Two
Sign Long Term Supply Agreement With VEKA
Stability,
service and reliability - three key reasons why two leading PVCu door
and window fabricators have renewed their long term supply agreements
with the UK's foremost profile manufacturer, VEKA plc.
Andrew
Wright Ltd, based in Irvine, Ayrshire has signed a five-year contract,
with Paramount Windows opting for a three-year option. Both founder members
of Network VEKA, the fabricators are confident of reinforcing a solid
and strong trading relationship with VEKA, with the added benefits of
excellent service and price stability over the long range.
‘We have been with VEKA for a long time and have every confidence
in the quality of the product and the levels of service that we have always
received,’ comments Charlie Berry of Andrew Wright. ‘By entering
this long term supply agreement, we are committing to VEKA and demonstrating
the value of partnering. We have a successful relationship with the supplier
and the quality of VEKA's range meets our own exacting standards to provide
the best doors and windows to our customers.’
Both Andrew Wright and Paramount work predominantly with the commercial
sectors as well as supplying to the trade and retail. ‘Our price
stability within the long term supply agreement is of direct benefit to
fabricators' customers,’ comments Colin Torley of VEKA. ‘We
have always enjoyed a strong relationship with these two companies and
we are delighted that they have taken advantage of this service, which
represents a mutual trust, as we will only supply to companies that can
meet and sustain our high values in terms of both product range and service.’
Eddie McGrath, Managing Director of Manchester based Paramount, sees the
value of renewing his agreement for a further three years. ‘We have
been using VEKA exclusively for the past twelve years,’ he says.
‘Quality is the most important issue for us as a manufacturing company
and we rely upon the very best suppliers to maintain our reputation for
excellence. Renewing the agreement was a natural option to ensure our
future productivity and growth.’
Promac
Announces Exclusive STB Alliance
Promac
Group has signed an exclusive deal with leading Italian machinery suppliers,
STB as the company’s sole UK agent.
STB has a long history in the UK market and this deal with Promac reflects
its commitment to the UK market. For Promac the STB opportunity is one
that the company had been reviewing for some time as Promac director,
Alex Main comments: ‘We have been in negotiations with STB for some
time and now feel that it is right for us to expand our product offering
as STB’s range of machinery is particularly suited to the UK market.
We are already carrying stock of spare parts and can offer a comprehensive
service and support package through our service centre to both existing
and new STB customers. It's great news for the UK fabricator.’
Some of the new STB machinery will include: copy and drainage routers;
end millers; double mitre saws; cutting and machining centres; 'V' notch
saws and electronic measuring systems. Promac continues to develop its
product offering for the UK market and believes that the STB deal will
be a fruitful one for both parties.
Alex concludes: ‘We have an outstanding range of machinery available
and can offer some very specific solutions for fabricators. It's important
for Promac to work with committed partners and STB is already proving
that. Fabricators with any machinery requirements should come and speak
to us as we can offer a number of solutions thanks to our depth of suppliers
and resource.’
Tel: 01788 577577
Web: http://www.promac.co.uk
Super
Spacer® Fits the Public Sector Bill for Paramount Windows
ESR
windows using Super Spacer® are proving to be one of the most exciting
sales tools ever available according to Paramount Windows. Barry Hurst,
Commercial Director of Paramount Windows explains:
‘We have a lot of experience in the social housing sectors, and know
what hot buttons to press when it comes to getting specifiers interested.
Which is why we launched the Paramount Evolution Range, our branded top
performance double and triple glazed 'A' rated energy efficient windows.
This makes it easier for our clients to choose the best value product,
and of course differentiates us from our competition.
‘We have recently been in meetings with housing association and local
authority specifiers discussing the benefits of WER windows. The first
question generally is about the extra cost implications as obviously housing
associations and local authorities are often running to extremely tight
budgets. But when they hear their residents will benefit from lower heating
bills, up to 70% reduced condensation, and up to 2dB noise reduction at
no extra cost, specifiers can see the added value they could gain. Sustainability
and environmental considerations are also top of any public sector organisation's
agenda, and so Edgetech fits this bill perfectly too.’
Over the last ten years Paramount has grown from a family firm focused
on business within a 20 mile radius of Leigh, Greater Manchester, to a
company with clients all over the North West including domestic, trade,
commercial and new build sectors, with commercial currently representing
about 70%. The Veka customer enjoys particular success in the social housing
sector and attributes much of this to Super Spacer.
Barry continues: ‘We are seeing the WER picking up momentum, driven
by end users as they become better educated and more aware. This will
pick up even more pace with the introduction of the Home Information Pack
in July, but in the meantime Paramount is determined to capitalise on
the lead we have over our competitors.
Managing Director of Paramount Eddie McGrath summed it up in one sentence:
‘We promote Super Spacer within our windows because quite simply,
it sells our windows.’
CI
Trebles the Size of its Operation!
It's
not all doom and gloom in the market, as trade supplier CI Products of
Crowborough, East Sussex, can testify. That's because after just three
years of trading, the company has trebled the size of its operation by
expanding into new business premises.
The
move marks the end of a successful first three years in business for CI
Products. Andy Harmer, CI Product's Sales Manager puts the company’s
success down to its no-nonsense ethos. He says, ‘We believe in supplying
top quality products and backing that up with a top quality, reliable
service. Installers have to be able to rely on their supplier to deliver.
With us, they can rest assured that their order will be on time every
time.’
Alongside the move into new premises comes a new product range. As of
1st February 2007, CI Products has been supplying the full range of Deeplas
by Deceuninck building products. This includes Twinson decking and cladding,
Belface heavy duty cladding and Novasil internal cill as well as the complete
range of Deeplas roofline and cladding products.
Andy Harmer explains why the company chose Deceuninck as a business partner:
‘Naturally we were very impressed by the quality and depth of the
Deeplas range. But we were also impressed with the quality of Deceuninck's
service. Together, we felt they made an unbeatable combination. We're
very excited about having the Deeplas range in our portfolio and the opportunities
it presents.’
