RAPIERSTAR GROWTH CONTINUES WITH DELIVERIES UP 12% IN LAST 12 MONTHS

Window and door fastener specialist Rapierstar has strengthened its position as the UK and Irish market leader with the number of its customer deliveries increasing by 12% during 2017, which resulted in year-on-year sales growth of 10%.

This latest growth strengthens Rapierstar’s position as the number one brand for door and window fasteners, with nearly 4 out of every 5 fabricators now choosing products from the Cheshire based company. According to David Furness, Managing Director, the increased volumes it is now supplying reflects the market’s demand for greater supply chain reliability and higher quality products that enable improved efficiency and long-term window and door performance.

David says: “We’ve been manufacturing fasteners for the window and door sector for over 25 years now, during which time we’ve seen an ever greater understanding in the market of why the choice of fasteners and supply partner directly impacts on your bottom line. That’s why we are continuously investing in developing new products, now with 1,000 fastener variants, as well as our logistics and deep stockholding, which now means we hold more than one billion screws at our bonded warehouse in Cheshire.”

Rapierstar’s technical team, based at its UK HQ near Macclesfield, works closely with systems companies, hardware manufacturers, fabricators and installers to ensure that the fastener meets the requirements of everyone in the supply chain. This includes developing bespoke fasteners to provide a secure fix for new hardware developments and assisting fabricators to create a window or door specification that exceeds testing requirements, such as PAS 24.

David adds: “Ensuring we have the right products for the market is crucially important, but the supply chain is only as strong as the weakest link. Customers need the confidence that they’ll get what they need, when they need it. That’s why we work so hard on our logistics and this is reflected in our customer delivery reliability, which is better than ever at 99.4% on time in full, error-free.”

Find out more about Rapierstar at www.rapierstar.com.

Titon’s SF Xtra Sound Attenuating Vents Help To Keep The Noise Down

Titon’s range of SF Xtra Sound Attenuator ventilators continues to go from strength to strength, with the company reporting a 50% increase in sales year on year. This can be attributed to the growing number of acoustic rated specifications throughout the UK, especially with demand for new homes resulting in more properties being built near to roads and other noisy environments.

The SF Xtra Sound Attenuator vents keep external noise levels down to more acceptable volumes, as well as provide sufficient air flow in accordance with the Building Regulations for ventilation, when used in the correct quantities.

Commenting on the popularity of the SF Xtra Sound Attenuator range, Tyson Anderson, Sales & Marketing Director at Titon, said: “These products have outstanding acoustic capabilities, which help reduce unwanted noise in a wide variety of applications, either as part of a new build or retrofit project. In fact, our SF Xtra SA vents keep sound levels down to more acceptable, habitable levels, reducing noise pollution – which can just as harmful to occupants’ health as unwanted airborne particles.”

Suitable for domestic and commercial installations, in certain situations the SF Xtra Sound Attenuator can be retrofitted over Titon’s standard 13mm slot. A high performance gasket on the ventilator improves the sealing in adverse conditions, while the vent can also be mounted to deflect air upwards or downwards. Plus, a number of special paint finishes are also available.

Tyson continued: “Our SF Xtra range is also capable of of providing higher rates of air flow at shorter ventilator lengths. As a result, not only can products be fitted across a wide choice of applications, there are some instances when fewer ventilators are required. This ensures the levels of total background ventilation stipulated in the Building Regulations are met, while the level of noise entering a property remains at a minimum.”

The SF Xtra Sound Attenuator ventilator is part of Titon’s SF Xtra range – and is already being widely specified throughout the UK by housebuilders and developers. Using the SF Xtra ventilator and canopy as its base products, the SF Xtra Sound Attenuator, as its name suggests, offers much-improved levels of sound attenuation, especially when compared to similar ‘acoustic’ products. This is supported by accurate data from an independent UK acoustic test house, with full details available from Titon upon request.

It is also important to note that a ventilator-canopy combination does not provide the same level of ventilation as a standard non-attenuating vent when it has been fitted with sound deadening material; therefore, more sound attenuating vents are needed than standard ones, in order to achieve the same total background ventilation figure in a building. Again, Titon can provide advice on this often misunderstood subject and help prevent incorrect specification.

