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Midland fabricator Frame Fast, hosted a training session for Equinox solid roofs as part of its customer support package Frame Fast 4 Fitters. “The session was a hands-on opportunity for customers to see Equinox up close and learn how easy it is to install,” says Nigel Leivers, Director for Frame Fast.

Sixteen people attended the session which started with hot breakfast rolls. The group went onto the build floor in Roof Fast, Frame Fast’s roof department, where a full-sized Equinox roof was partially built to show the different stages. Experts from Roof Fast and Eurocell demonstrated the installation of the roof and customers had the opportunity to get involved.

Starting with the frame and the pre-cut insulation, the roof was built up in front of the audience. Eaves trays were added, and sarking felt attached before the lightweight tiles were fitted. The simple system is claimed to be perfect for both refurbishment of old conservatories and new build extensions. Equinox offer the options of the Metro tile and the Tapco slate tile with a variation of colour choices. They can be installed on any style of conservatory roof and Velux roof lights can also be added.

The information was well-received. After the event Amber Dewis from Ben Sherriff Construction Ltd told us: “We like to offer customers the most up to date products. With the Equinox system we will be able to offer our customers a conservatory that they will be able to use the all year round.”

Nigel adds: “We are really happy with the feedback from customers. It’s been a very successful morning and we will be running further sessions on a series of subjects in the coming months as part of the Frame Fast 4 Fitters support.”

www.framefastuk.com

Hurst Plastics has stolen another march in the industry with a major investment into a fleet of new delivery vehicles.

The leading door panel and composite door manufacturer has purchased 15 brand new eco-friendly Mercedes-Benz Sprinter vans as part of an ambitious £500,000 investment programme into company vehicles. The move, which swiftly follows the company’s investment into new vehicles for its national sales team, will help Hurst Plastics to further improve operational efficiency and enhance customer service.

Mark Atkinson, Hurst Plastics’ Sales Director, explains: “As part of our continuous development programme, we have made a number of investments across the board to help us achieve growth and maintain our industry-leading standards of customer service. This is a significant venture for Hurst Plastics and one which is fundamental to the service we offer our customers.

“We are incredibly proud to deliver more than 99% of our doors on our own fleet. This record surpasses the industry norm and gives us far greater control over our lead times. By being transparent in all aspects of our supply chain, we are able to maximise efficiency, whilst minimising delays and this makes a valuable contribution to how effectively our customers can run their businesses.”

The Hurst Plastics fleet delivers throughout the whole of the UK and consistently maintains an on-time in-full record of above 98.5%.

Jon Brake, Hurst Plastics’ Transport Manager, adds: “As part of our strict environmental policy, we opted for eco-friendly vehicles which are designed to meet Euro 6 emissions. Euro 6 is the most stringent emissions standard, which aims to eliminate most of the exhaust pollutants that have an impact on air quality. Despite taking on more sizeable contracts, we’ve also continued to streamline all deliveries to reduce fuel consumption.

“We deliver up to 7,500 door panels and 1500 composite doors a month and each of our vehicles notches up around 100,000 miles a year. It’s important therefore to optimise speed, accuracy and efficiency and reduce our impact on the environment. We’ve operated our own fleet for some years and have established a solid reputation for reliability and we’re delighted to be visibly investing in the resources to help us consistently provide outstanding service levels for customers.”

Each vehicle in the fleet is equipped with Hurst Plastics’ sophisticated fleXipod electronic proof of delivery system, which provides Hurst’s customers with accurate, real time information on their scheduled deliveries. Hurst was one of the first companies in the industry to adopt this system which uses the latest GPS tracking technology to pinpoint the exact location of a Hurst delivery vehicle at any time.

Hurst’s fleXipod system seamlessly integrates with the company’s Hurst Live package – a complete solution which provides customers with essential, live information on every single order they place. Hurst Live’s intelligent technology enables customers to easily chart the real-time status of their order from order processing through to manufacture and onto delivery. In conjunction with fleXipod, it captures essential delivery recipient information, including a signature for proof of delivery.

www.hurst-plastics.co.uk 

When market opportunities arise it sometimes takes a while for the new product, service or sector to gain momentum. Timber replica PVC-U windows targeted at the Heritage sector is gathering pace now, but there are some fabricators and installers that are still holding back. That’s why Deceuninck is pleased to announce it’s over and above support in this sector.

