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Archives for May 2023

Works of art: Super Spacer® helps to bring landmark galleries to life

Members News |

Edgetech’s world-renowned Super Spacer® has been integrated into the window units of thousands of striking and ambitious buildings around the globe – including dozens of stunning art galleries and museums. 

The Twist is part gallery, part bridge and part sculpture – a 1,000 square-metre landmark that spans the Randsleva River in the Norwegian forest. 

Ten quadruple-glazed insulating glass units make up the building’s structural façade, with the free-form units having been manufactured using Super Spacer® TriSeal™. A PVB film blocks the UV radiation to shield the priceless artworks within from sunlight.  

Also located in Norway is the Salmon Eye – a giant, four-floor floating art installation, designed to educate visitors about the vital importance of sustainable fishing. 

The structure’s ellipsoidal shape is modelled on a salmon’s eye, with the outer layer made of 9,250 stainless steel plates designed to imitate a fish’s shimmering skin.  

The installation weighs an incredible 1,256 tonnes, making extensive use of curved and laminated safety glass units created with Super Spacer® TriSeal™ Flex. 

Meanwhile, the Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet in the Swiss mountains aims to tell the story of the country’s long tradition of watchmaking. The building takes the form of a glass double helix which is embedded into the landscape and has the appearance of a giant watch spring. It consists of an all-glass curved facade, a 470-tonne green steel roof, and a striking sunshade louvre fashioned from untreated brass. 

Regularly exposed to temperatures of well below -20°C, the triple glazed insulating glass, manufactured with Super Spacer® TriSeal™ Flex in black, has been engineered to achieve incredible U Values of just 0.5 W/(m²K).

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “Whether in the Swiss mountains, Norway’s arctic climate, or the hot deserts of the Arabian Peninsula, Super Spacer® TriSeal™ has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to easily withstand the toughest weather conditions to offer outstanding overall performance.

“For us, it’s immensely gratifying to see our products help make some of the most architecturally ambitious buildings in the world a reality.

“This is especially the case when the structures themselves are just as impressive as the artworks they were designed to contain.

“As architects continue to strive to push the boundaries of what is possible, Edgetech’s products will continue to enable them bring their visions to life”.

 

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Quanex’s continued commitment to growth sees it further invest in Edgetech’s future

Members News |

Quanex is renowned for their commitment to investing regularly in their companies across the world to ensure they can provide the highest quality of products and services. This dedication to their businesses and customers plays an important part in achieving their strategic goal to grow the company’s revenue to $2 billion per annum.  

 

One of the beneficiaries of Quanex’s ambitious investment plans is their subsidiary company Edgetech, who are specialists in creating market-leading insulating glass spacer systems. With Quanex’s support, by the end of 2023, Edgetech will have completed their 2-year plan to invest a combined amount of over £4 million in their UK and German manufacturing facilities.

 

Edgetech Coventry has concentrated on updating and improving their manufacturing capabilities to keep up with growing demand and to ensure Super Spacer® will remain the leading flexible spacer bar on the market. To support this aim, they have also upgraded their internal testing equipment, which will be essential in developing and refining their future innovative products.

 

Edgetech Heinsberg has also sought to further expand and increase its market share in mainland Europe and the Asia Pacific regions. They have installed another new Super Spacer® manufacturing line and are in the process of commissioning an additional vapour barrier and tape slitting capacity, while also ordering their second dedicated silicone compound mixing cell. To support this expansion, they have secured a new building to house the additional products and are in the process of investing in a new R&D facility to drive new product development, customer support, and quality.

Quanex’s support of Edgetech’s investments are part of its broader strategy to increase its businesses’ manufacturing capabilities, whilst also continuing to provide the exceptional quality their customers have come to expect from the company, as Edgetech’s Managing Director Chris Alderson explains:

“Edgetech is proud to play a key role in Quanex’s “a part of something bigger” vision and are fundamental to Quanex’s growth strategy. Thanks to Quanex’s support, Edgetech has continued to thrive, despite the challenges our industry has faced in the last few years.

