Glass Age articles from August 2003

Glass Age archives from August 2003

Construction boom is over, claims analyst.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The boom in Britain's construction industry is over, according to Experian Business Strategies in its latest forecasts for the sector. After achieving eight per cent growth in 2002 - four times that of the whole UK economy last year - the...

CEO resigns over HW's lacklustre figures.
August 26, 2003... Ian Stuart, Chief Executive of the Heywood Williams Group has tended his resignation in the light of a loss in the six month period ending 30 June 2003. The scheduled improvements in UK operations are not materialising as quickly as...

Sale of Pilks Aerospace `consistent with strategy'.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Trading in the UK Building Products market may be relatively strong, but Pilkington reports a tough time in most other markets. In his address to the AGM on 28th July, Chairman Sir Nigel Rudd said: `Last year we experienced some of the...

226 work deaths last year.(UK sets new low in workplace death rate)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... New HSE statistics report that 226 people were killed at work 2002/3, 25 fewer than in 01/2 and the lowest rate recorded. Deaths caused by falls from height continue to dominate the figures. Commission Chairman Bill Callaghan also drew...

Ultraframe's Uzone creates jobs.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... A positive industry response to the new Uzone conservatory roofing system means that 25 new jobs are being created at Ultraframe's Clitheroe HQin coming months. Ultraframe has invested #3 million in Uzone Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Ultraframe re-thinks sales office.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Ultraframe's sales has been `regionalised' into dedicated teams responsible either for Prefabricated or Component roof sales by area. Customers are being allocated 0870 phone and fax numbers to stream calls Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Silicone sealant seminar.(from Dow Corning and Structural Glazing Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Silicone sealant experts Dow Corning and Structural Glazing Ltd announce a free seminar, followed by a tour of SG's new premises. Potential delegates should contact John Richardson at Structural Glazing on 01952 209820 or at johnr@structural...

Hurst sets a new export record.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... During May the export department of door panel specialist Hurst Plastics traded with 22 countries - the largest ever number in a single month - while increasing sales by nearly 30%. www.hurst-plastics.co.uk Copyright: CMP Information...

Glass sculpture made at Rankins to be sited opposite Harrods.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... On 26th September Simon Hitchens' major public glass sculpture, Shining Silence, will be unveiled on the Brompton Road directly opposite Harrods. Made entirely from glass and over two and a half metres high, this dazzling work is set to become...

Glaverbel's new UK MD.(Peter Allen is new managing director)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Peter Allen has been appointed Managing director of Glaverbel UK, succeeding Jonathan Hill who retired. He began his career with Midland Glass Group Ltd and then joined the United Builders Merchant Group Plc before taking over the management...

Activ gets Which? thumbs up.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass has attracted highly positive coverage from Which? magazine, followed by a feature on the BBC's popular Breakfast Programme. The June issue of Which?, the powerful magazine of the Consumers Association,...

Palmer points to `clear growth'.
August 26, 2003... `The Trade Woodcare market has shown a strong swing from woodstains to opaque wood finishes in the past three years', says Robert Palmer in a new report on British trade woodcare markets. Palmer Market Research, tel. 020 8390 8131,...

British Glass H&S Conference.(Health and Safety Conference)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Partnerships in Safety is the theme of the British Glass 2003 Annual Glass Health & Safety Conference, being held on 6th November at the Renaissance Solihull Hotel. Further info from the Glass Safety Unit, tel. 0114 268 6201, e-mail...

New Chairman for UK EPDA Div.(John Douglas, appointed Chairman of European Plastics Distributors Association; Calvin Hussey appointed Vice Chairman)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... John Douglas, Sales & Marketing Director of Plastics Plus Limited, has been appointed Chairman of the UK Division of the European Plastics Distributors Association for next year and Calvin Hussey of Rightons has been appointed Vice Chairman....

BWF regional H&S workshops.(health and safety workshops offered by British Woodworking Federation)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The British Woodworking Federation has planned a series of health and safety workshops, including at Lewes (19 Sept), Bristol (16 Oct), Preston (6 Nov) and Atherstone (4 Dec). For details contact Michael Lee on 020 7608 5053 or e-mail...

Five awards in a row for Hall.(Hall Fire Protection wins Specialist Contractor of the Year Award )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... For an unprecedented 5th year Hall Fire Protection has won the Specialist Contractor of the Year Award at the Building Services Contractor of the Year Award, held at Meridien Grosvenor Hotel in London. www.hallfire.co.uk Copyright:...

