Glassex
Overseas Exhibitor Intake Increases Following Key Appointment
As
a result of the strategic decision made by organiser EMAP Maclaren to
develop Glassex as an international event through the appointment of an
International Sales Manager, Glassex 2005 has seen a considerable rise
in the number of overseas exhibitors appearing at the event.
With an increased focus on international companies seen as a vital factor
in the continuing growth of Glassex – and international agents also
appointed to help spread the word abroad - this number is also expected
to rise steadily over the next few years.
The
appointment of Francis Hughes as International Sales Manager for Glassex
late last year has already begun to make an impact on the number and variety
of international companies signing up for the event. With an extensive
career background established in international trade events – including
several years’ involvement with Mosbuild and the Windows & Doors
Show in Moscow while working for ITE Group Plc – Francis is confident
of Glassex’ international appeal:
‘Glassex is a well-established event that could prove a lucrative
route to the UK market for many companies. We are experiencing a rise
in interest from international companies, particularly those from areas
like Eastern Europe, Turkey and the USA.’
Two international sales agents have already been appointed by EMAP Maclaren
to provide valuable links to the international glass and glazing markets:
Finpro Marketing, based in Helsinki, Finland and Organizzazione V. Caselli
Srl from Florence, Italy. Other relationships are also in the pipeline,
with discussions already underway with agents in Turkey, Russia, India
and China.
Meanwhile,
the list of new international companies choosing to exhibit at Glassex
is already growing, offering an increasingly diverse range of products
and services to visitors. The 2005 event will play host to debut exhibitors
hailing from a wide variety of countries. Amongst these is German racking
systems manufacturer OHRA Regalanlagen GmbH and Spanish profile wrapping
machinery manufacturer Barberan. From Poland is Sokolka Okna I Drzwi S.A.,
one of the country’s leading manufacturers of wooden windows and
doors. The company has existed since the 1970s and believes that timber
products offer some superior advantages in terms of heat insulation, low
dilatability of materials and durability. Also on board is Hungarian machinery
manufacturer Metallglas 2000 Ltd.
Established for five years, French company WINDOW la fenêtre ronde,
based in Brittany, claims to be France’s number one specialist in
aluminium profile bending, arched door and window frames and raked angled
head frames. The company offers a variety of fixed and opening circular
windows, available in non-thermal and thermally broken systems, and is
making its first appearance at Glassex in an attempt to conquer the UK
market. According to WINDOW la fenêtre ronde, its window products
are soldered, lacquered on site (without extra cost), and ready to fit
within a maximum of three weeks. ‘Our products are mainly made to
measure,’ explains company Chairman Michel le Tallec, ‘from
400 mm diameter upwards. Our turnover has steadily increased over the
last few years and, having captured the French market, we are looking
for new customers in the United Kingdom. We have experienced extensive
success in Germany and Belgium, so why not here?’
http://www.glassex.com.
Heywood
Williams Returns to Profit
The
Heywood Williams Group, which includes Mila and Spectus, announced on
10th March a return to profit in 2004. The Group published its annual
results, which showed profit before tax of £5.3 million compared
to a loss of £3.2 million in 2003. The business is now in a strong
position to continue its progress in 2005.
Heywood Williams delivered this improvement despite a number of adverse
events in 2004. These included PVC raw material prices increasing by 33%
during the year and Coldseal (the Group’s largest UK customer) going
into receivership in November.
The Group ended the year with a positive cash position of £4.2 million
compared with a £18.4 million debt at the end of 2003. The balance
sheet was strengthened in the year with shareholders’ funds excluding
goodwill increasing from £39.9 million to £52.1 million.
Robert Barr, the Group’s Chief Executive said;
’The Group was restructured and simplified in 2004 into three market
leading divisions and the process of returning the Group to growth has
commenced.’
In particular he highlighted the changes that have been made in Spectus,
the window profile business of Heywood Williams, commenting;
’During the fourth quarter of the year we established a strong and
highly commercial management team, all with excellent track records and
direct industry experience.
’The focus is now on both winning new business with our state of
the art new window profile suites Elite 70 and Elite 63 which offer significant
benefits to fabricators, installers and consumers and growing Kestrel
BCE, our cellular building products business.’
