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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 201 20th December 2005
Pilkington
Rejects Latest NSG Offer
Pilkington
has rejected a revised 158 pence per share bid worth 2.08 billion pounds
from Japan's Nippon Sheet Glass Co Ltd. 'Pilkington has considered the
revised proposal and has informed NSG that the pre-conditions are unacceptable
and the price still falls short of a level which it would be prepared
to recommend.'
[More
on this Story]
Industry
Volatility at pre-FENSA High
'If you didn't clean your database in 2005, you could be mailing 2500
people who aren't there!', says Mike Davis of WindowbaseWindowbase report
that the 'volatility' (changes) in the Conservatory, Window and Door market
- as measured by the stability of the companies - has returned to the
pre-FENSA days of 2001.
[More
on this Story]
'How
Green is Your Future?', asks LB Plastics
The energy issue is set to dominate 2006 according to Sheerframe systems
company LB Plastics, who believe now is the time that all companies in
the industry must face up to the reality that sustainability is here to
stay in everything they do.
[More
on this Story]
0845
GLASSMAN Window Repair Franchise Launched
This
week sees the launch of 0845 GLASSMAN (0845glassman.co.uk), the new
franchise operation which the company says looks set to become the market
leader in the massive £18 billion pound emergency glazing and
window repair market.
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on this Story]
Your
Chance to Shine in 2006
The
2006 Glassex Conservatory Design Competition's entry deadline at the
end of January is fast approaching, so now's the time to submit your
entry and have your opportunity to shine! Sponsored by Ultraframe,
the competition recognises the most innovative installations, promotes
the highest standards of structural integrity and celebrates exceptional
conservatory designs.
[More
on this Story]
Hydro
Announces Strategy Shift in Aluminium
Norsk
Hydro ASA expects record-high earnings for 2005 due to high oil prices
and improved aluminium prices, continued operational improvements
and increased production of primary aluminium, the Norwegian energy
and aluminium company said at its Capital Markets Day.
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on this Story]
Hafele
UK to Distribute Glass Doors Fittings by Metalglas
Hafele
UK has been appointed exclusive UK distributor for the range of
high quality glass door hardware by family owned Italian maker Metalglas.
Glass door hinges, locks and latches are traditionally made by Metalglas
in solid brass
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on this Story]
Cornwall
Glass Opens Exeter Glass Centre
Cornwall
Glass Group marks its presence as a regional player in the South West
with the opening of a new branch at Exeter. The Exeter Glass Centre,
which opened during November 2005, is the ninth branch of the South
West's largest family owned company.
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on this Story]
Crownglaze
(DG) Ltd Attracts Complaint over Address
Enfield
Trading Standards department's objection to a regional press ad
for Crownglaze (DG) Ltd, Enfield, Middlesex was upheld according
to information published by the Advertising Standards Authority
(ASA).
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on this Story]
WHS
Halo goes into the Valley
Lancashire
fabricator Ribble Valley Trade Windows has adopted WHS Halo's
Eclipse PCE system for its manufacture of windows, doors,
tilt 'n' turn and French doors and conservatories.
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on this Story]
Lister
Sales get VaVaVoom!
Lister
Trade Frames says that part of the company’s success has to
be its exceptional sales team. Besides an internal sales force which
services all the customers who visit, fax, telephone or email Lister,
the company also has five full time Business Development Managers
(BDMs) on the road.
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on this Story]
Selecta
Enhances Fleet of Vehicles
Selecta Systems, the independent extruder of PVC-u window systems,
has added six new lorries to its growing fleet of vehicles.
The Birmingham-based company has just taken delivery of the new 27
tonne Volvo FM series lorries following the success of its Advance
70 system.
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on this Story]
Top
Industrialist Chooses Conservatory from John Fredericks
Sir
John Harvey-Jones, MBE, one of Britain's best known and most admired
industrialists, has chosen a conservatory from trade fabricator John
Fredericks. The former ICI chairman and BBC ‘Troubleshooter’
already had a timber conservatory on his 1920s Herefordshire home, which
was beyond its useful life and was not watertight.
