Glass Age articles from September 2002

Glass Age archives from September 2002

Reckless Management says Plimsoll.
September 30, 2002... As victims of short-term gains, 174 companies in the UK Windows & Doors industry have been identified as having `Reckless Management', according to the latest Plimsoll Analysis, 3rd Ed. 2002. 'Recent corporate collapses like Enron and...

Laird posts first half losses of #60m.
September 30, 2002... The Laird Group has reported first half results for 2002 - losses of over #60m. However, this is mainly as a result of the sale of Fullarton Computer Industries at a loss of some #55m, following the high tech crash in the US. Laird Security...

Profits up for Heywood Williams.
September 30, 2002... Heywood Williams Group PLC has announced its interim results for the half year ended 30 June 2002. * Operating profit increased by 56% to #11.2m (2001: #7.2m) * Pre-tax profit increased by 67% to #10m (2001: #6m) * EPS increased by...

At Last! Pilkington Activ! in UK.
September 30, 2002... Pilkingtons Activ! self-cleaning glass will be available to British homeowners from September, in the latest phase of the most ambitious product launch ever undertaken by the company. A wide ranging advertising campaign will use simple but...

Growth at CSS Aluminium.
September 30, 2002... CSS Aluminium, the Leicester-based specialist aluminium subcontractors, enjoyed sustained growth during 2001 with annual tumover nudging #4m and a healthy order book. As part of its growth strategy, CSS has extended its vehicle fleet with a...

EBP extends Midlands network.
September 30, 2002... Eurocell Building Plastics has extended its Midlands Network. The Alfreton Depot has moved into larger premises to cope with the increase in demand while Nottingham, another key player in the Midlands Network, has just benefited from a new...

HW gets Optimum business.
September 30, 2002... Manchester-based Optimum Windows' business is booming - so much so that the company has recently relocated to a new 6000 sq ft operation in the Mossley area of Manchester. Having been trading for just seven months, the company is justifiably...

GTI Contract on Isle of Wight.
September 30, 2002... GTI Windows of Cowes has won a major contract worth in excess of a quarter of a million pounds from Roger Williams Builders, to supply and fit windows and doors for a new housing development on the island. Manufactured using KBE Systems' latest...

Kestrel soars with NVQs.
September 30, 2002... A number of managers at Kestrel Building Products, suppliers of PVC-UE roofline and ancillary, products have recently been awarded NVQ certificates following months of intensive training. Copyright: CMP Information Ltd.

Ritec on the Move.
September 30, 2002... Ritec International Ltd has moved into new premises at the Innova Science Park in North London. The move is part of a long-term expansion plan that coincides with the launch of Ritec UK. Their production plan remains in Tottenham. ...

Glass Age has new Publisher.
September 30, 2002... Andy Jordan has taken over the publishing responsibilities of all the CMPi building titles; Glass Age, Building Design, What's New in Building, Intra, and Tile UK as Publishing Director. Andy has been with CMPi for over 16 years and previously...

Simec ig machinery now in UK.
September 30, 2002... The Thermoseal Group, the fastest growing UK manufacturer and supplier of double glazing machinery and consumables, has recently signed an agreement with Simec, an established Italian machinery company with over 30 years experience of the...

Aspect on the Move.
September 30, 2002... Established in 1981, Devon-based Aspect Windows & Conservatories, a Spectus fabricator, is going through a period of rapid growth, resulting in significant change for this family-owned business.In September 2002, Directors Graham and Nina...

Aluspan launched.
September 30, 2002... British manufacturer Aluspan, has launched a 10-day order turnaround for its range of bespoke aluminium structures. Formed from precision extruded aluminium to BS 1474 with 304 grade stainless steel connection fittings, Aluspan has been...

Permadoor at Windowfab.
September 30, 2002... Permadoor, the UK supplier of thermoplastic composite doors, will be unveiling a new composite door frame and threshold system at Windowfab on 25th - 26th September at Donington Park. `We are returning to the show following the success of...

Ancient glass unearthed.
September 30, 2002... English Heritage Ancient Monuments Inspector Dr Paul Stamper inspects rare medieval glass which has been dug up by rabbits in Warwickshire. The glass is thought to be the remains of a very grand, highly decorated window of a substantial 14th...

