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Brazilian Operation Is High Point of Good Interim Performance from Pilkington

Pilkington Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd, commenting on the group's Interim Results which were released last week, said: 'The Group’s results in the first six months of the year confirm the expectations set out in our previous statements, with robust profits achieved, despite rising costs and the impact of the strong pound. Indeed headline profit at constant exchange rates was up 14 per cent. Continued strong cash generation has enabled the Group to reduce borrowings by £154 million (or 20 per cent) in the last twelve months. Conditions in most of our markets remain challenging, although the demand outlook is becoming somewhat more positive.'
Key Features:

• Robust performance, despite cost pressures and strong pound
• Profit on ordinary activities before taxation, amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items £87 million (2003 £84 million) *
• Earnings per share before exceptional items and amortisation of goodwill increased from 4.1 pence to 4.3 pence (basic earnings per share increased from 3.1 pence to 4.0 pence)
• Interim dividend maintained at 1.75 pence per share
• Strong free cash flow up nine per cent at £97 million (2003 £89 million)
• Borrowings reduced to £621 million (2003 £775 million)
• Markets challenging, though demand outlook becoming somewhat more positive

* Profit on ordinary activities before taxation £82 million (2003 £71 million)

As indicated at the time of the Pilkington Annual General Meeting in July, conditions in most markets remain challenging, although the outlook in general is becoming more positive.

Overall, results for the first half year are in line with expectations, with robust profits achieved despite rising costs and a strong pound. Profit before amortisation of goodwill, exceptional items and taxation was £87 million in the half year, up 14 per cent at constant exchange rates.

Pilkington continues to deliver on its strategic priority of cash generation, with free cash flow of £97 million in the first half. Group debt of £621 million has been reduced by 20 per cent since September 2003.

Results
Turnover in the first half year including joint ventures and associates was £1.3 billion, one per cent up on the first half of last year, when exchange rate movements are taken into account. Operating profits for Group businesses of £94 million represent a decline of £4 million over the first half of last year, although using constant exchange rates profits would have increased by £3 million. Operating profits of joint ventures and associates increased by £3 million to £19 million (an increase of £6 million at constant exchange rates), principally as a result of improved results from Cebrace, the Brazilian joint venture.

Exceptional Items
Exceptional items in the first half year amounted to a net charge of £1 million, arising from the closure of the Building Products decorated glass operations in Australia and some Building Products processing and merchanting operations in Austria. These losses were largely offset by the profit on disposal of a small joint venture business, SDC Technologies Inc., in the USA.

Building Products
The strong pound pushed Building Products sales down slightly during the first six months of 2004. Excluding our share of joint ventures and associates, sales fell five per cent to £599 million. Despite lower sales, the ongoing focus on cost reductions and efficiency improvements produced operating profits before amortisation of goodwill of £65 million, not far short of the £67 million reported in 2003.

In Europe, our Building Products business, which represents around two thirds of Building Products in total, continues to be affected by the generally sluggish European economy, though there are signs that markets are beginning to recover. After a strong trading performance last year, competitive pressures have reduced profits in the UK market. Float prices across Europe appear to have stabilised.

Building Products North America, representing 13 per cent of total Building Products sales, is concentrated on commercial construction, where Pilkington is the leading North American glass supplier. Office vacancy rates have been high but are now falling and orders for glass have begun to pick up. Cost reductions have underpinned profits, which were ahead of last year in dollar terms.

In South America, our Building Products business continues to perform well. Demand for float glass continues to grow strongly in Argentina, Brazil and Chile. Overall, operating profits from South America were up on the first half of last year.

Operating profits in our Australian business are holding up well, though marginally down on the same period last year, with the first signs of an economic slowdown affecting the residential housing sector.

Automotive Products
Automotive Products sales, excluding associates and joint ventures, declined by 11 per cent to £544 million, largely as a result of foreign exchange movements. Nevertheless, ongoing progress in cost reduction and manufacturing improvements produced an operating profit before amortisation of goodwill of £46 million, up by £2 million on the first half of last year.

