It’s All About The OTIF 6
Thermal Comfort Begins With The Window 46
Balancing Quality And Volume At Lochty Meadows 55
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WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 3
TRADE NEWS
Small Firms Disappointed By
Sustainium Kickstart Announcement Group Acquires Wolverhampton
Glass The Sustainium Group has acquired Wolverhampton Glass, a leading West-Midlands based window, door, and conservatory installer.
Sustainium was launched by industry veteran Neal Harper with the aim of acquiring local home improvement companies, building on their established reputation, and investing in their future, with particular focus on low-carbon and sustainability. “The Sustainium Group is delighted to acquire Wolverhampton Glass,” commented Neal, who recently stepped down from his role as director of a regional home improvement company to launch the venture. “Thanks to four decades of experience, it has an excellent reputation locally, and we are already investing in new premises, an exciting new showroom and expanding the management team. Our focus now is to build on that reputation to enable Wolverhampton Glass to thrive.” Trading from the historical Pelham Works site on Pelham Street in Wolverhampton since 1975, Wolverhampton Glass has been installing high quality windows, doors and conservatories across Wolverhampton and the West Midlands for over 40 years. www.sustainium.co.uk 4 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Wednesday, 02/09/2020. Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry said: “The kickstart scheme aims to help young people into work but many small businesses will be disappointed to see today’s announcement which feels more aligned to the needs of larger businesses. “Without further work, the scheme will leave many without any employment support after waiting for it for so long. Crucially it is more difficult to access for those hiring fewer than 30 roles through the scheme, who as it stands will need to find intermediaries. There is currently no guidance for how to become an intermediary and how they will operate the scheme. “To hire 30 individuals is just beyond the means of most small businesses, many of which have far fewer employees or don’t have the HR support on hand to introduce that number of new employees.
“The time it will take to hire these 30 employees across several small firms could take months and result in increased costs for small firms at a time when they need our support the most. “Small firms, who are the largest employers across the business landscape, have long expressed interest in this scheme and will be disappointed to find it harder than expected to take part. To put it bluntly, this scheme has not been designed with small businesses front of mind. The Government should issue guidance, and soon, to make it easy for small business organisations to become intermediaries, or a direct application route for small firms. “The Government assures us it wants to make Kickstart work for small employers, and we are in discussions with them on how to address small business concerns and make sure it does.” www.fsb.org.uk
TRADE NEWS
Mackenzie
Retains
Full Supply
Capability
Mackenzie Glass has said it continues to be able to offer a comprehensive product range and remains ‘well supported’ by its suppliers.
Construction Sectors
Show Signs Of
Improvement In July he total value of construction contract awards in July 2020 was £6.3 billion which compares to £3.1 billion in June and £1.6 billion in May, underlining the magnitude of the growth trend for contract awards over the last two months. The number of awards has also increased in July to 860 which is an increase of 80.3% on June. The residential and infrastructure sectors accounted for over 50% share of total contract awards. The latest edition of the Economic & Construction Market Review from industry analysts Barbour ABI, highlights levels of construction contract values awarded across Great Britain. Every sector had at least 33% growth in July, compared to June, with up to 98% growth in certain sectors. The residential sector contract awards increased by 65.9% on June, Infrastructure climbed 75.4%
The operational update comes as the glass supply chain ‘creaks’ under the pressure of exponential growth in demand for glass since the easing of lockdown. This combined with the impact of the shutdown of production in March and pre-scheduled maintenance has contributed to widely reported shortages this month [August].
Mark Herbert, joint-Managing Director, Mackenzie Glass, said: “Supply from within the UK and from our close European partners London was the leading region remains good, while supply from in July accounting for 18.5% of awards. The second largest region global partners is also continuing to deliver, so we remain in a was Scotland with attributable share of 17.1% and was followed position of strength. by the South East with a 12.8% “It is, however, clearly very tight share of awards. out there and shortages are a Commenting on the figures, Tom very real challenge. We don’t Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour necessarily see that changing this year and is something which ABI and AMA Research said, “While the economy entered a re- could be made worse in the early cession, the construction industry part of 2021. has seen significant increases in activity over the last two months. “Demand within Europe is also high with as we understand it a This could potentially be due number of cold maintenance proto the restarting of activity that grammes planned by float glass had stalled in previous months. manufacturers next year. A strong planning pipeline could suggest the industry will continue to strengthen but at what rate “This may or may not be helped, depending on the outcome of remains to be seen.” Brexit and the nature of our withdrawal, with or without a deal Download the full report here: next year.” ubm.io/2FRLrwm www.mackenzieglass.co.uk and education contract awards increased by 43.5%.
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 5
TRADE NEWS
It’s All About The OTIF Why suppliers need to do more to help customers cope with demand By Richard Gyde, Managing Director, Mila I write a regular blog on the Mila website at www.mila.co.uk/blog/. Over the years, it’s become one of the most visited pages on the site, largely I think because I always try to give honest insight and straightforward updates on the business and the market. Of the 20 or so posts I’ve written this year though, no less than 17 have been on the single topic of Coronavirus – going as far back as February when it first started to become an issue for some of our suppliers in the Far East. I’ve charted the spread of the disease, the lockdown, the reopening, and now of course the pressure on suppliers to keep up with demand. My aim on the blog has always been to communicate openly and directly with customers, colleagues and suppliers and I would definitely encourage others in the industry to do the same – it might help to create a better sense of mutual understanding. Over recent weeks, the dominant theme of my posts has been the extraordinary efforts of suppliers like Mila to make sure that fabricators have the products they need to keep trade, retail and commercial customers happy. I don’t think any of us could realistically have expected the industry to bounce back from the lockdown quite so strongly as it has and, 6 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Richard Gyde, Managing Director, Mila
while that is brilliant, it has tested capacity at many points right across the supply chain. There are widespread reports now of stock outages on profile, glass and hardware, made worse I think by the fact that some companies simply pushed back too many orders and then kept staff on furlough for too long and aren’t now communicating properly with customers. By contrast, at Mila, we’re very much going above and beyond to make sure our customers can make the most of the opportunities which are currently out there and the general improvement in the market. Everyone here – from front line sales to supply chain is more focused than ever on keeping our line OTIF (which indicates how many items we have in stock) as high as possible. I get our daily performance metrics delivered into my inbox at 6.30 am
every morning and they’re the first thing I look at when I pick up my phone. At the time of writing, our line OTIF is sitting at 92.2% and it’s prominently displayed on our website for all to see. 92.2 is way down on where we would be in normal times when anything below 98% would trigger an investigation. But, judging by the number of enquiries we’re getting from fabricators who are being let down by their current supplier, it’s still much higher than many of our competitors. Mila has the huge advantage, of course, that we still have the resources available to be able to invest. We are currently spending tens of thousands of pounds on air freight to get more product onto our shelves as quickly as possible and we have weekly meetings to make sure we target that option as effectively as possible for those customers with the most urgent demand. We also maintained contract terms with all of our suppliers throughout, so they’ve pulled out all the stops to ensure that we’ve also got lots of stock on the way to us by sea which will be with us within weeks to ensure that normal service can be resumed. As you’d expect, we’re doing all we can to help everyone who contacts us, but we still assess every single order against stock levels and forecasted demand so that loyal Mila customers are never disadvantaged for the sake of a new enquiry. It’s clear that suppliers are already being judged by their customers on how they performed before, during and after the lockdown. I am determined that Mila will come out on the right side of that judgement. More info: www.mila.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Smart
Approach To Deliveries
Dellner Bubenzer
Group Expands Into Glass Through Romag Acquisition Sweden’s Dellner Bubenzer Group is continuing its rapid expansion with the creation of a new UK company, Dellner Romag Ltd, that will focus on the manufacture and supply of specialist glass and glazing products for the global rail, transport, security and architectural markets. The new company, which has been formed following Dellner Bubenzer’s purchase of the assets of Romag Ltd, will continue operating from the 125,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Consett, County Durham and a sales office in Berlin. It is planned that Romag’s 100+ staff will transfer across to the new company. Dellner Romag Ltd will work closely alongside the Dellner Bubenzer Group’s UK-based Dellner Polymer Solutions (DPS) division and both companies will be led by CEO Mikael Petersson. Mr Petersson said: “Glass is a new product area for Dellner, but it complements our polymer solutions business perfectly.
Particularly in the rail industry, we will now be able to supply vibration control, polymer and glazing solutions as a single, integrated package, to new and existing customers alike. Through the Berlin sales office, we are also looking to strengthen supply of our polymer and vibration control solutions in the European market.” Marcus Aberg, CEO of the Dellner Bubenzer Group, said: “We are delighted to be continuing our strategic growth with the creation of Dellner Romag Ltd. As Dellner and Romag are both family businesses with a skilled workforce, a 75 year history of technical innovation and a strong focus on quality and service, Romag’s customers are assured of a seamless transition. We are looking forward to building sustained, long-term relationships with customers and to offering them an integrated service from the Dellner companies.” www.dellnerbubenzergroup.com www.romag.co.uk
From Euroglaze
Efficiency is at the core of the Euroglaze operation, so it’s no surprise that the Barnsley based Rehau fabricator has found the most efficient way to maintain its 3.5 day lead times and nationwide delivery service in a Covid-19 secure way. A new van, complete with sleeper cab and microwave, means that individual drivers can now make socially distanced deliveries across the whole of the UK, without needing to stay overnight in hotels or travel in pairs. Managing Director Martin Nettleton explained: “Demand is surging for Euroglaze products, particularly because our lean manufacturing operation means we’re able to beat most of the market on lead times. “We’ve therefore invested in an additional new vehicle, complete with driver accommodation, so that we can get the products out to customers as efficiently and as cost effectively as possible and still maintain free delivery on most orders.” Euroglaze’s despatch and delivery service was already amongst the smartest and most responsive in the industry. A bespoke tracking and alarm system ensures that only complete orders can be loaded on and off its vehicles, and ancillary packing and bagging is all video recorded so that any queries can be instantly resolved. www.euroglaze.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 7
TRADE NEWS
Green Homes Grant Still Provides Opportunity
For Savvy Installers
Recent clarification on the Green Homes Grant, including news that it can only be used to replace single glazing (and even then only as a secondary measure), has been met with both joy and disappointment. Joy because it puts a stop to homeowners cancelling live jobs in the hope of receiving a grant. Disappointment because it makes most replacement glazing projects ineligible.
But respected sash window and secondary glazing manufacturer Roseview Windows points out that, while the scheme may be limited, it provides a unique opportunity for installers willing to put the effort in. Roseview Director Paul Bygrave explains: “After the initial fanfare, many now feel that the Green 8 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Homes Grant has turned into a bit of a damp squib. But if you look a little closer we believe it still provides a clear opportunity for installers. The scheme may be more complicated than originally thought, but with a little effort there’s potentially a rich seam of business here.
“First we have to look at how many homes are suitable.” Paul continues. “Different surveys suggest that between 85% and 95% of homes are double-glazed. Given that the Office for National Statistics estimate that there are almost 28 million homes in the UK, that means somewhere between 1.4 and 4.2 million homes still have single glazing. That’s not an insignificant number, especially when you consider that many of them
are likely to be clustered. “To be able to offer solutions for these homes installers need to be approved. That means being registered with TrustMark. It may also mean being PAS 2030 accredited. At the moment PAS 2030 accreditation still hasn’t been publicly confirmed, and we’re hearing talk that a cut-down version may allow installers to register for the scheme. What we can say is that many installers won’t bother trtying, cutting the competition for Green Home Grant projects.” Paul concludes: “The scheme only runs until March 2021, so this is clearly a time-limited opportunity. But for installers prepared to put the effort in, the potential rewards are great. Ultimately this is a giltedged chance for homeowners with single-glazing to receive government funding to get it replaced or enhanced. Registered installers who offer the right products – and sash windows and secondary glazing are perfect for upgrading single-glazing – could do very well.” www.roseview.co.uk
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sive. Deborah Beeley, Sales and Marketing Manager adds: “Our installer customers tell us they like fitting Stellar because it’s quick and easy to install thanks to its pre-gasketed, knock in beads. Coupled with the fact that consumers like the slimline, flush aesthetics of the windows and doors, it’s fast becoming the go-to aluminium and door system.
from left to right – Mark Austin of Epwin Window Systems and Deborah Beeley of Kingfisher Windows
Kingfisher Windows
Sees Impressive
Sales Of Stellar
Aluminium System
Kingfisher Windows recently added Stellar aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems, to its portfolio in June. Since then, the company says it has seen a ‘phenomenal’ uptake of the new system and the dedicated aluminium factory is busy manufacturing orders for the trade, retail and commercial sectors. Mark Barker, Production Manager at Kingfisher Windows says feedback about the system has been
positive across the board. He and his team have been impressed at how easy the system is to manufacture too. He says: “Stellar is an easy and straightforward system to fabricate and looks superb. It really is a game changer in aluminium system design and looks different from anything else currently on the market which is a big advantage for our customers.” Feedback from Kingfisher’s customers has been equally impres-
One of Kingfisher’s installers, Darren Capitano from Abbey Windows in Leeds concurs with this message. He recently fitted 44 Stellar Flush Casement Windows and a French Door in a high-end consumer home. He comments: “I love fitting Stellar – it’s a pre-gasketed system that uses knock-in beads, so it’s really easy to fit. There’s nothing else like it on the market and I think it’s a game changer. Consumers love it too – the lowlevel gaskets mean the frames look even slimmer, which taps into the trend for big expanses of glass which are so popular at the moment, so it’s a straightforward sell. It really is a stand-out aluminium product.” Yorkshire’s Kingfisher Windows work in the retail, commercial and trade sectors and has over 25 years’ experience in the industry, guaranteeing a service that the company says is built upon outstanding degrees of professionalism, reliability, efficiency and promptness. www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
New Dual Livery For Residence And Widgets Not a company for standing still, Window Widgets have added new dual-branded vehicle livery, which also includes graphics for The Residence Collection, on to one of their trucks, as they look to roll this new design across their delivery fleet of 18 tonne lorries.
trusted and respected in their sectors, the new vehicle livery has been carefully designed to make a strong statement, with the work carried out by local company Motus Commercials, who have already shared the striking imagery on their social media channels.
