www.synseal.com IN THIS ISSUE

Synseal Times
ISSUE 35
IN THIS ISSUE
Synseal Registered Installers
iDesign
PTRs in woodgrain profiles
Evolve range news
FIT Show success
Digital marketing
Global Glass investments
Customer case studies
K2 brand support
Orangery collection
A+ energy ratings
Key appointments
CE Marking
Colour update
Hardware news
Plus much more...
Tel 01623 443200 | Fax 01623 550243 | Email [email protected]
Synseal Extrusions Limited | Common Road | Huthwaite | Nottinghamshire | NG17 6AD
www.synseal. com
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Synseal Times issue
35
Busy times ahead
Since April we’ve seen a definite gear shift upwards in business activity levels, with a consistent and significant increase in orders after years of
recession and gloom – at last we’ve reached some light at the end of the (very long) tunnel.
Welcome news indeed!
Recently we have:
This positive trend in 2013 is set to continue and latest stats from Palmer Market Research
forecast another 4 years of modest window industry growth through to 2017.
• Recruited a new Director of Business Improvement to lead all change management processes and continually deliver improved service, now and in the future
So it seems there are busy times ahead for all of us, and you can be sure that at Synseal we
are going to do everything we can to deliver the right products, at the right time, with the
best service so that our customers fully reap the rewards of this market upturn.
• Recruited a new Head of Logistics to manage warehousing and transport operations
for Synseal, K2 and Global Glass and increase efficiency
Our customers are winning more and more business every day, and Synseal is growing
as a result, so first and foremost I want to thank all Synseal and K2 customers for choosing
our brands and partnering with us.
In this issue of Synseal Times we discuss how Synseal is changing – how the challenge of
integrating K2 into Synseal has ultimately led to many improvements across our whole
business, how we are championing orangeries to add value and inject sales impetus to
the lucrative conservatory market, how we are actively investing to boost our Global Glass
division, and much more…
I’ll be the first to admit that we encountered service issues following last year’s acquisition
and our K2 customers have played a major part in helping us to address and tackle all the
problems head-on. I can’t thank them enough for their patience and wise counsel.
We want to maintain our hard-won and enviable position as industry market leaders,
so we will work continually to improve our customer service.
• Reviewed vehicle loading operations, with more personnel deployed at Huthwaite
and new methods introduced to reduce transit damage and ease customer handling
at drop-off
• Merged Synseal and K2 technical teams for better UK coverage and product knowledge, with a new technical engineer recruited in the South West
• Increased quality team staff numbers to drive continuous improvement
• Evaluated our range of foiled finishes and lead times with “order cut-off dates” communicated to customers to improve service
• Established a new paint spray finishing plant at Huthwaite
• Trained our staff to improve product knowledge and telephone call handling
• Carried out a detailed analysis of ordering, picking and distribution processes with major input from specialist 3rd party consultants, to identify areas for improvement
• Reviewed profile returns and customer credits – this focus is ongoing and we want
to improve our methods to make the process easier and quicker for customers
We’re always looking for creative ways to stimulate the market and support our
customers, and the new TV advertising campaign and Synseal Registered Installer
initiative are examples of that.
Rest assured that we will never take our customers for granted. Together we are
strong and our aim is simple: to work together as efficient partners and winners
in this competitive marketplace.
Let’s all keep winning!
David Leng
Chief Executive
Synseal Times issue
35
3
Added strength for Synseal installers
HOMEOWNER WEBSITE
SRIs are included on the Synseal Homeowner website
‘find an installer’ postcode directory which is the channel
for consumer leads, and listings can be enhanced with
logos, project photos and customer feedback quotes.
ALL CHECKED DIRECTORY
Since being unveiled at the FIT Show in late April 2013, over 300 installers have
applied for Synseal Registered Installer (SRI) status and that impressive number
is growing every day.
SRIs also receive a free priority listing on the All Checked
home improvement directory to boost web presence,
which includes a consumer feedback and star rating
system for profile endorsement.
Launched with the slogan ‘Even the very best need a sidekick’, SRI business support is all about ensuring
that loyal Synseal installers have access to sales and marketing tools that will help them to win in today’s
competitive marketplace.
Research has shown that over 80% of Synseal and K2 fabricators also supply and fit retail sales directly
to homeowners, so the new SRI support is targeted at the majority of our customers, as well as over
3,300 professional installers who say they currently purchase Synseal or K2 products (source: Insight Data).
To become an SRI, there’s just a simple one page application form to get things started. Installers need to
state which Synseal or K2 fabricator they are buying from, and their product purchases are verified by the
sponsoring fabricator prior to SRI status being confirmed.
Our SRI scheme was originally conceived by David Leng and online research carried out in 2012 conclusively
proved that demand existed for a Synseal loyalty club. There were certain things that installers really wanted
- a logo, retail sales literature, help with internet marketing and, above all, homeowner sales leads.
All these benefits and much more are now delivered by the SRI business support package, which has been
carefully compiled to offer practical support without ever becoming intrusive. Once approved, each SRI receives
a welcome box packed with free goodies, including logos and sales brochures, which is delivered on Synseal
transport to the sponsoring fabricator’s premises - in our eyes, the relationship between our fabricator partners
and their installer customers must be respected at all times.
Synseal’s homeowner website currently captures around 100 consumer leads each month, that’s 1200 a year,
and in the past we’ve not been able to pass these leads directly to installers - all that has changed with our
new SRI club and Synseal’s TV advertising campaign (see Page 9) is designed to increase brand awareness
and generate even more homeowner sales leads for SRIs.
For more information on Synseal Registered Installer
business support, please call 01623 446206.
FAIRTRADES LOGO
As an option, SRIs can purchase FairTrades trade
association membership at an exclusive discounted
rate and access many other practical benefits, such as
the well respected TrustMark status and cost efficient
BM Trada self-certification and Home Pro IBG’s.
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Synseal Times issue
35
FIT for business success
Synseal was pleased to support the first ever FIT Show exhibition
at Telford International Centre this year with a major presence.
As visitors entered Hall 1 they simply couldn’t miss our two impactful
stands with both Synseal and K2 brands exhibiting side by side.
“Synseal and K2 represent the very best that the window and conservatory market
has to offer,” says David Leng, “and The FIT Show was the perfect opportunity for us
to demonstrate how the recent investments we have been making throughout our
business have resulted in market-leading products and services.”
The Synseal stand featured a major installation of Global Summer in the popular
Chartwell Green finish, with clever cut away sections on the inside designed to
show how the installation friendly features of this hybrid orangery system are
easily assembled to save valuable time on site.
Evolve vertical sliders and bi-fold doors
were also prominently displayed, along
with Artisan foil finishes and the very
latest multi-chambered frame profile
combinations to create energy efficient
PVC-U windows and doors using Synseal’s
proven Legend, Shield and SynerJy systems.
“The products were only part of our
FIT Show story,” David explains. “Customers
join - and stay with us because we are
committed to helping them grow their
business, so our Synseal stand featured the
benefits of our successful ‘Advantage’ digital marketing services and also the launch of our
brand new ‘Synseal Registered Installer’ business support package aimed at strengthening
professional installers working right at the sharp end of our industry.”
Stepping across the carpet and onto the adjacent K2 stand, visitors were greeted by
the first ever market appearance of a stunning Modena contemporary styled orangery,
boasting double soffits both on the inside and outside. The sheer quality of Celsius
performance glass was also demonstrated to many guests, who got to touch and feel
the amazing thermal insulation properties of our premium sealed glass unit range.
“Exhibiting at The FIT Show gave us a perfect platform to show well-engineered designs
from Synseal and K2 - the market leaders - side by side,” David concludes. “It was a
pleasure to see old friends as well as many new prospective customers who had an ideal
opportunity to re-evaluate our brands and see just what we’re about today. Thank you to
all our visitors and hopefully many of them left our stands with some new ideas to help
them grow their businesses.”
Eco friendly solutions
Having enjoyed a successful event at Ecobuild 2013, Synseal will
be returning to the ExCeL exhibition centre in London’s Docklands
for Ecobuild 2014, which takes place on 4th-6th March.
