Meet Dekster the Coupling Man

The Deks sales team was joined by an extra special staff member at IFAT, the world’s leading trade fair for water sewage waste and raw materials management.

Taking pride of place on the company’s stand in Munich Germany was Dekster the Coupling Man, a three metre high sculpture created from the Deks new range of Band-Flex and Value-Flex couplings.

Deks business development manager Martin Hipkin ably assisted by sales executive Josh Gregory built Dexter to showcase the versatility of just a few of the couplings from the vast Deks range available to demonstrate the fact that the products connect almost any pipe to any pipe up to four metre diameter.

Buyers and distributors were curious to get a closer look of not just Dekster but also the new range of Deks couplings. All specified and manufactured to the high standard that Deks customers have come to expect.

Said David Jones, managing director of Deks Europe: “IFAT was the perfect platform for us to launch our new civils range to the worldwide market and we had a fantastic response.”

“Deks enjoys a worldwide reputation for manufacturing top quality rubber products backed up with exceptional customer service. In the UK and Europe we’re best known for our market leading Dektite range of flashings and Selkirk chimney products.

“We have been looking at extending our core offer to Europe for some time and as Deks couplings are held in high regard elsewhere it made sense for us to follow suit. We’re delighted that industry expert Martin Hipkin has joined us from Band Seal to develop Deks’ presence in this sector.”

For more information contact Deks Europe on 01275 858866 or email on sales@deks.co.uk or visit www.deks.co.uk.

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Rinnai gives heating and hot water to new office block

Rinnai, manufacturer of the energy efficient range of Infinity continuous flow water heaters and a complete range of gas fired wall heaters, is providing a brand new heating and hot water solution to offices in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales.

CST Renewables – the building services engineers – were keen to get to grips with installing a new system. This included a bespoke boiler and hot water heating package.

CST Renewables was established by Control and Service Technology in response to growing interest in the renewables market from clients looking to improve energy efficiencies and dramatically lower running costs. The company, based in the Welsh town of Bridgend, is an acknowledged specialist in the commercial market but also completes domestic installations, service and repair work.

The first UK installation of the Rinnai system was at a large office building where CST had been called to assess the best energy efficient replacement for a failing forced draught, flued modular boiler set up.

The old system was low efficiency and costing the client, a property leasing company, a substantial amount in repair bills annually. The building is rented to a variety of organisations and businesses such as call and administration centre businesses.

Mark Hillier-Rees of CST says: “It was obviously the site needed to move on to something more energy efficient. We removed the old boiler and replaced it with two new Rinnai boilers on a cascade system. The redundant flue was removed and we put in place the Rinnai co-axial flue.

“This new Rinnai system is highly efficient – and due to its lack of moving parts and easy maintenance has very low annual service costs.”

The large 100kW condensing heating boilers are ideal for providing heating to buildings such as the Merthyr Tydfil office block and are extremely flexible as they can also provide hot water when placed in a cylinder. The Rinnai boilers are also available in 50kW and 75kW sizes.

Chris Goggin, Associate Director, Rinnai UK comments: “There are clear benefits in terms of efficiencies, when considering heating and hot water as two separate systems. I am pleased that we can provide two high efficiency market leading products in one simple turnkey solution.”

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Are you a #constructionrolemodel?

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UK Construction Week have announcee the launch of a new social media campaign #ConstructionRoleModel designed to celebrate the unsung heroes of UK construction, with help from the Construction Youth Trust.

The campaign allows those in the industry to nominate and reward their peers who work tirelessly to go the extra mile for clients, encourage the next generation of construction professionals or improve their workplace.

To kick start the campaign, UK Construction Week will look to the industry for help in defining what a ‘construction role model’ is. Highlighting examples of individuals who’ve tackled adversity, combatted the skills gap or championed diversity, experts and industry figureheads will deliver a series of blog pieces showcasing people who’ve made a positive contribution to the industry.

With the concept established, UK Construction Week will open up the nomination process to the broader construction community. Inviting followers of its Twitter handle @UK_CW to nominate themselves or others by using the #ConstructionRoleModel hashtag.

UK Construction Week will then begin the process of selecting the most popular nominees, with the winners announced at this year’s event. Once chosen the ‘construction role models’ will be given a platform to share their views of the sector. In a series of Q&A sessions and features nominees will discuss what it takes to thrive in the industry, what inspired them to work in construction and what advice they would give youngsters looking to start a similar career.

