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Pilkington Interim Results
in
line with recent Trading Update
Pilkington plc announced on 30th October the interim results for the six
months to 30th September 2002.
Key features:
* Results in line with recent Trading Update
* turnover £1.4 billion (2001 - £1.47 billion)
* operating profit £110 million (2001 - £138 million)
* profit before amortisation of goodwill, exceptional items and taxation
£76 million (2001 - £107 million)
* earnings per share before exceptional items 2.7 pence (2001 - 4.2 pence)
* Net cash inflow before dividends £50 million (2001 - £8
million)
Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd, commented:
'As anticipated, market conditions in the first half were very challenging.
In spite of this, Pilkington achieved positive free cash flow - a reflection
of management's determination to focus on cash generation now that the
bulk of restructuring is complete.
As we enter the second half, we expect market conditions to remain challenging.
Against this background, management's emphasis on improving the competitiveness
of Pilkington's manufacturing base, through overhead reduction and increasing
efficiencies, continues. This, together with Pilkington's portfolio of
innovative products, will help to ensure that the Group remains resilient
in these testing markets.'Group Results for the Half Year to 30th September
2002
Statement by the Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd:
The Group's results in the first six months of the year confirm the expectations
we set out in our previous statements, and reflect difficult trading conditions
in most of the markets in which the Group operates. The attainment of
positive free cash flow in the first half year represents an important
achievement. It is clear that the benefits produced by the extensive restructuring
of the last five years are showing through in operational efficiencies
and cash generation, putting Pilkington in a strong position to withstand
the testing trading conditions we expect to continue in the next half
year.
Click here for the full statement
EWS
Signs up with Easy-Fab's Online Trading Portal
Specialist reinforcement manufacturer EWS, part of the Laird Group, has
become the latest company to join up to the 'easy-fab' online trading
portal.
'Easy-Fab' takes the detailed information contained in the manufacturer's
software, aggregates it and then sends it in the form of an order, via
the internet, to its various suppliers. This cuts out the chance of human
error at a number of stages in the normal course of the transaction and
these improvements in accuracy and time saved can be introduced immediately
with no requirement to change from the existing software systems or investing
in costly upgrades.
Managing Director of EWS, Howard Worthington, explains why he has adopted
the easy-fab programme:
'We see e-commerce as having a major impact in industry in the future
and when we were introduced to easy-fab and shown what it can do, we were
delighted to join.The fact that window industry people have designed it
has reassured us that it fits well with our business and we are more than
happy with the security and confidentiality offered by hosts ABS'.
The twin elements of security and confidentiality are matters that the
team at easy-fab have gone out of their way to address. John Chambers,
National Sales Manager at easy-fab, comments:
'Once a user is signed up to easy-fab, they are placed in the hands of
the independent software partner Alternative Business Solutions ( ABS
). From then on ABS deal with all the information and documentation that
is transmitted to and from that user. This system has a proven track record
in the catering, furniture and construction industries'.
Ray McGrath, Divisional Director of ABS, adds:
'easy-fab members can rest assured that trading and information exchange
with this service is as secure and dependable as a fax, letter or telephone
conversation because we manage the entire easy-fab infrastructure. We
encourage anyone to find out more about our services by looking at our
web site: http://www.abs-ltd.com'.
John Chambers again:
'easy-fab offers a low cost seamless link between fabricator's manufacturing
software and suppliers' sales order processing systems - and it works
for companies who use profile, reinforcement, hardware, door panels and
glass.
'Take the case of Coldseal and Door Panels. Coldseal order over 1500 door
panels from supplier Door Panels PLC every month. Prior to the introduction
of easy-fab the process was very time, labour and cost intensive - and
Door Panels was told that it could not be automated economically.
Coldseal and Door Panels went live with easy-fab in June 2002 to introduce
automated door panel ordering. This has significantly reduced both errors
and manual processing overheads for both companies. In particular, the
problem of incorrect panels being manufactured through keying errors has
been removed, thereby reducing costly or postponed or cancelled installations'.
Tel: 07801 125 046
Web: http://www.info@easy-fab.com
Duraflex
Announces Record Sales Growth
Duraflex has announced a £1.6m growth in sales for 2002 to date,
compared with the same period last year, with 80% of the increase coming
from new business wins. New customers range from large national trade
fabricators to small local fabricator/installers, predominantly located
in the North of England, so balancing Duraflex's already strong position
in the South.
