Big
on Promises but can Brown Deliver?
The Construction Products Association welcomed the increased capital spending
on infrastructure and the built environment in the Government's latest
Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR).
Commenting on the Chancellor's Statement, the Association's Chief Executive,
Michael Ankers said: 'The UK is bottom of the European league when
it comes to the level of investment in the infrastructure and the rest
of the built environment. The increases announced recently, building
as they do on the last CSR, are absolutely crucial and long overdue.
'The substantial increases announced in the transport budget were particularly
welcome as, without this level of commitment, the prospects for delivering
the Ten Year Plan would be remote. The £1billion increase in
the housing budget to improve the quality of existing social housing and
to ensure the availability of more affordable housing for key workers
is also to be commended.
'Making funds available is, however, only half the story and much greater
emphasis needs to be placed on ensuring the delivery of projects on the
ground: improved school buildings, better transport systems and new hospitals,
as well as more and better quality affordable housing. The Government
is already behind the programme it set itself as part of the last Comprehensive
Spending Review, and much more effort must be put in to ensuring that
Government's new targets are met.
'We therefore welcome the resource based budgeting for each Government
department, making them fully accountable for delivering these ambitious
spending programmes, and with clear remedial measures for those that fail.
What we must ensure is that these are more than words, and that the Government
really does act when necessary.'
Tel: 020 7323 3770
Email: mailto:press@constprod.org.uk
Website: http://www.constprod.org.uk
Laird
posts first half loss of £60m
The Laird Group has reported its first half results for 2002, which accumulate
to losses of some £60m. However, this is mainly as a result of the
sale of Fullarton Computer Industries at a loss of some £55m, following
the high tech crash in the US. Laird Security Systems (Cego Frameware,
ERA, EWS, Feneseal, JK Furnex, Linear, Permacell Finesse and Ventrolla),
has performed well, with turnover up 5% to £96.9m and operating
profits up to £11.1m (2001: £10.1m) for the half year.
The sale of Fullarton has left Laird - once a major player in the engineering
and shipbuilding sector - as a much reduced entity, but a significantly
more focussed one. Fullarton represented 25% of sales and employed 1800.
The total group payroll is now less than 4000 and further rationalistion
is expected.
Here is the statement from Chairman Nigel Keen:
"Laird
entered 2002 against the background of an unprecedented downturn and resultant
destocking in the electronics industries and reduced levels of economic
activity in the USA. The Group’s emphasis during the first half of
2002 has been on continuing to strengthen its businesses through successes
in penetrating key customer accounts coupled with new product developments
and cost reduction programmes. In addition a number of non-core, underperforming
businesses have been closed or sold. These actions have strengthened the
Group’s position for the future and resulted in an improved operating
performance compared with the second half of 2001.
Following the strategic review of the business announced in March this
year the decision was taken that Fullarton Computer Industries should
be divested and this has resulted in its sale to Simclar International
Holdings Limited. The consideration is £30 million on a debt free
basis. Of this, £16.5 million was received on completion, £3.5
million is payable on 8 February 2004 and the remaining £10 million
is conditional, payable pro-rata on Fullarton achieving profitability
targets for the remainder of this year and in 2003. Fullarton’s turnover
in the six months to 30 June 2002 was £60.7 million with an operating
loss before exceptional items of £1.5 million. Net assets which
were the subject of the transaction were £40 million.
Profits from continuing operations before exceptional items, goodwill
amortisation and tax, in the six months to 30 June 2002 were £15.6
million, 11% up on the £14.1 million in the same period last year
and significantly better than the £11.1 million earned in the second
half of 2001. Earnings per share on the same basis were 8.1p in the six
months to June 2002, 17% up on the 6.9p for the first half of 2001.
Exceptional costs from continuing operations of £4.0 million have
been incurred in the period in rationalising and repositioning capacity
and reducing overheads. Further exceptional costs of £7.4 million
were incurred at Fullarton in restructuring it prior to sale. The loss
on disposal of Fullarton was £47.6 million including goodwill previously
written off to reserves of £24.3 million. Losses on disposal of
other non-core businesses were £9.2 million, including write-back
of £4.1 million of goodwill previously written off to reserves.
