Resilience/Berggruen
may Emerge as White Knight in Ultraframe Bid
The
Board of Ultraframe Plc ('Ultraframe') notes the announcement on Monday
12th June by Resilience Capital Partners LLC ('Resilience') and Berggruen
Holdings ('Berggruen') stating that they are considering making an offer
for the entire share capital of Ultraframe Plc but that there can be no
certainty that an offer will be forthcoming.
The Board of Ultraframe has not received anything from Resilience or Berggruen
other than a request for information, and has no knowledge of what any
offer, if eventually made, may comprise. The Board's view is unchanged
from that set out in the offer document from Latium Holdings Limited sent
to shareholders on Friday 9th June 2006
Ultraframe has also announced that on 9 June 2006 the Court handed down
its judgment relating to the final assessment of Ultraframe's damages
relating to Eurocell's infringement of Ultraframe's patent and design
rights in the Ultralite 500 roofing system, as set out in Ultraframe’s
announcement of 24th June 2005.
Ultraframe is still considering the detail of this judgment with its legal
and forensic accountancy advisors but presently anticipates that the Court's
judgment will result in further damages for Ultraframe in excess of £2.5m,
plus costs and further interest, yet to be determined.
This award is in line with Ultraframe's expectations. It is open to Eurocell
to seek leave to appeal this assessment of damages judgment and therefore
the timing of any receipt is not yet known and Ultraframe will make a
further announcement in due course.
Wendland
to Remain 'Independent and Focused' if Ultraframe Joins Latium
It's
business as usual. That is the response to questions about the company's
future from conservatory roof systems designer and manufacturer Wendland,
if the ultimate owners of the business Brian Kennedy and Stuart Lees add
Ultraframe to the Group's portfolio.
Steve
Gardiner, Managing Director of Wendland Roof Solutions (pictured) was
responding to speculation about the future of Wendland following news
of the offer for Ultraframe's shares and the acceptance of the offer by
the Ultraframe board and company founder John Lancaster. He said: ‘Wendland
has unobtrusively been developing its business and strong market position
through the technical excellence of its products, but also as the highly
competent and very real alternative to the other main players.
‘Many Wendland customers have migrated to us from the other brands
for very specific reasons and we have a clearly defined niche in the market
place. We have worked hard to consolidate the infrastructure of the business
to ensure that we are as efficient as a company as our products are technically
advanced.’
Completion of the Ultraframe deal will see both companies becoming members
of the same holding company, offering a powerful grip on the conservatory
markets both at home and overseas. Obvious synergies would be expected
to take place between the two companies, but behind the scenes.
‘We will have a number of announcements over the coming weeks that
will emphasise the position of Wendland as the technical tour de force
of the conservatory roof market. Wendland will remain independent within
the Group, and highly focused,’ added Gardiner.
Freefoam
Plastics, the manufacturer of PVC Roofline products has announced the
acquisition of the Permacell product range from the recently appointed
Administrator to the business.
This is a significant move for Freefoam as the acquisition widens its
current range of window trim products and complements the already strong
roofline range.
Acknowledging the positive feedback from the former stockists of Permacell,
and in particular with regard to the range of window trims, this acquisition
represents an ideal opportunity for Freefoam to both service the needs
of the stockist and enhance the Freefoam product range. These products
will be branded as Freefoam products and will be available very shortly.
Commenting on the acquisition, Freefoam MD Tony Walsh said 'We faced strong
competition in acquiring this attractive range so it is extremely satisfying
for Freefoam that we can offer these products to the marketplace. I think
it will be a major benefit for former Permacell stockists by offering
continuity together with the added choice of the Freefoam product portfolio'.
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
Conzzeta
Group: Bystronic Shines in First Quarter
In
the first four months of 2006, the Conzzeta Group was able to sustain
the upward trend in revenues and earnings from the previous year. Bystronic
Glass was up 31%, while its Sheet Metal division enjoyed volumes up 17%.
Compared with the same period of 2005, net revenues increased by 15% to
CHF 387.6 million (previous year: CHF 338.2 million). Also after adjustment
for the effects of acquisitions, divestment of business activities and
currency translation, net revenues increased by 15%. All the business
units contributed to this revenue growth. The operating result (EBIT)
showed proportionately higher growth, reaching CHF 22.9 million (previous
year: CHF 12.4 million). Owing to ex-traordinary revenue from the sale
of business activities, the Group profit for the period rose from CHF
10.9 million to CHF 25.7 million.
The business climate continued to be favourable and investments in new
products as well as marketing resulted in pleasing sales growth. Thanks
to the increased revenues and higher level of capacity utilisation, the
EBIT margin improved compared with the corresponding period of 2005 from
3.4% to 5.6%.
The financial fundamentals of the Conzzeta Group continue to be very solid.
Cash, cash equivalents and securities increased by CHF 25.9 million. Current
assets rose as a result of the higher inventories and work in progress.
