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Saint-Gobain Pipelines has announced great sales success with its RapidFlange initiative – created to provide a dedicated unit of support to the pump, mechanical and electrical (M&E) sectors.

RapidFlange is a three-fold initiative established by Saint-Gobain Pipelines to meet the increased demand from the M&E sector for quick turnaround of enquiries and orders, detailed technical input and a comprehensive range of products.

The initiative combines the company’s extensive technical expertise with new CAD resources, providing a fast, proactive and flexible service.

The unit has steadily built a loyal client portfolio and is now poised to further develop and extend its offering across the M&E market place. One of its clients, Anglian Water, has bought £473,000 worth of Saint-Gobain Products. One of the biggest Anglian Water projects to be supplied with Saint-Gobain pipes through RapidFlange is Rushbrooke WTW where more than £50,000 of pipes were supplied.

Stewart Collier of Saint-Gobain Pipelines, comments on the initiative: “Going forward, our focus will be to work closely with water utilities to help deliver their objectives, work in partnership with contractors and develop long term relationships. We will continue to offer a full spectrum of support tools including take-offs/extractions of bills of materials and optimisation of design to ensure the most cost-effective solution is achieved through early collaboration.

“Our intention is to utilise frameworks to their full potential, encourage early involvement throughout the supply chain process and drive out cost whilst complying with current standards and regulations.”

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Since its launch just two years ago, 'Machinery Movers Ireland', a monthly magazine dedicated to the construction & quarry equipment sector, has now firmly established itself as the No1 publication in its field.

The magazine is the brainchild of Irish publishing entrepreneur, Brian Coogan, who identified a gap in the market for a top quality, highly targeted publication.

With its head office at Navan, Co. Meath, in addition to publisher and managing director Brian Coogan, the 'Machinery Movers Ireland' team now includes editor, Brian O'Mahoney; sales manager, Stuart Ferguson; together with operations manager, Niamh Weldon; and Lisa Mullins who is responsible for accounts/administration.

The magazine has a circulation of around 10,000 copies, covering both the north and south of Ireland, and is available through newsagents and by subscription.

It provides construction & civil engineering contractors, plant hirers, quarries, demolition & recycling companies, and equipment dealers & distributors, together with local authorities and public utilities, with all the latest industry news, including information from the major construction and quarry plant & machinery manufacturers.

'Machinery Movers Ireland' has been enthusiastically received by both readers and advertisers alike and this success can perhaps be attributed to the company’s practical, down-to-earth approach and the publication’s comprehensive and clearly focused editorial coverage, together with a vigorous supporting publicity campaign, which has included both radio and TV advertising.

Such has been the success of the Irish title that a separate UK mainland version, 'Machinery Movers UK', was introduced at the end of 2007.

The new monthly UK magazine is available by subscription and has a similar 10,000 circulation to its Irish counterpart, covering all the main construction and quarry plant & equipment specifier, purchaser and end-user markets.

With over 20 years construction industry journalistic experience, Aaron Morby, previously editor of 'Construction News', was appointed editor of the UK publication in January 2008.

Publisher, Brian Coogan, said: “We are delighted that Aaron, with his extensive construction sector experience and acknowledged reputation and respect within the industry, has taken up our invitation to edit the new UK publication, as well as contributing to our established Irish title”.

“Even given the limited time since its initial launch, the progress of 'Machinery Movers UK' has already been very significant and I firmly expect it to become as successful as our market-leading 'Machinery Movers Ireland' magazine”.

A number of initiatives, as part of an on-going development programme, are planned to help keep the 'Machinery Movers' publications at the forefront in the construction & quarry equipment sector.

Both the UK and Ireland magazines are giving one lucky reader the chance to win a superb Case CX16B mini excavator.

Everyone taking out a new 12 issue subscription for either 'Machinery Movers Ireland' or 'Machinery Movers UK' until December 2008 will be entered into a free draw to win a Case mini excavator (Closing Date: 1st December 2008. Draw to take place December 2008. Terms & Conditions apply).

In addition, readers and advertisers of both titles will have the opportunity to meet some of the 'Machinery Movers' team in person on Stand 143 (Pavilion) at the forthcoming SED 2008 event (The National Event For Construction, Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby, Northants, NN17 5AF, 13th – 15th May 2008).

An exciting innovation has just been announced by 'Machinery Movers Ireland', which offers the opportunity to see, first-hand, in action, some of the latest products from leading construction plant & equipment manufacturers, distributors and dealers.

