BUSINESS STANDARDS
is the quarterly magazine of BSI Group, highlighting the vital role that standards play in today's business environment. Regular features include interviews with leading business figures, as well as news on the latest developments in management systems and standards.

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Fast glass: Kitemark® for Norvik

25 Jul 2008
Topics: Kitemark®

Barnsley based Norvik PVCu Window Systems Ltd has achieved Kitemark certification to BS EN 1279 for its new range of double-glazed sealed units in record time, following assessment from BSI Product Services. Norvik, a specialist in the new build sector, was looking to expand the business and, with an annual outsourcing cost of over £500,000 for glass, the decision to start manufacturing its own sealed units and invest in the necessary production equipment was a logical progression. The company was concerned that the time involved in the Kitemark approval process - up to four months - would mean a loss of sales while it was being carried out.

"We contacted BSI Product Services and explained our concerns," says Steve Day, managing director of Norvik, "and they were able to offer us a very interesting option. They would carry out a short seven-week moisture penetration test on our products, in line with Part 6 of BS EN1279. If the units passed, we would be given permission to use the Kitemark immediately."

Seven weeks from the submission of samples, Norvik was granted permission to apply the Kitemark to its new range of double-glazed sealed units. The test continued for the full 16 weeks prescribed by Part 2 of the standard in accordance with testing requirements and was passed, and the permission to use the Kitemark granted at seven weeks was made unconditional.

For more information: www.bsigroup.com/july08glass


Business Standards © 2007. Editorial produced by Caspian Publishing in association with the British Standards Institution. Editorial opinions expressed on are not necessarily those of BSI Group or Caspian Publishing. Neither Caspian Publishing nor BSI Group accept responsibility for advertising or editorial content, nor for that appearing on linked third-party websites. Reproduction in whole or in part is forbidden without written permission from BSI Group or Caspian Publishing.


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