News @ The GL@ZINE

Float Glass Industries (FGI) has been appointed as one of the few independent stockists of the full range of Pilkington Fire Resistant Glass in the UK. Already a supplier of Pyroshield wired glass, FGI will stock the complete suite of clear Pilkington Fire Resistant Glass products from 1st March 05, which includes Pyrostop, Pyrodur and Pyrodur Plus.

David Offland, Joint Managing Director of FGI, says that to be an approved stockist of Pilkington Fire Resistant Glass, Float Glass Industries had to demonstrate innovation in approach, investment, and sound knowledge of fire glass specifications and legislations.

Float Glass Industries will be the only stockist of the multi laminated Pyrostop Fire Resistant glasses in the UK, who can produce complex shapes quickly and accurately due to the acquisition of the new Flow Waterjet cutting system. This technology will offer FGI customers a fast accurate turnaround on any thickness multi laminate regardless of quantity, intricacy, shape or size.

‘We consider the Pilkington Fire Resistant glasses to be the best available because they are continuously tested and have been proven to work time after time,’ David Offland comments. ‘Initially, FGI will be generating awareness within the glass trade. We have a large customer base that will have a requirement for fire resistant glass, internal and external glazing, fire doors and screens.’

David Stoker (pictured above right shaking hands with David Offland), Commercial Director of Pilkington Building Products UK says, ‘We are very pleased to have Float Glass Industries as a partner selling our range of Fire Resistant glasses. We need to be sure that we are working with the right companies, and have been impressed with the forward thinking attitude and commitment demonstrated by FGI.’

David Offland continues, ‘This appointment seals the relationship between FGI and Pilkington. It is a vote of confidence in our ability to grow the market, and demonstrates a belief that we are able to innovate and add value.’

David also confirms that Gary Colliver has been appointed as FGI’s National Account Manager specifically for Fire Resistant Glass Products. Gary joins the FGI team having held various positions at Pilkington over a 12-year period and gained valuable experience over a number of years specialising in fire resistant glass markets. David says, ‘Gary’s experience and extensive knowledge will be a major asset to Float Glass Industries in the development and growth of sales of Pilkington’s Fire Resistant Glass, and we are looking forward to a successful and prosperous 2005 both for us and our business partners.’

Tel: 0161 946 8080
Web: http://www.floatglass.co.uk

New fabricator, Elite Double Glazing Limited, has recently signed up with Deceuninck to manufacture the company’s 3000 Series.

During the start-up period, Deceuninck management and technical teams have been providing support and advice on the manufacturing process while ensuring the new fabricating equipment is up and running. By working closely with Elite Double Glazing, Deceuninck developed a cohesive strategy to provide a smooth transition throughout the initial phase. In addition, Mark Adams, Business Development Manager for Deceuninck will offer ongoing close liaison for continued business support.

On becoming a Deceuninck fabricator Elite Double Glazing partners, Andy Hoather and Gary Jones said, ‘Having looked at numerous systems on the market, we found the 3000 Series by Deceuninck to be the most innovative product available today. The 70mm suite is a superior quality system that offers numerous fabrication benefits. The modularity of the 3000 Series combines product efficiency with outstanding performance. Furthermore, the modern-day aesthetics of the suite offer a unique opportunity to present something different to both our trade and retail customers with enhanced kerb appeal.’

Having chosen Deceuninck as the company’s manufacturing partner, Wirral-based Elite Double Glazing, subsequently took occupancy of its new 5,000 sqft manufacturing centre which has the capacity to produce 200 windows per week.

Elite Double Glazing is looking at continually growing its operation in coming years and is confident that by working closely with Deceuninck the company will achieve these aims.

Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com

Pilkington plc confirms that European Commission officials visited a number of Pilkington company locations in Europe on 22nd and 23rd February, with authorisation to inspect documents, under Article 20(4) of Council Regulation 1/2003, in connection with alleged infringements within the European glass industry of Article 81 of the Treaty of Rome. Pilkington is of course co-operating in the Commission's inspection.

As well as Pilkington, officials also raided France’s Saint-Gobain; and Belgium-based Glaverbel, a unit of Japan’s Asahi Glass Co. Ltd. and an owner of Sklo Union, a flat-glass producer based in Teplice.

The European Commission confirms that on 22nd and 23rd February 2005 Commission officials carried out unannounced inspections at the premises of several European manufacturers of flat and car glass in Belgium, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Sweden (only relating to flat glass ) and Italy (only relating to car glass). The Commission has reason to believe that the manufacturers concerned may have (amongst other things) coordinated price-increases and agreed on the introduction of a so called 'energy surcharge'in the area of flat glass. As regards car glass, the Commission has information indicating that car glass producers may have allocated customers and agreed on supply quotas and prices.

