HAFFNER MURAT’S SALES INDICATE CURRENT STRENGTH OF INDUSTRY

Leading machinery supplier Haffner Murat has just announced that sales of its SBA-2 and SBA-4 machining centres have had a strong start to the year. Dave Thomas, Haffner Murat’s Managing Director, commented: “The machines enable businesses to increase capacity by driving quality, reducing costs and improve efficiency. The strong sales are therefore an excellent indication of the confidence the industry has at the moment.”

Both the SBA-2 and the SBA-2 machining centres are industry stalwarts. The key to their success and continued popularity is the process of continuous innovation that ensures they continue to deliver the features and benefits that today’s fabricators need. Both machines have a heavy duty design and use top quality parts to ensure years of trouble-free service. They are easy to program, control and adjust, which gives them maximum flexibility and usability.

Investment in an SBA-2 or SBA-4 machining centre also gives the reassurance of Haffner Murat’s renowned service. The company offers free and impartial consultancy to ensure customers are investing in the machines that will help them achieve their objectives. The package includes installation and training to ensure companies can make the most of the machines from day one and are they are further covered with a two year warranty for complete peace of mind. Finance and part exchange options complete an incredibly attractive automation proposition.

Dave concludes: “The confidence I can see in the industry at the moment is great news. It’s also a sign that all fabricators need to be looking at their set-up to make sure they’re keeping up with their competitors. And if they’d like to have a no-obligation discussion as to what automation can bring to their business, I’d encourage them to call!”

www.haffnermurat.com

Consumers prefer to hire firms that train apprentices, according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

With National Apprenticeship Week in England underway, this new research, based on responses from 2,000 home owners across the UK, reveals that:

Almost two thirds of home owners would have a ‘more favourable’ image of a building firm knowing they train apprentices
Half of home owners would be more likely to actually hire a building firm knowing they train apprentices (all else being equal)
More than two in five would be more likely to recommend a building firm to a friend or family member based on the fact they train apprentices
Almost two thirds of home owners think that building firms should highlight the fact that they are training the next generation of tradespeople in their marketing material

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “This new research confirms what many of us already knew – apprentices are good for your business. The building industry is extremely competitive and these results suggest that training an apprentice will help a firm stand out from the crowd. Home owners aren’t just concerned about the craftsmanship of their builder, they want to know they are hiring a firm with strong values. It therefore makes sense that a business that invests in young people is seen in a better light. If the burgeoning skills crisis in the construction industry wasn’t enough to motivate those firms not already training to start doing so, hopefully this evidence will do the trick. It’s helpful to know that apprenticeship training can not only provide rewarding career opportunities for young people, but it can also help a firm’s bottom line.”

Berry concluded: “Next month will see the introduction of the government’s new Apprenticeship Levy on large firms, so this year could see a big shift in terms of who is directly involved in apprenticeship training. In construction, two-thirds of all apprentices are trained by SMEs and it is our hope that the new Levy will encourage the larger firms to also engage more readily in training the future workforce. What’s great about this research is that it demonstrates the positive image that a real focus on quality training can bring to a company from a commercial perspective – no doubt this applies across the business community and not just in the construction sector.”

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A rare opportunity to see high automation in action was offered at Double R Glass & Roofing Systems’ recent Open House event. Open to customers and prospects and with time set aside for the industry’s media, the company showed the culmination of months of work designing and installing one of the quickest vertical IGU Super Spacer Automatic Hot Melt line.

Managing Director of Double R, Ian Sims explains: “We’re extremely proud of the circa £1m investment we made into this For.El machine and the amount of quality units it allows us to produce on a daily basis, so we had no qualms in opening our doors to anyone who wanted to come and see it in action. It really is a sight to behold with high quality IGUs being produced at record speed. We believe this is the future of Double R but also the future of IGU production.

“Visitors to our factory also received a tour of the rest of our premises including our impressive and experienced decorative department and the extensive range of glass and solid roofs produced in our dedicated roof unit. They also had the chance to chat with our suppliers, with whom we work extremely closely to ensure we deliver on customers’ expectations on a consistent basis. The suppliers supporting us on the day were Edgetech, Bostik, Promac, CENSolutions, ER Certification and Clear Thinking Software.

