Origin Bounces Back to Business 5
The New Apeer Rose Gold Standard 39
Working Wonders For Window Widgets 67
Keeping with tradition The REHAU Heritage vertical slider is designed to incorporate all the desirable traditional features of a timber sash window, with the additional benefits and conveniences of modern PVCu and offers an ‘A’ window energy rating. With a stepped frame, three sashes, a deep bottom rail and the choice of georgian bars and sash horns, the REHAU Heritage window really is the modern tradition. Windows. Reinvented for modern life. www.rehau.uk/windows
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TRADE NEWS
Builders’ Merchants Sales
Confirm Strong
V-Shaped Recovery
Britain’s builders’ merchants sales to builders bounced back strongly in the three months May to July, with value sales surging 38.9% ahead compared with February to April, as reported in July’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report. Compared with the same three months of 2019 sales were down 13.4% overall, but July sales were only 1.3% below July 2019 and some categories were ahead. Landscaping (+25.4%), Workwear & Safetywear (+21.3%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+1.5%) were up on the same month last year. “Released this week, these sales figures demonstrate the resilience and strength of a V-shaped recovery in the sector,” says Mike Rigby CEO of MRA Research which produces the BMBI reports. “Builders’ merchants sell to a variety of markets, including new build, but their customers – general builders, developers, and other trades – are the backbone of the housing RMI market. The ONS provisional estimates for the same three months, May to July, are seemingly at odds with these figures, putting overall construction down 10.6%, with RMI falling 12.4% and private housing RMI dropping by 17.9%. “But a note of caution: we’re not comparing apples with apples”, continues Mike. “ONS numbers are provisional estimates based on a sample survey, and as more
4 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
information comes in the estimates are revised. However, GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, on which the Builders Merchant Building Index is based, is different. It’s not a sample survey and it’s much more focused. It doesn’t include every element of housing RMI, but it includes the bulk of it and it’s a very good proxy for repair, maintenance, and improvement. The data is actual value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for over 80% of total sales from builders merchants throughout Great Britain. It’s also validated before publishing, so it doesn’t get revised.” Developed and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchant Federation – is a monthly index of builders’ mer-
chant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. BMBI monthly reports track what is happening in the market, and an in-depth review, including Expert comments, appears every quarter. BMBI has become an effective platform for building recognition of the builders’ merchant sector supply chain, explaining markets and building brands. The Department for Business, Energy, and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) includes a summary and link to BMBI monthly reports in its authoritative Monthly Construction Update alongside the ONS, Bank of England and other key resources. July’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Origin Bounces
Back to Daniel Baker
Origin says it has adapted quickly to the new COVID-19 regulations, bouncing back strongly from lockdown to ensure it is business as usual for its Partners. In fact, in July 2020, Origin received 30 percent more orders than in the same time frame the previous year. Daniel Baker, Origin’s new Managing Director, comments: “COVID-19 was obviously an incredibly difficult time for most businesses, with those operating in the manufacturing industry particularly feeling the pressures of lockdown. Thankfully, we have come out the other side and business is strong. This is in part due to our ability to adapt and innovate quickly, us being able to confidently offer a reliable service to customers new and old, as well as the demand being driven as consumers are wanting a change after spending so long in their homes over lockdown. To have 30 percent more orders than from July 2019 is remarkable given the circumstances.” Origin’s says its ability to react to change quickly has allowed it to steal a march on the rest of the market in terms of lead times and consistently of being able to deliver on time and in full. Daniel Baker continues: “We have had to adapt the way in
Business
which we run on a day to day basis, incorporating all of the necessary social distancing and quarantine rules. We started out relatively slowly, with longer lead times than we are used to, but through innovative thinking and introducing different shift patterns in the factory, we have been able to bring the lead times across all of our products back in line with what we and our Partners are used to. It has been a big challenge to overcome, but one we have tackled head on.” In July alone, the Origin factory manufactured enough doors to cover five kilometres when fully pushed open. To put that into perspective, that is the same distance as fifteen and a half Eiffel Towers, or doors stretching 60 percent of the way up Everest, in just one month. Daniel concludes: “In the current economic climate, no business can afford to lose money unnecessarily, so we take our part in the business success of our Partners incredibly seriously. Our Partners are vital to us as a business, so we support them wherever we can, providing them with the necessary tools for success, and us being able to deliver makes their offering a lot more competitive.” www.origin-global.com
TuffX’s Million-Metre Milestone
Toughened glass specialist TuffX has recently processed it’s one millionth linear metre of glass, on the Bovone ELB 12 HS straight line edging machine installed at its Merseyside manufacturing plant just 24 months ago. The milestone measurement represents the consistently high customer demand that TuffX has experienced for its processed glass products, even while seven months into a global pandemic. When TuffX purchased the machine – the company’s second – in October 2018, it marked a £200,000 commitment to growth, which has come to fruition despite the industry’s unprecedented challenges this year. The Bovone ELB 12 HS is used to finish edges on popular processed glass products, such as balcony screens and balustrade glass. It processes glass thicknesses of 6-19mm at a speed of four metres per minute, producing greater volumes of glass while retaining the highest possible quality finish. TuffX can also provide all of these glass thicknesses with a range of different tints as per customers’ specifications. www.tuffxglass.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 5
TRADE NEWS
While building its headcount, Sternfenster has also continued to invest in machinery. This includes the a six-figure investment in a new Schirmer ALU BAZ Composite Orbit-C machining and cutting centre and a FOM Ever Theta Crimping Machine.
Sternfenster Appoints 30 New Staff In
Less Than Three-Months Sternfenster has appointed 30 new members to its manufacturing team in less than three months as part of a strategy to rapidly build capacity in response to the exponential growth in demand seen for windows and doors this summer.
Accompanied by continuing investment in plant and machinery, the new posts give the trade specialist immediate new flexibility within its operation, plus support its strategy for long term growth. Mike Parczuk, Managing Director, Sternfenster, “Our focus has been to invest and bring a high degree of automation to our manufacturing capability. This gives us the flexibility to switch-on increased capacity as we need it. “The limiting factor on that capacity is people. There are jobs that can’t be done without them – however, advanced your operation is. “With our team fully back from furlough in June, it became clear that 6 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
“We’re investing in people but also machinery” Mike explained. “We don’t want to use them for cutting prepping, crimping because people – because they are people, and not machines – don’t give you the consistent product quality that we’re looking for. “The Schirmer brings exceptional quality right to the start of our aluminium manufacturing process. The Ever Theta Crimper, which will come in later this autumn, gives us the same consistent quality, while further expanding our aluminium capacity.
we were going to need to recruit to meet demand, which we’ve been able to do successfully and importantly, in line with our plans for longer term growth.”
Sternfenster committed to a £3.6m investment in a dedicated aluminium manufacturing facility in 2017. With a 30,000 sq ft shop-floor footprint, plus 10,000 sq ft of office space, this includes its own powder coating line.
This and its partnership with Deceuninck, Mike said, had meant that Sternfenster had in large, been able to maintain lead times on foiled products.
This and its recruitment strategy, meant that it was also able to maintain lead times on its Smarts bi-fold and inline sliding door offers.
Manufacturing Deceuninck’s 2500 Heritage chamfered and 2800 sculptured systems, plus it’s Heritage Flush Casement, these are available in 30 colour options, plus from Sternfenster, in a StyleLine Graf seamless-welded finish.
“We don’t expect demand to stay where it is – but we do expect growth overall, to continue into next year, and we have a strategy in place for that, which includes investment in machinery but also people.
“I’m not going to tell you that we came through completely unscathed, because we were”, Mike continued, “but our profile supply chain for the most part held up and with the capacity gains that our recruitment strategy has given us, we were able to maintain supply on foils within what I believe were pretty reasonable time frames.”
“We remain a family owned and run business, and the people who work here define who we are. You can have the best machinery or products in the world but if you don’t underpin that with the right service, you aren’t going to get very far.” www.sternfenster.com
TRADE NEWS
Liniar Stays Ahead Of Foil Demand With Investment
In Lamination Technology from left to right): Matt Jones, extrusions manager of profine UK with Dr Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group.
profine CEO Liniar is ramping up its capacity for foiled profiles, with the purchase of what the company says is one of the most technically advanced lamination machines on the market. The £750k investment in the Luna R Automatic Profile Wrapping Machine from Italy has been specifically designed for Liniar and will help the extrusion company speed up the production of foiled profiles, thanks to major time savings on set up time and increased output. According to Liniar, it already offers one of the best foil ranges in the UK today, with 36 foils across 5 substrates – giving a possible 3,330 colour combinations. Its inhouse, purpose-built lamination department has seen unprecedented demand over recent years and in particular, recent months. The decision to purchase this machine was made during 2019 as part of Liniar’s long term strategic plan to offer unrivalled service of foiled products – for example, increasing its range of stock items and offering shorter, market leading lead times on made-to-order products. The new machine will be fully operational by November and will
offer the capacity of two standard lamination machines, thanks to high automation and productivity – effectively halving overall energy consumption – in line with Liniar’s focus on manufacturing efficiency and environmental standards. Production Director Eddy Webb explains why the new addition is important for Liniar and its customers: “We’ve all seen the huge increase in demand for foiled products as consumers become more aware of what’s available. Liniar has always been at the forefront of introducing new colour ranges to the market, and our plans for 2020 included looking at ways to increase the range even more towards the end of the year. “The demand spikes following the COVID-19 lockdown have had the effect of accelerating our plans and we’re delighted to receive the machine earlier than planned. “It’s our aim for the Luna to run the work of two existing lamination machines – allowing the team greater flexibility to focus on special orders. This will result in huge benefits for Liniar customers in the coming months.” www.liniar.co.uk
Flies In To New UK
Manufacturing Facility Dr Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group GmbH, flew in to visit the new profine UK facility in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire and with it see first-hand the scale of operations and the newly acquired brands and systems. Collectively, the new UK operation is one of the largest subsidiaries in the group, boasting the new brands of Evolve, Legend and Warmcore, alongside KOMMERLING. During his visit Dr Mrosik saw several KÖMMERLING 70 tools running in the extrusion hall next to other profiles and accessories. It was also a similar story in the foil lamination facility, as the business looks to fulfill the considerable growth in post-lockdown demand over recent weeks and months. Dr Peter Mrosik, CEO and owner of profine Group commented: ‘I was delighted to be able to visit this fundamentally important facility for the group. After many years of consideration, we now have a UK extrusion facility that I am in no doubt will prove a platform for further growth. Credit should be given to the team in the way in which the deal was concluded and subsequently production commencing within 24 hours of the deal. www.kommerling.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 7
TRADE NEWS
REHAU One Of
“50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders” Worldwide
Decades of sustainable innovation across the entire value chain have been recognised of REHAU as the company joins “50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders”, an initiative by media production agency TBD Media Group in conjunction with the United Nations.
With finite natural resources available on earth, it is imperative that companies use them responsibly and sustainably. The aim of the “50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders” campaign is to draw attention to this issue and provide companies with a platform on which to showcase their commitment before an international audience. “As a family business, REHAU adopts a long-term approach to its responsibility towards future 8 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
generations,” explains William Christensen, CEO of the REHAU Group. “To be one of the ‘50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders’ is a real incentive for our 20,000 employees to continue striving for greater sustainability and climate protection. In a nutshell, we want to lead the way when it comes to circular economies.” By 2025, REHAU plans to increase its recycling rate across the group to well over 15% while reducing CO2 emissions by at least 30%. “We believe in sustainability as a philosophy that is reflected in three core values: trust, reliability and innovation. We want to develop forward-looking technologies to improve lives,” asserts Dr Veit Wagner, member of the Supervisory Board of the REHAU Group.
Using recycled materials rather than new materials in production can reduce CO2 emissions by up to 88%. In addition to the resource-friendly manufacture of durable polymer system solutions, REHAU focuses on the high-quality processing and reuse of post-consumer and post-industrial waste materials. REHAU already develops and manufactures high-quality products from recycled materials in all of its activities across the furniture, construction and automotive industries. By signing the UN Global Compact in May 2020, the REHAU Group has clearly demonstrated its commitment to responsible corporate governance and sustainability. “We are constantly working with all our divisions to evaluate our sustainability strategy,” Christensen affirms. “And continuing to develop it.” You can find additional information and the film “REHAU: Pushing circular economy with strong conviction and future generations in mind.” at: https://bit.ly/30SCA5U & https://bit.ly/3jP1BXl
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TRADE NEWS
vehicles.
Major Investment
At Dekko In BrandNew Vehicle Fleet With a commitment to improving every area of the business, trade fabricator Dekko Window Systems has made a significant investment in a brand-new fleet of 11 commercial vehicles. Dekko, which specialises in premium uPVC, aluminium and timber-effect glazing products, has enhanced their operation with three 18-tonne lorries, five 7.5-tonne trucks and three 3.5-tonne Luton vans. The move is designed to
improve Dekko’s logistical capabilities, allowing them to effectively meet the supply demands of their nationwide network of trade partners. Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director at Dekko comments: “We can make all the manufacturing upgrades we want, but without effective investment in our operation, it will all be in vain. We are therefore delighted to introduce our brand-new fleet of Dekko branded commercial
“Whether it’s Räum to Runcorn, Residence to Reading or Infinity to Inverness, we want to do everything we can to meet the needs of our customers. As more and more businesses see the value we can offer, both in terms of premium products and unrivalled support, our brand-new fleet will prove incredibly important. “Our branded vehicles have made a great addition to our operation and have even helped generate a number of enquiries and sales.” The large vehicle fleet is just one of many high-profile investments made by the firm over the past 18 months. The biggest of these is a new 25,000 square foot factory dedicated to the production of Räum, Dekko’s celebrated range of aluminium windows and doors. The company also recently invested in a brand-new Graf cill welder, introduced the new Infinity Flush Door, became a launch partner of the Kubu smart-equipped door lock, and have launched a dedicated consumer website for their Infinity uPVC Collection. www.dekkowindows.com
Supalite Sticks To 7-10-Day Lead Times
Despite Supply Chain Challenges Conservatory roof manufacturer SupaLite is still delivering to its customers – despite the supply chain challenges the industry is currently facing.
While companies large and small are feeling the pressure as leadtimes are extended and service levels drop, SupaLite customers are still being offered 7-10-day lead times.
leading replacement roof solution, trusted by fabricators and installers and recognised by consumers.” Steve was also quick to praise SupaLite’s supply chain partners as the company has been able to meet record levels of demand with the minimum of fuss.
to us and offering 7-10-day lead times is even more important with demand at record levels across the “Nobody could have predicted the industry. current situation with demand outstripping supply, but thanks to the Managing Director Steve Hacking “We have really hit the ground run- close links we have with our supply said: “Continuing to deliver the ning since lockdown was relaxed chain partners the problems have level of service our customers have and we continue to show why not affected us,” said Steve. come to expect is hugely important we have a reputation as the UK’s www.supaliteroof.co.uk 10 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
TRADE NEWS
CMOStores.com
Reports Sales Success In 2020 Half Year Results Online construction products merchant CMOStores.com has reported impressive half-year figures, with sales in excess of £23 million from January to June 2020.
QANW Becomes Trade Association
Forum Partner
As well as seeing an excellent sales performance, profit at the company is up by 126 per cent when compared to the same six month period in 2019. This means that the company is well-placed to close the year with increased revenues and profits across the group. The uplift in sales in early 2020 meant that while other businesses were battening down the hatches in readiness for a difficult trading period, CMOStores.com not only retained all existing staff on full-time contracts without using the government’s Job Retention Scheme, but actively recruited new personnel during this time. Commenting on the company’s half year results, CMOStores.com’s chief financial officer, Sue Packer, said: “We’re very proud to have achieved such excellent results at what has been a challenging time for many within the industry. As an online business, we have the agility to adapt quickly to a change in market conditions, and this year that meant not only pivoting to remote working – which we managed with zero downtime within a matter of days – but bringing in additional colleagues to help us manage the increased demand.” The company, which is based in Plymouth, has continued its growth trajectory of the past two years despite the UK’s lockdown measures, as homeowners used the period to work on large-scale home improvement projects and turned to the company’s six e-commerce
Quality Assured National Warranties (QANW), the provider of insurance protection for home improvements & construction, has announced its partnership with the Government-supported Trade Association Forum (TAF).
