Mike
Guerin (pictured right), Divisional Managing Director of Heywood Williams
Group plc, delivered an upbeat presentation to the lnstitute of Materials
PVC 2002 conference held in Brighton recently.Despite the widespread predictions of a static market and slow down in the PVCu sector, the presentation noted the real figures for 2001 showing market growth in all sectors - from entrance doors (the most disappointing, with 3% growth) to PVCu patio doors and conservatories, growing by an impressive 12%.
While market conditions (low interest rates and high consumer confidence) were acknowledged as a significant contribution, Mr Guerin was keen to point out that the manufacturers, with a continuing process of innovation and new product introduction are driving the market forward. Particular attention was drawn to success in new build and to the growth in business conducted with the public sector.
Although generally extremely positive, the presentation identified major challenges ahead: the need to continue the process of innovative product development was the first factor, with increasing pressure from the environmental lobby also discussed as a longer term issue needing attention. 'If we do nothing, then the market will decline.'
On the first topic Mr Guerin looked to the recent track record of the industry: 'I believe that the industry has in the past responded well and there is no reason why we cannot do so in the future.'
On the second issue he referred to the industry's own initiatives to stimulate the use of recycled material, predicting that industry-wide co-operation would produce the developments in material technology and logistics to produce the desired results in line with the European PVC industry Voluntary Commitment.
Mr Guerin also pointed to the strength of consumer demand for PVCu products - a testament to the ever increasing quality of the product and the effective marketing of its retailers. It was noted that this factor alone had greatly contributed to the growth in new build and public sector contracts. The presentation ended with the following summary:
'We need to face up to the challenge of:
1. Originating and designing new products
2. Finding new market opportunities
3. Responding to the environmental lobby
4. Generating a sustainable industry structure
We should, however, face these challenges in an optimistic frame of mind. We have been successful in the past. We will be in the future.'
Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
A
Smart Move
Smart Systems have recently been granted planning permission for new 160,000sq
ft buildings 400 yards from their existing premises. The Planned £10million
investment will see a huge increase in warehouse space, the introduction
of a paint plant, a thermal break line and a new training school.
The
larger warehousing will allow a wider range of products to be stocked
in even greater quantities.
The paint plant will enable a quicker turnaround on coloured jobs. The
new training school will include conferencing facilities and offer fabricators
small and large the opportunity to train with both traditional and modern
manufacturing methods. A new showroom will offer customers a good location
to experience the range of products that Smart Systems have to offer.
Commitment to people is a factor behind the success of Smart Systems'
parent company, the Aliplast Group. Recognition of the role of its employees
was a strong influence in the decision for Smart Systems to build new
premises close to its existing location in Yatton (North Somerset). As
Eddie Robinson, MD explains 'Smarts home in Yatton has served the company
well for many years. However, we are beginning to outgrow the space we
have. The new site in Yatton will enable us to appreciate the benefits
oflarger modern premises without losing the many years ofexpertise that
exist within the business '.
Tel: 01934 876100
Email: mailto:sales@smartsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.smartsystems.co.uk
BSI
Promotes new Windows Kitemark Scheme
BSI Promotes new Kitemark Scheme to Industry Professionals at Housing
2002 Conference and Exhibition
Location: Harrogate International Centre, Yorkshire, UK
Date: June 11-14 2002
Event website: http://cih-housing.co.uk
Location: Hall Q Stand 447
A window is only as good as its installer, and BSI has launched a new
Kitemark scheme to raise the standard of window installation. The Kitemark
Scheme will be promoted at Housing 2002, and complements a new industry
specification for fully-installed casement and tilt-and-turn Windows.
The specification, introduced by Lapfag - the Local Authority PVC Frame
Advisory Group, calls for windows to comply with BS7413, BS7412 and BS7950.
It pays particular attention to the Survey and Installation elements of
contracts and subsequently gives the client even more added value and
peace of mind.
In addition to this, contractors must have a quality management system
in place that is equivalent to ISO 9002. The Kitemark scheme covers all
of these aspects and it also covers the installation of the window.
The major feature of the Lapfag specification is that from the point of
the tender being received by the contractor until the final installation
of the window all aspects of the operation will be covered by truly independent
third party assessment and certification, like the Kitemark.
