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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 249 19th December 2006
Such is the number and breadth of products being introduced by Bohle at next year's Glassex that the company says that visitors could justify their visit to the event just to see what the tools and consumables manufacturer has to offer.
Plastmo
Gets Up Front at Glassex 2007
Plastmo
Profiles will take front position at the main entrance
of Glassex on stand B060 with the company’s biggest
ever stand, following up last years' hugely successful
show. The 2007 show will form the launch pad for a number
of major announcements during the year and in particular
the launch of a range of branded hardware
[More
on this Story]
Conservatory
to be Won from Affordable
With
their first visit to Glassex in 2007, Blackpool based
Affordable Window Systems have a host of products on display
on their stand, including a conservatory that one lucky
winner will take home! 'All visitors to the stand are
eligible to enter the competition,' explains Eddie Gaughan
of the company. 'The 3.5m x 3.5m PVCu conservatory has
an Ultraframe roof with a gable front and has a value
of £4000
[More
on this Story]
Network
VEKA Suspends Two Members after Quality Checks
Network VEKA has upheld its principles and suspended
the membership of two installation companies following
a routine inspection of their working practices.
The decision of the organisation's Steering Group
was immediately communicated to the two companies,
which were instructed to remove all Network VEKA
branding and materials and to cease using its Ten-Year
Insurance Backed Guarantee. Their compliance will
now be monitored.
[More
on this Story]
Kevin
Hill Appointed As GGF's Regional Chairman
Kevin Hill, managing director of one of the UK's
largest and longest established trade frame fabricators
John Fredericks, has recently been appointed as
the Glass and Glazing Federation's regional chairman
for the Yorkshire and Lincolnshire region. Kevin
will chair regular regional meetings and represent
members' interests within his region which has
more than 70 company members.
[More
on this Story]
Provincial
Invests in Automated Machinery for Super Spacer®
Irish
sealed unit manufacturer Provincial Glass &
Mirror Ltd has invested £750,000 in a fully
automated For.EL line to manufacture sealed units
using Edgetech's leading warm edge technology
Super Spacer®. Provincial, who has been an
Edgetech customer for four years, previously manufactured
sealed units using traditional aluminium spacer
bars but switched to Super Spacer.
[More
on this Story]
Low-Cost
Call Charges from the Industry's First Specialist
Provider
Connect UK, the industry's first specialist provider
of low cost landline telephone calls, was established
four months ago by Mike Crewdson to operate exclusively
with window fabricators and installers. The company
guarantees to save customers up to 25% on landline
calls as well as saving them money on line rental
too. The company has made a promising start and
already includes a number of the industry's major
players among its client portfolio.
[More
on this Story]
PVC
Group Appoints Torkington to Head Building Plastics Division
The
PVC Group has announced the appointment of Jon Torkington
to head Pulse Building Products, a new division of the company
established to distribute a range of products manufactured
by the Group through a national trade counter network.
[More
on this Story]
Investment
in Staff and Systems Brings Rewards to Glazerite
At
a time when many PVCu companies have been feeling the pinch,
Network VEKA fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd has recorded
some of its most profitable months of trading in the company's
history. Productivity results recently published show that
the Wellingborough based company had already exceeded the
current growth target set for 2006, with figures up by 50%
on the same period last year.
[More
on this Story]
UAP
- Making a Difference in Nepal
Most
of UAP's products are manufactured to the company’s
own specification in China and India, and like many successful
companies UAP believes that it has a social responsibility
to the wider community. Managing Director David Jennings
has committed UAP to sponsor the building of five township
schools in Nepal over the next five years.
[More
on this Story]
Windowlink
Works with Wymar
Bespoke
production, presentation and pricing software from Windowlink
is playing a key role in a new range of PVC-U products from
Wymar. Windowlink has tailored its Focus Plus package to help
Wymar fabricators manufacture and sell a vertical sliding sash
window recently introduced by the Worcestershire systems company.
