LATEST MOVES IN THE INDUSTRY
10
Years at Freefoam
On the 10th anniversary of the company's foundation in June of 2000, Senior
Management at Freefoam Plastics, a supplier of lead-free PVC-UE roofline,
cladding and Freeflow rainwater systems, made a special presentation to
five of their employees in recognition of their ten years service with
the company. In December 2001 another two employees reached the Ten Year
milestone.
During
his ten years with the company, Conor O'Shea (left) has worked in a number
of roles from Sales administrator, to Area Sales Manager responsible the
East of the country. He also successfully established Freefoam's large
trade depot in Dublin.
Conor comments: 'Having represented customers throughout Ireland for many
years, I saw an opportunity for Freefoam to service the booming construction
sector in Dublin and to better service installers in the region through
a local trade centre. The depot has been a huge success.'
Paul Barry (pictured right), Transport and Despatch Manager, comments
on Freefoam's growth since he first joined ten years ago: 'I have seen
the company grow from a single extrusion line operation, producing 2 products,
to become one of the leading suppliers of cellular PVC-UE fascia, soffit,
cladding and rainwater products in Ireland and the UK.
He
continues: 'With such sustained growth, all our jobs have become more
demanding with each passing year. But we have a very strong dedicated
team here at Freefoam and each challenge we overcome to improve service
to our customers brings us closer to becoming No.1 in the roofline market.'
Tony Walsh, Freefoam Managing Director, presented both employees with
a special Blarney Irish Crystal cut-glass piece to mark the occasion.
Contact: Karen Fehily or Julie Deasy
Tel: Northampton 01604 759871 or Cork 021 4911055
Email: mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
Hurst
Plastics Expands Sales Force
Hurst Plastics, UK manufacturer of PVCu door panels, has expanded its
sales force by making two new appointments.
(L-R) Rob Rees and Stephen Jones, new regional business
managers at Hurst Plastics
Rob
Rees has been appointed regional business manager for the M62 corridor.
He joins Hurst after a 19-year background working in sales for blue chip
construction companies. A former rugby player for Hornsea RUFC, Rob lives
in Cottingham, Hull.
Stephen Jones, who has become regional business manager for the Midlands,
has spent 10 years in sales positions in the door and window industry.
He had six years with a company manufacturing gaskets and weather seals,
and four years with a door panel company.
Tel: 01482 790790
Email: info@hurst-plastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.co.uk
TECHNAL
APPOINTS GENERAL MANAGER FOR IRELAND
Dennis Mitchell has joined Leeds-based architectural aluminium systems
specialists, Technal, to head up the company’s operations in Ireland.
His
appointment as General Manager follows the launch of Technal Ireland,
an independent business which will supply its range of high performance
curtain walling, commercial door and window products direct to fabricators,
architects and contractors.
In his new role with Technal, Dennis will lead the transition to direct
supply in Ireland and will also be involved in the management team responsible
for Technal’s continued expansion in the UK.
'For the past decade Technal’s systems have been available to our
customers in Ireland via a distributor and, as a result, our market share
has increased year on year', said Dennis. 'Our aim is to build on this
success by moving to direct supply, which will enable us to offer an enhanced
range of services to our customers. Our intention is to expand our network
of quality approved fabricators and to grow the business through specifications.'
For the past 12 years, Dennis has worked for a major stockist of aluminium
systems and engineering products based in Dublin. During this time, he
played a major part in establishing Technal in Ireland, and following
a restructuring and merger of three separate businesses, he was appointed
General Manager of an organisation with a turnover of £34m and a
team of 100 people. Part of Hydro Building Systems, Technal is one of
Europe’s leading suppliers of aluminium glazing systems and has operations
located across Western Europe, including France, Spain, Portugal and the
UK, as well as export teams and licensees as far afield as the Middle
East and South America.
For further information about Technal’s products and services, visit
their new website, www.technal.co.uk.
Alcoa
Announces New Appointments
Alcoa has made A. Hamish Petrie, 54, vice president for People and Communications
and William J. (Bill) O'Rourke, 53, was appointed vice president Environment,
Health and Safety, and Audit effective immediately.