BSI provides a cost-effective testing and certification service for manufacturers
to demonstrate that their products are legal and fit for purpose. For
more information on how the Kitemark can help your organisation, please
visit the website: http://www.bsi-global.com
Tel: 01442 278 607
Email: mailto:product.services@bsi-global.com
Kyro’s
Tamglass Received Automotive Glass Machinery Orders Worth E11m
Tamglass Ltd, part of the Kyro Group, received orders for automotive glass
machinery at a combined value of EUR 11 million during May. As a result,
the order book for automotive glass machinery was at a record high in
May.
Tamglass will deliver nearly all the equipment for a Russian automotive
glass machinery factory, as well as individual automotive glass machines
mainly to European customers. The orders will be delivered during this
year.
In addition to delivering machinery to the automotive glass factory, Tamglass
will also be responsible for factory layout design. The delivery will
also include installation and maintenance services. The other deliveries
include mainly tempering lines for automotive glass.
The uncertainty in the world markets during 2001 affected Tamglass’s
business operations mainly regarding the demand for automotive glass machinery.
However, this demand picked up towards the end of the year and has continued
to be good during the year under review.
Tamglass, which is part of the safety glass technology business area of
the Kyro Group, claims to be the technology and market leader for safety
glass machinery. Tamglass has a total of 16 sales, production and maintenance
service units, and it has delivered a total of over 1,400 safety glass
production lines to approximately 70 countries.
Tel: 00358-3 3723111
Email: mailto:tamglass@tamglass.com
Web: http://www.tamglass.com
Williams
Double Glazing Moves to Larger Premises
Spectus Systems' fabricator and installer Williams Double Glazing has
moved to a new factory in order to cope with the demands on space that
the rapidly expanding business has made. Located in Greenock,the new factory
boasts around 12,000 sq ft and will house the company's equipment and
stock.
Managing
Director Raymond Williams comments, 'We are extremely excited about our
relocation which is testament to the big increase we have seen in sales
and the hard work of all those involved. We hope that this will give us
the impetus and motivation to expand further.'
Greenock-based Williams Double Glazing fabricates and installs doors,
windows and conservatories.
The company is twelve years old and has been manufacturing for the trade
and retail sectors for four years.
Williams Double Glazing has been working with Spectus since the company
began manufacturing in 1996 and fabricates a full range including the
Tilt & Turn Window. Following the move to the new factory, the company
has also started to fabricate Spectus' new Reversible Window and Vertical
Slider systems.
This new move will mean an increase in production for Williams Double
Glazing and will create openings for new employment within the company.
Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.spectussystems.com
BCE
is introducing a series of promotional offers
PVC-UE roofline company, BCE, is introducing a series of promotional offers
for members of its Approved lnstaller Scheme. The special offers will
be available on a quarterly basis and will centre around specially negotiated
deals with organisations such as tool and scaffolding hire companies and
work wear suppliers.
'The aim of the offers are to give our Approved lnstallers extra business
benefits in addition to those already available through the scheme,' says
Brian Wallace, BCE's Head of Marketing. 'The scheme already offers its
members a variety of benefits including certification and marketing and
sales support plus product - this is just another reason why it is advantageous
for roofline installation companies to work together with us.'
For more information about the BCE lnstaller Scheme contact the BCE sales
office on
01724 281440.
Email: mailto:info@bcecellular.com
Web: http://www.bcecellular.com
MPM
Launches New House Builder Division
MPM Windows, window, door and conservatory fabricator, has launched a
new specialist house builder division aimed at offering small regional
house builders a product that will set their homes apart from the rest.
With
the housing market booming and following the introduction of a new range
of products, Suffolk based MPM Windows, part ofthe LH Group, believes
it is perfectly poised to offer the market a product and service it has
been demanding for years.
MPM Windows will be offering house builders its brand, M-Tec, based on
Rehau's new Tritec profile; on a supply only or supply and fit basis.
The system, which features silver gasketry, improved performance and high
performance security, is visibly different from most other PVCu systems,
making it a good choice of product for the house builder looking for something
that little bit special.
The traditional black and white and colour co-ordination of gaskets to
woodgrain profiles are also available; but it is the silver gaskets, which
provide a less obtrusive effect and eliminates the problem of algae formation
and discoloration often associated with white gaskets, that are proving
to be the success behind the new system.
