Saint-Gobain
Sekurit to Sign Joint-Venture with Central Glass for Sale of Automotive
Glass in Japan
Following
the successful marketing alliance established in April 2002 by Saint-Gobain
Sekurit and Central Glass in the automotive glass business, both companies
have concluded an agreement to establish a joint company to market and
sell automotive glass on the Japanese market. Saint-Gobain Sekurit will
hold 35% of the new company (Central Saint-Gobain Co., Ltd), which is
scheduled to start operations in January 2003 with its head office in
Japan.
The joint operation aims to capitalise on the partners’ respective
resources to create a more comprehensive global network, in a way that
meets the aims of both Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Central Glass to strengthen
their service capabilities and relationships with Japanese vehicle manufacturers
worldwide. Saint-Gobain’s network extends from its European center
to countries including Brazil, Mexico, Thailand, South Korea, and China,
whereas Central Glass has operations in Japan, the United States, Taiwan,
and Thailand.
Through Central Saint-Gobain Co., Ltd., Saint-Gobain Sekurit and Central
Glass expect to further enhance their competitiveness in the global market
through the sales and technical support supplied by both companies.
NB Many weekend papers ran stories about Nippon Sheet Glass bidding
for Pilkington Glass in order to keep up with its main rival in the automotive
glass business Asahi. Some reports cited the above news as a catalyst
in this. More on Nippon/Pilkington next week.
Glassex
Online Manual Cuts out the Hassle
Stand
managers for companies attending Glassex 2003 should find their organising
tasks simpler, quicker and more convenient following improvements made
to the show's online exhibitor manual.
The Glassex online exhibitor manual was first introduced three years ago
as a more modern, user-friendly and time-efficient alternative to the
traditional catalogue-style paper manual. Its purpose was to remove the
bothersome task of wading through pages of stand contractor forms, instead
using a simple online communications system to alert stand managers of
imminent deadlinesand receive requirements over the internet.
Following an extensive survey asking what exhibitors would find more beneficial
in the manual, the Glassex organising team liaised with the Exhibition
Manual Company Ltd (EMC) - creator of the E=mc2 system used for the Glassex
online manual - and made improvements to the system. As a result, order
processing will be faster, far fewer 'time-outs' will occur and communications
between exhibitors and show organisers are expected to progress more smoothly,
with any problems identified and resolved even more quickly and efficiently.
Stand managers may also now create regular reports for forms outstanding,
making their jobs easier.
lan Solomon, Organising Manager for Glassex, believes that the improvements
made to the system will make a big difference for exhibitors:
'Times have changed, and with the convenience ofthe Internet available
to most companies now, no-one should have to get bogged down with paperwork
they really don't need at their busiest time. The new Glassex online manual
is simply the easiest way to deal with what has to be done in the run-up
to a major event.'
All Glassex exhibitors have been given a special username and password
log-in to access the manual and can enter the system by going to the Glassex
website at http://www.glassex.com
and clicking on the Manual tab. For further details please contact Sharon
Boland on 020 8277 5000.
Thoughts
for 2003 from the GGF's Chief Exec Nigel Rees
It
would be wonderful to begin with a statement along the lines of, 'there
will be no further changes and initiatives for the Industry in 2003'.
Unfortunately I do not think we are even going to get close to such a
statement. I feel it is safe to say that 2002 took everyone by surprise.
We expected change but not quite to the extent that was actually experienced.
To make the changes to Approved Document L of the Building Regulations
administratively possible there was a need for the Industry to be able
to self certify. What the Glass and Glazing Federation did with the Government,
was for the whole Industry and not just Federation members. Everyone has
been treated equally and no favourites have been shown. It is just a shame
that certain people have not been able to accept that.
Although the Industry may wish for a period of time where recent changes
bed in, it is unfortunately likely to see continual change for the next
few years. The DTI's Quality Mark Scheme will continue to roll out across
the country with greater take up by companies as time goes by. The introduction
of EN 1279 is imminent, which is likely to cause a reduction in the number
of companies manufacturing Insulating Glass Units. If you add to this
the situation whereby more companies consider moving to soft coat Low-E
products instead of hard, then the IGU Manufacturer has an interesting
few years ahead.
