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Thermoseal and DQS Fined Again over Price Fixing

Fines totalling over £1.38 million have been imposed on double glazing industry firms EWS (Manufacturing) Ltd, Thermoseal Group Ltd, Double Quick Supplyline Ltd and Ulmke Metals Ltd. This follows an investigation into price fixing and market sharing in the aluminium spacer bar market. This follows similar fines imposed in 2004 on UOP Ltd, who fixed the price of IG desiccant with four of its distributors, UKae Ltd, Thermoseal Supplies Ltd, Double Quick Supplyline Ltd (DQS) and Double Glazing Supplies Group plc (DGS).

The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that these companies participated in a cartel, in which they agreed to fix prices and share the market for aluminium double glazing spacer bars, in breach of the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998. The infringement occurred during the last part of 2002 and was brought to an early end as a result of the OFT's intervention.

In line with the OFT's leniency policy Ulmke Metals Limited has been granted 100 per cent leniency in recognition of its cooperation with the OFT's investigation. In addition, Thermoseal Group Limited has been granted a 40 per cent reduction of its penalty, also under the leniency policy. The total fines imposed are therefore reduced to around £900,000 by leniency.

The OFT's finding follows an earlier decision in November 2004, that prices had been fixed in the market for another double glazing raw material, desiccant, and brings the total fines for cartels in the double glazing industry to around £3.7 million, reduced to around £2.5 million by leniency.

The OFT's investigations into cartel activity in the double glazing industry form part of its wider enforcement activities in relation to the construction industry, one of the five priority areas identified in the OFT's Annual Plan. The OFT has previously issued five decisions relating to bid rigging in the roofing sector, with fines totalling just over £4.3 million (reduced to around £2.5 million by leniency) and has uncovered further evidence of bid rigging in the construction industry which is the subject of an ongoing investigation.

Vincent Smith, the OFT's Director of Competition Enforcement, said:
'Price fixing and market sharing cartels are the most serious competition law infringements. The aim and result of such cartel behaviour is higher prices and less choice, damaging customers and ultimately consumers. The infringement in this case is likely to have had a significant effect on customers, other third parties and consumers, although it was brought to an end at an early stage by the OFT's intervention.'

The 2004 Price Fixing (desiccants) story is here:

http://www.theglazine.com/newsarchive/news231104.html#DesiccantOFTFines

2006 Super Spacer® Sales Top 7.1 Million Feet

Super Spacer has gone from strength to strength in 2006, with the first six months' sales topping 7.1 million feet.

This leaves Edgetech UK 55.25% up compared to the same period last year and 2.86% up on budget.

Increased growth is due both to taking on new customers and existing customers who have seen an upturn in demand, according to Anne O'Connor, Edgetech UK's Marketing and Business Development Co-ordinator:

‘One of our customers, for example, has doubled its sealed unit production in the last five months and intends to purchase a second fully automated machine to cope with demand.

With a sustained marketing campaign aimed at consumers and specifiers we hope to develop the end-user markets even further to increase our customers' business at every link in the supply chain.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Picture: Anne O'Connor, Edgetech UK's Marketing & Business Development Co-ordinator

National Glass Association Joins Forces with Conneticut Chapter to Promote Online Training

The National Glass Association (NGA) and the Connecticut Glass Dealers Association (CGDA) have formed an alliance that will allow companies in Connecticut to take advantage of the NGA's on-line training system, MyGlassClass.com, at significantly discounted rates. It also marks the first time the NGA has formed such a partnership with one of its state chapters.

'This alliance is the proverbial win-win situation for both parties,' said David Walker, the NGA's vice president for association services said recently. 'We at the NGA get the opportunity to strengthen our relationship with one of our best and most active chapters, and the folks in Connecticut will have cost-effective access to a world-class on-line training system. We are hopeful that this is the beginning of even greater collaboration between our two groups.'

Under the agreement, members of the Connecticut group will receive exclusive discounts on the wide-ranging training and certification courseware on http://www.myglassclass.com, providing a 'one-stop shop' for the companies‚ employee and apprentice training needs.