Once again our objective will be to demonstrate how Synseal window profiles
have been designed to be as environmentally-friendly as possible, including
multi-chambered designs and plastic thermal reinforcement (PTR) specification
options for Legend, SynerJy and Shield systems.
Featured on the compact show stand will be a Legend window with 40mm triple
glazing configured to deliver a U-value of 0.9W/m2K, a SynerJy window with profiles
constructed of 100% recycled PVC-U material and our popular Evolve vertical sliding
sash window - often specified for new-build market applications - which has been
designed to make it easier for contractors to construct energy efficient homes with
traditional good looks.
So if you’re heading
down to the Docklands
next March - come and
join us on stand N108!
Synseal Times issue
35
5
Supporting our K2 brand
Since the K2 acquisition back in May 2012, Synseal’s aim has been to
reinforce the K2 brand in the marketplace with a higher profile in the
trade press and marketing initiatives to position K2 roof alongside
Global roof - offering customers a choice of proven conservatory roof
designs from the market leaders. This ongoing work continues apace,
with plans to strongly promote the orangery collection in 2014.
However, our most important focus remains improving service to the loyal K2 customer
base. Every piece of customer feedback has been invaluable to help determine what steps
need to be taken to achieve industry-leading service levels.
More modular options for Capella
K2’s popular Capella hybrid orangery has been further developed to provide extra internal
and external modular design options, whilst maintaining the inherent simplicity and ease
of installation benefits which have led to sales success.
On the inside, a fully plaster boarded soffit is now available as standard in 300mm or
600mm depth. Installers had been requesting this option from K2 for a while, so this
solution has been readily embraced in the marketplace. This new plaster boarded soffit is
fitted onto a set of brackets that are very easy to install, which further adds to the appeal.
Relocating K2 roof production from Blackburn to Huthwaite has posed a massive challenge,
with a steep learning curve for all staff based in Nottinghamshire - but our K2 customers
have helped us to identify and overcome the issues, one by one.
The focus continues, as Synseal’s systems supplier reputation is based on unbeatable OTIF
order processing, and maintaining very high standards is the lifeblood of the company.
Recent actions include:
• K2 customer care has been relocated to Synseal head office, to ensure smoother operations and better communication of order requirements onto the shopfloor
• A K2 production manager has been recruited to drive factory operations at Huthwaite
• New K2 roof kit packaging has been introduced to provide better protection
- this practical improvement has happened thanks to helpful customer feedback
• K2 and Synseal technical teams have been merged together, to provide increased expertise and strengthen geographical support for both brands right across the UK
• Transport operations have been reviewed and a Head of Logistics recruited to
oversee warehousing and transport for K2, Synseal and Global Glass
Synseal’s aim is to champion K2 product solutions, stimulate increased demand and
ensure that the respected K2 brand name goes from strength to strength.
Capella with fully plaster boarded soffit
For outside guttering, Capella installers can now choose from three enviable options.
The three-part decorative aluminium fascia, as used on Synseal’s Global Summer, is now
available, in addition to K2’s standard PVC-U gutter, and the Capella’s original high fronted
integral aluminium gutter.
Anne-Marie Busch, Marketing Manager for K2 comments that the benefits of the
union between Synseal and K2 are now tangible: “Capella embodies the K2 philosophy
in producing simple yet highly effective solutions that are driven by our customers,
something that Synseal has bought into; Synseal also has a reputation as an innovative
and progressive supplier of conservatory roofs and components with the addition of
superb facilities and sheer size of operations. These welcome product developments
increase the modular design options for Capella and are a good example of a very
productive relationship between our two brands.”
A handy guide to CE Marking
Synseal’s guide to CE Marking is available to help steer fabricators
and installers through this new piece of European legislation.
‘CE Marking - are you ready’ followed a series of extremely successful and well
attended customer workshops where Synseal’s fabricator partners were walked
through the unfamiliar process by a team of experts to prepare them for the 1st July
2013 deadline. Synseal briefed customers well ahead of the game and the first series
of CE Marking seminar events commenced back in July 2012 and proved so popular
that they were repeated in January - March 2013.
Richard Bate, Technical Director of fenestration certification specialists Build Check,
was the key speaker at the Synseal seminars. “The response from Synseal’s customers
was fantastic,” said Richard. “Not only were delegates learning something new, they
were having some great discussions. Our aim was to show that becoming CE Marked
is not a difficult process, and we have the tools to do it simply and cost effectively.
Synseal’s customers are in a great position because Synseal has worked closely with
Build Check to ensure that all the relevant technical details are readily accessible
- which makes the process even easier.”
Build Check contributed the valuable expert information contained in Synseal’s
guide to CE Marking, whilst Synseal provided appropriate technical information
to Build Check so that Synseal customers can use its market-leading Fenestration
Oracle U-value calculator to ensure regulatory compliance with minimum of fuss.
From July 2013 almost all windows and doors sold within the European Union
have had to show the CE Mark. This mark is a declaration by the manufacturer
that the product meets the legal requirements of the marketplace.
By CE Marking their products, companies are demonstrating that their products
can legally be offered for sale. Depending on the type of product CE Marking
may be simple or complex, and may need to be independently tested.
“With CE Marking, the usual distinctions between manufacturers and
non-manufacturers have become blurred,” explains Steve Brown, Synseal’s Head
of Customer Services. “For example, if you are an installer who buys his frames
and units from separate companies, then you will have to go through the
CE Marking process in order to be legally trading.
“So, to ensure complete clarity, our guide has been carefully designed
to explain exactly what you must do to comply with the law.”
START HERE
Do you buy in the
complete product, ie frame,
glass/panel & hardware
from one source?
YES Your supplier should
provide the CE Marking
NO
Do you supply doors with
emergency exit panic devices?
Richard Bate, Technical
Director of Build Check
An appropriate system will
need to be implemented
- template available from
The Oracle
YES Notified Body certification
will be required - Build Check
Certification can assist
NO
Do you have a documented
NO Factory Quality System,
eg an FPC?
YES
Amend quality system
to meet EN 14351
- an FPC template is
available from The Oracle
NO Does your quality system
meet the requirements
of EN 14351?
YES
ITT required from a Notified
Body - talk to Build Check
for assistance
NO Do you have Initial Type
Testing from a Notified Body
YES
DOP must be supplied
with product or be readily
available - a template is
available from The Oracle
NO Do you have readily available
a Declaration of Performance?
YES
A CE Mark is required for
each product - a template
is available from The Oracle
NO Are you applying the CE Mark
correctly to your products?
YES
FINISH
Our guide to
CE Marking is
available on
request...
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Synseal Times issue
35
iDesign helps you sell!
Online ordering
Synseal’s iDesign was introduced to help you design, visualise and
cost up a Global conservatory roof … and ultimately sell it!
Online ordering hands more control to Synseal’s customers. It is
available 24 hours a day, order confirmation is immediate, and a
customer’s order history is always available, so there is less risk
of duplication.
With iDesign your new project will develop in front of your eyes - simply select a roof
style, adjust measurements where necessary, choose colours, glazing or polycarbonate,
hardware, door style and within minutes you have a 3D drawing to show your customers
and submit to Synseal for manufacture. The software will also cost the job for you and
you can adjust the selling prices to achieve the margins to suit your business.
“With so many new features being added to iDesign it’s an exciting project to work on”
says Dave Boaler, Synseal’s Manufacturing Software Technician. “We are currently adding
the K2 roof to the package and linking our window manufacturing software too, so when
a complete conservatory is created, we are just a click away from sending the roof,
windows and doors to the shop floor. We aim to start manufacturing the K2 roof with
iDesign soon and take advantage of the massive reduction in the quantity of roofs we
need to pre-assemble. With some fantastic feedback from our customers who have used
the product we are keen to develop the software even further to include remote ordering
for roof vents and glass too”.
Online ordering reduces fax costs, and cuts down on the amount of paper in the office
which saves money and benefits the environment. Time spent ordering is also reduced
so that staff can be getting on with other important duties.