[More
on this Story]
Quinn
Plastics is Star of Virgin Radio Campaign
When
Talbot Designs was asked by designers, 3D Studios, to recommend
a sheet material to make a huge transparent star for use in
London's Christmas decorations, the company chose Quinn PETG
as the most suitable for this difficult application.
[More
on this Story]
Martindales
Cruises Through 1,000 Man-Hours-a-Month on IT
Martindales,
the UK supplier of uPVC, timber and aluminium replacement doors
and windows to the insurance industry, has crashed through a
crucial milestone - its IT team is now spending more than 1,000
man-hours each month on managing and upgrading systems.
[More
on this Story]
Homag
at Centre of Essexford Production
Essexford
Joinery is one of Ireland's leading manufacturers of bespoke
fire doors, doorsets, flush doors and architectural joinery
components. With a modern factory and high tech factory at Carrickmacross,
Co. Monaghan, the company supplies direct to architects, specifiers
and major building contractors.
[More
on this Story]
Small
Business Champion to Choose
On
the entry form for British Small Business Champions (BSBC) 2007
businesses are asked to suggest the ideal prize that would
benefit them. The winning business will be given £10,000
to spend as specified.
[More
on this Story]
Corus
UK Fined £1.3 million for Blast Furnace Deaths
Steelmaker
Corus UK Ltd has been fined £1.333 million and ordered
to pay £1.74 million costs following charges brought by
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Three workers died in
2001 from a blast furnace explosion at the company's Port Talbot
site.
[More
on this Story]
World
Class New Business Court Unveiled for London
Plans
for the biggest dedicated business court in the world were unveiled
on December 14th by Her Majesty's Courts Service. The high-spec
building to be built on Fetter Lane near the Royal Courts of
Justice will match and maintain the UK's world-class reputation
as the first choice for business law.
[More
on this Story]
AND FINALLY...
270
Self Assessment Tax Returns Filed Online Last Christmas Day
While
many of us spent last Christmas Day relaxing in front of the
TV, with a box of chocolates and a new pair of socks, 270 people
were using the time to file their self assessment returns online.
Amazingly, over that four-day holiday period, more than 6,000
tax returns were filed over the internet.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 248 12th December 2006
Synseal
launches ITV campaign
Synseal is launching a multi-million national TV campaign
to bring the UK's number one choice for windows and conservatories
directly to homeowners to support fabricators and installers.
[More
on this Story]
Aluminium
in Renovation Awards
The
Building Centre in London recently hosted the press launch
of the 'UK Aluminium in Renovation Awards' which is to
take place early in 2007. The awards are the initiative
of the European Aluminium Association and the UK is one
of currently thirteen countries who are co-ordinating
entries which will be judged and awarded on a country
basis and then entered into a wider European competition.
[More
on this Story]
Lister
Celebrates Milestone with Grand Performance
Staffordshire
super-fabricator Lister Trade Frames (LTF) is celebrating
a significant milestone by passing the 1000 frames
per week barrier for the first time. The achievement
comes hard on the heels of a record-breaking sales
quarter for the 30-year old company.
[More
on this Story]
New
Boss At Gretsch Unitas Sets His Sights
New
Gretsch-Unitas UK managing director Paul Gerrard has
set himself a number of targets, which include establishing
the company in new markets and generating significant
growth during his first year in charge. The former
GEZE sales and marketing director believes a combination
of new product development and extending the business'
reach into new sectors will help achieve those ambitions
[More
on this Story]
Founding
President of Edgetech I.G. Named Rubber Industry
Executive of the Year
Edgetech
I.G's founding president Kevin E. Gray has been
named the Rubber & Plastics News 2006 Rubber
Industry Executive of the Year. According to a column
by Edward Noga, the publication’s editor, Gray
was an easy choice because he is a dynamic leader
in the rubber industry and is notably modest about
his role in running Edgetech’s parent company,
Lauren International.
