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Image Above: Andy Swift of ISO CHEMIE will be targeting designers more in 2018 

Andy Swift, national sales manager of ISO-CHEMIE, is optimistic about UK foam sealant sales in the next 12 months as specialist suppliers ramp-up plans to target the design sector.

In the face of continuing cost pressures, possible further interest rate hikes and ongoing Brexit negotiations, the one certainty for the economy and, the construction sector in 2018 will be uncertainty.

However, companies such as ISO CHEMIE, which supply foam sealant tapes window and door installation projects, are likely to benefit if there’s a downturn in construction as they target the design rather than the installer sector.

Andy Swift says: “The opportunities are out there for visionary companies like ourselves. There’ll be an increased focus on selling to designers in 2018, boosting sales in the process on the back of increasing product specification.

“Brexit’s going to happen and whatever the outcome, construction will carry on, even it’s to meet the demand for new homes. So, as we look ahead, the market appears future proof-for us and who knows, it may even be better than expected.”

He also expects building regulations to get tougher and policed better around matters such as airtightness and thermal loss around windows.

There will also be an increase in fire protection within new projects. Again, this could lead to increased opportunity for further tape-based sealing solutions.

“To survive 2018, you will need a well-run business,” adds Andy Swift, “with state-of-the art product ranges and quick delivery backed up by good on and off-site technical support.”

Growing appreciation of sealant products is also leading to the increased use of foam-based technology to close more sales and develop new business opportunities.

ISO-CHEMIE is one of Europe’s main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR) using the latest production techniques.

The company’s UK technical and distribution operation is supported by a dedicated logistics service to ensure customer orders are completed as quickly and efficiently as possible (usually next-day delivery). More at www.iso-chemie.eu/en-GB/home/

Image Above: Douglas Masterson, Technical Manager, Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI)

In a series of 12 recommendations submitted to the Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety, the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) has called for the recognition of the ‘forgotten professionals’ in the construction supply chain.

The re-introduction of the Clerk of Works role on site and compulsory use of a fully qualified architectural ironmonger are just two of the recommendations put forward by the Guild to the enquiry, led by Dame Judith Hackitt.

The call for evidence was launched in July in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire.

In its submission, the GAI has also highlighted the need for mandatory fire door inspection in the UK and for larger fines for non-compliance, a process that is already in place in the USA and Australia.

Douglas Masterson, technical manager at the GAI, said:  “The Guild’s response has been formed from the collective opinion of the architectural ironmongery industry, including very experienced professionals who have worked around the world on complex fire safety issues. Fire door hardware and other aspects of ironmongery specification play a crucial role in fire safety. The voice of these professionals must not be lost in critical discussions on safety and standards.”

In its response to the Hackitt enquiry, the Guild urged the review team to review a wide range of documents which contain contradictions or ambiguity. It has identified at least 18 separate documents and legislation that are relevant to fire safety specifically within the architectural ironmongery and the allied fire door industries that it thinks should be given more clarity.

The submission points out that many of the standards within the industry are not mandatory for building construction, such as BS 8300 relating to accessibility, and are seen purely as best practice guidance. For architects and other construction professionals, this can cause confusion as to what guidelines they should be following resulting in inconsistency and error.

Reiterating calls made by this year’s Fire Door Safety Week, the Guild has emphasised the importance of third party certification of fire safety products and the need for a mandatory installer registration scheme for the installation of fire doors.

The GAI’s key recommendations:

1. There should be mandatory usage of fully qualified architectural ironmongers to compile an ironmongery specification.

2. A similar mandatory scheme to Gas Safe should be adopted in to law for installation of fire doors.

3. Fire door inspection should be mandatory in the UK in similar fashion to USA and Australia. Heavy fines should be levied for non-compliance.

4. Third party certification of fire safety products should be mandatory.

5. There needs to be an individual who is tasked with the sign-off of each stage in the

process which is related to fire safety. This should include any deviation away from accepted and original signed-off specification.

6. There should be a complete review of the sign off process with the introduction of mandatory sign off procedure which is similar to the Building Control Amendment Regulations 2014 (BCAR) in the Republic of Ireland.

