Escalating
Raw Material Costs Cripple Early Recovery of European Plastics Converting
Industry
European Plastics Converters are warning of the hard economic blow currently
being sustained by the sector from the radically sharp and dramatic increase
in their raw material prices.
EuPC, the Brussels-based trade body for the industry said that chances
of an early recovery of the European Plastics Conversion lndustry have
become slender. Very tight margins are forcing companies in the industry,
most of them SMEs, to pass these price increases on to their customers.
'The record oil prices of the last few months have created an environment
for dramatic increases in the price of most plastics materials. This is
creating major problems for the plastics conversion industry which is
also suffering higher energy and distribution costs' commented David Williams,
President of the European Plastics Converters.
Depending upon the conversion process, raw materials currently constitute
between 35% and 70% of the total costs of Europe's plastics converters.
For most of the tonnage processed, the raw material cost exceeds 50% of
a converter's turnover. Plastics product manufacturers are under intense
pressure to pass the higher raw material costs on to their customers.
The combined effect of a poor economic climate and intense international
competition has put even greater pressure on already slim margins.
'We have had the most rapid escalation of costs in the industry since
the 1970s and it is certainly testing our skills to handle this,' continued
David Williams. 'We have to look to more efficient use of materials, processing
technologies which use less energy and we have to manage our cash flows
in an even tighter way. But above all, the whole of society benefits from
the use of plastics and its contribution to sustainable development in
the entire supply chain. The pain therefore, must be shared.
Cost-increases of this magnitude must be passed on down the line. Otherwise
there is a real risk of companies failing and supply being disrupted.
Users should recognise that plastics materials and products are highly
resource-efficient. They are energy-efficient in their manufacture and
help to save energy in their use through their light weight. Plastics
can be seen to be a solution to problems posed by increasing energy costs.
EuPC is the trade association for the whole of Europe's Plastics Converters
Associations. lts members include national plastics conversion trade associations
and a number of specialist multi-national sectoral organisations. The
members are listed on EuPC's website: http://www.eupc.org
New
Team Drives Darby Glass Forward
Darby
Glass Ltd has appointed a new management team with plans to achieve 50%
growth over the next three years. The new board is part of a major restructuring
programme, which is backed by over £1m investment in new equipment,
plus an ambitious product development strategy and aggressive sales and
marketing drive with focus on customer service. Key members of the new
team include Adrian Edwards - Managing Director, Chris Roberts –
Sales and Marketing Director and Steve Bannistar – Chief Executive.
Darby Glass is an independent IGU manufacturer and specialist glass processor
and toughener and operates from six sites in the UK, from Glengarnock
near Glasgow to Portsmouth on the south coast. The introduction of the
latest plant and machinery will enable Darby Glass to manufacture new
products, such as soft-coated glass for the domestic and commercial markets.
‘In fact, three sites have already been upgraded to produce soft
coat,’ comments Chris Roberts.
The company also has plans to introduce specialist glazing for conservatory
roofs and self-cleaning glasses. Furthermore, recent investment in its
toughening plants and cutting tables, along with new process controls,
will boost production levels significantly. ‘We currently turnover
circa £20m per annum but our additional resources means we now have
the capacity and capability to increase turnover significantly,’
adds Chris. And while remaining autonomous business units serving local
market needs, the company’s six regional branches will all benefit
from a new corporate image and branding initiative as part of the restructuring.
Darby Glass offers a comprehensive range of processed glass types plus
specialist services, including glass bending and toughening, heat soak
& strengthening, screen print, leads and Georgians. Chris continues,
‘The restructuring and investment programme will deliver benefits
both to the business and to our customers, with increased output, exciting
new product lines and enhanced service and support.’
Tel: 01724 280044
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Windowmaker
in £5m Workers' Buyout
Letting
the workers take over has proved a good way for the founders of Gloucester
based Windowmaker to make their exit. The business, Windowmaker, was turning
over £8m a year, making a profit of £1m, and had 90 employees.
Will Nicoll and his partner, Brian Wronski were looking for an exit from
the business.
Brian Wronski has sold the company before, to Hampson Industries but bought
it back in 1996. Ian Nicoll then read an article in The Sunday Times about
employee buyouts, and specifically the Loch Fyne oyster business in Scotland
that was bought by its employees.
He said: 'I read that piece about employee buyouts and the Baxi Partnership
and I just knew that it was the way I wanted to go.'
Nicoll
contacted David Erdal (pictured) at the Baxi Partnership, which has a
pool of £20m to invest solely in employee buyouts. Completion of
the £5m deal took less than 10 weeks. Wronski sold out and quit
the business almost immediately. Nicoll sold his entire 40% stake but
stayed on as the firm’s managing director.
Every employee who had been at the firm for more than three months was
given shares worth £1,000 free and those with longer service were
given up to the Inland Revenue agreed maximum of £3,000. They could
then buy another £3,000 worth. The rest of the £5m purchase
price was financed by bank debt.
As well as becoming shareholders, two of the employees became directors
— they were Mark Baldwin, a saw operator at the factory, and Clive
Williams, a designer of conservatory specifications. Another employee,
Maureen Cornish, is chairman of the employee trust.
