Veka Front Doors

Bowater produces high-end read for door ranges

2013-05-22

Bowater Doors – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of energy-efficient composite doors and a company of the VEKA UK Group – has boosted its marketing support for fabricators and installers with a number of comprehensive and detailed brochures that outline the benefits homeowners can gain through fitting a Bowater composite door.

There are three brochures and an in-depth commercial spec guide to support the newly relaunched Bowater collection. The three ranges include: the standard 'Mono PLUS' Bowater composite door, the highly-specified 'DUO' double rebate range and the premium 'DUO Diamond' range of doors with decorative triple-glazing options. Along with the Bowater 'DUO Guard' flood defence door.

Bowater composite doors offer the look of traditional timber combined with the benefits of modern materials. They will not crack, split or warp and will never need repainting.

The 'standard ' Mono PLUS single rebate door offers savings on energy bills and impressive levels of security as this Bowater Composite Door has a U-value of 1.6 or less and has been approved by the official Police initiative, Secured By Design. These doors are supplied with either mortice or barrel locks that cannot be bumped, drilled or snapped.

Aside from conventional mortice and cylinder locks, the range is available with the Yale Keyfree lock system so that residents can open the door using either a remote key – similar to a car key – or entering their personal code into a keypad.

The double rebate 'DUO' range provides outstanding thermal and acoustic insulation with a draught-proof weather seal. The entire DUO range can achieve a U value of 1.1 – far below the industry standard and - depending on the choice of glazing – can even be as low as 0.8.

Backed by a 10-year guarantee, the robust DUO range is designed to offer strength, security and style, with 16 styles in five rich colours and two lustrous woodgrains.
The range meets or exceeds all current British standards, including PAS23, PAS24 and Secured by Design.

The Bowater 'DUO Diamond' range offers all the benefits of the DUO, with an exclusive range of glass designs to provide a palette of decorative effects to give homeowners even more opportunity to personalise their door. The DUO Diamond also features high performance 50mm triple glazing as standard, supplied with the TriSeries glazing cassette which eliminates unsightly screw ports. This premium door also has the option of the Yale Keyfree lock system.

Customers can use the new, beautifully-designed suite of brochures to choose their door or visit www.frontdoors.uk.com, where they can follow the simple step-by-step stages to design their own door and can even upload a picture of their home to see how the new door would look once fitted.

Alongside the three brochures, the new marketing support available also includes a spec guide detailing the Bowater FD30s fire door and DuoGuard flood door ranges.

Bowater Doors boosts capacity through Minworth move

2013-05-22

Bowater Doors – one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of energy-efficient composite doors and a company of the VEKA UK Group – has relocated its manufacturing facility from Coventry to Minworth, Sutton Coldfield, in a move that increases capacity and also reinforces the company’s position at the forefront of door manufacture in the UK.

The new 66,800 sq ft. factory greatly increases manufacturing capacity and enables the company to meet increased demand for its expanding range of residential, fire and flood defence composite doors. Sales over the last year have been exceptionally strong and the company has recruited extra production staff to meet the needs of its expanding customer base.

“The move is a significant investment that has provided the space to install a new manufacturing layout to improve flow and bring us closer to technical and marketing support so we can provide better service and support for customers,” said John Park-Davies, National Sales Manager for Bowater Doors.

The VEKA UK Group, which acquired Halo and Bowater Doors in 2011, is committed to continuing manufacturing at the Minworth site and has invested strongly in marketing and product development to support the merger of the Bowater and VEKA door brands.

The company has expanded the DUO range of double rebate doors to include the DUO Diamond range, which offers all the energy-efficient performance of the DUO range with an exclusive range of 50mm triple-glazed decorative glass designs and the TriSeries glazing casette which eliminates visible screw ports.

The 'DUO Guard' - specialist flood defence door - has been fitted with steel reinforced corners to provide even greater flood resistance, and the company's range of single rebate composite doors has been expanded to 24 styles.

The Minworth move and the development of three distinct door ranges has led to a suite of detailed brochures being created along with a website designed specifically to generate leads.

When consumers visit www.frontdoors.uk.com, they can create their own door using the site’s design facility but can only do so after they have logged in with their name, address and email address which can then be made available to authorised installers in their local area.

DuoGuard against floods, from Bowater Doors

2013-05-17

Industry-leading Bowater Doors has unveiled an improved design for its flood defence door. The DuoGuard range is being relaunched following enhancements to its design. Bowater Doors, a company of The VEKA UK Group, is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of energy-efficient composite doors.

As National Sales Manager John Park-Davies explains: “the DuoGuard extends all the energy efficiency, security and durability benefits of the Duo range to create a genuine double rebate flood defence door. Twin compression seals and a 12-point multi-locking system combine to provide unrivalled protection against flooding, in fact, up to 200 times more flood protection when compared to a standard single rebate composite door.”

Since The VEKA UK Group acquired Bowater Doors in 2011, the Group has invested heavily in both marketing and product development to support the merger of the VEKA and Bowater Door brands, and the DuoGuard - the latest in a long line of pioneering door innovations – is a specialist flood defence door, which has been improved with steel reinforced corners to provide even greater flood resistance.

John Park-Davies continues: “the DuoGuard is manufactured using CFC-free polyurethane foam for the inner core and the door's construction is timber-free throughout; meaning it won't bow, warp or rot and, thanks to its double rebate and 68mm thickness, it improves both heat and sound insulation. The entire DuoGuard range can achieve extremely low U values – far below the industry standard – and depending on the choice of glazing, they can even be as low as 0.8.

“With a comprehensive range of styles, high quality hardware and glazing options, the DuoGuard flood defence door can be as unique as your customers, and is available in a choice of five colours and two woodgrains so that each door can be unique.”

The superior appearance of the DuoGuard range is matched by the security it provides, as it meets or exceeds all current British standards, including PAS23, PAS24 and Secured by Design - the official police security accreditation that is only awarded to products offering exceptional security features. As well as the 12 locking points securing it to the frame, it also has high security hinges and a six pin anti-drill/ anti-bump euro cylinder, and its steel reinforced PVC-U sub-frame is braced with steel corner supports.

