Edgetech
and Pilkington Launch WER: DIY
Two
of the leading campaigners for energy efficient windows in the UK, Edgetech
and Pilkington, announce the launch of the most comprehensive, independent
study into UK Window Energy Ratings (WER) to date.
Incorporating
information on almost every system, profile, glass, spacer and component
that can potentially make up a window, the WER assessment calculator includes
almost 8000 simulations covering every possible permutation, focussing
on different glazing & warm edge technology performances. Whilst not
an official BFRC simulation, the information resulting gives a very accurate
guide to the likely rating achievable.
Andy Jones, Managing Director of Edgetech UK, comments: 'We have chosen
the name WER:DIY to market this study because it’s a fantastic self-assessment
guide for any fabricator who wants to see for themselves what WER band
their window can achieve. The WER:DIY is a free and easy service that
allows fabricators of almost any PVC-U system to see in a minute how their
individual windows perform against the BFRC ratings. Visitors to our Glassex
stand can even enjoy a professional massage while their window specification
is simulated.'
Andy McDowell, Float & Coated Products Manager for Pilkington adds:
'BFRC Window Energy Ratings (WERs) have taken the UK and Ireland fenestration
industry by storm over the past 12 months. With interest increasing still
further, this new tool is a unique guide for unit processors and window
fabricators/installers alike, allowing a range of possible WER options
to be evaluated in real time, without incurring excessive costs. Now its
even quicker and easier to see the benefits of Pilkington K GlassTM in
energy-rated windows.
Andy Jones continues: 'The WER:DIY is just part of Edgetech’s ambitious
drive during 2007 to help companies along the entire supply chain in a
practical way to benefit from WERs; from advising fabricators who want
to carry the label on their window, helping sealed unit manufacturers
who want to achieve EN1279 Parts 2 and 3, putting installers in touch
with ESR suppliers, to educating home owners on the ESR scheme with our
‘Windows that won’t cost the Earth’ DVD.'
Anyone interested in knowing how their window performs, or has any other
questions relating to energy efficiency in windows, is invited to visit
Edgetech’s ‘Taking the Stress out of window energy ratings’
stand at Glassex, no. G120, Hall 1.
Further information on glass and glazing options can be found via the
web : http://www.pilkington.co.uk/WERs,
email : Pilkington@respond.uk.com
or by phone on 01744 692000.
Synseal,
the UK windows and conservatories specialist, has created 21 new positions
throughout the company. Already sales have increased through the massive
interest in the new marketing campaign. Demand for Synseal's Complete
Conservatories is set to rise further as the multi-million pound ITV campaign
goes on air on Friday 2nd March in the centre break of Coronation Street.
‘This first wave of recruits gives Synseal additional capacity to
say ahead of demand,’ explains Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director,
Nick Dutton. ‘Sales are up this year, and we expect them to rise
further as the campaign continues throughout the year. 21 jobs have already
been created, more will follow.’
Tel: 01623 443200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
A
new centre that gives the building trade, including merchants, direct
and year-round access to thousands of people undertaking self build or
renovation projects opened in Swindon last Friday.
The
National Self Build and Renovation Centre will be a focal point for those
looking to build and renovate homes. By bringing together all the products,
services and advice required for self build or renovation under one roof
for the first time, the Centre will be a magnet for the potential customer.
The Centre is the brainchild of BuildStore, the pioneering self build
and renovation experts.
Products and services involved at every phase of the self-build or renovation
process will be on permanent display at the Centre all year round. This
gives trade specialists involved in every aspect of home building and
renovation easy and direct access to consumers. The Centre also provides
great networking opportunities for those in the building trade, giving
them a regular place to meet and discuss current issues and trends within
the industry.
Seminars and a product demonstration zone allow companies to showcase
their products and services in a unique environment, giving consumers
the opportunity to better understand how to use their products and see
how they work in action.
Raymond Connor, chief executive of BuildStore said: 'This is a fantastic
opportunity for the building trade to access a booming market. Thousands
of customers will be drawn to the Centre where they will find everything
they need to complete their project, making the Centre the ideal place
for the trade to exhibit the products and services needed at every stage
of the building process.'
With an estimated 20,000 people building their own new homes in Britain
each year, self builders are now the country's leading developer, outstripping
even the biggest commercial house builders and creating an estimated £6.6bn
worth of new homes.
Renovation projects are also on the rise with 42% of homeowners looking
to renovate or extend their properties. Last year alone over 300,000 applications
for residential planning permission were submitted.
Among the 200 or so companies represented at Buildstore are:
• Akzo Nobel Specialist Coatings
• Balcony Systems Ltd
• Eurocell
• Franklin Windows
• Hormann (UK) Ltd
• KAT UK
• Luxcrete Ltd
• Premdor
• Rationel Windows (UK) Ltd
• Door Warehouse.co.uk
• Sunfold Systems Limited
• Wagner (GB) Ltd
• Freefoam Plastics
• Nu-Lok Roofing Systems
• Domex Windows & Doors
• Ubbink
• Swish Building Products
• BPT Security Systems UK Ltd
• Speed Frame.
The 67,000 sqft National Centre will help visitors through every step
of the self build or renovation journey, from finding a plot right through
to completing their project and moving into their dream home. Key features
will include:
• A 'trade village' with products from over 250 suppliers, including
merchants, a bar code system allowing visitors to easily order brochures
and further information
• A massive array of fixtures, finishes and material choices allowing
visitors to make informed choices for their home interiors.
• An Educational Zone allowing visitors to see for themselves how
a house is built - key features will include life sized exhibits such
as plant, groundworks, walls and roof structures
• Interactive demonstrations offering the opportunity to learn key
skills such as bricklaying, tiling and laying floors and landscaping.
• The Design Centre, featuring the UK's biggest range of designs
and house styles, including how to design a kitchen and bathroom.
• Renovation Zone showing how a wreck can be turned into a new home
• A full-size Potton Show House
• Face-to-face advice from a specialist Finance Centre dedicated
to self build and renovation finance.
• Plotsearch Theatre, showing what to look out for when searching
for land and property via a specialist UK database giving access to over
6,000 plots and
properties.
• Details of how to save thousands on building materials with BuildStore's
Trade Card.
The Centre will also include a 200 seat lecture theatre which will host
seminars, themed events on a wide range of topics from finding to designing
a home and decorating and a dedicated area for product demonstrations
such as installing guttering or laying different types of flooring.
