Downturn
at Anglian May Mean Closure of Port Talbot
Staff
at Anglian Windows have been put on a 30-hour week and the company has
said its output was being reviewed due to a downturn.
The group employs 7500 people nationwide - 2000 in Norfolk - and the reduction
in hours and a cutback of casual staff has caused anxiety.
One member of staff said: 'We think there are going to be redundancies
but, as we are not a union firm, we are all being left in the dark.' He
said they had been told in the past few days they were going to have to
go to a 30-hour week from next week.
'We used to work Saturdays and Sundays. I was on a 47-hour contract but
they reduced it to 40 hours in mid-September and now it's gone down to
30. They have been getting rid of all the casual staff in the past year.'
Melanie Russell, at Anglian, said many but not all staff were having their
hours cut, depending on which line they worked on. 'We are reviewing all
manufacturing capacity in line with a downturn in the market,' she said.
No decision had been made to close Port Talbot but 'as a result of this
process we are consulting with 64 of the workforce in Port Talbot.'
Mrs Russell said: 'The management is communicating on a weekly basis with
the works committee to keep them fully informed.'
A tough year in 2005 was predicted by chief executive Larry Condon last
November because of a drop in consumer demand and rising costs.
'I believe we are in for a tough year,' he said. 'Home price inflation
is static and could be heading downwards and there's no doubt the market
is softening. We have seen demand for our products go down for some months
now. It is taking longer for our sales staff to make sales as confidence
among consumers is fragile.'
The group was having to battle with increased regulation, higher raw material
costs and the effect of European Working Time Directive which limits the
number of hours staff can work at one time.
Status
Systems Announces GM Fundraising Support
Status
Systems has announced a sponsorship agreement with the Hope House Hospice
support charity, GM Fundraising, which will see the systems company’s
zendow brand underwrite a forthcoming John O’Groats to Lands End
Charity Cycle Ride.
In
a statement at the launch of the GM Fundraising ‘Top to Bottom’
Bike Ride, Status Systems Sales & Marketing Director, Kevin Warner
said, ‘Status Systems has a long and successful history of supporting
charity as an element of its marketing activity. This particular sponsorship
forms part of our Ethical Marketing initiative. In its simplest sense
the sponsorship of the ‘Top to Bottom’ Bike Ride is a promotional
opportunity that has the added advantage of benefiting a very worthy cause.
The ten-day event will give Status Systems a platform to promote the zendow
brand and the success of zendow products with the consumer over literally
the full length the country and of course, raise many thousands of pounds
for Hope House’. The System zendow logo will feature prominently
on all the riders clothing and on the support vehicles.
Commencing at John O’ Groats on 9th June, the riders, who have all
raised over £2000 in sponsorship each, will average 97 miles per
day for ten days arriving at Lands End on Saturday 18th June. During the
event up to thirty other outriders will be raising sponsorship cash by
joining the ride and completing daily legs.
Spokesman for GM Fundraising Gary Morton said, ‘Without the support
of Status Systems it would have been almost impossible to get the event
off the ground. The zendow sponsorship will cover all the riders’
kit, high-energy drinks, specialised foods, accommodation, provision and
fuelling of the support vehicles. With zendow covering these costs, every
penny of the £40,000 we hope to raise by individual sponsorship
will go straight to the kids at Hope House Hospice’.
Anyone interested in supporting the GM Fundraising ‘Top to Bottom’
Bike Ride or sponsoring a rider should contact Gary Morton at mailto:gary@garymorton.co.uk.
PIGS
First Birthday Event: April 28th
The
very first PIGS networking evening was held on 6th May 2004 so the next
PIGS event on 28th April represents PIGS first birthday. Once again, PIGS
is being held at The Slug & Lettuce, Upper St. Martins Lane, London
from 6pm till late. Directions can be found at http://www.slugandlettuce.co.uk/directions/westend.htm.
PIGS is informal and open to anyone who is connected with advertising
and publicity in the glazing market. The evening provides an opportunity
for people to meet and network so please feel free to extend an invitation
to your friends in the business.
Most of you will be aware that as an incentive to arrive early, our sponsors
fund the bar for the early part of the evening. Maintaining the birthday
theme our April sponsors are - Mila Hardware (It’s Sarah’s birthday),
The G05 Awards (It’s Higgo’s birthday), GP&T 2005 (It’s
Redman’s birthday) and Glass & Glazing Products (It’s GGP’s
birthday)…no prizes for guessing who has been around the longest!
No doubt there will be a few corks popping.