Divestment effects
During the first four months of 2006, Conzzeta sold the remainder of its
construction-related activities, in particular the Swiss Lack Group (architectural
paints) as well as the business activities of Siegfried Keller AG (noise
protection) and Prebeton SA (prefabricated concrete construction). Compared
with the previous year, the effect of divestments on net revenues in the
consolidated statements for January to April 2006 was around CHF 25 million.
Adjusted for the effects of these divestments, the operating result (EBIT)
and the Group profit for the first tertial of 2005 improve by CHF 2.6
million. In view of the seasonal nature of the operating result of the
divested activities, the positive deconsolidation effect will be balanced
out by the end of the year.
The sale of these business activities during the first four months of
2006 resulted in net assets valued at CHF 26 million being transferred
to the purchasers. The extraordinary profit from divestments amounted
to approximately CHF 9 million.
Business units
The Sheet Metal Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic) generated
revenues of CHF 169.8 million (previous year: CHF 144.8 million) in the
first four months of the current year, an improvement of 17%. Adjusted
for currency translation effects, the rise in net revenues was 14%. New
orders were up by 33% compared with the rather weak showing in the comparable
period of 2005. In geographic terms, there was pleasing sales growth in
the EU countries and Korea.
In the Glass Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic glass), sales
reached CHF 70.1 million (previous year: CHF 53.6 million), an increase
of 31%. This improvement was due largely to the buoyant demand for insulating
glass manufacturing systems. Adjusted for currency translation, net revenue
grew by 28%. Bystronic glass started the year with a solid order book
and the order flow continues to be positive.
Outlook
'The economic situation as a whole continues to be favourable. Our customers
in the machinery construction industry are showing a willingness to invest
and consumer sentiment is positive.
'The Conzzeta Group's order books are at a high level. The growth trend
should continue until the end of the year, although there will be an adjustment
for the sales no longer contributed by the divested business activities.
The business units are continuing to invest in the development of new
products, in strengthening market presence in interesting growth markets
and in projects to improve productivity.'
The
finale of this year's G-Awards is fast approaching, and you've now only
got until 16th June to be in with a chance of picking up a prestigious
prize. That's the deadline for submitting an entry, so if you want to
publicise your company's success log on to www.g-awards.com and simply
fill in the secure online entry form. The 12 categories are listed on
the website and you can enter more than one.
The industry's most coveted awards scheme has also attracted three new
sponsors. Bohle, Rehau and Windowlink have recently joined the prestigious
list of companies supporting this sparkling event.
Gary Dean, Bohle UK's MD believes the G-Awards provide a great opportunity
to celebrate the positive aspects of the glass and glazing industries
and recognise the talent and effort of those who work in it. ‘I'm
a firm believer that business can indeed be mixed with pleasure with a
great deal of business continuing to be done in good spirit and a social
atmosphere. The G-Awards is proof of that.’
Rehau's Wolfgang Gorner endorses this view and comments, ‘We are
also keen to take a pro-active role in this type of scheme which rewards
best practice and hopefully encourages others to follow.’
Similarly, Windowlink sees G06 as a means of encouraging businesses to
become
more professional, ‘which has got to be good for the industry,’
says MD Giles Hayhurst. ‘And the Gala Dinner gives the industry's
most successful companies a chance to meet up and exchange views.’
G06 organiser, Tony Higgin, is also delighted to confirm that Darby Glass
will once again provide what proved to be particularly popular table decorations
last year. ‘We're expecting over 600 industry names to attend what
promises to be a really fun night. Tables can be booked online at http://www.g-awards.com
- but hurry as they are selling fast,’ he says.
The G06 winners will receive their awards at the Gala Dinner on the 15th
September at the Hilton Birmingham Metropole.
Tel: 01923 461527
Email: tony@theglazine.com
Bohle Launches the Glass Student of the Year Award
Bohle,
the manufacturer and distributor of glass, tools, machinery and consumables,
has announced the first ever Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award, the
winners of which will be announced and presented at this years G06 Awards
Ceremony in September. The Bohle Glass Student of the Year Award has been
devised to recognise and reward excellence amongst students studying glass
skills, whether for commercial processing, art or craft applications.
The Award will recognise exceptional talent, skill, creativity and application
relating to glass, and intends to provide a coveted and prestigious annual
prize for the winning student.
Entries
will be sought from students whose work demonstrates outstanding skill,
vision, design and/or artistic flair in working with glass and to this
effect will be judged apart from the rest of the G06 Awards by a specialist
judging panel comprising eminent members of academia, industry, art and
design.
Bohle supplies specialist products to the glass processing and creative
craft and art glass markets throughout the world. An inherent part of
the company's philosophy is to actively encourage the development of glass
related skills and knowledge, especially where glass is used as a medium
of design and expression.
Gary
Dean is Managing Director of Bohle UK. He explained: ‘We have devised
the Bohle Student Design Award as we believe that the exceptional talent
that exists in British colleges goes largely unrecognised. We want to
draw out that talent, and to recognise it and reward it. We want to show
the glass industry just what is going on in our colleges, even perhaps
to create opportunities for these young people for when they leave formal
education. This is the first year but we want to see this event grow.
