Construction
Groups file Promising Results
Turnover at Costain for the half year to the end of June leapt up 23 per
cent to £252.4m from £205.5m for the same period a year ago
and the firm said it is confident its growth strategy is working. Pre
tax profits to June were up 2 per cent to £4.7m from £3.8m
last year and the group reported a return to operating profits of £1m
compared to a loss of £3m a year earlier.
At the half-year, work-in-hand was up 23 per cent at £700m compared
to £570m for the same period in 2002. Operating profit from overseas
work fell to £1.9m compared to £3.5m in 2001.
Costain chief executive Stuart Doughty said; 'During the past six months
we have maintained our focus on restructuring the business and are putting
in place the management systems necessary to ensure the successful delivery
of the strategic objectives.'
'In accordance with our declared intent in the 2001 annual report, we
have continued to de-risk the business. We have increased asset management
work and concentrated on entering into partnering arrangements with the
client, sharing risk and reward'
The group said that PFI bid costs have always been accounted for as incurred
so the implementation of the new accounting rules for pre-contract costs
has had no material impact.
Mr Doughty said the UK government's commitment to invest in health and
transport will contribute to Costain's role in the public sector market
and work in the transport sector continues to be a major target market
for the firm.
In construction the group has strengthened its position in the retail
sector through further partnering arrangements with Tesco. Costain is
also working with John Lewis, producing a major new design and build store
in Cheltenham.
The Housebuilder, Persimmom Homes, also reported excellent results, with
a profits rise of 62% for the six months to June 30 (giving pre-tax profits
of £112m). This is a continued effect of low interest rates and
the demand for new homes, the company says. Persimmom significantly enlarged
its stake in the housebuilding earlier this year by buying Beazer (for
£559m).
The long term remains good, with forward sales in the second half already
standing at around £1m, and the group owns enough land to last them
another four years.
Heywood
Williams interim results
Heywood Williams Group PLC announces its interim results for the half
year ended 30 June 2002
Highlights:
* Operating profit increased by 56% to £11.2m (2001: £7.2m)
* Pre-tax profit increased by 67% to £10.0 million (2001: £6.0m)
* EPS increased by 79% to 8.6p (2001: 4.8p)
* Due to previously announced exceptional charge, net pre-tax loss £1.8m
(2001: £2.8 million profit)
* Interim dividend maintained at 5.25p
Ian Stuart, Chief Executive, comments:
'We are on track to deliver our turnaround plan, to meet market expectations
for the year and to continue to make progress towards realising our strategic
goals.'
The group continued its turnaround during the first half of 2002. In the
UK, the focus was on the implementation of our organic strategy of restructuring
for cost reduction and delivering our first major growth projects, involving
a high degree of change. In the US we concentrated on optimising our performance
in improving Recreational Vehicle/automotive and PVC pipe markets, and
managing the impact of continuing difficult conditions in manufactured
housing.
Group profit before tax, goodwill amortisation and exceptionals improved
to £10m, compared to £6m in the first half of 2001, on turnover
of £309.8m, which was flat on the prior half year. As previously
announced, an operating exceptional item of £10m has been charged
to provide for the estimated lifetime cost of a legacy product rectification
issue, of a cosmetic nature, with the related claims arising over the
next 2 to 3 years. The loss before tax, post exceptionals and goodwill
amortisation was £1.8m (2001: £2.8m profit).
Earnings per share, before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items
increased strongly from 4.8p to 8.6p.
Net borrowings increased during the six month period to £35.9m,
a better than anticipated outflow of £10.2m. This was principally
the result of seasonal increases in working capital, £1.9 million
of expenditure against the UK restructuring provision and £1.8 million
in respect of the redemption of outstanding preference shares. Gearing
remained modest at 30.5%. The group retains its fundamentally cash generative
characteristics and working capital management capabilities.
The board has declared a maintained dividend of 5.25p per ordinary share
payable on 15 October 2002 to shareholders on the register on 13 September
2002.