Grateful thanks to our February PIGS night sponsors, Window Fabricator
& Installer, Chrome Consulting and Windows Active. A further mention
in despatches and a Purple Heart for generosity must go to Steve Wightman
of Senior Aluminium Systems whose credit card kept the free bar open even
longer.
An impromptu PIGS event during Glassex attracted a couple of dozen PIG’s
to All Bar One and later to Flares in Birmingham. It was such a success
amongst the forty-something’s that we are now organising an overnight
Summer Party Night in Brum. Details to follow.
PPG
Receives Adverse Ruling in Marvin Case
On
March 23rd the United States’ Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled
against PPG Industries in a breach-of-warranty case brought against it
by Marvin Windows and Doors.
PPG, which is evaluating its options for further appeals, estimates the
total judgment, including interest, is between $145 and $150 million pretax,
which the company plans to reserve in first quarter 2005.
Marvin, of Warroad, Minn., alleged a wood preservative from PPG failed
to prevent rot in its wood windows manufactured during the late 1980s.
The original suit was filed in April 1994. A district judge dismissed
the case in 1999, a decision that Marvin appealed. The Eighth Circuit
Court of Appeals confirmed the dismissal of 12 of 13 claims but allowed
Marvin to move forward with a jury trial on a breach-of-warranty claim,
which resulted in a judgment against PPG in 2002.
BPF
Comments on the Publication of the CTIC’s Report on Fuel Prices
The
BPF has drawn attention to the publication of the Report on Fuel Prices
published recently by the House of Commons Trade and Industry Committee.
During the summer and autumn of 2004 the UK witnessed substantial fuel
price increases. The Commons Trade and Industry Committee decided to conduct
an inquiry into these increases, and their effects on all customers. Their
report is available on this website: http://www.parliament.uk/parliamentarycommittees/tradeandindustry.cfm
Key amongst the findings of the committee are:
• Over this and the next two winters the UK will have an uncomfortably
small surplus of gas supply. This could mean interruption to supply contracts.
• There is an urgent need to put in place infrastructure for importation
and storage of gas, and better information for the market place.
• No evidence found of collusion or illegal behaviour by suppliers,
but competition is less than might be expected.
• Prices are likely to remain high over the next two years and further
increases are inevitable. This will be particularly difficult for SMEs.
• 'the Government must re-examine the operation of the Climate Change
Levy and in particular to consider the scope for reducing it to help UK
industry during its present difficulties.'
The British Plastics Federation submitted evidence to the inquiry last
year which showed that after a survey of members, the average increase
in gas prices for 2005 was 30% and 22% for electricity. In its submission
the BPF called for substantial reductions in the Climate Change Levy,
but preferably its withdrawal.
BPF Director- General Peter Davis said: 'we are concerned at the high
risk of gas suppliers to our members being interrupted in this and the
next two winters. The plastics industry needs to plan for this and the
regrettable further price increases which are expected. Attendance at
our 21st April ‘Energy Solutions’ seminar is a must. Climate
Change Levy must be substantially reduced or scrapped as soon as possible.
It is regrettably obvious that energy supply and price increases will
continue to hamper the competitiveness of the UK Plastics Industry'
Customer
Base Swells as Radius Revolutionises Specialist Frame Making
Radius
Plastics, the UK PVC-U profile bending company and specialist shaped frame
manufacturer, has reported an increase in the company’s customer
base as word spreads about how the company has 'brought the niche sector
into the 21st Century'. Almost 200 new customers joined the company’s
ranks during 2004, providing Radius with a customer base of more than
1,250 regular accounts, a figure that is expected to continue to grow
during 2005.
Radius Plastics, following a series of investments in the company’s
manufacturing and administrative infrastructure, and intensive training
programmes for staff, is now able to offer specialist frame production
on a 2 week order-to-delivery schedule that is in line with the service
offered by many conventional trade frame makers. Other innovations that
have further speeded up service include computer-calculated glass size
calculations for arch tops, circular and angle frames, with data emailed
or faxed back to the customer usually within 48 hours of receipt of order.
These may then be passed to the customer’s glass supplier for units
to be manufactured whilst the frames are being produced, thus reducing
lead times by up to a week or more.
‘Radius Plastics has proved that it is possible to offer high quality
products and service for specialist frame manufacture in line with modern
industry expectations,’ says company spokesman Mike Crewdson. ‘For
too long installers have had to apologise to their customers because they
have been let down again by their supplier of curved frames. The profile-bending
sector has got away with it for too long, with shoddy product quality
and even worse service. Radius customers are able to schedule their work
accurately, maintain customer satisfaction levels and improve cash flow
as installation delays caused by a couple of arch-top windows are a thing
of the past.’
