GlassBuild America 2017 Releases Hurricane Irma Update

Emplas has continued its major investment programme with a £1.4million spend on new machinery – giving it a total output capacity of 2,500 frames on a single shift.

This includes the purchase of a new Rotox eight-head welder and cleaning line, giving Emplas two fully automated lines.

It’s also invested in a new Rotox high speed sash cleaner, increasing sash output by more than 20% and a Rotox five-head inline welder, giving Emplas a total of three five-head welders and one four-head welder.

A second Rotox crucifix welder is also added to Emplas’ machinery inventory, as are two new Rotox bead lines and a second Schirmer machining and cutting centre.

This automates profile cutting and machining, with profile scanning technology to introduce ‘pin prick’ accuracy to positioning of cuts and routs to within 0.3mm. It delivers improved product quality but able to convert a 6m bar length into a fully prepped frame within seconds, it also massively increases Emplas’ production capacity.

Ray Sinclair, operations director, Emplas, said: “The investment we’re making gives us more capacity but it also allows us to drive continuous improvements in our product quality and service.

“We’re looking to grow but to grow sustainably and that means investment in our manufacturing capability, the increased accuracy, efficiencies and productivity that new machinery gives us, allows us to not only improve end quality of product but lower our own overheads and mitigate material costs, benefits, we’re passing directly on to our customers.”

In addition to machinery investment a major extension of Emplas’ operational hub is already well underway. Scheduled for completion in the autumn, it will give the fabricator 18,000 sq ft of additional floor space.

Adding around a third again to Emplas’ manufacturing facility, the new development will also house loading bays and offices.

This investment in machinery and square footage has also been underpinned by a corresponding investment in its IT infrastructure, linking production to its ordering processes, customer tools, as well as increasing visibility of production to Emplas customer services teams.

Sinclair added: “We’re working to improve our workflows, our product quality and the visibility of those processes within our own organisation but also to our customers.

“The machinery investment that we’re making is important but only a part of that wider story. We’re connecting everything, allowing us to deliver ever improving standards of product quality but also improved service to our customers.”

www.emplas.co.uk

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Synseal Group says it has launched the quickest and easiest to install variable pelmet on the market. Available for their K2, Global and Celsius Solid Roof systems, this refreshingly simple-to-use product gives their roof installers the edge in getting quality installations completed quickly.

The new variable pelmet system covers pitches from 12.5° to 35° and depths ranging from 300 to an impressive 1100mm, giving customers the flexibility to create the right look for every space.

The pelmet has been designed from the ground up to adapt to every roof configuration, and easily accommodates varying roof pitches and valleys seen in P and T-shaped conservatories. This highly adaptable product comes fully prepped, ready for screwing in place – enabling installations to be done in record time with minimal fuss.

Phil Parry, Head of Research and Development at Synseal Group, said:

“Our new variable pelmet gives our conservatory and orangery roof customers more flexibility to design rooms exactly to their customers’ specifications. Previously customers were limited by only being able to work with equal pitches, so we have designed a variable pelmet which is better suited for Victorian and P-shaped conservatories where pitching may vary.

“We are confident that roof customers are going to appreciate the introduction of a variable pelmet which is quicker and easier to fit than market competitors and also comes at a more affordable price. There’s no reason not to give it a try!”

To find out more information about the new variable pelmet please call 01623 444390 or email info@synseal.com.

The innovative aluPilot fitting system from Winkhaus saves aluminium window manufacturers time and money by making the fabrication process more production-friendly and efficient, says the company.

Fabricators can save up to 10 minutes’ production time per window compared to the traditional systems available on the market, according to the company’s calculations.

Multiply those 10 minutes saved per window across weekly production of several thousand windows, for example, and those time savings really start to add up, significantly reducing production costs of the entire window.

Mike Rushen, Winkhaus UK’s National Sales Manager says: “In manufacturing, time really is money. Tests conducted with manufacturers during aluPilot’s development and ensuing roll-out to European systems houses have confirmed these savings.

