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GU
Gains BBA Approval for New Europa Lock Range
GU
Ferco's
new G4 range of Europa security multi-point locks has been awarded (British
Board of Agrement) BBA No: 2569 approval.
G4
marks a major investment in the Europa lock range and is delivering
significant benefits to customers. As soon as the range became available
in the UK in autumn 2005, GU submitted it to the BBA to undergo its
rigorous testing procedure. With the benefit of BBA approval, buyers
have added reassurance that the locks have been independently tested
for endurance water-tightness and corrosion resistance.
‘G4 has enhanced the Europa range's specification and quality and
ensures it maintains its number one status for years to come,’
says marketing manager, Ian Ward. ‘BBA approval is one more reason
to buy the high quality, high performance products that customers demand
and GU are renowned for.
‘Comprising six new products, the G4 range combines the very best
of GU Europa quality with the latest lock technology. The developments
offer distributors, fabricators and end users greater sales flexibility,
simpler manufacturing and even higher levels of security.’
Highlights of the portfolio include, new Night latch, lever/Lever &
Plus fast locking G4 lock cases which add new features to the previous
Europa central lock case to build on the product's reliability. The
G4 Night Owl Safe-T-Catch has brought the Safe-T-Catch access bar restrictor
to a new level by giving users the option of key access for unforeseen
or emergency situations. The new all-steel G4 one-piece keeper is simple
to fit and offers total flexibility in terms of production. Customers
will also find enhanced versions of the best-selling Rhinobolt, Rhino
ADD-vantage and Three Deadbolt series.
Manufactured to exacting quality standards, G4 products come with the
benefit of a written ten year guarantee against operational failure
from the date of installation. Additionally, in the unlikely event of
a problem occurring on site, GU offers a five year parts and labour
warranty (subject to conditions of Sold Secure membership). In addition,
the range also carries the Sold Secure symbol proving that they have
been independently tested to withstand forced entry and attack.
Tel: 024 76217927
Duraflex
Helps Frameline Set High Standards
Just
over a year since it was set up, Frameline
Ltd on Merseyside has been awarded BS 7950 and BS 7412 accreditation
for its PVC-U windows fabricated from the Duraflex Diamond Suite. The
standards are achieved only after rigorous product testing for functionality,
strength, weather tightness and ability to withstand forced entry.
In addition, manufacturing and quality control procedures are scrutinised
to ensure high standards are maintained throughout the production process.
Currently operating mainly in the domestic trade market, gaining BS
approval will enable Frameline to expand production and develop opportunities
in the demanding new build and commercial sectors.
Frameline has been fabricating the Duraflex 70mm Featured System from
day one. Duraflex has played a key role in helping the company achieve
BS accreditation in just six months, says Gerry O'Brien, Frameline's
Office Manager: ‘It normally takes much longer, but because we're
using the Duraflex Diamond Suite, which has already achieved these standards,
we were able to fast track some tests. Also, the company’s Quality
Services Manager, Dave Riley, visited our factory and offered invaluable
advice on meeting the standards.’
Framelines' 31-strong team is delighted with its achievement, which
has further enhanced quality control and the company's credibility in
a challenging marketplace. A full traceability system of products coming
into and out of the factory is now in operation and each stage of fabrication
is recorded in line with BSI audit requirements.
The Merseyside manufacturer has certainly come a long way in the 14
months or so since it was established and looks set to continue moving
onwards and upwards. Indeed, enquiries from a number of housebuilders
have already been received since its BS accreditation was announced
in the local press.
‘After our first year of manufacturing, we are now producing an
excess of 400 frames per week,’ continues Gerry O'Brien. ‘Now
we're up to 400 and aiming for up to 650 in the next financial year.
Duraflex has backed us all the way and we believe its Featured Suite
is the best for our purposes. We particularly like the fact that the
door profile is sculptured to match the window frames - it's that small
attention to detail that can make a big difference in today's competitive
market.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
A
recent convert to the Duraflex PVC-U
system, Select Window and Door Systems in Maldon has just been awarded
Secured by Design accreditation for both its Bevelled and Featured range
fabricated from the Duraflex Diamond Suite.
Jeff
Cole, who set up Select in 1989, believes this highly respected security
standard will give the company’s retail customers a competitive
edge in a challenging market place. ‘Offering a product with a
security accreditation that is endorsed by the Police will be a significant
benefit to their business,’ says Jeff. Select is also looking into
the potential for certain customers to work with their local police
force to become 'preferred suppliers', which could open up further new
contract opportunities.
