Heywood
Williams Shares in Freefall as New Chairman Quits after 3 Months
Shares in Heywood Williams plunged 43 per cent on Friday, 31st October after the UK-based windows and doors group announced the resignation of Hamish Bryce, executive chairman, and said it was cutting 300 jobs in its domestic manufacturing operations (15% of its workforce). Serious problems appear to have been discovered at the Cestrum, Centralock and easyfab divisions. That, coupled with news that the final dividend was unlikely to be paid, pushed shares down 57p to an all time low of 75p.
Mr Bryce stepped in to the breech in July after Ian Stuart, chief executive,
resigned following a profits warning. A series of disposals and reorganisations
offered some hope that the company was turning the corner, but the results
of Mr Bryce's review paint a bleak outlook for some time to come.
Most of the job losses will come in the company's UK operations and include
shutting some DIY window and door service operations and reclassifying
easy-fab, its e-procurement service, as an impaired asset.
In
July, it was stated that a board review of the group's activities was
underway. The purpose of this review was to determine the necessary action
to be taken in 2003 that would enable Heywood Williams to enter 2004 at
a much-improved run-rate of profitability.
The required action plan has been focused on the UK with little change
needed in the US and relates to:
• Discontinuation
of a number of unprofitable and underperforming initiatives
• Significant reduction of employment costs – 300 jobs or 15%
of the UK workforce
• A write-down of surplus stock, bad debts and fixed assets in Plastic
Systems
• A partial impairment charge of approximately £4m of the Cestrum
goodwill, and the proposed exit from the fabrication activities in Huddersfield.
The total charge related to the above is circa £25m of which circa
£12m is cash to be expended over 2003 and 2004. It is expected that
this cash outflow will produce a payback in two years.
Underperforming initiatives:
The Centralock project, which will give rise to the largest exceptional
charge, has not met our expectations. In view of this, the board has taken
a prudent financial view.
The DIY window and door service has not shown signs of moving towards
profit and consequently, the operation is being terminated.
The composite door volumes and gross margins have not justified the continuation
of a dedicated factory and a closure programme is about to be launched
– the potential redundancies are included in the above reduction
of employment costs. The easy-fab e-procurement service has not met revenue
expectations; as a consequence, the cost of development will be classed
as an impaired asset.
Plastic Systems:
The previously reported supply chain difficulties have led to excess stocks
of slower moving lines, more difficult credit collections and equipment
which is no longer required. A provision has been taken to ensure that
the balance sheet recognises this situation. Customer service levels are
progressively improving.
In view of the substantial sums involved in this restructuring and the
potential impact on year-end covenants, Heywood Williams’ banks have
been fully appraised of the programme of action and the board is in the
process of presenting its forward plans.
Dividend:
In light of the scale of the action necessary to restore the profitability
of the group, the unforeseen circumstances and their consequent impact
on net worth, the board can no longer recommend a maintained final dividend
for the year. The board will review whether it is possible or appropriate
to pay any final dividend, with a decision to be taken at the time of
the preliminary announcement of the full year results for the year ending
31 December 2003.
Going forward, Heywood Williams’ dividend policy will be determined
by the group’s profitability, with the intention of paying an annual
dividend that is approximately twice covered by earnings.
Current Trading:
It is now expected that the second half of 2003 will be no better than
the first half, which reported a pre-tax loss of £1.7m. The principal
causes are: the weakness of the normal seasonal uplift in the UK window,
door and conservatory market this autumn, poor results from Coldseal
in its last two months of operation under our control, and the low returns
available in the US PVC pipe market due to weak margin spreads.
Operational progress is now being made in the UK businesses, particularly
in Plastic Systems. This relates to improved customer service levels and
work to drive factory, warehouse and distribution efficiency.
Management changes:
The following board appointments have been made with immediate effect:
Roger Boyes, currently deputy chairman appointed executive chairman; and
Edward Roderick, currently a non-executive director appointed deputy chairman.
A search will commence as soon as possible for a group chief executive
and an additional non-executive director. It is intended that once a chief
executive has been appointed, Roger Boyes will become non-executive chairman.
Roger
Boyes FCMA (58)
Executive Chairman
Appointed a non-executive director on 12 March 2002. Retired as Group
Finance Director of Halifax Group plc in December 2001, a position held
since 1995. Previously Finance Director of the Leeds Permanent Building
Society for five years prior to its merger with the Halifax and this followed
a number of senior finance positions in the industrial sector. A non-executive
director of British Vita plc and EXPRO International Group PLC.
Edward
Roderick HonLLD FILT CIMgt (50)
Non-Executive Director/ Deputy Chairman
Appointed non-executive director on 12 March 2002. Chief Executive of
Christian Salvesen plc since September 1997. Previously held senior positions
and directorships with Hays, Bell Lines, United Transport (BET) and Alexandra
Molyneux Haulage. A board member of the Executive Board of the Freight
Transport Association and Chairman of the Road Haulage Forum’s Training
Sub-Group.
