RapierStar Latest News

Increased Production for Howarth

Fri, 28 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

North Lincolnshire based Howarth Timber Windows and Doors, one of the largest manufacturers of Timber Windows and Doors in the UK have increased production by over 30% in 2010.

When looking for a way to increase their productivity and reduce assembly time, Howarth turned to the Rapierstar StarTurn Universal Woodscrew. The patented design of the StarTurn woodscrew allows the screw to be inserted into most types of timber and board products without the need for pre-drilling, this eliminates one of the major timber manufacturing processes.

After extensive factory trials, Purchasing Manager Marion Wright comments �the StarTurn woodscrews are very cost effective and speed up our assembly process as they remove the need for pilot drilling'.

Rapierstar Sales Manager, Mark Calpin says �using StarTurn woodscrews is an excellent way to increase performance and productivity, while reducing assembly time and operator fatigue. The patented thread form and point is quick starting and allows the screw to be inserted with no splitting of the material, while the competitive price makes the StarTurn your first choice fastener for all timber and board manufacture and assembly'.

Rapierstar Salutes the Mercian Regiment

Fri, 26 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +0000

Cheshire Based specialist fastener and fixings distributor Rapierstar Limited honoured the return from Afghanistan of the 1st Battalion Mercian (Cheshire) Regiment by providing the venue for a homecoming party for the returning heroes.

Rapierstar were in the unique position to salute the battle hardened 'Cheshires' and show their support by hosting over 1,000 soldiers and civic dignitaries within their recently purchased extensive 90,000 sq ft distribution warehouse and head office near Congleton.

The Battalion had earlier proudly marched through the town of Congleton with fixed bayonets, band playing and colours flying to the delight of crowds of union flag waving people. The soldiers were then presented with the Afghanistan Medal at a ceremony outside the town hall before moving on to the Rapierstar party venue.

"The bravery and dedication of the troops has been inspirational" stated Rapierstar Managing Director David Furness "They have been separated from their loved ones performing a very difficult task, we also have to remember the 12 soldiers who lost their lives in Afghanistan, and more than 60 who were injured", he added "we are proud to support the Mercians in this way"

The battalion's commanding officer Lieutenant Colonel Andy Hadfield, aged 42, from Lichfield, said: "The march in Congleton was phenomenal. We expected something big but this has been amazing. Congleton has a special place in our hearts."

The soldiers and dignitaries enjoyed entertainment, a bar and food prepared by the Royal Irish Catering Corp well into the evening.

Rapierstar teams up with European Champion Brian Magee

Mon, 11 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +0100

Specialist fastener and fixings distributor Rapierstar have teamed up with European Boxing Champion Brian Magee, supporting him in the latest defence of his European super-middleweight belt in Dublin. The 35-year-old from Belfast dominated his Armenian opponent, Roman Aramian, from the start in an impressive display.

With Rapierstar's policy of providing superior fixings, huge stock levels and a total customer focus, "Brian epitomises the positive attitude that our company strives to maintain, "Managing Director David Furness stated, "He is dedicated, professionally prepared and sets himself�new and challenging targets".

Boxing is one of the fastest growing sports in the UK and Magee now wants a world title fight against current super-middleweight champion Dimitri Sartison of Germany. "I'm number one in the division and hopefully now I've put myself in a position to get it," he said.

"Brian is not only a great fighter but a down to Earth guy, He recently played for a RapierStar golf team which was in aid of a locally based Cancer charity", added Rapierstar's Ireland sales manager Paul McAuley.

With Brian in their corner, Rapierstar are fighting fit and going from strength to strength, with their knockout range of fasteners and fixings.

Maintaining Standards - Again!

Wed, 06 Jan 2010 00:00:00 +0000

RapierStar Limited has achieved both re-accreditation in ISO 9001 and maintained the Investor in People Standard, all in the same month.

ISO 9001:2000 accreditation was achieved with no non-compliances and means the company will now enter its tenth year of recognition. Maintaining Investors in People is a journey of continuous improvement and on-going development, and RapierStar Limited have evidenced that they go beyond the core standard. Managing Director David Furness stated "Both prestigious awards show beyond any doubt that RapierStar are committed to continual business development and quality customer service".

David Furness added "We have continued to develop staff and put better business processes in place since the last reviews and continue to place great emphasis on training and development. This along with a focus on strategies that promote growth while maintaining current levels of spending is starting to produce results. We have maintained an overall growth in turnover over the past five years of over 34% and the second and third quarters of 2009 have seen a steady increase in sales.