With both brands highly visible,
As a company that showed strong
10 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
growth pre-COVID-19 and have been buoyed by the considerable increase in demand since the easing of lockdown, Window Widgets and The Residence Collection have also ordered an additional vehicle for delivery later in the year. www.residencecollection.co.uk www.residencecollectiontrade.co.uk
TRADE NEWS
Foiling At Home Iconic Architect’s
Tool Retires
After 40 Years
RIBA Product Selector Replaced By Cloud-Based NBS Source After 40 years, NBS, provider of connected construction information, will be saying goodbye to RIBA Product Selector, its iconic product directory. All its content is now available in NBS Source, a brand new cloud-based platform for construction product information.
profine UK have already begun the foiling of KÖMMERLING 70 profiles at their new facility in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire, along with the newly acquired PVCu systems, which include the Legend platform and the Evolve vertical sliding sash window. With demand notably up on pre-COVID-19 levels, having an integrated on-site foiling operation has been a necessity, which is being fully utilised to cope with the significant increase in demand. From an extrusion perspective, profine UK will be looking to bring the KÖMMERLING 70 tools over from the Pirmasens and Berlin facilities in Germany in the next couple of months, with 32 tools in total transferred by the end of 2020 Robert Long, production director of profine UK commented: ‘We’ve had to respond quickly
to the foil lamination requirements of the Legend and Evolve systems and more recently the KÖMMERLING 70 platform. With an extrusion facility that includes a mixing plant and the post-extrusion process of foil lamination, we’re looking to respond to immediate demand and also to reduce the lead-times on special orders in the coming months. He continued: ‘In time we will also look to introduce new colours and woodgrains as market demand dictates and with the considerable resources of the profine Group behind us, we can also look forward to a new investment programme for the facility. But in the short-term, the requirement is to satisfy immediate orders and to build a strong pipeline of stock.’ For further information please visit www.profine-uk.com and www.kommerling.co.uk
Over its four-decade lifespan, RIBA Product Selector evolved from a physical printed directory of thousands of construction products, found on every architect’s shelf, to an online database. The printed version remained in high demand until recently, and even ten years ago over 20,000 copies were distributed. However, as specification increasingly became digital, specifiers turned to computer-based tools. Now with the rise of cloud-based specification platforms such as NBS Chorus, which links seamlessly to NBS Source, specification writing is faster and more accurate. Any manufacturers listed in RIBA Product Selector will now have their content held in NBS Source, with the option to improve their listings with enhanced data. NBS Source presents manufacturer data in a structured format providing consistent properties and values, performance criteria and certification. These features have been incredibly popular with specifiers. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 11
TRADE NEWS Given that around 90% of the UK’s windows are now thought to be double-glazed already, that drastically limits the amount of work British glazing businesses and their suppliers will get out of the scheme. It’s also worth noting that of the windows that aren’t currently double-glazed, many can’t be replaced, because they’re found in listed buildings. For sash window manufacturers like Victorian Sliders, the scheme may prove more positive – I’m willing to bet that there are more single-glazed sash windows still in use in the UK than casements.
Andy Jones, Group Managing Director of Victorian Sliders.
The Green Homes Grant Was A Disappointment
– But At Least We’ve Finally Got Some Clarity After a frustrating few weeks, the government has finally confirmed the details of its Green Homes Grant. First announced back in July, the multibillion-pound scheme was billed as a way of boosting the UK economy in the wake of coronavirus, and accelerating attempts to reach the country’s ambitious 2050 carbon reduction targets. We were told that homeowners were to be offered vouchers worth up to £5,000 to cover two-thirds of the cost for home improvements that increase energy efficiency It sounded promising in theory – but, crucially, we weren’t told what products would be eligible. For the fenestration industry, that was a big problem. Customers started cancelling orders in the belief that they’d be able to get them significantly cheaper once the initiative began.
Our sector had come out of lockdown to find extremely high demand for windows and doors – but many feared this was now under threat. Replacing single glazing only Weeks later, we’ve finally got some clarity about the scheme, and what it means for fenestration. In my view – and the view of a lot of people I’ve spoken to in the industry – it’s a real disappointment. Homeowners can only claim the vouchers if they want to install insulation, ground or air-source heat pumps, or solar panels. If they use them to pay for one of the above, they can also use them for glass and glazing products – but only to replace single-glazed windows with double, triple or secondary glazing, or install energy efficient doors.
12 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
For the sector as a whole, however, the impact will likely be minimal. Back to business But at least we know now exactly what the Green Homes Grant scheme entails. It’s likely that the vast majority of projects put on hold before the full details were announced weren’t replacing single glazing, which means that most if not all can be resumed. The critical thing now is letting the public know the full details of the scheme. The government’s communications on this have been vague and unhelpful so far, so it’s probably down to us to tell them that most of the products they want installed won’t be eligible. In the medium to long term, it’s possible that the initiative might have some positive effects for fenestration. The focus on the importance of sustainability may persuade homeowners to invest in energy efficient window and door products. But let’s hope that now, with uncertainty about the grant scheme over, we can get back to what’s been one of the most buoyant periods we’ve experienced in decades. www.victoriansliders.co.uk or call 01269 846200.
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TRADE NEWS
No Room For Complacency As Economy Shows Green Shoots Despite Recession Responding to the latest retail figures from the ONS which showed that retails sales were rising across Great Britain • July retail sales volumes increased by 3.6% when compared with June, and are 3% above pre-pandemic levels in February 2020 • Online sales dipped by 7% as people returned to high streets •Despite growth, fashion sector remained 25.7% lower than February Responding to the latest retail figures from the ONS which showed that retails sales were rising across Great Britain, Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Chair Mike Cherry said: “In what is no doubt one of the toughest periods of trade for small businesses in recent history, it’s promising to see that people are indeed confident enough to go out and shop once
again.
“One clear sign that people are physically shopping once again is the first drop in online sales (down 7% on June ’20) since November 2019, which after a record period of online sales throughout lockdown was inevitable. But many small firms, especially in recent months have either expanded or developed their online presence, so it’s vital that both physical as well as online sales remain buoyant. “Many small firms have been only open for a matter of weeks, but the support that was on hand such as a the job retention scheme, incentives like Eat Out to Help Out and access to funds via local authority grants are all going to be closing or wound down over the next few weeks or months, which means that the struggles for small businesses show no end in sight.
14 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
“We are in the midst of the deepest recession on record, and we need the Government to take a proactive approach to how it will support business right across the country. After months of measures to ensure job and business survival, the next stage is about how we can grow once again to aid business and job creation. “We are calling on the Government to issue the most pro-business, pro-self-employed Budget ever seen that encourages innovation, brings goods and services to market while avoiding taxes that could further stifle already struggling businesses. “The green shoots of the economy are visible, but we cannot see these and become complacent, for some firms it will take many months and potentially years to fully recover from this crisis.” www.fsb.org.uk
TRADE NEWS
Pace Resourcing Produces Second In Series Of Virus Crisis Employee
Management White Papers
home-working the guide explains what employers can do to help employees mitigate risk. It details how to ensure that areas such as workspace, seating and lighting can be tackled to ensure physical health and safety. The paper outlines online mini risk assessments, advises on online surveys that employers can put together for their staff, and offers other useful suggestions. On mental wellbeing of staff after lockdown, the white paper lists the key tell-tale signs and circumstances that employers should look out for, which may indicate or be a precursor to mental health deterioration. The guide outlines the practical steps that an employer can take to support the mental health of their staff. In addition, it details the type of guidance that can be offered to employees in this area.
The second in a series of white papers by Pace Resourcing should do much to assist managers in handling one of the biggest challenges brought about by the pandemic: employees working from home. It forms the second of a series of three guides from the fenestration industry specialist that supports employers on staff-related matters.
Director Vivien Globe explains:
that home-working is a temporary measure, and that we’ll eventually get back to more normal working practices. However, the truth is the post-pandemic workplace will never be the same again. Economic, environmental and safety concerns mean that it is highly likely that a proportion of most businesses’ staff will find home-working desirable, whether full-time or for part of the week. And with that comes a whole raft of implications for managers who must adapt to new challenges.” This second white paper focuses mainly on the crucial topics of physical and mental staff wellbeing, and separately introduces the subject of protection of confidential business data.
“Many business leaders assume
On the physical aspect of
Pace Resourcing decided to produce the series after recognising that the virus crisis is forcing business leaders to adapt and find new ways of working, particularly in the field of employee management.
Finally, on the topic of protecting confidential business information, the paper explains the importance of correct procedures and policies, communication of them to staff, and how to go about ensuring that data breaches do not occur. For example, it might be imperative to ensure that family, friends and visitors are unable to see sensitive, confidential data. Bosses may even need to spell out that failure to adhere to their company’s home-working policy in the area of data protection could result in disciplinary proceedings. Pace Resourcing’s first white paper, which tackled the need for dynamic, flexible and easy performance management processes may be downloaded for free from the company’s website. To download this second guide also for free and for more information on Pace Resourcing visit www.paceresourcing.co.uk. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 15
TRADE NEWS Anthracite Grey on white; and anthracite grey both sides on a grey substrate; and smooth options.” aluplast’s foil range includes more than 30 finishes, plus Woodec, the next generation foil that is designed to replicate both the aesthetics and feel of timber.
Stock Foils On The Ground aluplast has said it continues to be able to supply stock foils rapid turnaround, despite disruption reported to the PVC-U foils supply chain by some systems companies.
It added lead times on non-standard and dual colour foils – normally 15 working days or less – also for the most part remained intact.
“The investment we have made in our foiling capability means
Significant investment in new foiling lines and in CNC foiling technology at its new 13-hectare manufacturing facility, means that it can also offer a high degree of flexibility on non-standard finishes. This includes reducing the time lost in traditional, manual foiling set-up and switch over from hours to minutes, which means that aluplast is able to pass on the efficiency and cost benefits to its customers. Cocken said this was now paying dividends for aluplast customers: “You can order a stock product from us and have it on your next order. It’s here in the UK and ready to go. Given the constraints being placed by some systems companies on their fabricators, that is a very distinct advantage to anyone manufacturing in our system.
With foil-lead times extended by a number of leading systems companies, the German-owned systems house says its supplies of stock foils have remained unaffected.
Ian Cocken, Sales and Marketing Director, aluplast, said: “The exponential growth in demand that the UK has seen since the easing of lockdown has put immense pressure on the supply chain – but particularly on foils.
Processing more than 150,000 tonnes of PVC-U in Europe annually, equivalent to 75 per cent of the combined UK and Irish markets, it foils over 90,000m of foiled products each day.
that we have been able to increase capacity in line with demand and maintain service levels. “This means our stock colours remain ‘in stock’ here on the ground in the UK, including
16 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
“aluplast is a global business with a growing presence here in the UK. That scale gives us purchasing power and it gives us flexibility. That translates into a very competitive service, something which with the pressures that exist within some supply chains, is delivering new commercial opportunity to our customers.” www.aluplast.co.uk
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TRADE NEWS unchanged with fabulous stock levels. Ultimately, our customers can have confidence that we can deliver because of the depth of stock we carry.”
Fastener Supplies First Rate Despite COVID-19 Challenges Despite reports of shortages of some raw materials in the window and door industry, Rapierstar’s deep UK stocks of specialist fasteners and 30 years of sourcing and supply chain experience has enabled it to guarantee supplies of fasteners to its fabricator customers and support the industry as it recovers from lockdown. The company continues to hold £4m of window screw and fixings stock and more than one billion items at its 100,000 sq. ft. warehouse and distribution centre in Cheshire, from where it serves window and door manufacturers across Great Britain and Ireland, as well as growing exports across mainland Europe. By holding many months of stock, the warehouse absorbs the short term impacts of disrupted global trade of the kind caused by the pandemic. David Furness, MD of Rapierstar said: “There is no doubt that the COVID-19 pandemic has rocked
global supply chains in every market and exposed the fragility of some of these which, with a rapid manufacturing bounce-back, now means some of our competitors are experiencing supply issues – but certainly not Rapierstar. We achieved 99.4% OTIF deliveries while smashing our best ever monthly turnover in July (up 23% YOY) and August is also flying. “Our long term manufacturing partners are located in Taiwan, so our supplies were never particularly under threat even when the strict economic and social restrictions started. We continued to accept and pay for pre-ordered monthly deliveries from our respected supply partners during the COVID-19 shutdown, so our stocks have never been so healthy. “This is why we have been able to provide a great service to our customers through the pandemic and why the immediate availability of Rapierstar’s products remains
18 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Rapierstar has continued to invest throughout 2020, with stock value increased by £1m+ and construction of its extended R&D centre. This will incorporate a video conference suite to enable improved communication with suppliers and customers post-pandemic, as well as a large showroom for demonstrating its forthcoming innovative new product ranges, developed in-house with senior researchers in a turbo charged new product development programme. Rapierstar has also invested in its people and operations, with new apprentices and employees recruited during August, supported by the latest upgrade of its fully integrated ERP (enterprise resource planning) system, Microsoft Dynamics Business Central, and further investment in its carbon-saving electric commercial vehicles and new on-site charging points. According to Rapierstar, it is unique in being the only specialist fastener supplier of its kind to the UK and Irish window and door industry. Its products are available to fabricators and installers through the main industry distributors and trade counters, as well as directly for the largest fabricators, with a wide range of fasteners suitable for all PVCu and aluminium systems, as well as timber frames. To ensure manufacturers can achieve the best result with their finished products, Rapierstar also provides a wealth of technical guidance and resources regarding fastener choice and application on its website. This includes Recommended Fixing Manuals (RFMs) for each of the most popular PVCu profile systems, which are free to download. www.rapierstar.com
TRADE NEWS
BFRC Cuts Through The Noise With New
Acoustic Performance Ratings
Allumette
Group Invests In Green Fleet Window and door manufacturers can now offer customers increased confidence in the acoustic performance of their windows and doors, thanks to a new, independently verified noise reduction rating scheme set to launch in August. BFRC, one of Europe’s leading ratings system for windows and doors, is launching the brand new noise reduction rating scheme, in response to homeowners who are increasingly demanding higher levels of quality assurance for their new windows and doors. Not only must new windows and doors look the part, homeowners also want full confidence that new products will meet their expectations, including proven noise reduction performance. Windows can play a vital part in reducing the level of noise entering the home, particularly for homes close to roads, railways or impacted by air traffic noise. With homes increasingly becoming peaceful retreats from a hectic outside world,
making them quieter, more pleasant places to be can also improve wellbeing. The independently verified BFRC Noise Reduction Scheme will be a huge selling point for manufacturers, who will be able to show their customers how their windows and doors compare to the competition. The labels provide an easy to understand system for homeowners, and in turn show a commitment to customer satisfaction, guaranteeing the quality of their product and ensuring they stand out from competitors. New labels have been designed for the scheme, using the BFRC’s highly recognised and trusted label system, giving an instantly recognisable comparison against another product’s acoustic performance, and providing installers and homeowners with evidence that window and door products will deliver as promised. Marketing materials have also been designed and will be made available for customers. www.bfrc.org
Allumette Group has invested in cleaner vehicles to support its efforts in minimising emissions and reducing its carbon footprint. All company cars have been replaced with electric or hybrid models and the delivery fleet has been upgraded to low emission large goods vehicles (LGV). The expenditure represents one million pounds worth of investment. The group has installed EV charge points at its premises on Yardley Brook Industrial Park in Birmingham, ensuring that both employees and visitors have access to the essential infrastructure required to run and maintain an electric vehicle. The LGV fleet has been delivered in the new group livery. Allumette Group is the parent company of powder coater, Vertik-Al and louvre specialist, IKON Aluminium Systems. Group managing director for Allumette Group, Angus Mackie, says: “We are committed to reducing the environmental impact of our businesses. This means exploring every opportunity for a greener and cleaner alternative. www.allumetteltd.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 19
TRADE NEWS both be launching very soon via the website at: www.bm-touch. co.uk Graeme added: “We’re seeing a flurry of new remote pricing and selling products coming onto the market now as companies look for ways to meet surging consumer demand within the constraints of a socially distanced world.
