DOORCO’s 2018 CUSTOMER CHARTER COMMITs TO MARKET LEADING (COMPOSITE DOOR) SERVICE

Having established a strong reputation for innovation during its rise to market leadership, DOORCO Ltd, the UK’s largest independently owned composite door manufacturer has now raised the bar even higher. In a bid to be officially recognised as the most helpful composite door partner, DOORCO announces the launch of its 2018 Customer Charter outlining the service, quality and commitments its customers expect on every journey.

Jayne Sullivan, DOORCO’s Operations Director comments: “The five-point charter represents the culmination of views about what’s important to our customers across our three levels of door supply. Whether it’s a one-off prepped door, single or mixed...

Chewton Bespoke Homes install four impressive Korniche 3.6m x 2.1m Roof Lanterns to the Solent Suite, Marsham Court Hotel, Bournemouth.

Darren Crain is the owner of the multi award winning design and build company Chewton Bespoke Homes based in Highcliffe, Dorset. With over 20 years of experience building luxury homes, renovations and commercial refurbishments, Darren’s knowledge of architectural design and construction means he looks for the highest quality products and consistency in all aspects of his projects.

His latest project, the major refurbishment of the Marsham Court Hotel, lead Darren to enquire at Made for Trade when he was looking for an aluminium Roof Lantern which ideally suited the architectural qualities of the grand ball room and conference area. The Marsham is a well-established luxury hotel located on the beautiful Dorset coastline in Bournemouth. The hotels recent renovation has now been finished off to perfection with four large Korniche Roof Lanterns taking pride of place as a centre piece to the grandest room in the building. The Korniche USP’s are well highlighted by this case study, not only for the clean sight lines and slim profiles offering the perfect aesthetic for Darren’s project, but also the huge advantage offered to an installation comprising four large lanterns where the Korniche simplicity and speed of fit ensures the project is delivered right on schedule. Darren had this to say about Korniche and the Made for Trade service: “I have used many different lanterns over the years, each have had good and bad points about them but I have never settled on a single brand as...

No excuses – fire safety now has to be construction’s highest priority

Last summer, after decades on the side-lines, fire safety was finally centre-stage – for the worst possible reasons.

Grenfell was a national catastrophe – one of those traumatic moments that scar a generation, and ensures that, for better or for worse, things will never be the same again.

It’s a tragedy that it took a disaster on that horrifying scale to make us sit up and take notice. But we’re now faced with a once-in-a-generation chance to drastically improve fire safety standards throughout construction – and in our own sector, glass and glazing, we can start with the most basic fire safety product of them all: fire doors. It’s an undeniable fact – fenestration’s attitude towards fire doors has been shockingly poor in many cases. It’s frighteningly common for manufacturers to fire test their door components separately, rather than testing the completely assembled door set. That can lead to products with FD30 ratings that only last a fraction of the time...

Gillian Coldwell joins Distinction Doors

Distinction Doors has further strengthened its business development team with the appointment of an experienced industry woman, Gillian Coldwell, in the position of Business Development Executive.

Speaking of the appointment, Chantel Roach, Distinction’s Sales and Marketing Director said, “Gillian is well-known in the industry and we are delighted to welcome her to Distinction Doors. Her industry knowledge, commitment and sales expertise will allow us to extend our market reach even further as we continue to grow our...

CORGI FENESTRATION IS ONE YEAR OLD

CORGI Fenestration is marking its first birthday. It has been a very busy year – culminating last month with the launch of the CORGI Fenestration Installer Scheme (with self-certification) that has created immense interest in the industry.

The Installer Scheme combines the CORGI Fenestration quality mark with notifications across windows, doors and other fenestration products, including self-certification of replacement windows and doors. Then it adds a ‘TripAdvisor’ type consumer ratings function and recognition of the best qualified workforce. It is for installers that pride themselves on being some of the best in the industry.

It comprises the CORGI Fenestration quality mark, notification & self-certification, CORGI Fenestration RateYourInstallation™, the CORGI Fenestration Skills Card, a risked based inspection rate, and a commitment to customer care excellence. For further information visit: www.corgifenestration.co.uk /trade/installer-service/...

