Window News March 2018

Customade Group Strides Ahead 6

New ‘Inspiration’ Website For Ultraframe 62

Brisant Award For Outstanding At The OSPAS 71 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 1

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TRADE NEWS 4

NEWS PEOPLE 30 W INDOW INDUSTRY DIRECTORY DEAR GERALD 26

PRODUCT NEWS 34

WINDOW

MACHINERY 48

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ON-SITE 50 THE LATEST INDUSTRY NEWS INTERNET 60

MARKETING 66

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AWARDS 68 EVENTS 72

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CHARITY 74

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TRADE NEWS extruder in a new twin-screw extrusion line, mezzanine floor and the construction of a new tooling design workshop and servicing facility.

Euroseal’s fifth twin screw line – and with a further four single screw lines, it’s ninth in total – the investment gives Euroseal a high level of service and product flexibility.

Euroseal Starts The New Year With £2m

Of New Orders

Specialist extruder, Euroseal has reported that it has won two new major orders, worth more than £2million combined.

He said: “Winning two very substantial contracts right at the beginning of the year, puts us in very good stead right at the 4 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

It has also built on its established partnerships with global tooling and extrusion machinery manufacturers to include an in-house tool design service – also offering financial support for customers to invest in tooling on larger volume projects.

Byers explained: “We’re seeing a lot of peaks and troughs in the market at present. That clearly presents a number of challenges for us or anyone else.

With one of the UK’s most technically advanced extrusion facilities, Euroseal has extensive experience in the manufacture of a diverse range of thermoplastic extrusions, including rigid profile and co-extrusions in PVC, wood composite, HDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene and ABS. Winning two new undisclosed clients at the beginning of this year, Chris Byers, Managing Director Euroseal, said with a combined value of more than £2m, its new agreements represented a ‘very positive start’ to 2018.

With the flexibility to extrude profiles from 40g to 6kg per metre and 0.7mm to 10mm thick, this includes construction products including curtain walling pressure plates, conservatory and window profiles, and cladding.

It also manufactures electrical extrusions; automotive profiles; hygienic wall and ceiling profiles and garden decking.

outset.

“That in turn means that we have the confidence in the market to sustain our continuing programme of investment, switching on new lines, as well as expanding our operation to deliver increased capacity.”

This includes the six-figure investment made by the specialist

“Where we’re perhaps benefitting is that if you are at capacity or want to bring a new product to market as a systems company or building products specialist, those peaks and troughs make it difficult to justify that capital investment.

“And that’s really where we come in. We become an extension of their own operations, we work in partnership with our customers and to their processes and their own standards, giving them that capacity without the cost or the potential risks associated with major capital investment.” visit www.euroseal.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

Growth Decelerates In The Commercial Glazing Market As Commercial Construction Slows

AMA Research Ltd/Trade Estimates

as education and healthcare.

Increasing average prices are likely to be a characteristic of the market into the medium-term which will result in some value growth, but with the volume of commercial glazing opportunities likely to decline”.

Following good growth in 201516, the UK market for commercial glazing has been less buoyant in 2017 as the private commercial sector reacted to the climate of uncertainty surrounding the Brexit process.

This resulted in only marginal growth, at best, for 2017. The commercial glazing sector is particularly reliant on the offices and retail sectors which have both seen reductions in new order values in 2016-17 as expansion and investment plans for some organisations have been deferred. Current forecasts indicate that the market is likely to flatten in 2018-19, followed by modest annual growth rates of around 2- 3% to 2021.

Within the commercial glazing market, the largest segment by value is commercial windows, with an estimated share of 56%, followed by curtain wall and ground floor treatments, while roof glazing accounts for the smallest share. The level of demand for ground floor

treatments has been affected by structural changes within the retail sector towards online shopping and ‘click and collect’ services, whilst the trend for the grocery multiples to build ‘express’ type outlets has also affected the average value of contracts. In terms of frame materials, aluminium dominates but timber, PVCu, steel and composites all have reasonable shares and sector strengths.

Following the higher levels reached in 2016, the market is estimated to show marginal growth in 2017 with no real growth 2018-19. Trends follow those in key construction markets with office, retail and education construction forecast to weaken during this period.

Jane Tarver of AMA Research commented: “Commercial glazing suppliers will continue to derive gains from RMI particularly in those sectors showing lower annual growth in new construction work, such

Key to the medium-term prospects for the commercial glazing market in the UK are the levels of business confidence and investment, which remain uncertain at present and will depend on the outcome of the Brexit negotiation process. In addition, the strength of the private commercial sector construction output will be key, with some regions benefitting from a strong pipeline of work, eg London and the South East, but with other regions likely to be less buoyant.

The issue of pricing will also be affected the performance of Sterling on the foreign exchange markets since the UK is a significant importer of some glazing systems, as well as being a key market for leading non-UK based contractors.

The ‘Commercial Glazing Market Report – UK 2017-2021 Analysis’ report is published

by AMA Research. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 5

TRADE NEWS

Customade Group Strides Ahead

“The group has an enormous capacity for further growth and an appetite for improvement and I believe it will double in size to become a £200 million business within the next few years. We have some bold plans for the future and a team of 900 people to deliver our growth strategy. I’m very much looking forward to building on the scale and strength of the group to help it fulfil its potential.”

A substantial investment programme of £2.5 million across several manufacturing sites has significantly increased Customade Group’s capabilities and doubled production output. Three of the group’s nine sites in Livingston, Gloucester and Norwich have recently expanded to cater for increased demand across both PVCu and aluminium. With additional capacity and unrivalled purchasing power, the group has welcomed more than 500 new customers on board and will roll out a number of new products nationwide during the year.

Customade Group has rounded off a historic year since it merged with Polyframe and is on course to double its scale to become a £200 million business. Now comfortably the biggest fabricator in the UK, claims the company, with revenues of more than £100 million, the group is poised for an era of rapid growth with new group chief executive David Leng driving its ambitious plans.

David Leng, who was formerly Synseal Group’s chief executive officer, joined Customade Group in February. He is leading the next phase of development for 6 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

the business, which has invested £2.5 million in site developments, machinery and IT in the last 12 months.

He says: “It’s been a terrific first year for the group, which has made a string of major investments in the last year and affirmed its position as the industry’s largest fabricator. There have been many landmark achievements for the group with major investment, product development, top industry award wins and growing national presence to name just a few – and we’re now ready for the next exciting stage.

David adds: “We’re set to grow at phenomenal pace, but our ultimate goal is to be the best that we can be. Investing for the future is fundamental in maintaining our position at the forefront of the industry and this multi-site investment will ensure that customers are well placed to thrive in a competitive market.”

“The Group is forward thinking and quality driven and new product development is the natural next step for us. Our new innovations are all about anticipating the market and driving long-term growth for installers with a range of fenestration products, profiles, materials and price points that guarantee good margins. This year will be a big year for Customade Group and its customers and you can expect to see more exciting new developments coming soon.” www.customade.co.uk.

TRADE NEWS

Government

Commits £45M Of Funding To Kick-Start UK Housebuilding

Epwin Glass

Invests For The Future Epwin has consolidated its glass production facilities onto one site – Epwin Glass. Epwin Glass draws on the company’s 30 years of experience in glass manufacture as it continues to support some of the largest and most respected domestic and commercial window manufacturers and installers in the UK. Katrina Earl, Epwin Glass National Sales Manager, commented: “We are one of the leading manufacturers of insulated and energy-rated glass units for the window industry and we supply the trade, light commercial, new build and social housing sectors. As part of the consolidation and the creation of Epwin Glass we have invested in our production facilities to ensure they deliver the latest technological developments to our customers.”

Epwin Glass delivers the comprehensive suite of benefits that is only to be expected from an Epwin company.

There is a wide range of glass units for windows, doors and conservatories that spans the Epwin business product portfolio and includes decorative, noise insulation, safety and security, self-cleaning, solar

control and thermal insulation glass.

All products are manufactured in the UK in the production facilities in Northampton and comply with relevant legislation and window energy ratings (WERs) for complete peace of mind. Katrina said: “We work closely with our suppliers to ensure we always use the best quality materials to meet our customers’ specific requirements and consistently deliver the products they need.”

There is also the reassurance of an experienced workforce focused on meeting the individual needs of customers of all sizes and providing a reliable, scalable service.

Katrina commented: “We take pride in the service we give to our customers ensuring our relationships are built on quality, service, reliability and trust.”

The Epwin Group is renowned for its continual investment and innovation in new processes, products and services that meet market needs. It’s a reputation that will only be enhanced with the introduction of Epwin Glass, www.epwin-glass.co.uk.

Housing and Planning Minister, Dominic Raab has announced a £45 million cash injection into key community projects across the country, helping to facilitate the building of thousands of new homes.

The funding – allocated by the central government to help boost Britain’s housebuilding industry, will be distributed to 79 projects from Newcastle to Plymouth. The aim is to support local councils in completing the necessary infrastructure work to unlock viable council-owned land and the building of 7,280 new homes.

The investment into the Land Release Fund is designed to help local councils open up enough council-owned land to build 160,000 homes by the end of the decade and support the Government’s pledge of building on average 300,000 homes every year by the mid-2020s.

Projects already set to benefit from the funding include a site in Paignton, Devon where 200 homes are set to be built, in addition to a strategic council-owned site in Lancashire which will unlock over 300 homes.

For more information contact Insight Data hello@insightdata.co.uk.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 7

TRADE NEWS

Bennetts Celebrates Decade At Rosevale

Business Park

Aluminium glazing specialists Bennett Architectural are celebrating ten years at their premises at Rosevale Business Park.

The family owned and family run business has been around since 1960, previously residing at a unit on Parsonage Street in Tunstall.

Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented, “We’re delighted to be celebrating ten years at Rosevale Business Park.

“Moving to these premises has allowed us to expand our workforce and portfolio of work for various sectors. I’d also like to thank our dedicated workforce for making light work of so many technically challenging projects.”

In the ten years since moving to Rosevale Business Park, Bennett Architectural has taken on award winning projects for the Maggie’s Centre in Manchester, the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire and the expansion of Manchester City’s Etihad Stadium amongst others.

Also during this time Bennetts has raised nearly £10,000 for local charity The Donna Louise.

8 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Brexit No Barrier To Sales

Says Pioneer’s French Customer With Pioneer continuing to supply conservatories to a French home improvement specialist based near Paris at a rate of two articulated truck loads a month, Brexit will not present any barrier to sales, say both supplier and customer.

Sales of Pioneer’s ‘English Conservatories’ continue to grow to several International customers, including those located in countries as diverse as Japan and France and MD Danny Williams, a committed Brexit supporter, says that none of his customers see any issues with business continuing as usual after the March 2019 exit date for Britain to leave the EU: “If anything trade with Japan might even get easier but our French customer, who has been taking around 150 conservatories a year from us for the past 6 years, says that unless huge barriers are imposed, they don’t see why anything should change.”

The issue was discussed some time ago and was revisited again recently, the outspoken trade fabricator revealed: “Of course it was discussed with our French customer and our other mainland European customers when Brexit was first

voted for,” explained Danny.

“We addressed the issue again more recently, now that we are just a year away from leaving the EU. They tell us that unless ridiculous tariffs and physical barriers are imposed they see no reasons to change, which is exactly our position. Our customers are entirely pragmatic about the political situation, and our French customer especially is continuing to enjoy growing sales of our conservatories to their customers, who buy them in standard sizes and install them themselves.”

Danny has been vocal since the Brexit vote became clear, being especially critical of politicians’ handling of the negotiations for the terms under which Britain will leave the EU: “The inept way in which our politicians are handling the so-called negotiations is likely to have a far more damaging effect on business both at home and abroad, than anything leaving the EU is likely to have,” insists Danny. “In the meantime we continue to do very well with sales of windows and conservatories in various European countries as well as countries around the world.” pioneertradingcompany.co.uk

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TRADE NEWS

Record Growth For Ipswich Trade Frames With

REAL Aluminium

Ipswich Trade Frames has boosted its already well established PVCu installation business by introducing REAL Aluminium into the range of products it now offers. The decision to expand has paid off with the firm’s spend on aluminium predicted to show an incredible six-fold increase this year.

Jordan Shepherd, managing director of Ipswich Trade Frames, explains: “We’ve built up a very successful PVCu business but wanted to broaden our offering and make the most of rapidly rising demand for aluminium. Before working with REAL Aluminium, we had installed a few bi-fold doors but that was as far as we’d ventured into aluminium. With aluminium essentially unknown to us, we wanted to establish a partnership with a supplier that could provide the level of support, breadth of products and lead times we needed to take the leap with confidence and achieve volume growth.

“We were impressed with everything that REAL Aluminium 10 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

had to offer to help us replicate the success and growth we’ve achieved in PVCu. We now source a wide range of high quality products on super-fast lead times and we can turn quotes round quickly with the REAL window surveying and pricing software. We have plenty of guidance and advice and the REAL marketing and showroom materials have helped us create a professional image to attract new customers and win business.

“Our move to REAL Aluminium was very straightforward and we were up and running almost immediately. If I was to advise anyone thinking about moving into aluminium, I would say – don’t hesitate, just go for it!”

REAL Aluminium says it’s helping more installers like Ipswich Trade Frames to unlock the enormous potential of aluminium and benefit from the higher profit margins it brings by giving them all the tools they need to take their first steps into aluminium. Among the resources on offer to help them

make a smooth transition to REAL Aluminium are a comprehensive showroom and award-winning sales and marketing support package.

Ipswich Trade Frames has recently created a new purpose-built showroom which displays REAL Aluminium windows, bi-fold doors, patio doors, French doors and back doors. The firm has also invested in a number of REAL Aluminium support materials, including showroom banners, hardware boards, retail brochures and branded folders to aid its impressive growth.

As newcomers to REAL Aluminium, Jordan and two colleagues recently attended a REAL customer experience day, which all REAL installers are invited to attend. These informative monthly events have been proven to boost confidence and rapidly increase the number of aluminium sales for installers.

Jordan adds: “The REAL customer day was very worthwhile for us. We met the REAL Aluminium team, saw the factory and the products and learned more about the support that’s on hand to help us succeed. The experience gave us even greater confidence in the quality of the products and the scale of the company behind them. This year is going to be a terrific year of growth for us in aluminium and we know that however big we get, we have a supplier that can keep pace with our needs.”

Designed to make sourcing aluminium easy, REAL Aluminium claims to bring together a complete range of aluminium products, including windows, bi-folding doors, sliding doors, French doors, residential doors, flat rooflights and lantern roofs and an unmatched support package to help installers to promote and sell aluminium with ease. www.real-aluminium.co.uk.

TRADE NEWS range of glazing products across uPVC and aluminium, currently produces over 3,000 sealed units every week.

Astraseal And TGI®

Surpass 1 Million Metres Of Spacer Bar Trade and commercial fabricator Astraseal and spacer bar specialists Technoform Glass Insulation (TGI®) are celebrating a remarkable manufacturing achievement.

In less than five years, TGI has supplied Astraseal with over one million metres of warm edge spacer bar. If laid out flat in a straight line, the 1.2 million

metres would equate to approximately 750 miles in length – or from Astraseal’s HQ in Wellingborough, all the way to Venice.

Astraseal’s continued success has meant their orders of TGI®-Spacer have grown every single year, with an average yearon-year increase of 11%. The firm, which specialises in a full

“Our sealed unit manufacture makes up a vital and successful part of our business, allowing us to ensure a quality product and control our entire supply chain, delivering turnarounds that exceed customer expectations,” comments Colin Stanley, Operations Director at Astraseal.

“Reaching this milestone with our order quantities increasing year-on-year, shows not only how fast our IGU manufacture has grown but also the high regard our products and services are held in. We achieve this through constantly investing in our business to deliver a greater overall service for our customers. That includes investing in new machinery, greater facilities and high-specification components from incredible brands like TGI.” astraseal.co.uk

CORGI Fenestration Is One Year Old CORGI Fenestration is marking its first birthday.

It has been a very busy year – culminating last month with the launch of the CORGI Fenestration Installer Scheme (with self-certification) that has created immense interest in the industry.

The Installer Scheme combines the CORGI Fenestration quality mark with notifications across windows, doors and other fenestration products, including self-certification of replacement windows and doors. Then it adds a ‘TripAdvisor’ type consumer ratings function and recognition of the best qualified workforce.

It comprises the CORGI Fenestration quality mark, notification & self-certification, CORGI Fenestration RateYourInstallation™, the CORGI Fenestration Skills Card, a risked based inspection rate, and a commitment to customer care excellence.

For further information visit: www.corgifenestration.co.uk/trade/installer-service/

CORGI Fenestration claims to be the only quality mark in the glazing sector that recognises best practice along the whole supply chain, and across such a broad spectrum of products and services.

It allows those businesses that are committed to being the best to shout about this achievement to their trade customers and ultimately to the UK homeowner – by using the CORGI Fenestration brand, recognised by 74% of consumers*.

Every part of the supply chain can achieve CORGI Fenestration Registration – from system houses, fabricators, component and IGU manufacturers through to installers and repair and maintenance services. Both commercial and domestic building sectors are covered.

Registered companies show a commitment to trust, reliability, expertise and quality across company management, manufacturing, customer service, qualifications, the best qualified staff and their continuing professional development. www.corgifenestration.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 11

TRADE NEWS the system by name.”

“SupaLite systems have been instrumental in the growth of SolarFrame and affirming our position as the region’s trusted home improvement provider. We look forward to many more years of success as a SupaLite fabricator and installer.”

Designed for the retrofit and new-build markets, SupaLite rose to prominence by providing tradespeople with a reliable, solid tiled roof system for conservatories and orangeries.

