Interbuild 2006

This year's Interbuild will include the inaugural Test the Trades competition in which window and door installers can compete against other tradesmen in order to become Britain's Most Professional Trade. The competition takes place on Sunday 23rd April.

Entrance is £20 on the day but free to anyone who registers in advance on the show's website www.interbuild.com.

Here, we preview some of the industry exhibitors that will be at the show:

Andersen Windows Stand 09-C11

A new, all-inclusive windows package from Andersen Windows, is being announced at the show.

One of the key features of the package is Andersen's new High Performance Low-E4 ‘self cleaning' glass.

Balcony Stand 09-D01

Balcony Ltd believes its solution for clear glass external and Juliette balconies will change the UK balustrading marketplace, which has traditionally used bars or railings that obscure the view to the outside.

What makes the proven Balcony system strikingly different is that it does not require structural glass. Instead the approach lies in the aluminium handrail itself that securely holds a straight glass balcony for up to 3.8 m without vertical posts. The result is clear views from the inside and a neat appearance from the outside.

Also from Balcony Ltd are curved sliding patio doors that offer stunning panoramic views at affordable prices.

Clement Windows Group Ltd. Stand 09-C05

Clement Steel Windows will be exhibiting their enhanced EB24 range of steel windows.

Clement is proud to have revolutionised the ubiquitous steel window with EB24, a ‘crittall' type steel window which offers excellent thermal performance, a ‘U' value of 1.8 W/m2K can be achieved, which compares favourably with plastic windows. Consequently where EB24 is installed environmentally damaging CO2 emissions are reduced considerably. Further ‘green' credentials include manufacture from entirely recycled steel, and a commitment to recycle every redundant window.

Eco Windows Ltd Stand 09-B23

A recognised and respected provider of bespoke timber windows and doors to the UK property market. Manufactured in redwood or hardwood, products are factory finished and delivered ready-to-install.

This year's product portfolio includes sliding sash, casement, tilt and turn windows as well as front, french and bi-folding doors. Eco Windows products are designed for a variety of applications and can be used in new build properties, renovations and extensions.

Their list of formal accreditations includes BSI, FENSA, the Consumer Protection Association and Secured by Design. Eco Windows are committed to environmental legislation, high standards of performance, durability and manufacturing. As such, Eco Windows provide a solution that is both superior in quality and as environmentally friendly as possible.

Elumatec Stand 09-C50

One of the World's largest manufacturers of profile processing machinery, is exhibiting an important selection of machines from its comprehensive range of profile centres, saws and equipment for the door, window and curtain walling fabrication market. For the first time, aluminium has been given high prominence at the show, with Hall 9 housing The Aluminium in Construction Zone.

In the heart of the Zone is Elumatec's stand, which features the company's extensive product ranges, including the SBZ122 profile machining centres.

Also on display will be its DG double mitre saw, which offers precision cutting of complex large profiles, and which is ideal for high volume cutting. The universal pivoting and tilting of two saw heads, allows simultaneous cutting of high and wide profiles.

Groupco Stand 8-C11

UK distributor Groupco is joining forces with Peder Nielsen and Fuhr, two of Europe's leading hardware manufacturers. For the first time a single stand combines Groupco's service expertise, PN's technically advanced window fittings and Fuhr's world-famous locking systems.

The partnerships provide a complete hardware solution for both private and public sector applications.

Visitors can view the latest developments for the fast-growing timber, aluminium and timber/aluminium composite and PVC-UU markets.

J Banks & Co Ltd Stand 09-Eo1

One of the UK's most progressive hardware manufacturers is introducing a whole range of new and innovative products at this year's show.

The company is showing its comprehensive range of auto engagement, key locking and non-locking restrictors, which have been specifically designed to suit a wide range of door and window styles and applications.

Also on display are several new products in the company's growing portfolio of Vertical Sliding Sash fittings; products for the Commercial Architectural Shop Front market; and the company's well-established ranges of Window Handles; Budget Locks; Bespoke Aluminium Hinges; Door Stops and Emergency Exit Hardware.

LJ Pratley & Partners Stand 09-C08

Interbuild will mark the relaunch of ventilation specialists LJ Pratley & Partners as simply Pratley & Partners. Tony Pratley, the company's MD, says: ‘Pratley & Partners is a dynamic, modern business but our old identity didn't really communicate that. Our new look is a much truer reflection of the business we have grown into and we hope both our existing and new customers like what we have become.'

As well as the new identity, the Pratley & Partners stand is likely to create quite a buzz with a full size, liveried dragster car as its centrepiece (pictured).

The car has been liveried by one of Pratley & Partners sister companies, and is being showcased to illustrate how the company can paint its smoke or natural ventilation control systems in colours to match any domestic or corporate environment.

Masterframe Stand 09-C41

Specialist PVC-U-U sash window manufacturer Masterframe Windows Ltd will be exhibiting new developments to its products. ‘We'll be showcasing our Bygone Collection window,' (pictured) says Masterframe's Managing Director Alan Burgess, ‘We believe it's the highest specification sliding sash in the industry. BBA certified for 20 years, it's also the only BFRC ‘C' rated, Energy Saving Recommended sliding sash in the UK. We expect significant growth in the vertical slider sector in 2006.'

Mumford & Wood Stand 09-C02

The specialist manufacturer of made-to-order, quality timber windows and doors, exhibits for the first time at Interbuild.

Renowned for more than 50 years for the manufacture of premium sliding sash windows, casements, French doorsets and entrance doors, products in the popular Conservation range have become favourites among the construction and self build market as well as architects, home renovators and planning authorities for traditionally styled properties . Products are factory double-glazed with energy efficient Low ‘E' glass and applied with either two or three coats of paint, or a stain finish.

Senior Aluminium Systems Stand 09-C51

Senior Aluminium Systems, Akzo Nobel and Azon have teamed up at Interbuild to platform their latest technologies in aluminium systems, powder coatings and thermal barriers for aluminium to architects and contractors.