Romag to double capacity

North East glass and solar PV manufacturer, Romag, is doubling its capacity, following a £1m investment programme including a second, state of the art toughening plant.

The investment comes just nine months after Romag’s acquisition by fellow glass manufacturer, Clayton Glass and is described as testament to CEO Ryan Green’s commitment to growing the business to its £50m potential.

According to Romag, the new machinery will ‘dramatically’ increase its production output and provide the business with ‘additional resilience’ against any potential machine breakdowns.

CEO, Ryan Green, explained: “Good customer service is the foundation for any successful business. This investment is essential to increase our capacity to meet current demand, and to provide vital resource against machine breakdowns that could affect production lines.

“The investment will assist Romag in reaching the next level in its production capacity, thus strengthening the business and laying a solid foundation for consistent levels of great service. We are determined for 2017 to be the most successful yet, as we strive towards excellence.”

This is the second major investment in the business, following a new MRP system, which was implemented last year.

www.romag.co.uk

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One of the UK’s largest installers of windows, doors and conservatories has appointed Purplex as their marketing agency.

SEH BAC, who are part of the £130million One Group Construction, have 17 show centres across the South East and offer an extensive range of uPVC, aluminium and timber products. The company has ambitious plans, including intentions to open several new show centres over the next 18 months, and have appointed Purplex to help fuel this growth.

SEH BAC are now benefitting from a range of marketing services from Purplex, including online lead generation, TV advertising and radio, and according to managing director John Savage, the agency is already having a very positive influence.

John commented: “We have several big initiatives in the pipeline and wanted a marketing partner that could keep up with our fast-paced business and deliver results. We chose Purplex for their expertise within the industry, vast marketing resources and proven track record. It’s still early days, but Purplex suggested lots of brilliant ideas and have already made a noticeable difference to the business. We look forward to building on this good start and implementing all the exciting marketing campaigns we have up our sleeve.”

Andrew Scott, Managing Director at Purplex commented: “At Purplex our aim is simple – to work with the most ambitious companies in the glass and glazing industry and help them grow faster and stronger. SEH BAC are one of the leading home improvement companies in the UK and we’re delighted to be a part of their team. Unlike other marketing agencies we don’t outsource – we offer all our services in-house – and this means SEH BAC will benefit from a truly multi-channel campaign that is just a strong offline as it is online.”

For more information call Purplex on 01934 808132 or visit www.purplexmarketing.com and for further information about SEH BAC, visit www.sehbac.com

Over 100 business leaders and VIPs recently attended the official opening of a new HQ for Purplex, the PR and digital agency for the glazing industry. The new building is part of a £1m investment by parent company the Ascot Group, founded by Managing Director Andrew Scott in 2004.

The HQ was officially opened by high profile MP John Penrose, who was Minister for Heritage and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture and Media.

John commented; “The thing that always impresses me about Andrew since I first met him 10 years ago is the level of energy and ambition. There can’t be many people who are leading an organisation that has grown as fast as Purplex. That gives an indication of the man’s determination and drive, and frankly we need more people like that.”

The official opening also attracted leaders from business, education and government. Justin Smith, Corporate Director of RBS Bank, said; “We’ve worked with Andrew and his team for a number of years and the new HQ will act as a springboard for future growth.”

Other guests included media advisor and ex ITV Director Peaches Golding OBE, as well as Andrew Charter, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Grant Thornton. He said; “Purplex has been on our radar for some time, the clients they work with outperform the market.”

The new HQ gives the Group 10,000 ft2 office space across three sites in London and Bristol, with plans to expand the current team from 58 to 100 employees over the next year.

Purplex Managing Director Andrew Scott said; “We set out to create a world-class PR, marketing and digital agency and our new HQ reflects this commitment. Investment is a key part of our growth strategy; by having the best facilities, resources and people we can help our clients grow faster and more profitably.”

Purplex works closely with suppliers and installers in the fenestration and related sectors to create sustainable growth.

For more information call Purplex on 01934 808132 or visit http://www.purplexmarketing.com/ 

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ONS figures recently published show that construction output in January fell by 0.4% but rose by 2.0% compared with one year earlier. In addition, new orders in Q4 were 2.8% lower than Q3 and flat compared to a year ago.

Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the Construction Products Association, commented: “Following an increase in output in Q4 last year, the overall fall in construction output in the opening month of 2017 was disappointing, with a decrease in housing, industrial, commercial and RM&I activity over the month.

“Furthermore, the construction new orders data from the ONS suggests that there may be continued weakness in activity in some sectors during 2017. Commercial new orders tailed off in the second half of 2016 and in Q4 were 10.6% lower than in Q3 and fell 24.1% from a year ago, and new orders in the industrial sector were the lowest in two years. Building work in both sectors requires a large up-front investment for a long-term rate of return and it appears decision-making has been clouded by a rise in economic uncertainty.

