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THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 80 24th June 2003
Beware
of False Profits?
Our coverage of Epwin's end of year figures last week,
prompted a quizzical response from some quarters of the industry as to
why we had given undue prominence to the Group's operating profit. There
are several things to be said about this
[More
on this Story]
Heywood
Williams Timely US Disposal Opens Growth Options
Heywood Williams Group Plc, the UK producer of PVC window
systems, cellular foam and hardware has reached a definitive agreement
for the sale of the Creation Group to Dura Automotive Systems Inc for
a consideration of US$60m (£35.7m)
[More
on this Story]
Deceuninck
Business Plan Aims at Sales 700m Euro in 2007 through Growth and Consolidation
Deceuninck, worldwide producer of PVCu window systems
and profiles for the construction industry, released its 2003-2007 Business
Plan on June 10th. This revised Business Plan underscores the importance
Deceuninck attaches to establishing a long-term vision for the group.
[More
on this Story]
Indigo
Poised to Make Inroads with Elite
'Indigo Products is on the threshold of significant
growth and will be pursuing an active and targeted sales campaign to drive
our business among current and potential new customers' said Danny Hague,
Indigo's Sales and Marketing Director
[More
on this Story]
Construction
of the UK First Magnetron Coating Plant Begins
Construction of the UK's first magnetron coating facility
began last week at Saint Gobain's float glass plant in Eggborough near
Selby in Yorkshire. The new £15-million coater will enable Saint-Gobain
Glass to produce its soft coat low emissivity (Low-E) glass 'Planitherm'
in the UK
[More
on this Story]
A
Fond Farewell to Roy
Status Systems sales and marketing director, Roy Shipley,
has announced his departure from the company. Roy has been with Status
for some 12 years, during which he has played a major role in firstly
turning the business around in the early nineties, and its profitable
growth thereafter.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
Plc - Final Dividend Scrip Price
The scrip dividend share value in respect of the final
dividend payable on 1st August 2003 has been calculated at 70p based on
the average of the middle market quotations of Pilkington plc shares on
the London Stock Exchange for the five dealing days 11th to 17th June
2003 inclusive.
[More
on this Story]
Penalty
Shoot-Out Ends Mila's 5th Trinity Challenge with a Joint First Place Victory
It's the sporting finish that has made for many a nail-biting
moment in England footballing history, and it was no different at this
year's Mila Trinity Challenge when Bryco Windows' triumph in a penalty
shoot-out placed the company in joint first place position with Golf and
Karting champions Hoppe.
[More
on this Story]
BWF
Strengthens Audit Testing for Fire Door Accreditation Scheme
The
British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has implemented a more rigorous audit
testing regime for its Fire Door & Doorset Scheme. This follows Members'
comments on a proposal drawn up by CERTIFIRE - the BWF's partner in the
Scheme - in response to a recent strategic review
[More
on this Story]
ACDM
Welcomes GBW to its Membership
GBW
Panels Ltd has joined the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers
(ACDM), increasing the number of members to eleven
[More
on this Story]
New
Body gives Network 'Installer-Power'
Network
Veka is giving installers a bigger say in the running of the organisation
with the launch of the Network Veka Installers' Committee.
[More
on this Story]
Shepley
is First to Manufacture the Latest in Integral Gaskets
Shepley customers are the first installers to receive
the new integral gasket for the Rehau 70mm PVCu window and door system
launched at Glassex 2003
[More
on this Story]
The
UKDPN Enters Export Market
The
UK Door Panel Network, the UK group of independent door panel producers
has started to look overseas for expansion, and is delighted to have signed
up its first contract in Dubai
[More
on this Story]
Versatile
Joints for Windows and Conservatories
The Hoffmann system of using special dovetail keys to create a variety
of joints is now in wide use throughout various sectors of industry. But
this system is also suitable for the modern window, door and conservatory
manufacturer
[More
on this Story]
Budding
Inventor Big Brother's Jon Tickle Blows his Chance, says Patent Office
Jon Tickle, the boffin from Channel Four's Big Brother
House, made a terrible mistake in discussing his would-be inventions with
his Housemates, and in front of millions of TV viewers. His disclosures
have cost him all hope of patent protection for his ideas.
