ACHIEVE LARGER GLASS SPANS WITH NEW TECHNAL MY CURTAIN WALLING SYSTEM

With increasing demand for 60mm curtain wall systems, architectural aluminium systems specialist Sapa has launched the Technal MY Curtain Walling System. Offering real architectural versatility, this new facade range will allow architects, specifiers and fabricators to create curtain walls with larger glass spans than ever before – achieving a glazed surface area of up to 12m².

Larger dimensions than ever before

Capable of incorporating wider and taller panes of glass than current 50mm aluminium systems, the MY curtain walling system provides a 62mm wall structure allowing for maximised glazed surfaces of up to 12m², weighing up to 680kg. A larger glazing pocket gives increased glass edge clearance to accommodate building movements that can be expected on larger projects.

Suited to a range of applications

Ideal for new build or refurbishment curtain wall applications that architecturally command maximum natural light and slim sight lines, the new MY is suitable many types of projects.

For large glass facades such as those on out-of-town retail developments, schools and university applications or curtain walls for tall office or residential buildings, where building movement is an issue, MY offers a whole new level of design and technical capability.

Creative, versatile aesthetics

Architecturally interesting facades can be created using different external effects, frame asymmetry as well as facetted constructions. In addition to the wide range of finishes and colours available, design options include flat pressure plate caps, which provide a smooth appearance – a good alternative to structural glazing using standard glass units.

The MY aluminium curtain walling can be combined with Technal’s PY 55 Door, STII Door and FY 65 Window for a complete façade solution.

Commenting on the launch of the new MY system, Technal’s National Sales Manager, Allan Barr said: “We have introduced the MY as a new aluminium curtain wall range in addition to the popular existing MX curtain wall system. The MY packages many features that are available from our current curtain walling offer in one flexible yet fully integrated system.

“What we were finding was that customers were wanting to stretch the capabilities of the 50mm systems. The profile strength in the new range can avoid the need for secondary supportive steel structures whilst delivering those all-important uninterrupted views.”

Passive House performances achievable

MY curtain wall meets energy consumption reduction requirements and in the high insulation version, the system offers Passive House performances with U values as low as Ucw = 0.61 W/m2k.

Engineered for simple, fast assembly and installation

Engineered intelligently to reduce waste and maximise cost efficiency, MY is an optimised solution with fewer profiles, a simple tooling system and is available as 7m bar lengths for larger spans.

Cleverly designed for simple, fast assembly and installation, the MY uses specialist designed profiles where the mullion and transom can be the same and yet combine the proven weather performance capability of over-lapping connections including a patented connection block. Load carrying capability is achieved with a simple yet strong joint system called PIN, which reduces factory and installation times yet delivers the very large weight carrying capabilities.

Find out more about the new MY curtain walling system at www.technal.com/en/uk/Products/Curtain-Walling/my62/

Cornwall Glass has announced the appointment of Adam Shaylor as Sales Manager of its newly acquired architectural glass business.

Cornwall Glass completed the purchase of Hayes-based multi-laminate specialist, LW Architectural Glass at the end of March, now operating as Cornwall Architectural Glass – London.

Adam who has held previous senior sales roles within the glass industry with Nicholls & Clarke and  Glassolutions / Saint-Gobain, culminating in a role as Head of Strategic Sales, said Cornwall Architectural Glass – London, brings a unique set of specialisms to market.

“Our business is manufacturing architectural, laminated & toughened glass. By not having a laminate cutting table, it means every piece of glass produced is unique. This bespoke offer means that we’re ideally placed to serve the architectural glass market”, he said.

Adam continued: “The opportunity to build this specific business type from the ground up, doesn’t come along very often. Cornwall Glass has an incredible culture and I’m delighted but also very excited to be part of the team. Our potential is huge due the to the capability, expertise, service and product offering. It’s a really strong combination with massive potential”

Cornwall Glass Director, Mark Mitchell, said: “Adam brings a vast amount of experience, expertise and technical understanding to our team. That understanding will be vital in communicating what is a highly specialised offer to a market with huge growth potential going forward.”

For more information on Cornwall Architectural Glass – London, please call 0208 573 7332 or email London@cornwallglass.co.uk

The British Woodworking Federation’s Joinery State of Trade Survey Q2 2017 has indicated that although rising raw materials costs and labour availability are exerting pressure on joinery manufacturers, the industry is optimistic over sales figures and product investment opportunities.

BWF Policy and Communications Executive Matt Mahony commented on the state of the joinery industry:

“With optimism over sales volumes and with order books holding up well, our survey paints a picture of an industry working hard to protect its margins against significant cost rises.

“It has been a theme of recent months that the joinery industry is having to think on its feet and diversify its offering. We know from the Q2 survey that investment in product improvement has been rising, and anecdotal evidence suggests that companies are taking on more of the burden of design and specification on account of knowledge gaps within the supply chain.

