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Under the motto of ‘People. Passion. Profiles.’, profine Group and its KBE KÖMMERLING and Trocal brands will be exhibiting at Fensterbau Frontale 2018 in Nuremburg, Germany from March 21st-24th and will be the largest exhibitor at the show.

As well as further new product developments and innovations, there will also be a packed entertainment programme, including the legendary party night, that have become a cornerstone of the profine stand at Fensterbau over the years. New window profiles, sliding solutions, an aluminium suite and the first preview of the forthcoming System 76 outward opening casement and flush system for the UK will also be on display.

Colours and finishes will also form part of the stand with laminates, AluClip variants and the innovative proCoverTec finishing technology on display. The new PremiSlide window and door sliding system, with soft-close technology and enhanced sealing system will be formally launched, along with further developments to the LOCKSTAR security handle.

Dr. Peter Mrosik, owner and CEO of profine Group commented: ‘I think the range of our product solutions and services combined with an infotainment programme and the dialogue with our team, make our stand again an interesting platform for the window industry community.’

Stefan Seidel, managing director of profine UK and the KÖMMERLING brand concluded: ‘Fensterbau will be the perfect harmony of product excellence and entertainment as is our way. Visitors from the UK will see new patio door systems, hybrid windows and specially, the first preview of our new outward opening System 76 flush sash window.’

For further information on Fensterbau Frontale 2018 visit www.frontale.de. For KÖMMERLING information, including System 76, on becoming a manufacturing partner, approved installer or as a building specifier, call 01543 444900, e-mail enquiries@profine-group.com or visit www.kommerling.co.uk. You can also follow them on Twitter @kommerling_uk.

Specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has just invested in Haffner Murat machinery to support its plans for growth. Steve Cross, Mercury’s Managing Director, said: “We’ve bought several machines from Haffner Murat in the past and we know they deliver the quality and service we look for. We had no hesitation in returning to them again.”

Mercury has invested in two machines: a new FA526 Automatic 2 Head End Milling Machine and a new SC220/VS Machining Centre, both of which will support the company’s fabrication of the new Spectus mechanically jointed vertical slider as well as general window production.

The FA526 Automatic 2 Head End Milling Machine has features including the ability to mill two ends of transom in a single operation and a vertical and horizontal pneumatic profile clamping system that enables optimum work piece fixing. Other features include a movable head that is manually positioned and manually fixed according to the profile length and an automatic release of the fixed head after milling which is then repositioned at the same length for second transom.

The new SC220/VS Machining Centre gathers all sawing, milling, drilling and marking operations on PVC profiles onto one computer-controlled machine. Highlights from a wealth of benefits that improve productivity include the ability to stack eight profiles of up to 6.5 metres in length for 210mm cill cutting and prepping, the ability to automatically cut in all angles between 30º and 150º with an accuracy of 0.1º and a shift monitoring system.

Steve commented: “We’ve built a business on quality and service and we don’t want to compromise that. We knew from previous experience we could trust Haffner Murat to find the production solutions that were right for us. Both machines deliver clear quality and are already adding value to our fabrication set-up.”

One of the clearest indications of a reliable, trustworthy business is how previous customers are willing to return when they need to make a new investment. Haffner Murat’s returning customer rate is exceptionally high and Steve’s comments show why.

www.haffnermurat.com

Image Above: Courtesy of Ross Fraser McLean

Designing and installing a VS-1 system with the sufficient structural strength capable of withstanding a significant wave load enabled GLASSOLUTIONS to secure a significant contract as part of the £80.11 million construction of the new V&A Museum of Design Dundee.

As the centrepiece of Dundee’s £1 billion waterfront regeneration programme, the construction of V&A Dundee on a former reclaimed dock site located on the banks of the River Tay is due to open in the second half of 2018.

Designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma & Associates and described as a sculpture as well as a building, V&A Dundee comprises galleries, exhibitions and learning centres within the 8,500m² facility.

Fitting for an international centre of design, the state-of-the art building will be a major cultural hub and tourist attraction, situated between the RRS Discovery and the Tay Road Bridge.

Commissioned by BAM Construction to design, manufacture and install the iconic building’s façade, GLASSOLUTIONS’ contracting team was required to provide a mullion only curtain wall system as part of the multi-million pound project, which is the UK’s only design museum outside London.