7. The role and position of the Clerk of Works on site should be re-introduced as a means of ensuring on site compliance in installation.

8. Approved Document B should be revised to remove ambiguities and be much clearer to understand.

9. Approved Documents in general should be written in such a way that the requirements of each one do not contradict another.

10. The Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 should be amended to provide greater involvement of the fire service with regards to the sign-off of buildings

11. The responsible person should be named on the Health and Safety poster with a contact number giving the realistic times for when a person will answer.

12. A clear and transparent mechanism should be available which allows tenants to contact the responsible person/ local authority/ building control to report concerns on fire safety.

The Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) is the body that represents the interests of the UK architectural ironmongery industry. Its qualifications, education and CPD programmes are widely respected in the UK and overseas.  Its technical information service is the only specialist service of its kind and provides GAI members with comprehensive advice.

www.gai.org.uk

Torquay’s Fenster Fabrications has contributed to a stylish sea-view residential development that’s been shortlisted for multiple awards.

Designed by respected Truro architects KAST, and located in Downderry on Cornwall’s south coast, Sea Edge House is a strikingly modern cliff-edge property with stunning Atlantic views.

The dwelling’s low roof profile allows it to make the most of its spectacular location, without obstructing the views of properties further inland. Entry is gained from the upper level, with an external staircase offering quick access to the garden.

KAST used Fenster’s flagship Uni_Slide sliding doors to allow access onto the dwelling’s 10m south-facing balcony.

Offering exceptional thermal efficiency, build quality, and desirable minimalist aesthetics, Uni_Slide can achieve frame sightlines as slim as 20mm, and a slim central interlock, while being able to support sliding panels of up to 3m high and 2.2m wide. The product can be assembled in a limitless run of units, with each panel capable of holding up to 320kg of glass.

The Fenster Fabrications Team, commented: “Uni_Slide makes a fantastic addition to any residential development. It can offer a sense of sleek luxury to any architectural development, and, for installers, it’s an excellent way of appealing to the lucrative high-end of the market.

“We’ve had a great response to our search for Uni_Slide installation partners so far – but we’re still looking for exceptional installers, dedicated to quality products and fantastic customer service, to join the network. If you think your business fits the bill, don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

KAST has subsequently been shortlisted asBest Self Build Architect or Designer of the Year as a result of their work on the Sea Edge House project.

For more information, call 01626 334455 or visitwww.uni-slide.com

Image Above:  from left to right: Neil Gater – Marketing and Communications Manager, Heidi Sachs – Managing Director, Justin Williams – International Sales and Marketing Director

VEKA trade fabricator Modplan has just announced the appointment of Justin Williams as its new International Sales and Marketing Director.  Justin takes up this position with immediate effect.

Justin has worked within Modplan for the past four years and was, and still is, responsible for the Nordic division within the business.   This change will mean that all the sales, marketing and customer service functions across Modplan will now operate as one entity across the different markets and product groups.

Speaking on Justin’s appointment, Modplan’s Managing Director Heidi Sachs said: “Justin has been instrumental in building the company’s well-respected position through his work within our Nordic division.  His appointment as International Sales and Marketing Director reflects the strength of his ability and his continued commitment to the success of Modplan.”

In other business moves, Neil Gater has become Marketing and Communications Manager having previously performed that role within the Nordic Division. And Chris Wake has become Customer Service Manager having previously worked within the conservatory processing office at Modplan. Both Chris and Neil will report direct to Justin.

Heidi concludes: “The new structure ensures we are equipped and able to service the needs of our diverse market and our valued customers. We would like to congratulate Justin, Neil and Chris on their new appointments.”

www.modplan.co.uk 

WICONA, the specialist manufacturer of glazing and glass curtain walling, has worked with specialist contractor GLASSOLUTIONS to deliver the glazing and facades package for One Bedford Avenue, a flagship mixed use development in Central London.

