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Alpro Exhibits Motorised Locking

Alpro Hardware exhibited a new Trimec 'V' Lock at Interbuild, an electromechanical lock designed to ensure trouble-free locking, which is suitable for both single and double swing doors and will re-lock with 6mm of door misalignment with side/pre load. It is also a 'Fail Open' mechanism removing the need of a key override.

The lock incorporates a stainless steel faceplate and accessories to suit both mortised and surface installations and is suitable for connection to access control and intercom systems.

Keith Parry, Alpro's Product Manager says 'The comprehensive performance specification of the unit, coupled with patented technology and 5 year guarantee, enable us to offer a versatile product at a competitive price'.

Alpro products are available exclusively in the UK from IEC and through all major security product distributors

http://www.alprodoorhardware.co.uk

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Interbuild Promotes New Products for FGI

Investment in a stand at Interbuild has been declared a success by Float Glass Industries (FGI), the UK's largest independent glass distributors. The sales team has returned from the Show with an impressive number of enquiries for products launched at the Show and for the company's existing glass range and processing services.

One of FGI's main objectives at the Show was to promote its new Everseal IG - the UK's first high performance gas-filled commercial IG units. ‘Visitors to the stand were very interested in the technology behind these products and were keen to find out more,’ says FGI Director, Dawn Offland. The Everseal IG range features Thermo Plastic Spacer warm edge technology, which offers optimum heat insulation and reliability.

FGI was equally keen to present the huge decorative potential of Decoran, its new 100% recycled ceramic glass, and sister product Structuran for exterior applications. Dawn Offland continues, ‘Interbuild was an ideal opportunity to show these fascinating products in a variety of displays. They combine the best attributes of glass and natural stone with sustainability - an important consideration in today's building industry - and we received some very positive feedback.’

FGI's overall impression of the number and type of visitors at this year's event was generally very good, concludes Dawn Offland. ‘Apart from Sunday, which was quiet for everyone, we were busy throughout the Show talking to a mix of architects, specifiers and building contractors. We definitely achieved our main aims of establishing the Everseal IG brand name and developing new opportunities for Decoran and Structuran. Interbuild is a great opportunity to meet those involved in all aspects of construction and we're already looking to book a bigger stand next year.’

Tel: 0161 946 8000
Web: http://www.floatglass.co.uk

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Price-fixing Glass Makers Fined

Four of the world's biggest glass manufacturers have been fined a total of 486.9m euros ($717.5m; £348.2m) for illegally co-ordinating price rises. The firms are Guardian of the US, Pilkington, which is the UK unit of Nippon Sheet Glass, Saint-Gobain of France and Belgium's Glaverbel. The European Commission said the firms had raised or stabilised prices in 2004 and 2005 through illicit contacts.
Between them they control 80% of Europe's market for flat glass.

Neelie Kroes, the EU's competition commissioner, said that the EU would 'not tolerate companies cheating consumers and business customers by fixing prices and depriving them of the benefits of the single market'.

Guardian was fined 148m euros, Pilkington 140m euros and Saint-Gobain 133.9m euros. Asahi received the smallest fine of 65m euros because it had co-operated with the investigation.

Guardian Industries' group vice president, Peter Walters, said that the firm was 'extremely shocked' by the decision. 'We don't believe the facts justify the outcome as it pertains to Guardian,'he said.

And a Saint Gobain spokeswoman said the company "took note" of the decision. She added the firm was braced for an even larger fine from an EU decision on the price of car windows.

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Hunter Douglas Acquires NBK Ceramic

Hunter Douglas, the specialist in window coverings and a major manufacturer of architectural products worldwide, has agreed to acquire NBK Ceramic.

Headquartered in Emmerich, Germany, NBK is a designer and manufacturer of large format terracotta facades, with a longstanding reputation for excellence in Europe.

NBK employs approximately 85 people and has projected sales in 2007 of USD 22 million. The company will continue to operate independently under its current management.

Aad Kuiper, managing director of Hunter Douglas Europe, said: ‘The acquisition of NBK strengthens our position in custom facades. NBK's terracotta facades are highly complementary with our current range of metal facades and sun-control products. NBK will add the warmth, flexibility, and durability of custom terracotta panels to that offering.’