Sue Packer, Chief Financial Officer CMOStores
‘superstores’ for their supplies. However, the strong performance began before the change in customer habits, which CMO largely attributes to its investment in improving customer service, with a renewed focus on seamless and reinvigorated user experience, and the roll-out of a new onsite personalisation solution which makes it easier for customers to find the products they need for their projects. Sue added: “This commitment to putting the customer first, and anticipating their needs and priorities, has been proven to be the correct strategy for us, as our half year results demonstrate. Sales and profits have exceeded our expectations for the half year, and we have seen good results for our individual superstores too; in particular, our newest addition to the offering, the Doors Superstore, has achieved 30 per cent growth since the first half of 2019.” www.cmostores.com
TAF encourages best practice amongst trade associations and membership bodies in the UK and promotes the effectiveness of trade organisations to Government and industry. The board includes representatives from trade associations across a variety of sectors as well as the Department for Business Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS). Gemma Swankie at QANW says: “The Trade Association Forum is the ‘association of associations’. It promotes best practice across many sectors, including the home improvement and construction industries. “As part of our commitment to protecting homeowners’ investments in their properties, we champion best practice installers, which makes this partnership a perfect fit for QANW.” As part of the partnership, QANW will be supporting TAF’s two main events over the next year – Trade Association Week and the TAF Best Practice Awards 2021. Other TAF partners include the United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) and Quest Business Services. www.qanw.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 11
TRADE NEWS
Tap Into Growth With
Leka Systems Conservatory roof innovators, Leka Systems has reported a significant upturn in demand for their Leka Xi conservatory wall and base system. Leka Xi allows fabricators and installers to tap into the trend for thermally efficient home extensions or freestanding garden rooms whilst offing fast installation too.
Rhys Hoddinott, Managing Director of Leka Systems, explains: “Following lockdown there has been a definite increase in consumers looking at home extensions or freestanding garden rooms. And the Leka Xi is the perfect product to tap into this market. Installers also like the fact they can be constructed in just three to five days therefore limiting the time spent at a consumer’s home which is important at this time.” The intelligently designed Leka Xi is a modular system that’s tailored to homeowner and installer requirements. It’s constructed using a LEKA base, LEKA walls and the 12 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
popular LEKA roof system. There are three or four-sided options, so that it can be used for both home extensions and freestanding buildings. Leka Systems has also confirmed a huge upturn in demand for their conservatory roofing products too. Rhys said: “Updating a conservatory with a solid roof has become the most popular way to making a conservatory habitable and represents another massive opportunity for installers and fabricators”. This trend is supported by recent market data that confirmed that 35% of fabricators and installers agree that Solid Conservatory roofs are beginning to overtake the typical glazed conservatory roof with a reported 50% split between replacement conservatory roofs and new builds. Rhys concluded: “Before lockdown, we had already seen a huge take-up for replacement con-
servatory roofs and freestanding extensions and this appetite has grown exponentially in the last few months. Demand has never been stronger and over time we have trained over 400 installers to help them get up and running with Leka products quickly. This figure shows just how quickly Leka products have proved their value in the marketplace and this continues to grow.” Leka Xi and the range of solid and orangery conservatory roof solutions are the practical answer to create the living or working spaces that homeowners’ now desire. Fabricators and installers that highlight the advantages they offer are best placed to capitalise on the market opportunities. And as Leka Systems typically increase a fabricator’s revenue stream by 10-15% in the first year, it’s an opportunity not to be missed! For more information visit www.lekasystems.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
Is Your Firescreen
CE Marked? By Wojciech Brozyna – MD of Aluprof UK
Just to confirm, the ‘CE mark’ is a certification mark that is widely used throughout the EU. It is a declaration from a manufacturer that the product supplied is tested and meets the minimum health, safety and environmental requirements that allow it to be sold in any European member state. The product ‘kit’ refers to all the components that make up the product from various nominated manufacturers such as the framing system, glazing and hardware, there can be no part substitutions. The product, such as supplied in a firescreen, including doors and glazing is supplied to site complete in a fabricated form. It is the manufacture of the installed 14 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
product that carries the responsibility for the CE marking by ensuring that the installer follows detailed installation instructions.
From the 1st November 2019 ALL external fire rated doorsets MUST be CE marked to both BS EN 14351-1:2006+A2:2016 – ‘Windows and doors. Product standard, performance characteristics. Windows and external pedestrian doorsets’. and BS EN 16034:2014 – ‘Pedestrian doorsets, industrial, commercial, garage doors and openable windows. Product standard, performance characteristics. Fire resisting and/or smoke control characteristics.’ This is now compulsory for all external fire rated doorsets and screens.
BS EN 16034 tests External Pedestrian Doorsets for fire resistance and/or smoke control, this cannot be used on its own for CE marking purposes as it must be used in conjunction with BS EN 14351-1. External Pedestrian Doorsets can include sidescreens and opening windows if required. The specified performance is then declared on the DoP (Declaration of Performance) and CE Label which is attached to the doorset. As a result of these imposed regulations, BS 476: Parts 20 & 22 can no longer be used as fire test evidence to CE mark an external fire rated doorset. Whilst BS EN 16034 was first published in October 2014, it didn’t become a harmonised standard available for use as CE mark evidence until 1st November 2016. As with all new standards, there is a co-existence period in which current standards run alongside the new standard which lasted for three years ending on the 1st November 2019.
TRADE NEWS As for internal fire rated doorsets and screens we still wait for the BS EN 14351-2 ‘Product standard, performance characteristics. Internal pedestrian doorsets.’ To be cited in the Official Journal of European Union (OJEU) which was expected to be published in November/December 2019. This means that it is currently not possible to CE mark internal fire rated doorsets and screens until the harmonisation of this standard occurs. Whilst the product will be able to carry a CE mark offered from the systems house who undertook the testing it is important to remember that it is the manufacture of the installed product that carries the responsibility for the CE marking by ensuring that the installer follows detailed installation instructions.. It is also crucial to mention that the correct interface fixing arrangements are clearly specified and applied to ensure that the spread of flame and smoke cannot circumvent the product once subject to a fire.
MB-60E EI – Fire Rated Door and Screen System
As aluminium remains the most widely specified material for commercial windows, doors and curtain wall, it should come as no surprise that as a leading European systems company, Aluprof offer a comprehensive range of fire rated systems. With just a 60mm frame depth, the glazed window and door system, MB-60E EI, can achieve a fire resistance class of EI15 or EI30 according to BS EN 135012:2016. Complete with polyamide thermal breaks, the door system is ideal for use in both external or internal applications. Doorsets can be manufactured with both fixed lights and opening, single or double doors, to create extensive screen assemblies, but external screen assemblies cannot be CE Marked to BS EN 16034:2014. For specification flexibility, the
MB-45EW – Fire Rated Door and Screen System
MB-60E EI door can also be specified with glazing thicknesses of between 4.5 to 40.5 mm and can be manufactured up to 1,400mm wide x 2,475mm high in size per door leaf. Being fully compatible with Aluprof ‘MB’ systems, specifiers do not have to sacrifice sight-lines between fire rated areas and normal glazing requirements. Following two years of collaboration with Pyroguard, the MB-45EW door and framing
system has been developed and rigorously tested for applications where non-insulated screens and doors are required. A first for the UK market, the slim system exceeds the current ratings of E30 and EW requirements with additional radiation reduction. Suitable for internal applications, the framing system also offers a smoke-proof screen arrangement with doors, compliant with BS EN 135012:2016. Pyroguard Integrity Plus glass is the first fire glazing tested and certified for the new system delivering El 15 and EW30 fire performance along with 1B1 impact protection. Furthermore, in what is believed to be a first for the UK industry, a cap-less, fire rated curtain wall system is available and been installed on a refurbishment development in Manchester. The project, known as ‘The Core’, is located at 24-30 Brown Street in the city centre and uses the ‘MB-SR50N EI efekt’ developed by Aluprof. A fire rating of EI60 was required on part of the new capless, curved glass facade on the top floor. Aluprof’s new system, MB-SR50N EI efekt, enabled the architect to have a cap-less fire rated system whilst at the same time seamlessly blending in with areas which did not require a fire rating. Aluprof’s brochure entitled, ‘Fire Rated and Smoke Exhaust Systems’, explains in detail each product and rating. Aluprof systems offer some of the highest fire protection ratings in Europe, some reaching EI120 – that’s two hours fire and smoke protection. Each system has been tested according to UK industry standards with various specialist glasses and many are fully covered by the UK’s ‘Certifire’ certificate of approval. www.aluprof.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 15
TRADE NEWS
TuffX Drives Forward With
Fleet Expansion 16 January 2020 was a day to remember for Liniar and Avantek Machinery’s Group Managing Director Martin Thurley. That particular Thursday marked the occasion Martin visited the New York Stock Exchange to take part in the ceremonial ringing of the bell to signal the start of trading. The reason for the momentous occasion was that January 2020 marked parent company Quanex’s 55th year being listed on the prestigious New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: NX). Martin joined the Executive Management Team of Quanex Building Products to ring the bell as one, cohesive team. The day was also special for George Wilson, recently announced as succeeding Bill Griffiths as Quanex President and CEO. Of the events in the Big Apple, Martin commented: “It was a real privilege to represent the fantastic teams we have here at Liniar and Avantek – overall, a very special day, both personally and professionally!” Watch the video of Martin and the Quanex team ringing that infamous bell by visiting https://youtu.be/LE9YYYBeQts www.tuffxglass.co.uk 16 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Modplan Launches
Internal Control Hub To Support Its Customers In response to the industry-wide supply chain challenges, leading VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has launched an internal Control Hub to keep its customers one step ahead. Heidi Sachs, Managing Director at Modplan, commented: “Our new Control Hub gives us at-aglance information on the status of every order in the system across our multiple manufacturing sites. This includes our planning summary, stock availability, production levels and dispatch details. It means we can identify any issues immediately and let our customers know what’s happening so they can plan accordingly.” The Control Hub gives Modplan detailed insight across all its manufacturing sites and the company has set some strong KPIs to ensure maximum efficiency. Heidi said: “The performance is reviewed with the factory managers at regular intervals throughout the day to ensure we are on track to
achieve the day’s targets. The Hub is proving invaluable at this time but also in the longer term to help us continue to deliver outstanding customer service and be a proactive partner to our growing customer base.” Supply chain difficulties have been felt throughout the industry as a result of the post-lockdown boom. Heidi commented: “After a worrying few months during lockdown for the industry, the upsurge in demand is incredibly good news for everyone. It’s why the delays are so frustrating.” She added: “I’d like to reassure our customers we are doing everything we can. As well as launching our Control Hub to keep customers informed, we are also leveraging our status as one of VEKA’s largest fabricators and are working closely with them and all our key suppliers to achieve the best possible service for our customers.” www.modplan.co.uk
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Not Just Fire Safety GAI Applauds Comprehensive Focus On Construction Products Competence In The New Setting The Bar Report The Setting the Bar report published yesterday (5 October) has been welcomed by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI). Following the Hackitt Review, an industry response group was set up to take responsibility for implementing the recommendations of that review. Its work has since been continued by the Competence Steering Group for Building a Safer Future (CSG), and by 13 sub-groups looking at specialist areas of construction practice and consisting of representatives from installers, fire, housing, construction and professional organisations from within the industry. That group’s initial report, Raising the Bar, published in August 2019, has now been followed by today’s publication, Setting the Bar. This provides a much more detailed look at the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours required to demonstrate competence in the construction industry. The Construction Products Competence Working Group, also known as Working Group 12 (WG12), has been establishing the levels of knowledge and experience needed by anyone that interacts with a product during the lifecycle of a building. Douglas Masterson, technical manager at the GAI, became deputy chair of the Construction Products Competence Working Group in April 2020 and is also a member of the CSG. He said: “Today’s report is a huge achievement. The Construction Products group has collaborated with other 18 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
working groups to help them understand the competencies required when other professionals in the construction supply chain interact with the construction products sector. From procurement and specification, through to installers and building management, we’ve been looking at the skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours that are needed among those groups too, to ensure all these people will be implementing best practice construction processes. “For the GAI to be helping to lead this initiative that will shape the future of the wider construction products industry is important recognition of how vital our sector is in the overall picture. We know our products are not the biggest or most expensive in the construction supply chain. Our own research showed that the average spend on ironmongery is between one and two percent of
the value of a newbuild. But the impact of what we do is huge. “For GAI members, there is already a lot they can start to work on internally to address the recommendations of the Setting the Bar report. Do they have all the required skills, knowledge, experience and behaviours within their own teams? Can they demonstrate this competence to customers? Continued professional development is at the heart of the whole report, not just for those working directly with construction products, and one recommendation is to mandate CPD for all roles within the construction industry. In this regard, those of our members who are already RegAIs, or are working towards RegAI status, are leading the way for construction products professionals.” An initial summary of WG12’s approach is included in the Setting the Bar report, but the full construction products competency matrix will be published in a separate report later this year alongside an implementation plan and proposals for the supporting structure. Read the Setting the Bar report here. Douglas Masterson and Hanna Clarke, secretary of WG12, industry response group committee member and policy manager at the Construction Products Association, have also filmed a Q&A video about the Construction Products Competence Working Group’s input into the Setting the Bar report. Watch the video on the GAI website: www.gai.org.uk/IndustryUpdates For more information on the GAI education programme, including its extensive suite of CPD materials on door hardware issues, visit: www.bit.ly/GAI-Education-Hub
TRADE NEWS
New Supplier Novolux To Put
Polycarbonate Sheet Back On The Map
businesses have rushed to install transparent protective screens to help prevent the spread of coronavirus.
A new venture supported by one of the world’s largest independent polycarbonate extruders is set to shake up the UK polycarbonate sheet market.
“At Novolux, we want to help installers capitalise on those opportunities with great quality products, backed by great service, supplied country-wide.
Novolux, based north of Newport, will supply an extensive array of quality multiwall and solid polycarbonate sheet products made by multimillion-pound Italian firm Dott.Gallina who have recently celebrated their 60th Anniversary. In its Policarb™ range, you’ll find multiwall UV-protected polycarbonate sheets, with multiple air chambers that guarantee excellent thermal performance. Commonly used for roofing, windows, skylights, greenhouses, porches, canopies and more, Policarb™ products feature a UV co-extrusion on the outward-facing side, giving greater longevity and a 10 year manufacturer’s
warranty. The company’s Policomp™ range contains solid polycarbonate sheets with UV protection on both sides, making it an ideal choice for all glazing applications and also comes with a 10-year warranty. Novolux will be offering polycarbonate sheet in several formats – pallet quantities, full or mixed pallets, single sheets or cut to size, bespoke products. “Reports of the death of polycarbonate sheet have been greatly exaggerated,” comments Novolux National Sales Manager Craig Weatherley. “In many sectors, it’s still hugely in demand, regularly used in factories, garden centres, sports stadiums, and railway stations, as well as DIY – and in 2020, the market for it has soared, as millions of
“We’re not offering low-quality imports from the Far East and Turkey – this is top-of-the-range polycarbonate sheet, manufactured by a world-leader in the field. “If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help your business grow, don’t hesitate to give us a call.” In addition to its range of polycarbonate sheet, Novolux will also supply roof windows, canopy systems, roof lanterns, loft ladders and various roofing accessories, all from stock and on a national basis. www.novolux.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 19
TRADE NEWS
Yale Sponsors
National Home Security Yale has announced that it will be sponsoring National Home Security Month (NHSM) for its eighth consecutive year.
The annual campaign, which this year is themed ‘You call it home, we keep it secure’, aims to raise awareness around the importance of home security. Offering advice, breaking down technical jargon, and debunking myths for homeowners across the UK, NHSM helps to drive demand for security products and installation services nationwide. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Commercial Director for Yale commented: “At Yale, NHSM has become a highlight of our calendar each year because of the good it does for homeowners and for the industry. It’s truly a great initiative to be involved with. Taking place in October, the campaign coincides with the onset of the clocks going back and darker winter evenings – which is a pivotal period for 20 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
security sales and a time when many people consider upgrading their doors and windows. “NHSM gives us the perfect platform to talk directly to homeowners about what they actually need to make their home secure, and while doing so are able to boost awareness for our fabricator and installer partners.” Week one of the campaign in particular presents a prime
opportunity for door fabricators and installers, as it takes a deep dive into door locks. Dubbed ‘You call it home, we keep it locked’, security experts will be providing insight into the best standards, products and practices of a variety of door locks on the market. This provides an ideal opportunity to up-sell British Standard security solutions, such as the TS007 compliant Yale Platinum 3 Star cylinder and TS008 compliant letterplate. However, the opportunities don’t end there. Week five’s ‘You call it home, we keep it protected’ aims to shine a light on dark nights and how burglar activity can change with the shorter days. Arming homeowners with the stats and knowledge they need to make the changes required to keep their homes secure. While other weeks include a focus on smart security, safes, and CCTV and alarm systems. To find out more about National Home Security Month, visit www.homesecuritymonth.com For the latest updates about Yale DWS, visit www.yaledws.co.uk
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60% Of Local Authorities Delay Fire Door Maintenance And Inspection
Programmes – Leaving Safety To Chance • Fire Door Safety Week research reveals significant delays to fire door maintenance, replacement and inspection in first half of 2020 • Freedom of Information (FOI) request responded to by 147 UK local authorities • 53% of local authorities volunteered COVID-19 • as a reason for delays, with many yet to define a timeline for recommencing works • With more people spending time in their homes, the Fire Door Safety Week campaign is calling for fire safety to be urgently prioritised Over half (52%) of UK local authorities responding to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request reported delays to planned fire door maintenance and replacement in the first half of 2020. The number rises to 60% when inspection delays are also factored in. For building occupants and the fire services, fire doors play a life-saving role in holding back the spread of fire and smoke to help keep corridors and emergency exits clear. With more people spending time in their homes due to COVID-19, this year Fire Door Safety Week explores the state of fire door maintenance and replacement programmes across local authority-managed housing. According to the data, at least 26,318 fire doors were scheduled for maintenance or replacement between January and June 2020, but 16,580 did not progress 22 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
– meaning 63% of individual planned works were delayed until at least the second half of the year, affecting a minimum of 9,954 individual properties. The data, obtained for Fire Door Safety Week, is based on responses from 147 local authorities that own and manage their own housing stock – not including areas where property is solely managed by private registered providers or housing associations.
