Deceuninck
Sales up to 362.4 million Euro in 2002 - Growth in Weak Market
Group
Deceuninck, worldwide producer of PVCu window systems and building profiles
achieved consolidated sales of 362.4 million euro in 2002. This represents
an increase of 2.7% compared with 2001 (353 million euro). All figures
have been calculated under I.A.S./I.F.R.S.
Deceuninck operated throughout the whole year in difficult market conditions.
Weak economies in the US and Europe decreased consumer confidence and
therefore spending in new build and renovation.
Despite a weak global market growth of an estimated 2% in volume, Deceuninck
increased its volume by 8.5%. Although competitive pressure was high,
Deceuninck could limit price erosion and increase market shares in most
countries through high added value products and services, innovation and
its loyal customer base. In France, Spain, Central & Eastern Europe
and Turkey the activities remained high.
The increase in volume, however, is only partially reflected in sales
and this is a result of three factors:
* Exchange rate (- 4.6%): the weak dollar, pound sterling, zloty and mainly
the devaluation of the Turkish lira, the latter which accounted for about
50% of the impact on the exchange rate, dampened the excellent volume
growth.
* Volume (+ 8.5%): increased thanks to the improvement of the customer
mix.
* Price evolution (- 1.3%): price erosion, change in client mix and indexed
prices tempered the price evolution.
'In spite of the difficult economic climate, our growth in 2002, which
is purely organic, is impressive compared to the market growth, and indicates
that our market position has improved. For 2003 we are confident to be
able to realise a similar volume increase as in 2002' says Clement De
Meersman, CEO of Deceuninck. The financial results for 2002 will be announced
on 13th March.
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Successful
Product Launch for K2
K2 Conservatory Roof Systems recently held a product launch and customer
conference, at the Reebok Stadium in Bolton.
The event attracted a large number of K2 dealers, who attended the venue
to express their interest in K2's showcase of new products.
On
display were K2's new fully sculptured low pitch roof system, branded
as L2 in a Pack. This new roof was fully assembled within 45 minutes during
the lunch break to demonstrate its ease of speed and assembly.
In addition an innovatively designed roof vent was displayed, designed
to be self draining and comes fully equipped with a range of features
and benefits to answer the growing demand for a high quality roof vent.
As well as the successful launch of the aforementioned products, K2 also
utilised the venue to preview its new Commercial Division, which is aimed
at demonstrating the technical capability of the product on large span
applications.
The launch of the division is set to act as a gateway to provide K2 fabricators,
installers, specifiers and architects with a fully integrated and equipped
project management support function. The Commercial Division will offer
surveying, design, manufacturing and installation services.
K2's sales manager, Paul Carter, commented: 'Positive feedback has been
received on the back of the event from all of our dealers. Not only did
the event provide the ideal forum in which to launch our new product innovations,
but it also enabled us to demonstrate our commitment to giving dealers
the highest possible levels of customer service and support.'
To find out further information on these and further new product innovations,
visit K2's stand (B080) at Glassex or contact the sales office on 01204
554554.
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Free
Victorian designer software from RoofWright
A free version of RoofWright with unlimited Victorian designs is now downloadable
free from www.roofwright.co.uk.
The new Version 5 of this integrated software package creates a 3D design
which can be used for sales, installation and fabrication of standard
and bespoke roofs.
RPS Sales Director Jon Twigge will be giving a seminar entitled 'Software
Solutions for a Transparent Business and a Healthy Bottom Line' at Glassex
on Sunday March 23rd. RoofWright will be in Hall 18 on stand H104.
Saint-Gobain
Group - 2002 Results
Excluding
capital gains, 2002 net income of the Saint-Gobain Group is estimated
to stand at EUR 1,051 million, dipping (0.6%) compared with 2001. This
performance is in line with the objective set by the Group on July 25th,
2002 to achieve stable net income excluding capital gains. Excluding both
capital gains and the asbestos-related charge, net income would be up
5.7%. Consolidated net income is estimated at EUR 1,039 million. This
is 8.4% below the 2001 figure, due to lower capital gains recorded in
2002.
The Glass Sector posted the strongest like-for-like growth within the
Group in 2002, driven by high sales volumes across the board. Profitability
eased back slightly however, due to a contraction in sales prices in the
Flat Glass and Insulation/Reinforcements divisions which could not be
offset by the significant increase in earnings for Containers.
Business and earnings in the High Performance Materials Sector - which
slowed considerably during the first half - continued to contract in the
second half of the year, albeit less significantly. Markets linked to
industrial investment remain severely depressed both in Europe and the
United States and the electronics market has not yet shown any tangible
signs of recovery.
The Housing Products Sector continued down the same growth track as in
the first half, slightly outstripping average growth for the Group as
a whole and boosting profitability. The Building Materials division reaped
the benefits of the buoyant construction market in the United States.