Mr. Petrie is accountable for worldwide human resource functions, including
leadership and development, labor relations, benefits, compensation, and
recruitment activities, together with corporate communications and public
strategy. Mr. Petrie's most recent position was vice president and global
director for Human Resources, a position he held since mid-2001. He succeeds
Robert F. Slagle, executive vice president of human resources and communications,
who retired in February 2002.
Mr. O'Rourke has been vice president of Audit since November 2001 reporting
to Richard Kelson, CFO. The environment, health and safety responsibilities
will be integrated with his audit activities within Mr. Kelson's organization.
Mr. O'Rourke succeeds Joseph C. Muscari, who has been previously appointed
as group vice president for Asia and Latin America operations.
Mr. Petrie joined Alcoa in Australia at its Pt. Henry Works in 1978. He
held a series of production supervisory positions before becoming personnel
and industrial relations manager. In 1985, he was named smelting manager
at Pt. Henry and in 1988, rolled products marketing and sales manager
for Australia, Asia and South Africa. In 1993, Hamish moved to Kwinana,
in Western Australia as works manager of Alcoa's alumina refinery. During
this assignment, he undertook external roles as president of the Kwinana
Industrial Council and a State Councilor for the Australian Quality Council.
In 1999, he moved to Geelong as general manager, Victoria Operations,
where he was responsible for the operations of two smelters, one power
station and the marketing of ingot products. He moved to Pittsburgh in
2000 as president of Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals' global chemicals
business. He was responsible for 15 plants in North America, Europe, Australia,
India, Japan and China. A native of Australia, Hamish was educated at
Brisbane Boys College and subsequently graduated with Honours in Metallurgy
in 1968 from the University of Queensland in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
Mr. O'Rourke joined Alcoa in 1975 as a patent attorney. Later he left
Alcoa to join Joy Manufacturing Company, where he held a variety of positions
including corporate patent counsel, director of corporate administration,
and general manager of a mining machinery parts business. He returned
to Alcoa's Intellectual Property Department in 1988. Bill was named an
assistant officer, Corporate Patent Counsel, in 1992, and assistant general
counsel in 1995. In 1996, he was named to lead Alcoa's Environmental,
Health and Safety organization. He became managing director of Alcoa Business
Support Services in June 1997, with accountability for procurement, financial
shared services, human resources, environment, health and safety services,
administrative services and aircraft operations. Mr. O'Rourke was elected
a vice president of Alcoa in September 1997.
Mr. O'Rourke is an Executive Faculty member at the University of Pittsburgh's
Katz School of Business in the Ethics and Business Conduct course. He
is president of the Board of Directors of the local Juvenile Diabetes
Research Foundation and serves on the Advisory Board of Duquesne University's
Center for Environmental Research & Education, and the University's
Bayer School of Natural & Environmental Sciences.
He graduated from John Carroll University in 1970 with bachelor degrees
in both the science and the arts. He received a Juris Doctor degree from
Duquesne University's School of Law in Pittsburgh in 1975.
RHINO
TAKES RUGBY BY ITS HORNS
Status Systems fabricator Rhino Windows has sponsored Matt Adamson, a
new Australian signing for Leeds Rhino Rugby League. The Leeds based fabricator
is one of the largest local window manufacturers able to produce Status
specified windows for Leeds City Council, and this sponsorship will touch
the sporting enthusiasm of many of its trade installer and builder customers.
Mick and Dave from Rhino Windows with Australian
Leeds Rhino signing Matt Adamson
Rhino Windows has also recently opened a new storage and distribution
centre, doubling in size to help it cope with current and projected increase
in sales. Over the last year the company has increased turnover by 33
per cent, and is looking to surpass this in 2002.
'Business is going well at the moment, and taking on Matt as a publicity
figure for us in Leeds injects a bit of serious fun for all concerned,'
said Rhino director Mick Joyce. 'The Rhinos have a big following in the
city, and many of our customers follow the club's performance every season.