Net borrowings at 30 June 2002 were £80.7 million, 37% of Shareholders’
Funds. Interest cover during the period increased to 6.2 times before
exceptional costs and there was a reduced trading cash outflow during
the period of £0.9 million compared with an outflow of £6.8
million in the first half of 2001. In addition there was a cash outflow
on acquisitions and disposals of £10.0 million. The majority of
this, as previously reported, represented the reversal of timing differences
in respect of the disposal of the Group’s automotive activities which
were divested at the end of 2000 for approximately £240 million.
Exceptional items resulted in a cash outflow of £5.6 million.
Your Board has declared an interim dividend of 2.9p per share compared
with 5.7p at 30 June 2001. This is in line with the policy I set out in
our Annual Report and Accounts published in March 2002.
Laird Security Systems
Laird Security Systems again performed strongly. Turnover increased by
5% in the period to £96.9 million, up from £92.6 million in
the first half of 2001. Operating profits before exceptional items in
the half year were £11.1 million, compared with £10.1 million
in the first half of 2001.
In the UK, we have formed Laird SecurityHardware to bring together the
design, engineering, manufacture and distribution for window and door
products and systems. This has resulted in a more market-driven supply
chain focused on nd-user demand, as well as building on the economies
of scale resulting from Laird Security’s leading UK market position.
In the USA, the focus on providing high levels of service and an increasing
ability to offer a full product line to the major window fabricators has
resulted in continuing market share gains and opportunities for 'bolt
on'acquisitions continue to be pursued.
New products such as the Multi-Point Lock,the “Legend 70” PVC
profile and a new weatherseal profile in the USA, all introduced in 2001,
have benefited first half 2002 sales, while further new product launches
are planned for the second half as we broaden our product range to service
the increasing market requirements for security, corrosion resistance
and insulation.
Laird Security Systems’ plant in Eastern China continues to be expanded
with new products being progressively introduced during 2002. Originally
set up to supply low-cost components for the UK market, the China supply
base which includes outsourcing partners, is being integrated into an
overall Laird Security Systems “product to market” strategy.
This is aimed at delivering innovative and cost-effective components and
assemblies for both the UK and US markets.
The Board
Dr. William R. Spivey will be joining the Board as a Non-executive Director
on 1 September 2002. Dr. Spivey has recently been President and Chief
Executive Officer of Luminent, Inc. following a number of years at AT&T
Corporation and Lucent Technologies, latterly as Group President, Network
Systems. He is a Director of the Raytheon Company and a number of other
US corporations."
Nigel Keen
Chairman
8 August 2002
Pilkington
Activ™ now Available to British Homeowners
Pilkingtons Activ™ self-cleaning glass will be available to British
homeowners from September, in the latest phase of the most ambitious product
launch ever undertaken by the company. A wide ranging advertising campaign
will use simple but effective messages that present the answer to many
a homeowner's dream.
These adverts will be supplemented by a public relations campaign that
will target homeowners through television, radio, newspapers and magazines
to achieve high national penetration of middle-income home improvers.
Although Pilkington Activ™ became widely known in the UK early last
year after news of the product was carried in every national newspaper
following its test launch in Ireland, Pilkington delayed its availability
in the home market to avoid a clash with an industry which was coming
to terms with the revised Building Regulations Document L.
From September, however, it is believed that Pilkington Activ™ will
quickly follow the Irish experience. With Ireland deliberately chosen
for its close similarities with the British home improvement market, Irish
homeowners took to the product immediately, with the launch partner Senator
Windows installing over 300 homes with Pilkington Activ™ during the
first few months of its availability.
Pilkington Activ™ has also been successfully launched throughout
mainland Europe, the product was also launched in the US to great acclaim
last year. In fact demand for Pilkington Activ™ has been immediately
high wherever the product has become available, perhaps not surprisingly
as Pilkington Activ™ helps relieve the chore of window cleaning by
breaking down deposits of organic dirt, then allowing rain or a quick
spurt with the hosepipe to wash them away.
