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Speed Frame Launches 5-Chamber Sculptured System

Speed Frame, which says it is now the largest window, door and conservatory manufacturer in Europe, has unveiled its biggest ever development to date. Platinum is a new five-chamber sculptured profile which has been designed and developed by Speed Frame at its headquarters in Goldthorpe, Rotherham in conjunction with the the company's extruder, Kömmerling. It aims to satisfy the requirements of current and future environmental legislation while also setting new benchmarks in style and 'kerb appeal'.

Ian Harrison, MD of Speed Frame, addresses one of the recent presentations of the new Platinum PVC-U system

To produce a Part L compliant window, Speed Frame has shifted the emphasis quite distinctly from the sealed unit being the key component, and has instead engineered a frame which achieves a 1.5Wm2 rating by itself. The system has also been designed to incorporate outstanding security benefits and heat retaining qualities. Kömmerling is expected to announce shortly that it has signed an exclusive agreement for Speed Frame to manufacture and distribute the Platinum system.

The five chamber system benefits from two vacuum forming inner chambers which create a break in the airflow transmitted from the brickwork. The resulting increase in air capacity means there is less chance of heat escaping through the frame, with a resultant lowering of heating costs for the homeowner. Structurally, the five chamber system is much more rigid, making it more resistant to forced entry of weather damage.

Speed Frame managing director Ian Harrison believes that the Platinum range is 'ahead of its time, due in no small part to the multi material technology employed in its development'.

'Our manufacturing capacity here at Speed Frame is large enough to run our existing Kömmerling Gold range in parallel to Platinum for the forseeable future', he adds.

(L-R) Klaus Weber, Head of Kömmerling West Europe, Winfried Tauzer, Head of Kömmerling Group Worldwide, Ian Harrison, MD of Speed Frame and Chris Breeze, MD of Kömmerling UK

Platinum is the latest development in a long line during the company's frenetic year of advancements. The IGU plant has been recording its best ever production levels to date, as well as the huge strides being made at the Conservatory Division with its 'one-stop-shop' philosophy.

The current phase of the expansion programme is also nearing completion: the company's multi-storey head office block at its Goldthorpe headquarters.

Last, but by no means least, the company has also announced the opening next year of an in-house foiling plant which will bring additional benefits to Platinum users. Latest equipment from Barberan which applies foil at a rate of 16m per minute will enable homeowners and builders to distinguish and create a unique finish to their properties. A wide range of colours and finishes are available, ranging from natural creams and woods, through to more vibrant, brighter finishes.

Epwin Buys HIS from Receivers

Epwin Group has acquired the assets and business of HIS Ltd, the Mid-Glamorgan PVCu systems company which went into receivership earlier this month. The move ensures uninterrupted supply to HIS customers across the UK, Epwin says.

Following the acquisition, HIS will continue to be run by its existing staff and management team of around 40 people from its extrusion site at Rhymney. However, the trading name will change from HIS Ltd to HIS Systems Ltd.

The acquisition does not include the Thermaframe fabrication operation, which is being disposed of separately by the Receiver.

Epwin Chairman Jim Rawson says: ‘We have acted quickly to ensure product supply for HIS customers at this difficult time. Our experience in PVCu extrusion and supply, together with the scope of our operation in the UK, means that their businesses now have a very confident future with HIS.

‘HIS is a fundamentally sound business but it is a relatively small extruder. As the market has become more mature, suppliers like HIS have inevitably been squeezed. By becoming part of Epwin, one of the UK’s largest PVCu extruders, we can put HIS on a much more viable footing’.

Jim Rawson founded Epwin in 1976 and the group today comprises 30 branded companies with a combined turnover of £168m (2002) and over 2,200 employees.

Pechiney Accepts Alcan's Third Bid after Assurances on Redundancies

The Pechiney Board met last Friday (September 12th) to consider the latest offer from Alcan - a cash/share combo up to €48.5 which values the company at around €4bn. This falls far short of the €55 a share which Pechiney suggested in response to the first offer, but has nonetheless been accepted by the Board: 'Having carefully considered the terms of Alcan's new offer, and in the light of the long recognised industrial logic of a Pechiney-Alcan combination, and the relative merits of this combination versus a viable standalone strategy, the Board has determined that such a new offer constitutes the best value alternative to Pechiney shareholders'.

Alcan is also reported to have made assurances that it would seek no further redundancies among Pechiney's 34,000 strong workforce, apart from those already palnned under the current restructuring. Pechiney says: 'The Board is pleased that the (offer) would allow Pechiney's employees to contribute to a global leader in aluminium and packaging'.