“We launched our comprehensive Heritage Window Collection at the beginning of the year and as we’ve reported recently, demand for the product has exceeded our expectations,” explains Rob McGlennon of Deceuninck. “The reason for this success is in part thanks to the fact we have designed and manufactured a unique and innovative product, but it’s also thanks to the tangible support we have offered customers alongside.

“Our approach is built on relationships – building honest and open relationships with our customers to make sure we’re giving them what they need to succeed. We don’t make the sale and walk away – we offer ongoing support to help customers understand and maximise on the opportunities in the Heritage sector.

“Our dedicated sales team remain active with our existing customers long after they have become customers. We see this as part of the customer/supplier relationship. Our sales and marketing departments spend time with customers to find out what support they need to achieve their business growth targets and in what ways we can help. We offer a vast resource of experience and expertise that can be used by our network of fabricators and their installer customers. It’s something we intend to build on further too.”

Here’s what Natalie Witczak, Senior Business Manager at Connaught Windows and Deceuninck customer has to say: “As a market leading Systems Company we expected Deceuninck to supply us with a certain level of support but they really do go above and beyond. The marketing team has provided us with a number of different brochures which we offer to our customers for sales support, along with profile colour bar sections to support our customers on site. They have also been a great support for those customers with showrooms who want sample windows. We want the right products and great service from our suppliers but Deceuninck genuinely delivers so much more than this which in turn helps us and our customers stand out from the competition.”

Rob McGlennon concludes: “With more added benefits such as having 26 colourways of profile, ancillaries, cills and trims in stock for our customers to access within their normal delivery times and such a vast array of marketing materials available to our customers and their installer customers to achieve pull through demand for our Heritage Window Collection, on behalf of our fabricators, our customers can rest assured that the lucrative Heritage sector is completely within their grasp.”

Contact Carol Hearn on 01249 816969to find out more.

Emplas, Managing Director, Ryan Johnson is taking on the Great North Run for cancer support charity, Macmillan.

The largest half marathon in the world, the Great North run, covers a tough 13.1 miles from Newcastle to South Shields.

Ryan is running for Macmillan in memory of his late Nan, Jean Handy, who received support and palliative care from Macmillan nurses and the Cynthia Spencer Hospice in Kettering.

Ryan’sNan, JeanHandy

Ryan said: “My Nan, Jean, was loved by everyone who knew her and she’s missed by all of her family and friends. Saying goodbye was very difficult for everyone.

“We were able to draw some comfort from the exceptional care that she received during Jean’s final days from the Cynthia Spencer Hospice, Age UK and the Macmillan nurses, who cared for her, allowing Jean to pass away in comfort and with dignity in her own home.

“This wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Macmillan, which is why I’m doing the run and asking anyone who can, to donate to my justgiving page. It doesn’t matter how much or how little. Every penny counts.”

To donate to Ryan’s justgiving page please visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ryan-johnson12 or go direct to justgiving and search for Ryan Johnson.

Residor most secure GRP door…Free in July!

To celebrate the launch of the new, enhanced Residor range, Residor is offering a special promotion throughout July.

Gareth Busson, head of sales and marketing at Solidor, said: “We can’t control the weather, but we can brighten your summer with our risk-free offer: buy 10 standard-colour Residors over five orders, and get one free!”

With a 3.6mm GRP skin, PAS 24:2016 and the Ultion 3* cylinder as standard, Residor says it is the most secure GRP composite door on the market. Now, it’s available in any RAL colour, with new, additional frame colours, door styles and glass designs.

Gareth added: “It’s a fantastic package and a fantastic offer that installers need to try and there are no hidden costs. Residor is competitively priced so getting a free door is a great bonus. With more choice and unbeatable performance, there’s nothing to lose – and a lot to gain!”

To find out more, call 0808 252 3733 or tweet @ResidorDoors using the hashtag #MostSecureGRPDoor.

www.residor.co.uk

The post The most secure GRP door…Free in July! appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Graham Hurrell has joined Wicona as Director of Specification Sales, bringing more than 30 years’ industry experience. Primarily responsible for increasing WICONA’s visibility as a high-specification, architectural product brand, Graham will be working across WICONA’s core markets to develop engineered solutions, and further elevate the brand’s presence in its sector.

With WICONA renowned for delivering technically complex, high-end bespoke solutions, part of Graham’s role is to oversee consistency of quality across the board by ensuring that product testing, accreditation standards and resourcing are perfectly aligned.