‘Hunter Douglas has a long history of developing ventilated facades,’ added Hubertus Foyer, NBK's founder and CEO. ‘In joining the Hunter Douglas Group, NBK will strengthen the worldwide distribution of our products.’

Hunter Douglas plans to build additional NBK production facilities in Portugal, Asia, and Latin America in 2008.

Web: http://www.hunterdouglascontract.com

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Darby Glass Re-emerges

Browallia LLP, a partnership of former Jarvis Porter Group shareholders, has announced the purchase of the entire share capital of Darby Group Limited, the holding company of Darby Glass Limited, from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP the Administrators of Jarvis Porter Group Plc.

Darby Glass Limited will continue to focus on enhancing its reputation as one of the UK's largest independent suppliers of insulating glass units and street furniture to both the commercial and domestic marketplace. Darby Glass will continue to trade from its five UK sites and the existing management team will remain in place.

Robin Cooper, Finance Director said ‘this transaction separates Darby from Jarvis Porter and its Pension Scheme which has caused us difficulties in managing the business in the past. We now have a stronger company that can continue to build on its success as recently recognised by being voted the Glass Company of the Year at the G07 Awards’.

Adrian Edwards, Managing Director said ‘everyone at Darby is looking forward to continuing the company's development and we are confident that the Group will now move forward with a structured plan to invest in its people, plant and processes, build on current market share, and further improve business profitability’.

Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk

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Kitemark for Gloucestershire's 'Secret Window Company'

The recent Interbuild exhibition at the NEC was the backdrop for the presentation of the coveted BSI Kitemark award to Joedan Manufacturing UK Limited. Joedan, based in Tewkesbury Gloucestershire, designs, manufactures and supplies its aluminium doors and windows both locally- where the company has a history stretching back 22 years- and nationally.

Although well known in the Gloucestershire area, in the past Joedan has concentrated on developing its manufacturing resources and its product range rather than its national marketing. As a result, it has become a best-kept secret as far as the rest of the industry is concerned. The secret is out now that this award has been announced, one of the first Kitemarks granted for aluminium products.

The Kitemark award is the culmination of years of hard work by the company, and signifies the beginning of a development programme that will bring new processes, new products and the highest standards to Joedan and its customers. John Purcaro, founder and chairman of Joedan Holdings, the parent of Joedan Manufacturing, said:

'We pride ourselves in providing our customers with the very best quality products and service so that they can be assured of a level of service unmatched by any other in the industry. In this competitive market, we must keep ahead and Kitemark certification - because of its independence, integrity and trust - gives our products and company a real competitive advantage.'

Through its sister company within Joedan Holdings, the design house Architectonics Limited, Joedan Manufacturing has access to a full range of fenestration designs and products. New products coming on line early in 2008 will supply the private housing and light commercial sectors with fully compliant and tested solutions for the increasingly tough environmental and performance standards.

Joedan says that it has shed its modesty and is determined to become known as the trusted source for aluminium window systems and designs to the industry and for installed products to its local customers.

Tel: +44 (0)1684 274000
Email: windows@joedan.co.uk
Web: http://www.joedan.co.uk

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New Study Shows Potential to Cut Building CO2 Emissions Using Glass Technology

An important opportunity for energy savings and CO2 emission reductions has yet to be exploited by policy makers, according to a study presented last week in Brussels.

Proper application of 'solar control glass' technology could cut CO2 emissions in Europe by anywhere between 15 and 80 million tonnes per year. But policies to encourage or mandate the environmentally optimal use of this technology remain to be adopted.

Solar control glass reduces solar heating of air-conditioned buildings by sending the sun's heat back out and away from the building instead of letting it through. By significantly reducing the load on air-conditioning systems, it saves large amounts of energy.

The industry association Glass for Europe (formerly GEPVP - Groupement Européen des Producteurs de Verre Plat), which brings together Europe's four main producers of building and automotive 'flat glass' products, today presented a scientific study carried out by the Dutch institute TNO. The study asks what would happen if solar control glass, instead of 'normal' glass, were used on all air-conditioned buildings, both on new buildings and refurbishing existing ones.