Another
Scoop for GP&T as Guardian Industries Signs up to Exhibit
The
organisers of Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T) 2003 - the
UK glass industry’s dedicated exhibition and conference event –
have announced that global glass giant Guardian Industries will be exhibiting
at the forthcoming inaugural show, representing yet another major coup
for the event.
Guardian Industries is a global manufacturer of float glass and fabricated
glass products for the commercial and residential construction sectors.
The company was established in Michigan, USA in 1932 and has gone on to
open over 23 new float lines around the world. Mark Bristow, Regional
Manager for the UK and Ireland, believes that both the timing and content
of GP&T are immaculate:
‘We are pleased to be taking a stand at the Glass Processing and
Technology exhibition. The launch of this new exhibition coincides with
the launch of our new float glass plant in Goole, East Yorkshire, Guardian's
23rd float glass manufacturing facility. GP&T will provide us with
an excellent opportunity to meet with existing and potential new customers
at this exciting time in our development and show the extensive range
of products and services we can offer them to help them grow with us.’
Stephen
Redman (pictured right), Event Manager of GP&T, is delighted with
the company’s decision to exhibit:
‘Guardian is a world-leading organisation, and the fact that the
company wants to exhibit at GP&T proves that our event is truly representative
of the industry as it stands.
‘From glass treatments and abrasives to specialist equipment, GP&T
will offer a wider choice of supplier under one roof than has ever been
seen before in the UK and is expected to attract an extensive and varied
audience. A unique advantage offered by the event will be a comprehensive
seminar and conference programme, including sessions held by the GGF,
Glass Processing Days and Pilkington Activ™. The event will also
feature the Glass Art Gallery, with many contemporary glass artists giving
demonstrations of specialist techniques.’
Further information can be obtained from Leah Tidy on 020 8277 5733; email
mailto:leah.tidy@emap.com. Visitors
may register by telephone on 0870 429 4534, by fax on 0870 429 4535, or
online via the Internet at: http://www.gptexhibition.com
Epwin
Announces Sale of D J Profiles
PVC-U
building products specialist, Epwin Group announced on Friday 31st October
the sale as a going concern of its rubber extrusion company D J Profiles
to Trelleborg, a major European building products group based in Sweden.
The sale, which was finalised on October 31st for an undisclosed sum,
reflects Epwin’s strategy of focusing on its core activities in the
UK PVCu and related extrusion businesses.
Following the acquisition by Trelleborg, D J Profiles will continue to
operate from its Telford site and supply Epwin Group companies.
D J Profiles was acquired by Epwin in 1996 and develops and manufactures
rubber seals, tubing and cords. It serves a wide number of industrial
markets from glazing to automotive industries.
'The
acquisition represents a step in strengthening our position in the UK
market and DJ Profiles is a favorable complement to our current UK operations,'says
Peter Suter, President of Trelleborg Building Systems (pictured)). 'The
acquisition provides us a broad product range, thereby strengthening our
competitiveness in industrial profiles.'
DJ Profiles has annual sales of approximately SEK 60 M and some 70 employees
in Telford, outside Birmingham. The company develops, manufactures and
markets industrial profiles for the construction industry and other sectors,
primarily in the UK.
The transaction is an asset acquisition and control of operations will
be assumed immediately.
Trelleborg Building Systems develops and markets polymer and bitumen-based
construction products for sealing and waterproofing applications for the
industrial and consumer markets. The business area is the leader in sealing
profiles in the European market. During 2002, Trelleborg Building Systems
achieved sales of SEK 1,900 M. The business area has approximately 1,200
employees. Production units are located in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Germany
and the UK.
Epwin Chairman, Jim Rawson, comments: ‘The sale of D J Profiles forms
part of our ongoing plans to concentrate on our core PVCu and related
extrusion activities within the UK market.
‘We wish everyone at D J Profiles well for the future and thank them
for all their hard work and contribution to the Group’s success over
recent years,’ adds Mr Rawson.
Epwin Group comprises 30 companies operating independently in their respective
markets. The Group employs 2,200 people and last year achieved a record
turnover of £168 million. Epwin employs just over 1,000 people at
its sites throughout the Midlands, including Telford and Tamworth.
Tel: 01242 243444
New
Brooms get Sweeping at Wendland
In
a move described as ‘taking the company to the next level’ Graham
Fisher (left) has been appointed Managing Director at conservatory
roof systems specialist Wendland and Alan Fielder (below right)
has been appointed Sales and Marketing Director.
Graham has recently returned from a five year stint working in the USA
in various locations including North Carolina, California and the Midwestern
states. Graham’s main aim in his new role is to make Wendland a more
‘customer facing’ organisation:-
‘The phrase ‘customer is king’ may be overused but the
fact remains that you cannot afford to lose your focus on the customers’
needs, whether they concern, service, product development or flexibility.