[More
on this Story]
Alcan
Commits to Achieving ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Certification for all Facilities
President
and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc., Travis Engen, committed on
June 10th that the Company will work to ensure all its operations, including
its head office in Montreal, Quebec, achieve ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
certification by 2004.
[More
on this Story]
Caring
Interseal Replaces Hospital Windows
Devon
based Profile 22 fabricator, Interseal, was praised by senior management
at a hospital in Plymouth for the professional, caring way that the company
worked on the wards while installing new windows
[More
on this Story]
Reduce
Shipping Costs of Glass Products with Container Dri II Moisture Control
System
Manufacturers of glass, and products incorporating glass, can significantly
reduce moisture damage and shipping costs with Container Dri® II from
Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 79 16th June 2003
Alternative
Win for The 4th annual Jotika Golf Day
Now
a firm fixture in the Glazing industry events calendar, The 4th annual
Jotika Golf Day was held last Friday, 13th June – a date that offered
a great excuse for having a bad round! Despite which, the overall standard
of play was excellent, even from the novices, and there were some very
close scores.
[More
on this Story]
United
Technologies Corp Agrees to Acquire Chubb plc in $1.0 Billion Deal
United Technologies Corp. announced on 11th June a $1.0
billion offer to purchase Chubb plc, a leading provider of electronic
security and fire protection products and services, in an all-cash deal
that the boards of directors of both companies have approved unanimously.
[More
on this Story]
Insolvencies,
winding up orders, petitions and creditors' meetings
The following Notices have appeared in the past couple of weeks. They
include notifications of creditors' meetings, winding up orders and final
creditors' meetings. These include Essex based Liberty Windows, Direct
Windows Leicester, Buman Doors, Manchester, Ross Glass Ltd, Norwich and
Tradeglaze Conservatories & Fascias.
[More
on this Story]
GP&T
Set to be Biggest Glass Show in UK as Glaverbel, Bystronic, Pearsons and
Jotika Join Exhibitors
Glass
giant Glaverbel, leading international machinery manufacturer Bystronic,
top processor Pearsons and software house Jotika are the latest companies
to sign contracts to exhibit at Glass Processing & Technology.
[More
on this Story]
KAT
Announces Future Investment Plans
With
turnover on track for £6.5m this year - 28 per cent up on last year
- Macclesfield based KAT UK has made known its ambitions for continued
organic growth towards a target of £10m turnover in three years
time.
[More
on this Story]
Kolorplas
Keeps on Growing
It's been a record year for PVCu fabricator and colour
coating specialist, Kolorplas. The Oxon-based group reports a 20% overall
increase in sales for the year, double the usual rate of growth for the
company's trade operation, with retail sales up by 15%.
[More
on this Story]
Masterdor
Offers DDA Compliance
Manse
Masterdor Ltd gave public specifiers the low-down on the Disability Discrimination
Act 1995 (DDA) at Windowfab last month and highlighted the urgent need
for service providers to take an in-depth look at how the new legislation
will affect them.
[More
on this Story]
Software
is Jewel in the Crown for Royal
A
Merseyside based commercial aluminium specialist has set its sights on
growth with an ambitious investment package from Promac. The new machinery
- from the high-end Emmegi range of aluminium fabrication equipment -
will be made more flexible, efficient and productive through the integration
of the latest software package - also from Emmegi - called Frame Project
Pro.
[More
on this Story]
Building
Airtightness - the Honeymoon Period is Nearly Over
BRE's airtightness experts are reminding designers and contractors that,
from 30th September 2003, all new commercial and public buildings with
a gross floor area of 1000 m2 or more must demonstrate that they meet
the new airtightness standard of 10 m3h-1m-2.
[More
on this Story]
Neslo
joins the Linkspan Group - 'Life Begins at 40'
Already a success story, borne out by celebration of it's 40th birthday
this year, Neslo is set to grow following its take over by Linkspan -
the UK's largest independent partitioning contractor.
[More
on this Story]
Radway
sets up 2000 Units Per Week Capacity
Redditch-based
Sheerframe windowmaker Radway Door and Windows Ltd has invested over £250,000
in new machinery at its main manufacturing plant, and established a new
production unit at nearby Aston, to meet demand for its Sheerframe windows
from the social housing sector.