'MyGlassClass.com is a comprehensive and cutting-edge on-line training tool, and we feel strongly that it will serve all our members‚ needs,' said Allyson Deckman, Executive Director of the Connecticut Glass Dealers Association. 'We couldn‚t be more pleased to join forces with the NGA to help promote this unique programme, and we look forward to additional opportunities to help foster unity within the glass industry.'

Web: http://www.glass.org

Elumatec Expansion Completed

Elumatec has opened a new extension at its headquarters in Mühlacker-Lomersheim, completing the company's recent huge investment into the future development of the business. As a manufacturer of aluminium and PVC-u profile equipment, Elumatec has completed the amalgamation of its operations in one central location, enabling prospective clients/customers to see the bigger picture. The final phase of construction saw rise to a new showroom, where the company's machines are permanently on display for customers to view as fully working models.

In addition, three new training rooms have also been incorporated into the design of the building, all fully equipped with modern facilities. To complete the visual appeal of the structure, a landscaped garden has been erected around the building to provide a relaxing area for its employees and guests to use.

Over 2,000 m sq were adapted for this last phase of refurbishment, bringing the total area to over 8,000 m sq. According to Elumatec's President, Mr. Eugen Lutz, ‘the response from customers and potential visitors has been very satisfactory.’ The new building replaces a branch which was previously located in an industrial area a few kilometres away and this consolidation allows Elumatec to produce all machine ranges under one roof for optimum productivity.

The new state of the art extension reflects Elumatec's emphasis upon the use of modern and environmentally beneficial construction techniques and centralising all of its operations together is part of the company's dedication to its customer service and continuous development of its product ranges.

Web: http://www.elumatec.com

Deceuninck Appoints Business Development Director

Deceuninck Ltd, the worldwide manufacturer of PVC window systems and profiles, has announced the appointment of Business Development Director, Roy Shipley.

Roy will be a familiar figure to many in the industry and the Deceuninck Group, as he has been involved with the company for many years.

He spent 6 years in the position of Sales and Marketing Director for Status Systems and recently, following a spell outside of the industry, took on the role of business consultant for Deceuninck based in Calne, Wiltshire.

Roy has a wealth of industry knowledge gained from over twenty years’ experience of the fenestration industry. This knowledge and experience will be of immense value in increasing Deceuninck’s technological leadership and in continuing to grow its market share.

Commenting on his appointment, Roy said:

‘Deceuninck is a superb business which offers a market-beating range of innovative products supported by key initiatives that make a real difference. I am delighted to re-join Deceuninck and am excited about the possibilities of working with some of the best products and people in the industry.’

The Deceuninck Group specialises in compounding, tool fabrication, design, development, extrusion, finishing, recycling and injection moulding of PVC-u systems, profiles and gaskets for the building industry.

Tel: 01249 816969

Everwhite Invests in New Machinery

Independent roofline specialist Everwhite Plastics Ltd has invested in four new extrusion lines to stay ahead of increased demand.

Managing Director Ken Davies comments: ‘Our sales are up 23% year on year for the last six months so the time is right for us to invest in new machinery. The new lines allow Everwhite to stay ahead of the growth in demand for our products both here in the UK and in the US. Because we are an independent company we can invest quickly to ensure customers can continue to rely on us as they increase their sales.’

• Meanwhile, Westbury Homes has specified Everwhite for roofline products for a major new development Broadlands, in Bridgend. There are three, four and five-bedroomed properties valued between £185,000 and £300,000.

South Wales based Robert Price (Builders' Merchants) Ltd was the supplier to Westbury Homes. Alan Robinson, from the Bridgend branch of Robert Price comments: ‘We are proud of our reputation as a reliable and trusted company. We can only carry out this type of contract if we too have a reliable and trusted supplier. And we do. We get an excellent service from Everwhite - just part of a good all round package. That's why we've used the company for three years and look forward to continuing this successful relationship.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Lister Takes TSL

Trade fabricator, Lister Trade Frames, of Stoke-on-Trent, has introduced Roto's Twin-cam Security Locking (TSL) system across its entire range of Elitis casement windows after comprehensive testing and evaluation.