My intention is to make sure that Wendland leads by design in all these
respects’
Graham is married to Claire and they have two children – Rob 15 and
Sophie 8. Home is presently in Woodhall Spa but plans are already underway
to relocate to Gloucestershire where Wendland’s headquarters are
situated. Proving he enjoys life in the fast lane Graham enjoys motor
racing and jet skiing in his spare time, although he suspects the rather
colder waters of the UK may put him off the latter activity for a while!
Alan
Fielder has over 20 years of experience and is a popular and well-known
face in the window and conservatory industry. Alan, 46 is married to Sue
and they have three children – Jenna 16, Jon 11 and Ian 7. Alan lives
in Bursledon, near Southampton and his interests include playing guitar
and listening to music. He can also be found at certain times of year
playing the Fat Controller or Santa Claus at Eastleigh Lakeside miniature
railway!
‘As we progress to ‘the next level’ and we will continue
to lead by design and provide premium solutions and opportunities for
our customers in this dynamic market sector’ says Alan ‘ these
are exciting times at Wendland and we’ve even more exciting developments
ahead’.
Other recent Wendland appointments can be found here.
Tel: 08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk
Web:
http://www.wendland.uk.com
KS
Announces Record Sales Growth
KS
Profiles, the Daventry-based PVCu window system supplier, announced on
27th October year on year sales growth of 63% and the company's 11th new
customer in 10 months. Managing Director, Peter Middleton-Smith, commented:
'We’ve won new customers on the back of the strength of our product.
They like the clean lines, pre-gasketting and zero sightline gaskets of
the 70mm KS Fortuna Suite. Sales growth has also been thanks to the success
of our existing customers at increasing their market share.'
The company has been continuously investing in product development and
is announcing the launch of a range of product innovations over the coming
weeks.
Email: mailto:pms@ksprofiles.com
LGT
Goes Through the Roof with Cyclone Cat and Sales
Lambert GT Services Ltd, the British toughening plant manufacturer has experienced a ‘boom’ in the sales of glass tempering machines and ancillary toughening plant equipment. With five new machine installations since December last year and a further order book for three to be installed by the end of this year, this represents almost one third of all new machine sales since the company’s incorporation six years ago.
Alvaston
Glass in Derby (LGT1120), was the first to be installed in this period
followed by Abbseal (Leeds) Limited (LGT1327), Hill Leigh Glass and Glazing
of Somerset (LGT1530), Cameo Glass near Oxford (LGT1120) and currently
Conversion Fitting Services in Canvey Island (LGT1120). In addition to
these new plants the company has relocated and commissioned four other
previously owned machines.
All new machines come with a full two year parts and labour warranty,
and the prices include installation within the mainland UK. Typical standard
machine prices are:
LGT1120 load bed size 1100x2000 £190,000
LGT1327 load bed size 1300x2700 £235,000
LGT1530 load bed size 1500x3000 £285,000
Three of the last five machines installed have been the smallest of these
standard sizes. The LGT1120 has proved most popular because of its low
power supply requirement – only 300 kVa – its low installation
and running costs and has been targeted to the small user.
‘In most cases if you are spending £10,000 or more per month
on single toughened glass purchases we can show a saving by processing
your own product. LGT will help you conduct a full feasibility study based
on current purchases which will assist you in obtaining finance.’
says the company.
LGT now claims a 10 percent market share of all toughening plants in the
United Kingdom which the company says is testament to the machines durability,
quality of manufacture and design, and a commitment to after sales service.
Probably the most exciting development for the company since the beginning
of the year is the launch of its controlled aspirated temperature system
– Cyclone CAT. This system which introduces heated air under pressure
to the furnace section of the plant, can be fitted to almost any type
of machine. This enables shorter cycle times, has been successfully tested
with soft and hard coated glass, increases visual and tempered quality,
and is an ozone friendly system as it decreases the use of gases in the
furnace. This system can be installed for around £25,000.00. Three
systems have already been installed in the last two months and a further
four are due to be fitted before the end of this year.
LGT also has two orders for heat soak ovens. ‘Thorough research and
development (as with all of our equipment) means that we will now be ready
to install the first of these in February of next year.’ says the
company.
LGT has recently signed an agreement to switch its software supplier to
Eurotherm PC300 system, which now means the heating thyristors, drive
invertors and plc are all supplied by Eurotherm. LGT feels that the reliability
and world wide backup support of Eurotherm matches the same support already
offered.
http://www.lgtservices.co.uk
mailto:pete@lgtservices.co.uk
Novaglaze
Installs Toughening Plant
Novaglaze
Limited of Huddersfield has installed its state-of-the-art curved glass
toughening plant which can bend 4mm up to 19mm thick glass, formed to
the highest standards.
Production has commenced creating bends for some large prestigious buildings
as well as working with leading architectural metalworkers, architects
and specialist furniture makers, creating one-off bends up to 6 meters
long plus other bespoke pieces previously not available in the UK.
Along with Novaglaze’s specialist service for those requiring curved
toughened, laminated, float the company also produces curved double glazed
units to meet specific needs. Bespoke pieces plus large volume capabilities
are also available.