Operational Review
In the UK, the market was generally firm during the traditionally quieter
first half, despite a subdued June, which was impacted by Jubilee holidays
and the World Cup. Operating profit improved to £3.8m (2001: £2.4m),
with sales increasing by 5% on a comparable basis, excluding acquisitions
and disposals. Coldseal's sales and profitability improved significantly
and Hardware continued to make progress on both measures. Sales in Eastern
Europe almost doubled to £1.5m.
The UK restructuring project progressed broadly as planned. Good progress
has been made in manufacturing and IT, but initial inefficiencies have
arisen in the new central PVC profile warehouse which we expect to be
fully resolved during the remainder of the year. Start-up costs were also
incurred for our entry into the DIY retail channel and the composite door
factory.
US markets were mixed, with RV growing by 13.9%, and PVC pipe demand and
pricing increasing sharply. However, manufactured housing output declined
by 5.3% as the market continued to be affected by repossessions and restricted
credit availability.
Strategic Development
Sales growth is starting to be achieved in the UK on a number of fronts.
New channels into DIY retail, new build and builders' merchants have been
established and will deliver sales and profit growth. A culture of innovation
is being fostered and embedded with the rate of new product development
accelerating. A new conservatory roof is about to move into production,
the roll-out of the "easy-fab" purchasing portal has begun and
the "Centra-Lock" central locking system for the entire house
is now close to launch. All these initiatives underpin our determination
to fully benefit from our leading market positions. This degree of change
has created the momentum for profit growth.
The US operations will continue to manage costs flexibly according to
current market conditions whilst addressing manufacturing efficiency opportunities
in Pipe and Creation. LaSalle Bristol has fully established its number
one position and leads the market in terms of product development and
innovation. Creation has accelerated its rate of new product introductions
for window and door products.
In both the UK and US we are implementing our purchasing strategy to drive
further costs from the operations. This is being achieved by a combination
of outsourcing certain categories, purchasing on a central group basis,
and by strengthening local purchasing management. Also with a cost focus,
the UK restructuring plan will be completed by the year-end with full
benefits accruing from the beginning of 2003.
Prospects
The UK and US market prospects remain difficult to call for both the general
economies and our specific areas of activity. The external environment
apart, the group remains on course to deliver the turnaround plan which
was presented in 2001, to meet market expectations for the year and to
continue to make progress towards realising our strategic goals.
HW
Systems Helps AWS Group with Expansion Plans
HW Systems fabricator, AWS Group has joined forces with local installation
company Betterglaze Windows Ltd to supply windows and doors manufactured
from the HW70 suite exclusively in the locality.
Kidderminster
based AWS Group has been an HW Systems fabricator for the past 8 years.
The company's operations have so far mainly been in the commercial sector
however, in response to a maturing market, AWS is seizing the opportunity
to increase its presence in the installer market. This has resulted in
the working partnership with Betterglaze who will now exclusively supply
windows and doors manufactured by AWS from the HW 5ystems' HW70 suite.
As AWS Marketing Director Ken Rutter explains, 'AWS has a lot to offer
the installer market, as a credible and competent supplier, supported
by a major systems house. Like AWS, Betterglaze is a local business looking
to grow and owner, John Ellis, saw AWS and HW Systems as a route to achieve
this. The company's recent move to a new showroom provided the perfect
opportunity for us to join forces.'
Betterglaze will benefit greatly from the support AWS receives from HW
Systems. This can already be seen by their acceptante into HW Systems'
Approved lnstaller Membership Scheme (AIMS). In addition to providing
customers with an assurance that the contractor's work is of a recognised
high quality, AlMS provides members with a competitive advantage through
extensive marketing support material and access to a wide range of products
and services.
