David Earle retires
David Earle has retired from the Council for Aluminium in Building, where he has held the position of technical officer for five and a half years.
[Read the Rest Here]

Teeing up for energy promotion
The Schüco brand ambassador has announced that Colin Montgomerie has joined its team.
[Read the Rest Here]

Fabricator alliance established
A new trade alliance of window fabricators, which manufacture in aluminium and PVC-U, has been established.
[Read the Rest Here]

Composite windows chosen for Elite Development
Composite windows from Glas Facades’ range have been employed by a private developer on a pair of detached houses in London.
[Read the Rest Here]

A first in window systems
Aluminium systems supplier Kawneer has launched the AA3610LS – a vertical sliding window with a linked sash that is suitable for new-build or refurbishment projects, in particular education and health.
[Read the Rest Here]

Hardware collaboration
ERA has been established as a world class ‘one stop shop’ for window and door hardware solutions.
[Read the Rest Here]

Siegenia-Aubi-KFV hardware fits the bill
Siegenia-Aubi-KFV aluminium window hardware was chosen for a new-build care facility in Scotland and an apartment block refurbishment in Liverpool.
[Read the Rest Here]

Singapore hinge
Cotswold Architectural Products has designed a heavy-duty hinge to meet the specific size and weight demands of custom-made windows for a stunning new residential development in Singapore.
[Read the Rest Here]

New colours
Fab & Fix is offering fabricators and installers a choice of five new colours to its fully-suited ranges of quality window and door products.
[Read the Rest Here]

Logikal delivers fast payback
Gloucester based CDW Systems started using the LogiKal software from Business Micros (Aluminium) at the start of 2008, and claims that the system has already paid for itself.
[Read the Rest Here]

Class sealing
Butylver, developed by Fenzi Group, is a one-component, solvent-free sealant used for insulating the inside (first barrier) of IG units.
[Read the Rest Here]

Small talk, big impact

Thanks to Twitter, it is very easy to discover what is being said about things that you are interested in. For example, while Interbuild was taking place last month, I was able to conduct some research (via Twitter) into what visitors and exhibitors were saying about the show at that moment in time. What’s more, I could do this on my phone, in the aisles, before I interviewed other exhibitors and visitors – I felt it gave me a depth of understanding, and a greater context for the discussions we were having.

For those of you have yet to experience Twitter, don’t dismiss it as some pointless trend. Fundamentally, it has the weight of numbers on its side, and those people who are using it tend to be smart, opinionated, and often with a level of influence – this is what I found when I searched for ‘Glassex’ and ‘Interbuild’ before, during and after the show. So, even if you search for something off-beat, the chances are that someone is talking about it, and possibly referring to other websites.

As a result of its ‘instant’ appeal, I often search Twitter alongside the more ubiquitous Google. Today, I did just that, and found a news article from the Sydney Morning Herald (click here for story), about the risk of a bubble forming in the aluminium market. Basically, prices remain high, but stocks are growing. Furthermore, China is set to produce 18% more aluminium next year, and new smelters are coming online, including the Emirates Aluminium Project which is forecast to make 1.4 million tonnes a year.

If supply and demand isn’t properly managed, then it could result in a significant drop in the price of aluminium – the price is already set to average out at $1,885 on the London Metal Exchange next year, compared to $2,060 on November 20 this year.

With this information in my pocket, it makes journalism more relevant. While I may not quote Twitter sources in every news story (I see that Guardian journalists are heading that way) it helps me to remain relevant when interviewing and researching. Maybe it could add a string to your bow too.