“Congratulations to Three Shires and CRK Windows who won the two prize draws held across the event.

“Although our Open House ran for two days, we are so proud of Double R and our offering that we are happy to welcome fabricators and installers to our premises at any time. Anyone that wants to arrange a time to visit can call us on 01933 443658 to make an appointment.”

For more information visit www.glassandroofs.com or call 01933 443658

Phoenix Doors, part of MASCO UK Window Group, has increased its composite door and PVC door panel production capacity with a move to much larger premises in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire.

Formerly occupied by Lola Cars International, the racing car engineering company, the new 75,000ft2 site brings all Phoenix Doors’ manufacturing operations under one roof.

Haydon Statham, sales director, said: “Our new HQ gives us plenty of space, enabling us to further improve our production efficiency and expand our customer offering.

“With the Group’s backing, we have invested significantly in new personnel, plant and equipment that will help to take the business to new levels of growth and – just as importantly – to deliver the service our customers both expect and deserve.”

Investment in a new beam saw and a doubling up of machinery has reportedly created more flexible production capacity with at least two machines, sometimes four machines, creating a fast response to ‘market changes and seasonal upswings in demand’.

A second spray booth has been added in response to the growing trend for coloured doors. Catering for any specified RAL colour, this facility should help to reduce lead times and increase colour personalisation options across all Phoenix Doors’ composite door ranges. An added advantage of this investment is the ability to ‘spray to stock’, further enhancing the choices for customers and with faster lead times.

The new building also houses a purpose-built showroom showcasing the latest additions to the Phoenix Doors range.

www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk

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Epwin Window Systems is marking the launch of its Excellence as Stand-ard installer scheme at The FIT Show by sponsoring this year’s Master Fitter Challenge

Epwin Window Systems is celebrating the launch of its installer support scheme being rolled out at FIT Show by throwing its weight behind the event’s Master Fitter Challenge.

The company says it is demonstrating its commitment to working more closely with in-stallers by sponsoring the competition, in which six teams compete during The FIT Show to demonstrate their prowess at fitting fenestration products in front of a live audience.

With competitors working to install a bi-folding door, a residential door, a lantern roof and windows provided by Epwin Window Systems, pressure is compounded by the lure of a £10,000 prize and even more so, the desire to be the best.

“Putting our weight behind the Master Fitter Challenge and having our windows installed was the natural thing to do as we unveil our own plans at The FIT Show to support the people in the front line,” explained Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems marketing manager.

“We place a great deal of emphasis on the quality of our windows and doors but actually so much depends upon the skills shown by installers. So this is our way of showing our commitment to raising standards at the sharp end. The Master Fitter Challenge is, in our view, a tremendous demonstration of the skills that can now be expected daily in our in-dustry.”

Epwin Window Systems will be launching its own highly developed Installer Scheme at the FIT Show, with full details to be announced at the event.

www.epwin.co.uk

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Mercury Glazing Supplies Limited is one of the most experienced vertical slider fabricators in the industry and its expertise means it is often called upon to manufacture windows to complex and demanding requirements. Chris Reeks, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, explains: “It’s easy to think that creating standard rectangular vertical sliders in PVC-u is achievement enough. But vertical sliders come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and the talented people on our shop floor prove every day that PVC-u isn’t just limited to the standard shapes.”

Examples of unusual vertical slider windows that Mercury has produced in recent months includes gothic arched windows, semi-circle arched windows, sunburst astragal bar windows, double curved windows and vertical sliders that mimic casement windows.

Chris comments: “Vertical sliders are a popular choice in new build properties where the architect or developer wants to add a touch of heritage style. Having the ability to fabricate PVC-u vertical sliders in unusual shapes opens up a new world of design possibilities for them, enabling them to add further value to their developments. There are also period properties up and down the country that have non-standard vertical sliders. Our ability to manufacture windows to fit these shapes means PVC-u is a viable option for them.”

Each window is based on the Spectus vertical slider, of which Mercury is one of the UK’s biggest fabricators. The windows are available in A+ and B rated versions and can be Secured by Design accredited, two key reasons why PVC-u vertical sliders are a very attractive option when it comes to adding heritage style to new build properties or replacing original timber windows. Standard colours are white, light oak, rosewood, cream and white woodgrain and interior and exterior colours can be mixed and matched for a completely coordinated look.

