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If you’re looking to secure more commercial contracts, it’s vital to partner with the right systems partner. And Spectus has all the credentials you need.

Spectus has been working in the commercial sector since 1991. Its innovative, class leading window, door and curtain walling solutions have been installed in thousands of new build and refurbishment properties in the public and commercial sectors including homes, schools, hospitals, offices and industrial units. It works with local authorities and private registered providers including ALMOs, housing associations, house builders and contractors. It all means it’s got instant brand recognition that’s very reassuring and gives contractors working with Spectus instant credibility.

Spectus is a leading commercial supplier because of the quality of its products and the quality of its support. Its products are at the cutting edge of innovation while also offering strong aesthetic and practical benefits. What’s more, from manufacturing and lifecycle optimisation to maximising thermal efficiency, it continuously strives to exceed current environmental requirements, which means it’s helping commercial organisations to meet their own targets.

The brand’s Approved Commercial Manufacturer’s scheme supports fabricators working in the commercial sector. Members are guided through all the required standards, including constructionline/EXOR and relevant quality accreditation, and are supported with training, full literature and continuous personal development seminars to keep them up to date with all the best practice techniques.

Spectus also has a comprehensive support team in house to support the commercial market. Commercial fabricators are assisted with technical support including Window Energy Ratings, wind loading calculations, load bearing calculations and section details for specifications. All of its products are listed in RIBA nbsPlus as well as on www.ribaproductselector.com, the buildings products library for construction professionals. BIM objects for its products are also available on www.spectus.co.uk and www.bimstore.co.uk.

The support continues to site as well. The specification team works alongside customers and liaises with other parties such as residents, attending any meetings to offer advice on the specified products, styles and hardware to ensure complete buy-in.

In short, if you’re keen to explore more commercial opportunities, Spectus offers one of the best ways to do so.

Picture above: Tracy Lockyer

FrameXpress management is delighted to announce a further team expansion as the company continues its development programme on the back of a very successful year.

This is an important milestone in the company’s growth with management focused on a strategy to build upon its already strong customer support services.

As FrameXpress gears up for new developments heading into 2018 at the start of its 20 Year Anniversary, and with demand for products at an unprecedented high, a number of new opportunities have opened to further expand the team.

Tracy Lockyer joins the company in the Order Processing department where she will handle order queries, customer liaison, job quotes and will also be responsible for re-ordering parts.  With extensive experience within the industry prior to joining the company, she is very familiar with the high standards of service associated with FrameXpress.

On her new role Tracy comments, “Assisting with customer care has been an integral part of my work before, and as such I am very much looking forward to becoming part of the strong, cohesive team here at FrameXpress.”

Additionally, there have been two promotions for long standing staff members Craig James and Lewis Cotton.

Craig has been appointed Commercial Contracts Manager where he will now work alongside Sarah Price, Commercial Sales Manager.  He will be responsible for administration and customer liaison on all commercial client accounts and this will help to underpin the qualities of the existing team.

Lewis’ promotion to Order Processor from the Glass Division, ensures that the company will remain efficient and will result in stronger business relations with customers both regionally and nationally. Customer liaison and support will be a key part of his new role.

With demand for the company’s products and services increasing steadily, it has become clear more businesses are turning to frameXpress as a preferred trade supplier due to product quality and strong support services.

On the new appointments, Tim Ball, Operations Director comments, “Keeping an eye on future market direction and giving customers the best support possible is vital.  It was essential to strengthen our team and resource it to capitalize on our strong position in this mature market.

The restructure is already having a very positive impact with our customers and this strategic programme will ensure that we achieve lasting growth and continued success.”

FrameXpress is a leading trade fabricator and supplier providing pvc-u windows, doors, conservatories and ancillary products including aluminium bifold and Composite Doors.  For more information contact the team on 01952 581100 or visit the website www.framexpress.co.uk.

Picture above: Gary Hill (L) and Ian Lant (R) of Original Wooden Windows Ltd

When Original Wooden Windows Ltd set out to make its frame production quicker and more efficient with new machinery, Director Gus Brazier said the name of Mighton Products needed no introduction. Even though the hardware specialist launched its machinery range less than a year ago, the Slough-based joinery firm knew Mighton from 12 years of using its sash weights and other ironmongery.

