Glass Age articles from October 2003

Glass Age archives from October 2003

Growth & Expansion at Millenco.(Millenco Hardware)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... About 6500 square feet of warehousing and manufacturing space has been completed at Millenco Hardware's Wolverhampton site. The new facilities will be fundamental to supporting Millenco's forthcoming product strategy, as well as providing a...

Bombay Sapphire Blue Room at the Geffrye Museum.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The short-listed and winning entries for The Bombay Sapphire Prize 2003 - the biggest annual international glass design award with a #20,000 prize fund - will be exhibited in The Bombay Sapphire Blue Room exhibition - Glass in Contemporary...

Duraflex is Right for Redrow.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... A prestigious Redrow site at Walmer Bridge near Preston is benefiting from Duraflex Diamond Suite PVCu windows and doors which, specified by New View Window Systems, comply with the award-winning housebuilder's exacting performance criteria....

CGII grows Presence in USA.(CGI International at Door and Hardware Conference and Exposition held in Tampa Bay, Florida)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... UK based Fire-Glass manufacturer CGI International Ltd was in evidence at the 28th Door & Hardware Conference and Exposition held in Tampa Bay Florida in September. The DHI show was the first opportunity for CGII to show-case the recent...

K2 Pulls Out of Glassex 2004 to do Customer Conference.(K2 launching new marketing strategy)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Conservatory roof system manufacturer, K2, has announced that it is putting a #0.5 million budget behind a new marketing strategy, which will see the company opt out of next year's Glassex and establish an annual customer conference. ...

`Cowboy' Builder Jailed.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The Swish Building Products Approved Installers scheme is designed to give consumers confidence in the workmen they employ and the quality of the products used. By joining the scheme, roofline installation companies can show that they have...

`Pilkington Optitherm! SN PRO T' for Processors.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Pilkington has announced the new product term `Pro T' to distinguish the company's products that must be toughened before installation. This change affects the toughenable version of Pilkington Optitherm! SN, the super-neutral low emissivity...

`National Travel' with Sierra.(new vehicles purchased by Sierra Windows)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Sierra Windows has increased its fleet with new, high-specification vehicles each sporting Sierra's new, eye-catching livery. The additions include two new 40-foot trailers, each capable of holding up to 200 windows and doors, four de-mount...

Masco Finalises Sale of Baldwin Hardware to Black & Decker.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Masco Corporation and The Black & Decker Corporation announced on October 1st that they have finalised the purchase of Baldwin Hardware Corporation and Weiser Lock Corporation by Black & Decker from Masco. The cash purchase price for the...

All Time Production Record at Planet.(sales at Planet Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... June 2003 was a landmark month for frame production at Planet Manufacturing. From the twin sites at Walton Summit, Preston and Moss Side, Leyland, output for the four weeks of June combined was 4,541 frames - the best ever. Another record, for...

Uri Fails to Deflect Downward Curve in Ultraframe Sales.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... In a trading statemnent ahead of its year end financial results, Ultraframe has blamed poor weather in the US and currency exchange rates for a drop in sales of 4.3% over the 12 months to September 26th 2003 (US sales alone showed an 11.6%...

Securistyle's Record Sales.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Securistyle, the UK manufacturer of window hardware, has announced record sales figures. The Cheltenham-based company, which employs 350 people, has experienced an average growth rate in sales of 10% for the past three years. Securistyle...

Guardian's 24th Float Plant to be in Mexico.(Guardian Industries Corp.)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... In a ceremony at the end of August in El Marques, Mexico, Guardian Industries executives and government officials officially broke ground for what will be the company's 24th float glass plant. The new plant, located in the state of Queretaro,...

Unitec Safari Golf Day.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... In glorious sunshine and in a scene reminiscent of a mini safari, a convoy of over fifty motorised buggies weaved their way onto the famous Nicklaus Course at the DeVere Carden Park, Cheshire, ready for a shotgun start in this years Unitec...

Digesil Silicon Remover.(Dow Corning uses Chela Ltd.'s product)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Chemical cleaning specialist, Chela has recently sealed its relationship with US giant, Dow Corning Corp., a global leader in silicon-based technology and innovation and manufacturer and supplier of silicone products. Since 1989, Dow...

Windows in Russia.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The Russian window market has seen a boom in recent years. After the crisis in 1998 the market was still in decline in 1999, but has turned to good growth since 2000. In 2002, the market grew by 20,5% in terms of quantity and for 2003, a growth...

