Heywood
Williams Sells Coldseal but Retains an Interest
Heywood Williams has sold its Huddersfield-based loss making Coldseal
retail double glazing division. After the resignation of chief executive
Ian Stuart when the company warned that full year profits would be substantially
below expectations, it was clear that something needed to be done about
Coldseal. As far back as last November the Coldseal operation was singled
out as being a weak link that was affecting profits.
Now the Bryco double-glazing operation has acquired Coldseal in an all
share deal, which gives Heywood Williams 19.9% share in the Group, and
a three-year contract to supply plastics and other components. Both groups
- Bryco and Heywood - will move assets into the Coldseal group.
Executive
chairman Hamish Bryce was quoted in The Financial Times as saying that
Coldseal had had a better second quarter but 'there was a further tail-off
in July and August which spurred the decision'.
Interim results are due out this week, which we shall report in full in
next week's issue.
The stock market was not unhappy, with shares closing 5p up on the announcement
at 128p.
There will be an exceptional charge of £26 million in the year as
a result of the sale.
Cowboy
Customers Leave Tradesmen in Debt
Many British tradesmen experience problems with customers that leave them out of pocket and in the red. Over half (59 per cent) of tradesmen across the UK have had a bad experience with a customer according to findings by Eagle Star Small Business Direct. Almost a third of those left in arrears by customers (30 per cent) claim they are currently owed over £5,000, 14 per cent are due more than £20,000 and an unlucky one in 20 (seven per cent) said they are owed monies to the tune of £50,000.
Getting people to settle their bills is the most common problem. The research
found that 60 per cent of tradesmen - plumbers, electricians, carpenters,
glaziers
and builders - have been left out of pocket by people who simply don't
pay
whilst 45 per cent say customers took more than six months to clear their
debts.
The impact of late payment has far-reaching consequences on small businesses.
Nearly half (49 per cent) of tradesmen owed money admit that their cash
flow is affected with 38 per cent having to work longer hours to redress
the balance and more than one in five (21 per cent) needing to take on
more work.
Unsurprisingly, almost half (46 per cent) of those questioned said difficulties
also arise when customers decide to change the specifications of a job
once the work has started. Equally as frustrating - 15 per cent of tradesmen
have experienced customers who have interfered with the work and jeopardised
the job.
Many (51 per cent) of those left out of pocket by customers opted not
to seek legal advice. Nearly three in 20 (15 per cent) of those opting
out of legal advice can't afford it and 12 per cent feel it would be too
complicated.
Steve Wilson, Managing Director of Eagle Star Small Business Direct says:
'We see plenty of TV programs on so-called cowboy builders, but there's
little on how some customers are reluctant to pay up for perfectly good
work. This can have serious repercussions on any small business, and as
tradesmen often pay up front for contractors and materials any delay in
receiving payment can prove costly.'
Eagle Star Small Business Direct has compiled a list of tips to help tradesmen
protect themselves:
• Ask for a deposit before you start the work
• Ask for payment of any materials up front
• If it is a large job, ask for payment in full or in instalments
before you start work
• Make sure customers put their job specifications down in writing
• Where possible, only work for known or recommended customers
Pechiney
Rejects Revised Alcan Offer
Alcan, the Canadian aluminium group, has raised its takeover bid for rival
Pechiney by about 9 per cent to EUR 3.96bn ($4.35bn), but the French group's
board of directors rejected the offer as still being too low. (Click here
to view AGM statement).
The written offer, conditional on acceptance by the Pechiney board, was
dropped by Alcan after the French group's board met on Sunday night and
voted by a large majority against recommending the bid to shareholders.
Pechiney said the new bid ‘continues to fall short of Pechiney's
true strategic value, especially in light of the positive recent market
trends relating to the euro/dollar exchange rate and the aluminium price’.
Alcan said its approach over the weekend ‘sought to create an opportunity
to facilitate and accelerate the integration of the two companies’.
Its improved cash-and-share offer valued Pechiney at Euro 47- Euro 48
per share.
The Montreal-based group said it ‘remains confident that its original
July 7th, 2003 offer will succeed’. Based on Friday's closing price
for Alcan's shares in New York, its original offer was worth Euro 44.50
per Pechiney share.
Alcan's initial offer was rejected as ‘hostile’ by the Pechiney
board, which accused the Canadian group of trying to ‘hijack the
company at a ridiculously low price’, by deliberately underestimating
the synergies to lower its valuation.
Pechiney said on Monday the revised bid was ‘a step in the right
direction - they are getting closer’. But one hedge fund manager
was less forgiving of Alcan's new offer, saying it was ‘nice to see
Pechiney playing hardball’.
Shares in Pechiney have remained stubbornly above the value of Alcan's
initial offer suggesting investors expected a higher bid. The shares were
suspended in Paris on Monday morning.
European Commission competition regulators are due to announce on September
29th their decision on whether to approve Alcan's initial bid for Pechiney,
or whether to subject the deal for a full four-month review.
Alcan has threatened to withdraw the offer if it does not win approval
in the first phase of a Brussels review, claiming the delay involved in
a second-phase review would be too damaging for both companies.