Homeowners can design their own door to reflect the style of their home by using the Bowater Doors online tool at www.frontdoors.uk.com. Visitors simply follow the easy step-by-step instructions to create their own door and can also upload a picture of their home to see what it will look like once fitted.

The VEKA UK Group - 1 Year On

2012-07-25

This time last year, VEKA announced the biggest news in the industry when it acquired Bowater Building Products Ltd, its brands and ranges. Today, one year on, it is the industry's most powerful force, and the UK's largest manufacturer of PVC-U profile.

The VEKA UK Group now compromises of VEKA plc, Network VEKA, VEKA Recycling, Halo, Bowater Doors, Bowater Architectural and Bowater Projects, and to mark one year since the acquisition, VEKA plc has opened its doors for editors to come and see for themselves the changes that have been made, hear from key members of the new team and put their questions forward.

Two businesses with strong brands, VEKA's choice to acquire Bowater Building Products wasn't altogether too difficult, as Colin Torley, Sales & Marketing Director explained: “The worldwide VEKA Group sees the UK as a key market and as VEKA continued to invest in its systems, people and plant, we saw ourselves in a position to demonstrate further commitment to the market with this acquisition. Bowater Building Products was selected due to its obvious synergies with the VEKA brand in not only terms of product quality and positioning, but also its ethos which is similar to that of VEKA.

“Our multi million pound investment has put The VEKA UK Group firmly in the UK's number one spot, and not only can we offer customers the stability of buying from a company that is still family owned, but our acquisition of Bowater Building Products sends out a clear message to the UK market that we are here to stay, and we will continue to invest in our future through our long term strategy.”

Most of the benefits of the coming together of the the two speak for themselves. The massively widened product range means that from a single source, The VEKA UK Group can now offer more choice than any other, not just in PVC-U with the VEKA and Halo ranges but also in composite doors with Bowater Doors and even aluminium with Bowater Architectural. Add to this the completely unique and specialist partners, VEKA Recycling and Network VEKA, and it's clear what a formidable force this new group is. The breadth of offering at the supply end of the equation is also balanced with the added diversity of the group's customer base, giving a stronger representation in every sector, from major commercial to small-scale retrofit and everything in between. As The VEKA UK Group has already announced, one such benefit has been the unifying of the commercial sales teams to cover all brands. It's said that one single team will be responsible for presenting the entire range in a way that will simplify and clarify the entire process.

Colin Torley adds that “Since the acquisition, the team of Directors has been strengthened to five; VEKA MD Dave Jones, myself – the Sales and Marketing Director, Finance Director Graham Fitton, Director of Supply Chain Shane Gray and Bob Duckworth, who brings extensive experience in lean manufacturing and company integration to his role as Operations Director.” Collectively the team of Directors have have over 70 years industry experience.

So where is VEKA now?

Over the last year, The VEKA UK Group has not only emerged as the market leader in the UK, it is also the 3^rd largest subsidiary of the wider VEKA Group, which in return is the world leader in the extrusion of PVC-U window profile.

The re-brand of WHS Halo to Halo and all doors as Bowater Doors is complete, a new powder feed system has been installed and work on a new state-of-the-art mixing plant is underway at the Burnley site. It's not all about the Burnley site though, as all composite doors are now manufactured in Coventry and investment has also been made in to the Minworth site over the last year.

Colin Torley concludes: “It's fair to say that we have achieved a huge amount in the last 12 months, following the acquisition of Bowater Building Products Ltd and the esteemed Halo brand and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what we can achieve in the year to come. Whilst the integration process has now been without its challenges, staff from all brands are working closely together and we have not lost a single customer since the acquisition. The last year has been a remarkable one for The VEKA UK Group – and the next 12 months are shaping up to be just as exciting.”

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VEKA and Hameldon among top 50 in country

2012-07-25

VEKA and Hameldon Community College have been selected as part of an online platform of just 50 case studies from across the UK that highlight the breadth, depth and innovation of Business in the Community.

The accolade comes from the Business in the Community (BITC) organisation, a unique programme that builds partnerships between schools and businesses to help young people develop the skills, aspiration and motivation they need to succeed in the world of work.

Only 50 case studies have been selected, and the Rossendale Road company and Hameldon are thrilled with the recognition, as VEKA's Brand Manager Rebecca Mayhew explains: “It's fantastic that our project is one of just 50 to have been chosen. The students from Hameldon have done an excellent job of totally re-creating our apprenticeship brochure and have really developed not only their skills, but their confidence also. It's a great achievement for both Hameldon and VEKA that our case study will be used to help demonstrate the best practice examples of Business Class partnerships for both schools and businesses from across the UK.”

VEKA and Hameldon partnered up last year when VEKA gave four Year 11 students at the college the task of re-designing its apprenticeship brochure. The media students started with a masterclass in language, design and marketing, and over the course of nine months, spent time with both VEKA's MD and staff, as well as its design agency, The Image Works, to learn how brochures and leaflets are put together and create one themselves. VEKA's new apprenticeship brochure is now being used by the company to support enquiries about its apprenticeship opportunities.

The case studies will be launched next week in London as BITC holds its first national Business Class Symposium to celebrate the success of the programme.

VEKA is one of Burnley's largest employers and works closely with a number of groups from the local community, including schools and charities. You can find out more about VEKA's apprenticeship programmes by calling the HR department on 01282 725278 or emailing ukrecruitment@veka.com.

Rebecca Mayhew concluded: “Working with the students from Hameldon on this project was invaluable as it allowed us to have input from the target audience that the brochure is aimed at. Aside from this, it was great to work closely with students from our local community and see their confidence and skills grow over the duration of the project.”

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Opening the door to the future

2012-07-25

To say it's been a busy year for the newly-formed VEKA UK Group would be an understatement, but as the dust starts to settle around the Bowater/Halo acquisition, Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley has another announcement to make.

