Fabricator May 11 - profinder.eu

thefabricator
MAY 2011
O70
New O70 Gold System
● Energy efficient, 70mm Ovolo
Window and Door system
● Part of a £2m investment
programme
● Extruded from our lead-free
Greenline compound
● Easily achieves an ‘A’ rating
● Available in 44 colours
e-mail: enquiries@profine-group.com tel: 01543 444900
www.kommerling.co.uk

When form and function matter
Easy to operate, stylish to look at and extremely secure, Schueco ASS aluminium sliding
door systems deliver the perfect combination of benefits. Available in both insulated
and non-insulated versions, there’s a choice of sliding, lift and slide, tilt/slide or folding/
sliding systems, all of which are designed to last. Add in narrow face widths and
superb weather-tightness and it’s clear that Schueco ASS sliding door systems have real
customer appeal. www.schueco.co.uk
Systems for Saving & Generating Energy
Green Technology for the Blue Planet
Clean Energy from Solar and Windows

thefabricator
Contents
News – 4
The hackers are coming – beware; Joanna Plane joins Spectus; Bowater’s open days;
Schüco wins building award
News Extra – 8
Qualitas at 25
Glass & Structural Glazing – 14
New projects and new products
The CAB Column – 18
Justin Ratcliffe considers ten years with CAB; Patrick England crimping cleats
Sealed Units – 20
Brownhills Glass seeing demand for Planibel A; plus news
Doors and Security Hardware – 24
New products and services from the sector
Product Extra – 31
Rehau Geneo– energy saving in Coventry
Products – 32
The Fabricator 2011 1

Editor John Roper
Associate Editor Brian Shillibeer
Ad Director SteveAnthony
Production Editor Jac Roper
Advertisement Director
SteveAnthony
Tel: 07967 585475
Email: steve.anthony@profinder.eu
Advertisement sales
Product Finder
Joe Indge
Tel: 07790 639814
Email: joe.indge@profinder.eu
Business Development
Jon Berry
Tel: 07875 000845
Email: jon.berry@profinder.eu
Advertisement Production
6Glencoe Apartments, 15 Harold Road,
Frinton-on-Sea CO13 9BE
Tel: 01255 673311
Fax: 01255 678364
Email: fabricatorcopy@profinder.eu
The Fabricator is published in the UK by
Profinder Magazines Ltd.
Admin: chris.sims@profinder.eu
Opinions expressed inThe Fabricator are those of
the contributors and do not represent editorial policy.
The Fabricator accepts payment for colour pictures.
Subscription rates: UK £45; rest of EC £60;
worldwide £105
The Fabricator Vol7No5
ISSN: 1752-2145
www.profinder.eu
Copyright ©2011 Profinder Ltd.
❐ ❐❐
thefabricator
Comment
So here weare, 12months of anew government, anew type of
government indeed. There were huge promises of cutting red tape,
making more sense of ‘elf-’n-safety. And there was the big Freedom bill
designed to sweep away hundreds of regulations. If you haven’t heard
about that recently itisbecause it all got too complicated and it has
been handed over to the Home Office which cooked up most of the
regulations that interfered with our freedoms in the first place.
At least the ludicrous ID card scheme has been scrapped, though the
passport office is still called The passport and Identity Service so they
live inhope of another socialist government. Has any one else noticed
how socialists love to give government departments grandiose names?
Probably in the hope that us common people will think they are
important, to be obeyed.The passport office’s website states that the
National Identity Register database has been destroyed and the police
can no longer keep everyone’s DNA on file ‘just in case’.
Oh, and you can run your
neighbours’ kids to school without being
considered to be apervert.There isnolonger aneed to register with
another, newly created, agency the wonderfully named: Vetting and
Barring Scheme. This was supervised by another new agency: The
Independent Safeguarding Authority. Lovely. Anyway that’s been canned
as well.The great thing about the VBS was that not only did it check
on your past criminal record itattempted to predict what crimes you
might commit in the future.
There is some progress but rolling back 13 years of socialist
regulation is going to take much more effort. In particular business is
still tied up in red tape. There is much talk about reducing the
regulation on small businesses which every one acknowledges are the
driving force ofthe economy. However, as these things go what we are
going to see is more consultation and reporting back. Vince Cable
announced as much at The Federation of Small Business’ annual
conference in April. What is needed –and what he promised –is
initially exemptions for SMEs from regulations that, while they have
little impact on large organisations with hundreds of employees, can
severely affect companies with only half adozen.
As I said, there has been some progress but while we get the
government’s wish list it is the civil servants who have to implement
the changes and, surely, redtapeand regulation is what bureaucrats livefor.
John Roper
In association
with
The Fabricator 2010 3

NEWS
Business hackers warning
There are frequent reports about the file said that a ransom of several
computer hacking and we all know hundred pounds would have to be paid
of attacks on bank accounts. Less to recover the data. The hacker had
reported is the involvement of organised
crime targeting individual companies.
Double R manufactures sealed units
and conservatory roofs from a 19,200sq
ft operation in Wellingborough. It has,
according to managing director Ian Sims,
affected files relating to glass and roof
production software creating massive
problems. Ian Sims says that Double R
had no choice but to use its resources
to solve the problem as quickly as
possible.He says “thanks to the efforts
invested in what he still believes is the of our employees we avoided a
leading software in the industry. When
the company started to have some
issues with the software it contacted the
complete disaster and got our files back
fully functional and intact.
“I suppose it’s one of those things that
supplier. The software manufacturer you think will never happen to you but
detected something abnormal on the
server so Double R called in a local IT
it is happening to companies like us
more and more often. I would urge
expert to investigate. He quickly everyone to check their systems on a
reported that the system had been
hacked.
A new folder had been created that
read ‘your server has been hacked and
data has been encrypted’. A message in
regular basis. Simply being more aware
of the issue will hopefully save some
companies the immense amount of
stress we underwent while the problem
was resolved.” ❐
Spectus new moves
Spectus Window Systems has reorganised
its commercial team to
strengthen its position in the market as
it moves to address the increased
demand across its peak trading period.
Amongst the new faces, Joanna Plane
joins Spectus as marketing manager.
Plane has broad experience in delivering
business to business marketing
programmes in parallel industries with
companies such as Chubb Locks, and
The System10 SmartSash window has won yet more awards for
Bowater Building Products.The company has been recognised as
one of the midland region’s top performers at the prestigious
Midlands Excellence Awards.
The company was highly commended in the innovation category
in front of more than 1,150 business leaders at the awards
ceremony held at Birmingham’s International Convention Centre.
Speaking after the gala ceremony, Midlands Excellence chief
executive Ian Nield said:“This is a fantastic achievement for
Bowater Building Products and I congratulate them
wholeheartedly.We received our highest number of entries this
year in the specialist category awards and the standard has been
nothing short of exceptional.”
This achievement comes just months after other accolades for
SmartSash – the 2010 Green Apple Award and Energy Efficiency
Initiative of theYear at the G10 Awards for the glass and glazing
industry. ❐
has a proven track record in helping
distribution partners grow in tough
economic times. She specialises in
strategic marketing campaign planning
that drives brand development,
customer retention, product and
business development.
Chris Powell has moved within the
business to become business
development director.He will focus on
adding more fabrication customers to
the Spectus portfolio,along with seeking
out further opportunities in custom
extrusion. Peter Colclough will be
joining the business development team,
managing existing custom extrusion
customers as well as focusing on
strengthening both public and private
sector commercial business
development. In addition, with a
growing product range and exciting
developments on the horizon, Chris
Ross will now focus full time on his role
as product manager. ❐
4
The Fabricator 2011