Mighton did not expect OWW to make the choice on reputation alone, but was able to give Gus and the team hands-on experience of its Scribe-It™ end-scribing machine without leaving the factory, thanks to the Mighton Mobile Demonstration Vehicle.

“The rep gave us a full demo of the end-scribing machine so we were able to see for ourselves exactly what it can do,” he said.

“Installation was simple and didn’t cause any interruptions. Just from using the machine in the first couple of weeks the benefits have been clear to see. It has not only sped up production significantly but also gives exactly the same profile with every cut.”

Scribe-It™ increases throughput by scribing the ends of timber profiles quickly, efficiently and consistently. It can complete a full cutting cycle in just 15 seconds and is compatible with any profile up to 45mm wide and 35mm deep. Using two cutters, Scribe-It™ allows for the shaping of the bead to be carried out in two halves, therefore safeguarding against issues such as the beads splitting or spelching at the ends.

Chairman Mike Derham said OWW’s experience was the ideal example of the difference one machine could make:

He explains: “The end scribing is only one small part of OWW‘s overall manufacturing process but when you have a bottleneck in a factory, it can have a knock-on effect on every other part.

“Now, with the the right machinery in place, the whole factory can operate more smoothly and of course more efficiently and cost-effectively.”

He  adds: “We are always pleased to be able to support craftmen such as Original Wooden Windows, a family owned and run business which has been trading for over 40 years. All of their experienced staff specialise in the bespoke design and manufacture of timber windows and doors, with every item designed and produced to match exacting customer requirements. They also pride themselves on working sucessfully with heritage and conservation authorities.”

To learn more about the range of Mighton Products machinery, and the flexible finance options available, or to order a new catalogue visit www.mightonproducts.com or call 01223 497097.

The highly-acclaimed Modo composite door range from Apeer has been used in a home renovation project in Broughshane, Co. Antrim.

Apeer’s Ryan Burnett was looking to replace the old single glazed door on his property with not only a highly secure and efficient replacement, but also a door that could be completely personalised to suit the external look of the property.

As part of the IT team on the Apeer FIT Show stand at the NEC in Birmingham last year, Ryan was able to see firsthand the latest offerings on the Modo composite door collection, which featured alongside the company’s frameless Lumi range:

“The show gave me the chance to see the colour options, furniture and glass designs available, and how through a combination of these, I could make a door that was personal to me and would suit the needs of me and my family.

“The replacement door we chose was the Modo AMD6 door finished externally in a non-standard RAL colour, Squirrel Grey. I loved the look of the contemporary bar handles that are available, but with young children in the household I knew this wouldn’t be practical as the lock would be too high. The Apeer Sales Team suggested the new Karcher handle, which suited our needs perfectly and we love the modern look and it complements the Modo door style really nicely.”

Ryan added: “We absolutely love the finished door and always get positive comments from people visiting the house, including the postman! We are now looking at replacing the old French doors and sidelights at the back of the house with Lumi French doors or a Lumi Lift and Slide door.”

Modo is a design-led collection of composite doors, designed and manufactured at Apeer’s state-of-the-art production facility in Ballymena, Northern Ireland alongside the Lumi windows and door collection.

To find out more about the collection of Apeer composite doors, and the frameless Lumi range, visit

visit www.apeer.co.uk

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our colleague and dear friend Jon Skinner who died on Friday 29^th December, 2017.

Jon had worked in the glazing industry for more than 40 years and spent his latter years as Commercial Director of Epwin Window Systems, a role which he was proud to have and thoroughly enjoyed before ill health prevented him from continuing.

Jon began his career serving an apprenticeship for BKL Alloys and soon found himself working in one of their newly formed companies, Scope Aluminium, which became a market leader in the aluminium home improvements sector at that time.  Over the following years Jon worked with some of the industry leaders and help build some highly recognised brands in the industry while making some life-long friends.