CMS meets contemporary glazing brief for award-winning Carnegie Library project

Leading Scottish window, door and curtain walling manufacturer and installer CMS Window Systems has played a key role in the creation of the new Dunfermline Carnegie Library & Galleries (DCL&G), which was crowned Scotland’s best building in the 2017 RIAS (The Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland) Awards.

The company was appointed to deliver the major window and curtain walling contract for the spectacular £12.4m project by Fife Council and Fife Cultural Trust. The Richard...

SARNAFIL ROOF INSTALLED ON GRADE 2 LISTED MANSION

Roof Assured by Sarnafil installer, ROOFPRO London Ltd, was appointed for this interesting project in Holland Park by main contractor IMKO London Ltd.

With huge mansions and a relaxed feel, Holland Park is one of the most exclusive areas of London. ROOFPRO installed the Sarnafil single ply membrane on a Grade 2 listed building converted into flats and owned by a charitable institute.

The original 320 m2 roof was made up of layers of felt and asphalt roofing materials and in a very poor condition. A critical point had been reached with years of patching and repairs leaving the flat roof weak...

Is foil base surface stability a ticking time bomb?

This is a significant challenge for the industry. Sustainability is key, you only need to look at the negative exposure plastics received more generally at the start of this year to understand the importance of recovery of end of life product. The challenge is that the origin of recycled content isn’t always clear and that can make it very difficult to predict its behaviour and ultimately surface and dimensional stability. Virgin ‘skinning’ of recycled profile doesn’t necessarily provide a solution if the substrate is not stable. This can have a significant impact on surface gloss and consistency of finish because it’s ‘unknown’ and variable and can be very difficult to control. We avoid this within our green ecotech ranges firstly by only using pre and post extrusion product and post fabrication waste plus known source post installation pelletized, PVC-U. We’re also one of the very few systems companies to have invested in cutting-edge dual extrusion technologies. This uses two compound screw feeds, ensuring that any recyclate used is isolated within the inner webs of the profile and not anywhere near the profile wall. This allows us to separate and at the same time lock recycled material...

The future is clear with Robust GLAS-DOR

Robust UK is launching their new glazed fire resistant steel profile and doorsets. ‘GLAS-DOR’ can provide up to 2 hours of fire resistance with a core of fire resistant insulation for glazed doors, sliding doors, partition walls and window sections.

The introduction of GLAS-DOR brings new opportunities for building design, as Paul Williams, Sales Director at Robust UK, explains:

"Building on the experience and knowledge from over 20 years trading history with our sister company in Sweden, we are very pleased to be able to offer the new Robust GLAS-DOR system.

“Architects and building engineers can now specify fully glazed steel doors and...

New support for installers from AluWood

“AluWood has launched its authorised installer scheme to make it even easier for companies to sell aluclad windows and doors to homeowners and developers,” says Callum Grant, Commercial Director at AluWood.

AluWood aluclad windows and doors are perfect for extensions, refurbishments and new build properties, and is especially popular with self-builders and chosen for projects across the UK. It’s great for commercial projects too.

“We’re finding some homeowners want modern aluminium styling but a homely finish on the inside,” says Callum Grant, Commercial Director at AluWood. “Our aluclad system offers a perfect combination of sleek modern aluminium on the outside...

Don’t fake it – get the real thing!

Dear Editor,

‘Traditional timber looks, without the cost or maintenance!’ – in a nutshell, that’s the message coming from the ‘timber-alternative’ market.

But it’s wrong. Even the best, most detailed uPVC products can’t convincingly pass for wood – and modern timber is a stunning, long-lasting, high-performing window material.

So why are so many installers settling for second best?

Once, timber products were far from perfect. They were made of softwoods, susceptible to rotting and warping when exposed to the elements, and genuinely did require regular maintenance to keep in good condition.

But that was decades ago. Joinery has come on leaps and bounds in the time since – and modern wood windows offer an amazing opportunity for installers to appeal to aspirational end users, improve their margins and grow their businesses. Modern timber fabricators use laminated, engineered timber, which is far stronger and much less prone to deforming than the softwoods used in the past. It means timber windows don’t require huge amounts of upkeep. In fact, all it takes is a light sanding and re-coating once every ten years to keep them in top condition...

