Spectus’ new 85mm outerframe ‘solves three common issues in one’

Spectus says it has just launched a new 85mm outerframe and it solves a wealth of problems for fabricators and installers. Martin Althorpe, Spectus’ technical director, said: “Our message is simple: if you’re struggling with doors and windows, stop. Our new 85mm outerframe has the answers.”

Spectus claims the new and bigger outerframe ‘solves three of the biggest problems that installers face when fitting doors and windows’. Spectus says the new outerframe means that fitting hinges to the frame becomes a lot easier because there’s no need to try to avoid damage to plasterwork or having to make good the surrounds and décor. Trickle vents are also easier to accommodate according to Spectus, ‘with no compromise to functionality or aesthetics needed’. The bigger size Spectus says, ‘also means no need to use packers on any apertures, saving time, extra expense and ensuring a much neater finish’.

Martin commented: “We launched the new 85mm outerframe at the FIT Show and installers and fabricators were quick to see the benefits. All installers want to complete a neater job in a faster time and all fabricators would like a little extra tolerance in manufacturing. The new 85mm outerframe fulfils both these wishes.”

The 85mm outerframe is a perfect fit for the Spectus Elite 70 bevelled suite and is available now, from stock, in classic white and anthracite grey.

www.spectus.co.uk

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Image aove: David Furness

Rapierstar is marking 25 years of ‘turning something small into something great’ with its fasteners and fixings for the residential and commercial property sectors, with investment in a brand refresh to reaffirm its position in the UK and Ireland.

The Cheshire-based designer, developer and supplier of specialist fasteners and fixings, has reached its quarter century milestone this year, producing a family of award-winning branded product ranges, including StarPVCU, StarTurn, StarFix, StarPin & StarNail and StarAlu, which serves the majority of UK windows and doors manufacturers.

Since its inception in 1992 under the leadership of Group Managing Director, David Furness, Rapierstar has grown into a multi-million-pound turnover business. He explained how the company has reached this significant landmark: “We are consistent in the design, performance, import and delivery of our branded products, never waivering on quality, standards and procedures to produce reliable, specialist screws and fixings.” He continued, “Our established relations in the Far East and import expertise ensures our stock holding and supply can respond on a next day delivery year-round, which is a crucial service for industry.”

The life of a Rapierstar screw begins with design at its Cheshire headquarters, then transferred to the Far East for manufacture, imported back to the UK for with quality testing and standards checking at Rapierstar’s own unique facility, and distributed throughout the UK and Europe on a next day delivery service.

Veka Group’s Amy Grundy presents Charlie Berry of Andrew Wright Windows with a gift to celebrate 80 years of trading.

Ayrshire glazing company and Independent Network member Andrew Wright Windows has put 18 fabricators through their Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), in a year that also sees the company celebrate 80 years of trading.

The family-run company is reportedly already one of the most prominent employers in Irvine and the surrounding areas, with almost 100 employees across its head office, showroom and manufacturing plants. Each year Andrew Wright supports a growing number of modern apprentices through levels two and three SVQ coursework and exams, where budding window and door fabricators can learn the trade ‘on the job’ alongside their official college assessments. The 18 pupils that were chosen to take part in the scheme this year receive their results in August before deciding how to use their new qualifications in the fenestration industry.

Last year two apprentices, Jamie Mullen and William Malcolmson, gained Levels 2 and 3 SVQ qualifications – in Fabrication of Glass and Supporting Systems respectively – and have since put their diplomas to good use as they both now hold permanent positions at Andrew Wright within the production and quality departments.

In a double celebration, the company also marks its 80th birthday this year. Established in 1937, Andrew Wright Windows has developed from a modest, family-run company into a well-known and respected business in the area. Its two manufacturing plants and fleet of 20 company vehicles fabricate and deliver PVC-U windows, doors, conservatories and roofline for domestic and commercial customers across West Scotland, including Local Authorities contracts.

Karen Lund, head of Partner Programmes for Veka Group said: “What an exciting year for Andrew Wright Windows. For any company to celebrate 80 years in business is a fantastic achievement in itself, but to still have that commitment to the next generation of fabricators really shows other businesses in the industry how it should be done. The 18 students that have been selected to take part in this year’s SVQ schedule also have the benefit of working with a long-established local firm, which is almost a money-can’t-buy experience. I wish them all the best for results day.

