News
LOCKING GOOD!
Nico launches more locking systems – with fantastic corrosion resistance as standard
Nico Manufacturing, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of friction hinges and locking systems for the window industry, has extended its product range with a new Shootbolt and Shootbolt Extensions.
NEW - Mark One for BS 7950 Security The new Mark One Shootbolt offers the same security standards as the established Nico Twin Cam Shootbolt, meeting the requirements of BS 7950. Successfully tested for over 1 million cycles, it features a super strong gearbox which, thanks to its compact size, is ideal for those timber profiles with smaller cavities.
NEW - Special Extensions for off centre gearbox configurations Both Nico Shootbolts are now available with special extensions allowing off centre gearbox fitting to windows up to 1500mm high. This enables the window handle to be fitted in a low level position suitable for operation by elderly or disabled people, as specified by many housing associations under the ‘Housing for Life’ concept.
Available with Nico Supercoat 500 Corrosion Protection as standard All Nico Locking Systems and Keeps are available finished with Supercoat 500 Silver as standard for fantastic corrosion protection. Carried out at Nico’s in-house automatic plating plant, the Supercoat finishing process incorporates a special layer chemically-bonded into the surface to give salt corrosion protection far in excess of the requirements of BS 1670:1998 Class 5 (480 hours).
Nico Manufacturing has recently launched a 3D Adjustable Door Hinge.
Part of the Load Pro range of heavy duty, maintenance-free door hinges, the Nico 3D Hinge is the ideal choice for off and on-site installation. Fully adjustable in three directions for precise positioning and fixing, it is quick and easy to fit. Unlike some other adjustable hinges, the patented design allows the hinge to remain fixed to the door during the adjustment process. Like the rest of the Load Pro range, the Nico 3D Hinge features low-friction bearings for smooth operation, and is designed for long-life, reliable performance under the most arduous conditions – guaranteed for up to 25 years.
Manufactured in the UK, the Nico Load Pro 3D Hinge is tested to comply with BS EN1935:2002 Grade 11 and available in a choice of finishes, including Yellow Zinc, Supercoat 500 – a silver finish with very high corrosion resistance – and colour coating.
Nico launches LoadPro friction hinges for heavy duty applications.
Designed to meet the increasing demand for acoustic glass and the trend towards larger heavier sashes, LoadPro friction hinges can accommodate weights of up to 60kg - almost twice the capacity of standard hinges - making them a cost-effective alternative to tilt and turn gear or commercial hinges for sashes in the 25kg to 60 kg weight range.
Ideal for aluminium profiles, Nico LoadPro hinges are supplied in a choice of two sizes - 16" and 24" - and 14mm and 18mm stack heights.
Side Hung versions are designed for a maximum sash widths of 900mm and a maximum weight of 35kg. Top Hung versions are designed for sash weights of up to 60kg. There is also a version of Nico's very popular egress easy clean hinge available.Manufactured from stainless steel and engineered for maximum durability, the LoadPro design, is tested to BSI standards, and also complies with BS 8213 - minimum 95mm cleaning gap.
FULL MARKS FOR HINGES!
Nico expands range of LOADPRO CE-Marked Architectural Hinges
Nico Manufacturing, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of hinges and fittings for the building and furniture industries, has expanded its range of High Performance CE-marked Architectural Hinges.
The LOADPRO range features a selection of heavy duty, high specification butt and lift-off hinges for timber or composite doorsets.
An all UK-manufactured range that offers practical alternative to traditional industry choices, LOADPRO hinges are maintenance-free and suitable for most domestic and commercial applications, including heavy duty installations.
Approved & guaranteed
Performance guaranteed for up to 25 years, LOADPRO hinges are precision-manufactured from heavy gauge steel to stringent ISO 9000:2000 standards.
The complete range is fully-tested to relevant European approvals (BS EN 1935:2002 and BS EN 1634-1:2000) for single axis hinges and CE-marked for fitting to fire and escape doors.
LOADPRO hinges are available in a choice of plated steel finishes, including Zinc, Nickel and Supercoat 500 for added corrosion protection. For special requirements, Nico can offer satin or polished stainless steel or powder coated finishes to match the RAL colour range.
CUTS IN CHINESE SUBSIDIES AFFECT UK HARDWARE INDUSTRY
Chinese government announces changes in tax rebates for exports
Recent news from China has significant implications for the UK
window industry, increasing the cost of many imported items.
Introduced in 1985, tax rebates for exporters have made Chinese
products extremely competitive, effectively reducing real prices by
as much as 17.5%.
However, starting in July, China is cutting or eliminating tax
rebates for some 2800 items - under pressure to suppress overheated
export growth and ease friction between China and its European trade
partners.
This change affects a number of traditional metal manufactured items, including hardware products such as hinges, for which the tax rebate will reduce from 13% to just 5%. And, with just 10 days notice of the change, many UK suppliers are having to introduce immediate price rises.
In the longer term, as the Chinese Government seeks to comply with international trading rules, all export subsidies and tax incentives are likely to be eliminated, resulting in further price increases.
Martin Johnson, MD of Nico Manufacturing, comments on the recent news
"As a UK manufacturer, we welcome the recent announcement by the Chinese Government. The cuts in subsidies will help level the playing field and create a climate of fairer competition."
He adds "Although the lower costs of far eastern imports can appear attractive to both suppliers and customers, there can be problems with sourcing items from China - especially in relation to quality and lead times. Certainly we have seen customers return after problems with buying Chinese hardware. Now, with price differentials falling, I am sure that many other fabricators and installers will reconsider the advantages of buying hardware from British manufacturers."