Reversible window coming soon from Liniar

Leading PVCu systems house Liniar is set to extend its innovative range even further with the introduction of a reversible window, which will offer a convenient, stylish and safe option for difficult-to-access locations.

Ideal for high-rise projects, the moving pane rotates through a full 180° cycle, allowing the external glass of a Liniar reversible window to be safely cleaned from the inside of the property. The rotating mechanism keeps the moving pane from intruding into the inside of the room – so no snagging on curtains or blinds.

Designed from scratch by the same team of industry experts that created the rest of the range, Liniar’s brand new reversible window...

Norscot Secures Innovation of the Year Award

Norscot, the Highlands and Islands manufacturer of timber frame kits, windows and doors, received the Innovation of the Year Award at the prestigious Scottish Knowledge Exchange Awards 2018.

The awards, run by Interface, aim to celebrate the achievements of academic and business collaborations and partnerships. The award ceremony took place in Edinburgh on Thursday 22nd February 2018.

Norscot, in partnership with the University of Strathclyde, were recognised for the research and development of virtual reality show home software. The business found that one of the challenges in the self-build market was the difficulty for customers to visualise their finished home through traditional paper plans and CAD designs. In these circumstances consumers are asking if they can visit a show home but this option is simply impractical when it comes to bespoke designs. Norscot were introduced to Interface, the Government backed organisation which links businesses with their academic partner, through HIE...

Entec Design uses Exlabesa KSF Non Thermal Door system on refurbishment of a flagship store in Middlesbrough

Complete building envelope specialist subcontractor Entec Design Services Ltd has recently installed Exlabesa Building Systems’ KSF Non Thermal Door system as part of a £3 million refurbishment of a 50,000 sq ft former BHS store in Middlesbrough which has reopened as a Flannels, USC and Sports Direct store.

The refurbishment of the BHS store is seen as a major step in the regeneration of the town centre, which makes the project a particularly prestigious one for Entec and Exlabesa.

Entec was awarded the contract by main contractor Vale UK and the company used Exlabesa’s KSF Non Thermal Door system on the project. The system maximises the glazed area, making it perfect for shop fronts. It has an intelligent design that is engineered for quality fabrication and ease of installation and uses high quality components to ensure the product’s durability. Entec Design Services Ltd was established in 2004 and undertakes projects throughout the UK from its offices in Stockton. The company has an experienced team with a reputation of consistently providing a quality service which is delivered safely and on time. It is a CHAS accredited sub-contractor and all of its employees hold the appropriate level CSCS cards, which makes the company a safe pair of hands for high profile projects such as this one. Entec’s Technical Director Alan Clayton has worked with Exlabesa for many years. He praises the company’s products and service commenting: “We have a great...

Product innovation to be recognised in new ironmongery award

Innovative product design will be recognised in a new category at the next GAI/RIBA Architectural Ironmongery Specification Awards.

Organised by the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI) in conjunction with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), the awards are designed to identify and reward excellence in the specification of architectural ironmongery.

The ‘Best new product: design and innovation’ category has been created to celebrate new door and window hardware product, allowing advancing technologies to be fully showcased and recognised.

Products using new methods of manufacture, a new design concept or displaying originality of thought would be eligible. They could also show a unique...

MANUFACTURING OUTPUT GROWTH SLOWS BUT REMAINS STRONG - CBI

Manufacturing order books weakened in the three months to March, but remained well above their long-run average, according to the latest monthly CBI Industrial Trends Survey.

According to the survey of 381 manufacturers, export order books remained unchanged and above the long-run average. Output continued to grow robustly in the three months to March, but at a slower pace than in the three months to February.

Output growth was broad-based, increasing in 14 out of 17 manufacturing sub-sectors. Growth was predominantly driven by Motor Vehicle and Transport Equipment, Chemicals and Electronic Engineering. Respondents anticipate that output growth will slow further over the next three months, matching the pace seen in November and...

Spring Statement should signal end of unfair payment, says FMB

The Chancellor’s announcement of a new consultation on late payment should be the beginning of the end for unfair payment practices which hit small businesses across the UK, the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said in response to the Chancellor’s Spring Statement.

