Glass Age articles from December 2003

Glass Age archives from December 2003

Sortex `Money Machine'.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... London based Sortex is a global leader in food sorting technology. Its machines discard imperfect or discoloured material from foodstuffs as tiny as sesame seeds or as large as potatoes. In an inspired exercise in lateral thinking, Peter...

Securistyle in #35m `Secondary Buyout'.
December 18, 2003... Securistyle, the Cheltenham-based manufacturers of architectural hardware for the window market, has new financial backers as the result of a #35m secondary buy-out. When Securistyle's existing investor indicated its desire to capitalise...

Help Ronnie Help the Kids.
December 18, 2003... They say that madness comes in many forms. Throwing yourself out of a plane at a height in excess of 15,000 feet is probably one of them. Yet Systems Hardware managing director Ronnie Rossall intends to do just that. However, he is not planning...

Brunner Mond wins Safety Award.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Brunner Mond was the only raw materials supplier in the country to scoop a prize when the soda ash producer won a national award for Best Safety Initiative at the recent GLASS Charter Awards. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Norscot achieves Q-Mark via BM TRADA.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Scottish Highlands based Norscot Joinery Ltd has gone all out for quality to achieve Q Mark certification for the PVC-U windows the company manufactures using the VEKA Matrix system. The BM TRADA Q Mark achieved by Norscot is a third party...

Sash Promotes Nick.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Sash UK has re-affirmed its commitment to provide a wider customer support service with the internal promotion of Nick Hibberd. Nick, PR and Marketing Manager for Sash for more than seven years in all, has added Head of Customer Services to his...

Palmer Looks at Window Market to `07.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... This New Window Report from Palmer Market Research comes in two dedicated volumes, comprising 156 pages, 14 sections, 116 tables of numeric and statistical data, and 20 charts illustrating the trends and comparisons. Key points from the...

Everglade Aims to Double Size.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Everglade Windows is celebrating being in business in the London area for 25 years, with a move which MD Vinod Gopal hopes will more than double the factory size. Currently producing 500 units a week, the business has outgrown its...

Showhome Awards.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Shepley Window Systems has launched its latest initiative, Showhome Awards, to pay recognition to its customers' best installations. The trade fabricator is asking customers to enter installations they believe meet the highest of standards into...

Shield Helps Asset Expand into Trade Market.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Sales of Asset windows, doors and conservatories to home owners rocketed by almost 75% last month, thanks to a change of supplier of the PVCu profiles used to make them. Throughout East Anglia and the Home Counties, the Thetford-based...

Whiteline Web Winners.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... The Whiteline Group, the South East trade fabricator of PVC-U windows and doors reports the success of its Chamfered Challenge competition. Launched in June in conjunction with the introduction of the company's new Goldline 70mm Chamfered...

Major Investment at Manse Masterdor.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Phil Willis, MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, recently paid a visit to Manse Masterdor Ltd following the company's expansion, to see the North Yorkshire company in action. Mr Willis spent time with the directors of the bespoke door...

Are You the Best Installer in the UK?
December 18, 2003... Britain's window and conservatory installers will have the opportunity to test and demonstrate their skills through a new competition taking place at Glassex, and which is designed to find the Glassex Installation Team of the Year. The event is...

Edgetech Invests to Help with Part L Compliance.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Super Spacer can help manufacturers and installers reach - and exceed - the Part L demands for thermal efficiency now. But it seems the move to more stringent U-values is inevitable. Although timing is not yet clear, it could happen sooner...

John Fredericks Boosts output with new Machinery.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Trade fabricator John Fredericks has further strengthened its production capacity with additional investment in new equipment. Part of the significant investment at the Huddersfield-based company has been in two new corner cleaners, worth...

Wendland Moves to Grow.(Wendland Roof Solutions )(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 18, 2003... Conservatory roof system manufacturer Wendland Roof Solutions is moving to new, purpose-built headquarters in December 2003 as part of its growth projections for 2004 and beyond. The move follows a period of expansion and development for the...

Glassex 2004 will have Daily Auctions.(Glassex)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Glassex has announced a number of initiatives aimed at stimulating interest amongst fabricators and installers, still the key visitor group for the event. Glassex continues to provide the key annual marketplace for the UK window, door and...

Sparks Direct Goes National with Spares Service.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Sparks Direct (Delta distributors in the South East) has announced the expansion of its van sales fleet with the purchase of two Mercedes sprinters. Steve Taylor (Financial Director) commented: `It is our intention to offer a complete range...

