Very
interesting article regarding the Which? report on sales practices. I
run a small independant window/conservatory company and unlike most small
companies I aim at the top end of the market. Therefore my prices are
similar to Everest - as with anything in life, one gets what one pays
for.
The frustrating thing with the national companies is the highly unprofessional
way in which they offer a price to a customer and then within 24 hours
reduce it by in some cases by 50%! How unprofessional is that? (with the
exception of Everest whom do not under value their products by 'giving'
them away)
Of course the biggest problem in our industry is the distinct lack of
brand awareness. The other problem along those lines, making it difficult
to generate brand awareness, is that a good extrusion does not necessarily
mean that a high quality window will reach the end user. It is so dependant
on sevaral factors i.e how the window is fabricated, the quality of the
components. And then of course it's no good having a top of the range
window installed by turkeys. On top of that when buying windows its not
just the hardware one is buying its a ten year service.
I cannot think of any other product on the market guaranteed for 10 years.
Therefore if a consumer wants a good reliable after sales service for
the full ten years they must expect to pay for it. Of course naturally
not many people think such long term - consumers and window installers.
This FENSA thing is great though. Our company has been installing K glass
as standard for six years in windows and conservatories plus fitting fire-hinges
in bedrooms. We now have the pleasure in paying another 'quango' organisation
for the privelege of telling us we are doing things exactly as we always
were!!! What a con the whole thing is. It's obvious the dodgy cowboy window
fitters simply will not register their jobs with building control - and
lets not be under any false illusion there is no way building control
or Fensa could monitor this. All one has to do is drive around at weekends
to see unmarked vans fitting windows.
Rather than building regs. lets see planning permission on window installations.
All you need to do is drive around and see how window companies vandalise
people's houses with highly inappropriate designs. Normally because the
sales people from these high profile, pile it high sell it cheap companies
talk people out of opening windows to make their quotations seem cheap
compared to the genuine salesperson that has given good advice, simply
ruining the balance the original windows gave the property.
Regards, Eddie Burgess.
VAT
Issue is Clear Cut says the GGF after pre-budget statement
After
a year in which the glazing industry has pledged its support to saving
energy, the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) was again disappointed
that the Chancellor in his pre-Budget address did not tackle the issue
of a VAT reduction for replacement windows.
Housing and energy efficiency are priority issues for the Government.
Indeed at this week's National Home Improvement Council Awards (NHIC)
these two specific areas were highlighted by Parliamentary Under Secretary
of State at the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister, Tony McNulty MP.
The UK needs to meet its energy efficient targets as well as ensuring
that the existing housing stock is kept in good condition.
'We believe that with the changes to the Building Regulations this year
and the associated increased use of energy efficient Low Emissivity glass
in all replacement windows, the Government should recognise the major
impact these will have on saving energy.' said GGF Chief Executive, Nigel
Rees.
He continued, 'A reduction in VAT will provide the Government with a 'win
win'
situation in a number of areas. These include reducing carbon dioxide
emissions into the environment which will help the UK meet its 2010 targets;
keeping the existing housing stock in good condition and finally helping
the industry in its battle to combat the cowboys.'
Contact: Catherine Hogan
Tel: 020 7207 5864
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Construction Products Association pleased with Chancellor's Pre Budget Report
The
Construction Products Association was pleased to find in the detail of
the Chancellor's Pre Budget Report, particular reference to transparency
in delivering high quality public services. Commenting on the Government's
commitment to increasing the level of investment in the built environment,
Jean Emblin, External Affairs Director, said: "The Association
welcomes the Chancellor's determination to ensure that the public receives
regular and reliable information on progress being made against the Public
Service Agreements (PSAs) set following this year's Comprehensive Spending
Review.
"For some time the Association has been calling for effective and
consistent monitoring of Government's output targets, and our recently
published Achievable Targets? Is Government Delivering? clearly sets out
the areas on which the Government needs to concentrate its efforts."