Baxi has now backed six employee buyouts across a broad spectrum of industry,
with a seventh to be concluded at the end of the month.
Baxi's David Erdal is a great advocate of making all the employees the
owners of their own enterprise.
It is a ‘natural way of sharing the wealth’, rather than concentrating
it in the hands of powerful or remote shareholders, says Erdal. Any enterprise
needs to serve its customers well, he says. But for the community to be
well served, the interests of employees also need to be fully met, he
adds. They and their families are, after all, community members.
‘All the evidence is that companies become more productive once the
employees become involved,’ Erdal says. He quotes a recent study
in Britain, by Harvard economist Richard Freeman, which showed that companies
where managers own shares can expect a 12 per cent increase in productivity.
But companies where the entire workforce becomes the owners see an increase
of almost 18 per cent. ‘That benefits the employees as well as making
the local economy more competitive,’ he adds.
Following
an investment in excess of £1 million, SynergeBuild the e-business
customer ordering system from Deceuninck, has become the quickest, easiest
and most accurate way for a customer to place their orders.
This
view is shared by over 50% of Deceuninck customers who have embraced this
style of trading and welcomed the benefits that SynergeBuild can bring
to their business.
Deceuninck customer, Alltrim, which specialises in the supply of roofline
and associated building products into the commercial and trade arenas,
adopted SynergeBuild over two years ago, thanks to the system’s accuracy
and ease of operation. By the simple touch of a button, Alltrim is able
to view accurate stock levels, purchase prices and delivery lead times
as the system is designed to work with each customer’s unique data.
As a further endorsement of the innovation behind SynergeBuild, a dedicated
link has been written by Deceuninck that allows the system to interact
directly with Alltrim’s bespoke OGL computer software Program. So
much so, that SynergeBuild simply converts the original system’s
product codes directly into the Deceuninck ordering format with complete
accuracy. From Alltrim’s point of view, there was no need to re-install
new Deceuninck stock codes as this laborious conversion is completed by
SynergeBuild. What this means for Alltrim is seamless processing of product
requirements from the trade counter direct to Deceuninck, eliminating
paperwork and saving time and money.
Director of Wolverhampton-based Alltrim, Tom Loftus stated, ‘SynergeBuild
is a superb system and is very easy to operate. The innovation is exceptional
and the ability to work with our existing package has been a tremendous
benefit and has saved considerable time.’
Ordering via SynergeBuild is completely secure and protected and can be
used by any Computer linked to the Internet. In addition, Deceuninck has
a fully trained SynergeBuild support team to assist customers with all
aspects of the system. The SynergeBuild system can be adapted to interface
with most leading software packages.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com
New
Group Finance Director and Strengthened Management Team at HW Plastics
Heywood
Williams PLC has announced the appointment of Richard Whiting, 40, as
Group Finance Director (pictured) with immediate effect. Richard joined
Heywood Williams two years ago and has played a successful part in developing
and implementing the corporate rationalisation programme, which has been
a central part of restructuring the group.
As Group Finance Director, Richard will be responsible for the overall
financial direction and control of the group. Mark Wild, Group Financial
Controller and Company Secretary, will report to Richard. Richard will
also be responsible for Corporate Planning, Investor Relations and Information
Technology across the group. Richard is an honours graduate in industrial
economics and accountancy from Nottingham University. Since graduating,
he has held a number of senior commercial roles in industrial and building
products companies. Prior to joining Heywood Williams, Richard was managing
director of Brand Rex Ltd., a light engineering company serving customers
in the construction and building products markets.
Commenting on the appointment, Robert Barr, Group Chief Executive said;
'Richard has played a significant role in restructuring the group, initially
working with Roger Boyes, when he was Executive Chairman, and latterly
with me. Richard brings a strong commercial focus to the role allied to
excellent financial experience. We are delighted that Richard has accepted
the appointment.'
Heywood Williams Group PLC has also announced the appointment of Paul
Neilson as Managing Director, Heywood Williams Plastics. Paul, 49, joins
from the Kingspan Group, where as Managing Director of their Pollution
Control business he led growth across the UK and Europe. He will take
up his new role in the next two weeks with a specific remit to accelerate
sales while continuing the service and quality improvements already underway
at HW Plastics.
Paul Neilson has over 10 years direct experience of Heywood Williams Plastics’
markets, products and customers. He has a deep understanding of the business
and operating environment having successfully led and developed the Group’s
Kestrel and BCE cellular plastics businesses from 1994-2001. During this
time, the cellular operations grew from a modest business with sales of
£7m to become the UK market leader with an annual turnover of £33m
and strong operating returns.
Paul is ideally qualified to lead the next phase in Heywood Williams Plastics’growth,
which will be delivered by two dedicated and bespoke business units: The
cellular business unit will be totally focused on serving cellular stockists
and customers. The rigid profile business unit will concentrate exclusively
on meeting the needs of fabricators of PVC windows, doors and conservatories.