[More
on this Story]
Local
MP Visits aluplast HQ
aluplast
(UK) Ltd was recently host to the local Member of
Parliament. Andrew Robathan M.P. (Cons) for Blaby
visited the company's Lutterworth headquarters to
learn more about aluplast's energy efficient PVC-U
window and door systems. aluplast Commercial Director
Alan Fielder had written to Mr. Robathan in support
of the Edgetech inspired campaign for reduced V.A.T.
on energy efficient windows.
[More
on this Story]
Ultraframe
Roof Certificate of Authenticity is a Hit with
Homeowners
Ultraframe’s
recently introduced Roof Certificate of Authenticity
is proving to be popular with homeowners, with
registrations for the certificate approaching
3000. The Roof Certificate of Authenticity was
created by Ultraframe to combat the problem of
disreputable companies passing off inferior products
as Ultraframe roofs to homeowners.
[More
on this Story]
Government
Skills Review Set to Make UK World Class
The Treasury's major new review of long-terms
skills needs in the UK today received an enthusiastic
welcome from Proskills, the Sector Skills Council
representing the glass industry. The Leitch Review
sets an ambitious agenda to make the UK a world
leader by 2020, including giving more influence
to the 25 employer-led Sector Skills Councils;
working closely with employers to deliver the
education and training that they need; and upskilling
the workforce.
[More
on this Story]
We
Need More Low Carbon Buildings - Darling
The
next step in the Government's drive to increase
microgeneration began yesterday as Phase 2 of
the DTI's Low Carbon Buildings Programme (LCBP)
opened. The second phase of the LCBP will provide
£50 million in grants over the next 18 months
to help fund the installation of micropower technologies
such as solar panels, micro wind-turbines and
ground source heat pumps on schools, not for profit
and public sector buildings.
[More
on this Story]
Promac
Group Continues Unbroken Glassex Run
Machinery
specialists, Promac Group, will once again be the largest
exhibitor at Glassex 2007, occupying a 650 square metre site
adjacent to the Energy Efficiency Zone. The company is launching
at least half a dozen new machines at the exhibition, covering
the PVCu, Aluminium and Glass sectors.
[More
on this Story]
Edgetech
Sponsors Glassex Energy Efficiency Zone
As
sponsors of the Glassex 2007 Energy Efficiency Zone, Edgetech
Ltd is fully supporting the new initiatives at the exhibition.
The opportunity to sponsor the Energy Efficiency feature and
its associated forum gives the company the ideal platform
to promote its services and products, supported by a 64m stand,
G120.
[More
on this Story]
A new finance package has been launched by a leading high street bank to help fund the opening of new Window Installers Warehouse (WIW) trade counters. Since the WIW initiative was launched in January 2006 there is already a network of over 25 branches open nationwide.
Hoffmann
in Special Duvale Doors
Duvale
Plc specialises in the manufacture of precision crafted acoustic
moveable walls and sliding folding partitions. Duvale says it
provides 'Perfect Delivery' solutions for companies by making
space work more productively, whether for boardroom, office,
restaurant, schools or sports stadium.
[More
on this Story]
House
Price Index - October 2006
The
UK house price inflation rate rose from 8.0 per cent in September
2006 to 8.6 per cent in October 2006. Although between September
and October there was a fall of 0.3 per cent in the prices of
properties bought, there was a larger fall of 0.9 per cent over
the same period last year resulting in an increase in the inflation
rate.
[More
on this Story]
Corby
Coatings Company Paints the Town Red
Corby's
Spraylat International has been crowned the winner in the Northamptonshire
section of UK Trade & Investment's Passport to Export Awards
2006.
[More
on this Story]
DHF
Membership Tops 200 Mark, Annual Conference and Expo is Told
Membership
of the Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has topped the 200
mark, members at its recent annual Conference and Expo heard.
