New
Era Heralded as Management Buy-Out EAG
One
of the country's leading specialist glazing firms has ushered in a new
era with a management buy-out.
Mildenhall based English Architectural Glazing, which has high profile
contracts like the New Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and is currently on
site at the new apartments being constructed at Carrowbridge, has been
bought out by the management team which has been at its helm for the past
two years. Saying goodbye is chairman and founder of the company Norman
Sheldrake who will now retire.
The deal, which was signed on April 8th, also means sister companies SCG
Specialist Glazing and Cladding and MultiFab which runs the factory and
manufacturing, also change hands.
Pictured
from left to right are: Business Development Director Charlie Dyce, Financial
Director Jeremy Cocks, Managing director Simon Gladwin and Pre-Construction
Director Edward Whipp.
Stepping
down from the company he built, Norman Sheldrake said: 'EAG is now in
the hands of the management team that has, very effectively, been running
it for the last two years. I believe that my connection with EAG has now
run its course and it is time to move on.'
He added: 'The decision to retire was a difficult one for me. I have always
enjoyed my involvement with EAG and the other members of the company,
many of whom I consider friends. I genuinely wish for EAG to continue
to be a success for all involved.'
Taking over the three companies are EAG's current Managing Director Simon
Gladwin, its Pre-Construction Director Edward Whipp, along with Financial
Director Jeremy Cocks and Business Development Director Charlie Dyce.
The group have purchased the entire shareholding of EAG, SGC and MultiFab.
Simon Gladwin said: 'We view this as a natural positive step in the development
and security of the group and one that we can all continue to prosper
in and enjoy. This transfer of ownership will not affect the operational
aspects of the business in any way and it is very much business as usual
to deliver the group's record order book.'
He added: 'The management team has more than 50 years experience between
them and we believe this is the natural succession that will lead the
group into a very bright future.'
The management team were advised by Lovewell Blake Chartered Accountants
and Eversheds Solicitors.
Saint
Gobain - First Quarter 2005 Sales Up 5.1%
Consolidated sales for the Saint-Gobain Group in the first quarter of 2005, came in at Euro 7,633 million, compared with Euro 7,261 million for the same period in 2004 (restated in accordance with IFRS), representing a rise of 5.1% on an actual structure basis and of 5.7% at constant exchange rates. On a comparable structure basis, sales contracted by 1.4%, or by 0.7% stripping out the currency effects,(*) due to the 3.2% fall in sales volumes, which was not wholly offset by the sharp upswing in sales prices (up 2.5% on average over the quarter).
These like-for-like sales compare unfavourably with the particularly robust
business levels reported in the first quarter of 2004 - which benefited
from the last deliveries under the Abu Dhabi contract in the Pipe Division
- and reflect the adverse impact of the severe winter on Flat Glass and
Building Distribution, the Group's businesses the most exposed to the
European new construction and renovation markets.
Overall, sales prices have jumped across most of the Group's Sectors and
Divisions, on the back of the price rises implemented throughout 2004
and, for some businesses, in the first quarter of 2005. Sales volumes
dropped back in Group's operations exposed to the construction market
in Europe due to the severe winter weather in Western and Eastern Europe,
and to a reduced number of working days - ranging from 1 to 3 depending
on the country - compared with the same period in 2004. Sales for the
Pipe Division also struggled with an unfavourable basis for comparison,
with first-quarter 2004 benefiting from the last deliveries made under
the Abu Dhabi contract. However, business held firm for Building Materials
and lnsulation Divisions, buoyed by a vigorous residential housing market
in the US. High-Performance Materials also delivered consistent sales,
in line with the forecast economic scenario presented at the beginning
of 2005. The Group's performance in non European emerging countries and
Asia remains strong, with an increase of 5.5% in like-for-like sales (constant
Group structure and exchange rates).
New Businesses
Building Distribution experienced a 13.5% surge in sales, thanks to the
contribution of recent acquisitions to first-quarter revenues, in particular
that of Dahl. Like-for-like sales dipped slightiy, reflecting an unfavourable
basis for comparison (with first-quarter 2004 organic growth of 7.5% boosted
by favourable climatic conditions and a higher number of working days),
and the fa rreaching impact of the severe winter weather throughout Europe
in February and March 2005. Germany, Central Europe and the United Kingdom
were the worst hit, while France and Spain achieved moderate first-quarter
growth, despite fewer working days.
High-Performance Materials reported the Group's strongest like-for-like
growth, at 2.6%, thanks mainly to an overall rise in sales volumes and
prices for Ceramics & Abrasives, which are still enjoying the benefits
of the upturn in manufacturing and capital spending, especially in the
US. Sales prices in the Reinforcements Division advanced for the first
time in two years.
Historic Businesses
Flat Glass sales retreated slightly, reflecting lower volumes on the European
building market compared with the first quarter of 2004, due to the severe
weather conditions. Float glass prices were on an upward trend. However,
prices fell back slightly in glass processing for the Building Industry
and in Automotive Flat Glass in Europe, the latter being due to an unfavourable
product mix. Business remained virtually stable on Europe's automotive
market, while it notched up impressive gains in emerging countries.
The breakdown of sales by geographic area reveals, on a like-for-like
basis, robust business levels in France - with the exception of Pipe -
and especialiy in the United States. Growth in other western European
countries generally registered a slight contraction due to climatic conditions.
Emerging countries - particularly Asia and Latin America - remained buoyant.