NEWS
Open days products and demos
Bowater Building Products
demonstrated its forthcoming and
enhanced marketing support to over 60
customers recently, while giving them
up-to-the-minute market analysis at two
open days at its headquarters in Sutton
Coldfield.
The company unveiled its new
revamped showroom with 18 new
displays that demonstrate its marketleading
technology and comprehensive
product range.These include the awardwinning
SmartSash window which can
meet the strictest criteria of thermal
marketing support materials, from web
site templates to direct mail, advertising
performance specified in the code for templates, and showroom posters,
sustainable homes, System10 Aluminium, tailored to the individual customer.
curtain walling and double rebate The company also ran a series of
composite doors.
Also new for 2011 is a range of
workshops about some of the other
initiatives available to help customers
innovative and effective customer grow sales. ❐
Starring roles
Schüco winner
Schüco UK was named manufacturer
of the year at the Building Awards
held on Thursday 7 April in the
Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane.
Over 1,300 guests saw Schüco managing
director Marc von Briel accept the
coveted award, which had been
sponsored by the Construction
Products Association.
The panel of judges declared Schüco
to be the clear winner in this category
thanks to an impressive programme of
expansion and investment that marked
it out as a true industry leader. In
contrast to the many companies that
were retrenching during 2010, Schüco
UK used the year to invest heavily in its
renewables offering, recruiting extra
staff and developing new BIPV systems.
In addition, it expanded the resources
of its aluminium division, launching a
series of new window and façade
systems including a Green Guide‘A’ rated
Aquiet residential street in Chiswick
became a hive of activity recently
when Saint-Gobain Glass descended to
film the new Planitherm TV
commercials.
The television adverts – that will be
window. Schüco was also commended
for its commitment to improving the
industry’s overall knowledge base by
running an increased number of courses
– which are open to any company – at
its purpose-built training centre in
Milton Keynes. ❐
aired on ITV channels 1 and 3, Sky
channels, Channel 4, and More4 – will
follow two women who go through the
process of buying new windows.
To get the message across, the
production company chose a leafy
neighbourhood in Chiswick, West
London, to base the residents. Three
separate adverts were filmed in a single
day, with the advertising agency,
production cast and crew, and Saint-
Gobain Glass marketing team working
6
well into the night to get them finished.
“The producer Nadia Matthews, and
director Lydia Esler, had a real eye for
detail, which meant taking our time to
get it absolutely right,” says Craig
Dodsworth, market manager for Saint-
Gobain Glass. “This was despite
Chiswick being in the flight path for
Heathrow, and filming between passing
planes. Also, there were spells of cloud
that halted filming because having a
bright clear day was important to show
the benefits of the energy efficient
glass.” ❐
The GGF has advised the
England and Wales Cricket Board
on the type of glass that should
be used to glaze a cricket
commentary box after the BBC
Radio 5 Live commentator was
hit on the back of the head by a
cricket ball during a recent game
(the incident can be heard here:
www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-wales-
13267353).
Following the incident,The GGF’s
outgoing deputy chief executive,
Ian Chisholm, contacted the
England and Wales Cricket Board
with advice regarding safety
glazing. ❐
The Fabricator 2011

NEWS EXTRA
25 year test
Companies in many countries have become licensees as Qualicoat has grown across all
continents.Through its efforts over the past 25 years, Qualicoat has played a key role in
assuring the quality of architectural aluminium
Powder coating is
the most
popular finish for
many architectural
features found on
buildings. It comes
in a very wide range
of colours and
textures and on the
surface can look
excellent once
installed. As a
building is only as
good as its
foundations, what
lurks in and under
the powder coat
finish matters a great deal. There are
standards that specify the application of
powder coating for architectural
finishes and the majority of powder
coaters in the UK and Ireland follow
these closely and these are the
minimum standards which should be
achieved in all cases.
Back in 1986 several national
associations representing coaters of
architectural aluminium, formed a
quality label organisation called
Qualicoat. The organisations goal was
to raise and
standardise the level
of powder coating
quality across
Europe, laying down
minimum standards
applying to the
industry.
In 2001 Qualicoat
UK and Ireland
association was
formed, with two
coaters and four
powder coat
manufacturers, in
order to further the
interests of
businesses in the
UK. Qualicoat is a
standard which
8
The association
in the UK stands
at 28 members
with several new
companies
seeking licences
encompasses all the
current European
standards, improves on
them, insists that the
output be checked by
an independent body
and licences.
Specifying the
Qualicoat standard has
a ‘no cost implication’
as member companies
realise the benefit of
getting the product
right first time and for
extended life
expectancy. This
obviously reduces
remedial costs which in turn pay for the
slight increase in cost of the finish.
Today the association in the UK stands at
28 members and with several new
companies seeking licences, the number
should be over 30 by the end of 2011. The
Qualicoat quality label is a product
certification scheme, Qualicoat has granted
general licences to national associations,
such as Qualicoat UK & Ireland, to issue
these certificates and to undertake regular
inspection the licensed plants. Member
companies consist of not only the powder
coating companies, but
also include the powder
manufacturers,
equipment
manufacturers,
consultants and pretreatment
chemical
suppliers, which make
up the complete supply
chain. Bringing these
specialists together in
one networking
organisation allows all
standards to be
discussed and
improved which will
ultimately improve
both the quality and
durability of the
Qualicoat label.❐
The Fabricator 2011