Contact: Jane Ward
Tel: 01452 727603
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
Warmdor™
gets Seal of Approval
In a bid to create the ultimate composite residential door North East
England window, door and conservatory fabricator and installer Warmseal
has joined forces with door panel manufacturer Hallmark Group. The result
is Warmdor, claimed to be the most thoroughly designed and specified product
of its type available in the UK market, now made available to the trade
and for commercial installation throughout the UK.
Brought
together through a partnership that combines Warmseal's front-end market
knowledge and Hallmark's manufacturing expertise, the deal further strengthens
ties between the companies with Hallmark already supplying Warmseal with
conventional door panels, GRP (glass reinforced plastics) mouldings and
laminated products.
Performance is the key consideration for composite doors, particularly
in the social housing market. Warmseal therefore developed Warmdor after
the company carefully reviewed other products, and felt it could produce
its own with a higher security specification and a better weatherproofing
system.
Warmdor is made up of two Hallmark skins that are bonded to Warmseal's
sash and contain a solid core of envirofoam, which is HFC and CFC -free
to offer a more robust, environmentally friendly product. The thermoplastic
skins are embossed to give the appearance of timber with a grain affect
and are available in a variety of colours.
A weakness of many security door installations is their installation into
the door sash. A key element of Warmdor's construction is the bonding
of the fully reinforced, twin-rebated 66mm PVCu sash that is 50% thicker
than normally used for a composite door. Enhanced weather performance
is achieved by the use of twin seals.
After vigorous testing the door passed the British Standards PAS023 standard
for weather performance and PAS024 for security. The Warmdor has also
been approved under the Secured by Design security initiative. Thermal
performance of the door is exceptional which, with a U value of just 0.3WmZ
is up to nine times more efficient than timber but without that material's
requirement for maintenance.
As one of Hallmarks largest customers, the partnership agreement sees
Warmseal fabricating the sashes, which are then transferred to Hallmark
to be bonded. The doors are then returned to Warmseal for finishing, including
the addition of hardware.
Warmseal Windows is now one the biggest companies in the Newcastle area,
last year reporting a turnover of £8 million. With the assistance
and backing of Hallmark, the company has won two large local authority
contracts with a number of others poised to confirm orders. New premises
have been acquired by Warmseal, which together with a significant investment
in machinery will cope with the demand for Warmdor.
Tel: 01482 781111
Email: mailto:hallmark-panels.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.hallmark-panels.com
Basta
Buys Arthur Shaw to Make it a Hat Trick
Basta, the lrish based manufacturer of hardware fittings for doors and
windows, has purchased the tooling from the Receivers of Arthur Shaw Manufacturing
Limited.
Shaw who has had a troubled recent history, was recently put into receivership.
The Shaw brand, however, has over many years of trading, established a
highly respected range of fittings, and becoming one of the key suppliers
to timber and PVCu door and window manufacturers within Britain.
'With this purchase of the Arthur Shaw tooling and our own expertise in
the market, we can continue to provide a full range of quality products
from both the Basta and Shaw ranges. Our 'State of the Art' die casting
plant and robotic polishing facilities in lreland mean that Basta is probably
best equipped in the industry to continue with the Shaw products'. Stated
Chief Executive Kevin Norton.
Basta purchased Worcester Parsons in 1998 and followed this with the acquisition
of the Latham business in 2001,which gave them the Gibbons and Conqueror
brands. These businesses have now been merged onto one site at Wolverhampton.
Tel: 01902 877770
Email: mailto:sales@bastaparsonsgb.com
Web: http://www.bastaparsons.com
Darby
Glass Invests in Automation
Darby Glass Limited, the independent glass processor, has started a major
investment programme in automated equipment, designed to meet the needs
of the glazing industry once Document L is fully implemented.
Darby Chief Executive Hugh Hayes said that the management team had spent
the last three years resbucturing Darby, during which time the company
had retumed to profitability and had been strongly cash generative, eliminating
all bank borrowings. Late last year the company had committed to an adventurous
reinvestment plan with the aim of becoming the U.K.'s lowest cost producer
of units made to the highest standards. The investment plan also assumes
that market demand will ultimately concentrate on soft coat products,
and logistics within Darby's six factories are also being revised to recognise
the handling and processing requirements of these types of glass.