Chris Gill, Pilkington's Marketing Communications Manager for UK and Ireland
says that no one should be surprised just how well Pilkington Activ™
has been received: 'Before the launch of Pilkington Activ™ we carried
out extensive market research, which revealed just what we all know -
that we hate the job of cleaning windows, or trying to find a reliable
window cleaner to do the job for us! The initial response to Pilkington
Activ™ is disbelief, followed quickly by 'I want it'. This should
provide a welcome boost for the home improvement industry.'
Tel: 01744 692000
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Ultraframe
Conservaglass™ - the New Breakthrough in Sealed Units - Hits the
Roof
Conservaglass™, the dedicated conservatory glazing system from Ultraframe,
is now on general sale and is available throughout the UK. 'The sealed
glazing units, which proved such an attraction at this year's Glassex
and the prestigious RHS Chelsea Flower Show, will shatter the conservatory
glazing market.' says the company.
Ultraframe customers can now order their Ultraframe roof complete with
Conservaglass™ glazing panels and because everything will now come
from a single 'one stop shop', they minimise the chance of incorrect sizing
and the hassle of dealing with different suppliers.
The result is a glass conservatory roof, which claims to offer optimum
aesthetlc and industry leading thermal performance - delivering a true
room for all seasons.What's more, for maximum flexibility, Ultraframe
offers a range of ex-stock designs or the option of a made-to-order service.
In addition, Ultraframe has simplified the pricing process for the quotation
of whole roofs, rather than see customers endure the process of estimating
by the square metre. This is reinforced by a 32 page price matrix book
for both polycarbonate and Conservaglass™ roofs.
'The technical advantages of Conservaglass™ are already proven in
the USA, with 45 million square metres of it sold to date. It simultaneously
offers superb insulation - 25% better than other products currently available
- making conservatories much warmer at night and in winter - and lower
'solar heat gain', creating a more comfortable space in summer. Overall,
Conservaglass delivers more all year round use than any other comparable
product, giving the homeowner a better return on their conservatory investment.'
the company added.
An 'easy clean' finish is also incorporated - whlch, as an element of
Conservaglass™, is available now, rather than some other inaccessible-yet-promoted
proprietary offers. It reduces the elbow grease needed from the homeowner,
while a 'peel clean' factory film helps installers to handover pristine
structures after construction. The system - for side frames as well as
roofs - is
also guaranteed for 20 years.
The sealed Conservaglass™ units are available in two distinct, specially
formulated, specifications. For roofing panels, the enhanced specification
incorporates a subtle tinting so that glare and the furniture-fading effects
of UV radiation are minimised without losing clarity. Side wall units,
while offering all the same thermal and aesthetic performance, allow for
optimum clarity.
Conservaglass™ is backed up by the full package of marketing support
from Ultraframe and, what's more, Autumn 2002 sees the initiation of a
promotional campaign to the consumer, designed to 'pull through' demand
from spring 2003 onward.
Tel: 01200 443311
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
£1.3m
Investment Doubles Capacity at Sentinel and Helps Launch new Door Skin
Material
Composite door manufacturer Sentinel Doors has begun a £1.3 million
investment programme that will see a doubling in size of its existing
Llantrisant production facility, a second manufacturing plant opened nearby,
a doubling of production capacity by April 2003 and the launch of a new
generation of skin material that provides greater protection from scratching
without the need for post-paint finishing.
The investment, of which £450,000 is funded with the support of
the Welsh Assembly Government through the Regional Selective Assistance
Grant Scheme, will also add a further thirty-seven staff - a 50% increase
on the current level.
Commenting on the timing of the expansion programme, managing director
Steve Brown says the company has enjoyed exceptional growth in the past
three years.
'We really are concentrating on customer service and now have established
Partnering Projects with many of the county‚s local authorities and
housing association.' He says. 'These long-term agreements, often including
supply and installation, have provided the stability and confidence for
this next important phase of Sentinel's development.'
The long-term projects mentioned include Durham, Maidstone, Moorlands,
North Herts, Perth & Kinross, Rhondda Cynon Taf and Tonbridge &
Malling.
When the investment is complete, Sentinel will have a new 10,000 square
foot site accommodating all technical and production processes including
a new door skin manufacturing plant. The existing site will grow to 50,000
square feet and will be dedicated to door assembly operations.
