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Two developments supplied with Ability Projects Matrix fan coil units – Horizon House and Salisbury Law Courts – were honoured at the 2010 BREEAM Awards ceremony at the recent Ecobuild show. Energy efficient Matrix fan coil units, unique in the UK, enable each air duct / grille to be balanced for air volume through fan speed alone, removing the need for costly, noisy volume control dampers and their time consuming installation.

Buildings short listed for the awards were drawn from those achieving BREEAM ‘excellent’ ratings under various BREEAM schemes during 2009. To gain an ‘excellent’ rating, developments must earn most of the performance credits available in energy, materials, waste, water, ecology, pollution, transport, management, health and wellbeing categories.

Salisbury Law Courts is the second Ability Projects Matrix project within 3 months to receive a high level BREEAM rating (72.5%) and follows the highest ever 85.06% rated Horizon House HQ. The law courts installation comprises more than 70 Matrix 270 chassis type horizontal 4 pipe fan coil units supplied with Alerton BACnet open protocol intelligent controllers supplied by Ability, factory pre wired to the fan coil and complete with dedicated software and Sontay sensors. Developed specifically for use on Matrix fan coil units, the controller incorporates modulating valve control and on coil temperature sensing etc and also offers system users wire less, lap top access to all fan coil features and settings without needing access to the ceiling void.

Commenting on the awards, Andrew Brooks, Matrix product manager stated “We were pleased to learn of the offices award but to win the courts category as well was a real bonus. Although our contribution is a relatively small part of the overall projects, our controllers are highly energy efficient and consequently achieved very high credit scores. The outcome is testament to the specifying consultants who demanded the most efficient fan coil units on the market. Tenants in the two award winning buildings will benefit from the resultant economic running costs for many years to come.”

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WITHAM, UK – August xx2008 – Tyco Electronics has launched a higher rated version of its Crompton Instruments three phase module direct-connected kilowatt hour energy meter. The DRK-3P-400-D90 now has a maximum input of 100A, matching the current ratings of distribution boards.

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A new double deck scissor lift modular dock pod designed, manufactured and installed by Easilift Loading Systems Ltd – the UK’s leading supplier of total loading bay solutions – has significantly increased loading/unloading efficiency for the TIC Retail Accessories Group.

The TIC Group is a major international business providing retailers and vendors with a range of innovative and world class services to manage the movement of merchandise backwards through the supply chain.

Often referred to as ‘reverse logistics’, the types of goods that are brought back include high-volume, re-usable retail accessories such as coat hangers and security tags.

TIC Retail Accessories pioneered the concept of hanger re-use, which is now becoming increasingly accepted internationally, particularly by more enlightened retailers, because of the financial and environmental considerations.

In addition to the supply of new ‘virgin’ hangers to the UK market, in early 2009 TIC Group Europe Ltd began to handle returns of used hangers that are then sorted, reprocessed and fed back into the supply chain – thus reducing the need for new hanger manufacturing.

In order to solve the loading/unloading problem with a new used hanger processing contract, on behalf of a major retail customer whose vehicle fleet was moving over to double deck trailers, the TIC Group approached two loading bay equipment suppliers, including Easilift, to advise on the most suitable double deck solution.

Now increasingly being used for goods transportation, double deck trailers provide significant cost saving and environmental benefits – optimising operational flexibility, increasing load volumes, cutting unnecessary journeys and mileage and reducing fleet sizes.

It is claimed that, typically, a fixed double deck trailer operating in a retail environment can carry around 70 per cent more goods than a conventional single deck version, achieving up to 40 per cent transport cost savings.

The subsequent decision by TIC to choose Easilift Loading System’s purpose-designed double deck scissor lift modular dock solution was clear cut.

TIC Group Operations Manager, Mark O’Sullivan, said: “Selecting Easilift for this project was made even easier for us by the very positive approach of their people – they were highly professional, demonstrating integrity, enthusiasm and a real interest in what we were trying to achieve; as well as portraying an in-depth industry knowledge, together with an extremely strong belief in their product.

“During meetings with Easilift Sales Director, David Whyatt, and his team we felt that they made a real effort to determine exactly the right solution that would benefit us most. Cost for us was not the only factor to be taken into account,” Mark O’Sullivan continued.

“Like Easilift, we wanted to develop a long-term relationship built on trust and mutual respect. We quickly discovered that they have a similar up-front ethos to ourselves and knew that we could work together,” added Mark O’Sullivan.

The third party processor selected by TIC to undertake the refurbished coat hanger contract had to be in a position to make the earliest possible start at their premises in Sheffield and therefore needed a very quick project completion from Easilift.