The G Awards series offers the ideal vehicle for the announcement of the
winner and we are very grateful for their support.’
Entry will be open to students from all main land UK educational establishments
and will be subject to some simple criteria for entry to encourage as
many as possible:
*
Entries submitted must use mainly glass as a medium or subject
* Course work will be accepted as an entry, if sanctioned by the institute's
Head of Department
* The work can be structural, practical or of an artistic nature
* All entries must have been created during 2005/6
* There must be one entry per participating student only
* The creator along with a completed entry form, must submit all entries
* Entries to be submitted by photograph via email (jpeg or bmp) or post;
we suggest 2-4 good quality images, clearly marked with the students contact
details. We recommend that copies be submitted, as these will not be returned.
* Entrants must agree to the possibility of Bohle Ltd using the images
for advertising / marketing in the future
* All entry forms must be counter signed by a representative of the Educational
Institute
The judges will be looking for development of ideas and an appreciation
and knowledge of glass, as well as a demonstration of skill in the execution
of the entry. Closing date for entries is 30th July 2006.
The judging panel will short-list the entries to 12 pieces from which
four finalists and their work will be selected. A member of the judging
panel will visit the educational institute that the student represents
to view these pieces in person and discuss the entry with the creator.
All 4 of the finalists will be invited to the G06 Awards, at the Metropole
Hotel, NEC Birmingham in September, as guests of Bohle, where the overall
winner will be announced and be presented with the Bohle Award prize by
a well-known celebrity.
The Prize
Whilst the competition is being organised to provide recognition of the
talent and skills that exists in our colleges, the winner will be rewarded
for their efforts with £1000 cash and an all expenses paid 2-3 day
trip to the world's biggest glass event, Glastec in Germany, November
2006 as guests of Bohle. The trip will also include a visit to the Bohle
Headquarters at Haan.
Entries should be submitted to:
Lisa Tooth
Bohle Ltd UK
Fifth Avenue
Tameside Park
Dukinfield
Cheshire SK16 4PP
Email: ltooth@bohle.de
Or via the G06 Awards web site at: http://www.g-awards.com
New
Glassex Head Pledges to Consult with Market
Acknowledging
that Glassex did not deliver to all sections of the market with its 2006
outing, organiser EMAP Maclaren has reinforced the management team of
the event and pledged to make 'significant improvements' to the exhibition.
The most significant early signal of EMAP's commitment to re-engage with
the market is the recruitment of former Glassex Sales Manager, Dave Broxton
to head up the sales operations for both Glassex and Glass Processing
& Technology.
Broxton
(pictured) has held a number of senior positions within the glazing media
and is known for his candour and passion for the industry.
He brings with him extensive knowledge and numerous contacts within the
glass and fenestration markets and will immediately begin the process
of re-connecting with the sectors that Glassex and GP&T represents.
Commenting on his appointment Broxton said:
‘The views expressed by a number of industry commentators after GP&T
2005 and Glassex 2006, reflected my own concerns and those of a wide cross
section of the industry. Glassex has made an influential contribution
to the glazing business for more than a quarter of a century and quite
rightly the industry feels a sense of ownership. A prerequisite for my
rejoining Glassex was a cast iron commitment by Emap Maclaren to invest
in the exhibition and crucially to reconnect with the market at all levels.
It is great to be back and I am looking forward to the challenge of restoring
Glassex and GP&T to their pre-eminent positions within the market
and at the same time rebuilding trust in the events.’
Two internal appointments from within Emap Maclaren are seen as further
factors in what is anticipated to be a substantial makeover for Glassex
and its sister event Glass Processing & Technology (GP&T). Steve
Crowhurst, Publishing & Event Director within EMAP Maclaren, possesses
a proven track record within the company for running successful events
and titles with a direct management style and has now assumed overall
responsibility for Glassex and GP&T within his division. Steve is
supported by Sue Rothwell Emap Maclaren Sales Director, who brings a wealth
of sales planning experience and strategic insight gained from 15 years
of exhibition sales management.
Maintaining an important element of continuity within the Glassex and
GPT team, Claire Shilling continues to act as Marketing Manager, with
the Operations team headed by Inez Raven also unaffected. However, the
changes to the management of Glassex and GP&T are, insists EMAP Maclaren,
the start of a comprehensive review of the events.
Steve Crowhurst explains: ‘It was clear from my time at Glassex this
year that we have much to do. All operations will be reviewed but my feeling
is that we have to return to basics at all levels by first communicating
with our exhibitors and visitors. We will listen and act accordingly.‘At
the heart of the problem, ironically, is that our exhibitors and visitors
don't think we care as much about Glassex as they do. That is something
that we are addressing and we will set standards for customer service
that will be an example for others to follow. I am impressed at just how
passionate the market is about what it regards as its event. In reality
we are just the custodians of Glassex for the industry, and that is something
that is unique in my experience.