Graham first started working for the Sapa Group in 1998 and progressed to Director of Specification Sales for Sapa Building System UK, followed by a three-year assignment on international business development. After a short period away from Sapa, Graham is thrilled to return to the Group.

Speaking of his appointment, Graham said: “I am passionate about Sapa as an organisation, which is largely down to the respect I hold for both the business model and products themselves, and the people I work alongside. Although much of my career has developed within the group, I am taking a fresh approach to this new challenge at WICONA, with the backup of insight and familiarity.”

Graham lives in Suffolk, close to the Essex border, and will be dividing his working hours between WICONA’s offices in London, Wakefield and Tewkesbury.

When Graham isn’t spending time with his wife and grown up children, he can be found catching up with the latest in motorsport, or discovering new places through international travel.

To get in touch with Graham with a view to working together, please contact him on 07387 108400 or at graham.hurrell@sapagroup.com.

For the eighth year in a row, Thermoseal Group is sponsoring the glass and glazing industry’s G17 Awards Champagne reception at the London Hilton on Park Lane, on 17 November 2017.

The Thermoseal Group’s managing director, Gwain Paterson, said: “The G-Awards is the highlight in the industry’s calendar which we are always delighted to open by starting the Champagne flowing with many of our customers and friends in the industry.

“It has been another busy year here at Thermoseal Group adding to our warm edge product portfolio, increasing our production capacity and enhancing our Technical Centre. In addition, we have recently purchased the DecraLed stock and assets from North Western Lead and expanded our decorative portfolio. We have also received a range of accolades including the the latest ‘G-Awards Component Supplier of the Year’, ‘Amazon’s Growing Business Award for Export’ and ‘The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade’, amongst others.

“We’d like to wish all of those entering the G17-Awards all the best in their applications and we look forward to raising a glass with you on the evening.”

The G-Awards sees some of the biggest names in the glass and glazing industry meet to celebrate the achievements of the industry.

www.thermosealgroup.com

The post Pop your cork with Thermoseal at G17 appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

With increasing demand for 60mm curtain wall systems, architectural aluminium systems specialist Sapa has launched the Technal MY Curtain Walling System. Offering real architectural versatility, this new facade range will allow architects, specifiers and fabricators to create curtain walls with larger glass spans than ever before – achieving a glazed surface area of up to 12m².

Larger dimensions than ever before

Capable of incorporating wider and taller panes of glass than current 50mm aluminium systems, the MY curtain walling system provides a 62mm wall structure allowing for maximised glazed surfaces of up to 12m², weighing up to 680kg. A larger glazing pocket gives increased glass edge clearance to accommodate building movements that can be expected on larger projects.

Suited to a range of applications

Ideal for new build or refurbishment curtain wall applications that architecturally command maximum natural light and slim sight lines, the new MY is suitable many types of projects.

For large glass facades such as those on out-of-town retail developments, schools and university applications or curtain walls for tall office or residential buildings, where building movement is an issue, MY offers a whole new level of design and technical capability.

Creative, versatile aesthetics

Architecturally interesting facades can be created using different external effects, frame asymmetry as well as facetted constructions. In addition to the wide range of finishes and colours available, design options include flat pressure plate caps, which provide a smooth appearance – a good alternative to structural glazing using standard glass units.

The MY aluminium curtain walling can be combined with Technal’s PY 55 Door, STII Door and FY 65 Window for a complete façade solution.

Commenting on the launch of the new MY system, Technal’s National Sales Manager, Allan Barr said: “We have introduced the MY as a new aluminium curtain wall range in addition to the popular existing MX curtain wall system. The MY packages many features that are available from our current curtain walling offer in one flexible yet fully integrated system.

“What we were finding was that customers were wanting to stretch the capabilities of the 50mm systems. The profile strength in the new range can avoid the need for secondary supportive steel structures whilst delivering those all-important uninterrupted views.”

Passive House performances achievable

MY curtain wall meets energy consumption reduction requirements and in the high insulation version, the system offers Passive House performances with U values as low as Ucw = 0.61 W/m2k.

Engineered for simple, fast assembly and installation

Engineered intelligently to reduce waste and maximise cost efficiency, MY is an optimised solution with fewer profiles, a simple tooling system and is available as 7m bar lengths for larger spans.

Cleverly designed for simple, fast assembly and installation, the MY uses specialist designed profiles where the mullion and transom can be the same and yet combine the proven weather performance capability of over-lapping connections including a patented connection block. Load carrying capability is achieved with a simple yet strong joint system called PIN, which reduces factory and installation times yet delivers the very large weight carrying capabilities.