Nathan Bushell

Missed last month's Aluminium in Architecture Ezine? It's here

CHIEF EXEC'S COMMENT A View from the Zone Justin Ratcliffe – chief executive officer – November 2009 So Interbuild 2009 is consigned to history and we all start thinking about and planning for the 2010 version. The show, like any other I guess, has its hardened critics and they will have jumped on the empty spaces in Halls 4 and 5 and the ‘missing brands’. Admittedly I have always been a glass ‘half full’ person but there was actually plenty to lift the spirits. Read the Rest Here: THIS MONTH'S NEWS Economic uplift a ‘false dawn’ The final quarter of 2009 will see increasing business failures, and trading conditions are likely to worsen again in quarter one of 2010 for the volatile construction sector, according to predictions released in a new business index. [Read the Rest Here] Independence for Schüco UK Schüco International has announced that from 1st January 2010 its UK branch will become an independent, wholly-owned subsidiary company – Schüco UK. [Read the Rest Here] Seniors acquire AWJ Glass Senior Architectural Systems recently acquired the assets of AWJ Glass in Scarborough. [Read the Rest Here] Listers goes aluminium Lister Trade Frames has become a fabricator of aluminium products in a bid to win more commercial contracts. [Read the Rest Here] New ownership for Carl F Tommico (owners of Groupco) has bought Carl F Petersen, after Danish group Sanistaal sold some non-core operations. [Read the Rest Here] F is for Finishing Keeping our buildings looking good for longer is part of the rich mix which contributes to the construction industry’s drive to be more ‘sustainable’. [Read the Rest Here] Making a success Alumet won the Manufacturer of the Year award at a recent ceremony at the Tower Hotel in London. [Read the Rest Here] Wegoma announces Italian deals Wegoma GB has signed franchise deals with two major Italian machinery manufacturers – Italmac and P Macchine – that widen the company’s product portfolio and market opportunities for both its PVC-U and aluminium fabrication customers. [Read the Rest Here] Ireland ahead with aluminium Irish window fabricators are almost three times as likely to use aluminium as their UK counterparts, according to Windowbase. [Read the Rest Here] Vitrum visitors up The 16th Vitrum (International trade fair for machinery, equipment and systems for the processing of flat and hollow glass; glass and finished products for the industry) posted what it said were excellent visitor attendance from Italy and more than 100 countries. [Read the Rest Here] CE marking urged Compliance with the European product standard EN 14351-1:2006* becomes mandatory in February 2010. [Read the Rest Here] Secure choice Comar Architectural’s 5P.i VSW has just passed BS7950 enhanced security for windows. [Read the Rest Here] Top marks for facade Multi-coloured Aluglaze panels from Panel Systems helped to create a striking futuristic facade for the new Durham Johnston Comprehensive School in Durham. [Read the Rest Here] New heights for Technal A glazing system from architectural aluminium specialist, Technal, was chosen for Hafod Eryri – the acclaimed new visitor’s centre on the summit of Snowdon, and the highest building in Wales and England. [Read the Rest Here] Replaced rooflight A replacement sloping roof light on the two-storey Glashaus office building in Cobham, Surrey, has been designed, manufactured and installed by Structura UK in a 12-week contract worth £190,000. [Read the Rest Here] Interbuild debut for vent system Reynaers Aluminium displayed part of their extensive range of window and door systems at Interbuild 2009 and introduced two new products designed to improve ventilation. [Read the Rest Here] Feeling run down Charter has been chosen to install built-in security shutters to 40 new medical centres across the UK. [Read the Rest Here] Specialist treatment for hospital Curtain walling, windows and doors from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer are to feature on the £170 million PPP ‘waveform’ extension to the Victoria Hospital in Kirkcaldy, Fife. [Read the Rest Here] New modular facade system Aluminium systems specialist, Technal, has launched a new rapid-build facade system for low rise building applications – and the first in the UK to offer integral opening vents. [Read the Rest Here] Contemporary aluminium K2’s aluminium system has been designed with more modern installations in mind [Read the Rest Here] Maximising natural light and energy efficiency Exterior sun shades intercept unwanted solar heat gain before it can impact a building's HVAC system's load. [Read the Rest Here] Engraver’s new functions Gravograph´s new mechanical engraving machine provides many new functions, including ‘point and shoot’, and handling of strips without length limits. IS 900 is designed for flat engraving of identification plates or cutting and engraving of sheets of any material, including aluminium. [Read the Rest Here] Hot off the press   New from Reynaers Aluminium is a range of fire resistant aluminium fenestration systems, fully compliant with European standards. [Read the Rest Here] Health help Curtain walling and windows from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer are being installed as part of the biggest single investment in North Staffordshire healthcare in the 60 years of the NHS. [Read the Rest Here] Flushed with success  Architectural glazing systems designer Metal Technology, in partnership with Panel Systems, manufacturer of bespoke composite panels, has developed System 17 Cassette curtain walling, a cost-effective, flush-glazed facade. [Read the Rest Here] A room with a view A Beaufort folding/sliding door, fabricated and fitted by KAT UK, is providing the purr-fect view onto poolside patio at a luxury home in Essex. [Read the Rest Here] Anchor Trust in Mila Mila Maintenance has just completed a nationwide contract to fit safety restrictors on all of the opening sashes in windows at care homes managed by Anchor Trust to eliminate any ongoing risk to its residents from open windows. [Read the Rest Here] Clean bill of health Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems has been used on Phoenix Place, located in Basildon, Essex. [Read the Rest Here] Kawneer steps up to the crease Inclined curtain walling from architectural aluminium systems supplier Kawneer will feature on a unique collaboration between Leeds Metropolitan University and the setting of some of the greatest moments in First Class and Test Match cricket. [Read the Rest Here] All the best-dressed car parks Large, multi-storey concrete car parks can easily be changed using lightweight materials such as sheet stainless steel and aluminium extrusions. [Read the Rest Here] Program comment desired USA: The American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA) is encouraging window manufacturers to provide comments related to the Department of Energy's (DOE) Highly Insulating (R-5) Window and Low-e Storm Window Volume Purchase Program. [Read the Rest Here] Bi-fold launch in Ireland KAT launched its aluminium Series 9000 Beaufort bi-folding door at the RDS Dublin exhibition, and announced that it is Beaufort’s preferred supplier to the Irish market. [Read the Rest Here] National sales manager recruited USA: Tubelite recruited Mike Nicklas as a national sales manager helping grow the company's architectural aluminum products nationwide. [Read the Rest Here] You need cladding? Unistak USA: Responding to building project teams seeking energy-efficient, quick-to-install exterior cladding systems, A-1 Glass has launched Unistak AOne Wall System. [Read the Rest Here] Door to protection ERA Security Hardware Solutions offers home security and safety protection for doors. [Read the Rest Here] Solaglas key project wins Key wins for Solaglas Contracting in September include: [Read the Rest Here]