With a slatted, multi-layered external appearance, as well as its distinctive ‘prow’-shaped facade which juts out directly over the Tay, the complex geometry of V&A Dundee’s design presented a number of unique challenges for specifying and installing its component parts. GLASSOLUTIONS was tasked with creating a flush mullion profile which would provide uniformity and consistency across all of the building’s elevations, as well as being capable of withstanding the marine environment next to the River Tay.

As part of the striking new construction, GLASSOLUTIONS was awarded the contract to manufacture and install a building envelope comprising the Contracting division’s flagship VS-1 curtain walling system; due to the building’s waterfront location, this was required to be capable of withstanding a considerable wave load, as high as 32,000 pascals.

Streamlined aesthetics were achieved using the VS-1 installation by installing a bespoke mullion with thicker side walls, allowing the fixings to be countersunk. This vertical-only structure means that the glass wall visually ‘floats’, presenting an entirely glazed surface that lets in as much daylight as possible to enhance the building’s visual appeal as well as the comfort of its occupants.

For the aspects of the building’s envelope fitted with the VS-1 system, GLASSOLUTIONS developed a bespoke mullion profile which could be utilised on all screens and would be able to accommodate the potential 32kN/m2 ‘wave load’.

A further challenge of the installation project was ensuring that the building’s complex external structure would be able to accommodate the specified glazing profile. Surveying all of the window and majority of screen openings ensured that GLASSOLUTIONS’ fully fabricated duplex stainless steel perimeter frames could be seamlessly installed, with no compromises required to create the architect’s desired vision

Factoring in the building’s close proximity to the River Tay, the internal paint finish of the VS-1 system was installed by GLASSOLUTIONS to a very high marine grade. All external works were anodised or of duplex stainless steel composition. To enable installation of the South wall structure incorporating Glassolutions VS1 triangulated screens and punched windows, BAM constructed an in-filled cofferdam into the River Tay.

GLASSOLUTIONS incorporated a shadow box detail to each of the building’s terrace screens to conceal the parapet roof build-up. This allowed the blind and fixing brackets to be concealed from external view, while the soffit detail concealed them from the internal.

Says GLASSOLUTIONS Commercial Director, John Foster: “Faced with delivering the structural strength solution required, we were asked to provide a conventional mullion profile for the building envelope, fitting for the complex geometry of the building.

“We overcame unique challenges of completing the installation to the south façade in close proximity to the river and we are delighted that our flagship VS-1 curtain wall system proved to be the perfect solution to meet both the wave load and aesthetic expectations of the contractor and architect.

“GLASSOLUTIONS was honoured to have been involved in the construction of such an iconic building on the waterfront area of Dundee and we’re delighted that our installation has contributed to the impressive façade of what is now an iconic landmark along the River Tay.”

www.saint-gobain.co.uk 

Promat UK, one of the country’s leading manufacturers of fire-resistant glazing, plus thermal and acoustic insulation, has become one of the first companies of its kind to successfully move up to the latest ‘2015’ editions of the globally recognised ISO 9001 quality management and ISO 14001 environmental management system standards.

This dual standards upgrade gives customers of Promat UK the assurance that products are manufactured to a consistently high standard in processes designed to minimise environmental impact and with excellent supply reliability. These ISO standards, which apply to all activities undertaken at Promat UK’s 66,000 sq. ft. main manufacturing centre and HQ at Heywood in Lancashire, are awarded to companies only when independent assessors are satisfied that their management, operations and all processes meet their strict criteria.

Achieving these new standards is another important differentiator for Promat UK as it works to raise awareness of why there is no margin of error in the design and installation of fire-resistant glass. Their complete fire-rated glazing system, Promat SYSTEMGLAS®, is supported by a RIBA-approved CPD seminar for specifiers and extensive resources for contractors and installers, as well as a campaign to encourage greater understanding of the ‘specified for a reason’ message. 

Ian Cowley, General Manager at Promat UK says: “We’re delighted to become one of the first manufacturers of fire, thermal and acoustic insulation to reach the 2015 ISO standards. The work that goes into achieving these standards is far-reaching and looks at every aspect of our business in detail to ensure we’re doing things in the best way possible.

“Tragic recent events have put the performance of products that are designed to save lives under the spotlight like never before. It is vitally important for specifiers, contractors and installers to eliminate risk, particularly with products like fire resistant glass, and here ISO 9001 and ISO 14001 help make a difference. 