Article 81 states:

'The following shall be prohibited as incompatible with the common market: all agreements between undertakings, decisions by associations of undertakings and concerted practices which may affect trade between Member States and which have as their object or effect the prevention, restriction or distortion of competition within the common market, and in particular those which:

(a) directly or indirectly fix purchase or selling prices or any other trading conditions;
(b) limit or control production, markets, technical development, or investment;
(c) share markets or sources of supply;
(d) apply dissimilar conditions to equivalent transactions with other trading parties, thereby placing them at a competitive disadvantage;
(e) make the conclusion of contracts subject to acceptance by the other parties of supplementary obligations which, by their nature or according to commercial usage, have no connection with the subject of such contracts.'

New Direction for Alan Fielder as he Joins aluplast

aluplast (UK) Limited announces the appointment of Alan Fielder to the role of Commercial Director. Alan is a popular and well known industry face with over 20 years industry experience in many sectors at many levels, including a recent stint at Wendland.

Alan, 47 is married to Sue with three children – Jenna 17, Jon 12 and Ian 8. the Fielders live in Bursledon, Hampshire.

'I’m really excited to be joining aluplast at the start of a period of significant investment in people, products and processes as we bring the success that aluplast enjoys in Europe to the UK marketplace.'

aluplast (UK) Limited, Leicester Road, Lutterworth LE17 4HE
Tel: 01455 556771, Fax: 01455 555323. Email: info@aluplastuk.com

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd, the Cheshire based trade fabricator is on the expansion trail. A new 26,000 ft2 factory unit is now fully operational and is providing the extra capacity needed to take window production to over 2,500 frames per week and roof production to over 100 roofs per week.

Group Commercial Director Danny Hague is responsible for the company’s sales and marketing activities. He says: ‘last years heavy investment in the new factory, machinery, transport, communications and IT equipment is now paying off. We have also increased our staffing levels particularly in production and sales so we are now fully ready to cope with our recent highest ever order books in the entire history of the company.’

The company is now looking longer term and is currently exploring avenues for further expansion. Chairman and founder Ian Moran says: ‘We are now one of the UK’s largest and fastest growing trade fabricators but we will not stop there. The board of directors is currently looking at all options including expanding our product range.’

Management Today’s Top 100 Entrepreneurs List includes Gary Dutton, Chairman of Synseal, as a top Industry Entrepreneur.

The January edition of Management Today ranked Gary 23rd based turnover growth of 200% in five years to £66 million in its latest accounts. The number of employees rose 183% to 600.

To put this performance in perspective Management Today’s valuation of Synseal at £87 million compares with an Ultraframe plc market capitalisation at the end of January of £47.7 million.

Gary is ahead of Sir Richard Branson who ranked 37. Most of the top twenty listed are in mobile phones, recruitment or entertainment.

‘Strong consistent performance in both conservatories and profile has had a big impact,’ remarks Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal Extrusions Ltd.

Tel: 01623 443 200

Abcell Changes to Synseal’s Global Roof

Abcell Ltd has just announced it has switched to Synseal Extrusion Ltd’s Global conservatory roof. Abcell’s Sales and Marketing Manager Mark Davies explains: ‘In a short space of time the Global roof system has made a dramatic impact on the conservatory roof market. We asked our previous supplier for support but what was offered fell short of what we and our customers needed.

‘We took the opportunity to investigate other suppliers and found there was no competition to the Global roof system. All our criteria had to be met before changing and Global exceeded these on every count.

'It’s a fully configurable roof with BBA accreditation. It’s easy to fabricate, fitter friendly and fast to install. Global has a comprehensive retail marketing support package and it is price competitive. We asked a selection of our customers what they thought. They all agreed Global was the way forward.

'We recognised the importance of supporting our customers to give them the best opportunity to win orders. That’s why we’ve changed to Global.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

New fabricator Triple K, based in Weston Super Mare, has chosen to sign up with Ultraframe to fabricate the company's roofing systems. Founded only nine months ago, Triple K is proving to be an ambitious conservatory roofing fabricator determined to build a flawless reputation for quality products and customer service.