Even assuming that air-conditioning in Europe remains only at current levels, this practice would already save 15 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2020. But in fact air-conditioning is expected to rise significantly in Europe. If it were to reach levels similar to those in the US, the study finds, then as much as 80 million tonnes of CO2 emissions would be saved by consistent use of solar-control glass.

The reality is expected to lie somewhere between the two scenarios, with air-conditioning use rising significantly but not all the way to US levels.
Presenting the study at a conference today in Brussels, the glass industry recalled the ambitious requirements that the EU has set for the building sector - namely to save 300 million tonnes of CO2 per year by 2020 - and called upon policy makers to seize the opportunity presented by solar control glass to help achieve the targets that they have set.

Rick Wilberforce of Pilkington called this opportunity 'the low-hanging fruit' and encouraged policy makers to pluck it: 'We are all aware of the urgency of fighting climate change. Here is an opportunity to make a major contribution in the building sector.' Alain Jardinet of AGC (formerly Glaverbel) underlined the opportunity: 'Scientific facts alone do not bring about change. Ensuring that the potential benefit of solar control glass is realised requires the right public policies.'

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Solaglas Sittingbourne - Armed for Bullet Resistant Glass Manufacture

Following an independent external audit carried out by CSI, the Notified Certification Body, Solaglas Sittingbourne has achieved AoC1 certification, in accordance with the requirements of EN14449:2005. AoC1 certification is the highest level required by the European directive for production sites of bullet-resistant glazing for the building sector.

This means that with immediate effect Solaglas Sittingbourne is certified to produce bullet-resistant laminated glass, including glass/polycarbonate options. These products will form part of the company’s high performance security range, incorporating intruder resistant and blast resistant glass products.

Solaglas Sittingbourne has over 40 years experience in the manufacture and supply of high performance laminated security glass for the architectural, construction, protection and security markets. The new range will offer a unique extension to the Solaglas portfolio, whilst still maintaining the high standards in quality and service, which has long been associated with the company.

Brian Baker, General Manager of Solaglas Sittingbourne puts the achievement down to the dedicated work of his team:

‘This is an achievement that the team at Solaglas Sittingbourne can feel proud of - a lot of hard work and commitment has gone in to this project, and I would like to thank everyone for their contribution in making this possible. This is a strategically important move for us and for the rest of the Solaglas network.’

As part of the national Solaglas Glass Processing and Distribution network of businesses, Solaglas Sittingbourne offers UK-wide coverage, which is currently lacking in the UK security glazing industry.

For customers this means a local point of contact with the possibility of lead-times as little as two weeks from application. Furthermore, as an integral part of the worldwide Saint-Gobain group of companies, an unlimited supply of international resources and expertise are readily available, to Sittingbourne and its customers, keeping them at the forefront of innovation.

For further information and technical assistance, including advice on specification, please contact Solaglas Sittingbourne on 01795 413826 or alternatively you can e-mail specialprocessing.solaglas@saint-gobain.com.

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Delivering Zero Carbon Homes - A Study

The Renewable Energy Association welcomes the report from the Renewables Advisory Board ‘The Role of Onsite Energy Generation in Delivering Zero Carbon Homes’. The report demonstrates that Onsite Renewable Energy can deliver net Zero Carbon homes in over 90% of cases with their only difficulty being in achieving this target for some urban flats. It also strongly emphasises the need to limit the amount of off-site renewable energy that is hypothecated in any future definition of zero carbon homes.

The report is timely and provides useful proposals which will help the government move towards their commitment to the 20% renewable energy target by 2020 as well as its ambitions for Zero Carbon homes by 2016. The development of the onsite renewables industry will not only help with new build developments but also help produce the volumes and economies of scale necessary to make renewable technologies a more attractive option for existing housing.

There is a clear need for early action and the REA proposes a number of policies which will provide the leverage and incentives to make early progress towards achieving government objectives.

One of the key recommendations from the report is the need to ‘create strong, early stimulation to the onsite renewables sector to avoid the high risk of a supply gap in 2016’

The REA strongly supports this recommendation and calls on the government to:

• make the optional support that Energy Suppliers could give to microgeneration in the forthcoming Carbon Emissions Reduction Target proposals an obligation. The REA also proposes a doubling of that proposed support for microgeneration under CERT.