KOMMERLING’S NEW O70 GOLD
WINDOW AND DOOR SYSTEM
Kömmerling has just launched their new £2million O70 Gold window and door
system, that’s highly energy efficient and extruded with the company’s unique
Greenline lead-free compound. It’s designed to make the achievement of the
Window Energy Ratings (WERs) easier and more cost effective than ever.
Whether you are afabricator, installer or specifier read on and find out more about
Kömmerling’s exciting new developments for the UK market including O70 Gold...
At atime when most of the major players have
cut back on investment in the UK, Kömmerling
have invested in this new system with the promise
of further product developments in 2011,
including anew slim sash for the existing C70
system. The market is changing with Window
Energy Ratings (WERS) and the issue of lead in
PVCu profiles, now clearly top of the agenda for
the industry.
Designed and Engineered
The new system is a70mm ovolo window and
door system that’s part of a£2m investment
programme for the UK market. It also integrates
with Kömmerling’s existing C70 chamfered
system and that means lower stockholding
through common ancillaries and reinforcement
sections. Both systems are available with both
black and grey gaskets and with the choice of 44
colours and woodgrain finishes.
O70 Gold is a5chambered and highly energy
efficient system, which means low U-values and
perhaps more importantly makes it relativelyeasy
to achieve an ‘A’ rating without the need for
expensive glass options. For installers, both the
C70 and new O70 systems are a more cost
effective way of achieving any window energy
rating. Given that all Kömmerling systems are
also lead-free, it’saperfect formula for more sales
and better green credentials.
Greenline and Lead-Free
Test Kits
With the industry committed to the removal of
lead from PVCu profiles by 2015, the fact that
Kömmerling’s Greenline compound has been used
throughout Europeincluding the warmer climates
of southern Europe and the cold of the Alps for the
last 6years inspires complete confidence. This is
particularly apparent when some competitors are
only just starting out on the lead-free route.
We’ve removed lead from petrol, children’s toys
and paint, yet why is the PVCu profile industry
so far behind? Throughout Europe, Kömmerling
and parent company Profine Group have been
lead-free for 6years and it’s been ajourney of
rigorous testing and considerable investment.
There are now many millions of Kömmerling
lead-free windowsinstalled across Europe.
O70 Gold cross section
But how can you tell whether awindow system
contains lead? Easy, we’re the first company in
the industry to develop alead-free test kit that’s
now being used by our fabricators and installers
to show that the Kömmerling product is lead-free.
It also highlights the fact that several leading
competitors still use lead as astabiliser in PVCu
profiles.

O70
NewO70 Gold System
● Energy efficient, 70mm Ovolo Window and Door system
● Part of a£2m investment programme
● Extruded from our lead-free Greenline compound
● Easily achieves an ‘A’rating
● Available in 44 colours
e-mail: enquiries@profine-group.com tel: 01543 444900
www.kommerling.co.uk
As Easy as ABC
Installers and fabricators looking for energy rated
windows need to look at the cost of the glass and
window system in particular.
Choose apoorly performing window profile and
the cost to achieve a particular rating could
increase significantly through expensive glass
specifications.
Thanks to the inherent energy efficient design of
the 5 chambered O70 Gold System, glass
specifications can be lower,resulting in an easier
and more cost effective way to achieve an ‘A’, ‘B’
or‘C’ rating as the chart shows.
A
B
C
Glass Specification:
Saint Gobain: Planitherm Total+ with Planilux Float (Argon)
and warm edge
Glass Specification:
Pilkington: Pilkington ‘K’ with Optifloat (Argon)
and warm edge
AGC:
Planibel Awith float (Argon) and warm edge
Glass Specification:
Pilkington: Pilkington ‘K’ with Optifloat (Argon)
and warm edge
Saint Gobain: Planitherm Total+ with Planilux float
(Argon) and aluminium spacer
WERs Glass Table
Available in 44 colours and finishes
AWord from the Top
Robert Thiroff, managing director of Kömmerling
in the UK is particularly enthused and concludes:
“This is abig investment at atime when our
competitors are cutting back. It cements our
commitment to the UK market and supports our
customers.
We believe that we now have the best product
range in the UK whether you are an installer,
fabricator or specifier with our C70 Gold, O70
Gold and Premiline patio door systems. And
furthermore, we’re lead-free and our proud that
we’ve shown leadership in this important green
issue.”
And Finally...
Make sure you choose an energy efficient and
lead-free window and door system for your
business today and make more sales with better
profits tomorrow.
Contact
enquiries@profine-group.com
t: 01543 444900

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Eco green
With ‘eco’ and sustainability issues at the
top of the global green issues agenda, the
building industry is now more than ever
under close scrutiny
The aluminium Industry is making a positive
contribution and global recycling rates are high, up to
90% for construction and transport applications against
60% for beverage cans.The fact that 100% of aluminium
can be recycled at the end of its design life creates an
aluminium bank for re-use in the future and 5% of the
original energy required from primary extraction is
required at re-smelting. The fact that aluminium can be
recycled over and over without loss of properties, ensures
that the high value of aluminium scrap remains a strong
incentive and financial impetus for recycling.
Architects have been aware of aluminium’s qualities for
over a century. Aluminium being one of the most globally
abundant metals available, its formability, high strengthto-weight
ratio, corrosion resistance and ease of recycling
make it the ideal material for a variety of building
applications.Commercial windows and doors must meet a
12
myriad of functions and be environmentally sustainable,
be weather resistant, secure and be energy efficient.
There is an abundance of legislation to deal with each
element of these demands: BS7950, Secured by Design,
BS 6375, U-value calculations, WER’s (Window Energy
Ratings), and Eco-homes grading.
Comar Architectural Aluminium System’s 5P.i. ECO
window system offers the cradle-to-cradle properties of
aluminium, as well as answering current demands. Comar
5P.i. ECO has just passed BS7950 at BRE, which provides
compliance with Secured By Design. The weather test BS
6375 provides even more reassurance: air permeability
passed at 600Pa, water tightness at 750Pa, wind resistance
at 2400Pa and design safety at 3600Pa. Comar 7Pi HSD,
a horizontal sliding door system also meets ever increasing
demands for energy efficient building materials. This
system has been developed for applications where high
specification and elegant solutions are a key design
consideration such as offices, schools, hospitals and
apartments. The sliding system has been rigorously tested
in wet and sandy conditions with over 200,000 open/close
cycles.
Both systems incorporate the trademarked Pi, a 20mm-
35mm polyamide strip manufactured from reinforced
glass fibre, which separates the inner and outer profiles,
creating an extremely effective thermal break. These are
backed up by Comar’s Technical Department, offering
project by project U-value support. ❐
Tel: 020 8685 9685
www.comar-alu.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

Open
up
awindowofopportunity...
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channelled to network
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Receive a free listing
and profile in “Find
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Meet rising consumer
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efficient glass
Comprehensive sales
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toolkit provided FREE
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Register your customers
for our £80,000
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competition

