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Sales of Kenrick’s market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system have reached an all-time high with the West Bromwich based company reporting that it has sold 500,000 sets of the shootbolts within the last year.

The healthy growth at Kenrick coincides with a recent quarterly report from the CBI which revealed that UK manufacturers have seen strong growth in domestic orders over the previous quarter. The CBI Industrial Trends Survey reported that the volume of domestic orders rose at the fastest pace since July 2014. It also predicted that demand would continue to rise over the next quarter, driven by a combination of domestic and export orders.

Steve Jones, managing director at Kenrick, said: “Despite the uncertainty of Brexit, optimism seems to be rising among UK manufacturers, which is really encouraging. We’re delighted that the last year has been so strong for Kenrick with demand for our Excalibur shootbolt showing absolutely no signs of slowing down. This flagship product delivers high performance and greater security but it’s also competitively priced, which enables installers to pass on the cost savings to their customers.

“This peak in sales underlines that homeowners do place security and value as top priorities when choosing their windows. This is the best year yet for the Excalibur shootbolt and we expect the next 12 months to be positive too as sales continue to rise. We will be pulling out all the stops to increase production rates to stay ahead of the game in what remains a highly competitive marketplace.”

www.kenricks.co.uk

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The installation of new, advanced Hegla cutting solutions at leading glass manufacturers, Village Glass, is set to make a major impact on the architectural market. A £4 million total investment in new automation and toughening systems will create a new benchmark for the industry, and will help to further raise production standards thanks to improved efficiency, cost savings and faster product turnaround.

The state-of-the-art Hegla installation includes a sophisticated, Re-master sub plate management system, Gantry Loading System working from Automatic Concertina Racking Systems for increased glass types, Laser Marking, Optimax Float Table with Automatic X Breakout, Pro-Lam combination float/laminated cutting table and a 6m EcoLam for oversize Laminated Glass

As one of the most well known and respected manufacturers in the UK it was imperative

to the senior management team that only the highest standards of technology would be

considered for installation at Essex based, Village Glass. With Hegla being recognised for providing excellence and quality on a proven range of products, initial discussions took place in respect of the glass cutting equipment as part of this large expansion programme.

Due to an ever increasing order book, the Hegla system provides much needed, additional fully automated cutting capability and will enable Village Glass to further diversify its range of products to include larger jumbo sized units for curtain walling projects.

The technical benefits and cost saving advantages gained from the equipment were already well known to Steve Larvin, Managing Director at Village Glass.

He comments, “We had spare capacity in certain areas of the factory and were only producing 50% of our overall capacity, so it made sense to invest to improve cutting efficiency as output was continually increasing. Bottlenecks have now been removed and the whole facility is far more streamlined than ever before. Investment in cutting and toughening will allow us to supply a more diverse range to the higher end architectural sector.

Previously, loading was an issue that we had to resolve; so we have further automated our manufacturing processes, which also includes a new software program.”

This installation will assist in the redevelopment of production methods using Hegla’s latest equipment including the combination float laminated cutting technology that provides unrivalled manufacturing features. As with all Hegla projects, the machine was specifically designed to suit the needs of the company.

The machine has a comprehensive range of special Hegla options, Twin Soft Coat Edge

Deletion, Twin Float Cutting Heads, X and Y Axis Overlap PVB Trimming, Grinding and Laser Marking glass identification for toughening applications.

Laser marking capabilities provide faster, more reliable glass recognition and this broadens the scope for future industry marking requirements. Customer queries can also be resolved far more quickly and effectively with this feature.

Some unique cost-saving features perfectly suited the requirements of Village Glass, with the innovation for laminate foil trimming being supplied by Hegla. This ensures that the reference edges of the glass have no PVB overlap, which subsequently guarantees perfectly flat edges that sit better and are more aligned on the sealed unit manufacturing lines. Other modern features such as twin edge deletion.

Having one of the most modern glass processing sites in the country, producing over

4,000 m² units per week into the commercial sector, Village Glass continues to see steady and substantial growth during what many are describing as an extremely uncertain economy.

National Recognition

The company is recognised nationally for its top quality standards and high end products, having been responsible for supplying products for some of the UK’s most dynamic projects in the Capital including Regent Street, the Olympic Village and numerous London Hotels as well as prestigious projects further afield nationally.

