Alcomij now has CE Kiwa certification for greenhouse roofs
Alcomij based in ’s-Gravenzande Holland, is an independent versatile greenhouse supplier that develops and produces steel structures and aluminium systems for the construction of glass greenhouses. Since the takeover of Alcoa and Alkupro, Alcomij has been able to offer the greenhouse sector the most diverse range of products. This product range also includes system solutions for all solar panel applications and logistic solutions for the horticultural industry such as rolling containers for pot plants and aluminium tray trolleys.
A good example of the latter is a project that the company realised for the FloraHolland auction involving the production of 260,000 auction trolleys. The Alcomij staff of around 100 employees manufactures these products on a project basis according to customers’ specifications in a modern industrial factory. Product innovation and quality (ISO 9001 and/or HortiQ) are essential aspects of Alcomij’s strategy. Most of these products are exported all over the world.
Since its introduction for machines and many consumer articles in 1995, CE has become a well-known certificate in Europe. Its objective is to secure the safety of products by means of certified processes. The familiar CE logo is now to be found on all electrical equipment, toys and machines. The introduction of the new European Construction Products Directive NEN-EN 1090-1 will make it obligatory for the CE certificate to be provided with all construction products and even entire buildings and structures. This means that the building process and the production processes of the building materials must be laid down in writing and secured by means of a FPC (Factory Production Control). Only materials bearing the CE certificate may then be used. Under the terms of the CE certification system all details of all buildings and structures must be calculated and verified for compliance with local standards. The results of these strength calculations and maximum loads must be specified in the CE documents. Every product, including horticultural greenhouses, must bear a type plate specifying such issues as the year of construction, maximum loads and the supplier’s CE certificate number.
The statutory requirement relating to the use of CE-certified construction materials and procedures is laid down in the European Construction Products Directive and must be incorporated in local legislation and regulations within the EU. According to this requirement, a CE certificate must be submitted for all newly constructed greenhouses or other structures, such as bridges and office buildings. A CE certificate specifying all the employed materials, strength calculations and the production and building processes will thus be an integral part of the transfer of any new building. When this requirement becomes effective on 1 July 2014, the associated responsibilities and liabilities will be clearly formulated, and non-compliance may then be considered an economic offence. It is to be expected that banks and insurance companies will be responding to this development.
This development prompted Alcomij to adapt its production and organisation at an early stage and to apply for CE certification as the first company in the market. By being the first Alcomij is able to offer its customers an optimum support in their implementation of the CE requirements. The statutory introduction of the CE certificate will further raise the standard of greenhouse construction and confirm the leading position of the Dutch greenhouse-construction sector. More information can be obtained at www.alcomij.nl.