Guardian
Joins Soft Coat Race as it launches 'World's Largest Glass Coater' in
Luxembourg
Guardian Industries is ramping up its high tech coating capabilities with
the launch in Bascharage, Luxembourg, of the world’s largest coater
of glass products. The new state-of-the-art coating facility, Guardian
Luxcoating S.A., hosted His Royal Highness the Grand Duke of Luxembourg,
Guardian Industries President and CEO William Davidson, Luxembourg Minister
of the Economy Henri Grethen and many other officials and key customers
at opening ceremonies on June 25th, 2003.
The 269,000 square foot facility occupies 21 acres next to Guardian’s
first European float glass plant, which will supply high quality flat
glass to the new sputter coater. Guardian Luxcoating will produce these
high quality solar management products:
*Sun-Guard, Guardian’s premier line of reflective and non-reflective
coated commercial products,
*Low-E coated glass for residential applications, and
*IRR (infrared reflective) coated glass, used extensively by European
auto manufacturers.
'In recent years, Guardian has committed substantial financial and human
resources to develop and produce innovative, value added glass coatings
for our customers,' says William Davidson.
'We have demonstrated that commitment with two world-class research centres,
one in Europe and one in the United States, sophisticated coaters at plants
around the globe, and now this highly advanced coater in Bascharage.'
Guardian Industries invested more than $100 million in Luxcoating to develop
a unique U-shaped coater configuration for greater efficiency, a 230-foot
bridge between the two plants to facilitate raw material delivery and
product shipments, a massive conveyance system, automated packing for
increased quality and the capability to cut finished sizes on line. The
new plant will employ about 100 people.
'This revolutionary new coater keeps Guardian at the leading edge of technology,'
says Ralph Gerson, executive vice president of Guardian Industries. 'With
ground-breaking advances in research, Guardian will continue to meet the
expanding needs of its customers and to develop products for future applications
in emerging glass markets.'
James Moore, managing director of Guardian Europe, along with Georges
Bourscheid, managing director of Guardian’s Bascharage facilities
also attended the launch. Guardian’s European operations are headquartered
in Dudelange, Luxembourg. Guardian Luxcoating is part of the Guardian
Industries Corp. group of companies.
Guardian Industries Corp., based in Auburn Hills, Mich., is a worldwide
manufacturer of float glass and fabricated glass products for the commercial
and residential construction industries, and one of the world’s largest
producers of mirrors. Guardian Automotive provides complete exterior systems
to the global automotive industry and is a Tier 1, top-100 global automotive
supplier. Guardian’s Building Products Group includes one of the
largest manufacturers of fiberglass in the world and occupies a significant
and growing position in the building materials distribution business.
Guardian, its subsidiaries and affiliates employ 19,000 people and operate
facilities throughout North America, Europe, South America, Asia, Africa
and the Middle East.
Opening
of Cardinal's 7th Coated Glass Factory shows Commitment to Energy-Efficient
Glass
Cardinal Glass Industries, the manufacturer of residential coated glass,
which supplies Ultraframe with Conservaglass
announced the opening of its seventh CG factory in the United States on
June 26th, 2003.
Located in Waxahachie TX, this glass coating facility is designed to service
the needs of its customers throughout the South and into Mexico. It will
complement the efforts of Cardinal’s IG factory in Waxahachie, and
will receive raw float glass from its FG operations in Mooresville NC
and Durant OK.
Years in the making, this 205,000 sq ft, $40 million plant includes four
high volume cutting lines - unique in the coated glass world - that allows
Cardinal to provide high volume pre-cut glass with a very short lead time.
These cutters help with the ebb and flow of demand that routinely takes
place in a 24/7 operation like this.
Tim Valek, 18-year Cardinal veteran and Plant Manager of Waxahachie CG,
says: 'In view of the mandates of Texas Senate Bill 5, we felt it was
important to be geographically closer to our customers in the South who
need energy-efficient glass, on time and in the quality they have come
to expect from us.'
The Grand Opening, which showcased Cardinal’s LoE¯2™ glass,
included local public figures, Cardinal’s customers and company employees.
Configurations highlighted include the popular LoE¯2-170, the tinted
LoE¯2-140, LoE¯2 Plus, and its post-temperable LoE¯2 Q4
coating.