Asbestos claims in the United States: Around 6,000 new claims were
filed against CertainTeed in the first quarter of 2005, including only
50 in the State of Mississippi. This slight increase compared with the
same period of 2004 (5,000 new claims including 700 in Mississippi) reflects
an influx of approximately 3,000 mass claims not supported by any medical
proof in the State of Kentucky. 7,000 claims were resolved in the first
quarter of 2005, compared with 5,000 in the first quarter of 2004, and
3,000 claims were transferred in 'inactive dockets'.
Consequently, the number of outstanding claims at March 31st, 2005 continued
to drop, to around 102,000, compared with 106,000 at December 31st, 2004.
The average cost of settlement over the past 12 months stands at USD 3,000
per claim, on a par with previous period.
Driven by the new Chairman of the US Senate Judiciary Committee, further
active negotiations have taken place during the last few weeks concerning
the proposed legislation to set up a National Asbestos Trust Fund. An
amended bill co-sponsored by three Democrats and three Republicans is
expected to be put before the Judiciary Committee in the next few days.
Outlook: Saint-Gobain first-quarter performance is not representative
of full-year trends, and this is particularly the case in 2005. The Group
expects sales volumes to pick up over the next few months and therefore
confirms its full-year target of 6% growth in operating income (calculated
in accordance with IFRS) on a constant exchange rate basis. The Group
also aims to maintain strong free cash flow levels.
GP&T
2005 will Demonstrate an Industry Ready for Change
Exhibitors
at the forthcoming Glass Processing & Technology show (GP&T) will
be focusing on products and services that answer the demands of changing
building regulations and European standards, as well as on new technologies
that will simplify glass processing and production. An overview of the
innovations that exhibitors plan to reveal for the first time during the
event demonstrates an industry that is not only aware of change but is
also prepared for it.
One
of the most major issues to confront the UK glass industry is the introduction
of the new EN 1279 European Standard and CE Marking for insulating glass
units, due to be enforced shortly. Many companies are now in need of urgent
assistance to ensure compliance with the new Standard in order to avoid
fines of up to £5000, or even imprisonment. Amongst the companies
using GP&T to promote its solutions for compliance is global sealants
and adhesives manufacturer Bostik.
Bostik's package includes an explanatory CD detailing key aspects of the
standard, as well as documentation for EN 1279 compliance. A one-to-one
advisory service is also available. Bostik will also be showcasing its
range of sealants for the IGU industry, including its hot melt perimeter
sealants, Bostik P5125 and Evo-Stik Hiflo, its leading Polysulfide perimeter
sealant, Evo-Stik 2850, and its Evo-Stik Hiflo 2900 primary sealant.
With the same purpose in mind, Inagas will display a range of its gas
filling and gas fill testing equipment for insulating glass units. The
IGA machines can be set up for one or two hole filling, usually vertically,
but horizontal filling is an option. They feature touch pad controls and
visual displays, with easy adjustment of percentage levels and swift fault
finding analysis. Gas flow rates range from 8 to 180 litres per minute.
Gas fill test equipment from Inagas includes the new Gasglass Handheld,
claimed by the company to be the latest and most efficient non-invasive
tester available. This is complemented by the Testar series of machines,
which are said to be economical to buy, robust and easy to use.
With energy efficiency still a key phrase for the glass and glazing industry
in the wake of new Building Regulations such as Document L - and with
similar Regulations also possibly on the way for conservatories - many
companies are planning to launch product innovations in this vein. Glaverbel
is planning a significant presence at GP&T with the introduction of
Energy N and its toughenable counterpart Energy NT. Both glasses claim
to offer the twin benefits of enhanced thermal insulation and solar control
properties, plus the added benefits of high light transmission and low
light reflection. The company contends that Energy NT is capable of achieving
a u-value of 1.0, a performance which it believes will gain the product
a lot of attention in this market.
The increasing importance of fire resistant glasses will also be a prominent
theme at GP&T 2005. CGI International Ltd will be introducing for
the first time in the UK a new range of fully insulated fire glasses called
FIRESWISS FOAM. The standard products are supplied in 15mm thickness (for
30 minutes integrity & 30 minutes insulation) or 23mm thickness (for
60 minutes integrity & 60 minutes insulation). Tested to the new European
standards, this glass is said to complement the company's existing Pyroguard
range of fire glasses. These are tested to British and European fire standards
and are also Class B safety glasses. The range is available in Clear,
Wired, Coloured Wired, Satin, Master & Stippolyte versions.
Vetrotech Saint Gobain UK Ltd, part of the Saint-Gobain group of companies,
will feature a comprehensive range of glass types, all of which are Class
A, UV-stable, multi-functional to offer a multitude of performance criteria
including solar, thermal and acoustic control and suitable for all types
of roof glazing, curtain walling, doors, screens, partitions and walkable
glass flooring. Particularly highlighted will be what the company calls
'the first load-bearing glass floor to offer a full 90 minutes of integrity
and insulation', plus SGG Swissflam Structure mullion-free glazing.
On the glass processing front, Unilam is inviting GP&T visitors to
view a demonstration of how to manufacture their own laminated glass.
Extensive research and development into both the performance characteristics
and the aesthetic potential of laminated glass is said to have enabled
Unilam to become a leading supplier of the cold cure resin laminating
system. The system claims to allow both small companies and large organisations
to manufacture laminated glass in-house. The method is said to be simple,
easy to use and requires no machinery. Also appearing on the company's
stand this year is Cooltemper, a leading supplier of flat glass toughening
furnaces.
Bystronic
Glass Ltd will present new and advanced product developments including
an automatic vertical arrissing machine for rectangles and shapes with
straight edges that uses Cup wheel technology for high arrissing quality
at low operation costs. The company will also introduce new gas filling
equipment for the insulating glass unit processing market and Armatec
handling equipment for all sectors of sheet and flat glass processing.
