LETTER
TO THE EDITOR
Dear Sir,
Following my letter of last week I am now delighted to be able to confirm
that the British Standards Institute has reconsidered the revisions to
the requirements for salt spray testing. A minimum of 96 hours is now
stipulated, rather than 240 hours as previously stated.
While we flilly support the BSI decision to maintain the drive to improve
standards by increasing the standard by 24 hours, we feel that this latest
revision was essential in ackhowledging that there is a place in the market
for ferritic steel (which could not have been expected to pass the 240
hour test).
As we, at Cotswold, have said on many occasions, we feel that there is
a strong case for allowing the use of ferritic steel when it comes to
window hardware. Ferritic hinges, less costly than their austenitic counterparts,
are more than capable of withstanding most conditions - ferritic steel
is, after all, used in dishwashers, hardly the most gentle of environments!
304 austenitic steels may be just the job in truly corrosive circumstances
(such as coastal areas), but forcing its universal use is overkill, incurring
unnecessary expense. Ultimately the choice should be left with specifiers,
architects and end-users.
My final point is with reference to the strength and unity shown in tackling
this potentially business-threatening change. By coming together to voice
our concerns we - the window industry -have achieved a positive outcome.
I
believe I speak for most of us when I say that we commend any stipulation
for improved quality, however in this instance the requirement was simply
too extreme and would have meant significant impact industry-wide. We
now feel
that we have a realistic and achievable goal that should benefit everyone.
Yours sincerely,
lAIN MORGAN Sales & Marketing Director Cotswold Architectural Products
Pilkington
Chairman addresses AGM
At the recent Annual General Meeting of Pilkington plc, the Chairman,
Sir Nigel Rudd, made the following statement:
'Last year we experienced very tough trading conditions in all our markets,
particularly in the second half. In spite of this, we delivered our fourth
consecutive year of profit growth, demonstrating how much fitter and more
competitive Pilkington has become.
We also anticipated difficult trading conditions and challenging markets
this year and the current financial year has started in line with these
expectations.
At the time of our results announcement in May, Stuart Chambers highlighted
his plans for continuing the efficiency gains made over the past five
years. Our focus on increasing the competitiveness of our manufacturing
base, which has a strong portfolio of innovative products, puts Pilkington
in a robust position.
Building Products
As expected, Building Products markets continue to be difficult everywhere,
other than the United Kingdom and Australasia, where demand is strong
and some product lines are in short supply. In Continental Europe demand
is lower than a year ago and for Europe as a whole float prices are approximately
10% below the average for last year, although there are welcome signs
of stabilisation.In North America, whilst the residential market is relatively
firm and prices are now hardening, commercial construction, in which we
have a significant share, is down about 20%.
Nevertheless, because of continued progress in transforming this business,
results are in line with last year. Our 35% Mexican affiliate, VVP, has
also been affected by the slowdown in commercial construction in the United
States. Its results to-date are lower than last year, as expected.
Financial and political instability in South America is affecting our
businesses there, however results are still good.
Automotive
In Automotive, vehicle production in Europe is running slightly below
last year but our European Automotive glass businesses continue to improve
their efficiency and productivity so that results are tracking last yearís
performance in both Original Equipment and Replacement glass.
Vehicle production in North America is showing signs of a return to growth,
which, together with the significant improvements we have made there in
manufacturing productivity and efficiency, are reflected in improved results
to-date of our Original Equipment business. Our Automotive Glass Replacement
business in North America is continuing last yearís strong performance.
The Automotive businesses in South America, Australasia and China are
operating close to or better than last year despite variable market conditions.
Outlook
At our results presentation back in May I stated that we expected these
tough market conditions to prevail through this year, and what we have
seen so far confirms that view. Nevertheless, even with the situation
in South America, our expectations overall have not changed. Pilkington
is demonstrating its resilience in difficult markets and I expect we will
continue to do so.
Deceuninck
Reinforces Position in France
Deceuninck N.V., developer and producer of PVCu window systems and building
profiles, has acquired - through its subsidiary Deceuninck S.A. - the
integral extrusion site of Atlantem, a subsidiary of the French VM MatÈriaux,
situated in Noyal-Pontivy, Brittany.