Mr. Hayes added that the company has reviewed all potential equipment
suppliers, and had chosen Lisec to supply three automated unit lines,
which were now installed, commissioned, and in production. He said that
he was very happy with the output levels and quality being achieved, and
with the level of back up being supplied by Lisec. He said Darby planned
to invest in further automation over the next two to three years, and
he expected to improve levels of customer service as a result, along with
further improvements to product quality. These investments would include
new cutting tables, arrissing equipment and spacer bar processing equipment.
Investment in the processing of thicker glasses was also being stepped
up, with new printing and heat soaking facilities being commissioned in
September to meet increasing demand.
Tel: 01724 280044
Email: mailto:sales@darbyglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Charlie
Clocks up Conservatory Showroom Opening
Deceuninck
fabricator Taylormade Windows and Conservatories recently held the official
opening of its new £1 million conservatory showroom. Central TV
weather girl Charlie Neal did the honours, cutting the ribbons into one
of the biggest showrooms in the UK.
The showroom itself has elicited a great deal of interest from the local
Walsall populace - not least because the building is adorned with the
clock that featured so prominently on one of the towers of the old Walsall
football club building. Taylormade director Mark Gibbins made on on-line
auction bid of £440 for the clock.
'The club has been part of my life for many years, and I did not want
to see such a vivid landmark disappear from the local landscape,' said
Mark. 'Moving the clock just a mile down the road, where it is still visible
from the M5 and M6 interchange and beyond, has generated an enormous amount
of local goodwill. Never has £440 been so well spent in terms of
good publicity.
The showroom itself houses 20 conservatories manufactured using Deceuninck's
profile system and the Ultraframe roof.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Technoform
to set up base in Great Britain and Ireland
German-based
Technoform Bautec GmbH, manufacturers of polyamide thermal break insulating
strips for aluminium windows has appointed a full-time representative
for Great Britain and Ireland.
Andrew Whitmore (pictured right) will be responsible for strengthening
relationships with existing customers and developing new business. He
is bilingual in German and English and has lived in both countries.
'More and more companies are moving towards polyamide thermal break strips
to achieve better U-values and save production time through automation.
Now Technoform is delighted to have a representative solely for its customers
in the British Isles.' Says Marco Hülsbeck, product Manager at Technoform
Bautec; 'Andrew and myself will be working together both on-site in Germany
as well as in the UK for the next six months. Early in 2003 we’ll
be deciding on a location for the UK Technoform Office.'
Andrew is looking forward to the new task: 'This is going to be a new
and challenging time for me – Technoform is expanding in Great Britain
at a time of great change in the glazing industry, particularly with the
rigorous insulating standards stipulated in document L. Technoform Bautec
prides itself on prompt and comprehensive customer care from inquiry through
to serial production. A new office will mean that communication between
the factory in Germany and the British market will be even faster and
better.'
Technoform Bautec already has plants in Germany, Spain, Italy, Japan and
China as well as offices in France, Singapore, Greece, Turkey and Russia.
Andrew
Whitmore
Technoform BAUTEC Kunststoffprodukte GmbH
Ostring 4, D-34277 Fuldabrück
Tel: +49 561 9583-408 Fax: +49 561 9583-593 Mobil: +44 794 721 9111
EMail: awhitmore@technoform.de
Major
Investment Enables MT2000 to Offer Full Range
MT2000 (Extrusions) Ltd recently announced a major investment in two state
of the art external windowsill tools. The new 85mm and 180mm devices complete
a full suite of tools with MT2000's existing 150mm section, enabling the
company to offer the full range of external window cill profiles. MT2000
is now able to offer its customers a 'one-stop' shop for all product needs.