The inaugural 'Machinery Movers Ireland' Equipment Demonstration Day is to be held at a disused sandpit just outside Enfield, Co.Meath, off the old N4, on Saturday 6th September 2008.

“Having listened to our readers, who have indicated that whilst they are generally aware of what plant & equipment is available, particularly through publications such as our own, they rarely have the time or opportunity to actually see it all in action – rather than merely as static displays, as at some events”, said Brian Coogan.

“Our Demonstration Day will provide a unique chance for visitors to see an extensive variety of construction plant & machinery put through their paces by skilled operators”.

“The outstanding success of our publications to date has been achieved in no small part by strong teamwork, and constantly listening to the views and opinions of our readers and advertisers, to ensure that we always keep in tune with the marketplace”.

“And I am confident that our continuing development strategy will help maintain and further improve our market-leading position over the coming years”, concluded Brian Coogan.

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South Wales plant hirer Hire One has supplied four Kubota mini-excavators to Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council for a long-term grave digging contract.

The two 1.5 tonne KX41-3 and two 2.5 tonne U25-3 zero tail swing models are the first Kubota machines to enter the plant hirer’s excavator fleet.

They were bought after the Council carried out extensive appraisals of various suppliers' machine, with its cemetery staff opting overwhelmingly in favour of using the Kubota models.

Hire One has held the contract to supply the local authority with grave digging plant for its cemeteries for 12 years. For the past four years the Council had been using JCB minis, after switching from Bobcats.

The cabbed Kubota minis were supplied by Cambrian Plant Sales, the exclusive Kubota Construction Equipment dealer for South Wales.

All machines have long dippers for maximum reach so as to carry out the customer's digging requirements quickly and efficiently.

The Kubota KX41-3 has a greater lifting force, deeper digging depth and more powerful digging force than any other mini excavator in the 1.5 tonne class, and is loaded with all the features to tackle the most challenging of jobs.

An 1100 mm arm fitted as standard provides a maximum digging force of 7.8 kN (796 kgf). The digging force of the bucket is 15.6 kN (1592 kgf).

It's powered by a three-cylinder Kubota D-902 engine with 898cc displacement providing economical and environmentally clean power, and weighs 1610 kg (with cabin).

The U25-3 is one of five models in Kubota's extremely popular U-3 Series of zero tail swing machines, designed for fast, convenient movement between sites and safe, high performance digging operations, particularly in confined and awkward areas.

By keeping the rear engine hood within the track at all times, it is able to work safely close to buildings, walls and busy roads or pavements without restriction. It offers remarkable operator comfort and environmental efficiency, with unmatched 360-degree manoeuvrability.

Mike Donnelly of Cambrian Plant Sales said: “We were delighted that the Council chose to switch to Kubota for the cemeteries contract largely on account of operator preference”.

“They were looking for a reliable mini-excavator that was easy to operate, narrow enough to get between the gravestones, and which could work safely on severe slopes.”

Kubota is the European and world leader in mini excavators and offers the widest range of machines available from a single manufacturer. Customers can select from 18 base models spanning the weight range from 850 kg to 8 tonnes and including the largest selection of increasingly popular zero tail swing machines.

All Kubota minis, from 1.5 tonne upwards, feature their unique 'ANTI-THEFT' system. This complete, easy-to-use security device was the first and is still the only one of its kind fitted as standard equipment by a mini excavator manufacturer.

With a legendary reputation for quality, performance, reliability and excellent resale values, their productivity and versatility make them the ideal tool for many different applications and end-users, from civil engineering to landscaping and plant hire companies to owner operators.

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Getting the underfloor heating installation just right

Free design service for installers

Planning an underfloor heating propect is made easy with the free Thermolay design service.

Just call the Thermolay team with details of the project and they’ll recommend the best sytems and layout for the job.

This free Thermolay design service enables installers to specify the most economical and heat-efficient specification for each room.

The Thermolay system offers a choice of cable or mat systems, which are chosen depending on the size and shape of the room to be heated. The basic mat and Flexi Mat system are ideal for large or unobstructed floor areas, while the cables or stretchable Flexi-mats cater for smaller areas with obstructions such as alcoves or bathroom fittings.

A range of complementary controls, supplied complete with temperature probes, help homeowners to get the best out of their new installation and the Thermolay experts will be happy to recommend the best one for the job in hand.

The free Thermolay design service enables installers to specify the most economical and heat-efficient specification for each room.

