its obsession with quality means that just 0.3% of the windows and doors it produces are rejected either internally or externally.

Further details are available at: www.euroglaze.co.uk.

EUROGlAZE ADDS EvEN MORE REHAU PRODUCTS TO ITS RANGE



Following on from its presence at the Fit Show and its highly popular “Have one on Us” promotion there, tremco illbruck has delivered on-site training in the use of its a-Rated window sealants for two dozen installers around the country; including an oxfordshire-based company which invited the manufacturer to demonstrate the capabilities of tP651 trio tape where new frames were being fitted at a village hall.

Andy Glass Windows has been serving domestic and commercial clients across the rural county with high performance door and window systems for two decades offering PVC-U and composite frames as well as erecting garden rooms and extensions.

In this instance, Andy Glass arranged the tremco illbruck training session on its contract at Stanton St John where it was due to fit frames fabricated from the Residence 9 suite of profiles. The old community building’s stone structure presenting the sort of challenge for which TP651 Trio tape was developed.

The demonstration by tremco illbruck’s Business Development Manager, Steve Wild, was also attended by the manufacturer’s Marketing Manager for Windows and Facades, Fraser Higgins (and trade publication, Clearview).

Explaining the advantages to installers, as well as the long term performance of the building

envelope, Steve Wild said: “TP651 Trio not only offers a more thermally efficient solution over the majority of silicone based sealants, it also allows the frames to be fitted some 20% quicker because it is so easy to apply.

“TP651 is a pre-compressed sealing tape, comprising of open-cell polyurethane soft foam, which is then impregnated with flame-retardant synthetic resin. Importantly, it remains vapour permeable while offering very good airtightness to cut energy losses.

OxFORDSHIRE vIllAGE HAll OFFERS IDEAl DEMONSTRATION OF TRIO’S A-RATED CAPAbIlITIES


The finished village hall.

“The correct tape size is applied around the frame of the window or door and to the cills before the frame is offered up – and begins to expand, taking up any irregularities in the opening.” In common with the manufacturer’s commercial offering – illbruck i3 – which has featured in numerous PassivHaus and BREEAM ‘excellent’ developments, TP651 Trio offers architects as well as installers the confidence that as-built performance will match up to design targets.

Andy Aspel, General Manager of Andy Glass Windows, concluded: “TP651 Trio was an ideal solution for the particular installation

we were doing at Stanton St John’s village hall. Tremco illbruck had the perfect solution in order for us to fit the windows more quickly and with minimal disruption. Tremco illbruck’s technical staff were superb, offering fantastic guidance and knowledge. We were seriously impressed with the products we used and will definitely be using them on our future installations.”

For further information on tremco illbruck, please visit www.tremco-illbruck.co.uk.

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The market for solid tiled conservatory roofs is growing rapidly, and as with any new market there is a danger that the speed of its growth will outstrip the product development capability of its suppliers and crucially the installation and legislation practices needed to govern it.

What will happen is that a range of ‘me too’ products will hit the market; generally speaking these are likely to be inferior in their technical design and can create a negative impact on the perception of the whole sector if they do not ultimately perform as installers and consumers expect them to.

We can see this happening already and it is a concern for those of us in the sector who are here for the long haul and who want to develop really great products for our fabricators our installers and ultimately their end consumers.

GooD PRaCtiCe aND LeGiSLatioNGood practice is required from us all – not just in terms of how we design, manufacture, and install the products, but in how we sell them too.

There is a very real danger that consumers won’t be given all of the information they should be given with some of the ‘product variations’ coming into the market, so those selling and installing the leading roof systems need to work hard with their customers to explain all the features and benefits of these better systems.

Clear and unambiguous legislation would also be a great help to the sector as it develops. There are a number of schemes in the market at the minute which govern planning and installation practices, but there is clearly still a lot of confusion and uncertainty within many local authorities and planning departments as to exactly what the rules are in relation to this new market opportunity.

These are all things which will be cleared up as the market matures of course, but good practice from all concerned in the meantime is important to ensure the ultimate success of the sector.

Steve Hacking is operations Director for Supalite. For more information about Supalite and its products please visit www.supaliteroof.co.uk or phone 01772 828060.


CONSERvATORIES The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper


Best PrActice FROM ALL CONCERNED IS THE KEY TO PROTECTING THE SOLID TILE ROOF MARKET

Synseal’s best-selling hybrid orangery, Global Summer, is now available in an extended range of building extension footprint styles thanks to a new 90 degree internal corner casting.

Fashioned from sturdy cast aluminium, Global Summer’s precision-engineered corner castings complement the distinctively-shaped extruded aluminium decorative external fascia to ensure a neat fitted appearance.

Launched in May 2012, Global Summer was initially available in popular Georgian, Victorian and Gable conservatory styles which cater for the vast majority of orangery market applications, but the new 90 degree internal corner casting now allows more complex T-shaped and P-shaped orangeries to be constructed.

“One of the very first installations of Global Summer was a special design calling for a 90 degree internal corner casting, so we hand-crafted components in our Research & Development department using the latest 3D modelling technology,” comments Phil Parry, Synseal’s Head of R&D. “Since then we’ve had a number of similar requests for more complex orangery footprint designs, so

it made sense for us to invest in creation of a cast aluminium solution.”

“The new 90 degree corner casting helps us to create impressive and efficient hybrid orangery design solutions with an immaculate appearance for UK homeowners who are looking for affordable style,” continues Phil. “The devil is in the detail. Carefully-designed Global Summer components such as the additional decorative fascia joint cover castings really ‘wow’ consumers and deliver customer delight.”


The ambi-Ultra conservatory roof glass option available only from specialist glass processor, tuffX Processed Glass Ltd, has proved extremely popular with both customers and homeowners since its launch earlier this year.

Most recently this was the preferred choice for homeowners with a south-facing garden in Chester who wished to substantially increase their recreational space. Providing the best in thermal efficiency, Ambi Ultra provided the perfect finishing touch to this traditional style of conservatory, reducing glare within the room whilst making it more accessible when watching TV and reading, and Solar heat penetration, keeping the room at a comfortable temperature throughout the summer months.

Allowing Tuffx to manufacture the Ultra glass up to 4000mm in length has seen increased

demand for this product with combinations of high thermal performance, whilst keeping its contemporary feel. Tuffx has seen the new Ambi Ultra quickly establish itself within the Solar performance range.

With 91% solar heat reflection, exceptional glare reduction and highly impressive UV properties as low as 1.0, the homeowners have been delighted with their investment. They consider the property has been greatly enhanced with a distinctly shaded environment that matches the modernity in the rest of their home.

The Ambience brand of specialist high performance conservatory roof glasses allows homeowners the option of truly personalising their homes, making any style of conservatory a place of complete comfort and relaxation.

To discuss your requirements or request a sample, please call 0845 3 400 200 or visit the website www.ambiglass.co.uk.

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Thermal control with year round use were the priorities for this Ambience conservatory roof glass installation completed by Coral Windows in Bradford.

In this project the Ambi-Blue option was the preferred choice for the homeowner, due to the location of the property. Having a South facing garden the new-build extension required one of the highest performance roof glasses from the range, which provides 60%

solar heat reflection, 47% light transmission and an impressive U-Value of 1.2. With a true self-cleaning coating it Ambi-Blue remains one of the most popular glass options.

For installers the subtle blue tint offers many advantages

including a 53% reduction from the sun's glare that helps to provide year round living whilst also protecting furniture and fabrics from fading.

The homeowners were delighted with their new conservatory extension which has helped to add value and useable living space to their home.

For more information on the Ambience conservatory roof glass range, please visit the website www.ambiglass.co.uk or alternatively call us for a sample or to discuss your project requirements on 0845 3 400 200.

Clayton Glass have just launched SMARTGLASS®-W, the industry’s first dedicated range of glass that’s been specifically designed for conservatory doors and windows.

SMARTGLASS® has become the dominant brand for conservatory roof glass over the last 10 years, offering a range of products that are unsurpassed in terms of performance and backed by the product quality and operational accuracy that they have become renowned for. By working closely with their customer base of systems companies, fabricators and installers, the company has developed SMARTGLASS®-W which offers consumers the same market leading performance in their side frames and their conservatory roof together, as a complete package.

Sold with a three tier proposition, the standard SMARTGLASS®-W typically offers 240% more solar control than standard glass, is almost 3 times better than clear glass for heat retention and benefits from warm edge technology. The upgrade to SMARTGLASS®-W Plus+ additionally provides enhanced security and acoustics, and blocks out 98% of the sun’s harmful UV rays, which have proven to damage soft furnishings in conservatories over the years. Better still SMARTGLASS®-W Ultimate offers all these key features, along with a true self-clean coating, helping conservatory owners enjoy a clear vision of the world outside.

There has already been considerable interest from a number of existing customers, eager to look for the upselling opportunities with

SMARTGLASS®-W and the promise of offering a better solution for a fully glazed conservatory.

Jason McCabe, commercial director of Clayton Glass commented: ‘SMARTGLASS®-W has been developed to provide a better conservatory environment for consumers. The days of cheap polycarbonate based conservatories is long gone and the future for the conservatory sector is through innovation as our new product range shows.

He continues: ‘Even ‘A’ rated windows fall considerable short in the performance tables to SMARTGLASS®-W and the increase in cost is marginal in relative terms. We believe that with as much glazed area in the vertical plane as in the horizontal (roof) plane, the future in conservatories is for a total solar control solution from floor to roof.’

For further information on SMARTGLASS® log on to www.smart-glass.co.uk, e-mail [email protected] or call the sales office for a free sample pack on 01207 288200.

Wirral conservatory fabricator CRS has given a fresh look to a canalside setting, through to the fine detail.

The new owners of a house literally on the banks of the Shropshire Union Canal between Chester and Waverton felt the existing timber and polycarbonate conservatory was showing signs of age, limiting their ability to enjoy their waterside location.

Their solution was to demolish the existing, and replace it with a new glass 4.5m x 3m stretched Victorian style conservatory in light oak finish, the roof of which was fabricated by CRS using Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems conservatory roof.

“The canal was first built at the start of the Victorian era, so using a Victorian style for the conservatory was, in the clients’ view, a fitting acknowledgement of the history of the location,” explained CRS’ Dave Frost. “The proximity to water meant they were loathe to use timber, which would rot, so an aluminium/PVC combination was an ideal solution.

“Aztec’s unique foiled system means that the new roof looks like every detail is made from oak- even the crestings. Aztec is the only system that extends external foiling to every

component part: others offer foiled colours, but at most they only include the main structure and ridge cap. Their other elements are painted or use coloured plastic, so you don’t get a true match, especially with a woodgrain finish.”

The Aztec foiling process uses state-of-the-art technology, giving a consistent, durable, scratch resistant finish. The design of Aztec’s roof components means every element can be efficiently foiled through three dimensions- even the complex crests, caps and finials. As a result, a coloured Aztec roof delivers complete uniformity with every element of the roof perfectly matching, even in a woodgrain finish.

Complete external foiling is just one of Aztec’s unique features, which combine to make it the biggest

independent conservatory roof system on the market. The system was developed by conservatory installers to overcome the common issues faced in fabrication and fitting; as a result, the roof is simpler and faster to create and build- independent testing shows a 30% saving in time in the factory and on site.

As well as offering a roof with a raft of unique features, Aztec offers its fabricators unique benefits- including guaranteed areas of work without competition and no business taken direct. As a result, Aztec (www.aztecsystems.net) is now the leading independent conservatory roof systems company.



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Crystal Clear Bristol has been announced as the first winner in the Atlas Installation of the Month competition. The monthly competition, which began in April, has already attracted dozens of talented Atlas orangery, conservatory and rooflight installers who were eager to showcase their creative flair and high standards of workmanship.

Crystal Clear Bristol was a worthy winner for its breathtaking installation of a 16 pane Atlas lantern roof in a Grade 2 listed townhouse in the heart of Bristol. The company had been working with the owners of the property for some years and had replaced a large number of timber sliding sash windows, residential doors and French doors. When the couple discussed replacing the original lantern roof, Crystal Clear suggested a crisp white aluminium Atlas lantern roof with solar control and low maintenance, self-cleaning glass to complement their home.

The Atlas judging panel was impressed with the sympathetic installation of the contemporary and thermally efficient lantern, which delivered on aesthetics and has made a stunning focal point in the property.

Gareth Thomas, Sales and Marketing Director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, said: “We’ve had a fantastic response to the Installation of the Month and members of our Atlas installer network have been really excited to show off some superb installations, including some excellent projects with our new Skyroom

contemporary orangery. The quality of the entries was very high but this installation by Crystal Clear Bristol really stood out because it was a novel use of a modern Atlas lantern in a traditional setting. Crystal Clear demonstrated strong credentials in the design and installation of this lantern and they are deserving champions.”

James Mizen, Managing Director of Crystal Clear Bristol, added: “We were so pleased to be the first winners of the Atlas Installation of the Month, which marks our commitment to deliver well designed, high quality installations to our customers. Although it was a challenging project, the installation of the Atlas lantern was quick and simple and took just two days. The end result is really impressive and the customer is delighted with their new lantern.”

Crystal Clear Bristol won a £200 Screwfix voucher and a £50 Majestic Wine voucher. Their installation will be entered into the award finals for Atlas Installer of the Year, where the winner will be announced at an end of year gala event.

The Atlas judging team is on the lookout for more entries of Atlas conservatory product installations, including orangeries, lanterns, conservatories, verandas, Lean-Tos and the new Skyroom. To increase their chances of winning, entrants are encouraged to submit ‘before’ and ‘after’ photos to demonstrate the striking results of their installation.

Entries can be submitted via Twitter to @Atlasroofjohn or on email to [email protected].

With less visible profile and more glass, demand for the Atlas Glazed roof has doubled in the last year and the company now fabricates over 100 roofs a week. Slimmer, stronger and more thermally efficient than many of the other roof systems on the market, its appearance and performance is unsurpassed. Eliminating the need for boss and hood fittings, the roof features a slimline ridge, which is 70% thinner than the competition, and 40mm aluminium box rafters, which are 30% slimmer than any other rafter.

For further information, please contact Atlas on 02838 327741 or visit www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk.


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A national supplier of innovative roof glazing solutions has introduced a new range of products to their portfolio, in response to high demand for alternatives to the classic, bolt-on conservatories.

The decline of the conservatory market over the last few years has been counteracted by the industry with new, innovative solutions that led to renewed consumer desire. According to the latest Window Industry Report from leading supplier of market intelligence, Insight Data, new product development has revived opportunities for the conservatory installers, thanks to an evolution towards “more sophisticated, orangery-style rooms, and integrated, bespoke glazed solutions.”

To help customers make the most of the latest market trends, LB Roof Windows is now supplying the Atlas range of Roof Lanterns and Skyroom - the contemporary looking solution that is combining the best of two worlds, bridging the gap between conservatory and orangery.

LB Roof Windows sales director, Adrian Cooper, said: “The industry has responded in the best possible way to the slowdown in the conservatory market: with innovation. We pride ourselves on offering one of the widest ranges of natural light solutions for the roofing market, such as skylights, roof windows and roof domes, and we’ve now introduced the Atlas Skyroom and Roof Lantern to our range of products

to help customers diversify their offer and capitalise on the changing demand.”

Skyroom is the perfect solution for applications where the aspiration for an orangery might not be met by a budget to match. Skyroom delivers the high-end look of an orangery, without the price tag: the slim roof frame and 40mm internal ridge and rafter sections allow for larger glass areas, maximising the natural light and creating the sensation of space, while the unique raised beam delivers an authentic orangery look. The roof system is also perfect for the replacement market, thanks to its ability to transform a conservatory into a mock orangery, dramatically improving efficiency and usability of the space.

The Atlas Roof Lantern is a versatile solution for any project, from a traditional conservatory to a stylish orangery, or a modern flat roof extension. The aluminium Roof Lantern boasts attractive, slim sightlines, but is strong enough to support the increased weight of 44mm triple glazing, which helps it achieve an overall U-value of as low as 0,7 W/m²k.

Adrian added: “With the new additions to our range, we’re helping our customers differentiate themselves and offer a new and improved product that appeals to the end-consumer. What’s more, the Atlas range comes with strong technical support, and our team are always on hand to help with advice so that our clients can deliver smooth installations quick and easy, and move on to the next job in no time.”

For more information call LB Roof Windows on 01623 624500 or visit www.lbroofwindows.co.uk.

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MACHINERy The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Polyframe Norwich, part of the Polyframe Group, acquired the assets of aspen Windows in 2011 and began trading in march of that year. it had no customers, an empty order book, a handful of people, and ageing machinery. By the end of the third year sales were over £10 million and are still growing.

In the three years since Polyframe Norwich was formed its growth has been impressive and consistent. Six hundred frames a week were manufactured at the end of the first trading year. The following year it rose to 1,400 frames a week and in 2014 it reached 3,000.

Polyframe invested heavily in the Norwich factory, buying three key machines for more than £1.5 million, and it’s gone to great lengths to ensure products meet the high quality standards Polyframe customers expect.

The Norwich factory now employs over 100 people and makes all Polyframe’s Rehau

S706 and Edge windows and doors for a nationwide customer base.

Nick Dutton, Polyframe CEO, comments: “I think we’ve shown that the market will respond to a quality product delivered with excellent service and comprehensive support. We’ve helped many small-to-medium sized fabricators stop fabricating so they can concentrate on selling and installing. It’s something Polyframe specialises in, and this growth suggests that the way we do it works very well.”

Fabricators who are thinking of stopping fabricating to sell and install should contact Peter Dyson, Polyframe Sales Director on 01422 398969 and visit www.polyframetrade.co.uk.

Dudleys aluminium, based in Cardiff, has purchased its first ever CNC machining centre after nearly 20 years using only traditional semi-automatic copy routers.

The company, which specialises in the supply of aluminium windows, doors, curtain walling and shopfronts to main contractors working across the commercial sector, chose an Emmegi Phantomatic X6 four axes machine, and is already reporting real benefits in terms of increased output, more reliable precision manufacturing and more efficient deployment of staff.

The company previously relied largely on a small team of highly skilled fabricators to operate its copy routers, but has now been able to train some of its semi-skilled staff to use the Phantomatic machine as well, which has led to a marked increase in efficiency. Bob Rice, the Operations Director of Dudleys, said

that the company carried out an extensive cost benefit analysis before choosing the Phantomatic X6 and had calculated that the payback would be worthwhile if the machine was used for both windows and curtain walling products.

Bob said: “I had been sceptical about the benefits of a CNC machining centre for this business for a long time but when we did the cost benefit calculations it became clear that it was a really viable option for us. Now that we’ve had the machine in place for more than 6 months, I’ve changed from sceptic to advocate and I can see real long term benefits not just in efficiency but in consistency and quality as well.”

Dudleys chose the Emmegi machine after many discussions with Emmegi (UK)’s sales manager Andrew Jones. Andrew said: “Dudleys were using some of

our copy routers and I had stayed in regular touch with them over the years in the hope of convincing them to switch to a CNC machine.

Bob Rice added: “The whole process of buying from Emmegi (UK) was very positive. They invited us to talk to other customers, they offered a straightforward, competitive price and they were honest and helpful throughout.

Dudleys Aluminium operates throughout Wales, the South West of England and along the M4 corridor. It has strong relationships with some of the UK’s leading main contractors and is extending its reach across the Midlands and South of England as its reputation grows.

www.dudleys.uk.com / www.emmegi.com

More and more fabricators have been finding out that Haffner’s SMR-4 welder really is as good as the hype suggests.

Dave Thomas, Managing Director of Haffner Murat said, “I worked with the R&D department at Haffner Murat to design a machine that would solve age-old problems with welding. I was always very proud of the machine we developed and I’m delighted that so many fabricators are adding it to their machinery lines and experiencing its benefits.”

The welder also offers a retracting middle corner fence and three square welding while drop down support arms help operators cope with small frames, making the production of these much easier. Finally, a touch screen display depicts the style of window to be welded which assists in the correct loading of the profiles.

As Dave says, the SMR-4 grew out of a desire to solve the traditional problems with welding. As every fabricator will know, the biggest of these problems is corner weld misalignment. Accurate welds require the experience of a skilled operator if you want to avoid costly remakes. The SMR-4 auto-aligns corners as well as transoms without using set squares or aligning tools, even if the arrow head is slightly out, removing the need for a skilled operator and saving time and money in remakes.

Other features include automatic transom fences, automatic corner fences and automatic transom and mullion alignment, all of which dramatically speed up the production process and increase quality. The welder also offers a retracting middle corner fence and three square welding while drop down support arms help to anchor small frames, making the production of these much easier. Finally, an on screen window display makes checking progress straightforward.

To help fabricators see the benefit of the machine for themselves, Haffner Murat has recently produced a video showing it in action. It can be seen on YouTube by searching for “Haffner Murat SMR-4 Welding Machine” and is also available to view on www.haffnergb.com/news. Dave says, “Many fabricators can’t believe their eyes when they see what the machine can do. If you’ve heard about the machine but are sceptical about the claims, I urge you to watch the video and prepare to be amazed!”

Haffner Murat’s reputation is for machines that add value to a fabrication plant by improving speed and quality. And as the SMR-4 welder’s rapidly growing sales show, it’s enhancing that reputation still further.

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Specification, performance, and price are some of the most common criteria for aluminium fabricators when they are buying new machinery, but size is not very often on the list of requirements.

However, when Hampshire based trade specialists Quick Glaze approached machinery specialists Emmegi (UK) to help them select a new machine to help them increase output of multi-fold doors, size was their top priority.

The company’s premises in Bordon is small but perfectly formed so the company wanted a machine which would fit into the space available whilst at the same time delivering worthwhile improvements in capacity.

Emmegi’s sales manager Andrew Jones recommended Emmegi’s Nanomatic semi-

automatic copy router with two controlled axes which fitted their requirements perfectly both in terms of dimensions and capability.

Martyn Quick, the managing director of Quick Glaze, was able to see the machine in action via the professionally produced videos on Emmegi’s website and was able to order a machine from stock at Emmegi’s UK headquarters in Coventry.

He said: “The whole buying process was simple and fuss free – the machine was the perfect size for our needs and now that it is up and running, it is proving even better than we expected.

“It has already helped us to double production of our Smarts multi-fold doors and has proved really versatile, more than meeting our machining requirements. Crucially, we now have the capacity to expand even further from our existing premises.”

The Nanomatic 384S machine can be connected to a PC via a USB connection and Emmegi’s intuitive software is easy to use.

As a result, Quick Glaze are already reporting improvements in overall quality and consistent accuracy and have eliminated the potential for user error which existed with their previous manually operated copy router.

Quick Glaze is a trade supplier, manufacturing multi-fold doors using the Smarts system alongside its range of PVC-U frames. The company, which has built up its customer base almost entirely via recommendation, enjoys a reputation for being practical, friendly and easy to deal with.

Further information is available at: www.emmegi.com and www.quick-glaze.co.uk.

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Do you need a replacement part in a hurry? For the first time you can now order your parts, spares and consumables on-line at www.promacshop.co.uk. You don’t have to wait until the next day, you can now order 24-7, and be assured of a first class service from a name you can trust. Productive and profitable manufacturing relies on machinery that is running. Promac go the extra mile to make sure customers receive genuine approved replacement parts - all backed by manufacturer guarantee - quickly and efficiently to ensure downtime is kept to a minimum. Promac is focused on giving customers what they need.

www.promacshop.co.uk

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MACHINERy The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

In 2000 Stuga built eight Flowlines. Today four of those eight machines are still fully operational and unchanged’ with the other four having been rebuilt into the latest ZX3 models. Since the introduction of the Flowline, which was later re-launched as the ZX3, Stuga has also introduced the high volume ZX4 and the small footprint Microline, later re-launched as the AutoFlow-2. More than 150 of these automated sawing & machining centers have been built and many more new ones are being built for installation in 2015. Stuga branded machines have been built in Norfolk since 1986.

For the very busy fabricators that have produced so many windows on their Stuga over the last fourteen or fifteen years it is good to know that the company can often offer a rebuilt or new machine to swap with their worn out one over a weekend to minimize production disruption. Stuga has now rebuilt nearly twenty old machines in this way and they will run for very many more years to come.