Synseal has more than 5,000 products available to order online, giving customers an up
to the minute snapshot of the company’s stock. These sit alongside the latest technical
documents and other tools, designed to put more control at the customer’s fingertips.
With approximately 1/3 of bar length sales taken via our online store, it’s no wonder we
are investing in our online portal. Development is underway which will allow customers to
download copy invoices and statements. We are also adding the facility to view open sales
orders online for all products ordered, not just restricting to orders placed online. This means
customers can check online to see orders in the system for glass, roof, bar length and our
Evolve fabricated items.
5 reasons why you should order online
Model design
screen - roof
manipulation,
measurement
input etc...
It’s easy and secure!
· Our user friendly interface allows ordering in just a few
clicks of the mouse by using simple drop down menus
It’s fast!
· You will never ring again on a busy line or be put on hold
· You will have the option of ordering past and favourite orders
· It’s for busy people who do not have time to waste!
3D preview
screen, a great
tool for
homeowners
It’s accurate!
· You will receive what you ordered: no misunderstandings caused when ordering by phone
· Products are always up to date
It’s convenient!
· You can order 24 hours a day 7 days a week
One of the key areas that customers benefit from when using iDesign is the fact that
it is always up to date with new products, because every time you run the software
the online update runs to ensure customers are using the latest data (version updates
are available online), without the need to have software posted and installed when
a technician is available.
It has memory!
· The system remembers your past and favourite products,
therefore saving you time when you reorder
For more information on iDesign please email idesign@synseal. com
Alternatively tweet us @synsealidesign
Another successful year of marketing activity
The heart of a business’ success lies in its marketing. Most aspects of
a business depend on successful marketing activity. At Synseal our
marketing umbrella covers public relations, promotions, advertising
and sales - 2013 has been a busy time! We have introduced new
products, successfully created attractive and informative brochures,
adverts and flyers to capture the attention of readers and have
digitally contacted our customers every week via Facebook, Twitter
and e-marketing.
Here is a small sample of the great literature available to you, adverts which have been
in the press this year and the e-shots you should be receiving (if you aren’t make sure
you contact the marketing department at Synseal and provide us with an up to date
email address).
In 2014 we will continue to spread the Synseal word… for us and you to succeed,
our products and services must be known to potential buyers. Without marketing,
our potential customers may never be aware of our business offerings and by us
working in partnership we can promote our products, services and our companies
to provide us with a chance of being discovered by prospective customers
- if you need marketing support please contact our marketing team.
Synseal Times issue
35
7
Are you making the most of digital marketing?
SMS
LinkedIn
Facebook
E-shots
Twitter
SEO
Website social
media
YouTube
PPC
hashtag
Tumblr
Wow app
Blog
An online presence is critical to modern success. In today’s www
world maintaining an online presence is critical especially when
word of mouth recommendations begin to fade. Buyers, trade
or homeowner, are likely to begin their route to purchase on the
internet, researching as much as possible about a company or
product before they commit their hard earned £££s’.
That’s why maintaining a
presence that is not only easy
to navigate, but also full of
relevant information about
your product and services,
is a vital first step in building
trust between your brand and
your next potential customer.
Facebook
You should aim to achieve as many ‘Likes’ on your page as possible - Facebook even set unofficial quotas where they will actively promote your page if you reach a set limit of at least 1000 likes. Become ‘Liked’ by sharing
excellent visuals of your projects and talking to like minded Facebookers! Again don’t be
shy, join in with conversations and get involved, by contributing you will gain followers
and become important in a community - see why you need a member of staff to run it?
It can be worth the effort… Imagine the scenario, you get 10 people to like you who all
have 10 friends that’s 100 people you can now reach. Do that on a bigger scale and you
can be reaching thousands!
Advantage
digital marketing
wow
app
d it
Synseal doesn’t just plan to bring customers up to date with
technology…the aim is to put customers at the forefront of
what is possible! The Synseal WOW app lets you view Synseal
products on an actual image of the homeowners property all
within 2 minutes! Integrate the app into any existing website or
domain name branded to your company at the click of a button.
oo
Websites are just the beginning
lo o k s!
Synseal’s own Digital Advantage
scheme supporting fabricators
and installers with trade or
homeowner focused websites has become a great success. With over 100 websites built
to date, Synseal helps its customers by taking the stress out of web building leaving
then, to focus on core activities. Andy Potts, Digital Marketing Project Manager at Synseal
comments, ”We ensure we deliver industry specific websites and take the hassle out of
digital services for our customers. We support customers from start to finish and cover every
base from logo creation to artwork, web build and hosting.”
see h o w
g
Be social!
As an industry we need to embrace social media more…it’s an intensive activity but if
used correctly social media can provide an additional platform to generate leads. Search
engines view social media as important sources of up to minute news, get social media
right and your company could be at the top of search engines for key terms.
Start with the basics, setup a Twitter account, Facebook business page
and YouTube channel (if you often take mini-films of installations).
Once you’ve set them up don’t just leave them - add the relevant apps to your smart
phones so that adding new content on social media is quick and simple. Make sure social
media is included as a staff member’s daily responsibilities and set targets for delivery.
For example look to send out at least 7 tweets a week and vary the content to suit your
audience, mix social communication, ‘nice day to be processing window orders’ with
brand focused content ‘take a look at our new Global installation amazing job! Link to
images here ‘. Once you’ve attracted some followers, don’t be shy get involved in the
conversation and retweet interesting comments from other people… they may repay
the favour to their followers!
Not a Tweeter?
Not of the Hashtag set? There is still very much a place in marketing for
Email and SMS text message campaigns. Make sure your list of contacts is as up to date as possible and are viable targets for new business. Synseal can then
help you drive your message directly into the inbox of email clients and smartphones
where you can expect a combined open rate of around 60%. Synseal can show you how
to design, run and follow up either style of campaign and we even offer packages to
complete the work for you.
How to control your reputation
If there is one downside of social media it’s that you can’t control what others say about
you! If something about your company goes viral on social media it’s very difficult to
mediate. If you get a negative comment reply to it professionally and use programmes,
such as Monitor, to check what is being said about your brand daily.
The golden goose - how can I make search engine marketing work
for my company?
Search engine marketing – the art of building links between sites to help ranking and
PPC (Pay-Per-Click) the targeted ads you view at the top and side bar of search engines
or aggregator websites, are for many an area shrouded in mystery and frustration.
Many take on deals from companies claiming to ‘get you on page 1 in 3 weeks and are
disappointed when the early optimism isn’t forthcoming! Synseal Digital Marketing
Project Manager, Andy Potts advises the following, “Like any skill, ranking on search
engines requires a long term view - it’s a simple idea but in reality a lot of work must
take place to rank - make sure you are link building with companies relevant to your
own industry and when you setup PPC, vary your campaigns, test what works and
modify them, don’t just set it going and leave it!”
Synseal can advise and setup search campaigns on your behalf. Use Synseal’s existing
knowledge and work it to your own advantage on the web.
Find out more by contacting Andy Potts, Synseal’s Digital
Marketing Manager, on 01623 443200.
8
Synseal Times issue
35
Meet our ‘Super 6’
Our creative R&D and technical support teams from Synseal and K2 have been busy sharing their expertise and swapping design ideas,
and as a result we now have 6 stunning value added orangery solutions for our customers to sell to homeowners.
In addition to our 2 best-selling hybrid orangery solutions, Global Summer and Capella which cleverly adapt proven conservatory roof designs to provide affordable and stylish
orangery style extensions, there are 4 fully structural orangery designs that deliver aspirational orangery features whilst using highly efficient and modern construction techniques.