Fresh from the news of the Bowater/Halo acquisition last year, the VEKA UK Group is now about to relaunch Bowater Doors. Gone is the VEKA Composite Door System, as the two businesses have now merged and retained the name of the well respected Bowater Doors brand. Bowater Doors was already an £8m business when we bought it, with a strong reputation - especially in the commercial marketplace. It wouldn't have been logical to keep the two door ranges separate. Both VEKA and Bowater have spent considerable time and money investing in the technical performance and development of their door ranges, so we have combined the superior performance of both brands, plant and people, and are now ready to relaunch as Bowater Doors. We've even appointed a new National Sales Manager dedicated entirely to Bowater Doors; John Park-Davies, who brings over 27 years of industry experience to the role. Working on every aspect of the offering, including marketing, product ranges and maintaining our high levels of customer service, John is another example of our commitment to this major investment.

In a move that's set to further strengthen the Group's position in the UK market, the production of all doors has now been moved to Bowater's 80,000 square foot fabrication centre in the Midlands. Consolidating the production of the entire product range under one roof was important to us; allowing John and his team to ensure total quality across the whole manufacturing process. As we integrated the two brands following the acquisition, one thing was clear - that staff from both brands were working closely together, to ensure that they continue to meet the needs of the loyal customers of both VEKA and Bowater, and by moving everything under one roof, this allows that teamwork to flourish.

To support the launch of the new Bowater Doors, we have rebuilt the brand's website – www.frontdoors.uk.com– where homeowners have the opportunity to create their own door with the door designer system, and free homeowner leads are generated for installers of the system. There's also a brand new suite of brochures and other marketing materials that have been redesigned and redeveloped; Bowater Door, Bowater Duo Door and Duo Diamond for the homeowner and then there's the new comprehensive Specification Guide for the commercial market.

As the old saying goes, a brand is nothing without excellent products behind it, and Bowater Doors is certainly no exception. The newly expanded range now includes a composite door for every application. For homeowners, there's the Bowater Door (single rebate), which uses the highly-acclaimed Capstone 44mm slab, and its high specification means homeowners have a wide range of choices. The Bowater Duo Door is a 68mm double rebate door, which we believe is second to none in the marketplace, and the Bowater Duo Diamond, part of our elite range is another that we believe is unlike any other door system, featuring bespoke glass designs, enhanced thermal and acoustic values and many other unique features.

Aside to these, there are several more specialist products, including fire doors and perhaps most topical at the moment, our flood doors, which offer up to 200 times less water seepage than single rebate doors.

Of course, most of the benefits of this relaunch don't need any explanation, but one thing we are keen to highlight is that the massively widened product range means that, now from a single source, Bowater Doors can offer more choice than any other. The breadth of offering at the supply end now has the added diversity of both brand's customer base, giving us a stronger representation in every sector, from major commercial to small-scale retrofit. This relaunch is something that we are really excited about. It's been a big year for the new VEKA UK Group, granted it's had its challenges but we have achieved a huge amount in these last 12 months and I, for one, am looking forward to seeing what impact the new and improved door range will have on the market.

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NEW composite door styles...

2012-02-23

Our improved range of single rebate, double rebate, fire, flood resistant and utility doors is now bigger and better!

• More styles including 11 new modern styles

• More frame finishes

• More hardware

• More colour options

Even more choice. Just another reason to choose the most energy efficient composite doors on the market.

Call 024 76 835 300 today for your FREE information pack

Doors for Life

2011-12-03

Doors for Life composite doors have been designed to meet the changing needs to homeowners, and landlords.

Bowater Doors and Winkhaus, respected market leaders in composite doors and locking systems, have joined forces to create Doors for Life.

Doors for Life is a new way of thinking that offers flexibility for homeowners and landlords to adapt and upgrade their door, without the expensive refurbishment costs of complete replacement.

How? Bowater Doors have used their extensive expertise and experience to create a door that can be simply upgraded and adapted by replacement of the locking system. The comprehensive suite of options cover every requirement from multipoint locking, to electronic locks with access control options. Winkhaus locking systems are approved by the Police "Secured by Design" security initiative.

But Doors for Life is about more than just interchangeable locking systems... Bowater Doors offer a range of residential, fire and utility doors that provide the highest levels of security, durability and energy efficiency. Eco Series, double rebated residential doors have been tested to be one of the only doors on the market to achieve the Code for Sustainable Homes Level 6 standard.

Doors for Life from Bowater Doors and Winkhaus - our thinking: your saving!

A top treble for Bowater at G10 Awards

2011-11-23

An excellent showing from Bowater Building Products and its customers in the G10 awards saw three fantastic victories in some of the most keenly fought categories.

In these, the seventh awards since their inception, Bowater Building Products itself won the award for Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year for System10’s radical new SmartSash products. The SmartSash system enables PVC-U doors and windows to be fitted now to currently comply with the Code for Sustainable Homes (CSH) Levels 3, 4 or 5 – and then be simply, easily and inexpensively upgraded to Level 6 standard at a later date. It also allows for much larger sash sizes, while maintaining thermal performance.

And customers Everglade Windows (Greenford, Middx) and Lister Trade Frames (Stoke on Trent) were awarded Installer of the Year and Fabricator of the Year respectively. Furthermore, Perth-based Sidey was shortlisted in the Health & Safety Initiative of the Year while, although not a direct customer, P&P Glass was a finalist in the Customer Care Initiative category.

The night’s entertainment – and award hosting – was provided by comedy star Jimmy Carr at the gala event; staged at Wembley and attended by hundreds of luminaries from the glazing industry and their guests.

Joanne Holland, BBP Chief Executive, said of the award bonanza: “As enthusiasts for the G Awards since their launch in 2004, our delight grows annually to see so many of our customers being recognised as industry leaders in their respective categories. To win three was incredibly cheering. Moreover, we are also obviously incredibly pleased at our winning Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year for System10’s stunning SmartSash system”.

