Dekko Completes Major Investment With Graf Cill Welder

Image Above: Graf welded cill

After becoming one of the first fabricators to use Graf weld technology with their Infinity range of seamless uPVC windows and later with the Residence Collection, Dekko Window Systems has completed a £150k investment in the new, ground-breaking Graf Cill Welder.

The new cill welder means the firm can add a high-end, premium finish to their window cills as standard, manufacturing 95mm stub cills and both 150mm and 180mm cills with a completely seamless weld. Eliminating potential dis-colouration by removing the need to sand or polish the cill, the advanced machine achieves a more accurate, cleaner finish as it digitally sets the angles to weld.

“Both Infinity and Residence have quickly established themselves as two of the industry’s top systems, and part of that success comes from appealing to high-end focused consumers through their seamless corner welds,” comments Kurt Greatrex, Sales Director at Dekko Window Systems. “The addition of the new Graf Cill Welder means we can take this one step further, creating high-quality, seamless window systems that are even more desirable, deliver even greater margins for our customers and furthers the gap between them and their competition.”

Designed to provide a premium alternative to standard white uPVC windows, Infinity’s distinct aesthetics are achieved in three popular designs; chamfered, sculptured and the sought-after flush sash. Available in 26 colourways including a variety of authentic woodgrain foils, Infinity has been designed to appeal to multiple markets, whether it’s as a timber replacement, or a high-end solution for new-build projects.

“As the industry shifts, and consumers continue to turn their attention towards the premium end of the market, we have focused our efforts on creating a range that helps our customers across the UK capitalise on this demand,” adds Kurt. “Over our 10-years in business we have invested millions of pounds to create three game-changing brands in Infinity, Räum aluminium and the Residence Collection – becoming the UK’s largest fabricator of the timber-effect range. Cutting edge machinery is just one of the many ways we ensure we can always meet the needs of installers in a rapidly-changing, highly-competitive market.”

Celebrating a decade in business, Dekko Windows Systems was founded by Gary Torr and Kurt Greatrex, and is one of the leading fabricators of high-end PVCu and aluminium windows and doors. Based in Greater Manchester, Dekko was listed in the 2016 edition of the London Stock Exchange’s 1000 Companies to Inspire Britain. The report celebrates the fastest growing small and medium-sized businesses in the UK.

For more information contact Dekko on 0161 406 0055 or visit www.dekkowindows.com

Trade fabricator Garrard Windows has become the latest company to start manufacturing the new ‘heritage styled’ mechanically jointed version of the Spectus Vertical Slider. Lucy Griffith of Garrard Windows commented: “Manufacturing the mechanically jointed Spectus Vertical Slider will open up new opportunities for us and our customers because feature-rich mechanically jointed products are very much on trend.”

Lucy said: “It raises the bar in authenticity, especially when it comes to the foil options because the foils really showcase the mechanical joint. The window really is a match for the timber alternatives in terms of cost, superior performance, overall aesthetics and all the signs are that it’s going to be a popular addition to our range.”

Garrard Windows is a long-standing Spectus fabricator and has been manufacturing the standard Spectus Vertical Slider for 14 years. Lucy says: “We originally bought in the Vertical Slider, but because demand was growing it made good sense to start to manufacture it ourselves. We’ve never looked back because the product was – and is – an incredibly popular part of our portfolio. That’s especially true at the moment as our installers tap into homeowner interest in heritage-style products.”

Garrard Windows supplies trade customers nationwide with high quality windows, doors and conservatories. The company prides itself on being reliable, efficient and easy to deal with and claims to be an ideal choice for fabricators looking to buy in specialist products as well as installers looking for a proactive fabrication partner. Vertical Sliders from Garrard are available on a competitive two to three week lead time and are available in a full choice of colours and foils.

The Spectus Vertical Slider is renowned in the industry for its authentic aesthetics and its impressive credentials mean that interest in the mechanically jointed version has been extremely high. Garrard Windows is one of the first fabricators to be up and running with the manufacture of the mechanically jointed version, which will give its customers a big advantage in a competitive and growing market.

www.spectus.co.uk

Spectus trade fabricator, Universal Trade Frames has been highlighting the importance of security for some time. Brian Kruger, Universal Trade Frames’ Managing Director, says: “Our customers know that security is a huge factor for contractors and homeowners and we are proud to have a range of products that have achieved Secured by Design accreditation, the flagship UK police initiative to help ‘design out’ crime through the use of high-quality, innovative products and processes.”