Paul Neilson’s appointment is one part of a comprehensive strengthening
of the organisation. The key objective is to have a strong, sales orientated
team with specific experience of the cellular and rigid profile markets.
In addition to being the Divisional Managing Director, Paul will also
be Managing Director of the Rigid Profile business unit. Other key appointments
and promotions at Heywood Williams Plastics to create this team include:
Shirley Henderson is promoted from Sales and Marketing Director, Cellular
to become Managing Director of the Cellular business unit. Chris Martin
has recently joined HW Plastics from Lafarge Roofing as Divisional Finance
Director. Tony Morgan has joined the team to upgrade operations and establish
two dedicated manufacturing capabilities, one for cellular and one for
rigid profiles. Tony is highly experienced with strong international operations
and technical expertise.
Paul Neilson takes over from Howard Matthewson, who joined Plastics in
March 2003, at a time when the business was experiencing significant issues.
Howard’s specific remit was to lead the sorting-out and stabilisation
of the business. He has done an excellent job and achieved this goal successfully.
Robert Barr, Group Chief Executive, says:
'We are now strengthening the management team at Heywood Williams Plastics
for the next stage in its development, where the focus will be on growing
sales and enhancing the levels of customer service and innovation. These
new appointments show our commitment to continuing to realise the potential
from our market leading positions.
'I would like to thank Howard Matthewson for his work in greatly improving
the operations over the past eighteen months.
'Paul Neilson is an excellent appointment to lead Heywood Williams Plastics
going forward. He brings direct experience of growing businesses in our
industry and we are delighted that he has chosen to return to Heywood
Williams'.
Federation
Support for New Rules to make Builings more Secure
The
UK’s leading manufacturers of building hardware and architectural
ironmongery have added their support to a Government Bill aimed at making
all sorts of buildings greener and safer.
The endorsement comes from the Door and Hardware Federation (DHF) which
incorporates members of the Association of Building Hardware Manufacturers
(ABHM). Earlier in the year the ABHM was involved in discussions on the
private member’s Bill with proposer Andrew Stunell MP, and special
interest groups including the Police and Fire Service.
Once it became clear that the Bill would introduce security standards
into the Building Regulations, the DHF decided to throw its weight behind
the proposed new legislation.
Said David Whitworth, chairman of the ABHM hardware group within the DHF:
'For some time we have been urging the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister
(ODPM) to change the legislation to allow security to be added to the
health and safety requirements of the Building Regulations - and this
is what we will get when this Government-supported Bill gets onto the
statute books.
'The ODPM has made a commitment to discuss the actual details of the new
legislation with us before publishing a draft. We welcome the fact that
the Government recognises the importance of consulting with industry before
making any changes to the law.'
The Bill aims to make all sorts of buildings greener and safer by expanding
the scope of the Building Act 1984 to allow sustainability and crime reduction
measures to be applied as a matter of course. Having gone through its
third reading, the Bill will now go to the House of Lords.
Tel: 01827 52337
New
Investment Plans Spell Bright Future for Therma-Tru Doors
Therma-Tru
Doors has announced of a multi-million pound investment in a new production
facility for Sentinel Doors in south Wales.
Early
2005 will see the start of a £7.5million investment programme in
plant, premises and staff which will provide increased capacity, improved
product quality and range, enhanced service levels and shorter lead times
for Therma-Tru’s and Sentinel’s customers. The investment forms
an integral part of the Therma-Tru’s planned European growth programme
and its commitment to building lasting partnerships with customers and
suppliers.
The investment, by Sentinel’s parent company Therma-Tru, is backed
by the Welsh Assembly Government through the RSA grant scheme, and supported
by the Welsh Development Agency. As well as the comprehensive installation
service for which Sentinel has become known, Therma-Tru plans to expand
and improve even further its customer service offering, from specification
and design through to installation and after-sales services.
The investment will start with the development of a new 52,000ft2 production
facility on a new five acre site in south Wales which offers the company
significant expansion opportunities. The new premises will be equipped
with state-of-the-art, highly automated lines with the capacity to manufacture
250,000 door-sets per annum.
A new R&D and technical facility will allow Therma-Tru to maintain
its position on the cutting edge of door technology. The new lines, which
should be operational from quarter one 2005, will provide the local south
Wales economy with 150 new jobs. An additional fifty jobs will be created
in other parts of the UK as Therma-Tru continues to grow its business.
‘This investment indicates our commitment to our future in the door
market, and our intention to become the UK’s leading specialist door
brand,’ comments Therma-Tru’s MD of European Operations, Steve
Brown. ‘It represents not only a major opportunity for our staff,
who are the life-blood of our business, but also for our customers. It
will help us to cement real partnership relationships by offering products
which stand the test of time, and unrivalled customer service.’
Sentinel’s parent company, Therma-Tru, has been manufacturing doors
in the USA for forty years and selling fibreglass doors in the UK for
nearly fifteen. In 2004 the company acquired Sentinel Doors, the UK manufacturer
of composite doors, in a move designed to accelerate its growth in the
UK.