A commercial 7-year agreement with regard to the supply of dedicated window
and door profiles covering all Atlantem needs, has also been signed by
both parties. This contract is part of the Deceuninck Large Account strategy
and will substantially contribute to the Deceuninck S.A. sales. It has
been mutually agreed not to divulge the amount of the transaction.
VM MatÈriaux, registered office is situated in Swift Frame In the
field of joinery, VM MatÈriaux wishes from now on to concentrate
exclusively on the manufacture of doors and windows, which is why it has
handed over its extrusion activities to Deceuninck S.A. VM MatÈriaux
manufactures - through its subsidiary Atlantem joinery - over 100,000
PVC windows a year. The group realised sales of over EUR 300 million in
2001.
The partnership between the two groups started in 1997. It was in 1986,
however, that a commercial agreement was already signed between Deceuninck
S.A. and Sofamep, an industrial manufacturer of joinery systems that was
taken over by VM MatÈriaux in 1997. For that matter, the cooperation
was reinforced by the ext ension of the supply agreement of dedicated
Deceuninck joinery systems to all of VM MatÈriaux's joinery fabricating
companies.
Deceuninck S.A. achieved sales of EUR 52.35 million in 2001and is facing
the future with confidence - witness the target set for 2002, the year
in which the company expects to break through the EUR 60 million sales
barrier.
Deceuninck is an integrated group of world format, specialised in compounding,
design, development, extrusion and finishing of PVCu systems and profiles
for the building industry, including their recycling. The company is active
in 32 countries, has 20 subsidiaries (production and/or sales) and is
supported by 1694 personnel, with 540 in Hooglede-Gits. Deceuninck is
number three in its sector world-wide and achieved consolidated sales
of EUR 350.6 million in 2001.
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Reorganisation
Plan Opens Door for Stronger Glasstech
After receiving the United States District Court's approval last month,
Glasstech Inc.'s plan of financial reorganisation has now become effective.
The court's action should open the door to the emergence of a much stronger
and more viable company.
'When we filed just five months ago, we said the company would emerge
quickly and strongly; and that's what has happened,' said Mark D. Christman,
Glasstech's President and CEO.
'The financial reorganisation converts all $70 million of the Company's
debt into equity which provides further relief to the Company through
elimination of an annual interest expense of approximately $9 million.
This conversion of debt to equity dramatically improves our balance sheet
and greatly improves our cash flow. We are now positioned to serve the
need of customers well into the future,' Christman added.
Nancy Colyer, President of J&S Industrial Machine Products, Toledo,
Ohio, a long-time Glasstech supplier, commented: 'I am absolutely satisfied
with the reorganisation and have complete confidence that a stronger Glasstech
has emerged. They've taken the necessary steps to make Glasstech a forerunner
in the industry.'
John Baxter, Glasstech's Senior Vice President, Marketing and Sales, added:
'For more than 30 years, Glasstech has produced leading-edge glass bending
and tempering systems and has supplied them to glass processors worldwide.
Many of our systems have become standards in the industry. Glasstech has
developed some excellent new products and, with our financial situation
now resolved, I expect our sales to be even stronger.'
Founded in 1971, Glasstech has installed more than 400 glass bending and
tempering systems in 45 countries on six continents.
PPG
Reports On Second Quarter
As a result of a charge for a previously announced asbestos settlement
agreement, PPG Industries today reported a net loss of $345 million, or
a loss per share of $2.03, for the second quarter.
Excluding the $495 million aftertax charge, net
income was $150 million or 89 cents a share. Sales were $2.13 billion.
The settlement, announced May 14, would cover
all current and future personal injury claims against PPG and Pittsburgh
Corning for asbestos products manufactured, distributed or sold by the
companies. The settlement would become effective after Pittsburgh Corning's
bankruptcy plan of reorganization, incorporating the settlement, is approved
by a court order that is no longer subject to appeal.
In the second quarter last year, net income was
$155 million, or 92 cents a share, on sales of $2.16 billion.
For the first six months of 2002, PPG recorded
a net loss of $311 million, or a loss per share of $1.83, including one-time,
aftertax charges in the first quarter of $55 million, or 33 cents a share,
for restructuring and $9 million, or 5 cents a share, for the cumulative
effect of a required accounting change, and the second-quarter charge
for the asbestos settlement. Excluding these charges, net income was $248
million, or $1.47 a share. Sales were $4.0 billion.