Christine Townley, Executive Director at Construction Youth Trust, commented “It’s a great privilege to be involved in a dynamic and positive campaign that shines a light on those doing brilliant work within the industry. Our day-day work focuses on helping young people with a passion for construction get the right skills and training to make an impact in the sector. Therefore we’re delighted that #ConstructionRoleModel will raise awareness amongst the younger generation on how rewarding a career in the construction industry can be.”

Construction Youth Trust is a charity that helps young people in England and Wales who want to work in the industry by providing access to training, education and employment opportunities. In particular, it concentrates on helping those whose journey to work may be challenging due to barriers such as financial circumstances, lack of awareness of opportunities, low self-esteem, gender or ethnicity.

Nathan Garrett, Event Director for UK Construction Week, added: “We’re very excited to get the #ConstructionRoleModel campaign off the ground and look forward to seeing who people nominate for the award. I truly believe we’ve created a campaign that not only showcases the broad career opportunities within construction but also appeals to a younger generation.”

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 20 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows in one location. With over 24,000 trade visitors last year – a figure expected to double at this year’s event – the show boasts over 650 exhibitors. Visitors are able to attend Timber Expo, the Build Show, Civils Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2016, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live.

For more information about UK Construction Week and to keep track of the #ConstructionRoleModel campaign, please visit www.ukconstructionweek.com or follow @UK_CW on Twitter.
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Natural History Museum Protected by Advanced Systems

The world-famous Natural History Museum in London, and its more than five million annual visitors are being protected by intelligent fire panels from Advanced.

Often called the ‘Cathedral of Nature’ the Natural History Museum is renowned for its collections of dinosaurs and ornate architecture, and is widely recognised as the pre-eminent centre for natural history and related research. The Museum is the third most popular in the United Kingdom and its irreplaceable 80 million strong collection is of global importance and includes many collected by Charles Darwin.

Located in Kensington’s Museum Quarter it was established in 1881. Its Grade 1-listed building comprises seven blocks, including the original Waterhouse Building, the Earth Galleries, the Palaeontology block and the twin Darwin Centres.

At the heart of the active fire protection for the Museum is a network of 24 MxPro 5, intelligent, multiprotocol panels from Advanced, plus remote control terminals, BMS interface and a bespoke PC based graphical user interface. The network was designed, configured and commissioned by Pacific Security Systems, a long-time partner of Advanced.

Kirk Short, spokesperson for Pacific, said: “Advanced systems are well known for their performance, quality and ease of use. From our point of view, the MxPro 5 panel stands alone in the market for ease of installation and maintenance and for network stability and speed. We needed a system that is simple to operate, with the features the end user requires on a daily basis, while also offering backwards compatibility with some of the loop devices that are already installed at the site.”

MxPro offers the market more choice and flexibility than any other system. It includes two panel ranges, the EN54 2,4 & 13 approved MxPro 5 and EN54-2&4 approved MxPro 4. It offers four protocols (Apollo, Argus, Hochiki and Nittan) and a completely open installer network, backed up by free training and technical support. MxPro 5 panels are backward compatible with existing MxPro 4 networks and include a host of features including TouchControl touchscreen remote control terminals with Active Maps and AlarmCalm false alarm management.

MxPro 5 panels can be used in single loop, single panel format or easily configured into high speed, 200 panel networks covering huge areas. Advanced’s legendary ease of installation and configuration and wide peripheral range make it customisable to almost any application and it is found in challenging and prestigious sites around the world including western Europe’s tallest building, The Shard.

Rob Kemp, Advanced Sales Manager for the South of England, commented: “We are proud to have our British-made products installed in such a venerable institution. Advanced is renowned for making cutting edge products and this is the type of building where the quality, ease of use and flexibility offered by MxPro 5 panels offer tangible benefits.”

Advanced is a world leader in the development and manufacture of intelligent fire systems. Its legendary performance, quality and ease-of-use sees its products used in prestigious and challenging locations all over the world, from single panel installations to large multi-site networks. Advanced products include complete fire detection systems, multiprotocol fire panels, extinguishing control and fire paging systems.

