Hardware

WINDOW WARE-RAPIERSTAR PARTNERSHIP CONTINUES TO GIVE CUSTOMERS THE EDGE

Rapierstar’s 20-year partnership with leading distributor Window Ware has proved invaluable in ensuring fastener supplies to its fabricator customers have continued reliably, and consistently, throughout the exceptionally busy home improvement boom of the past 12 months.

Reflecting the value both companies place on long term supply partnerships, Window Ware and Rapierstar have worked together for over two decades to develop a deep understanding of each other’s businesses for the ultimate benefit of fabricators and installers.

Thanks to Window Ware’s extensive experience of supplying its loyal customer base and Rapierstar’s ability to increase supply to accommodate peaks in demand, the partnership has been able to accurately forecast customer requirements and maintain a high level of service. This has provided customers with much-needed supply dependability and peace of mind – just what busy firms need to help them meet increased levels of manufacturing and installation.

Ever since the company was established in 1987, Window Ware has chosen to invest in partnering with major brands across the window and door industry, to strengthen the last link in the supply chain for customers and ensure those brands are properly represented with passion and knowledge. Today the company stocks more than 5,000 lines, including Rapierstar branded fasteners such as the complete range of StarPVCU® screws for window and door manufacturing, StarFix® frame fixings and StarTurn® decking screws. Window Ware serves customers across the UK with a clear ‘right products, right place, right time’ focus. This is reflected by its On Time In Full (OTIF) delivery rate which achieved 94.7% in February despite the challenges the pandemic created over the last year. Thanks to the company’s fabricator roots and over three decades in the industry, plus a strong sales team made up of ex-fitters and ex-fabricators, Window Ware understands the issues and pressures customers face and can offer a high level of technical competency as a result. Window Ware’s Managing Director, Sam Nuckey said: “The home improvement boom of the past 12 months has tested building product supply chains across the board, but we’ve been able to protect our customers from major issues by having the right supply partners in place – like Rapierstar – who we can rely on to deliver. “They also support us with specialist technical and product training, and provide guidance on all kinds of key topics including how the right fastener can support PAS24 testing. With Rapierstar’s help, our teams are always sharpening their knowledge and delivering sound advice so customers can be sure they’re using the right screw for the application every time. “Over the past few years, we’ve seen a noticeable growth in the number of customers manufacturing premium systems and products, such as mechanically jointed PVCu windows, or upgrading the spec of their handles and other hardware. Rapierstar’s support has been invaluable here too, giving our customers confidence in selecting the correct fasteners for these innovative products so they deliver a superior quality finished window or door.” Mark Calpin, Technical Consultant at Rapierstar added: “Window Ware shares our goal of ensuring manufacturers and installers have access to the technical information, resources and products they need to make the right decisions about the fasteners they use. It is important to realise that even though fasteners make up only a tiny proportion of the cost of a finished window, they can make a huge difference to the long-term performance of the product. That is why it is imperative to get these components right from the very outset.” As the UK and Ireland’s leading specialist fastener supplier to the door and window sector, Rapierstar offers the industry’s widest range of products to fabricators of all the major PVCu and aluminium profile systems. Operating from its HQ and 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre in Cheshire, the company has stock of more than one billion items, including a wide range of consumables plus fasteners for timber joinery, decking and roofline. Find out more at www.rapierstar.com.

(L-R) Rapierstar’s technical consultant Mark Calpin with Richard Bryant, Commercial Director of Window Ware

THE MILA HARDWARE EDIT

Hardware specialist Mila has spent lots of time and money since the start of the first lockdown making sure that its web presence does exactly what busy customers need it to do.

Updated navigation using user-friendly drop-down menus helps customers find the products they need, a simple click to book service lets them arrange a sales call, video meet or socially distanced visit, and there’s a dedicated download section for them to access test certificates, declarations of performance and literature. The latest innovation is what Mila is calling its ‘curated collections’ – simple, online Edits which bring together into one section of the website all the information on families of products which customers regularly buy together. There are already three live Edits at www. mila.co.uk – the Value Edit, which is all of Mila’s HERO hardware essentials range including its ProLinea BreakSafe™ cylinders, the Stainless Steel Edit, which is all the products in the Supa stainless steel range, and the latest to be added – the Emergency Exit Edit, which includes panic bars, panic locks, easy egress window handles and hinges, and Approved Document B compliant products. Customers can view the collections online, download a PDF for easy reference or click to request a quote – it’s as easy as that. Marketing Director Sarah Gyde commented: “We’re very much focused on the customer experience at Mila – all the way from how we deliver content online to how we package and deliver our products in person. Attention to detail is everything, which is why we’re constantly refining what we do and developing clever new solutions like The Edit which we know make our customers’ lives just that little bit easier. We’ll be adding more curated collections to our Edit portfolio in the coming weeks so it’s always worth customers checking back to see what’s new.”

More info is at: www.mila.co.uk.