For more information about Titon and its comprehensive range of window & door hardware, please visit: www.titon.co.uk

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EXTENSION OF THE EUROGLAS POLSKA GLASSWORKS OFICIALLY COMMENCED

On 14 March 2018 in Ujazd, Poland, a ceremony was held to place a cornerstone for the construction of the second float glass production line at the Euroglas Polska sp. z o.o. glass factory.

The start of production on the new line is planned for the first quarter of 2019.

The ceremony was attended by, inter alia, representatives of the glass factory Euroglas Polska, the Swiss holding Glas Trösch, Press Glass and local authorities.

As stressed by Euroglas Polska “The investment is a response to the continuously growing demand for such glass. The production on the new line, similarly to the production on the existing one, will be carried out with the use of the state-of-the-art technologies, with special focus on environmental protection”.

During the ceremony, a speech was delivered by Arkadiusz Muś – Chairman of the Board of Press Glass SA which is a shareholder of Euroglas Polska. During his appearance he presented the event from his own perspective.

“We are witnessing an event – and I am not afraid to say it – that is an epochal event, both for Poland and for Europe. Due to the fact that today in Ujazd we begin the construction of the second float glass production line, in a year and a half this place will become the largest float glass production centre in Europe. This is all possible thanks to the great success of the first joint investment of Glas Trösch and Press Glass, started about ten years ago.”

Arkadiusz Muś further stressed that such projects are the effect of long-term development strategy pursued by many entrepreneurs over the last decades.

“Our today’s success is not just the result of the last two years like many try to convince us now. This is the result of many years, a liberal economic policy, open Europe and primarily Polish and foreign entrepreneurs consistently investing for almost thirty years. It is thanks to them that such innovative, modern facilities like Euroglass that create valuable workplaces can be established in Poland.”

Euroglas Polska sp. z o.o. now operates one float line in Ujazd and manufactures coated glass with the magnetron method. The Swiss family holding Glas Trösch is the majority shareholder of Euroglas Polska sp. z o.o.

www.pressglass.com

Glass Appreciation – An Introduction To Glass

 Glass specialists, Glass Technology Services Ltd, are delivering another one-day introduction to glass course in Sheffield, UK, on 24 April 2018 following popular demand.

This one-day course introduces delegates to glass manufacture and processing, glass properties, environmental, recycling and quality considerations and includes hands-on practical sessions on melting and the inspection of glass items.

The course is delivered in an informative, interactive, format by leading specialists in their respective fields. Key topics from manufacture, processing and fundamental chemistry to glass properties, defects and failure are covered in an accessible format – making this an ideal introduction for anyone working in glass or dealing with glass products or issues.

Places are strictly limited in order to encourage an informal atmosphere, increased levels of interaction and participation and enable hands-on practical sessions. This format allows the sessions to cover issues specific to delegates’ own work scenarios and experiences and enable full question and answers for the benefit of all attendees.

For further information, or to book, please visit the British Glass website:

www.britglass.org.uk/glass-appreciation-2

In-house and bespoke courses on glass topics are available for individual organisations and associations from Glass Technology Services Ltd, but these regular glass appreciation courses are being arranged and coordinated by British Glass on behalf of their members and the wider glass supply chain.

Glass Technology Services Ltd (GTS) provides analysis, consultancy, testing and research and development support to all parts of the glass supply chain – from raw materials to the end consumer. GTS prides itself on its confidentiality and independence and is accredited to ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 standards.

For more information please visit www.glass-ts.com, email enquiries@glass-ts.com, telephone +44 (0) 114 290 1801

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EUROCELL SHORTLISTED FOR PRESTIGIOUS RECYCLING AWARD

Eurocell, the UK’s leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of window, door, conservatory and plastic building products; has been shortlisted in this year’s National Recycling Awards in the Manufacturer of the Year category. The awards, held in association with specialist magazine Materials Recycling World, celebrate best practice and innovation in the UK waste and resource management industry.

Commenting on the news that the company had been shortlisted, Chris Coxon, Head of Marketing, said: “We are delighted to make the shortlist in what is probably one of the most competitive and demanding categories in the awards. We felt our entry really highlighted the achievements we have made to date in making recycling central to everything we do. It also captured our determination to continue making progress across the board with significant investment in place to do that”.