“aluPilot suits all types of applications, both commercial and residential. Designed as the aluminium window manufacturer’s ‘friend’, it reduces costs through efficient installation.”

Four key concepts – fastening, tooling, innovative design and handling – plus a combination of factors are behind the 10 minutes’ time-saving.

The fastening concept uses fewer screw positions, which means all the hardware parts can be joined to the sash outerframe using ‘clamp and clip technologies’. The screws don’t enter the profile, so securing components with clamps and clips makes fabrication much faster.

Connecting the sash components are drive rods, which are available in seven fixed lengths.

This eliminates preliminary work steps, such as punching and cutting connecting rods to length. All the main parts arrive already pre-assembled, so these can be installed straightaway in the window.

The aluPilot tooling concept eliminates production steps associated with inserting hardware. Two screwdrivers and an installation lever are all that’s required to install and adjust the components, so no need for time-consuming and costly machines, such as punches.

Thanks to innovative design, fitting components are installed frontally into the fitting groove of the sash or frame without the need to punch out the sash groove. As the fixed lengths are delivered cut to size, all components are simply slid into place.

Finally, there’s much less handling involved during installation as pre-installed components reduce the number of parts in a set of fittings by up to 25%. Everything is supplied pre-assembled to the manufacturer’s bespoke requirements.

Winkhaus aluPilot caters for all types of aluminium window – left or right-hung, with visible or invisible hinges and all the tilt and turn, tilt before turn or turn only options. The standard hardware can take 130 kg sash weight on the invisible hinges (or top-hung style) and can be upgraded up to 180kg. The Concept range, on visible hinges, can take 130kg. Giant, the  new upgraded range, accepts 200kg on a tilt and turn window or 300kg turn only on visible hinges.

Mike adds: “We at Winkhaus see ourselves as a partner working with system houses to make their lives easier. aluPilot is a very easy and simple system to work with. Each systems house can truly have its own bespoke window – each one saving 10 minutes to make!”

For more information, visit www.winkhaus.co.uk, contact Winkhaus on 01536 316091 or email marketing@winkhaus.co.uk.

Picture above:  Jo Reynolds (left), manager of Derbyshire Victim Services meets with Consort’s Jeff Dunn (right).

Consort Ltd is making a positive difference to the lives of disadvantaged people in and around its home town of Nottingham by reassigning money previously budgeted for corporate hospitality.

The fabricator, which has long manufactured PVC-U window systems from the UK’s leading supplier VEKA Group has supported charities such as Emmanuel House – a centre for homeless people – and Fists up for Frankie; a campaign that funds treatment for neuroblastoma (an aggressive form of childhood cancer).

Jeff Dunn, Sales and Marketing Director for Consort explained: “Changes in the law introduced in 2010 left many companies questioning what forms of expenditure would subsequently be considered ‘corporate hospitality’ and what would be seen as ‘bribery’. We chose to avoid any such confusion and instead donate our hospitality budget back into the community that has contributed so much to our success since the company was established in 1950.”

Every year, Consort allocates a sizeable donation to worthy causes. This money would previously have been earmarked for corporate gifts and entertainment.

Jeff continues: “Besides helping to support the most vulnerable and marginalised citizens in and around Nottingham, we are also raising the profile of organisations that rely purely on fundraising and donations to continue their work. Emmanuel House for example, is a recognised cause in the area with a visible presence through its charity shop, but nevertheless receives no statutory funding. Conversely, some of the charities we support do not have the profile that Emmanuel House enjoys, making fundraising even more of a challenge.

“As part of this year’s budget, we have donated £600 to Remedi; a charity that provides restorative services for people affected by conflict in various settings, throughout the midlands and the north. We always ensure though, that our donations make a positive difference for people in our area, so in this case, it has been used to support people in Derbyshire to cope and recover after being victims of crime.

“We have a loyal customer base who rely on Consort for quick and efficient service and industry leading systems from VEKA Group. Every Christmas, we send each of them a letter, thanking them for their continuing support and updating them on the charity donations we have made that year. We like to think that this gives them a ‘share’ in doing something worthwhile for the community, and we’ve received no complaints for redirecting our budget in this way. Many customers have actually done something similar. We look forward to working with more local charitable organisations in the years to come, and making a difference for people who need it the most.”