Not all responding local authorities provided reasons for delay, but over half (53%) of those experiencing delays cited COVID-19-related restrictions, including limited property access and availability of contractors due to social distancing guidelines. However, it was positive that several local authorities proactively mentioned that emergency repair works to fire doors continued throughout the lockdown period to maintain the safety of
TRADE NEWS residents. Of those local authorities that experienced delays, 65% intend to commence works by the end of the year. This signals that the majority recognise the importance of properly fitted and maintained fire doors. However, worryingly 31% of local authorities stated that they are yet to define a date for recommencing the planned works. Helen Hewitt, Chief Executive of the British Woodworking Federation, which organises Fire Door Safety Week, said: “It is clear COVID-19 has understandably impacted on service delivery across a variety of sectors, but fires do not stop. With the UK lockdown period forcing many people to spend more time at home, people without fit for purpose fire doors have been put at risk. There is a need for continued and urgent focus on ensuring the safety of all building occupants whether in local authority or privately-rented accommodation, workplaces or other building types.” Discussing local authority plans to recommence delayed works, Helen Hewitt said: “It’s encouraging to see that over half of local authorities experiencing delays are due to recommence or complete their scheduled fire door replacement and maintenance in the second half of 2020. For those yet to define a date to recommence works, it is vital local authorities take action to replace or maintain fire doors that have been identified by inspectors as soon as possible. “The construction industry has worked hard to ensure that it is COVID-secure, and now there is a need to act to ensure individuals living and working in properties have safe and compliant fire doors. We hope Fire Door Safety Week will draw attention to these
important issues and encourage all with responsibility for fire doors to take urgent action.” Fire door inspections In addition to delays to maintenance and replacement in the first half of the year, 31% of all responding local authorities stated their fire door inspection programmes were delayed, affecting at least 12,596 fire doors. On inspections, Helen Hewitt commented: “Regular inspections, carried out by trained and competent professionals, are essential in identifying damage that may prevent a fire door from performing in the event of a fire. If a damaged door goes unidentified it cannot perform its life-saving role. We urge all local authorities and building owners to restart inspections as soon as possible, if they haven’t already, as fire doors can become damaged at any time, especially where they are frequently used.” The findings follow an open letter from the London Fire Brigade to all housing providers in the Capital urging them to put plans in place ahead of new fire safety legislation coming into effect. The letter strongly advises building owners to consider the risks of existing fire doors in their fire risk assessments, regardless of the height of the building. Commenting on fire door standards, Helen Hewitt said: “The Building Safety Bill and Fire Safety Bill, both currently going through Parliament, will place a greater responsibility on building owners to ensure risks are identified and improvements made where necessary. Our message to all building owners is: ‘stay ahead of the game and do not get left behind when it comes to bringing all fire doors up to the correct standard’.” www.firedoorsafetyweek.co.uk
Mila Joins The
Dave Managing Thomas Director Andy Jones Group (left) and Company founder and Chief Executive Scot Starkey (right)
Light It Blue
Campaign
Victorian Sliders
Celebrates
15Th Birthday Award-winning sash window manufacturer Victorian Sliders has celebrated 15 years in the business. It was back in September 2005 that Scot Starkey first founded what would become Europe’s biggest sash window manufacturer, among the biggest names in British fenestration. Today, its ECOSlide sash window is sold to over three thousand installers nationwide. Company founder and Chief Executive Scot Starkey comments: “I’m very proud of everything we’ve managed to achieve over the last 15 years. The secret to our success has been constant investment – a commitment to continuous product development and doing all we can to make ECOSlide sash windows the best they can possibly be. I can’t wait to see what the future brings for us.” In just 15 years, the company has grown from a small warehouse with a handful of staff, to having an award-winning product, a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, nearly two hundred employees and thousands of happy customers around the country. www.victoriansliders.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 23
TRADE NEWS
SMART Balustrades
Expands Product Range As Demand For Outside Space Soars Following Lockdown Due to an increased demand for outside space from home owners and house builders, handrail and balustrades specialist SMART Balustrades has expanded its services – adding the installation of platform balconies to its portfolio. Since the Covid-19 pandemic began, Staffordshire-based SMART Balustrades experienced an increase in enquiries for its bespoke installations, particularly from home owners and house builders looking to add outside space and new living areas to existing properties. A recent report by YouGov found that 14% of home buyers now see a balcony as more important following the pandemic*. Steel frame platform balconies are subject to planning, but can easily be attached to the walls of properties and are a cost-effective way to 24 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
add additional space and value to homes. David Hough, managing director of SMART Balustrades, said: “With housebuilding in the UK at a 30year high and the impact of Covid-19 on our lifestyle choices, there is now a significantly increased demand for home improvements including expanding or adding outside space. “As platform balconies are not part of the structure of a property, they do not eat into the internal space of the home, but rather create new living areas – ideal for outdoor living, entertaining and simply additional storage space. “I think following the year we have had we are all a little more appreciative of our environment and nature, and the need to access fresh air when we can. Because of
this people are looking for ways to create their own outside space at home – or even if they have an existing garden – a space they can access directly from a lounge or bedroom. “These products are popular with both private home owners as well as developers of residential schemes; as they add coveted outside space but also increase sale value. “Myself and the SMART Balustrades team are pleased to now offer platform balconies as part of our services and are already busy installing them on sites across the country.” SMART Balustrades provides a range of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades, as well as glass Juliet balconies, which are manufactured at its Burntwood production facility. The firm is part of the Unitech Group and its portfolio includes luxury hotels, universities, retail and leisure facilities, housing developments and private dwellings. www.smartbalustrades.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS
Avoiding REHAU Echoes
Risky Prospects Eco-Conscious Call To Prioritise Recently published financials show that the coronavirus crisis is continuing to disrupt the glazing industry.
Building Retrofitting Over Demolitiony especially at a time when we should be reducing emissions.
After a difficult start to 2020, the financial implications for the fenestration sector are only just starting to show. Managing directors are concerned that the entire supply chain may only be seeing the tip of a very large iceberg in terms of financial instability. Insight Data recently analysed the financial data of over 9,075 fabricators and installers. • 1,038 companies had poor or very poor credit ratings. • 2% of profiled fabricators were deemed as high risk. • 12% of profiled installers were shown to have poor credit ratings Although many businesses in the fenestration sector are now looking for new ways to target the most relevant and high yielding leads, avoiding credit risk prospects should be a priority. Jade Greenhow, Operations Director of Insight Data highlights the importance of working with financially secure companies. “Businesses in the industry are now looking for financially ‘safe’ leads. Doing business with companies that seem keen but have been hit hard by coronavirus may be a risky strategy. If that prospect is ‘in the red’ they may not be able to pay for services or orders they have made. “With our comprehensive data, sales and marketing platform Salestracker, you can check the financial health of potential customers before you start working with them, using up-to-date information from a leading credit rating agency. www.insightdata.co.uk 26 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Following calls from architectural experts to save on carbon emissions by upgrading older buildings instead of knocking them down, building designers and specifiers should consider retrofitting solutions to improve overall sustainability. The Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) estimates that a sizeable proportion of a building’s lifecycle carbon is emitted during construction – 35% and 51% for office and residential properties respectively. These findings have prompted campaigns for developers to prioritise the restoration of older properties over demolishing and replacing them at high carbon costs.
“While window solution suppliers should incorporate retrofit capabilities into their product designs as standard, it is now clearer than ever that this consideration should become a necessity. These solutions will be vital to improving the efficiency of older buildings in line with modern standards, while negating the carbon costs associated with creating the materials required to build a new property in their place.” A number of sustainable, high-performing PVC window solutions are already available for developers and specifiers looking to retrofit existing properties. Due to their thermoplastic nature, the material in these solutions can be recycled several times over before recording any significant loss in performance, resulting in adaptable, easy-to-install solutions that provide high levels of energy efficiency.
According to REHAU, retrofit window solutions will be vital to ensuring the viability of this upgrade-centric approach and aiding the construction sector’s fight against climate change.
Russell concludes: “The carbon costs associated with their construction means new buildings may not pay back their carbon debt for decades. As such, retrofitting should become a priority for specifiers and developers looking to improve the sustainability of their operations, especially as lowering carbon emissions grows in importance in the run-up to 2050.
“The Government committing the country to net zero emissions by 2050 has made improving sustainability a key concern across all sectors, including construction,” says Russell Hand, Head of Marketing and Technical at REHAU Windows. “With that in mind, these RICS figures show just how damaging it can be to opt for new-builds over renovating older properties,
“Opting for efficient and sustainable window solutions that can be adapted to suit existing properties is therefore crucial to reducing carbon emissions. With the support of suppliers such as REHAU, developers and specifiers are well-placed to adapt to these changing priorities and the challenges posed in upgrading these older buildings.” https://bit.ly/3jUCfqM
TRADE NEWS
New Decoroc
Paint Line Opens
Doors For Fastframe
Fastframe, one of Deceuninck’s leading commercial fabricators, has invested over £150,000 in a state-of-the-art Decoroc paint line for Deceuninck commercial windows and doors. The Decoroc line is the first of its kind outside Deceuninck’s head quarters in Belgium and, since opening the line, Fastframe has won a number of major commercial contracts. Decoroc is Deceuninck’s patented colour coating system. It gives a high performance, long lasting finish which matches aluminium powder coating for looks and performance. Scratch, impact, and abrasion resistant, Decoroc is micro-sprayed for a highly durable, easy-clean matt
finish and comes with a 10-year guarantee. It comes in a wide choice of RAL colours and is ideal for demanding commercial applications.
Commenting on the new Decoroc line, Fastframe Commercial Director Paul Moody says: “Architects and specifiers love the Decoroc finish because it’s extremely durable and looks very similar to aluminium powder coating. We have a thriving commercial business, so it was the logical step to invest in our own Decoroc line to take full control of lead times and offer more flexibility to our commercial partners. “This is the first time Decoroc
has been licensed outside Belgium, so we had to go through an extensive process of training, auditing, and quality checks to get the line commissioned. But it was worth it – demand has been so strong we’ve made a second investment to increase capacity! We’ve won a series of major commercial contracts and quickly covered our initial investment. We’re confident the new Decoroc facility will open more doors for Fastframe.” Deceuninck MD Rob McGlennon adds: “Decoroc is a truly innovative colour coating system, and when matched with our slim, incredibly strong 5000 window with Linktrusion™ technology it’s almost impossible to distinguish from aluminium by look, touch and performance. Major developers like Berkeley Group frequently specify our commercial windows with Decoroc, and Fastframe’s new line will further strengthen their commercial business.” www.fastframeuk.co.uk www.deceuninck.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 27
TRADE NEWS
VEKA Recycling’s Latest Investment Introduces Refinement To An Otherwise
Violent And Noisy Process VEKA Recycling Ltd is entering the third phase of the development plan for its new Wellingborough UK Headquarters, during which sophisticated refinement processes will be introduced towards the goal of making the UK operation completely self-sufficient. This latest chapter in the construction and installation process was completed during August and is part of an additional investment of more than £2 million, which will be fully completed later in 2020. In a series of integrated processes that reduce post-consumer and virgin offcut PVC-U frames and profiles into high quality polymer compounds and other reusable materials, the latest equipment to be installed separates, refines, cleans and washes the various component materials. Of the machinery installed in this latest phase, the standout equipment is the Spaleck Recycling Screens that quite literally vibrate and sieve 28 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
the crushed frames; and Magnapower high performance Eddy Current Separators. The separators sort ferrous and non-ferrous metals from the shredded UPVC window frames to produce cleaner, metal-free PVC plastics for re-processing and metals including steel and aluminium, that are resold. Since occupying the site in January 2018, the ground-up construction project has continued with only minimal delays caused by the pandemic closures. After seamlessly transferring operations from the company’s former location in Kent, the Wellingborough site has continued to receive tonnes of PVC-U post-consumer and virgin offcut frames for initial shredding, with further stages progressively introduced to bring more of the complex processes in-house. VEKA Recycling’s Managing Director Simon Scholes says that this latest investment is a crucial stage
in the operation of the site: “From the initial stages that involve the overtly violent and noisy shredding of the still intact frames and profiles that are bulk lifted on to the conveyors at the beginning of the process, these latest additions introduce refinement that results in the end product becoming more discernible as the materials that are our primary purpose. “Our commitment to producing only the finest PVC-U compounds for re-manufacture into new window frames and other high-quality products, without reliance upon our sister plants, is brought a stage closer with the completion of this latest phase,” added Simon. The Wellingborough plant will be the third such facility to be built by VEKA Umwelttechnik GmbH, the specialist recycling subsidiary of the VEKA AG Group, of which VEKA Recycling Ltd is a wholly owned division. The company has pioneered PVC-U recycling in Europe with its first plant opening in Behringen, Germany as long ago as 1993. A further facility was opened in France in 2006. The combined capacity of the three VEKA plants will exceed 100,000 tonnes of PVC-U windows a year. www.veka-recycling.co.uk
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DEAR GERALD
Dear
Gerald Dear Gerald It’s fantastic to see more and more fabricators and installers beginning to promote their Smart offering as they realise its potential as our industry’s next big opportunity. But in light of some recent trademark confusion, which I am not going to go into, I’m writing with a word of warning, but more importantly, with some advice. Just because a product name sounds good or a logo looks good, or you think it helps sell your product better, it doesn’t mean you can just use it. Every business needs to be aware of exactly what they’re promoting. It is part of a company’s responsibility to do their research, to become commercially knowledgeable about those that they share the same market with and understand what trademarks are already out there. By not performing the trademark due diligence step, companies not only risk confusing their own customers and undermining their brand, they also may risk hugely expensive, drawn out legal battles that could amount to financial ruin. The time, effort and money it takes to get a brand right, to ensure that it connects with consumers and consistently delivers on its promise, can never be underestimated. More often than not, a lot of creativity, flair, work and a huge amount of money has gone into making the name and logo what it is. When a brand is created, the holy grail of any out30 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
come is for your brand’s trademarked name to become a noun or verb: Google, Hoover, Sellotape, Post It, CashPoint, Band Aid, Super Glue to name a few. Each one of these products started out as a trademark and brand of an individual product, but most people now use the term to refer to an explanation of what the product does and this is regardless of the actual brand people are looking at. These sorts of brands come when there is no doubt or confusion, – and this comes from standing firm and protecting the brand, particularly in the early years, through the legal system on trademarking. We’re already starting to see this happen across the industry with the Smart Ready® service, and I’m deeply proud of our achievement. To avoid trademark infringement, it is not enough to swap words around, say I wasn’t aware, or simply use the excuse of ‘words just being words’ – you don’t own words. Of course I know no one can own a word, but someone can legally own a word that means something different to the consumer when thinking of that word or combined words. There are many elements that go into forming a brand and the service it sells, and words are an integral part of that. Using another company’s words that are trademarked to describe in context your own product that can be similar in nature, can amount to trademark infringement. I have invested an enormous amount of time, money and energy in the developing Smart Ready® and the service around it. So it shouldn’t come as a surprise for the reader to hear that I will protect the brand before I will think to blink. But it’s broader than just me and my businesses. As an industry, we learn to be prouder to protect what we’ve created, and take branding and trademarks more seriously, especially now that Smart is emerging for windows and doors. I think the window and door industry as a whole should be more understanding and resolute in that defence. Let’s face it – we’re all hoping for that coveted Noun/ Verb status, and you can only get this if brands and their trademarks are respected. My advice? Sit down with a specialised lawyer and do your research before you create a brand, logo, or
DEAR GERALD
even settle on your company name and above all, if a name or logo looks good and fits well with selling your product, it doesn’t mean you can use it without consequence. Yours sincerely, Giovanni Laporta, inventor and innovator of Smart Ready®
Dear Gerald I may be a lone voice, but, having spent so many years building Euroglaze into one of the most efficient fabricators in the UK, I’m struggling to understand why there seems to be a growing consensus around the idea that the market now needs to be re-educated to accept longer lead times. I accept there are supply issues at the moment, on glass, hardware and particularly on coloured profile, which are obviously impacting on many people’s ability to get orders out the door. However, these are just temporary and shouldn’t, in my opinion, be used to justify any kind of inefficiency moving forward.