“Through these recent investments, Edgetech will have the capacity and infrastructure to better support our valued customers with additional services, whilst constantly developing new products and improving quality and our technical capabilities.

“It will guarantee that Edgetech, as part of Quanex, will remain in an excellent position to seize the opportunities ahead in the UK and Europe.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Come and See Us at the FIT Show!

Events, Members News |

The FIT Show is set to return this year at the NEC Birmingham from Tuesday the 23rd of this month through to Thursday the 25th. The exhibition is set to see a spectacular range of new products, businesses, innovations and ideas.

The 2023 exhibition will celebrate ten years of innovation, and a decade of being the UK’s number one trade show for the industry. With FIT not making its return again until 2025, make sure you come and pay us a visit on Stand T41 this year!

FIT Show 2023

What You Can Expect

In partnership with the FIT Show, GGF and FENSA have helped to curate over 30 hours of seminars and learning for the education programme.

A number of GGF staff will also be participating in seminar talks over the 3 days, with Ben Wallace Head of Membership and Customer Relations kicking the seminars off to talk about the future of the industry post pandemic.

GGF Senior Technical Officer Kevin Jones will be taking to the Seminar Theatre stage to talk about Building Regulations 2023 & beyond on Tuesday.

On Wednesday, Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations will also be conducting a seminar on the Future Homes Standard: A Window of Opportunity, the GGF and British Glass document.

RISA’s Director of Inspection & Assessment Dave Mechem’s seminar will be focused on Pulse Testing, as an alternative to Trickle Vents. (We’ll also be demonstrating Pulse Tests on the GGF stand!)

That’s Not All!

Make sure you come along to hear the experienced GGF staff at their seminars. You can view the Seminar Theatre agenda via the button below, including all of the seminars and debates lead by all of the other industry experts.

FIT Show 2023 Agenda

Visit Stand T41 for a Chat and a Coffee!

You’ll be able to talk to us about all things Membership, Pulse Testing, our GGF Recycling Schemes and how you can get involved with the GGF Skilled Pathways Scheme.

We’d love to talk with as many Members as possible face to face, as it’s a wonderful chance for you to understand how to get the most out of your GGF Membership.

You can register to attend the FIT Show by clicking on the button below and we hope to see you there!

Register to Attend

Joint Competence Initiative for the Building Envelopes Sector

Members News |

The GGF have been supporting the Joint Competence Initiative for the Building Envelopes Sector (JCI) along with many other organisations and contractors in helping to develop a framework for measuring and delivering competence for the Building Envelope Sector.

As you will be aware, the introduction of the Building Safety Act is being heralded as the most important and significant change to health and safety legislation relating to the construction industry in the past 40 years, and as such the Joint Competency Initiative for the Envelope Sector was formed comprising the technical and procurement leads of BAM, ISG, Kier, Laing O’Rourke, Lendlease, Mace, Morgan Sindall, Multiplex, Sir Robert McAlpine, John Sisk, Skanska and Wates Group with the aim of understanding, reflecting and setting out a vision for proportionate and practical requirements relating to both organisational and individual competence of those working in the glazing, cladding and roofing sectors.

This vision was set out in the Joint Competence Initiative Draft White Paper ‘Achieving Competence in the Building Envelope Sector’ which also provided suggestions of academic and vocational qualifications complimented with continual professional development which organisations and individuals may use to demonstrate their own competence level relevant to their level of decision making and function within an organisation.  Equally important for us all to understand is when to recognise where our own ability to make competent decisions should cease and when to escalate them to the relevant person or organisation more suitably qualified to make them.

The last 12 months have seen three draft releases of the Joint Competence Initiative White Paper ‘Achieving Competence in the Building Envelope Sector’ and after discussions with the Building Safety Regulator all final comments and amendments have been incorporated, and we are pleased to announce that the First Edition of the White Paper is now published.

You are able to view and download the White Paper below.