Those forward thinking companies who attended the Federation's Technical
Forum in 2002 will be far better prepared for the introduction of the
Construction Products Directive and CE Marking which is likely to come
to the fore in 2003. This event highlighted the need for reputable Trade
Bodies to support their Members and the Industry as a whole. I feel the
role of bodies such as the Glass and Glazing Federation will be of even
greater importance in the years to come. Running a company profitably
takes a large proportion of staff time and leaves very little time available
to keep abreast of changes. That is the role of the Trade Federation to
provide the notification, guidance and assistance to let the company get
on with what it does best.
I plan to make the Glass and Glazing Federation a stronger base for its
Members in 2003. There is a need to maintain the momentum of growing the
membership base and to continue to strengthen the financial resources
available. We will continue to grow our links to Government and the relevant
Civil Servants to give our Members and the Industry the support it requires.
2003 will be a year of continued change. It will always be sunny in Borough
High Street and there will be no leaves on the lines. All other Trade
Bodies in the industry will like the GGF and Chelsea will go a whole season
without a crisis.'
Nigel Rees, GGF, Chief Executive
Tel: 0207 403 7177
Web: http://www.ggf.org.uk
Getting
Totally Bigger by the Day
Total
Glass, the Merseyside based window fabricating operation, has announced
further expansion plans. Total Glass has seen major growth over the last
18 months and it's a trend that is set to continue according to Managing
Director Frank Deary. 'Total Glass has been gearing itself for major restructuring
for the last six months. Our management team is now in place and ready
to take on our primary objective - to expand the Total Glass brand into
the Yorkshire regions.'
But
it's not just client expansion plans that herald a new era. The company
has outlined plans to double the size of its manufacturing capability.
With the acquisition of another 30,000sq. ft. of factory floor space Total
Glass plans to add two more self-contained and independent flow line production
units to its plant list.
David Ogilvie Production Manager continues, 'We simply could not meet
demand if our current factory capabilities remain the same for much longer.
Our guaranteed delivery programme together with a 70mm window specification
that is second to none has truly helped exceed all our sales expectations.
'Both our neighbours on the right and left of us have decided to move
away therefore it suited us perfectly to secure these additional factories,
which we hope to make into one massive window fabricating unit.'
Frank Deary feels the timing for the expansion has proved both strategic
and lucky. 'Nobody knows what the future will hold, but rest assured that
this company is in as strong a position to capitalise on the success and
recognition it has fought so diligently for over the last three years.
'Our plans to reach clients further afield is an ambitious one but our
brand is now firmly established nationally so we feel it logical to broaden
our client base.'
Frank continued by saying, 'Its a visible expansion in that we are adding
more automated flow line manufacturing capability to our existing production
floor, and we are also improving our service structure.
'We already generate an impressive 97% customer retention rate and we've
improved our delivery success rate and now achieve 98% of all deliveries
on time and complete. Our sales force is now twice the size and offers
vastly improved client services such as Business Plus and Admin' Plus
which is already helping many of our clients.
'What excites me the most is the Yorkshire market will really love our
window package! That together with a guaranteed delivery programme and
fantastic specification means nothing but added growth in the year ahead.'
Tel: 0151 549 2339
Email: mailto:sales@totalglass.com
Web: http://www.totalglass.com
Alcoa
Sheet Operations Swansea Opens a New Production Line
The
Alcoa aluminium rolling operations based in Waunarlwydd, Swansea announced
on Friday 13th December 2002 the opening of a new production line which
is part of a several years' investment program to upgrade the company's
ingot, hot rolling, cold rolling and finishing lines at this facility.
Based on a European program to secure employment in specific European
regions, the EU has approved a £ 4.25 million contribution to the
project. Alcoa has been cooperating with the National Assembly of Wales
and the Welsh Development Agency involved in applying for this grant.
Chris Ditton, Alcoa Plant Manager Swansea, confirmed that the first part
of the investment was a new Coil Processing Line. Mr. Ditton commented
'This is excellent news for Swansea. Alcoa is an important employer in
the area, and the new processing line will enable us to broaden our product
range and to better focus on our UK and European customers' needs and
to improve our service capabilities.