A classic
and sturdy
brick built
orangery
Rio
Integra
Here’s an overview of our ‘Super 6’ orangery solutions, at a glance:
• Roof rafters and gutter are concealed by the parapet wall
• Full-height picture windows provide plenty of natural daylight
• Roof glazing system: K2 or Global
• Roof glazing system: K2 or Global
• Soffit depth: 752mm
• Soffit depth: 604mm
A wide spanning
orangery with
traditional style
Modena
• Elegant flat-roofed orangery with eye-catching glazed lantern
Venetian
• Traditional brick-built orangery with classic glazed lantern roof
A modern twist
on the classic
orangery
• Contemporary-style orangery featuring dual soffits, inside and outside
• Wide-spanning hi-tech orangery with modern glazed window walling
• Striking designer fascia conceals the gutter and sloping glazed roof
• Shapely fascia conceals the gutter and delivers classical orangery looks
• Roof glazing system: K2 or Global
• Roof glazing system: K2 or Global
• Soffit depth: 604mm (internal soffit) and 495mm (external soffit)
Orangery style
and elegance
Capella
• Soffit depth: 604mm
Global Summer
An elegant flat
roofed orangery
with glazed
lantern roof
Highly flexible
orangery style
solution
AS SEEN
ON TV!
• Orangery-style design enhancement of Global conservatory roof
• Orangery-style design enhancement of K2 conservatory roof
• Decorative aluminium fascia and internal pelmet pods,
with optional pilasters
• Modular system offering 3 external gutter and 2 internal soffit design options
• Roof glazing system: Global
• Soffit depth: 170 or 317mm (shelf-style soffit) and 300 or 600mm
(fully-plastered soffit)
• Soffit depth: 300mm
• Roof glazing system: K2
Synseal Times issue
35
Come and join us!
Orangeries provide an ideal opportunity for us all to add value and
stylishly enhance building extension projects, so we are planning
to host a series of Orangery Workshops to present the design
advantages of our 6 orangery solutions in detail, with a focus on
ease of installation.
These informative technical knowledge workshops will take place at our Huthwaite
office during 2014 and all Synseal and K2 direct customer accounts and approved
Synseal Registered Installers will be invited to come and join us.
you are
invited
…to grab a slice of the
growing orangery market
Synseal has
just the right
orangery
solution for
your business
From fully structural
to hybrid designs,
our orangery collection
has a style to ensure
you grab a slice of the
orangery market
COMING SOON
IN 2014!
NEW PRODUCT
WORKSHOPS
Synseal orangeries - as seen on TV!
Synseal is featuring on TV with a focussed advertising campaign
promoting the lifestyle benefits of orangery-style extensions.
Reaching more than 28 million viewers, the 20 second commercial
will initially be screened during the first few months of 2014 in time
for the home improvement season on the ITV4 and Home channels
- so look out for our Synseal brand on the telly!
Mark Schlotel, Head of Marketing, explains: “Our Global Summer design has been a great
success so far and is a proven seller across every month of the calendar year, so we think
the orangery product category is ideal to raise Synseal’s profile with homeowners.
One of the scenes in our advert shows a Global Summer orangery installed without any
bespoke adaptation, so we will now highlight this best selling system with the familiar
tag ‘as seen on TV’. When consumers visit our homeowner website they will discover
Global Summer and all the other orangery solutions in our impressive range:
Integra, Venetian, Rio, Modena and Capella.”
ITV 4 is a highly popular channel showing a mix of programming including classic films
with a strong ABC1 category audience and the specialist Home channel features some of
the UK’s best known home improvement and property makeover programmes including
Changing Rooms, Extreme Makeover, Homes Under The Hammer and Ground Force.
Consumer enquiries generated by the TV advertising campaign will be captured and
emailed to Synseal Registered Installers via our new ‘find an installer’ postcode directory.
www.synseal. com
9
10 Synseal Times issue
35
We tied Synseal’s Manufacturing
Director Steve Musgrave to his chair,
turned on the spotlight and asked him
some questions about Global Glass.
Global Glass…growing fast
Is Global Glass successful?
SM: Broadly speaking, yes. From a standing start in 2011 Global Glass has grown
steadily to become one of the Top 10 glass suppliers in the UK. We’re pretty much
where we wanted to get to by 2014. The whole project has been an interesting
challenge from the start. The customer response has been fantastic.
Are you happy with the product range?
SM: Success for us is to offer a focussed range of IGUs and do that efficiently,
rather than try to be all things to all men. Having two sites helps in this regard,
with Blackburn specialising in roof glass and Huthwaite concentrating on window
glass. Customers clearly like our Global Glass range and quality, and more and more
are trading up to our premium offering Celsius performance glass because they can
sell the added value.
So are you now resting on your laurels?
SM: No way! We’ve had service issues and customers have been very patient on occasions,
to say the least. Our plans to expand Global Glass have always been ambitious and as
a result we’ve become a bit over stretched at times. However, we’ve got to continually
invest to deliver the best service and stay ahead of the competition. Installing the new
toughening furnace and glass handling equipment at Huthwaite and more recently a
new furnace, IGU line and arrissing equipment to almost double capacity at Blackburn
may be disruptive in the short term, but it has to be done to satisfy demand and maintain
high quality standards of products and service.
So stuff gets broken then?
SM: Glass is fragile - fact! Synseal has invested over £60,000 in purpose built stillages
designed to secure units more safely for delivery and avoid the nightmare of broken
units in transit. We now load direct at our glass plant, as opposed to using shunt vehicles
between Synseal and Global Glass, to eliminate double handling and avoid breakages.
We’ve changed our banding system to a new friction welded one so metal clips are no
longer required, which can cause glass damage. We’ve been trialling new edge protectors
as well to minimise breakages. Little details like that are making a big difference.
Recently installed IGU line at the Blackburn site
New purpose built glass stillages
Who comes up with these improvements?
SM: All the Global Glass team get involved with suggestions for improvements, which is
great, but we also listen to what our customers tell us. For example, our invoicing system
was originally based on the Synseal profile system which meant our glass invoices lacked
certain basic information that customers might expect from a glass supplier, such as the
m2 rate. Let’s just say that our invoices are now more user friendly. We welcome regular
feedback from customers - and not just if we are doing a bad job!
Recently installed toughening furnace at Huthwaite site
Have any production processes been improved?
SM: Yes, most definitely. When we started we operated an optimisation and batching
system that lumped all our work together and only at the end of the production process
would the workload be separated into each customer’s delivery frames and vehicles.
This resulted in shortages as vehicles sometimes had to be released before the work
was complete. We’ve totally changed our process and now batch by vehicle route,
allowing full jobs to be manufactured together. Therefore if we have a breakage or
missing unit we can react quickly.
What’s the next step for Global Glass?
SM: Electronic information exchange is the way to go, without a doubt. Starting with
high volume accounts, we are now investing in setting up Electronic Data Interfaces
(EDI links) with Business Micros and First Degree Software. EDI allows orders to be passed
into our system, checked and acknowledged automatically and this approach avoids
inputting mistakes at our end, as we work directly from information e-mailed by our
customers. Order confirmations are available quicker, so we can confirm deliveries sooner.
We’d like to establish EDI with as many customers as possible, but our business focus is
to continue improving processes, develop new products and carefully plan for future
sales growth.
Customer comment
“The product they are producing at Global Glass is fantastic, it is second to none. For example, the cleanliness is brilliant, and they have introduced
this simple thing that my guys on the floor absolutely rave about: it is an identification sticker on the top edge of the unit, so when the glass is
unloaded at our end, the guys can tell at a glance which unit is destined for which frame, rather than having to trawl through a whole delivery.”
Keith Matthews, Trade Frames (South West) Ltd.
Synseal Times issue
35
11
Modern conservatory designs save money!
Synseal has published a report that demonstrates how much hard earned cash a homeowner can save with a modern conservatory fitted with
Celsius glass, compared to an older conservatory.
The Synseal Thermal Calculations Report has
received the explicit approval from Assent
Building Control, a provider of approved
inspector services, who said: “It shows
satisfactory regulatory compliance.”
To prove the theory that modern
conservatories are more efficient than their
older counterparts an ‘old’ conservatory was
made using double glazed 3-chamber PVC-U
windows, with units made from float glass
and aluminium spacer bar, and a proprietary
PVC-U and aluminium conservatory roof
glazed with 16mm polycarbonate.
