'Are
we being strung along yet again?' asks Palmer
After twenty four years of forecasting the Window Industry, Robert Palmer
anticipates the next five years of improvements in Social Sector Housing
with a considerable degree of scepticism. 'We have been awaiting the Capital
Finance lnitiative funds to flood the public sector improvements market
for five years now,' he says, 'And what little has been released has mostly
made its way into interest payments! Now the DTLR annual report published
last July reiterates yet more promises -
'An extra £1.8 billion for housing to April 2003, a target of making
all Social Housing decent within a decade, Local Authority housing capital
allocation to rise to £2.63 billion, and a further £872million
allocated to the Housing Corporation. And that's just England and Wales,
further increases are promised in Scotland. So why are we still waiting?
Are they just empty promises? Why did the installed value for replacement
windows and doors increase last year by only £6 million pounds,
when we should be awash with improvement?'
This latest report from Palmer Market Research on 'The Market in Social
Sector Housing for Replacement Windows and Entrance Doors - 2001 Edition'
reveals all. Window installations decreased, door replacement increased,
but shifted toward higher quality and higher price doors.
Palmer fears that if the money is not spent on housing improvements, it
will be redirected to minimise tax increases due to the refinancing of
the NHS. Delays are taking place due to the transfers from Local Authorities
to Housing Associations, and while this happens funds remain at risk.
To look forward accurately requires looking back over the past years and
the latest report shows a relatively static market. The key movement has
been in the replacement doors, where plastic composites have gained the
largest share by material ahead of previous leaders such as PVCu and softwood.
Indeed, this material grew by 27% by volume in the year to 2000. Of course,
'composite' means that different materials are involved and Palmer identifies
the two main types as Thermosetting (eg. GRP & Carbon-fibre) and Thermoplastic
(ABS & PVC). These seem to have gained ground in every region at the
expense of PVCu doors, which peaked in this sector in 1997. Superior specification,
particularly impact resistance, is the most important reason.
But there is also the increasing emphasis on security, and this is further
shown by a new section in the report on Door Hardware. Single cylinder
lock is used alone on only 3% of doors, while three out of every five
doors use multi-point locking devices.
Palmer's caution is detailed in his five year economic analysis and forecasts.
For those who need to identify the exact volumes and channels of distribution
of windows and doors, by material, by region and hardware, this is the
usual Palmer Market Research authoritative report by the market expert
for industry professionals. In spite of everything there are hundreds
of million pounds of business to fight for!
The detailed figures are all there in this new 2001 report, 'The Market
in Social Sector Housing for Replacement Windows and Entrance Doors -
2001 Edition' available now direct from Palmer Market Research at £1250
+ VAT. This fee includes a 'hotline' telephone service for the year plus
a CD containing all the report charts in colour in PowerPoint format which
can be used for clients' own presentations.
Contact: Robert Palmer, Palmer Market Research
Tel: 020 8390 8131
Fax: 020 8390 9833
E-mail: info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk
Web: www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk
THE
BURNDEN GROUP PLC ACQUIRES USA BASED
CANTERBURY CONSERVATORIES
The Burnden Group plc is set to launch its conservatory roof system K2,
onto a global platform, after announcing the recent acquisition of USA
based, Canterbury Conservatories Ltd.
This strategic move with Michigan based, Canterbury Conservatories will
provide K2 with the vehicle in which to establish the K2 brand within
the developing American market, a place where traditional style English
conservatories are becoming widely sought after.
Canterbury
was founded in 1994 by Martin Banister, and is perhaps one of America’s
oldest PVC-U fabricating companies. To date the company has developed
a reputation throughout North America for designing, fabricating and installing
high quality conservatories for both the retail and trade markets.
Spearheading the sales of K2 conservatories throughout North America will
be Canterbury’s President, Martin Banister and Vice President of
sales and marketing Charles Fox. Charles joins K2 from a major conservatory
roof system supplier, and will no doubt be the first of many UK people
to seek employment opportunities with K2 and Canterbury in the North American
market.
The
Burnden Group’s managing director, Gary Fielding, said: 'The investment
with Canterbury will enable K2 to build upon its strong brand position
in the UK and open up the all important USA market. By bringing the knowledge
and expertise of the two companies together we will be in a position to
offer the right product and support services to simulate growth.'
'The Burnden Group aims to become a main player on a global basis, and
it is hoped that Canterbury Conservatories will follow in the footsteps
of our stone cutting division, ASM who had a successful launch into the
USA last year.'
