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Glassex Visitors ‘cue’ to Meet the New Face of Network VEKA

Six times World Snooker Champion Steve Davis proved to be the hardest worker at Glassex with a three-hour marathon of almost non-stop autographs and handshakes.

Steve toured the exhibition only hours after it was announced he is to be the new face of Network VEKA, endorsing the organisation’s standards and principles on its future advertising material.

In between autographs, the sporting legend called in on the Glassex Challenge to cheer on Dorchester-based Barrett’s Glass, on of two Network VEKA members due to compete in the Challenge. He also drew crowds with a live interview with the event’s compere, radio presenter Paul Burrell.

Cut out for the job: Steve’s first autograph goes to a neighbouring exhibitor but by the end of the session he wished his life-size replica could have helped with some of the signing.

Praise indeed: Steve explains his admiration for the Network VEKA principle to Glassex Challenge compere Paul Burrell.

Rising to the challenge: contestants John Sellick, left, and Paul Cox of Network VEKA member Barrett’s Glass keep the competition at bay in their round of the Glassex Challenge.

ELECON Acquires Foilcraft in £2m Expansion Plan

Bolton-based Chartered Accountants Cowgill Holloway has advised the ELECON Group on its acquisition of Foilcraft for an undisclosed sum.

The ELECON Group, based in Bolton, produces an extensive range of accessories for conservatories, windows and doors, supplying its products to major conservatory manufacturers. ELECON’s products are used in nearly 25 per cent of all UK conservatories installed. Washington-based Foilcraft was established in 1996 to provide a film laminating service. It now operates from a purpose-built 10,000sq ft factory and supplies a range of industries including the automotive, plastic manufacturing and building.

Foilcraft laminates will now be used by ELECON to produce coloured conservatory panels and composite doors and wall cladding.

Peter Gray, managing director of the ELECON Group commented on the acquisition. He said:

'This is the first stage of an expansion plan that will boost turnover to £2.3 million and grow our workforce. The acquisition of Foilcraft is an excellent fit and is the first of many in a five year sales and expansion strategy that will see ELECON grow significantly.'

Paul Stringer, corporate finance partner at Cowgill Holloway who led the team which advised the ELECON Group said:

'I am delighted to have acted for one of Bolton’s most innovative and ambitious firms in this sector.

'The ELECON Group is looking to become market leader in the window, door and conservatory accessory industry and this is an important step towards this objective.'

Nine of the First Twelve Firms to Get Top A to C Energy Ratings used Super Spacer®

There were some glum faces in the window industry when the BFRC first announced the basis of its new energy ratings system. It can't be done, they said. The technology simply isn't there to achieve anything above a 'C' rating, and even getting that will be a stretch, they groaned. And how will homeowners react to anything less than the best window ratings when they are used to shopping for white goods such as refrigerators sporting 'A' and 'B' ratings? No one wants second best, or third or fourth best! No matter that the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) assured them that simple competition, the urge to win and to offer what consumers wanted would spur us on - many still believed it would take several years before the industry achieved an 'A' or 'B' rating.

But now, within months, 12 window companies have achieved C or higher ratings, nine of them using warm edge technology Super Spacer® from Edgetech I.G. Inc. at the time of writing. Congratulations are due to all, and especially to the three firms who have crashed through the energy savings barrier with coveted 'A' ratings. Piper was the first to break through with a triple glazed window. And, first Tradelink and then Corby Windows achieved the apparently impossible with 'A' ratings on double glazed windows. It doesn't get better than that! Who said competition doesn't work?

‘But it has been a stretch - a typical British understatement! Achieving these top ratings requires the best glass, profile, gas, spacer bars, and reinforcement technology available to the industry to give their windows that extra edge. When only the best will do, it's no surprise that nine out of the first 12 window companies, including the top three, relied on Edgetech's warm edge Super Spacer®, the all foam, no-metal edge-seal, to ensure their success.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Pilkington Helps to Achieve 'A' Grade

Products from Pilkington have been instrumental in creating an industry first. With the industry adopting Window Energy Ratings (WERs), the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) has passed the first ever 'A' rated window, an achievement that had not been expected for several years.

Created by Piper Double Glazing using Pilkington K Glass and Pilkington Optiwhite, the window achieved the highest energy efficiency grade. This accomplishment is all the more impressive as Piper Double Glazing used standard technologies and products that are handled and used on a daily basis.

Piper Double Glazing succeeded by using a triple glazed sealed unit, with the outer and middle panes of 4mm Pilkington Optiwhite low iron glass, and the inner pane of 4mm Pilkington K Glass. The glazing has cavities of 16mm each, which are filled with argon gas.

Pictured from Piper Windows is Quality Manager, Derek Pullman on the left with Graham Winzar, the Commercial Manager on the right.

The accomplishment is an endorsement of using tried and trusted products and methods to create highly energy efficient windows. The units make use of warm edge spacer technology. The glazing bead is slimmer than the usual one so to accommodate the triple glazed units, but it is still a standard product.