Assa Abloy acquires Besam.
September 30, 2002... On 29 April 2001 Assa Abloy AB entered into an agreement with AB Industrivarden to acquire Besam. The regulatory officials approved the acquisition and the companies were consolidated from 1 July 2002. The purchase price was SEK 3,050 M for the...

Sound absorbing Elephant.
September 30, 2002... A customer who lives in a property on a busy road recently presented Elephant Windows, the domestic division of Kent-based Piper Double Glazing, with a problem. The requirement was for windows on the front aspect of the dwelling that would...

Blinds that never Need Cleaning.
September 30, 2002... As a result of an agreement between Pilkington and Hunter Douglas Pilkington Plyglass is the sole U.K manufacturer of sealed double glazed window units incorporating Luxaclair, Venetian Blinds. Hunter Douglas, the inventor of the alumlnium...

New Status Guvnor.
September 30, 2002... Status Systems general manager Steve Hanson has handed over the general manager role of the company to industry newcomer Chris Foreman. During his two years with Status Steve was instrumental in growing the business - 16 per cent in 2001,...

European gets Blasted.
September 30, 2002... European Machinery Sales has installed a second large and fully automatic computer controlled blasting booth from German manufacturer Glasner for European Glass at its new works in Park Royal, London. 'The installation shows the faith...

Putting Green in Evergreen.
September 30, 2002... Evergreen Door manufactured steel door products now comply with a European Directive on using timber from renewable and well-managed sources. The doors carry Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC) accreditation meaning that the timber used in...

Roto rebuts rumour.
September 30, 2002... Roto Frank has issued a statement rebutting rumours circulating the door and window industry that the company has gone into receivership. Mike Piqeur, Head of Western Europe and MD of operations in the UK, states, `In world trading as a whole,...

Aegis rethinks Network.
September 30, 2002... Aegis Conservatory Roof Systems, in North Wales, is rethinking its authorised dealership network for the distribution of the new high security Roof Lock system because of the growing number of major outlets that want to sign-up as dealers....

United Trade Frames yearns for Growth.
September 30, 2002... Status fabricator United Trade Frames will be seeing in its first anniversary with production rates surpassing 230 frames per week, and investments of over #35,000. The power of word of mouth recommendations has created a growth curve that...

Glazing site is Resource.
September 30, 2002... A new web site www.structura-uk.com has been launched by Chessington- based Structura UK Ltd, a curtainwall engineering, window and door manufacturing company. Designed as a resource for architects, facilities managers, glazing and building...

Last chance to join Glass Age at Glasstec.
September 30, 2002... GLASSTEC 2002 in Dusseldorf, Germany is the 17th edition of the world's largest glass and machinery event. The last show in 2000 attracted 52,000 visitors from 74 countries to see some 1,024 exhibitors, and this year promises to be bigger...

Reynaers Institute.
September 30, 2002... Work has recently commenced on the new 'Reynaers Institute' in Belgium. This new development aims to enhance the service offered to both clients and employees of Reynaers Aluminium and will append itself to the existing facility in Duffel. The...

UKae apponts new chairman.
September 30, 2002... UKae Ltd has announced the appointment of Graeme Fowler as Non- Executive Chairman. The appointment has been made by UKae Managing Director and majority shareholder Garry Ealing to supplement the board as UKae embarks upon a major expansion...

Ability Handling does Combilift.
September 30, 2002... Combilift Ltd., the lrish manufacturers of the unique Combilift multi- directional forklift truck, has appointed Rothemam based Ability Handling Ltd. as their new dealership for the Yorkshire area. Ability's MD Roger Hardman comments: `This...

Astraframe fabricates Halo.
September 30, 2002... Norwich-based window manufacturer, Astraframe, is to fabricate a range of PVC-u windows and doors from systems company WHS Halo. The company has over 22 years fabrication experience and it has grown steadily during this time. This sustained...

HEGLA sets up in UK.
September 30, 2002... HEGLA Group of Germany has opened a Sales and Service office in the UK to support its range of glass cutting and handling machinery for monolithic and laminated glass. The office will be based in Milton Keynes and Steve Goble has been appointed...

SWC commits to Hallmark.
September 30, 2002... SWC Trade Frames, a large fabricator in the North of England (now producing 1200 frames a week), has announced that Hallmark Panels Ltd has been chosen as the company's exclusive supplier of door infill panels. Copyright: CMP Information...

