Visit Glass: Introducing A Dynamic New Event For The Flat Glass Industry At The NEC

The FIT Show team organises a brand new event for processors, specifiers and buyers of flat glass in all its forms

Following increasing demand indicated by visitors to the FIT Show, the organisers have announced the launch of Visit Glass, which will take place alongside the FIT Show in May 2019 at the NEC.

Responding to a massive 40% of the 10,000 visitors to the 2017 FIT Show who declared their interest in seeing glass products and glass-related processing equipment and technology at the event, Visit Glass will become the first UK exhibition and forum dedicated to the manufacture, processing and application of flat glass for almost 15 years.

The event is designed to appeal to glass industry professionals, together with specifiers and buyers of flat glass products and systems. These include insulated glass units, architectural glass, processed flat glass for all non-glazing applications including kitchens, bedrooms, bathrooms and the furniture industry; and glass for interiors including offices and decorative interior design schemes.

Nickie West.

Prompted by the visitor feedback the organisers of the FIT show carried out further research into the viability of such an event and were told that professionals operating in the sector would respond positively for something created specifically to address the unique needs of the UK flat glass industry, one that continues to undergo substantial technological and market changes. They also learned that, despite the success of the FIT Show, it did not serve the specific needs of flat glass manufacture, processing and technology. That will now be addressed by the launch of Visit Glass, says Nickie West, for the organisers:

“Despite glass being an obvious and essential component of almost everything that is shown at the FIT Show, the glass industry has needs that are quite distinct in almost every respect,” she said. “After analysis of visitor research at the 2017 FIT Show we realised that glass-related topics were some of the highest categories they wanted to see at the show. However, this was not reflected in what they saw there. Visit Glass will address this imbalance through a distinct, separate event alongside the FIT Show.

“With the numbers of visitors to the FIT Show indicating their interest in flat glass we can guarantee a very substantial attendance to Visit Glass,” added West. “In addition of course there will be a substantial marketing campaign to encourage a wide cross section of the glass industry, in addition to users and specifiers.”

Visit Glass will take place in its own clearly designated space at the NEC alongside the FIT Show, in a space that combines key exhibitors representing leading brands alongside a powerful, thought provoking and informative seminar programme dedicated to the glass industry and markets in the UK. To ensure an appropriate format for Visit Glass was created the event was ‘soft launched’, during which time a number of powerful, key brands were quick to reserve exhibition space. These include Pilkington, Saint-Gobain, Edgetech, Lisec, National Glass Group and Sapphire Glass Merchants, with others joining the floorplan as word of the event spreads.

A dedicated seminar theatre within Visit Glass will offer a comprehensive programme of seminars addressing UK and general issues relating to the manufacture, processing and application of flat glass. Industry experts are being consulted to ensure content that is highly relevant and current for the UK flat glass industry when the event takes place in May 2019.

Visitors will also be encouraged to network in the Visit Glass bar, access for which will be granted to Visit Glass pre-registered visitors who will automatically be granted VIP status. Visit Glass and FIT Show visitors will have full access to both events.

Visit Glass will take place at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC) Birmingham, 21^st to 23^rd May 2019. Further information is available at: www.fitshow.co.uk/visitglass or for interest in exhibiting, by calling Freya Humphries on +44 7572 623457.

Residence Collection, the innovative PVC-U systems company, has completed a new brochure and suite of marketing materials for its unique flush sash window Residence 7 (R7).

The new overview brochure in a matt, contemporary finish includes stunning photography of project installations that showcase an array of colours and window styles. The stylish marketing support also includes an R7 colour swatch and palette, ‘Official Supplier’ sticker, hardware brochure, and separate homeowner case studies – all designed to fit together in a neat and professional pack so Residence’s installer network can sell the many benefits of R7 with ease.

R7 is designed to set the benchmark for PVC-U systems with mechanical joints or welding. With perfectly equal sightlines and flush inside and out, it’s opening up a new market for timber alternatives in high-end contemporary homes and self-builds, modern new builds and city apartments, and country cottages. Its seven chambers, and the extra 5mm its 75mm gives on the usual 70mm dimensions, results in superior thermal, acoustic, strength and security performance.