The division will be headed up by Robert Hills who believes it is a system
and a service that house builders have been looking for.
'We believe regional house builders are fed up of traditional looking
white PVCu windows and are always looking for something that will set
their houses apart from the competition' states Robert, 'M-Tec offers
them exactly that, and as it is from Rehau, the quality is second to none.
Backed with the sales, service and support that MPM offers, it's a package
we're sure can't be beaten.
'MPM' s house builder package is a natural progression for the company,
which from small beginnings has become one ofthe UK's leading trade fabricators,
having been awarded six major prizes in window industry competitions,
including the prestigious 'Supplier Of The Year' award, and looks set
to be a winner.' added Robert.
Tel: 01638 717951
Email: mailto:info@mpm-windows.com
New
ldentity for Newdawn
Midlands-based conservatory roof manufacturer, Newdawn & Sun, has
updated its corporate image in its Silver Jubilee year with a refreshing
new look.
Established
at its Alcester base since 1977, Newdawn has a bold, bright new logo and
'A True Work of Art' advertising campaign to reflect its aspirations and
cutting edge approach in the growing conservatory marketplace.
According to Sales Director, Doug Richardson, the re-design takes into
account the existing 'Rising Sun' image, yet combines it with the clean
crisp lines of a revised typeface.
He says: 'We have modernised our corporate identity to refresh our outlook
in our Jubilee Year and to reflect the tasteful approach of our new 'Works
of Art' advertising campaign.
'We were reluctant to go down the route of recent 'Page Three girlie'
styles of advertising as we felt this did not project the image ofan established
and stable company with years of consistent and successful growth,' continues
Doug.
'Instead, for the first time we decided to involve our customers who were
invited to send in photos of their best installations and some of these
are being featured in our current advertising. We've had a terrific response,
which is very much appreciated and we'll do our best to include as many
of the best photos as possible.'
He adds: 'Over the years, we have found that once fabricators try our
product, they remain loyal to us and few leave us. Therefore, this is
our way of acknowledging their loyalty and success with industry-wide
recognition.'
Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk
Web: http://www.newdawn-sun.co.uk
Just
Over One in Every Four Companies Face Failure Says Plimsoll
Just over one in every four companies in the UK Windows & Doors industry
are being forced out of the market according to new research by financial
analysts Plimsoll Publishing Ltd. Plimsoll has placed these 271 companies
in the dreaded 'Danger' financial rating in their latest analysis.
The new study, based on the top 1000 companies in the industry, gives
each company one of 5 groups based on their financial standing over the
last four years. Companies are rated as Strong, Good, Mediocre, Caution
or Danger. The basis of this rating system is to easily spot good performance
from the bad.
'I believe the Windows & Doors industry has too many companies chasing
too little market,' says David Pattison, Senior Analyst at Plimsoll.'These
companies {rated as Danger} have been in decline for years with a combination
of increasing debts and low margins. Many of these companies are at a
stage where their debts are severely restricting the ability of the management
to make even normal business decisions,' concludes Pattison.
Plimsoll Publishing has been rating companies on overall performance since
1987. In another study by Plimsoll, 84% of 91 recent company failures
in the Windows & Doors industry were rated as 'Caution' or 'Danger'
up to two years prior to their demise.
Plimsoll's latest Third Edition 2002 proves it's not all gloom and doom
out there. 356 companies were given a 'Strong' rating. Benefiting from
less debt, stronger balance sheets and average margins at a healthy 5.4%.
These companies are worthy of envy.
To find out if your company is named in the Windows & Doors Analysis
or to order a copy of the full report for £305, you can call Plimsoll
on 01642 626400.
Readers of The Gl@zine can receive a 5% discount if mentioning this article
upon ordering.
E-mail jennifer_plimsoll@dial.pipex.com
Web: http://www.plimsoll.co.uk
Sash
has Advanced Production Tracking System
'The accepted standards of customer service and information within the
UK glazing industry are set to be re-written.' That is the beiief of window,
door and conservatory manufacturer Sash UK Ltd as the company installs
what it claims to be one of the most advanced production tracking systems
of its type to be employed anywhere in Europe.
