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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 301 29th January 2008
Celuform
Proposal to Implement Manufacturing Change Project
Celuform Building Products Limited, in conjunction with
its sister companies within the Latium Group, has been reviewing the business
with the ultimate aim of future-proofing operations and maximising cost
effectiveness, efficiency and customer satisfaction. As a consequence
Celuform is proposing to restructure its operations during 2008.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Shepley
and Interframe in Administration
Shepley Window Systems (Holdings) Limited and Shepley
Window Systems Company Limited are In Administration. Bill Dawson and
Ian Brown were appointed Joint Administrators of Shepley Window Systems
(Holdings) Limited and Shepley Window Systems Company Limited on Monday
28 January 2008.
[Read
the Rest Here]
C Rating Squeeze on Small Manufacturers, BM TRADA Warns
BM TRADA Certification Ltd is concerned for smaller manufacturers, if the proposed introduction of a minimum 'C' energy rating for windows is included in the 2010 revision of Part L.
[Read the Rest Here]
GAP works in partnership with Barratt Homes
Another major housebuilder has seen the benefits of working with GAP. The UK's leading home improvement stockist is now working in partnership with Britain's best known housebuilder - Barratt Homes.
[Read the Rest Here]
The GGF has announced that Robert Aitken is GGF President. The GGF President is elected every two years and Robert succeeds Rick Wilberforce.
[Read the Rest Here]
£1.2
Billion Increase on Buying Power at Interbuild
Latest figures from Interbuild reveal a massive £1.2
billion increase on the value of 'live' visitor projects underway during
the 2007 show (26th October – 1st November).
[Read
the Rest Here]
JK
Windows Comes Back to Synseal
JK Windows has taken on Legend for its half million
pound investment programme. After months of research on profile window
systems the company chose Legend from Synseal. Vic Jagdev comments:
‘Today's fabricators need support from systems companies, with
the right product at the right price and delivered on time. Without
it companies can't compete.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Market
Conditions Defied as Crystal Windows Sees Out Successful MBO
Crystal Windows Limited, which designs and constructs
upmarket conservatories, has defied market conditions and moved into
new ownership with the completion of a management buy-out.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Paramount
Systems Forecasts 50% growth with Super Spacer
Dealership
Hot on the heels of the arrival of Edgetech's Super
Spacer Dealership network, Paramount Systems Ltd is the first Dealership
Fabricator to sign up to the scheme. Paramount buys its sealed units
from Edgetech customer Padiham Glass.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Look
how they've Treated their Customers!
With the industry only just taking its first tentative
steps into 2008, already we are bombarded with stories in the news about
big window companies hitting hard times and going into receivership...not
the best way to start the New Year!
[Read
the Rest Here]
Cut
prices and fail, says Rooms & Views
According to Spectus fabricator, Rooms & Views,
price cutting is the fast track to failure. In a fiercely competitive
new build market, the best way to secure long term success is by offering
top class products and services - not by slashing prices.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Saint-Gobain
Group Results
The
Saint-Gobain Group enjoyed upbeat trading activity in 2007, delivering
5% organic growth (including a 3.7% price impact and a 1.3% volume effect)
despite the slowdown observed in the second half of the year, which
compares to buoyant business levels in the second half of 2006.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Trident
Sales Rocket in Huddersfield
Champagne
corks were flying in Yorkshire this month as SIEGENIA-AUBI celebrated
sales of its Trident hardware with distributor, Avocet Hardware.
[Read
the Rest Here]
NHBC
Response to Appointment of New Housing Minister
NHBC,
the UK's leading consumer protection body for new home construction,
has welcomed the appointment of Caroline Flint MP as Housing Minister,
with a continued seat at Cabinet, underlining the Government's commitment
to keeping housing on the political agenda.
[Read
the Rest Here]
New
Powers for Councils to Raise Millions More to Support New Homes
Councils who back plans for new homes will be able
to raise hundreds of millions of pounds to spend on vital infrastructure
like roads, schools, parks and health centres.