K2
Provides A Big Plus for Customers
As
part of its ongoing commitment to customer-focused solutions, K2 has launched
K2 Plus, a customer support package available to all dealers and installers,
which will assist them both to increase their sales and also develop new
business opportunities.
Comments
Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: ‘In a competitive sector
like the conservatory industry the importance of customer support cannot
be underestimated. We believe that K2 Plus is a model customer support
package for the industry and sets a benchmark for the level of added value
dealers should expect from their systems suppliers. Too often, systems
suppliers are totally focused on their own success but we believe that
is short sighted. Our sales depend on our customers’ ability to stay
ahead in a competitive environment; with K2 Plus we are actively helping
them to bring business in – which has to be good for all of us!’
The real added value offered by the K2 Plus scheme is in the free expert
consultancy and advice available to any K2 customer. K2 professionals
are on hand to advise and develop bespoke marketing and sales programmes
for customers. K2 has designed the programme to enable its customers to
share the company’s marketing, sales & technical resources and
will help each dealer and installer assess their needs on an individual
basis, and then help in the most productive way in areas including PR,
advertising, brand development and sales lead generation.
The K2 Plus package includes a comprehensive range of marketing support
for K2 dealers and installers including corporate identity design; trade
and consumer advertising and public relations support. K2 Plus also includes
a variety of marketing support materials that can be customised to suit
individual dealers or installers, including product information on CD-Rom,
bespoke sales literature and point of sale displays and support material
for Open Days.
The company has also produced a range of consumer-focused sales aids including
a ‘Guide To Conservatories’ and direct mail flyers and posters,
which are available either in bespoke or Approved Installer versions.
In addition, K2 Plus also offers sales support and new business lead generation,
with its in-house sales team actively generating leads via direct mail
and tele-canvassing, while K2 Business Development Executives will accompany
dealers to meetings with prospective clients to answer any technical questions
about the K2 system and product range.
K2 also offers assistance with Showsite design and Exhibition design and
build, further increasing the ability to differentiate from the crowd
and turn potential into sales. Finally, K2 Plus also includes a range
of technical support including on-site fabricator and surveyor training,
site systems and factory set up support, as well as provision of a bespoke
software system, including full training and support.
Sally Fielding continues: ‘At K2, we understand how important it
can be in ensuring your company is always front of mind with potential
customers. This imperative is just as true for dealers and installers
as it is for systems manufacturers. We are well known in the marketplace
for taking a partnership approach to business and our strength in customer
retention is testament to the fact that our ethos to technical, sales
and marketing support addresses a market need. We are a company that continuously
questions our best practice and asks whether things can be done better,
which has led to the launch of K2 Plus, an unbeatable support package.’
Some
thought it couldn’t be done, but Total Glass proved its doubters
wrong by successfully moving its manufacturing operation and offices in
just 48 hours to its new 100,000 sq ft factory a few miles away.
Planned like a military operation, the move went smoothly over a February
weekend, two weeks ahead of schedule, without any disruption to production
or customer service.
From
pulling out the plugs on Friday afternoon at Kirkby Bank Road to pressing
the switches again on Monday morning at the purpose-built Total Complex
in Knowsley Business Park, it all went according to plan.
Heavy window machinery, 84 pieces in all, was transported between the
two sites on two low-loaders. Staff gave up their weekend to work round-the-clock
shifting office equipment and furniture.
‘People were saying ‘you can’t move a factory in 48 hours’,
but we did it,’ says Frank Deary, Managing Director. ‘We finished
work at 4.30pm on the Friday and started production at 8am on Monday.
Making 1,500 frames in the first week in the new place certainly proved
our doubters wrong.
‘We are very pleased with how it went and we managed to maintain
our five-day turnaround which was largely unaffected. I would like to
thank all the staff who helped over the weekend for their co-operation
and our customers for their patience. We appreciate their understanding.’
Having outgrown its former site after sixteen years, Total Glass needed
more space to expand and take the business to its next level through an
ambitious ‘one stop shop’ Window Store concept providing installers
with everything they require, from windows, doors and conservatories to
a wide range of ancillaries.
The Total Complex enables the company to maintain its reputation as a
fast growing fabricator with production capacity up to 2,700 frames per
week. ‘The move has allowed us to become more efficient and to aim
for 30% growth this year,’ says Frank.
Two new showrooms showcase the company’s offering to all its markets
with 180 car parking spaces available for customers. The first caters
for the domestic window market where installers and builders can see a
wide range of products on display and place orders for a fast turnaround.
The second is designed for public sector and social housing providers
with specific requirements to satisfy. Total also provides a full technical
back-up service if required.