CI Products very much views 2007 as the year to make large strides forward
within the market place. Not only has the company started working with
Deceuninck, but has further increased its stock holding, enhanced its
product range to include woodgrain finishing trims and are looking to
develop an online catalogue for greater flexibility.
Andy concludes, ‘We feel these new initiatives being introduced by
the company will enable us to surpass our goal and targets with confidence
and conviction during the next 12 months, whilst still maintaining the
same level of service to our customers. We're confident we've chosen the
right partner in Deceuninck to support us as we continue to grow as a
company’
CI Products has a trade collection and a full national delivery service.
The company is open Monday to Friday 8.00am to 5.00pm and Saturday 8.30
to 12.30.
Web: http://www.ciproducts.co.uk
New
Appointment to 'Bring Bright Future'
Wendland
Roof Solutions has announced the appointment of Simon Hollidge as Sales
Director. Simon has been a part of the Wendland team since August 2006
after previously spending two and a half years at Ultraframe as a Divisional
Sales Manager.
Simon commented, ‘I am enjoying my role immensely and would like
to thank our customers for their support and commitment to Wendland and
our products, especially during the previous six months as we have undergone
many changes.
‘I believe that one of the key issues facing Wendland is improved
communication and consultation with its customers, to ensure that future
product and service developments are in-line with customers needs and
expectations.’
The past six months has seen Wendland restructure its management and relocate
its head office to Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire. In addition, the company
has integrated its manufacturing operations with Ultraframe following
Latium's takeover of the Clitheroe based company.
Simon continued: ‘I know that following the successful integration
of the manufacturing operation we now have a solid foundation on which
we can build a strong future. I look forward to working with colleagues
and customers alike to enhance Wendland's position as the quality roof
solution of choice.'
Prior to joining the conservatory industry, Simon had a long career in
the automotive industry, his most recent position was with Manganese Bronze
as Sales and Marketing Director.
Simon heads a sales team which includes Mark Brown, (Key Account Manager),
Colin Hodges (Southern Regional Account Manager), newly appointed Darren
Massey (Northern Regional Account Manager), Customer Services Team and
the Technical Support Department.
Wendland's range of Conservatory roofs includes the versatile Styal+ system,
Sundyal Sunroom that combines the benefits of an extension with the simple
elegance of a conservatory and the contemporary, low-pitch Ultralite 500
lean-to.
For more information regarding Wendland products please visit http://www.wendland.uk.com
or contact the Sales office on 0870 420 7900.
Friday
the 13th for the William Morris Gallery
Artist,
stained glass designer, craftsman, poet, wallpaper and textile designer
extraordinaire, weaver, printer, translator of Icelandic sagas, early
ecologist and campaigner for the countryside, founder of the Society for
the Protection of Ancient Buildings, playwright and pioneering Socialist
but just not good enough for his home town... Waltham Forest Council want
to evict William Morris from his own house - so they can use it as a wedding
venue!
William
Morris's family home in Walthamstow is the internationally renowned William
Morris Gallery, housing one of the most important Morris and Arts &
Crafts collections in Europe as well as the Brangwyn Gift of 19th- and
early 20th-century paintings, drawings and sculpture. For over 50 years
locals and tourists have made the pilgrimage to see it...
But Waltham Forest Council could not care less. On Friday the 13th of
April, Gallery staff had their contracts torn up and opening hours were
slashed!
Council Cuts
On 4th January 2007 Staff and Waltham Forest residents read in the local
paper about drastic cuts to their local museums: £56,000 worth,
reducing the already overstretched under-resourced service by 16%. Despite
protests, Labour and Liberal Democrat councillors voted through the cuts
on 22nd February.
Opening hours will be severely restricted and staff cut across the board.
There will be no curators at the William Morris Gallery to care for the
collections or to organise focused exhibitions to attract visitors and
encourage them to revisit. If visitor numbers decline, there's a real
threat of total closure...
A planned Lottery bid to expand the Gallery, creating full disability
access and greatly increased educational facilities, is now very unlikely
to proceed as a direct result of the Council's cuts.
Public Reaction
25th January 2007: a packed public meeting is held. Over 200 people (equal
numbers turned away) demonstrate fierce local resistance to the Council's
proposals, but their pleas fall on deaf ears.
13th February 2007: over 350 people protest against the cuts during a
'mass visit' to the Gallery.
January-March 2007: thousands of letters from every corner of the world
are sent in support of the Gallery to local and national government bodies.
Ken Livingstone and Lord (Chris) Smith publicly express deep concerns
and an angry Tony Benn is 'horrified', calling it 'a major tragedy'.
On March 1st 2007, American curator Anne Mallek started an international
online petition to register the wide-ranging support for the William Morris
Gallery in the face of severe cuts voted by Waltham Forest Council. In
just over a month the petition has quickly grown to more than 5400 names
- from the UK, Ireland, the USA, Canada, Japan, The Netherlands, Germany,
Spain, Sweden, New Zealand, India, Poland, Australia, Italy, Belgium,
France, and Argentina - demonstrating that this issue cannot be considered
only in local, or even national, terms.
It includes the signatures and comments of leading art experts around
the world and from many Walthamstow residents, all united in their sense
of shock and outrage that the future of this unique and highly respected
institution and its staff could be so threatened.
http://www.petitiononline.com/savewmg/petition.html
24th March 2007: local artists celebrate William Morris's 173rd birthday.
Despite freezing temperatures, hundreds gather in celebration and protest
and the Gallery is festooned with artworks and banners.
The Friends of the William Morris Gallery are fighting back.
For more information please contact:
Chairman of the Friends of William Morris Gallery, Martin Stuchfield JP,
FSA
Tel: 07977 296831 / 01206 862136;
Email: martinstuchfield@btconnect.com
See http://www.keepourmuseumsopen.org.uk
Green
Light for Home Energy Improvements
Communities
Secretary Ruth Kelly on 4th April unveiled plans to slash planning red
tape to make it easier for people to put green technology - like solar
panels - on their homes and play their part in tackling climate change.