Given the notorious difficulties faced by foreign companies attempting acquisitions of French businesses, an attempt by a Canadian company was always more likely to succed than some, given the close ties which still exist between the two countries. However, the deal required boith french government backing abd the support of unions hostile to further job losses. As part of the new offer, Alcan has agreed to set up its global HQ for the fast growing aerospace and engineering industry in France, alongside three other global HQs (including packaging) which have been earmarked for Frencch soil.

It's all pretty good news for Pechiney shareholders - the new offer is nearly 43% higher than the first offer and some 64% up on the shareprice before rumours of a takeover bid began circulating. However, it still requires regulatory approval - by no means certain considering that an Alcan/Alusuisse three way merger with Pechiney was blocked by the EU in 2000. A combined Pechiney-Alcan group would command a larger sales turnover than the current world Number One, the US based Alcoa.

Does Volume Pay? Does Size Matter? - The Rise and Rise of the Large Trade Fabricator

The dramatic growth of very large trade fabricators – super fabricators as they have been dubbed – is arguably the most significant phenomenon in the window industry during the last 10 years, says Mike Rigby in his latest industry analysis.

At one time 1000 frames a week was deemed large, and there were few companies that size. Then the hurdle was raised to 2000, as trade fabricators kept on growing. Now many fabricate more than 1000 a week, and a number make 4,000 to 5000 frames a week. One or two make more than that. There seems no obvious upper limit. With annual sales of more than £20 million the largest dwarf some window systems companies, reversing the traditional state of affairs and the balance of power.

Are they just chasing volume and making little in the process? If there are benefits of scale, what are they?

Getting at the figures isn’t as easy as it sounds. Some companies are part of groups and don’t disclose individual figures. Others hide behind abridged accounts and do not disclose their sales turnover and profits or they delay publication until the last moment. But looking at the accounts of some high profile trade fabricators this is clearly a fast growth sector.

Precise comparisons are not possible because of variations in financial year-ends. Some include results to December 2002, while with others the latest available figures are for 2001.

We looked at the accounts of seven large trade fabricators: Speedframe PVCU Windows, Griffin Windows and Premier Trade Windows, Corby Windows, Shepley Window Systems, John Fredericks (Hallco 622) and A&B Glass.

Apart from Speedframe, which declined by 5%, six of the seven have grown, some dramatically, over the last 3 years. Among the smaller companies Premier grew 73%. Among the larger fabricators Griffin expanded by 46% and Shepley by 44%.

Profits look good too. Even Speedframe, whose sales fell £3.9 million from the year before managed to return 6% profit before tax (PBT). Among the other large firms Griffin made 17.3% PBT, while Shepley 10.8% and Corby 9.2% achieved good returns. Among the smaller trade fabricators in the group A&B Glass returned 9.65% and John Fredericks 9.1%. Premier shone with 14.3%.

There are interesting differences in credit taken and given. John Fredericks (79 days), Griffin (60) and Premier (58) are at one extreme, while Speedframe (33 days) and Corby (32) are at the other. A&B (65 days), Griffin (55) and Corby (49) give more credit compared with Shepley (22 days) and Premier (21 days).

Between them these seven trade fabricators make in the region of 25,000 windows a week, an average of 3,500 a week each. Give or take, that’s a staggering 1.2 million windows a year. Together these magnificent seven account for a significant chunk of the market. Depending on whose statistics you use it is 10% to 13% of the total UK market. Are they blazing a trail for others to follow – or are they an elite group who are reaping the rewards of efficiency and scale? Medium sized trade fabricators have been most affected by their success.

Indirectly, depending on their supply arrangements, some systems companies have grown while others have been squeezed. These firms matter. It’s probably time for us all to spend more time looking at what they do and following their fortunes. In one way or another they affect us all.

Sources used: Companies House and Merlin Scott Associates Industry Reports

Profilglas Takes Next Step to Complete Self-Sufficiency

Profilglass recently installed two modern continuous-casting plants, which allow for in-house production of the aluminum needed for its internal requirements. According to the Thermoseal Group, which was awarded 'Biggest Profilglass Customer in Europe 2002' at Vitrum recently:

'The continuous casting lines at Profilglass are indicative of the company's approach to becoming self sufficient in the world of aluminium. Two lines are fed by four furnaces, so neither line needs ever to be shut down completely. This gives the company the flexibility to buy raw material from anywhere in the world, and cast it into metal strip for making into tubes of any style.'