Barrie
Irons
Machinery Ltd moved to the following premises on Friday 14th December
2001:
Units 4-6
Top Farm
Rectory Road
Campton
Beds
SG17 5PF
The new contact numbers are as follows:
Tel: 01462 811033
Fax: 01462 816835
Email: sales@barrieirons.demon.co.uk
Web: http://www.ironsgroup.co.uk
Ultraframe
now delivering even better service
Ultraframe, the UK designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems,
has unveiled a new Warehouse Management System (WMS) at its Lincoln way
facility in Clitheroe. The new system, installed at Lincoln Way One and
Two at the end of 2001, represents a huge investment by the company and
is evidence of its commitment to improving customer service at all levels.
(L-R) Peter Seddon, Ultraframe, Mike Dean m.d of
LIS, Nick Gale, Ultraframe m.d and Simon Fahie, LIS
Automating
warehouse activities such as receiving, quality control, 'putaway', replenishment,
packing, despatch and proof of delivery, the new system gives the company
tighter control of its processes and provides first-rate monitoring and
tracking of product right through the supply chain. The system, developed
in partnership with LIS, operates via hand held Radio Data Terminals (RDT).
Using these devices and barcode scanning, staff are able to track all
products and orders. This reduces lead times by limiting picking errors
and instances of misplacement.
The company claims that tracking will also help to improve shipping accuracy,
reduce training times, and result in orders being despatched right first
time, every time.
An even greater advantage is afforded by a 'Delivery Proof' facility.
This allows customers to 'sign' via a Radio Data Terminal to confirm receipt
of orders, providing last point of delivery confirmation and minimising
any 'paper mountain' created by the storage of existing delivery notes.
Nick Gale, Managing Director of Ultraframe says, 'Manufacturing industry
in general is under pressure to improve customer service and improve productivity.
With increasing demands from customers we believe that this investment
is crucial to our plans for the future'.
The WMS will undergo rigorous testing over the coming months alongside
comprehensive operative training. The system is expected to be fully operational
later in the year.
Email:sales@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
Grorud
tools up for new profile success with West Port
Consett-based Grorud Industries Ltd, supplier of locks and hinges for
windows and doors, has announced a strategic investment in a new manufacturing
facility at timber frame window specialists West Port.
Grorud has contributed significantly towards assisting West Port in the
development of a new modular window system production line to meet the
demands of public and private sector markets.
The production line at West Port's factory in Cumbria, which features
state-of-the-art groove cutting and moulding equipment, an automated dowelling
machine and an ink-jet printer, will produce over 3,000 non-standard profiles
a week. These will be based on Grorud's System 2000 - Top Turn and Side
Turn fully reversible safety hinges.
The West Port System X is seen as the next generation fully reversible
system. These profiles will be able to accommodate five different window
types and comply with the 'Secured by Design' standard.
The window line is part of an overall £2 million investment in new
manufacturing machinery by West Port. A new door line and paint plant
have also been installed at the factory.
The move will strengthen Grorud's future presence in the timber frame
windows market and reflects further success for its reversible hinges.
Recent Top Turn contracts have been placed by Scotland's West Lothian
and Renfrew District councils and Everest Commercial Windows.
Designed to enable the quick, safe and easy rotation of sash windows for
cleaning and
maintenance purposes without colliding with curtains or window ledge displays,
Top Turn is available in different module sizes to suit most timber and
PVCu window designs.
Simon Bliss, head of marketing at West Port, said: 'We wanted a hardware
partner prepared to invest time, resources and expertise in order to help
us develop a winning modular-based profile, which could be used for a
variety of different window sizes.
'Grorud was the most capable, skilled and enthusiastic of all the suppliers
we spoke to. The company has good products and technical expertise, which
have contributed significantly to the development of a high quality market
leading profile in under a year.'
Les Elliot, Grorud's UK field sales manager, said: 'This is an important
move for Grorud and is a big boost for our reversible window hinge systems,
which are fast gaining a reputation for quality and product innovation
among specifiers and window manufacturers.'
The news also comes as West Port announces a contract to supply a Northern
local authority with several thousand Top Turn hinged window frames for
a social housing refurbishment programme.
Grorud was established in Norway in 1917 and supplies window and door
locks, hinges and handles directly to window and door manufacturers, local
authorities, housing associations and house builders.
In 1996, Grorud became part of the Assa Abloy Group - a leading supplier
of locks and associated products. This enables the company to offer customers
a comprehensive range of window and door products, regardless of the profile.