Stuga customers have grown to like the consistency of dealing with a manufacturer that is here in the UK building British machines for British and Irish fabricators. Stuga is not a dealer and is in the UK time zone, speaks the same language and takes full responsibility for its products no matter where they are or how they have been purchased. When a fabricator buys a Stuga machine from anywhere the company will always help and support the new owner where ever they purchased it. Stuga machines can become obsolescent due to technology changes but the company takes the trouble to engineer work-arounds or new designs to overcome such issues. This is always a top priority.

Top seller for Stuga at present is the ZX4 closely followed by the AutoFlow-2. The ZX4 is a high volume sawing & machining center that can produce in the 800 to 1,000 per week range and the Mark 5 version now boasts many

enhancements including tool breakage detection and profile recognition/width measuring with auto-correct. The AutoFlow-2 has an option for producing the frame to sill angle on the frame of ‘VS’ windows. It does this automatically and can also produce the mechanical fixing holes in the ‘VS’ sill in the same way. The AutoFlow-2 is perfect for all types of doors as well as ‘VS’ windows and casements, tilt and turns etc. Output varies according to product and preps but on casements it is around 400 per week. This machine also has a small footprint of 13.5m x 2.3m.

The other great value for Stuga customers lies in the fact that the service is so good, with eight technicians geographically based and a well-staffed service center in Gt Yarmouth. Spare parts are British sourced and most are ex-stock all of the time. Customers and potential customers are always welcome to visit Stuga and see it all for themselves.

For further information please call 01493 742348 or visit www.stuga.co.uk.

FIFTEEN yEARS OF AUTOMATED sAWing & mAcHining

Machinery


“When a fabricator buys a Stuga machine from anywhere the company will always help and support the new owner where ever they purchased it. Stuga machines can become obsolescent due to technology changes but the company takes the trouble to engineer work-arounds or new designs to overcome such issues. This is always a top priority.”


ZX4 sawing & machining centre for the discerning uPVC window & door fabricatorSawing & Machining as it should be

Ask for machine sales or visit www.stuga.co.uk

01493 742348Machinery

The Stuga ZX4 can produce 800-1000 internally glazed windows per week. There are many reference sites for this high output machining centre. Includes sawcuts and preps for all window and door styles including bi-folds. ‘U’ shaped configuration allows the possibility for single operator usage. All Stuga machining centres notch on both sides of any profile.

15.75 metres long by 4.25 metres wide. Professional installation & training.

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0715/0070


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: PROMAC/DOUblE R The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News, talks exclusively to Promac Group’s Managing Director, Joe Hague, and Double R’s Managing Director, Ian Sims, about the significant investment Double R has just made in the first For.El machine of its kind, in the world.

For those that don’t know you Ian, tell the readers about Double R

ian Sims: Double R is a dedicated roof and glass supplier in Wellingborough. We were established in 2000 and in that time we have grown because of the quality products we offer consistently, backed up with an excellent friendly service. We have recruited experts in relevant fields to ensure our customers are getting the very best solutions for their customers, whether for roofs, sealed units or decorative glass.

How is Double R finding the market at the moment?

ian Sims: I understand some fabricators have seen sales flatten out of late but the need for roofs and glass doesn’t seem to have diminished. The market continues to be buoyant for us and the future is looking

good. We’re celebrating 15 years in business this year and we have always prided ourselves on offering quality across our sealed units, decorative glass and both our traditional and solid roof offering. So hopefully that is paying off with a loyal customer base that continues to buy from us.

Is that why you decided to invest in new machinery?

ian Sims: We were so busy in 2014 we almost reached the point of overcapacity but that is not where Double R wants to be. Our customers know that we will do all we can to help them through problems and it is important that we have some spare capacity for those unexpected orders. As demand looked set to continue we wanted to go down the full automation route to ensure optimum efficiency and productivity. We have already expanded our factory so we now occupy a 29,200 sq ft premises, so investment in machinery was the obvious next step.

At what point does Promac get involved in the process? Did you help Ian with his search for new machinery, Joe?

Joe Hague: Double R and Promac have had a long association and we have watched Ian and his team grow their business very impressively…and through difficult times. There was no doubt in my mind that Double R would reach a point whereby automation became a necessity, and not just an ambition,

and when the time was right we were on hand to develop this project accordingly.

In our experience different customers appreciate different levels of support. We’re always happy to offer advice to companies who are purely researching their options but we also work with companies who know exactly what they’re looking for.

ian Sims: Just to jump in here: we actually went to the US to look at an alternative as well as approaching Joe for his input. The difference in the support we had from both companies was stark. We were getting

nowhere fast with the company in the US whereas Promac couldn’t have been more helpful.

Joe Hague: My personal business mantra has never changed: service, service, service, service, service - easy enough to say but not the easiest thing to deliver. Doing the big stuff comes naturally to most but what we strive to deliver is that little extra, the attention to detail with a constant need to continuously improve. In this case the scope of the project needed close management, bringing all the major stakeholders together, and forming

proMac supports DOUBLE R INvESTMENT

a traditionally glazed conservatory roof.

Double R, Wellingborough. Solid roof construction.


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: PROMAC/DOUblE RThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

a true partnership that guarantees the best chance of success.

So why invest in a brand new machine, Ian? And not just a new machine: but the first For.El machine of its kind in the world?

ian Sims: In my view, to invest in a lesser machine at this stage, knowing that something faster and better was sure to be on the horizon, would be the equivalent of buying a mini when a BMW was about to be launched. Actually if I’m using car analogies, Rolls Royce would perhaps be more appropriate. It gives us everything we need now and allows us to future proof ourselves and our customers. The new machine is super-fast so will further improve efficiencies as well as giving us more capacity. It will also give us the ability to manufacture triple glazed units as quickly as a lot of people using automation, can make double glazed units.

Can you tell us a bit more about this machine, Joe?

Joe Hague: Double R will be the first in the world to use this brand new format and technology as For.El IGU lines take the next step in high speed processing. Key areas of the line’s performance has been improved either by configuration, component parts and/or smart innovation driving productivity gains and efficiencies. It does everything you would expect from a fully automated line as it washes, automatically checks for surface defects, applies Super Spacer®, gas fills and then seals, but much faster than ever before.

Double glazed units are processed in under 20 seconds with triples being produced in just 33 seconds. As Ian said, this is the speed at which a lot of double glazed sealed units are currently being manufactured where automation is already part of the manufacturing process.

Do either of you see the demand for triples increasing exponentially in the near future?

Joe Hague: At this moment, in my view, triple glazing for most manufacturers is based purely on demand with only a few really pushing the triple agenda. Our market place is incredibly sophisticated and the wholesale supply of triple is complex. I think that any exponential increase will be driven by the regulatory bodies, as was the case for double, energy efficient doubles and WER’s.

ian Sims: I agree with Joe. We supply some triple glazing now but by far the highest demand sits firmly in the double glazed unit camp. We do offer high performance double sealed units though, with Super Spacer and argon gas, so we are giving customers the best in this field already. With this new machinery however, we will be set up to easily offer triple glazed units quickly, if that’s what our customers need.

Is this level of investment common in today’s market, Joe, or is Double R unusual in that respect?

Joe Hague: There is no doubt that machinery investment has risen across our entire range but what makes Double R’s investment unique is the performance requirements, tailored to a specific criterion. Some of our standard lines could be considered off the shelf but this line really pushes the technical threshold.

What I have noticed though is that although many companies, like Double R, have far more economic confidence now than in recent times. No two customers share the same reason for investment.

And what does the future hold for Double R?

ian Sims: We don’t take delivery of this new machine until later in the year, so we will

be spending the next few months preparing the factory for its arrival. We’ll continue to work closely with Joe and his team too, to ensure that when the machine does arrive its installation goes smoothly and our customers can start reaping its unique benefits as soon as possible.

For more information on the Promac Group, log on to www.promac.co.uk or call 01788 577577.

For more information on Double R visit www.glassandroofs.co.uk or call 01933 443658.


ian Sims in the decorative glass operation.

Current sealed unit production. Sealed units.

ian Sims, managing Director, Double R.


HARDwARE ExPERT The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

With more than 30 years’ global experience in hardware design and manufacture – including 15 years in the UK – Vita Hardware has notched up a respectable number of industry firsts, especially in innovative durable coatings like its Porcel™ finish. This unique coating withstands 3,000 hours of salt spray testing compared to the next best available of 480 hours.

Managing Director Stewart Lamb explains more: “Now, thanks to our specialist in-house product development team, we’re delighted to be able to offer better than ever surface guarantees across our range of handles. In addition to the 10 years on PVD Chrome & Gold polished finishes, 5 years on Anodised Silver F1 and Anodised gold F3, we are offering 5 years on our new marine grade powder coated white and black finishes. In addition, we offer a 10 year mechanical guarantee across the range which compares favorably with many others in the industry who offer between two and five years only.

“It’s VITA’s commitment to keeping things in-house and all in one place that allows us to innovate and bring to market relevant developments that benefit customers, like these guarantees. Founded on our ‘All Under One Roof ’ principle, all products are designed

and manufactured in-house at VITA owned facilities, so we have total control over what is developed. Because of this, we are able to reflect the ever changing needs of the market and meet increasingly stringent standards with fast and relevant product development, launches and guarantees. Customers also have peace of mind about the small print of these new guarantees – we’ve been around for 30 years and are committed to being here for at least the next 30, so should the worst happen, the guarantees mean something. Supplying pertinent, affordable products for windows and doors that deliver on quality for the long term is key. This is exactly what VITA wants to achieve with these new guarantees so watch this space. We will continue to raise the bar.”

For more information on VITA and its products, log on to www.vitahardware.co.uk.

Leading hardware manufacturer Kenrick has significantly increased production of its high security timber door lock as the industry sees a growing consumer appetite for quality timber entrance doors.

Production rates of the door lock are at an all-time high since it was launched two years ago to cater for the rising demand for timber among discerning homeowners. The door lock has been designed to offer the highest levels of security for the end user, whilst making installation faster and easier for installers working within tight timescales.

Steve Williams, Kenrick’s sales and marketing director, says: “Timber is often the preferred choice for traditional and country style properties, particularly in rural and conservation areas where planning regulations have become more stringent. Homeowners are definitely becoming more sophisticated in the choice of material for their entrance door and they don’t want it to be compromised with an inferior door lock. We’re delighted with the success of this product and believe it is one of the best systems available in the industry today, offering a host of features that are unmatched by other products.”

The door lock is Secured by Design approved and benefits from three sintered steel hooks and a latch to provide optimal security for

the timber door. A 45mm backset optimises the handle clearance from the outer frame for ease of use, whilst fully adjustable keeps enable the hooks to fully compress the gaskets when locked.

For the installer, there is a high level of adjustment available on the keeps, which ensures that it is fast and simple to fit without undermining overall security or performance. The lock’s 20mm wide faceplate features radius ends to enable easy preparation and fitting on a timber door sash. Its fully adjustable keeps can be easily routed into the outer frame to provide a completely flush finish. The latch is fully adjustable and the hook keeps can be adjusted to +/- 2mm to ensure that the door provides adequate sealing compression once it has been fitted.

The lock is compatible with a wider choice of handle backplate options and the flexibility of the centres mean that the user can

choose from a lever/lever or twin spindle operation on the same lock. It has been successfully tested to surpass 100,000 operations of opening and closing and more than 240 hours of intense salt based corrosion to exceed the requirements of BSEN 1670:2007.

Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the four-point Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems.

Tel: 0121 553 2741 www.kenricks.co.uk



RISE IN DEMAND FOR kENRICk’S TIMbER DOOR LOCK

Brisant has launched Ultion, a high quality, high security cylinder that offers real security. The anti-snap, anti-drill and anti-bump cylinder is the solution for the window and door industry where security, despite its selling power, is more often a matter of perception than real protection.

Brisant CEO Steve Stewart comments: “Containing four sacrificial anti-snap sections, twelve hardened steel pins, four anti-drill plates and a unique lockdown mode that activates when attacked,

Ultion is the most secure lock on the market and we continue to develop it so it stays the best.”

“The industry relies heavily on cheap £3 Euro Cylinders that can be breached in under a minute,” says Steve. “These cylinders are the only thing that stands in the way of someone walking into a property and taking all the valuables they can find, often driving away in the homeowner’s vehicle parked outside.”

Steve explains: “When spending £1,000 to £3,000 on a new door protected by

secure looking hooks and bolts, you expect it to be secure. But a door is only as secure as the cylinder. Hardware standards are complicated and confusing, so people think they mean more than they do. Many anti-snap cylinders can actually be snapped in well under a minute, so installers are selling doors with much less security than they think.”

Ultion is one of only two cylinders to have achieved the Master Locksmith Association’s (MLA) Sold Secure Diamond, the only test for real security. It is awarded to cylinders that cannot be broken by any attack. Tests are carried out by skilled locksmiths who try all known methods for gaining entry and can spend as long as they like trying to break the cylinder. Steve adds: “Trained MLA locksmiths worked for 2.5 hours and couldn’t break it. Ultion really is the lock that locks.”

Tel: 01924 455 444 www.brisant-secure.com

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TECH TAlk The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

level of protection during the service life of the product, it doesn’t produce a particularly architecturally decorative finish.

And, whilst exposure to air and water is the main catalyst for the formation of rust, it is further speeded up by the presence of sodium chloride – or salt – so, in marine and coastal environments in particular, further surface protection is required.

This is where stainless steel comes in. The term describes all those steels which have additional elements such as chromium and/or nickel within the alloy. But, just like low carbon steels, there are different grades and different material properties for different service applications.

The first is Grade 430 or ‘ferritic’ stainless steel which has the addition of chromium at about 14%. It is the presence of chromium which helps the steel to resist rust or at least stain less because the chromium atoms combine with oxygen in the air to form a very thin passive film on the surface. However, the film will be quickly destroyed by chlorides in salt water so it is only generally used for indoor domestic appliances – such as kettles and toasters.

The second is Grade 304 stainless steel which has chromium added at about 18% and also nickel at about 8% (hence its common name 18/8 chromium steel). This is ‘austenitic’ stainless steel which has a very different crystalline structure to ferritic steel and is both stronger and more corrosion resistant. The surface can be highly polished making it ideal for decorative finishes and the act of polishing the surface actually increases the corrosion resistance. Grade 304 is suitable for external and security applications where both strength and finish are required.

And third is Grade 316 stainless which is commonly known as marine grade stainless steel. This has chromium added at 18%, nickel at 10% and the element molybdenum at about 2%. Like 304 it is an austenitic stainless steel, with the addition of molybdenum further increasing the resistance to corrosion, especially if the surface becomes pitted or scratched. Obviously it is surface defects like these which can trigger corrosion, particularly in the presence of sea water so this is the grade of stainless steel which is generally recommended for use in exterior, security and coastal environments – even in brushed stainless steel form.

There is another grade of stainless steel as well – 200 series which has chromium at 18%,

Let me begin with some of the chemistry of steel. Obviously, it’s actually an alloy with the basic constituents being iron and carbon – with carbon typically making up less than 1%, and other elements such as manganese added to alter the strength and forming characteristics.

In our industry this type of low carbon steel is what is generally used in products such as door and window locks and associated strikers. Because it corrodes easily when the iron in the steel reacts with oxygen to form iron oxide, it is generally protected by a layer of electroplated zinc to prevent the distinctive red rust from forming. Whilst this zinc passivation process gives a reasonable


TECH TALK with Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila

Stainless steel is being hailed as the ‘next big thing’ in hardware – despite the fact that it’s actually been around for many years. It’s increasingly being promoted as the solution for hardware which is going to be exposed to arduous conditions and it is certainly what Mila would recommend for that; but fabricators and installers need to be aware that all stainless steel is not the same. What starts off looking shiny and new might not always stay that way – it’s all about choosing the right grade for the right application.

NOT All STEElS ARE CREATED EQUAl

nickel at just 2-5% and manganese at 8%. This is considerably more economical to produce than either 430 or 316 because of the lowered nickel content but it has very poor resistance to a chloride or coastal environment so should only really be used for domestic indoor applications.

Mila does not specify Grade 200 stainless steel in any its products. Instead, we recommend 304 for general applications and 316 for any applications within 10 miles of the coast. In fact, our new Supa range will be launched shortly featuring a range of products in both grades in polished gold, polished chrome, smokey chrome and brushed satin chrome and we’ll even be including a new app and online feature which customers can use to select the right grade based on the postcode of the installation.

I would recommend that customers who are buying stainless steel hardware should check carefully which grade they are choosing and also ask their supplier to provide evidence of the testing regime which the hardware has gone through to demonstrate proof of that.

Certainly at Mila we request a Certificate of Conformity from our suppliers to guarantee the material grade, and we also have the materials independently tested in a UK laboratory to verify that we are always getting the grade of steel specified.

By Strafford Cooke, Technical Manager, Mila


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To talk to the experts call 0191 377 7345 or email [email protected]

Rustic 80 is ideal for barn conversions, period properties, or just for a unique feature. The sliding hardware is suitable for timber doors weighing up to 80kg and is easy to install.View online at www.pchenderson.com

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INSTAllER FOCUS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Hundreds of individuals in the glass and glazing industry have registered online to find out about a soon to be launched, exciting new product range from a well-known company.

Räum is a collection of premium products designed to help fabricators and installers capitalise on the most profitable areas of the high-end home improvement market.

The name Räum is influenced by the German word for ‘space’ and it encapsulates the stand-out aesthetics of the high performance products within the brand.

A spokesperson for Räum commented: “We’re delighted with the amount of registrations so far. It’s good to see the industry looking to take advantage of the opportunities to grow in profitable markets and we encourage any installers who haven’t yet registered to get in touch as soon as possible if they want to gain a serious edge over the competition.”

If you would like to be one of the first to know about Räum, visit www.raumdesigns.co.uk and leave your details. Full details of Räum will be announced in the following months.

Truemans’ Sheffield trade counter has celebrated the move to a new, larger location with an open day event. Customers were invited to stop by for lunch and a sneak peek “behind the scenes”.

The Sheffield team welcomed everyone to the new branch, situated on the same industrial estate as the previous location. The trade counter is fully refurbished and features a brand new showroom designed specifically for installers to use in order to attract more customers.

Ashely Warburton, Truemans group manager, said: “Some of our clients do not have showrooms and, although our marketing support is brilliant at helping to get homeowners interested in their products and services, it certainly helps to be able to show customers what they’re getting beforehand in order to win that order.

“Our new showroom features some of our most popular products - Rehau and Halo windows, uPVC

residential doors, a choice of Solidor composites, as well as a great looking Chartwell Green Residence 9 bay window. With no exception, every homeowner visiting the showroom with our clients was impressed.”

One of Sheffield’s bigger customers said: “We don’t currently have a showroom of our own, so it’s great to be able to show customers our windows and doors in a smart, attractive location. It’s important for me to have this facility, as customers don’t always realise the quality of certain products, but the showroom can really help me secure the sale.”

Truemans doubled the space in Sheffield to 6,000 sq. ft. in response to the increasing demand from customers. “The relocation proved auspicious, considering

the new unit was already running at full capacity a few weeks after the opening,” said Ashley. “We are now doing approximately 600 frames per week, which comes to show how successful our clients are and how much they benefit from our value added services.”

Ashley added: “We pride ourselves on offering one of the friendliest, and most effective customer services in the industry, 100% of the time, and it’s nice to organise such events when everyone can take a little time out of their busy day to enjoy themselves. The open day was very well received by our clients, and I’m sure everyone loved their goody bag, including the famous Truemans T-shirt, perfect for summer time fittings.”

Online enquiries from homeowners exploring The VEKA UK Group’s Approved Installer Scheme are being converted directly into lucrative work for members of the innovative support initiative.

A dedicated homeowner-facing section of the Approved Installer website guides visitors through the benefits of the scheme, the VEKA and Halo home improvements on offer and, crucially, an easy-to-complete contact form indicating the nature of their enquiry and showing where their nearest Approved Installers are located.

Amy Grundy, National Sales Manager for the Approved Installer Scheme explains: “With the website, we’ve kept things as simple as possible. Visitors get the low-down on the essential elements of working with an Approved Installer, allowing individual companies to expand on their benefits when following-up the sales leads we send them.

“Our contact form is just that – it simply asks visitors for their contact details along with a very basic indication of the work they’re interested in. This info helps us forward the lead to the enquirer’s three closest Approved Installers – be they VEKA or Halo – who then

get in touch, find out the specifics of the job, and put a quote together for the work.

“This is just one way that becoming Approved makes life easier for installers. Our package of marketing support puts subsidised websites, personalised promotional materials, and targeted advertising in easy reach of all Approved Installers. We’ve taken care of the professional design costs – installers just need to pay for printing and postage to achieve results that most companies can only dream of!”

In barely a year since its launch at the FIT Show 2014, more than 400 installers, fabricators and suppliers have joined the Approved Installer Scheme. It represents just one tier of the unrivalled installer support offered by The VEKA UK Group – home also to the industry’s original and leading installer organisation, Network VEKA.

Amy continues: “To see Approved Installers, up and down the country, converting online quotes into profitable work is really encouraging. The fact that Approved Installers can access this provision free of charge has made the Scheme an amazingly popular introduction to the support on offer from The VEKA UK Group. I, for one, can’t wait to see what year two holds for the Approved Installer Scheme!”

Companies interested in learning more about the benefits of becoming Approved should visit www.vekauk.com/approvedinstaller.




SHEFFIElD SUCCESS FOR TRUEMANS

VeKA APProVed INSTAllERS ARE IN lINE FOR ONlINE SAlES lEADS

truemans’ Sheffield team.

HUNDREDS REGISTER INTEREST AHEAD OF lAUNCH OF ExCITING NEw PRODUCT RANGE


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New-look pro tapes for Synseal’s popular Shield and SynerJy PVC-U profiles are being introduced during 2015.

an online survey was conducted to test installer perceptions of a number of different pro tape options including a plain white design, a multi-lingual design featuring the six most popular languages used by tradesmen working on British construction projects (english, Welsh, Gaelic, Polish, Punjabi and Gujarati) and an eco-friendly ‘remove and recycle’ design.

“The research gave us an undisputed winner” says Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing. “The dual-colour design with ‘remove and recycle’ messaging was clearly the favourite and there’s no doubt that these new pro tapes, featuring our distinctive Shield and SynerJy logos, will be a big improvement to replace the existing mono-colour designs. Pro tape is an important element in our offering, protecting the extruded PVC-U

profiles through the processes of despatch, fabrication, delivery to site and installation where it is viewed by the homeowners and only removed as a final fit operation.”

Printed with the messages ‘Lead-free PVC-U profile / Remove this protective foil immediately after installation / This protective foil is recyclable’ these eye-catching new pro tapes will be introduced in phased fashion during the year as existing stocks of the old Shield and SynerJy pro tapes are exhausted.


Crystal Direct, the No.1 PVC-U window and door fabricator for choice and colour, has released its new corporate brochure. The brochure includes detailed information on Crystal’s comprehensive range of windows, doors and conservatories, plus its colour and hardware options.

Martin Randall, Crystal Chairman, says: “We’re committed to producing the widest range of products, with all the choice and support installers need to help them sell

PVC-U. Our new corporate brochure features all Crystal’s high quality products, produced in our state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Hertfordshire.

“The brochure also includes information on installer support, our online pricing and ordering software, delivery and technical support.”

For your copy of Crystal’s new brochure call 01462 489 900 or visit www.crystal-direct.co.uk.

The UK’s number one manufacturer of purpose-designed glass carrying vehicle bodies and racking systems has signalled its determination to go for growth by appointing its first Business Development manager.

Mike Nicholson takes up his new position at Merseyside-based Supertrucks having spent the last 12 years working as a Group Transport Manager for furniture group Steinhoff UK, whose high-profile brands include Bensons for Beds and Harveys.

As the new ‘front man’ for Supertrucks, Mike will spend much of his time on the road, meeting established and potential customers, and pursuing new business opportunities. He is also working closely with senior colleagues Dave Hill and Andy Geoghegan, who between them have clocked-

up 60 years’ service with Supertrucks, to ensure the smooth day-to-day operation of the company’s production facility in St Helens.

