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Image Above: Mila’s Oliver Burgess (centre) accepts a certificate from Izabela Payne and Mark Frain from Synseal

Mila has demonstrated once again that its supply chain and logistics organisation is world class by delivering six months of 100% OTIF to Synseal.

In what the systems company itself has described as a ‘remarkable achievement’, Mila has delivered every order to Synseal on time and in full for the past six months.

It is all the more remarkable given that Synseal is one of Mila’s biggest customers, buying more than 300 different lines from Mila and typically placing more than 40 orders per month. This includes Mila’s own brand ProSecure high security door handle, ProLinea twin cam espag and espag handle, NightSecure keep and ProLinea TBT handle, as well as third party Siegenia AF security hardware.

Synseal’s Hardware Category team of Mark Frain and Izabela Payne visited Mila recently to present Mila’s Supply Chain Director Oliver Burgess with a certificate to congratulate the whole team on their achievement.

At the presentation, Oliver commented: “We are very proud of what really is an outstanding performance, delivered on the back of many years’ hard work and partnership building with Synseal. We have direct relationship with their warehouse team of course, but we also have relationships across the business, coordinated by our Key Account Manager Julie Holmes, which enable us to accurately forecast their requirements and respond to any changes.”

One key reason why Mila has been able to record a perfect OTIF for Synseal is that the two companies have worked together to create a tailored supply chain solution which works for both of them, ensuring that there are no interruptions to supply even during periods of peak or unexpected demand.

Mark Frain, Synseal’s Hardware Category manager added: “When a supplier is as consistently good as Mila, it’s easy to take their performance for granted; but when they achieve something as outstanding as 6 months without missing a single item off an order, then we think it deserves some real recognition. Mila tells us that it consistently benchmarks its performance against big Blue Chip names and I’m delighted that Synseal, and in turn our customers, are directly benefiting from that.”

www.mila.co.uk

Spectus has launched a fully mechanically jointed option of its vertical slider.

Carmen Velilla, brand manager at Spectus, said: “The tried and tested authentic period looks of the Spectus vertical slider means it is renowned as the window that changes planning officers’ minds about PVC-U. The mechanically jointed version takes authenticity to another level because the 45º PVC-U welds on the frame and sash are replaced with 90º mechanical joints, creating a wealth of new opportunities to work on heritage and conservation properties.”

The mechanically jointed version of Spectus vertical slider was introduced at the FIT Show and Carmen says the reaction was extremely positive. “Feedback from both existing and prospective customers was exceptional and everyone appreciated the quality and attention to detail.”

www.spectus.co.uk

The post Spectus takes ‘authenticity to another level’ with new VS appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

AluK has officially launched its new Luminia Veranda system, designed to give customers an exciting new business strand targeting all those homeowners who want to make more of their outdoor living space. The stylish glazed Veranda perfectly bridges the gap between house and garden, and provides fabricators and installers with a potentially valuable new sales opportunity alongside virtually every bi-fold or sliding door installation.  AluK’s Managing Director, Russell Yates, said: “We previewed this product at the FIT Show and the response was fantastic. It perfectly complements our doors, and gives you the feeling of being outdoors whilst being comfortably sheltered from the elements. It lets our customers sell an aspirational lifestyle to homeowners, with the promise of an outdoor living room which they can use late into Summer evenings, right into Autumn and from the very start of Spring.”

The Luminia Veranda is available in four different models to suit any contemporary or traditionally styled property and in four popular coloured finishes –  white, cream, quartz and volcan, all with the reassurance of the Qualicoat quality label. The Premium model features thermal breaks, allowing it to be combined with low threshold, easy glide glass sliding doors and protective side walls to create a truly year round indoor/outdoor option. The Modern model is a more contemporary option with slimmer sight lines, while the two Enhanced models – available with standard or Victorian style guttering, are the ones designed for larger open spans, with steel reinforcement allowing them to stretch up to 6 metres in width using just two posts.

Alongside the stylish aesthetics, the Luminia Veranda is a great illustration of AluK’s renowned design innovation. It has clever features like invisible fixings, water drainage pipes integrated within the posts, adjustable roof pitches, optimised aluminium reinforcement, and cable-free LED lighting solutions in the rafters. AluK stresses that all of the models and all of the features are easy to fit onsite, with the option of choosing either a polycarbonate or glass roof to suit any customer’s budget.  The Luminia Veranda is almost 100% recyclable so has excellent green credentials and comes with a full 10 year guarantee.

The post AluK announces official launch of its new Luminia Veranda system appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Bennett Architectural is delighted to have raised over £9,500 for The Donna Louise over 8 years of support.

The Newcastle under Lyme based aluminium glazing specialists began supporting the Trentham Lakes based hospice in 2009, and has raised funds with various activities such as golf days, dressing up as superheroes, cake sales, raffles and taking part in It’s a Knock Out.

As well as the staff efforts in raising this incredible amount of money, Bennetts owners have also matched fundraising efforts by £2,277.90 for every pound raised from monthly dress down days.