Other key areas of production will also be promoted, including the smart'verticut,
an entry-level solution for cutting of laminated glass.
With decorative glass an ever more competitive arena, GP&T will also
offer visitors a chance to see the most up-to-date options available from
suppliers. The North Western Lead Co, also known globally as Decra Led,
will use GP&T to introduce its latest new product: Dichroic Bevels,
a vibrant iridescent coating that actually changes colour when viewed
from different angles. The product is currently available in Glue Chip
and Chinchilla patterns, with 3 base colours of dichroicity, as well as
a Diamond Dichroic Bevel coating. Meanwhile, six display towers will show
the variety and versatility of the RegaLead range on its stand, demonstrating
how the products can be applied to create stunning finished glass pieces
using bevels, film, lead, fusion tiles and triple glazed designs. On display
for the first time in the UK will be RegaLead's new Satin Finish and Colonial
Style Profile self adhesive lead, the new 'Ocean' range of bevels and
the new Stained Glass Art Film range.
With these examples just some of the hundreds of product launches planned
for the event, GP&T 2005 promises to be just as exciting and informative
as the inaugural event in 2003, when thousands of visitors flowed through
the entrance doors to witness the UK's first and only trade event dedicated
to the glass industry.
GP&T 2005 will take place from 17th to 19th May inclusive at the NEC,
Birmingham. For further information on exhibitors taking part in the event,
go to http://www.gptexhibition.com.
GED
Integrated Solutions Enters UK Window and Door Market
GED
Integrated Solutions, Inc. has announced a new major commitment to the
United Kingdom market. GED, the largest North American producer of machinery
and software systems for the IG and Window marketplace, announced recently
the creation of a dedicated sales and service operation based in the Midlands.
GED has appointed Chris Wale, of Warwickshire, as UK Sales Manager to
lead the business. ‘Having a British national lead our UK operation
is very important to GED,’ said Ron Auletta, CEO and President of
GED. ‘While we enjoy a strong leadership position in the US and Canada,
we want to provide dedicated local sales and service for the UK market.’
GED will also build a world class service and support organisation similar
to our Preferred Service Program in North America. The customer service
organisation will conduct customer training, software and machinery troubleshooting,
and spare parts distribution.
‘Our successful model of serving the Industry with products that
increase capacity and quality while reducing overall cost of production
should translate very well for customers here,’ said Chris Wale.
‘The UK market is similar to the US where competition is rising and
every manufacturer is looking for ways to make more profit with less confusion
and disruption to production.’
GED
offers a complete product line of machinery for fabrication of glass,
IG, PVC, and aluminium products. Product lines include the Intercept®
IG spacer frame production equipment, as well as glass cutting and washing,
muntin manufacturing, PVC saws, welders, and corner cleaners.
In addition, GED’s NxWare division designs, implements, and supports
a full software product line which improves productivity and unit tracking,
and increases optimisation levels throughout the factory.
‘The recently introduced i-3™ technology platform provides a
new level of innovation, integration, and inspiration. i-3 is the first
comprehensive system to join the IG and window frame fabrication systems
in a factory.’ says the company. Details can be found at http://www.gedusa.com.
Automated Lead Application
The first GED system specifically developed for the UK marketplace is
the new Decorative Application Table. This automated system will quickly
and accurately apply lead tape and 3M Accentrim™ Products to glass
panels. Customers will be able to create unique designs to differentiate
windows, doors, and conservatories.
'The system will increase output and improve quality of finished IG units.
With user-friendly software and operator interface, the system offers
the ability to reduce labour costs and eliminate confusion on the factory
floor.'
GED will be exhibiting the new Decorative Application Table at the Glass
Processing and Technology show at the Birmingham NEC May 17-19 at stand
E16
Edgetech
is official sponsor of GP&T Technical Seminar Programme
Edgetech
IG Inc, manufacturer of Super Spacer®, the TrueWarm® all foam,
no-metal edge spacer system, has just announced it is the official sponsor
of the GP&T Technical Seminar programme. Running every day of the
exhibition from 17th to the 19th of May at the NEC, these seminars in
association with the GGF are designed for anyone involved in glass.
Andy Jones, Sales Director and General Manager UK and Ireland had this
to say about the company’s decision to support the event: ‘Key
developments are taking place quickly in the industry at the moment, including
some legislative measures like EN1279 which will have serious impact on
all sealed unit manufacturers. It can be hard to keep ahead of all the
changes to really understand the implications. Edgetech believes that
by sponsoring these seminars, everyone will have the opportunity to hear
first hand what threats and opportunities are imminent. Topics include
CE marking, EN1279, Part L and other building regulation developments,
safety and fire glass legislation and of course the BFRC initiative in
conjunction with the Energy Savings Trust.’
Edgetech is also exhibiting at the show on Stand G50, although Super Spacer
is going to feature prominently on a number of other stands including
most of the leading machinery suppliers. Willian is launching its fully
automated Super Spacer line, while ForEl is exhibiting its fully automated
machine, both of which are pre-sold. Super Spacer will also appear on
the Basra stand in its semi-automated line, and Lisec will be featuring
Super Spacer too.
For more information on the seminar programme visit http://www.gptexhibition.com
or to arrange a meeting with Edgetech in the company’s private meeting
venue at GP&T, call Anne O’Connor on 02476 705570
Memorandum
of Understanding for Rehau and Wendland
Rehau
and Wendland have taken the first step towards formalising their agreement
for Rehau to incorporate the Styal Roof into its Conservatory Superstructure
System by signing a Memorandum of Understanding.