“I was ready for a change and am hugely excited about this opportunity,” declares Mike. “Glass is a fragile product so specialised vehicles, built to do the job, are needed to transport it securely. We have a fantastic production team at Supertrucks and our bodies and racks have long led the market in terms of

their quality and fitness for purpose. But the company has sometimes fallen short when it comes to presenting itself – and that’s where I come in. I’m now looking forward to getting out and about, communicating and building relationships with operators, and thereby unlocking Supertrucks’ huge potential for growth.”

An ardent Liverpool FC fan and Formula One enthusiast – in his spare time he assists the McLaren team by driving its vans between European

Grand Prix venues – Mike was head-hunted for his new role by Anthony Bevan, Managing Director of the West Midlands-based Bevan Group, which acquired Supertrucks last year.

Says Anthony: “We’ve practically doubled the size of the Supertrucks team

since taking control and the company is now in much better shape. Mike is an experienced and motivated industry professional who has fully bought into our vision for the business – he’s now going to be instrumental in taking Supertrucks to the next level.”

Supertrucks invented the glass-carrying rack and

named it the ‘frail’, reflecting the fragile characteristics of the material it was designed to carry. The company provides a wide range of internal and external glass transportation solutions for high-profile customers such as Float Glass Industries, HW Glass, IG Glass, Pilkington, Solglass Saint-Gobain, Theodor Schmid GmbH and Wolesley Group, as well as for smaller businesses and sole traders.



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‘Glass act’... mike Nicholson is now leading Supertrucks’ expansion drive.

New venture... Since its acquisition by Bevan Group, Supertrucks has launched a specialist vehicle rental operation.

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INSTAllER FOCUSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

With the most recent Insight Data report revealing that an increasing number of small fabricators are now giving up manufacturing and switching to buying in, David Thornton from G-14 Installer of the Year The Window Company (Contracts) tells Glass News what installers like him are looking for from fabricators and how they make the relationship work.

The Window Company (Contracts) is a commercial specialist installing upwards of 500 frames per week on large scale, predominantly social housing projects across London and the South East and is understandably very demanding of its suppliers.

The company buys REHAU frames from Polyframe for the vast majority of its work where standard white casements are being fitted, but also hand picks other fabricators for those projects where more specialised frames are required or where a system other than REHAU is specified by the client.

David Thornton says: “Our overriding criteria when choosing a supplier is quality – we predominantly use REHAU frames for that very reason, and also because they are so easy to install and are so widely specified in the commercial sector.

“Obviously though, there are a huge number of REHAU fabricators to choose from so we look for suppliers who can meet the demands of specific contracts.

“For high volume work, it’s largely about finding a supplier like Polyframe who can offer the consistency and reliability we want even on 500 frames a week and who can guarantee on time deliveries.

“Price is obviously an important factor as well so it tends to be the bigger fabricators who can compete for those projects, but for us price certainly doesn’t override quality.

“Beyond that, we also look for fabricators who offer the online ordering option which we require to maintain our efficiency and who offer fast, or at least predictable, lead times.

“Unsurprisingly then perhaps, we generally also use Door-Stop to supply our doors because of the fast delivery and competitive prices which come from being a high volume manufacturer.”

In recent months, The Window Company Contracts has won a series of contracts using both vertical sliders and fully reversible windows for private and public sector contracts so has faced the task of finding additional new suppliers.

David Thornton continues: “We are experts at what we do and very much believe in working with other experts so we looked for fabricators who had an established reputation for manufacturing these frames.

“For vertical sliders we chose Roseview and Masterfrrame and for the fully reversible windows we chose both Tradelink and Iceni Windows. All four businesses could offer the quality we required but just as importantly they could meet our demands in terms of orders and deliveries.”

Also this year, The Window Company (Contracts) won a contract which had already been specified in Veka profile so once again faced the task of finding what it would describe as an ‘expert’ supplier.

Having visited their stand at last year’s FIT show and been impressed with their product and their customer service offering, The Window Company (Contracts) chose Glazerite to supply more than 1500 frames for a contract in Ipswich.

“What was very significant for us was the fact that we felt that all these new suppliers wanted to establish a relationship with us. We were impressed that they were prepared to go that extra mile in terms of ensuring that the frames were specified correctly, that they were delivered on time and that any queries were quickly resolved.

“Like any customer, we want to feel valued and the owners of all five businesses have gone out of their way to make us feel just that.

“Obviously, I recognise that we are a relatively large installer with a certain amount of buying

power but I’d like to think that our experience is a fairly accurate reflection of how these fabricators operate.

“As we know from our own set up, once you have the processes and systems in place which enable you to reliably combine product quality and customer service, then the size of the customer should be largely irrelevant.

“One thing which perhaps makes us different is that we like to meet all of the fabricators we deal with face to face. We are prepared to invest time in finding the right suppliers and in building relationships with them and our experience this year shows that with so many new installers entering the market, fabricators are increasingly willing to invest that time as well.”

Tel: 01245 268120 www.thewinco.co.uk


FINDING THE RIGHT SUPPlIER an installer’s View

David Thornton, managing Director of The Window Company

The Window Company sourced Veka frames from Glazerite for this large social housing project in ipswich.

The Window Company sourced fully reversible frames from iceni for this multi-storey social housing project in Walthamstow.

The Window Company sourced fully reversible frames from iceni for this multi-storey social housing project in Walthamstow.

“We were impressed that they were prepared to go that extra mile in terms of ensuring that the frames were specified correctly, that they were delivered on time and that any queries were quickly resolved.”


Tel: 0800 014 2769 | Email: [email protected]

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Alan Fielder, Director of Sales and Marketing at Edgetech UK, a Quanex company, explains what’s behind Edgetech Dealership Plus the new support package for IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers.

There’s a new business support package in the window industry. The timing is right because despite Government promises, there are now more regulations and red tape for businesses in the glazing sector. SMEs have

little or no help to ease the pressure. We believe new Edgetech Dealership Plus offers IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers practical help with an unprecedented level of support, opportunities and cost savings.

Edgetech has a proven history for supporting customers. The highly successful Super Spacer Dealership support package was first created in 2007 when we started manufacturing in the UK. At this point less than 25 percent of windows included warm edge technology. Super Spacer Dealership helped fabricators and installers to energy rate their windows and gave them powerful marketing support to educate the public about the benefits of higher energy rated windows. It worked. The Super Spacer energy rating brochure is in its ninth

reprint with thousands given free to members and today over 60 percent of windows now include warm edge spacer. Super Spacer Dealership has over 200 members from all over the UK and includes IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers.

Never before had a component manufacturer given so much support to customers. Eight years on the 20 year guarantee on sealed units is still highly regarded. It has never been matched and remains unrivalled in the industry. Super Spacer Dealership wasn’t just for direct customers, it was designed for their customers too. Installation companies promoting and selling windows with Super Spacer’s warm edge technology signed up as members. They got the direct benefits and could pass on the 20 year guarantee to consumers.

Lobbying Government to get recognition for energy efficient windows through the WERs scheme was also integral to Super Spacer Dealership. The collective voice added weight to the argument as it showed that so many companies were interested in promoting energy efficient products. Support to comply with legislation changes affecting IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installers is available to members. The latest was CE Marking, where a comprehensive pack of support and downloads was created for every level of Super Spacer Dealership.

It’s a big point of difference between Edgetech and other suppliers. It’s also the one of which I’m most proud. So as we expanded the range of products for customers, it was important that Edgetech’s support through Dealership reflected this.

Edgetech Dealership Plus is the new business support platform for IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installation companies. Administered by Certass and QANW - innovators in the Competent Person and

Insurance-Backed Guarantee industries respectively - and designed for simplicity and ease of use, it gives members easy access to a comprehensive range of crucial services under one scheme. Edgetech Dealership Plus also provides a quick and inexpensive way to achieve window and door energy ratings. It offers online calculations in minutes. Fabricators and installers can even personalise their energy rating labels.

Edgetech’s Dealership Plus offers reduced competent person scheme fees on set up and inspections, and discounted costs for Building Regulation Certificates and Insurance-Backed Guarantees. MTC verification is available and installers can also get free WERs and TrustMark accreditation.

Creating different ways for members to grow sales is also high on the agenda for Dealership Plus. There is lead generation, marketing literature and sales support. There’s powerful marketing support for the new TruFit expanding foam edge tape and TruShield glass protection system, including consumer DVDs, brochures and drop cards that can be personalised.

To broaden the reach, Edgetech’s Dealership Plus sits alongside Super Spacer Dealership. This means anyone buying Edgetech’s system of products for IGU manufacture can qualify. We have already spoken to some customers about Dealership Plus and they’re excited about what’s on offer. With the new features enabling real financial savings for IGU manufacturers, fabricators and installation companies the whole supply chain can benefit from Edgetech’s Dealership Plus.

www.edgetechig.co.uk


A NEw DEAl FOR DEAlERSHIP

edgetech UK alan Fielder Director of Sales and marketing.

IGU Manufacturer Benefits

Fabricator Benefits

Over 80% costsavings on WERs

Over 80% costsavings on WERs

Up to 50% cost saving per

installation

Cheaper installation registration & IBGs

Time saving on data entry with combined form

Personalised WERs

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Customer WER calculation and label creation

Customer loyalty

Easier CE marking conformity

Marketing literature

Lead generation

Cost savings on EN1279 audits

WER calculation and label creation

Marketing literature

Customer loyalty

Lead generation

Installer Benefits


INSTAllER FOCUSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Whilst setting up Windowlink’s Focus software at Custom uPVC in Widnes recently, Giles Hayhurst of Bradley Giles Ltd created a report that shows the fitters exactly what trims, cills etc. they need to have on their van.

In the past, this information was written down and occasionally omitted so that the fitters would arrive on site without all they needed.

The Focus software was tailored to Custom uPVC’s exact requirements and automatically produces a “picking list” showing all the trims, add-ons and cills that need to be on the van before the fitters leave. Any existing Focus user can have this added to their system without difficulty.

Bradley Giles are on 01285 656957 or 07775 433122.

one of the perennial debates in the window industry is what an installer looks for in a fabrication partner. But for Nigel Leivers, Sales Director of Frame Fast (UK), the answer remains the same. “our installers tell us they need a fabricator that can supply a full range of products so they can take advantage of growing trends, high specification fully accredited products, ongoing marketing support, a customer service focused approach and a commitment to driving the industry forward.”

It’s a package on which Frame Fast delivers. The company has a comprehensive range of products that covers everything from the core items such as PVCu and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories to trend-setting products that help to set an installer apart from his competitors. Examples of these include the Skypod® skylight, which lets homeowners create an aluminium aesthetic with a PVCu price tag and the modus® flush sash system, the UK’s first fully integrated system that’s a genuine alternative to aluminium and timber products. Nigel says, “Our criteria for adding new products to our portfolio is that they represent best-in-class. Doing this helps us maintain our reputation for quality and in turn helps our customers maintain theirs.”

The company backs up its products with expert technical and marketing support. It can provide state-of-the-art 3D drawings plus always has someone on hand to help whenever you have a query.

Frame Fast is committed to providing the highest standards of customer care to all its customers, regardless of whether they purchase one or a hundred frames and it’s an approach that Nigel says the company’s customers truly value.

It’s also clear that Frame Fast customers value the company’s commitment to driving the industry forward. It’s about to launch an app that makes installers’ lives much easier by keeping them up-to-date with the latest offers and promotions.

All in all, if you’re searching for a fabricator that offers everything you’re looking for and more, Frame Fast (UK) might just be the answer.

Tel: 01332 344459 - www.framefastuk.com

oldham’s family-run pairing of Network VeKa installer and fabricator companies – aWC Home improvements and Gemini UPVC – are celebrating a milestone anniversary and success at a notable local business awards in summer 2015.

Gemini – whose MD, Paul Griffiths is brother to AWC Director, Michael – marked 30 years in business on 6th June. A long-standing member of industry-leading installer organisation, Network VEKA, Gemini manufactures a wide range of windows, PVC-U and composite doors, conservatories and roofline, which – when fitted by a Network VEKA installer, such as AWC – are subject to the organisation’s trademark 10-year insurance-backed guarantees.

Paul commented: “The home improvement industry has had to withstand all sorts of challenges over the past 30 years and there are plenty of companies that didn’t weather the storm. Gemini is still here and thriving, thanks to a hard-working team, great relationships with top notch suppliers, and the support we receive from organisations like Network VEKA and VEKA’s Approved Fabricator Scheme.

“The family tie between Gemini and AWC strengthens both businesses. Neither party wants to let the other down, as a lost client for one reflects badly on the other. There’s pride in everything we do – it’s no wonder we fit so perfectly into an organisation like Network VEKA!”

AWC Home Improvements – established in 1978 by the brothers’ father, Robert Griffiths – was named Retailer of the Year at May’s Oldham Business Awards in a prizegiving ceremony hosted by comic impressionist, John Culshaw.

“We’re thrilled to have received this accolade”, Michael comments. “We’re confident in the

service we offer and, as our Network VEKA customer satisfaction ratings testify, that confidence is borne out by our clients. It’s great though, to have our strengths affirmed by an outside organisation – especially one with such a particular focus on the local community.

“Network VEKA featured heavily in the submission we made to the award panel, detailing the ten-year insurance-backed guarantees, continuous assessment and finance packages that are just some of the customer benefits we offer through our membership.

“Anyone who’s familiar with our Shaw Road showroom will know about our close link with Network VEKA Brand Ambassador, Steve Davis: the life-size cut-out in the window gives it away! Besides providing a great talking point with customers, he’s been a great supporter over the years, helping us secure more than £40,000 of sales at the Saddleworth Show a couple of years ago.”

“AWC thoroughly deserve the recognition they received at the Oldham Business Awards”, says Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director for The VEKA UK Group. “Alongside Gemini, they’re fantastic ambassadors for Network VEKA, providing a faultless, professional service that keeps customers loyal for decades – it’s no wonder Gemini are celebrating such a considerable milestone with their 30th anniversary.

“The family ensures that their businesses are visible and active in the community, showing local people ‘the face behind the name’ and instilling confidence in potential customers. I congratulate them on their achievements and look forward to continuing our work together.”

Tel: 01282 473170 www.networkveka.co.uk

bRADlEy GIlES SET FOCUS SOFTwARE FOR All FITTERS’ REQUIREMENTS AN INvALuABLE SERvIcE WHIcH OFFERS ExTRA OppORTuNITIES TO SELL MORE & SAvE TIME

FRAME FAST (Uk): DElIvERING wHAT THE MARkET NEEDS

ANNIvERSARIES AND AwARDS FOR OlDHAM bROTHER COMPANIES GEMINI AND AwC



“The Focus software was tailored to Custom uPvC’s exact requirements and automatically produces a “picking list” showing all the trims, add-ons and cills that need to be on the van before the fitters leave. Any existing Focus user can have this added to their system without difficulty.”


When martin mcewan opened his first builder’s merchant in the heart of South east London, he had no doubt that the products he wanted to supply would be top of the range.

When it came to PVC-UE roofline and window-line products for his new store, Martsbuild Ltd on Montpellier Avenue in Bexley, he opted for Celuform.

Following a career in the building supply trade, particularly with installing and selling PVC-UE building plastics, Martin launched his business in March 2015.

He said, “As a new independent trader I want customers to recognise that we only stock quality products. Customers who want a first-class job want the top standard products to reflect that.

“I stock Celuform because it’s the best. It has been around a long time and is a well-known name with a high quality reputation.”

Established in 1972, Celuform has gone from strength to strength and is now regarded as a pedigree for the specification market both in the UK and in Europe.

Martsbuild is based in an affluent area of London where not only is there on going new-build construction work, but many home owners can afford to improve their property.

He added: “There’s very few streets of houses here that don’t have a skip in the drive or scaffolding around the property which goes to show residents have the money available to upgrade their homes regularly. Hopefully my business will succeed in this climate and as more

and more builders, window installers and home owners visit the store they will return time and again for the top brands we have on offer.”

Celuform sales and marketing director Simon Reynolds said: “Martsbuild is a business that is starting off on the right foot. Owner Martin McEwan has a solid knowledge of the industry and he understands the need in his area for quality products.

“We look forward to a long relationship with this new business as it grows.”

During 2014, the activity among builders has increased dramatically. With the growth of trade counter outlets, builders can now offer the same products as traditional installers without the overheads and sales/marketing costs associated with a typical double-glazing business.

There are now over 22,000 local builders active in home improvements, extensions and self-build projects all of which can include windows, doors and conservatories.

The landscape for installers is changing; many have now become home improvement companies rather than specialist window companies, and offer a wider range of products such as garage doors or roofline products.

It is predicted (Insight Data Industry Report 2014) that as window companies evolve into home improvement specialists, and builders

capitalise on the availability of window and door products through trade counters, the line between installer and builder will dissolve, and we will see 34,000 home improvement companies.

A return to economic growth in the UK has been good news for installers, but they also face new challenges with greater legislation and compliance, and competition from a fast growing sector – local builders.


TRADE COUNTER NEwS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper


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CElUFORM STOCkIST LAuncHes neW London store


Flying start: martsbuild owner martin mcewan with Celuform business development manager for the south coast, Keith Hart.

Are you a builder who now offers double-glazing as standard? Did you start out as a traditional window fitter and are now offering other home improvements? Get in touch, tell us your story.email: [email protected] (Christina Shaw, Publisher)

0715/0092

0715/0093

North of england PVC building and insulated glazing products supplier magden is hoping to boost delivery times by adding two innovative ‘toolbox-style’ vans to its fleet.

Magden operations manager Carl Dent masterminded the bespoke interior in order to improve the company’s efficiency when delivering products to its growing customer base. Like a toolbox, the two 3.5 tonne Mercedes-Benz Sprinter box vans have individual layers to store different products and improve accessibility. The layering method allows staff to take items off each section easily, boosting both

the capacity and the speed of deliveries.

Carl explained: “This method of storing products on individual decks makes them easy to get at. We have three points of accessibility on the side of the vehicle and have fully utilised the space in the bulkhead above the driver’s cabin. It’s almost like a miniature tool kit with all of the different layers, blocks and spaces. The design gives us greater flexibility and allows us to deliver more items in one run in order to improve our delivery times and service to customers.”

The methodical design means that if a route is changed after the van is loaded, the driver can take products off each layer when making a delivery without the need to potentially empty the van to reach the items required.

Carl added: “To my knowledge, nobody has built a van in this way before and we’ll be trialing the first two

vehicles before we consider adding more to the fleet.”

The vans have joined 16 other vehicles in the Magden fleet and will be based at the Cleckheaton and Rotherham sites. The focus on deliveries is part of a period of significant investment and innovation for the fast-growing company.

In recent months Magden has refurbished its branches to create more of a ‘showroom atmosphere’. Along with new product displays and trade counters, the refurbishment saw new signage, shelving and flooring for all branches.

Magden has also increased its range in recent months: Kayflow underground drainage, Fitrite decking and decorative cladding have all been added to its stock list with the aim of repositioning as a ‘one-stop shop’ for plastic building products.

eltherington, one of the UK’s leading suppliers of high quality architectural, leisure and stockholding solutions, has expanded its PVC-Ue stockholding range to meet increased customer demand. The new range features products such as PVC-Ue roofline, gutters and downpipes, which are now available from stock at the company’s Sales Counter in Hull.

Eltherington is supporting the new PVC-Ue range with a 14 page stockholding brochure that is available online atwww.eltherington.co.uk/stockholding or as a hard copy from customer services. The brochure features full product information on the PVC-Ue

range, as well as delivery and specification details, along with installation guidelines.

Mike Riding, Business Development Director at Eltherington, said: “We’ve extended customer choice further by offering a comprehensive range of market leading PVC-Ue products. We took the decision to introduce the new ranges in response to customer demand. We are constantly adding new products to our offer and would encourage as many customers as possible to visit our branch to experience our one-stop-shop commitment.”

Alongside the PVC-Ue range, Eltherington offers an extensive range of aluminium stockholding items including

angles, bars, sheets and channels, plus other profiles and metals. Eltherington’s aluminium stockholding range, like the PVC-Ue stockholding range, has its own dedicated brochure, which is available to view and download on the company’s website, or request from customer services.

As well as offering over 4,000 high quality PVC-Ue and aluminium products, Eltherington’s Sales Counter can provide a specialist fabrication and bending service in a wide range of materials. This gives customers the ability to source fully bespoke, high quality designs.

Visit the Sales Counterat to Dansom Lane South, Hull, HU8 7LA. The Sales Counter is open 7am-6pm Monday to Thursday and 7am-5pm Friday.

Tel: 01482 320 336 www.eltherington.co.uk/stockholding


TRADE COUNTER NEwSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

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TRADE COUNTER NEwS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, attends the Open Day at Truemans Windows, Doors and Conservatories’ new Trade Counter in Sheffield, and looks at how the company has changed over its 20 years in the industry.

It’s interesting how our industry is changing and particularly how companies are adapting to its needs. Companies are recognising their own strengths and weaknesses and applying good business sense to their strategies, such that how they may have started out some 10 years ago, may bear little resemblance to how they now conduct their business.

A good example of a company that has adapted to market trends is Truemans Windows, Doors and Conservatories. 10 years ago they were a Selecta fabricator and installer operating out of a base in Haslingden, Lancashire, but today they

are very different indeed. Recognising the changes in the industry and the growth of the large fabricators, Joe Trueman stopped fabricating and changed the business model to that of a trade counter business.

“The economics of fabricating has changed over the years and it became clear that you either invested heavily to become a super-

fabricator or changed your business model,” commented Managing Director, Joe Trueman. “And if that applied to us, it also applied to many others, and many who may be too small to demand good prices and account facilities with the systems companies. Add to that the choice available in the market and the new products that were

constantly being developed and there was a case for becoming a supplier of a wide range of products to the installer market….and even some products to those who continued to fabricate windows but now required composite doors, solid roofs, conservatories, and so on. It was from this background that the concept of the Trueman trade counter was born.”

In the eight years since Joe Trueman took that decision, his trade counter business has rapidly expanded. Apart from stopping fabricating, Truemans also stopped installing, too. “It was a conscious decision and based on the fact that no customer wants to think their supplier is competing against them,” said Joe.

Truemans now supply their ever growing list of customers with a choice of Rehau, Halo and Assured frames plus, of course, composite doors, VS windows, conservatory roofs, bi-folds and a timber alternative to the PVCu window. From being Lancashire based, the company opened trade counters in Doncaster and Sheffield and it would be no surprise to see this empire expand further around the country.

Without the pressures of manufacture the focus is very much on the customer. Supplying what they need and, because of their buying power, being able to pass attractive trade discounts on to their customers. It’s clear from looking round the newly expanded Sheffield trade counter - in fact a doubling in size to well over 6,000 sq ft – and talking to the staff, that it is all about the customer and Truemans is happy to take small margins for large turnover so that their customers really benefit from buying from them.

The customer base is largely fabricators and installers but with a growing base of local builders, joiners and DIYers. Although a fleet of vans can deliver to site or wherever the customer requires, more and more the customer collect from the Trade Counter, themselves. Joe Trueman: “Although we offer free delivery, it is attractive for the customers to collect as our on-site skip means that they can dispose of frames they have removed, free of charge - not insignificant with the costs of disposal ever growing.”

Looking around the trade counter and the warehouse with the product ready for collection or delivery, the range that Truemans offer is significant. Composite doors from Door-Stop and Solidor, Residence 9 frames and, of course, Rehau, Halo and Assured, with more to add. And what if I’m a builder and the architect has specified a particular product? “Not a problem,” says Mick, the branch manager at Sheffield, “we’ll do our very best to source it for you.”

It’s clear that this is very much a one-stop shop for the customers coming through the door, and there is a friendly and helpful atmosphere. We all know people buy from people and there is an obvious rapport between the Truemans’ staff and their customers. Apart from the wide range of products and the online ordering facilities, there is also the fact that Truemans help their customers with their marketing and have their own Approved Installer Scheme with a very impressive line-up of materials and goods.