The National Centre will be open all year round from 10am to 6pm. Admission
will cost £10 at weekends and £8 during the week if booked
advance on-line, or £2 extra if arriving at the door.
Those interested in displaying products and services at the Centre should
contact Debbie Buggins on 01506 409450.
http://www.buildstore.co.uk/mykindofhome/
Freefoam
Launches Stand at Buildstore
Freefoam
Plastics, a manufacturer of quality approved environmentally friendly
roofline and rainwater systems will be taking part in the National Self-Build
and Renovation Centre, in Swindon this year.
The centre, will open its doors to the public on February 9th and will
house stands from over 220 building manufacturer’s, including Freefoam.
The stand has been specifically designed to showcase the diverse range
of products and colours currently available.
The centre is built to a scale unseen in the UK and displays exhibits
that demonstrate the various methods of building in exploded detail.
The Freefoam stand will display Freefoams fascia and soffit profiles,
and new and improved co-extruded rainwater gutter. The Freefoam Plastics
company presentation will be run on an LCD screen for the duration of
the exhibition.
Brendan Hyland, Freefoam Marketing Manager, comments, 'Buildstore is a
great initiative and one which we are very proud to be part of. Our stand
will show visitors to the Centre the wide range of products that we manufacture.
It will also help to educate homeowners and others on the diverse range
of possibilities available with regard to different styles and colours.'
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com.
Pilkington’s
New Plant in China Starts its Commercial Operation
NSG
announces the start of commercial production from January 2007, of the
float glass plant in Chuangshu, China newly constructed by Pilkington
Group Ltd, a member of NSG Group.
This plant is one of the technically advanced glass lines ever to be commissioned
in China and to be operated by Jiangsu Pilkington SYP Glass Co Ltd, a
50/50 joint venture between Pilkington and Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington
Glass Co Ltd.
With a total project cost of 715 m RMB (equivalent to US$90m), the plant
is capable of producing around 180,000 tonnes of glass per year.
The line, which produces 2 – 12 mm thickness high quality clear and
tinted glass for building products and automotive fabrication markets
for the region and for export.
The new plant is expected to generate annual revenues of over RMB 300
million (equivalent to US$40m). Approximately 200 jobs have been
created directly and many more indirectly by the project.
Chuangshu is located in southeast Jiangsu Province, 90 km away from Shanghai.
With easy access, good public utilities, competitive cost and favorable
policies, it has attracted many domestic and foreign investors.
The Chinese market constitutes around a third of world market for glass
and it still has considerable potential for high quality float glass.
The venture demonstrates the Group’s commitment to expanding its
business in China.
This venture partner, SYP was originally a float joint venture set up
between Pilkington and local Chinese partner in 1983. Is was public
listed in Shanghai Stock Exchange in 1993 and is one of the leading glass
manufacturers in China. Pilkington currently holds around 19 per
cent SYP shares. In addition to this venture, SYP owns four float lines
( two in Shanghai, one in Tianjin and one in Guangdong).
Guiding
Light on Burning Issues
The
recent introduction of the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order (FSO)
is the most significant change to affect fire safety in the last thirty
years. Fire-resistant glass is a key element in any fire protection strategy
and Pilkington is reiterating the need to specify and install the correct
systems, along with the appropriate tested glass, otherwise the consequences
in the event of fire could be catastrophic.
The new FSO covers all public buildings as well as the common areas of
multiple occupancy housing.
The burden of making sure that suitable fire precautions are in place
is transferred from the fire authority to the individuals who carry responsibility
for the building and its occupants, generally the employer or building
owner. Also there is a responsibility on contractors carrying out work
that may materially affect fire safety, such as maintenance and repair.
A risk assessment must also be carried out in law and penalties for not
complying with the FSO include fines, closure orders and even imprisonment.
This risk assessment must be recorded where the number of employees is
5 or more.
The extensive use of glass in modern building design combined with the
extremely limited resistance of standard architectural glass products
against fire, means that fire-resistant glazing must be a key element
in any fire protection strategy. The following must therefore be strictly
adhered to:
- System thinking is critical. A fire-resistant glass can only function
as intended if it is installed as part of an approved fire-resistant glazing
system where all of its components are compatible. These include the glass,
the glazing seal, the beads, the frame material, frame design, and the
fixings for both the beads and the frame.
- Standard frames and glazing systems are not adequate against fire.
-Test evidence of performance is essential. The installed fire-resistant
glazing system must be tested and approved as a complete system and test
data must be relevant to the installation.
- Assessments are an expressed opinion and should only be carried out
by appropriately accredited individuals or organisations, and the assessment
must be based on relevant and applicable test evidence appropriate to
the specific glazing system under consideration.
- Don't mix and match between approved fire-resistant systems. Changing
just one component on its own could lead to the failure of the whole system.
- No two types of glass are exactly the same. What is achieved with one
fire-resistant glass may not be achievable with another.
- The installed fire-resistant glazing system must be the same as the
system that was approved. It is essential that there are no last minute
changes or short cuts.
Above all, manufacturer's instructions must be followed.
- Important distinctions must be made between integrity only and integrity
and insulation performance, as the differences in levels of protection
are dramatically different and could be significant where both life safety
and property protection against fire are concerned.
Products such as Pilkington Pyrostop, Pilkington Pyrodur and Pilkington
Pyrodur Plus are some of the most extensively tested and highest performing
glass on the market. The use of fire-resistant glass is increasingly important
in performance-based design and it is critical that the whole process
is properly followed, from product specification to installation. When
dealing with matters of life and asset protection it is vital to seek
the view of the experts.
For further information visit the Pilkington website at http://www.pilkington.co.uk/pyrostop
where you can download literature or use the Pilkington Specifire product
selector tool on-line. Alternatively, request help by e-mail to Pilkington@respond.uk.com
or by telephoning the Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.
Closure
Threat to Morris Museum
A
museum dedicated to the life and work of William Morris, one of Britain's
foremost designers and a major influence in the revival of stained glass,
is being threatened with closure.
Treasures
from the Arts and Crafts movement worth millions of pounds, including
Morris's original sketches for the acanthus-leaf wallpaper, a design classic,
and his woodpecker tapestry, will become less accessible, along with bronzes
by Auguste Rodin and work by pre-Raphaelites Edward Burne-Jones and Dante
Gabriel Rossetti.
Works by his Pre-Raphaelite colleagues and his followers - Dante Gabriel
Rossetti, Edward Burne-Jones, Philip Webb, Arthur Heygate Mackmurdo and
the Century Guild - give a fascinating insight into the 19th century artistic
milieu he inhabited.
