The ONIX Hybrid Machining Centre Provides The First Step Into CNC For Specialist Fabricators

Specialist fabricators considering dipping their toes into CNC machining should take a look at the ITALMAC ONIX Hybrid Machining Centre from Haffner Murat. That’s the opinion of Dave Thomas, Managing Director of fabrication machinery experts Haffner Murat and it’s an opinion backed up from feedback from the first fabricators to take delivery of the new machine.

The ONIX Hybrid Machining Centre has been designed to help fabricators of specialist products improve quality and cut fabrication time in order to deliver a healthier bottom line. As its name suggests, the Centre can be used with PVC-u and aluminium profiles, which gives it incredible versatility.

The ONIX Hybrid Machining Centre is ideal for use on flush casement systems, bifold doors, patio doors and French doors. And as well as cutting and routing, it can also undertake handle and drainage prepping and milling operations.

The Centre has eight tool positioning and programming for R9, Warmcore, Modus, Optima and any other box or flush sash system. It machines on three sides of the work piece and comes complete with an automatic tool changing facility as standard, while a fourth axis can be added to create variable angles. Logikal programme and testing plus a barcode scanner means the machine can fit into the most high tech set up.

Dave says: “The ONIX Hybrid Machining Centre is a very smart investment for specialist fabricators looking to take their business to the next level because it can drive quality throughout an operation.”

Haffner Murat is the official UK agent for the ITALMAC range of machinery, a range that has an international reputation for the latest technology with skilled engineering and competitive prices. Combined with Haffner’s legendary service that is committed to adding value to its customers’ businesses and you have a winning combination.

www.haffnermurat.com

Trade fabricator Flair Windows invested in its first SMR-4 Four Head Welder from Haffner Murat last November. The company has been so impressed with what the machine has brought to its fabrication set up it has just invested in a second! Ryan Lugg, Director at Flair Windows, commented: “Our experience with the SMR-4 welder is that it does everything we were told it could do. It’s very easy to use – even our apprentices have picked it up with no problem. More importantly, it has helped us improve the quality of our finished product and the speed of our manufacturing. It has made a real difference to our production, which is why we’ve just invested in a second machine.”

As Ryan’s comment suggests, the SMR-4 Four Head Welder is a machine that revolutionises the welding process by dramatically speeding up fabrication and improving quality. The machine welds corners, transoms and cruciforms on all heads. The heads automatically position for corner and transom support fence positioning and it also has self centering transom alignment. It is easy to operate and an essential purchase for any fabricator looking to move up a level. Ryan says Flair decided to purchase the company’s first SMR-4 welder because the team was so impressed with what Haffner Murat had to offer. He said: “We researched the market thoroughly before deciding to invest in the SMR-4. We hadn’t worked with Haffner Murat before but the advice we received from Dave Thomas and Andy Webb was superb and was instrumental in us choosing their machinery.”

Flair Windows is based in the Midlands and trades UK-wide. It manufactures Kommerling Chamfered C70 and Ovolo O70 sculptured profiles and offers a bespoke service for PremiLine and PremiLine Pro patio doors, the PremiDoor 88 lift and slide patio doors, bi fold doors, french doors, PremiFold slide and swing windows and doors and the Visofold 1000 folding doors from Smart Aluminium. It manufactures around 1000 frames a week and offers a five day delivery turnaround. Dave Thomas concluded: “We are delighted that the SMR-4 welder proved such a hit with Flair that the team has decided to invest in a second one. We’re not surprised, though – it’s no exaggeration to say the machine is revolutionary and our customers are genuinely astonished at the difference it makes.”

The post Trade fabricator Flair Windows doubles welding capacity in just six months appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has said a ‘fond farewell’ to Brian Baker, who retired on 12 May.

Brian had been the GGF’s interim chief executive since the start of this year but his connection to the GGF goes back to 1983 when, as an employee of GGF member Solaglas (now Glassolutions Saint-Gobain), he attended the GGF Laminators Group.

In the last 10 years, Brian’s involvement in the GGF and subsidiary companies has been instrumental and at one point Brian being a regular contributor to over 25 GGF specialist technical groups, committees, technical working parties and regions (as chairman and vice-chair) and as a board director. In 2014, Brian was elected GGF president and after his two-year tenure, he then returned as interim President in the latter half of 2016.

In recent times, Brian has overseen many changes at the federation including; the move in October 2016 to the GGF’s present offices in Southwark, the GGF Group’s restructure and the setting up of the Helix Group as the umbrella company for the GGF’s subsidiaries.

