Profile 22 Fabricator News

Commercial News - Issue 2, June 2009 - public version

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 00:00:00 +0100

Inside this months Commercial Newsletter you can read about the winner of the perfect project competition, promoting our Approved Commercial Manufacturers, visit Profile 22 at CIH, new literature plus a whole host more.

Click to download the Commercial News Issue 2 PDF

Profile 22 reinforces its RCM range

Mon, 23 Mar 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Profile 22, part of the Epwin Group, has expanded its unique recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement range, bringing new flexibility to fabrication.

Replacing steel or aluminium reinforcements in the window manufacturing process, the patented RCM reinforcement has been introduced to even more Profile 22 products from sills to outer frames.

The new range includes an enhanced doorframe section, a dedicated reinforcer for sills and a reinforcer designed for outer frames, transoms and mullions.

Designed with the fabricator in mind, the stepped design of the doorframe section makes fabrication a much simpler and faster process. Not only that, the sills reinforcer improves strength and rigidity while the outer frames, transoms and mullions reinforcer increases hardware fixing performance, thermal efficiency and cost benefits.

In addition, Profile 22 has announced a new cut length service designed to increase convenience and efficiency in the fabrication process.

Nic Rossano, technical director, Profile 22 said: 'Demand has grown so rapidly that we felt it necessary to extend our service to fabricators. The cut length range is suitable for casement sashes, window and door outer frames, available in increments of 100mm and is supplied on dedicated easy-to-manage pallets.'

Manufactured from old first generation post-consumer PVC-U windows, the reinforcement range closes the loop on the recycling process by bringing this waste material back into use in a new generation of products.

It is also the only product of its type to secure approval by the Government backed Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in their guide to recycled content in construction products.

Nic said: 'RCM not only brings waste material back into use but has a wide range of benefits. By eliminating the need for traditional steel or aluminium reinforcement, RCM improves the fabrication process and because it has high thermal resistance, it is also more energy efficient.

'These innovations have taken the reinforcement into a new era. It has already become a mainstream product, and that is a success story for the industry as a whole.'

Profile 22 unveils ‘green’ new build window system

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Window systems leader Profile 22 will launch its unique green new build window system which boasts individual product recycled content of up to 98 per cent while eliminating the complexities of site product installation.

The new eco-based system from Profile 22 combines the very latest in advanced performance energy efficient window technology, with a cavity closer manufactured from 98 per cent post-consumer ‘waste’ PVC-U.

It also features a sill system with a 92 per cent recycled content, co-extruded with a virgin skin to deliver superb weather performance.

Nic Rossano, technical director Profile 22, said the system represented a significant stride forward in PVC-U building technology, improving not only environmental performance but also on site efficiency.

He said: “Our sustainable system has exceptionally high recycled content, this includes not only factory off cuts but end of life product, for example early generation PVC-U windows and doors that are now being replaced with new PVC-U products.

“We’re intercepting this material so that it doesn’t go to landfill and bringing it back into use in a new generation of products that are not only more sustainable but also deliver improved performance.”

Designed to work with all modern methods of construction the new cavity closure system provides a template for window apertures, simple and effective frame location and built-in sealing, meaning that windows can be fitted internally, improving thermal performance and overcoming a raft of health and safety regulations.

It also eliminates a number of other practical issues associated with fitting windows externally. For example developers can have windows installed whenever they want them without scaffolding or ladders, securing and sealing the site so that other trades can start work.

Profile 22 is at the forefront of innovation in PVC-U building technology and has made a significant contribution in PVC-U’s recent ‘A’ and ‘A plus’ Green Guide rating from the Building Research Establishment.

It’s advanced performance energy efficient windows can also achieve top energy efficiency WER A ratings, capable of delivering a 17 tonne CO2 saving over a ten year period – the equivalent of more ten double decker buses full, over a standard single glazed window.

Available as part of Profile 22’s new build eco system, these energy efficient products also feature Profile 22’s patented thermally efficient recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement. This is the only product of its type and is backed by the Waste Resources Action Programme (WRAP) in their guide to recycled content in construction products.