The major part of the investment will help to create a fully integrated
manufacturing environment, focused on door production and the new skin-manufacturing
process, which Steve Brown describes as 'Revolutionary, and the only one
of its kind in the world.'
The machine, which is the result of three years development, produces
a completely new skin material. It features a co-reacted surface that
is created in the mould and actually protects the substrate, eliminating
the need for post-painting operations. It is suitable for standard doors
and fire doors.
Explains Steve Brown: 'The new material combines all the benefits of our
RTM skin - such as through-colour and excellent thermal stability to resist
stress cracking and blowing - with even greater scratch resistance. It
doesn't need a final paint finish, which means no paint and no solvents
and a much more environmentally friendly process.'
The new machine is designed for high-volume production, is highly automated
and capable of producing skins for up to 4,000 doors a week in a variety
of colours and surface finishes, including smooth, textured and woodgrain.
'This,' adds Steve Brown, 'creates real opportunities for the export of
door skins and for technology transfers in overseas markets.'
Five fabrication areas will also benefit from the investment.
The input line will get new quad welders and corner cleaners. A new, highly
automated slab assembly line will be installed. New high-pressure PU-injection
equipment and a second quad press will treble capacity in the door leaf
production area. A new CNC machine will be built to Sentinel's specification
with input from a specialist tooling manufacture; it features a unique
routing system, cutter design and vector axis tooling. And finally, the
greatly enlarged assembly area will have new equipment for automated handling,
finishing and outer frame assembly.
Steve Brown says previous investment and efficiency improvements have
already increased capacity by 50% in the last twelve months and the doubling
of that capacity means Sentinel will be able to produce up to 250 fully
finished doors a day!
Commenting for the Welsh Assembly Government, Economic Development Minister
Andrew Davies AM says: 'I am delighted that this latest investment has
been supported by the Welsh Assembly Government.
'Sentinel Doors has been trading out of Llantrisant for seven years and
has grown swiftly during that time to become a leading supplier to the
market place. The company‚s willingness to expand and invest in state
of the art equipment and processes, its positive attitude to business
and its commitment to the local workforce must be applauded. I wish Sentinel
every success for the future.'
Contact Phil Mundell
Tel: 01443 229219
Assa
Abloy has Closed the Acquisition of Besam – World Leader in Door
Automatics
On 29 April 2001 Assa Abloy AB entered into an agreement with AB Industrivärden
to acquire Besam. The regulatory officials approved the acquisition and
the companies were consolidated from 1 July 2002. The purchase price was
SEK 3,050 M for the debt-free company. The acquisition creates goodwill
of about SEK 2,400 M, which to a large extent will be tax-deductible and
amortized for 20 years. The acquisition is expected to contribute positively
to earnings per share from 2003 and to generate positive cash flow from
the outset.
The acquisition of Besam has been financed through the issue of 10,000,000
shares and through existing loan arrangements.
Assa Abloy’s strategy is based on creating security solutions that
prevent unauthorised entry while permitting safe and fast exit in emergency
situations, and also being simple and convenient to use. Door automatics
is a natural component of such solutions. Automatic products and systems
are steadily growing in importance in society, and have formed only a
limited part of Assa Abloy’s product portfolio.
Besam is the world leader in the field of door automatics. With a product
range consistsing of automatic door operators for swing doors, sliding
doors and revolving doors. The company’s market share in Western
Europe and the USA for the different product groups varies between 15%
and 30%. The company is represented in more than 60 countries and has
its own subsidiaries in 20 of them. Service and maintenance form an important
and highly profitable part of the business and account for more than 30%
of sales. It is only in recent years that the company has started to focus
on this side of the business. Growth is currently running at more than
10% and there is substantial potential for development.
Tel: +46 8 506 485 00
Web: http://www.assaabloy.com
New
Chairman for UKae
UKae
Ltd has announced the appointment of Graeme Fowler as Non-Executive Chairman.
The appointment has been made by UKae Managing Director and majority shareholder
Garry Ealing to supplement the board as UKae embarks upon a major expansion
programme. Graeme brings substantial and highly appropriate glazing industry
experience with him to UKae, including a spell as Business Development
Director of Heywood Williams, and as a director of its US subsidiary.
His time at HW included responsibility for the development of the company's
glass processing and window components businesses.
