News @ The GL@ZINE

Synseal Holdings Limited announced yesterday that it had acquired the business of Permacell Finesse (PFL) from The Laird Group PLC (Laird).

PFL supplies PVC-U profiles to the UK window market and cellular foam PVC-UE profiles to plastic stockists from its premises in Essex. This is a market sector which has recently shown significant consolidation and where Laird does not hold a leading position.

PFL has been acquired by a subsidiary of Synseal Holdings Limited for a cash consideration of £10.25 million on a debt free basis. PFL's revenues are circa £30 million, and net assets which are the subject of the transaction are approximately £12 million.

Commenting, Gary Dutton, Chairman of Synseal Holdings Limited, said: ‘PFL is profitable, and an established, respected name in this industry. We've always admired its brands and respected the loyalty of its customers. Unlike Laird, our core business is focused on windows, door, and conservatory systems, and associated markets. So, we believe we will be able to unleash its full potential with the additional investment and resources Permacell Finesse needs to develop its products, along with strong marketing to build its brands and help its customers grow.

‘Using 2004 tonnage figures as an indication the acquisition makes Synseal the largest systems company in the UK. We believe the growth we have achieved in 2005, when many systems companies were falling back, will have consolidated that lead.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

The refurbishment of windows in historic Victorian homes next to Liverpool Football Club's world-famous Anfield stadium has recently been completed by the UK fabricator, Total Glass.

The company manufactured and installed quality PVC-U casements in formerly run-down homes in Skerries Road, as part of ground-breaking regeneration projects improving one of the city's most deprived areas.

Anfield and Breckfield in North Liverpool form one of the areas targeted in the Government's recent Housing Market Renewal Initiative (HMRI). Millions of pounds have been spent bringing rundown houses backing onto the Anfield stadium up to the building industry's own premier league standard.

Working in association with developers, housing trusts and main contractor, Liverpool-based construction company The Flanagan Group, Total Glass installed white PVC-U Profile 22 frames to restore a smart external appearance to the substantial bay-fronted properties. 'Heritage Horns' on the sashes ensured the aesthetic requirements were met, in keeping with the buildings' character.

The refurbishment has transformed the terraces, once threatened with demolition, into light and appealing homes with the new windows substantially improving their appearance, security and thermal performance.

After scrapping a scheme to expand its existing stadium, Liverpool Football Club agreed to sell the boarded-up properties to Affordable Housing Development Company at a price that would make their restoration viable. Entrance doors and optional lean-to conservatories on some homes were also added as part of the £90,000 AHDC spent on each of the properties.

In a second restoration phase, Total Glass also completed similar window refurbishments on five properties in Skerries Road for Maritime Housing Trust.

For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.

Responding to demand from manufacturers, BM TRADA Certification Ltd has launched a Q-mark third-party certification scheme for toughened glass.

The scheme is aimed at manufacturers of:
* Heat-soaked thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass (compliant with BS EN 14179) and
* Thermally toughened soda lime silicate safety glass (compliant with BS EN 12150).

The product standards for both products have now been published and CE marking of the product could therefore commence on 1st September this year.

Product Certification Manager Simon Beer said: 'We were approached by several manufacturers of insulating glass units who are already members of our Q-Mark scheme for IGUs. They felt that it would be advantageous to have certification for toughened glass with BM TRADA also and we have developed the scheme accordingly.'

Like all other Q-Mark schemes this new scheme sets the same high standards. 'We aim to go beyond the requirements of CE marking so that manufacturers who achieve the Q-Mark can genuinely differentiate themselves from other CE marked products,' Mr Beer added.

Contact: Simon Beer
Tel: 01494 569821
Email: mailto:sbeer@bmtrada.com

Darby Glass has restructured its Glengarnock plant in Ayrshire as part of an ongoing growth and development programme across the group's six UK sites. Recent changes at Darby Scotland include a new management structure and the appointment of a fully qualified QA Manager to ensure continuous improvement at the busy glass production facility. The strategy is already reaping rewards for the Scottish operation and its customers, with IGU output up to 1200 units a day and on time delivery currently running at 98% and improving daily.