Business Micros Cements Market Leading Position When Dave Boaler joined Business Micros as a Software Technician back in May, he brought the total number of staff in the Business Micros Group up to 60. That includes all of the group companies – Business Micros, BM Aluminium and the recently acquired The Consultancy and The Glazing Vault. Managing Director Graeme Bailey says the Group is determined to cement its position as market leader and has the capacity and resources to continue investing in the people and the product development which will enable it to do that. He explained: “Business Micros is rooted in the fenestration industry. We’ve grown alongside the industry we serve and have stood side by side with our customers for more than four
decades. “Our team have always been our greatest strength, which is why we continued to recruit during lockdown and why we have built a culture which is firmly rooted in supporting and nurturing our team. I firmly believe that we now have the biggest, most committed and, crucially, the most experienced team in the industry.” Behind the scenes, Business Micros and The Consultancy were busy during lockdown putting the finishing touches to the brand-new TOUCH software platform which offers market-changing, fully integrated sales, ordering and lead generation solutions for both fabricators and installers. TOUCH Portal for fabricators and TOUCH Vendor for installers will
20 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
“However, it is the experience of our team which is built into every aspect of TOUCH which will undoubtedly differentiate our products from the rest. We know that what really matters and what really adds value when it comes to remote selling is a joined-up solution which uses real time data for pricing and design and allows quotes to be generated and orders placed using the same system. “TOUCH Portal and TOUCH Vendor combine all of that and come from the Business Micros team, who hold continually updated datasets for every window and door system in the UK, and The Consultancy team, who are the market leaders in cloudbased ordering solutions and online quoting configurators. “When times are tough, it surely makes sense to align yourself with the number one in the market and benefit not just from our vast knowledge and experience but also the resources we have available to go on supporting customers and expanding our TOUCH platform. “We’ll be rolling out new options in TOUCH over the coming months, but customers using our existing products can be reassured that we won’t be neglecting them either and will continue to provide full levels of support.” www.businessmicros.co.uk www.bm-touch.co.uk and www.theconsultancy.co.uk
NOW IS THE TIME TO ADD THE KORNICHE ALUMINIUM ROOF LANTERN TO YOUR PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
Another huge success for Made for Trade and the team at Korniche Aluminium Systems with the announcement of ‘Best Rooflight Supplier’ 2020 from the Homebuilding & Renovating Awards. This award really is the cherry on the top and the latest in a string of awards that the Korniche Lantern has picked up over the past two years. The statement from Homebuilding & Renovating sums this up: “This was an exceptionally strong category with many great entrants. As such, being voted Best Rooflight Supplier is a reflection of how well regarded Korniche Aluminium Systems / Made for Trade is amongst its customers and the industry.” This success compliments the work and marketing activities that Made for Trade have carried out within both the consumer and trade sectors. There is a significant benefit to Korniche customers from having such high profile brand activity that assists sales through a greater product understanding at the consumer level. Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have new products in the pipeline that will sit within the Korniche brand and a full diary of exhibitions earmarked throughout the year to promote them.
Looking forward to 2021, Made for Trade have new Korniche products in the pipeline and a full diary of exhibitions earmarked throughout the year to promote the Korniche brand. To celebrate the awards and update the consumer marketing support on offer to their trade clients, Made for Trade have re-designed their Korniche Lantern brochure. Coupled with showroom offers and additional marketing collateral - Now is the time to be on board with the Korniche brand! For more information and to pre-order the new Korniche Aluminium Lantern Brochure email marketing@madefortrade.co with your requirements and following code: KS2020. For more information and to keep up to date with all Made for Trade products see their website: www.madefortrade.co
TRADE NEWS
New Study: Vauxhall And Ford Take The Lead As Best Vans For Young Drivers Confused.com analysed 15 of the highest-rated small, medium and large vans across 10 metrics to determine which ranked best in terms of affordability and practicality, to determine which is the best model for young drivers to purchase. Looking at factors such as the initial cost of the van, annual tax and insurance, load capacity and fuel consumption, Confused.com created an index score to rank the vans. You can view the results here: The 10 best vans for young drivers These are the top 10 vans for young drivers in 2020:
ning costs and an affordable price tag. For drivers looking for a small run-around van that is cheap to run, and are less reliant on space, these could be the perfect solution. Meanwhile, those looking for a little more space may opt for the Peugeot Expert, which ranked the highest of the medium vans. Of all medium-sized vans, the Peugeot Expert has the lowest annual fuel cost by over £100, at just £788. The Ford Transit is the second cheapest for fuel at £906.28. The Peugeot Expert also sits at a reasonable initial cost of £23,820, which is over £3,000 less than the Ford Transit at £27,106. Within the top 10 list, Vauxhall, Citroen and Peugeot are the most featured car manufacturers, with Peugeot holding two of its vans in the top five The Vauxhall Combo takes the crown as the best van for young drivers overall, due to being the most affordable – a key consideration for younger drivers when investing in their first van. This is followed very closely by the Ford Transit Connect – a smaller version of the trusty Ford Transit van.
Cheapest vans to run as a young driver
Both vans scored highly due to the low annual run-
These are the five cheapest vans to run annually:
22 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
As a young driver, it is important to choose a van that is not only reliable and big enough to cater for your needs, but also one that doesn’t stretch your budget too much.
TRADE NEWS The best large van for young drivers: MAN TGe With the biggest load capacity in the overall index at 14 cubic metres, the MAN TGe is our best large van. The average purchase price is £31,939 and it costs £2,481 to run each year. According to the research, the Vauxhall Combo ranked top for affordability. Van drivers opting for this model can expect to pay £2,041 in total, on average. This is just 10% of an average apprentice salary. It’s also the most efficient van when it comes to fuel consumption, costing just £56 to fill up the 50L tank, and £620 over the course of the year. However, those who are more concerned about the initial price tag might look to invest in the Ford Transit Connect, which costs just £16,183 to buy outright. This is more than £10,000 cheaper than Ford Transit, which will set drivers back £27,106 in initial costs. For apprentices on a budget, the Vauxhall Combo may be the first choice, but drivers may also consider the Citroen Berlingo and Ford Transit Connect. Each of these vans cost around 10% of the average UK apprenticeship salary to run each year. The vans that cost the most to run and that make up the highest percentage of an apprenticeship salary are the Vauxhall Movano (14%), Mercedes Sprinter (13%) and Volkswagen Crafter (12%). The best small, medium and large vans for young drivers The study also highlights the best vans from the index by size; small, medium and large. The best small van for young drivers: Vauxhall Combo With a 1.6 litre engine and a load capacity of 3.6 cubic metres, the Vauxhall Combo has ranked the best in the small van category. The average cost is £17,515.83 in the UK. The best medium van for young drivers: Peugeot Expert For something slightly bigger, the Peugeot Expert is the best medium-sized van. Its load capacity is 1.5 times bigger than the Vauxhall Combo at 5.5 cubic metres – perfect for those who need to carry larger loads.
Best vans for each metric The report looks at 10 metrics in order to give a well-rounded view and score for the best vans. Whether you’re looking for a high-rated van with the cheapest fuel, the cheapest purchase price or the biggest load capacity, the study outlines these too: Biggest load capacity: MAN TGe & Mercedes Sprinter (14 cu. m. Each) Cheapest to purchase: Ford Transit Connect (£16,182.50) Cheapest cost of petrol annually: Ford Transit Connect (£619.71) Cheapest for total annual running costs: Vauxhall Combo (£2,041.14) Lowest % of apprenticeship salary to run: Vauxhall Combo, Citroen Berlingo & Ford Transit Connect (10% of apprentice salary each) Dan McCulloch, van insurance expert at Confused. com comments: ”Choosing your van is an exciting step when starting out in a new trade or job. But now with so many different types of van available, making the right choice can be overwhelming. “For most young van drivers, choosing one that is affordable, especially if you’re starting on an apprentice wage, is a key consideration. But also making sure you have the right size van for what you need is important. “To help you make the right decision, our expert guide on the best vans for young drivers will point you in the right direction for the best van for your needs, and how much you can expect to pay to run it each year.” For more information on the Best Vans for Young Drivers study, please visit Confused.com: https://bit.ly/31ZQsfC WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 23
TRADE NEWS
CICV Forum Secures
Funding Of £40,000 To Identify And Highlight The Investment Areas Which
Will Bring Most Benefit To The Wider Economy In yet another example of its innovative approach to stimulating and growing Scotland’s building sector, the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum has secured significant grant funding to help it explore the most fruitful avenues for expansion. The unique collective has successfully applied for £40,000 of funding from the Construction Scotland Innovation Centre (CSIC), one of Scotland’s unique Innovation Centres which links business, university experts and public sector providers to create transformational change in the construction sector. The funding will be used to engage with the renowned Fraser of Allander Institute, which focuses on economic research in Scotland.
of UK Government Relations and City Strategy at the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), said: “This is an important development for the CICV Forum. “Funding of this nature considerably increases our range of options and allows us to identify and highlight the investment areas which will return the greatest social and economic benefits, allowing public bodies to target their limited funds. “Capital spending has a huge knock-on effect on the wider economy and, at £2.94, the construction sector’s multiplier effect is one of the highest in the country. It means that, for every £1 spent on construction output, an additional £2.94 of additional economic activity is generated.
Hew Edgar
nities for the industry and to drive change through both commercial and publicly-funded initiatives.” Mairi Spowage, Deputy Director of the Fraser of Allander Institute, said: “The FoA works closely with various partners, including those in business, the public and the third sector and we are pleased to be able to help facilitate the CICV Forum’s important research. “The Forum has assembled a formidable pool of industry expertise since it was established at the onset of the pandemic shutdown and we are confident that this funding will allow it to carry on and expand its valuable work.”
CSIC’s funding – which was awarded through its i-Con Challenge Fund, set up to help the construction sector develop novel approaches to dealing with the challenges brought on by Covid-19 – will allow the Forum to investigate where public bodies can most effectively invest to create the maximum benefit by creating an economic multiplier effect. It will also research the potential impact of a VAT rebate as a market stimulus.
“We will also now look at the potential impact of a VAT rebate, and how this could generate revenue for HMRC through increased corporation tax and increased general economic activity.”
The latest funding initiative reinforces the Forum’s reputation for proactive innovation, which has seen it at the forefront of clear and concise information distribution throughout the COVID-19 crisis.
Douglas Morrison, Director of Operations and Future Skills at Construction Scotland Innovation Centre, said: “Our role is to drive cultural and transformational change across the construction industry.
Securing dedicated and focused funding is a new route for the CICV Forum, which has fostered a range of initiatives since it was established in March aimed at bringing the construction sector in Scotland back to full health after the nationwide lockdown.
“Bodies such as the CICV Forum share that vision and, in the short space of time in which it has been operating, it has proved itself to be innovative, focused and determined in its mission to improve the long-term prospects of the sector.
Made up of more than 70 trade associations, professional services bodies and companies, the Forum has maintained a steady supply of information and practical advice to the sector as well as carrying out surveys, producing animations and posters, hosting webinars and making appeals to Government Ministers.
Hew Edgar, chair of the Futures sub-group of the Forum and Head
“We hope this funding will assist its efforts to identify new opportu-
24 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
In the last month, it has launched a new rebuilding campaign, released its 50th piece of guidance, issued seven health and safety advice documents, updated its operating guidance and reminded construction workers to observe physical distancing in their social lives too.
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TRADE NEWS Metro. Articles in consumer media: 8 articles (3 in national press, 3 in lifestyle press and 2 in regional press) Social media posts: 79 with approx. 60 scheduled for each month of the campaign Opportunities to see the GGF/MyGlazing.com brands: 17 million
GGF “Stay James Lee, GGF Director of External Affairs
Safe Campaign”
Going Strong
It’s just over six weeks since the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) launched the “Stay Safe with MyGlazing” campaign to help rebuild consumer confidence and the results so far are very encouraging with over 23 million opportunities to see the campaign and the GGF/ MyGlazing.com brands in both online and traditional media. Here’s the latest updates for the campaign: Online Traffic
The GGF with digital marketing specialist SLX Marketing has implemented a smart SEM/SEO strategy to boost online traffic through paid, earned and organic search. Combined with social media advertising to attract relevant online customers, interested in upgrading the glazing in their homes, the activity is showing
great progress.
Online Ad impressions: 6.1 million (increase v 2019 of 900%) Unique Visitors: 59,605 (increase v 2019 of 349%) Page Views: 86,729 (increase v 2019 of 303%) Sessions: 70,164 (increase v 2019 of 374%) Consumer PR The consumer PR is also going strong with the GGF Marketing department and Refresh PR creating and driving new content to consumers via the regional, national and lifestyle press as well as reaching homeowners with prolific social media activity. The coverage so far has featured in national titles such as Grand Designs, Your Home and The
26 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
New Content on MyGlazing.com The GGF marketing department in conjunction with Refresh PR has created and uploaded 9 new articles in the newly created Stay Safe online hub www.myglazing.com/ stay-safe. So far these pages have been viewed over 85,000 times. The Campaign and GGF Members GGF Members who deal direct with consumers are also taking full advantage of the “Stay Safe with MyGlazing” campaign, reassuring their customers by using the GGF Safe Guides for working in the home. GGF Members are also engaging with the campaign on social media and linking directly to the Stay Safe content on myglazing.com. James Lee added, “It’s most encouraging to see GGF members revising the content on their myglazing.com profile pages to attract, inform and reassure more homeowners that it is safe to get work done, so long as everyone is following the guidance. We are also getting requests for more myglazing.com van and window stickers for showrooms and will be doing another print run to ensure Members can use the logo to support the campaign. So far the campaign is going very well and combined with our Safe Guides being used by our Members, consumer confidence is being restored in glazing home improvements”.
