The
2007 GlazeKart event was judged a huge success by those teams taking part.
With a background of changeable weather, 17 teams took to the grid on
the 1.3km Daytona circuit at Milton Keynes. 30 minutes of practice showed
that, whilst there was a wide range of abilities (and weights!), the competition
was going to be tough all the way down the grid.
And so it proved to be. Starting from pole position the 'Three Amigos',
a mixed team from Mila, Laird and BM Trada, soon pulled out a commanding
2 lap lead. Behind them, Whiteline Goldline, Patterson & Rothwell,
Wegoma, Profile 22, Whiteline N&C and Whiteline Teamframes all battled
for the next 6 places.
The
rain started early and all the drivers prepared to don waterproof overalls.
However, the shower was light and short and the track soon dried again.
Although the clouds were threatening the rain held off for the rest of
the race and the finish was actually in bright sunshine!
The Amigos were running longer stints than their main rivals during the
first 90 minutes but, as all teams had to make 7 mandatory pit stops,
the competition was going to gain some of the ground back later in the
3 hour race. It eventually proved to be much closer than anyone could
imagine.
By the half way stage Whiteline Goldline had firmly established themselves
in second place, Patterson & Rothwell dropping down the field after
some mechanical kart trouble and a few rule infringements leading to a
black flag! In the mid-field Synseal B, Business Micros and Emplas were
keeping the front runners honest and keeping up the pressure.
Also in the mix at various times through the race were Team RCI, Synseal
A, Glassex and Winkhaus. There was certainly much place changing going
on with teams in the top 10 dropping down the field and those at the back
overtaking those ahead as the pit stops took place and different drivers
took over. There was certainly more overtaking than a typical Grand Prix!
Things became very exciting in the final 30 minutes as the leaders made
their final compulsory stops bringing the Amigos and Whiteline Goldline
back on to the same lap. The battle was intense but it was eventually
the Amigos that crossed the line first just 40 seconds ahead of Whiteline
Goldline in second place. But the battle for the final podium place also
took a dramatic turn in the final 5 minutes. Wegoma had to complete their
final compulsory stop which brought them back into the clutches of a recovering
Patterson & Rothwell. The stop fortunately was made without incident
and Wegoma rejoined the race to complete their final lap with just a few
seconds to spare!
Behind them there was just 2 laps between the next four teams with Profile
22 securing 4th place ahead of two more Whiteline teams, N&C and Teamframes.
Synseal B and Business Micros had had their own battle for much of the
race and finished just 1 lap apart, Team BM taking the honours.
Stoneleigh, Glassex, Sapa (under the guise of the Blustone Bombers), Winkhaus
and Synseal A (who set the 5th fastest lap in the closing stages) were
also close behind. Bee3 Communications (The A Team) and Team RCI who both
had just 3 drivers in the team in a very tiring race, finshed in 16th
and 17th respectively.
There was a hugely positive reaction from all the teams and drivers taking
part. The prime objective of the event (to have some serious fun!) had
seemingly been achieved and with many of the key people in the industry
present it was also an ideal opportunity for a bit of networking in very
unusual surroundings!
There were several cries of 'we'll be back next year - and more competitive'
heard from the teams as they gathered for the podium presentations, expertly
carried out by ex Tottenham and England footballer, Gary Stevens. GlazeKart
is certainly making its mark on the industry calendar and it is hoped
that it can generate even more interest next year! For those companies
who didn't take part (and most of the big names had a representation in
one form or another) you missed another great event!
All the results and an extensive photo gallery are available on the organiser's
website at http://www.walnutmotorsport.com.
Just follow the GlazeKart 2007 link.
HomePro
Takes the Lead with IPWFI Acquisition
HomePro
has overnight become the UK's largest provided of Insurance Backed Guarantees
(IBGs) to the home improvement sector, thanks to its successful acquisition
of the Incorporation of Plastic Window Fabricators & Installers (IPWFI).
The acquisition is part of HomePro's commitment to become the UK's leading
'one stop shop' provider of insurance, financial and business services
to reputable trade professionals.