[More
on this Story]
Newstead
Offers Synergy, Silhouette and Shield
Homeowners
have become increasingly demanding about value for money and finding
the 'right' windows and doors. Installers who can offer the widest choice
are more likely to win the sale. Some fabricators dual source profile
from two or more systems companies, to service installers with different
needs.
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on this Story]
Warmer
Windows in Cambridgeshire
Huntingdon
based C & B Windows has specified an Inagas IGA 10 gas filling
machine from Inagas to meet customer demand for sealed units with
a higher energy capability. Company owner Chris Impey said, ‘Customers
are becoming increasingly aware of the potential for heat loss through
windows.
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on this Story]
Window
Fitters Mate Survey Results...
Window
Fitters Mate (WFM), part of the Davies & Tate Group, says that
it is the largest independent window and conservatory supplier in
the UK. As part of the company's ongoing pursuit of customer satisfaction,
a survey of its top 100 customers was recently conducted. With an
80% return of questionnaires it turned out to be a very worthwhile
exercise.
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on this Story]
Dynamic
2D Hinge Withstands Double the Force
Independent
security tests carried out on PVC-U doors fitted with SFS intec’s
new Dynamic 2D hinge have demonstrated that the hinge will still
function after being subjected to a force approaching 9kN, double
the maximum force usually applied to doors in PAS-24 tests.
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on this Story]
Whiteline's
Ten Year Partnership
PVC-U
trade fabricator, Whiteline, is celebrating a ten-year partnership
with systems company Kömmerling. Tony Hughes, Chairman of
the Whiteline Group, is pictured here receiving Whiteline's ten-year
commemorative plaque from Dan Whalley, Kömmerling's National
Sales and Marketing Manager.
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on this Story]
Securistyle
Specified in Award Winning Project
A
full suite of window hardware from manufacturer Securistyle Ltd,
has been specified as part of an award winning housing project
and five year partnering agreement between Walsall Housing Group
and local fabricator and installer Select Windows.
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on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 200 13th December 2005
Ultraframe
Announces Annual Results: Is The Worst Over?
Ultraframe
Plc has announced preliminary results for the 52 weeks ended 30th September
2005. The group has also appointed Rothschilds to undertake a strategic
review to explore options 'to maximise shareholder value'. Turnover was
down to £96.7m (2004: £118.2m), profit before tax £4.5m
(2004: £12.0m), but after goodwill amortisation and exceptionals
there was a loss of £8.5m (2004: £3.6m pretax profit).
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on this Story]
Synseal
Scoops First Place in Construction Marketing Awards 2005
Synseal has won the Best Small Budget Campaign (under £25k) category
of the prestigious Construction Marketing Awards 2005, presented during
a ceremony in London at the end of November. The cost of the winning direct
marketing campaign came in somewhat under £25,000 - in fact, the
total bill was £480, including postage!
[More
on this Story]
Stateside
Success for K2
K2
says that business is booming for its North American operation, K2 USA.
The stateside company has recently become the preferred supplier of roof
systems to Patio Enclosures Inc - one of the largest manufacturers and
installers of conservatories, sunrooms and solariums in the US and Canada.
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on this Story]
Pilkington
Activ™ Star of the Small Screen
Pilkington
Activ™ self-cleaning glass has made a further television appearance,
with The Gadget Show featuring this product in a recent episode. Screened
on October 31st 2005, the programme led with a demonstration.
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on this Story]
Rugby
Windows Invests in Stuga Flowline-3
Deceuninck
fabricator Rugby Windows of Sapcote in Leicestershire is now beginning
to enjoy the fruits of a major investment in machinery in the shape
of a Stuga Flowline-3 cutting and prepping centre.
[More
on this Story]
It's
Go, Go, Go for GlazeKart!!
GlazeKart,
the recently announced industry karting competition, is all set for
the starting grid. Organiser, Nick Moss of Walnut Motorsport confirmed
that the response to the launch announcement has been tremendous.
[More
on this Story]
Cervoglass
- The Best Choice for Conservatory Roof Glass
Now
in its third year of manufacturing conservatory roof glass, Cervoglass™
continues to build up a strong portfolio of products. Here, Managing
Director Graham Price discusses some problems within the market,
as well as a new product he has in the pipeline.
