Fabricator Nov 11 - profinder.eu

thefabricator
NOVEMBER 2011

WAKE UP AND
SMELL IT!
Announcing the arrival of
REAL choice in
conservatory
roof systems
The ZOOM
conservatory roof
combines great
looks with unbeatable
performance.
Fast to fit and easy
to sell, ZOOM is
now available to both
installers and fabricators.
Choose the ready-to-go
kit, ZOOM READY, or
make your own using
ZOOM LINIAR profile.
0845 305 4138
www.zoomroom.co.uk

thefabricator
Contents
News – 4
Randall and Hartshorn buy Zoom; Deceuninck’s new showroom; Synseal buys Midland
Glass; return to Network Veka; Spectus wins Vision
News Extra – 8
Epwin sells Zoom conservatories
Roto predicts slow growth (10)
Cover Story – 11
Liniar adds to bi-fold range
Glass & Structural Glazing – 12
Save time with Comar; Weathershield makes IGUs; Smashing Glass co in new factory;
Swisspacer makes Olympic grow;privacy from Polyvision
The CAB Column – 14
Aluminium is an ‘eco’ material says Justin Ratcliffe
Bi-fold and sliding doors – 19
Liniar’s new hardware; FSDC celebrates ten years in business
Products – 23
Four pages of new products
The Fabricator 2011 1

The world’s favourite lock since 1843
Welcome to
your new front
door key, now
compatible with
Lockmaster
and Millenco.
Unlock the next generation in home security with
Keyfree, a family-friendly solution for the modern
homeowner. Keyfree is a hi-tech, digital door
Keyfree combines security with convenience,
allowing you to access and protect your property
without a key.
No more lost keys, no more rummaging in your
bag, with Keyfree everything’s covered. You can
even open your door from the comfort of your
car. It’s the perfect way to make your new
door complete.
The Keyfree security system is compatible with
the Yale YS170, Lockmaster and Millenco
multi-point door locks.
Pin Code access is easier
for all your loved ones
No need to carry a key
when you’re nipping out
Extra keys are a thing of the
past for those that help out
No more fumbling around
for the right key
Learn more about Keyfree at www.yale.co.uk,
where you can watch a consumer video and
see the product in action.
For more information contact
0845 223 2128
An ASSA ABLOY Group Brand
ASSA ABLOY
Available from:

Editor John Roper
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The Fabricator Vol 7 No 11
ISSN: 1752-2145
www.profinder.eu
Copyright © 2011 Profinder Ltd.
❐ ❐❐
Comment
thefabricator
I’d like to write about something else, Ireally would. I know I have covered
the topic before, I know we are all really bored with it but I can’t avoid it. It
keeps banging in my ears like an irritating tune.Ican’t get away from it, every
time I turn on the radio someone is going on about the bloody RECESSION!
OK, so whose recession is it anyway? Well I reckon that it is the
government’s recession.Though I suppose in a democracy that has to make it
the people’s recession. At a recent press-fest held by Roto Frank in Prague
the CEO Dr Eckhard Keill spoke at length about the world economic
situation and he pulled no punches blaming governments worldwide for
causing the problems, (or failing to stop them). “Now,” he said, “the people
have to suffer to put things right.”
On the other hand Roto is predicting its own continued growth Europewide.
So while everyone else is suffering, or so we hear, Roto is shipping
hardware and looking to ship more in 2012.And that hardware is going into
windows and doors.
Every fabricator I have visited recently has been very busy and you have to
ask “Where are all these windows going?” Someone is buying them. And
there are some pretty fancy products being made as well: folding-sliding doors
for instance,ahot ticket item right now and they make a very good option
between a house and a conservatory.
Which is another thing: conservatories, they are not cheap but people are
still buying them as they are also buying lots of hi-spec entry doors.
We all believe the gospel: there is a recession going on, the government and
the BBC say so,so it must be true.But when I look at our own industry I can’t
help thinking it must be going on somewhere else.As I said earlier,someone,
somewhere in this bleak overspent, recession-ridden land has the money to
buy the products, lots of the products.
Overall there are two big drags on the economy: parasitic industries and an
overblown public sector. We just got over 13 years with a socialist
government which, as they will, expanded the public sector, apparently
thinking they were creating ‘real’ jobs. On top of that we have burgeoning
security and health and safety industries, neither of which do anything to
create wealth. Indeed all three combined simply leech on the productive,
manufacturing industries and, sometimes, make it difficult for them to do their
jobs.
To its credit the coalition government has been doing its best to reduce the
public sector. It has also unravelled some of the more ridiculous health and
safety regulations as well; not enough but it has made a start. (This is how
ridiculous it gets: I read recently about an inquest on a woman who had fallen
down a flooded mineshaft.The emergency services determined that it would
breach health and safety rules to winch her out, so she drowned.The fire chief
in charge determined that the operation was a ‘success’ because none of his
own crew had been injured!)
And I haven’t even started on the plethora of regulatory bodies which have
sprung up to make sure that manufacturers adhere to standards and
regulations, and charge them for the privilege.
John Roper
In association
with
The Fabricator 2011 3

NEWS
Great roof potential
Martin Randall, of Crystal Direct
(right), and LiniarWindow Systems’
Roger Hartshorn (below) have teamed
up to invest in Zoom Conservatory
Roof Systems which they have acquired
from Epwin Group.The acquisition was
made by Capulet, an investment vehicle.
The announcement is perfect timing for
the conservatory market.
Randall, chairman of Zoom
Conservatory Roof Systems says: “We
believe there is considerable potential in
the conservatory market, but without
investment in product development and
innovation, and the drive that comes
from a belief in the potential for
conservatories it is difficult to enthuse
and grow the market.Zoom brings fresh
legs and new thinking to the
conservatory market. It is an innovative
conservatory roof system that’s a well
kept secret, but we aim to develop and
build on it.The market will look back in
two or three years and judge how much
we’ve changed the industry.” ❐
See page 8
and www.profinder.eu
All in pink
On Friday 28 October, staff at
Crystal Direct donned pink
accessories and fancy dress to raise
nearly £2,000 for Breast Cancer
Campaign.
Staff really got into the spirit of the
day with an array of inventive outfits.
There was a group of cowgirls, a sugar
plum fairy, the pink panther and two Mr
Blobbys. Managing director Brian
Geraghty also kept his word by wearing
pink pants outside his trousers all day.
Chairman Martin Randall originally
promised a weekend for two in Paris as
a prize for the most creative costume,
but choosing the best was so difficult
that all 19 staff who wore fancy dress
won a weekend in Paris.
He says: “All Crystal staff got involved
in this fun day for a very worthwhile
cause.We raised nearly £2,000 with a
£1,000 donation from Crystal.We were
delighted to support Breast Cancer
Campaign, which funds vital research
into breast cancer.The highlight of my
day was the sponsored boxing match
between the two Mr Blobbys.I’m hoping
there’ll be a re-match next year.”
Breast Cancer Campaign is a
community of scientists, supporters and
people touched by breast cancer. The
charity currently supports 101 research
projects worth over £17.2m across the
UK and Ireland. ❐
Deceuninck has opened its newly refurbished showroom at its
Calne headquarters. Jon Skinner at Deceuninck says:“The new
showroom displays our products to their very best advantage.It’s
an appealing and practical space that demonstrates our extensive
range of products for windows, doors and conservatories, outdoor
living and cladding.”
The opening of the new showroom marks one of the first uses of
Deceuninck’s new corporate identity,which complements the
Deceuninck’s building a sustainable home philosophy.The new
look and the reasons behind it are discussed in depth by
Deceuninck CEOTom Debusschere in the latest edition of
Windowshopper,the company’s consumer magazine. ❐
4
Siegenia-Aubi has added to its
UK-wide sales team with the
appointment of two new
regional sales managers.
Adrian Gale and Sam Mansfield
will handle customer sales in
the East and West Midlands
region and London and the
South East regions respectively. ❐
The Fabricator 2011

