Saint-Gobain
Group - Sales for the First Nine Months of 2004: Up 7.8%
Consolidated
sales for the Saint-Gobain Group came to €23,969m for the first nine
months of 2004, representing an increase of 7.8%. At constant exchange
rates (based on average rates for the first nine months of 2003), sales
were up 10.0% on an actual structure basis* and 5.1% on a comparable structure
basis. Volumes expanded by 4.0%, while prices increased by 1.1%.
In the third quarter alone, like-for-like sales rose 4.0% (including a
2.6% volume effect and a 1.4% price impact) compared with the third quarter
of 2003, which proved to be a high basis for comparison.
In line with the economic scenario anticipated at the end of July, and
the trends observed in the first half of the year, the new businesses
(High-Performance Materials and Building Distribution), as well as emerging
markets in general, continued to drive the Group’s overall growth
in the third quarter and during the first nine months of 2004.
With
the exception of two divisions – Pipe, which saw the completion of
its Abu-Dhabi contract in March, and Containers, which remained stable,
– all of the Group’s divisions reported increased like-for-like
sales for third-quarter 2004 and the first nine months of the year. Sales
of Ceramics & Plastics, Abrasives and Reinforcements picked up pace
in the third quarter, on the back of an upturn in production and capital
spending, particularly in North America and Asia.
The Glass Sector achieved satisfactory organic growth for the first
nine months of 2004, with like-for-like sales up 3.7%, in line with first-half
growth of 4.0%. In third-quarter 2004, Reinforcements pushed up its sales
prices compared with the levels achieved in the second quarter of the
year. Demand in Insulation held firm, while Containers reported moderate
growth due to a high basis for comparison provided by third-quarter 2003
performance. Flat Glass continued on the growth track, particularly in
emerging countries and the European automobile market, but continued to
be hit by the downward pressure on sales prices in the European construction
market.
The High-Performance Materials Sector reported the Group’s strongest
like-for-like growth for the 9-month period (up to 11.3%). The recovery
in the manufacturing industry and capital spending, which began in the
first half of the year, picked up pace over the last three months.
Like-for-like sales for the Housing Products Sector continued to
be in line with the Group average, despite the sharp contraction reported
by Pipe since the last delivery under the Abu Dhabi contract, at the end
of first quarter 2004. Building Materials – which is smaller in size
since the sale of Terreal and Certain Teed Ventilation in 2003 –
continued to benefit from the buoyant residential construction market
in the United States and to a lesser extent, in Europe.
Meanwhile, Building Distribution pursued its expansion drive, both though
organic growth (5.6%) and acquisitions (including the consolidation of
the company Dahl International from May 1st, 2004).
By geographic area, like-for-like sales remained robust in France
(despite the contraction in sales reported by the Pipe Division) and particularly
in the United States. Other western European countries, also affected
by the fall-back in Pipe sales, posted moderate growth. Demand remained
high in emerging countries, which continue to drive growth for the Group
as a whole.
Asbestos claims in the United States: some 5,000 new claims were
filed against Certain Teed during third-quarter 2004 (less than 200 in
the State of Mississippi), representing practically the same number of
claims as were filed in each of the first two quarters of the year. The
number of new claims filed during the first nine months of 2004 came to
14,000, almost four times less than the 54,000 new claims in the comparable
period of 2003.
At the same time, 6,000 claims were resolved during third-quarter 2004,
on a par with the second quarter of the year. In the first nine months
of 2004, 17,000 claims were resolved, compared with 40,000 in the comparable
period of 2003. The number of outstanding claims at September 30th, 2004
(approximately 105,000) was slightly lower than at end-June 2004.
The average cost of claims settled over the last twelve months has risen
to US$ 3,100 per claim, in line with the trend observed since the beginning
of the year. This increase was due to the lower number of non-serious
cases as a proportion of overall claims settled and claims currently in
the process of being settled.
On September 15th, 2004, the Democratic Leader in the United States Senate
agreed with the Republican Majority Leader that the compensation fund
for asbestos victims should amount to US$ 140 billion. The Democrats,
however, included in their response a counter proposal setting out, among
other things, a new method for processing outstanding claims and higher
claims values for certain disease categories. Discussions are still going
on, but negotiations regarding the bill are unlikely to resume until November,
as the Senate is in recess until after the US presidential elections.
Outlook and targets: For full-year 2004, the Group confirms its
target of 7% growth in operating income at constant exchange rates (based
on average exchange rates for 2003), and excluding the positive impact
of the Dahl acquisition.
Craftsman
Fabricated Glass At Düsseldorf Show
Major
investment by Craftsman in Ashton Industrial seaming/ arrissing plant
is to be exhibited in Düsseldorf at the bi-annual GLASSTEC show.
Ashton
fully automatic seaming has been selected by Craftsman (Glass Wholesalers)
as a major part of a multi-million Dollar expansion of its Houston, Texas
tempering facility. The tailor-made plant includes multiple, selectable
operating modes that allow processing of rectangular and out-of-square
lites, seaming and edge deleting and laser-marking of mixed random glass
sizes at very high speed.
A special feature allows lites to be directed to either of two furnaces,
and automatically buffers lites between furnace loads.
The line includes an Ashton high performance stainless steel washing and
drying machine with a double drying zone.
In a deal between Steve Ashton, Bob Lawrence and Phillip Lawrence, part
of the plant will be exhibited in action on Ashton's stand in Hall 14
of the show, from 9th to 13th November this year.