Cardinal hopes that this investment in Texas will also assist the local
economy. When running at full capacity, the CG plant will employ close
to 100 people, infusing about $3 million in compensation per year.
'We are committed to being good corporate citizens in Waxahachie, and
are grateful to be a part of this community,' says Valek
New
Analysis of the Top 200 House Builders Reveals Winners and Losers in a
Mixed Market
Plimsoll's latest 2003 analysis on the Top 200 companies in the House
Builders industry has revealed a mixed performance on the year so far.
Yet these companies, representing nearly 88% of the industry's turnover,
are perhaps as good a barometer of the market as you are likely to get.
As part of Plimsoll's analysis of the major players, each of the top 200
companies is ranked on sales turnover. With an average sales growth amongst
the group of 13.5% only 14 companies have kept their same sales position
from last year. 85 companies have moved up in their sales performance
and 114 have fallen
Showing the biggest improvement in their position is Tulloch Ltd, moving
up 7 places in the league and is now the 30th biggest company in the industry.
But it is the profitability rankings that have seen the biggest changes
with average margins in the group a steady 7.8%. Only 9 companies have
kept their same profit ranking with 85 moving up and 95 falling. The number
of loss makers has increased to 14 companies with 3 of these companies
now losing money for the second year running. The biggest profit mover
in this edition is Bewley Homes Plc, moving up 5 places to 21st place
this year. Fairview New Homes Ltd remains the most profitable company
in the analysis.
The full analysis, available from Plimsoll Publishing, contains a full
4-year history of each of the top 200 companies, looking at key strengths
and weaknesses. The analysis also names companies winning and losing in
the industry as well as 5 companies as 'sleepers,' that is, companies
with good cash reserves yet losing pace in the market.
Other sections of the analysis include:
*Fastest growing
*Most profitable
*Adding the most value
*Leaders in efficiency
*Potentially desirable to own
*As well as 5 other sections
Plimsoll would like to thank the companies that have contributed to this
year's edition and would ask anyone who is interested in being included
in any future Top 200 studies to contact Plimsoll.
Call Plimsoll on 01642 626400 for a copy of the complete 571-page analysis
of the Top 200 UK companies in the House Builders industry priced at £500.00.
Readers can request a 5% discount when mentioning The Gl@zine upon ordering.
Contact: David Pattison
Tel: 01642 626400
E-mail: mailto:david_plimsoll@dial.pipex.com
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
Sales of the Stuga Flowline Sawing & Prepping Centre have recently
reached forty two and thirty six are now installed and fully operational
throughout the country. Three more orders are currently pending signing
off.
Among the long list of orders this year are three for different customers
who already have Flowlines and are adding more. Premier Trade Frames in
Caerphilly has Flowline number three on order and Interframe in Paignton
has ordered its second machine after running its first one for three years.
An order has recently been received for Flowline number three from Graham
Holmes Astraseal after two years hard labour for Flowlines one and two.
These three fabricators are enjoying success in their chosen markets.
Other orders in recent months include Euro Trade Frames of Thirsk, a Premier
Profiles fabricator, Anchor Windows, a Deceuninck fabricator of Ebbw Vale
and Direct Trade Windows, a Premier Trade fabricator in Doncaster.
Some of the reasons quoted for choosing the Flowline include the back-up
from Stuga, the fact that Stuga is British and manufactures in this country,
the small footprint of the Flowline, that it can be operated by one man,
that Stuga takes care of all software issues and has its own software
engineers on the road, the design of the controls which make it easy for
in-house staff to carry out most of the maintenance work including basic
programming and the unique but reliable rotary tooling system that allows
many operations to be easily programmed, which is particularly useful
for British window systems. The Flowline utilises the latest in CNC servo
drive technology throughout.
Tel: 0800 169 5444
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
Growth
Expected in the German Conservatory Market
While most companies would not regard Germany as a growth market, we publish here research that shows that the UK type conservatory is gaining ground over what the Germans have always called 'sun rooms' or 'glass annexes'. The window specialist consultancy InterConnection, based in Switzerland, offers a detailed appraisal of the German conservatory market, which shows a growth of 'Victorian' type conservatories of roughly 2-4% over the next two years.
The
German market for conservatories will grow by +1,4% in quantity this year,
for 2004 growth of +2,8% is expected, as the latest report by the consultants
of InterConnection shows.
