Change is in the Air

Liniar’s latest launch at the FIT Show has seen the innovative company join an elite band of window systems that are able to comply with the exacting Passive House standards – EnergyPlus 90.

The new 90mm system is unique in that its 9-chamber profile has been designed to meet the triple challenges of thermal efficiency, noise reduction and security, while still maintaining the appearance and operation of a 70mm system.

Liniar’s Design & Development Director, Adrian Redshaw, explains the thinking behind the new system:

“With more and more developments being built on recycled brownfield land, often near busy transport links, architects are tagging acoustic criteria in addition to thermal and security specification.

“Tests have resulted in EnergyPlus 90 being awarded Passive House certification, achieving U-values as low as 0.7 W/m²K, with Windows Energy Ratings up to A+40 for triple glazing and as low as 0.5 W/m²K with quadruple glazed windows.

“The results from weather testing have been particularly impressive, with a full-sized EnergyPlus 90 window surpassing 3000Pa (155mph) during recent safety tests.

“The strict conditions of PAS24:2016 have also been met, making the EnergyPlus 90 window fully compliant with Part Q building regulations and, as a result, achieving Secured by Design accreditation.

“EnergyPlus 90 provides an exceptional option for commercial developers with an Rw of 42 – more than double the audible sound reduction of a standard double glazed unit.

“Because the sight lines, frame cover and clearances are similar to the existing EnergyPlus system, the 90mm system looks and operates the same as a 70mm system, maintaining the attractive appearance and ease of use.”

Perfect for commercial developments in urban areas, EnergyPlus 90 is available to all of Liniar’s UK fabricators.

To find out more go to www.liniar.co.uk/windows/energyplus90 or call 01332 883900.

To mark the 10^th anniversary of the sale of the very first length of its profile, Liniar has launched its brand new Specification Guide at the FIT Show – providing architects and fabricators with comprehensive information on the entire range.

The stylish, 234-page full colour book contains all of the information that anyone could possibly need to know when it comes to specifying the innovative company’s windows, doors, conservatory roofs, building supplies and outdoor range.

“We think it’s a very fitting way to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of Liniar profiles hitting the market,” says Chris Armes, Liniar’s Design & Development manager.

“It’s been a huge task to collate all of this information in one attractive, easy to understand document, but the finished article looks outstanding and we can’t wait for people to see it.

“We launched our first Specification Guide in April 2015 which covered our window and door range in 96 pages.

“Since then we’ve launched the Alumina bi-fold as well as the EnergyPlus 90 system and building supplies, while also adding our roof range along with the outdoor products we produce – decking kits, fencing and plastic piling.

“The fact that the size of the guide has increased so dramatically just goes to show the scope of how big the Liniar range is now.

“We’ve used full isometric renders of our profile, created with 3D software, to lift the images right off the page and give architects a much better representation of how our products would fit into their projects.”

Packed from cover to cover, the Specification Guide contains full details of all Liniar’s products, including in-depth technical data and measurements on everything in the range, including ancillaries, case studies and follow up information.

Nikki Dunbar, Liniar’s Design & Marketing Co-ordinator, has been responsible for the compilation and styling of the guide.

“Putting together the Specification Guide has been a huge task. Not only has every detail and image been scrutinised over, but I’m very particular about the whole look of it and everything has had to be just right.

“Seeing it in print makes all the hard work worthwhile – we’re very pleased with the finished article.”

An online version of the Liniar Specification Guide can be viewed in book format at www.liniar.co.uk/specification-guide and specifiers can order their own free hard copy at www.liniarspecguide.co.uk/liniarweb.

As well as launching the new Specification Guide, Liniar has also updated its online resource centre for specifiers and developers, which contains a wide range of information and resources to assist with specifying Liniar profile.  Please visit www.liniar.co.uk/specifiers to check it out.

Image Above: Listers IT Team, Left to Right: Mike Davies, Charith Silva, Dayan Fernando.