In order to achieve greater efficiency and enhance quality and service, Darby Scotland has split the production facility into two separate cost centres - Supply and Finishing. The Supply team is responsible for glass cutting, toughening and decorative/Georgian bar preparation, while the Finishing department ensures that unit manufacture, loading and delivery are all completed in full and on time. ‘The reorganisation has proved highly successful,’ says General Manager, June Smith. ‘It creates an 'internal customer' philosophy within the two departments with everyone pulling together to achieve common goals.’ In addition to this initiative, the recently recruited QA Manager, David Kyle, is taking on the responsibility of writing, implementing and overseeing quality procedures and systems to assist in the day to day running of the operation.

Darby Scotland has found that introducing more controls is enabling the business to respond quicker to customer needs and has also enhanced the motivation of the teams to perform well against tight lead times. Rapid turnaround is all part of the service, with next day delivery available for emergency orders placed before 12 noon. However, the team is certainly not complacent and is constantly working to enhance response time still further. ‘Although with lead times of three days for annealed Georgian, decorative and standard units and single toughened, and four days for toughened, we believe we already offer an extremely competitive service,’ adds June Smith.

Darby Glass was winner of Glass Company of the Year at the recent G05 Awards. This accolade clearly illustrates the success of the company's continuous growth and development programme. The benefits of this top industry award will be felt throughout Darby Glass, including the Ayrshire site as the company's customers understand that they are dealing with an organisation that has been recognised as the best in its field.

Alongside management changes, Darby Scotland has also had its furnace fully aspirated to facilitate the production of soft coat glass - a top selling product for Darby. This follows investment in a range of new equipment over the last three years, including the latest Lisec cutting line and automated unit line, plus new demineralisation plants and Triulzi washer. As a result, Darby Scotland is now in a position to offer most glass products directly from site, with the added bonus of being part of a major group that can accommodate almost any product requirement.

Darby Scotland obtains its glass from two main suppliers, St Gobain and Pilkington. This split supply approach provides Darby's customers with a choice of product options that satisfies virtually every requirement. The Glengarnock plant specialises in IGU manufacture with a U-value of 1.1 and toughening, with decorative glass, bevels, Georgian layout, soft and hard coat all part of its standard range. There are also plans to start producing Darby's Roof-Glas conservatory glazing unit at the site.

Flushed with the success of its recent restructuring, Darby Scotland is already looking ahead and aiming for 30% growth over the next three years. It also wants to expand its customer base, which currently covers the domestic market, including refurbishment and new build, and commercial framers. ‘Although we want to attract more customers, we're keen to maintain a synergy with our existing client profile because they are the type of companies we can serve best and which we believe represent the greatest growth potential for our business.’

Tel: 01724 280044
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk

Sustainable Aluminium on the Increase

Further to recent meetings between the members of the 'Council for Aluminium in Building' (CAB), it is apparent that aluminium is growing in popularity as the number one choice of window material for new executive homes. This trend has been felt most in London where virtually all new high rise residential properties use aluminium windows and doors. This trend has now spilt over into replacement products for existing homes and refurbishment projects where slim lines and security are of paramount importance.

CAB Members are also seeing a marked increase in enquiries for new housing sites where aluminium windows are being offered as an upgrade package to the traditional timber or PVCu windows fitted as standard. There are also enquiries for traditional new housing sites where the choice has been made to offer aluminium windows as the standard installed product.

Today's aluminium windows and doors now incorporate some very sophisticated thermal insulation systems which offer slim lines with strength and good levels of insulation which more than meet the new Document L requirements.

As a direct result of this increase in activity the public are becoming more aware of the benefits in choosing aluminium in preference to the traditional window materials in the market. Whilst aluminium products can be more expensive to purchase they do offer a wide choice of colour, excellent security options and above all the comfort of knowing they will retain their looks and performance for a very long time.

As most responsible homeowners and businesses look to recycle materials today, remember that aluminium is 100% recyclable as we have been well informed on TV. Recycling may be a long time off however, as some of the earliest examples of aluminium windows date from the early 1930's and are still going strong today. It's safe to say that the choice of aluminium as a replacement product could last a lifetime.

When the product eventually is replaced, an average recycling rate of 92% is being achieved as published by Delft University of Technology as part of the 'Aluminium for Future Generations' programme. Some of the most impressive recycling rates were obtained from the Wembley Stadium site which exceeded the average by recycling 96% of the aluminium reclaimed from the building.

Many installers of replacement windows are now adding the alternative of modern aluminium windows and doors to their portfolio for their more discerning customers - these street wise installers often find they have little or no competition when the customer chooses aluminium.

The Council for Aluminium in Building membership represents the majority of the UK aluminium systems companies who provide profiles and fabricated products to the trade.