In order to become a Secured by Design Licensee, Select had to demonstrate
full compliance with the required quality management and product standards.
Already operating as an ISO 9001 approved company and manufacturing
to BS 7412 and BS 7950, this posed no problem for Select. Jeff continues:
‘We had to confirm that we held positive BS 7412 test documents
relating to air permeability and water tightness on a sample window.’
Successful BS 7950 test results for enhanced security performance of
casement windows for domestic applications also had to be shown, together
with Select's most recent BSI Audit Report. ‘And Duraflex provided
invaluable advice and assistance throughout the whole process, just
like the company did during our recent system changeover to the Diamond
Suite,’ adds Jeff.
Select is now planning to maximise the commercial potential of Secured
by Design accreditation. In addition to including it in its latest brochure,
the opportunities and benefits will be presented in more detail to customers.
This latest achievement follows a steady period of growth for this Essex
fabricator. Having recently invested in automated production, the company
is on track to produce 2,500 products within a single 44 hour shift
by mid 2006. Summing up, Jeff says: ‘Being awarded Secured by Design
status is all part of our commitment to customers to continually enhance
our product and service offering.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Newstead
Achieves Investor in People Standard
'A
company's staff is its greatest asset,’ says Adrian Locker, Newstead
Trade Frames' Managing Director, ‘which is why we were
recently awarded the prestigious Investor in People standard. It's a
straightforward, proven framework for delivering business improvement
through people. Our investment in training and development schemes and
management strategies helped us achieve the standard. These ensure all
Newstead employees have the knowledge and skills to work together to
make the business more productive and profitable. Because our people
are focused and motivated, our costs are reduced and our customers get
a better and more efficient service than ever.’
Independent research over the last 12 years has shown the Investor in
People Standard provides real business benefits such as improved earnings,
productivity and profitability. Further research among 2,000 accredited
organisations showed 80% have increased customer satisfaction and 70%
have improved their competitive edge and productivity.
The Investor in People Standard was developed in 1990 by a partnership
of leading businesses and national organisations and is reviewed every
three years to ensure it remains relevant. Further information on the
standard is available at http://www.investorsinpeople.co.uk.
Tel: 01782 641 642
Senator
Achieves First Southern Ireland C Rating Thanks to Edgetech
Wexford-based
Edgetech customer Senator
Windows Ltd is the first manufacturer in Southern Ireland
to achieve a BFRC C rating on its casement windows. Keith Ogilvie, Quality
Manager at Senator Windows explains: ‘We achieved the C rating
of -13 kWh/m2/y.K for internally beaded casement windows (the highest
rated C window so far) and -15 kWh/m2/y.K for externally beaded casements.
We have been an Edgetech customer for the last four years and use Super
Spacer®, which undoubtedly made the real difference in securing
this rating.’
Southern Ireland is not yet covered by The British Fenestration Rating
Council (BFRC) but in Keith's estimation the Irish government will have
the new energy efficiency standards in place and enforced within the
next three years.
Keith continues: ‘We see ourselves as pioneers of safety and thermal
efficiency and will now be putting our plans in place to secure a B
rating. At present we manufacture between 1,100 and 1,200 windows a
week and by the end of February, we intend our full suite to be C rated.
We are looking to increase volume significantly by the end of the year
with a marketing campaign emphasising how the new C rating can save
our customers money on their utility bills.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Newstead
Achieves C Rated Window
Fabricator
Newstead Trade Frames is the latest
company to offer installers an energy saving 'C' rated window. Its windows
are now fabricated with Low E glass, and an argon-filled sealed unit
with warm edge technology from Edgetech's Super Spacer®. A great
start to the New Year, the British Fenestration Ratings Council confirmed
the rating in January which means Newstead can now offer the C rated
window to its customers.
‘There are still only a handful of companies with any Window Energy
Rating,’ says Paul Baker, Operations Manager at Newstead, ‘which
means our customers can differentiate themselves and keep their profits
high. Homeowners are familiar with energy ratings. The C rated artwork
and Energy Saving Recommended logo we can now put on our windows are
more accessible than the Kitemarks we have, such as BS 7412 and BS 5713,
and the EN 1279 standard.’