In a speech to the Green Alliance, she launched a consultation which recommends
that people will no longer need to apply for planning permission to put
'microgeneration' devices on their homes where it is clear there is little
or no impact on neighbouring properties.
Ruth Kelly made clear that she wants local people to think carefully about
which type of technology will work best in their local area. Local authorities
will retain the right to restrict planning permission in exceptional circumstances
where the benefit of the technology is clearly questionable and outweighed
by its impact on the local environment.
Ruth Kelly said:
‘This consultation document sets out important changes the Government
wants to make the planning system to encourage the take-up of microgeneration.
This will play an essential part in helping us meet a significant proportion
of our future energy needs.
‘I believe that the local planning system should support efforts
to tackle climate change rather than acting as a barrier, but it is important
that we ensure that there are clear, common-sense safeguards on noise,
siting and size and that the unique features of conservation areas are
protected’.
At present, there are more than 100,000 microgeneration installations
across the country - including wind, water source or ground source heat
pumps and bio mass. In the Energy White Paper, the Government will provide
new incentives with the aim of raising eightfold the number of households
which are producers as well as consumers of energy.
Responding to the consultation, Dave Sowden, Chief Executive of the Micropower
Council said:
‘We are most encouraged by the Government's willingness to tackle
the planning system which was acting as a serious barrier to customers
who want to invest in microgeneration as part of playing their role in
tackling climate change.
‘The current planning system says ‘no’ unless there is
a good reason to consider otherwise. In future it will say ‘yes’
within properly considered, pre-defined limits. This will make a big difference
to large numbers of customers wanting to take up microgeneration but put
off today by bureaucracy and inconsistency.
‘Of course, the limits need to be set appropriately, and after proper
public debate. We welcome the consultation as an opportunity to have an
informed debate about the detail in the coming months.’
The announcement is part of a strategy to ensure a more community-based
approach on green matters, where every homeowner, local business and local
authority can play a greater role. In her speech, Ruth Kelly said that
she wants to see local authorities step up the work they are doing to
tackle climate change.
She added:
‘Local businesses and councils have a strong role to play. In many
places local government has been ahead of national government - leading
the debate, not following it. We must encourage further innovation and
help ensure all councils meet the standards of the best.’
The consultation paper is part of ongoing work at Communities and Local
Government to protect and enhance the environment and to tackle climate
change.
This month, the Code for Sustainable Homes has 'gone live' which creates
a single national standard to guide industry on the design and construction
of sustainable housing.
Home
Information Pack (HIP) Regulations Confirm Worst Fears, Says NAEA
The
National Association of Estate Agents (NAEA) is dismayed to see the government
pressing ahead with plans for home information packs (HIPs) despite the
very real and obvious flaws, which continue to be highlighted by many
stakeholders.
The department of Communities and Local Government (CLG) released the
final HIPs regulations on 29th March, just two months before HIPs are
due to come into effect on 1st June 2007.
NAEA Chief Executive Peter Bolton King comments: ‘The final regulations
include a few minor adjustments to the previous home information pack
proposals, but it has got to the stage now where this is just a case of
trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. What the government does
not seem to grasp is that these small changes are not going to achieve
its desire to improve the process, when the proposals have so many fundamental
flaws.
‘The regulations released on 29th March confirm our worst fears:
that the government is intent on pressing ahead with a piece of legislation
that is more likely to be a hindrance rather than any kind of help.
‘Time and time again we have called on the government to review this
ill-conceived initiative. While we wholly support the improvement of the
buying and selling process, however, we do not believe home information
packs are the way to do this. If the government would only agree to go
back to the drawing board we would be more than happy to help put together
a proposal that would make a real and positive difference to the consumer.’
Help
for Assessors as Code for Sustainable Homes 'Goes Live'
Technical
guidance to help the building industry deliver key improvements to the
energy efficiency of new homes has been published by Communities and Local
Government.
As the Code for Sustainable Homes comes into effect, the manual sets out
the requirements for the Code, and the process by which a Code assessment
is reached. It aims to make the system of gaining a Code assessment as
simple, transparent and rigorous as possible. It will help deliver homes
which use less energy and produce fewer harmful carbon dioxide emissions
as well as cutting down on water used and waste generated. The Code will
also give homeowners better information about the running costs of their
homes.
The Government has set the ambitious aim that all new Homes will be zero
carbon by 2016 and the Code will be the measure by which this target is
assessed. The guidance will explain to Code Assessors, home builders,
product manufacturers and consumers in a simple and transparent way how
the Code levels can be achieved.
Communities and Local Government Minister Angela Smith said:
'Homes account for more than a quarter of carbon emissions and it is vital
that we act now to tackle climate change from as many fronts as possible.
Building the right type of sustainable homes for future generations is
one way in which we can help achieve a 60 per cent reduction in emissions
by 2050.
'This guidance explains to the building industry, but also crucially to
the public, how new homes can deliver real environmental improvements
in key areas like water and energy use. It will also play a real part
in helping us all understand how we use the homes we live in and how we
can do our bit to help tackle climate change'.
It's
the Supertrucks Prize Draw!
Supertrucks
Ltd, in partnership with Citroën and Glassex, has just announced
the successful entrant to the Win-a-Citroën Berlingo van competition,
which the company ran at the recent Glassex Show.
Vulcan Windows Ltd, Hull, is the winner of the prize Citroën Berlingo
1.6HDi 600 LX van, which is fully fitted for carrying glass. As such it
is equipped with the latest Supertrucks fully anodised aluminium side
glass rack, complete with two Supertrucks System 1 retaining poles and
an anodised aluminium roof rack fitted with a front air deflector. Other
Supertrucks equipment fitted to the Berlingo van includes front and rear
side rack safety markers and an inclinometer.
Paul
Walker, Vulcan Windows, Win-a-Citroën Berlingo winner, accepts the
prize van from Peter Wright, Supertrucks (right), watched by Citroën's
Justin la Frenais.