* latest moving vacuum belt hold-down system
* new central water reclaim and recycling
* fully automatic on-line edge deletion
* fully automatic on-line laser logo marking
* fully automatic glass thickness sensing & height adjustment of washing
machine
* fully automatic robot offloading
Web: http://www.ashton-industrial.com
PPG
Reports Strong Volume, EPS Growth in Third Quarter
PPG
Industries reported on 22nd October third quarter net income of $194m,
or $1.12 a share, including aftertax charges of $4m, or 3 cents a share,
to reflect the net increase in the current value of the company's obligation
under its asbestos settlement agreement reported in May 2002 and $3 million,
or 2 cents a share, to reflect the previously announced decision to begin
expensing stock options in 2004; and income of $5 million, or 3 cents
a share, to reflect the benefit of Medicare prescription drug legislation.
Sales were $2.41 billion.
This compares with third quarter 2003 net income of $142 million, or 83
cents a share, including an aftertax charge of $5 million, or 3 cents
a share, to reflect the net increase in the value of the asbestos settlement.
Sales were $2.21 billion.
For
the first nine months of 2004, PPG recorded net income of $500 million,
or $2.89 a share, including aftertax charges of $13 million,
or 8 cents a share, to reflect the net increase in the value of the company's
obligation under the asbestos settlement and $10 million, or 6 cents a
share, to reflect the expensing of stock options in 2004; and income of
$13 million, or 7 cents a share, to reflect the benefit of Medicare legislation.
Sales were $7.10 billion.
For the first nine months of 2003, PPG recorded net income of $372 million,
or $2.18 a share, which includes aftertax charges of $6 million, or 3
cents a share, for the cumulative effect of a required change in the accounting
for asset retirement obligations; $15 million, or 9 cents a share, to
reflect the net increase in the value of the company's obligation under
the asbestos settlement; and $2 million, or 1 cent a share, for restructuring.
Sales for the first nine months of 2003 were $6.58 billion.
'Our strong performance this quarter continues to reflect the benefits
of actions we have taken to improve the quality of our business portfolio
aided by the continued expansion of the global industrial economy,' said
Raymond W. LeBoeuf, chairman and chief executive officer. 'In addition,
our results reflect our continued success in reducing costs and improving
productivity. These PPG hallmarks will play a critical role in our performance
amid the ongoing challenges of higher energy and raw material costs.
'While the rates of growth may vary from market to market and country
to country, we believe the odds favour continued growth in the global
economy,'
LeBoeuf added. 'Under these conditions, we expect strong cash flow to
continue. In the third quarter we generated about $350 million in cash
from operations, enabling us to retire more than $300 million in debt
and reduce our debt-to-total capital ratio to the lower end of our target
range of 30 to 40 percent. Given our strong cash position, we will complete
the purchase of $100 million of our stock by year end, as previously announced.'
The effective tax rate for full year 2004 is estimated to be 31.5 percent
compared with an estimate of 34 percent in the second quarter. The year-to-date
impact of the change in the estimate has been reflected in the third quarter
results of operations.
Glass sales increased $10 million, or 2 percent, as higher volumes in
the fiber glass and flat glass businesses and the strengthening of foreign
currencies more than offset lower selling prices across all businesses.
Operating earnings were up $20 million. Improved manufacturing efficiencies,
higher other income, increased volumes and lower pension and postretirement
medical costs increased operating earnings. The impact of lower selling
prices, cost inflation and higher energy costs reduced operating earnings.
Web: http://www.ppg.com
Penicuik
Home Improvements Celebrates 30 years with Ultraframe
Scottish
based Penicuik Home Improvements is celebrating 30 years in the business
by achieving membership of Ultraframe's Registered Conservatory Installers
Scheme. The scheme guarantees quality of installation and customer service
for Penicuik Home Improvement customers, and builds on the company's well-established
reputation.
Ultraframe visited Penicuik in Scotland and presented the certificate
of membership to Dave Conroy, National Sales Manager for Penicuik Home
Improvements, who is proud to be a part of the scheme.
Dave Conroy said: 'We are delighted to become members of the Ultraframe
Registered Installers Scheme. Penicuik celebrated its 30th anniversary
this year and being accepted to the most robust industry wide scheme is
a timely recognition of our hard work. Our company focus has always been
on delivering total customer satisfaction. As a result Penicuik Home Improvements
has established a reputation as one of the most trusted and respected
large conservatory companies in Scotland. Membership to the Ultraframe
Registered Installer Scheme strengthens this reputation further. For us
it means homeowners can confidently identify Penicuik Home Improvements
as a professional and responsible conservatory installer. They can be
confident our fully trained and trusted staff always deliver quality products
and excellent installations.'
As part of the Ultraframe Registered Installer Scheme, Dave Conroy predicts
even more success ahead for Penicuik Home Improvements. He continued:
'One of the many business advantages of being part of the Ultraframe Scheme
is the opportunity to benefit from the enormous number of customer referrals
it provides. Plus the accreditation will help us to stand out from our
competitors.'
Left
to right, David Conroy- Penicuik, Geoff Beck - Ultraframe
Penicuik
Home Improvements passed a thorough vetting procedure to be accepted for
the scheme, including an Ultraframe installation test to demonstrate its
ability to do the job to the highest standard. The company also had to
supply seven references from previous Penicuik customers impressed by
its high levels of customer service and quality work. To ensure it always
delivers the highest quality installation, Penicuik Home Improvement will
attend annual training at the Ultraframe School of Excellence and the
company's performance will be regularly monitored.
Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe said: 'The Registered
Conservatory Installer Scheme is the most comprehensive scheme of quality
accreditation in the industry, promoting the highest standards of workmanship
and service. When a homeowner selects a company from the scheme they are
guaranteed an installer who has met our vetting criteria, uses Ultraframe
roofing systems and has passed an assessment installation course. It ensures
the customer can make an informed choice of contractor and promises them
an excellent level of service and quality. Peniciuk Home Improvements
is just the kind of company the scheme is delighted to recommend. Immaculate
installations and high quality Ultraframe products have given Penicuik
an outstanding reputation it is deservedly proud of.'
Penicuik Home Improvements has used Ultraframe products for a number of
years and Dave Conroy recognises how important this is to the company's
continuing success. 'We know that Ultraframe offers total service and
quality and that Ultraframe conservatory roofing systems are the best
in the market. By offering the latest Ultraframe products we are giving
our customers the most technologically advanced and innovative products
around. This means that after 30 years Penicuik Home Improvements is still
at the cutting edge of the industry.'
Halifax
Warmshields to Status Zendow
65
per cent of the manufacturing output from the factory of Halifax based
fabricator Warmshield Windows is made from the new zendow PVCu system
from Status. Warmshield has also successfully converted all but one of
its trade customers.
With a total output of 350 windows a week and rising, the instant appreciation
of zendow by Warmshield customers has resulted in a much faster take up
than originally predicted. The company is stepping up its zendow retail
marketing campaign, and is also being proactively approached by commercial
specifiers who have already had their interest in zendow stimulated by
Status marketing.
‘Zendow has generated real enthusiasm among the retail companies,
who are jumping on the fact that they finally have something different
to offer their customers,’ said Warmshield managing director Steve
Ryan. ‘It is the closest PVCu has got to the aesthetics of timber,
and this is proving a big draw to the homeowners. The grey gasket –
a unique design feature by Status – and reduced sightlines also make
a marked improvement to the overall appearance of the window.’
Zendow has been marketed by Status as making life easier all round –
for the fabricator, for the specificer, and for the installer. Steve Ryan
has certainly found this to be the case since becoming the first Status
fabricator to be actively fabricating the systems shortly after its official
launch in June 2004.
‘It is certainly easier to manufacture, and our trade customers are
finding it extremely fitter friendly,’ continued Steve. ‘Rosewood
windows have proven to be particularly popular, overtaking light oak which
was traditionally the favourite on the chamfered suite. Zendow has highlighted
the very real need that existed to move on from chamfered into a system
fit for the 21st century.’
Established ten years ago as a primarily retail company, Warmshield has
been manufacturing its own windows for over five years now, changing to
the Status profile at the start of 2004. Trade and retail work has been
its principal markets. The company has recently been awarded BSI accreditation
as part of a major drive into the commercial sector, and further growth
potential.
Another
Large Scale Recruitment Drive for Synseal Extrusions Ltd
'The
latest recruitment open day held by Synseal Extrusions Ltd was an overwhelming
success. Eager to participate in the company’s continued expansion,
nearly 700 people turned up to apply for 71 production and administration
vacancies.’ said Synseal Sales and Marketing Director Nick Dutton.
‘With the event proving even more successful than last year’s,
demand for positions at Synseal reflects the company’s standing as
a major player in the window and conservatory markets.’
Synseal already employs more than 600 people, but needs to expand its
workforce to stay ahead of the demand for its windows and conservatories.
Sales for conservatories are currently £2million per week.
Commenting on the latest recruitment drive, Nick Dutton continues: ‘We’re
delighted that our continued growth means we can create even more jobs.
It’s nice to know that not only do people want to do business with
us, but as one of the largest employers in the Sutton-in-Ashfield area,
people want to work for us too.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
A
Dead Cat, a Dried-Up Sod and the Smell of Burning Rubber!
Our
friends at Network Veka may seem to have the Midas touch when it comes
to the group’s own prosperity but talk about the fate of its conference
venues and, well, quite a different trend is emerging.
The Granada Studios Tour venue closed down shortly after hosting the 2000
AGM there. In ’01 there was Jaguar’s Brown’s Lane factory,
which only recently received the death-blow. Then of course, last year
the disaster managed to get ahead of itself when the Motorcycle Museum
burned down only 13 days before the conference was due to open there.
Going even further back to ‘99, the venue was Manchester United’s
Old Trafford ground – the year the grass died! Delegates hoping to
tread the hallowed turf arrived to find instead a field of sad-looking
brown clumps. Apparently, some imported seed stock had not taken to the
Mancunian climate and they had to start all over again.
In fact, only a couple of past venues are left unscathed, says the group’s
MD, John ‘call me Jonah’ Ogilvie: ‘They seem to have escaped
the curse at The Royal Armouries and Birmingham City FC but we’re
watching the newspapers very carefully.’
Everyone’s hoping for better luck at the Williams Formula 1 Centre,
near Oxford, this December 2nd…but they won’t be walking under
any ladders to get there.
Business
Growth means Move for Alfa Windows
Supplying
Profile 22 windows and doors, plus attention to customer service has led
to consistent growth for North East-based Alfa Windows. Hence the company’s
move to 20,000 sq ft premises in Hebburn, a few miles away from its original
Gateshead site for extra capacity to meet customer demand.