Adrian Locker, Newstead's Managing Director adds: ‘Edgetech's Super
Spacer made it possible for Newstead to get the C rating. It deserves
its reputation as the most energy efficient spacer on the market. With
Secured By Design certification, arched profiles and now the C rated
window we can offer installers a unique range of products supported
by our leading marketing package, Selling Made Easy.’
Tel: 01782 641 642
Deceuninck
fabricator, Select Windows, has
won the Business Collaboration category at the annual Black Country
business awards. This comes only months after winning Social Housing
Project of the Year at the GO5 awards.
The
Business Collaboration award was achieved for the impressive work undertaken
by Select Windows with Walsall Housing Group Partnership. Under the
Decent Homes program, Select Windows had successfully carried out the
replacement of windows and doors in more than 2000 homes in the midlands
area utilising zendow(r) 3000 from Deceuninck.
Dee Benning, General Manager of Walsall-based Select Windows said: ‘We
feel extremely proud to have won The Business Collaboration award so
soon after winning the Social Housing Project of the Year. This categorically
proves that our honest, trustworthy and straightforward business approach
is certainly the way forward for the business.’
Select Windows works closely with profile provider, Deceuninck, which
provides the products, service and commercial support to the business.
Dee added: ‘Our relationship with Deceuninck has played a very
big part in our success at this year's awards and we are delighted with
the support the company continuously provides. It's all about business
partnerships and that includes the partnership with our suppliers as
much as our partnerships with customers.’
The Black Country awards have been designed to recognise and award the
success of their 'home-grown' businesses with different entry categories.
For more information on the products and services from Select Windows
visit http://www.selectwindows.co.uk
GAP's
Exclusive New Roofline System Homeline gets BBA Approval
GAP's
exclusive new roofline system Homeline has just been awarded BBA approval.
‘Getting BBA approval on Homeline was the first step before we
could bring the UK's most comprehensive roofline system to market. The
complete system includes the biggest range of roofline styles and designs
available in woodgrain and colour. Also in the range is a wide selection
of ventilation options and ancillaries.’ explains Simon Bird, GAP's
Joint Managing Director.
‘Achieving BBA approval on Homeline is important for our customers
and homeowners too. The Homeline range has been designed with homeowners
in mind. The website http://www.homeline.uk.com
which is now live gives homeowners all the information they need about
the benefits of installing maintenance free roofline, and explains what
makes a good installation. Installers get the benefit of the biggest
roofline range with BBA approval, backed up with comprehensive marketing
support.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Russell
Holmes, a supervisor at the Leeds factory of Abbseal
(UK) Ltd., recently became the 12,000th recipient of one
of the Glass Qualification Authority's NVQ Awards.
The presentation, which was attended by Abbseal's senior management,
including Martin Brayshaw, (Chief Executive) and Ian Johnson (Group
Process & Logistics Director - who came in specially from sick leave),
Alan Aspey (External Verifier for the GQA) and members of The Vocational
College's assessment team, recognised the achievement, and that of 6
of Russell's colleagues, who also received NVQ Level 3 awards.
Having spent the last twenty five years in the industry, Russell commented
that he was pleased he took the qualification which has gained him formal
recognition for his knowledge and expertise - even at his age! Ian Johnson
congratulated the recipients and added that he was encouraged that staff
and management were jointly driving forward the company's intention
of making personnel development a priority as part of the company's
aim to become the supplier of choice to the industry.
The NVQ's, delivered by The Vocational College, the largest GQA nationally
approved centre, brings to a total of 31 employees who have achieved
NVQ Level 3 across the company, with more close to completion, as well
as a number of Apprenticeships and Advanced Apprenticeships.
Caption: Alan Aspey, GQA external verifier, making the presentation
to Russell Holmes and congratulating him, and his colleagues, on succeeding
at this challenging level.
Double
Kitemark Achievement at A&A Windows
Profile 22 fabricator A&A Windows has been awarded accreditation under BSI Kitemark schemes 7950/7413 and 7412, confirming the quality of the Durham-based company's high security and standard windows in line with British Standards.
(L
to R): Sandy Rae of Profile 22 with Bill Burn, Keith Howe and managing
director Tony Ormiston of A&A Windows.
