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Deceuninck's
operating income increases by 24.9% in the first half
In a weak world economy, Deceuninck Group, worldwide manufacturer of PVCu
window systems and building profiles, has managed to increase its volume
of sales by 10%. Sales in the first half amounted to EUR 178 million,
a nominal growth of 4.5%. After two quarters, Deceuninck's operating margin
(EBIT) remained at the same high level as in 2001 - 12.1%. Operating income
rose by 24.9% to EUR 23.788 million and income before taxes by 15.8% to
EUR 18.795 million. Current profit after taxes rose by 6.5% to EUR 13.580
million.
As a result of wavering investor and consumer confidence, the construction
markets in Europe and the United States were slack. In the second quarter,
market growth was actually zero - also because of the poor climate on
the stock exchanges. In Germany, the total window market (aluminium, wood,
PVC) actually fell by 10%. In the United States, volume remained stable
since the weak renovation market was compensated by a vigorous market
in new construction.
In this unfavourable climate, Deceuninck has however implemented its strategy
in all its strength. This included strengthening its position in France
by taking over the extrusion site of Atlantem. In addition, the development
of new window systems, building profiles and home protection is being
accelerated and the production of tools completely modernised this year.
Over the first 6 months, sales amounted to EUR 178 million, a rise of
4.5%. They were chiefly influenced by the increasing movement of the client
portfolio to Large Accounts and the weakening of the US dollar, pound
sterling and above all the Turkish lira. Operational margins (EBITDA,
EBIT) remained at the high level of 2001 (21.4% and 12.1% respectively).
Operating income rose by 24.9% to EUR 23.788 million and income before
taxes by 15.8% to EUR 18.795 million. As a consequence of lower exempted
profits, the tax rate rose in comparison with 2001 and post-tax profits
grew less steeply: current profit after taxes rose by 6.5% to EUR 13.580
million. Deceuninck expects a lower tax rate for the total fiscal year.
The results were also influenced by the rise in conservatively valued
strategic stocks and substantial strategic costs. The burden of interest
fell by more than 25%. The other financial results were affected by additional
monetary losses in Turkey. In comparison with 2001, an exceptional exchange
gain - made the previous year through changes in the group structure -
must be taken into account.
CEO Clement De Meersman's assessment of the third and fourth quarters
of 2002 is favourable: 'Volumes with our big existing and new clients
are rising steadily and our new products, concepts and services are making
them more competitive. Deceuninck's geographical diversification continues
unabated. The productivity increases, cost reduction projects and optimisation
of our financial structures allow us to look forward to the second half
of the year with confidence and fully to endorse our growth forecasts".
The Deceuninck Groupis an integrated group of world format, specialised
in compounding, design, development, extrusion, finishing and recycling
of PVCu systems and profiles for the building industry. The company is
active in 32 countries, has 20 subsidiaries (production and/or sales)
and is supported by 1694 personnel, with 540 in Hooglede-Gits. Deceuninck
is number three in its sector world-wide and achieved consolidated sales
of 350.6 million EUR in 2001.
Tel. 051/23 92 20
http://www.deceuninck.com
The
Attack of the Killer Caterpillars???
It could have been a scene from a 1950s B movie - the walls were covered
in a writhing mass of brown hairy bodies. They were dropping from the
bushes like windfall apples. Was this some Hicksville farm in the middle
of the Kansas plains awaiting the invasion of creatures from outer space.
No - actually it was the Enfield based factory of Deceuninck fabricator
Everbrite Windows and Doors. Directors Trevor and Stefan Lugmayer looked
out of the window one day to see the bushes squirming and a growing number
of caterpillars crawling over the glass panes. Over the next 48 hours
the bushes were becoming increasingly heavy with the increasing volume
of caterpillars, so the experts were called in. Consequently they were
informed the building was suffering from an infestation of a rare species
of caterpillar that could be extremely dangerous.
'We
were told by the experts that these caterpillars bred like wildfire and
rapidly turned into brown tailed moths. These can cause severe respiratory
problems and blindness, and that the last recorded sighting of a brown
tailed moth was in Ealing back in 1993. Evasive action was taken - windows
closed, cars removed from the site, the area was cordoned off and the
exterminators called in,' said Everbrite's Trevor Lugmayer.