But analysts say the bid is likely to face intense scrutiny in Brussels
as it is an attempt to resurrect the failed three-way merger between Alcan,
Pechiney and Algroup, which was blocked by regulators in 2000 after a
lengthy probe.
Alcan and Algroup were allowed to merge, but the Commission blocked the
merger with Pechiney, claiming the combined group would have been too
strong in flat-rolled aluminium products.
In an effort to address competition concerns, Alcan has already offered
to forgo ownership and control of either its Alunorf or Pechiney's Neuf-Brisach
flat-rolled steel mills in Germany, one of the main obstacles to the previous
three-way deal.
Diversity will be the Keyword for GP&T
With
over 85 companies now signed up to appear at the UK glass industry’s
first and only dedicated exhibition and conference showcase, the organisers
of Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T) have announced a raft
of new exhibitors representing every facet of the industry. The new exhibitors
add to an already impressive list of varied manufacturers and suppliers,
making GP&T an essential visit for any UK glass & glazing specifier.
From glass treatments and abrasives to specialist equipment, GP&T
– to take place at the NEC, Birmingham on 11th, 12th and 13th November
2003 - will offer a wider choice of suppliers under one roof than the
UK has ever seen before.
Glass resins and adhesives manufacturer Surface Specialities UCB –
part of the US based UCB chemicals group – and Marrose Abrasives
Ltd are two of the most recent companies to sign up for the event, representing
front-end glazing technology. They will be joined by major glass processor
Float Glass Industries.
The decorative glass sector – an increasingly profitable area of
the UK glazing industry – will also be well represented by companies
such as Regalead and Schott UK Ltd. Leading UK decorative glass products
and glazing consumables supplier Thermoseal Group has also confirmed its
attendance, and will be joined on its stand by spacer bar manufacturer
Rjukan Metal.
A wide variety of glass machinery and specialist glass equipment manufacturers
will also be seen at the event, with recent recruits including machinery
supplier Ebor Equipment Ltd, glass bending & tempering equipment manufacturer
Glasstech and GGR Glass Services, a leading supplier of vacuum lifting
equipment to the UK and Irish construction industries. Other companies
who have recently signed up to appear at GP&T include fixtures and
fittings supplier Chasmood, Advanced Systems Hot Melt and Ukraine-based
Krasnoarmeysk Silica Brick Plant.
Leah Tidy, Sales Manager for GP&T, believes that the diversity of
suppliers at GP&T will offer glass professionals a unique advantage:
'When we first investigated the possibility of introducing a launch event
purely for the UK glass industry, one of the key points that came up was
that the show must represent the industry on a broad scale to attract
manufacturers and specifiers at every level. To have achieved this in
our launch year is fantastic. GP&T really will offer an exclusive
opportunity to see every part of the industry represented, all under one
roof, which is exactly what our visitors want.’
Visitors may register by telephone on 0870 429 4534, by fax on 0870 429
4535, or online via the Internet at: http://www.gptexhibition.com
Glazing
Problems will Delay Holyrood Further
The
new Scottish Parliament building will not be ready until July next year,
presiding officer George Reid confirmed last Thursday. He made the admission
in his latest progress report to members of Holyrood's finance committee
of a project which is now rumoured to have reached the £400m mark.
Reid told MSPs in his letter that the recently agreed cap on consultants'
fees had saved £4.6m. The biggest challenge of the project at the
moment, he added, is the completion of the lightwell area - an access
area with overhead glazing.
'Despite very considerable efforts to meet the programme, it has proved
impossible,' he said. 'The key reason is that Drawn Metal, the window
contractor, has been unable to fit the windows quickly enough, largely
due to the additional blast proofing. The result of this is that Mero,
the specialist glazing contractor, cannot access the same lightwell area
to complete their works. These delays have a knock-on impact on our ability
to fit out the chamber and other critical works.'
Last month Reid told the finance committee that the estimated cost of
the project stood at £374m.
Totally
Committed to Growth with Profile 22
Total
Glass, one of Profile 22’s largest trade fabricators, increased its
workforce by 35 in the first six months of the year to meet a projected
42% rise in annual turnover by October.
This
latest recruitment takes the number of employees through the 100 mark
to 115 for the first time in the company’s 14-year history to meet
rising demand for its products throughout the North West.
More than half the employees have achieved National Vocational Qualifications
Levels One to Three in window fabrication, with the rest expected to achieve
NVQs by the end of the year.
Merseyside-based Total has also invested £575,000 in new machines,
including a saw centre capable of cutting 1,000 frames per week, an auto
cutter, two corner cleaners, three quad welders and six drainage cutting
machines.
This investment comes on top of a new Urban 800 production line installed
in March following the company’s expansion into a 28,000 sq ft neighbouring
factory unit at the beginning of the year. This line increases overall
efficiency and boosts weekly frame capacity to over 2,300. Total also
manufactures its own conservatory roof system.
Production layout has also been reorganised with dedicated areas for storage
and quality control. Bar-coding of frames at every critical stage in manufacture
is to be launched as part of new quality control measures.