Amongst his current interests Graeme is Chairman and owner of Percy Lane
Products, a leading manufacture of windows, doors and associated products
for the transport industry. Garry Ealing believes that such experience
is essential to steer UKae through an ambitious growth programme that
includes a move to a new, purpose built headquarters, production and distribution
centre, and the development of a number of additional geographical and
product sectors.
'Graeme and I have known each other for many years. There are few people
that have the depth and breadth of experience that he now brings to our
table. The plans that we have for UKae are such that we need the input
from someone who has operated at the highest level in business development
and acquisitions.'
Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk
Alcoa
Reduces Capacity; Continues to Implement its Long-Term, Low-Cost Production
Strategy
Alcoa Inc. announced on July 31 a series of moves continuing implementation
of its long-term, low-cost production strategy, within the context of
a weak economy:
-- The temporary curtailment of aluminum production at its 120,000 metric
tons per year (mtpy) primary aluminum facility at Badin, North Carolina
which has been operating at 90,000 mtpy since September 2000. Curtailment
will begin immediately, and all production will be idled by August 16.
Ingot-casting operations will continue for the next few months, but will
likely end by December 31, 2002. The plant employs 377 employees in the
smelting and ingot-casting operations.
-- The permanent closure of capacity currently idle at its Troutdale,
Oregon facility. Troutdale's entire 121,000 mtpy capacity was temporarily
curtailed in June 2000.
-- The permanent closure of capacity currently idle at its Rockdale, Texas
facility. A total of 76,000 mtpy of Rockdale's 320,000 mtpy capacity has
been idle for the past several years.
-- The assets at both Troutdale and Rockdale will be dismantled.
'Our growth strategy in primary metals is based upon both moving down
the cost curve while maintaining return on capital targets. As we explore
projects around the world we must take a hard look at assets in the United
States, where escalating energy and labor costs have made many smelters
less globally competitive,' said Al Renken, president of Alcoa Primary
Metals. 'Today's actions demonstrate that Alcoa will actively manage its
assets during weak economic conditions. We regret the impact these actions
will have on our employees and the communities, and we will work to make
the transition as smooth as possible. Throughout the year, we will continue
to explore potential adjustments - both closings and restarts - as market
conditions warrant.'
The cost of today's announced actions will impact third quarter 2002 earnings
as a special charge of $15 to $20 million in after tax earnings.
Following these adjustments, Alcoa will have 438,000 mtpy of aluminum
production idled on a base capacity of 3,948,000 mtpy. The company said
these actions will have no adverse impact on internal or external customers.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated
aluminum and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry.
Alcoa serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction,
commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering,
production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers.
In addition to aluminum products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer
brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) aluminum foil, Alcoa(R) wheels, and
Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding,
closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for
cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 38 countries.
Aegis
Rethinks its Dealer Network
Aegis Conservatory Roof Systems, in North Wales, is rethinking its authorised
dealership network for the distribution of the new high security Roof
Lock system because of the growing number of major outlets that want to
sign-up as dealers.
Roof Lock - launched this summer as 'the most secure conservatory roofing
system ever' - is available to the trade only. Aegis originally planned
to appoint around 75 exclusive authorised dealerships throughout the UK,
each with its own distribution area allocated by postcode.
But the status of the businesses that are applying for accreditation -
bringing larger blocks of geographic coverage - has forced Aegis to rethink
the size of individual areas and the number of dealerships required.
Mike Whitby, National Sales Manager for Aegis, said: 'With six newly developed
and fully patented devices internally locking each roof into a completely
secure unit, the Roof Lock system is the first truly revolutionary design
product to be introduced into the conservatory industry for several years.'
Dealer enquiries began earlier this year after just two trade press adverts
announced production plans, and production has now commenced from Aegis'
facility in Rhyl.
Mike continued: 'Roof Lock is a long-awaited development that not only
improves conservatory design but makes an essential, cost effective contribution
to home security. Naturally, installers have recognised the huge sales
potential.'
Aegis has already signed up half the necessary dealerships required. Applications
are currently being processed and selected dealers will be subject to
strict criteria to ensure the highest level of customer service is provided.