In reiterating the Government's determination to secure value for money
in delivering high quality public services, the Chancellor outlined his
immediate plans for increased transparency:
• Publication of twice yearly departmental progress reports against
PSA targets
• A Treasury website providing links to Departments' PSA progress
reports, Technical Notes, Service • Delivery Agreements and Departmental
Investment Strategies
Commencing April 2003, regular web based reporting of progress against
all the new PSA targets
Restructuring
at HW has more than Financial Repercussions
Heywood
Williams saw its shares fall 17 per cent (to 144p) after a profits warning.
The Huddersfield-based building products group said that full-year profits
before exceptionals would come in just under last year's £18.1m.
Analysts had looked forward to underlying profits of around £23.5m.
Chief
executive Ian Stuart (pictured) - who has been regarded as the architect
of recovery at the group - said that the first problem lay with the British
plastics systems division, which has been hit by higher than expected
one-off costs arising from the disruption caused by combining four warehouses
into one site - which cost the company around £5m.
'We underestimated the impact of running one big warehouse instead of
four small ones,' he said.
The second problem was a recent deterioration in the retail fabrication
division, which includes Coldseal.
Excuses include the market 'falling away in June when the country was
too wrapped up in the Jubilee celebrations and the World Cup to think
about home improvements', but as we reported in The Glazine last week,
there has also been a significant shift in public perception against the
'Nationals' because of aggressive sales techniques and poor service, according
to a Which? report issued last month.
In the group's defence, Ian Stuart said:
'While volumes have recovered, new government regulations insisting on
better glass means that costs have risen. These new regulations have added
8 per cent to the total installation costs and it will be some time before
we retrieve that increase.'
On top of that he admitted that Coldseal is not operating as efficiently
as he would like.
'We have had some management churn. This is an ongoing problem, but we're
tacking it,' he said.
The third problem is the American PVC pipe market, which is still weak.
Following the difficulties, Mr Stuart estimated that the group was now
a year behind its earnings turnaround plan.
'We are confident that these operational issues will be successfully addressed
leading to a UK turnaround in 2003,' he said. 'Four out of six divisions
are still doing well, with profits not falling'.
'The payback was always supposed to be next year - the pain in getting there has just been greater than anticipated'.
The dividend, however, was maintained at last year's levels.
'The
Shield Conservatory System has proved a huge hit because it provides Synseal
Shield fabricators with significant benefits over other conservatory roofs.
Word spread about the system and Synseal is inundated with requests from
fabricators of other systems. But they can't use the Shield System because
it can only be sold to Synseal fabricators and we have no intention of
changing this policy.' says Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director
of Synseal Extrusions Ltd.
However Synseal is about to launch a conservatory roof system for non-Synseal
fabricators called Global. Nick explains: 'It doesn't have all the benefits
of the Shield Conservatory System but it still has more benefits than
the alternatives currently available to fabricators of other systems.
If non-Synseal fabricators want the full benefits of the Shield Conservatory
they will still have to become a Synseal fabricator.
'We are currently in the process of getting new tooling made specifically
for Global. Once this is in place we will be ready for launch, which we
anticipate will be in quarter one 2003.
'
Tel: 01623 443200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Shepley
Modular Conservatories
Shepley
has recently launched a range of modular conservatories to enable customers
to order frames, roof and polycarb in a one-stop shop service. The customer
chooses the conservatory style, specifies the position of the door and
the rest is down to Shepley. The options available are limited so that
cost savings can be passed on to more price sensitive customers.
Steve Hacking, general manager of conservatories, comment, 'The products
chosen for this range are based on the best use of materials, allowing
our customers to enjoy cost savings and helping them to compete against
the budget end of the market.
'The Modular Conservatory range was not only designed for the retail market,
but is also ideal for new build because all products are available at
a fixed cost and meet specification standards. It makes it so much easier
for our customers' to quote for jobs. In this business you must be competitive
and this new range will help to give our customers the edge.'
Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com
Rare
Iron Age Glass Bead from the Yaverland Excavation
The
recent Time Team excavations at Yaverland produced an enormous number
of pottery finds plus Roman metalwork and coins. Yet among the most prized
possessions of the Island Archaeology Unit is this small glass bead measuring
just 25mm x 8 mm, found amongst Iron Age domestic rubbish.