The system, to be introduced later in the year, allows frames to be checked
at regular intervals and customers’ orders tracked more accurately.
Total Glass continues to offer its five-day turnaround.
Managing Director Frank Deary comments: ‘The company is growing steadily
with everyone united towards a common goal. We’re also working towards
the Investor in People standard.’
Tel: 01952 290910
Network
Welcomes Back 'Prodigal Son' Andy
Scarborough-based
Andy Whitelaw Joinery has returned to Network Veka after a year of Andy
trying his luck with a new registered installer scheme.
Andy's
company had become a showpiece recruit as the first installer to commit
to the new scheme. But he says he has now returned to benefit from Network
Veka's extensive national branding and marketing support.
'I had always had good results from Network Veka but the prospect of trying
something new can seem very tempting to anyone,' said Andy.
'But now I have watched Network Veka going from strength to strength throughout
the year and have been thinking seriously about rejoining for quite some
time.'
The company was welcomed back by Network Veka Operations Manager John
Ogilvie who said: 'Andy was always one of our most active and dedicated
members; we were very disappointed to lose him and we are doubly delighted
to have him back.'
That year has seen the most dramatic growth in Network Veka's history.
The organisation has built accumulated sales from £150million to
£220million and added 10,000 more installations to last year's accumulation
of 45,000 while membership grew a further 30% to 140 and average installation
value rose for the seventh year running. Network Veka is also part way
through its £500,000-plus national advertising campaign, its first
for a number of years.
AWJ is not only a highly respected installer around North Yorkshire; it
also has a long-standing reputation as a sealed unit manufacturer and
supplier to the trade over a wide area.
Andy's is not the only company to be welcomed back into the fold. The
latest membership intake also includes Cheshunt fabricator Presswarm that
left Network Veka two years ago to try going solo.
At the same time, the Network Veka Steering Group has endorsed its commitment
to policing the organisation and voted to suspend two existing members.
Picture: Sign of the Times: Andy, left, and John
Ogilvie help to put the Network Veka livery back where it belongs.
Network
Trumpets the Return of Elephant
Network
Veka is celebrating another major comeback with the return of Kent-based
Elephant Windows to its ranks.
The move comes only weeks after Andy Whitelaw Joinery of Scarborough and
Presswarm of Cheshunt were reinstated by the organisation's Steering Group.
Elephant, with sales projected at £7 million, is the domestic division
of the Piper Double Glazing group. With a salesforce of 11, Elephant works
out of two showrooms but is currently opening two more, in Dartford and
Maidstone. Piper itself is undergoing a major expansion of it fabrication
site to 75,000 sq ft with more than £1.2million invested in new
machinery.
Managing Director Neil Piper said: 'All the salesforce were delighted
to hear we are back in Network Veka. Its reputation among the consumers
is the best selling tool they could hope for and we are all looking forward
to doing great things together.'
Network Veka has continued to expand in recent months, despite changing
its emphasis towards consolidating last year's considerable growth, and
the three returners have provided a further bonus. All three had originally
left Network Veka voluntarily, Elephant and Presswarm to operate as independents;
AWJ to try out a new registered installer scheme.
Network Veka
Tel: 01282 473170
Innovative
Ventilation from K2
K2 has commissioned £150,000 capital expenditure into state of the
art machinery to enable the manufacture of the K2 roof vent to commence.
A prototype version of the new roof vent was unveiled earlier this year
at Glassex 2003, as a direct response to market requirements.
Developed utilising the same technology as the company’s existing
product portfolio, the new K2 roof vent has been subject to rigorous testing
procedures within a controlled environment, set out by Wintech Engineering
Ltd, a UKAS Test House.
A 1mtr2 sample of the roof vent, installed within a K2 roof, was tested
to over 300 Pascals with air and water, with no recorded air or water
leakage.
In real terms 300 Pascals is the equivalent of a force 9 gale, i.e. constant
wind in excess of 50 mph. The Beaufort Scale description of this level
is, ‘Slight structural damage occurs (chimney-pots and slates removed).’
The water was applied to the vent at the rate of 2 litres per square metre
per minute, equating to a rainfall of almost 5 inches per hour.
With the combined effects of the simulated weather, the vent performed
well, with overall test results confirming that the roof vent conforms
to the following British Standards:
* Weather Tightness - BS 6375 Part 1
* Air Permeability - BS 5368 Part 1
* Water Tightness Under Static Pressure - BS 5368 Part 2
* Wind Resistance - BS 5368 Part 3
Designed to complement any style of K2, L2 in a Pack, and indeed any other
conservatory roof system on the market, the roof vent comes complete with
features and benefits which include, availability in a range of different
colour options, slim sight lines for aesthetic appearance, an integral
drainage system and the facility to be adapted to accept 16mm, 24/25mm
and 35mm glazing.
Tony
Robson, K2’s vent production manager, said: ‘Investment into
the company’s manufacturing facilities will allow K2 to fulfil our
passion of engineering truly superior design innovations such as the K2
roof vent, and ensure that the company is able to maintain its prominent
position within such a highly competitive marketplace.’