Paul
Walker, Vulcan Windows' operations manager, comments, ‘We are delighted
to win the Supertrucks equipped Citroën Berlingo. As the company
is growing fast we were considering acquiring a smaller van for use in
a customer services role - so winning the use of the Supertrucks equipped
Citroën Berlingo for six months is a terrific boost for our business.’
He adds, ‘As we already operate a number of Supertrucks equipped
vans, we know that Supertrucks makes the best glass carrying equipment
in the business, with an enviable reputation for quality and service.’
Peter Wright, Supertrucks chairman, explains, ‘The Citroën Berlingo
is one of the UK's best selling high cube vans and a very popular choice
with companies in the glass trade. Fitted with Supertrucks custom engineered
glass carrying equipment Vulcan Windows has gained an extremely versatile
addition to its vehicle fleet.’
Established for 23 years, Hull-based Vulcan Windows Ltd is a large and
fast-expanding manufacturer of upvc and aluminium window systems. It has
grown its sales by some 40 per cent in the past year and expects to continue
a similar rate of growth into 2008. Vulcan Windows supplies and installs
windows throughout the UK and is active in new public and private sector
building projects as well as the domestic sector. To provide transport
the company currently has a 35 strong commercial vehicle fleet, the bulk
of which are 3.5 tonne gvw vans.
Fully compliant with all relevant European regulations, Supertrucks racks
are the only UK manufactured glass carrying racks which have been awarded
the internationally recognised German TUV and GS engineering and safety
certification.
In addition to its wide range of glass carrying equipment for every popular
European panel van, Supertrucks is also the UK's largest manufacturer
of coachbuilt glass carrying bodywork. This range is custom built for
chassis cabs in the 3.5 - 26 tonne gvw weight range. Designed for the
bulk transport of glass and glazing products, Supertrucks coachbuilt bodies
incorporate the latest technology to increase load handling efficiency
and safety. Amongst the many patented features incorporated into Supertrucks
coachbuilt bodywork is its retracting roof system, which allows overhead
craneage of large stillages.
Tel: 01744 25348
Web: http://www.supertrucks-uk.com
The
Vekatrim cellular plastic building products brand is giving way to a new
name: V-Cel.
When
Celuform purchased the the Vekatrim range of PVC-ue cladding, roof trims
and finishing systems from Veka plc in 2005, the deal was made on the
understanding that Celuform would rebrand Vekatrim. The acquisition made
Celuform the largest manufacturer of cellular plastic cladding and roofline
products in the UK.
'As we anticipated, adding Vekatrim - now V-Cel - fascia, soffit and cladding
profiles to our range has enhanced the selection of products and services
that we can provide to a wide range of customers,' commented Stuart Grindle,
the brands' marketing manager.
'We are now looking forward to building on the progress we have made in
the market and establishing V-Cel to the extent that customers know the
name for the same excellent standards of service and products. We've improved
product availability, increased the stockholding on the most popular products,
and introduced new point-of-sale materials and a highly competitive price
list, which can be downloaded from www.v-cel.co.uk.'
V-Cel profiles are available in matt white and woodgrain foils and are
guaranteed against fading and 'pinking' for 15 and 10 years respectively.
Celuform was the first manufacturer of cellular plastic building products
in the UK and supplies stockists with roofline, cladding and windowboards
throughout Europe. The company provides a complete range of systems for
new build and refurbishment
For more information about V-Cel products call 0870 890 5663, fax 0870
890 5664 or go to www.v-cel.co.uk.
Kestrel
Stays Ahead of Growing Sales in Ireland
PVC-U
and PVC-UE Building Products supplier Kestrel, has expanded John Gunn's
role to Business Development Manager for Scotland and Ireland. John will
work closely in situ with Kestrel's customers in Northern Ireland and
the Republic, as well as continuing to cover all of Scotland. John's key
aim will be to promote the Kestrel brand across the territory which is
already becoming a larger proportion of Kestrel's overall sales.
John joined Kestrel at the beginning of last year but has made great in-roads
in nurturing existing customer relationships and uncovering new business
opportunities. This service will now be extended to Ireland, in support
of David Johnstone, Kestrel's International Sales Co-ordinator.
‘The roofline market is different in different countries,’ says
John Gunn, ‘which is why Kestrel offers a tailored approach to each
country it operates in, including the UK, France and of course Ireland.
In Ireland for example, we know our customers are experiencing an increased
demand for coloured products, which is why we're continuously developing
the range of products available in our already wide range of colours.’
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
National
Plastics Gives Thumbs-up to Celuform
One
of the UK's largest independent cellular plastic building product stockists,
which describes itself as 'specialist supplier of building plastics',
has signed a deal to carry Celuform PVC-ue fascias, soffits, cladding
and windowboard. All 15 branches of National Plastics will carry the full
range of Celuform products.
National
Plastic's success and growth in recent years has seen the company provide
comprehensive coverage in the north-east of England, Yorkshire, the Midlands
and south Wales.
'All our people, from our counter staff to our management team, are completely
committed to bringing our customers the highest quality products, service
and value they deserve,' says divisional director, Geoff Foster.
'We are very impressed by the depth of the Celuform range and technical
innovations such as Duoshield and Celutex.'
National Plastics stocks a wide variety of internal and external products
including rainwater, doors, loft hatches, garden pavilions, and window
shutters.
'We have to offer our customers unrivalled quality and competitive prices
and using Celuform products will help us achieve our aim,' adds Geoff.
Jeremy Foyles, director of sales at Celuform said, 'This is a great coup
for Celuform and we are thrilled to be doing business with National Plastics.
Its commitment to quality and service mirrors our own and we are looking
forward to a long and mutually rewarding relationship with the company.
'Celuform was the first UK manufacturer of PVC-ue building products and
today is the largest supplier of cellular plastic roofline products. The
company supplies stockists throughout Europe and the UK.'
For more information about Celuform PVC-ue products call 01622 719199,
fax: 01622 882258 or visit http://www.celuform.co.uk
Caption: Geoff Foster (left), National Plastics' divisional director,
shakes on the deal with Jeremy Foyles, director of sales at Celuform.