Contact: Les Elliot, Grorud Industries Ltd
Tel: 01207 581485
Fax: 01207 580036
Email: Grorud.Industries@btinternet.com
Web: www.grorudindustries.com
HansenGlass
invest in the future
HansenGlass' £4 million investment scheme has been launched at its
Kirkby factory. Honoured guests, George Howarth MP for Knowsley North
and Sefton East, and Chris Wewer, Honorary Danish Consul in Manchester
and Knight of the Dannebrog, unveiled the new glass processing equipment
on Monday 21 January 2002.
In addition to the glass toughening furnace, installed in December, the
new machinery includes state of the art glass cutting, edging, polishing
and drilling equipment and specialist heat-soak testing technology. The
investment scheme will create 23 new jobs at the factory in Kirkby, an
area of continuing regeneration.
(L-R) George Howarth MP, Hans Kolby Hansen and Chris
Wewer with some of the new machinery
This
new technology will position HansenGlass at the forefront of advanced
thick glass processing in UK and Europe; predicting an increased tumover
as a result of shorter lead times being maintained, increased size offering,
with increased productivity and improved efficiency.
George Howarth MP assisted the initial launch of the investment in 1998,
after introducing HansenGlass to the Govemment Office for the North West
regarding a Regional Selective Assistance Grant. Speaking on the investment
he said: 'As the local MP, it is a matter of some pride to me that a company
associated with prestigious products and a modern approach to business
is thriving here in Knowsley.'
Guests included Hans Kolby Hansen, Chairman of the Anglo-Scandinavian
parent HansenGroup, together with executive and nonexecutive board members
and senior management from all the HansenGroup companies across Europe.
Contact: Davina Thompson, HansenGlass
Tel: 0151 545 3000
Fax: 0151 545 3003
Email:sales@hansenglass.co.uk
Web: www.hansengroup.co.uk
SERRAGLAZE NOW COMMERCIALLY AVAILABLE
Following two more successful rounds of investment, the most recent in
September 2001, Redbus Serraglaze Limited of Solihull UK has commissioned
a production line for its daylight redirecting, see-through window - Serraglaze.
The line is capable of micro-replicating and bonding 12,000 square metres
of acrylic Serraglaze panels per annum, ahead of the completion of the
current investment round that will create high volume capacity for the
global market. Qualified glass processors laminate the plastic panels
between glass panes for the finished product that takes the form of either
a laminated window or one of the panes within an insulated glazing unit
(double glazed window).
Redbus
Serraglaze's sales and marketing team, headed by business development
manager Trevor Potter (pictured right), is now in technical discussions
with architects and consulting engineers in North America and Europe that
are convinced of the energy saving and comfort enhancement benefits of
Serraglaze. These specifiers have already made significant commitments
to Serraglaze in a number of new building and refurbishment projects and
Potter is confident that these negotiations will lead to orders from window
and curtain wall producers in the next quarter.
Test programmes undertaken by an independent laboratory in California
during the product development phase in 2001 confirmed that Serraglaze
redirects both light and heat from the sun, eliminating the glare that
leads to the drawing of blinds to keep light out and providing comfort
enhancement for the occupants nearest to the window of a room.
Redbus Serraglaze Limited is currently developing software that simulates
various configurations of windows fitted with Serraglaze in a range of
relevant sky conditions and outdoor environments. In the near future,
specifiers will be allowed access to this software through the company's
website. This has recently been enhanced to include a 'movie' demonstration
of how Serraglaze performs.
Contact: Trevor Potter, Redbus Serraglaze
Tel: 01564 776853
Fax: 01564 772297
Email: trevor@serraglaze.redbus.co.uk
Web: www.serraglaze.redbus.co.uk
ECHG
chooses Sovereign for £4.5m partnering deal
English Churches Housing Group (ECHG) and window manufacturer/installer
The Sovereign Group have signed a £4.5million milestone contract
based on the principles of PPC2000 and long term partnering.
It is the first contract of its kind to be undertaken by either body and
covers all the PVCu replacement windows for ECHG for the next three years.
It is claimed that the contract will benefit ECHG's residents by guaranteeing
high quality glazing provision in new residences and in refurbished properties.
Glenn Taylor (left) and Peter Walters at the Nelson
factory
Under
the partnership agreement, the organisations will work on a completely
open-book basis following the principles and ethos of EGAN and have agreed
a scale of discounts and surcharges to be applied on a shared 'risk/reward'
basis if demand should fluctuate above or below the baseline agreed by
them, of £1.5million a year.