The gallery's curator Peter Cormack, who has been at Walthamstow for almost
thirty years, is one of the most respected Morris experts on the international
circuit, particularly specialising in stained glass. In terms of original
research the Walthamstow exhibitions have been exceptional for a local
gallery. Especially revealing was Cormack's marvellous show on 19th and
early 20th century women stained glass artists. With the closure of the
gallery all this accumulation of knowledge and expertise would go.
Waltham Forest borough council, in east London, has cut back the opening
hours of the William Morris Gallery in Walthamstow to save money, even
though many of the exhibits on the site are the gift of artist Sir Frank
Brangwyn, one of Morris's students, who stipulated that all the donated
pieces should be on view to members of the public for a minimum period
each week.
Former Culture Secretary Chris Smith has joined campaigners fighting to
save the museum. They warn that closure would bring shame on the local
politicians involved.
A gathering at the William Morris Gallery was scheduled to occur this
morning, Tuesday, 13th February. According to Chairman of the Friends
of the William Morris Society, Martin Stuchfield: 'more than 160 people
attended the public meeting at Greenleaf Road Baptist Church. This represented
a wonderful achievement and sent out a powerful message in the best possible
way. We must maintain the pressure and momentum'.
Morris was born in Walthamstow in 1834. The gallery was once the designer's
family home. He became an ardent medievalist and socialist and developed
his famous 'golden rule' for living: 'Have nothing in your houses that
you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.'
http://www.keepourmuseumsopen.org.uk/
http://www.walthamforest.gov.uk/index/news/wmg-vhm.htm
Edgetech
to Launch Consumer Sales DVD at Glassex
Leading
warm edge specialist Edgetech is launching the latest item in its already
vast marketing package at Glassex. The 'Windows that don't cost the Earth'
DVD is a support tool for installers, which informs homeowners about the
benefits of installing Energy Saving Recommended (ESR) windows using Super
Spacer®.
During
the five minute DVD homeowners will see the difference ESR windows make
to the environment by reducing annual heating bills and reducing their
home's carbon footprint. 'The DVD is a great tool for installers to use
to differentiate their product in this competitive market,' says Andy
Ball, Marketing and Business Development Manager at Edgetech UK.
'Installers can play the DVD to homeowners when visiting them in their
homes, or have it on display in their showrooms. Either way it shows their
window is different which not only helps get the sale, but also achieves
a premium for their products.
'Homeowners are waking up to energy efficient products and demand for
Energy Saving Recommended windows is growing. The DVD will help homeowners
make an informed decision when they choose to replace their windows. Installers
will be able to preview the DVD at Edgetech's stand at Glassex to see
how it will help them sell energy efficient windows using Super Spacer.
The DVD is part of the wide range of marketing support Edgetech offers,
rivalling that of Super Fabricators and Systems Companies.'
For your sneak preview of this innovative marketing tool before Glassex,
stay tuned to the Glazine, as we will be hosting the first ever viewing
of this new DVD from Edgetech.
To find out more about how Window Energy Ratings can benefit your business
visit Edgetech's 'Taking the Stress out of window energy ratings' stand
G120 at Glassex.
Tel: 02476 705570
As
part of an ongoing commitment to responding to the needs of customers,
Ultraframe has introduced an online discussion forum for its' 'Team Ultraframe'
fabricator customers. The forum was developed as a result of customer
feedback during a fabricator consultation event at the company's Clitheroe
Head Office.
The
online forum allows fabricators to share views, suggestions and even reservations
about Ultraframe products and services, as well as discussing topics in
relation to the industry as a whole.
Nick Brown, Commercial Director at Ultraframe commented: ‘In order
to achieve product and customer service excellence we believe it is important
to listen and respond to the views of our customers. Several of our key
fabricators expressed an interest in an online discussion forum where
they could communicate quickly and easily with Ultraframe and their peers
within the industry. To date we have over 60 members signed up to the
forum and are seeing the traffic on the site increasing week by week.
We have had some extremely interesting product development suggestions,
which have been fed through to our R&D department for further investigation.
We believe that by providing our customers with effective communication
tools, we can work together with our 'Team Ultraframe' partners to improve
our offering to all of our customer groups.’
Topics covered on the forum so far include discussions about roof vents,
waste recycling, literature and generic industry topics. Fabricators who
have signed up to the forum feel that it offers a quick and easy way to
discuss topical issues, not only with Ultraframe, but with other Ultraframe
fabricators who they may not usually come into contact with on a daily
basis.
Ian Maitland, Director at Maitlands (GB) Ltd commented: ‘For several
years now, Ultraframe has held fabricator consultation days, on a national
and regional level to enable us to meet the Ultraframe team and other
Ultraframe fabricators. At these sessions we can discuss product improvement
ideas and raise any suggestions or queries we may have. The online discussion
forum takes this one step further - it's great being able to communicate
as often as needed with other companies who are working in the same environment
as ourselves. It's also reassuring to know that Ultraframe take our suggestions
on board wherever possible and work with us to develop solutions or new
products in response to our feedback.’
The forum is simple to use and has proved to be a runaway success since
its launch in October 2006. Nick Brown concluded: ‘It's great to
see so many of our fabricators taking part in discussions using the 'Team
Ultraframe' online forum. As with our products, we believe it is important
to continually research and develop new communication tools to make working
life as easy as possible for our customers. We are thrilled to have produced
this easy-to-use communication tool and would invite any of our fabricators
who are not yet involved to get in touch for further details.’
For further information on the Team Ultraframe fabricator forum call Rebecca
Mayhew on 01200 4146549.
Conservatory
Installer of The Year Chooses Stuga ZX4
Emplas
Windows Systems of Kettering has chosen the popular Stuga ZX4 cutting
and prepping centre for the company’s next phase of expansion.
Following
the winning of the G06 award as Conservatory Installer of the Year Emplas
has continued to go from strength to strength and has already outgrown
its current production capacity. It was obvious to the management of Emplas
that further expansion without automation made no sense and with Industry
specialist Dave Lewis being brought in as Operations Director the company
set about looking for an automatic cutting and prepping centre to help
it increase output whilst reducing skills and numbers in this area.
After looking at all of the many well known machines from various suppliers
Emplas chose the Stuga ZX4. After going through the real output volumes
of each machine in detail Dave Lewis could see a pattern emerging whereby
most machinery companies just could not back up their early claims on
output, whereas Stuga was not only able to demonstrate its machines performance
but was also prepared to give firm contractual guarantees in writing.
