NEW GROUP BRINGS TIMBER, ALUMINIUM, PVCU AND GLASS UNDER ‘ONE ROOF’ LEADING INDUSTRY FIGURES TARGET GROWTH IN SCOTLAND AND REST OF THE UK

The commercial department at frameXpress has shown consistent growth recently with the reliability of the products and flexibility of the team placed as key advantages by customers.  Most recently the company was contracted to supply white windows and doors with astragal bars in the Optima S system, for a major project in Birmingham.

Providing the best in security and thermal efficiency with all windows and doors achieving the highest industry standards, the leading trade manufacturer also supplied black Composite Doors for all 12 dormer bungalows at the Handsworth location in Birmingham.

The bungalows are built to “HAPPI” standards (Housing for the Ageing Population Panel for Innovation), which provide innovative features for the elderly.  The entire project is being delivered through BMHT’s construction framework which aims to deliver new homes across Birmingham using local labour and local suppliers.

As an initiative it provides work experience for apprentices and trainees through Birmingham’s Social Charter, with the completed scheme having been praised by Birmingham Municipal Housing Trust (BMHT), which previously stated that the site was “unable to be developed”.

Birmingham City Council won ‘Social Housing Provider of the Year’ last year at the Insider Residential Property Awards 2016, being recognised as the largest provider of affordable homes per annum across the Midlands.

As a regular supplier for BMHT the frameXpress range provides excellent quality ensuring that the highest standards are achieved in terms of security and style for residents with Secured By Design accreditation offered on all products.

BMHT celebrated the completion of its 2,000 home milestone in March last year with a culmination of 1,125 homes built for rent, as well as almost 900 built for sale since the council launched the BMHT programme.  Last year BMHT also won the Public Sector Award at the Urban Design Awards for one of its redevelopment programmes.

Sarah Price, Commercial Sales Manager, frameXpress Ltd comments, “Providing the right solutions for commercial developments continues to be a priority for the frameXpress team.  We always work hard to ensure that through diverse options, which provide the highest security standards, that we can give customers complete peace of mind regarding each and every project.

In Birmingham, the council has a number of new rented properties currently under construction on various sites, and there are plans to build further new homes for rent in the region that will help to close the city’s housing gap.  As a company we are proud to be  part of that success story.”

FrameXpress is a leading trade fabricator supplying pvc-u and aluminium products to builders and installers across the UK.  For more information on the range of products available please call 01952 581100

HWL Trade Frames, the Leeds-based fabricator of windows and doors, is proud to be the first R9 manufacturer in the country to be able to offer butt-jointed Residence Collection of windows unglazed.

With butt-jointed R9 windows currently coming factory glazed as standard, which can make them heavy, cumbersome and difficult to fit, the unglazed window comes with a huge number of benefits to installers.

Firstly, companies will be able to buy their own glass, allowing increased margins. Secondly, the window is easier to handle as glass can be installed on site, making for safer manual handling. Thirdly, if a piece of glass were to fail, rather than having to replace the full sash as you do with traditional method R9 windows, installers are able to just replace the sealed unit.

Graham Howatson, director at HWL Trade Frames, said, “Some installers have stayed clear of the Residence Collection in the past due to the issues that can be faced with factory glass bonded windows. Our new unglazed offering though offers installers, and homeowners, the visual appearance and benefits of traditional R9 windows, with a number of additional advantages.”

The Residence Collection, which includes R9, R7 and R², has been a game changer since it was launched in 2012. Practically maintenance free, and with minimal U Values, the unique system replicates timber windows, with all the benefits of uPVC.

Graham Howatson added, “We pride ourselves on our technical expertise, knowledge and our ability to make R9 easier for installers. That is why we have created a handy Residence 9 product guide which cover all the options available for installers. Our track record really does make us the R9 experts.”

HWL Trade Frames is exhibiting on Stand A1 at the FIT Show, alongside machinery manufacturer TMS, between the 23^rd and 25^th May at the NEC in Birmingham.
www.hwlwindows.co.uk

Steve Williams and Steve Jones of Kenrick

Celebrations have been taking place at Kenrick as the West Bromwich based hardware supplier marks its 230-year anniversary.