Post lockdown, and in response to the surge in demand, we’ve restructured our entire operation onto a continental shift pattern which has doubled our capacity with just a 25% increase in manpower. We tell customers as soon as they place an order whether any items are out of stock so that there are no nasty surprises when they get their delivery and we give them a guaranteed lead time. We’re not the cheapest in the market obviously, and nor we would want to be if that meant compromising on either quality or efficiency. We do save our customers’ money though, because they know that their orders will be right first time and they won’t have to struggle with missing items, rejects or remedials. The pandemic will undoubtedly leave a lasting impact on this industry, but it doesn’t have to be entirely negative. If it forces manufacturers to become more efficient and puts an end to the race to the bottom on price, then it will be installers, who are the lifeblood of this industry, who will ultimately benefit. Yours sincerely Martin Nettleton Managing Director Euroglaze
I’ve read comments in the press and online over recent weeks that it would be better for the market if installers, who generally have a few weeks’ work booked in, accepted lead times of 7-14 days. This, it is argued, would give fabricators more time to ramp up volumes, eliminate mistakes and get their quality consistently right which, in the long run, would benefit their customers. Frankly, I just don’t see any justification for that position. Why should installers have to adapt their business model to accommodate the deficiencies of their supplier? At Euroglaze, we are still offering our standard Rehau white windows on a 3 and a half day lead time, with almost zero errors. As long as we have the components in stock, there’s a maximum 90 minutes of operator interaction required to make that window. Using Kanban lean production methods, we know exactly how many windows we can make in a day and we can set a daily cap based on that capacity, without any work in progress backlog.
If you want to get involved in the discussion, or would like to air your views on a particular industry subject, then Email me at gerald@windownews.co.uk We cannot guarantee that we will publish everything, but we will do our utmost to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Your views and thoughts are imprortant to us. WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 31
PEOPLE
Sonia Travis Promoted To Head Of Commercial Sales At Epwin Window Systems
Sonia Travis has been announced as the new Head of Commercial Sales at Epwin Window Systems. Commenting on her new appointment, she said: “I am delighted to be taking up the post of Head of Commercial Sales. Epwin Window Systems is unique when it comes to supporting the commercial sector because we can provide a complete service including design, technical, product selection and compliance. I am incredibly proud to be leading a team that has such an outstanding offering.” Clare O’Hara, Managing Director of Epwin Window Systems, said: “Sonia is an experienced member of the Epwin Window
32 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Systems team with an excellent track record in delivering over and beyond for our commercial customers. I know she will be an exceptional Head of Commercial Sales.”
Sonia has been with Epwin Window Systems for seven years, most recently in the role of Specification Manager, which means she already has an indepth understanding of Epwin Window Systems’ products and the commercial landscape. She commented: “Education in our industry is key because the landscape is constantly changing. We’re fortunate to have a team of people here who are passionate about our systems
and having up-to-date knowledge of contracts and building regulations. It means we are able to provide unrivalled technical and specification support that keeps us ahead of the game and delivering for our commercial customers.” She continued: “I’m looking forward to developing new relationships and expanding our network of approved manufacturers and installers so we can continue to deliver a high- quality end-to-end service on even more commercial contracts.” With Spectus, Profile 22 and Stellar Aluminium Systems in its specification portfolio, Epwin Window Systems is a go-to name for the commercial sector. In appointing Sonia Travis to Head of Commercial Sales, it is appointing an experienced professional committed to cementing and expanding that reputation.
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PEOPLE REHAU has redoubled its commitment to sustainable operations with the appointment of Ceri Davies as General Manager of PVCR Ltd., within the larger REHAU Group. Ceri has a comprehensive background managing operations within various prestigious companies. This includes 15 years at the Duracell Group, two-and-a-half years as a Production Manager at Procter & Gamble, and almost a decade as Operations Manufacturer at Widex, the hearing aid solution manufacturer. Before joining PVCR Ltd., he had been providing operations consultancy in various industrial sectors. Based in Runcorn, PVCR Ltd. is the largest UPVC recycler in the North West, processing over 13,200 tonnes of postconsumer polymer windows and doors every year. The company moved to its new purpose-built site in 2020 as part of its continued heavy investment into upgrading its PVC recycling capability and improving overall sustainability. REHAU’s work at PVCR Ltd. is part of its wider efforts to boosting the company’s recycling capacities throughout Europe for its windows production operations. Its longterm efforts in this field, alongside other initiatives, has seen the company selected to join the prestigious 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders initiative, which is led by Bloomberg in co-operation with the United Nations. As part of this ongoing strategy, PVCR is constantly looking to refine its processes, and are confident Ceri can utilise his extensive skillset in operations management to help further develop new and existing methods. Gary Simmonds, Operations Director at REHAU Windows, comments: “As a company, REHAU is extremely conscious of its impact on the environment. In everything we do, from moving to new prem34 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
REHAU Prioritises Operations At PVCR ises to overhaul our recycling capability, to employing the best possible people, we are constantly looking for ways to make our recycling processes more efficient. Indeed, it is these efforts promoting circular economies that recently saw us selected as one of the 50 Sustainability & Climate Leaders, among other leading companies worldwide. “Ceri’s expertise in operations management will therefore be key to further refining our processes at PVCR and ensuring we can continue to make recycling accessible to all. We are extremely confident he will hit the ground running and make a big impact in his new role.” In addition to his impressive depth of experience, Ceri holds a degree in Product Design with Mechanical Engineering from Loughborough
University, and is a Black Belt in DMAIC (6 Sigma) methodology. He also has vast training in Lean transformation programs and project leadership – skills he will bring to bear in his new role. “Though the fenestration industry has experienced massive disruption due to the coronavirus, sustainability continues to be a pressing concern for the sector,” says Ceri. “In fact, it is more important than ever that we prioritise green-conscious solutions such as recycling as the industry recovers from this unprecedented shock. With that in mind, I am hugely looking forward to playing a part in growing REHAU’s already formidable waste management and recycling capacity by optimising processes across the new Runcorn site.” www.rehau.com/group-en
PEOPLE
New Group Finance
Director Signs For CMS CMS Group has strengthened its senior management team with the appointment of Andrew Charters as Group Finance Director. Andrew joins Maven Capital Partners-backed CMS from the Scottish Football Association (SFA) where he has held the post of Director of Finance and IT for the last three years, a role that involved leading on the organisation’s acquisition of Hampden Park in 2019. Prior to the SFA, Andrew’s distinguished financial career spans more than 25 years across a variety of sectors including manufacturing, higher education and business services. David Ritchie, CEO of CMS Group said: “We are really pleased to welcome Andrew Charters as our new Group Finance Director and recognise the valuable experience he brings at an important time for our business. With his excellent track record across a variety of organisations, Andrew will be a great asset to CMS as we work hard
Jim Blanthorne Andrew Charters.
to help our customers get their projects back on track post-lockdown, and drive forward with new innovations to deliver ever more sustainable buildings and homes across the UK.” New Group Finance Director Andrew Charters added: “I am delighted to be taking up my new role at CMS. The success of the business from a standing start in 2006 to what it is today is remarkable, and I am looking forward to working with the team to navigate the short term challenges brought by Covid-19 to deliver on our long term, sustainable growth plans.”
Mercury Appoints Paul Cowley
As Sales Office And Logistics Manager to welcome Paul to Mercury. His knowledge, experience and professionalism are a great asset to Mercury and we have already witnessed the positive impact he has had on the business and the customer journey since he started in September.” Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies has appointed well-known industry face Paul Cowley as Sales Office and Logistics Manager. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury Glazing, said: “We are delighted
Paul, joins Mercury having spent 25-years working at the Customade Group. He added: “It’s great to be part of a dynamic, honest business and I’m looking forward to working with the talented Mercury team to achieve our plans for growth.”
appointed as MD
for Keylite Roof
Windows Keylite Roof Windows (Keylite), part of The Keystone Group, has appointed Jim Blanthorne as Managing Director, with effect 1st September 2020. With over 18 years’ experience in operations and senior management roles within the building products market, including four years as Operations Director for Keylite, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to the role. Jim commented: “In my new role I’m looking forward to building on the successes of previous years. Keylite is a multi-award winning, global supplier committed to manufacturing innovative products supported by extensive R&D and exceptional quality. “We have a fantastic team; together we will continue to provide outstanding service to our customers and progress our relentless pursuit of innovation. Keylite has undergone a major investment programme in recent years and we will continue to invest to ensure we deliver on these promises.” www.keyliteroofwindows.com WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 35
PEOPLE across key business departments. Jessica Puri completed her product design degree from the University of Wolverhampton in 2017. She already has experience within the construction industry, previously working in design and development roles for steel fabricator Metek, and Marshalls Mono. Jessica Puri, ARRONE graduate technical apprentice.
Aimee Parry, business administration apprentice.
HOPPE (UK) Brings New Home
Grown Talent Into The Sector There’s new architectural ironmongery talent in the making at HOPPE (UK) following the appointment of two new apprentice at its offices in Wolverhampton. HOPPE (UK) has welcomed two new apprentices to different areas of the business. Aimee Parry is completing her apprenticeship in business administration, working within the sales centre, and Jes-
sica Puri has joined the ARRONE team as a graduate technical apprentice. Aimee Parry comes to HOPPE (UK) from the Walsall Academy, Wolverhampton, and will be learning all aspects of administration as part of her Level 3 qualification. She will also be covering the key skills needed as part of a sales executive role, as well as gaining experience
Stronger Sales Team For profine And Kommerling
profine UK have expanded their sales team following the purchase of the Evolve, Legend and Warmcore brands earlier this year and following on from an 18-month period of strong growth for the KÖMMERLING brand in the UK. The sales function of profine UK is led by Brian McDonald, sales director, who has been with the company for over five years and 36 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
is supported by area managers, Gareth Parton, Ian Smith, Gary Tamburro and newly appointed Neil Coutts, who had been the customer service manager in both the previous businesses. Completing the team are Leigh Cooper as commercial manager, Jason Scrivens as national sales manager for fabricated products, along with an internal sales team under Paula Wilson, sales administration
Both Aimee and Jessica are due to complete their apprenticeships in 2021. Ged Ryan, CEO of HOPPE (UK), said: “It’s important to us that we’re recruiting talent from within the local area to develop into the next generation of architectural ironmongers. This is a great industry with a long heritage here in the West Midlands, and Wolverhampton in particular. The apprenticeship programme at HOPPE (UK) is a great opportunity for young people to start building their networks and to gain valuable knowledge and experience that will stay with them throughout their career.” www.hoppe.co.uk manager and Katie Wilson, sales integration manager. Brian McDonald, sales director of profine UK commented: ‘Given the new nature of the business, we’ve carefully extended the sales function with new internal and external resources. It’s a great team and one that is busy supporting existing customers and notably, helping to drive new business opportunities. He continued: ‘We’re sat on a considerable number of strong leads at present, yet our focus has been to get the new facility at Huthwaite up and running quickly and we’re already extruding 12 KÖMMERLING tools, with the remainder planned before the end of the year. Regardless of the Brexit negotiations, we are now in a great place as a business, with further investment planned in 2021.’ www.profine-uk.com
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PRODUCT NEWS
Endurance Gives A 3mm Bowing Guarantee Endurance Doors continues to communicate clearly to customers and their latest announcement of a 3mm bowing guarantee for their solid and secure composite doors, has been warmly welcomed by their nationwide network of Installer Partners. The performance of some solid core composite doors has come under great scrutiny during the year, and product liabilities have become a major issue for some businesses. Yet with Endurance Doors embracing their unique Moisture Barrier System, CoolSkin PVCu door skins, along with the fact that they wet seal the glazing apertures, product remedials have 38 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
all but disappeared completely, says the company. Now that autumn has arrived, the UK is facing over 6 months when entrance doors will be subject to rain, wind and even snow. It’s this time of year where product failures start to increase and with record consumer demand for doors and windows, installers will find it difficult to service these issues, particularly if they’re door supplier rejects the claims or makes it difficult to raise an issue. Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors commented: ‘Our price freeze for 2020 went down very well with our Installer
Partners and now our 3mm bowing guarantee will give them even more confidence and trust in us, with the promise of the long-term, trouble-free performance of an Endurance Door. He continued: ‘Product liabilities have been an issue for the composite door sector at times and so that’s why we’ve invested in better materials and production processes since 2002. This is to make our doors a standout performer, backed with exceptional customer service and a powerful marketing programme.’ endurancedoors.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
The New Apeer Rose Gold Standard The new Rose Gold Collection from Apeer curates the very best door designs with exquisite glass, door furniture and hardware to produce one of the most vibrant and distinctive combinations ever to be offered on composite entrance doors in the British and Irish home improvement markets, says the company. And as homeowners’ tastes become ever more individual, this collection provides a cutting edge for installers looking to separate their offer from the competition. Brisant’s exciting new Sweet door furniture combines beautifully with Apeer’s pink door shades to offer a thoroughly on-trend combination, whilst creams and pastel colours allow an even bolder choice to
bring out the rich hues of the furniture and exciting designs of cassettes and sidelights produced by Apeer’s glass studio. The company says Sweet hardware has been widely applauded for bringing an exciting new edge
to both the performance of its furniture range – for example it has been tested to withstand over 30 times the limit required for the official EN 1906:2012 corrosion standard – with great attention given to aesthetics that offer homeowners the ability to bring individuality to the designs of their entrance doors. When mated to Apeer’s portfolio of composite doors, including the Traditional, Contemporary and Modo ranges, and especially the company’s ultra-modern, smoothed skinned aluminium alternative, Silka, and in a limitless choice of colours and glass options, personal expression knows no limits. Door furniture includes lever handle, escutcheon and letter plate options in Rose Gold, Gold, Chrome and Black. www.apeer.co.uk
Safe And Secure – Sidey’s New
FD30 Composite Fire Door Range under the BM Trada scheme STD 170 and tested to BS EN1634-1 for fire resistance, both internally and externally. The door sets have been Q Mark third party accredited for both fire and security manufacturing consistency and have also achieved EN 1634-3 for smoke resistance and PAS 24 enhanced security. Made in Scotland by Sidey, the FD30 composite fire door range is available with a fixed glazed top fanlight above the door fitted with Sidey’s auto lock. There is a full range of hardware available including BS EN 1634-1 eye viewers, security chains, knockers, TS008 compliant letterboxes, low level thresholds and lever handles with thumb-turn options. Be safe, be secure, be Sidey – that’s the philosophy of the fenestration company, and that message has never been more crucial than in the current climate. The new range of FD30 composite fire doors from Sidey is a good demonstration of this. Following independent factory product audits, Sidey’s composite fire doors have been fully certified
“We’ve invested a great deal of time and money to ensure that our FD30 composite fire door range is of the highest quality,” says Steve Hardy, Sidey’s Joint Managing Director. “We always put safety and security first at Sidey and our customers can rest assured of an outstanding product with these door sets.” www.sidey.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 39
PRODUCT NEWS
Aluminium ‘Designer Doors’ Now Available From
CDW Systems
Gloucester based aluminium fabricator CDW Systems has added Designer Doors to its range, helping installers tap into the increased demand for premium quality aluminium entrance doors. Developed by Smart Systems, Designer Doors combines the strength and style of aluminium with the versatile options for customisation offered by composite doors. The doors have been successfully tested to PAS 24:2016 Enhanced Security Performance – thanks in part to its impressive 10-point locking mechanism – and boasts three adjustable hinges that can withstand 80kg of pressure. Available with fixed-side or headlight glazing combinations, the Designer Door range offers U Values as low as 0.9 thanks to new thermal break technology, a fully insulated door panel and triple glazed and laminated glass units. With four different ranges on offer, there’s plenty to choose from. The Traditional Range has been designed to recreate the traditional elegance of Victorian, Edwardian, and Georgian entrance doors, while the Vintage Range reflects the timeless elegance of 1920s and 1930s Art Deco doors. www.cdwsystems.co.uk 40 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Social Media Platforms Perfect For Emerging Door Trends
An emerging trend for pink doors has gathered huge traction during lockdown thanks to social media, and platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest are providing the perfect place for door styles and trends to gain popularity. That’s the view of Lauren Barnes, head social media co-ordinator at composite door manufacturer and PVCu panel supplier Vista.