Naturally the rarity and bizarreness of the events incited the interest
of the media. Before long the mass of writhing brown caterpillars was
joined by a mass of writhing journalists keen to record the morning's
events in the interests of public safety.
Utter chaos reigned and more and more people were getting in on the act.
And it was here that events took a sharp turn. The moth-lovers brigade
got involved to give an opposite point of view to the invasion. It soon
transpired that the original prognosis was wrong. These were not brown
tailed moths of the extremely dangerous variety. Rather they were vapourer
moths completely harmless and indigenous to the area.
'Well that threw quite a lot of egg on quite a lot of faces,' continued
Trevor. 'From one story coming through on the midday news, by the 6pm
slot the angle had completely changed. There was a veritable caterpillar
frenzy going on.'
Suffice to say that the story ended happily ever after - though maybe
not for the caterpillars.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Glaverbel
Group: Results in Line with Forecasts
Against the background of a weak economy, the Glaverbel Group recorded
a slight fall in its net result (down 5%) and in its gross operating cash-flow
(down 2%) during the first half of 2002 compared with the same period
last year. These results, which are in line with forecasts given at the
last shareholders' meeting, illustrate the Group's capacity to stand up
to swings in the economy.
The main developments in the first half of the year were:
* A stable demand with arrival of new capacities, resulting in lower prices
for float glass.
* Measures taken to bring production capacity into line with market conditions,
in particular the temporary shutdown of the float plant in Tiel (NL).
* Good performance by products with high added value such as low emissivity
glass, solar control glass and fire-resistant glass.
* Sustained demand for automotive glass and further recovery of the Group's
automotive activities, in accordance with the '3 Years to Win' plan.
(1)
Operating income, plus depreciations, write-downs and provisions for operating
risks and charges.
(2) Results before taxes and extraordinary charges or income.
(3) Calculated in euros, excluding treasury shares. Compared with the
first half of 2001, the changes in the consolidation scope concern the
Fosbel joint venture and Bor Glassworks (RU), which were consolidated
by the equity method at the end of the first half of 2001; the former
is now proportionately and the latter fully consolidated.
Prospects
for the second half of 2002
The results for the second half of the year should be in line with the
trend already observed for the first half. On this basis, and barring
any significant change in the economic situation, the Glaverbel Group
confirms its forecasts for the year 2002, namely a slight decrease in
the net result.
Shareholdership and organisation
On 20 August, the Asahi Glass Company (AGC) announced that it had raised
its shareholding in Glaverbel to 99.11%, and also announced its intention
to make a squeeze out bid for the remaining 0.89% in the near future.
Prior to this, the Group's flat glass activities (Glaverbel: building
and industries) and automotive glass activities (Splintex) were formed
into two distinct operational entities within the new AGC worldwide organisation,
namely the Flat Glass Company and the Automotive Glass Company. Synergies
are now starting to emerge on a worldwide scale for these two entities,
each of which covers the three regions of Europe, North America and Japan/Asia.
Scott
Launches Masterglaze
Following the success of Cambrian Conservatory World, Andrew Scott has
launched Masterglaze Factory Outlet Centres, a new counter business aimed
at the local retail, trade and DIY markets in Wales.
Andrew Scott, Managing Director, explains the move; ‘Cambrian Conservatory
World has gone from strength to strength, since we restructured the compar~y
as a specialist conservatory retailer.
‘In the last 12 months, our conservatory sales have grown from £140,000
in April 2001 to £365,000 in April 2002. These figures have continued
to rise since the launch of our new build conservatory division, and plans
are already underway to open a luxury division using hardwood products
like Quantal's unique Natural patented real wood veneer internal cladding
system, later this year.
‘With the conservatory business firmly established, we then identified
a particular gap in the marketplace. Hence the launch of Mastergiaze,
targeting retail DIY and trade customers.’