Hunter
Douglas Results 2004 - Sales 3.9% Higher and Profits 11.2 % Higher
Hunter
Douglas, the world market leader in window coverings (Luxaflex®),
and a major manufacturer of architectural products (Luxalon®), had
record sales and profits in 2004.
Sales were EUR 1,720 million, 3.9% higher than EUR 1,655 million in 2003.
The sales increase reflects a 5.2% volume increase, 4.8% negative currency
impact and a 3.5% increase from acquisitions.
Europe accounted for 39% of sales, North America 48%, Latin America 4%,
Asia 5% and Australia 4%. Window Coverings were 89% and Architectural
and Other Products were 11% of total sales.
Net profit was EUR 170.7 million, 11.2% higher than EUR 153.5 million
in 2003. Net profit per average outstanding common share was EUR 4.11,
compared to EUR 3.56 for 2003, adjusted for stock dividends.
The company had approximately 16,000 employees at the end of 2004, compared
to 15,900 at the end of 2003.
Fourth Quarter 2004
Fourth quarter sales were EUR 413.7 million, 1.8% higher than EUR 406.2
million in the same period in 2003. The increase reflects a 0.3% volume
increase, negative currency impact of 5.2% and 6.7% contribution from
acquisitions. Fourth quarter sales were higher in all areas, except North
America.
Fourth quarter net profit was EUR 73.8 million, up 6.2% from EUR 69.5
million in the same period of 2003. Profits were higher in all areas.
Europe
European Operations had record sales and profits, benefiting from continued
rationalisation programmes, product introductions, innovative marketing
programs and the integration of companies acquired in 2003.
Sales in Europe were EUR 674 million, 5.5% higher than EUR 640 million
in 2003. The sales increase reflects a 1.1% volume increase, 0.2% currency
impact and a 4.2% contribution from acquisitions. Sales in the fourth
quarter increased by 17.4% to EUR 169 million, reflecting a 2.1% decrease
in volume, 0.7% currency impact and an 18.8% contribution from acquisitions.
Outlook
Economic conditions are stable in most markets and Hunter Douglas is cautiously
optimistic about the outlook for 2005 in view of the strong position of
its products, distribution and finances.
K2
Appoints New Operations Director
K2
Conservatory Systems, the conservatory roofing specialist, has appointed
a new Operations Director, Carl Grainger.
Carl
will be focusing on operational and supply chain improvements, implementing
best-practice techniques and team building - initially across two of The
Burnden Group sites.
Carl's remit will include maximising key competencies within Group operations,
thereby enhancing K2's position in the market through vertical integration.
Having gained over 20 years' experience with a number of blue chip companies
such as Phillips, GEC and Silentnight Group, Carl's immediate priority
will be to maximise operational efficiency allowing K2 to exploit future
growth opportunities.
Comments Carl: 'I am delighted to have joined such an exciting company
as K2, with undoubted potential for growth and development. I look forward
to contributing to the Group's development with my experience of supplying
to both UK and international markets as well as leading customer service
projects.'
Comments K2's Managing Director, Sally Fielding: 'This is a key appointment
for both the Group and K2, which will enable us to manage our expansion
for the coming year. Carl has excellent operational skills and experience
of supply-chain best practice, which will make him a very valuable addition
to the company and enable him to contribute to our plans for future growth.'
Sash
UK has ‘Big Ambitions’ for its Portal Business
A
Yorkshire based window and conservatory manufacturer says that it is gearing
up to push its portal business to the forefront of the industry. Sash
UK Ltd currently produces portals for the U.K. and also for customers
in the U.S., where portal production is literally ‘Big Business’.
‘Since
beginning portal production at Sash, we have witnessed an increase in
demand for large glass structures of this nature. Our specially devised
portal system has proved highly successful in commercial application for
such as pubs, clubs, restaurants and hotels,’ said David Ruzicka,
Joint Managing Director at Sash.
‘But we have also found that we are able to satisfy another growing
niche market within the domestic sector where demand for larger conservatories
and swimming pool enclosures is on the increase. Our clients come to us
with what they think is the impossible… And we make it happen.