Approximately 60 per cent of Pilkington Automotive sales are in Europe. The Group's Original Equipment (OE) product sales in this region have grown faster than the market, with further new model introductions doing well and higher shipments of specialised transport applications. The European Automotive Glass Replacement (AGR) business has held up well. Overall, European Automotive profits rose by around 30 per cent, due to sustained improvement in manufacturing efficiencies, lower redundancy costs and relentless focus on cost reduction.

Approximately one third of the Group's Automotive business is in North America. Demand for Pilkington OE products was in line with the market, but sales were down on last year. In addition, price pressure in the aftermarket contributed to a fall in sales and profits in Automotive North America despite continuing efficiency improvements.

In South America, representing approximately five per cent of the Group's total Automotive glass sales, Pilkington sales were 11 per cent ahead of last year. A combination of higher sales, increased productivity and improved plant efficiencies resulted in operating profits moving ahead in the region.

Results in Australia show a decline on last year, reflecting local price pressures more than offsetting cost reductions and the closure of the New Zealand AGR business.

In China, where Pilkington is the leading foreign supplier of automotive glass, the vehicle market continued its rapid growth, with light vehicle production up by a further 25 per cent. Our Chinese automotive subsidiaries have continued to perform well, making ongoing improvements in all areas.

Associates and Joint Ventures
Profits in our Brazilian joint venture, Cebrace, improved by more than 25 per cent. The fourth float line at Barra Velha in Brazil, operated by Cebrace, is now fully operational.

The Group’s associated manufacturing company in China, Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington Glass Co. Ltd. (SYP), in which Pilkington has a 19 per cent share, increased both sales and profits over the comparable period, as China experiences increased demand for more high performance glass in construction projects.

In Russia, work to complete the joint venture float plant in the Moscow region, built and operated by Pilkington, is well advanced, with the line expected to start up in mid 2005.

Sales in our 35 per cent Mexican associate Vitro Plan SA de CV (VVP) were up four per cent in US dollars on the first half of last year, though profits were affected by higher energy and freight costs.

Finance and Taxation
Interest costs at £30 million were £4 million less than in the first six months of last year, reflecting lower borrowings. Following the announcement of the results for the year ended 31 March 2004, Standard and Poors and Moodys confirmed their ratings of Pilkington bonds as BBB/BAA2, both having now moved from 'negative' to 'stable' outlook.

The underlying rate of tax on pre-exceptional profits has been reduced by three per cent to 30 per cent. This arises from a higher proportion of profits being generated in areas where local tax rates are lower, together with the Group's refinancing and restructuring arrangements.

Energy Costs
Pilkington’s primary energy source in the Group’s float plants is gas, and occasionally oil; in addition electricity accounts for approximately 30 per cent of Group energy costs. Direct energy costs represent approximately seven per cent of Pilkington’s total costs, though this varies between businesses. Following the sharp increase in the cost of gas in North America, in 2002 Pilkington introduced a surcharge on glass delivered to Building Products’ customers in North America. The recent surge in energy costs in other territories has led to the introduction of a similar energy surcharge on deliveries of glass to Building Products’ customers in Europe, beginning in November 2004.

Outlook
Pilkington is following a clear three stage strategy: to continue to improve operational performance; to generate cash, initially to strengthen the Group financially; and, in the third phase, to invest the surplus cash generated into profitable growth opportunities. Pilkington’s extensive restructuring of recent years has led to significantly improved operational efficiency, as demonstrated by the improving trend of results. The Group is currently in stage two of its strategy, where it is demonstrating its capability to consistently generate cash and pay down debt. Conditions in most of our markets remain challenging, although the demand outlook is becoming somewhat more positive.

Glass Failure at Foster’s City Hall

Glass at City Hall, the headquarters of the Greater London Authority near Tower Bridge, has failed two years after it was completed, leading the GLA to call for an explanation from suppliers. Several floor-to-ceiling glazed partitions at the building, which was designed by Foster and Partners, have cracked over the past few months.

A GLA spokesperson refused to name the glass supplier but confirmed that the company was investigating the matter. He said: 'Although we are awaiting final results, it seems likely to be a glass manufacturing fault due to nickel sulphide inclusions. We are working with the glass manufacturers to ascertain if this is the case.'