Despite certain trepidation in relation to current political turmoil and the effects of Brexit, Steve Larvin takes an extremely positive approach to the industry moving forward. The current expansion program is part of a larger growth phase at the company which includes the redevelopment of the Village Glass Board. Alongside Steve, Gary Wilton has been appointed Operations Director, with Daniel Harrendence Sales and Technical Director.

Steve continues, “This has been a very structured investment with an improvement to quality the priority. Some of the older equipment installed here could not handle the capacity. We wanted a more automated facility with less handling.

As most IGU manufacturers cannot make units with both dimensions over 2800mm, Village Glass now has the ability to make double glazed units 3000mm x 50000mm this puts us in a unique group.

As the Hegla pedigree is recognised for its reliability and quality output – there really was no other option for us.”

The Board considers the relationship with Hegla a partnership, and one that will continue to grow, based on common beliefs of providing the highest quality as standard, which has helped to further solidify business relations.

Growing Awareness

With consumer awareness continually growing, as installers and specifiers are now required to deliver so much more in respect of high performance glasses, Village Glass has taken the progressive approach to install equipment that will meet future market demands.

Another key element in choosing the Hegla brand came from the possibilities now available in terms of product diversification. Village Glass can reap the benefits of being able to purchase all glass types in the market place and develop the product portfolio considerably with Pilkington, Guardian, Saint Gobain and AGC all substantiating the product range.

Fully understanding customers’ manufacturing requirements and developing tailored plans accordingly is the key to success for the Hegla team and its customers. It is important to prepare accurate layouts in CAD in consultation with the customer to maximize the use of the area available taking into account output and flow. The strength of Hegla is that in theory, all is possible because they manufacture all in-house, with footprints of machines which can be modified to suit the space available as long as output is not effected.

After an initial training period the Village team is now proficient on the specially tailored Hegla equipment which allows the company to cut and handle very large glass plates. Ultimately, this gives the company more control and helps to improve quality standards.

Furthermore, the warehouse management system is now vital as this controls stock levels, residual plate allocation and management statistics, therefore with the press of a button operators can obtain a printout giving them batch traceability, stock control and stock evaluation, which gives them an instant overview.

Vital Investment

As a leading company with an established reputation in the commercial sector, the technical investment in Hegla equipment was considered vital due to increasing market demands in product specification and building regulations. The level of investment was substantiated by the design, engineering and product performance of the Hegla range.

Steve Larvin concludes, “We have expanded our horizons dramatically and can reinvigorate the market. Quite simply, the equipment was chosen because of the superiority and reliability of the Hegla brand which will allow us to move forward as a company. It will give us a real edge as we look to introduce new products later this year.”

Village Glass has a proactive approach to the industry and we are quietly optimistic about the future despite what some may perceive as potentially difficult trading conditions. We feel the Hegla system is exceptional value for money and are delighted with the results so far.”

Steve Goble, Managing Director, Hegla UK comments: “Hegla Group will always do our best to provide customers with efficient, tailor-made solutions. We look forward to continuing our working relationship with Village Glass as their key target sectors expand and the corporate position strengthens further.”

The shortlists have been revealed for The FIT Show Awards and Master Fitter Challenge 2017.

FIT Show Awards

Shortlisted for the FIT Show Awards, in the Best Creative FIT 2017 Marketing Campaign category are: AluK, REAL Aluminium (Customade), Epwin Window Systems and Camden Group. While the shortlist for Most Effective Use of Social and Digital Media are: AluK, Selecta Systems, Promac Group and KAT UK.

With six categories in total, the remaining four categories are open to all companies exhibiting at the FIT Show and require no formal entry. Judged by an independent panel of judges who will be walking around the FIT Show and making decisions based upon what they see, the remaining categories are:

Best Stand Design Under 80m2
Best Stand Design Over 80m2
Most Creative Shell Scheme/Package Stand
Most Successful Visitor Campaign in Terms of Visitors Delivered – the winner of this category will be decided after an analysis of FIT Show visitors at the show itself.

Nickie West, event director for the FIT Show, said: “We were delighted with the amount and high quality of entries for this year’s awards. Just like everyone else we’re looking forward to the gala dinner so we can discover who the judges choose as the overall winners.”

This year’s FIT Show Awards judging panel is made up of ‘five of the exhibition industry’s best’: NEC’s B2B marketing manager, Gemma Piggott, NEC account manager, Liz Cawley, AEO and FaceTime marketing director, Jenni Jaques, exhibition news reporter, Nicola Macdonald, and exhibition consultant, Alison Jackson.