Winners of this year’s National Recycling Awards will be announced at an event to be held at the London Hilton on Park Lane on Thursday 28th June.

www.eurocell.co.uk

First Speakers Announced For Glazing Summit

Image Above: David Leng, CEO of Customade Group

The first line-up of speakers have been announced for the Glazing Summit, the major industry conference organised by Purplex Marketing and Insight Data.

A line-up of industry speakers and panellists include David Leng, CEO of Customade Group, Sean Parnaby of West Port Windows – part of VKR, Europe’s largest window manufacturer – Samantha Nuckey, MD of leading hardware supplier Window Ware, and Business Micro’s MD Graeme Bailey.

Other panellists include Russell Yates, MD of AluK, Chris Alderson, MD of Edgetech, GQA Chairman Mike Morris, Jade Greenhow from Insight Data and Paul Atkinson, Director of Yale hardware.

Another panellist, Andy Jones – Group Sales & Marketing Director at Synseal – commented; “The industry is evolving fast and it’s important to keep your finger on the pulse. This is a must-attend event for senior management involved in the fenestration industry.”

Several entrepreneurs who have built, acquired or sold high growth window companies will also be speaking, including Hayden Rushton, Managing Director of Britannia Windows and a serial investor, who has acquired a string of window companies including Launa, AGS and Crown.

The Glazing Summit takes place on 22nd May near Birmingham and almost 300 business owners and directors from across the UK and Ireland have already booked tickets. The day provides decision makers with the opportunity to network with peers, meet suppliers and the media, and includes refreshments and lunch.

For more information visit www.glazingsummit.co.uk, call 01934 808292 or email hello@glazingsummit.co.uk

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CROWN DOORS & SHUTTERS CHOOSES EXLABESA FOR ICONIC RIVER TEES PROJECT

Crown Doors & Shutters has just completed the installation of curtain walling, windows and thermal door systems as part of the refurbishment and extension of the main Harbour Master’s office on the River Tees. Andrew Mersh from Crown said: “The office stands on one side of the iconic transporter bridge on the river Tees, which made this a particularly high profile project to be involved in.”

Crown Doors & Shutters won the contract thanks to their longstanding relationship with the project’s main contractor, Esh Construction. Crown chose to use Exlabesa products for the installation because the aluminium systems consistently deliver what is needed. Andrew commented: “We have been working with Exlabesa since 2012 and have gone from strength to strength using its systems. It has the same systems as the high end suppliers and they achieve the same outcome but are very competitive.”

Crown used Exlabesa’s ECW50 curtain walling system, KC75 window system and KTS thermal door on the project. All three offer the combination of benefits for which Exlabesa products are known: exceptional quality, stunning aesthetics, an impressive ability to meet and exceed standards for thermal efficiency, weather resistance and security all wrapped up in a system that is simple and cost-effective to manufacture and install.

Crown Doors & Shutters offers a complete range of aluminium windows, curtain walling, doors, shop fronts, security shutters, steel doors and windows, fire screens, windows and doors all of which are manufactured using state-of-the-art machinery at its in-house facility in Washington, Tyne and Wear. It has clients throughout the UK and Ireland and works in most sectors thanks to its strong and committed team that is able to provide high quality turnkey projects supported with a full back up and technical service.

The Harbour Master building is a high profile demonstration of Crown Doors & Shutters’ ability to deliver a high quality project. It’s also a high profile demonstration of the high quality that Exlabesa’s products deliver.

www.exlabesa.co.uk

SWISH OFFERS THE POWERFUL CONSUMER RECOGNITION YOU NEED

Brand recognition makes selling so much easier and in Swish you have a brand that’s recognised by 7 out of 10 consumers. Gerald Allen of Swish said: “We know from customer feedback that Swish brand recognition is a powerful differentiator that adds real value. Of course, it helps that the brand recognition is backed up with a tried and tested product that’s more than proved itself in the market place.”

As Gerald says, the Swish 24/7 system delivers an outstanding product. In short, it’s a system that offers everything customers are looking for. It offers versatility with casement, tilt and turn, bow, bay, arched and cottage windows all possibilities. Each window is available in a range of 28 colours, tapping into the growing trend for colour. All options offer exceptional thermal efficiency, achieving the best A++ ratings. And all options deliver the security homeowners are looking for: Swish windows have been approved by the Secured by Design scheme, the official UK Police flagship initiative that supports and promotes the principles of crime prevention through secure design and engineering.