Commenting on the Spring Statement 2018, Brian Berry Chief Executive of the FMB said: “The Chancellor’s announcement of a consultation to tackle the scourge of late payment today should mark a turning point on this issue. We should use this opportunity to bring about a spring clean of payment practices which negatively impact on small business. Construction giant Carillion’s collapse at the start of the year brought to light once again the need to eliminate poor payment practices that plague the construction sector particularly. Indeed, one London based small building firm was once paid more than 270 days late by a construction giant. Now is the time to move away from these unsustainable business models which threaten the existence of many firms and their supply chains. This announcement today should be followed by a fundamental rethink ending in the permanent abolition of late payment terms and the exploitative use of retention payments.” Berry concluded: “At first glance the Spring Statement has brought some other positive announcements for the UK’s small construction firms. The announcement of a doubling of funding to the Lloyd’s Housing Growth Partnership and an additional £80 million...

LONDON MAYOR SADIQ KHAN POISED TO BACK GMB ‘MAKING IT’ CAMPAIGN

Mayor to sign union charter backing manufacturing jobs as new analysis shows sector employs 110,000 workers and brings £8.5 billion boost to London economy

A major union campaign to support manufacturing jobs is today set to win the backing of London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

The Mayor will join GMB union activists at a City Hall event this morning, where he will formally back the union's campaign to support manufacturing jobs by signing the union’s ‘Making It’ charter [1].

It comes as new GMB analysis reveals manufacturing employs 110,000 workers in the capital, boosting the London economy by £8.5 billion a year [2].

Food manufacturing...

Trojan helps installers put an end to pitting hardware callbacks

Ask many installers about the biggest frustrations in their business and the answer you’ll get back is about callbacks to replace pitted or failing hardware. But talk to any installer who uses Trojan’s Stainless Steel hardware and they’ll tell you that callbacks are a thing of the past.

Steve Hall, General Manager of Trojan, said: “The standard industry test for hardware corrosion is 240 hours or 480 hours salt spray testing. Our Stainless Steel hardware can achieve over 1,000 hours with no problem. In fact, we’re so confident in the range’s ability to withstand corrosion that every item is covered with...

Versatile Aluminium Entrance Door From Alumen

Specialist aluminium fabricator Alumen Ltd has started 2018 in style, with the launch of the Millennium Plus aluminium entrance door, which offers versatility outstanding credentials to both the residential and commercial market.

“The Millennium Plus door is the latest addition to our extensive product range and the next instalment in the new portfolio of Cortizo products we’re introducing to the UK market,” comments Alan Robinson, Alumen’s MD. “Millennium Plus is impressive. It offers everything you’d expect from a premium aluminium front door system but at a price point lower than much of the competition. It’s strong and durable, very stylish and extremely versatile, as the door can be fitted with either double or triple glazed IGUs up to 54mm thick, or with a fully bonded aluminium panel, which conceals the door’s profiles and offers the appearance of an ultra-stylish, single composite style slab. It can handle sash sizes up to 1,800 x 3,300mm in size, or 220kg in weight – with either standard or premium concealed hinges – so it works well in a wide range of settings. “The interest showed in the...

That’s the SPIRIT! VEKA named Employer of the Year

Industry-leading PVC-U systems supplier VEKA Group took home the ‘Employer of the Year’ trophy at this year’s Red Rose Awards.

Touted as ‘Lancashire’s premier celebration of business excellence’, the annual Red Rose Awards evening was held at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool with over 1,100 guests attending the black-tie event. Graham Liver of BBC Lancashire Radio played host to 150 finalists from all over the North West. Now in its eighth year, the auspicious evening has been described as ‘the awards for the businesses that keep the county alive – the heroes of the Lancashire economy’.

Over the past 12 months, Burnley-based VEKA Group has completely redeveloped its Employer Brand and VEKA Values to come up with a new ethos of VEKA SPIRIT. The SPIRIT values – Success, Pride...