Tel: 0800 1952962 or 01204 554554
Pyramid
Reaches Peak in US Conservatory Exports
Exporting
conservatories to the United States proved to be a lucrative contract
for Norwich-based Profile 22 fabricator, Pyramid Windows. For the family-run
business supplied glazed frames to a contractor who sent a full container
every week across the Atlantic to satisfy growing demand in the New York
area.
At
peak times, up to eight conservatories a week were being shipped over,
contributing to Pyramid’s exceptional sales growth over the last
six years. Since switching to Profile 22 in 1997, Pyramid has quadrupled
its spend on profile.
Explains Dale Joyce, one of Pyramid’s directors: ‘We would never
change from Profile 22 as it has everything we want in a system –
quality, reliable deliveries and simple to install.
'We like the 70mm Fully Integrated System and our customers are impressed
with its ease of installation and aesthetics.’
From its 15,000 sq ft base in several neighbouring manufacturing units,
the company supplies customers across East Anglia, Norfolk, Suffolk and
Essex as far down as London. Due to its far-flung geographical location,
Pyramid also manufactures in-line sliding patio doors for local customers.
‘We have a very loyal customer base, which is what keeps us busy
when business for others is slow,’ says Dale. ‘Our philosophy
is one of honesty and this has really paid off for off for us.’
Established in 1995, Pyramid has enjoyed steady sustained growth through
the ‘hands-on’ efforts of directors Dale and his brother Paul,
along with their wives Anne and Clare. Their father Barry Joyce, a builder
for 30 years, handles the construction side of the business, such as conservatory
bases and general building work.
Expansion is very much on the cards, with plans to boost the 300-frames
a week production through growing both the trade and retail sectors. Newbuild
and commercial are further thriving areas the brothers plan to target.
The family theme runs throughout the employees with uncles, cousins and
father-in-laws among the 30-strong team. Dale points out: ‘This gives
us a very stable workforce whom we can trust.
'Given the number of large double glazing companies in this area, finding
experienced fabricators is not a problem. But we also take trainees from
the local college and train them ourselves.’
Linked to Pyramid’s planned growth will be an expanded delivery fleet.
Around three-quarters of frames are delivered direct to customers and
the company prides itself on an efficient and friendly service.
Tel: 01952 290910
Ultraframe's
Gable Support System does the Ton
Since
its launch in 2002, sales of Ultraframe's Gable Support Beam system have
rocketed with now over 100 gable support systems sold every month. Ultraframe,
the international designer and manufacturer of conservatory systems, launched
its new gable support system to give enhanced performance to both its
lean-to and gable fronted conservatories.
The system recently featured in a conservatory installed by West Yorkshire
Windows on ITV's home improvement programme Better Homes. The Better Homes'
conservatory also featured two of Ultraframe's other products, Conservaglass™
and Ultraselect.
Andrew Glover, Sales and Marketing Director of West Yorkshire Windows
says: 'The gable support system is now a standard product for our company.
We are finding more and more uses for it, like P shapes without a hip
as well as standard lean-to's. We are amazed by the amount of additional
strength that it adds to the structure, particularly when double doors
are in the same elevation.'
With an increasing trend towards bigger projections on lean-to's and more
gablefronted styles, the gable beam gives extra support where it's needed.
The new system essentially incorporates a 'lintel', which fits across
either end of a lean-to conservatory or at the front of a gable style,
giving increased structural integrity and stability - especially where
designs feature double doors.
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Hunter
Douglas First Half 2003 Results - 6.1% Lower Sales and 6.8% Lower Profits
Hunter Douglas, a world market leader in window coverings (Luxaflex®),
and a major manufacturer of architectural products (Luxalon®) reports
results for the first half 2003.
Sales were EUR 805.2 million, 6.1% lower than EUR 857.6 million in the
first half of 2002. The sales decrease reflects 2.8% volume decrease,
11.2% negative currency impact and 7.9% contribution from acquisitions.
Sales volume was higher in Asia, level in North America and Australia
and lower in Europe and Latin America.
Europe accounted for 41% of sales, North America 47%, Latin America 3%,
Asia 6% and Australia 3%. Window Coverings were 89% and Architectural
and Other Products 11% of total sales.
Net profit was EUR 49.7 million, 6.8% lower than EUR 53.3 million in the
first half of 2002. The weakening of the US dollar negatively affected
the translation of results by 15.6%. Excluding the currency impact, profits
would have increased by 8.8%. Profits were higher in Asia and Australia
and lower in Europe, North America and Latin America.
Net profit per average outstanding common share decreased to EUR 1.18,
compared to EUR 1.26 for the first 6 months of 2002, adjusted for stock
dividends.
During the first half, Hunter Douglas acquired blindmakers in Spain, Sweden
and Switzerland and Thomas Sanderson Blinds in the United Kingdom, all
effective 1st January 2003.
Capital expenditures in the first half year 2003 were EUR 26 million compared
with EUR 31 million during the same period last year, while depreciation
was EUR 28 million.