'I should like to thank both the National Assembly and the WDA for their
support in securing European funding for this project.
'The vast majority of the orders for the line have been placed with businesses
operating in the South Wales area. We have had excellent support from
local firms as we have sought to install and commission the new line in
record time.'
Alcoa’s Swansea Rolling operations is the UK’s only producer
of aluminium coil for the UK beer and beverage can market.
Alcoa produces primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina, and
is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation
and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other
capabilities of Alcoa’s businesses to customers. The company has
129,000 employees in 38 countries.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Government
Proposes more Weather Proof Building Standards
Tougher
regulations that will provide better protection for new buildings from
extreme weather, moisture and natural land contaminants were published
for consultation on 10th December 2002 by the Government.
The Government is consulting with the building industry on changes to
Part C Building Regulations – the official safety requirements that
affect all new building work. The consultation paper: 'Site Preparation
and resistance to contaminants and moisture' will be considered by over
200 construction organisations.
These are the first changes to Part C Building Regulations relating to
resistance to moisture for ten years, and take account of severe weather
predictions by the UK Climate Impacts Programme. The consultation will
also look at building regulations for developments on brownfield land.
The Government currently has a target to build at least 60 per cent of
all new developments on brownfield sites.
Announcing publication of the document, the Minister responsible for Building
Regulations, Christopher Leslie MP, said:
'We must deliver better built homes across the country, in particular
re-using brownfield sites and regenerating our urban centres. People expect
homes to last and we must do all we can to ensure that’s what they
get.
'The new guidance gives more information on building homes with better
resistance to moisture. A lot has been learned by the experience of the
floods two years ago, and building work needs to ensure protection against
the damages of possible extreme weather conditions such as water penetration
caused by driving rain, flooding and high summer temperatures, which can
result in cracks to buildings.
'These revisions bring together developments in technical requirements
and guidance, that will be easier to understand for everyone in the building
trade. This will help to avoid rectification costs, and in turn, people
will be more reassured that their planned extensions, residential renovations
or new homes will be built to better and safer standards.'
The cost to the building trade of better moisture resistant materials
is between £5 to £20 per house and could prevent the need
for repairs running into thousands.
Although property damage aspects of flooding cannot be addressed through
Building Regulations, limited guidance is provided on sewer flooding and
water intrusion through floors, which can occur during floods.
New proposals in the guidance include improved advice on: provision of
sub-soil drainage to reduce the risk of moisture travel into buildings,
and damage to buildings; use of moisture resistant timber floors in rooms
where water spillage occurs (ie., kitchens and bathrooms); resistance
to condensation and mould growth in roofs; dealing with moisture caused
by condensation, the suitability of cavity walls for filling, and the
use of thresholds to doors with level access.
The proposals will be subject to a 3-month consultation period, which
ends on 10th March 2003.
First
CE-mark Declarations by European Window Manufacturers
The
Italian company Finstral is the first company in the European window industry
to declare conformity of its PVC window system 500 with the European product
standard. Finstral demonstrated at the autumn meeting of the European
fenestration associations in Barcelona how easy it is to declare CE-marking.
The objective of the advanced CE-marking declared by Finstral and other
leading European companies, is to speed up the overdue adoption of the
product standard for windows, external pedestrian doors and curtain walling
by the EU. In addition to Finstral, the German company Gebr. Schneider
Fensterfabrik declared conformity with the rcquirements for CE-marking.
Mr. Leoz Argiielles, head of the construction department of the European
Commission assisted at the award of the certificates. The CE-mark guarantees
conformity of the product with the standard and ensures trade without
barriers in the European market as soon as it has become legally effective.
'The first CE-marks in our industry show that there is no alternative
to the implementation of unrestricted trade in the European market. The
adoption of the European standards and the implementation of the CE-mark
must not be held back any longer out of pure egoism of individual nations',
declared Karl Heinz Herbert, the secretary general of the European fenestration
federations after the meeting of the European trade federations. The Barcelona
conference was hosted by the European federations FAECF, representing
metal windows and curtain walling, FEMIB, the stakeholder of wood windows
and doors and EPW, representing the PVC fenestration industry, together
with their common stakeholder EuroWindoor. The first CE-declarations are
a signal for the implementation of the European market for construction
products without barriers to trade. The CE-mark finally puts into practice
the EuroWindoor demand of 'One test standard for one Europe'.