The first Masterglaze outlet recently opened in Swansea and two further
outlets are planned to open along the M4 corridor within a year. Each
store will stock an extensive range of PVCu building supplies including
windows, doors roofline and cladding products, as well as conservatories
featuring the Quantal roofing system.
‘We offer an extensive range in a wide choice of styles and finishes,
providing customers with a one stop shop for their building requirements.
Another major selling point for Masterglaze factory outlets is the unique
Quantal conservatory roofing system, the product is aesthetically pleasing,
easy to install, durable and distinctively different.
‘The Masterglaze network has the considerable financial support and
with a structured approach and a tightly focused marketing strategy we
will achieve our goal of opening three outlets a year,’ he added.
Contact: Andrew Scott
Tel: 01792 798555
Quantal: contact: Richard Hulbert
Tel: 01626836403
BHD
Group to Launch an Ultra Low Cost Conservatory Range
A range of quality, ultra low cost conservatories is to be launched by
the BHD Group - the manufacturer of modular conservatories.
Easy-Frame is targeted primarily at the home improvement trade market
and will be available from the BHD Group from the end of September 2002.
Steve Bennett, BHD Group Sales and Marking Director, said; 'The BHD Group
regards the launch of the Easy-Frame range as one of the biggest product
developments in the HI market for the last 10 years. It has been developed
with the principal requirement of the UK's 4,000 plus independent home
improvement companies in mind.
'In Easy-Frame we have provided them with a value for money quality product
which they can confidently offer to homeowners, knowing it has the full
backing of the largest manufacturer of modular conservatories in Europe.'
The conservatory range includes the Victorian, Edwardian and the traditional
Lean-to, offering both dwarf wall or with full height panels.
Each panel within an Easy Frame conservatory is factory glazed with toughened
double glazed units to meet BS5713 and BS6206 Class A standards. The BHD
Group manufactures both the roof and panels, ensuring they are colour
matched. A 10-year guarantee completes the package.
Once ordered, delivery of an Easy-Frame conservatory can be within 21
days. On arrival it is ready to be erected and can be made fully secure
in as little as a day.
Steve Bennett added: 'The Easy-Frame conservatory range represents the
BHD Group's commitment to opening up the true potential of the conservatory
market to a wider audience and suitably compliments our existing range
of conservatory products.'
Shepley's
Keeping a Close Eye on Changing Rooms
Shepley is in close touch with its customers and firmly believe that the
product range it offers needs to be a reflection of current market needs.
Towards this the company recently carried out a survey of a random sample
of customers investigating the market demand and saleability of silver
handles, and is now offering this addition to its window hardware range.
The decision was inspired by changing fashions within the home improvement
areas and, in particular, the growing popularity of aluminium, chrome
and silver accessories for bathrooms and bedrooms. When surveyed 85% of
customers asked said that this option would benefit their business. 'I
know that our local competitors are not offering this option and it would
provide us with a USP', commented the sales and marketing director of
a large, midlands based retailer.
The new silver handle has the same features of the current options - stylish
shape, button and key locking facility, integral stop - and is now available
to Shepley customers, matching consumer trends for a modern, metallic
finish.
Gary Torr, managing director of Shepley, comments, 'Homeowners today want
a choice of colour and finish in virtually every domestic product. We
believe this new option may help customers to sell current trends and
confirms the fact that our customers are in a specialised sector of the
home improvement market.'
Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com
Trade
Building Plastics
TBP has now been a sub-stockist of Eurocell Building Plastics for over
five years, after initially seeing the Product Range at Glassex in 1998.
David Haines and his partner Peter Lambe stock the whole Eurocell range
from their 7000sq ft. outlet in Witney nr. Oxford just off the A40.
Over the past two years the partners have invested heavily in their business:
a new show room, a trade counter specifically to service customers wanting
Eurocell Building Plastics, a redesigned warehouse and storage facilities,
two new vehicles as well as taking on two new staff to cope with the increased
demand for the growing market.
The increased number of vehicles in the TBP fleet has allowed the company
to offer a free delivery to site to all customers requiring this service.
By delivering to site and business premises TBP is more aware of the market
conditions that its customers are in contact with, thus allowing TBP to
gauge product requirements more confidently.
