Monthly Poll: Aluminum Tariffs: Helpful or Hurtful?

REHAU has launched its third annual Sustainability report to introduce customers to its new ‘Fit for the Future’ strategy, which outlines how the business will achieve the ambitious goals it is setting to become more sustainable by 2020.

Available for the first time in a digital-only format, the Sustainability report is an interesting, easy-to-read overview of REHAU’s vision and values, as well as its entrepreneurial activities, ground-breaking pilot projects and resource-friendly technologies under development.

The decision to make this year’s Sustainability report available in digital format only reflects REHAU’s belief that sustainability and digitalisation are inseparable challenges for companies operating in this time.

Dr Stefan Girschik, Deputy CEO at REHAU, said: “With an online only publication, we are not only saving natural resources – because we don’t have printed copies anymore – but it also ensures we are in tune with the spirit of the times. Digitalisation is an increasingly important part of a business’ operations and it goes hand in hand with our push for improved sustainability.”

In the Sustainability report, REHAU states it will work towards saving 30 per cent of its electricity consumption by 2020, commits to reducing its water consumption by 40 per cent by 2020 and plans to continue reducing its carbon emissions (already down 26.5 per cent).

The report also details some of the innovative ways that REHAU is developing its products, including new polymer formulations and new high-quality, sustainable composite materials which could replace conventional materials such as glass and concrete in the future.

Dr Stefan Girschik, Deputy CEO, REHAU

With around 100 new patent applications filed every year, REHAU is a determindly innovative company and the report aptly reflects its forward-thinking outlook.

Dr Stefan Girschik added: “As an innovative company REHAU is leading the way in sustainability, investing 10 per cent of our resources on the products of the future. We think holistically, act sustainably and invest so we can continue to create new solutions that add value to our customers, conserve resources and contribute to society.”

REHAU’s Sustainability report provides absolute transparency for customers who want to know how environmentally sound REHAU is, where its products come from and its plans for the future. You can find the report at sustainability.rehau.com

Atlas says rising sales of its roof lantern continue month on month. And now Atlas is offering more installers the chance to clinch an Atlas lantern sale with a special offer on its stock lantern range.

Gareth Thomas, sales director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, explains: “We’ve established a loyal following for the Atlas lantern and now, we’ve gone a step further to help even more installers to pick up an Atlas lantern at a highly competitive price. Installers can now source any stock lantern in any stock colour at the same price as white, so there is no additional charge whatever colour they choose. So, if a homeowner has their heart set on grey, for instance, they can now have it for the same price as white. With enticing pricing and attractive lead times, it’s never been quicker, easier or more cost effective to get an amazing Atlas roof!”

Atlas offers four stock lanterns in its regular range in sizes up to 2000 x 4000mm and five stock lanterns in its contemporary range in sizes up to 1500 x 3000mm. Stock lanterns are available on a five day turnaround and come in white, grey, black, grey on white, and black on white.

According to the company, the Atlas lantern features the slimmest bars, cleanest lines and uncluttered detailing, whilst delivering superior thermal performance. Its engineering eliminates the need for bulky ridge detail, bosses and hoods to achieve the ultimate ‘MORE SKY LESS ROOF’.

Atlas has developed a comprehensive package to help installers to promote and sell Atlas roofs. It includes comprehensive marketing and showroom support and covers the traditional and digital marketing resources available to help installers increase their number of sales leads.

Atlas is continuing with new product development and will be unveiling some major new innovations in 2018.

For further information, contact Atlas on 02838 327741 or visit www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk.

Milwood Group, the UK’s leading manufacturer of aluminium verandas, canopies and carports, has introduced a brand-new addition to their offering. Designed to help both fabricators and installers break into the thriving outdoor living market, the Kent-based firm has launched Simplicity 6 – a high-end, multi-purpose veranda system.

Designed with versatility in mind, Simplicity 6 provides a solution that is suitable for multiple applications, whether it’s as a veranda, canopy or a luxury glass room. Easy to install and available with 6mm toughened glass, the Simplicity 6 can easily accommodate any budget or project.

“We’re delighted to launch our new Simplicity 6 system, a solution that has been designed to help businesses maximise the opportunities presented by the thriving outdoor living market,” explains Mark Wood, Managing Director of the Milwood Group. “As homeowners place greater emphasis on the exterior of their property and better connecting inside and outside spaces, Simplicity 6 is perfectly suited to help installers capitalise on this demand and for fabricators to best support their customers.”