To expand your markets with Residence visit www.residencecollection.co.uk, call 01452 300 912 or follow @Residence9 on Twitter.

A leading commercial installer has toasted to its long-standing alliance with Polyframe and is seizing all the benefits of working alongside the UK’s largest PVC-u fabricator, which now offers the industry’s widest range of PVC-u systems. The Window Company has been sourcing multiple PVC-u systems from Polyframe for more than five years and has driven growth within its business by taking advantage of the unique strengths and skills of Polyframe and its experienced team. The company is now looking forward to greater business opportunities from the recently-enhanced fabricator.

David Thornton, who set up Chelmsford-based The Window Company nearly 20 years ago, says: “We have always been a commercial installer and now have 24 fitting teams installing at least 300 frames a week. In the commercial sector, you have several trades relying on you and there is a huge amount of planning involved to ensure jobs run smoothly. The quality of products and reliability of supply is fundamental to the success of an installation and we only work with suppliers that can meet our exacting requirements and won’t let us down.  Polyframe has worked in partnership with us for many years and has been an enormous asset to our business. We began working with Polyframe because it is a large, well established fabricator with a superb choice of quality PVC-u systems and a solid reputation for delivering a flexible service and a tailored support package that works for customers. We know that we can depend on them to deliver on every job and, even if products are coming from different factories, we know they will arrive on time and in full.  People make Polyframe what it is. The whole team at Polyframe shares a passion for our business and we have a great working relationship with our dedicated account manager which helps ensure that every project runs as it should do. We’re delighted to celebrate our long relationship with them and we’re already making the most of the strengthened Polyframe offering.” 

Since its merger with Customade earlier this year, Polyframe now offers five PVC-u systems from Veka, Halo, Eurocell, Rehau and Duraflex. The Window Company currently sources Rehau and Halo systems from Polyframe, depending on the requirements of the installation. David adds: “For greater security, we have always had a dual-sourcing policy. Rehau and Halo are well-specified systems and our fitting teams like to install them because they are fitter-friendly. With the enhanced capabilities of Polyframe, we can easily source multiple systems if the need arises, which is an advantage for us. By sourcing these systems from a larger fabricator, we also benefit from better economies of scale and we all work to pre-determined delivery days so we can plan installation schedules accordingly.”

The Window Company supplies both PVC-u and aluminium frames to many of the South East’s largest contractors, social housing providers, local authorities, schools, private developers and homeowners. As well as buying PVC-u from Polyframe, the company also sources REAL Aluminium frames from Customade Group and it has welcomed the convenience of sharing the resources of these two well-established industry specialists.  “We were very pleased when Customade and Polyframe came together to form Customade Group because it enables us to tap into a vast product range with all the support of a large group behind it. For me, it is important to work with people who understand the industry and are committed to maintaining high levels of quality and service. The merger has enhanced our productivity because we have one dedicated account manager to look after everything for us. And on the rare occasion that issues arise, they are handled quickly and efficiently,” David says.

Since its merger with Polyframe, the enlarged, full-service Customade Group is now the biggest fabricator in the UK with revenues of more than £100 million. The group brings together some industry-leading brands and an enviable range of products, which spans PVC-u and aluminium windows and doors, composite doors, aluminium glazed roof products, sealed glass units and specialist glazing.  The Customade group now operates nationwide and employs 900 people in multiple manufacturing sites across the UK. The Group includes Polyframe (PVC-u), REAL Aluminium (aluminium), Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions (glazed roofs), Virtuoso (composite and paneled doors), Hourglass Seal (sealed glass units), and Fineline Aluminium (specialist glazing)

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Bison Frames has just launched the latest addition to its market leading Genesis collection: the Genesis Flush Sash window. Mark Tetley, Bison’s Director said: “The Genesis Flush Sash will do for the flush casement market what the Genesis Vertical Slider did for the VS market. It will raise the bar in terms of design quality and innovation.” The Genesis Flush Sash is packed with authentic features and the attention to detail for which Bison is renowned. It means the window will be in keeping with period properties and meet the requirements of most conservation area officers too. The heritage features include a mechanically jointed construction, a beautifully symmetrical design, a Georgian bar option, a dummy peg stay option and a range of traditional ironmongery options.