Archibald Kenrick established the company in his hometown of West Bromwich more then two centuries ago, acquiring his first shop in 1787. This year, the company also honours 190 years since Archibald’s son, Archibald Junior, joined the rapidly growing business. The company became ‘Archibald Kenrick & Son’ – a name it is still known by today.

Steve Jones, managing director at Kenrick, said: “This is a really special year for our business as we celebrate a staggering 230 years since our founder went in to partnership with the buckle-maker, Thomas Bolton. Archibald was a brave 27-year old entrepreneur and he set the business up for an extremely long heritage in the UK. The Kenrick family was well-known in the area and the company employed hundreds of local people. We still have a strong presence within the community and there are several landmarks named after our business, including the local park, Kenrick Park and the main road, Kenrick Way.

“I’m really proud to be a part of this business and to see it trading successfully after many, many years. The company has produced all manner of products in its 230-year history and is now established as one of the leading suppliers of quality hardware to the window and door industry. This is a terrific milestone for our company and I feel privileged to build on this amazing pedigree. I’m genuinely excited about the next phase in the future of this business.”

Kenrick originally manufactured buckles and livery fittings from a 4,000 square yard site close to the Birmingham canal in West Bromwich. The company continually traded through both world wars and, during the Second World War, it even manufactured 7 million hand grenades and 1.5 million 2-inch mortar bombs, to aid the war effort.

The company still manufactures from the same site and, for more than 100 years, has been supplying components for windows and doors. Today, Kenrick is known for its extensive range of hardware for PVC-U, aluminium and timber window and door systems, which is one of the widest available in the industry. Over the last 25 years, the company has launched a number of hardware products and says it has more new developments in the pipeline.

www.kenricks.co.uk

The post Kenrick toasts to 230-year history appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The TS007 Kitemark sets out to provide effective protection against attacks on the profile cylinder through picking, drilling, bumping, and the snap & extract method. The standard tests profile cylinders and handles together and gives the handle/cylinder combination a 3 star overall rating.

VBH has unveiled the Alpha 2-Star security door handle set as the latest addition to the greenteQ range. When used in conjunction with a 1 star rated profile cylinder the handle enables manufacturers and installers to provide a 3 star rated solution to BSI Kitemark TS007.

The greenteQ Alpha 2-Star handle has been successfully tested to TS007 in conjunction with the greenteQ Q-Star 1 star profile cylinder.

VBH advise that Alpha 2-Star is truly a part of the greenteQ Suite as it features the decorative greenteQ groove around the backplate and incorporates the Alpha lever.

The backplate shrouds a solid stainless steel core that, in conjunction with steel fixings, provides excellent protection against attack and removal, whilst the profile cylinder hole features a flange that prevents the cylinder from being removed from outside with the handle set in place.

Standard 215mm fixing centres mean that upgrading handles on existing installations is simple, with only minimal additional routing required around the cylinder. No further cylinder protection is required.

VBH Marketing Manager Gary Gleeson says ‘We’re delighted to add Alpha 2-Star to our product portfolio as it is the perfect partner for our Q-Star TS007 profile cylinder that has proved so popular since we launched it last year. Customers have been eagerly awaiting its arrival so they can fit an all-greenteQ TS007 solution.’

The handle is available in anthracite grey as well as the five core greenteQ Suite finishes. VBH advise that this makes it ideal for many of the grey doors that are becoming more popular, including PAS24 rated Clearspan bi-fold doors.

For further information call VBH on 01634 263263 or email sales@vbhgb.com.

Aluplast has launched its new retail window and door configurator, which allows homeowners to model the effect of frame, finish and design against their property type. The new online tool is available at:  http://konfigurator.aluplast.net/  and features an easy-to-use dashboard, which allows visitors to select the style of their property and then switch between different aluplast systems and finishes to build their perfect specification. Ian Cocken, Director of Sales and Marketing, aluplast, said that the new aluplast configurator offered aluplast installers and access to a powerful retail sales tool. He said: “Showing homeowners how their frame and finish choice can define the character of their property gives you a platform to communicate all of the other technical benefits delivered by new windows and doors. Energy efficiency and security are critical elements in window specification but aesthetics drive engagement and tap into buyer aspiration for their homes, particularly colour finish and choice. Instantly switching between different aluplast systems and finish choices, the configurator offers a great way of capturing attention and lends itself to promotion across social media channels.”