Tel: 01443 229219
Email: mailto:csullivan@thermatru.com
To
celebrate its 21st birthday, glazing company Uniglaze 2 in East Anglia,
has built a state of the art £12m production facility. Central to
its success is the strong relationship the company enjoys with glass supplier
Pilkington Building Products – UK, emphasised by the fact that the
building has been glazed with Pilkington products to create a modern and
stylish building, outwardly reflecting Uniglaze 2’s confidence and
status.
The
new building contains 550 sealed units totalling 750m2 of Pilkington Artic
Blue and Pilkington Optitherm. The two combine to create a comfortable
working environment and a dynamic aesthetic appearance.
Pilkington Optitherm is a low emissivity glass, which offers many advantages
to the designer. It is suitable for large-scale curtain walling applications
and commercial projects. As an ultra low-e product, it offers increased
thermal performance while also offering neutrality in appearance.
Pilkington Artic Blue has a cool blue colour that creates a comfortable
interior without sacrificing natural light. The result is a striking appearance
which helps to create a positive and upwardly stylish corporate image.
Mervyn Raby and Pat Latimer first set up Uniglaze 2 with the intention
of supplying sealed coated glass units to the glazing trade, made primarily
with Pilkington products. Starting with just four employees in 1983 the
company has flourished and is now the largest independent in the country,
with a turnover of £28m and employing over 350 people. The new 13-acre
site in Forest Way, Norwich, is home to seven production lines, two toughened
plants, cutting tables and offices.
Mick Hunton, manufacturing director, said: 'We have enjoyed considerable
growth over the last 21 years and customers trust and respect us for our
level of expertise. Working with Pilkington Building Products – UK
allows us to take advantage of its technical proficiency on building legislation
and glazing issues; knowledge that is passed onto our customers. The quality
of its products is second to none and it allows us to comfortably meet
heightening demands on glass performance. We advise our clients to use
Pilkington products, so we were more than happy to build our new production
facility using its glass.
'Our investment in new facilities will enable us to expand our product
portfolio and it gives us even more production flexibility. It provides
us with the platform to develop our business and to meet our objective
of offering a fast, efficient and reliable service. The sharing of knowledge,
expertise and ambition is crucial to this and we look forward to further
developing the excellent relationship we already have with Pilkington
Building Products – UK.'
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Listers
Breaks Sales Record Again
Lister
Trade Frames Ltd Staffordshire says it has recorded increased sales throughout
the year and has achieved its highest ever sales figures for any month
previously in the company's history.
Not only were the November turnover figures up by 23% on the previous
month, but sales were up by 24% on last years record figures.
Mark Warren, Listers MD, says that 'a lot of our company initiatives started
earlier this year are now bearing fruit, and customers are reaping the
benefits of increased business. We have made some major improvements in
the products, marketing and service that we give to our customers, and
our increased sales are reflecting this'.
Listers has taken on some major tasks this year, with new production facilities,
an additional new sculptured system, new machinery, the launch of a complete
range of marketing materials and websites branded for customers and the
relocation of both its transport department and head office. 'Its been
a very hectic year for the company, but its great to start seeing the
results' says Mark 'but watch this space, we haven‚t finished yet
- there's even bigger things ahead in the year to come.
'It seems that there is an awful lot of enthusiasm in this company for
making things better for our customers, and with record sales results
like these it seems that our customers are noticing the difference.'
Tel: 01782 205605
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk
Ultraframe
Announces Major Presence at Glassex 2005
Conservatory
roof system manufacturer, Ultraframe is returning to Glassex 2005 with
a major presence at the exhibition.
Ultraframe has announced that it will be playing a prominent role at next
year's show with a high profile, showcase stand launching new products
and demonstrating its commitment to quality and total service. Ultraframe
will also be a sponsor of two key Glassex marketing initiatives to support
the industry as a whole.
Ultraframe intends to use Glassex as a platform for a number of important
announcements and will introduce new roof systems and product enhancements,
all designed to benefit both fabricators and installers.
Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe said: 'I am delighted
to be attending my first ever Glassex and helping to make the event a
great success. The Ultraframe stand will be a real focal point of the
exhibition, as we have a number of new products and initiatives to launch
to the market.
'As this is the 25th anniversary of the industry's premier show, it is
highly fitting that Ultraframe, with its 21 year history, has a major
presence. To mark the silver anniversary of the exhibition, Ultraframe
will also be the headline sponsor of the Silver Bar, an area that will
feature an exhibition showing milestones from the last 25 years of the
glazing industry.'
Ultraframe has also announced sponsorship of the highly successful Conservatory
Design Competition, which was launched at last year's event.
Linda said: 'This sponsorship illustrates our commitment to supporting
the industry as a whole and driving the market forward. To maximise its
success, we have decided to combine the Ultraframe Best Conservatory Awards
with the Glassex Conservatory Design Competition, creating the most high
profile and prestigious conservatory competition in the industry. We are
confident that Glassex 2005 will be a terrific event for the industry,
Ultraframe and our customers.'
Everbrite
Comes Back to Duraflex
Duraflex
has welcomed Everbrite Windows & Doors back to its fabricator network.