The Building Materials Distribution division continued to expand, fuelled
by organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions, and continued to leverage
synergies. Operating margin for the division surged to 4.9%, from 4.5%
in 2001 (pro forma, including full-year contributions from pipe distribution
operations). Full-year Pipe division sales slipped slightly however, but
the division reported a strong recovery in the fourth quarter, led by
the first deliveries under the Abu Dhabi contract.
Asbestos
claims in the United States: The number of new claims filed against
Certain Teed in 2002 was slightly higher than in 2001 (65,000 compared
with 60,000). This increase was due to an exceptional surge in the number
of claims filed in Mississippi at the end of the year following the introduction
of a new law more favourable to defendants as from January 1st, 2003.
44,000 claims were settled during the year, leaving approximately 105,000
outstanding claims as at December 31st, 2002.
At December 31st, 2002 the Group’s total cover for asbestos-related
claims against Certain Teed amounted to EUR 426 million (USD 447 million),
comprised of insurance policies and provisions, including the EUR 100
million accrual booked in 2002. This cover represents approximately 4
to 5 years of indemnity payments at the current rate.
In 2003, several factors may have a positive impact on the number of new
claims filed, particularly newly introduced or expected amendments to
legislation in certain states.
Analysis
of the Group’s 2002 key consolidated data:
Group sales dipped 0.4% in 2002. Based on a comparable Group structure,
sales contracted 1.7% in euros and increased 1.2% in local currencies.
This rise was mainly attributable to higher sales prices in most of the
Group’s divisions (up 1.1% overall). Sales volumes, which declined
slightly over the first nine months of the year, were almost unchanged
for the year as a whole (up 0.1% compared with 2001), thanks to a recovery
in the fourth-quarter.
France accounted for 30% of total sales, with other European countries
contributing 41.5%, North America 21.5% and other countries 7.0%.
Operating income contracted 3.7%, but rose 0.2% on a comparable
structure and exchange rate basis. Operating margin was 8.5% compared
with 8.8% in 2001. The change was wholly due to a sharp decrease in profitability
for the High-Performance Materials Sector. The modest drop in margins
for the Flat Glass and Insulation/Reinforcements divisions was more than
offset by growth reported by most of the other Group divisions.
Profitability increased in North America, Brazil, the United Kingdom
and Spain, but lost ground in other European countries.
Net interest and other financial charges fell 16.6%, mainly thanks
to a reduction in both net debt and interest rates, combined with the
impact of a weaker US dollar against the euro during the second half of
the year. Interest expense was covered 5.1 times by operating income for
the year ended December 31st, 2002, compared with 4.4 times for the prior-year
period.
Non-operating costs stood at EUR 252 million in 2002, compared
with EUR 122 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to a EUR
100 million charge recorded for asbestos-related litigation in the United
States and, to a lesser extent, to an increase in reorganisation costs
for the High-Performance Materials Sector.
Profit on sales of non-current assets amounted to EUR 3 million.
Capital gains made on the disposal of certain non-strategic Group assets
were almost totally offset by capital losses and asset write-downs.
Goodwill amortisation dropped 8.2%, as the Group wrote off in full
certain cases of badwill.
Minority interests fell 15%, reflecting the purchase of minority
interests in Saint-Gobain Cristaleria and several Brazilian subsidiaries
in 2001 and in Lapeyre in 2002.
Net income contracted 8.4% in 2002 to EUR 1,039 million. Based
on the 341,010,680 shares outstanding at December 31st, 2002, earnings
per share (EPS) amounted to EUR 3.05, an 8.4% contraction from EUR 3.33
in 2001. In line with the commitments made by the Group, new shares issued
in the course of the year (in particular those issued under the Group
Savings Plan) were offset at the end of the year by the cancellation of
an equivalent number of shares. Total capital stock at December 31st,
2002 was therefore practically unchanged in relation to December 31st,
2001 (341,034,512 shares adjusted for impact of the June 27th, 2002 stock-split).
Excluding profit on sales of non-current assets, net income came to EUR
1,051 million, only 0.6% lower than the EUR 1,057 million recorded in
2001. Based on the 341,010,680 shares outstanding at December 31st, 2002,
earnings per share excluding capital gains dipped 0.6% to EUR 3.08 compared
with the 2001 figure of EUR 3.10.
Outlook: in 2003, barring an international economic crisis, and provided the asbestos-related charge remains on a par with the 2002 figure, the Group aims to achieve moderate growth in operating income and net income excluding capital gains.
PPG
Industries has reported fourth quarter net income of $94 million, or 55
cents a share, including an aftertax charge of $4 million, or 2 cents
a share, to reflect the increase in value of PPG stock included in a previously
reported asbestos settlement agreement. Excluding this charge, net income
was $98 million, or 57 cents a share. Sales were $1.99 billion.
