Fully
Sculptured Shield Synerjy from CWG
The
Corby Windows Group says that it is one of the first fabricators to produce
windows, doors and conservatories using the new Shield Synerjy suite.
The new fully sculptured 70mm profiles are both elegant and contoured
resulting in an attractive traditional appearance but with all the benefits
of modern, top performing high technology materials.
Besides that attractive appearance, installers will discover extra advantages
that will assist with both sales and fitting. The co-extruded gaskets
with their lo-line features are neat and trim while maximising the glass
area. They are also good to use when glazing as is the internal, single
J leg ‘knock in’ glazing bar.
As standard, the comprehensive window & door profile suite is designed
to accept 28mm sealed units so high levels of heat and sound insulation
can be assured. Where application or surroundings dictate, the capability
of being able to accept varying thicknesses of glass whilst still providing
a satisfactory gap between the panes is an additional advantage.
CWG fabricates a wide range of windows, doors and conservatories. Systems
used include Rehau’s 60mm Tritec, 70mm S706 and S719 Heritage profiles
for vertical sliders plus the fully sculptured Kömmerling Connoisseur
suite and 70mm Shield bevelled profiles. All are available in white and
woodgrain finishes plus a wide range of colours. The new Shield Synerjy
system will be available from the Corby Windows Group in white, Mahogany,
Golden Oak, Cherry Oak and woodgrain on white.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
More
Installers than Ever, says Windowbase
Announcing
10,800 installers on its latest database, - a new high - Windowbase reports
that the ‘Volatility Index’ for the year 2004, has shown a slowing
down of the ‘thrashing’ that has affected the Window, Door and
Conservatory industry since the FENSA registration scheme was introduced.
It seems that for every installer that goes out of business, two spring
up! But wood window & conservatory fabricators, apparently under-represented
on Fensa, seem to be over twice as likely to close as to move.
The significance of the Index, derived from the Windowbase database of
over 12,200 window, door and conservatory companies, is that it provides
an ongoing national measure of company formations, dissolutions and movements.
Mike Davis, Director of Windowbase, says, ‘The latest index shows
that, between December 2003 and November 2004, we identified significant
changes in the location of 28.5% of known companies in the UK Window and
Conservatory Industry. This is a reduction from the higher figures - last
year was 37% - which were due to the ‘FENSA effect’.
‘In practice, there appear to be three parts to this effect; the
first category –‘Hassle Avoiders’ - comprises those
who decided they didn’t want to continue supplying windows and having
to put up with the bureaucracy. Many of these have now concentrated on
their core businesses – roofline or non-fenestration joinery.
'The next category ’Opportunists’ are those who felt
that they only had to pay the fees and business would flood in; mostly
these appeared to be smaller building companies. These presented themselves
as new companies to us, but the following year appeared reluctant to pay
the fees and when interviewed reported that they no longer dealt in windows
etc. Lastly, are the ‘Specialisers’ - who decided that
they could either be fabricators or installers, but not both, and so we
have seen a small fall in installers who used to make.
‘Of course, these categories still exist and changes continue, but
the kick given by the introduction of FENSA seems to have largely worked
through the industry’
‘Looking at just this year’s figures by product specialty, we
see that 12.5% of PVCu companies are no longer fabricating (some are still
there as installers), and the number of manufacturing joiners who were
no longer active at the end of the year are down by 10%, which is over
twice the number reported as moving, although new ones are still coming
into the database.’
The regional differences are less marked than previous years, with Scotland
and Northern Ireland still being the least volatile, unaffected by FENSA.
The South-East (North of the Thames) had the highest percentage of companies
disappear, while Yorkshire had the highest percentage of new companies,
with the West Midlands being the most mobile group.
The analysis is based on the changes in the Windowbase database of Window
and Conservatory Fabricators & Installers of over 12,200 UK companies
and sole traders, available in whole or in part from Windowbase Ltd.
Contact: Mike Davis
Tel: 01706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@winbase.co.uk
Web: http://www.winbase.co.uk
On
the strength of the company’s performance during the initial phase
of a major social housing refurbishment project in Liverpool for Cobalt
Housing Association, KEB Fabrications has just been awarded a further
phase of the contract.
The order, valued at more than £1 million per year, is to supply
and fit high security windows and doors, as part of a successful ongoing
partnering agreement with Lovell Partnership. Commenting on the award,
KEB Managing Director Lawrence Breakspear said, ‘There is no doubt
that our reputation in the area as a leading manufacturer and installer
of commercial products, added to our achievements in the first phase,
was important in securing this further contract’
The Midlands based social housing fenestration specialist has seen turnover
grow to £12 million since an MBO last year and is currently engaged
in long term partnering agreements throughout the UK valued at £30
million. This latest contract award in Liverpool may prompt further expansion.