Winners will be announced at the FIT Show Gala Dinner on the evening of 24 May 2017.

Master Fitter Challenge

Six finalists have been chosen to compete for the honour of winning this year’s Master Fitter Challenge, sponsored by FENSA.

This year’s finalists are: David Keates and Jonathon Mountford of DK Windows Stoke on Trent; David Shaw and Nathan Daw, Shaw Home Improvements Wisbech; Steve Claxton and Rob Jones, The Window Company Chelmsford; Mark West and Mark Hardy representing Sherborne Windows Farnborough; Dale Harrison and Colin Stubbs, West Yorkshire Windows; and Richard Dombrowski of CG Maintenance, Newport.

Taking place during the FIT Show on the largest and most challenging Competition Pavilion yet and at the NEC for the first time ever, the six teams will go head to head to install a casement window (sponsored and supplied by Epwin Group as part of its Excellence as Standard campaign); and a residential door (sponsored and supplied by Apeer Doors).

Additionally and for the first time finalists will be asked to install a bi-folding door (sponsored and supplied by Aluk); and a roof lantern (sponsored and supplied by Atlas). In the observance of new technologies and methods competitors will also be asked to install using Trufit pre-compressed sealing tape (supplied by Edgetech in association with Glazpart).

The six teams will compete for total prize money of £10,000 in addition to trophies for each of the four disciplines and overall first, second and third places. Prize money for the winner is a cheque for £5,000.

After competing during the first two days of the FIT Show on the 23rd and 24th May, finalists will attend the FIT Show Gala Dinner on the Wednesday evening as guests of the FIT Show, at which they will learn their fate.

The Fabricator Installer Trade (FIT) Show, 23rd, 24th, 25th May 2017, Halls 6, 7, 8 The National Exhibition Centre, Birmingham.
Register now to visit at: www.livebuzzreg.co.uk/2017/fit17/

The post FIT Show Awards & Master Fitter Challenge: shortlists revealed! appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Window manufacturer, Internorm UK, is showing for the second at The FIT Show, with the objective of inviting established retail installers to join the company’s established nationwide distributor network.

Internorm manufacturers high quality windows in a range of materials including aluminium, PVC-U and aluminium/timber hybrid. Its customers are said to typically be ‘owners of high-end homes that are often architecturally designed’.

Internorm UK managing director, Andreas Simmer, explained the company’s objectives for its appearance at the FIT Show: “We have a number of key areas in our distribution network that we wish to strengthen and we know the answer will be amongst the visitors to The FIT Show,” he said. “Our products will be ideal for established retail installers that have an excellent reputation in their areas and which want to work with us, Europe’s leading manufacturer of windows and doors.”

Included in Internorm’s UK marketing is the company’s brand ambassador, TV presenter Saira Khan who will be appearing on its stand at the FIT Show. Saira, who regularly appears on the television with programmes that include ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show’, ‘the Money Programme’ and who is a regular on ‘Loose Women’, attends many of the company’s exhibitions and showroom openings throughout the UK to promote the Internorm brand to homeowners.

The company has a strong reputation for innovation and its stand will include such de-velopments as PV-powered integral blinds and integrated mechanical ventilation/heat recovery (MVHR) systems. Sun and insect protection also feature in the company’s product portfolio.

www.internorm.co.uk

The post Internorm UK at FIT appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Internorm, a family business with an 85 year pedigree and largest internationally active window brand, manufacturers high quality windows in a range of materials including aluminium, PVC-U and aluminium/timber hybrid. Its customers are typically owners of high-end homes that are often architecturally designed. Internorm UK Managing Director Andreas Simmer explained the company’s objectives for its appearance at the FIT Show: “We have a number of key areas in our distribution network that we wish to strengthen and we know the answer will be amongst the visitors to the FIT Show,” he said. “Our products will be ideal for established retail installers that have an excellent reputation in their areas and which want to work with us, Europe’s leading manufacturer of windows and doors.

Andreas continued: “In exchange for their local expertise and commitment we ensure our partners enjoy industry-leading product quality and customer service. This includes an extensive events programme to reach our potential customers throughout the UK together with other marketing support targeting homeowners that are seeking something different for their homes.”