‘Sash is now able to provide a complete portal service from concept
to realisation, customers can tap into any aspect of our expertise from
drawings and specifications to structural engineering reports and surveying,
even including help with full installation. As far as we know Sash is
the first supplier of its kind to offer a fully comprehensive package
in this way and our unique approach to portal production sets us heads
above the relatively few competitors in the industry,’ David said.
Sash has recently acquired a new factory building to accommodate portal
production. According to David it seemed fitting that this highly specialised
area of the business should have its own team and production space dedicated
to it so that they might better service customers according to their specific
needs.
‘The 15,000sqft (1,393.5 metres2) building is situated just across
the road from Sash’s Park Springs headquarters in Barnsley and is
further testament to the continuous growth we have experienced since moving
here 5 years ago. The new addition takes Sash’s manufacturing facilities
to 130,000sqft (12,077metres2)’ commented David.
Conservatory Director Colin Poole is heading the portal drive, having
spent five years applying his 20+ years of expertise in retail, production
and research to establish Sash’s portal division. This for Colin
has meant several trips to the U.S. particularly New Jersey where the
Company recently installed an impressive 3,300sqft (306.57metres2) portal
structure, possibly the largest of its kind.
However no portal job is too big or too small for Colin’s team. They
also cater for the smaller single hip support portals right up to full
structures.
‘At present plans are well underway for the next portal project due
to be installed in Pittsburgh U.S.A. at the headquarters of a reputable
$100 million company. Measuring 11.6m x 20.1m and 12.7m high, the project
will be handled by Sash from start to finish. Installation is set to begin
in April and is expected to take 4 weeks,’ Colin added.
Tel: 01226 719997
M.B.
Frames Takes the Drama out of Emergencies
Appropriately
for a business whose premises form part of the A&E set for TV’s
Casualty, M.B. Frames has launched an Emergency 24-hour turnaround fabrication
service for its trade customers. Peter Melville, a Director with the Bristol
based Status Systems fabricator explains, ‘Our trade customers, predominantly
builders and installers, have come to expect a very high standard of quality
and service from us. Sometimes, either by accident or error a customer
requires a replacement window in a hurry, often to complete a job. In
those circumstances we are now guaranteeing to produce a replacement window,
the same day, which we believe is unique in this area.’
The new Emergency service is typical of the company, which also enjoys
a reputation for tackling difficult challenges other windows companies
turn down.
Director, Andy Burns picks up the story, ‘We are not into the numbers
game. We don’t believe that there is such a thing as a standard window,
door or conservatory. We treat every order as a bespoke product, unique
to the customer, manufactured to an exacting benchmark.
Consequently, customers who have been let down elsewhere come to us for
complex fabrications and unusual requests. I am proud to say that we haven’t
turned a job down yet.’
Investment in modern fabrication equipment and a skilled workforce means
the company consistently produces high quality products in large volumes
but it is the attention to detail which sets M.B Frames apart claims Andy
Burns. ‘Although it is time consuming, we inspect, test and clean
every product as a final quality control check before despatch. That way
we discover any potential faults, rather than the customer.’
M.B. Frames fabricates the Status 70mm chamfered system, with a choice
of hardware and offers competitive prices including free delivery to premises
or sites within a 50 miles radius of Bristol. Potential customers are
invited to fax their requirements to the company on 0117 941 3974.
Stuga
Ups Service Team to Maintain Service Levels
British
based Stuga, the Norfolk machine tool manufacturer specialising in fully
automatic cutting and prepping machines for uPVC and aluminium window
and door fabrication, has always claimed to offer the best possible service
in the industry. As the customer base widens by a further forty or more
machines each year it is necessary to take on more resources to maintain
this high level of service.
Stuga has been making machine tools for windows for twenty years now and
to the best of the company's knowledge none of these machines has ever
been scrapped. 'One of the main reasons for this is that as the manufacturer
here in this country, rather than a dealer offering foreign equipment,
Stuga is uniquely placed to continue maintaining and upgrading its machines
in the field, year in, year out.' says the company. Companies are often
surprised at how they can purchase a Stuga machine from another fabricator,
or at an auction, and then learn that Stuga will offer full back-up to
them. This peace of mind serves to underpin the second hand value of Stuga
machines.
