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Conservative optimism for the European fenestration market

Economic optimism of the European fenestration industry for the year 2003 is subdued. The negative trend came to an end in 2002 and the market is forecast to grow slightly by 0.9% in 2003, The 320,000 persons working in the European window, door and curtain walling industry achieved sales of 38.5 billion Euro each in 2001 and 2002 respectively. The market was worth 100.50 million window units (WU) per year. Main contributors to this positive outlook are the Central European candidate countries.

When taking stock of the four years following the foundation of EuroWindoor, the European stakeholder of the fenestration industry in Munich, Mr. Alfons Schneider, the president of EuroWindoor presented an encouraging report:

'The European fenestration industry has gone through difficult times; particularly its major player, the German market, has been on the decline as long as since 1995. This makes it all the more important to push ahead the opening and liberalisation of the European market, which has been on EuroWindoor's agenda since it was established in 1999. Fighting the red tape of the European administration to speed up the establishment of the CE mark and removing barriers to trade, is a long and laborious undertaking. However, we are moving ahead and are optimistic that there will be a breakthrough this year.'

EuroWindoor was founded four years ago in Munich at BAU 1999, to give the material-specific European fenestration federations FAECF (aluminium), FEMIB (wood) and EPW (PVC) a common political voice. From the outset, EuroWindoor promoted the elimination of national barriers to trade in the European market under the motto of 'One test for one Europe'. The strong commitment of EuroWindoor to the harmonisation of European fenestration standards substantially accelerated the adoption process of the European product standards for windows, doors and curtain walling that are now awaiting final approval in Brussels. Entry into force of these standards is prerequisite for legal declaration of conformity with the CE-mark. The CE-mark attests conformity of a product with the relevant standards and compares to a European passport for unrestricted trade of this product.

'The standards, however, will not restrict the wide variety of the European window and curtain walling designs', says EuroWindoor. 'Harmonised European standards will continue to provide for national window characteristics, be it the tilt-and-turn windows in Germany, casement windows in France, sliding windows in Spain or outward-opening windows in Scandinavia. And the same applies to the different preferences of the European countries for window frame materials. Wood windows are predominant in the Balkan States, Scandinavia and the Central European candidate countries, PVC dominates in Germany and on the British Isles, whereas aluminium is the frame material of choice in Italy and Iberia.

Another major issue covered by EuroWindoor since its inception is market globalisation. Cooperation agreements with leading partner organisations on almost all continents have been concluded. Activities include sharing of market information, information on the relevant political environment as well as the 'export' of European production standards and the promotion of quality criteria. Of particular importance is China, the largest single market in terms of population. Cooperation with this country has been especially fruitful over the past years. A large-scale study tour organised for European entrepreneurs to China in September 2002 represents another step forward in this process. The success of this cooperation is signalled by the opening of a EuroWindoor representation in Beijing.

'Once the CE-mark has been successfully established in Europe, we will address the introduction of a uniform quality standard to the European market. This undertaking does not require any governmental support, but the support of the associations and of the national market players. Only then will it be possible for consumers to compare products on an objective basis, independent of the price.'

http://www.window.de

sdea to forge new links in Europe

At an Extraordinary General Meeting, sdea members voted unanimously to step up its promotional activities within Europe. The meeting also approved a proposal to accept European Union shopfittings and display companies as members of the Shop and Display Equipment Association.

sdea believes that this decision will help promote members' interests and increase their business. Gerry Griffiths, managing director of London Visual and chairman of the overseas sub-committee
said at the meeting, 'in the first instance the move will help raise much needed finance to further develop membership services, it will open up a network of retailers serving a 550 million strong market and enable working partnerships to be created with shopfittings and display suppliers in the EU. Finally it will establish sdea as a truly pan European trade organisation.

Promotional activities will begin immediately with a mailing of the latest sdea Directory to over 1000 European retailers. A colour flyer promoting the benefits of membership will be produced and distributed to a database of its European Union counterparts.

Lawrence Cutler, director of sdea says, "I am delighted to see sdea taking more proactive steps overseas. Talks have been underway for some time now and it is great to have reachcd this point and have the wholehearted support of our members in doing so. The move broadens our market from 58 million to 550 million. It can only be good for all concerned.

sdea produces a Directory, hosts www.sdea.com and operates Infoline, a telephone information service to help retailers source particular products, services and suppliers. It also offers a package of sales leads, savings and services to help members increase their sales, cut their business costs and keep up-to-date with the latest industry developments.