“Taking total new orders growth of 2.9% in 2016 as a whole, however, shows there remains an impetus for construction activity over the next 12 months. As echoed in our forecasts, output during 2017 will be driven by higher orders for housing – both private and public – as well as infrastructure and new public sector buildings such as schools and hospitals.”

www.constructionproducts.org.uk

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KÖMMERLING will bring a number of new developments to stand number F30 in hall 6 at the FIT Show, that will include products from the new 76mm platform, proCoverTec surface technology, an innovative Pergola for outdoor living and the global debut of the first ever soft close technology in a PVCu glazing system.

The stand will be packed with innovation from KÖMMERLING and the new 76mm platform will be represented with a 6m x 2.5m, lift and slide PremiDoor 76 in the two sash format. The door theme continues with a French door combination, again in the System 76 variant with proCoverTec, which also features a clever tilt option for ventilation.

One of the other main door systems on show will be a 4-pane, Secured by Design 5m x 2.5m PremiLine Pro patio door, highlighting the patented multi-point locking system at the interlock. This is believed to be the first PVCu patio door in the industry to achieve PAS 24, without plunge bolts, carry Secured by Design and that can meet the needs of the Lifetime Homes criteria.

Window systems are also well represented on the stand with a System 76 AluClip Pro variant, creating a PVCu/aluminium hybrid design, which offers a flush aluminium external appearance, with options for Passivhaus levels of performance. Also on show will be the window derivative of the PremiFold system, which is a unique slide, swing and folding system.

The FIT Show will also be the platform for the launch of proCoverTec, a unique surface finish technology that offers full colour through the rebate, or alternatively coloured on one side, that also offers proven dirt and water repellent properties.

The new Pergola will be used as a canopy for a hospitality area and represents the first product launched from a new division within the profine Group. The Pergola is a product purely aimed at the outdoor living market, which is projected to emerge as a strong growth market in the years to come.

Kevin Warner, head of sales and marketing commented: ‘It’s our first FIT Show and we’re genuinely thrilled with the number of new products on show, as we continue to lead in terms of innovation in the UK market for PVCu window and doors systems. There will also be the chance to experience the first ever soft close technology for PVCu systems seen globally, which should cause quite a stir with stand visitors.’

For KÖMMERLING information on becoming a manufacturing partner, approved installer or as a building specifier, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or visit www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk. Please visit stand F30 in hall 6 at the FIT Show.

The Window Company (Contracts) liked the previous FIT Shows so much that, this time around, it has booked its own stand.

The specialist commercial installer, twice winner of the Installer of the Year title at the G-Awards, is inviting many of its most valued clients from the commercial sector to visit the show and see the very best that the window and door industry has to offer.

Unusually, the company’s own stand won’t feature any products. Instead, it will be designed primarily as a hub where clients can join The Window Company (Contracts)’ team for VIP tours of the show’s highlights.

Chairman David Thornton said: “This industry has transformed itself in recent years and we’re incredibly proud to be a part of that. We want our clients in the new build, public sector and social housing sectors to see the scale of the industry for themselves and share our excitement about some of the latest innovations which are on the way.

“We’ll be aiming to identify the products which we think are the real stars of the show in advance and then arranging stand tours for our clients. We plan to introduce them to our key suppliers including Emplas, Glazerite, Polyframe, Rehau, Veka, and potential new contacts as well.

“On our own stand hub, we’ll be serving drinks and snacks and letting our invited clients recharge their batteries with charging points for phones and laptops and space to sit and relax.”

www.thewinco.co.uk

The world’s first verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) calculated through the new BRE LINA tool was unveiled at Ecobuild on 7th March 2017. British Woodworking Federation (BWF) and Wood Window Alliance member Mumford & Wood’s Conservation Casement Window became the first product to receive a verified EPD, with the Stormsure Timber Casement Window by JELD-WEN due to follow shortly.

Speakers at the launch (pictured left to right) included Dr Shamir Ghumra, director at the BRE Centre for Sustainable Products, Beatrix Richards, head of corporate stewardship (sustainable commodities) at WWF-UK, and BWF Chief Executive Iain McIlwee.

BWF is the first customer worldwide for BRE LINA. This allows them to produce life cycle assessment results for its members’ products which are then uploaded into the BRE Hub so that a third party verified BRE Global EPD can be produced. The results can also inform assessments for ISO 14001, EN 15804 (the European standard for the sustainability of construction products) and other environmental management systems, and can feed into BIM (Building Information Modelling).

Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive of the BWF, said at the launch: “LINA is a revolution, it puts the calculator in our hands and enables us to work with members to produce LCAs in EPD format, but also to turn the various dials and consider the whats and the what ifs.  Today sees the first EPD verified through the system and I am grateful to Mumford and Wood for their support and patience in bringing us to this point.  We have another that should be completed by JELD-WEN by the end of the week and then the floodgates can open – in the form of EPDs staircases, doorsets, flooring, roofing.

“What is more as we start to develop our understanding we can assess consequences of our decisions and start to look at how we can optimise and benchmark our products and processes.  It has also opened our eyes to other forms of measurement and we have already started sharing data with the Cradle to Cradle assessors to look at materials health, another vital piece of the jigsaw.

“The complexity is gone and that seemingly insurmountable pile of pound signs and zeroes has gone.  We can now produce LCAs in EPD format and the verification process with BRE is simple, transparent and at a price accessible to all.   This is the wood industry measuring carbon and I lay down the gauntlet to other materials to do the same – it is complicated, but it is also possible – we are doing it.