The spokesperson said the damaged glass would need replacing but emphasised that the GLA would not assign a supplier until it had seen the outcome of its inquiry. He said: 'We will want those panels replaced as soon as possible. But until the report is complete we really cannot say who will be undertaking the work.'

The damage is the latest in a series of problems to beset the £43m building.

A group of London assembly members were trapped in one of the building’s innovative lifts earlier this autumn and the building also had to be evacuated recently when a window cleaner’s crane crashed into the glass exterior.

Bob Neill, the Tory leader on the assembly, said: 'Not a week goes by without repairs. None of this is helped by the fact that a building designed to house 420 staff is now stuffed with almost 700.'

Coldseal Wound up as Mystery Surrounds Future of Company

At an Extraordinary General Meeting of Coldseal Group Ltd in London on 14 October 2004, the subjoined Extraordinary Resolution was duly passed: 'That it has been proved to the satisfaction of this Meeting that the Company cannot, by reason of its liabilities, continue its business, and that it is advisable to wind up the same, and accordingly that the Company be wound up voluntarily.' At a subsequent Meeting of Creditors held on the same day, Mark Levy of Berley, 76 New Cavendish Street, London W1, was appointed as Liquidator.

Berley Spokesman Tony Hyams told a local newspaper 'I understand that Coldseal Group Ltd was sold to The Carthium Group Ltd, before we were appointed as liquidator on October 14. That is what was reported at a creditors' meeting.'

The Carthium Group Ltd has its registered offices at a solicitors' practice called Wollastons, of Brierly Place, New London Road, Chelmsford, Essex. George Haddow, of Maidstone, Kent; Barry Raymond Westwood, of Leighton Buzzard; and Carl Williams, of Upminster, Essex, were all directors of CGL, according to Companies House. They are also directors of The Carthium Group Ltd. Mr Williams resigned as a director of Coldseal on August 23, four months after The Carthium Group Ltd was set up.

The Coldseal story is a complicated one. Coldseal Group Ltd took over at Alfreton after acquiring the assets of Coldseal Ltd, in December, 2003. Two months later, on February 3, Coldseal Ltd was placed in liquidation with debts of £3m and is currently being liquidated by Begbies Traynor, of Southend in Essex. A similar thing happened last month when The Carthium Group acquired CGL's assets before CGL was placed in liquidation on October 14 with liabilities of £7.75m.

In a statement from Heywood Williams, the comp[any said: Heywood Williams disposed of the share capital of Coldseal Ltd in August 2003 for consideration of a 19.9% interest in what is now The Carthium Group Ltd. This shareholding has no carrying value in the accounts of Heywood Williams. Coldseal represents some 3% of Heywood Williams’ group turnover. The Group is a creditor of Coldseal; £2.5m relates to historic debt, which was fully provided for on disposal of Coldseal and £0.7m relates to current trading, which will be provided for in the 2004 full year results.

Having reviewed the potential impact of this development, the Board can confirm that expectations for the Group’s outturn for the year to 31 December 2004 remain consistent with current market expectations. On a stand alone basis, the future impact of the cessation of trading with Coldseal would reduce profitability by c.£2 million per annum. As stated last month at the time of the interim results for 2004, the Group is, on average, debt free. The cessation of trading with Coldseal will lead to a further review of the appropriate carrying value of the Group’s goodwill (currently £13.5million).

Robert Barr, Chief Executive of Heywood Williams Group PLC, said:
'Notwithstanding this development, Heywood Williams’ new management team remain focused on realising the potential from the Group’s market leading positions in specialist distribution of building products in the UK and the US and rebuilding the profitability of the Group.'

Coldseal director, Barry Westwood told us earlier this year:
'Heywood Williams Plc purchased the profit making Coldseal Companies some 7 years ago...during that period of time HWPLC managed to turn a profitable and vibrant Group into last three year losses of circa 16 million sterling.