White-Paper-Achieving-Competence-in-the-Building-Envelope-Sector-Publication-Version-09.05.23Download

Now that the White Paper ‘Achieving Competence in the Building Envelope Sector’ has been published, it is intended that the JCI for the Envelope Sector will consult with Principal Contractors and Developers to adopt the White Paper as the preferred measure of subcontractor competence as part of the supply chain process.  In order to maintain the currency of these measures, the volunteers and associations of the JCI will continue to interact with Government bodies and other stakeholders to monitor changes in laws and regulations surrounding the issue of competence in the Built Environment and lobby them to ensure those laws and regulations are proportionate and applied in a practicable manner.

The past few months has seen the role of the JCI become more defined an ‘association of associations.  JCI will continue to set out a vision for giving guidance on how organisations and individuals might comply with the requirements of the Building Safety Act.

In addition, a schedule of appropriate training courses will be published in a clear and concise manner for the entire sector to access.

We would invite those of you who are active on Linked In to follow our page The Joint Competence Initiative for The Building Envelopes Sector (JCI) for updates.

Finally, we look forward to increasing our engagement with the Envelope Sector in the coming months and invite you all to get involved where you can to help bring about this important paradigm shift in the Construction Industry.  Whilst we understand that this large cultural shift may present its challenges, we believe the direction which the JCI is adopting will actually improve the buildings we construct and the safety of their occupants and those around them.

VAT Relief for Glazing Products: Open Consultation

Members News, News |

There is an extremely important consultation that is live until 31st May 2023 and the GGF are asking for your assistance to ensure that the Glazing sector provides the maximum number of responses possible.

The installation of certain energy saving materials (ESMs) in residential accommodation benefits from a VAT relief, supporting households to improve the energy efficiency of their homes by reducing or removing VAT due on installations of qualifying materials.

Windows and doors do not appear on this list and this consultation seeks views on which additional technologies should benefit from VAT relief.   It also seeks views on whether the relief should be re-introduced for installations of ESMs in buildings intended solely for a relevant charitable purpose.

Click here to read the consultation: Call for evidence: VAT energy saving materials relief – improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

There is 19 questions in total.

  • Questions 1 – 6 concern battery storage.
  • Questions 7 – 11 ask if there any other technologies you believe meet the 3 objectives, but do not currently qualify for the relief.
  • Questions 12 & 13 are asking if there are technologies currently qualify for the relief which you believe do not meet the 3 objectives and should not qualify for the relief.
  • Questions 14 – 17 asks for view on reinstating relief on the installations on ESM’s in buildings for use sole for a relevant charitable purpose.
  • Finally questions 18 & 19 are asking for suggestions on how to make the relief more effective and efficient.

A summary of the question is in Chapter 6 of the consultation document.

The three Objectives are:

  1. Improving energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions
  2. Cost effectiveness
  3. Alignment with broader VAT principles

This is an open Government consultation and you can respond as an individual or a business. Each responses counts as one and therefore it is important that as many responses are received as possible. Some organisations are asking their employees to respond as individuals. 

We have listed out below each question concerning additional technologies and some information that you may wish to provide as part of your answer. Please note that the answer you provide must be your own and not copied and pasted as the algorithm used to assess the responses may identify answers that are similar and remove them for the consultation evidence submissions.

