Pilkington Activ™ Launched in UK to Complete Europewide Rollout
With
the launch of Pilkington Activ™ the world's first self-cleaning glass,
glassmaker Pilkington has issued a challenge to the industry to harness
its revenue earning potential as a true, value added product. Extensive
research by Pilkington has discovered that consumers will in fact pay
up to 20% more for a glass which significantly reduces - and in some cases
completely eradicates - the need for window cleaning.
Window fabricators and installers should stock up and prepare for a windfall
as Pilkington is backing the UK launch with a massive consumer advertising
campaign which 43% of the adult population (some 20m people) will see
2-3 times. Newspapers, colour supplements, home interest magazines and
TV and radio stations are amongst those being targeted by an extensive
public relations campaign, which emphasises the extra leisure time that
may be enjoyed by homeowners whilst their windows virtually clean themselves.
In preparation for the early September launch the Pilkington Call Centre
was gearing itself up for massive response, as has been the case in other
markets in which Pilkington Activ™ has already been launched.
In an effort to support Activ further down the sales chain, and limit
distribution in the early stages of the rollout, Pilkington has taken
the unusual step of creating a network of 'Product
Launch Partners', currently standing at around 51 window manufacturing
companies. Callers, and users of the special Pilkington Activ™ website
(http://www.activglass.com),
will be directed to a rapidly growing number of companies that have already
become designated Product Launch Partners in anticipation of a surge for
what many believe is the most significant new product for the window market
since the advent of PVCu frames. A network of specialist IGU processors
will serve national, local and regional fabricators and installers.
While Pilkington is concentrating initially on the domestic market (since
70% of its output goes into household glazing), products are already being
tested which will be of interest in the commercial market - especially
combination units with other high performance solar or low-emissivity
glass types. Other tests are being carried out for automotive applications,
while recommendations are already available for customers wishing to use
Activ in leaded panels.
One interesting application already being pioneered by one major commercial
customer is in installing Activ units rather than the usual (more expensive)
tilt-turn windows in Housing Association projects.
Above all, however, Pilkington stresses the fact that Activ 'represents
a margin opportunity for all involved as long as it is not diminished
prematurely'.
To this end, Pilkington has created a level playing field with one price
across the whole of Europe, attempting as much as possible to propose
a 'Manufacturers Recommended Price' at which it is sold further down the
value chain.
The distribution of Pilkington Activ™ through Launch Partners is
expected to last until spring 2003, by which time Pilkington expects the
market to have assimilated not only the product, but also the concept
of self-cleaning glass. It is then expected that Pilkington Activ™
will be more widely available to the market.
Click
here for more on the
marketing campaign, or here for the Activ
website
The
Cinderella Bra supports a Glass Act
Not that we're obsessed with glass and boobs at The Gl@zine, but only
weeks after we reported on what we thought would be the last Silly Season
story of the year (Glass
art goes t*ts up and becomes 'booby prize' of 'Metric Martyrs'), we
managed to find another one! One of the first assignments of Triumph Japan's
new 'Campaign Girl' will be to model a specially crafted glass bra - and
it will fit only the ideal bust!
Triumph
started its famous annual competition in 1993 when very few Japanese professional
models were used in lingerie shows and fashion photography, and this one-off
bra celebrates 10 years of its success. The current girl, for example,
achieved world-wide fame when she wore Triumph's FIFA World Cup bra and
briefs a few months ago.
397 applications have been received this year (sorry, the deadline for
entries was at the end of June!) and the winner will be selected from
a line up of finalists at a special public audition at the end of August.
Triumph reports that the entries are from 'Enthusiastic, career-minded
women, and attractiveness from a female point of view will be on of the
judging criteria.'
Once upon a time in a country far, far away..............
The idea of the glass bra was inspired by the fairytale of Cinderella
and her glass slippers, with Triumph playing the part of the fairy godmother
who makes one lucky girl's dream of fame and success come true each year.
The bra is also an acknowledgement of the company's admiration for the
10 winners and its 'perfect' size is based on their average measurements.
Over the decade, heights have ranged between 165 and 173 cms, busts between
57 and 62 cms, waists between 57 and 62 cms and hips between 86 and 93
cms.
The strong soda glass cups were fashioned from a plaster and silicon mould,
then hand etched by skilled craftsmen with a pattern of angels (one of
Triumph Japan's most popular styles is the 'Angel bra'). Delicate Swarovski
beads were then woven together for the straps, centre piece, sides and
back and clipped into place. The bra weighs 380g.
Incidentally,
there is a video about the Triumph Japan Cinderella bra currently residing
on the Yahoo News portal. Click on the link below and in the top right
hand column there is a link to download the movie. It's quite interesting
actually. And you get to see someone wearing it! (almost)
http://search.news.yahoo.com/search/news?c=&p=glass
Plimsoll
Publishing - The Battle for the Customer
Up to a fifth of the industry will suffer casualties in 'The Battle for
the Customer,' according to the latest Plimsoll Analysis on the UK Windows
& Doors industry. Drawing up a special 'Battle Plans' Edition, Plimsoll
found a record number of companies showing declining sales and losing
money.
Likening company directors to generals of their own army, Plimsoll analysed
the top 1000 companies in the UK Windows & Doors industry to produce
'battle plans' each company will use to prosper. They found 179 companies
need to retreat in order to survive, 301 should hold their position and
the 319 need to force home their current advantages. Crucially though
this special edition shows how each of these companies will carry out
these tactics.