Lister’s managing director, Mark Warren comments, ‘Our technical team was so impressed with the results that we immediately chose TSL to be the preferred locking system for our Elitis casement range. This really is the next generation of security locking systems.’

‘At a time when much of the industry is still content with shootbolts, the move to TSL high security locks demonstrates our determination to lead from the front by offering our customers the very best in state of the art technology. And at no extra cost!’

‘We are certain that TSL will give our Elitis customers the edge in both private and public sectors of the market and will provide them with a tremendous opportunity to differentiate their products from those of the competition.’

‘As usual, we shall be providing our customers with comprehensive marketing support materials, detailing the benefits of TSL and helping them to promote its many advantages to the end user.

‘The switch to Roto TSL is made all the more significant by the fact that Lister is renowned for setting high standards of security, performance and quality across its entire range of doors, windows and conservatories. The selection of TSL for our Elitis range of windows means that these standards have just been raised to a whole new level,’

Carl F Invests in Training and Review Initiatives

Carl F Petersen Ltd, the hardware distributor and producer of a professional tools/accessories catalogue, invests heavily in standards, training and development.

Recent initiatives include 360 appraisals for the management team which obtain assessment feedback from reports and peers. Rather than evaluation by one person, the 360 degree review process gains input from all that work both for and alongside the person being appraised. The new approach to appraisals at Carl F ensures that an all-round perspective on performance is presented.

Carl F Petersen has also introduced a strategic training programme for its managers based on the Investors in People (IiP) programme. The company, which is working towards IiP accreditation, has participated in a series of management workshops. Subject matter has included SWOT* analysis, the roles and responsibilities of managers, team dynamics, team building, time management and financial awareness.

* SWOT – strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, threats

For Carl F Petersen hardware enquiries: Tel 01536 401155
For Carl F direct enquiries: Tel 08453 665566 or visit http://www.carlfdirect.co.uk

Rockdoor has a Fully Automated Sash Line

With the addition of a pick and place machine, composite door manufacturer Rockdoor now has a fully automated sash line.

The new £45,000 machine picks up the door from the drum press and carries it over to the CNC line.

This speeds up the production time and keeps the machines working to capacity.

Mark Simm, Rockdoor's Sales Director explains:

‘The new machine makes the process even more efficient. We constantly look for ways to streamline the production process to give our customers the highest quality, on time, every time.

'And the pick and place machine does just that.’

Tel: 01254 662999

Independent Research Confirms Super Spacer® Achieves Best BFRC Rating

Research by independent testing house Build Check Ltd comparing warm edge technology available in the UK has confirmed that windows with Super Spacer® achieve the highest British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) number.

With a standard combination of 4mm hardcoat and float glass with an argon gas filled sealed unit, a window using Edgetech UK's Super Spacer typically achieves -18 kWh/m2/yr, according to Build Check. It's two points ahead of the next best performing warm edge spacer available in the UK. ‘This could make the difference between getting a 'D' or a 'C' rated window,’ says Andy Jones, Edgetech UK's Sales Director and General Manager.

Build Check Ltd, an approved BFRC simulator, was commissioned by Edgetech UK in February to undertake the research. The results were based on a Rehau 70mm three-chambered profile with an air leakage rate of 0.01.

‘Super Spacer's foam structure means it's an excellent insulator,’ explains Andy Jones. ‘So it makes sealed units and windows much more energy efficient - as proven by Build Check's stringent test results. But Super Spacer has many other benefits too: Unlike many other warm edge spacers, it can be manufactured on a variety of machinery options, with some at cost parity to units with aluminium bar. It's also used to make shaped units and comes in a range of colours. Its strong but flexible nature means it's perfect for use in conservatory roofs too.’

These results are part of a comprehensive study due to be released shortly by Edgetech.
For further details or a copy of the report, please contact Anne O'Connor at Edgetech on 02476 705570.