NEWS
Synseal buys MGL
Welcome home
Synseal Profiles has announced the
acquisition of the assets of Midland
Glass, the Mansfield-based insulated
glass unit manufacturer. Synseal has
purchased the production machinery
and associated handling equipment in a
move that greatly extends Synseal’s
support capabilities for its customers.
Synseal will operate its glass division
from the 43,000sq ft premises formerly
occupied by MGL.
Three new managers have joined
Synseal to head up the company’s entry
into the IGU market: Mark Cerrone
(formerly of MGL) has been appointed
glass manufacturing manager,Kelly Toor
(formerly of MGL) has been appointed
customer services manager and Brian
McDonald (formerly of Hegler) has
been appointed commercial manager. ❐
As the old saying goes, the grass isn’t
always greener on the other side,a
saying which Network Veka stands by
when it comes to its membership
package.
The respected trade organisation
recently welcomed back five ex
members; Evan Evans UPV-C, KP
Double Glazing, S & A Developments ,
Newell Glass & Design and Eastern
Windows have all re-joined Network
Veka this year after leaving voluntarily.
The organisation announced earlier
L-R: Brian McDonald - commercial manager, Steve Musgrave
manufacturing director,KellyToor customer services manager,
Mark Cerrone manufacturing manager, David Leng chief executive
Spectus Window
Systems has won a
competitive tender to
supplyVision Products,
with its Elite 70
profiles.Vision Products
is a supported business
run by Wales’ Rhondda
CynonTaff County
Borough Council, and
was set up specifically
to provide employment
and training
opportunities for 80
local people with disabilities. 21 of these work in its PVC-U
manufacturing department, fabricating high quality PVC-U
windows, doors and curtain walling for a whole host of applications,
including social housing, school building stock and care homes.
Vision Products reported sales of £2m this year and has been a
Spectus fabricator since 2004. Spectus has always been proud to
work with a company that gives so much back to its local
community,so when this contract finished and Rhondda CynonTaff
County Borough Council put the business out to tender,Spectus
was keen to re-apply.
Spectus has been signed up for another four years. ❐
6
NetworkVeka MD John Ogilvie
this year that its membership figures for
2011 are a massive 68% up on last year,
and according to MD John Ogilvie,
Network Veka is always happy to
welcome back ex-members: “When a
member leaves Network Veka on their
own accord, they are always invited to
rejoin us. There could be a number of
reasons why they may want to leave,but
it’s why they want to come back that’s
important.
“The benefits that members get with
Network Veka are by far the most
extensive in the industry. Our members
know that they are part of an
independent group where they all have
a say in how it’s run, and that’s why we
manage to maintain such high standards
and have reached a current all-time
record number of members.” ❐
The Fabricator 2011

The evolution continues.
Pilkington K Glass S
The new soft coat option
For over two decades Pilkington has been the driving force behind
the development of energy-efficient glazing. Our efforts have made
Pilkington K Glass the most recognisable brand name in both trade
and consumer markets, and put energy efficiency firmly on the regulatory
agenda. Now with the launch of Pilkington K Glass S, our new soft
coat option, the range offers more choice than ever. Giving you even
more ways to comply with Part L, now and in the future.
To find out more, visit www.pilkington.co.uk/kglass,
email pilkington@respond.uk.com or call our team
on 01744 692000 quoting 0274.

NEWS EXTRA
Zooming in
on the roof
business
Meeting Martin Randall his excitement is clearly
evident. Along with Liniar boss Roger Hartshorne
he has bought Zoom Conservatories from the Epwin
Group. And Randall reckons they are all set to shake up
the conservatory market and probably stir up the status
quo in a few other areas as well.
“It is a great buzz,” says Randall. “It is like starting up
all over again.You forget how exciting it is, even down to
the detail of kitting out a new factory – getting in the
phone lines, planning the offices, all the detail I didn’t
expect to do again.”
Zoom’s new factory is in Letchworth with 20,000sq ft of
existing manufacturing space and room to expand to
50,000sq ft. “Building work starts in January,” says
Randall, clearly impatient to get things moving. On the
Friday that The Fabricator visited Zoom the factory was
still largely empty.We asked the obvious question: “When
do you start production?” “Monday” was the reply,
“We’ve got 20 kits to get out!”
In fact there will be two facilities.The one in Letchworth
will assemble
kits - Zoom
Ready, while
Roger
Hartshorne will
ship the system
– Zoom Liniar -
from
Derbyshire.
Of course
Hartshorne is
no stranger to a
repeat
performance.
First of all he
created
Eurocell out of
his trade
extrusion company HL Plastics.At the time he said of the
new system: “I have looked at all of the available systems
and taken the best bits to create a new one that is easy to
fabricate. I have the advantage of learning from other
people’s mistakes.” And recently he took HL out of
Eurocell and did it again, creating Liniar from the same
premise.
“It is a great system,”says Martin Randall. “I started as
a fitter and I can tell you, this system is easy to fit. With
Roger handling the R&D we will make it even better. He
has the ability to look at a component and see a better way
of doing things and there are a few things he has already
changed.”
8
Top: Zoom’s new factory in Letchworth
Above:Martin Randall
Left: Roger Hartshorne
In addition to the potential for growth, Zoom has an
existing loyal customer base. “Customers are loyal
because of the service they have been getting,” says
Randall. “That certainly won’t change and we would hope
to even improve things. One thing is for sure, this is a
fitter’s product.They buy it because it is easy to install. At
the consumer level I don’t think it makes any difference at
all, a householder buys a conservatory not a roof.There is
no brand awareness any more than there is with windows.
And on the subject of customer care, I have to say that
Epwin was incredibly helpful to us in seeing this
acquisition go through smoothly.
“What I do think is that the conservatory market overall
has a lot of mileage in it. It suffered a hiccup during the
period when Ultraframe and K2 were locked in litigation.
That took everybody’s eye off of the ball. The recent
recession didn’t help, given what it has done to consumer
confidence but, with a rising population, the demand for
living space doesn’t go away and adding a conservatory is
still one of the most cost-effective ways of creating extra
space.” ❐
Tel: 01462 489900
www.zoomroom.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