More information is available from www.c-a-b.org.uk and www.chrysalis.uk.com

Following its success in the market with bespoke portal conservatories, conservatory roof manufacturer S&J Marketing has set up a specialised operation - S&J Portal Frames.

S&J has established an exclusive relationship with portal conservatory specialists H&B Design Consultants, which was recently created by former Ultraframe portal experts Glenn Hodgson and Nick Booth. Glenn and Nick have more than 25 years experience in the conservatory industry and have been involved with more than 3,500 portal projects spanning design and fabrication, through to complete installation during their careers.

Working in conjunction with H&B Designs, S&J provides a complete circle service encompassing every element of the project from concept right through to completion. Tailored to meet the customer's individual needs, S&J can provide a full site survey, designs and calculations, costs, technical advice and full installation or can simply offer a supervisory service for the more competent installer.

Paul Smith, general manager of S&J, said: ‘We've always had the ability to create large and complex conservatories in short timescales and in recent months we've seen an enormous demand to supply the more engineered portal frame conservatories. However, we recognise that this is a very specialist area and that's why we offer a complete service to minimise worries for the less experienced installer. By being involved at an early stage, we can significantly reduce delays and costly mistakes and offer a greater degree of confidence both to the industry and the end user.’

Nick Booth, director of H&B Consultants, added: ‘With many years of experience in portals, backed by a high quality product and a flexible service, we have all the ingredients to cater for an increasingly sophisticated market. It's a very exciting time in the industry and we're confident that this new division will be a great success.’

S&J is currently working on a number of major portal projects, which will be unveiled in the coming months.

All portal roofs are manufactured at S&J Marketing's state-of-the-art factory facility in Duston, Northamptonshire. All portal roofs are individually supported by a full structural engineers report. Portal roofs are available in white and a range of woodgrain finishes as well as the complete range of RAL colours.

Contact: Paul Smith
Tel: 01604 585900
Email: mailto:paul@sandj.co.uk

Haffner GB Ltd claims it is 'bucking industry trends' with an impressive 62% increase in sales during 2004/2005. This growth can be attributed to the continual demand for the company’s SBA Cutting and Working centre, which is one of the most successful selling products to date, for the company.

Since the SBA Cutting and Working centre was launched at Glassex 2000, Haffner has witnessed a steady increase in sales for the product. However, during the past two years, the demand has risen dramatically and the company has sold over 75 machining centres with no let up in interest.

Managing Director of Stone-based Haffner, Dave Thomas, explains the upturn in sales and increased popularity for the SBA centre: ‘The success of the machine has been excellent but not altogether surprising. The machining centre is one of the best products on the market and offers fabricators tangible benefits. These benefits include improved quality and efficiencies without the additional costs of labour. Put simply, the machining centre is designed to be 'abused' and will produce up to 750 frames per week with just one single operator. That is a substantiated fact not a mere statistic.’

Thomas continues: ‘The machining centre also becomes your virtual Production Manager as it pushes the volume from the front so the remaining machines are utilised to their full potential in order to keep pace with this output. As a result, your production operation will become more efficient which saves valuable time and money. In ever tightening market conditions the SBA machining centre is often the answer to increased profitability.’

Numerous fabricators agree with this claim. One of which is Affordable Windows which has just taken receipt of the company’s third machining centre from Haffner. Managing Director of Affordable Windows, Micky Gaughan said: ‘The SBA machining centre is a superb product. It is reliable, accurate and the finished quality is exceptional. Put simply, by installing three SBA centres into our production operation has allowed us to manufacture 2500 frames per week, with just one member of staff working each machine. The savings on labour costs speak for themselves.’

Like its supplying partner, Blackpool-based Affordable has also witnessed an upturn in its trade sales, which was instrumental in the purchase of the company’s third machining centre. Gaughan concludes: ‘Even in tough marketing conditions, the demand for our products has risen. I put that down to our 5-day nationwide turnaround and dedication to customers' needs coupled with old fashioned values of service, reliability and quality; all of which have improved since we installed the centres as you eliminate any uncertainly in your manufacturing output.’

For more information on the SBA cutting and working centre from Haffner GB Ltd, call Dave Thomas on 01785 814032

For more information on trade windows from Affordable call 01253 766555.

This year is certainly turning out to be a tough one for most fabricators and its 'no easy ride for Listers either' says their MD Mark Warren. 'Competitors are thrashing around trying to fill dwindling sales books which always leads to downward pricing pressure and inevitably harder work for those of us selling on quality rather than price alone.'