'All of the old trading Companies were placed into liquidation (3 Feb 2004) all guarantees and creditor positions were transfered into the new Company. The loss making conservatory company was also closed down and a major 2 million pound recovery/restructuring operation was instigated. Over 1200 jobs were also secured. All of those transactions were presided over and documented by Eversheds and Wollastons Law firms. All required revenue clearance was obtained. HWPLC still own 19% of The Coldseal Group

'The Coldseal Group has a net asset value of circa 5.3 million (net current assets 3.1 million) as at 3 March 2004. January profits show a healthy return to the black at 274k on a turnover of 5.6 million..(July 2003 figures prior to merger...900k loss on 5.2 million t/o)...There are no current legal cases involving The Coldseal Group.

'Projected turnover for the year 2004 is £75m, projected profits for the same period £3.5m, current order book: £16m'.

Major Report on the DIY Multiples Market- UK 2004

A seventh major review ofthe UK DIY Multiples Market has been published by AMA Research. The report represents an informed and comprehensive review ofthis fast changing £7+ billion market and is fully updated for 2004, containing information on activities within the market during 2002/2003 and incorporating original input and primary research.

Emphasis is given to both quantitative and qualitative assessments of market developments - with interpretation of relevant data to give support to the trends and to provide a basis for extrapolating future prospects for the DIY Multiples market.

The report includes an analysis of the major DIY Multiples including sales by product group, relative strengths and weaknesses, and market positioning. There is also an expanded section reviewing purchasing procedures including information on range reviews, supplier selection criteria, systems, and environmental policies.

The key product sectors are examined with the report including information on market size, distribution channels, key influences and trends. Sectors analysed include Bathrooms; Fumiture; Windows & Floorcoverings; Building Materials; Garden / Leisure; Hardware / Housewares / Tools; and Lighting / Electrical. Commentary on competitor distribution channels includes performance comparisons with Builders Merchants, Garden Centres and Retail Specialists. This 139 page report is available now and is priced at £565.

Since 1990, the UK DIY multiples market has experienced growth of over 130% and in 2002 is estimated to be worth just over £6 billion at Retail Selling Prices (RSP). The following chart illustrates the performance of the market since 1990 with each year's estimated market value:-

The UK DIY Multiples market has often demonstrated an ability to withstand fluctuations in economic uncertainty as the continued growth during the early 1990's illustrates. During the mid 1990's, the market benefited from more positive housing and refurbishment levels as well as higher levels of consumer confidence driven by factors such as financial windfalls.

Towards the end of the last century, economic uncertainty prompted less optimistic growth forecasts in the market, although growth ofjust under 8% in 1999 was still evident, reflecting the sector's ability to outperform other competitive retail sectors. This growth continued into 2000 and 2001, with the market increasing by around 6-7%, despite a number of negative influences such as poor weather, the fuel crisis, the foot and mouth epidemic and a global economic slowdown.

During this period the market also experienced significant turmoil in terms of consolidation, with a major change in the structure of the market, following the acquisition of Wickes and Great Mills by Focus; and Homebase by venture capitalist Schroders. These acquisitions resulted in a number of important strategic changes for the main retailers in the sector, with Homebase withdrawing from 'warehouse' format stores, shifting the company's product mix and focussing solely on the UK market. This was followed by B&Q extending its activity both in Europe and on an intemational scale. In addition, the withdrawal of Homebase from large format stores, provided B&Q with the opportunity to ambitiously speed up its Warehouse format programme of openings.

2002 saw a continuation of these fundamental changes in the market, with the announcement of the acquisition of Homebase by GUS, the parent company of Argos. Over the last 2-3 years, these changes have offered greater differentiation opportunities by the multiples, with Homebase shifting more towards homewares and furniture in a mezzanine format store, while B&Q follows the larger scale warehouse format.

Focus Wickes, now the second largest DIY multiple in the UK, continues to operate the Focus and Wickes operations on a separate basis, with distribution and supply benefits indicated to be the main reason for the acquisition.

In terms of the number of outlets, the rapid growth of outlets experienced in the 1990's has stabilised in recent years, with current levels at around 1,100. Refurbishment of existing stores is becoming increasingly common. Homebase has begun installing Mezzanine floors to enhance ranges in furniture, furnishings and kitchens while B&Q has started to change supercentre formats to 'Mini-Warehouse' formats, offering wider choice.