“As Independent Network has also been officially launched this year – continuing the ethos of its predecessor Network Veka – we also know the importance of progression in business and never resting on our laurels. So with a long-standing and valued member company such as Andrew Wright celebrating its 80th anniversary in the same year as putting 18 new fabricators through their SVQs, I can’t think of a better example of the past, present and future of fenestration in action.”

Charlie Berry, managing director of Andrew Wright Windows added: “We too often hear of young people struggling to find jobs after graduation or lacking a career focus, so a modern apprenticeship scheme seems to be the perfect solution. SVQs in the workplace mean apprentices learn both the theory and the practical side of fenestration at the same time. Whilst there is no substitute for the ‘factory floor’ when it comes to this type of work, getting the official qualification associated with it indicates that you have a tangible qualification along with the necessary hands-on experience.

“I’m incredibly pleased with the 18 students that have taken part this year and can’t wait to find out their results in August. Andrew Wright has always been fully committed to supporting new people coming up through the ranks. They are the future of our company after all, and we aim to make sure it remains in safe hands for the next 80 years!”

www.inveka.co.uk

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Epwin Window Systems has just announced its latest product development: a universal two-part cill.  Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems’ Marketing Manager, says: “The universal two-part cill is a simple product evolution but the advantages its brings are extraordinary. We already know from feedback on the launch at the FIT Show what a difference it will make in so many areas.”

The universal two-part cill means that door and window cills are installed in a two step process. The receiver is fitted during the construction process and the cill nose is fitted when the project nears completion.

The universal two-part cill offers the solution to the perennial problem of the cill nose getting damaged. Gerald comments: “Cill noses are easily damaged and we know how frustrating installers find it.” The development means that damage to low level cills in construction projects can be avoided. It also solves the problem of damage to cills during refurbishment projects and makes it much easier for installers to rectify any accidental damage to cills inflicted by homeowners post-installation.  In short, says Gerald: “Two-part cills are easier to install, easier to protect during the construction process and easier to repair in the future.”

The universal two-part cill comes with a choice of noses, all of which are compatible with Epwin Window Systems’ profile brands, Spectus, Profile 22 and Swish Windows. The cills are also available in all 28 colours in the colour ranges.

Epwin Window Systems is renowned for consistent product development. In the release of its new universal two-part cill it’s demonstrating why this approach is so intelligent and how the smallest of changes can sometimes make the biggest of differences.

www.epwin.co.uk

REHAU’s Marketing and Technical Director, Gareth Jones, has been chosen to chair the Glass and Glazing Federation’s new Systems House Group, a collective set up to maintain and raise standards among window and door system providers.

In the last three years, REHAU has made a firm commitment to being more actively involved with the GGF to help promote the industry, maintain and raise standards. This latest development highlights this continued effort by the company to become a central influencer in the industry.

At the first meeting in Birmingham in May, Gareth Jones was elected to chair the Group, which also means he will take up a seat on the GGF Board and the Home Improvement Executive.

The scope of the Systems House Group’s activities will include providing valuable input into the overall Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) strategy as well as looking at how to tackle restrictive planning conditions. The group will also be assessing the impact of new regulations, developing workable solutions to issues which may exclude some companies (namely small/micro fabricators) and ensuring System Companies are well represented and their voices heard in Industry Standard setting forums.

Gareth said: “Historically, REHAU has very much kept itself to itself, but three years ago we made a conscious decision to be more open and approachable and take an active role within the wider industry. We are ardent supporters of the GGF, providing co-operation, resources and expertise where it is needed, and are proud to be representing window and door system companies both on the coal face and Board level issues that really matter.”

Gareth’s appointment sees him join a group of REHAU employees already playing a role in the GGF, including Irene Smith, Marketing Communications Manager, who is a member of the GGF’s Marketing Communications Committee, Mark Gajda, Materials, Testing and Quality Manager, who sits on the Home Improvement Technical Group and a number of members of the REHAU sales force regularly participate in regional events. REHAU is also a regular attender to the GGF’s largest specialist group meetings, the Window and Door Group, and a hot off the press appointment was recently made in Declan Coulter, Divisional Sales Manager for Ireland and Scotland, who has been elected to chair the Ireland Southern Region.

For more information about the GGF please visit www.ggf.org.uk

Edgetech is marking 10 years of UK manufacturing and ‘warm edge excellence with a two-day long celebration.

On July the 13th, customers and colleagues from across the world will gather at the company’s Coventry headquarters to look back at what has been accomplished over the past decade, and forward to what it wants to achieve in the 10 years ahead.

