PROJECT FEATURE FV FLATIRON FORTITUDE VALLEY, QLD

SPOTLIGHT ON LIAM & JOHN NORTHOVER, SYDNEY

FISHING IN DARWIN WITH DANNY GREEN

CARINYA RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS & DOORS HITS THE ROAD!

ALSPEC NATIONAL NEWS

SUMMER 2017

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CONTENTS SALES & MARKETINGUPDATE

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SALES & MARKETING UPDATE by Barry Lunn, Sales & Marketing Director

FISHING IN DARWIN WITH DANNY GREEN

RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT New Machines for Aluminium Production

ALSPEC BRANDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

ALSPEC NEW WEBSITE

PROJECT FEATURE FV Gurner, Fortitude Valley QLD

SPOTLIGHT ON Liam Northover, Head Office

SPOTLIGHT ON John Northover, Sydney

INFINIUM BY ALUK

SC95TT BY ALUK

CARINYA RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS & DOORS HITS THE ROAD

OPERATIONS INITIATIVES By Wayne Larsen, National Operations Manager

RECENT PROJECTS Impressive Addition, Maitland, VIC

RECENT PROJECTS Glazed Beauty, Ivanhoe, VIC

RECENT PROJECTS Surfside Geraldton, WA

RECENT PROJECTS Corpus Christi College Gymnasium, WA

Hi all,

Alspec are delighted to have signed an exclusive supply agreement with European Systems company AluK. We will be launching the first products in February 2018. AluK are a brand that originated in Italy and is now a global brand with businesses across Europe, in the Middle East and China. This partnership will provide high quality European doors and windows with full back up across Australia.

Importantly, the AluK systems will be modified where relevant to meet Australian building requirements and methods.

We have appointed an AluK Product Manager, Kelvin Hirini, who will be travelling the Branches early in the New Year to conduct training on the first intro of AluK products.

Alspec R&D in Loganlea has gone to the next level in recent months. We have installed a brand new CNC and Double Head Mitre Saw from leading manufacturer Emmegi in Italy. See the full information on page 4. This is further investment in adding value to our customers by providing advice in the critical area of machining and software integration to both AiQ and Logikal.

Our Alspec website is another new and exciting development, the new website, launched in October is the result of over a year of development work. The new site ensures that up to date product information is at the fingertips of fabricators and architects whether they are at their desk or on a site via phone or tablet. The design of the website ensures that a wide array of product information is quick and easy to find.

Social Media is an increasingly important element of communication these days. On page 5 you can see the different social media channels that we are active on. We invite you to follow and share these pages to keep up to date.

As advised in the previous issue of Connected we have started a new round of Home Shows in September. This kicked off with the HIA Home Show in Brisbane. The Carinya and wider team have done a brilliant job of designing and building a new stand which looks amazing and does a great job of presenting Carinya and Invisi-Gard to consumers.

On behalf of Alspec I would like to thank everyone for their support in 2017 and wish you a Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year!

Regards,

Barry Lunn Sales & Marketing Director

ON WEDNESDAY 27TH OF SEPTEMBER, DANNY GREEN AND HIS SON ARCHIE VISITED DARWIN TO JOIN 14 OF OUR INVISI-GARD DEALERS ON A 5 HOUR FISHING CHARTER OFF CULLEN BAY.

The purpose of the charter was to provide a unique experience for our loyal and reputable Invisi-Gard fabricators to enjoy the company of a 4x world champion boxer and Australian icon.

After some light beverages, a few jokes and a 1 hour boat ride, the fishing was on.

Danny wasted everyone’s time dragging in some sharks whilst everyone else enjoyed the sunset views.

Late in the evening Andrew from NTK and Adrian from Pete's Glass dragged in a couple of 130cm monsters which saved the Alspec staff from any embarrassment of not catching any big fish.

A few more light beverages on the ride home and lots of mingling by everyone made for a memorable night.

Plenty of happy snaps were taken with Danny and good times were had by all.

Thanks to Simon Cheney for arranging the charter, which our customers all appreciated.

FISHING IN DARWIN WITH DANNY GREEN

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RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

DURING SEPTEMBER ALSPEC R&D TOOK DELIVERY OF TWO NEW EMMEGI MACHINES FOR ALUMINIUM PRODUCTION, A DOUBLE HEAD MITRE SAW AND A CNC MACHINING CENTRE.