“These standards go hand-in-hand, giving our customers peace of mind knowing that independent experts have been through the way we manufacture and supply products with a fine-tooth comb. In combination with our specific product approvals, such as those provided by CERTIFIRE, this means we give our customers a ‘belt and braces’ assurance that our products are right for the application.”

A significant change in the 2015 ISO standards versus previous versions is the involvement of the senior management team in leading and developing systems. This ensures the management systems effectively support the overall business objectives, customer requirements and the competence and development of employees, focusing on managing risk by closely scrutinising and monitoring quality, environmental and health and safety performance.

Promat UK manufactures high performance insulation and reliable passive fire protection in numerous markets, including the door, window and industrial sectors. It manufactures a wide range of products from the company’s portfolio, which includes glass brands such as PYROCET®, PYROSEC® and SMOKESTREAM®, along with its complete glazing solution SYSTEMGLAS®, which is rapidly growing in popularity in the market due to its unique a 360 degree ‘wheel of assurance’ for architects and clients. 

Find out more at www.promat-glass.co.uk. 

K2 Aluminium Systems, an installer of the Glazerite UK Group, has recently completed a redevelopment project in Halifax for Leeds Beckett University Business Centre.

The project consisted of 125 windows as part of the larger multi-million-pound transformation programme on the old weaving mill located on Horton Street in Halifax.

The architectural aluminium specialist installed VEKA’s M70 frames in grey, which were manufactured by Glazerite’s Bolton Division.

Pete Smith, sales manager for Glazerite, explained: “The Matrix 70 system, characterised by its 5 chambers and clean chamfered lines, provides a modern, energy efficient solution that looks equally at home when used for new build projects or refurbishment projects such as this one. The required styles looked complex in design but were easy to manufacture thanks to our state-of-the-art multi-headed welding and cleaning facilities.

“K2 needed a quick turnaround to fulfil their tight-fitting schedule, installing a floor per week to meet the completion deadline, and our nationwide coverage meant we could deliver as and when required.

“The frames themselves were matched to the original timber window style to keep in touch with its period façade, and this project is another great example of thermally efficient, modern materials being used to allow a historic building to live on for many years to come.”

www.glazeritewindows.co.uk

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UK supplier of window controls, openers and actuators, Teal Products, has strengthened its product range and launched a brand-new, multi-purpose folding arm actuator.

Designed for side-hung opening windows and doors, the WMD820 folding arm actuator from Window Master can achieve full 90-degree openings within just 60 seconds. Available sprayed to any specific RAL colour, the folding arm actuator presents a viable, high-performance solution to increase the value of any commercial or residential project.

“We’re really pleased to kick-off the New Year by extending our product range, providing our customers with a high-quality, competitively-priced folding arm actuator,” said Sam Yiend, director at Teal Products. “2018 provides the perfect opportunity to strengthen both our offering and that of our customers’ as the market is predicted to get even tougher over the next 12 months. Adding new, specialised products means our customers can achieve greater margins on their projects – and to their surprise, without any stress.”

www.tealproducts.com

The post Reaching new heights appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Simon Clarke has been confirmed as the new general manager of Global Glass, overseeing daily operations at their four UK based sites.

Previously of Glass Systems Group, Simon joins the glass company owned by Synseal Group to replace Mark Cerrone, who has taken up a Director role at The Glass Machinery Company Ltd.

In Simon’s role as General Manager, he will oversee the company’s four glass production facilities in Nottinghamshire, Blackburn, Wigan and Essex, reporting to Glass Managing Director Derren Gittins, who joined Global Glass last April. Since then, glass orders have increased by 40%, filling the additional capacity gained in the purchase of Global Glass Essex in December 2016.

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: “I am delighted to be joining the Global Glass team at Synseal Group. This is an industry and customer base that I know very well and I’m looking forward to using the expertise gained from many years at Pilkington and Glass Systems Group to help improve Synseal Group’s already impressive glass business, with the aim of giving our customers the very best possible quality and service across the whole of the UK.”

Commenting on his appointment, Simon said: “I am delighted to be joining the Global Glass team at Synseal Group. This is an industry and customer base that I know very well and I’m looking forward to using the expertise gained from many years at Pilkington and Glass Systems Group to help improve Synseal Group’s already impressive glass business, with the aim of giving our customers the very best possible quality and service across the whole of the UK.”

The post Simon signs appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).