Tony Stone, Sales Director at Triple K, said: 'As a new company our goal is to quickly establish ourselves as the best in the area. To do this we believe we need to provide excellent products and establish a level of service that exceeds our customer’s expectations. Fabricating Ultraframe conservatory roofing systems is key to this plan. As the market leader Ultraframe and its roofing products are widely accepted as the best in the industry, and rightly so. To put it simply, for Triple K to have the best start in the conservatory business we need to put our name to the best and most innovative conservatory roofing products on the market.'

Triple K foresees increasing demand for large and more complex conservatory roof designs. The company aims to meet the needs of this sector by fabricating versatile, bespoke Ultraframe conservatory roofs.

Tony at Triple K continued: 'We believe that the key to our future success is the capacity to fabricate more complex conservatory roof designs and provide a very personal level of service. Ultraframe is the perfect strategic partner for us. The company has the knowledge, background and expertise to help us meet our customers’ increasingly intricate and often challenging designs.'

Vanda Murray OBE, Managing Director at Ultraframe, said: 'At Ultraframe we are proud to provide support to ambitious new companies like Triple K. Triple K is a prime example of just how much a new company can achieve in a short space of time. The company has big plans for expansion in the South West and has a fresh approach to the conservatory market. We are extremely excited to be involved with Triple K and supporting the company in achieving its business ambitions.'

Triple K has ambitious expansion plans for the next six months and is developing strategic alliances with local partners in the South West to maximise the company's sales opportunities in 2005. For further information on Triple K call 08454 080394.

During the past three years, Ebor Equipment has undertaken major strategic and organisational changes, which the company says have created a more dynamic business proposition for its customers and its suppliers. The operation is much more streamline and focussed.

New and better products have been introduced, including a new range of fittings, glass door/shower hinges and balustrade clamps for internal and external use. In addition, a new soft light system, which eliminates ‘glare’, making the scratch inspection of glass/double glazed units much more efficient, and a larger high quality portfolio of diamond tooling, are amongst Ebor’s advances. As a result, the company is attracting more customers and developing additional business from existing customers through the introduction of such new products and services.

The principle changes have been in the restructuring of the business and the creation of a new board of directors, following the retirement of all but one of Ebor’s previous board. The company is now wholly owned by its four directors, Managing Director, Stephen Boocock; Finance Director, Jonathan Whitely; Stone Division Director, David Beckett and Glass Division Director, Simon Boocock whilst Robert Wivell remains as Group Chairman.

These major changes have all had a positive effect on the performance and continuing success of Ebor. The company says that it is performing stronger than ever and forecasts show a greater growth in turnover and profits.

The main benefactors from the changes are Ebor customers, who are experiencing improved customer service, an increase in product ranges and choice and, as Ebor is operating at a greater level of efficiency, customers are also benefiting from more competitive prices.

Out of the restructuring, two companies have emerged under the collective umbrella of a single holding company, Ebor Group Holdings Ltd. The two companies comprising the group are Ebor Equipment Limited, the major trading arm of the group and Ebor Machinery Ltd.

Throughout this period of change, Ebor has continued to thrive and develop. ‘It has not been all plain sailing. The major restructuring of any organisation has its difficult moments,’ says managing director Stephen Boocock ‘ but it was the right course to take and our actions are proving to be the correct ones. The business is now wholly owned by the directors and we now have full control of a leaner, stronger business that customers and suppliers are already benefiting from, as we move forward and grow at a more rapid rate than we could ever have envisaged.

‘We have scheduled a whole range of new products and services to come on stream over the next few months, which will bring even greater benefits to customers as they continue to trade with Ebor.

‘For 24 years, Ebor has built on its strengths and developed a reputation for excellence and expertise covering every area of architectural glass and stone technology. The company’s strong partnerships and alliances with the world’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of machinery, equipment and consumables means that clients come to Ebor confident in the knowledge that they will receive the best products, service, advice and technical support available.’

Tel: 01706 863601
Email: mailto:sales@ebor.co.uk
Web: http://www.ebor.co.uk

TruSeal Technologies, Inc., a specialist in warm edge spacer systems for insulating glass (IG), recently announced that it has entered into a distributor relationship with Tremco Ltd. of Berkshire, England. Tremco will be responsible for sales and distribution of TruSeal high-performance, warm edge spacers, Insuledge® and DuraSeal™, in the United Kingdom, Republic of Ireland and France.

Founded in 1928, Tremco has developed into a leading supplier of sealants and weather proofing materials for construction and industrial applications. Its product lines include high-performance silicone, polyurethane and hot melt butyl sealants, glazing tapes and gaskets, intumescent coatings and flooring and roofing systems.