TBP is looking to expand its business through a direct marketing campaign
as well as other components of the marketing mix.
Eurocell 01773 842 100
Trade Building Plastics t. 01993 774377 / f. 01993 774977
How
to Guard Yourself Against the Second Hand Blues
Newly appointed GTI-Kombimatec Sales Director Ian Wheatley has issued
a warning to customers on the perils of buying second hand machinery,
providing a list of guidelines for those looking to invest in used models.
Many smaller fabricators with limited resources or requirements look to
second hand machinery to answer their needs. However, says Ian Wheatley,
whilst good quality re-conditioned machinery can provide a relatively
effective alternative to new equipment, much of what is sold second hand
in the UK is of inferior quality and rarely provides the purchaser with
a long-term solution:
'Although GTI-Kombimatec specialises in manufacturing new machinery, we
do offer part-exchange allowances on existing equipment. Whilst we believe
that second-hand machinery can sometimes be a good medium-term solution,
we have also come across many companies who have made short-term investments
in cheap, low-grade machinery and have deeply regretted it.
'Whatever the fabricator's reasons for buying second-hand, he will still
expect a certain level of performance and reliability, which often isn't
far off what he would expect of a new machine. This is why we have issued
these guidelines to say: Make sure you know what you are buying.'
Amongst the pointers offered by GTI-Kombimatec in the company's guide
document are the following:
Before you buy, check the current market prices of similar new machines.
Is the price difference significant enough to make it truly worth buying
second-hand long-term?
If a machine is over 5 years old and offered at around 65% of the current
retail price for a new machine, insist that it is fully refurbished before
you buy, including re-wiring, air cylinder seal replacement, valve replacement
and bearings renewal
Beware machinery that is offered at 25% or less of the current price of
a new machine: Has it really been re-conditioned, or is it just a lick
of new paint?
Check that the machine you want to buy is already in the seller's hands.
Pre-selling creates pressure to deliver, a factor that often impacts on
quality and value for money
Is the original manufacturer's label displayed clearly on the machine
for identification? If not, you may have severe difficulties with finding
spare parts and selling the machine on when you want to upgrade
Always obtain a CE Certificate of Conformity for safety from your supplier
A full list of these guidelines may be obtained by contacting GTI-Kombimatec
Tel: 01582 455934
Web: http://www.gtikombi.co.uk
Investment
Boosts Performing Seals
Alfas Industries Ltd is investing in new production capacity to meet growing
demand for its specialist sealants used in the glass, glazing, building
and construction industries.
The company has recently installed a new purpose built machine from Elite
Cameron capable of converting bulk material into pre-formed cellular foam
tapes used in a variety of sealing applications around windows and doors,
as well as more specialist tapes which improve the security of modern
window and door systems.
(L-R) Tony Glenge, works engineer, Kevin Wood,
operations director and Brian Henderson, machine operator
The machine has been designed to Alfas specification to enable it to produce
any of over 150 adhesive products with minimal delay. Collaboration at
the design stage between Alfas engineers and production staff with Elite
Cameron enabled a number of unique features to be incorporated.
The £0.25 million investment has been supported with the creation
of several additional jobs taking the current workforce to 90.
The introduction of the new manufacturing plant will help to streamline
production processes and boost output at a time when the company is introducing
additional shift working to help meet demand.
Kevin Wood, Operations Director, said: 'We operate in a highly competitive
market, where a commitment to innovation and high quality technical products
have earned the company a leading reputation. This latest investment marks
our commitment to continuous improvement and finding better ways of working.
Enhanced productivity will enable us to maintain our market leading position,
providing a new platform for further success and expansion.'
Formed in 1981, the Alfas Group provides a wide range of sealant products
and systems. As well as Alfas Industries Ltd., in the last decade the
group has expanded its operations through the acquisition of the expansion
jointing specialists Compriband Ltd., now also based at Washington, and
the Leicestershire-based wet sealants and adhesives company Seal Strip
Ltd.