Window fitters/installers, systems suppliers, architects, systems manufacturers,
plastic building products suppliers and builders merchants can now be
confident that MT2000 can satisfy all product needs, supplying as it does
the full range of ancillary products. They are available 'off the shelf'
in a range of whites, Renolit mahogany and oak, and complement MT2000's
existing wide range of window ancillary products.
Contact: Paul McAllister
Tel: 01325 308111
Email: mailto:paulm@mt2000.co.uk
Investments at the Window Factory
Using
the Brickmate cavity closer from Status Systems, the Window Factory makes
it simple for housebuilders to fulfil all legislative requirements for
fenestration while maintaining aesthetic roadside appeal.
The
Window Factory's achievement of an NHBC award in 2001 for the window scheme
at Kings Meadow in Darwen, a Wimpey development, bears witness to this.
The company's ensuing success has led to a £50,000 investment in
manufacturing machinery to increase production to 300 windows a week.
The St Helens based fabricator has also opened a new showroom in nearby
Haydock to help further develop retail sales.
'We generated £100,000 worth of business out of the showroom last
month, which goes to show that it is a powerful sales facilitator,' said
Window Factory director Steve Grady (pictured above in his new showroom
in Haydock). 'It has been particularly successful for conservatories.'
Retail sales make up approximately 70 per cent of the Status fabricator's
turnover. Its no-nonsense, no frills approach to selling has strong local
appeal and much of its growth has come through recommendations and word
of mouth. New build and commercial also make a significant contribution,
and the company has a long standing working relationship with Westbury
Homes.
'The Window Factory laid its first foundations with the Kings Meadow contract.'
continued Steve Grady. 'Status, and particularly commercial manager John
Duckworth, played a major part in helping us achieve all the necessary
product and installation specifications. Without them we probably would
not have come so far so fast.'
With the showroom and refurbished factory now in place, the Window Factory
is now looking to develop skills in roofline, and is working with Status'
sister company to establish itself as an approved PERC installer for the
Deeplas range of building products.
Status Systems Tel: 01457875731
Email: sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: www.status-systems.co.uk
Bombay
Sapphire Student Design Competition Winner
Anna Pickering, a graduate in Three Dimensional Design at Manchester Metropolitan
University, recently scooped the £2,000 first prize in the final
of the Bombay Sapphire Martini Glass Design Competition for students.
Anna's
elegant pearlised glass with its own matching aqua blue tray was the clear
winner, outstripping competition from over 70 other student glass entries
from all over the UK. The design brief to students was to create a martini
glass and drinking accessory inspired by the distinctive blue Bombay Sapphire
bottle.
The competition was run by The Bombay Sapphire Foundation, which was established
last year with the aim of supporting and rewarding the use of glass in
contemporary design. The final judging panel included international designer
Tom Dixon, world renowned bartender Dick Bradsell and glass connoisseur
Dan Klein.
The winner Anna Pickering described the inspiration for her winning design
'I tried to capture the hint of the exotic in the Bombay Sapphire bottle.
My glass echoes balmy breezes, whispers and echoes. Its simple form contrasts
with the detail on the aqua blue tray, which adds warmth and uses the
properties of glass to create layers of blue and white colours.'
Competition judge and Bombay Sapphire Foundation Member Dan Klein commented
on Anna's glass 'This simple and elegant design combines innovative glass
technology with an attractive and colourful solution to reflect the Bombay
Sapphire inspiration. Moreover the glass is a delight to hold and will
enhance the martini experience.'
Manchester Metropolitan University was also awarded £1,000 in recognition
of Anna's success. The two runner-up students who were awarded £500
each were Nadia Bowie from the University of Central Lancashire and Naomi
Hart from the University of Sunderland.
Bombay Sapphire Marketing Manager Sharon Reid comments, 'We are delighted
to have the opportunity to encourage emerging designers in the use of
glass.
'High profile professional designers have for several years been creating
their versions of the ultimate martini glass for Bombay Sapphire which
have been widely used in global advertising campaigns.