Accredited by JHAI for Building Regulations Approval, a SupaLite tiled roof is claimed to be an easy to install, cost-effective solution that creates a useable space all-year-round with unrivalled thermal efficiency.

from L-R: Steve Hacking, operations director at SupaLite and Dave Whitehouse, sales director at SolarFrame.

SupaLite And SolarFrame

Extend Supplier Partnership SupaLite, manufacturers of tiled conservatory roof systems, are celebrating the signing of a new, long-term supplier agreement with Yorkshire-based conservatory specialists SolarFrame.

The new agreement extends a five-year partnership between the two firms which began when SolarFrame became the very first SupaLite fabricator in 2013.

Since then, the business has grown from strength to strength, and has firmly established itself as the region’s leading manufacturer of conservatories and replacement roofs for homeown12 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

ers and the trade.

“We’re really pleased to continue our successful partnership with SupaLite and continue offering their full range of tiled replacement roof systems,” comments Dave Whitehouse, Sales Director at SolarFrame. “We’ve been really impressed with SupaLite from day one and so have our trade and retail customers. Tiled roof sales now account for over 30% of our business with tradesmen enjoying the new, profitable route to market and homeowners recognising the quality and strength of the SupaLite brand, asking for

“We’re absolutely thrilled to extend our supplier partnership with the fantastic team at SolarFrame,” adds Steve Hacking, Operations Director at SupaLite.

“SolarFrame are a great example of a business which has got completely behind our product range and is now reaping the benefits. SolarFrame invested half-a-million pounds in what I believe to be the best show site in the country, creating a fantastic platform to showcase SupaLite to consumers and for their installer customers to take advantage of with their own clients.”

“We’re delighted to sign a longterm agreement with SolarFrame and look forward to continuing to work closely with the team over the coming years. SolarFrame are one of many recognised SupaLite fabricators across the UK benefitting from our revolutionary range of replacement roof systems.”

For more information call SupaLite visit www.supaliteroof.co.uk.

To learn more about SolarFrame visit www.solaframe.co.uk.

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TRADE NEWS

REHAU Sliding Door

Goes On Display At New ERA Showroom REHAU’s AGILA sliding door has gone on display at ERA’s brand new customer suite in Wolverhampton, to demonstrate the bespoke security hardware featured on the popular door system.

ERA’s custom-made hardware for the AGILA sliding door meets the requirements of PAS24 and includes security handles, a 12-point locking system and additional corner hooks for added security. ERA is so confident it’s the best on the market that the hardware comes with a Total Security Guarantee, giving customers a replacement door free of charge, plus £5,000 compensation should they suffer a break-in due to the failure of the hardware.

To showcase this market-leading hardware to ERA customers, an AGILA Sliding Door was fitted in the newly refurbished customer suite by REHAU Fabricator and Authorised Partner, Fenster Trade Frames. The AGILA Sliding Door now forms part of the ERA Home section of the showroom, where the latest products and innovations can be seen on actual doors and windows, allowing clients 14 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

AGILA sliding door in the ERA customer suite encourages others to follow our lead and improve the security specification of their patio doors to give customers absolute peace of mind.”

The new customer suite is part of a brand new purpose built premises for ERA, which opened on January 31st. The new layout, presentation and technology offers customers the chance to try out a product for themselves and there is a number of product displays and an interactive smartware wall to enable customers to get to grips with the entire ERA range.

to try the products out for themselves.

Clare Higgins, Product Manager from REHAU, said: “The ERA hardware and lifetime guarantee is a key selling point for our AGILA Sliding Door, and more and more REHAU customers are now choosing these large span sliding doors, confident that they meet the grade for style and security.

We hope that the inclusion of the

Darren Waters, CEO at ERA, said: “Our brand-new home is a great fit with our long-term business strategy and will help to differentiate our brand, both as an innovative supplier and as a responsible employer.

“The new site is home to our state-of-the-art research and product development hub, manufacturing and warehousing, as well as test and training facilities.

“In addition, our bespoke Customer Suite showcases the entire ERA Total Security portfolio.“ For more information visit rehau.uk/AGILA

TRADE NEWS

Further Heavy Investment In

Modern Machinery At Welglaze

Adrian Barraclough

Following its 2016 acquisition

by Audasi Holdings, Hertfordshire-based Welglaze continues to build on its future, having recently completed a major investment programme in new machinery at its Letchworth site.

Since relocating to the state of the art 12,000 square foot pro-

duction facility, the PVCU window and door fabricator has invested heavily in increasing both production quality and capacity, with a Heritage Machinery Package from Haffner Murat being the latest addition to the factory. This has doubled Welglaze’s capacity for mechanical-look flush casements, as group Chairman

Adrian Barraclough explains.

“Consumers today are looking for a window as close to authentic timber as possible, and the award-winning Deceuninck Flush Casement ticks most of the boxes; however they want the appearance to mimic the authentic straight butt joints of timber. Our investment in the Haffner Murat machinery allows us to weld the Deceunink flush window by milling the end of the profile, welding the corner joints together to give a butt joint finish on the outside of the profile.

This retains the strength and production efficiency of welding, but with the added aesthetics of a mechanically jointed window.”

Welglaze has been manufacturing and supplying high-quality windows, doors and glazed products nationwide for more than 40 years, with a specialism in Deceuninck flush casement windows, which form part of the timber look Heritage Range they offer.

Rising Demand For Atlas Lantern And New Special Offer

Atlas offers four stock lanterns in its regular range in sizes up to 2000 x 4000mm and five stock lanterns in its contemporary range in sizes up to 1500 x 3000mm. Stock lanterns are available on a five day turnaround and come in white, grey, black, grey on white, and black on white.

Atlas says rising sales of its roof lantern continue month on month. And now Atlas is offering more installers the chance to clinch an Atlas lantern sale with a special offer on its stock lantern range.

Gareth Thomas, sales director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, explains: “We’ve established a loyal following for the Atlas lantern and now, we’ve gone a step further to help even more installers to pick up an Atlas lantern at a highly competitive price.

Installers can now source any stock lantern in any stock colour at the same price as white, so there is no additional charge

whatever colour they choose.

So, if a homeowner has their heart set on grey, for instance, they can now have it for the same price as white. With enticing pricing and attractive lead times, it’s never been quicker, easier or more cost effective to get an amazing Atlas roof!”

According to the company, the Atlas lantern features the slimmest bars, cleanest lines and uncluttered detailing, whilst delivering superior thermal performance. Its engineering eliminates the need for bulky ridge detail, bosses and hoods to achieve the ultimate ‘MORE SKY LESS ROOF’. atlasroofsolutions.co.uk.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 15

TRADE NEWS

REHAU Reveals Its Sustainability Strategy

In Third Annual Report

because we don’t have printed copies anymore – but it also ensures we are in tune with the spirit of the times. Digitalisation is an increasingly important part of a business’ operations and it goes hand in hand with our push for improved sustainability.”

In the Sustainability report, REHAU states it will work towards saving 30 per cent of its electricity consumption by 2020, commits to reducing its water consumption by 40 per cent by 2020 and plans to continue reducing its carbon emissions (already down 26.5 per cent).

The report also details some of the innovative ways that REHAU is developing its products, including new polymer formulations and new high-quality, sustainable composite materials which could replace conventional materials such as glass and concrete in the future.

With around 100 new patent applications filed every year, REHAU is a determindly innovative company and the report aptly reflects its forward-thinking outlook.

REHAU has launched its third annual Sustainability report to introduce customers to its new ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy, which outlines how the business will achieve the ambitious goals it is setting to become more sustainable by 2020.

Available for the first time in a digital-only format, the Sustainability report is an interesting, easy-to-read overview of REHAU’s vision and values, as well as its entrepreneurial activities, ground-breaking pilot projects and resource-friendly technologies under development.

The decision to make this year’s Sustainability report available in digital format only reflects REHAU’s belief that sustainability and digitalisation are inseparable challenges for companies 16 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Dr Stefan Girschik, Deputy CEO, REHAU

operating in this time.

Dr Stefan Girschik, Deputy CEO at REHAU, said: “With an online only publication, we are not only saving natural resources –

Dr Stefan Girschik added: “As an innovative company REHAU is leading the way in sustainability, investing 10 per cent of our resources on the products of the future. We think holistically, act sustainably and invest so we can continue to create new solutions that add value to our customers, conserve resources and contribute to society.”

REHAU’s Sustainability report provides absolute transparency for customers who want to know how environmentally sound REHAU is, where its products come from and its plans for the future. You can find the report at sustainability. rehau.com

Ask an expert... we carry out technical support visits to help you take your business to the next level.

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Alan Welch | Technical Manager

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TRADE NEWS

Titon Is More Than Vents While Titon is well-known for it’s trickle ventilators, it has many more strings to its bow. Indeed, since being established in 1972, the company has always designed, manufactured and sold a huge range of window and door hardware – including handles, hinges and locking systems.

Since then, we have developed our facilities and portfolio to include items such as friction hinges, high security shootbolts and door cylinders. We can cater to a price sensitive market, across premium areas in window and door materials – including timber, PVCu and aluminium.”

The quality of the products available has resulted in Titon’s hardware being purchased and widely used over the years throughout the UK and the rest of the world, by housebuilders, local authorities, non-residential developers, social landlords and private individuals alike.

One of the flagship hardware products offered by Titon is the Asterion high security door cylinder.

This anti-intervention profile door cylinder is TS007 Kitemarked 3-Star by the BSI in accordance with the latest stringent industry requirements, as well as tested to BS EN 1303:2005. It also has Secured

by Design (SBD) status for providing resistance to criminal attack.

As a manufacturer, Titon has always invested heavily in research and development, enabling the company to use the latest technology to ensure its products remain both innovative and cost effective. Titon has even created AREA 24, its own specialist research, development and testing division, dedicated to ensuring hardware adheres to the lastest industry standards, such as PAS 24.

In addition to its own products, Titon also distributes hardware from renowned names such as Maco and Sobinco. However, the company is much more than just a warehouse holding other manufacturers’ products, as it still provides unrivalled support, thanks to a wealth of in-house technical knowledge and expertise.

Commenting on the plethora of hardware products available, Tyson Anderson, Sales and Marketing Director at Titon, said: “Although many people associate Titon with ventilation, our ability to produce window and door hardware dates back a long way, to when we first began manufacturing our own handles in the early 1970s.

18 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Then there is Titon’s extensive range of handles, espagnolettes, and hinge and locking systems.

These include the Select and Overture window handles which feature push button opening, self latching closure, refined ergonomics, easy operation to reduce wear and tear and a high quality finish, thanks to Titon’s rigorous quality assurance methods.

Furthermore, Titon’s range of espagnolettes and shoot bolts are easy to operate and simple to adjust. They provide added security over traditional window handle and keep closures and have been designed for easy fabrication with simple fixings.

There products are complemented by hinges and hinge systems, including tilt-and-turn options and fully reversible window gear.

For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of window & door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk

TRADE NEWS

New Support For Istallers

From Aluwood “AluWood has launched its authorised installer scheme to make it even easier for companies to sell aluclad windows and doors to homeowners and developers,” says Callum Grant, Commercial Director at AluWood.

AluWood aluclad windows and doors are perfect for extensions, refurbishments and new build properties, and is especially popular with self-builders and chosen for projects across the UK. It’s great for commercial projects too.

“We’re finding some homeowners want modern aluminium styling but a homely finish on the inside,” says Callum Grant, Commercial Director at AluWood. “Our aluclad

launched our AluWood authorised installer scheme.

“We support installers and fabricators with everything needed for domestic and commercial projects. Our expert technical team are on hand with advice.

The new scheme also offers marketing literature including the stunning retail brochure.”

The new scheme is designed to help installation companies tap into the lucrative £77 million a year market for aluclad timber window systems.

system offers a perfect combination of sleek modern aluminium on the outside but inside it has the warmth and natural feel of timber. As demand for aluclad timber windows and doors continues to increase, we have now

“Working together with fabricators, we can now offer AluWood’s aluclad timber window system across the UK,” adds Callum. “We believe that the launch of the new scheme will make it even easier for installation companies to add aluclad timber windows to the products they can offer.”

Window Tech Trade Is Exclusively Residence windows is limited in terms of financial returns. For us it’s just not a sustainable business model as a manufacturer and so we’re fully focused on doubling our capacity of The Residence Collection to 150 frames per week.’

Essex-based Window Tech Trade have ceased production of 400 standard PVCu window and door frames each week, to solely focus on the manufacture of The Residence Collection.

Having been faced with dwindling single digit net margins, Bob Wallis, managing director of Window Tech Trade has made the decision to outsource standard PVCu frames and turn to The Residence Collection in order to position his business for the long-term, with the potential of strong double-digit net margins and growth.

He said: ‘I believe the market for standard white

With relatively low capital outlay costs for the doubling of capacity and the benefit of single length profile and 4-pack bead ordering, there isn’t the issue of having too much cash and space tied up in stock for companies such as Window Tech Trade.

With a new marketing campaign and dedicated website at www.windowtech-residence.co.uk, Bob and his team are looking to build their Residence presence in the South East and surrounding areas in the months and years to come.

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: ‘Window Tech Trade are a perfect example of the mid-sized fabricator looking to get out of the low margin mass market. With our full backing, unique 3 in 1 system and impressive marketing programme, we’re looking forward to seeing them achieve their goal within the next 18 months.’ www.windowtech-residence.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 19

TRADE NEWS has already been fantastic.

One leading retail installer based in Cardiff told J3 that the windows were the best he has fitted in his whole career and, as a result, he has switched all of his business to J3.

Euroglaze

Wins Praise For Quality When a customer tells you that the windows you are supplying are the best manufactured they have seen in more than 20 years, then you know that you are probably dealing with the right fabricator.

Trade stockist J3 Windows, based in Aberdare, South Wales started buying Rehau frames from Euroglaze when it set up in October last year, and the feedback from installers, builders and developers to the product quality

Stuart Williams, one of the three experienced partners behind J3, explained: “We looked at several Rehau trade fabricators when we were starting up and Euroglaze were by far the most interested in our business. They made it clear that they wanted to build a relationship with us and even invited us up to Barnsley to see the factory for ourselves.

“When we were there, we could see straightaway the quality and attention to detail at every stage of manufacturing and the efficiency which enables them to offer delivery to us in just three working days.

“Pricing is competitive and customer service is outstanding – we definitely feel that we have found the right fabrication partner to help us move forward as a trade supplier in this part of South Wales.” euroglaze.co.uk

A Swift Switchover To Bluesky Swift Joinery Manufacturers Ltd has switched to the Bluesky Certification General Performance Windows and Doors, and Enhanced Security Windows and Doors that meet the requirement for Secured by Design Scheme for. “Switching to Bluesky Certification is really easy,” says Louisa Roberts, Sales Coordinator at Swift Joinery Manufacturers, manufacturers of timber windows and external doors.

“A lot of the work we do is for commercial projects, so having all the relevant certification in place is important for our customers. The switchover process was a paperwork exercise which Simon Beer and the team at Bluesky Certification made painless. They was recommended to us, and I recognised Simon managed the whole process for us.

Beer’s name. After a conversation with him, we were “We were looking to change as our previous provider able to get our certification switched over very quickly.” wasn’t giving us the support we needed. Bluesky 20 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

The right direction for

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TRADE NEWS

Mila Congratulates Tradesmith On 25 Years

“They have achieved PAS24:2012 accreditation using Mila products, and our sales and technical team continue to work closely with them to help and advise on choosing and fabricating our hardware.

“Tradesmith is a company with a reputation for high quality products and first class service and we’re delighted to have played even a small part in their 25 years of success.”

Earl Tate from Mila (left) congratulates Mark Hutchinson of Tradesmith on the company’s 25th anniversary.

Mila is leading the congratulations for Sussex based PVC-U trade fabricator Tradesmith as it celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Tradesmith has been buying a large proportion of its hardware from Mila for much of those 25 years, and the partnership between the two companies is stronger than ever.

Mila’s Area Sales Manager Earl Tate said: “In the early 90s, Mila started out supplying Tradesmith with ProStyle window and door handles, but that has vastly expanded over the years to include our ProLinea and ProSecure handle ranges for windows, doors and patios, as well as twin-cam espags, strikers, shootbolts and hinges.

Tradesmith currently produces more than 400 frames a week from its purpose built factory in Hailsham. It is a Halo approved fabricator and also manufactures in the Warmcore aluminium hybrid system.

Managing Director Mark Hutchinson added: “High quality suppliers like Mila continue to be vital to our plans. We are marking our 25th anniversary by acquiring an additional factory and we’ll certainly be looking to Mila to continue supporting us as we move into the next stage in our growth.” www.mila.co.uk www.tradesmith.co.uk

Finance Solution For Bi-Fold ‘Boom’ With bi-folding doors as popular as ever with the nation’s homeowners, a new finance initiative is making it even easier for installers to sell this premium product.

Improveasy, according to the company, is the industry’s leading provider of finance packages and its Managing Director Austin Barcley says that he has seen a huge increase in the number of installers using their products to finance bi-folding door purchases.

He explains: “A bi-folding door is an aspirational investment but typically cost around £6,000, which for many is a substantial amount 22 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

to pay up-front.

“Thanks to our finance options Mr & Mrs Jones can now pay an affordable monthly fee and benefit from having this transformational product in their home.”

more profitable new business; and, cross-sell and upsell better with part-finance options.

Austin says that he has also seen a shift in the conversation around finance for windows and doors.

“Offering finance to your customers can also increase order values as property owners will have the option to spend more on their dream product; rather than settling for their least favourite option.”

He explains: “It has long been a widespread practice for people to pay for phones and cars with finance but not some home improvements. This is changing now, and it represents a fantastic opportunity for installers to win

Improveasy’s finance package means that homeowners can have their doors installed immediately and pay just £55 a month for them, rather than being resigned to save for potentially years at a time. www.improveasy.com

TRADE NEWS

Fabricator TWR Group

Anticipates Busy Trading Period A NEW initiative looks set to result in a fabricator’s busiest ever trading period.