NEWS EXTRA
Roto predicts
slow market
growth
At a recent Roto
conference Dr
Eckhard Keill, (right)
CEO of the Roto
Frank Group,
summarised the
company’s situation
and prospects: “We
have achieved a lot
and want to keep
going.” He said: “We
predicted a failure in
the global economic
recovery last year but
with an estimated 3%
increase in business volume in 2011 Roto is on track and
we will be able to succeed even in declining markets.
Focussing on our strengths and being proactive has again
proved to be the right strategy.”
Dr Keill told the conference that the building sector has
been suffering from the general economic slowdown since
the second half of 2011. This has also been affecting the
window and door industry, although there are vast
regional differences. “All in all we do not expect a deep
recession similar to 2009. We even predict continuing –
albeit moderate – growth for Roto,” he said.
Dr Keill pointed out that the current debt, banking and
financial crisis and the resulting crisis of confidence have
led to insecurity; which in turn is stifling the strong global
economic upswing that could still be felt at the beginning
of this year. Roto had already warned about the global
risks of extremely high state deficits last year. Says Dr
Keill: “These fears have been confirmed.”
The German Institute for Economic Research still
predicts a global economic increase of 3.75% in real terms
in 2011 after a 5% increase last year. The economic
performance of the USA and the EU, for instance, is far
below average, while the so-called BRIC-states (Brazil,
Russia, India and China) boast an “excellent growth
record”.
Recently the EU Commission forecast just under 2%
growth for all member states combined this year and only
1% next year. The group of the well-known “crisis
countries” Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy might even
be joined by an additional ‘problem child’: France.
However, there are positive forecasts too: for Central and
Eastern Europe, first and foremost for Poland and Russia.
Dr Keill says: “Despite economic forecasts, which have
repeatedly been revised downwards, German GDP is
likely to increase by just under 3% in 2011. This means
that the largest European economy is the clear number
one in Western Europe. Moreover, many German
businesses have achieved a high level of competitiveness
and, according to the autumn reports of economic
research institutes, are well prepared for any impending
economic downturn. Based on what we know now,
German economy will be significantly slowed down in
2012, but will not slip into a crisis.”
For the building sector Dr Keill predicted a
cumbersome recovery. Latest Euroconstruct calculations
for 19 countries confirm that production volumes have
dropped in 2011 by 0.4% for the fourth time in a row.
2012 and 2013 will only see a slight increase. According
to the institutes, total construction output will still be 12%
lower than in 2007, before the crisis.
Regardless of the lack of reliable data, the development
of international window and door markets essentially
mirrors the general construction business. According to
Dr Keill, there are significant regional and national
disparities: countries like Greece, the United Kingdom,
Spain and the USA belong to the weak markets. Markets
in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Poland and Russia are
stable, or even show slight growth. Meanwhile, Asia is
characterised by high-speed growth. He says: “Generally,
the industry should not rely on external support such as
state-funded support programmes. Companies should
instead all strive to achieve a higher significance for
windows and doors by actively promoting them.
“In 2011 the extraordinary boom of this business will
come to an end. After several ups and downs, the latest
forecasts by industry associations indicate only a slight
increase in volume. A quasi-stagnation is expected for
2012. That is why intensive marketing activities and
market development are all the more important – after all,
the industry does not lack potential. According to a study,
312 out of 581 million window units in Germany have to
be refurbished, if only for reasons of energy efficiency.” ❐
10
The Fabricator 2011

COVER STORY
Opening up sales
Folding-sliding doors continue to be a star growth product as home owners and businesses
become increasingly aware of their benefits and how they can enhance and transform their
homes
Bi-fold doors can offer an attractive link to gardens and
showrooms whilst maximising space and letting in
large amounts of light. Liniar claims to be the first systems
company to launch a purpose-designed second generation
folding-sliding door.
To ensure that its Bi-Fold Plus range continues to be the
best on the market, Liniar has enhanced and improved its
bespoke hardware, so that it can now offer even more to
its customers. The new hardware offers marked
improvements to the look, feel, operation and quality of
the range. Liniar has developed the following:
An external slim door handle which offers an
attractive and subtle alternative to previous larger
versions.This enables Liniar’s Bi-Fold Plus range to be
operated from the outside so far greater access is offered.
A new door lock and keep set which features an
adjustable one-piece unit.This ensures that the external
slim door handle does not have to compromise on security
and that fabrication times are still very quick
In response to requests from customers, the range is
now available in black as standard along with white, gold
and chrome finishes.
When the doors are paired with existing features such as
the Part M approved ultra low threshold, concealed
hardware and slim sight lines, Liniar believes it has an
unbeatable combination of all the advantages that foldingsliding
doors can offer, to make
the Bi-Fold Plus range easy for
its fabricators to sell.
The key to a growing business
and creating innovative
products is having an
experienced team of staff who
are experts in their field. The
Liniar technical team have a
wealth of industry knowledge,
with a combined technical
experience of well over 100
years. The team designed the
entirety of the Bi-Fold Plus
system from scratch – in fact it
was the first purpose-designed
PVC-U product of its kind in
the UK.
Adrian Redshaw, Liniar’s design director says: “The
Liniar technical team are driven towards continually
developing our range of products, to ensure that the range
reflects the wants and needs of our customers. Much of
the new hardware is based on customer feedback, which
we regard as constructive criticism and a great
opportunity to enhance our designs.” ❐
www.bi-foldplus.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011 11

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Time keeping the cash
Comar Architectural Aluminium
Systems has been in business for 40
years. A British and privately owned
company, Comar is currently enjoying
great success with systems and
business practices that are securing
record levels of work for its approved
fabricator network.
In a busy business, costs associated
with time are rarely quantified. Dealing
with poor suppliers who have unreliable
lead times becomes part of the norm.
Companies will invest in machine tools
to maximise production efficiencies, but
rarely look at the efficiency of their
suppliers.
Some fabricators will hold profiles in
stock to overcome delivery issues, but
this ties up valuable liquidity. Liquidity
and cash flow is an especially pertinent
issue with today’s reduced finance
options, so finding a reliable supplier to
maximise profitability has never been
more important
Comar has built its business on stock
holding and fast-track delivery. It has
invested over £5m in stock so that its
fabricators don’t have to.
For polyester powder coating Comar
has invested in a stockholding facility
next door to the powder coater Barley
Chalu. Here it holds stocks of mill finish
profiles to speed up coating lead-times.
Most Comar profiles in a standard
white finish are stocked at head office
so can be delivered to fabricators on
their next weekly delivery. The
company runs its own vehicle fleet so
fabricators can rely on flexibility of
delivery when it is needed. ❐
www.comar-alu.co.uk/
Saint-Gobain Glass signed up its
1,000th Planitherm Network
member,only three months
after the scheme was launched.
Just Windows and Doors, with
showrooms in Ickenham,
Middlesex and Rickmansworth,
Hertfordshire, signed up to the
network as part of its marketing
strategy to win new business. By
being part of the Planitherm
Network, the company receives
marketing leads generated by
the massive consumer
advertising campaign that Saint-
Gobain Glass has rolled out
across television, radio and
consumer magazines.
Just Windows and Doors managing director Greg O’Donoghue
(above with Saint-Gobain’s Julie Hanson) says:“Our products are
very well featured and are installed to the highest standards so
using Planitherm glass offers our customers the best performance
available – it fits our philosophy perfectly. Being a member of the
Planitherm Network is already bringing us benefits, in terms of
recognition and actual sales leads.” ❐ www.saint-gobain.co.uk
12
300 ‘A’ day
Luton based trade fabricator
Weathershield Windows set up its
own sealed unit production line in June,
and is already making 300 Swisspacer V
units a day. All the units are energy
rated, and currently 30% are supplied
with the top ‘A’ rating.
Managing director Mohan Soor has
been manufacturing window frames for
25 years but wanted to take advantage
of the growth in demand for high
performance sealed units. “By
manufacturing sealed units in-house,we
can better control costs, quality and
customer service, and can quickly
capitalise on market trends. Early next
year, for example, we will be offering
triple glazed units. We’ve already had
enquiries for them. We’ll also use
Swisspacer V to supply customers with
A-rated units as standard. We chose
Swisspacer as our sole supplier as its
warm edge spacer bar is the best on the
market, and it’s incredibly easy to use.
“We see our growth continuing as
customers demand better
performance,” adds Mohan. “The
market as a whole has been depressed
but we are doing remarkably well – our
target is to be manufacturing 1,000 units
a day by the New Year.” ❐
www.swisspacer.com
The Fabricator 2011