'A student martini glass design competition is therefore a natural extension
to this activity and also suppolts our wider aim of rewarding excellence
in contemporary glass design.'
Contact: Angela Oakes
Tel: 0207 224 0994
Email: mailto:foundation@bombaysapphire.org
Web: http://www.bombaysapphire.com
Synseal
creates new Product Display Area
'Glassex Comes to Synseal!', says the PVC-U systems company, having created
a new Product Display Area within the head office facility that the company
acquired last September. Incorporating three conservatories, all at different
stages of installation, there are also hand samples available for products
like the frame to eave turnbuckle fixing.
Another feature of the display area is the Window Zone, where customers
can see for themselves the Shield window and door systems, all fitted
with Shield branded hardware.
Sales and Marketing Director Nick Dutton comments: 'Our new Product Display
Area clearly demonstrates not only the aesthetic benefits of the industry’s
only true complete conservatory system, but also how the product is installed
in record-breaking time.'
Tel: 01623 443200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Oakbay
Rises Fighting From the Bunker
An old Second World War bunker which until recently housed a training
range for police firearms, is now the home for a new start Status fabricator
Oakbay Windows. Director Frank Loughlin has completely renovated the semi-subterranean
space to create a state of the art window fabrication unit that went into
operation this spring.
The
12,000 square foot premises held great potential, including a large tract
of land that will eventually hold one of the biggest conservatory showrooms
in the area. The land itself opens onto a busy thoroughfare, ensuring
a steady flow of passing traffic.
'Seeing the factory jump from paper to reality was a fantastic buzz,'
said Oakby director Frank Loughlin. 'And to hear the machines churning
out more and more windows every week is truly the best music ever. The
renovation was exceptionally hard work - at times we were literally on
our hands and knees scrubbing to get the place finished. The sense of
achievement when I look at what we have created today is worth every drop
of sweat.'
The fabricator worked closely with Status to develop the factory layout
and production plans. The two companies shared a common vision for the
future, based on achieving high levels of professionalism and profit.
'We know it would probably have been easier to have gone into a brand
spanking new building where everything is purpose built for manufacturing,
but the sums showed how expensive this option was, both in the short and
long term,' continued Frank. 'Our calculations reflected what we wanted
to concentrate on - putting investments in the quality of production and
service rather than the four walls that surrounded us. As it turns out
we have a gem of a building that has intrinsic human interest value and
fantastic potential.'
Tel: 01457875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www:status-systems.co.uk
Malbern
Windows – Making the Change to Eurocell
Based just off the new M60 Manchester Ring Road in Denton, Malbern Windows
is ideally situated to supply retail and trade customers from its site.
Stuart Kenyon, Wayne Clarke and Paul Thackeray originally set up Droylsden
Glass Ltd in 1981 as a uPVC window installer. The trigger point came when
they reached 20 frames a week. The Directors were frustrated by the lack
of a reliable frame supplier and decided to start fabricating their own
windows.
Stuart,
Wayne and Paul bought a dilapidated unit on the present Malbern site and
six months later in March 1983, with a habitable building, they set up
Malbern uPVC Windows & Doors Limited as Joint Managing Directors.
Paul Thackeray continued to run Droylsden Glass as Managing Director and
the company is still a part of the Group.
Towards the end of last year Malbern was faced with a huge decision to
make. Its existing profile supplier who it had been with for almost twenty
years was not maintaining the service levels or inward investment, which
the Directors felt it ought to. After much deliberation it was decided
that for Malbern to remain competitive and if it wanted to grow in the
future it needed to change profile supplier.
A wish list was compiled – Malbern needed a supplier who was willing
to deliver up to three times per week to satisfy their current fabrication
needs – with the capacity to deliver every day in the not too distant
future. The company which it would eventually choose had to be 'forward
thinking, dynamic and proactive.' After all they were making a huge decision
and it had to be right, not only for their peace of mind, but with the
company’s best interests paramount. Malbern also required a window,
which it could offer to a number of different market sectors which the
company wanted to target– including new-build. The company required
in effect a full suite to enable the manufacture of windows, doors, patios
and conservatories to the trade and retail.