The factory move was of particular interest to engineering lecturer Mike
Hurst who recorded the weekend’s event in video and photos as a future
reference project for his studies. ‘I didn’t believe it could
be done in 48 hours, but I was amazed they did it and were back in production
so quickly. It was all hands to the pump!’ comments Mike, whose son-in-law
David Ogilvie is Total’s Production Manager.
Tel: 0151 549 2339
Web: http://www.totalglass.com
Advantage
Fits Yale High Security Lock to Elite 70 Doors
Advantage
Windows and Conservatories Ltd, the Cheshire based trade fabricator, has
begun fitting the Yale G2000 series high-security locks onto the company’s
Elite 70 door range.
Advantage chose the Yale lock because of its high specification and the
benefits it provides to the home owner. The G2000 series is a three hook,
two roller, multipoint lock with a stainless steel faceplate that features
a six pin anti-drill barrel complying with BN1303. It is designed to be
non-corrosive, robust and long lasting.
The lock is recognised by ‘Secured by Design’ as a police preferred
specification and is also endorsed by the ‘Master Locksmiths Association’
as well as all leading insurance companies. As a result home owners may
benefit from reduced home insurance premiums in addition to enjoying a
full 10 year guarantee directly from Yale to the home owner.
Danny Hague, Advantage’s Group Commercial Director said: ‘the
fitting of the new Yale lock represents a significant improvement in terms
of performance and security. Yale is a trusted house-hold brand and our
installer customers can now register with Yale to join its‘Approved
Installer Network’ where they can benefit from additional marketing
support and consumer leads generated through Yale’s website.’
Web:
http://www.advantageconservatories.com
In
the Frame: Launch of Kitemark Scheme for Window Installers
Imagine
making mis-measures a thing of the past? Gaining market share by using
a symbol on ads, literature and on the side of your van that is recognised
by 80% of customers as a mark of integrity, quality and safety? Launching
a Kitemark certification scheme for window and door installations, BSI
Product Services is now offering a total solution to the double-glazing
industry, with testing, certification, and in-house expertise now covering
the survey and installation service as well as the actual windows and
doors.
BSI and the Kitemark is already well known and trusted in the trade for
its testing and certification of windows, doors, safety glass and insulating
glass units. Yet, a recent Which? Magazine Survey found that 60% of readers
whose windows had been installed by national chains or independents had
experienced difficulties, BSI Product Services saw the need to address
this problem with the launch of a new Kitemark scheme for installers.
As a result, Kitemark certification will enable the industry to demonstrate
independent endorsement of surveyor competence and the ability of fitting
teams in the new build and replacement markets.
Based on The British Plastics Federations code of practice, the installer
will be assessed not only against a management system but also against
a recognised code of practice for the survey and installation of windows
and doors. Completed installations and work in progress will be assessed
to ensure that the installation teams are trained and can fit the windows
to the code of practice.
Says Chris Lewis, BSI's Business Sector Manager for Construction Products,
‘The Kitemark clearly differentiates certified installers from their
competitors, and will drive clear business and cost savings to those whose
time, effort and expertise is recognised as making the grade by us.’
Tel: 01442 278607
Web: http://www.Kitemarktoday.com
Your
Principal Deeplas Stockists
Principality
(Plastics and Hardware) Ltd has opened its doors on the company’s
new trade centre based in Gloucester. Conveniently located from Junction
12 off the M5, the new trade centre offers customers a fully stocked range
of products including Deeplas by Deceuninck cellular roofline and associated
building products. In fact, the store stocks 4,500 product lines with
a further 1500 being introduced over the forthcoming months.
This comprehensive product range is backed up by a reliable, efficient
service that includes a choice of am or pm deliveries for local customers,
on the same day. For customers falling outside the area, Principality
delivers direct at no extra cost. Principality says that it is determined
to continue its reputation of providing maximum customer service as the
company’s key selling proposition.
The new trade centre is the third operation of its type and complements
the already successful trade outlets based in Cardiff and Swansea.
Sales Director of Principality, Paul Davies commented, ‘We are delighted
to have expanded our operation into Gloucester and feel this is an important
move for our business and will undoubtedly attract a wider audience. We
are already considering plans to open subsequent outlets near the M4 corridor
in order to meet the demands of our customers.
'The new Gloucester trade centre is already being branded the convenient
‘one stop shop’ for builders, installers and double-glazing
companies. The centre is managed by a team of six experienced trade staff
who offer back-up, support and friendly advice.'
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com
Type
Approval for Winlock’s BoaRestrictor
Winlock’s
BoaRestrictor has just won another accolade by securing National Type
approval from Local Authority Building Control (LABC).