Taxing Times at Kaba.(Kaba Holdings AG)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... With the exception of the Door Systems Division, the Kaba Group's business units in part reported remarkable local-currency growth rates and considerable progress as regards operating profitability. Although no significant rebound of the market...

Brian joins Prefit.(appointment of Brian Eddleston)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Brian Eddleston, 45, has been appointed UK Sales Manager of Prefit, distributor of architectural ironmongery, a division of J Preedy & Sons Ltd. He is responsible for increasing sales of Prefit's quality fittings for commercial, retail and...

Pilks Trading.(Pilkington PLC)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... In accordance with its established policy, on 25th September Pilkington issued the following trading up-date ahead of its interim results announcement for the period to 30th September 2003, which will be made on Wednesday, 5th November 2003....

Productivity Race.(cost of wages in the window and door industry)
October 31, 2003... A staggering 44% of the UK Windows & Doors industry will be unable to afford the 3.7% average wage increase estimated for next year. Salary negotiations are set to be fraught. This is just one of the alarming findings from the latest Plimsoll...

Yes, it makes the Coffee.(Stuga products)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... With nearly fifty Flowlines now sold in three years Stuga's extremely flexible cutting and prepping centre is well known in the market place. The Flowline was designed by British engineers for British window systems and this together with...

KEB puts Fasteners to Test.(quality products from UK Fasteners)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... KEB is a customer that is pleased UK Fasteners takes quality issues seriously enough to do its own in-house testing. UK Fasteners ensures its suppliers test the fasteners, but also does all its own testing as well. The in-house tests carried...

HT's `Bundled' Activites Now Called `Profine GmbH'.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The Supervisory Board of HT Troplast AG approved plans for the legal and organisational integration of window profile activities in a new company. The Board of Management of the new company - now called Profine GmbH International Profile Group...

Rooftec Expands - Again!(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Rooftec Ltd has relocated its Bolton-based operation to state of the art purpose-built 14,500sq ft premises in Cranfield Road, Lostock Industrial Estate, Bolton. The new facility combines offices, factory and showroom on two floors, giving...

Synseal Benchmarked.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Synseal's customer ratings put it top of all 20 systems companies' customer ratings in the independent 2003 Benchmarks report. The chart illustrates that with a mean rating of 102%, Synseal customers are more satisfied overall than any other...

Carl bids for Wolves.(Carl Painter, owner of Orion Windows Ltd, acquires a sports franchise)
October 31, 2003... Wolves fan Carl Painter, who owns Orion Windows Ltd, has emerged as a buyer for the club. He made put forward a #10m bid the day after 80- year-old club chairman Sir Jack Hayward revealed that he was stepping down. Carl said he had been trying...

Diamond Glaze in Veka Switch.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Diamond Glaze, a fabricator based in Wingate Co Durham, is one of the latest companies to change over to the Veka profile. The small family business, run by husband and wife team Mick and Christine Sullivan, has only been in production for...

Deceuninck's 3-Key Plan.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... A three-point business strategy for consolidation and growth has been drawn up to put the Deceuninck Group in an even stronger position in the global marketplace. Its updated business plan builds on an earlier strategy for 2000-2004, which set...

Corby focusses on Global Roof.(Corby Windows)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Corby Windows has been selling Ultraframe and Synseal conservatory roofs alongside each other for 18 months. One of Ultraframe's original BBA fabricators, Corby has now announced it is to focus solely on Synseal. `This isn't a decision we took...

Eurocell's Pinnacle Investment.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Eurocell has recently welcomed the new `Pinnacle' articulated lorry to its rolling stock. `Due to the increase in volumes of both the Pinnacle 500 Modular and the traditional Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System, it was essential that more...

Totally Dedicated to Customers.(Total Glass to improve its customer service and quality of products)
October 31, 2003... Total Glass, one of Profile 22's largest trade fabricators, has introduced a number of initiatives at its Merseyside factory to further improve customer satisfaction and product quality. Central to the changes is the formation of a...

New Managing Director at Premier Profiles.(Paul Rice replaces Paul Dickins)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Premier Profiles, PVCu profile extruder, has announced the appointment of Paul Rice to the position of Managing Director. Former Managing Director Paul Dickins has left Premier, a member of the Polypipe Group, after six successful years to...