Aluplast’s established offer in the UK is built around the Ideal 70 system. With a choice of 24mm to 44mm glazing options, the slim line ovolo profile, easily accommodates triple-glazed systems, with triple-glazed options achieving a low U-Value with standard components. This allows it to comfortably achieve a WERs A⁺⁺ rating. aluplast has added to this the Ideal 4000, which will be officially launched at the FIT Show in May this year. The leading-edge 70mm PVC-U casement system is defined by a contemporary ‘square-line’ profile, plus the a highly innovative ‘clip-and-fix’ aluskin aluminium external skin finishing option. The German systems house, also offers 27 foils ex-stock across both the Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000. This includes three smooth or ‘sanded’ finish options, Basalt Grey; Anthracite Grey; and Brushed Aluminium.

D&G Consulting suggests that colour, will be a “key battleground” through to 2018. Aluplast foils are offered on next available deliveries, with lead times of 15 days or less on special orders and no minimum order, no surcharge and no set-up costs. The Ideal 70 and Ideal 4000, are optionally available in aluplast’s global leading green recycled PVC-U technology ecotech. This locks recycled material away inside the profile, co-extruding it with virgin material to guarantee a pristine surface finish.“The configurator offers installers a very neat solution”, continued Cocken. “If you’re trying to get an understanding of how your new windows and doors are going to impact and define the character of your property, a picture speaks a thousand words. The configurator provides homeowners with a practical illustration of how new windows and doors are going to look but far more valuable, installers with a platform for engagement.”

The post Aluplast launches retail window and door configurator appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Leon Friend, director at Hueck UK

A series of proposed infrastructure projects surrounding the Northern Powerhouse initiative, which hopes to attract investment into northern areas, could open fresh opportunities for manufacturers of building products in the UK, according to Hueck.

As well as proposed infrastructure projects including the HS2 high-speed railway connecting London, Birmingham, the East Midlands, Leeds and Manchester, Hueck, which manufactures and supplies aluminium windows, doors and façades, believes that manufacturers are also set to benefit from an increase in new housing as ‘young professionals flock to the major (northern) cities’.

Leon Friend, director at Hueck UK, says the company has seen an increase in demand for its aluminium systems for projects in cities such as Manchester and Birmingham.

He commented: “We have seen increased demand for our solutions for multi-storey residential projects in the cities; as well as commercial projects. As more young people flock to the cities, the need for single occupancy homes is growing bigger. New-build houses to buy are out and build-to-rent apartments are in.

“And this will only increase as stronger transport links are forged and more people see the North as a more attractive place to work and live.”

www.hueck.com

The post Northern Powerhouse will benefit aluminium says Hueck appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

With little more than a year to go before strict new laws governing the energy efficiency of rental properties come into force, Emplas is highlighting significant new opportunities for installers.  Under the legislation any residential property rented after 1^st April next year will need to achieve a minimum ‘E’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating. It means that residential landlords have between now and this time next year to bring the thermal efficiency of their properties up to scratch or be banned from agreeing new rentals.  Hefty fines for agreeing new rental agreements on properties which fall short of the minimum standard, after the law comes into force are also in place. 

John Leary, Sales and Marketing Director, Emplas said: “Much of our housing stock was built in the pre-war period and is notoriously ‘leaky’. What’s equally significant is that around 75 per cent of the residential properties that will be occupied in 2050, already exist. “This makes improving the energy efficiency of our existing housing stock key. With rental properties among some of the least energy efficient, the new legislation on their energy efficiency is no less important. That’s why the Government is taking it so seriously and why approaching local landlords and landlord associations, represents such a significant opportunity for installers.”

As an added incentive to landlords to improve the thermal performance of their properties, the same regulations will come into force on those tenancies agreed before 1^st April 2018 by the 1^st April 2020. Anyone who breeches the regulation will face a civil penalty of up to £4,000. Manufacturing one of the UK’s most energy efficient systems, Emplas is well placed to support customers in accessing this potentially highly lucrative market. 