NEW CONCEPT IN WINDOW SECURITY
Nico launches MultiLock - a low cost, multi-point window lock that satisfies BS 7950 Security Standard and acredited by Secured by Design.
Nico Manufacturing, the leading UK manufacturer of window products, has launched a new concept in Window Security.
Part of the Nico Security Plus range, the Nico MultiLock is an economical way to provide multi-point security.
Ideal for replacement and new build installations, the MultiLock is a strong locking system that bridges the gap between espagnolette bolts and security shootbolts - performing as well as much more expensive products.
For little more than the cost of a standard espagnolette bolt, the Nico MultiLock more than meets the requirements of BS 7950 Security
Specification - approved and tested to loads of 6000 Newtons, double the BS requirement. It has also completed endurance testing of 100,000 cycles, ensuring long-life performance and reliability..
QUICK & EASY WINDOW SAFETY
Nico launches Restrictor Safety Catch to limit window opening
The new Nico Restrictor Safety Catch is a quick and easy way to limit window opening to 100mm in compliance with BS 8213 Part 1.
Suitable for uPVC, timber or aluminium window profiles, the Restrictor Safety Catch can be used in conjunction with all Nico friction hinges, including Standard, Security Plus and the popular Easy Clean Egress, to provide restricted operation.
The Nico Restrictor Safety Catch is easy to fit, with no routing of profile required.
A unique mechanism (Patent Pending) with hidden spring and no sharp edges ensures ease of operation and maximum safety.
With a 10 year guarantee and corrosion protection to BS EN 1670 Class 4, the Nico Restrictor Safety Catch provides long-life window safety for new or retrofit installations.
Introducing Supercoat 500 - a new long-life silver finish
We have just introduced a brand new finish - Supercoat 500. Carried out at Nico's in-house automatic plating plant - recently installed as part of a major investment programme - Supercoat 500 offers significant advantages over traditional zinc passivate.
The coating process, which incorporates a silicate layer chemically-bonded into the surface, produces an attractive finish with more than 500 hours salt spray performance - more than double the requirements of the relevant BS standard BS 1670:1998 Class 4 (240 hours).
Attractive Silver Appearance
Unlike traditional zinc plating normally used for Nico Shootbolts, Espagnolette Bolts, Keeps and X-tra Bolts, Supercoat 500 offers an alternative bright silver finish which complements the standard steel finish of Nico friction hinges and silver coloured AI products.
Nico introduces Load Pro™ Heavy Duty Door Hinge
We have just launched a major new product - Load Pro™.
Load Pro is a heavy duty, maintenance-free, door hinge for high volume, high specification applications - designed to ensure long-life performance under the most arduous conditions.
Whether fitted to fire doors or in high traffic situations, such as schools, hospitals and commercial buildings, Load Pro will perform consistently and reliably without need for lubrication.
Approved & guaranteed
Manufactured in the UK from heavy gauge steel to the very highest standards and approved to all relevant BS EN standards, Load Pro is fully CE marked and covered by a comprehensive 10 year guarantee,
Choice of finishes
Load Pro is available in a choice of finishes according to the appearance and level of corrosion protection required, including Nico Supercoat 500 - a bright silver finish which provides up to 500 hours of salt spray protection.
Part of an extensive range
Load Pro is part of Nico's extensive range of butt hinges - all available to immediate order from large stocks at its UK warehouse. This includes a CE-marked range featuring steel and stainless steel hinges
FULL HOUSE OF APPROVALS
Nico awarded BBA, BS & Secured by Design accreditation for its Window Products
Nico Manufacturing, one of the UK's leading manufacturers of window products, has recently achieved ISO 9001: 2000 for its design and manufacturing systems and BBA approval for its full product range, which includes friction hinges and other fittings, such as espagnolette bolts.
It has also been accredited as a Secured by Design supplier for its selection of products with added security features, such as shoot bolts and security friction hinges.
The approvals have followed an intensive period of research and development and an exhausting testing programme.
Products have been enhanced with new patented features to improve installation, performance and durability, and the complete range of window products fully re-tested under BBA Assessment. This assures that Nico products are more than 'fit for purpose' - meeting every relevant BS test for endurance, resistance to fatigue and corrosion, suitability of materials and resistance to intrusion. So, whether for restricted opening, egress provision or security protection, Nico hinges and fittings are guaranteed to perform.
Nico's specialist security product range, which includes security friction hinges - in standard or austenitic stainless steel - Speedbolt™ Shootbolt and Xtra Bolt™ security device, has also been accredited under the Secured by Design scheme.
Secured by Design is a design-against-crime initiative adopted by police forces throughout the UK that accredits companies with products that can significantly reduce risk of crime.
NICO LAUNCHES NEW RANGE OF SIMPLE-TO-OPERATE RESTRICTOR FRICTION HINGES
Nico Manufacturing, one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of window products, has launched a brand new range of restrictor friction hinges.
Designed to be more user and fabricator-friendly, the hinges feature a Press Button release for ease of opening, whilst requiring two-handed operation for maximum child safety.
The new design, which is BBA approved, is fully compliant with the relevant standards BS 6375: Part 2 and BS 8213: Part 1. Hinges are available in a choice of 13mm and 17mm stack heights, in four sizes from 12” to 24”, with only one hinge needed for sizes up to 16” (400mm).