Question 7: How would you describe and define this technology for the purposes of the ESMs relief? The technology should include replacement windows, doors, roof lights and roof windows.   
Question 8: How does the suggested technology meet each of the 3 objectives in Chapter 2? Objective 1: Windows and doors are energy saving materials as they are required to meet the Government’s energy efficiency requirements from the Approved Documents and Technical Handbook in the same way that all other insulation materials are required to do.  The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) has calculated that replacing windows on a home that already benefits from floor, wall & loft insulation, fraught proofing, low energy lighting and solar water heating (where possible to fit), benefits from a heat energy loss saving of 22%.   Objective 2: Replacing windows and doors represents excellent return on investment and the GGF has calculated a saving of £467 per household per annum on heat energy costs at the current capped rates.   Objective 3: Providing VAT relief on replacing windows and doors will stimulate the uptake in energy efficiency in dwellings and will result in the saving identified above. All other fabric insulating materials used in existing dwellings already benefit from VAT relief and appear on the ESM.  The total C02 savings See response to question 11 will contribute to the Governments Net Zero targets.  
Question 9: Can you explain how this technology operates and does it work conjunction with other technology? If so, how?   Replacement windows and doors are probably one of the most important element of a building’s fabric and work in conjunction will all other construction and insulation elements. They ensure that there is a total fabric solution.    The current list of qualifying ESM’s includes a number of technologies such as Heat pumps and Micro combined heat and power units. None of these will operate and function to their optimum if the building fabric including replacing windows are doors are not addressed at the same time.   The Approved Documents in England, Wales and Northern Ireland plus the Technical Handbook in Scotland prescribe the energy efficiency levels that windows and doors must achieve. As such they are already classed and energy saving materials but do not currently benefit from VAT relief like all other insulating materials.   High performing glazing will be an integral part of the Future Homes Standard for new build as part of delivering a C02 neutral dwelling  
Question 10: What is the typical cost of installing this technology in residential accommodation? Typical costs for a whole house replacement range from £4,500 to £6,000. However, with a saving of £467 each year through energy cost savings, windows and doors represent an excellent return on investment.    However, windows and doors do not sell themselves and compared to other insulating materials they are not incentivised in any way.  When other insulation materials are installed, the windows and doors become the point of least resistance leading to heat losses of 44.3%. This can be halved by the simple replacement of windows to current standards.      
Question 11: What are the advantages and disadvantages of including this technology within the relief? It is reported that 86% of homes already benefit from double glazing (windows), yet the majority of these are at least 10 – 25 years old and their energy efficiency performance less than 50% compared to windows fitted today for compliance with the Government’s energy efficiency requirements as set out in the Approved Documents and Technical Handbook.   Most homeowners do not realise that their existing double glazed windows would not meet the Government’s current energy efficiency requirements and that replacing them would deliver increased warmth and comfort, reduce their heat loss, save them an average of £467 per year and reduce C02 emissions.    Replacing pre 2002 double glazing with new double glazing to current standard would save 3.16million tonnes of C02. This is the equivalent of taking 1.88 Million cars off the road. Replacing single glazing (5% of market) with new double glazing to current standard would save 2.8 million tonnes of C02, the equivalent of taking a further 1.66 Million cars off the road. These are very important number when considering how the UK will meet its Net Zero obligations and windows and doors must been seen as part of the solution.   The annual savings to householders if all pre-2002 windows are replaced is calculated at £4.1 Billion.   The GGF estimates that 80 million windows need replacing now.  

How To Respond

There does not appear to be a template for a response but the consultation on Chapter 7 states that responses should be sent to the VAT Reliefs Team by 31 May 2023 by email, or by post to:

HM Revenue and Customs
VAT Reliefs Team
B7.25
7th Floor
14 Westfield Avenue
Stratford
London
E20 1HZ

Chris Beedel, Head of Government Advocacy & Stakeholder Relations said “We might not get the chance to comment on VAT relief for our industry sector again for many years to come, so we really do need thousands of replies to this consultation.”

When responding please you will need to say if you are a business, individual or representative body.

In the case of representative bodies please provide information on the number and nature of people you represent.

Citation: Your Free HR & Employment Law Support Advice Line

Members News |

Do you ever come across a tricky HR issue and find yourself asking “What do I do”?

It can be so hard to know what the best course of action is, especially when you’re juggling the day-to-day tasks of running a business. To support you with any tricky situations, Glass & Glazing Federation partner, Citation, is offering a FREE HR advice line to GGF members.

The advice line is exclusively for business owners offering support on any HR and Employment Law issues you may be facing.

Problem with a Staff Member? Questions about a Contract?

Whatever it is that you need support with, Citation’s HR consultant Jonathan is here to help. With over 10 years’ experience managing HR issues in industries ranging from hospitality and social care to transport, utilities and charities, he can advise on all aspects of HR and Employment Law and turn the complicated into clarity.

