01/12/11 - IKO Industries Ltd. Acquires Stake in Metrotile Europe NV

ANTWERP, BELGIUM, Jan. 12 /CNW/ - Leading roofing and waterproofing supplies producer IKO Industries Ltd. announced today its purchase of a significant stake in Metrotile Europe NV.  The two companies reached an agreement on the sale of a significant share of Metrotile Europe just prior to the end of 2010.

IKO, the Canadian based manufacturer of residential and commercial roofing products, entered the European market in 1972, when it constructed a shingle manufacturing plant in Ham, Belgium.  The company and its affiliated businesses now own and operate facilities in 10 countries throughout Europe. 

"We're very pleased to have reached this agreement with Metrotile Europe NV," said Hartley Koschitzky, head of IKO's European Operations.  "Like IKO, Metrotile Europe has been an innovator in its market from the start, and shares our commitment to producing quality products for its customers around the world.  We feel this deal will bring tremendous benefits for both companies."

Metrotile's line of granule coated steel roofing products provides IKO with an entry into a segment of the market not previously served by IKO's asphalt roofing shingles.  Although IKO offers a variety of roofing and waterproofing solutions, the deal with Metrotile represents the company's first entry into steel roofing systems. 

IKO indicates that there are no plans to become directly involved in the oversight of Metrotile Europe NV operations, which will remain under the stewardship of its current management team. 

Metrotile Europe NV was founded in 1997 by Sergio Canini in partnership with Metrotile New Zealand, whose business dates back more than 60 years. 

IKO Industries Ltd. is a global leader in the manufacture and supply of commercial and residential roofing products.  Founded in Calgary, Alberta, in 1951, the family owned business has grown to include more than 20 manufacturing plants and 3000 employees worldwide.

12/21/10 - IKO Ready to Launch Newest in Line of Luxury Shingles in New Year

Leading manufacturer of roofing materials poised to start shipping its best-ever slate-look shingle in January

Kankakee, IL December 21, 2011 IKO Industries, Ltd, a North American pioneer in the residential and commercial roofing business, is introducing Royal Estate a brand-new premium-quality asphalt shingle that emulates the sophisticated, distinctive look of natural slate tiles.

According to Carol Perkins, Marketing Director, Royal Estate is one of the best of its class in the company's line of luxury laminated fiberglass architectural shingles. "IKO's motto is 'Setting the Standard'. The company has been raising the bar in our industry for over half a century. Royal Estate is a perfect example of how our engineers have combined form and function for the benefit of discerning homeowners."

She goes on to explain how it was IKO's patented color blending technology that first made it possible to achieve the sought-after look of natural slate, with its beautiful yet subtle color gradations.

"People love the look and curb appeal of a natural stone roof, but it's cost-prohibitive because of the installation time and labor involved. Other concerns can include maintenance worries or even having to reinforce the roof's structure first to support the weight of real slate."

"For contractors, slate tiles are difficult to handle and not just because of their weight. They tend to be brittle, break easily and are very slippery for installers to walk on. Royal Estate is fast and easy to install. The resulting time and labor savings make it possible for homeowners to enjoy the look of natural stone at an affordable cost."

Andy Lodge, Manager Technical and Industry Affairs, says that, Royal Estate's aesthetic advantage over conventional laminated shingles is IKO's synchronized manufacturing process which produces a visually superior look.

Royal Estate shingles are designed to offer homeowners exceptional beauty, durability and value. They're available in four natural-stone colors: Shadow Slate, Mountain Slate, Taupe Slate and Harvest Slate. All have algae-resistant granules embedded into the surface layer to keep Royal Estate roofs looking spectacular, year after year, even on homes in humid climates.

08/19/10 - ATAB roofs the world's 3rd most popular concert hall

Antwerp roofers celebrate their 100th anniversary with 10.000 m² project

By the time you get to read this newsletter, our colleagues from ATAB Contracting in Antwerp have finished the renovation of the 10.000 m² roof of one of Belgium's most remarkable landmarks: the Antwerp Sportpaleis (Sports Palace).

The Antwerp Sportpaleis was built in 1933 as a venue for cycling, boxing, wrestling, ice skating and other sports and games. In later years, music and entertainment became the main activity. The international concert website Pollstar declared the Sportpaleis the 3rd most appreciated concert hall in the world.
Sustainable roof

Thermal and acoustic insulation and sustainable energy production were the three drivers of the project that is financed by NV Sportpaleis, the company that operates the Sportpaleis. The new design of the roof was established after wind load and physical research and an acoustic simulation, in cooperation with the architects.