VBH RECEIVE KITEMARK RECOGNITION

Hardware specialist VBH has been awarded the new BSI Kitemark in respect of Building Hardware used in Windows and Doorsets. VBH is among the very first companies to have achieved this certification.

To achieve the hardware Kitemark VBH submitted various window and door samples to BSI for testing to all the relevant UK quality standards.

The hardware covered includes products for the manufacture of outward opening, and tilt & turn windows, residential doors, bi-fold doors, lift slide doors, inline sliding patio doors and the greenteQ Invisifold slide & fold door system. As well as the company’s own greenteQ hardware, the Kitemark hardware schedule also covers products from many of VBH’s partner brands including AGB, Yale and Roto. VBH Business Development Manager Rob Norman says “Naturally, it takes a lot to achieve this Kitemark but the benefits to us and our customers are many. Not only is the Kitemark a badge of quality for our products but it also gives added credence to our Q-secure consumer guarantee, as all the hardware on our Kitemark schedule is also on our Q-secure Approved Hardware list. “Lastly, it also gives the possibility of us helping VBH customers to more easily achieve their own accreditation. Depending on what steps they take, this can lead to gaining additional business from the new build and commercial sectors.”

Further information on the products covered by the Kitemark and how VBH can help in achieving accreditation can be requested by emailing VBH direct at sales@vbhgb.com, via the website at www.vbhgb.com or by calling 01634 263263.

ALUMINIUM FITTINGS FINESSED BY CARL F GROUPCO

As a long-standing supplier of hardware to support aluminium systems, Carl F Groupco reports significant growth in demand for the stylish, lightweight material. Increasing demand from fabricators for the durable, secure and aesthetically pleasing profile that offers low U-values has prompted a major upturn in demand from fabricators for complementary hardware.

Commenting on Carl F Groupco’s advancements to its aluminium options and the lines that have been expanded, John King, Sales Director for Carl F Groupco said:

“We have worked with a number of system houses to develop ranges to meet growth in demand - this has resulted in a catalogue of aluminium sector fittings that is our most diverse to date. Options include a full range of stainless steel FUHR door locks with a comprehensive selection of U-Rail variants and backsets: additional corrosion resistance is offered by stainless steel and the visual finish demanded to complement an aluminium door is also provided. “A complete suite of locks is also available to cater for all applications including tall doors capable of providing security over three metres high; electronic operation with SmartSecure access control options; panic / emergency exit and French door options. Other popular product lines for the aluminium market include tilt & turn hardware from Roto NT and Roto FRH reversible window gearing continues to be a big seller. Siegenia ALU tilt and turn ranges also feature as high-volume orders. “Manufacturers’ commitment to aluminium is clear. Taking FUHR as an example, the leading lock supplier has produced a 380 page catalogue dedicated purely to hardware for aluminium - all featured products are available from Carl F Groupco.” Popularity for aluminium profiles is resulting in corresponding sales for Carl F Groupco’s hardware with demand from both existing fabricators working in the sector and those working in the PVCu market who are diversifying into this expanding market. Growth is confirmed across the company’s client base including one customer who has increased spend on FUHR door locks for aluminium profile by 102% compared to their 2018/19 purchases. Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco

Comprehensive additions have been made by Carl F Groupco to its aluminium hardware collection

SIGNIFICANT SMARTSECURE ADDITION WITH FUHR AUTOTRONIC

The FUHR autotronic 834 lock has been added to Carl F Groupco’s suite of SmartSecure electronic door locking and access control solutions. As one of the most important additions to the company’s upcoming 2021 catalogue, the highly versatile hybrid product is a major expansion to the SmartSecure brand. The 834 provides a combination of automatic locking and electronic motor driven unlocking: as such, it is an appealing option that is fully compatible with all existing SmartSecure locking and access control variants.

The autotronic offers a practical solution for multiple occupancy buildings. The solution is also advantageous for properties that require the security and convenience of an automatic lock, plus the advanced functionality of an electromechanical lock with access control options. Commenting on the appeal of the features of the autotronic, John Mitchell, Technical Manager for Carl F Groupco said: “On closing the door, two latching deadbolts simultaneously extend and lock in place – this provides additional security compared to traditional mechanical locking mechanisms as the user doesn’t need to remember to secure the door. Unlocking the door is motorised, this enables the addition of access control and integration into existing building management systems. From the outside, the door can be opened using a cylinder key or access control: it is secured on closing and can be deadlocked using the cylinder key provided. “An 834P panic/emergency exit variant is available for single and double doors providing all the benefits of the 834 lock while allowing unimpeded escape from the inside of the building using the lever or panic push bar at any time on either the active or inactive door leaf. The hardware meets British Standard requirements when used alongside the recommended FUHR lever handle (EN 179 for emergency escape) or Panic Bar (EN 1125 for panic exit) and the CES free movement cylinder.” SmartSecure has been the most significant development in Carl F Groupco’s 70+ year history. As such, the autotronic addition is set to have major impact as it supports the growing electronic door locking and Smart access control market.