Lionel Grant, Managing Director at Bennett Architectural commented,

“We are delighted to have raised such an amount for the Donna Louise, a local charity close to many of our hearts, and one that offers so much to our local community.

“Bennetts will continue to support the hospice with their Christmas Jumper Day on 8^th December.”

Katie Tams, Regional Fundraiser at The Donna Louise added,

“The support of Bennett Architectural really makes a difference to the children, young adults and families, who rely on The Donna Louise, so on their behalf I’d like to say a big heartfelt thank you to everyone at the company.

“We have to raise £3.5 million each year to support more than 240 families from Staffordshire and Cheshire, with most of this coming from fundraising and donations.

www.baasl.co.uk

The market for conservatory roof replacements is on a high says Prefix Systems and one of the latest jobs carried out by Stevenage-based Conserv-A-Tech, shows that consumers still yearn for the appeal of a glazed roof.

As part of Prefix’s proven Refurbish My Conservatory scheme, Conserv-A-Tech have access to dedicated marketing materials, along with specific products for roof replacements. These products have been specially designed by Prefix for these types of applications and include Retro-Fix posts to carry the additional loading of glass or even solid roofs and Bi-Span to support the structural requirements for large openings.

With around 3million existing conservatories installed in the UK and many first-generation ones glazed in tired polycarbonate, there’s an important market sector emerging. Over the last 10 years the market has also seen the rapid development of specialist solar control glass with U-values now down to 1.0W/(m²K) and so glass is now very much the dominant glazed material.

Eric Knappett, owner and director ofConserv-A-Tech commented: ‘Conservatory roof replacements are becoming more prevalent in terms of our sales opportunities. As a diligent company, it’s re-assuring to know that we have a supporting brand and product range specific to this sector which is boosted by the outstanding customer service levels from Prefix.’

Chris Cooke, co-director of Prefix Systems concluded: ‘Companies of the calibre of Conserv-A-Tech are a shining example of how the conservatory and glazed extension market is evolving. Replacements are becoming a more important part of the revenue stream for the sector, yet we must be mindful of the design considerations and structural loadings for each individual project, it’s a must for the sector to ensure the products installed are fully fit for purpose.’

For further information on Conserv-A-Tech visit www.conservatech.uk. For information on Prefix Systems and their Refurbish My Conservatory scheme visit www.prefixsystems.co.uk, or add to their considerable following on Twitter @prefixsystems.

The problem of how to open a front door with both hands full has been solved by the introduction of Schueco BlueCon, a breakthrough new product from building envelope specialist, Schueco UK. Schueco BlueCon is an access control module that uses Bluetooth wireless technology to enable a Smartphone to communicate directly with the door, causing the latter to open at the approach of an authorised user. With Schueco BlueCon in place, a Smartphone app (downloadable from Android or iOS) will activate the door lock as soon as the user comes within 4 metres of the door, enabling him/her to enter the building without having to employ a key or even touch the handle. The convenience of this in everyday life – for example when a person is laden down with shopping – means Schueco UK expects BlueCon to prove very popular with end-users.

Schueco BlueCon consists of a small hardware module integrated directly into the door rebate (vent frame or outer frame), which connects to the cable of an electric door lock, activating it on demand. The module is not visible when the door is closed. Suitable for both Schueco ADS and ADS SimplySmart profiles, the BlueCon module – which employs a simple plug-and-play connection – may also be easily retrofitted to any door with an electric locking system. In addition to keyless operation, BlueCon can be set for manual activation (through swiping a key on the Smartphone) and can be programmed with a variety of additional access authorisations to enable entry by children, cleaners and similar users. These may be set up in a number of ways ie on a permanent basis (no time or date limit) or on a reoccurring basis (fixed, recurrent time periods) or on a one-off, fixed-time period. An integral log function records every action of the BlueCon module, providing full details of date, time and personal identity of the user. If desired, the module can also be activated using an Apple i-watch loaded with the Schueco BlueCon app.  

Finally, system security is absolutely assured: the digital keys are renewed every 24 hours and if the Smartphone is lost, unauthorised access can be prevented by changing the user account password in the app or resetting the module to factory settings.

The post New app-based product from Schueco UK enables hands-free operation of front doors appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

Chris Hornby and Mark Atkinson

As the city of Hull nears the end of an ‘extraordinary year’ as ‘UK City of Culture 2017’, Hurst Plastics has unveiled a unique composite entrance door that pays tribute to one of the most prominent landmarks of the company’s home city.

Manufactured at Hurst Plastics’ dedicated factory in Hull, the door features a spectacular image of the Humber Bridge from local photographer Wendy Rowe, who lives in Hessle. The iconic 2,220m long suspension bridge, which was given Grade I listed building status in July, was chosen by Hurst as a fitting subject for the door because it captures the heart of Hull as a thriving city port and vibrant cultural destination. The bridge also inspired the name for the one-off door – the Humber door.