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
New cladding includes
thin-film PV modules
Schüco UK has introduced SCC 60 with ProSol TF, acladding
system for the side of buildings and other structures, purposedesigned
for use with ProSolTF thin-film PV modules.The resulting
ventilated façade is multi-functional and can provide weather
protection, insulation and sustainable energy production all in one
package.
In addition to the cladding system and PV modules, Schüco also
supplies all the additional components, known as the BoS (Balance
of System), such as wiring, connectors, inverters etc that are
needed to achieve an optimum system configuration and low
system losses.This single-source approach, claims the company, will
generate a competitive price and greater convenience for
customers.
ProSol TF modules use amorphous thin-film technology, the key
advantages of which are a more effective use of the light spectrum
and a low level of dependence on temperature compared to
crystalline products. Energy is therefore produced even in cloudy
or twilight conditions enabling the system to achieve the highest
possible output per installed Kwp.
Modules can be up to 2.6m wide x 2.2m high, Schüco’s fixed-size
module measures 1.3m wide x 1.1m high. ❐
mkinfobox@schueco.com

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Networking partners
Two partner network days,held at Schüco’s network centre
in Milton Keynes during the last week in March, proved
hugely popular. Over 200 fabricators, architects and main
contractors attended the sessions,indicating that a measure of
confidence may be returning to the UK market.
The topics covered included an introduction to some of
Schüco’s latest innovations among which is the AWS 90.SI+
passive house window – the only aluminium window to have
achieved passive house performance levels – the VarioAir
window trickle ventilator and enhancements to the ADS 90
range of doors.
There were also accounts of the first case-studies from
Northern Germany of Schüco’s 2 o System, a combination of
products that acting together could help to cut CO2
emissions by between 60% and 80%, a decrease which experts
believe is needed if the rise in global temperatures is to be
kept at, or below, the critical level of 2 o Celsius.
In addition, the audience heard about Schüco ProSol TF,the
company’s recently-introduced thin-film PV window and
façade system which is being seen as breaking new ground in
BIPV-enabled architecture, the new AWS 55 CL outwardopening
window and the USC 65.HI unitised façade system.
Other sessions covered British and European fire safety
standards and Schüco’s range of fire protection products,
including SHEVS, in relation to approved document B, as well
as the SchüCAL+ estimating system and recent innovations in
Schüco tooling and machinery.
Overall, the message of the two days was that although the
market is still challenging, there are some hopeful indicators
and that Schüco’s continuing investment in the UK is helping
to ensure that its partners are well positioned to benefit when
the recovery happens. ❐
www.schueco.com
No. 1 in The industry
BREAKING
NEWS
Price increases?
No price increases!
Ex-stock deliveries
LOW
PRICES
& FREE
TOOLS
Call us on our Sales Hotline
01482 889911
sales@uk.bea-group.com
www.bea-group.com

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
EcoClear+ powers growth
by 730 per cent in two years
Solaglas, the sealed unit manufacturer, has seen its use of Swisspacer
increase dramatically over the last two years. In the first four months of
2011,its use jumped 730 per cent compared to the same period in 2009 and
240 per cent compared to 2010.
Swisspacer has been used by Solaglas for more than 10 years at several of
its DGU manufacturing plants but its recent increased usage of the warm
edge spacer bar which is particularly popular in the UK and Ireland,is largely
due to the success of EcoClear+, Solaglas’ leading sealed unit.
EcoClear+ is said to make it easier and more cost effective for window
companies to achieve ‘A’,‘B’ and ‘C’ rated windows.
Solaglas’ glass marketing manager Matthew Kirby (pictured right) says:
“EcoClear+ has been very well received by customers because by using it,
fabricators and installers can easily comply with the new building
regulations, and win extra sales by offering homeowners the best energy
rated windows.
“It gives them a real competitive advantage,” Kirby continues.“Swisspacer
is a key component of EcoClear+ because of its excellent thermal
properties. It enhances the overall performance of EcoClear+ and allows us
to offer our customers what I believe is the best performing sealed unit on
the market.” ❐
EcoClear+ Tel: 024 7654 7400.
Swisspacer Tel: 0845 601 1265

GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING
Working for WERs
Following the launch of the Group Window Energy Rating
Kitemark scheme,Sapa Building Systems has been awarded
the first Kitemark certificate in the UK.
“Sapa has led the industry in developing this route toWER’s,
working closely with the British Standards Institution (BSI),”
said Mark Robinson, technical director,Sapa.
“The scheme simplifies the process for fabricators to
demonstrate compliance with the window energy rating
requirements and we have received an excellent response
from our customer base.
“Our approach of having an ever growing list of energy rated
windows that can be easily used by accredited fabricators and
installers immediately upon publication cuts through the
elongated processes that have existed to date.
“In simple terms we have produced a comprehensive
database list of window simulations covering Dualframe 75, 75
Si, Dualslide and the new Crown products from which our
accredited fabricators can manufacture any of the
combinations shown in the list and demonstrate compliance
with building regulations Part L1B by applying the labels
when they are licensed under the scheme.
“This is a key achievement by Sapa and one that will
benefit the industry as a whole,” said Kevin O’Neill, sales
manager,built environment BSI.
“By creating a Kitemark scheme that addresses the
challenges that fabricators face,BSI has been able to ensure
that all aspects of the industry can benefit from Kitemark
certification. Congratulations to Sapa Building Systems for
pioneering the scheme.” ❐
Tel: 01684 853 500
www.sapabuildingsystems.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