Martin Hitchin, Rehau’s Sales and Marketing Director and Steve Gardiner,
Chief Executive of Wendland Roof Solutions, signed the Memorandum at Glassex
and expect to move towards a full contract by the end of May.
The new Conservatory Superstructure System – to be called Rehau Dimension
– will integrate Rehau glazed walls and matching Wendland roofs into
a single entity with full structural integrity which will be able to satisfy
the requirements of Part A of the Building Regulations once they are extended
to cover all conservatories under 30m2.
Tel: 01989 762600
National
Building Plastics Stockholder Announces Open Event
As
part of continued celebrations of recent expansion into the North West
and re-location in Sheffield, Roplas, a building plastics stockholder,
has announced that an open event will be held in Sheffield on 6th and
7th May 2005.
The open event is aimed at all local tradesman within the South Yorkshire
area and should prove to be beneficial for all attendees with no obligations.
Stands and demonstrations will be provided by industry leading manufacturers,
including; Floplast, Everwhite, K2, Rhodia, Polyco, APC, Ubbink, Speedframe
and Silverline Tools. This is an opportunity to gather information, view
product demonstrations first hand, speak with representatives from both
Roplas and manufacturers and network with other businesses in your area.
Additionally, free prize draws, samples and refreshments will be available.
Registration and further information for the open event is available online
at http://www.roplas.co.uk
or by telephone on 0114 2560011.
St
Austell Window Firm Opens its Doors to New Opportunity
An
established window company based in St Austell opened its doors to the
trade and general public last weekend to celebrate £400,000 worth
of investment in a new window manufacturing plant. The Wunderplas Windows
fabrication plant has created new jobs for the local workforce and is
expected to significantly boost business for the firm.
Wunderplas Windows as a brand has existed since 1978, but the Cornwall
side of the business was bought out by husband and wife team David and
Carole Vine in 1991. The company has grown significantly since that date,
building up an enviable retail business with additional commercial contracts.
Despite this steady growth, however, the company’s Directors believed
that Wunderplas could achieve even more success as a manufacturer and
trade supplier of windows, doors, conservatories and other products. Having
previously bought Veka window frames from a north of England manufacturer,
Wunderplas approached Veka and asked for its help in setting the company
up as an independent fabricator. Says David Vine:
‘We have always used Veka products and find them to be excellent
quality, so we had no doubt as to whom we should choose as our PVC-u supplier.
We have been very grateful for their guidance in helping to design and
plan the new fabrication plant.’
Wunderplas has invested around £400,000 in a new Haffner automated
cutting and machining centre including the latest CNC window manufacturing
and glass process machinery, allowing the company to manufacture all its
own windows and many other products in-house. Wunderplas can now produce
up to 150 windows per week plus conservatories. The plant installation
has led to the creation of eight new jobs: two office-based roles and
six factory floor positions. The new personnel will join the company’s
already 30 strong team. However, David Vine describes these recent developments
as ‘just the beginning’ for the company’s new future, with
further plans already in motion to invest more. The ultimate goal is to
reach a manufacturing capacity of 550 windows per week, employing more
local people as the business grows.
Tel: 0800 212453
Stuga
Rotary Tooling System Really Comes into its Own
The
rotary tooling system that is standard on all Stuga Flowline cutting and
prepping centres and Ecoline stand-alone prepping centres has proved to
be invaluable to fabricators and profile companies alike with the demise
of some of the well known systems suppliers recently, meaning that these
large automatic machines have to be modified to handle changeovers in
a hurry.
All cutting and prepping centres other than the Stuga ones have fixed
tooling heads and when it comes to profile changes these heads usually
have to be altered or sometimes even changed completely to allow for different
preps, different hardware and different profile geometry. The Stuga rotary
system is totally flexible with the possibility to stop any head at any
position within three hundred and sixty degrees around the profile. The
whole process is a simple software change followed by a rigorous testing
procedure.
Numerous Premier Profiles fabricators have benefited from the ease of
changeover and Schuco customers will shortly be benefiting the same way
with the first one being Orion Windows in Devon who Stuga are re-programming
to Profile 22.
As the market consolidates Stuga expects more rationalisation together
with companies swapping systems to get the best deal. The company is uniquely
placed to handle this with a team of three software specialists working
in the field at all times.
The Flowline and Ecoline centres can quite comfortably handle multiple
profile systems, which is extremely difficult to achieve with fixed head
machines and a number of fabricators are running two, three or four systems
now.
The rotary system Stuga uses is extremely reliable and has been used on
various machine tools by many manufacturers worldwide for over one hundred
years.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
Home
Improvement Doubles in 2005
Consumer
interest in home improvement has so far doubled this year compared to
the same period in 2004, according to a report by home improvement website
specialist, eBuilders.
Barry Dunlop, managing director of eBuilders, said: ‘January, February
and March have all been record breaking months for all 25 of our home
improvement websites, with http://www.ask-questions.com
being the most successful, with a 50 per cent increase in users of its
online forum.’
At http://www.ask-questions.com
consumers can seek answers to all types of home improvement questions.
The site offers tips and suggestions for making the most of the home,
from conservatories and bathrooms to kitchens and double-glazing. It also
includes links to many leading home improvement suppliers.
Barry Dunlop said: ‘It is clear that while the home improvement market
continues to grow, consumers are not jumping in with two feet first, they
want questions answered so they can make informed buying decisions.’