Terry comments: “We announced last year that we would be rolling this initiative out and we’re delighted to see that it’s live and we’re receiving orders. This really is an industry first and we’re proud to be behind it.

The TWR Group announced late last year that it would roll-out ‘never seen before’ lead times to give installers dual-coloured bi-folding doors within fifteen working days.

This new initiative went live at the end of February (2018) and the group’s Managing Director Terry Richardson says that they have been inundated with enquiries, with the forward order book showing the business is on course for its busiest ever quarter of trading.

What has so appealed to install-

The lead times have been made possible thanks to sustained investment in the required machinery and personnel. The colour plant is housed at TWR’s most recently acquired 17,000sq. ft. factory, which is next to its 25,000-sq. ft. headquarters in Peterlee.

Terry Richardson, Managing Director

ers is not only the super-fast lead times but the fact that the turnaround will not only apply to standard grey, black and white but to any RAL colour and combination.

“Property owners, both in a commercial and residential context, are investing in coloured and dual-coloured windows and doors, so this development gives installers an opportunity to seize the moment and turn jobs around much quicker.”

Mercury’s Investment Shows It’s Set To Rise Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has just invested a six figure sum in new machinery to help it achieve ambitious growth plans over the next three years. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: “This investment will help us continue to deliver exceptional quality and exceptional lead times as our order volumes increase.”

Mercury has invested in two machines from supplier Haffner Murat: a new FA526 Automatic 2 Head End Milling Machine and a new SC220/VS Machining Centre.

Mercury is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of the Spectus Vertical Slider and it recently cemented its status as the go-to supplier by becoming the first fabricator to start manufacturing the new Spectus mechanically jointed Vertical Slider, which opened up a new level of opportunities for its customers.

The new machines will support Mercury’s fabrication of the new Spectus mechanically jointed vertical slider as well as general window production.

An established manufacturer, Mercury has a rep-

utation for leading the way in fabricating the specialist products the market demands. Alongside the addition of the mechanically jointed Vertical Slider to its range, the company has also added the Designer Door range from Smarts Aluminium and the TD68 commercial door from Jack Aluminium.

Chris commented: “Our success has been built on delivering high quality specialist products backed up with proactive, customer-focused service. Our intention is to build on this success and grow our business by 35% in the next three years. We have been working hard to put the foundations in place without compromising any of the quality for which we are known. We are expanding our product range, offering new products, installing new systems and investing in new machinery from Haffner Murat.”

Mercury Glazing has an exceptional reputation in the industry and – as its expansion plans demonstrate – is set to bring its high quality offering to an even greater numbers of customers. www.mercuryglazing.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 23

TRADE NEWS

Bison Delivers High-End Product Suite Bison Frames is known across the industry as a trade fabricator of high-end PVC-U vertical sliders. However, 2018 sees the launch of the company’s expanded Genesis Collection and WarmCore range, which represent a complete suite of highend products.

Mark Tetley, Director of Bison explains: “We’re very well known and respected for our sash windows, because we have the expertise and skillset in-house to continuously improve our offering. We constantly design-in new features and customer benefits, to make our existing products better and better. However, 2018 sees this philosophy expand into a whole suite of products, to ensure our customers can benefit from the same service and product precision, in several high-end growth markets.

“Our Genesis Collection now 24 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

includes flush sash casements, folding and sliding doors and bi-folding doors, as well as our sash windows. Everything in the collection goes through our Graf welder, for near-invisible timber-like joints, while our sliding sash and flush sash casements can also be mechanically jointed. That gives them an extra edge of authenticity, which – in combination with other features such as run-through horns and deep bottom rails on the VS and our extensive colour and woodgrain range from stock – makes them the complete, conservation-grade, timber alternative windows.

“On top of that, we also manufacture our recently launched WarmCore range of aluminium hybrid windows and bi-folding doors. It offers all the premium style, strength and versatility of aluminium, fused with the energy efficiency of PVC-U – typically a

WarmCore product is 25% more energy efficient than a standard aluminium alternative.”

Bison Director Martyn Haworth comments: “Vertical sliders will always be central to our business, but we know we can deliver the same quality and attention to detail to a wider collection of products. Whereas we used to be a specialist fabricator for sash windows, we’re now a specialist fabricator of all high-end windows and doors.

“We’ve invested heavily in our future over the last few years, and we’re doing even more this year as we double the size of our factory and bring in new machinery and equipment, ensuring we stay ahead of ever-increasing demand. We are committed to delivering a full suite of quality high-end windows and doors to our customers, while remaining dedicated to providing a highend service to match.

“We call it The Bison Difference, and our existing customers already know what it is. Now it’s time to bring that to a wider audience” concludes Martyn. www.bisonframes.co.uk

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DEAR GERALD

Dear

Gerald and bowing in a system designed without large steel reinforcements.

“BEWARE Unglazed Residence 9

Windows!” – Kurt Greatrex Speaks Out Dear Gerald If you’re a window industry veteran like me, chances are you’ll remember the ‘pinking profile’ issue that arose during the late 80s and early 90s. As systems companies fought for better margins they ‘value engineered’ their formula, taking out essential components that resisted UV attack. The net result was profile discolouration and it severely damaged the reputation of the uPVC window and door industry, costing installers millions in the process.

Next came the ‘pitted’ letter-plates and handles fiasco when ‘shiny’ new PVD plated hardware arrived in the UK on mass from China. Six months after these products were installed, the plating started to pit and homeowners demanded their money back – costing installers millions once again.

Neither product had been properly tested before being sold into the market in large volumes and unfortunately, history is now repeating itself thanks to the growing number of fabricators preaching the ‘benefits’ of buying non-glass-bonded, unglazed Residence 9 windows. Yet the fact is Residence 9 has been designed, fully tested and is trusted as a glass-bonded system, integral to its performance and longevity.

Residence Collection windows achieve industry-leading U-Values through smart design. The frames and sashes are deeper than conventional systems, there are more thermal chamber pockets and the chamber webs and external profile walls are much thicker. But most crucially, Residence 9 profiles are bonded to the glass unit, strengthening the mechanically jointed frame and eliminating the need for traditional steel reinforcements. Glass-bonding also prevents movement 26 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Steel reinforcements have been used since the advent of uPVC windows to give the window strength, in particular, the lateral ‘I Value’ in the sash. When it’s windy, steel reinforced frames stay rigid and when it’s hot, the steel keeps the uPVC in shape and resists any bowing, ensuring the window will close and seal properly.

PrintThe downside of steel reinforcement is that it reduces the thermal performance of the window, so eliminating it through glass-bonding is really smart – the window is just as strong but offers significantly improved performance.

So, when I hear that fabricators are promoting Residence 9 windows unglazed and without glass-bonding my knees begin to tremble. Are we going to see product warranty issues with the best premium window in the industry, due to out of specification manufacturing processes? I have personally seen the consequences of non-glass-bonded welded Residence 9 sashes in a dark foiled finish and it’s not a good outcome! The net result is call backs, replacements, unnecessary costs and customer disappointment – a terrible outcome considering all installers rely on recommendations.

It’s true to claim that unglazed ‘timber welded’ and welded Residence 9 will be cheaper to buy, a bit easier to handle and if a glass unit does fail, then the IGU will be a bit easier to change. But in reality, a window that isn’t factory glazed and glass-bonded can cause major problems once it’s installed into a home, when it’s fundamental design is based on this trusted glazing process – just like ‘pink’ profiles and ‘pitted’ letter plates from back in the day.

If you choose to buy unglazed Residence 9 you have to glass-bond on site, but how practical is that?

Glass-bonding should be carried out in a dry factory environment and allowed to cure and set for a specified period – you simply cannot guarantee these conditions when out on site.

We have highlighted the issue with the team at the Residence Collection, and they agree that unglazed, unbonded Residence 9 is simply not manufactured

DEAR GERALD

to current specification. To be fair to them, they are currently researching and testing all of the new welding technologies in conjunction with glass bonding, as part of a diligent process as a premium systems company. We also know that they are in communication with the machinery companies and to their knowledge, no product testing has been carried out on unglazed Residence 9 windows, therefore, any product warranties will fall purely to the fabricator or installer. Would any installer want to install a product without the backing of the systems house?

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director at The Residence Collection adds: “We recommend fabricators follow the Residence technical manual and glass bond all units whether welded or mechanically jointed.

Glass bonding is an integral part of the design. We are in the process of further evaluating the impact of some of the latest welding methods as well as weather and security performance.”

We understand just how tough it is for installers at the moment, facing fierce competition at both local and national level, as well as external forces already making it harder for consumers to commit. The promise of one of the industry’s hottest products at a cheaper price is of course incredibly attractive. However, it’s a false economy – an inferior R9 window creates more problems than it solves and you can’t be sure your supplier will support you when things do go wrong.

Dekko have achieved PAS24 accreditation across the entire Residence Collection range -including R7, R9 and the aluminium lookalike R² – meaning if you’re installing on new-build, self-build or renovation site you can be assured of a safe and secure product.

Whilst some fabricators are cutting corners to drive down prices, we have always been committed to doing things right. We employ a dedicated Residence Collection team and have a separate manufacturing facility to ensure absolute quality. We simply won’t cut corners and provide our customers with products we know to be below-par. It’s a crying shame that more fabricators don’t share our ethos.

In short, you need a fabricator you can trust to deliver Residence 9 to the highest standard. At Dekko we

have an incredible history with R9, starting out as one of the launch partners in 2013 and growing to become the UK’s largest Residence Collection fabricator manufacturing 700 quality frames each month. We will continue to make our R9 windows ‘The way they’re meant to be.’

Yours sincerely, Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director, Dekko Window Systems Dear Gerald Thank you for an interesting letter which I support, but perhaps not as he intended.

Like Kurt I too remember the early days of uPVC (as it then was), sadly for me mine date back to the mid 1960’s when household names like Crittall Hope, first took tentative steps towards plastic. At that time, Trocal and Miplam sections had un-galvanised steel reinforcement, because it was thought no rain would ever touch the steel; however the steel reinforcement created its own moisture by sweating inside the sealed chambers….result, rusty steel.

So he is right to be cautious, the industry has fought hard to shed its poor image from the 1980’s however there are several issues here, glass bonding, steel reinforcement and construction methods.

Like Kurt, I have ensured Masterframe lead by example. A rated, SBD and fully steel reinforced sashes as standard shows that it is possible to achieve security and great thermal properties, it just means we must incur significant other costs like Krypton to balance the heat lost through steel reinforcement.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 27

DEAR GERALD

The danger with these arguments is that it suggests one cost saving measure (no steel) is better than a perceived loss of weld strength using a new concept offered by competitors.

Let’s keep this simple, I fully accept that any “on site operation” can never be controlled better than factory conditions, I also accept that glass bonding seems to be the way forward for those seeking to reduce material costs (no steel), but products would be even stronger (and expensive) were reinforcement retained and sashes, glass bonded!

• External Timber Look, (ETL) a welded solution with a butt joint on one side, no license fees.

Whilst windows from fabricators not using steel reinforcement and not glass bonding will look identical, it’s obvious that they’ll perform far worse, expect service issues and further reputational damage, both company and industry.

Obviously removing two faces of profile has to reduce the weld strength, however, as interest develops and this method is adopted by profile companies, so profiles change and additional components inserted to add back the missing strength.

Selling to high end consumers in the heritage market, installers have found products lacking. Homeowners in this sector own expensive houses, they don’t want a repeat of the same mistakes early PVCu created.

Today’s buyer is better educated, they know about foils, plant on bars and monkey tailed handles. What’s more however, they are much more willing to purchase top end products; providing they like what they see trust the company and believe new windows will be an investment

The all-important advantage of a product that incorporates Timberweld® technology is that it is beautiful and authentic, looking every bit like an original timber window and giving the impression that it has been lovingly produced by a master craftsman.

So perhaps the ideal world is one where fabricators insert steel reinforcement, bond the glass into place and weld the corners with Timberweld® resulting in strong, durable and beautiful, timber alternative windows, anything less is cutting corners!

What they dislike immensely is the diagonal weld line right across the corner, or mechanical joints that are open to the elements! What they want is a wooden window, with authentic wooden joints, without the hassle of wooden windows. In other words they want a foiled PVC window, which looks THE SAME AS WOOD, with old fashioned handles, a wood grained surface, and most importantly, butt joints, inside and out.

Kindest regards

Therefore fabricators have a few choices corner joints.

• Stay with 45° Welded, strong, easy to manufacture but a dead give-away its plastic!

• Mechanical joined profiles, glued and screwed corners, strong, but usually open ended.

28 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

• Timberweld® a welded solution with the same timber look appearance, but on both sides.

Most people who’ve see Timberweld® acknowledge it’s the prettiest jointing method on the market (that’s why we patented it back in 2005), however those unhappy with paying a license fee tend to suggest it reason is weld strength.

Alan Burgess, Managing Director For and on behalf of Masterframe Windows Ltd 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.

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PEOPLE the years – mostly for the better, though I do miss some of the characters from back in the day!

We have a very skilled team here at VBH, covering all aspects of the business and most importantly we are all striving towards the same goal – success!”

Dan Powell (left) and Adrian Gale (right)

Two New Regional

Sales Managers For VBH Following increased demand for VBH’s growing greenteQ portfolio, the company has appointed two new Regional Sales Managers (RSM) for its UK operation. Adrian Gale will be responsible for the region comprising the Midlands, Northern England and Wales, while Dan Powell will be responsible for Southern England and Wales.

Adrian Gale has been in the industry for 28 years, having worked for a number of hardware manufacturers and distributors. He joined VBH in 2016 as Timber & Composite Door Product Manager – a role he will continue alongside his RSM duties.

He comments: “I have been in the industry for a good few years now and have seen huge changes over

Dan Powell, currently Maintenance & Locksmiths Product Manager, will take on the additional role of RSM for the southern part of the country. Dan has worked for VBH since 2013, when he moved from a hardware distributor. He’s looking forward to the new challenge, saying: “Since I joined VBH the greenteQ range has grown from an unknown industry name to one of the most trusted and reliable brands supplying the PVC-u, aluminium and timber markets. VBH has one of the most experienced sales teams in the UK and in addition to greenteQ we distribute a range of well-known brand suppliers such as Maco, Roto, Siegenia and Yale.

With this back-up, taking up the post of Regional Sales Manager is an exciting opportunity. I’m looking forward to meeting new customers and being part of the greenteQ revolution!” www.vbhgb.com.

Rapierstar Technical Team Further Strengthened

By Paul Balfe Appointment Leading fastener supplier to the door and window industry Rapierstar has appointed the highly experienced Paul Balfe as its new Technical Consultant for the north of England – taking the team’s collective fastener know-how to more than 135 years.

Paul joins Rapierstar following three years with KAT UK, where he was Product Development Manager in a role that involved working extensively with its aluminium window and door customer base and several systems extruders.

30 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

His expertise in this arena is now set to benefit the window industry more broadly as Rapierstar develops its unique range of austenitic stainless steel fasteners specifically for aluminium systems. Paul will also be involved with the continuous development of Rapierstar’s market leading Star PVCU range of window screws for plastic windows and doors.

Overall, Paul’s career spans more than 30 years which includes 12 years running his own door and window manufacturing and instal-

lation business, plus various roles within Spectus and Heywood Williams. His expertise covers both PVC and aluminium, with the latter likely to prove particularly valuable to Rapierstar customers according to Managing Director, David Furness. www.rapierstar.com

PEOPLE

Fresh From The Fabricating Frontline Leading hardware and tools supplier to the window and door industry, Window Ware, has strengthened their local sales force by appointing Brad Jackson as their newest Area Sales Manager. Brad is taking over from recently-retired sales veteran Alan Carvell to provide regional support and hardware expertise to customers in the Midlands, Derby, South Yorkshire and mid Wales.

Before coming to Window Ware, Brad spent four years working for a window fabricator in Coventry and another four years working for a hardware brand.

He believes his genuine fabricator experience gives him an excellent understanding of what window manufacturers want from a hardware supplier; he knows how important product quality and delivery reliability is to fabricators in keeping produc-

when the opportunity arose to join Window Ware, I knew the role would be a good fit for me with both my fabricator and hardware experience. I spoke to ex-colleagues about the company and the positive feedback I got back prompted me to apply.”

tion lines moving and helping to grow the business. Thanks to his hardware background, Brad also brings a wealth of product knowledge ready to support customers and help them select the right tools for the job.

“I have always wanted to get in to sales,” explained Brad. “And

Brad is keen to bring his customers the high levels of service they expect, alongside the excellent products and unrivalled choice Window Ware is renowned for. He went on to say, “I’m going to dedicate my first few months to settling in and getting to know my customers. My predecessor had formed strong, long-standing working relationships with many fenestration firms in the region and I want to build on those solid foundations.” www.windowware.co.uk

Promotion At Specialist Aluminium Manufacturer

Sees Martin Rowe Become Sales Director Martin Rowe has been unveiled as the Sales Director of Gloucester based aluminium specialists CDW Systems Limited.

Martin has been working at CDW Systems for 13 years where he joined as a Sales Order Processor having previously worked for computer software, systems and fabrication companies within the aluminium industry.

“We are delighted to have Martin on board in this new role; promoting from within is always our preferred option,” says Managing Director, Mike Davis.

“We know that, moving forward, Martin will continue to apply the same enthusiasm he has shown over many years to help CDW

strategically continue with its expansion programme.

In September of last year, the company underwent a management buyout (MBO).

