Door Industry Journal - Summer 2013

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk industry news 13 THE door industry journal summer 2013 ARGE SET SUSTAINABLE CONFERENCE AGENDA The European Federation of Association of Locks & Builders Hardware Manufacturers (ARGE) has announced the agenda for its annual conference, with sustainability set to take centre stage. Held in Budapest on 5th and 6th September, ARGE has announced that it will use the annual conference as an opportunity to present its plans for creating a series of generic Environmental Product Declarations (EPD’s). All its members and their manufacturing members will have access to these EPDs, which look set to become a mandatory requirement for the construction market. The introduction of the Construction Products Regulation (CPR) across Europe this summer is set to change the market. The new regulation now addresses sustainability and the sustainable use of natural resources (under Basic Works Requirement 7 - BRCW7) together with the reduction of life cycle impacts of greenhouse gases (BRCW3). In the context of the CPR EPD’s can be used to assess a construction product’s environmental impact. Therefore, in providing EPDs for its members, ARGE is enabling them to remain competitive in the construction market. Speaking on the forthcoming conference, ARGE General Secretary, Joachim Kieker, said: “At last year’s conference we set the scene for the changing landscape within the construction market, in the advent of the CPR. This year, we are very excited, as we will be presenting the tangible measures for ensuring all our members have access to this increasingly restrictive market. The journey to creating EPDs for all our members is an area of sustainability they should and can all engage with. “Here at ARGE we are working to ensure that all members are best able to meet with the forthcoming sustainability agenda - in such a way that will provide real commercial advantage. Embracing this critical agenda, ARGE will use the conference to present its plans for delivering this to its members.” In addition to its networking opportunities and social highlights, the Chairman of the CEN TC350 will also be presenting on sustainability in construction works, giving delegates an exclusive insight into the impact this will have on the marketplace. To find out more about the ARGE sustainability agenda or to register for the conference, please visit www.arge.org. Here, visitors will also be able to take part in the forum, discussing views and opinions with the like-minded industry professionals and download the latest information on the conference. TIMBER WINDOW AND DOOR MANUFACTURER ALLAN BROTHERS APPOINTS NEW BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Allan Brothers has strengthened its operations in London and the South East with the appointment of Martin Planes as Business Development Manager. Martin brings more than 32 years of industry experience to the role, which will see him selling and marketing Allan Brothers’ timber windows and doors and parent company Inwido group’s products in the region. Martin said: “Working for Allan Brothers will give me an opportunity to work for an established business and to share my contacts and knowledge of the market place, which I am sure will prove mutually rewarding for both parties.” Martin’s varied career in the sales and marketing within the building industry includes projects such as fitting out stables and tack rooms at Windsor Castle and a banqueting suite at the Royal Automobile Club in Pall Mall. He was also involved in a major door, screen and wall-paneling scheme at the British Academy in London. In the late eighties, Martin worked for Rom Reinforcement Limited and was involved in promoting the company during the construction of the Channel Tunnel. He added: “I am really looking forward to promoting the group within London and the South East and hope to be able to contribute to its vision and expansion in UK.” Allan Brothers’ Managing Director Danny Hughes said: “With a career spanning over three decades, it is a privilege to have Martin on board as part of the team. The region is a key area for our business and I know Martin will bring as much enthusiasm as experience to the table.” Martin has a keen interest in aviation and in recent years volunteered to help restore a World War II Hawker Hurricane Fighter aircraft to flying condition. He has also coached his son’s football team in the Surrey Primary League for the past six years.