Graham Winzar from Piper Double Glazing comments: 'We are absolutely delighted to be the first with the A rating. It is all the more satisfying as we deliberately avoided the temptation to specially engineer any aspect of the test sample. It was especially pleasing that we achieved the A band with Pilkington K Glass and Pilkington Optiwhite, as they are both widely and freely available and Pilkington K Glass is a widely recognised consumer brand. An A rated window provides customers with instant recognition that the window is energy efficient and can therefore help to reduce fuel costs.'

Window Energy Ratings (WERs), developed by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC), take into account all the factors that affect the energy performance of a window and enable the window company to use an energy label similar to that seen on white goods. This displays the product's Rating on an A to G scale.

Pilkington Optiwhite is particularly effective in helping windows to achieve higher Ratings because the BFRC system takes into account the benefit of useful solar gains and Pilkington Optiwhite can improve this without any detrimental effect on U values.

For more information e-mail Pilkington@respond.uk.com or telephone the Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

FMB and K2 in Search for Britain's Best Conservatory Installer

The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has launched its annual search to find the best builders and conservatory installers in Britain, with the overall winner set to receive a brand new Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle of their choice.

The prestigious Master Builder of the Year Awards 2006 comprise eight categories - from which the overall title winner will be chosen - including one for conservatory installers, sponsored for the second year by K2 Conservatory Roof Systems.

What makes the Master Builder of the Year Awards unique is that every entrant must be nominated by a client who is so pleased with their finished project that they believe their builder or conservatory installer deserves national recognition both for their trade skills and their customer service.

The conservatory category is open to conservatory projects using the K2 system or a building project incorporating K2 components that display high standards of craftsmanship.

Said Mike Jackson, retail marketing director for K2: 'We are delighted to continue our sponsorship of this category. The Master Builder of the Year Awards set the highest standards for construction and customer service, which are qualities that K2 promotes with its installers. The conservatory category had a great start last year, and the winning project was a superb example of design, performance and customer service. We look forward to seeing many further examples of these qualities amongst the entries this year.'

Sarah Beeny, presenter of Channel Four's Property Ladder, is also supporting FMB's search and will present the Awards at a ceremony in London in November 2006.

Said Sarah: 'As a property developer myself, I know that the vast majority of Britain's builders are true professionals who offer a high level of building expertise and first class customer service. With the help of satisfied clients, the FMB is putting the good guys in the spotlight. I wholeheartedly endorse their search for the best builders in the industry, and look forward to meeting them later in the year.'

The competition is divided into 11 regional heats, with the category winners in each region going forward to the national finals. The closing date for entries is 31st July 2006.

There are prizes of a luxury weekend break at a Paramount Hotel for each of the national category winners and their clients. The Master Builder of the Year will win a Nissan Light Commercial Vehicle and their client will enjoy a luxury £3,000 holiday.

Master Builder of the Year 2006 is organised by the Federation of Master Builders in association with Nissan Motor (GB) Ltd, and sponsored by American Express, Aon Ltd, B & CE Benefit Schemes, British Gypsum, CITB-Construction Skills, Energy Saving Trust, Envirowise, HBXL, Hewden Hire, Hilti, Homebuilding and Renovating, K2 Conservatory Roof Systems, LABC, Paramount Group of Hotels, Professional Builder magazine, Sage Construction, Screwfix, Travis Perkins.

Web: http://www.fmb.org.uk

Towards Greater Profits with Total Glass

Recognising the continuing trend towards outsourcing by companies which cease to manufacture, trade fabricator Total Glass has launched a comprehensive guide for firms planning to go down this more profitable route.

Liverpool-based Total Glass has over 17 years of experience helping businesses to make more profits by 'buying-in' their frames. It says more than 50% of its turnover comes from former window manufacturers and claims none of these has since returned to manufacturing.

Throughout 2005, the company gained an average of one new ex-manufacturing customer every three weeks as businesses struggled to maintain profit margins in the face of tougher trading conditions and rising raw material prices.

‘Making profit from making windows remains a difficult challenge and we expect this to continue for smaller manufacturers,’ comments Frank Deary, Total Glass Managing Director. ‘Hence we have launched the Total Glass Guide to Outsourcing packed with all the information potential outsourcers need to make that all-important step towards a more profitable business and successful future.’

With the average manufacturing net profit in the industry at just 2.56%, Total says buying in frames makes sound economic sense and claims that in eight out of 10 cases, it can increase customers' net profit to over 10%.

‘Our 100,000 sq ft production facility has the latest automated, state-of-the-art machinery, so we can produce frames at volumes and prices that the smaller companies just cannot achieve,’ explains Frank. ‘We remove the headaches of producing frames, doors and conservatories for our customers, so the resulting financial savings can be re-invested to allow them to concentrate on supply and installation.’

