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Epwin Window Systems is marking the launch of its Excellence as Stand-ard installer scheme at The FIT Show by sponsoring this year’s Master Fitter Challenge

Epwin Window Systems is celebrating the launch of its installer support scheme being rolled out at FIT Show by throwing its weight behind the event’s Master Fitter Challenge.

The company says it is demonstrating its commitment to working more closely with in-stallers by sponsoring the competition, in which six teams compete during The FIT Show to demonstrate their prowess at fitting fenestration products in front of a live audience.

With competitors working to install a bi-folding door, a residential door, a lantern roof and windows provided by Epwin Window Systems, pressure is compounded by the lure of a £10,000 prize and even more so, the desire to be the best.

“Putting our weight behind the Master Fitter Challenge and having our windows installed was the natural thing to do as we unveil our own plans at The FIT Show to support the people in the front line,” explained Gerald Allen, Epwin Window Systems marketing manager.

“We place a great deal of emphasis on the quality of our windows and doors but actually so much depends upon the skills shown by installers. So this is our way of showing our commitment to raising standards at the sharp end. The Master Fitter Challenge is, in our view, a tremendous demonstration of the skills that can now be expected daily in our in-dustry.”

Epwin Window Systems will be launching its own highly developed Installer Scheme at the FIT Show, with full details to be announced at the event.

www.epwin.co.uk

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Mercury Glazing Supplies Limited is one of the most experienced vertical slider fabricators in the industry and its expertise means it is often called upon to manufacture windows to complex and demanding requirements. Chris Reeks, the company’s Sales and Marketing Director, explains: “It’s easy to think that creating standard rectangular vertical sliders in PVC-u is achievement enough. But vertical sliders come in all sorts of shapes and sizes and the talented people on our shop floor prove every day that PVC-u isn’t just limited to the standard shapes.”

Examples of unusual vertical slider windows that Mercury has produced in recent months includes gothic arched windows, semi-circle arched windows, sunburst astragal bar windows, double curved windows and vertical sliders that mimic casement windows.

Chris comments: “Vertical sliders are a popular choice in new build properties where the architect or developer wants to add a touch of heritage style. Having the ability to fabricate PVC-u vertical sliders in unusual shapes opens up a new world of design possibilities for them, enabling them to add further value to their developments. There are also period properties up and down the country that have non-standard vertical sliders. Our ability to manufacture windows to fit these shapes means PVC-u is a viable option for them.”

Each window is based on the Spectus vertical slider, of which Mercury is one of the UK’s biggest fabricators. The windows are available in A+ and B rated versions and can be Secured by Design accredited, two key reasons why PVC-u vertical sliders are a very attractive option when it comes to adding heritage style to new build properties or replacing original timber windows. Standard colours are white, light oak, rosewood, cream and white woodgrain and interior and exterior colours can be mixed and matched for a completely coordinated look.

Chris concludes: “These vertical sliders prove the versatility and flexibility of the range. They demonstrate how far we’ve come as an industry in recent years that we can offer such specialist windows.” Of course, they also demonstrate the expertise and experience of Mercury Glazing Supplies Limited and why it delivers consistent growth year on year.

www.mercuryglazing.co.uk

Deceuninck is delighted to be celebrating its 80th anniversary this year. One of the top PVC-U extrusion companies with operations across 75 countries, over 2 million products are made from Deceuninck profile in the UK every year.

Deceuninck’s Rob McGlennon comments: “Our long heritage lies in working closely with fabricators to develop tailored solutions to help them grow alongside delivering true innovation to the market time and time again.

“There aren’t many companies with such a long history, let alone such a successful one, but we’ve continued to fulfil our ambitious growth plans by putting both our trade and commercial customers at the heart of everything we do. We know that to help our fabricator customers grow we need to understand their needs, listen to what they want from us and do everything in our power to give them just that. We are fortunate to have the resources and skillset to make this happen. We also understand the market and watch closely for the latest trends before they hit so that we have the right offering for our customers before they even know they need it.

“The launch of our Heritage Window Collection is a good example. We knew the heritage market was going to gain momentum so we developed an outstanding range of products that will help existing or new fabricator customers to make the most of this opportunity. In addition to supplying the right products at the right time, we also develop marketing support that is over and above – marketing support that truly hits the mark and helps our customers and their installer customers, sell.

“Our partnering approach means that our customers remain loyal because they not only get quality products that allow them to get ahead of the market, they also get the ongoing support they need to grow their sales. In a market that is often focussed on new business, our customers tell us they appreciate the ongoing level of commitment we offer.

“The Deceuninck way of doing business is, we feel, unique and is why we have succeeded for 80 years. We’re looking forward to the next 80 years of working side by side with our customers to achieve further growth and continue to lead the way in innovation.”

Contact Carol Hearn at Deceuninck on 01249 816969to find out more about how Deceuninck can help your business grow.