Housewares/Hardwares and Tools continue to contribute around 10% by value to the overall DIY Multiples market, representing a value of around £600 million. The housewares segment of this sector is indicated to be showing strongest signs of growth and this area is indicated to hold significant potential for growth in the short to medium term. The Furniture sector is currently estimated to account for around 8% ofthe total multiples market in 2002, although indications are that this may increase with Homebase likely to augment their range in this area in the short term.

The Window and Floorcoverings sectors account for around £420 million at RSP in 2002, reflecting a share ofaround 7%. Bathrooms are also significant in this market, currently estimated to contribute just over £400 million or around 7%.

Tel: 01242 235724
Email: mailto:sales@amaresearch.com
Web: http://www.amaresearch.co.uk

Eurocell Building Plastics Branches 57 & 58 now open

Following hot on the heels of branches in Burton-On-Trent, Southend and Bolton which opened during the summer, Eurocell Building Plastics have announced a further two depots to add to their growing Eurocell Building Plastics Network. Barnsley has been added to the EBP Northern Division and Swansea to the Welsh Division.

'The latest additions to the network allow us to continue to maintain our high standard of customer service as well as allowing us to grow our market penetration.' David Salt, Sales Director EBP.

Offering both the new-build, replacement and the strong U.K DIY markets a comprehensive range of PVC-u building products, Eurocell manufacture a superior product range at competitive prices. The product range includes Eurocell Roofline fascias, soffits together with windowsills, boards, trims, cladding, Soudal silicones, and tools as well as Eurocell’s Pinnacle traditional and modular conservatory roofing systems. Products are consistent and all Eurocell roofline and cladding products have BBA approval and are manufactured in accordance with ISO 9002.

Barnsley Tel: 01226 770 844 Swansea Tel: 01792 775 414
Eurocell Building Plastics HQ Tel: 01773 842 300

First North East Zendow Contract

A Status fabricator has won a prestigious window installation project using the newly launched zendow PVCu system. Tyneside based Ramage Windows has been selected by Cussins Homes Ltd to manufacture and install zendow windows in 60 prestigious apartments located in a prominent position overlooking the Tyne. The contract is worth £100,000.

Ramage Windows believes the zendow is the way forward for the fenestration industry, and is working proactively with many of its housebuilder customers to consider zendow in lieu of the more habitual chamfered alternative.

‘There is certainly no other product on the market like zendow, and many of the architects we deal with on a regular basis are scrutinising it very thoroughly,’ said Ramage general manager Malcolm Guy. ‘The response is on the whole very positive, and there is an overall feeling that the market is ripe for some radical changes after many years of using the chamfered product. We already have two or three more projects lined up using zendow, and Status is being extremely helpful is helping us to get its positive message across to our customer base.’

‘Zendow is all about achieving differentiation in fenestration. This new 70mm PVCu system incorporates 25 technical and aesthetic improvements made to its existing chamfered suite, giving house builders a better looking, better performing, overall more cost efficient PVCu window solution.’ says the company.

‘Developed using the most advanced technologies in PVCu extrusion the Zendow window will give you the ultimate in good looks, thermal insulation and security.
The Zendow window is unique, stylish, elegant and totally exclusive to Status. The contemporary design perfectly complements the architecture and aesthetic expectations of today’s homeowner.’

Zendow was the result of £2 million worth of investment by Status Systems, a member of the worldwide Deceuninck group. It was created in anticipation of an evolving market place, and is able to offer the industry more solutions for less products.

http://www.status-systems.co.uk/zendow.php

Listers Perfect Partner in Machinery

Lister Trade Frames of Stoke on Trent seem to be in the trade press a lot lately, but then again they seem to have some good things to shout about. Rapid expansion in their business this year has seen them take on an additional £300,000 of the latest CNC, welding and beading machinery and most recently they have added an additional STUGA Flowline, which has been installed less than 18 months since the first one.