Duraflex
has been investing in both plant and people to support this continued
growth in orders. New manufacturing equipment includes a second twin strand
main frame line with automatic haul off, plus additional extruders and
tooling. This is combined with increased space for more stockholding in
the warehouse, and an enlarged delivery fleet.
Similarly, the sales force has been strengthened with the appointment
of Frank Yorke as Commercial Sales Manger for the south, and additional
sales and support resources to continue the company's push into the commercial
and new build sectors. The drive into new markets has already resulted
in more tender opportunities and a rapidly growing number of commercial
installations across the country. Recruitment of new staff at the Toddington
manufacturing and Quedgeley distribution facilities in Gloucestershire
have also been implemented to cope with demand.
Duraflex reports that its newer product lines, such as the 70mm Featured
Suite, are proving increasingly popular with both new and existing customers,
providing an effective means of differentiation in a highly competitive
market. This trend is borne out by recent market research that indicates
a significant rise in the use of 70mm systems right across the country.
According to Duraflex, its labour-saving Rolled in Gasket has also played
a key role in increasing sales, particularly with large trade fabricators,
as has the integrated nature of the Diamond Suite, which offers full compatibility
between ranges.
As Managing Director, Chris Phillips (pictured right) confirms, Duraflex
plans to build on this success with a programme of product enhancements
and range completers, together with the development of bespoke solutions
to meet individual customer needs as well as generate new business opportunities.
'With our core market of domestic home improvement fast approaching saturation
point, we will continue investing in the people, products and processes
to help us grow our market share still further and, most importantly,
to maximise opportunities in other industry sectors.'
Tel: 08705 351351
Email: mailto:duraflex-info@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Ecoline
Follows Flowline with Record Sales and Interest
The Stuga Ecoline stand-alone Prepping Centre launched at Glassex 2002
is enjoying unprecedented interest and sales in keeping with its big brother
the Flowline fully automatic Sawing & Prepping Centre.
To the middle of October nine machines were sold and three installed;
two more were to be installed towards the end of October.
Recent
purchasers include Crystal Windows in Manchester, Northern Trade Frames
in Leeds and Trade Window Specialists in Malvern, Worcestershire.
'A recent installation at GRM Windows of Pontyclun South Wales has gone
exceptionally well and this Rehau fabricator is already wondering how
he managed before he had the machine.' says the company.
The Ecoline automatically carries out the following preps: drainage/pressure
equalisation/upstand removal, espag/shootbolt, trickle vent,'V' and 'Y'
notches plus 'Q' cuts together with all door preps including letterboxes
and hinges.
Window and door sections direct from the saw/saws are barcoded and the
Ecoline operator only has to pass the part over a barcode scanner and
place it on the machines infeed from which point it is taken automatically
through all machining processes and returned back to the operator for
stacking. Virtually no skill is needed for this simple one-person operation.
The Ecoline will work well in conjunction with any type or combination
of saws, however some fabricators are finding it a good time to upgrade
to a Stuga Automatic Saw Centre in order to do the Ecoline even greater
justice.
The Ecoline is compatible with all office software systems including First
Degree, Micros, Windowmaker, Caliburn etc and is best fully networked
into the office system. Stuga software and hardware specialists, in close
liaison with the office software company, undertake all software issues
and networking.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:stuga@eurotec.org
First
European Order for Edgetech's New TSS® SuperSPEED Production System
Edgetech IG announced at Glasstec 2002 the first European order for its
new TSS® SuperSPEED production system. To be delivered to Goldshield
based in Essex, UK, the line will be used for the volume manufacture of
sealed units using thermally efficient Super Spacer® as the spacer
material of choice.
Mark Goodman of Goldshield commented, 'We've been using Super Spacer for
some considerable time and know how easy it is to make high performance
sealed units. We are delighted with Super Spacer and its cost effective
benefits that will now be reinforced by the introduction of our new automatic
production facility.'
Edgetech and Lisec, manufacturer of IG machinery, have co-operated to
introduce the fully automatic TSS SuperSPEED system resulting in an efficient
and low cost sealed unit production method. Its vertical configuration
will quickly handle all shapes of glass and popular coatings whilst accurately
applying Super Spacer, secondary sealant and even gas filling if required.
Without any direct labour, up to twelve hundred units can be produced
each eight hour shift.
Goldshield's order is one of several recently placed with Lisec and Edgetech.
One system is already in full-scale production in North America and is
realising all performance criteria expected during development. Others
are due to come on line in the coming months. It is anticipated that the
introduction by Goldshield of the new TSS SuperSPEED system will enhance
the companies existing success in the East and South East of England.