Therm Gears up for Further Growth.(Brief Article)(Company Profile)
December 18, 2003... Managed growth has been the key to the success of South Wales based toughened glass specialist Therm Tempered Ltd since Cavan Crowley bought the business in 1992. Then the turnover was less than #1m and a steady expansion saw that grow to #7.5m...

VISTA goes for AIM Listing.(Vista PLC)(Alternative Investment Market)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Vista plc is to go for a stock echange listing on the AIM (Alternative Investment Market). Readymatch was formed in July 2003 as a cash shell to attract companies and businesses which are seeking admission to trading on AIM but which are...

Network VEKA winner.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... When John and Sue Scott bought new windows and doors from Crewe firm Nouveau Windows they didn't expect a brand new Renault Laguna too. That AEs exactly what they got thanks to a competition being run by the trade organisation Network...

End of suction cup marks?(Euro-tech)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Marks, stains and scratches - glass experts fight this problem every day in glass production, manufacture and transport. Coated glasses are particularly prone to this infection. The sheets are lifted up by the suction plates. The rubbers, which...

First self cleaning multi-wall polycarbonate.(Cox Plastics)(Lexan Thermoclear Easy Clean )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Billed as the world's first self-cleaning multi-wall polycarbonate sheet, Lexan Thermoclear Easy Clean is available from Cox Plastics, part of the Robert Horne Group. Lexan Thermoclear Easy Clean sheets feature a special coating on the...

Newdawn's new roof vent.(Newdawn & Sun )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Conservatory roof systems manufacturer Newdawn & Sun has launched a replacement for its best selling roof vent. This is reinforced with aluminium that is suitable for glass and polycarbonate roofs, accommodating glazing from 16mm to 32mm. The...

Celuform's flipside appeal.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... An unusual application for PVC-ue fascia has been used in a Cornish conservatory. Roger Hoare, managing director of Sapphire Double Glazing in Truro came up with the idea of using Duoform bullnose fascia board when a customer asked for `a...

Screws for installers.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... UK Fasteners has added a new austenitic bi-metallic screw to its range of quality fasteners for fabricators and specifiers. Says David Ballinger, Managing Director of UK Fasteners: `A unique thread base provides excellent pull out...

AVOCET: HATCHING A PLAN.(Avocet Hardware )(Company Profile)
December 18, 2003... What sort of Company do you think Avocet is? asks managing director Chris Morris as we gather in his spacious office. And just before I mention that I'm supposed to be asking the questions here, I realise that Chris has asked me a very...

TRADE FABRICATION: #1m investment is affordable.(Affordable Windows)(Company Profile)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... A new marketing scheme from Kommerling trade fabricator Affordable Windows - the champion of the small installer - is helping its customers expand their businesses with a year-long campaign, giving free holiday accommodation to potential window...

GP&T 2003: GP&T Gives UK Glass Industry a Warm Glow.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... One can only admire the opportunism of GP&T, the recent glass-dedicated show at the NEC: firstly, it took advantage of the hiccup in the timing of Vitrum, which meant that for the first time in its history, the Italian glass show appeared in...

GP&T 2003 - Views from the Floor: some Exhibitor Perspectives.
December 18, 2003... Hegla, in the search for a sales driver for its new UK arm, signed orders mounting to `a nice six figure sum', with the first taken within minutes of the doors opening on the first day. `We are on record for our support for GP&T, and one of the...

GP&T 2003: Ideal for replacing breakages.(Lisec Software )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 18, 2003... Mike Whitlam of Lisec Software demonstrates the company's new GPS ScanCam and software. Ideal for replacing breakages, this clever piece of kit can take accurate dimensions of a glass shape from a digital photo and perform functions such as...

GP&T 2003: Solution for grinding and finishing consumables.(Tyrolit, Marrose Abrasives)(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 18, 2003... Martin Harucksteiner, UK & Ireland Manager for Tyrolit, with David Day, Director of Marrose Abrasives. Together, the two companies offer a complete solution for grinding and finishing consumables. Customers may not be aware of diamond belts and...

GP&T 2003: GP and T exhibitors.(Prefit)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Brian Huddleston of architectural hardware supplier Prefit. Many GP&T exhibitors have been regular Glassex exhibitors for want of a more focused exhibition. Prefit, a division of Preedy Glass, certainly fits into this category, and it will...