Xtralite gets ISO 9001.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Xtralite (Rooflights) Ltd of Blyth, Northumberland has gained ISO 9001 for its design and manufacturing of roof glazing systems, and claims to be the first rooflight company to gain the mark. www.xtralite.co.uk Copyright: CMP...

Pilks signs up for GP&T.(Pilkington PLC at Glass Processing and Technology exhibition)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Pilkington has reaffirmed its commitment to Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T), the brand new glass industry event taking place in November at the NEC, by confirming its plans for a 154m2 stand, and using the event to introduce a radical new...

`Largeing it' at Glassex.(exhibitors increasing stand size following last successful exhibition)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... As the sales campaign for Glassex 2004 gains pace, a number of regular exhibitors have increased their stand size following successful appearances at the last event, signalling their confidence in both the market and the exhibition. ...

Rush for jobs at Synseal.(Synseal Extrusions Ltd. recruitment day )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Synseal's recent recruitment open day attracted more than 550 people in one day for the 68 positions the company has to fill. Despite having already given out 1,200 application forms, requests are still coming in for the positions available...

Polyco expands in Wales.(Polyco Limited)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Continual investment and increased sales have been key to the expansion of Polyco Limited, where a 16,000ft2 extension to the firm's existing production facilities in Newtown, Mid-Wales, was officially opened on Friday, 27th June 2003. The...

Window firms's TV makeover.(Buckinghamshire Window Company Ltd. services featured on television programme)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... National TV stardom came easily to Aylesbury based Buckinghamshire Window Company Ltd when it appeared on ITV's better homes with Carol Vordermen last month, thanks to support from its supplier Indigo Products Ltd. Indigo Products supplied...

Plimsoll report findings.(Plimsoll Publishing scores top 1000 companies in windows and doors industry )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Industry analysts Plimsoll Publishing have scored the top 1000 companies in the Windows & Doors industry on their level of `fitness', or overall efficiency. This is a new feature of the new 4th edition of Plimsoll's report. It also calculates...

Ron Cheek.(dies)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The death has been announced of Ron Cheek, a long-standing director of Titon, following a short illness. Until his retirement in 1999, he was Managing Director of the Sales and Marketing Division of this specialist supplier of trickle vents and...

Obituary: Alan Dyson.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Alan Dyson was one of the industry's most respected managers, giving over 30 years of service since leaving the army in the late 60s to his death on 24th July. His professional life was spent with two companies, firstly as QS for MAG,...

SURFING THE NET: Portal Products.(www.portal-products.co.uk)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Portal Products' website, www.portal-products.co.uk, provides useful, up-to-date information and news for customers and visitors. Portal is one of the UK's leading PVC-U door panel and composite door manufacturers with over 11 years of...

5th Mila Trinity is a dead heat.(window industry sporting even results)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... It's the sporting finish that has made for many a nail-biting moment in England footballing history, and it was no different at this year's Mila Trinity Challenge when Bryco Windows' triumph in a penalty shoot- out placed the company in joint...

New Arup consultancy.(Arup Materials Consulting)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Arup's latest specialist consultancy, Arup Materials Consulting, combines the skills of Arup R+D and Arup Facade Engineering, offering a strong multi-material capability. www.arup.com Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Black Horse Home Improvement.(launches new logo, reorganized sales force)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Part of Lloyd's TSB, has a new logo and restructured sales team. `This is a real advantage to Home Improvement Suppliers who operate in an industry that has in the past received negative press', said National Sales Manager Bob Bains ...

Curved Forms at Zest Gallery.(work by artist Adam Aaronson)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Zest Gallery, London's newest destination for cutting edge and contemporary glass art, opens on September 30 with an exhibition entitled Curved Forms, the latest body of work by British artist Adam Aaronson. For info, tel. 020 7610 1900. ...

Celebrations at Central Glass.(Silver Jubilee celebrations)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Over 300 people joined Macclesfield based Central Glass at the recent opening of its new Hulley Road Showroom as part of the company's Silver Jubilee celebrations. Trading in both the commercial and domestic sectors, Central Glass has...

Awards recognise imagination in aluminium.(Wilkinson Eyre and Knox Bhavan share Aluminium Imagination Award )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The Aluminium Imagination Award has been won jointly for the first time, with the #10,000 first prize going to two London architectural practices, Wilkinson Eyre and Knox Bhavan. Knox Bhavan Architects were behind Le Bordage, St Peter Port,...