Our commitment to training construction professionals

2011-10-24

Bowater Projects is proud to announce their commitment to training construction professional by launching 2 CPD programmes for Architects, specifiers or any other construction professional that has an involvement with or is interested in fenestration solutions.

The two titles, “An introduction to Energy Efficient Fenestration” and “A Guide to Sustainable Aluminium Walling” have recently been approved by the Construction CPD Certification service.

The CPD Certification Service is the independent body operating across all market sectors and in support of all professional institutions, bodies and societies. Its certified CPD ‘quality mark’ is a recognised symbol of quality assured training.

The prime role of the CPD Certification Service is to certify that the content of training courses, papers delivered at conferences and other educationally beneficial material conforms to universally accepted CPD guidelines.

The seminars which are one hour in duration are specifically designed for those who want to find out more about leading energy efficient solutions in fenestration.

These CPD Seminars can be delivered in your organisation by one of our technical specialists. To find our more call 0121 749 8200, or by completing the short form opposite and we will call you back.

What’s new?

Bowater Projects want to make sure that those interested in fenestration solutions are kept up to date. In addition to these new CPD programmes, Bowater Projects will be designing new programmes to make sure that it is offering knowledge about the most recent trends in fenestration. Please contact us if you are interested in us developing CPD programmes on a particular topic

What are CPD’s

Almost every construction institutional body requires that its members undertake relevant CPD programmes so that they are kept up to date with the latest innovations and solutions in their industry. Each institutional body is different when it comes to CPD requirements. Some measure the requirement in points and some in hours.As a basic rule, a one hour CPD programme will equate to one point and generally a minimum of 35 hours per year is recommended.

List of Institutes for the construction industry where the Bowater Doors CPD applies

Architecture & Surveying Institute

Association of Building Engineers

Association of Planning Supervisors

Association for Project Managers

British Institute of Architectural Technologists

British Institute of Facilities Management

Chartered Institute of Building

Chartered Institution of Building Service Engineers

Chartered Institute of Marketing

Chartered Society of Designers

Institute of Acoustics

Institute of British Engineers

Institute of Building Control

Institute of Clerks of Works

Institute of Construction Management

Institute of Domestic Heating & Environment Engineers

Institute of Environmental Health Officers

Institute of Highway Incorporated Eng.

Institute of Housing

Institution of Lighting Engineers

Institute of Maintenance & Building Management

Institute of Plumbing

Institute of Roofing

Institute of Wastes Management

Institution of Civil Engineers

Institution of Civil Eng. Surveyors

Institution of Electrical Engineers

Institution of Fire Engineers

Institution of Highways & Transportation

Institution of Mechanical Engineers

Institution of Structural Engineers

Institution of Water & Environmental Management

Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors

Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland

Royal Institute of British Architects

Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Royal Society of Ulster Architects

Royal Town Planning Institute

Landscape Institute

Another 1st for VEKA with Door Energy Ratings

2011-09-21

Industry-leading profile manufacturer VEKA plc has become the first systems company to register on the newly introduced Door Energy Ratings scheme for doors.

In the biggest extension of the BFRC scheme since 2006, September has seen the energy ratings labelling system extend to include all types of domestic doors, including composite and PVC-U.

VEKA is well-known for being at the forefront of environmental developments, having been the first to establish a closed-loop recycling facility, the first to develop an 'A' rated window and the first recycled profile to go into a domestic window.

Colin Torley, VEKA Sales and Marketing Director explains: “Here at VEKA, we put a lot of work into making our door systems as energy-efficient as possible, so the extension of the BFRC scheme offers us another chance to show how confident we are in the quality of our products.

“The VEKA Composite Door System, in particular, has gone through rigorous testing and further development and now the majority of doors in the range achieve a U-value of 1.2 or less, with some even gaining an impressive 1.0.”

We felt it was important to register for the new DER Scheme right away as we understand that energy ratings are a great sales tool for our customers when dealing with the public.

DuoGuard protects supported estate from floods

2011-09-03

Challoners Gardens, a development of 45 bungalows owned and operated by Isos Housing, was so badly affected by floods when the nearby River Wansbeck burst its banks in 2008 that residents had to be evacuated. To prevent this happening again, Isos and its consultants, Faithful & Gould, specified that DuoGuard doors should be fitted front and back on all the dwellings.

“We needed a door that not only reduce the possibility of flood water causing the costly damage we suffered in 2008; but one that our residents could operate and which also looked good,” says Andy Kennedy, support services Manager at Isos Housing.

DuoGuard’s unique double rebate and 12 locking points combine to provide unrivalled enhanced protection against flooding – being up to 200 times more flood resistant than a standard single rebate composite door – and break in compared to a standard single rebate door. Manufactured using CFC-free polyurethane foam for the inner core, the door’s construction is timber throughout and, thanks to its double rebate and 68mm thickness, improves both heat and sound insulation.

The door also provides class-leading security. As well as the 12 locking points securing it to the frame, it also has high security hinges and a six pin anti-drill/ anti-bump euro cylinder. It is fitted with an extended lever (DDA) handle, so is ideal for supported housing with either disabled or elderly residents.

In this case, there were concerns about whether the Challoners Gardens residents would be able to operate the lever that engages the locking points, so an open day was held at a vacant dwelling fitted with the doors so residents could try them out and they could be adjusted accordingly.

DuoGuard Doors, like all Bowater Doors, are designed on a ‘Doors for Life’ ethos so they can be adjusted according to a resident’s changing needs.

Winchester Diocese goes greener with Network VEKA

2011-07-21

The Church of England Diocese of Winchester is to go over to recycled PVC-U windows for all future replacements in its 250 clergy houses, with Network VEKA member KJM as installer.

Diocese Houses Manager Chris Mariner said the decision was in direct response to the clergy themselves, as well as the body’s Environmental Officer, who asked for a greener alternative.

He added: “We know the benefits of PVC but they were not keen on the conventional product. As soon as we heard about the recycled frames, they had no objection at all and we were very happy to commit ourselves to the change. We have also asked for all new windows to be ‘A’ Rated so we will be saving on fuel use as well.”