“So my message today is that LINA is a game changer, it puts the power in industry’s and removes cost hurdles.  So today let’s put complex behind us, let’s stop worrying about what and how and start focussing on why and when – the timber industry is open for EPD business!”

Beatrix Richards, head of corporate stewardship (sustainable commodities) at WWF-UK also spoke at the launch at Ecobuild. She says: “Government figures suggest we may need to build a million new houses by 2020.  As we seek to ensure that this construction, and indeed the on-going repair and restoration of the existing housing stock, has the lowest possible environmental impact, it is critical that we understand the full life time costs of all the products we use.  This applies to everything – cement, bricks, doors, windows etc.

“Tools exist to help architects, builders, suppliers and consumers to understand the true, full costs, from sourcing, manufacturing, transportation, life time use and disposal, so that decisions can be made on the best possible information. Life cycle assessments are one such way of capturing this information and WWF welcomes the British Woodworking Federation’s lead in adopting this approach.”

Further information on Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declarations can be found at: www.bwf.org.uk/toolkit/environmental-waste-management/what-is-a-life-cycle-assessment

Here you can view the EPD for Mumford and Wood’s Conservation Casement window.

After the success of last year’s FIT Show Apeer are already gearing up for the next with grand plans to showcase fantastic new additions to the award winning Lumi range, alongside the latest offering from the ever-popular collection of Apeer composite doors.

‘The last show had such a positive impact that we were never in any doubt about returning again for 2017. Since the successful launch of Lumi we’ve continued looking at ways to further develop our products and expand the range in response to the feedback we received. It became clear that customers see Lumi as a great choice for new build applications but we really want to raise its profile as an equally suitable product for refurbishment projects. Apeer plan to drive that message forward at the upcoming show as well as unveiling our exciting new products,’ said Linda Tomb, Marketing Manager.

At the forefront of these developments are a striking new Lumi door as well as two fresh and innovative versions of the Lumi French door, all of which are set to wow visitors with their signature quality and good looks. The beautiful three pane triple track Lumi Lift & Slide door will also take a prime spot on the stand as it is offered up to Apeer trade customers, both old and new.

It is not all about Lumi, however. Apeer composite doors are also ready to share the spotlight as six of them have been supplied for the door category of the Master Fitter Challenge, which Apeer are also sponsoring. This is set to be a great platform for customers to see the benefits of their double rebated fibreglass and high density polyurethane foam core design, whilst displaying the versatile range of spray and foil colour combinations, triple glazing options and examples of the bespoke glass designs produced by Apeer’s specialist in-house team.

If all this was not enough Apeer have also been busy behind the scenes upgrading their online presence and marketing support, including fresh websites, brochures and an improved customer showroom. So be sure to stop by stand K30 for a drink or two at the Apeer bar and, with their experienced staff at hand, discover for yourself what this company has to offer. You won’t be disappointed.

www.apeer.co.uk

Image Above: Russell Yates, Managing Director, AluK

AluK is at the FIT Show for the first time and will definitely be making its presence felt. As well as launching four brand new products, including a highly anticipated brand new bifold door, it is hosting its very own seminar series and sponsoring the popular Master Fitter Challenge.

Its message to visitors is that, if you’re at the show to look at aluminium, then AluK is the stand you can’t afford to miss.

Probably the most significant product launch is the Luminia F82 bi-fold door. Having dominated the retail bi-fold sector for so many years with its BSF70 model, AluK has developed a brand new door which sets a new benchmark for the industry. With improved U-Values, slimmer sight lines and availability in a range of popular colours, AluK says that it takes on the hybrid alternatives and reminds the market that, when it comes to bi-folds, there’s no need for imitations.

Also new on the AluK stand is a brand new SC156 sliding door in the same Luminia range, and a high end Infinium sliding door showcased at 3000mm (h) x 4000mm (w) with 21mm sight lines for true panoramic, wall to wall and floor to ceiling views.

An innovative new Pallazzo veranda system is the fourth new product being launched and gives fabricators and installers a potentially exciting new market opportunity targeting homeowners who want to create an outdoor living space which bridges the gap between house and garden.

Of course, visitors can see all of AluK’s most recent innovations on the stand as well, including the Optio BSC94S sliding door system with slimmer 45mm sightlines, and, in the tested, tried and trusted 58BW window, a French casement version which is the perfect replacement for steel windows in heritage applications.

In the lead up to the show, AluK has been showcasing its Experts in Aluminium and they will be taking centre stage on the stand, hosting a series of seminars in a specially created Expert Zone. This will open with a panel debate featuring leading industry figures looking at the state of the aluminium market, and will also include seminars tailored specifically for aluminium fabricators and installers on topics such as Approved Document Q, estimating software and training, and powder coating.

For AluK, the FIT Show is the perfect platform for what looks set to be its most exciting year yet, with the move to its impressive new factory scheduled for June and the opening of a brand new training academy in August.

Further details are on the AluK website at: www.aluk.co.uk