TRADE NEWS
Scottish Construction Leadership Forum Releases Recovery
Plan In Consultation With Industry
the plan.” The plan identifies five areas for concerted and collaborative efforts over the coming months and has established Sub-Groups to develop and progress joint action plans: 1.Pipeline & Commercials 2.Skills & Workforce 3.Transformation 4. Supply Chain Resilience & Capability 5. Industry Data & Insight The plan calls for key actions to respond to immediate needs which include:
A draft recovery plan for the construction sector in Scotland has been launched by the Scottish Construction Leadership Forum (CLF). The plan, which has been created collaboratively with industry, sets out the pathway for joint action between industry and the public sector in response to the impact caused by the global pandemic on the on the construction sector. The construction industry in Scotland has, like many others, been hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic. The sector in Scotland which provided £7.8 billion GVA to the Scottish economy and employs 143,000 people in over 50,000 enterprises, is estimated to have contracted by 28.6 per cent in June as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic compared to the same month a year ago (June 2019). The recovery plan has been created through extensive consultation and collaboration with more than 50 organisations across business, Scottish Government, trades unions and other bodies, including the Construction Industry Coronavirus (CICV) Forum, and represents a shared view from across the sector of a plan to get industry back on its feet.
The plan outlines the immediate and short-term response to Covid-19 and sets out a pathway between this and the longer-term transformation required to build a stronger, fairer and greener economic future for Scotland. Peter Reekie, chief executive of the Scottish Futures Trust and chair of the editorial group of the Construction Leadership Forum, said: “The construction industry in Scotland has received a major blow from the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the level of collaboration which has gone in to preparing this Recovery Plan is unprecedented and sets a strong foundation for transformative recovery for the industry. I urge all stakeholders with an interest in the construction and related industries in Scotland to feed in your thoughts to make it even stronger.” Ken Gillespie, chair of the Industry Leadership Group, said: “This plan has only been possible through the depth of collaboration across the sector, and hard work of all involved, and demonstrates the sector’s ability to come together in a time of crisis. This is only the beginning though. The plan will evolve and respond to reflect the feedback and the needs of the sector. We are therefore calling for industry to review and contribute to
• A clear pipeline of work brought to market quickly and efficiently on fair commercial terms which reflect the reality of the Covid-19 environment. • Support of employment, fairness of work and those who may become unemployed through what will be a difficult period. • Transformation of working practices to maintain and enhance worker safety whilst enabling productivity in the Covid-19 working environment. Housing Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The construction sector supports many other areas of our economy so it is important that we maintain the health and vitality of the industry. In order to develop this plan, we have reached new heights of collaboration but we are now keen to hear from the wider industry to ensure that we arrive at a plan that will preserve jobs and help to revive our economy.” The recovery plan is available to view on www.constructionforum.scot. industry is invited to send feedback, comments and questions via the website on enquiries@constructionforum.scot by 15 September. CLF will take all feedback on board to help develop the plan further, with regular updates published on the CLF site. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 27
VIEWPOINT the UK and in Australia, to prioritize the supply of product to our trade customers. We have taken some very difficult decisions about who we supply. Focussing on the customers who have committed to work in partnership with us and whose loyalty we are doing everything within our power to return.
The Importance Of Transparency An Open Letter From Ryan Johnson Managing Director, Emplas Dear window industry colleagues, COVID-19 has changed the way we live and work on many levels. This includes highlighting and reinforcing, something which has long underpinned our own working culture – the importance of transparency. We have written to our customers to explain some of the challenges that we face within our supply chain. I believe that some of those points are worth wider, public discussion. We’re seeing a boom. That’s the good part. Our supply chain is, however, creaking under exponential growth in demand. This isn’t unique to Emplas. Every major systems company, hardware and glass manufacturer is struggling to meet supply. As a consequence, so are fabricators. We have capacity, we have capability – but the availability of
glass, foiled product and some hardware is forcing us to push out lead times. There is no point in trying to pretend that our supply chain, or as a consequence those of our customers, are unaffected by this. From the conversations I am having daily with fabricators nationwide, the delays on foils are a universal problem. That is supply not only of one or two profiles. Foil lead times on all leading systems have been extended. There’s volatility in glass supply (with an inhouse IGU capability we and our customers are to an extent, insulated from the worst of this). There are also significant shortages of hardware. So, what are we doing about it? Well, I believe everything we can. We have redirected resource from our own retail businesses, here in
28 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Similarly, we are working closely with our suppliers, sharing forecasts with them on a daily basis to support them in managing demand. We are bringing forward manufacture of standard non-foiled product to build additional capacity within our systems, so that as soon as those foils that are currently thin on the ground come back into stock at volume, we can double our efforts to turn orders around. If, however, our systems provider cannot deliver foils to us for six weeks because their supply chain is also struggling with demand; or hinges are not available because they are not in the country; or because certain laminates or coatings aren’t available to manufacture IGUs – then our ability to deliver to our own customers within ‘normal’ lead times is also impacted. It’s no easy task to switch a large business ‘back on’ after lockdown. We started early and that’s allowed us to build in-line with demand so that we have had full capacity reinstated for past month or more. Systems companies needed greater volume to justify turning production back on again. As a consequence, they have had to go from a standing start to exponential growth in demand and 150% of capacity, in only a few weeks. This is why I am asking for understanding, from our customers
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and the window and door supply chain at large. There is no way for me to ‘sugar-coat the pill’ but for the next month or two at most, we need to engage and explain to the end-user that lead times for new windows and doors are going to be extended. That’s not on every product, we continue to be able to supply for example the AluK F82 bi-fold on lead times of only 15-days; standard product is also available on more or less normal lead times. On some products, people are, however, going to have to wait. We believe our customers will understand that this is not about our capacity or our will to deliver – but the availability of product to manufacture. We have great partnerships, we have purchasing power and are mobilising both to put our customers at the front of the queue. To a point, however, we all have to wait a little in line. Homeowners will generally be prepared to do this for good tradespeople and the right product. With regret, we’re going to have to ask the same from our customers on certain products. This is, however, short term. And we expect to be able to reinstate normal lead times as soon as we can. Up until then, we need approach business with a new openness, connecting the supply chain from systems companies to installers and ultimately to the end-user, in order to manage expectation. We are all in this together, so we all may as well pull in the same direction. Yours faithfully, Ryan Johnson
Time To Gary Morton
Draw A Line In The Sand Following yet another controversial glazing industry prepack administration, Gary Morton of the Boing Boing Group gives his take on the practise, and how the industry should
30 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
respond.
Once, there was a real stigma attached to going bankrupt – and as a society, it’s good we’ve become a little more
VIEWPOINT
compassionate.
pieces.
Sometimes, businesses fail through no direct fault of the people that own and run them, and those people deserve our understanding and support, if appropriate.
No consequences, no responsibility
But it is also feasible for companies to take advantage of our collective generosity and goodwill. This, unfortunately, is what we have seen with the recent collapse of the Customade Group. In June, the company was placed into administration, owing huge sums of money to its suppliers, crown debt and worst of all, a fair number of its employees. However, within minutes it had been bought by Dutch private equity firm Nimbus, as part of a ‘pre-pack administration’, and resurrected as a new company – unbelievably, headed by the exact same management team. Incidentally, the new companies were set up in early February, way before Covid-19 struck. In certain situations, pre-packs are a good thing – they can rescue struggling businesses in a way that saves jobs, which, in the longer term, helps the suppliers, employees and customers who rely on them. But as cases like these demonstrate, in practise they are often used for all the wrong reasons. When executive mismanagement takes thriving, well-regarded businesses and destroys them, they can let the people responsible walk away without any repercussions – and leave suppliers and former employees to pick up the
More or less, three hundred people lost their jobs as part of the Customade ‘pre-pack’ deal – most of them by text message. Hannah Bardell, MP for Livingston, where a lot of those jobs have been cut, said she was ‘disgusted’. She’s not the only one. I’ve received dozens of messages from suppliers and employees left hanging. But the thing I find most appalling of all is that the company’s management have not taken a shred of responsibility for what has happened. The arrogance of it is breath-taking. The industry rumour mill is awash with tales of strong-arm tactics to enforce continued supply, customers forced to pay the debts of Oldco, and Newco not standing by their product warranties. When you run a business, you get highly paid, but the buck stops with you – that is the trade-off. Be humble, admit errors, adapt your attitude to fit the occasion, but no… not these guys. It seems they aren’t willing to accept any responsibility whatsoever, blaming IT viruses, Covid-19, bad debts and more. During pre-packs, administrators are required to submit a report on the conduct of a company’s directors. Let’s just say I think this one would make for very interesting reading – if it’s produced correctly! Time to draw a line in the sand It isn’t the first time pre-packs have allowed devious management and directors to cause huge damage to our industry,
and leave the businesses who depended on them struggling to make ends meet. But as a sector, we’ve got the power to make this type of prepack socially unacceptable. For the sake of our industry and all the great people in it, I think we have a moral responsibility to stand up to companies like these – to tell them that if you treat your suppliers, your customers and your employees with such disdain, we won’t work with you. When incidents like these have happened in the past, I’m sorry to say, many of us have been shown to have very short memories. We’ll get angry about it for a bit, but soon slip back into the familiar routine, and start giving them our money again. This time, we have to do better than that. It’s extremely encouraging to see some of the industry’s most respected suppliers and the media refusing to deal with Customade’s latest incarnation – Glass Times, the FIT Show, VBH and Veka to name a few. Hats off to them for taking this stance. My hope is that many other businesses will follow suit. Doing the right thing Doing the right thing is rarely easy. Especially in times as uncertain as these, we’re all under pressure to take every bit of business that comes our way. But if we just roll over and let those responsible get away with it, we will only have ourselves to blame when the same thing happens again, as it inevitably will. For more information visit www.centralrpl.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 31
DEAR GERALD
Dear
Gerald Dear Gerald There’s been a lot of talk in the press over the last week about lead times and the supply chain and I have to agree that we are all creaking at the seams in this post-lockdown boom. Let’s not bury our heads in the sand and pretend that any one of us is delivering on time, in full – no matter what investment has been made into systems, machinery, facilities, etc. But, what I think is a fair point to make is that the majority of us in the supply chain are doing their very best to deliver and agree that the most important thing is to be transparent with your customers.
stock outages higher up the supply chain.
DOORCO is one of those companies that has invested, across the board. We place a huge emphasis on stock and came out of lockdown with bolstered levels. We are also in the unique position that we are independent in both the UK and Korea, so we can react quicker than most. But it’s still not enough. We saw 1000’s more doors than usual come through our prepping lines in July, a 34% increase, plus a 10% increase in distribution slab sales. There has also been a massive shift in demand, with consumers making bolder choices in style and colour – this adds even more pressure to suppliers because we move into supplying the “added value” services like painting.
MD, DOORCO
As we came out of lockdown, we were just thankful to be opening up and unfurloughing some of our staff. We certainly didn’t predict this boom. We are doing all we can to keep on top of this with double shifts in Korea to get the slabs to the UK, and in the UK to make the doors and support our customers. We are in constant communication with our suppliers and customers, sharing stats and predictions, and ordering as much as we can but we are up against widespread 32 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
I appreciate the patience and understanding the customers are showing right now. We will improve and we will improve quickly, and we all hope for the continuation of the good problem to have – higher volumes than expected. Yours sincerely Dan Sullivan
If you want to get involved in the discussion, or would like to air your views on a particular industry subject, then Email me at gerald@windownews.co.uk We cannot guarantee that we will publish everything, but we will do our utmost to make sure that everyone’s voice is heard. Your views and thoughts are imprortant to us.
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PEOPLE
New Head For
Roto Western Europe Roto Western Europe has a new divisional leader. Francesc Gimeno has been appointed to the role of Director of the Western Europe economic region on top of his current responsibilities for Southern Europe formed by France, Italy, Greece, Spain and Portugal and Africa. Meanwhile, his predecessor Mike Piqeur has moved within the Roto Group to become managing director of weatherseal specialists DEVENTER. A member of Roto management for over 10 years, Francesc is a Spanish native and fluent in French, English and Italian. He will continue to be based in
Barcelona. “The Western Europe area is a really interesting market”, said Francesc. “There are nine countries in total, spread across three distinct market areas, with the Benelux region, Scandinavia, and the UK and Ireland. I’m very keen to grow Roto’s share in all these markets”. “Of course it is still a difficult time in all these places with the virus situation, but we know that people still need homes and buildings, they still need windows and doors. At Roto we have the best products and the best expertise, so we have every reason to be positive
34 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Francesc Gimeno
about the future”, he said. Mike Piqeur is enthusiastic about both his successor and his new role. “For Roto Western Europe, Francesc is the perfect choice”, he said. “He is familiar with all facets of our industry and already has a proven track record as a senior Roto manager. He will be an excellent leader for the highly motivated and successful team at Western Europe”. “Meanwhile, I’m very excited to be heading up DEVENTER”, said Mike. “It’s a great opportunity to grow our customer base and take our weathersealing technology into new markets. Customers and partners who have known me during my time with Roto will have a chance to meet me again, just in a different role with different but equally impressive products”.
PEOPLE
New Addition To The Marketing Services Team At HOPPE (UK)
Sharon Darby has joined the marketing services team at HOPPE (UK), with particular focus on HOPPE’s offering for the door and window market.
Sharon has over 36 years’ experience within the architectural ironmongery industry. Before joining HOPPE (UK), Sharon worked for Laidlaw as a product manager covering a wide product portfolio. Prior to this, she worked for Ingersoll Rand Security Technologies, an architectural hardware manufacturer, for over 22 years. Sharon is also a Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) diploma holder. Sharon says: “My experience in supply chain and product management, alongside my technical understanding of architectural ironmongery, will help to support
Shaun McAllister
Appointed To Drive Sales For Pricepoint
new sales opportunities for HOPPE and ARRONE products as well as specialist items for the OEM markets. I’m looking forward to new challenges and working closely with all of the experienced HOPPE team to understand the needs of our customers.” www.hoppe.co.uk
New Appointment At Mercury To
Support Continued Growth impressive management credentials and we know he’ll add value to our team.”
Paul added: “I am proud to have joined Mercury. It’s a dynamic and ambitious business with clear plans for growth. It is also a strong, financially stable business and its integrity and honesty are central to its success.”