Financial Director, Garry Lacey explains, ‘We are enjoying considerable
success in Liverpool generally, having recently won a major new build
contract in the heart of the City for another leading Merseyside housing
association client. The level of business we are experiencing in the area
justifies giving serious consideration to opening a KEB regional office
in the North-West’.
KEB Fabrications established a precedent when setting up its offices in
Gateshead, another region where the company is enjoying similar social
housing refurbishment success.
Tel: 0121 555 5533
Email: mailto:lbreakspear@kebfabrications.co.uk
Web: http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk
WilliamsF1’s
a Roaring Success for Network Veka
Network Veka’s ’04 AGM was hailed the biggest and best ever after more than 200 members and guests heard of a host of new strategies and innovations before partying the night away.
Delegates
packed the conference hall of the WilliamsF1 Centre near Oxford to hear
how Network Veka is to launch its own insurance company to manage its
Insurance Backed Guarantees entirely in-house. Among other major steps
forward, it is also developing a specification product with full ten-year
parts and labour guarantee, will put another £500,000 into national
advertising next year and is going back on the recruiting trail in 2005.
More partners and guests swelled the ranks for the evening event where
they dined and danced, laughed with comedian Ian Richards, heard the results
of the 2004 Customer Satisfaction Awards and raised over £1,500
for charity.
Super
Spacer® Leaves all other Spacer Bars in the Cold
Realising
five years ago that warm edge was the technology of the future, Warwickshire
based sealed unit manufacturer, WR Woolley started using a warm edge spacer
bar. Unfortunately, WR Woolley was unhappy with the specification of this
particular product and unimpressed by the lack of support. ‘We recognised
the benefits of warm edge spacer bars, but soon realised different suppliers
offer very different packages,’ explains Rob Callagher, Sales Director
with WR Woolley. ‘That’s why we approached Edgetech.
‘After making the switch to Edgetech’s Super Spacer®, our
biggest customer, building company Jelsons, is impressed with the difference.
The company has asked for all its windows to be made with Super Spacer
because it blends in with any colour profile and the site lines are near
perfect even on curved units. An advantage Jelsons didn’t enjoy with
our previous warm edge supplier.’
Super Spacer recently passed CEN1279 Part 3. Unlike Edgetech many companies
that make good sealed units are failing to pass this test for gas loss.
‘It is more than compliant and that makes Edgetech a good selling
proposition,’ continues Rob. ‘It’s a good buying proposition
for our customers who get all these benefits at no additional charge.
Super Spacer is also a great marketing tool for our customers, giving
them an edge on the competition.
‘There is also a significant time saving for us when fitting Super
Spacer. It takes less than one minute for Super Spacer compared with three
minutes for aluminium. We are currently using Super Spacer in 30% of our
units but plan to increase this to 50% in one year and 100% eventually.
When this happens, production should increase by at least 33%, thanks
to the superb time saving advantage. Other benefits mean that we no longer
need fixing keys to get the angles right on conservatory roofs. We only
need one colour because the bar blends in with any window colour or material.
All we need to stock is the different sizes. All this and the continuity
of depth of the spacer bar at 5mm means there is no room for movement
unlike the aluminium alternatives.’
Tel: 02476 705570
http://www.superspacer.co.uk/
Leamore
Windows Clicks on to Superior Service
Windowlink’s
easy to use presentation and pricing software is helping Leamore Windows
present an even more professional image and increase sales in both its
trade and retail divisions.
The
West Midlands manufacturer and supplier has recently invested in Windowlink’s
VectorPlus for conservatories and FocusPlus window and door design-to-sell
programs. Leamore has opted for the top-of-the range versions, which include
an integrated pricing processor for calculating prices on screen as you
work through each order.
Leamore Windows’ Director, Gary Hackett, is delighted with the new
software and Windowlink’s personalised programming service and training:
‘Nothing was too much trouble and their step-by-step approach gave
us time to get to know the software at our own pace. Now we can show customers
how their new windows or conservatory will look with different glazing
options or colours at the click of a button. And with the pricing modules
we can work out the discount for trade customers from the retail price
list in seconds.’
Prior to introducing Windowlink’s VectorPlus and FocusPlus Leamore
Windows typed out each quotation using a standard template and prices
had to be calculated manually. Designed to speed up the quotation process
and reduce the possibility of costly mistakes, VectorPlus and FocusPlus
contain a comprehensive list of pre-programmed questions based on information
and pricing criteria used in the previous manual system so prices haven’t
had to change with the new system. Checklists ensure that nothing is forgotten
during a presentation. In addition, the customer can immediately see the
effect any changes in the specification may have on the overall price.
‘The checklists are fantastic and ensure there are no disputes with
the customer over what is or isn’t included.’