GP&T 2003: For.el demoed.(Promac Glass Machinery )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Promac Glass Machinery demoed the For.el automatic sealed unit line with a cycle time of around 30 seconds. The 27 metre line has been sold to Express Glass Group Ltd. Promac, tel. 01788 551555, www.promac.co.uk Copyright: CMP...

GP&T 2003: Inagas caters for diverse market.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Malcolm Kemp, MD of Inagas, the gas filling and testing machinery specialist. Inagas caters for this diverse market with four different machines and three testers. Two of Inagas' newer testing machines are invasive, meaning that the seal has to...

GP&T 2003: Simplify compliance.(CEN Solutions Ltd.)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Are you compliant yet? CEN Solutions Ltd is a new consultancy offering to simplify your route to compliance on a range of industry standards, present and forthcoming, leaving you to concentrate on manufacturing. Tel. 07977 554024 ...

GP&T 2003: Largest glass bend.(Novaglaze )(Brief Article)(Illustration)
December 18, 2003... Gary Smith of Novaglaze with what is reckoned to be the largest glass bend achieveable in Europe, measuring 3.4 metres x 2.6m. The company specialises in architectural glazing curves, destined for metal frames. `You have to be really on top...

GP&T 2003: Hailed as a big success.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... P.A.L. Glass Machinery & Accessories Ltd exhibited at the first GP&T Exhibition and hailed it as a big success. They shared the stand with their major Italian suppliers: Adelio Lattuada, RBB Brazzi, Mappi and Maver. `We were overwhelmed by...

GP&T 2003: Points of interest on the Willian stand.(Willian Design )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Stephen Goodman and Sandra Neves-Kershaw of Willian Design had also exhibited at InterGlassMetal exhibition in Columbus, Ohio, 4-11 November. Particular points of interest on the Willian stand were a new dry arrissing machine with...

GP&T 2003: A new agreement.(Peter Hawkins Ltd.)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Under a new agreement, the Peter Hawkins will represent the Finnish manufacturer of tempering furnaces in the UK. Hawkins already represents Schiatti, CMS, Triulzi, Macotec, SAG and others. Uniglass, which has chalked up an impressive list of...

GP&T 2003: Bassra Machine Tools new machinery.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Harminder Marwaha, a director of Bassra Machine Tools Ltd. New machinery from this Birmingham supplier included a three axis CNC machining centre, sealed unit lines, and an automatic loading and cutting station. Bassra, tel. 0121 7074343...

GP&T 2003: Sale announced.(Bystronic Glass Ltd)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Bystronic Glass Ltd announced the sale of this Smartcut cutting and breakout table with edge deletion to Coastline Glass Ltd of North Shields. Additional shapes can be loaded into the already extensive catalogue using a hand held scanner. As...

GP&T 2003: Glassblowing demonstrations.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... The Glass Art Gallery section was a significant part of the exhibition, also drawing the visitors. Bill Rhodes' glassblowing demonstrations were certainly a crowd puller. Artist Peter Newsome made this exhibit (far right) on the Bohle stand....

Uzone roadshow delivers a dozen a day for Listers.(Lister Trade Frames )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Leading fabricator Lister Trade Frames sold 12 Uzone roofs from Ultraframe in one day - thanks to a recent visit by the Uzone conservatory roadshow. Lister Trade Frames hosted the roadshow in order to introduce its customers to the innovative...

Sapa dual colour roof kits.(Sapa Building Systems )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Recognising the need for a cost-effective alternative to mass-market products, Sapa Building Systems has announced a new range of dual- colour conservatory roof kits. Available through a national network of installers, the launch of the...

Aztec: `we got it right'.(Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems )(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems announces that it has eliminated the problems caused by woodgrain PVC-U conservatory roof cappings distorting in abnormal temperatures, without any need to stock and fabricate additional components. The...

Corby's clever twist on the Shield roof.(Corby Windows Group)(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Corby Windows Group has come up with a clever concept that adds versatility to conservatory roofs. Using all the benefits of the Synseal Shield conservatory roof but with a modified eaves beam, CWG's installer customers can specify either the...

Brett brightens up library.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... A bright new school library has been created at the Winter Garden Infants School, Canvey Island by covering an inner courtyard area with an 11-bay Ritchlight 5.4 x 11.5 metre long gable ended skylight. Designed and manufactured by Brett Martin...

New Horizons for blinds.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Ireland based blinds expert New Horizons has supplied the UK contract market for many years. In a move to better support trade customers, the company has now set up a dedicated UK operation. High-speed delivery is now promised for a range...