Mercury’s investment shows it’s set to rise

Leading specialist fabricator Mercury Glazing Supplies Ltd has just invested a six figure sum in new machinery to help it achieve ambitious growth plans over the next three years. Chris Reeks, Mercury’s Sales and Marketing Director, commented: “This investment will help us continue to deliver exceptional quality and exceptional lead times as our order volumes increase.”

Mercury has invested in two machines from leading supplier Haffner Murat: a new FA526 Automatic 2 Head End Milling Machine and a new SC220/VS Machining Centre.

Mercury is one of the UK’s largest manufacturers of the market-leading Spectus...

Supertrucks racks up another winner... with a little help from Mertrux Truck & Van

The changing face of the fenestration industry is reflected in an innovative Multi-Purpose Rack launched by the UK’s number one manufacturer of glass-carrying transport solutions.

Supertrucks designed the latest addition to its market-leading range of vehicle racking in response to the rapid growth in popularity of bigger, heavier products, such as bi-fold doors and windows, and orangeries.

The St Helen’s-based specialist has fitted the first example of its new rack to a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van supplied by East Midlands Dealer Mertrux Truck & Van, with which its parent company, the multi-faceted Bevan Group, enjoys a close relationship. Mertrux is now offering this vehicle for trial by prospective customers. Fabricated from lightweight aluminium, Supertrucks’ Multi-Purpose Rack is secured to the exterior of the vehicle without the need to drill the sidewall. This is an important factor in helping to ensure that any paint or bodywork warranty provided by the manufacturer remains valid, and that the resale value of the vehicle is protected. Instead, the new frails are fixed at the top to a roof rack, and at the bottom, depending on the base vehicle, either by making use of pre-existing holes or by drilling one or two new ones on the underside, where they...

Rapierstar nears 100% mark with customer delivery and stockholding focus

Customers of Rapierstar, the leading fastener supplier to the door and window industry, are benefiting from its latest investment in logistics and supply chain technology as it reports a near perfect record in on time in full (OTIF) deliveries over the last 12 months.

The company’s latest customer service data reveals that 99.4% of all orders last year were delivered OTIF and error free, when promised. This record high figure comes at a time when Rapierstar has increased its customer base to supply a market share of over three quarters of the UK and Irish window industry, and it has increased stockholding at its warehouse and distribution centre to over one billion screws. David Furness, Rapierstar Managing Director, says: “We’ve been supplying fasteners to the UK and Irish door and window...

TRUMP’S STEEL TARIFFS SHOW DANGERS UK FACES POST BREXIT SAYS GMB

A clear message needs to be sent to Trump now that he cannot ride roughshod over UK trade interest, says GMB

Protectionist trade tariffs signed by Donald Trump show the dangers faced by the UK post Brexit, says GMB.

This week the US President officially sanctioned a 25% tariff on steel imports, 10% on aluminium [1], and is now threatening a tax on cars entering the US, together with a threat to ignore the protections on foodstuffs of specific geographical origin - posing a threat to Scotland’s whisky industry and Cornish pasty production.

GMB says the UK must be prepared to take a tough stance with the US and there is currently no basis for a trade deal after Britain leaves the EU...

Legal and technical updates published for door hardware specialists

Door and window hardware specialists can now benefit from two new technical briefings from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers (GAI).

‘The GAI Guide to Door Closing Devices’ is designed to give architectural ironmongers, architectural technologists, designers and specifiers clear guidance on how to specify and supply door closing devices for self-closing fire doors. It covers the role of a door closer, CE marking, permitted power sizes and functions, fire testing and third-party certification.

Door closing devices are an essential part of the ironmongery specification on any door. They are required for various applications including privacy and security but above all to keep a door in its closed position fully into its frame in the event of fire. The other new technical briefing, ‘GAI Guidance on...

Epwin Glass invests for the future

Epwin has consolidated its glass production facilities onto one site - Epwin Glass. Epwin Glass draws on the company’s 30 years of experience in glass manufacture as it continues to support some of the largest and most respected domestic and commercial window manufacturers and installers in the UK.

Katrina Earl, Epwin Glass National Sales Manager, commented: “We are one of the leading manufacturers of insulated and energy-rated glass units for the window industry and we supply the trade, light commercial, new build and social housing sectors. As part of the consolidation and the creation of Epwin Glass we have invested in...