A significant advantage of the continuous-casting process is that it produces 4mm thick aluminum strips with superior mechanical properties. By mixing the raw material to be cast together with the various metals (iron, silicium, manganese, magnesium etc.) an improved alloy is obtained which is tailored specifically for the product to be manufactured.

The aluminum is put into the furnaces while in a solid state. Within two hours it becomes liquid at a temperature of 730°. At this point, the continuous casting process starts; the liquid is conveyed under water-cooled cylinders and crushed by 2000 tons of pressure, pushing the strip out. After being cooled to reach an external temperature of 30/40° it can be rolled up in coils of about 10 tons.
Profilglass has an annual production of 400 million linear metres of profiles made by 20 rollforming machines, all built in-house, as are the hundreds of tools required to cater for the many different profile dimensions.

Although the range of georgian bar decorative profiles and i.g. spacer bars are the best known Profilglass products worldwide, an amazing 250 different types of profile are available in standard version, bendable anodised and in different painted colours. The company is also able to produce special shapes and dimensions on request.

Contact Mark Hickox at Thermoseal for more information on the Profilglass range (0121 331 3950) or online at http://www.thermosealgroup.com

Corby Focuses On Global Roof

Corby Windows has been selling Ultraframe and Synseal conservatory roofs alongside each other for 18 months. One of Ultraframe’s original BBA fabricators, Corby has now announced it is to focus solely on Synseal. ‘This isn’t a decision we took lightly,’ explains Jason Wilder, Joint Managing Director of Corby Windows. ‘It is a big decision to drop such a big name in conservatories in favour of a relative newcomer. There are three main reasons we’re doing it. It’s a more fitter friendly roof, it is more competitive and the features and benefits are excellent. But most convincingly our customers took the real decision. Over the last 18 months the Synseal roof consistently outsold Ultraframe.

‘We also like Synseal’s approach. If they see a better way of doing something they do it. If we suggest how they could improve something, they listen. They are quick acting, proactive and flexible and they provide excellent support to their manufacturing base. Being able to focus all our efforts and manufacturing capabilities on just the one roof will help us streamline our business. I’m confident our business will benefit because our customers love the Global roof.’

Win One of 20 ETEC Low 'E' Glass Coating Detectors Worth £40 Each!!

glassequipment.com is offering the glass industry assistance with Part L. Low 'E' coating detection for Pilkington 'K', 'Optitherm S' & 'T SN', St Gobain 'EKO Plus' & 'Planitherm', Glaverbel 'Planibel G' & 'Top N' etc.

glassequipment.com is the official distributor of ETEC Twin Check Low 'E' Coating Detectors for double and single glaze detection, a two in one pocket sized 9vtDC electronic device to get it right first time.

glassequipment.com has 20 of these Low 'E' detectors to give away. Go to:
http://www.glassequipment.com/winone.htm for free entry to the competition to win one of 20 ETEC Twin Check Low 'E' (Low Emissivity) Glass Coating Detectors worth £40.00p.

Contact: Ken Timperley
Email: mailto:ken@glassequipment.com
Tel: (0044) 0120 282 6407

New Managing Director at Premier Profiles

Premier Profiles, PVCu profile extruder, has announced the appointment of Paul Rice to the position of Managing Director. Former Managing Director Paul Dickins has left Premier, a member of the Polypipe Group, after six successful years to pursue other interests. In evaluating a suitable replacement, much consideration was afforded to the challenges facing the company in its future development, and the key attributes required to meet these challenges.

Mike Hardy, Group Managing Director of Polypipe, commented: ‘Paul Rice has been with the Polypipe Group for the past six years and brings with him a wealth of experience which will underpin Premier’s ongoing development. He will reinforce the company’s focus on service and quality which, when combined with new product development and low cost manufacturing, will facilitate an increased share in the key markets of trade and commercial, including the crucial house build sector. I would like to wish Paul every success in his new role.’

Paul Rice added: ‘I am very excited about the future prospects for Premier Profiles and looking forward to the opportunity to drive the company forward. Premier has a well invested, differentiated product range and a solid customer base, and one of the main strategies will be to increase our emphasis on quality issues and customer care to ensure the requirements of all our customers are met.’

Pilkington Announces Joint Venture to Build Float Plant near Moscow

Pilkington plc and Emerging Markets Partnership (EMP), principal adviser to the AIG Emerging Europe Infrastructure Fund, have formed a 50:50 joint venture to construct and operate a float glass plant in the Moscow region of Russia. The investment will be financed by £21 million of equity each from Pilkington and EMP, and from project loans. Pilkington's equity investment will be made over the next two years.

