Solarban 90 Glass by Vitro Architectural Glass

KÖMMERLING will bring a number of new developments to stand number F30 in hall 6 at the FIT Show, that will include products from the new 76mm platform, proCoverTec surface technology, an innovative Pergola for outdoor living and the global debut of the first ever soft close technology in a PVCu glazing system.

The stand will be packed with innovation from KÖMMERLING and the new 76mm platform will be represented with a 6m x 2.5m, lift and slide PremiDoor 76 in the two sash format. The door theme continues with a French door combination, again in the System 76 variant with proCoverTec, which also features a clever tilt option for ventilation.

One of the other main door systems on show will be a4-pane, Secured by Design 5m x 2.5m PremiLine Pro patio door, highlighting the patented multi-point locking system at the interlock. This is believed to be the first PVCu patio door in the industry to achieve PAS 24, without plunge bolts, carry Secured by Design and that can meet the needs of the Lifetime Homes criteria.

Window systems are also well represented on the stand with a System 76 AluClip Pro variant, creating a PVCu/aluminium hybrid design, which offers a flush aluminium external appearance, with options for Passivhaus levels of performance. Also on show will be the window derivative of the PremiFold system, which is a unique slide, swing and folding system.

The FIT Show will also be the platform for the launch of proCoverTec, a unique surface finish technology that offers full colour through the rebate, or alternatively coloured on one side, that also offers proven dirt and water repellent properties.

The new Pergola will be used as a canopy for a hospitality area and represents the first product launched from a new division within the profine Group. The Pergola is a product purely aimed at the outdoor living market, which is projected to emerge as a strong growth market in the years to come.

Kevin Warner, head of sales and marketing commented: ‘It’s our first FIT Show and we’re genuinely thrilled with the number of new products on show, as we continue to lead in terms of innovation in the UK market for PVCu window and doors systems. There will also be the chance to experience the first ever soft close technology for PVCu systems seen globally, which should cause quite a stir with stand visitors.’

For KÖMMERLING information on becoming a manufacturing partner, approved installer or as a building specifier, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or visit www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk. Please visit stand F30 in hall 6 at the FIT Show.

Trade fabricator and supplier, Total Glass is now using a combination of Yale hardware creating a formidable window package, certified to PAS24 standard and backed by the extensive Yale Lifetime Security Guarantee.

The Liverpool-based fabricator, which purchases hardware through window and door systems brand Profile 22, is using the Yale Shootbolt window Lock, Yale window hinge, Yale 8 door lock and the KM Series 1 Star Euro Profile Cylinder to complete the package.

Discussing the partnership, Frank Deary, Group Managing Director for Total Glass, said: “We recently made the move to Profile 22’s new Optima Window Systems. This provided us with the opportunity to consider our hardware offering and Yale was the obvious choice. The products tick every box and the strength of the brand is unrivalled.

“At Total Glass we aim to keep things simple and focus on giving our customers good service and consistent quality. Using Yale enables us to offer assurance to our customers that one of the key components of the window’s design – security – is in tried and tested hands.”

Backed by Yale’s ‘Lifetime Security Guarantee’, ‘The Complete Yale Door and Window Package’ provides ultimate peace of mind to homeowners. The guarantee offers a range of benefits and incorporates up to £3,250 worth of financial repayments to the homeowner in the event of a break in, if it was due to a failure of a Yale component*.

Gerald Allen, Brand Manager for Profile 22, added: “Our relationship with Total Glass has been a long and happy one, which dates back over 25 years and they have been on board with the Optima window systems since day one.

“Having Yale, a household name, in our product portfolio has only strengthened our partnership opportunities. By choosing Yale hardware, backed by a Lifetime Security Guarantee, Total Glass has a powerful product proposition to stand out in the marketplace.”

Paul Gravell, Regional Sales Manager for Yale Door & Window Solutions, said: “We have a fantastic working relationship with both Total Glass and Profile 22. The fact that Total Glass has chosen to use Yale reinforces the value of our hardware and how we operate as a company to maintain and build on successful partnerships.”
From their 100,000 square foot premises in Liverpool, Total Glass manufactures in excess of 2,500 frames per week for its UK-wide customer base, which includes private and public sector organisations.

To find out more about Yale Door and Window Solutions product portfolio, please visit www.yaledws.co.uk. For further information on Total Glass, head to www.totalglass.com and for Profile 22 visit www.profile22.co.uk.