‘We are very excited about working with Tremco to develop a larger presence for TruSeal insulating glass spacer systems in the UK, Republic of Ireland and France,’ said August J. ‘Gus’ Coppola, president of TruSeal. ‘In its more than 70 years of experience, Tremco has earned a solid reputation for innovation and quality in the United States and Europe – we are very proud to be a part of that.’

In 2004, TruSeal announced that both Insuledge and DuraSeal passed the strict European testing standards EN1279-2, 3 and the Periodic Tests of part 6 (short climate test and volatile fog test). TruSeal’s warm-edge, true dual seal designs for Insuledge and DuraSeal promote energy conservation with reduced U-values and K-values, limiting the amount of heat that is transferred through the edge seal spacer system.

For inquiries to Tremco, Ltd., please contact Customer Service 01753-691-696 or email mailto:toaseri@tremcoinc.com. For more information about TruSeal products, please visit http://www.truseal.com or email mailto:kreider@truseal.com.

L.B. Plastics, the UK-based manufacturer of the Sheerframe window and door system, has achieved complete on-time deliveries for its range of 9,000+ products on 99% of occasions over the past 18 months.

The company has always had a good delivery performance record but the near elimination of late or incomplete deliveries has been achieved through a combination of initiatives at L.B. Plastics’ Derbyshire facilities. These include the reorganisation of warehousing and stock holding, increased monitoring of individual orders from receipt to dispatch and further investment in its own transport fleet.

David Strang, Sheerframe product director says, ‘We take no chances when it comes to delivery because we understand how our late deliveries can prove extremely costly to Sheerframe fabricators. To make sure our window and door makers can service their customers effectively – particularly those involved in long term partnering contracts - it is vital that we provide a responsive, efficient service and this is why we continue to improve our systems and processes and eliminate any room for error.’

The network of approved Sheerframe fabricators covers the whole of the UK and Ireland, requiring on-time deliveries to factories in locations as far north as Shetland and the Isle of Lewis, and Newton Abbot and Guernsey in the South. Long-term investment in development and technology has enabled L.B. Plastics to become not just a supplier but a working partner with its customers.

In addition to the Sheerframe system for windows, doors and curtain walling, L.B. Plastics also manufactures Sheerline fencing and decking, Hometrim cellular cladding, roofline products and trims, and the Sheerlite conservatory roof system.

L.B. Plastics is part of the Litchfield Group which now employs around 1000 people across three UK manufacturing operations, as well as production facilities in North America, Germany, Poland, and Australasia.

Tel: 01773 852311

Strict heritage and conservation requirements by the London Borough of Brent have led to the evolution of a PVC-U window by Kömmerling fabricator Everglade Windows which is identical in appearance to the original timber windows it replaced.

And the windows, which were more than a year in the development process, are now proving popular in the Wembley Conservation Area. Since manufacturing and installing the first order, Everglade Windows has received numerous enquiries, and the Local Authority has approved several further installations in the same area.

‘Heritage has become an important consideration in Wembley,’ says Everglade Managing Director Vinod Gopal. ‘The Local Authority now imposes very stringent regulations on the type of replacement windows people can have in their homes.

‘But after working closely with planning and conservation officers from Brent Council for the last 18 months, we’ve come up with a window which maintains the character of the area by keeping the appearance of the houses the same.’

The window which has won over the Council’s conservationists is manufactured from the Kömmerling 58mm PVC-U system, including a specially-bent profile and timber moulding forming the transom to the centre pane - which are key characteristics of windows in that area.

‘Customers want PVC-U replacements - not timber - because of PVC-U’s ease of maintenance, strength and long-life. Because of the increased production costs for these special windows, their final selling price is around 20 per-cent higher, but customers are willing to pay it to get such an attractive end product which is in keeping with the heritage and conservation area they live in.’

Everglade’s research and design team worked closely with Brent Council on all stages of the window’s development, involving drawings, profiles and samples, to ensure that the finished version met all requirements, and replicated almost exactly the appearance of the original timber windows being replaced.

Everglade is now looking for an appropriate trade name for the company’s ‘preservation window.

http://www.everglade.co.uk

In the last 18 months Everwhite Plastics Ltd has invested £2 million in a new plant, tooling, and new people. ‘We have invested in the space, infrastructure and capacity to be precise – to deliver what you order, on time, every time. While the rest of the industry is struggling and some of the old order brands are exiting altogether, we make it easy for our customers to grow and profit as they should,’ explains Ken Davies, Managing Director.

