The factory factor

For over a year now, one of the biggest topics of debate has been the likely significance of Off-Site Manufacture, not only as an element in tackling the housing crisis but in construction in general where the benefits of an indoor building site can be considerable.

Now, we hear the House of Lords has not only come out very strongly in favour of OSM but has added a few sharp words for construction as a whole about getting its house in order before the practice can be taken to its full potential. Read Story

Also this week, a very timely letter from Veka’s Neil Evans on some very unusual advice from a housebuilder on the potential limitations of its doors and windows during the current heatwave. It even goes as far as to recommend spraying them with water – though presumably not with a hosepipe.
Read Letter

And finally, may we remind everyone not only of the impending deadline for the G18 Awards as well as the fast-growing demand for tables at the gala dinner (Read Story), but also that next week will be the last issue of The Glazine before our two-week summer break.

Until then, we hope you enjoy this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

Lords call for more off-site manufacture to tackle housing crisis

Off-site manufacture has been hailed as one solution to easing the UK’s housing crisis by in a report by a House of Lords Committee published this week.

However, the report goes on to say the practice is being held back by ‘outdated and unsustainable business models’ in the construction sector, which at present cannot meet the UK’s need for housing and may struggle to meet the need for infrastructure.

In the report, the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee says that off-site manufacture (OSM) can help to increase productivity in the construction sector while reducing labour demands, improving the quality and efficiency of buildings, and reducing the environmental impacts associated with traditional construction.

Read More Here

AluK set to launch UK’s first integrated inline vertical FOX plant

AluK says it is at the final stages of testing the only Flash Oxidisation (FOX) plant run by any aluminium systems supplier in the UK and could be only weeks away from putting it into full production.

The EUR6million unit, based at the company’s Chepstow HQ, was unveiled to trade journalists in a special preview last week prior to a full-scale launch.

Flash Oxidisation is an advanced form of aluminium anodisation said to give a more resilient pre-treatment coating not only for protecting the metal itself but also giving improved bonding as a substrate for powder coating.

Read More Here

G18 – the clock is ticking

There are now two reasons to get a move on if you want to be in on the action at the G18 Awards – there’s not only just a week to go before the deadline for entries but also the seats for the gala dinner are going faster than ever this year.

2018 marks the 15th anniversary of the G-Awards and both the number and quality of entries have more than risen to the occasion, says organiser Tony Higgin.

“15 years down the line and the event is still snowballing,” he said. “As well as the Awards themselves gaining further acclaim in the industry, the gala dinner is more and more firmly established as the social high-point of the year”

Read More Here

We Have Email

From: Neil Evans ,
Sales Director, VEKA UK Group

As we continue to enjoy fantastic summer weather (with more to come?) it was concerning to read the following web news release issued by a reputable regional housebuilder to their homeowners –

“Due to the warm weather we have been experiencing, you may be struggling with the opening, closing and locking of any doors and windows that are in direct sunlight. This is due to the expansion of the framework caused by this heat. We strongly advise that you avoid the use of any door or window that is in direct sunlight unless absolutely necessary. Alternatively, to cool the framework down, you can spray with cold water or allow them enough time to naturally cool down. Please do not force any opening and closing as this may cause excessive damage.”

It was not a general release to all of their customers, or all of their developments, but appeared targeted at specific new developments where issues were being encountered.

Read More