Leamore Windows is also impressed with the variety of printouts available,
including a survey sheet, which was custom-designed for the company, ‘this
is a real time-saver for our surveyor,’ adds Gary.
Based in Bloxwich near Walsall Leamore Windows currently manufactures
approximately 800 windows, 150 doors and 20 conservatories a month. With
the new Windowlink software on board Gary is planning to boost these figures.
‘We’re already getting very positive feedback from retail customers
who like the attention to detail we can now offer, and being able to view
every aspect of their new windows or conservatory before they take the
decision to buy. We find working with Windowlink both enjoyable and efficient
whilst working together in a relaxed and friendly manner, In fact, we’re
already developing a number of exciting upgrades to enhance our service
even more.’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com
The
importance of promoting sound business practice for the future is recognised
by Ritec International through the sponsorship of an annual student award
presented at Middlesex University Business School, London. This year's
award ceremony took place on the occasion of the fifth annual Alan Cowling
Memorial Lecture - Professor Alan Cowling was a shareholder in Ritec and
brother-in-law of Ritec Director Karen Byers.
Alan
Cowling, who died in 1999, was Professor of Human Resource Management
and then Director of Research at Middlesex University Business School,
and two awards are made annually in his name along with the memorial lecture.
A post-graduate award for the Best Human Resource Management Dissertation
went to Magdilini Manolakou, while the Ritec-sponsored under-graduate
prize for the Best All Rounder went to Sue Mann, who took a BA in Human
Resource Management. Both prizes were presented by Alan Cowling's widow,
Inger Lise.
Karen Byers says, ‘Ritec is pleased to be involved in helping to
encourage the best practices in business through the people who will carry
the responsibility in the future. We are also delighted to be able to
do this through remembering Alan and his fine work in the field of human
resources.’
The memorial lecture was given by Duncan Brown, Assistant Director General
of the Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development.
Ritec International develops and manufactures fully integrated systems
for the renovation, protection and maintenance of a range of surfaces
including glass, metal and paintwork.
Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk
Hatfield’s
Windows Switches to HIS Systems
HIS
Systems says that it has grown at twice the rate of the market in the
past 12 months, largely through attracting a number of new customers.
Among the latest fabricators to share in the success of this niche systems
supplier is Yorkshire-based Hatfield's Windows and Conservatories Ltd
whose choice of the HIS Fivestar five-chamber 70mm window and door system,
which comes with complete PCE gasketting and one of the lowest U-values
in the market, is central to its own growth plans.
Managing Director Mark Hatfield founded the Goldthorpe company 14 years
ago and is now ready to take it to its next level. Along with eldest son
Lee running production and wife Lynn as Financial Director, there's a
strong family influence, which is reflected in the commitment to customer
service, product quality and determination to succeed.
‘Having fully reviewed a number of systems suppliers, HIS emerged
a clear winner all round,’ says Mark. ‘It's a practical, well-designed
system that fabricates easily and its quality helps to sell itself. Our
trade customers are very impressed with the frames and as we're looking
to grow our trade side, that's good news for us!’
Mark
Hatfield, Lee Hatfield, Sean Povey, assistant factory manager, Gary Firth,
general manager/director of HIS Systems, and Peter Grimshaw, general manager
Currently
split equally across trade and retail markets, Hatfield's Windows is looking
to more than double its production to around 600 frames per week and consolidate
its separate production and office sites, totalling 13,500 sq ft, under
one roof.
In addition to supplying windows, doors and conservatory roofs, all fabricated
in-house, Hatfield's also manufactures sealed units and has recently invested
in new machinery, including a new glass washing line, welder and computerised
saw to further improve customer service and product quality.
Switching over to Fivestar takes around four weeks and HIS provides all
the necessary technical backup for a smooth transition, from tooling to
software packages and marketing support literature.
General Manager Peter Grimshaw, who runs the company jointly with Mark,
has played a significant part in the company's retail market success,
and his experience is helping with plans for growth in 2005.
HIS Systems General Manager/Director, Gary Firth says these support packages
have proved popular with customers of all sizes who have recently switched,
adding: ‘HIS Systems offers a number of positive benefits to the
discerning fabricator looking for quality, value and service. The numbers
say it all!’
For further information, contact Hatfield's Windows on 01709 895592 or
HIS Systems on 01685 844488.
Windows
- A Transparent Case for PVC
The
British Plastics Federation Windows Group (BPFWG) has published a comprehensive
document that dispels many of the myths about the environmental credentials
of PVC-U windows.
'Windows - A Transparent case for PVC’ covers all aspects of the
environmental sustainability of PVC-U, from the production, through the
use phase and finally the disposal of old windows, be that by recycling,
incineration or in landfill. Each of the main environmental considerations
is covered in detail and accompanied by a comprehensive bibliography giving
reference details, for those who wish to dig deeper.