Pearsons Prize 2006 - Judgement Day

Following the success of last years Pearsons Prize competition and Award Ceremony held at New Connaught Rooms Covent Garden, London, Pearsons has decided to make it an annual event.

Artists and glass workers from around the country are invited to submit their work into the competition and as last year there will be a number of categories to cater for the different disciplines. The judges will choose winners and Jan Hein van Stiphout, the well-known Dutch glass artist, will select one overall winner.

‘Due to the popularity of the Pearsons Prize we have added some new categories to further cover the full spectrum of the glass industry, and as before is totally free.

‘The venue for the awards evening is yet to be announced, but be sure we will try and better last year’s evening (if possible).’

Closing date for entries is 22nd September 2006. For further information and details regarding the competition rules or to download an application form please visit the web site http://www.pearsonsprize.co.uk

Sapa Dual Colour System Specified for Poundbury Village Project

Sapa Building Systems' dual colour Dualframe 75 system has been used at the prestigious Poundbury Village development in Dorset.

Harmony Profiles of Exeter undertook the fenestration contract at Poundbury for a large mixed commercial and residential building that featured over 60 Dualframe 75 windows, including a number of elegant arched top windows.

The Poundbury development combines traditional architecture with modern living and working requirements and the buildings within the village make extensive use of Dorset materials such as stone, slate and render. The external face of the Dualframe windows specified for the project were polyester powder coated in Gypsum Bronze which complements the light colour render finish of the building, whilst a conventional white has been used for the internal faces.

Frame inserts were incorporated into the windows to achieve the most aesthetically pleasing sightlines for the glazing whilst the overall slim frames of the Dualframe system meant that the interior of the building was still flooded with natural light

The architecture of Poundbury Village, which is a development of private and social housing intermingled with commercial buildings, is dominated by local and sometimes recycled material and takes inspiration from the rich heritage of Dorset. Harmony undertook the project for builders KDJ Slade & Sons and Cornhill Estates. Architect for the project was London-based Porphyrios Associates.

Zoom Roof from Window Store

The new fitter-friendly Zoom conservatory roof is now available from all branches of Window Store, either as a roof only or as part of a complete conservatory package.

Zoom is a complete, easy to install roofing system capable of building any roof style with a projection of up to four metres. Its design has fewer components to save time and increase profits. Available in White, Rosewood and Light Oak finishes, glazing options include 25mm and 32mm polycarbonate or 24mm glass.

The roof has been independently tested by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) for water tightness. It achieved the maximum rating of 300 Pascals.
For premium projects the BBA approved Quantal roofing system is also available from all branches.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, The Window Store offers competitively priced PVC-U building products combined with friendly, knowledgeable service to builders, window installers and DIY enthusiasts. And with 15 branches situated across southern England and South Wales there is always one conveniently close.

Every branch offers a comprehensive range of high quality windows, doors, conservatories, roofline, cladding and rainwater goods, and all the tools, fixings and sealants to ensure a professional finish to every job. In addition, Window Store offers a free CAD design and drawing facility and has a convenient free local delivery and collection service.

To find your nearest Window Store or for a competitive no-obligation quote visit http://www.windowstoreplastics.com.

Bridgwater Window Store Grows in Popularity

Since its official opening by Ian Liddell-Grainger MP at the end of April, the Bridgwater branch of Window Store has grown from strength to strength.

‘Turnover has doubled in just a month,’ commented branch manager Mike Cahill. ‘New customers are coming through our doors daily, largely due to word-of-mouth recommendations. We would like to take this opportunity to thank them all for their custom and hope that we can continue to be of service.

‘We have been made to feel very welcome here in Bridgwater, and feel we have a valuable service to offer to tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts in the town, which is enjoying tremendous growth right now.’

With branches across Southern England and South Wales, Bridgwater is the 15th Window Store and opened to celebrate the company's 30th year. During that time it has built up an enviable reputation in the building and replacement window trade, as well as in the DIY market, for supplying a comprehensive range of high quality, competitively priced PVC-U products combined with knowledgeable and friendly service.