The conservatory was then upgraded to
new Legend triple glazed multi-chambered
PVC-U windows, with Argon-filled units made
with two low-e panes of glass and one float
and Superspacer, and a Global PVC-U and
aluminium conservatory roof glazed with
Celsius Elite high performance double glazing
with a U value of 0.9W/m2K.
Everything else about the conservatory
remained the same (design, footprint etc).
The calculations were performed in
accordance with procedures set out in
Approved Document L1B of the Building
Regulations, and they show that by
upgrading the glazing element of a
conservatory that is fully opened up,
the adjoining house can have a cost benefit
of £142.71 per year (based upon gas central
heating), or £124.86 per year (based upon
electric under floor heating).
However, for a conservatory with thermal
separating doors between the conservatory
and the adjoining house (heated only when
in use), the savings amount to £29.12 per
year (based upon gas central heating),
or £25.48 per year (based upon electric
under floor heating).
In conclusion, a conservatory fully opened up to the house and fitted with Celsius glass will save the most money.
Synseal retains its Fleet Operator
Recognition Scheme
For the 2nd year running Synseal’s transport
department has been assessed by Transport for
London (TfL) and have retained the Fleet Operator
Recognition Scheme (FORS) bronze award.
This is an industry-led accreditation scheme which encourages
sustainable best practice for road freight operators who undertake
deliveries within the UK. At its core, FORS promotes safe working
practices, lawfulness and a corporate social responsibility to
improve the performance of road freight operations. By achieving
this award our customers can have peace of mind that Synseal
continue to work hard to reduce risk, continue to be legally
compliant, greener and more efficient.
12 Synseal Times issue
35
PTRs can now be used with foiled profiles
Synseal has been awarded BBA approval for the use of Plastic
Thermal Reinforcements (PTRs) in its foiled profiles, enabling
fabricators to achieve even lower U-Values. This follows extensive
testing to prove the integrity of Synseal PTR/foil frames without
the need for steel reinforcements*, making 0.8 W/m2K possible with
triple glazing and 1.2 W/m2K achievable with double glazing units.
Now any woodg rain colour ends up green!
Synseal Head of Marketing Mark Schlotel says, “This is a great step forward for our
fabricators and installers who can now offer foiled windows that meet the thermal
requirements of Passivhaus and Zero Carbon Housing standards, followed by
architects building eco-homes all around the UK and Europe.”
“As well as the obvious thermal benefits, our PTRs are made of 100% recycled PVC-U
and they make the entire frame recyclable, adding further to their green credentials,
and they are also significantly lighter than steel, not to mention cheaper.”
Woodgrain and colour foiled finishes are increasing in popularity and demand for
greater energy efficiency also continues to grow among householders, house builders
and local authorities. This important technical development, endorsed by BBA approval,
positions Synseal customers at the forefront of meeting these market requirements.
Legend in Mahogany shown here with PTI4
*See full technical specifications
A+ WER ratings
now available
Synseal has become one of the first system suppliers to achieve
the new BFRC A+ and Certass A* ratings for its entire range of
window profiles.
The A+ and A* ratings will be achievable with
double glazed units, as well as triple glazing
on all four Synseal systems - SynerJy, Shield,
Legend and Evolve VS - though triple glazed
is expected to be the far more popular option.
Colour focus is key
to ongoing success
Synseal’s range of foiled finishes, including the popular Artisan
Woodgrain Collection, has triggered business growth in recent
years as demand has steadily increased for non-white windows,
doors and conservatories.
Our colour range is regularly reviewed, as success relies on us supplying key finishes
demanded by the market today in the most efficient turnaround time possible.
A new ‘summary guide to colour’ across Synseal and K2 product ranges has been
published to confirm current colour options and lead time availability.
The award means fabricators can gain a licence
to use the coveted labels on any window made
and glazed to a specified design without the
need for further testing. Both new ratings
indicate the A rating plus ten points. The Certass
label also includes extra graphic indicators for
light transmittance and heat retention.
Greg Tabberer, Synseal’s R&D Engineer
in charge of WER simulations comments:
“Homeowners are putting more and more priority on energy efficiency and the use of
these labels will give any installer a massive edge over competitors with lower ratings.
“Just a few years ago we saw the boost that the standard A rating gave to any
products displaying the label. Now we are seeing it happen all over again with
A+ and A* and Synseal fabricators and installers will be able to make the most
of this valuable sales tool.”
The guide is to ensure transparency of production schedules to provide our
fabricator customers with reliable and consistent information. It is more important
than ever to have the right product at the right time, allowing you to schedule your
fabrication/installer projects more accurately.
Synseal Times issue
Market leading hardware
Synseal has teamed up with market leading hardware
suppliers Yale and Paddock to develop an exciting new
range of patio hardware that combines aesthetics and
function whilst addressing security concerns.
Yale are a well known brand in the UK synonymous with security and locking products
who have recently merged with Paddock fabrications manufacturers of the UK’s leading
multipoint locks for PVC-U doors.
Patio door security has had a chequered past, and a cause for concern with many homeowners.
With this is mind Synseal have introduced a Yale branded 6 hook stainless steel patio door
lock together with a Kitemarked Yale anti-bump cylinder as standard. Synseal have also taken
the opportunity to put all the necessary accessories together in a branded Synseal hardware
box. Last but not least to finish the proposition Synseal have worked together with Yale and
Paddock to develop our own bespoke design patio door handle that will be exclusive to Synseal
customers, which will be available in a range of stunning durable finishes from January 2014.
Coming
soon
35
13
Signed, sealed & delivered
Proving once again that systems suppliers should be relied on for
more than just lengths of profile, Synseal has signed an exclusive
hardware supply agreement with Crystal Direct.
The Letchworth based fabricator has been buying all of its hardware from Synseal
since the end of 2012, a decision that was based on more than just convenience.
“Crystal Direct is one of the country’s premier fabricators,” says Tim Goldspink,
Crystal’s Operations Director, “and we have achieved that status by developing
strong relationships with our key specialist suppliers.”
While buying hardware from its profile supplier certainly saves on paperwork and
unnecessary deliveries, Crystal has discovered numerous other benefits, as Tim explains.
Tim Goldspink (Crystal) and Mark Frain (Synseal)
“Primarily, this agreement is a further example of the close relationship we have with
Synseal,” he said. “We have noticed a significant reduction in the number of call backs
to jobs where the hardware has either failed, or not performed as expected.”
“To put a figure on it, customer service calls associated with hardware failures fell by
29.6% between January and May this year. With that said, not only has the quality
improved, but the choice in terms of available colours has been embraced by our
customers. The hardware sample case provided will enable us to demonstrate the
quality and colour range to those that have not yet experienced it.”
Synseal’s hardware range brings together the very best residential handles, hinges,
shootbolts and accessories from industry leaders, such as Yale and Mila, at the lowest
possible prices.
“It is exciting to be bringing this market-leading product to market,” Mark Frain, Synseal
Hardware Category Manager, says. “We have liaised very closely with the industry’s leading
hardware developers to offer something unique to our customers and we feel that we
have improved the hardware specification without adding extra cost to our customers.
Customers can order any product online 24 hours a day, and with up to six weeks’ worth
of every item in stock at any one time they needn’t worry about being caught short.
“With this patio lever, not only can homeowners be assured that their patio doors
include the finest hardware mechanisms, but they are also among the most secure.”
Yale anti-bu mp
cylinder as standard
in our patio kit!
It’s all in our catalogue
“Choosing the right hardware can be hard work,” says Mark
Frain, Synseal’s Hardware Category Manager. “Ensuring that all
components meet stringent standards, and checking that they
work together effortlessly and carry the guarantees that are
required, can be time consuming and frustrating.
“That is why we have invested in creating a range of hardware available ex-stock,
tailored to the specific needs of fabricators. We aim to offer proven hardware
components carefully chosen for their reliability, technical performance and value
for money, ensuring that fabricators always have the products on hand to deliver
top quality finished windows and doors to their installer customers.
“From window handles and friction stays
to trickle vents and letter boxes,
Synseal’s hardware range has it all!”