Howarth investment.
September 30, 2002... Investment in a bespoke top of the range combi lift truck at Howarth Windows and Doors has lightened the load for the men and women working at the New Holland factory. No longer do they need to struggle with awkward loads, as the new truck...

Burnden line.
September 30, 2002... The Burnden Group Plc has completed a major machinery investment programme with the recent delivery of another high speed extrusion line. The installation of the new machine completes an extensive two-year business development plan, which...

A+W's quarter century.
September 30, 2002... ALBAT + WIRSAM Software-Vertriebs GmbH of Linden, Germany is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. The company's history started with a glass processor's simple statement: `Glass processing produces too much waste.' Reason enough for his...

Industry gives Hope.
September 30, 2002... Gary Morton of GM Fundraising recently visited Hope House Childrens Hospice to hand over the cheque for #66,350 raised throughout the year by the exceptionally generous support of the window industry. Funds were generated via various events,...

Hawkins online.
September 30, 2002... The new Peter Hawkins website is now online at www.phawkins.co.uk The site illustrates the complete range of machinery available including: Straight line, double edging and drilling from Schiatti; Glass cutting from MacoTec; CNC...

Novaglaze on the Move.
September 30, 2002... Novaglaze the specialist bending and processing glass Company has moved premises from Huddersfield to a new larger factory in Elland, to cope with the increase in business. Ken Woodcock the founder said it was necessary the Company found larger...

Conservaglass(TM) launched.
September 30, 2002... Conservaglass (TM), the dedicated conservatory glazing system from Ultraframe, is now on general sale and is available throughout the UK. Ultraframe customers can now order their Ultraframe roof complete with Conservaglass! glazing panels and...

Swish Expands Fleet.
September 30, 2002... Swish Building Products, the manufacturer and supplier of low maintenance cellular PVC roofline and cladding products, has expanded its fleet of vehicles to help maintain its commitment to reduced lead times and high stock availability. ...

ENTER THE TIME ZONE.
September 30, 2002... Nick Dutton, Sales & Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions explains how the firm's new conservatory system gives installers time to double their sales and make more money. In our personal lives we understand only too well that we have a...

SELLING techniques: a holistic approach.
September 30, 2002... In a mature market, companies have to go back to the drawing board to redefine their lead generation and sales techniques from the ground up. By David Croxson of The Selling Circle My last article for Glass Age appeared in 1993 and simply...

LOOK UP FOR THE NEXT BIG THING.
September 30, 2002... The maturing windows market means that many window and conservatory installers are looking to diversify into new areas. PVC-UE roofline and cladding products offer the ideal growth opportunity, says Gaynor Smith, Marketing Manager of BCE...

Moffett pair lift 2.5 tonnes.
September 30, 2002... Moffett's new 2503 and 2503 STM machines both feature a 2.5 tonne lift capacity at 600mm load centres (in front of the wheels) and have been designed to give a `multidisciplined, high capacity, superbly manoeuvrable truck mounted forklift which...

Kombimatec enjoys a rout.
September 30, 2002... The immediate benefit of the new Kombimatec CR5650 Vent Slot Router is its large routing capacity of 565mm, allowing long vent slots to be made in a single operation. Profile needs only be positioned and clamped once and the automatic vertical...

Giving you the full ASP.
September 30, 2002... ASP has launched a range of frame fixing screws for the installation of windows and door frames in PVC-U, wood or aluminium, as well as frame couplings and brackets. The screws tap directly into brickwork, doing away with the need for...

Colourful Polytops.
September 30, 2002... SEAC's new Colour-Pro Polytop pins and nails for fixing wood grain and PVC-U profiles are guaranteed not to fade for 10 years. Available in seven colours - dark brown, mahogony, light oak, black, blue, red and green, they are designed to...

VW offers are on till 2003.
September 30, 2002... This year, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is set to repeat last year's record sales with further Van Centre development and more value for money offers. Between now and December 31 2002, the following offers apply to vehicles purchased at...

Alfas tape helps with L.
September 30, 2002... The new Alfas `i tape' (pictured)is an impregnated PU foam tape encapsulated in a special polypropylene film that is designed for application to door and window frames in the factory. Alfas claims i tape can help towards meeting the air leakage...

Compass baffles elements.
September 30, 2002... Manufactured from thermally broken aluminium sections, the Compass Roof Vent incorporates EPDM glazing gaskets and a double `Q-Lon' weatherseal between the lid and base of the vent. This combines with a built in weather bar and baffle drainage...