Conservatories was the number one topic of interest on the website with
almost 40 per cent of consumers asking conservatory related questions,
an area eBuilders’ also caters for with its website http://www.conservatoriesonline.com,
a one stop shop for every conservatory need.
All
eBuilders’ home improvement websites provide practical information
on a wide range of topics including how to decide on style and material,
coping with problem sites, whether to go for DIY or supply and fit and
how to find suppliers.
Barry Dunlop concludes: ‘The feedback we get from all of our website
users confirms that the sites are serving a very useful purpose in an
ever increasing area of consumer spending. We’ve received comments
such as ‘I’ve spent months exploring various conservatories.
I wish I’d found this site early on, I would have focussed in on
what I wanted a lot sooner’.’
For more information on www.ask-questions.com or www.conservatoriesonline.com
please email mailto:barry@ebuilders.co.uk
Websites in the eBuilders stable include:
http://www.conservatoriesonline.com
http://www.windowstoday.co.uk
http://www.almostimpartialguide.co.uk/conservatories.htm
http://www.double-glazing-replacement-windows.com
http://www.pvc-online.co.uk
http://www.diy-conservatories-uk.co.uk
http://www.kitchenbuyersguide.com
http://www.sun-blinds.com
http://www.conservatory-cane-furniture.co.uk
http://www.diy-pvcu-conservatories.co.uk
http://www.diy-hardwood-conservatories.co.uk
http://www.pvcu-conservatories.com
http://www.ask-questions.com
Groupco
Offers A Winning Finish with Fuhr
Independent
hardware distributor, Groupco, is introducing the enhanced Fuhr Silver
Finish on all Fuhr components at no extra cost to its customers. The new
silver bichromate coating offers improved corrosion protection and is
double passivated to increase abrasion resistance.
Prior to being launched in the UK, Fuhr’s advanced Silver Finish
has been tried and tested throughout other export markets for over two
years. It has passed 500 hours of salt spray testing without red rust
formation. In addition to technical benefits relating to durability, Fuhr’s
new passivating process is also free from Chrome Six.
Groupco is phasing in the improved Silver Finish on Fuhr’s current
range of hardware, including the popular Multisafe range of multipoint
locking systems.
Richard Duncan, Groupco’s Managing Director comments: ‘This
is much more than just a cosmetic change and offers a number of major
customer benefits, particularly in terms of durability, without a corresponding
price increase. And although the new Silver Finish will now be offered
as standard, fabricators and installers will still be able to order Fuhr
components with the existing yellow bichromate finish for repair and maintenance
purposes.’
As part of the changeover to Fuhr Silver, Groupco is also adopting Fuhr’s
part numbering system to enable easier product identification on packaging,
in stores and on orders/invoices. Further information, including the pages
in Groupco’s catalogue that have been modified to reflect the change,
can be downloaded in PDF format from Groupco’s website http://www.groupcoltd.co.uk.
'A'
Class Environment Rating for Window Profile
The
manufacture of pultruded profiles, used in the construction of Octaveward's
Samson windows, has very low environmental impact. This was the conclusion
of the Building Research Establishment in examining composite building
components and means these profiles have been given a class leading 'A'
rating. The performance and durability of building components is essential
to having a sustainable future, but just as important is the environmental
impact of manufacture.
The BRE study examined the materials and processes used in the manufacture
of various composite materials. The impact that these had on climate change,
release of toxic agents to the environment, ozone depletion, fossil fuel
depletion and other environmental changes was assessed and scored on a
weighted scale. This objective grading resulted in an aggregate 'A' rating
for pultruded profile, the lowest class of environmental impact.
Commenting on the finding, Octaveward director Trevor Williams, explained,
'Even before the BRE study we were convinced that due to its strength,
durability and low maintenance the Samson window was an environmentally
friendly choice. What other window system has a guaranteed life of 35
five years, a projected life of 60 and so little maintenance requirement?
The BRE study now tells us that the environmental impact of this product
starts low - a significant achievement and major contributor to sustainability.'
Samson windows can be fabricated in traditional or modern styles and offer
a range of long life colour finishes, guaranteed for 15 years. The frame
meets the latest Building Standards requirement for thermal efficiency
with a maximum U value of 2W/m2K while special glazing options can reduce
heat loss even more.
Contact: Trevor Williams
Tel: + 44 (0)1254 773300
Email: mailto:info@octaveward.com
Web: http://www.octaveward.com
Hardex
and Fab & Fix Move Premises
Owing
to continued success in their respective industries, Fab & Fix and
Hardex have moved premises to accommodate their expansion.
Both companies are now housed in a new 25,000 sq ft unit in Coventry,
with a new showroom to demonstrate both Hardex's variety of Kitchen, Bathroom,
Bedroom and Office furniture fittings, and Fab & Fix's suited range
of Window and door hardware.
The companies will be hosting a number of customer days to launch the
new showroom and introduce people to the staff, although customers are
urged to drop in and look round at any time.
Managing Director Phil Freeman said 'We firmly believe that our growth
and success is due to our close relationship with our customers, along
with our unique product ranges.'
Directions and a map can be found on either company's website: http://www.hardex.co.uk
http://www.fabnfix.co.uk
Tel: +44 (0)2476 585785.
Aluminium
Roofline Products: Tomorrow’s World Today
Aluminium
Roofline Products Ltd (ARP) has come a long way since starting out 21
years ago. ARP supplies the Mustang® continuous guttering system,
a continuous aluminium gutter system with BBA approval – 30 years
life expectancy.