Synseal’s hardware range is optimised to match
the company’s PVC-U window and door systems
and provides a ‘one-stop-shop’ supply chain to
support professional fabrication and installation
of window casements, front and back doors,
and patio and bi-fold doors. Copies of our
comprehensive 88 page hardware catalogue
are readily available, on request.
14 Synseal Times issue
35
Market leading
literature to help with
specification sales
Wide span roofs
are now even wider!
Synseal’s marketing team has been busy creating a new specification
literature set which details all major products with no promotional
waffle, just hard facts!
Synseal’s new heavy duty eaves beam and bi-fold door support now enables doors
as wide as 5m to be fitted, and by adding pre-fitted bolsters fixed to the underside of
standard and hip rafters to deliver added strength, Global conservatory roofs can span
as wide as 6.5m.
“Wide span roofs from Synseal are an example of our ingenuity
in design,” says David Leng. “We believe that no matter what
homeowners are asking for, our customers should be able to deliver.”
For example, in the past a traditional Victorian roof, glazed with 35mm polycarbonate,
would have a maximum span of 6m but now this has been extended to 6.5m. Similarly,
a traditional Georgian fitted with 4:16:4 configuration roof glass would have been limited
to a footprint width of 5m, whereas designs can now stretch to 5.75m.
+750
Georgian 4mm glass
+250
+250
Victorian 35mm polycarbonate
“These figures have been verified following extensive testing by CMT, an independent UCAS
approved company, which subjected the Synseal eaves beam to a loading of 2 tons,” David
confirms. A total of 2030kg was loaded through a 90° eaves beam section and one Georgian
hip. This was held for seven days with only 1.3mm of deflection - very impressive indeed!
Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of Marketing explains. “We have produced these
brochures to assist our fabricator partners when presenting Synseal products to building
professionals and installers. Our aim was to create impressive technical literature that is
easy to use and the best in the industry.”
The ring bound technical folder has been carefully designed with house builders and
commercial building specifiers in mind. Comprehensive yet concise information on every
one of Synseal’s product ranges is provided by individual technical brochures, so folder
contents can be mixed and matched to meet specific customer requirements.
Company overview
Legend
Shield
SynerJy
Global roof
Orangery collection
K2 roof
SkySpace
Super sized roof projects
are not scary!
Don’t walk away from opportunities to supply very big conservatories
or super sized glazed structures. Synseal’s experienced team is
on hand to take the headache out of large scale roofing projects,
enabling you to enjoy the lucrative added-value commercial benefits
whenever these opportunities arise.
Bespoke solutions are often designed using our proven SkySpace aluminium portal
frame system, which is specified for projects in UK and export markets. Providing a highly
flexible support system for Global or K2 roofs, SkySpace is easy to install and capable of
delivering clear spans of up to 35m.
Evolve range
Global Glass
Hardware
Synseal’s team provides a highly competitive, complete design and manufacturing
solution, including structural calculations and fully engineered drawings to confirm
project specifications. Factory pre-assembly is undertaken to check manufacturing
precision, before despatch to site.
So if a big job comes your way - give us a call!
Synseal Times issue
35
15
A-rated as standard to deliver even more value
Evolve VS windows are now A-rated as standard, so the industry’s
best-loved vertical slider is even more appealing to homeowners.
Sarah Starkey, Synseal’s VS Sales Manager, says: “Our standard design Evolve VS window
far exceeds the current Building Regulations by being A-rated as standard, providing
even more value to our customers.”
The fact that Synseal employs a highly skilled and specialist VS sales manager clearly serves
to illustrate how important the vertical slider market is to the company. Sarah has really
embraced the challenge and her tireless efforts are driving significant business growth.
“Since joining Synseal in 2010, it has become increasingly obvious that when Synseal
decides to enter a market sector, then it doesn’t do it halfheartedly - it invests so that it
can immediately compete with the big players who have been doing it for a lot longer.”
Vertical sliders present an attractive market for Synseal because, despite the recession,
they are positioned within that range of desirable products that are aspirational
purchases for homeowners and consequently offer higher margins for fabricator partners.
“Some would argue that the replacement market that previously drove sales of White
PVC-U casement windows was declining way before the recession,” Sarah explains.
“However, following the recession, companies are taking stock of the situation and
redefining the range of products they offer to homeowners.”
Vertical sliders sit firmly alongside aspirational products such as composite doors,
bi-fold doors and orangeries - presenting an attractive design option to affluent
homeowners who want to give their properties a face lift.
Despite the attractiveness of vertical sliders, it doesn’t generally make commercial
sense for fabricators to set up a production line dedicated solely to them.
“When a fabricator invests in machinery, factory space and manpower to make windows,
he does it on the assumption that he will make X number of windows per week, which will
cover his outlay, his running costs, and give him a suitable profit,” Sarah explains. “This works
fine for the bread and butter market, but VS windows will never sell in the same quantities
as standard PVC-U windows.”
If fabricators were to go down the VS fabrication route, then Sarah believes that for many
companies it wouldn’t be worthwhile in the long run. “Along with the inconvenience of
switching production from other (more mainstream) products, the downtime in setting up
for small runs, high scrap levels, poor optimisation of foiled profiles, the cost of large stock
holdings of seldom-used profiles, multiple glass options, and expensive hardware
- then a fabricator will almost be guaranteed to lose money on every frame he produces.”
CE Marked for
sales success
All the specialist products in our Evolve fabricated range - Evolve VS,
Evolve patio and Evolve bi-fold doors - are fully CE Marked by Synseal
to take the headache out of legal compliance.
Fully manufactured by Synseal, the Evolve PVC-U product range is designed to free up
time for many of our fabricator partners, allowing them to focus their production on
casement windows and doors.
Synseal’s role as systems supplier is increasingly stretching beyond PVC-U profiles, and its
offering of vertical sliders gives its customers another reason to develop a closer working
relationship with the company.
“It is clear that Synseal aims to be a leader in any sector it operates within,” Sarah says.
“Therefore, our Evolve VS is available in a range of design styles and White PVC-U,
White woodgrain, Cream, Irish Oak, Golden Oak, Cherrywood, Chartwell Green, Grey and
Black/Brown finishes, with additional on White dual colour options. We aim to generate
quotes within an hour of enquiry and most orders are processed on a 7 day turnaround.
“Our range of Evolve VS windows are designed to prove acceptable in environmentally
sensitive locations and properties by offering a finish that is indistinguishable from high
quality timber, but which offer market leading energy rated performance.
“The fittings and balances are of the highest quality and will outlast anything else available,
whatever the frame material, while being competitively priced and easy to install and set up.
“By taking on these extra costs and fabricating VS windows on behalf of our customers,
we can enable them to compete in a very lucrative market with excellent products, backed
up by valuable marketing materials.”
Patio door improvements
- coming soon!
Handling sizeable fabricated door units on and off delivery vehicles
can be challenging, so we’ve reviewed and changed our packaging
on Evolve patio and Evolve bi-fold doors to reduce the risk of any
product damage occurring in transit.
This cost-effective range is proving very popular and sales demand has grown strongly
over the last 12 months. Thank you to all our customers!
We use e-marketing to steadily build awareness throughout the industry, highlighting
a different aspect of our product range and services each week - it’s all about grabbing
attention and so the more eye-catching the design, the better!
Our R&D boys are always busy. In response to customer requests we’re currently weather
testing a new variant of Evolve patio with internal sliding doors, to prove performance in
use prior to launch.
Also coming soon - new improved inline patio doors featuring low thresholds
manufactured in thermally-broken aluminium. Watch this space!
16 Synseal Times issue
35
Quality and margins increase
thanks to Synseal support
IDM Doors is the latest fabricator/installer to
benefit from the technical and commercial
support offered by Synseal Extrusions.
Lead generation was also a key element of Synseal’s
support package, and the commercial team was on hand
to develop important contacts. “Dave generates a lot
of work for himself - IDM Doors has a great reputation,”
said Brian Walker, Synseal’s fabricator development
manager. “However, we have helped him to win extra work
for councils, local authorities, and housing associations.