The 115,000 sq ft mixed-use office and retail development at One Bedford Avenue replaces two outdated office buildings on the corner of London’s Tottenham Court Road. The design concept for the building from Bennetts Associates was to create versatile, energy efficient spaces that would maximise natural light throughout the seven-storey building and provide the best possible views of the surrounding area.

To help achieve these requirements WICONA’s WICTEC 50 Stick build curtain wall was selected. The design of the system allowed spectacular floor to ceiling glazing to be achieved and the extra narrow 50mm profiles further minimised interruptions to the views from the building. In addition, access to the building’s upper floor terraces is provided by WICONA WICSTYLE 65 doors. The versatile product, which features a flush leaf design, was specified to replicate the aesthetics and integrate with the curtain walling.

Working with both main contractor Mace and GLASSOLUTIONS, a semi-bespoke window system was also created using WICONA WICLINE 75 with window profiles designed specifically to meet the aesthetic and structural requirements of the development.

The exceptional thermal and air-tightness performance of the windows, doors and curtain walling was also an important factor in achieving the energy efficiency targets for the building. Both the WICSTYLE doors and WICLINE windows feature multi-chamber thermal insulation systems that help the building to meet the required U-values.

The location of the development in a busy part of London and a site perimeter similar in size to the building’s footprint meant that external access was extremely limited. To overcome these challenges, the GLASSOLUTIONS project team developed an innovative sliding track system to move the glass units into place to be installed from inside the building. As well as removing the need for floor cranes, this method allowed the installation team to remain safely behind perimeter protection at all times whilst also freeing up the floor slab for other trades to operate safely.

“The installation was a huge success and everyone involved should be very proud of the finished building,” said John Foster, Commercial Director of Glassolutions’ Contracting division. “With the exterior glazing and curtain walling being such a key part of the architect’s vision for this spectacular development it was essential to select the right products to achieve both the required aesthetics and performance.”

Graham Hurrell, WICONA Director of Specification Sales, added: “The complex requirements of the One Bedford Avenue meant that a close partnership between WICONA, GLASSOLUTIONS and Mace was vital to complete the project on schedule and to the highest levels of quality while meeting the challenges that the site presented.”

To find out more about the WICONA range visit www.WICONA.com/en/uk/

Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has launched two new patterns to its popular Pilkington Texture Glass range.

The new products, Pilkington Cassini™ and Pilkington Tribal™, add to the manufacturer’s existing texture glass range, which helps homeowners maintain privacy and security while adding style to windows and doors, partitions, dividers, splash-backs and cupboards.

Pilkington Cassini™ features fine line detail that offers a multi-layered effect, resulting in a modern design influenced by the mosaics of Barcelona. It’s achieved by engraving the roller, which marks the pattern onto the glass during the manufacturing process, using cutting-edge technology.

In contrast, Pilkington Tribal™ has a hand-drawn finish inspired by Aztec patterns. To achieve this look, Pilkington used traditional hand-engraving methods when creating the roller to produce a modern patterned glass that’s steeped in history.

Ian Bateson, specialist in hand-etching, said: “Hand-etching is a dying art in this country, with so many patterns relying on computer aided design these days. I’ve been helping create textured glass with Pilkington for over 40 years and I’m proud that this traditional, hand-drawn method is still making its way into the manufacturing of new products.”

Leo Pyrah, texture glass product manager at Pilkington, added: “Working with leading trend forecasters, we’ve created two new contemporary and stylish patterns that complement our existing range.

“The new products will help to capture demand from homeowners, who are increasingly looking for ways to create more privacy while still maintaining a pleasing aesthetic and functionality for home interiors.”

Pilkington Texture Glass offers 21 different designs ranging from traditional to contemporary, allowing maximum light in while maintaining a chosen level of privacy or obscuration.