‘Customers should be dealing with a roofline specialist who is committed to the future of the roofline market. This means investing in the products, people, and manufacturing you need to grow your business. We don’t make windows, doors or conservatories - we concentrate on roofline. We are not part of a larger group. We don’t have shareholdings in other stockists, we don’t own our own stockists, and we don’t compete with our customers. In our experience, customers find that quite refreshing. Everwhite introduced 178 new products in the last 18 months. We believe this was the largest product range extension in the industry – ever.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Freefoam Plastics, manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems, reports that Churchley Building Plastics recently opened its fourth branch in Burgess Hill, Sussex. The 3000 square foot unit stocks a large range of Freefoam products. ‘We offer a 'from stock' service or next day delivery of almost any Freefoam product’, comments Manager Tom Williams.

There are good reasons why Churchley stocks Freefoam products. ‘It's due to the high quality products and service that Freefoam has provided to us from our beginning with the company almost 15 years ago’, quotes John Churchley, Chairman and MD. ’Loyalty is a two way thing, by staying with one manufacturer for such a long time, you build mutual respect and understanding for each other. I like to consider it more of a friendly partnership rather than purely a business relationship.’

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com

Web: http://www.freefoam.com

Lister Trade Frames has enrolled on the Investors in Excellence Accreditation programme (IiE), claiming that it has become the first in the industry to do so in the Midlands.

Investors in Excellence is a programme designed to drive improvement in all key areas of an organisation, including leadership, processes, people and customer results.

Derrith Turner along with some of Listers' managers receiving the recognition certificate from Gordon Stopani from IiE.

IiE is demanding and cannot be achieved without meeting a defined standard against each criterion of the Excellence Model. In each case there is a set of indicators and for each indicator the applicant must provide evidence of achievement. Because the Excellence Model deals with every aspect of an organisation, IiE recognition is the most powerful evidence of an organisation's capabilities and performance available.

Investors in Excellence (IiE) was developed by Midlands Excellence and launched throughout the Midlands in 2003.

Derrith Turner, Listers' HR Manager, says that 'IiE ties in perfectly with Listers' own objectives and adds support and resources which will help everyone in the company to achieve our goal of being the market leader within our region.'

Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk

British companies wanting to exhibit at Chinaplas 2005 are urged to use the BPF’s well recognised Export Support Service as the show is now virtually full.

At the time of writing, the show is 90% full; however the BPF has reserved space which is available to companies wishing to establish a presence at China’s premier plastics show. If you are interested in taking part in the show please contact the BPF’s Trade Executive Stephen Hunt on 0207 457 5044 or email mailto:shunt@bpf.co.uk.

China is the world’s second largest producer of plastics products and the second largest consumer of polymer in the world, Chinaplas is the largest Plastics Trade Show in the Asia Pacific Region. The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has been involved since the 1980’s, co-ordinating UK Pavilions at the show for the past 8 years.

Chinaplas 2005 (21-24 June) is an annual show taking place every other year in Shanghai and moves on the interim years between Guangzhou and Beijing. This year Chinaplas will take place in Guangzhou which is the capital of the province known as the 'plastics capital' of China - Guangdong. Out of China's 23 provinces Guangdong alone accounts for over a quarter (25.5%) of China's plastics production and this is a figure that is rising each year. In 2003, the total turnover of the plastics products industry in Guangdong increased by 14.62% and currently stands at nearly £5bn.

Chinaplas currently ranks in the top 5 Plastic Trade Shows in the world and is growing in size and popularity each year. Of the 20+ Plastic Trade Shows that take place in China annually, Chinaplas is the only show that is officially sponsored by EUROMAP (European Committee of Machinery Manufacturers for the Plastics & Rubber Industries). Each year Chinaplas attracts nearly 15,000 people daily through its doors with nearly 1000 companies exhibiting each year.

Hunter Douglas, the window coverings specialist has, through its Turnils' affiliate, acquired Century Blinds, a Southern California based fabricator of window coverings and interior shutter products. Terms were not disclosed.

In 2004, Century Blinds had sales of USD 32 million and has 350 employees. The Company distributes its products primarily in Southwest USA. Operations and Management will remain unchanged.

The acquisition further solidifies Turnils' distribution in the private label segment of the U.S. window covering market.

Hunter Douglas has also acquired Blöcker, a Bremen, Germany based distributor primarily of Pleated Blind Systems and Fabrics. Terms were not disclosed.
Blöcker has a strong market position in Germany and is expanding throughout Europe.

The company had sales in 2004 of about EUR 20 million and has 53 employees. The company's management and strategy will remain unchanged.

The acquisition strengthens Hunter Douglas' position in the growing market for Pleated Blinds in Europe and Blöcker is expected to benefit from Hunter Douglas' European distribution network.