Here’s a few examples of the issues he can help you with:

  • Disciplinaries and grievances
  • Conflict at work
  • Sickness and absences
  • Recruitment, selection and induction
  • And so much more!

So How Does It Work?

It couldn’t be easier to get the support you need. You can get in touch with Jonathan at Citation today by calling 0161 504 0843 or emailing appointmentswithjonathan@citation.co.uk between 9am-5pm Monday-Friday.

Alternatively, click the button below to book an appointment at a time that suits you.

Book an Appointment with Citation

Edgetech nominated for Three Made in the Midlands Awards

Members News |

Edgetech, the market-leading warm-edge spacer manufacturer and a proud part of Quanex, are celebrating after being named finalists in three categories at the Insider Made in the Midlands Awards 2023.

The Coventry-based firm has been shortlisted in the Manufacturing Innovation, Sustainable Ethical Manufacturer, and Manufacturer of the Year categories.

Founded by Insider Media Limited, the event seeks to showcase the best businesses the Midlands has to offer.

Now in its thirteenth year, it’s grown to become a major fixture in the calendars of businesspeople from across the region, regularly attracting entries from more than 70 companies.

Edgetech is proud that their work is being recognised, as Managing Director Chris Alderson explains.

“For decades, the Midlands has been a major hub for innovative manufacturing, and so to be named among the region’s leading businesses is a hugely gratifying experience for us.

“Edgetech prides itself on its legacy of pushing technical boundaries, improving the energy efficiency of Britain’s built environment, and providing an ethical, supportive workplace for dozens of employees in the Midlands area.

“We’re delighted to be shortlisted alongside some of the most respected manufacturers in the region, and look forward to hearing the final results!”

Winners will be announced at a glamorous black-tie event held at Birmingham’s Macdonald Burlington Hotel on Thursday 4th May 2023.

 

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

Premier DGU’s commitment to quality sees it achieve Part 2 Super Spacer® Heritage pass

Members News |

One of the UK’s leading IGU manufacturers has achieved a pass in stringent BS EN 1279 Part 2 testing with Super Spacer Heritage.

Over 27 years, Edgetech customer Premier DGU has been offering outstanding products and service to fabricators around the South-West.

Dedicated to constant reinvestment, the firm has remained at the cutting edge of technology – which in turn has allowed it to maintain the highest quality standards.

Premier DGU operates three unit lines, and has invested heavily in machinery, including more recently a glass toughening plant.

However, the company also has extensive expertise in hand-finishing units to virtually any requirement, and a long track record of manufacturing exceptional heritage units.

Premier DGU Director Barry Clarke comments: “We’re delighted to have achieved a pass in Part 2.

“It’s a testament to the hard work and dedication of our staff, and our uncompromising commitment to quality.

“We’d like to thank our amazing team, our long-standing spacer supplier Edgetech, and Steve Monk at CENSolutions, who was an integral part of us achieving the pass.”

Steve Monk commented: “I am delighted for Barry and his team at Premier DGU on achieving this pass to BS EN 1279:2.

“Premier DGU have always been committed to achieving the best possible outcome with regards to quality – including by working with CENSolutions’ third-party accreditation CMS Quality Mark Schemes for BS EN 1279 and BS EN 12150.

“They regularly score very highly when audited by both us and ER Certification for UKAS accreditation.

“CENSolutions pride ourselves on our working relationships with clients and providing up to date industry advice, so I am very pleased I could assist Premier DGU in achieving their goals.”

Premier DGU are long-term users of Super Spacer – the globally respected warm-edge spacer bar that helped revolutionise energy efficient IGU production.

Edgetech Managing Director Chris Alderson comments: “We’re extremely pleased to see Premier DGU achieve Part 2 with Super Spacer Heritage.

“We’ve seen their dedication to quality first-hand, so it’s no surprise to see them passing stringent testing.

“We look forward to helping them produce exceptional IGUs for many years to come.”

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

GGF

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