RapierStar Limited has refocused and embraced a new pro-active methodology to customer acquisition and retention that has innovation, quality and customer service as its basis. With superior products, increasing stockholding, and an expanded warehouse, RapierStar are best placed to work closely with their partners to overcome future challenges. As always, setting new benchmarks and standards as it does so.

The 'Star' Way to Success

Fri, 20 Nov 2009 00:00:00 +0000

Specialist fastener and fixings distributor RapierStar have enabled Huws Gray, one of the largest independent builders merchants operating in Wales and the North west of England, to achieve a massive 50% increase in turnover of fastener products.

RapierStar began supplying Huws Gray with StarTurn woodscrews, StarFix masonry anchors and StarDeck exterior woodscrews in April this year, after securing a deal to supply a major buying group and its members.

The RapierStar range of screws features the unique patented StarForm thread for faster, easier insertion along with specialist head styles and superior corrosion resistant platings. John Price, Manager of Huws Gray Seacombe in Wallasey said "The product is fantastic and the RapierStar service is excellent. Once customers have bought it, they buy it again and again".

RapierStar Sales Manager Phil Turner explained " Our branded products are tested to exceed the highest quality standards and suit perfectly a dynamic expanding company like Huws Gray." He added, "As well as competitive pricing, next day delivery and experienced customer support we have also provided bespoke product sampling, system cases and open day demonstrations".

With the addition of RapierStar screws to its product range, Huws Gray are the true one-stop solution for performance fasteners and fixings.

Exceeding The Standards

Sat, 08 Aug 2009 00:00:00 +0100

DECEUNINCK Ltd, the Wiltshire based manufacturer of PVC-U profiles for the windows and doors market have worked closely with specialist fastener and fixing supplier RAPIERSTAR during development and testing of an innovative new product recently launched to its fabricators.

Deceuninck has designed a product manufactured from recycled PVC-U profiles that can be inserted into their own high quality PVC-U window frames, giving enhanced insulating properties.

RapierStar were approached to provide advice and guidance with regard to screw choice, on the soon to launch products named T.C.I. (Thermal Chamber Insulator) that would allow the company to meet their exacting requirements.

Mark Barsby (Technical Manager Deceuninck) visited RapierStar premises at Congleton to work with Derek Morris (Product Assessment Manager) and Andrew Nicklin (Technical Director) in their test facility, on indicative testing, to determine whether or not T.C.I. would actually do the job, and achieve the results they intended.

The initial results encouraged Mark to organise testing at Maco, one of the country's most prestigious hardware suppliers and Thursday 19th February saw Mark and Andrew at their facility in Kent. David Smith (Technical Manager Maco) carried out testing on four windows ��some to destruction, with the overall result that Deceuninck windows fitted with T.C.I., and using RapierStar screws exceeded the requirements of BS7950 (the British Standard for enhanced security of windows) by a massive 30% margin!

The windows have now been tested at Deceuninck H.Q. in Belgium, and at the British Standards Institution in Hemel Hempstead to BS7412 and BS7950, achieving full accreditation � and all thanks to RapierStar screws.

By choosing RapierStar screws Deceuninck fabricators can now replicate the Deceuninck accreditation achieved and benefit from the unquestionable quality, performance and value for money offered by RapierStar fixings!

Rapierstar Celebrates Moving Premises

Sat, 09 Aug 2008 00:00:00 +0100

Having enjoyed 16 years of continuous growth, Rapierstar has either moved or extended its warehouse premises every three years, culminating on 8th August with its latest move to a 43,000 square foot Head Office and European Distribution Centre in Congleton, Cheshire.

New Distributors Added

Tue, 08 Aug 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Make sure you take a look at our list of RapierStar distributors to find one in your area. We are continually adding distributors to our website, however, if you cannot find one in your area please contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

"A Little Bit with a Big Plus"

Mon, 22 May 2006 00:00:00 +0100

Imagine if you could change your drill to a driver with just one click ? Well now you can with a NEW Innovative Product from RAPIERSTAR. The STARPLUS Drill to Bit Adaptor simply clicks onto any masonry or SDS drill bit and takes it from "Drill to Driver" in just a few seconds. Make Sure YOU adapt quickly with the STARPLUS from RAPIERSTAR. For further information contact us now! To view a larger picture of the StarPlus product Click Here.