ALUMINIUM – THE
COLUMN
Keeping on course
In little over a month, I will see in my first decade with
CAB. There have been a great number of changes
within our sector during this time with even my beloved
Derby County managing a record of one promotion to the
Premier League and two relegations from it. The
aluminium in building
sector has had a similar
rollercoaster ride, with
huge increases and (now)
decreases in public
expenditure being a key
factor in recent years. But
is CAB, our sector trade
body, on course for a
positive future?
In my years with Plumb
Center, Wolseley, Metalbox
and RTZ Iquickly learned
that if you are not trying
something new each year
your brand is standing still
or, worse, stagnating. As
far as CAB is concerned, in
the last two years our
developments have included
increasing our technical capabilities through additional staffing
and developing new networking and education opportunities
through our mini-conferences and breakfast network events.
For CAB, the current climate presents our supply chain
with some tough challenges. Meeting fabricators across
the country in recent weeks, it is clear that geographic
divides for our sector seem to be appearing – one summed
it up as the City of London, the South East and the rest of
the UK. Some admit they are thriving on the sad demise of
others but even they acknowledge just how tight margins
are becoming and the critical nature of cash flow
considerations when deciding whether to tender or not.
The climate dictates that CAB and its fellow trade bodies
have to show how they can continue to deliver value and
align their work with the needs of their members.
Luke Johnson of Risk Capital Partners says, in his recent
column in the Financial Times in praise of Trade
Associations: “They promote and share best practice, act
as a forum for debate, provide education for novices, work
as lobbyists and champions for the trade. Frequently they
sponsor the main exhibitions. Some provide members with
technical advice.” This is very much our mission at CAB,
much of it communicated by myself and Patrick England
through this column.
Johnson adds finally that: “The finest trade associations
cultivate a spirit of fellowship among members.” CAB’s
diverse events programme aspires to enable members and
guests to share both challenges and achievements.
However it is the near 10% increase in 2011 membership
to date and the exceptional attendances and engagement
of members which indicate we are on course for future
success, but like the Rams must continually strive to
improve. ❐
18
Justin Ratcliffe
Justin Ratcliffe
Squaring the corner
This month I look at
the strengths and
weaknesses of the first of
the corner jointing
methods identified last
month.
Crimping employs ‘L’
shaped cleats, usually cut
from extruded profiles,
which fit into one or more
of the box sections which
make up the frame or vent
profile. The fit of the
cleats into these box
sections has to be quite
tight as this will be a factor
in preventing the corner joints twisting out of line and the
completed frames racking.
The cleats typically have a profiled recess on the outer
face into which an area of the outer web of the box section
is pressed. A predetermined width of the outer web of the
profile box is pressed, and in some cases sheared at the
contact end, into the cleat recess. This process is carried
out for each corner, with both profiles positioned on the
corner cleat and with the crimping tools aligned
symmetrically in order to achieve a tight and true 90 o joint.
The design of the profile of the recesses in the cleat
provides a ramp which pulls the profiles together at the
mitre as the frame web is forced into it. To achieve a waterresistant
joint it is usual to apply a small joint sealant.
The problems with this design are that there are many
variables which can result in a poor joint. For example If
the ends of the profiles are not cut to a true 45 o then the
resulting joint will not be 90 o . Using a worn or blunt cutter
will result in the edges of the cut ragging which will be
detrimental to the appearance of the joint.
The sharpness and alignment of the crimping tools are
also critical in achieving a tight joint as are the tolerances
on the cleat and the profiles. These will also have a bearing
on the tightness of the fit of the cleat.
If the cleat is not a tight fit in the profiles box section
then the profile can twist on the cleat opening the joint up.
This is a particular problem where the box section is
disposed towards one side of the profile. This effect is
reduced with profiles which have two box sections, one
towards the outer edge of the profile and the other towards
the inner edge of the profile. ❐
Patrick England
Patrick England
For more details on CAB or for an invitation to one
of our breakfast network meetings please contact us
on 01453 828851 email me at justin.ratcliffe@c-ab.org.uk.
You can also find me at
http://uk.linkedin.com/in/justinratcliffe
www.c-a-b.org.uk
The Fabricator 2011

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GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING – SEALED UNITS
Demanding A
The demand for higher energy ratings is
creating greater demand for Planibel A low-e
hard coat according to Brownhills Glass
Demand for Planibel A is growing according to
Brownhills Glass in the West Midlands, one of the
UK’s leading independent glass merchants and
processors. AGC’s low-e hard coat glass is proving a
popular option with IGU manufacturers says Brownhills
Glass managing director Tim Price. “We’re currently
ordering around 2,000m of Planibel A every month and
that figure looks set to rise as more and more of our
customers recognise the commercial benefits of this high
performing, hard
coat solution to
the new WERS,”
he says. Specially
developed by
AGC for the UK
market, Planibel A
performs to the
highest ratings
within the WER
scale from C to A,
without the need
for edge deletion.
Established in
1979, Brownhills
Glass operates
from a 3.8 acre
site in Aldridge
20
near Walsall boasting state-of-the-art processing
equipment and ISO
9001 accreditation.
The company
attributes much of its
success to an ability to
adapt to changing
customer needs and
industry regulations.
Having experienced
previous recessions
during the past three
decades, Brownhills
can now apply over 30
years of industry
expertise to
weathering the
current economic
downturn. “Although
the past two years
have been particularly challenging we’ve not had to shed
any staff like so many other companies, which I believe is a
testament to our proactive approach to business and
supplier relationships,”says Price.
Being able to offer customers a wide range of product
solutions and keep pace with new regulations is at the
heart of Brownhills’ business strategy and the company’s
relationship with AGC reflects this, says Price. “AGC ticks
all the boxes when it comes to reliable product
performance and competitive pricing,which are important
to us and to our customers,” he adds. In addition to
Planibel A the company orders around 2,000 metres of
standard float glass from AGC each month and is currently
considering offering AGC’s 4mm Planibel Clearvision
glass, which has an extra clear appearance, as a thinner
alternative to its existing low iron products. Summing up,
Price says: “It’s too early to say that the industry is out of
the woods just yet but we are delighted to report a slight
upturn this year. As always, we’ll be watching the market
closely and adapting our products and services accordingly
with expert advice and support from AGC.” ❐
www.yourglass.com
www.brownhillsglass.com
The Fabricator 2011

Winning with SWISSPACER
Do you want top performing sealed units and energy efficient
windows with the best WERs and lowest U-values?
SWISSPACER combines the strength and simplicity of
traditional spacer bars with the very best warm edge
performance. There’s no need to invest in specialised
machinery. It has the same external dimensions as
aluminium spacer bars and can be used on existing IGU
machinery. Order SWISSPACER and start manufacturing
right away. If you want to boost your capacity
automated solutions are available.
SWISSPACER has many features other warm edge
spacers don’t. It complies with EN1279 substitution
rules, has a fully integrated SWISSPACER Georgian Bar
and is available in a choice of 17 colours.
With 17 distribution centres across the UK and Ireland it’s
easy to see why SWISSPACER is used by most leading
IGU manufacturers and is now warm edge market leader.
Boost your growth - right out of the box
Call 0845 601 1265 NOW
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GLASS & STRUCTURAL GLAZING – SEALED UNITS
Edgetech UK has welcomed
South Wales based glazing
contractors and glass merchants
Treforest Glass into the Part 3
Club. Terry Potter,general
manager ofTreforest Glass
explains why they took the
decision to join:“We rarely get
offered the opportunity to be a
part of something that will be of
benefit to us at no extra cost,
but the Part 3 Club from
Edgetech offers just that. When
Mel Jones of Edgetech came to
see us and explained what being
a member meant forTreforest,
we thought it was a great idea –
not only because of the cost
saving benefits on Gasglass
products for example,but the
marketing support material to
help us promote our pass will really help us set ourselves above our competitors.
“Edgetech continually develop initiatives to support their customers, which provide a range of support
mechanisms and promotional material to ultimately help win more business. The Part 3 Club is the
latest of those initiatives and we think it is a great way to endorse the fact we passed Part 3 of EN1279
last October. We want all of our customers to know we are serious about achieving the necessary
standards and the Part 3 Club marketing material will help us do just that.” ❐
Tel: 08700 566844 www.superspacer.co.uk
Rocketing to a record
Sales of Swisspacer have increased
dramatically at Magden, one of its UK
distributors. With four branches across
the country – Manchester, Rotherham,
Leeds and Newcastle – delivering
nationwide, Magden’s sales have
rocketed to record levels since May
2010, and are currently four times what
they were 12 months ago.
Sales manager Jim Smith says more
companies are realising the benefits of
using Swisspacer: “We have new
customers buying Swisspacer on a
regular basis as they make the move
away from aluminium spacer bars. In
particular,smaller companies are making
the switch to keep up with customer
demand for high performance sealed
units. Existing customers are increasing
their volume considerably as they move
more production to warm edge.
“It is increasingly important for sealed
unit manufacturers to choose the
correct warm edge spacer bar because
they need to be able to sell sealed units
which meet their customers’ energy
rating requirements. Swisspacer has
proven performance credentials and is a
well-known brand. We’re seeing an
22
increasing trend of fabricators specifying
Swisspacer because it helps them
achieve better energy ratings. Many
window companies are offering ‘A’
rated windows to give them a marketing
advantage. And as the market has
matured, more companies are offering a
‘C’ rated window as standard.
Swisspacer’s range of products –
Swisspacer and Swisspacer V – make it
easy to achieve whatever rating is
specified, whether it is an ‘A’,‘B’ or a ‘C’.
“Ease of use is another major benefit
particularly for smaller companies.They
don’t have to invest in specialised
machinery or make changes to their
factory – they can start using it straight
away. Nor do they need to make any
changes to their paperwork because
they can apply the substitution rules.” ❐
Magden Tel: 0161 796 2030
Swisspacer Tel: 0845 601 1265
The Fabricator 2011