Glassex becomes ConservatoryEx as 50 conservatory companies sign up

With over 50 companies representing every aspect of conservatory design, build and sales appearing at this year's event, Glassex 2003 will provide conservatory fabricators and installers with all they need to know about the latest trends. This year's Glassex offers conservatory companies perhaps the biggest ever choice of related products and services that has ever been seen in the UK under one roof.

Big name brands will sit alongside newer names at the event, all of them eager to promote new developments that aim to give conservatory companies the maximum advantage in an ever-burgeoning industry that should grow by a further 10% this year. The conservatory roof system giants will be well represented at the event with major stands. Wendland - returning to Glassex after a two-year sabbatical - says it is returning 'leaner, fitter and ready for action' and will showcase the benefits of the new Styal roof system, plus new glazing solutions designed to improve thermal and acoustic performance.

K2 Conservatory Roof Systems will make its 4th consecutive appearance at the event with a striking double-decker stand to promote its new low pitch roof system, branded as 'L2 in a Pack', as well as using Glassex as a launch pad for its new Commercial Division, plus another major product that remains a secret until the show opens on 23rd March.

Quantal will promote 'The Quantal Difference' with developments in its approved fabricator and approved installer networks business packages, together with some innovative product enhancements, whilst Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems - a company launched just 3 years ago - will use its stand to promote the fast-fit qualities of its system with a visit from TV's Tiff Needell, presenter of the Channel 5 TV programme Fifth Gear.Eurocell Profiles, hosting its largest Glassex stand to date, will be showing customers the new Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing System. Other conservatory roof systems manufacturers at the event include Newdawn & Sun, Roof 2000, Versatile and BDG Group.

Newcomers to Glassex who will widen the portfolio of conservatory products still further include PVCu window, door and conservatory brand James Harcourt who will unveil innovations such as a new online presence - featuring a consumer-friendly instant price guide - and a special conservatory sales support pack. Another Glassex debut exhibitor is Polyroof Products, a leading producer of fibreglass roofing systems. The company offers a simulated lead roll system for conservatory roofs as an alternative to polycarbonate, something the company says is proving popular with owners of period buildings.

A good visit for installers will be the Castle Cement stand, where the company - a Glassex first-timer - will introduce Optiroc lightweight aggregate, a new insulation fill that replaces both hardcore and insulation below the ground floor slab and claims to reduce installation time, improving profit margins. Those looking for innovative hardware solutions should look out for another Glassex newcomer, Teleflex Morse, a supplier of manual and electronic opening window operating systems. Other big-name hardware manufacturers will include Mila, Laird Security Hardware, FUHR and Winlock.

Meanwhile, conservatory software will be represented by companies such as Rapid Prototyping Systems, Windowlink, Business Micros and First Degree Systems, Caliburn, Clear Thinking Software and others, all of which have conservatory design and sales software to present to Glassex visitors. However, perhaps one of the most intriguing trends to be portrayed at the show will be the first appearance of several hardwood conservatory manufacturers, including Sunset National Conservatories and Hampton Conservatories.

With many more innovations to be introduced to the conservatory sector from companies such as polycarbonate manufacturer Brett Martin, under-floor heating supplier Devi Electro Heat Ltd, ventilation experts Duco and Comfyair and door manufacturers Patiomaster, Sunflex and Benchmark amongst others, Glassex 2003 will be the only UK show this year to deliver the best variety of conservatory products currently on the market.

Consolidation in UK partitioning market as H L Smith Construction Ltd acquires Unilock brands

Two of the best-known names in architectural partitioning systems for commercial buildings - Optima and Unilock - have come under the same ownership, following the acquisition of the assets of Unilock Limited by H L Smith Construction Ltd.