The
bead (pictured) is moulded glass and has a irregular and discontinuous
band of opaque yellow glass (or vitreous paste) around the inner side,
applied in such a way that it glows through the colourless glass. This
type of bead is a northern French import and dates from second century
BC to first century AD, dying out with the Roman conquest. Very few have
ever been found in Britain. Glass beads became much more common after
the Romans introduced the industrial method of cutting beads from a drawn
tube.
Beads have been part of every culture throughout history. They have been
made from many different materials such as seeds, berries, shell, gold,
stone, silver and glass. Typically necklaces would be hung on a leather
thong and could range from featuring a few identical beads to being heavily
adorned with many different items.
The Yaverland bead was found in a Late Iron Age gully which was probably
a foundation for a building within a settlement. It was amongst general
domestic rubbish within the gully which also included local Iron Age Vectis
Ware pottery.
Pilkington
Activ™ Continues 200 Years of Historical Links with Pennine Trail
Walkers
and cyclists travelling along the Trans Pennine Trail - a recreational
route that stretches 215 miles coast to coast - will now be able to plot
their journey with ease thanks to the donation of 30 sheets of Pilkington
Activ™ self-cleaning glass for use on notice boards placed along
the route, which stretches from Southport/Liverpool to Holllsea/Hull.
The
Trans Pennine Trail has been developed over the last 12 years by a partnership
of 26 local authorities and was partially funded by the National Lottery's
Millennium Commission. Pilkington has strong historical links with part
of the Trail, which runs along the Sankey Canal at St Helens. Much of
the Trail follows surfaced canal towpaths like this one, or disused railway
paths which make it an easy going route that can be enjoyed by all including
families. The Sankey Canal, England's first industrial waterway was constructed
in 1757 and allowed Pilkington to prosper by enabling the rapid transportation
of local sand and coal to the St Helens factory. The Canal has now benefited
from a new lease of life as part of the Trans Pennine Trail.
Supplied through Pilkington Plyglass, the 4mm toughened Pilkington Activ™
glass is being used as a facing material for notice boards located along
the trail at Southport, Barnsley and Hornsea.
Used to display important information such as route maps and contact numbers,
the notice boards, originally made from plastic materials, had been damaged
by vandalism and needed updating. Pilkington Activ™ was used for
its environmental benefits along with its ability to keep itself clean
as you no longer need harsh cleaning detergents to clean the notice boards
which eliminates the danger of those chemicals entering the environment.
The idea to replace them with Pilkington Activ™ - which has a special
self-cleaning coating - was put forward by Pilkington laboratory employee
David Martlew, whose friend and keen cyclist David Moore of the Society
of Glass Technology had mentioned the issue to him.
Comments David Martlew: 'The Trans Pennine Trail has been very beneficial
to the Sankey Canal project and to the whole area. As a company, we owe
a great debt to the Canal and a project such as this that contributes
to the restoration of the local environment is deemed a very worthy cause.'
Louise Owens, Trans Pennine Trail Officer, is pleased to have Pilkington's
support for the project: 'It's quite exciting that such a new and ground-breaking
product is being used in this way, and really there's no better test bed
for it! It's also nice to have a connection with a local company that
understands the importance of the Trail both at a regional and national
level. Pilkington's historical links with the area also made the company's
involvement highly appropriate. I'm very thankful for their sponsorship
and their enthusiasm for the project.'
Tel: 01744 28882
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Email: mailto:transpenninetrail.org.uk
Web: http://www.transpenninetrail.org.uk
New
Machines Will Boost Production For Hurst Plastics
Hurst
Plastics, the UK door panel manufacturer, is investing £250,000
in three state-of-the-art machines which will increase the company's vac
forming capacity.
The three additional twin-head vac formers will have a combined production
capacity of nearly 20,000 panel skins per week - a 30% increase on the
company's existing capacity.
'As well as being faster, the new machines also provide sharper definition
on the skins, reduced downtime to change tools, increased efficiency and
reliability, reduced raw material wastage, and increased automation.'
says the company.
