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AGC has introduced a new toughenable option to its Lacobel range of popular painted glasses. This latest addition to the Lacobel family is a Planibel float glass coated on one side with a toughenable paint, which means that it can be cut and toughened by glass processors, helping them to work more efficiently, more flexibly, and with optimal profitability and shorter turnaround times.

Lacobel T has an attractive glossy appearance and comes in a stylish choice of Deep Black, Zen Grey, Crisp White and Cool White. The toughened glass meets safety standards, withstands thermal shock and can be used in a wide variety of decorative applications both inside and outside, including furniture, wall coverings, building facades and spandrels.

Lacobel T has certainly hit the market running and is creating plenty of interest among AGC’s customers, like Midland Industrial Glass (MIG) in Birmingham for example, which has taken delivery of stock. One of the largest specialist glass processors in Europe, MIG was keen to add Lacobel T to its existing range of decorative glasses from AGC and has already supplied a large quantity of Cool White Lacobel T for 1,000mm x 300mm door inserts in a new sports centre.

MIG’s Managing Director, Alan Taylor, says Lacobel T was an obvious extension to the company’s range, which includes Mirox mirrored glasses and non-toughenable Lacobel in a variety of colours. He comments: “MIG specialises in processing coloured and decorated glass for applications such as shop fitting, kitchen splashbacks, furniture, and lighting and we really like the way that AGC pushes the boundaries in glass. Their innovations are enabling us to operate more efficiently and supply premium products on shorter lead times. As a pre-painted glass, Lacobel T cuts processing time and we can toughen it in-house, and these benefits are already attracting interest from our customers. With AGC’s expert support we were up and running with this new product much quicker than we thought, and it’s proving fast and easy to process.”

call the sales office on: 01788 535353.

Website: www.yourglass.com

Birchdale Glass of Uxbridge in West London, began manufacturing double glazed units in 1992 and was based in a 7,000 sq ft. factory with little more than a manual cutting table, a vertical glass washer and a two-part polysulphide applicator.

Having steadily grown and expanded into additional factory space over the next 18 years, the decision was taken to move the glass processing and aluminium window businesses from under one roof. In December 2010/January 2011 the move into a nearby 45,000 sq. ft. factory unit was completed.

Alongside this, a 32 metre long For.el line for sealing and gas filling insulated glass units was installed, enabling Birchdale Glass to increase the volume of insulated glass units and argon gas filled units manufactured.

As part of this growth strategy, Paul Deanus the Glass Operations Manager had realised that they would also need to upgrade their existing software to manage the increased volumes and called upon Clear Thinking Software as their approved software provider.

“Clear Thinking with their vast experience in glass production software and systems were able to look at the specific requirements of Birchdale Glass and their production capabilities, and were able to reconfigure the existing software to better optimise the cutting, improve scheduling of the cut glass though the various processes and reduce energy requirements by optimising the glass through the toughening furnace.”

Enquiries:
Birchdale Glass – 01895 259111 – www.birchdaleglass.com

Around 1,400 energy efficient IG units from FGI’s Everseal range are creating a sense of light and space at the new Saint Paul’s Academy in Greenwich, south east London. The vibrant new building, featuring huge expanses of glass and sweeping curves, provides a purpose-built learning facility for 1,200 pupils as part of the Building Schools for the Future programme.

The high performance Everseal IG units specified for the project were assembled using Saint-Gobain’s 6mm Cool-Lite solar control glass and 6.8mm laminated clear glass. Everseal’s technical team supplied a range of spectrally selective glazing samples to assist the specification process. “Cool-Lite was chosen because it offered the best compromise between light transmittance and the level of solar energy entering the building,” explains Paul Newcombe, Head of Commercial Projects at FGI.

Cool-Lite blocks out up to two thirds of heat by reflecting it to the outside, reducing the need for air conditioning in warm weather. And when assembled in double-glazed units this multifunctional glass also offers excellent thermal insulation, making it an energy saving glazing solution for all seasons. The glass has a microscopically thin coating on one face, which gives it a highly attractive appearance and reduces glare, whilst still allowing in plenty of natural light.

In addition to satisfying the project’s aesthetic and technical demands, FGI Everseal was able to meet a fast track supply programme and provide a Hiab delivery service on fully certified stillages in accordance with health and safety considerations on site

Ritec International Limited is now working directly with distributors and customers throughout Europe following the mutually agreed termination of a supply agreement with Bohle AG. Ritec’s range of market-leading systems for surface protection, renovation and maintenance includes the ClearShield® System, the pioneering durable ‘non-stick’ technology for glass.

Celebrating the 30th anniversary of the ClearShield® System during 2011, Ritec is also developing the concept of international Centres of Excellence which will provide direct access at a local level to its full range of technologies including training for on-site or in-factory application, marketing, product and technical support.

Stephen Byers, Ritec’s Managing Director, explains the move: “Our knowledge of all sectors of the glass industry all around the world confirms that our customers demand more than just off-the-shelf supplies. We have therefore returned to our tried and tested business model of working directly with our customers to help them create new and innovative routes to market.”

Ritec’s track records, gained over the past three decades in markets as diverse as decorative sandblasting, showers, marine and architectural glass, enable customers to add value to their product ranges through tailored marketing packages proven to generate extra profits.

For an immediate response contact Ritec International who will direct you to your nearest local specialist.

The theft of catalytic converters and exhaust systems from vans continues to generate comment from BVRLA members since a spate of incidents was reported in Weekly Update two weeks ago.