The move is seen as bringing together two brands with largely complementary products and market strengths. 'Bringing together the Optima and Unilock brands gives us a much bigger critical mass in the UK partitioning market, and will give our customers more choice' says Bob Morse, chairman of High Wycombe-based H L Smith.'Unilock is probably the biggest brand name in the UK partitioning market, and includes the 'Mistral' and 'Signature' partitioning systems. Bringing Unilock and Optima together gives architects and designers access to a very broad product portfolio from a single source,'he continues 'There's a full range of glass, steel and composite partitioning products for all types of project, from the most prestigious corporate headquarters to more modest office premises. By combining Optima's strength in London and the South East with Unilock's well-established market presence across the UK we will be able to support customers on a truly national scale.'

Ongoing support and after-sales service for Unilock customers outside London and the Home Counties will be provided through a network of regional dealers. Production of the Unilock product range will be transferred from Unilock's Hastings site to the H L Smith manufacturing facility at Radstock, near Bath. H L Smith has acquired the assets of Unilock Limited, in the form of the name, products, rights to manufacture and current contracts. Sales and administration functions will be transferred to the H L Smith headquarters in High Wycombe. H L Smith Construction Limited has annual sales of around £50 million and employs 400 people. Its businesses cover partitioning, architectural glass, and refurbishment. H L Smith Group trading styles include Optima Partitioning Systems, Optima Products, Optima Architectural Glass, Cirus and Curtsons. Group head office is in High Wycombe, with a manufacturing and distribution centre in Radstock near Bath.

www.hlsgroup.com
www.rsagroup.com

Blindcraft switches to Sheerframe in Delivery and Support Issue

The switch by Edinburgh based windowmakers, Blindcraft, to LB Plastics' Sheerframe system has been matched by a £150K investment in new equipment to increase manufacturing efficiency at their Edinburgh factory.

Blindcraft, which has a two-hundred year pedigree in bedmaking in the city, has been producing PVC windows for Edinburgh Council for 3 years, but had become increasingly frustrated with the problem of delivery and support from its former window systems supplier. 'We had originally short-listed LB when we first set up in window manufacture so had no hesitation in approaching them when we realised that our chosen supplier was unable to meet our service expectations,' says Bob McManus, of Blindcraft.

Now, using the Sheerframe co-extruded 7000 system, the sheltered workshop plans to expand both the range of products it makes and the markets it serves. Traditionally viewed as Edinburgh's tilt - turn window supplier, Blindcraft now includes reversibles, casements and even vertically sliding sash windows in its portfolio, and is targeting supply-only sales to other Local authorities, housing associations and trade suppliers.

'We have produced a retail style brochure to promote our services to the private sector and will start by approaching the council's 17,000 employees in the city. Whilst many of the people who work within the factory are visually impaired, the quality of the windows we produce is second to none,' says Bob McManus, who also praised LB Plastics for the quality of the training and technical support it had provided during the systems changeover and in setting up the new machinery.

Rise in Demand for Portal Frame Software

To complement the growing number of conservatory system suppliers already using PMR-3D, conservatory manufacturing software, PST has put all of its development and engineering expertise into attracting portal frame companies. Many conservatories are now exceeding spans achievable by using standard or even heavy duty roofing profiles. As a result additional support must be provided. This is where bocad-3d steps in.

'Using a library of box sections and standard connections such as base plates, eaves, crown connections, purlin cleats, ridge apex and faceted ends a complex project can be designed quickly. Importing a conservatory designed in PMR-3D, means further checking can be performed to avoid expensive mistakes on site. This is the true potential of a CAD system.' claims Neil Travers, Managing Director at PST.

Portal frame companies already using bocad-3d to design and manufacture portal frames include Ableforms, K2, Plastic Stockholders and UltraSpan.
'there are many more companies supplying both portal frames and conservatories not just in the UK but worldwide. We can clearly provide definite benefits to those wanting to span larger distances.' says Neil.

Tel: 0114 221 7070
Email: mailto:info@pstonline.co.uk

Pilkington has Brilliant Vision for Millennium Plaza

Pilkington Insulight Therm Insulating Glazing Units, incorporating Pilkington Suncool High Performance (HP) Brilliant, were specified for a £25 million leisure complex - adjacent to Cardiff's stunning Millennium Stadium.

750 square metres of this energy-friendly coated glass supplied by Pilkington Plyglass - a branch of Pilkington Processing and Merchanting UK - was applied to the exterior of Millennium Plaza development, which includes a cinema, health club, swimming pool, bars and restaurants.