Tel: 01482 789000
Email: mailto:info@hurst-plastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.com
Ecoline
Follows Flowline with Record Sales and Interest
The
Stuga Ecoline stand-alone Prepping Centre launched at Glassex 2002 is
enjoying interest and sales in keeping with it's big brother the Flowline
fully automatic Sawing & Prepping Centre.
To the middle of October nine machines have been sold and three installed;
two more were installed later in October.
Recent purchasers include Crystal Windows in Manchester, Northern Trade
Frames in Leeds and Trade Window Specialists in Malvern, Worcestershire.
'A recent installation at GRM Windows of Pontyclun South Wales has gone
exceptionally well and this Rehau fabricator is already wondering how
he managed before he had the machine.' says the company.
The Ecoline automatically carries out the following preps: drainage/pressure
equalisation/upstand removal, espag/shootbolt, trickle vent,'V' and 'Y'
notches plus 'Q' cuts together with all door preps including letterboxes
and hinges.
Window and door sections direct from the saw/saws are barcoded and the
Ecoline operator only has to pass the part over a barcode scanner and
place it on the machines infeed from which point it is taken automatically
through all machining processes and returned back to the operator for
stacking. Virtually no skill is needed for this simple one-person operation.
The Ecoline will work in conjunction with any type or combination of saws,
however some fabricators are finding it a good time to upgrade to a Stuga
Automatic Saw Centre in order to do the Ecoline even greater justice.
The Ecoline is compatible with all office software systems including First
Degree, Business Micros, Windowmaker, Calibum etc and is best fully networked
into the office system. Stuga software and hardware specialists, in close
liaison with the office software company, undertake all software issues
and networking.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:stuga@eurotec.org
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
Steel
Windows for Talkback Project
Steel
Window Association member Vista Brunswick has played a full part in enabling
a leading architectural practice to achieve its aesthetic and practical
ambitions in amalgamating a pair of properties into a new headquarters
for Mel Smith and Griff RhysJones' production company.
Talkback
Productions has stayed true to its roots in moving just a short distance
from its birthplace in central London to the reconfigured properties in
Newman Street, just off Oxford Street. Vista Brunswick's contribution
has been to fabricate and install a series of sliding doors as well as
a large glazed screen which encloses the reception area and is pivotal
to the way the redefined courtyard works with the rest of the accommodation.
Six metres long and with substantial returns, manoeuvering the main screen
into the congested working area called on the specialist glazing contractors
long experience; while it was also able to offer Buschow Henley, the architectural
consultant, its design expertise in assisting with planning and detailing.
The Partner in Charge of the project, Mr Simon Henley, comments: 'The
steel sections we chose suited the scale of the installation, offering
the strength and flexibility to achieve fairly large spans of either fixed
or moveable screens.
'Jansen steel sections in particular are recognised as offering aesthetic
simplicity and the client has been very pleased with the end result.'
Vista Brunswick used jansen sections in fabricating the frames, finishing
the steel elements in a grey polyester powder coat that will act with
the galvanizing protection to deliver long, maintenance free life.
A Specifers Guide to Steel Windows and List of Members is available free
from the Steel Window Association, The Building Centre, 26 Store Street,
London WC1E 7BT. Tel: 020 7637 3571
Email: mailto:info@steel-window-association.co.uk
New
Quadrobot Represents Georgian Assembly for the Future
UKae's
recently launched Quadrobot automated Georgian bar assembly machine claims
the capacity to produce up to I80 Georgian grilles per hour.
The
Quadrobot - manufactured in Germany by Rottler and Rudiger - was launched
at Glasstec 2002, where it was first singled out by UKae as representing
the future of automated Georgian bar assembly. Quadrobot is currently
up to five installations in Europe with another four being built for commissioning
in the first quarter of 2003. The Quadrobot can enable larger-scale manufacturers
to achieve faster turn-around on their Georgian requirements, with all
types of Georgian assembly accommodated by the machine.
Comments UKae's Managing Director Garry Ealing:
'Once again UKae is at the forefront of the industry in introducing the
very latest and most efficient technology to the UK market. The Quadrobot
offers the fastest Georgian assembly currently achievable, and will therefore
provide our customers with the best assembly service currently available.