The System Approval Certificate issued by LABC confirms that BoaRestrictor
is approved to provide window security in accordance with BS8213 while
enabling continuing compliance for egress window usage under Building
Regulation B1, rapid ventilation openings under Building Regulation F1
and the safe use of windows under Building Regulation N3.
Winlock’s
Graham Pearce with the LABC System Approval Certificate for the BoaRestrictor
Winlock’s
director of business development, Graham Pearce said: ‘BoaRestrictor
has generated a lot of interest since its recent launch and this approval
is good news, not only for Winlock but for our customers, architects and
specifiers all of whom will be assured about the design, performance and
suitability of the BoaRestrictor.’
Designed to exceed the BS8213 code of practice, along with, BS6375 and
BS7412 standards, the Winlock BoaRestrictor restricts initial window opening
to 100mm requires two-handed operation to avoid accidental disengaging
and gives automatic re-engagement when the sash closes.
The BoaRestrictor is fitted in line with friction stays and saves cost
by incorporating run-up blocks. Easy and quick to fit, the BoaRestrictor
is fully concealed and can be retro-fitted. Convenient 13mm and 17mm stack
heights are provided to suit fabricators’ systems.
Tel: 01952 680178
Email: mailto:sales@winlock.uk.com
Duoshield
is 'the Future of PVC-ue Building Products'
'A
major leap forward in the technological development of how cellular plastic
building products are made is leading quickly to the establishment of
a new generation of roofline, cladding and window profiles.' according
to Celuform.
Created
by Celuform, DuoShield is a co-extrusion process that creates a seamless
and extremely tough double skin that wraps around the whole board, front
and back. This means that thinner and lighter boards can be produced which
feature rigidity and durability equal to, or in excess of, thicker, heavier
profiles.
In addition, the aesthetics are improved because the finish is totally
seamless, providing a smooth finish.
'DuoShield is the future of cellular PVC,' says Ged Ferris, Celuform's
marketing manager.
'We were the first company to manufacture PVC-ue products in the UK more
than 30 years ago, with Celuka, a skinless foamed plastic technique that
offered significant advantages over the rigid boards that Celuka replaced.
The next development created by Celuform was a 0.6mm skin over the exposed
surface of the board, a process that is now common to all cellular PVC-ue
products today.
'New DuoShield will be applied across all Celuform fascia, soffit, cladding
and windowline products,' Ged commented. 'Market leading brands such as
Emperor, Duoform, Duoliner, Torus Duoliner and Vanquish, already feature
the new technology.'
DuoShield is guaranteed for 15 years. This includes a warranty against
colour fading or 'pinking'.
Celuform supplies stockists throughout the UK and Europe.
Tel: 01622 719199
Web: http://www.celuform.co.uk
Almost
a year ago it became obvious to Peter Chattin, Managing Director of Kash
‘n’ Karry Sealed Units that it would be necessary to achieve
BS EN 1279 in preparation for the introduction this year of the CE Mark
regulation.
The company was granted it’s Kite mark licence on the 14th January
2005.
‘I chose EN1279 instead of the CE mark because it is the superior
standard and will open up the new build market for us’ said Peter.
Kash ‘n’ Karry customers now have security of supply when the
regulations change and it becomes illegal to sell sealed units made by
companies without the CE mark.
‘BSI estimates that out of the approximate 4000 current UK Sealed
unit manufacturers that only 1200 will remain after the CE mark deadline.
This is because it will not be efficient or economical for small volume
producers to continue. With a major shift in supply and demand, will the
remaining sealed unit companies be able to fill the gap? At Kash ‘n’
Karry we have invested heavily, over the last 12 months, in equipment
to make the company ready for the change.’
Contact: Sue Bentley
Tel: 01384 568568
Web: http://www.kashnkarry.co.uk
English
Heritage Grants for Cathedrals
Earlier
this year
English Heritage announced £1 million of grants for repairs to cathedrals,
which includes some restoration of major stained glass windows in Guildford
Cathedral and Newcastle RC Cathedral.
This is the fifteenth round of grants since English Heritage’s Cathedral
Grants scheme was launched in 1991 when a survey revealed that England
’s 61 cathedrals were suffering greatly from the ravages of time.
Since then the scheme has contributed a grand total of £40.8 million
towards the repair of some of England ’s greatest buildings, ensuring
that none of our cathedrals are at risk.
The emphasis this year is on grants for smaller or cyclical repairs such
as re-leading windows and masonry conservation which are essential to
the long-term maintenance of the building. Grants have also been offered
for improvements to access, lighting and fire detection systems.
