TPi March 2013

construct ion, bui lding & structural tubes Construction product manufacturers endure mixed Q4

light side companies stated that sales were higher on an annual basis.

side manufacturers predict sales will increase in 2013, once again driven by export growth. “2012 was a difficult year for the industry, certainly for heavy side manufacturers, and 2013 is also likely to be extremely challenging. Light side manufacturers are going to be heavily reliant upon exports if they are to achieve significant growth in the next 12 months. Yet, risks for product manufacturers are clearly on the downside due to the prevailing economic conditions and the effectiveness of government initiatives to boost construction.” Other key points include: 13 per cent of heavy side companies reported a fall in quarterly sales, while 46 per cent of light side firms indicated that sales were higher compared with Q3. 9 per cent of heavy side manufacturers experienced a decline in sales year-on- year, on balance, whilst 21 per cent of steps, easily connected to each other in the bearing hub, and is equipped with different railings. Development of the steps required intense planning, calculation and selection of materials, in which Lati took part with its own technical assistance and co-design structure. In order to comply with the strict sector regulations, it was necessary to fine-tune the tread and hub design by introducing not only duly positioned and dimensioned reinforcing ribs, but also different materials contributing their own features to the stiffness, robustness and weight. Once the project was defined, the moulding process was optimised based on a large geometry, and Lati contributed to this activity with its experience in the field of conversion. The step resulting from this combination of skills consists of a super-structural core made of PA66

The Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey indicates that, following a disappointing Q2 and Q3, heavy side sales fell once again in Q4 but light side sales rose. figures, Construction Products Association economist Milja Keijonen said, “After two disappointing quarters, sales of heavy side products fell once again due to difficult market conditions in the construction industry, where output fell 9 per cent in the past year. However, sales of light side products rose in Q4 as the difficult domestic market was offset by strong exports to fast growing Asian economies. “Looking to the year ahead, both heavy and light side manufacturers expect this to continue. Heavy side manufacturers anticipate sales to fall in 2013 due to a subdued domestic market, where construction output is forecast to fall by 2.2 per cent. However, light Commenting on the Fontanot is an Italian company in the field of open staircases, which are designed to become an integral part of home furnishings. Conceived so as to combine reliability and design with easy assembly, Fontanot stairs are available in kits that can be easily assembled by the end user without requiring any special tools or expertise. Fauciglietti Engineering is an engineer- ing firm that deals with applied research, industrial design, and product development in all its phases, from material selection to production start-up. Fontanot used its expertise in the field of plastics, and collaborated with Fauciglietti Engineering and Lati to produce a modular outdoor and indoor spiral staircase, entirely made of technopolymers. The Techne staircase, which is available in 120, 140 and 160cm diameters, is made of independent

72 per cent of heavy side and 79 per cent of light side firms stated that costs had risen from a year ago. According to 6 per cent of heavy side and 13 per cent of light side manufacturers, employment fell, on balance. However, improvements in labour market conditions are anticipated in 2013. The Construction Products Association represents the UK’s manufacturers and suppliers of construction products, components and fittings. The association acts as the voice of the construction products sector, representing the industry-wide view of its members. The sector has an annual turnover of £50bn and accounts for 40 per cent of total construction output. Construction Products Association – UK www.constructionproducts.org.uk stiffened by a high content of special glass fibres (hub and ribs area), and a highly reinforced, dimensionally stable PP over-moulded tread resistant to UV and weathering. Due to its mechanical resistance and lightness, as well as its aesthetically pleasing appearance despite the high reinforcing fibre content, the modular element of the Techne staircase lends itself to indoor and outdoor applications in both domestic and industrial environments. Details of this application are available on Fontanot’s website, www.technestairs. com, which also shows the staircases in their different configurations.

Modular spiral staircase from engineering plastics

Lati Industria Termoplastici SpA – Italy

info@lati.com www.lati.com

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Tube Products International March 2013

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