In just under three years, the business has grown from a standing start
to manufacturing more than 300 windows and doors a week – largely
achieved, say the directors Nigel Porter and Gerard Hiscock, by listening
to, and meeting their customers’ needs.
‘Having
our products ready on time is key for our customers,’ says Nigel.
‘If we state that a window will be available for collection on a
certain day, then we make sure it is. We have found this approach has
brought us new customers through word-of-mouth recommendations and our
customer base is increasing almost daily.’
Allied to the relocation of manufacturing to Hebburn has been substantial
investment in new machinery, including welders, to maintain high product
quality and a fast turnaround. A trade showroom is also planned for early
next year.
The introduction of the Profile 22 Bubblex co-extruded profiles resulting
in an aesthetically-pleasing window with lower gasket sightlines and superior
weather performance has been well-received by Alfa’s customers, giving
them a keener competitive edge when selling in the home.
Similarly,
every frame now features the high security Safeware hardware range with
six locking points as standard to further enhance the installer’s
offer.
Alfa’s attention to customer service has also extended to the opening
of new trade counters at Hebburn and Gateshead stocking all the ancillaries
for trade customers from cills and trims to screws and sealants. The Gateshead
site is also used for frame storage and collection by customers.
Although strong in its local trade supply market, the company plans to
expand its operations within the commercial sector backed with the expertise
and advice of Profile 22’s specialist commercial sector team. Specialist
training has enabled Alfa Windows to now offer top-hung fully reversible
windows, one of only a few manufacturers in the area to offer this product,
which is popular with specifiers because of its versatility.
‘Having previous experience in the commercial sector and contacts
in the local area, we see this market as a natural progression for us
and I believe the quality of the highly-specified and accredited system
will sell itself,’ says Nigel. ‘As a supplier, we’re aware
of the opportunities open to us in the light of significantly increased
funding and commitment by the Government to both improve existing public
buildings, such as schools, hospitals and social housing, and build new
ones.’
Nigel adds: ‘Just as importantly, we’re confident of being able
to fulfil all the requirements of any size of project to the satisfaction
of all parties involved. We’re looking forward to the challenge!’
Tel: 01952 290910
British
Team is No. 1 in Schüco European Karting Challenge
On
2nd October at the Magaluf karting circuit in Majorca, a team from Britain
stormed home to win First Prize in the 2004 European Schüco Karting
Challenge for the Construction Industry.
Finishing over 10 seconds in front of their nearest rivals, Team GB -
consisting of Martin Smart (Acanthus Clews Architects), Simon Ham (Arup
Acoustics) and Stephen Johnson (Peter Walker Group) – took the chequered
flag in the final 60-minute endurance event, having started in pole position.
This was despite being forced to change to a new kart at the first round
of pit-stops.
In addition to being awarded the coveted title of 2004 European Schüco
Karting Challenge Champions, the members of Team GB win Grandstand seats
for a 2005 Grand Prix of their choice.
Schüco
Team GB in Majorca: (Left to right) Martin Smart, Acanthus Clews Architects,
Simon Ham, Arup Acoustics
Stephen Johnson, Peter Walker Group
Runners-up
were the teams from the Ukraine and Germany, both of whom finished ahead
of the squads from the four other finalists: Austria, Slovakia, Italy
and Lithuania.
This is the second year of the Schüco Karting Challenge in the UK.
Since May, 250 entrants – who must either work full time in the construction
industry or be a Schüco fabricator – have battled it out at
five regional events, the top 25 drivers qualifying for the UK Final which
was held at Whilton Mill, Daventry, in August.
The top three drivers from that event were invited to form Team GB and
were flown to Majorca to take place in a special endurance event organised
by Schüco’s German parent, Schüco International KG, supplier
of façade, curtain walling and window systems.
It is hoped that the event will take place again in 2005. More details
will be available in January/February, but potential competitors can register
now by contacting the organisers by e-mail at mailto:karting@walnutmotorsport.com
Further information and photographs of all the events this year can be
found at http://www.walnut.uk.com/motorsport/index.cfm
New
Contracts Awarded to HansenGlass
European glass processor, HansenGlass has recently been awarded three contracts worth over half a million pounds.
The
Hansen Glass team
The
contracts include Stratford and Ebsfleet Stations, Darlington Schools
and Strathclyde Graduate Business School. In total HansenGlass will supply
over 7500m2 of the company’s ThermoSpan™ structural bolted glazing,
FortPlus™ toughened glass with Ceraphic™ screen print and ThermoCool™
insulating glass units.
Contact: Graham Chung
Tel: 0151 545 3000
Email: mailto:sales@hansenglass.co.uk
Quality
Used Volkswagen Vans are Now Just a Click Away
‘It’s
never been easier to find a quality used Volkswagen van,’ says Used
Vehicle Manager, Andy Bateman. ‘The Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’
website now features a comprehensive used van section with van locator
that takes the hassle out of finding the right used van for your business.’
Whether you’re after a Transporter, LT, Caddy or Caravelle, the easy
to navigate Assured Used Website will find the van you want. Just by entering
your postcode, you can search locally or nationwide: searching on a national
scale will make available a virtual forecourt of over 700 Volkswagen light
commercial vehicles.
A wealth of search criteria can be entered including model; body style;
price range; age; transmission; and fuel type. To refine your search further
you can select a range of options from ABS through air conditioning, ply
lining and airbag to alarms. The search will pull up all the vans that
meet your criteria, displaying their date of registration, mileage, price
and Van Centre locations. By clicking on your search results, a more detailed
description can be accessed along with a colour picture of the actual
vehicle.