DOOR PANELS: STILL in front.
September 30, 2002... Door Panels PLC is the longest established and still a leading door panel manufacturer in the UK Door Panels PLC is the longest established and still a leading door panel manufacturer in the UK and in the twenty years of their existence...

Portal extends Amatis inverted panel range.
September 30, 2002... Portal Products has extended its Amatis inverted panel range to include new glass designs and a greater choice of panel styles. Its inverse- moulding, the panel closely resembles the traditional lines of timber doors and combines...

New Bevels from GBW.
September 30, 2002... GBW Panels has launched a new range of resin bevel door panels. The Worcester Collection offers a choice of designs exclusive to GBW. The bevels are manufactured for GBW by glazing system specialist, Glasslam, using resin technology to...

New Finish and Terrace Door from Premdor.
September 30, 2002... A new PVCu option is creating a new look to the range of French and Patio doors available from Premdor. The company has introduced a white PVCu finish in both styles, which also feature 24mm double glazing using Low 'E' glass toughened to...

5,000 Veka doors spec'd.
September 30, 2002... VEKA fabricator Ashford Windows Ltd has won the tender for a #5m, five year project to supply PVC-U doors for 5,000 homes in a refurbishment project for North Norfolk District Council. The properties include houses, bungalows and flats and work...

Marian door system stops finger trap problem.
September 30, 2002... A long-established engineering firm has launched a new steel door range that eliminates the risk of fingers becoming trapped on the hinge side. Marian Doors & Shutters has completed the first installation of its safe system at the main...

COMAR7 door system does 1200pa without leak.
September 30, 2002... The COMAR 7 System opens the way to creating a virtually limitless range of swing, sliding, sliding/folding and centre-pivoted aluminium doors. It is a comprehensive system of profiles and components and a choice of rail and stile sizes ensures...

Janexdoor PAS'd test.
September 30, 2002... Janex, the UK supplier of Scandinavian windows and doors, has launched three new styles of its Janexdoor The doors have been tested by TRADA and accredited with PAS 023 and PAS 024. One of the criteria for testing the performance of...

Lister Timber-Look Door.
September 30, 2002... Lister Trade Frames has added a new timber-look, dual rebated composite door to its range. The doors incorporate all the benefits of PVCu with the looks of a traditional timber door. Each sash has a through colour polycarbonate bi-directional...

Bridgman Contract Doors.
September 30, 2002... Being part of the Brand Holdings group of companies, Bridgman-IBC complements Dale Joinery by offering doors and doorsets for the contract builder. With projects such as the office building housing Harvey Nicholls in Edinburgh within its...

James Harcourt launches Composite Door range.
September 30, 2002... James Harcourt, the new, national brand from Bowater Windows and WHS Halo, is offering its Approved Installers a range of composite exterior doors. The doors feature a realistic, natural wood grain finish and high definition wood mouldings to...

Garage door to match? Suits you, Sir.
September 30, 2002... Kolorplas, the PVC-U fabricator and colour coatings specialist, has added garage doors to complement its coloured window and door systems. Now homeowners can order a new garage door in a colour that exactly matches their PVC-U windows and...

Sculptured in-line sash.
September 30, 2002... Fredericks has made further improvements to its in-line patio doors with the introduction of a fully sculptured in-line patio door sash. The new sculptured sash is the latest improvement after John Fredericks added a new high performance...

Evergreen launches TAJ Luxury Glass range.
September 30, 2002... Evergreen Door is now offering the TAJ range of luxury glass as standard on all its door styles that is proving very popular in the replacement market. Featuring brass and bevelled glass, the oval design is the best seller in this premium...

S-F's tilt-slide solution.
September 30, 2002... Window and door hardware manufacturer, Siegenia-Frank (UK) Ltd, has launched its new range of parallel tilt and slide door hardware into the UK patio door market. The PSK Portal 160 has been specifically developed to suit sculptured or...

Jack Charlton checks out Hurst's latest `signings'.
September 30, 2002... Football legend Jack Charlton scored with employees of Hurst Plastics when he visited the company's Hull site to hand over the keys for a new fleet of delivery vehicles. Hurst Plastics Ltd, UK manufacturer of PVC-U door panels, has signed...