The last twelve months have seen Trade Window and Door Manufacturer, Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent, make some serious investments in their IT infrastructure across the business. Now, they have just launched a fully customised financial and business management system set to revolutionise their operations well into the future.

“Our business has become ever more complicated over the last few years as we manufacture many more window systems, variants, materials and options for our trade customers.” Says Mark Warren, Listers Managing Director. “Our IT systems have to be able to control all of this information across the whole business operation so that we can meet and exceed the needs of our clients.”

Listers have taken the ‘Business Intelligence’ challenge seriously in several ways. Some 30 months ago they identified potential cracks in their IT systems and partnered with Staffordshire University on a KTP (Knowledge Transfer Partnership) to bring into the business an IT Graduate to assess their position and to plan how best to deliver the latest technology to meet their future needs. That plan focused on reducing some 13 software applications to just 2 by this May 2017.

“This was an ambitious plan,” says Mark, “and we knew it was going to cost us a lot in time, planning and cost around £200,000, but we were determined not just to improve our systems, but to future proof them in support of our business expansion.”

Staffordshire University and the IT Graduate have worked closely with Listers IT Team so that the final phase of the scheme was launched in May, integrating all their previous systems into just two customised packages, making their operations streamlined and simpler to use. Listers also now have greater visibility of information and a platform to control and accelerate their planned growth.

“We’re all really excited about the capabilities that our new IT platform will deliver” says Mark, “and we’ve also gained a new fully skilled employee to help run it all; Dayan Fernando B.Sc, M.Sc, MBCS, CISA, our Graduate Partner liked working with us so much he decided to stay!”

Listers’ news shows just how important investment in IT systems have now become for gathering and controlling business intelligence when manufacturing diverse products for the Trade Installer.

 www.listertf.co.uk 

For several months innovative uPVC frame manufacturer, TruFrame, have been carefully assembling an expanded Board of Directors that will help deliver the vision and corporate objectives for the family owned company.

Over recent years, the company has seen double-digit sales growth and is now arguably one of the top 5 largest manufacturers of uPVC frames by volume. The announcement of the enhanced leadership team at TruFrame comes at the same time as the implementation of an unprecedented £3.2million CAPEX programme.

David Firmager, remains firmly at the helm of TruFrame as Managing Director, supported by son Patrick, while the introduction of Human Resources Director, Eleanor Elliott, has added considerable corporate expertise based on her 16 years of experience in people management, continuous improvement and recruitment.

From an operational perspective, Tomasz Kosarewicz leads the manufacturing facility as Production Director, utilising his skills in lean manufacturing, Kaizen and continuous improvement. TruFrame are relatively unique as a frame manufacturer committed to achieving their own product certification, rather than relying on systems companies. Overseeing this role, along with training and product research and development, is Technical Director, Martin Burney.

The outward facing part of the business is headed up by new Marketing Director, Paul Roper, who brings with him significant experience from a number of B2B and B2C marketing sectors and will be looking to put into place a cohesive marketing plan for TruFrame and its important customer network. There will also be an imminent appointment of a new sales figurehead over the coming months.

The new additions join existing long-standing directors, Jonathan Hall, Financial Director and Nick Monger, Purchasing Director, who have over 15 years of experience with the business between them.

David Firmager commented: ‘Given our business objectives, it’s been imperative to build a structured board of directors to allow us to excel in all business disciplines. We have a vision for the future in place and the new additions will no doubt help us achieve this, while allowing us to further nurture our strong business relationships with customers.

He continued: ‘I don’t just want TruFrame to be an example of a well-run fabricator in the fenestration industry, but rather a class-leading manufacturing company that’s success is built on business excellence across all functions.’

For further information on becoming a TruFrame partner visit www.truframe.co.uk, e-mail sales@truframe.co.uk or call the office directly on 01664 410 140. You can also add to their growing following on Twitter @TruFrame.