All this and technical help when it’s needed, and Truemans seem to have come up with a recipe for their own success and that of their customers.


truemAns moves with the times, ExPANDING ITS TRADE COUNTER EMPIRE

a few of the team at trueman's trade Counter in Sheffield. The trade Counter.

Product ready for collection or delivery.

“From being Lancashire based, the company opened trade counters in Doncaster and Sheffield.”


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GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: UPvC MAINTENANCE SUPPlIES The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, visits UPVC Maintenance Supplies in Batley and talks with owner, David Earnshaw, about trade counters and their place in the industry.

When someone says, “Our strength is our service and the technical support we give to our customers”, there’s always a sense of déjà vu! But watching you and your staff with your customers, I can see that’s exactly what you do…

A trade counter isn’t just about supplying from stock, on demand. Customers often need help and it’s important that we can give them that support.

It’s clear that your customers are wide ranging: I’ve seen builders and window installers…one was literally in and out in a minute, running back to his van clutching a lock!

Many of our customers need an item immediately. We stock over 1,000 skus and pride ourselves in being able to supply anything from our catalogue…and that’s not easy. We’re not always able to achieve this simply because of availability or manufacture from our suppliers, but it is our aim to be able to supply on demand.

You’ve been in the business for a long time. How did you get started?

I started in 1992, providing maintenance for individual householders as well as large companies, including Leeds University and companies running maintenance contracts, such as Yorkshire Housing.

It wasn’t until 2005 that I started selling products to companies such as Keepmoat, Travis Perkins and Jewsons, plus lots of small builders and installers. We have around 1,500 active customers at any one time.

You have three trade counters, so is it all customers calling in to collect products?

Not at all. We have Batley, Rotherham and York so that our local customer base have a trade counter within about 25 miles. But we send out a large proportion of orders….and all over the country, right down as far as the Channel Islands! Orders placed by 2pm are despatched on the same day with a next day delivery. The internet has made a huge difference…

So how many products do you have on the website?

Everything! We try our very best to ensure we have stock of all 1000+ items on the website. We even send products to Kansas City and Romania!

What were you doing prior to 1992 and getting into the fenestration business?

I’m a joiner by trade. I fitted my first PVCu window in 1984 for Mick Foster at Gardinia Windows in Huddersfield, then joined Weatherlite in Leeds, becoming Installation Manager and then a Surveyor. I went back to fitting with Sternfenster with a 7,000 window contract for Leeds City Council and ended up travelling the country as a Site Agent and Surveyor.

Like many people, I wanted to have my own business and we have been building it up since 1992.

It’s very much a family affair with your wife, Karen and daughter, Emma, in Accounts….

Although we have three sites, we only have a team of 10 altogether but the three sites are very much complemented by the website and the catalogue of products is increasing all the time.

Technically, you have 11 staff….you can’t forget Wesley, your ‘meeter and greeter’!

Wesley lies out on the front step all day and welcomes everyone. He enjoys the fuss everyone makes of him!

Watching your customers coming in and out, they obviously enjoy buying from you and your staff. But it’s clear that you aren’t just making a sale, you’re also providing technical knowledge…

I think that’s what a trade counter is all about. It’s a personal service and having first-hand knowledge of the trade, from fitting to surveying, is a big help. It’s very often a case of a customer coming through the door and asking ‘what’s this, and do you have one!’

Apart from being able to say: “If it’s in the catalogue, it’s in stock”, our main USP has to be the technical knowledge we have, and can pass on to our customers. We work with our customers, and we enjoy what we do.

Thanks David. It’s been a pleasure to meet you all…and not forgetting Wesley!

PERSONAl SERvICE, STOCk & TECHNICAl kNOwlEDGE ARE wHAT TRADE COUNTERS NEED TO OFFER THEIR CUSTOMERS

a well stocked warehouse...

Karen earnshaw with Wesley.

owner, David earnshaw.

Helping the customer is what it’s all about...reAder enQuirY no: 0715/0101


FACE TO FACEThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

IT’S All AbOUT yOUwhere you were born and live, currently…I was born in Southampton. I now live in Cheltenham having moved to Gloucestershire 30 years ago.

your education and the subjects or activities in which you excelled…Physics and Maths were my best subjects at school along with getting into trouble and talking too much in class! I studied Electrical and Electronic Engineering at first then realised that that stuff can kill so when I went to university in later life I studied Business, Finance and Marketing. After finishing my

first degree I then completed a post graduate business qualification.

your favourite sports or interests…Chelsea FC, learning the guitar and learning Turkish. My wife and I bought a second home out in Turkey a few years ago and I wanted to pick up some of the language so that we can get by when we’re there. I’m in no way fluent, although I did very quickly master how to order a pint of beer, so I have got the important stuff sorted.

your biggest regret in life…I don’t do regrets. The important thing is to learn from everything you do.

Someone or something that inspires you…Julius Caesar and Genghis Khan. No, seriously. Both became leaders from nothing and people followed them out of loyalty, respect and a sense of absolute trust. So while I don’t admire them for what they did, I do admire their leadership qualities and the way they could inspire their ‘team’.

The temptation you can’t resist…A challenge. If I’m told I can’t do something, I’ll make sure I can. Can’t doesn’t feature in my vocabulary.

yOUR CAREERwhen and how you joined this industry…I started 30 years ago. My first job was knocking doors selling double glazing, then I moved into system sales before working up to where I am now. Looking back it was a great career path because I’ve seen the industry from the bottom up so know how it works.

The job you do in 25 words…I create the conditions that enable the business as a whole to succeed and a belief and commitment within the business to achieve that success. How’s that? Spot on 25 words!

your greatest achievement…When the recession hit, I made a promise to all staff that nobody would be made redundant. And nobody was. In fact, rather than struggling through the recession, we actually grew by £10 million in five years. It’s tribute to the quality and strength of the team as well as the ‘one stop shop’ business model that we managed to do that. I’m incredibly proud of that achievement. And knowing we can grow even in the face of adversity gives us the confidence to achieve our future growth plans – to go from 31 stores now to 50 stores by the end of 2017.

The mistake you’d like to correct…I don’t know, I’ve never made one! As I say, the important thing is to learn from everything you do and when things go wrong that’s often the best time to learn a valuable lesson for the future.

The talent you would like to enhance…Tact and diplomacy. My approach is to be honest and to get straight to the point, but I know that sometimes that doesn’t go down to well.

AND yOUR FUTUREwhat would you like to do if you weren’t in the industry…Join it! No, it would be probably be lecturing in business studies. I’ve got a real passion for business and I think it works best when you bring it back to basics because business is easy if you have a strategy, plan and goals. I’d try to get this simple but effective business message across. Plus my students would be guaranteed a lively and memorable class!

A particular ambition…I’d like to have a ‘lightbulb’ moment and be able to build a business of my own out of that. But I’m not holding my breath because wouldn’t we all! At the moment, my ambition is to achieve our plans for growth to the end of 2017. And after that, we’ll set another goal to achieve and then another. I love leading a business that’s going from strength to strength and hope that I’ll leave a lasting legacy.

The way you want to be remembered…There was only one Geoff Foster.

THIS MONTH: Geoff Foster Managing Director, National PlasticsGeoff Foster is Managing Director of National Plastics, the UK’s largest independent trade counter network.

If you would like to appear in ‘Face to Face’, or would like to nominate someone else to be featured, simply email [email protected].


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: GQA The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Chris Champion, Glass News’ Editor, talks to GQA’s Chief Executive, Mick Clayton, about the importance of training and qualifications within our industry.

I fully expected to be confronted by crusty old individuals in mortar boards and black gowns, as per my schooldays!

Times have changed since the 1950s, Chris! Training is much more to do with practical knowledge and skills rather than academia. It is part of a job these days, with ongoing assessment ensuring that knowledge and skills are maintained and kept up to date with changes in both the requirements of a job, and regulation.

So is GQA all about hands-on experience?

It’s all about being able to do a job efficiently and safely and understanding why you’re doing it in that way. Yes it’s hands-on and assessment is delivered on site. People probably don’t realise but we have written over 1500 separate qualification units that make up our qualifications over the last 25 years. These units differ greatly depending on the subject being assessed…it could be the requirements of health and safety, the understanding of specific regulations, or the skills needed to fit a window properly.

What is GQA….is it a government funded quango?

Absolutely not! GQA is a not-for-profit organisation that makes its money from the fees paid for registration and certification.

Are there membership fees that are paid by companies in the industry?

No. Our income is purely down to the registration and certification fees. For an industry that is all about regulation, our part, being the ones who write the qualification, can appear to be unregulated! By that I mean that although we write the vast majority of qualifications for the UK Glass, Print and Coatings industries, any of our rivals can use our material to offer our qualification in their own name.

But surely there are laws of copyright? You can’t develop and write a qualification, with all the time and expense that involves, and then let other people use your work, free of charge!

Over the last 5-6 years, that’s exactly how it’s been. Thankfully, at the end of December this year, the ’Unit Bank’, as it’s known, will close and other bodies will have to write their own material. The issue has been that once a qualification has been written up, it had to be deposited in this ‘Unit Bank’ and was then freely available to anyone who wanted to use it to make a qualification and then put their name to it. I can’t think of any other Industry where an Organisation can produce a product and then almost be forced by regulations to make that product freely available to its competitors!

So, no work and just take the money from the certification? Sounds like an easy way to make money…

Yes, and in the majority of cases, it was GQA doing the work!

How does a qualification come into being…where does it start?

The idea of adding to or amending the suite of qualifications can come from a range of sources; Employers, Industry Federations, GQA Centres, our own EQAs, Sector Skills Councils or the Standards Setting Bodies. Sometimes it is because existing qualifications are not really suitable for the intended Industries, so an additional unit or pathway needs to be added to an existing qualification. This has recently been the case with, for example the GQA Fabrication qualification; by adding an extra unit the qualification is now available to recognise a wider range of roles within Fabrication.

There are parts of the Industries we work with that have never had a specific qualification so an entirely new qualification might be thought necessary. Recent examples of this include the Glass and Glass Related Distribution and Warehousing Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications; a number of GQA Centres were delivering a generic warehouse qualification but have now switched to these more relevant qualifications; (and another source of frustration as GQA took this from an idea through to consultation and development and finally Regulatory Authority approval, and it is now offered by our competitors).

All qualifications have a review or expiry date; this review will help to identify any potential changes or if there is sufficient demand to renew/update the qualification.

How do you gauge if there will be demand for a qualification?

This is often difficult, sometimes very difficult. For existing GQA qualifications the data is there; we can see numbers of registrations and achievers over time and look at trends in numbers.

For a potential new qualification, determining demand is tricky; potential interest has to be there to initiate any research but until there is some detail to discuss with Centres, and possible candidates, it is difficult to get commitment.

As a specialist Awarding Organisation we do not only work with high volume qualifications; some qualifications have always had low uptake but we support our Industries wherever possible, so GQA will develop qualifications for smaller numbers than most Awarding Organisations would consider.

And developing that qualification?

The format and content of qualifications and units have to adhere to strict quality control guidelines laid down by the Regulatory Authorities.

To ensure this, the process is normally led by Sean Hayes, GQA’s Technical Manager, but of course we need a range of Industry

specialists to provide the technical input. A number of persons happy to contribute to the development are known to GQA and this pool of talent is a key factor in getting the qualifications right.

We also keep other interested parties such as Standards Setting Bodies, Sector Skills Councils and other Industry bodies informed of our progress. Industry specific meetings are another way to get involvement from some of the groups the qualifications are written for.

Someone, I presume, has to drive the whole development process…

Where possible we will produce draft units and these will be reviewed and discussed at a number of meetings. This has proved a more efficient way of getting the project moving than starting with a blank piece of paper.

It may be that the draft units only need slight alterations to arrive at the final draft, more often the draft units are merely a springboard for the development and many final drafts bear little resemblance to the originals. To save time and costs, reviews and revisions are also done by e-mail and telephone conferences between meetings.

Once the working party is happy with the units these are put out for wider consultation to Industry, GQA Centres and EQAs with a relevant background or interest.

Comments are reviewed and discussed. Amended units are then sent out for consultation. This process is followed until agreement is reached.

The same process is followed to determine the level and credit value of units and also the make-up of the qualification; i.e. mandatory and optional units and total credit value of the qualification; this is known as developing the Rules of Combination.

GQA carries out its own Quality Assurance checks throughout the development process and a final internal QA check will be made before seeking approval from the Regulatory Authorities.

With the qualification developed and laid down, how does it become official?

Once the qualification development process is complete the next step is to submit it to the Regulatory Authorities for approval and acceptance onto the Qualifications Framework.

We have developed and submitted over 200 qualifications and have a robust internal QA process so we are confident that what we develop is right for the industry!

the glass industry’s oWn QuALificAtions BodY

GQA CURRENT CENTRES: 74 THROUGHOUT Uk

GQA REGISTRATIONS: 71,969 TOTAl REGISTERED CANDIDATES OvER All TIME

GQA CERTIFICATES: 50,956 TOTAl CERTIFICATES bEEN ISSUED OvER All TIME

GQA QUALIFICATIONS: 104 ACTIvE QUAlIFICATIONS

GQA QUALIFICATION UNITS: 1656 QUAlIFICATION UNITS


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: GQAThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Are there grants or funding towards qualifications or is it a matter of companies having to pay for it for their work force?

We do not charge for qualification development as we see that offering appropriate qualifications to the industry will give us a return on our investment in the form of future registrations. Giving our Centres extra opportunities by widening the qualifications they can offer through GQA is very important-we are only successful if our Centres are successful.

In terms of funding for taking qualifications this is something over which we have no control. The world of funding is ever changing and we do work to the current guidelines on getting our new qualifications added to the list of funded qualifications. This may require evidence of support and demand from Industry so we need Employers, Industry Bodies and Approved Centres to support us in obtaining this when it is required.

And presumably the whole process needs to be circulated within the industry?

Of course the need to keep information flowing is important for a variety of reasons. The information is made available through a range of mediums including the GQA Website, GQA Newsletter, Twitter and Blog. Our Quality Advisors (EQAs) will make Centres aware of the progress in qualification development.

It is of course essential that we keep Industry and Centres informed but we are aware of the competitive aspect of qualification development and availability brought about by the introduction of QCF and so it is not always in our best interests to make the information on what we are working on too readily available as this can inform others of our work who can then wait until it is approved by the Regulators and then offer it as if it were their own.

Once the qualification is approved GQA Centres will have access to information on the qualification including standards books and summary pages.

I believe you have centres all around the UK that offer your qualifications. How does someone or a company become a centre?

As you would expect from an Awarding Organisation, GQA has a robust approval process for those seeking approval to offer its qualifications. This is essential to ensure the Centre has the infrastructure, resources and understanding of qualification delivery to meet the required standards. A key factor in this is that anyone seeking to be involved in the assessment or Internal Verification/Internal Quality Assurance of GQA qualifications must have the required occupational background and experience to carry out the role effectively, and also be qualified as an Assessor, able to work with industry to assess knowledge and skills. We have 74 centres of which the vast majority are colleges or training centres. We then have a small number of employer only centres and those providers offering GQA accredited training.

And you, Mick. Are you an academic?

Not at all. I’m a Glass man. My background is in glass, straight from school onto the shop floor, working my way through production to Quality Assurance and then onto training, NVQs and Lean Manufacturing prior to moving to GQA in 2005. This is also the case with our team of EQAs - all have spent significant time in their relevant Industries, we have EQAs who have direct experience

in Fenestration, Glazing, Fabrication, Glass Manufacture and Processing, Construction and Automotive Glazing.

And what of the future for GQA?

I see our job as putting the framework in place so we can recognise and improve skills within the industry and also help new people to prosper in our industry. It’s also imperative that we set high standards so that young people aspire to be part of the glass and fenestration industry.

We’re a small team with 9 full time staff who are dedicated to improving standards and qualifications and we’re excited with plans we have for the future. Watch this space!


coverage and thickness, molecularly bonding to the substrate for the ultimate in protection, durability and longevity. The resultant finish shows its true colour in all lights, with a rich, smooth look and the feel of real quality.

This coating technology is delivered by a unique, laser-aligned machine. A Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) drives servo controllers that synchronise the accurate positioning and movement of the item being coated and six independent coating heads, all at a constant 70mm from the surface. They deliver the single coat in one pass, with minimum variability (to an accuracy of +/- 0.1%), achieving the ultimate in machine consistency, replicability and quality of the finish.

The results are spectacular. Two premium new home developments in the Home Counties were the first properties able to specify the new coating system for their full suites of windows and doors. The standard components were available straight off the shelf. The colours chosen were previously unavailable on the market, but bespoke matching to a colour reference was achieved and applied, accurately and effectively, without extra lead time and delay, before transport to the sites. The fitted windows have the great look and feel of high quality painted joinery, achieved quickly and affordably, much to the delight of the end-

consumer. For Whiteline and its customers the coating solution delivers simplicity and bespoke choice, to replace complexity and limited options, so as a consequence the future is looking very colourful.

Tel: 01323 723724 www.whiteline.co.uk / www.PlatinumNRG.co.uk


COlOUR The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper



With coloured foils now as popular as ever, Selecta have invested in another brand new lamination machine to service the demand.

Selecta Sales & Marketing Director, Mark Richmond, commented “We have seen a huge growth in the requirement for coloured foils. Gone are the days where only rosewood and golden oak were the requirements, with anthracite grey and chartwell green along with irish oak a more popular selection with customers.”

Mark continued “Consumers want to personalise their properties and modernise their homes and Selecta recognises the need for additional coloured foils to enable our customers to supply the demand. This

investment demonstrates our commitment to providing more choice and improved efficiency in supply”.

Selecta currently supply a range of 22 coloured foils to its customer base ranging from oaks, greens, greys and creams to black / brown, blues and red. Contact Mark Richmond directly on 07970 499 102 or email [email protected] to see how Selecta can help your business become more colourful.

Coloured foils and finishes are now a standard offering to end users who are looking beyond the classic white of PVCu. an increasing range of options are available, combining colour and texture for the ultimate in personalisation and style. or is it?

Specifying colours and textures brings extra complexity to procurement, material handling, production and fulfilment. Inventories and lead-times increase to accommodate extra processes and transit time, whilst order control becomes ever more difficult. There are further risks of damage or processing errors to complicate matters and increase costs. And all the while, the range of colours available is expanding but finite, limited by the practicalities and economics of demand and supply, not truly matching customer needs for colour choice and product quality with fast delivery times.

Some fabricators have found ways to offer more colour options and production flexibility,

using spray painting processes that can batch produce different colours, relatively quickly and easily. But spraying can create finish problems like running and bubbling, inconsistent coverage, across a panel or length of profile, and overspray onto gaskets and other components that don’t need painting. The look and feel of the final finish may not be ideal.

Innovators Whiteline have now adopted a brand new precision colour coating process that offers a complete spectrum of durable, consistent colours and metallic finishes for their full PVCu product range. Customers can specify any colour they choose, by a RAL number or pantone or an exact match to their own sample, perhaps to a piece of metal, ceramic, leather or fabric. Colour choices are infinite, unrestricted by stock ranges, whilst the system coats plain PVCu and foiled textures alike, to offer further tailored options for the ultimate bespoke windows. The colour coating, with a hard topcoat applied as standard, is consistent in

mila has revealed the five new profile matched colours for its newly launched ProSecure door hinge. anthracite, Silk and Cement grey, as well as Chartwell Green and Cream have been chosen to suit all of the most popular door colours.

These five are in addition to the eight suited colours Mila has already announced which include black, white, and brown, and polished and brushed satin chrome.

Managing Director Richard Gyde says that the new hinge has already had a fantastic response from new and existing customers

neW lAMINATION MACHINE FOR SElECTA!

WHiteLine’s coAt of AnY coLour

MIlA’S NEw COlOURS ARE the CreAm of the CroP


and the profile matched colours will only add to its appeal.

He says: “The ProSecure door hinge is a product with lots of unique selling points. As well as being the fastest to fit, it also features a patented front adjustment method and intelligent accessories such as loose fitting lugs.

“We worked closely with fabricators in the development of this product so that it delivers just what they told us they wanted from a hinge and the choice of colours reflects the feedback they gave us in terms of their preferred options.”

The ProSecure hinge is the only security door hinge supplied in one piece ready to install straight from the box. As a result it can be fitted in less than a minute with just two holes needed to be pre-drilled in the frame.

PAS024: 2012 and Secured by Design accredited, it has been tested to the corrosion resistance requirements of BSEN1670: 2007 Grade 4 and to the extreme durability requirements of BSEN 1935 Grade 10.

www.mila.co.uk

Whiteline’s SlimSaSH PVCu Window Colour Coated in Cotswold Green Finish.


COlOURThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Window and door fabricator Quickslide is responding to growing demand for bespoke coloured PVC-U windows and doors with the launch of its own-in-house painting facility.

The new facility will not only give Quickslide customers keen pricing and quick turnaround, it will also give the fabricator far more control throughout the entire process, including more stringent quality control.

The company has been offering its customers painted windows for over ten years, Managing Director Ben Weber explained, and demand has continued to increase throughout that time as more and more homeowners make the most of an ever-broadening range of options.

He continued: “We have gained more experience than most during the last ten years so it seems a natural evolution that we should bring the process in-house. It also synergises well with our in-house laminating facility and means that now we can offer installers a laminated product that incorporates painted elements to create a higher quality, better finished product.”

Quickslide has always maintained the philosophy of bringing as many processes as possible in-house, including not only foiling and now painting but also glass unit manufacture, to give the company far greater control of quality and consistency, as well as lead times.

Yorkshire-based Quickslide is best-known for its acclaimed sliding sash windows, and the company has been instrumental in bringing this former niche product into the mainstream of the retrofit and new-build markets, but it also manufactures a wide range of other styles of windows and doors for trade and commercial customers.

Freefoam, a leading manufacturer of a wide range of innovative products for the building industry in Ireland, the UK and Mainland Europe, has made a valuable addition to its popular cladding range and launched Fortex Pro, a new style double shiplap board.

The new product features an increased width of 333mm and thickness of 9mm creating a stronger board through improved profile design and offers greater coverage at 1.665sqmt per board with a quick and easy calculation for specification purposes. Colour choice is important for any exterior building product and as colour specialists Freefoam have now added four new colours to this product range, Misty Grey, Cement Grey, Slate Grey and Cappuccino, making a total of ten. The combination of all these new features and the addition of superior colourfastness and weatherability properties using advanced skin technology makes Fortex Pro the perfect choice for all building professionals.

The Fortex® cladding range includes a double shiplap plank format 300mm wide, a weatherboard style at 170mm wide both with an attractive embossed textured wood

effect finish and a 250mm wide board with an authentic render finish.

PVC-U cladding requires minimal maintenance once installed, a major benefit for property owners and a compelling feature for any property developer or public sector housing provider. With significant environmental credentials, being awarded an A+ rating from the Building Research Establishment’s (BRE) ‘Green Guide To Specification’ when installed with standard components, the range makes a real alternative to timber and fibre cement products.

Aidan Harte, Managing Director, Freefoam, comments: “We’ve seen a surge in our Fortex cladding with sales doubling last year. Now is the right time to augment our existing range with a product specifically manufactured for the professional trade market. A robust board with an attractive finish and impressive range of colours will give our customers a valuable addition to their portfolio of products and a real opportunity to develop new business streams”

Tel: 01604 591110 - www.freefoam.com

QUICkSlIDE lAUNCHES IN-HOUSE PAINTSHOP FOR QC & vAlUE

FREEFOAM lAUNCH NEw STylE douBLe sHiPLAP cLAdding



PRIZE!Circle three differences in the boxes above, fill in your contact details below and send your competition entry to: FAO: Miss Christina Shaw, Glass News Competitions, 12 Sunderland Street, Tickhill, Doncaster, DN11 9QJ. Entry deadline: 31/07/15.

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win £10 cash priZe!!


TRADE NEwS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Leading Deceuninck fabricator Dempsey Dyer has been included on the top 30 PVC-u fabricator list for the second year running following the recent release of the much anticipated Fabricator & installer market Report from insight Data.