As the machine is very new to the UK market and its benefits are significant,
Ukae believe Quadrobot will become the Georgian equipment that everyone
talks about in the months to come.'
Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk
Millenco
Invests in Customer Specific R&D
Millenco
Hardware is investing half a million pounds in new facilities at its Wolverhampton
based manufacturing unit. The funds will go towards an extension to the
existing building to create more room for warehousing and distribution.
The facilities will also include a dedicated area for the company's growing
research and development operation.
Increasing
demand for Millenco's locking system is a primary factor behind this investment.
However, a further significant investment in the latest 3D CAD prototyping
software is encouraging greater demand from Millenco customers for independently
designed and engineered security solutions for greater individuality in
window branding.
'Millenco has succeeded in reducing the 'art to part' time of hardware
products,' said technical director Nigel Ridgway (pictured). 'Until now
the design cycle on hardware has been too long winded and expensive for
fabricators to get involved at the conception stage. We now have the capacity
to work quickly and efficiently on individual designs. The cost effectiveness
of the system even allows the smaller to medium sized fabricators to get
involved in bespoke projects.'
The new factory extension will house facilities for all R&D test criteria
to enhance product development.
Tel: 01902 454543
Email: mailto:sales@millenco.net
Web: http://www.millenco.net
Sash
Boosts Production with lnstallation of new Manual Handling Line
The
new build market requirement of fully glazed and furnished windows being
delivered to site has resulted in the installation of a 30 metre glass
manual handling line being installed at Sash UK's window, door and conservatory
manufacturing facility near Barnsley.
The
new line has been built to a bespoke design to cope with increased demand
generated by Sash and a number of installer customers enjoying success
in the new build market. Sash felt that the pressure for large volume
orders to be shipped complete could disrupt production so the company
took the decision to pre-empt such a scenario by installing the line now.
The machine includes powerful vacuum lifting units to move heavy windows
and door IGUs into frames with ease. Now carried out by a single operator,
four people were previously required for such an operation.
The risk of damage during handling, transit and on site is negated by
substantial packaging of the fully finished frames, the process of which
is a key function of the new line. As with the rest of the Sash plant,
all functions are controlled throughout the production process by a custom-designed
bar coding system to ensure accuracy and coordination.
Paul Bird Sash UK's Operations Director commented: 'The new line has made
a difficult job very easy for our operators, as well as substantially
reducing any safety concerns associated with the task of handling glass.
Accordingly, efficiency is also very significantly improved, with large
new build orders being easily processed whilst the factory retains its
flexibility for handling individual orders.'
Contact: Nick Hibberd
Tel: 01226 719969
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Duraflex
Drives Distribution Forward
Duraflex
has undergone a major review of its distribution arrangements. This has
also included introducing new livery for all vehicles.
The change of transport contractor was seen as the perfect opportunity
to roll out the next phase of the company’s corporate style, which
is part of an ongoing development of brand image and positioning. The
new livery design reflects the ‘Natural Choice’ promotional
strapline, currently appearing on Duraflex advertisements and brochures
and, whilst still featuring the familiar blue and white corporate colour
scheme, it has been refreshed and enhanced with a dynamic treatment of
the Duraflex logo and ‘Flying D’ motif.
Nationwide deliveries are now handled by an experienced haulier, with
a dedicated fleet of rigid and curtain-sided vehicles. The increased number
and size of vehicle available under the new contract is enabling Duraflex
to provide a a faster turnaround time for most orders, and means the company
no longer needs to hire additional non-branded trucks during busy periods.
Depending on individual customer needs, regular scheduled deliveries vary
from twice a week to three times a day, so helping fabricators keep stock
levels to a minimum. All drivers are uniformed and have general window
industry experience. Regular contact with vehicles out on the road is
via mobile phone, and installation of a satellite tracking system in each
cab is under development.
