Jotika & Pretech Establish Software Partnership to Exhibit at Glassex
Stand F024

UK glass processing software developer Jotika has signed a Distribution Agreement with Dutch window Software Company Pretech to add window-manufacturing software to its range of products for the double glazing industry.

JoTiKa develops its Gtrak glass processing software to provide a fast, cost effective order processing and production control system for the medium to large glass processor.

This benchmark software can be fully integrated with the user's existing word processor, database, fax and e-mail systems, to make the production office the heart of the manufacturing operation. Its wide area networking capability even allows branches of the largest manufacturers to collate orders centrally, thus sharing their accounting, manufacturing, and stock data online.

GTrak still has faster implementation times than any comparable glass processing software and has been continually updated and enhanced ever since, with a proven track record in literally hundreds of medium to large sized glass processors.

At Glassex, Jotika will be previewing Gtrak3, and allows Gtrak to move on to new database and operating system platforms for the large user.

Pretech develops multi-user window manufacturing software for the double glazing industry. It is a complete, multi-disciplinary solution for door, window and facade manufacturers working with PVCU, aluminium, steel or any combination.

The software comprises powerful modules, linked by a central database, and which include 3D design, stock control & ordering, work preparation, machine-instruction, contact and customer management, and financial administration.

Pretech have recently completely redesigned their systems for e-commerce. Now, most Orders are entered remotely by Customers of trade frames, or by Surveyors for retail sales. Pretech is supplied with libraries of the profile(s) required. Users can then build up a complete library of styles, with colours, colour treatments (inside and out), fittings, sealants, glass, panelling, ventilators and mechanical function.

Designs can be attached to specific Customers - further simplifying Order Entry.
As you would expect, Pretech has built-in controls for reinforcement and glass thickness according to the standard legal guidelines.

mailto:sales@jotika.com
http://www.jotika.com

Wagner keeps windows and doors working for longer

Long established window and door hardware distributor, Wagner (GB) Ltd, has launched a new service. In this, Wagner Architectural Hardware Division's 10th anniversary year, it has announced the formation of Wagner Maintenance.

The aim of the new enterprise is to provide a commercial hardware maintenance service for aluminium, PVCu and timber window and door systems. This is seen as an ideal solution for organisations such as banks, hotels, schools etc where the sourcing of hardware can be time-consuming and problematic and can lead to long-term maintenance programs often being overlooked.

Wagner's ability to source hardware through the world-wide VBH network, as well as reproduce bespoke items domestically puts them in a strong position from which to offer expert advice.
The company's experienced staff will provide technical reports and carry out full on-site remedial work according to a client's instructions.

All work is guaranteed and the company offers a nationwide service.
For further information contact:
Dave Morgan, Technical Manager (Architectural Hardware Division)
01675 466411
Gary Gleeson, Technical & Marketing Manager (Residential Hardware Division)
01634 263263
Email: mailto:sales@wagnergb.com
Web: http://www.wagnergb.com

LENHARDT APPOINTS NEW M.D. AS KARL RETIRES

After a formidable career in developing and manufacturing equipment for the insulating glass market, Karl Lenhardt, founder and Managing Director of Lenhardt GmbH, has now retired.

Karl Lenhardt has been responsible for many radical developments at Lenhardt GmbH since he founded the company 36 years ago. Over the years he gradually expanded a strong, reliable and innovative team of engineers and technicians who helped him to develop a wide, modular range of products for this specialised market.

Karl Lenhardt (left) at his retirement party

In an ever changing business sector, Karl Lenhardt began by introducing simple handling equipment and later revolutionised the industry with state of the art, high performance systems. His development of the Thermo Plastic Spacer (TPS) consolidated the good reputation of the company as it was recognised on the world market as the most flexible insulating glass production system available.

'New Managing Director, Volker Abt (right) takes the helm at Lenhardt GmbH at a time when the product range is classed as a worldwide market leader. The position of Managing Director therefore is both demanding and challenging but well within the capabilities of Karl Lenhardt's new successor.' says the company.

Volker Abt has an impressive record within the field of hydroforming - a system which is used to develop new remodelling technology within the automotive industry. For the last four years he was Managing Director at Schuler Hydroforming, a leading company of Schuler AG based in Goppingen.
For customers the change of managing director will make little difference, as Volker Abt has been selected to ensure that the level of commitment dedicated to technological development and customer needs is both maintained and further enhanced.

Lenhardt GmbH has always considered that customer needs are of paramount importance with focus placed on providing innovative technical solutions for high-tech production lines that will place customers above their competition. A compact line for small to medium sized companies with limited production space was introduced to provide efficient manufacturing procedures.

Karl Lenhardt had a vision which was to place the Lenhardt GmbH range of products at the forefront of the insulating glass industry. His revolutionary development of TPS is considered as modern technology at its best with many customers recognising the entire brand for its standards and performance.

Volker Abt intends to further advance and expand the company by offering total solutions to customers through product development and high quality performance. It is his intention to direct Lenhardt GmbH forward to ensure that it still makes an impressive impact on the market.

Karl Lenhardt comments, 'I feel very proud that I have been responsible for building an enterprise that is regarded today as a market leader. The motivated team of loyal and highly qualified personnel have also been instrumental in making the company the success it is today. I wish Volker Abt every success and I am confident the future success of Lenhardt GmbH is lying in very capable hands.'

Volker Abt, Managing Director, Lenhardt GmbH comments, 'My focus for the company is to achieve the same standards that over the past years has ensured the success of the company. The entire team is committed to providing quality, innovative technical solutions, reliability and maintaining customer confidence'

Bystronic Lenhardt UK Ltd: Steve Powell
Tel: 01952 223377
Email: mailto:office@bystronic-lenhardt.co.uk
Web: http://www.bystronic-lenhardt.co.uk

More safety and reliability with VERIBOR blue line

A project team of the Construction and Trade Associations (Arge-Bau) published a research report in 1997 about the releasing behaviour of hand suction lifters. In response, Bohle was the first manufacturer to develop a suction lifter which was tested by the BG and awarded the GS safety sign, meeting the strict requirements of a proven carrying capacity of 120 kg. After successfully introducing this pump-activated suction lifter into the market, we are now introducing the new lever models of the VERIBOR blue line range.

   
The new VERIBOR blue line range is available in models with one, two or three cups

The lever-activated suction lifters of the VERIBOR blue line range are available in models with one, two or three cups to meet the desired application and carrying capacity. What all the models have in common are the numerous improvements in technology and application.

The smart combination of materials provides both the strong durability of aluminium and the user-friendly, ergonomic characteristics of the special synthetic material for the handles and levers. At the same time the dimensions of the handle have been increased. The special rubber compound of the cups ensures an optimum vacuum and safe handling. All these features are presented in a consistent and attractive patented design.

Of course, the lever models of the VERIBOR blue line range also meet the high safety requirements for lifting, carrying and holding. Already during the planning and designing stages, there was a strong focus on safety aspects. This naturally also meant testing and certification according to the strict regulations of the TÜV (German technical controlling institution), culminating in the TÜV / GS safety sign. The result of these high safety requirements is the double safety factor of the indicated load capacity, ranging from 25 kg to 100 kg.

For the protection and storage of your VERIBOR blue line suction lifters, we not only provide suitable packaging, but also offer the option to purchase sets (storage case with 2 suction lifters) for long-term safe storage. The detailed manufacturer's information in 6 languages leaves no question unanswered regarding function, application or care of the VERIBOR blue line suction lifters.

'All these characteristics make working with the suction lifters of the VERIBOR blue line range even easier, safer and more efficient', says UK general manager Gary Dean (left). 'To put it in a nutshell: proven quality in a new design with many improved features. And to top it all off, Bohle has succeeded in keeping the prices of this innovative range of safety suction lifters stable, and in some cases could even reduce them significantly. So there are many good reasons to use the suction lifters of the VERIBOR blue line range. The market introduction will take place in steps, beginning with the German and European markets.'

http://www.bohle.ltd.uk

New Web Site Launch

The newly launched revised web-site of CGI International, manufacturers and suppliers of fire and security glasses, (www.cgii.co.uk) has been completely redesigned to identify the company’s full range of products and features separate local language versions in each of CGI’s export market places.

Says Steve Ridgway, Sales & Marketing Director of CGI, 'Our old web-site was designed some four years ago and has been an excellent contact point for customers and specifiers, world-wide.
However the significant changes over the past twelve months, in our structure, in testing, new certification etc. led us to conclude that the best way forward was a complete redesign.'

Check out the new site on http://www.cgii.co.uk
For further information:
CGI International Limited
10 Greycoat Place
London
SW1P 1SB
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Fax: 020 7960 6116
mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
http://www.cgii.co.uk

New Handling Plant at Sash UK

Window, door and conservatory manufacturer Sash UK Ltd has installed a new automated handling line. The installation places the Sash UK facility amongst the most modern in Europe, with only one other system of its type in Britain. Other manufacturers looking to improve their own advanced production lines are now visiting Sash UK's state-of-the-art facilities as part of their own planning processes.

The installation of the new handling line completes an extensive 2 year business development programme at Sash UK, during which the company's manufacturing operation has grown from 38,000 feet2 to 112,000 feet2, created from scratch on an ex-coalfield.

In many other window factories frames are transferred manually between the various production processes, even those utilising automated machinery. At Sash UK the 90 metre-long line automatically delivers sashes to six workstations for the fitting of hardware and other ancillary items, to be brought together with the outer frames at the end of the production process. Sashes are lifted automatically on to a conveyor travelling at 2.5 metres per second, to be dropped into pre-allocated slots for processing.

The complex task of producing sashes and outer frames on separate lines, to then marry them up for assembly, is enabled by bar coding. The system, supplied by Kall Kwik, significantly speeds the production of frames, enabling a production capacity of 2,500 frames in a single shift. Consistent quality is ensured throughout the manufacturing process, also enabling continuous tracking of all orders by Sash's sophisticated computer systems.

The line, manufactured by ASF in Germany, was shipped on 6 articulated trucks. So large is the installation that bridges have been constructed across the lines to enable access to either side of the factory, whilst also providing excellent observation posts for the process.

Stephen Morrell, joint Managing Director of Sash UK says the installation will now allow the company to focus on other areas: 'With the finest production systems in the UK now installed, we can now consolidate to focus on fine tuning them to provide the finest customer service.'

Stephen paid tribute to his staff: 'I am told that the development programme that we have achieved in 2 years is regarded as being very ambitious. But our workforce has stepped up to the challenge to give everything that has been asked of them. The systems are very sophisticated, but enable us to maintain and even improve consistent product quality, whilst increasing output to meet the rapidiy growing demand for our range.

Contact: Nick Hibberd, Sash UK
Tel: 01226 719969
Fax: 01226 719968
mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
http://www.sashuk.com
Caption: The newly installed automated handling line at Sash UK Ltd

QUANTUM TAKES A FURTHER LEAP

Following a successful entry into the newbuild sector, Plastmo fabricator Quantum Windows of Corby has purchased a further three factory units to expand this area of their market, within a total £1 million investment programme.

Located adjacent to its existing operation, the additional 16,000sqft. factory will manufacture newbuild windows in Plastmo 62mm System Index PVCu, as well as increasing the existing output of doors and Slidex patio doors for the newbuild sector. This will increase output from 600 to over 1000 units a week, by year-end.

Quantum's investment package includes new production equipment for the expanded operation, plus a 100% increase in delivery vehicles.

Co-director Chris Ashman reports that as well as increased newbuild business,a dramatic increase in the company's prestige highspend conservatory market is evident.
Tel: 01536 260300

BIFFAWARD FUNDS 'SMASHING' RESEARCH PROJECT

The British Glass Foundation is undertaking a vital project aimed at promoting sustainable development in the glass industry, thanks to a £150,306 grant from Biffaward, a multi-million pound environment fund managed by RSNC, which utilises landfill tax credits donated by Biffa Waste Services.

British Glass Foundation is acutely aware of the shortcomings in current recycling programmes in the industry and that a key element in any recycling initiative is the provision of reliable information. Consequently the project aims to provide sound data to assist regulators, businesses and entrepreneurs to make informed decisions regarding potential recycling schemes.

The grant will be used to design a web-based database to disseminate information on alternative uses of waste glass and details of all significant glass waste streams. An environmental audit of the glass industry will also be carried out and research will be undertaken into the current recycling infrastructure to establish possible constraints, both technical and economic.

A technical liaison facility for the benefit of UK universities will also be established, which will form a link between academia and industry and provide assistance to universities in the form of technical advice and provision of samples.

The £150,306 grant includes a £15,030 contribution from the UK Container Industry. Under Govemment regulations only 90 per cent of a grant can be provided from landfill tax - the remaining 10 per cent must come from another source.

Biffa provides a range of public sector, commercial and industrial waste collection services including the management of 38 landfill restoration projects across the UK. The £10 million a year Biffaward fund has been set up, using tax charged on waste taken into landfill sites, to help finance environmental and heritage projects

Martin Bettington, Chairman of Biffaward, said: 'The principal objective of this project is to promote and contribute to new glass recycling ventures through the provision of reliable and detailed information. Biffaward is keen to support this project, which will increase the amount of waste diverted from landfill, through suppIying informed data to policy makers.'

David Workman, Director General, British Glass, the industry trade body, said: 'The grant will enable the further development of work initially addressed in 1993 and designed to find 'Alternative uses for Cullet' to progress in the more appropriate environment of the new millennium. Although numerous potentiaI new outlets for waste glass were identified none were commercially viable with the available volumes and process costs at that time. One of the greatest barriers preventing a new venture making successful transition to a commerciaIly sustainable enterprise is the lack of reliable data. The provision of sound information to both policy makers and would-be entrepreneurs is the principal objective of this project.'

Contact: RSNC
Tel: 0870 036 1000
Fax: 0870 036 0101
mailto:grants@rsnc.cix.co.uk
http://www.biffaward.org

A NEW CHAIN REACTION

Brunner Mond, one of the world's leading producers of soda ash, is pioneering a new approach to supply chain management.

The Cheshire-based company is building on a 100-year working relationship with one of its key customers - glassmakers Pilkington - with a joint project which has streamlined the supply chain process, saving time, effort and money.

Each year Brunner Mond, supplies more than 100,000 tonnes of its product to St Helens-based Pilkington, one of the world's leading manufacturers of flat glass and glazing products.

Bringing information together: Brunner Mond at Pilkington

'In an ideal world our plants would be next to one another and connected by a pipeline with a valve controlling the amount of soda ash going into the glassmaking process,' said Martin Keighley, Brunner Mond's Director of Marketing and Supply Chain.

The two companies have come as close to this as possible with a dedicated internet portal which allows Brunner Mond to respond directly to Pilkington's product requirement forecast.

Logistics contractor, Norbert Dentressangle Tankers Ltd. is also able to access the internet site and to plan its haulage timetable for the two companies based on the portal's data.

'AII of us involved can point to savings in manpower and an elimination of tedious, time-consuming processes and paperwork,' added Martin Keighley. 'The system is working so well that we are planning to develop versions of it for other key customers. Pilkington will also be introducing the concept to its other raw material suppliers.

Contact: Brunner Mond
Tel: 01606 724000
Fax: 01606 781353
http://www.brunnermond.com

ACQUISITION OF MARLEY BUILDING MATERIALS BY H+H CELCON
REFERRED TO COMPETITION COMMISSION

The proposed merger between H+H Celcon Ltd and Marley Building Materials Ltd. is to be referred to the Competition Commission by the Trade and Industry Secretary, Patricia Hewitt.

The decision follows a recommendation by the Director General of Fair Trading who advised that the merger might raise competition concerns particularly in the supply of aircrete blocks to the construction industry.

The decision to make a reference does not in any way prejudge the question of whether or not the proposed joint venture would be against the public interest. It is for the Competition Commission to report on this after investigation. The Commission is to make its report by 27 May 2002.

MPM LAUNCHES REHAU TRITEC-STYLE IN STYLE!

To mark its launch of Rehau Tritec-Style, MPM Windows of Mildenhall, Suffolk, recently held two highly successful installer days.

MPM invited customers to a presentation day attended by Rehau, who gave a presentation on the features and benefits of the new system. MPM also gave them a tour of its reorganised production facility and the new machinery which will enable it to produce around 1200 frames per week in Rehau Tritec-Style and Rehau's S702 and S706 systems.

Malcolm Hole, Rehau's Area Sales Manager and Gareth Jones, the Rehau Tritec-Style Product Manager demonstrated the performance benefits and improved aesthetics of Rehau Tritec-Style and many customers were particularly impressed by the silver, low-level gasketry used.

As well as the presentation from Rehau, representatives from Laird Securities Hardware also attended the event to present its new range of secure hardware which MPM will incorporate into its M-Tec branded frames. Also attending were Ultraframe who demonstrated the new Ultraselect range of decorative conservatory products.

MPM used the event to convey to installers the success of its 'New Start Project' which has seen significant changes take place at the company in terms of organisation and productivity. It also demonstrated its new order processing software to show how the project has helped improve efficiency.

MPM began fabricating in Rehau Tritec-Style immediately after the installer
days and, supported by a major trade advertising campaign, it has already received substantial orders for windows and doors fabricated in the new system.

mailto:window.enquiries@rehau.com
http://www.rehau.co.uk
Caption: Gareth Jones, Rehau's Product Manager, demonstrating Tritec-Style at an MPM open day

The Biggest just got Bigger

In January 2002 Packexe moved into new premises. The new premises incorporate 432sqm of office space and a 15,000m3 warehouse.

With customers throughout the UK and exporting to 50 countries around the world, its operations have grown since starting 13 years ago. Director, Andrew Orchard says, 'ever increasing demands on product quality and competitiveness have driven our need to not only meet, but surpass customer requirements, as a natural progression we have moved to premises that can house our growing work force'.

The Packaging Company's hottest selling product is Packexe 'Handy Wrap' sold to a wide range of industries for wrapping, protecting and collating goods. This versatile product is now also available in the new bigger sizes.

With an open day planned for the near future the premises are declared well and truly open for business.

Contact: Mr Andrew Orchard 01392 438191

TAKING MANUFACTURING EXPERTISE TO FAR FLUNG CONTINENTS

Claiming over 60 per cent of the UK market for manufacturing software, supplier Business Micros is extending its reach as far as the Philippines, Nassau, India and Kenya.

Through strong links with Diplomat Profiles, the Business Micros WinStar window and door production program is being used by fabricators on far flung continents, where knowledge and experience is bolstered by the UK expertise and experience.

'The flexibility of WinStar meant that it was cost effective for us to develop an
understanding of the needs of the different manufacturing market places and adjust our programs accordingly,' said Business Micros director Graeme Bailey.'These countries have developing market places which are crying out for guidance. Equally, their relative youth helps us to reassess the directions we have taken in product development and incorporate the necessary improvements for the home market.'

Tel: 01848 330588
mailto:info@businessmicros.co.uk
http://www.businessmicros.co.uk