Each dealer is provided with a fully tailored marketing support package,
designed to generate a high level of orders and increased bottom line
profits. This will include a series of incentives and promotion initiatives,
eye catching point of sale materials, advertising, marketing and public
relations support material as well as an Internet ordering facility and
technical back-up ranging from computer aided design to 3D modelling technology.
Tel: 08702 403662
DOE
Tables Decision to Change Energy Star Criteria
According to the September 2002 issue of the NGA's Window & Door magazine,
the U.S. Department of Energy, which oversees the Energy Star Windows
program, has decided against issuing new minimum requirements for windows
and doors in the three U.S. climate zones for 2003. Originally announced
in May, the changes are being withdrawn because DOE 'received numerous,
insightful comments, including some alternative proposals that warrant
serious consideration,' stated DOE Assistant Secretary Richard Garman,
in a letter to program participants. 'By withdrawing the proposal, I hope
to avoid confusion in the marketplace and avoid our partners making premature
investments in product or marketing plans.'
The purpose behind the changes in criteria announded in May was to make
sure, where practical, Energy Star Window products will outperform normal
window or door products required by the 2000 International Energy Conservation
Code, as well as state and local energy codes.
DOE first proposed new criteria for Energy Star rated products in October
2001, raising objections from a number of industry companies. Among the
concerns expressed were the possibility that pyrolytic low-E glasses would
be procluded from products qualified for a significantly enlarged Central
climate zone, due to more stringent solar heat gain coefficient requirements.
Additionally, DOE also heard from some companies that aluminum might be
eliminated from the Southern climate zone due to higher U-factor requirements.
'I remain particularly troubled by the lack of empirical data on the role
of solar heat gain in certain regions of the country and feel further
analysis is warrented before we can make a clear determination on this
question,' Garman states. This analysis of the solar heat gain process,
he notes, will mean a significant delay in the implementation date from
the originally targeted January 1, 2003.
Following up on the announcement, Richard H. Karney, manager of the program
for DOE’s Office of Building Technology, emphasises that the Energy
Star Window criteria, for the time being, remain at the original levels
and adds that until further notification, the original criteria are the
only valid specifications that may qualify windows, doors, or skylights
throughout the country.
With regard to the coverage of doors under the current specifications,
all residential entry doors may qualify for the Energy Star label according
to the same specifications as windows, Karney also points out. There is
no minimal percentage of glazing required for doors.
Alfreton
and Nottingham Depots are all change
Eurocell
Building Plastics has completed two major improvements to its Midlands
Network.
The Alfreton Depot has moved into larger premises to cope with the increase
in demand for the Eurocell Building Plastics Products - also allowing
it to hold more stock of the more popular products.
Nottingham, another key player in the Midlands Network has just benefited
from a new makeover. A new trade counter has been installed to allow customers
a better quality of service, as well as providing them with an improved
display area.
Eurocell's Pinnacle 500 lean to modular roofing system is available from
the new Alfreton depot as well as the rest of the Nationwide Network.
New Address :Eurocell Alfreton Building Plastics Depot
Birchwood Way
Cotes Park Ind. Est.
Alfreton
Derbys.
DE55 4QQ
01773 545810
Eurocell Building Plastics : 01773 842 300
Positive
Prospects for Aspect
Established in 1981, Devon-based Aspect Windows & Conservatories,
a Spectus fabricator, is going through a period of rapid growth, resulting
in significant change for this family-owned business.
In
September 2002, Directors Graham and Nina Cooling appointed their son
Steve as Operations Manager to take the company forward into the next
generation. As a direct result of increased business growth, Aspect has
had to move to new, larger premises in Exeter to cope with the increasing
demands on space. This spacious 5000 sq ft factory houses the new showroom
and is the centre from which the company supplies windows, doors, conservatories
and curtain walling to its customers nationwide.
The company has worked with Spectus for 17 years, manufacturing and installing
a full range of suppliers' systems for the trade and domestic markets
while also working directly with local authorities, housing associations,
schools and other commercial sectors.
Managing Director Graham Cooling says 'We are very excited about our move,
which reflects the growth of our business of which we are extremely proud.