IPWFI has been trading since 1991, offering both insurance backed guarantees
and deposit indemnity protection to the home improvement industry on window,
door, conservatory and ancillary installations. With a membership in excess
of 2,000 double glazing companies - from small local businesses to some
of the country's biggest retail installation companies, representing a
combined turnover of some £200 million - it had gained a reputation
for professionalism and is recognised by the trade. IPWFI also offered
finance products to installation businesses seeking to add credit facilities
for its customers to their portfolios.
Kim Rehfeld, Chief Executive of HomePro, says of the purchase: ‘Acquiring
IPWFI is entirely consistent with our avowed programme of becoming the
UK's leading and largest provider of insurance and related products to
home improvement professionals. Apart from adding scale and efficiencies
to our own operation, it will also deliver benefits to our existing and
new members; as well as improving the reach of our IBGs to the consumer’.
‘Combined with the recent launch of HomePro Money - and other upcoming
initiatives - the IPWFI purchase sees us close to fulfilling our ambition
of being able to deliver all the business product needs of our customers
- whether in insurance, financial products, discounted materials or lead
generation’. The HomePro group of companies now service over 7000
companies within the home improvement industry.
HomePro Insurance specialises in providing insurance and services to the
trade and construction industries; offering products that are not only
highly competitive but are also associated with levels of service and
cover that are unrivalled in the sector.
HomePro Insurance has always served - and still does - the insurance needs
of the small to medium size company; but its high service levels and fast
and fair claims handling increasingly attract the attentions of larger
organisations and the company is now the insurance provider for businesses
such as Sarnafil Roof Assured; Plastmo Profiles; Profile 22's TradeLynks
network; Swish Window and Door Systems; Dream Doors, the Confederation
of Roofing Contractors; the Timber Decking Association and many more.
HomePro Insurance was one of the first companies in the sector to achieve
Financial Services Authority (FSA) authorisation - now a legal-must for
tradespeople aiming to introduce such policies to their homeowner customers
- and is listed by Office of Fair Trading (OFT) in its advice to homeowners
published in Having Work Done on Your Home: Organisations That Can Help.
Tel: 0870 7 344 344
Web: http://www.HomePro.com
PrimaLawn
calls Special Demo Day after Gl@zine Debut
Viridion
Ltd the synthetic grass company unveiled exclusively in The Gl@zine last
month, has arranged a special demonstration day in response to the resulting
demand.
‘Obviously
many companies in the window industry are ready for diversification opportunities,
and we knew we had something of interest to anyone involved in retail
sales but even we were surprised by the reaction,’ said Viridion's
Mark Rogers.
‘So we have arranged this event to accommodate those who contacted
us after the article appeared. Places are limited, however there are currently
spare places for anyone and these will be allocated on a first come, first
serve basis.’
Viridion is creating a national network of licensed installers for its
simulated lawn system call PrimaLawn. A number are already signed-up and
trained but there are still opportunities in many areas.
The company has also unveiled a novel way of demonstrating the product
all around the country, as one recent customer discovered when Mark and
Ian Jameson of licensed installer Grosvenor Grass arrived in a customised
Mini covered in the material. ‘The car is creating some excellent
publicity as it tours the country in support of dealers bringing a smile
to everyone who sees it’.
The demonstration day will be held at Viridion headquarters, near to Newcastle
Airport on July 19th.
For further details contact Mark Rogers at Viridion Ltd 01661 821282 or
email mrogers@viridion.co.uk
Wombwell
Workers Beat Floods in Style
Office
and factory floor workers rolled up their sleeves and beat the South Yorkshire
floods in true 'Dunkirk-style' this week to save thousands of pounds worth
of production and an unprecedented disaster at the Wombwell plant of Windowstyle
UK, part of the Style Group, the UK's largest independent PVCu replacement
window and door manufacturer and retailer.
Windowstyle
UK is the local area's largest single employer, with nearly 600 full time
staff working 24 hours a day in 3 shifts. Both office workers and factory
floor staff watched in disbelief as the flood water started flowing into
their offices and towards the factory floor. Realising that if the water
reached the office based computer system it would halt and ruin all the
invaluable machinery and equipment to keep production meeting the demands
of its subsidiary, Safestyle UK, they waded their way through setting
up barriers and frantically pumping out the water.
Nick Lilburn, Managing Director of Windowstyle, explained: 'We quickly
realised that if the water flooded the sales offices then our IT system
would be totally ineffective, which would cause a complete shutdown and
disaster for the whole factory and our new glass toughening plant on the
same site. We produce more than 10,000 window and door frames every week
for our subsidiary, Safestyle UK and that would mean a snowballing effect
throughout the whole Group.