British
Plastics Federation to Launch UK Wide PVC Information Drive for Specifiers
The
British Plastics Federation Vinyls and Windows Groups have launched a
UK wide information campaign to promote PVC building products' outstanding
environmental credentials. The campaign is aimed at informing specifiers
in Local Authorities, Housing Associations and construction companies
of the many benefits of PVC in construction including best value, life
cycle performance, whole life costing and environmental credentials.
Commenting on the launch of the campaign British Plastics Federation PVC
spokesman Thom Lant said 'this will be a high profile campaign across
the UK aimed at supporting our members involved with PVC. There is so
much misinformation on PVC that specifiers find it difficult to know what
the facts are about this excellent material, and we want to give them
the facts from a scientific and third party point of view'.
The 2007 campaign is based upon the highly successful 'PVC-U The Clear
Choice for Windows' campaign in 2006, but it will now include information
on additional PVC building products such as cladding, pipes and flooring.
The campaign will be centred around 5 free seminars for specifiers to
be held around the UK, with the launch event at Arsenal's Emirates stadium
in London on the 21st of June. This will be followed by seminars in Edinburgh,
Leeds, Manchester and Birmingham. Thom Lant said 'the seminar we held
in 2006 proved to be very popular and the feedback attendees gave us was
a fantastic opportunity to find out the questions they had about PVC and
address them'.
The British Plastics Federation seminars in 2007 will address many questions
specifiers have about PVC and supply them with extensive information resources
in an accessible format. Specifiers who register will also then be able
to receive regular updates on PVC if they wish.
Commenting further Mr. Lant said 'the British Plastics Federation members
of the PVC industry in all their aspects have done an incredible amount
of work towards sustainability and product design over the last 7 years.
The BPF members support and work towards constantly improving as an industry,
and this is the focus of their meetings. Such achievements as recycling
over 14,000 tonnes of post consumer PVC are tangible testaments to their
hard work and determination'.
If you would like to find out more about the campaign or how you can become
involved with the BPF contact Thom Lant: tlant@bpf.co.uk
Web: http://www.bpf.co.uk
Hallmark
Group Expands Reach with Metalwork Fabrication and Powder Coating Plant
Hull-based
laminated composite panel manufacturer Laminated Supplies Ltd, part of
the Hallmark Group, has completed a further major investment in the company’s
infrastructure with the installation of a metalwork fabrication facility,
including an advanced polyester powder coating plant.
The installation of the facility gives Laminated Supplies the ability
to produce an extended range of curved panels in aluminium and steel in
addition to products such as cills, flashings and profiles to complement
the Hallmark Group’s door and panel products. Coupled with the powder
coating plant Laminated Supplies is now able to impose greater control
over its production, product quality and delivery times, in addition to
developing further products and markets.
The developments allow the company to grow its product and service offer
to existing customers by extending its ability to single-source a greater
range of products and ancillaries. Laminated Supplies will now increase
its reach with products for such markets as the sign industry, and electrical
components such as distribution boxes and others using high quality coated
metal fabrication.
'This latest major investment allows us to expand the range of products
we offer to our existing customers, including those for residential doors
and key ancillaries,' explained Sales & Marketing Director John Rolland.
'It will also allow us to expand into additional markets to broaden and
strengthen the financial base of the Group with consequent benefits to
all of our customers.’
Web: http://www.laminatedsupplies.com
A new Window Installers Warehouse (WIW) branch has recently opened in Newbury, Berkshire. Part of the growing national network of WIW trade counters, the Newbury branch is owned and managed by Bob Meikle. Bob has over 30 years experience in the industry having originally trained as a fitter before starting his own business called 'Just Doors and Windows', supplying and fitting PVC windows, doors and conservatories predominantly to the domestic market but also to the commercial sector
The
WIW network of independent, owner-managed trade counters was launched
by Advantage Windows and Conservatories in January 2006. The Cheshire-based
trade fabricator is the UK's largest manufacturer of Rehau 70 frames and
K2 conservatory roofs. Together with its supplier partners, it offers
a full range of products to supply all the needs of a busy trade counter.
Bob Meikle believes that his new WIW trade counter provides the perfect
link to combine his domestic and trade business. He says: ‘I have
built up my business providing a good local service offering repairs,
maintenance and installation. My new WIW trade counter is ideally situated
on a busy industrial estate in Newbury and is effectively a one-stop-shop
supplying everything from frames to trims, tools, sealants and fixings.
We encourage both the trade and public to call in and business has been
growing steadily.’
Plans are advanced for Bob to purchase a local glass company that will
further add to his portfolio of products and strengthen his position as
the No 1 window company in Newbury.
Perhaps the most striking and amusing sight visitors see when they visit
the company is the two 'Del Boy' style Reliant Robins parked on the forecourt.
Sign written in the company's logo, they attract lots of attention outside
the premises and when being driven around town. Danny Hague, Advantage's
Group Commercial Director called in to see the new trade counter. He said:
‘Newbury is a very busy town and with Bob Meikle's enthusiasm and
experience I expect WIW Newbury to be one of our finest branches.’
Tel: 01635 36967 or 01634 35060
Web: http://www.justdoorsandwindow.co.uk
Olympic
Warning from Leading Suffolk Manufacturer
Suffolk
manufacturing firm, English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG) has put a
warning shot across the bows of the ODA for the London 2012 Olympics,
highlighting that UK based specialist sub-contracting firms may have too
much work to be able to build the facilities needed for the Games.
The Mildenhall based company, which specialises in glazing, curtain walling
and cladding for major UK developments, says that orders for UK firms
are at an all time high with delivery times being stretched to 12 months.
Edward Whipp, Pre-Construction Director for EAG, said: 'Government plans
for new academies, private major office developments and a huge demand
in the housing sector means that many manufacturing and construction companies
will not have the capacity to handle any extra work when the Olympic contracts
are handed out. We all want the Games to be a success but I am concerned
that British firms will have to turn this work down in order to fulfil
their current commitments.