But it certainly isn't all doom and gloom at Listers. In fact over the last five consecutive months the company says that it has seen its highest sales figures ever.

So how is the company beating the trend and fighting off the competition? 'Last year saw us make serious investment into premises and equipment' says Mark, 'We also introduced two new fully branded window systems, along with all the marketing to help our customers to go out and sell them.'

Listers efforts in this regard were recognised by the company being crowned G-05 Fabricator of the year recently. 'But most important of all has been the extra efforts that our sales force have made in selling the 'difference'' says Mark. 'We offer the complete package, windows doors, patios, conservatories and a complete range of building plastics. But our sales people make sure that we offer the service and quality to go with it and our customer base just keeps on growing.

'It may not be an easy ride this year for many, but there are still companies out there who are re-doubling their efforts to stay ahead of the field to take the winning position.'

With five months of continued sales growth, May showing a 30% increase over the previous year, and July showing the largest ever sales for that month in their history, Lister Trade Frames still seem to be bucking the general downward trend.

Tel: 01782 205605

Sapa AB has reported profits down by 31% to SEK202m (2004: 291m) for the first six months of this year, on net sales slightly up to SEK7,322m (7,204m). With volumes estimated to have declined in the EU as a whole by 4-5%, the UK market was weaker still, resulting in a considerable deterioration in earnings for Profiles UK operations. Volumes in the US rose 4%.

Highlights:
• Earnings per share amounted to SEK 5.54 (7.99)
• Profit after tax declined by 31 per cent to MSEK 202 (291)
• Net sales rose by 2 per cent to MSEK 7,322 (7,204)
• Operating profit amounted to MSEK 332 (477)
• Agreement signed regarding acquisition of Slovakian aluminium profiles company Alufinal

Delivered volumes for the first six months of 2005 amounted to 200,000 tonnes (204,800), a decline of 2 per cent. Volumes were down 5 per cent for Profiles in Europe while Profiles in the US rose 4 per cent and Heat Transfer by 4 per cent.

Consolidated net sales rose by 2 per cent to SEK 7,322m (7,204m). Currency effects from the translation of foreign subsidiaries to SEK impacted net sales negatively by 0.5 per cent, corresponding to SEK 33m. A higher aluminium metal price had a positive impact on net sales. Measured in EUR and SEK, the price of aluminium metal listed on the LME was approximately 5 per cent higher during the first six months than the corresponding period 2004.

Operating profit for the first half of 2005 amounted to SEK 332m (477m). Currency effects from translation to SEK had a marginally negative effect of SEK 1m. Profiles operations in Europe were weaker than in the corresponding period last year. In total, volumes within the EU are estimated to have declined by 4-5 per cent. The UK market was particularly weak, resulting in a considerable deterioration in earnings for Profiles UK operations. The weak demand meant that margins continued to be under certain pressure. Action programmes are in progress in all Profiles units in Europe to adjust costs. To some extent, this has already had a favourable impact on earnings. Volumes for Profiles in the US rose by 4 percent, which is considered in line with total market development. Earnings are on par with the preceding year.

Building System, which due to the particularly long winter in continental Europe, experienced somewhat lower demand than normal at the beginning of the year, generated net sales of SEK 1,456m (1,458m). Earnings are still being burdened by losses in Portugal, which, however, decreased during the latter part of the first six months as cost savings from the action programme took effect. The market in France remains strong while Germany, Portugal and the UK are showing declining demand.

Worldwide, Fakro is a major manufacturer of roof windows for both commercial and domestic applications. In the UK the company is relatively new.

'The range of styles, sizes, opening methods and accessories being offered in the UK is comprehensive.’ says Noel Shanahan, MD of Fakro.

‘The quality of the materials and construction is set to meet the UK's most stringent performance requirements i.e. inert gas filled glazing, first class pine wood frames, double lacquered finish, low emission coating etc. Fakro roof window products are BBA certificated.’

The range is presented with flashing options for most roof finishes, domestic tile, slate, bituminous or single ply. All windows have the option of an air inlet ensuring a constant inflow of air, even when the window is closed, and many of the units can be arranged in block configuration to provide architectural feature walls and elegant mansard constructions.