The guide explains the wide range of services offered by Total Glass, from machinery disposal, new uses for redundant premises and employment issues to advice on planning and executing the move to outsourcing. ‘Changing to outsourcing can be plain sailing because we have the experience and know-how to help tackle all the associated issues, as well as answer any questions throughout the entire process,’ adds Frank. ‘All it takes is a phone call to us for a strictly confidential no-obligation appraisal of the facts.’

For your copy of the guide or more advice on outsourcing, contact Frank Deary or Stuart Waring on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.

FENSA Perfect for Second Successive Year

For the second successive year Safestyle UK, the key retail subsidiary of Style Group UK Limited, the independent replacement window and door company, has been awarded a 100 per cent Building Regulations pass record by the Government approved Fenestration Self- Assessment Scheme (FENSA) for its installations.

‘This latest accolade not only emphasises the continuous and impressive growth of the high profile retail company, Safestyle UK but also reflects strongly on the high quality of its products and its installation teams throughout the United Kingdom,’ says the company.

The FENSA scheme has been set up by the Glass and Glazing Federation with Government approval to ensure the industry complies with all relevant Building Regulations requiring all installations of windows and doors to meet demanding thermal performance standards. All homeowners who have windows and doors replaced must ensure they either get a certificate from their Local Authority Building Control or have the work completed by a FENSA-registered company such as the Style Group's Safestyle UK subsidiary.

To ensure the installations meet and maintain the standards set out, samples of the work of every installer are inspected regularly and at random by FENSA which then issues the appropriate certification, which is particularly important to householders if and when properties are sold on. Areas covered include correct and approved use of fire exits, disabled access, safety glass, strict thermal standards, ventilation and no worsening of the functional requirement of the property.

Style Group's Chief Executive, John Ross, explained: ‘We are all very proud of achieving the perfect result from FENSA inspections for a second successive year because it undoubtedly reflects our ability to continually produce only the highest quality window and door systems backed up by installation teams who, we believe, are the very best in the industry. It also clearly underlines our determination to continue the development of our unbeatable customer care and service record.’

Andy Clegg, the Head of Survey and FENSA Co-ordinator at Safestyle UK, added: ‘This is a fantastic achievement when you consider that for the second year in succession we have come through with a 100 per cent pass rate on all installations inspected despite the very demanding criteria set by FENSA and the Government.

‘Our success is down to the skill and enthusiasm shown by all, from sales to installation. They are now preparing to increase their efforts even further to ensure that a hat-trick of inspections is achieved in the coming year.’

Allure Conservatory System is the Customer's Choice

‘Customers uninspired by so many similar PVC-U conservatories are not prepared to settle for a make-do purchase,’ says Chase Window Company/ ‘We are finding that by offering the aluminium Allure conservatory system, exclusively manufactured by QRS, we are able to tempt an increasing number into investing in an altogether different conservatory.’

Gary Woodhatch, Director of Chase Window Company, explains: ‘When visiting potential customers we like to give them a range of options. This helps us reach those who have already turned down other installers offering standard products. But not only are we reaching those who wanted something special, ever since we've offered Allure it's become the preferred option for most of our customers. Being able to compete with the premium range of conservatories on looks and quality but also offering the ease of installation that comes with it being based on the market leading Global roof is giving us a real edge. And all of this is at a price which the customer appreciates is great value for money.’

David Tulett has a design company in London and recently had an Allure conservatory installed by Chase. ‘As a Designer I was very exacting about the look I wanted so I invited three installers to show me their selection of conservatory roofs. As soon as I saw the Allure system I knew it would match perfectly. The conservatory had to incorporate existing features from the house but Chase's installation team worked hard to ensure it wasn't problem. The result is stunning. I would certainly recommend both Chase Window Company and Allure to anyone.’

Tel: 01429 871010

'Real' Signs of Growth

Yorkshire-based Real Conservatories, a customer of Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd, has expanded its showroom to incorporate a new display of hot tubs and spas.

The retail site - based at Thorne on the outskirts of Doncaster, has been doubled in size from 1,250ft2 to 2,500ft2 to accommodate the new showroom and provide extra storage space. The multi-function site also contains four show conservatories, offices and a trade counter.

Real Conservatories has further expanded by opening a second show site in Doncaster's famous White Elephant building. The building is well known as being the home for a major furniture company and Real has taken a show area on the first floor. The company has a permanent display of two conservatories, windows and doors which were provided by Advantage.

Real Conservatories has also set up a new glass shop close to its location in Thorne. From there the company is providing local customers with a glass cutting service, decorative glass and an emergency glazing service. Real Conservatories Director - Marvin Shillito said: ‘all in all it's been a very busy and exciting year. With the help of Advantage we have grown our existing retail businesses to such an extent that it has allowed us to expand into trade supply and glazing.’

Danny Hague, Advantages Group Commercial Director said: ‘once again, Real Conservatories is another demonstration of how an ambitious company can succeed by working in partnership with us. Advantage is totally committed to providing the right products and the backup needed to help all of our customers win the battle for sales.’

Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd
Tel: 01625 856488

Real Conservatories Ltd
Tel: 01405 816116

Express Wishes for KAT UK

Preston-based Express Trade Frames Ltd has chosen KAT UK as its preferred supplier of patio doors and vertical sliding sash windows.

Express Trade Frames, a manufacturer of the Rehau S706 window and door system, says that it selected KAT UK's Halo Elegance patio doors and sash windows for their superior quality.

Managing director at Express Trade Frames Ltd, Steven Smith explains: ‘KAT UK specialises in patio doors and sash windows so it made commercial sense to buy them from a dedicated, quality supplier rather than manufacture them ourselves. The doors and windows will complement the range that we sell and will enable us to offer a wider choice to our installer customers.

‘We also chose to work with KAT UK because its products are renowned throughout the industry. In addition, we're relying on a third party but KAT UK's service and after sales support gave us confidence that it could meet our high standards.’

KAT UK's managing director, Jonathan Sheard said: ‘We're delighted to have been selected as the preferred supplier to Express Trade Frames and are confident we can provide the kind of quality, service and timely delivery that is expected of us.’

Express Trade Frames manufactures and supplies Rehau S706 casement windows, tilt and turn windows, front and back residential doors and French doors.

Contact KAT UK
Tel: 01625 412558
Email: sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

2005 Another Great Year for Glaston Technologies

According to Kyro Group's financial statements for 2005, its main business area Glaston Technologies grew at threefold speed of its markets last year. lncluding Tamglass, market leader of safety glass machinery and Z. Bavelloni, leading supplier of pre-processing machinery, Glaston Technologies increased its total net sales by 18%, from 203.0 million euros to 238.9 million. Its operating profit grew by as much as 21%, from the previous year's 18.4 million euros to 22.1 million.

Architectural glass machinery in demand
Glaston Technologies, a market leader in glass processing machinery, also managed to grow its market shares further. Tamglass and Bavelloni successfully merged their sales organisations in the beginning of 2005, and are now able to serve the glass processing industry even better than before.
Demand for Glaston Technologies' safety glass machines rose clearly. It was focused on large, demanding architecturai glass machinery especially in the USA, where the use of energy glass and a pick-up in construction sharply increased demand. Pre-processing machines also sold well, particularly Bavelloni's cutting machines and grinding equipment. Glaston Technologies' order book fell slightly, but new orders grew by 16%, totalling 177.8 million euros.

Significant One-Stop Partner launch well received
During 2005 Glaston Technologies further developed its One-Stop Partner concept, 'the most comprehensive product and service offering in the industry,' according to the company. 'The most significant launch was a line jointly developed by Tamglass and Bavelloni for pre-processing and tempering of large architectural glasses as well as smaller appliance and window glass. The line consists of the world's fastest flat tempering machine, Tamglass Sonic, and Bavelloni's automatic, integrated pre-processing line.'

Glaston Technologies' after sales services grew at a record speed of almost 20%, and three new offices were opened during the year. Sales of tools for glass and stone pre-processing also grew, particularly through the launch of a new series of polishing tools. To develop its tool business, Kyro incorporated Bavelloni's tool division at the beginning of 2006.

Providing that Glaston Technologies' demand stays at current levels during 2006, the Kyro Group will again improve its net sales and operating profit.

Surge in Demand for Q-Mark Certification

Construction certification specialist BM TRADA reports strong demand for its Q-Mark scheme for doors and windows due in part to rising popularity of the Secured By Design police initiative.

‘SBD was developed by the Association of Chief of Police Officers Crime Prevention Initiatives (ACPO CPI Ltd). The SBD award is given when a development has reached a minimum standard of physical security and when the layout reduces the opportunity for crime,’ explains Simon Beer the BM TRADA Q-Mark Certification Manager.

‘Since April 2005 SBD has required windows and doors to be certified and now that the SBD initiative is gaining some momentum and is being implemented and enforced rigorously we see many more customers demanding Q-Mark certification.’

The BM TRADA Q-Mark is already well established as an industry specialist for windows, doors and sealed unit certification. The SBD initiative by ACPO CPI has confirmed the value of the Q-Mark. BM TRADA Q-Mark certification is now common place for ground floor windows and entrance doors in SBD developments.

Independent Certification
Product certification is the ultimate endorsement of product performance. A certification such as the BM TRADA Q-Mark shows specifiers that the product has been properly tested and appraised by a reliable, independent body and that it is manufactured to a consistent, high standard.

That the SBD initiative utilises Q-Mark certification as a prerequisite for doors and windows is an indication of the assurance it provides. It means users can be sure that the installed windows and doorsets meet the high standards of those tested and therefore provide the same protection.