Newport based IDM Doors previously bought its doors and
windows from another fabricator, but the decision to bring
everything in house was made easy by the compelling
financial returns. “Now that I am buying my Legend profile from Synseal, and making my own windows, I have
significantly increased my margin,” explained owner Dave
Smith. “I am definitely better off - even during this difficult
economic climate.”
“We have helped him with the tendering process and
given him the support he needs to win these high profile
contracts. That way he can grow his business and make
the best use of his investment.”
Synseal was on hand to help set up the fabrication side
of the business for IDM, including: designing the factory
production layout; tooling; and staff training. Since IDM had
no previous experience of making windows, Synseal ensured
the manufacturing process was as efficient as possible.
This valuable support culminated in IDM gaining
BBA certification and SBD accreditation recently,
which further demonstrates the company’s meteoric rise
to prominence in the Gwent region. IDM is now one of
only two companies in the Gwent area that holds BBA and
SBD certificates for composite doors, casement windows,
and tilt and turn windows. A particular USP for Dave is that
he can proudly manufacture and install composite doors
locally within two days.
Conservation home for
Synseal’s vertical sliders
Legend beats
composite on cost
PVC-U vertical sliding sash windows from
Synseal help companies reach a wider
customer base, especially in conservation
areas, according to Neil Wakeman,
Operations Director at Millennium Windows.
Synseal’s Legend profile helped PVC-U
beat composite to a 100 frame contract for
a new-build care home at Merthyr Tydfil in
South Wales.
The York-based Synseal fabricator and installer recently
fitted VS windows into a renovated cottage in a village
located not far from Ripon in North Yorkshire, which is
in a conservation area. The owners, Mr and Mrs Taylor,
were delighted with the result but, more importantly,
the installation was signed off by Harrogate District
Council after it passed its strict renovation rules.
“We manufacture and install casement windows in
any colour to discerning customers in Yorkshire,”
Neil explained. “However, considering the area we are
in, there are a significant number of period properties
with VS windows.
“The A-rated Evolve VS windows from Synseal are in a
class of their own, and customers are always impressed
with the results. The run-through horns and high quality
hardware are particularly convincing, and they make
a huge difference to customers, especially when the
windows are in colour.”
Neil explained that like every customer looking to
replace their VS windows, they are drawn initially to
timber replacements. “When we showed Mr and Mrs Taylor
the VS from Synseal, and what we could do with it, it was
very easy to get them to consider a material other than
timber,” he said. “They didn’t realise how good the PVC-U
alternatives were until we showed them Synseal’s range
of vertical sliders.”
Mr and Mrs Taylor chose to have their windows
spray painted in Heritage Green, a specialist service that
Millennium Windows offers. However, Neil explained
that he prefers to promote Synseal’s foiled products.
“Synseal’s foiled products are authentic and very hard
wearing,” he said.
Millennium Windows has also completed a large
project in nearby Boroughbridge, which used Synseal’s
spray-painted VS windows in a conservatory.
Millennium Windows has more than 40 years of
combined experience designing, manufacturing
and installing high quality A-rated windows, doors,
and low cost conservatories in North Yorkshire and
the surrounding area.
The main contractor and local authority were originally
looking to use composite for the window and door frames
at the home in Treharris, as Sean Mullins, director of
fabricator/installer BWM Ltd. explained:
“But when I showed them the Legend profile and the
cost saving over composite, they went for it straight away.
It had the right kind of specification and the grey on white
was just the look they wanted and of course, we were able
to give a much better price.”
BWM, based in nearby Pontypridd, has been working
with Legend for about 15 years. Commercial contracts
now account for over two thirds of its business and while
Legend is designed specifically for the commercial market,
Sean explained that the company finds it equally suitable
for all of its work:
“We are able to use the same system for all our PVC-U.
It does the job, whether it’s commercial or domestic,
and that keeps things simple at the factory.”
Legend is a popular choice among architects and
specifiers. It can achieve a 1.2 U-Value in a double glazed
unit or 0.9 in triple. It incorporates three attractive trim
levels and more than 150 components, making it very
versatile in both looks and performance, and is also
available in a 100% recycled option.
Synseal Times issue
35
17
Legendary performance
Ray Hill, director of Synseal fabricator and installer Polar NE,
recently built his dream home in a picturesque village in Teesside,
using all the latest building components and techniques available
to him, including Legend PVC-U windows from Synseal.
“After a lifetime of buying and renovating second hand properties, and not getting
what we really wanted, we decided to design and build our own home when the
opportunity presented itself,” Ray explained. “One of our main objectives was to
build it to the best possible standard.”
To this end, Ray followed the mantra ‘seal tight and ventilate right’, which required
the careful selection of building materials, since “many traditional building methods
are not typically airtight,” he explained.
Once insulated and airtight, the house was efficiently ventilated using a heat
recovery system, which made the house the most efficient building in the area
according to the local council.
Polar NE started life making domestic PVC-U windows, before moving into the
commercial aluminium sector. However, Synseal windows still account for about
20% of the business and Ray was keen to choose Legend windows foiled in
Golden Oak for his own property. “We are very proactive about keeping up to date
with energy ratings,” Ray said, “and I knew we couldn’t achieve a top energy rating
with an aluminium window at the time.”
The Legend windows were made using double glazed units with a warm edge
spacer, argon gas, and low-e glass; “The best I could get without being silly,” Ray said.
“We’ve been in the house five years now, and the windows have really stood the
test of time - they are still as good as new.”
Top news slot for
PVC-U profile
Synseal ‘Summer’ shines
on orangery order books
Conservatory installers are being offered tempting discounts in
a Synseal initiative to promote its Global Summer orangery-style
system on show sites.
Commercial projects are increasingly turning to PVC-U as the
material of choice, as Synseal fabricator and installer Complete
Windows found when it recently installed 104 windows on the
Stourbridge News building, a 1960’s office block that was originally
fitted with steel windows.
Complete Windows
manufactured the A-rated
windows using Shield profile
foiled with Artisan in
Black/Brown on white,
along with grey infill panels.
The Dudley based company
fabricates about 100 windows
per week, and installs around
20% of them mostly to domestic customers. “Our only marketing budget is the £150 we pay
to Yellow Pages to feature in the FENSA section,” explained director John Pearson. “All of our
work comes in from recommendations, and we will travel anywhere in the UK to work.
“Typically we avoid working on commercial projects because we prefer to be paid
in regular instalments, and don’t like the uncertainty they can sometimes bring.
However, we have a long standing relationship with Paul Wentworth Builders
- the main contractor on the job - who was keen to push the work our way.
Everyone was more than satisfied with the outcome on this project.”
John explained that an increasing number of people are choosing coloured windows.
“Products like Artisan are really opening people’s imagination,” John said.
“The woodgrains and colours are really transforming consumers’ expectations
of what they can expect from PVC-U windows.
“For example, we are often replacing 10 year old 70mm White PVC-U windows
with 70mm coloured or woodgrain PVC-U windows - it is a real selling point.”
John also explained that he was pleased with the customer support from Synseal.
“They are a really good firm to deal with, and will always stick to their word,” he said.
“I believe the support has got even better since the management buy-out.”
Steve Allcock, Managing Director of Stafford UPVC said of the system, “We were impressed
when we first saw it exhibited at the FIT Show and booked one for our site immediately.”
Commenting on their presence at the FIT Show, Mark Schlotel, Synseal’s Head of
Marketing stated, “Since appearing at the FIT Show we’ve seen a notable increase in order
levels for our Global Summer hybrid orangery. This is the kind of product that needs to be
seen and the good news is that, once viewed, people really want to buy it. That’s why we
are looking to support and establish eye-catching show sites right across the UK.”
“Global Summer fills a natural gap in the market by providing an affordable alternative
for customers who would like an orangery but think it would be out of their price range.”
“It means our Synseal fabricator partners can offer the look of an orangery at something
nearer to conservatory prices and there is definitely a place in the market for that.
Orangeries may be very desirable and aspirational home improvement but some
homeowners are reluctant to commit to such a big investment. Our Global Summer
system looks sensational and gives them a very attractive compromise.”