So why did Listers choose Stuga again? 'Simply put‚ says Darren Pusey, Listers Production Director, 'It's the right machine for us, from the right company. We always carry out detailed research when it comes to new machinery but the choice of a second Stuga was almost inevitable'.

When Listers decided to manufacture a new sculptured window for their customers they first looked at the impact that would be made on the production hall. Running two systems is never easy, as some companies have found to their peril, having the extra capacity on the right machinery is vital. 'Our first STUGA Flowline revolutionised the consistency of our products. It's been totally reliable and the backup from the technical team has been outstanding. Stuga make you feel that you‚re in a partnership rather than just a customer, and that's very important when spending this type of money' says Darren.

It may be because Stuga are the manufacturer rather than just a dealer that they are gaining an enviable reputation not just for the quality of their machines but also for their attention to customer service. Having installed over 54 Flowlines to date, they operate throughout the UK, and offer a guaranteed maximum 24 hour callout for their engineers. Another reason for choosing Stuga is that they are a British manufacturing company. 'This helps a lot' says Darren. 'The machine is made here in the UK and all the software is written in English, as is the operating manual. Not only that, but many of the spare parts are available over the counter from local component companies which is a great time saver when problems arise.'

After expanding into new premises earlier this year and continuing to invest in some of the industries leading machinery, Listers aim to raise there output to over 1500 windows per week. Based on their attention to detail there‚s every reason to believe that they'll achieve just that.

Contact: Lister Trade Frames Ltd Tel: 01782 205605 Email: sales@listertf.co.uk

New Owners New Show: Interbuild 2006

Major changes have taken place since Interbuild 2004 as control of the event switches entirely into the hands of Emap Construct.

As experts in exhibition organisation with unrivalled knowledge of the market, the new owners are only too aware that a show with an extensive pedigree in UK construction needs to constantly evolve to keep pace with an innovative industry.

Moves have already been made to overhaul the show that attracted almost 45,000 trade visitors in April to create a better event for 2006 that is more straightforward for exhibitors and more accessible to those who visit.

Emap Marketing Director Ross Sturley said: 'Our involvement gives us the opportunity to build on the event's success.

'Our maxim is to bring devout commitment, focus and considerably more marketing investment.

'Through extensive market research we have already consulted with many exhibitors and visitors. They have told us what they think, we have listened and this is helping to develop the event for 2006.'

The first big step that Emap Construct has taken is to make the organisation of the Interbuild halls less unwieldy.

In 2006 there will only be three main areas in 2006 - Interiors & Services, Structural & External and Truck & Tool.

Added Ross: 'This move has been carried out to restore the show's focus. We felt - with something like 14 separate mini-shows under one roof - Interbuild had become too diffused to the extent that too many people failed to comprehend how the thing was meant to work.

'We wanted to restore the simplicity and clarity that a building show needs and so far it's a decision that is being very well received by the market.

'Exhibitors can now visualise much more clearly how the event will operate and ultimately, visitors can work out much more easily how they will navigate the halls when they arrive.'

The second substantial difference from 2004 has been the appointment of a new Event Director. Taking over the reins will be Gordon Thomas, who has switched from Emap's hugely successful gardening and leisure exhibition, Glee, to oversee this flagship event.

Said Gordon: 'Interbuild is a massive event on the construction calendar and presents a big but very exciting challenge for me.

'Many people had nothing but good things to say about the 2004 show and what small criticisms there were I intend to address to ensure 2006 is an even bigger success.

'An event that comes with more than a century of history comes with an immense amount of responsibility and heritage and I will do all I can to extend Interbuild's traditions as a showcase of UK construction excellence.'

Interbuild 2006 - The Building Show takes place at the NEC in Birmingham from April 23 to 27.

For information and bookings call 0207 505 6694 or log on to http://www.interbuild.com

KAT Launches Vertical Slider to Ireland

KAT has launched its vertical sliding pvcu sash window into the Irish market, and is confident that it will be fill a long anticipated need both sides of the border. Following on from the September building exhibition in Dublin, the company received such positive reactions that it is setting up a dedicated office, KAT Ireland, to manage the Irish market more effectively.