It is especially in economically uncertain times that the willingness
of those who can afford to invest in personal luxury goods rises, 'as
long as I can still afford it'. The sales figures of, for a normal consumer
'awfully expensive' plasma flat-screen TVs are shooting up all across
Europe. For small and medium-sized window manufacturers this results in
a good possibility for diversification: conservatories are related products,
and aside from simple frame-manufacturing offer excellent cross-selling
possibilities (shading, ventilation, garden furniture etc.) and due to
consulting intensity during the planning of the product, can best be marketed
on-the-spot by local businesses.
In Germany, real growth is expected for the years 2003 and 2004, whereby
the market for conservatories used as a living room (+1,6% in 2003 and
+3,1% in 2004) has still developed better than the market for glass annexes
(+0,8% in 2003 and +1,9% in 2004). Altogether, in 2002 72,7% of all conservatories
built in Germany were living-room conservatories and 27,3% were glass
annexes (e.g. closing in terraces for private use). In terms of frame
materials there is an obvious trend: decreases in market shares were experienced
by conservatories made of steel and wood, the market share of aluminium,
wood-aluminium and PVC is rising.
The IC-MARKET MONITOR Spot® Conservatories in Germany 2002 is a market
and industry analysis of the German market for conservatories. It contains
market figures in quantity and value for the years 2000-2002 and forecasts
until 2004f. The report is now available from the InterConnection Consulting
Group.
IC- MARKET MONITOR Spot® CONSERVATORIES IN GERMANY 2002
Issue: June 2003
Scope: 130 PAGES
Contact: Martin Bergant
Price: Euro 900
Tel: +43(1)5854623-13
Email: mailto:bergant@interconnectionconsulting.com
Web: http://www.interconnectionresearch.com
CGII-Hodgson
Deal Makes Fire Door Specification Easier
A joint initiative by sealant manufacture, Hodgson Sealants and fire-glass
specialist, CGI International, is aimed at offering glaziers an easy but
fully approved way to answer the questions of proper glazing methods for
30-minute rated timber fire screens and doors.
The products of Hodgson and CGI have each been fully tested to the relevant
British Standard (BS 476) and both are already covered by the comprehensive
accreditation of the Certifire scheme.
Now the products (Firestrip 30, an intumescent glazing strip and 7.2mm
Pyroguard fire resistant glass) have been specifically appraised and certified
by a separate Certifire Supplement 297-1.
Explains Tom Ritchie of CGI, 'Almost uniquely for an un-wired fire glass,
Pyroguard is locally stocked throughout the UK by a stockist network of
glass merchants and glaziers. These same stockists would have ready access
to the whole range of sealants and mastics (including Firestrip) offered
by Hodgson.
'So that the fire glass can be properly glazed, together with a tested
and approved material (an essential requirement), we felt that this additional
supplement was important. The support of specific documentary evidence,
in an easily available format and acceptable to the fire regulators makes
life straightforward for all concerned.'
Adds Paul Saltis of Hodgson, 'Our Technical Service department offers
advice and assistance to customers and specifiers, who are keen to ensure
that fire resistant glazing is correctly specified and correctly applied.
'The impact of the Certifire supplement and the availability of Firestrip
30 and CGI’s Pyroguard, each from a stockist network, means that
the glazier can obtain the approved materials he needs, quickly and competitively.'
For further information contact:
Hodgson Sealants Ltd
Tel: 01482 868321
Email: mailto:sales@hodgson-sealants.co.uk
Web: http://www.hodgson-sealants.co.uk
CGI International Ltd
Tel: 01942 710720
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
New
Partnership Helps Simplify Roof Design
Conservatory fabricators can design their roofs accurately regardless
of degree of computer literacy through a new partnership in roof system
supply: Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems has signed an agreement with RoofWright,
to market its CAD system to Aztec customers.
The deal gives Aztec fabricators, existing and potential, a choice of
roof design options, be it RoofWright or First Degree, enabling them to
pick the computer system most appropriate to their requirements and level
of IT skills.
In addition to designing the roof and determining glazing criteria, the
RoofWright system further enables users to track stock, sales leads and
ordering, giving 'innovation, precision and simplicity' in one package.
Comments Andy Lang, Aztec's IT Manager, 'First Degree is the established
system, and one which the majority of fabricators operate, using calculations
to draw the roof. RoofWright is more 'friendly' to users who are not expert
with computers, and is CAD-based.