This compares with fourth quarter 2001 net income of $83 million, or 49
cents a share, on sales of $1.91 billion.
For all of 2002, PPG recorded a net loss of $69 million, or 41 cents a
share, including one-time aftertax charges of:
- $484 million, or $2.85 a share, for the asbestos settlement;
- $52 million, or 31 cents a share, for restructuring; and
- $9 million, or 5 cents a share, for the cumulative effect of a required
accounting change.
Excluding these items, net income was $476 million, or $2.80 a share.
Sales were $8.1 billion.
Net income for 2001 was $387 million, or $2.29 a share, including a $71
million aftertax restructuring charge. Excluding the charge, equaling
42 cents a share, income was $458 million, or $2.71 a share. Sales were
$8.2 billion.
'We expect the global economic environment to be challenging once again
in 2003,' said Raymond W. LeBoeuf, PPG chairman and chief executive officer.
'Nevertheless, we remain committed to further improvements in our cost
structure and cash flow. Last year we lowered manufacturing and overhead
costs by about $140 million, reduced debt by more than $400 million and
increased our dividend payments for the 31st consecutive year. We expect
another year of strong cash flow in 2003, which will allow us to reduce
debt and increase our financial flexibility.'
Consistent with previous disclosures, fourth quarter 2002 earnings included
approximately 11 cents a share of higher pension and retiree medical costs,
which were partially offset by the required accounting change eliminating
goodwill amortisation of 5 cents a share.
Fourth quarter 2002 sales increased $35 million, or 3 percent, in the
coatings segment due to stronger volumes in architectural and industrial
coatings and the strengthening of foreign currencies. Operating earnings
were up 7 percent as a result of higher prices, lower raw material costs
and the benefit of goodwill no longer being amortised. This was offset
in part by higher pension and retiree medical costs and higher selling
costs for the architectural business.
Glass sales increased slightly and earnings rose $7 million from overhead
reductions and greater manufacturing efficiencies, despite lower prices
and higher pension and retiree medical costs.
Chemicals sales increased 13 percent on stronger volumes in all businesses
and higher prices for commodity products. Operating earnings for the fourth
quarter were up $17 million largely because of stronger volumes, higher
prices and improved manufacturing efficiencies. These were offset in part
by higher energy costs, higher selling costs from the optical business
and higher pension and retiree medical costs.
The
Freedonia Group Report - World Flat Glass to 2006
World
flat glass demand will reach US$42 billion in 2006 according to a new
report from Freedonia. In developed regions, more efficient products (e.g.,
low-E glass, smart windows) will reflect tighter energy standards for
architectural glass. In developing regions, needs for adequate housing
and expanding industrial and commercial sectors will drive demand. World
motor vehicle glass markets will accelerate.
This study analyses the US$37.3 billion global float and flat glass industry.
It presents historical data for 1992, 1996 and 2001 and forecasts to 2006
and 2011 by market (e.g., nonresidential and residential construction,
OEM and replacement motor vehicle, specialty); by world geographic region
and for 21 individual countries.
The study also examines the market environment, details industry structure
and market share, and profiles 23 participants including Apogee Enterprises,
Asahi Glass, Central Glass, Guardian Industries, Magna Donnelly, Nippon
Sheet Glass, Pilkington, PPG Industries, Saint-Gobain, Schott Glass, Visteon,
and Vitro.
Visit the website below or click here to download a 4 page PDF presentation of the Report (which costs $4,700, although chapters can be puchased separately)
Pilkington
collaborates with Kite Glass and Optima in the Renovated Royal Exchange
The
transformation of the former Royal Exchange building in London into a
prestigious shopping mall featuring outlets for fashion houses such as
Prada and Gucci is a result of a collaboration between Pilkington Glass
and two independent glass and glazing compoanies: Kite Glass of Surrey
and Optima Architectural Glass, Bucks. The project saw extensive use of
Pilkington Optiwhite™ low iron float glass for special design features.
Originally
the financial hub of the capital and of City trading, the Royal Exchange
is situated in the heart of the City of London in Threadneedle Street,
beside the Bank of England. The building is the third of its kind to be
constructed on the same site, the first two having both been destroyed
by fire: the first in 1666 during the great fire of London, and the second
in 1838. Originally opened by Queen Victoria in 1844, the current Royal
Exchange building was modelled on the Pantheon in Rome and boasts its
own portico and eight majestic Corinthian pillars.
Architectural firm Fitzroy Robinson was appointed in 2001 for the £5.5
million restoration and redevelopment of the building into a select retail
outlet centre and exhibition venue. Its main challenge was to find a way
to both modernise the building and highlight its historical heritage without
affixing anything to its structure, something that is prohibited by its
status as a Grade I listed building.