More details can be found on the website at www.advancedco.com.
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Sika breathes new life into Mansfield multi-storey car park

At the refurbishment of the multi-storey car park on Walkden Street in Mansfield, Sika supplied a comprehensive range of repair systems to transform the ageing site into a safer, brighter and more accessible modern parking facility.

Built in 1964, the Walkden Street car park features a total of 433 parking spaces located on six decks split across three levels. Following the failure of the top deck’s original waterproofing membrane applied many years earlier, the reinforced concrete structure was beginning to show signs of spalling and corrosion damage, and was in need of repair.

With the top deck closed for safety reasons since 2012, and with less than 20% of the spaces in use, a fast and market proven solution was required to return the car park to full service as quickly as possible. Offering a long track record of successful car park refurbishments, Makers Construction Ltd were appointed by Mansfield District Council following a competitive tender process to carry out the essential renovation works.

Makers carried out major structural repairs, waterproofing and redecoration – with the client turning to the proven performance of Sika as a single source supplier for the vast array of repair and protection solutions.

Due to the failure of the existing top deck waterproofing membrane, water ingress had caused a series of defects in the construction joints, lower deck systems and concrete soffits. Following an on-site survey to identify the key areas of degradation, Sika provided a number of concrete repair solutions including Sika MonoTop concrete repair mortars and Sika Galvashield galvanic anodes for corrosion control for the soffit areas, followed by the application of Sikagard-675 anti-carbonation coating.

This was also used on the lower decks to seal around gully outlets to prevent water ingress into the shops below.

Approximately 4,600m2 of Sikafloor® Pronto fast-curing decking system was applied to the entire deck area and access ramps to provide a slip resistant and hard wearing waterproof surface. Utilising its fast setting properties, Makers ensured works could be completed quickly and with minimal disruption to ensure the project remained on schedule.

As part of the Council’s aims to improve the customer experience at Walkden Street, each of the parking spaces was also increased in size from 2.4 metres to 3 metres in width. Although this reduced the number of parking bays from 433 to 368 spaces, the additional space for each car provides more accessibility for both families and drivers of large, modern cars.

With the renovation of the Walkden Street multi-storey car park complete, and the site re-opened to the public from May 2015, the specification and high quality application of a range of Sika solutions has helped to deliver a structurally and aesthetically sound parking facility that is fit for the future.

For more information please visit www.sika.co.uk.
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New TrojanLITE Noise Nuisance Recorder for Housing Associations

Nuisance Recorder Noise measurement experts Cirrus Research have introduced a new version of its industry leading Trojan noise nuisance recorder. The TrojanLITE is ideal for housing associations that need to measure noise nuisance in a quick, simple and easy deployment scenario.

The advanced technology allows officers to gather quality data with minimum fuss to the householder, allowing the investigator to collate the data for quicker complaint resolution. Designed, manufactured and supported in the UK by Cirrus Research, TrojanLITE captures loudness and frequency level data, as well as record high quality audio of the alleged noise nuisance.

Once collated, officers will be able to access the data by downloading the free NoiseTools Software that is already part of the overall system. The measurements can be viewed or listened to as audio recordings and then incorporated to create quick and simple reports. James Tingay, quality and product development, said: “We spent a lot of time consulting with existing customers and have included a range of useful features to allow the user to get the very best from the equipment.

“Time really was of the essence with most of the clients we spoke to, so we have ensured with the TrojanLITE there’s no need for step-by-step instructions – simply plug in, calibrate and the equipment is ready to go.

“It really can be used by anyone and you don’t need to have acoustic training or background.”

Other key features include:

  • If someone forgets to press start, the instrument will automatically start measuring after 10 minutes.
  • Wireless remote control – if the user has limited mobility or the noise nuisance recorder is placed in a different room, being able to start/stop the kit without having to go back to the box was the most asked for feature in the research.
  • The TrojanLITE is preset to measure 24 hour blocks of data, making it easier to find the problem areas and listen to the recordings.
  • The standard audio recording on the Trojan uses a 16bit/16kHz uncompressed WAV file. Audio recordings can handle both high and low levels with no loss of quality – vital if clients want to capture both low levels at night and higher levels during the day (such as doors banging or music playing). There’s no risk of overload or under-range in the measurements or audio recordings.
  • Once the case is locked, the power cable and microphone cable are fixed. This means there’s no risk of the cables being pulled out either accidentally or deliberately.

Why Choose the TrojanLITE Noise Nuisance Recorder?