[Read
the Rest Here]
European
Commission Proceedings (Flat Glass)
Further to its investigations in February and March
2005, the European Commission sent Statements of Objections to Saint-Gobain
Glass France (glass for the construction industry) on March 12th, 2007,
and to Saint-Gobain Glass France, Saint-Gobain Sekurit Deutschland and
Saint-Gobain Sekurit France (automotive glass) on April 19th, 2007.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Install
a Conservatory - It may Help Head Off Divorce
Installing a conservatory and designing out room for
a television can help head off separation or divorce, and contribute
to smoothing over domestic disputes. That's the finding of the North
West conservatory designer, Cheshire-based Crystal Windows.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Update
on Asbestos Claims in the United States
Some 6,000 claims were filed against CertainTeed in
2007, versus 7,000 in 2006. Around 8,000 claims were resolved over the
period, bringing the number of outstanding claims to 74,000 at December
31st, 2007, compared with 76,000 at end-2006.
[Read
the Rest Here]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 300 22nd January 2008
Fendor
Set to Grow in Performance Glazing Market
Just one year on from becoming the focus for a successful
management buy-out, Fendor Limited can reflect on having enhanced its
reputation for offering technical solutions to demanding glazing specifications,
whilst growing its business operations in a highly competitive market.
[Read
the Rest Here]
The
Super Spacer® Dealership Network has Arrived
2008 hasn't been the best start to a year for the window
industry, with the list of casualties growing daily. But it's not all
doom and gloom. When markets change, new openings arise and some fabricators
and installers have already identified and are benefiting from these opportunities.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Outlet
Expansion
Conservatory Outlet has expanded its dealer network
to nine, making it the largest installer of bespoke conservatories in
the North of England thanks to the opening of showrooms in Leyland near
Preston and Holmes Chapel in Cheshire.
[Read
the Rest Here]
120
Jobs on the Line after Planet Collapse
A conservatory company has gone into administration
with the loss of 120 jobs. Staff at Planet Conservatories, Windows and
Doors at Walton Summit in Preston were given the news just days after
returning from the Christmas break.
[Read
the Rest Here]
On-Line
Home Improvement Leads Ahead Of '07 Says eBuilders
Flying
in the face of the gloomy forecasts being predicted for 2008, eBuilders,
publishers of consumer advice web sites covering every aspect of home
improvements, report that early year lead generation is good and even
slightly ahead of expectations.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Pilkington
Activ™ Autumn TV Campaign – The Success Continues
The
latest figures received in the ongoing research to study the effects
of the advertising campaign for Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning
glass highlight that the 'awareness of' and 'interest in' the product
are at their highest ever levels following the Autumn TV campaign, during
which the commercials were aired nearly 5000 times.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Ultraframe
Suppliers Celebrate Success
Conservatory roofing systems manufacturer Ultraframe
recently held a Supplier Consultation Day at the company’s Clitheroe
Head Office. Over 30 key suppliers attended the informative day, to
learn details of Ultraframe's plans across the supply chain during 2008.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Don't
be Blind to Huge Profits
Ultraframe fabricator, S&J Link of York has launched
an extensive range of conservatory blinds - Ultrashade. Recent research
shows that around one third of conservatories are fitted with blinds
and so S&J Link saw an opportunity for the company’s customers
to not only add value to their offering for the consumer, but also to
increase their profit by up to £1000 per day.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Vulcan
Windows Chooses Trojan
Hull-based
fabricator, Vulcan Windows, has recently started using Trojan's Stallion
2 Shootbolt and says that it couldn't be happier with its choice of
hardware supplier.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Birtley
Acquisition of HM Doors is Good News for Customers
Birtley
Building Products, manufacturer and supplier of steel lintels to the building
and construction industry, has announced its acquisition of HM Doors,
one of the UK's leading suppliers of residential doors to the private
housebuilding market.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Peter
Lisec Receives Distinguished Service Cross
During a celebration at the Ministry of Economics
and Labour Minister Bartenstein handed over to CC Mr. Peter Lisec the
‘Great Award for Contributions to the Republic of Austria’.