Tel: 0191 419 0505
Email: mailto:sales@alfas.com
Web: http://www.alfas.com
Conservaglass™
gets Demonstrative
Ultaframe, the international designer and manufacturer of conservatory
systems has launched a new marketing support package for ConservaglassTM,
the new innovation in sealed units.
Apart from standard trade brochures and promotional posters, the support
package is distinguished by a selection of Conservaglass™ demonstration
units. For the showroom is a full size unit - as seen at Glassex. Two
metres in height, the overhead unit displays standard and Conservaglass™
sealed units side-by-side - the solar reduction and insulating properties
of Conservaglass™ effectively contrasted to that of standard glass
by a powerful heat source. By standing beneath it, the heat transfer through
standard glass is palpable - while the space below Conservaglass™
remains cool and comfortable. A tabletop version is also available to
similarly convey the benefits of Conservaglass™.
Handheld units, incorporating a 250W infrared bulb are available for use
in the home or smaller showroom. Three glass samples slot into the cabinet,
demonstrating the thermal performance of Conservaglass™ compared
to the others.
Furthermore, a raft of materials aimed at the consumer - whether for use
in the showroom or during a 'sit' in the home - has also been produced.
These comprise a dedicated brochure, and explanatory video and CD ROM.
Research with homeowners in specially conducted focus groups illustrated
just how vital the 'heat lamp' test is to persuading consumers to specify
Conservaglass. Without exception each and every homeowner sampled agreed
to buy the product when faced with this sampling experience. The research
indicated that presently most homeowners are wafted seamlessly by the
trade towards a polycarbonate roof. The key to unlocking the potential
with Conservaglass is to ensure that retail salespeople and showroom staff
give fair consideration to all of the glazing options - hence the investment
of tens of thousands of pounds in the demonstration models, 'Conservaglass™
- exclusively by Ultraframe - is breaking the sealed unit market wide
open with its unrivalled combination of benefits; including outstanding
thermal performance, markedly lower heat gain, an industry-leading 20
year guarantee, protective films for easier handling and a low maintenance
'easy clean' finish. Overall, Conservaglass is about creating conservatories
for all seasons, ensuring homeowners maximise their use of the conservatory.
Ultraframe's impressive marketing support package is a further example
of its commitment to excellence and helping to dive the businesses of
its customers.' says the company.
Tel: 01200 443311
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
HW
PLASTICS SIGN INDIAN AGREEMENT
HW Plastics Limited, the UK PVC Window Systems manufacturer, has signed
a technology transfer agreement with Shriram Polytech Limited of India.
This agreement will enable Shriram Polytech to both extrude and fabricate
PVC-u windows in India using technology and know-how provided by HW Plastics.
Shriram
Polytech Limited is a subsidary of DSCL, one of India's leading manufacturers
of PVC, Feriliser, Cement & Sugar. The agreement was signed in New
Delhi by Mr J M Guerin, Chairman of HW Plastics Limited and Mr A J Shriram,
Chairman of DSCL, Shriram Polytech's parent company.
Mr Guerin commented: "We are excited by the potential for PVC windows
in India and look forward to working with Shriram Polytech to develop
the market. We have been impressed by the quality of the Shriram Polytech
management team and by the high reputation DSCL have as a company for
selling quality products."
Mr Shririn welcomed the signing of the agreement and stated he was looking
forward to working with HW Systems, whom they recognised as the ideal
partner to work with in developing the Idian PVC-u window market.
Profiles will be marketed in India under the Shriram-Spectus brand name
and HW Plastics personnel will support the development of both the extrusion
and fabrication facility. Mr Jim Brown, former Technical Director of Spectus,
will lead the project, with input from Mr Colin Jackson, Business Development
Director of HW Plastics Limited.
Dempsey
Wins Further Contracts
Deceuninck fabricator Dempsey Dyer has recently completed a supply and
install contract for Halifax based Southdale Homes involving 400 units
of an average eight windows per house. A further £115,000 contract
for 85 units has also been recently awarded to Dempsey Dyer by Southdale
Homes.