Now
with a staff of 52, a turnover of £4.5 million and having supplied
material for over 5,000 miles of guttering, ARP says that it is set to
transform roofline sales for ambitious installers across the UK. All because
a relative of ARP’s Managing Director Jim Muddimer saw the guttering
system on Tomorrow’s World on the BBC.
Jim recalls the transition: ‘Having seen the aluminium guttering
system on television my relative wanted it on his house. We couldn’t
find anyone in the UK to install the system so we contacted the Canadian
company directly. We shipped in a machine and got to work straight away.
After three months working evenings and weekends, alongside our full time
jobs, we saw the opportunity and took on the installation full time. Apart
from having a few leaflets printed we didn’t do any other marketing
but we got lots more work because people saw the machine and wanted to
have it on their own homes. We also landed a Local Authority contract
for 12 months work. The domestic work was installed at weekends. This
commitment has proved the right way forward. But the real proof is what
our customers say.
Jon Lennox, partner of Buckinghamshire installer FSG Technologies, a Mustang®
Approved Installer, explains: ‘If you are a roofline installer, you
need an edge to help you sell against your rivals all with similar commodity
products. Installers need to differentiate themselves not only with a
higher spec, long life product – but with one that stands out from
the crowd, makes more profit and is an easier sell. We chose to work with
ARP Mustang® to achieve just this.’
Jim adds: ‘We are celebrating 21 years in business this year. ARP
is Tomorrow’s World today.’
For more information on Aluminium Roofline Products from ARP call Greg
Coetzer on 0116 2894400.
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com
With
the warmer weather returning and minds turning to the summer ahead, sales
of reflex glass have rocketed in March. Following a successful Glassex
exhibition, Concept 3 Ltd the UK's main distributor of reflex glass has
seen both enquiries and sales of the performance glass break all previous
records.
Clear
reflex has attracted one of the biggest interests as some of the other
performance conservatory roof glass suppliers do not offer a heat reflective
clear option for use in side frames or Northern facing installations where
more light transmittance is required. The company says that the performance
combi coating that reflex features is unmatched in terms of light transmittance,
solar factor and U-value.
‘Our first class customer service and support are the key to keeping
existing customers happy and persuading new clients to switch to reflex
from other brands and roofing materials’ commented Rob Elsley, Managing
Director. ‘The product itself is well known in the industry and exceeds
all customer requirements for the modern conservatory, so the key to securing
long term growth is in customer service and support.
‘There are many companies around in this industry who talk the talk
but very few who can actually deliver a first class service to trade customers
- or even try to! While we are not putting ourselves on a pedestal we
are confident we can exceed all our customer's needs and wants, continuous
truthful open dialogue is the key to supporting any customer's needs -
whether they are a multi-million pound company or a one man band’.
One of the latest features to be added to the product portfolio is the
optional use of warm edge spacer bar at no additional cost and currently
available in grey and black. This latest technology is the future of how
all double glazed sealed units will be manufactured by using the latest
materials and manufacturing techniques and is available now.
‘The switch to the warm edge spacer bar is an even greater benefit
to the glass thermal insulation properties and offers built in silica
into the bar to help eradicate edge condensation. It's a feature that
we feel is definitely the way forward but our customers still have the
choice between this and the traditional aluminium spacer bar.
‘We've found that the convincing industry experts about reflex glass
is not the problem, it's helping them to show their customers the benefits
that is important. And so any customer, be it trade or homeowner, who
has seen our promotional literature will agree that the presentation is
superb. As well as containing all the visual stimulation to grab the customer's
attention it also contains all the key technical data to give the salesperson
all the information they need right there at their fingertips to help
close the sale.’
Reflex glass is a suitable solution for the modern installation where
the homeowner wants an additional room to their home and not just a bolt
on summer house. The glass can reduce the internal temperature by up to
15ºC on a hot summer's day as well as reduce heat loss in the colder months.
As the logo says it really is... cooler in summer warmer in winter.
Contact Concept 3 Ltd for more information or to get a quote:
Tel: 0161 247 7818
Email: mailto:sales@conc3pt.co.uk
Distinctive
Opportunities in Composite Doors
‘With
the demand for composite doors forecast to increase at an exceptional
rate over the next few years, Distinction Doors Limited are offering a
new route to market, that will provide substantial opportunities across
all market sectors.’ says Drew Wright, sales director for Distinction
Doors.
‘Many
door manufacturers have already experienced the benefits of GRP composite
door sales,’ explains Drew. ‘But despite the growing demand
from the end user, there are many within the industry that have been reluctant
to manufacture composite doors, either because they perceive the production
process as being difficult and costly, or because existing supply routes
may cause conflict when submitting proposals for New Build or Public Sector
contracts.’
As an independent distributor Distinction Doors can support those wishing
to gain entrance to the composite door market. ‘We are offering far
more than just a high specification product’ continues Drew. ‘We
intend to make composite door manufacture as simple as possible and have
already had major discussions with a number of door panel and systems
companies who recognise the inevitable move away from traditional door
panels and towards the benefits and inherent strength of GRP across all
sectors of the market.’
With a management team of highly experienced individuals the company is
able to offer specialist assistance, from identifying the right machinery,
through production processes, to choosing the best components, which will
result in the highest specification products produced in the most cost
effective manner.
Distinction Doors is also able to offer expert advice in setting up in
house paint shops that will offer wider colour choices than are currently
available in the market place, as well as interim help with pre-finished
doors while companies are setting up their own production facilities.
The through coloured fibreglass door leaf, is constructed with a PVC composite
stile and rail sub-frame, allowing the door blank to be trimmed without
any loss of its weatherproofing properties. The use of cassettes, rather
than beading, make glazing simple and the finished door can be installed
with ease into a PVC or timber outer-frame.