Fredericks' new fascias.(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
December 18, 2003... Leading trade fabricator John Fredericks has launched a new range of fascias for its conservatory package. A wide choice of options - including traditional Georgian, intricate Arabesque inspired and contemporary clean-cut streamlined...

Blinds guide and website.(British Blind and Shutter Association )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) has published an illustrated colour leaflet entitled `An introduction to Blinds & Shutters'. The BBSA represents over 360 of the leading suppliers, manufacturers and installers of internal...

Aesthetically pleating.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Cosiflor Pleated Blinds, a manufacturer known throughout Europe, offers customers stylish, high performance fabrics. Unique to the company is the fabric fastening by fixing profile - 20mm profile for 20mm width of folds instead of the usual...

K2's Russian partnership bears fruit.(Albion 2 Ltd)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... October 2001 saw the formation of a partnership between K2 Conservatory Roof Systems and Russian conservatory company Albion 2 Ltd, giving K2 another gateway from which to channel its brand onto a global platform. Two years on the alliance has...

Care home conservatories.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Residents at a new residential care home in Leicester can enjoy the outdoors all year round thanks to two Newdawn & Sun conservatories overlooking the gardens. The larger of the two, measuring around 7 metres across, is used as a day room...

BDG tests for build quality.(Building)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... This particularly fine example from BDG in the plan of a `Swiss' Cross, now forms the centrepiece of this garden centre in Long Island, USA. Sturdily built to cope with the usually severe north American winters, the conservatory features...

Garden centre's focal point.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... A new conservatory roof manufacturer S&J Marketing has been installed at Johnsons Garden Centre in Boston, Lincolnshire. The 75m2 T shaped Victorian conservatory, installed by S&J approved installer Trust Windows provides a 150 seat...

Artizan's period piece.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Spectus fabricator Artizan Windows of Swansea has recently completed a work of worthy of the company name: a conservatory consisting entirely of Vertical Slider sash windows to complement a period home. `This certainly was an ambitious...

K2 sees vent sales rocket.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... `We couldn't have predicted the success of the PVC-U-U roof vent, the increase in installers trying the system and continuing to use it is still rising now, seven months after the launch,' says Paul Carter, sales manager, K2. K2 prides...

A Cotswold complement.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Quantal fabricator, Trade Plas, installed this unique conservatory, perched high on the Cotswold Hills with beautiful, far-reaching views that can be enjoyed all year round, whatever the weather. Richard Phelps, Production Manager at Trade...

Plansafe means access.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Available from Plansafe Access, the Bavaria Alu-Systems patented Conservatory Roof Ladder is a modular aluminium ladder designed to overcome the problems of glazed conservatory roof access during both construction and maintenance. The...

RoofWright's online gallery.(RoofWright)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Short of inspiration or particularly proud of one of your designs ? RoofWright has launched a new Roof Design Gallery for conservatories and sunrooms at www.roofwright.com RoofWright's freehand designer in Version 5.4 software will...

Beaufort doubles in size.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Expansion continues apace at Beaufort Secure Design Ltd with the move to a new facility in Newport, twice the size of the previous premises. The innovative aluminium systems company claims it has seen its sales double in the last five years...

Siegenia-Aubi gets SBD.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Siegenia-Aubi has received Secured By Design (SBD) accreditation for its window and door hardware products. Gary Fisher of SBD presented the certificate to Siegenia-Aubi general manager, Leann Hearne, at the company's UK headquarters in...

Aprimatic's new premises.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Aprimatic UK, formerly the Automation Warehouse, has moved to brand new warehouse and office facilities on the edge of Basingstoke, Hampshire. The company, which supplies technically advanced solutions offering automatic movement for types of...

Secured by Design raises awareness in newbuild.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Many more new homes, both in the public and private sectors, are now being built to Secured by Design (SBD) standards. While this police preferred specification is well known to planners, architects and builders, many occupiers of new homes are...

Prefit sources Sadev.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Architectural hardware specialist Prefit is distributing in the UK Sadev's new Decor system of highly engineered, stainless steel components designed for the `high tech' office and home where a minimalist look is required. Decor's range of...

Rush on sales of Odyssey.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Winlock announces that its Odyssey handle, launched in February 2003 and specially designed and tested for slim line aluminium profile windows, has already achieved sales of nearly 40,000. Odyssey, a tongue drive handle is designed to offer far...