A lightweight construction technique using steel and glass with foam protection
strips where necessary was employed for the project along with other special
design features. Specialist glazing contractor Optima Architectural Glass
- based in High Wycombe, Buckinghamshire - was chosen for the fabrication
and installation of glass structures used throughout the building.
Pilkington Optiwhite™ low iron float glass - supplied through glass
processor and toughening expert Kite Glass of Surrey - was specified for
its versatility, enhanced clarity and aesthetic qualities. 10mm, 12mm,
and 15mm thicknesses of Pilkington Optiwhite™ glass, toughened and
heat soaked tested by Kite Glass, were used in various different areas
of the project, including structural applications such as small balconies
and stairs as well as partitioning.
However, perhaps the most striking use of Pilkington Optiwhite™ glass
is in a series of open vertical butt joints to the shop fronts. Demonstrating
the versatility of glass, these continue the glass upwards from shop front
level and past mezzanine level, forming a structural balustrade and creating
a stunning visual effect.
The renovated Royal Exchange building has already played host recently
to an exhibition of Maserati sports cars and currently houses prestigious
brand name retail outlets such as Tiffany, Dunhill and Paul Smith as well
as Prada and Gucci.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Hegla,
the German cutting table specialist has announced that the UK Sales and
Service office is now open. Hegla Machinery (UK) Ltd is a wholly owned
subsidiary of Hegla in Beverungen, Germany. It will allow the UK market
to benefit from the Hegla range of soft coat Low-E glass processing equipment.
Installations of a full float/laminate auto loading cutting line and a
free fall shaped cutting table, both with Low-E grinding have just been
completed. The Hegla manual Low-E grinding off system is also proving
popular with four machines delivered so far this year.
The
new office is located centrally in Milton Keynes and it has sufficient
space to carry an array of consumables and spare parts for the company's
range of machinery.
'We will shortly be opening a small showroom to demonstrate our range
of vacuum lifting, storage racking, harp racks and glass transport solutions.'
says the company.
'We have appointed Mr. Greg Smith (formally of Z Bavelloni UK) to coordinate
the office in Milton Keynes. He will assist with any customer requirements
for information concerning our range of products and solutions and will
concentrate on promoting sales in the glass processing side of the market.
A service engineer is due to start at the beginning of March, who after
initial product training in Germany will be available for annual service
contract work and to support the UK installations.'
The new office details are:
Tel: 01908 261933
Fax: 01908 261950
Email: mailto:steve.goble@hegla.de
or
mailto:greg.smith@hegla.de
Web: http://www.hegla.co.uk
3D
Plastic Centres has opened a new flagship branch in Hounslow, West London
under the management of Jeff Yates (pictured centre).
Jeff,
with his team of John and Gary Rochford, is based on the Hanworth Road
in Hounslow in a 3,000 sq ft unit at a major road junction with parking.
This new plastic centre branch for 3D is part of its expansion plan offering
a full range of PVCu trims and plastic building products to the trade.
The Hounslow 3D Plastic Centre is also able to offer the Wendland conservatory
roof and a domestic aluminium window system, utilising the full product
offering of the 3D group. Jeff is also keen to promote the polycarbonate
cutting service which he offers on site - same day service.
Jeff commented 'It's great to be part of a go ahead team embarking on
this new project. The level of support from 3D has been excellent and
we are looking forward to growing this business to being major force in
London.'
Jeff and the team can be contacted on 0208 572 5314
Continued
sales growth at PVCu systems supplier, Duraflex, is being supported by
investment in the latest extrusion technology.
Duraflex has recently taken delivery of two more Cincinnati Argoss 112
twin-strand mainframe extruders with automatic packing and racking at
its Toddington factory. The £1.8 million capital expenditure programme,
which also includes new tooling, has enabled the company to boost production
capacity and quality control across all product lines, from Featured and
Bevelled to 65mm and 70mm.
Duraflex now operates three twin-strand extruders, each with an output
of 450kgs per hour. Mirrored on either side for each strand, these next
generation machines enable greater speed to be harnessed effectively and
safely. Aside from higher throughput, the other major advantage of the
112 is its automatic haul off capability. The unit cuts to length, packs
a stillage and recognising when the stillage is full alerts the operators
who swap over an empty stillage and the process begins again, with no
break in production.
In addition to state-of-the-art machinery, Duraflex has also updated its
warehousing and distribution facilities to satisfy the company's growing
market share and broader geographic spread of customers. This has involved
a move to a warehouse twice the size of the previous storage facility,
plus investment in a dedicated fleet of rigid and curtain-sided vehicles
to handle nationwide deliveries, resulting in a faster turnaround time
for most orders.