First-half 2001 net income was $211 million or
$1.25 a share, including an aftertax restructuring charge of $71 million.
Excluding the charge, net income was $282 million, or $1.67 a share. Sales
were $4.3 billion.
"The settlement announced two months ago
will enable us to put all of our asbestos product claims exposure behind
us," said Raymond W. LeBoeuf, chairman and chief executive officer.
"Excluding the charge, our strong results in the quarter, particularly
record earnings in coatings, reflect a series of actions we took to reduce
costs and generate cash beginning in late 2000 in anticipation of the
North American recession. As a result, excluding the charge, we have successfully
lowered our debt-to-total-capital ratio to 42 percent, which is 6 percentage
points lower than a year ago and the lowest it has been in three years.
"We remain cautious about the second half
because of the fragile North American economy resulting from slow job
growth, high household debt levels and the potential impact of continued
weak stock markets on consumer confidence," LeBoeuf said. "Nevertheless,
our focus on generating cash and managing costs will continue to serve
us well during this uncertain economic period."
Second quarter 2002 earnings included approximately
11 cents a share of higher pension and retiree medical benefits costs,
which were partially offset by the required accounting change eliminating
goodwill amortization of 5 cents a share.
The coatings segment generated record operating
earnings because of lower costs and increased margins. Sales grew 2 percent
from the year-ago quarter with contributions from volume gains, currency
translation and modest price increases.
Glass sales were down as lower volumes and prices
were only partially offset by manufacturing efficiencies and overhead
reductions throughout the segment.
Chemical sales were flat and earnings declined
despite significant growth in specialty chemicals, particularly optical
products. Falling commodity chemical prices were only partially offset
by volume gains and manufacturing efficiencies in all businesses.
1000
GQA NVQ in 12 months
The Glass sector has consistently been increasing the number of candidates
registered on and achieving Glass Qualifications Authority (GQA) NVQs
each year.
The last twelve months have seen a step change with the 1000th NVQ over
the period being awarded to Paul Jenkinson a fabricator at Keyframe in
Bolton. Keyframe is one of over twenty companies working with the GQA
approved centre, The Essential Support Team (TEST) based in Ormskirk,
Lancashire.
Glass Qualifications Authority is the only Awarding Body for glass related
National and Scottish Vocational Qualifications (NVQs/SVQs) Glass Qualifications
are available for all aspects of glass working including: automotive glazing;
glass manufacturing; fabricating and installing windows, doors and conservatories
and glass processing.
Tel: 0114 272 0033
Fax: 0114 272 0060
Email: gqa@btconnect.com
Web: www.glassqualificationsauthority.com
A
New Dimension
3D Trade Windows has set up a new operation in Andoversford, Cheltenham
serving the trade and Housing Association market for windows and doors.
Part
of the Eynsham Group, the new operation is headed by Steve Rose lately
of Windowstore (Epwin Group). Starting only 6 weeks ago the fabrication
business is based in a 32,000 sq ft facility on the edge of Cheltenham.
3D Trade windows is manufacturing Veka product for its trade and commercial
customers. Quality, service and reliability of supply is the name of the
game in this fast moving market and 3D believes it has put the investment
and resources into achieving this.
By September a trade counter will be set up to serve the local market
for trims, roofline and ancillary products. It's hoped that this will
be the first of many similar operations in the midlands and southwest.
The autumn will also see the launch of a new 3D Conservatory roof operation
and more details will be announced over the coming weeks. This fits well
with the strategy of providing a full service and product offering to
installers and contractors.
Steve Rose commented 'the set up project has taken six months of hard
work but we're now ready to go and look forward to becoming a major regional
fabricator. With the help and support of Veka and Network Veka, I'm certain
we can develop and grow in partnership with our customers.'
Mike James (ex Profile22) will spearhead the sales and marketing for the
new operation utilising his considerable contacts and skills gained over
the last 18 years in the industry.
Contact Steve or Mike at 3D Trade windows on 01242 820202.
AGS
extends its home improvement portfolio
AGS Home Improvements Ltd is launching Sarnafil Roof Assured PVC-U flat
roofing as an addition to their range of home improvement products. The
flat roofing membrane will be sold through six AGS outlets in Devon and
Cornwall.
