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Promac Group is highlighting three low cost, high yield machinery platforms, which it says have the potential to transform fabrication businesses.

Starting from £40K to just a little over £70K, each generates new opportunities for manufacturers, either by giving them capacity to manufacture new products or increase volume and efficiency, while lowering overheads.

“There’s a perception out there that you need to be spending hundreds of thousands of pounds to move your business forward, when in reality there are machines out there which are far more affordable and which can deliver real changes”, says Lee Marriott, Promac Group.

He continues: “Aluminium is forecast to see substantial growth, while PVC-U ‘timber-type’ joints are defining a new generation of windows. You need to be able to access the opportunities that that growth creates and can do for what are really very low costs.”

Promac offers two low-cost platforms for PVC-U timber-effect welds. Timberweld® exploits four and two-head welding technology developed by Urban, to simultaneously deliver a twin-sided 90°butt weld.

A new platform from ProfteQ, part of the FOM-GS Group, delivers the same aesthetic but this time with the flexibility to deliver a 90° weld externally or internally – or a standard 45° joint.

It also utilizes a highly flexible milling module with the capacity to switch between profiles without changing tooling and twin or quad welding options.

Coming in at a price tag of less than £70K the FOM ADIR C is the third platform identified by Promac. A high precision 3+1 axis CNC, it introduces massive production efficiencies in PVC-U manufacture but also supports affordable entry to aluminium manufacture.

It features a pneumatic three axes worktable with -90°, 0° and +90° positioning; 4 pneumatic vices with manual positioning and double pressure, with safety valves and manually adjustable profile reference stops on the right and the left of the worktable; plus perimetric guard and front receding guard.

“These are all low cost high impact machinery platforms”, continued Lee. “There’s also a lot of finance out there, with high levels of competition pushing three-year true cost lending deals to as little as 4% interest or five years at 5%. The capital investment allowance also means that purchases of up to £200,000 are tax deductible.”

Offering buy-back deals on new machinery, Promac Group can also offer manufacturers access to the UK’s largest range of refurbished, reconditioned and overhauled machinery.

“We can replace a single machine in a line or combine new platforms with used machinery in hybrid deals, significantly cutting the cost of investment”, said Lee.

“For us it’s not necessarily about the big-ticket items or even new machinery sales. It’s much more about long-term partnership and the right solution”, he concluded.

For more information log on at www.promac.co.uk  email sales@promac.co.uk or call 01788 577 577.

A new report from Palmer Market Research suggests the composite door sector will see significant growth through to 2021.

According to The Market for Domestic Entrance Doors, composite doors now account for 54% of the market, the share rising to 56% by installed value with the inclusion of PVC/ABS faced doors.

This follows an above market forecast, 9% increase in volume last year to 758,000 doors.

This contributed to 7.9% increase in installed value for the total entrance door market, the move to composites from PVC-U panels inflating installed prices.

Taken in its entirety, the market for entrance doors, however, remained relatively flat last year at 1.4million door sets, with growth of just 0.9%.  This compares to the 2.2% seen last year.

“The longer-term trends in the market have been more muted than those for windows. For instance the market is now only 5% above the low point in 2012 but 20% below the peak year of 2007”, writes the author of the 2017 Palmer entrance door report.

Despite the growth of composites, PVC-U panels remained the second biggest material, accounting for 25% of the market in volume terms and 24% in installed value. This included modest growth in volume last year of 0.7% to 351,000 door sets.

Timber accounted for 16% in volume and 15% in installed value. This included a 25% decline in volume to 228,000 doors – the continuation of a 20-year downward trend.

Steel faced door sets fell 12% in 2016 to 40,000 doors – supplied almost exclusively into new build.

Aluminium, again supplied primarily into new build by contrast, as in other areas of the window and door industry recorded growth.

“Going forward, there are a number of factors, which we expect to mute total market growth in coming years” explained Robert Palmer, Palmer Market Research.