This high specification door blank is being supplied to Distinction Doors
as part of a new joint venture with the Nan Ya Plastics Corporation, part
of the Formosa Plastics Group, which has annual sales of more than US
$10 billion. Established in 1958 Nan Ya Plastics has become a global leader
across a variety of businesses serving the plastics industry.
‘We are very fortunate to have established this partnership’
concludes Drew with great enthusiasm. ‘Nan Ya’s reputation and
products are respected globally and we shall be enjoying exclusivity on
some exciting new products for the UK market in the very near future.
As an independent distributor we have a lot to offer to door and panel
manufacturers as well as trade fabricators. We are confident that Distinction
doors will experience rapid growth – as will our customers’
Tel: 01709 590035
FibreClass
Doors from Sierra - First Choice for Homeowners
Sierra's
range of fibreglass entrance doors is growing in popularity with homeowners
across the country. 'The traditional appearance combined with state-of-the-art
security and advanced insulation features is making FibreClass their preferred
choice.' says the company.
Independent market research has shown that 67% of homeowners would choose
a fibreglass door, even when offered a cheaper alternative. For installers,
this represents an excellent opportunity to differentiate themselves from
other window companies, because FibreClass is just one of a range of home
improvement products which are available from Sierra.
Nine styles of pre-hung fibreglass doors are available from stock in red,
blue, green or white, with a choice of 56 different glass patterns. And
the turnaround time is the same as for window orders.
Manufactured in Sierra's technically advanced fabrication facility, each
door is constructed by bonding high impact fibreglass outer skins to a
thermally efficient inner composite core. Because the colour runs right
through the solid outer face of the door, it will never need repainting.
The doors are finished with high security, full-face multipoint locking
systems and the homeowners' choice from the extensive range of Sierra
door furniture. The result is a robust, weather resistant product with
the superior aesthetics of timber, that requires very little maintenance.
In addition, FibreClass doors conform to PAS23 and PAS24 and have been
awarded the Police preferred Secured by Design status.
Tel: 08700 113706
Web: http://www.sierrawindows.co.uk
Hoffmann
Sponsors Intriguing Exhibition
World
leaders in dovetail key joining technology for wooden components recently
conducted a dual sponsorship of a unique art exhibition in Hoffmann Germany's
home town of Bruchsal.
The ‘Natural Worlds’ exhibition exhibited paintings from local
artist Jürgen Spaske (sponsored by Hoffmann Germany) and Lancashire
woodturning expert John Grimshaw - a past Axminster award winner - who
displayed intriguing nature-related concepts of seascapes and fossils
mainly turned from characteristic burrs. He was sponsored by Hoffmann
UK and resides in Hoffmann UK's managing director John Galvin's home town
of Bentham.
The whole exhibition was a truly collaborative effort and John Galvin's
long association with Hoffmann Germany, his knowledge of the locality
and the long standing contacts and friendships he's made there led to
the exhibition being held in the prestigious surrounds of the fabulous
baroque Schloss Bruchsal following the involvement of Willi Heist, a local
landscape expert and friend of John Galvin's.
Held over three weeks and culminating over the Easter weekend the exhibition
was hailed a great success with many fascinated and appreciative visitors.
The Hoffmann product - because of its many technical attributes and great
versatility, has been involved in many artistic applications apart from
its normal commercial uses. From picture frame construction through to
three-dimensional murals, and many other imaginative schemes where wooden
components need to be joined in a variety of angles and patterns.
Tel: 015242 62500
Email: mailto:info@hoffmann-uk.com
Web: http://www.hoffmann-uk.com
Nationwide
fabricator, Modplan Limited, has recently introduced rolled in gasket
across its product portfolio.
The
company is already experiencing the successful results of this latest
development, as sales manager, Chris Reeks, explains. ‘Rolled in
gasket offers many benefits from a production point of view, but our extensive
trials also highlighted the benefits to installers - which feedback from
our customers since the launch has confirmed.’
Factory-fitted as part of the extrusion process, the gasket offers greater
consistency and improvement of quality, while eliminating the need for
fitting gaskets on site, thereby saving time and cost, although should
damage occur, the procedure allows for gasket to be easily replaced on
site.
‘The technique offers a high performance glazing solution, while
greatly enhancing the appearance of the overall product’ continues
Chris. ‘This is because the gasket is far less visible, than in conventional
sealing methods, being concealed more within the frame.’
Acting as both glazing and weatherseal, the rolled in gasket overcomes
traditional problems such as shrinkage. A continuous seal is achieved
at welded corners, while the hard spots which contribute to glass breakages,
a problem often associated with co-extruded gasket, are also eliminated.
‘We are always pleased to announce a new improvement’ concludes
Chris, ‘but this is a particularly significant initiative which is
already having a great impact on our business.’
Tel: 01495 246844
Simona
with Revenue Surge in 2004 – Earnings Fall Slightly Short of Target
Simona AG Germany, one of the leading manufacturers of semi-finished plastics, recorded revenue growth of 17.3 per cent in the 2004 financial year, taking overall sales to EUR 190.1 million. Within the Group, annual sales increased by 21.8 per cent to EUR 211.7 million, thus breaching the EUR 200 million threshold for the first time in the company’s history. Earnings before taxes increased by EUR 3.9 million to EUR 14.7 million in the AG. However, the profit margin only moved up by one percentage point to 7.1 per cent.