  • Capture data on the level and frequency of noise complaints
  • Record audio to ascertain what is really going on
  • No acoustic understanding required to set-up and deploy
  • Easy to download and analyse data to generate reports as evidence
  • Helps to easily determine actionable noise complaints
  • Training and support available directly from Cirrus Research.
For more information please visit www.cirrusresearch.co.uk.
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WernerCo invests over $1.8m at its Maldon UK facility

WernerCo, the UK’s leading manufacturer of professional ladders and access towers, invests over $1.8m at its Maldon UK facility strengthening its position in the market.

At the heart of the investment sits the installation of a new BLM Adige Fibre Optic Laser Cutter, used for cutting treads for WernerCo’s leading fibreglass stepladders, stiles for box section extension ladders and BoSS access tower components.

John Darby, WernerCo UK Manufacturing Engineering Manager, said: “The state of the art machine from Italy was an investment of over $1.2m and forms part of the overall production site improvements in WernerCo’s Maldon UK plant.

“The investment in this second laser cutting machine prevents any need for outsourcing and provides an increase in capacity to support growth. The new machinery enables cutting for the D-Rung ladder stiles and GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) treads and horizontals. More critically this investment improves and streamlines production processes, following the production lines moving from our Belper site.”

To support the overall improvements in operational efficiency at the Maldon plant, over 25,000 sq.ft of storage buildings have been added for component storage, including a 10,000 sq.ft dedicated extrusion store.

In November 2015, WernerCo opened a new National Distribution Centre in Burton Upon Trent, which saw the move of finished ladders from Maldon and Belper. This new centrally located facility provides distribution and collection facilities to WernerCo’s UK customer base.

As a result, over 36,000 sq.ft of production floor in Maldon has now been relayed to optimise production efficiency and to absorb the volume from the Belper closure on course for later this year.

WernerCo has invested over $100k in increased nitrogen generation, which is used in the aluminium laser cutting production, making the company self-sufficient in nitrogen generation. In addition the company has also improved external storage, general facilities and parking.

Nick Platt, EMEA VP Operations, said: “WernerCo has production facilities all over the world, and it’s been great to see the investment in manufacturing in our UK business.

“We are looking forward to seeing the results of the investments and improvements at Maldon in terms of quality, speed and efficiency at the plant. We’re also investing in global operations, like Vietnam, where we have just installed a new $5m aluminium extrusion machine, predominantly to supply ladders for the UK market.”

For more information please visit www.wernerworldwide.com.
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Rinnai goes solo for continuous flow with a store…

Rinnai’s latest innovation in the energy efficient fast delivery of instantly useable hot water is the Infinity Solo Re-Circulator water heater.

The Rinnai Infinity Solo condensing and low NOX water heater is the first of its kind for the UK to combine the advanced technology of wall mounted continuous flow water heaters with a stainless steel storage cylinder, all in one compact footprint.

The design parameters of this product empowers specifiers, designers, installers and engineers to benefit from unique Rinnai technology in applications it was once not previously possible. For instance, the Infinity Solo will have both 35kW and 54kW sized appliances, ensuring sites with a smaller gas meter can readily use this technology. The larger Infinity Solo model will also act as a high-efficiency alternative to gas fired storage appliances that exist in today’s market.

The cylinder is stainless steel and this reduces the weight compared to glass lined models, and it makes transportation and installation a lot easier. As well as the difference in weight, the cylinders also have extremely low heat loss figures (as low as 1.41kW/h day), so the user pays less to maintain the heat within the tank.

One other benefit of the Infinity Solo using a stainless steel cylinder is that the life expectancy of the material is far greater than that of a glass-lined equivalent as glass suffers from thermal shock causing it to crack after a period of time.

The Infinity Solo range is also renewables compatible and supplied pre-fitted with a coil, meaning that the primary energy source will always be from renewable gains and the complementary Rinnai water heater will only apply the precise amount of gas to boost the difference in temperature.

Rinnai manufactures the energy efficient Infinity range of gas fired continuous flow water heaters and space heaters. The Infinity brand carries the widest range of condensing water heaters on the market today with the most impressive efficiencies in operation, leading the field in technological innovation.

For more information on the RINNAI product range visit www.rinnaiuk.com.
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Classic on show at Tate Modern extension

The Tate Modern extension, designed by architects Herzog & de Meuron, is being hailed as the most important new cultural building in the UK since the British Library in 1998.