Web: http://www.novaglaze.co.uk
Pictured: Ken Woodcock Novaglaze’s Founder and Chris Auld Business
Development Manager inspecting the first’s toughened bend hot off
the furnace.
Following
a complaint, a regional press advertisement on behalf of Southern Glass
Ltd of Southend-on-Sea, Essex was investigated by the Advertising Standards
Authority. The complaint was upheld.
A householder objected to a regional press advertisement, for a double-glazing
company, that was headlined 'WINDOWS DOORS & CONSERVATORIES from Southend's
No.1 Double Glazing Company' and claimed '25th ANNIVERSARY YEAR ... 1978
... 2003 ...'. The complainant, who believed the advertisers' original
company had gone into liquidation in 1992, challenged the whether the
advertisers had been trading for 25 years.
Adjudication:
Complaint upheld
The advertisers explained that the business originally started trading
in 1978 when a partnership trading as Southern Glass was formed; the company
was incorporated in October 1979 with the original partners holding all
shares and in January 1980 the company took over all obligations of the
partnership, effecting a seamless transition.
They said the company had been sold in 1987, in a management buyout, to
Hawkglade Ltd and at that time the original directors resigned. They explained
that the terms of the buyout allowed the buyers to pay the purchase price
over a structured eight-year plan but that by the end of 1991 the buyers
could not meet their obligations to the original owners. The original
owners had at that time appointed an administrative receiver, formed a
new company called Ivorybay Ltd and bought the company as a going concern.
The advertisers said the new company had undertaken to honour all customer
guarantees to protect the reputation of the name of Southern Glass and
to safeguard the interest of customers with ten year guarantees. They
said the new company had taken over the employer's responsibilities to
safeguard the jobs and employment rights of employees and that that undertaking
had been given on the basis that the business would be allowed to continue
to trade on the reputation that had been built up over the previous 13
years.
The advertisers said the receivers had accepted the offer and the DTI
had been advised of the continued use of the name Southern Glass Ltd,
which had allowed the transfer of the name so that Ivorybay could be renamed
Southern Glass Ltd.
They explained that not all Hawkglade's debts had been paid: the major
creditors were not paid but were invited, through an informal arrangement,
to trade with the new company at premium rates to recover losses. The
advertisers asserted that those creditors who did so would in the fullness
of time, have recovered their losses. The advertisers said that for the
past 25 years Southern Glass had, regardless of all other matters, provided
a continuous and unconditional service in honouring all its customers'
guarantees. They said the message of their advertisement was that customers
could take comfort in the knowledge that for a quarter of a century the
many thousands of people who invested in Southern Glass products had enjoyed
the benefit of a full ten-year guarantee.
The Authority noted the trading history of the company and its honouring
of customer guarantees throughout the last 25 years. It considered that,
although guarantees had been honoured, the advertisers were not justified
in claiming they had been in business for 25 years, because they had not
paid all Hawkglade's debts. The advertisers were asked not to claim they
had been trading for 25 years in future advertisements.
Flowline
Does it Again and Again
The
Stuga Flowline Cutting and Prepping Centre covered more ground in the
summer with sales to Armstrong Industries in Coventry and Pyramid Profiles
in Walsall.
Pyramid Profiles is a well known Midlands fabricator using the Synseal
Shield system and is timing its Flowline installation to coincide with
a major factory extension as part of the company’s continued expansion.
Armstrong Industries is also a Midlands fabricator using the Synseal Shield
system that has been overwhelmed with the success of its products and
needed to find a solution to allow further expansion without the need
for more operators, due to the difficulty in finding them.
Both companies were drawn to the reputation of Stuga for fair dealing
and top class back-up together with the reputation of the well established
Flowline for accuracy and reliability. They also liked the fact that Stuga
takes care of all software issues and has its own dedicated software engineers
on the road at all times working with the large team of normal service
engineers.
The Flowline carries out all cutting and prepping operations on PVCu windows
and doors including mitres, arrowheads, drainage, espags, trickle vents,
‘Y’ notches, ‘V’ notches, ‘Q’ cuts and all
door preps, plus numerous spotting operations. The versatility of the
Flowline to cover numerous profiles and operations is down to the multi-head
tooling system that can rotate through three hundred and sixty degrees
in either direction. Based on a design used in numerous other industries
the multi-head tooling system is an accurate and reliable feature that
has been well proven in over forty Flowline installations.
Tel: 0800 169-5444
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
Bohle
Boosts Service and Quality
Two
top-of-the-range machines from Bohle’s glass processing range are
helping an Oxfordshire glazier to expand its service offering and achieve
a faster turnaround. Wallingford Glass & Glazing has recently taken
delivery of the latest Bohle Glass Belt Grinder GBS RT-11/22 and Disc
Grinder TSM 600-S, complete with a comprehensive range of optional accessories.