Take a Second Look
Edgetech is a name synonymous with Warm Edge
Technology (WET), but if you think we only have
‘Green’ and energy efficiency to offer you, then maybe
you should take another look.
Edgetech’s Super Spacer® is the highest performing WET
but Edgetech also offers:
and
If you want more from your spacer supplier,
call Edgetech on 08700 566 844 or visit
www.superspacer.co.uk

DOORS & SECURITY HARDWARE
Swinging conversion
The Compact Swing Operator is a
new automatic door opening
system by Ingersoll Rand Security
Technologies.Designed primarily for the
retrofit market, the Compact Swing
provides a quick, easy and cost effective
method of converting manual doors to
an automatic opening.
The system is an independent,surface
mounted operator which provides a
quick and simple retrofit solution for
existing timber, metal or glazed
doorways or for new build applications.
An automatic door can make a
significant contribution towards energy
saving which makes it a popular choice
for lobbies and entrances as well as for
corridor doors and retail environments.
It also helps satisfy the requirements of
the DDA and Doc M of the building
regulations.
The operator is manufactured in highgrade
extruded aluminium with a lowprofile
design.With an overall height of
just 11cm and depth of 12cm, it is
aesthetically designed to fit most
existing profiles and can be adapted on
site to suit a variety of door and frame
widths. Because the components are
mounted on a first fix backplate,lateral
adjustments of the drive mechanisms
achieve perfect alignment of the
operator with the opening.
The operator features numerous
control functions
including: manual
operation,
adjustable opening
and closing speed,
delayed action, and
push-and-go (where
the opening cycle is
initiated by gently
pushing or pulling
the door). Two
versions are
available either using
a slide track
mounted on the
door for fixing on
the ‘pull’ side or
with projecting arms
for fixing to the
‘push’ side.
Ingersoll Rand
offers a full design,
installation and
commissioning
service backed by a
national network of
installation and
service engineers, all
trained to BS7036
standards. ❐
Tel 01926 707400
www.ingersollrand.co.uk
Sales of the ABS Snap Secure cylinder were double the previous record
month in January and February’s sales were 50% ahead of average sales in
2010.The ABS Snap Secure cylinder is claimed by Avocet to be the most
secure on the market, being the only cylinder to date to achieve the new
Sold Secure Diamond Standard.
ABS Secure managing director Steve Stewart says:“The ABS Snap Secure
cylinder has been successful because it’s an easy-fit security solution which
provides homeowners with additional peace of mind that their property is
safe from forced entry.”
The cylinder is so secure because of its design.While the external half of
the cylinder is sacrificed when under attack, the internal half will always
remain secure with the cam retained in the locked position. According to
Avocet it doesn’t need additional security measures such as security
handles or cylinder guards.
Stewart says: “The Sold Secure Diamond Standard replicates real life
methods of attack, including snapping – a growing method of attack used
by burglars. Fear of crime is high amongst consumers so being able to offer
a real security solution is a big sales opportunity.We’ve had a tremendous
response from our customers, and we expect it to continue.” ❐
Tel: 01484 711700
www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
24
The Fabricator 2011

It’s afact.
88% of ‘A’-rated energy efficient windows have PVC-U frames. More precisely,
that’s 327 PVC-U window systems from atotal of 372 ‘A’-rated by the BFRC*.
Perhaps not surprising, when you consider the natural insulating properties of
PVC-U, its long-life durability and minimal maintenance requirement.
PVC-U windows are rated Aand A+ for domestic and
commercial installations inthe BRE Green Guide to Specification
Sophisticated multi-chamber profiles maximise thermal
efficiency and minimise usage of raw materials
PVC-U windows are given aminimum 35-year life cycle
by the Building Research Establishment
PVC-U -the No.1 choice
PVC-U is virtually maintenance free, requiring just
occasional washing to maintain its appearance
To find out why PVC-U is the material of choice for windows, visit
www.pvcaware.org
*BFRC website figures at June 2009
The British Plastics Federation, 6Bath Place, Rivington Street, London EC2A 3JE t 0207457 5000 e pvcaware@bpf.co.uk

DOORS & SECURITY
Cottage doors
When the residents of Berrow Cottage Homes needed
their front doors replacing, local Solidor installer
Armaglaze was able to offer a number of options including
laminated, grained finishes.The project was to supply a long
lasting, high security front door for 22 of Berrow Cottage
Homes properties in Knowle,Solihull.
Berrow Cottage Homes’ a charity,maintains and manages a
number of warden-controlled houses and flats.The housing it
provides is for the benefit and welfare of people principally in
the village of Knowle and the surrounding areas.
Armaglaze has been an active customer of Solidor since
2008.
Lee Williams of Solidor says:“It’s great to be involved in the
social housing sector and we are getting an increasing number
of enquiries
thanks to the
features of our
doors,
comprehensive
accreditations
and our green
promise.” ❐
Tel: 01782 311191
L-R LeeWilliams (Solidor),Paul Knight (Armaglaze) and
SandraTurner and LizWood (Berrow Cottage Homes)
ABS Secure has launched a new, humorous,
‘Spitting Image’ style video to highlight the
growing issue of cylinder snapping.
The short video,which explains the problem and
promotes its own high security ABS Snap Secure
cylinder to locksmiths, installers and
homeowners, can be viewed on ABS Locks
YouTube Channel and at www.abs-secure.co.uk.
The ABS Snap Secure cylinder’s design makes it
stand out from other security cylinders.While
the external half of the cylinder is designed to be
sacrificed under attack, the internal half remains
secure with the cam retained in the locked
position. ❐
Tel: 01484 725725
www.abs-secure.co.uk