There are also many independent third party views of PVC from some very
high profile sources, such as Rt. Hon. Michael Meacher MP, who said when
Minister for the Environment ‘I am pleased that the PVC Industry
already has a voluntary commitment setting out a programme of precautionary
measures to address potential risks and encourage the industry to meet
the challenge of sustainable development’.
John Ogilvie (Network Veka MD and BPFWG Chairman) encouraged people within
the PVC-U window industry to read this document carefully and use it when
talking to those who question the sustainability of PVC saying ‘this
is an invaluable tool for anyone confronted with negative statements about
the environmental impact of PVC-U windows’.
The document can be freely downloaded from the BPFWG website at http://www.bpfwindowsgroup.com/environmentalmatters.cfm
or is available from Adam Bright at the BPF (020 7457 5001 or mailto:abright@bpf.co.uk).
Metrolite’s
new Screws turn on Careful Selection
What
prompts a company to switch its fastener supplier after 10 years with
one firm? In the case of Metrolite Industries, it was the long-term fastener
solutions UK Fasteners could supply.
Wigan-based Metrolite is part of a Local Authority direct labour organisation
running a workshop for the disabled and producing nearly 300 windows and
doors a week. When it decided to change suppliers, Metrolite, which employs
20 people on its fabrication operation, embarked on a recruitment process
during which the company put several potential-suppliers through their
paces. UK Fasteners came out on top, not just because of its short-term
competitiveness but because the company was able to offer Metrolite the
best possible long-term fastener solution.
‘It was well worth the effort,’ explains Metrolite Supervisor
David Orrell. ‘We’ve just signed a three-year contract with
a view to extending it to five years. The decision will save us thousands
of pounds a year – and we get UK Fasteners’ great product and
fantastic customer service.’
Tel: 01242 577077
Arcus
Specifies Securistyle in Cobalt Housing Spec
Recognising
tenant demands for long-term, high quality windows, one of the North’s
leading consultancies for the built environment, Arcus, has specified
the full Vector Excluder security hardware package from Securistyle for
Cobalt Housing. Cobalt Housing is in the process of installing new PVCu
windows in 4000 properties in Liverpool’s Norris Green, Fazakerley
and Croxteth areas.
The
Vector Excluder package comprises a locking mechanism, window hinges and
locking handle. The lock and hinges are manufactured from 300 series austenitic
stainless steel for improved resistance to corrosion. The contract to
manufacture and install the windows has been awarded to KEB Fabrications
Ltd and Total Glass.
The specification of Securistyle’s hardware package is also backed
by the company’s new audited warranty scheme – Partnership Pledge
– backed by a 10-year guarantee. The initiative is designed to improve
partnership working throughout the supply chain and ensure specifications
are fully met.
Grant Davidson, associate at Arcus comments, ‘Our clients in the
social housing sector want good quality windows which offer guaranteed
longevity and require little or no maintenance. The Vector Excluder package
offers our clients good quality hardware which doesn’t significantly
impact on the overall cost of the refurbishment project.’
Both Arcus and Securistyle share the vision that the specification of
high quality window components pays huge dividends in the long term, and
recommend that social housing providers should only specify products,
which have not only surpassed the requirements of the appropriate British
Standards, but offer no less than a ten-year guarantee.
Securistyle offers free CPD-approved seminars to specifiers to help them
to understand the options available and the issues to consider when preparing
a specification.
Securistyle director Nigel Thompson says, ‘Traditionally, specifiers
simply left the hardware choice to the fabricator who may have been motivated
by product price rather than quality. However, many forward-thinking specifiers
are now looking more closely at weaknesses in their window specification,
and naturally want clear information to learn more about the differences
in hardware quality.’
Securistyle is currently presenting up to ten of its CPD-certified seminars
per month to specifiers throughout the UK. The seminars last approximately
one hour and are usually held at the specifiers’ own premises.
Anyone interested in arranging a seminar should contact Maria Fatica in
Securistyle’s Specifications Sales Team on 01242 221200.
Window
World, based in Carlisle and Dumfries has recently signed up to HW Plastics'
vertical sliding sash window.
Commented Cliff Spooner, Managing Director: ‘As a company, we have
always placed emphasis on quality, whether it be the product, service
or customer relations. We are a well-established BSI Registered Firm and
have recently complemented this with the 'Investors in People' award.
‘We are expecting a very positive response from our customers for
the vertical slider. Apart from anything else, it is one of the few products
on the market, which can offer foiled options as well as the traditional
white. It is a very straightforward product to manufacture and we expect
to be selling in excess of 100 frames per week within the next few months.
‘We shall be working closely with HW Plastics on a marketing campaign
in the new year’.