After lunch and presentations, the focus will shift to the Coombe Abbey hotel for a drinks reception – followed by a lavish medieval-themed feast! The next day, guests are invited to take part in Edgetech’s annual golf day at nearby Staverton Park.

Edgetech managing director, Chris Alderson, commented: “This is a fantastic opportunity for us to reflect on what we’ve achieved over the past 10 years, and how far warm edge technology has come in a relatively short amount of time.

“It’s also the perfect time to make some big announcements about our direction in the next 10 years – and it’s only right that our long-standing customers and friends from throughout the industry get to hear about them first. We wouldn’t be where we are today without our customers and suppliers, so we will be taking this opportunity to publicly thank them for their support.

“We’re officially fully booked for the day and evening and we look forward to seeing all our guests on July the 13th!”

www.edgetechig.co.uk

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Euroglaze says its trade customers are seeing returns on its ‘ongoing marketing investment’, with leads generated now being distributed directly to them.

The Barnsley based Rehau fabricator reports a surge in enquiries from installers and consumers in response to its ongoing advertising, PR and web campaign and these are being passed to its stockists and distributors nationwide.

Managing director, Martin Nettleton, said: “Last month, we saw a record number of interactions from our website as a result of our advertising and PR, with enquiries coming directly from the contact form online, via email and via calls into our customer service department.

“We are a trade specialist so all retail enquiries and enquiries from smaller independent installers are handled by our customers, which means they are sharing directly in the success of our campaign.”

Part of the reason for the surge in enquiries is reportedly becuase Euroglaze’s website currently ranks on page 1 of Google searches for Rehau frames. This is attributed to the fact that the company’s web partner has updated the website’s architecture, switched the security protocols and kept pace with Google’s changing algorithms on SEO.

The new architecture also means the pages on the content rich site now load in milliseconds, ensuring that potential customers visiting the site are engaged for long enough to register their interest.

Martin Nettleton added: “We invested in the campaign to target those larger installation and distribution companies increasingly dissatisfied with the big fabricators who are starting to compete with them by setting up their own networks of trade counters and distribution outlets.

“We have vowed never to compete with our customers but instead to support them with exceptional product quality, friendly and efficient customer service and turnaround times of as little as 3 days. That’s proving a very powerful message particularly via the PR and we’ve been delighted with the response.

“A by-product of our success has been enquiries from smaller companies who want to buy our frames as well, and we are happy to forward these enquiries to our partners who can provide our products locally.”

www.euroglaze.co.uk

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The global powder coatings specification for powder coating over aluminium now in its 14th Edition has its strength in the ‘triple lock’ approval system, firstly, the pretreatment chemistry, secondly the application process, and thirdly the powder used, where for each of these three elements independent approval and inspection is required. For the vast majority of architectural applications, the standard QUALICOAT approved one coat system is perfect, where the strength of weathering is identified by the Class of powder chosen.

BUT there are a few occasions where real consideration can be given to the effective use of two coats. QUALICOAT, in recognition of these developments has now approved a number of excellent two coat systems, these can be seen on the approved powder systems list at www.qualicoat.net

“So, why two coats!”, I hear the refrain. “Is this a ruse by the industry to charge more for powder coating?”.   Well…..no.

Alan Maginnis – QUALICOAT UK & Ireland Chairman

Two coats, or multi coat systems have been available in the paint industry from the beginning, starting with wet paints. Powder coatings from their inception have penetrated the paint market well often on economic grounds as it is an effective one coat system. For powder coatings, as the technology has improved the use of multi coat systems has become more common place typically for industrial purposes over steel e.g. for plant, machinery and equipment.

For the architectural world for powder coating over aluminium a ‘two coat system’ maybe relevant in specific circumstances. What might these be?

The corrosion class of the environment where the building is located is the main consideration, followed by the material to be coated, and then from a commercial point of view, for the warranty period to be offered.

Environmental corrosion classes from C1 to C5 are outlined and described in ISO12944-2, where C5 is the most corrosive environment.

In more challenging environments (C4/C5) certain aluminium materials and fabrications may be more susceptible to corrosive attack.

Let us consider perforated aluminium sheets. Probably the weakest area for any paint finish is the sharp edge. Sheets have 4 sides and potentially 4 sharp edges. A perforated aluminium sheet additionally has 100’s of punched, sharp perforations. This multiplies the risk areas considerably.