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Smashing factory
Nottingham based The Smashing Glass Company, has
invested in new premises to increase capacity and house
its new automated Super Spacer production line. Sales
manager Simon Ratcliffe says: “We believe in providing our
customers with the best and most innovative products
available to help them succeed. That is why we are investing in
a new facility that will include automated production and
incorporate Super Spacer warm edge technology into our
sealed units. On completion, as well as being able to offer our
customers products that outperform the competition, the
factory will improve production efficiency and reduce labour
costs.
“We are producing around 300 units a day in our current
factory and are operating at capacity so we knew we needed
to expand. We’ve known Edgetech for years now and have
always believed in the Super Spacer product so we’re excited
to be incorporating it into our units.With the automated line
we will improve productivity which in turn allows us to be
even more competitive on behalf of our customers.We have
always focussed on providing exceptional service to frame
manufacturers and installers in the Midlands because we
understand their needs, and enjoy long term trading
relationships with some of the key players in our market.We
look forward to supplying existing and new customers from
our new factory from January 2012. Look out for further
updates on our investment programme coming soon.” ❐
www.superspacer.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

ALUMINIUM – THE
COLUMN
Eco-minium
Recent analysis by the
RPricewaterhouseCoopers
(PwC) low carbon economy
index shows that in Britain
last year greenhouse gas
emissions increased by 3.5%,
more than double the 1.3%
growth in the economy. It
means that for the first year
since 2000, there has been no
improvement in reducing
‘carbon intensity’ – the
greenhouse gases emitted for
each unit of economic output.
PwC stated that the economic
recovery, where it had
Justin Ratcliffe
occurred, had been a dirty
one. However, such figures overshadow continuous
improvements made by the materials sector including
aluminium across a number of areas of sustainability and
not just carbon reduction.
Robin Nicholson of Edward Cullinan Architects talking
about sustainable design and construction in London
recently, focused on the importance of measuring and
publishing information on projects. This is equally
important for the materials sector which has been
highlighted in the various Defra Roadmaps including the
Windows Sustainability Action Plan. CAB is actively
involved in the follow up to this which is the Windows
Sustainability Partnership (WSP) and which will report on
the latest results and commitments made by the materials
sectors.
In the case of Aluminium, the International Aluminium
Institute (IAI) has recently reported the latest 2010 figures
of energy used in the raw material production. In 2010
there was a 9% reduction in energy use per tonne of
alumina compared to 2006 and there was a 10% reduction
in the AC electrical energy globally between 1990 and
2010. A new objective has now been set to reduce smelter
electrical energy per tonne of aluminium by 5% between
2006 and 2020.
End of life impacts are very important too and latest
results show that the recycling message is getting even
stronger with 10 million tonnes of aluminium recovered in
2010, an increase on 2008. The aluminium can recycling
rate reached 70% and the target now is to reach 75% by
2015.
Other key issues for aluminium include material service
life. CAB is in the midst of a project to highlight the fact
that our material lasts well beyond the 40 years it is
credited with in the BRE Green Guide. One of the best
examples is the 200 aluminium windows being refurbished
at the Bodleian library in Oxford. Installed in 1937 the
aluminium with its anodic coating is still in very good
condition and still has a very useful lifespan which could
easily exceed 100 years. ❐
Justin Ratcliffe
14
Keeping tabs on technical
The Council for Aluminium in
technical team of Patrick
Building (CAB)
England and Martin Ford is very
actively involved in the changing
standards and regulations in the UK
which keeps members up to date
with compliance. Regular
communication with CAB members
also gives businesses a real advantage
in an ever competitive market.
A little known change to the
Building Regulations was
communicated to members back in
Patrick England
July regarding the changes which were to take place with
the competent person schemes (CPS).The amendment
which affects the current building regulations 2010, AD L
2B, has been extended to cover the replacement
installation of doors, windows and roof windows in non
dwellings. This amendment will allow scheme operators to
inspect
installations in non
domestic buildings
rather than the
contractor or
installer going
through local
authority building
control (LABC).
At present there are
two authorised
CPS scheme
operators, BM
Trada and
FENSA.
It is important to
note that the
amendment does
not apply to glass
which is load
bearing or
structural glass that
forms part of glazed curtain walling, a revolving door or a
display window.
This amendment should enable commercial
replacement fenestration to be installed and inspected
more quickly for companies which are registered with a
CPS scheme. It should also encourage more commercial
installers to join one of the CPS schemes currently
available. ❐
For further information on CAB or its work on
aluminium and sustainability,please contact
Justin Ratcliffe on 01453 82 88 51 or email
justin.ratcliffe@c-a-b.org.uk
The Fabricator 2011

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
£7m saw centre
Synseal windows have been installed in a development
in the NorthWest, by LDG Group,one of the region’s
largest window companies. Synseal windows and doors
were installed throughout the prestigious £7m ecodevelopment,
The Saw Mills, situated a mile from
Blackpool town centre and seafront.
The 35 three and four bedroom mews homes were built
on a former industrial site for the Great Places Housing
Group. The homes, which are available for shared
ownership and affordable rental, have been designed and
built to high levels of sustainability, using low energy
services, including photovoltaic panels, and renewable,
ultra efficient building materials throughout, including
the windows. The development was supported by an
investment of £3.7m by the Homes And Communities
Agency (HCA), the national housing and regeneration
agency for England.
Working closely with the main contractor, RP Tyson
Construction, LDG Group supplied 400 grey ‘70’ PVC-
U windows and 71 doors manufactured using Legend
multi chambered profiles from Synseal.
Lee Plummer, general manager at Lancashire Double
Glazing, a division of LDG Group, says the Synseal
frames were ideal for use in the eco-homes: “Synseal was
readily accepted for installation in the development due to
their high performance and reduced internal
reinforcement, which improves energy efficiency and
reduces the amount of steel used. This was perfectly in
keeping with the ethos of the development.”
The LDG Group, which comprises retail arm
Lancashire Double Glazing and commercial specialist
LDG Contracts, is a long-standing Synseal fabricator.
The group designs, fabricates and installs aluminium and
PVC-U products including curtain walling,windows and
doors, entrance systems, shop fronts and patent glazing.
LDG employs more than 200 staff and operates from its
60,000sq ft manufacturing facility in Preston. ❐
www.synseal.co.uk
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GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Gary
Olympic winner
Sales for sealed unit manufacturer years ago and is now one of the UK’s
Olympic Glass have grown as much leading manufacturers of sealed units,
as 50% since using Swisspacer warm producing around 5,000 units a week. It
edge spacer bars.
first started using Swisspacer two years
The Kent-based company has grown ago when customers began asking for
significantly since it was established 17 high performance windows.
The development of leading glass processor,ESG’s privacy glass
product, ESG Polyvision, has quite literally reached new heights.
Already providing the largest sized privacy panels on the
market, ESG has gone one step further;expanding the
maximum size of ESG Polyvision from 1520mm x 3,200mm to
1,800mm x 3,500mm.
Commenting on the move,Scott Sinden, managing director of
ESG, says:“Without a doubt, designers and specifiers are
exploring the boundaries of glass with the latest intelligent
glazing solutions, and in doing so require larger sized privacy
panels. Ultimately, this will help create more dynamic
workspaces.”
It is expected that the greater degree of flexibility afforded by
the increased sizing will appeal to those specifying privacy glass
for office refurbishments. And, for those looking for an elegant
projection surface without having to compromise on size, ESG
Polyvision is ideal given its ability to be used as a rear
projection screen.
Equally, for those looking to create an open environment during
the day whilst restricting the view of the building during closing
hours, ESG Polyvision is already proving popular.
The fact that the technology can be used in conjunction with a
full range of security glass is an added bonus – especially for
City businesses and landmark public sector buildings. ESG
Polyvision’s combination with either ESG Secure EN356 or
LPS1270, which are fully certified by the Loss Prevention
Certificate Board, is expected to be particularly popular.
All ESG Polyvision panels involve a PDLC film being
encapsulated between two or more glass sheets. Using a
minute electrical current, store managers can immediately
switch the ESG Polyvision glass from clear to private (opaque)
and vice versa.When the electrical supply is switched on, liquid
crystal molecules align allowing incidental light to pass through,
making the glass clear. ❐
www.esgpolyvision.co.uk
Jenkins, managing director of
Olympic Glass says:“Using Swisspacer is
an easy way of improving the energy
efficiency of our sealed units without
making any changes to the other
components. Excellent customer
service is at the heart of what we do,
and Swisspacer is a high quality
product.”
Jenkins expects sales of energy rated
windows to continue growing as
building regulations tighten and
homeowners become more energy
conscious. He has also noticed more
requests for triple glazing. He says:
“Triple glazing is definitely becoming
more prevalent. We can and do
manufacture triple glazed units and
Swisspacer is one of the few warm edge
spacers strong enough to cope with the
extra pane of glass.
“Our investment in the best
machinery and the best components,
such as Swisspacer,allows us to achieve
the best possible products for our
customers, helping us to grow and keep
ahead of demand.” ❐
www.swisspacer.com
Top: jewellery store - privacy glass 'off'
Bottom: jewellery store - privacy glass
'on’
16
The Fabricator 2011