The ZX4 stood out head and shoulders above the rest when it came to output
volumes on both windows and doors.
Another major feature of the ZX4 that attracted Emplas was the Stuga Rotary
Tooling System because of the flexibility it gives on British window systems.
The rotary system allows tools to be presented to any profile at any angle
or fraction of an angle throughout three hundred and sixty degrees, giving
ultimate flexibility when it comes to getting round the many little problems
encountered in prepping a multitude of profiles and styles. The rotary
system has been used on machine tools in numerous industries for over
one hundred years and is built for Stuga by a leading world specialist.
Fixed tooling systems cannot by their nature have this level of flexibility
and more than twenty fixed spindles would be required to give the same
performance that can be obtained with much fewer on the rotary system.
Other attractions for Emplas were the many features such as simultaneous
cutting on both sides of a profile for trickle vents and doors, random
offcut measurement, profile recognition, profile width measuring and correction,
automatic centring of arrowheads, offcut control, laser measuring, 'V'
and 'Y' notching on both sides of any profile, full buffering between
cutting and prepping to improve output, ergonomic layout for easier operation
of loading and unloading, colour monitor at point of loading and a British
version of the Windows operating system with error messages in English.
Add to this the fact that Stuga has a full team of engineers on the road
for back-up, several engineers available around the country to dial in
with diagnostic knowledge and parts for absolutely everything at the company’s
UK headquarters where the machines are built and it is easy to see why
Emplas chose Stuga after a full research into the market for cutting and
prepping machines. Stuga also has its own in house software team to take
care of all aspects of this often worrying aspect of automation.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: sales@stuga.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
SGG
Planitherm Total Re-Branded as CE Marking Arrives
In
the context of CE Marking, most flat glass products sold in the European
Union must now conform to European technical standards known as harmonised
European Norms (hEN), as dictated by the Comité Européen
de Normalisation (CEN).
As a member of the Association of European Flat Glass Manufacturers (GEPVP)
Saint-Gobain Glass remains committed to the various initiatives and directives
required to ensure that all products are marked accordingly. All mandatory
products are now being CE marked at all European SGG plants and much technical
and practical support has been provided to customers as they too prepare
for compliance.
The 1st of March signifies the next big step as EN 1279 becomes mandatory
for producers of Insulating Glass Units (IGUs), the culmination of many
months of preparation, testing and quality checks for most of the glass
industry. Of particular importance to low-E coating manufacturers is part
3 of this standard, which refers to the measurement of gas concentration
and gas leakage within an IGU, thus requiring performance data for some
products to be presented at new levels.
Most glass processors now use inert gas (Argon) as standard in order to
improve the overall U-value performance of low-E IGUs. Until now glass
manufacturers have made technical calculations based on 100% gas-filling
within an IGU.
However, as EN 1279 comes into force, it has been agreed that a gas-filling
level of 90% must be used. This will have an effect on the declared U-value
of most high performance low-emissivity products on the market today,
despite the fact that the products themselves have not changed.
Derek Dragten, Marketing Manager for Saint-Gobain Glass explains, ‘The
new regulations will affect the U-value calculation at 90% gas-filling
of an IGU incorporating our market-leading SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.1. It
will subsequently round down to 1.2 W/m2K and as such will now simply
be re-branded as SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL. In contrast it so happens that
the declared U-value of SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL 1.3 remains unchanged. For
those who require even higher performance products, we are currently preparing
for the launch of some of our most advanced coatings yet’.
He adds, ‘As a leader in glass coating technology, Saint-Gobain Glass
welcomes these important changes, which promote transparent, comparable
and independently audited standards for our industry’.
More information about CE Marking and SGG PLANITHERM TOTAL can be found
at http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com/ce
Profile
22 makes Energy Ratings Easy
A
new online support service from Systems Company Profile 22 means its customers
can now achieve new Window Energy Ratings in just three simple steps,
making the WER process easier and cheaper.
Combined with a product portfolio offering some of the most technically
advanced and energy efficient profiles on the market, the company says
its customers can manufacture economical and commercially viable A-rated
double glazed windows.
Rob McGlennon, Divisional Sales Director at Profile 22, said: 'Window
Energy Ratings represent the next big opportunity for fabricators and
installers alike. It’s our job as an industry to promote the benefits
of energy efficient products to consumers, including the cost-savings
and advantages of next-generation frames over older replacement windows.
As a systems supplier, we see it as our duty to equip our customers with
the tools, products and support they need they need to do this.
'Profile 22 has put massive investment behind a pre-testing programme
giving customers substantial savings on the cost of achieving a Window
Energy Rating. The knowledge gained from the pre-testing programme has
also been used in the development of the online service, allowing customers
to fast track the ratings process and eliminate any trial and error.'
The online service allows Profile 22 customers to log on through any Internet
connection, select the window and glazing options they wish to test and
obtain an instantaneous, good approximation of the Window Energy Rating.
The system works by allowing customers to input various product specifications
to see what Energy Rating they are likely to achieve, fast tracking the
ratings process and saving money on expensive external testing or simulations.
Eclipse Trade Frames, Suffolk, is one Profile 22 customer who has already
achieved Energy ratings for its products. It used an early version of
the new system to help it gain A-E ratings for its range of window frames.
Bill Blunden, Eclipse Trade Frames’ managing director, said: 'We
recognised the huge sales and marketing potential of Window Energy Ratings
early on, and have been working closely with suppliers like Profile 22
to achieve them across our product portfolio. There is no doubt that having
energy-rated products will help us differentiate and provide a valuable
additional sales tool for our trade customers.'
The new service was previewed at a recent Profile 22 business improvement
workshop held at the company’s Telford headquarters, which focussed
heavily on the impact and opportunities presented by Window Energy Ratings.
The event proved so successful, with more than 80 fabrication and installation
companies in attendance, Profile 22 held a second workshop in November
for a further 40 customers and more are planned throughout 2007.
In addition to helping fabricators achieve Window Energy Ratings, Profile
22 is launching a range of over-printable literature and adverts to support
installers and help educate consumers to the benefits of choosing energy
efficient windows.
To find out more about achieving energy rated windows and the opportunities
they represent contact Profile 22 on Tel: 01952 290910
Ken
Bates Signs Up for 2007 Safestyle TV Campaign
Leeds
United Chairman, Ken Bates, leaves nothing to chance when it comes to
seeking a window of opportunity to keep his latest club in the spotlight.