Installed by framemaker, Exterior Profiles, as part of a structural glazing system, Pilkington Suncool HP Brilliant was specified for the project for its energy management benefits and the flexibility it retains at the design stage.

In practice, the capacity of Pilkington Suncool to control light and heat - reflected in its 2:1 (66/34) ratio of transmitted light to heat - not only reduces energy consumption but also helps keep occupants cool in summer and warm in winter.

Rick Whale of Exterior Profiles comments: 'The use of the Pilkington glass on the Plaza development seemed only a natural extension, as this type of glazing had already been applied to the adjacent Millennium Stadium.'

Pilkington Suncool HP Brilliant is an off-line coated glass created specifically for use in insulating units and part of Pilkington's Energy Management range.

Pilkington Processing and Merchanting UK is the specialist business of Pilkington UK, merchanting bulk glass and processed bespoke products for the industry.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Project Odyssey - Andersen Explores the Window as an Interface

Humans have been fascinated with the magic of windows for thousands of years. Since the Romans made the first translucent glass panes in the first century A.D., windows have earned their place in structures around the world – from magnificent cathedrals to simple pioneer homes.

Through the centuries, windows were the home’s main interface with the outside world – bringing light, air, and even information. While windows remain a vital component of the home, today’s homeowners often don’t use them as intended. They block out natural light with blinds or curtains, relying instead on track lighting and lamps. They arrange furniture around computers and entertainment systems, turning their backs to the outdoors. They use HVAC systems to control the climate inside the home year-round, keeping windows and doors shut.

But according to Andersen Windows, Inc., the idea of the window as an interface isn’t necessarily outdated. Together with industry experts and leading design and research firms, Andersen spearheaded 'Project Odyssey' to envision the home of the future and examine the role that windows play in people’s lives. The process yielded a simple, yet surprising vision for the home of tomorrow – that it may look a lot more like the home of the past than the home of today.

The Journey Begins
Project Odyssey wasn’t born in an executive boardroom. Its genesis was a conversation between Andersen and a leading design team that had recently completed a 'house of the future' project. As the two parties talked, it became obvious that many of the processes used to envision the house of tomorrow could also be used to investigate the future role of the window.

Andersen embarked upon a journey that became known as Project Odyssey. The goals were straightforward -- to understand how technological and behavioral trends relate to the window’s role as interface for the home, and apply the knowledge gained to the company’s research and development efforts.

Process and Discovery
Working with an international team of researchers, designers and other experts, Andersen engaged in a series of research projects to uncover the anthropology of the home - what people want in their homes and what their homes represent to them - as well as which existing and new technologies could be applied to the window as an interface to benefit the home. By identifying where these technologies and behavioural factors converge, the Andersen team developed dozens of product scenarios.

Throughout a three-year process, Andersen hosted 'immersion sessions' to generate feedback from a wide variety of audiences - contractors, architects, consumers, suppliers, designers, manufacturers, retailers, and building industry experts. Participants were immersed in various product and lifestyle scenarios, providing pragmatic as well as imaginative advice to Andersen’s team.

The Results
Through Project Odyssey, Andersen discovered that homes of tomorrow may resemble homes of the past in many ways. New technologies that are rapidly becoming a part of everyday life might be incorporated into window design - allowing homeowners to free themselves of much of the clutter and complexity filling the home today and once again rely upon the window as the interface for light, air, information and security.

A few of the innovative concepts Andersen has explored through Project Odyssey include an 'invisible' insect screen, a micro-ventilation window, and a number of multimedia windows – all of which the company plans to demonstrate in its exhibit (booth #5065) at the 2003 International Builders’ Show in Las Vegas.

Next-Generation Screen Concept
Dubbed 'the invisible insect screen', the 'ClearSite' next-generation insect screen would allow for a much clearer view of the outdoors and increased kerb appeal. Made with a unique, patent-pending technology designed to manage light transmission and reflection for better views of the outdoors, the new insect screen also improves performance by increasing the amount of air and light entering the home while preventing even tiny insects from passing through.