The purpose of these machines is to provide a customer showcase for how machines can integrate into a window and door factory.

The Comet T6 HP 4+2 CNC machining centre has 4 controlled axes for machining bars made of aluminum, PVC, light alloys or steel. It has two modes of operation: either in just one work area for bars up to 7.7m long or else in two independent work areas which can cater for 6 individual pieces of extrusion. The COMET T6 HP has 2 extra axes for vices and reference stop positioning enables the vices to be positioned in concurrent operation time when the machining centre is running in double mode. The 4th axis allows the electric spindle to be controlled by the N/C continuously in the range 0° to 180° for machining the profile contour. It is equipped with an 8-place tool magazine, capable of containing 2 angle machining heads and a side milling cutter which allows machining of the 5 faces of the work piece. It also has a moving work table which makes work piece loading/unloading easier and increases the machineable surface area of sections considerably. The CNC is fitted with a barcode scanner to scan the labels printed from the saw for easy operation.

The Precision T2 Double-head saw with 3 controlled axes for aluminum, PVC and light alloys has automatic movement of the mobile head and electronic management of all 45° (internal) to 15° (external) angles, with a precision of 0.1 degrees across the range. Blade advancement is adjustable and driven by a hydro-pneumatic cylinder and a 550mm-blade with a useful cut of 5m allows sections up to 450 x 300mm to be square cut. The saw also has an auto feed cut system to allow for high volume repetition cuts of small sections. The saw is fitted with a label printer which after cutting prints a label with barcode for the CNC.

We have been working with both Softtech and Orgadata to program the machining details for Alspec suites into estimation software.

The machining details are automatically added to the frame during the estimation phase of the quote. When the quote is converted to a job the machining details can be pushed directly to automated saws and CNC centres. The machining file is opened on the automated saw. The file includes all cutting details. A label is printed and attached to each cut extrusion. This label includes a barcode. The bar coded extrusion is next scanned at the CNC centre and any machining programmed will be automatically loaded into the CNC software for material processing.

WE WELCOME CUSTOMERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN MACHINERY FOR THEIR FACTORY TO VISIT OUR R&D FACILITY IN LOGANLEA QLD. AREA MANAGERS THAT HAVE CUSTOMERS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN VISITING SHOULD CONTACT BARRY LUNN OR MATTHEW NEWTON.

NEW MACHINES FOR ALUMINIUM PRODUCTION

ALSPECNEW WEBSITEFOR SOME MONTHS NOW WE HAVE BEEN WORKING ON UPDATING THE ALSPEC WEBSITE AND WE ARE VERY PLEASED TO ADVISE THAT THIS PROCESS IS NOW COMPLETE.

The new Alspec website is now 100% mobile responsive and will work well from any device whether it is a desktop, laptop, tablet or phone.

You will see a significant change to the layout of the product pages, some of the features include:

• A completely re-designed homepage navigation for products

• A series of easy to navigate tabs on each product page

• A new ‘Technical Specifications’ table showing all of the relevant performance criteria such as wind and water ratings, U values, max sizes, glass options, acoustic performance etc

• A 'Technical Information' tab that has the Tech Manual, Wall Chart as well as any Tech Memos relevant to the product

• WERS ratings built in as a 'page within a page' so they open inside the WERS tab rather than a new page

All of these new features and many more have been designed to give you more information at a quick glance and to make your browsing experience more enjoyable and user friendly.

We hope you like the changes, and if you have any feedback, please let us know at brand@alspec.com.au.

ALSPEC BRANDS ON SOCIAL MEDIA

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PROJECT SNAPSHOTDEVELOPER: Gurner™

BUILDER: Brookfield Multiplex

ARCHITECT: Elenberg Fraser

ALSPEC FABRICATOR: Queensland Façade Systems

EXTERIOR FAÇADEALSPEC SYSTEMS:

Hunter Evo 150mm Double Flush Glazed Framing

ProGlide Double Glazed High Performance Sliding Door

Over 20 new extrusion dies specific to the project

INTERIOR FAÇADEALSPEC SYSTEMS:

Altitude Apartment Sliding Door

Hawkesbury Commercial Multi Fold Door

Swan Evo 45mm Double Glazed Commercial Door

McArthur 101.6mm and 150mm Centre Pocket Framing

ecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing

Hunter Evo 101.6mm & 150mm Double Flush Glazed Framing

ecoWALL 225 Flush Glazed Framing

POWDERCOAT FINISH: Interpon Ultriva Ebony Matt (YN201A)

FV GURNER FORTITUDE VALLEY QLD

THE ICONIC NEW “FV - FLATIRON” RESIDENTIAL BUILDING IN THE HEART OF BRISBANE’S FORTITUDE VALLEY WILL PROVIDE RESIDENTS WITH A QUIET SANCTUARY, THANKS TO THE INCORPORATION OF ALSPEC’S HIGH END ACOUSTIC FRAMING, WINDOWS AND DOORS.