Growth was driven by strong demand for semi-finished plastics within the
area of chemical equipment engineering, mechanical engineering and waste-water
technology. New fields of application within the automotive and building
construction sectors also provided fresh impetus. Simona AG significantly
outperformed the plastics-processing industry as a whole, which recorded
revenue growth of just 3.6 per cent in 2004.
Foreign sales were particularly buoyant in 2004, thus also contributing
to the company’s revenue growth. The AG’s share of foreign business
increased by 2.0 percentage points to 54.5 per cent, while the export
ratio within the Group rose by an impressive 3.5 per cent to 61.7 per
cent. Simona AG was particularly successful in capturing additional market
share and expanding its business in Eastern Europe. In contrast, growth
in Western Europe was more subdued. For the first time, the US subsidiary
Simona America, which was established by Simona AG at the beginning of
2004, contributed to results.
Earnings for the 2004 financial year were affected by the ever-increasing
level of competition within Simona’s immediate trading environment.
This contributed to the further erosion of prices for semi-finished plastics.
In parallel, raw material prices for polyolefins and PVC spiralled upwards,
thereby adversely affecting margins. It took until the end of the year
to implement a gradual price adjustment of semi-finished plastics in order
to cover a proportion of the cost increases witnessed in the raw materials
sector.
On the basis of the Group’s financial results and net profit carried
forward from the previous year, the Supervisory Board and the Management
Board will be proposing an increase in the company’s dividend from
€7.00 per share to €7.50 per share, to be voted upon by the
General Meeting of Shareholders. This represents a dividend yield of 3.5
per cent.
Against the backdrop of prevailing market conditions, providing an outlook
for the current financial year is extremely difficult. Forecasts published
by the key demand-side sectors for the plastics-processing industry have
been rather tentative. This is reflected in the slight downturn in sales
volumes and revenues over the course of the first quarter. On this basis,
the company has targeted 2.4 per cent growth in terms of sales volume
and revenue growth of 5 per cent. One of the main objectives is to push
up pre-tax profits to EUR 15.4 million.
Based in the German town of Kirn, Simona AG has established itself as
one of Europe’s leading manufacturers of semi-finished plastics.
The company’s two Kirn-based plants produce sheets, rods, profiles
and welding rods made of thermoplastics. The production facilities for
pipes and fittings are located in the town of Ringsheim, in the German
state of Baden-Württemberg. In cooperation with Georg Fischer AG
(Schaffhausen, Switzerland), Simona AG has also established a joint venture
for the production of fluoroplastic pipes and fittings, located in Ettenheim,
Germany.
The Simona Group includes subsidiaries in France, the United Kingdom,
Italy, Spain, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, Poland, Hong Kong, and
the United States. Furthermore, it maintains a sales office in Shanghai.
At the end of the 2004 financial year, 1050 members of staff were employed
within the Group.
Tel: +49 (0) 6 75 21 43 43
Mail: mailto:ir@simona.de
Stable
Development for Trelleborg in First Quarter
The
Trelleborg Group continued its stable development during the first quarter
of 2005. Net sales amounted to SEK 5,794 M (5,815). Organic growth in
the Group’s current structure was 1.4 percent. Robust growth in Trelleborg
Engineered Systems and Trelleborg Wheel Systems compensated for a weak
development in Trelleborg Automotive.
Net profit amounted to SEK 245 M, compared with SEK 306 M for the strong
first quarter of 2004 when increased prices for raw materials had not
yet impacted on results, principally in Trelleborg Automotive.
Net sales amounted to SEK 5,794 M (5,815).
Net profit amounted to SEK 245 M (306).
Earnings per share were SEK 2.70 (3.50).
Key operating ratios for continuing operations, excluding restructuring
costs and impairment losses:
First quarter:
Operating profit - SEK 398 M (473)
Profit before tax - SEK 336 M (389)
Net profit - SEK 245 M (285)
Earnings per share - SEK 2.70 (3.25)
A new five-year syndicated loan of approximately SEK 10.9 billion was
raised, improving the maturity structure and reducing financing costs.
The financing agreement replaces an earlier USD 600 M loan from June 2002
and a EUR 540 M loan from October 2003.
Complementary acquisitions within tunnel seals, marine fender systems
and distribution of special seals.
Web: http://www.trelleborg.com
Wärtsilä
Gas-Fuelled Power Plant in Gujarat, India
Wärtsilä
Corporation has been awarded a contract to equip an 18 MW gas-fuelled
captive power plant for Videocon Narmada Glass in Bharuch, Gujarat State,
India. The plant will comprise three Wärtsilä 18V34SG generating
sets, each of 6 MW output at 11 kV.
The plant will be installed and commissioned in two phases, with two generating
sets being handed over in September 2005 and the third set in December
2005. The second phase of the plant was ordered in April 2005, while the
first phase was ordered in December 2004.
The Bharuch factory is the largest manufacturer in India of glass shells
for colour television tubes. The company is now expanding its capacity
to double the output of the existing works. The company's intention is
to be one the world's largest producers of glass shells.
The new generating plant will serve the factory's new production capacity
with electrical power and process heat. Wärtsilä is supplying
and installing the engines, generators and all related ancillary under
an engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract which excludes
civil works and the waste heat recovery plant.
The Wärtsilä engines will burn natural gas supplied from the
local utility supply. Important criteria in the choice of these engines
were their high reliability and economical heat rate, with a balance between
electrical and thermal output that well suited the glass factory's requirements.
The awarding of the contract to Wärtsilä was also beneficially
influenced by Wärtsilä's proven track record in delivering similar
plants in India, superior project execution capability, and excellent
service support.
Web: http://www.wartsila.com