The largest five grants offers of between £50,000 and £100,000
go to the cathedrals of Coventry , Hereford , Lincoln , Ripon and Salisbury
. Coventry Cathedral has been offered £94,000 for the first phase
of an urgent programme to replace the original copper covering to the
main roof of the new Cathedral which has begun to leak. Built by Basil
Spence between 1956 and 1962, the new Cathedral stands at right angles
to the ruins of the old, which was destroyed by the Luftwaffe in 1940.
Over the years the copper roof has reacted to atmospheric pollution and
eroded. It is hoped that the new copper will last for at least another
50 years.
Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said: 'Cathedrals
form the architectural centrepiece of our ecclesiastical heritage and,
as Heritage Counts 2004 illustrated, make an important economic and social
contribution to the nation. It is vital that their futures are safeguarded
and I am proud that even against the difficult backdrop of ever-decreasing
government funds, English Heritage has renewed its financial commitment
this year to these great buildings.'
Richard Halsey, Head of the Cathedrals Team at English Heritage, said:
'As in previous years, we are giving cathedrals five months notice of
their grant offers, so that they can start to plan their repairs now and
complete them before the end of the financial year in March 2006. Major
repairs and conservation work, especially in heavily used buildings like
cathedrals, requires careful and detailed planning before work starts;
our grants for conservation plans and building surveys are also key contributions
to the creation of realistic work plans. I would like to congratulate
the architects, contractors and craftsmen who work with us to achieve
their projects against tight timetables and to such high standards.'
Guildford Cathedral
A grant of up to £50,000 for repairs to three south aisle windows
and the south east window of the sanctuary, which are suffering from movement
of the glass in high winds and leaking through the leadwork and stonework.
The work towards which the grant has been offered includes the removal,
repair and reinstatement of the glass by a specialist glass conservator,
along with some stonework repair.
Liverpool Roman Catholic Cathedral
A grant of up to £46,000 for the installation of a fire detection
system. At present the cathedral does not have an automatic fire detection
system and is therefore at risk. The proposal is for the installation
of wire free radio controlled fire detection points in vulnerable areas
such as the organ loft, crypt, store and archive areas, along with break
glass and sounder points throughout the cathedral, undercroft and crypt.
Newcastle Roman Catholic Cathedral
A grant of up to £16,000 for repairs to stained glass in the tracery
windows at the east end of the cathedral (pictured right), designed by
A W N Pugin and made by the celebrated local stained glass artist, William
Wailes. The proposed grant aided works include the removal of old protective
external glazing, repair of defective stone work, and repairs to the glass,
involving some releading and cleaning.
A project is now underway to install three new stained-glass windows in
the Blessed Sacrament Chapel. The renowned international stained-glass
artist, Joseph Nuttgens, has been commissioned to design the windows.
The first of these is due for installation in May 2005 to celebrate the
150th anniversary of the founding of the Sisters of Mercy on Tyneside.
Salisbury Cathedral
A grant of up to £100,000 for the next phase of repairs proposed
as part of the Cathedral’s ongoing major repair programme. The works
comprise masonry conservation and repair, along with associated glazing
works, to the three elevationsfacing into the area between the north transepts.
Southwark Church of England Cathedral
A grant of up to £21,000 for improved fire protection and health
and safety access through the provision of new fire doors and safety wiring
at high level. This is the second stage of a programme of works begun
in 2003, which has already received English Heritage grants totalling
£76,000.
Worcester Cathedral
A grant of up to £50,000 for masonry repairs, and associated glass
repairs, to the 12th century, polygonal Chapter House and the Monks’
Parlour. Roof repairs to the Chapter House are currently underway with
the assistance of an English Heritage grant of £99,000.
LG
Enters North American Vinyl Extrusion Market
LG
Chem International, a unit of the giant Korean conglomerate LG Corp.,
is entering the North American vinyl window market to supply window and
door manufacturers with extrusions. Peter Zut, who will head up the company’s
U.S. sales and marketing efforts, reports the company will initially ship
and warehouse extrusions, but plans to begin North American extrusion
operations as well.
LG Chem is a vertically integrated chemical company and one of the largest
vinyl extruders in the world, according to Zut. With in-house compounding,
tooling and extrusion operations, it currently supplies window and door
extrusions to Korea, China, Russia, Germany and numerous other countries.
LG is officially entering the market now that it has met the vinyl lineal
certification requirements of the American Architectural Manufacturers
Association, Zut reports. The company also has developed a standard window
design for the West Coast market, which it is hoping to certify under
the AAMA and National Fenestration Rating Council’s certification
programmes.
Currently, LG is in talks with a number of U.S. window manufacturers.