If you’re unable to find the van you want there is a free alerting
facility. Simply enter your email address and when a van that meets your
specification becomes available, Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles will notify
you.
For complete peace of mind every Volkswagen Assured Used Commercial Vehicle
comes with a minimum of 12 months Volkswagen Assured Warranty (unlimited
mileage) and 12 months emergency roadside assistance, which includes a
replacement vehicle should yours be off the road.
Volkswagen’s Assured Used Van Programme eliminates the concerns many
people have when buying a used vehicle, as every used Volkswagen van undergoes
rigorous quality checks by skilled Volkswagen technicians before being
offered for sale. What’s more, the van receives a full valet –
inside and out – before it’s sold.
For further information on Assured Used Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles,
call
0800 717131 or visit http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
New
Conservatory Village Celebrates Landmark
A
Wakefield conservatory company started by two ambitious brothers with
just £200 has grown into a £5m business and is celebrating
its tenth anniversary with the launch of a new brand.
West Yorkshire Windows was founded by Matthew and Andrew Glover in 1994
out of a small outlet in Middlestown, Wakefield, and has grown to become
Yorkshire's premier conservatory showroom and installer, as well as featuring
on BBC and ITV DIY programmes, such as Carol Vorderman's Better Homes
and DIY SOS.
To celebrate their company's landmark birthday, Andrew and Matthew are
launching the Conservatory Village brand, ‘a dedicated conservatory
showroom unrivalled throughout Yorkshire’.
‘The Conservatory Village is our way of making the process of choosing
and buying a conservatory as easy and transparent as possible for our
customers.
‘We don't believe you can choose something suitable from the pages
of a brochure, so we want people to come into our showroom and see for
themselves.’
West Yorkshire Windows and the Conservatory Village currently employs
more than 70 staff and installs an average of 20 conservatories a week,
making the company the largest installer in Yorkshire.
It is their commitment to customer satisfaction that Andrew and Matthew
believe has led to the continued success of West Yorkshire Windows and
the formation of the Conservatory Village, and helped them achieve their
tenth birthday.
‘We have a different approach at the Conservatory Village,’
said Andrew. ‘We ask our customers to come in to our showroom first,
and browse the possibilities open to them in a relaxed environment where
they won't be hounded by the traditional pushy salesman.’
Andrew and Matthew are also planning to celebrate their anniversary with
a £10,000 giveaway in a recommend-friend-competition.
The Conservatory Village is hoping to exceed a turnover of £15 million
in the coming years and increase its installations to more than 50 conservatories
a week. The company is also looking to add to the already broad skills-base
of its workforce by applying for Investors in People status.
Thirty
Years of Stuga Bears Fruit for Fabricators
Stuga
Ltd has been established for thirty years in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk.
‘As the only major British manufacturer of machines for the automatic
production of uPVC window and door frames Stuga is uniquely placed to
give British and Irish fabricators exactly what they need.’ says
the company.
Stuga was created by Tom Green in 1974 under the name of Thomas Engineering
and remains predominantly an engineering company with a policy to resource
as many parts as possible from within the British market. Many of the
metal components used in Stuga machines are actually produced in the company’s
own workshops in Great Yarmouth.
Pricing
One great benefit of being a British manufacturer these days lies in the
fact that engineering costs are now much lower than those in Germany and,
coupled with a competitive exchange rate and no dealer margin, this means
that fabricators get more for their money than by purchasing foreign machines
through a dealer.
Service and back-up
Until five years ago Stuga sold through agents but it was felt that they
could not really afford to give their engineers the time to be fully and
properly trained in the Stuga products whereas Stuga itself could devote
all of its attention to this if the company employed its own service engineers.
The policy has been a resounding success.
Stuga engineers are highly trained and effective and as the machinery
is all built in this country there is never the need to utilise engineers
from abroad. This particularly pays dividends when the machines are out
of warranty and there are no horrendous service bills including flights
and travel times from Germany or wherever. Stuga spare parts are also
reasonably priced when compared with those from other countries due to
competitive exchange rates and no dealer margin. Three field software
engineers further enhance the Stuga back-up experience.
Innovation
Tom Green developed and sold the first CNC machine for window fabrication
nearly twenty years ago utilising the computer skills of his two sons
Stuart and Gareth. Although Stuart is no longer involved with the business
Gareth went on to Sheffield University to cement his knowledge and now
runs the company. Tom is still in the background guiding the young and
forward thinking design team to continue to develop potentially complex
machinery that is intuitively easy to use.
Products
Stuga considers that one of the great advantages for its customers is
the fact that it has a compact range of machinery to cover all aspects
of cutting and prepping.
The Autocut saw can quickly and efficiently cut the pieces for up to anywhere
between six and eight hundred windows per week. The machine requires few
skills to carry out the work and is accurate as well as fast.
The Ecoline prepping centre is designed to work with any saw to produce
all window and door preps including drainage, espags, trickle vents, ‘V’
and ‘Y’ notches and all door frame and sash routering including
letterboxes. This machine utilises the very latest barcode technology
to reduce operator skills to the very minimum.
The Routermaster is a three axis CNC router used for doors and trickle
vents in aluminium or uPVC.