Due to its modular construction, the double deck scissor lift dock pod solution developed by Easilift took less than two days to install – far exceeding customer expectations and ensuring that the hanger contract was able to start on time.

Quick and easy to erect, without disruption to the company’s on-going business operations, it did not require any major civil engineering work or building modifications (visit: www.easilift.co.uk to view the installation process).

Easilift was one of the pioneers in the design and installation of dock pod systems and is therefore highly experienced with an established track record in this specialist area, having supplied dock pods in all shapes, sizes and finishes to many discerning “blue chip” customers over a number of years.

A dock pod is a complete stand-alone loading bay enclosure which can be installed directly onto the external face of a building. Typically fitted with a dock seal, dock leveller or scissor lift and a sectional insulated overhead door, they are suitable for new buildings, extensions and refurbishments.

They can also be quickly and easily repositioned, if required, and are a highly cost-effective retrofit option for an existing building.

In today’s challenging economic climate dock pods are experiencing ever increasing popularity. They do not take up valuable internal warehousing space and maintain the loading/unloading function within a separate and distinctly confined area. With no cross traffic to worry about, this is a significant health and safety benefit.

Their lightweight but exceptionally strong structure provides an insulated, weatherproof enclosure – with resulting energy-saving potential and enhanced working conditions for the internal environment, making them ideal for ambient and temperature controlled buildings such as cold stores.

The TIC dock pod is equipped with an Easilift Double Deck PowerLift 12 cage 6,000kg capacity scissor lift loading platform – suitable for use with double deck trailers, smaller vehicles with low body height or conventional single deck trailers. The solid steel scissor lift is manufactured to the highest quality and safety standards to achieve maximum rigidity and provide superior platform support and guidance.

Also fitted with an Easilift PowerShelter 403016 collapsible curtain type dock shelter forming a seal between the loading bay and the docked trailer, the pod features LED low energy dock lights incorporating movement sensors.

The new concept double deck scissor lift dock pod developed specifically for TIC was based on well-proven, tried and tested Easilift technology, with design, installation and subsequent on-site training carried out by the company’s highly experienced in-house team.

Mark O’Sullivan said: “We would not have been able to meet the specialised loading/unloading requirements of this particular new contract without the double deck lift and it should now provide us with a very strong competitive advantage for any similar future business opportunities.

“The Easilift team just got on with the job, whilst always keeping us fully in the picture at all stages – but, importantly, without demanding too much of our valuable time,” added Mark O’Sullivan. “Our processing partner was also extremely pleased with the speed and efficiency of the short two day installation process, which did not impact in any way on their business operations and they were able to continue completely as normal whilst the work was being carried out.

“The new double deck scissor lift dock pod is the perfect solution to our needs and the staff are now confident and very happy using it following an extensive day's on-site training from Easilift. It means we can now service any vehicles and trailers in our customer’s fleet. I would therefore have no hesitation in recommending Easilift and using them for any future projects,” concluded Mark O’Sullivan.

As one of the UK’s foremost loading bay equipment specialists, Easilift was one of the first in its sector to achieve the prestigious SAFEcontractor accreditation.

SAFEcontractor is a scheme which independently assesses the health and safety record and competency of contractors and, as such, confirms to prospective customers that effective policies and systems are in place.

Easilift Loading Systems is a member of the Loading Systems International Group, one of Europe’s leading specialist manufacturers of loading bay equipment. The Group has over 450 employees across Europe and a total turnover in excess of 60 million Euros.

With more than 30 years’ experience in the provision of total loading bay solutions, Easilift offers a complete design, installation and maintenance service through its highly experienced in-house team and now has an extensive customer list that is a roll call of some of the biggest names in UK retailing, manufacturing, logistics, distribution, warehousing and the service sector.

The company is a leading member of the Association of Loading & Elevating Equipment Manufacturers (ALEM) and the Confederation of Construction Specialists. Operating to the international ISO 9001:2008 quality management standard, it has Investors in People accreditation and is also an active participant in the Construction Skills Certification Scheme, with all its engineers fully qualified under the CITB Site Supervisor Safety Training Scheme (SSSTS).

As well as dock pod systems, such as the one for the TIC Group, Easilift provides everything necessary for the safe, efficient and profitable operation of loading bays. This includes dock levellers, dock shelters, dock seals, industrial doors, high speed doors, vehicle restraints, lifting platforms and a range of safety aids and accessories such as dock plates, dock bumpers, wheel guides, traffic lights and integrated control systems.