Fakro U.K. Ltd. is based in Burton Upon Trent. Noel Shanahan says ‘We are all very excited about the UK at the moment. Although we started over here a couple of years ago, recent awareness of our products has produced extraordinary demand, in particular from the architectural sector which we did not predict to happen for a couple of years yet.’

http://www.fakro.com

Over 250 companies around the UK will receive a full-sized, glazed SynerJy blu window, Synseal's blue white fourth generation fully sculptured system that seamlessly integrates windows, doors, patios and conservatories.

‘Synseal first sent out full sized samples to companies in 1996. This time our drivers will deliver samples to companies who like to offer something a bit different,’ explains Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal.

‘The colour of the profile can be an important point of differentiation when selling to homeowners. When installers go into a house they are often up against other companies.

There's a beauty parade of different systems - but they are often the same colour. So those who offer something different like blue-white can maintain a higher selling price. Synseal understands how important blue-white is to some installers.

That's why we also offer Global Blue, the blue-white conservatory roof system. This combined with SynerJy blu gives homeowners a complete window, door and conservatory system in blue white.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Edgetech Super Spacer® convert, NTC Conservatories Ltd, has launched what the company describes as the first truly modular fully sculptured 70mm conservatory range offering 8 different styles and over 60 sizes. The company’s one stop shop theory behind the new range is to challenge the traditional ways of selling conservatories by opening up the mass market where home owner’s buying decisions are made easier.

Paul Campbell, National Sales Manager at NTC describes how using Edgetech’s Super Spacer plays a key role in achieving this: ‘With NTC, installers can offer homeowners a transparent package where what they see is what they get, leaving no hidden surprises and eliminating the stress often associated with purchase.’

‘Our key aim is to support installers in whatever ways we can, so that they can stand out from their competition. We are committed to offering excellent customer service alongside excellent products, and to this end are enhancing our specification on the modular range by incorporating, as standard, Edgetech Super Spacer argon filled units that come with a full 10 year guarantee. The thermal efficiency benefits of incorporating Edgetech Super Spacer are a great selling proposition in the home, giving our installers that added extra to differentiate themselves.’

Tel: 02476 70557

In April 2005 the award winning Rapierstar range of screws and fixings were granted a European patent.

Following the rapid expansion throughout Europe by its sister company in Germany, Architectural Supplies Ltd in the UK is to continue to build on the reputation for high quality and superior performance of its products and has decided to rename the company as Rapierstar Ltd.

The distinctive swordsman logo is to be synonymous with both companies, their products and service.

Together with new promotional literature Rapierstar Ltd will continue to establish itself as a market leader with a strong brand identity throughout the UK and Europe.

'The patented, award winning Rapierstar range of screws and fixings continually offers a breakthrough in performance!' says the company.

Everwhite Plastics Limited achieved its first £1 million month in August 2005. ‘With the market down and August a historically difficult month for sales, we’re delighted to exceed the £1 million mark,’ explains Simon Reynolds, Everwhite’s Sales and Marketing Director.

‘We had missed the £1m by a fraction in May, June and July, so to finish on £1.1 million in August, was a great achievement for Everwhite. It works out at a 38% increase in sales over August 2004, which exceeds our expectations. Everwhite continues to add new products to the already extensive product range keeping our customers ahead in a difficult market. And it’s thanks to our customers that we’ve achieved these outstanding sales results.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Following its acquisition by the Bowater Building Products group, Newdawn, the conservatory roof systems company, has carried out a major re-organisation of its customer services department to cope with an ever higher order volume.

The internal sales department in particular has been restructured to provide a faster, more efficient customer service and greatly improved production control. In the past order processing and customer liaison was split between two sales departments in two separate buildings. One dealt entirely with regular roof kit customers and was located in the roof kit assembly factory, the other in the main administration block dealt with bar length orders and the more complex roof kits.

The Newdawn sales department from the back left to right: Louise Clarke, Debbie Williams, Richard Wilkinson, Matt Terry with Department Manager Greg Beachim in the foreground.

In order to improve efficiency and communications the two have been combined into a single expanded customer services department. In the past the staff in the two departments had tended to specialise in particular aspects of the sales process such as estimating, CAD design, and order control and production liaison. Now all members of the sales department have been multi-task trained so that any single person can carry out the complete sales function from start to finish.

The new department now handles all regular, non-regular and new customer orders for smaller roof kits and for bar lengths orders while regular customers with larger roof kit orders can deal directly with manufacturing headed by Chris Day. Orders and enquiries are faxed to Newdawn and in 99% of cases a First Degree Systems quotation drawing is produced with the roof plan, specification, price and lead-time.