Hunter Douglas has its Head Office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and a Management Office in Lucerne, Switzerland. The group is comprised of 159 companies with 64 manufacturing and 95 assembly and distribution operations in more than 100 countries.

Hunter Douglas has its Head Office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands and a management office in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Hunter Douglas group is comprised of 160 companies with 64 factories, 96 assembly operations and marketing organisations in more than 100 countries. Hunter Douglas has approximately 16,000 employees and had sales in 2003 of EUR 1,655 million.

The shares of Hunter Douglas N.V. are traded on the Dutch and German Stock Exchanges.

Web: http://www.hunterdouglasgroup.com

The past few years have seen HEWI concentrating its activities clearly on cost cutting and restructuring. HEWI has now brought this phase to a close by appointing two new directors.

The appointment of Reinhard Fenski as the new director of marketing and sales is intended to give the company’s activities a stronger market orientation, whereby particular attention is being attached to the company’s enhanced internationalisation.

The other new addition to the management team, alongside Reinhard Fenski, is Dr. Gunnar Streidt who has been put in charge of the company’s finance, controlling, purchasing and personnel divisions. Dr. Streidt is not an unknown quantity at HEWI as he was already managing director at the company in the mid-nineties.

Ralf Lehne retains his position as managing director of the company’s research, development, innovation and production divisions and also remains in charge of quality management.

Ralf Lehne was pleased to already be able to announce the launch of new products enhancing the company’s 'barrierfree' collection and further additions to its stainless steel programme to coincide with the Bau trade fair in Munich. 'Stainless steel has meanwhile become a permanent and wide-ranging feature of our collection,' he declared.

'What is important now is to work together with sales manager Eckhard Brosch and marketing manager Werner Laux to correctly position our enhanced product ranges in the marketplace', Reinhard Fenski stated.

International technology group Schott returned to profitability during the past fiscal year 2003/2004 ending September 30th. The company is again expecting a significant profit growth for the 2004/2005 fiscal year. During the first four months from October 2004 to January 2005, the operating result amounted to 45 million euros, thus exceeding planned earnings and last year's figure. Schott is expecting sales of approximately 2 billion euros for the fiscal year as a whole. After making adjustments for revenues from the discontinued television glass activities and the sale of the Labware Business Segment, this represents an increase of 5 percent.

At the press conference on financial statements that took place in Frankfurt am Main on February 15th, 2005, Chairman of the Management Board, Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, announced that Schott would be making above-average investments.

'During the current fiscal year, Schott will be investing 220 million euros in fixed assets - 140 million of which will be used in Germany for expanding production facilities,' he said. Key projects involve building a new plant in Singapore for the encapsulation of optoelectronic components, consolidating the future-oriented photovoltaic, solar-thermal and TFT-glass technologies, and developing Germany as a leading technological location.

Largest single investment of 100 million euros in Mainz for glass-ceramics centre of excellence
Investments totalling 135 million euros are planned for the Mainz site in 2005 and 2006. Approximately 100 million euros of this are set aside for the further development of the main plant into a centre of excellence for glass-ceramics.

This represents the largest single investment made in this site to date. Schott is expanding production capacities for 'Ceran' glass-ceramic cooktop panels and 'Robax' glass fireplace panels. Production of glass-ceramic reflectors for high-performance beamers and 'Zerodur' glass-ceramic components for astronomical and technical applications will also be expanded.

One of Schott's primary strategic objectives involves the rapid development of a distinctly stronger presence in Asia. Dr. Ungeheuer explained that an increasing number of Schott customers are producing in this region, while in Western Europe the market is dwindling for some of the important segments. Schott currently has six production sites, nine sales offices and 1,700 employees in the Asia region. 'We will invest in new production plants and take well-directed measures to boost sales,' emphasised Dr. Ungeheuer.

In doing so, the company will be focusing particularly on the growth markets of Japan, Korea, China and Taiwan. A new production facility for wafer level packaging will be commissioned in Singapore in mid-April. These investments total 15 million euros. In future, Schott will be managing the global activities of three Business Units from within the Asia region, namely, Optics for Devices, Electronic Packaging and Flat Panel Display. Schott aims to achieve at least 20 percent of global sales in Asia by 2007.