'As a result both our office and factory floor personnel showed an excellent
spirit and, with a 'Dunkirk-style' attitude for more than 24 continuous
hours in knee deep and even deeper flood water, developed a pumping system
and built barriers with sandbags and anything else to hand.
'We do have a drill which we practise regularly in case of emergencies
and it certainly helped on this occasion because the staff showed magnificent
spirit and incredible strength to beat the water. We did lose a day's
production but without the existence of our disaster recovery plan and
the staff who worked in water up to three feet deep at times it could
have been many, many times worse for everyone.'
GM
Fundraising Saddle Up for the USA
Not
content with the Top 2 Bottom and Tower 2 Tower charity bike rides, GM
Fundraising will be saddling up for their biggest ever adventure in September
2008 when they set off across the USA.
The ride will be known as Ride 4 Hope with the important objective of
raising over £100,000 for Hope House Children's Hospice.
The gruelling schedule will involve a 16 day cycle ride from San Diego
to Atlantic City, amounting to 3,046 miles and over 108,000 feet of climbing
which is equivalent of over 3.5 times the height of Everest. Each day
3 teams of 4 riders will cover on average a total of 190 miles in 12 hours,
longer than most stages of the Tour de France.
A number of riders have already agreed to this adventure and the necessary
training and commitment including several that have competed in the previous
charity bike rides, though a few places still remain. Gary Morton of GM
Fundraising is understandably passionate about it and commented: ‘This
is a once in the lifetime opportunity for people to achieve a significant
personal achievement and perhaps more importantly the chance to raise
a significant sum for those less fortunate than ourselves. Charities,
Hope House included, only survive through the generosity of the general
public and I'm confident that the whole industry will really get behind
this.’
A significant amount of time has already been put into the route which
has now been agreed down to the very last road. Hotels have been pencilled
in and the remaining infrastructure including support staff and vehicles
is currently being finalised. The riders now face a 15 month training
programme which will involve 1-2 overseas training camps and a number
of training weekends...
Email: gary@garymorton.co.uk
Web: http://www.gmfundraising.co.uk
Close
on 100 Guests Including Coventry Lord Mayor Registered so Far for Edgetech's
Manufacturing Launch
Just
under 100 people, including customers, non-customer fabricators and sealed
unit manufacturers, glass companies, media, system companies, installers,
the EST and other industry influencers have already reserved their places
for Edgetech's launch of UK manufacturing. Adding local endorsement for
the company's investment in the city, a delegation including the Lord
Mayor of Coventry have also confirmed attendance.
‘Edgetech manufacturing in the UK is clearly big news for us and
our customers,’ says Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech UK,
‘especially because it is the only dedicated warm edge technology
extrusion plant in the UK. But it is an important investment to the Coventry
area too. We are delighted so many people, including the Lord Mayor have
already committed time out of their busy schedules to attend the event.’
Andy Ball, Marketing and Business Development Manager adds: ‘We wanted
to use the opening of our new manufacturing facility to focus on the issues
and support that is important to companies in the rapidly changing glazing
market. As well as a tour of the factory where guests will be walked through
the Super Spacer® extrusion process, we have I.G.U manufacturing machinery
including a fully operational For.El automated robot on display. In addition
we're hosting a series of interactive zones demonstrating to all our business
partners the support package we offer to help grow our customers' businesses.
We are also previewing what we believe to be one of the industry's most
exciting business support initiatives.’
Anyone else interested in attending the launch event on either Thursday
12th or Friday 13th July should call Edgetech on 08700 566844 to reserve
their place.
New
Dark Grey Colour Option from Freefoam
Freefoam
Plastics, specialist in the manufacture and promotion of environmentally
friendly, lead free roofline products, has just announced the introduction
of a new dark grey colour to its range of products.
The new colour now brings to ten the number of standard colours offered
by Freefoam and covered by its industry-first, 20-Year Extended Guarantee.
Freefoam's other colours include white, leather brown, black, wine red,
rustic green, regal blue, storm grey, sable and pale gold.