Although based upon sophisticated bar coding technology and software,
Sash UK's system - which has been engineered by specialist industry software
supplier First Degree Systems - extends further throughout the frame manufacturing
process than anything that has previously been installed. The system allows
Sash UK's administrators to view the whole of the factory floor through
on screen schematics, allowing the location of every sash or frame anywhere
in the factory. Every aspect of the production process is tracked and
controlled, from production administration through to final delivery,
allowing customers to be accurately informed of the status of their orders
at any time during the production process.
Sash
UK believes that the most important element within the process is in ensuring
the accuracy of deliveries to its customers. The company recognises that
its customers need to schedule and optimise their work programmes, in
turn advising their own customers and tenants accurately when they may
expect installation to take place.
A key aspect of the system is an end to delivery errors. Every product
is scanned on to the delivery vehicle at the factory, with every product
again scanned off the vehicle at the destination. Once all items are scanned
off, the driver will then print out a delivery note, using a printer with
which all Sash vehicles are also now equipped. The delivery note cannot
be printed unless all items have been off-loaded and scanned.
The system is the culmination of two years of intensive investment in
the company's Barnsley factory. With Sash UK's goal of setting new parameters
of customer service within the our industry, the bar coding system is
regarded as being the key to ensuring that full efficiency is realised
from the investment.
Stephen Morrell (pictured above), joint Managing Director of Sash UK Ltd
believes that this system will produce the most tangible results for the
company's customers: 'Sash UK already has an excellent reputation for
the quality of its products, and we believe for customer support. Our
new tracking system will further enhance our service levels to levels
that I believe were not previously available anywhere in the industry.
Accurate information is crucial to us but more importantly to our customers.
We can now provide this, in remarkable detail and with total accuracy.'
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Apollo
Slide to Top Slot
The
vertical slider from Apollo Birmingham Ltd, is a major feature in the
'Victorian' (pictured left), from Tingdene Homes Limited.
The appearance of Apollo's VS, with its ovolo bead, equal sightline option
for the top and bottom sashes, deep bottom rail and flush gasket detail,
was exactly right for the home's character, but for their top of the range
home Tingdene were looking for the same benefits that can be found in
their property designs - advanced technology, extra comfort and practical
features for modern living.
'This pvc vertical slider has those benefits in abundance, including optimum
strength and stability, achieved through securing all fixings and hardware
to the reinforcement, together with smooth action pivot bars, which allow
the external face to be cleaned from the inside, as well as providing
a quick release restrictor mechanism for safety considerations.' says
the company.
Apollo also offers a choice of traditional white, deep rich mahogany,
or contemporary light oak woodgrain finishes with white or brass hard
ware options and end caps, for both the cill and sash stop. For alternative
period styles there is also a decorative horn or Georgian Bar option.
Tingdene Homes are the largest manufacturer of park homes in the UK, producing
homes for both export and UK markets, as well as owning a considerable
number of residential parks. Mike Jack, md of Apollo, and Nick Burgess,
sales director of Tingdene Homes, were delighted at the interest created
by the Victorian home, complete with Apollo's vertical sash window, when
they were on display at the Newbury Park and Leisure Home Show recently.
Tel: 0121 526 3736
Goliath
and the Giant
Goliath managing director Stephen Hancox did not need the strong arm tactics
of Millenco strong man Adrian Rollinson to persuade him to use Millenco
locks in his composite doors.
'Goliath
is committed to Millenco due to the performance and appearance of the
Millenco lock.' said Stephen Hancox (on the left of the picture with Millenco
strong man Adrian Rollinson). 'The company has never received any remedial
service call outs, and has consistently experienced excellent technical
support.'
'After five years of working with Millenco the company has never let us
down,' he added. 'Millenco has the ability to really listen to suggestions
and comments that we, and our customers, have made - then act on those
comments positively and proactively. Over those five years of working
together Millenco has helped us maintain a keen competitive edge when
it comes to door security.
'Security may be crucial for the homeowner, but the ease and quality of
fitting is more important for the installers,' continued Stephen. 'The
Millenco locks have been designed for quick and easy installation - a
right first time fit. Of course the easier it is to fit, the less likely
it is to have to make a second call out for adjustments, saving the installer
significant amounts in time and resources. Top this off with superior
security features and you have the ideal locking solution.'
Tel: 01902 454543
Email: mailto:sales@millenco.net
Web: http://www.millenco.net