Specialist fabricator Mercury has appointed experienced industry professional Paul Russell as Procurement Manager. Steve Cross, Director at Mercury, said: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Mercury. He’s got some
Paul joined Mercury from the Customade Group where he had worked since 2006. He is an experienced procurement manager with extensive experience in the industry and holds a CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) Advanced Diploma. He takes responsibility for Mercury’s procurement and supply chain. www.mercuryglazing.co.uk
Shaun McAllister has joined industry software company MP Logic to head up the sales and marketing of pricepoint, their new remote selling tool for installers. Shaun who has previously held senior roles at Anglian, Everest and the GGF is ideally placed to understand the challenges facing installers, especially in the aftermath of the Covid-19 outbreak, and the obstacles it has put in the way of their traditional way of doing business. Speaking about his appointment Shaun commented “I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to head up sales and marketing for this brand-new software suite from one of the Fenestration industry’s most respected developers”. “Its potential is huge and will help the installer market significantly. Even better is that it is available right now, tried, tested and fully operational. For those wanting the latest tools to help them adapt quickly to the new world of working, pricepoint is perfect”. “It is crammed full of amazing features including over 1 million window and door designs and enables installers to sell to their customers online where they’re not able to meet them face to face, or use it in the customers home where they still can”. www.pricepointsales.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 35
PRODUCT NEWS
Are You Missing
Out On The
Balustrade Boom?
It’s an extremely effective way of bringing more light, a greater sense of spaciousness, and minimalistic style to a property – which goes a long way to explaining why the demand for them has risen considerably over the last decade. But from an installer’s perspective, the best thing about them is if you can already fit something as complicated as a bifold or even a conservatory, then you can easily turn your hand to glass balustrades. There are rules and regulations you’ll need to know to follow, but once you’ve grasped those, you’re good to go. And at F.H. Brundle, we’ve got an extensive range of quality, installer-friendly glass balustrade products to help you quickly get started in this lucrative, growing market. Best-in-class balustrades
Paul Smith, Marketing Manager of F.H. Brundle, asks whether installers are missing a trick in not offering one of the fastest-growing home improvement products – balustrades. Of the thousands of installers at work up and down the country, the majority are specialists – they do windows, doors, and maybe conservatories. But in focusing their attention on just those three core fenestration products, are they actually missing out on big opportunities a little outside that comfort zone? A fast-growing trend Let’s take glass balustrades as an example. They’re one of the fastest-growing glazing products in Europe, offering high-margins, stylish aesthetics and a sure-fire way of appealing to discerning and aspirational homeowners.
Really, they’re just a natural evolution of the trends we’ve been seeing in architecture and interior design since the early 2000s. Homeowners, architects and product designers have striven to introduce as much transparent space to houses and gardens as possible. That fuelled the incredible rise of bi-folds, for instance – and more recently, has seen a surge in the popularity of wide-span sliding doors, that can make virtually a whole wall see-through. Now, glass balustrades are taking things a step further – by turning barriers that have traditionally often been opaque, like balconies and banisters, into ones that are transparent. Lighter, brighter homes – and easier installations
36 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Take the Slim Channel for example – a great value system that’s quick and easy to install thanks to its pre-drilled channel fixing holes, and offers a satin anodised finish. What’s more, stainless steel cladding isn’t required. Then there’s PanelGrip, with its patented expanded grip technology which allows for significantly reduced installation times and labour costs. The only tool you’ll need to align the glass is an Allen key! But whichever model you choose, customising one to fit you and your customers’ requirements is a breeze thanks to the F.H. Brundle Liveconfigurator™ online configuration tool. It will save you hours of drawing time and costly mistakes – and best of all, you get a set of CAD drawings totally free. To learn more visit www.fhbrundle.co.uk
Your customers deserve a little peace and quiet
Noise Reduction Noise Reduction Window Company Logo Ltd PVC-U Casement Window A Rated Windows
A ++
A ++
A + A B C D E Noise Reduction (Rw)
(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.) Actual acoustic performance for a specific application depends on: the type and location of the external noise, the location of the window or door, and how the elements or fabric of the building perform.
51
Correction for high frequency and low frequency (C,Ctr)
(-1,-4)
Licence No. 123456 Review Date: 03/08/2020 To verify this licence please contact enquiries@bfrc.org This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. © Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd
Noise Reduction Door Company Logo Ltd Composite Door A Rated Doors
A ++
A ++
A + A B C D E Noise Reduction (Rw)
(In accordance with BS EN ISO 10140-2 or BS EN 14351.)
43
Licence No. 123456 Review Date: 01/01/2019 To verify this licence: enquiries@bfrc.org This label is not a statutory requirement. It is a voluntary label provided as a customer service to allow consumers to make informed decisions based on the noise reduction performance of competing products. © Only to be reproduced by permission of British Fenestration Rating Council Ltd
British Fenestration Rating Council
Prove acoustic performance with BFRC ratings BFRC Noise Reduction Ratings let you prove the acoustic performance of your window and door products with our highly recognised ‘rainbow’ rating label - independent, impartial, trusted.
By using the renowned BFRC rating scale to demonstrate the noise reduction properties of your windows or doors, you can show installers and consumers the quality of your products.
Homeowners no longer select new windows and doors simply based on price. They want to know what they purchase will improve their home’s comfort, so product performance is now a priority.
Your products will stand out from your competitors’ and you’ll be able to avoid a race to the bottom on price. Sell using BFRC proven performance and leave your customers in no doubt.
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PRODUCT NEWS
Demand For
and installers, thanks to its sleek, contemporary yet low-maintenance aluminium finish, along with a hassle-free ‘drop and bolt’ installation that requires no additional assembly on site.
Remains High
“As people are spending more time in their homes they’re approaching builders and window installers with a view to making discerning home improvements with money they’ve saved from unfortunately cancelled holidays and activities,” said TuffX’s Managing Director Graham Price.
TuffX Rooflights Toughened glass specialist TuffX is delighted to report a recent surge in orders for its flat and walk-on rooflight products, revealing that lockdown has had no negative impact on customer demand for its contemporary high-end products.
Since Tuffx’s launch of its rooflights range – now branded Infinity – at the end of 2018, there has been a steady and on-going increase in demand for both its flat and walk-on versions. This
upward trend has continued throughout 2020 despite the challenges and disruptions the year has brought.
TuffX’s Infinity rooflights are designed to increase the flow of natural light into the home and offer an effective modern alternative to roof lanterns when forming part of an orangery or full rear extension, or for basement conversions and roof terraces. The range has proved increasingly popular with homeowners as well as builders
38 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
“We’re seeing increased interest and enquiries for our rooflights, which are available in a range of glass finishes and glazed into a powder-coated aluminium frame as a complete unit. With our rooflights installers can add a simple, easy-to-fit yet high-value contemporary product to their portfolio of customer offerings, which we can deliver directly to site throughout the UK. www.tuffxglass.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
A Competitive Advantage With Leka Systems
Conservatory roof innovators, Leka Systems has reported a significant upturn in demand for their roofing products which has resulted in a healthy pipeline of orders for their growing network of Leka approved fabricators and installers. Rhys Hoddinott, Director of Leka Systems, said: “The solid conservatory replacement roof market is an area that continues to see growth as
more consumers seek to create and maximise year-round living spaces by upgrading their conservatory roof. The demand to upgrade was evident during the lockdown, fuelled I suspect by the great weather, and this growth represents a great opportunity for both fabricators and installers.” The impressive range of Leka roof
solutions covers all conservatory roof options and includes the patented lightweight Leka Warm roof which is perfect for retrofitting or new build conservatories. The company recently introduced its latest product, Roof Glass Units, which delivers a skylight solution and is another ideal upsell proposition. Rhys said: “Our commitment to innovation helps our customers be more competitive and increase their productivity. And the speed in which all our products are fitted, has never been more important to installers working in domestic homes at this time.” The new Leka Roof Glass Units joins a family of innovative roofing solutions which includes Solid Roofs, Orangery Flat Roof kits and Modular building solutions. www.lekasystems.co.uk
Fentrade Sees Increase In Aluminium Bifold Door Sales
colours and anodised finishes. Chris said: “We are finding the most popular colour options are grey and white, but we also offer a full range of RAL and NonRAL colours for installers to upsell into the consumer.” Furniture colours are suited across the range of Fentrade’s products for added aesthetics, with an option for anthracite grey handles and hardware too. Fentrade also fits VBH Greenteq Clearspan hardware to their doors with rollers that accommodate greater sash weights and allows the production of sashes up to 1200mm in size which is perfect for wide apertures. Furthermore, the fitter-friendly door rollers can easily be adjusted on site, which is an added benefit to installers.
Trade fabricator Fentrade Aluminium Building Products has reported a significant increase in demand for their aluminium bifold doors post lockdown. Chris Reeks, Director of Fentrade said: “The increase in demand has come from retail installers and trade counters alike as a direct result of consumers looking to improve their homes over the lockdown period.” The Newport-based fabricator manufactures the Aluk BSF70 bifold door which offers an intelligent combination of form and function with open-in or open-out door options, available in a range of single or dual
Customers of Fentrade can choose to upgrade to the VBH Q-Secure homeowner security guarantee scheme. If entry is shown to be as a direct result of the hardware failing, VBH will pay up to £1000 towards the cost of repair/replacing the door, up to £1000 towards insurance excess payment and a goodwill payment of £1000 to the homeowner. Chris said: “This added level of protection gives homeowners peace of mind when it comes to home security and is another selling point to help installers close the sale too.” www.fentradealuminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 39
PRODUCT NEWS
New DC6113
Door Closer
From ASSA ABLOY Balances Security And Accessibility To
Meet BS 8300 And Approved Document M The new DC6113 slimline transom door closer from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland presents the solution to a major industry challenge – finding the perfect balance between safety and security and the need to make buildings accessible for all users. With our ageing population asked to push open increasingly heavy doors, many people in Britain struggle to access buildings – a problem that also affects young people and those with disabilities. At the same time, doors that open easily but do not close properly pose a security risk and do not comply with fire regulations. A balance of the two is therefore required to make buildings safe and accessible for everyone. The high-quality DC6113 enables fabricators to reassure their customers that they are specifying and fitting products that meet all relevant standards. This means BS 8300-2:2018 – the British Standard setting out how buildings should be designed, constructed and maintained to create 40 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
an accessible and inclusive environment for all; Approved Document M, the building regulation for access to and the use of buildings; and The Equality Act, the basis of anti-discrimination law in Great Britain. Moreover, the DC6113 door closer is the only product on the market that achieves both BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M at EN power size 3. Many transom door closers only achieve these standards at EN power size 2, and are therefore not compliant with heavier doors that require EN power size 3, says the company. Equally important, the DC6113 is CE-marked and tested to BS EN 1154 and BS EN 1634-1, as well as suitable for fire and smoke protection on timber doors up to 60 minutes. This makes it ideal for a wide range of environments, including public buildings, commercial offices, universities, schools, retail environments, leisure facilities, hospitals and more. Notable features include the DC6113’s highly efficient Cam-Motion® technology, which delivers a rapidly decreasing torque curve for minimal resistance, and thermodynamic valves that ensure consistent performance in a range of temperatures. It is also the slimmest profile on the market, making it ideal for use with slim aluminium profile sections, claims the company. Easy to install and set up, the DC6113 can also be retrofitted with (and uses the same accessories as) the Adams Rite ARC51, making upgrades simple. The solution is available with a wide range of detachable spindle sizes (14, 18,
PRODUCT NEWS
NEW
H E R I TA G E H A R D WA R E R A N G E
Elegant styling & intelligent design
20, and 24mm) for flexible installation, and offers convenient access to the regulating valves so that closing and latching speeds can be easily adjusted. Eryl Jones, Managing Director at ASSA ABLOY Door Hardware Group, comments: “In today’s world, there is a duty of care to make sure every environment is inclusive to all. Whether it’s ensuring access to a building or that individuals can safely exit in the event of an emergency, the importance of solutions that prioritise inclusive design cannot be overestimated – and that’s why we’re launching the DC6113 door closer. “What sets the DC6113 apart is the fact that it meets BS 8300-2:2018 and Approved Document M at EN power size 3. This makes the DC6113 a best-in-class solution from which fabricators stand to gain a host of benefits – from greater consumer loyalty to increased differentiation, credibility and brand awareness.” For more information on the DC6113 door closer from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland, visit www.assaabloyopeningsolutions. co.uk/dc6113 To learn more about inclusive design and the importance of complying with BS 8300:2018, Approved Document M and the Equality Act 2010, download the latest white paper from ASSA ABLOY Opening Solutions UK & Ireland here: https://bit.ly/35cnnzt WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 41
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PRODUCT NEWS
Distinction Introduces
New Glass
Options
Yale Enters A Partnership
To Expand Its Connectivity Ecosystem Yale has joined forces with Schneider Electric, Somfy and Danfoss to provide new solutions for the modern home in an increasingly digital world.
Distinction Doors has introduced three new decorative glass options for its 9D Quarter Glazed cassette – Kara Zinc, Edwardian and Mini Blind. The decorative glazing will be a popular choice for the company’s Stable Door and five other door styles. The introduction follows the successful launch of the snap-fit projected cassette earlier this year and subsequent customer demand. The new decorative glass options, alongside the existing obscure glazing range offers customers greater design flexibility while the cassette ensures consistency in colour and superior aesthetics. The 9D Quarter Glazed cassette is available for 44mm doors only, including Distinction Doors’ Stable RES05; New England ES10; Rustic Renown RR17; and three contemporary options – ESC39, ESC40, REC39. www.distinctiondoors.co.uk
The Connectivity Ecosystem is a partnership between Schneider Electric, Somfy, Danfoss and now the ASSA ABLOY group, which Yale forms a part of. As the leading residential brand in ASSA ABLOY, this partnership will give Yale an opportunity to enhance products and continue to enable safe, secure and convenient access to homes all around the world. With a combined vision of offering simple, safe and seamless solutions to homes across the globe, the partnership aims to deliver a superior value proposition to homeowners, combining expertise in comprehensive solutions to bring connectivity to the next level in this increasingly digital age. For occupants, property developers and managers, this means that having an even smarter home ecosystem that combines smart access with features like energy saving, heating and blind management has become a reality.