‘But we understand that one of the key issues is our relationships
with the market, especially with our exhibitors and future exhibitors
and in this respect I am delighted that Dave Broxton has agreed to join
the Glassex team once again. It is a very exciting time for all of us,
but I hope that these first significant changes will encourage the glazing
industry to join with us to re-build Glassex together.’
It is clear that Glassex will be expanded from its present focus on the
home improvement sector: ‘In addition to embracing the PVC-U led
home improvement sector including doors and conservatories, we realise
that the glazing market is a much broader church. Alternative framing
materials will be encouraged back, as indeed will glazing applications
for other sectors. We will continue to focus more on the social housing
market and initiatives such as the Decent Homes programme, including security
and sustainability,’ added Crowhurst.
‘The industry continues to undergo significant change and Glassex,
like the industry it represents, will evolve and develop. We will ensure
that Glassex will stay ahead of the changes in the market and offer a
forum that glazing manufacturers, installers and specifiers within all
glazing sectors can attend, knowing that they will gain knowledge, ideas
and inspiration from their visit.’
However, Crowhurst is under no illusions about the difficulty that he
and his team face: ‘I know that this could be perceived as rhetoric
at the moment. We have a great deal to do and I ask the industry to bear
with us for a short time. In return I promise that changes will become
demonstrably evident sooner rather than later.’
Acquisition
of Pilkington by Nippon Moves Ahead
The
boards of Pilkington plc ('Pilkington') and Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd
('NSG') have announced that the European Commission has cleared the Acquisition
under the Merger Regulation.
The Acquisition has also been cleared by each of the other anti-trust
authorities whose approval constituted Conditions to the Scheme and no
other regulatory conditions remain outstanding.
On 12th June the Court sanctioned the Scheme. The Scheme still remains
conditional on the confirmation by the Court of the reduction of capital
which forms part of the Scheme. The Second Court Hearing is scheduled
for 15th June 2006.
Dealings in Pilkington Shares on the London Stock Exchange are expected
to be suspended at 5:00 p.m. (London time) on 15th June 2006. It is expected
that the Scheme will become effective on 16th June 2006 and that Pilkington
Shares will cease to be listed on the Official List and their admission
to trading on the London Stock Exchange will be cancelled at 8:00 a.m.
(London time) on 16th June 2006.
Upon completion of the Acquisition, Pilkington Shareholders will be entitled
to receive 165 pence for each Pilkington Share held at the Scheme Record
Time and, to the extent that they are entitled to receive Loan Notes under
the Loan Note Alternative, £1.00 of Loan Notes for each £1.00
of cash consideration to which they would otherwise be entitled under
the Scheme.
Settlement of the cash consideration, and the issue of certificates in
respect of the Loan Notes under the Loan Note Alternative, are expected
to be effected on or prior to 30th June 2006.
Capitalised terms in this announcement have the same meaning as in the
Scheme Document dated 16th March 2006.
Get
On Board for Glasstec 2006
Time
is running out to take advantage of a great Glasstec 2006 travel deal.
Once again Ritec and its partners are offering an unbeatable package,
which includes a luxury cabin aboard the River Art hotelship moored in
the centre of Düsseldorf from Monday 23rd October to Saturday 28th
October. It couldn't be more convenient, with free coaches in the mornings
to take you directly to the show and just a short walk in the evenings
to the restaurants and bars in the Altstadt (Old Town).
‘Our special offer is proving as popular as ever,’ says Stephen
Byers, Ritec's Managing Director. ‘In fact, rooms are going quickly
so you'll have to hurry if you want to join us on board and secure your
place in the heart of the Glasstec social scene.’
The luxurious River Art will provide the perfect place to relax after
a busy day at the world's largest glass exhibition. Visitors and exhibitors
will also get the chance to network during the lively Happy Hours, which
will be hosted each night by one of Ritec's sponsorship partners - Bohle
Clearshield, Fenestra Journal, GGF, Glassex and GP&T.
For travel and reservation enquiries on the River Art, contact Pressplan
Travel Ltd on 01727 833291 or e-mail tours@pressplantravel.com.
Conservatory
Outlet Signs a Two Year Agreement with Synseal
Synseal
has announced that Conservatory Outlet has signed a two year agreement
for profile and roofs. Conservatory Outlet is a bolt-on-brand for small
to medium sized companies who want to add or increase sales of conservatories.
‘The Conservatory Outlet concept gives dealers a total conservatory
package,’ explains Matthew Glover, Conservatory Outlet's Managing
Director.
‘We already have six dealers and Conservatory Outlet is growing fast.
Installing conservatories is more complicated than windows, so it's important
to have the right products.
We use SynerJy and global, they are designed to go together, so the walls
and roof are a perfect colour match. Today's homeowners are more discerning
and they want their finished conservatory to look perfect, and having
the whole building in one colour makes sense.’