Once it builds enough volume with fabricators, the company will look for
a site to build a North American vinyl extrusion facility, Zut reports.
In addition to developing standard designs for the U.S. market, the company
will also offer custom extrusion capabilities.
The company offers quality extrusions at competitive pricing, Zut states,
but he also emphasises that LG brings a widely recognised name to the
vinyl extrusion business and a dedication to forming partnerships with
its customers. Among the services customers can expect, he continues,
include full marketing support and quick turnaround on tooling, as well
as some unique products like a remote-controlled patio door system.
Web: http://www.lgchem.com
Trelleborg
Group’s 2004 Annual Report Published
Trelleborg’s
Annual Report for 2004 was published on 23rd March on www.trelleborg.com
and was, at the same time, distributed to Trelleborg’s shareholders.
'We are now truly able to say that we have succeeded in focusing the Group
on its core operations,' says CEO Fredrik Arp in his comments. 'Our ambition
is to continue to generate strong growth in both Asia and Eastern Europe.'
He also affirms that the Trelleborg Group can derive satisfaction from
a strong trend in sales and profits in 2004.
The overriding theme of the Annual Report is the clarification of the
Group’s business concept. Trelleborg seals, damps and protects in
demanding industrial environments worldwide. We offer our customers designed
solutions based on leading polymer technology and unique applications
expertise. In the Annual Report, you can read more about Trelleborg’s
three fundamental guiding tools: its values, strategic platform and financial
targets.
During 2005, Trelleborg will celebrate its centenary. It is a vital and
confident 100-year-old that now embarks on its second century. This will
be manifested in various ways during the year under the slogan 'Quality
is Timeless.'
The Annual Report can be ordered via http://www.trelleborg.com
or from Trelleborg’s Corporate Communications department on +46 410-670
00.
Wavin
Group Completes Acquisition of Hepworth Building Products from Vaillant
Group
Wavin,
Europe’s leading supplier of plastic pipe systems to the building,
civils and utilities sectors, announced on 31st March the completion of
its acquisition of Hepworth Building Products from Vaillant Group, a family-owned
leading heating technology company. The acquisition, for an undisclosed
sum, will further enhance Wavin’s position in the Hot & Cold
(tapwater and floorheating) sector while also solidifying its leading
position in the Civils segment, particularly in the strategically important
UK market.
Hepworth Building Products has its head office in Hazlehead in the UK.
It has annual sales of EUR 236 million in 2004 and is one of the leading
multi-material manufacturers of integrated drainage, plumbing and concrete
systems. It has manufacturing and distribution facilities in the UK, Continental
Europe and the Far East. Hepworth Building Products employs over 1,400
people.
In the UK, the combination of Wavin Plastics and Hepworth Building Products
will employ over 2,000 people, gaining market leadership and also strengthening
its product offering by accessing Hepworth’s clay capabilities. The
Hepworth brand has strong recognition qualities and customer loyalty and
will be retained.
Philip Houben, President and CEO of Wavin Group, commented:
'I am happy to be able to announce the acquisition of Hepworth Building
Products. It is the culmination of the strategic objectives that we set
ourselves five years ago. This acquisition increases the size of Wavin
Group by more than 20%. Hepworth Building Products is an excellent fit
within the Wavin Group and significantly strengthens our market positions,
particularly in the UK market. We have acquired a very strong business
and brand that complements our existing capabilities, along with a highly
skilled workforce and management team'.
About Wavin
The Wavin Group, with its headquarters in Zwolle, the Netherlands, is
a major supplier of pipe system solutions to the European building, civils
and utility markets. The company has sales of over EUR 1.3 billion, currently
operates in 27 countries and employs approximately 6,500 people. Outside
Europe, Wavin has joint ventures in Australia and New Zealand and a global
network of more than 120 agents, licensees and distributors. Wavin has
its own internationally recognised R&D centre and allocates considerable
sums to the development of new products and processes. More details about
Wavin can be found at http://www.wavin.com
About Vaillant Group
The family-owned Vaillant Group, with its headquarters in Remscheid, Germany,
is a worldwide leading manufacturer in the field of domestic heating and
comfort. The company generates annual revenues of EUR 1.6 billion and
employs over 8,000 people. Vaillant develops and produces products and
supplies them to customers in more than 100 countries all over the world.
More details about Vaillant can be found at http://www.vaillant-group.com.