42 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Thanks to interoperability of products, it will be entirely possible for a Yale Smart Lock to work with other solutions and create different scenarios which will simplify lives of consumers, while offering them a seamless experience. As partners in the Connectivity Ecosystem, Yale is putting their expertise and data at the service of solutions to help consumers feel safer and more comfortable at home. Addressing specific touchpoints like door handles, access code panels and door entry systems to create a completely touch free solution, made possible with the newest Yale Smart Locks. Together, each brand is focused on how to evolve antimicrobial solutions (such as using bacteria killing materials on switches), hands-free solutions (e.g. motorised shutters, blinds and doors), smarter systems to control access (e.g. entrance solutions providing counting and real-time control of temperature) and air quality systems via automation of windows, among others. To find out more about the Connectivity Ecosystem vision, please watch https://youtu.be/GrqMizFOJeI or visit www.yaledws.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Alu Haus Now Fabricating Stellar Aluminium System
Aluminium specialist Alu Haus has become the latest in a series of fabricators to start manufacturing Stellar, the double award-winning aluminium window and door system from Epwin Window Systems. Jason Bamford, Director of Alu Haus said: “We have added Stellar to our portfolio because it’s a visually superior product. The slimline aesthetics and the flush appearance are unique to the market, and it’s the best-looking aluminium product out there.” Epwin Window Systems says Stellar is the only aluminium system on the market to offer a fully flush casement window, which has flush lines inside and out. It means it more than delivers on the pared-back aesthetic that’s so popular at the moment. The system’s slim sightlines also tap
into the trend for light-filled spaces. They are said to be around 30% slimmer than comparable aluminium systems, which translates to a 12% larger glass area. As well as the aesthetics, Jason highlights the ease of installation. “As a fabricator, we’re always looking for ways to make our installer customers’ lives easier. This is what Stellar does. The knock-in single leg bead means glazing is rapid as well as contributing to the sleek aesthetics. Plus, it doesn’t have a back wedge, so there are time savings here too.”
As well as offering clear advantages for homeowners and installers, Stellar also offers benefits for fabricators. It’s pre-gasketed, which saves up to 20% on
fabrication time. Plus chevrons or corner ties are only needed on the Flush Sash Window, no shootbolts are required because the system uses fast-fit espagnolettes and all hardware is direct fix. Based in Nottingham, Alu Haus is a specialist aluminium manufacturer and supplier. The company states that management and staff have many years’ experience and combined with its cutting-edge manufacturing facility, it means customers are assured of excellent quality every time. Mark Austin, Sales Director (Aluminium) at Epwin Window Systems, concluded: “We are delighted to welcome Alu Haus on board. They share the same commitment to quality as we do and we’re looking forward to helping them to maximise the opportunities Stellar has to offer.” www.stellaraluminium.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 43
PRODUCT NEWS temperature, environment and drying time can have an effect on the outcome. At Force 8 the door and frame are sprayed at the same time and allowed to dry together in the same conditions. The last thing an installer needs is for the customer to complain that the frame colour is slightly out with the door; so what do you do? Replace door or the whole installation? Even then you could just repeat the issue. “Force 8 are in the unique position of manufacturing composite doors and also fabricating frames, adding our own paint facility was the only answer for us to create a fool-proof colour match every time”, comments Dennis Sumner, managing director at Force 8. “We identified at an early stage using different paint facilities and systems cause issues, as we had faced the same problems with the frame colour being slightly out on occasions when we outsourced. This made it an easy decision for us to invest in our own paint spraying facility and colour our own doors and frames.
A Perfect Match
With Force 8
Colour is now one of the largest selling points in the window and door market, and a great deal of this is focused on the door sector with an ever expanding range of styles and colours and matching frames. But this can easily turn into a nightmare for the installer, says window and door fabricator Force 8. According to the company,
getting the perfect match between a coloured door and frame when dealing with different manufacturers can be hit and miss. Using the right paint code does not always guarantee a good match, the only way to be sure is to spray the door and frame at the same time. There is a great deal of related factors in a perfect colour match apart from the paint: the
44 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
“More of our customers are requesting coloured doors and matching frames, and without our in house system this would only raise the percentage of miss matched colour frames or doors. As far as we are aware, Force 8 is the only company in the UK providing this facility, which guarantees a perfect colour match every time, and peace of mind for any installer”. Having this facility has enabled Force 8 to also create a unique range of two tone coloured doors, as well as formulate a heat resistant paint which adds to the prevention of bowing in composite doors. For more information, Visit www.force8.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Contemporary Door Designs Prove Popular
From ODL Europe
ODL Europe offers a wide range of contemporary door styles but Suzanne reports two styles are proving to be particularly popular: Flint and Monroe. Both are available in smooth and grained options so consumers can replicate wood or aluminium depending on the look they want to achieve. ODL Europe says that, as with all their products, the pedigree is second to none. The door slabs have a 2mm thick impact-resistant GRP SMC skin. Stiles and rails are manufactured from a water-resistant pure PVC polymer and reinforced using LVL (Laminated Veneered Lumber) timbers. They are capable of achieving a U value as low as 0.8W/m2k when part of a doorset assembly and when used with an ODL glazing system they achieve PAS24:2016.
If you want to take advantage of the growth in contemporary composite door designs, look no further than ODL Europe. This is the view of Suzanne Nicholl, Business Development Manager of Bootle-based ODL Europe who said: “We have a complete contemporary door package from the door slab to the glazing cassette to the glass. Add in the quality of our products and you have a package that’s hard to beat.”
Alongside the door slabs, ODL Europe also offers the ZEEL™ glazing cassette, which is the perfect match for contemporary door styles. Suzanne explained: “ZEEL™ features a sleek, flat-profile design that allows the glass to take centre stage. The clean low-profile offers an alternative to flush-glazed doors and is ideally suited to contemporary door styles.” www.odleurope.com
Prey in Pink
DOORCO’S new & exclusive Pink Door Range is now available
Three new shades of Pink & four exclusive glass options, some designed by Jeyda, all produced by Regalead. Finished with Rose Gold Sweet hardware. Helping to raise awareness & reduce the stigma surrounding suicide, 20% of all pink door slab sales will be donated to We Mind & Kelly Matters
visit www.door-co.com for more information
supported by:
WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 45
PRODUCT NEWS perate, warm-temperate and warm climates. The investigation is based on various plastic windows with double, triple or quadruple glazing. Spacer bars made from aluminium and stainless steel as well as the highly energy-efficient Warm Edge spacer bar SWISSPACER Ultimate were also used. “The choice of spacer bar has a big impact on the thermal quality of the window and thus on comfort and hygiene,” says Prof. Krick, summarising the results. “With highly energy-efficient composite spacer bars, windows achieve the requirements by appropriate means and therefore represent little effort for the window maker.” Comfort and cosiness
Thermal Comfort
Begins With The Window
New study by the PHI into “Living Comfort” proves the positive effect of Warm Edge spacer bars
When constructing and refurbishing residential properties, comfort and cosiness play an important role for the occupants. For the right feel-good climate, the relationship between temperature and air humidity also has to be right from a construction physics perspective. The impact that the quality of the windows and the choice of spacer bar has on comfort is shown by a new study of the Passive House Institute (PHI).
In its study “Living Comfort”, the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt, Germany, dealt with the question of how comfort and hygiene criteria can be defined and met for windows in different climate zones. “The windows are, as a general rule, still the weakest elements in the building in thermal terms,” explains Prof. Dr. Benjamin Krick, managing director of the Passive House Institute. “Also important for how they perform in terms of thermal comfort are the location of the building and its climatic environment.” The study differentiates between Arctic, cold, cool-tem-
46 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
People perceive a space as being thermally comfortable when it has a certain “operational temperature”. This comprises the average value of the air temperature and the surrounding surfaces. Large temperature differences between air and surfaces give rise to the unpleasant impression of draughts. In the case of cold air draughts, the air falls onto cold surfaces, causing uncomfortable air movements. It has been proved that a pleasant feeling arises when the temperature difference between the indoor air and the surrounding surfaces, such as external walls, ceilings, floors or windows, is less than 4.2 Kelvin. From these underlying conditions, the Passive House Institute has calculated the socalled “Passive House comfort criterion” for various climate zones. For the cool-temperate climate that prevails in Germany, for example, the derived U-value is 0.85 W(m2/K). For this, the team in Darmstadt assumes an operational room temperature of 22 °C and an outside temperature of -16 °C.
PRODUCT NEWS If this characteristic value is not reached, a heat source is needed under the window to avoid the unpleasant sinking of cold air. Avoiding condensation and mould formation An important factor where comfort and health are concerned is the avoidance of condensation and mould. Moisture gathers at the coldest point in the room – which is frequently around the edge of the glass. However, mould starts growing above the dew point temperature. Surface temperatures must therefore be above the “mould temperature” to effectively protect a building’s structure and the health of its occupants. “The temperature factor fRsi has become established as an indicator for the hygiene-related conditions on the edge of the glass. If this value is at least 0.7 in a cool-temperate climate, it can be assumed that no mould will grow at normal levels of indoor humidity,” says Krick. An effective solution: increase the temperature at the edge of the glass. “The temperature at the edge of the glass depends on the spacer bar, on the thickness of the glazing unit and on the installation of the pane in the window,” Krick explains. That is why the most meaningful solution is the combination of high-quality thermal spacer bar, triple glazing with the widest possible gap between the panes, and a well-insulated window frame. The PHI study shows that the choice of spacer bar has an important effect on the window’s thermal quality. From the warm-temperate climate and cooler, the general recommendation is to use triple glazing in combination with highly energy-efficient spacer bars such as the SWISSPACER Ultimate. The values required
for comfort and hygiene could then be achieved even with the uninsulated window frames widely found in these regions. With well insulated window frames, the requirements for warm-temperate and cool-temperate climates can be met both with stainless steel spacer bars and with the premium space bar from SWISSPACER. The requirements of the Arctic climate necessitate the use of the SWISSPACER Ultimate in conjunction with a particularly well insulated frame.
Saint-Gobain
Glass UK
& Ireland
Launches Next
Generation Online Tech Hub
Great benefit all round “When you look at the results of the investigations, practically everyone benefits. The occupier of the building, who profits from greater comfort and mould-free glass edges, and the window maker, who can simply improve his products. Damage that can be caused by moisture is also avoided. That increases customer satisfaction and reduces complaints. Due to the high energy saving, the climate is relieved by the lower CO2– emissions,” summarises Benjamin Krick. The study was commissioned by SWISSPACER. For years, the Passive House Institute in Darmstadt and SWISSPACER have been working together on studies that provide fundamental information for the market. SWISSPACER started participating in the Passive House Award this year and has announced its own special prize, which will be awarded for the first time in 2021. The study “Living Comfort – How comfort and hygiene criteria for windows can be met in different climates” is available to download now. More information at https://bit.ly/3bvoqff
The launch of the next generation Saint-Gobain Glass Tech Hub is part of an ongoing project, to develop responsive, digital capability to enable comprehensive support to all involved in the specification of glazing and facades. The Hub features custom content in the form of digital toolkits developed to meet the individual needs of stakeholders involved in the development of glazing and facades, including architects and specifiers of building glass, M&E engineers, main contractors, façade fabricators and glass processors. Lauren Whittaker, Market Manager at Saint-Gobain Glass commented: “The Saint-Gobain Glass Tech Hub reinforces our already strong specification activities, driven by our technical experts and wide range of digital tools. The Tech Hub is part of our ongoing plan to empower the building glass supply chain to specify glazing solutions that deliver on performance, safety and sustainability, partnered with market leading, premium aesthetics.” https://bit.ly/3lWxUVq WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 47
PRODUCT NEWS
Stellar Aluminium Lands In LogiKal BM Aluminium has just announced the release of the software dataset for Epwin’s Stellar aluminium window and door system, giving fabricators the freedom to use its LogiKal software to price and process jobs in Stellar for the first time.
The programming team at BM Aluminium have partnered closely with Epwin’s design and technical team over several months to create and launch the dataset, so that it includes all the casements, flush doors, lift and slide patios and bi-folds available in Stellar. Dean Hodges, BM Aluminium’s Managing Director, says: “LogiKal is the first-choice software for the vast majority of aluminium fabricators in the UK, and that’s partly because they know it contains the most
comprehensive range of databases. We work hard to ensure that all new systems are added into the software as soon as we can, and Stellar is already the second new system we have added since the end of lockdown.”
between them and build their own bespoke ranges which can all be processed in the same way. “It was important then for us to bring Stellar in line with the rest of the market, while obviously also still emphasising the many features and benefits which make it stand out.”
BM Aluminium has already started releasing the Stellar dataset to customers, and its installations and support team are on hand to support both For Epwin, making the Stellar existing and new users with dataset available within LogiKal downloads and installation is likely to further boost its packs. Epwin has also proappeal as a fabricator friendly duced an accompanying techsystem. For customers who are nical manual to guide fabricaalready using Stellar, it will entors through specific project able them to process jobs more file and pricing imports which quickly, while for potential new enable them to tailor the data fabricators, it makes adding the to their own business set-ups. innovative new system to their product offering much easier. Dean Hodges adds: “We can provide remote and online trainPaul Booth, Design Director ing as required, all in line with at Epwin, explains: “Using Covid-19 guidelines of course.” LogiKal, fabricators who manufacture in more than one www.bmaluminium.co.uk and system can switch effortlessly www.stellaraluminium.co.uk
48 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
PRODUCT NEWS
Outstanding Longevity, Durability And Thermal Efficiency From Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ SG Edgetech have launched an even better version of their celebrated Super Spacer® T-Spacer™. Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ SG is a metal-free, silicone-based warm edge spacer made of structural foam with an integrated desiccant, that’s been designed for the toughest commercial applications. On demanding glazing projects using extra-large glass panes, its extremely durable edge seal guarantees decades of exceptional performance and stability, says the company. T-Spacer™ SG offers enhanced shape memory, which is critical for the long-term integrity of the edge seal. Its elastic structural foam fol-
the company.
lows climate-related movements of the glass, relieving a large proportion of the load from the butyl seal. This is a huge advantage in parts of the world that experience fluctuating temperatures. T-Spacer™ SG also follows in the long-established Edgetech tradition of offering superb energy efficiency, achieving thermal conductivity of just 0.19 W/m2k – much lower than the commercial metal and hybrid rigid spacers on the market, claims
“Structural glazing continues to be hugely in demand, and Super Spacer® T-Spacer™ SG is a world-leading spacer product for the toughest commercial glazing projects,” comments Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson. “We’ve taken the hugely successful template provided by T-Spacer™ Premium Plus, and improved it in a number of ways, to produce what we’re confident is one of the world’s best flexible spacers. “What’s more, we’ve adapted the typical T-shape warm-edge spacer design to make SG even easier to use with automated IGU manufacturing lines. www.edgetechig.co.uk
Searches For Fly Screens On The Up who are installing wide-span doors in their homes, aïr Screens are dual-purpose and stop flies and other insects entering the home on summer days, as well as acting as a privacy screen and sunshade.
Searches for fly screens have reached a 3 year high, according to the latest from Google Trends and this upturn is converting to more sales for installers of aïr Screens. Proving popular for homeowners
Jay Patel, aïr brand ambassador, explains: “It’s no surprise to learn that searches are up for fly screen products, as we have seen a significant upturn in trade enquiries for our aïr Screens. With the combination of people spending more time at home and the warm weather we had during lockdown, many homeowners have realised the downside to having bi-fold and lift & slide doors wide open – the bugs!