For a competitive no-obligation quote, visit Mike Cahill and his team at Unit 5, Festival Units, The Showground Business Park, Bridgwater, log on to http://www.windowstoreplastics.com or telephone 01278 420425.

Arla Plast Open Multiclear™ Multiwall Plant in Czech Republic

Arla Plast officially opened the site in Kadan with a Grand Opening ceremony on 11th and 12th May, 2006.

Arla Plast AB was founded in 1969 and focused on extrusion of solid plastics sheets. Today the main products are Polycarbonate, Polyesters and ABS. The company is privately owned and is today one of Europe's leading suppliers of extruded thermoplastic sheet, exporting 80% of its production.

Arla Plast AB covers the whole of Europe with eight European sales offices now adding the Multiwall Polycarbonate range trade marked as Multiclear™ to the portfolio. The Grand Opening ceremony was officiated in the production facility in Kadan, Czech Republic, a Greenfield site, which has the latest extrusion technology purpose built to focus on high quality production and flexible service dedicated to the multiwall programme.

 
(L) Arla Plast s.r.o. factory Kadan, Czech Republic: (R) Kenneth Synnersten the owner at the opening ceremony

Over 250 guests, mainly customers, were invited and the opening speech was conducted by Kenneth Synnersten the owner of the company.

The Ceremony was attended by dignitaries of the Swedish Embassy, the Local and Government representatives. Ayub Adam Marketing Director described the Arla Plast original principles of quality, service, flexibility and speed coupled with the following unique advantages of the product portfolio of Multiclear™ produced in Kadan:

* Double sided UV as standard from 6mm and thicker
* Uniform UV layer hence no optical problem and optimum weatherability protection
* Multiclear™ Strong range offering the stiff/strong range
* Multiclear™ Strong range offering the same bending radius as standard sheet
* Multiclear™ Strong with flexibility of lower weight products
* Multiclear™ Strong U - value is lower for 10, 16, 20 and 25MM - 5 layer
* Two plant recycle grinders to avoid contamination of usable regrind
* Opal colour with diffusing pigments hence uniform spread of light
* Knife cutting on plant and offline saw avoiding saw dust
* Service capability for off line knife cutting to most roofing shapes
* More closed edge widths both standard and non-standard
* Colour and clarity control using gravimetric dosing method.
* Accurate gauge control by the advanced calibrator
* Quality system is traceable and accountable

The ceremonial ribbon cutting was conducted by Arne Larsson the founder of Arla Plast AB and the father of the current owner Kenneth Synnersten. The evening dinner was enjoyed on the boat in Prague. The ceremony ended with lunch the next day in the centre of Prague on Friday 12th May.

For more information regarding Arla Plast new products please contact:

For Solid Sheet
Arla Plast AB
Tel: +46 141 20 38 00
Email: info@arlaplast.com
Web: http://www.arlaplast.com

For Multiwall Sheet
Arla Plast s.r.o.
Tel: +420 474 698 030
Email: infocz@arlaplast.com
Web: http://www.arlaplast.com

British Companies Compete on European Stage

The European Business Awards is open for entries to companies from across the European Union until the 31st July. Outstanding British businesses still have time to enter and showcase their successful stories in front of the entire continent.

The European Business Awards, like its British equivalent The National Business Awards, is a programme which celebrates the most successful businesses of any size and from any sector. Entrants from across the EU will be judged on the basis of three underlying principles of success, innovation and business ethics, ensuring that young innovative businesses will compete alongside to giant corporations with equal chances to lift the award.

Winners from the relevant categories of the UK based National Business Awards (1) will qualify for The European Business Awards ensuring a first class British participation to the programme.

Group Director Mike Faulkner says: 'Often companies are shy or think they are too small to compete. That is wrong! This is the chance for every successful business in Europe to shout about their own achievements. We want to hear inspirational stories of entrepreneurial spirit, business leader attributes and innovative thinking. The winners will stand as a model for the whole of the European market.'