The BVRLA has had calls requesting information about where to obtain the property marking kits recommended by its police contact. The following organisations may be of help:

• Datadot Technology
• DataTag
• Retainagroup

Nikki Rooke, head of communications at the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said: “We are aware of the situation and have previously distributed warnings to members and garages through our Motor Codes business. Precious metal prices have risen in recent times and this has increased the scrap value of converters and their susceptibility to theft. Whilst it is impossible to prevent these incidents, where practical it makes sense to move these more vulnerable vehicles inside premises to reduce the risk of theft.”

Nora Leggett, BVRLA head of member services, said: “Keeping vehicles inside premises is not always possible and we would really like to hear some practical advice that our members and their customers can implement in order to minimise their losses.”

Advice for rental and leasing firms that provide vehicles fitted with devices that record personal data is contained in a new fact sheet from the BVRLA’s legal and policy department.

Devices such as tachographs and telematics equipment record personal data, as defined by the Information Commissioner’s Office. Rental or leasing firms providing a vehicle with such a device should ensure they comply with the Data Protection Act by alerting their customer to its presence.

The new fact sheet provides sample clauses that can be inserted into rental and leasing agreements, and advice to firms on the steps to take if they are considering using devices which track an employee’s whereabouts.

From 1 September, replacement digital tachograph cards issued as a result of loss, theft or change of address will now be sent directly to the applicant’s home address. Drivers will have to sign a declaration confirming receipt of the new card. If the driver is simply updating details when requesting a replacement card, they must return their old card to the DVLA.

The Vehicle and Operator Services Agency (VOSA) has announced that the Stoke and Ipswich test stations for heavy goods and passenger service vehicles will cease testing by April 2012. It accounted for the closures by saying there was “sufficient market interest” in operating Authorised Testing Facilities (ATFs) in those areas instead. The notice period is intended to allow time for new ATFs to meet the required standards, achieve authorisation and go live.

Last month VOSA announced the opening of its 100th ATF. Of these, 63 are ‘open access’ and will test vehicles that are not serviced or owned by the ATF owner.

The BVRLA will be asking VOSA to confirm that the “sufficient market interest” in the Stoke and Ipswich areas is for ‘open access’ ATFs and that there will be no reduction in the availability of testing.

Following the recent outbreak of rioting across England, Business Secretary Vince Cable has compiled advice to help affected businesses recover. The key points include:

• Insurance: check your policy to find out exactly what cover you have.
  Further information can be found here. 
• Compensation: this can be sought from the police under the Riot (Damages) Act 1886, provided claims are submitted within 42 days.
• High Street Support Scheme: a £20m fund to help the areas where businesses have suffered most from the disturbances.
• Banks: special arrangements have been implemented to ensure that emergency enquiries from affected customers are dealt with quickly.
  Further information can be found here. 
• Tax: HM Revenue & Customs can delay tax payments for affected businesses through its Time to Pay arrangements, and offer practical support. 
  Further information can be found here.  
• Companies House: will agree to an extension without penalty if affected businesses are unable to file accounts or other documents on time as a direct result of the disturbances.
  Further information can be found here. 
• Business rates: seriously damaged business properties will be taken off valuation lists, removing any liability for council tax or business rates.

Three nights of rioting in London and other major cities has raised questions regarding the scope of cover under home and commercial policies.  We thought it might be helpful to let you have some general information.

The definition of the disorder, namely whether it is regarded as a riot or civil commotion, should not affect the cover provided to individuals or businesses, as it is only relevant in terms of whether insurers might later be able to claim back their costs from the local police authority. This is why claims should be notified immediately as recovery under the Riot Damages Act 1886 has to be made in writing and received by the local police authority within fourteen days of the alleged incident.

Home insurance should cover people for fire, looting or damage caused. Many policies will also cover people for accommodation costs if they can’t stay in their home.  Most commercial insurance policies will cover businesses for damage to their premises, including the interruption to their business as a result. Some policies will also cover those businesses which are not damaged, but whose trade is affected by the aftermath.”

 Preventative measures

Given the nature of the recent incidents, it is difficult to provide prescriptive guidance on actions businesses can take to minimise risks, but here are some general considerations that may be helpful.

 The safety of your employees and customers must be your priority. Make sure that you have suitable emergency plans and that these cover periods when riots and civil disorder are possible so that you can avoid such persons being on the premises or travelling to or from them during periods of danger.

 Have a robust emergency contact procedure including home and mobile phone numbers for staff.

 Make sure that you have this information available at all times – it is no good just keeping it at the premises! Keep this information secure and remember your Data Protection obligations.

 Keep up-to-date with developments – consider using the internet, text news alerts and police information, responding to advice from the authorities as appropriate.

 If you do decide to temporarily close for business, try to give affected employees as much notice as possible so that they do not make unnecessary journeys putting themselves at risk. If you are sending staff home during a period of disorder, discuss with them what arrangements can be made to try to get them home safely.

 If your buildings are already fitted with security grilles or shutters, make sure that these are in working order and put into place when closing and leaving the premises. If you do not have shutters to protect vulnerable glazing then consider temporary boarding. Don’t forget that this will need to be very firmly secured.

 Remove valuable items from inside shop-front displays or which are close to ground floor windows.

 Put small high value items in your safe, if you have one. Consider what larger items may be safely removed during periods of unrest.

 Make sure that you have two up-to-date copies of your computer data stored securely away from the premises.

 Review your Business Continuity Plan (Disaster Recover Plan). 

Avoid leaving combustible or flammable items outside your premises.