'In addition, the German construction market is experiencing strong growth
after many years in the doldrums which means our continental competitors
are busy in their home market.'
The government is nearly a third of the way to meeting its target of getting
200 new academies in the pipeline by 2010. EAG is already involved in
a number of these projects such as Westminster Academy and are bidding
for several more.
Edward Whipp continued: “I have just returned from an industry conference
where people involved in UK construction, including glazing were commenting
on how busy they are and wondering how the industry will cope with the
extra demand from the Olympics.”
EAG is one of the best known architectural glazing companies in the country
with multi million pound constructions underway in well known locations.
It has recently announced orders to the tune of £8,000,000 and is
already negotiating many more prestigious contracts in the pipeline.
Mr Whipp summed up the situation and said: 'We all want the London Olympics
2012 to be a tremendous success and I would urge the organisers and the
government to get the specialist firms like EAG round the table sooner
rather than later to ensure we can plan the work carefully.'
Record
First Quarter Sales of Thermix
Thermoseal
Group, the UK supplier of the Thermix TX.N warm edge spacer bar and a
supplier of double glazing machinery and consumables, has achieved record
first quarter sales of TX.N warm edge spacer bar.
Mark Hickox, Sales and Marketing Director at Thermoseal Group, says: ‘We
are really excited by our sales figures so far this year. 2006 was a great
year for Thermoseal in terms of launching the TX.N warm-edge spacer bar,
but we've already achieved 500% more sales than for the same period last
year - we're hoping to sell enough to pave the way to China by the end
of the year!
‘We're also continuing to increase sales in other key sectors such
our Eurosiv desiccant and our range of machinery and consumables for insulated
glass production. With quality testing and dedicated customer service
that is second to none, we're looking at a successful 2007 all round.
‘Our TX.N warm-edge spacer sales figure speaks for itself as customers
recognise it is a quality choice over flexible foam single-seal systems.
TX.N achieves a 'C' rating or higher in all quality window systems.
‘We will shortly announce some big plans for increasing customer
support. Watch this space because it's on and up from here for Thermoseal
and our valued customers.’
For further information about Thermoseal Group and the company’s
comprehensive range of machinery and consumables, call 0121 331 3950 or
visit http://www.thermosealgroup.com.
Cornwall
based conservatory roofing fabricator; Superframe has recently celebrated
the opening of its new premises in Penryn with a 3-day long 'Open Day'.
The
new premises comprises modern offices, an attractive spacious new showroom
and a large roof fabrication workshop and warehouse. Helen Craig, Office
Manager at Superframe, commented, ‘The relocation was completed smoothly
and efficiently and we are delighted with the success of the Open Day.
It was an excellent opportunity to meet our new neighbours and catch up
with customers and suppliers’.
Established in 1996, the family run company has become a leading fabricator
and installer of Ultraframe conservatory roofs throughout Devon and Cornwall.
The Open Day allowed customers new and old alike to meet and catch up
to discuss new products and voice their opinions on the future of the
market. They could also learn about the latest British Standard BS6399,
which ensures that conservatories are adequately designed to safely withstand
wind and snow loads. In a coastal area such as that where Superframe's
customers operate this is of the utmost importance and ensures that homeowners
can be assured of a conservatory that is structurally proven for their
peace of mind. The new BS6399 legislation proved a hot topic of conversation
as installers and fabricators discussed the opportunities and benefits
that the new legislation could bring to the industry.
Alan Craig, Partner at Superframe, along with wife Cath, added: ‘We
are pleased with the support we have received from everyone, ranging from
customers right through to our suppliers, including our roofing system
supplier Ultraframe. A team from the Lancashire based company travelled
over 300 miles to help us demonstrate the benefits of the products to
our visitors. We were thrilled to have representatives present from Ultraframe
to discuss their latest products and the new British Standard legislation.’
When asked about the future of Superframe, Alan Craig added; ‘This
is a new era for Superframe but we maintain our original ethos of providing
all our customers with superior products, exceptional service and value
for money. It may be a cliché but this formula has worked for over
10 years resulting in hundreds of satisfied customers, many of whom are
still with us from day one.’
Alan Craig, Founder and Partner of Superframe is a carpenter by trade
with over 40 years experience in the building industry and continues to
strive to exceed customers expectations by providing exceptional workmanship
and service.
For more information regarding Superframe's products and services please
call 01326 378732.
GAP
Supports John Knight Glass' New Showroom
GAP customer John Knight Glass recently opened a new show room in Heswall in the Wirral. The new showroom displays windows, doors conservatories and GAP products.
Mark
Spereall, Joint Managing Director, comments: ‘The new showroom is
much bigger then our previous premises. Moving to a new showroom has allowed
us to revamp our image. Being supplied by GAP has helped our business
grow. Its comprehensive range of high quality products, sales literature
and excellent customer service helps us sell to homeowners. GAP has been
supplying us for ten years and the relationship has gone from strength
to strength. GAP offers us everything we need from our supplier. We look
forward to continuing to work with the company.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Warwickshire
Roofing Moves Onwards and Upwards
Affected
by the Coventry regeneration programme, Warwickshire Roofing has seized
the opportunity to upgrade its premises.
‘The site we've been operating from for the last six years has been
earmarked for the Coventry regeneration programme, so we needed to relocate,’
explains Brian Gibson, Manager of Warwickshire Roofing. ‘Our existing
site served us well and we probably wouldn't have moved had we not needed
to. But we're using this as an opportunity to upgrade. The site that we're
on now is currently split between an indoor and outdoor space. The new
site, just a mile away from our existing premises, is a 10,000 sq ft warehouse
which will be transformed into a trade counter and indoor storage facility.
This means our stock is even more secure and even better protected against
the elements.
‘Although we do a small amount of advertising most of our work comes
from repeat business,’ continues Brian. ‘Customers come back
to us because we can offer a great product and service to match, and it's
important to us that we maintain these high standards.