Global Summer is a design enhancement of Synseal’s market leading Global conservatory
roof and uses decorative fascia cladding and internal pelmets to give the appearance of
an orangery without the need for parapet walls or conventional lantern roof systems.
It is simple to install as well as giving significant cost savings. The pelmet can be fitted
with downlights or integrated speakers to add even more consumer appeal.
18 Synseal Times issue
35
Traditional demands for Synseal customer
Coventry based Synseal fabricator, Aluminium Window & Door
Factory Limited, recently manufactured and installed more than
30 windows on the Masjid-e-Zeenat-ul-Islam mosque in Coventry
following a substantial extension to the site.
The frames were fabricated using foiled Legend PVC-U profiles, and were designed
to blend in with the architect’s vision for the extended mosque, including the colour
and texture of the brickwork.
“Legend, foiled to match the windows’ surroundings, fitted in perfectly with
the architect’s design, and helps the mosque to stand proud in its community,”
explained Aluminium Window & Door Factory Limited’s owner, Manj Sanghera.
“While modern mosques don’t look out of place in a typical British urban
environment, the architect still wanted some traditional features on the
extension to the Masjid-e-Zeenat-ul-Islam in Coventry. These included the pointed
arched window frame design that gives mosque windows their traditional shape.
Projects like this illustrate the market demand for specially designed multi-light windows
in shapes other than square casements.
“Windows come in all shapes, sizes and colours,” comments Brian Walker, Synseal’s Fabricator
Development Manager. “This mosque job is a great example of how non-standard windows
can transform the visual impact of a building, and the quality of this installation is a fine
showcase for Aluminium Window & Door Factory Limited”
Portal frame success on display
A SkySpace portal frame from Synseal
Extrusions has enabled a motorbike shop
owner win a battle against the elements,
while providing a conservatory company with
a straightforward and satisfying installation.
Jax Motorcycles in York deals in second hand bikes from
leading brands such as Harley Davidson, Triumph and BMW.
Until recently, a small showroom meant that owner Kevin
Strickland had to move all the bikes out on to the court
each morning, before moving them all back under cover
in the evening.
Kevin, therefore, turned to local installation specialists
Minster Windows for an all-weather solution. Minster,
in turn, approached its product supplier, Yorkshire Trade
Windows who scoured the market for the best portal
frame for the job.
Minster typically installs domestic conservatories,
but despite the size of the Jax Motorcycles project,
installation of the wide spanning portal frame was fairly
straightforward. “It was the biggest project that we had
been involved with for about 10 years,” explained Minster’s
Chris Partridge. “We had four guys working on the job, and
we had technical support from Synseal. Apart from one
slight hiccup on site, it wasn’t challenging in the slightest.”
Synseal’s SkySpace portal frame extends the showroom,
allowing the majority of the motorbikes to be permanently
displayed safely under cover.
“Kevin was absolutely delighted with the result,” said
Brian Walker, Synseal’s Fabricator Development Manager.
“The portal frame gives Jax Motorcycles greater freedom
- allowing the bikes to look good in natural daylight,
while protecting and securing them”.
“Furthermore, we were able to give the installer all the
technical support he needed to get the job done correctly.
“This is a good example of how Synseal works with its
customers - and their customers - to make the most of
opportunities. Many companies would have been put off
by the challenge of installing the portal frame structure,
but there was support up and down the supply chain to
make it a success.”
Synseal Times issue
Send us your pictures!
35
19
Mille nn iu m Wi ndows
We’re offering you the chance to share your pictures with us and the industry at large!
Have you taken some fantastic photographs of your work? If you have, we would love
to see them.
Here’s all you have to do:
1. Take the photograph with any camera phone or digital camera
2. Send it to [email protected]
3. Include your name and a brief description of the project in your email
4. Enter MYPIC in the email subject field… that’s it!
If we feel that we can use the image, then Lyn will
contact you and arrange for a professional photographer
to visit the site, take some photos and in return give you
some free PR in the trade press, on our website and in
the next issue of Synseal Times… plus you get to keep
the photos for your own marketing projects!
Here are some great customer projects
from across the UK and the World!
Expressions
N u Open in gs
Di rect Window Su pp lie s
New Look Windows
Belved ere Products
Astraseal
Glo ba l UPVC
Alu mi niu m Window
& Door Fa ctory Li mited
Swift R oo ms, Dubai
Coventry Additions, USA
Pla ste ch Win dows
20 Synseal Times issue
35
Key appointments
Andrew Killick - Director of Business Improvement
Andrew brings broad business improvement
and change management expertise to
our business.
Over the last 20 years Andy has worked globally with
senior management teams of some of the world’s leading
organisations, helping to transform their businesses
into agile, innovative operations focused on customer
satisfaction and operational excellence. “I’m delighted to be
working with David Leng and the senior management team
to further develop Synseal in becoming the company that constantly raises the bar and
sets new levels of excellence, value and customer service in the industry”.
Jeff Newton - Head of Logistics
Jeff has recently joined Synseal in the newly
created role of Head of Logistics.
“I’m here to further enhance Synseal’s commitment to ensuring
operational effectiveness and to drive efficiencies within its
logistics functions. I served an engineering apprenticeship
within glass bottle manufacturing before moving into the world
of the drinks industry, initially with Whitbread’s and later with
the Allied Lyons wines and spirits divisions, which is where my
logistics career commenced. The subsequent period of my life
saw me running distribution centres incorporating specialist contract packaging operations
for the hardware industry, prior to making the move to Next Retail Distribution. The last ten
years have seen me working at Eurocell Profiles Ltd. as their Logistics Manager, responsible
for multi-site storage and distribution facilities for many years before successfully unifying
the whole of the logistics operation into just one building four years ago. I’m excited to be
joining Synseal with its dynamic and committed team of people, renewing a very successful
working relationship with David Leng. In my spare time my main passion is the restoration of
classic scrambles motorcycles from the 1960’s, riding them when time permits. I also like to
watch Rugby League (I’m a very long standing Wigan supporter) and attending rock concerts
and festivals”.
Jon Potts - Business Improvement Partner
Jon has worked within the plastics industry for over
25 years, predominantly in a quality and technical
role and has joined Synseal to complement
the existing quality team to focus primarily on
improvement projects throughout the business.
With his previous employer of 12 years, Jon has been heavily involved in carrying out lean
initiatives to improve efficiency, productivity and ultimately the quality of finished product.
He says “I get a real buzz out of facilitating a group of people of varying levels of experience
and abilities and applying tools and techniques, to give them a sense of ownership within
their own area or process. Once employees realise that they themselves can influence a
change and that their ideas are of value, its amazing what can be achieved - team is key!
I look forward to working with my colleagues at Synseal and to make a positive mark upon
the business and ultimately meet and exceed our customer’s expectations”.
Eileen Buttery - Quality Administrator
Eileen joins the quality team at Synseal
in the role of Quality Administrator.
She has previously worked in the food industry as a quality auditor
and brings a good level of knowledge and experience in quality
systems and procedures. Eileen enjoys dealing with customers
issues and building upon the supplier/customer relationship. Eileen says “I’m keen to learn a new industry and gain a deeper
understanding of the complexities of extrusion and fabrication”.
Peter Davies - Area Sales Manager
Peter comes to Synseal with a wealth of sales
experience, most notably 10 years within the
construction industry with roles ranging from
Key Account Management to leading a sales
force and company management.
His main attributes are considered to be his ability to lead from
the front and a top class closer of high value sales. Peter is a highly
competitive individual having represented England at 1500 metres during the 1990’s.
Peter says of joining Synseal “To become a valued member of such a large and progressive
company is a real boost to my career and a challenge I am looking forward to with relish”.
Employment growth at Synseal
Our local profile as one of the largest employers in Nottinghamshire is set to continue, as our workforce grows steadily to handle increasing demand
for Synseal products - with business levels growing strongly we may well be passing the 1,000 employee mark in the very near future.
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Tel 01623 443200 | Fax 01623 550243 | Email [email protected]
Synseal Extrusions Limited | Common Road | Huthwaite | Nottinghamshire | NG17 6AD
www.synseal. com