Jim Tobin, Quality Manager, comments, ‘The bespoke pigment used in
Freefoam's coloured products ensures that they do not suffer from heat
absorption and are thus guaranteed against discolouration, warping and
cracking.’
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
New
Website for Glassex and GP&T
The
Glassex and Glass Processing and Technology exhibitions now have a new,
single website at a new address – www.gexhibition.com.
Featuring the distinctive ‘g’ branding, the website reflects
the synergy between the two exhibitions and provides all the latest news,
exhibitor information and real time floor plans for the events which will
co-locate for the first time in Halls 3a and 4 at the NEC, Birmingham
from 8-10 April 2008.
Designed to be interactive, exhibitors will be able to add their own logos,
links, company and product information to the site, plus corporate and
product images, whilst users who want to find out more can link directly
into the exhibiting company's website - and request further information
if required.
Says Claire Shilling, Marketing Manager of Emap Maclaren, the show organiser:
‘The website is not a passive tool. It has been carefully designed
to provide an easy-to-use and engaging medium for all those involved and
interested in the glass, glazing and associated architectural and design
industries whether as a potential exhibitor or visitor. As a result everyone
involved in these sectors should be making frequent visits to the site
to find out the latest news about the show, the exhibitors and the programme
of events that will run alongside it.’
From the end of July it will be possible for visitors to pre-register
for the exhibition via the website. The registration process will ask
users to register the products they are interested in, which enables the
system to return a specific list of exhibitors relevant to those product
categories - plus any other relevant news, including seminar sessions
and news releases. As a result, exhibitors can generate sales leads before
the exhibitions even open, and visitors can plan their time at the exhibitions
in advance.
Web: http://www.gexhibition.com
Glassex
2008 Conservatory Design Competition: Register Interest
Companies
involved in the design, fabrication and installation of conservatories
and other glass structures are being encouraged to visit the Glassex-GP&T
website to register interest in the Conservatory Design Competition, which
runs as part of Glassex 2008 (NEC, 8-10 April 2008).
‘Specific categories and entry details will be announced at the competition
launch,’ says Claire Shilling, Marketing Manager, Emap Maclaren,
the competition organiser. ‘However, we are confident that these
prestigious awards will once again attract the very high standard of entries
that we've seen in previous years across a wide variety of structures
including conservatories, orangeries and glass extensions in both domestic
and commercial markets.’
Anyone who is interested in submitting an entry is being encouraged to
pre-register their interest in the competition via the on-line form on
http://www.gexhibition.com.
All those who pre-register will be automatically notified once the competition
is officially launched in the early Autumn.
The pre-registration form can be accessed by clicking on the Conservatory
Design Competition link from the Visiting section of the website. Full
details of the competition will be available via the website later this
year. Any queries can be directed to Claire Shilling on 020 8277 5533
or email claire.shilling@emap.com.
L.B.
Plastics Appoints Head of New Business to Drive Future Growth
PVC
systems company L.B. Plastics has appointed Gary Firth as Head of New
Business to extend its network of fabricators. Initially focusing on attracting
new retail fabricators, Gary has already achieved a significant increase
in sales with seven new trade and retail fabricators.
Gary who has more than 20 years' experience of the window industry said:
‘I am really enjoying my role at L.B. Plastics, which has a very
strong network of fabricators servicing the newbuild and social housing
sectors where high quality products and excellent levels of service are
paramount.
'It is these qualities that are attracting a growing number of retail
fabricators and I am delighted with the success to date.’
James Litchfield, managing director at L.B. Plastics, said:
‘Gary's appointment demonstrates our commitment to developing a balanced
portfolio of fabricators in the newbuild, social housing and retail sectors.
'All our fabricators benefit from high levels of support to help their
businesses grow and achieve real success, not only when they first switch
to our Sheerframe system but also in the longer term.’
L.B. Plastics is part of the Litchfield Group, which operates worldwide,
providing high-performance products and components primarily to the building
industry.
Product ranges include Sheerframe window and door systems, Sheerline decking
and fencing and Hometrim cladding, soffits and fascias.
Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.lbplastics.co.uk
Phoenix
Door Panels Strengthens Sales Team
Phoenix
Door Panels, the privately-owned door panel manufacturers, has appointed
Haydon Statham as National Sales Manager.
A well-known figure in the industry, Haydon brings a wealth of experience
to his new role at the established Cambridgeshire company having previously
worked for systems companies and panel/composite door manufacturers.