Over the next few months Matt is going to help us out on a number of promotional
activities. If his excellent form in the last game is anything to go by,
we are in for an interesting few months.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
NEW SALES APPOINTMENT
AT KBE WINDOW SYSTEMS
KBE Window Systems has strengthened its sales force with the appointment
of Mark Fletcher. In addition to his day to day sales role, Mark will
be developing new business opportunities for KBE.
Previously
operations director of The Grand Bahama Window Company in Freeport, Grand
Bahama, Mark’s 27-year sales and production career has included a
variety of roles with window and profile manufacturers including, Glazpart,
Diplomat Profiles and Reddiglaze.
Mark lives with his wife in South Gosforth, Newcasle-upon-Tyne, his interests
include sport, music and cinema.
Founded in 1980, KBE Window Systems has rapidly become a leading PVCu
profile supplier. KBE Window Systems was brought under the HT Troplast
umbrella in 1999. Together, HT Troplast and KBE claim to have an approximate
20% share of the European PVCu profile market with annual production in
excess of 220,000 tonnes.
KAT
STRENGTHENS ITS OPERATIONS
Specialist patio door manufacturer KAT UK has strengthened its operations
team with several new appointments to help develop higher volume manufacturing
and logistical procedures in line with projected growth rates.
Production director John Tennant has joined KAT with high volume production
experience gleaned from Abbot Joinery and Boulton & Paul.
Helping John move the products to the customers will be ex-haulier Wayne
Newton who joins KAT as distribution manager, and Joanne Carnell, the
company's new operations manager.
L-R: John Tennant, Simon Richards Wayne Newton
The growth in demand will be looked after by two new additions to the
sales team. Simon Richards will be looking after the south east, and Pat
Watts, who spent 17 years in sales and product development with Marshall
Tufflex, will be concentrating primarily on KAT's new range of composite
doors.
Tel: 01625 439666
Email: mailto:sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://katuk.co.uk
NEW
DIRECTOR FOR BWF
The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has announced the appointment
of Richard Lambert as its new Director, replacing Kevin Cubbage who is
retiring after six years at the helm.
Richard
Lambert is currently Director responsible for commercial and residential
matters at the British Property Federation and he will take up his new
appointment in May.
In welcoming Richard's appointment, BWF President Ron Cohen, who is Managing
Director of STP Group, said: 'Kevin Cubbage has ably led the recent transformation
of the BWF which is now one of the UK's best Trade Associations.
'I am confident that Richard will build on Kevin's record of growing our
Membership and helping them become even more successful.'
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:bwf@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
STEARING
INDIGO SALES
lndigo Products Limited has recently announced the appointment of a new
national sales manager.
Having
spent the last three years at lndigo in a regional role, David Stearman
also has 21 years experience within the industry. During that time Dave
has worked in various sectors of the market and has a wealth of knowledge
to help implement Indigo's customer philosophy.
'Understanding the demands and dynamics of each sector of the market is
a key to customer satisfaction' says Dave. 'With Indigo's plans for the
future I'II need every detail I've ever learned - this is going to be
a real challenge, but I'm eager to take it on!'
One of Dave's main objectives is to ensure that existing and prospective
customers are kept informed and enjoy the benefits that Indigo has to
offer. 'I shall be working closely with our customer service team and
feel confident that with their proactive, professional approach, this
type of objective will be easily fulfilled' continues Dave.
Indigo's production capacity has increased over the last 12 months, to
match the considerable growth in sales, and with continued investment
in resources and machinery is targeted to grow even further over the next
few years. A large part of David's role will be to ensure that this increased
capacity is filled.
'lt's not a question of 'sales at any price' concludes Dave, 'caring for
existing customers by maintaining best quality and value is the lndigo
way - that's why I took the job.'
Contact: Dave Stearman
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com
SASH
UK APPOINTS NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR
As trade frame manufacturer Sash UK Ltd draws to the conclusion of an
intense period of investment in its factory and production facilities,
38-year-old Paul Bird, has been confirmed as Operations Director.
Paul,
from Willerby near Hull, joined Sash UK in November 2000 as Operations
Manager bringing with him over 20 years experience of the plastics industry,
including the home improvement sector. Having overseen a massive investment
in infrastructure and plant at Sash UK he now has responsibility for one
of Europe's most advanced window, door and conservatory manufacturing
facilities.