THE TROJAN STAINLESS RANGE
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LETTERPLATE – T-HINGE – DOOR HANDLE – DOOR KNOCKER – LETTERS – NUMERALS
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Quality
All products are
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DOORS & SECURITY HARDWARE
Delivering more choice for doors
Economies of scale should benefit the whole supply
chain, suppliers and customers, not just suppliers. Nick
Dutton, managing director of Door-Stop International
says: “Door-Stop’s investment in the economies of scale
has driven its growth and enabled it to share the fruits
of success with its customers. Door-Stop customers
enjoy a choice of more than 40 locks and 26 hinge
options with its composite doors. Door-Stop customers
can depend on three day delivery whether they order
one door or 1,000. Anytime online ordering with the
easy-to-use door designer means customers can order
what they want, when they want, and delivered to
where they want; underlining Door-Stop’s total
commitment to customer service.
“Increased efficiency and managed growth,” Nick
continues,“means Door-Stop has also managed to
absorb most of the impact of soaring fuel prices and
raw material costs, restricting the 2011 price increase
to just 3% for prepped slabs, compared with a 12%
imposed rise for slabs from the ‘victims of success’.
There is no Door-Stop increase on glass, hardware, or
upgrade options and no surcharge for currency or edge
bands.” ❐
www.door-stop.co.uk
Nick Dutton
Dont miss
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Features
Articles
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theinstaller
May 2011
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“
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 EXTRA
Geneo in orbit
Rehau Geneo triple glazed windows have been installed in a projectin Coventry
under the community energy savings programme.Orbit Heart of England set itself
an ambitious target of using mainstream affordable solutions to refurbish the house
using Passivhaus principles
Rehau Geneo windows have been
Rinstalled throughout a project
carried out by Orbit Heart of
England which aims to maximise the
energy efficiency of a traditional
1900s mid terrace house.
Orbit Heart of England set itself an
ambitious target of using mainstream
affordable solutions to refurbish the
house using Passivhaus principles –
installing a new roof covering,
mechanical heat recovery ventilation,
insulating the roof,internal walls and
floors throughout and choosing
Rehau Geneo windows and Rehau
S706 doors to create a virtually air
tight skin.
Martin Agar, sustainable
investment manager, Orbit Heart of
England, said: “I chose the Rehau
Geneo frames because they were the
most cost effective and practical
and the individual components,
including the Rehau Geneo windows
will be assessed on their value and
payback.
The installation, in Foleshill Road
Coventry, is within the qualifying area
under the community energy savings
programme (CESP) where energy
providers have committed to
delivering energy efficiency measures
and improving standards to reduce
fuel bills.
Orbit Heart of England plans to use
the funding available under CESP to
roll out many of the measures
incorporated into the retro fit project
to other properties in the Coventry
area. The longer term objective is to
eventually expand the retro fit
programme to its existing similar
housing stock. ❐
Tel: 01989 762600
solution available for
meeting the
Passivhaus
requirements for
windows and doors
with a U-Value less
than 0.8 W/m 2 K.”
The triple glazed
Rehau Geneo frames
were manufactured
in the Caerphilly
factory of specialist
fabricator Solar
Windows. The six
chamber Geneo
system is extruded
from a new high-tech
fibre composite
material branded
Rau-Fipro. It is a self
reinforced profile
design which does
not require
additional steel,
eliminating the
thermal bridges
through which
energy can be lost in
conventional PVC-U
frames.
Two bay windows
in Rehau Geneo
have been installed at
the front of the house
with a further five tilt
before turn windows,
as well as two doors
in the S706 70mm
system.
The thermal
performance,
running costs and
comfort levels in the
house will be
evaluated once it is
occupied by tenants
The Fabricator 2011 31

PRODUCT PAGES
Service guaranteed
Fuhr UK has extended its five year
parts and labour warranty which
now includes a comprehensive repair
and replacement service for all
installations up to five years old.
The Fuhr service plan offers
registered Fuhr fabricators a range of
special benefits, including a five-year
manufacturer’s warranty and
comprehensive repair or replacement
service on all installations of up to five
years. The plan also offers a 24/7, 365
day, two-hour emergency response
service direct to customers in the event
of lock failure.
In the event of a lock failure due to a
proven manufacturing or operational
defect, Fuhr will arrange professional
repair or replacement of the lock. The
service is fully supported by industry
specialists DG Supplyline so fabricators
need never attend a call-back again.
DG Supplyline will only leave the
installation once it is functionally
Deceuninck has launched a new
specification guide.It is aimed
primarily at architects, specifiers and
construction professionals but equally
of interest to fabricators, installers
and consumers.
The guide divides into five parts: the
first, an introduction to Deceuninck,
emphasises its commitment to
excellence. It includes details of the
company’s assurance in all areas
including quality,technical services
and support.There is information on
the company’s Secured By Design
membership and the security features
of its products plus an overview of
current building regulations in
relation to its windows and doors.There is information on typical
components of a window and the features and benefits of
Deceuninck windows in particular.Finally, there are introductions
to two of the most recent Deceuninck innovations:Autentica
decorative enhancements and the thermal chamber insulator,
which uses post industrial waste and assists in achieving an ‘A’ WER
where it was not previously possible with metallic reinforcements.
Parts two, three and four cover Deceuninck 3000 Series Zendow,
2800 Series Decorative and 2500 Series Chamfered profile systems.
Each section provides a guide to the options in the range, giving
features, performance figures and test results.
Part five is devoted to value-added or additional products.These
include items such as ancillaries and couplings, add-ons and
weather bars. It also includes a guide to Deceuninck Deuctone
process colours. ❐
Tel: 01249 816969 www.deceuninck.co.uk
32
repaired and operational, ensuring the
customer is secure at all times. It also
supplies a report detailing the fault.
Ian Ward,Fuhr UK MD,says:“No one
likes call backs. They cost businesses
time and money by disrupting a day of
profitable work for fitters.
Equally,important, customers don’t like
to be let down but offer them a 24/7
emergency call out service for free and
they’ll not only be happy but also tell all
their friends.”
Fabricators can register entirely free
of charge and simply need to fill in an
application card and return it to Fuhr.
They then have access to the complete
DG Supplyline Service, plus five year
parts and labour warranty on all
products purchased. ❐
Tel: 01952 228777
Going for gold
Climatec Windows has added
Kömmerling’s O70 Gold System to
its product range, as part of its strategy
to offer PVC-U profiles with lower U-
values.
Established in 1993, Climatec
operates from two sites in Essex,
employs over 75 staff and supplies
products right across the South of the
UK. The company’s accreditations
include ISO9001-2001, BBA
certification and BS7950, BS7412, PAS
23/24 and Q-Mark accreditation.
Kevin Warner of Kömmerling says:
“To bring a fabricator with the pedigree
of Climatec to Kömmerling shows our
credentials and bold ambitions in the
UK. We’re making it easier for both
fabricators and installers to meet ‘A’,‘B’
and ‘C’ ratings and to meet the 1.8 U-
value under Building Regulations, thanks
to lower glass specifications.” ❐
www.climatec-windows.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011