Contact : Tony Millan
Tel : 02476 363614
Email : mailto:enquiries@superspacer.co.uk
Web : http://www.superspacer.co.uk
Solutia
launches Vanceva Color for the European Automotive Market at Glasstec
Solutia,the producer of interlayers and films used for windshields and Enhanced Protective Glass (EPG side, rear and roof windows), launched Vanceva Color interlayers for automotive laminated glazing at Glasstec 2002. Vanceva Color has already been featured on several concept and production vehicles unveiled during 2002.
According
to Andy Joseph, Europe/Africa Marketing Director at Solutia Inc; "Vanceva
Color provides OEMs with the freedom to think beyond the traditional uses
of automotive glass, in this case, using glass as an integral design element,"
said Joseph. "Without compromising the solar, security, sound and
safety benefits of EPG and windshields, Vanceva Color also provides OEMs
with a unique way of differentiating brands through the glazing."Vanceva
Color is available on the roofs of the Porsche Targa 911 (pictured left)
and the Volvo XC70, and was featured on concept cars including the Chevrolet
Bel Air, Pontiac Solstice, Saturn Sky, GMC Terra 4, Ford GT40 and Ford
F-350 Tonka.
Several production and concepts cars featuring Vanceva Color will be available
soon for sale or show. Vanceva Color capitalises on the growing trend
of using high performance auto glazing, and allows more versatility than
any other glazing product on the market. Further, it gives end consumers
greater flexibility to express individuality, while retaining the benefits
of standard laminated glass. Unlike some other colour offerings, Vanceva
Color provides long lasting, durable performance confirmed through years
of rigorous testing.The Vanceva family of products represents Solutia's
response to customer needs. In the short term, Vanceva" products
will be available to provide cars and trucks with superior benefits such
as integrated design, improved cabin acoustics and higher levels of security.
Solutia is working with our glazing system partners to develop these products
for OEMs.
http://www.vanceva.com
New
Glassex Exhibitors will Bring a Taste of Europe to the UK
With the countdown to Glassex 2003 now well under way, the show's organisers
have announced the latest companies that have signed up for the event.
Not only does the current exhibitor list include some of the UK's biggest
names, but it also reveals that many major European manufacturers are
now looking to Glassex as an ideal path to reach UK audiences.
Around 10% of the 130 companies now committed to Glassex 2003 are first-time
exhibitors, an encouraging comment on the health of the UK glass and glazing
industry and it's leading trade show. However, what is perhaps the most
interesting trend is the growing international diversity of its exhibitors,
many of whom are estabiished mainland European brands now wishing to take
hold of the opportunities the UK has to offer by exhibiting at Glassex
for the first time.
One such company is Alumil S.A, based near Thessaloniki in Greece. The
company is Greece's largest aluminium extruder and its most successful,
as well as being rated fifth in Europe. Alumil has 25 years' experience
in the aluminium extrusion sector and exports its products to over 23
countries, with distribution centres in ltaly and Germany as well as its
native country. Having established the Alumil brand in Eastern Europe,
the company now wants to extend its operations in Western Europe, particularly
the UK. Marketing Manager Constantine Papachristou explains: 'We have
reserved a 98m2 stand at Glassex because word of mouth and our own research
have proved to us that it is the one show we need to be at to target the
UK industry. Our feeling is that, whilst PVCu will remain popular with
UK homeowners, UK local authorities, housing associations and architects
are increasingly beginning to favour aluminium because of its long-term
durability and clean lines. We are looking forward to meeting Glassex
visitors and showing them what we can offer.'
Another big-name European company new to Glassex is Finnish manufacturer
Uniglass Engineering Oy. A leading manufacturer of tempering furnaces
for the flat glass industry, Uniglass offers a range of products that
combine innovative process design and modern technology. Whilst the company
is new to Glassex, Uniglass is already a well-known brand in the UK, with
most of its machinery imported and installed here.
The company's Marketing Assistant Leena Kauhanen believes that 2003 will
be 'a good time' to exhibit at Glassex:
'We've been aware of Glassex for some time as the UK's leading glass and
glazing event - in fact, many of our customers have asked us why we haven't
been there before! We feel that the time is right for us now to introduce
ourselves to a wider UK audience, and that we are ready to expand our
operations here. We also do not exhibit at any other trade events in Europe,
so the decision to exhibit at Glassex is an exclusive one.'
