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Image Above: Kevin Warner, profine UK

Dear Gerald

As one of the world’s foremost innovators of PVCu window and door systems, we place a great emphasis on product design, performance and testing. When KÖMMERLING make product claims, we do so with considered research and understanding, as we have done so with the launch of our new System 76 platform.

However, I’m again disappointed to read falsehoods in advertising, most recently with claims for patio door security. Our PremiLine Pro, we believe, was the first PAS 24 tested and Secured by Design accredited PVCu patio door that didn’t rely on plunge bolts and that met the requirements of the Lifetime Homes initiative. We have PAS 24 and Secured by Design on 2, 3 and 4 pane variants and have carried out physical testing on these configurations, impressively with just a single door combination in each instance. It’s also a patent protected design, thanks to the clever locking mechanism at the interlock.

The increased promotion of U-values in the UK market also needs to be carefully considered. Rough estimates of performance and theoretical upgrades to profiles is a weak excuse, as U-values (or U_f values and U_w values to be accurate) should be based on independent testing as we have done so through ift Rosenheim. Our KÖMMERLING System 76 Passivhaus variant for example, can achieve a U_w value of 0.69 W/(m²K) and we have the written evidence to prove that.

Ultimately, as an industry we must get our own house in order and it’s up to both the supply chain and marketing agencies to ensure that all promotional content is true, fair and accurate. So please let’s stick with the facts, not fiction.

Yours sincerely

Kevin Warner

Head of Sales and Marketing

profine UK

As part of DOORCO’s continued commitment to customer service, the composite door supplier is now able to deliver slabs from UK stock on a next day delivery service.

“The composite door sector is a competitive place to be so it’s imperative that suppliers can deliver whatever customers need, when they need it,” says Jayne Sullivan, DOORCO’s Operations Director.  “As one of the most invested-in door brands in the UK, we know that supplying product to our customers on time every time is key to a healthy supply chain.  That’s why DOORCO now holds up to 30,000 door slabs in stock at any one time, and any blank ordered from this stock before 3pm will be dispatched UK next day delivery.

“This has been made possible thanks to our recent investment in more space increasing our storage capacity to 50,000 sq ft storage and distribution hub.  A focused team and updated software makes the management of this process easy and we can advise customers instantly on stock and delivery times.  We offer a full pick and pack service, which means any combination of order can be accommodated, comprising our popular colours of Blue, Black, Red, Green, White, Golden Oak and Rosewood.  And from August this is going to increase with the addition of Anthracite Grey to the standard range. All our doors are built using the highest quality composite material in today’s UK market.  We offer a 20-year structural guarantee and a 10-year paint guarantee, and they are PAS 24 and Approved Document Q compliant.

“Doors are in our DNA, and so is service.  If you want to work with a composite door supplier that delivers on their promises, call us today on 01625 428955 or visit: www.door-co.com.”

As FIT Show 2017 drew to a close, it would be hard to describe it as anything other than another success for The VEKA UK Group. With a footfall of over 13,000 people across three days, the event was the perfect opportunity to display and demonstrate a selection of new products and concepts with visitors spoilt for choice when it came to the latest in PVC-U door and window innovations.

Guests who came over to our stand were treated to the first look at new innovations for 2017 such as the SmartFold Door, SmartFold Window and the PVC Residential Door and Side Panel Combination. More highlights included the M70, FlushSash Slim Sightline Window, Bi-Fold Door, VEKA Screen, Vertical Slider (fully mechanically jointed) and Lift & Slide Patio Door from the Imagine range.

Also exhibiting at the event were six companies from Independent Network’s (previously Network VEKA’s) Affiliates Partners; Masterframe, UK Fasteners Ltd, Prefix Systems, Ritec International, Maco Door & Hardware UK Ltd and Trojan Manufacturing Group Ltd, presenting everything from skylights, sash windows and sliding doors, to letterplates, window locks and ‘non-stick’ glass.

The VEKA UK Group’s Marketing Director Dawn Stockell said of the event: “FIT Show 2017 has been absolutely great for The VEKA UK Group, and we have been delighted with the response to the new products we introduced during the event, such as the Imagine Lift & Slide, the newly-enhanced VEKA Vertical Slider and the innovative SmartFold Door.

“Events like this are so much more than showcasing our finished products however, and part of the process here for us is to test out some new concepts with visitors and get their feedback on them. This year, we wanted some real-life reactions to a super matte Spectral foil and a smart window with micro chip technology, so there’s no better place to glean that than at the FIT Show.

“The number of new business leads and enquiries we experienced over the three-day event was markedly higher than previous years too so we’re now looking forward to following up with these, getting customers signed up to the new products, and thinking about the next FIT Show of course!”