He has just agreed to be the new face to kick start the 2007 multi-million
pound advertising campaign for Safestyle UK, one of his club's premier
sponsors this season and a company renowned for its celebrity-led and
award winning television advertising in the replacement window and door
market.
Filming
took place recently in Monte Carlo and features Ken fronting and backing
Safestyle's popular promotion of ‘buy the front and get the back
free’ - an offer already taking home owners in the United Kingdom
market by storm.
John Ross, Chief Executive of Safestyle UK, the country's largest independent
replacement window and door retailer and manufacturer, commented:
‘Once approached Ken was delighted to follow in the footsteps of
some famous celebrities, such as ‘Jungle Kings’ Cannon and Ball,
Eurovision winner Cheryl Baker and former Coronation Street star, Ken
Morley.
‘Safestyle's adverts have always been instantly recognisable and
a high profile character like Ken was the natural choice to front our
new campaign - as everyone knows he is quiet and retiring and has the
perfect face for television!
‘In many ways he is unique and if you support him, as we do at Elland
Road, he is eager to return the compliment.
‘His reputation as a hard hitting and very demanding businessman
is recognised worldwide and particularly in this country and the world
of sport. By so readily supporting Safestyle in its latest advertising
he is emphasising how rewarding it can be to back him, his club and its
future.’
The new Safestyle campaign hits television screens from this week (starting
Monday, 12th February 2007).
Housebuilder
Bellway specified Pultec windows and French doors opening on to juliet
balconies for the latest phase of its prestigious Ochre Yards apartments
at Gateshead.
Ochre Yards is part of a regeneration programme at Gateshead Quays and
Bellway has aimed to feature the latest in modern specification throughout
the high profile development.
In this fifth phase, Bellway has switched to Pultec from aluminium for
the first time. The building includes penthouse apartments with striking
Pultec-framed 5m high glazed screens, giving magnificent views over the
River Tyne.
Manufactured from fibre reinforced polymer (FRP), Pultec has a similar
streamlined appearance, structural strength and range of colour options
to aluminium, but the company says that its overall technical performance
is superior, especially in energy efficiency and impact on the environment.
It is also a cost-effective alternative to aluminium.
With a guarantee of 20 years but an anticipated lifespan of 50 years,
it is a low maintenance and 'best value' product available to window specifiers.
Hailed as the natural successor to PVCu and aluminium, Pultec systems
are available in all today's popular window designs, including French
doors.
Email: sales@pultec.co.uk
Web: http://www.pultec.co.uk
Phillip
Brings European High Finance Expertise to Celuform
The
new Finance Director at Celuform has substantial experience of European
business development, which will be invaluable to the PVC-ue roofline
and cladding specialist.
Phillip Roberts has taken up the Celuform post straight from Kimberley-Clark,
one of the largest global manufacturers of paper products. He was with
K-C for the past eight years in a variety of senior roles. Before that,
he worked in various industries, including the automotive sector.
‘I am sure that Phillip will bring excellent knowledge and experience
to the Celuform board and will help move the business forward both in
the UK and in Europe,’ said Andrew Wakelin, Celuform's Managing Director.
Phillip lives locally to Celuform in Kent with his family.
Celuform is one of the largest manufacturers of cellular plastic cladding
and roofline products in the UK. The company provides a complete range
of systems for refurbishment and new build.
It is an exclusive supplier of roofline and cladding systems to a number
of developers including Redrow, David Wilson Homes, Taylor Woodrow, and
George Wimpey as well as being a key supplier to many housing associations
and local authorities.
Celuform says that it was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building
products and supplies stockists throughout Europe and the UK.
For more information about Celuform PVC-ue products call 01622 719199,
fax 01622 882258 or go to http://www.celuform.co.uk
£500,000
Revamp Secures 130 more Jobs for Windowstyle
Windowstyle
UK, the manufacturing arm of the Style Group, the independent UK replacement
window and door retailer, has announced a further £500,000 investment
in new plant for its facility at Wombwell in South Yorkshire. It follows
the recent arrival of a £2m state of the art glass toughening machine
and will lead to a significant increase in new jobs.
The
Windowstyle operation, which already covers more than 18 acres with factory
units over 121,000 square feet in total, is the area's largest single
employer and the latest developments will give it the capability to produce
up to 10,000 units per week.
The latest half-million investment will see new equipment installed in
three key areas. Firstly there will be a £130,000 upgrade of existing
profile machinery utilising new technology for the manufacture of the
company’s new ‘Vogue Diamond’ windows, which have exclusively
sculptured frames. The new machinery ensures window corners are cut with
strict accuracy and edged cleanly.
There has also been a £300,000 investment in a cutting and machining
centre, which is a similar size to half a football pitch and ensures the
manufacturing process is more time-efficient whilst dramatically improving
the quality and efficiency of products. In the past frames have been cut
individually and then extra holes for such as hinges and handles added
separately. The new machinery enables both jobs to be done at the same
time.
Finally a new £65,000 quad welder which automatically squares up
all corners when welding the joints of frames has been installed. This
will further improve product quality, reduce waste and create cost savings.
On the jobs front it is anticipated that the workforce, currently standing
at 550, will be increased with immediate effect. Windowstyle is looking
to attract a further 130 employees during the current year, half on a
full-time basis and half on contract.
Nick Lilburn, Managing Director of Windowstyle UK, explained the expansion
and investment: ‘Our manufacturing facility is very impressive and
has constantly grown to meet the demands of our well known retail subsidiary,
Safestyle, which has seen rapid development nationally in the wake of
its popular celebrity-led television and radio advertising campaigns.’
He added: ‘This new big investment in Windowstyle will undoubtedly
help us to maintain our position as a leader in a very competitive marketplace.
Importantly it is excellent news for the local economy in South Yorkshire,
not least on the jobs front. It will also enable us to continue to grow
and meet increased demand as house and property owners make the change
from traditional wooden products to the cleaner and easier to maintain
PVCu frames and doors.’
Caption: Up and running - Windowstyle's new £300,000 cutting centre
produces the perfect finish for Managing Director Nick Lilburn (right)
and colleague Paul Jagger (left).
Ongoing
Investment for NCE Windows
NCE
Windows, a REHAU fabricator based in St Helens, has invested in new machinery
to help further improve the quality and efficiency of its manufacturing.
The company, which produces around 150 frames per week in the REHAU S706
70mm system, has purchased a new 4-head corner cleaner, compressor, automatic
twin cut bead saw and drain slot routing machine as part of its ongoing
reinvestment programme.