The KAT UK sash window range is an ideal solution for prestigious New Build developments requiring premium products at reasonable prices. Fully compliant with all relevant British, Scottish and Irish building regulations, NHBC approved, and available with a cavity closer, the KAT UK sash window gives an upmarket feel to a stylish new building.

Aesthetically, the KAT sash window retains a quality feel through premium fixtures and fittings. For example, hardware is available in gold, white and chrome, and two types of decorative horn are available. Foil finish windows are available in mahogany and golden oak.

Technically the KAT Classic sash has achieved BS7412, and wind ratings of 2400 Pascals. It is also designed to achieve the most severe ratings set down in BS6375 Part 1 1983 for air and permeability and water tightness.

Housing Associations continue growth in Public Sector Ownership

The latest release of the Windowbase Housing Specifiers Database details 1830 individuals responsible for the specification of work in 950 organisations (Housing Associations or Local Authorities) managing some 5.6 million public sector dwellings in the UK.

This represents a net increase of 130 over the previous release of organisations with housing stocks in excess of 250 dwellings. The chart below shows the number of organisations by stock size.

Although the top 100 organisations have half the total stock, they are complex in structure and difficult to penetrate. Windowbase are sure that it is the medium-sized Housing Associations, with stock, say, of under 4000, that need the greatest hand-holding and help from potential suppliers.

New with this release is a service to subscribers – built into the price – to inform them of new registrations to the Corporate Telephone Preference Service of those telephone numbers in the database. This enables users of the database to steer clear of the legal traps.

Available as a simple set of individually addressed mailing labels, or the complete service with regular updating, the data is available direct from Windowbase.

For further information, contact:
Mike Davis 01706 644 308 miked@winbase.co.uk
Windowbase Ltd., 3 Spring Bank Lane, Rochdale, Lancs OL11 5SE
www.winbase.co.uk

New Fabricator for Premier Profiles

Premier Profiles, the PVCu window and door profile manufacturer, has announced the latest addition to its nationwide network of fabricators and installers: York Trade Frames.

Founded recently and already employing eight full time staff, York Trade Frames is the only window and door manufacturer currently operational in the centre of the ancient city.

Headed by Phil Myers, Kevin Copley and Andrew Nicholds, who have many years’ experience in the profile market, the company has already undertaken a variety of important projects in the area.

New Lead Alternative

Victoria Windows, a 20 year old installer based in Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, saw Sarnafil Roof Assured, the PVC single ply flat roofing specialist, in a trade magazine two years ago. Keith Vale, Managing Director of Victoria, was immediately interested in running SRA alongside his window, door and conservatory business. SRA now makes up 10% of the business with over 100 jobs already installed.

Keith is now ready to expand the flat roofing side of the business. He explains why: ‘The team of trained SRA installers love the product. It’s so easy and clean to install, with very little waste. Our customers are totally delighted and love the effect it has made to their homes.

We’ve recently installed a Sarnafil roof on a summer room. The contractors had specified lead but Sarnafil is a superior product and more cost effective than lead. It took just over a day to install and the roof really is the icing on the cake.’

Tel: 01603 748985
Email: mailto:robert.newall@sarnafil.co.uk

Durawhite Windows Ltd Opts for UK Fasteners

Devon based Durawhite Windows Ltd has used a leading distributor’s fasteners on its 100 frames per week for about five years, but five months ago decided to switch its supply to UK Fasteners.

Director of Durawhite, Peter Acca explains why: ‘UK Fasteners approached us with some samples of its product and we couldn’t help but be impressed by the quality. The fasteners are excellent value for money too. We have used three or four other suppliers in the past and every time they promise us quality products and good deliveries. Sadly this proves little more than lip service after a month or two. We have been using UK Fasteners for about six months and the company has supplied quality products on time every time. The majority of our customers are homeowners aged 50 years plus and are looking for a strong reliable window that will last. And of course a major component of a window’s durability is the screw. We’ve found UK Fasteners to be the reliable, responsible supplier with the quality products we were looking for.’