The Top 30 is part of the annual Insight Market Report, and highlights the 30 largest PVC-U fabricators by turnover and the 30 strongest fabricators by net worth. Dempsey Dyer has made an appearance in net worth list for the past two years in a row and has received an Insight Top 30 fabricator certificate in recognition of this achievement.

Sales and marketing director Peter Dyer comments: “It’s fantastic to be included in the Insight Top 30 once again; it is a true testament of all the hard work the Dempsey Dyer team has put in over the years and also shows how well our customers have been doing in the PVC-U market, which ultimately has contributed to our own success.”

The data for the latest Insight Top 30 has been collated using figures from the start of 2013’s financial year to 2014. Dempsey Dyer will soon be releasing their latest financial figures which will show their best performance for eight years both in turnover and profitability. The financial year to 2016 looks set to beat these records too as turnover could hit £10 million for the first time in the company’s history.

Peter discusses the reasons behind Dempsey Dyers success: “We offer a wide product range, encompassing everything from competitively

priced welded plastic windows through to premium quality timber conservatories, and this has enabled us to appeal to a wider customer base and grow the business” Peter commented. “We’re planning to launch more new products over the next 12 months so I hope to see us in the Top 30 again next year.”

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk.

Quotatis, the leading consumer and business quotation service for home improvements, has added a major new feature which offers their expanding network of contractors the opportunity to gain insight into their customers’ opinions.

As part of the new upgrade, Quotatis contractors will have their own company page featuring their company logo where they can list the services they offer and the area they serve. They will have access to a new ratings and review feature, which allows consumers to give their contractor a star rating and a review in their own words, giving reassurance to future customers and helping contractors to build up their reputation.

Of the advantages of the new feature, Quotatis’ Head of Marketing Tom Crosswell said, “For many smaller companies this may be their prime source of feedback but for the larger ones with their own feedback system, it offers the benefit of completely independent data and reviews. The reviews are only from Quotatis users who have sought a quote from one of our sites or engaged the services of one of our members, so the problem of fake reviews, which other services suffer from, isn’t an issue.”

Also commenting on the recent BBC report that looked at businesses boosting their reputation by purchasing fake reviews, Tom explained why the new Quotatis ratings and reviews system will not be affected by this: “Our review system is a ‘closed loop’ one. This

means it isn’t open to fake reviews in the same way other platforms are. You can only submit a review if you’ve had dealings with that particular contractor.”

The new company profile pages offer an overall rating based on the reviews customers have left. They can gain valuable insight into the perception of their business, allowing them to assess every aspect of their consumer facing product from pricing to telephone manner of staff. Quotatis monitor contractor ratings and their customer service team are on hand to offer help and advice on how to improve their rating.

The launch from Quotatis comes as it emerges that the government has struck off hundreds of companies doing work on behalf of the Green Deal after breaking its code of practice, leading to worries that rogue traders could have ripped off thousands of homeowners. It is more important than ever that consumers can see reviews of contractors before agreeing to have any work done. Quotatis ensures that their network includes only the best contractors, and the ratings and reviews feature helps consumers to get the best service and companies to get more business from happy, informed customers.




NEw QUOTATIS RATINGS AND REvIEwS FEATURE lAUNCHED TO bENEFIT CONTRACTORS AND CONSUMERS

TOP 30 DOUblE FOR DEMPSEy DyER

Van users have been warned to treat all fuel consumption figures with caution, unless they derive from their own experience.

Steve Clarke, group marketing manager for Fuel Card Services, said, “A recent Which? report showed only 13 of 200 tested vehicles living up to manufacturers’ official mpg figures. Surprisingly, this is hardly news, with various vehicle makers being fined for misleading during recent years. Van users can hardly expect that LCV manufacturers’ claims are any more accurate. Until this environment changes, van users should only trust the statistics they compile themselves.”

The report on a three-year study revealed that manufacturers’ official consumption figures were optimistic, on average, by 13%. It appeared during the

same month as an unrelated report surveying 1,000 business decision-makers.

Steve Clarke said, “RAC Business found that 44% of those surveyed cited fuel economy as their top priority when acquiring new vehicles of various types. It is not difficult to conclude that almost half of business vehicles are bought for their supposed fuel efficiency, but based on misleading claims in 93% of cases. If they had only surveyed van users, a higher figure would not have been surprising. The only sensible option is for firms to rely on their own fuel consumption evidence, while ensuring that they continue to refuel as cost-effectively as possible.”

He welcomed the eventual implementation of a more reliable testing protocol for fuel consumption, the Worldwide Harmonized Light Vehicles Test

Procedure. This may be implemented across the EU during the coming two years, in line with ever-greater EU emphasis on sustainability.

“While everyone waits for fuel consumption figures that can be trusted, van users should re-evaluate their fuel procurement. Many will have been using the same fuel cards for years, not realising how that market has changed significantly. They need to reassess, comparing everything available. It makes no sense to look for fuel-efficient vans but not to refuel them cost-effectively.”

www.fuelcardservices.com


FUEl CONSUMPTION: ONly TRUST yOUR OwN FIGURES

Family run business Classic Windows of Dronfield have taken training and qualifications to heart by putting all of their employees through a training programme with IVS Training and Assessment, one of GQA’s approved centres.

With over 30 years of trading behind them owner of Classic Windows David England was keen to point out that they had outlived the life of their 10 year product guarantees three times over; and critical to their on-going success was quality of installation.

They were delighted to sign up with IVS to put not only their latest installer recruits through a formal training process, but also their time served experienced ones as well.

“It is good to invest in our employees and it has made a big difference to moral, it will be good to change our advertising to state that

we have a fully qualified workforce. What’s more it is not only our installers who now have qualifications, but our warehouse and manufacturing teams as well”.

Speaking for IVS assessor Nick O’Briend was quick to praise the approach taken by Dave to training and qualifications. “It is a real compliment to him that he has committed all his employees to the qualification process; it is a really refreshing approach and the lads were a pleasure to work with”.

IVS is an approved centre for delivery of GQA Qualifications www.gqaqualifications.com.

ClASSIC wINDOwS TAkE GQA qualifications to heart



TRADE NEwSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

REHAU has officially launched its new REHAU Hub at The Building Centre in Store Street, London.

On the 10th anniversary of the opening of its first small office in The Building Centre, REHAU hosted a launch party for architects, specifiers, contractors and trade and retail

customers to reveal its impressive new 82m² exhibition space, complete with extensive product displays and dedicated meeting and presentation areas.

Speaking at the event, REHAU’s UK Chief Executive Martin Hitchin said: “It’s now estimated that around 80% of all building projects in the UK are influenced by an individual who is based in London, so our presence here has never been more important.”

He continued: “The new REHAU Hub is designed to demonstrate not only our abilities as a manufacturer of cutting edge products but also our strengths as a solutions provider and design consultant and, as such, it will benefit not only REHAU but all of our customers who work in the commercial sector.”

The new REHAU Hub is a permanent display space for REHAU’s complete range of window and door systems. This includes specialist products such as the REHAU Polytec 50S composite curtain walling system and the RAU-FIPRO® formulated GENEO and REHAU Nordic Design products, as well as more mainstream choices such as REHAU TOTAL70 and REHAU Heritage vertical sliders.

It also showcases REHAU’s heating and renewable energy solutions including ground source energy probes and district heating pipework, and cable trunking, furniture products and even garden decking.

It forms a key element in the ‘Knowhau’ package which REHAU offers to architects and consultants to help win window, door and curtain walling specifications in REHAU profile. It provides a London base for the team of specialist commercial sales managers who support specifiers with product and planning advice, training and CPD seminars, and gives the many visitors to The Building Centre an insight into the scale and resources behind the familiar REHAU brand.

The response to the new exhibition space during the re-launch was very positive. Steve Barker from Southend based Climatec Windows said: “For REHAU customers like us working in the commercial sector this is a great resource. It’s the perfect location here in The Building Centre and, with all of the most advanced REHAU window, door and curtain walling solutions on permanent display, we are already making plans to use it as an extension of our own showroom when we are talking to London based clients and specifiers.”

Universal Arches has just signed a deal to sponsor St Helens Rugby League Club pitch side at their state of the art stadium at Langtree Park, just a stones through away from the bending sector market leader.

The club known affectionately as the ‘Saints’ have a history that dates back to 1873 and in more recent times in 2012 moved to the new purpose built stadium at Langtree Park in February 2012 and opposite Universal Arches 24,000sq ft facility. Paul Sculthorpe MBE, one of the most famous and distinguished players in recent times for the Saints and former captain was also on hand to meet Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches.

With a 21 year history in the bending sector in the same premises, albeit extended, Universal Arches has a long established reputation in the area and the opportunity to support the local rugby league team has gone down well

within the workforce. This now extends to 53 members of staff as the company continues to grow strongly, now dominating the sector thanks to their product quality, willingness to invest and overall product expertise.

Leon Day, managing director of Universal Arches commented: ‘It’s great to be able to support the St Helens Rugby League Club pitch side, which is on full view for our workforce to see either at the ground or on the television. Our roots are set firmly in the area as is our workforce who have helped shaped the company into the overwhelmingly strong position we have today.’

For further information Universal Arches log on to www.universalarches.com, call the sales office on 01744 612844 or follow them on Twitter @universalarches.

UNIvERSAl’S SHOwING IN

tHe Big LeAgue



From left to right: Leon Day of Universal arches with Paul Sculthorpe mBe.

it’s been a busy 2015 so far for RegaLead with record sales levels in both its decorative glass and paint businesses. The company forecasts similar growth rates in the years ahead and so has committed to these future growth plans with the purchase of 34,000 square feet of production, warehousing and office space in manchester.

Those who have attended the RegaLead Open House in the past will be familiar with the facility on Sidcup Road, close to the Manchester head office, which the company is pleased to say it has now purchased, taking ownership of the entire site and bringing its operational capacity up to almost 100,000 square feet across the country. Darren Baker, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead explains: “We first moved into the Sidcup Road site in 2010 after it became apparent that we needed to expand our Manchester operation. We started out with the rental of 4,000 square feet of space which we used as warehousing for the Signature range and have, over the last five years, increased this to

16,000 with the addition of a training facility, increased Signature warehousing and the development of our screen-printing business.

“We recently took the decision to acquire the property outright, as well as the other five units on the site. We currently occupy 50% of the available space and this additional 18,000 square feet of quality warehousing and manufacturing space brings our operational space close to 100,000 square feet, with our Manchester Head Office occupying 30,000, the 36,000 at Sidcup Road, 24,000 at our Decorative Door Products division in Hawick and the CadRam site in Kent covering 7,000. We are fully committed to the future growth of the business, and the purchase of the Sidcup Road site allows us to further expand and develop our already extensive range of products and services for our customers.”

www.regalead.co.uk

REGAlEAD COMMITS TO FUTURE GROwTH

REHAU lAUNCHES NEw lONDON HUb AT THE bUIlDING CENTRE




Specialist aluminium fabricators Dudley’s aluminium is completing a third landmark contract in Wales in just a matter of months.

The company is providing standard capped and structurally silicone glazed curtain walling as well as manual and automatic doors at One Central Square. The one million square foot site is being developed by Rightacres Property, and is the first phase of the new business centre being constructed in the heart of Cardiff. The site is scheduled to include the new location of the BBC Wales Headquarters.

Once finished, Dudley’s £1.5 million contract for Willmott Dixon at One Central Square will conclude a trio of landmark projects within the South Wales region.

Dudley’s is shortly due to fulfil a £1.5 million contract with Laing O’Rouke to provide specially-designed glazing at Llandough Hospital, near Penarth. To assist with the development of the new mental health unit, Dudley’s is producing bespoke anti-ligature windows that are essential for protecting the safety and well-being of patients. The company is also installing custom-made curtain walling to complete the development.

Earlier this year, Dudley’s completed a £2.2 million contract with Bouygues to support the construction of Swansea University’s new Bay Campus. Dudley’s manufactured and installed curtain walling with specifically-designed Alucobond rainscreen cladding with a brise soleil cassette system incorporated at the site. The company also fitted specifically-built pressed aluminium feature beams in addition to windows and manual window gear to complete the glazing at the campus.

Commenting on the three contracts, Dudley’s Director Colin Shorney said: “Their diversity, from further education through to health and commerce indicates the broad spectrum of our expertise in the marketplace.”

Dudley’s reputation for quality has been recognised with several industry-related accreditations. The company is CHAS and Achilles accredited, Constructionline registered and holds the prestigious ISO 9001 quality, OHSAS 18001 health and safety, and ISO 14001 environmental awards. They are also certified to manufacture “Secured by Design” products.

tHree LAndmArK contrActs WORTH £5.2 MILLION FOR WELSH ALuMINIuM FABRIcATORS From left to right: Russell Cope, Colin Shorney and

Bob Rice outside Cardiff University’s new Business School.


Business micros has just been announced as one of the main sponsors for this year’s G-15 awards, which take place at the London Hilton Park Lane on 27 November.

This is the first time that the software specialist has sponsored the awards and comes at a time when the company is enjoying record levels of sales growth.

Managing Director Graeme Bailey said: “We want to give something back to the industry by supporting what is a genuine celebration of talent and success. The awards night itself it always one of the highlights of the industry year, but the real benefit comes from the fact that the awards

recognise and encourage real excellence in this industry.

“As a business, we’ve reached a level where we can afford to invest in this kind of sponsorship and we think it’s right that we do our bit now to support the wider market.

“So many of our clients have been winners and finalists in the awards in recent years that we know just how much it means to any business to be recognised at the event, so we’re delighted to be able to get involved.”

“Alongside Business Micros as first time sponsors, it would perhaps be great if we also saw some first time entrants and winners at this year’s event.”

Business Micros is the industry’s largest software provider with almost 1200 PVC-U fabricators currently using its programmes. It has just reported half yearly sales up 40% on the same period last year and has made a series of new appointments as it strengthens both its technical and support teams to keep pace with surging customer demand.

Tel: 01925 296105 www.businessmicros.co.uk

bUSINESS MICROS BECOMES MAIN SPONSOR AT G-15 AWARDS


The Specialist Door Department has seen production capacity and efficiency levels increase recently with investments to the tune of £ ½ m.

Another Stuga Prepping Centre and CNC Routing Machine along with a further two Four Headed Welders have been purchased to accommodate the production increase.

Bob Heeley, General Manager, commented “The investment in the new Stuga Prepping Centre, CNC Routing Machine and Four Headed Welders has aided the production and efficiency levels considerably. This investment is the first of many over the coming months, as the Ready-2-Fit Range looks at further investment and the introduction of new products”.

Bob followed this up by adding “These investments demonstrate the commitment and enthusiasm Selecta has in the Ready-2-Fit Range of Composite, Bi-Fold and Patio Doors”.

The specialist doors department have also relocated to a purpose built factory

unit owing to the increase in demand. Bob explained, “We had outgrown our previous factory unit and the decision to move the Ready-2-Fit Composite Door manufacturing process had been on the agenda for some time. The move also allowed us to accommodate the new machinery and improve efficiency within the area”.

Selecta Systems offer a range of composite doors, bi-fold doors and patio doors all pre-fabricated and ‘ready to fit’, as the name suggests. A Secure by Design composite door is available where customers’ requirements dictate. Visit www.selectaspecialistdoors.co.uk or contact them via email at [email protected] or telephone 0121 325 2108 to see how Selecta can help your business.

£ ½ M INvESTMENT BY seLectA!


AluK window and door systems have been specified for the regeneration of Shakespeare House, Hackney, London, which saw 24 existing flats being converted into 18 high quality apartments.

Working with Islington and Shoreditch Housing Association, bptw partnership reconfigured the existing housing block, installing additional windows to increase the amount of natural light and completely insulating the building to improve thermal efficiency.

For the refurbishment project the practice installed the 58BW window system as well as the 58BD and GT55 NI door systems on all the existing and proposed new elevations from ground to fifth floor level.

Justin Kelly, partner at bptw partnership comments: “AluK window and door systems integrated very well with the design ethos of the project, with the window surrounds achieving the deep reveal effect that was proposed at the planning stage. The thermal performance matches the aspirations of the energy targets for the building – we are achieving the Code for Sustainable Homes targets on the new residential units. Deep reveals and window surrounds, new doors, as well as cladding, create a strong architectural feature and define the whole development,

presenting it in a completely new light. The window frames are of significant slenderness, matching the architectural intent completely.”

The 58BW/BD window and door system offers a narrow profile solution with a unique polyamide thermal break design to improve thermal performance. For the Shakespeare House project the architects’ specified a U-value of 1.5.

The 58BW window system, as well as the GT55 NI, are certified under Secured by Design, a requirement essential to Islington and Shoreditch House Association.

AluK is one of a few UK manufacturers whose products are certified under the 'Secured by Design’ scheme operated by the Association of Chief Police Officers. AluK systems are tested to many levels of security: from opportunistic attack covered by PAS 24:2012, to higher levels of attack by organised crime covered by LPS 1175:SR2. Combined with the inherent strength of aluminium, AluK door and window systems are some of the most secure available on the market.

AwARD-wINNING bPTw PARTNERSHIP SPECIFIES AlUk bUIlDING SySTEMS FOR THE REDEvElOPMENT OF SHAkESPEARE HOUSE, lONDON



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The introduction of the new flush sash window from truFrame has been their most successful product launch ever, with a large number of installations having already been completed.

The flush sash design is inspired by traditional timber joinery, but the product is by no means limited to heritage applications in period properties. The “less is more” design mentality lends itself perfectly to modern installations, through the use of alternative hardware and colours. The colour range now includes white, flat cream, rosewood, golden oak, white foil, black foil, cream foil, Chartwell green, anthracite grey (RAL 7016) and Irish oak, all of which are offered on just a 10 day lead time.

The flush sash window also benefits from a new and exclusive milled decorative astragal bar to support the product range. This window is also manufactured using TruFrame’s exclusive 4-step hand finishing process which involves the checking of the corner contours for uniformity, levelling of the outside edges, checking the evenness of the corner grooves and the checking of all apertures for any weld build up. Combined, this makes for one of the most impressive and exacting uPVC windows in the UK market today.

There’s been a trend in recent years towards more dummy sashes as a means to offer more symmetrical sightlines and this flush sash development takes this trend a step further. The window has been designed using the Liniar six-chambered EnergyPlus 70mm outer frame, along with a four-chambered 50mm deep, flush sash. The results are ‘A’

and even ‘A+’ rated windows that are an easy and relatively cost effective proposition for TruFrame customers, with the optional benefit of buying everything from a single source and having the CE Marking process taken care of as well.

Patrick Firmager, marketing director of TruFrame commented: ‘The response to the flush sash window has been simply overwhelming! We’ve spent a considerable amount of time developing and testing the product, and we’re pleased to announce that our flush sash windows carry Secured by Design accredited status, well in advance of the new Document Q for the new build sector.’

For further information log on to www.truframe.co.uk where there’s a complete set of product downloads or call the sales office on 01664 410140 for a free copy of their 68 page guide to windows, doors and conservatries. You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @TruFrame.

FlUSH SASH SUCCESS FOR TRUFRAME

as a major Burnley employer and the UK’s largest manufacturer of PVC-U systems, The VeKa UK Group, has been recognised as 'Business of the year' at the prestigious Burnley Business awards.

The awards ceremony was organised by Burnley Council and was held in the stunning surroundings of Towneley Hall and grounds.

The VEKA UK Group's MD, Dave Jones, was on hand to collect the award and celebrated with a number of delegates from the industry-leading firm. “We're absolutely thrilled to have been awarded this accolade for the second time running. It is a great feeling to be recognised by our home town for the hard work of our team, not just once but twice! We are extremely proud of Burnley and the fantastic businesses here. I’d like to personally offer my congratulations to all the other shortlisted and winning companies - it was wonderful to hear so much positive news about business in our home town and celebrate it together.

“VEKA has been a huge part of Burnley’s manufacturing heritage for almost 30 years and since the very beginning, our ethos has been to constantly strive to see the business develop and evolve even further. Our acquisition of the £58m Bowater Building Products, brought more than 100 additional jobs to Burnley.

“We couldn’t achieve the amount we do, without the hard work and dedication of our staff and we are proud to have held 'Investors in People' status for more than 20 years. A huge number of our staff have reached milestones such as 25, 20 and 15 years’ service with us and we are fiercely proud of them all and our Burnley heritage. In the last year alone, we have launched a new Bi-Fold Door system, a new French Door system, a new Patio Door and an entire new range of contemporary Composite Doors. With lots more exciting developments in the pipeline, we're already looking forward to putting together our submission for the next Burnley Business Awards!”


THE vEkA Uk GROUP SCOOPS TOP bUSINESS AwARD for the seCond time running!



all six winners of the Passivhaus Component award 2015 used SWiSSPaCeR inside their windows. The awards were presented at the international Passivhaus Conference 2015 on april 17th in Leipzig, Germany.

The Passivhaus Institute is the world’s leading fabric-first approach to low energy buildings and the diamond standard for energy efficiency. The main challenge of this year’s competition was for products to show a degree of flexibility, since refurbishments are often carried out over different periods of time due to lack of money. At times there could be a gap of up to 10 years between the first part of a refurbishment and the next. The best windows had

to deliver excellent results during this time gap and following the complete refurbishment.

SWISSPACER Ultimate was the first warm edge spacer bar to be awarded a ‘Passivhaus approved’ certificate at the first-ever Passivhaus Component Awards last year. Now, nearly 80% of all Passivhaus windows have SWISSPACER inside.

Karl-Theo Roes, SWISSPACER Market and Development Manager, says: “It was great to attend the Passivhaus Component Awards a year after our own success. We were a main sponsor at this year’s awards and it was very exciting to find out that all six winners had relied on SWISSPACER!

“Our warm edge spacer bars are tried and tested to achieve the best thermal performance. Uniquely, they come in a range of 17 different colours and give long lasting performance.”

For more information on SWISSPACER, the UK and Ireland’s No.1 warm edge spacer bar, call 0845 601 1265, follow @Ultimate_spacer or visit www.swisspacer.com.

PASSIvHAUS AwARDS wINNERS: ALL 6 use sWissPAcer

Prof Wolfgang Feist, head of Passivhaus, introducing the award.



Find local installers and the elusive white van man, with Glass News.

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Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, catches up with Martin James at aluminium manufacturer, Dutemänn.

A visit to Dutemänn at Dartford is always good value. Owner, Martin James, is a very likeable and ambitious proprietor with aluminium running in his veins!

And things are moving fast. So successful has his aluminium range been, that moving to larger premises is just round the corner….by that, I mean soon, although the new factory is pretty much ‘round

the corner’ anyway – about 4 miles away. The new place is around 20,000 sq ft, a fair hike in size

from the current 6,000 sq ft, but desperately needed to keep ahead of the demand for the Dutemänn products.

While the Dutemänn Glide S may be the shining star of the product range, there is much else in the stable that is noteworthy. So just what is Dutemänn? It’s a trade manufacturer of Schüco bifold doors and aluminium patio and aluminium composite entrance doors. They work as a specialist supplier of products to other fabrication business who don’t want to disrupt their core production to manufacture a non-core product, and to installers, supplying retail and commercial markets, plus developers and builders.

The company proudly displays the

words ‘exceeds expectations’ along with its logo – a bold statement some may think, but it is something Martin stands by and the whole company is very proud of the high quality product they produce. The aluminium door ranges are fabricated to exacting standards, feature the latest innovations in thermal efficiency and are manufactured to meet the highest standards in home and building security.

Showing his commitment to the trade, Martin states on the website “We don’t supply homeowners and the end user directly but can put you in touch with an installer in your area who shares our commitment to quality and service.” Is it a temptation to install your products with your own team? Martin James: “I have no intention of competing with our customers by installing ourselves but it is certainly true that installing is becoming more and more of an issue. Almost everyone I talk to within the trade comments on the lack of installers….and I mean skilled installers. Installation isn’t just something the local chippie can do! As an industry, we should give more credit to the importance of the installer and make it a job that people are proud to say that they do.”