The Diocese, which covers Hampshire, Bournemouth, East Dorset and the Channel Islands, is a long-standing customer of Andover-based KJM. It has a rolling programme, replacing windows in about ten properties a year, some of which are still single-glazed. Its new windows will be based on the VEKA Infinity system, which uses up to 80% recycled material locked inside a co-extruded outer layer of virgin PVC-U.

KJM and Network VEKA fabricator Glazerite recently celebrated the first recycled PVC-U windows ever to be chosen for a UK private house and Glazerite helped Luton to become the first borough in the UK to commit entirely to recycled PVC-U for all future window replacements.

VEKA plc also last secured the first-ever major contract to install the recycled product, with the Places for People Group.

Infinity achieves a U-value of 0.8

2011-07-11

The new Infinity Window System from industry-leading VEKA plc can achieve a U-value of just 0.8, following stringent testing on the recycled window system.

This new window system not only offers the technology and style that all VEKA systems are renowned for, but also all the sustainable benefits of recycled content. The Infinity System contains up to 80% recycled materials, and their co-extrusion means that all external surfaces are virgin polymer, therefore colour-stable and free from lead-based additives.

The Infinity System, launched just last year is an entirely co-extruded system comprising ten window and door profiles, all fully compatible with the existing Matrix 70 system. Achieving a U-value of 0.8 with an Argon unit and not the more expensive Krypton, the reaction to the Infinity System from both the industry and the marketplace has been extremely positive. According to VEKA Sales and Marketing Director, Colin Torley: “It took a leap of faith for our first client to take the recycled route, but now many others are sure to follow and the industry is now more than ready to accept a recycled product.”

In another first for the company, the VEKA Infinity System was chosen by a family in Kent for what is thought to be the first installation of a recycled PVC-U window into a UK private residence.

VEKA plc's Outstanding Contribution

2011-07-01

VEKA plc has won one of the main awards at Burnley's recent celebration of Business and Innovation.

The company received the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Burnley’ award for a remarkable year in which VEKA has both celebrated its 25th year of manufacturing in the town and completed the largest deal of its kind, with acquisition of Midlands-based Bowater Building Products.

VEKA Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “2011 has been a big year for VEKA so far and it's always nice to be appreciated for our efforts. The company has gone from strength to strength in the last 25 years, growing from 30 to 160 employees and expanding the site from 30,000 to almost 400,000 square feet. VEKA is one of Burnley's major employers and we have always tried to support the local community while staying at the forefront of our industry, and it's very nice to be recognised for this.”

VEKA announces acquisition of Bowater Building Products

2011-06-07

VEKA Plc has announced the acquisition of Bowater Building Products in a move which will further strengthen VEKA’s market position within the UK industry during its 25^thanniversary year of manufacturing in the UK.

Dave Jones, VEKA Managing Director commented: “VEKA is pleased to announce the acquisition of Bowater Building Products. As many of us in the industry are aware, the current market is extremely difficult, yet VEKA has continued to invest in its systems, people and plant and is now in the position to demonstrate further commitment to the UK market with this acquisition. We have undertaken a thorough review of potential acquisitions and have selected Bowater Building Products due to its obvious synergies with the VEKA brand in terms of product quality and positioning. During the review we also found that the ethos of the 2 companies is very similar as is the way they are run which should make way for synergies as we align the 2 brands. This exciting news comes as we celebrate our 25^thanniversary of manufacturing here in the UK. We are aware that there are rumours about the stability of many of our competitors right now and want customers of both the VEKA and WHS Halo brands to feel reassured that they are partnered with a systems company whose roots are firmly planted in the UK. Not only can we offer customers the stability of buying from a company which is still family owned, but our acquisition of Bowater Building Products sends out a clear message to the market that VEKA and WHS Halo are here to stay within the UK and we will continue to invest in the future for ourselves and customers of both brands.”

The VEKA brand is revered for its technical superiority and the quality of the profiles, backed up with a whole host of additional benefits such as the diversity of the systems, the technical support available for fabricators and the strong link to recycling, which is more relevant than ever. Users of VEKA systems also have exclusive access to Network VEKA, the elite trade organisation that promotes members direct to end users and offers protection to homeowners via a series of guarantees. Since its inception 15 years ago, many organisations have tried – but failed – to copy its winning formula to help members build their businesses and offer peace of mind to the consumer.

WHS Halo is also held within similar high esteem as one of the prestige profile manufacturers in the UK. Both brands have spent considerable time and money investing in the technical performance and development of the product range and this will continue following the acquisition.

Customers of each brand will continue on their current system and the teams at both VEKA and WHS Halo have worked hard ahead of the acquisition to ensure they will continue to offer a compelling product and service package throughout the process and beyond. Working in partnership with fabricators is part of the ethos of both VEKA and WHS Halo and this will continue for users of each brand.

A comprehensive strategic review will take place over the next few months of the facilities at the VEKA and Bowater Building Products sites. The acquisition of Bowater Building Products is the result of a thorough market review by VEKA and is a long term investment for the company – as such, any decisions taken will be carefully considered to ensure they are the best option for the long term future of the VEKA and WHS Halo brands. For both VEKA and WHS Halo it will be ‘business as usual’ during the review process.

Dave Jones concluded: “The worldwide VEKA Group has always placed great importance on the plant here in the UK as one of its key markets. Over the last 25 years VEKA plc has developed its range of products and services to offer a compelling customer offer and many of the industry’s key milestones have been ours. Whilst we are immensely proud of our 25 year manufacturing heritage in the UK, we will not rest on our laurels and believe that continuing to look to the future is key to our ongoing success. The acquisition of Bowater Building Products and the highly esteemed WHS Halo brand demonstrates our long term commitment to manufacturing and continuing to invest in the UK. We believe this is fantastic news for customers of both brands and indeed for the industry as a whole as there are now 2 clear choices for fabricators, installers, specifiers etc wishing to partner with a secure, stable profile manufacturer.”