So far, for the export of windows up to 15 tests in the individual countries
were required, the costs of which had to be eventually borne by the consumers.
Mr Herbert emphasised that 'the result of a harmonised European window
standard will never be a uniform European window, just the contrary: the
body of standards does not limit the variety of structural options, be
it for aesthetic, cultural or climatic reasons.' Harmonised European standards
will continue to provide for national window characteristics, be it the
tilt-and-turn windows in Germany, casement windows in France, sliding
windows in Spain or outward-opening windows in Scandinavia. And the same
applies to the different preferences of the European countries for the
frame materials wood, PVC and aluminium, which are not within the scope
of European standardisation.
A
Leading Force in Innovation Meets the Market Leader in Quality
As
of 1st January 2003, Siegenia and Aubi - two of Europe's major hardware
companies - became one.
Siegenia Aubi Limited will supply hardware and ventilation solutions to
the UK market through the two companies' existing distribution networks.
Says Siegenia's UK GM Lèann Hearne, 'Siegenia is currently the
stronger of the two brands in the UK but Aubi is well known across Europe
for its innovation. By combining this innovative approach with the Siegenia
reputation for high quality products, we aim to build on our strong position
in the UK and take the business forward.'
She adds, 'Our focus will remain on strengthening our relationships with
distributors to ensure that they can continue to provide the market with
the right product at the right price and service level.'
Siegenia and Aubi are ultimately owned by the Siegen-based Siegenia Frank
organisation. Siegenia was founded in the German town in 1914, and now
has over 1200 employees throughout Europe. In the UK it is best known
for its tilt & turn products and increasingly for its intelligent
ventilation ranges. Aubi, based in Hermeskeil in Southern Germany, was
acquired by the group in 1998 but has, until now, been maintained as an
entirely separate business.
Siegenia has been responsible for the introduction of several of major
hardware developments in the UK through 2002, including the launch of
its environmentally friendly and hexavalent chromium-free E-Look and TS-Look
products, and the new PSK Portal 160 patio gear, which are already impacting
on the market.
'The distinctive image we have created for each business is something
on which we plan to build,' says Lèann. 'Already there are some
exciting new product initiatives in the pipeline which will utilise the
combined expertise of the two established companies to deliver even better
products to the UK's window industry.'
Tel: 024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
Hallmark
Group is One in a Million
Hull-based
door panel, GRP and laminated products manufacturer Hallmark Group achieved
its first 'Million Month' in October 2002, selling over £1 Million
across all its divisions - and then topped this performance with yet another
record-breaking month in November.
The
achievement summarises another year of growth and investment for Hallmark
Group, which has experienced a 25% growth in sales per annum for the past
few years. In July 2002, the company moved into a new purpose-built 25,000
sq ft extension of its principal Hull factory to allow for further expansion
and growth, improve storage, handling & logistics and boost manufacturing
of the company's range of composite doors. The move was part of a significant
investment programme undertaken by Hallmark starting in 2001, with over
£250,000 also invested in additions to the company's production
line and a new vacuum former.
Hallmark Group's Sales Director John Rolland is delighted with the company's
recent successes and believes they are well-deserved:
'To have accomplished over £1 Million in sales two months running
at a time when many manufacturers traditionally report a 'quiet period'
is something that we are immensely proud of. The Hallmark team has invested
a lot of time and effort into achieving our targets, and our advertising
campaigns have increased awareness in a very effective way. We always
want to work that little bit harder for our customers, and that's why
we succeed. We are all looking forward to achieving even grander results
in 2003.'
Tel: 01482 703222
Email: mailto:info@hallmark-panels.com
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Dupont
Benedictus Awards Names Distinguished International Judging Panel for
2003 Competition
A
prominent international jury has been named to judge the 2003 DuPont Benedictus
Awards, an international architectural competition that recognises the
innovative and significant use of laminated glass. The competition, now
entering its 11th year, is a collaborative effort between DuPont and The
American Institute of Architects (AIA), with the cooperation of the International
Union of Architects (UIA).
