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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 63 25th February 2003
Chubb
Audited Preliminary Results for the year ended 31st December 2002
Chubb plc, the worldwide security services
provider, has announced its audited Preliminary Results for the year ended
31st December 2002. The Board has also announced that Jonathan Findler,
previously Deputy Chief Executive and Chief Financial Officer, has been
appointed to the position of Chief Executive of Chubb plc with immediate
effect.
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on this Story]
Assa
Abloy Report for the Fourth Quarter of 2002 (Year-End Report)
* Sales increased 3% for the quarter,
12% in local currencies, 2% organic growth
* Income before tax increased 17% for the quarter and 23% for the full
year
* Operating margin, EBITA, was 14.6% for the quarter
* Strong operating cash flow of SEK 994 M for the quarter and SEK 3,525
M for the full year
* Successful integration of Besam - many collaborative projects initiated.
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on this Story]
Glass
Processing Days Final Programme
Glass Processing Days is the largest,
non-profit and non-commercial, global automotive and architectural glass
industry conference. It is organised every other year, the next one taking
place from June 15-18th 2003. Download a (650K) 24 page prospectus here.
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on this Story]
Audit
Commission Shares Association's Fears About School Buildings
The Audit Commission's report 'Improving
School Buildings' reinforces concerns raised by the Construction Products
Association in its recent study 'Achievable Targets? Is Government Delivering?'.
[More
on this Story]
Housing
the People - Growing the Economy
Housing
in England has received a multi-billion pound boost as a major part of
the Government's drive to tackle deprivation and shortage of affordable
housing by delivering sustainable communities for all.
[More
on this Story]
West
Leigh Extends Working Life of Curtain Walls
With extensive experience in the manufacture
and maintenance of metal window systems, Bermondsey-based West Leigh Ltd
claims it can help specifiers address faults concerning curtainwalling,
without the need for costly replacement.
[More
on this Story]
Elite
Greenhouses exonerated by OFT
The Director General of Fair Trading has
made a decision that Elite Greenhouses Limited has not entered agreements
with its distributors, which seek to fix selling prices. Therefore, Elite
has not infringed the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998
in this regard.
[More
on this Story]
Migration
from Glass Study
Dr Adam Kelsall and Nicola Broadhurst
of Glass Technology Services in Sheffield have recently completed a major
study on the migration from glass items in contact with foodstuffs, simulating
wherever possible real conditions of use.
[More
on this Story]
Titon
Experiences a Boom in Demand in South East
Titon trickle ventilators have been fitted
to houses in yet more sites within the South East. Following on from other
previous specifications, Titon Trimvents have been installed into a development
for Persimmon Homes at Borges Meadow, Colchester.
[More
on this Story]
Making
the Grade at Hull College
Sheerframe fabricator Vulcan Windows has
successfully completed phase two of the major curtainwalling and window
replacement programme at Hull College.
[More
on this Story]
Home
Delivery for Profile 22 in Chinese Villas
Woodgrain PVCu windows have truly international
appeal - as shown by these pictures of an upmarket villa development in
Suzhou, China.
[More
on this Story]
Ultraframe
Announces Winners of Conservatory of the Year 2003
Ultraframe, the international manufacturer
and designer of conservatory roofing systems, has revealed the winners
of its ever-popular Conservatory of the Year competition.
[More
on this Story]
Free
Software Trial Offered to Roofing System Suppliers Prior to Glassex
This year, prior to Glassex, PST has been
offering a limited number of system companies the opportunity to have
their extrusions and connections programmed to work with their software,
free of charge. This opportunity allows potential customers time to test
and realise the full benefits before committing.
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on this Story]
UKae
Keeps on Rolling with New Delivery Vehicles
Component manufacturer UKae has added
two new delivery vehicles to its distribution fleet. The extension to
UKae's fleet now means that the company operates in 11 vehicle zones across
the UK, from Scotland to Cornwall.
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on this Story]
Technal
Systems Selected for Nuffield's Flagship Hospital
One of the most advanced independent hospitals
in Europe has been completed in Leeds, featuring extensive use of a range
of architectural aluminium glazing systems from Technal. The £41m
flagship scheme is the largest ever single investment by Nuffield Hospitals.