The ten story building’s twisting, pyramid-like shape features the world’s first gallery spaces dedicated to live art, film and installations – its height responding to the chimney of the existing Tate Modern building which was originally designed as a power station.

For the buildings washroom facilities, Kemmlit’s floor to ceiling Classic Cell cubicle system in a black finish was specified.

Classic Cell with its straight profiled lines, is a timeless design classic and features 42mm thick smooth surfaced welted doors with special inlays which guarantee a high degree of privacy and noise reduction.

The doors are designed with narrow gaps between the ceiling and the floor.

Concealed edges and recessed leg supports produce an elegant yet functional design, Its robust construction makes it the ideal choice for all types of washroom applications.

Classic Cell which is available in a range of colours including a new solid black crystal coat varnish finish, is part of an extensive range of high performance cubicle and locker systems from Kemmlit UK.

For more information please visit www.kemmlituk.com.
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Cannock Chase Council maximises tenant safety with Aico CO alarms

Long standing Aico customer Cannock Chase District Council in Staffordshire is in the process of replacing existing Carbon Monoxide (CO) alarms across its 5500 properties as they reach their end of life. For speed and efficiency the Council is using Aico’s AudioLINK™ mains powered, battery back-up CO alarm (Ei261ENRC) and the standalone lithium battery powered CO alarm (Ei208), enabling both electricians and gas service engineers to fit the alarms during their planned visits.

Steve Taylor, Electrical Manager at Cannock Chase District Council, comments on this use of mixed powered alarms: “We have used Aico mains powered CO alarms for many years and we will continue to fit these as standard in our properties every time we do an electrical upgrade. However, properties that are not due for an electrical upgrade will not be ignored as our gas service engineers will fit the Ei208 battery alarms where appropriate when they service equipment. The Ei208 is ideal in this instance as it doesn’t require an electrician to fit it, making it a quick fix, plus with a ten year life we know our tenants are well protected.”

Aico’s AudioLINK CO alarms are being used in properties containing gas and solid fuel appliances and open fireplaces.

In bungalows, which are home to older and vulnerable people, the CO alarms are being interconnected with the existing Aico smoke and Multi-Sensor alarms and a wall-mounted Alarm Control Switch, the Ei1529RC. Interconnecting the alarms means that if one alarm on the system is triggered, all other alarms in the same property sound. This ensures the alarm is heard throughout the property, providing the earliest warning – particularly important for older and less mobile occupants.

Interconnection is achieved through Aico’s award winning RadioLINK technology, which allows alarms on the system to communicate with each other using RF signals rather than hard wiring. “RadioLINK is a great, easy fix” states Steve. “We used to experience friction with tenants as they understandably didn’t want us lifting up their carpets and floorboards and disrupting them in order to lay interconnecting cables. With RadioLINK we don’t need to do any of that. It’s also convenient for contractors; they are in and out of a property much quicker.”

The Alarm Control Switch plays an important role here as it allows residents to quickly locate the exact alarm which has detected the fire or CO leak and take appropriate action. The wall mounted Switch is also used to test and silence all the alarms on the system from one safe, convenient location. As Steve Taylor remarks: “We don’t want an 80 year old resident standing on a chair to test their alarm! Being able to access the key features of alarms from a safe height is very important.”

All Aico CO alarms now come with a 10 year life and are fitted with a highly sophisticated electrochemical CO sensor. Each alarm is tested multiple times during manufacture, which includes a test in real CO gas to ensure accuracy. They also come with Aico’s award winning AudioLINK technology. AudioLINK allows for invaluable real time data to be extracted via the alarm’s sounder – all you need is an AudioLINK enabled CO alarm, a tablet or smartphone and the free AudioLINK App. This data is converted into a simple to review and store Alarm Status Report, providing useful information such as any alarm activations – with details of when it occurred, if any background CO has been detected, battery life, alarm sensors status, number of times tested and removed.

A wholly owned subsidiary of Ei Electronics, Aico are market leaders in residential fire and CO protection in the UK. All alarms are designed and built in Ireland specifically to meet the UK standards and regulations. With more mains powered domestic smoke alarms installed in the UK’s social housing than any other manufacturer, Aico are tried, tested and trusted.

For more information please visit www.aico.co.uk.
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