Established
as a family business nearly 30 years ago, Wallingford Glass & Glazing
handles a broad spectrum of work for the trade and retail sectors, including
picture framing, shop fronts, display cabinets and polished glass for
table tops and shelves. With the arrival of the new Bohle machines the
company is now able to offer an even wider range of glass processing services
to customers, together with a superior quality finish. By investing in
a number of options for their machines, Wallingford can also handle more
specialised requirements, including drilling, radius corners, bevels and
cut-outs.
‘We’ve been using Bohle products for about two years now because
we want the best from a reliable supplier. The new machines have helped
us to expand the processing side of the business and we’re getting
a steady flow of jobs that we just couldn’t have taken on before.
Not only that, the machines are very simple to operate and a real pleasure
to use,’ comments Alan Willis, Proprietor of Wallingford Glass &
Glazing.
Bohle’s advanced Glass Belt Grinding machines feature two speeds
for different belt types, enabling universal work possibilities. A standard
model consists of a 200mm diameter contact roll, a grinding and arrissing
unit, adjustable by a hand wheel, and a special stopper for producing
precise edges. The worktable also has a removable section for grinding
small parts. An articulated water hose allows direct cooling of the work
area, while water guidance elements minimise spray during operation.
The Disc Grinding machine from Bohle is designed for planar and edge grinding
of glass objects via a high precision steel rotary plate with magnetically
coated grinding discs. A highly versatile solution, it can accommodate
a variety of glass grinding and polishing applications. Grinding of small
parts is made possible with an adjustable stopper system, while the removal
of side sections allows processing of glass strips. A wide choice of grinding
pads is available, including diamond and felt polishing pads, which are
easy to change on the machine as required.
Bohle’s glass processing machinery range is aimed at small to medium-sized
glazing or glass processing shops where the demand is for high quality,
easy to operate equipment at an affordable price.
In addition to standard models, Bohle also offers a customisation service
to satisfy specialist applications. The company’s growing machinery
user base is served by a dedicated sales and support team in the company’s
machinery division based at its operation in Oldham.
Tel: 0800 616151
Web: http:// www.bohle.ltd.uk
In
this month's What's New section of the BBA website there is news of the
visit of Building Regulations Minister Phil Hope to the BBA offices recently,
an article on the successful completion of a social housing project using
the BBA Innovation Awards winner, Kingspan TEK Haus Building System and
a feature on the presentation of an MBE made to Bernard Dennis for his
work for Certificate holder Conren International. There is also news of
the award of the first European Technical Approval (ETA) for cavity tray
products, news of NHBC's new approval requirements for certain building
products, and a feature on the development and subsequent approval of
the unique McAlpine Anti-Rodent Barrier.
New Certificates
02/3972 Plastmo PVCu Window System - Polycastle Nu-Span
03/4039 Ultraframe Uzone Conservatory Roof System - Ultraframe (UK) Ltd
03/4052 Quantal Conservatory Roof Systems - Matthews & Yates Conservatories
Ltd, T/A Aura Conservatories
Amendments to existing Certificates
02/3937 Third Issue Rehau PVCu Window System - Newlife Windows (North)
Ltd
96/3261 Ultraframe Conservatory Roof Systems - Ultraframe (UK) Ltd
Roof systems for conservatories used as extensions to new or existing
buildings. Detail Sheets cover: (2) Victorian, (3) (Second issue) Ultralite
500 PVC and PC, (4) Victorian, (5) Victorian Woodgrain, and (6) Ultralite
500 PVC brown and 500 PC woodgrain.
Certificate withdrawals
01/3798 Spectus PVCu Window System - Quickframe (Leeds) Ltd(withdrawn)
Certificates deleted
00/3715 Alcoa/Mastic Vinyl Siding (lapsed)
00/3754 Alcoa/Mastic Vinyl Soffit (lapsed)
Expansion
continues apace at Beaufort Secure Design Ltd with the move to a new facility
in Newport, twice the size of its previous premises. The aluminium systems
company says it has seen overall sales double in the last five years together
with significant growth within the specification market.
Beaufort’s new 32,000 sq ft premises will enable the company to increase
its stockholding significantly, offering customers quicker delivery times.
The larger facility also gives Beaufort the opportunity to pursue its
plans to launch a new window and door system, which it believes will have
a major impact on the future of aluminium system design. In addition to
providing extra space, the company’s new site is ideally located,
being close to the motorway network and within a larger catchment area
for new recruitment.
Beaufort’s internal glazed and tilt before turn window systems have
enjoyed a dramatic boost in sales. Beaufort attributes the rise in special
colour projects to the fact that it holds the mill finish material in
stock, so ensuring a speedy turnaround of orders. The company has also
maximised opportunities within the specification market, where the use
of aluminium continues to grow, with a comprehensive support package for
architects and local authorities.
Gwyneth
Jones, Operations Director (left) with Nigel Yates, Sales Director in
the Beaufort warehouse
Commenting on the expansion, Nigel Yates, Sales Director of Beaufort Secure
Design says, ‘An excellent and dedicated team that regards each customer
as an individual and not just an account number is at the heart of our
continued success. The close working relationship we forge with our customers
is not only reflected in the success of the ‘Beaufort Approved’
fabricator scheme but is also crucial in shaping our marketing and product
development plans. By listening to them we’ve kept pace with market
trends and have developed the right products and back-up support that
enable us and our fabricators to meet the ever changing demands of our
industry.’
Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk
Pilkington
Activ Approval for Alfas
The
Alfas range of glazing and bonding tapes has been tested and confirmed
as suitable for use with Pilkington’s new self-cleaning glass.
Pilkington Activ is an ordinary glass with a special coating on the outside
that has dual action. Once exposed to daylight, the coating breaks down
any organic dirt deposits and rain water sheets down the glass to wash
loosened dirt away.
The complete range of Alfas Security Glazing Tapes (SGT), comprising different
polyethylene, PVC and EPF foam grades, has now been tested and confirmed
as compatible with the Pilkington Activ system.
In addition the company’s specialist Glasket glazing seal system,
General Bonding Tape and Foamed Acrylic Tapes have also been approved
by Pilkington.
Alfas Technical Sales Manager, Peter Gibson, explained: ‘When Pilkington
announced its new Pilkington Activ glass, our customers needed to know
if our products were compatible.
‘We supply both glazing tapes and tapes for bonding glazing bars
directly to the glass surface and contacted Pilkington for advice. They
kindly offered to test the relevant tapes and we were delighted to hear
that they were all confirmed as compatible with Pilkington Activ.’
The Alfas tapes confirmed for use with Pilkington Activ are SGT Super,
SGT PVC-DSX, SGT PVC-DST, SGT PE-DSP, General Bonding Tape, Foamed Acrylic
Tape and Alfas Glasket.
Tel : 0191 419 0505
Email: mailto:sales@alfas.com
Web: http://www.alfas.com
Sierra’s
Long and Winding Roads
Devon-based
Sierra Windows claims to be a truly nationwide supplier of windows and
doors - its 16-strong delivery fleet covered just short of one million
kilometres last year supplying customers from Cornwall to the Scottish
Highlands.
In
2002, the fleet travelled 966,137 kms and used almost 250,000 litres of
fuel. The oldest vehicle in the fleet, a Daf 95 330 tractor was recently
replaced after a venerable 11 years having covered one million kilometres
- or 600,000 miles.
Sierra Windows has built up a loyal and established customer base over
its 25 year trading history. And nowhere is this perhaps more evident
than its popularity in Scotland where the 40-foot trailers are regular
sights on the nation's more northern motorways.
It takes a driver four days to complete the 2,350 kilometre round trip
to Scotland. Despite the huge distances, Sierra's drivers take great pride
in the accuracy of schedules - to the extent that their arrival can be
pinpointed to within five minutes of the estimated delivery time.
Sierra's General Manager, Brian Webb comments: ‘It is remarkable
how they do it. Our drivers enjoy an excellent reputation and they are
our best ambassadors as they are meeting the customers all the time. They
are constantly praised for their helpfulness and punctuality.
'We have retained very loyal customers through excellent customer service
- not least our timely deliveries, a comprehensive product range and a
reputation for quality and reliability. And we are constantly striving
both to maintain and improve on all aspects of our service,’ adds
Brian.
Contact: Brian Webb
Tel: 01803 697000
It
has been a year of change and forward thinking for managing director,
Ian Southall, and the team at Fullex Locks Ltd. With a growing number
of partnership programmes in the public sector, the launch of the Gemini
double door lock and the installation of new systems to improve service
and administration, there has been little time to sit back and reflect
on the overall success the company has achieved.
‘We are constantly looking to the future,’ says Ian, ‘not
simply to improve sales both in the UK and abroad, but to provide continuous
innovation and improvement to our products and services.
‘Fullex products have long held a well-deserved reputation as the
‘Rolls Royce’ of high security door locks. With their innovative
design, high performance, wide accreditation and manufacturing excellence,
it is no wonder that purchasers and end users of Fullex Locks are so impressed
by the product.’
One such customer was John Avill, who was so impressed that 12 months
ago, together with Kevin McDonald, he became a financier and founder member
of the new Fullex Locks Limited. If their names are familiar, it’s
because their respected reputations in the industry precede them, indeed
many will recognise the name of Kevin McDonald from his days as Chairman
of Polypipe. Today, they continue to maintain a distinct presence across
the building and construction industry, holding the post of Chairman for
a variety of blue chip companies.
‘John and Kevin provide invaluable support and input for the business,’
comments Ian. ‘Their vast experience within the industry, together
with their business expertise, not only guides us through the constant
challenges presented by a competitive market, but adds a spark of inspiration
that allows us to maintain our innovative approach.’
More recently, another experienced name has re-joined the Fullex team,
with John Hill taking the position of national sales manager. ‘We
needed someone who could match the excellent work being done in the public
sector, by our specification manager, Sue Cook,’ explains Ian. ‘Someone
with the skill and enthusiasm to identify new markets and trends, whilst
having an in depth knowledge of the materials and applications that our
products are designed to perform with. At Fullex a lock is not simply
a lock!’