While paying homage to the shape of New York’s famous

Flatiron building, the new GurnerTM development boasts the

latest in glazing and framing technology, undreamt of at the

time its 100 year old namesake was constructed.

Due for completion in late 2017, Brisbane’s FV - Flatiron

and neighbouring FV - Valley House buildings are the

first two of three being built on the development site

in vibrant Fortitude Valley. Known for its lively nightlife

and entertainment venues, acoustic considerations

were forefront for the developer to ensure the building

was attractive to potential residents.

The exterior facades of the 30-storey buildings feature

nearly 17,000m2 of glazing, incorporating

two key Alspec products – Hunter Evo

150mm Double Flush Glazed Framing

and ProGlide High Performance Sliding

Doors. These two high-end commercial

products both incorporate double glazed

glass which will be the key to ensuring

new residents are able to enjoy their

urban location regardless of any

exterior noise.

PROJECT FEATURE

The building’s unique curved exterior also required the

casting of more than 20 project-specific extrusion “dies”,

the special tools used to shape aluminium into the

required framing profile, demonstrating the versatility of

the Hunter Evo 150 product in particular.

In the commercial precinct of the development at podium

level several of Alspec’s high performance framing

products were selected for their ability to accommodate

a diverse range of glazing types and to contribute to the

energy efficiency of the building.

The Hawkesbury Commercial Multi Fold door, with its

ability to span large floor-to-ceiling heights, was the

obvious choice for these areas. In addition it has the

flexibility to be able to accommodate the demands of

different commercial premises.

The Swan Evo 45mm Double Glazed Commercial Door is

utilised for shopfronts requiring hinged, pivot or sliding

options, and works well with the McArthur 101.6mm

and 150mm Centre Pocket Framing products which are

equally flexible.

On the residential levels, the Altitude Apartment

Sliding door will provide residents with not only a high

performance product, but a pleasing aesthetic and stylish

finish to their homes.

Two of Alspec’s more sophisticated products,

ecoFRAMEplus and ecoWALL, were utilised for their

unique attributes. EcoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre

Pocket Double Glazed Framing is not only energy

efficient but incorporates heavy duty mullions which

enable windows to span distances of up to 4m. The

ecoWALL 225 Flush Glazed Framing is desired for

commercial foyers, showrooms and high-end residential

spaces as it can eliminate the need for expensive steel

framing in some situations.

WITH THE FIRST TWO TOWERS OF THE DEVELOPMENT SET FOR COMPLETION LATE 2017, AND THE THIRD TOWER IN 2019, RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES CAN LOOK FORWARD TO ENJOYING A LIGHT-FILLED, ACOUSTICALLY PROTECTED, ICONIC BUILDING IN THE HEART OF BRISBANE, THANKS TO ALSPEC’S COMPREHENSIVE RANGE OF DOOR AND FRAMING SOLUTIONS.

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LIAM NORTHOVER ACCOUNTANT, HEAD OFFICE

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT ALSPEC AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I have been at Alspec since early January where I undertook work experience with the finance team. I then was offered a casual position with the company as an accounts payable officer, working 2-3 days a week while I was still at university. I graduated university in mid-July this year and began my full time career at Alspec. My current role is an accountant, which has exposed me to many different day to day tasks including; invoicing, taxation, key performance indicators, analysis and projects. I also do book keeping for AS Building Solutions.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NO ONE AT ALSPEC KNOWS? I am a direct descendant of a first fleet convict who arrived on the ship the Charlotte on the 20/1/1788. This ancestor is from my mother’s side of the family.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT? I am still trying to learn new things within the business, whether it is a system related task or a product related issue, there is always someone who is ready and willing to help. It is a credit to the team and embodies the importance of teamwork and everyone working together to ensure the continuing success of the business.