Director of Marketing, Neil Roberts comments, 'in the past 12 months Duraflex
has signed up twenty new fabricators, resulting in a significant increase
in sales volume. The company's ongoing investment in our infrastructure
will ensure this impressive level of growth can be sustained in 2003 and
beyond.'
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
KAT
Doubles VS Production Capacity
KAT
UK has recently doubled production capacity for its VS vertical sliding
window products. These investments have been made in response to growing
sales over the last six months, and the resulting forecast growth in demand
for 2003.
In addition KAT UK has reduced lead times on its standard vertical sliding
windows to two weeks, delivered anywhere in the UK. A new price list has
been designed to complement these latest developments.
The company's Macclesfield plant is now set up to produce a range of specialised
window and door products, including vertical sliding windows, composite
doors and French doors.
Tel: 01625 439666
Email: mailto:sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk
Where
do you see Yourself in 2003?
The
kind of year your company will have in 2003 will be defined by how successful
a strategy you chose, according to financial analysts Plimsoll Publishing.
In its new UK Windows & Doors Industry Analysis - First Edition 2003,
Plimsoll has revealed four types of companies and the strategies that
would best suit them individually in the year ahead.
1. For 154 (21.8%) companies success will be mere survival
Recent years have seen these companies deteriorate. Levels of debt are
dangerously high at 21.6% of sales. They are also suffering from declining
sales with a fall of 8% last year.
2003 Success Strategy for Survival:
Consolidate to reduce debts by cutting costs and people. It is essential
to return to profitability. The only other option is to consider being
acquired by a stronger company.
2. For 126 (17.8%) companies success will be to improve margins
These companies are exceptional in their ability to take large market
share increasing sales by 22.5% on average last year. Yet woeful margins
and high debts have left these companies with very little to show for
their success.
2003 Success Strategy for Improving Margins:
These companies must slow down on sales growth to allow margins to improve
from a current average of 1.8% to at least a 3.6% margin in 2003. These
companies will need to consider costs more carefully to stay competitive.
3. For 289 (40.9%) companies success will be to get back into the market
Market performance in recent years for these companies has been poor,
sales rising only 2% last year. Although focused on profits, these companies
need to get back in the game for long-term staying power.
2003 Success Strategy for Gaining Market:
These companies need to stop playing it safe. To compete these companies
need to attain to at least the industry growth average. This may mean
spending some of their 4.1% average margins now to expand in the future.
4. For 138 (19.5%) companies success will be to maintain high performance
These companies are every business owner's dream. Leading the industry,
these companies are winning on all fronts with a strong balance sheet,
22.3% average sales growth and 7.1% average margins.
2003 Success Strategy for Maintaining High Performance:
Perhaps the most challenging strategy of them all is to try to stay in
a winning position. Try going on the acquisition trail while you have
the cash to spend. It is
essential these companies do not get complacent and allow the industry
to catch up.
The just published Plimsoll Analysis: Windows & Doors, containing
an analysis of 1OOO companies, is a benchmarking product for the UK. See
where you and your competitors currently stand in the market. Use this
analysis to understand how your competitor' s strategies will influence
your own success in 2003.
To order the Windows & Doors Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis - First Edition
2003 for £305, including a free 'Success Strategy Pack 2003', telephone
(01642) 626400.
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk.
Readers of The Gl@zine will receive a 5% discount if mentioning this article
upon ordering.
All
Change For Doors with new Regs and Standards
Major
changes to both Parts M and E of the Building Regulations are planned
which could well have a significant effect upon the design of both internal
and external doors and doorsets, explains Stephen Hutsby, Group Technical
Manager of doorset manufacturer LS Group Ltd.
Issues surrounding access for disabled people are in the news again with
the publication of a new British Standard BS 8300 at the end of last year,
then a new Code of Practice for the 'Disability Discrimination Act' (DDA)
and most recently a brand new set of consultation proposals for Part M
of the Building Regulations. The new DDA Code of Practice applies to those
providing goods, facilities or services to the public and covers new or
existing buildings, although housing is excluded. The new Part M will
cover new buildings and changes of use but not housing (where the current
Part M is considered adequate). However, BS 8300 is applicable to all
buildings, old or new, including housing where appropriate and incorporating
several conflicts with current Part M - presenting a dilemma for designers.
It is generally accepted that compliance with the BS or new Part M should
eliminate most problems with the DDA.
New Standard And Regulations
BS 8300:2001 'Design of buildings and their approaches to meet the needs
of disabled people - Code of Practice' was published last year. Now we
also have a draft Part M which borrows heavily from BS8300 but relates
to access for all (not just disabled people). It recognises that the current
Part M for non-dwellings is very much out of date and BS8300 should now
be used as a model.