The 2003 jury is comprised of the following distinguished architects:
Dr. Santiago Calatrava (for an article on Calatrava see: http://www.dupont.com/safetyglass/lgn/stories/2301.html),
SA, Spain; Lewis Koerner, AIA, Italy; and, Julie VandenBerg Snow, FAIA,
United States of America.
The competition attracts entries from more than 35 countries and more
than 250 of the world's most prestigious firms have submitted projects
since the competition began 11 years ago. Architects may submit projects
in seven categories: commercial, community, education, government, healthcare,
recreation and residential. The winner receives a specially-commissioned
laminated glass sculpture by renowned glass artist James Carpenter. Honourable
mentions will be selected in each category as well, if the judges determine
a high degree of innovation is exhibited.
The competition is named for Edouard Bènèdictus, a French
chemist who discovered the process for laminating glass, which is today
specified by architects for its safety, security, sound and blast-resistance
and energy-saving features, as well as for its absolute clarity.
Projects must have been completed in the last five years. Entries are
due at AIA on February 14, 2003. Details about the competition are posted
at http://www.aia.org
and http://www.dupontbenedictus.org.
The DuPont Benedictus Awards include a student competition, administered
by the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). This
year's challenge, an urban bank, is available on ACSA's Web site, http://www.acsa-arch.org
or through the DuPont Benedictus site. The competition encourage students
to incorporate new glass technology and explore innovative applications
of laminated glass as a building material within a design demanding cultural
expression, while also calling for high security and superior resistance
to natural and man-made forces of destruction.
DuPont is the producer of a family of glass laminating products and technologies,
including Butacite polyvinylbutyral (PVB) interlayer, SentryGlas Plus
ionoplast interlayers, and SpallShield composite for laminated glass.
Deceuninck
Group Shuts Down Uniplast
The
Deceuninck Group announced on December 5th 2002 that it is closing down
the production activities of its Uniplast subsidiary. The machines and
customer database have been sold and the site and buildings are up for
sale. A restructuring programme has been arranged for the 14 staff.
The subsidiary was spawned by the 'Delta' business unit, the task of which
is to start and evaluate new projects. Since Uniplast had not achieved
the set targets for the last two years, it was decided to dispose of the
activities.
Because of the stagnating conduits market and severe competition, Uniplast,
which was located in Estaimpuis and taken over by Deceuninck in 1999,
was also unable to realise the targets set for 2001. Raw materials prices,
which in 1999 reached an all-time low, rose very steeply shortly after
the takeover. In 2001, Uniplast achieved sales of EUR 2.36 million against
EUR 2.39 million in 2000.
Despite a good evolution in sales, results were below par in 2002. Uniplast
extruded flexible pre-cabled conduits and protective pipes from plastic
(polypropylene and polyethylene respectively). Uniplast had 14 employees,
for which alternatives are being sought for inside and outside the Group.
The Deceuninck Group is an integrated group of world format, specialising
in compounding, design, development, extrusion, finishing and recycling
of PVCu systems and profiles for the building industry. 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 350.6 million EUR in 2001.
The
Laird Group plc Issues Trading Update
The
Laird Group has issued for the first time what will be a regular Trading
Update close to the end of its Financial Year on 31 December.
Results for the year, before exceptional items, goodwill amortisation
and losses on disposal, are expected to be at the top end of market expectations.
At Laird Technologies the order intake in the second half of the year
has held up well, at similar levels to the same period in 2001, and has
proved to be resilient despite the well-publicised softness in its telecom
markets. In addition, BMI has traded in line with our expectations since
its acquisition in September. At both Laird Security Systems and Laird
Plastics the order intake in the second half has been above the level
of the prior year, although the full extent of the improvement in US Dollar
terms will be reduced on translation into Sterling as a result of currency
movements.
Peter Hill, Chief Executive, said:
'Laird has made significant progress this year. We have taken decisive
action in rationalising our portfolio; we have strengthened our businesses,
reduced our costs and improved our operating performance. The Group also
retains a sound financial structure. All of our businesses now hold leading
market positions in their industries and, through the steps we have taken,
are well positioned to enter 2003.'