Evergreen Record.
September 30, 2002... Evergreen Door, the UK manufacturer of steel and fibreglass entrance door systems, has set a new manufacturing record of 2,000 doors in one week. This means that, making full use of a three shift system, the company now has the capacity to...

Goliath does Veka patio.
September 30, 2002... The Window Works Ltd, part of the Goliath Group and a Veka fabricator for over 15 years, has further broadened the appeal of the Veka In-Line Patio Door by offering it in three woodgrain finishes, with the profiles foiled in Goliath's own...

New Era for Door Security.
September 30, 2002... Era Products is making security specification simple for PVCu door manufacturers with its new range of packers, designed to ensure its new multi-point lock (MPL) fits 30 of the most popular door profiles. `We believe that smooth,...

Portal's low Returns.
September 30, 2002... Portal Products claims a quality record second-to-none thanks to stringent quality controls and a skilled workforce. Returned door panels are rare, representing just 0.3% of annual turnover, the company says. Copyright: CMP Information...

GBW Pas'd Tests.
September 30, 2002... GBW Discovery doors have passed the industry's most stringent testing relating to performance and security. PAS 23 / 24 approval has been gained for all entrance doors in the Discovery range following a six- month assessment. Copyright:...

Elvis Spotted in Hull.
September 30, 2002... Hurst Plastics and East Yorkshire Glazing have pulled out all the stops to make a Hull woman's wedding anniversary present a big success. Marion Smurthwaite is an avid Elvis fan, so her husband Peter asked EYG if they could supply a door...

SWC Trade Frames signs up with Hallmark.
September 30, 2002... SWC Trade Frames Ltd, one of North of England's larger fabricators, has announced that Hallmark Panels Ltd has been chosen as the company's exclusive supplier of door in-fill panels. SWC is currently producing over 1200 frames per week, but an...

Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM).
September 30, 2002... The Association of Composite Door Manufacturers (ACDM) is a new trade association that has been formed to represent UK manufacturers of composite doors and ensure that specifiers receive the highest standards of construction, materials and...

Sentinel launches new door material.
September 30, 2002... As reported last month, composite door manufacturer Sentinel Doors has begun a #1.3m investment programme that will see a doubling in size of the existing Llantrisant production facility, a second manufacturing plant opened nearby, a doubling...

Licensed to Sell: the Acell Solution.
September 30, 2002... George Dibben, the chairman of Acell Doors Ltd has explained the strategy behind Acell's new licensing proposition which will offer fabricators a low cost solution for entry into composite door manufacture. `With the recognised growth in...

Permadoor'a approach to `Best value'.
September 30, 2002... Permadoor, the UK manufacturer of thermoplastic composite doors, has been producing low maintenance composite doors for the social housing market for over 12 years and has helped Local Authorities and Housing Association customers to develop...

Secured by Design.
September 30, 2002... Permadoor is committed to the police initiative, Secured By Design. Paul Nugent, Managing Director of Permadoor; `SBD has had a definitive impact on the door industry, especially for those companies servicing the public sector. `In both...

KAT: Masters of the Patio Door.
September 30, 2002... In the last four years Macclesfield based KAT UK has developed a #5m turnover business offering nothing but patio doors. The original KAT concept was one of relieving the manufacturing burden of patio doors from the fabricator. The sheer bulk...

Sentinel for Council.
September 30, 2002... Sentinel Doors has completed it's second major contract in two years for Maidstone Council, supplying and installing over 1,400 composite doors:to council owned properties. Sentinel provided a mix of styles and colours including its 900...

Decorative Glass from Panels Plus.
September 30, 2002... Panels Plus, UK manufacturer of PVC-U door panels, employs a team of craftsmen to produce decorative glass units. The glass department has seen considerable growth in recent months with an increase in space and staff numbers. Head of the...

Panels Plus GRP extras.
September 30, 2002... Panels Plus has a range of GRP fibre glass products, from overdoor canopies, porch roofs, Grecian columns, garden room roofs, to bow canopies and bases, and UPVC window arch coach tops. With eight standard sizes to choose from the MKI & MKII...

MAKE OR BUY? the outsourcing issue.
September 30, 2002... Gary Torr, md of Shepley, takes a brief look at the fundamental issues of outsourcing, what it is and raises several difficult questions Outsourcing - stripping down to the core Labelled the `make or buy' issue, there is no shortage of...