The implications for doors revolve around:
* Door Widths - these are prescribed for various situations but beware,
clear opening widths now take into account the intrusion of door furniture
with the door at max 900 to the wall
* Vision Panels - an important safety facility where new size criteria
apply, mid rails are now allowed however facility for 400mm kick plates
are necessary
* Impact of Door Swing - outward opening door-swings require space or
guarding, effecting building layouts and, particularly in housing, plot
widths. Here, innovative products have been developed such as reduced
swing doorsets
* Ironmongery - influencing the shape, colour and materials of door furniture,
as well as the usability of door closer systems and, in some cases, a
need for automated door opening solutions.
* Colour and Luminance - for partially sighted people, differentiating
door furniture from door leaf, architrave and wall surface will be important.
Door manufacturers are responding with product developments and new information
for specifiers on how to comply.
Sounding Off
Today's Building Regulations include limited provisions for noise controls
in housing with the 1992 Part E Approved Document last amended two years
ago. But Government pressure for higher density living linked with growth
in sources of noise within our towns and cities has increased awareness
of noise pollution. At the beginning of 2001 a wide-ranging Part E Approved
Document was issued in draft for consultation. Apart from dwellings, the
new Part E will cover other buildings where people sleep, such as hotels,
hostels and care homes, as well as schools. Noise reduction will be required
in various situations including between dwellings, from outside to inside
and between living rooms or bathrooms/toilets and bedrooms.
Doorsets Can Do It
Many of these situations might require a door but the consultation draft
fails to recognise the sound reduction capabilities of today's performance
doorsets, taking the stance that doors are simply a 'weak link'. However,
the latest generation of acoustic doorsets makes use of door leaf construction
and seal techniques to provide useful levels of sound reduction while
reducing weight and cost. For example, LS Leaderflush Shapland has recently
successfully tested light weight FD30 fire resistant doorsets to 40 dBRw
as well as more specialist acoustic doorsets up to 49 dBRw. It should
be remembered that values quoted predominantly relate to laboratory testing
of single action, single leaf doorsets and performance on site can be
effected by many factors including installation quality, sound transmission
through other building elements and flanking transmission. Performance
is not restricted to just flush doors, with traditional style solid timber
panelled doors capable of providing 35 dBRw sound reduction. Leading manufacturers
are pressing for a fresh approach in the new Regulations recognising the
real contribution which acoustic doorsets can make.
Stockport
based fabricator Force 8 - a well known UK supplier of arched windows
and doors - has installed new machinery specifically designed for profile
bending applications and manufactured by GTI-Kombimatec.
Force 8 employs an unusual manufacturing technique in producing arched
frames, using a one-piece bend with no cuts and welds to eliminate unsightly
joints. The company therefore needed an unusual machinery solution to
suit its purpose.
Kombimatec's
MMC308 Manual Machining Centre for doors, EKS432MAN Automatic Single Head
Welder with manual clamping handles and AFV368 End Miller were considered
ideal for the company's manufacturing methods. Dennis Sumner, Managing
Director of Force 8, comments:
'With the way we fabricate, we need machinery that is flexible enough
to accommodate many different settings but is also easy to operate and
doesn't slow us down. We researched the market quite thoroughly and we
couldn't find anyone else that could provide the solutions that Kombimatec
can.
'The MMC308 is very straight-forward to use and is a perfect halfway point
between the speed of CNC operation and the flexibility of manual operation,
whilst the EKS432MAN offers excellent adjustment capabilities. Most end
millers available on the market can only cope with linear angles, but
the AFV368 is a 2 axis machine, which is great for one-piece curved frames.
All in all, we're very happy with our choices as they will significantly
increase our capacity.'
Force 8 recently announced a guaranteed two week turn around time for
orders of its seamless arch, with the new Kombimatec machinery making
a significant contribution towards this achievement.
Whilst offering the cost benefits of a manual machine, the Kombimatec
MMC308 Manual Machining Centre also has a semi-automated control console
for precision. Four adjustable pneumatic clamps and electronic variable
speed control allow the operator to significantly increase productivity
in comparison with traditional methods. The EKS432MAN Automatic Single
Head Welder has manual clamping handles to allow the operator to adjust
pressure, height and angles easily, making it suitable for profile bending
applications such as trapeze welding. The AFV368 End Miller for transoms
in bow, arch and round frames is a perfect partner to the welder. Designed
to be both accurate and easy to use, the machine 'hugs' the profile and
copies the exact curvature of the bent profile. A quick-change cutter
facility means no time is wasted unnecessarily, with no special tools
required to complete the task.
Tel: 01582 455934
Email: mailto:sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.gtikombi.demon.co.uk
Omega
set to Boost Capacity & Profits with Elumatec Machinery
Newton
Abbot based trade fabricator Omega Trade Frames has invested over £60,000
in new Elumatec machinery to kick-start its plans for market domination
in the South West of the UK. With the new machinery now in place, the
company is on course to increase its weekly frame output from 160 to 200
by the close of 2003, a move that is also expected to raise its annual
turnover from £1.5 Million to £3 Million within two years.