“Broader construction industry information supports our findings. The Construction Products Association (CPA) has reported that UK construction product manufacturers are experiencing continued growth in activity but high input costs and uncertainty have dampened expectations for the near future. Our story is more positive. After a mixed start to 2017 for joinery, 42% of respondents noted an increase in sales from the previous quarter with almost two-thirds expecting improved sales volumes for Q3.

“There are challenges out there. Labour availability remains a factor with skills shortages within the sector contributing to increased wage bills. In addition to this almost all BWF members noted that raw material costs are now a significant inflationary factor for unit costs.

“Joiners, not least BWF members, are natural problem solvers both on site and off and we will be working hard with members to ensure that they are capable of addressing these challenges.”

Key points from the BWF Joinery State of Trade Survey Q2 2017 include:

• A balance of 42% of respondents reported an increase in sales volumes over the last quarter, with 52% reporting an increase over the last year. This corresponds with the 14% of respondents reporting a quarterly increase in the previous survey.
• Manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter, with a balance of 61% predicting an increase for Q3 2017 and a balance of 60% predicting an increase over the next year.
•  42% of companies reported a current order book of future work extending beyond 3 months – up 13% from the previous quarter – with 41% saying that their order book extended from between 1 and 3 months.
•  ‘Labour Availability’ was listed as the most likely constraint on output by 27% of respondents. ‘Demand’ and ‘Capacity’ came next, with 25% and 20% of respondents feeling that they were most likely to constrain output.
• 38% of respondents on balance reported increasing their labour force in the last year, with 50% of respondents anticipating an increased labour force over the next year.
• Raw material costs were noted as an inflationary factor for unit costs for 97% of respondents, with wages & salary increases pushing up unit costs for 76% of respondents on balance.
• Exchange rates were a factor in inflating unit costs for 63% of respondents.
• Over the previous year a balance of 64% of respondents had invested in improving their products with 60% investing in their plant/equipment.
• Investment in in product improvement was set for the highest capital investment over the next year, with a balance of 70% planning to invest and with 60% set to invest in plant/equipment.

As a benefit of membership, British Woodworking Federation members can view the full BWF State of Trade Survey plus the latest economic reports produced by the Construction Products Association industry forecasting team.

www.bwf.org.uk

Claire Perry MP, centre, with Jane Embury and Tim Kempster, both with high vis jackets

Wrightstyle, the Devizes based supplier of advanced glazing systems, says it has ‘raised concerns’ with the government on the ‘detrimental impact’ of insurance tax and on the possible consequences of Brexit on supplies of raw materials.

The company, which is a supplier of glazed systems to mitigate against fire or ballistic and bomb attack, raised its worries during a visit by Claire Perry MP for Devizes and Minister for Climate Change & Industry in the Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Department.

Her visit to Wrightstyle was prompted by the company’s concern about recent increases in Insurance Premium Tax which has increased considerably over the last couple of years, and which impacts significantly on overheads.

Claire Perry MP met the company’s managing director, Tim Kempster, and finance director, Jane Embury, before touring the warehouse and fabrication areas and meeting other members of the Wrightstyle team.

“Claire Perry hadn’t fully realised the high impact of this tax on SMEs and was interested to hear about it from our prospective. We also raised issues about Brexit, advising her of our concerns regarding the supply of raw materials from Europe,” said Jane Embury.

“We also made her aware that the type of high quality architectural steel that we use in our advanced systems is not available in the UK and certainly not in the Far East, where we have a significant export market,” she said.

Jane Embury added: “We also discussed R&D on new systems we are currently developing and the difficulties financing this type of work, especially the testing costs. Claire Perry will advise us on possible R&D funding and tax relief.”

During her tour, Claire Perry was delighted to see an order being packed for shipment for the Harvard Business School, where she obtained a Masters in Business Administration in 1990.

“It was a genuinely interesting discussion and I think we both gained some useful insights,” said Jane Embury.

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Image Above: Dempsey Dyer uPVC mock horn sash

Having already strengthened its extensive uPVC portfolio by offering both the Deceuninck flush sash and the Slider 24 sliding door, respected fabricator Dempsey Dyer has now expanded customer choice even further, introducing premium-quality uPVC mock sash horns designed to make casements look like sash windows.

Produced using the firm’s new state-of-the-art CNC machine, the new sash horn accessory provides installers with an excellent way of capitalising on the continuing popularity of vintage-look products and sash windows more generally, offering end-users a simple and relatively inexpensive route to much-sought after traditional aesthetics without the greater expense associated with sash windows.

“At Dempsey Dyer, the watchword is always choice,” commented company MD Peter Dyer. “Some people like sash windows, and will accept nothing less. Others love the vintage appeal of sash windows, but would rather stick with casement windows, whether that’s through wanting to avoid the cost and disruption of having existing windows replaced, or just personal preference – and for these consumers, our new mock sash horns are perfect.”