Manufactured in the UK using the highest-quality aluminium, Simplicity 6 is available with a pitch between 2.5 and 22.5 degrees, and projections up to 3.2 metres. The system, which can also be colour matched to any RAL colour to complement aluminium sliding doors, can span any length to create a practical outside space for any size of a property.

“The Simplicity 6 is completely customisable to provide a high-specification, durable solution for any project,” adds Mark. “From a simple carport, to a deluxe veranda or glass room complete with self-cleaning glass, there are endless possibilities. The system can even be upgraded to include infrared wall-mounted heaters, integrated lighting, Victorian-style embellishments or the glass room package, which turns the veranda into a fully enclosed, luxury outside space complete with sliding doors.”

Quick and easy to install, the Simplicity 6 is uniquely glazed from underneath to avoid extended time working at height. Available with rapid delivery from Milwood’s centrally-located operations centre in Leicestershire, and with a full 10-year guarantee, the Simplicity 6 aims to be the most accessible shelter solution for both tradespeople and consumers.

For more information call the Milwood Group on 0330 404 9086 or visit www.milwoodgroup.com

Specialist extruder, Euroseal has reported that it has won two new major orders, worth more than £2million combined.

With one of the UK’s most technically advanced extrusion facilities, Euroseal is said to have extensive experience in the manufacture of a diverse range of thermoplastic extrusions, including rigid profile and co-extrusions in PVC, wood composite, HDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene and ABS.

Euroseal’s managing director, Chris Byers, said the new agreements represented a ‘very positive start’ to 2018: “Winning two very substantial contracts right at the beginning of the year, puts us in very good stead right at the outset.

“That in turn means that we have the confidence in the market to sustain our continuing programme of investment, switching on new lines, as well as expanding our operation to deliver increased capacity.”

This includes the six-figure investment made by the specialist extruder in a new twin-screw extrusion line, mezzanine floor and the construction of a new tooling design workshop and servicing facility.

Euroseal’s fifth twin screw line – and with a further four single screw lines, it’s ninth in total – the investment gives Euroseal a high level of service and product flexibility.

With the flexibility to extrude profiles from 40g to 6kg per metre and 0.7mm to 10mm thick, this includes construction products including curtain walling pressure plates, conservatory and window profiles, and cladding. It also manufactures electrical extrusions; automotive profiles; hygienic wall and ceiling profiles and garden decking.

The post Euroseal announces £2m of new orders appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

From left and right: Mark Herbert and Matt Prowse, joint managing directors of Mackenzie Glass, with Pilkington manager director, Matt Buckley

Bristol based glass merchant, MacKenzie Glass, has celebrated its official launch since acquiring Pilkington Bristol from NSG at the end of last year, a move that also sees it become Pilkington’s first ‘Regional Partner’.

The acquisition, that took place on 1 December, included the purchase of stock, a 37,000ft² purpose-built facility and the transfer of 46 members of staff.

While it is part of the wider Cornwall Glass Group, MacKenzie Glass will operate as standalone, independent business. Last year it supplied more than 1 million square metres of flat glass throughout the South West, South Wales, Southern England and Central Southern regions, and also offers a range of toughening, cutting and polishing services. As Regional Partner, it will actively promote and have full access to Pilkington’s full product range and delivery service, although it will also offer product from other manufacturers when necessary.

The new MacKenzie Bristol site reportedly has the capacity to supply more than 300 tonnes of glass each month, the majority of which is for IGU manufacture, with Pilkington KS (soft coat) said to be a ‘key staple.’ However, the company is keen to capitalise on its value added premium products and technologies in order to deliver maximum growth in the future, as Matt Prowse, joint managing director, explained: “If you have bought from Pilkington, the products that you have always bought will continue to be available on the same or better lead times.

“Going forward, however, we see significant opportunity for growth in added-value products like coatings, laminates – such as Pilkington’s Pyrostop, Optiview, Optimirror and Activ Range – which we believe can generate higher margin opportunities for our customers.

“The other point to make is that we are independent and have the additional flexibility to supply product from other manufacturers. If we can’t deliver it from within our own or Pilkington’s range, we’ll supply it from someone else.