'We
are delighted that the hard work and the dedication of our staff has
been rewarded in this way' says Managing Director Tony Ormiston, commenting
on the award. 'Coupled with our BS EN ISO9001 registration these latest
endorsements underline our ability to meet the requirements of any commercial
contract as well as confirming the quality of our product for retail
customers.
'In addition, we know that the trade customers who use our products
will benefit from knowing they are buying a kite marked window from
a local supplier.'
The company, which was established thirteen years ago, has already proved
its credentials through work carried out for Hartlepool Housing Group
and Durham City Council and is looking forward to broadening its contract
and customer base in the North East as a direct result of its Kitemark
achievements.
Call 0191 383 0202 for more information and full details of the company's
products and services.
Thermoshield
Wins Local Business Award
Rochford-based
Thermoshield, a fabricator of WHS
Halo's System 10 PVC-U windows and doors, has scooped a prestigious
award at the 'Local Business Awards 2005', sponsored by Southend District
Council.
The
System 10 fabricator was named as the 2005 District Business Award Winner
for Manufacturing in front of the local mayor and 600 business guests.
After twenty three successful years fabricating and installing PVC-U
windows and doors in both the public and private sectors, Thermoshield
Senior Directors Neil Haylock and Scott Austen thought it was the right
time to seek local recognition and decided to enter the awards for the
first time.
Commenting on Thermoshield's success, Neil said: ‘The win far exceeded
our expectations. This is our first year of entering and is a great
achievement for the whole team.’
After submitting the presentation into the manufacturing category, Thermoshield
was also thrilled to discover that the company had been nominated for
the Environmental Awareness Award.
Narrowly missing out to a finalist from 2004, Scott added: ‘This
is the start of things to come. Thermoshield has the ambition, drive
and capabilities to go on to greater achievements.’Judges selected
the winners based on field visits and historical evidence from the past
twelve months.
Thermoshield impressed judges with the company’s 'discipline, together
with an organised manufacturing operation in the early stages of lean
production, evidenced with efficiency improvements whereby levels of
output and productivity have increased in the past 18 months'.
Thermoshield has now been invited to enter the County Business Awards.
Tel: 01702 541841
MPH
Windows’ ‘19’ Scoops Top Advertising Award
Preston-based
Sheerframe approved window fabricator MPH Windows
has joined the likes of Budweiser and Honda to scoop one of the top
international advertising industry awards.
The
company, along with ad creators Rock FM, were named winners in the ‘Best
Original Music with Lyrics’ category at the prestigious London
International Advertising Awards. A twist on the famous Paul Hardcastle
track ‘19’, the ad has been devised to promote MPH to retail
customers across Lancashire.
The LIAA worldwide judging panel comprises the most talented, recognised
and awarded professionals in their respective industries. Their recognition
of the MPH campaign meant that for one special evening, the MPH brand
was placed alongside a whole host of global household names including
Volkswagen, Mini, Lego, Epson and Dove.
The gold award was presented to Russell Milburn, managing director for
MPH Windows, and the Rock FM team by TV personality and comedian Ruby
Wax.
Russell says, 'When the ad was first conceived, we knew that it was
a winner but we had no idea that we would end up alongside the likes
of Honda and Audi at a glittering awards ceremony. The ad has been really
effective, continuing to stand out on Rock FM and has proved a very
useful marketing tool for us in the local retail market.'
Established in 1969, MPH Windows employs 140 people at its Lostock Hall
factory near Preston and manufactures over 1,000 Sheerframe windows
and doors every week, as well as a growing number of conservatories
for the retail and newbuild sectors.
Further information about the company can be found at http://www.mphwindows.com.
For further information on the Sheerframe system, contact 01773 852311
or visit http://www.sheerframe.co.uk.
Caption: (L-R) Jono Molyneux, Senior Creative, Damien Grady, Creative
Manager of Rock FM and Russell Milburn, managing director of MPH Windows
receiving their award from TV personality and comedian Ruby Wax
Profile
22 Sets Standards in North East
Profile
22 Systems
is celebrating success as its fabricators in the North-East pile up
the accolades.
In recent months, two more of its customers have achieved coveted British
Standards Kitemarks, giving their customers the reassurance of buying
high-quality, accredited windows and doors.
Andrew Reid, Profile 22's national sales manager, said: 'The Kitemark
is one of the UK's most recognised product certification marks and is
visual proof that the product meets strict, published specifications.