The Flowline (pictured) is a multi axis fully automatic uPVC sawing and
prepping machine that converts six metre lengths of profile into fully
cut and prepped pieces ready for re-enforcing and welding. This highly
efficient, reliable and accurate centre has sold to well over sixty fabricators
in less than five years and is fully installed and running in fifty five
of them.
Training
Stuga is strong on training and all machines come with a guaranteed training
module. Stuga does not use breakdown engineers for installation or training,
meaning that the modules are always completed without interruption; an
example is the Flowline and this comes complete with two weeks intensive
training after two weeks of installation and testing.
Conclusion
Stuga has increased turnover ten fold in five years and managed to do
this profitably and without falling behind with its service promises.
This has not been achieved easily and even now the company consistently
strives to listen to its customer and learn about their concerns, while
seeking ways to constantly improve the Stuga experience.
From Managing Director Gareth Green down to the operators producing the
parts, the men fabricating the machines and the service engineers, everyone
at Stuga is committed to learning and improving for the benefit of their
fabricator customers.
For further information please call free on 0800-169-5444
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
‘Raising
the Standard’ in Rochdale is an Absolute Success
Eighteen
months into a major three year refurbishment programme for the modernisation
of council properties in the Rochdale area, Bolton company Absolute Windows
Ltd has received praise for the contribution it is making to the rapid
progress of the project. The company, which says that it has developed
a powerful reputation in the commercial sector for superior products and
service, installed around 4500 new windows within a year as part of the
wide-reaching programme.
‘Raising
The Standard’ is the name for a major investment programme being
conducted by housing association Rochdale Boroughwide Housing in line
with the Government’s Decent Home Standard objectives. The programme
will see £100 million invested in repairing and modernising around
16,000 properties over a three-year period. Two partnering contractors,
Bramall Construction and Cruden Construction, have been appointed to oversee
the project, with Cruden – one of the UK’s most established
housing regeneration specialists – in control of properties in the
Rochdale South and Pennines areas.
Having put the supply of replacement windows and doors for the project
out to tender, Cruden Construction chose Absolute Windows as the best
partner for the task in hand. Paul Chrippes, Business Unit Manager for
Cruden and the ‘Raising The Standard’ project, is delighted
with the company’s performance:
‘We initially chose Absolute because it offered high specification
products alongside a competitive pricing structure. However, I’m
now glad we chose the company mainly because it works so well with us.
The company’s performance on site, and the organised way in which
it tackles every step of the process, is absolutely superb. Absolute’s
contribution has meant that we are working to schedule and the project
is progressing really well. I look forward to continuing our good working
relationship over the next one and a half remaining years of the project.'
Absolute Windows is expected to have made and installed around 16,000
windows for the Raising The Standard programme by the end of 2006. Tony
Marsden, Sales Director for Absolute Windows, is proud of the company’s
progress:
‘We took our time – almost a month - to prepare the tender documents
for this project as we wanted to put across the fact that we genuinely
would be the ‘Best Value’ company to undertake this partnering
project. We knew that we would have to deliver the promises we set out
on paper, so we made sure we set our programme out carefully from the
start and set ourselves some very high targets to achieve. Thankfully,
this planning has paid off and the result is a very pleased client and
main contractor. 18 months on, all our staff are aware of the high standards
we must achieve for the partnering scheme, and I am pleased to say that
we have fulfilled that objective and will strive to give an even better
performance in the following years.’
Contact: Jim Dance
Tel: 01204 394006
Email: mailto:jim@absolute-windows.co.uk
Vaillant
and Wavin in Discussions Regarding Hepworth Building Products
Vaillant
Group, a leading heating technology company, and Wavin Group, Europe’s
leading supplier of plastic pipe systems, confirm they are in discussions
regarding the possible sale of the Vaillant subsidiary Hepworth Building
Products.
Hepworth Building Products manufactures and markets pipe systems in the
UK, Continental Europe and the Far East. The company had sales of EUR
226 million in 2003.
An important part of these discussions will concern the intention to maintain
clear differentiation between the Wavin and Hepworth brands in relevant
markets.
The transaction is subject to the usual processes of due diligence, regulatory
and final Board approvals. Both companies expect to be able to give more
detailed information by the end of the year.
About Hepworth Building Products
Hepworth Building Products is based in Sheffield, UK and manufactures
a range of plastic, clay and concrete pipe systems for use in the plumbing
and above and below ground drainage sectors. It has manufacturing and
distribution facilities in the UK, Continental Europe and the Far East,
and employs over 1,700 people.
About Wavin
Wavin Group, with its headquarters in Zwolle, the Netherlands, is a major
supplier of pipe system solutions to the European building, civils and
utility markets. The company has sales of over EUR 1 billion, currently
operates in 27 countries and employs over 5,000 people. Outside Europe,
Wavin has joint ventures in Australia and New Zealand and has a global
network of more than 90 agents, licensees and distributors.
About Vaillant
The family owned Vaillant Group, with its headquarters in Remscheid, Germany,
is a worldwide leading manufacturer in the field of domestic heating and
comfort. The company generates annual revenues of EUR 1.8 billion and
employs over 9,300 people. Vaillant develops and produces products and
supplies them to customers in more than 100 countries all over the world.
Tel: +49 (0)2191 - 18 2754
Email: mailto:ebrulf.zuber@vaillant.de
Canadian
Royal Group is target of Police Investigation
Royal
Group Technologies Ltd announced on October 18th that it has received
a letter from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) advising that Royal
Group is a target of the RCMP's investigation. Prior to receiving the
letter from the RCMP, Royal Group understood, based on all of the information
available to the Company, including discussions with the RCMP, that the
Company was not a target of its investigation.