[More
on this Story]
Fire
statistics, UK: 2001/02
Latest national fire statistics covering
2001/02 were issued on 13th February by the Office of the Deputy Prime
Minister.
[More
on this Story]
No
Going Back for Portal
Portal Products claims a quality record
thanks to stringent quality controls and a skilled workforce. Returned
door panels are rare, representing just 0.3% of annual turnover.
[More
on this Story]
Glass
Training pleased with Minister's Response
Malcolm Berresford-Dutton, the Chair of Glass Training and a Director
of Proskills the SSC for process and manufacturing, including glass, together
with Alan Hearsum, Chief Executive (Designate) of Proskills, met with
the Minister, Ivan Lewis, responsible for the Sector Skills Development
Agency (SSDA) on 5th February 2003 in the company of Margaret Salmon the
Chair of the SSDA.
[More
on this Story]
Obituary
- Susan Matthews
It was with great sadness that FENSA Chairman
Greg O'Donoghue reported the sudden death of Susan Matthews last weekend.
Susan was Operations Manager at FENSA where she managed the logistics,
facilities, purchasing, IT and registration operations.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 62 18th February 2003
Uzone
Starts Ultraframe List Prices From £850
The
launch of Ultraframe's Uzone roof will see Ultraframe list prices, for
a 3 x 3 Victorian, starting from £850.
[More
on this Story]
Fluctuating
Housing Market Reflects in Slow Growth for Windows - New Key Note report
The market for replacement windows, doors,
patio doors and secondary glazing has remained very similar since 2000,
according to Key Note's latest look at the market. The number of people
buying replacement windows and doors in the last 12 months was 3.7% in
2002, level with 2001, but down on the 4.2% of 2000.
[More
on this Story]
Laird
Strengthens its Security Systems Business in the USA
The Laird Group PLC announced recently
that it has acquired Omega International Limited, Omega Spring Technology
Limited and the assets of Omega Balance Co. Inc. ('Omega') for a total
consideration of £4.3 million in cash.
[More
on this Story]
99.5%
Complete on Synseal Deliveries
The latest Benchmarks report from Reputations
Plus shows many fabricators have problems with deliveries from their suppliers.
'If you're not in this statistic, you're probably a Synseal customer.'
says Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions Ltd
[More
on this Story]
Kyro's
Profit Improved in 2002
- Net sales EUR 144.3 (147.0) million
- Operating profit EUR 18.7 (17.2) million at 13.0% (11.7) of net sales,
aided by an excellent last quarter
- Profit before extraordinary items EUR 18.1 (16.3) million (growth of
11.4%)
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Corporation Reports Sales and Earnings for 2002; and Forecasts Record
Sales and Earnings for 2003
Masco Corporation reported on February
13th that net sales for the year ended December 31st, 2002, aided by acquisitions,
increased 14 percent to a record $9.4 billion compared with $8.3 billion
for 2001.
[More
on this Story]
BDG
Receives BBA Accreditation for its Roof System
The BDG System 21 Conservatory Roof System
has been designed and fabricated by BDG Group Ltd of Lurgan, near Belfast,
since 1984, and in that time has notched up over 12,000 installations.
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on this Story]
BBA
Certificates added between 17-Dec-2002 - 04-Feb-2003
01/3817 The Duraflex PVCu Window System
- Dale Joinery Limited Detail Sheets cover: (4) Diamond Suite Tilt and
Turn, and (5) Diamond Suite Outward Opening Systems.
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on this Story]
Turkingtons
of Northern Ireland First to Join Doorman Elite Dealer Network
Turkingtons, a Northern Ireland fabricator
and installer of doors, windows and conservatories, is the first company
to become part of Doorman's elite network of resellers and installers.
[More
on this Story]
New
Marine Fire Resistant Glazing System Saves Weight and Cost and Complies
with all Codes
Specialist marine glazing manufacturer
and installer Principle Fire & Security Ltd has developed a new fire
resistant glazing system for applications in such vessels as liners and
high-speed ferries that is lighter than similar products in aluminium,
and which utilises the fire-resistant glass, Pilkington Pyrostop™.
[More
on this Story]
Optima
Provides Additional Glazing Package for the National College for School
Leadership
Following the completion of a £300,000
glazing package from Optima Architectural Glass at the National College
for School Leadership in Nottingham, which was officially opened last
year by Prime Minister Tony Blair, a further package for a new wind lobby
in the reception area is now in progress.