Easilift Sales Director, David Whyatt, said: “Our continued successful development is due in no small part to our extensive experience and industry knowledge, together with the positive commitment of our staff and extensive resources available, including an in-house design team, working alongside experienced engineers, able to advise on the most productive and cost-efficient installation – whether for a new build or refurbishment project.

“These facilities are complemented by a full installation and after-sales support service, which incorporates the provision of preventive maintenance programmes designed to ensure compliance with statutory obligations under UK and European legislation, as well as avoiding costly loading bay down-time,” he added.

“We work in close collaboration with all our customers, enabling us to develop an in-depth appreciation of their business, its processes and procedures, so that we are then in an ideal position to develop individually tailored total loading bay solutions,” David Whyatt concluded. “This approach is reflected in the extremely high levels of customer satisfaction achieved, resulting in a significant extent of repeat business, with more than 60 per cent of new orders coming from existing customers.”

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To provide flicker free and near silent operation Hamilton Litestat has developed an Intelligent Trailing Edge Push On/Off Dimmer which has been included within its new slimline Linea range which has been developed to address the higher specification demands required for the top end of the market.

Featuring split finishes, along with the company’s Patented CFX concealed fixing system, Linea affords seamless styling and sophistication. Available in a choice of five different styles including the Linea Rondo in the exciting new ‘Piano Black’, its exclusive design has minimized the plate depth to create a modern appearance that adds lustre to an interior design scheme.

This new Push On/Off Dimmer features a 250W/210va dimmer module, from Hamilton’s Grid It Range, which has unidirectional protection and is able to detect a number of fault conditions including over current, no load protection and temperature cut-out. When a fault is detected the dimmer will switch off and either automatically turn back on when the fault is rectified or, in the case of the no load condition, it will need the fault to be resolved before it can be manually switched on. This capability reduces the risk of damage to either the dimmer or any transformers in the lighting circuit.

Suitable for use with tungsten, low voltage and halogen light sources, as well as electronic transformers this new grid dimmer module has incorporated ‘soft start’ technology to prolong lamp life, whilst removing the necessity to de-rate for mains voltage halogen lamps. Multi-positional control can be achieved with the addition of push to make rocker switches which are connected to the master push on /off dimmer unit via a suitable 2 core plus earth cable. Control from these switches allows for on /off function only

This latest product innovation from Hamilton Litestat has been manufactured to comply with the requirements of BSEN 60669-2-1 and designed to fit wall boxes complying with BS4662:2006.

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Hambleside Danelaw is hitting the road to extol the benefits of GRP roofing products to the building industry.

The Group is participating in the CPD RoadSeminar Tour throughout the UK with dates scheduled for the remainder of 2010. Architects, specifiers and contractors will be able to choose from four different Hambleside Danelaw presentations covering:

• the advantages of specifying GRP roofing systems
• the environmental benefits of choosing GRP
• how green roofs can suit larger as well as smaller projects
• GRP rooflights as the energy saving and low carbon choice.

The first set of seminars provides an overview of what can be achieved with GRP roofing systems and how they differ from alternative systems. They will include information on material safety; installation; new build and re-roofing; features and benefits of different roofing materials; requirements for heritage projects; case studies and considerations for the environment including water run-off.

Maximising recycling opportunities and minimising waste by choosing GRP will also heavily feature as elements of the Hambleside Danelaw presentations. The contents of the presentations have been given a RIBA seal of approval.

The CPD tour follows Hambleside’s recent enhancement of its range of Dryseal GRP component based roofing systems for flat and low pitched roofs that come with the easy ‘Fit and Finish’ installation.

Promoted in partnership with RIBA, the seminars are being organised by the CPD Certification Service, meaning that the content of training courses, papers delivered at seminars and other educationally beneficial material conform to universally accepted Continuous Professional Development guidelines.

Robin Jeffery, Hambleside Danelaw’s vice chairman, said: “Hambleside Danelaw is pleased to have the opportunity to explain the advantages of specifying GRP roofing products with their strong environmental credentials as a cost-effective solution in a period of economic uncertainty. Seminar attendees will learn how GRP is durable, safe and easy to install, environmentally efficient and sustainable at the same time as making a building look good.”

The Hambleside seminars will be presented by Paul Jubb and the Group’s appointed agent for Dryseal, Mike Billett, will be on hand to deal with inquiries immediately afterwards. The venues and dates for the CPD RoadSeminar Tour 2010 are:

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Megger Group today announces that it is to acquire Pax Diagnostics of Sweden. Pax transformer testing and insulation diagnostics products will be a strong addition to the Megger range of test instruments for the power industry.