Micro-Ventilation Window Concept
The 'AirWays' micro-ventilation window would allow the window to establish airflow and achieve desired environmental conditions without compromising security in the home. Through integrated vents in the interior and exterior frame of the window, air exchange could occur to supplement a home’s HVAC system.

Multi-Media Window Concepts
Imagine using the kitchen window to download recipes, watch television, listen to music or even turn on the air conditioning. The 'SlideAway' media window concept features an embedded, touch-screen computer that slides into a pocket in the window frame when not in use.

The 'ViewPoint' media window concept is a bay window that doubles as a home entertainment centre. Upon command, the centre panel of the window switches from clear to opaque glass to block outside light and allow it to be used as a projection screen for watching television or recorded movies. The flanking casement windows serve as speakers to complete the multi-media experience.

Tel: 1-800-426-4261, ext. 1232
Web: http://www.andersenwindows.com

Deceuninck Group sells Recycling Subsidiary

The Deceuninck Group closed down the operations of its subsidiary Deceuninck Recycling on 28th February 2003. A buyer for the machines and customer database has been found. A restructuring programme has been worked out for the eight staff members. The group, however, will continue its PVC recycling activity, essentially carried out at the Hooglede-Gits plant.

In 1989, Deceuninck took over Rhéo S.A., a company that belonged to the group comprised of Belgium's Fabrique Nationale (FN) and Generale Maatschappij. In December 1992, the company was renamed Deceuninck Recycling. The new name was more in keeping with the company's core activity, namely the recycling of plastic residues (mainly non-PVC plastics) into posts and planks used in the manufacturing of town and park furniture.

In 2001, the Andenne-based subsidiary achieved sales of Euro 0.69 million, compared with Euro 0.71 million in 2000. The fall in sales and results below par were chiefly attributable to a sharp decline in the number of investment programmes by the Belgian authorities. The fact that Deceuninck Recycling was unable to achieve its projected objectives over the last two years prompted the decision to discontinue its operations.

Deceuninck has for a number of years specialised in the recycling of PVC residue from its own extrusion operations, in addition to purchasing recycled PVC from third parties. The recycled materials are extruded into profiles that are subsequently covered with decorative foil. This activity, mainly carried out at the Hooglede-Gits plant, will be maintained.

Web: http://www.deceuninck.com

MPH Windows Builds on its Reputation

House-building company George Wimpey PLC has a major contract with MPH Windows of Preston, as its main supplier of windows to the company's housing developments in the North West. The contract is ongoing and has just achieved its' 5th anniversary.

MPH Windows' Contracts Manager, Mark Yates said: 'At MPH Windows our product development strategy; and ongoing, exceptionally high service standards, has provided the ideal solution for the house construction building industry. We meet all accreditation requirements, guarantee first-class workmanship and being a local company we can respond quickly to fulfil our customers expectations. A combination of consistent performance, unquestionable value for money, consultation and customer-focused approach has led to George Wimpey PLC's decision to choose MPH Windows resulting in a mutually beneficial and successful partnership. At MPH Windows we treat your house as your home'.

Derek Harper, George Wimpey Plc's Site Manager at the Hutton development said: 'We have a healthy and friendly relationship with MPH Windows. As our requirements change they are reactive to the new specification and flexible to our demands. Whether it's a matter of planning or programming; communication or control; organisation or Health & Safety Issues, I am pleased that we chose MPH Windows. There is a great opportunity for future co-operation and growth in years to come as George Wimpey Plc continues to expand in the North West'.

The Thomton Grange housing development at Hutton is situated south of the thriving Lancashire city and has a rural setting. It is home to a projected 80 housing units, which includes apartments, 2,500 sq. ft, 5-bedroom detached houses and the first phase of recently-completed mews housing.
Building commenced in September 2000 and is planned to finish in February 2004. Prices range from between £125,000 and £155,000 for apartments; £200,000 to£300,OOO for mews housing and up to £300,OOO for the detached accommodation.

Contact: Mark Yates
Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk

Chatfields Leeds the Clear Choice for Nova Windows

LDV main dealer, Chatfields of Leeds has secured an order to supply local windows and conservatories company, Nova Windows Limited with four LDV Convoy Hi-loaders and two LDV drop-sides worth over £108,000 at showroom prices.