Window World is presently undergoing a substantial investment programme
amounting to £1.5million across the company’s full range of
products. Cliff Spooner concludes: ‘Product differentiation is clearly
seen as a winning strategy by our customers., This will enable Window
World to put clear blue water between ourselves and our rivals’.
Highline
Achieves Place in Sunday Times Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100
Highline
Building Plastics Ltd, with branches at Glasgow, Gateshead, Barnsley,
Leamington Spa and Aylesford, has achieved a place in the Sunday Times
Virgin Atlantic Fast Track 100.
The company is a distributor and fitter nationally to many of the leading
National House Builders and Contractors of PVCue Roofline products and
Seamless Aluminium Guttering.
'It is a great achievement for a company that was formed in November 1999
and is now one of the largest players in the construction industry with
regard to the aforementioned products.' said Dave Tingle from Highline.
Email: mailto:dave.tingle@highline.co.uk
Direct
Door Panels has been producing glazed units for five years and now manufactures
high volumes of decorative sealed units each week. With Edgetech’s
help the company is looking forward to becoming the only company in the
UK to manufacture triple glazed units for panelled doors using Cushion
Edge™. ‘Diversifying to Edgetech means we can double our turnover
to £2 million by 2006,’ explains Paul Edwards, Sales and Marketing
Manager of Direct Door Panels. ‘The machinery we bought to apply
Edgetech’s Super Spacer® bar will more than pay for itself within
six months.
‘The benefits of Super Spacer are clear. We manufacture a lot of
unusual shapes, and we used to have to apply the spacer bar by hand. It
would take one man 15-20 minutes for a difficult bend. It now takes 15-20
seconds for a difficult bend. We want to be more than a door panel company
– we want to be the best. Edgetech gives us that leading edge with
its tried and tested product, long guarantees and compliance with Document
L.
"We did shop around for a warm edge spacer bar supplier but found
that they are all very different. I couldn’t sleep at night if we
chose one of the other companies. With Edgetech I know I can sleep well!’
Tel: 02476 705570
With
two divisions and consistent sales growth, Kevin Barnard, managing director
of Versatile Ltd, says that he is making sure that existing customers
continue to receive the support and expertise they need in an increasingly
competitive and dynamic market.
‘Our
sales figures show that constant innovation and the provision of additional
product choices has proven to be a successful strategy for the company’
explains Kevin. ‘Our main aim has been to ensure that support and
service are improved hand in hand with our product offering and to that
end we have continued to make substantial investment throughout the business.’
On line ordering, providing quicker and more efficient methods of purchasing
is one of Versatile's recent service improvements. ‘Our bespoke system
enables us to achieve total precision, so that safe and efficient construction
is guaranteed' continues Kevin. The company's advanced operating system
provides numbered and sequenced drawings, in a true 3D perspective, allowing
the most complex design to be constructed with a minimum of effort yet
the greatest accuracy.
Since establishing a second division the company has placed particular
focus on gaining a clear picture of customer needs, both geographic and
demographic. As recently appointed sales co-ordinator, Alan Wilson is
best placed to gather this type of information. With many years experience
in the industry, Alan's role is to liaise with existing and potential
customers crossing both divisions of the company, providing additional
support to the field sales team.
Now with three sales executives out on the road, Mike Griffiths, Paul
Catterson and newly apppointed Keith Greenfield, Versatile is able to
support its nationwide customer base more effectively, with each member
of the team dedicated to either the Versatile Roof System Division or
Versatile Global Division. ‘All our sales executives have a wealth
of experience within the industry and being dedicated to just one division
means that they are not only able to provide detailed product knowledge,
but have the time to understand a customers business and grow solid partnerships
with customers’.
Kevin has also ensured that production methods have not been left behind,
restructuring processes and maintaining investment in both new machinery
and the on going training necessary for operators. ‘Versatile has
always provided continuous product improvement, with design and material
innovation that add value and take time and cost out of the system, that
philosophy is carried through every department’ says Kevin.
With a host of new product and business initiatives planned for 2005,
Kevin and his team look set for a busy year. ‘We are confident that
we have the right combination of service, support and product, that will
enable our customers to face the challenges of the future with the minimum
of effort’ concludes Kevin.
Tel: 01495 247233
Employees
say Shrewsbury Boss is UK’s Most Energetic
The
boss of a small business in Shrewsbury has been shortlisted as one of
Britain’s most energetic in a nationwide search by leading energy
supplier Powergen.
Tony
Randall, Sales Director of Heritage Glass Ltd in Racecourse Crescent,
Monkmoor, was nominated by fellow worker Clare Murphy for the title of
'Britain’s Most Energetic Boss' because of his positive energy, enthusiasm
and commitment to making their workplace a great place to be.
Tony will now go forward as one of 10 UK bosses who are in with a chance
of winning the holiday of a lifetime to New Zealand. Five runners-up will
win a European weekend break, while those who nominate each of the six
final winners will each receive a case of champagne.