While the window’s aesthetics may reflect the 19^th century, the technological innovations are certainly from the 21^st century. Available in both double and tripled glazed options, the window can achieve an A+ thermal efficiency rating and offers superb weather performance and noise reduction. It has a unique night vent option to provide discreet ventilation. Multipoint locking comes as standard and it is PAS24 approved and Document Q compliant.  The Genesis Flush Sash window is available in a range of 26 colours from stock, meaning it can sit perfectly in country cottages, period townhouses and modern developments. Installers adding the window to their portfolio will benefit from strong marketing support, including bespoke literature and warm leads via the Genesis Collection website, http://www.genesiscollection.co.uk/genesis-flush/. They will also benefit from Bison’s reliable delivery schedule and value for money.

Mark concludes: “Flush casement windows offer a real opportunity for installers to add value to their portfolio. And if you want to maximise the value by working with a company with a track record of innovation and market responsiveness, the Genesis Flush Sash is the window to choose.”

The post New Genesis Flush Sash window launched by Bison Frames appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Prefix Systems have formally launched their WARMroof Hybrid solid roof solution, which was on their stand at this year’s FIT Show and received generous acclaim, as a new product to provide consumers with an exciting, high performance glazed option. WARMroof Hybrid introduces a 44mm triple glazed panel, which is integrated seamlessly into the roof, offering an impressive U-value of just 0.6 W/(m²K). But beyond the performance characteristics, the design of the hybrid option brings in OPUS hardwood cladding to the internal frame and slimline ridge section, for a aesthetically pleasing finish.

Bar centres are 750mm as standard offering 700mm of vision, with glass from eaves to slimline ridge for maximum light transmission, while the option of an internal pelmet offers an additional lighting option. The sizeable glass units bring considerably more light as an alternative to even the largest roof light, which are otherwise specified by other WARMroof designs. Chris Baron, co-director of Prefix Systems commented: ‘The launch of WARMroof Hybrid has been eagerly anticipated by our customers, who have been involved in its development. Full length glazing from eaves to ridge, triple glazing and the adoption of Opus hardwood makes this an unrivalled option in the solid roof sector. He continues: ‘Our thirst for product development continues as we look to further develop our WARMroof platform, which is the most configurable roof of its type in the sector. It’s also backed up through our four sites for sales, service and support.’

The new Hybrid variant is also included in the latest 2017, 20-page WARMroof Collection brochure.

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Picture above: DOORCO now has the UK’s largest door slab stock holding – 30,000 slabs at any one time held in the 80,000ft² Macclesfield warehouse and distribution hub

Leading door manufacturer DOORCO is celebrating a decade of supplying one of the commercial sector’s most popular composite doors. Over the period, the UK based manufacturer has supplied hundreds of thousands of doors into the new build and social housing markets. Customers over the decade include some of the largest names with well-known brands such Persimmon, Bellway, Barratt, Redrow, Bloors, Wimpey, Crest, Countryside and Millers relying on DOORCO for quality, performance and value for money when it comes to door specification.

Dan Sullivan, DOORCO Managing Director comments: “We attribute much of our success over the last decade to the fact that we have an experienced network of customers across the UK who manufacture composite doors using DOORCO slabs. They’re experts in working in the demanding commercial arena, with flexibility to meet a variety of needs from the largest high volume social housing developments, to supplying bespoke niche doors for higher end private developments. This service goes hand in hand with the DOORCO product quality itself which represents one of the most heavily invested-in composite doors currently available in the UK. We have spent on our product engineering and design, manufacturing and distribution facility, as well as expanding the door range itself to include some exciting ‘first’ unique composite doors: the DOORCO LINKS, the first door to link aluminium aesthetics with composite performance, and the new flagship MONZA which sets a new benchmark in contemporary doors.