Thermal and acoustic insulation

On the existing PVC seal, which serves as a vapour barrier, a 13 cm thick Rockwool insulation was attached to the underlying reinforced construction. This insulation layer will not only drastically reduce the ambient noise levels (the Sportpaleis mainly being a concert hall), but also the loss of warmth. Up to now, the Sportpaleis had no thermal insulation whatsoever.

18.000 m² of PVC

Onto the insulation layer a 1.5 mm thick PVC film, reinforced with polyester was fitted. The roof is completely covered with this film in four different shades of blue and as icing on the cake decorated with the logo of the Province of Antwerp in a grey tint, which goes through the various roof planes. GPS equipment was used in order to get the drawing right. The membrane was finished with a "clear coat" to increase the UV resistance and guarantee the colourfastness over many years. Around the roof beams are mounted in 2 rows, to prevent the new insulation and sealing from slipping.

The roof has an area of 10.000 m². To cover this surface, taking into account the design of the architecture, 18.000 m² of material was needed.

A 2000 m² solar plant

Although the new dominant colour is blue, the vast roof remains 'green': the south side is equipped with 378 solar units - 2000 m² in total, attached to a foil seal that is compatible with the PVC.

With only about 3.5 kg/m², the thin film solar modules are 10 times lighter than the traditional crystalline solar glass is chosen 10 times lighter thin film flexible solar modules. They also capture a broader spectrum of light, resulting in a more continuous yield, irrespective of the weather or the time of day.

This 'solar plant' has a rated capacity of 51,000 wp, which corresponds to an estimated production of 45,000 kWh per year, sufficient to provide in the basic electricity needs of the Sportpaleis.

Safety first!

Much attention was paid to safety, both for the workers renovating the roof and for the construction as a whole. The roof of the Sports Palace has an inclination of 24.5 degrees, which means that the roofers weren't able to walk on it without security measures. They had a special safety harness attached with a leash to the rooftop. The highest safety standards were complied with and prior to the works, all elements were tested and certified by an independent inspection service. The full circumference of the cornice was protected by a structure with safety nets and halfway on the slope, nets were provided to catch falling objects. The entire project was monitored by the safety coordinator appointed by the principal.

A birthday present for ATAB

For ATAB, this prestige project is a milestone on the eve of its 100th anniversary. "We have come a long way since our inception in 1911 and we are happy we were able to show our skills, experience and know how, culminating in a new, sustainable, 'high tech' roof for the third concert hall in the world", John Ooms, head of the ATAB contracting department, Antwerp said.

04/13/10 - Two members of IKO's shingle line-up qualify for ENERGY STAR^® rating

Super White Cambridge 30 AR and Marathon Ultra AR shingles: now consumers have an eco-friendly choice

KANKAKEE, IL April 13, 2010 IKO, a pioneer in the residential and commercial roofing business, is very pleased to announce that two members of its asphalt shingle product line recently qualified for an ENERGY STAR rating.

The ENERGY STAR program is a joint venture of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Energy. It was established to help consumers save money and protect the environment by promoting the use and sale of energy-efficient products and practices.

According to the ENERGY STAR's official website, the program helped Americans save enough energy in 2009 to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equal to those from 30 million cars, while saving nearly $17 billion on their utility bills.

Most homeowners would be stunned to discover that their homes can be bigger polluters than their cars, causing up to twice the amount of greenhouse gas emissions! Plus, heating and cooling cost the average homeowner more than $1000 per year. That's nearly half the home's total energy bill. (Source: www.energystar.gov)

Andy Lodge, IKO's Technical Director, says, "Highly-reflective roofs reflect the sun's rays back into the atmosphere. In some areas, that can reduce a roof's temperature by as much as 20% in the summer. The attic stays cooler and air conditioning costs can go down."

Light-colored granules are largely responsible for the shingles' reflectant properties. In many areas of the country where summer heat is especially extreme, the climate can also be humid. The two IKO shingles that qualified for the Energy Star rating are the Super White Cambridge 30 AR & Marathon Ultra AR.

"Now homeowners have an eco-friendly alternative for both new home construction and renovation. There's no longer a need to sacrifice performance, quality or comfort when making the environment -conscious choice," says Mr. Lodge.

Everyone wins. The consumer AND the environment.

04/08/10 - IKO Building on Contractors' Business Skills

KANKAKEE, IL April 8, 2010 IKO is working closely with its distributor network to present a series of one-day seminars in many of the US markets that the company serves.