*For full details of the ‘Yale Lifetime Security Guarantee’ please visit www.yaledoorandwindowsolutions.co.uk

Brian Berry

T-Levels must match A-Levels if we are to ensure that technical education has ‘parity of esteem’ with the more academic route, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Responding to the Chancellor’s Spring Budget Statement, Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “The Chancellor clearly understands that the UK won’t address the productivity challenge unless we rethink our approach to technical and vocational education. T-Levels could be the answer if they genuinely rival A-Levels in the eyes of parents, teachers and young people. UK society as a whole has been guilty of putting too much emphasis on the academic route – this has made it more difficult for vital sectors like construction and house building to attract the talented people we need. In construction, we are suffering from a severe skills shortage and this is likely to worsen once we leave the EU and no longer have easy access to European labour. This £500 million funding announced today for T-Levels is therefore a welcome and much-needed boost.”

Berry concluded: “The Budget was an all-round strong performance from the Chancellor and he had good news to report right across the piece. However, increasing tax on the self-employed is not helpful. If we want to establish a resilient, Brexit-proof economy, we must encourage and support our current and future entrepreneurs in the construction industry and beyond. A jump in National Insurance Contributions from 1% to 10% next year could send the wrong message to those individuals who are considering going it alone. The self-employed are the backbone of our economy and the government should tread carefully here.”

www.fmb.org.uk

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RegaLead’s recently launched ColorLine service for composite door fabricators is going from strength to strength, with the most recent addition of KÖMMERLING’s 070 and C70 Gold® suites, including 70mm,82mm and 112mm transoms for sidelights and top boxes. Designed as the ideal solution for matching or complementing door frames, the ColorLine service provides pre-painted profile in a three-part kit form. KÖMMERLING fabricators will now be able to match any paint colour on a 3 day lead time direct from stock.

Guy Hubble, Joint Managing Director at RegaLead explains: “We’re very pleased to welcome KÖMMERLING fabricators to the ColorLine family, and to extend to them the increased sales opportunities provided by matching or complementing their frames with their doors. Independent research recently highlighted to us that 75% of consumers would like a colour-matched frame option and 70% of installers want to offer this across their range. But only 25% of fabricators currently offer colour-matched frames across all door colours. This is no longer the case for KÖMMERLING fabricators who now have access to this brand new home improvement market.”

Stefan Seidel, Managing Director of profine UK adds: “Colour is such an important driver in our market. Woodgrains and colours now represent around 40% of sales with a rapid rise in the last 5 years, something that’s also been influenced by the trends seen in mainland Europe. It looks set to continue to be very much be part of the future for the industry from the period inspired colours, to the more contemporary rich and bold colours. If you look at the adoption of door slab colours from the composite door market, then market penetration and subsequent growth in general window profiles, is the obvious next step.

“That’s why it’s important for us to be able to arm our customers with products that help them meet any change in market demand. It’s a fundamental business proposition, that you need to differentiate your product offering as we do with our market leading range of PVC-U window and door systems. Our customers buy into our brand and understand the need to stand out. Our strategic relationship with the ColorLine brand will help us collectively continue to do just this.”

Guy concludes: “It’s great that KÖMMERLING fabricators now have access to ColorLine so can benefit from the self-assembly painted profile kit that eliminates all the usual problems associated with using external painting contractors. We’d be delighted to invite any KÖMMERLING fabricators who’d like to have a personalised tour of the ColorLine facility to give us a call.”

For more information, please visit www.regalead.co.uk or call 0161 946 1164 for a copy of our brand new ColorLine brochure

North East glass and solar PV manufacturer, Romag, is doubling its capacity, following a £1m investment programme including a second, state of the art toughening plant.

The investment comes just nine months after Romag’s acquisition by fellow glass manufacturer, Clayton Glass and is described as testament to CEO Ryan Green’s commitment to growing the business to its £50m potential.

According to Romag, the new machinery will ‘dramatically’ increase its production output and provide the business with ‘additional resilience’ against any potential machine breakdowns.

CEO, Ryan Green, explained: “Good customer service is the foundation for any successful business. This investment is essential to increase our capacity to meet current demand, and to provide vital resource against machine breakdowns that could affect production lines.

“The investment will assist Romag in reaching the next level in its production capacity, thus strengthening the business and laying a solid foundation for consistent levels of great service. We are determined for 2017 to be the most successful yet, as we strive towards excellence.”