The investment portfolio gained 8.9% in US dollars in the first half year
and had a book value per June 30th, 2003 of EUR 438 million and a market
value of EUR 476 million. Net investment income, after deduction of provisions,
imputed interest and expenses was EUR 2.3 million. Management of these
assets is delegated to a widely diversified group of independent managers.
Shareholder's equity was EUR 843 million, down from EUR 867 million at
the end of 2002 due to the impact of currency translations of Balance
Sheet items and dividends paid on June 27, 2003.
Hunter Douglas had approximately 15,300 employees at the end of June 2003.
The shareholder's meeting of June 13th, 2003 approved the distribution
of a cash dividend of EUR 1.15 per common share with an option for each
shareholder to receive a stock dividend, in lieu of cash.
Second quarter 2003
In the second quarter, sales were higher in Europe and lower in all other
regions. Second quarter sales were EUR 446.1 million, 5.5% lower than
EUR 472.2 million in the same period last year. The decrease was due to
a 6.2% volume decrease, 9.9% negative currency impact and 10.6% contribution
from acquisitions. Acquisitions increased sales by EUR 50.2 million of
which EUR 15.4 million was attributable to the first quarter 2003.
Second quarter net profit was EUR 29.9 million, 9.4% lower than EUR 33.0
million in the second quarter 2002. Profits increased in North America,
Asia and Australia and were lower in Europe and Latin America. The weakening
of the US dollar affected results negatively by 15.2%. Profits, excluding
currency impact, would have increased by 5.8%.
Europe
Sales in Europe increased by 12% to EUR 327 million, of which 6% was due
to volume decrease, 1% to unfavorable currency impact and 19% contribution
from acquisitions.
Sales were higher in the UK, Ireland, Spain and Norway. Window covering
retail sales slowed while project sales started to recover.
Vertical and Roller Blinds, incorporating the new EOS® hardware systems,
gained market share and positively influenced fabric sales, especially
in Germany. Sales of Duette® shades continued to grow.
Nedal, the Dutch-based aluminium extrusion operation, had slightly lower
sales but higher operating profits, while results were negatively affected
by the closure of the Alver anodising facility.
Sentinel
Selected as Partner for 7-Year Fusion 21 Contract
Sentinel
Doors has won what it believes is the largest single contract ever awarded
for composite doors, covering the supply of an estimated 90,000 doors
valued at £18 million over seven years.
The contract was awarded by Fusion 21, a consortium of seven registered
social landlords in the Liverpool area, following an extensive tendering
process managed by Valueworks, an organisation within Fusion 21 whose
job it is to locate suppliers of materials and services for members.
From a list of twenty suppliers of composite doors who were invited to
present pre-qualification documents, six were invited to make presentations
to the Fusion 21 product committee responsible for windows and doors.
Three were then shortlisted to receive audit visits by members of the
committee.
Commenting for Sentinel Doors, sales and marketing director Phil Mundell
says the sales team made the initial presentation. The audit, which focused
on operational aspects of the company, was led by operations director
Ian Lewis.
Says Lewis: 'We involved staff from every area of the business in order
to demonstrate to Fusion 21 that we operate as a team. During the committee's
tour of both Sentinel plants every discipline - from operations to contracts,
from planning to production - was covered.'
The following afternoon Sentinel was told that it had won the contract
to supply 7,500 doors a year over seven years.
Says Phil Mundell: 'We are delighted to be have been selected as a partner
in what is probably the largest Project Partnership to date involving
composite doors.
'We are immensely proud of the commitment from everyone in the company
and grateful for the support of the Welsh Assembly Government through
the Regional Selective Assistance Grant Scheme, who funded £450,000
of our recent £1.3 million investment programme.
'There is no doubt that the investment in new materials and the latest
manufacturing equipment has played a significant part in this success,
ensuring that we have the capacity to supply the number of doors required
for a contract of this size.'
As part of the contract Sentinel has also made a commitment to open a
fabrication plant in the Liverpool area to establish a local source of
supply, create local job opportunities and give the company a base in
the area.
Tel: 01443 229219
New
Factory – New Products – New Awards at Interframe
Interframe
Limited, the Paignton based fabricator of Rehau PVCu windows and doors
and distributor of Interframe conservatory roofs, has announced the latest
phase of its expansion plan.
Interframe has acquired a new 13,000 sq. foot factory, adjacent to its
two existing factories at its Paignton base. The new factory, which brings
the total manufacturing space to over 40,000 sq. feet, is fully equipped
with modern machinery to enable it to manufacture two new products, the
Rehau S.706 70mm system and Rehau’s Heritage style Vertical Slider
system.
These systems will complement Interframe’s Rehau Tritec 60mm system
and will mean that the company is manufacturing virtually the full range
of Rehau PVCu windows and doors.
The new 70mm system will incorporate matching coloured beads on the same
basis as the Tritec system.
In addition to the above, Interframe has achieved the transition of its
quality management system system from ISO 9002 : 1994 to the new standard,
ISO 9001 : 2000, which focuses on the commitment of top management to
build human motivation in order to meet business objectives.