Product Link: https://bit.ly/3uWAIGd Carl F Groupco: www.carlfgroupco.co.uk Twitter: @Carl_F_Groupco

FUHR’s autotronic hybrid lock enhances Carl F Groupco’s SmartSecure solutions

SWF LAUNCHES NEW ELEGANT SPRUNG “LEVER LEVER” DOOR HANDLES FOR TODAY’S STEEL DOORS

Steel Window Association member, Steel Window Fittings (SWF), has developed a new collection of handles and accessories to enhance and secure today’s striking steel doors. As the trend for steel in the home continues apace, SWF has developed the portfolio in answer to the demand from designers, manufacturers and consumers alike for more choice in door furniture; complementary window furniture is also available to complete the harmonised look.

The SWF range comprises of three lever options, each available on an oblong or round rose backplate and matching Key or Euro Cylinder options also on oblong or round rose backplates. Options do not end there; the stunning finishes on offer are Antique Black, Antique Brass, Brushed Brass, Dark Bronze, Gun Metal, Oil Rub Bronze, Satin Chrome, and matching RAL colours are available on request. In each handle, four independent springs ensure correct horizontal position of the lever while an 8mm spindle, secured with a grub screw, clamps both handles together securely. Taylors spindles are also available to fix the handles in a horizontal or vertical position. The handles can be used for a wide range of applications including multipoint locks, traditional external locks and internal latches allowing the door scheme to follow the same design and finish – inside and out. As well as the handle and the escutcheons, SWF’s portfolio also includes stays, hinges, bolts, openers, safety and restrictors and concealed multipoint for a truly coordinated design scheme. For further information on the Steel Window Association, please visit www.steel-window-association.co.uk or call 020 3475 8049.

KENRICK JOINS JOINERY NETWORK

Leading hardware supplier Kenrick has joined the Joinery Network as an affiliated partner. The West-Bromwich based firm is among a select few carefully selected businesses to join the network, which was established to give independent joiners and joinery firms all the resources they need to manufacture genuine Document Q certified timber windows and doors.

Joiners manufacturing the Joinery Network’s Lignum Flush Sash timber casement window will now be able to deliver the highest levels of security with the addition of Kenrick’s flagship Excalibur multi-point window lock, which has been specially modified to help the window meet the requirements of PAS24: 2016. Steve Williams, Kenrick, sales and marketing director, says: “We are delighted to join the Joinery Network, which is all about manufacturing high quality, secure timber windows. Timber is becoming more popular as a material for windows and doors, but there is a perception that they are not as robust and secure as PVCu and aluminium windows. When fitted with the Excalibur locking system, the Lignum window is proven to deliver high security, thus enabling joiners to offer customers the peace of mind that is it built to last and designed to deter intruders.” A Secured by Design licensed product, Excalibur offers unique security features, yet is simple to install on a timber window. This durable and reliable multi-point locking system benefits from steel shoot bolts, a robust unhanded die-cast gearbox and bidirectional die-cast claws. It also features a specially developed lock and keep set which fits the Lignum flush sash casement timber window.

The four-point locking mechanism of Excalibur sits neat and flush with the timber window, with no protruding parts from the sash. This prevents the locking elements - two central security claws and two steel shootbolts - from fouling on the frame or keep, which is a major problem with timber windows when the timber changes shape over time.

The Excalibur system sits entirely flush even when the window is open, so there is no danger of any parts catching when the window is closed. This also means that windows only require a very small air gap, which significantly improves the security and weather seal on the flush casement. This novel feature is achieved with Kenrick’s bespoke striker plate to maintain the high security that the Excalibur system has become well known for.

Designed to suit both traditional and contemporary properties, the Lignum Timber Flush Sash casement window features clean sightlines and internal ovolo detailing. It is factory glazed for easy installation.

To find out more about the Joinery Network, visit: https://thejoinerynetwork.co.uk/ Kenrick is a leading supplier of hardware solutions for PVCu, aluminium and timber window and door systems. The company has a proud heritage spanning more than 200 years, having been established by Archibald Kenrick who manufactured buckles and livery fittings. Kenrick’s range of top quality products includes the market leading Excalibur multi-point locking system, the four-point Centurion system and the Easifit and Espagnolette locking systems.

Julie Warner Julie WarnerProduct Manager Product Manager Experts in Hardware Hardware Experts in Hardware Hardware Experts in Hardware Hardware Experts in Hardware Hardware Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Julie Warner Product Manager Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Product Manager Carl F Groupco Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: Get in touch and speak to one of our experts today: t. Peterborough: 01733 393330 t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 Carl F Groupco Carl F Groupco “ We’ve steadily increased the t. Cumbernauld: t. Cumbernauld: 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, “ We’ve steadily increased the range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support range of hardware we buy from Carl F Groupco over the last 16 years. Their product range, service level and support has proven them to be our 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk 01236 721557 e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk e. sales@carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk w. www.carlfgroupco.co.uk

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