'Offering the two methods gives our customers the ability to use whichever
best suits them, and the reassurance of knowing whichever they choose,
it is integrated for full operational use with the Aztec roof system.'
Adds David Blakeman, managing director of RoofWright, 'Aztec has always
marketed its roof system on its simplicity and ease of use: core selling
propositions for the RoofWright system.
There is a natural synergy, and initial work shows our system works well
with the Aztec roof.'
Contact: Colin Bennett
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsvstems.co.uk
Construction
not a Priority in Government Reshuffle says GGF
Nigel Rees, GGF Chief Executive expressed disappointment that Construction
would no longer be represented at Minister of State level. 'Nigel Griffiths
certainly has a challenge on his hands if he wants to give the construction
industry - of which glazing is a part - the time that it requires. Especially
given the other five aspects, in his portfolio.'
On a more positive note he valued the links set up with Chris Leslie MP
and looked forward to working with Phil Hope MP, Stephen Timms MP and
Nigel Griffiths MP as the Federation and industry worked towards meeting
the Government's energy saving targets.
Tel: 020 7207 5864
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Call
for Papers for Flame Retardants 2004 Conference
The call for papers for the Flame Retardants 2004 (FR2004) Conference
has been issued by the joint organisers, The British Plastics Federation
(BPF) and Interscience Communications. The Conference will be held at
The Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London from 27-28th January
2004
With an outstanding track record of attracting a large international audience
for over 20 years, the Flame Retardants conference has established itself
as the premier world event for plastics in fires issues. FR2002 lived
up to its reputation as being the best-attended international conference
dedicated to the flame retardant industry with 33 papers being presented
to 270 delegates from over 23 countries.
London-based, the FR2004 Conference will bring together some of the world's
leading experts on fire, flame retardants and plastics to provide delegates
with up-to-the minute information on market developments and new technologies
that improve the fire performance and flame retardance of plastics. The
environmental forum introduced in 2002 proved extremely popular with delegates
and will be retained for the 2004 event.
'Flame retardants provide safety and environmental solutions in our ever
changing industry.' commented Conference Chairman Steve Grayson, 'Individual
companies within the industry, regulators, laboratories, commentators
on the industry and anyone involved with flame retardants are invited
to present papers giving their perspectives on the role of flame retardants
in the industry's future.'
Those wishing to contribute to this significant forum are invited to send
a one page abstract for consideration by the Programme Committee.
'The context in which flame retardants are used in plastics is fast moving
with regulatory changes covering issues such as the control of chemical
use, waste management and product safety in constant evolution.' concluded
Grayson. 'We aim to provide the most authoritative picture of these developments
and what they signal to the industry as well as supplying a platform for
companies to present information about their leading edge products which
can carry the industry forward and create new opportunities for customers.'
Tel: + (0) 20 8692 5050
Fax: + (0) 20 8962 5155
Email: mailto:intercomm@pipex.dial.com
Indigo expands Commercial Division
The
Commercial Division of Midlands based trade fabricator, Indigo Products,
has been winning business in the public sector as well as private new
build.
'With an established reputation and working closely with H.W. Systems,
we generate leads in both sectors, i.e. supply and fit social housing
and supply only unglazed new build,' said Bob Street, Commercial Manager.
'It is expected that this department will turnover £1.75 million
this financial year'.
Bob Street, was recruited by Sales and Marketing Director, Danny Hague,
almost immediately after the latter's appointment in April 2002.
Bob soon recruited Gareth Gibby to work in the field and Danny Hague drew
up a strategy. 'It was decided that while we would supply and fit in social
housing work, we would identify and target the major players in new build
in the supply only, unglazed market,' said Bob Street. 'We have secured
a large three-year partnership with a local authority - Erewash Borough
Council, and are also supplying two other large local authorities.'
At present the commercial division is responsible for approximately 20%
of the weekly production at Indigo products. Ongoing negotiations with
large house builders and local authorities will see significant growth
in the volume of commercial sales over the coming years.
Contact: Danny Hague
Tel: 01922 743202.
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Top
Glass Dining at The Dorchester, Courtesy of Saint-Gobain Priva-Lite
The
Krug Room, the new chef's dining room at the Dorchester is now officially
open. Optima Architectural Glass was chosen to work with interior fit
out firm - Vivid Interiors - to install a 10m2 Priva-Lite® 'intelligent'
glass screen.