He continued: “Despite significant demand for new homes, a general slowing of the housing market, is having a corresponding impact on new build completions. Consumer confidence has also weakened – something that is very difficult to disconnect from the continuing uncertainty that has accompanied Brexit.

“We expect the coming two years to be fairly tough but as in previous years and other areas of the window and door industry, some products will fare far better than others, with innovation and the shift to higher value installations, key drivers of growth.”

The Market for Domestic Entrance Doors 2017 edition is available from Palmer Market Research now.

For more information log on at www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk email info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk or call 020 83908131.

Security expert, ERA, has launched its new Total Security guarantee, which it says will enable fabricators and installers to offer home security with ‘real confidence’.

According to ERA, the Total Security guarantee, which is supported by the Neighbourhood Watch, is the most comprehensive on the market and provides fabricators and installers with a valuable tool with which to differentiate themselves from competitors, at no extra cost.

ERA’s marketing manager, Jemma Booker, commented: “The ERA Total Security guarantee is straightforward. Once the property is protected by our high security hardware, we guarantee to replace the homeowner’s damaged window or door and pay out a cheque for £5,000, in the event that their security is compromised. What’s more, if an ERA Invincible alarm system is fitted at the same time as door or window security, the compensation payout is increased to £10,000. As the only guarantee to be recognised by the Neighbourhood Watch, our Total Security guarantee creates maximum appeal for ERA hardware and home security systems.”

The post ‘Complete confidence’ for customers appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

VBH (GB) has announced that it has added Yale’s Conexis L1 smart lock to its range of hardware. According to VBH, Yale’s TV advertising campaign across ITV, Sky and Channel 4, has opened up new selling opportunities for fabricators and installers, as well as locksmiths for retrofit installations.

Yale’s Conexis L1 smart lock is a keyless product, operated via a key card, key tag, phone tag or a secure smartphone app. Homeowners can monitor who is entering and leaving the home, from wherever they are.

The app also has the functionality to send temporary access ‘mobile keys’ to anyone with a smartphone. The mobile key can be programmed to give access from a few hours to a number of weeks and can also revoke access at any time.

Dan Powell, maintenance and locksmiths product manager at VBH said: “With the new Yale Conexis L1, homeowners can upgrade their lock easily and with no fiddly wiring. The smart lock uses four AA batteries that give the homeowner plenty of warning when they’re running low. And even if the batteries run flat, a standard 9V battery can be connected temporarily into a concealed port. If the lock is tampered with, an anti-intruder alarm is triggered via either the app or mobile key.

“The TV campaign on prime channels is sure to boost awareness and interest,” continued Dan. “We’re anticipating strong demand and have ensured we have plenty in stock!”

www.vbhgb.com

The post VBH (GB) range gets smarter appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The latest ONS figures have shown that construction output in October fell by 1.7% and was 0.2% lower compared with one year earlier. New orders in Q3 rose 37.4% over the quarter and 25.5% on an annual basis.

Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the Construction Products Association, commented: “Today’s data confirm that previous falls in new orders over the last 12 months are beginning to translate into lower construction activity in the commercial and public non-housing sectors. In addition, output in private housing RM&I, the third-largest sector, has now fallen for two consecutive months and taken in conjunction with the recent decline in new car registrations, suggests consumer willingness to spend on big-ticket purchases is being constrained by the fall in real wages.

“With regards to new orders in Q3, the strong headline growth rate was driven by infrastructure, reflecting the award of phase one contracts for HS2, a project worth £55.7 billion overall. As the ONS points out, new orders growth rates this high were only previously recorded when contracts for the Channel Tunnel were awarded in 1987. This aligns with the CPA’s forecast of infrastructure as the primary driver of output growth over the next two years.

“Excluding infrastructure, new orders rose 4.1%, including a 35.4% increase in public housing, to the highest in three years as work accelerates under the Shared Ownership and Affordable Homes Programme. However, the data for new orders signals that the weakness in the commercial and public non-housing sectors is likely to continue.”