Tel: 01242 577077

Mr Plastic Changes to Everwhite

Essex based Mr Plastic sells roofline, windows, conservatories, roof bars and polycarbonate from six branches. First established in 1985 the company has grown from strength to strength. Roofline now accounts for 40% of sales. The secret to the company’s success is to look after its customers. And to do that Mr Plastic needs a reliable supplier. In the last year, Mr Plastic has changed suppliers so that almost all its roofline sales are with Everwhite.

Marketing Manager, Dave Hyatt, explains: ‘We were having problems of part deliveries and it’s impossible to work without the correct stock. We have now virtually phased out our previous supplier. The last branch to change was Colchester. The manager was reluctant to change because he thought his customers would want to stick with what they knew. But since changing to Everwhite there have been far fewer problems. Deliveries are on time and 100% complete and the service we get is great. We can always speak to someone when we need to. I count Everwhite as being one of the leading roofline companies. It sounds so obvious, but I’m most impressed with having products in stock, so we’ve got what our customers need, when they need it.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Grenzebach Supplies Stacking and Transport for Eggborough Magnetron Plant

In late July, a delegation from Grenzebach travelled to Eggborough in Northern England to attend the opening of the new Saint Gobain Magnetron Coater. The plant will manufacture thermal glass, including the company’s special SGG Planitherm Total low emissivity ('low-e') glass, a glass used to reduce heat loss from buildings.

For the new coating line, Grenzebach supplied the conveyors, swing and overhead stackers for PLF and DLF sheets as well as the infeed of contra plates and the line controls.

Grenzebach engineer Dominique Dubois congratulates Mr. Alan McLenaghan, Plant Manager in Eggborough, on the successful opening of the magnetron line. Photo: Grenzebach

Saint Gobain Eggborough is the second production site equipped with Grenzebach handling and stacking both in float and magnetron fabrication.

Therefore the visitors from Grenzebach had good reason to celebrate the launch of the magnetron line together with the Saint Gobain Management from the headquarters in Paris and from the UK plant.

After the official part of the ceremony, Grenzebach engineers Edward Domanowski and Dominique Dubois had plenty of opportunity for personal meetings.

Tel: 0049 906 982 0
Email: mailto:info@grenzebach.com
Web: http://www.grenzebach.com

Interim Report January – September 2004 - Stable Profit Trend for Trelleborg Group

During the third quarter, the Trelleborg Group continued to experience a favourable trend in profits and sales and a strong cash flow. Profit after financial items, before goodwill amortisation and for continuing operations, rose by 36 percent. The profit trend was stable in all business areas with the exception of Trelleborg Automotive, where a weak market trend and increased raw-material costs for certain input goods had a negative impact on profits.

Net sales amounted to sek 5,460 m (3,978) during the third quarter, and to sek 17,383 m (12,609) during the period January to September.

Profit after tax for the third quarter amounted to sek 137 m (165) and for the nine-month period to sek 1,145 m (482). The participation in the profits of Trenor, which was divested during the second quarter of 2004, was sek 52 m in the third quarter of 2003.

Earnings per share for the quarter amounted to sek 1.45 (1.95) and for the period as a whole to sek 13.05 (5.75).

For continuing operations, operating profit for the quarter rose to sek 293 m (219) and for the nine-month period to sek 1,033 m (706). Profit after financial items for the quarter rose to sek 221 m (194) and for the period as a whole to sek 804 m (633).

The period January – September for continuing operations, excluding goodwill amortisation:

Increase in percent:
Operating profit (ebita) sek 1,333 m (828) - +61 %
Profit after financial items sek 1,104 m (755) - +46 %
Profit after tax sek 777 m (502) - +55 %
Earnings per share sek 8.85 (6.00) +48 %

Since the close of the report period: Proposal for restructuring measures comprising the transfer of tyre production from the town of Trelleborg, review of the mixing structure in Northern Europe and certain measures within Trelleborg Automotive in Europe.

The costs for the measures are estimated at approximately SEK 495 M before tax, of which approximately SEK 160 will affect cash flow during 2005. The measures are expected to have a positive effect on profits of approximately SEK 100 M before tax, with full impact in 2006.

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