Optima, launched by Profile 22 last year, features a six chamber outer-frame and five chamber sash. This means that the 70mm system achieves U-values as low as 0.9W/m²K and an A⁺⁺ WER. With 24-44mm beading. Improved sealing with a 10mm cover, a 35 per-cent increase in hardware retention through local thickening, plus a wider colour and foil offer, give the system strong credentials in a retail environment. The Profile 22 Optima flush casement option is proving particularly popular for period properties where the Energy Performance Rating is normally lowest. “This legislation is less ‘carrot’ and much more ‘stick’, said Leary. “There’s a real incentive now to landlords to improve the energy efficiency of their residential property portfolios and for installers, that represents a very tangible opportunity this year”, he concluded.

The post Enforced Energy efficiency upgrades generate opportunity in rental sector appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

FIT Show 2017 is almost upon us, which means that it’s almost time for the FIT Show Awards. Now in its second year the awards ceremony will commence on the evening of Wednesday 24^th May at the FIT Show’s popular Gala Dinner and the shortlist of nominees has now been revealed. Shortlisted in the Best Creative FIT 2017 Marketing Campaign category are: AluK, REAL Aluminium (Customade), Epwin Window Systems and Camden Group. While the shortlist for Most Effective Use of Social and Digital Media are: AluK, Selecta Systems, Promac Group and KAT UK. With six categories in total, the remaining four categories are open to all companies exhibiting at the FIT Show and require no formal entry. Judged by an independent panel of judges who will be walking around the FIT Show and making decisions based upon what they see, the remaining categories are:

• Best Stand Design Under 80m2
• Best Stand Design Over 80m2
• Most Creative Shell Scheme/Package Stand
• Most Successful Visitor Campaign in Terms of Visitors Delivered – the winner of this category will be decided after an analysis of FIT Show visitors at the show itself.

“We were delighted with the amount and high quality of entries for this year’s awards,” said Nickie West, Event Director for the FIT Show. “Just like everyone else we’re looking forward to the Gala Dinner so we can discover who the judges choose as the overall winners.”

This year’s FIT Show Awards judging panel is made up of five of the exhibition industry’s best: NEC’s B2B Marketing Manager, Gemma Piggott, NEC Account Manager, Liz Cawley, AEO and FaceTime Marketing Director, Jenni Jaques, Exhibition News Reporter, Nicola Macdonald, and Exhibition Consultant, Alison Jackson.

Winners will be announced at the FIT Show Gala Dinner on the evening of 24^th May 2017.

The post FIT Show 2017 awards shortlist revealed! appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

The closest relationship many fabricators have with their supplier is with their dedicated Business Development Manager and they are likely to be your first point of contact when you have any questions or need any support. And when it comes to Distinction Doors, you’re in safe hands because the team of four Business Development Managers has been in the industry for a combined total of over 50 years.

Andy Grogan, Distinction’s National Sales Manager, who heads up the team, comments: “We’re on hand whenever customers need advice or support on our products or how to make the most out of them. But while we may be the experts on Distinction products, we never forget that our customers are the experts on their businesses, so we are always operating on an equal footing with mutual respect for each other’s knowledge.”

Andy has been in the industry for 25 years. He’s joined by Cara Allan, who has been in the industry for 12 years, Julie Rose, who has been in the industry for 5 years, and Steve Jones who has been in the industry for 10 years. Andy says: “We’ve got a great deal of experience and we are all proud to be part of a committed and enthusiastic team at Distinction Doors.”

As well as being the first point of contact for existing customers, the Business Development team is also tasked with bringing new customers on board. Andy says: “One of the best things about working for Distinction Doors is that we are genuinely proud of the product we sell. It’s the market leader with good reason and I always enjoy talking to prospective customers because I know how strong the offering is.”

Distinction Doors is renowned for the quality of its product but as the depth of experience in the Business Development team shows, the quality of its people is equally strong. It’s why the company retains its position at the pinnacle of the market year after year.

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk