New Genesis Flush Sash window launched by Bison Frames

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.”

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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

As well as managing their own fenestration and construction industry businesses in Greater Manchester, siblings Bradley and Natalie Beazant have also recently completed a life goal to build their own properties as part of a private development in a rural village, near Warrington. The high design, luxury family homes are contemporary in style and finish and with a keen eye for doors and windows, the project duo wanted to install bespoke windows as well as an entrance door that would enhance their properties.

Being experts in the field of glazing, the Beazants had a good idea of where to research and compare the ranges of PVC, composite, aluminium and timber front doors. They had high expectations for their front door, requiring a statement entrance as well as desiring security function and durability. Bradley said: “We looked at all the well-known brands of residential door manufacturers and suppliers. For me, aluminium came out top because of its contemporary, sleek look, but I didn’t want the door to look commercial.”

Having visited trade exhibition, the FIT Show earlier in the year, and with their intimate knowledge of the marketplace, the Beazant family – owners of established firm, Regency Glass, came across Spitfire Doors and their S-500 Series Inotherm range. Recognised as Europe’s leading manufacturer and innovator of monobloc aluminium entrance doors, the stand demonstrated the superior quality and aesthetic of the doors immediately to show visitors.

Natalie and Bradley visited the showroom at Spitfire Doors, the UK and Ireland’s exclusive supplier of Inotherm entrance doors, based in Cheshire. Here they could view Spitfire’s comprehensive collection of timber fusion, engineered timber and its premium S-500 Series aluminium entrance doors.

“For me, a statement front door was important to meet the grandeur design of the properties. Being introduced to Spitfire Doors’ range was a step up in quality and style. I particularly loved the wood-effect finish of the aluminium S-500, which gave them a luxury residential aesthetic.”

Natalie continued: “As soon as we walked in and saw the doors in the showroom, we knew for a fact the luxury S-500 range would fit our development perfectly.”

The doors can be made up to 1.2 metres wide and 2.7 metres high and are exceptionally strong because they are manufactured using Schьco aluminium sections, to ensure the greatest structural integrity, thermal performance and security.

With over 600 styles, colours and surface finishes to choose from for the S-500 collection, the siblings were able to create their exact style using Spitfire Doors’ designer software, with 3D imagery showing the designs in situ.

There is a wide range of design and technology features, including fingerprint recognition, key fob and automatic opening and built-in LEDs, plus the S-500 provides unique styling options with Swarovski crystal embellishment and carbon, rust or split oak finishes. The S-500 range offers traditional Georgian styles through to ьber contemporary, that will inspire the most discerning homeowner.

Natalie and Bradley chose high gloss black with walnut wood, as well as fingerprint recognition opening, which allows up to 1000 fingerprint scans to be recorded with timed access settings for dog walkers, housekeeping, gardeners and childcare assistants to name by example. Complete with brushed steel house numerals and satin glass panels, the doors were ordered and delivered within eight weeks.

The doors were easily fitted by their chosen installer Patrick Joinery, who were installing S-500 for the first time. The installation process was straightforward and with Inotherm’s bespoke measurements and absolute precision engineering, the doors required no adjusting or re-sizing to fit the entrance way.

“Without seeing the doors first hand, it is hard to describe the quality as there is nothing else that compares to the S-500 range on the market. This makes them even more desirable, in my opinion, and we have recommended the doors to several trade peers because we recognise the potential of this emerging product in the UK, they really do offer customers a special statement door and are a unique opportunity for the trade to add a high-end product to their portfolios,” said the customer. The doors are a league above anything we have seen, and Spitfire’s service and product knowledge matched the superior quality product, we are delighted.”

The post Luxury new build development selects Spitfire Doors’ aluminium entrance doors appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Image Above: Martin Linden from Polyframe Livingston (left), with Gareth Green (right) from Stuga

Polyframe has launched into its second major investment programme since becoming part of the Customade Group – this time to expand its 50,000-square foot site in Livingston and boost production of PVCu frames by more than 30 per cent.

Polyframe Livingston has made a £750,000 investment into plant and new machinery to help it satisfy growing market demand and increase production on the site from 1,500 to 2,000 frames a week on a single shift basis. Polyframe Livingston is Scotland’s largest trade fabricator and the biggest fabricator of Veka PVCu frames north of the border.

The move at Livingston swiftly follows the announcement by Polyframe that it had embarked on an ambitious investment into additional production space and new machinery at its Norwich site. Output at Norwich will increase substantially from 4,500 frames a week to 7,000 frames a week.

The factory will be equipped with a number of brand new machines, including a new Stuga ZX 5 sawing and machining centre – the very first of its kind in the UK – a new eight head welder, an SV800 corner cleaner and a reverse butt cleaner. This state-of-the-art machinery will enable fabrication at Livingston to become fully automated, with the exception of handling and assembly. The developments on the site will also help the business to maintain its consistently high ‘On Time In Full’ record.

Martin Linden, managing director of Polyframe, Livingston, says: “This has been an outstanding year for us and we are very excited to be ramping up our production rates. This venture is particularly notable at a time when many PVCu fabricators are not investing and shrinking back on production. The atmosphere at Livingston is buzzing and we’re all ready to take the next step to reach 2,000 frames a week. Our longer-term goal is to achieve an impressive 4,000 frames a week.

“This investment isn’t just about growth though, it’s about taking us forward in our journey to continuously improve. That’s why we’re dedicated to developing our operational procedures and investing in our people. This investment will be fundamental in helping us to create even better, smarter processes, whilst maintaining our very high manufacturing standards and improving efficiency. Those are critical assets to our customers and what ultimately sets us apart from other fabricators.”

Nick Gibbons, chief operating officer at Customade Group, added: “What a year this has been for the group with this, our second big investment at Polyframe. We’re nailing our colours to the mast and making many industry-shaping developments that will support customer growth and help us to maintain our position as the UK’s biggest fabricator. We’re ambitious and we’re bold and we’re ready to achieve impressive results across all areas of the group.”

Dave Jones, VEKA Group’s managing director, also said: “It’s fantastic to see Polyframe Livingston living up to their ambitions. Having customers who are committed to investment, as we are at VEKA, is tremendous and will be of mutual benefit to both our businesses.On behalf of everyone at VEKA, I’d like to congratulate Martin and all the team at Polyframe on their new growth plans, I’m sure they will be a great success.”

For further information on the Polyframe range of multi-system PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, contact 01422 330460 or visit www.polyframe.co.uk

The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has described its annual members’ day, which took place last month, as another ‘memorable and enjoyable’ occasion with 115 delegates attending the occasion at Glaziers’ Hall.

With so many changes at the GGF since last year’s event, there was a ‘mood of anticipation’ in the air, with GGF president, John Agnew, emphasising that ‘all changes have been in the best interests of GGF members’ in his opening address.

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 speech refuting the idea that the GGF was in ‘turmoil’ 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 now firmly in place, Phil also outlined the GGF’s long term strategy, mission and future.

This was followed by the ‘members’ debate’ moderated by Declan Curry, who directed questions from the audience on the GGF’s new management structure, industry training pipelines, and the challenge of improving member engagement, to the panel.

During lunch in the banqueting hall, the president toasted the GGF’s 40th 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 recognised 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

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