‘Andy Murphy chose Kestrel as Warwickshire Roofing's supplier when
he started the company six years ago. With over 20 years experience in
the industry Andy knew the key players, so knew Kestrel was the best on
the market. You can certainly use lots of products that are cheaper, but
you can't put a price on product quality that won't let you down. Kestrel
backs its products with a good guarantee. Although lots of other manufacturers
now offer guarantees, Kestrel was one of the first which gives us that
added bit of confidence. At the end of the day our customers stay loyal
because we treat them well, but we need the backing of a good supplier
to enable us to provide that level of service.’
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
NSG
Incurs Extra-ordinary Loss on Asset Write-off and Disposal
Nippon
Sheet Glass Co., Ltd. (‘the Company’) announces that, in the
fiscal year ending 31st March 2007, the Company will incur extra-ordinary
loss as below.
1. Outline
With the decision to discontinue the business of Plasma Display Panel
(‘PDP’), the Company will incur extra-ordinary loss of an estimated
760 million yen and 350 million yen for write-off of fixed assets and
disposal of inventories, respectively.
2. Backdrop
In 2002, the Company developed the glass for PDP substrate, named ‘Vingt
et Un’ and has endeavored to obtain the customers' acceptance and
commence its commercial production. However, under the overwhelming negative
factors of PDP market, including a decline in sales prices, fierce competition
with LCD panels, the Company decided to discontinue this with the judgment
that it is difficult to make it profitable.
Regardless of this decision, the Company will continue exploring the new
products for the coming generation, making use of the accumulated experience
in production and fine fabrication of new composition glass.
3. Effects on the forecast
The Company's financial forecast will not be revised because of this loss.
Qualicoat
Members Independently Tested
Qualicoat is a powder coating standard for architectural aluminium which
is now widely available in the UK. Commonplace across Europe since 1986
and a well known quality standard, the UK’s specifiers are now adopting
the standard, as it not only offers an exceptional quality finish, but
is also independently tested by a UK testing house.
Qualicoat members agree to pre-finish and apply powder coatings to a minimum
standard using a wide range of materials from various manufacturers. The
standard also meets and exceeds the latest British Standard for architectural
powder coatings, BS EN 12206-1:2004.
The Bodycote Testing group is broad based testing company active worldwide
with 53 laboratories, all of which are BS EN ISO 17025 approved.
Bodycote Salford has recently relocated to a purpose built, state of the
art laboratory in Eccles and is a centre of excellence for all coating
testing including architectural finishes. Once members samples have tested
and approved for license, the member can use the Qualicoat logo on all
its market communication. Independent testing does not finish there, as
member companies are inspected by Bodycote up to five times a year. These
routine inspections are carried out without prior agreement and cover
the whole powder coat process including test samples.
Huub Sips of Bodycote comments, 'I have been working with Qualicoat in
the UK since January 2001 when the association was set up and we have
formed a close working relationship with member companies. I am convinced
that the Qualicoat standard offers customers consistent quality and I
recommend that all powder coaters in the UK should become involved.'
Qualicoat recognises the need for consistent quality in today’s architectural
finishes, as failure of finishes on facade elements is quite easy to determine
but can be very expensive to resolve. Remedial work can be completed with
local refinishing on site for minor failures, with complete replacement
for more serious failures. Use of a Qualicoat licensed applicator minimises
the risk of failure without incurring additional costs so all projects
should be specified as applied by a Qualicoat approved company.
The Qualicoat standard is available on the European website at http://www.qualicoat.net.
Should you be interested in joining Qualicoat, or just learning more about
the standard, visit the website at http://www.qualicoatuki.org
or phone the Qualicoat (UK & Ireland) head office on 0121 456 1103.
Details on Bodycote can be found on the company's website at http://www.bodycote.com.
Rockdoor's
Strength and Security Interests the Police
Rockdoor,
the UK composite door manufacturer, is known for its strength and security.
It is so strong and secure that three local police forces - Lancashire,
Greater Manchester and Merseyside, have all made the trip to Rockdoor's
state of the art factory to find out more.
The company says that Rockdoor is as secure as it gets, with both PAS
23 and PAS 24. Because of its design specification it does a great job
resisting forced entry, giving homeowners extra peace of mind. And because
Rockdoor is designed with homeowners in mind it looks good too.
Rockdoor's Sales Director Mark Simm comments: ‘When homeowners replace
their front and rear doors they want to know that it will make their home
secure. The local police authorities visited Rockdoor because they wanted
to know how Rockdoor achieves this. Some of the visiting police teams
were so impressed with Rockdoor they said it is the only door they would
install in their own home.’
Tel: 01254 662999
Sale
of Saint-Gobain Desjonqueres
Following
the search for strategic partners for its speciality bottles business,
the Saint-Gobain Group has selected the project of a consortium of two
investment funds, Sagard and Cognetas. Under this agreement, the Saint-Gobain
Group agreed to sell 100% of Saint-Gobain Desjonquères and its
subsidiaries. The Saint-Gobain Group will reinvest a 20% stake in the
business.
Being the world leader in the production of glass bottles for the perfume,
cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, the speciality bottles business
of saint-Gobain (SG Desjonquères and its subsidiaries) delivered
in 2006 consolidated sales of €607 million and operating profit of
€50 million. It employs approximately 4,500 people and has a global
sales and manufacturing network, with production sites in France, Germany,
Spain, the US, Brazil, China and Russia.
This transaction values Saint-Gobain Desjonquères at an enterprise
value of €690 million.
The sale, which is part of the Saint-Gobain Group's ongoing business development
strategy, has been approved by the relevant competition authorities.
sia
Abrasives again Posts Record Results - Set for Further Growth
2006
was an extremely successful year for the global sia Group. Operating profit
before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) came in at
CHF 44.4 million, EBIT at CHF 31.5 million and profit for the year (EAT)
at CHF 22.6 million, making it another record year for the Group. The
world's Number Three in the coated abrasives market is clearly poised
for continued growth in 2007. The current year got off to a good start,
showing promising above-average sales increases. A dividend of CHF 12.00
(+20%) will be recommended at the Annual General Meeting.