Picture above: Lux Lite Hinged Rooflight

Over 17 years, Leicester-based ROOF Maker has quickly risen from locally-focused startup to the UK’s best, biggest, and most innovative supplier of high-grade rooflights and other natural light products. Now, bolstered by significant investment from private equity finance, the fast-growing firm is looking to advance on all fronts – including by expanding their product portfolio with the introduction of LuxLite, a best-in-class pitched roof light solution.

LuxLite is a sleek, stylishly contemporary aluminium roof light. Equally suited to tiled and slate roofing, the innovative frameless window has been specifically designed to maximise views and the intake of natural light, while offering outstanding performance across the board. LuxLite offers superb energy efficiency, capable of achieving U-values as low as 0.6W/m2k (a triple-glazed window usually achieves 0.7), and is built to last – not only incorporating toughened glass, but coming with a 20-year seal warranty. The glazed unit, spacer bar and fixings are all also concealed and protected from UV light within a neat black resin border.

“LuxLite epitomises the approach we’ve had to product design since the very beginning,” said Chief Design Officer and company founder Scott Nicholas. “It excels on all fronts – from style, to robustness, to energy efficiency. We’re delighted and proud to be able to say that, in LuxLite, we’ve produced yet another best-in-class offering, perfectly positioned to help installers capitalise on the massive opportunities that exist at the higher end of the market.”

LuxLite joins a host of other industry-leading products in Roof Maker’s extensive range. The company’s fixed flat roof lights are respected throughout the industry for their minimalist elegance and fantastic all-round performance. Triple-glazed, Argon-filled glass units offer outstanding thermal efficiency, while the low-E insulation glass itself can be delivered in subtle blue or bronze glare-reducing tints as well as clear. Roof Maker also offer chain-actuated, electric hinged opening flat roof lights, and pyramid-shaped roof lights featuring ultra-thin glazing connectors that maximise the intake of natural light.

Founded in 2001 by Scott Nicholas and Rachel Owen, Roof Maker has firmly established itself as the country’s leading supplier of premium roof light products. Last year, the firm was acquired for £30m by private equity group Next Wave Partners LLP, and is planning to significantly expand its operations in the months and years ahead.

For more information visit www.roof-maker.co.uk or call 0116 214 7112

FENSA, the government authorised self-certification scheme for window and door installers has launched the new FENSA member ID card.

Feedback from FENSA members and consumer groups revealed that both were keen for there to be a ‘more credible’ ID card. Installers wanted to demonstrate their ‘trustworthiness and reliability’, with customers wanting ‘greater peace of mind’.

Jon Vanstone, director of FENSA, said: “It is a really exciting time for FENSA and the new card marks the first of a number of initiatives and changes in 2017 that will deliver more value to members and help them have better engagement with their customers.”

Changes to the appearance of the ID card itself include a hologram to prevent rogue traders developing counterfeit cards.

Neil Coyle, Member of Parliament for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said: “I’m delighted to see the launch of the new FENSA card today, an initiative that will help installers build trust with their customers.

“FENSA membership is synonymous with high quality work and the FENSA card will soon be a visual representation of this. It is great to hear more about FENSA’s bold plans to support installers in the year ahead. FENSA plays an important role in the fenestration industry and its’ work will continue to protect the reputation of responsible installers.”

www.fensa.org.uk

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Today FENSA, the Government authorised self-certification scheme for windows and doors installers launches the new FENSA Member ID Card.

Following engagement with FENSA members and consumer groups alike, it was found that both were keen for there to be a more credible ID card. Installers wanted to demonstrate their trustworthiness and reliability, with customers wanting greater peace of mind.

Commenting, Jon Vanstone, Director of FENSA, said:

“It is a really exciting time for FENSA and the new card marks the first of a number of initiatives and changes in 2017 that will deliver more value to members and help them have better engagement with their customers.

The modern and fresh design of the new FENSA Card helps members to promote their businesses to customers up and down the country. Members are positioned more effectively, with both the FENSA and business logos on the card, increasing genuine credibility to their operation in the eyes of the customer. Added to this, the card protects members more effectively with new enhanced security features, such as a hologram, to prevent rogue traders developing counterfeit cards.

Members will be carrying the new FENSA Card which will enable customers to cross reference the details on the card on FENSA’s online database. Checking who is on your doorstep is vital particularly when dealing with vulnerable people.”

Commenting, Neil Coyle, Member of Parliament for Bermondsey and Old Southwark, said:

“I’m delighted to see the launch of the new FENSA Card today, an initiative that will help installers build trust with their customers.

FENSA membership is synonymous with high quality work and the FENSA Card will soon be a visual representation of this. It is great to hear more about FENSA’s bold plans to support installers in the year ahead. FENSA plays an important role in the fenestration industry and its’ work will continue to protect the reputation of responsible installers.”