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Getting a handle
Liniar has enhanced and
Limproved the
hardware for its Bi-Fold
Plus range of foldingsliding
doors. This is part
of an ongoing
development programme.
The new hardware offers
marked improvements to
the look, feel, operation
and quality of the products
and having listened to
customer feedback, the
company now offers its
range in black as standard
along with white, gold and
chrome finishes. This is a
welcome addition as the
number of requests for
black hardware continues
to increase.
as well as speeding up
fabrication times.
Adrian Redshaw, Liniar’s
design director says: “Our
technical team has a wealth
of experience and are all
dedicated to continually
developing and enhancing
our products.” ❐
www.bi-foldplus.co.uk
BI-FOLD AND SLIDING DOORS
TheTraining Department
of Schüco,has gained the
Matrix Standard
accreditation for the
courses it runs at its
headquarters in Milton
Keynes.
At a practical level, achieving the Matrix
Standard means that Schüco training courses can
now be benchmarked against a recognised level
of excellence and, most importantly, delegates
attending courses can be sure that they are
receiving instruction that is of a very high quality
and is exactly appropriate to their particular
needs. ❐ Tel: 01908 282111
stable
doors
W’ ’ ,000
soldeveryyear,the
Nan Ya GRP composite
door blankisthe
UK’smost popular
compositedoor.
Liniar’s technical team
designed and developed
the new hardware and, as
part of the development
process, they introduced a
new component; a
dedicated external slim
door handle. Again, having
listened to customer
feedback Liniar is pleased
to be able to offer solutions
to their fabricators’
problems.
Also now available is a
new door lock and keep set
featuring an adjustable
one-piece unit designed to
increase the security levels
of the Bi-Fold Plus range,
The Fabricator 2011
Tried, tested and trusted, the
door blanks and matching
glazing cassettes offer the
widest range of styles and
colours in the market.
We provide technical support
Specialistsinthe
to help get you
supply
started, stock
Sizing,edge-banding and
of delivered to keep you containerand going,asizing, routing service through our
ex-warehouse routingand stockfor edgebanding network of manufacturing
fabricatorsofdoor-sets
service throughour networkfabricators or our ownfacility
of manufacturing fabricators
or our ownfacility,tomakelife
easy,and marketing support
to ensure yousucceed.
Supply of decorative triple
glazed units, locks and
hardwareproviding the
complete doorsolution
COMPOSITE DOORS DECORATIVE GLASS GLAZING CASSETTES LOCKS &HARDWARE SEALANTS &TAPES

FOLDING SLIDING DOORS
Letting the outside in
The Folding Sliding Door Company is celebrating its tenth anniversary of
business. The Fabricator spoke to Kehinde Jolaoso,managing director of a
company that is still experiencing massive growth in a ‘must have’market
The Folding Sliding Door
Company has been established
for a decade. It has come a long way
since the owners, Paul and Tracy
Shearman, started the company in
their garage 10 years ago
“Nowadays the structure
comprises one main company – the
Folding Sliding Door Company
(FSDC) which designs,
manufactures and supplies folding
sliding doors; in addition we have our
own brand of folding siding door
hardware and systems known as
Fold-n-Slide,” says managing
director Kehinde Jolaoso.
FSDC has a combined 80,000sq ft
of production, manufacturing and
distribution space and turnover in
the region of £8m. It distributes
worldwide and is particularly strong
in America yet it has maintained its
Bradford base and is a major
employer in the area.
“The company was one of the first
independent, specialist designers and
manufacturers of folding sliding
doors and the associated hardware, in
the UK,” says Jolaoso. “It now
manufactures a vast number of
variants – different sizes and
materials – and also supplies the
system to other companies so they
can manufacture in their own right.”
Many installers in the UK
considered folding sliding doors to be
a European product and so were
predominately installing French and
patio doors. The Shearmans were
convinced the UK market would
change. Events have proved them
right and the company is currently
producing the ‘must have’ home
improvement product with demand
still rocketing. “That’s why we can
supply our system to other
manufacturers and fabricators,” says
Jolaoso. “Because there’s plenty of
business to go around.
20
Letting the outside in –folding sliding doors from the the Folding
Sliding Door Company are a ‘must have’ in homes, extensions and
conservatories
“We have maintained our
principles and continued to research
and develop folding siding door
technology and we continue to
specialise in this area. We have
introduced new materials and
products but we have not deviated or
diversified from our core business –
and that’s why we are the leading
company supplying into our two
respective markets.”
The company supplies both folding
sliding doors and folding sliding door
hardware worldwide. The Fold-n-
Slide brand of hardware came about
because the company realised that
there were many entrants into the
industry that were claiming to be
specialists and yet their hardware was
not up to scratch. “We started
supplying hardware about two years
ago,” says Jolaoso, “Because we
realised that the whole market could
be damaged by inferior products.
Although in fairness we not only
wanted to protect our market, we also
wanted to increase our market share
and as I said, there is plenty of
business to go around.”
FSDC has accreditations for both
durability and security and this
cannot be said of much of the
hardware available even now and
certainly not two years ago.
Jolaoso reckons that Fold-n-Slide
hardware represents the only
universal system on the market. It is
compatible with PVC-U, timber,
aluminium, composites and any
other material you can think of.
The company supplies both and
the hardware and any aluminium
components such as the top and
bottom track that a fabricator might
require and, because the system is
made up of a series of aluminium
ancillaries, it supplies those as well.
Most fabricators are already buying
in their profiles and glass and so on
and are expert at doing so – however,
if they need assistance or need
FSD to make things for them it
The Fabricator 2011