The judges will include a representative from Business Link and comedian
Simon Day who stars as 'Bob' in Powergen’s current TV ads and ITV
Weather sponsorship.
'Tony always gives 110% - he nurtures his staff and encourages them to
enjoy their jobs. If you’re having a problem, aren’t coping
or have personal issues to deal with, he’ll do everything he can
to get it sorted and there are no questions asked,' Clare Murphy said.
Neil Gould, SME Manager at Powergen, said: 'We’ve reached some really
strong entries for bosses from all over, but the nomination for Tony really
stood out for the judges. They’ll now go forward to the national
final, where they’ll be in with a chance of winning a well deserved
holiday and the title of Britain’s Most Energetic Boss.'
The search was organised by Powergen to highlight the hard work and dedication
of the leaders of Britain’s 3.7 million small businesses, which employ
14.7 million people and have a combined annual turnover of half a trillion
pounds.
Powergen supplies electricity and gas to over a half a million of these
small to medium sized businesses every day.
As
replacing the replacements becomes more of an issue, the need for fabricators
and installers to differentiate is greater than ever. Many are diversifying
into other products such as conservatories or roofing. Advanced Window
Systems (Midlands) Ltd has chosen to do things differently by offering
homeowners a professional design service, from the beginning to the end
of a project.
‘We even obtain planning permission for our customers where necessary,’
says Tony Maxwell, Manager of Advanced Window Systems. ‘Homeowners
like to see what they are getting. They want to know what the product
will look like on their home before they buy and they want the hassle
removed from the decision making process as well as the installation itself.
In the same way we go further for our customers, we expect our suppliers
to do the same for us. We've been using UK Fasteners for eight years.
Representatives from other fastener suppliers come in and see us but we
haven't come across anyone who can compete with UK Fasteners’ excellent
service, prompt deliveries and durable, strong screw. We're informed of
new product developments and if customers have a screw or fixing related
problem, we ask UK Fasteners’ advice and the company helps us come
up with a solution. The company is always willing to help, but also has
a superb knowledge of the product and it's application.’
Tel: 01242 577077
Tessenderlo
Group: Good Results as at 30th September 2004
As
at 30th September, Tessenderlo Group turnover was up 7.2%, to 1,563.7m
EURO. 1% of this rise was due to the change in the scope of consolidation.
Net profit was 38.1m EURO, as against 27.4m EURO at the same time last
year. This represents a 39.1% increase over the first nine months of this
year.
Net cash flow increased by 33.6 %, from 112.2 million EUR to 149.9 million
EUR.
The fact that all these items improved stems primarily from the increase
in PVC sale prices and margins in the third quarter.
In the Inorganic Chemicals division, the fertiliser market continued
to post an excellent performance, with prices and volumes well up on 2003.
Animal feed phosphate prices continue to recover, but have not returned
to pre-crisis (first semester of 2003) levels, and volumes are suffering
as a result of the decline in animal breeding. In the electrolysis segment,
the activity level is excellent due to demand for chlorine for PVC production
and buoyant demand for caustic soda. This tends to push up caustic soda
prices in the fourth quarter. The weak dollar, the rise in raw material
prices and freight costs continue however to have a considerable impact
on the division's profitability.
The results in the PVC and Compounds division were considerably
better than in the same period last year. The PVC factories are running
at full capacity, the markets have absorbed the price rises, and margins
are improving in spite of the very tight ethylene market. This positive
situation looks set to continue in the months ahead.
In Plastics Converting, the plastic pipe systems business unit
has experienced a boom in the Benelux countries and good levels of business
elsewhere in Europe, despite higher prices for raw materials such as PVC
resin and other polymers, which have been partly passed on to customers.
The same is true of profiles, although the margins have been more affected
by higher raw material prices.
Outlook for 2004
The distinctly better trend that was already evident at the end of September
2004 should continue in the latter part of the year. The results for the
fourth quarter of 2004 should therefore be better than in the same period
last year. The results for 2004 as a whole are therefore likely to show
a marked improvement on last year, except a possible impact by the outcome
of the European authorities’ enquiry in animal feed phosphates.
Web: http://www.tessenderlogroup.com
Glas
Trösch to Supply 'Luxar®' for Mall of Dubai Skicenter
Glas
Trösch AG, Hy-Tech-Glass announced the signing of a contract to supply
the company's Anti-reflective Coated Glass 'Luxar®' for the 'Mall
of Dubai' - the biggest shopping mall in the Middle East once it is fully
developed and constructed.
'Luxar®'
is used as viewing vision glass between the Mall and the indoor Skicenter,
which is the first of its kind in the area. The makeup of the glass is
a double glazing (IGU) consisting of 10 mm two sides coated laminated
'Luxar®'
for the outside and 10 mm two sides coated laminated 'Luxar®'
/ Silverstar 1.1N Low E glass towards the interior.