The changes follow a comprehensive review of the warehousing and distribution
function by Duraflex Supply Chain Manger, Steve Heavens. ‘The result
is a sustained improvement in the company’s delivery performance,
with over 90% COTD (complete and on time delivery). We’ve worked
closely with our customers over the last two years to gain a better understanding
of their needs and expectations. We are now confident in our ability to
supply them with the products they want, exactly when they want them,
and the new livery embodies our determination to be the ‘Natural
Choice’ in PVC-U,’ comments Steve.
Contact: Neil Roberts
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Amongst
a number of new vehicles to have recently joined the expanding Corby Windows
transport fleet is an 18 tonne Scania with a special body and sleeper
cab.
As transport manager Phil Redfern commented, 'We need to get the maximum
capacity from our vehicles. Whether it's a delivery of just one window
to dozens, mixed loads that could also include sealed units, conservatories
and doors have to be delivered to customers wherever they happen to be.
The carrying capability of the new truck, the sleeper cab and special
body means that in spite of a greater product range and increasing numbers
of trade customers, we can maintain our consistently good delivery service.'
The body, which was developed in close co-operation with the vehicle supplier
using the advice of experienced CWG's drivers, is of special interest.
Deliveries are often made in all sorts of difficult situations so maximum
versatility and ease of access was required. Health and safety when loading
and unloading was also considered. Non- slip surfaces have been applied
in sensitive areas plus side access shutters on both sides to reduce the
potential for accidents when off-loading glass and smaller items.
Contact: Jason Wilder
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
Chemetall
Helps to Save Sealant - Studies reveal that up to 27% sealant are wasted
During
the processing of insulating glass up to 27 % and on average between 5
and 10 percent are wasted. This astounding result followed studies by
Chemetall in over 100 factories across Europe.This figure includes all
amounts of sealant which do not end up in the edge seal of IG units but
go to waste in one form or another.
The result of this high level of wastage is not only unnecessary high
costs per running metre of edge seal but also in addition avoidable excessive
disposal costs. Whilst most sealant suppliers accept well-sorted sealant
components, the legally required notification processes are becoming increasingly
complex and costly.
'The individual assessment showed substantial potential for savings -
including those which felt their wastage levels were acceptable' comments
Harald Kahles who was involved in the studies
As a consequence Chemetall offers the processors of Naftotherm M82 sealant
a comprehensive check of their procedures as a service. The results of
the studies are converted to suggestions for improvement. Harald explains:
'Experience shows that after the implementation of these measures the
volume of inefficiently used material is reduced.'
In order to avoid bad practices creeping back in, the efficiency check
is designed as a self-help programme. Staff from the production are involved
in the study, enabling them to monitor and progress the wastage reduction
process once the Chemetall staff have withdrawn.
'We help our customers to realise true saving potentials without compromising
product quality' says Gerrit Fülling, General Manager of the Chemetall
Glass Division. 'A pre-requisite for the sustainable success of these
measures is to use a quality sealant like Naftotherm M82 with consistent,
reliable processing qualities.'
Contact : Guido Kruppa
Tel: +49 69 7165 2030
Email:mailto:glass@chemetall.com
Web: http://chemetall.com
Ashton
Exports 35 Seaming Lines Worldwide
At
the 1998 Glasstec exhibition, Ashton Industrial premiered its Automatic
Seaming Line, which is able to automatically seam random sized/thickness
lites.
Lance Porter, proprietor and CEO of All Weather Architectural Aluminium
in California invested in the first Ashton Seaming Line to be installed
in the United States.
The Ashton Line gave All Weather a competitive edge in processing large
volumes of tempered glass for their customers, especially the ‘don’t
touch’ soft coat Low E glasses.
The original seaming line still turns out seamed glass at approximately
15 seconds a lite, however All Weather was aware, through its good relationship
forged with Ashton, that the performance of the Auto Seaming Line had
dramatically improved through ongoing research and development.
In November 2001 a new plant was under construction and the decision was
taken to invest in the latest Ashton fast track Reverse ‘G’
layout Auto Seaming Line. This new line is capable of processing random
size/thickness fully seamed lites at a rate of 6-8 seconds per piece.
The new line in conjunction with automated cutting and break out delivers
glass to the furnace in a co-ordinated continuous flow.
All Weather also minimises production labour with an automatic laser logo
system, again adding to the competitive edge.