In
accordance with its normal practice, IMI plc - Polypipe/Premier Profiles
parent company - issued a trading update on 18th December 2002 in advance
of its preliminary results announcement for the twelve months ending 31st
December 2002, due to be published on 10th March 2003.
As anticipated in the interim results statement, there has been no improvement
in market conditions. Sales volumes (on a like for like basis for continuing
businesses) will be similar to the second half of last year. Operating
profit and margins, however, on the same basis, are expected to show improvement
over last year, with cost reductions arising from our restructuring and
rationalisation programme continuing to build momentum. We continue with
our policy of reinvesting some of the savings into technology and marketing
initiatives to promote longer term growth.
For the year, the impact of the reduction in operating profit as a result
of disposals will be largely offset by acquisitions and lower interest
costs.
Overall, profit before restructuring and rationalisation costs, goodwill
amortisation, exceptional items and tax is expected to be in the range
£128m-£132m compared to £126.1m in 2001.
Restructuring and rationalisation costs for the year will, as previously
indicated, be around £32m (2001: £45m).
The trading environment for each of our businesses remains largely unchanged
from that reported in September. In the remaining Building Products operations,
sales and margins in Polypipe’s main building products businesses
are holding up well as UK demand remains stable.
Operating cash generation will again be strong this year, as a result
of further reductions in working capital. With positive cash flow arising
from corporate activity, borrowings at the end of the year will be considerably
lower than at 31 December 2001.
The disposal of the Copper Tube business was completed on 29 November
bringing the total gross proceeds from the sale of the Copper Tube and
Fittings businesses to £78m.
The difficulties experienced in the ISI Systems activity within Fluid
Power were referred to in our interim report. The systems business supplies
handling equipment for automotive press shops and substantial investment
in updating the technology is required. Following a major review it has
been decided that further investment cannot be justified and it is proposed
to close ISI Systems early next year. The cost of closure, both cash and
tangible asset write off, will be around £6m and will be provided
as an exceptional item in the 2002 financial statements.
In 2003 we expect to complete the major operational restructuring we embarked
on in 2001. The costs of this restructuring will have been substantially
committed by the end of the current year and rationalisation costs in
2003 should be at a more normal level of less than £10m.
Global
Market Leader in Polysulphides: Akzo Nobel Thioplast Chemicals
With
an annual production capacity of more than 12,000 t (2002), Akzo Nobel
Thioplast Chemicals (Greiz, Thuringia/Germany), a business of Akzo Nobel
(Netherlands), claims to be the global market leader in polysulphides.
The Greiz site has developed into a leading centre for the development
and production of polysulphide chemicals over the past decades. It has
played a significant part in the history of chemical manufacturing in
Eastern Germany in the last 100 years. When the site was founded by Tschimmer
& Schwarz in 1909, it produced additives and auxiliaries for the local
textile and leather industry. In the 50's the product range of the site,
then called Chemiewerk Greiz-D'lau, had switched to aluminium sulphate
and plastics additives. After some initial activities in the 40's, polysulphides
production started in earnest in the early 60's.
After the integration of the former GDR into the Federal Republic of Germany,
the Chemiewerk D'lau was one of the few formerly state-owned chemical
companies which were successfully transferred to private ownership. Having
been initially acquired by the British Harcros Chemicals group the Greiz
site has been part of Akzo Nobel since 1999. Investment in the production
of Thioplast by Akzo Nobel has been substantial. In addition to capacity
increases, a major part of the investments were used to improve environmental
management at the plant.
Improvements were made with the clear goal of securing future production
to comply with stringent environmental regulatory requirements. Closed
loops, technical optimisation of processes, new facilities for waste water
treatment as well as an ISO 14001 certified Environmental Management System
provide a sound basis for profitable production.
Contact: Reinhard Rischer
Tel. 0049-(0)3661-78-210
Masco
Corporation Announces Common Stock Repurchase Programme and Agreement
in Class Action Lawsuit
Masco
Corporation announced on 13th December 2002 that its Board of Directors
has authorised the purchase of up to 50 million shares of its Common Stock
in open market purchases, privately negotiated transactions or otherwise.