Looking at Glide S, it’s clear to see how Dutemänn claim that it reinvents the inline sliding door. It incorporates ultra slim profiles, including a 47mm mullion and a fully weathered 28mm up stand threshold and has contemporary handles fitted as standard. However, for me, it’s the unique Glide-S gearing system that lifts the sash to deliver

effortless opening and closing of up to 400 kilos per panel that is so impressive. This innovation and the inherent structural integrity of the aluminium system, means that it can easily span an aperture of 6.7m wide by 3.2m in height in just two panels.

With the combination of slim aluminium sight-lines and the superb lift gearing, Dutemänn Glide-S gives new architectural flexibility for a client who desires a patio door, delivering maximum glass area without the interruption of multiple mullions. It has masses of appeal in contemporary new build, high rise and roof-tops as well as more traditional installations.

And other products, too? Apart from the bi-folds to go along with the inline sliders, there’s the whole range of Dutemänn Haus, too. Some 94 different designs make up the range and offer exceptional performance and style to the end user. These aluminium composite doors have a U value as low as 1.2w/m2K and have German engineered locking systems with automatic locking as standard, in line with Secured By Design requirements.

The care that Dutemänn take in producing the product range is impressive and all doors are pre-hung and fully tested before shipping to guarantee peace of mind on installation.

I, for one, am looking forward to seeing the new premises and seeing what development’s Dutemänn come up with next!


aluMiniuM Manufacturer, dutemänn, is on the move

martin James.


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With more than ten months out from next year’s Fit (Fabricator installer trade) Show the organisers have thrown open the doors to installers who believe that they could win the 2016 master Fitter Challenge – and a share of the £10,000 prize money that goes with it.

Fully supported by FENSA and with the technical content once again created and managed by GQA, the finals of the 2016 Master Fitter Challenge will take place during days one and two of the FIT Show on a brand new site located in the Atrium of The International Centre, Telford, within the main entrance to the show. This is part of a number of new initiatives to raise the profile and quality of the event, says its organiser Paul Godwin: “The Master Fitter Challenge is one of the things that defines The FIT Show, so we are raising its profile by locating the Pavilion, where the live finals take place, within the entrance to the show. We are also changing elements of the competition by including new challenges, including roofs and also by encouraging would-be entrants to show their interest months earlier than previously.”

Technical aspects of the Master Fitter Challenge are still being confirmed but FENSA and GQA are insistent that entrants will face tougher tests, including minimum entry qualifications: “We are determined that the MFC continues to be representative and a true test of installation skills,” explained Paul. “The winners of the event are ambassadors for the industry and provide a benchmark for all window, door and conservatory fitters.”

With the windows and residential doors continuing as part of the competition for 2016, solid roofs are to be included for the first time. But whilst exact details of the competition will be revealed later, would-be competitors can register their interest at http://www.fitshow.co.uk/master-fitter-challenge.

Familiar names from the 2014 event are Liniar, which is once again providing products for the window challenge; and Truedor which will provide the composite residential doors. New for 2016 is Supalite with its solid roof system, and Official Sealant Supplier Whizzle.

Full details of The FIT Show may be found at www.fitshow.co.uk.

Distinction Doors’ CEO Andrew Fowlds and Chairman Drew Wright recently attended a conference and awards dinner at Sir Richard Branson’s family home in Oxfordshire to celebrate The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 league, on which Distinction Doors was included.

Andrew Fowlds said, “It was a great achievement to be named in the Fast Track 100 and the event was a fantastic way to celebrate.”

Distinction Doors was named in the The Sunday Times Virgin Fast Track 100 at the end of last year. The annual list, now in its 18th year, ranks Britain’s private companies with the fastest-growing sales over three years. Distinction’s inclusion in the list comes after a 48% sales increase in the timescale and it’s a trend that shows no sign of slowing down. It has recently expanded overseas and sent its first order to India last Autumn. Considerable investment has also been made the company’s infrastructure, including the opening of a brand new paint plant, in order to continue to deliver strong customer service.

The conference featured speakers Charles Rolls, co-founder and executive deputy

chairman of Fever-Tree, and Gareth Williams, co-founder and chief executive of Skyscanner. Dominic O'Connell, business editor of The Sunday Times, interviewed panellists Edwina Dunn, co-founder of dunnhumby and CEO of Starcount, Rowan Gormley, founder of Naked Wines and now CEO of Majestic Wine, and William Reeve, co-founder of LOVEFiLM.com and chairman of Graze.com.

The afternoon concluded with an hour's Q&A session led by Sir Richard Branson.

The awards dinner in the evening honoured all companies on the latest league table, who each received an award certificate.

Andrew says, “The event was a memorable experience. It was very insightful being able to hear the thoughts and experiences of the conference speakers and it was a valuable opportunity to network with other successful businesses.”

He concludes, “We still have ambitious plans for growth and have every intention of building on the successes of the previous years.”

Tel: 01226 352265 www.distinctiondoors.co.uk

distinction doors duo Attend fAst trAcK 100 conference And AWArds dinner At ricHArd BrAnson’s fAmiLY Home


“It was very insightful being able to hear the thoughts and experiences of the conference speakers and it was a valuable opportunity to network with other successful businesses.”

Bohle Ltd recently marked the opening of its new showroom and training suite with two customer open days at its Dukinfield distribution centre.

Bohle Group Chief Operating Officer Arne Klöfkorn flew in from Germany to officially open the new facility. Commenting on the new showroom and training suite Klöfkorn said, “Knowledge transfer is at the core of Bohle’s corporate philosophy, which is why we invest so much in seminars, training and exhibitions. This new facility, in the heart of the UK, is similar to the showroom at Bohle’s HQ in Germany, which draws glass professionals from all over Europe to learn about new technology and products.” Facilities for training in UV bonding, glass cutting and glass handling are a feature of the new showroom.

As well as full size displays of a range of sliding doors, balustrades and shower enclosures, the new showroom features multimedia screens with product videos and access to the Bohle online webshop. Bohle Managing Director Dave Broxton explains, “Every customer who visits Bohle to collect goods will be guided into the showroom. There they can relax, enjoy a coffee and browse the many examples of Bohle products while they wait for their goods. The new space is very versatile, being suitable for hands-on product training or theatre-style seminars and we will be rolling out a series of free training sessions over the next few months on a range of glass processing topics so that as many customers as possible can experience the new facility.”

Visitors can view the showroom without an appointment any weekday from 9am-3:30pm.

For training opportunities call Alic McCabe on 0800 616151.

bOHlE OPENS SHOwROOM & TRAINING SUITE



REGISTER yOUR INTEREST NOw FOR THE FIT SHOw MASTER FITTER CHAllENGE


The Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ

Tel: 01785 222421www.haffnermurat.com • [email protected]

Call Dave Thomas today!

SBA-2 MACHINE CENTRE

SVK-2

SMR-4 WELDER

TT405 COMPUTERISED SAW

• 2 Year Parts and Labour Warranty • 5 Year low rate finance option, subject to status • Part exchange deal for your existing machinery if complete and in good

working order• Windows XP computer with Beckhoff control systems, Hiwin bearings and SMC pneumatics

• Fast and efficient operation and waste management system for increased profile savings

• Increased output with reduced labour to enable you to produce approximately 450 windows and doors per week with one operator. (750 on the SBA-4).

KEY FEATURES

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(Machine shown is the Haffner SBA-2 Machining centre)

The fastest and most accurate welder on the market today!

• Touch screen operation • Automatic head positioning via turret stop location • Automatic corner and back fences increases accuracy of the finished frame • Retracting middle corner fence ensures all 90 degree corners are set

correctly • Drop down support arms • Automatic self centering of transom and mullions • No tools required for setting corners, transoms and cruciform welding • Two year warranty

• Suitable for bevel and radius profile • 2 axis machine, fully programmable for white and woodgrain profiles• Profile recognition via linear transducers and photo electric sensors• Touch screen display for ease of operation with jog teach facility • Omron plc control with Hiwin bearings and SMC pneumatics • Rotary tool post for radius and internal cleaning with groove and

woodgrain knives as standard• 2 year parts and Labour warranty with the exception of worn parts

CNC Corner and Transom cleaning machine

• Double Cut saw for PVCu and Aluminium profiles up to 70mm• Point to point cutting for great accuracy - minimum cut 270mm at 45 degrees• USB data control or network connection available with touch screen control• Automatic transom positioner and automatic short cut facility• 2 year warranty including parts and labour• Automatic guard system with two hand safety control

ITALMAC aluminium machinery

available nowThe Accolade Building, Common Road, Stafford, Staffordshire, ST16 3EQ




SVK-2

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available now

0715/0120


lEGAl EAGlETRADE NEwS


The ‘Call Saul’ column in Glass News is brand new and, unlikely as it seems, we have a lawyer in the shape of Philip Harmer who is giving his advice to our readers, free of charge! Now I know you will be gasping at the thought that a lawyer isn’t going to sting you with a large bill, but it gets better… if you have any queries about the subject he is talking about in his column, Philip is happy for you to contact him by ‘phone or email and he will impart his wisdom absolutely free. So please, take Philip up on his offer. The ‘Call Saul’ column will try and bring you news and views on current and impending legislation to help you keep ahead of the game.

And why ‘Call Saul’? Those aficionados of TVs Breaking Bad will understand!

Chris Champion Editor

smALL Businesses Are Big Businesses?

legal eAgLe

cALL sAuL...

PHILIP HARMER

about Philip HarmerPhilip Harmer is a Business Lawyer and partner at Stormcatcher Law specialising in employment and business legal services.

His real world experience in construction and property as well as car sales, repair centres, and finance and leasing, give him a true commercial outlook to the business of law pertaining to commercial and company law including employment, anti-bribery, competition and ethics, anti-money laundering , consumer law and trading standards, for the small and medium sized businesses, as well as PLCs and large firms.

Contact PhilipTel: 0333 700 7676 [email protected]

With 4.5 million businesses in the UK having no employees or fewer than 10, small businesses are big business, attracting serious questions about a “one man band” being on an equal commercial footing as a PLC.

The likes of the Legal and Financial Services Ombudsmen, Ofcom, Competition Law already treat so called ‘micro businesses’ as

consumers, but they are the exception rather than the rule.

Without a complete reclassification, small businesses are arguably being exploited by big businesses and manufacturers who rely on draconian “limitation clauses” which simply could not apply to consumers under the Unfair Contract Terms Act.

Simply, it’s argued that big business gets bigger at the expense of either the consumer’s or the small business’, with the law providing “no incentive” to drive product standards higher, thereby perpetuating the consumer detriment the government is hell bent on reducing.

Naturally there are “ways and means” of holding big business to account, but it’s a balancing act between the time and cost spent enforcing ones rights, versus that spent in maintaining and/or growing the business.

Despite the government consultations, legislative changes are slow, if perhaps unlikely, with the huge lobbying power big businesses hold; however, there is a growing ground swell of support for the plight of “David over Goliath” which may find some sympathy with the judiciary.

“Without a complete reclassification, small businesses are arguably being exploited by big businesses and manufacturers who rely on draconian “limitation clauses” which simply could not apply to consumers under the Unfair Contract Terms Act. “


Rocal Insulating Panels trading as Endurance Solid and Secure are shortlisted at the prestigious London Build Awards 2015 under the category of ‘Regeneration Project’.

Composite door pioneer, Rocal, hope to add to their expanding trophy cabinet in Summer 2015. Stephen Nadin, MD at Rocal, commented; “Having been nominated for this award reflects the dedication, hard work and success to the collaborative effort of all our employees. The shortlisting proves that good leadership, teamwork and outstanding customer service, can deliver the difference between a project been delivered on time or not.”

Rocal worked alongside the installers and a major Housing Association to meet delivery deadlines in a staggered fire door regeneration project. The before and after door photographs for this regeneration project are astonishing. I know our customers were delighted with our production and delivery performance and we are delighted to have been shortlisted”.

Visit http://endurancedoors.co.uk/, or contact the Sales Office on 01652 659259.

ENDURANCE SOlID & SECURE SHORTlISTED AT THE lONDON bUIlD AwARDS 2015

“The shortlisting proves that good leadership, teamwork and outstanding customer service, can deliver the difference between a project been delivered on time or not.”


0715/0133


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: wHITElINE The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Steve Milham, Whiteline’s Managing Director, gives Chris Champion, Editor of Glass News, the tour of Whiteline and its new Reigler aluminium division.

Whiteline is a large fabricator supplying a wide range of products but those products are rarely straightforward…

If you mean that we develop our own products to a great extent, then that’s true. We use the best materials from the best suppliers but we often see a different way to do things or an improvement to the basic product. If that’s the case, we’ll work with the supplier, and even pay for tooling if necessary to change and improve that product. As a company, we want to produce windows,

doors, bi-folds or whatever, that are just that bit better than others on the market. Actually, we want to make them a lot better!

Where does this innovation come from?

We all have a hand in the developments, but I have to admit that I’ll wake up at night with an idea and then we’ll all set-to to make it work. We work with our customers, in partnership, delivering the right British made products, services and support to help grow their business. It’s all about listening, learning and understanding how we can actively help, not hinder them to succeed.

You’re the largest independent fabricator in the South East and it was your 30th anniversary last year. Is there one thing you can characterise as being the reason for your success?

That’s a difficult question because success can be attributed to many factors. If you push me to pick one reason, it would have to be our ability to build long-term relationships with our customers. Yes, we can make ourselves different from our competitors with product innovation and such but at the end of the day, it’s the relationships you form with your customers, over many years, that brings measurable success to both parties.

May we talk a bit about your own background, Steve?

I’m a chippie by trade and started work when I was 14 years old. I ended up owning a largish Retail window company and after 25 years, joined Whiteline for a new challenge as their Managing Director.

You’re also a Shareholder and Managing Director of Reigler Fabrications Ltd…

uniQue PVcu Products, TIMbER & NOw AlUMINIUM wITH REIGlER AlUMINIUM, GIvE FAbRICATOR wHITElINE, ANOTHER EDGE!

Steve milham shows the unique PVCu 95mm FlushSaSH deep bottom rail.Kevin and Jon Reigler.

Barcoding tracks products through the factory. CNC routs aluminium. Queuing for the daily despatch. PVCu frame manufacture.

Revival PVCu window with traditional hardware.


GlASS NEwS INTERvIEw: wHITElINEThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Reigler joining Whiteline has been a very important development for us. Our services and product range already includes PVCu fabrication, timber products, conservatories, roofs, bi-folds and trade counters, and aluminium was something missing and as such something to develop. I’d known Bill Reigler, who started the business, since 1994 but after he died suddenly in 1999, the company carried on becoming smaller as time went by. With aluminium gaining in popularity, we were looking to develop our own products but after having talks with Bill’s sons, Jon and Kevin, bringing their expertise into Whiteline made complete sense to us all. Reigler had always had a reputation for high quality, hand-finished aluminium products, and their high standards matched with ours, perfectly.

It now means we have developed an aluminium division that produces windows, doors and bi-folds. From a low point of just 4 employees, they now have 20 and are growing fast.

Are you retaining the Reigler name?

At the moment it is branded as Reigler Whiteline and that’s important as Reigler stood for real quality manufacture. The range we offer is ever growing with residential casement windows internally or externally glazed and as flat, chamfered or sculptured detail. There’s a 58mm or 70mm depth option, odd leg, equal leg, double or triple glazing and French window variants to name but a few.

The designs on offer satisfy the demands of domestic or commercial use and can be used for new build, refurbishment and even conservation and heritage sites as well as listed and period buildings. Oh, let’s not forget there’s also Tilt ‘n Turn options, too.

And doors too, presumably?

Casement doors, patio doors, bi-folds and commercial doors are all available.

It has been important to organise our aluminium factory as a standalone unit as the skills are very different to PVCu. We have dedicated staff on aluminium…it’s not a case of needing additional help and just drafting in a PVCu fabricator. Finding the 8,000 sq ft required hasn’t been easy either and we seem to be acquiring factory units on a regular basis!

As with our other products, aluminium is all about quality. It is easily damaged in manufacture and great care needs to be taken, to which end we have 3 quality control people monitoring every stage of manufacture. Our customer service is all about transparency we don’t hide anything from our customers and it’s imperative that they trust us to provide a consistently high standard of finish and if we get it wrong, admit it and put it right, fast.

Although you are, essentially, a South East fabricator, how far afield are your customers?

In truth, they can be anywhere. But the bulk of our customers are in the south, up as far as Cambridge and Oxford. Lead times are always important to customers, as are their deliveries, and having a customer base in a controlled area means we can deliver effectively, efficiently and on time.

Delivering to Cambridge is a fair trek from Eastbourne…

….and it’s often me that does it! I’m licenced for vehicles up to 28 tons so I’ll often take an 18 tonner up to Cambridge and take the opportunity to see the customers. It sometimes surprises them to find the MD delivering their windows!

But I guess it’s all about that kind of service that helps the long term relationships with your customers?

We have very loyal and long standing customers and we work very hard to maintain the high standards they expect, and deserve - It really is all about working with people. We expect a very high standard from our suppliers and, in turn, our customers expect the same of us. If we get it right, the whole supply chain is successful and can make money. After all, that’s what we’re all in business to do, isn’t it?

If we can continue to be profitable, then we can continue to invest for the future and that’s both in people, premises and machinery alike. We’ve already invested around £2m over the past 18 months with £250K of that devoted purely to our aluminium production.

Presumably, the investment includes tooling for your own profile, too?

We are constantly looking at ways to improve the products we sell and if we believe that a profile would be better in a different confirmation, we are prepared to pay for that tooling to get it looking right. That may mean that the new profile is exclusive to Whiteline or we may come to an agreement whereby we retain exclusivity for a period of time. It all costs money: but it gives our customers an edge when competing in the marketplace.

Let’s talk a bit about that ‘edge’. Your showroom is full of innovative products…

Our showroom gives both our customers, and those interested in being supplied by Whiteline, a chance to see the finished products and how they work. We produce a vast array of very high quality printed literature so that our customers can market the products as they want to, but there is no substitute for being able to see, feel and operate the products.

There’s the 70mm-framed PVCu “FlushSASH” Window and Door designs we launched in back in 2012 with the traditional look of timber but with all the benefits of modern materials. We then went further still with a new, and again, exclusive deep 95mm bottom rail. Although everything we produce can be used with the traditional 70mm profile, we recently launched a brand new and again, exclusive, Revival 85mm outer frame and transom too. We also have our new PVCu/Aluminium hybrid system that is attracting a lot of interest with home owners, New Build and Commercial specifiers, alike.

Your website is vast and very detailed but what really interested me was the Platinum NRG brand….

Platinum NRG is a retail brand and gives our customers a total business solution. We want to make it easy for them to do what they do so well, sell and fit our products and the retail brand with its full marketing package helps them do just that.

We offer unique products: not just for the sake of it, but because they look better, are more energy efficient and have an appeal to the home owning public. Whether it’s PVCu, Aluminium or Timber and whether it’s unique products like SlimSASH PVCu windows, FlushSASH windows and doors or the all new Revival window, all our products are thoroughly tested, thought out and supported by Whiteline.

Our new aluminium division, is setting new standards, quicker lead times and better ways for them to get delivered to clients particularly for the domestic market that we serve which is growing fast!

Thanks for your time, Steve, and the opportunity to see the many developments at Whiteline.


Jon and Kevin Reigler on the aluminium shopfloor.

Care is key....no danger of over torquing with hand tools.

Care and precision on the shopfloor.

Revival - aluminium Hybrid Window.

Steve milham points out the detail of the Revival frame and cill.


GlASS The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Barrier-SABCO is a new balustrade system offering the sophistication of frameless glass that can be specified for both Commercial and Residential projects.

The result gives a hi-tech, sleek and minimal finish and offers the perfect cost effective solution for Frameless glass providing an installation that’s designed to be simple to install and achieve BS EN 6180:2011*.

Barrier-SABCO, developed by Sadev of France is introduced and stocked by Barrier Components Ltd, architectural hardware supplier for 27 years who specialise in the supply of high quality hardware products. Two years in the making, Barrier-SABCO has been created and tested both in house and independently and is now available at Barrier Components in Essex.

The system offers some great unique features. It only requires 400mm fixing centres to achieve the 1.5kN rating therefore saving valuable time on site. The system allows for easy alignment of the glass during installation up to +/-15mm either way and

once the two part clamps are installed the glass is fixed into position. Tightening is achieved via torx screws that can be tightened easily with a cordless drill - again speeding up the install time. The system includes removable covers (anodised to Marine grade 20 microns) to allow the installation of the channel without risk of damaging the finish. The natural or Satin stainless anodised covers are then simply fitted at the end of the operation.

For full specification and video footage of separate the systems and how they work view Barrier Components e-commerce web site at www.barrier-components.co.uk. The website enables users to order from a vast architectural hardware product range online, providing a one-stop-shop for high quality, great looking and effective architectural hardware products, all backed by adequate stock and an efficient service ethos.

For further information or assistance please contact the Barrier Components Technical Team on 01708 891515 or [email protected].

*The product has passed independent British Standards BS eN 6180:2011 testing up to 1.5kN on most glass thicknesses for both base fix and side fix variants.

Thermoseal Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of warm edge spacers and accessories and supplier of a wide range of insulated glass components, has introduced a new advertising and promotional campaign to showcase its Thermobar and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacers – both have a thermal performance which is not bettered by any other spacer tube and flexible spacer system currently available!

Thermobar Warm Edge Spacer Tube (0.14 W/mK) and Thermoflex Warm Edge Spacer (0.135 W/mK) both have relevant Bundesverband Flachglas (BF) Data Sheets available to download on the BF website: http://www.bundesverband-flachglas.de/.

This data makes both products suitable for substitution within current BFRC Window energy Ratings without the requirement for further simulations.

The BFRC’s substitution rule states that, providing spacer bars are of the same or smaller profile height than the original simulation and the secondary sealant remains unchanged: “Spacer bars (including the primary sealant and desiccant) may be substituted when the replacement has an equal or lower effective thermal conductivity (measured to 3 decimal places) than the spacer bar specified in the original licence.” This means that Thermobar can be substituted for any other 6.5mm profile height spacer tube (or spacer tube of greater profile height) currently available and Thermoflex can be exchanged for flexible spacer systems – the closest comparable one having a thermal conductivity value of 0.15 W/mK!

Thermoseal Group’s marketing manager, Samantha Hill tells us: “We are proud to showcase our Thermobar and Thermoflex products with new product drawings, clear imagery and the facts and figures to back up our statement that we currently supply two of the best spacer systems to the market.

“We know that our products are the best, not just because they currently have thermal performance figures not bettered by any other tubular and comparable flexible systems, but also

because they are produced with an emphasis on quality and are manufactured with customer specification in mind. We have been working with UK insulated glass manufacturers for over 35 years and pride ourselves in the strong relationship that we have with our customers – many of which have worked closely with us in developing our warm edge products.

“Our manufacturing facility has seen continual development over the past few years in terms of investment of over £5 million in high technology equipment, additional buildings and also the growing team of skilled professionals that we have employed to lead and develop our innovation centre and production facilities. The latest addition to our team is Richard Sellman, a qualified Chemist who has worked in the IG industry for over 30 years. Richard is also the Chairman of the GGF Components Group, he has attended TC 129 WG4 (EN 1279) meetings and has been involved in drafting the latest revision of EN 1279 standards. Richard is now Technical Manager at Thermoseal Group.

“At Thermoseal Group Wigan, we also have our own EN 1279 test centre set up so that we can ensure that all of the products that we produce are fully tested and offer best performance within the lifetime of insulated glass sealed units. This also means that we can predict the results before we submit our products for independent testing.

“All of the above helps us to ensure that our advertising statement is correct and that ‘we do understand the conditions within a glazing unit and how each component performs within the lifetime of the unit’. We can also confidently say that our spacer bars are of the highest quality.

“In addition, we are in the process of innovating new futureproof glazing products to ensure that we stay at the forefront of the IG component supply market and continue to offer the best.”

To find out about Thermoseal Group and its comprehensive range of insulated glass components and machinery for glazing manufacture, call +44(0)121 331 3950 or visit www.thermosealgroup.com.