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VEKA claims another environmental 1st

2011-04-13

The VEKA Infinity system has recently been chosen by a family of keen environmentalists for what is thought to be the first installation of a recycled PVC-U window into a UK private house.

Jon and Wendy Belfield said they would never have considered PVC-U for their Hampshire home until local Network VEKA installer KJM told them about the Infinity suite of recycled profiles from VEKA.

“We had asked specifically what environmentally-friendly options were available for new windows,” said Wendy. “We got an answer we didn’t expect – but as soon as they told us how the Infinity frames are made, we didn’t need any more convincing.”

VEKA was the first in the UK to gain a full-scale commercial housing contract with a recycled product, when it signed with the Places for People group last year, but this is thought to be the first domestic retrofit to use the profile.

The Belfields not only found the right windows to suit their green lifestyle but their ‘first’ was marked by Network VEKA brand ambassador Steve Davis who rose to the occasion by helping the KJM team to install them. The frames were made by Network VEKA fabricator Glazerite but their history began nearly a year ago at the Network VEKA AGM when Steve presented VEKA Recycling with an old frame and the challenge to bring it back new!

Infinity is co-extruded with a core of recycled PVC-U inside a shell of virgin polymer for colour stability and the equivalent technical performance to that of virgin profile. The ten profiles in the Infinity range can each contain up to 80% recycled material and are fully compatible with the existing Matrix 70 system.

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Conservation area accepts VEKA's PVC-U windows

2011-03-29

VEKA fabricator, Cowen Windows received the thumbs-up from North Yorkshire Moors National Park recently, when it supplied VEKA’s vertical sliding sash windows for a new, stone-built house, in an area where timber windows are the norm.

The homeowners had planning permission for timber vertical sliders, and after seeing the VEKA equivalent which had been installed at another property, they approached Cowen Windows mistakenly thinking they were wooden frames. The Whitby-based fabricator then supplied a sample VS window in PVC-U sprayed with a cream finish, which the National Park approved.

Offering the look of traditional timber, with the technical excellence that VEKA is renowned for, the VEKA vertical slider is not only environmentally competitive when compared with timber, but also offers a high performance, energy-efficient design.

Trevor Kipling, Director of Cowen Windows said: “This is the second instance that we have supplied VEKA windows into the North Yorkshire Moors National Park area.

“The advanced technology combined with classic style, makes the VEKA Vertical Slider the ideal window system. It will not rot or warp, and the only maintenance required is an occasional wipe down with soapy water.”

VEKA is a world-leader in environmental issues, from creating the industry's first purpose-built PVC-U window recycling plant, to the UK's first BFRC 'A' Rated window.

a handle on security with Yale

2011-02-22

VEKA has added extra protection to its stylish composite door offering with Yale’s latest security handle, to provide fabricators and installers with the ultimate in cylinder protection.

Yale’s new MK3 security handle is ideal for retrofitting and is used in conjunction with Yale’s British standard euro cylinder on all VEKA composite doors to meet PAS 24 Clause A11 requirements.

Featuring strong steel lugs and M6 screws to ensure the handle remains firm on the door, the MK3 Security Handle also offers an external backplate manufactured from pure aluminium for extra protection.

Says Pat Parry, VEKA Composite Door Manager: “Cylinder manipulation has become a top concern and we were very keen to ensure our composite doors carried a superior quality solution, carrying independent quality and performance.

“Yale is without a doubt the most famous lock brand and a home security specialist that we can utilise to demonstrate to homeowners that by choosing a composite door from VEKA, which already offers style and outstanding performance, their home is also as safe and secure as possible.”

The VEKA composite door system comprises a range of stylish and durable designs that provide weather sealing, exceptional thermal efficiency (all styles are U Value 1.6 or less, with the majority of styles being 1.2 or less) and now high security locking.

Alongside fitting Yale’s Security Handle MK3 and British Standard kitemarked anti-manipulation Euro Cylinder, VEKA is also fitting all composite doors as standard with Yale’s 3 security grip hook bolts multipoint lock which features a deadlocking latch with snib functionality.

Afolabi Akinsanya, National Sales Manager at Yale OEM added: “VEKA is already an industry leading system supplier and it has embraced the need to offer high security composite door solutions, without compromising on aesthetics.

“By using Yale’s MK3 security handle and British Standard kitemark cylinder together with the multipoint locking system, VEKA can offer fabricators and installers a complete and secure composite door, which achieves the very latest security standards, which in turn means peace of mind for their customers.”

Yale MK3 Security Handle has the same fixing positions as the standard Yale door furniture and is available as part of Yale’s suited range of door furniture in six different finishes.

The Yale Mk3 Security Handle is just the latest in a long line of enhancements to the industry’s favourite composite door system – over the last 12 months, the VEKA Composite Door System has benefited from a new lead generation website, the addition of foils on both sides and bespoke U Value certificates supplied with every door, to name just a few.

For further information on the full range of Yale home security solutions for fabricators and installers, please contact the Yale OEM helpline on 0845 223 2128 or visit www.yale.co.uk.

To find out more about VEKA Composite Doors, please call 01282 716611

VEKA supports local troops

2011-02-21

Industry-leading system supplier VEKA plc has donated a laptop to soldiers from the Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment which will allow the troops to communicate with their families, while on duty in Afghanistan.

The PVC-U system supplier was one of five local businesses to donate computer equipment worth £3,000, including five laptops, webcams, digital projectors and a notepad computer.

Local soldiers from the Regiment were presented with the equipment by the Mayor of Burnley at a VIP reception held at Burnley Town Hall, before they start active duty in the next few months.

Brand Manager for VEKA, Rebecca Mayhew said: “We are delighted to be involved in providing laptops for our brave troops. All the computer equipment donated means that they can now keep in touch with their loved ones while they are serving abroad.”

Treasury Chief visits VEKA

2011-02-15

Chief Secretary to the Treasury Danny Alexander heard first-hand about the challenges facing the window industry when he visited VEKA’s HQ in Burnley.