Universal Trade Frames has Secured by Design accreditation on its casement windows manufactured from both Spectus Elite 70 bevelled and Elite 70 ovolo systems.  It also has the accreditation on Spectus Flush 70 PVC-U casement window, Eite 70 tilt and turn bevelled window, Elite 70 tilt and turn ovolo window, Spectus Elite 70 residential single door bevelled, Elite 70 residential single door ovolo, Elite 70 residential double door bevelled and Elite 70 residential double door ovolo.  All products are also certified to PAS 24:2016 too, which can also be used to demonstrate compliance with Approved Document Q, BS 6375-1 for weathertightness and BS 6375-2 and BS EN 1191 for operation and strength testing.

Secured by Design is now widely recognised by professional audiences and increasingly by consumers, as a valuable mark of police preferred specification.

Brian concludes, “Products that meet the highest standards and comply with the latest regulations are vital. It’s something that Universal Trade Frames take very seriously. Our customers depend on the quality and compliance of our products and we don’t let them down.”

www.utfl.co.uk

Picture above: From left to right, Lawson Price – Epwin Window Systems, Josef Ertl – VinylPlus Chairman

Epwin Windows Systems has been awarded VinylPlus Product Label certification having achieved the necessary requirements of the label scheme.   The VinylPlus® Product Label is awarded in recognition of outstanding performance around sustainable development for companies in the PVC window profile industry. The label covers Epwin Windows Systems three leading profile brands – Profile 22’s Optima, Swish Window and Doors Systems’ 24/7 and Spectus’ Elite systems.

The Product Label was presented by VinylPlus chairman Josef Ertl to Lawson Price, Epwin Window Systems’ Technical Manager at Fensterbau Frontale, Nürnberg in March.

Commenting on the achievement, Epwin Window Systems’ Technical Director, Martin Althorpe said: “We were among the first to apply for the VinylPlus label and we are proud we are among the pioneers to receive this recognition. It combines elements from responsible sourcing (largely included in the BES 6001 scheme) and the sustainability aspects of the VinylPlus programme.”

VinylPlus® is the Voluntary Commitment of the European PVC industry. The programme establishes a long-term framework for the sustainable development of the PVC industry by tackling a number of critical challenges in the EU-28, Norway and Switzerland.

The scheme was developed between BRE Global, TNS – The Natural Step, and VinylPlus and is dedicated to PVC products in the building and construction sector.

www.epwin.co.uk

“As a parent of a child with Transverse Myelitis, I wanted to give something back to the Brain and Spine Foundation,” says Lee Beetham, Commercial Director at Yorkshire fabricator Kingfisher Windows. “It was the charity’s website we first turned to so I’m in training for the London Marathon to raise money and awareness to help other parents who are faced with something similar.

“On 9 August 2016, our lives were turned completely upside-down when our previously healthy two-year old son Theo was admitted into Leeds General Infirmary with difficulty walking and paralysis of his left arm. Three days later having had a diagnosis of Transverse Myelitis, he was completely paralysed and, on a ventilator, fighting for his life.

“After 10 months in hospital, he came home. He is still partially paralysed and requires his ventilator 24hrs a day. Theo is a source of unending inspiration to me. He’s young, still growing and extremely determined. He goes to nursery school and is settled into his new life. He never complains – except about his sister!

“It’s the sense of impotence that you feel as a parent,” Lee continues. “You feel powerless as there’s nothing you can do. This is my chance to do something positive. It’s not just the Brain and Spine Foundation that have given us help. We have received support from many others, and we are very grateful to them all. We’ve had information and emotional support, accommodation for us so we could be near Theo when he was in hospital, as well as specialist equipment.

“I hope to raise a lot of money for the charity and since I set up my Virgin Money page https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/LeeBeetham  donations have been coming in to support the Brain and Spine Foundation. It includes £187 from Kingfisher Windows’ Christmas jumper day and raffle.

“I’ve never run more than 13 miles before – and I’ve only done that twice. Both times I did, I couldn’t imagine having to run it all again. This is different, on 22 April 2018 I’ll be running 26 miles because I’m supporting the Brain and Spine Foundation and Theo is my inspiration.”