East Manor Group Ltd has been newly formed by the new management team to manage the group’s three operating companies which includes CDW Systems Ltd, Clearway Doors & Windows Ltd and Designex Cabinets Ltd. 2017 also saw CDW Systems included in the prestigious publication, The Parliamentary Review as an example of best practice in the manufacturing industry. www.cdwsystems.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 31

PEOPLE

MASCO UKWG CEO Wayne Devine

Steps Down After 28 years Wayne Devine, a well-known industry stalwart, has announced his decision to step down after 28 years as CEO of the MASCO UK Window Group.

He leaves in early March and the process to find his successor has begun. In the interim, Darius Padler, MASCO Group Vice President, will take the CEO role for the UK Window Group.

Ben Creates

A Buzz

Experienced salesman Ben Alcock has joined sealant supplier tremco illbruck to spearhead TP650 Trio, the manufacturer’s ‘best-in-class’ window installation tape, as Business Development Manager.

Having previously worked at a number of the UK’s biggest fabricators and trade counter networks, Ben brings years of fenestration sales experience, and an intuitive understanding of the wants and needs of installers.

“I’m delighted to be joining the country’s most respected sealant supplier, especially to oversee such a fantastic product,” Ben comments. “tremco illbruck has recognised the need for a new generation of sealing products, capable of offering the most outstanding weather resistance and thermal efficiency.

And that’s why we’ve developed Trio TP650, our best-in-class window installation tape. www.tremco-illbruck.com 32 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

As the founder of the successful business, Wayne served as CEO following its acquisition in 2000 by the MASCO Corporation, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of home improvement products.

Over the years, Wayne has worked tirelessly to establish and grow the company, which has become one of the UK’s largest PVC-U window and door fabricators. The Group supplies doors, windows and conservatories to fabricators and installers across all market sectors from its multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. Its familiar quality brands include Phoenix Doors, Duraflex, Techniglass, Premier and Evolution.

Steve Forbes, MASCO Vice President HR Europe comments: “Wayne has decided that now is the right time to step down, for both personal and business reasons. We are grateful for Wayne’s years of service and his utmost dedication to realising the operating and strategic objectives as well as his commitment to MASCO.” He adds: “The functional leadership of the business remains unchanged as does our commitment to serve our expanding customer base with quality products and services. It’s very much business as usual.” www.ukwg.co.uk.

Gillian Coldwell Joins Distinction Doors

Distinction Doors has further strengthened its business development team with the appoint-

ment of an experienced industry woman, Gillian Coldwell, in the position of Business Development Executive.

Speaking of the appointment, Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director said, “Gillian is well-known in the industry and we are delighted to welcome her to Distinction Doors. Her industry knowledge, commitment and sales expertise will allow us to extend our market reach even further as we continue to grow our business”. distinctiondoors.co.uk

PEOPLE

Pavani Konduru

Leaves Zoopla To Join

Leads2trade

In what is a major coup for the home improvement industry, Pavani Konduru has left her role at Zoopla to join Leads2trade.

Pavani has joined the home

improvement world to head up Leads2trade’s search marketing and was tempted by the move due to the continued success of the business.

Obituary

On February 2nd 2018 Made for Trade received the sad news that after a very short illness our valued and well respected Trade Sales Manager, Trevor Hopper had passed away.

Known as one of the ‘good guys’ in the industry, Trevor carried himself in a positive and upbeat manner always willing to go the extra mile for his clients and employer. His sense of humour and enthusiastic approach to life made him very well thought of by all he came in to contact with.

His career spanned many years, starting in engineering and a spell offshore in the oil and gas industry Trevor returned to Grimsby, his home town, looking for a change in direction which is when he chose the fenestration trade.

Pavani, who has a B.Tech Bioinformatics, takes up the role of Head of Search Marketing and has already had a positive impression.

Previously at Zoopla, Pavani built her reputation by overseeing the search engine marketing strategy around the well renowned Zoopla house prices, New Homes, Commercial and Overseas Channel.

Andy Royle, Managing Director at Leads2trade, comments: “Pavani played a leading role in Zoopla’s search engine reputation. We have noticed a real shift towards homeowners wanting more information online before committing to getting quotes. With the experience of Pavani we are well positioned to develop a number of home improvement pricing tools to help homeowners make even more informed decisions before purchasing their desired home improvement” leads2trade.co.uk

Starting out as a canvasser he quickly progressed into direct domestic sales, this then led to him starting his own window & conservatory business.

After enjoying 10 years of working for himself he decided to join a national timber and PVCU manufacturer supplying to the trade, this is where Trevor’s skills shone developing professional and robust relationships with installers and trade counters up and down the country, which led him to our door.

Known to the Directors, Richard and Bradley Gaunt for his passionate approach, Trevor was the ideal candidate who could be trusted to push forward the company’s innovative product in keeping with their ethos and he continued to do this until he became ill.

He will be greatly missed by many in the industry and was definitely one of a kind.

Trevor leaves behind his loving and supportive wife Carolyn, children and grandchildren who will continue to tell the stories of his motorcycle adventures and keep his memory alive in the way he would have wanted.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 33

PRODUCT NEWS

Titon And Sobinco:

A Thriving Partnership

With aluminium windows and doors growing popularity, Titon is experiencing significant demand for hardware in this sector. The company has a huge range of products designed specifically for aluminium, many of which originate from Sobinco. Titon has been the exclusive UK distributor for Sobinco for nearly 40 years, supplying hardware such as tilt and turn window systems, pivots, catches and handles, as well as locks, lift-slide systems, roller assemblies and handles for doors.

Commenting on the relationship with Sobinco, Julian Wiseman, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Titon, said: “Our relationship with Sobinco has strengthened significantly over the years. From humble beginnings with just a small group of products, we now have an enormous portfolio available.

34 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

“As a result, there is aluminium hardware available for a variety of applications, from commercial premises to exclusive residential developments. The resurgence in the construction sector has certainly seen orders increase, while the growing popularity of top end products, such as bi-fold doors in domestic properties, has also led to an upsurge in demand.”

He continued: “The products from Sobinco are extremely flexibile and can be produced in more than 450 colours to make a project truly unique; alternatively, there is the ever-popular anthracite grey to complement the latest ‘designer’ bi-fold doors. We are also able to turn orders around quickly, as Sobinco is extremely self-sufficient, with everything from R&D and castings, to pressings and painting, all taking place in-house.

“Also, given the resurgence in aluminium windows and doors throughout the commercial and domestic markets alike, customers are looking for high quality, aesthetically pleasing, technically sound hardware products – and the Sobinco range certainly fits the bill.”

Titon has seen a year-on-year increase in sales of aluminium hardware which, in addition to the Sobinco range, also includes the company’s own handles, espags, hinges and trickle ventilators, as well as options from other manufacturers. Additionally, Titon also provides its customers with full technical advice and support, to ensure all products perform reliably and effectively.

For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of window & door hardware, as well as whole house ventilation products, please visit: www.titon.co.uk.

For more details about Sobinco, visit: www.sobinco.com/en

PRODUCT NEWS

Move Over Alexa –

Meet NORA Move over Alexa – and meet NORA. NORA is the brand new online ordering system from Mila which makes it even easier for customers to place their hardware orders direct.

Customers can now choose to receive a personalised NORA order form from their Mila sales contact which is pre-populated with all the products they order most often.

All they have to do is fill in the quantities they need of each of those products and send the form back to: nora@mila.co.uk There’s no need for customers to check product specs or enter part numbers – NORA takes care of everything. They even get a confirmation email from NORA confirming exactly what they have

Mila has launched NORA to make ordering even easier for customers.

ordered.

What makes NORA particularly clever is that the system always

contains customers’ most recent product and price lists, so that every time a new NORA order form is generated, it is guaranteed to be completely up to date.

Mila thinks that NORA is a great addition to its sales department, but customers can be reassured that it won’t be replacing the internal sales team any time soon.

Sales Director Vicki Sanders says: “Our friendly and knowledgeable team are still all available at the end of the phone to help them with any technical and ordering queries. NORA is simply a way for customers to place their orders easily and accurately at any time that suits them – day or night.”

NORA stands for Navision Online Response Automation and it links directly with the new Navision automated ERP solution at Mila which connects sales, purchasing, operations and invoicing functions to help deliver outstanding customer service and OTIF performance.

Homeowner Turns To Lock Lock Reassurance When homeowner Tim Morgan realised that multiple houses on his estate were being primed by unwanted intruders, he turned to Lock Lock in order to secure his home and more importantly, his young family.

There is little to add to his captivating comment on Facebook that was posted on February 24th, 2018: ‘What an amazing product. Decided to install these after multiple houses on our estate were being tried for entrance.

Last night a neighbour had to chase a burglar out of his house too. Delivery was very fast (next day) and they were easy to install (about 10mins each) and only needed a screw driver. Feel extremely safe now they are in place.

Can sleep at night again without worry. Thanks Lock Lock.’

Lock Lock is the only door security handle with Sold Secure certification, which is backed by the Master Locksmiths Association

(MLA) and it also carries a TS007:2012 2 Star accreditation, claims the company.

An increasing number of door manufacturers are looking towards Lock Lock, not only for its unrivalled security credentials, but also for the fact that it has now reached 6,000 hours in a salt spray chamber against the industry 240/480 standard.

Leading Locksmith’s are also carrying Lock Lock as the ultimate security upgrade as other social media posts have shown.

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure commented: ‘There’s nothing better than a homeowner testimonial to bring to life exactly what Lock Lock can do in terms of securing homes. Tim and his family can now be reassured that they are secure at night and day thanks to Lock Lock and they have joined thousands of other security conscious homeowners with the ultimate door security handle.’ www.lock-lock.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 35

PRODUCT NEWS

Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection said: “Developing The Residence Collection has brought together the best technical minds, with SFS playing a key role. It was vitally important to get the door hinges right, to reflect the quality of the Residence Collection brand – and that’s why we partnered with SFS for their Dynamic 2D hinges. These hinges have enabled us to create open-in doors which combine fantastic looks with smooth opening and closing, and the long term assurance of robustness and security.”

Residence Collection

As a manufacturer of door hinges, SFS was able to work closely with The Residence Collection to achieve the perfect match. By developing bespoke sash plates, SFS has ensured a precise and secure attachment to the open-in sash for an attractive result that characterises the brand and protects against door ‘sagging’ over the door’s long, hassle-free lifespan.

Doors Go Dynamic With

Dynamic 2D’s design and build quality also enables Residence Collection doors to offer enhanced security, being successfully tested to the requirements of BS-PAS 024 and allowing for Secured by Design licensing.

Precision-engineered Dynamic 2D door hinges by SFS are helping The Residence Collection become one of the market leaders with its premium window and door range.

Nigel Wood, Director of Sales – Hinge and Fastening Technology at SFS adds: “The Residence Collection is a superb portfolio of window and door systems that we are delighted to make a contribution to and we are thrilled to be working closely with them.”

SFS Hinge Technology Having rapidly established itself as one of the favoured brands for high-end windows and doors, The Residence Collection openin doors are complemented by premium quality Dynamic 2D door hinges manufactured by SFS. Residence 9 authentically repli36 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

cates the traditional style of 19th century flush sash windows, whilst the Residence 7 and Residence2 Collections provide the market with more contemporary, yet equally visually stunning windows and doors. SFS were chosen as a partner for their inward opening doors, with their Dynamic 2D hinges providing the perfect blend of strength, security, aesthetics and long term reliability thanks to a highly-engineered construction and bespoke sash plates. This means the installer can ‘fit and forget’.

Find out more about the Dynamic 2D range, which also offers solutions for flush fit composite and timber doors, rebated aluminium doors and flush composite doors, at www.sfsintec.co.uk.

PRODUCT NEWS

High Performance Glazpart Vents Added To Carl F Groupco’s Catalogue

replace two 4000 ventilators, meaning fewer vents to fit and rout. Supplied with fixing clips already fitted, and without end caps, ensures easy push fitting in seconds. Accurate, level fitting is also achieved as clips automatically centre the vent in the rout and for screw fixing, the fitted screw caps are easily removed and replaced.

The high performance Glazpart Link Vent range of plastic injection moulded trickle ventilators has been added to Carl F Groupco’s hardware catalogue. Designed to meet the stringent requirements of today’s building standards, the Link Vent MK 2 is available in two variants – the 2500EQA and 5000EQA. Drawing on over 30 years’ experience in the design and manufacture of plastic glazing accessories for the fenestration industry, and specialised knowledge of ventilation products, the Glazpart Link Vent range offers a number of key features including one of the highest decibel ratings for non-acoustic vents. The ventilators can also achieve higher performance and improved EQA on smaller vents.

The Link Vent is available in a large range of solid colour or wood grain finishes. For maximum colour flexibility, internal and external parts can be purchased separately.

The 2500EQA can be installed to replace both 2000 and most 4000 vents: it is the same size as typical 2000 vents and has the optimum EQA to replace most 4000 vents.

The 5000EQA can be used to

Carl F Groupco also features Glazpart packers including flat packers, flexible corner wedges and klip frame packers in the tools and consumables section of its catalogue. carlfgroupco.co.uk

/Can you handle our shiny new website?

www.mila.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 37

PRODUCT NEWS

The Future Is Clear With

Robust GLAS-DOR

knowledge from over 20 years trading history with our sister company in Sweden, we are very pleased to be able to offer the new Robust GLAS-DOR system.

“Architects and building engineers can now specify fully glazed steel doors and wall partitions in areas that need to meet fire and security requirements and is perfect for use in offices, shopping centres, airports, hotels, hospitals, schools and similar public buildings.”

The doors and wall partitions are built using the Stalprofil SP35000 and SP76000 systems. Both carry a variety of UK and European test evidence for fire, security and acoustic performance which Robust will be adding to with a programme of UK specific testing.

Robust UK is launching their new glazed fire resistant steel profile and doorsets. ‘GLAS-DOR’ can provide up to 2 hours of fire resistance with a core of fire resistant insulation for glazed doors, sliding doors, partition walls and window

sections.

The introduction of GLAS-DOR brings new opportunities for building design, as Paul Williams, Sales Director at Robust UK, explains: “Building on the experience and

Robust GLAS-DOR is manufactured in Robust’s brand new facility located at their headquarters in Stoke-on-Trent and is available made-to-measure. www.glas-dor.com

Versatile Aluminium Entrance Door From Alumen Specialist aluminium fabricator Alumen Ltd has started 2018 in style, with the launch of the Millennium Plus aluminium entrance door, which offers versatility outstanding Credentials to both the residential and commercial market.

“The Millennium Plus door is the latest addition to our extensive product range and the next instalment in the new portfolio of Cortizo products we’re introducing to the UK market,” comments Alan Robinson, Alumen’s MD. “Millennium Plus is impressive. It offers everything you’d expect from a premium aluminium front door system but at a price point lower than much of the competition. It’s strong and durable, very stylish and extremely versatile, as the 38 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

conceals the door’s profiles and offers the appearance of an ultra-stylish, single composite style slab. It can handle sash sizes up to 1,800 x 3,300mm in size, or 220kg in weight – with either standard or premium concealed hinges – so it works well in a wide range of settings.

door can be fitted with either double or triple glazed IGUs up to 54mm thick, or with a fully bonded aluminium panel, which

“The interest showed in the two examples of a Millennium Plus door on display in a showroom has confirmed that it’s a going to be a popular product.

Our retail customers love how stylish and modern the door looks, while trade customers are impressed by its versatility and competitiveness. They can see that it’s a product that will sell well and be simple to install.“ www.alumen.co.uk.

PRODUCT NEWS

Bohle Adds Portavant 150

Multiline To Its Range Bohle has expanded its range of internal sliding stacking doors with the addition of the Vitris Portavant 150 Multiline.

Ideally suited to high-end residential or commercial applications, the multi-track system uses a telescopic mechanism, which enables each individual door leaf to be stacked alongside the other, maximising opened space.

Suitable for single-sided or two-sided installations, the system can accommodate spans of up to 6000mm and weights of up to 150kg as a single system and 12000mm with two systems.

Individual sashes can be manufactured to up to 960mm in width, and as a ceiling-mounted system with integrated guides, the Portavant 150 Multiline also eliminates any requirement for floor hardware

setting far easier.

The Portavant 150 Multiline can also be installed into a ceiling pocket in front of a lintel or suspended ceiling. A special swivelling feature on the clamp also means that the such as trackes or guides. cushioning system and the activator remain perfectly aligned even Dave Broxton, Managing Director, Bohle, said: “It’s telescopic function if installed outside of exact vertical makes the Multiline ideally suited to alignment up to a tolerance of +/a wide range of premium residential 2.5mm. and commercial applications.

“It’s a simple system to install and forgiving and within reason, “With glass partitioning and room will comfortably accommodate dividing a defining feature of commercial and increasingly residential installation outside exact vertical design, the Portavant Multiline alignment”, said Broxton. “What is generates a broad range of oppor- really exciting about the Portavant tunities. ” Multiline is the flexibility and versatility it delivers across residential With integrated dampeners, each and light commercial applications sash closes on the other using a in a single system.” soft-close technology. Installation is also straightforward with all In addition to the Portavant 150 components inserted into the track Multiline, Bohle also offers the space saving Portavant 60 twinline laterally.

(60kg), which also uses a similar This means that the glass panel fit- telescopic movement, making ted with clamping jaws is mounted each ideal as a room divider where space is at a premium. into the twin roller assembly from www.bohle-group.com/en-gb below, making adjustment and WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 39

PRODUCT NEWS

New Promat SYSTEMGLAS

®

Options Provide More EI Fire Rated

Frameless Glazing Solutions

its recommendations and provides a certificate of conformity for installation.

Ian Cowley, General Manager at Promat UK says: “SYSTEMGLAS® Celare and Advenerat are innovative in the way we have combined advanced fire resistant materials to provide both integrity and insulation (EI) protection of up to 60 minutes in a system which can appear ‘frameless’.”

“As experts in fire protection, our R&D team leads the market.