INTRODUCING bARRIER-SAbCO THE NEW FRAMELESS GLASS BALUSTRADE SYSTEM

HIGHEST PERFORMANCE SPACER SySTEMS EASIly SUbSTITUTED wITHIN CURRENT wERS


Tel: 0800 321 7284 | Fax: 01226 707 947 Email: [email protected]

Introducing the Imagine

FOLD & GLIDE BI-FOLDING DOOR

The elegant aesthetics, thermal efficiency, high quality and optimum performance means the Imagine Fold & Glide Bi-folding Door pushes the boundaries of modern PVC-u bi-folding doors.

A new generation of bi-folding doors

Visit our website: www.bisonframes.co.uk/BisonFrames @bisonframes

Vertical Sliding Sash Window / Flush Casement Window / Fold & Glide Bi-folding Door

Home to the range of products

• Contemporary, clean look with slimmer sightlines

• In line track with no unsightly fixing to the outside of the outer frame and improved weight distribution

• Outstanding thermal performance – U Values of less than 1.0 achieved

• Choice of sculptured or bevelled sashes and glazing beads

• Choice of 3 threshold options

• Choice of foiled options available

• Maximum width 6000mm, maximum door height 2400mm, maximum sash width 1000mm

• Fully tested to BS6375: Part 1 Weather and BS 6375: Part 2 Durability

• PAS24 and Secured by Design accredited

• High performance hardware used throughout

• Suitable for all market sectors

KEY FEATURES:

AVAILABLE NOW!

OFFERING

EXCELLENCE

IN EVERY AREA!

0715/0137



Bohle has further expanded its Liftmaster range of handling equipment with the Liftmaster B1 portable lifter.

Designed for use by a single person, the new device, which is smaller, lighter and more compact than the 320Kg capacity B2 model, is capable of moving, handling and mounting flat glass, IG units and other non-porous sheet materials up to 180 kg.

Versatile and manoeuvrable for daily use in glass companies or site work, the Liftmaster B1 can be easily disassembled to fit into almost any estate car for true portability. The Liftmaster’s 0.8 metre width, compact design and excellent manoeuvrability make it well suited for use in narrow spaces. For example, glass can easily be transported through standard doors, subject to sufficient height, by simply rotating the sheet through ninety degrees and lowering it onto the rubber pads of the longitudinal track, which can then be tilted for transport.

The Liftmaster B1 is equipped with a compact, manual suction lifter as standard, with high levels of safety due to a dual circuit vacuum system with four suction pads, a reserve tank, a low-pressure indicator and an additional vacuum display. The manual suction lifter dispenses with the need for recharging batteries meaning it is always ready for use and has been developed by Bohle to be easily demounted with a quick coupling adaptor to be used independently of the Liftmaster. The suction lifter is available as a separate item article number BO B18DM4 and is equipped with eye hooks as a standard.

An optional crane arm is available which enables the device to be rotated vertically by 360° or tilted horizontally by 90°.

Details of Liftmaster B1 can be found on the Bohle website www.bohle-group.com or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151 for more information.


COMPACT GlASS HANDlING by bOHlE


Nottinghamshire based iGU and composite door manufacturer, masterglass GB recently celebrated its 10th anniversary, and during those 10 years, the company is pleased to state that it has only ever bought from RegaLead for decorative glass components and composite door glass. The most recent investment was a CadRam HDDS resin dispensing machine which, six months on, has proved invaluable in creating cost-effective, unique designs in-house.

Mark Bowskill, Director at Masterglass GB explains: “We have been manufacturing high quality IGUs since 2005 and have always produced stained and bevelled glass in-house. When we started making composites in 2010 we took on the Signature range so that we could offer stunning, off the shelf, decorative glass designs for our new doors.

“As a company we pride ourselves on being big enough to deliver but small enough to care, and while some manufacturers focus on price, we have and always will produce quality with truly creative designs. This is why it is important to us to bring as much in-house as possible so that we are in control of the design process and can offer a speedy turn-around on bespoke glass designs. The Glass Eye software and plotter package has been perfect, as we can customise designs quickly to produce matching sidelights, and more recently, the CadRam machine has allowed us to literally produce any design in house, the only restriction is the imagination. Until you use the machine you don’t fully appreciate how good it really is - one member of our team even wants to take it home! As

styles continue to change in the window and composite door market we have also made another investment in RegaLead machinery with the new CadBlast 1200 sandblaster, allowing us to bring decorative sandblasted glass in-house.

“But it’s not product alone that makes a good partnership, with RegaLead we’ve found that anything they can do to support us, they will - there’s really not another company in the industry like them. Returning to the issue of price, yes, we could possibly buy cheaper elsewhere, but quality products backed by quality support are paramount. Plus, when we buy from a company like RegaLead, we have the assurance of a stable supplier with a long established history – just as our customers have with Masterglass GB – so we can rely on a partnership that will last for the next 10 years.”

www.regalead.co.uk

MIRALITE ANTIQUE and MIRALITE VERSAILLES have been created by Saint-Gobain Glass to provide the authentic effect of an aged mirror, but which greatly extend the creativity available to designers by being produced to the latest quality, manufacturing and environmental standards.

Offering a subtle retro-appearance for interior schemes in which a stylish period effect is being created, they are ideal for applications such as large wall spans in interiors, busy public areas such as lobbies, staircases, lifts and other high traffic, stylish commercial interiors; and for small decorative styling details and inserts such as in bars, restaurants, hotels, theatres and retail environments.

The aged appearance of MIRALITE ANTIQUE and MIRALITE VERSAILLES offers the imperfections that are so desirable

in many upmarket interiors. Offering a subtle and warm light MIRALITE ANTIQUE and VERSAILLES are highly versatile and offer limitless design opportunities when combined

with other materials such as wood, metal and marble. The advanced manufacturing techniques by which MIRALITE ANTIQUE and MIRALITE VERSAILLES are produced

means that the appearance of aged mirrors may be achieved over large areas with consistent quality throughout. Furthermore, this also ensures that the product has excellent environmental credentials, is highly durable and easy to maintain.

Both MIRALITE ANTIQUE and MIRALITE VERSAILLES may be specified with a protective plastic film applied to the back of the mirror for use in high traffic areas and others where impact may be a possibility. The film prevents the glass from shattering into large shards, providing extra safety in case of impact or accidental damage with no adverse effect on the installed appearance of the mirror.

MIRALITE ANTIQUE may be specified in bronze, grey and clear finishes, with MIRALITE VERSAILLES available in clear. The versatility of the products extends through their ability to be processed using the latest techniques including cutting, edgeworking, drilling, etching, screen printing and acid etching, further extending the options open to designers.

A MASTER ClASS IN PARTNERING

MIRALITE ANTIQUE & MIRALITE VERSAILLES FROM SAINT-GObAIN: stylish retro effect Mirrors that extend design options


online | mila.co.ukphone | 01327 312 400 social | @milahardware_uk

#SupaHero

You can’t change the weather.

But you can fit a superior stainless steel door handle with

added molybdenum for increased corrosion resistance.

There’s stainless steel...

And there’s Supa™ Stainless Steel.

A superior stainless steel door handle range. Only from Mila.

Supa™ stainless steel 316 marine grade

Supa™ corrosion resistance 1000 hours

Supa™ reliable 200,000 cycles

Supa™ strength 100kg pull test

Supa™ guarantee 25 years


GlASSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper



Barrier Components presents its new brochure showcasing their unique range of hardware for glass. The literature showcases their Patch Fittings, Patch Locks, Latches, Bolts and Keeps, Door Rails, Wall Profiles, Cabinet Glass Hinges, Lever Hinges, GX Hinges, PVt Pivot Door Systems, overhead Door Closers, Floor Springs, transom Closers and Self Closing Hinges.

Their range covers a broad selection of glass fitting options for Commercial and Residential installations offering solutions for both internal and external specification.

Barrier Components has been supplying architectural hardware for 28 years from their Essex facility. For further information or assistance please contact the Barrier Components Technical Team on 01708 891515 or [email protected]. Alternatively, visit their website at www.barrier-components.co.uk where the new brochure can be downloaded and products purchased on line.

new glass fittings brochure

Full length shower hinges are an excellent way to prevent water egress from shower enclosures and the new aqua shower hinge from Bohle Ltd adds versatility to the list of benefits. aqua is a full length, pivot style hinge for 6mm and 8mm glass with a 5mm rise and fall action. Featuring a slide-in profile, the glass is secured with silicone requiring no costly drilling or processing.

The Aqua range is supplied in 2.2 metre lengths, in either a polished aluminium appearance or an EV1 anodized aluminium finish and its innovative three profile design means that the standard product can be used for both glass to wall and glass to glass applications. The versatile Aqua hinge holds at ninety degrees on both sides and also features a close position angle that is fully adjustable. Aqua can therefore be used for corner enclosures, one-sided closures and angled applications.

Details of Aqua can be found on the Bohle website www.bohle-group.com or call the customer services team free on 0800 616151 for more information.

DRyER FlOORS wITH bOHlE AQUA HINGE

When tuffX Processed Glass was contracted to supply a number of products from its portfolio as part of the new manufacturing technology Centre (mtC) in Coventry, the company knew the calibre of its range would be scrutinized.

Housed in a 12,000 square metre purpose built facility at Ansty Park, the MTC represents one of the largest public sector investments in UK manufacturing for many years and operates some of the most advanced manufacturing equipment in the world. The Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry is working with a number of world leading research

partners including aerospace companies, universities and TWI Ltd to develop new manufacturing and engineering techniques.

TuffX supplied a variety of products for the project including balustrading and stairwells at the new centre. Stair treads were manufactured in 21.5 mm PVB toughened glass, which consisted of two 10mm green tint glasses and 1.5mm PVB interlayer; whilst the bridge incorporated 21.5 mm green tint toughened glass with a 1.5mm thick Sentry Guard Plus SGP interlayer.

Senior management at TuffX consider that use of its products in this installation

reflect an acknowledgement of product quality associated with the brand and recognition of the overall standards of excellence that are synonymous with TuffX as a company.

For more information on the range of specialist glasses available from one of the UK’s leading glass processors please call 0845 3 400 200 or visit the website www.tuffxprocessedglass.co.uk.


MANUFACTURING ExCEllENCE FROM TUFFx

0715/0144



A conversation with Mr. Arkadiusz Muś, the owner and the chairman of the Press Glass management board. Contents taken from an interview published in “Forum Branżowe”, the top Polish monthly for the windows and doors industry. Editorial introduction Robert Klos.

I’ve recently listened to the opinions of German and Italian managers, expressing their concerns about local markets being taken over by Polish export. I am under the impression that they have not yet matured enough to understand the idea of Europe as one joint market, as suggested by Arkadiusz Muś, this issue’s guest. Germany seems to forget that Polish windows have German fittings; still German, although more and more often we find that profiles, and even the Western solution of glass packages, are produced in Poland. They don’t realize that windows or doors from Poland are being produced on German or Italian machines, transported in German, Swedish or Italian vehicles, assembled using nonPolish tools and rarely made from exclusively domestic draught proofing materials. What arouses the concern of Western managers is the few percent representing Polish windows on their market, while they are pleased having over 30 percent of the market shares in Poland thanks to their skylights or gates. Well, such is the philosophy of Kali from the Common Market. I admit that I have stopped getting upset over all the grumbling about Polish competitors and I am supporting the successes of Polish companies even more now. I support good, Polish engineers and good, also Polish, structural solutions. Just to be clear: I also support good assembly solutions, modern architectural designs as well as the more and more common automation in woodwork, regardless of the country of its

origin. The recent Entrepreneurship Congress in Brussels showed that they have no reason to fear each other – it is the officials and the law they pose that are the real threat. Another one is the lack of mature marketing, lack of knowledge about the market, the incompetent use of modern media or incorrect contracts formulation. And other entrepreneurs? They are only competitors. What difference does it make if the market shares are taken away by a Pole, a German or an Italian? I would probably even prefer, if it was an honest Italian from Milan, rather than a dishonest Pole from Warsaw. Which, with strong beliefs, I also recommend that you consider.

R.K: You have been running your business from the beginning of the nineties, at first only in Poland, now in all of Europe. The years go by and you are more and more active. What is it that makes you hold on to this?

a.m: Above all, the pleasure of creative work in a circle of competent people. I simply find fulfillment in it. I am surrounded by a group of excellent managers, with whom I have very good contact, and this makes them perfect conversation partners for me. I learn a lot from them, and since they understand me and my business intentions perfectly, it creates a climate in which we can freely discuss chances and threats, prospects and directions of development. I can’t place a value on the work of the people I presently employ. Every one of them is a really strong point of the company and they form a team. I am really proud of them. I wouldn’t be able to create such a large organization, with such great potential, if I didn’t have a group of managers who understand one another. This is the most important thing for the further development of Press Glass.

R.K: Youa re currently expanding your biggest factory in Poland, building a new factory in Croatia... does development have any limits for you?

a.m: So far I don’t see these limits, and I certainly don’t set them for myself. I am building a supragenerational company, so my prospect for this business isn’t only for today, but goes far beyond the current generation. This is probably one of the factors of my

success in this business. It also gives the right perspective to the managers of my company who are aware that if together we are good at what we do, we have a chance to develop together for another 50 years. This is thanks to the fact that managers know the pace the company will be developing at, in which direction it will be headed, and also know how their own professional lives can develop. So if you are asking about the development of my company, then even in this longterm perspective, I still don’t see them. From our point of view we are still at the beginning of the road.

R.K: Not really “at the beginning”, having been a crucial player on the European market for a long time now.

a.m: Press Glass has only been around for 23 years, so if you were to relate this road to the age of a man, you could say it is still a youthful age. And that is how I see it, that after 25 years since Poland gained its independence, our business has gone through preschool, schools and is now at the stage of graduating from university entering adulthood. It is a good time to embrace all

the assets we have, to draw conclusions from what we have learned and from practical experience, and only now decide what we want to achieve in this “adult” business, which road we will take.

R.K: I’m guessing that the idea of graduate Muś is further expansion of export?

a.m: Not at all. The mistake in your assumption lies in the fact that we stopped dividing our activity into domestic and foreign a long time ago. We are simply operating on one, shared European market and we are selling everywhere, where we have customers. It doesn’t matter where we sell, because we can be the leader on any market in Europe. The place of production, in this case, is a secondary issue. I know many companies in Poland who are selling all of their products abroad, and among them are also departments of German, Scandinavian or Swiss companies. So how should we treat their products? As Polish exported goods? Such categorization is already anachronistic and we should stop thinking of selling in categories of export. We have one joint European market.

R.K: Have Polish windows conquered Europe in your opinion?

a.m: The topic of Polish windows keeps emerging in conversations with western managers. However, they don’t treat Polish brands as competition based on a reliable marketing idea. They perceive Polish producers generally as suppliers of the cheapest woodwork. They see them, and probably rightly so, as enterprises which are still at the beginning stage of the road to success. They are aware that the present state of the market, which Polish window producers are capitalizing upon by increasing export, will end with time. Polish producers

THE END OF ExPORT

mr. arkadiusz muś, the owner and the chairman of the Press Glass management board.

Factory in Radomsko, Poland

should keep their cool, because according to media, the window industry in Poland is perceived as dynamic now, as the leading exporter, but it is necessary to look at the situation objectively and to see who plays a part in it and to what degree. On the road to the lasting success of Polish windows on the market, it is still the initial stage, additionally, often with no plan that would offer the opportunity of strengthening their current success in the perspective of many years.

R.K: What, in that case, is your view on the development possibilities of Europewide sales made by woodwork producers from countries trying to catch up with the strongest European economies?

a.m: In every trade there is a group of companies which grow because they have some plan of action, or find themselves some kind of market niche. There are also companies, which despite having experience on the market, still don’t have any idea on how to strengthen their development. In Poland, such companies, for which the price was the only idea for functioning, are mostly gone, they went bankrupt or are about to go bankrupt. The ones which took over markets in Europe with only the price, will also have trouble with time, unless they change their strategy. Poland is, at present, a big “exporter” of windows, but Polish producers should seek the possibility of offering such products and services where they will be able to achieve bigger profit margins.

We have to keep in mind that in every developing economy, advantages taken from lower labour and manufacture costs will eventually end – and what then? How would we function then? Would we still be considered competition? That is why it is necessary to think now about what will happen in the industry in 3 years, in 5 years. It is necessary to think about the direction of our future investments, our differentiators and productivity.

R.K: And according to you, what will happen in the perspective of the next several years?

a.m: It is my belief that the integration of the entire Europen market will deepen. In this perspective there will no longer be domestic markets, but one integrated market of the European Union. That’s why producers should stop thinking about their domestic markets, about export/import, and should start thinking about the common European market, including all the consequences and opportunities that are to come. I will give you an example from our company. When, in the past, we contemplated starting up production on the Scandinavian market, it turned out that we didn’t have the slightest chances, because the local labour costs didn’t allow us be competitive. Local producers, at comparable labour costs, would have been much better than us, so that meant that their productivity, organization and their approach to work could easily win against ours. This was also a warning and lesson for us.

R.K: So if not price, then what?

a.m: See, this is exactly what a good manager’s job is to think of that “something”. There are, after all, examples of those who are able to base their entire business on some differentiator, special offer and sales network, on some niche which the given market

needs. The area, which will always continue to develop and bring higher profit margins, is the premium segment. According to my observations of the European market, the best companies, generating the highest profit margins with their products, are investing primarily in the development of their core business, in the part which has the best chance to improve their competitiveness, to create a unique offer based on engineering knowledge, an attractive design and communication.

You can see how some of the solutions, until recently reserved only for the facade market, are being modified to suit the needs of the window frame industry. In designing, we can observe a tendency of creating smooth, uniform surfaces, fitted with glass, with less and less visible structural elements. I believe that the investment decisions and developmental works of window producers in search of differentiators should also be headed in such a direction. By choosing their directions of investment, growing window producers can draw from the experience of Western companies which have already passed the initial stage of development.

Bad investments, which don’t influence or influence competitiveness in only a slight degree, are like a wasted opportunity. I also live by this principle when running my company. I invest in the technologies and the development of products which are tied to my core business, and which strengthen Press Glass’s differentiators and the competitiveness of my recipients. I am building up the power of the largest factory in Poland, e.g. in the production of glazing glass units, and I’m building a factory in Croatia, because I’m counting on the development of my company in this part of Europe.

Another thing that’s clearly visible in Poland nowadays is the progressing consolidation, manifesting itself through the takeover of Polish units by foreign companies and the placement of their own products in Poland. Perhaps not everyone passes business “studies” with distinction, not everyone received a “diploma” and is ready for upcoming challenges. All the more, that person thinks about his or her future steps. As for Polish window producers, perhaps the most important question before them today is: should I carry on with this business or should I possibly try selling it? I think that many Polish producers are facing this dilemma today.

R.K: But if everyone thought that way, in the end there be no Polish window or door factories! The same in other developing countries.

a.m: For me, the most important thing is that there are large window producers developing in Poland, regardless of who is investing, regardless of the origin of capital. Capital is international, it knows no borders. For me it doesn’t matter who will produce windows in Poland, just like it doesn’t matter who will

produce the glass. I don’t share the opinion that Poles have to produce everything the window, the fittings and the glass as some claim. I don’t believe that Poland is only for Poles, because if that was the case, then consistently Denmark would be only for Danes, and Germany only for Germans.

It’s similar with the choice of products. The key should be, above all, quality, creating a suitable offer, and brand differentiators that

cater to the needs of the recipient, because this stimulates healthy competition. Choosing a product based on the place of production or origins of the brand, often for patriotic reasons, leads to lower expectations from the products and reduces the competitiveness of producers. Of course, if we have two completely equal products or brands to choose from, we may take into account the country of production. However, in practice, this kind of situation is a very rare occurrence.

Today, Velux windows produced in Poland might be more Polish and offer our country more than the windows of local producers.

Therefore, I emphasize the fact that thinking in nationalistic terms can lead to a dead end in business.

R.K: So maybe not in nationalistic terms, but at least in terms of family, relying on the inheritance, on passing down companies to children?

a.m: The fact that company owners are appointing their children as the managers responsible for their companies, also may prove to be a dead end. Often it would be better, if these children could find fulfilment in other fields and not ruin business. Unfortunately many owners make this mistake; they pass their company’s management on to a person not because of their high qualifications, but because they share the same surname. When everything is going well, when there is development, then even the bigger mistakes in management might not pose a problem.

R.K: Or maybe not everyone has to be a leader in the field, not every company has to be No. 1?

a.m: They don’t have to, but they won’t last long if they don’t aspire to be. Of course, up to the standards of their business size. If I sell glass panes, but I’m not No. 1 or 2 in the area I’ve chosen, regardless of whether it’s a district, a city, a province, a country or a continent, if I have no chances of being at the top, it means I should switch to an industry in which I will have those chances. And if I don’t want to change the industry, I must change the district, city, country or continent to one in which I have chances becoming a leader in my field. As long as I have the chance of being No. 1 or 2 on the market I’ve chosen, it is a promising business. If I don’t have this chance, it means that I must find another market for myself, and as an entrepreneur, I must define it myself and aspire to become the leader on it.

R.K: Which is what I wish you and the company with all my heart. Thank you for the conversation. Robert Klos.

Tel: +48 34 327 50 69


GlASSThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper


Reference Project Gdanski Business Center in Warsawi, Poland.

Reference Project iceberg in Kopenhagen, Danemark.

Reference Project Sky tower in Wroclaw, Poland.

Reference Project Lexington ave. 415 in New york, USa.

“In designing, we can observe a tendency of creating smooth, uniform surfaces, fitted with glass, with less and less visible structural elements.”


RECRUITMENT The UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Saint-Gobain Glass is underlining its commitment to putting customer needs at the heart of the business with the creation of two new roles - Head of Sales and Customer experience manager. Both roles have been filled by internal group promotion of two highly experienced figures, Richard Wall and martyn Stoakes.

Richard Wall is appointed Head of Sales after nine years with Saint-Gobain Isover as well as previous experience at Cemex and Bestobell Valves. Richard’s remit will be to support delivery of the company’s sales strategy while continuing to build and sustain excellent customer relationships and service levels.

Richard said: “I know from my years with Isover how committed the group is to putting the customer at the heart of everything it does and I am very much looking forward to the challenge of being able to build on that commitment in my new position.”

Martyn Stoakes, as Customer Experience Manager, will support the company’s customer-focused strategy, not only in terms of customer service but also its philosophy of continuous improvement for customer satisfaction and loyalty. Martyn has been with SGG UK for 15 years, most recently as Purchasing and Logistics Manager.

He said of his new role: “Having the opportunity to seek customer insight and help shape what the future looks like in terms of our service ambitions and meeting and exceeding what our customers are looking for is a challenge that I relish”.

Both will report to Sales & Marketing Director Andy Hyde, who said: “The creation of these new roles has a direct connection to our UK strategy, which will ultimately enable Saint-Gobain Glass to further enhance service levels, develop new business opportunities and put customer satisfaction at the heart of the organisation”.

Window industry data specialists, Insight Data, have implemented the next stage of their plan to expand and develop their range of prospect databases with the promotion of Alex Tremlett to call centre manager.

In his new role, Alex will be responsible for managing the Insight research team, monitoring calls and quality of data input to ensure customers are accessing the most accurate and up-to-date information available.

Alex has in-depth industry knowledge gained in his previous role as senior researcher and analyst and is well equipped for his new role as Insight Data steps up plans for growth with further expansion at its call centre.

Insight Data’s commercial director, Helen Costeloe-Hughes commented: “I’m delighted to announce the appointment of Alex as call centre manager. The skills he has gained as a researcher, along with knowledge of the industry and our data processing methods, will prove invaluable as he moves into this new role to head up the expansion of our call centre and oversee the smooth operation of this even as we step up the business.”

The Insight research team currently makes 20,000 phone calls every month to update Insight’s fenestration and wider construction industry databases, which include detailed information on window and door fabricators, installers, builders, house-builders, architects and more.

The call centre is one of seven different ways Insight updates information in real-time. Other methods include an integrated XML feed from a credit reference agency, a system to feed-in new company formations and

start-ups, and ‘closed loop’ returns to improve deliverability rates of email and direct mail.