Manufactured
by Saint-Gobain Glass (SGG), the transparent glass screen allows diners
to view Executive Chef Henry Brosi and his team preparing each culinary
delight then, with a flick of a switch, dine in complete privacy as the
screen turns opaque.
The SGG Priva-Lite® screen is made from 11.8mm laminated glass with
a liquid crystal interlayer film connected to a 200VA electrical transformer.
When the power is switched off the liquid crystals are randomly scattered
giving the glass an opaque appearance. Switching the electrical current
back on realigns the crystals, creating a transparent appearance.
The Dorchester's food and beverage manager Zoe Jenkins said: 'The intelligent
glass screen installed by Optima creates a visually stunning effect for
diners. The Krug Room's contemporary design brings together natural and
hi-tech products, creating something exceptional, not only to the Dorchester,
but also to London.'
She continued: 'The concept has been designed to provide a unique dining
experience, allowing guests to view their meals being prepared while experiencing
the hub and atmosphere of the kitchen.'
As well as creating an opulent surrounding for hotel dining rooms, the
glass screen can be used for a variety of other applications, including
glazed meeting rooms, shop fronts, façades, high security anti-bandit
glass, bespoke displays, and fish tanks. High resolution images can also
be projected onto the glass for use in exhibitions, TV studios or meeting
rooms.
The 'intelligent' SGG Priva-Lite® screen offers a stylish alternative
to curtains, blinds or standard partitioning. Single or double glazed
panels can be curved, silk-screen printed or sand-blasted.
Web: http://www.optimasystems.com
UAP Adds to its Menu by Ordering Chinese
Two
years ago, UAP, was approached by a major Chinese glass producer to consider
importing its glass. At the time UAP declined the offer, some months later
the company was approached again, and a deal was agreed.
David Jennings of UAP explains, 'We have a reputation for supplying the
door panel producers with an excellent product range, at the right price,
and with a service to match. Like everybody else we are always looking
at ways to complement our product range, and add value to what we offer.
'When we were first approached we were not in a position to take on a
major new product line. At that time we were deeply involved in launching
our new electro phoretic coatings which had taken us more than a year
to develop and get right. However, when we were approached again, our
electro phoretic products had been launched and were becoming well established.'
Adding toughened glass to the UAP range makes a great deal of commercial
sense, as toughened glass is used in volume by every one of UAP's customers.
David continues, 'many of our customers are fed up with the continual
price increases from the major players. What our customers want is a high
quality, less expensive alternative, and that is exactly what we are now
offering.
'We currently supply four of the top door panel producers in the UK, and
our aim is to capture another five in the next year. These companies buy
our product because it is BS6206 Class A approved, it is high quality,
and it is very competitively priced.
'For example we only charge five per cent extra for shaped glass as compared
to the UK's standard of between 25 to 50 per cent. Neither do we have
a minimum area cost. In the UK the standard minimum charge is 0.2 sq metre.
This makes a sizeable saving all round. We can supply for example an half
moon shaped glass and save our customers up to 69 per cent on their toughened
glass costs.'
Currently the UAP range consists of clear glass and two patterned glasses,
which means the company can supply about 75 per cent of its customer’s
needs at present.
Tel: +44 (0) 161 763 5290
Email: mailto:uaap@btconnect.com
Siegenia-Aubi Quality Gets the Thumbs Up 'Down Under'
Following
rigorous testing, ventilation specialist, Siegenia-Aubi Ltd, has agreed
terms for the distribution of one of its ventilators in Australia.
The Aeropac wall ventilator was designed in close collaboration with Hamburg
airport to combat the problem of noise pollution and create a healthy
atmosphere. Sydney-based Acoustica Pty Ltd, which provides total solutions
for noise control and acoustics in buildings, homes and cinemas, has placed
an initial order for Aeropac units for the Australian market.
The Aeropac had to pass rigorous tests relating to differences in power
supply to acquire the specialist approval required for distribution in
Australia. Since meeting the Certification Bodies (CB) requirements, Siegenia-Aubi
has been approached to supply other products from its ventilation range
in Australia.
Says Alastair Wheeler, ventilation sales manager at Siegenia, 'Given the
country's climate, the Australian market has long been receptive to the
benefits of effective ventilation. Now, people are looking for more innovative,
specialist systems and the Aeropac's sound insulation and pollution filtration
capabilities make it the ideal choice for an advanced ventilation system.'