These new systems stem from our heritage, with our experience in manufacturing PROMATECT® H – a calcium silicate based material with excellent fire resistance properties – applied in a way that to enables architects and clients to benefit from this advanced product. And there’s more to come later in the year, with our timber framed SYSTEMGLAS® Ligna and steel framed SYSTEMGLAS® Ferro set to provide even more passive fire protection options.”

Striking the optimum balance between aesthetics and fire safety in glazed partitions is a reality with new additions to the SYSTEMGLAS® range from passive fire protection market leader Promat UK. Utilising the proven fire resistant material PROMATECT® H, two new Promat SYSTEMGLAS® options give designers and contractors the scope to create frameless, butt-jointed glazed screens that maximise light transmission, whilst offering fire integrity and insulation (EI) fire protection for 30 or 60 minutes.

SYSTEMGLAS® Celare is an EI30 and EI60 rated system that can be concealed in the floor, ceiling and side wall structures to give a virtually frameless result. And for applications where a visible frame is preferred, SYSTEMGLAS® Advenerat provides a solution to the 40 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

same fire-rated standards whilst allowing for powder coated steel over-cladding or painting.

The fully certified systems – CERTIFIRE CF5452 – provide an alternative to metal or timber framing systems. Dependable fire protection for all products in the SYSTEMGLAS® range is guaranteed through Promat UK’s 360 degree wheel of assurance, where passive fire protection experts work with customers at every stage of the supply chain.

Promat starts by providing guidance on the right approach at the design and specification stage, and manufacturing consistency is assured as the system produced in-house. This ensures all cutting and processing is completed to the correct standard. Finally, Promat inspects SYSTEMGLAS® on completion to check that it has been installed in accordance with

Promat provides assurance because it is in complete control of the design and manufacture process, and it has in-depth knowledge of the installation requirements. This means supply chain risks, such as product substitution or poor installation, can be eliminated. The resulting installation is peace of mind for building owners and users that they are protected as planned, should a fire incident occur.

Part of international building product manufacturing group the Etex Group, Promat UK has been producing fire, thermal and acoustic protection solutions for more than 30 years. In addition to its range of fire resistant glass, the company manufactures market leading high performance solutions which are used in numerous hi-tech, engineering and industrial sectors.

Find out more at www.promat-glass.co.uk.

Naturally straight.

CONSISTENTLY STRAIGHT

SAVES TIME

Qwood, we are ready when you are.

REDUCES COST

MINIMISES WASTE

www.qwood.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

Balconette Launches SG12 Fully Frameless Balustrading System Launched this month by Surrey balustrading specialists Balconette, the new SG12 is a fully frameless balustrading system.

level. Alternatively, an elegantly-designed elliptical handrail can be added on top of the glass panels.

Particularly suitable for balconies, this versatile system is also ideal for outdoor applications, such as providing a protective barrier for a decking area or mezzanine.

The fully frameless system uses 21.5mm laminated and toughened glass panels. When fitted above floor level, the glass sits securely within a robust base track, which is finished with an attractive anodised aluminium cover plate, available in either a silver or Royal Chrome finish.

The SG12 fully frameless system creates an almost invisible barrier between the viewer and the view – allowing for 100% uninterrupted views without the need for any posts or handrails.

Four design options are offered and there are no limitations on the lengths of balustrading required.The fully frameless system can be fitted either above or below finished floor 42 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

For a truly seamless appearance, the fully frameless system can be installed below finished floor level with the supporting base track hidden from view.

This creates the illusion of an almost invisible barrier with just glass rising from the floor.

Balconette expects their latest

balustrading product will be in demand from both the domestic and commercial markets and through architects, specifiers and designers seeking a unique, minimalist and low-maintenance solution.

“For purchasers whose requirement to preserve clear views is absolutely imperative, then our SG12 fully frameless glass balustrades fit the bill perfectly,” says Balconette’s CEO Effi Wolff.

He adds: “As well as requiring very little maintenance, they allow more light to pass through, create a sense of space and their simple design will enhance any architectural or design feature. It’s a ‘win’ all round!” www.balconette.co.uk

PRODUCT NEWS

5 Beads, 3 Systems And Shared Profiles

For The Residence Collection

The Residence Collection is experiencing an increase in trade enquiries, thanks in no small part to the integrated nature of the profiles and glazing beads, along with product availability in single

combinations, customers are able to make each job bespoke to the needs of their discerning homeowners, whilst minimising their respective stockholding. The single length ordering for main profiles across R2, R7 and R9 is supported by a 4 length per pack quantity of glazing bead in the form of 28mm square, decorative and a unique heritage staff bead, along with the triple glazing variants of 44mm square and decorative.

lengths. It’s also a system that’s supported by one of the strongest marketing programmes in the sector, claim the company.

With relatively low start-up costs along with the clever profile and glazing bead integration, it’s proving to be the perfect supplementary system for fabricators looking to make a higher margin.

Customers such as Window Tech Trade have not only begun on their Residence journey, but have actively changed their business model to solely focus on The Residence Collection.

With 15 different bead and system

www.residencecollection.co.uk

Residence 7s – Strong, Smooth And Seamless Flush Sash System From Tradelink Tradelink Window Solutions has introduced Residence 7s to its premium window and door collection. Exclusively designed and manufactured by Tradelink, Residence 7s takes the Residence 7 design to new aesthetic heights with a seamless, welded finish.

“The unique Residence 7s window takes the product to an exciting new level of quality,” says Jim Moody, Managing Director at Tradelink. “The Residence brand is increasing in popularity and our new seamless weld Residence 7s offers installers the perfect combination of a superior range of windows and doors with a premium grade finish. Demand for Residence 7s is already growing quickly following its January launch.”

The corners on Tradelink’s purpose-designed Residence 7s flush sash window are fuse welded to create high strength, seamless joints. The 75mm system features 7 chambers for improved energy efficiency and offers a stand-out design choice with its smooth, welded finish.

For homeowners, the design choices are extensive. There are two distinctive styles available. Both offer a completely flush frame, the Heritage style offers traditional rounded detailing whilst the Contemporary choice has very straight, sleek sightlines to suit new-build and modern homes. Frames are available in a range of fourteen colours with a full hardware selection.

Installers can glaze the system on-site and Tradelink offers an industry leading 7-10 day delivery on orders.

Jim adds: “Not only does R7s look fantastic and really appeal to homeowners, we’ve made it easy for installers to add it to their range with simple ordering, fast delivery and full marketing and technical support.” info@tradelinkdirect.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 43

PRODUCT NEWS

Reversible Window Coming Soon From Liniar

lines, it offers a contemporary finish which is compatible with the full 70mm Liniar suite.

With the inner sash flush on both the inside and the outside, and featuring one of the slimmest PVCu profile sightlines on the market, Liniar’s reversible window offers a beautifully aesthetic appearance for a wide variety of projects.

Utilising patented features such as Liniar’s co-extruded bubble gasket, thermal dam and glazing flipper ensure a draught-free installation with high thermal efficiency – and Liniar reversible windows also benefit from an easy fit, one-piece drip bar with concealed fixings to help protect the window from severe weather conditions.

“We’re delighted to add a fully reversible option to our already impressive range,” commented Chris Armes, Liniar’s Design & Development Manager.

PVCu systems house Liniar is set to extend its range even further with the introduction of a reversible window, which will offer a convenient, stylish and safe option for difficult-to-access locations.

Ideal for high-rise projects, the moving pane rotates through a full 180° cycle, allowing the external glass of a Liniar reversible window to be safely cleaned from the inside of the property. The rotating mechanism keeps the moving pane from intruding into the inside of the room – so no snagging on curtains or blinds.

Designed from scratch by the same team of industry experts that created the rest of the range, Liniar’s brand new reversible window will be perfect for commercial applications – and with flat, chamfered

“Not only will this prove an ideal choice in multi-storey developments, or in locations that are hard to reach in order to keep windows clean, we’ve also developed this for markets outside of England where some building regulations differ.

“In Scotland, for instance, building regulations state that both external and internal surfaces of a window should be able to be cleaned safely from the inside where any part of a window in a dwelling is above four metres from ground level, without the use of step ladders.

“Liniar’s reversible window easily achieves this requirement, while benefiting from the many advantages and styling of the rest of the range.” www.liniar.co.uk/windows/reversible

New Chain Actuator Boosts Teal Products’

Range Of Window Control Systems Teal Products, a leading specialist distributor of window controls, openers and actuators has introduced yet another new product innovation to its line-up. Fresh from adding WindowMaster’s new folding arm actuator, the Gloucestershire-firm has launched a brand-new, intelligent chain actuator.

44 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Designed for top-hung, side-hung and bottom-hung windows as well as domed or pitched rooflights,

the Micro Evo from Mingardi is a highly-versatile solution to automate opening and closing in multiple applications. Easy to install thanks to its intuitive fixing system, the Micro Evo can be programmed to work in sync with up to three other actuators for large vents or even parallel opening vents. tealproducts.com

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PRODUCT NEWS

Milwood Group Branches Out With

New Luxury Pergola System Outdoor living specialists the Milwood Group have strengthened their range of aluminium verandas, canopies and carports. The Kentbased firm has become the UK distributor of premium, bioclimatic pergolas from renowned French manufacturer Solisysteme.

Group. “Their solutions make a fantastic addition to our product line, providing tradespeople with intelligent, well-made and easy to install solutions that can support the demand for both premium home improvements as well as luxury outdoor living products.”

Combining contemporary style and dependable durability, the Solisysteme range features the original bioclimatic pergola – a unique shelter solution which uses adjustable louvres to accommodate all weather conditions.

“Pergolas, as well as verandas and canopies are well-placed to complement large-span bifold or patio doors to create an outdoor living space that’s useable all-yearround. They provide a fantastic upselling opportunity for installers and a profitable route to market as renovations extend outside the home to include gardens and outside spaces.”

“We’re really pleased to partner with Solisysteme and offer both fabricators and installers their fantastic range of deluxe pergola solutions,” comments Mark Wood, Managing Director at the Milwood 46 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Available in a full range of sizes, pitches and colours to match

any size or style of property, a Solisysteme pergola can be fully customised to include zip screens and adjustable lateral louvres.

Depending on the application or budget, the system can be customised further with integrated lighting, infrared wall-mounted heaters and glass panels to create a fully-enclosed luxury glass room.

The new range of pergolas joins Milwood’s full collection of aluminium verandas, canopies, carports and glass rooms. Manufactured in the UK using Milwood’s bespoke aluminium extrusions, the range is available with fast turnarounds thanks to the firm’s centrally located distribution centre in Leicestershire. www.milwoodgroup.com

PRODUCT NEWS

Textural Architectural Finishes

Powder Coating technology continues to advance, and whilst not a new concept, textured coatings are becoming recognised by specifiers as an alternative to choosing a high gloss, gloss or matt powder coat finish.

Textured finishes offer both a textured feel on close inspection, and introduce a deep matt appearance from a distance. On average textured finishes offer a very low gloss level of just a 5%.

Textured finishes can also be very hardwearing and are offered in a wide range of colours, all of which are supplied under the current QUALICOAT specification from licensed applicators across the UK & Ireland. Currently the finishes are growing in popularity rapidly across Europe and the trend is

set here to follow with increased specification.

Textured finishes can be supplied in a single opaque colour or be

‘Aluprof Systems Awarded

Further Q-Mark Certificates’

Leading European systems company Aluprof have been awarded further prestigious Q-Mark Product Certifications

by Exova BM Trada, for several of their window and door systems. The Q-Mark scheme offers independent and impartial third party assessment of manufacturers claims as to product performance and quality.

Specifiers are beginning to place more emphasis on the Q-Mark scheme as it not only confirms the products claims, but also can be followed through to site installation by using the ‘Q-Mark window and door-set survey and installation scheme’ for installers. Whist initial audits are carried out when certificates are successfully awarded to systems suppliers and installers, retaining

certification requires passing future company audits. Both schemes ensure that specifiers obtain the expected quality of the finished installed product.

Fabricators and installers who are Secured by Design members can use the Aluprof Q-Mark approved systems to

suppled as a metallic finish further enhancing the unique nature of the coating. The textured finish is especially useful if the substrate has slight imperfections that need to be hidden, or there is a need for the coating to have an anti-slip characteristic which may be required for hardware or anti-slip areas.

Together with outstanding durability characteristics, systems can be coated at lower temperatures, typically 170ºC helping to reduce energy consumption. As these powder coat systems offer a particularly deep mat finish, coverage is improved and colour is more consistent across various thicknesses of coating. Some systems can also incorporate anti-graffiti characteristics making them suitable for heavy commercial use. www.qualicoatuki.org offer fully compliant Secure

by Design installations which combine the principles of ‘designing out crime’ with physical security.

Aluprof currently have their MB-70 open in and open out window certified, their MB-86 open in window certified and their MB-70 & MB-86 doors certified by Exova BM Trada.

MD of Aluprof UK, Wojciech Brozyna explains, “We have long recognised that ‘installed quality’ is the basis of why construction professionals continue to specify both systems, and sub-contract companies, for fenestration products on their projects. The Exova BM Trada scheme is becoming well recognised as the independent and impartial third party assessment scheme of choice.

At Aluprof, we continue to pride ourselves on systems design, quality and service, this scheme recognises our efforts in all these areas.” www.aluprof.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 47

MACHINERY

Window Tech Removes Requirement

source glass separately as they would for any other trade frame.”

Promac And Urban

Supplied by Promac, Window Tech invested in Urban AKFU 250 and 330 millers and an AKS4310 welder at the end of last year. This has allowed it to cut production time per sash from anywhere between 15 and 20 minutes to just eight, within most cases, no requirement to glass bond.

For Glass Bonding In R9 With

According to modelling by Promac, a line with two-millers, a welder and two operatives trim manufacturing time per sash back from 15-20 minutes to just eight.

This it says can be shortened to 3.5 minutes with six millers, two welders and two operatives.

“Timberweld® won’t necessarily allow you to eliminate the requirement for glass bonding in every sash you make but it will in the majority. It also won’t work for every system as R9 has 10mm greater depth than comparable systems”, explained Lee Marriott, Sales and Marketing Manager, Promac Group.

R9 specialist trade fabricator Window Tech, has begun Residence 9 frame-only supply, freeing up installers to source glass locally.

“If, however, you’re doing sensible numbers and you want an absolutely premium finish inside and out it’s an exceptional solution, allowing you to manufacture sashes far more quickly, increase joint strength to a level comparable with a standard 45° PVC-U mitre in 90° timber-type joint.

It comes following the Essex-based fabricator’s new Urban millers and welder from machinery specialist Promac Group.

This allows the manufacturer to fabricate window and door sashes using Timberweld®technology, emulating the appearance of a traditional 90°tiimber-type joint but also by welding rather than mechanically jointing sashes, delivering a far stronger joint and eliminating the requirement to glass bond IGUs. Bob Wallis, Managing Director, Window Tech Trade, explained: “Manufacture of R9 is almost always mechanical but that means that glass units have to be glass bonded into sashes because the glass performs a structural role.

That’s time consuming and can cause problems down the line.

48 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Bob Wallis, Managing Director, Window Tech Trade

“Our investment in a new Urban welder and millers means that we can recreate that traditional timber joint but weld it on the sash. That gives us a far stronger joint over screwing and gluing the joint and that means we don’t have glass bond.

“That’s a clear advantage to us and our customers. We can manufacture sashes more quickly but we also don’t need to glass bond and installers who buy from us can

Window Tech is currently fabricating just short of 100 R9 doors and windows a week and expects to hit around 150 fpw by the summer, moving almost exclusively towards the 90° welding of sashes.

“What it means is that our customers can source glass in exactly the same way as they would for any other window. Supplied as un-glazed product, it also makes our product far easier to handle on site.” www.promac.co.uk www.windowtech-residence.

MACHINERY SMR-4 welder. Lee commented: “We chose Haffner Murat due to the high specification and fully automatic facilities that the welder offered.”

Stevly Windows Impressed

By Capabilities Of Haffner

Murat’s Smr-4 Welder

South Wales fabricator and installer Stevly Windows Ltd has just invested in an SMR-4 Welder from Haffner Murat. The machine will help Stevly meet growing demand for its products while also maintaining the high standards on

which the company has built its name.

Lee Johnson, Stevly’s Managing Director, says he and his team researched the market thoroughly before deciding to invest in the

Haffner has a reputation for the quality of its service and there was no exception in Stevly’s case.

Lee said: “Dealing with Haffner Murat was an easy process. Any enquiries were answered promptly and efficiently and they ensured that all our requirements were met down to the actual day of delivery.”

Lee is delighted with the latest addition to Stevly’s production facility: “Our production has become far more streamlined with the introduction of the new SMR-4 welder and the accuracy of the frames superb. The welder is much easier to use than previous machines we have installed due to the self centering facility feature.” www.haffnermurat.com

Mighton Machinery Range Packs A Mighty Punch As the Mighton Machinery range from Mighton Products continues to gain momentum following its 2016 launch, it has earned the company high praise from a number of skilled joinery firms across the country, with the latest review coming from Swift Joinery Manufacturers Ltd. The Castleford-based joinery specialist was quick to commend the speed and quality of Mighton’s X-Cut™ Glazing Bead Jointing Machine, as Steve Greenwood explains.

“We purchased the machine 18 months ago due to high demand for plant-on Georgian Bars, and by far the most beneficial feature of the machine is its speed. It’s proven to be a tremendous time saver on production without compromising on accuracy; we cannot fault

the quality of the manufacture on the joints.”