“The eco system from Profile 22, allows us to deliver a combined window, cavity closer and sill system with a total recycled content of up to 60 per cent”, said Nic. “But it also simplifies processes on site - something that in the current climate should be a significant advantage to the new build sector.”

Profile 22 unveils new commercial support package

Thu, 22 Jan 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Systems leader Profile 22 has launched its new Commercial Manufacturer Scheme, developed to support commercial fabricators generate new leads and others in moving into the sector.

The scheme gives existing qualifying commercial fabricators access to a dedicated lead generation service plus marketing, design and specification support.

Customers of those qualifying fabricators can also draw on the experience of Profile 22’s own in-house specification team. This includes surveying, design drawings, CPD seminars and information on building regulations.

Fabricators who are considering entering the market can also access a full menu of support but will need to achieve Profile 22 approved status first.

This will include attending a ‘commercial awareness’ course. Covering everything from contract management law to CDM regulation and legislation the course is delivered through a highly accredited trainer and gives would-be commercial fabricators a detailed grounding.

Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22, said: “The market remains challenging. In this climate it’s critical that where there are opportunities fabricators and installers ensure that they’re equipped to take advantage of them.

“Specialisation is one route but equally having the flexibility and importantly support from your systems company to grow in your existing and successfully expand into alternative markets, can provide crucial new areas of opportunity.”

As part of qualification to the scheme ‘new’ commercial customers must also commit to recycle factory off-cuts and ‘old’ post-consumer PVC-U windows. They must also be members of Constructionline and have or be committed to working towards, CHAS, Secure by Design, BS7950, BS7412, BS EN ISO 9001 and BS EN ISO 14001.

According to market research, PVC-U remains the most popular material choice in the commercial sector, specified in 84 per cent of all projects, the equivalent of 1.15million frames. This position as market leader has been reinforced by the Building Research Establishment’s Green Guide ‘A+’ commercial rating.

Andrew adds: “There are still 890,000 homes still below Decent Homes Standard accordingly to latest figures of which 66 per cent are local authority, the remainder with RSLs.

“Continued investment to bring 500,000 more homes up to standard is planned up to 2011, with the remainder likely to extend the programme up to 2013.

“Collectively this represents a huge opportunity and something very few fabricators and installers can afford to ignore.”

To make it easier for fabricators to capitalise on this and other opportunities and as part of the scheme launch Profile 22 has published a Commercial Fabricators’ Support Guide. This takes existing and potential commercial fabricators through the detail of scheme, how to apply and what fabricators need to do to qualify. It also acts as a reference guide for support on offer.

Ayresome Industries delivers a ‘hole in one’

Mon, 03 Mar 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Profile 22 fabricator Ayresome Industries has completed the first phase of a prestigious refurbishment project for the clubhouse at Middlesbrough Municipal Golf Club.

Ayresome Industries works in partnership with Middlesbrough Council to run an innovative scheme designed to help people with disabilities find employment.

The clubhouse refurbishment project, which started in 2007, involved replacing all of the old aluminium frames with around 72 PVC-U units which included 35 windows and two sets of double-doors.

Steve Giles, general manager, Ayresome Industries said: "The clubhouse is the main hub of the golf club and overlooks the whole course. With it being the social centre of the club, it was important that we met all the requirements of the brief to give it a modern, new look.

"As the original clubhouse is more than 30 years old, it was in serious need of a makeover, for both aesthetic and functional purposes. We replaced the old frames with durable PVC-U products and used Profile 22’s FI 70 system which is very flexible and simple to install.

"With Rosewood on the outside and white on the inside, the end result was very clean and modern and we also installed bronze anti-sun laminated glass to help keep the temperature in the clubhouse comfortable for all its customers."

With the first stage complete, the next phase is due to start in May 2008 and Steve explains that although it was a fairly straightforward project, there were some challenges that needed to be addressed.

He said: "As the golf course is municipal and open every day of the week, we had to address the issue of working around a functioning course. This meant putting health and safety procedures in place and conducting the majority of the work at quieter times which included very early starts and late finishes.