To learn more about Consort Ltd, visit www.consortwindows.com

August survey data indicated that the UK construction sector continued to experience a ‘slowdown’ this summer. Reduced levels of commercial work were a key source of weakness, which offset robust growth in residential building.

There were also signs of a sustained ‘soft patch’ ahead, with new business volumes falling for the second month running. Survey respondents linked subdued demand to reduced business investment and heightened economic uncertainty. As a result, construction firms exerted greater caution in terms of their staff hiring, with employment numbers rising at the slowest pace since July 2016.

At 51.1 in August, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) remained above the 50.0 no-change threshold for the twelfth month running. However, the latest reading was down from 51.9 in July and pointed to the weakest overall UK construction performance since August 2016. A key reason for the slowdown was reportedly a lack of new orders to replace completed projects, according the survey respondents.

Residential building was the only area to buck the overall trend in August, with housing activity found to be rising at a robust and accelerated pace since the previous month. Meanwhile, civil engineering activity was found to be ‘close to stagnation’ and commercial work is said to have dropped at the fastest pace since July 2016. Reports from survey respondents widely suggested that concerns about the UK economic outlook had weighed on the commercial development sector, with clients opting to delay spending decisions and, in some cases, scale back planned projects.

Total new order volumes dropped for the second month running in August, although the rate of contraction was only marginal and slower than seen in July. Survey respondents continued to cite reluctance to commit to new construction projects, linked to general economic uncertainty and less favourable market conditions.

On a more positive note, cost pressures were the weakest since September 2016. Survey respondents noted that exchange rate depreciation continued to drive up prices for construction materials, but some commented on successful negotiations with suppliers against a backdrop of softer market conditions.

Duncan Brock, director of customer relationships at the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply, said: “The sector hit a roadblock this month as purchasing activity slowed for the third month and new business wins were hard to come by. Reduced government spending, economic uncertainty and Brexit-delayed decision-making among clients were largely to blame.

“The struggling commercial sector drove this disappointment, languishing under the pressure with the fastest drop in activity in over a year. Job creation was nothing to shout about and showed signs of a slowdown, as companies reined back additional spending.

“But any further drag on the construction sector overall was halted by the continuing strong performance by housebuilders, defying expectations with a good month. The sector was also offered some respite from the ongoing march of rising prices as input price inflation weakened.

“This good fortune in prices is unlikely to continue as suppliers scrabble to match the demand for an increasing number of materials in short supply and delivery times lengthened. Price rises will become inevitable if builders have to compete to get what they need.

“In the near-term future, without those new orders waiting in the wings, the performance of the construction sector is likely to continue to be downbeat.”

www.markit.com/product/pmi
www.cips.org

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Stephen Payne and John Agnew

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has made two new appointments.

Stephen Payne, deputy managing director of Britelite Windows, has been confirmed as vice-president by the GGF Board, while Russell Day has been appointed as director of Home Improvement.

Stephen was elected for the vice-presidency by his colleagues on the Home Improvement executive and takes on the role with immediate effect.

Stephen started in the industry with Britelite Windows in January 1984 (approaching 34 years) as a junior surveyor and has grown with the company, working his way up to deputy MD with responsibilities in all areas of the business.

In 2000, Britelite Windows re-joined the GGF and Stephen started attending the Kent Surrey and Sussex regional meetings. In 2015, he served as chair of the Window and Door Group and is now chair of the Home Improvement Executive.

Stephen commented: “I am a strong believer in the ethos and values of the GGF and in improving the status of our industry which has been unjustly maligned over many years.

“With so much going on in the home improvement sector just now and with challenging times ahead, it’s important the GGF has a strong board to channel its resources effectively for the benefit of members and the industry as a whole. I am looking forward to being vice-president and will aim to provide my full support to GGF president, John Agnew, the Board and of course GGF members.”

Russell Day

Russell Day, who takes over from Brian Smith as director of Home Improvement, is a trained engineer who has worked in the window and door industry for 25 years.