In 2006, the consistent efforts to focus all activities on customers translated
into another marked upturn in the sia Group's sales. sia Abrasives saw
net sales rise by 8% to CHF 282 million, clearly beating the original
growth target of 4% to 6%. Operating performance also improved solidly
during 2006, making it another record year.
Operating profit before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA)
rose by 9.6% or CHF 3.9 million to CHF 44.4 million, representing 16.0%
of operating revenue. Operating profit before interest and tax (EBIT)
was even up by 12.6% to CHF 31.5 million, resulting in a margin of 11.3%.
Coming in at CHF 22.6 million, profit for the year (EAT) showed a growth
rate of 13.7% and a margin of 8.1%. The sale of a plot of non-operating
land yielded a gain of CHF 2.8 million. Free cash flow doubled from CHF
11.9 million to CHF 24.1 million.
Altogether, the record results have strengthened the balance sheet, providing
ideal prerequisites for funding further growth and making acquisitions.
The directors propose that the Annual General Meeting raise the dividend
from CHF 10.00 to CHF 12.00.
Growth engine North America
Acquired in autumn 2005, sia Abrafoam (UK) contributed about half of the
sales growth. Growth was also driven by the product innovations launched
in all the application areas.
Bolstered by the focus on profitable niches, such as interior works and
mobile homes, a large number of new customers and good progress in catalogue
business with its partner Fastenal, one of the leading industrial and
construction supply distributors, sia Abrasives put on a growth spurt
in the USA. North American sales climbed by a handsome 24.7%. In Europe
(excl. Switzerland), the sia Group grew by 7.5%, matching the pace set
in the Group as a whole. Switzerland, the home market, displayed disproportionately
high growth of 9.5%, spurred by gains in market share.
sia Abrafoam beats expectations
The acquisition of sia Abrafoam Ltd. based in Alfreton (UK) in November
2005 has been a real success story for sia Abrasives. Being an excellent
strategic fit with the Group, sia Abrafoam has enabled sia Abrasives to
offer three complementary products groups - coated, nonwoven and now foam
abrasives - all from one source.
In addition, it has given the Group a third manufacturing company, allowing
it to generate synergies in logistics and sales, thus gaining a decisive
market advantage. The line of Abrafoam products has been smoothly integrated
into the sia Group's distribution channels. Because there is little overlap
in the customer base, no sales were lost. On the contrary, the products
have been well received by
existing sia customers. Furthermore, sia Abrafoam has brought new customers
to the Group, which has opened up additional sales potential for coated
and nonwoven abrasives.
Partnerships speed market penetration
The alliance with Sika AG in Baar has continued to flourish. On 1st November
2006, sia Abrasives and Sika formed part GmbH, a German joint venture
company based in Bad Urach. Already established in Italy, the UK and Greece,
the marketing model for offering a combined range of automotive repair
products through both companies' sales channels was also introduced in
Germany in early November. This model allows the companies to provide
customers with the best quality abrasive, bonding, sealing and damping
products from one source. While benefiting from a more closely-knit sales
network, they are generating synergies in marketing, distribution and
logistics. sia Abrasives expects the advantages of this alliance
already to be reflected in growing market share during 2007.
Fresh impetus and continuity in management
Roland Eberle took the helm as CEO of the sia Group at the beginning of
2007. He will press on with the growth strategy mapped out for sia Abrasives
and bring fresh impetus. Peter A. Schifferle, who shaped the destiny of
the Group as CEO from 1991, will take over as Chairman of the Board after
the 2007 Annual General Meeting. The current Chairman, Hans-Ulrich Spiess,
will serve as Deputy Chairman.
Outlook for 2007
sia Abrasives expects the growth trend to continue during 2007. The goal
is to expand sales by 4% to 6% over last year. The current year got off
to a good start, showing promising above-average sales increases. One
example is sales of sia Abrafoam's foam abrasives, which are currently
enjoying double-digit year-on-year growth. Looking to further expand market
share, the Group will drive organic business growth, fuelled by proximity
to customers and product innovation. To round out the range of systems,
it will selectively consider acquisitions.
Web: http://www.sia-abrasives.com/en/
Trelleborg
Group’s Annual Report 2006 Published
The
Trelleborg Annual Report for 2006 was published on 27th March. In the
CEO’s comments, President and CEO Peter Nilsson expresses his satisfaction
with the growth:
'It is satisfying that sales increased more rapidly than the Group average
for the past five years and exceeded our relatively aggressive growth
target. Our positive organic growth of 6 percent was particularly gratifying.
However, I am not satisfied with our earnings, which were affected negatively
by the development in the automotive markets. But three out of four business
areas continued to develop nicely, improving their earnings.'
The Group’s priorities for the future to create value for customers,
shareholders and employees build on the business concept of sealing, damping
and protecting in demanding industrial environments.
'We will continue refining the business structure and product portfolio
and continuously advance toward leading positions in long-term, attractive
segments,' says Peter Nilsson, naming such examples as offshore oil and
gas extraction, the aerospace industry, the chemical industry and infrastructure
industry.
Trelleborg continues to increase its presence in such growth markets as
Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. In addition to continuing focus
on China and India, investments are also being made in Romania, Sri Lanka,
Angola, Brazil, the Middle East and the Baltic States.
Another theme that is a focus of Peter Nilsson’s current work is
efficiency enhancement and he also emphasizes the importance of target-oriented,
value-based leadership for the further development of the organisation.
According to the Annual Report, the financial targets remain, as does
the goal of continued active value creation through strategic acquisitions.
In 2006, Trelleborg completed 11 acquisitions in ten countries. The share
section states that, in the past five years, the Trelleborg share has
had an average price increase of 26.5 percent per year, and an average
dividend yield of 4.3 percent per year.
The Annual Report can be ordered at http://www.trelleborg.com
or from Trelleborg Corporate Communications, Tel: +46 (0)410-670 00.