Leading UPVC building products manufacturer Kestrel is celebrating after passing all the requirements to receive the European ‘CE’ quality standard.

The achievement had a personal significance for Kevin Everett, Kestrel’s technical manager, who helped create the quality standard.

Kevin said: “Having been involved with the writing of the European Standard (in Paris) over several years it was very satisfying to complete the CE marking project as I've seen it through from start to finish.”

As of July 1 this year, CE marking of construction products, covered by harmonised European Standards, became mandatory.

Manufacturers, importers and distributors have new obligations and responsibilities when placing a construction product on the market. Designers, specifiers and builders must be aware and understand the new requirements on construction products.

Following successful testing, Kestrel will carry the CE marking on the following products:

• 6 & 7mm plastic cladding with UPVC skin.

• 6mm plastic cladding with PVC-U skin & Laminate Foil

All Kestrel products are manufactured within an ISO9000 quality management system and within an environmental management system which satisfies the requirements of BS EN ISO 14001:2004.

The company supplies a wide range of UPVC building products extending to more than 800 products, the majority of which are BBA and BS Kitemark approved.

Copies of the latest Kestrel trade guide are available at http://www.kbp.co.uk/quality-standards or from the company’s regional business development managers.