Except as disclosed in the Production Order referred to below as detailed
in the Company's press release on October 15th, 2004, the Company has
no information as to the reasons for the RCMP's change in position.
On Friday, October 15th, 2004, the Company announced that Staff of the
Ontario Securities Commission provided the Company with a copy of a Production
Order on October 12th, 2004 that was issued on October 5th, 2004 by a
Justice in Ontario addressed to the Vice President and Chief Security
Officer of Scotiabank. The Company's shares were halted from trading by
Market Regulation Services Inc. in the afternoon of October 13th, 2004
pending the issue of a press release. The shares resumed trading on Monday
October 18th, 2004. Reference is made to the Company's press release of
October 15th, 2004 for further particulars with respect to the Production
Order.
Royal Group Technologies Limited is a manufacturer of polymer-based building
products, serving the home improvement, consumer and construction sectors
of the market. The Company has extensive vertical integration, with operations
dedicated to provision of materials, machinery, tooling, real estate and
distribution services to its plants producing finished products. Royal
Group's manufacturing facilities are primarily located throughout North
America, with international operations in South America, Europe and Asia.
Web: http://www.royalgrouptech.com
Customer
Service Network Enhanced - New Units for Shanghai and Moscow
Glaston
Technologies companies Tamglass and Bavelloni are enhancing and supplementing
their local customer-service and agent network. They have opened joint
sales and service units in Shanghai and Moscow. Offices in France, UK
and Singapore are also merging. Consolidation and the new units will improve
customer service and sales of comprehensive deliveries under the One-Stop-Partner
concept and boost cross-selling, which also provides the customer added
value in the form of local service.
'The customer service network of Glaston Technologies is already the largest
and the most global in the glass processing machinery industry. The Shanghai
and Moscow offices strengthen our service further in two growing markets
where a versatile presence is needed in order to serve the new needs of
the fast developing glass processing industries. Both new offices are
serving customers with the large product range of Bavelloni and Tamglass
machines and are providing fast service with local personnel,' says Dino
Bavelloni, President of Z. Bavelloni.
Local customer service offices enable glass processors to receive fast
service in their own language from sales or service people who share the
same culture and market knowledge of the area's glass processing trends
and who understand the customer's need for a particular technology.
New One-Stop-Partner deliveries to the Far East and Russia
The new, combined product line deliveries include deliveries of comprehensive
and reliable machinery from Tamglass and Bavelloni to the architectural
glass industry. The One-Stop-Partner solution provides the best capacity
and yield for selected product groups, providing enhanced profitability
and quality for the glass processor. Glaston Technologies companies have
already started product package deliveries. Several complete lines with
pre-processing and safety glass machines from both companies have been
ordered, for example, for the Far East and Russia.
Glaston Technologies is a supplier of glass processing machinery, with
a complete product range of pre-processing and safety glass machinery
as well as tools. The division's customer service network is the largest
in the glass industry, with 230 customer service personnel. Glaston Technologies
comprises Tamglass, the technology and market leader in safety glass machinery,
and Z. Bavelloni, the leading manufacturer of pre-processing machinery
for glass. Glaston Technologies is Kyro Group's Glass and Stone Technology
Division. Kyro Corporation is a solid and growth-oriented technology company,
which is listed on the Helsinki Exchanges.
Forum
Glass Technology in the VDMA Founded
At
the general meeting on September 24th, 2004 in Augsburg the members of
the VDMA department glass machines decided on the foundation of the Forum
Glass Technology in the VDMA.
Cooperation
partners in the VDMA are the ‘Deutsche Flachdisplayforum’, the
Trade Associations ‘Robotik & Automation’, ‘Thermoprozesstechnik’
and ‘Beschichtung/Allgemeine Lufttechnik’ as well as the ‘Arbeitsgemeinschaft
Laser’. The aim is to place the Forum Glass Technology as an international
competence centre for glass technology.
In the context of the new forum the cooperation with suppliers and the
processing industry will be strengthened.
Specialised services for new product groups, such as pipe glass, are also
planned.
A first project is the display symposium at glasstec on November 12th,
2004 with the German flat display forum.
The members decided to intensify and to internationalise the public relations
with regard to the forum glass technology and the fair presence.
In 2005 the members of the forum present at the Mir Stekla in Moscow and
at Vitrum in Milan. With respect to Russia the activities will be expanded.
A
Russia information day of the VDMA is planned (spring 2005) and a symposia
following the Mir Stekla.
The VDMA member Grenzebach invited the participants of the two-day event
to a visit to their enterprise location in Asbach-Bäumenheim/Hamlar.
Grenzebach produces machines and plants for the glass, building-material
and wood industry and develops special solutions.
During a tour of the production halls the modern production at Grenzebach
was shown to the VDMA guests.
The actual research project to the laser induced disconnect of flat glass
(LiST), sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF)
was also introduced to the participants.
The VDMA members Torgauer Maschinenbau and Hegla also belong to the research
syndicate.
The project LiST will be presented in the context of the special show
‘laser technology’ at glasstec 2004.
Tel: +49 69 6603-1257
Email: mailto:glass@vdma.org
Picture: The VDMA guests inspected the modern production of the company
Grenzebach. Photo: TP.