• Predictive and conditioning capability adds to Megger’s existing transformer test offer
• All Pax employees join Megger
• Users can talk with usual contacts or Megger sales manager

Dielectric Frequency Response Analyzers Pax IDAX range of Dielectric Frequency Response Analyzers are designed for measuring moisture in power transformers as well astesting insulation material in various power system products. The IDAX300 represents the latest generation in the well known IDA/IDAX range of instruments and represents a breakthrough in terms of weight-performance ratio. With its optimized design the test set is three times smaller and lighter and performs insulation characterization twice as fast as its predecessor IDA200.

Sweep Frequency Analysis products Pax FRAX range of Sweep Frequency Analysis products are designed for detecting electromechanical changes inside power transformers. The products have the highest measurement range and accuracy in the industry and fulfil all recent international standards and recommendations for SFRA testing.

Advanced diagnostic testing technology “We have seen a growing demand for advanced diagnostic testing technology, and the inclusion of the PAX Diagnostics business enables Megger to provide a complete transformer test solution”, said Greg Wolfe of Megger, “The Pax product line coupled with the expert knowledge of Pax staff enables customers to move toward predictive test regimes, potentially saving time and money as resources can be directed toward where they are needed most”.

Natural choice “Megger is a natural choice for Pax”, said Peter Fagerström, CEO for Pax. “Our vision from the start of Pax four years ago was to be a top player in the international power transformer test equipment market. Our products fit perfect with the Megger transformer product portfolio and together we will create the strongest product line in the industry to address end user concerns”. “The Megger brand will add confidence to the Pax products” says Matz Ohlen, Marketing & Sales Director at Pax. “We invented the first DFR/FDS field instrument and now it will carry the Megger brand name, and will be supported through Megger sales and applications staff worldwide”.

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Connstructing Excellence in the North East (CENE) has recognised Fendor’s innovative approach to fenestration by short listing the company within its annual awards. The nomination is for the Innovation category, and is awarded to companies that combine new product technology to create systems and products that enhance best practice in the workplace and the environment.

Fendor’s dedication to innovation extends throughout its operations, from design & manufacture through to installation. The company has earned an enviable reputation for high security fenestration, installing windows, doors, facades and curtain walling for some of the most prestigious and high profile establishments in the UK. These include Rampton, Broadmoor and Carstairs, high security hospitals. The company also lists Kings Cross, the BALTIC Centre for contemporary art and the Dorchester Group’s ‘45 Park Lane’ within its commercial innovations.

2006 saw the company invest in new aluminium systems, to become the only UK manufacturer to combine steel and aluminium to create a hybrid frame. It is also the only UK Company to manufacture windows to the BRE LPS1175 security rating 3 and 4.

A new range of four products was launched in November 2009 to wide acclaim: comprising of a micro motor for both sliding and hinges windows, an anti ligature trickle ventilator, as well as a handle operated slipper clutch and adjustable clutch which allows a window to be operated remotely to ensure patient comfort and security.

“We are delighted to have been shortlisted for this prestigious award,” says Chris Duffy , managing director of Fendor. “We are committed to ensuring that our products and systems are the best in the marketplace and we are proud that CENE has recognised our continuous research, development and investment.”

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Mitsubishi Electric has released details of a six-month trial which demonstrates that its specialist Melcotel™ controller has delivered a 40 per cent energy reduction for the air conditioning at Premier Inn’s new city centre site in Leicester.

The hotel has been monitored since April, with its 135 bedrooms using an average consumption of 17.20kWh a day throughout the 19 storey building. Now, with the Melcotel controller in place, the system is consuming just 7-8kWh of energy per day, – an average 40% reduction in energy consumption for the whole system.

“We believe we can also increase this further and will continue to monitor the hotel over the coming winter,” explained Mitsubishi Electric’s controls expert, Sebastien Desmottes,

The Melcotel controller works with both key card and non-key card systems to ensure that air conditioning is not working needlessly when rooms are empty or if guests decide to open a window without switching off the heating or cooling.

Specifically designed for the mass-market hotel sector, the controller is an evolution in Mitsubishi Electric’s PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) and can be retrofitted as well as being ideal for new builds.

At the start of the trial, the air conditioning was set to turn off automatically at 1am, but this still allowed guests to override the system.

Mitsubishi Electric then introduced a G50 controller which meant that the air conditioning could be programmed to automatically shut off five times a day at 9am, 11am, 1pm, 4pm, and 8pm, when there was a distinct possibility of the rooms being empty and the potential for energy to be wasted.