Phoenix has been supplying quality PVC-U door panels throughout the UK
since 1993 from its 30,000 sq ft premises near Huntingdon.
Haydon is responsible for growing sales of the Phoenix quality range of
PVC-U door panels as the firm is set to expand, thanks to major investment
in new plant and equipment, including an additional glue line to meet
rising customer demand.
‘Phoenix prides itself on delivering top quality products with a
10-year a 'no-quibble guarantee', backed with a commitment to providing
a fast response and the best possible customer service,’ he comments.
‘There's a real buzz here and I'm looking forward to the challenge
of helping to take the company to its next level of growth to become one
of the key players, if not the leading player, in the market,’ adds
Haydon.
For more information, contact Phoenix Door Panels on 01487 740469 or visit
the website at http://www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.
VEKA
Supports its Customers in 'A' Rating Quest
The
British Fenestration Rating Council's Window Energy Rating Scheme is gathering
pace in its acceptance and understanding in the market place, amongst
professional specifiers and now increasing numbers of homeowners.
Despite disagreements with some aspects of the scheme it provides a widely
understood means of comparing energy performance, based on similar visual
comparisons to energy ratings used for many other consumer products, especially
electrical goods such as washing machines and refrigerators.
In
response to the broader acceptance of WER window fabricators are now clamouring
to find out how to achieve an affordable and practical 'A' rating the
Holy Grail sought by all. But whilst the BFRC has done much to simplify
the processes by which fabricators may have their windows assessed there
is still a potential minefield to get through, particularly for smaller
producers.
The technical department of Burnley-based systems supplier VEKA plc has
recognised that its fabricators may well require some assistance in dealing
with many of the technical and administrative requirements of the BFRC
in achieving ratings for their products and has developed a Window Energy
Ratings Technical Pack to provide guidance for window makers, in addition
to practical assistance from head office and on site.
The pack includes a number of documents that provide guidance on various
BFRC requirements, with the documents providing broad ratings for VEKA
products and the quality manual template being the most popular.
‘VEKA products have done particularly well with Window Energy Ratings,
with (some of) the first ever 'A' rated window produced based on the VEKA
system,’ says VEKA Research & Development Manager Tim Williams
(pictured).
‘But as use and understanding of WER spreads then our fabricators
must be ready with their own ratings - anyone making windows must have
their own products assessed, with their own supporting quality systems
in place - they cannot simply rely on the systems supplier's data due
to the variety in glazing options and other factors. We are therefore
helping our customers in the most practical way to be ready for this very
exciting scheme, the first to have any real value to homeowners.’
Web: http://www.vekauk.com
Windows
that won't Cost the Earth
Social
housing specialist Profile 22 has launched a new campaign aimed at dispelling
the myths surrounding PVC-U and to promote its credentials as the sustainable
option for social housing refurbishment and new build projects.
Myths and misconceptions surrounding sustainability mean that the social
housing sector faces increasing pressure over the use of PVC-U products.
Coupled with a lack of clarity surrounding government policy, confusion
is growing within the sector as to exactly where PVC-U sits and its suitability
for future use in new build and refurbishment projects.
To shed light on the situation Profile 22, the windows and doors systems
company, has launched a new information campaign under the banner, 'Windows
that won't cost the earth', which it took to this year's Chartered Institute
of Housing.
Andrew Reid of Profile 22 explains: ‘There is a lot of confusion
about both the sustainable and recyclable nature of PVC-U and this is
based for the large part on myth and misconception.
‘We're trying to redress the balance by giving the social housing
sector the facts so that ALMOs, RSLs and Local Authorities can make an
educated decision.’
Profile 22 says that it is at the cutting edge of research and development
of a new generation of advanced and fully recyclable products that are
not only sustainable but which are making homes warmer and more energy
efficient.
Profile 22's range of advanced performance PVC-U Windows deliver window
ratings of C,B, or A, lowering heat loss compared to minimum 'E' rated
windows by up to 94 per cent. By replacing old windows and installing
a 'C' rated window or higher, overall heat loss in the average home can
be cut by more than 20 per cent. This makes the home more comfortable
for the tenant, reduces heating bills, cuts energy waste and reduces carbon
emissions.