A customer of Elumatec for three years, Omega Trade Frames has steadily
grown in prominence in the South West, recently moving into new 6000 sq
ft factory premises that are twice the size of the company's previous
headquarters. A WHS Halo fabricator, Omega was also recently appointed
as the South West's exclusive supplier of the James Harcourt range by
the Bowater Windows Group. As a result, the company will manufacture windows
using the WHS Esthetique System of fully sculptured, 5 chambered profiles
in addition to its existing range of products.
John Ellis, Managing Director of Omega Trade Frames, chose Elumatec machinery
as a result of past experience:
'We first purchased our welders and other machinery from Elumatec several
years ago and have been very impressed with the quality and performance
of their products and the level of service they provided then. So, when
we began to research for new machines to help us cope with both the increase
in demand and the addition of the new profile suite, we knew where to
look first. I'm most pleased with the flexibility of the machines, superior
level of their service and the support they provided during the move.'
Omega's most recent Elumatec purchases include a CNC corner and transom
cleaner, a double butt welder and several drainage models. Omega is also
planning to order an Elumatec saw in the near future.
Tel: 01908 580800
Email: mailto:sales@elumatec.co.uk
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
'Every
Supplier Prefers Austenitic' as SFS Sees Sales Soar
'Claims
by martensitic fastener suppliers that austenitic fasteners do not perform
ring hollow', says fasteners group SFS intec. 'The fact is that every
single UK fastener supplier offers austenitic fasteners as part of their
window fastener range,' according to SFS' divisional director, Mike Mortell.
'Without exception, every supplier of fasteners into the window industry
supplies austenitic stainless steel for unreinforced and aluminium reinforced
applications. They do this because, presumably, they acknowledge it is
the best-performing option available to fabricators.
'It is only where they cannot actually produce an effective bi-metallic
fastener, that they revert to alternative and inferior steel grades, and
try to rubbish the austenitic solution.
'Bi-metallic fasteners feature carbon steel drill points on austenitic
fasteners which allow the high quality product to self drill into steel
reinforcing. The technology to achieve this effectively is complex, and
few can actually apply it. SFS has perfected the technique, to deliver
a range of bi-metallic fasteners with a 100% performance record.'
A zinc flashing is applied to the fasteners to give optimum drill performance.
'Whilst the zinc flash may oxidise, in reality the oxidisation is washed
off in application. There is the potential for the steel drill point to
corrode. This corrosion is generally only seen on fasteners that have
been subjected to a salt spray test where the fasteners have been tested
in isolation. In application the performance integrity of the fastener
is never in question because the connecting threads will always be austenitic
stainless steel. SFS offers a no-questions 20 year warranty on all its
austenitic products,' says Mike Mortell.
'Austenitic fasteners are the first choice product for professional specifiers
in the private and public sectors and sales of our austenitic ranges increased
by 20% in 2002.' Mike added.
Tel: 0113 208 5500
Email: mailto:bric@sfs.ch
Andersen
Corporation, window manufacturer, introduced the nation's first factory-produced
window frames nearly 100 years ago. In the ensuing years, the company
has built a strong brand in the window and door industry and begins 2003
with a year-long centennial celebration.
Located along the St. Croix River in Bayport, Minnisota since 1913, Andersen
was founded in 1903 across the river in Hudson, Wisconsin, by Danish immigrant
Hans Andersen and his family, who named the new business Andersen Lumber
Company. The name was changed to Andersen Corporation in 1937. In 1904,
they began mass-producing window and door frames in standardised sizes
on an assembly line nine years ahead of Henry Ford's similar system for
automobiles.
Andersen has grown to be an international enterprise employing more than
8,000 people in 32 locations across the USA. The company’s ability
to design and manufacture windows and doors quickly and to turn houses
into homes, has earned Andersen a worldwide reputation as the window of
choice among homeowners.
'The recent economic downturn has elevated the home to the most prized
investment,' said Don Garofalo, Andersen Corporation CEO. 'Homeownership
is at its highest level and people are buying and remodeling at record
rates. As we celebrate our first century and look to the future, we will
continue to lead by understanding our customer’s needs and responding
with the highest quality products,' he added.
A History of Innovation
Developed in 1905, the company's '10-minute window,' in which standardised
horizontal and vertical frame pieces were quickly assembled without cutting
or trimming, is chapter one in the story of the American window. Andersen®
White Pine frames could be easily transported and assembled anywhere and
quickly became the window frame of choice as the United States’ industrial
revolution took hold in the early part of the 20th century.