MOST EXOTIC PLACE EVER VISITED? Probably some of the countries I travelled to in Europe. As a child I always wanted to visit the colosseum in Italy and I was lucky enough to visit Rome last year. Also the mountains of Switzerland and the islands of Greece were home to some of the most beautiful places and beaches I’ve ever seen.

EVER HAD A BRUSH WITH FAME? I was on Disney's playhouse as a child appearing in one of their episodes. I also was at the premier of “I Now Pronounce You Chuck and Larry” in Los Angeles and saw the stars of the film, including Adam Sandler and Kevin James. I have run into Cronulla Sharks captain Paul Gallen several times out and about near home.

FAVOURITE PAST TIME? HOBBY? I go to the gym 4-5 times a week with my mates. I have also been playing soccer since I was five years old. I love to travel, whether it’s to snowboard at the snow fields in Thredbo, or to countries in Europe or the USA, which I have been lucky enough to visit over the years.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? I’m pretty lucky that I get to work with my father, John Northover as we travel to and from work together and have lunch together most days. This means that both work and life have become one and the same, as we keep each other up to date with what is going on in the business, but he also teaches me things he has learned over his many years of working for Alspec. This also helps to improve my knowledge and skills in my role.

CHOOSE YOUR MR MEN/LITTLE MISS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY. I’d say I’m Mr Hungry as no matter how much I eat there is always room for more, especially if there is dessert after a big meal.

SPOTLIGHT ON...JOHN NORTHOVER COUNTER SALES & COLLECTS MANAGER SYDNEY

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN AT ALSPEC AND WHAT DO YOU DO IN YOUR CURRENT ROLE? I initially worked with Alspec for ten years, left briefly, and have now been with the company for 23 years. I have held various roles, my current role being Counter Sales and Collects Manager of our Sydney Office since 2003.

TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT YOURSELF THAT NO ONE AT ALSPEC KNOWS? I started with Alspec in the garage of a house in the northern suburbs of Sydney, making swimming pool telescopic poles after school. I also organised for fellow students to assist with manufacturing as needed. This was the humble beginnings of the company we all know today.

WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE CHALLENGE YOU FACE IN YOUR ROLE AND HOW DO YOU MANAGE THAT? I continually strive to achieve the best possible experience for our customers to enable the company to be the leading distributor of aluminium products in the Sydney area. I work as part of a strong team with the Sales Department and Warehouse staff, supporting each other to meet and exceed high customer expectations.

MOST EXOTIC PLACE EVER VISITED? I have been lucky to have travelled to many great places, my favourites being the Greek Islands and Italy.

EVER HAD A BRUSH WITH FAME? Danny Green came into the Counter Sales Office one day and I had my photo taken with him.

IF YOU COULD DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN, WHAT WOULD YOU DO?I love spending time with my family. We have had some awesome trips together and I look forward to more quality time with them in the future.

FAVOURITE PAST TIME? HOBBY? I enjoy mountain bike riding and getting out into the bush and fire trails most weekends. My wife and I also enjoy going to the Australian Open tennis in Melbourne.

HOW DO YOU OBTAIN A WORK/LIFE BALANCE? Alspec has given me the opportunity to enhance my work/life balance with my son Liam joining the company this year. We travel to and from work together and have lunch together most days. This has enabled me to spend more time with him.

CHOOSE YOUR MR MEN/LITTLE MISS TO DESCRIBE YOUR PERSONALITY. I aspire to be Mr Happy.

The loyalty and pride I have shown Alspec over the years can now be carried on, with the employment of my son Liam. He has recently graduated from university with a degree in Accounting and Finance and his hard work has enabled him to begin to build a career with Alspec and follow in my footsteps.

I would encourage everyone to have a go – if you think you can do it – do it – this is how we have grown to be the company we all work in today!

SPOTLIGHT ON...

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ON THE 8TH TO 10TH SEPTEMBER 2017 CARINYA RESIDENTIAL DOORS & WINDOWS HIT THE ROAD WITH THEIR NEWLY DESIGNED STAND AT THE HIA SHOW IN BRISBANE.

This 3 day event was a huge success with thousands of people visiting the Carinya stand to discuss how their range of high performance residential windows and doors helps to solve a variety of problems in residential homes.