'Recent research conducted by the British Standards Institute suggests
that 80 per cent of UK consumers recognise the Kitemark as a symbol
of quality and safety and 60 per cent of them are prepared to pay a
premium for products that carry it. In a world of decreasing margins,
that's good news for everyone.'
As well as the obvious accolade of having so many fabricators accredited
in one geographical area, Andrew points out that there are practical
reasons why accreditation matters:
'Gaining accreditations means companies with a trade focus are able
to diversify into the world of commercial contracts, a potentially lucrative
marketplace for those serious about quality and service.'
One of the accredited companies, Alfa Windows Ltd, recently achieved
British Standards BS7950/7412 for security and performance respectively.
Director Nigel Porter says: 'Now, we not only have quality products,
but the stamp of approval to allow us to compete at the highest level
in both trade and commercial markets.'
A&A Window and door components Ltd, Durham, was also awarded with
British Kitemarks 7950/7413 and 7412 to add to its existing BS EN ISO9001
registration.
Both companies join Sekura Group, Sunderland, and Windowman, Newton
Aycliffe, in attaining the honours.
A&A managing director, Tony Ormiston, said: 'As a direct result
of its Kitemark achievements, A&A has been able to prove its credentials
by carrying out work for
Hartlepool Housing Group and Durham City Council and we are looking
forward to broadening its contract and customer base in the North East
with the help of Profile 22's commercial division.'
For further information please contact Profile 22 on Tel: 01952 290910
or email: andrew.reid@profile22.co.uk
The
2006 Glassex Conservatory Design Competition's
entry deadline at the end of January is fast approaching, so now's the
time to submit your entry and have your opportunity to shine!
The Glassex Conservatory Design Competition is the industry's largest
and most prestigious design competition. Sponsored by Ultraframe, the
designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems, the competition
recognises the most innovative installations, promotes the highest standards
of structural integrity and celebrates exceptional conservatory designs.
For the first time the competition will be awarding an overall 'Best
in Show' prize. The top prize includes, £5000 worth of state of
the art IT equipment featuring RoofWright software, designed to support
your business and maximise sales. The design competition has four categories;
Small Conventional, Large Conventional, Innovative Design and Large
Span. Gold, Silver, Bronze and Ultraframe Merit Awards for each category
will be announced at a presentation ceremony during Glassex. All winning
designs will be displayed at Glassex, which takes place at the NEC from
5th - 8th March, 2006.
Imogen Kreckeler, Managing Director of previous competition winners
Guernsey Glass, commented: 'Guernsey Glass has entered and won the Conservatory
Design Competition many times and most recently won three awards in
the 2005 competition. We believe that the competition is a great showcase
for the industry's best work and locally our customers are always impressed
to see that we have won prizes for our design and installation skills
in such a prestigious national competition.'
The entry process is simple. On two A3 boards mount a description of
the conservatory, mentioning any special features or challenges within
the design brief, a sketch or CAD drawings, build-in progress photography
(if available)and finished photography. Make sure you include your full
company details on each board and don't forget you can enter as many
times as you like.
Visit http://www.glassex.com
or http://www.ultraframe.com
to download an entry brochure or to find out more about the judging
criteria.
For further information on entering the 2006 Conservatory Design Competition
call Claire Shilling on 020 8277 5533 or email claire.shilling@emap.com
You're
Secure with Griffin Windows
Trade
fabricator, Griffin Windows, has
recently obtained Secured by Design status on its PVC-U windows and
doors. Secured by Design, the UK police flagship initiative supporting
the principles of 'designing out crime', is a well respected industry
standard and supports the high product quality that Griffin Windows
continuously offers.
Commenting on attaining the certification, Managing Director of Griffin
Windows, Mike Dunlevy said: ‘We are delighted to have achieved
Secured by Design status on our windows and doors. Secured by Design
is often the industry flagship to demonstrate product quality and offers
increased benefits to our installing customers.
Recent research published by the police department has shown that Secured
by Design can reduce burglary by up to 50% which is very encouraging
news to pass onto the consumer to give them the increased reassurance
they require.’
Griffin Windows manufactures a range of quality windows, doors and conservatories
from its site in Mid Glamorgan. The company currently fabricates in
excess of 6500 frames per week and offers a rapid and reliable UK delivery
service.
For more information on Griffin Windows contact 01443 777333.