“The composite door sector is a competitive place to be so it’s imperative that suppliers can deliver whatever our customers need. DOORCO’s strategy has been to take control of the entire manufacturing process and invest in the best machinery for the job, which for us includes two state of the art paint lines, two edge banders, a beam saw, and three CNCs representing a third of a million spend. Our warehouse and distribution hub is now home to 30,000 doors in stock at any time. Colour is also an important commercial sector driver and coloured doors represent 60% of DOORCO’s sales. With the demand for colour comes the demand for paint. That’s why we took the decision earlier this year to invest £125,000 in the Schubox^® – a system universally accepted as the most advanced and efficient IR drying and curing system of its type in the world – to ensure we maintain control of supply and continue to meet the necessary lead times, regardless of colour.

“All of this investment results in a composite door solution for the commercial market than is second to none. We can offer bespoke specification doors for individual requirements; full PAS 23/24 Doc Q compliant products; one of the industry’s widest ranges of door models, colours and sizes available direct from the manufacturer. And because we’re confident in our in-house manufacture, we can offer a 20-year structural warranty; 10-year paint warranty and 5-year stained door warranty.

“Demand for composite doors continues its relentless trend and shows no sign of slowing Together with our customers, DOORCO is determined to continue to the commercial composite door of choice for the next decade and beyond.”

www.door-co.com

General All-Purpose Plastics Ltd (GAP); the Blackburn, Lancashire-based manufacturer, stockist and distributor of PVC-U roofline, doors and windows, has announced the acquisition of SIG Building Plastics and SIG Windows from SIG UK Exteriors. The deal includes 66 Depots and business units plus their staff and the sales and marketing teams that support them directly. SIG Building Plastics and SIG Windows are made up of four specialist areas of Drainage, Sheet Materials, Windows and Roofline. They include Scotplas, Omnico, CFS, PBM-DQS, Summers, Armour, Roplas, Toogood, Drainex, Plastics Pipe Supplies and Project Plastics. SIG’s Formerton Sheet Sales and Specialised Fixings businesses are also included in the deal. Ownership of all the brand names and trading styles transfers to GAP.

Launched 24 years ago by Co-Founders Simon Bird and Charles Greensmith, GAP meets the needs of its 31,000 customers nationwide – including several of the UK’s national and regional house builders, maintenance contractors and housing associations – through two large factories and its 46-Depot network; which it has been extending at the rate of one new facility per month. GAP Co-Founder Simon Bird said: “Charles and I set out to build a business based on passion and people, and we remind ourselves every day that we owe our success to hiring and retaining amazing staff. Anyone who takes pride in putting customers at the centre of their working day and who thrives in a friendly, supportive, lively and fun environment, will enjoy being part of the growing GAP family.”

GAP’s Group Sales & Marketing Director Paul Sowerby, added: “From the first meeting with SIG we saw a well-organised, profitable business and a focus on supporting local tradesmen with the best quality products at the keenest possible prices. Their network of busy Depots is particularly strong in the South of England and so provides us with reach but limited overlap with our own existing network. It all makes for a perfect fit.” SIG UK Exteriors Managing Director Andrew Wakelin said: “The business environment is highly competitive and constantly changing.  This means companies need to be agile, flexible and responsive to the needs of customers. This move is a positive affirmation of those principles and absolutely in line with our commitment to the development and success of our business. We’re confident that the Building Plastics and Windows product ranges have found a good home within GAP.”

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The Glass and Glazing Federation’s annual Members’ Day proved once again to be a memorable and enjoyable occasion with 115 delegates attending the unique occasion at Glaziers Hall on 29 September.

With so many changes at the GGF since last year’s Members Day, there was a mood of anticipation in the air as guests made their way into the prestigious Glaziers Hall venue.

GGF President John Agnew welcomed all guests to the annual event and with it being the Federation’s 40^th Anniversary, due tribute was paid to the Founder GGF Members from the industry’s then four main trade associations. The developments within the Federation over the last 12 months were also covered in the opening address with the President emphasising that all changes have been in the best interests of GGF Members.

Keynote speakers Declan Curry (broadcaster and journalist) and Anthony Tasgal (brand strategist and author) delivered presentations on the economy, political landscape and brand storytelling, all laced with information, insights and no shortage of humour.