This authorisation replaces the Company's existing programme under which
approximately 22 million of the 40 million shares previously authorised
had been repurchased. The Company had approximately 492 million common
shares outstanding at the end of the 2002 third quarter.
Masco also announced that the Company has reached agreement with counsel
representing plaintiffs in an Illinois class action lawsuit against Masco
and its subsidiary, Behr Process Corporation, related to exterior wood
coating products previously manufactured by Behr. Under the agreement,
plaintiffs and counsel representing them will withdraw their opposition
to the proposed national class action settlement of the Behr coatings
litigation that has been preliminarily approved by a State Court judge
in California. Masco is not aware of any other opposition by plaintiffs'
counsel to the national settlement and the Company continues to believe
that this settlement will be effected within the previously announced
terms.
Pilkington
T Glass - The New Name in a Tough World
From
February 2003, the Pilkington Toughened Safety Glass range will be given
the new specifier-friendly name of Pilkington T glass.
The change from Pilkington Toughened Safety Glass to Pilkington T glass
will provide much needed clarity for all those involved in the specification
of Pilkington safety glass solutions. This move is part of the company‚s
ongoing commitment to create simple, consistent, product names that can
be readily understood and recognised by the industry across Europe.
Already, Pilkington has had success with its toughened safety glass, driven
by a strong emphasis on the integration of customer and technology focused
product development. In practice Pilkington T glass can be specified to
offer - in addition to the normal safety requirements - self cleaning
glass, solar control, thermal insulation, privacy or even decoration.
The result is an extremely versatile product, capable of providing effective
solutions for a broad range of commercial applications.
Crucially, the Pilkington T glass range is stringently tested to ensure
that it offers increased protection for both people and property and can
be incorporated into Pilkington‚s own insulating units, Pilkington
Insulight˛. This can be made in combination with many other Pilkington
products to provide a range of additional high performance options. The
product range is also backed-up by an effective technical advisory and
design service.
For further information, please contact the Pilkington Helpline on 01744
692000.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Stockable
- Clear and Wired Laminated Fire Resistant Glass
J.
Preedy & Sons has provided London and the Home Counties with a range
of constantly developing glass and glazing products and services since
1913, when Joseph Preedy established the company in Marylebone in the
West End of London.
Preedy Glass, a division of J. Preedy & Sons is able to meet the demands
of customers by maintaining a varied stock of glass. The range includes
Pyroguard, fire resistant glass from CGI International, UK manufacturers
and suppliers of fire and security glasses to International Standards.
Mike Preedy says, 'The importance of fire resisting glass has grown rapidly
over the past 15-20 years as specifiers are persuaded to use increasingly
more attractive products which include both wired and wire free glass.
'Demand from the trade for these glasses is increasing and we ourselves
have a steady stream of installations where fire resistant glass is specified
for doors, screens and enclosures.
'The ability to cut Pyroguard from stock and not have the normal, often-lengthy
time delay experienced with other fire resistant glasses means Pyroguard
fits nicely into our range. It is also very easy to cut.
'We have an excellent working relationship formed over many years with
CGII who offer a good reliable service.'
Pyroguard Clear, is a non-wired laminated fire glass in either 3ply or
5 ply format for 30 and 60 minutes integrity, plus radiation control.
This glass is suitable for use in a wide range of timber or metal frames,
and meets Class B impact standards.
Pyroguard Wired also provides radiation control and Class B impact safety.
The combination of Georgian wire mesh and special resin interlayer provides
a straight wire appearance.
CGII’s new guidance paper 'An overview of Fire Rated Glasses' which
used as a training aid, helps architects and specifiers through the maze
of different fire glasses in the market place, has been an overwhelming
success, and is available on request.
Tel: 0207 960 6060
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
Tel: 0208 965 1323
Email: mailto:sales@preedyglass.com
Web: http://www.preedyglass.com
Carlton
Plastics Opens the Door to Further Growth with New Factory Premises
Long-standing
Hallmark Door Panels customer Carlton Plastics has moved to new factory
premises, allowing the tripling of its production capacity overnight and
enabling the company to plan for further growth over the next few years
and beyond.