The post Construction output continues to fall appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

The new 2018 Composite Door Brochure from Force 8 is full of new and exclusive innovations, some of which are only available from Force 8. The new brochure has solutions for every aspect of domestic door systems, from traditional to contemporary. Whether you are looking a stable door, a unique arched door or our revolutionary new Smooth Door, the new Force 8 brochure has the door you are looking for.

Force 8 has been manufacturing window and doors for over 25 years, so they understand the industry and the market needs. Along with new door styles Force 8 has a new Smooth Finish on its contemporary door range rather than the normal wood-grain effect. The new finish combines the look of an aluminium door with the thermal advantages of a composite door. If a customer were to purchase the same style of door in aluminium, it could cost five times more than a Force 8 composite smooth door.

The Exclusive Decadence range of doors is also available in the new smooth finish and is the ideal choice of door for a cutting edge entrance. This effect has the look of a highly engineered aluminium door, and is enhanced with the addition of Force 8’s new range of stainless steel hardware.

The 64-page brochure is filled with stunning photography covering the full range of doors, colours and glazing available from Force 8, giving the reader an unparalleled variety of options. The brochure has been laid out in a clear and concise format with precise illustrations and simple, but informative descriptions. “We wanted to create a brochure that was easy on the eye, simple and uncluttered”, comments Dennis Sumner, Managing Director of Force 8. “With such a wide variety of door products and options available it was difficult to compact everything into just 64 pages. The addition of the new smooth doors has increased the amount of variations you can have, giving customers a bewildering choice, and for the first time with the new smooth finish, you can really feel the difference. ”

Included within the brochure are additions to the contemporary range, with many being exclusive to Force 8, The new designs are available with the new Urban Glazed cassettes in aluminium or colour-matched finish. All doors are fitted with the Force 8 high standard security locking systems and are available with traditional or contemporary hardware.

As you would expect from one of the UK’s leading profile bending companies, there are many examples of the unique Force 8 one-piece bend frames. Combined with their exclusive arched composite door system, makes an unparalleled product package only available from Force 8. “We never produce a brochure unless we have new and exclusive products to promote”’ comments Dennis. “Our new 2018 door brochure is no exception to the rule and will revolutionize the way people choose a door”.

To get your copy of the Force 8 Door Brochure, just log onto:  force8.uk/2018-brochure-subscription/

UMG have recently installed a stunning new entrance canopy for the Hilton Hotel, Euston, as part of an extensive refurbishment during 2017. The design of the new canopy provided a more modern look to the entrance and this presented a brighter feel at the same time offering a high-quality image to welcome customers and guests entering the hotel.

The concept for the changes were submitted to the client for approval, by Morrison Architects of Derby. UMG were appointed to develop the concept into a design solution. Taking into account the need for minimal structural changes to the fabric of the building entrance, the rear structural steel beam from the original canopy was utilized to support the new structure. After the removal of the old canopy, UMG designed and fitted first-fix connection brackets that were welded on to the original beam, ready to receive the new canopy frame. UMG developed the design of the frame as a fully welded one-piece structure using rolled steel sections and radial support arms. This gave the canopy a much neater appearance without the need for bolted cleats and brackets. Whilst in the workshop, the completed frame was measured for the shaped glass needed, to accurately match the shape of the frame.

The glass used was 17.5mm toughened laminated panels, made up of a 10mm grey tinted panel bonded to a 6mm clear panel.  Without using both panels tinted meant that the laminated panel allows through some natural light.  The canopy was installed with a 3° pitch, so the rainwater can be drained towards a concealed gutter at the rear.

The main benefit of the canopy frame being in one-piece, meant less time was needed on-site assembling the frame during installation. When UMG arrived on-site all that was required was to lift the canopy into position and bolt it to the frame and the previously fitted brackets. The structure was in place on day one of site activity, and the glass was lifted onto the frame and secured, meaning the installation of the canopy only took 4 days.

