Bohle
UK Buys VVA
Bohle has recently announced acquisition of VV Agencies effective from
1st July 2002.
VVAgencies, the London based glass and glazing materials wholesaler and
distributor, operates from a large modern warehouse in Wembley and offered
a similar range of tools to Bohle, including some Bohle brands like Silberschnitt
and Veribor, in addition to other products for the glass and window industry.
Gary
Dean, Bohle UK MD (pictured), commented on the announcement, ' VVA has
been a long standing customer of Bohle and at the same time a solid competitor,
and has developed an excellent portfolio of additional products coupled
to a strong reputation in the market. The company has a particularly well-earned
position in the South of England, but also customers further afield. Our
product lines are synergistic and our customer base has the same or similar
profile - needless to say this helps us to further support the needs of
the glass, glazing and window marketplace throughout the UK.'
Bohle will continue to run from its new London warehouse and its existing
Manchester warehouse, Gary told us ' Both sites will remain and indeed
be further developed, we want to combine ranges, and also free up capacity
to expand new lines and opportunities - so it will be business as usual,
but with, I suspect, even more enthusiasm from the staff and customers
alike'
Tel: 0800 61 61 51 or 020 8782 0020
Email: mailto:bohleuk@bohle.de
Web: http://www.bohle.de
Saint-Gobain launches new UK website
Saint-Gobain
launched its new website on 1st July. The website presents the Group network
in the UK and Ireland and is the flagship of all the internet projects
of Saint-Gobain Glass - http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com.
The Gl@zine has 'road-tested' the site and finds it very impressive on
many counts. Most importantly, it loads quickly and is very easy to navigate.
The design is visually attractive and the use of Javascript is effective
without affecting loading times or annoying the visitor by including uneccessary
moving images.
The 'virtual showrooms' work very well, emphasising the range and diversity
of Saint-Gobain products and the application possibilities for those products.
These pages show the products 'in situ' and the visitor can roll the mouse
over various areas of the room and click to get more detailed information
on each product. Although text links replicate these, a line of text instructing
people on how the mouse rollover works would be very helpful to visitors
who are not 'web savvy' and would enable them to get the best out of this
very impressive feature.
Two years ago a decision was taken to unite all the activities of the
flat glass branch on the internet under a single banner of Saint-Gobain
Glass. This has culminated in the new site for both the float glass manufacturing
operation, Saint-Gobain UK, as well as the downstream network of glass
distributors, processors and installers:- Solaglas (UK) and Dockrell Glass
Glass (Eire)
As well as the virtual showroom, at the heart of the new site is a product
database, which is an electronic version of the Saint-Gobain Glass product
catalogue, the 'Glass Guide'.
Web: http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com
Burnden
Strengthen Production Force
The Burnden Group Plc has completed a major machinery investment programme
with the recent delivery of another high speed extrusion line.
The
installation of the new machine completes an extensive two-year business
development plan, which has seen a multi-milion pound investment with
the German supplier of extrusion equipment, Weber and Technoplast, a downstream
equipment supplier from Austria.
With a total of nine extrusion lines operating to full capacity, each
new line has the capacity to process in excess of 5 metres per minute,
resulting in a maximum of 140 kilos of materials being extruded every
hour.
Keith Halliwell, The Burnden Group's production manager, explains: 'As
a company which has established itself as being at the forefront of manufacturing
precision, it is important that we take a constant review of our processing
requirements and capabilities.
'The recent investment programme has resulted in an improved level of
efficiency throughout the factory and helped to improve upon the quality
of the Group's product portfolio.'With the completion of one investment
programme, the Group is concentrating its efforts into phase two of the
business development programme with discussions already taking place regarding
machinery requirements for the remainder of 2002 and 2003.
Tel: 01204 554 554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Ritec
on the Move
Ritec International Limited has moved into new premises at the Innova
Science Park in North London.
The move is part of a long-term expansion plan that coincides with the
launch of Ritec UK. Their production plant remains in Tottenham.
Ritec are suppliers of ClearShield for the upgrading of unprotected glass
into a 'Non-Stick', easy-clean surface. The ClearShield system renovates,
protects and maintains all kinds of glass.
New contact details are:
Ritec International Limited
Innova House
Innova Science Park
4 Kinetic Crescent
Enfield EN3 7XH
Tel: 020 8344 8210
Email: mailto:info@ritec.co.uk
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk
Thermoseal
Strikes Major I.G. Machinery Deal
The
Thermoseal Group, the fastest growing UK manufacturer and supplier of
double glazing machinery and consumables, has recently signed an agreement
with Simec, an established Italian machinery company with over 30 years
experience of the market.