In order to keep up the pledged levels of service Stuga has just appointed
engineers in Bournemouth and the North East. This will bring the total
external engineering force to eight, geographically spread throughout
the country and will further enhance the Stuga experience. On top of this
Stuga never uses service engineers for installations, meaning that engineers
are left free to get on with service and customers having their new machine
installed do not have this process interrupted by engineers leaving the
installation to cover emergency breakdowns elsewhere.
As all Stuga machines are software driven and because the company specialises
in cutting and prepping equipment Stuga has a team of three software engineers
working in the field at all times. These are in addition to the eight
engineers that cover electrical and mechanical work. These software engineers
are also fully involved in installations as well as visiting customers
for cutting and prepping centres prior to delivery in order to ensure
that the customer is getting what he wants.
On all installations of Stuga machines there is a full and detailed intensive
training programme, which in the case of the Flowline cutting and prepping
centres runs for a full two weeks after commissioning. Because service
engineers are not used for this the training is never interrupted.
'Based on engineers per machine in the market place Stuga have a far higher
ratio of engineers to machines than any competitor by a long way. It is
no good having twice as many engineers as Stuga while placing as many
machines into the market in one month as Stuga does in one year.' says
the company.
'Stuga remains committed to expanding resources to keep up with its customer
base at all times.'
Contact: Steve Haines
Tel: 01455 554203
Taylor
Made Celebrates 20th Birthday in Style
Anyone
travelling past the M5/M6 interchange since August last year will have
seen the Synseal Shield hoarding on the side of Taylor Made’s offices.
Ideally located, the company has been around for 20 years and 2005 marks
the start of Taylor Made’s birthday celebrations.
‘Sales have topped £3 million in the first two months of 2005,’
says Alan Fowler, Taylor Made’s Managing Director.
‘Since taking on Synseal’s Shield conservatory system last August
everything is going great guns. Our installers like Shield because it
is far easier and safer to install.
'Even the Health and Safety Executive came and were impressed that unlike
other systems, Shield is designed to allow most of the work to be done
from the inside so there’s no clambering over the roof. We’ve
got lots planned to celebrate our birthday this year.
'In January we gave away a free cane suite with every conservatory. In
February we entered our customers in a prize draw for a £5000 spa,
and in March we’re giving away free weekends in Dublin.
'Existing sales and forecasts are up thanks to Shield and celebrations
are a way to say thank you to our customers for their continued support
over the years.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Acquisition
and Expansion at KEB
KEB
Fabrications Limited has announced the acquisition of Profile 22 commercial
fabricator, JAG Glazing Limited from its owners, the MacDougal family.
Based in Cleobury Mortimer, Shropshire, JAG Glazing has a strong reputation
in the Public Sector and a history of cooperation with KEB, including
undertaking sub-contract production for the company during its recent
growth. KEB Fabrications has added more than £4M of new business
to its turnover, much of it long-term commercial contracts and partnering
agreements. The company has a future order book exceeding £30M.
Reflecting on the acquisition of JAG Glazing and twelve months remarkable
growth, Managing Director, Lawrence Breakspear commented, ‘In an
increasingly competitive market, we have continued to expand by concentrating
our efforts on our core business of social housing refurbishment. Strengthening
the management team and investing in new fabrication equipment has paid
dividends, allowing us to expand our manufacturing volume in line with
the new business growth. The acquisition of JAG Glazing provides us with
further high quality production capacity and a skilled, dedicated workforce
to deliver the impetus for our next phase of growth.’
Speaking for JAG, Alan MacDougal added, ‘I am delighted that we have
reached this agreement with KEB, having worked so closely with the company
previously. As a family business it is reassuring to know that our loyal
workforce will have the job security associated with becoming part of
a dynamic, emergent company. Both parties have gained insofar as KEB now
has the extra high quality, production capacity it sought and as a family,
we are now free to explore other business opportunities.’