FOLDING SLIDING DOORS
it will work with customers until they
are up and running.
“And of course,” says Jolaoso,“if a
fabricator only wants to supply our
doors as a distributor or only wants
to do PVC-U and buy-in doors in
other materials to sell on – we are
happy to negotiate.”
According to Jolaoso FSDC’s first
premise is that all of its hardware has
passed the necessary accreditations
and the locks it uses are Secured by
Design. All of the finished systems
have been through the
correct energy ratings testing and so
comply with Part L1b of the building
regulations. “So you can see we do
things properly, right from the
outset,”he says.“And then we ensure
our build quality is
second to none.
“This is one of the reasons our
products are so popular overseas and
especially America – because the
quality is ‘British’ in the best possible
sense.
“Now for householders buying
directly from us we naturally offer
guarantees based on the quality I’ve
just described.We will sell doors from
our standard range or a bespoke
product directly to the householder
and it’s up to them to find a local
installer – however, we do offer a full
installation service utilising our
recommended installers.”
The installers can buy direct, either
bespoke in any material or from the
standard ranges – or they can apply
to become an approved installer. If
they meet FSD’s quality criteria the
company will will feed them leads
from its consumer website.
The vast majority of the business
goes through installers and third
party retailers who will sell on to the
homeowner – which is as it should be
to ensure a quality finished
installation. But there are also
positive sales in DIY, particularly in
the self-build and restoration sectors.
“From a standing start, the
hardware business is showing
massive growth,” says Jolaoso.“Both
fabricators and the systems houses
are seeing folding sliding doors as an
opportunity to introduce a new and
hugely desirable product. With
folding sliding doors as part of their
portfolios, it gives them an
opportunity to increase their sales.
“We are also proving very popular
when compared to competitors
whose hardware is of good quality
but seems to be very bulky or those
who struggle to offer low thresholds
or much variation in the way the
The finished effect can be quite stunning
doors will eventually open and
against those whose quality simply
doesn’t stand up to inspection.”
One advantage of FSDC’s
products is their ability to
accommodate large openings. Up to
15 metres wide in over 120 different
configurations and the ability to open
in or open out, swing to the left or
swing to the right and to provide a
combination of open in and open out
on the same track.
“We produce (or help our
fabricators produce) finished
products that our competitors cannot
match,”says Jolaoso.
Interest come from all sectors.
From the commercial market –
architects and contractors. An
example is a development at
Nottingham Cricket Club at Trent
Bridge for its hospitality suites. On
the other hand a standard set of
doors can cost as little as £995. It
makes it possible for someone with a
set of patio doors to replace them
relatively cheaply. And although a
first time installation might require
more building work and thus cost,
FSDC claims to have taken what
many consider a purely aspirational
product and put in reach of far more
homeowners who want to let the
outside in.
FSDC’s doors work well with
conservatory installations. Jolaoso
says: “A benefit of our specialist
development is that our doors do not
need to hang from a system. A
customer can buy a conservatory and
our doors separately and not feel they
are dependent on one another. Our
system is not just top hanging it is
also bottom running – architecturally
it is extremely stable and solid.
“In spite of that we can actually
produce a bottom track that can
comfortably be classified as a ‘zero
threshold’. We have had customers
who’ve wanted this and in truth it is
about how you seat the bottom track
– again it’s about design expertise
and experience.”
FSDC spends a lot of money on
consumer advertising. Jolaoso says:
“We consistently strive to establish
Folding Sliding Doors as a brand.
Which means fabricators see us as
developing the market and they’ll get
enquiries –no doubt about it.
“And installers – of course. We are
supplying quality leads every day
nationwide and we even have
installers on our doorstep that we
provide with showroom displays.
“We are not looking to compete
with them. In fact we have a
substantial advertising campaign
running in both The Installer and The
Fabricator magazines because we are
looking to develop both sides of the
market. Working with the trade is
incredibly important to our growth as
a company.
“Eventually I would see us working
to support our fabricator and
installer partners – with FSDC
sticking to export, commercial and
prestige projects. As I keep saying:
there is still plenty of business out
there.” ❐
Tel: 0845 644 6630
www.foldingslidingdoors.com
www.foldnslide.net
The Fabricator 2011 21

“
The question isn’t do we care. I know
we all care. The question is do we care
enough to actually do something?
”
Britain’s PVC-U industry has a lot to
be proud of. We make great products.
Our windows, doors and conservatories
not only look great, they are also
extremely durable. And they are 100%
recyclable. In fact, PVC-U out-performs
rival materials such as timber across
the board - particularly where it
really matters in areas such as energy
whole life costs.
Our products are fantastic. Our products aren’t the problem. The problem is we no
longer bother to tell anyone just how good they are. As an industry we’ve stopped
threat to our future prosperity. I’ve been in the windows industry for 25 years.
I started out as an installer. I now run a successful fabricating business, Crystal
Direct. I care about the future of the industry. And I’m prepared to put my money
where my mouth is.
This isn’t about promoting my own business. I want to create a platform that will
bring fabricators and installers together to promote PVC-U. I don’t wish to exclude
systems companies or anyone else who wants to support the campaign. However,
we cannot rely on anyone else to do this for us. Installers and fabricators are
Fabricators and installers have a vital role to play and a vital interest at stake - it’s
time we stepped up to the plate.
material. We also need to challenge the inaccurate and misleading claims put
about by manufacturers of alternative materials who, instead of improving their
own products, would rather spread scare stories and misinformation about ours. My
asking for your support.
in helping to promote PVC-U, please visit or email
me at Martin@pro-PVC.com
Martin Randall, Chairman, Crystal Direct
PVC-U