The Enfield company has renewed its partnership with Duraflex after four
years with another PVCu systems supplier. Everbrite’s MD, Stefan
Lugmayer, comments: ‘Duraflex has expanded and enhanced its product
range significantly over the past few years and has a committed company
culture, backed by financial stability and the determination to move continually
forward as a market leader.’
Everbrite has chosen to fabricate the 65mm Featured Suite from the Duraflex
range, which it says has been well-received both by its trade and retail
customers. The fabricator has also taken on Duraflex’s new Rolled
in Gasket (RIG), which when combined with the Featured profile offers
a high performance seal, and because the gasket is concealed within the
frame, adds to the system’s aesthetic appeal. The fact that it is
factory fitted as part of the extrusion process delivers additional benefits,
‘Our trade customers are finding the RIG a real boon as it makes
installation easier and saves valuable time on site,’ adds Stefan.
Duraflex also assisted Everbrite with the system changeover, as Stefan
explains: ‘We received professional support and advice from the Duraflex
team in terms of manufacturing, operational software and marketing. Indeed,
we’ve experienced excellent customer care at all levels of their
organisation.’
Everbrite Windows & Doors is a family owned firm, which was set up
by Trevor Lugmayer 25 years ago. The company moved to its present premises
in Enfield in 1994 and since then has grown year on year to its current
turnover of £3m.
Primarily a retail company, Everbrite is keen to expand within the trade
sector. ‘Working with Duraflex again and offering the top selling
Featured Diamond Suite presents us with an exciting opportunity to develop
our trade frames business and fill spare factory capacity,’ concludes
Stefan.
Duraflex is equally delighted by Everbrite’s decision. ‘While
it’s important to win new accounts, it’s especially gratifying
when a previous customer decides to come back,’ says Ian Cowan, Sales
Director at Duraflex. ‘We’re looking forward to strengthening
our partnership with Everbrite and to helping the company exceed its present
and future objectives.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
ComfortableSoftware.com
Enjoys an Upsurge in Overseas Sales
ComfortableSoftware.com
recently enjoyed an upsurge in overseas sales after exhibiting at the
Win·door show in Toronto Canada last month.
Adrian Birch the Operations Manager for ComfortableSoftware.com says ‘I
was overwhelmed by the interest shown in our window and conservatory products
and the overall friendliness of the exhibitors and visitors at the show.
This show truly brought home to me how keen foreign markets are for new
software solutions, and the extent to which a lot of overseas businesses
really need a software solution as they haven’t got one, or need
one to replace outdated and non-updated options that do not suit their
true requirements, especially for sales.
‘Most attendees who visited our booth have never seen anything quite
like our ComfortableConservatories Photo-sales software and were astonished
at what could be shown to their customers before they buy and how professional
they could look using the numerous quality reports on offer!’
ComfortableSoftware.com has just completed radical changes to its product
range to cater for global markets especially for those in the North American
market.
The ComfortableSoftware.com website has been completely redesigned with
a fresh new look, more information on the company’s products and
services, which include 14 day free trials and the ability to buy the
software online, with the bonus of being able to be up and running within
minutes after downloading the software.
Adrian says ‘although our core business is within the window industry,
as we expand we are also eager to bring new products to new audiences
and indeed have a few in the pipeline already nearing completion (watch
this space!).
‘We are always keen to keep the emphasis on simplicity, low-costs
and timesaving features, because we want to improve overall productivity
to all those who use our software, no matter what the nature of their
business maybe. It’s in all our best interests’
ComfortableSoftware.com products include:
ComfortableConservatories: A sales tool for those who sell conservatories.
Allows for a lifelike, photo-quality image of a chosen conservatory, to
be put in place on a customer’s house photo within minutes. Then
one or more professional looking reports can be printed for the customer.
Over 20 reports are included as standard including Photo-overlay’s
and line drawings.
Style v3: Is a quoting and pricing tool for those who sell windows,
doors and any miscellaneous item. Again this provides professional reports
to print for your customers, installers and surveyors.
Pocket Style v3 is also available, a handheld version of the software
which can be used by salesmen and surveyors and has the ability to be
linked to office based versions of Style, allowing data and jobs to be
sent to and from the systems.
Tel: 0845 2 30 30 13
Email: mailto:adrian.birch@comfortablesoftware.com
Web: http://www.comfortablesoftware.com
Just
Fascias Top in Freefoam Guarantee Registrations
Just
Fascias currently leads the list of installers in registering for Freefoam's
extended 20 year Guarantee. Glyn Burns, Managing Director of the South
Yorkshire based company, comments that ‘Just Fascias is completely
committed to providing top quality products and installations to Freefoam's
customers. Most of our customers are now very aware of the potential for
pinking of roofline products provided by some suppliers, and are therefore
extremely happy to be dealing with a company that is backed by the best
guarantee against pinking in the market - Freefoam's extended 20 Year
Guarantee. In addition, as an installer in a very competitive marketplace,
it is critical that we have something that gives us a competitive edge
- Freefoam's extended 20 Year Guarantee gives us just that.’