The system also delivers benefits to fabricators and installers including the widest range of ancillaries in the industry including baypoles, couplers, cills, add-ons and trims so projects can be fitted perfectly with no compromise.

Alongside the product quality, Swish partners also benefit from Swish support. A cornerstone of this support is Excellence as Standard, the membership programme that over 75 Swish installers have already signed up to. The programme is designed to drive quality at every level of the industry and delivers benefits including qualified leads, EAS branded and bespoke marketing materials, discounted Level 2 and 3 NVQ training courses, plus access to video training, webinars and events via the Excellence Academy.

Gerald concludes: “Swish offers a great headline benefit in the power of the consumer brand. But it’s so much more than that too – which is why it’s a name that’s been around for over 40 years.”

www.swishwindows.co.uk

 

Take Control With Teal Products’ New Multi-Purpose Window Control System

Specialist distributor Teal Products has once again strengthened its range of window controls, openers and actuators. Taking window automation to the next level, the Gloucestershire-firm has introduced a brand-new, highly-versatile window control system.

Combining an intelligent weather station and intuitive control panel, the new EVC control system works with Teal’s full range of chain actuators to automatically open and close windows and rooflights. When triggered, the weather station’s rain, wind and temperature sensors will automatically operate the actuator.

Designed for both residential and commercial applications, the system allows end users to manually override the sensors or set their own internal temperature limit using the digital display panel, or the optional wireless remote control.

“We’re thrilled to add the intelligent EVC control system to our industry-leading line-up, allowing even complete novices to break into the window control market, increase the value of their installations and reach new business,” comments Teal Products Director, Sam Yiend. “The new system works in partnership with the likes of our new Micro Evo chain actuator and has been designed to create an automation package that’s incredibly easy to setup and install.”

“Not only does the system use wireless technology to communicate between the weather station and digital display – minimising the need to work with electrics, the system comes with our 17+ years of industry knowledge and our full technical support – including our bespoke one-page instructions. We know many traditional installers have trepidations about this profitable part of the market, so we can even offer full product training if necessary to show tradespeople just how easy it truly is.”

The new EVC control system completes a hat-trick of additions to Teal’s product line this year alone. Along with the Micro Evo chain actuator from Mingardi, the firm has also added WindowMaster’s new WMD 820 folding arm actuator. Launched in January, the WMD 820 is designed for side-hung windows and doors, providing a complete 90-degree opening in just 60 seconds.

For more information visit www.tealproducts.com or call + 44 (0) 1242 620318.

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Inagas Is Back At China Glass

As one of the fenestration industry’s leading supplier of gas filling and testing solutions to not only the UK market, but to manufacturers across the globe, it’s fitting that Inagas has a presence at the imminent International trade show, China Glass.  In its 29th year, this year’s exhibition takes place on 19th – 22nd April and Inagas will be showcasing the very latest in gas filling technology.

“We are a regular exhibitor at China Glass – with this being our seventh consecutive year – as it always proves to be an excellent platform for us from which to showcase our offering,” explains Chris Kemp, Director at Inagas.  “Last year the show attracted almost 33,000 visitors from 71 different countries, so it really is a great place to be.  This year we will have machinery on two different stands.  From the Qinhuangdao Lihai Tech. Dev. Co. Ltd stand, E6-166, we will be exhibiting a Smartfill-1.  We will also be with a new partner in China, Boza Automation on stand E5-176, where we will be demonstrating the Smartspeed-1.

“The Smartfill and Smartspeed are fantastic examples of how we have developed and extended our offering over the years to meet the needs of the current marketplace.  Visitors to the show can take advantage of our experience in the field, experience that spans over quarter of a century, while being able to see first-hand the most recent advances in offline gas filling, which, based on previous years at the show, we know will be well received.”

Inagas’ product will be demonstrated from stands E6-166 and E5-176 at China Glass, Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC) from 19th – 22nd April 2018.

For more information about the range of gas filling solutions from Inagas, visit www.inagas.com or call 01442 832764.

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