Cytec
Completes Acquisition of UCB's Surface Specialties Business and Announces
Restructure
Cytec
Industries Inc. announced recently that it has completed its previously
announced acquisition of UCB's Surface Specialties business. The transaction
is valued at $1.797bn of which €1.140bn ($1.505bn at 1.32$/€)
was paid in cash and the balance was paid in 5,772,857 shares of Cytec
common stock ($292 million at $50.55 per Cytec share). In addition, there
is contingent consideration up to a maximum of € 50 million, of which
€ 20 million was paid up front with the balance payable in 2006.
The contingent consideration is earned on a pro rata basis pending the
achievement of certain operating results by Surface Specialties in 2005.
UCB now owns approximately 12.5% of the outstanding shares of Cytec, and
has entered into a stockholders agreement which provides for UCB to reduce
its stake within 5 years, and contains other customary terms and conditions.
The cash portion of the acquisition cost was financed utilising the credit
facilities recently announced by the Company.
In conjunction with this transaction, Cytec has agreed to divest Surface
Specialties' amino resin product line during 2005, and to use the proceeds
to reduce debt. Sales of Surface Specialties' amino resin product line
in 2004 were approximately €123 million.
David Lilley, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer commented:
‘With this acquisition, Cytec becomes one of the world's leading
suppliers of specialty chemicals to the coatings industry, and creates
a combined Cytec entity of approximately $3.0 billion based on 2004 pro
forma revenues excluding Surface Specialties' amino resin produce line.
This transaction complements Cytec's existing product lines by significantly
increasing Cytec's product offering to the coatings industry, including
the general industrial, automotive, architectural, plastics, graphic arts,
and wood end-markets. This acquisition provides us with a sustainable
growth platform with potentially above-average growth rates, and expands
our technology base and our geographic capabilities.’
James P. Cronin, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
commented, ‘Cytec expects this acquisition to be immediately accretive
to cash flow and earnings per share excluding transaction costs, integration
costs, non-cash purchase accounting adjustments and gains/losses resulting
from our currency and interest rate hedging programme related to the acquisition.
The new and expanded Cytec is expected to continue to have strong cash
flow that will be used to support growth opportunities for our businesses,
pay down debt, and maintain our dividend. We expect to suspend our stock
buyback program for at least two years. We also now expect to achieve
annual synergies of approximately $25 million from savings in administration
costs and other consolidation opportunities no later than twelve months
from now.’
Mr. Lilley also announced a redesigned organisational structure, ‘Cytec
will operate the acquired Surface Specialties business as a separate segment,
and will integrate the existing Coating and Performance Chemicals product
lines into this new segment, which will be headquartered in Brussels,
Belgium. Mr. Ben Van Assche, formerly Director-General of Surface Specialties,
has been named President of Cytec Surface Specialties and will be elected
an officer of Cytec and a member of our Executive Committee.
‘The remaining two product lines in Cytec's Performance Products
segment, Polymer Additives and Specialty Additives, will be combined with
the Water and Industrial Process segment. This specialty chemicals segment,
which includes the Water Treatment, Mining, and Phosphine Chemicals product
lines and now the Polymer Additives and Specialty Additives product lines,
will be renamed Cytec Performance Specialties, and will continue to be
headquartered at Cytec's corporate headquarters in West Paterson, New
Jersey.
‘Mr. Shane Fleming, President, Cytec Performance Specialties and
his strong management team will continue their focus on delivering earnings
growth through value-added products, geographic expansion, and operational
excellence.
‘In addition, Cytec's Specialty Materials segment has been renamed
Cytec Engineered Materials and will continue to be led by Mr. Steven Speak,
President, Cytec Engineered Materials and maintain its headquarters in
Tempe, Arizona. Cytec's other segment, Building Block Chemicals, is unchanged
and will continue to be headquartered at Fortier, Louisiana with Mr. Jas
Gill continuing as President, Cytec Building Block Chemicals.’
Mr. Lilley concluded, ‘Similar to Cytec, Surface Specialties has
very capable and talented employees with a clear emphasis on providing
customers with value- added services, and we enthusiastically welcome
them to Cytec. We are excited about the possibilities for further enhancing
shareholder returns going forward.’
As recently communicated by UCB, preliminary results in 2004 for the business
to be acquired had sales and EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes,
depreciation and amortisation), prepared in accordance with accounting
principles generally accepted in Belgium, of €1.112 billion ($1.468
billion at 1.32$/€) and €147 million ($194 million at 1.32$/€),
respectively. Sales and EBITDA for Surface Specialties for the year ended
2003 were €1.0 billion and €125 million, respectively. The indicated
EBITDA excludes certain corporate expenses to be retained by UCB and certain
items of a non-recurring nature. Cytec expects to provide additional details
on Surface Specialties' financial results for 2004 as well as 2005 earnings
estimates for the combined company during its first quarter earnings conference
call in early May of this year.