PRODUCT PAGES
Simplified WER
WHS Halo is leading an initiative
from the British Fenestration
Rating Council (BFRC) that will boost
fabricators’ own marketing while cutting
the cost and bureaucracy involved in
gaining Window Energy Ratings.
The company has joined the new
BFRC’s System House Simplified Energy
Licence scheme (SHSEL) which enables
hundreds of products produced byWHS
Halo’s fabricators to be covered by the
BFRC A to C labelling right through to
installation. The company’s principal
ranges are covered by the SHSEL –
System10, Rustique, Eclipse and Eclipse
Esthétique.
The SHSEL scheme not only
combines the benefits of a more flexible
Window Energy Ratings system with
maintaining control and audit but is also
far simpler and cheaper. Now
fabricators can use the Simplified
Energy Labelling that has been licensed
to WHS Halo in the same way that
installers were able to use the
fabricators’ detailed licences. ❐
www.whshalo.com
Easily does it
Easifold folding
sight lines and
sliding doors,
can be
which already
designed in
feature a bespoke
free-glide running
system, now also
outperform
current British
Building
Regulations.
Thermal
improvements
mean the range
now features U-values of 1.32W/m²K,
outperforming the Part L requirements
of 1.7W/m²K by an impressive margin.
The free-glide running system
designed by Origin uses nearfrictionless,
maintenance-free, needle
roller bearings, encased in tough nylon
and concealed within the bottom track
to ensure ease of operation.
The doors feature elegant ultra-slim
more than a
dozen configurations
to open
in or out of a
room and fold
to the left or
right. They are
complemented
by a range of
colour-coded
or stainless steel lever handles.
Precision engineered from maintenance-free
and recyclable aluminium that
will not warp,rot or need varnishing,the
Easifold range is available in an unlimited
choice of powder-coated RAL colours,
realistic wood-effect finishes, metallics
and dual-colour options, as well as a
marine grade. ❐
www.origin-global.com
MetalTechnology has completed work on a new state-of-the-art hangar
andVIP facility at historic Biggin Hill Airport, designed by SHH
architects. With the London 2012 Olympics on the horizon, demand for
hangar and airport capacity in the south of England has resulted in this
substantial investment.
The high-specification scheme,with its contemporary façade,
demanded high quality finishes and materials.To meet this
requirement, MetalTechnology provided their System 17 SP Curtain
Walling on the 13,000m 2 two-storey building. SP Curtain Walling
employs silicone-pointed double-glazed units which are fixed with
concealed fixings into the system to give clean, uninterrupted external
lines, creating a sleek appearance with high aesthetic values. As with all
MT systems, SP Curtain Walling is manufactured to standards which
meet and in many cases exceed, current building regulation
requirements. ❐
www.metaltechnology.com
Carl F Groupco ‘XL’s Itself
Carl F Groupco has launched the ‘XL’
multipoint door lock. Designed by
Fullex, the Secured by Design lock has
been commissioned as a full PAS23/24
compliant solution, when used in
conjunction with security keep plates.
With 92mm centres to suit Carl F
Groupco’s standard Hoppe and Trojan
unsprung door handle ranges, the lock
features a single split spindle as standard
for both front and back door
installations.
Offering wide ranging versatility, the
XL can be configured for standard and
short doors while a slave variant for
French doors completes the range.
Serrations are provided on all versions
for optional shootbolts.
Carl F Groupco managing director
comments: “The XL door lock
complements our extensive range of
door and window hardware that caters
for a wide range of PVC-U,timber and
aluminium window and door designs.”
Product features for the XL include
three bi-directional hooks, two anti-lift
bolts, four rollers and a latch snib to
prevent accidental door closure. One
piece keeps, with integral steel dust
buckets, are supplied as standard to aid
and speed accurate fitting. ❐
www.carlfgroupco.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011 23

PRODUCT PAGES
Colour choice
Prefix Systems,one of the UK’s largest
independent conservatory roof
fabricators, has just opened an in-house
paint finishing facility at its head office in
Clayton-le-Moors, Lancashire. This will
support the continued trend towards
coloured conservatories.
The historical growth in the
conservatory market largely involved
white standardised conservatories with
only golden oak and mahogany
woodgrain finishes generally available.
Prefix Systems was among the first
conservatory fabricators to launch
additional foiled finishes five years ago.
The company now has 10 colours in its
range as well as a new bespoke painted
finish option.
The in-house painting facility at Prefix
uses acrylic paints that have been
developed from the automotive
industry, for lasting performance and
can be applied in any internationally
accepted RAL colour. As the
24
conservatory market becomes ever
more mature, consumers are looking
for something a little different. The
colour options are also being
increasingly requested for, by
consumers wishing to replace their
tired old conservatories.
The foil finishes that are available from
stock include foiled white, rosewood,
golden oak, Irish oak, cream, sage
(Chartwell green), green, fir green, grey
and black foil.They can be ordered from
either the head office in Lancashire or
from the satellite facilities in
Northamptonshire and South Wales. ❐
Tel: 01254 871800
Whiteline has completely re-launched its website,which now offers
many new features. These include:
• The library – where a wide range of information is available
• Meet the team – providing the contact details and photographs of
every key member of staff
• Platinum NRG – lots more information is available about this window
system, one of the most energy efficient and secure designs on the
market
Malcolm Scott,Whiteline’s deputy managing director,says:“The
Whiteline group is constantly expanding – we have people who are
growing in a diminishing market.We wanted the website to match up
to our company’s fantastic reputation, and with the re-launch we really
feel that we’ve achieved this. It is extremely user friendly,
and there’s so much more information on there – I’m
very confident that current and potential customers are going to have a
great experience
using it.” ❐ www.whiteline.co.uk
First DER
Door-Stop claims to have launched
the first UK energy rated doors,
just two weeks after the British
Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC)
introduced the DER scheme. Every
single Door-Stop door has been
registered under the scheme’s criteria.
The scheme covers external pedestrian
doors, French, folding and sliding glazed
doors, in all materials.
“The BFRC was delighted to
announce the UK’s first DER ratings in
such a short time after the scheme was
launched,” says Chris Mayne, general
manager of the BFRC. “We look
forward to announcing further
manufacturer registrations in the
coming months.”
Door-Stop worked with Chiltern
Dynamics and the Building Research
Establishment (BRE) to produce a U-
value certificate for each individual
door, available at the point of online
order. U-value certificates will be
replaced with the BFRC’s ‘rainbow’
energy rating label, which is widely
recognised by consumers.
“Every Door-Stop door now comes
with its own individual DER certificate,
a precise and accurate rating for that
particular product,” says Nick Dutton,
managing director of Door-Stop.“This
should really give our customers an
edge, particularly as homeowners are
increasingly interested in energy
efficient products.” ❐
www.door-stop.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

PRODUCT PAGES
Recovinyl to recycle 50k
PVC recycling in the UK continues to
move in the right direction with more
than 50,000 tonnes of material expected
to be recycled by the end of 2011,
according to Recovinyl. Jane Gardner,of
Axion Consulting,Recovinyl’s UK agents,
said the PVC industry’s recycling
initiative is set to beat the 49,343 tonnes
of post-consumer PVC recycled last year
in the UK through its 26 specialist
recyclers.
Speaking at a recent British Plastics
Federation (BPF) recycling seminar,
Gardner said that Recovinyl is now
positioned strongly to build on its Vinyl
2010 achievements and co-ordinate
delivery of fresh targets to 2020 under
the new Vinyl Plus voluntary
commitment.
These targets include 800,000 tonnes
to be re-used in all European countries
by 2020 – with 700,000 tonnes
mechanically recycled and the rest using
new technologies for more difficult-torecycle
or contaminated PVC.
“While these targets are ambitious,
Recovinyl has demonstrated proven
success under Vinyl 2010, particularly in
the UK which, as a star performer, has
contributed to 20% of overall EU PVC
recycling so far,” Gardner says.
Moving forward, she said that there
would be a shift towards a ‘pull’ market
involving both the existing recycling
network and convertors, who will be
encouraged to increase the use of
recyclate in their products. This is
already happening with recycled PVC-U
being used in new window profiles,
reinforcements and fascia products.
There will also be greater focus on the
quality of recyclate produced and a move
towards a certification process.
Gardner says: “Although a new
programme for Recovinyl to deliver
these targets is still being finalised, the
PVC industry continues to work with
the value chain to achieve sustainability.
Recovinyl has been a boost for the PVC
industry in promoting the sustainability
of PVC-U, which can be recycled many
times without losing performance.” ❐
www.axionconsulting.co.uk
Swisspacer’s third manufacturing plant in
Gilwice,Poland, has already produced its
first million metres of spacer bar since
opening in August.
The plant opened earlier this year to
meet strong sales in Europe,particularly
in the UK and Ireland.This growth comes
as more sealed unit manufacturers
recognise the benefits of using
Swisspacer to easily and cost effectively
improve the thermal performance of
windows.
Peter Appel, Swisspacer’s international
marketing and sales manager (pictured),
says:“We are delighted that our
manufacturing plant in Poland has
reached its million metre milestone so
quickly.” ❐
Tel: 0845 601 1265
Five is the magic number
Recently, CWG Choices worked with laminated glass, which may have resulted
Kömmerling to provide an enhanced in the loss of the contract –and a failure
and tested acoustic window, where to achieve an ‘A’ rating.
Kömmerling’s C70 Gold five chambered Philip de Clermont, a director at
system achieved a Weighted Sound CWG Choices commented: “On other
Reduction Index (Rw) of 34dB with a recent projects, Secured by Design
standard 28mm unit coming in below the specifications have stipulated that
38dB project requirement.
laminated glass is required and with “Not only are the Kömmerling
With the adoption of a 4-18-6.4 Kömmerling’s C70 and new O70 Gold systems enabling us to incorporate more
laminated glass, the requirements were systems an ‘A’ rating can still be achieved cost effective glass specifications for the
achieved including an ‘A’ rating. cost effectively. This premise also trade market, but it’s also making us
Kömmerling’s research showed that extends to the adoption of coloured and more flexible and competitive in the
using other older generation window woodgrain foils that have to be fully commercial sector, particularly when
systems would have required the reinforced; again an ‘A’ rating can be product types are detailed and complex.”
adoption of expensive acoustic easily achieved.
p
The Fabricator 2011 25