The Lib Dem MP, one of the most senior figures in the Government, toured the system supplier’s state-of-the-art factory and shared views on the Economy with VEKA MD Dave Jones, Sales & Marketing Director Colin Torley and Finance Director Graham Fitton.

“He was very frank about the public spending cuts and the Government’s belief that they are unavoidable,” said Dave Jones later.

“But he did accept that some of the cutbacks can leave many in our industry very vulnerable, especially those with a large stake in social housing.”

The visitor was in Burnley at the invitation of the town’s MP Gordon Birtwistle, who is his Parliamentary Private Secretary.

VEKA Shortlisted for Red Rose Award

2011-02-11

VEKA has been shortlisted for a prestigious Red Rose Award, in the category of Large Business of the Year. The awards celebrate the successes of businesses from across Lancashire and it is a great achievement for us to be one of the finalists.

The awards take place on 31st March in Blackpool - fingers crossed for a good result!

VEKA sets the wheels of promotion in motion

2011-02-04

Industry-leading system supplier, VEKA, has added two brand new vehicles to its extensive fleet.

As part of VEKA's ongoing marketing strategy, the two vehicles have been designed to promote both VEKA and Network VEKA. The two trailers, each featuring a nine foot tall image of Steve Davis, brand ambassador for Network VEKA, are almost 14 metres long.

Rebecca Mayhew, VEKA's Brand Manager says “Joining our energy-efficient fleet, the two new trailers will be travelling up and down the country delivering quality VEKA products, while also advertising the quality standards organisation Network VEKA.” The new trucks also display the artwork for the Burnley Bondholder Scheme, which VEKA is a proud part of. Rebecca Mayhew explains: “The Bondholder scheme offers us another way to demonstrate our pride in the local area and its amenities, hopefully encouraging more businesses to follow our lead and establish in and around Burnley.”

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VEKA AG CEO Elected President of EPPA

2011-01-25

Andreas Hartleif, CEO of VEKA AG, is the new president of the European industry association of PVC window profile manufacturers.

He was unanimously elected at the general meeting of the European PVC Window Profile and Related Building Products Association (EPPA) at the end of last year.

The initial term of office will be two years. Hartleif, 44, has been active on the steering committee of the EPPA since the association’s foundation. He succeeds Marco von Maltzan, CEO of the Profine Group. In his first statement as president, Hartleif clearly set out his priorities for his term of office: “It is crucially important for us as an industry sector to continue pooling our interests in Europe and to have appropriate representation before key political committees.

Our economic performance, with over 20,000 jobs and an annual turnover of almost 5 billion euros, should give us extra weight.” The new president plans to campaign for a more widespread acceptance of EPPA among industry representatives and wants to get company heads more strongly involved in European decision-making processes.

Another focus will be the Europe-wide harmonisation of quality and testing standards for PVC window profiles. “For the sake of the entire sector, we need to make sure national testing and certification procedures are standardised and mutually recognised,” said the VEKA AG CEO. Realising the necessary Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) for PVC window profiles is part of that agenda. In putting these goals into action, Hartleif can count on full support from the members of the presidential committee and the steering committee.

The attending members unanimously elected Albert Vasseur, Director of Plastics Converting Business, Tessenderlo Group, to the post of vice-president. Also unanimously elected was Ludo Debever, of Deceuninck, Belgium, who was confirmed as treasurer. Hartleif thanked his predecessor, Marco von Maltzan, for his achievements, highlighting his exemplary efforts supporting the implementation and adherence to the European PVC industry’s Voluntary Commitment to Sustainable Development. Hartleif also stressed that he would continue Maltzan’s tireless campaigning for the creation of national and European economic stimulus plans for building renovation.

In addition to the election of the new presidential committee, the delegates at the EPPA general meeting also officially adopted the association’s working programme for 2011. Alongside the PVC industry’s Voluntary Commitment pledge, the EPPA programme also includes a range of projects to boost the widespread acceptance of PCV windows and window profiles.

“Our products make a valuable contribution to energy-efficient building refurbishment, and thus to the sustainable reduction of CO2 emissions on an international scale. We have to make it our mission to communicate this fact vigorously and increase the awareness of the general public. And we must ensure that we remain in close dialogue with all political committees that are of importance to our industry,” Hartleif concluded.

The EPPA is the European association of manufacturers of PVC window profiles and related building products. European manufacturers account for approx. 25 percent of the world’s production of window profiles.

More information is available on the Internet at www.eppa-profiles.org or directly from

Mrs. Ulrike Grawe EPPA Executive Secretary Avenue de Cortenbergh, 71 1000 Brussels/ Belgium

Phone +32-(0)2-7324124 Fax +32-(0)2-7324218

mail to: ulrike.grawe@eppa-profiles.org

VEKA Celebrates the Season of Sales

2011-01-11

Industry-leading system supplier VEKA plc has experienced record-breaking sales in recent months, for its PVC-U profile and its technically-advanced composite door system.

Thanks to continued investment in products, technology and marketing - VEKA has recorded an impressive upturn in composite door sales of 61% in just a year. Sales of profile this September were also 14% higher than in 2009.

VEKA Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains: “This dramatic sales increase illustrates once again our ongoing commitment to providing the ideal product ranges and the best service for our clients.

“This year we have unveiled a new website, along with a free lead generation programme; we have launched our unique WER calculator, released a striking new range of product literature and made continuous investment in further developing our entire product range, including the launch of a new Vertical Slider and our Infinity suite of recycled profiles.”

Since its launch, the VEKA Composite Door System has gained the coveted SBD accreditation and become increasingly popular with housing associations and specifiers. The system has also been updated with foils on both sides on selected styles, bespoke styles and glass options, a new edge band with a grained finish and an optional Yale Electronic Door Viewer. Trade customers and homeowners can even design their own door with VEKA's online facility. Every style within the range can also achieve a U value of 1.6 or lower in accordance with the changes to building regulations.