To satisfy the requirements of the Q-Mark enhanced security schemes manufacturers need test evidence from a UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited test laboratory to BS 7950 for windows and PAS (Product Assessment Specification) 23 and PAS 24 for doorsets.In addition, they need evidence that products meet material-specific general performance requirements eg. BS 7412 for PVC-U windows, BS 644 for timber, BS 6510 for steel, BS 4873 for aluminium, BS 7413 for PVC-U profiles and BS EN 1279 for glazing (also available from BM TRADA). They also need to have a quality management system (to meet ISO 9001:2000 or equivalent) relating to enhanced security doorset and window manufacture. Details of the Q-Mark scheme, lists of members and products can be checked at the BM TRADA website http://www.bmtrada.com.

The attraction of BM TRADA Q-mark certification from a client's point of view is that BM-TRADA has immense industry knowledge and practical experience as well as the complete package of testing for windows and doors to fire, security and BFRC (British Fenestration Rating Council) requirements under one roof.

‘Our industry knowledge and expertise is second to none, which means customers can be confident of the very best in independent, helpful testing and certification. Our laboratories have 20 years of experience and knowledge to draw upon’ says Simon Beer.

Details of the Secured By Design (SBD) scheme can be found on http://www.securedbydesign.com or by contacting your local police Architectural Liaison Officer (ALO) or Crime Prevention Officer (CPDA).

New Showroom Puts Central's Assets on Display

Welsh installation company Central Windows, a Newstead customer since 2002, has recently opened a showroom in its offices in Montgomery, Powys. ‘In a difficult market it's helped generate some strong leads,’ comments Robert Francis, owner of Central Windows. ‘We have windows, doors, French doors and a conservatory on display for potential customers - it really shows off the quality of the products. We can now offer customers the fully sculptured SynerJy profile through Newstead as well. It makes a great looking window and conservatory, and we can fit the beading in minutes.’

Central Windows has been in business for 24 years, and changed suppliers four times before finally settling with Newstead. Robert is confident that Central has found the right fabricator: ‘It's been difficult to find everything in one package - service, quality product and correct, on-time deliveries. But Newstead is excellent in all aspects. It's proved to be a professional company, and one that listens to its customers.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Specifying for the Long Term

'As an independent supplier of quality hardware, Groupco is ideally placed to advise the public sector on a 'best value' package.’ That's the view of Jason Burgess, the latest addition to Groupco's Business Development team, who works specifically with local authorities and housing associations in the south east of England. Indeed, Jason's recent appointment reflects Groupco's long-term investment in people and products for this demanding market.

Whilst the domestic replacement market is facing saturation, the government's ongoing Decent Homes scheme is generating large scale refurbishment programmes that invariably include replacement doors and windows to improve energy efficiency and reduce maintenance costs. However, Groupco isn't simply focusing on this sector for short-term gain, says Jason. ‘It's all about working with specifiers to identify the most cost-effective and reliable hardware solution for each project.’

Since joining Groupco he's been surprised at how many specifiers simply leave the choice of hardware to the fabricator. ‘Part of my role is to raise awareness of how the right hardware can have a positive impact on a window's overall performance,’ he adds.

With increasing emphasis on total life costs within the public sector there is an even greater need to consider every aspect of a window specification. As moving parts that have to withstand constant use, and even abuse in some cases, locks and handles should be specified to suit the application and prospective tenants. Ease of operation, safety and durability must be taken into consideration to ensure windows and doors deliver long lasting service, resulting in reduced expenditure on repairs and replacements. Specifiers responsible for planned maintenance programmes are not always aware of the hardware faults the day-to-day maintenance teams have to deal with, which are often because the wrong type of hardware was fitted in the first place. Incorrect operation is one of the most common causes of damage to hardware, comments Jason. ‘Helping specifiers understand why product failures occur can help prevent the same problems arising when choosing new hardware, and that will cut costs as well as improve tenant relations.’

Because it's not tied to one manufacturer Groupco can offer specifiers hardware from the leading UK and European manufacturers, including Fuhr, Hoppe, Maco, Winlock and more recently, Peder Nielsen's UNI system. In addition to offering a robust, low maintenance solution, the PN System can be used with a wide variety of window styles in PVC-U, timber, aluminium or timber/aluminium composite.

Jason concludes: ‘It's a matter of convincing specifiers that the choice of hardware needs to be considered as carefully as, say, the window profile. Our aim is to show them that by fitting quality hardware from the start they can actually save money on premature replacements and costly repairs.’

Tel: 01733 234750
Web: http://www.groupcoltd.co.uk

Sash Windows Mean Higher Margins for Classic

Many installation companies are forced to compete on price in a competitive market. But this puts pressure on profits at a time when installers can least afford it. Hertfordshire-based Classic Window and Conservatory Company says that, for them, it's no longer an issue.

Established in 1988, Classic became a Masterframe Bygone Preferred Installer (BPI) over five years ago. ‘Masterframe has continually pushed the boundaries to enhance its product,’ comments Tim Sparks, Director of Classic. ‘The company now produces the highest quality, most innovative and authentic looking PVC-U vertical slider on the market today. Our margins are higher on Masterframe's sashes because they're unique.

