THE GL@ZINE - your glass, glazing and fenestration industry news first

Weekly Email News for the Glass, Glazing and Fenestration Industries
14th March 2006
Links Not Working? Go To: http://www.theglazine.net

CRITIC'S CORNER

Profile 22 Watches The Armstrongs - Episode 3

We’d like to start off this week’s column by saying how pleased we are that our TV Critic’s Corner seems to be attracting attention from various sections of the industry.
And, as you’ll have seen from last week’s Glazine, we seem to have rubbed certain Coventry-based fabricators up the wrong way…
Let me take this opportunity to assure you John and Ann - we at Profile 22 don’t hate you – quite the contrary. We merely point out that you have (like it or not) become the unwitting public representatives of an industry facing an uncertain future.
More Here:

Synseal fabricators can now get perfectly colour-matched trims for all its window profiles
More Here:

Synseal has announced all its profiles are available in five additional colours: black, grey, red, blue and green
More Here:

'When Spanish Ice, best known as the new name for glue chip, first came on to the market about a year ago, most observers could immediately see that it was something quite new and different,’ says UAP
More Here:

Sapa Building Systems Dualframe Window Wall is designed to offer a cost effective alternative to traditional curtain walling systems - with some significant added benefits
More Here:

Britannia Windows of Clevedon has launched a new hardware brand, marine spec
More Here:

Spectus Window Systems is unveiling a new rosewood colour option for its Vertical Slider System, to satisfy demand for natural wood-effect finishes with a prominent grain
More Here:

Longevity of solution is the key word for Comar 5 Pi Cladding adaptors. The adaptor allows the specifier the design opportunity to incorporate windows into a façade without the need for additional flashings
More Here:

Duraflex fabricator, A-Plas Windows Ltd, has launched a Bi-Folding Door using PVC-U profile from the Duraflex Diamond Suite
More Here:

The ContourGrid system from US and international manufacturer GED Integrated Solutions turns flat, pre-painted, coiled aluminium into custom punched, formed, cut and shape-routed Georgian bar
More Here:

Quality Roofing Systems wants to help conservatory installers by offering the Allure aluminium conservatory roof system
More Here:

Elumatec's SBZ 630 has been designed to cut thick-walled aluminium profiles at high speeds and has a 7.5kW motor
More Here:

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has announced that Comar 5P.i. Tilt & Turn window passed the enhanced security British Standard: BS 7950
More Here:

Profile 22 Systems has introduced 'cost-saving' Safeware Super Steel reinforcement
More Here:

Product Archive
(300+ Listed Products)
Go Here:
For a directory of products sorted by product type

Go Here:
For a directory of products sorted by company in alphabetical order

West End Windows, the specialist aluminium and PVC-U trade fabricator, has announced the launch of several new product lines as part of its growth strategy
More Here:

Joinery manufacturers of high quality sash windows, A & W Gowers Ltd of Chelmsford, Essex is a family concern with an excellent local reputation
More Here:

Teeside based Synseal fabricator installer Budget Windows has seen huge changes since the management buy out. After completing the first year under new ownership the investment and changes are paying off
More Here:

Suffolk based English Architectural Glazing has employed a number of techniques and materials in cladding the entire envelop of the new, high tech Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital in Brighton
More Here:

New homes in Nailsea near Bristol have been given a traditional look with fully featured windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite
More Here:

Austenitic hardware manufactured in the UK by Securistyle Ltd is being used by fabricators across the board in a £50m window replacement scheme by Leeds ALMOS
More Here:

Quantal Approved Installer CTG used its local knowledge to design and build a stunning conservatory in St Ives
More Here:

Conservatory Outlet member West Yorkshire Windows has recognised Maria Franey's commitment to the company and promoted her to Sales Manager
More Here:

GAP, the roofline stockist, has appointed Alistair Cathcart for Commercial Sales at the Leeds depot
More Here:

Neil Robinson, who represents the Glass Sector for Proskills, has been seconded onto the Glazing Executive of the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
More Here:

Another batch of appointments has been announced by York based Sheppee International
More Here:

Eric Gale has joined Profile 22 as specification manager for the North of England
More Here:

Becky Gibbs has joined Cheltenham-based door panel manufacturer Portal Products to enhance its customer service and administration team
More Here:

A new position has been created for Jerry Brookes as Synseal's Commercial Sales Development Manager
More Here:

eBuilders has announced consumer viewing and activity statistics to offer a glimpse of the growing power and influence of the Internet in the consumer decision-making process
More Here:

Emplas Windows has now launched a new website to further extend its reach to its ever growing customer base
More Here:

Hardware specialist, Trojan Hardware and Designs, has updated its corporate look with a new website
More Here:

Now specifiers and contractors can access all the latest information on CGI's comprehensive range of fire and security glasses at the click of a mouse
More Here:

EN 1279 'Glass in buildings - insulating glass units' has finally been posted in the Official Journal of the European Union (OJ). This means that, from next month, IGU manufacturers will be able to CE mark their units - and by March 2007 all units must comply with the Construction Products Directive (CPD). And, said Adam Osborn of Notified Body BM TRADA Certification, CE marking is the most effective way to prove compliance
More Here:

Palram honoured the true spirit of Christmas this year helping the needy and the vulnerable, by offering free building materials desperately needed by the Crisis Open Christmas
More Here:

KAT UK, the supplier of patio doors and vertical sliding sash windows, donated £3,735.20 during 2005 to Care for the Wild International (CWI) to aid the charity's work in protecting wild tigers
More Here:

One company which has pre-empted the 'green' revolution is FSG Technologies. It is installing the Mustang® continuous aluminium guttering system, supplied by Aluminium Roofline Products, on 'eco-friendly' properties built by Paul Newman Homes.
More Here:

Clean PVC regrind from recycling of PVC window profiles is a valuable raw material, that can be used again for the production of PVC windows. But contamination such as by rubber from seals, polyamide, plasticised PVC, etc are problematic. The separation process used by hamos GmbH in Penzberg works however entirely automatically, i.e. without manual pre-sorting.
More Here:

EU policymakers, social partners and leading safety and health experts met on 12th December 2005 in Bilbao, Spain, to see how to better protect European workers from noise and to award those organisations that have already managed to implement effective solutions
More Here:

SUBSCRIBE FREE!
If you do not already receive THE GL@ZINE on a weekly basis, subscribe FREE OF CHARGE please click Here

Glassex: Visitors Down, Confidence Up

With visitor numbers down 17% on last year, Glassex 2006 (which took place last week at the NEC) is a clear indication of the contraction of the UK PVC-U window market. However, comments from the show suggest that most exhibitors had a successful exhibition, which is perhaps an indication that with fewer players in the market (and fewer exhibitors) there is more business for those that are left standing. There was also more emphasis on those market sectors which still have some life in them: conservatory roofs (and roof glazing!), composite doors, even garden sheds!

The visitor demographic also proved surprising: apart from a plethora of new 'consultants' (normally people between jobs) and the usual mob of press and PR hacks (how many magazines are there serving this market now?) there was a fair spread of fabricators and installers and specifiers from local authorities and housing associations, suggesting that Glassex has not yet turned into the one-dimensional product based show for installers which many have predicted.

General Manager, Durham
Our client is a well established and successful manufacturer of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, providing solutions principally for the commercial sector from their Midlands base. Due to a recent expansion they plan to create an equally successful operation from a modern purpose built unit in Durham.
[More Here]

GLASS HANDLING & PROCESSING EQUIPMENT FOR SALE
Upon the instructions of the administrators of IMS Glass (formerly Interpane Glass UK)
A large number of machines are being sold by tender, including a Lenhardt washer dryer, Bottero glass cutting, Street Crane vacuum lifting, Hegla vacuum lifting, Ingersoll Rand compressor and much more.
[More Here]

Fensterbau 2006
Trade visitors at the exhibition duo fensterbau/frontale and HOLZ-HANDWERK, which takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22-25 March 2006, can look forward to a comprehensive range of products from over 1,200 exhibitors from all over the world. Another good reason for visiting the exhibition is the extra information offered by the supporting programme on windows, facades and woodworking.
[More on this Event]

Industry Wide Seminar Set for May 10th 2006
Keeping up to date with rapidly changing energy efficiency issues and environmental legislation is of paramount importance to everyone in the window and glass markets. Edgetech UK and other industry experts are holding a free one day seminar on May 10th at Coventry football team's home ground the Ricoh Arena.
[More on this Event]

Get 'Six Appeal' at G06!
Make Friday 15 September a night to remember - the date for the G06 Awards Presentation, the industry's most sparkling event, has been announced.
[More on this Event]

Proskills Apprenticeship And HR Events
Proskills, the Sector Skills Council with responsibility for the Glass and Glazing industries, in partnership with The Glass and Glazing Federation, British Glass and the Learning and Skills Council, is holding three, free of charge, Glass Industry launch workshops for Training and HR staff.
[More on this Event]

Henkel Joins List of Interbuild Newcomers
Henkel is among the key names on a growing list of 63 companies set to make their first appearance as exhibitors at Interbuild 2006 the UK's premier building and construction show (NEC, April 23-27).
[More on this Event]

[More Events]

Exhibition Calendar
Go Here:
for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world.
UPDATED!!

A lively and colourful residential and commercial development in Glasgow, which features innovative use of glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialist, Technal, has won another major award.
More Here:

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has announced that its thermally efficient Comar 5 P.i. Reversible Pivot Window exceeds the requirements of the BS 6375 Part 1: 1989 Classification for Weather Tightness.
More Here:

GU Ferco's new G4 range of Europa security multi-point locks has been awarded (British Board of Agrement) BBA No: 2569 approval.
More Here:

Effective use of the radio and internet are just two of the ways Conservatory Outlet helps members target homeowners.
More Here:

The roofline stockist, GAP, has a philosophy to work hard and play hard. So when customer Phil Martindale asked GAP to part-sponsor his entry in the endurance motor racing series Uniroyal Fun Cup, it agreed.
More Here:

When Steve Simpson of Tudor Glass in Bury takes a break from his day job, he is still surrounded by reminders of the Pilkington product range he works with on a daily basis. A keen and successful amateur rally driver, Steve's car is now emblazoned with the logo of Pilkington Activ™
More Here:

The importance of an issue can be gauged by the amount of air-time it receives. Concern for the environment is continuing to rise and with it, so is the number of TV programmes showing how best to be eco-friendly. Aluminium Roofline Products is appearing in one such show - 'The House That Dick Built'.
More Here:

Chiltern Dynamics and sister company BM TRADA Certification have produced a free technical information sheet with up-to-date information on CE marking of windows and doors.
More here:

As Spring approaches, Ultraframe is helping its customers prepare for their busiest time of year by providing installers with the tools to maximise their marketing campaigns.
More here:

North Western Lead has produced a brochure with 48 photographs of decorative glass panels: 24 with lead and film and 24 featuring Decra Bevels. NWL trade customers can have their own logo, their own name and address, plus full contact details professionally overprinted on the brochure for a nominal fee.
More here:

Bohle has launched the latest version of its huge and highly comprehensive catalogue of everything the glass and glazing industry could ever need.
More here:

The total volume of construction output in 2005 fell by one per cent compared to the previous year, the first fall in the industry since 1994. Overall new work fell over the same period, despite increases in the private housing, private industrial and commercial sectors.
More here:

Birmingham-based System 10 fabricator Shelforce has launched a training programme designed to encourage local disadvantaged residents into the PVC-U windows and doors industry.
More Here:

Warmseal Ltd, based near Newcastle upon Tyne, a manufacturer of double glazing, doors and conservatories, is proud of the success of over 60 of its employees.
More Here:

Part L and J (Scotland) have affected Roof Window specifications, with particular emphasis on thermal transmissions and installation systems. Fakro Roof Windows has a pro-active Research and Development section
More here:

PART L ARCHIVE

The exhibition duo HOLZ-HANDWERK and fensterbau/frontale takes place again in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22-25 March 2006. The combined trade fairs with over 1,200 exhibitors and well over 90,000 trade visitors will again be a unique industry platform and the meeting-place for the industries concerned in 2006.
[More on this Event]

A new exhibition plant is growing out of the desert sand: More than 2,800 trade visitors and conference participants attended the first Intelligent Building Middle East (IBME).
[More on this Event]

Reed Exhibitions plans to hold the next Interplas on 15-18 May 2007. This is five months before K, the world’s largest plastics event that takes place every three years in Düsseldorf, Germany. The next Interplas was originally due to run on 7-9 October 2008.
[More on this Event]

More leading companies are following the example of Eleco and Akzo Nobel in backing a concerted push by TRADA, the Timber Research & Development Association, to raise the profile of timber at Interbuild 2006.
[More on this Event]

MosBuild+ 2005 Exhibition was the biggest Windows & Doors exhibition ever to be held in Russia. The event hosted over 300 Exhibitors and 40,000 visitors over the four day International Event. The 2006 show will be 4-7th April.
[More on this Event]

GPD China will once again be held in conjunction with China Glass 2006 in Beijing, China. This time, it will be held just before China Glass. The venue will be announced later.
[More on this Event]

Exhibition Calendar
Go Here:
for upcoming exhibitions in the UK and the rest of the world.
UPDATED!!

The Eden Project's new education and resource facility has bespoke PowerGlaz building integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) glass/glass laminates manufactured by Romag
More Here:

Malcolm Wicks recently outlined his vision for micro wind turbines, solar panels and other microgeneration technologies at the launch of the Energy Futures Lab at Imperial College in London
More Here:

According to Glassex marketing manager Claire Shilling 'I have heard many stories of the days out for the boys at Glassex, attracted by many exhibitors that operated large and free-flowing bars from the minute the show opened to when it closed in the evening. That has changed dramatically in recent years as exhibitors are more discreet about serving alcohol, realising perhaps it does not attract the serious buyer. While we have not actually carried out research into the drinking habits of our visitors, it is safe to say that the drop in visitor numbers has been largely down to the tyre kickers who wanted a bit of a jolly, especially on the Sunday'.

If there is anything in this business that attracts more discussion and debate than Glassex year on year I have yet to encounter it. Every year exhibitors justify their presence at the event while non exhibiting visitors nod sagely and declare to anyone who will listen why they are glad they did not take the plunge. While anecdotal evidence is the easiest to garner and analyse, it still does not give a true picture. On square metreage alone 2006 was probably one of the smallest Glassexes on record, and while the market is turbulent, this cannot be a true representation of the industry.

Perhaps now is the time to bite the bullet and accede to what many have been saying for some time and change the frequency of Glassex to a biennial, and even look at the number of open days. Because if, as the data suggests, we are looking at a different profile of visitor, then perhaps Sunday opening is no longer necessary.

Sunday this year was particularly slow, but footfall picked up noticeably on Monday and Tuesday, while Wednesday was surprisingly good. Further proof, maybe, that a three day event in the week would be a favourable option.

Our first Glassex Review is here.

MISSED LAST WEEK'S GL@ZINE? IT'S HERE

PRODUCT OF THE WEEK

WHS Halo Turns the Art of Quality Manufacturing to Composite Doors
Extrusion company WHS Halo has introduced a range of high quality and performance composite doors - the Gallery collection – that the company says overcomes all the issues associated with timber and PVC-U items.
[More on this Product]

Product of the Week Archive here

PROJECT OF THE WEEK

Euro Design and Maco take a Tilt at Student Accommodation
Euro Design Ltd of Thirsk has recently completed a major installation for student accommodation in Lincoln. Main contractors North Midland Construction produced a specification that demanded great attention to safety detail. Installing windows in educational accommodation for students had proved to be a problem with a previous site as students managed to lift sashes out in order to open the windows.
[More on this Project]

PILKINGTON FANTASY FOOTBALL

Touchline Spats Don't Prevent Premiership Play
Heady European nights may be at the forefront of some our teams' minds but as John Terry said, it's the Premiership that counts.
Both Arsenal and Chelsea got their Champions League preparations off to a great start this weekend picking up full points away from home. Arsenal's 4-0 win away at Fulham gets them set for round two with Madrid, whilst Jose Mourinho seems to be taking centre stage on the back pages and not for his team's 2-1 win away at West Brom either. Was it that Jose is suffering a touch of the Barcelona blues as he had a touchline 'spat' with Brian Robson?
[More on this Here]

THIS WEEK'S NEWS

Glassex 2006: The Evolution Continues
The transition of Glassex from the annual away day for Britain's window installers to a professionals-only buying fair continued as the event entered its 26th consecutive year as the UK window, door and conservatory industry's primary showcase.
[More on this Story]

Glassex Spotlight Report
Sambrook Research International recently visited the Glassex exhibition at the NEC in Birmingham and conducted a survey at the show, examining market trends, key threats and opportunities within key sectors.
[More on this Story]

Quotes and Comments from Glassex 2006
'We came here to celebrate our 20th anniversary in the UK, and the 10th anniversary of Network Veka, and to establish our commitment as a UK systems company to the British market. It's a cliché but we've had a steady rate of enquiries the quality of which has been excellent; when we have done shows like this in the past the effects last for many years. This has been very effective for us. We wanted to make the biggest impact in the shortest time and it's worked very well.'.
[More Comments Here]

Ultraframe Stands for Design
It was not just the remarkable standard of inspiring entries in the Conservatory Design Competition sponsored by Ultraframe, that was turning heads at Glassex this year, the creative Pavilion stand, which displayed the winning entries is becoming a key attraction at the show too.
[More on this Story]

Putting the ‘Fun’ into Fundraising
The GM Fundraising team has announced a series of events for 2006 commencing with the return of the glazing industry's premier social occasion, the GMF Gala Dinner on 17th June at The Palace Hotel in Manchester.
[More on this Story]

Lupus Capital Acquires Schlegel Building Products Division
Lupus Capital plc agreed on Friday, March 3rd, to acquire the Schlegel Building Products Division from Unipoly. Schlegel Building Products makes environmental sealing systems for windows and doors.
[More on this Story]

Having a Bay-Bee Just got Easier
Eurocell Profiles Ltd, the manufacturer of PVC-u, has been awarded a LANTAC (Local Authority National Type Approval Confederation) approval certificate by Amber Valley Council.
[More on this Story]

Newstead Hosts Exhibition on March 16 and 17
'We've decided to hold a two day exhibition,’ comments Newstead's Managing Director Adrian Locker, ‘to demonstrate the depth of Newstead's product range.’
[More on this Story]

Business Micros to Sell Logikal Software in UK
Business Micros, which says that it is already the leading supplier of software solutions to the commercial aluminium sector, has announced a new agreement which looks set to further strengthen its position in this marketplace.
[More on this Story]

£1m Investment Opens Door to New System 10 Composite Range
Following a £1m product development programme, PVC-U profile manufacturer WHS Halo has unveiled an extensive new collection of composite doors, designed to meet the very latest security, design and construction challenges.
[More on this Story]