‘We continue to be supported by Synseal. They give us an excellent
service - so we can deliver to our dealers what they want, when they want
it,’ adds Matthew. ‘It's great for us to work with a like-minded,
forward thinking company like Synseal.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Ashton
Windows Attains A Rating with Veka Profiles
Veka
fabricator Ashton Windows has been awarded the coveted A rating from the
BFRC for its casement windows. As the first PVC-U fenestration company
in the north to be awarded this recognition, the company is understandably
delighted as Brian Britch from Ashton explains. ‘When we developed
the window we wanted to offer the best rating available and were advised
that achieving a C rating would offer major improvements over existing
windows. However, by incorporating triple glazing, we were able to produce
a window that achieved the highest accolade,’ he comments.
Established
in 1988, Ashton Windows has been using Veka profiles for 18 years. ‘Supplying
predominantly to the trade, the company has built up a reputation within
the industry for being experienced in offering the complete range of doors,
windows and conservatories manufactured to the highest standards, and
with the philosophy of using Best of Type components.’ says Brian.
Based in Oldham, Lancashire, Ashton developed the Ashton Thermatech Triple
A Window over a period of 4 months, utilising the VEKA Matrix 70 PVCu
profile, and Edgetech Warmedge spacer glazing units.
‘The evolution of the Ashton Thermotech Triple A window demonstrates
our commitment to new product development and to offer the best product
range to comply with new legislation and energy efficiency,'concludes
Brian.
‘We have also achieved B and C rating for three other casement windows
within the range, including the increasingly popular Fully Sculptured
system, so that customers can select a product to suit their budget.’
The BFRC window energy rating system clearly identifies the best performing
window as a whole system, rather than concentrating on single components
such as the frame or glass.
Certified windows carry a label with A-G grading, (with A the most energy
efficient) and value for thermal transmittance, solar factor and air leakage.
The window energy rating assesses the whole window energy performance
and covers the frame material, the frame design, the glass type and all
the other components that make up the window.
Exclusively for domestic applications, the scheme helps to significantly
reduce energy usage and cost to the consumer, improving comfort and contributing
to CO2 emission reduction.
Record
Super Spacer® Sales Again for Edgetech UK
Edgetech
UK reports another record breaking month for sales in May for the second
time this year. Warm edge technology is transforming the window market
and Edgetech says that it continues to lead the field.‘
May Sales were in excess of 1.4 million feet which means we're up 49%
this year to date compared with last year,’ explains Andy Jones,
Sales Director and General Manager of Edgetech UK. ‘Sales are growing
so strongly because more companies are realising the benefits of Super
Spacer and choosing Edgetech, but also because our existing customers
are growing with a product that helps them stand out from the crowd. And
at no extra cost. We're now talking to customers that want to invest in
further production capacity to stay ahead of their increased demand.
‘With energy efficiency still high on the agenda, enquiries show
no sign of slowing. The success of the seminar we sponsored in May highlighted
the industry's interest in energy efficiency, but our sales growth and
the success our customers are enjoying is testament to the fact energy
rated windows are the way forward for the industry.’
Tel: 02476 705570
Saint-Gobain
Glass Plant Wins Environmental Award
David
Cameron has presented Saint-Gobain's Eggborough float glass plant - crowned
as the UK's best factory in October - with a prestigious environmental
accolade. The 'Business Commitment to the Environment' award was given
in recognition of the plant's flat glass cullet recycling scheme.
Thanks to the scheme - which sees the company collecting and recycling
its customers' cullet - Saint-Gobain Glass has reduced its consumption
of raw materials by almost a quarter and the plant's energy use has been
cut by eight per cent.
Presenting at the Awards, David Cameron MP said ‘One of the most
effective ways of making our society a better place is to improve the
environment. Business is in a strong position to contribute to that change
and all the evidence is that more and more companies are accepting that
challenge.’
lan
McLenaghan (left) and Gary Barber (right) of Saint-Gobain Glass with David
Cameron MP
The
Yorkshire site, named as the UK's best factory at the prestigious Best
Factory Awards in 2005, is proud of its environmental achievements. Alan
McLenaghan, Site Director at Eggborough, said: ‘Glass manufacturers
have been reluctant to implement cullet recycling initiatives, citing
contamination issues and transport costs as the barriers. However, with
careful planning and a common sense approach we developed a simple and
easily managed recycling scheme that has greatly reduced our impact on
the environment.’
Saint-Gobain Glass' products also reflect the company's environmental
ethos. The 56,000m2 Eggborough facility, which employs 160 people, is
the only plant in the UK to produce Planitherm - a special low-emissivity
(‘Low-E’), energy efficient glass which reduces heat loss from
buildings. In turn, this reduces the amount of energy needed to heat buildings
and reduces energy consumption.
For more information about Saint-Gobain Glass and Planitherm, please visit
http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com
Established to recognise and reward exceptional environmental best practice
in action, the BCE awards, celebrating their 31st year, are regarded as
a top accolade by customers, businesses and regulators and are one of
only a few feeder schemes for the European Environment Awards. Sponsored
by AEA Technology Environment, the scheme is run by business for business.