Almost double the size of previous HIA shows, the new Carinya Stand created an inviting space where visitors could see and touch Carinya’s exclusive range of windows, doors and screening solutions. The large stylish overhead banner worked well to draw the eye of visitors to the HIA Home Show and the display of windows, doors and screening options were a big hit!

VISITORS LOVED THE CARINYA DISPLAYSInstead of just reading a brochure, visitors to the Carinya Stand could open and close the doors and windows and actually envision how these products could fit into their homes. For example, it’s not easy trying to understand how a corner sliding

door actually operates, and it is only when you see and walk across a flush sill that you realise the benefits of this type of design.

The large overhead banner showcased how the Carinya products could be integrated into existing homes or even installed in brand new homes right from the design stage. In fact, the Classic Corner Stacking Doors were a big hit with visitors to the Carinya Stand, as was the Bi-Fold Servery and Hinged Entry Doors.

Visitors were practically queuing up to open and close these doors, being completely amazed at the quality and designs that are now available in the Carinya product range. Solar Control options for reducing the effects of the Aussie sun inside homes were also popular, however the most visited display would have to be the Carinya Bi-Fold Doors with the Centor S1E Screen.

THE CENTOR S1E SCREEN IS A RETRACTABLE SCREENING SYSTEM THAT OPERATES WITH JUST A FINGERTIP TO DISCREETLY DISAPPEAR INTO ITS FRAME WHEN NOT IN USE.

Paired with the Carinya Bi-Fold Doors, visitors found that this was the ideal solution for their homes during the hot summer months.

At the Carinya HIA Stand, the Centor S1E Screen was not only used to showcase its screening and privacy benefits to home owners, but visitors were amazed and delighted to realise that it also has movie projection capabilities as well. This was a huge hit with families as their children gathered to watch the latest Box Office movies on the screen!

PARENTS LOVED THE NEW SCREENING OPTIONSWith Invisi-Gard, KidScreen and Alu-Gard Edge screening solutions on display, visitors to the Carinya Stand were truly engaged with our staff, prompting many demonstrations of how these products could be integrated into their homes.

For example, the marine grade stainless steel of the Invisi-Gard security screening was very popular with home owners along the coastal waters of Brisbane’s Bay areas and particularly on the Gold Coast where the corrosive effects of the ocean spray is a problem.

The KidScreen mesh that prevents children from falling out of windows was a great talking point for parents, families and builders, and the Alu-Gard Edge that offers an all-aluminium screening and security option, specifically designed for Australian conditions, was also extremely well received.

CONSUMERS LIKED THE SMOOTH FEEL OF THE SCREEN MESH AND LIMITED VIEWING ANGLES FOR PRIVACY REASONS.

AT THE END OF THE THREE DAY HIA EVENT, THOUSANDS OF VISITORS HAD SPENT TIME AT THE CARINYA STAND INTERACTING WITH STAFF AND ROAD TESTING THE CARINYA PRODUCTS. IT WAS A GREAT SUCCESS!

CARINYA RESIDENTIAL WINDOWS & DOORS HITS THE ROAD!

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AS WE CONTINUOUSLY AND RELENTLESSLY STRIVE TO IMPROVE OUR OPERATIONAL ACTIVITIES; WE LOOK FOR SMARTER WAYS OF DOING THINGS TO MAKE WORK SAFER AND EASIER FOR OUR STAFF WHILST IMPROVING LEVELS OF SERVICE AND PRODUCT QUALITY FOR OUR CUSTOMERS.

Win/win solutions like these are sometimes difficult to deliver and often involve complex changes and expensive capital investments – but sometimes there are great solutions that have the potential to deliver outstanding improvements.

Around the country, our operations teams have been working on a range of initiatives that are in various stages of development and testing; most of the examples below are in the early stages of deployment or very close to being ready for full implementation across the business.

DELIVERY DOCKETSOver the past 18 months, the product design team have been updating the extrusion images on file in AX to improve the resolution and to help clearly identify the visible faces. This was originally driven by our Brisbane team to improve the production paperwork for powder coating, and subsequently extended to include images on branch transfer paperwork to assist with receiving.

On realising the benefits for our own store people, the Newcastle branch pushed an initiative to include images on customer delivery notes. As a result, the IT team have now developed a customer delivery note that shows product images and backorder details. The more detailed document is particularly helpful for large project and Carinya deliveries where customers need to check off full cases of mixed product.