Commenting on his appointment to the board Paul said: 'My links with Sash
go back a long way and I knew the company very well before the opportunity
to join them arose. The company is highly respected throughout the industry
and a market leader when it comes to investing in both people and machinery.
When I heard of the position with the company it was something I couldn't
afford to miss'.
Contact: Nick Hibberd, Sash UK Ltd
Tel: 01226 719969
Fax: 01226 719968
Email: nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: www.sashuk.com
Heywood
Williams Group Board changes
Heywood Williams Group PLC, the building products group, is pleased to
announce the appointment of Roger Boyes and Edward Roderick as non-executive
directors with effect from 12 March 2002.
Roger
Boyes, 57, recently retired as group finance director of Halifax Group
plc, a position he had held since 1995. During this time Mr. Boyes was
a member of the executive team which was heavily involved in the group’s
demutualisation, flotation, acquisition programme and subsequent merger
with Bank of Scotland. Previously, Mr. Boyes was finance director of the
Leeds Permanent Building Society for five years, prior to its merger with
the Halifax and this followed a number of senior finance positions in
the industrial sector.
Edward Roderick, 49, is group chief executive of Christian Salvesen plc.
He joined the company as managing director, Industrial Division in 1996
before rising to his current position the following year. Mr Roderick
was previously managing director of Network Distribution at Hays plc,
and has had a lifetime career in distribution and logistics.
Roger
Boyes and Edward Roderick will be replacing two long-serving non-executive
directors, Richard Fortin and John Pinder, who will be retiring from the
board at the company’s AGM on 9 May 2002. Mr. Fortin and Mr. Pinder
joined the Heywood Williams Group board in 1991 and 1996 respectively.
Hamish Bryce, chairman of Heywood Williams, said today:
‘Roger Boyes and Edward Roderick bring a wealth of knowledge and
relevant experience to Heywood Williams. I am delighted to welcome them
to the board. They will help build on the clear strategy we have in place
to complete the group’s turnaround and take Heywood Williams to the
next stage of its development.
‘I would like to thank Richard Fortin and John Pinder for their many
years of service to Heywood Williams. They will be stepping down with
our great thanks and best wishes.’
Tel: 01484 487200
Web: http://www.heywoodwilliams.com
Freefoam’s
latest recruit
Freefoam's
latest recruit to the nationwide team of sales representatives is Allan
Owen. Allan has close to 12 years experience of account management in
the plastics industry, having previously worked for 9 years with Celuform
and 2 years with Everwhite, both at specification level.
He joins the Freefoam team at a time when the roofline market is extremely
active.
Allan comments: 'Freefoam are actively involved in developing commercial
initiatives to help their customers achieve maximum growth in their target
markets. I have a lot of experience in establishing accounts with a view
to long terms business partnerships and I’m really looking forward
to my new role with Freefoam'.
Allan is responsible for developing business relationships with stockists,
installers and specifiers of Freefoam’s range of lead-free PVC-UE
products in the West of the country and Wales.
K2
WELCOMES NEW RECRUIT
K2 Conservatory Roof Systems has recently welcomed Bill Kenyon to the
position of Technical Support Manager.
Bill
joins K2 from a major conservatory roof system supplier, and brings with
him over 24 years of experience within the building and construction industry,
seven years of which were dedicated to the conservatory market.
Bill’s knowledge and skills will help to enhance the technical department’s
ability to offer a greater level of support to an ever-expanding dealer
network.
Bill commented: 'K2 is a company that not only has a professional attitude
in its approach to business, but is fast moving and innovative. I feel
privileged to have joined the team at K2 and look forward to seeing the
company grow further.'
New Director of Research post at BRE
BRE has created a new senior management post, Director of Research, to
reinforce and further develop BRE’s ability to generate, apply and
exploit new knowledge.
Dr
Jeremy Hodge, formerly Managing Director of FRS (BRE’s Fire and Risk
Sciences Division) has been appointed to the post. 'The capacity to generate
new knowledge is one of the main features that distinguishes BRE from
most other built environment centres of expertise,' says Dr Hodge. 'I
am looking forward to taking a leading role in co-ordinating this outstanding
research capability with our business plans.'