[More
on this Story]
BWF
Best of Breed Testing Timber Windows to the Full
The British Woodworking Federation's Showcase Project, being run in partnership
with the Building Research Establishment (BRE), is successfully pushing
the boundaries of timber window manufacturing and finishing techniques
across a wide spectrum.
[More
on this Story]
23
Times Round the World with Profile 22
With
its unique number plate, J22 PVC, one of Profile 22's fleet of lorries,
has proved to be a reliable workhorse. The Scania lorry was first registered
in September 1997 and has notched up some impressive statistics.
[More
on this Story]
Shepley
Never Sleeps with new Auto-Fax service
Shepley has launched a new auto-fax service to provide glass sizes and
frame order details overnight. When customers order their windows, doors
or conservatories from Shepley, their details are logged. With the new
auto-fax they will automatically be faxed with glass sizes and a confirmation
of their frame order details that night.
[More
on this Story]
Better
Homes Provides Better Publicity for West Yorks Windows
Status fabricator West Yorkshire Windows has just completed its fourth
conservatory installation for the ITV home improvement show Better Homes,
featuring Carol Vorderman.
[More
on this Story]
Carl
F Launches 'Paint to Order' Service for Vents
Carl
F Petersen Ltd has enhanced its capabilities with regard to Duco, Ventilation
& Sun Control products.
[More
on this Story]
Alcoa
Chooses Bechtel and HRV To Build Project in East Iceland
Alcoa
has chosen Bechtel and its partner, an Icelandic engineering consortium,
HRV (Hönnun, Rafhönnun, VST), to design and build its new plant
in East Iceland, which is being designed for production of 322,000-metric-ton-per-year
of primary aluminium.
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 78 9th June 2003
Stand
Sales Gather Pace for GP&T
Almost
half of the targeted exhibition stand sales had been sold for Glass Processing
& Technology (GP&T) by early May, with over 6 months to go until
the event takes place. This milestone was reached after a flurry of activity
that has resulted in over 2000 square metres of exhibition stand space
being contracted for the event, which will give the UK glass industry
its own dedicated exhibition and conference showcase.
[More
on this Story]
Major
Report on the UK Commercial Glazing Market 2002
AMA Research has recently published the third edition of the UK Commercial
Glazing Market Report. The report presents a comprehensive and up-to-date
review, looking in detail at the industry trends to date, as well as future
opportunities and threats. The report represents an aid to sales and marketing
professionals in, or interested in, the industry.
[More
on this Story]
Network
Veka's Back on the Cowboy Trail
Network Veka has launched another crackdown on bogus membership claims
after receiving a tip-off about a company in Somerset. The organisation
has issued warnings to local media, stressing that genuine members' employees
all carry centrally-issued identity cards and urging householders to ask
to see the ID if they have any suspicions at all about the caller.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
Crew Faces the Elements in Major Sailing Event
A
plucky crew of Pilkington employees recently braved severe weather conditions
to finish eighth out of 17 teams in a first round of the Industry Sailing
Challenge 2003, the largest corporate sailing event in the world. The
Pilkington team - led by skipper John Brighouse - faced gusty Force 7
winds of up to 40 knots to complete the challenge successfully.
[More
on this Story]
Lister
Trade Frames with Stuga - Consistent Growth from Consistent Quality
Lister
Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent has built a reputation over the last 27
years for the company's quality window frames. To further guarantee consistency
of that quality Lister has recently invested in the latest machining centre
from Stuga, and at a total cost to Lister of around £250,000.00
it had to produce tangible results..
[More
on this Story]
CGI
International in New Partnership for North America
Haydock
based fire glass manufacturer, CGI International Ltd has concluded an
exclusive North American Distribution Agreement with the Oldcastle Glass
Group. CGII’s Pyroguard Clear Fire Rated Glass will now be stocked
nationally by the OG Group across North America..
[More
on this Story]
Sales
Soar with Synseal's Global
Synseal
Extrusions Ltd has seen intense activity in recent months preparation
for the landmark launch of the Global Conservatory Roof. And it seems
to be paying off.