Alex Tremlett commented: “I’m looking forward to taking a hands-on approach, helping to train new employees, as well as support the rest of the team. This will allow us to increase information volumes whilst maintaining data quality to ensure customers get the best results possible from their sales and marketing campaigns when using our data.”

For more information call 01934 808 293 or email [email protected].

SAINT-GObAIN UNDERlINES COMMITMENT to unriVALLed customer focus

NEw APPOINTMENT TO HEAD UP ExPANSION AT insigHt dAtA

See more positions online at: www.glassnews.co.ukRECRUITMENT

If you are looking to recruit, contact us today for prices! Email: [email protected] or Tel: 07805 051322

Helping you find & place positions.

NEw APPOINTMENT NEw APPOINTMENT

ADVERTISE YOUR VACANCY HERE!from as little as £150 +VAt, per month.

For print and online recruitment marketing and an effective media mix, email Christina for further details: [email protected]

alex tremlett, Call Centre manager.



(L to R) Richard Wall & martyn Stoakes.


RECRUITMENTThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

Following substantial sales growth in the last financial year, ashley Pearson has joined commercial aluminium systems company, Jack aluminium to fill the newly created role of Sales manager. overall sales are up by 25 percent and soon the company will be moving to new premises in Coventry as part of its expansion programme.

“Speaking with fabricators I was really impressed with how closely Jack Aluminium works with them, listening to what they need and coming up with new solutions,” says Ashley. “Because Jack Aluminium is so focused on commercial it’s able to develop products that solve problems and bring them to market quickly.”

Ashley joins the Jack Aluminium team alongside his father, Sales and Marketing Director Jeff Pearson. Ashley adds: “I’ve watched the business grow and succeed over the last few years and witnessed it winning business against larger systems companies. My background is about understanding what the customer needs and providing solutions, so when the opportunity arose I was keen to join Jack Aluminium.”

Tel: 024 7646 7449 www.jackaluminium.co.uk

Dale Clements has been appointed Installations Manager at G-14 Installer of the Year The Window Company (Contracts).

Dale was the first ever fitter to join the company and has grown with the business, first becoming site supervisor and now being promoted to this new role managing all of the company’s installation teams.

The Window Company (Contracts) has recognised and rewarded Dale’s long term commitment but also his success in shaping and developing its outstanding fitting capabilities.

With up to 15 fitting teams working on commercial projects in various parts of London and the South East at any one time, Dale is responsible for ensuring that there is consistency and continuity on every site.

He is setting the standards which every fitting team must continue to meet in terms of installation and trimming and is visiting each of them on site at least once a week to monitor performance and provide help and advice.

Part of Dale’s role is to act as a liaison between clients, residents and fitters to ensure that jobs run as smoothly as possible and to provide a dedicated contact point for any queries.

He says: “As the current holders of the Installer of the Year title, I know how important it is for The Window Company to set the very highest standards on every installation we do, and I’m determined not just to maintain those standards but to push on for even further improvements as well.”

Tel: 01245 268120 www.thewinco.co.uk

ASHLEY ADOPTS THE JACK APPROACH

NEw INSTAllATIONS MANAGER AT G-14 INSTAllER OF THE yEAR

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NEw APPOINTMENT



Email: [email protected] | Web: www.doorglass.co / www.regalead.co.uk

RegaLead Limited, Columbus House, Altrincham Road, Manchester. M22 9AF

THE ROLETo develop decorative glass and specialist paint sales into the composite door market via window fabricators and specialist door manufacturers across the UK. As well as developing new accounts, the role will be to manage and build sales at more than 100 of our existing accounts.

THE CANDIDATEExtensive experience and contacts within the UK PVC window fabrication sector and previous experience selling components to this sector. Due to the nature of the market, experience of developing sales at customer level through marketing programmes and product management would also be highly advantageous.

THE PACKAGE• The opportunity to work for a

fast growing and market leading supplier

• An industry leading basic salary

• Full expensed Company Car

• Quarterly bonuses of up to 35% of basic salary

• Pension scheme

RegaLead is the industry leading specialist manufacturer and supplier of decorative glass components and added value items for the Glass, Window and Door industries. Due to sustained sales growth, we looking to recruit a Business Development Manager for our fast growing Decorative Door Products (DDP) Division.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER - NATIONAL ROLE

Please apply in writing to Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at [email protected] with a current CV.

Experienced Conservatory & Orangery Installers

Tel: 01243 538 999

If it’s a yes to all of the above and you want to earn top rates of pay with continuous flow of work through good & bad times, apply now to Room Outside, Chichester, West Sussex.

Email: [email protected]

Are you able to cover one or more of the following post code areas?PO - SO - BN - GU - RH

Lakeside House, Quarry Lane, Chichester, West Sussex, PO19 8NY

www.roomoutside.com

Do you have a full driver’s license and necessary

tools?

Do you like to go the

extra mile for your

customer?

Do you take pride in your

work?

Are you meticulous with every

fitting detail?

0715/0160

0715/0161



Jonathan Hicks is the new Head of Sales for REHAU’s Northern region, based at the company’s Manchester sales office.He is managing the northern sales team and reporting to recently appointed sales director Barry Gilligan.

Jonathan, who has worked at REHAU since 1998, previously held a similar position within REHAU’s booming renewable energy division, so customers will benefit from his extensive experience working with some of the UK’s largest commercial contractors on large scale projects.

Jonathan is stepping into the shoes of industry veteran Phil Watts, who recently retired after more than 25 years with REHAU. During that time, Phil worked directly with customers providing sales and technical support and was also involved in the development of some of the company’s most iconic products including the original S706 70mm system.

Jonathan said: “It’s an honour to be taking over from Phil at a time when there are so many exciting new opportunities for customers right across the window and door sector. I hope that my experience and expertise in energy efficient building will bring a new dimension to the team and that together we can go on strengthening our partnerships with our customers.”

www.rehau.co.uk

Emmegi (UK) is continuing to invest in its team with the appointment of a new Spare Parts Advisor based at its Coventry headquarters.

Craig Smith has joined Emmegi (UK) to manage the company’s spare parts operation and to provide a support service to customers.

Having worked most recently in the pharmaceutical industry, Craig’s expertise is in logistics and warehouse management and in the SAP software which is used throughout Emmegi.

Craig is bringing this experience to managing the warehouse in Coventry, and is working closely with customers and with Emmegi’s headquarters in Italy to provide a fast and efficient ordering and delivery service.

Emmegi (UK) is committed to investing in the resources needed to maintain and improve its service to customers and has already this year appointed a new administrative team to manage and process machine orders.

Tel: 02476 676192 www.emmegi.com

NEw RECRUIT AT EMMEGI (UK)’S COvENTRY HQ


JONATHAN HICkS JOINS REHAU’S wINDOw DIvISION

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“Craig’s expertise is in logistics and warehouse management and in the SAP software which is used throughout Emmegi.”

Dutemänn are very pleased to announce their latest addition to the sales staff, with over 15 years of experience in the construction industry Vishal Patel joins the expanding sales team at Dutemänn.

Vishal has gained his fenestration experience in both the aluminium and PVCU trade supply sectors covering the Southern half of England.

Martin James Managing Director said “Vishal is an important appointment for Dutemänn UK, and brings with him many years of industry experience. With his knowledge, and professional approach I am confident that Vishal will prove to be a strong member of our sales team.”

“Vishal’s appointment was always planned to coincide with the relocation into our new factory and fits perfectly with our growth plans in the coming years.”

Vishal said “After several years working in the fenestration industry I am delighted to be joining Dutemänn. This is a very exciting time with the new factory in process of being opened it is fantastic opportunity for me to help Dutemänn continue their growth. Dutemänn

UK has a fantastic reputation for innovation and quality within the aluminium sector with unrivalled technical expertise, so I am very pleased to be part of the future of the business.”

Vishal can be contacted on 07525 856914 or [email protected].

The Rocal Group, based in Brigg in North Lincolnshire, is pleased to announce the appointment of a new marketing executive.

Will Slater will be assisting with the marketing and promotion of a number of product lines with a particular focus on the Endurance® Doors range of solid core composite doors.

Having spent over a decade providing marketing for sectors as diverse as perimeter security and education Will brings a wealth of experience to the role. He has already started to immerse himself in the world of composite doors.

“Rocal’s Endurance® Doors are comfortably amongst the finest in the world” says Will, “and I’m excited to be able to be a part of bringing that quality to a wider market.

“I’m already settling in to my new office and the team here have made me feel very welcome. I firmly believe that the best foundation for any marketing campaign is a great product so I already have a head start with Endurance® Doors”.

For any marketing enquiries or opportunities Will is available via email on [email protected] or on Twitter as @WillRocal. Any Endurance® Doors queries should be directed to [email protected] or 01652 659259.


DUTEMäNN Uk lTD ANNOUNCE NEwEST MEMbER OF THE TEAM

rocal group welcoMes new MARKETING ExECUTIvE FOR ENDURANCE® DOORS

NEw APPOINTMENT

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RECRUITMENTThe UK’s Leading Glass & Glazing Newspaper

epwin Group Building Products Division is pleased to announce the recent appointment of Lorna Rose as National Sales Director (trade). The trade arm of the Building Products Division includes Cet Glass Processors, DB Glass, indigo Products, Safedoors and Sierra Windows.

Lorna joins from Grouphomesafe, where she held a senior sales management position, and brings with her significant and extensive industry experience, having spent over 13 years within the fenestration sector. This has included operations and general management, sales management and commercial construction contracting. Specific operational responsibilities included manufacturing management (PVC-U and aluminium frame fabrication and IGU production) and managing onsite installation of large construction projects, before moving into sales management in recent years

Given the impressive depth of relevant experience that she brings to the role, Lorna believes that she understands perfectly the needs and requirements of customers and their own priorities, and that this will be greatly beneficial in

her new role. The opportunity to join the Group at an exciting time in its history, following last year’s flotation on the London Stock Exchange AIM market and the investments made within the business to help improve the offering and service to customers, were important factors in Lorna’s decision to move.

Lorna has already met a number of customers and says, “I’m extremely encouraged by the customer feedback so far and am confident that we are able to offer some of the best quality products available on the market today, and provide an outstanding service to our customers. The support we are able to offer and the ongoing investments being made, both in equipment and creating the right organisational structure, give me great confidence driving forward our new commercial trade team to provide the right solutions for our trade customers.”

T: 07890 278950

new national sales director for epwin group building products diVision

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Bohle Ltd has moved quickly to appoint Bernd Neumann to the Board following the recent departure of Bohle Group CEO, Dr. Heinrich Ostendarp.

Neumann has over twenty-five years’ service with Bohle AG and is Vice President of Finance, Controlling and IT for the Bohle Group, based in Haan, Germany.

Commenting on the appointment, Bohle Managing Director Dave Broxton said, “Bernd is one of the most experienced senior executives within Bohle, with specialist knowledge in the areas of finance and information technology. His appointment will greatly reinforce the Board in the UK at a time when we are investing heavily in IT to further improve business efficiency and customer service.”

Neumann added, “As Bohle’s largest subsidiary, it has been my great pleasure to work successfully with the UK team over many years. I am excited to be joining the Board and look forward to contributing to the further success of the business.”

Cheshire-based Bohle Ltd, which saw double-digit growth last year, recently opened a new product showroom and training suite, with full size product installations and multi-media displays. The showroom is open to customers without appointment.

www.bohle-group.com

bOHlE APPOINTS NEw DIRECTOR

NEw APPOINTMENT


CONTACT CHRISTINA! Email: [email protected]

or Tel: 07805 051322

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Phoenix Doors, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of GRP composite doors and PVC panel doors has recruited ian Blatt as Sales office manager, strengthening its customer-facing department as the company gears up for a series of exciting new product launches.

Ian Blatt brings a wealth of customer service experience from outside the fenestration industry to his new role in which he is responsible for overseeing all aspects of customers’ orders, from initial order to final delivery, at the Cambridgeshire-based company, part of the MASCO UK Window Group. Maintaining the excellent customer service levels for which Phoenix Doors is renowned is a key aspect of his role. Ian takes over from Will Reader who has left to pursue new career opportunities.

Haydon Statham, Phoenix Doors’ Sales Director, believes Ian’s strong financial services and call centre background will stand him in good stead in a completely new sector, saying: “Being half-American, he has an in-bred sense of what good customer service is all about and this is a real strength that we have brought into Phoenix to enhance the customer experience. In my view, Ian is the man for the job.

He continues: “Over the last 13 years Will has done a super job here and we’re really sorry to

see him go, but he leaves a great legacy for Ian to build on and take the customer experience to the next level within Phoenix.”

Imminent new product launches at Phoenix Doors include the game-changing Meridian 70mm high-performance rebated composite door and an additional PVC outer-frame for composite doors and door panels, further widening the choice for installers.

Ian adds: “Phoenix Doors is a successful company that has grown through a consistent focus on supplying a wide-ranging quality product range, backed with great customer service. I’m enjoying getting to grips with a new, largely entrepreneur-led sector and bringing in fresh ideas on how we can further build on enhancing current excellent levels of customer support and service.”

For more information, please call Phoenix Doors on 01487 740469, email [email protected] or visit the website at www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.

Fast growing trade fabricator, Lancashire based Dekko Window Systems, has strengthened its sales team with the appointment of experienced window industry sales professional Gavin Balouza.

Gavin, who has worked in the window industry for over 30 years, will be responsible for promoting Dekko’s wide product range, including the ever popular Residence 9, to trade customers throughout the South West.

Gavin describes his first impressions upon joining: “One of the first things that struck me about Dekko was the incredible professionalism that runs throughout the entire company. Everyone from the office staff to the fabricators, delivery drivers and customer facing staff are all so passionate and committed to delivering great products and service it’s no surprise the company has grown at such a phenomenal rate.

Gavin continues: “Aside from manufacturing market leading systems such as Residence 9, Deceuninck and Kommerling; I was very pleased to see that Dekko specify what I call the ‘Rolls Royce’ of hardware brands, such as Yale and Maco, as these are superior quality and are popular with installers and homeowners alike. It’s exciting to be part of such an ambitious, quality focussed company and I’m looking forward to meeting customers and promoting this excellent product range.”

Dekko’s managing director Gary Torr commented: “Gavin is a seasoned sales professional with a fantastic track record and I am delighted to welcome him to Dekko. I’m looking to grow the business significantly over the next few years and recruiting Gavin is a big step in the right direction.”

Dekko manufacture a wide product range including Residence 9 timber look windows, Slide and Swing doors, the Monorail patio door and Deceuninck and Kommerling PVC-u frames.

For more information contact Dekko on 01614060055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com.

Double R Glass & Roofing Systems is pleased to announce two promotions from within, to ensure the recent reported growth across sales of its traditional and solid roofs, high performance sealed units and decorative glass products, continues into the foreseeable future.

Ian Sims, Managing Director of Double R explains: “The whole team at Double R has worked extremely hard to ensure that we meet the increased demand for all of our products whilst never compromising on the high quality our customers have come to expect from us. To further support the Company’s continued growth plans Neil Spicer has been appointed to Operations Director and Les O’Connell has replaced Neil as General Manager.

“Neil joined us in 2009 having spent his entire working life in the glass industry, starting with an apprenticeship with Pilkington. His knowledge of glass and glass manufacturing processes was a major factor in Double R’s development and in 2011 Neil was appointed to the role of General Manager. Since then he has had key involvement in all of the major decisions, including the recent purchase of a high speed fully automated For.El production line – the first of its kind in the world.

“Meanwhile Les O’Connell has succeeded Neil in the role of General Manager. Les previously worked within our roof operation but most recently has been our Quality Manager with specific responsibility for sealed unit production. His background in production and senior management roles has helped him and Double R to achieve our aims.

“Double R has big plans for further growth in the coming years. We have invested in expanding our premises and automating our production to ensure we have the capacity for this, but we believe it’s the people that make all the difference at Double R. That is precisely why we will also continue to invest in our staff, whether through promotions, training or new appointments.”

For more information visit www.glassandroofs.co.uk or call 01933 443658.

Supalite Tile Roof Systems Limited has announced the appointment of three new directors as the company continues to grow.

Already recognised as among the leaders in the solid tile roof field the new appointments confirm the company’s intention to remain at the top of the sector by bringing out more new products to support its rapidly expanding fabricator and installer base.

Steve Hacking has been appointed as Operations Director, Nina Colquhoun as Finance Director, and Alan Watters as Technical Director.

Commenting on the new appointments Steve Hacking reinforced the company’s intentions. “We are delighted to be in such an exciting and buoyant market; our product range is already recognised as being amongst the best in the industry and we will continue to develop it further to support our fabricators and their installers. We will also continue to work at making the installation process and the registration process for solid tile roofs much easier for them as well”.

“Supalite Tile Roof Systems is in a great place and we are delighted to have the opportunity to take the company forward”.

suPALite Announce NEw DIRECTORS


NEw SAlES OFFICE MANAGER JOINS

PhOENIx DOORS

GAvIN bAlOUZA JOINS FAST GROwING FAbRICATOR

DOUblE R STRENGTHENS MANAGEMENT TEAM

NEw APPOINTMENT NEw APPOINTMENTNEw APPOINTMENT

Neil Spicer (left) & Les o’Connell (right).




Gavin Balouza.


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vOICE OF THE INDUSTRyCHARITy NEwS

a Hull-based VeKa fabricator and installer, yorkshire Windows and Doors Ltd. has come to the aid of a local family struggling with unmanageable heating bills – largely caused by outdated glazing in their new home.

Beki Taylor and her family had been living in the property for just four months when they received a heating bill for £800. “I put two and two together” says Beki, “and we got a window supplier to come and have a look at all the windows in the house. He found that 75% of heat was being lost through our windows. I was absolutely gutted.”

What made the circumstances absolutely critical though, is the life-threatening leukaemia that affects Beki’s two-year-old daughter, Georgiana Pooley – known as Georgi. “It is important that we get Georgi’s room warm enough” Beki explains, “because she can easily pick up cold or flu. Last time she had flu she had to be hospitalised and was put in intensive care.”

Realising the gravity of the situation, the family quickly turned to Yorkshire Windows and Doors Ltd. – a trusted provider of industry-leading PVC-U systems from The VEKA UK Group, with more than 21 years’ experience.

Andy Winn, the fitter who attended to assess the family’s home for a quote, was struck by their story, especially after meeting Georgi in person. Beki continues: “When we told (Andy) what (Georgi) was going through, he got really upset.

“When (he) came back with what we thought was an estimate a week or so later, he just hugged me and said the company would like to fit all the windows and our front and back door as a gift from them and their suppliers to get our little girl better.”

Where the family had previously been faced with either a £9000 bill for the window and door installation or the prospect of continuing to wrap Georgi in jumpers, they could now rest assured she would have the warmth she needs throughout the house – even in her previously ‘off limits’ playroom!

Colin Torley, Sales and Marketing Director for The VEKA UK Group commented: “Yorkshire Windows and Doors have made a truly remarkable contribution to support Georgi and her family. The VEKA UK Group are honoured to be associated with a company that, besides running an impeccable business, made time to organise this truly selfless gesture – one that has clearly brought smiles to the faces of all those involved. We wish Georgi and her family well in their cosy new home!”

Richard Hornby, MD summed-up Yorkshire Windows and Doors’ involvement: “When we heard about Georgi from Andy, the company wanted to do something to help, as the job was rather an expensive one. We are just glad we were in a position to help Georgi and keep her warm in future.”

Tel: 01282 716611 www.vekauk.com

A HOME AND HEART-wARMING STORy FROM yORkSHIRE wINDOwS AND DOORS lTD


“WITH THE 2016 DEADLINE NOW LOOMING FOR NEW BUILD HOUSING TO ACHIEvE zERO CARBON STANDARDS, HOW IS THE UK HARDWARE INDUSTRY PREPARING FOR A zERO CARBON FUTURE?”

what’s your opinion?

VOic

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This is a tricky question for the hardware industry in terms of affecting the actual performance of the window or door. We will always work with our fabricator customers to innovate in ways that support their zero carbon offerings but of course hinges and handles simply won’t affect the carbon rating in the same way as the actual make-up of the product – its profile and sealed unit construction.

Having said that, hardware companies can and should be doing their bit for reducing their carbon footprint and therefore the overall footprint of the manufacturing process. For example the removal of waste packaging throughout the supply chain - in our case replacing cardboard with recycled plastic packaging; using energy generated in the factories to power and heat other parts of the manufacturing process; and using recycled metal material in component manufacturing of hardware parts.

VITA Hardware Ltd is committed to doing what it can to reduce its own carbon footprint and we will continue to work with our customers to further improve our combined performance in this field.

Speaking about The Committee on Climate Change’s Scottish Progress Report 2014, Paul Wedgwood at Carbon trust said Scotland is ahead of the UK. it reduced emissions by 40 percent more than england, Wales and ireland and Scotland continues to make good progress towards targets.

Sealco has taken the lead and last year joined CMS Innovation Hub, the centre for energy efficient building products. We’re also working with suppliers to help customers manufacture triple glazing.

Because of its challenging climate Scotland has tackled windows differently for some time. More in keeping with Scandinavian countries, a bigger proportion of windows installed in Scotland are tilt and turn compared to the rest of the UK which is mostly casement. This has driven hardware design with higher weight capacities to deal with heavier units for better energy efficiency.

Switching to tilt and turn in new build properties could be a good move to meet new standards and Sealco has a range of hardware products to help deliver zero carbon.

Large glass areas will become even more popular, meaning that zero carbon compliance for new builds is bound to put pressure on the industry to deliver the same, or more - aesthetically, while dramatically improve energy efficiency performances.

An obvious direction is triple glazing: while opinions on this matter are still split, I can’t help but notice its success in Europe. A side effect for the hardware sector is the considerable increase in sash and door panel weights. The industry is already providing many solutions geared towards heavier panels, and we expect demand for our heavy duty friction stays to increase exponentially in 2016.

Lift/slide and folding units will need even tougher hardware and products such as patio doors will have to adopt multipoint locking systems not necessarily for security, but to help minimise drafts and meet higher energy efficiency requirements.

From a hardware standpoint, I believe the solutions are already out there, however the industry might need to shuffle things around a little in order to comply.

Stewart Lamb managing Director, Vita Hardware Ltd

alan malcolm Sales Director, Sealco

Chris Pell General manager, total Hardware


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It’s just over two years since Giles Hayhurst sold Windowlink Ltd and became the sole approved distributor/installer of their software in the country. The first large customer was ATB Systems in Stourbridge who wanted the Focus software set up for manufacturing all of their various aluminium products.

Once that was complete the emphasis has been on producing attractive tender documents for local authorities and modular building suppliers. The ATB contract is on-going as new products are designed on a regular basis. G & N Windows engaged Bradley Giles to enhance their existing Focus software to cover the full origin bifold doors pricing structure and also to produce estimates, orders and survey sheets to their own design. In addition to the Origin doors Giles added in pricing for Kloeber residential doors and also Schuco bifolds manufactured by Dutemann.

Giles concentrates on having a manageable number of customers who want personal service on a regular basis as opposed to just

selling one-off copies of standard Windowlink software. He has just completed a bespoke version of Vector covering the SkyView roof for Solarframe – this is a modified version of Windowlink’s Vector software.

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council for Aluminium in Building (cAB) Tel: 01453 828851

dekura Tel: 01952 201631

door & Hardware federation (dHf) Tel: 01827 52337

double glazing & conservatory ombudsman scheme (dgcos) Tel: 0845 053 8975

fenestration self-Assessment scheme (fensA) Tel: 0207 645 3700

get Britain Building (gBB) Tel: 0870 162 0936

glass & glazing federation (ggf) Tel: 0207 939 9101

gQA Qualifications (formerly glass Qualifications Authority) Tel: 0114 2720033

Health & safety executive (Hse) – glass & related industries Phil Smith, HM Principal Inspector Tel: 01782 602300 David Appleton, HM Inspector Tel: 0115 9712800

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You can visit anyone of our 31 depots and simply call in and pick up whatever you need, whether its windows, doors or conservatories (including fully fabricated conservatory roofs by Ultraframe) as well as a full range of VEKA products.We also stock a huge range of roofline products - all ready to take away.

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Glass News July 2015