According to IKO's Director of Marketing, Carol Perkins, "Our roofing contractors are concerned about the economy and how it might impact their ability to generate leads, sell projects and make a profit. Helping our contractors better anticipate and respond to these challenges is the best possible investment our company can make. Suffice it to say that we want to help our contractors make the most of their business opportunities."

John DeRosa Jr. Manager, Sales & Contractor Development for IKO was chosen to facilitate the sessions, which have already been offered in thirteen different states. With more than twelve years of relevant sales, marketing and training experience in the building industry, Mr. DeRosa is highly qualified to work with the company's valued roofing contractor clients.

These IKO supported contractor seminars cover a variety of topics related to the sales, marketing and estimating aspects of the roofing business. Contractors learn the importance of differentiation, and develop skills to help them to identify the best strategies to sell those differences to their customers. The benefits of setting a profit goal and budgeting their business to help them achieve that goal, are also discussed in depth.

Ms. Perkins says. "We're confident these contractor seminars will aid the roofing professional who attends by providing some valuable knowledge to reach new heights of profitability.

03/24/10 - IKO to Break Ground in the Southeast US

Leading North American manufacturer of roofing materials to build a brand new facility and expand into a new market.

KANKAKEE, IL March 24, 2010 IKO, a North American pioneer in the residential and commercial roofing business, has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art, high-performance shingle plant in Sylacauga, Alabama, with completion slated for fourth quarter 2011.

According to Keith Lowe, Vice President Sales, US, the Sylacauga plant represents a substantial investment of capital and expertise. "Sylacauga is IKO's first real entry into the Southeast market. Our long-term strategic plan calls for continued expansion in order to be a true national supplier in the United States. The southeast represents one of the few remaining regions into which we can expand our operations in order to reach that goal. This flagship facility will spearhead our ambitious, yet attainable goal of breaking into this new market. Sylacauga will be the combined product of our most up-to-date technology, manufacturing processes and pioneering research and development the culmination of everything we've learned from all our existing operations. By allowing us to be ever more responsive to the needs of our growing customer base, we'll maximize the return of our investment in Sylacauga."

The Sylacauga facility will be a state-of-the-art 4-wide laminator. Like other IKO facilities, Sylacauga will have the capability to produce both architectural and 3-tab shingles.

IKO's new plant will be fully supported by the company's existing Research and Quality Control facilities, as well as by its central marketing group.

Andy Lodge, Manager of the Research and Quality Control facility says, "The opening of every new plant is a synergetic learning experience. While Sylacauga will build on the strengths of all our other facilities, those plants will also benefit directly from the new equipment and innovative processes we will pioneer at Sylacauga."

Although the Sylacauga plant will be largely automated, IKO anticipates the creation of fifty new jobs, with more positions being added as the plant expands its capabilities in the future.

For over half a century, IKO has been breaking new ground in the roofing industry and "setting the standard". Sylacauga is a proud symbol of IKO's on-going commitment to serve the needs of its growing markets.

03/19/10 - ShieldPRO plus+ Contractor Program Goes Online

New program focused on increasing contractor's profitability

KANKAKEE, IL March 19, 2010 - IKO, a leading manufacturer of roofing and waterproofing supplies, announced today that it's popular ShieldPRO plus+ Contractor Program is now available online.

Participating ShieldPRO plus+ contractors can register their ShieldPRO plus+ warranties from the convenience of a home computer or office workstation. They can use the online tool to order brochures, roofing samples, doorknob hangers and other marketing materials. And our online portal also allows contractors to download free IKO training videos and slide presentations.

"IKO roofing contractors can now run their business anytime, anywhere," said Carol Perkins, IKO's Director of Marketing. "We're here to help."

New Lead Generation Program
As part of the online offerings, IKO is introducing a new, Internet-based lead generation program. The neighborhood marketing program allows contractors to identify and target neighbors who live directly around their current roofing project. These neighbors' homes are likely the same age and in the same condition as the home under repair.

"Our new program gets our contractors' message in front of homeowners who most likely need their services," said Perkins. "This highly targeted and cost effective form of marketing is a win for contractors and a win for homeowners in need of help."

Leading-Edge Podcasts
IKO is also making available training materials and tips as podcasts. Participating contractors can download training materials and learn in the comfort of their own homes, car, or as they are working.