The plant, which will have a sales capacity of approximately 240,000 tonnes per annum, will be built and operated by Pilkington. It will be situated in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow Oblast and is planned to come on stream in 2005.

Pilkington Group Chief Executive, Stuart Chambers, said 'This plant represents our first step in establishing a growth opportunity for Pilkington in Russia, an important expanding market for glass. There is increasing demand for high quality glass in Russia, particularly in and around cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg, where triple glazing is the norm and the increased use of modern insulated glazing unit lines require top quality glass standards'.

BWF Launches New Fire Doors Campaign

The British Woodworking Federation (BWF) is embarking on a campaign to highlight the importance of using compatible components when installing fire doors. The campaign, which will target those who install, sell or specify fire doors, will reinforce the progress made by the BWF-CERTIFIRE Fire Door and Doorset Scheme in establishing the credibility of independently tested and certificated fire doors.

Recent research undertaken by the BWF has confirmed that many in the construction industry still do not understand that a fire door is tested complete and installed, and that if the installation is not replicated with properly compatible components, such as hinges, intumescent fire seal and ironmongery, it is by no means certain that the door could be relied upon in a fire.

John Hedgecock, the British Woodworking Federation’s Technical Manager points out: ‘Fire remains the single most destructive force to which a property and its occupants are vulnerable and we believe that a very high proportion of people in the construction industry still do not appreciate what is required to counter the risks.

'A fire door is not ‘just another door’, it is a carefully designed and engineered safety product. It has to have the correct, compatible components to work. Think of it like a jigsaw, you need the right pieces to make the picture.

'The simplest way to ensure that the components in a fire door are compatible is to buy a complete, pre-assembled doorset from a BWF-CERTIFIRE manufacturer. If, for whatever reason, you choose to source the door leaf and the components separately, you should be sure to use BWF-CERTIFIRE approved fire doors and components, and make sure that the components are compatible with the design of the fire door. AD BWF-CERTIFIRE fire doors come with installation instructions which include details of the components required.’

The BWF intends to add to its existing network of merchant stockists who have become BWF Approved Fire Door Centres. The Approved Fire Door Centres are committed to stocking an appropriate range of BWF-CERTIFIRE approved fire doors and compatible products. Their staff have been trained by the BWF and will increasingly help to educate the industry. However, there is no room for complacency when lives are at risk and the BWF intends to drive home the message about correct fire door specification and installation until everyone really does understand what is required.

The new campaign encompasses advertising, direct mail and the deployment of a range of marketing tools. The BWF is also publishing a set of brochures designed to offer all those working in the industry information on fire doors relevant to their roles and responsibilities. The three brochures are aimed at construction professionals - architects, specifiers, housebuilders - regulators, including building control, environmental health and fire officers, and builders, contractors and merchants.

Contact the BWF for a free copy indicating which version(s) you require.

Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:firedoors@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk

Masterdor - Helping to Achieve Decent Homes

Ridgehill Housing Association's forward thinking approach led to the specification of Masterdor made-to-measure high-performance door-sets in order to bring its homes in line with the Decent Homes Standard.

The aim of the major refurbishment project, which started when stock was transferred from Hertsmere Borough Council in 1994, was to provide affordable warmth and security for tenants and to improve living conditions. By installing Masterdors, Ridgehill has not only achieved these aims, but has also provided tenants with doors that meet their needs in terms of aesthetics, choice and maintenance.

Paul Jessop, building surveyor at Ridgehill Housing Association commented, 'The
existing ply-wood doors had come to the end of their life and were no longer
thermally efficient or secure. We were specifically looking for a Secured by Design
door, but had some concerns that a secure door could look unsightly. With the Masterdors we have found the perfect combination and the tenants were really pleased with the choice of styles and colours.'

Masterdor is a pre-finished bespoke door-set, complete with hardware and glazing. The company's production technique means that it can supply some of the widest door-sets currently available on the market, meeting Part M of the Building Regulations concerning door widths and threshold heights. The entire Masterdor range exceeds the PAS 23/24 BSi tests and Masterdor fire doors meet the requirements of 85476 pt 22.

Along with Sheerframe windows from L.B. PLastics, the Masterdors were supplied and installed by North Hertfordshire District Council and Kent based company, Fineline, as part of a 3-year partnering agreement with Ridgehill.

Each tenant was given a tailor made 'tenants choice' brochure, which outlined the choice of door styles and colours available. By offering different combinations of styles and colours, Masterdor provides one of the widest ranges on the market, allowing tenants to play an active role in improving the appearance of their homes.