KEB has built a reputation in the demanding social housing refurbishment
market, successfully partnering many leading Contractors, on projects
throughout the UK. The company also has plans to develop its trade division,
launch new products and expand production still further during 2005.
Financial Director, Garry Lacey concludes, ‘We have made great strides
in establishing KEB as one of the country’s leading social housing
fenestration specialists but we will not be resting on our laurels. We
set some ambitious targets for the company and credit is due to the management
team and workforce for responding to the challenge and delivering the
goods. We will continue to grow the business by building on our strengths.’
KEB Fabrications has established a satellite office in Gateshead to service
the many commercial contracts it is engaged on in the North-East and is
currently looking at a similar resource in the North-West.
Tel: 0121 555 5533
Web: http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk
Better
Deal for Consumers with Advanced Windows Undertakings
Advanced
Windows (Scotland) Ltd has given undertakings to the OFT following numerous
complaints about its products and services. The company, trading as Advanced
Windows and Conservatories, manufactures and installs replacement windows
and doors, and conservatories. The OFT sought undertakings after various
Scottish trading standards departments received a total of 167 consumer
complaints in 18 months about the company. These ranged from goods being
of unsatisfactory quality and poor installation to the use of unfair contract
terms – one term for example allowed the company to vary the design
or specification of installation without notice.
Advanced Windows (Scotland) Ltd has given undertakings to the OFT that
it will no longer:
* supply goods which are not of satisfactory quality, fit for the purpose
for which they were purchased or do not correspond with the description
applied to the goods
* fail to carry out work with the level of care and skill of a reasonably
competent installer of windows and conservatories
* fail to install and/or deliver goods or parts within the agreed time
or within reasonable time.
The company has also undertaken that that it will not rely on unfair terms
in its contracts with consumers and that it will no longer make written
or oral requirements for a £50 inspection fee before guarantee work
can be undertaken.
If Advanced Windows (Scotland) Ltd breach the undertakings the OFT could
seek a court an injunction against them. Failure to obey an injunction
could result in proceedings for contempt of court.
Sir John Vickers, OFT Chairman, said:
'Consumers have rights to satisfactory products and to be treated by their
supplier in an open and fair manner.'
Pearl
Introduces SynerJy, the New Suite from Synseal
Bolton
based Pearl Window Systems Ltd, which currently manufactures over 1100
frames a week, is adding SynerJy, the new sculptured system from Synseal
Extrusions Ltd to complement the company’s existing range of windows
& doors.
‘We’re investing another £300,000 in a new saw centre
due for delivery in April and wanted a new system to increase capacity
up to 1600 frames a week as well as offering choice to our customers,’
explains Jeff Walsh, Managing Director of Pearl.
‘Synseal has an enviable reputation and we’ll be trading off
the Synseal name. We’re confident SynerJy will exceed all expectations.
'It’s well designed, the quality is outstanding and it’s serious
competition for other premium systems.
'It’s easy to install utilising the single leg knock in ‘j’
bead making it fitter friendly as well as being a good looking system
that appeals to the homeowner. This is a comprehensive system from Synseal.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Fingershield
Safety (UK) Ltd Attracts Complaint
A
complaint objecting to a direct mailing for finger protection devices
issued by Fingershield Safety (UK) Ltd of Manchester was upheld in one
of the two objections according to published details from the Advertising
Standards Authority.
Complaint:
A parent and toddler centre objected to a direct mailing for finger protection
devices. The text 'HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE' appeared prominently on
the front of the envelope. The advertisers' name and address was printed
on the back of the envelope. The mailing stated 'Can I tell you a secret?
A recent survey of over 1000 establishments indicated that 20% of respondents
installed finger protection after a serious finger-trapping accident had
occurred on their premises ... Prevent Finger-trapping accidents with
Fingershield Guaranteed 10 Years of Finger Protection'. At the foot of
the mailing was a response coupon that stated 'Door Safety Risk Assessment
Application Fingershield offers a Free of Charge / No Obligation Door
Safety Risk Assessment Survey which is carried out by one of our trained
Door Safety Surveyors'. The complainants objected that:
1. the prominent text 'HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE' on the front of the
envelope misleadingly exaggerated the importance of the mailing, and implied
the mailing was from an official health and safety body and
2. the risk assessment survey coupon misleadingly implied the safety devices
were a legal requirement.