03/03/10 - Atab supplies and installs energy roof in Port of Antwerp

Antwerp, Belgium March 03, 2010 ATAB NV, has supplied and installed the first energy roof on Terminal 3 of Zuidnatie NV at the Port of Antwerp. The 8,000-square-meter roof renovation is equipped with self-adhesive solar modules, positioning it as one of ATAB's largest energy roof sites.

Before ATAB came along, the existing PVC roof covering was not suitable for the adhesion of the PV laminates and was insufficiently durable for the installation of the PV system, which has an expected service life of more than 25 years. The typically lightweight steel construction (steel-deck) used for spanning this type of industrial halls only allows a very limited additional load. It was therefore not possible to use the traditional heavy crystalline solar panels (35 kg p/m2).

Thanks to ATAB, the new roof uses environmentally-friendly, halogen-free synthetic Spectraplan TPE roofing membranes. The solar system installed also avoids any additional dynamic stress on the roof. The roofing is not damaged, and the roof construction can be preserved as it is.

ATAB's lightweight IKO solar roofing system offers a wide range of photovoltaic solar modules. As a manufacturer of both bituminous and synthetic roofing sheets, ATAB has developed the TPE Spectraplan roofing sheet to act as a perfect and durable carrier for the adhesion of the solar modules. This roofing sheet is, in fact, compatible with all substrates. IKO lightweight solar modules are glued to the mechanically secured synthetic TPE Spectraplan roofing sheet, creating the perfect solution and partnership for the Zuidnatie. ATAB employs its own in-house teams of specialized roofers for the installation, providing the customer with an all-in package, including an all-in guarantee.

"For Zuidnatie, ATAB is the specialist for flat roofs, and the ideal partner for this project", says Marcel Dubourg, Executive Director of Zuidnatie warehouse and logistics Terminal. "Because a single company is managing everything, and is monitoring and following up the entire project, I have hardly any worries. This also gives me a feeling of security. We are dealing with a large investment here, which requires solid and reliable partners. Zuidnatie expects to become an electricity producer before the end of this year, and that is a very good prospect indeed."

The installation
As the modules are positioned flat onto the roof, no shadow areas are created by panels that are positioned upright. This results in maximum efficiency. IKO Solar depends less on orientation and slope than crystalline modules, and is therefore also extremely suitable for flat roofs. Furthermore, the modules have been developed using triple-junction technology, meaning they operate as soon as light is available and do not need constant sunshine.

The installation of both the mechanically secured TPE roofing membranes, Spectraplan SM and the PV modules is extremely efficient, and will not affect the activities that are taking place inside the building. In addition, the waterproofing is fully maintained, and the roof with its TPE roofing sheets becomes extremely durable.

The next step is the gluing of 1,200 lightweight IKO PV solar modules on top of the Spectraplan TPE roofing sheets. Thanks to the low weight of these solar modules a mere 3.5 kg/m compared to the 35 kg of the classic, crystalline panels most roofs that are currently unused can offer an ideal location for the production of green electricity in the future. Once again, ATAB offers overall solutions with products that are fully in line with each other.

High efficiency IRR+ 10% The Zuidnatie installation is expected to supply at least 172,800 Wp, and will cover part of the Zuidnatie's electricity requirements. After 25 years, this installation is expected to have supplied more than 3.2 million kilowatt hours of green electricity, or the equivalent of 35 domestic households, for a duration of no less than 25 years. The internal rate of return (IRR) is above 10%, thereby exceeding any financial performance available today.

02/16/10 - Impressive IKO Solar Project in Lanaken

09/22/09 - IKO BECOMES UK’S ONLY DOMESTIC SINGLE PLY MANUFACTURER

IKO has commenced production of polymeric single ply membranes at its Clay Cross site, making the company the only manufacturer of single ply products in the UK.

The new facility was officially opened on 22nd September 2009 by Councillor Lilian
Robinson, Chair of North East Derbyshire Council, in front of invited guests who viewed the
production process and toured the building’s roof, which features IKO single ply membranes.

IKO, which has traditionally imported its PVC membranes from the Netherlands, markets a
range of single ply systems including Spectraplan TPE and Armourplan PVC membranes.
Production at the Clay Cross facility will include a comprehensive range of polymeric
membranes, including both PVC and TPE.

Speaking about the launch, Anthony Carlyle, European Single Ply Sales Director said; “The
new line has been an important investment for the business. It now allows us to react more
quickly to customer demands, export into Europe and more effectively supply the UK market.
The new facility underlines IKO’s commitment to the UK and our existing customer base, but
it also illustrates our confidence in the market and puts us into a better position to further
grow the brand.”