Ultraframe Hits Record Levels of Customer Service and Streamlines Sales Office Structure

Ultraframe, the international designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems, has achieved record customer service levels - with delivery schedule adherence and material availability close to 100% for the first time.

ln recent months, Ultraframe has made significant changes to its customer service infrastructure, with benefits to customers arising immediately. For example, the new infrastructure includes 90% of customers' telephone enquiries being responded to by a member of the customer service team within 20 seconds.

Such investment and commitment is not limited to personnel and administrative procedures. For instance, over £l million was facilitated to introduce a
Warehouse Management System (WMS) at the company's Lincoln way facility in Clitheroe.

Automating warehouse activities such as receiving, Quality Control, 'putaway', replenishment, packing, despatch and proof of delivery, the new automated system gives the company even tighter control of its processes and provides first-rate monitoring and tracking of product right through the supply chain.

An even greater advantage is afforded by a 'DeliveryProof' facility. This allows customers to 'sign' via a Radio Data Terminal to confirm receipt of orders, providing last point of delivery confirmation and minimising any 'paper mountain' created by the storage of existing delivery notes.

The changes are part of Ultraframe's commitment to continually improving the service it provides its valued customers. Following significant consultation and input from customer service advisors and customers, Ultraframe's customer service teams have been restructured to provide the most effective service.

Customer service teams have become integrated and multi-skilled in order for just one team to handle all aspects of a customer's enquiry or order. This enables calls to be dealt with in greater efficiency, whilst also improving customer relationships.

In addition, internal ordering systems have been improved, meaning a higher level of orders reaching the customer on time. For example, changes have been made to supplying glass sizes for customers requesting glass rather than polycarbonate systems.

Ultraframe has also restructured the organisation of its sales office in order to provide enhanced customer service.

The sales office has been regionalised into dedicated teams responsible specifically either for Prefabricated or Component roof sales by geographical area. Customers are being allocated unique 0870 phone and fax numbers that will efficiently stream calls to personal account handlers.

'These changes will enable Ultraframe to know its customers - and their business needs - better and deliver a single point of customer contact. They are designed to ensure easier and faster communication with customers and provide a higher, more efficient level of personal service.' says the company.

Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk

Bristol based Premier Conservatory Roofs Ltd, a fabricator of the K2 roof system for the past three years, now offers Celsius, a technologically advanced glass, as an alternative to polycarbonate or standard glass units.

Premier is always on the look out for new product innovations and was very quick to add the glass product, Celsius, to its portfolio.

Manufactured by K2 Glass Ltd, the product claims a range of technological features and benefits, which include the ability to retain warmth during the winter months, whilst reflecting heat in the warmer summer months, improved sound reduction, reduced glare, an easy clean coating and a longer life span.

David Collier, Premier’s managing director, commented: 'After hearing so much about Celsius, I was as eager as the next man to experience its benefits, and so had no hesitation in having it installed on my own conservatory.'

Another of Premier’s most recent installations utilising Celsius is that of a 4 mtr x 5.5 mtr double hipped conservatory installed on the back of a property based in Wiltshire.

'The owner of the conservatory in Wiltshire was very specific in relation to the design of the conservatory. As it was to be used as for additional living space his preference was on the use of glass for the glazing of the roof, allowing for as much natural light as possible to be allowed into the conservatory.' explains David Collier.

'We felt that the use of Celsius would be ideal in keeping an ambient temperature within the conservatory, and upon suggesting it to the customer and demonstrating its benefits he was delighted to accept the product.'

For more information on Premier Conservatory Roofs Ltd and Celsius, either contact Premier on 0117 9600736 or K2 Glass Ltd directly on 01254 693111

Gas Fill Testing Pays Off for Strathclyde

The first Gasglass-1002 non-invasive gas fill tester for insulating glass units to be sold in Scotland is proving to be a valuable investment for Strathclyde Insulating Glass. The recently-delivered testing unit complements the RSGe gas filling machine bought last year from Inagas, which has now supplied the Gasglass unit.

With the new Building Regulation – Document J in Scotland – and EN 1279 legislation looming large, Strathclyde decided to prepare early for the new standards and purchased their first filling machine in April 2002. ‘We were novices in gas filling, but we saw this step as a natural progression in the company’s growth,’ says managing director David Blore. ‘It was a proactive decision, not demand-led, but we are now seeing the steady increase in demand for gas filled units which we anticipated.

'Malcolm Kemp at Inagas was most helpful in recommending the most appropriate machine for our purposes. It was a combination of the Inagas reputation for high quality machines, the service we were getting and, crucially, the promise of non-invasive testing equipment from the same source which persuaded us to go this route.’