In April, it emerged over social media that fans of cleaning guru Mrs Hinch had been sharing their pictures of their DIY pink-painted front doors on her Facebook page ‘Mrs Hinch Made Me Do It.’ As one of Mrs Hinch’s 3.3m followers on Instagram, Lauren has been following the new trend and a door manufactured and supplied by Vista has had plenty of views. “While Mrs Hinch is a lover of allgrey-everything, her fans have decided that pink is all the rage,” said Lauren. “Since then lots of women have said they wanted
to do the same and pink doors have been popping up all over the UK this summer.”
The composite door by Vista was installed in Oxfordshire by family-run glazing business Hanney Glazed Limited and was seen on Instagram by hanneyglazedltd and by the homeowner Tracey – Instagram @my3rs101. And according to Lauren, it shows the importance of social media for providing a visual focus for consumers. “With lockdown causing an even bigger percentage of the population to migrate online, social media platforms such as Instagram, Facebook and Twitter have proved vital for companies like us as a link to the outside world over the last four months,” said Lauren. “They have allowed us to keep communicating with our followers during lockdown and they continue to be an important way to show off installed products.” www.vistapanels.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
New SFS Dynamic Hinge For Endurance
NEW
H E R I TA G E H A R D WA R E R A N G E
Elegant styling & intelligent design
After the recent launch of a new range of door knockers and notably the new branded ABS 3-Star cylinder, Endurance Doors have launched the option of an SFS Dynamic Hinge in response to customer demand for an alternative product. The existing hinge is well liked by customers, but some prefer the design features of the SFS Hinge, as Stephen Nadin, Managing Director of Endurance Doors points out. He said: “As an independent, privately owned business, we can make decisions quickly and for the betterment of our Installer Partners. The launch of this hinge came about from requests from some customers and in conjunction with the proactive work of Ian Murgett, our continuous improvement manager. Ultimately, it was a quick and easy decision to add the hinge to the Endurance door options.” Endurance Doors says the SFS Dynamic hinge is very highly regarded across the glazing and fenestration markets and is available in eight different finishes. Features include the low-profile hinge stack which helps eliminating damage to plaster reveals and decorations, along with a constant 4mm adjustment space, so there’s no need to adjust the top pin in relation to the bottom pin endurancedoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 41
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PRODUCT NEWS
Yale DWS Prioritises
Hygiene With ®
Biocote Partnership In a time where hygiene and cleanliness are of the utmost importance, Yale has partnered with market leading antimicrobial additives provider, BioCote, to launch the Quartus combi door handle range with a coating that will reduce up to 99.99% of microbes on its surface, claims the company. The company says, proven effective against many common microbes including bacteria, mould and fungi; this technology will protect the Quartus door handle from colonisation, and significantly reduce the risk of cross-contamination. The Quartus door handle is manufactured in stainless steel exterior as standard on metallic finishes and zinc based on powder coated finishes, giving ultimate corrosion resistance and comes with an impressive 25 year guarantee* on all finishes. Paul Atkinson, Sales and Com42 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
mercial Director at Yale DWS comments: “Now more than ever, people are aware of hygiene and what may be transferred through the surfaces we touch. This new venture with BioCote® is something we’re all extremely excited about here at Yale.
is manufactured into the Quartus handle, resulting in a piece of hardware upon which microbes simply cannot survive.
Reducing bacteria by up to 86% in 15 minutes, 99.5% in 2 hours, and 99.99% in 24 hours, life cycle testing shows that the antimicro“Our Quartus door handles are the bial technology in the Quartus first and last thing people touch as door handle will offer maximum performance for the lifetime of the they enter and leave their homes, product, says the company. and we are able to give consumers the peace of mind that their Tested both in a lab and proven door handle compliments their in real life, the BioCote® protectown hygiene practices.” ed hardware is effective against microbes that stimulate rust and David Hall, Managing Director at BioCote, adds: “We are all delight- mould, which could negatively impact the handle’s performance. ed to be working with Yale, one This, together with general upof the globally leading brands for keep and cleaning of the handle, multi-point locking systems. With will ensure a hygienic and durable the Quartus combi door handle range carrying the BioCote trade- piece of hardware. mark, fabricators and installers can rest assured that Yale security To find out more about Yale DWS’ antimicrobial protected Quartus products achieve the superior combi door handle, visit antimicrobial performance customers have come to expect from www.yaledws.co.uk our integrated technology.” *Guarantee subject to correct installation and maintenance BioCote antibacterial technology
PRODUCT NEWS
VBH’s Q-Secure Homeowner
Guarantee Just Got Better! VBH has recently made some changes to its Q-secure homeowner guarantee. Q-secure guarantees finished windows, doors and patio doors, including aluminium bi-fold and lift/slide elements, against break in for 10 years after installation. If an intrusion occurs as a result of hardware failure, VBH will pay the customer up to £8000 direct. Fabricators can become Q-secure Approved Manufacturers by committing to gear their Q-secure
products with hardware from VBH’s basket of approved products. Crucially, the basket contains hardware from a number of top brands, including greenteQ, Yale, AGB, Roto, Maco and Securistyle.
Companies installing Q-secure windows and doors are Q-secure Approved Installers. All Approved Partners are listed on the newly updated website. Consumers looking for window and door companies can easily find a selection via the post code search button. VBH are driving consumers to the website to generate leads for the network. Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says “There’s a glut of business
Avocet Partner With Endurance Doors
out there just waiting to be had. Everyone is concerned about security, whatever the economic climate. By offering a free 10 year security guarantee as part of their sales pitch, Q-secure Partners have the edge over competitors who sell on price alone. After all, prospects can see that the Q-secure network must be supremely confident in the performance of our products if we’re promising to pay up to £8000 if they fail. That peace of mind is priceless.” All the hardware on the approved list has been tested to relevant UK and/or European standards, and the range has recently been refreshed by the addition of new products including greenteQ ClearLIFT lift/slide door hardware and the ArTech tilt and turn system from respected Italian manufacturer AGB. www.qsecure.co.uk very best in home security with its unique patented Snap Secure Technology whereby the Active Cam system locks the cylinder after a snap attack to keep intruders out. The cylinder also boasts the anti-snap, pick, drill & bump resistant properties you would demand from a 3* security cylinder. When asked why Endurance had opted to partner with Avocet, Endurance head of sales and marketing, Scott Foster, said, “We are very proud of the craftsmanship and effort we put into each and every door we produce. We didn’t want to compromise the security features so adding the ABS 3* cylinder put the cherry on the icing on the cake”.
The Avocet Hardware Group has announced a new partnership with Endurance Doors as the award-winning ABS cylinder will now be fitted as standard to all Endurance composite doors.
Doors have an unrivalled name in the composite door market and to combine our ABS 3* security cylinder with such a high-quality product, is an opportunity we’re very excited by.”
Avocet marketing director, Daniel Shaw remarked, “Endurance
According to Avocet, the ABS 3* cylinder offers the end user the
Endurance customers will be delighted to know that, so confident are ABS and Endurance on the security combination of the door and cylinder, a £1000 security guarantee comes as standard on all Endurance composite doors. www.avocet-hardware.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 43
PRODUCT NEWS ately drawn to it as it has real consumer appeal. It is visually different from other aluminium windows on the market and it’s contemporary, high-end aesthetics make it a very easy sell.” He continues: “Most aluminium windows in the market are very ‘me-too’ but the Stellar window is different. It’s a good-looking window and customers notice this. The flush detail is impressive, but the standout feature for me is the equal sightlines for opening and non-opening panes without the need to add a dummy sash, which you’d typically find on other aluminium windows.” Epwin Window Systems says Stellar is the only aluminium system on the market to offer a fully flush casement window and is also at least 30% slimmer than competitor systems, maximising the light available to the end user.
Stellar’s
Brent concludes: “I have been selling and fitting aluminium windows for many years and most other systems are flat, not flush and heavier in design. Stellar looks better and sells itself.”
Aesthetics
Walkers Windows is a family run business that has been installing windows throughout Yorkshire since 1980. According to the company it has a comprehensive team of highly skilled tradesmen who deliver exceptional work from the smallest installation through to the most challenging building projects.
Retail installer Walkers Windows in Huddersfield has been selling Stellar, the double award-winning aluminium system from Epwin Window Systems, to his growing retail customers for several months. The verdict on the system from Brent Walker, owner of Walkers Windows, is simple: “It’s the best on the market and it gives
Stellar was designed by Epwin Window Systems to set a new standard for the growing retail aluminium sector. And as comments from experienced industry professionals such as Brent at Walkers Windows show, it’s more than succeeded in its aim.
Attract Consumer Appeal
44 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
us clear points of differentiation.” Stellar windows are on display at Walkers Windows’ two retail showrooms, one in Huddersfield and a newly-opened one in Ossett, Wakefield. Brent says: “I call Stellar a ‘showroom product’. When customers see it on display, they are immedi-
www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Slim Sightlines From Exlabesa’s Xlaslide Sliding Door An aluminium sliding door is the latest addition to the ever-growing range of systems house exlabesa. Xlaslide has been designed to tap into soaring demand for luxury home improvement products that blur the lines between home and garden. Claimed to be easy to manufacture and install, feedback has already been extremely positive from both fabricators and end users, says the company. The twin or triple-tracked Xlaslide door can support panes up to 200kg in weight, and offers a perfectly smooth action thanks to its
heavy-duty adjustable rollers.
Its slim 32mm interlock section delivers unobstructed views and its traditional beading allows for onsite glazing and makes replacing broken units quicker. Despite its large panes, it offers good thermal efficiency, typically achieving U-values of 1.5 with a 1.0 centre pane value. Xlaslide also suites with other offerings in the company’s range – it can be easily coupled with 75mm systems to provide fixed or opening sidelights, for example, and uses beads and gaskets from the 75 and 51 ranges to help reduce
stockholding. “Aluminium sliding doors are one of the defining products of the last few years,” comments exlabesa Sales Director Kevin Warner. www.exlabesa.co.uk
Tel : 01625 428955 Website: www.door-co.com Email: info@door-co.com
WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 45
PRODUCT NEWS
Senior’s Windows Give Specifers A Smarter Choice
The Government’s ambitious plans to rebuild and modernise schools across the country, coupled with the need to make all facilities COVID-secure, present numerous challenges but thanks to Senior Architectural Systems, specifiers can take a new view on window designs and layouts. Having already been installed on various education projects across the UK, Senior’s patented low U-value PURe® aluminium window system offers exceptional thermal performance and enables greater choice in the positioning of radiators. By preventing cold air from entering the room, the use of the PURe® system means radiators can be moved from their conventional position underneath the window to free up valuable floor and wall space and provide greater flexibility in terms of arranging furniture and planning interior layouts. 46 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
The company says, Senior’s patented PURe® window system is the first on the UK market to benefit from an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane (PUR) foam and can achieve U-values as low as 0.71 when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window. As well as helping to contribute to lower energy bills and reduced carbon calculations, the PURe® aluminium system has also become a popular choice in the education market thanks to its robust and durable construction which offers a cost-effective alternative to using energy efficient triple-glazing which, when used in a high-traffic environment such as a school, has a higher risk of breaking and would be more expensive to replace. With adequate ventilation and daylight essential within school environments to help maintain the health and wellbeing of both staff
and students, Senior’s slim frame PURe® aluminium window system is available in a range of styles, sizes and configurations to suit both new and refurbished buildings, including classic casement, tilt and turn and reversible overswing for easy cleaning. The PURe® parallel push window can also be used to great practical and aesthetic effect when incorporated into Senior’s aluminium curtain wall systems. With hinges on all sides of the frame, this type of window can be easily pushed open and yet will remain parallel to the wall, helping to reduce the risk of falls or trapped fingers whilst offering effective ventilation. Aesthetically, the use of push parallel style windows can also help to create a more uniform façade. Senior’s PURe® aluminium windows are fully compatible with the manufacturer’s aluminium curtain wall systems and also complement the PURe® door range, which includes both folding and sliding aluminium door styles as well as the high-performance PURe® Commercial Door. https://bit.ly/3nHcBIy
PRODUCT NEWS
Saint-Gobain
Glass Launches
Visiosun Privacy Glass Framevent
Trickle Vents
In Trend Tones Window Ware has expanded its range of stocked colours in the RW Simon Framevent window ventilators to include on-trend grey shades and more.
Saint-Gobain Glass has announced the launch of a new textured glass for the residential and commercial glazing markets that provides high levels of privacy without sacrificing natural light. Visiosun features parallel lines that create a reeded glass effect. It offers high transparency, allowing large amounts of natural light to flood into a room, combined with high privacy levels. Jenni Young, Market Manager – Premium Residential and Design & Deco at Saint-Gobain Glass said: “Visiosun is easy to process, cut and handle and is available in a wide range of thicknesses and dimensions. It features a directional pattern which can be used in both vertical and horizontal orientation for vast creative scope. It also offers a highly neutral appearance due to the
extra clear substrate used in its production, allowing for light and privacy to go hand in hand while also personalising any space.” The privacy glass is an ideal product for interior design projects such as doors and partitions, showers and bath screens, display cases, shelves, tabletops and countertops, as well as external architecture including canopies, parapets and facades. Jenni added: “This really is a versatile and stylish privacy glass product that will help to create dynamic interior spaces and architecturally interesting buildings. It is a welcome addition to our existing range of high-quality textured glass designs.” Download a brochure and order glass samples here https://bit.ly/34JOXCw
This is great news for fabricators and installers who have perhaps struggled in the past to source coloured vents in high-volumes or on quick turnarounds, says the company. Now, fabricators will have a wider palette of trickle vents at their fingertips to suit some of the most popular window styles and finishes today, including dual or single coloured vents in top-selling tones of silver grey RAL7001, slate grey RAL7015, agate grey RAL7938 and anthracite grey RAL7016, as well as more muted hues like Chartwell green and cream with other RAL colours available on request. The Framevent is suitable for PVCu, timber and aluminium frames and is a great ventilation solution for fabricators looking to meet Approved Document F building regulations without detracting from stylish new windows. According to Window Ware, the extensive colour range combined with a slim, curvy design makes it right on the money in terms of complementing a clean, modern window aesthetic. The durable, fast-fitting Framevent is made from high-quality U.V. stabilised PVC and comes in 5000mm2 and 2500mm2 equivalent area models www.windowware.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 47
PRODUCT NEWS
Tuffx: The Easy Choice
For Toughened Glass A holiday lodge overlooking a stunning Scottish loch deserves something a little special when it comes to the finishing touches. And glass specialist TuffX was proud to be chosen to fulfil the brief. The homeowners wanted an aesthetically pleasing balustrade to enjoy the great views from the property, while being assured the elegant finished product also offered the highest level of safety. TuffX fulfilled the brief by supplying around 15m2 of 10mm clear toughened safety glass, with 10mm radius corners and 48 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
polished edges, delivered to the customer using a dedicated vehicle. The customer commented on being impressed not only with the quality of the product, but also with TuffX’s fast quotation and response times and excellent communication, as they were kept up to date with the order’s progress throughout the process. The finished result is a stunning balcony wrapped around the lodge, enhancing the footprint of the living space outside and providing the occupants with their own private haven without
compromising on natural light and space. Uninterrupted views from the property’s glass doors stretch right across the loch to the rolling hills beyond. “We’re pleased that this year just like any other we’re still the first choice for customers demanding top quality, great-looking, safety glass – and in this case also required on a quick lead-time,” TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price said. “We’ve been the leading safety glass manufacturer for over 20 years now, supplying glass balustrading to everything from smaller domestic projects to large-scale commercial builds, and this is just the type of commission we are proud to excel at.” www.tuffxglass.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Explore The Dimension Of Imagination With 4Site Imaging From Windowlink
takes this one step further. Once the project has been designed in Vector, Windowlink’s 4Site software service enables us to extract the 3D data file and convert the image into a photo realistic, high-resolution flythrough three dimensional video to give homeowners a clear vision of how it will look on completion. “As well as glazed extensions, the 4Site Imaging Bureau allows the incorporation of garden rooms and other buildings, as well as furniture and landscapes. It can even transport your clients through different times of day or seasons for the ultimate ‘virtual reality’ experience.”