TEN recruitment lessons.
August 26, 2003... Where do you find the good people who can help you to achieve your aims? And who do you to turn to find that next national sales manager or managing director? With 15 years industry experience, Bill Pratt is a specialist in his field and...

ARE WE GOING SOFT?(trends in glass coatings)(Interview)
August 26, 2003... David Offland, Joint Managing Director of Float Glass Industries, shares an independent view on the various glass coatings available and their performance benefits in satisfying current regulations The choice of Low E glasses is fairly...

Esograt keeps you posted.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... UK distributor Esograt announces that the new five chamber Thyssen T70 System has been extended with the introduction of a new square bay post. The design has been slightly altered from the AD 60 suite with the introduction of fins to act...

Speed with strength.(acrylic structural adhesive from Permabond International)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Permabond has developed a new two-part toughened acrylic structural adhesive, V5004, which combines ultra-rapid bonding with structural strength. Cured V5004 is flexible making it ideal for bonding dissimilar materials such as metals, glass,...

Gutter protection.(Waterfall Gutter Guard System from Cavalok)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The Waterfall Gutter Guard System is designed to allow debris-free gutter protection that is maintenance free. The universal product is available in 2.4M lengths, comes with a five- year warranty and is applicable to most PVC and seamless...

Now you see it.(Imagine Glass technology from Imaging Sciences)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Imaging Sciences has developed Imagine Glass technology for interior and exterior architectural and OEM applications, such as windows, doors staircases, vehicles and furniture. The process uses a decorative interlayer laminated between two or...

Duraflex goes low-line.(introduces range of low-line beads for aesthetics)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Duraflex has introduced a range of low-line beads. Designed to enhance the aesthetic appearance of the finished frame, the new beading system improves the glass the line by a nominal 10mm with no heavy sightlines visible through the glass. The...

Transfers profitably.(range of transfers from North Western)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... North Western Lead's Decra Led Options range of transfers can be used on doors and fanlights, with or without lead, bevels, in a quick and profitable operation. Transfers can be used in various ways. Option 1 is to just apply lead to...

Merlin's in the shade.(timber and aluminium louvre from Merlin Sunscreening Systems Limited)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Merlin Sunscreening Systems Limited has recently developed a new composite timber and aluminium louvre to add to its range of brise soleil and sunscreening systems. Three new extrusions have been designed which consist of a nosing, a...

Summit makes it a triple.(new range from Summit Window and Patio Door Products)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Summit has introduced a new range of woodgrain effect, hollow soffit profiles with an interlocking tongue and groove feature, to complement the existing collection of Square Fascia profiles. The 300mm wide triple plank design is now available...

NICHE IS NICE FOR KAT.(KAT UK Ltd)(Company Profile)
August 26, 2003... Starting with patio doors, KAT has carved a niche supplying what the window fabricator doesn't produce. Dominic Bentham takes a closer look What a great idea. David Richards, founder and Managing Director of KAT UK Ltd, has built a...

VITRUM REVIEW.
August 26, 2003... This year's Vitrum, by anyone's standards, was not as well attended as usual. However, visitor quality was as high as ever. The show has always attracted serious purchasers and this year was no exception. Bottero UK announces that it has...

THE VERIFIER: IF YOU'RE NOT COVERED, DON'T TAKE THE JOB.
August 26, 2003... Don't act as a specifier unless you are covered by insurance is Rod Appleyard's advice this month This month we find ourselves with a most interesting case where the well-meaning glazing contractor - `We Care Limited' - tried to help a...

Whiteline lays down the Chamfered Challenge.(new product from Whiteline Group introduced with promotion)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The new Chamfered system completes Whiteline's casement product offering, the company now fabricating both 58mm and 70mm Chamfered, both with a choice of Ovolo or Chamfered bead, and its Goldline 70 Ovolo system which was successfully launched...

Positive partnerships.(Castle Composite Doors reports succeess in first quarter)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... System 10 fabricator Castle Composite Doors, based in Coventry, reports particular success for the first quarter of the year thanks to recent product developments coupled with a positive partnership approach to customers. The company has...

Sawing away with Shepley.(new machine at newest factory)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... As part of a recent investment programme for its newest factory, Shepley has spent over #100,000 on one of only three high-tech cutting centres in the UK. `The new machine is operating so efficiently it has already reduced waste by...

Glazerite triples capacity.(Glazerite Windows )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Wellingborough, Northants, based trade fabricator Glazerite Windows has just announced the tripling of its production capacity in just three years, with the support of its PVC-U profile supplier Veka plc. From producing 50-80 windows per week...