UMG have been involved in the design and construction of commercial glass canopies for over 20 years, and during this period they have gained a wealth of knowledge and experience. UMG work closely with their clients to develop detailed designs, specifying all the materials required to meet the needs architecturally, structurally and within a budget. Morrison Design had nominated UMG for this, and other similar projects because of their unique understanding within the industry.

For further information visit their new website at: www.metal-glass.com

The Safety Locking Cable Restrictor, from home security specialist ERA, is the only window restrictor to pass all British Standards, making it an obvious choice for those looking to enhance safety in domestic or commercial settings. Meeting the strictest safety standards, the Safety Locking Cable Restrictor has been thoroughly tested to satisfy even Grade 3 impact resistance of BS EN 13126-5, and has been proven to far surpass any other UK window restrictor in independent test scenarios.

Marketing manager, Jemma Booker explains, “When it comes to ensuring safety, opting for substandard products is simply not worth the risk. The ERA Safety Locking Cable Restrictor is the only product on the market that can provide absolute peace of mind, having out-performed even the most popular competitor products on the market. What’s more, the Restrictor has been uniquely designed with discretion in mind and benefits from the same neutral style as our popular Maxim Window Handle. The result is a product which not only provides unrivalled safety standards but also offers aesthetic appeal.”

Suitable for both domestic and commercial use, the Safety Locking Cable Restrictor has been designed for use on all windows and doors including timber, aluminium and PVCu. Ergonomically designed for easy operation, this market-leading device is an essential addition for anyone looking to improve safety around open windows and doors.

The post Era’s safety locking cable restrictor uniquely passes all British Standards appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

A significant stock holding makes all the difference to lead times for aluminium glazing products according to AluFoldDirect. With a promise to deliver right first time, on time, every time, the Blackburn based manufacturer has made significant investment in aluminium profile and hardware stock holding.

For Managing Director at AluFoldDirect, Craig Miller, it’s the obvious answer for meeting the needs of installers. He said: “We have always offered one-week lead times on unglazed products and two-week lead times on glazed products and no matter how busy we are, we always deliver orders on time and in full.”

AluFoldDirect has a £500,000 aluminium profile stock holding and an additional £120,000 in hardware to ensure that orders are processed, manufactured, checked and delivered to site, in an unmarked van, in one week.

Craig adds: “We promise the same lead times for coloured frames too. Aluminium windows and doors are delivered in any RAL or BS colour in one week unglazed and two weeks glazed.

“We’ve made sure that our promises to customers are delivered by investing in our fabrication team to ensure right first-time manufacturing and in a large stock-holding so that we’re never waiting for, or relying on, third parties to get an order out.”

AluFoldDirect delivers aluminium bi-fold doors, sliding doors and windows in one week, with glazed products delivered in two weeks. It’s even faster for stock size and colour roof lantern kits, as installers can have same or next day delivery.

“Jack Aluminium’s TruEnergy window is easy to fit, easy to fabricate – it just does what it says on the tin,” says Nick Hundleby, Director at Arcalu Architectural Aluminium.

“We do lots of school projects, and we have always chosen The Jack Door for those jobs because it’s such a solid, robust door that can withstand the knocks and bangs of packs of teenagers, their elbows and their bags!

“When Jack launched the window, we wanted to try it straight away. It offers the same, solid, robust design that’s perfect for schools. The TruEnergy window is now our preferred window system for commercial projects.

“This particular job at Joseph Whittaker School in Mansfield was one of the first projects where we installed the TW70 window. The school was looking very tried when we started. The £400,000 project included replacing windows, doors and cladding to create a cleaner, safer and brighter learning environment.”

Jack Aluminium’s TW70 TruEnergy Window is PAS 24-certified and offers U-Values as low as 1.4 W/m2K with a double-glazed unit. The principles of value engineering mean that the window has fewer components to offer simple, straightforward fabrication and installation.

Sales Manager at Jack Aluminium, Ash Pearson adds: “Projects like this one by Arcalu are the exact kind of jobs the TruEnergy window was developed for and we’re really pleased that the system delivers the easy fabrication and installation that we were aiming for during development.”