Other European manufacturers wishing to take advantage of the singular
opportunities offered by Glassex include leading Turkish PVC and aluminium
machinery manufacturer Kaban Rnakina (San Veltic) Ltd and Belgian manufacturer
Triplaco N.V, part of the Lefevere Group that produces wood and plastics
products such as window sills. Many UK companies have also chosen to exhibit
for the first time in 2003, including the American Fan Company, second
hand machinery supplier Sparks Direct, timber conservatory manufacturer
Sunset National Conservatories and under floor heating supplier Devi Electro
Heat Ltd.
Meanwhile, support for Glassex 2003 has also been growing amongst some
of the UK industrys biggest names, wiih Ultraframe, Brett Martin, Eurocell,
Laird Group, Mila Hardware, Elumatec and others now contracted to appear.
Glassex 2003 will take place from 23rd to 26th March 2003 inclusive in
Halls 17, 18 and 19 of the NEC, Birmingham.
Tel: 0208 277 5124
Web: http://www.glassex.com
The
Bygone Collection Joins the GGF
The Bygone Collection has joined the Glass and Glazing Federation. The
Bygone window range is manufactured by Masterframe and is available only
through the Bygone Preferred Installer network, the group of independent
window installers who include this sliding sash window product in their
product portfolios.
The Bygone Marketing Company Limited, Masterframes associate company through
which the Bygone programme is administered, has become an associate member
of the GGF, registered under its trading title 'The Bygone Collection'.
Membership of the GGF signifies the strength of the brand and the Company
behind it. Rigorous vetting is carried out by the GGF before membership
is awarded and this procedure includes analysis of three years trading
figures, the financial resources of the Company together with technical
ability and commercial integrity of the business. Membership affords the
Company access to the GGF expansive technical resources, the GGF website
and the GGF arbitration service.
Alan Burgess, Managing Director of the Bygone Marketing Company says,
'Membership of the premier governing body of the glass and glazing industry
has always been regarded as an accolade, but extending it this way, simply
enhances further the strength and credibility of this important product
brand, for our preferred installers'.
Tel: 01376 510410
Email: mailto:sales@masterframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Hurst
Listed as Third Fastest Growing Company in Yorkshire
Just weeks after announcing a 30% increase in PVCu door panel sales for
the first half of the year, Hurst Plastics received a further boost when
it gained third place in a ranking of the 100 fastest growing companies
in Yorkshire.
Hurst's success in the survey carried out by Yorkshire Business Insider
came after the company's turnover grew by 169.5% over five years of trading.
Managing Director David Kubran said: 'We are delighted to have achieved
this ranking and are particularly pleased that we have been able to maintain
sustained growth in every year of trading since the company was formed
five years ago.'
'Although we are trading in a difficult marketplace which is saturated
with competitors, we have achieved this growth as a result of clear strategic
planning which ensures that the whole business understands our objectives
and works towards achieving our goals,' he added.
Mark Atkinson, Sales Director, said the company was now on course to reach
an annual turnover of £18 million.
'We have made considerable investment in people and equipment to further
enhance our customers' service levels and are reviewing and revamping
our marketing strategy which in turn will provide our customers with additional
selling tools,' said Mark.
He said one particularly successful element of Hurst's marketing campaign
has been to feature Jack Charlton in a series of advertisements and special
promotions.
'We are delighted to have Big Jack on board because his values closely
represent those of Hurst Plastics. He is straight-talking, provides a
quality service, and delivers on his promises,' adds Mark.
'Last year, Hurst became the only manufacturing company in the North of
England to be included in a list of the most successful companies during
the first four years of the Blair Government. Hurst was placed 86th in
the ranking of Britain's top 200 companies and the 5th most successful
manufacturer.'
Tel: 01482 789000
Email: mailto:info@hurst-plastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.co.uk
Delivering
Further Success on the Road with K2
K2
Conservatory Roof Systems has embarked on a further capital investment
programme which has seen the expansion of the company's delivery fleet.
The new vehicles consist of a mixture of 18 tonne, long wheel based sprinter
vehicles, and 38 tonne artic trucks incorporating Moffat Mountys, which
allow for products to be unloaded more efficiently, alleviating customers
of the need to unload deliveries manually.
Peter Gray, K2's operations manager, explains: 'Investment in expanding
our delivery vehicles has exceeded £1/3 million to date, which has
meant that K2 has been able to maximise its load capacity and the number
of deliveries made, thus benefiting its customers.'