Colin Torley added “2011 will mark VEKA plc's 25th year of trading in the UK and our recent upsurge in sales has further proved that our commitment to customer satisfaction is ongoing and unrelenting. We have been providing the best in products and service for the last quarter of a century, and we fully intend to do the same for the next.”

Composite door customers

2011-01-11

Industry-leading system supplier VEKA plc is renowned for its unrivalled customer support, especially with its technical assistance and marketing packages. The forward-thinking company is now assisting customers even further with free homeowner sales leads on composite doors.

The high-spec VEKA Composite Door System has undergone a series of updates since its launch and thanks to continued investment from VEKA it has become increasingly popular with homeowners, specifiers and housing associations alike.

VEKA's Composite Door Manager Pat Parry explains what sets the VEKA door ahead from its competitors, and the benefits if offers to suppliers: “The VEKA Composite Door System has benefited from significant ongoing investment which has resulted in it gaining the coveted Secured by Design accreditation early in 2010, which significantly boosted demand in the social housing sector.

“Recently we have announced a range of updates including; Rosewood or Golden Oak foils on both sides on selected styles - so homeowners are not limited to a traditional white interior, we can also offer bespoke styles and a new range of glass options, a new edgeband with a grained finish and the optional Yale Electronic Door Viewer.

“Being able to offer the Yale Electronic Door Viewer should provide our customers with a particularly effective sales tool because it offers a different kind of reassurance. The security features built in to our composite door system provide a formidable barrier against intruders when the door is closed and locked, but the Yale viewer also allows homeowners to see clearly who is outside before the door is opened. The viewing screen provides large, clear images of any visitor - up to ten times bigger than traditional spyholes and with none of the distortion.

“In a continuing effort to support our customers, VEKA has developed a unique web-based lead generation programme which has more than proved its worth, even at this early stage. We are extremely pleased with it, because it offers real, measurable results for our customers completely free of charge. August saw a record number of homeowner leads distributed to our customers and more than 1000 leads have been passed out to date, once again proving VEKA's unrelenting commitment to client satisfaction.”

Thinking about the October changes in Building Regulations?

Every style within the wide range of VEKA Composite Doors can achieve a U value of 1.6 in accordance with the recently announced changes to Building Regulations, with many styles achieving an impressive U value of just 1.0. Individual U value certificates are supplied with every door - detailing that specific combination of door style and glazing.

New literature is available to promote and explain the many recent enhancements to the system and includes the specific U value calculations for each style.

VEKA Composite Doors and Vectis

2011-01-11

VEKA are celebrating the successful re-launch of their Composite door system featuring the high security ‘Vectis’ multi-point door lock from ERA.

The VEKA Composite Door System offers a range of classical stylish designs that combine outstanding performance, exceptional thermal efficiency (u value 0.8), weather sealing and high security locking to produce simply one of the best GRP doors available.

Using advanced design the door is formed using a composite sub frame supported by laminated timber, pressured filled with energy saving foam and a fully grained through coloured GRP skin.

Fully sculptured,VEKA Composite Doors have a high resistant to warping, scratching and expansion, combining the robust and aesthetic benefits of wood with high performance, energy efficiency, low maintenance and the long life expectancy of modern materials.

The door system features a high spec weather sealing design with triple seals, to withstand the worst of the British weather and an optional low threshold (part M compliant), complementary outer frames, top and side lights.

Available in a choice of 21 door styles, five exterior colours and two woodgrain finishes including Golden Oak and Rosewood, and 15 glazing options, the doors come fully fitted with coordinating hardware and optional blinds on selected styles.

The VEKA Composite Door range features the latest innovation in door security, the cylinder-free Vectis multipoint door lock. In introducing the Vectis, VEKA is offering a new innovative security combination that combines a traditional brass key entry with 5 lever locking with a highly secure multi-point mechanism.

Secured By Design

2011-01-11

Industry-leading system supplier VEKA has relaunched its composite door range in response to being awarded the coveted Secured by Design accreditation.

The high-spec range now has new supporting literature, new branding as The VEKA Composite Door System and a specific range created for the social housing market with accompanying specification literature.
The Secured by Design accreditation secures VEKA’s position among a select few composite door manufacturers, giving installers and fabricators a real sales edge.

According to officials, the Secured by Design logo “offers developers, architects, designers, builders, specifiers and members of the public instant reassurance that a product has been deemed by the police to provide a realistic level of resistance to criminal attack.”

When the VEKA Composite Door System was unveiled over a year ago - principally to the domestic market - it soon caught the attention of public housing bodies thanks to a host of winning features combined with VEKA's respected reputation. The range offers benefits for fitters and homeowners alike and has been specified by a number of authorities since its launch.

Sales and Marketing Director Colin Torley explains “ VEKA's composite door range grew quickly in popularity, both with the trade and the commercial sector, and we felt that the recent Secured by Design award, coupled with the new specifier range offered us a great opportunity to re-brand and launch new literature for the system. We feel that branding the range as The VEKA Composite Door System instantly adds the reassurance of the highly respected VEKA brand name. As well as new literature for our trade customers to use with end users, the new in-depth Specifiers’ Guide highlights VEKA's commitment to helping our customers secure work in the lucrative commercial sector.”

The VEKA Composite Door System spent over a year in development, to ensure that it fully met the needs of all markets. The recently awarded Secured by Design accreditation is testament to the technical expertise involved in creating a door that not only looks appealing, but also provides a formidable barrier against would-be intruders.

Colin Torley concluded: “After many years supplying quality window systems into the commercial market, VEKA is ideally placed to understand the requirements of this particular sector. The new range of VEKA Composite Doors for specifiers is attractive, affordable, evidently very secure and is illustrated with a detailed specifiers' guide which, along with the new trade literature, explains the many feature benefits of the VEKA Composite Door System, including further details of the recent Secured by Design award.

“VEKA understands the need for guarantees on performance, quality accreditations and adaptability in design. We also offer the highest level of performance and perfect delivery results.”

Fabricators, installers and specifiers can design the ideal VEKA Composite Door and order online by visiting www.compositedoors.uk.com