As technical director at Abbott Joinery, he was reportedly involved in the development of PVC-U window and cavity closer systems. During this period he also worked in site installation, contract management and the development of supply chain procedures.

Russell next moved to an Italy based composite material systems company, before returning to the UK, where he joined the GGF as a technical officer, before becoming a senior technical officer. Russell is currently secretary of the GGF heritage window group, hardware group, insulated glass manufacturers and glazing components groups and systems house groups. He also chairs the industry’s glazing supply chain group.

On taking up his new role, Russell said: “The home improvement sector is vitally important to the GGF and I’ll ensure that our members continue to receive the best technical support and all the latest changes in government policy and legislation. I am very much looking forward to taking on this role and progressing this side of the federation’s activities.”

http://www.ggf.org.uk

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Bohle has agreed a new kit sponsorship deal with Stalybridge Celtic’s over-sixties walking football team – Vintage Celtic.

The team, were crowned ‘championship winners’ last season in the Cheshire Walking Football League Championship Division Spring 2017.

Run by the Stalybridge Celtic Foundation, the community team provides an outlet for older players, whose days in the traditional game may be behind them but who still enjoy a good ‘kick-about’.

They previewed their new kit for the first time at the glass hardware, consumables, tools and machinery specialists, Manchester HQ in August ahead of Vintage Celtic’s first game of the new season in the Greater Manchester over 60’s monthly walking football league.

Dave Broxton, managing director, Bohle, said: “Bohle is delighted to be partnering with the Stalybridge Celtic Foundation. The aims and objectives of the foundation fit perfectly into our own philosophy of supporting community based charities.

“The Bohle team were thrilled to meet the Vintage Celtic team with the Bohle logo on their new strip. We look forward to working with the foundation in supporting community activities and initiatives in the future.”

Since its launch in 2011, walking football has enjoyed an ‘explosion in popularity’ with more than 800 clubs now registered nationwide.

Mike Smith, community development officer, Stalybridge Celtic said: “We’re delighted to welcome Bohle on board and look forward to working with them to deliver community activities. A big thank you to Dave Broxton for the sponsorship; the Vintage Celtic lads are made up with their new kit!”

www.bohle-group.com/en-gb

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With 30 years’ experience as a police detective and 16 years fronting the BBC’s crime prevention show Crimewatch, Jacqui Hames has joined ERA as a commentator on home security issues.  Through her monthly blog, Jacqui talks about topical home security issues and how consumers can combat home-related crime.

Joining the ERA ranks, Jacqui’s blog further strengthens ERA’s voice amongst consumer audiences. In 2016, ERA became the primary sponsor of Neighbourhood Watch and with the recent launch of ERA’s Total Security Guarantee, ERA says it has developed a ‘compelling consumer offer’ both in terms of its product range and supporting brand awareness – factors designed to support retailers selling doors and windows featuring ERA hardware.

Will Butler, ERA marketing & innovation director commented: “Jacqui has been at the coal face of crime prevention for 30 years and in that time has witnessed more home-related crimes than we could ever imagine. As a manufacturer of home security hardware, which today includes electronic security and alarms, we have an obligation to really understand how crime is evolving and also enable retailers to position ERA hardware with confidence. We’re doing this in a variety of ways which is seeing real cut through in terms of our brand profile amongst security conscious home owners – Jacqui’s voice only adds to the weight of our message.”

This year has seen ERA launch its Total Security Guarantee which is said to deliver ‘the most straightforward and generous guarantee in the market’ if its proven that ERA hardware failed in the event of a break-in. Giving homeowners a compensation cheque for £5,000, or £10,000 if the property is fitted with an ERA Invincible alarm, the guarantee is said to be ‘in stark contrast to other guarantees in the market which are layered with complex terms and small print’.

Will concluded: “ERA has long been the straight-forward, no nonsense hardware brand in the UK and today our marketing message supports that ethos. We’re delighted to have Jacqui on board, she only adds to our crime prevention kudos.”

www.eraeverywhere.com

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