Locksmiths Exhibition Ltd are pleased to announce an industry first for
the Glass and Glazing industry.
The ‘Door and Window Technicians’ Exhibition’
to be held at the East Midlands Conference centre, Nottingham on
Saturday 29th October 2011 from 10.00 to 1630
The Door and Window Technicians’ Exhibition is the first ever exhibition for
those vital sectors of the industry that install, repair, maintain or refurbish all
forms of door or windows such as PVCu, Timber, Composite or Steel for both
domestic and commercial use. This will include rolling cargo doors and anti
vandal shutters.
DAWTE follows on from the continuing success of the Locksmiths’ Exhibition
held at the same venue in March and now booking for it’s third year
Exhibitors
cost effective show space, to demonstrate your products to awhole range of
potential new customers and how YOU can help them to become cost
effective operatives. There is no lower priced event in the UK or an event that
has such afar reaching potential visitor audience.
The floor plan and stand booking form is available online at: www.dawte.co.uk
Visitors
No matter who you work for this is the exhibition for you to gain valuable
knowledge of safe working practices, to find handy new gadgets to make your
working day more efficient and safer. Ever wondered where you can source
those difficult to find spare parts? this is the place for you.
Register now for afree ticket online at: www.dawte.co.uk
Employers
Can you afford to miss this exhibition and bypass the opportunity to make
great cost savings on your materials, to make your workforce more efficient
and work in asafer environment.
Locksmiths Exhibition Ltd are experienced show organisers and have the
organisation to promote this event through the trade press via: Locks and
Security Monthly magazine, by e-zine through Locks and Security News and on
all the major locksmith forums.
We also have close links with ‘Glass News’ ‘The Installer’ and ‘The Fabricator.’

Tel: 07967 585475 Email: steve.anthony@profinder.eu
Aluminium Fire Products
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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,
NO SHRINKAGE, SUPPLIED IN BUCKETS.
CARRY LARGE STOCKS OF WOOLPILE,
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West Midlands, B64 7BJ
01384 413222 - 01384 413004
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enquiries@centralextrusions.co.uk
Glass Repair Services
Aluminium Systems
Bending
Flyscreens
The Flyscreen
Company
Flyscreen Systems for Doors & Windows
Bulk & Slit Mesh for Screening
& Ventilation
Tel: 01454 238288 Fax: 01454 238988
Website: www.flyscreen.com
Email: sales@flyscreen.com
Doors Composite
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PRODUCT PAGES
Doctor’s orders
Fabricators using Dr Hahn door
hinges feared the worst when their
UK distributor suddenly ceased supply
earlier this year.
However, the German manufacturer
took immediate steps to ensure
continuity of supply by contacting VBH
(GB) with regard to the hardware
distributor taking Dr Hahn hinges into
its range.
The two companies have a long
history of cooperation in many
countries so VBH (GB) was already
aware of the quality of the product.
Supply was maintained to all of Dr
Hahn’s existing customers initially by
Clicking good
Just a month after its relaunch, Rehau’s
consumer website at
www.rehauhome.com has seen a 20%
increase in the number of visitors.
The website is being promoted
extensively via Rehau’s consumer
advertising in both Ideal Home and
Homes and Gardens magazines and a
new Google Adwords campaign started
at the beginning of April.
The increase is good news for the
300+ Rehau authorised partners who
are listed on the dealer locator section
of the website, particularly since the
number of visitors using the dealer
locator has also increased by 58% and for Rehau and for our authorised
the number clicking through from this
to view partners’ own websites has
partners and we’re very pleased that the
recent improvements are paying off.
increased by 89%.
“At the beginning of March we
Sheila Normington, the authorised
partner coordinator at Rehau, said:
relaunched the website with enhanced
search engine optimisation and this is
“The website is continually being leading directly to more visits and more
improved to make it work harder both enquiries.” ❐ Tel: 01989 762600
direct deliveries from the German
factory, but all hinges, including the KT-
EV and KT-SV flags, are now supplied
from VBH Gillingham.
VBH marketing manager Gary
Gleeson says:“Many fabricators fit these
hinges to their PAS24/SBD spec doors
so it was vital that Dr Hahn quickly
found a reliable partner in Britain. We
were delighted to fill that role whilst
adding yet another quality product to
our range.” ❐
Tel: 01634 263263
“ManufacturingVS windows in small numbers quickly can be
disruptive and costly for mainstream fabricators.” So says Synseal
chief David Leng as the company launched its latest range of
coloured vertical sliding frames, which are designed to compete
head to head with timber in terms of performance but particularly
in the key areas of appropriate styling and finish.
“Our increased range ofVS frames are designed to prove
acceptable in sensitive locations and properties by offering a finish
that is indistinguishable from high quality timber but which offer
market leading energy rated performance,” said Leng.“The fittings
and especially the balances are of the highest quality and will
outlast anything else available,whatever the frame material, whilst
being competitively priced and easy to install and set up.
“If a fabricator manufacturing frames to this quality in low
numbers analyses his costs, he is almost guaranteed to be losing
money on every frame he produces. He must be honest with
himself and consider the inconvenience of switching production
from other,usually more profitable products, the downtime in
setting up for small runs, high scrap levels, poor optimisation of
foiled profiles, the cost of large stockholdings of seldom used
profiles, multiple glass options and expensive hardware.The list
goes on.
“We began the manufacture ofVS frames as a support service
simply because we were aware of the difficulties of making this
style in low volumes.We produce these frames with a five day lead
time to allow our fabricator customers to compete in what can be
a very lucrative market.” ❐
www.synseal.co.uk
The Fabricator 2011 35

P
Tel: 07967 585475
roFinder Email: steve.anthony@profinder.eu Online www.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
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