Morley Glass and Glazing is once again the proud headline sponsor of the North Leeds Charity Beer Festival, which will be returning with a new twist to North Leeds Cricket Club from 6-7 April.

Now in its seventh year, the annual community charity fundraising festival, featuring food, drink and music festival will this year debut a gin bar alongside 35 real ales from seven breweries and seven ciders.

Initially created with an aim to showcase interesting and unusual beers from Yorkshire micro and independent breweries, the festival has since achieved so much more. From humble beginnings in 2012, the event has raised over £30k to enable the Rotary Club of Roundhay to support many projects in the local area and further afield.

Ian Short, managing director of Morley Glass and Glazing said: “We are delighted to be able to sponsor the 7th Annual North Leeds Charity Beer Festival. This is exactly the type of initiative we like to be involved with as it perfectly reflects our ethos of giving back to local communities.”

The post Teaming up once again appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Hodgson Sealants, one of the UK’s largest specialist sealant manufacturers has been announced as the latest sponsor of The Glazing Summit.

Celebrating 50 years in business, from its beginnings as a putty manufacturer in the 1960’s, Hodgson Sealants now make a full range of premium sealants including silicones, new generation hybrid sealants and glazing tapes for the fenestration and wider construction industries. Based in Yorkshire, the firm is currently expanding its facilities to take advantage of increasing demand across Europe.

“We’re really pleased to be supporting The Glazing Summit this year,” comments Charles Hodgson, Owner of Hodgson Sealants. “With five decades of experience in the industry, we’ve certainly seen it all – first as a long-standing family-run business, but also as a key supplier to the glazing industry. We have seen many changes in the industry over these 50 years and have adapted our product portfolio accordingly. We look forward to sharing our expertise with the great and the good of the industry at this event”.

Event Organiser and Insight Data Managing Director, Andrew Scott adds: “We’re delighted to announce Hodgson Sealants as the latest sponsor of The Glazing Summit. To reach 50 years in business is undoubtedly a major milestone and a fantastic achievement – especially in a rapidly-changing and competitive industry like ours.”

“Their continued success and ability to negate economic, political and social challenges across half-a-century in business makes Hodgson Sealants a great partner for The Glazing Summit, and a strong case study of how to adapt to a constantly changing marketplace. Adaptability and longevity will be among the key topics of discussion during the conference as we look ahead to a post-Brexit industry, assess the challenges and opportunities on the horizon and investigate the impact of upcoming legislation and the much-talked-about skills shortage.”

To find out more about The Glazing Summit or to book tickets visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk.

Just a few months after being named the Component Supplier of the Year at the G-Awards, Mila has had yet another positive endorsement of its performance, winning an ‘exceeding organisation’ rating from consultants Grant Thornton.

Grant Thornton has just independently audited Mila’s entire supply chain, analysing everything from how it manages its inventory to how its warehouse and transport operations perform. The hardware specialist scored a very impressive 2.7 out of 4, putting it alongside some of the UK’s biggest and most successful businesses.

One of the areas which Grant Thornton singled out for praise was Mila’s handling of the Chinese New Year.

For any company which sources product from the Far East, the factory shutdown which accompanies the Chinese New Year represents easily the biggest annual challenge. Disruption can last for up to a month as workers make long treks across the country to see their families and then back again.

In the 9 years since Mila has been sourcing products from its own suppliers in China, it can justifiably claim to have mastered the art of managing the shutdown and ensuring that it delivers a seamless service to customers, with an OTIF score in excess of 95% maintained throughout.

This year, for example, when Chinese New Year fell on February 16, Mila started preparing way back in October 2017. The company’s demand planning team were tasked with ensuring that it had sufficient quantities of product in stock and it spent a record $8m on orders specifically to see it through the affected period.

Mila’s Managing Director Richard Gyde said: “I’m not sure many customers appreciate the scale or the complexity of our supply chain operation and that’s exactly how it should be. All that matters to them is that when they place an order with Mila, it arrives with them on time and in full, and we certainly pride ourselves on the fact that our customers can take our reliability for granted.

“Obviously, it helps that we work in close partnership with both customers and suppliers to get the demand planning right and I’m delighted that the quality of entire supply chain has been independently recognised.”

www.mila.co.uk