Andersen Corporation’s history of innovation continued in 1932, when
the Andersen Master Casement window captured attention as the first completely
assembled window unit in the industry - sash, frame and hardware. Since
then, Andersen window and door innovations have had a major impact on
home building and design.
In the 1930s and '40s, Andersen introduced the Victory window (which used
97 percent fewer metal parts due to metal rationing during WW II) the
Narroline® double-hung window, the first gliding window in the industry,
Pressure Seal double-hung windows that contained no sash weights, simplifying
installation and maintenance, and Andersen Windowall® window units.
In 1952, Andersen sparked another design revolution with Flexivent®
windows, which could be installed to open in, out or sideways. The Flexivent
product doubled the company’s share of the window business in just
two years. At the same time, Andersen pioneered Welded Insulating Glass
- effectively eliminating the annual ritual of changing storm windows
and insect screens for homeowners.
Andersen introduced the company’s first wood gliding door in 1964.
Perma-Shield® vinyl cladding debuted in 1966, creating an industry
standard and an entirely new window category: wood-clad windows. A new
research and product development center opened in 1977 further positioning
the company as a leader in creating innovative solutions to save energy,
eliminate waste in the manufacturing process, and develop safe and accessible
products.
In the 1980s Andersen introduced low emmisivity, or low –e, High
Performance glass to reduce heat gain in the summer and heat loss in the
winter. It also limits ultraviolet rays to help reduce fading and deterioration
of interiors and furnishings. In the 1990s Andersen earned numerous awards
for energy efficient windows and doors.
More recent innovations include Fibrex® material, a composite made
of wood fibre reclaimed from Andersen operations and vinyl. Andersen introduced
Fibrex material in 1995 as the primary structural material used in products
manufactured for Renewal by Andersen - the company’s window replacement
business that opened its doors the same year in St Louis Park, Minnisota.
Today, Renewal by Andersen operates 50 locations in 22 states, producing
and installing custom products in homes.
Ground-Breaking HR Policies
From the beginning Andersen believed in providing fair wages and benefits
to its employees. In 1914, Hans Andersen introduced one of the first company
profit-sharing plans in the USA. Health insurance, life insurance and
paid vacations were all offered to Andersen employees long before they
became the norm. In 1924, Andersen paid $2 for every employee idea that
the company implemented. Employees today are paid a certain amount based
on the impact of their ideas. In 1975, the company contributed partial
ownership to its employees through a stock ownership trust.
Product in Demand by Builders and Designers
In its 100 years of leadership, Andersen claims to have earned its reputation
as a principled company that stands on its promise to deliver beautiful,
enduring solutions. Now, Andersen Corporation manufactures affordable
and reliable windows and doors for residential home construction, high-end
products for executive-level home builders and products for light commercial
building construction. In 1993, the Andersen® Art Glass Collection
of stained glass windows was introduced.
Over the last 10 years Andersen Corporation has expanded its business
through acquisitions: Dashwood Industries Limited of Centralia, Ontario,
Canada, a manufacturer of windows, doors, skylights and roof windows.
Aspen Research, a long-time partner in developing new ideas and products;
EMCO Enterprises, Inc., a Des Moines, Iowa-based manufacturer of storm
doors and accessories; and KML Windows Inc., a Canadian-based manufacturer
of custom architectural window and door products for the North American
residential and light commercial business segments.
Other acquisitions came together to form Andersen Logistics, the company-owned
entity that handles distribution of over 50 percent of the company’s
products. This enables timely and efficient delivery of Andersen products
through a combination of company owned and aligned independent distributor
operations.
Project Odyssey: The Future of Windows
Today, Andersen is looking at how windows will evolve in the 21st century
and beyond. In alliance with internationally renowned Philips Design (Milan,
London, NY), Design Continuum (Boston), RSP Architects (Minneapolis),
Aspen Research (White Bear Lake, Minn.), Cheskin Research (San Francisco)
and Total Tool (Milan), Andersen has developed Project Odyssey, an advanced
research and development operation that looks at how technological, anthropological,
environmental and cultural trends will shape windows in the future.
'Project Odyssey examines not only the potential functions windows might
perform, but greater societal trends as well, providing insight into what
the homeowner may want in the future,' said Jay Libby, technology and
business development project manager, who leads the programme.
Centennial Celebration
Andersen will commemorate its 100-year anniversary by celebrating with
and thanking the people and organisations that have made its success possible.
Centennial activities include:
* Publishing a book on the history of Andersen Windows, due early in 2003.
* Sole sponsorship of an exhibit at the National Building Museum in Washington,
D.C. called Picture This: Windows on the American Home.
* Launching a major community project ? 100 Years/100 Homes - a commitment
to build 100 Habitat for Humanity homes in locations throughout North
America over a five year period beginning June 2003.
* Hosting major events during the year for employees, retirees and their
families.