Thermoseal has become the exclusive UK and Ireland agent and distributor
for Simec, which manufactures a range of technically advanced machinery
for the production of insulating glass.
Simec is a specialist engineering company, which has the capability of
designing and building bespoke machinery to order, and specialises in
automatic lines aimed at the high volume sealed unit producer.
This adds to Thermoseal’s already extensive portfolio and means that
customers can now choose from a range of machinery to suit any size of
sealed unit production company from those producing a minimal amount of
units to those producing 4000 - 5000 per week.
Simec lines are capable of producing three units per minute and are complete
with robotic sealing and automatic assembly lines. They are compatible
with Rjukan spacer bar bending machines and with Thermoseal’s existing
range of washing and drying machinery. Simec also manufactures automated
storage and handling systems.
Of particular interest to the UK market is Simec’s new automatic
vertical arrissing machine which can form part of a vertical pre-toughening
line and saves both space and handling time. The grinding system with
crossed diamond belts is designed to perform a chamfer that does
not stress the glass, and therefore is suitable for glasses that must
be tempered later on, or assembled to make double, triple insulated glass
panels giving handling safety for the operator.
www.thermosealgroup.com
New
Plimsoll Report Finds Companies Guilty of Reckless Management
As victims of short-term gains, 174 companies in the UK Windows &
Doors industry have been identified as having 'Reckless Management', according
to the latest Plimsoll Analysis, 3rd Ed. 2002.
'Recent corporate collapses like Enron and WorldCom were blatant examples
of reckless management driven by over ambitious managers opting to take
on great risk from high debts,' says David Pattison, Senior Analyst at
Plimsoll.
Plimsoll's latest analysis reveals 174 companies in the Windows &
Doors industry also following this risky path. Financed by high debts
and focused on the euphoria of market share, these companies deliver a
staggering growth of 18.7% on average; yet return a woeful 1.5% average
margin. 59 of these companies are currently loss making.
The report also highlights 89 companies that while amongst the most profitable
in the sector seem guilty of 'Cautious Management'. Despite 43 companies
now making more profit than they were two years ago, they have accepted
a lesser share of the market. In fact, at 30 companies sales have dropped
by over 10% in the last 2 years. These companies aren't so much at risk
from collapse, as they are of simply fading away.
'It's not the quality of information available but knowing what to look
for. For Enron and Worldcom fraud was simply the final symptom, not the
cause. Business leaders need to understand the whole company to make an
informed opinion, not just single numbers thrown around. That's why the
Plimsoll Analysis was developed,' says Pattison of Plimsoll.
The essence of a Plimsoll Model is to give shareholders, commentators
and busy managers the means to make informed decisions by bringing out
a company's strong and weak points. The Plimsoll Model assesses several
years of individual company performance on a single page of analysis.
Created for the non-accountant, each analysis carries 7 charts geared
so that a falling line is 'bad news' and a rising line is 'good news'.
The strengths and weaknesses are on show for each of the top 1000 UK Windows
& Doors companies in the Plimsoll Portfolio Analysis, Third Ed. 2002.
Order your copy now for £305 by calling 01642 626400.
Email: mailto:jennifer_plimsoll@dial.pipex.com
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
Readers of The Gl@zine will receive a 5% discount if mentioning this article
upon ordering.
Decorative Glass Design Studio Growth at Panels Plus
Panels
Plus, a manufacturer of PVCU door panels, has taken on a team of experienced
craftsmen to produce an extensive range of decorative glass units.
The
glass department has seen considerable growth in recent months with an
increase in space and staff numbers. Head of the department Chris Bullen
said, 'The team’s versatility and skills are put to good use producing
intricate, exciting designs as standard, and creating new designs from
customer’s basic instructions.'
The design studio produce a computerised plot (template) from the customers
instructions, plus full production information, which is then submitted
for the customers approval and signature of acceptance prior to production.
All the designs are produced under the exacting standards laid down by
their ISO9001 certification so customers can be sure they will receive
exactly what they specified.
The
glass department use a variety of decorative techniques from traditional
lead, bevel and Georgian designs to Artlead, Artbevel and Etchglass.
Using the UK’s most advanced computer controlled 3D application table,
very elaborate designs can be created. The Artlead process applies a tough
two-part mix of black or metallic resin directly onto the surface of the
glass. The CAD system uses a technique similar to that of a routing machine
but rather than cutting a design a resin outline is applied.
Once the resin has dried, colours are hand painted into the required areas.
This product carries a ten-year warranty.
The demand for the process is growing steadily and Panels Plus now have
two application systems. For mass production this system is much faster
than hand leading and gives consistent designs.