The designers and architects wanted a maximum of transparency with no
glare or mirrorlike effects while maintaining a thermal balance between
the cold snow filled interior and the mall passage, to make the skislope
a special attraction of the Mall.
'Luxar®'
single side or double side coated glass can be processed, laminated, post
flat tempered or bendtempered as well as bend annealed and processed to
bend laminated glass.
Glas Trösch
AG, Hy-Tech-Glass, is a Swiss company that designs, develops, manufactures
and markets Optical Thin Film Coatings on Flat Glass. As a subsidiary
of Glas Trösch
Holding AG it's headquarters are in Butzberg, Switzerland.
Tel: +41-62-958-53 95
Email: mailto:herrmann@glastroesch.ch
Southwall
Announces 80 Percent Increase in Third-Quarter Fiscal 2004 Earnings
Southwall
Technologies Inc. released its financial results for the third quarter
fiscal 2004 following the close of market on November 1st, 2004.
Selected Third Quarter 2004 Operational Highlights
• Quarterly revenues increased 34 percent from the third quarter
of 2003 to the third quarter of 2004 from $11.9 million to $15.9 million
• Quarterly revenues increased 10 percent from $14.5 million in the
second quarter of 2004 to $15.9 million
• Quarterly net income improved 80 percent from $1.2 million in the
second quarter of 2004 to $2.1 million
Southwall's third quarter 2004 net income was $2.1 million, a gain of
$0.07 per fully diluted share, compared with net income of $1.2 million,
a gain of $0.04 per fully diluted share, for the second quarter of 2004
and with a net loss of $22.8 million, or $1.82 per share, for the same
quarter a year ago. During the third quarter of 2004, Southwall incurred
a non-cash charge of $0.5 million associated with the financing completed
during the first quarter.
'Southwall's revenues during the third quarter of 2004 grew sequentially
for the third consecutive quarter and grew on a year to year basis as
well,' said Thomas G. Hood, Southwall's president and chief executive
officer. 'Three of our four business segments experienced growth. Our
balance sheet is improving as we continue to generate cash from operations
and pay down our debt. We also held a successful shareholder meeting in
October culminating the refinancing activities we began late last year.
With this behind us, the management team will now increase its focus on
improving operating efficiencies and longer term profitable growth plans.'
About Southwall Technologies Inc.
Southwall Technologies Inc. designs and produces thin film coatings that
selectively absorb, reflect or transmit light. Southwall products are
used in a number of automotive, electronic display and architectural glass
products to enhance optical and thermal performance characteristics, improve
user comfort and reduce energy costs. Southwall is an ISO 9001:2000-certified
manufacturer and sells advanced thin film coatings to over 25 countries
around the world. Southwall's customers include Audi, BMW, DaimlerChrysler,
Hewlett-Packard, Mitsubishi Electric, Mitsui Chemicals, Peugeot-Citroen,
Philips, Pilkington, Renault, Saint-Gobain Sekurit, and Volvo.
Vaillant
Group Continues on Profitable Growth Track
The
Vaillant Group has continued on its profitable growth track in 2004 for
the fourth year in succession. The increases it achieved in the first
nine months of the year (based on ongoing operations) were 6 per cent
in sales and 23 percent in the operating result. Financial indicators
and the key areas of the company’s development show significant progress
compared to 2003.
Financial indicators
• Sales growth: up 6 per cent to €1.314 billion
• mEBITA (maintainable Earnings Before Interest, Tax and Amortisation)
up 23 per cent to €151 million
• EBIT (Earnings Before Interest and Taxes) rose by 31 per cent to
€107 million
• After-tax earnings: up 150 per cent to €30 million
• Strong operational cash flow: €84 million
Group development
• All business divisions contributed to the success
• Heating technology: pleasing rise in earnings and sales growth
in all regions
• Hepworth Building Products: significant increase in earnings
• Abru: successful turnaround
• IMPact programme to optimise the manufacturing network being implemented;
construction of a module factory in Trenèin, Slovakia, almost completed
• Bank liabilities significantly reduced
• Successful debt refinancing
• Acquisitions/divestments focus on expansion of the core business
• New company name: Vaillant Group
Sales
Although the pan-European economic climate remains unfavourable, the Group
increased its overall sales by 6 per cent to €1.314 billion. While,
despite the weakness of the pound, the Hepworth Building Products division
maintained its sales level at €172 million, the Heating Technology
division improved its sales by 7 per cent to €1.123 billion and the
Household Products division (Abru) by 14 per cent to €24 million
to achieve significant growth.
Building Products
Hepworth Building Products Ltd once again achieved significant progress
in strengthening its profitability. Despite the negative effects of the
general economic situation and the weak pound, the company achieved with
€172 million its sales level of the same period in the previous year.