Fullex also has a wealth of experience behind the scenes, with many long-standing,
highly skilled production employees. ‘When you consider there can
be well over 100 variations to one product, their knowledge and experience
is not only invaluable, but at times mind blowing,’ says Ian. ‘Their
really outstanding achievement though, is their ability to adapt to new
ideas and recognise that in order to move the company forward it is sometimes
necessary to make radical changes.’
Tel: 01384 401312
Elite
Announces Eurocell Association
Elite
is a young company formed just over two years ago and has recently moved
across to Eurocell’s Pinnacle Conservatory System to serve the company’s
growing customer base. Situated in Great Barr, Birmingham, Elite currently
fabricates 15-20 roofs per week for the trade from its 4,000 sq ft premises.
Although
Elite is a relatively young company, the two directors and their workforce
bring with them over 40 years experience in the building, window and conservatory
industries. It was in using this experience effectively that initially
led them to search for an alternative roof system. ‘We felt that
other systems on the market could offer a better package which would better
suit our business moving forward.’ said Phil Warner from Elite.
After seeing the Eurocell roof just after it’s launch the company
was keen to move over to it. ‘We noticed a number of advantages with
the Pinnacle System over the brand we were then fabricating. The main
competitive advantages were the time savings, both in fabrication and
pre-assembly and feedback from our customers indicates that the system
goes together very easily and quickly on site.’ commented Damian
Baugh from Elite.
‘As with all new systems we waited until the Eurocell Roof was more
established in the market before moving over to it. In the meantime we
had been attracting a great deal of attention from installers all over
the midlands, who knew we would be fabricating the Pinnacle System, so
we decided to make the move earlier on this year. Since moving across
to Eurocell’s Pinnacle, we couldn’t be happier, our business
is growing, our customers are happy and as a result we are looking to
re-locate when a suitable premises becomes available.’ added Phil
Warner.
Elite felt that some customers could be lost when the Pinnacle System
was introduced and it was with this in mind that all customers were asked
to try the Pinnacle Roof System. Those who were perhaps a little more
sceptical were invited to visit Elite’s fabrication premises and
were shown the Pinnacle Roof System at first hand.
‘We set up a Pinnacle sample roof next to our previous suppliers
roof and after a member of staff explained the benefits it wasn’t
long before all our customers were converted. Customer relations have
been a key to our success so far and by introducing the Pinnacle System
in this way we felt that our customers would feel more a part of the business.’
concluded Damian.
Elite – 0121 360 1409
Eurocell – 01773 842 100
Procell
Helps Drive Trims Expansion
Trims
Ltd, a leading stockist of Premier Profiles’ Procell range of window
trims and roofline products, has announced plans to open several more
depots across the Midlands and North of England.
The stockist, which claims a wide ranging customer base from local authorities
to independent tradesmen, started life in 2000 with its first depot in
Wakefield, West Yorkshire and has continued to steadily expand, now owning
seven depots across the country having just opened its latest one in Mansfield
last month.
Company director Mike Redshaw said: ‘The company has gone from strength
to strength over the last three years and I believe the key to this has
been our successful relationships with major suppliers such as Premier
Profiles. Our account with Premier has grown annually by at least 100%.
By working together so efficiently we offer our customers an unbeatable
range of quality PVCu products.’
Ashley Kitson Procell’s national manager said, ‘We are delighted
to have shared in the success story of Trims, which has developed into
our largest stockist of the Procell range, and look forward to a long
and mutually beneficial future with them.’
Trims Ltd plans to open a further four sites in 2004.
Connect
2 National Plastics says it has experienced an unprecedented year of sales
and recently celebrated the company’s success with the opening of
another new branch. Located in Sunderland, adjacent to the Alexandra Bridge,
the new depot offers over 3,000 sq ft, packed full of plastic building
products, from flooring to roofing, together with all the tools and fixings
required for installation.
Branch manager, Chris Maddison, is keen to achieve the same growth as
Connect 2’s existing branch in the North East. ‘Sales at our
Newcastle branch grew so quickly the premises had to be doubled in size
within the first twelve months,’ commented Chris. ‘Sunderland
will be offering the same comprehensive range of well known brands and
outstanding service, so we are looking forward to meeting the challenge!’
Specialising in building plastics, the Connect 2 chain now has fourteen
branches across England and Wales and has earned a reputation for professional
service. ‘Efficient, computerised stock controls, together with the
support of our other branches allows us to offer a huge range of products
ex-stock’ explains Chris.
‘Customers also appreciate our extremely competitive prices, achieved
by passing on the cost benefits from the company’s high volume buying
power.’
A diverse customer base results in an extensive product range, for both
external and internal projects, including the full ranges of Plastivan
trims, Flo-Plast rainwater goods and Everbuild products, to name but a
few. In addition, Connect 2 branches offer a wealth of proucts, with durable
laminate flooring, bow canopies, decorative wall panels and coverings.