The door was presented to Hull based installer Yorkshire Windows and Doors, which has been a customer of Hurst Plastics for 20 years. The company will display the door in its showroom in Sutton Fields before handing it over to local charity Dove House Hospice. The hospice will auction the door at its annual Winter Ball, which takes place in November at The Country Park Inn in Hessle. The fundraising gala event hopes to raise £12,000 for the hospice.

Mark Atkinson, sales director at Hurst Plastics, presented the door to Chris Hornby from Yorkshire Windows. Mark said: “This is a really special year for Hull and we just had to produce something that marked the occasion and honoured our famous bridge. We have some clever technology that’s capable of reproducing any photograph onto glass and so the idea was borne to create a door with a dazzling image that really captures the essence of Hull. And here it is – the Humber door!

“The finished door is remarkable and we’re proud to have created a real statement piece that’s like nothing else out there. And of course, we’re delighted to donate it to Dove House Hospice and to lend our support to a fantastic local charity. We certainly hope it opens the door to a bidding frenzy at the auction!”

Chris Hornby, managing director of Yorkshire Windows and Doors, added: “It is a real privilege to be custodians of this magnificent door, which is a true celebration of Hull. I’m a Hull man and this year has been an incredibly proud year for the people of Hull as UK City of Culture. I’m very pleased that the door will also help to raise money for Dove House Hospice. I have personal experience of the hospice and it’s a wonderful place.”

The Dove House Hospice winter ball takes place on 25 November at The Country Park Inn in Hessle. For more information and to book tickets, visit www.dovehouse.org.uk/ball

www.hurst-plastics.co.uk

The post Hurst marks Hull ‘City of Culture’ recognition with ‘Humber door’ appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Wakefield based fabricator, Conservatory Outlet has released a short promotional video revealing a behind the scenes look at how the Yorkshire plant manufactures some of the most innovative high-quality windows, doors and living spaces on the market.

The first in a series of planned videos, the three-minute film shows the journey of a product from the point of order with a Conservatory Outlet retailer right through to dispatch, emphasising the craftsmanship and attention to detail that goes into every element of manufacture.

Viewers will see a glimpse of Conservatory Outlet’s ordering and design processes, as well as an insight into its quality control, customer services and transport departments. Also highlighted is the company’s commitment to invest in the latest technology such as its state-of-the-art cutting centre and its most recent purchase – the SV800 machine that removes weld sprue for a superior finish.

The video was filmed on-site in the working factory, with staff carrying out their daily roles, and also includes footage of real installations from around the UK delivered by its Network of retail partners.

Conservatory Outlet has planned further videos to be created in the coming months including, “Being part of the Conservatory Outlet Network”, and a sequel for the manufacturing process video which will enable each retail partner the exclusive opportunity to show off their own services, showrooms and installations locally.

Tom Oliver, Managing Director at James Oliver Conservatories (part of the Conservatory Outlet Network of retailers), said “This latest video is a powerful tool for us to be able to show our customers exactly where their products will come from. This is a real asset for us in the selling process, which alongside our exceptional product guarantee highlights the quality products and service we have on offer.

“We have just finished filming for our own showroom video which will follow on from this, showcasing the James Oliver brand locally, we can’t wait to see the end cut”

Conservatory Outlet Managing Director Mick Giscombe added “Being ‘made in the UK’ is an important product feature for many homeowners looking to invest in home improvements. Customers like to know where they are buying from and that they can trust the source.  Our products are only available through one of our 24 approved retail partners, simply because they’re as passionate about delivering an excellent service as we are.

We manufacture to exceptional standards and we’re extremely proud of the care and attention to detail that goes into our products, it’s great that we can now share this for all to see.”

Picture above: Ian Short and his dance partner Olivia Choi.

Integral blinds manufacturer Morley Glass & Glazing’s managing director Ian Short has been crowned the winner in the Variety’s Strictly Ballroom competition and raised more than £10,000 for the children’s charity.

Ian was one of 10 amateur dancers and their professional dance partners who trained for three months before competing in front of a star-studded judging panel, featuring the X Factor’s Ray Quinn, choreographer Ian Banham and professional dancer Jemma Girling. The charity event, which was hosted by TV presenter Gethin Jones, raised a total of £39,500, which is enough to buy a new Sunshine Coach.

Commenting on his achievement, Ian said: “This has been a life changing experience; I’ve lost 4 stone in weight, stopped smoking, and helped to raise more than £10,000 for a fabulous cause. It’s been completely humbling and I am so grateful to everyone who sponsored and supported me and my dance partner Olivia Choi from the North Leeds Dance Academy. We were absolutely thrilled to win both the judges’ and audience trophies.”

Ian and Olivia danced the samba and have already committed to entering more dance competitions and will “keeeep dancing”.

Variety provides practical, tangible help to children in the UK coping with sickness, disability or disadvantage.

To sponsor Ian visit https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ian-short5.