This is faxed back to the customer who in turn signs the document and faxes it back to the company as an order. Where necessary a full 3D design can be produced. The order is usually processed within 24 hours of receipt and the sales person responsible maintains liaison with the customer and with manufacturing to ensure that delivery requirements and date are met. The sales department is managed by 36 year old Greg Beachim who has had many years experience in all aspects of PVCu and aluminium fabrication, installation and estimating. Greg has been with Newdawn for four years and controls a staff of six all of whom have worked for the company in various capacities for a number of years and know the particular needs of every customer.

As Greg commented ‘Bringing two sales departments together, introducing new order processing systems and at the same time ensuring that everyone was able to multi-task effectively took a little time but the benefits are now considerable both internally and for our customers. In June, for example, we had the biggest volume of roof orders ever in one month and everything worked really well. We work closely with manufacturing and our close liaison ensures that everyone has a complete picture of the order flow and production which enables us to give our customers very accurate lead-times and delivery dates.’

Tel: 01789 764444
Email: mailto:sales@newdawn-sun.co.uk

A Midlands based conservatory manufacturer & supplier is gearing up to push its business to the forefront of the industry after joining forces with two of the UK's major market suppliers.

Investing into the future and continual growing success of Easy Fit Roofs and Conservatories is Rehau, Europe's leading processor of polymer materials, suppliers of PVC-U profiles, and world-class roof systems design manufacturers Ultraframe.

Easy Fit has seen record sales since opening just five months ago and its recent move into the 'UK's largest showroom', located on the West Bromwich Road in Walsall, means the company now has the capacity to produce 100 conservatories per week to meet customer demand.

The new site is currently undergoing renovation, and bosses expect it to be open in time for the launch date with a surprise guest celebrity doing the honours.

Easy Fit Roofs and Conservatories supply off the shelf conservatories direct to Trade and Public.

Tel: 0121 565 5555

GAP, roofline stockist and door panel manufacturer, has just released its latest sales figures and it's good news for GAP and good news for GAP customers. With an increase of 20% year on year sales they have every reason to smile. GAP has invested £6 million in branch development this year and this seems to have paid off.

Charles Greensmith, Joint Managing Director of GAP comments: ‘This is a great result. Our customers' growth has helped us grow 30% every year for the past three years. Even in a flat market this year, we are up 20%. Our aim is to provide the best possible service we can to our customers - a service that is second to none. We listen to what customers want and strive to exceed their expectations.’

Tel: 01254 682888

Newstead Trade Frame’s customers are now enjoying deliveries driven by the latest state of the art wireless satellite technology, thanks to new navigation tracking system built into its fleet of vehicles.

Paul Baker, Operations Manager for Newstead, explains how this latest development is helping customers: ‘It basically means we can pinpoint where each of our vehicles is at any given time by logging into a computer. This is particularly useful considering the total mileage our fleet does and also that some of them are on the road at 4am. If a driver gets caught up in traffic or breaks down, we can immediately inform the customer, as well as giving some idea of when their delivery will arrive. It also means that if a customer needs to top up a delivery or has forgotten to order something, then we can quickly work out the logistics of re-routing a truck in their area to help them out.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Romley based ARP Mustang® installer Gutter Men achieved an increase in sales of 25% year on year doing it themselves before creating a franchise package.

‘ARP was recommended to us and I haven’t looked back since. ARP supplies the Mustang® continuous guttering system, the only continuous aluminium gutter system with BBA approval – 30 years life expectancy.

‘We had the idea of franchising, discussed it with ARP which was all for it and between us we have come up with a good package. Installers invest a one off payment for an Ironman® machine, leads, a new branded van, all the training, and access equipment.

'Literally all you have to do is measure and price the job then, go and install it. We do everything else. You can operate your own, independent business, without having to go it alone.’

If you would like to know more please call Gutterman Franchise Information 0808 155 7828.

Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com

Freefoam's research into the limitations of the colour stability of PVC products when exposed to increased UV levels and extreme conditions, and a review of the current levels to which roofline products are exposed in the UK and Ireland, gives food for thought for roofline manufacturers, stockists and installers alike.

'Freefoam has led the way in widening the colour choice in roofline, and pioneered the use of environmentally friendly lead-free products through considerable research and close collaboration with our raw material partners.' comments Tony Walsh, Freefoam Managing Director.

'Back in the early 1990s the consensus was that 4 parts TiO2 (Titanium Dioxide) per hundred was adequate for UV protection of white products based on average regional UV levels.