The new machinery has taken seven months to install, and successful production trials took
place between May and July. IKO has a history of innovative product development,
manufacturing excellence and superior quality. Material produced on the advanced single ply
line at Clay Cross will be subject to IKO’s usual high level of quality checks.

04/07/09 - IKO MS DETAIL PRODUCT LAUNCH

IKO MS DETAIL is a revolutionary MS polymer-based waterproofing coating.

The product is extremely elastic, meaning it is suited for the most diverse and difficult to reach applications, such as complex roof details, gutters, chimneys, outlets, etc.

Environmenily-friendly because solvent-free
IKO MS Detail does not contain solvents. It is odourless and
fire-resistant.

Flame-free application, without bonding primer on most substrates
IKO MS Detail is a ready-to-use, single-component system, which can be applied on virtually any substrate. The product can be applied in a single coat with a brush, roller or spatula, without the need for a membrane reinforcement in most situations..In critical zones, a glass-fibre reinforced membrane should be applied between two layers of IKO MS Detail. Please consult the Technical Manual for detailed application instructions.

Durable waterproofing performance
IKO MS Detail contains high-quality polymers, which have long-term resistance against UV degradation. As a result of the lasting elasticity, early ageing is excluded. The product ensures permanent, reliable waterproofing, even in the most extreme conditions. 

Time-saving and easy to use
IKO MS Detail can be quickly and easily applied to horizontal and vertical substrates. Professional finishing also takes less time, as there is no need for bonding primer or membrane reinforcement on most substrates. The product can be used for almost 2 hours after opening (at 25°C) and has a shelf-life of at least one year in sealed packaging.

01/16/09 - ROOFGARD-COOL GREY SYNTHETIC UNDERLAYMENT PRODUCT LAUNCH

Save BIG in time and labor with IKO’s new RoofGard-Cool Grey synthetic underlayment! It’s grey, not black, so it absorbs less radiant heat and keeps the air temperature above the roof deck cooler. It's super flexible and lighter to work with, one roll covers 1000 sq. ft. yet is 9 mils thick and weighs only 25 lb. It’s easier to handle and faster to install, saving you time and labor.

05/28/08 - IKO REFLECT PRODUCT LAUNCH

On Wednesday 28 May, we launched IKO reflect. This white heat-reflecting, energy-saving roofing membrane offers environment-friendly and sustainable solutions in our industry, together with our other energy concepts: IKO enertherm, IKO green and soon also IKO solar.

Our IKO colleagues in the various European countries have received an introduction to the new technology and installation methods in presentations in our auditorium and on the wonderful scale models in front of the office building.

03/03/08 - FIRE SAFE MEMBRANE WINS TOP INNOVATION AWARD

A new high performance bituminous membrane has scooped the Innovation Award at the Flat Roofing Alliance (FRA) Awards held at the London Marriot Hotel, Grosvenor Square.

SafeStick Prevent Roofing System, developed by Permanite Engineered Roofing Systems, has been developed specifically in response to a growing client requirement for new methods of reinforced bituminous membrane application. The system is self-adhesive, requiring no hot works during application, and features prevent Graphite Fire Wall Technology. During the heat of a fire the graphite expands, drawing the heat out of the combustion process and creating a 'crust' after expansion. This crust effectively forms a barrier against the flames, acting as a smoke suppressant and halting dripping from the underside of the roofing.

The annual FRA Awards are judged by leading figures from the construction industry. Speaking about the award, Bill Jenkins, Director of the Flat Roofing Alliance, said,"The standard of entries for the Innovation Award was very high and the shortlisted entrants are just the tip of the iceberg. Product development is key to our industry and the quality of entrants this year was certainly encouraging. The key to the success of SafeStick is the safety it offers in performance as well as installation, something which the judges were all impressed by."

Simon Chapman, Product Marketing Manager at Permanite Engineered Roofing Systems, said,"Investment in product development is at the heart of our business as we strive to deliver products and systems for a rapidly changing marketplace. The FRA Awards are a key event in the flat roofing calendar and we are absolutely delighted to receive this accolade for an innovative system which delivers fire safety on several levels."

Permanite Engineered Roofing Systems worked with the Warrington Fire Research Centre to ensure that its graphite technology was rigorously tested and professionally certified and Prevent membranes have achieved the highest performance ratings in all sections of fire tests EN 1187 Parts 1, 2, 3 and 4 (BS 476 part 3: 2004), hence the EN in the name.