The most recent product introduction is "Oriental Coating",
an internal wall covering, which the company says has created a huge interest
amongst conservatory installers.
Every Connect 2 National Plastics branch operates a fleet of vehicles
and offers a same day delivery, which builders, window installers and
roofing specialists in Sunderland can now enjoy, along with the convenience
of a local depot.
Tel: 0800 22 77 77
Web: http://www.connect2nationalplastics.com
Alcoa
Files Antidumping Petition against South African Producer
Alcoa
announced on 16th October that it has filed an antidumping petition with
the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission
against imports of certain aluminium alloy rolled plate manufactured in
South Africa. This material is exported to the United States by Hulett
Aluminium (Pty) Limited ('Hulett'), whose unfair trade practices have
damaged the U.S. industry. The antidumping petition shows that Hulett
exports aluminium plate to the U.S. at dramatically lower prices than
it sells the material in its home market. Those unfair sales have damaged
the U.S. industry by eroding market prices below sustainable levels.
'Alcoa has not generally filed trade remedy cases,' said Paul Thomas,
President of Alcoa North American Fabricated Products. 'However, Hulett's
dumping in the U.S. market has been so blatantly unfair that it demands
a response. This petition is targeted at a case where antidumping duties
are necessary to restore fair competition to the market. In this instance,
we feel we must defend the rules of fair trade,' said Thomas.
The specific product that is the subject of the petition, 6000 series
aluminium alloy rolled plate, is used for general-purpose engineering,
tooling and die applications. Since Hulett dramatically expanded its shipments
to the U.S. in 2000, it has captured a significant share of the U.S. market.
An Alcoa facility in Davenport, Iowa, a Kaiser facility in Trentwood,
Washington and a Pechiney plant in Ravenswood, West Virginia are the primary
U.S. manufacturers of 6000 series plate. Together, those plants employ
approximately 4000 people.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Amcat
and UK DATA IT help Telemarketers Avoid Silent Call Upset
Amcat,
a global supplier of contact centre solutions, is working with data suppression
specialist, UK DATA IT, to become the first contact centre predictive
dialler vendor to support the new 'silent call file'.
The file is independently managed by UK DATA IT with the support of the
DMA and TPS (Telephone Preference Service) and contains telephone details
of individuals who have complained of silent calls (also known as 'dropped'
or 'abandoned' calls) caused by the use of predictive diallers in call
centres. At present, individuals have little choice other than to sign
up to the TPS register to prevent the re-occurrence of silent calls.
UK DATA IT's Sales and Marketing Director, Richard Melling, explains,
'The idea behind the Silent Call suppression file is to differentiate
the victims of dropped calls from telephone subscribers that want a blanket
ban on receiving unsolicited calls from third parties. By offering call
centres the ability to stop delivering silent calls to consumers that
have complained about them, within 48 hours, it is anticipated that less
will need to sign up on the TPS where they would be lost from the telemarketing
radar forever.'
He continued, 'The problem at the moment is that it can take up to 28
days for a complainant's details to be acknowledged by call centres through
existing TPS guidelines. Our decision to work with Amcat, one of the leading
predictive dialler manufacturers in the UK, was based on their strong
commitment to continually improving the quality of telemarketing standards
within the UK. They clearly understood the value of the Silent Call File
in enhancing the reputation and conduct of call centres and can now offer
customers the capability to screen calls appropriately.'
UK Managing Director at Amcat, Marcus Robinson commented,'Our partnership
with UK DATA IT is good news for everyone. Call centres can operate in
a more responsible manner by addressing the problem of repeated dropped
calls, and consumer anxiety arising from anonymous calls can be alleviated.'
He concluded, 'The call centre industry is having to face additional challenges
from increasing regulation and compliance legislation. We believe our
relationship with UK DATA IT adopts a 'prevention' philosophy that will
fulfil a call centre's legal obligations as well as protect the future
business of the UK call centre market.'
Melling stresses the importance of the Silent Call File in light of the
growing TPS list that now stands at just over three million names. Telemarketers
should also be aware of new powers recently given to the independent telecomms
watchdog Oftel relating to 'dropped' calls.
Companies will face automatic fines of up to £5,000 as well as being
required to pay compensation for repeated incidents. The types of calls
that will be able to be addressed by these powers include:-
• silent calls or short duration calls which are abruptly terminated
before they are answered
• calls that mislead the user into returning a call which my be charged
at high rates
• automated calls that simply contain recorded messages for marketing
purposes.
The new offering from Amcat and UK-Data IT will enable users to download
the Silent Call File onto Amcat's call centre management system, Contact
Centre Suite, and automatically update database records so that calls
will not be made to the designated numbers via the dialler.
UK DATA IT collects data on a daily basis from the Nuisance Call Bureaux
of BT, Telewest & NTL. Known as Silentcall-gard, this file protects
consumers who have complained about a silent call from receiving any further
calls from organisations using predictive diallers for twelve months.
After this period, the number would be removed from the file, allowing
calls from companies to resume marketing via predictive diallers in the
normal way.