• introduce a generous feed in tariff for on-site renewable electricity along the lines of the scheme which has been successful in Germany.

• provide financial incentives to reward users of renewable heat technologies such as biomass, solar thermal and heat pumps.

• ensure all local planning authorities will be able to adopt targets for on-site renewable energy technologies in their Local Development Frameworks along the same lines as those successfully adopted and implemented by Councils such as the London Boroughs of Merton and Croydon.

• Provide support to householders to cover the capital cost of the installation of renewable energy technology through mechanisms such as using a second charge on a property. Such a scheme, Called RE-Charge is being developed by Kirklees Council and will be launched in April.

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PEET gets Heated About Bubble Technology for Energy Efficient Greenhouses

Nottingham University's School of the Built Environment, under the auspices of Professor Saffa Riffat, is currently evaluating the use of bubbles - of the bubble-bath or 'blowing' variety - as insulants for a new generation of super energy-efficient horticultural 'tunnel' greenhouses. The project, which involves computer modelling, laboratory testing and the construction of a unit for field trial, is one of a number of academic and practical energy efficiency research projects funded by the Pilkington Energy Efficiency Trust (PEET), a non-profit making organisation funded by Pilkington, one of the world's largest and most innovative glass makers. Projects do not have to be glass-related.

Professor Riffat - who has been supported by PEET with several earlier projects - and his team are modelling fluid flow and heat transfer in a transparent cavity roof for a tunnel greenhouse, the likes of which can be seen covering miles of British horticultural land. Results indicate that the cavity filled with bubbles would provide excellent thermal insulation with the temperature of the interior membrane for the cavity being nearly uniform. Without bubbles, convection heat transfer in the cavity would lead to large temperature stratification in the cavity and more than a 10-fold increase in fabric heat loss in winter.

Four categories of commercially available surfactant blends - or bubble liquid - were tested to find a medium most suitable for this application. These were bubble bath, washing up liquid, car wash liquid and foam cannon liquid. Results showed that the foam cannon blend produced only short lived foam, whereas the bubble bath produced consistent foam with a long life span. Six primary agents, two foam boosting agents and two stabilising agents were tried in various combinations and a suitable blend was then identified with the correct concentration found after exhaustive trials of differing mixtures.

In order to measure the heat and light transmission of a bubble cavity accurately, a double room test facility, with cavity space between, has been built. The facility will enable measurement of heat transfer and light transmission through layers of foam at various intervals, different bubble sizes and varying light intensities.

CFD - Computational Fluid Dynamics - has been used for modelling of fluid flow and heat transfer in a transparent cavity roof for a tunnel greenhouse of two shapes - semicircular arc and dome. Results indicated that the cavity filled completely with bubbles such that convection is prevented would provide excellent thermal insulation with the potential to reduce fabric heat loss in winter by over 10 times. The temperature of the interior membrane for the bubble cavity is nearly uniform with no stratification.

Work is now being undertaken to investigate heat transfer in a bubble cavity of different dimensions and the thermal environment of the bubble-integrated greenhouse for a range of external conditions. The performance of the bubble technology under laboratory conditions including the effects of cavity width, bubble size and external environmental conditions will continue to be examined.

With the project culminating in spring 2009 the results are expected to lead to a revolution in the energy-efficiency of poly-tunnels used throughout the UK.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

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HSE Issues Work at Height Warning after Stourbridge Glazing Firm Fined

The Health and Safety Executive has warned employers and the self-employed to ensure safe systems of work are in place when working at height. The warning follows HSE's prosecution of a Stourbridge glazing company after an employee was injured in a fall.

Jaysee Glass and Glazing Ltd of Lye, Stourbridge was fined £4,500 and ordered to pay costs of £1,278 at Dudley Magistrates Court on Thursday 22nd November 2007 after pleading guilty to breaching Regulation 5(1) of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998, Regulation 13 of The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and Regulation 8(e) of The Work at Height Regulations 2005.