Benteler
Group Continues to Sustain Growth
The
Benteler Group generated sales revenue of 3,683m euros in 2003, 12% more
than in the prior year. The increase was due to the combined results of
the three Divisions Automotive, Mechanical Engineering and Distribution.
In total, 69% of consolidated sales were generated abroad.
The Mechanical Engineering Division produces machines and tooling for
the automotive sector and the flat glass processing industry. In 2003
Benteler Mechanical Engineering sales rose by 8 million € or 12%,
to 76 million euros. It is gratifying that business could improve with
automobile glass equipment and for standardised machinery to the glass
industry for grinding, drilling and washing. Automotive product group,
sales revenues rose by 17%. The proportion of Benteler Mechanical Engineering
sales of the consolidated group revenues amounted to 2%.
In 2003, Benteler employed 17,633 persons worldwide, 696 more than in
the previous year.
Benteler says that it shall keep on striving to attain an average increase
in sales of at least 8% per year. Benteler Mechanical Engineering will
enjoy further grown perspectives in the years to come. The demand for
Benteler systems shows that the expertise provided by Benteler Mechanical
Engineering has now become established on the market. The interest in
new, cost-effective standard solutions is also on the rise.
Tel: 0049 521 542 515
Email: mailto:petra.weinrich-mickley@benteler.de
Web: http://www.benteler.de
Grenzebach
Machinery for Cold Repair of Guardian Oroshaza Plant
A
long business partnership between Guardian Industries, headquartered in
the USA, and German manufacturer Grenzebach Maschinenbau has resulted
in an order for the Cold Repair of the Guardian float line in Oroshaza,
Hungary, worth several million Euros.
Sizes of glass to be produced on this line will vary frequently. This
created a special challenge for the Grenzebach engineers as the glass
will have to be handled and stacked at high speed. Further and new developments
of line parts were made to meet these specifications and close co-operation
between Grenzebach's mechanical and electric engineering groups not only
resulted in successful completion of their task, but also in keeping a
very short delivery time.
Part
of the Oroshaza equipment at Grenzebach work site. Photo: Grenzebach
Intensive
shop tests were made on the Grenzebach work site in Hamlar. Even walls
of manufacturing halls had to be knocked down to install the long conveyors.
But this was well worth the effort. Before shipping of the equipment to
Hungary, the customer could see the successful operation of the machinery
in an acceptance test made in the Grenzebach workshops.
Tel: 0049 906 982 0
Email: mailto:info@grenzebach.com
Web: http://www.grenzebach.com
Isra
Vision Systems AG - Leading Competence in Surface Inspection
Isra
strengthened its worldwide position with the merger of Lasor AG and Lasor
Systronics, USA. As a manufacturer of vision quality control systems for
web materials, Isra says that the merger places the company in the forefront
as a worldwide business leader.
Isra & Lasor designs, manufactures and markets machine vision systems
that can ‘see’ discrete defects in glass, plastics, nonwovens,
paper, metals and automotive parts. The product portfolio for surface
inspection systems has expanded considerably and offers a combined solution
for surface inspection. Customers will benefit from the broad application
experience and technology.
Customers can take advantage of on-site-service, an increased support
capability and competent consulting services. With the stronger Research
and Development effort, customers will benefit from new solutions and
innovations. A noticeable gain of sales power and market share resulted
from the merger, especially in Asia and the USA.
The Isra&Lasor combination is a strong business venture, which offers
worldwide sales, service and support.
The Isra executive board expects growth in the current financial year.
Basis is the innovation strength for industrial image processing as well
as the good balance. The quote for equity is 77%. Therefore the enterprise
feels well prepared for further growth and canvassings.
The annual figures pre-tax was at €4.1 m. in the financial year 2002/2003
(2001/2002: €3,4 Mio.). 2002/2003 amounted the total performance
to €29.5 m. (2001/2002: €24,7 Mio.). Isra is active worldwide
and has about 190 employees at present.
Tel: +49 (0) 6151 948-0
Email: mailto:info@isravision.com
Web: http://www.isravision.com
Alcoa
Assists in Construction of 2006 Winter Olympic Stadium in Italy
Alcoa
announced on 19th October that its Reynobond® brush finish will be
instrumental in the renovation of the historic Palavela in Turin, Italy
as it is converted into an Olympic Stadium for the 2006 Winter Olympic
Games.
Built
for the 100-year anniversary of the unification of Italy in 1961, the
Palavela is being re-designed by prominent Italian architect Gae Aulenti,
who chose Reynobond® out of a pool of other materials. Aulenti sought
a revolutionary system that offered high-quality sound and vibration absorption
as well as a natural appearance to cover the unique ceiling of the Palavela.
During the renovation process, the Palavela's distinctive external design
- a sail-shaped roof fixed to the ground at three points - will be preserved
and will be the site of the figure skating and short-track speed skating
competitions during the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Alcoa Architectural Products in Merxheim, France collaborated with Alcoa
Mill Products in Lancaster, Pa. to develop the Reynobond® brush finish
and ship it to CCI Eurolam to meet the architect's deadline. Approximately
14,000 square meters (sqm) of Reynobond® brush finish will be used
on the project.
Reynobond®, an aluminum composite material, is used around the world
in a wide range of architectural and specialty applications. Reynobond®
ACM consists of two sheets of corrosion resistant aluminum permanently
bonded to an extruded thermoplastic core. The result is an extraordinarily
flat, strong and highly formable material suitable for a multitude of
exterior and interior applications.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com