[More
on this Story]
PPG
Names Orcutt Vice President of Flat Glass
Mark J. Orcutt, president, PPG Auto Glass,
has been appointed vice president of flat glass for PPG Industries (NYSE:PPG),
effective March 1st.
[More
on this Story]
Bo
Dankis, Group Vice President, to lead Assa Abloy
Bo Dankis, Group Vice-president and head
of Assa Abloy South Europe takes over as President and CEO as Carl-Henric
Svanberg becomes President and CEO at Ericsson.
[More
on this Story]
Andy
Law Joins Darby Glass
Independent glass processor Darby Glass
has announced the appointment of Andy Law as General Manager of the company's
Gloucester site.
[More
on this Story]
New
Site Manager at Wacker's Burghausen Plant
Dr. Willi Kleine (54) takes charge of
Wacker-Chemie's plant in Burghausen, Germany, on March 1st, 2003. He succeeds
Dr. Horst Kutzer (62), who retires on the same date. With about 10,000
employees, the plant is Wacker's largest.
[More
on this Story]
America’s
Largest Manufacturer of Windows and Doors makes a Big Name for Itself:
Jeld-Wen
Jeld-Wen, the vertically integrated producer and marketer of 27 individual
window and door brands in North America alone, announced on 27th January
at the International Builders' Show plans to bring all brands under a
single, unified master brand.
[More
on this Story]
Introduction
of the Property Care Association and the Wood Protection Association
The British Wood Preserving & Damp-proofing Association has formed
two new divisions for its members: the Property Care Association and the
Wood Protection Association.
[More
on this Story]
New
Member of Steel Window Association
Mike Honour Windows Ltd, of Moreton-in-Marsh,
Gloucestershire, is the latest member of the Steel Window Association.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 61 11th February 2003
Conservative
Optimism for the European Fenestration Market
Economic optimism of the European fenestration industry for the year 2003
is subdued. The negative trend came to an end in 2002 and the market is
forecast to grow slightly by 0.9% in 2003, The 320,000 persons working
in the European window, door and curtain walling industry achieved sales
of 38.5 billion Euro each in 2001 and 2002 respectively. The market was
worth 100.50 million window units (WU) per year.
[More
on this Story]
sdea
to Forge new Links in Europe
At an Extraordinary General Meeting, sdea members voted unanimously to
step up its promotional activities within Europe. The meeting also approved
a proposal to accept European Union shopfittings and display companies
as members of the Shop and Display Equipment Association.
[More
on this Story]
Glassex
becomes ConservatoryEx as 50 Conservatory Companies sign up
With
over 50 companies representing every aspect of conservatory design, build
and sales appearing at this year's event, Glassex 2003 will provide conservatory
fabricators and installers with all they need to know about the latest
trends. This year's Glassex offers conservatory companies perhaps the
biggest ever choice of related products and services that has ever been
seen in the UK under one roof.
[More
on this Story]
Consolidation
in UK Partitioning market as H L Smith acquires Unilock brands
Two of the best-known names in architectural partitioning systems for
commercial buildings - Optima and Unilock - have come under the same ownership,
following the acquisition of the assets of Unilock Limited by H L Smith
Construction Ltd.
[More
on this Story]
Blindcraft
Switches to Sheerframe in Delivery and Support Issue
The switch by Edinburgh based windowmakers, Blindcraft, to LB Plastics'
Sheerframe system has been matched by a £150K investment in new
equipment to increase manufacturing efficiency at their Edinburgh factory.
[More
on this Story]
Masco
Sadly Announces the Passing of its President Raymond F. Kennedy
Masco Corporation has sadly announced the unexpected passing of Company
President and Chief Operating Officer Raymond F. Kennedy.
[More
on this Story]
Rise
in Demand for Portal Frame Software
To complement the growing number of conservatory system suppliers already
using PMR-3D, conservatory manufacturing software, PST has put all of
its development and engineering expertise into attracting portal frame
companies.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
has Brilliant Vision for Millennium Plaza
Pilkington Insulight Therm Insulating Glazing Units, incorporating Pilkington
Suncool High Performance (HP) Brilliant, were specified for a £25
million leisure complex - adjacent to Cardiff's stunning Millennium Stadium.
