May 2024

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NEW METALLICS RANGE FROM JAMES HARDIE
James Hardie, a leader in the manufacture
of high-performance fibre cement and fibre
gypsum building solutions, has launched a
metallics range in the UK, in response to
market demand for bolder, more creative
design options.
The new Hardie Architectural Panel Metallics
range comes in gold, copper, gunmetal, silver,
steel and bronze, and is available for all 8mm
and 11mm Hardie Panel products.
Created by the company’s in-house
expert paint technicians, working in
collaboration with its R&D team, the
formula, which took more than four years
to develop, prevents against UV, fade, rot
and is fully weather resistant.
Lee Bucknall, UK Country Manager at James
Hardie, commented: “At James Hardie, we
know that a property’s exterior is an important
way to make a
design
statement.
These innovative metallic shades, the first to the
UK market, form a key part of our portfolio of
patterned profiles, surface finishes and colours
for use in residential, commercial and industrial
applications. Our strong culture of innovation
and continuous improvement means that we
listen to our customers and focus our
development on meeting their needs, and
believe this new range will inspire architects,
builders, and homeowners.”
www.jameshardie.co.uk
VIVALDA CONTINUES GROWTH
Vivalda Group, the national cladding
specialist, says it has signalled its confidence
in the UK facades market with a trio of new
senior roles.
While Wes Hague has joined the business as Group
Commercial Director, Adam Sumner has returned to
Vivalda as Specification Manager. Further
supporting the group’s nationwide sales capability,
former Manchester Branch Manager Jamie O’Brien
has been promoted to Key Account Manager for the
North.
Fulfilling the new role of Group Commercial Director,
Vivalda says Wes will focus primarily on new
product development within the business, which
has recently launched MetSkin, its own fully tested,
solid aluminium façade system. The manufacturer
and distributor says Adam Sumner’s role adds to
the company’s nationwide sales capabilities,
providing technical product advice to specifiers and
architects.
Building on the success of the model pioneered in
the south, Jamie O’Brien has been appointed Key
Account Manager covering cities such as
Manchester, Liverpool and Leeds. The company
says he will work in close collaboration with Michael
Brookman, Vivalda’s Key Account Director for the
South.
As Group Commercial Director, Wes also has
responsibility for the supplier base across the group,
which includes Vivalda, BBS Facades, Pura
Facades, MSP Façade Solutions and Prism Powder
Coating. He said: “I’ve built my career by forging
long-term partnerships with suppliers while also
encouraging internal collaboration, which helps us
to focus on the needs of our customers. Vivalda is
already a great business with a hugely positive
culture, and I am convinced I can bring some of the
lessons I’ve learnt from other sectors to build on
Adam Sumner (above left) has returned to Vivalda as
Specification Manager after two and a half years with
Kingspan Facades, whilst Wes Hague (above, right) was
previously Head of Business Efficiency at Harlow Timber
Group and is now Group Commercial Director at Vivalda.
these solid foundations.”
Vivalda says Adam Sumner has been brought
onboard to help architects and specifiers gain a
better understanding of the various cladding
materials that are on the market. He said: “Whether
it’s solid metal, terracotta or GRC cladding, the
choices facing specifiers can be bewildering given
the sheer variety of facades currently available. My
job is to help specifiers make informed choices
when considering various rainscreen cladding
materials.” www.vivalda.co.uk
MAY 2024 TC 41