Watch how the Pilkington Tribal™ pattern was made here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=6BQx7QSv2wk

The Chancellor must take bold action in the forthcoming Budget to improve access to finance for SME builders if he wants to tackle the housing crisis, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB said: “If the Government wants to solve the housing crisis, it must address the access to finance issue that local housebuilders continue to face. The Chancellor needs to commit to underwriting loans from banks to small house builders to get finance flowing into our sector once more. Nearly a decade after the financial crisis, difficulty in accessing finance remains a major barrier to small house builders increasing their delivery of new homes. Indeed, the FMB’s 2017 House Builders’ Survey showed little signs of improvement in this picture and if anything suggested slight deterioration in lending conditions. Assessments of lending conditions to SME developers were down slightly from 2016, the first fall in this measure since 2013. These difficulties make it much harder for existing SME house builders to flourish and grow and deter new firms from entering the market. This has resulted in a less dynamic house building sector that is less able to expand to build the homes we need.”

Berry concluded: “If local housebuilders are to build Britain out of the housing crisis, the Chancellor must use the Budget to pull as many levers as possible in order to enable more finance to reach SMEs. One thing the Government can do is act to reduce the capital costs of lending to this sector for smaller specialist lenders. The initiative announced last week by the British Business Bank to extend its ENABLE Guarantee to house building by striking a deal with United Trust Bank is welcome. This type of Government action, because it pushes down the capital costs of lending to SME builders, will allow lenders to do much more of this. The Chancellor needs to back this initiative, encourage its expansion and explore all other options to reduce the risk and costs to banks of lending into this sector. If the Government wants to meet the ambitious housing targets it has set itself, it will need to ensure the long-constrained SME housing sector can once again access the finance it needs to meet the challenge of tackling Britain’s housing crisis.”

www.fmb.org.uk

Picture above: Dale Pegler introducing the new F82 door at the launch of the AluK Luminia Select Partner scheme

AluK has launched its first ever Select Partner scheme, creating a network of like-minded fabricators who will play a key role in helping to drive and support the next stage in AluK’s planned strategic expansion.

These are businesses who AluK feels have the same ethos, values and drive for shared growth in the aluminium market. They will be given exclusive access to the brand new Luminia premium product range from AluK for the trade and residential market, as well as benefiting from extensive business development and marketing support.

This includes the brand new Luminia F82 bi-fold door, which has been generating such a huge amount of interest since it was previewed at this year’s FIT Show, and the SC156 sliding door due out shortly.

The Luminia Select Partner network was official launched to a group of AluK’s key customers at the end of October, at an event held at the Celtic Manor Hotel. This group, which includes many of the UK’s best known and most highly regarded aluminium fabricators, all put their names to the Luminia Partners pledge, before being invited to AluK’s nearby Chepstow facility the next day for a full briefing on the F82.

The Luminia F82 is the door which AluK believes will set a new benchmark for quality and performance in the aluminium bi-fold market. Trade and commercial customers have been asking for the product since the FIT Show, so AluK knows that there is already huge pent up demand.

Speaking after the launch, Russell Yates, AluK’s Managing Director, said: “All of the products in the Luminia range have been developed to target the premium sector of the market, where we know the biggest opportunities will lie in the years ahead

“By appointing Select Partners for the products in this range, we hope to ensure that Luminia becomes established as a premium brand, whilst also preserving an element of exclusivity. This is a really exciting opportunity for the Select Partners themselves and for AluK, and we will be working together to drive really meaningful market growth.”

The emphasis in the Luminia Select Partner scheme is on the word partners. The members will be fabricating and selling the products, but AluK will be supporting them with bespoke marketing support allied directly to the AluK brand, and with significant lead generation campaigns.

There will also be product and business development workshops, technical support both on site and at AluK’s new Chepstow Academy, and regular market intelligence briefings.

The AluK Luminia Select Partners are: Alpine Window and Door Systems, AluFold Direct, Arkay Windows, Capital Windows Doors and Conservatories, Climatec Windows, Complete Aluminium Systems, CWG Choices, Duration Windows, EYG, Iceni Windows, IQ Glass, Nolan, Quantum Windows, Rhino Aluminium and Whiteline,

More details are at: www.aluk.co.uk

The BWF’s Joinery State of Trade Survey Q3 2017 has indicated that the medium-term prospects of the joinery industry remain sound, but growing concerns over skill, raw materials and the implications of Brexit are fostering long-term uncertainty.

