Archives for February 2022

The Progressive Players were founded in 1920.  In 1939, founding members Ruth, Sylvia and Hope Dodds generously provided the money to purchase a vacant site facing Saltwell Park, together with adjoining No.3 Saltwell View, and build the Players’ own theatre.

The Little Theatre is believed to be the only playhouse built in Britain during World War II and to this day it remains Gatehead’s only theatre.  It opened with a performance of ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’ in October 1943 and since then the site has remained home to the Progressive Players who now produce ten plays a year.

Closed during the pandemic, funding was completed on an extension, creating a new rehearsal room above the auditorium known as ‘The Studio’.  This facility has exactly the same dimensions as the main auditorium stage meaning the transfer from rehearsals to final production is much smoother than was previously possible.

The new space is acoustically isolated from the auditorium and stage allowing rehearsals to proceed even during a performance and was designed to be in keeping with the look and feel of the original theatre. Fitted with modern lighting and sound systems, the rehearsal room has the latest connectivity and networking capabilities. 

New steel windows were required to replace the originals at the theatre.  Clement W20 steel frames were chosen, polyester painted in Jet Black (matt).  The two modular bay windows at the front of the building are particularly striking and the choice of glass was important.  SunGuard SuperNeutral 62/34 was chosen for the outer pane, offering very high natural light transmission while ensuring energy savings through solar protection and thermal insulation, krypton gas was used for the centre of the pane and 4mm of toughened Planibel Grey was used for the inner pane. 

The newly refurbished Little Theatre will not only be used for the  Progressive Players’ rehearsals, visiting hires and local community groups, but it is also hoped that it will eventually accommodate a youth theatre group.

Photography taken and provided by Robbie Carruthers, Chairman, Little Theatre.  

Interest in automation among British IGU manufacturers is higher than ever according to world-leading spacer bar specialists Edgetech, a Quanex company.

Over the last two years, British fenestration has experienced incredible success despite the pandemic.

However, during the last six months in particular, it’s also begun to face huge challenges, most notably when it comes to materials and skills.

It’s these issues in particular that Edgetech believes are driving more IGU manufacturers towards automation, as Managing Director Chris Alderson explains.

“A third of British workers are over 50 years old, it’s thought as many as 1.3 million EU workers have left the country since Brexit, and the scarcity of skilled workers is already leading to wage inflation.

“Unsurprisingly, this has led to more and more IGU manufacturers contacting us to enquire about automating the spacer application process.

“By far, automation is the best long-term strategy for boosting productivity and improving quality in IGU production.

“Switching to a high-speed automated Super Spacer® line can yield savings of up to £180,000, and increase output by 18%, all while requiring less than half the number of operators.

“Given the pressures every manufacturing business faces when it comes to skills, and that will only increase in the months and years ahead, I think it’s inevitable that automation will become a much bigger part not just of our industry, but virtually every sector of the economy”.

For more information, please call 02476 639931 or visit www.edgetechig.co.uk

2022 is a significant year for Antrim based glazing and façade contractor Topglass as it celebrates its 30^th year in business. The Company’s milestone anniversary year coincides with the appointment of their new Managing Director, Mark Mitchell. MJM Group Director Naoimh McConville said “From an engineering and contracting background, Mark, has a wealth of experience at board level within the commercial and manufacturing sectors. Supported by the Company’s Senior Management Team he has ambitious plans for the future of Topglass.”

Mark Mitchell said “It is clear to see that Topglass has a proud history of advancing the capabilities of glass and glazing. For the past three decades the company has prided itself on delivering solutions and has progressed to the forefront of innovation in architectural glazing. I am delighted to now spearhead the company during the next phase of its evolution as it emerges from the uncertainty of the global challenges seen in the last two years. This year we will outline a strategy with a focus on growth building on and strengthening the existing team. I look forward to announcing new appointments in the coming weeks to join our Finance, Contracts and Sales Teams.”

“Topglass has built successful and longstanding business relationships with its customers, suppliers and other industry professionals, which has resulted in client retention and repeat business. We intend to cultivate these relationships while also moving into new sectors and broadening our customer base. Significant investment in research and development and manufacturing processes has allowed us to expand upon our offerings and move into other niche markets moving forward.”  Added Mark Mitchell.

Topglass was founded in 1992 by former owner, Northern Irish businessman James O’Kane. In 2018 the specialist glazing firm was acquired by the MJM Group, which also includes MJM Marine, a leading international specialist in cruise ship refurbishment with over 38 years’ experience and Mivan, one of Northern Ireland’s best-known fit-out businesses working in the luxury land and marine sectors across the world.