Glazing industry software specialist Windowlink has made a new service available for its Vector program, enabling homeowners to ‘foresee the dream’ with the next level in project visualisation – the 4Site Imaging Bureau. Mark Dudley, Managing Director at Windowlink, explains: “Vector is
an incredibly popular tool because it shows exactly how a chosen conservatory, orangery or extension design will actually look on a home. It allows users to superimpose conservatory and extension plans onto real photographs, creating quality 3D images. “Our 4Site Imaging Bureau service
Vector Glazed Extension and Conservatory Design & Quoting Software packages are available with automated or bespoke pricing modules for every aspect of the conservatory or extension build, including base and ground works, windows, doors, electrics and flooring. The 4Site Imaging Bureau service is available exclusively to Vector users. www.windowlink.com
CDW Systems Add Flat Roof Lights To Portfolio Specialist aluminium fabricator CDW Systems has added flat roof lights from Smart to its product offering in response to demand from customers. The Gloucester-based CDW, part of the East Manor Group, is offering Smart Systems’ high-performance, high-quality Aliver Rooflight system, a fixed, flat solution which creates a contemporary look for any property. Jeremy Phillips, Group Chairman, said: “Our customers have been asking for roof lights so being able to offer the Aliver Rooflight system fills a gap in our portfolio. We were buying in an alternative fabricated system but we’re now fabricating Smart Aliver ourselves.
designed such that the glazing unit may be taken out of the frame and replaced, without the frame itself having to be removed, providing a durable, cost-effective and longlife solution. “The rooflight market is really big now and we’ve had good demand. We’re offering set sizes at a quick turnaround in standard colours.” Providing exceptional thermal insulation, light transmission, and noise reduction, the Aliver system has been designed to accept both double and triple glazed units. Featuring an elegant and unobtrusive aluminium frame and a unique, concealed fixing system which makes the rooflight fast and easy to install, the system has also been
It increases the strong link between CDW Systems and Smart, with CDW already offering the VS600 vertical sliding window system and the Slide 2000 horizontal sliding window and patio door. Jeremy added: “We have a great working relationship with Smart and it’s a great system – the Smart product has a really good reputation in the industry. The demand is there and so far it has been well received and we’re getting good feedback from customers.” www.cdwsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 49
PRODUCT NEWS
Iceni Puts Faith In
Business Micros Business Micros software has been at the heart of the Iceni Windows operation for more than 20 years, and products such as Evolution, EvoSatellite and EvoNet have helped the Essex based fabricator to become a real force in the trade market. Hardly surprising then that, as Iceni Windows prepares for the next big chapter in its expansion, it is putting Business Micros software at the centre of its plans once more. Iceni Windows is opening two brand new service hubs in January 2021 which will enable it to expand its geographical reach beyond London and the South East and at the same time improve the service it offers to customers. These hubs will serve as distribution points for customers across 50 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
the UK, enabling Iceni to expand its logistics operation and offer faster and more flexible deliveries. They will also incorporate trade counters and advice centres for installers, low volume builders and DIY customers. Key to the success of the hubs will be a direct connection to the Iceni factory which will be achieved using Business Micros’ brand-new TOUCH software platform. Customers will be able to place orders at the hubs using the TOUCH Vendor software for installers, and Iceni will be able to process those orders using the TOUCH Portal software for fabricators. It will be a completely joined up system which will work in the hubs and remotely for installers who want to quote and price jobs in their office or direct with custom-
ers using real time data from Iceni. The aim is to streamline the entire ordering process and give Iceni a real competitive advantage in the growing trade counter market. Managing Director Paul Foyle says that the timing of the TOUCH launch couldn’t have been better. He says: “For us, the hubs will be all about improving our customer service and getting closer to those customers who are geographically further away from us. “TOUCH gives us the perfect way to achieve that, so we’re really pleased that the products will be available just at the point when the hubs are being rolled out. “We know we can rely on Business Micros to support us in the implementation. They have always been easy to deal with, really listening to what we need and adapting their products and service in response. I’m very confident that, thanks to TOUCH, our partnership is set to go from strength to strength.” More info at: www.bm-touch.co.uk and www.iceniwindows.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Putting Colour
In The Frame
Senior Architectural Systems is encouraging specifiers to consider the use of colour in fenestration design and how the use of powder coating can not only help reduce maintenance requirements, but also offer essential design flexibility in the age of social distancing. Senior’s full range of aluminium fenestration products are available in a choice of colours and finishes, all via the manufacturer’s state of the art inhouse powder coating facility. As well as providing standard RAL colours, the company’s high-quality colour matching service also enables bespoke shades to be created. The aluminium frames can be painted in a wide choice of single or dual colour options, with the ability to coat in different colour on both the interior and exterior frame. The design flexibility this offers is proving particularly popular with architects and designers who are looking at new ideas to
define different entry points in a room and help people navigate the ‘one way’ systems that are becoming a common feature in many commercial settings as a response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak. The use of colourful fenestration has long been recognised as an important part of wayfinding and can be particularly effective when specified in healthcare buildings, care homes, and other facilities which provide support for people living with dementia. The use of coloured door, window and curtain wall frames
can not only complement the wider interior design scheme but can also help to create a strong visual identity for different areas and provide clear cues to help with orientation. As well as enhancing the appearance of fenestration systems, Senior’s powder-coating offering also includes a number of high-performance finishes that help to boost the already impressive durability and strength of aluminium by giving greater protection from weathering and corrosion. Specifiers can choose from standard matt, satin or gloss finishes or for a traditional metallic look, anodised and mill finishes are also available. In keeping with the latest architectural design trends, Senior is also able to provide guidance on the new generation of bespoke decorative and textured finishes, as well as specialist coatings such as those that offer anti-bacterial properties or higher resistance to exposure to UV light and humidity. By keeping its focus on services being in-house rather than out-sourced, Senior has been able to improve the efficiency of its powder coating service in more ways than one. Significant investment in the paint line machinery, fuelled by the company’s long-term commitment to sustainable manufacturing techniques, has helped to dramatically reduce the amount of waste product sent to landfill. All other by-products from the coating process are also separated, cleaned and recycled. As well as operational efficiency, Senior has identified ways to reduce the potential risks associated with powder coating in terms of cost and delays to the construction programme by offering a reliable and quick turnaround. Senior also offers nationwide delivery and a 25-year warranty on all standard coatings. https://bit.ly/33SYb0a WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 51
MACHINERY
A Bespoke Solution From Haffner Murat Leading machinery specialists, Haffner Murat have reported a significant upturn in enquiries from PVC-U and aluminium fabricators interested in using automation in the new normal. Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner Murat, said: ”We are a reliable and experienced machinery partner for businesses interested in automation. We have a wide range of CNC machining centres and we work closely with our customers to ensure they get the solutions their business needs. This even extends to developing bespoke machine solutions if required.” Haffner Murat offers an impressive range of 25 CNC machining centres, covering both PVC-U and aluminium fabrication and with options for businesses of all sizes. As well as off-the-shelf machines, the company also offers bespoke 52 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
solutions, which can be designed and built within 12 to 16 weeks depending on the complexity of the machine.
Dave comments: “We always put our customers first by providing free, impartial consultancy as standard practice. We listen closely to their requirements and use our engineering expertise to recommend the solution that will give them what they need, whether that’s a standard or a bespoke machine option. Our high level of repeat business is evidence that people trust and value our input.”
Italmac aluminium fabrication machinery, which both have international reputations for quality machinery that combines the latest technology with skilled engineering protocols.
Dave concludes: “Automation is an excellent solution for operating in the ‘new normal’. It gives fabricators the ability to do more with less because one machine can do the work of several people. It provides a solution for having the minimum number of people needed on site – while still being able to operate productively and profitably and allows production to scale up or down depending Haffner Murat is the sole UK on production levels. And by agent of Haffner and Murat Ma- working with us, you’ll get the chinery, which designs innovamachine you need to take your tive and high-quality engineered business forward so you can products at some of the most survive and thrive.” competitive industry prices. It is also the agents for FOM and www.haffnermurat.com
MACHINERY
H&H Adds An Emmegi
Ace Card To Its Deck other ace card in our deck!”
H&H had never bought from Emmegi before and the team had no preconceived expectations, beyond the fact that the machine design and quality would be good. However, what has particularly impressed H&H has been the customer experience from Emmegi, which Alan was keen to point out has been outstanding throughout. He added: “The entire buying journey was excellent – from the first contact right through to the commissioning.
The Comet X6HP being delivered at H&H Architectural Systems.
H&H Architectural Systems in Rowley Regis has become the first fabricator in the UK to have a brand new Emmegi Comet X6HP machining centre installed. The new model variant features a single work area for machining bars up to 7m long without having to move the profile and a pendular mode which allows for two independent work areas if required. It is a large scale 4-axis CNC machine designed to maximise volumes and optimise efficiency. The two work areas and two supplementary axes to position the vices and reference stops mean that fabricators can potentially work on four separate pieces at the same time, while the 7m makes it ideal for fabricators producing curtain walling. H&H, which designs, manufac-
tures and installs bespoke aluminium features and fabrications for commercial clients across the UK, chose the Comet X6HP to replace a much smaller, less capable machine from a different manufacturer as it prepares for the next stage in an ambitious expansion programme. Managing Director Alan Hilsdon explained: “We were looking for a machine which would allow us to increase output in line with our planned growth, without increasing our manpower. We liked the fact that the Comet X6HP was a brand-new model with all the features we wanted and at a price which we knew we would give us a quantifiable payback.” “We’re really delighted to be the first fabricator in the UK to have this superb machine installed in our factory – it’s nice to have an-
“The Emmegi team took the time to understand exactly what we needed from our machine in terms of features and output before recommending the X6HP model as the ideal solution. They kept us informed throughout and the installation and commissioning were smooth and straightforward. We cannot fault the service and professionalism.” Ian Latimer, Emmegi’s Managing Director says that the launch of the X6HP is typical of Emmegi’s approach to customisation – continually improving its core product range to add useful new features. He says: “The Comet range is already hugely popular but Emmegi never rests on its laurels and is always looking to push further advancements and be first with the latest innovations. “H&H is the first fabricator to have the X6HP installed but we are already seeing further enquiries from other companies looking to upgrade to the very latest model.” More details at: www.emmegi.com and www.warleyholdings.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 53
MACHINERY
Weatherbreak Windows
Invests In Second Kombimatec Machining Centre Luton based fabricator, WeatherBreak Windows, has responded to a marked increase in demand for its high-quality aluminium product range, with the addition of a new AMC308 machining centre from Kombimatec.
Installed at the end of August, WeatherBreak’s new AMC308 machining centre is the second machine of its type to be ordered from Kombimatec and has been introduced to bolster the aluminium window and door line at the manufacturer’s state of the art 30,000ft2 facility. Featuring CNC control with a colour touch screen display, WeatherBreak opted for the 3m version of the 3-axis AMC308, which is suitable for both aluminium and PVC profile. Integrating 54 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
an auto rotating work bench and an automatic multi-tool change cabinet, the AMC308 also combines a 5HP motor spindle, a quick change ISO30 tool system, electronic variable speed control, pneumatic rotating of the work piece through 90-0-90 degrees with adjustment for intermediate angles – plus a host additional of features that result in a highly capable, cost effective and easy to use machine.
uptake in demand across our aluminium range, and the Kombimatec AMC308 has proven to be a real asset to our production facility. It’s really easy to operate, it’s reliable and it does everything we want it to do, but without the excessive cost of other machines on the market. “Kombimatec is based just 5-miles from us”, continued Peter. “The quality of service we’ve received from David Parsons and his team has been excellent, and we’ve been extremely happy with the investment we’ve made in both our AMC308 machining centres,” he concluded.
“For the future, we are expecting demand for aluminium to Peter Hedges, WeatherBreak’s continue to rise. I would have no managing director, commented: hesitation in purchasing more “We manufacture a full range of machinery from Kombimatec to Smarts aluminium products, from ensure that our production facility Alitherm casements – including is properly equipped to continue Alitherm Heritage – to the Visofold to deliver the high level of quality sliding/folding and bi-fold doors and service that our customers and curtain walling offering. have come to expect.” “We’ve experienced a significant
www.kombimatec.com
MACHINERY
Crystal Clear Group Opt For
Supercut 6
way to set up the factory, which was superb.” Martin Randall says, “We’ve been using separate machines for cutting and machining for decades. With the need to increase production also came the need to increase efficiency without sacrificing quality – and the Supercut delivers both. “With the Supercut 6, profiles are cut and cleaned in one motion, all with only one machine. It also moves all off-cuts into the waste basket for ease in recycling – which is paramount to our operations. “The fact we could have all this within a few short weeks was what really swung it for me – and the Avantek team have been so easy to deal with.”
Established in 1988, the Crystal Clear Group has always had a focus on providing commercial and trade customers with top of the line, high-quality PVCu fenestration products. In August 2020, in the midst of months of unprecedented demand in the industry following lockdown for the COVID-19 pandemic, Crystal Clear’s CEO Martin Randall decided it was time to upgrade his fabrication machinery. He was looking for something which would not only enhance his operational efficiency but also provide consistent quality across all products. His choice: the Supercut 6 Cutting and Machining Centre from Avantek Machinery. Having scoured the marketplace to assess what was available, Martin didn’t want to wait. Avantek Machinery’s reputation for investing in stock of machinery meant the team could
supply Crystal Clear Group with a brand new Supercut within days, giving his business the production capability it needed. Within 24 hours of the decision, three Avantek team members made their way to Hertfordshire to visit Crystal Clear Group to meet with the team and to prepare the factory for the arrival of the 23-metre-long Supercut 6. Crystal Clear’s Operations Director Tim Goldspink commented, “The planning process was key. Two automated saws had to be moved out of production whilst installing the Supercut around the factory’s existing layout – and with such a large machine, we had to make sure it was installed safely. “Dave Fox, Avantek’s Supercut Manager, delivered a CAD drawing of our facility and showed us the most efficient
The Supercut 6 was delivered two weeks after Martin’s initial telephone call to Avantek and will take just four weeks to set up from start to finish – including working with software companies and training staff to run it. Martin continues: “The Supercut replaces almost a dozen smaller, less efficient machines in our facility. It delivers the consistently excellent results that we expect and are known for. It will also allow us to streamline our operations, and further increase our productivity by up to 1300 frames per week. “We’re excited about the future and the move to invest in the Supercut 6 now will help us to manage the unprecedented demand we’ve consistently seen over the last few months.” www.crystal-direct.co.uk https://bit.ly/3dlhJ05 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 55
ON SITE
Benefits For All
SageGlass® technology provides employees with maximum comfort and a state-of-the-art working environment.
area. From the 14th to 19th century, people turned their attention to building ships. 200 years later, modern sectors have replaced these longstanding sources of income in the port city. Tombola was founded in Sunderland in 2006. The family-run company develops and markets extremely successful online games and now has four branches worldwide. In 2018, to meet the demand for an innovative, high-tech employer, a new headquarters was designed and built by Ryder Architecture. The building, awarded a prize by the Architects’ Journal, is situated in Low Street in the centre of Sunderland, on the southern bank of the Wear.
Sunderland, located at the mouth of the River Wear in the North East, was originally established as a result of the coal and salt trade in the
The main feature of the new building is its trio of roof pitches that merge seamlessly with the longer sides of the red brick outer shell.
© James Newton. A central, open stairwell links the three floors and allows visual contact across all the levels.
Low Street in Sunderland was once a place where goods were warehoused and ships were built. Today, the young professionals here dream up online games for the company Tombola. The design of the new headquarters embraces the historic industrial architecture of the local area, while the use of 56 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
© James Newton. The glazed facade on the eastern side is the “face” of the new Tombola headquarters. In the evening, the glass loses its reflective effect and the inner levels of the building emit a uniform glow of warm light.