And membership continues to grow as more companies in the industry
realise the commercial benefit from becoming members, said DHF
chairman Andrew Lloyd.
[More
on this Story]
DIY
Window Film Boom Prompts Company to Re-brand
As
trends in home decorating and improvement rarely stand still,
at least one online retail company is taking advantage of the
popularity boom in frosted window designs. Over the past five
years, home owners have discovered that this stylish look can
be achieved cheaply by applying plain or patterned frosted window
film to any window surface.
[More
on this Story]
HSC
Announces Consultation on Merging HSC and HSE
The
Health and Safety Commission (HSC) published on 5th December
a public consultation document seeking views on merging HSC
and Health and Safety Executive (HSE) into a single health and
safety authority.
[More
on this Story]
Kömmerling UK, a supplier of adhesives and sealants to the glass and glazing market has announced a restructuring of its sales force. The changes which come in to effect from January 1st, 2007, will mean that the company is in a better position to provide sales and advice and support to both existing and new customers.
Eternal Lead Sheet: Lifecycle from Cradle to Cradle
Producers of building materials are struggling very hard to improve the lifetimes of their products. The lead sheet industry however is one step ahead. Working to the EN 12588 standard for lead sheet, members of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) operate to manufacturing criteria, which ensure a longevity unmatched by any competing products.
Trading
Standards joins Forces with UK's Leading Trade Association
Brighton
& Hove, Bedfordshire and Slough Trading Standards have all
partnered with a leading trade association, UK Trades Confederation
(UKTC) to develop their directory of reliable and ethical traders.
The scheme aims to 'stamp out' rogue traders and increase business
for reputable traders in these regions.
[More
on this Story]
Workplace
Revolution is the Solution
'One
of the solutions for the issues raised by the Eddington Report,
and the Stern Report, is staring us all in the face.' The Eddington
Report has not taken into consideration one of the most obvious
solutions to the problem of transport capacity and congestion,
and it is a solution which is both achievable and realistic.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 247 5th December 2006
Windows
Hold the Key to Europe's Energy Efficiency
Drive
A
study 'Potential to save energy through
the use of modern window systems in Europe'
by engineer Marcus Hermes presented at
the 'Plastic Profiles in Construction'
conference in Brussels on 29th November
showed that upgrading inefficient windows
could save enough energy annually to provide
heating and hot water for almost four
million people. After five years of upgrades,
this could reach an annual saving of 13
billion euro.
[More
on this Story]
Nick
is Highly Commended at the Construction
Marketing Awards
Nick
Dutton of Synseal received a commendation
for Construction Marketer of the Year
at the Construction Marketing Awards.
This is the first year for the category
for Construction Marketer of the year.
[More
on this Story]
Edgetech
Sponsors Energy Efficiency Zone at
Glassex
Edgetech,
winner of the Energy Efficiency Initiative
at the G06 awards, has announced it
is to sponsor the new energy efficiency
zone at Glassex.
[More
on this Story]
It's
Fifteen-to-One as Polyframe Scoops
Multi-Million Homeserve Deal
Halifax
super-fabricator Polyframe has achieved
a major industry coup by securing
a five-year contract - worth £15
million - to supply windows and
doors to emergency call out and
repair solutions provider, Homeserve.
[More
on this Story]
Anglian
Raises the Bar in Energy-Saving Windows
Window
and door manufacturer Anglian Group
has reinforced its commitment to the
environment by ensuring the products
manufactured are at the top end of
the BFRC Window Energy Rating Scale.
[More
on this Story]
New
Installation at Cervoglass Set to
Further Raise Standards
A
recent investment worth approximately
£100,000 in equipment from
Hegla has further raised the production
standards for Cervoglass. The conservatory
roof glass manufacturer wanted to
further automate the company's production
facilities and increase productivity.