Drawing on significant personal joinery experience, the Mighton Machinery range came about following months of research and development by Chairman Mike Derham and the Mighton team. The range of machines

is designed to make joinery production quicker, easier and more efficient for both the small or large scale operator. The popular semi-automatic Mighton X-Cut™ machine produces perfect cross-joints on glazing beads, coming complete with tooling to suit the timber profile of the user’s choosing. Accurate and consistent, it allows for simple tool changes and no lengthy manuals mean it’s quick to set up and easy to operate, something Steve can vouch for: “We took advantage of a visit from the Mighton Mobile Demo Van which we found incredibly helpful. We were able to see first-hand just how straightforward the X-Cut™ machine was set up and operate.” www.mightonproducts.com www.swift-joinery.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 49

ON SITE

Glassolutions Installation Balances Form And Function At

Kirkstall Forge ‘Urban Village’ In Leeds A stunning floor-to-ceiling glazing installation designed, specified and delivered by GLASSOLUTIONS has helped create the ideal balance between form and function at a new multi-use development in West Yorkshire.

Located to the north-west of Leeds, Number One Kirkstall Forge is part of the 57-acre, £400 million Kirkstall Forge ‘urban village’ scheme which on completion will offer Grade A office buildings, contemporary housing, green spaces, cafés, bars and restaurants in a beautiful riverside location. One Kirkstall Forge, the first commercial development on the site, is an office building offering over 110,000 sq. ft. of highly flexible workspace over seven floors, with floor-to-ceiling glazing at 2.8m height and a glazed entrance atrium.

50 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

Brought to the project by principal contractors Wates Construction, on behalf of site developer CEG, the GLASSOLUTIONS Contracting team was tasked with the delivery of designs by architects’ practice Cooper Cromar. This required the design, specification and installation of a glazed façade for the building, with deep mullions and bronze pressed aluminium panel cladding. In addition, the architectural plans featured a spectacular 8m unsupported mid-span entrance atrium which GLASSOLUTIONS was also briefed to deliver.

The glazing installation was required to be compliant with the highest environmental sustainability standards, as the building aims to achieve a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ rating. Additionally, Number One Kirkstall Forge’s enviable proximity to

the development’s own railway station gave rise to the need for acoustically-enhanced glass, to limit noise transfer and allow residents to enjoy the tranquillity of Kirkstall Forge’s woodland location.

To give Number One Kirkstall Forge the ideal balance between aesthetics and functionality, the GLASSOLUTIONS Contracting division specified a combination of WICONA aluminium systems integrating with high performance insulating glass units, spandrels and sandwich panels. The ‘stick’ curtain walling was fabricated using WICONA’s Wictec 50 systems, which provide a slim 50mm face width and ensure excellent thermal insulation through the incorporation of a uPVC thermal break.

For the glazing specification, it was vital to choose products which would help the building adhere to the high efficiency standards it was aiming to achieve, with low levels of heat transmission and solar gain. To meet this brief, GLASSOLUTIONS opted to install insulated glass units comprising Saint

ON SITE Gobain Glass’ SGG COOLLITE XTREME 70-33ii, with single-glazed units used for the spandrel panels to combat overheating.

With a G-Value of only 0.33 and an excellent centre pane U-value of 1.0W/m2K, this specification reduces the need for both additional heating and cooling, making it ideal for delivering energy savings and improved thermal insulation. Despite this, SGG COOL-LITE XTREME 70-33ii can achieve an impressive light transmission rate of 70%, maximising daylight within the building to create a pleasant working environment. Aesthetically, the glass delivers a high degree of neutrality both in transmission and exterior reflection, giving Number One Kirkstall Forge a smooth, untinted glazed finish.

GLASSOLUTIONS’ work on the Number One Kirkstall Forge site began in July 2016 and finished in November; the full building was completed in November 2017, with the first occupants moving into the development in December 2017.

Paul Casterton, GLASSOLUTIONS’ Contracting Operations Director, says: “This was a fantastic project for GLASSOLUTIONS to be involved in. Our Contracting team has contributed to developments of different kinds all over the country, but it’s rare that we have the privilege to play a part in one which will have such a tangible effect on the appeal of a region to businesses and families.

“Number One Kirkstall Forge is set to provide highly desirable office spaces, built sensitively and responsibly as well as giving a respectful nod to the industrial heritage of the Aire Valley. To have played a part in a project like this feels very special.” glassolutions.co.uk

Back To Business For Jack In

The Office Group Refurb

Jack Aluminium Systems’ JD47 non-thermal shopfront system has been used by IDF Aluminium as part of an office refurbishment for shared workspace pioneers, The Office Group.

The building, in Ecclestone Square, near Victoria Station in London has been fully refurbished by The Office Group, creating a modern, commercial space that will be let to a range of diverse workforces, including creative agencies and start-up businesses.

Will Woods, Director at IDF Aluminium explains: “The client was looking to create partitioning within the building to separate the workspaces. They wanted something that gave a distinctive, retro-feel to the building so it was as much about an aesthetically-pleasing solution as a practical solution.

“We knew that Jack Aluminium’s JD47 system was the perfect choice, because we have used it previously on other office refurbishment projects, including The Office Group’s premises in

Oxford Circus, and it worked really well.”

Plans were announced in 2015 to develop the Ecclestone Square site with a new build residential apartment block, but they were heavily opposed by surrounding residents who wanted to preserve their local area.

In 2015, The Office Group stepped in, taking out a 20-year lease on the building and carrying out a full refurbishment to create a modern commercial space for small businesses. The Office Group’s network includes offices in Leeds and Bristol as well as 32 sites across London, each with impressive facilities for businesses.

Ash Pearson, National Sales Manager at Jack Aluminum adds: “The team at IDF never fails to impress us with their innovative projects. This is another impressive job that really shows the versatility of our aluminium systems.” www.jackaluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 51

ON SITE

Eurocell Modus Sends Sound Attenuation Into Orbit Orbit Housing’s Fordham House in Stratford-upon-Avon aims to raise the bar for rented accommodation. Designed for key workers in the town, the 82-apartment block will provide enhanced protection against noise, a superior maintenance and repair strategy and additional facilities such as secure internal bike storage rooms.

Much of the budget for these above-and-beyond features has come from the specification of Modus PVC-U windows from Eurocell in place of the aluminium frames originally specified. “We saved a significant amount without compromising on the specification or the design”, says Orbit Commercial Director Adam Cooper. “And from a planner’s point of view, they look identical”.

Deeley Construction began work on the site, which sits on the corner of Birmingham and Clopton Roads, in January 2016 with the demoli52 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

tion of a disused office building. Construction of the foundations began in May that year, with the first tenants due to move into their new homes in September this year. Deeley’s parent company is one of three partners that form the scheme’s developer ABD Developments, and the site itself is owned by benevolent organisation Stratford Town Trust.

Constructed from dense concrete blocks with hollowcore flooring, the three- and four-storey building is clad in a mixture of curtain walling and green wall – sections of planted walls which will be automatically fed and irrigated. The Modus windows, supplied and installed by Unique Window Systems, are tilt-and-turn so that they can be cleaned internally, avoiding the potential hazard and traffic issues of accessing them from the elevations by the two busy roads.

ON SITE grain-effect colours, all of which are available with white internal finishes to create a light and airy living environment. A further range of more than 40 solid and woodgrain effect finishes is available, including colour both sides.

BBA-certified to function satisfactorily for more than 35 years, the Modus range achieves a U-value of 1.2 W/m² using 4/20/4 mm using sealed double-glazed units. This effective thermal performance is due to the 75mm six-chamber profile system used in the Modus that also enables the range to achieve a U-value of 0.7 by installing triple-glazed units.

This led to Modus becoming one of the very first systems to achieve the BFRC Window Energy Rating (WER) of A++. This is only awarded to windows with an energy index value equal to or greater than +20; and Modus A++ designs include casement, reversible and tilt and turn.

Consisting of 50% post-consumer recycled PVC-U as standard, Modus has a smaller carbon footprint than products made or recycled outside of the UK. Eurocell achieves this by employing dual material extrusion technology (DMET) that layers post-consumer recycled and ‘virgin’ material simultaneously, so the recycled material is concentrated in the central core of the profiles where it cannot be seen once the door or window is installed.

Tenants will be required to keep their windows clean as part of their tenancy agreement. Details about how to operate and clean the windows, together with a function that allows tenants to report and photograph any problems with their apartments, will be available through a smartphone app, developed by Orbit.

With many tenants expected to come from expanding local hospitals, acoustic improvements were high on the menu of potential value-enhancing features. Orbit has beefed up the acoustic barriers between floors with a layer of insulation and screed with suspended ceilings added to the deep hollow concrete slab. It has also added fitted blinds within the reveals of the windows to provide an additional noise cushion for shift workers who need to sleep during the day.

“We did not need to increase the specification for the windows: the existing specification from Eurocell provided the level of acoustic protection that we needed”, says Cooper.

Coming with a 12-year guarantee, the Modus system is available in nine solid and wood-

Additional budget gained from savings on the window costs has also gone into upgrading the flooring material. Ceramic wood-effect flooring has replaced lino to provide a longer life and hence lower maintenance costs and down-time for Orbit.

A re-think of the building’s layout produced space for a substantial ‘spares room’ which will house items such as cookers and kitchen units. With all the apartments kitted out identically, this will enable faster repairs and reduce the time required to spruce up homes between tenancies.

With a background in both construction and maintenance of multi-tenanted buildings, Cooper has a better understanding than most of how decisions taken at the construction phase impact on the experience of those who live in it. “It’s all about giving our tenants the best customer experience we can”, he explains.

To simplify specification, Modus BIM models are available to download for free from the Eurocell website at http://www.eurocell.co.uk/bim WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 53

ON SITE

Senior Delivers Milestone PURe Contract For ®

New Manchester Life Development Working alongside John Sisk & Son and specialist contractor Elite Aluminium Systems, Senior Architectural Systems has delivered its largest order to date for its thermally-efficient PURe® aluminium windows at Manchester Life’s new Cotton Field Wharf residential development.

Cotton Field Wharf is the first scheme to be completed as part Manchester Life’s plans to create over 1000 new private rental homes across the Ancoats area of Manchester.

The 302 new apartments at Cotton Field Wharf benefit from 54 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

the use of Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium casement windows, which offer some of the lowest U-values available on the UK market. Senior’s PURe® FOLD aluminium doors open up to private terraces, many of which enjoy picturesque waterside views thanks to the scheme’s location overlooking the New Islington Marina. On the lower levels, Senior’s slim profile aluminium curtain walling system has been used to frame the communal areas, which include a gym and club room, and maximise the sense of light and space. Senior’s robust and secure SPW501 commercial aluminium doors

complete the development’s attractive glazing package.

Through early engagement with Elite Aluminium Systems, the team were able review the initial specification for the project and pioneer the use of Senior’s PURe® system. Elite successfully demonstrated that unlike alternative products, the PURe® aluminium windows and doors could provide exceptionally low U-values at a competitive cost. Quality and reliability could also be assured through the use of Senior’s advanced in-house powder coating facility and standard 25 year warranty on all coatings.

ON SITE Commenting, Mark Longmore, general manager at Elite Aluminium Systems Ltd said: “We have worked with Senior Architectural Systems for over twenty years now and so it was an obvious choice for us to look to their extensive product range for a cost-effective solution for the Cotton Field Wharf contract.

Senior’s PURe® system fitted the bill perfectly by offering a range of benefits to the client whilst also being a pleasure to install. We are really proud of the results and to have secured additional contracts with Manchester Life as part of the ongoing regeneration of what was once the centre of Manchester’s industrial revolution.”

Simon Scholefield, Senior Architectural System’s architectural advisor for the North West region added: “Product innovation and supply chain collaboration have played a key role in the delivery of Cotton Field Wharf and we are extremely proud to have been involved. We are also delighted to be continuing our relationship with Elite, John Sisk and Manchester Life following our appointment to supply to the fenestration package for the new Smith’s Yard scheme that forms part of the same development.”

Senior’s patented PURe® aluminium window system is the first on the UK market to benefit from an enhanced thermal barrier manufactured from expanded polyurethane foam (PUR).

Traditionally used in cladding and insulation products, the innovative use of PUR as a thermal barrier in windows and doors gives the PURe ® range the potential to achieve U-values as low as 0.71W/m2 K when calculated as a commercial CEN standard window and 0.93W/ m2 K when calculated as a CEN standard door. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk

Somerglaze Windows Demonstrates Swish Value To A Portfolio Swish installer, Somerglaze Windows has recently completed a refurbishment project on a stunning home in Somerset.

The project was to replace 13 windows throughout the property, along with several doors, as part of a refurbishment/new build project.

Gary Hembrow, Director of Somerglaze Windows explains.

“The customer had extended the property and we therefore needed to replace the windows throughout the main house to tie in with the new extension. The windows chosen were manufactured in anthracite grey on the external face with white internally for a sleek, sophisticated finish.”

The windows were manufactured from Swish 24/7 profiles and fabricated by Swish fabricator the Seal-Lite Group. Gary explains, “We have worked with Seal-Lite for many years and are delighted with the quality and service they offer. Furthermore, the Swish brand name adds further value to our portfolio, something our customers appre-

ciate.”

Gary is in no doubt why his company won this contract, saying, “We have an excellent reputation for installing high quality products and service and I am sure that helped us secure this contract. We are also members of Excellence as Standard, the new installer programme design to elevate standards across the whole of the glass and glazing industry. Being a reputable and established family run business in the area, we endeavour to cover all of our clients’ requirements head on and to the highest of industry standards, whilst using only the best quality products, so customers can be assured of a professional installation every time.”

Somerglaze Windows specialises in the supply and fit of windows, doors, conservatories and porches in Bristol, Bath, Gloucestershire, Avon, Somerset, South Wales and parts of Wiltshire. The company is committed to providing high quality products and excellent workmanship.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 55

ON SITE

Major Refurb For Iconic

Manchester Building As part of a large scale renovation programme, The Glazerite UK Group Limited and its Stockport-based customer, Arctic Seal MCR Ltd, have supplied and installed 1000 windows for a state-of-the-art 260,000 square foot business community.

structurally coupled windows are finished in Anthracite to replicate aluminium in alignment with the modern, 21st century look and feel of the building. All ground floor windows are Secured By Design accredited and all glazing is grey tinted.

Universal Square is a unique office campus based on the Piccadilly fringe of Manchester City Centre, offering a professional service to more than 50 companies. As part of the demanding refurbishment project, five new interlinked buildings are all congregated around an impressive courtyard, with 24-hour security, car parking facilities, a restaurant, fitness centre and more.

Arctic Seal’s Director Shahzad Ashraf commented: “Having visited The Glazerite UK Group stand at the 2017 FIT Show, we were very impressed with the quality of their windows, and in addition to that their windows met our requirements in terms of what size frame they could supply.

Since then we have worked with them on the Universal Square project, as well as two office-toflat conversions in both Derby and Cannock, totalling around 1000 windows. Each of these were standard frames but with different levels of glass spec due to soundproofing and depending on elevation. All projects have run to

The old building has been completely transformed and, as well as external cladding to the complete building, 1000 VEKA M70 windows were supplied to Arctic Seal for installation. The new 56 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

schedule thanks to great communication from Glazerite and all deliveries arriving as planned.”

Glazerite’s Sales Manager Pete Smith said: “This project is one of three across the country that we have worked on together with Arctic Seal within the last year after meeting at last year’s FIT Show.

The 2017 Show was a platform for Glazerite to showcase further new products and support services, and we are pleased this has led to working with Arctic Seal on such projects.”

Pete added: “Now almost complete, the Universal Square project no longer bears any resemblance at all to the building that was historically built to house Great Universal Stores. Arctic Seal have achieved a fantastic result with an inviting and modern space for businesses of all sectors, from SMEs to some major blue chip companies. This was a great project to be involved with and the newly transformed building will play an iconic role in the Manchester commuter belt, with its location on the main rail track into the city.” glazeritewindows.co.uk

ON SITE

West Port’s Wildlife Window Shows The

Versatility Of Timber

An ingenious bat-friendly window designed and manufactured by West Port has allowed a major housing project to continue unhindered.

A collaboration between Speller Metcalfe and Linden Homes, the Victory Fields development has seen the transformation of decommissioned Gloucestershire air force base Little Rissington into a collection of luxurious homes – but the venture hasn’t been without its challenges.

While converting the base’s Officer’s Mess building, builders discovered that large numbers of bats had taken up residence in the attic. Bats and their roosts are protected by strict conservation legislation, making attempting to remove the animals or their nests

a criminal offense – which left developers in need of a creative solution.

Enter timber fenestration experts West Port, who immediately began designing a way around the problem.

The bats had to be left with free run of the attic, but the building still needed extensive renovation.

The result was a unique bat-friendly timber window – still stunning to look at, and offering outstanding all-round performance, but incorporating a gap large enough for bats to fly in and out of.

What’s more, the attic space will require regular cleaning and observation by ecologists – meaning the window had to be designed to open like a door, allowing for easy

access.

“This project perfectly demonstrates the benefits of being able to combine state-of-the-art modern production with decades of bespoke joinery expertise,” comments Commercial Sales Director Ken Mercer. “We met with the client, assessed their needs, and got to work producing an elegant solution that met those requirements exactly. It’s the kind of exceptional service we pride ourselves on.

“We’d be delighted to hear from any property developers, housebuilders, main contractors, architects and others interested in learning what West Port can do for you and your next project.” www.west-port.co.uk/ WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 57

ON SITE

High Performance Curtain Walling From Reynaers Creates Eye-Catching Façade Reynaers’ cutting-edge aluminium curtain wall system for facades and roofs has created new angles for a modern office building.

allows frames to be placed at varying angles both horizontally and vertically, moving away from the traditional uniform grid pattern.

French company Groupama opted for maximum transparency and benefit from superb thermal efficiency for its premises in Chartres, southwest of Paris.

Rebecca Cope, Marketing Manager at Reynaers, said: “Our extensive range of CW 50 curtain walls meets all the requirements of contemporary architecture.

With regard to energy performance, the system offers different solutions, allowing the use of triple glazing – making the facade applicable for passive house or energy efficient buildings.