With Nova's recent move to a larger manufacturing premises in Gildersome came the need for investment in a new fleet of vehicles. This is the first time that Nova Windows has considered the LDV range and has so far been impressed with the range. The Hi-loaders come complete with external glass frail, roof bars and a side load door for easier access.

Richard Howells, Nova Windows managing director is fully supportive of LDV. He said: 'LDV vans, already a popular choice within the home-improvement industry came highly recommended. The Convoy Hi-loader range suited our business needs and Chatfields professionalism and exceptional service steered our decision to place the order. No doubt in the future we will be replacing our fieet to LDV.'

Richard Lockwood, Chatfields of Leeds van sales specialist said: 'This is the beginning of an exciting partnership with Nova and we will endeavour to continually supply them with the best possible deal and after-sales service.'

Chatfields of Leeds has been trading for 36 years and employs over 100 members of staff. Part of the C D Bramall Motor group, the dealership supplies both new and used vehicles, offers a 24-hour workshop, parts department, parts delivery service, courtesy vehicles, breakdown recovery service and LDV's fast-fit facility, VANfit.

LDV produces a wide range of panel vans and their derivatives in Europe as well as automotive pressings. The company markets two van product ranges, the Pilot and the Convoy.
Tel: 0121-322 2000

Web: http://www.Idv.co.uk

New Factory Provides Local Business with Window of Opportunity

Local PVCu window and door installer Andy Whitelaw Joinery (AWJ) celebrated the opening of a new production facility on Friday 23rd January.

The factory on Hopper Hill Road is the result of a £500,000 investment in the business and represents the company's long-term goal of continuous expansion - in terms of premises, equipment and people.

Scarborough Mayoress Sheila Kettlewell attended the official opening and unveiled a commemorative plaque to mark the occasion.

Commenting on the event, managing director Andy Whitelaw said: 'The PVCu window and door industry is performing extremely well at present. However, customers are becoming increasingly discerning and only those businesses that can demonstrate their commitment to providing quality products and service will succeed.

'We recently secured exclusive rights to offer the prestigious James Harcourt product range to customers in the Scarborough area. These products, coupled with our new factory represent our commitment to exceeding those expectations.'

Andy Whitelaw Joinery's new 840m2 complex specialises in the assembly of sealed glass units, for use in a variety of industrial and domestic applications. It houses state-of-the-art technology and builds on the business's existing capacity at its Durham Street headquarters - which has been in operation for seven years.

Tel: 0121 236 8458

Eurocell Building Plastics Expand Further Into Ireland

The existing Eurocell Building Plastics Irish Trade centre at Sligo has now been joined by Dublin, showing evidence that the network is nationwide and Ireland is an integral part of the plan. The 5,000 sq ft centre on the Robin Hood Business Park will increase the total number of centres in the UK and Ireland to over 48, with more planned to open later in 2003.

Offering both the new-build and replacement markets a range of PVCu building products, the Eurocell range includes Eurocell Roofline fascias, soffits together with windowsills, boards, trims, cladding, silicones, and tooling as well as 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.

'It is important that we have a strong presence in Ireland to serve the growing plastics market. Our network of centres have been a considerable success and Dublin should continue the same theme.' said David Salt, Eurocell Building Plastics.

Eurocell Dublin : 00353 14605 383
Eurocell Sligo : 00353 7169 464
Eurocell: 01773 842 100

Riding the Storm

Among the many problems winter months bring, a homeowner's worst nightmare is structural damage, and the physical and financial implications it brings with it. Not something The Wood family of Southampton had to worry about when high winds brought down the crown of an oak tree onto their Shepley conservatory.

Designed and installed by Hamble Home Security of Southampton, it's a testament to the strength and stability of the conservatory that it remained intact, bearing the full weight of the tree as it crashed down. Other buildings were not so lucky. The neighbour's garage had been demolished and the structural damage to the Woods' roof, soffits and fascias was huge.

Tony Dwyer-Parker MD later carried out a survey and found that every pane on the conservatory was untouched. Some roof spars had suffered slight distortion which could in the future affect the life expectancy of the roof so it was decided to replace it. But how amazing that the conservatory weathered the storms better than a house!

Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com

BIAT Courts Greatness at British Museum

BIAT held its Technological Innovation in Design and Construction Conference on 29th January.
The conference, opened by His Royal Highness The Duke of Gloucester KG GCVO and held in the Queen Elizabeth II Great Court, British Museum, discussed technological innovation in design and construction, with particular emphasis on IT; including CAD, virtual reality, ubiquitous computing, smart homes and document management.

The conference featured speakers from Buro Happold, the University of London and the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology.

Conference papers (on CD-Rom) are available from BIAT priced £25.00 plus VAT.

The event was sponsored by Art Systems, Graphisoft, Hodder Amold, IT Construction Best Practice Programme and Ventrolla.

Tel: 020 7278 2206
Email: mailto:hugh@biat.org.uk

Agreements With Labour And New York Power Authority Keep Alcoa Massena East Plant Operating

Alcoa Primary Metals announced that an agreement reached with the New York Power Authority (NYPA) as well as a joint labour-management restructuring effort will allow the Massena East Smelter to remain operating as part of Alcoa's long-term, low-cost production strategy.

'Managers and leadership of USW Local 450A worked constructively and creatively to apply Alcoa Business System tools to streamline our processes,' said Nelson Dube, Massena Smelting Operations Manager. 'But we also had to take a hard look at staffing. We recognise that the layoffs will hit the community hard, but they help preserve long-term employment here for hundreds of others. Once we addressed the long-term costs that are in our control, we worked with political leaders, economic development leaders, Massena local leadership, and NYPA representatives to tackle costs outside our immediate control. This solution, while painful, was far better than the alternative: a complete and immediate shutdown of Massena East. . As a result of these actions, this facility moves in a more secure position on the world-wide cost curve and is now more competitive within the Alcoa and global systems.'

The measures taken to improve the plant's viability are:
Restructuring of work processes and job requirements to streamline production, reduce costs and improve profitability;

Elimination of 110 hourly and salaried jobs at the East Plant that will allow the plant to stay competitive as a result of restructuring; and arrangement of a $7 million temporary economic incentive with the New York Power Authority that will significantly reduce the plant's operating costs in 2003

NYPA and Alcoa finalised a short-term agreement on a temporary economic incentive that recognises the current volatility of the aluminium market. The arrangement will provide relief to the East Plant in 2003 and further long-term supply discussions early next year. 'NYPA has been and continues to be an important business partner for the Massena facilities,' Dube said. 'NYPA recognised that Massena employees had already made great strides in improving our cost performance and profitability in areas we could control. They stepped forward and worked aggressively with us on an agreement that allows them to meet their obligations to the citizens of New York, while allowing Alcoa to continue to provide strong family wage jobs in the North Country.

'We have had to take a hard look at assets in the United States, where escalating energy and labour costs have made many of our smelters less globally competitive,' said Al Renken, president of Alcoa Primary Metals. 'Alcoa must actively manage its assets during weak economic conditions. We are encouraged by the innovation and cooperation shown by the plant leadership, union membership, the New York Power Authority and the plant's elected officials. Their collective effort to improve Massena East's long-term operating costs made the difference between shutting down and continuing to operate.

'This is outstanding news for the future of the East Plant,' said John Hicks, President of USWA Local 450A. 'While no one wants to see any jobs eliminated, the changes we are proposing together go a long way towards ensuring the long-term viability of this plant. This announcement is being made today because labour supports it and worked to see that it happened.' Aluminum Brick and Glassworkers International Union President Emeritus Ernie LaBaff praised the outcome saying, 'This is a positive outcome for the North Country. It is encouraging to see how problems can be solved when people come together with open minds.'

'We appreciate the remarkable coalition of federal, state and local leaders who have joined us to competitively position Massena East for the long-term,' Dube said. 'US Senators Charles Schumer and Hillary Clinton and Congressman John McHugh weighed in along with Governor George Pataki, State Senators Jim Wright and Ray Meier, Assembly members Chris Ortloff and Dede Scozzafava, Assemblyman-elect Darrell Aubertine, Massena Mayor Ken MacDonnell and others
.
'We will continue to work with our elected officials, NYPA, the Empire State Development Corporation and other state agencies to pursue other state programmes and long-term power measures that can further improve the plant's competitiveness in 2003 and beyond,' Dube added.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

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