[More
on this Story]
Vale
Wins £150,000 Worth of Business
via Ultraframe Website
Vale
Conservatories is reaping the rewards
of joining the Guild Approved Ultra
Installer Scheme and has reported
£15,000 worth of new business
as a result of leads generated through
the Ultraframe website.
[More
on this Story]
Sustainable
Solution for Green Housebuilder
Looking
for external timber door-sets
for its development in Devon,
green housebuilder, Grace Developments
turned to Manse Masterdor ltd
because of its environmentally
friendly product - the Masterdor.
[More
on this Story]
Sash
UK's Sales are Up as Global Interest
Soars
Sash UK is making big waves globally
to drive sales significantly higher
than last year...disproving the
popular theory that British glazing
companies seldom look beyond these
shores.
[More
on this Story]
Chief
Executive to Spearhead Shepley's
Next Chapter
Not
only is Shepley Window Systems
celebrating its 20th anniversary
but new chief executive Mark Buckley
is already planning the next chapter
in the Group's development.
[More
on this Story]
Brand
Re-Launch Sparks Installer Interest
Sarnafil
Roof Assured has reported a
significant increase in interest
for its flat roofing solutions
from window and conservatory
installers, since its recent
brand re-launch.
[More
on this Story]
Conservatory
Outlet Increases Frame Production
The
latest figures from Conservatory
Outlet, the bolt-on brand for
small to medium sized companies
looking to add or increase sales
in conservatories, prove that
becoming a dealer really does
help companies grow.
[More
on this Story]
Prosecution
Follows Death of Worker who Fell Four Storeys
while Replacing Windows
The
HSE is warning the construction industry of
the dangers of working at height following the
death of a man who fell while replacing windows.
[More
on this Story]
Glyngary
Invests in New Machinery
Glyngary,
the UK manufacturer of REHAU-Heritage vertically
sliding sash windows, has invested almost
£150,000 in new machinery for its 14,000
sq ft Warrington factory.
[More
on this Story]
Bellway
Chooses Pultec
Housebuilder
Bellway specified Pultec windows and French
doors for the Bishop's Corner development
of contemporary one and two bedroom apartments
in the Hulme district of Manchester.
[More
on this Story]
Everlite
Success at Trims Ltd
Trade
counter, Trims Ltd has just completed a successful
first year selling the Everlite Enduro low
pitch roof solution. The company took the
Enduro product on board to offer a cost-effective
low pitch solution and judging by the sales
of the first year it has been a complete success.
[More
on this Story]
New
Look Fabricates REHAU Pivot Window
New
Look Windows of Rochdale is looking to establish
itself as a specialist manufacturer of pivot
windows in the REHAU profile system.
[More
on this Story]
New
Customers Flock to Reflex Glass
Reflex
Glass has reported that sales of its specialist
high performance solar control conservatory
glass have passed the £2 million mark,
as the company now enters into an extremely
busy final Quarter.
[More
on this Story]
Hydro
opens North Atlantic office in Reykjavik
Hydro
has opened an office in Reykjavik to support
its strategy of repositioning and growth in
its primary aluminium activities.
[More
on this Story]
Hydro
Invests in Solar Energy Company Norsun
Hydro
is investing NOK 150 million in the solar energy
company Norsun, which is planning to set up
a plant in Årdal for the production of
monocrystalline silicon wafers for solar cells.
[More
on this Story]
Finesse
Windows Helps Police with their Enquiries
Finesse
Windows Ltd, the Kings Norton based window and
conservatory manufacturer, is helping police
in Brownhills, West Midlands, with their enquiries.
[More
on this Story]
The Alcoa Foundation recently donated $100,000 to the Gettysburg Foundation to assist the Foundation with the environmental sustainability of the new Museum and Visitor Centre at Gettysburg National Military Park.
Col-Secure
Wins New Contracts
Whilst there is a demise in national and local
competition the management team at Col-Secure
Facades Limited remains positively focused on
the future and continues to drive the business
from strength to strength.
[More
on this Story]