Alongside the machinery, it has also purchased a new 7.5 tonne delivery
vehicle to service its customers throughout the north west of England.
Chris Williams, a director at NCE, says: ‘NCE is a small fabricator
looking to provide a very high quality, flexible and responsive service
to customers buying REHAU. We differentiate ourselves from the big manufacturers
with our attention to detail and our personal, tailored service.
‘An important part of that is being able to guarantee the highest
quality frames delivered on time, and our investment programme is designed
to help us achieve this.’
NCE already offers a standard five-day turnaround on frames but it can
offer same day delivery if a frame is urgently required - for example
if a window has been damaged on site or the wrong size ordered.
It is currently seeking ISO9002 and BSI accreditation for its windows
and expects to announce further success stories shortly.
Web: http://www.ncewindows.com
Glazerite
Invests £0.5m to Increase Production
Established
trade fabricator and member of Network VEKA, Glazerite Windows Ltd, is
nearing completion of it's planned investment of over £550,000 in
new machinery and another extension to the company’s second factory
to boost its Wellingborough based operation.
Many
fabricators will look at that figure and be surprised that any business
is prepared to make that amount of investment in the current trading climate.
But they'll be even more surprised to discover that for Glazerite, the
investment isn't just for long-term benefit, it's also so the company
can keep up with current demand.
That's because Glazerite has seen the demand for its ISO accredited range
of quality products cause its production output to grow from 600 to 900
frames per week in the last nine months alone. Those are figures that
are even more impressive than the level of investment the company is making
and Glazerite believes the new machine, a Rotox eight head automatic frame
welding line from Winmac, will enable it to meet demand in the short and
medium term, giving a capacity in excess of 1000 frames per week.
Already outgrowing the two manufacturing sites that Glazerite occupies
providing Veka Matrix 58mm and Fully Sculptured 70mm frames to the trade,
the new 4,500 square foot extension will house a dedicated door and specialist
frame production line, improving the efficiency through the main factory
and helping the company to build upon its reputation for quality.
Chris Reeks, Glazerite's Sales and Marketing Manager says the reason for
the company’s recent success is the level of investment it is prepared
to make. He explains: ‘The only way we can consolidate and strengthen
our market position is by constantly developing and improving every aspect
of our business and our service to our customers. And the only way we
can do this is with continuous investment, with another £3-£400,000
planned for the next 12 months.’
It's certainly true that Glazerite is willing to invest to see success.
The addition of more automated machinery follows hot on the heels of investment
in all areas of the business, from staff to systems, and brings the total
resources allocated over the past 18 months to over £1 million.
Rewards are already being reaped from this in areas such as the new online
ordering system that went live in late 2006. Numerous customers have already
taken advantage of its user friendly setup to produce accurate, professional
quotes tailored for their customers. The speeding up of the ordering process,
coupled with the instant access to its glass sizes as well as various
management reports has made the software a vital tool in its business.
Glazerite's portfolio includes an impressive range of complete conservatories,
doors and windows including specialist products such as bi-folding doors
and means the company can meet all its customers' needs. Combined with
its dedication to constant improvement, it certainly seems to be a recipe
that demonstrates that it's more than possible to buck industry trends.
Tel: 01933 443222
Email: chris@glazerite.net
Vista
Group Invests in High Tech Production Machinery
Vista
Group plc, manufacturer of PVC door panels and composite doors has recently
invested in excess of £300,000 in state of the art production machinery
at its factory in the Wirral, Cheshire.
The advanced technology includes a new SCM double headed CNC machine,
a new extraction system, two diamond bead adhesive machines, six cold
presses and three waste compactors that will allow the company to recycle
up to 80% of its waste material. The new machinery was needed to increase
production capacity following an influx of new orders due to contract
wins.
Star of the show is the double headed CNC machine. It allows two doors
to be machined in the same time that it previously took to machine one
door. It automatically sizes the door and routes out the apertures for
the glass and letterplate. This new equipment is effectively twice as
fast as the existing machines as one door can be loaded while the other
is being routed.
Vista Group's Managing Director, Keith Sadler says: ‘this capital
expenditure will help Vista to cope with the increased demand from our
customers from both the public and private sectors. The new CNC machine
has significantly increased our capacity and further improved the quality
of our doors. It will enable us to reduce our lead times for composite
doors over the next few months and so improve our customer service.’
Tel: 0151 608 1423
Email: sales@vista-panels.co.uk
Web: http://www.vistapanels.co.uk
IGU
manufacturer, AG Glass is now averaging over 20,000 units per week from
its state of the art manufacturing unit near Barnsley, ideally located
at J35a of the M1.
These
figures cover activity in the last quarter of 2006 and the company expects
this strong sales performance to continue in 2007.
AG Glass is one of an elite few glass processors to have invested in an
automated Super Spacer™ line and companies such as Lister Trade Frames
have already experienced the benefits of offering an energy rated window.
Simon Ratcliffe, commercial director at AG Glass comments:
‘Not only was the last quarter a great performance for us, but we
had a great year. We have a unique culture of continuous development and
improvement at AG and for our customers that means we offer a benchmark
for service and product quality in the glass processing industry.’
AG expects demand for units within the WER's scheme to increase significantly
as the trade and consumer adopt the energy efficiency initiative.
Leading fabricators and installers looking for a partner to develop an
energy rated window are advised to speak with AG thanks to their proven
experience with other leading companies across the glass and glazing industry.
Tel: 01226 356500
Email: john.spiby@ag-glass.co.uk
Whatever
the weather GAP customers can be assured they will get their deliveries
on time. During recent snow storms, GAP's dedicated delivery team turned
up for work to make sure its customers received their orders.
When
customers called to see if their delivery had been cancelled, GAP staff
answered ‘not a problem, we are still on the way’. Despite some
customers cancelling orders, GAP's vans were sent out to customers who
were determined not to take the day off.
Joint Managing Director Charles Greensmith comments: ‘Customer service
is at the heart of GAP, and customers can rely on us to deliver whatever
the weather.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Updated
Fire Regulations get Six out of 10 from the Passive Fire Protection Federation
On
6th April 2007 the changes to Approved Document B (AD B) which regulates
fire safety in buildings come into force. Issued by the Department for
Communities and Local Government (DCLG) the document is an important set
of guidelines that has, over the years significantly progressed fire safety
in England and Wales. But is it starting to show its age? Founded on technical
work carried out in the 1960s, the urban environment has changed dramatically
since AD B's inception. While welcoming the updated regulations the Passive
Fire Protection Federation (PFPF) give the new regulations just six out
of 10.