BWF policy and communications executive, Matt Mahony, commented: “Labour shortages and raw materials costs continue to bite but sales growth is still expected, at least in the medium term, with order books holding up well and more than half of firms operating at over four fifths of their capacity.

“Investment is set to increase with manufacturing equipment and product improvement the main targets but large increases in spending are also anticipated for R&D and e-business. Longer-term growth expectations appear to have been dampened slightly, however, and this tallies with broader construction industry research suggesting that slower economic growth and signs of an emerging weakness in construction activity outside of private housing are beginning to have an impact on spending decisions.

“Labour availability is also becoming a growing concern and this is now anticipated by survey respondents to become the biggest constraint on activity over the next year. New training and apprenticeship reforms, not to mention industry-led skills initiatives, will need to deliver for the woodworking sector and BWF has been redoubling its efforts to support the joinery skills agenda.”

Key points from the BWF Joinery State of Trade Survey Q3 2017 include:

• A balance of 44% of respondents reported an increase in sales volumes over the last quarter, with 46% reporting an increase over the last year. This corresponds with the 42% of respondents reporting a quarterly increase in the previous survey.
• Manufacturers felt that sales volumes would improve in the next quarter, with a balance of 40% predicting an increase for Q4 2017, and a balance of 36% predicting an increase over the next year.
• 26% of companies reported a current order book of future work extending beyond three months – down 16% from the previous quarter – with 53% saying that their order book extended from between one and three months.
• Labour availability was listed as the most likely constraint on output over the next year by 35% of respondents. Demand and capacity came next, with 29% and 17% of respondents feeling that they were most likely to constrain output.
• 34% of respondents on balance reported increasing their labour force in the last year, with 37% of respondents anticipating an increased labour force over the next year.
• Raw material costs were noted as the main inflationary factor for unit costs for 96% of respondents, with wages/salaries increases pushing up unit costs for 82% of respondents on balance.
• Over the previous year a balance of 49% of respondents had invested in improving their products with 43% investing in their plant/equipment.
• Investment in in product improvement was set for the highest capital investment over the next year, with a balance of 54% planning to invest and with 50% set to invest plant/equipment.

The post Mixed forecast from BWF appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Solidor and McDermott Windows raise money for the Douglas Macmillan Hospice

Composite door manufacturer, Solidor, has raised £10,000 for a Macmillan hospice in Staffordshire. Solidor asked its customers to pledge £1 for every door purchased in September and promised to match their donations.

Voluntary donations make up 75% of the £12m needed this year alone to maintain the services of the hospice. Established in 1973, the Douglas Macmillan Hospice is a 28-bed care facility for people facing incurable cancer, servicing primarily the North Staffordshire area.

Solidor’s staff and customers were fundraising in association with the hospice’s DougieMac ‘Bring a Pound’ campaign. This reportedly got particular attention on 22 September, when North Staffordshire was ‘taken over’ with fundraising fun and celebrations. At Solidor senior management took turns to run between 5K and 10k to complete a 50k challenge. Solidor’s customer services manager, Cameron Edmonds, took on a 150-mile cycle while others made sweet treats and savoury snacks to sell on the day.

Solidor’s customers joined in too. Blackburn-based installer, McDermott Windows, went a step further by pledging £15 for every Solidor purchased throughout September. Steven McDermott, MD of McDermott Windows, said: “We have a fantastic partnership with Solidor. They’re always on hand to provide us with excellent support to help make our business a success. We wanted to show our appreciation by contributing to the fundraising. We were only too happy to help.”

Gareth Busson, Solidor group’s head of sales and marketing, added: “The generosity shown by McDermott Windows is overwhelming, we really do have the best customers in the industry. The Douglas Macmillan Hospice is a fantastic local charity and we know that the money raised will be put to good use. We’re really proud to be able to support them. A big thanks must also go to all the Solidor staff who took part and did a fantastic job in raising money for a great cause.”

For more information on DougieMac or if you’d like to support the charity with a donation, visit: www.dmhospice.org.uk.

The post Charity support appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).