Artbevel is a process where crystal clear resin is injected into a specialised
mould to produce a spectacular glass bevel effect. The product is cured
on a high temperature infra-red conveyor. All of which is carried out
in a controlled environment.
The latest advance in this area is adding colour to the design, this has
been developed in conjunction with Glasslam Ltd. Panels Plus also creates
everything required to produce a varied range of Etchglass designs, from
producing the initial ‘Resist’ to ‘Blasting’ the glass.
Panels Plus also supplies completed panels or units using the traditional
bevel technique using a UV activated optically clear adhesive. This creates
a 3D surface that has a 'sparkle' effect. Resulting designs have traditional
lead added and can be coloured, using film.
'Just think of us as an extension of your company'said Chris Bullen, 'We
are ready and waiting to work on your behalf. The staff can adapt an existing
design into a different panel, create elegant side screens and window
fanlights to match your selection of door panel through to creating new
designs from your instructions.'
The demand for coloured glass has increased dramatically in all sectors
as consumers become aware of the decorative glass possibilities that are
now open to them at surprisingly low costs. Panels Plus, who claim to
offer the best value for money have invested heavily to ensure they are
able to offer exactly what the customer wants, when they want it and on
time.
Web Site: www.panelsplus.co.uk
Email: sales@panelsplus.co.uk
Sash
UK Shows its Dedication to Customers
Following a review of procedures, Sash UK has substantially extended the
company's customer service facilities and support team based at its Barnsley
headquarters.
The
new customer service desk, headed up by Gloria Atkinson, now employs 6
members of staff who are dedicated to handling technical support, marketing
requests, complaints and details on orders or deliveries. It will be continually
manned between 8.00am - 5.30pm Monday to Friday.
On receiving a query, every call is logged and if it cannot be dealt with
immediately it will be forwarded to the relevant person/depertment for
a quick response. The call logging system is maintained on a networked
database so every Sash frontline employee has access to the issues raised
and the call centre can ensure that queries are closely monitored and
the customer fully informed as the action is progressed.
David Ruzicka, Joint Managing Director at Sash, explains 'Since the start
of the new millenium we have invested very heavily in the new factory,
making it one of the most modern and innovative production facilities
in the UK. It was important to us that we didn't fall into the trap of
becoming 'production oriented' and lose sight of the fact that first and
foremost we are a 'people company' and that we are here to listen and
provide a service to our customers.
'This 'service desk' simply ensures that we are able to maintain that
personal touch, with one desk actively following up on every customer
contact to make sure that we have been able to provide the level of customer
service that they demand.
'At the moment it is still very much in its infancy, but over the next
few months we expect to see a more proactive realtionship with our customers
as they begin to see the benefits of having one desk through which all
enquries are handled,' he added.
Other procedures already taking place at Sash include quarterly trade
surveys of all trade customers and weekly production meetings that bring
to the forefront any unusual delivery or production requirements that
could have an impact on the company in that week.
In addition to this, Commercial surveys that provide feedback from social
housing tenants have already proved a tremendous success with local authority
and registered landlords as it provides a direct insight into the way
their customers have appreciated the work carried out by Sash. This has
helped to ensure the smooth running of each project and identify any key
potential concerns long before they become an issue.
Tel: 01226 719969
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Premdor
Links up with Masonite on Moulded Panel Doors
Premdor has linked up with Masonite to develop and further improve its
comprehensive door product range.
Masonite
designs are utilised across Premdor's range of moulded panel doors, which
has been added to with the arrival of the Manhattan, a new glazed moulded
panel door. It offers a choice of clear or bronze tinted glass toughened
to BS6206: Class A. There is also a new 2-panel smooth square top door
to meet demand for something different in moulded panel design.
Premdor has also introduced more core and size combinations. The range
also includes mobility and fire options, plus matching bi-folds. All door
faces have a white base coat allowing quick finishing on site.
There are three alternatives for the core: Standard Hollow, an economy
specification for light duty use, Semi-Solid, giving full height and width
and Safe 'N' Sound, a solid core within a standard thickness door. This
provides two benefits: fire resistance that tests show the door can contain
fire for twice as long as with a standard core; and sound reduction, which
helps to achieve the requirements of Part E Building Regulations.
The full range of products available can be seen in the 2002/2003 Premdor
Range Guide.
Tel: 08000 260760
Email mailto:ukmarketing@premdor.com
Web: http://www.premdor.co.uk
'FAR
MORE THAN THE NAME IMPLIES'
To celebrate recent expansion to the company and the opening of the Intercity
Glazing Showroom and Conference/Training Suite, an open day was held at
Intercity House on Wednesday 29th May 2002.