In a very tight race for the top spot, Fairco McIllhagga of Northern Ireland
follows very closely behind in the number of installations registered.
Other strong contenders include Jonathan Inman, Freedom Fascias, Top Grade
Cladding, Simply Fascias, Buckingham Fascias, Marlin uPVC, Stafford Plastics
and PJE Construction.
Freefoam is a manufacturer of PVC-U and PVC-UE building products for roofline
and rainwater applications.
Tel: 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland
Email: mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
Sefton
Council uses New World’s Composite Doorset
Working
with building contractor AW Byrne in Bootle, door supplier New World Developments
has won its first major order from the North West’s Sefton Borough
Council for Apeer, its new GRP composite doorset with patent pending features.
'We have been working with our Local Authority for 17 years using other
products' explains managing director Tony Byrne, 'and this is the best
door we’ve seen for security, performance and appearance. We are
all particularly impressed that it is reinforced with steel. Also the
Council was keen that the service would be as reliable and New World have
proved to be an excellent supply partner.'
The first order for 240 Apeer doorsets, in six different styles is nearing
completion and another 400 are in progress. These will improve the appearance,
comfort and security of the LA’s homes throughout the district. 'With
a grain as lifelike and warm as timber and the thermal, durable and security
advantages of modern materials, as well as being Part M & Part L compliant,
Apeer is a door that will look good, feel warm and perform to the most
stringent standards.' says the company.
Tel: 028 2563 2200
Email: mailto:linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com
Web: http://www.nwd.uk.com
Streamlined
Customer Services Keep Pace with Expansion at James Price Tuffx
The
expansion at Aintree based James Price PLC is continuing across all divisions
of the group. This includes the Tuffx division producing single and double
glazed toughened glass produced on state-of-the-art robotic Lisec lines
and Cervoglass the new generation conservatory glass where the company
says sales are going from strength to strength.
To support this business growth, the group has introduced a new computerised
order process and control system. Just as important however are the people
with whom the customers have day to day contact and, recognising that
good customer communication is essential, the company has streamlined
the customer services departments in both divisions.
(L-R)
Lizzette, Corinne, Tony and Gary
In
the Tuffx division the department is headed up by Gary Hughes who, with
22 years in the industry has been with the company for over seven years
starting as a glass cutter before becoming foreman in charge and then
for three and a half years as transport manager. Now as both office and
transport manager, Gary is responsible for all customer order processing
and is able to ensure that every order is produced correctly and delivered
on time. He is also responsible for initiating systems that will improve
customer services and is currently setting up a Tuffx telesales operation.
Working with Gary are Lizzette Swindlehurst and Corinne Brown who check
all the orders that come in from customers, ensure that all are correct,
allocate them into optimised batches and confirm the order details and
delivery date with the customer.
Tony Mallick joined the company 18 months ago starting in the processing
division as an estimator before moving to Tuffx where he is responsible
for Cervoglass internal sales and estimating. Tony’s work involves
providing technical advice and help for Cervoglass customers and initiating
systems for improved, closer liaison with them. Everybody in the department
speaks to customers every day so, putting the faces to the voices is important.
Tel: 0151 523 7070
Email: mailto:tuffx@jprice-group.co.uk
Kaba
Opens Door to Quality Vans and Top Volkswagen Service
There
is no better judge of how good a van is than the driver. Kaba Doors Systems
– a leading supplier of automatic and security doors – is receiving
rave reviews from its engineers who are driving the company’s 16
new Volkswagen Transporters.
The engineers have commented in particular on the car-like driving dynamics
of the Transporter, which make it easy to manoeuvre and park even in traffic
congested towns and cities. They’ve been further impressed with the
generous payload, fuel consumption and ergonomically designed cab.
Volkswagen’s North Midlands Van Centre in Walsall supplied Kaba Doors
with the vans and has played an important role in kitting out the vans
as well as fitting Kaba’s new livery. Liaising closely with Fleet
Manager, Ann Dukanovic, the North Midlands Van Centre assisted Kaba in
choosing the most suitable racking system, on-board washing facilities,
and roof racks for the tools and equipment carried.
‘The Van Centre has been invaluable in assisting with our choice
of racking system,’ says Ann Dukanovic. The chosen racking is the
lightweight but robust system manufactured by Sortimo and sourced by Richard
Vann of the North Midlands Van Centre.
Ann continues: ‘The North Midlands Van Centre provides us with a
one-stop-shop facility for our fleet requirements. They not only supply
the vehicles themselves, they supply them fully sign-written and equipped
to our required specification.’
This level of service illustrates Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles’
commitment to its customers, which is delivered through the nationwide
network of over 80 Volkswagen Van Centres.
Following its launch last year the Volkswagen Transporter has achieved
impressive sales, as one may expect from the International Van of the
Year 2004. Van operators are discovering that buying a Transporter not
only means getting a van of the highest quality but also excellent service
and support from the Van Centre network.