ON SITE To contrast this, the fully glazed facade on the eastern side forms the “face” of the building and opens up the view of the nearby port. A central, open stairwell links the three floors and allows visual contact across all the levels. The wide, single-flight stairway provides space for meeting others and the seating areas in the middle section invite people to linger. In the evening, the spatial transparency also becomes apparent from outside the building as the front facade loses its reflective effect and the inner levels of the building emit a uniform glow of warm light. As one of the leading companies in the gaming industry, it was extremely important for the client to create an attractive, contemporary working environment. This can be seen in the open-plan office and communication spaces. The user comfort and climate design also needed to meet the latest standards. As most of the company’s staff work on a computer, it was essential to control glare at their workstations. Everyone agreed that the striking appearance of the pitched roofs and glass facade should not be diminished in any way by internal or external shading systems. After extensive research, the team of architects discovered SageGlass. The dynamic electrochromic glass not only met the clients’ ambitions for the building aesthetically and functionally, it also provides major performance benefits such as lower HVAC costs and improved individual comfort. A total of 9,365 square feet of SageGlass Climaplus Gray was therefore installed at the new Tombola headquarters. SageGlass automatically tints in response to the position of the sun, meaning that it can precisely meet the needs of the building’s users. The smart glass also reduces operating costs, as it allows comprehensive control of the heat and light entering the building. www.sageglass.com
Spectus Flush Casement Windows Revamp A 16th Century Building
Spectus flush casement windows have been used in a 16th century building near Chelmsford, Essex. The Pig and Whistle has a long history as a public house but got converted in 2013 to a popular local restaurant. The replacement windows were undertaken by local domestic installation company, Chignal Windows Ltd who are based near Chelmsford. Kevin Lovett, Managing Director of Chignal Windows, said: “The Spectus flush casement windows were chosen to replace the property’s ageing timber frames. The heritage importance of this building was fundamental and the windows needed to sympathetically reflect the style and aesthetics of the originals. I knew the Spectus flush casement was the perfect choice for this high-profile job as the windows would enhance the character of the building and offer modern day thermal efficiency too.” All windows at the front of The Pig and Whistle needed to be replaced and where fitted with white flush casements with Georgian bar
detailing and monkey-tail handles. Due to the build of the original window aperture, the windows had to be fitted from the outside. Kevin explains: “The original windows had been screw-fixed into large timber fronts within the aperture. As such, we needed to reverse the lugs on the windows and fit from the outside to ensure a perfect, clean fit was achieved.” The flush casement windows were manufactured by Chignal Windows’ fabrication partner and longstanding Spectus fabricator, Universal Trade Frames. Universal Trade Frames manufactured the flush casement windows using specially designed hardware that gives the added benefit of a night vent facility and the option of a French casement opening. Karla Greenhalgh, Area Sales Manager at Universal Trade Frames, said: “The flush casement window is a popular window choice and enhances both heritage and new build properties. We were delighted to have worked with Chignal Windows on this heritage project and the finished result is superb.” www.spectus.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 57
MARKETING
Kawneer’s Curtain Wall, Window And Door Products Feature On University
House At The University Of Birmingham. Architectural glazing systems by leading UK manufacturer Kawneer were specifically selected for a £18.5 million extension to the UK’s oldest business school for their ability to meet the building’s design aesthetic and high-performance requirements. Multiple Kawneer products, including two curtain wall systems, two door products and three window variations, were used by main contractor Morgan Sindall Construction for the University House project, a gateway to the University of Birmingham’s city centre campus. The University House building is steeped in history and heritage as it was originally established as the School of Commerce in 1902. The Grade II listed Busi58 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
ness School building was formerly the first halls of residence for female students and was converted to its current use in the 1960s. The new 3,000m2 extension features Kawneer’s AA®110 and AA®100 mullion-drained curtain wall systems with capped and capless mullions as well as AA®100 zone-drained fully-capped curtain wall. The AA®100 system, with 50mm sightlines, was used in all areas with the exception of two full-height curtain wall screens which featured on the building’s ‘social space’ characteristic that utilised the AA®110 system with 65mm sightlines. In addition, Kawneer’s series 350 and AA®720 HI thermal-
ly-superior entrance doors were used alongside AA®720 HI windows as fixed lights, side-hung open-in inserts and electrically-operated bottom-hung openin inserts. Glancy Nicholls Architects were appointed to design a building that provided a cellular and multi-occupancy space for the school’s academic staff, with student break-out spaces along with refurbished professional services, staff offices and enhanced café and catering facilities. There were a number of challenges on site with available space as it was situated adjacent to the original building, surrounded on two sides by heavy perimeter landscaping/
MARKETING
Fentrade Delivers On Colourful
Tool Hire Project
trees and bordered by a formal lawn. Glancy Nicholls designed and developed a series of offices located around a central atrium space, with connections back into the existing building at ground and first-floor levels.
sub-contractor and Kawneer dealer Duplus Architectural Systems.
Glancy Nicholls director Simon Jesson said: “The Kawneer systems were selected by the sub-contractor to meet the stringent thermal performance requirements along with the high-quality detailing required by the planners.
Simon Jesson added: “Planning sensitivities were considerable with the massing of the building required to be sited adjacent to the listed building without dominating the elevation, but being contemporary with high-quality materials, in this case multi bricks and an Indiana limestone cladding system, complemented by the anodised bronze high-performance windows.
“To maximise the daylighting the elevation incorporated large windows but also required user control of the ventilation as well as glare control. The system was able to provide the aesthetic requirements for incorporating silicone jointing to minimise the impact of the frame on the proportions of the windows.
“The south elevation was a considerable challenge, with projecting bay windows that allowed daylight and a view of the formal lawn but were screened to adjacent landowners. The triple-glazed glass-to-glass corner projecting past the line of the cladding was a key design feature.”
“The relationship to the brickwork cladding, the stone and the glass-to-glass corners on the bay windows was managed efficiently with the necessary trims and recessed details to maintain a clean-looking façade.”
He concluded: “The client is really pleased by the overall look and feel of the building. The elevations are a contemporary aesthetic which complement the existing listed building.”
The Kawneer glazing systems were installed by specialist
For more information on Kawneer products and how they can help benefit your next project please visit www.kawneer.co.uk
Trade fabricator, Fentrade Aluminium recently manufactured and supplied a commercial shopfront system for a colourful refurbishment project for a specialist tool hire company based in Bristol, Avon. Working with installer Crystal Clear of Bristol, one of Fentrade’s established trade customers, the specialist tool hire company were particular on the choice of colour. As such the shop front was manufactured in RAL2004 Pure Orange in a matt finish to complement the company’s corporate branding. Furthermore, the commercial shopfront and entrance door were specified to meet the needs of the retailer, and the option of an integrated corner post to form the right-hand return made the frames easier for the installers to fit. The new shopfront and entrance door were manufactured from Kestrel Aluminium Systems’ profiles. The system is perfect for applications in high traffic buildings and offers a modern design with minimal clean lines and is easy to install too. Chris Reeks, Director of Fentrade, said: “Replacing the shopfront in such a striking orange finish transformed the premises and is extremely eye-catching. This project was a great opportunity to once again demonstrate our ability to manufacture commercial shopfronts, and we were delighted with the results.” www.fentradealuminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 59
ON SITE
Senior’s Stadium Performances A hattrick of fenestration solutions from Senior Architectural Systems alongside a great team performance from supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd and Buckingham Group has played a key part in the delivery of two new football stadiums.
League Club and features a range of community leisure facilities including a flexible hub space for local businesses and partners. Also located adjacent to the new stadium complex are a number of retail and food outlets and a new cinema.
At the new LNER Community Stadium in York, Senior has provided a high-performance fenestration package comprising its SF52 slimline aluminium curtain walling, thermally-efficient SPW600 aluminium windows and SPW501 and SD commercial doors, all fabricated and installed by Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd. Designed by Holmes Miller Architects, the new landmark 8,000 all seater stadium will be home to York City Football Club and York City Knights Rugby
The versality of Senior’s product range enabled the project team to meet the various requirements for the building and its different users. The slim sightlines of the SF52 aluminium curtain wall systems maximise the use of natural light and create a striking external façade for the stadium, while the windows have been specified in a combination of manual side-opening casement style for easier cleaning and top hung windows with electric automatic opening
60 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
vents to provide natural ventilation. Senior’s automatic SD commercial doors provide touchless entry for the main entrance areas, with high performance SPW501 doors specified throughout. The flexibility offered by the SF52 aluminium curtain walling also enabled Senior and Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd to collaborate to develop a bespoke solution for the impressive façade of the new Brentford Stadium in West London. Installed to the main entrance, the system was modified to offer a 80mm sightline with a 29mm glazing rebate, complete with specially fabricated pressure plates and caps, and was integrated with Senior’s automatic SD aluminium commercial doors. Prior to installation on site, the bespoke curtain wall solution was subjected to stringent weather tests to ensure that the developed profiles and connections were suitable for use on the stadium. These tests were conducted successfully by the Elite team at the Vinci Technology Centre in Bedfordshire using a large sample curtain wall screen, with the modified SF52 system passing
ON SITE
first time without any issues. On the pitch side elevation, Senior’s standard SF52 system has been installed alongside the robust low U-value PURe® Commercial Door, which is Senior’s largest and strongest system to date. To complete the fenestration package, Senior’s SPW600 aluminium casement windows were installed and fabricated to include automatic opening vents.
F.H. Brundle Balcony Products Complete
Luxury Spa Development
Designed by AFL Architects and constructed by Buckingham Group, the new stadium for Brentford Football Club and London Irish rugby club boasts a capacity for some 17,250 spectators. The new stadium sits at the heart of the wider regeneration of the area and is bordered by a new public square, which comprises cafes, restaurants and shops, in addition to a residential development. As well as benefitting from the close collaborative relationships between Senior and its long-term supply chain partners Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd and Buckingham Group, the two new stadium contracts have also drawn on the company’s extensive experience of working in the sports and leisure sector. Previously completed projects include the delivery of the full fenestration package for the training ground at Fleetwood Town Football Club in Lancashire as well as work on two Hilton Garden Inn hotel schemes, one of which overlooks the Lancashire County Cricket Club ground at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford and another which is located at Doncaster Racecourse. To find out more about Senior Architectural Systems’ extensive range of aluminium fenestration products or to discuss your next project with the company’s experienced team of architectural advisors, please visit seniorarchitecturalsystems.co.uk www.elitesystems.co.uk
Quality F.H Brundle hardware products have provided the finishing touch to a stunning multimillion-pound development.
an issue with the building’s glass balconies – specifically concerning how they’d install glass or railing systems.
A luxury spa was added to the existing buildings of The Olde Belle hotel and restaurant in Retford, Nottinghamshire, including a unique and impressive indoor-to-outdoor vitality pool.
“We were quickly able to visit the site, advise the client on the best course of action, and deliver a complete solution in a very short period – supplying 25m of stainless steel tube and 30 square metres of toughened laminated glass alongside the spigots, stiffeners and fixings.”
The project’s managers called on Brundle’s decades of expertise to provide an array of quality glass spigots and glass stiffeners. “This was a challenging but extremely rewarding project for us,” comments Brundle National Field Sales Manager Trevor Wines. “We loved working on such a fantastic, modern building, and seeing our input have a real impact on the finished design. “We were first approached quite late in the process, when the project managers encountered
F.H. Brundle supplies an extensive range of glass spigots for balconies and balustrades for walkways. The company’s user-friendly TiltLoc™ Spigot system can be quickly hand-adjusted from one side, levelled by hand, then secured into position by just one person. It also offers Spig-Lite Pro, which, with only 2 spigots per metre, is claimed as one of the fastest to install on the market. www.fhbrundle.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 61
ON SITE
Spectus Elite 70 Windows Specified For Exceptional
Affordable Housing Scheme 483 Spectus Elite 70 windows were specified and installed in the development of 47 affordable homes built into the fabric of Edinburgh’s historic Edmonstone walled garden.
the project was Spectus Approved Window Contractor Walker Profiles Ltd, a leading manufacturer, supplier and installer based in Motherwell.
The development project has 16 cottage flats and 31 houses made up of one, two and three-bedroom properties. The design respects the existing wall and has seen the historic structure become an integral part of the fabric of the new homes.
The 483 windows were manufacture from the Elite 70 system from Spectus Window Systems. As a complete product system, Elite 70 had all the credentials required, not least because it could deliver the reversible, tilt and turn and casement windows the project required and maintain a streamlined, seamless appearance throughout. The windows were manufactured in Anthracite Grey on White, to create an aluminium-like appearance on the exterior with an understated neutral interior.
With such a sensitive and renowned structure, the choice of contractors was critical. The window contractor selected for
Elite 70 is a formidable 70mm five chamber system for fully enclosed aluminium and/or steel reinforcement and it meets the requirements
The historic Edmonstone walled garden is the site of an ambitious £5 million housing development, which includes 47 affordable homes.
62 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
of BS EN 12608. In addition, it meets security requirements to PAS24:2016, which was critical because the development was designed to meet the Secured by Design accreditation. The national police initiative encourages developers to create housing projects with security in mind, using landscaping that promotes natural surveillance, as well as high-performance windows and doors to help prevent break-ins. As with every heritage project, there were additional complications to factor in. The key challenge was to ensure the windows fitted perfectly into the historic wall structure. To achieve this, the Walker Profiles’ team worked closely with the building contractor to ensure the existing wall apertures were cut to fit the windows precisely. The new development has secured the future of the historic wall and it will remain for years to come as a nod towards the site’s rich history. The quality of the development has already attracted attention because it won Police Scotland’s Secured by Design Gold Award. www.spectus.co.uk
ON SITE
AluK Windows Installed
In Grade II Listed Mill The 58BW ST Heritage windows were judged to be a better match to the cast iron originals in the mill tower than the soft wood products which were being replaced, and they were accepted and approved by both the local conservation officer and the planning committee after a detailed reporting process.
Jeremy Wetherall, Managing Director of Tradeglaze, explained: “We were delighted to be entrusted with this unique project. It has taken over a year of careful consultation, surveying and planning, but our dedicated teams have once again delivered the perfect bespoke solution for our customer.” Designed primarily to replace steel windows, the 58BW ST profiles feature traditional square sections and sightlines of just 43mm in a fixed light. At Harby Mill, they were specified in RAL1015 Light Ivory finish and, for the 11 windows installed in the tower itself, with matching square glazing bars. All of the windows and doors feature 24mm double glazing which has transformed the energy efficiency of the property, as well as providing reassuring levels of security over the timber windows they replaced.
Grade II listed, Harby Mill on the borders of Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire was a working tower windmill right up until the 1930s. An iconic local landmark, it was built in 1877 to replace a wooden original. Once milling on the site ended though, the building lost its sails and gradually fell into a state of disrepair. That was until it was rescued 30 years ago and converted into a quirky and luxurious five-storey home. A two-storey extension was added in 2004 and, since then, the owners have continued the programme of restoration and renovation. The most recent additions are AluK 58BW Heritage aluminium windows and 58BD doors, which have been installed throughout, fabricated by AluK customer Tradeglaze (Lincoln) Ltd.
The homeowners themselves commented: “As for any owners of a listed property, finding the right company to take time to understand our requirements and provide a bespoke product and carefully tailored service was key. We considered other options, but the team at Tradeglaze have been terrific and their AluK Heritage windows, with an authentic look and excellent weather performance, were ideal for our property and for getting our planning permission approved. We are delighted, and the look and feel are exactly what we had hoped for.” AluK’s 58BW window system allows fabricators to manufacture a wide range of traditional and contemporary window designs and configurations using a core range of profiles and ancillaries. This makes it a hugely versatile and cost-effective option for specifiers and consumers. More details at: www.aluk.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 63
MARKETING might have forgotten to add to their basket – ultimately allowing DIYers and tradespeople to get to work more quickly and with less hassle. The intelligent new onsite personalisation solution combines innovative technology with CMO’s award-winning expertise to deliver tailored recommendations, offering a real benefit to customers. The success of onsite personalisation is a further boost to the rapidly-growing e-commerce company, which has also seen its market share increase this summer as more homeowners shifted to online purchasing, and demand for construction products rose thanks to a nationwide trend for DIY projects during lockdown.