The sash horn product is just the latest in a string of new offerings from fast-growing Dempsey Dyer. Revealed at last year’s FIT Show, the Heritage Flush Sash is one of the newest additions to the company’s catalogue – a vintage-look uPVC sash window balancing A+-rated thermal efficiency with PAS24-compliant security, exceptional weather performance and convincing traditional aesthetics. The firm now also offers Deceuninck’s Slider 24 – the new best-in-class door solution offering weather resistance performance, including achieving Class E8A water permeability with a rating of 450Pa, Class A3 wind resistance of 1200Pa and Class A4 air permeability with a rating of 600Pa.

For more information call 01977 649641 or visit www.dempseydyer.co.uk

Window and door hardware specialist, Coastal Group, has completed a ‘significant’ six-month investment programme, expanding its headquarters, systems and infrastructure.

Designed to further increase the level of customer service the company offers, in what is reportedly the biggest investment in its history, Coastal has just completed works on ‘major’ new office and warehouse development.

In addition to several thousand square feet of new operational space including significant new warehouse space, greatly improving stockholding, the investment has also seen the creation of new packing lines and a state of the art Enterprise Resource Planning system creating greater cohesion between front and back office operations.

The result means a quicker, more efficient and seamless service for Coastal customers – from point of contact at initial enquiry, through to speedier picking and dispatch of order.

The new office and warehouse expansion follows on from the recent launch of Coastal’s new website and publication of its new Product Ordering Guide (POG).

“As a company, Coastal has been built on delivering great customer service by our experienced and friendly team. Our goal is to become the leading name in door and window hardware in the UK and this investment is a major step towards this,” said Coastal MD Loren Jenner.

“The new warehouse facility really is fantastic, giving us the space to hold much greater stock levels across our product range. That, combined with the new packing lines and ERP system, means customers can source, order and receive the products they need quicker and easier than ever before,” he added.

To find out more and to watch a ‘fly through’ of the new warehouse visit www.coastal-group.com/blog/Major-investment-means-even-greater-Customer-Service-at-Coastal.html

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Epwin Window Systems is working with Fensa as its preferred partner to deliver self-certification for installers that are part of its Excellence as Standard (EAS) programme.

Sharn Samra, Epwin Window Systems marketing director, said: “EAS is about delivering the best service from manufacturing to installation. EAS wanted to align with an accreditation body that also strives for excellence within the glazing industry. Working with Fensa will ensure that all EAS members will be able to instil consumer confidence.”

Jon Vanstone, Fensa director of Registered Business, said: “We are delighted to be working in collaboration with the Epwin Group. Fensa is continually looking for ways to enhance its service offering on the compliance front to make things simple for installers. This new partnership represents a fantastic strategic opportunity for our leading brands to leverage value for the benefit of our members and clients. Fensa will be keen to say that if a business is under the Excellence as Standard banner, they’re OK.”

Members of the EAS programme will receive a card branded with both Fensa and Excellence as Standard, as well as access to Fensa training and priority information on new Fensa products.

Excellence as Standard advocates ‘excellence at every stage of a project’ – from manufacturing through to the physical installation in a consumer’s home. Homeowners will benefit from the reassurance that all aspects meet a high quality industry standard and in turn, help the installer gain a competitive advantage while delivering the best possible service across the customer journey.

When an installer signs the Excellence as Standard charter, they are making a pledge to commit to striving for excellence in fenestration in a culture that permeates every level of a member’s business.

In return, they will have access to a ‘wealth of support and tangible benefits’ designed to drive quality and sales. These can be divided into six areas: effective lead generation, quality products, the EAS Academy, marketing support, partner benefits and the support team.

www.epwin.co.uk

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Social housing residents who phone The Window Company (Contracts) to arrange surveys or appointments for their window and door replacement are now greeted personally by name, thanks to the company’s investment in a new phone system.

The bespoke phone solution is fully integrated with the company’s CRM database so that the administration department not only knows the name of the caller, but can pull up all the information about their property and installation instantly.

The Window Company (Contracts) says that this give residents an added layer of confidence and reassurance about the company who will be coming to work in their home, and presents an efficient and professional image.

What is particularly special about the new system is that the information is accessed via a pop up window on the screen of the person taking the call. This means it doesn’t interfere with the work they are already doing and enables them to pick up exactly where they left off as soon as the call is completed.

This, says Director of Compliance and Administration Katie Thornton, is enabling the team to respond more quickly to customer calls and at the same time improve overall operational efficiency. She adds: “We are always looking for ways to become ever more efficient and this is a perfect example of that. The few seconds we save on accessing every caller’s records and switching between screens all add up when you remember that we have 10,000 residents on our database.”

Chelmsford based The Window Company (Contracts) works on behalf of some of the south’s biggest main contractors and social housing providers and consistently benchmarks its processes and systems against leading UK businesses.

The new phone system is very much in line with that used by Blue Chip consumer facing organisations and was provided by Oak, who work with the likes of the BBC, Samsung and British Airways.

Further information is available at: www.thewinco.co.uk