An absolute requirement was that all gas-related procedures should meet Strathclyde’s quality standards. This meant a consistently reliable filling machine allied to a testing unit able to validate gas fill percentages on the line. The Gasglass is portable, easy to use and delivers an immediate readout. Units are tested from the beginning and end of every production run; the data being downloaded and logged for permanent record. All test samples are retained to be available for later testing of gas concentrations. Strathclyde now operates the EN 1279 protocol and units are regularly submitted for independent testing, including the Part 3 gas fill section.

The increase in gas filling is part of a bigger picture of growth; the Hamilton factory has recently been doubled in size and IG unit production capacity is now around 4,000 units per week. This makes Strathclyde one of the bigger IG unit manufacturers in Scotland and David Blore calculates that they are already one of the handful of leading suppliers of gas filled units.

He sums up: ‘We did not have to buy a Gasglass, but the investment has given us the ability to assure customers and ourselves of gas concentration in every production run. This approach accords with our attitude to quality control - we check everything as thoroughly as possible, for our own peace of mind as well as the customers'. We now have a growing body of information which will enable us to monitor the performance of our units during their service life. The cost of the Gasglass was a very small price to pay for such valuable data.’

Tel: 01442 832764
Email: mailto:xkk07@dial.pipex.com

Piper Home Improvements' Advert Attracts Complaint

A complaint, objecting to a regional press advertisement for window, door and conservatory fitting company Piper Home Improvements Ltd of Cliftonville, Kent was upheld in only one of the three objections, according to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.

The complainant challenged:
The advertisement featured a picture of a conservatory and next to the picture was a text box titled 'WHY YOU SHOULD BUY FROM PIPER'. The box showed a list of claims, with ticks next to them, that stated '... Our own installers ... BSI Kitemarked frames and glass ... Full 10 year guarantee'. The complainant, who had windows fitted by the advertisers, questioned whether:
1. the advertisers provided BSI kitemarked frames and glass;
2. the advertisers used their own installers and
3. the 10 year guarantee was genuine.

The Adjudication was as follows:

1. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers sent BSI Kitemark licences for their window frame and glass suppliers. The advertisers' window frame suppliers stated that the advertisers bought all their frames from them and were given permission to use the suppliers Kitemark licence in their advertising. They stated that a BSI Kitemark was not placed on the outside of the frame, because it was printed on the edge that fitted into the wall. The advertisers' glass suppliers confirmed that they supplied the advertisers with the glass for their windows. They stated that the glass did not have a BSI Kitemark on it but their licence serial number was printed on the spacer between the double-glazing panes. The Authority considered that the advertisers had shown that they supplied BSI kitemarked window frames and glass.

2. Complaint upheld
The advertisers sent letters from two of their installers; the letters stated that the installers worked for the advertisers. The Authority noted the advertisers acknowledged that their installers were self-employed. The Authority considered that consumers would understand the phrase 'Our own installers' to mean installers permanently employed by the advertisers, not self-employed installers. The Authority asked the advertisers to remove the claim.

3. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers sent an example of their standard purchase agreement between them and their customers. Point 7 of the terms and conditions stated 'The Purchaser will have the benefit of the Company's ten year guarantee for the units supplied upon completion of the installation'. Point 23 stated 'The customer's signature on this contract creates and is intended to create a binding obligation'. Point 25 stated 'Guarantee: The guarantee is effective provided payment has been made or, in the case of Finance Agreements, provided regular payments are maintained. We guarantee to repair or, at our discretion, replace free of charge any Piper Home Improvements Ltd Products which develops a fault due to defective materials or construction, provided written notice is given within the guarantee period of TEN YEARS from the date of installation.' The Authority noted the purchase agreement between the complainant and the advertisers was the same as the example sent by the advertisers. The Authority was satisfied that the advertised 10-year guarantee was genuine.

Essex Homes Benefit from Titon Trickle Ventilation

A major housing development in Essex has utilised Titon Trimvent Select trickle ventilators for all of its 159 new-build homes.

The Regent New Homes development on the outskirts of Colchester consists of 1-bed flats to 6-bed family homes. The window manufacturers and installers, A&B Glass, fitted Titon Trimvent Select S13 ventilators to all windows within the buildings to help create good indoor air quality. Steve Darkins, New Build Project Manager, A&B Glass, explains why:

'We always fit Titon ventilators to new build projects, as the company's ventilators benefit us by reducing fixing times and costs. The S13, in particular, is ideal because we have the choice of screw or clip fixing.'