GGF Group Chief Executive Phil Pluck then delivered a strong speech which shattered the myth that the GGF was in “turmoil”. Picking up on a few recent misleading headlines, Phil attacked the issues head on and commended the GGF Board for showing not only real spine but also for lending their experience and knowledge to take the GGF forward to the next phase of its development.

With a solid senior management structure announced and now in firmly in place, Phil also outlined the GGF’s long term strategy, mission and future. In his speech Phil also highlighted that not all current issues are a simple matter of right or wrong. The current challenge of compliance within the area of low sightline units was used as an example where it is the GGF’s intention to guide and assist Members affected by this and not to take the place of policing authorities by threatening GGF Members with expulsion.

The Members’ Debate moderated by Declan Curry then followed with questions from the audience to the panel of speakers. Members asked questions on several subjects most notably on the GGF’s new management structure, industry training pipelines, and the challenge of improving Member engagement.

Following the Debate, all delegates enjoyed lunch in the Banqueting Hall where the President toasted the GGF’s 40^th Anniversary before making special presentations to two long-serving GGF Members: Brian Baker, former GGF President and interim Chief Executive; and Brian Waldron, Chairman of the GGF Standards Committee. Both were recognized with awards commemorating outstanding services to the Federation.

Commenting on the day, GGF Group Chief Executive Phil Pluck said: “It’s been an excellent conference. I was delighted to see so many Members from different sectors attend and enjoy themselves. My thanks also to the GGF Group staff for their contribution to the event and also to Declan and Anthony who proved to be superb guest speakers. I would also like to thank our sponsors, FENSA, BFRC, RISA, GGFi and Borough IT for supporting the event.”

GGF President John Agnew concluded: “GGF Members Day should always be for the Members and on this occasion I felt all who attended benefited from the event. It was an honour to host my first Members’ Day as GGF President in this landmark anniversary year for the Federation.”

www.ggf.org.uk

Kenrick has stimulated the market with the launch of a brand new bi-directional twin cam espagnolette window locking system which has been designed specifically for aluminium profiles.

The solution – aptly named Nemesis – has been launched to bring a greater variety of locking systems to fabricators operating within the increasingly popular domestic aluminium market.

Steve Williams, sales director at Kenrick, explains: “Aluminium is a rapidly growing sector of our industry and the Council for Aluminium Building (CAB) recently reported that the number of installers offering aluminium has risen by more than 40% in the last five years. The industry has been excited by the huge potential out there but frustrated with the lack of choice in hardware.

“Well, not anymore! Nemesis has widened the choice of locking solutions beyond what’s currently available and now allows fabricators to choose the most suitable multi-point locking system to suit their needs.

“Nemesis has been designed to offer rapid installation for the fabricator, whilst providing ultimate security for the homeowner and the feedback we’ve received from our customers has been fantastic. They’re really enthused by the potential of this cost-effective system to help them to increase their profit margins and make the most of the lucrative aluminium sector.”

Nemesis has been developed to suit aluminium profiles which come with or without a Euro groove. A reliable multi-point locking system that benefits from a robust offset handed die-cast gearbox and bi-directional twin cam locking, it delivers the first rate security features that homeowners expect, whilst being simple to install in all major aluminium profiles.

Nemesis incorporates stainless steel faceplate drive bars and mushroom cams to enhance both its appearance and longevity. The mushroom cams are available in 5mm and 7mm heights and are adjustable to +/- 1mm to aid compression once it has been fitted.

Keeps are currently available for all the major aluminium systems, including Smarts Alitherm 300, Smarts Alitherm 600, Smarts Alitherm 800, Smarts Alitherm Heritage, Smarts EcoFutural, Sapa Crown, Sapa Dualframe and AluK.

Nemesis has been fully tested at Exova BM Trada and is Secured by Design and PAS 24: 2016 accredited. It has been function tested to 100,000 full cycles (open/close, lock/unlock) and also exceeds the requirements of BS EN 1670: 2007 Grade 4 (severe) rating for salt spray corrosion resistance.

www.kenricks.co.uk