On 5th February 2007, Michael Norton was working as part of a three-man team replacing vandalised windows in the Next Generation Leisure Centre, Brierley Hill. He was using half of a double ladder set that had been split to allow two men to work at height.

The ladders were not secured and the one being used by Mr Norton slid sideways, causing him to fall approximately two metres to the ground. He fractured his wrist and received a puncture wound to the back of his hand when part of the glazing unit that he was carrying up the ladder fell onto the back of his hand.

The ladder in use was damaged, the feet were missing and it was being used without stability devices. The company was aware of the damage to the ladder and suitable stability equipment was not available in the van taken to site. Totally insufficient training was given to employees and, immediately following the fall of Mr Norton, another employee on site, although not a glazier, use the same unsecured, damaged ladder to complete the task of installing the glazing unit.

HSE inspector, Karl Raw, said: 'Each year people lose their lives or suffer injury due to failures to provide the right equipment for working at height or maintaining equipment. Underlying this is failure to assess risks, plan for safety or train employees.

'In this case, working from an improvised ladder set-up with damaged and inadequate equipment was completely unacceptable and could have resulted in much more serious injury, or even death. For this type and level of work, scaffold towers should have been loaded into the van and used correctly. This would have allowed the work to be completed safely without risk of falls resulting in injury.

'It was gratifying to see that the magistrates also clearly recognised that there is absolutely no substitute for proper training.'

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FMB State of Trade Results: Quarter Three 2007

Nearly half (48%) of builders are reporting difficulties with recruiting labour, says Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its latest survey of members. Scotland is particularly badly affected with 84% of builders reporting difficulty in finding labour, followed by the North East at 67%, and the Eastern region at 63%. Northern Ireland is the best place to find construction labour with only 20% of builders reporting difficulty. Of all the trades, carpenters and joiners are the most difficult to recruit and hire.

Brian Berry, Director of External Affairs at the FMB says,

'The ongoing problem about finding enough skilled workers in the construction sector reflects the strength of the construction market. Small construction firms are reporting an increase in activity, which merely exacerbates the already growing demand for skilled construction labour. It’s worrying that the Government is still failing to meet its own targets to train more apprentices in the construction sector.

Berry continued,

'We need a sea change in attitudes towards training young people to learn new trades. Vocational training needs to be given the weighting and value as those wanting an academic education. Until this happens Britain will continue to suffer an on-going skills shortage which is affecting the overall performance of the economy, not least the impact this will have on getting the Olympics completed on time by 2012.'

Web: http://www.fmb.org.uk

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energiKare Tour De Force

The end of October marked the conclusion of a major countrywide tour by Pilkington to spread the word about their new energy efficient IGU Pilkington energiKare'.

The tour was the biggest energy efficient glazing event held in the UK after more than 350 attendees from window and glass processing companies across the country joined Pilkington to hear about the exciting new product. Each went away with a wealth of information about Pilkington energiKare' and the benefits of being a partner in the scheme.

At the events, Product Manager, Andy McDowell and Sales and Marketing Support Manager, Anne Quayle were on hand to update the audiences on the new product. The seminar included information about the Window Energy Rating scheme and the benefits of accreditation from the Energy Saving Trust as well as how the new brand will be marketed to consumers in the coming months, and most importantly, how customers can get involved.

Andy McDowell, Product Manager, Pilkington, explained why the events were so popular: 'The market for energy efficient windows; that is, those rated at C and above, is growing fast. Pilkington energiKareTM offers window companies an off-the-shelf solution which meets the growing demand of consumers for energy efficient products. Signing up to be a Pilkington partner also gives you the opportunity to add value to your product offering and differentiate yourself from the competition.'

Gaby Mendham, Director, Wilson Eco Glass, attended the event in Norwich, she said: 'I'm extremely pleased that Pilkington came to Norwich, as the area is a major player in the glass industry. The event itself was very informative and well presented. I'm excited by the launch and I think it will be excellent for the industry. As a company we are very pleased to be a partner of Pilkington and I think the future looks good for Pilkington energiKare'.