This and greater efforts to improve efficiency have markedly improved
the earnings of many segments of the three divisions Pipe Installations,
Drainage and Sewage Systems and Concrete Pipes. The company's overall
operating result (mEBITA) rose by 17 per cent to €21 million.
Group result
The Vaillant Group continued to achieve disproportionate improvements
in earnings. Its increase of 23 per cent to a mEBITA (maintainable, i.e.
adjusted for non-recurring items) of €151 million was significantly
above the level of the same period in 2003. This increased the EBITA margin
to 11.5 per cent (2003: 9.1 per cent). The EBIT improved by 30 per cent
to €107 million, and after-tax earnings (despite considerably higher
taxes) by 150 per cent to €30 million. The equity ratio rose to 27
per cent (2003: 25 per cent).
Net debt was again reduced significantly, dropping by €26 million
to €514 million. The operational cash flow of €84 million continued
to be pleasingly positive.
Hepworth Building Products
As already announced, talks between the Vaillant Group and the Dutch Wavin
Group on the possible sale of the subsidiary Hepworth Building Products
(HBP) are underway. HBP produces and markets pipe systems in the UK, mainland
Europe and the Far East. With 1,700 employees, the company in 2003 achieved
sales of €226 million.
New company name: Vaillant Group
The company's activities will from now on be bundled under the name Vaillant
Group. This is the result of the intensive consideration of various alternatives
based on the criterion of what group name best fits the company's positioning
and supports its brands following the advanced integration of their activities.
'The starting point was the question of what qualities our most important
target groups, such as business partners, customers, banks and employees
associate with the Vaillant Group corporate brand. Positive ratings such
as 'a preferred business partner', 'continually growing profitably' and
'a first-class employer' made a big impression on us. The lettering of
our new name emphasises the word 'Group' to show that the company is the
home to various brands.'
Outlook for 2004: another rise in sales and earnings
'We expect Group sales to be higher than the 3 per cent increase forecast
at the annual press conference in May. We also expect earnings to continue
to improve disproportionately.'
CertainTeed
Corporation Opens New Insulation Plant in Sherman, Texas
CertainTeed
Corporation, the Valley Forge, PA, building materials manufacturer, marked
the grand opening of its new, state-of-the-art mechanical insulation manufacturing
plant with a visit from Texas Governor Rick Perry, dignitaries from Grayson
County, and members of the media. Since the plant has already begun production,
the company dubbed the event a ‘Texas Housewarming,’ according
to Peter Dachowski, president and CEO of CertainTeed.
The opening of the 518,000-sq.-ft. plant located 50 miles north of Dallas
brings new life to a former auto glass manufacturing plant which had stood
idle for four years. The plant will employ up to 50 people when fully
operational. CertainTeed has already committed to approximately a $15
million capital investment to make the plant the first and finest U.S.
plant designed especially for the production of textile fibre glass duct
liner used to insulate heating and air conditioning duct systems, according
to company officials.
The plant and the 70 acres it sits on are owned by the state’s 150-year-old
Permanent School Fund, a public education endowment dedicated to making
money for the schoolchildren of Texas. It was the first such development
deal in history, brokered by the Texas General Land Office. The fund is
leasing the building and land to CertainTeed in a 30-year lease.
In addition to the fully automated production line that will produce a
new and improved textile duct liner for CertainTeed for the entire U.S.,
the facility will also house CertainTeed’s new Service Centre, serving
the Central Region of the U.S.
Marking its 100th anniversary in 2004, CertainTeed is a North American
manufacturer of vinyl and fibre cement siding; vinyl and composite decking,
railing, and fencing; vinyl windows and patio doors; residential, commercial,
and mechanical insulation; residential and commercial roofing; and pipe
and foundation systems.
The new product being produced in the Sherman plant is called ToughGard®2,
a fibre glass textile duct liner for heating and air conditioning systems.
CertainTeed had been the industry’s leading supplier of textile duct
liner until a February 2003 explosion and fire that destroyed the plant
where the company had liner produced to its specifications by a third
party. Almost immediately, the company launched plans to design and build
its own state-of-the-art manufacturing plant that will produce a duct
liner far superior to its previous form. ‘Textile duct liner is used
to absorb noise generated by central air handling equipment and to deliver
conditioned air at design temperatures,’ explained CertainTeed’s
Dachowski.
‘ToughGard2’s composition makes it acoustically and thermally
superior to competitive liners and to its earlier version. Field tests
have also proven it to be easier to handle and cut by HVAC contractors.’
CertainTeed has approximately 7,000 employees and approximately 40 manufacturing
facilities throughout the U.S. The company had sales of $2.3 billion in
2003.
Web: http://www.certainteed.com