Pilkington JV to Build Float Plant near Moscow.
October 31, 2003... Pilkington plc and Emerging Markets Partnership (EMP), have formed a 50:50 joint venture to construct and operate a float glass plant in the Moscow region of Russia. The investment will be financed by #21m of equity each from Pilkington and...

Going Soft: A Response from Solaglas.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... `In my view some aspects of Mr Offland's article (in Glass Age August issue) require correction. Our decision to focus much effort on soft-coat DGU's is a long-term strategic decision made in the interests of Solaglas. It is true that for...

GGF Technical Forum explains CE.(Glass and Glazing Federation's forum)
October 31, 2003... The Construction Products Directive (CPD) was the theme of the Glass and Glazing Federation's Technical Forum 2003, which took place from 18- 19 September at University College Northampton. The CPD is the 1989 EC Directive to approximate...

A Success in One for FGI.(Float Glass Industries Ltd.'s golf event for customers and suppliers)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... A big `Thank You' to key customers and suppliers for their support and patronage over the years was the main reason behind the Float Glass Industries' (FGI) inaugural Golf Day. Deemed a tremendous success by all who attended, the event took...

Kerry extends life of dies.(cleaning systems made by Kerry Ultrasonics)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Plastics and rubber manufacturers can cut reject rates and prolong the working life of their dies and mould tools using ultrasonic cleaning systems from Kerry Ultrasonics, claims the company. Kerry offers a number of cleaning methods which are...

Integrated insect screens.(Inventor Products Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Slimline Insect Screens are a new integrated design of slim internal insect screens for doors and windows, available as sliding screens or as pullcord roller blinds. The sliding screen is only 15mm in depth, is sealed at the edges by static...

Plus points of Framevent.(Groupco product)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Available from Groupco, the Framevent is manufactured in UV stabilised high quality PVC-U and is suitable for PVC-U, timber and aluminium windows. The robust yet slim and rounded unit with integral flyscreen, snap on quick fit end caps, and...

Polytops packs a punch.(Shanghai Electrical Apparatus Company Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... SEAC, the manufacturer of fasteners and fixings, has re-designed its Polytops packaging to give greater prominence at trade counters, providing a useful reminder for busy builders and fitters to maintain stocks of fixings. www.seac.uk.com...

Looks metallic by Dupont.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The perfume cap and collection of ski boot buckles in this picture demonstrate the `unplastic' appearance of painted or metal-plated parts that can be achieved in DuPont Delrin acetal resin. In windows and hardware, DuPont claims that...

Permabond top performer.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Permabond has exploited the emerging technology of multiphase toughening to develop and patent E3332, a two-part epoxy adhesive. Independent testing by one of the country's leading universities has shown that E3332 has the highest fracture...

Welding Kombinations.(GTI Kombimatec's 4HDV head welder)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The control console of GTI-Kombimatec's 4HDV four combination head welder is now overhead for easier access, while a new mode selection switch offers a wider range of weld combinations - including simultaneous two operator welding - where the...

Makes light work of wiring.(ABI Electronics' WireAway system)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... WireAway is a new low-cost system built up of battery-operated transmitter switches and wired-in receiver units. Together these provide a simple and practical solution to simplify wiring installation. A WireAway in-line or ceiling receiver...

NICK'S IN THE CHAIR: THE VALUE OF U.(u-values)
October 31, 2003... Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions Ltd looks at how the industry is coping with Part L almost 2 years after implementation. Document L was a by product of the Kyoto Protocol signed at the Earth Summit in Japan...

FLAT ROOF WATERPROOFING SYSTEMS: SARNAFIL'S NATURAL ADD-ON.
October 31, 2003... Sarnafil Roof Assured is looking to window companies to help unlock the potential seven million square metre annual flat roofing market. By Dominic Bentham There's a growing list of products considered natural add-ons for window businesses...

Network Veka's AGM.
October 31, 2003... Network nears the quarter-billion... but says 'public trust is worth more' Network VEKA has proclaimed total sales on the verge of a quarter billion pounds - but says the growing public trust of for its standards and principles is worth...

Planet's long term deal with Ultraframe.(Planet Group and Ultraframe)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The Planet Group and Ultraframe, the UK market leader in conservatory systems, have reinforced their long-standing relationship by putting together a multi-million pound long-term deal in order to help both companies further develop the...

Pilkington is Actively targeting conservatories.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Exactly one year on from the launch of Pilkington Activ self cleaning glass, the company has extended the benefits of the product with the introduction of two new versions that are highly appropriate for use in conservatories. Pilkington...