‘As part of Masterframe's BPI network we're also taught how to gather leads and convert them into sales more effectively. Masterframe runs seminars at Cranfield throughout the year, and they are always beneficial. Even if we only come away with one good idea, putting it into practice leads to more sales, more easily. The Managing Director, Alan Burgess, exudes enthusiasm and delivers what he says he will in all respects.’

Tim continues: ‘We recently restored a 150 year old Victorian semi-detached house in Hitchin to its former glory with 12 Masterframe sash windows. The total cost was £15,000 but the homeowners were happy to pay for windows that were sympathetic to the style of the house and a quality installation. They wanted traditional looking windows with the low maintenance benefits of PVC-U, from a local company. As a BPI, we met all their needs.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

Futuristic Regeneration Scheme in Glasgow Wins String of Awards

A lively and colourful residential and commercial development in Glasgow, which features innovative use of glazing systems from architectural aluminium specialist, Technal, has won another major award.

Designed by Davis Duncan Architects, The Matrix has been voted Urban Housing Development of the Year in the Building Communities Awards. It has already won award commendations in the Scottish Design Awards and the National HomeBuilder Design Awards, and was highly commended in the Built Environment category at the Scottish Enterprise Agency's Dynamic Place Awards.

This futuristic landmark building has been described as 'arresting' and as 'art to live in'. The judges at the Building Communities Awards said, 'This is a scheme in an inhospitable setting that has a distinctive design and provides tranquillity'.

‘We are delighted to be associated with such an innovative scheme as the Matrix and would like to congratulate the design team on transforming the site into a stylish, serene and very appealing place to live and work’, said Bob Welsh, General Manager of Technal. ‘This project demonstrates just what can be achieved with imaginative use of curtain walling and the very different effects it can create.’

Technal's visible grid curtain walling, which is framed by black rainscreen cladding, carries large 2.4m high panels of glass, and spans the full height of each storey on the south elevation to flood the living spaces with natural light.

The glazing specification met the required acoustic performance, and architectural interlayers in a palette of rich colours were applied to both clear and reflective glass. This has created a vibrant glowing effect at night and complements the coloured aluminium panels during the day.

Commenting on the design, Grant Robertson, Director, Davis Duncan Architects, said, ‘Technal's curtain walling system has a slim profile and yet is sufficiently robust to allow us to use large expanses of glass that achieved both the artistic composition and the functional form we were looking for. We could also fit doors, windows and insulated panels into the system.’

Technal's FXi52 balcony doors and casement windows were inserted into the curtain walling. All the glazing systems were finished in a dark grey polyester powder coating for a contemporary appearance and were fabricated and installed by Saint-Gobain Solaglas.

Tel: 01924 232323
Web: http://www.technal.co.uk

Collusive Tendering for Flat Roof and Car Park Surfacing Contracts in England and Scotland

The Office of Fair Trading has concluded that a number of roofing contractors colluded in relation to the making of tender bids for flat roof and car park surfacing contracts utilising mastic asphalt, and flat roofing contracts using felt and single ply in England and Scotland thereby infringing the Chapter I prohibition contained in section 2(1) of the Competition Act 1998.

The Parties were involved in individual agreements and/or concerted practices each of which had as its object the fixing of prices for the supply of installation, repair, maintenance and improvement services for coverings for flat roofs and vehicular decks in England and/or Scotland. When a purchaser wished to purchase such services, it typically invited a number of (what it believed to be) suitably qualified contractors to submit tender bids detailing the price at which they could undertake the work specified in order to have competition for the individual contract between contractors and obtain a competitive price.

The Parties' co-operation and co-ordination with each other in relation to the setting of tender prices had the object of preventing, restricting or distorting this competition. Different Parties were involved in different numbers of contracts and the OFT has considered the collusion in relation to the tenders for each individual contract as discrete infringements.

The OFT considers that agreements and/or concerted practices between undertakings that fix prices by way of collusive tendering (or otherwise) are among the most serious infringements of the Act. Financial penalties are therefore being imposed on all the Parties, subject to the operation of the policy to give lenient treatment for undertakings coming forward with information in cartel cases and fully co-operating with the OFT's investigation. 

In line with this policy, Briggs Cladding & Roofing Limited (Briggs) has been granted full immunity from penalty (in recognition of the fact that Briggs was the first Party to apply for leniency and voluntarily provide information). 

The following Parties were also granted leniency: Pirie Limited (55 per cent, including an uplift for leniency plus); W G Walker & Company (Ayr) Limited (45 per cent); Rock Asphalte Limited (40 per cent); Anglo Asphalt Company Limited (30 per cent) and  Cambridge Asphalte Company Limited and Rio Asphalt & Paving Limited (25 per cent). 