SIERRA STAYS IN THE FRAME.(Sierra Windows)(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
August 26, 2003... Don't overlook Sierra Windows, the original super-fabricator, writes Dominic Bentham It's easy to overlook Sierra Windows, being based down in Paignton, Devon. But the message is that the original super fabricator covers the length and...

Residents praise Sash work.( Sash UK )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Leading fabricator and installer Sash UK Ltd, has been praised by residents, within the Borough of Pendle, Lancashire, for its efficient service and attention to detail, following the completion of two major replacement contracts in the area....

Budget joins AIMSscheme.(Approved Installer Membership Scheme)(Budget Windows I.O.W. Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... HW Systems fabricater Budget Windows I.O.W. Ltd has successfully passed the accreditation for the Government's Quality Mark and become a member of HW Plastic's Approved Installer Membership Scheme (AIMS). `The Isle of Wight is an extremely...

Tufflex makes it colourful.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... When Tony Smith, Project Manager for Kelly Builders, needed blue, red and grey foiled and window and door profile for the renovation of St Raphael's home for the handicapped in Celbridge, Co. Kildare, he went to fabricator Wright Window Systems...

Carlisle's up with Plastmo.(Carlisle Window Systems Ltd. business increases 150 per cent in 2 years)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... A `very satisfied' Carlisle Window Systems Limited announes a 150 per cent increase in business in the 24 months it has been a Plastmo customer. Co-director Stuart Thompson says `We switched to Plastmo two years ago and the profile's sound...

United improves its Status in the efficiency stakes.(United Trade Frames )
August 26, 2003... In reality, efficiency should be a fundamental way of working - a structure, a system, a strategy, a culture, an ethos... Being efficient does not necessarily involve getting rid of something, or someone. Rather it is a case of taking stock of...

EVERYTHING CATERED FOR.(widest range of window styles and sizes)
August 26, 2003... Supplying probably the widest range of window styles and sizes, CWG makes sure that installers have all the weapons in their arsenal. By Dominic Bentham In this mature market, many fabricators can boast to be churning out frames in their...

Kolorplas sees demand for colours soar in record year.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... It's been a record year so far for the prominent PVC-U fabricator and colour coating specialist Kolorplas. The Oxon-based group reports a 20 per cent overall increase in sales for the year, double the usual rate of growth for the company's...

Rehau vertical slider the closest match for conversion.(Roseview Windows)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Rehau fabricator Roseview Windows has just completed a contract to manufacture and install vertically sliding and tilt and turn windows in a high profile conversion project in north west London. The four-storey Metro House is an ex-police...

FREDERICKS UPS CAPACITY.(John Fredericks Plastics)
August 26, 2003... Strategic investment by John Fredericks Plastics has increased the company's capacity to produce its Ultimate Collection A period of strategic investment at leading trade fabricator John Fredericks has seen a significant increase in its...

Luxury flats with Duraflex.(windows)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Regional developer Knowsley Homes has specified PVC-U windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite for an attractive new development near Manchester. The recently completed luxury apartments incorporate curved feature windows as part of a striking...

Ideal's choice is LB.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... In a move to increase both its product range and customer confidence, Poole based window manufacturer Ideal Trade Frames has switched production to L.B. Plastics Sheerframe windows. Established in 1997, Ideal Trade Frames manufactures 300...

Going for it with Spectus.(Gofor Trade Windows)(Gofor Trade Windows)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... North Shields based Spectus fabricator Gofor Trade Windows has recently been awarded BS7412 accreditation, cementing the first five years development of a business dedicated to the highest standards of quality and service. Gofor Trade...

Malbern: size not important.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Malbern Direct, a division of Manchester based Malbern Windows, has been established to manufacture and supply windows, conservatories and doors specifically for the small and medium sized installer. Malbern Windows has been trading...

Heritage picks Profile 22.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Heritage Trade Frames, part of the Heritage Somerfield Group, has recently committed its future to Profile 22, after years of dual sourcing. `Further enhancements to the already successful product range and recent changes in senior...

Sales up after switching.( Platinum Conservatories, Windows and Doors )(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Shropshire fabricator Platinum Conservatories, Windows and Doors claims that sales are up by over a third, following the switch to Spectus Sightline 70 profile. Platinum has recently invested in a new purpose- built factory and two new...