The PFPF commends the efforts to make the guidance more accessible by
splitting it into two volumes - one relating to dwelling houses the other
to all other buildings. The inclusion of Third Party Certification schemes
(TPC's) is also worthy of praise. It is a vital first step in ensuring
the highest standards in the manufacturing and installation of fire safety
products are met. To this end the document recommends the use of Third
Party Certification schemes. However, the new AD B does not establish
objective criteria for determining what makes a good or bad certification
scheme, and leaves open the question of who validates the 'experts' whose
job it is to judge these schemes.
Perhaps the most serious flaw is the lack of specific guidance on the
design of tall and multi-functional buildings. This has to be seen as
a significant omission. These structures have become such a distinct and
integral part of our modern landscape that the need to consider their
inherent and particular fire safety requirements is now long overdue.
It is no longer satisfactory for the regulations to stop at buildings
over 30m high.The PFPF hope this milestone revision will see the DCLG
authorise a fundamental technical review to address the issues of modern
construction, design and practice.
Tel: 01274 861338
Email: pfpf@associationhouse.org.uk
Web: http://www.pfpf.org
SFS
Intec Opens Door to Doing 'E-asier' Business
SFS
intec is using its global expertise in e-logistics to help all its customers
- large and small - do business easier and more efficiently by extending
its advanced ordering, warehousing and logistics systems.
The
Swiss fastener and door hinge manufacturer, whose UK headquarters and
distribution centre is in Leeds, is now offering door and window industry
customers a range of electronic solutions designed to help them improve
ordering, invoicing, stock management and warehousing.
‘We have made buying from SFS intec as easy as possible,’ says
SFS intec's director Glen Wainwright. ‘Any customer can take advantage
of our e-logistics solutions thanks to the technology that we have in
place. This includes our website based e-shop for smaller fabricators
to EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) systems for large volume customers,
as well as a range of bespoke customer specific stock management solutions.
‘Improving the way fasteners, hinges and C-parts are ordered and
managed can make a significant saving. Forget the unit cost of the product,
the real cost of a component or consumables comes in things such as the
time taken to raise numerous orders, faxing, then receiving many small
orders and processing a needlessly high number of invoices.
‘And then there are the additional man hours required to find stock
in a badly organised store, plus the even more serious implications of
not having enough stock to continue production. We can help our customers
work smarter and more profitably.’
SFS intec already has a near perfect record on customer deliveries. In
2005-06, the company delivered its products as promised on 99.5 per cent
of occasions. This high degree of reliability coupled with easier ordering
helps customers run their businesses more smoothly and make significant
cost savings in the long run.
Glen continues, ‘Careful management of the way goods are ordered,
delivered and stocked has underpinned the success of SFS intec and we
now want to pass our knowledge and experience onto our customers through
a consultancy service. Under this, we will conduct an audit at customers'
premises designed to identify how they can improve the way they order
and stock products.
‘The audit may reveal that only simple changes are required to make
a big difference, such as switching to a form of electronic ordering or
adjusting the layout of the stock room or warehouse. Ultimately, our consultancy
service will show how fabricators can save time and money while at the
same time benefit by using amongst the highest quality components in the
industry.’
Further information on how SFS intec can help window and door fabricators
do business easier can be found at http://www.sfsintec.biz/uk
or by calling 0113 2085 500.
Company
Car Drivers Waste 11 Days a Year in Congestion
Twenty
per cent of company car drivers spend more than 11 days a year sitting
in congestion according to a new survey from the RAC Foundation and www.companycardriver.co.uk
released on 26th January.
Most drivers waste between one or two hours per week stuck in congestion.
Almost one third of the drivers are making a New Year resolution to spend
less time travelling for work in 2007. Three in ten company car drivers'
concern for the environment already makes them drive less. Forty per cent
of company car drivers would welcome greater encouragement of home working
and 25% would like to see more flexible working hours to help them avoid
congestion.
However, over 50% of companies are 'not at all' supportive of drivers
taking up flexible working practices such as working from home, online
working or using public transport. Out of all the environmental and time
saving initiatives available to businesses, online working, followed by
low car emission purchasing and home working were the most likely to be
adopted by a company.
The survey also revealed that 10% of company car drivers admitted to have
previously fallen asleep at the wheel. Falling asleep at the wheel is
the cause of around 20% of accidents on long journeys on trunk roads and
motorways and the greatest risk of falling asleep at the wheel is between
midnight and 6am. The RAC Foundation urges companies responsible for fleets
to ensure that their drivers do not put themselves at increased risk by
driving long hours or skimping on important rest breaks.
The RAC Foundation urges companies to:
1.Look at how and when business journeys take place. Are the journeys
necessary or could they be made at a different time? Many company car
drivers are losing 5 hours of precious time per week in congestion. What
initiatives could be adopted to reduce the stress and improve the work-life
balance?
2.Consider the financial and environmental consequences of journeys made.
3.Re-address driving related health and safety issues, especially driver
tiredness.
The RAC Foundation urges government to:
1.Provide more help and advice for fleets
2.Provide better alternatives for travel and incentives for business use.
3.Carry out the commitment for continued improvements to the strategic
road infrastructure.
Edmund King, Executive Director of the RAC Foundation said, 'Too much
time is wasted sitting in traffic jams. Companies and drivers need to
get smarter to avoid congestion. Highway authorities need to do more to
clear the bottlenecks. Perhaps due to extra hours stuck in congestion
an astonishing ten per cent of drivers admit to falling asleep at the
wheel. They are lucky they have lived to tell their tales.'
Jeremy Bennett, Editor of http://www.companycardriver.co.uk,
a portal designed specifically for the business driver, said 'The survey
results suggest that too many company car drivers are under too much pressure
and perhaps some could avoid congestion by making more use of the super
highway rather than sitting in jams on the real highway.'
Phil Flaxton, Chief Executive of Work Wise UK http://www.workwiseuk.org,
the national campaign to promote smarter working practices, said, 'This
survey shows that there is a clear desire amongst company car drivers
to adopt more flexible working patterns, but this is being hampered by
some companies lack of interest in making the change. Businesses can make
significant time and financial savings from being more flexible and if
company car drivers can save some of the time and energy spent on the
road, people's work-life balance will improve in 2007.'