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Graffiti
Removal for Shopfronts
Chicago Glass, in its association with Glas·Weld Systems, Kent,
is a leading player in glass repair technology. Its scratch repair polishing
system, 'Renovator', claims to be able to produce distortion free results
with little or no optical deviation or visibility distortion.
The
company has worked on shopfronts at many of the major shopping centres
in the UK such as Bluewater, Kent.
Most graffiti on glass is created using glass cutters, carbide probes
or spark plugs. It is either random swirling scratches over a large area
or is concentrated to show words (some of which are offensive), symbols,
letters, football club initials, or gang tags.
Other damage can be caused by shoppers with pushchairs, bicycles or diamond
rings on doors or counters - all of which can be removed by this system.
'Glass repair has many distinct advantages over glass replacement; it
is cost effective, immediate, and non-disruptive, can reduce insurance
claims and avoids possible additional costs of repairs to frames and surrounds.'
says the company.
Chicago Glass can supply technicians to solve these problems on site,
avoiding expensive replacement of the glass.
The work is undertaken on a call-out basis, it can be carried out overnight
or at weekends if access is difficult during opening hours. If several
retailers in one area have a similar problem, a planned programme of work
can be organised which will considerably reduce costs.
Acid graffiti is a new and growing phenomenon in the UK where vandals
use hydrofluoric acid mixed with either shoe polish or acetone in a shoe
cleaning dispenser, creating a wide band of graffiti - sometimes coloured
- which is both etched into the glass and forms a hard crust on the surface.
Using a two stage process, the system removes the hard crust abrasively
and then polishes out the etched surface with a minimum of distortion,
leaving a smooth, clear surface.
The system has been used extensively in the USA over the past three years,
where this problem is endemic.
Tel: 01474 543616
Email: mailto:glasscare@lineone.net
Web: http://www.scratchremovers.co.uk
Three
Major Acquisitions in the last 18 months for Connect 2
With three major acquisitions completed across the country in the last
18 months, growth is nothing new for Connect 2 National Plastics.
As part of the Burles Group, the company is keen to ensure that expansion
in new areas doesn't mean neglecting existing customers. On the contrary,
existing branches are an integral part of the company's development plans.
Four individual branches have doubled in size over the last twelve months,
with customers using the Merthyr Tydfil branch being the latest to enjoy
the benefits of the Group's consistent investment in the Connect 2 chain.
Manager Adrian Lewis and his staff are enjoying the benefits too. 'The
premises have received a face lift, including new livery, with easy access
to welcome customers. But most importantly we've increased the floor space
by over 50%, which means essential space for additional stock holding.
With so many popular brands on offer, not to mention our reputation for
important services, like our same day delivery, our customer base is growing
constantly.'
Every Connect 2 branch provides the full range of Veka and BCE trims,
Flo-Plast rainwater goods and Everbuild products, as well as all the tools
and fixings required for installation. The convenience of a local depot,
with the experience and resources of a national company provides a successful
combination' says Adrian, 'and customers like our special monthly offers
too!'
Connect 2 branches specialise in plastic building materials, for internal
as well as external projects. For your local branch call 01495 244551
Stormy
Weather Holds no Fear for New BWF Member
Few locations could better demonstrate the quality and strength of the
joinery manufactured by the British Woodworking Federation's latest member
than the lifeboat station at Rhyl on the north coast of-Wales.
Facing
the full onslaught of the wind and rain blowing in off the lrish Sea,
the five metre high folding hardwood doors have been produced by Koed
Joinery to the highest standards possible, with all joints and features
carefully detailed to protect them against water penetration.
The company has been established for 21 years and has now chosen to join
the BWF as it strives to reach new markets.
The founder of the company, Alan Roberts, comments: 'We have built the
business up to the point where we now employ around 20 people in the workshop
and in the office. We also have the ability to carry out site installation
where required.
'Becoming part of the BWF offers a number of benefits to companies such
as ours and reinforces our commitment to customers that we are intent
on offering them top quality products and services.'
Koed Joinery took its name from the Welsh word for wood - spelt coed -
and currently covers the whole of Wales and the North-west of England
from its headquarters in Flint. It has an established client base in the
commercial, retail and industrial sectors, as well as considerable experience
of working on public buildings and for the emergency services.
One of its most recent projects was for the supply of replacement doors
and windows for the four star Treyseawen Hall Hotel on Anglesey. Koed
Joinery is able to supply a full range of doors and windows, including
all styles of top hung, side hung and sliding sash. Specialist products
conforming to requirements for high security, thermal performance or fire
protection can all be supplied to order.