Find out more about the new MY curtain walling system at www.technal.com/en/uk/Products/Curtain-Walling/my62/

Cornwall Glass has announced the appointment of Adam Shaylor as Sales Manager of its newly acquired architectural glass business.

Cornwall Glass completed the purchase of Hayes-based multi-laminate specialist, LW Architectural Glass at the end of March, now operating as Cornwall Architectural Glass – London.

Adam who has held previous senior sales roles within the glass industry with Nicholls & Clarke and  Glassolutions / Saint-Gobain, culminating in a role as Head of Strategic Sales, said Cornwall Architectural Glass – London, brings a unique set of specialisms to market.

“Our business is manufacturing architectural, laminated & toughened glass. By not having a laminate cutting table, it means every piece of glass produced is unique. This bespoke offer means that we’re ideally placed to serve the architectural glass market”, he said.

Adam continued: “The opportunity to build this specific business type from the ground up, doesn’t come along very often. Cornwall Glass has an incredible culture and I’m delighted but also very excited to be part of the team. Our potential is huge due the to the capability, expertise, service and product offering. It’s a really strong combination with massive potential”

Cornwall Glass Director, Mark Mitchell, said: “Adam brings a vast amount of experience, expertise and technical understanding to our team. That understanding will be vital in communicating what is a highly specialised offer to a market with huge growth potential going forward.”

For more information on Cornwall Architectural Glass – London, please call 0208 573 7332 or email London@cornwallglass.co.uk

The British Woodworking Federation’s Joinery State of Trade Survey Q2 2017 has indicated that although rising raw materials costs and labour availability are exerting pressure on joinery manufacturers, the industry is optimistic over sales figures and product investment opportunities.

BWF Policy and Communications Executive Matt Mahony commented on the state of the joinery industry:

“With optimism over sales volumes and with order books holding up well, our survey paints a picture of an industry working hard to protect its margins against significant cost rises.

“It has been a theme of recent months that the joinery industry is having to think on its feet and diversify its offering. We know from the Q2 survey that investment in product improvement has been rising, and anecdotal evidence suggests that companies are taking on more of the burden of design and specification on account of knowledge gaps within the supply chain.

“Broader construction industry information supports our findings. The Construction Products Association (CPA) has reported that UK construction product manufacturers are experiencing continued growth in activity but high input costs and uncertainty have dampened expectations for the near future. Our story is more positive. After a mixed start to 2017 for joinery, 42% of respondents noted an increase in sales from the previous quarter with almost two-thirds expecting improved sales volumes for Q3.

“There are challenges out there. Labour availability remains a factor with skills shortages within the sector contributing to increased wage bills. In addition to this almost all BWF members noted that raw material costs are now a significant inflationary factor for unit costs.

“Joiners, not least BWF members, are natural problem solvers both on site and off and we will be working hard with members to ensure that they are capable of addressing these challenges.”

Key points from the BWF Joinery State of Trade Survey Q2 2017 include:

• A balance of 42% of respondents reported an increase in sales volumes over the last quarter, with 52% reporting an increase over the last year. This corresponds with the 14% of respondents reporting a quarterly increase in the previous survey.
• Manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter, with a balance of 61% predicting an increase for Q3 2017 and a balance of 60% predicting an increase over the next year.
•  42% of companies reported a current order book of future work extending beyond 3 months – up 13% from the previous quarter – with 41% saying that their order book extended from between 1 and 3 months.
•  ‘Labour Availability’ was listed as the most likely constraint on output by 27% of respondents. ‘Demand’ and ‘Capacity’ came next, with 25% and 20% of respondents feeling that they were most likely to constrain output.
• 38% of respondents on balance reported increasing their labour force in the last year, with 50% of respondents anticipating an increased labour force over the next year.
• Raw material costs were noted as an inflationary factor for unit costs for 97% of respondents, with wages & salary increases pushing up unit costs for 76% of respondents on balance.
• Exchange rates were a factor in inflating unit costs for 63% of respondents.
• Over the previous year a balance of 64% of respondents had invested in improving their products with 60% investing in their plant/equipment.
• Investment in in product improvement was set for the highest capital investment over the next year, with a balance of 70% planning to invest and with 60% set to invest in plant/equipment.

As a benefit of membership, British Woodworking Federation members can view the full BWF State of Trade Survey plus the latest economic reports produced by the Construction Products Association industry forecasting team.

www.bwf.org.uk