Jon has also chaired the marketing committee of the British Plastics Window Group, working to promote the industry and the benefits of its products.  With his infectious enthusiasm, energy and product knowledge he was always available to help colleagues and customers.

Jon, 63, was a popular industry figure and highly respected by both his colleagues and customers.  He will be greatly missed.

Jon is survived by his wife Lynette and sons Luke and Brett.   Funeral arrangements will be communicated at the discretion of Jon’s family.

Our thoughts are with Jon’s family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.

Jon Bednall

Chief Executive Officer

Epwin Group Plc

Profile 22 installer Max Glass recently demonstrated the benefits of the Optima system when it completed an installation in a property in a woodland conservation area near Leeds.

The property owners approached Max Glass with an interesting challenge. They wanted to improve the thermal efficiency of their stone-built property but, as the area’s estate manager confirmed, it was essential that any replacement windows – including the 26 leaded lights – replicated the original designs.

It was a challenge the team at Max Glass was keen to take on because the company prides itself on understanding its customers’ needs fully and going the extra mile to achieve their expectations. The project would not only demonstrate their expertise but also the quality of the Optima system.

Max Glass’s innovative solution was to take the 26 original leaded lights and have them restored and encapsulated by experts at Antique Glass Studio in Bradford. These were then refitted to replacement windows. The solution meant the new aperture for the glazing had to be the same as the existing window, something that was made possible with the use of the wide range of Optima ancillaries. The finishing touch was the use of white foil on both internal and external frames to replicate the original wood window design.

In total, Max Glass replaced 29 casement windows, three bay windows and one composite door. Stephen Hobson at the company commented: “The project has delivered our customers everything they needed. Their property has been fitted with A-rated windows, which has improved the thermal performance. And by encapsulating the original stained glass and leaded windows we have not only preserved the original beauty but also protected and preserved it for years to come.”

The project demonstrates the skill and expertise of Max Glass and the flexibility and innovation in Profile 22’s award-winning Optima system – it’s the perfect partnership.

www.profile22.co.uk 

Bowater by Birtley set out its stall at the beginning of the year that it would offer choice to the market. Following news of its double rebate and flood composite doors, the company says it is pleased to promote its 60 minute fire rated door.

“We offer both 30 minute and 60 minute fire rated doors, to give our customers the most appropriate product for each individual project,” says Kevin Kiernan of Bowater by Birtley. “A year ago, we made a promise to our customers that we would give them the range so that they had the choice, but perhaps the most important areas for delivering fit for purpose products is in fire and flood protection and we have both.

“As the names suggest, a 30 minute fire door holds fire back for 30 minutes, known as a having 30 minutes integrity time. A 60 minute fire door has 60 minutes integrity. The test fully exposes one side of the door to intense heat and fire which would be just like a real fire – the fire door’s integrity and stability is then assessed and approved.

“Product testing is always important, but never is it more critical than in the areas of flood or fire protection. Where lives are at risk, there can be no compromise. The team at Bowater by Birtley take this responsibility seriously on behalf of our customers, whose reputations are at risk, and of course on behalf of the end users, who are relying on us to supply fit for purpose, high performance products.”

For more information call 0845 121 5376 or visit www.bowaterbybirtley.co.uk

A multi-million pound project to create an exclusive residential development in a Cheshire conservation area, which has given a new lease of life to a beautiful unused Victorian church, has utilised Promat UK’s high performance, fire-resistant glass range.

The Trinity development at Bowdon near Altrincham by Hale Estates has created nine luxury residences in a variety of configurations and sizes from one to three bedrooms. The project has converted the former Trinity United Reformed Church, which dates from 1872 but was last used as a place of worship in 2004. Designed by award-winning architects Ollier Smurthwaite, the new properties sensitively respond to the material and detailing of the impressive Grade II listed building, with new components sitting sympathetically within the volume of the historic structure, taking reference from existing forms and fabric.