The list below sets out the penalty for each Party, both before and after any reductions for leniency, and the number of infringements:
* Anglo Asphalt Company Limited (one infringement, £2,865 reduced to £2,005 by leniency)
* Asphaltic Contracts Limited (three infringements, £22,255)
* Briggs Roofing & Cladding Limited (five infringements, £328,264 reduced to £nil by leniency)
* Cambridge Asphalte Company Limited (five infringements, £71,699 reduced to £53,774 by leniency)
* Coverite Limited (one infringement, £104,498)
* Durable Contracts Limited (two infringements, £47,221)
* Holme Asphalt (two infringements, £6,453)
* Makers UK Limited (one infringement, £526,500)
* Pirie Group Limited (including Pirie Limited and Pirie & Company (Paisley) Limited) (one infringement, £6,743 reduced to £3,034 by leniency)
* Prater Limited (two infringements, £270,432)
* Rio Asphalt & Paving Company Limited (two infringements, £12,113 reduced to £9,085 by leniency)
* Rock Asphalte Limited (17 infringements, £852,253 reduced to £511,351 by leniency)
* WG Walker & Company (Ayr) Limited (one infringement, £1,570 reduced to £863 by leniency).

CertainTeed in Team Sponsorship of NASCAR Cup for 2006

CertainTeed Corporation, one of North America's leading building products manufacturers, has announced a partnership with sister companies Norton Abrasives and BPB in a team sponsorship of the number 66 Best Buy Chevrolet for the 2006 NASCAR Nextel Cup Season. The car, driven by 2000 NASCAR Busch Series champion Jeff Green is owned by Haas/CNC Racing.

The Norton Abrasives brand of Saint-Gobain Abrasives is the world's largest manufacturer and supplier of performance abrasives. BPB, which was recently acquired by CertainTeed's parent company Saint-Gobain of Paris, France, is the world leader in gypsum wallboard and a leading supplier of ceiling tiles and finishing products.

Peter Dachowski, President and CEO of CertainTeed Corporation, says the team sponsorship is a great way to connect with customers. 'This marks the sixth year CertainTeed has been part of the one of the largest spectator sports in America. NASCAR has been an excellent vehicle for doing business with building professionals who look forward to attending races, meeting drivers, and interacting with CertainTeed each year. I am thrilled that BPB and Norton Abrasives are part of our team.'

As part of the sponsorship, CertainTeed will host 15 race-day hospitality events at which Green will be on deck to sign autographs and talk with invited guests of the company, as well as Norton Abrasives and BPB. In addition, CertainTeed has prime positioning on the number 66 car with logo placement above the rear quarter panel. Norton Abrasives and BPB are also featured on the car.
'NASCAR offers CertainTeed, Norton Abrasives and BPB fantastic brand exposure in a sport known for its intense, brand-loyal fan base,' says Dachowski.

The Haas/CNC Racing team is based in Harrisburg, North Carolina, and has recently broken ground on a state-of-the-art 140,000 square foot auto shop in Kannapolis, North Carolina, where Green and his wife reside.

Vitro Reports 4Q 05 Consolidated Sales Up 9.3% and EBlTDA Up 13.1% - Exceeds Top Range of FY2005 EBlTDA Target

Vitro S.A. de C.V. one of the world's largest producers and distributors of glass products, recently announced its 4Q 05 unaudited results. Year-over-year consolidated net sales rose 9.3 percent and EBlTDA increased 13.1 percent. EBlTDA margins of 16.1 percent for the quarter reflect an increase of 0.5 percentage points. EBlTDA rose 14.6 percent at Glass Containers and fell 21.5 percent at Flat Glass.

Alvaro Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer, commented: 'I want to highlight that 2005 was a very good year for Vitro, especially in light of the difficult year in terms of energy prices. In addition, for the second consecutive year we have met or exceeded our consolidated EBlTDA targets. At Vitro we are delivering on our commitments.

'Talking about the year,' he said, 'I am pleased to report that Glass Containers put in an excellent performance, with a record year in terms-of sales and EBITDA. This performance is a reflection of Vitro's strength and capacity to adapt to challenging times. It is also a reflection of our world class management team.

'ln Flat Glass, we continue to face a challenging environment and are becoming smarter about managing the recent market changes.

The quarter-over-quarter business unit performance, the extraordinary results in OEMS, and the outcome in our foreign operations are a reflection of this.

'Cost reduction initiatives remain a top priority at Vitro. In fact, this quarter, SG&A as a percentage of sales fell by 1.5 percent year-on-year. This is particularly important given the pressure from high natural gas prices which continues to impact glass companies worldwide.

'We are moving ahead with our strategic plan aimed at unlocking the value at Vitro. As part of this plan, during this quarter we reduced gross debt at the Holding Company by US$26 million to US$583 million from US$609 million in 3Q 05, and by USU44 million compared with 4Q 04. We are fully focused on reaching our objective of further reducing Holding Company debt. In addition, we've made progress in our strategy to divest certain assets as we continue negotiations for the sale of Crisa. In this report we are considering Crisa as a discontinued operation according to GAAP as we are optimistic for the positive conclusion of this process. In real estate, we sold a parcel of land for US$18 million and expect to close the sale of ancillary land for an additional US$22 million.'