'Sarnafil Roof Assured can be promoted using existing sales skills making
it a perfect complement to the PVC-U window and roofline replacement market,'
comments Graham Munday, Group Chairman of AGS Home Improvements. Photo
caption: Andy Ball, Market Development Manager of Sarnafil Roof Assured
and Graham Munday, Group Chairman of AGS Home Improvements.
FENSA
Appoints Chief Executive
The Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA) announced that Graham
Hinett had been appointed as its first Chief Executive.
Graham has a wealth of experience in the glass industry including his
Directorship of Caradon Everest and his role as a former President of
the Glass and Glazing Federation.
He also volunteered to help FENSA with some vetting procedures earlier
in the year so he has hands-on experience of the situation within the
building.
Graham will be taking up the post immediately.
Web: http://www.fensa.org.uk
Export
success for Ashton's High Volume Edger
Ashton Industrial's automatic arrissing (seaming) lines have developed
over the past 4 years, becoming faster and more compact and featuring
options like in-line laser marking and edge deletion.
There
have been layouts in G, L, U and Z formats and, most recently, the latest
‘Reverse-G’ but they all have one thing in common… they
have all been for processing totally random, mixed glass sizes, types
and even thickness.
Now, a new variation has emerged: the High Volume Line! The first of these
is up and running at Novatech Glass in Montreal, Canada. The second and
third are under installation at Guardian in the USA.
The machines are arranged basically the same as a regular double-edging
line, i.e. there are two 'legs' of the line joined by a 90-degree transfer
table; each 'leg' consists of one diamond belt machine in a fixed position,
and one opposing machine which can be adjusted in and out on a precision
track to suit the glass size being processed. That adjustment can be manual
with a digital readout, or fully automatic.
It is designed specifically for processing batches of equal-sized glass
panes at very high speed by always grinding two parallel edges simultaneously.
The line uses Ashton Diamond Belt Grinding Machines just like the latest
FastTrack Arrissing Lines, with the same patented system of sensing the
glass and automatically advancing the belts as it passes. The pass speed
for arriss-only work is 45 linear metres per minute. For unpolished flat
edge & double arriss on 4mm or 6mm glass, an amazing 25m/min! I think
this must be just about the fastest glass edging line ever?
'Unlike conventional double-edger solutions which use diamond wheels,
there is no setting up time between differing glass thicknesses; no adjustments
to compensate for wheel wear – the same belts deal with all thicknesses;
full utilisation of the diamond belt width, i.e. optimum diamond usage
- significantly lower tooling costs; lower capital investment; and of
course much faster processing, explains Steve Ashton'
'And you can add our high-speed robot loading options, and new high-performance
washing and drying machines, for the full solution', he adds
Ashton Industrial
Tel: +44 (0) 20 8 551 4046
Fax: +44 (0) 20 8 551 1433
E-mail sblundell@ashton-industrial.com
Web- www.ashton-industrial.com
Low-Cost
Cooling with Displacement Ventilation
BRE has completed a project to determine whether displacement ventilation
can be an effective cooling method that maximises the potential for using
ambient air for low-cost, energy-efficient cooling.
The limited cooling capacity of most current displacement ventilation
systems restricts their use to buildings with relatively low heat gains,
or where an additional cooling system is provided. This project investigated
the potential to improve displacement ventilation so that it can be used
as a standalone method of cooling a wider range of buildings – and
to maximise the use of ambient air as a cooling source.
Findings showed that displacement ventilation on its own is able to deal
with far higher heat loads than usually thought.
Tests on a number of diffusers showed that conventional wall diffusers
and prototype innovative fabric diffusers have the greatest potential
for providing the higher air volumetric supply rates needed to allow displacement
ventilation systems to deal with higher heat loads.
An Information Paper summarising the project’s findings and providing
information on the application of displacement ventilation will be available
later this year (from www.BREbookshop.com).
As well as giving advice to manufacturers and building services engineers,
it will provide outline guidance for architects and designers on the use
of displacement ventilation for energy-efficient cooling.