Pilkington energiKareTM is normally made up of 4mm Pilkington K GlassTM and 4mm Pilkington OptiwhiteTM and must be filled with argon gas, conforming to EN1279 Part 3. When combined with just standard, low cost aluminium spacer bar, it offers an easy to process, cost effective product that is readily available throughout the UK. What's more, with no significant change for processors, Pilkington energiKareTM IGUs help window fabricators and installers achieve the aspirational band C rating, hassle free.

With dedicated trade and consumer websites, as well as specific marketing and sales literature, providing stockists with excellent support, it is not surprising that so many people joined Pilkington at the events and are now part of the Pilkington energiKare' evolution.

Following the nationwide tour, Pilkington energiKare' will soon be hitting TV screens across the country. The TV advertising campaign begins in February 2008, so be sure to look out for the commercials early next year.

For more information log onto the dedicated Pilkington energiKare' website at www.pilkington.co.uk/energikare

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Emirates Glass becomes Overall Sponsor of Prestigious LEAF Awards 2007

Emirates Glass, a global provider of energy efficient architectural glass, is investing in a major new marketing initiative by becoming the overall sponsor of the prestigious LEAF Awards, which will be presented at a dinner at the Waldorf Hilton, London on 29th November 2007.

Now in their fourth year, this is the first time the LEAF Awards have been held in London after successful years in other leading European cities.

The Emirates Glass LEAF Awards are open to all companies, technologies and individuals with offices in Europe that have made an outstanding contribution to the world of architecture, and who continue to set the benchmark for the buildings of tomorrow. Among previous winners have been America’s Cup Foredeck Building, Valencia, Spain; The Canadian War Museum, Ottawa, Canada and The Green Building, Manchester, UK. For information on the shortlist of finalists and on attending please visit http://www.leaf-awards.com.

Mr. Ziad Yazbeck, General Manager of Emirates Glass said: 'We are very proud to support the LEAF Awards as, like our brand, they are a world leader and they recognise the best in worldwide architecture and design. By sponsoring the LEAF Awards we are able to showcase our exceptional range of high performance glazing products.'

Simona Kastly, LEAF Project Director commented; 'It is a great honour to have such a world famous and renowned brand as Emirates Glass supporting the LEAF Awards.'

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Lead: the Reusable Raw Material - Too Valuable for Disposal

With the price of raw materials - especially metals - continuously rising, the economic case for using valuable materials as efficiently as possible is now overwhelming. In this context, product life cycle management is of central importance.

Not only the cost and lifespan of a material but also the efficiency and cost of the recycling process significantly contribute to the life cycle assessment of raw materials.

An efficient product life cycle is an important indicator of the future viability of a raw material. No material has better credentials than sheet lead in this regard.

A long lifetime, a high secondary value, efficient recovery and a low recycling cost make lead sheet a material of the future.

Recovery: Systems for 'closed loop' product management are only just developing in many industry sectors. In contrast, the lead sheet industry is several steps ahead.

Well-established retrieval and collection systems already exist for lead sheet, and have been operational in many European countries for a number of years. As a result sheet lead is almost never discarded in a land-fill, but is almost entirely recovered for recycling.

Recycling: Recycling is constantly gaining in importance for both economic and environmental reasons. The recycling of used materials is rapidly gaining support as an alternative to disposal and the consumption of more primary raw materials. Lead sheet is a frontrunner in recycling. 'Over 90 percent of the lead sheet sold in Europe comes from recycled material, and 99 percent of used lead sheet is recycled,' emphasises Terry Boon, Board Member of the European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA). In theory sheet lead's product life cycle can be repeated without limit: no loss of quality is incurred, regardless of how often or how long the metal has previously been used. In addition, lead's low melting point makes recycling extremely cost effective.

These aspects make lead sheet a model reusable raw material. Tradesmen can profit from this, particularly during times of very high raw material prices.

About ELSIA:
The European Lead Sheet Industry Association (ELSIA) is the central trade association of the European lead sheet manufacturing industry. All members work to an established EN standard that guarantees the highest level of product quality. ELSIA is committed to funding long-term research and development to ensure that its products are environmentally sound. The members take a modern, responsible attitude to the health and safety of stakeholders and the environment.

Web: http://www.elsia.eu

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