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CAB Diary Dates 2010
A round up of upcoming events in the CAB calendar can be found on this following page:
More Here:

World’s tallest student accommodation building
Technal, in partnership with fabricator Baris Facades, has supplied glazing for an £80m scheme in Leeds – the world’s tallest student accommodation building.
[Read the Rest Here]

Back to school
Reynaers aluminium systems have played a key role in the construction of a new school at Monkton Heathfield, Taunton, on behalf of Somerset County Council.
[Read the Rest Here]

Retail therapy
CareyGlass has provided thousands of square metres of solar control glazing for the Athlone Town Centre scheme – a multi-million-Euro complex in the Irish Midlands, comprising shops, residential units, and a four-star hotel rising to an impressive 11-storey tower at its core.
[Read the Rest Here]

That’s snow business
The stunning glass facade of Britain’s latest indoor snow sports destination features AGC’s Stopray T ‘all climate’ glass with a high performance toughenable coating.
[Read the Rest Here]

Shutter system praised
The Charter Integr8 range of shutters has been praised by the architects and the construction company responsible for designing and building the North Huyton Primary Care Resource Centre in Knowsley, Merseyside.
[Read the Rest Here]

Metal Technology in perfect form with Bangor Academy
Two of Northern Ireland’s schools have joined forces into the co-educational Bangor Academy and Sixth Form College, now with specialist schools status.
[Read the Rest Here]

Regenerating Newport
Curtain walling, windows and doors from Kawneer are being used on the striking first phase of the £50 million redevelopment of the city centre campus of the University of Wales Newport.
[Read the Rest Here]

Enhancing climate and security
One of the first double-skin facades in Dublin was built by Architectural Aluminium for ‘Cuisine de France’ in Grange Castle Business Park, Clondalkin.
[Read the Rest Here]

Aluminium in St John’s Wood
Architectural aluminium systems from Kawneer have been specified on the first new-build block of luxury apartments for years in the heart of London’s prestigious St John’s Wood.
[Read the Rest Here]