[More
on this Story]
Avanti
Systems Doubles Production with new Kombimatec Machining Centre
Having recently moved into larger premises to fulfil further
growth potential, partitioning manufacturer Avanti Systems has given its
expansion plans a kick-start with its purchase of a state of the art machining
centre manufactured by UK supplier GTI-Kombimatec
[More
on this Story]
Versatile
Opportunities in New Build
Millgate
Windows and Conservatories has been a valued customer of the Burles Group
since its inception and is reaping the rewards of the combination of Veka
frames and Versatile Roof System, which has caught the eye of elite house
builders throughout the east of England.
[More
on this Story]
Hallmark
Provides an even Smoother Service with New Vehicle Datatrack System
Hull-based door panel, GRP and laminated products manufacturer
Hallmark Group has pledged to significantly improve its service levels
by fitting its entire commercial vehicle fleet with a Siemens Datatrack
System..
[More
on this Story]
Guardian
Systems Ltd Continues to Expand in the New Build Market
Window fabricator, Guardian Systems of Stirling, has recently
been employed by MCA Homes of Alloa to manufacture and supply windows,
doors and French doors for 250 new homes..
[More
on this Story]
Essex
Yacht Club Chooses Goldline for Mine-Sweeper 'HMS Wilton'
The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade
fabricator of Goldline PVCu windows and doors, has announced the specification
of Goldline windows and doors for what is most probably Goldline's, and
installation company Special F.X. Windows, Benfleet, Essex, most unusual
installation application to date; aboard Essex Yacht Club's ex-navy Mine-Sweeper,
'HMS Wilton'.
[More
on this Story]
ACDM
Welcomes SBD Certification
Members
of the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers are preparing for a
new Certification process for composite doors that is to be introduced
later this year by Secured by Design (SBD), the UK Police flagship initiative
supporting the principles of designing out crime..
[More
on this Story]
Synseal's
Solution for Aluminium Woodgrain top Capping
Synseal
Extrusions Ltd is launching aluminium woodgrain top capping in response
to customer concern about top capping distortion that has occurred on
other brands. The systems company researched the market and found that
in very specific geographical areas, distortion can occur.
[More
on this Story]
Living
Colour at UKF
UK
Fasteners has launched colour coded labels to make its screws easily identifiable
for fabricators on the shop floor.
[More
on this Story]
Modplan
- The Home of Customer Service
'Longevity
of customer relationships, combined with positive response to regular
customer surveys, is a clear testimony to the satisfaction felt by Modplan
customers.' says the company..
[More
on this Story]
MPH
Windows - Making sure your House becomes your Home
The Bryant Homes housing development at Euxton, near Preston will result
in some 236 premier houses when the project is completed. Bryant Homes'
window requirements for the prestige housing project, was for 4 ranges
of window, with 30 to 40 different types of window in each range, for
the standard houses on their site.
[More
on this Story]
Unitec
Launches the new Roto TSL
Unitec
is now stocking and promoting the new Twin-Cam Security Lock (TSL) from
Roto.
[More
on this Story]
Saint-
Gobain Solaglas Joins Current Solutia UK Partnership
Saint-Gobain
Solaglas has joined the current Solutia UK partnership to produce laminated
architectural glass with Vanceva Design, a new range of coloured, patterned
and textured polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers specifically created
for laminated glass.
[More
on this Story]
Vitro
Cristalglass Supplies Glass for Expansion of Madrid National Museum
Vitro
Cristalglass was selected to provide close to 15,000 square meters of
its extra-clear, double-glazing lsolar Multipact glass to expand the Reina
Sofia Center National Museum in Madrid. Supported by Spain's Culture and
Education Ministry, the museum is one of the most significant icon buildings
in Europe
[More
on this Story]
THE GL@ZINE ISSUE 77 2nd June 2003
Pilkington
Reports Best Cash Performance for a Decade in Mixed 2002 Results
Chairman,
Sir Nigel Rudd reports a robust set of results from Pilkington, produced
against the backdrop of continuing depressed trading conditions in most
of the Group’s major markets. Pressure on selling prices in
Europe and North America pulled operating profits, including joint ventures
and associates, down to £217m (2002 £238m). 'Despite
the lower operating profits, our emphasis on cash generation enabled Pilkington
to generate cash inflow before dividends of £138m (2002 £5m
outflow); the Group’s strongest cash performance for a decade', he
says.