But the graph (right) shows annual figures for the area between Oxford and London and clearly indicates a rising trend in UV levels. Without being alarmist, the area south of Bristol is about 20% higher, and the current trend of increase is approximately 1.5% per year.

'While the reading isn't good for anyone, Freefoam products have never been at risk. Unlike a lot of our competitors, we have been supplying markets in southern France for some time, and had already added the necessary 5-6 parts per hundred to all our fascia products for operational simplicity, whether they ended up in France or the UK.'

Tony Walsh concludes, 'This issue will affect us all: extruders, stockists, installers, raw material suppliers giving performance warranties and insurers brave enough to venture into this arena again having had their fingers burned before. Serious players should not duck the issue this time.'

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com

Web: http://www.freefoam.com

In addition to its $1 million corporate cash contribution announced on August 30th, DuPont has established the DuPont Hurricane Katrina Fund to channel financial donations from employees, retirees and others to communities near DuPont sites that have been impacted by the storm.

DuPont will contribute an amount equal to the total contributions to the DuPont Hurricane Katrina Fund, up to $1 million. The supplemental company contribution will apply to personal donations made through to the end of 2005.

The fund is being administered by the Delaware Community Foundation.
Information on how to contribute is available at http://www.dupont.com.

'With nearly 58,000 employees and over 100,000 retirees worldwide, we have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of care and concern for our colleagues and neighbors in the areas devastated by Hurricane Katrina,' said Willie C. Martin, president – U.S. Region. 'The DuPont Katrina Fund is a way to channel that support into the communities where our sites are located and where our employees, retirees and neighbours reside.'

Allocations will be based on recommendations from DuPont site leaders in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Alabama.

DuPont has five facilities that were impacted by Hurricane Katrina: DeLisle and Pascagoula, Miss.; Pontchartrain and Burnside, La.; and Mobile, Ala.
All 1,300 DuPont employees at the impacted sites have been accounted for and are safe.

The bulk of DuPont's $1 million corporate cash contribution announced on August 30th has been given to the American Red Cross in Mississippi, Louisiana and Alabama, with priority to the communities in greatest need. Another portion was given to the Salvation Army, which has deployed hundreds of food stations throughout the region – each capable of serving 5,000 meals a day. The balance of the DuPont contribution will be used for ongoing recovery efforts in DuPont site communities.

DuPont is also contributing DuPont products to assist in relief and recovery efforts.

Alcan Inc. announced on 8th September that it is donating US$500,000 to the American Red Cross to assist in relief efforts following the devastation caused to the U.S. Gulf coast by hurricane Katrina recently.

'On behalf of Alcan, our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims, in particular those who are part of our family. At present, many Alcan retirees and at least one employee were directly impacted by the hurricane,' said Travis Engen, President and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc. 'Tens of thousands of people have lost everything: family, friends, homes, jobs. It is reassuring to see the global community unite and collectively assist the survivors to rebuild their lives,' he added.

Alcan does not currently have any facilities in the affected region. Until 2003, Alcan operated a cable plant in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi, a town that was virtually flattened by Katrina, and the Company is already providing support in this area. The Company’s former Bay St. Louis facility is one of the few buildings to have not been completely destroyed and is being used in the relief effort.

Alcan is monitoring developments in the region and continuing to assess additional means of providing assistance.

Rhodia’s Baton Rouge site sustained only minor damage from the Hurricane Katrina and has returned to full operation.

The plant’s Eco Services enterprise produces and regenerates sulfuric acid used by refiners to manufacture gasoline. The site’s organics operations also produce diphenols used in food, flavoring, industrial and agricultural applications. Eco Services and Organics operations at the site collaborated on a smooth shutdown on Sunday 28th August in advance of the hurricane's arrival on the Gulf Coast on Monday.

Rhodia Inc. has established a Hurricane Katrina matching contribution programme to aid the victims of one of the worst natural disasters in United States history. Employees who make a monetary contribution to the American Red Cross will have their donation matched by the company. Rhodia Inc. is committed to contributing up to $15,000 in matching donations to help those who are suffering in the Gulf Coast.

NürnbergMesse intends to raise its turnover in Germany and abroad to over 150 million euros in the medium term. This was declared by Managing Director Bernd A. Diederichs at the presentation of the results for the business year 2004, which set new records with a turnover of 108 million euros and a year-end result of five million euros more than planned. Besides the congress centre CCN Ost, which was taken into operation this year, the now approved construction of hall 4A and disproportionately large growth abroad are to contribute to further growth.