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Caravell, the UK’s leading supplier of commercial refrigeration, was selected by Welcome Break in July 2007 to create a refrigeration unit in a retail outlet at one of their busiest service stations in the country, Newport Pagnell.

Caravell was tasked with helping Welcome Break increase sales of sandwiches in the WHSmith of the busy service station. The competition from the catering outlets on the site meant sandwiches were not selling as well in the WHSmith retail store; WH Smith was not the natural choice for purchasing sandwiches. What was needed was to improve the image and visibility of the sandwiches within the retail outlet.

Caravell designed an “island” consisting of a number of refrigeration units. By December 2007, within just two and a half months of installing the new units, sales of sandwiches had increased by an impressive 40%.

Welcome Break worked closely with Caravell’s shop fitting partners on design concepts, and eventually settled upon a bespoke island unit that was similar to an upmarket delicatessen cabinet in terms of design. This resulted in the sandwiches being presented within the unit as desirable quality premium food products. The unit had to have the ‘wow factor’ and be easy for busy consumers to access and walk around.

Four of Caravell’s top-of-the-range CPD cabinets were arranged two in a line, then back to back, with a CPD 600 unit at each end, to form the island. Wooden corners were added to give the opportunity to sell ambient associated products, making a one stop snack stop. The chiller cabinets were designed from scratch with glass sides and clinical, clean blue lighting to convey the fresh, healthy products within the cabinet. The ‘delicatessen’ look and feel was further conveyed through the placing of bespoke baskets on each corner of the unit, designed to display fruit and other healthy snacks which would reinforce the premium feel.

Welcome Break chose Caravell on the basis of their extensive experience within coffee shops and other retail outlets across the UK. They have been so pleased with the results that they are looking at introducing new table concepts and additional refrigeration units in other Welcome Breaks around the country.

John Lougher, CEO of Caravell, commented: “We are committed to delivering innovation and quality in every project that we work on – and this was a particularly successful project that has really paid dividends for Welcome Break in a very short space of time. We are looking forward to building upon the relationship, and coming up with contemporary concepts for islands in other large service stations around the country.”

One smaller unit has been trialled at the London Gateway petrol forecourt – which also achieved the aim of increasing sandwich sales. A similar trial at Corley has also been undertaken, and results are yet to be analysed.

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'Machinery Movers UK', the new monthly specialist magazine dedicated to the construction & quarry plant and equipment sector, is giving one lucky reader the chance to win a superb Case CX16B mini excavator.

Everyone taking out a new 12 issue subscription for 'Machinery Movers UK' (currently on offer at a special limited period introductory rate of £30), or 'Machinery Movers Ireland', until December 2008 will be entered into a free draw to win a Case mini excavator (Closing Date: 1st December 2008. Draw to take place December 2008. Terms & Conditions apply).

The 1645kg capacity Case CX16B is a compact, go-anywhere machine, suitable for many different applications from landscaping to general building work, as well as specialist interior demolition tasks perhaps inaccessible for larger machines.

Following its UK launch at the end of 2007 the 'Machinery Movers UK' edition has been extremely well received by both readers and advertisers alike – with enthusiastic response from major equipment manufacturers, plant hirers, construction & civil engineering contractors, quarries, dealers and others, as well as leading industry trade bodies.

The magazine also recently announced the appointment of ex 'Construction News' editor, Aaron Morby, to take over the editorial reins of the UK publication, whilst also contributing to its Ireland counterpart.

In addition, a UK advertising sales office through Birmingham-based Open Box Publishing has now been established.

Publisher Brian Coogan said, “With these and other continuing planned initiatives, we firmly expect the new UK publication to become as successful as 'Machinery Movers Ireland', which has already established itself as Ireland’s No1 dedicated construction & quarry equipment title”.

Readers and advertisers of both publications will have the opportunity to meet some of the 'Machinery Movers' team in person at the forthcoming SED 2008 event (The National Event For Construction, Rockingham Motor Speedway, Corby, Northants. 13th – 15th May 2008).

And, in addition, 'Machinery Movers Ireland' is planning a special Equipment Demonstration Day in September 2008 at a location near Dublin, where visitors will be able to see first-hand a range of construction plant & machinery in action from some of the leading manufacturers.

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Following a detailed market analysis in the summer of 2007 Apreco have launched a new range of Pressure Relief Vents specifically aimed at the Gas Fire Suppression Market.

The FSV range of vents have been designed and package to meet with the demands of Apreco’s customers, providing them with a quality product that will be delivered on time.