Being a large company, Malbern made contact with five other profile suppliers,
Eurocell were one of the companies in question. After visiting Eurocell’s
site just of the M1 in Alfreton, Derbyshire – Malbern was sold. Eurocell’s
investment in a new £6m distribution centre, it’s extrusion
factories, quality of the products and support infrastructure were something
that could not be ignored.
Tel: 01773 842100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Building
on Rok's firm foundation
An improved performance by conservatory specialist Spaceage has helped
its parent company Rok property solutions plc to record rises in turnover,
which was up 20% to £66.8m (2001: £55.5m) and pre tax profits,
up 47% to £1.8m (2001: £1.2m).
Commenting on the results, which were in line with market expectations,
Rok chairman Bob Carlton-Porter said Spaceage’s performance was better
in the first half of this year than in the same period last year and followed
a radical overhaul of the company’s image.
'In the first quarter, we began the implementation of the changes determined
by a strategic review,' he said. 'As well as the new look, these will
include our production facilities moving to new premises in Poole early
in 2003, with roof production capacity doubled to match the efforts of
an already enhanced sales force.
'The existing premises will then be rationalised and sold. With the planned
management changes implemented, we expect the business to be in a good
position for us to capitalise on our position'.
As well as announcing its results, Rok revealed the proposed acquisition
of the privately owned construction group Llewellyn in the South East
enabling it to offer property solutions further afield.
MPH
Windows- The Next Generation
Preston-based company - MPH Windows has appointed Russell Milburn as its'
new Managing Director. His father Harold Milburn handed over the keys
to his son recently, after a career spanning 33 years with MPH Windows.
Harold Milburn founded the company in 1969 jointly with John Platt and
Bert Higginbottom.
Russell
said 'This is an exciting opportunity for me and indeed everyone at MPH
Windows. We have some new and exciting pians, which will lead to an increase
in the workforce and be of significant benefit to the local community.
The people of Lancashire have been of great support to MPH Windows over
the years and as we seek to expand the business we look forward to the
future with confidence and a continued mutual success story'.
Retiring Managing Director Harold Milburn said 'I am pleased to be handing
over the reins of a company in excellent shape - with a firstclass workforce
and a top-quality product range of uPVC windows, doors, patios and conservatories.
MPH Windows is continuing to train and develop its staff, and increasing
its market share, so the future's looking good.'
Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk
Newly-appointed managing director of MPH Windows,
Russell Milburn receives the keys to MPH Windows from the company founder
Harold Milburn.
Glass
UK Introduces 10-Year Guarantee
Glass UK, the UK manufacturer of cast laminated glass and oversize double-glazed
units, has doubled its guarantee on double glazed units to 10 years, following
investment in the very latest manufacturing technology. The company has
purchased a state-of-the-art two-part silicone machine, which provides
a structural silicone seal for double glazed units, using silicone supplied
by Dow Corning.
'Normal silicone takes several days to cure in a single part process.
The two part process cures the silicone within two hours to provide a
far stronger bond,' says Neil Sharda, Glass UK's Production Manager. 'This
is specifically designed for bolted glass systems on facades or external
envelope applications. The two-part process provides our customers with
a far better life expectancy, decreasing costs on maintenance,' he concludes.
Alcoa
to build New Smelter in Eastern Iceland
Alcoa Inc. has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government
of Iceland and Landsvirkjun, Iceland's national power company, formalising
their cooperation on a 295,000-metric-ton-per-year, low-emission aluminum
smelter to be built in eastern Iceland. The MOU was signed in Reykjavik,
Iceland.
The parties began working on this project under a Joint Action Plan, which
began on April 19, 2002, and was extended through to July 19.