Setting a course for growth with high-tech
Besides bolstering existing core business segments such as home appliances ('Ceran' glass-ceramic cooktop panels and finished plate glass), special glass tubing and pharmaceutical packaging (ampoules, bottles and syringes) and components for the automotive industry, Schott is also taking well-directed steps to develop its position in markets for future-oriented technologies, including such high-tech areas as high-quality thin glass for flat-screen displays and solar energy. Schott says that it is the only company in the world to offer products in all areas of solar technology, namely, photovoltaics, solar heating (for hot water and auxiliary room heating) and solar-thermal power plants for centralised electricity generation.

Schott also sees favourable opportunities for leading the very attractive display glass market, which is expected to grow by 30 percent over the coming years. Schott supplies glass ranging from generation 4 formats (720 mm x 930 mm) to generation 7 formats (1870 mm x 2220 mm). Entry to the market of backlighting glass (pictured) for the background illumination of flat-screen displays is also developing promisingly. Schott intends to gain a 30 percent share of this market as early as the end of 2005.

Return to profitability in 2003/2004 fiscal year
Business went well for Schott in the 2003/2004 fiscal year. The consolidated sales volume of 2.023 billion euros was 77 million euros (4 percent) higher than in the previous year, despite negative exchange effects. The share of non-domestic sales remained stable at 76 percent. The member of the Board responsible for Finance, Klaus Rübenthaler pointed out that Schott returned to profitability after achieving an annual surplus of 16 million euros after just one year. Over the same period in 2002/2003, the company experienced a shortfall of 75 million euros. The positive business developments are also an indication of the considerable improvement to earnings before interest and tax (EBIT), which increased from minus 39 million euros to plus 58 million euros.

Investments in fixed assets remained high at 179 million euros and were financed wholly out of the operative cash flow. The equity ratio remained unchanged at a satisfactory 30 percent. The solid financial structure of the Schott Group provides a firm foundation for the company's forthcoming tasks. As per the date of the balance sheet, the Schott Group employed 18,400 workers worldwide, of which just under half were in Germany.

'2004 was a good year for Assa Abloy and well in line with our long-term plan,' says President and CEO Bo Dankis. 'The fourth quarter shows clear differences between local lock markets. The important American market is continuing to improve while the markets in the United Kingdom and Italy weakened sharply.'

• Sales for the fourth quarter increased organically by 4% to SEK 6,263 M (6,096) after exchange-rate effects of SEK -244 M. Total sales for 2004 amounted to SEK 25,526 M (24,080), with 5% organic growth.
• The operating margin (EBITA) for the fourth quarter amounted to 15.1% (15.0) and for the full year 14.7% (13.9).
• Net income for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 383 M (-845) and for the full year SEK 1,495 M (9).
• Earnings per share amounted to SEK 1.03 (-2.27) for the fourth quarter and for the full year SEK 4.05 (0.07).
• Operating cash flow for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 1,090 M (1,069) and for the full year
SEK 3,439 M (3,265).
• Proposed dividend is SEK 2.60 per share (1.25).

The Group's sales in the fourth quarter totalled SEK 6,263 M (6,096), an increase of 3% compared with the previous year. Organic growth was 4%. Translation of foreign subsidiaries' sales to Swedish kronor had a negative effect of SEK 244 M due to changes in exchange rates. Newly acquired companies contributed 3% to sales.

Sales for 2004 amounted to SEK 25,526 M (24,080), which represents an increase of 6%. Organic growth was 5% and newly acquired companies contributed 5%. Exchange rates had a negative effect of SEK 982 M compared with 2003.

Operating income before depreciation, EBITDA, for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 1,158 M (1,135). The corresponding margin was 18.5% (18.6). The Group's operating income before goodwill amortisation, EBITA, amounted to SEK 946 M (912) after negative currency effects of SEK 37 M. The operating margin (EBITA) was 15.1% (15.0). Goodwill amortisation amounted to SEK 243 M (240).

The full year's operating income before depreciation, EBITDA, amounted to SEK 4,642 M (4,249). The corresponding margin was 18.2% (17.6). The Group's operating income before goodwill amortisation, EBITA, amounted to SEK 3,748 M (3,352) after negative currency effects of SEK 146 M. The operating margin (EBITA) was 14.7% (13.9).

Income before tax for the fourth quarter was SEK 588 M (-758) after negative currency effects due to translation of foreign subsidiaries amounting to SEK 18 M. The Group's tax charge totalled SEK 204 M (83), corresponding to an effective tax rate of 35% on income before tax. Income before tax for the full year was SEK 2,294 M (583) after negative currency effects of SEK 78 M.

Earnings per share after tax for the fourth quarter amounted to SEK 1.03 (0.97*). EPS excluding goodwill amortisation was SEK 1.68 (1.61*). Earnings per share for the full year amounted to SEK 4.05 (3.31*). EPS excluding goodwill amortisation was SEK 6.66 (5.89*).