Southdale Homes was increasingly aware that PVCu was becoming a more favoured
option over timber, particularly in terms of security. Dempsey provided
samples of the Deceuninck Decorative suite, which was immediately approved
throughout the construction company, not just for its aesthetics, but
also because it genuinely offered all the relative British Standards and
BBA certificates that were, and still are, crucial when dealing with social
housing.
'It was quite worrying the number of fabricators coming to us offering
products that made claims of products 'complying' to the various quality
standards crucial to fenestration in construction,' said Andy Trowell.
'With Dempsey Dyer and Deceuninck we were confident that the products
we were getting were the absolute genuine articles that would withstand
the test of time as claimed.'
Tel: 01249 816969
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
New
CGI International Factory
Well on the way towards its December 2002 opening is the new purpose built
factory, at Haydock, Merseyside, UK, for fire-glass manufacturer, CGI
International Limited.
The
new factory will provide an increased capacity and specifically designed
facility, mainly for the manufacture of the company’s Pyroguard fire
glass product range and comes just four years after CGI was created by
the Management/Institutional Buy-out (MBO/IBO) of the glass division,
previously part of the Colebrand Group.
Says Tom Ritchie, Managing Director and leader of the MBO in 1998, 'This
is really a return to the spiritual home of Pyroguard, whose invention
took place in Haydock’s neighbouring town of St Helens.
'We have many employees, who were with the original company in St Helens
and who have been travelling to our Warrington factory for the past five
years. This is a very convenient home-coming for them also and good reward
for the people who have helped us to develop and manufacture fire glass
products, which last year we sold to some 20 different export countries.'
CGI's fire glass, Pyroguard, is claimed to be the only non-wired fire
glass wholly made in England and competes both in the UK and Internationally
with fire glass products from a host of manufacturers, mostly from continental
Europe and the Far East.
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://cgii.co.uk
Patiomaster
now in North West
Patiomaster has strengthened its regional fabricator base with the appointment
of Patiomaster North West based in West Yorkshire.
Operating from 3,000 sq ft premises, the company is run by brothers Philip
and Martin Lawton, who already run their own successful trade fabrication
business.
In just four weeks, the company has grown to the extent that the directors
will have to recruit more staff. And with some promising projects in the
pipeline, they are confident about the future.
Comments Martin: 'There is a lot of demand for this product in the north
west and we are seeing that once customers have tried the patio door,
they come back with more orders.'
They have been particularly impressed with technical and sales support
from Patiomaster which has helped the business to gain a successful start.
Patiomaster North West offers its customers a five working day turnaround
on patios, with weekly deliveries throughout the area from Cumbria, across
to Liverpool and North Wales.
The Patiomaster UK network comprises a well-established national network
of nine locally-based fabricators offering a dedicated ready-made in-line
patio door service for fabricators and installers.
Contact Philip or Martin on 01484 840440.
Patiomaster Tel: 01952 210850
Revolutionary
Glass Anchor Makes World Debut on Facade in London
An undercut glass anchor, which fixes glazing panels without the fixings
penetrating through the glass, has made its debut in a prestigious new
development at Century House, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
The Sheerglaze FZP-G system patented by German manufacturer fischer, has
been engineered and installed by Metal UK, part of the LMC Group, the
sole UK agent. The undercut holes in the glazing panels are drilled at
the first drilling centre in the country. The work is carried out by another
LMC Group company, Glass UK, using a CNC-controlled static drilling machine
supplied by fischer. The panels are then toughened and heat-treated.
Metal
UK provided the solution for the Westminster Bridge Road contract, from
design, engineering and installation, all carried out by operatives trained
by LMC Group's specialist training and recruitment company Skillbroker.
The project included the design, supply and installation of glazing elements
for the project's impressive entrance screen elevation, as well as curtain
walling on an adjacent link bridge. The entrance screen elevation has
an overall height of 11m and a width of 15m, with two sides at 7m wide,
using 10mm tinted green glass.