Under the new MOU, Landsvirkjun will begin development of a 500-megawatt
hydropower facility in eastern Iceland, and Alcoa will complete environmental
and engineering studies of the smelter near Reydarfjordur in eastern Iceland.
The MOU also encompasses a harbor facility at Mjoeyri as well as related
infrastructure improvements in eastern Iceland.
Upon completion, the project would represent one of the largest private-sector
investments in Iceland's history and one of the cleanest aluminum production
facilities in the world. This sustainable development project is designed
to create hundreds of new, permanent jobs in eastern Iceland helping to
put the economy there on a more solid foundation. A stronger economy in
the region will allow for improvements in transportation, education, healthcare
and culture.
As the process continues, Alcoa will work to meet the company's high standards
for sustainable development.
CGI
International on the Ball
Specialist fire glass manufacturer CGI International players acquitted
themselves well at the GGF’s London and South East Golf Society Tournament
held at the Finchley Golf Club in July.
The Annual Society Day Tournament, founded in 1980 by Albert Mitchell,
who at that time was md of Shepherd Tobias, (later bought by Pilkingtons),
was organised by GGF Regional Secretary Peter Stuttard, with 34 players
taking part.
Tom Ritchie CGII’s Chief Executive received a box of golf balls for
firing a ball closest to the pin, and John Brown CGII’s Senior Salesman
won the Albert Mitchell Trophy for the second time in the Veterans Tournament
for the over 55s.
Albert Mitchell, (now retired but still going strong) was a popular and
active figure in the glass industry, who held the position as Chairman
of the National Executive of the GGF for many years, first presented the
Veterans Trophy in 1991.
Other trophy winners. The Makrolon Shield (best pairs greensome) Peter
& Gary Hemming. Pilkington Cup (best individual stableford score)
Gary Hemming. Longest drive, Peter Hemming.
A celebration dinner in the clubhouse followed the competition. Next years
event will take place at the same venue on Wednesday 16 July 2003.
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
lnvestment
Lightens the Load at Howarth
Investment in a bespoke top of the range combi lift truck at Howarth Windows
and Doors has lightened the load for the men and women working at the
New Holland factory.
No longer do they need to struggle with awkward loads, as the new truck
converts from a reach truck to a sideloader in a matter of minutes, and
is capable of handling a range of materials including glass and timber.
In addition to the new combi lift truck, Howarth has made a significant
investment in other new machinery including a Stegherr notcher for producing
tailor-made decorative bars and specialised spiral cutters to create a
superior quality frame finish.
'The investment comes at a time when an increasing number of people are
opting for timber windows, not simply for aesthetic reasons but also because
of their proven performance', the company says.
Howarth Windows and Doors is a division of the Howarth Timber Group, which
has been established for over 160 years. The group provides services including
timber importing, timber engineering and merchanting across the UK.
Jack
Charlton Checks Out Hurst's Latest 'Signings'
Football legend Jack Charlton scored with employees of Hurst Plastics
when he visited the company's Hull site to hand over the keys for a new
fleet of delivery vehicles.
Big
Jack Charlton is pictured presenting the keys for the eight new Ford Iveco
vans to Hurst Polymer Door Production Manager Phil Orr
Hurst Plastics Ltd, the UK manufacturer of PVCu door panels, has signed
up Big ]ack to star in a series of advertisements and special promotions
throughout the coming year.
Hurst has acquired the new fleet to bring the majority of its customer
deliveries in-house, which will further enhance the company's delivery
times of just three to five days on door panels, anywhere in the UK. The
vans are finished in a highly-visible and striking livery which features
a full colour montage of the Hurst product line up.
The fleet will be kept busy making deliveries across the company's product
range - covering everything from Hurst's 34 main panel ranges, through
to the new polymer door models, internal doors, conservatory panel ranges
and numerous GRP products.
Tel: 01482 789000
Email: mailto:info@hurst-plastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.co.uk