Operating cash flow for the quarter, excluding costs of the restructuring programme, amounted to SEK 1,090 M - equivalent to 185% of income before tax - compared with SEK 1,069 M last year. Working capital decreased by SEK 366 M in the quarter, mainly referable to a reduction of the capital tied up in accounts receivable. Operating cash flow for the full year totalled SEK 3,439 M (3,265).

THE 'LEVERAGE AND GROWTH' ACTION PROGRAMME
The two-year action programme initiated in November 2003 is progressing well, with a long series of specific actions. Cost savings are projected to reach SEK 450 M a year by late 2005. Savings of SEK 150 M have been realised during 2004 and a further SEK 200 M is expected to be realised in 2005. During 2004, payments totaling SEK 321 M relating to the action programme have been made and 750 of the 1,400 employees becoming redundant have left the Group. Negotiations concerning 1,150 of the 1,400 employees have been finalised.

COMMENTS BY DIVISION EMEA
Sales for the fourth quarter in the EMEA division (Europe, Middle East and Africa) totalled EUR 307 M (291), with 1% organic growth. Operating income before goodwill amortisation amounted to EUR 47 M (41) with an operating margin (EBITA) of 15.3% (14.1). Return on capital employed before goodwill amortisation amounted to 17.1% (16.3). Operating cash flow before interest paid totalled EUR 69 M (63).

Sales growth in the fourth quarter was widely spread. Scandinavia, Israel and eastern Europe are generating strong organic growth, while France, Benelux and Germany were weaker. The United Kingdom and Italy are showing significantly weaker sales. The implementation of restructuring measures contributed to an improved EBITA margin.

GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES
The Global Technologies division reported sales of SEK 1,269 M (1,186) in the fourth quarter, corresponding to 4% organic growth. Operating income before goodwill amortisation amounted to SEK 163 M (160) with an operating margin (EBITA) of 12.8% (13.5). Return on capital employed before goodwill amortisation amounted to 12.5% (12.3). Operating cash flow before interest paid amounted to SEK 163 M (163).

Global Technologies reported continuing strong organic growth in Door Automatics, while the Identification Technology Group was rather weaker than in the previous quarter. The Hospitality Group reported weak sales during the quarter, which pulled down the division's organic growth and margin. Further restructuring measures were undertaken in North America.

OTHER EVENTS
During the quarter Assa Abloy signed a contract to acquire BEST Metaline, one of South Korea's leading companies in the market for lock fittings and door furniture. The company also has a strong position in the customer specification sector, serving architects and building companies. BEST Metaline has sales of around AUD 13 M (SEK 65 M).

In January 2005 ASSA ABLOY acquired Doorman Services, one of Britain's leading door servicing companies. The acquisition strengthens Assa Abloy's business in door automatics. Doorman has sales of around GBP 11 M.

In December Assa Abloy repurchased MTN bonds with a nominal value of EUR 300 M, and completed the changing of interest rates from fixed to variable. Together, this had a positive effect on Net financial items.

OUTLOOK
Organic sales growth is expected to continue at a good rate. The operating margin (EBITA) is expected to rise, mainly due to savings resulting from the restructuring programme. Excluding restructuring payments, the strong cash generation is expected to continue.

Long term, Assa Abloy expects an increase in security-driven demand. Focus on end-user value and innovation as well as leverage on Assa Abloy's strong positions will accelerate growth and increase profitability.

Alcoa has been named one of FORTUNE magazine's 'Most Admired Companies in America' in the leading business publication's annual ranking, which will be on newsstands this week.

FORTUNE named Alcoa the 'Most Admired Metals Company.' In the metals industry, Alcoa ranked first in eight key attributes: innovation, use of assets, employee talent, management investment value, social responsibility, financial soundness, and products/services.

Alcoa also made the Top Ten list among all companies in all industries in quality of products/services (#3); innovation (#5); social responsibility (#5); and financial soundness (#10).

In addition, Alcoa was one of 10 companies named to the magazine's Hall of Fame list, receiving the Cal Ripken Jr. Ironman Award for having spent 22 years atop its peer group as America's most admired company.

For its survey of 582 companies in 65 industries, FORTUNE asked nearly 10,000 executives, directors and securities analysts to rate companies in their own industries on eight criteria. To find the overall Top Ten, voters named the companies they most admire in any business from a pool that included last year's top quartile of finishers plus the top two on each industry's list.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com