Chris concludes: “These vertical sliders prove the versatility and flexibility of the range. They demonstrate how far we’ve come as an industry in recent years that we can offer such specialist windows.” Of course, they also demonstrate the expertise and experience of Mercury Glazing Supplies Limited and why it delivers consistent growth year on year.

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

Deceuninck is delighted to be celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. One of the top PVC-U extrusion companies with operations across 75 countries, over 2 million products are made from Deceuninck profile in the UK every year.

Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon comments: “Our long heritage lies in working closely with fabricators to develop tailored solutions to help them grow alongside delivering true innovation to the market time and time again.

“There aren’t many companies with such a long history, let alone such a successful one, but we’ve continued to fulfil our ambitious growth plans by putting both our trade and commercial customers at the heart of everything we do. We know that to help our fabricator customers grow we need to understand their needs, listen to what they want from us and do everything in our power to give them just that. We are fortunate to have the resources and skillset to make this happen. We also understand the market and watch closely for the latest trends before they hit so that we have the right offering for our customers before they even know they need it.

“The launch of our Heritage Window Collection is a good example. We knew the heritage market was going to gain momentum so we developed an outstanding range of products that will help existing or new fabricator customers to make the most of this opportunity. In addition to supplying the right products at the right time, we also develop marketing support that is over and above – marketing support that truly hits the mark and helps our customers and their installer customers, sell.

“Our partnering approach means that our customers remain loyal because they not only get quality products that allow them to get ahead of the market, they also get the ongoing support they need to grow their sales. In a market that is often focussed on new business, our customers tell us they appreciate the ongoing level of commitment we offer.

“The Deceuninck way of doing business is, we feel, unique and is why we have succeeded for 80 years. We’re looking forward to the next 80 years of working side by side with our customers to achieve further growth and continue to lead the way in innovation.”

Contact Carol Hearn at Deceuninck on 01249 816969to find out more about how Deceuninck can help your business grow.

Picture above: Lux Lite Hinged Rooflight

Over 17 years, Leicester-based ROOF Maker has quickly risen from locally-focused startup to the UK’s best, biggest, and most innovative supplier of high-grade rooflights and other natural light products. Now, bolstered by significant investment from private equity finance, the fast-growing firm is looking to advance on all fronts – including by expanding their product portfolio with the introduction of LuxLite, a best-in-class pitched roof light solution.

LuxLite is a sleek, stylishly contemporary aluminium roof light. Equally suited to tiled and slate roofing, the innovative frameless window has been specifically designed to maximise views and the intake of natural light, while offering outstanding performance across the board. LuxLite offers superb energy efficiency, capable of achieving U-values as low as 0.6W/m2k (a triple-glazed window usually achieves 0.7), and is built to last – not only incorporating toughened glass, but coming with a 20-year seal warranty. The glazed unit, spacer bar and fixings are all also concealed and protected from UV light within a neat black resin border.

“LuxLite epitomises the approach we’ve had to product design since the very beginning,” said Chief Design Officer and company founder Scott Nicholas. “It excels on all fronts – from style, to robustness, to energy efficiency. We’re delighted and proud to be able to say that, in LuxLite, we’ve produced yet another best-in-class offering, perfectly positioned to help installers capitalise on the massive opportunities that exist at the higher end of the market.”

LuxLite joins a host of other industry-leading products in Roof Maker’s extensive range. The company’s fixed flat roof lights are respected throughout the industry for their minimalist elegance and fantastic all-round performance. Triple-glazed, Argon-filled glass units offer outstanding thermal efficiency, while the low-E insulation glass itself can be delivered in subtle blue or bronze glare-reducing tints as well as clear. Roof Maker also offer chain-actuated, electric hinged opening flat roof lights, and pyramid-shaped roof lights featuring ultra-thin glazing connectors that maximise the intake of natural light.

Founded in 2001 by Scott Nicholas and Rachel Owen, Roof Maker has firmly established itself as the country’s leading supplier of premium roof light products. Last year, the firm was acquired for £30m by private equity group Next Wave Partners LLP, and is planning to significantly expand its operations in the months and years ahead.

For more information visit www.roof-maker.co.uk or call 0116 214 7112