[Read
the Rest Here]
BCE
Launches Registered Installer Scheme
BCE, the range of environmentally friendly PVC-UE
and PVC-U roofline, cladding, window board and trim products has launched
a new Registered Installer Scheme to support its installer customers.
[Read
the Rest Here]
GGF
goes Regional with the Green Message
Last week the GGF Chief Executive, Nigel Rees, had
a very positive meeting with the Rt Hon Elliott Morley MP. He is MP
for Scunthorpe and a former Environment Minister.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Measuring
Manufacturing Excellence
Striving for excellence in today's economic climate
is not easy, but Lockmaster manufacturer, Paddock, says that it is continually
investing in ways to ensure the company's product range is manufactured
to the very highest standards.
[Read
the Rest Here]
National
Plastics First Annual Conference
National Plastics the distribution division of Burles
Group plc held it's first annual conference recently. Held against the
background of doom and gloom from national press and industry gossip
Geoff Foster, Distribution Division Director, was able to report significant
sales and margin growth for the year just gone.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Complaints
Against Minster Windows Upheld
The Advertising Standards Authority has upheld a complaint
from two members of the public about a regional press advert, for Minster
Windows, York. The ad stated ‘10,000 satisfied customers can't
be wrong. Minster Windows. Doors. Conservatories’.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Vista
Offers Security Guarantee on Door Locks
Vista Group Plc, the Merseyside-based manufacturer
of PVC panels and composite doors has recently introduced a protected
security guarantee in partnership with Millenco Hardware who provides
locks for the company’s 'Welcome Collection' of composite doors.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Where
there's a Will there's Wiltshire Glass
All companies yearn for loyal customers, and loyalty
is something that has to be earned. MACO says that it is delighted to
have Wiltshire Glass and Windows as one of the company’s loyal
customer base and acknowledge its major investment recently made in
increasing production capacity - founded on the use of MACO fittings.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Hurst
Signs Exclusive Deal with E.A.S Windows
Hurst Plastics has signed an exclusive deal with E.A.S
Windows the Leicestershire-based home improvement specialist and supplier
of high quality double glazing systems, conservatories and roofline
products.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Crystal
Direct makes Quoting and Pricing Easier
National trade fabricator Crystal Direct has launched
the Smart-Price-Stick, a USB pen with a personalised price list and
quote generator for its customers.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Asahi
Loses U.S. Supreme Court Bid to Revive $25 Million Award
The U.S. Supreme Court refused to revive a $25.1 million
award won by Japanese glassmaker Asahi Glass Co. in a patent suit against
rival Cardinal IG Co.
[Read
the Rest Here]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 299 15th January 2008
MBO
at Paramount
Three leading figures at Gateshead-based Paramount Windows & Conservatories
have bought the business in a multi-million pound deal from its two founders;
brothers Graham and David Auld. The new owners company director Alan Oliver
and former regional sales managers Carl Birkenshaw and Derek McLaren immediately
unveiled ambitious expansion plans which will see them opening further
sites across the North-East and recruiting a further 30 staff.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Interbuild
Awards Its Industry
The UK's biggest building show is celebrating the dynamic
industry it serves with the launch of the Interbuild Awards. Recognising
the construction industry's most successful projects undertaken during
2007, organisers are calling for nominations from both housing and wider
commercial schemes, as well as a specialist category for builders' merchants.