Jackson's Ultraframe deal.(Jackson Window System and Ultraframe)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Jackson Window Systems has entered into a sole supplier agreement with Ultraframe. According to Steve Lovegrove, Branch Manager of Jackson Window Systems, the decision was helped by the launch of the new Uzone roof from Ultraframe. `Now...

Appeal acquires Cordula.(Appeal Conservatory Blinds)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Appeal Conservatory Blinds has acquired Cordula, one of the leading British manufacturers of automatic garage doors, security shutters and patio awnings. Appeal, based in the South West, is a leading supplier of specialist conservatory...

Conservaglass in five days.(Ultraframe)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Following Ultraframe's launch of the complete four-model Conservaglass range of dedicated conservatory insulating double glazed units, the company has announced that Conservaglass Premium is now available in five days from confirmed order for...

New launches from Blind & Shutters Association.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... `An Introduction to Blinds &Shutters' leaflet and the `Guide to Safe Working Practices' booklet are both recent publications by the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA). Another new launch is the organisation's website, www.bbsa.org.uk,...

S&J Marketing's #35,000 spend on welding gear.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Leading independent trade manufacturer of conservatory roofs S&J Marketing has invested nearly #35,000 in new equipment to further improve turnarounds and provide better quality control. The new equipment includes a guillotine, which is...

Conservatory roof ladders.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Conservatory roof access is made easier with the range of patented modular aluminium ladders, available from Plansafe Access. Plansafe says that the adjustable height access ladder with telescopic sections adjusts to roof pitches of 0-48...

Lonsdale System 21 kits.(Lonsdale Metal Company)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Lonsdale Metal Company, well known for its patent glazing systems, can now offer competitively priced conservatories and roof-kits to contractors supplying bespoke installations to homes and the commercial sector including pubs, hotels and...

Everlite, now from Amari.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Plastmo's Everlite light panels are now available from Amari Plastics PLC's Uddingston, Glasgow distribution centre. Amari's Scottish depot is to distribute the new Plastmo Everlite Conservatory Roofing System which is lightweight, requires...

Posh and Brecks sign contract for Quantal!(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Real Madrid may have secured Mr Beckham, but Quantal has signed an exclusive two-year contract with both `Posh and Brecks', (Breckenridge), which will result in business anticipated at well over #2 million. Chairman of the two specialist...

K2 promotions to board.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... K2 Conservatory Roof Systems has further developed its management structure. The re-organisation has unveiled a series of internal promotions, which has seen Jim Sheffield, Barry McMahon and more recently Iain McInnes joining K2's Managing...

K2's Russian alliance.(partnership between K2 Conservatory Roof Systems and Albion 2 Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... October 2001 saw the formation of a partnership between, K2 Conservatory Roof Systems and Russian company Albion 2 Ltd, giving K2 another gateway to channel its brand onto a global platform through. The alliance has proven to be a great...

Aztec's simple solution.(Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems has evolved its product to create a roof system that offers greater spanning capability and greater flexibility in design and glazing options with fewer components, says the company. For the fabricator, that...

Rooftec expands again.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Improved service and support for North West conservatory companies is achieveable following major expansion by one of the region's largest fabricators. Rooftec Ltd has relocated its Bolton based operation to purpose built 14,500ft2...

Nuglas using VectorPlus.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Nuglas, a long established fabricator and installer in East Sussex, is about to go live with Vector Plus, Windowlink's new fully integrated conservatory pricing program. A long-standing user of the Vector conservatory sales presentation...

Newdawn's new vent.(Newdawn and Sun's new PVC-U vent)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Newdawn & Sun, the national specialist conservatory roof systems manufacturer has launched a replacement for its best selling roof vent following extensive research and development. The first stage in the design process was to conduct...

Eurocell's fleet impresses.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Eurocell has recently added the new `Pinnacle' articulated lorry to its rolling stock. Due to the massive increase in volumes of both the Pinnacle 500 Modular and the traditional Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System, it was essential that...

Synseal reprints roof book.(Synseal Extrusions)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Synseal is currently reprinting another 20,000 copies of the `Imagination' hardback book. `Imagination' was launched less than 10 months ago. The original 20,000 copies have already been snapped up. `We have invested over #80,000 in the...

Regency Elite builds bar length business.
October 31, 2003... Regency Elite may be a new name in the conservatory roofing market, but after only a few months of trading, the company announces that it is building up its bar length business to rival some of the best known names in the trade. The bar...