[More
on this Story]
Project
Odyssey - Andersen Explores the Window as an Interface
Humans have been fascinated with the magic of windows for thousands of
years. Since the Romans made the first translucent glass panes in the
first century A.D., windows have earned their place in structures around
the world – from magnificent cathedrals to simple pioneer homes.
[More
on this Story]
Deceuninck
Group sells Recycling Subsidiary
The Deceuninck Group closed down the operations of its subsidiary Deceuninck
Recycling on 28th February 2003. A buyer for the machines and customer
database has been found. A restructuring programme has been worked out
for the eight staff members. The group, however, will continue its PVC
recycling activity, essentially carried out at the Hooglede-Gits plant.
[More
on this Story]
MPH
Windows Builds on its Reputation
House-building company George Wimpey PLC has a major contract with MPH
Windows of Preston, as its main supplier of windows to the company's housing
developments in the North West. The contract is ongoing and has just achieved
its' 5th anniversary.
[More
on this Story]
Chatfields
Leeds the Clear Choice for Nova Windows
LDV main dealer, Chatfields of Leeds has secured an order to supply local
windows and conservatories company, Nova Windows Limited with four LDV
Convoy Hi-loaders and two LDV drop-sides worth over £108,000 at
showroom prices.
[More
on this Story]
New
Factory Provides Local Business with Window of Opportunity
Local PVCu window and door installer Andy Whitelaw Joinery (AWJ) celebrated
the opening of a new production facility on Friday 23rd January.
[More
on this Story]
Eurocell
Building Plastics Expand Further into Ireland
The existing Eurocell Building Plastics Irish Trade centre at Sligo has
now been joined by Dublin, showing evidence that the network is nationwide
and Ireland is an integral part of the plan.
[More
on this Story]
Riding
the Storm
Among the many problems winter months
bring, a homeowner's worst nightmare is structural damage, and the physical
and financial implications it brings with it. Not something The Wood family
of Southampton had to worry about when high winds brought down the crown
of an oak tree onto their Shepley conservatory.
[More
on this Story]
BIAT
Courts Greatness at British Museum
BIAT held its Technological Innovation in Design and Construction Conference
on 29th January. The conference, opened by His Royal Highness The Duke
of Gloucester KG GCVO and held in the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court,
British Museum, discussed technological innovation in design and construction.
[More
on this Story]
Agreements
With Labour And New York Power Authority Keep Alcoa Massena East Plant
Operating
Alcoa Primary Metals announced that an agreement reached with the New
York Power Authority (NYPA) as well as a joint labour-management restructuring
effort will allow the Massena East Smelter to remain operating as part
of Alcoa's long-term, low-cost production strategy.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 60 4th February 2003
Online
Registration Avoids Glassex Queues
The organisers of Glassex 2003 have announced that online
registration is now available through the Glassex website. Visitors wishing
to avoid the busy registration area at the event can save themselves time
and jump the queues by filling in a simple online form that takes just
a minute to complete.
[More
on this Story]
Deceuninck
Sales up to 362.4 million Euro in 2002 - Growth in Weak Market
Group Deceuninck, worldwide producer of PVCu window
systems and building profiles achieved consolidated sales of 362.4 million
euro in 2002. This represents an increase of 2.7% compared with 2001 (353
million euro). Deceuninck operated throughout the whole year in difficult
market conditions. Weak economies in the US and Europe decreased consumer
confidence and therefore spending in new build and renovation.
[More
on this Story]
Successful
Product Launch for K2
Glassex exhibitor K2 Conservatory Roof Systems recently held a product
launch and customer conference, at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton. The event
attracted a large number of K2 dealers, who attended the venue to express
their interest in K2's showcase of new products.
[More
on this Story]
Free
Victorian Designer Software from RoofWright
A free version of RoofWright with unlimited Victorian designs is now downloadable
free from www.roofwright.co.uk.or
from the firm's stand at Glassex
[More
on this Story]
Saint-Gobain
Group - 2002 Results
Excluding capital gains, 2002 net income of the Saint-Gobain
Group is estimated to stand at EUR 1,051 million, dipping (0.6%) compared
with 2001. This performance is in line with the objective set by the Group
on July 25th, 2002 to achieve stable net income excluding capital gains.