The project was supported by the DTI’s Partners in Innovation research
programme and industry sponsors, including Arup Research and Development,
CIBSE, IPS Ventilation Ltd, Gilberts (Blackpool) Ltd, Halton Products
Ltd, Hoare Lea, Oscar Faber, Troup Bywaters & Anders, Trox (UK) Ltd
and Waterloo Air Management plc.
A displacement ventilation system works by supplying fresh, cool air into
a room at a low level. The fresh air slowly spreads along the floor forming
a reservoir of cool fresh air near the floor and displaces warmer air
above. Thermal plumes created by room occupants and other heat sources
draw air from this reservoir. Any pollutants emitted by the heat sources
will be carried upwards into an upper zone of warm contaminated air near
the ceiling and the air extract points. Fresh, cool air therefore continually
replaces the warm contaminated air.
David Butler on 01923 664300 or e-mail butlerd@bre.co.uk.
'Window
Screws should last 20 years', says Property Services Manager
People assume that because one screw looks very much like another, performance
is similar too. However, the differences are huge - and the wrong choice
can ruin reputations. Bob Scougall, Property Services Manager, has been
working for Sedgefield Borough Council for 25 years and appreciates the
significance of fasteners.
'If the screws aren't a high enough standard,' comments Bob, 'the hinges
don't work properly, and if the hinges don't work properly, the windows
won't work properly. It's as simple as that.
'We specify Marutex from UK Fasteners, who offer a comprehensive 20-year
£20 million insurance backed warranty. I recently visited a site
where the screws were put in four and a half years ago. I unscrewed them,
and they were as good as new. Windows have a life expectancy of at least
20 years - I expect the screws I specify to last as long.'
Sherborne
Windows Scoops National Conservatory Award
Sherbome Windows and Conservatories of Famborough Hampshire has won a
'top prize in a competition to find the best conservatories of 2002.'
The national competition, sponsored by manufacturer and designer of conservatory
roof systems, Ultraframe, showcases the most well designed and executed
conservatories both in the UK and around the world. Competition is intense:
this year the organisers received hundreds of entries andthe judges had
a tough time deciding on the Winners.
However, Sherbome Windows and Conservatories triumphed, scooping an award
for best conservatory in the lean-to category.
Sherbome Windows and Conservatories was established by Chris Long in 1990
and has used Ultraframe roofs from the outset. The company employs 30
people and now builds 3-4 conservatories a week, with two Window/door
fitting teams covering Hampshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Middlesex, Sussex
and West London.
The winning design came about after the company installed new windows
at the property. The clients had a very clear idea of what they wanted
- that the conservatory should open up to the part of the house it abutted.
The resulting conservatory forms part of a much larger room and maximizes
a wealth of natural light.
Tel: 01252 370917
Email: enquiries@sherbornewindows.co.uk
Web: http://www.sherbornewindows.co.uk
Glass
Training e-briefing
Glass Training Limited has introduced a new service for employers in our
industry. A telephone helpline now provides advice and guidance on a wide
range of employment policy issues which affect people at work.This means
that employers can tap into the many years' experience of expert human
resources advisors. Mike Firkin is co-ordinating the service; he has been
an appointed Lay Member of the Employment Tribunal Service since 1995.
More information at www.glass-training.co.uk
or Mike Firkin - mike@glass-training.co.uk
Glass Training's Biennial Conference is an established event for
the UK's glass industry and will take place on October 2nd and 3rd at
Daresbury Park Hotel in Warrington Cheshire. Joe Fearnehough from the
TUC, David Combie from the SSDA and Steve Gange from Pilkington UK Ltd
are some of the speakers.
Case Studies
There is a need to produce a wide range of 'case-studies' to demonstrate
that the glass and fenestration sector have already achieved a great deal
through their investment in people. If you have a story to tell we will
help you write it up and present your success to government and the trade
and public then contact Alan Hearsum at alan@glass-training.co.uk
Glazing Managers and Team Leaders Programme
This is a one-year programme delivered by distance learning modules in
practical management practice in order to help managers, supervisors and
team leaders effectively manage teams on site. There are four one-day
events to support the programme where managers meet at a central point
to discuss problems and opportunities to add value in their jobs. Contact
alan@glass-training.co.uk
Glass Industry National Certificate in Management
The more you can move your business towards getting things done correctly
first time the more profit you will make. It is estimated that the glass
industry wastes in excess of £4 million every year because things
are not carried out according to plan. This Certificate programme is designed
for individual managers who start learning as soon as they register. It
does not require attendance on a course. We come to you and talk to individual
managers coaching them in what has to be done to improve business performance.