All 159 homes have been completed and residents have noticed the benefits from having Titon Select ventilators fitted:

'As our houses include homes for families, we require a background ventilation system which is easy to use. The Select ventilator also allows the occupant the choice of deflecting incoming air either up or down or in both directions, our residents are delighted with the product', said Christine Rutland, of Regent New Homes.

KAT Provides Minster with Hassle Free Product Diversification

With a quote to conversion rate edging close to 100 per cent, Lincolnshire based Minster Window Systems has increasingly turned to KAT UK in the supply of the more specialised niche products such as vertical sliding windows.

Minster has been buying patio doors off KAT for six years now, and as the window company has grown it has increasingly found that market demands required more and more product diversification. As a result it has been able to rely on KAT in terms of new product offerings, combined with quality and delivery. Minster is particularly busy this year with whole house installations and some new build projects, and products such as KAT's vertical sliding windows have proved essential in terms of being able to offer special requirements, without compromising daily production routines.

'As a company we prefer to be self sufficient, but KAT has never let us down in all the years we have been dealing with them,' said David Muirhead, Minster director. 'KAT's product range has reflected developing market requirements, which has allowed us to take advantage of these opportunities. The patio doors have always been popular, but the vertical sliding windows are growing in popularity. Now we are getting more and more interest in the French doors and the composite entrance doors. Having access to these products opens up wider markets and sales opportunities, while maintaining strict efficiency in the factory for standard door and window products.'

Having dealt with KAT for five years, David and his team had built a strong relationship with the company over the telephone and through various KAT visits to Minster's Skegness site. However, a couple of months ago David made his first visit to KAT's factory in Macclesfield.

"Iwas actually quite surprised by how big the company was - they have obviously built a successful business,' said David. 'From the beginning we have had an excellent service purely by dealing with them over the telephone. As the company has grown they have obviously not lost their touch. Minster Window Systems is a family business and we understand the value of developing a good working relationship. KAT still retains that family-like culture, even though it has grown so much.'

Minster Window Systems was established in 1978 and is one of the best known retail fabricators in the Skegness area. The company has grown primarily through retail sales, but also services some smaller installers and building contractors.

Pictured: David Muirhead, director, Minster Window Systems.

Sale Agreement for Saint-Gobain Terreal

Compagnie de Saint-Gobain confirms that it has recently signed an agreement to sell its subsidiary Saint-Gobain Terreal to a financial company controlled by the Carlyle investment fund. Under the agreement, Terreal - a terracotta tile and brick manufacturer - is valued at euro 514 million (of which 400 million for the value of the shares) . The expected completion date for the sale is October 31st, 2003, provided the required approval is received from the European Commission competition authorities.

A major player in the French tile market, the Terreal group was born out of the merger of Guiraud, Tuiles Lambert and Tuiles et Briques de France (TBF). 2002 sales for the group totaled euro 328 million. Terreal also operates in Italy under its San Marco Laterizi brand, in Spain through Saint-Gobain Terreal Espana (formerly Ceramical del Ter), in the United States through Ludowici, and in Malaysia.

Terreal has over 2,000 employees based at 22 tile and brick production sites of varying sizes, including over 1,500 employees at 14 sites in France.
Against the backdrop of increasing consolidation in the European terracotta tile and brick market, Saint-Gobain has chosen the Carlyle investment fund as the partner to support Terreal in its growth drive. The management team of Terreal will invest in the transaction. This will enable Terreal to ensure its long-term development without the need for funding from the Saint-Gobain Group, whose acquisition strategy remains focused on its Building Materials Distribution and High-Performance Materials sectors.

Production Breaks all Brunner Mond's Records

Production records going back at least quarter of a century were smashed at Brunner Mond's Northwich East (Lostock) plant in Cheshire in May by a daily average make of 1195 tonnes of light ash.

A key factor has been the £4.3 million (Euros 6.1m) kiln re-building programme which is now complete at the Northwich East plant and is due to finish at the Northwich West (Winnington) plant later this year.

Five kilns have now been rebuilt across both Northwich sites in the last five years in one of the most intensive kiln rebuilding programmes seen at Brunner Mond. The project involved a 16,000 mile journey for more than 300 tonnes of bricks which were brought from China to rebuild No Six kiln at Northwich West.

Northwich East Plant Manager Karl Cleary said: 'This improvement has definitely contributed to the record-breaking success. It has meant that our kiln gas system is producing higher strengths of CO2 which gives a significant boost to plant performance and output. We are also seeing the benefits of our continuing installation programme of new electrical instrumentation and control systems.