New Sky-Vent slimline vent.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Conservatory roof vent manufacturer Sky-Vent Ltd in Birmingham has launched its new full sculptured vent which features a slimline design with a chrome telescopic opener. The new chrome opener is an alternative to the traditional polished...

New showroom Natur-ally.(Natur-al Conservatories)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Innovative conservatory design and build firm Natur-al Conservatories is turning its sights on consumers. The Settle-based firm has opened its first show site. Founded by William Boardman seven years ago, the company has exploited his...

Door and hardware merger.(Door and Shutter Manufacturers Association and the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers)
October 31, 2003... Two trade associations in the door and hardware sectors have joined forces to consolidate and further strengthen their influence both within the industry and at Government level. The Door and Shutter Manufacturers' Association (DSMA)...

Overseas openings take Securistyle to a new high.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Securistyle has announced record sales figures. The Cheltenham based company, which employs 350 people, has experienced an average growth rate in sales of 10% for the past three years. Sales are not only soaring in the UK but the firm...

New SFS hinge brochure.
October 31, 2003... Designed for specifiers and door manufacturers, a new 16 page brochure details SFS Intec's range of hinges for PVC, composite and timber doors. Ranges include the popular Classic and Estetic hinges, with their options of variable height...

Over 1000 new products in Screwfix catalogue.
October 31, 2003... Aimed at those involved in workplace maintenance, safety and security, the new Screwfix Direct At Work catalogue (issue 19) features over 1000 new products across 452 pages. Offering high quality products at low prices for next day delivery...

Mila adds a `luxurious feel'.(Mila Hardware UK's door handles)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Mila's Trinity door handles, available in black, white, and an `incredibly durable' PVD gold finish, are designed to add a luxurious appearance and feel to any installation. They are designed to offer all possible combinations for...

Millenco shootbolt solution.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... The MT Shootbolt by Millenco is proving to be a real asset, says Marshall Tufflex, as interest grows in its Strata slimline window profile with low sightline gaskets. The Shootbolt is manufactured by Millenco specifically for use with...

Unitec ups the Tempo.(Unitec Hardware)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Following the launch of the Tempo door handles, Unitec has now increased the range of finishes and model options to the range. The elegantly styled, all cast Aluminium Tempo combines solid strength and durability with a choice of silver,...

Titon's clean look for alu.(Titon Commercial)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Following the successful launch of Titon Commercial's Chrono tilt and turn system, the company is launching a concealed hinge option, Chrono Invisi. Titon announces that it has seen sales of Chrono boom, and believes that the new Chrono...

Axim options make an exit.(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Axim produces a wide range of competitive, quality architectural hardware, including a family of concealed door closers and a range of handles, locks and aluminium letter plate assemblies. The Axim range of panic exit devices has just been...

Stay for a clean getaway.(Mila Hardware UK)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Mila Hardware has developed a new friction stay for side hung casement windows which can provide both easy clean and egress functions. The EZ egress friction stay offers safer cleaning of the external glass from the inside and allows most...

New Nico friction hinges.(Nico Manufacturing)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Nico Manufacturing has launched a brand new range of restrictor friction hinges. Designed to be more user and fabricator friendly, the hinges feature a press button for ease of opening, while requiring two- handed operation for maximum child...

French doors made secure.(Laird Security Hardware's door locks)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Laird's MPL range of Saracen door locks offer a high security solution for French doors. The combination of shoots, hooks and cams on the master leaf with matching shoots on the slave leaf provide `exceptional' security. Each lock...

Cadenza has broad appeal.(Laird Security Hardware's window handle)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Cadenza is a special espagnolette handle and locking bar solution developed by Laird specifically for slim aluminium window profiles for both residential and commercial applications. The Cadenza features a robust grip which has been...

Choice is Laird's Maxim.(Laird Security Hardware's window handles)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Laird announces more choice available from the Maxim window handle. A modern stylish espagnolette handle of proven quality and reliability, the Maxim is now available in six finishes; Gold, Satin and polished chrome, white, black and PVD...

Wagner CE marked signs glow in the dark.(Wagner (GB) Ltd.)(Brief Article)
October 31, 2003... Since April 1st this year, it has been a legal requirement that all emergency exit and panic hardware is CE marked. Hardware distributor Wagner (GB) Ltd is pleased to confirm that its Strand-Feb range of cross arm devices complies with this...