[Read
the Rest Here]
BFRC
Energy Ratings Label at 500
The British Fenestration Council (BFRC) announced at
a presentation in London that CWG Choices Ltd was the 500th company to
be issued with the BFRC Energy Rating Label. Managing Director Philip
De Clermont, CWG Choices was presented with a certificate by BFRC Board
Director Ian Chisholm in recognition of this milestone.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Adminbase
Aids Europlas Expansion
Ab Initio Software's Adminbase system is helping window,
door and home improvement specialist Europlas in its expansion programme
throughout the South West of England, according to the company's general
manager Jim Short. Europlas has been using the Adminbase management
system since 2004 and in three years, has benefited hugely from its
installation.
[Read
the Rest Here]
sales-i
Seals Strategic Partnership with MBA Associates
sales-i, the real-time sales acceleration service
for front line sales people has signed a strategic partnership agreement
with specialist consulting firm MBA Associates, to extend its products
into the windows, building materials and plastics industries.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Selecta
Invests Further £3m In On-Going Expansion Programme
Leading PVC-u extruder Selecta Systems has continued
with an expansion programme by investing a further £3 million in
a programme that includes the purchase of new equipment, a fleet expansion
and staff investment. The company that has established a reputation for
quality and reliability is further reinforcing its commitment to customer
satisfaction.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Commercial
Construction Bucks the National Building Trend
'The commercial construction sector is booming and
the only shortage it faces is skilled workers to deliver the busy orders
that have been placed with companies’. That's the New Year prediction
from cladding and curtain walling expert, English Architectural Glazing.
Despite messages of an economic downturn in the housing construction
and selling markets, the commercial sector is seeing full order books
for 2008.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Lister
Welcomes 2008!
2008 has begun with several well known and long established
companies closing down, being placed in administration or simply phoenixing
in an attempt to leave their bad debts behind. The pundits are saying
that this is just the beginning of the long awaited 'consolidation'
of our industry.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Roplas
Annouces Freefoam as New Supplier
Roplas, a stockist and supplier of PVC-U building
plastics, has just announced Freefoam Plastics as its new supplier of
fascia and soffit. Freefoam will be supplying its white, coloured and
woodgrain fascia and soffit products to the five Roplas branches. Roplas
is part of the SIG group, whose Roofline and Building Plastics division
is the largest distributor of Roofline products in the UK.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Universal
Expansion
Universal Arches continues to expand thanks to investment
in the business and a very customer focused approach which has now seen
the St Helens based company grow to 51 employees. Since the business
was acquired by new owners Clair Ridley and Leon Day in 2005 the company
has evolved from bending specialist to more of an engineering led company.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Rolltech
Receives the Innovation Award
Every year, Danish industry (Dansk Industri - DI) confers
the Innovation Award to a company in recognition of innovation. The
2007 Innovation Award has been assigned to Rolltech - a Glass Alliance
network company.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Economists
Forecast Growth in US Commercial Construction for 2008
The non-residential construction sector in the U.S. will
experience strong growth in 2008, despite the heavy drag coming from
the decline of the residential construction market, says a panel of
construction economists south of the border. The Associated General
Contractors (AGC) of America produced its 3rd Annual Economic Forecast
on December 13th to discuss the direction of the U.S. construction industry
in 2008.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Another
Record Year for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles achieved its eighth consecutive
year of increased sales in the UK in 2007. In addition, with total registrations
of 27,777 commercial vehicles, Volkswagen's market share grew to over
eight per cent for the first time plus it maintained its position as
number one van importer.
[Read
the Rest Here]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 298 8th January 2008
Everwhite,
Budget and Pennine in Receivership
Fourteen workers have been made redundant at the South Wales plastics
firm Everwhite which went into administration last Friday. Meanwhile,
Pennine Windows (Home Improvements) Ltd) called in the receivers last
Thursday, with the loss of 126 jobs and Budget Windows went into administration
with the loss of 80 jobs just before Christmas.