Adjudication:
The advertisers said the direct mailing was intended to be viewed as an
important health and safety announcement; they said that over 6,000 schools
and nurseries had installed their Fingershield devices over the past five
years, and that those nurseries and schools had welcomed the information
contained in the mailing. They asserted that they had sent a copy of the
mailing to almost every school and nursery in the UK and Ireland over
the last five years, in some instances on numerous occasions. They estimated
that they had sent over 200,000 copies of the mailing and said they had
not received a complaint about the envelope or the mailing before.
1. Complaint upheld
The advertisers drew attention to the name and address details on the
envelope flap and said they believed it was almost impossible for a recipient
to open the envelope without seeing the name of the sender. They believed
that 99% of UK nurseries and schools were familiar with the name 'Fingershield'.
They asserted that the envelope made clear who the mailing was from.
The Authority noted the advertisers' name and address appeared on the
flap of the envelope. It acknowledged that the mailing contained safety
information that recipients were likely to be interested in.
Although it did not consider the envelope implied the mailing was from
an official health and safety body, the Authority nevertheless concluded
that the envelope did not make clear it contained marketing material and
the prominent text 'HEALTH & SAFETY NOTICE' misleadingly exaggerated
the importance of the mailing. It told the advertisers to qualify the
claim in consultation with the CAP Copy Advice team.
2. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers believed the mailing made clear who it was from.
The Authority considered that the mailing and response coupon made clear
the advertisers were offering finger protection devices. The Authority
concluded that recipients were unlikely to infer that the safety devices
were a legal requirement and did not object to the mailing on that point.
New
Management and Expanded Product Line at Armatec Vierhaus GmbH
Armatec
Vierhaus GmbH, a subsidiary of Bystronic glass, has a new president. Bernd
Bedner has succeeded Ulrich Vierhaus, who retired at the end of last year.
Bernd Bedner assumed responsibility for Armatec Vierhaus GmbH, located
in Gunzenhausen in Franconia, in April 2004. The contract with the previous
owner and former company president Ulrich Vierhaus ended on December 31st,
2004.
Founded
in 1983, Bystronic-Armatec Technology is considered a leading brand worldwide
for customer-oriented complete solutions for the manufacturing of laminated
glass. The company is also a well known provider of efficient handling
equipment and transport devices for all sectors of sheet and flat glass
processing.
Since 2003, Armatec Vierhaus GmbH has been owned by Bystronic glass. Bystronic
is a global supplier of total solutions for the economical, application-engineered
manufacture of architectural and automotive glass.
Mr. Bedner has been active for eleven years in an executive position in
machine and system construction. Before his Armatec assignment, he was
the president of a well known mechanical engineering company in the electrical
industry for four years.
Even in the first few months of activity at Bystronic-Armatec Technology,
Mr. Bedner was able to successfully introduce a number of product innovations
to the market.
glasstec 2004 saw the presentation of a semi-automatic cutting table for
laminated and float glass in the form of smart’lamicut with a previously
unattainable cost-to performance ratio. The smart’lamicut guarantees
efficient processing of laminated and float glass and is a good entry-level
solution for laminated glass cutting.
Also in the area of system solutions for laminated glass manufacturing,
smart’lamiline, a new product with great promise, has been introduced
to the market next to first’lamiline, which has already proven successful
for many years.
The laminated glass that is manufactured on a smart’lamiline is identical
in quality to first’lamiline, and is every bit as compelling a product.
The differences between the two systems are in the different type of production
and in the differentiated level of fittings. Thus smart’lamiline
is especially designed for customers who are just intending to get started
with laminated glass production or who want to concentrate on manufacturing
speciality items with small batch sizes.
Email: mailto:armatec@armatec.de
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
Calne
based, Professional Windows Ltd has replaced ageing aluminium windows
at 200 waterside apartments alongside the Kennet Canal in Berkshire. The
frames were manufactured from Deceuninck’s 1800 Series and were fabricated
and fitted by Professional Windows. The contract forms part of a three-year
Partnering Agreement with Reading Borough Council and Professional Windows.