One of the building’s key features, given its ecclesiastical heritage, is the 3m wide communal corridor which passes through the centre of the church. This gives views up to the church roof and allows the original clerestory windows to provide natural light into the centre of the building. Maintaining this spectacular communal aspect with its original features and window shapes, whilst delivering superior quality properties with assured levels of fire protection and acoustic insulation, was the brief met by Promat UK, whose Glazing for Life® ethos is centred on delivering assured passive fire protection.

The 45mm glazing units provided by Promat UK were required to achieve strict acoustic and fire protection standards, in numerous shapes consistent with the Gothic style windows. The solution was a sealed unit specification incorporating EI60 fire rated insulated glass units. These are fitted into oak frames to deliver high quality windows which reflect the high-end specification of the development.

This sealed unit specification ensures the windows provide assured passive fire protection to EI60 – 60 minutes minimum for the window’s integrity as well as insulation from the heat of any fire. This protects the communal areas to provide a safe, sufficient window of opportunity for residents and visitors to exit the building safely in the event of a fire.

In addition to the fire protection dimension, the glazing units also work to provide residents with insulation from unwanted external noise in the communal areas. This is achieved through the glass types used and their thicknesses, to deliver windows with an acoustic sound reduction level of a minimum of 43db.

Cath McLean, Segment Manager – Glass at Promat says: “The team at Promat worked with Hale Estates at an early stage to provide specialist guidance through the design and specification stages of the project, and we continued to work closely with them right through to installation. This ensured we were able to provide a high quality solution that met the full specification criteria and stringent fire ratings in what is ultimately a stunning residential development by Hale Estates.”

www.promat-glass.co.uk 

Prefix Systems has launched a new eight page Urbanroom brochure, which details the features and capabilities of its contemporary glazed extension.

According to Prefix, Urbanroom – which boasts full height glazing, a choice of four corner design options, Ultrasky roof and the option for bi-folding or patio doors – was well received at its FIT Show launch in 2017, by installer partners who were keen to take advantage of the full kit aluminium system.

Urbanroom also features the LivinRoom internal pelmet for the adoption of spotlights and integrated speakers and a 225mm deep gutter shroud, which is said to make the glazed extension appealing to consumers. For the trade, says Prefix, one of the key features of the shroud is a multi-functional and structural water deflector to ensure water flows where it should. The deflector also provides a clean line and uncluttered finish to the rear face of the shroud, which Prefix claims is often a neglected area with other systems.

Marketing co-ordinator, Hannah Gilrane, commented: “The new Urbanroom brochure is there to support our installer partners who are eager to start selling this new genre of glazed extension. With on trend colours such as RAL 7015 and 7016, the overall look and feel is vastly different to that of a traditional conservatory.

“With fully glazed, rendered, brick or Loggia corner options, along with a Georgian or double hipped Edwardian aluminium roof and hundreds of RAL colours to choose from, there’s plenty of design variation for both consumers and the trade.”

www.prefixsystems.co.uk

The post Urbanroom now in print appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Gloucester-based specialist aluminium window and door supplier, CDW Systems, recently teamed up with Black Millwork to supply products for a show home at the National Self Build and Renovation Centre in Swindon.

Black Millwork is a major supplier of wooden windows and doors to new build and refurbishment projects across the UK. They specialise in American timber windows, but their extensive range also includes innovative products such as aluminium-clad timber windows and doors.

The company currently has a number of permanent displays at the centre in Swindon. Amongst these, a Reynaers CP130 lift and Slide aluminium patio door can be found in its own exhibition – a product supplied to Black Millwork by CDW Systems to demonstrate how timber and aluminium can work together.

“We chose to team up with CDW for several reasons,” says Black Millwork’s Managing Director, Gary Hutton.

“We were looking to partner with a firm that offered a varied and comprehensive range of aluminium products and that shared our commitment to high-quality work – CDW fitted this description.”

“At the moment, there is a growing trend for homes combining aluminium and timber products. For example, an increasing number of period property owners are investing in timber windows for the front of their house – retaining the house’s character – whilst installing aluminium doors on the back of their house to achieve a modern aesthetic and good outlook on to the garden.

“Moving forward, we see CDW as the perfect partner to help us achieve a greater share of the aluminium market.”

For more information call 01452 414853 or visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk