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Tayside Veka Composite Door is Secured By Design

Long time Veka fabricator Tayside Windows Ltd of Forfar near Dundee has achieved Secured By Design approval from the Association of Chief Police Officers for its newly designed ‘Kapdor’ composite door, manufactured using Veka’s outer frame profile. The company, which has been servicing the double glazing industry for over 20 years, now hopes to achieve the same approval for its full range of Veka manufactured windows and doors.

Secured by Design, the UK Police flagship initiative supporting the principles of designing anti-crime measures, was created primarily to encourage the building industry to assist in reducing the opportunity for crime and the fear of crime, creating a safer and more secure environment. Research by Huddersfield University shows that residents living on Secured by Design developments are half as likely to be burgled, two and a half times less likely to suffer vehicle crime and suffer 25% less criminal damage.

Tayside Windows’ approved product, launched at a time of popularity for composite doors, is expected to draw considerable interest from its customers in the commercial, new build, trade and domestic sectors. General Manager Derek Howitt comments: ‘This is a major achievement for such a new product, and one that has been made possible by the exceptional quality of the Veka product and the high standard of manufacturing adopted by Tayside Windows. We have a really good working relationship with Veka and they have supported us extensively during our Secured By Design bid.’

Veka’s outer frame sections for doors, available for both its Matrix 58 and Matrix 70 systems in a number of sizes, allow the fixing of hardware without having to fit through local steel reinforcement, a benefit made possible by the provision of PVC fixing pip positions located in key areas within the profiles. The pips permit the fixing of standard hardware screws whilst still allowing for conformity to the requirements of BS 7412. The sections are available with mating ‘U’ channel steels for use as required within Veka’s recommendations and the BPF Code of Practice for Installation of Windows.

Veka - Tel: 01292 716611
http://www.veka.co.uk/

Health & Safety Accreditation for Freefoam

Freefoam Plastics, a manufacturer of roofline and rainwater systems, has been awarded the OHSAS 18001:1999.

This Occupational Health and Safety award is a recognition of Freefoam managements’ commitment to provide a safe working environment for its employees. It's understood that only approximately 5000 companies worldwide have achieved certification and Freefoam is amongst the leading group in the Republic of Ireland to achieve the award.

Freefoam manufactures systems that are 100% lead-free and made using an advanced calcium zinc formulation for increased performance and colour stability. This provides the basis of the 20 Year extended guarantee applicable to Freefoam installations that are registered on line at http://www.freefoam.com/guarantee.

Freefoam was also certified by SGS last year to the upgraded Quality Standard ISO 9001:2000 which provides a frame for benchmarking and monitoring improvements across the company's processes and activities to achieve continuous improvement. Previous ISO certification was 9002 and focused on compliance in standards and procedures.

G 04 IT!!

Companies have been quick to register their interest in the new G 04 Awards taking place at the ICC, Birmingham in June. A steady flow of entries have greeted the announcement earlier this year that an industry awards scheme was to make a return to the industry calendar.

The prospect of nine leading industry names acting as main event sponsors and Jack Dee agreeing to act as host for the gala dinner on June 18th - coupled with the Glass and Glazing Federation running their annual convention in conjunction with the event – has caught the imagination of the industry.

Raising of standards and the pursuit of excellence has never been more important in the glass, glazing and fenestration business, as legislation in production, marketing and supply becomes more strict. Those companies that have embraced the need for improvement, and adopted improved measures and policies, should act as a marker for the rest of the industry by broadcasting the fact. And what better way than by entering for, and hopefully winning, an industry award.

Although there is only two weeks before the closing date for entries, entering the awards has never been easier, simply go to www.g-awards.com and enter on line, or download and complete an entry form, before faxing it through for consideration.

With the talented and very funny Jack Dee as gala dinner host, and a top class production in place, the evening will also prove to be a 'not to be missed'occasion. Tables are being snapped up fast but can be booked for the cost of £1050+VAT on-line at www.g-awards.com or by e-mailing tony@theglazine.com

Accommodation in Birmingham city centre is also available at discounted rates through Trish Norton and Associates at trishnorton@btinternet.com or by calling 01827 311735 or faxing 01827 312525.

BBA News

In this month's What's New section of the BBA website there is news of an ETA award to Liquid Plastics along with details of Certificates awarded, amended or withdrawn.

Certificate and Detail Sheets Changed Between 17th February- 29th March 2004

New Certificates

04/4092 - DURAFRAME CAVITY CLOSER SYSTEM - DURAFLEX LTD
04/4087 - ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - W B FABRICATIONS LTD
04/4088 - ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - TAYLOR MADE CONSERVATORIES LTD
04/4091 - SP FONSTER TIMBER WINDOW RANGE - SP FONSTER AB
04/4080 - HW SYSTEMS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - COASTAL WINDOWS LTD
04/4084 - EUROCELL PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - TRADEGLAZE (LINCOLN) LTD
04/4085 - PLASTMO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - ABBOTT GROUP LTD

Amendments to existing Certificates
reissued certs between 17th-Feb-2004 and 29th-March-2004

97/3398 - ANDERSEN DOOR SYSTEM - ANDERSEN WINDOWS INC
01/3832 - ABBOTT GROUP SLIMSTILE OVOLO PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - ABBOTT GROUP LTD
03/4054 - MASTERFRAME PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - MASTERFRAME WINDOWS LTD

Certificate withdrawals

98/3497 - ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - Consort Ltd
98/3542 - VINYLOCK PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Coastal Ltd
99/3577 - ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - Corby Windows Ltd

Certificates lapsed

91/2585 - ISO SYSTEMS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Iso-Systems (Adeptal Systems Ltd),
94/2980 - ISO SYSTEMS PVC-U DOOR SYSTEM - Iso - Systems (Adeptal Systems Ltd)

Web: http://www.bbacerts.co.uk

Alitex Ltd, Petersfield, Selected as Finalist In the IMechE's Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2004

Following a tough selection process, Alitex Ltd, Petersfield, designer and manufacturer of bespoke glasshouses, has been selected as a finalist in the Institution of Mechanical Engineers' (IMechE) Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2004. The awards are designed to encourage and reward high standards and innovative working practices in UK companies, while setting a benchmark for running a successful and competitive business.

John Ling, IMechE Technical Manager, comments, 'Alitex Ltd has been selected as finalist in the Best Partnership between Business and Education category and for the Manufacturing Excellence - Best Small or Medium Enterprise. We are now at a critical stage of the competition where the assessors are visiting the finalist companies for validation of their working practices. I wish all finalists the very best of luck.'

Alastair Patrick, Managing Director, Alitex Ltd, said 'We are delighted to be finalists in this leading competition. This is tremendous recognition for the efforts of the staff at Alitex Ltd who have developed the principles of manufacturing excellence and implemented them into their workplace. Excellence is a continuous process and we measure ourselves all the time to ensure we are leading the pack. This assessment will give them a real opportunity to measure themselves against what is considered to be 'best practice' in industry.'

The winner will be announced at the awards ceremony on Wednesday evening, 30th June 2004, at the Dorchester Hotel, Park Lane, London. The ceremony is open to all. For further information please contact Madeline Willis, tel: 020 7973 1260, email: mailto:m_willis@imeche.org.uk.

Partners and Sponsors of the Manufacturing Excellence Awards 2004, in alphabetical order, are:

Barclays, DTI, EEF, IBM, KellySearch, Manufacturing Advisory Service, Manufacturing Foundation, Professional Engineering, Renishaw, RSM Robson Rhodes, Sandvik Coromant and Warwick Manufacturing Group.

Secured to the Full-Extent

The Fullex SL-16 suite of door locking systems have recently attained Sold Secure status to add to the testing accreditations they already hold.

As the security door lock carries the Secured By Design licence, crucial for housing associations seeking new build finance, the SL-16 has also been fully tested in a number of different door materials and frame combinations to comply with PAS 23 and 24. The SL-16 also carries the Police Preferred Security Status and holds a BBA cycle testing accreditation, recognised as equivalent to a 30-35 year life span, providing Local Authorities, tenants and home owners alike with peace of mind.

Fullex Locks Limited recognises that no matter how robust or secure the actual locking system may be, security abuse will be affected according to the door material and design, which is why the Fullex SL-16 offers a range of alternatives specifically designed to suit aluminium, steel, hardwood, softwood, composite and pvc doors.

Working closely with door manufacturers and fabricators enables Fullex to fully understand the variation in contraction and expansion co-efficients experienced with different materials. Sold Secure assessment was carried out with the SL-16 fitted into a Manse Masterdor, using realistic human intervention tests. As a result of the close liaison between Sold Secure and the police force, security is examined by applying methods commonly used by burglars, rather than a set application of tools and time permitted.

The SL-16 is manufactured from high tensile metals, using a stainless steel cover plate as standard, making the lock highly resistant to corrosion. Austenitic steel keeps are easily adjustable after final fixing to compensate for expansion and contraction in the door and frame, whilst gear boxes rather than springs, and bolts as opposed to roller cams are used to assure protection against forced entry, providing good weathering performance, long lasting reliability and practical functionality.

Simple to install, this high security door lock is manufactured as a non-riveted system, which means that in the event of gear box damage caused by forced entry or vandalism, it can be unscrewed and replaced without having to remove the whole locking mechanism. This also offers additional benefits to the end user, as the lock continues to offer substantial security whilst awaiting repair.

In addition, a split spindle, with integral latch facility and snib operation is offered as standard, for greater levels of security and providing a traditional rim lock style 'latch' facility. With a centre dead bolt and comprehensive selection of compression and hook bolt combinations, the SL-16 can be adapted to suit a vast array of individual application requirements.

The Fullex SL-16 is already approved by the ABI, (Association of British Insurers), but the addition of Sold Secure certification, together with its support package, will more easily enable installers of the Manse door to identify the benefits to their customers, which often include discounted insurance premiums.

Tel: 01384 401312

Synseal’s Shield and Global Roofs Awarded BBA

Both Synseal’s Shield and Global roofs were awarded the British Board of Agrément certification at Glassex. Bob Priest, Quality Standards Manager of Synseal Extrusions explains why they applied for the BBA. ‘We know our roofs can stand the test of time because of the lack of problems our customers experience, but we wanted to give them another selling point too. Having BBA approval on our roofs makes a big difference to our installers. It allows them to provide even more reassurance to the homeowner. It can make all the difference at the point of sale.

‘As recent headlines have shown, we haven’t had any problems getting customers without the BBA approval, but having it does give us another important advantage. The roofs were tested for water penetration, wind resistance, thermal exposure and static loading over a period of three days. And the results? Our roofs can withstand the equivalent of 113 inches of rain in 24 hours (the total annual rainfall in 2003 was 34 inches!), wind speeds of up to 85 miles per hour and an applied load of 120 kilograms per square metre, that’s four feet of snow to you and me.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Coastal Wins BBA Approval

Trade fabricator Coastal has been awarded BBA approval for its Warwick 63mm casement window system in record time. The accreditation applies to both the internally and externally beaded versions of the Warwick range, which is one of Coastal’s core product lines.

Peter French, Coastal’s Sales and Marketing Director, explains, ‘The fact that the HW Systems profile is already BBA approved certainly helped us to fast track the process. It was then just a case of verifying that we fabricate to the standard as already specified for the profile, and no further tests were required.’ According to Peter, the introduction of the product into Coastal’s manufacturing operation at Poole went very smoothly, and the BBA Approved Warwick window is now available to order.

Coastal regards the achievement as a means of supporting those customers who are already selling into or who are considering supplying the new build specification sectors, where BBA Approval is an essential requirement. The BBA Certificate was presented to Peter French, along with Coastal’s Quality Assurance Manager, Brian Dickinson, and Technical Manager, Andy Naylor, at this year’s Glassex. ‘Gaining BBA Accreditation is great news for Coastal and for our installer customers, and yet another endorsement of our continuing commitment to adding value to our comprehensive product and service package,’ adds Peter.

Tel: 01202 624011
Web: http://www.coastalwindows.co.uk

Goldline Specialist Installer Wins Best In Britain Award

The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator of PVCu windows and doors, has announced that customer and local window and door installation company, Crystal Vision of Brighton, won a national award at the Glass and Glazing industry exhibition Glassex which ended on Wednesday 17th March.

Crowned with the title of Conservatory Installer of the Year, Nick Wickham and Alan Bridger of Crystal Vision were short listed by the exhibition organisers to participate in an installer challenge, against the clock, in front of a packed audience, on the last day of the show. Tasked with installing a door, flat window, bay window and conservatory roof, Nick and Alan were judged for speed, the finish of their work and that they undertook correct health and safety fitting procedures as outlined in the BBF code of practice. This was in addition to other issues such as site housekeeping and appearance.

However, there was a double challenge for the lads, as Crystal Vision of Brighton is a Goldline Specialist – suppliers and installers of the Goldline window system only. The frames, hardware, roof, operation and installation procedures of the products supplied for the competition, proved completely unfamiliar to the team on the day. Nick comments ‘We have been Goldline Installers for some ten years now and our partnership with Whiteline is very successful, giving our customers a quality product, excellent service and competitive prices. A big part of the challenge, on the day, was competing against installers familiar with a system that we were not, but this was something we managed to overcome!’. The team walked away with a trophy, power tools and a day at the Silverstone racetrack.

The competition event was designed to provide some fun and action at the Glassex exhibition, but on a more serious note, to promote excellence amongst private and public sector installation specialists.

Tel: 01323 647800
Web: http://www.whitelinewindows.com

Sortimo International Ltd Receives the ISO 9001:2000 Certificate

Sortimo lnternational, the manufacturer of secure van racking equipment for light commercial vehicles, has achieved ISO 9001:2000 certification, signifying that its quality management standards meet rigorous industry requirements.

'This achievement reflects our commitment to the highest levels of service excellence,' said lan Elvin general manager of pan-European Sortimo International Ltd. 'The certification means that our quality management system assures the integrity of our processes and it reinforces the confidence that our customers have placed in us to deliver products that meet or exceed their exacting requirements.'

The ISO 9001:2000 standard, released in December 2000 as the successor to ISO 9000:1994, is an internationally recognised quality management system developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

To be certified to the standard, companies must implement a quality management system embracing the activities of the company. These include staff training, meeting customer expectations, designing and developing products, purchasing materials and services, and delivering products and services. This is done by process management, which for Sortimo means demonstrating steps taken to provide customers the services they pledge. Certification to ISO 9001:2000 reinforces to customers, through an independent third-party, that Sortimo International Ltd operates a quality management system in accordance with the standard.

The certification Body of TÜV Management Service Gmbh certifies that Sortimo International Ltd has established and applies a Qulity Management System for the Sales and Installation of Sortimo in-vehicle equipment for service vehicles. An audit was performed and proof has been supplied that the requirements according to DIN EN IS09001:2000 are fulfilled and is valid to May 2006.

FREEPHONE: 0800 027 5644
Email: mailto:vanrack1@sortimo.co.uk
Web: http://www.sortimo.co.uk

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