“aïr Screens have a sleek design and neatly fold away when they aren’t being used. When doors are open, they are easy to glide across door openings to keep the flies out but let the cool breeze in. This product offers an excellent cross-selling opportunity for installers, especially throughout the summer months. “The depth of the aïr Screen frames is only 31mm, so it does not protrude into the living space. And the system is available in configurations up to 4.5 metres wide, for even the largest widespan bi-fold and lift & slide doors installations.” www.evergladetrade.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 49
PRODUCT NEWS
Sustainable
Protection
Technical developments at macrowill plastic engineering (UK) are giving extrusion companies what macrowill describes as one of the most eco-friendly, sustainable means of protecting products from extrusion to final destination. Macrowill has introduced formulae that ensure its protective film optimises a ‘green’ solution. The company says that the composition of its PE film, inks and adhesives mean its entire product range of temporary protection is 100% sustainable. The PE film can be recycled after use. The inks and adhesive used are all water-based. “Sustainability is a major driver in the customer decision process,” observes Philip May, macrowill plastic engineering (UK) sales manager. “There tends to be a focus on the sustainability of the physical product or component they are buying, without consideration of the packaging and en-route protection. It is not something that is considered. Yet if we can help enhance the environmental offering, that has good to be positive in helping our customers close the deal.” Macrowill’s range of residue-free PE film for aluminium, plastic and steel profiles is available in a range of roll widths and lengths, in thicknesses from 0.03micron- 0.20micron. Water-based adhesives provide peel strength is to customer requirements, up to 450g/25mm. Standard colours include clear, opaque white, black, blue. Water-based inks enable printing up to six colours.
Slimmer Frames, Bigger Sizes, Grander Entrances
Aluminium installers can get extra large single and French doors from aïr, to meet the latest contemporary home design trends. Renowned for creating boundless possibilities with aluminium glazing, this latest product trend uses the aïr 800 bi-fold door system to create single entrance doors up to 1200mm x 3000mm and French doors for openings up to 2400mm x 3000mm. In many cases, it removes the need for additional sidelights and toplights, for minimalist design that perfectly suites with aïr bi-fold and lift & slide doors and the aïr MOD Series window range. aïr Brand Ambassador, Jay Patel, explains: “By understanding the trends that are driving homeowners’ buying decisions, we can deliver the next big products ahead of time for installation companies. “There are more and more large extensions being built on the back of homes, to create sought-after open-plan living. These are often fitted with aluminium bi-fold or lift & slide doors to connect spaces, and
50 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
bring much-needed natural light into rooms, but homes sometimes need a secondary entrance. These are usually on the back of the home, giving access to a separate utility area, or on the side of the house. “Rather than supplying an aluminium entrance door with a toplight or sidelight addition, now installers can offer a taller, wider single or French door, that will look impressive, and often offer a more cost-effective option for homeowners.
“We also predict that this will be a big trend for front doors as more homeowners opt for Grand Designs style living with aluminium windows and impressive entrances to their properties. Giving them an extra large, minimalist design entrance door will perfectly fit with the vision for their homes.” aïr is exclusively manufactured by Everglade Windows, which celebrates its 40th year in business this year. www.evergladetrade.co.uk
PRODUCT NEWS
Former B&Q Boss
Invests In Square Drill Start-Up
The appointment of Hodkinson as Chairman further strengthens the company as it aims to expand production globally. Hodkinson will utilise his extensive business experience and international network to help accelerate this expansion. As well as his roles at B&Q and Kingfisher he was previously CEO of fashion chain New Look and Chairman of Wyevale Garden Centres. He is currently Chairman of Furniture Village. Hodkinson said: “Quadsaw is the most exciting new product to arrive on the tools market for many years and it has the potential to be used worldwide. Wherever a square hole is needed Quadsaw will be there and I’m looking forward to helping the company achieve this global expansion.” Ean Brown, CEO of Genius IP, said: “We are delighted to have someone with Jim’s knowledge and experience to help steer the ship as we enter international waters. While 2020 started with sales momentum, when COVID-19 hit, the company was hurt much like most businesses in the world. But we used the time to recruit new engineers, invest in infrastructure for growth, including a design update of the Quadsaw and a bigger production facility.
New investment increases valuation and strengthens global production plans Jim Hodkinson, former CEO of B&Q, has become a major investor and the first Chairman of London-based start-up Genius IP, maker of Quadsaw, the world’s first drill for square holes, says the company. Hodkinson’s appointment follows the completion of the company’s latest ‘Angel’ funding round, which increases the multi-million pound investments in the start-up. The latest seven-figure round was helped by the UK government’s enhanced EIS scheme, which has encouraged individuals to invest funds at a level that was previously only reserved for Venture Capital firms. Manufactured in the UK, Quadsaw is a seamless attachment to a power drill that uses patented technology to convert rotary motion into linear motion in four planes at once, enabling users to cut square holes with minimal
Jim Hodkinson, former CEO of B&Q
dust and absolute precision. Almost all construction projects require square holes for electrical sockets and other boxes but electricians currently create them with pencils, rulers and other tools that are not specifically designed for the task, which can be time consuming and inaccurate. Quadsaw solves this problem by enabling square holes to be cut in seconds rather than minutes, saving the construction industry millions of hours of labour annually.
“We are glad to say that we’re now ready to meet global demand and the new design will be able to cut sockets to electrical standards in different markets that were not possible before.” The new design enables the user more flexibility to change the position of the blades to account for different-sized square and rectangular holes. As such, the Quadsaw will be sold around the world, including in the USA, Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Middle East, Italy, Brazil, Israel and more. Click here to watch latest video WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 51
MACHINERY
Burbage Custom Windows Purchase More Haffner Murat Machinery
To Support Growth Investment Burbage Custom Windows has invested in additional Haffner Murat machinery to support its recent business expansion. Dan Richards from Burbage Custom Windows, said: “Having purchased several machines from Haffner Murat in the past, we know they deliver the quality, service and performance we look for. Having recently expanded our manufacturing operation we had no hesitation in returning to them again.”
Burbage has invested in three new automated machines from Haffner Murat: an SBA-4 machining centre, SC114 cutting centre and the market-leading SMR-5 welder. All machines are being installed in the company’s new 11,000 sqft fabrication unit in Leicestershire and will help the company increase its production by a further 30%.
The SBA-4 machining centre is packed with features and developments designed to support fabricators’ businesses. Available in eight versions with routing and sawing stations that can be mixed and matched to meet individual requirements, it can also be tailored to meet fabricators’ precise needs. Similarly, the SC114 cutting centre packs a punch in machine technology and offers both automation and fast cutting accuracy of PVC-u profiles with automatic loading and adjustable saw feed speed for superb accuracy. And the SMR-5 welder has been marketed as the fastest and most accurate welder on the market today. The impressive automated machine is able to fabricate one complete window every four minutes with ‘superb quality and accuracy’.
52 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
Dan commented: “We’ve built our business on quality and service and we don’t want to compromise that. We knew from previous experience we could trust Haffner Murat to deliver the fabrication solutions that were right for us. The quality of their machines coupled with the expert advice from Matt Thomas and the Haffner Murat team has been exceptional. These machines will allow us to increase our output to 1000 frames per week without additional manpower.” Burbage Custom Windows is a family run business which has been established for over 20 years. Based in Hinckley, Leicestershire they manufacture a wide range of PVC-U window and door products to exceptional standards and offer a quick turnaround. www.haffnermurat.com
MACHINERY
Haffner Murat’s Machines Support Mercury Glazing’s Continued Growth Strategy
Haffner Murat has installed three pieces of new fabrication machinery for specialist trade fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies to support their ambitious growth strategy. Martin Halford, Director and co-founder of Gloucester-based Mercury Glazing, said: “We have a strong growth strategy in place, and our investment in the new machinery from Haffner Murat will help us to deliver exceptional quality for our growing range of PVC-U and aluminium products as our order volumes increase.” Mercury Glazing has invested in a FOM Industrie Modus CNC machining centre, Haffner TT425 double-mitre computerised saw and a FOM Industrie Panda 300 Echo pneumatic bead saw. Martin commented: “We have purchased several machines from Haffner Murat in the past and we did not hesitate to turn to them to help support us in our latest manufacturing
expansion. We have recently taken occupancy of our second manufacturing unit in Gloucester as demand for our high-quality PVC-U and aluminium products has increased dramatically over the past twelve months. The reliability of Haffner Murat’s machines and the support given by Paul Yeo, Haffner Murat’s Technical Sales Manager was superb. The machines will add further value to our fabrication process.” The FOM Industrie Modus CNC machining centre offers impressive credentials and delivers automation at every level. It is equipped with three controlled axes and workable with 0°/90°/180° positioning providing superior accuracy and speed of manufacture, something that was particularly important for Mercury Glazing who pride themselves on their efficient product turnaround.
According to Haffner Murat, the Haffner TT425 double-mitre computerised saw provides superb length, angle and cutting accuracy thanks to its robust construction and linear bearing system. And the FOM Industrie Panda 300 Echo pneumatic bead saw offers a 300mm up-feed balance with manual positioning of the vertical axis delivering superb accuracy for precision manufacture. Dave Thomas, Managing Director at Haffner Murat, commented: “Mercury Glazing’s continued growth strategy is impressive and it was vital that the right machines were in place to support their plans. We were delighted to work with the Mercury team once more and was pleased that our latest team member, Paul Yeo, has hit the ground running and helped secure this sale with Mercury.” www.haffnermurat.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 53
ON SITE
Senior Proves A Safe Bet At Doncaster Racecourse Hotel With a successful track record of working in the hotel and leisure sector, Senior Architectural Systems has supplied the full aluminium fenestration package for the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel located at Doncaster’s famous racecourse. Designed by KKA Architecture, the new hotel features Senior’s slimline aluminium curtain walling, thermally-efficient windows and robust commercial doors which have been installed by supply chain partner Danum Windows Ltd for main contractor Galliford Try. With both Senior and Danum Windows being based in South Yorkshire, the use of a local supply chain has helped reduce the
financial and environmental cost of the build and contribute to a timely delivery. The new hotel is also the latest contract that Senior has undertaken for global hotelier Hilton and follows the successful completion of similar high-profile schemes such as the Hilton Garden Inn at Manchester’s Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground. Located overlooking Doncaster’s iconic racecourse, home of the St Leger Stakes which is the UK’s oldest horse race dating back to 1776, the new Hilton Garden Inn hotel has been designed to offer luxury accommodation and exceptional views of the surrounding scenery. The extensive use of Senior’s slim profile SF52 aluminium curtain wall system alongside the use of its SPW600 aluminium
54 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
window inserts, helps to create a bright and welcoming interior and provides various vantage points from which to watch the sporting action. Senior’s high performance SPW501 aluminium doors have been installed to provide access to private balconies which overlook the racecourse, with the manufacturer’s automatic SD aluminium commercial doors providing safe and secure access to the main entrance and reception areas. Designed and manufactured in the UK, Senior’s extensive range of aluminium fenestration systems offers exceptional durability, minimum maintenance and cradle-to-cradle recyclability. www.seniorarchitectural.co.uk
ON SITE
Balancing Quality
And Volume At
Lochty Meadows
Supplying over 3,000 windows to a diverse and premium Scottish housing development doesn’t come without its challenges, let alone for a fourman team. However, through seamless collaboration and a resilient supply chain involving partners Dessian and REHAU, DP Windows and Doors has enabled Raith Developments to stick to its strict build schedule, while offering a high-quality collection of windows and French doors. Lifestyle, privacy and convenience are three vital design factors at the heart of Raith Developments’ latest housing project in Scotland. Located in Glenrothes, Lochty Meadows is a new-build development perfectly distanced between Edinburgh, Dundee and Perth. Its marketing materials reference ‘architect-designed
houses and apartments which are set in spacious plots, each enjoying an attractive outlook’. With around 14 different styles of property, Lochty Meadows stands out as unique among new-build sites, with each home presenting its own style. With three styles of bungalow featured in the portfolio, the site is well-equipped for a mature generation that appreciate traditional styles, as well as including several apartment designs and larger homes for younger individuals, couples and families with modern lifestyles. Being able to appeal to such a diverse demographic meant Raith Developments needed to equip its homes with high quality yet versatile features. Known for quality As Director of DP Windows
& Doors, Paul Crawford has spent many years in the fenestration industry working in the manufacturing, distribution and installation operations of various companies. Paul went on to set up his own venture 11 years ago and was later approached by the Director of Raith Developments, Gordon Powell, who had worked with Paul in a previous role. Gordon was keen to involve DP Windows & Doors in the delivery of Lochty Meadows based on his reputation for quality and knowledge of premium window brands such as REHAU. “Having the best-looking windows was very important for Lochty Meadows as first impressions count. However, at the same time, they needed to ensure they were the most efficient and high-performing in order to include in the sales brochures,” says Paul. A collaborative solution With a high number of apartments on-site, it was important for Raith Developments to offer a safe solution that was easy to maintain. The final window specification saw the company opt for 3,000 of REHAU’s TOTAL70 fully-reversible white windows with lockable handles, alongside 180 of REHAU’s french doors, all compliant with Part L of the Building Regulations. “Having worked with REHAU profile for many years, it was the obvious choice for the Lochty Meadows development,” Paul continues. WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 55
ON SITE
Profile 22 Optima Windows
Fitted In High Specification Housing Development
In order to deliver such a high volume of product, Dessian was engaged to manufacture the REHAU windows, with DP Windows and Doors responsible for adding the handles, vents and full installation of the project. With regards to the build schedule, everything has gone to plan with Paul’s team ensuring every property’s installation is completed in a timely fashion. While the 2020 pandemic has understandably impacted most new-build sites’ completion dates, Lochty Meadows is starting to see movement again. Safe and comfortable residents “Our homes are finished to the highest standard inside and out. In properties where we’re including luxury fully fitted kitchens with stainless steel applications, it was only natural that we chose the best uPVC windows on the market,” adds Gordon from Raith Developments. “Essentially we want our customers to feel safe and comfortable in their new homes and with REHAU’s windows we are able to hand over the keys safe in the knowledge that they will do just that for a long time to come.” For more information on REHAU’s TOTAL70 fully reversible profile, visit: www.rehau.uk/windows
Over 300 Optima windows from Profile 22 have been installed in a private housing development in Chipping near Preston in Lancashire. The project specified flush casement windows in 7016 anthracite on white, which would provide a classic heritage appearance and would be perfect for the development’s village setting. The windows needed to have a U value of 1.4 W/m²K for thermal efficiency and meet PAS24:2016 and Secured by Design requirements so they would exceed the security standards of Document Q of Building Regulations. Sonia Travis, Head of Commercial Sales at Profile 22, was able to offer valuable input on the window specification. “I could see that the larger windows would need to use our Flush Tilt & Turn Window with an astragal bar to give the aesthetics required and ensure the project met both PAS24:2016 requirements and complied with Document Q of Building Regula-
56 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
tions. This was accepted by the developer”. The fabrication and installation contract was carried out by Profile 22 Approved Contractor Kingfisher Windows, a leading manufacturer and supplier of windows, doors and conservatories. As an experienced contractor, Kingfisher Windows is used to working with new build developers and on projects involving tight timescales on busy construction sites. It meant that the windows were fabricated and installed smoothly and efficiently. With the homes now complete, Chipping has a sensitively designed, high-quality small housing development that brings much-needed homes to the local area. Jonny Reynolds of Kingfisher Windows commented: “The development is in keeping with the local surroundings without compromising on thermal efficiency or security. We are very pleased with the results.” www.profile22.co.uk
ON SITE
the door always comes to a safe and gentle close”. In order to ensure a system that worked well for both patients and staff – a test room was set up during the build which was used for a number of months. This provided valuable feedback which led to some further customization of the product to ensure the best user experience.