Further important details about the new FENSA Member ID Card include:

FENSA installers/surveyors need to have achieved for their Minimum Technical Competencies (MTC) via Helix Training www.trainwithhelix.co.uk. MTC are a mandatory requirement for Installers and Surveyors working in the Glass and Glazing sector in England and Wales
The FENSA Card is valid for two years from issue. Its expiry date is separate to the renewal date of MTC compliance
If you are a current FENSA installer or surveyor, you will soon be able to apply for your card at www.fensaonline.com through your account
Upon applying, you will be required to provide your FENSA registration number and personal details including, your head shot, company logo, occupation, route to MTC (if you have not already achieved it) and National Insurance number
The new FENSA Card costs £20 + VAT
Existing FENSA MTC Cards out in the marketplace are valid up to the expiry date on the card and then superseded by the new “FENSA Card”

www.fensa.org.uk 

New from leading sustainable building envelope specialist, Schueco UK, is the Fabrication Data Center Plus, a new version of the company’s highly successful Fabrication Data Center (FDC) which was launched in the UK in 2015.

The Schueco Fabrication Data Center Plus offers all the benefits of the original FDC with the added advantage of a new 46” touchscreen in place of or in tandem with the original 27” model. This allows more information to be displayed at any one time and further enhances the usability of this technologically advanced digital fabrication aid.

Schueco UK is currently running a special sales promotion on both the FDC Plus and the original FDC. The promotion exempts new customers from paying the monthly licence fee for twelve months. This equates to an overall cost-saving of more than 30% and provides a strong incentive for Schueco’s UK Partners to invest before the offer runs out on 30 June this year.

Both versions of the Schueco Fabrication Data Center offer a unique combination of hardware and software that provides centralised digital access to SchüCal project information as well as fabrication-processing data, thus increasing efficiency and reducing risk in project delivery.

Designed for use in the workshop, the hardware consists of an ultra-compact Windows PC with W-Lan connection, a multi-touchscreen and a barcode scanner, while dedicated training is offered to gain the maximum benefits from the system.

For further information about the Schueco Fabrication Data Center Plus and how it may be obtained, please email mkinfobox@schueco.com

www.schueco.co.uk

With recent investment in state of the art manufacturing machinery, expansion of the facilities and product ranges, particularly into a complete composite door solution, it’s exciting times at Bootle based ODL Europe, the value-added building products for the home manufacturer.

Now, ahead of their presence at this year’s FIT Show this May, the company are putting some of the faces to the names behind the brand, all of whom will be present at the show and on-hand to help and advise customers on their latest product innovations.

Heading up the business is ODL Europe’s Managing Director, Mark Towers. Mark is very well known in the industry and has a vast experience covering over 30 years within building products and the home improvement manufacturing sector. Mark is a hands-on director, keeping a firm eye on quality and ensuring that ODL keeps apace of the changing consumer tastes and trends in the market. Mark has an unsurpassed knowledge within the industry and can be relied upon to give his many fabricators and installer customers an exemplary service with keen attention to every detail.

Mark’s right hand man at the office is finance manager, Steve Ellison. A familiar contact to many of the company’s customers and suppliers, Steve fulfils an essential role in ensuring that the finances of the business and its trading divisions are all tightly managed. Steve is the first point of contact for any customer matters relating to invoicing, administration and distribution of orders.

On the sales side for internal blind systems, under the Blink Blinds brand, there are two recent additions to the team, with Garry Wilson and John Evans joining the team in 2016.

Garry heads up sales in the North of England and Ireland, with John looking after blind sales in the southern regions.

Both Garry and John are highly experienced in the home building products manufacturing industry and well placed to assist their growing base of installers and fabricators up and down the country.

Outside the office, Garry is a keen and experienced mountain biker, with John being a motorcycle enthusiast, so they both appreciate getting out on the open road in the countryside at the weekends.

Late in 2016, ODL Europe launched its composite door brand, Aperture Solutions. Heading the Sales and Technical role for this division is Steve Kendal, joining the business from his previous role at Capstone.

Steve has extensive expertise on the design, technical and manufacturing aspects of the composite door product range and is well-known to many in the home improvement building products sector. Steve will be delighted to be demonstrating the full capabilities and benefits of the new door range at FIT in May.

Managing Director, Mark Towers comments, “One of the most important objectives for the business and one we see as essential, is having the right team on board. This has been a part of our longer-term strategy as we have invested heavily to develop our product ranges and technical manufacturing capabilities.

Now we are in a position of having the best of both worlds, with great facilities and the right people on board to spearhead our business growth. We very much look forward to showcasing our latest innovations at FIT in May.”

ODL Europe will be on stand D35 at the FIT Show.

If you would like more information about ODL Europe call: 0151 933 0299 or visit: www.odleurope.com