Tel: 07967 585475 Email: steve.anthony@profinder.eu
Aluminium Fire Products
P
roFinder
www.profinder.eu Online
Colours
consumables
Gaskets
Aluminium Shopfronts
Doors Folding/Sliding
MANUFACTURER OF GASKETS FOR
ALL ALUMINIUM AND PVCU WINDOWS,
DOORS, SHOPFRONTS, CURTAIN WALL
AND ROOFING APPLICATIONS.
PILKINGTON ACTIV COMPATABLE,
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CARRY LARGE STOCKS OF WOOLPILE,
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48 HOURS.
CENTRAL EXTRUSIONS LTD
Unit 7 Charlton Drive, Cradley Heath
West Midlands, B64 7BJ
01384 413222 - 01384 413004
www.centralextrusions.co.uk
enquiries@centralextrusions.co.uk
Glass Repair Services
Aluminium Systems
Flyscreens
Bending
•Flyscreen Systems for Windows &Doors
•Insect Mesh for Cladding &Ventilation
Tel: 01454 238288 Fax: 01454 238988
sales@flyscreen.com www.flyscreen.com
Doors Composite
Advertise
here and on-line
call Steve Anthony
07967 585475
Modern marketing with
The internet product cards
Brochures – adverts – live links – available 24/7
Call: Jon Berry 07875 000845 www.pro-cards.biz

New iLock
Easily lost, stolen or difficult to find,
keys may compromise the security of
your home,so rather than use keys the
iLock solution focuses on ‘Keyless
Living’.The iLock allows the occupier to
gain keyless access to their homes, by
means of presenting
their
fingerprint to a
digital door
handle that can
accommodate 39
pre-programmed
users in its
memory. Users
can even preprogram
people
needing shortterm
access such
as tradesmen
and there’s also a
manual key
override facility.
Available in
chrome or gold,
the stylish iLock
also comes with
an anti-tamper facility, a9 Volt back up
battery and a single push exit button.
Solidor has developed its own video
to highlight the key features and benefits
of this cutting edge digital locking
technology on its website. With no
other major composite door
manufacturer incorporating this system,
thanks to a trading agreement with ERA,
Solidor has come up with another
industry ‘first’. ❐
www.solidor.co.uk
Get the latest News at
www.profinder.eu
Kombimatec sprung into action
and got window fabricator,
Prizma Windows, up and running
within a week following a massive fire
on August 13th that wiped out its
factory, including all machinery and
stock.
An electrical fault in a marble
factory in the unit behind Prizma
Windows’ site on Gorst Road in
NorthWest London was to blame for
the fire that destroyed both premises
and an adjoining garage.
“There was simply nothing left,”
explained director, Jeetendra Halai.
“We had operated in that building for
12 years, fabricating approximately
150 windows per week in both PVC-U
and aluminium. After we lost
PRODUCT PAGES
The colour field
Synseal continues to drive demand for
coloured profiles by making the most
popular colours for each system
available from stock and many
fabricators and installers state that the
company’s Artisan-foiled profile has
helped them win business and enter
markets that were previously closed to
them.
Raj Nanji for example, adirector of
Ilford-based fabricator and installer
DDG Windows, says: “One real benefit
of Artisan is that we can compete with
the timber boys – we’ve got the scope
of timber but the benefits of plastic.
We’ve had builders and developers
taking a close look at our projects who
have been surprised that they are PVC-
U. As a result,we’ve been asked to work
on high-end jobs where we wouldn’t
have traditionally been considered.”
David Leng, Synseal’s chief executive
comments: “Sales of replacement white
PVC-U windows are down, but that
doesn’t give a true reflection of the
available markets in the UK. Synseal has
continued to innovate and launch new
products that our customers can use to
develop and grow.” ❐
www.synseal.co.uk
The Centurion Fast-Fit high
security window locking system
from Kenrick has been awarded
the coveted Secured by Design
(SBD) licence.
Since its launch in 2010, the
Centurion Fast-Fit system has
rapidly become popular with
installers and homeowners alike.
To support the installer and reassure the homeowner,Kenrick has
also developed an easy to understand product leaflet for the Centurion
Fast-Fit system, which is aimed at the end user.
Designed with the fitter firmly in mind, Centurion Fast-Fit is quicker and
easier to install than ever before, enabling fabricators to increase
profitability,without compromising on quality. Acorner keep with a cam
and high strength steel rods which fit into keeps at the top and bottom of
the window provide the homeowner with a reliable,adaptable and cost
effective locking solution. ❐
www.kenricks.co.uk
everything, we thought it would take
ages to get up and running again.”
Fortunately for Prizma Windows, a
vacant building opposite proved
suitable for its needs, and
Kombimatec – which had supplied
the company previously – provided
several pieces of essential equipment,
including a copy router, drainage
router,aDGS530 electronic saw and
a EV470 CNC cleaner.
“While it will be another couple of
months before we are firing on all
cylinders, it is fantastic that we are
back up and running in no time at all.
Kombimatec provided a very good
service, with absolutely no hiccups
whatsoever,” continued Halai. ❐
www.kombimatec.com
The Fabricator 2011 27

P
Tel: 07967 585475
roFinder Email: steve.anthony@profinder.eu Online www.pr .profinder.eu
Hardware – Window and Door
Window Bags &Display Cases
Advertise
here and on-line
call Steve
Anthony
07967 585475
Advertise
here and on-line
call Steve
Anthony
07967 585475
Modern marketing with
The internet product cards
Brochures – adverts – live links – available 24/7
Call: Jon Berry 07875 000845
www.pro-cards.biz
OUT NOW
...the only manual you’ll ever need!
NWH DOUBLE GLAZING REPAIRS MADE EASY
Specialists in window &door repairs for over 14 years. Here at Northwest Hardware we’ve built a
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including our ever growing retro fit pre-packed range. Our new catalogue is packed full of all the
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www.northwesthardware.co.uk

The Stuga AutoFlow-2 can produce all sawcuts and preps on
UK windows and doors including bi-folds. Vertical slider
production is made easy with the facility to cut frame to cill
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ask for machinery sales or visit www.stuga.co.uk
Machinery

Launches:
Thermal Rating Register
www.thermalratingregister.org
Window Energy Ratings
Approved 2010 Building Regulation...
WER ‘C’ or above
‘R’ U Ready? We ‘R’!
www.certass.co.uk
or contact us on 0845 838 8580
Every Certass Member is quality checked and subject to ongoing quality inspections