Brian’s intention was to retire in December 2016, but following the retirement of long standing CEO Nigel Rees, he was asked by the GGF board to step in as the GGF’s interim chief executive until the start of Phil Pluck’s tenure as the new GGF chief executive.

On his retirement from the industry Brian commented: “I am pleased that I leave the GGF in a very strong position with a new chief executive, impressive new offices and the new structure between the GGF and Helix Group now fully in place. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the GGF staff and Members for their incredible support throughout my time as president and chief executive. It is because of them that the GGF has become the main trade organisation in the industry. I wish all connected to the Federation, all the very best for the future.”

The post Brian Baker steps down from GGF appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

UK Superfold Ltd proudly joins Affordable Windows Group, one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of aluminium windows and doors.

Affordable Windows Group is delighted to announce that it has successfully acquired a major stake in UK Superfold Ltd. Located in Oldham, UK Superfold specializes in the supply and installation of aluminium bi-folding doors. Operating throughout the United Kingdom, the Oldham-based supplier is said to be extremely enthusiastic about their promising new relationship with Affordable Windows. Established in 2013, UK Superfold quickly became a renowned supplier in the North West, synonymous with unbeatable prices and quality installations. Built from the ground up by managing director Andrew Malinowski, Andrew has 22 year’s experience in the industry and will continue to manage the business whilst remaining a major shareholder in the company.

Eddie Gaughan, Managing Director of Affordable Windows commented, “We are excited to begin a long successful partnership with Andrew and the UK Superfold team. Their outstanding reputation in the industry for supplying high-quality aluminium bi-fold door make them a natural partner for Affordable windows. With shared values and a commitment to high standards, this new partnership will be instrumental in the growth of our manufacturing operations and geographical presence”. Looking to invest heavily in the UK Superfold’s new bi-fold brand, Affordable Windows have announced that it will be increasing manufacturing capacity with the acquisition of a new factory in Oldham. The new state-of-the-art factory will be dedicated to the manufacturing of the new Superfold bi-folding door and will begin operations by the end of the year. In the meantime, Affordable have promised to keep to UK Superfold’s unbeatable 7-day lead times by transferring production to their 80,000 ft.² aluminium factory in Blackpool, Lancashire.

Eddie Gaughan, added “We are in an industry that is constantly evolving. This acquisition will help UK Superfold and Affordable Windows push the boundaries and explore exciting new possibilities. As the bi-fold market continues to strengthen, we will do our utmost to help UK Superfold set the standard for high specification doors with innovative designs and highly competitive prices”. Possessing 25 years of experience in the industry, Affordable Windows are one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of aluminium & PVC-u windows, doors and conservatory solutions. The company’s desire to continuously strengthen their manufacturing operations has helped the Lancashire-based manufacturer reap massive company growth over the last few years. This eagerness for further development has resulted in an astounding 50% increased turnover since 2014 and the company shows no signs of slowing down.

The post Affordable Windows Group acquires major stake in UK Superfold appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Independent window and door distributor Sealco has booked again for 2019 after enjoying a fantastic FIT Show, with real interest from a record number of visitors looking for cost-effective, reliable hardware packages.

The hardware was the star on the Sealco stand.  With six doors and windows on display, Sealco showed the breadth of products available to suit timber, aluminium and PVCu applications.

“We brought together hardware from the biggest manufacturers, including Yale, UAP, GU, Trojan and Endurance, to show how we create the best packages for customers,” says Alan Malcolm, Sales Director at Sealco.

“Visitors responded brilliantly to the displays – and we started lots of exciting conversations that we’ll be following up over the coming weeks.

“The Endurance Sash & Case range was a hit with joiners looking to find everything they need for new and refurbishment timber windows.  Visitors told us that they came to see Sealco because of our expertise in the joinery market, as we’re offering something they can’t get elsewhere.

“For fabricators, there was particular interest in GU’s Uni-Jet C-Concealed, the new hardware system for aluminium tilt and turn windows that is available exclusively from Sealco.  There was a lot of buzz around aluminium at the show, and visitors really appreciated how the GU system’s clean appearance keeps the emphasis on the sleek aluminium frame.

“When we told visitors that this was only a fraction of the 4,000 product lines we have in stock for next day delivery, they started to ask us about products they’re looking for a better deal on, or to tell us about projects they’re quoting for.

“We heard again and again that window companies want the right products at competitive prices, backed by fast, reliable delivery and solid technical support.

Alan adds: “With Sealco celebrating 20 years in business in 2017, we’re well placed to meet their needs.”

www.sealco-scotland.co.uk