The biggest ever to date, FIT Show 2017 drew almost 10,000 visitors over three days, a figure that soared to over 13,200 when it took into account people that came back on more than one day. Extended hours on the first day; dubbed ‘Big Tuesday’ meant that the whole event lasted for 23 hours; longer than ever before.

www.vekauk.com

The Window Company (Contracts) has proved once again its determination to be one of the most efficient installers in the industry by becoming the first customer to start using Tradelink’s new ‘Window Designer for the Cloud’ online ordering system.

Because the Chelmsford based commercial installer already routinely orders online from its other suppliers, it was quick off the mark to take advantage of Tradelink’s new initiative.

Managing Director Rob Petre said: “Online ordering saves us time, cuts out unnecessary paperwork and eliminates the risk of errors from data being inputted incorrectly. In fact, it has become such a significant benefit for us that it is now one of our key criteria when we choose a new supplier.”

The big advantage of Tradelink’s Window Designer for the Cloud is that customers don’t need to download any proprietary software or configure new hardware to use it, they just log in from their standard PC and order exactly as they would have done on paper or over the phone.

This meant that The Window Company (Contracts) were able to start using the system almost as soon as it went live, ordering frames in REHAU TOTAL70 for a large scale window and door replacement contract currently being completed for Osbornes on behalf of Dacorum Council.

Tradelink guarantees that the ordering information on its Window Designer for the Cloud is always the most up to date so The Window Company (Contracts) are benefiting from being able to access the very latest hardware and glass specifications.

It also guarantees that orders placed online are placed straight into its manufacturing system so lead times, which are a key issue for a fast paced, high volume supplier like The Window Company (Contracts), are kept to a minimum.

Rob Petre added: “We’ve been impressed with how easy the process is and how effectively Tradelink are meeting our requirements for efficiency, quality and responsive customer service.”

www.thewinco.co.uk

Leading industry fabricator, frameXpress Ltd has continued with its Business Expansion Programme that Senior Management believes will set a new benchmark within the industry. The installation of a new ROTOX high speed sash line is only the 5th of its kind in the UK and will enable the company to diversify the portfolio and increase output substantially.

The extensive investment at the company’s head office in Telford is valued at over £400k, and is expected to increase the company’s capacity by 25%.

For senior management the time was right to further invest and streamline production, with the finished quality from the new sash line already far exceeding expectations. The increase in demand for the range has led to a need to further automate the facilities and ensure faster turnarounds for the benefit of all customers.

For Operations Director, Tim Ball, this is a strategic move that is repositioning the company for further growth. The ROTOX line was carefully evaluated with the German manufacturers to ensure the machinery could meet expectations. As a brand ROTOX has already proved reliable for the trade fabricator, with senior management keen to build on the already consistent quality standards.

Since installation the line now enables product to flow more easily through manufacturing and it provides technical advantages including a high speed welder that ensures less deformation from the weld joint. Its technique provides localised heat and high speed production via a new technology that is not widely used in the UK.

frameXpress has firmly established a strong reputation for excellence as a leading window, door and conservatory fabricator. The company is recognised for providing the highest possible standards, and this has been achieved by on-going investments over the years in modern equipment as well as staff training initiatives which guarantee consistent quality.

The company has achieved the highest BSI accreditations including BS 7412 for windows made from PVC-u extruded hollow profile and easily achieved the requirements regarding safety, operation and strength. In relation to the domestic market, frameXpress offers the BS Kitemark licence for BS 7950/7412 for enhanced security performance of casement and tilt and turn windows.

The BS EN 1279 standard relating to U-values was also passed and the company ensures an ongoing programme of product testing maintains all of those quality standards.

Over the years, the company has remained vigilant and strong, even during tough economic times, providing reassurance for customers in relation to guarantees, quality standards and brand superiority. Part of the success is attributed to the entire team’s understanding of the pressures on their customers to install only the best.

To this end frameXpress incorporate many enhanced technical features as standard that most other suppliers add as additional cost. Furthermore, the tailor-made solutions offered by the company reinforce its strong market position, with many customers recognising they can rely upon the technical expertise that is readily available from the highly skilled team.

Mark Westbrook comments, “With architectural design and new performance levels bringing their own challenges to production techniques, we consider it imperative to always evaluate the market and make substantial investments in modern equipment when necessary. Through this investment we can increase capacity substantially and further diversify the product range. ”

The fast and reliable nationwide delivery service is another key attribute for customers, due to the flexibility of delivering orders either to the factory or direct to site across the country.

frameXpress has taken an assertive stance to industry direction and product quality which has worked, and continues to reinforce the strong market presence that the company as a whole has established over the last 18 years.

Tim Ball comments, “frameXpress has kicked off the first half of this year with a progressive approach as it enters a major new phase.

As one of the UK’s most well established and well recognised fabricators, we have instigated extensive development programmes to accommodate an increase in demand for the entire product range. In a very competitive business sector it is always important to monitor and raise standards with customers and end users in mind. ”

For more information on the frameXpress portfolio please visit the website where a brochure can also be downloaded. To discuss project requirements please call 01952 581100