As well as reducing humidity levels, the Aeropac eliminates the noise
and pollution problems created by open windows near busy roads, railway
stations or airports. It maintains a constant flow of air to the home,
whilst its high performance filtration capabilities combat air pollution,
absorbing almost 90% of hydrocarbon emissions through an active carbon
filter.
Alastair sees demand for the Aeropac increasing as awareness of its capabilities
spreads. 'It's already an extremely popular product across mainland Europe
and, with several UK airport expansions planned, we feel that there's
also great potential for this product in the UK.'
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
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.
The present SBD requirement for testing composite doors to PAS 23 &
24 will be extended to require registration with an independent certification
body. Third party certification includes auditing of material specification,
manufacturing processes, product quality and testing of sample products.
Explains SBD spokesman Jon Cole: 'Testing to PAS 23 & 24 provides
a good indication of the standard to which a composite door is designed
and made, but it doesn‚t ensure that all doors leaving the factory
meet the same standard of the original product that was tested.
'Certification will guarantee that every door is manufactured to the highest
standards and ensure that customers are getting what they have specified.'
PAS 23 & 24 testing and a Secured by Design licence are already established
as the pre-qualification for ACDM members and, as Jon Cole explains, Certification
and the work on the Annex necessary to introduce it, are the result of
a close working relationship between SBD and the ACDM.
'The ACDM has been very supportive of our proposals to introduce Certification,
and acknowledges that the move can only benefit the industry.' He says.
He adds that the Certification of composite doors will entail SBD handing
over some of the policing of the auditing process to third-party authorities
and trade bodies, as has already happened with the window industry.
Commenting for the ACDM, technical officer Owen Jones warns that there
are still unscrupulous companies operating outside SBD, that claim to
meet the standards, and adds: 'Certification is another important step
towards ensuring that customers are able to identify those manufacturers
whose composite doors meet the very highest standards.'
Tel: 01922 415980
Web: http://www.acdm.co.uk
Renson builds Architectural and Energy-Saving Statement as HQ
Renson is a specialist in ventilation and durable external solar shading. The company's own new HQ offices show how, with the right materials and techniques, a healthy, comfortable and energy-saving interior climate can be realised.
Renson, located in Waregem, Belgium, worked out the Healthy Building Concept
together with the Belgian architect Jo Crepain. The concept has three
basic pillars: background ventilation, intensive night cooling and durable
external solar shading. In this way the Healthy Building Concept offers
a healthy alternative for mechanically ventilated buildings. Naturally
ventilated buildings also avoid complaints like sick building syndrome,
draughts and other discomforts.
Not only is the Renson building a healthy alternative, it also saves a
lot of money. One third of the indoor energy-consumption in office buildings
is spent on cooling the building. Renson uses solar shading to avoid overheating
while the colder overnight temperatures are applied to cool the building
down.
Fresh air circulates through the building according to the principle of
supply, transit and exhaust.
Around the building at the bottom of the curtain walling horizontal louvre
blades are installed, these serve as supply openings for the ventilation
(intensive night cooling and Invisivent for background ventilation).
Big turrets on the roof, covered with Renson blades give light to the
lower floors and serve as exhaust for the background and the intensive
ventilation.
During warm periods the building is cooled off thanks to the intensive
night cooling. The thermal mass of the building stores the cold at night
and gradually releases it during daytime.
Adjustable aluminium Icarus-blades at 1 meter off the facade control the
sunlight on the west side of the building.
The office is built on one elevated level of 2350m2 and rests on high
pillars so that the office roof is as high as the adjacent production
hall's.
The north side is parallel to the motorway. On the east corner there is
a terrace and a lunch room.
Web: http://www.renson.be
More Roof Space for Newdawn Customer
Newdawn
and Sun roof fabricator, Priory PVCu Systems Ltd has completed a new extension
at its Barnsley premises housing an additional 3,400 sq ft to accommodate
kit roof assembly.
Two roofs per day can now be fabricated on the building's dedicated mezzanine
floor which also contains storage for conservatory bar lengths. All Newdawn
roofs are pre-assembled and thoroughly checked before being packed into
easily-transportable kits.