Trade
window manufacturer, Lister Trade Frames, recently launched its new concept
in high performance composite doors and says that the feedback from customers
to date has heralded them as a resounding success.
Listers, which is entering its 30th year in business, manufactures high
quality windows doors and conservatories, and its new Gallery Collection
moves the company further into the fastest growing area of the glazing
business: Composite doors.
Listers
has gained the sole manufacturing and distribution rights for the new
doors for the Central and Northern England regions in partnership with
its profile supplier Bowater Windows Ltd.
The market for this product has been steadily growing over the last few
years and is now estimated to be worth around £200 Million in the
UK and it is expected to double over the next three years.
Why are composite doors in so much in demand? Mark Warren, Lister’s
MD says that ‘People are looking for the more traditional styling
of a timber door but with all the high performance advantages of a PVC
door. The Gallery range of composite doors gives them all that and much
more. But it's not just a better door customers are looking for, they
want a quality product and they want it delivered as ordered and on time.’
And it's here that Listers seem to be gaining the edge if customer comments
are anything to go by.
Listers has been making composite doors for almost 10 years now, but the
Gallery Collection has raised the standard. The company says that its
aim was to produce the best quality dual rebated door, package it well
and delivery it on time. So what is the customers verdict?
‘They come right style, right colour & right on time. Previous
supplier was a ‘lucky bag’.
‘Great doors. We're glad your came to see us’
‘It's worth paying extra for quality. I love the traditional appearance
of the gallery doors’
‘In comparison to the previous composite doors I used, the quality
and delivery of the Gallery Doors are far superior’
Gallery
composite doors give the trade customer some added advantages; they look
just like a traditional solid timber door, even down to the moulded grain
effect, but they are more thermally and acoustically efficient, stronger,
more resilient and more secure than a standard PVCu door.
They come in a range of colours and styles to suit any home and they are
all fitted with Secured by Design approved locking mechanisms making them
not only high class to look at but also highly secure. PAS 23/24 testing
is underway.
‘We are extremely pleased to receive all the positive feedback on
these doors’ says Mark. ‘It's taken a lot of investment in time
and money to produce these results but our customers are reaping the benefits
and that's really great news for us.’
For more information on the Gallery Door Collection visit Listers Web
Site at http://www.listertf.co.uk
or ask for a sample pack at sales@listertf.co.uk.
Purplex
Introduces Fee-Free ‘Business for Sale Register’
Purplex
M&A, the mergers and acquisitions division of Purplex Consulting,
is compiling its Business For Sale Register, and will be offering business
owners the opportunity to register for free, a saving of around £1,000.
‘The Industry is facing a major transition at the moment and considerable
consolidation will occur over the next couple of years’ comments
Martin Burgess from Purplex. ‘Our new 'Business for Sale Register'
will provide business owners with a real opportunity to sell their business’.
To launch the Register, Purplex is offering companies the opportunity
to register for free until July 31st. Key information is provided on the
Register, but the company identity is kept confidential. ‘Purplex
will be actively promoting the companies to potential buyers both inside
and outside the Industry’ added Martin.
Purplex is actively working with a number of potential buyers. The firm
has extensive experience in mergers and acquisitions - Martin Burgess
is a chartered accountant who has specialised in acquisitions and MBO's
for over 15 years, and Andrew Scott, Purplex’ Managing Partner, has
built, acquired, and sold a number of window companies.
To find out more, visit Purplex online at http://www.purplex.uk.com
or contact Andrew Scott on 0870 062 5318.
Following
a number of high profile, sell out Regional events for members in the
last year, the recent CAB technical conference, held in May and entitled
'Rules are for Guidance', was deemed a success by the CAB's director Justin
Ratcliffe. 'We knew we were hitting the mark when the delegate bookings
rapidly rose to 150. Our formula of providing excellent speakers at a
very competitive delegate rate has certainly worked!' The feedback has
been so positive that the CAB is looking to hold the technical conference
on a yearly basis for members and non-members alike.
Delegates were treated to presentations from a team of respected experts
in their fields. In the morning session Graham Shirville (Allgoods &
GAI) briefed delegates on the more contentious aspects of ADM, BS 8300
and the Disability Discrimination Act, Kevin Frewin (BSI Product Services)
made cause for sober thought when he explained the ramifications of the
soon-to-arrive European security standards and Steve Irving (Faber Maunsell)
made the upgrading of the energy building regulation ADL seems entirely
reasonable.
After lunch Tony Willmott (Sandbergs) enlightened delegates on the similarities,
differences and respective requirements of the European (BS EN 13830)
and CWCT curtain walling standards followed by Chris Macey (Wintech) whose
argument that thorough test programmes for curtain walls were very much
the cost effective option in the long run. Paul Everall (LABC), the keynote
speaker, succinctly expressed his views on the Regulatory scene past,
present and future with some trenchant observations on the content and
enforcement of the England & Wales building regulations.