This lead to some reduction in energy use, but now with Melcotel, the system automatically responds to the requirements of each individual room, resetting the air conditioning to a predetermined setting and constantly monitoring the temperatures of any unoccupied rooms.

The air conditioning in these empty rooms will only come on to keep the temperature within a set range, which has the double advantage of conserving energy whilst ensuring that the room reaches the desired temperature quicker when a guest enters the room.

“We developed Melcotel after working with hotel owners who wanted a more cost effective method of maintaining low energy consumption whilst still allowing hotel guests to control the temperature in their own room,” explained Desmottes.

Temperatures are recorded by a sensor within the controller and windows can also be connected to the system so that when they are opened, the air conditioning switches off to conserve energy.

Melcotel works with Mitsubishi Electric’s advanced City Multi systems and one unit is able to control up to 250 indoor units. Wireless technology allows the Melcotel to be accessed remotely when used in conjunction with a Mini M2M offering further control and monitoring facilities to hoteliers.

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Providing convenience, security and courtesy lighting solutions in a range of attractive, easy to install, practical and hardwearing luminaires.

The range meets the demands of domestic and commercial installations with robust casing and extremely effective, flexible and reliable PIR and photocell options for convenience and security.

The lantern range is available as standard for use with 100w lamps or energy saving 9w lamps which provide a longer life and save up to 80% energy compared to a standard light bulb.

• Easy to install.
• IP 44
• Choice of standard, photocell and P.I.R options.
• P.I.R: Day time walk test.
• Shatter-proof Polycarbonate detector.
• P.I.R Range of 6 Metres.
• 110° Angle of detection.
• Photocell: Dusk to dawn sensor.
• Switches on at dusk and off at dawn.
• Designed to BS EN 60598-2-1.

Anti Vandal: Shatterproof Polycarbonate construction is tough, hardwearing and helps prevents damage from vandals; making it a safe alternative to glass covered units. Polycarbonate is weather resistant and UV stable. The solid black or white finished units won’t suffer from paint peel or deteriorate through weathering, the anti corrosion properties are ideal for sea front locations.

Quick Fit: This unique fast fit electrical connection features on the Globe and Coach wall mounted models. It eases installation, is quick, safe and helps prevent the end user installing the product incorrectly.

Photocell: The dusk to dawn sensor is factory set to activate the light as soon as darkness falls and turns off the light during day light hours, enhancing the security of your home (these units are for external use only).

3 Year Photocell and PIR Guarantee: Both Photocell and PIR are protected within sealed modules and as such we are confident of the highest quality operation, providing you with the confidence in your installation of ASD product.

Corner Bracket: Optional corner bracket to provide versatility of installation. Manufactured from polycarbonate the bracket can be used with both the Coach and Globe wall mounted lanterns and allows users to benefit from the ASD Unique Quick Fit connector. Each bracket is supplied with wall plugs and fixing screws.

P.I.R.: Providing proximity detection and security, allowing operation by movement and presence of intruders or visitors. The P.I.R units have a pre-set time of 2 to 3 minutes and can be switched to permanent lighting.

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A lot has changed over the last quarter of a century but one thing is still the same; ASD has always been about British manufacturing at its best. We believe that quality and service is at the core of a successful company. Manufacturing products of the highest possible standard is what ASD was about when we started, as it is today.

Over the years we have matured as a company, we’ve been in business now for 25 years and we’ve learnt a lot in that time. Being customer orientated we’re looking at all times to have the flexibility to respond to the market needs. If our customers need fast deliveries, then we ensure that we meet that requirement.

We’ve made heavy investment over the last couple of years in people, plant and machinery; this investment is continuing to secure the future with a new factory extension already underway for completion early 2008 which will provide greater efficiency, flexibility and product availability.

What we’ve also done to set us apart in the market place is invested in new product development. You only need to look at the range extensions over the last few years that we’ve made in our office, commercial & exterior ranges to meet the demands of our customers.

What we aim to do is continuously update and improve our skills in all the areas of service, quality and competitiveness. That’s what we’ve worked on over the last 25 years, that’s what we will be working on into the future. The big message is that we are investing in the future of British manufacturing to bring quality lighting products to the UK, Europe and beyond.

It’s been an enjoyable journey and I would personally like to thank every one who has been involved with ASD along the way. We wouldn’t have been able get here without the support of our customers, suppliers and importantly our staff who have worked so hard over the years.

So here’s to the next 25years, and beyond…..

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