The white, PVC-U casement windows were specified to accommodate the aesthetic
design of the waterfront properties while offering a high performance
product. As is often the case, PVC-U was the preferred choice of the council
due to its low maintenance benefits.
The properties remained fully occupied throughout the refurbishment programme
with little inconvenience to the occupants.
Professional Windows has been successfully ‘partnering’ Reading
Borough Council since 2003 and its programme has been extended for another
three years.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com
Lister
Trade Frames of Stoke has invested in its own in-house Information Technology
Department, focused on the constant improvement and implementation of
new computer systems and better communication throughout the business.
Mark Warren, Lister's MD says that 'The obvious advantage to having our
own IT development team is that they are on site working with all members
of the business all the time. And this last year has seen them involved
in projects covering new accounting systems, point of sale software, scanning
technology, documents sharing, telephone systems, software for two computerised
saw centres, and perhaps the most outstanding development, Listers MDI
program.'
Lister's MDI (Multiple Document Interface) was conceived to bring many
separate computer systems within the company into a single operator interface.
It means that any of Lister's personnel can access information on any
part of Lister's operations from a single program. People involved in
processes in different parts of the company, even in different buildings,
can now see relevant information in real-time wherever they are. They
don't even have to get up to use the fax because orders and supply information
are shared electronically with suppliers and sent automatically by the
MDI program.
Picture
shows from left to right: Listers IT team, David Sedman, Andrew Lister
& Martin Bell
Andrew Lister who heads Lister's IT Department says 'It was an enormous
task to design and build this interface, which had to bring all the different
systems together, and at the same time please all the different departments
that would have to use it.' Andrew and his team developed the system with
constant interaction with the departments and it was launched to the resounding
applause of everyone involved.
'It was thrilling to see the Lister MDI system launched and it making
an instant improvement to everyone's work. The IT Team is an intrinsic
part of the development of our company and it's great to see the real
impact we can have on the company's success.' says Andrew.
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
AccentHansen
Secures £1m of Orders
AccentHansen,
which is based in Manchester and is part of the Anglo-Scandinavian HansenGroup,
secured orders in excess of £1m in February.
Key orders included acoustic and non-acoustic doors for the new BBC Scotland
building in Glasgow for Bovis Lend Lease (BLL). This order continues the
partnership between AccentHansen and BLL who are also working together
at the BBC Portland Place building in London.
Other orders were for new Morrison stores and warehouses, stainless steel
doorsets for a medical facility and BP International’s offices in
London.
Contact: Graham P Chung, National Sales Manager
Tel: 0161 284 4100
Email: mailto:graham.chung@accenthansen.co.uk
Kaba
Posts Strong Earnings in 2004/5
In
the first six months of financial 2004/2005, reported by Kaba for the
first time pursuant to IFRS, the Group’s currency-adjusted sales
increased by 4.9% versus the same prior-year period. Mostly due to the
weaker US dollar, sales expressed in Swiss francs rose by a nominal 2.2%
to CHF 492.5 million. Despite a currency translation loss of CHF 2.3 million,
reported EBIT increased by 14.5% to CHF 65.6 million and thus fulfilled
the Group’s ambitious expectations. The EBIT margin improved from
11.9% to 13.3%. After deduction of non-recurring refinancing charges of
CHF 7.9 million, income climbed to CHF 29.7 million, an increase of 35.6%
versus the prior-year period (restated to IFRS) The Kaba Group’s
gross debt declined by CHF 85.6 million to CHF 387.3 million. Kaba expects
significant income growth in the 2nd half of financial 2004/2005.
For reasons of transparency, Kaba initiated the transition from Swiss
GAAP FER to the International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) with
the semi-annual statement as at 31.12.2004. The comparable figures for
the prior six-month period as well as for financial 2003/2004 have also
been restated according to IFRS conventions. In the first six months of
financial 2004/2005, currency-adjusted sales increased by 4.9% versus
the same period a year ago. Mostly due to the further depreciation of
the US dollar, however, reported sales increased by a mere 2.2% to CHF
492.5 million.