Excluding both capital gains and the asbestos-related charge, net income
would be up 5.7%.
[More
on this Story]
PPG
Reports on Fourth Quarter
PPG Industries has reported fourth quarter net income
of $94 million, or 55 cents a share, including an aftertax charge of $4
million, or 2 cents a share, to reflect the increase in value of PPG stock
included in a previously reported asbestos settlement agreement. Excluding
this charge, net income was $98 million, or 57 cents a share. Sales were
$1.99 billion.
[More
on this Story]
The
Freedonia Group Report - World Flat Glass to 2006
World flat glass demand will reach US$42 billion in
2006 according to a new report from Freedonia. In developed regions, more
efficient products (e.g., low-E glass, smart windows) will reflect tighter
energy standards for architectural glass. In developing regions, needs
for adequate housing and expanding industrial and commercial sectors will
drive demand. World motor vehicle glass markets will accelerate.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
collaborates with Kite Glass and Optima in the Renovated Royal Exchange
The transformation of the former Royal Exchange building
in London into a prestigious shopping mall featuring outlets for fashion
houses such as Prada and Gucci is a result of a collaboration between
Pilkington Glass and two independent glass and glazing compoanies: Kite
Glass of Surrey and Optima Architectural Glass, Bucks. The project saw
extensive use of Pilkington Optiwhite™ low iron float glass for special
design features.
[More
on this Story]
Hegla's
UK Office is Now Open
Hegla, the German cutting table specialist has announced
that the UK Sales and Service office is now open. Hegla Machinery (UK)
Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Hegla in Beverungen, Germany. It will
allow the UK market to benefit from the Hegla range of soft coat Low-E
glass processing equipment.
[More
on this Story]
3D
London Expansion
3D Plastic Centres has opened a new flagship branch in Hounslow, West
London under the management of Jeff Yates.
[More
on this Story]
Duraflex
Invests for Growth
Continued sales growth at PVCu systems supplier, Duraflex, is being supported
by investment in the latest extrusion technology.
[More
on this Story]
KAT
Doubles VS Production Capacity
KAT UK has recently doubled production capacity for
its VS vertical sliding window products. These investments have been made
in response to growing sales over the last six months, and the resulting
forecast growth in demand for 2003.
[More
on this Story]
Where
do you see Yourself in 2003?
The kind of year your company will have in 2003 will
be defined by how successful a strategy you chose, according to financial
analysts Plimsoll Publishing. In its new UK Windows & Doors Industry
Analysis - First Edition 2003, Plimsoll has revealed four types of companies
and the strategies that would best suit them individually in the year
ahead.
[More
on this Story]
All
Change For Doors with new Regs and Standards
Major changes to both Parts M and E of the Building
Regulations are planned which could well have a significant effect upon
the design of both internal and external doors and doorsets, explains
Stephen Hutsby, Group Technical Manager of doorset manufacturer LS Group
Ltd.
[More
on this Story]
The
Force is With Kombimatec
Stockport based fabricator Force 8 - a well known UK supplier of arched
windows and doors - has installed new machinery specifically designed
for profile bending applications and manufactured by GTI-Kombimatec.
[More
on this Story]
Omega
set to Boost Capacity & Profits with Elumatec Machinery
Newton
Abbot based trade fabricator Omega Trade Frames has invested over £60,000
in new Elumatec machinery to kick-start its plans for market domination
in the South West of the UK. With the new machinery now in place, the
company is on course to increase its weekly frame output from 160 to 200
by the close of 2003, a move that is also expected to raise its annual
turnover from £1.5 Million to £3 Million within two years.
[More
on this Story]
'Every
Supplier Prefers Austenitic' as SFS Sees Sales Soar
'Claims by martensitic fastener suppliers that austenitic fasteners do
not perform ring hollow', says fasteners group SFS intec. 'The fact is
that every single UK fastener supplier offers austenitic fasteners as
part of their window fastener range,' according to SFS' divisional director,
Mike Mortell.
[More
on this Story]
100
Years of Andersen Windows
Andersen Corporation, window manufacturer, introduced
the nation's first factory-produced window frames nearly 100 years ago.
In the ensuing years, the company has built a strong brand in the window
and door industry and begins 2003 with a year-long centennial celebration.
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on this Story]