Dr Hodge will also provide practical help in achieving BRE’s research
funding objectives, and developing its research capability, intellectual
property protection and exploitation, and scientific publications.
Professor
Farshad Alamdari has been appointed as Managing Director of FRS. Professor
Alamdari joined BRE in 1997 as Director of its Environmental and Fire
Dynamics Centre, focusing on the issues of air quality, thermal comfort,
pollution dispersion, and fire and smoke movement in the built environment.
In 2000 he was promoted to Deputy Managing Director and Commercial Director
of BRE’s Environment Division.
Dr Earle Perera, Director of BRE’s Centre for Environmental Engineering,
is taking on the role of the BRE Environment Division’s Commercial
Director.
Robert
Mason becomes new BIAT president
Robert Mason formally took on the role of President of BIAT (British Institute
of Architectural Technologists) at the Institute's Annual General Meeting
in Brighton. He succeeds Neil Dransfield PPBIAT and will serve in the
post for two years.
Mr Mason, a lecturer in Architectural Technology at Napier University
has been an active member of the Institute since 1976. Speaking on his
new position, he said 'I am keen to promote the Institute next year and
subject to Council's approval and finances permitting wish to launch a
membership and promotion campaign.
'I am also introducing the first BIAT Virtual President. The Virtual President
will be hosted on the BIAT website and will allow effective communication
with the members. I believe it is important to be an open and approachable
President and I hope that the Virtual President will demonstrate this.
Look out for me in virtual mode on the BIAT website! (www.biat.org.uk)
'International links are also very important, as they strengthen our position
both internationally and within the UK. To be accepted on a worldwide
basis has to be positive for members. We hope to be able to host an International
Symposium of Building Designers in Cardiff next year to coincide with
the Conference and AGM when we can explore and develop links further.'
Contact: Hugh Morrison, BIAT
Tel: 020 7278 2206
Fax: 020 7837 3194
Email: info@biat.org.uk
Web: www.biat.org.uk
Dr.
Ernesto Zedillo Appointed to Alcoa's Board of Directors
Dr. Ernesto Zedillo, 50, former president of Mexico, has been appointed
to the board of directors of Alcoa. There are 10 directors currently on
Alcoa's board of directors.
In
making the announcement, Alcoa Chairman and CEO Alain Belda said, 'Dr.
Zedillo's broad experience in both government and private industry, with
his knowledge of global markets and economies, will be an asset to Alcoa
in helping Alcoa set its global growth agenda. Dr. Zedillo's remarkable
work in transforming and reviving the economy in Mexico has given him
a permanent place in the history of that country.'
Dr. Zedillo was elected president of Mexico in 1994 and served until 2000.
Since leaving office, he has joined the board of directors of Proctor
& Gamble Company and Union Pacific Corporation. He also has become
a member of the Trilateral Commission, accepted a position on the advisory
boards of the Council of Foreign Relations and the Institute for International
Economics, and accepted membership on a panel of experts advising the
World Trade Organization on the challenges and opportunities confronting
the global trading system. Dr. Zedillo holds a doctoral degree in economics
from Yale University.
New
Man in Eire for Bohle
'Well known and well regarded', that's the simple description used by
Gary Dean to describe Bohle's latest new recruit, Martin Walsh, who will
represent Bohle as a Sales Agent in both Eire and Northern Ireland from
February.
Having spent 14 years in the territory, Martin was eagerly snapped up
by Gary when his previous employers closed their Dublin branch. Gary stated:
'Martin Walsh is a highly regarded and respected member of the Irish Glass
Community, his excellent knowledge of machinery, coupled with his leadership
in the past of tools and accessories sales in this market is a perfect
fit to an ever expanding and determined sales effort in Ireland by Bohle'.
Martin will cover the whole range of products for Bohle, including glass
hardware, tools, art glass products and machinery.
Contact: Gary Dean
Tel: 0161 628 7878
Fax: 0161 628 7070
Email: bohleuk@bohle.de
Web: www.bohle.de