We anticipate further expansion in the future and believe that our success
so far is due to our committment to quality of product and excellent service
to our trade and retail customers, a committment which we will continue
to honour.'
Aspect Windows has achieved ISO 9002 status for the manufacture and installation
of PVCu systems and has most recently been accredited with ISO 9001 and
will shortly be awarded BS 7412.
Major
GTI Contract on Isle of Wight
GTI Windows of Cowes has won a major contract worth in excess of a quarter
of a million pounds from Roger Williams Builders, to supply and fit windows
and doors for a new housing development on the island.
Manufactured using KBE Systems' latest chamfered system, the installation
has now entered Phase II of the 90 dwelling development. 'An indication
of GTI's quality and service has been the number of new owners who commission
conservatories from us,' said managing director Roger Williams. 'The old
'proof of the pudding' proverb is clearly demonstrated here, we estimate
that over 60% of the new homes now have a conservatory installed.'
'We were looking for quality windows and doors that could be delivered
to our site when they were needed. GTI's positive approach meant that
no time was lost in waiting for deliveries, helping the contract to meet
tight deadlines. Being able to source windows produced on the island,
is a huge benefit.'
Tel: 0845 130 6169
Email: mailto:sales@kbe.info
Gaining
the Optimum Benefits from HW Systems
Manchester-based
Optimum Windows' business is booming - so much so that the company has
recently relocated to a new 6000 sq ft operation in the Mossley area of
Manchester. Having been trading for just seven months, the company is
justifiably proud of its achievement, which has seen the business grow
from producing 100 windows per week to over 150 today and increasing.
The number of staff has also grown by two.
Since the move, Optimum has also been working in conjunction with HW Systems,
manufacturing its HW70 suite.
Commenting on the changes, Norman Marshall, Optimum's Production Director
said: 'We are delighted with the progress of the company and extremely
pleased with the support & service offered by HW Systems. Our customers
have also accepted the new product without hesitation - which is obviously
a vital concern when switching to a new systems house. The quality of
the marketing support and sales literature supplied by HW Systems was
a key part in gaining their support.'
Web: http://hwwindows.co.uk
Glass
Training Ltd e-briefing Latest Issue
Banking On Artificial Intelligence
Barclays Bank and the Halifax Bank of Scotland are introducing artificial
intelligence technology in a crackdown on financial fraud, as well as
on terrorist money laundering. The major banks have also launched a Know
Your Customer (KYC) campaign to verify the identities of more than 40million
account holders and increase account transaction monitoring. The KYC scheme
has been developed with the Financial Services Authority which is increasing
its campaign to stamp out money laundering, following the terrorist attacks
on New York on September 11 last year.
Cheaper Diesel Proposal
Britain has Europe's highest rate of vehicle fuel duty, but the EC's proposals
to 'harmonise' excise duties across the EU for the haulage industry could
result in the UK slashing back diesel duties by as much as 50 per cent.
Roger King, chief executive of the Road Haulage Association, says: 'The
government must act with great speed now that the current high tax regime
has been ruled out of order. We have campaigned long and hard to convince
the Brussels' authorities of the merits of obliging the UK government
to lower diesel fuel duty...' For more information go to http://www.rha.net
SSDA on the move
The SSDA is moved into new offices on 29 July 2002. The new address for
the organisation is: Callflex Business Park, Golden Smithies Lane, Wath-upon-Dearne,
South Yorkshire, S63 7ER. Telephone and email details will remain the
same. More details at the SSDA website:
http://www.ssda.org.uk
Glass Training Limited On The Move
Glass Training Limited is moving to new premises at Riverdale House, Sheffield
from 1 September 2002. Please see full address and telephone numbers below.
We are sad to leave our present headquarters as we have worked very closely
with British Glass and it's predecessors over 20 years. The glass industry
cannot miss the opportunity for GTL to form into the Process and Manufacturing
SSC. The industry will get the same service through the combined efforts
of GQA, GTL or the new Process and Manufacturing SSC.
New contact details for Glass Training Limited:
Riverdale House
89 Graham Road
Sheffield
S10 3GP
Tel: 0114 2632429/ 2632430/ 2632431 Fax 0114 2309883
Email: mailto:info@glass-training.co.uk
Website: http://www.glass-training.co.uk