[Read
the Rest Here]
GGF
analyses Government views on Building Regulations in 2010 and 2013
Time never stands still and already moves are being
made by the Government to look at what Building Regulations (Approved
Document L) will look like in 2010 and 2013. The GGF were asked to
respond to these views after working with the CLG and its predecessors
effectively for many years.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Consumers
Choose Super Spacer
Undertaking
a sensitive renovation project, homeowners Mr and Mrs Roper recently
asked Carey and Fox to install timber sash windows with Super Spacer’s
built in energy saving.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Kestrel
on the Up
The no tin, no lead, next generation cellular building
products supplier, Kestrel, continues its rapid sales growth according
to the latest sales figures. 'We’ve grown by over £5 million
in just one year,' says Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director
of the Kestrel brand.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Partnering
with Pilkington energiKare™ is as Safe as Houses
Pilkington
has again partnered with Safestyle UK to supply its new energy efficient
insulating glass unit, Pilkington energiKare™, directly to
homeowners. Safestyle UK, the nation’s largest independent
window retailer, sealed the partnership this month.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Pilkington
energiKare™ Hits the Small Screen
From the 18th February the Pilkington energiKare™ brand will
be beamed into homes up and down the country as part of a two-month
television advertising campaign. The commercials will be shown
on digital television and Channel 5, with an expected estimated
audience of 13 million adults over two months.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Leeds
gets Europe's Tallest Residential Tower
Carillion has begun construction work on the tallest
building in Leeds. The Lumiere, designed by architect Ian Simpson,
claims to be Europe's tallest residential tower, competing with
Manchester's Beetham Towers currently boasting the highest living
space in the UK.
[Read
the Rest Here]
GGF
Safety Glazing Awards 2007
The 5th Annual Awards for outstanding contributions
to the glass and glazing industry took place in December at Bredbury
Hall, Stockport. The Safety Glazing Award 2007 was attended by over
60 members of the GGF.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Happy
New Year from Masco UK Window Group
Much has been reported recently in terms of the economic slowdown
that has hit all sectors of the UK economy during the second half
of 2007. The reported Halifax housing index has, for the past 3
months, seen the average price of property slipping on a month by
month basis.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Abloy
UK Launches Smartair Electronic Locks
High performance locking and access control specialist
Abloy UK has launched Smartair electronic locks, an off-line access
control system ideally suited to smaller sites, initially to a hand-picked
selection of the country’s top installers.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Hard
to Hit a Moving Target? Not if you're a Windowbase Customer
Windowbase's annual report on the changes in the
Conservatory, Door & Window industry during the year 2007 show
that overall the number of companies going out of business was slightly
less than 2006.
[Read
the Rest Here]
New
Finance Offers for Volkswagen Transporter
Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles is starting 2008
with contract hire and finance lease offers for all models in the
Transporter van range registered from January until the end of March.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Peachtree
to Close Georgia Plant
The Peachtree Door & Window plant in Gainesville,
Georgia, will be closed in February, with production of foamed patio
and entry doors moved to the Weather Shield Manufacturing facility
in Park Falls, Wisconsin.
[Read
the Rest Here]
New
Year - New Advanced System from Swish
Swish Window and Door Systems has started commercial
production of its new advanced TwentyFour-Seven system featuring technical
innovations specifically designed to meet shifting consumer expectations.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Energy
Efficiency is Snow Joke
The first snowfall of 2008 has already hit some
parts of the UK and is just around the corner for others. While cold
snaps can often cause a few problems, the extreme weather can actually
be a useful tool to help establish how energy efficient your home
and other local buildings are.
[Read
the Rest Here]
Aztec
Business Boom
When all seem to be predicting recession, one conservatory
roof systems supplier says that it is predicting a promising future:
Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems is seeing stronger sales than ever,
with new business booming.
[Read
the Rest Here]
A
Year of Two Halves - RICS UK Housing Market Forecast for 2008
RICS expects UK house prices to be broadly unchanged
in 2008 but acknowledges that the market could experience some near
term weakness. Crucially, RICS does not believe that any drop in house
price will be extended in duration.
[Read
the Rest Here]