"Ayresome Industries has always adopted this kind of flexible approach to each and every project it undertakes and as we predominantly work on Social Housing projects, it was very interesting to undertake a project for the commercial market."

Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22 said: "The team at Ayresome has given an old clubhouse a much needed revamp which not only looks good but is more energy-efficient and durable as well."

Total Glass turns a paler shade of grey

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Leading trade window fabricator, Total Glass, has met specific design requirements by supplying advanced PVC-U windows in two shades of grey to a student accommodation project in Liverpool City Centre.

Supplied by systems company, Profile 22, and installed by Cheshire Windows, a total of 519 casement and tilt and turn windows in light and dark grey foils on white were fitted in the modern Opal Court, London Road complex.

The grey shades were specified in order to match the external facades featuring terracotta and Falzinc metal cladding and to complement the contemporary design of the five-storey accommodation blocks.

Julian Wetherall, development director, Total Glass said: "Developers are delivering exciting new creative projects and colour is of increasing importance.

"Total Glass was able to respond to both the architect’s specification for colours as well as providing complete security requirements including locking handles and restrictions on all the windows.

"The sheer volume of frames required for the project made it feasible for us to supply the special grey shades foiled on quality 70mm profile from Profile 22, which gave an excellent finish and met the client's requirements perfectly."

Manufactured using state-of-the-art foiling technology, Profile 22 offers a full range of coloured options in a choice of finishes including wood-grain effect.

Andrew Reid, sales development director, Profile 22 said: "The coloured range from Profile 22 gives architects and developers new choice and new options and includes a wide selection of RAL colours from heritage greens and burgundies through to greys and blacks.

"The two shades of grey that were supplied for this city centre project fitted the design perfectly and provided a sympathetic contrast to the external cladding materials."

Through varied business support packages including marketing and lead generation advice, Total Glass offers customers assistance on projects of all sizes to help ensure success from conception to completion.

Heritage secures new Window Energy Ratings

Sat, 12 Jan 2008 00:00:00 +0000

Specialist supplier to the trade, Heritage Trade Frames, has launched its new range of high-performance energy rated windows to help customers grow their market share.

Following ongoing research and development, Heritage is now able to offer a comprehensive range of A, B, C, D and E rated windows, including ‘C’ rated as standard from the beginning of May.

As an established Profile 22 trade fabricator, Heritage uses the flexible FS70 system, as well as the systems company’s recycled composite material (RCM) reinforcement.

RCM replaces steel or aluminium reinforcements in the manufacturing process helping to deliver improved energy-efficiency performance and this makes it easier to achieve a higher Window Energy Rating (WER).

Sean Munsie, managing director, Heritage said: “As consumers become more aware of their carbon footprint, energy rated products are generating new opportunities in the marketplace and moving forward, it is likely that ‘C’ rated windows will become standard for the industry as a whole.

“By determining where the market is headed, we are able to give our customers a heads-up on the new consumer trends and as a result help them future proof their business.”

The Energy Savings Trust suggests that windows rated A, B, or C deliver significant savings to the homeowner as they use a reduced amount of energy, have less of an environmental impact and are subsequently cheaper to run – a powerful consumer message.

Sean said: “In today’s eco-conscious market there is growing consumer demand for more sustainable and energy-efficient products but these don’t just benefit the environment – the industry can take advantage of this strong marketing opportunity to increase its product range and win new business sales.

“Consumers will also benefit from significant reductions in heating bills and with the recent increases in energy prices this message is even more relevant. We are sure that with the right products and marketing mix, WERs will have a pre-primed audience.”

Heritage is committed to providing its customers with the best service possible and with a little forward thinking, Sean believes that the company can keep ahead of the ever-changing market demands.

He added: “As one of the first companies to convert solely to Profile 22’s FS70 system, we have received very positive feedback from our installers about both its aesthetic qualities and advanced performance.

“In today’s climate it is imperative to have the right products on offer and by seizing the opportunities that window energy ratings can provide, installers will be able to secure their place in an increasingly tight market.”