Winners will be announced at an 'invitation only' event to be held in the Conrad in Brussels on 31st January 2007. The eight categories which will be the centre of the competition are:

* The CMS Business of the Year Award
* The Business Leader of the Year Award
* The Entrepreneur of the Year Award
* The Siemens Business Innovation of the Year Award
* The Grey EMEA Growth Strategy of the Year Award
* The Société Générale Award for Customer Focus
* The AXA Award for Corporate Sustainability
* The Lifetime Achievement Award

AXA recently joined the sponsor panel together with Grey EMEA, CMS, Siemens, Société Générale and the Official Media Partner The Wall Street Journal Europe. Claire Dorland Clauzel, AXA's Senior Executive Vice President of Communications, Brand and Sustainable Development comments on the decision to support The AXA Award for Corporate Sustainability: 'AXA's vision of its business of Financial Protection focuses on helping its clients to be life confident. To meet this objective, AXA seeks to manage more completely the social and environmental impacts of its business. As a result, AXA will emphasise risk prevention in managing its relationships with its clients, individuals as well as businesses. We expect the AXA Award for Corporate Sustainability to be a means to support corporations which demonstrate strong involvement in managing social, environmental and governance risk prevention.'

A registration form can be downloaded at http://www.businessawardseurope.com or obtained by post by calling the entries team on +44 (0) 20 7378 1188.

1. Organiser Quest Media is a UK based agency responsible for the UK National Business Awards, the leading business success recognition event in the UK, described by Chancellor Gordon Brown as 'UK's Business Oscars'

The relevant categories of The National Business Awards are: The Business Innovation of the Year Award, The CMS Cameron McKenna Business of the Year Award, The Customer Focus Award, The Corporate Social Responsibility Award, The Orange Business Leader of the Year Award, The Growth Strategy of the Year Award, The Credit Suisse Entrepreneur of the Year Award.

New Supply and Fit Service for Windows and Doorsets

Housebuilders can now benefit from a new supply and fit service for windows and doorsets that Jeld-Wen says is set to revolutionise on-site installation.

One of the UK’s leading PVC-U window manufacturers into the new build market Jeld-Wen, has launched this turnkey service that includes complete project management of developers’ requirements from specification to fit.

The new offer is backed up by a Customer Care department and a sales ordering procedure to ISO9001:2000. This means that housebuilders can benefit from detailed status reports at any stage of the process and have the confidence in the timescale commitments given by the Jeld-Wen team.

There is also a nationwide external sales team who are dedicated to the needs of the housebuilder and making the new supply and fit process as easy as possible. Jeld-Wen’s highly professional sales team is backed up by a PVC-U window and door factory that has recently benefited from major investment in new equipment.

A key feature of the new offer is the two tier fitting service; the first stage being installation of windows and doorsets and the second stage being a commissioning service five days before handover. Joanne Mitchell, European Marketing Director at Jeld-Wen, explains: 'We believe we are unique in the industry in offering this level of service. We listened to what housebuilders wanted and then tailored our offer accordingly. Our supply and fit service complements developers’ build schedules, providing peace of mind that windows and doorsets meet their requirements exactly.'

Joanne continues: 'As housebuilders seek to meet the ever demands of new regulations, combined with the challenge of skills shortage on site, we can offer a complete solution to meet their needs. Our new supply and fit service takes the hassle out of fitting doors and windows. We have made the service both simple and effective by offering complete project management from the initial enquiry and call off, whilst carefully planning installation and finally commissioning, it really couldn’t be easier.'

All the PVC-U windows supplied on the new programme are fitted using Jeld-Wen’s cavity closer system, which enables it to achieve an engineered fit on site.

The cavity closer also means Jeld-Wen can guarantee compliance with Part L in closing the cavity and positioning the windows. The cavity closers are designed to suit all common cavities.

'Attention to detail is becoming more critical than ever on site as build plans are becoming more complex and by offering this comprehensive service for the installation of windows and doorsets, we can minimise installation time on site and reduce the need for callbacks,' explains Joanne Mitchell. 'We provide detailed support documentation, giving housebuilders full visibility of activity as well as helping them meet build schedules. We look forward to demonstrating the benefits to housebuilders over the coming months.'