Contact alan@glass-training.co.uk
Glass Training Ltd
Tel: 0114 2661494
Fax: 0114 2660738
Email: info@glass-training.co.uk
Web: www.glass-training.co.uk
Alfreton
and Nottingham Depots are all change
Eurocell Building Plastics has completed two major improvements to its
Midlands Network.
The Alfreton Depot has moved into larger premises to cope with the increase
in demand for the Eurocell Building Plastics Products - also allowing
it to hold more stock of the more popular products.
Nottingham, another key player in the Midlands Network has just benefited
from a new makeover. A new trade counter has been installed to allow customers
a better quality of service, as well as providing them with an improved
display area.
Eurocell's Pinnacle 500 lean to modular roofing system is available from
the new Alfreton depot as well as the rest of the Nationwide Network.
New Address: Eurocell Alfreton Building Plastics Depot
Birchwood Way
Cotes Park Ind. Est.
Alfreton
Derbys.
DE55 4QQ
01773 545810
Eurocell Building Plastics : 01773 842 300
Spire
Glass chooses Dem Window Systems for Bellway Homes contract
Bellway Homes South has chosen Spire Glass Ltd of Whaddon, near Salisbury,
for a major supply and fit contract on private sector homes in an urban
renewal scheme in St Mary's Southampton.
Spire Glass awarded the manufacturing of the 700 PVC-u frames to Barnsley-based
fabricator, Dem Window Solutions.
Using KBE's fully chamfered window casement systems, Dem has so far fabricated
and installed frames on three storey town houses and apartments on the
St Mary's development in the first phase of a contract which will be completed
in August 2002. The second phase will be completed by December.
Spire Glass director, Ian Locke said, 'I'm very happy with the KBE profiles.
The system is of high quality and is well manufactured. It is also durable
and easy to operate. Clearly though, a good profile has to be well fabricated
and our long association with Dem Window Solutions helped us land this
important contract,' he explained.
For Dem Window Solutions, managing director, Dave Toulson said, 'We were
delighted to win this business and it's a great demonstration of how to
make partnerships work well. The Bellway window and door installations
in Southampton are a credit to all the companies involved in the project.'
Dem is also celebrating the award of a Gold Benchmark Award following
a detailed Customer Satisfaction survey. Dem achieved an impressive 93
percent overall score, measured over three areas; marketing, staff and
performance.
Eagle
Contracts Building new Business with Tremco Structural Silicone Glazing
System
A structural bonding specialist based in Rayleigh, Essex claims to have
been enjoying rapid growth in its business thanks to its innovative approach
to meeting customer demands, and the introduction into the UK by Tremco
of its well proven structural silicone glazing system.
Already a regular user of other Tremco glazing sealants, Eagle Contracts
has not only been making use of the manufacturer's silicone in their structural
glazlng factory, but has also been transporting the skills of its trained
operatives out to customers' own premises.
Managing Director Mike Eagle explains 'lt was a natural extension of our
business and our involvement with Tremco, having used many of the manufacturer's
other sealants, such as Dymeric, over the years.
'Tremco is one of the world's foremost suppliers of glazing products and
has very wide experience as well as a good reputation, so when Proglaze
II structural silicone glazing sealant - so successful in places like
the Gulf - was introduced into the UK, it was certain we would adopt it
into our portfolio.
'Overall the mobile structural bonding service, where clients provide
their glass and aluminium systems and we carry out the structural bonding
at their premises, has been a real success. It offers the customers far
greater control and flexibility of supply. They can inspect what is going
on within their own workshops, make any alterations to scheduling in a
more flexible manner and have the components on site after 72 hours.
'Alternatively, if facilities are constrained we can offer them a dedicated
factory to bond their products, allowing them full facilities to inspect
each component as it progresses through the system. They have the choice,
in their premises or ours.'
With some 20 operatives in the field, Eagle Contracts covers the whole
of Europe from its Essex headquarters, being involved in many examples
of structural glazing.
Tel: 01753 691696
Web: http://www.tremcoeurope.com