Included in Internorm’s UK marketing is the company’s brand ambassador, TV presenter Saira Khan who will be appearing on its stand at the FIT Show. Saira, who regularly appears on the television with programmes that include ‘The Martin Lewis Money Show’, ‘the Money Programme’ and who is a regular on ‘Loose Women’, attends many of the company’s exhibitions and showroom openings throughout the UK to promote the Internorm brand to homeowners.The company has a strong reputation for innovation and its stand will include such developments as PV-powered integral blinds and integrated mechanical ventilation/heat recovery (MVHR) systems. Sun and insect protection also feature in the company’s product portfolio.

The post First FIT Show appearance for Europe’s leading window manufacturer Internorm appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

With the FIT Show 2017 taking place at the NEC, Birmingham next week (23-25 May), it’s not the only thing that is right around the corner. With the final fixtures of the Premier League football season taking place on Sunday, the FIT Show’s organisers have enlisted the help of talkSPORT to promote the trade event.

With 81 advert spots in total going out from yesterday (Monday 15 May) through to Monday 22 May, the eight day national campaign will reach 1.75 million listeners, who will each hear the advert on average 4.3 times. Of those 81 spots some will be slightly ‘up weighted’ at key times such as the breakfast show.

FIT Show chairman, Matthew Glover, explained the reason for the investment: “The talkSPORT audience shares a very similar demographic to our typical FIT Show visitor profile, with 95% of listeners being male and a high proportion are ‘in the trade’.

“We’re always keen at The FIT Show to explore new ways to target a relevant audience which traditional marketing methods don’t reach. And with it being the close of the Premier League season it only made sense we collaborate with talkSPORT as there will be a heightened audience for all the last minute excitement.”

The FIT Show adverts started yesterday (Monday 15 May). talkSPORT is widely available across the UK via DAB digital radio and 1089 or 1053 AM. You can also tune in at www.talksport.co.uk.

Register to visit The FIT Show at: www.livebuzzreg.co.uk/2017/fit17/

The post FIT Show to appear on talkSPORT appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

As an installer, is there anything more annoying than when another company uses your image for their own use without permission? All that hard work and effort, just for someone else to use your work in their name for their gains. Irritating? Damn right.

The issue of image use is one of the most fiercely talked about when the problem raises it’s head from time to time. Of course everyone wants images to use as part of their marketing to help win business. But image use has to be done fairly, with the right permissions sought, and credit given to the companies willing to lend their images out to others. Not a lot to ask, but it appears that many are still happy to go on using other people’s work and sell it under their own name.

It’s happened to us

I was sent this the other day:

Recognise the image on the left? Yes, that is our showsite glazed extension. Recently completed following massive renovations of an old white Gable PVCu conservatory. It has featured on this website as part of a poll post asking people to vote on what they think it should cost a home owner. It has also featured on our own company website.

You might be wondering why I have blanked out the company details in the advert. I will be contacting the company in the coming days to find out exactly why our showsite glazed extension is being used in their advertising. If it turns out our suppliers were asked to provide sample pictures, then I shall bear that in mind in my response to them, although if it turns out to be that permission being asked would have been nice first.

However, if it turns out to be 100% dodgy and they just copied the image from either this or our company website then we’ll be taking further action. This is our work on our property and no permissions were sought from us to use it under any other company name or for any other purpose.

This isn’t the first time our work has been copied by other companies and used under different names. There have been a string of cases over the past few years were other companies have blatantly taken images of our work and used it under their name. I have confronted them all, all have backed down, some less willingly than others.

There needs to be clarity on this issue though. On the one hand there are installers out there clearly ripping other installers off and stealing their images. On the other hand there suppliers who are naturally trying to expand their own product image portfolios, but where other customers are asking to use them for their own marketing. Is this right? And should the guidelines on such a thing be a lot clearer?

There will always be installers who will steal photos from other installers for their own use and hope they don’t get caught. There is very little we can do other than to be vigilant and keep an eye out for anything that might look familiar.

What has been on the rise however is suppliers who have been tapping into their installer base for images of their products. And quite rightly too. Harvesting of images is a typically time consuming and difficult task for fabricators as the running of their business leaves them little room to do much else. Hence they rely on their installers to provide images for their own marketing purposes.

I think most installers don’t mind providing images for fabricators to flesh out their marketing campaigns. After all, a healthy fabricator makes them more reliable for the installer. What I do think irks some is when other installers ask for access to those images from the fabricator to then be used for their own marketing. Is this pushing the permissions of image use too far? I believe this is a grey area that needs clarification.