[More
on this Story]
Suppliers
Pulling a Fast One with Performance Data
Darby
Glass's sales and marketing director, Chris Roberts, has expressed his
concerns that the reputation of the industry is in danger of suffering
damage, following what he feels are 'over the top' performance claims
made by conservatory roof glass suppliers.
[More
on this Story]
Super
Spacer® Revolutionises Conservatory Roofs
Roofmaker
Ltd, the specialist conservatory roof manufacturer, recently relocated
to larger premises as part of a £1.4 million development
programme. The investment in premises and plant include a 20,000
sq ft factory and a 30 metre semi automated glass unit production
line
[More
on this Story]
Alumet
All Over the Place
Queen's award winner Alumet Systems, based at Southam, Warwickshire
was recently chosen as the subject for a documentary to
be shown on South Korean television. The company has also
just landed its first overseas contract.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Windows Group to be Headed up by Clay
Masco Corporation has announced that Clay Kiefaber,
50, has been appointed Group President of the Architectural
Coatings and Windows Group. Kiefaber joined Merillat in
1989 and has been Group Vice President for Masco's Builder
Cabinet Group since 2004.
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on this Story]
In the first week of the launch of Pilkington Activ™ Blue, the new self-cleaning and solar control conservatory roof glass, Tudor Glass of Bury in Greater Manchester sold three conservatory roofs with the product installed.
Spanning the Seas
Proving that Sash UK's reputation for quality really has gone global, the Yorkshire based company recently received an enquiry all the way from Iceland.
Everglade Scoops Top Showroom Award
Everglade Windows Ltd has won a special award for the showroom at its new £3m factory. Following its move into the 43,000 square foot factory in Perivale, Middlesex, Everglade set up a dedicated 2,000 square foot showroom.
Kiwi
Technology and UK Style - the Secret of Celutex
Since
the successful launch of Celutex in the summer of 2005, Celuform has
been talking about the patented technology that has made possible
the manufacture of the latest PVC-ue textured cladding product.
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on this Story]
Alcoa
BCS Selects Saatchi & Saatchi as Agency of Record
Alcoa
Building & Construction Systems (BCS), producer of architectural
systems and products including curtain walls, windows, doors and aluminium
composite material, announced yesterday that it has selected Saatchi
& Saatchi NY as its agency of record after a review.
[More
on this Story]
Alumar
Starts Up Smelter Expansion in Brazil
Alcoa announces the start up of its third expansion at the Alumar
Consortium in Sao Luis, Brazil. When the 100 new pots of the expansion
are up and running, plant capacity will total 440,000 metric tons
per year, a 17% increase over current capacity.
[More
on this Story]
Quinn
Glass Joins EWS as Rail Partner
Quinn
Glass, the container glass manufacturer, has started using the
rail freight services of EWS, Britain's largest rail operator,
between Widnes and Mossend.
[More
on this Story]
Stability
is Key for ARP
ARP
has benefited from a relationship with Hydro Aluminium, one of
the world's largest manufacturers of aluminium which has supplied
ARP for over 20 years.
[More
on this Story]
Linde
joins United Nations' Global Compact
Linde
AG has joined the Global Compact initiative established by the
United Nations. The Global Compact represents a global alliance
of organisations whose aim is to cooperate with private business
to safeguard human rights, ensure labour standards, encourage
environmental responsibility and to combat corruption.
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on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 199 6th December 2005
Bystronic
Enters PVC Market with Acquisition of Intra in Canada
The Bystronic glass Group recently took over the Canadian
technology company, Intra Product Development. Now called the Bystronic
Solution Centre the company develops technologies for the cost-effective
manufacturing of PVC windows.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
Activ™ Cleans Up: Huge TV and Press Campaign
Pilkington Activ™, the world’s first self-cleaning glass, will
be splashed across the television screens, breakfast and coffee tables
of more than 30 million people in an advertising campaign designed to
drive homeowners through the doors of double glazing companies throughout
the UK.
[More
on this Story]
SGG
Bioclean as Seen on TV!