Tel: 01302 394000
Web: http://www.jeld-wen.co.uk

Frame and Fortune for Norfolk Manufacturer Following Multi-Million Pound Contract

Norwich manufacturer, Norfolk Frames is in expansion mode having won a milestone £22m contract from West Norfolk based Freebridge Community Housing Association.

Norfolk Frames was established in 1985 and has evolved into a specialist manufacturer of hi-tech, energy efficient window frames and doors.

This four-year contract is one of the largest ever awarded by a housing association and is aimed at improving 6,852 council homes over a rural area of around 500 square miles.

‘This is a very exciting project in which Norfolk Frames will be the sole surveyors, manufacturers of a wide range of energy-efficient, high-security window and door systems. We will be installing our award-winning residential external doors at most of the 6,852 properties, while approximately 4,800 properties will receive window systems,’ said Paul Preston, managing director of Norfolk Frames.

With other significant wins already under its belt and more in the pipeline, the company is now preparing to beef up its Norfolk operations, with plans to create over 20 new jobs over the coming months.

From left to right - Norfolk Frames managing director, Paul Preston; Lloyds TSB Corporate senior relationship manager, Steve Harley; Norfolk Frames director, Anne Lewis

Director, Anne Lewis expects turnover of between £8m and £10m over the coming year, ‘with the very real possibility of growing this further.’ Lewis said the company's expansion plans were based on very solid forward sales in excess of £51m.

She said: ‘The contract follows on from other major contract gains in the last 24 months and is likely to ensure the future of - and significantly grow - our Norfolk based workforce at a time when British manufacturing in general is under pressure.’

The business currently employs 120 including sub-contractors and wants to increase headcount by 20 per cent in the near to mid-term to service increased sales.

The most recent contract win is seen as a vindication of a change in the company's strategy around six years ago. Over the past 21 years the company has grown from a manufacturer of residential double glazing, to become one of the UK's leading manufacturers, contractors and installers of windows, doors and composite fire doors to the 'Decent Homes Standard. This is a Government-led 'gold standard' introduced to achieve a decent standard in public sector housing by 2010.

The company attributes a portion of its success to the long-standing support of its bank, Lloyds TSB Corporate. Norfolk Frames has been a customer of Lloyds TSB for twenty years and says it has benefited from the Bank's willingness to take a long-term view and its ability to provide tailored financial solutions at key points in the company's development.

‘During the years we have banked with Lloyds TSB Corporate it has met every challenge we have put in front of them heroically. The Bank's continued belief, support and advice over both good times and the not so good has enabled Norfolk Frames to achieve its potential, for example providing crucial assistance during a key share purchase,’ said Lewis.

Norfolk Frames shifted its focus to the public sector market in 2000, the year the Decent Homes Standard was first introduced. It identified the significant potential opportunity for a product range built around quality, value for money, energy efficiency and customer choice.

In 2002 the company was awarded the Queen's Award for Innovation for its development of the 'City Collection' of 'doors with unique glass fibre design.' The design and construction of the doors ensures that they are exceptionally strong, secure, durable and as stylish and visually appealing as traditional timber doors.

Norfolk Frames' manufacturing processes are geared up to provide optimal customer choice. Housing Association residents are offered a choice of door styles and colours, along with a wide range of door furniture - a key differentiator for the company.

Lewis explained: ‘Our success in this sector is not only down to our innovative design and manufacturing methods, we work closely with Housing Association customers offering a proactive, partnership based service. Wherever possible, we train and employ local craftsmen, ensuring that whether we are operating from Norwich or our bases in Braintree and Leeds, we have personnel with local knowledge who can respond effectively to local issues.’

The company still operates from its original headquarters - a two and a half acre site north of Norwich, in Marsham.

For further information please contact:
Anne Lewis at Norfolk Frames on 01263 734469 or email: a.lewis@norfolkframes.co.uk

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