Sovereign MD Glenn Taylor said 'There are clear benefits for all concerned
from such a forward thinking approach. But when it can obviously only
work on a basis of trust, we are very privileged that ECHG has put its
trust in us for such a long-term contract.'
ECHG's ChiefExecutive, Peter Walters, said: 'We have over 12,000 properties
and it is vital, for all our residents, that we ensure a high standard
of refurbishment at reasonable costs. I am delighted that this new contract
with Sovereign gives us both.'
Sovereign is one ofthe UK's longest-standing fabricators ofthe VEKA PVCu
profile and a member of its associated domestic marketing organisation
Network VEKA. As well as its commercial division, the company recently
launched Sovereigndirect, which serves homeowners by enabling them to
choose and even price windows and doors via the Internet.
ECHG is one ofthe largest housing associations in England. It provides
a range of housing, including sheltered homes, affordable housing and
supported accomodation. As part of its contracting arrangements, it is
also working with the London Housing Consortium and Bailey Garner.
Contact: Susan Littlemore, ECHG
Tel: 020 8457 6708
Jim Gregson, Sovereign Group
Tel: 01282 618171
Fax: 01282 440456
Email: sgl@sovereigndirect.co.uk
Web: www.sovereigndirect.co.uk
www.sovereigncommercial.co.uk
Choosing
building products that work
TRADA Group launched its 'Building Performance' initiative with a seminar
in London which attracted more than 130 building professionals, including
architects, specifiers, contractors, building project managers, building
engineers and surveyors.
The one-day event focused on 'choosing building products which work',
covering:
• Timber Frame (trussed rafters)
• Fire Doors
• Enhanced Security Doors and Windows (Secured By Design)
• Engineered Wood Products
• Timber Windows
The programme is also designed to promote BM TRADA's Q-Mark certification
schemes and their members. An exhibition of Q-Mark members' products and
services will be staged at each event, giving delegates the opportunity
to discuss business opportunities first-hand. The exhibition is restricted
to members of Q-Mark certification schemes.
Delegates who attended the London event generally considered the seminar
'a good and useful learning experience'. One praised TRADA Group for 'a
balanced selection of subjects for today's industry' and the 'clearly
delivered information' was also singled out. The exhibition was well received
and populated throughout the day.
Future events will take place in Birmingham on 16th April at The Grand
Hotel, Leeds on 14th May at Leeds United Football Club, Glasgow on16th
October at The Lighthouse and Bristol on 27th November at Bristol Zoo.
The cost for delegates will be pegged at £43.00 + VAT per person,
thanks to sponsorship by Q-Mark scheme members. (Exhibition spaces are
charged at between £600 and £700 + VAT). The delegate rate
includes buffet lunch and refreshments throughout the day. CPD certificates
will be issued on request.
For full details about exhibiting or attending contact Tom Gregory
Tel: 01494 569812
Fax: 01494 565487
Email: tgregory@chilternfire.co.uk
Web: www.tradatechnology.co.uk
UNIFIX
RETAIN SKY CONTRACT
Unifix, the UK supplier of fixings to the trade, has again been appointed
as preferred supplier by BSkyB. The company supplies a comprehensive fixings
kit for the installation of Sky's digital services. The contract has an
estimated value of approaching £3/4 million per annum and was won
in the face of fierce worldwide competition via an 'e auction'.
Unifix's National Accounts manager, Marc Jacobs, says 'Having been supplier
to Sky for more than 5 years, it was particularly rewarding to retain
their contract in the face of such tough competition. It demonstrates
Unifix's ability to be highly competitive on price and service without
sacrificing product quality'.
Contact: Unifix Direct sales on 08000 961110.
Fax: 0121 558 2988
Email: marketing@unifix.commarketing@unifix.com
Web: www.unifix.com
New
Velux offices - a demonstration of 'Room in the Roof'
Velux, the manufacturers of roof windows and associated products, has
opened its new state of the art regional sales office and training centre,
in Kettering.
The site will offer training to professional installers, builders merchants
and housebuilders, as well as a venue for meetings and seminars.
The building acts as a showcase for the Velux range of roof windows and
accessories, demonstrating their versatility. Velux roof windows are at
the heart of the design; bringing light deep into the building and allowing
it to breathe naturally - significantly reducing energy consumption and
carbon monoxide emissions.
The scheme has been highly commended by the Kettering Planning Committee
for its quality of design and environmental credentials.
The natural ventilation system and maximum use of daylight also ensure
increased user comfort and productivity. lt centres around a building
management system comprising motorised roof windows with wind, solar and
rain sensors. These open and close the roof windows to regulate ventilation
and heat accordingly. This serves to demonstrate the virtues of Velux
electrically controlled windows.