Priory is the first of Newdawn's customers to receive BBA accreditation
after six months hard work by the entire company workforce. Owner Les
Upson received his certificate on Newdawn's stand at Glassex 2003 from
Bob Keyse, one of the BBA's Area Sales Managers.
Says Les: 'Gaining BBA accreditation gives our customers confidence in
a quality product that has been thoroughly checked at every stage of fabrication.
It also gives them a selling edge over the competition.'
He adds: 'Gaining the BBA certificate has helped us enormously towards
becoming a truly professional company and this is reflected in the growth
of our loyal customer base.'
Les paid tribute to the efforts of his team in working towards the BBA
award, as well as the achievement earlier this year of ISO 9001:2000 accreditation.
Further accreditations being sought by the company include EN 1279 on
its sealed units, followed by BSI Kitemarks on its whole range of window,
door and conservatory products.
Priory believes in encouraging its staff to gain qualifications as evidenced
by Emma Beard who is currently studying for her Institute of Quality Assurance
Diploma. On completion of her three-year course, she will be promoted
to Quality Manager.
Newdawn's Managing Director, Alan Cooper, comments: We're very proud that
Les is setting the standard for Newdawn fabricators by becoming the first
to gain BBA accreditation. It's been a real team effort, thanks to assistance
from our technical and quality management staff including Paul Mulkeirins
and Richard Wilkinson.'
A pre-requisite of most newbuild specification, the BBA is the prominent
standard for construction throughout Britain. The BBA's Agrement Certificates
have been providing authoritative and independent information on the performance
of building products for over 30 years.
Every Agrement Certificate contains important data on durability, installation
and compliance with Building Regulations in England, Wales, Scotland and
N Ireland.
Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk
Masco Corporation Updates Earnings Guidance
Masco
Corporation Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Richard A. Manoogian,
speaking at the Company's annual Investors Conference on June 19th, made
the following comments regarding the Company's current sales and earnings
outlook:
'The strong sales we achieved in April have continued into May as we continue
to gain market share in a number of our product lines. We expect second
quarter sales to be up at least 18 to 20 percent from last year's level
with full year sales increasing approximately 15 percent to over $10.8
billion. Based on present business trends, as previously forecast, the
Company continues to believe that second quarter earnings should approximate
$.43 to $.45 per common share, with full year earnings in a range of $1.65
to $1.70 per common share.'
Web: http://www.masco.com
Havelock
Europa has an 'Encouraging Start to the Year'
At
the AGM in Dalgety Bay, Fife recently of Havelock Europa PLC, the educational
and retail interiors and point of sale display business, the Chairman,
Michael Kennedy, made the following remarks.
Trading Update
The Group has had an encouraging start to the year.
Educational Furniture
In the educational furniture sector, ESA McIntosh has continued to prosper.
In the current year, the company has won a pleasing level of new business
as a sub-contractor on PFI projects in both England and Scotland, and
activity in this area is expected to show an increase on last year. Enquiries
from Local Educational Authorities have run at record levels in the first
five months of the year.
Point of Sale Display
As anticipated at the time of the Preliminary Announcement in April, the
Point of Sale Display Division has made a slow start to the year as a
result of current corporate activity in the supermarket sector and consumer
uncertainty, both of which have affected spending on new formats.
Retail Interiors
This Division will have a much better first half year than for some time.
Its opening order book was its best for some years. Since then, the Division
has continued to grow in the department store sector with work in hand
for two stores for House of Fraser in addition to which activity in the
banking sector, where the Division is a market leader, is running at a
high level. With overall
volumes showing a significant increase and with the benefits of operating
from a single site throughout the year, the Division is expected to make
good progress in the current year.
Middle East
The sale of the Middle East Joint Venture, Havelock AHI, in February will
generate an exceptional profit in the first half year of approximately
#0.9m. Trading since the sale has inevitably been affected by the war
in Iraq and the consumer uncertainty which accompanied it. As a result,
the trading contribution from the 17% shareholding, that resulted from
the Group's reinvestment of part
of the proceeds of sale, is unlikely to be significant in the first half.
Prospects
Activity in both the educational and retail sectors is encouraging.
Notwithstanding the downturn of activity in the Point of Sale Display
Division, which is likely to result in a lower contribution for the full
year from this sector, the Group's overall levels of business are expected
to show a satisfactory advance on 2002 and accordingly the Board is confident
of further progress in the current year.
Tel: 01383-820044