But these windows are not only better performing but fully recyclable.
Profile 22 is the only systems company, through their Research and Development
department, to successfully manufacture a window solely from recycled
materials.
The Company has, also recently launched its new recycled composite material
(RCM) reinforcement, introduced to all PVC-U window and door ranges.
Manufactured from waste PVC-U, the reinforcement closes the loop on the
recycling process, at the same time increasing weld strength and generating
greater energy efficiency. Further on a European level, the PVC-U industry
has committed to recycle 100 per cent of collectable waste by 2010.
Andrew says: ‘Contrary to the myth, PVC-U is fully recyclable, we
know because we're doing it and using recycled materials, from post consumer
waste, in our windows and doors.
‘PVC-U is a versatile, cost effective, energy efficient and low maintenance
material and contrary to the myths it is recyclable and sustainable -
as such it should be seen as an excellent match for the social housing
sector.’
Web: http://www.profile-22.co.uk
Sash
Windows UK Expands with Help of Spectus
Spectus
customer Sash Windows UK (Bradford) has relocated after expanding rapidly
over the last three years. Director Jason Lee exclaims: ‘We never
thought we would grow so quickly!
The old premises were just 6,000 sq feet and were tucked away down an industrial backstreet. Now we are in a much more prominent position and we have 22,000 sq feet to play with - although we have managed to fill it already!
‘Sash
Windows UK has used systems company Spectus for 3 years, but three months
ago we decided to make the company our sole supplier,’ says Jason.
‘The product range is excellent and has everything we need, from
sliding sash windows to the Elite 70 casement windows and bi-fold doors.
The range is technically much better than its competitors too.
'Last year turnover was £2 million and in the next two years with
the help of Spectus we hope this will double. Spectus offers a lot of
support and this will be useful as we are looking into the new build market.’
Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.spectus.co.uk
Contract
Management from Permadoor
Specialist
composite door manufacturer and supplier Permadoor has strengthened its
contract management offer to give customers an unparalleled level of service.
With almost two decades experience supplying the social housing sector
Permadoor has developed a comprehensive contract management service coupled
with detailed service commitments to both clients and contractors.
Specialising in the supply of made-to-measure, low maintenance exterior
thermoplastic and GRP entrance doors Permadoor has extensive experience
of working with local authorities, RSLs, procurement consortia and contractors
to support them in delivering Decent Homes for all.
Permadoor's contract management offer includes support to all aspects
of project delivery, from initial enquiry handling to quotation, surveying,
installation and resident support. This is backed up by the largest external
sales team in the UK, estimation team, surveying support from Permadoor's
in-house surveying team and full supply and fit service, including tenant
liaison.
Adrian Wyatt, sales director, Permadoor, said: ‘Residents are rightly
being given ever greater choice and influence over how and when their
properties are refurbished.
‘It's our responsibility to make sure everything runs as smoothly
as possible so that doors are fitted at the time agreed with the resident,
in the right style and to an exceptionally high standard.
‘That makes contract management critical. A great door is only a
great door if it's fitted properly and a resident will rightly only be
happy if its installed on time and in line with their expectations.
‘To do that you must manage all aspects of the contract, to keep
track of the project, to identify potential challenges and to work closely
with contractors and customers deliver solutions resolve them.’
In addition to supply and fit, Permadoor's contract management service
also includes a fast track replacement scheme, carrying a commitment to
supply an agreed number of doors free of charge to support emergency replacement
or routine maintenance.
In addition to a dedicated contract manager each project undertaken by
Permadoor is assigned an installation manager, responsible for resolving
any issues that can't be resolved directly by the company's experienced
team of fitters.
Adrian said: ‘Fitters can make or break a project which is why we
select our installers carefully and have built a committed and highly
experienced team who are dedicated to delivering an unparalleled level
of service to our customers.’
For further information visit http://www.permadoor.co.uk
or call 01684 595 200.
Evergreen
Opens the Door to Growing GRP Market
New
figures released by composite door manufacturer and supplier Evergreen
Door reveal the rapid expansion of the GRP door retail market.
Sales
figures for Evergreen show that the GRP retail door market has expanded
from a near standing start in 2005 to represent 16 per cent of the market
in 2006 growing to 26 per cent in the first half of this year.