ELECTRIC TROLLEY TUGIn an effort to reduce the manual handling risk associated with pushing trolleys when transporting cases of extrusion between sheds in Newcastle, the team have been trialling the use of an electric tug. The tug is attached to the trolleys via a customised hitch and is operated by a simple handlebar control.

For those that have not been to our Newcastle site, it consists of 3 separate sheds that house the distribution operations (A Frames, hardware and grilles), rolled product and bulk extrusion respectively. The task of replenishing the A Frames requires cases to be moved from the bulk shed to the main warehouse via a manually pushed trolley and up an incline (as the warehouses are on slightly different ground levels) across a concrete apron that has seen better days.

The tug was supplied by a local distributor and whilst still needing some refinement, will improve both safety and efficiency for the branch at the same time reducing product damage and scratching, and can be easily deployed into other operations – for example; moving pre-treatment baskets and truck skips.

CASE LIFTER – REPLENISHMENT MACHINEEvery day, Alspec employs around 30 store people to replenish A Frame pick faces with an average 50 tonnes of extrusions. This process involves taking individual lengths or bundles that weigh 15kg on average and manually lifting them from a horizontal position to stand them up vertically in their pick location.

This is by far the least productive and highest risk manual task that is undertaken in our operations.

Over the past 12 months we have been working with the Western Sydney University to develop a machine to assist with, or eliminate the need to manually stand up extrusions during the replenishment

process. During this time, many different designs have been developed and refined to the point where a prototype has been built. After initial testing and feedback, some modifications were requested and we are now close to taking delivery of a machine for field testing at our Sydney branch.

In addition to improving the safety of Alspec staff, the machine will reduce the chances of product damage by eliminating a major manual handling stage in the supply chain.

Alspec will also own the IP to the machine once it has been developed.

OPERATIONS INITIATIVESTRUCK SKIPSFollowing the work done to develop an engineered design for our truck trays to improve load restraint compliance and safety, the team in Brisbane have worked with our engineers to design new skips for the transportation of loose product. There are two skip sizes that have been designed; one for extrusion bundles and a wider version for sheet and grilles. In addition to holding product inside the skips, they have been engineered to allow for loading cases of product on top to maximise load capacity.

Loading cases on top of the skips has allowed us to use the full width of the truck, resulting in less weight being loaded on top of the bundles in the bottom of the skip (ie; the skips are wider and shorter than our current skips) which will help to reduce transport damage to extrusion bundles during delivery. The products inside the skips will also be closer to the ground than is the case with the current skips; making unloading much easier and safer for our truck drivers.

The new skips are currently being field trialled in Brisbane and should be ready to roll out to other branches by Christmas.

DELIVERY ROUTE PLANNING AND CUSTOMER NOTIFICATIONSAround 12 months ago, we commenced the process of upgrading the GPS tracking and telematics systems in our delivery trucks to TomTom Webfleet. This change was in part to improve the effectiveness of the GPS tracking system as the previous system was well past it’s used by date, but also to facilitate the use of advanced tools for planning and managing our delivery fleet.

Alspec owns and operates a fleet of more than 50 trucks nationally making over 12,000 deliveries per month on average. We operate on busy metropolitan roads and also in regional areas doing long haul runs; carrying a complex mix of incompatible (from a transport perspective) products. And we do it on a ‘next day’ delivery basis in most cases with late order cut-off times. The complexity of the loads, daily fluctuations in volumes and specific customer requirements results in delivery runs that are not always well planned and requires more trucks for more hours each day to execute the task.

To help improve the overall service outcomes and provide better real time visibility of the whereabouts of our fleet (especially on very busy days), Alspec has chosen to use the PTV Smartour route planning tool. The system will enable us to plan our runs

better, send delivery messages to our customers electronically and manage the safety of our drivers in a proactive manner. The system was initially piloted by the Newcastle, Brisbane and Sydney branches before being rolled out across the country. We are now finalising the development of the messaging systems before turning our attention to ‘sign on glass’ functionality.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ROUTE PLANNING?For Alspec • More reliable delivery plans (especially in peak periods) • More efficient delivery runs • Less reliance on third party carriers • Driver fatigue management • Real time job tracking and delivery ETA’s • Internal sales will be able to link to the real time ETA on demand • Immediate POD’s (sign on glass)

For Customers • Delivery Pre-notification (SMS alerts) • Real time, accurate information • More deliveries made earlier in the day (on average) • POD’s immediately available

