Letter to editor from Roger Hartshorn, CEO of Garnalex

Dear Ian, After a lifetime in PVC-U, people wonder why I’ve fallen for Aluminium. I just love aluminium, its possibilities and its sustainability. And I’m knocked out that about 75% of all the aluminium ever produced is still in use! For those who don’t know, we’ve invested £9 million so far in a state-of-the-art Garnalex factory which will start extruding aluminium profiles for trade customers in October a … »

Letter to editor - suited heritage products Chris Jones

Dear Ian Over the last five years the timber-alternative heri e look has captured the imagination of homeowners. It’s been such a hit that many fabricators and installers who originally saw flush casements as an attractive and interesting niche product, now see them becoming the dominant casement window style over the next five years, with traditional storm casements confined to a fifth or a quarter of their output … »

Letter to the Editor on behalf of Simon Monks, Managing Director at VBH

Dear Ian, Air pollution is a global problem which affects almost everyone in the UK. And, while obviously some areas are worse than others, the idea that it’s only heavily industrialised areas which suffer is far from true. Air pollution affects everyone’s health, prospects and the fabric of our homes. We might like to think that when we get home and shut the door (and windows) we are safe, but air pollution gets inside build … »

Letter to the editor: Are you glazing your heritage units correctly?

Dear Ian, As someone with over 30 years of experience manufacturing sealed units, I can’t think of another time where the heri e sector has been so firmly in the industry spotlight. Whether it’s best practice, compliance or consolidation, there are a multitude of issues which have ultimately got the industry talking. I fear though, we could be facing another potential issue, with a number of reported unit failures r … »

Letter to the Editor - 'Betting the Farm'

Dear Ian It's a dilemma we've seen in successful growing manufacturing and sales organisations br / Your business has grown and needs integrated systems - one set of data from Prospect to Invoice and Customer Care br / You need Joined up systems that don't rely on constantly re-keying the same information (or what you hope is the same !) br / Spreadsheets and separate pieces of software that don't talk to each oth … »

Editor letter - the future of streamlined production, Chris Jones

Dear Ian In the 35 years I’ve been in the industry, I’ve seen PVC-U manufacturing become more efficient, streamlined and lean. The principle of streamlined production is simple – removing unnecessary processes makes it more efficient and cost-effective. In practice it has helped improve quality throughout the manufacturing process, and it’s helped make business as profitable as possible. But, the process of … »

Letter to Fenestration News

Dear Ian Burglars using blow torches to gain entry through people’s front doors has made national news over the last week, with articles in the Daily Mail, The Sun and The Mirror. We have received many enquiries from concerned homeowners through social media channels about their safety. The latest crime statistics also make for grim reading with robberies up 17% and the chances of being involved in a crime are now 1 i … »

Letter to Fenestration News

Dear Ian Over the years there has been much debate about best practice when it comes to heri e glazing and by that I mean windows that are specified with a narrow cavity or reduced sightline IGU. These are often a requirement for the replacement and refurbishment of windows in conservation areas, listed buildings and in Article 4 areas of designation. At Hodgson Sealants it has long been understood that our obligati … »

Letter to the Editor - demise of SafeGlaze UK - DGCOS

Dear Ian, If ever there was a time that proves comprehensive protection for consumers isn’t just a ‘nice to have’, it’s a ‘must have’ for the sake of the industry’s reputation, its now. With the demise of SafeGlaze UK, the industry should debate its stance on providing robust consumer protection. And the policing of this. Safeglaze has potentially left thousands of homeowners with unfulfilled orders, missing deposits … »

Letter to the Editor - Protecting intellectual property - Alan Burgess

Dear Ian, The industry has a mixed record of respecting intellectual property (IP). We’ve probably all seen cases of copying (ranging from accidental infringement to blatant copying and theft) of innovations, product design and brands. Common infringements range from using images and brochures without permission, passing off as other brands, as well as copying other companies’ products without permission and benefitting from … »

Letter to the Editor - Adrian Simpson, DGCOS

Dear Ian In our role as the industry’s leading consumer protection champion, DGCOS is often asked by its members about issues surrounding the Consumer Contract Regulations, and as such wanted to take the opportunity to remind the broader market about the routes to compliance. Thanks to our considerable experience of working with our members, we’re in a great position to able to advise on how businesses can best comply with th … »

Letter to Fenestration News

Dear Ian Since publishing our door furniture performance and warranty research in May, installers have told us about the true cost of product failure which is tarnishing reputations as well as furniture. The door furniture ‘credit on return’ policies, where a credit for the rotting component is paid only when the faulty product is brought back from site, packaged and shipped off to the supplier for inspection. This is … »

Modplan Ltd

Modplan adds LEKA Xi to its range

Leading trade fabricator Modplan has added the new LEKA Xi Conservatory Base System to its range. Justin Williams, Modplan’s International Sales and Marketing Director, said: em “The LEKA Xi Conservatory Base System is a new modular extension t ... »