“Culturally, we’re also perhaps a little bit different. The team of directors share a background in glass processing and we’re committed to working in partnership with our customers to add value to that relationship.”

The post Perfect partnership appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Specialist extruder, Euroseal has reported that it has won two new major orders, worth more than £2million combined.

With one of the UK’s most technically advanced extrusion facilities, Euroseal has extensive experience in the manufacture of a diverse range of thermoplastic extrusions, including rigid profile and co-extrusions in PVC, wood composite, HDPE, Polystyrene, Polypropylene and ABS.

Winning two new undisclosed clients at the beginning of this year, Chris Byers, Managing Director Euroseal, said with a combined value of more than £2m, its new agreements represented a ‘very positive start’ to 2018.

He said: “Winning two very substantial contracts right at the beginning of the year, puts us in very good stead right at the outset.

“That in turn means that we have the confidence in the market to sustain our continuing programme of investment, switching on new lines, as well as expanding our operation to deliver increased capacity.”

This includes the six-figure investment made by the specialist extruder in a new twin-screw extrusion line, mezzanine floor and the construction of a new tooling design workshop and servicing facility.

Euroseal’s fifth twin screw line – and with a further four single screw lines, it’s ninth in total – the investment gives Euroseal a high level of service and product flexibility.

With the flexibility to extrude profiles from 40g to 6kg per metre and 0.7mm to 10mm thick, this includes construction products including curtain walling pressure plates, conservatory and window profiles, and cladding. It also manufactures electrical extrusions; automotive profiles; hygienic wall and ceiling profiles and garden decking.

It has also built on its established partnerships with global tooling and extrusion machinery manufacturers to include an in-house tool design service – also offering financial support for customers to invest in tooling on larger volume projects.

Byers explained: “We’re seeing a lot of peaks and troughs in the market at present. That clearly presents a number of challenges for us or anyone else.

“Where we’re perhaps benefitting is that if you are at capacity or want to bring a new product to market as a systems company or building products specialist, those peaks and troughs make it difficult to justify that capital investment.

“And that’s really where we come in. We become an extension of their own operations, we work in partnership with our customers and to their processes and their own standards, giving them that capacity without the cost or the potential risks associated with major capital investment.”

For more information call 0121 344 4100 email sales@euroseal.co.uk or visit www.euroseal.co.uk

Enabling trade professionals to raise their game without incurring extra spend. Bosch Professional brings the GDR 18 V-160 Professional Impact Driver to the marketplace. Top of its class, the Bosch GDR 18 V-160 Professional Impact Driver leads the industry’s 18 V cordless professional impact driver class on price-to-performance ratio, says Bosch.

Users benefit from an impressive 160 Nm maximum torque, with variable speed control – up to a rapid 2,800 rpm – and an impact rate that reaches 3,200 bpm. The result is fast and easy work progress, even in heavy applications.

Weighing just 1.37 kg, including the 2.0 Ah battery, and a head length of 150 mm, the impact driver can be used with little effort. Its compact size is ideal for operation in tight spaces and when working overhead. The ergonomic design features a slim handle, whose 110 mm circumference and soft-grip covering add further comfort and control. A handy belt clip, a screwdriver bit and an LED light for better vision in dark workplaces are included in the standard specification.

Robust construction and easy serviceability, together with proven performance capabilities, make this an ideal tool for a wide variety of tradespeople. It is aimed at trade sectors like carpentry, building and electrical, as well as heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC).

Specific applications range from wood screwing and drilling to installing and maintaining HVAC systems, assembling wheels, constructing metal and erecting high racking. The driver comes with a quarter-inch hex bit holder and shank, compatible with a multitude of accessories.

As part of the Bosch Flexible Power System, the Bosch GDR 18 V-160 Professional Impact Driver is fully compatible with the comprehensive Bosch range of 18 V power tools, chargers and batteries.

It is now available from specialist retailers in a choice of packages. The Bosch GDR 18 V-160 Professional Impact Driver can be supplied in a Bosch L-BOXX carrying case, without batteries, at recommended retail price of £123.09. A kit containing the tool, two 2.0 Ah batteries and a charger, in an L-BOXX, sells at an RRP of £219.99. These prices are exclusive of VAT and are subject to change.

For further information, visit https://www.bosch-professional.com/gb/en/