Satisfied Stuga customers.(Stuga Ltd.)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Sales of the well-known Stuga Flowline sawing and prepping centre have recently reached 42 units, and 36 are now installed and fully operational throughout the country. Three more orders are currently pending signing off by customers. ...

Royal machinery package.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Merseyside based commercial aluminium specialist Royal Extrusions has set its sights on growth with an ambitious investment package from Promac. The new machinery, from the high-end Emmegi range of aluminium fabrication equipment, will be made...

President's predictions.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... In his inaugural address to Conference in Jersey on Friday 30th May, Mike Turner, newly elected President of the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers went with the theme 'It's Time for Change'. He said: 'I see major challenges ahead that we...

Laird's colourful Maxim.(Laird Group PLC)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Laird's Maxim espagnolette window handle is now available in six finishes; Gold, Satin and polished chrome, white, black and PVD gold. With a firm ergonomically designed grip, Maxim has a distinctive scallop button recess providing a...

Better screws come cheap.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Professional fabricators and installers look for quality products with a service to match. `People often think the price difference between quality and budget brands is vast,' says Richard Clark, Technical Manager of UK Fasteners. `But it...

Wrekin of Securistyle.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Vivienne Taylor, Northern Specifications Sales Manager at Securistyle demonstrates emergency egress hardware to a Wrekin Housing Trust resident, who has benefited from a recent refurbishment project. The Trust has upgraded its window...

Better Fredericks handles.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... John Fredericks has re-designed its range of door handles to improve their security and appearance. The company has effectively reduced the size of the handle's centre lock casing without compromising its security, thereby improving its...

Groupco catalogue on CD.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Leading supplier Groupco has launched a catalogue on CD-Rom. Purchasing Manager Alison Collins explains, `With links to the current information on our website it takes us into the next generation of market awareness/exposure. CD and websites...

Carl F's 15 years in the UK.
August 26, 2003... Carl F Petersen Ltd is celebrating its 15 trading year and, in this report for Glass Age, Carl F Group managing director Hans Christian Petersen pays tribute to the success of the UK hardware distribution company. As Denmark's largest...

Mila is handling New York.(door handles)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Hoppe's New York range of door furniture, available from Mila, is made from cast aluminium to offer the handle more strength and durability, while also offering an intrinsic high quality feel to it. The choice of four colours - silver, gold,...

Golden Intro from Unitec.(Unitec Hardware)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Unitec Hardware has now added a polished gold effect finish to its range of Intro adjustable door hinges. The company has also further enhanced the choice of hinge options by introducing a new universal rebated hinge to meet a growing demand...

Nico's Egressive approach.(Nico Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Nico Manufacturing has improved the Nico Egress hinge. A new design of slide mechanism and high stack nosebar makes the hinge even stronger and easier to close. These new features are particularly useful for larger openings where hinge...

Fullex stages lock-in at housing show.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Visitors to the Fullex Locks stand, at the Chartered Institute of Housing Exhibition in Harrogate in June were shown an insight into the outstanding performance of Fullex door locks and the flexible approach which the company applies to fulfill...

New take on an old design.(new range of sash window fittings)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... One of a new range of sash window fittings from J Banks Ltd, Cam-lok combines the effective locking and compression benefits of a traditional window lock with a modern stylish slimline design. Available with or without key locking and with a...

Winlock ups the ante.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Winlock has launched Firmguard to compete head on with Far Eastern imported window handles. The BBA approved handles are available with white or brass-effect finishes and a solid back design. The handles have a push-to-open mechanism and are...

Schlegel locks and handles.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Suitable for all 70mm PVC-U systems, the Schlegel Slimline lock is constructed of 100% austenetic stainless steel coupled with its competitive pricing and rapid order turn round it's billed as the ideal choice for the discerning fabricator. ...

GU puts swing in the floor.(GU Technologies' FD-M In-floor swing door operators)(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... GU Technologies' FD-M In-floor swing door operators have proved to be the solution to persistent draught problems at Cellular Operations' spectacular purpose-built headquarters in Swindon. Retro-fitted to existing double-leaf glass doors, the...

Bastille, for glass interiors.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... The new Bastille range of interior glass door furniture is now available in the UK from Prefit, distributors of architectural ironmongery. Consisting of precision engineered slimline lever locksets and latch sets with matching hinges, the...

Roto's TSL passes the test.(Brief Article)
August 26, 2003... Roto Frank's new TSL twin cam security locking system has been fully vindicated by independent testing. Rigorous indicative testing on a variety of profiles fitted with TSL has shown windows consistently achieving results in excess of 9.2kN. It...