Commercial Warranty.

QUALICOAT is a specification label and is not involved in such considerations. The approved applicator however and the approved powder supplier are the parties who offer warranties. Where a location is hazardous; where the coated part is challenging; where a long period warrant is required, a two coat system will help.

Two coats provide an additional barrier to the negative weathering effects of UV light, temperature and moisture. And a two coat system can provide superior edge coverage. For these reasons, an applicator who chooses an approved QUALICOAT two coat system may have more confidence in the warranty period to be offered after discussion with their powder supplier.

Two coat systems over aluminium are gathering traction and have a role to play in the armoury of QUALICOAT approvals designed to better tailor the finish quality to the clients’ requirements.

QUALICOAT remains one of the leading specifications because it evolves its approvals and tightens its limits with the 15th Edition due for release later this year. All designed to provide reassurance to the client. Quality and consistency of quality, continues to be highlighted by the association which includes third party testing of all certified powder formulations and pretreatment systems that make up the QUALICOAT approval process. For specification support, any member of the association can offer advice and guidance. For updated information about the use and specification of QUALICOAT in the UK and Ireland, please visit the associations’ website at www.qualicoatuki.org

Mike Davis, MD (left) and Jerry Webb, group chairman (right)

A specialist manufacturing company is celebrating yet another strong period of trading as it looks to end the year as a record-breaker.

In its last fiscal year, CDW Systems put in its best trading performance which saw the group turnover increase by 19%, resulting in it hitting the £10m mark for the first time in its history.

Directors at the group have revealed that they are now on course to surpass last year’s trading figures, with the launch of new products contributing to this.

Mike Davis, managing director, commented: “The climate remains tough as we have had consumer uncertainty take hold following the General Election, as well as Brexit and other external factors.

“But the world doesn’t stop turning and many consumers are still spending on home improvements and for companies offering the very best products and service, growth is more than possible.

We’ve been in business for more than twenty- five years and we’ve always been determined to never stand still. This means innovating, always developing and launching new products.”

Mike explained that the company had added Reynaers aluminium lift and slide patio door sets to its product portfolio this year; and the products had proved popular with installers.

The company has also grown its footprint in the UK, taking market share in both the north and south of the UK.

Jerry Webb, group chairman, commented: “Under Mike and the team’s leadership, CDW Systems continues to grow, working on a diverse range of projects with both installers and architects. The challenge we’ve set ourselves is to keep growing the business; improving our infrastructure and operations and supporting our customer base to the best of our abilities. We’re excited about the future.”

CDW Systems is also looking to extend its factory to support the continued growth as well as employing new people to work at its headquarters in Gloucester.

www.cdwsystems.co.uk

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Pilkington Activ, said to be ‘the world’s first self-cleaning glass’, has been independently verified and is believed to be the first dual-action product to meet the new European Standard for self-cleaning glass.

EN 1096-5 tests and classifies the self-cleaning performance of coated glass. It is the only independent assessment that can verify the performance of products that use hydrophilic and photocatalytic properties to enhance the cleanliness of the glass.

Pilkington Activ, which this year celebrates its 15th anniversary, uses a microscopic coating with a dual action. Firstly, the coating is activated by daylight to break down organic deposits such as dirt and then, when rainwater hits the glass, the coating allows the water to spread evenly and run off in a ‘sheet’ – removing any dirt at the same time.

Independently tested by the Fraunhofer Institute for Surface Engineering and Thin Films (IST) in Germany, this result further validates the performance of Pilkington Activ, which has previously achieved Class A, the highest classification for coating durability in accordance with EN 1096-2. This standard tests the durability of a coating to natural weathering conditions, as well as abrasion.

Andy McDowell, commercial director at Pilkington United Kingdom said: “We’re seeing increased demand across both the commercial and domestic markets for self-cleaning glass as occupiers and homeowners look for products that help cater to modern life. As the pioneers of self-cleaning glass it’s important that we continue to invest in and develop our product range to ensure it remains best in class.

“Not only will this standard provide peace of mind for homeowners, who can insist on installers supplying self-cleaning glass that passes this latest test, it will also enable specifiers to differentiate between products with an official self-cleaning performance and those without.

“Pilkington Activ helps to reduce the amount of time and money spent on window cleaning, while providing clearer, better-looking windows, and this latest achievement is testament to the quality and strength of our offering.”

www.pilkington.co.uk

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