Reported EBIT rose by 14.5% in the 1st half of 2003/2004, closing at CHF
65.6 million in the period under review. Currency-adjusted EBIT even grew
by CHF 10.6 million or 18.5%. The EBIT margin (income from operations
in % of operating revenues) improved from 11.9% to 13.3%. Thus, Kaba was
able to generate the overproportional earnings increase forecast in September
2004. Despite extraordinary refinancing costs of CHF 7.9 million incurred
in October 2004, the Group’s income climbed by CHF 7.8 million or
35.6% versus the prior-year period (restated to IFRS) to close at CHF
29.7 million.
The Group’s gross debt declined from CHF 472.9 million as at 30.6.2004
to CHF 387.3 million as at 31.12.04. Thus, Kaba cut debt by no less than
CHF 85.6 million in the 1st half of financial 2004/2005.
Dynamic business segments
Among the individual business segments, differentiated by products in
compliance with IFRS, the increasing growth and earnings momentum of Door
Systems as well as the above-average increase of currency-adjusted sales
and EBIT of Access Systems in the Americas and Europe are noteworthy developments.
In the Asia Pacific region, however, the Access Systems segment (generating
about 3.5% of consolidated sales) experience a disappointing decline in
sales as a result of the weak market demand. Key + Ident Systems (including
Key Systems Americas) reported sales growth with an unchanged EBIT margin.
The Data Collection segment grew slightly more than the Group average.
Further income gains expected in 2nd half of the year
For the 2nd half of the year (to close on 30.6.2005), Kaba expects the
EBIT trend to remain strong, although not quite as pronounced as in the
first six months of financial 2004/2005. One reason is the seasonal weakness
of the market for Access Systems in Europe and for Door Systems. Additionally,
it will not easily be possible to offset the currency translation losses
incurred as a result of the depreciation of the US dollar.
On the other hand, income from operations in the 2nd half of financial
2004/2005 will reflect the elimination of the extraordinary refinancing
charge of CHF 7.9 million incurred in the 1st half of the year. The tax
rate for the 2nd half of the year (on income before taxes) should amount
to about 33%, as was the case for the first six months.
'We again expect earnings growth in a double-digit magnitude in comparison
with the IFRS figures of the prior year.'
New
Joint Venture for Assa Abloy in China
Assa
Abloy and the Wangli Group of China have signed an agreement to create
a joint venture. The joint venture will manufacture and distribute high
security doors and locks mainly for the Chinese market.
Wangli is a leading supplier of high security doors and locks in China.
Today the company leads the segment of higher security door and locking
solutions in China and has developed an extensive distribution network.
Wangli is located in the Zhejiang region (south of Shanghai).
Assa Abloy will hold 70 percent of the shares in the joint venture and
be managed by the current management of Wangli. The joint venture will
become effective in the second quarter of 2005.
Turnover is expected to reach SEK 200 million in 2005. The joint venture
will have 1,100 employees.
Assa Abloy expects the joint venture to be EPS positive in 2005.
Web: http://www.assaabloy.com
Glasalu
Celebrates 25 Years Jubilee
On
the 1st March 1980 Hans Kolby Hansen signed a purchase agreement with
Pilkington to acquire GlasAlstrup’s glass and metal building department.
The business started on a small scale with a limited amount of tools and
equipment, and a few employees. However, the first year trading resulted
in positive bottom line earnings, and since then it has become a 'habit'.
In a special note to the Glasalu employees, Hans Kolby Hansen expressed
his thanks on behalf of the whole HansenGroup:
'I want to thank you all - and special thanks to those of you who have
been with us for all 25 years and therefore can celebrate this great day
with extra pride.'
Glasalu is part of the Anglo-Scandinavian HansenGroup, one of Europe's
leading fenestration specialists, with annual sales of £100 million
and over 1,000 employees. HansenGroup's activities extend from structural
glazing, curtain walling and windows, fire resisting and steel glazing
systems and advanced glass processing to high performance steel doorsets
for fire, acoustic, security and cleanroom applications.