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Connector and structural systems specialist Simpson Strong-Tie claims to be talking the industry's language on an international scale as it becomes the first company of its kind to embrace the CE marking standard that is soon to be compulsory for many products across much of Europe. Despite CE marking not yet being a requirement of manufacturers in the UK, Ireland and Sweden Simpson is undertaking these changes alongside manufacturers in all other EC countries that must adhere to the new legislation.

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An outdoor show garden created using products supplied by leading deck manufacturer Arbordeck won a top prize at the 2007 BBC Gardeners World Live event at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. Created by Nottingham-based Halycon Garden Design, the decked garden was judged by a committee of judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and awarded a bronze medal for its striking design. The garden featured Arbordecks's reversible deck boards which were installed smooth side up in order to emphasise the attractive, flowing design of the spiralling decking. The company holds the deck mark, a quality assurance from the timber decking association, along with a 15 year performance guarantee. Boards are tanalith e treated in order to provide protection against fungal and insect attack. A wide selection of boards is said to be available, together with a range of ancillary products such as joists spindles, handrails and fittings.

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A residential development in Ramsgate has adopted a very Kentish approach with local-style buff colour bricks and Colorplan Premier Weatherboarding cladding from Hastings-based CEP Cladding. But, instead of fixing the boards on a horizontal plane, they were installed at a 45 degree angle, contrasting with the traditional format. The cladding is wood based and reproduces the effect of traditional timber weatherboards. It comprises a solid core of sustainable natural timber chips bound with a synthetic resin, with additional components to protect from fungal decay. This composite core is protected by an impermeable layer and an acrylic surface. The product is available in 71 colours and seven textured wood-grain patterns.

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Window hardware manufacturer Securistyle has launched a new version of its Defender hinge specification for the timber window market. The timber variant friction hinge is said to be easy to fit and enhances the weather sealing of timber windows. Simple to adjust, and available with built in restrictors, the product can be fitted with ease and doesn't weaken under weather conditions.

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Local handling specialists Hiab has opened a depot in Wisbech to provide mounting services, general servicing and sales support for customers in East Anglia. The move follows the unexpected closure of its local agent which had been previously responsible for providing a full range of services. The company has leased its former agents premises, purchased their service vans and tools and re-employed the staff to ensure, says managing director Ismo Leppanen: 'Our customers continue to receive technical support and service'. Wood-based panel manufacturer Kronospan, is said to be leading the way in sustainable practices at its manufacturing plant based in North Wales. Committed to improving environmentally friendly practices, Kronospan has reached its highest ever levels of recyling, use of FSC timber and reclamation of waste that would ordinarily be sent to landfill. The programme has seen Kronospan set new industry standards. One such example is the consumption of waste wood. The company uses 350,000 tonnes of waste wood each year, most of which is packaging waste, which would otherwise have been landfilled.

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Local handling specialists Hiab has opened a depot in Wisbech to provide mounting services, general servicing and sales support for customers in East Anglia. The move follows the unexpected closure of its local agent which had been previously responsible for providing a full range of services. The company has leased its former agents premises, purchased their service vans and tools and re-employed the staff to ensure, says managing director Ismo Leppanen: 'Our customers continue to receive technical support and service'. Wood-based panel manufacturer Kronospan, is said to be leading the way in sustainable practices at its manufacturing plant based in North Wales. Committed to improving environmentally friendly practices, Kronospan has reached its highest ever levels of recyling, use of FSC timber and reclamation of waste that would ordinarily be sent to landfill. The programme has seen Kronospan set new industry standards. One such example is the consumption of waste wood. The company uses 350,000 tonnes of waste wood each year, most of which is packaging waste, which would otherwise have been landfilled.

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An outdoor show garden created using products supplied by leading deck manufacturer Arordeck hwon a top prize at the 20007 BBC Gardeners World Live evenmt at the NEC in Birmingham. Created by Nottingham-based Halycon Garden Design, the decked garden was judged by a committee of judges from the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) and awarded a bronze medal for its design. The garden featured Arbordecks's reversible deck boards which were installed smooth side up in order to emphasise the attractive, flowing design of the spiralling decking. The company holds the deck mark, a quality assurance from the timber decking association, along with a 15 year performance guarantee, Boards are tanilith treated for long-term protection against fungal and insect attack. A wide selection of boards is available, together with a range of ancillary products such as joists spindles, handrails and fittings.

Details for Howarth Timber & Building Sulpplies

Described as new and improved, the latest website from the Howarth Timber Group has been unveiled. Said to be informative and easy to navigate, the site contains full details of each of the group's business division, including Howarth Timber Building Supplies, Howarth Timber Engineering and Howarth Windows & Doors. Providing a valuable reference tool for specifiers and contractors, the site features technical information on the company's various product ranges as well as the latest company news. Details of the firm's environmental policy is also included along with a branch locator and an on-line account facility.

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A precision-engineered timber frame system from Kingspan Off-Site has been used to construct 15 luxury apartments on the outskirts of Manchester; The system was chosen by housebuilders Sailbridge Homes for the speed and flexibility of build offered. The three-storey building is brick clad and incorporates large glazed areas to maximise light and space.

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A floor fitting system that is claimed to reduce installation time for solid timber flooring is now available in the UK through Taylor Maxwell Timber. Called Easiklip, it is a glueless fitting system that the company claims is the ideal choice for contractors and developers looking for solid wood flooring that can be applied simply and quickly. Easiklip does not require nails, or glue and is said to be unique in that the clips are already fixed to the flooring during manufacture, ready for installation. It incorporates an accurate machining process and the solid timber is air dried, kiln dried and machined to exacting tolerances resulting in a series of flat and stable boards with built-in expansion gaps to allow for natural expansion and contraction. Said to be an ideal solution for large scale installation in the housing sector the major benefits of Easiklip are maintained to be its ease and speed of installation combined with solid timber looks. It is currently available in a range of wood species and finishes including lacquered, oiled brushed and oiled and handscraped.

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