Hardware Extra
Simple hardware switch
delivers boosted benefits
A comprehensive audit of fastener usage by
Rapierstar has delivered production, quality,
stockholding and installation benefits for leading
Hull-based window, door and conservatory
manufacturer and installer Vulcan Windows.
» THESE BENEFITS HAVE BEEN
realised following a Fastener Health
Check conducted by Rapierstar earlier this
year, which looks at a window and door
manufacturer’s fastener use, how they are
being applied, what the intended applications
typically are and the stockholding approach.
This thorough assessment can identify
instances where switching to a different size or
type of fastener could enable rationalisation
of supply – saving time and money through
simplified ordering and stockholding – and
deliver improvements in safety and finished
product quality.
Vulcan Windows, who are one of the
largest Eurocell fabricators, have been serving
customers across East Yorkshire and North
Lincolnshire for more than 40 years. The
company is a major manufacturer and installer
of PVCu windows and doors for the new build
sector, as well as social housing, domestic and
trade customers, with additional operations
providing aluminium solutions and solar
panels. Their success is built on continuous
improvement and aligning the business with
the best supply chain partners, which now
includes Rapierstar.
Paul Walker, Vulcan Windows’ Operations
Director explains: “We approached Rapierstar
because we wanted to make sure that the right
fasteners were being used across our PVCu
factory and ensure our commitment to high
quality products is not being undermined.
With Rapierstar’s close working relationship
with Eurocell and knowledge of their profiles,
we recognise the value of their expertise
specifically in relation to the systems we use.
“Their recently updated Recommended
Fixings Manual (RFM) has proved to be a
valuable reference guide, offering detailed
guidance not only in the use of fabrication
screws but in terms of installation. It is helping
our fitting teams to choose the right screws
for assembly of bays and couplers, and assess
whether the right length masonry fixings are
being used at all times.”
As was to be expected of such a wellestablished
and successful fenestration
business, Vulcan’s approach to fasteners
was already robust according to Paul Balfe,
Rapierstar’s Technical Consultant, who
completed the Health Check. However, he
identified some small changes that will make a
big difference to Vulcan in the long term.
Paul Balfe says, “On the whole the selection
of screws throughout the factory was excellent.
But our Fastener Health Check is designed to
assess every area in detail, which flagged up
a few changes to the type of fasteners being
used. With these small changes, it is possible
to get better performance or make fabrication
easier, and we also identified an opportunity to
consolidate two sizes of screw and thus reduce
their inventory.”
“We’re delighted to become Vulcan’s supply
chain partner for fasteners and assist them in
all areas. This has also included the supply of
racks for their stores area and a set of labels to
go with the rack. This makes it was easier for
stores to put away fastener stock and to see at
a glance when product is running low to avoid
production disruption.”
Rapierstar’s technical team, based at its
Cheshire HQ and research and development
(R&D) centre, has a combined experience
of more than 150 years in fastener design
and development. With a 100,000 sq. ft.
warehouse and distribution centre near
Macclesfield, where more than one billion
items are held in stock, Rapierstar works with
fabricators and installers across the UK and
Ireland to provide a complete product range,
competitively priced and delivered next day.
To arrange a Fastener Health Check and to
find out more about Rapierstar call 01260
223311 or visit www.rapierstar.com
CLEARVIEW-UK.COM » JUN 2020 » 59