'The outstanding results for 2004 create a solid basis for further growth of NürnbergMesse,' Diederichs is convinced. Turnover last year rose to over 108 million euros (+ 7 %), earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) climbed by some 50 per cent over the previous year to reach 25.9 million euros, the operative result doubled over the plan to reach some 9 million euros, and the year-end result improved by 5 million euros. As a result, NürnbergMesse GmbH shows a black zero for 2004 (2003: -5.9 million euros).

Instead of resting on these laurels, Bernd A. Diederichs with his team intends to remain on this steep growth path and after a breather due to event cycles in 2005 is aiming for a medium-term turnover of 150 million euros for the NürnbergMesse Group. The supervisory board of NürnbergMesse set the appropriate course for this in July. Hall 4A is to be built beside CCN Ost at a cost of some 15 million euros by the beginning of 2007. One of the first uses of the new hall is planned for the Spielwarenmesse International Toy Fair 2007.

Diederichs also sees the decision of the NürnbergMesse supervisory board in favour of building hall 4A and thus the completion of the eastern part of the exhibition site as a strategic reaction to the construction of the new exhibition centre in Stuttgart, although with one major difference: 'We don’t build until we can utilise the new capacities on our own.' This foreseeable utilisation is coming faster than planned. In addition to the over 40 trade fairs and exhibitions in the NürnbergMesse portfolio, the hall will also be designed for congress and event use. 'We have been exceptionally successful here with the tandem CCN Ost and hall 7A, and hall 4A will improve our flexibility even more,' says Diederichs.

Aiming for disproportionately large growth abroad by 2010
The international subsidiary Nürnberg Global Fairs achieved a turnover of 3.6 million euros in the business year 2004, 20 per cent more than in 2003. This business field is also to be expanded by 2010. The strategic target for this is a five-fold increase in turnover to at least 15 million euros by 2010. 'This target cannot be achieved through organic growth alone. We are therefore currently intensively reviewing possible acquisitions of exhibition organisers abroad,' explains Diederichs.

The international trade fairs in Nürnberg, which have already enjoyed above-average growth of international exhibitors in the past years, will also profit from this decision. Growth in the last five years alone was just under 25 per cent. 36 per cent of all exhibitors at the Nürnberg exhibition venue meanwhile come from abroad. This figure is as high as 43 per cent for the international trade fairs of NürnbergMesse. Diederichs sees more growth potential especially from Central and Eastern Europe and from the Asian region.

Diederichs also sees opportunities regarding the exhibiting activities of German companies: 'This potential is nowhere near exhausted.' Here he is supported by the latest TNS Emnid survey conducted for AUMA (Association of the German Trade Fair Industry), which has identified a potential of over 35,000 companies that have not yet exhibited at exhibitions. 'All exhibition companies are called upon to develop joint concepts beyond their respective project acquisition in order to exploit this potential,' says Diederichs - this year’s Chairman of GDG - trying to promote a comprehensive initiative.

Spectacular round of premières in second half of 2005
2005 is an unusually weak year for exhibitions due to the break in the cycle of the two autumn trade fairs FachPack and BRAU Beviale, especially as this constellation occurs only every 12 years. As expected, this was not noticeable in the first half of 2005. Instead, NürnbergMesse sees one of the strongest half-years in the history of the company, as the turnover of some 67 million euros is slightly more than planned.

Overall, NürnbergMesse expects a turnover of around 90 million euros for the business year 2005, which is weaker due to event cycles. Besides the established exhibitions and congresses, 17 premières, including half a dozen trade fairs, will contribute to this turnover in the second half-year.

Exhibition premières in Germany and abroad in 2nd half of 2005

ISGATEC (11-13.10):
ISGATEC, Europe’s only international trade fair for sealing and gasket technology, moves to Nürnberg from Stuttgart.

CRM-expo (9-10.11):
The CRM-expo moves from Cologne and shows software and services for customer relationship management.

Intelligent Building Middle East (5-7.12, Manama, Bahrain):
This exhibition and conference première focuses on building technologies, such as intelligent building enclosures, high-tech building components, building control and management systems, building sanitary engineering, building protection and building safety.

FabForm (6-8.12):
This exhibition première shows sheet metal forming and fabricating technology. The organiser is the British exhibition company Mack Brooks.