The latest BWF Specifiers Guide, including a full list of Members is available
from the British Woodworking Federation.
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:info@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Latest E-News from Glass Training
According
to the latest E-News from Glass Training, the SSDA Board has approved
bids from two further sectors for the next phase of SSC development. They
are Construction and the Process & Manufacturing industry, which comprises
Glass, Extractives, Building Products, Coatings, Paper and Furniture.
Together with the Trailblazer SSCs, the number of sectors covered totals
ten. More information may be found at: http://www.ssda.org.uk
SSDA is to host a Skills Convention for UK employers on 14 and 15 November
2002 at Salford Quays, Greater Manchester. A full Convention brochure
will be posted on the SSDA website and in the meantime, an event flier
may be viewed at http://www.ssda.org.uk/convention.shtml
To coincide with the Scottish FE Conference and Awards which takes place
this week on 7 November at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre,
Futureskills Scotland has published a compendium of labour market information
and an analysis of the key issues facing the Scottish labour market. The
document will be available for downloading from the Futureskills Scotland
website which is to be launched in November. In the meantime, SCONTO has
secured 60 copies. If you would like a copy, please contact Lynsay Bryce
at SCONTO on 0131 226 7726 or email: lynsay.bryce@sconto.org.uk
Please note that copies are available to Trailblazer SSCs and former NTOs
on a first-come-first-served basis.
Contact mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Web: http://www:glass-training.co.uk
Glass
Industry Urged to Act Now to Avoid Being Left Out in the Cold This Winter
Action Energy is calling for the UK glass industry to act now to reduce
their energy bills. Winter is the time when energy costs tend to soar,
but it doesn't have to be like that this year! Simply by calling 0800
58 57 94 and requesting a free energy survey*, organisations can act now
to start saving money and become more energy efficient. Action Energy
is a government-backed initiative that provides free, practical and impartial
help and advice on implementing energy efficiency measures, so there's
no excuse for not taking action.
Every year £12 billion-worth of energy is wasted in the UK. Some
of this money, which equates to 30% of the UK's energy consumption, could
be saved if organisations focussed on their own energy use. Action Energy
has already helped thousands of organisations reduce their energy bills
by up to 20% using a wide range of energy efficiency techniques, many
of which involve little or no cost.
Action Energy provides information to the UK glass industry across twelve
areas including: measuring and monitoring, energy management, compressed
air and transport.
Act Now with Action Energy's no cost and low cost top tips for winter
energy efficiency:
* Label or re-wire light switches so that you only use those that are
really needed
* Improve insulation on steam & hot water pipework
* Investigate the use of waste heat to improve the process or provide
space heating
* Use appropriate external doors to keep heat in and cold air out
* Undertake an audit of your motors to identify where more efficient models
could be used
* Check compressed air systems for repairable leaks
* Call Action Energy on 0800 58 57 94 to arrange an energy survey or visit
the website at http://www.actionenergy.org.uk
Action Energy was introduced by the Carbon Trust to help businesses and
the public sector cut energy costs through the provision of free, impartial
advice and assistance. Action Energy is ready and waiting for UK organisations
to call for professional advice on 0800 58 57 94. The benefits to UK organisations
of adopting energy efficient measures are threefold:
* Every £ you save goes straight to the bottom line
* Saving money makes you more competitive
* Energy efficiency is good for business and is good for the environment
Action Energy's services include a free helpline providing expert, impartial
advice, online information at http://www.actionenergy.org.uk
and publications on energy saving measures across a wide spectrum of industries.
Action Energy also provides free onsite energy surveys to identify opportunities
for energy savings, interest-free Energy Loans of between £5,000
and £50,000 for small and medium-sized companies in England and
Wales, which builds on the success of similar schemes operating in Scotland
and Northern Ireland. The Carbon Trust also administers the Enhanced Capital
Allowance Scheme, a tax relief that permits businesses to deduct 100%
of their capital expenditure on designated energy-saving plant and machinery
against their taxable profits.
Industry Specific Services Available
Information is available for the UK glass industry across twelve areas:
* Identifying Energy and Waste Saving Centres
* Measuring and Monitoring
* Energy Management
* Staff Motivation
* High-Temperature Energy-Efficiency Opportunities in Glass Making
* Process Related Energy-Efficiency Opportunities in Glass Making
* Glass Related Waste Minimisation
* Compressed Air
* Motors and Variable Speed Drives
* Combined Heat and Power (CHP)
* 'Smaller' Saving Centre - Water, Boilers, Buildings and Offices
* Transport