And the largest UK supplier of GRP door leafs to the trade forecasts continuing
rapid expansion, driven by manufacturing efficiencies and growing consumer
demand.
Jim Brown, managing director, Evergreen Door, said: ‘Three years
ago the GRP retail market was almost non-existent. There was no demand
from Mrs Jones because Mrs Jones didn't know GRP existed and she didn't
know it existed because fabricators weren't taking GRP products to the
market because the cost of each finished GRP unit was too high and ate
into margin.
‘More efficient methods of production introduced in the past few
years have now pushed down the cost of finished products, supply is better
and there is growing consumer demand - that means that the retail market
presents huge opportunities for those ready to take advantage of them.’
Evergreen has been at the forefront of entrance door technology since
the early 1990s. The Evergreen GRP leaf is constructed by bonding high
impact GRP skins to composite rails surrounding an inner core of thermally
efficient insulating foam.
A low maintenance product, Evergreen GRP leafs won't warp, twist or bow,
won't crack, have superb heat insulation - six times better than timber
- are trimmable and come with a 10 year guarantee. They are also available
in a range of colours including, black, red, blue, green and white, wood
grain effects and buff.
Jim adds: ‘GRP doors have huge kerb appeal, duplicating the aesthetic
qualities that make timber a popular choice with consumers but eliminating
the maintenance associated with their care.
‘This is now filtering down to the consumer and we expect the retail
market to continue to expand next year and subsequent years.’
For further information on Evergreen's GRP range email sales@evergreendoor.co.uk
or call 01924 423171.
Stevenswood
Conservatories wins Top Golfer Award
Gary
Tickle of Stevenswood Conservatories was awarded first prize at Deer Park
in Scotland.
The
annual event was hosted by LSH UK Limited and was attended by customers
from Scotland, Ireland and Northern England.
The golfers had a very successful and entertaining day with superb playing
weather once the heavy rain and thunderstorms had abated delaying the
start.
Gary took first prize, closely followed by Joe Quinn (TFD Scotland) and
Murray Miller (Watson Dallas Window Systems).
The team prize was awarded to Brian McClean and Derek Clark of Fife Windows
and Doors; and Alan Wilkinson and Andrew Irvine of Walker Profiles.
Deer Park is a leading qualifying course for the British Open and host
to the Scottish Championships, its 6,690 yard par 72 course makes its
one of the most challenging and exciting courses in the UK.
For further information please call LSH Sales in Falkirk: Tel 01324 633889.
Nippon
Sheet Glass Sells Flat Glass Business in Australasia
Nippon
Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. has announced that its extraordinary Board meeting
officially resolved the sale of Flat Glass Business in Australasia.
Upon this decision, the Company enters into a sale agreement of all of
the Group's Flat Glass operations in Australia and New Zealand, known
as Pilkington (Australia) Limited and Pilkington (New Zealand) Limited,
wholly owned by Pilkington Group Limited, to CSR Limited as below.
The Company received a number of competing offers to purchase all of the
Group's Flat Glass operations in Australia and New Zealand and, in the
accounts for FY2007, the business has been classified as ‘held for
sale’ in the income statement as well as balance sheet. Following
a process of due diligence and an assessment of the competing bids, the
Company decided to accept the offer of CSR Limited. The Company believes
that the transaction offers better value to the Company's shareholders
than would be realised by retaining these operations within the Company.
It is currently calculated how much gain from the sale of the shares will
be realised upon the disposal of its shareholding in the business, which
will be announced as soon as it is fixed.
(a) The outline of the business:
(i) Scope of business:
All of the Company's Building Products and Automotive glass operations
in Australia and New Zealand
(ii) Operating results and Financial positions (FY07):
Australian business
Sales: AUD 360 Mil
Assets: AUD 660 Mil
Liabilities: AUD 99 Mil
New Zealand business
Sales: NZD 60 Mil
Assets: NZD 82 Mil
Liabilities: NZD 7 Mil
(iii) Sale price and pricing method:
Approximately JPY 70 Bil, after the process of competitive auction by
the potential buyers.
*) Notes: The figure for results and financials are based on the management
accounts of the local entity.