For example, when a fabricator asks an installer for images, do they specify what they will be used for? If not, then perhaps it should be, so that the installer can decide if they want other installers to be able to access them and be used for other purposes. Should fabricators create some form of formal agreement to ensure that both parties are protected?

This is a grey area. I know in the past that installers have sent in their images to their suppliers, only for them to be lent out to other installers for them to use, without giving the original installer any credit. It’s a difficult situation. Fabricators want all installers to promote their products, but installers don’t want other installers to be claiming their work as their own in the name of getting a sale.

For me, I think suppliers should create a clearer system for installers. A formal way for installers to supply images, perhaps a two-tiered system. Option A for installers who are happy to supply images to fabricators for use in their own marketing. Option B where installers are happy for other installers to use their images if requested. Maybe fabricators could even set up a rewards system to encourage installers to use Option B, perhaps offering a discount on their products.

Either way, these are muddy water becoming even muddier, and given how powerful social media is, instances of image theft are only going to increase. Clarity is needed.

from left to right: David Firmager with son, Patrick

TruFrame has announced an ‘unprecedented’ £3.2m capital expenditure programme at its Melton Mowbray PVC-U window and door manufacturing facility, that’s part of a longer-term, ‘building for the future’ strategy.

Already one of the top five largest manufacturers of PVC-U frames in the UK, it is claimed this new investment by TruFrame across all aspects of manufacturing, will help streamline processes, bring in new production methodologies and improve its ‘already renowned manufacturing quality’ even further. As a business based on family values, there’s also said to be an element of ‘succession planning’ underpinning this significant capital investment.

The first phase of the programme, which is already well underway, has seen the installation and commissioning of three new Urban AKS 1150 single-head butt welders, which offer an impressive weld restriction of just 0.2mm for an improved finish. In addition, a new Rotox EKA 574 CNC corner, transom and crucifix cleaner has been added, which will support the two Rotox SEK 503 crucifix welders due for delivery in the summer, alongside the first brand new cutting and machining centre.

David Firmager, managing director of TruFrame, commented: “This investment programme is a fundamental part of our vision for the future at TruFrame. This substantial outlay has a number of facets to it, including the improvement of manufacturing processes, staying ahead of our peers in terms of product quality and ultimately, putting the resources in place for the future of the business.”

He continued: “We’ve also spent some time putting into place a new board of experienced directors, with just one new appointment to conclude, as part of our ‘building for the future’ strategy.”

www.truframe.co.uk

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I have recently placed all of our current staff on apprenticeships so that they can gain the correct industry recognised qualifications. During this process I have contacted local colleges so that we might speak with their students to highlight the possibility of joining our workforce. I was surprised to discover that there is no specific trade qualification for fenestration, not even a small syllabus touching on the subject. Lately, I have read many articles detailing how the UK have an aging workforce, with fewer young people aspiring to achieve a career within the construction industry, let alone the fenestration sector. Recent research by a major home builder has concluded that career advisors are not relaying the information available in regards to entering the construction industry, and the potential to undertake an apprenticeship. There seems to be even less recognition for the fenestration industry. Largely, the other aspects of house building are covered by a college recognised qualification, which means these students will likely continue along these paths into their careers, rather than diverting into a field not included in their qualification. Businesses in our industry are relied upon and expected to recruit and train the next generation; if they fail to do so, we can expect the future workforce to only have basic knowledge at their disposal.

Recently, there has been a large campaign set up by the government called ‘Get In Go Far’ which features apprentices from 12 companies. Not one of these companies are from the construction building industry, the adverts focus on mainly corporate companies with no insight into skilled labour. This type of advertising is great for changing the persona of apprenticeships, however it enforces the same mentality as our current career advisors within schools. The construction industry should be encouraging this campaign to show a broader spectrum of apprenticeships, so that there will be an equal acceptance between corporate and trade companies.Moving forward, we should be pushing for a fenestration course to be available within colleges, and careers advisors should be providing information on the possibilities available. It would be a simple task to draw up a syllabus for the course, as it has already been written by the GGF in ‘The Good Practice Guide for the Installation of Replacement Windows and Doors’. By following this guide, we would have a new generation of installers with the correct skill sets that are required for our industry to develop and thrive.

I would like to get involved with people in our industry that also see this as a growing problem, and want to make a difference by finding the right avenue to push this forward. If you have any thoughts or would like to help please contact alex@nordicinstallations.com

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