Ashton Industrial has now sold more than 35 Seaming Lines to companies
in the U.S. and Europe.
Contact: Steve Blundell
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8551 4046
Email: mailto:sblundell@ashton-industrial.com
Web: http://www.ashton-industrial.com
Schüco
Roadshow Completes UK Demonstration Tour
The
UK leg of the Schüco lnternational Demonstration Lorry Tour has come
to an end in Guildford bringing its total distance covered throughout
Europe this year to over 300,000 kilometres.
Over the past two weeks, the Schüco lorry has visited six UK locations
carrying out a range of product and machinery demonstrations aimed at
those involved in the fabrication of steel and aluminium window systems.
The tour schedule has taken in Newcastle, Bradford, Walsall, Bristol and
Guildford as well as the Schüco GB headquarters in Milton Keynes.
Schüco engineers and advisers were on hand at each location to demonstrate
a range of fabrication machinery and explain how reducing on-site labour
can also lead to reduced costs.
The colourful Schüco lorry, which is 16.5m long and weighs over 40T,
will now be continuing its European tour in Turkey and Greece before returning
to Germany to be refurbished in March 2003.
Tel: 01908 282111.
Web: http://www.schueco.de
Asahi
Glass has Decided to Withdraw from its Domestic PVC Sales
Asahi
Glass Co. Ltd, headquartered in Tokyo, has decided to withdraw from its
domestic PVC sales operations as of December this year.
PVC is mainly used in the fields of construction and civil engineering
for pipes or construction materials, etc. but domestic demand for PVC
has recently been declining due to such factors as a decrease in domestic
public works projects and the number of new housing starts alongside with
accelerating overseas PVC user shift, its domestic demand in 2001 came
to 1.5 million tons, just over 70 percent of its peak time level. And
Asahi's PVC sales volume has also dipped to 20,000 tons, corresponding
to 25 percent of its peak time level.
In view of this domestic demand situation, Kureha Chemical Industry Co.,
Ltd. to which the company commissions PVC production, has recently expressed
its intention to transfer its PVC business to Taiyo Vinyl Chloride Co.,
Ltd. Asahi has decided to withdraw from domestic PVC business operations,
seizing this opportunity, because a future recovery in its domestic demand
cannot be expected.
Asahi will continue its PVC business operations in Indonesia, Thailand,
and Pakistan, because demand for PVC in these countries is expected to
grow in the future. And the company plans to continue VCM business operations
at a venture company named Keiyo Monomer Co., Ltd. jointly set up by Asahi
Glass Co., Ltd., Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd., and Maruzen Petrochemical
Co., Ltd, because demand for VCM is expected to accelerate in Asian markets
centering around the Chinese market. Also, Asahi will continue its electrolysis
at its Chiba factory , as its core business.
Tel: + 81-3-3218-5408
Spectra
Conservatory Roofs Ltd
New
business venture Spectra Conservatory Roofs Ltd has joined forces with
K2 Conservatory Roof Systems.
Formed in September 2002, Spectra is run by five colleagues, who have
a total of 33 years experience within the conservatory manufacturing industry
gained through employment with another roof systems company.
Located in Newton Abbott, Devon, the company is well situated to provide
both the Devon and Cornwall counties with an efficient service.
No expense was spared to ensurie that the new business venture operated
to maximum efficiency. Implementation of Spectra’s capital investment
programme has seen the purchase of a new 3,500 sq ft purpose built facility,
state of the art fabricating equipment, and two delivery vehicles to service
the demand of their customer base.
The company currently fabricates an average of 10 roofs per week, with
forecasted levels set to rise to 30 roofs per week in the near future.
Spectra’s managing director, Darren Goddard, commented: 'The decision
to choose K2 as our roof system supplier was simple. As a company that
is currently operating clearly in the number two position within the market
place, and who take pride on ensuring that their quality of product range,
delivery service, and support is the best on the market, the decision
was the obvious choice.
'The system has been innovatively designed to serve both the trade and
retail markets – opening up a window of opportunity to a much larger
market than some of the other roof system suppliers.'
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com