As
the number of Home Improvement programmes on TV grows, the trend for ‘self-build’
housing continues to climb. Programmes such as Channel 4`s Grand Designs
inspires a number of maverick, visionary, determined (and sometimes foolhardy)
individuals to take on the challenge of building their ‘dream home’.
[More
on this Story]
Euroglaze
Secures £250,000 for Future Investment
Rehau fabricator Euroglaze has announced expansion plans for
2006 with a 3000m2 extension to its Barnsley factory, fully equipped with
new machinery. Long renowned as a trade fabricator, Euroglaze is now also
looking to strengthen its position in the commercial marketplace by increasing
its capacity in Rehau's S706 70mm system to 3000 frames per week.
[More
on this Story]
Unique
Signs up with Deceuninck
Deceuninck has signed up Lincoln-based Unique Plastics as a
stockist of its Deeplas range of cellular products and roofline. During
the switchover period, Deceuninck provided a high level of support and
advice on its comprehensive range and back-up package. This included access
to the company's online order management system, SynergeBuild.
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on this Story]
As 2005 draws to a close, K2 says that the year looks certain to end on a high note for the conservatory system supplier. Building on its achievements to date, the company has announced it has secured the business of a number of additional customers over recent months - increasing its customer base still further.
If you have been into a fish & chip shop, public house, nightclub or amusement arcade over the last year, the chances are you may have come across Contract Glass's unique work at some point.
Calibre Windows Ltd of Plymstock has been appointed as the aluplast Approved Window Centre for the Plymouth area. ‘As the only window manufacturing and installation company in the south west to qualify for the government's Quality Mark scheme, Calibre Windows has proved its commitment to quality and value'
Growing Market Share for UKF Bi-Metallic Screw
18 months after its launch, UK Fasteners' bi-metallic fastener is still powering the company's growth with sales up 13% compared with last year.
As the number of companies signing up to the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) beats all previous records, the federation has declared it is the only authoritative voice of the industry.
Sash UK Completes Five Year Programme for Chester Residents
The Chester and District Housing Trust (C&DHT) has fulfilled its promise to residents that 'every Trust tenant who wants it, shall have double glazing within 5 years', with thanks to South Yorkshire based window fabricator, Sash UK Ltd.
Sheerframe approved fabricator and installer Hawthorn Windows has won a GBP500,000 window replacement contract with North Glasgow Housing Association, its first for this Registered Social Landlord (RSL).
Safe2Bond Sales up 30%
J&S Adhesives has reported that since restructuring its distribution network twelve months ago, UK sales of Safe2Bond Bevel Adhesives are up by 30%.
Social Housing - Fabricators To Work Together?
Kömmerling fabricators are considering working together to make the most of the tremendous potential offered by the social housing window market.
Newstead
Installers Skip for Joy
Hiring
skips is just one more expense for installers on the front line –
so Stoke-on-Trent fabricator Newstead Trade Frames now offers all local
installers use of its skips for free.
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on this Story]
Paragon
Backs Sold Secure
Paragon
Trade Frames has become the latest fabricator to benefit from the GU
Ferco Sold Secure scheme. Based in Worksop, Nottingham, Paragon manufactures
frames for trade clients and double glazing installers, incorporating
GU gearing, shoot bolts and espagnolettes.
[More
on this Story]
Johan
Molin Appointed President and CEO of Assa Abloy
The
Board of Directors of Assa Abloy and the President and CEO, Bo Dankis,
have agreed, on the Board's initiative, that Bo Dankis will leave
his position in the Company.
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on this Story]
Pilkington
plc Minority Interests in German Subsidiary Undertakings
Pilkington
has been informed that the Bavarian Supreme Court has issued its
decision in the appeal brought by both Pilkington Holding GmbH and
certain minority shareholders in that company relating to the valuation
of the minority shareholdings.
[More
on this Story]
EU
Prepares for a Year-Long Campaign to Protect Young Workers
An
EU-wide campaign will start next year to address the safety of young
people at work as according to European statistics they run a 50%
higher risk of work accidents than other workers.
[More
on this Story]