This is backed up by Ann Dukanovic: ‘Kaba Doors operates out of ten
nationwide locations, therefore it’s important that the vehicles
we choose are supported by a first rate dealer network capable of serving
our fleet in a professional and consistent manner. We believe Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles gives the optimum solution to all our needs.’
Tel: 0800 717131
Web: http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
Everest
Commercial Division Provides 24/7 Emergency Service for its Customers
Everest
Commercial Division’s commitment to customer care has grown to include
an ‘Out of hours’ emergency service.
During working hours of 08.30 to 17.00 Monday to Friday, Everest Commercial
Division offers assistance and support to its customers, but for those
customers whose problems arise outside these hours, a new emergency service
is now available.
The two main areas of an emergency call out are due to loss of security
or glazing related issues. A faulty lock to an accessible window or door
effecting loss of security or a faulty glazed panel leading to security
or health risks will be attended to within this service. Emergency situations
will be dealt with immediately.
Customers can call the help line number to speak to a dedicated Customer
Care representative who will despatch a Service Engineer to the property.
If the reported call is not categorised as an emergency, the customer
has the opportunity to have the incident rectified by using Everest’s
‘Pay by use’ service.
Everest Commercial Division’s Customer Care line for situations
arising during the hours of 08.30 – 17.00 is:
CUSTOMER
CARE (BETWEEN 08.30 – 17.00HRS)
01603 866 625
Everest
Commercial Division’s emergency out-of-hours service can be contacted
on:
EMERGENCY (BETWEEN 17.00 – 08.30hrs)
0845 450 3383
Disqualified
Director Sent to Prison
A
builder who was disqualified from acting as a company director has been
sent to prison for running a business in breach of his disqualification,
following a DTI prosecution.
Thomas McMahon, who was disqualified from acting as a company director
for three years following the failure of another business he managed,
breached his disqualification by acting as the shadow director of Hendon
Construction Ltd, based in London.
Hendon Construction Ltd was itself wound up in November 2001, owing £37,250
to creditors.
Mr McMahon was also fined for failing to co-operate with the liquidator
of Hendon Construction Ltd, who was unable to conduct an investigation
into the financial affairs of the company because Mr McMahon did not deliver
up the books and records of the company.
Mr McMahon pleaded guilty to both offences and was sentenced by District
Judge Wiles at the West Hendon Magistrates' Court on 18th November 2004.
He was sent to prison for four months and fined £1,000.
The judge said that the position of a director is an extremely serious
one. He said that he had sentenced Mr McMahon on the basis that he was
aware of the disqualification order against him and had deliberately and
flagrantly acted in breach of that order.
Mr McMahon was also disqualified from acting as a company director for
three years.
Vitro
Cristalglass to Supply Glass for Europe's Largest Urban Construction Project
With
a glass façade of almost140,000 square metres, Telefonica's new
Communication City Complex is Europe's largest urban project, in terms
of glass usage, under construction today.
The project is considered the most important and complex urban glass projects
ever constructed in Spain, exceeding the Santander Central Hispano (SCH)
Bank Financial Centre and the new terminal at Madrid's lnternational Airport
of Barajas.
According to available information, Telefonica, Spain's leading communication
company, decided to develop the same concept used for the SCH Financial
Centre; this concept integrates all of the company's services and employees
in one location to obtain greater synergies, savings, and operational
advantages.
This great complex will comprise 14 office buildings for 14,000 employees
and provide direct access to a child daycare centre, health centre, gym,
and several commercial shops. Telefonica de España, S.A. will invest
approximately 435 million euros and plans to complete the project by the
fourth quarter of 2005. By then, the company expects to transfer all of
its employees to the facility, which is already under construction near
Las Tablas, north of Madrid.
The prestigious architect, Rafael de la Hoz, designed the project, which
envisions a double-glazed glass façade and cover in all of the
building areas. Rafael de la Hoz personally selected each type of glass
being installed in the gigantic glass cube construction project.
Vitro Cristalglass delivered glass options that best suited the project's
architect: Superdual-T (double-glazed glass) combined with Multipac on
top of extra-clear and Solarlux Supernatural glass products.
Superdual-T is a specially designed glass product for this project. This
new state-of-the-art development has broken every industry barrier, allowing
people to perceive different effects from the inside than the outside.
Thanks to its optimum solar factor, Superdual-T also allows for important
energy savings, in terms of air conditioning, particularly when you take
into account the project's large glass surfaces
Alcoa/Alcan
Signs Protocol on 1.5m MTPY Alumina Refinery in Guinea
Alcoa
announced on 24th November that its Alcoa World Alumina LLC affiliate,
Alcan Inc. and the Government of the Republic of Guinea have signed a
protocol for developing jointly a 1.5 million metric ton per year (mtpy)
alumina refinery in Guinea, West Africa. This protocol sets out the items
and framework for the alumina refinery project that will be negotiated
over the next few months as part of the memorandum of understanding (MOU)
signed by Alcoa World Alumina and Alcan in May. A detailed feasibility
study for the refinery is expected to be completed by mid-2005, with construction
to begin shortly thereafter.
Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) - a global alliance between Alcoa
and Alumina Ltd, with Alcoa holding 60 percent - and Alcan, through subsidiaries,
each hold a 45% interest in Halco (Mining) Inc., which in turn is a 51%
owner of Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinee (CBG) that currently mines bauxite
for export in the Boke region of the country. The Government of the Republic
of Guinea holds the remaining 49% of CBG. Alcoa and Alcan intend to secure
bauxite supplies to the refinery from CBG, adding values to the enormous
reserves that it holds in the Boke region. AWAC, Alcan and other Halco
shareholders acquire CBG bauxite for use in their individual businesses.
Following the completion of the feasibility study, alumina production
could be expected by 2008. The refinery, which would be operated by Alcoa,
would be expected to have an initial 1.5 million mtpy capacity and it
would be capable of expansion beyond this level. Alcoa and Alcan would
market their respective alumina off-take independently. The refinery would
incorporate the latest technology and world-class operating and management
systems. Alcoa and Alcan will continue to work closely with the Government
of the Republic of Guinea on the roles and participation of CBG and the
Government in this new project. Alcoa and Alcan will also continue to
have discussions with the International Finance Corporation (IFC) concerning
a possible investment in the project.
Given the substantial quantity and the high quality of bauxite reserves,
Alcoa and Alcan believe Guinea represents an attractive location for an
alumina refinery. In addition, the long-standing involvement of Alcoa
and Alcan in CBG places them in a uniquely favorable position to develop
such a project.
Suriname-Paranam
Suralco, owned by AWAC, is now expected to complete the previously announced
250,000 mtpy expansion to its Paranam alumina refinery in January 2005,
6 months ahead of schedule. Upon completion, the facility's total capacity
will be approximately 2.2 million mtpy.
Affiliates of Alcoa and BHP Billiton own 55% and 45%, respectively, of
the Paranam facility. BHP Billiton is the parent company of AWAC's joint
venture partner in Suriname.
Australia - Pinjarra
The 600,000 mtpy efficiency upgrade of the AWAC facility in Pinjarra Australia
continues to be on-track for completion by the end of 2005. Upon completion
of the upgrade, the facility's capacity will expand from 3.4 million mtpy
to 4 million mtpy, further enhancing one of the world's most successful
and cost-efficient alumina refineries.
Alinta, Pinjarra's power supplier, recently approved construction of a
second 140 MW cogeneration unit to be located at the Pinjarra refinery.
The unit will be located immediately adjacent to Alinta's first cogeneration
unit currently under construction at Pinjarra and will be a replica of
that unit.
Brazil-Sao Luis
The company has recently expedited engineering efforts and work toward
securing permits for the 2-million mtpy expansion of the Alumar alumina
refinery in Sao Luis and the Juruti bauxite reserve in Brazil. Alcoa's
board is expected to review these projects and make a final decision to
move forward later in 2005. Preliminary design studies have already been
completed.
The Alumar refinery is jointly owned by BHP Billiton (36%), Alcan (10%),
Alcoa Aluminio (35.1%) and Abalco S.A. (18.9%). Abalco is part of AWAC.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
ProL™
– The Most Versatile Flat Laminating Line Available
The
market for flat laminated glass is growing at a rate of around 6% per
year. Laminated glass is the answer when technical functionality for demanding
glass structures is needed. Laminated glass is suitable for windows, facades,
balconies, terraces and roof glazing due to its durability and safety,
especially when combined with heat treated glass like a heat strengthened
or tempered product. Architects all over the world are creating at an
increasing pace challenging constructions with more extensive glass surfaces,
which enhances the need for laminated glass. Other factors contributing
to the increasing use of laminated glass are building regulations in hurricane
or earthquake zones. Laminated glass also offers bomb/blast resistance
and acoustic control.
The new ProL™ series has several capacity and capability options,
including versions with up to 100% extra capacity and Super Low-E capability,
utilising Tamglass heating technology from the flat tempering field.
ProL™ offers:
* Bigger glass sizes, up to 2600 x 6000 mm
* Thicker laminate, up to 80 mm
* New capacity range, from 800 to 2000 m2/8h
* Super Low-E capability with Tamglass Heating Technology
* Flexibility in glass and PVB handling
The new ProL™ answers the customer’s need for higher capacity
and the option of processing Low-E glass, including so-called Super Low-E,
emissivity e=0.04. At the same time there is more flexibility in handling
PVB rolls and glass. A number of rolls of different widths and colour
thicknesses is constantly available.
Further new characteristics in the new ProL™ are additional automation
in core stages of the process, state-of-the-art control and user interface,
a broader capacity range and different capability features, which include
ProL™ 800, 1000, 1500 and 2000.
Glaston Technologies, a division of stock listed Kyro Technologies, is
a leading supplier of glass processing machinery with a complete product
range of Z. Bavelloni’s pre-processing machinery and Tamglass’
safety glass processing lines. Its customer service network is the largest
in the glass industry. Tamglass has delivered over 1,700 machines globally
of which over 1,200 are flat tempering lines. Z. Bavelloni’s machine
base covers more than 100 countries with over 17,000 deliveries.