The FSV Range has been extensively tested, and utilises quality materials and manufacturing techniques for levels of consistently, assured high quality. All FSV units are assembled in-house by our trained technicians to ensure quality control.

Attention to detail is the hallmark of an Apreco product, the FSV range continues with this philosophy; being designed to allow controlled thermal expansion in the event of a fire.

The FSV Pressure Relief Vent has been successfully tested at the acclaimed Building Research Establishment (BRE), meeting the performance criteria for a 2 hour fire resistance test to EN1363-1.

Standard sizes are available for both internal and external wall installation. The units can be purchased as standalone units or in kit form.

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Fan coil units manufactured by Ability Projects Ltd, Wimborne, Dorset, are installed in the spectacular Stratford Eye complex, completed earlier this year and now dominating the skyline in the London Borough of Newham.

The innovative new development, constructed by Wates for the London & Quadrant Group Housing Trust, comprises a visually stunning 19 storey tower fitted with luxury modern apartments plus a lower level linear complex of commercial and mixed tenure residential accommodation.

Ability Projects has supplied a total of 98 ‘Trojan’ 2 pipe fan coil units fitted with electric heaters and delivering cooling capacities of 1 – 4kW and heating capacities of 1 – 2.5kW at NR38 noise level for installation by Rotary Southern Ltd, Ruislip, Middlesex.

The Trojan fan coil unit is based on simplified design concepts and has been developed by Ability Projects to provide the building services market with a cost effective, rapid delivery solution for competitive cost projects without compromising quality or performance. Considerable design flexibility is built into the unit, which is available with squared or mitred discharge plenums, inlet plenum options and practically any combination of spigots or blanks to suit site conditions. Trojan fan coil units for the Stratford Eye project are also fitted with ‘free issue’ Trend bms controls.

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The latest revision of the BRE’s Green Rating guide which assesses the environmental impact of building materials is due any time now and the whole of the window industry is poised with baited breath.

Emotions are running high as the timber, PVC, aluminium, steel and even composite lobbies await the outcome and the impact it will have on their businesses.

There is no doubt that the guide does carry considerable weight with both window specifiers and end users of windows in environmental terms, but I would like to make the plea that it should be viewed only in the context of all the other relevant information which is presented.

Every successful business operates by making an educated choice from all the information and facts made available. From my perspective as a product design and development engineer, I gather information and facts all the time and when I am satisfied with the analysis, I make a choice. As an engineer, that’s what motivates me and I would encourage the rest of the industry to operate in the same way.

Of course, any choice can only be the right one if the facts provided are the right ones and the analysis is accurate and balanced.

The PVC sector, like its competitors, has provided what it sees as accurate facts to the BRE and to the market as a whole and is hoping for a fair rating as a result. REHAU is very confident that its products will come out favourably in the guide and certainly as one of Europe’s leading producers of renewable energy systems such as ground-air heat exchangers, ground source heating and rainwater management systems and a partner in the EU’s Green Building Programme, we definitely want to work with the environmental lobby and not against them.

It is probably fair to say that all of us believes in our own facts and sees the strength in our own argument and the weaknesses of others and probably also questions the priorities and severities of impact within the product assessments.

However, in the past year, both independently and as a member of the British Plastics Federation (BPF), REHAU has worked very hard to present the facts as it sees them as accurately, objectively and professionally as possible.

In the working groups and meetings at the BPF we have responded to many criticisms, myths and scare stories about PVC – particularly from the timber lobby. We have provided educational seminars to the industry, as well as accurate, informative bulletins and articles in the trade magazines and tried to present the facts in a disciplined and unemotional way so as to make educated choice possible.

Certainly, we are now starting to see the benefits of that. We have been able to open doors to PVC recently which used to be closed because of fear or misconception about the material. We have also begun to have discussions with specifiers and certain local authorities which previously would have been impossible because they had either been misinformed about PVC or had made wrong assumptions about its impact.

REHAU and the PVC lobby as a whole know that the material can and will help towards reducing the carbon footprint of buildings, not just because of its recycleability or whole life costings but also because of its thermal performance, repairability, weather resistance and low maintenance requirements. Whether this is going to be reflected or not in the new ratings we will now just have to wait and see.

One thing remains clear – everyone has a choice about which building materials to use and how to gather the information to make their choice. The BPF and REHAU websites (at www.bpf.co.uk and www.rehau.co.uk) contain all the relevant facts and we are very keen to share them.

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