AG Glass Invests in Edgetech's Super Spacer®
AG Glass has started 2006 with a massive investment into Edgetech IG Inc's warm edge Super Spacer® for its state-of-the-art insulated glass unit production.
[More on this Story]

Padiham Glass Invests in Super Spacer® with Forel Line
Lancashire-based fabricator Padiham Glass Ltd has extended its factory by 10,000 ft2 to house a state-of-the art fully automated Forel line.
[More on this Story]

Abbott Group Wins Taylor Woodrow Manufacturer Award
While many companies claim to be market leaders in the new housing sector, the Abbott Group says that it has proven just that by winning the manufacturer of the year award at the prestigious Taylor Woodrow Supplier Awards 2006.
[More on this Story]

Securistyle ‘Defends’ Market Leading Position
Two more of the best selling domestic window hinges, all manufactured in the UK, have been redesigned and enhanced by maker Securistyle Ltd.
[More on this Story]

Top Gear - Roger Takes Charge of DHF Industrial Door Group
Roger Gear, managing director of Mercian Industrial Doors, has been appointed chairman of the Industrial Door Group within the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF).
[More on this Story]

Andersen Launches New Self Cleaning Window Package
Andersen Windows, one of the world's largest wood window manufacturers, says that it has launched a new all inclusive windows and patio doors package designed to give the builder, architect and end user even better performance and value for money.
[More on this Story]

AV Technology Testing Assists with New Building Regulations
AV Technology Ltd (AVT), the European noise and vibration prediction consultancies, is testing new and converted buildings for sound resistance in accordance with amendments to the building regulations.
[More on this Story]

Conzzeta up 13.8% in 2005: Mainly Due to Bystronic
In 2005 the Conzzeta Group increased its revenues from CHF 1,013.8m to CHF 1,153.4m, a rise of 13.8%. The highest growth rates were recorded by the Sheet Metal Processing Systems (Bystronic) and Glass Processing Systems (Bystronic glass) business units.
[More on this Story]

Recommended cash Offer by Linde for BOC
Linde has agreed to make a pre-conditional offer to acquire the entire share capital of The BOC Group, for £16.00 in cash per share. The board of directors of BOC intends to recommend BOC shareholders to accept the offer.
[More on this Story]

Bumper Order Book for a Firm which Exports 75% of its Output
A bumper order book means a York firm is looking forward to a record-breaking year for business. Sheppee International, which is based at Elvington, has introduced a batch of top appointments to boost sales and productivity in recent months and says that its hard work is already paying off.
[More on this Story]

MISSED LAST WEEK'S GL@ZINE? IT'S HERE

Using the search function below you have full Google powered search functionality to over 990 pages of The Glazine. Just type in your search term and hit the 'Search The Gl@zine' button.

ARCHIVES

You can view previous issues of THE GL@ZINE in our ARCHIVE NEWS SECTION There are also archives for the following sections:

AWARDS & STANDARDS CHARITY EVENTS CONSTRUCTION ENVIRONMENT EXHIBITION REPORTS FABRICATOR FOCUS FEATURES GLASSEX 2002 GLASSEX 2003 GLASSEX 2004 GLASSTEC 2002 HEALTH & SAFETY

The B2BZine Team:

Tony Higgin
tony@theglazine.com

Richard and Debbie Schwarz
news@theglazine.com

ADVERTISERS

Should you wish to advertise on THE GL@ZINE, please contact Tony Higgin at tony@theglazine.com or telephone 01923-461527, mobile 07977-981753.

The Ratecard is viewable on this link: http://www.theglazine.net/RateCard/ratecard.html

Copyright © 2002-2006 The B2BZine Company.
Permission to use any of the material contained in this EZine should be obtained from the The B2BZine Company
Email us: news@theglazine.com

Editorial should be sent to news@theglazine.com or write to us at:
The Gl@zine, PO Box 1488, Croydon, CR9 7WH

TO SUBSCRIBE