Its building was designed by architects Agence Franc Gérard and covers 4,400m2, with an envelope in pre-oxidised copper panels. The impressive staggered façade curtain walling, created from Reynaers’ CW 50 multi-level product, incorporates vivid coloured glass inserts.

The CW 50 stick curtain wall system is available in several design and glazing variants and is on show at Reynaers’ Knowledge Centre showroom in Birmingham. It includes different technical options to give maximum flexibility in design and 58 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

“What’s more, dedicated opening types can also be seamlessly integrated; such as a parallel opening window, a top hung window, a hidden vent turn and tilt window, plus a flush roof vent for integration in roof applications of CW 50.”

Extensions to the CW 50 system also offer new innovative

solutions for much heavier glass weights, as well as easy assembly and quick installation, plus improved energy efficiency. The curtain wall system can achieve a thermal insulation Uf value down to 0.56W/m2K, depending on the profile combination and variant.

The design variants include curtain walls for both the exterior and the interior of buildings.

Glazing variants range from standard pressure plates, structurally glazed and structurally clamped facades.

Unitised curtain wall options are also available within the range.

They allow entire panels to be manufactured in the workshop reducing the time on site. Both unitised and traditional stick systems can also be developed into bespoke solutions for specific project requirements. www.reynaers.co.uk.

ON SITE

CMS Meets Contemporary

Glazing Brief For Award-Winning

Carnegie Library Project

Scottish window, door and curtain walling manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has played a key role in the creation of the new Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries (DCL&G), which was crowned Scotland’s best building in the 2017 RIAS (The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) Awards.

The company was appointed to deliver the major window and curtain walling contract for the £12.4m project by Fife Council and Fife Cultural Trust.

The Richard Murphy Architects designed project took an existing B-listed library, which was the world’s first Carnegie Library, built with money donated

by Scottish businessman and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, and a former bank to create a major new cultural centre. In addition to the Carnegie Library, the new building houses a new

museum, exhibition galleries, local history Reading Room, new children’s library and a mezzanine café with stunning views over the landscaped garden to Dunfermline Abbey and the Heritage Quarter.

Benefiting from a £2.8m award by the Heritage Lottery Fund and a donation of £1m by The Carnegie Dunfermline Trust, the DCL&G building is organised along a top-lit internal street, criss-crossed by bridges. To provide access, an adjacent car park was redesigned as a walled garden leading to an entrance courtyard. External materials are sandstone, oak and Corten steel, acknowledging the town’s industrial heritage and the steel magnate Andrew Carnegie, after whom the building is named.

CMS Window Systems was awarded the fenestration con-

tract by main contractor BAM Construction, with the brief being to manufacture and install a range of aluminium windows and curtain walling finished in RAL 7024 graphite grey. All windows use the Metal Technology 4-20 Hi+ system which incorporates a thermal break to deliver windows with excellent thermal properties. The complementary curtain walling – capped and silicone pointed – was fabricated using the Metal Technology System 17 Latitude to provide consistency in aesthetics and performance.

The windows and curtain walling are glazed with sealed units that balance thermal insulation with solar control to maintain an energy efficient, stable internal climate. Windows feature a 6mm toughened pane for security and safety, a 16mm Argon filled cavity, and a 6.4mm Planitherm Ultra N pane to provide a balance of thermal insulation and solar control. The curtain walling incorporates an additional solar control element with the application of SGG COOL-LITE XTREME II and 20mm cavity.

Stephen Anderson, Aluminium Contracts Director at CMS Window Systems, said: “The new Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries project was a superb project to be part of and we are delighted to have been part of the project team. We have worked extensively with Fife Council over the past decade in social housing projects, educational buildings and a wide variety of other non-residential schemes, so it was pleasing to be appointed to work on this most prestigious of projects that people across Fife, and Scotland as a whole, can be proud of.”

Find out more about CMS Window Systems at www.cmswindows.com.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 59

INTERNET

PatioMaster’s New Website Designed To Increase Lead

Generation For Its Customers PatioMaster has just launched a new website. Carmen Velilla, Brand Manager of PatioMaster, said: “Our new website builds on everything that worked well from the previous site to deliver a new platform that is more engaging and informative. It is aimed at both trade and end users and its overarching aim is to increase lead generation for our customers.”

The new site has a fresh, high quality, personable style that reflects PatioMaster’s brand personality. It has been designed to be easy to navigate, including the use of clearly defined calls to action at the end of each page that direct visitors to more information that may aid their decision-making process. A Door Builder platform allows homeowners to 60 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

design their own door, a feature that will help them become much more engaged when on the site.

A regular programme of content marketing, including case studies and blogs, will ensure traffic will be consistently driven to the site to boost visitor numbers and lead generation opportunities.

PatioMaster dealerships have been highlighted throughout the site to emphasise one of the brand’s USPs of the reassurance of a trusted major brand that still allows homeowners to support their local economy. The move will also mean it will be much easier for homeowners to find details of their nearest dealer and get in touch, something that will ensure PatioMaster customers are immediately connected with prospective customers.

One of the biggest features of the new site is the Technical Hub. It’s a dedicated area for trade customers that contains valuable technical and marketing support in the form of wall charts, manuals, bulletins, brochures, renders, installation images and more. Unlike many similar hubs on trade websites, this one has been designed to be quick and easy to access and navigate.

Carmen concludes: “Quality, service and style are the three factors that define the PatioMaster experience and they’re the reasons why we’ve become one of the UK’s leading patio door manufacturers. They are factors that are reflected in our new website and I’m delighted it’s now live.” www.patiomaster.co.uk

INTERNET a vast portfolio of various online products and websites for companies in the casement window, vertical slider, composite door, bi-folding door, PVC-U and aluminium sectors. Across the board, in all of these sectors, we always try to ensure our customers’ online presence is working as an integral part of their business. Lead generation is a big part of this, so we’re thrilled that our online initiatives have achieved a total of 500,000 enquires – 300,000 from our trade ordering portals alone.

The Consultancy Achieves

Lead Gen Milestone

The Consultancy, the well-respected digital specialist providing online solutions to the window, door and glazing industries, has announced that its customers have collectively achieved a

total of 500,000 enquiries via the company’s online lead generation initiatives.

Richie Thornton, Director of The Consultancy explains: “We have

Rocal Launch A New Website

Rocal has recently revamped their Rocal Extrusions website (www.rocalextrusions.co.uk), investing in a range of new features for enhanced content management. This included the creation of a bespoke content management system (CMS), designed to enable Rocal to change the copy, images and pages on their site quickly and easily.

Not only does this make things easier for Rocal themselves, but it also allows them to promote their services in a more coherent and accurate way for their customers. This means that they will be able to find exactly what they need quickly and easily. Whether you’re looking for plastic extrusions services, or extrusion finishes, colours, wrapping, custom tooling or general advice, it’s all present

online.

The site rebuild has also allowed Rocal to integrate a builtin media library for heightened resource management. They are now able to upload technical documents for their customers to download, covering help and advice on both flexible extrusions and rigid extrusions.

If you’re looking for advice on which material to use, this is a

“Installer customers have achieved 200,000 enquires from homeowners via their own tailored lead generation tools. Often the solutions we provide for companies work across the full length of the supply chain, ensuring everyone’s online presence is working together to provide a smooth and efficient experience throughout the entire process. theconsultancy.co.uk fantastic starting place.

This addition works alongside their new built-in news section, which enables Rocal to keep their customers up to date with their latest services, company news and the unique aspects of the Rocal Extrusions approach.

This is perfect for ensuring that customers are aware of Rocal’s latest high-quality offerings, with information on how to get in touch included in the articles that are posted.

In addition to this Rocal has also changed their logo to bring their brand name to the forefront, changing from ‘Extrusions by Rocal’ to ‘Rocal Extrusions’. As a company that has been evolving and diversifying since its inception in 1993, this website update and logo change stand well in line with their commitment to quality across the board. rocalextrusions.co.uk.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 61

INTERNET

New ‘Inspiration’ Website For Ultraframe

The opportunity to engage online, and influence home owners as they begin their home extension journey has never been greater according Ultraframe. With the domination of home inspiration and lifestyle sites such as Pinterest and Houzz, consumers are increasingly turning to online resources to build their own online ‘scrapbook’ long before they consider who might carry out the work. In response, Ultraframe has radically changed its website to deliver a fully immersive home extension experience that enables visitor to build their own ‘vision’ and share it directly with an Ultraframe installer.

Alex Hewitt, Ultraframe Marketing Director comments: “we have always had tremendous success with the Ultraframe website in terms of generating quality leads for our Ultra Installers but we recognise that consumer’s not only want the opportunity to find a trusted installer but they also want to be inspired about the possibilities of extending their home.

62 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

“We’ve come such a long way from the conservatory market of ten years ago. Today, we have a vast range of glazed extension options to meet every conceivable style and budget so the new website reflects that – we want consumers to visit our website and feel inspired and informed in equal measure. As an example, we know that natural light is a priority in a home extension, but we also know that three times more light is delivered through the roof than the doors and windows combined, so it’s important that we get that message across to consumers. Equally, where the breadth of our range comes into its own is demonstrating to consumers that with the addition of our enhancements such as super insulated columns and pelmets, a glass roof easily becomes a warm roof, making the space comfortable all year round.”

The new website, which features striking images and a clear ‘inspiration’ message takes visitors on a journey through the Ultraframe

range allowing visitors to browse a huge library of previous installations. The new ‘scrapbook’ capability is clever. Not only does it allow users to build their own inspiration board but it allows the visitor to share it with friends and more importantly with a retailer, thus creating an immediate quotation opportunity.

As Alex concludes: “the previous website did a fantastic job, but as web technology and consumer trends evolve, it’s vital that we stay ahead. People want to be inspired with more images and less words – our new site very much reflects that emphasis. We’re always seeking to identify ways we can support our retail partners and maximise the opportunity for them to convert leads into sales – the ability for a consumer to create their home extension vision using our website and share it with the retailer really adds weight to the sales approach.” ultraframe-conservatories.co.uk

INTERNET

tion a priority throughout. Finally, the homeownner saves the configuration by e-mail or can get a price from a local Double Glazing Network (DGN) member.

QuoteBuilder utilises company specific links, so integrating into a customer’s website or social media page is incredibly easy.

Additionally, it can be accessed from the TruFrame website (www.truframe.co.uk) or via the recently relaunched DGN website (www.doubleglazingnetwork.com), providing a minimum of three different capture points for consumers.

TruFrame Launches

Ground-Breaking QuoteBuilder Platform

TruFrame has announced the launch of what it describes as a ground-breaking and powerful lead generation tool for its customers – QuoteBuilder.

The purpose of this FREE tool is to create new sales opportunities for TruFrame customers by providing homeowners with a quick, enjoyable way to obtain accurate prices and realistic visual representations, in a way that conforms to expectations set by the automotive and furniture industries.

Mr and Mrs Jones can use QuoteBuilder to design their perfect windows or doors via mobile, tablet, PC or Mac and receive an instant quotation.

Essentially, QuoteBuilder is a FREE virtual salesman for TruFrame’s customers that is

available 24/7, 365 days a year.

QuoteBuilder uses painstakingly detailed 3D modelling to produce Computer Generated Imagery that accurately represents every type of product TruFrame manufacture.

QuoteBuilder has been designed to have an eCommerce look and feel, which homeowners should find familiar. They can choose to design either a single window/door or configure their whole house. The room type is selected through a drop-down menu, followed by selection of the product type i.e. casement, flush sash, etc.

QuoteBuilder then lets you specify a choice of finishes, handles and Energy Ratings, with ease and speed of naviga-

The DGN is a consumer-facing brand developed by TruFrame that provides homeowners with useful information whilst also allowing them to find local installers and suppliers of windows and doors. Membership to the DGN is also FREE to TruFrame customers.

With a consultative sales approach and transparent pricing, consumers will be far better equipped to make a decision, allowing DGN members to receive more leads and close more sales.

Patrick Firmager, Projects Director of TruFrame commented: ‘QuoteBuilder is a genuine game-changer that marks a new direction for TruFrame.

We believe that QuoteBuilder has the ability to fundamentally change the general perception of double-glazing by providing complete transparency when it comes to pricing. This is just the beginning; we have many more developments to come in the near future…’

For further information on QuoteBuilder or the Double Glazing Network please contact TruFrame, via e-mail at sales@truframe.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 63

INTERNET

Mila Leaps Ahead With New Website

Mila has launched a brand new website, which it says puts it even further ahead of the competition.

Mila’s Head of Marketing Sarah Gyde said of the new website: “We started by analysing the statistics from our existing website and identifying the areas which customers visit and value the most. We have focused on those areas and have created a new website which allows customers to access any information they need as quickly and easily as possible. We’ve included technical and fitting information on every product in our range and there’s even a PDF of the brand new Key 8 catalogue included as well.

Mila has just launched a brand new website 1The new website at www.mila.co.uk transforms Mila’s online presence thanks to a contemporary new design and intuitive navigation. It is optimised for use on any type of screen and is packed with all the product and technical information which customers could ever need.

There are new, clearly defined product sections for window, door and security hardware, lots of spotlight focuses showing what is behind some of Mila’s most iconic products, and features on key members of the Mila team and the support services they offer.

64 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

the Tech Talk updates from Mila’s Technical Manager Strafford Cooke. It also features a new social feed allowing visitors to keep up with Mila’s constantly updated Instagram and Twitter feeds (@ milahardware_uk).

The website is the new home of Managing Director Richard Gyde’s popular industry blog and for

“I think the website reflects our commitment to setting the highest standards in the industry, and gives visitors a fantastic insight into the products and services that set Mila apart.” mila.co.uk

INTERNET

New ISO-CHEMIE Portal

For Fenestration Installers And Specifiers

Astraseal

Celebrates Record Traffic

To Astraseal A new online resource from ISO CHEMIE provides improved access to a range of sealant tape related project services and special tools for fenestration installers, retailers, designers and architects.

The secure ISO-PORTAL at www.iso-chemie.co.uk is the latest initiative from one of Europe’s leading producers of foam sealant tapes, which will improve the support offered to customers and specifiers around the planning and management of building and refurbishment projects. Some basic information is available to all visitors, but more is available free of charge once the user has created their own private account for access.

Features include numerous training video clips, plus a tool to quickly and easily calculate the quantity of ISO-TOP WINFRAMER thermal insulating and load bearing bracket systems required for a job, helping to minimise product waste and simplifying the ordering process.

A ‘My Documents’ section offers improved access to online content and downloaded files, such as price lists, test reports

and certificates. The status of orders can be viewed at any time and the whole section is accessible via mobile devices or smartphones for ease-of-use while on the move.

Technical information around the planning and implementation of installation processes is covered in the ISOPEDIA knowledge base. This contains structural engineering and technical data, including how to detail airtight junctions, together with notes on the latest construction regulations and product specifications.

The UK web site also includes a free of charge direct link to the National Building Specification (NSB) clauses for UK architects. This offers instant access to a library of clauses that can be selected and downloaded to help prepare project specifications, helping architects and specifiers ensure that the correct products are chosen, which are ‘fit for purpose’.

In addition, the new ISO-PORTAL has a thermal modelling tool to assist with the location of window positions in the external walls. A full English version of this feature will be available for Ecobuild.

Downloads

Website Astraseal, one of the UK’s most respected trade and commercial fabricators has seen unprecedented traffic to Astraseal Downloads (www.astrasealdownloads.com) – the firm’s powerful, online ‘Information Centre’.

Combining product brochures, profile prints, technical specifications and installation guides from across the industry’s systems houses and suppliers, the free-to-access resource has seen thousands of industry professionals navigate to the site and download resources since the beginning of the year.

“Astraseal Downloads was created to alleviate the sheer number of calls I was receiving, asking for particular documents or brochures. Now, we can point them towards our Downloads page which provides instant, free access to absolutely everything they could possibly need,” comments Zac Nedimovic, Sales and Marketing Manager at Astraseal. www.astraseal.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 65

MARKETING

Tremco Video Shows Best-In-Class

Performance Can Be Easy With TP650 Trio A stunning new video sees sealant specialists tremco illbruck show just how quick and easy it is to use their best-in-class installation tape, TP650 Trio.

with BS8213-4:2016 CoP for the survey and installation of windows and external door sets, and the Glass and Glazing Federation’s Guide to Good Practice.

The two-minute clip takes installers through the simple steps required to fit and seal a window with TP650.

David Naylor, TP650 Product Manager, commented: “Our excellent new video shows that outstanding performance doesn’t have to be difficult to achieve. In just a few minutes with TP650 Trio, an installer can fit a window product that will offer a lifetime of exceptional energy efficiency, sound insulation and weather resistance.

You can watch the new video here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=W9hgyi9lba8 TP650 Trio is a pre-compressed, multi-functional polyurethane tape that’s impregnated with flame-retardant resin. Designed for new-build and replacement installations, it’s quick and simple to apply, and is vapour-permeable while still offering driving rain resistance of up to 600 Pa. What’s more, it’s fully compliant 66 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

“A lot of other non-silicone sealant solutions on the market can be flawed. They’re incredibly difficult to align, or they crease around corners. Trio has none of these problems – and, as the video shows, can be measured and applied in no time.

“We’re adamant there’s always going to be a place for silicone.

We produce significant amounts of it ourselves. But as consumers grow increasingly environmentally conscious, and sustainability regulations get more and more strict, we’re equally clear that solutions like TP650 are the future of window installation.”

TP650 Trio is currently being trialled in Eurocell branches across the South West. If it proves successful, the product will be rolled out across other areas of the UK. Founded in Germany, but now with over a thousand employees in 30 locations around the globe, tremco illbruck is the world’s leading supplier of high-performance sealants, tapes and adhesives. www.tremco-illbruck.com

MARKETING

Sash UK Provides A Perfect Solution For Choosing Composite Doors With the changes and increase in home improvement trends, Sash UK – the clear and open window people has launched a new brochure to help trade customers offer a perfect and simple solution when selling composite doors.