Axim's architectural range.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Axim produces a range of durable and cost-competitive architectural hardware. There is a family of concealed door closers and floor springs, prominent being the top selling 8800 universal transom closer, suiting single or double action...

Laird tilt'n'turn elegance.(Laird Hardware)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Laird Hardware's new Monza handle is described as an elegant solution for Tilt and Turn applications. This `elegant and robust' operating handle is engineered with a firm grip. Monza has been designed for both residential and commercial...

`007 of windows' picks TSL.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Warmseal Windows of Newcastle Upon Tyne has introduced Roto's Twin-cam Security Locking TSL system across its entire range of casement windows. After comprehensive testing on windows manufactured using WHS Halo's System 10 profile, Roto reports...

A Rapid path to Millenco.(Rapid Frames )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... A commitment to using top quality components in its windows and doors led Midlands based Rapid Frames Ltd to Millenco Hardware when its first set up five years ago. Today the fabricator has achieved its five year growth target of 550 frames a...

New Paddock multipoints.(Lockmaster)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Lockmaster manufacturer Paddock has released a range of high security multipoint locks designed for the new generation of composite doors now on the market. Utilising aluminium extrusion for a wrap around lock faceplate, it enables...

New Shepley butt hinge.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... A new door hinge has hit the market from Shepley Window Systems. `The new slimline butt hinge has all the technical advantages of a 3D flag hinge without the unsightly looks,' explains Kevin Meredith, Shepley's technical manager. `With...

Mila sash repair division.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... The repair and refurbishment of traditional box sash windows is causing an increasing headache for many social landlords that have older properties under their control. Mila Maintenance, the specialist repair and maintenance division of...

Groupco pushes Fuhr and Nielsen product portfolios.
December 18, 2003... Groupco has seen and responded to many changes in the industry since it started out as a distributor of architectural hardware in the 1950s, including the growing dominance of PVC-U. As a result, PVC-U hardware has accounted for almost 85% of...

Maco aids Total efficiency.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Talking to Paul Ierston, the operational Director at Total Glass in North Kirby, Merseyside, Maco were delighted to find that they had provided the right combination of solutions. `Since moving over from the Maco Mk1 Shootbolt Espagnolette, a...

Meesons security screens.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Meesons supplies and installs Swedish manufactured retractable glazed screens alongside counter work, access control and door operators. Electrically operated by a push button with panic feature available, the screens can be operated to open...

Absolute Windows Gears up with Stuga Ecoline.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Stuga has confirmed the sale of an Ecoline Prepping Centre to Absolute Windows of Bolton for delivery early in 2004. Absolute fabricates the Status 70 system and already has the Stuga Autocut Saw Centre, which is a good combination for the...

3-Axis Double Mitre Saw.(Kombimatec )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Offering window, door and conservatory fabricators even greater flexibility and superior cutting speed, Kombimatec has introduced the DGS530-S 3-Axis Double Mitre Saw, an advanced model of one of the company's best-selling machines. One of...

Demag System at Veka.(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Materials handling specialist, Demag Cranes & Components Ltd, has won a significant contract for the supply of equipment to Veka plc, Burnley based designer and extruder of PVC-U window and door systems, and PVC- UE building products and trims....

BeA's new Turbo Driver.(BeA Fastening Systems Ltd )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... BeA Fastening Systems Ltd has launched the Turbo Driver for timber frame window assembly, The presence of a wood/metal changeover lever means that the new tool gives the appropriate power for dual-purpose wood/metal assembly applications....

Flowlines Keep Flowing.(Pyramid Profiles )(Armstrong Industries )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... The Stuga Flowline Cutting and Prepping Centre covered more ground in the summer with sales to Armstrong Industries in Coventry and Pyramid Profiles in Walsall. Pyramid Profiles is a well known Midlands fabricator using the Synseal Shield...

Elumatec Notches up Sale.(Airedale Architectural Ltd )(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... Aluminium fabricator and installer Airedale Architectural Ltd of Leeds is now able to tackle both larger aluminium sections and, in turn, larger-scale contracts following the installation of an Elumatec AKS134 Notching Saw. The saw, which is...

Allen gets Wireless.(Allen Installations Ltd)(Brief Article)
December 18, 2003... As part of their ongoing investment program Essex based firm Allen Installations Ltd have recently purchased the Wireless Glazing Bead Measuring System and CNC Bead Saw from Scott STB. The system, which has been designed by Scott STB, is...