'We are delighted to be leading the way in this revolutionary new technology,'
says LMC Group managing director Rod Milicevic. 'We believe that this
product will take the bolted glass fixing sector by storm - in terms of
the aesthetic impact, it is streets ahead of existing technology. We are
also particularly pleased to be able to demonstrate the full capability
of LMC Group companies involved in the project - this fits well with our
Architectural Intelligence ethos, supplying a full range of vertically
integrated services, from design to engineering, training and installation.'
Tel: 01895 629940
Email: mailto:info@lmcgroup.co.uk
Web: http://www.lmcgroup.co.uk
'New
Flat Building Lowers Window and Door Markets' says Palmer
Palmer's latest report on the £400 million market for Windows, Doors
and Conservatories in British New House Building expresses concern that
the vigorous trend towards the building of flats will restrict the window
market over the next few years. 'Naturally, we examine all relevant factors
in produclng our forecasts', says Palmer, 'and the last three years have
shown a significant trend in the proportion of private flats built across
all regions. In spite of Government expectations of increased housebuilding,
the actual growth for windows will be affected by this.'
NHBC figures show that the proportion of new build starts of flats and
terraced housing increased across the country, offset by a fall in detached
houses between 2000 and 2001. What makes this report unique is Palmer's
own figures based upon 618 personal interviews, and a databank of historical
information that helps to highlight trends.
As expected, PVCu continued to gain share in the window market in 2001,
although at a slower rate than before, to 75% overall (77% in the private
sector). But there were some surprises as well. For example, aluminium
saw a resurgence with a dramatic 70% increase to its highest level for
12 years, .and in the social housing sector PVCu actually declined by
20%, partly due to a 6% growth in softwood which benefited from an increase
in prefinished products.
The
chart shows patio door trends by type over ten years in New Build Housing.
Each year Palmer deepens the detail in his analysis, and this year's 'easy
to read' report increases the number of analytical tables to 107, each
accompanied by 'key comments' informing the executive reader at a glance.
This year's report is even more thorough, with the information we have
learned to expect from Palmer, expressed by 'mega-region' (South, Midlands
& Wales, North, & Scotland) so that regional trends may be clearly
identified. New in this report are, how windows are bought through different
distribution channels, and regional differences in window styles.
For instance, there were over 4 million casement lights used in new housing
last year, and that in the South 36% of casement windows had four or more
lights, while in the Midlands only 22% had that number. Another intriguing
fact shows that, compared with the national average of 26%, the North
of England has 37% of sealed units of 24mm width or more; which may seem
obvious until one realises that Scotland has the lowest level - only 22%
- of windows with wider units.
Entrance doors have seen the biggest changes over the past ten years and
the trend continues with steel-faced, PVCu and hardwood all gaining share
at the expense of softwood which declined 47% in the year. The overall
effect was that average installed prices rose slightly. Palmer notes that
small builders (under 50 starts p.a.) have now started to take steel faced
doors in quantity, with nearly one-third of doors used by this group in
2001, compared with one in twelve the year before.
The trend in Patio doors from sliding to hinged continues, with PVCu having
the largest market share in both categories; smaller house builders, though,
seem to have swung back to preferring softwood for hinged doors, with
49% of their installations being in this material, up from 30% the year
before.
In spite of the trend to flats and maisonettes, conservatories on new
build private
housing had an excellent year in 2001, to reach a record installed value
of £18 million. The real growth came in the Midlands & Wales,
with an apparent six-fold increase, and in the North where the numbers
doubled in the year. Part of the research involved asking builders if
their plans were to increase conservatory building, and 29% more said
'yes' than 'no'. Large house builders were even keener. This has been
incorporated into Palmer's forecasts for the next five years.
A new separate section details each Region separately and makes forecasts
for each, while another section of this comprehensive report is devoted
to hardware for both windows and doors, relating the different hardware
types to the individual products analysed in the year.
Lastly, Palmer's economic forecast accompanies the report so that the
assumptions used in arriving at the product-by product predictions can
be scrutinised and acted upon should conditions change.
This report is available direct from Palmer Market Research at £2750
+vat with a hot-line telephone service regarding the interpretation af
the data
Tel: 020 8390 8131
Email: mailto:info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk
Web: http://www.
palmermarketresearch.co.uk