Managing director, Warrick Butler, said: 'We are delighted that the very
substantial investment which we are making will enable us to manufacture
the full range of Rehau windows and doors. In addition, thanks to the
dedication of our management team, we have successfully achieved the transition
to ISO 9001:2000.
'These are further important steps in Interframe’s strategy to become
one of the very few national fabricators producing the full range of Rehau
products.'
Countryman Improvements' Advert Attracts Complaint
A
complaint, raised via a Trading Standards department, to a directory advertisement
for double glazing installer Countryman Improvements Ltd of East Sussex
was upheld in only one of the three objections, according to published
details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
The complainant challenged:
1. the claim 'established since 1988';
2. the claim 'Installation by Employed Tradesmen', because he believed
the work was carried out by subcontracted tradespeople and
3. whether the logo and text 'NATIONAL FEDERATION OF GLAZIERS' misleadingly
implied that that organisation was an independent trade body.
The Adjudication was as follows:
1. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers stated that Countryman Improvements Ltd, which was established
in 1995, carried on the business of Countryman Manufacturing Ltd, which
began trading in 1988 but went into receivership in 1996. They explained
that all customer deposits held by Countryman Manufacturing Ltd were transferred
to the National Federation of Glaziers. The advertisers stated that Countryman
Improvements Ltd bought the order book from the receivers and the deposits
were released to them when each job was completed; they maintained that
no member of the public lost money and all had their contracts honoured
to the same standard and cost. The advertisers sent copies of documents
from their service records for four customers; the documents showed that
Countryman Improvements Ltd had honoured guarantees issued by Countryman
Manufacturing Ltd. They stated that Countryman Manufacturing Ltd's debts
to trade and service suppliers were either covered by trade debt insurance
or paid off. The Authority considered that although the name had been
changed, the advertisers had paid off most of the debts of the previous
company, Countryman Manufacturing Ltd, and honoured guarantees issued
by the latter. The Authority concluded that the claim was justified.
2. Complaint upheld
The advertisers explained that the term 'employed tradesmen' included
self-employed tradesmen who had received a minimum of 13 weeks continuous
work from them; they asserted that that applied to all their tradesmen.
They conceded, however, that trainee installers were occasionally employed
as part of their training programme and stated that, when they had realised
that it was ambiguous, they had amended their advertisement to state 'Installation
by Specialist Tradesmen'; the advertisers sent a copy of the amended advertisement,
which confirmed that. The Authority considered that consumers were likely
to infer from the claim 'Installation by Employed Tradesmen' that work
would be carried out by tradesmen permanently employed by the advertisers,
not self-employed sub-contractors or trainees. It welcomed the advertisers'
decision to amend their advertisement and advised them to consult the
Committee of Advertising Practice Copy Advice team when they did so.
3. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers stated that, although their managing director was its
chairman, the National Federation of Glaziers was an independent trade
body. They sent: general information on the National Federation of Glaziers;
its list of 192 members on 4th March 2003 and its leaflet titled 'Commitment
to Good Practice, Installation Charter and Arbitration Service'. The Authority
was satisfied with the evidence that, although the advertisers' managing
director was chairman of it, the National Federation of Glaziers was an
independent trade body. It concluded that use of the logo and text 'NATIONAL
FEDERATION OF GLAZIERS' was acceptable
New
Face For Eurocell’s Weston Super Mare Branch
Eurocell
Building Plastics has refurbished another of it’s main sites. W.S.M
has now been brought into line with the other 51 branches, having had
a new updated trade counter installed. The new trade counter allows a
more comprehensive range of products to be displayed combined with providing
an improved environment for customers.
Eurocell is striving to continually improve its service, constant inward
investment into the company's branch network illustrates this fact. As
well as carrying a wide range of building plastics products, Eurocell
has recently launched The Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing System – complementing
the traditional Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System also stocked. Both
of these new products are available from all branches in the network.
Eurocell W.S.M: 019344 20351
Eurocell: 01773 842 300
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Fasteners
Warning – Not all Bi-Mets are the Same
The
growing move towards bi-metallic fasteners has caused European manufacturer
SFS Intec to urge caution when window fabricators select products and
suppliers.
'We welcome the growing move away from martensitic fasteners, towards
the better performance austenitic fasteners,' says SFS intec’s divisional
director, industrial fasteners, Mike Mortell.
'Where austenitic fasteners are used to affix through reinforcing, in
vital applications like friction hinge fixings, for example, bi-metallic
fasteners are required. The stark warning is this – not all bi-metallic
fasteners are the same. Some risk not providing the required anti-corrosion
performance they claim to deliver.
'Independent tests across Europe repeatedly confirm that martensitic steel
is not suitable as a material for window fasteners, because of its risk
of random and potentially catastrophic failure. Overwhelmingly, professional
specifiers stipulate their requirement for austenitic 300 series stainless
steel fasteners for affixing hardware where fasteners risk any exposure
to the elements.'