The Barnsley-based manufacturer, who has been manufacturing windows and doors for over 50-years, developed the brochure after recognising a change in consumers purchasing behaviours for choosing composite doors.

Darren Woolf, trade sales director at Sash UK, commented: “We have gained a vast amount of knowledge working with our trade customers over the years,

gathering feedback about what their customers would like to see. This information has enabled us to create a new Composite Door brochure which we believe will gain them a competitive advantage. The brochure has been designed to include our entire range of standard and specialised composite doors, giving the consumer a simple

and easy to understand guide to the options available to them.”

The layout of the brochure includes a clear and uncomplicated introduction to the entire range, with each page elegantly arranged to show glass, colour and hardware options available for each style of composite door.

Darren continues: “We recognise the importance of supplying our trade customers with support materials, helping them to cater for today’s changing consumer demands, and part of our thinking in introducing the brochure is to ensure we eliminate any obstacles which might prevent them from making a sale.”

The brochure incorporates a matrix to the rear, showcasing the vast amount of door options available and giving our trade customers the opportunity to offer consumers more choice.

For more information visit www.sashuk.com

Calling All Women In Construction

And Property Marketing

The Construction and Property Special Interest Group of the Chartered Institute of Public Relations has created a survey to understand women’s experiences and perspectives on working in PR and marketing in the sector.

The group has commissioned the research and want to explore whether women in construction and property PR and marketing have similar or different experiences to women in the wider construction and property industry.

the sector already has regarding gender diversity.

The survey will report on how these experiences compare with the PR industry as a whole. And it will look at whether there are additional challenges for women in construction and property PR, given the complex challenges

“Please help us by sharing your experiences,” says Sarah Ball, secretary of CAPSIG, director for Balls2 Marketing and organiser of PIGS. “We want to hear from women in all types of PR and marketing roles in any sector of the property, construction and the built environment industry.”

Please go to surveymonkey.co.uk/r/PLSJ8L3 to complete the survey.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 67

AWARDS

Hall Of Frame For

AluK Customers AluK has announced the first ever winner of its brand new Installation of the Month competition. SG Installations’ stunning install of AluK windows, doors and curtain walling in a contemporary property in Northforeland, Broadstairs edged out the other shortlisted projects from Nottingham Window Company and Bedford Bi-Folds in an on-line poll.

SG Installations now has the honour of being the first company to feature in the AluK ‘Hall of Frame’, newly created on the dedicated competition website at http://iotm.aluk.com/uk. The specialist glazing contractor, based in Broadstairs, Kent, also gets exclusive access to an Installation of the Month digital 68 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

badge to use across its website and social media channels, a £100 Screwfix voucher and an invitation to the winners’ event taking place at the end of the year.

AluK’s Installation of the Month competition is designed to give the company’s very own ‘Experts in Aluminium’ the recognition they deserve. It is open to all customers, who just need to tag the very best installation photos they post on Twitter or Facebook with the hashtag #MyExpertInstall to enter. They don’t need to register or fill in any forms, and they can enter as many times as they like.

AluK says that the competition is all about showcasing the huge

variety of projects where AluK’s aluminium windows, doors and veranda systems are installed, and above all to recognise and reward the quality and innovation being demonstrated by its customers every day; and that was certainly the case in the first month.

With SG Installations deservedly taking the prize for February, entries are now open for the March competition. AluK will be drawing up a shortlist of finalists towards the end of the month and then it will be up to AluK’s 17,000 Twitter followers to choose their favourite once again.

Further details are at: http://iotm.aluk.com/uk

AWARDS

Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Nominated For Two Lucrative RICS Awards The Royal Birmingham Conservatoire has been shortlisted for two awards at the annual RICS West Midlands Awards.

ford Try to create the state of the art building with one of the highest levels of acoustic attenuation in the world.

The first nomination is in the Design through Innovation category as well as the Regeneration category after the new build replaced the old Conservatoire in Chamberlain Square.

The building envelope used Kawneer AA100 curtain walling and AA720 window systems that provided thermal enhancement and the acoustic performance required. Acoustic baffles were also engineered within secondary glazing reveals helped to reduce sound transmission further.

The RICS Awards recognise the most inspirational initiatives and developments in land, property, construction and environment across the region.

Bennett Architectural worked alongside main contractor Galli-

Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented, “The Royal Birmingham Conserv-

atoire was the epitomy of the sort of project our team relishes given the challenges with the acoustics.

“Because of the location in a busy area of the city centre, it was vital we got the acoustics right for the windows and curtain walling systems our team designed, fabricated and installed.”

The purpose built £57m project opened its doors to students from Birmingham City University in September 2017.

The RICS West Midlands awards takes place on 2nd May at Grand Station in Wolverhampton, with regional winners in all categories invited to the full ceremony in November where overall UK projects of the year will be decided. baasl.co.uk

Solidor Showroom Accolade For Windows Etc ment in Colchester, Essex.

The company is approaching a 9-year anniversary with Solidor and their impressive new brand-laden showroom features 19 different Solidor door designs, reflecting various styles, colours and hardware options. Windows Etc also boast an impressive website at www.windowsetc.co.uk, which not only carries a number of professional photographs of Solidor composite doors, but there’s also integration into the proven Design A Door engine.

Joe Solomons, managing director of Windows Etc commented: ‘We’re delighted to receive the Showroom of the Month award for February as we’ve spent considerable time and effort in developing what we believe is the best composite door showroom in Essex. We’re a long-standing customer of Solidor and they’ve proven to be our ideal composite door partner in many ways.’

Windows Etc has become the latest Solidor trade partner to be awarded with the Showroom of the Month accolade, this time for February, by offering an unrivalled composite door environ-

Gareth Busson, head of sales and marketing at Solidor concluded: ‘It’s a great Solidor environment that Joe and the team have created at Windows Etc. They are yet another example of how to create a wonderful retail experience for prospective customers and we look forward to building our great relationship with them further.’ www.solidor.co.uk WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 69

AWARDS

P C Henderson Wins Export Award At This Year’s North East Business Awards

Trevor Cossins, Managing Director at P C Henderson, said: “We are delighted to be once again recognised for our exporting achievements. Taking a tailored and localised approach to each specific market has allowed us to significantly grow and sustain the exporting side of the business. This has resulted in us now exporting to over 70 countries worldwide and our export sales accounting for over 65% of our total business sales”.

Sponsored by the Port of Sunderland, the Export Award aims to encourage and recognise companies that have generated substantial and sustained increases in export activity. Judging criteria for the award took into account the level of exports in relation to the size of the company, barriers that the company has had to overcome as well as the complexity of markets entered.

Paul Olvhoj, Sales Manager at Port of Sunderland and a member of the judging panel for the award commented “In a very strong categorywe believe P C Henderson showed a real strategy for growth into new markets, they really impressed with a clear global vision backed up by strong marketing work”.

Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been crowned the winner in the Export category at this years’ North East Business Awards – Durham, Sunderland and South Tyneside region.

This is now the second time that P C Henderson has been commended for its exporting successes and achievements, the company was awarded SME Exporter of the Year at last year’s North East Export Awards.

Shortlisted against two other leading companies from the region, P C Henderson went through two rounds of judging before being announced as the winner at a prestigious awards dinner held at Ramside Hall in Durham.

The awards aims to celebrate successful and innovative businesses achieving fantastic things in the North East of England.

Attended by over 400 people, a total of 12 awards were given out on the evening across a variety of categories. P C Henderson will now go on to compete against the winners of the Northumber70 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

land and Teesside heats in order to win the overall Export Award for the North East of England.

Commenting on the good news,

P C Henderson has been driving its expansion into new geographic markets with recent focus on USA, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and UAE. The company’s outstanding export strategy has seen its sliding and folding door hardware specified across the globe in hotels, restaurants, offices, shops, homes, warehouses as well as agricultural, industrial and educational buildings.

AWARDS

Business Of The Year Nomination

For Sash Window Fabricator Sash window specialists Roseview have been shortlisted for Business of the Year at the SME Buckinghamshire Business Awards.

“After years of dedicated product development, we’re now a highly profitable, multimillion-pound business with a nationwide reputation – and have created a range of high-quality timber-alternative sash windows that are the most authentic on the market.”

It’s the second year in a row the Olney firm has been nominated for the award scheme’s most prestigious gong, and in 2017 they went on to win.

Founded in the 1970s, Roseview has gone on to become a leading sash window innovator, producing the first-ever uPVC sash window product in 1985, and launching its acclaimed Rose Collection in 2013.

ard Burrells commented: “It’s great to have been shortlisted for Business of the Year for the second year in a row. We’re extremely proud to be recognised as one of Buckinghamshire’s leading businesses.

Today, the firm employs 100 people, and, in 2017, produced 25,000 sash windows, and topped £9m turnover for the first time.

Roseview Sales Director Rich-

The winners will be announced in April, at a glitzy black-tie gala dinner in Milton Keynes.

For more information visit www.roseview.co.uk

Brisant Award For Outstanding At The OSPAS (OSPAs).

In the hotly contested Outstanding Security Equipment Manufacturer category, Brisant was chosen out of a list of 10 companies in total, having put together a strong award entry featuring the pioneering Ultion and revolutionary Lock Lock products.

The OSPAs are sponsored by Secured by Design.

Jon Cole, Chief Operating Officer of Secured by Design was duly impressed with the announcement and commented: ‘We’d like to congratulate Brisant Secure on this outstanding award, as they have quickly positioned themselves as a high-end product design company, with security right at the very core of what they do.’

Professor Martin Gill receiving the award on behalf of Brisant Secure.

Brisant Secure have become the first company in the glazing and fenestration industries to receive an award at the internationally recognised Outstanding Security Performance Awards

Nick Dutton, CEO of Brisant Secure was equally as enthusiastic with the award and added: ‘We’re a proud Secured by Design member and so awards such as the OSPA’s are not only driven by us from a product security, design and innovation perspective, but also by the very values of their initiative to design out crime. With Lock Lock and Ultion we’re challenging convention with outstanding product features, desirability, real life security and unrivalled longevity.’ www.brisant-secure.com WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 71

EVENTS

GDPR Awareness Workshop –

11th April, Birmingham More Than

80 PIGS Beat The Beast From The East Despite the Beast from the East trying to put a damper on proceedings, PIGS Manchester was a superb event. More than 80 people managed to get through the snow and bitter winds to join us for the first networking event of 2018.

“It was brilliant that so many people made it,” says PIGS organiser Sarah Ball. “I think we got more because quite a few attendees said that they were meeting before PIGS with customers or suppliers, and then coming together to PIGS. “The roads were pretty clear from Derby where we are based at Balls2 Marketing. However, it wasn’t the same for others and it was a real shame that the snow and ice prevented people from travelling from some parts of the country. It certainly didn’t help that the M62 was closed. We took a moment in the evening to raise our glasses and say a big #PIGScheers for those that couldn’t make it.

“But apart from that, the evening went without a hitch. There was a good mix of old and new faces at the event. Speaking to a few of the newbies, they were converted and told me they were planning to be regulars in the future! I think it’s because we are so laid back that people enjoy it so much balls2marketing.co.uk/pigs 72 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

On 25th May 2018, the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) becomes law and it will affect practically every business in the UK. This is a new set of rules governing how companies can gather and use personal data such as names, email addresses, credit card details and more.

It is important for consumer-facing businesses to understand the impact these reforms will have on their operations, as failure to comply could result in significant fines.

To help GGF members prepare for this incoming legislation, the GGF is running a one-day GDPR Awareness Workshop this April aimed at helping consumer-facing businesses fully understand their data protection obligations.

The GGF has partnered with Cybercrowd - specialists in information, cyber security and data protection – to run this special one-day GDPR workshop this April in Solihull.

The workshop has been designed to help companies get up to speed with GDPR and what changes they’ll need to make to ensure compliance.

The agenda will include a general background to GDPR and sections on accountability, legal requirements, the significance of

all aspects of data processing, and what to do if you get a subject access request.

GGF Head of Membership and Training Richard Hearn commented: “We appreciate that GGF Members and others in the glass and glazing industry are busy running their businesses, so we wanted to make it easy for consumer-facing companies to get a useful overview of the new GDPR legislation.”

The workshop will take place at the Arden Hotel, Solihull on April 11 and will include interactive breakout sessions and open discussion forums.

GGF Members can attend for free The GGF’s GDPR Awareness Workshop is free to attend for GGF Members. Non-Members can also attend at a cost of £245.

GGF Members may nominate the individual or individuals from their business they would like to attend.

This is likely to prove popular so we will take bookings on a first come, first served basis.

Reserve your place in the GDPR Awareness Workshop To register your interest in attending our GDPR Awareness Workshop, please contact Richard Hearn, Head of Membership and Training.

EVENTS even better at what we do.

“The 4 ‘mores’ that are driving this strategy are more sustainable, productive, healthy and safe. At Members’ Day we’ll be able to offer practical advice to support woodworking companies in achieving these and driving improvement in their businesses.”

Prior to Members’ Day, the BWF AGM will take place on 12th June to be followed by a drinks reception and informal networking dinner. Sean Parnaby, BWF President and managing director of West Port Timber Windows and Doors said:

BWF Members’ Day 2018:

Discover Why And How To ‘Build It Better With Wood’ On 13th June Joinery businesses across the UK are urged to put 13th June in their calendar as the sector meets for BWF Members’ Day 2018 to address its latest challenges and get practical advice on issues relevant to all shapes and sizes of woodworking business.

The key theme of this year’s BWF Members’ Day will be ‘Build it Better with Wood’. The event will take place at Hellidon Lakes Golf & Spa Hotel near Daventry and will include workshops on getting joinery products specified in the digital world, negotiating the new General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and managing a healthy and safe workplace.

The event will offer the per-

fect opportunity to address new challenges such how the building regulations are being reshaped post-Grenfell and new training grant reforms which will change the way woodworking businesses upskill their businesses. There will be a chance for SME joinery businesses to absorb the lessons of the Carillion collapse with a seminar on cash flow and managing credit exposure.

BWF Chief Executive Iain McIlwee commented: “This year’s Members’ Day conference is an embodiment of our ‘Build it Better with Wood’ strategy which sets out to promote the joinery sector and grow the use of wood, but also sets a challenge to drive us all to be

“The event and the informal dinner the evening before is a great opportunity to network with our peers and compare battle scars – there is more that unites us as an industry than divides us and Members’ Day embodies this.”

BWF Members’ day is a long-established and integral part of the UK joinery sector calendar. Last year’s event was commended as a great success by those present, with 100% of feedback from attendees rating the event as good or excellent.

The event is open to anyone in the industry but, as in previous years, all BWF members are being offered one free space.

It is usually a sell-out event so booking is essential.

Further announcements and a full programme of events will be available soon at: www.bwf.org. uk/news/events/bwfmembersday2018 BWF Members’ Day 2018 is supported by Gold Sponsors Pyroguard, Silver Sponsors Qwood and Bronze Sponsors the W Exhibition. It will also include a free exhibition showcasing the latest innovations and technologies to aid the joinery industry.

WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018 73

CHARITY

Roll Up, Roll Up For A Night At Circus Beserkus Tables are still available for Circus Beserkus – the 19th GM Fundraising Gala Dinner, which is taking place on 9th June 2018 at the Crowne Plaza in Stratford-upon-Avon and is aptly named for its aim to celebrate the spirit of vintage circus.

“Around 300 guests will be entertained by the thrills and spills of the traditional circus that plans to be anarchic and outrageous, with some sinister glamour thrown in”, says Gary Morton, founder of GM Fundraising. “Our dinners are traditionally a black-tie event and fancy dress is always optional, but why not embrace the spirit of circus and come dressed as a sinister clown, trapeze artist, strong man, bearded lady, human canon ball, or a lion tamer – the weirder the better! If not, then Black tie is absolutely fine as well.

“The Gala Dinner is one of our signature events and one which has been with us from the start and we are delighted to see it return to the calendar for the 19th time. Our last dinner, the Witches & Wizards Halloween themed affair which took place in October 2016 was the most successful dinner yet, raising £41,550. It

will be a tough act to follow, but we are excited about the plans for the evening and have some fantastic prizes for the raffle and auction.

“For GM Fundraising, it’s all about having fun whilst raising much needed funds for charity and the dinner will be another fantastic opportunity to get all our supporters together to do just that. All proceeds raised from ticket sales and during the evening itself, go directly to support the efforts of Hope House Children’s Hospices, who provide vital care and support to children and with life limiting illnesses.

“There are a few tables left, so why not join us. Tables of 10 can be purchased for just £1,195 – contact me: gary@gmfundraising. co.uk, or speak to any member of the team for more information.”

For more information on GM Fundraising, please visit our website www.gmfundraising.co.uk, like us on Facebook /gmfundraising or follow us on twitter @ gmfundraising.

Morley Pledges Support For Seventh Annual Charity Event

Morley Glass & Glazing is once again the proud sponsor of the North Leeds Charity Beer Festival, which will be returning with a new twist to North Leeds Cricket Club from 6-7 April.

Now in its seventh year, the annual community charity fundraising festival, featuring food, drink and music festival will this year debut a gin bar alongside 35 real ales from seven breweries and seven ciders.

As always, the fine selection of real ale, cider and gin will be complemented by pork pies and vegetable samosas, as well as a fantastic programme of local bands.

Initially created with an aim to showcase interesting and unusual beers from Yorkshire micro and independent breweries, the festival has since achieved so much more. From humble beginnings in 2012, the event has raised over £30k to enable the Rotary Club of Roundhay to support many projects in the local area and further afield.

74 WINDOW NEWS MARCH 2018

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