State Of The Art Hospital Benefits From P C Henderson’s Sirocco System
Sliding and folding door hardware manufacturer, P C Henderson, has been specified for a state of the art hospital build in Breda, Holland. Covering 128,000 square metres, the new ultra-modern Amphia Hospital was officially opened in November 2019. The design brief focused on creating a new world of medical care – aiming for increased one to one patient contact, shorter waiting times, the highest level of health care and a peaceful and comfortable environment. A key component in achieving this was the design layout of 514 private luxury rooms with adjoin-
ing bathrooms. The contactor wanted to ensure ease of movement around the room – as well as enhanced privacy and comfort. A key solution in achieving this was through the specification of a sliding door system to separate the main room from the bathroom. P C Henderson’s Sirocco system was identified as the best solution for the project. Rene van den Biggelaar, Business Unit Manager at P C Henderson Holland, commented “Our Sirocco sliding door system is extremely popular in healthcare applications due to its integrated hydraulic self-closing feature which ensures
“The contractor required a system which could work with a 1.35m wide door – ensuring that even a hospital bed could be maneuvered through into the bathroom if required. We achieved this by manufacturing a custom made 2850mm length of track to replace the systems usual 2200mm track. We also designed a custom made stop which would allow the door to be held open half way across the opening – when only a small walk way was required”, continued Rene. Home to over 4000 employees, the hospital is one of the largest clinical hospitals in the Netherlands and utilises some of the most innovative medical technology. With a key focus on patient comfort – patients are provided with their own iPad, which they can use for entertainment purposes, as well as to order from a menu of over 25 nutritional hot meals. Sustainability is also high on the hospitals agenda – with systems in place to generate approximately 85% of its own energy needs. The use of P C Henderson’s Sirocco system assisted towards this through its hydraulic self-closing feature which requires zero electric input. Sirocco sliding door gear caters for doors weighing up to 80kg and is available with a number of optional extras to further add to the sophistication of the product – including a delayed closing timer and fascia. www.pchenderson.com WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 57
MARKETING
Roofing And Roofline, The Winning Formula Freefoam Building Products has launched a new video. Working with award winning roofing company J R Roofing the short film highlights the benefits of fitting Freefoam roofline products alongside roof systems. Filmed on location in Blackpool, with Josh Morrison and his team completing the replacement roof on an attractive Edwardian end of terrace property in a rural location. Josh explains how offering roofline as part of a roofing contract brings extra revenue and increased customer satisfaction. Freefoam have increasingly seen roofing companies join the Registered Installer Scheme and wanted to illustrate how the PVC product range complimented the range and services offered by roofing companies. J R Roofing was the obvious choice for this film. Having recently been awarded the prestigious Which? Trusted trader accreditation, Josh has been in the roofing business since he was 14! Whilst roofline replacement,
namely fascia, soffit and gutter, has been seen as a niche of the home improvement sector, often installed by roofline specialists or as part of general PVC home improvements like windows and doors, other trades are now seeing the opportunities it can bring. JR Roofing has always offered roofline as part of its general roofing package. Josh worked closely with a joiner when he first started roofing and was taught how to fit roofline. He explained: “It’s allowed us to offer our customers the full range of services and certainly puts us ahead of our competitors. We often do a roof survey and see that the fascia or guttering also needs replacing. It’s much more cost effective for our customers to have all elements replaced at once and makes sure their home is fully weatherproof and low maintenance for many years to come. ” The Registered Installer Scheme is part of Freefoam’s comprehensive support package for all home im-
58 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
provement companies. Support on offer goes beyond great products and guarantees to help customers grow, with a comprehensive range of marketing packages, Point of Sale, consumer focused brochures and samples to help installers sell more and build their own brands. Freefoam registered installers also benefit from consumer-facing websites myfascia.co.uk and mycladding.com which generate quality pre-qualified leads send direct to the network of registered installers. Louise Sanderson, Freefoam UK Marketing Manager summarised: “Our product range is suitable for all sections of the home improvement market. It’s great to be working with companies like JR Roofing who are capitalising on the benefits roofline can bring. With a huge potential audience on social media we find short, punchy testimonial style videos like this work well for us, attracting new enquiries and building brand awareness.” VIEW VIDEO HERE
MARKETING
Double Benefits With VELUX® Rewards
Scheme This Autumn
Installers and builders urged to take advantage of extra rewards available throughout autumn with purchases of selected roof windows Installers, builders and homeowners across the UK and Ireland can now benefit from a rewards boost from August until 31 October 2020, thanks to VELUX®. The roof window manufacturer introduced VELUX Rewards in 2015, with the scheme providing customers with an opportunity to earn rewards each time they buy VELUX products, with different promotions running throughout the year.
However, throughout August, September and October this year, purchasers will qualify for £50 rewards on all VELUX white painted
top-hung roof windows and £30 rewards on all other VELUX white painted roof windows*. Customers can claim their VELUX rewards at a number of top-brand partners, including Argos, Marks & Spencer, John Lewis, Adidas and Tesco. All rewards must be claimed by 13 November 2020.
Richard McArthur, marketing manager from VELUX said:“After what has been a difficult few months for installers, builders, self-builders and homeowners alike, we are delighted to be able to give something back with this new offer. “The builders and installers who recommend and purchase our products for their customers really are our brand champions, working tirelessly to help consumers transform their homes. We hope this current rewards boost will demonstrate our appreciation for the hard work they do.” To receive rewards from VELUX, upload your invoice at www.velux. co.uk/rewards * VELUX white painted burglary resistant roof windows (GGL 70Q) are excluded from this promotion.
Endurance Launch New Website Platform rankings for Google for over fifty search terms and number one for fourteen of them. The new functionality of the site should also improve these statistics further, say Endurance.
Having invested considerably in marketing since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic to help support Installer Partners, Endurance Doors have now launched a new generation website platform, that’s designed to bring in more homeowner leads than ever before,
along with a new trade portal.
The Quick Quote function has been an important new feature, designed to help consumers through the process of designing a door and getting an estimated price in just three easy steps. In Quick Quote there are the options of sidelights, toplights and even double (French) doors, twelve of the most popular door designs and finally a Postcode request, which goes out to local Installer Partners.
The new website at https://endurancedoors.co.uk has been developed with their digital marketing partners, ICAAL, and from an SEO perspective this new platform appears in the top five organic
Several case studies have also been added to the home page, which is a note of re-assurance to consumers that an Endurance door is the best investment for their home. endurancedoors.co.uk WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 59
MARKETING
Manufacturer Launches
Online ‘Glass-Opedia’ To Answer Customers’ Top Queries Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, part of the NSG Group, has launched Ask Pilkington, a searchable online encyclopaedia of all things glass to help customers get quick answers to technical queries. Hosted on the Pilkington UK website, Ask Pilkington offers dedicated zones for trade, homeowners and architects and specifiers. Users can type in a question or keyword to quickly find what they’re looking for. The smart search function gathers relevant answers and related information out of hundreds of articles. While the portal will be constantly updated with the latest information, users can also submit new questions that they want answer-
ing. They can also see what the most popular questions are from their peers. The online knowledge centre bolsters Pilkington UK’s range of educational apps designed to provide specifiers and customers with technical information and inspiration, ensuring they have the right glass for the job. Ask Pilkington follows the launch of the Project References app last year, which offers a searchable database of Pilkington glass products that users can browse to find solutions to their project requirements. It also sits alongside Spectrum and Spec-it!, one of the industry’s most popular glass specifying tools, allowing users to quickly specify glass for a variety
60 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
of projects. Phil Brown, European regulatory marketing manager at Pilkington United Kingdom Limited, said: “Glass technology has made great strides in the 21st century, with an increasing number of products available for keeping buildings warm, cool, clean, compliant and safe. “With so many solutions that play critical roles in buildings, it’s important that people have access to trusted information to help them pick the right glass. “Ask Pilkington aims to have all this information in one convenient place for quick reference – something that’s important in meeting the needs of the next generation of digital native glass professionals, homeowners and architects, who are used to finding answers at a click of a button.” Ask Pilkington can be found here: https://bit.ly/3h51Yuk
MARKETING
UK Doors Online Launches With
Help From The Consultancy For a new business branded ‘UK Doors Online’, the critical factor in its success is obviously going to be the appeal and functionality of its website and online ordering function. That’s why, according to Managing Director of UK Doors Online, Andrew Glover, chose the industry’s leading website provider to create the company’s all-important web presence. Hartlepool based The Consultancy, part of the Business Micros Group, has just delivered the new website at: www.ukdoorsonline.co.uk to help launch the business and start to generate leads.
Doors Online is fabricating aluminium bi-folds and lift and slide patio doors on a five-day turnaround, with market leading warranties and security specifications. Aluminium entrance doors and roller garage doors complete the product line-up.
From its factory in Wakefield, UK
The company’s focus is on winning
Further Consumer Inspiration
With My Residence Issue 2
business via a mix of guaranteed quality and value, backed up by short lead times, instant ordering options and outstanding customer service, and the website had to communicate this. UK Doors Online came to The Consultancy with a distinctive creative identity and asked the team to interpret this online. The finished result successfully uses the repeated circles which feature in the UK Doors Online new logo in a range of different ways which add instant impact. Probably the most important feature though is the online door designer function integrated into the website, which had to give users all the functionality they are used to from other sites, but in a way which feels fresh and new. www.theconsultancy.co.uk tials of The Residence Collection of windows and doors. There are also pages highlighting a number of door options including French and residential front doors, all under the RD brand. Sarah Hitchings, sales and marketing director of The Residence Collection commented: “The first issue of My Residence has been a revelation, with trade partners and consumers enthusing about the style and content. Some of our most respected manufacturing partners have also gone on to say it’s the best consumer brochure that the industry has seen for some time.
The Residence Collection says the first issue of My Residence magazine has been a standout and overwhelmingly successful consumer marketing tool and so the launch of issue 2 has been eagerly anticipated right across the industry and by style savvy consumers too. The format of My Residence remains unchanged and it’s available as a download or in print on recycled paper. But its format
continues to be inspired by some of the biggest brands in the home improvement sector and it also embraces content from other social media channels including Instagram and Pinterest with mood boards. Within the 36 pages carefully created pages are case studies with inspiring photography, a journey from enquiry through to installation and pages that highlight the unique design and performance creden-
She added: “It’s more important than ever before for brands to be highly visible and to have points of differentiation and this latest publication helps convey this perfectly. Across The Residence Collection, we’ve seen a surge of enquiries from consumers and considerably increased activity from both manufacturing and installation partners. In all it’s great news all round for us and our partners.” https://bit.ly/321xMMs WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020 61
CHARITY
Glazerite Chairman John Hewitt Raises Nearly £80,000 For Charity
Prior to and during the ride, Kelly’s Heroes received huge support in the form of sponsorship and donations from the fenestration industry, as well as suppliers and customers, including main sponsors VEKA and the Independent Network. John adds: “Myself and the team have been hugely supported by many of Glazerite’s suppliers, customers and competitors, and many others from the industry. It’s been such a huge outpouring of support for what is a global problem that affects us all in some way or other, and the whole team are immensely grateful. We couldn’t have done it without them and every penny raised will go towards educating people and suicide prevention. The support received will literally help save lives.”
Glazerite UK Group’s Chairman, John Hewitt, has completed his epic 1,000-mile cycle ride from John O’Groats to Land’s End in memory of his late daughter Kelly, who took her own life in 2018. John was joined by 11 friends and family - nicknamed Kelly’s Heroes - for the arduous 13-day challenge, which saw them climb 59000ft and battle through wind, rain and occasional sunshine. As a result, the team has raised an incredible £80,000 so far for the charity We Mind & Kelly Matters, which John and Kelly’s mum and sister set up to honour the 24-year-old. John explains: “Kelly took her own life following a short battle with anxiety and depression, something which sadly affects millions around the world. We don’t want anyone else to experience the pain we have, and we feel that the best way to remember Kelly is to do
something positive in her memory and support others who are struggling with mental health issues.” Kelly’s Heroes set off from John O’Groats last month and arrived in Land’s End on Friday 28th August to a socially distanced crowd of well-wishers. Remarkably, many of the people they passed or met on the route have since donated to the charity, something which really touched the team. John adds: “It was a memorable experience for us all. The pain we experienced was wiped out by the jubilation we felt when we reached the end of each day. The hardest part for me was cycling up the Kirkstone Pass in Cumbria in extremely windy conditions. I was in tears, but I knew I had to keep going, not for me, but for Kelly, and those who struggle with their mental health daily.”
62 WINDOW NEWS SEPTEMBER 2020
The team also received messages of support from sporting legends including former Arsenal and England footballer Kelly Smith MBE, current and former Northampton Saints rugby players Harry Mallinder, Alex Waller and Steve Thompson MBE, and cycling commentator Phil Liggett MBE. The next steps for We Mind & Kelly Matters are to continue to promote awareness of mental health issues in Northamptonshire’s schools and businesses, where Glazerite has its headquarters, as well as support the work of other charities like MIND. There are also plans afoot for another cycling challenge in 2022. John adds: “We will never forget Kelly and we will do all we can to help others in the same position she was, and hopefully make a difference.” The team hope the final figure raised will surpass £100,000. To donate, please visit: https://bit.ly/2FbrelJ
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