SFS claims to be one of just two fastener suppliers in the UK who actually
manufacture their own bi-metallic fasteners in Europe. The company says
that several other suppliers import third-party manufactured product from
the Far East.
'The process of fusing a carbon steel drill point onto an austenitic steel
fastener is a tricky one, which many companies simply lack the technical
capability to achieve. But getting it right is vital if a fastener is
to deliver the required anti-corrosion performance,' says Mike Mortell.
'In order to be effective, it is vital that the carbon steel section of
the fastener, which drills through reinforcement, does not extend into
the threaded section of the shaft of the fastener. The threads which give
the grip once the fastener is in place must be made from austenitic stainless
steel. If not, the fastener, although purportedly austenitic, could fail.
'Testing fasteners before they are installed is easy. Carbon steel, like
martensitic steel, is magnetic; austenitic stainless steel is non-magnetic.
Running a magnet up the shaft of the fastener will identify how far the
carbon steel section encroaches into the threads. Fabricators and specifiers
should take great care.'
SFS offers a 20 year warranty on its complete bi-metallic window fasteners
range.
Tel: 0113 208 5500
Better
Screws for Under £10 a House
'People
often think the price difference between quality and budget brands is
vast,' says Richard Clark, Technical Manager of UK Fasteners. 'But it
doesn’t cost as much as you might think to upgrade to the best on
the market. Based on a typical 3-bedroom semi-detached house having 20
openings, it costs around £9.60 more per house for friction hinges
fixed by Marutex than by a lower grade carbon steel alternative.
'For around £9.60 more you get a next generation screw – manufactured
from modified martensitic material. This means it has excellent corrosion
resistance - the equal of austenitic. It self-drills easily into steel,
and because Marutex is magnetic it saves significant time and money in
fabrication. With unbeaten corrosion resistance fabricators can be confident
Marutex screws will last, protecting your reputation for quality. It is
also the only brand of screws the British Board of Agrement (BBA) certify
for windows and doors, for both external and internal use.'
Tel: 01242 577077
Pilkington
Chooses Eurotherm For Global Preferred Supplier Agreement
Pilkington
plc has signed a world-wide Preferred Supplier agreement with Eurotherm
Limited. The glass manufacturer will now standardise internationally wherever
possible on 'hot end' control solutions based on Eurotherm's EurothermSuite™
family of distributed control and information systems, with its associated
instrumentation.
This significant international agreement will be applicable to all of
the float glass manufacturing plants which Pilkington operates in many
countries globally. The agreement comes as the result of a long and successful
working relationship between the two companies which goes back over several
years.
Pilkington float glass plants, which produce high-quality clear, tinted
and coated glass for buildings, and vehicles, need to operate non-stop
for up to 15 years. This clearly requires control and information systems
of the highest integrity and performance. The float process has been licensed
to more than 40 manufacturers in 30 countries, while Pilkington itself
operates 25 float plants and has interests in nine more operated by partners
or associates.
Eurotherm's EurothermSuite offering now features what is claimed to be
the most comprehensive set of control solutions available in a package
from a single source. It includes process controllers and indicators,
data recorders and data acquisition systems, and complete process automation
systems. Such systems are now designed to function within open networked
environments, providing integration with management systems via industry
standard technologies. All are supported by a wide range of configuration
and diagnostic tools, and a portfolio of life-cycle support service options.
Martyn Bevan, Eurotherm's Process Automation Sales Manager, commenting
on the Pilkington agreement, said: 'For many years now Eurotherm has been
supplying process control and monitoring systems to the world's glass
manufacturers, and has built up a global reputation for meeting the diverse
control requirements of the industry. We have delivered a large number
of systems controlling Float Glass, Blown Container/Product, Glass Fibre,
Crystal and Ribbonrrubing Lines, providing cost effective solutions for
both the 'Hot' and 'Cold' ends of the manufacturing process, including
batch, furnace, distributor, forehearth, mandrel, Lehr, annealing, bushings
and utilities plant areas.'
Web: http://www.eurotherm.co.uk
MagHansen
Opens New Scottish Office
Fenestration
engineers MagHansen has opened a new office in Scotland at 17 Willow House,
Newhouse Road, Newhouse Industrial Estate, Grangemouth, Falkirk. This
new office accompanies the new appointment of Charlie Baillie as Sales
Manager for Scotland.
Charlie Baillie has over twenty years experience in the construction industry
and has worked in the commercial and architectural glazing market dealing
with architects, surveyors and contractors.
MagHansen has been involved in supplying its services and products to
many prestigious projects in Scotland. These include, a major development
in Edinburgh at Greenside Place, The Tun in Edinburgh, Glasgow New Medical
School and Dynamic Earth Building Edinburgh.
The company prides itself on working closely with architects and contractors.
Charlie Baillie has been appointed to support this important area.
New
Decking Out-Performs Timber
A
new decking system that claims it will eventually replace timber in many
access situations, has been introduced to the construction industry. Uniq-Supadek,
manufactured by Uniq Extrusions, is an extruded decking manufactured from
recycled plastics with glass fibre reinforcement.