Further information about the activities of the CAB can be found on the
CAB website at http://www.c-a-b.org.uk
and in the CAB's free monthly industry newsletter which can be seen at
http://www.aluminiuminarchitecture.com
Pictured left to right are, Justin Ratcliffe (CAB
Director), Steve Irving, Chris Macey, Kevin Frewin, Tony Willmott, Paul
Everall and David Earle (CAB Technical Officer).
15%
Growth Means Happy Days for Aztec
Aztec
Conservatory Roof Systems says that it is currently enjoying its best
ever year, thanks to an increase in sales of 15% over last year.
The
sales increase can be put down to the success of the Aztec fabricator
network which amounts to over 40 specialist companies across the UK. Aztec
is quick to point out that by focusing on bar length system sales the
fabricator network is assured that there is no conflict of interest.
Colin Bennett, managing director (pictured), comments: ‘We are a
people driven company and our core competency is bar length supply. Our
customers don't expect us to invest in conservatory kit supply, but expect
us to invest in support and product development. And that is exactly what
we have done.’
‘We have been able to work closely with their fabricators to help
with lead generation, production efficiencies and overall business success.
The result is a number of customer success stories and the overall shared
success for Aztec.’
Colin concludes: ‘We have a great and valued fabricator base and
it's nice to share the success with them. We have a refreshing approach
to business and conservatory roof fabricators should have a look at what
we can offer, they might be very surprised.’
DRS
'Partners' with IDMS to Boost Product and Service Offer
DR
Services has reached a reciprocal partnership arrangement with automatic
sliding door specialist, IDMS Windor. The two companies will pool expertise
and resources as appropriate, with both operating from D R Services' premises
at Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire.
‘We've worked together successfully in the past,’ said DR Services
Director, Julie Jarvis, ‘with us supplying patch fittings, hardware
and glass. Conversely, we've called on them for their product and expertise
when contracts of ours have specified automatic doors.’
The link between the two companies makes solid sense when taking account
of DDA legislation and with automatic doors being specified increasingly
in the public sector, and by hotels and shops.
The agreement is operational with immediate effect and the two companies
are already co-operating on fittings and doors for a hotel in the Shoreditch
area of London.
Tel: 01992 447122
Email: info@drservices.co.uk
The
Plastmo Dozen Ignites Sales Success
Plastmo's continued push in the UK market has resulted in the introduction of a dozen new customers to the approved fabricator network.
Plastmo
says that these new customers have decided to change to Plastmo thanks
to the company’s customer commitment, market leading product range
and a comprehensive business support programme. Many existing Plastmo
fabricators have thrived, despite difficult market conditions and it is
Plastmo's dynamic and refreshing approach that has attracted many of the
newer customers.
Robert Thiroff, (pictured) sales and marketing director comments: ‘We've
had a great start to the year thanks to these new customers and it is
our commitment and passion within the company that has helped us succeed
this year. Everyone at Plastmo has a role to play in supporting the customer
and it is this approach that sets us apart. Some of these new customers
have already shown growth in just a matter of months.’
Some of the newer customers include: West Country Windows, West Building
Products (Ireland), Roseview Windows and Estury Windows. Several of these
new customers are taking the Charisma vertical slider, while others have
been attracted by the aesthetics and performance of the Vogue suite which
has rolled-in q-lon as standard.
With sales activity at an all-time high, Plastmo sales success looks set
to continue. Robert concludes: ‘It's an exciting time at Plastmo
not only for our staff but our valued customers too. Our dynamic approach
is clearly setting us apart from the other systems companies and we look
forward to our shared success.’
Windowmaker
Achieves 35% UK Growth in Record Year
Despite
difficult market conditions, Windowmaker Software has just recorded its
best ever year thanks to a 35% growth in sales for the UK market.
The
company has spent much of the year investing in product development, improved
lines of communications and a newly structured sales team.
While most of the industry has now driven material cost down to the lowest
level, Windowmaker feels that fabricators are now beginning to embrace
the opportunities for improved efficiencies and cost reductions from better
processes.
Goronwy Jones, managing director, (pictured) comments:
‘We've had a fantastic year and some of our latest developments such
as the product tracking solutions are providing our customers such as
Aspen Windows with significant cost savings. We are getting an increased
number of enquiries from fabricators wishing to drive down their cost
base and to improve their overall business efficiency.'
Windowmaker is looking to build on its success with the addition of another
20 staff covering sales, marketing, software development and customer
service.
These new people will help support the continued growth of the company
in the UK and overseas markets and in furthering product development.
Goronwy concludes: ‘It is inevitable that market conditions will
force the hand of fabricators to look at their machinery and software.
We are already working with a number of fabricators of various sizes to
streamline their operations and any company looking for similar cost saving
benefits should come and speak to us.’