A
national publicity campaign launched on Monday 5th February to remind
contractors and subcontractors in the construction industry that the New
CIS will be here in eight weeks' time.
The campaign will be run in the trade, national, regional and radio press.
Some of the messages highlighted in the adverts are:
* You may have already heard that the Construction Industry Scheme is
changing this year;
* From April there will no longer be CIS cards and certificates;
* Subcontractors working on an existing contract don't need to do anything;
* But if you're a subcontractor starting a new contract you need to supply
the contractor with a few simple details, which HMRC will tell you about
shortly; and
* If you'd like to know more visit http://www.new-cis.com or call 0845
366 7899.
New CIS Programme Director, Mark de Brunner, said:
'There are only eight weeks before New CIS comes in, and contractors should
now be ready. There's plenty of help if they need it - online, over the
phone and in the packs we sent to contractors last month.
'Contractors can still get additional advice when they attend the Business
Support Team seminars, Employer Talk events and Business Advice Open Days.'
Craft
Skills Shortage Threat to Historic Buildings in East of England
English
Heritage is bringing together organisations representing the built environment
at a seminar in Essex this week to discuss the threat facing the historic
environment arising from the shortage of specialist crafts and skills.
The regional seminar will be held at Cressing Temple, Braintree, on Tuesday,
6th February. Run as part of English Heritage's Historic Environment Local
Management (HELM) programme, the event aims to address the strategic management
of traditional building skills in the East of England.
There is a serious shortage of younger building craftspeople, and an estimated
6,590 additional skilled craftspeople are needed to meet current shortages
in the built heritage sector. Fewer than 40,000 people are skilled in
traditional crafts, yet on current trends the contribution of crafts to
the rural economy could exceed that of farming within 10-15 years.
Craft skills needed to care for our heritage, including pargeting, heather
thatching, dry stone walling, stone masonry and frieze restoration, are
important not just to the heritage but to the whole economy. Nearly half
of the UK's £56billion construction industry involves the repair
and refurbishment of existing buildings (4% GDP).
Greg Luton, Regional Director of English Heritage in the East of England,
will chair the 'Managing Traditional Building Skills' seminar. He said:
'Craft skills are the 'Cinderella' of the heritage industry. We are proud
of our fantastic historic environment but without good, trained craftspeople
it would be impossible for us to protect it. The purpose of this day is
to bring the importance of craft skills to the fore and encourage the
development of this key area in the East of England.'
The forum will showcase research and provide examples of good practice.
It will feature training bodies, further and higher education providers
and industry bodies, as well as organisations with historic assets or
which represent the historic environment.
Earning on-the-job with mentoring from experienced practitioners is one
of the best ways for individuals to develop heritage skills but there
are few funding opportunities.
Robyn Llewellyn, Regional Manager, and Jo Reilly, Senior Policy Advisor
for Learning and Skills, Heritage Lottery Fund will discuss the HLF Bursary
Scheme. During the next four years, 1,500 people will benefit from craft
skills training thanks to the £7m scheme which will improve the
quality of skills available to the heritage sector by providing new entrants
or existing staff with work-based training opportunities. It will develop
innovative training schemes that promote diversity in the workforce and
enable organisations to work in partnership with others. For example,
the National Trust and English Heritage are running a joint training bursary
scheme on traditional building skills England and Wales. The partnership
has already set up work placements and associated bursaries for individuals
to access these placements.
Dr Jo Reilly from the Heritage Lottery Fund said:
'Traditional building skills are essential to maintaining our historic
buildings and landscapes, and it is so important to keep these crafts
alive by encouraging younger people to train. Bursary schemes offer a
huge range of learning opportunities for those involved, from dry-stone
walling to thatching or reed cutting, and help to secure the future of
Britain's rich heritage.'
There will be an opportunity to watch a demonstration of pargeting from
William Sargent - one of the highest regarded pargeters in the country.
Pargeting is an East Anglian technique of applying decorative plaster
to building walls.
Other speakers at the event include:
* Seamus Hanna, Heritage Construction Manager and Simon Holmes, Heritage
Training Advisor of the National Heritage Training Group to discuss their
research nationally and in the East of England.
* Chris Knock, to talk about the Heritage Crafts programme for farmers
and builders in the skills needed to restore and maintain historic buildings.
They worked on a Grade II listed barn on the Rayleigh Estate in Essex.
* John Appleton, Training and Development Manager, Building Crafts College.
* Katy Seabright, Heritage Education Support Officer of Essex County Council
to talk about the work of Essex County Council's traditional building
skills programme.
The event is being organised by Suzy Howes Associates and Inspire East.
Web: http://www.hlf.org.uk
PPG
Acquires Renner Sayerlack, S.A.
PPG Industries has acquired the architectural and industrial coatings
businesses of Renner Sayerlack, S.A., Gravatai, Brazil, to expand its
architectural and industrial coatings business in Latin America.
‘Renner is a very strong, well regarded architectural paint brand
in Brazil, Chile, and Uruguay,’ said Charles E. Bunch, chairman and
chief executive officer of PPG. ‘This acquisition will strengthen
our ability to grow our architectural and industrial business throughout
Latin America. Moreover, it fits well with our strategy to profitably
grow our coatings businesses and continue to expand our presence in emerging
regions.’
Renner Sayerlack's architectural and industrial coatings businesses operate
three manufacturing plants in Gravatai, Brazil; Santiago, Chile; and Montevideo,
Uruguay. Each plant also serves as a distribution centre. The businesses
sell through independent dealers, construction material suppliers and
brand licensees, similar to franchise stores. The businesses employ approximately
850 people.
Renner Sayerlack was formed in 2001 by the merger of Tintas Renner and
Sayerlack Industria Brasileira de Vernizes. The company participates in
the architectural, industrial, wood finishing and high-performance/marine
coatings segments in Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. The wood and high-performance/marine
divisions are being retained by Renner Sayerlack.
‘We are pleased to complete this transaction with PPG,’ said
Thomas Herrmann, chairman of Renner Sayerlack. ‘As a global leader
in the coatings industry, PPG has the resources and commitment to take
this architectural business in this region to the next level. In addition,
this agreement will allow Renner to focus on wood and high-performance
coatings.’
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About PPG
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of coatings, chemicals, glass
and fibre glass. The company employs more than 33,000 people and has 122
manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates in more than 20 countries.
Sales in 2005 were $10.2 billion. PPG shares are traded on the New York
and Philadelphia stock exchanges (symbol: PPG). For more information,
visit http://www.ppg.com