Artificial Intelligence Investment Boosts Cmostores.Com Online builders’ merchant CMOStores.com is seeing superb results from its latest investment in improving customer experience on its six e-commerce sites, with recommended product purchases doubling since the company invested in a new onsite personalisation solution. In the six months since CMO partnered with artificial intelligence (AI) pioneer Peak, its onsite personalisation solution is driving twice as many transactions as the site’s original non-AI recommender tool. The solution, part of Peak’s Customer AI offering, creates hyper-personalised product recommendations at the point of sale across CMO’s web superstores. What’s more, over a fifth of all transactions on the sites have involved an interaction with the solution, proving that customers are using and benefiting from the new technology. It has also led to an 11 per cent increase in overall session values across the sites, and 64 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
a 6.5 per cent increase in overall session-to-transaction conversion rates. And in recognition of this success, the innovative AI solution has recently been shortlisted in both the ‘Best use of AI’ and ‘Best Specialist eCommerce’ categories at the annual eCommerce Awards. Like all of CMO’s innovations, the onsite personalisation solution was designed to improve customers’ experience when purchasing through the site by connecting them with products they are most likely to need, based on a customer’s purchase history and activity on the website. It was implemented after a rigorous A/B testing process, which allowed CMO to measure the potential impact of the new tech. As certain building or DIY projects require a particular suite of products, the solution can not only make the process of searching for the right products much simpler, it can also remind users of key associated products they
Commenting on the success of the new AI solution, Sue Packer, chief financial officer at CMOStores.com said: “As a business, we’re always searching for innovations that will help us to offer the right product to the right person at the right price – exactly when they need it, and our agile business model allows us to quickly adapt and implement new technologies to achieve this. Peak’s Customer AI solution has vastly improved our ability to connect customers with the products they need to complete their projects, and we’re very proud of the successes it has achieved so far.” Peak CEO and co-founder, Richard Potter, added: “We love to partner with like-minded businesses that value innovation, especially in online retail. CMOStores.com is a forward-thinking company looking to create an exceptional, personalised experience for its customers. We’re delighted they chose Peak and our AI System to enable this. Our system has increased sales and engagement rates, helping CMO to thrive at a time where consumers are increasingly prioritising e-commerce. In addition, to see such a rapid time-to-value amidst COVID-19 is exceptional.” https://www.cmostores.com
MARKETING
Morley Glass Launches
Bumper New Retail Brochure Morley Glass & Glazing has launched a new asset to give its customers another string to their bow, in the form of an updated brochure for its Uni-Blinds® product range. The 96-page brochure is ideal for retail showrooms and provides a wealth of information on the company’s popular ScreenLine integral blind systems. Within the brochure, you’ll find sections covering the different control options, colour choices and information regarding different glazing specifications, as well as an outline of the company’s sustainability and corporate social responsibility (CSR) credentials. Aluminium systems company exlabesa has released its new catalogue for 2020. Available to download from the company’s website, the catalogue is a comprehensive guide to the ever-growing exlabesa range.
The brochure features a variety of high-quality lifestyle images of the product in situ, as well as an insight into Morley’s own manufacturing processes along with background information on ScreenLine® manufacturer Pellini’s operations in Italy.
“Products are hugely important – and in the catalogue, new and existing customers alike can see for themselves the impressive selection of systems we have on offer. “But in our view, being a great systems company is about
Ian Short, managing director at Morley Glass & Glazing said: “Today’s market is more competitive than ever, and installers need a way of differentiating themselves. This new brochure is another fantastic tool to help our customers sell to end users and give them all the information they require in order to make an informed decision. The brochure is available in hard copy, pdf or as a flipbook on our website.” https://bit.ly/3iOVlNL
Exlabesa Releases New
Product Catalogue make multiple different products.
“We offer industry-leading turnarounds on single and dual colours – and fabricators can benefit from the vast choice of powder-coating, gloss, textured, matt and satin finishes in our Colours by exlabesa range.
In it, fabricators can read about the company’s selection of casements, tilt and turn windows, lift-and-slide doors, residential doors, patio doors, bifolds, shop fronts, curtain walling and more – all of which are extruded here in Britain. But as Sales Director Kevin Warner explains, the company wanted the catalogue to be about more than just products.
The retail brochure is the latest tool in Morley Glass & Glazing’s offer to help installers sell its Uni-Blind® sealed units with ScreenLine® integral blinds inside. The business also supports its customers with a range of point of sale materials including demo units and colour swatches and has even supported some installers with the creation of online virtual showrooms.
more than just the windows and doors themselves – and so we wanted it to also communicate the many other benefits of working with exlabesa. “Our systems are easy to fabricate. They allow customers to reduce their stockholding, thanks to sections and accessories that can be used to
“Customers can also call on us to support them in various other aspects of their business – including help with tooling, making U-Value and inertia calculations, and more. “Altogether, we think it makes us one of the best aluminium systems companies operating today.” To download the new catalogue, visit the exlabesa website here: https://bit.ly/2FmnvlA WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 65
MARKETING
Fireside Chat No. 2: Supporting New Build With ‘The Power Of Many’ Freefoam Building Products has announced the launch of the second in a series of videos with Commercial Director Colin St John, covering pertinent themes and current issues around the roofline industry. This latest video sees Colin talking about how Freefoam supply and support the new build sector through a variety of national and local expert suppliers. The video explains Freefoam’s approach to supporting new build customers, being flexible and adapting to the differing needs of a variety of house builders. Colin explains “Some builders want a national supply network while others want to work with specific local suppliers. What we’re trying to do 66 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
is link the three parts together, housebuilder, supplier and manufacturer” Future videos to be released
this Autumn include a look at the challenges for the supply chain and Freefoam’s consistent approach to supporting and helping its customers grow.
MARKETING
Hosting Pro Keeps Websites Working Hard
The Coronavirus crisis has turbocharged the digital economy, with internet browsing, social media use and online retail sales all hitting record levels during and after the lockdown.
Even as we all adjust to a new, socially distanced normal with greater freedoms punctuated by local or intermittent lockdowns, there is a growing recognition across the entire economy that there is no going back when it comes to the shift online. Across the whole of the fenestration industry, that means businesses are having to look more closely than ever before at their web presence to make sure that it is working as hard and as effectively as possible for them.
As one of the industry’s leading web designers, The Consultancy has been pulling out all the stops over recent months supporting clients with existing websites and developing sites for new customers who are trying to strengthen their online offering.
Working Wonders For Window Widgets Two years after it created the original Superhero website for Window Widgets, The Consultancy has worked wonders once again with the addition of a new Trade Counter search tool.
Visitors to the site can now just type in their postcode to see a full list of all their nearest stockists of Window Widget products, complete with contact details and opening hours. It’s all part of the ancillary specialist’s mission to make its website as useful and user-friendly as possible. The Consultancy designed, created and launched the tool within just a couple of weeks of receiving the request from Window Widgets, demonstrating
once again just how quickly it can deliver client projects. Sarah Hitchings, Sales and Marketing Director at Window Widgets, was impressed: “No sooner had I come up with the idea and discussed it with the team at The Consultancy, than it
One of the new initiatives introduced this month is a new hosting service which ensures that clients’ websites are always kept fully up to date. ‘Hosting Pro’ from The Consultancy enables both new and existing clients to pay a fixed monthly fee to ensure that their websites do not degrade after launch and are proactively maintained with everything from security patches to browser updates. Richie Thornton, Director at The Consultancy, says the company is responding to demand in a market where optimising the performance of websites and keeping them up to date has never been more important. He explains: “If you neglect maintenance and updates on your website, even on a new one, eventually the user experience will suffer. This new service helps our clients avoid that and gives them peace of mind that their website is always working as hard as it can.” www.theconsultancy.co.uk was designed, created and live on the website. It’s a great addition to the site and supports not only our customers but our stockists as well.” The Consultancy began working with Window Widgets in 2018 and have impressed them throughout with their technical and design expertise and vast amounts of industry knowledge and experience. Sarah Hitchings added: “What’s good about working with The Consultancy is that they know exactly what works for this market and how best to engage our audience online. They created our cloud based online ordering function last year as well, which has transformed the way we generate and process orders, and continues to get positive feedback from customers based on all the clever features which have been built in.” www.windowwidgets.co.uk WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 67
MARKETING
A Virtual 360 World For
The Residence Collection The Residence Collection have created a virtual 360-degree environment for their showroom, so that installation and manufacturing partners and even consumers can navigate and explore the product range, which includes R2, R7 and R9 luxury windows and doors. Developed in conjunction with Adverto Media, this new development has been created with cutting edge software and a 3D camera, so not only can you navigate through all the product displays, but at each point on the tour there is further information, links to videos and even Pinterest pins for each system. With the demands now increasing for remote selling, this new development allows for a complete product demonstration from the comfort of everyone’s home on mobile, tablet and desktop and is part of the safer working practices that the industry is now being faced with. 68 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: “People quite rightly see us as one of the most influential brands in the sector and the introduction of this new virtual 360 degree showroom technology will support all of our customer partners, as they look to find better ways to engage with potential customers remotely.
She continued: “We’re very much in the digital era now for the way in which our brands engage with consumers, as our impressive social media footprint shows across Facebook, Houzz, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. We have to find alternative ways of working and new technologies are certainly at the forefront of our minds, as is the welfare of everyone associated with The Residence Collection.” To see the 360-degree virtual tour visit https://bit.ly/2ZM1WSE www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk
MARKETING
Freefoam Support
Installers With Digital Tool Kit
Freefoam Building Products has released guidelines for PVC installers on how to get ahead with all things digital. As a consequence of the recent pandemic homeowners are spending more time at home and inevitably more time online, so having a visible online presence has never been more important. Freefoam have produced an Installer Digital Toolkit document with five easy ways for all home improvement companies to improve their digital footprint.
Created with busy installers in mind the document covers a wide range of quick and easy social media and online tips. It explains how to set up a business Face-
Finally the guide highlights how cladding is becoming a very popular search term online and encourages installation companies to promote cladding and cladding products on their own websites to capitalise on this interest. The document will be emailed directly to all installers, be included in newsletters and available to download from freefoam.com. Freefoam will also be posting a series of short informative animations on social media over the next few months to illustrate all parts of the guide.
book page, an essential and not to be confused with a personal Facebook page. It also covers how to create and use photo albums in Facebook to showcase work, explains the benefits of posting Instagram stories and ideas of what to post, and how to harness the power of Google to set up a Google Business Page.
Louise Sanderson, UK Marketing Manager explained “We want to make sure our Registered Installers have all the help they need, and giving them practical, easy to follow tools like this new document means they can feel confident about making the most of their social media accounts and website.” https://bit.ly/3nFx8NA
With Passion Comes Hope Emplas has stepped in to support a grass roots football team with a unique approach to youth development. Rising Hope FC which turns out senior, ladies, junior and veterans’ teams in the Northants Combination and Weetabix Youth Leagues, was named in memory of Lacey-Mae Hope Carley. The daughter of the club’s chairman, Graham, Lacey-Mae was born with a heart defect, and despite the best efforts of specialists, died aged only two-weeks old. The club is committed to working for the benefit of the wider community with a focus on not only the footballing ability of its junior members but also their broader development, struggled to find a sponsor for its under-10 team, Emplas stepping into the breach in the summer.
Graham, who is also a member of the Emplas team, said: “It’s been very difficult to attract sponsors this year. Companies have been less willing to agree sponsorships because of COVID-19. “We even thought about asking parents to contribute but not everyone can just dip their hand into their pocket for a £30 shirt.
“So Emplas’ support this year has been an absolute lifeline for the club and we’re hugely grateful to Ryan and the team for their support.” The deal means T&K Home Improvements, Emplas’ retail business, has become kit sponsor for the under 10s team for the 2020/21 season. WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 69
AWARDS
Victorian Sliders Announced As
Finalists In Three NFA 2020 Categories Victorian Sliders has been named as finalists in three categories at this year’s National Fenestration Awards.
Once again, the company has been nominated for Vertical Sliding Window Company, PVC Company, and Fabricator/Manufacturer. Launched in 2013, and now into its eighth campaign, the NFA’s aim to be the fairest, most inclusive fenestration event, rewarding the very best the sector has to offer. Winners are decided by the votes of thousands of installers, fabricators, and others throughout the sector, meaning winning 70 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
an award is a much sought-after achievement. Victorian Sliders’ Group Managing Director Andy Jones comments: “We are extremely happy to have been shortlisted in three great categories at the NFA’s. “Victorian Sliders has come so far in the past 15 years, and we wouldn’t be where we are today without the support of our loyal customers. “It was fantastic to win the NFA for Vertical Sliding Window Company last year and being a finalist again is a great acknowledgement of just how much the Victorian Sliders team have achieved.
“We would like to encourage all our customers, and anyone who works in the fenestration sector, to vote for us again in 2020. It would be an honour to win, and we wish all the other finalists the best of luck.” To place your vote, visit www. fenestrationawards.co.uk/ nfa2020. Voting closes on Tuesday 24th November at 10pm. Based in South Wales, Victorian Sliders started up in 2005 and is now Europe’s largest specialist manufacturers of PVC-u vertical sliding sash windows. For more information visit: www.victoriansliders.co.uk
AWARDS
Mercury Named As Finalist NFA’s
Specialist fabricator, Mercury Glazing Supplies, has been named a finalist in the category of Vertical Sliding Window Company at the National Fenestration Awards, 2020. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury Glazing said: “We are delighted to have been nominated for this award and would like to thank everyone who has voted for us. It means so much to everyone at Mercury.” Since 2002, Gloucester-based Mercury has been manufacturing a range of quality vertical sliders and the business has grown to become one of the UK’s largest specialist VS fabricators. The 50-strong team manufactures a range of standard and mechanically jointed vertical sliding windows for trade, retail, new build
Steve said: “While 2020 has not been without its challenges, we are well ahead of our growth strategy and have commissioned a second new factory, made a considerable six-figure investment in additional automation machinery to allow us to scale up quickly and have attracted various high-profile appointments too. To win this award would mean so much to everyone at Mercury at this time.” Now in its eighth year, the National Fenestration Awards have become a popular event in the industry’s calendar. The voting closes on 24th November and winners will be announced at the new FenEx Doors, Windows and Hardware exhibition which starts on Friday 27th November, 2020.
and commercial projects. The authenticity of their products has resulted in their windows being fitted in some prestigious and sympathetic heritigatge refurbishment projects too.
Steve concludes: “We are delighted to have been shortlisted and would like to wish all finalists the best of luck.” For more information, visit https://bit.ly/30WWMDC
Finalist Status For Leka
Systems Conservatory roof innovators, Leka Systems, has been confirmed as a finalist at this year’s National Fenestration Awards in the category of Conservatory Roof Manufacturer. Rhys Hoddinott, Director of Leka Systems, said: “The Leka team are delighted to have been shortlisted for this award. This nomination celebrates the dedication and innovation behind our roofing systems and the fact the industry has nominated us, makes it very special.” Launched in 2013, the all-inclusive fenestration event rewards the very best in the sector and
exacting innovative methods, highly technical design protocols and continued product development to create superior conservatory roof solutions that add value to fabricators and installers portfolios.
is voted by the participation of the industry. Leka Systems have been capturing headlines since their conservatory roofs were introduced to the market five years ago. The company says all products have been engineered through
The range of Leka roof solutions covers all conservatory roof options and include the patented lightweight Leka Warm roof which is perfect for retrofitting or new build conservatories, the Leka Orangery system and the Leka Xi modular building solution. They have recently introduced Roof Glass Units, which delivers a skylight solution and is another ideal upsell proposition for fabricators and installers. https://bit.ly/30WWMDC WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020 71
CHARITY
Help Spread A Little Hope This Christmas With GM Fundraising
GM Fundraising is bringing some much-needed Christmas cheer to the industry with the launch of its popular 2020 Christmas card. After such a tumultuous year, the beautifully designed Christmas card allows the industry to spread a little hope to customers, suppliers and friends as well as raising some much-needed money for Hope House Children’s Hospices.
Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising, explains: “We know the festive season will soon be upon us and the children at Hope House have been busy creating our annual Christmas card. Every year we commission a beautifully designed Christmas card and this year’s card has been a collaborative effort from Oliver and the other children at Hope House, which is very special.” 72 WINDOW NEWS OCTOBER 2020
Since it was established in 1995, GM Fundraising has raised almost £2 million for Hope House Children’s Hospices, but 2020 has been a challenging year for the charity. Gary said: “Never before has the support been so vital to Hope House with all our charity and fundraising events having to be postponed or cancelled due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Over 95% of Hope House’s annual operating costs are met through charitable donations and they have been faced with additional challenges due to the pandemic. All face-to- face nursing now requires the use of full PPE, and the average cost per day has risen to £78.00 per child. We are hoping that the sales of the Christmas cards will help support them at this time.”
The Christmas cards are available in quantities over 50, and are overprinted with your company logo and personal message. The cards cost £1.20 each, plus postage and packaging and can be ordered direct by emailing Alan Sadler at alan@gmfundraising. co.uk or by visiting www.gmfundraising.co.uk Gary concludes: “Every penny raised in the sale of the Christmas cards goes directly to Hope House. We are grateful for the support from the industry and we hope the sales of this year’s Christmas cards helps spread a little hope and festive cheer at this time.” All Christmas card orders need to be received by Alan no later than Monday 30th November, 2020.
Take a different view in 2020
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* Any size white PVC-U window to a maximum width 1300mm by a maximum height 2400mm includes white hardware as standard, excludes curved, Foiled or sprayed colours and georgian bars/astragel bars. All prices exclude VAT & Delivery. Over sized windows are available at extra cost. (Maximum size 1600mm x 3000mm) E&OE.
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