ACID RECOVERY PROJECTA project has been running at Eastern Creek in conjunction with our waste and chemical service providers and the Queensland University of Technology to develop a process to ‘clean’ the Hydrofluoric Acid solutions in our paintline pre-treatment systems. The process that has been developed will remove the dissolved aluminium from the acid and acid rinse stages – returning fresh acid to the process tank. The result for Alspec is that it will significantly reduce the requirement to add fresh chemicals to the system and eliminate the requirement to dispose the first rinse tank solution to maintain balance in our system. The outcome will deliver extended treatment resin life between regeneration cycles and stop a common problem of dissolved aluminium building up in the conversion coat tank (Chrome or Oxsilan). In short – we will get a more stable pre-treatment system with longer run times and lower waste and chemical costs.

The system has been run offline to prove the process, and will be installed on the production tanks in Sydney by the end of October before rolling out to the remaining powder coat lines.

Some of the above projects have been in the works for quite some time (years in some cases) and reflect many hours of work, consultation, design, trial, fail, redesign and trial again. A lot of people within the business have put in time and effort over and above the call of their employed roles. Kudos goes to everyone that has been involved at any stage of the above projects; your efforts will make a difference to Alspec employees and customers for many years to come.

Wayne Larsen National Operations Manager

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BLENDING A NEW ADDITION INTO THIS EXISTING HOME REQUIRED SOME THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX. THE CLEVER USE OF LARGE SLIDING DOORS HAS AVOIDED A COLLISION BETWEEN THE TWO SPACES, AND ENSURED THERE IS NOW A SMOOTH TRANSITION FROM ONE AREA TO THE NEXT.

PROJECT SNAPSHOTARCHITECT: Kennedy Nolan

ALSPEC FABRICATOR: Designer Windows

ALSPEC PRODUCTS USED: Torrens 45mm Commercial Shopfront DoorProGlide High Performance Sliding DoorecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed Framing

IMPRESSIVE ADDITION MAITLAND, VIC

RECENT PROJECTS

SURROUNDED BY SPRAWLING MANSIONS FROM AN EARLIER CENTURY, THE NEWLY COMPLETED MAKRIS HOUSE SETS ITSELF APART FROM ITS NEIGHBOURS THROUGH THE CLEVER USE OF FEATURE GLAZING TO CREATE A MODERN LIGHT-FILLED HOME.

PROJECT SNAPSHOTARCHITECT: KUD Architects

ALSPEC FABRICATOR: Master Windows & Screens VIC

ALSPEC PRODUCTS USED: ProGlide® High Performance Sliding DoorecoFRAMEplus 101.6mm Centre Pocket Double Glazed FramingHastings 101.6mm Front Glazed FramingSwan 45mm Commercial DoorAwning and Casement Window

GLAZED BEAUTY IVANHOE, VIC

RECENT PROJECTS

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A BEAUTIFUL COASTAL LOCATION PRESENTS DESIGNERS AND HOMEBUILDERS WITH MANY CLIMATE AND ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES, SUCH AS COPING WITH A HIGHLY CORROSIVE ENVIRONMENT AND WINDY WEATHER EXTREMES.

PROJECT SNAPSHOTBUILDER: Crothers Construction

ARCHITECT: Todd West/Habitat Drafting

FABRICATOR: Glass Co WA

ALSPEC PRODUCTS USED: ProGlide® High Performance Sliding DoorMcArthur 150mm Centre Pocket FramingAir-Flo® Louvre Framing

SURFSIDE GERALDTON, WA

RECENT PROJECTSCORPUS CHRISTI COLLEGE GYMNASIUM, WA

OUR COMMERCIAL DOORS AND WINDOWS ARE THE PERFECT SOLUTION FOR THE ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES PRESENTED BY THIS BEAUTIFUL COASTAL LOCATION. OUR COMMERCIAL GRADE DOORS AND WINDOWS PERFORM WELL IN THIS DEMANDING ENVIRONMENT.

PROJECT SNAPSHOTBUILDER: EMCO Constructions

ARCHITECT: EIW Architects

ALSPEC PRODUCTS USED: McArthur 101.6mm Centre Pocket FramingSwan 45mm Commercial DoorHawkesbury® Commercial Multi-Fold Door

RECENT PROJECTS

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