'Improved operational practices mean that all teams are more focused than even on pushing our targets further forward. And new maintenance arrangements have resulted in more preventative maintenance and quicker response to equipment breakdowns.'

Tel: 01606 724000

Kobe Steel and Alcoa Expand Joint Development in Automotive Aluminium

Kobe Steel, Ltd. and Alcoa Inc. announced on August 6th an agreement to expand their aluminium alliance on the joint development of aluminium products for the automotive market. Due to changes in the business environment, the two companies also announced that they intend to discontinue both of their 50/50 joint ventures that produce aluminium can stock used in making beverage cans.
Financial terms of the agreements were not disclosed.

Building on automotive aluminium
Kobe and Alcoa intend to expand their existing cooperation in aluminium sheet for global automotive customers by adding R efforts on aluminium extrusions, castings and forgings.

In July 1992, Kobe and Alcoa formed two 50/50 joint ventures to serve the transportation market. Kobe Alcoa Transportation Products, Ltd. (or KATP) in Japan undertakes R, manufacturing and marketing of aluminium sheet products aimed at the Japanese automotive industry.

The U.S. counterpart is Alcoa Kobe Transportation Products, Inc. (or AKTP). AKTP conducts research and development of aluminium sheet for the automotive industry. AKTP's R effort in aluminium sheet technologies has been effective in supporting carmakers in the United States.

Car manufacturers value the joint ventures, because Kobe and Alcoa can provide aluminium sheet based on the same specifications through them. As a result, demand for automotive aluminium in these markets has steadily increased. By expanding joint R to a wider range of aluminium products, Kobe and Alcoa can meet the growing demand for lighter cars and improve their responsiveness to automakers that have increasingly global operations.

Can stock joint ventures to be restructured
Despite diligent efforts, the can stock joint ventures did not meet the expectations of either party. Market conditions are extremely competitive, and both parties believe they can be more effective in the market by operating independently.

As part of the termination of the can stock ventures, Kobe will acquire control of the Kaal Japan joint venture from Alcoa. In exchange, Alcoa will receive Kobe's interest in the Kaal Australia joint venture. Alcoa will grant Kobe a license to use Alcoa's technology embedded in the Kaal Japan cold rolling mill. Alcoa has also agreed to act as a distributor for Kobe's can sheet products in Asia. Both companies also agreed to continue the supply of aluminium ingot to the Japan can stock operation for a certain period of time.

In October 1993 the 50/50 joint venture, KSL Alcoa Aluminum Company, Ltd., began production of aluminium can stock in Japan. January 1996 saw the start of operations of a second 50/50 can stock joint venture, KAAL Australia, Pty. Ltd. in Australia.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

Pella Expanding Vinyl Business with New Line to be Sold through Lowe’s

Pella Corp. is launching a new line of vinyl windows and doors in the USA to be sold through Pella Design Centers at select Lowe’s Home Improvement stores. 'Pella is known as a quality company, producing outstanding window and door solutions,' said Elaine Sagers, Pella’s vice president of marketing. 'The ThermaStar vinyl line compliments the range of quality products available from Pella, which includes our premium wood window and door offering, storm doors, entry systems, skylights and our new fiberglass composite windows and doors, called Pella Impervia.'

'With the addition of ThermaStar vinyl products to our family of brands, customers will have another affordable option, built with the same level of quality, delivering the outstanding energy-efficiency, hassle-free maintenance and overall value for which Pella is known,' said Mark Hinkie, president and chief operating officer of Pella’s Vinyl Window and Door Division, which manufactures the new line at division headquarters in Gettysburg, PA, as well as in Murray, KY, and in Portland, OR. 'Thanks to Pella's dedication to continuous improvement and its state-of-the-art logistics system, shoppers can obtain their new ThermaStar by Pella vinyl windows and patio doors quickly and efficiently at their nearest Lowe’s,' Hinkie adds.

'The Pella Design Center is a very innovative concept in retail marketing that pairs two strong brands-Pella and Lowe’s-and in the process, takes the complexity out of window and door purchases for consumers,' says Sagers. The PDC features displays designed to guide shoppers through the window and door selection process, aided by trained Lowe’s associates, who also can arrange for installation of the customer's new Pella windows and doors.'

The new ThermaStar line isn’t Pella’s first entry into the vinyl window business.  In 1998, it acquired Viking Industries, a manufacturer of vinyl products based in Portland, OR.  Founded in 1965, Viking continues to sell vinyl windows and doors throughout the West.

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