Vitro Plan agrees to sell its 51 Percent of Shares of Quimica M
On November 29th 2005 the Company announced that its subsidiary Vitro Plan S.A. de C.V. has signed an agreement with Solutia to pursue the sale of its 51 percent of shares in Quimica M, S.A. de C.V., a joint venture between these two companies located near the city of Puebla in Mexico, with Solutia currently owing 49 percent of the shares. The closing of the transaction for approximately US$20 million is subject to approval by government authorities in Mexico and the US. With annual sales in 2004 of US$47 million, Quimica M produces PVB interlayers which are used by major glass producers such as Vitro to make laminated glass for use in automobiles and buildings. This sale is in line with Vitro's Strategic Plan aimed at reducing the Company's debt.

Vitro Announces Successful Closing of US$75 million Secured Short Term Notes Issued by Vitro Envases Norteamerica. S.A. deC.V. ('Vena')
On February 7th 2006 the Company announced that its subsidiary Vena, Vitro's glass containers division, successfully closed the issuance of US$75 million aggregate principal amount of Senior Secured Short Term Guaranteed Notes (the 'Notes'). The facility is secured, on a pari passu basis, with the existing senior secured indebtedness of Vena. The Notes have a maturity of 12 months and a yield of 8 percent. The net proceeds are being used to refinance debt at Vena's level and for working capital purposes. The market reacted very positively to the offering, which was oversubscribed. The arranger and dealer of the Notes was BCP Securities, LLC.

Vitro Club
The Vitro Clubs, located in Monterrey and Queretaro, Mexico, manage land and facilities for third parties and our employees' recreational activities. These assets are held in trusts. The trusts can only be executed if all the participants name one entity as the sole trustee. In December 2005, the participants named Vitro as the sole trustee and therefore Vitro recognised an income of approximately US$40 million.

Sales
Flat Glass sales for the quarter increased 9.3 percent YoY to US$294 million from US$269 million.

Domestic sales increased 13.7 percent YoY, mainly as a result of higher automotive sales which offset lower construction-related sales. On a QoQ comparison, construction-related volumes have increased 31 percent compared with 3Q 05.

Export sales increased 16.1 percent YoY, due to both higher automotive and construction-related sales. Automotive sales increased 38.8 percent YoY driven by larger volumes from new platforms launched this year. These new platforms improved product mix at the OEM line and continue to compensate for lower volumes in the Auto Glass Replacement ('AGR') market.

Sales from foreign subsidiaries continued an upward trend, increasing 4.3 percent YoY to US$147 million from US$141 million. Sales at the Spanish subsidiary remained flat YoY compared with the same quarter last year. In addition, sales at Vitro America rose 9.6 percent compared with 4Q 04, mainly driven by higher volumes in the construction market. Vitro Colombia's sales rose 16.3 percent during the same period as a result of increased demand and better product mix.

Fiscal 2005: Leap in Linde Profits

The Executive Board of the technology group Linde recently agreed the financial statements of Linde AG and Linde Group for the fiscal year 2005 and recommended that they be approved by the Supervisory Board. The meeting of the Supervisory Board to approve the financial statements is on March 3rd.

The key financial figures of the Group, which have already been audited, demonstrate that Linde has continued successfully on its earnings-based growth path and has generated significant increases in sales and earnings (EBITA). 'The year has gone really well for us,' said Professor Dr. Wolfgang Reitzle, President of the Executive Board of Linde AG. 'We have achieved our objective of exceeding the main prior year performance indicators and surpassed profit expectations. We have become more efficient and effective and are well-equipped for the tasks before us.'

Group sales increased, on a comparable basis* by 7.3 percent to 9.501 billion euro (2004: 8.856 billion euro). Operating profit improved by 18.0 percent to 913 million euro (2004: 774 million euro), earnings before taxes on income (EBT) rose from 622 million euro to 789 million euro, while net income after minority interests was 501 million euro (2004: 380 million euro). Earnings per share increased as a result to 4.19 euro (2004: 3.19 euro). Cash flow from operating activities of 1.435 billion euro was 14.3 percent higher than the prior year figure of 1.255 billion euro. Free cash flow improved by 16.8 percent to 612 million euro (2004: 524 million euro).

Against the background of these overall positive business trends, the Executive Board of Linde AG recommends to the Supervisory Board that it proposes a resolution at the Shareholders' Meeting on May 4th, 2006 to increase the dividend from 1.25 euro to 1.40 euro per share.

Linde will be presenting detailed information about the 2005 fiscal year and the performance of the individual business segments at its press conference on the annual results on March 6th, 2006 in Frankfurt am Main.

* Prior year figures restated to take account of changes in accounting standards and adjusted for the disposal of the Refrigeration business segment and for the fact that goodwill is no longer amortised

Linde is an international technology group which has a leading market position in both its business segments, Gas and Engineering and Material Handling. In fiscal 2005, Linde achieved sales of 9.5 billion euro and it currently has 42,200 employees around the world.

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