[More
on this Story]
Chemetall
sells Glass Sealants and Casting Resins Business to Kömmerling
Chemetall
GmbH, Frankfurt am Main, will sell the sealants and casting resins business
of its Glass Division to Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik GmbH, Pirmasens/Germany.
A corresponding agreement was signed on Friday, May 23rd. The transaction
has been approved by the anti-trust authorities and is expected to be
closed in June.
[More
on this Story]
Epwin
Reports Strong Performance in 2002, Dented by Refinancing and Acquisition
Costs
The
Board's successful strategy following the company's return to private
ownership has produced a further set of record results, with increases
to both turnover and profits. The company's programme of product and market
diversification, most notably with the acquisition of the Swish roofline,
cladding and window business in 2000, has secured growth despite a maturing
market for PVCu window products.
[More
on this Story]
Hunter
Douglas Acquires Thomas Sanderson Blinds
Hunter
Douglas has acquired Thomas Sanderson Blinds, a Southampton based window
covering assembler, from ISIS Private Equity Partners plc, a UK private
equity firm, and other investors. Terms were not disclosed.
[More
on this Story]
Plastmo
Ltd Acquires Plastmo Profiles and Abbott Group
Plastmo
Limited has been formed by the senior management of Plastmo Profiles Limited,
to acquire the entire share capital of Plastmo Profiles Limited of Northampton
and the Abbott Group of Hailsham, Sussex.
[More
on this Story]
Bringing
Colour to Better Homes
A
twin gable conservatory, colour coated by Kolor-fast in Anthracite Grey
and fabricated and installed by West Yorkshire Windows, was one of the
stunning designer makeovers featured in 20th May's edition of ITV's popular
home improvement programme, Carol Vorderman's Better Homes.
[More
on this Story]
Synseal
Buys Second Polycarb Line
Synseal
has recently invested in the installation of a new polycarbonate line,
the company's second in less than a year. 'We wanted our own polycarbonate
lines to stay ahead of the extraordinary demand for our roofs,' explains
Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions
[More
on this Story]
Nürnberg
Global Fairs Opens a Window on China
The lnternational EuroWindoor Pavilion offers European window and door
manufacturers the opportunity to present their products to the Chinese
trade public for the first time from 20-23 November 2003. Together with
EuroWindoor, the trade association of the most important European window
associations, Nurnberg Global Fairs is organising the pavilion for companies
at Fenestration China 2003.
[More
on this Story]
TRADA
Research on Primers will put Block on Stains
TRADA
Technology Ltd has won £70,000 of DTI funding under the Partners
in lnnovation programme for a new research project to evaluate the effectiveness
of stain blocking primers for wood joinery. Peter Kaczmar, TRADA Technology's
Coatings and Treatments specialist, will head up the research.
[More
on this Story]
Piper
Calls the Tune with Major Expansion
Long time Veka fabricator and family owned company Piper Double-Glazing
Ltd of Kent has undertaken a major expansion programme. Its primary business
is conducted with local authorities, housing associations and commercial
organisations, for whom the company has undertaken work on many prestigious
projects.
[More
on this Story]
Pilkington
Invests
£3.5m at Greengate
A £3.5m investment in extra storage space has helped
boost customer service performance at Pilkington's Greengate float production
site in the UK.
[More
on this Story]
GGF
Grasp the Thorny Nettle at ConventionGrasping
the nettle - issues the industry cannot ignore was the theme of this year's
GGF Convention held at the Queen Hotel Chester recently, attended by nearly
100 members, delegates and guests.
[More
on this Story]
RoofWright's
Victorian goes West
RoofWright's
offer of free software to create Victorian conservatories in 3D has paid
off with copies reaching as far as Canada's west coast. Hundreds of CDs
have been sent out from the South Manchester headquarters
[More
on this Story]
Tenants
get their Hands on a Masterdor
Tenants
of South Bedfordshire District Council were able to get their hands on
a Masterdor when bespoke door manufacturer, Manse Masterdor Ltd, attended
tenant meetings to demonstrate how its door-set works
[More
on this Story]
Popular
Partners with Profile 22
A
second seminar on Project Partnering organised by Profile 22 proved to
be an even greater success than the first with more than 90 delegates
attending the Telford event.
[More
on this Story]