Carlton
Plastics - based in Saltash, Cornwall - is now one of the area's largest
specialist suppliers of PVCu building products such as fascias, soffits
and guttering as well as doors, windows and conservatories. The company
started life 15 years ago as Carlton Improvements and dealt mainly with
mainstream construction projects until the growing popularity of PVCu
building products led its owners - husband and wife team Richard and Nikki
Boroczky - to set up Carlton Plastics in 1998. Since then, the company
has seen its most significant growth period in its 15-year history, with
PVCu doors now one of the Carlton's biggest selling products.
The company's new premises in the Tamar View Industrial Estate in Saltash
is nearly three times the size of its previous HQ in the Moorlands Trading
Estate, whilst also offering easier access and a larger showroom for customers.
Nikki Boroczky believes that the move is a launch pad for even greater
performance from the company:
'When we set up Carlton Plastics as a new venture four years ago we had
no idea that its turnover would overtake that of Carlton Improvements
so quickly, and we've been amazed at how successful it has proved. Now
we have all the tools to hand to expand the business even further - larger
production capacity, speedier turnaround and a superb choice of good quality
products.'
Nikki also believes that the quality of Carlton's suppliers - particularly
Hallmark - has contributed a large amount to the company's rapid success:
'We've been a customer of Hallmark for over 15 years now because their
products are of a very good quality and we have remained pleased with
their high standard of service. At the end of the day, we can only be
as good as the products and services we provide, and I've not yet found
a door panel supplier that can rival Hallmark - no-one else seems to match
them.'
Tel: 01482 703222
Email: mailto:info@hallmark-panels.com
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Assuring
the Future of Wood Windows
Wood
windows have now stabilised at a 30% share of the European market after
a decline in market shares. How to maintain this position and which measures
are necessary to improve the competitivity of wood windows were one of
the items discussed at the annual meeting of FEMIB, the federation of
the European joinery industry, which took place in Barcelona.
FEMIB, the federation of the European associations of the construction-related
wood industry was founded in 1958 and now represents as many as 12 associations
from 10 European countries. FEMIB is registered in Paris, its office is
located in Frankfurt am Main. Acting president of FEMIB is Mr Jaime Ribas
from Spain, his deputy and vice-president of the association is the Slovenian
Miroslav Cas. The activities of the association include regular study
tours, the last one to Slovenia. Among the items discussed by the actual
FEMIB meeting in Barcelona were the key issues of European standardisation
and CE-marking as well as the material-specific issues of the wood window
market and its special environment. Furthermore the possibilities to improve
the competitivity of wood windows were discussed. Among the speakers was
the Norwegian Mr Mons Tore Lyssand, former FEMIB president and acting
vice-president of EuroWindoor, the materials-neutral stakeholder of the
European fenestration industry. Mr Lyssand's speech 'Vision - Wood windows
and doors in Europe' illustrated the regional spread of the market shares
of wood windows at the European level. Wood windows dominate in Scandinavia
and the EU-candidate countries of central and eastern Europe. Lyssand
showed also the reasons why wood as window frame material declined in
Europe in the last decades, namely the emergence of new frame materials
such as PVC and aluminium, the decline in the use of tropical wood and
the fierce price competition in the window market.
However, Mr. Lyssand is optimistic as regards the future position of wood
windows in the market. For this, however, as emphasised by Mr. Lyssand,
high quality of design and surface treatment is required, mainly to prevent
fungal growth and accumulation of moisture in the construction, which
represent the major weak spots of wood windows. A future-oriented wood
window industry will also be able to create awareness among consumers
for the unique connotation of wood with quality.
Results
of the Squeeze-Out Offer for Glaverbel
The
squeeze-out offer of Asahi Glass Co., Ltd (J.AHG) for the remaining Glaverbel
shares closed on 16th December.
Asahi Glass now fully holds 100% of the capital of Glaverbel.
34,552 shares and 175 bonds were tendered. Their counter value will be
paid to share- and bondholders on 19th December 2002.
For securities not presented in response to the offer, the equivalent
sum will be held at the disposal of former owners with Fortis Bank during
six months. After that date, the funds will be deposited with the Caisse
des Depots et Consignations (rue de la Loi 71, 1040 Brussels, phone: 00
32 2 233 78 60).
Glaverbel has been delisted as from 16th December.