This is the second major investment in the business, following a new MRP system, which was implemented last year.

www.romag.co.uk

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One of the UK’s largest installers of windows, doors and conservatories has appointed Purplex as their marketing agency.

SEH BAC, who are part of the £130million One Group Construction, have 17 show centres across the South East and offer an extensive range of uPVC, aluminium and timber products. The company has ambitious plans, including intentions to open several new show centres over the next 18 months, and have appointed Purplex to help fuel this growth.

SEH BAC are now benefitting from a range of marketing services from Purplex, including online lead generation, TV advertising and radio, and according to managing director John Savage, the agency is already having a very positive influence.

John commented: “We have several big initiatives in the pipeline and wanted a marketing partner that could keep up with our fast-paced business and deliver results. We chose Purplex for their expertise within the industry, vast marketing resources and proven track record. It’s still early days, but Purplex suggested lots of brilliant ideas and have already made a noticeable difference to the business. We look forward to building on this good start and implementing all the exciting marketing campaigns we have up our sleeve.”

Andrew Scott, Managing Director at Purplex commented: “At Purplex our aim is simple – to work with the most ambitious companies in the glass and glazing industry and help them grow faster and stronger. SEH BAC are one of the leading home improvement companies in the UK and we’re delighted to be a part of their team. Unlike other marketing agencies we don’t outsource – we offer all our services in-house – and this means SEH BAC will benefit from a truly multi-channel campaign that is just a strong offline as it is online.”

For more information call Purplex on 01934 808132 or visit www.purplexmarketing.com and for further information about SEH BAC, visit www.sehbac.com

Over 100 business leaders and VIPs recently attended the official opening of a new HQ for Purplex, the PR and digital agency for the glazing industry. The new building is part of a £1m investment by parent company the Ascot Group, founded by Managing Director Andrew Scott in 2004.

The HQ was officially opened by high profile MP John Penrose, who was Minister for Heritage and Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Culture and Media.

John commented; “The thing that always impresses me about Andrew since I first met him 10 years ago is the level of energy and ambition. There can’t be many people who are leading an organisation that has grown as fast as Purplex. That gives an indication of the man’s determination and drive, and frankly we need more people like that.”

The official opening also attracted leaders from business, education and government. Justin Smith, Corporate Director of RBS Bank, said; “We’ve worked with Andrew and his team for a number of years and the new HQ will act as a springboard for future growth.”

Other guests included media advisor and ex ITV Director Peaches Golding OBE, as well as Andrew Charter, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions at Grant Thornton. He said; “Purplex has been on our radar for some time, the clients they work with outperform the market.”

The new HQ gives the Group 10,000 ft2 office space across three sites in London and Bristol, with plans to expand the current team from 58 to 100 employees over the next year.

Purplex Managing Director Andrew Scott said; “We set out to create a world-class PR, marketing and digital agency and our new HQ reflects this commitment. Investment is a key part of our growth strategy; by having the best facilities, resources and people we can help our clients grow faster and more profitably.”

Purplex works closely with suppliers and installers in the fenestration and related sectors to create sustainable growth.

For more information call Purplex on 01934 808132 or visit http://www.purplexmarketing.com/ 

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ONS figures recently published show that construction output in January fell by 0.4% but rose by 2.0% compared with one year earlier. In addition, new orders in Q4 were 2.8% lower than Q3 and flat compared to a year ago.

Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the Construction Products Association, commented: “Following an increase in output in Q4 last year, the overall fall in construction output in the opening month of 2017 was disappointing, with a decrease in housing, industrial, commercial and RM&I activity over the month.

“Furthermore, the construction new orders data from the ONS suggests that there may be continued weakness in activity in some sectors during 2017. Commercial new orders tailed off in the second half of 2016 and in Q4 were 10.6% lower than in Q3 and fell 24.1% from a year ago, and new orders in the industrial sector were the lowest in two years. Building work in both sectors requires a large up-front investment for a long-term rate of return and it appears decision-making has been clouded by a rise in economic uncertainty.

“Taking total new orders growth of 2.9% in 2016 as a whole, however, shows there remains an impetus for construction activity over the next 12 months. As echoed in our forecasts, output during 2017 will be driven by higher orders for housing – both private and public – as well as infrastructure and new public sector buildings such as schools and hospitals.”

www.constructionproducts.org.uk

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