Designed to coordinate with the standard board profiles common throughout
the construction industry, Uniq-Supadek is at least 20% lighter than equivalent
timber scaffold boards and battens when dry.But because it does not absorb
water, it offers considerably greater weight savings in wet conditions,
according to the company.
Neil Chandler of Uniq Extrusions, said: 'While Uniq-Supadek will initially
cost more than standard timber scaffold boards, its durability means that
on a whole life costing basis, the product is more cost effective than
timber.
'When the many other benefits that the product offers are taken into account,
we believe the investment is more than justified through enhanced performance,
increased productivity and improved safety.'
'Although lighter, Uniq-Supadek is considerably stronger than timber and
from an environmental aspect, in addition to being manufactured from recycled
plastics, it is completely recyclable and could potentially reduce demand
on natural timber resources,' added Chandler.
IG
Plant to be Built in Oregon
Cardinal IG and its Oregon public partners recognised the $17 million
investment of plant and equipment underway at the company’s future
location on August 20th. Oregon Governor Ted Kulongoski, Cardinal CEO
Roger O’Shaughnessy and others gathered in Odell to witness the placement
of the first structural column of the 185,000 square foot building. The
facility will initially employ 70 to 80 people from the Columbia Gorge
area and would not have been possible without a strong and unified effort
to make the project a reality. Governor Kulongoski stated that he was
pleased with the teamwork displayed on the project.
According to the Governor, ‘the economic development team from various
state agencies to the local level worked closely to assist Cardinal in
making the project happen.’ Of special note, Mr. O’Shaughnessy
expressed his appreciation for the assistance Cardinal received, through
the approval of a $100,000 grant from the Strategic Reserve Fund to assist
in resolving an unforeseen problem with water flow for fire protection.
Cardinal Glass Industries is one of the United States’ leading glass
manufacturers and has been regarded by Hood River County officials as
an environmentally friendly company that creates family wage jobs along
with energy-efficient windows. Cardinal Glass Industries has insulating
glass operations in Wisconsin, Iowa, Indiana, North Dakota and Texas.
The company manufactures coated, laminated, tempered and float glass at
other United States locations. Rodger Schock, chair of the Hood River
County Board of Commissioners reinforced the importance of this investment
to the long-term economic vitality of the region. He expressed his hope
that this would set the stage for additional investment in Hood River
County and the Gorge.
According to Plant Manager David Windsor, résumés are arriving
daily from Gorge residents hoping to work at the new assembly plant. The
plant is scheduled to open in January and hiring will occur over the next
several months to allow Cardinal IG to fully train the new hires. The
new plant will be Cardinal Glass Industries’ second Northwest operation;
the other facility is located in Tumwater, WA and manufactures coated
glass. Glass panes from Tumwater will be assembled into all-climate windows
at the Odell plant.
Alcoa
Completes Acquisition of Interests in South American Operations
Alcoa
announced on August 1st that it has concluded its previously announced
transaction with Camargo Correa Group ('Camargo Group') to acquire its
40.9% shareholding in Alcoa's South American operations. As part of the
transaction, Alcoa has issued approximately 17.8 million shares to the
Camargo Group in exchange for its holdings. Additional consideration tied
to future performance of the acquired entities over the next five years
could apply, but may be offset by any appreciation in the market value
of Alcoa stock during the same period.
'The acquisition increases Alcoa's stake in the low-cost, integrated power-generating/refining/smelting
facilities at Sao Luis and Pocos De Caldas, providing the benefits of
roughly 310,000 metric tons of alumina capacity and an additional 120,000
metric tons of smelting capacity at low capital costs,' said Alcoa Chairman
and CEO Alain Belda.
'This transaction will enable us to further integrate these operations
with our global businesses as part of our profitable growth strategy.
We will continue to work closely with the Camargo Group on hydroelectric
and other projects in Brazil and throughout South America,' Belda said.
This shareholding in Alcoa's South American operations includes Alcoa
businesses in Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Uruguay, Peru, Colombia, and Venezuela.
The largest subsidiary in the group is Alcoa Aluminio S.A. ('Aluminio'),
headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Aluminio operates mining, refining,
smelting and fabrication facilities at various locations in Brazil. Additional
businesses involved in the acquisition are closures, PET, extrusions,
flat rolled products, flexible packaging, and hydroelectric concessions
and generation.
Alcoa expects the acquisition to be accretive to earnings within the first
12 months.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Masco
and Black & Decker Announce Early Termination of Antitrust Review
Masco
Corporation and The Black & Decker Corporation announced on August
11th that they have received notification from the Federal Trade Commission
that the Commission has granted early termination of the waiting period,
under the Hart Scott Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act of 1976, with respect
to Masco's proposed sale of Baldwin Hardware Corporation and Weiser Lock
Corporation to The Black & Decker Corporation.
Filings in foreign countries relating to this transaction remain pending
and the transaction continues to be subject to negotiation and execution
of a definitive purchase agreement and Board of Director approvals.
Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's
leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well
as a provider of services that include the installation of insulation
and other building products.
Web: http://www.masco.com