Tel: 020 8390 4931
Email: info@windowmaker.com
Web: http://www.windowmaker.com
Dynamic
First Half for SFS intec
SFS
intec has seen sales of its Dynamic 2D hinge for PVC-U and composite doors
take off during the first half of 2006 with a series of fabricators making
the switch to the advanced PAS-023/024 performing product.
Launched in 2005, interest in the European-manufactured Dynamic 2D hinge
has been strong as it is increasingly being recognised by leading fabricators
as the ideal product to achieve the security/aesthetics balance. The latest
customer to make the switch to this new product is Southport Glass, an
experienced Veka fabricator in the North West serving the retail and trade
markets.
Director of Southport Glass, Joe Thomas says, 'The Dynamic 2D is a great
product. Having been around for more than 40 years, we have built an excellent
reputation for the quality of our doors and windows and we like to think
we know quality when we see it. This hinge gives our doors the all-important
enhanced security that homeowners are increasingly looking for but also
enhanced looks.'
The Dynamic 2D hinge has been extensively tested on doorsets using a variety
of PVC-U profiles. In one test the hinge remained intact and operational
after been subjected to a force approaching 9kN, double the level normally
applied during PAS-024 testing.
Unlike the majority of enhanced security standard hinges, the Dynamic
2D’s high strength characteristics do not compromise aesthetics.
The hinge’s slimline appearance enables fabricators to produce attractive
doors and offer their customers eight highly durable standard colour finishes,
including the extremely popular matt chrome.
For further information on the Dynamic 2D door hinge from SFS intec, contact
Nigel Wood on 0113 208 5500 or visit http://www.sfsintec.biz/uk.
Opening a new door for the Dynamic 2D hinge, Joe
Thomas (left), Director of Southport Glass with Neil Ackroyd, SFS intec’s
Technical Sales Advisor.
GAP
Goes Underground with FloPlast
PVC
stockist GAP has added underground drainage and soil-systems to its range
of products. ‘It's a natural progression for us,’ comments Jon
Randles, GAP's Group Purchasing Manager.
‘We constantly look to bring new products for our customers which
help to support them in new markets. Specialist roofline installers are
often asked about upgrading soil pipes etc.
'We chose FloPlast because it is the only company to offer white soil
pipes that match in to the FloPlast Rainwater Systems that our customers
prefer.
'Conservatory installers sometimes also move drains so offering our customers
all of these products from one place, will save them time and money.’
Stewart Norris, Managing Director at FloPlast, adds: ‘We are delighted
to be working with a professional company like GAP. FloPlast already supplies
its rainwater products to GAP. Underground drainage is a big market and
adding it to the in depth rainwater systems which the company’s stock,
will support GAP's existing customer base and create new ones.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Securistyle
has 3-D Designs on Success
As
part of Securistyle’s strategy to stay ahead of changes in legislation,
customer demand and architectural developments, the window hardware manufacturer
is investing £5 million in product development and new processes
over a five-year period.
The
investment includes the purchase of a new 3-D Computer Aided Design (CAD)
system, CATIA V5 from Dassault Systemes, which in conjunction with SMARTEAM
software comprises a PLM software suite that is helping Securistyle redesign
and enhance 80% of its product range quickly and cost effectively.
The UK manufacturer, which is a specialist in the development of window
hardware solutions such as friction hinges, locks and handles, has re-launched
its best selling range of domestic window hinges, which includes the Defender
Standard, Defender Restricted hinge for child safety, and Defender Egress
hinges for fire safety.
Paul Cook, Securistyle’s managing director said: 'The new V5 PLM
is a user-friendly system which has delivered tangible benefits to us
and our customers. We can now design, validate and easily demonstrate
to window systems’ companies, architects and specifiers all of the
ideas and innovations we have in mind for new products to meet perpetually
changing legislation. This distinguishes us from Far East competitors,
who generally design low-cost commodity products.
'For new products we have reduced design time by 44% and overall development
costs by up to 60%. We have reduced the number of prototypes from three
to one in most cases, which can save up to three months per project. This
is great news for our customers both in the UK and worldwide.'
For more information on all Securistyle products please call Maria Fatica
on 01242 221200 or visit our website at http://www.securistyle.co.uk.
Spectus
is expanding its range of colours for PVC profile to meet growing demand,
particularly from the commercial sector. The colours will be available
across all Spectus profiles.
The most common finishes such as Light Oak and Rosewood will be available
from stock as usual. The new service offers an additional, and very extensive,
range of colours to order. That range includes a choice of greys as well
as the other colours often demanded by specifiers. Spectus' in house foiling
facility ensures the service is efficient and cost effective. The full
range of available colours offers almost unlimited design possibilities.
Says Darren Harrison, National Specification Manager, Spectus: 'We are
increasingly being asked to produce coloured profile, particularly by
specifiers in the commercial market. By extending the colour range our
windows can match other materials on aesthetic grounds, while offering
all the performance benefits associated with PVC-U, such as low maintenance
and superior thermal performance.'