On arrival Associates old and new were invited to browse through the impressive
showroom and see for themselves the full capabilities of Intercity.
The object of the Open Day was to get the message across to both old and
new Associates that Intercity can offer 'Far More Than The Name Implies'.
To assist Intercity and to help them achieve this goal Representatives
from Dorma, Technal and St Gobain were on hand throughout the day, they
each gave short seminars on their products and their Compliance with document
L.
Intercity's very own bar the 'Intercity Arms' soon became the focal point
of the day!
Intercity claim to have the most modern and unique 'Glass' Showroom in
the area.
In addition to the showroom, Intercity now offer excellent Conference
& Training Facilities for hire within the 3,000 sq ft Marketing Suite,
it is ideally located for business meetings and has excellent facilities
for training or seminars.
When Intercity Glazing services was founded in 1988 by the current Managing
Director, Kevin Beesting and Co-Director Susan Beesting the company specialised
in offering a nationwide shopfront service. However over the years Intercity
have gradually developed into other markets within the industry including
Architectural Aluminium & Curtain Walling, Structural Glazing Facades,
Balustrades & Canopies, Toughened Glass Doors & Assemblies, Glass
Processing, Laminating and UV Bonding.
Even with the growth of Intercity they claimto to have maintained a friendly
and helpful approach to all their customers and contacts.
Please contact Intercity Glazing Service for your personal copy of their
new CD Rom showing their products.
Tel: 0113 285 3322
Email: mailto:sales@inter-city.co.uk
Web: http://www.inter-city.co.uk
GOSH
- A Parachute Jump for Charity
Debbie Lake, wife of Nick Lake, Communications Manager DP Plastics Ltd,
is going to jump from a perfectly working plane and freefall for 5,000
feet in a tandem skydive from
10,000 feet!
Debbie’s
friend’s son Brandon Styles has prompted all this. He has to undergo
regular treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Debbie’s Parachute Jump is to raise money for GOSH the charity of
Great Ormond Street Hospital; the jump will take place (weather permitting)
on Saturday 3rd August, near Maidstone, Kent.
Anyone that would like to go along to watch, laugh and support Debbie
would be most welcome. AHF (the PR Company for DP Plastics) have already
committed themselves to covering the event, with a view to producing a
PR story for the company.
'It would be nice if they could get a photo of Debbie with some of our
staff and customers, also other industry people. Anyone interested in
being there please email me and I will send you back times and direction.
'The work at Great Ormond Street Hospital is so very important and any
funds raised are put to the best possible use.If you would like to make
a donation to GOSH, just email me back with your pledge, or send me a
cheque payable to GOSH.'
For further details about the parachute jump click http://www.gosh.org./getInvolved/parachute.htm
For more information on the work of GOSH, click http://www.gosh.org./
Contact: Nick Lake
Tel: 01708 632251
Email: mailto:mclo40@dial.pipex.com
Research
Frontiers Recieves Notice of Allowance From U.S. Patent Office for Converting
Existing Windows into SPD-Smart™ Windows
Research Frontiers Incorporated , the developer and licensor of SPD light-control
technology, has reported that it has received a Notice of Allowance from
the United States Patent and Trademark Office relating to a patent application
which covers simple and convenient methods to convert existing windows
into SPD-Smart™ windows.
The importance of the inventions described in the allowed patent application
stems from the fact that there already exists an enormous square footage
of architectural windows from decades of sales, much of which may be readily
modifiable with the Company’s SPD-Smart light control technology.
The Townsend Research Group, a marketing research company located in Hartland,
Connecticut which has carried out detailed window studies for the Company,
has recently estimated that the total square footage of architectural
windows worldwide in 2001 was approximately 289.9 billion square feet.
In the United States, Townsend estimates that in 2001 there were a total
of approximately 24.9 billion square feet, comprised of 17.1 billion square
feet of residential and 7.8 billion square feet of commercial architectural
windows.
Research Frontiers expects to receive an earned royalty of 5%-10% on each
square foot of SPD-Smart window products sold by its licensees. The market
for enhancing existing windows by modifying them with SPD film, SPD laminates
or other products is by far the largest potential market for SPD technology
known to the Company.
Some of the main advantages of this application of SPD technology are:
* consumers and businesses don’t have to replace their existing windows
to gain the benefits of SPDs
* eventually, consumers should be able to easily switch colours whenever
desired
* it lends itself to the do-it-yourself market and enables home improvement
centres to be used for distribution
* products can be lightweight, because SPD technology can be used with
plastic; and
* in addition to light and glare control, these products can block ultraviolet
radiation and provide noise reduction.
The specific methods covered by the patent application will be kept secret
until the patent application issues as a patent.