The building's high level of thermal insulation helps to provide comfortable
working temperatures whilst saving energy. The building absorbs heat during
the day and releases it at night.
A spokesperson for Velux commented, 'This is an exciting development for
the company, the Kettering site will allow us to offer a valuable service
to our customers in a highly visible and convenient location with excellent
communications with the rest of the UK, and will complement our current
production and administrative facilities in Scotland and Ireland.
As well as demonstrating a clever use of geometry and timber to achieve
its dynamic curves, the building is a prime example of sustainable development
and boasts a significant low energy, low impact design. We're very pleased
with this unique, stylish and cutting edge contribution to office design.
It is a potent illustration of the Velux commitment to environmental issues;
a translation of our corporate beliefs into physical reality.'
Contact Mat Lopez, The Velux Company Ltd
Tel: 01592 778235
Fax: 01592 771839
Web: www.velux.com
MODERN,
INNOVATIVE & TOP OF THE PREMIER LEAGUE...
The Reebok Stadium, home of Bolton Wanderers, and one of the most innovative
and modern stadium designs in the UK. What better place for like minded
innovative and modern Status Systems to join Bolton based innovative and
modern fabricator Absolute Windows in some joint advertising...
...as seen by millions on TV every time a corner is taken from that end
of the field!
Contact: Roy Shipley, Status Systems (PVCu) Ltd
Tel: 01457 875731
Fax: 01457 875651
Email: info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: www.status-systems.co.uk
SHROPSHIRE
COMPANY'S FESTIVE TREAT
A Shropshire window and conservatory company treated more than 60 staff
and guests to a festive night out to thank them for their support throughout
the year.
Managing director David Randall explained that 2001 had been a fantastic
year for Heritage Glass and he felt he had to reward his team for all
their hard work.
'Heritage has enjoyed a superb 12 months in this, our third year of trading,
and much of our success is down to our employees who help us to deliver
outstanding levels of service and customer care,' he added.
Heritage Glass took over Rowton Castle Hotel for the evening, with directors
David, Shirley and Tony Randall extending invitations to their 20 employees
and their partners, and to business associates and friends from the local
community.
The following day a number of guests took part in the annual Heritage
Glass Annual Golf Day.
Contact: Tony Randall, Heritage Glass (shrewsbury) Ltd
Tel: 01743 249243
Fax: 01743 249275
Email: enquiries@heritage-glass.co.uk
Web: http://www.heritage-glass.co.uk
Ashton Long Belt
Arrissing Machine
Ashton Industrial has exclusive sale rights on Telum Diamond Belts for
their own range of arrissing machines (3350 x 100mm and 3350 x 60mm).
Also due to their purchasing power they are able to sell Flexis belts
at extremely competitive prices. Additionally, extra discounts for quantity
orders are
also routinely available.
Flexis belts are made to the same high standards as the Telum belts, however
they do not have the same technical advantages of Telum belts because
of their design / pattern.
Another batch of Ashton arrissing machines off the
conveyor belt
Manufacturers KGS Diamond Group have been so impressed with the Ashton
machines that they purchased a Triple-Belt model for testing their belts
and for display purposes for their headquarters in Elburg, Holland.
Longer belt machines are acknowledged to be the preferred option for optimum
arrissing performance as resonance / noise problems are minimised due
to the fact that longer belts working with a large pulley enable the machine
to run at a reduced motor speed.
E-mail sblundell@ashton-industrial.com
Web- http://www.ashton-industrial.com
Scotland
based, Clyde Windows and Conservatories Ltd has enjoyed a business boom
since becoming an authorised K2 Conservatory Roof System supplier.
Clyde began business in 1993 , since then the company has had to re-locate
into larger premises, as a result of the rapidly increasing workload the
company has faced since joining the K2 dealer network.
The
recent expansion into their 6,000 sq ft premises has provided Clyde with
adequate space for three fabrication bays, giving them the capacity to
produce in excess of 20 roofs per week.
The new premises also boasts a fully equipped showroom consisting of a
variety of fully furnished conservatories, giving homeowners the opportunity
to appreciate the lifestyle benefits of owning a conservatory.
Managing director, Dax Duckett, commented: 'We feel that a large proportion
of our growth has come from K2’s commitment to innovative design
and our implementation of its structured support package.'
'The new showroom is already proving to be a huge success with homeowners, as they can gain an understanding of the ways in which a conservatory can enrich their lives.'