(b) Time frame of the transfer:
29th June 2007 execution of sale agreement, with closing on the same date
(c) Outline of the buyer:
(i) Legal name: CSR Limited
(ii) Principal address: Chatswood, NSW, Australia
(iii) Name of representative: Ian Blackburne, Chairman
(iv) Paid-in capital: AUD559.9 Mil (Approximately JPY 56.0 Bil
)
(v) Status of shares: Public company listed on the Australian Stock
Exchange with a market capitalisation of around A$3 billion.
(vi) Outline of business: CSR is a leading diversified manufacturing
company with operations throughout Australia as well as in Asia and New
Zealand, with major operations in Building Products, sugar and aluminium.
RELIUS
and BASF Coatings are a 'Perfect Match'
Integration
of the RELIUS Group, with its architectural coatings and industrial coatings,
into BASF Coatings has taken place practically overnight - and even better,
has proven to be a complete success.
‘RELIUS' experience with product technology, product development,
the use of raw materials, and sales logistics, as well as with interfaces
in customer structures in the area of industrial coatings, is a great
benefit to both our customers and our company,’ says Raimar Jahn,
CEO of BASF Coatings AG. As Jahn describes it, the RELIUS Group has become
an integral part of BASF Coatings, and its employees and products are
a real boost to BASF.
The RELIUS Group, with its Architectural Coatings and Industrial Coatings
business units, joined BASF's Coatings Division on January 1st, 2007.
BASF itself contributes just as much competence in these fields of business
and work. For instance, in South America, BASF has operated its decorative
paints business successfully for years and is the market leader there
in the premium sector. ‘The integration of RELIUS has provided us
with the opportunity to combine the two groups' expertise and continue
to develop the decorative paints/architectural coatings business in Europe
as well,’ says Jahn.
The fact that the market has responded positively to the integration and
that customers have identified numerous benefits is attested to by the
most recent award presented by a German journal for painters. RELIUS received
awards in the categories ‘Good Value for Money’ and ‘Customer
Service Level’. The selection was based on surveys carried out by
an independent market research institute in over 300 paint businesses.
‘This success shows our teams that they are on the right path, but
it needs to be reaffirmed every day when we are dealing with our customers,’
says Geerd Jansen, President of the RELIUS Group.
On a day-to-day basis, for the RELIUS teams this means constantly developing
innovative, individual, and intelligent solutions for and with the customers.
‘Innovative’ refers to presenting new products or improving
products. ‘Individual’ is the key word for RELIUS' market support.
Both professional painters and RELIUS paint supply customers can rely
on a specialised marketing and service package.
The numerous training courses offered at the RELIUS Master Academy are
‘intelligent’. This concept includes three modules: Traditional
seminars on current market and product topics, practical and business-related
application seminars at the Point-of-Colour showrooms, and a trainee programme
lasting several
months that prepares participants to climb the career ladder as RELIUS
technical consultants.
With the foundation and structure soundly in place, the future looks promising.
‘Our committed team of sales representatives supports our loyal clientele
of professional painters as well as around 1,000 paint supply stores.
Our teams are also very successful in the industrial coatings business.
‘RELIUS and BASF Coatings are a perfect match. In Europe, we have
gained applications with clear
growth potential, as well as competent employees who fit well with BASF
Coatings,’ Jahn emphasises.
Web: http://www.basf-coatings.de
Homeline
Sales Increase by 35%
Sales
of GAP's exclusive Homeline roofline range have increased by 35% from
December to the end of May. The home improvement stockist launched Homeline
last year to enable installers to offer a comprehensive range of roofline
products.
Sales have been boosted by the growth of Homeline sub stockists across
the UK.
Homeline is backed up but a wide range of marketing support including
brochures, leaflets and http://www.homeline.uk.com.
Joint Managing Director Simon Bird comments: ‘To keep ahead of the
competition GAP's customers need the highest quality products and the
most comprehensive range. We provide roofline installers with everything
they need to help them grow. If our customers grow, we grow!’
Tel: 01254 682888
Steel
Windows at Grand Designs Show
Steel
windows were one of the surprise hits at the recent Grand Designs Exhibition
in London's ExCel Centre.
The Steel Window Association stand attracted over 500 hundred visitors
- the general public with an interest in stylish homes and architects
who wanted to know what's new in steel windows.
A crowd pleasing feature of the SWA stand was a series of dramatically
different home project photographs.
Tel: 020 7637 3571
Email: info@steel-window-association.co.uk