'Every general of an army must preserve the life of the troops by recognising
the signs of strategic advantage and exploiting their enemies' weaknesses.
If companies are vulnerable then they must retreat and re-group so they
can fight another day. It seems the Windows & Doors industry is waging
a war,' says David Pattison, Senior Analyst at Plimsoll.
The walking wounded are the 179 companies Plimsoll feels should retreat
and re-group. These companies would greatly benefit by strengthening their
strategy in 3 key measures. Cutting back on all non-profit making parts
of the business is primary. Debt levels should be reduced by at least
19%. In any battle there are casualties, and in this case, 18% of the
workforce would have to go.
The analysis suggests that fundamentally many of these businesses could
have a great future if costs could be controlled. Plimsoll found that
if costs were brought in line, margins would rise from an average loss
of 3.8% on sales to an average 0.7% profit margin.
Unless these 179 companies move quickly, 319 companies are set to win
the battle. 'These companies have edged into a winning position and I
believe they have yet to recognise how good an advantage they have. Their
strengths speak for themselves yet their biggest threat is sitting back
and doing nothing,' Pattison concludes.
Performing far above the industry norms, here are just a few of the outstanding
figures that set these 319 winning companies apart from the rest.
49 companies managed to grow last year on average at 16%
85 companies made a 49% pre-tax margin on sales
72 companies made a 27% return on investment
52 companies increased their work force by 10% or more last year
Plimsoll's UK 'Windows & Doors- Battle Plans' Special Edition reveals
the tactics each of the 1000 companies will use in the battle. To order
this special edition for £325, ring Plimsoll on 01642 626400. http://www.plimsoll.co.uk.
Stuga sells Flowline number thirty-five
Stuga
CNC Systems recently sold Flowline number thirty-five and is currently
installing number twenty-seven.
This represents a real success story for a machine that was only launched
two and a half years ago.
The Flowline automatically preps and cuts 6.0 metre lengths of PVCu profile
correctly positioning waterslots espag preps, trickle vents, 'V' and 'Y'
notches, hinge preps and much more, including all door preps.
Two customers now have two Flowlines and one has three; four more customers
are talking about purchasing another Flowline in the coming months.
'Another Stuga success can be seen with the high sales of our automatic
sawing centre that is designed to make as many windows as three electronic
double mitre saws at half the purchase cost. These machines also remove
the inaccuracies of producing consistent lengths and central arrowheads
in window sections prior to welding.' says the company.
The latest machine is the Ecoline 'stand-alone' Prepping Centre that can
automatically produce all necessary preps on PVCu windows and doors quickly,
accurately and consistently. The Ecoline fits perfectly with the Stuga
Saw Centre or any combination of Double Mitre Saws. To date six of these
machines have been sold and the third one is just being installed.
Given the problem of getting and keeping fabrication staff Stuga is expecting
many more companies to see the benefit of this type of equipment and the
staff savings it makes.
Stuga have expanded from having one factory in Great Yarmouth to four
over the last two years and are now the biggest engineering employer in
the town. Plans are currently being drafted for a new 'state of the art
factory' and it is hoped that a suitable site can be found in the not
too distant future.
Sales hotline: 0800-169-5444
Email: mailto:stuga@eurotec.org
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
Assa
announces pre-tax profits up in Q2 Interim Report
Assa has announced its Interim Report for the Second Quarter of 2002:
The highlights are as follows:
* Sales increased 14% – greater focus on organic growth
* Income before tax increased 26% from ongoing improvements and increased
Group coordination
* Operating margin, EBITA increased relative to the first quarter, to
13.9%
* Strong operating cash flow, 183% of income, from continued successful
capital rationalization
* Acquisition of Besam and issue of 10 million shares completed
Sales and earnings
Sales for the second quarter increased by 14% to SEK 6,245 M. In local
currencies the increase amounted to 17%. Acquired units contributed 13%
to the increase in volume. Exchange-rate effects affected sales negatively
by SEK 185 M compared with the equivalent period last year. Organic growth
amounted to 4%. All markets reported a positive trend including the expected
'Easter effect', apart from Germany where the market continues to weaken.
Sales in the hotel segment have now stabilized but at a lower level than
last year’s. The previously announced clean-out of non-profitable
low-end products in the Yale units continues and will be completed this
year.
Sales for the period January to June 2002 totaled SEK 12,549 M, which
represents an increase of 19%. Organic growth was 2%. Acquired units contributed
16% to the increase in volume. Exchange-rate affected sales positively
by SEK 55 M compared with the equivalent period last year.
The Group's income before tax for the second quarter increased by 26%
to SEK 484 M (385). Exchange-rate variations when translating foreign
subsidiaries’ earnings affected income negatively by SEK 17 M. Operating
margin before goodwill amortization (EBITA) was 13.9%. A large number
of ongoing integration and rationalization projects in the Group’s
various companies as well as the growing coordination in areas such as
purchasing and production contributes to the improved margins.
The Group’s income before tax for the half year increased by 23%
to SEK 944 M (765). Exchange-rate variations when translating foreign
subsidiaries’ earnings had only a marginal effect.
Earnings per share after tax and full conversion amounted to SEK 0.84
(0.71) for the quarter, an increase of 18%. Earnings per share after tax
and full conversion but excluding goodwill amortization amounted to SEK
1.48. For the half year, earnings per share after tax and full conversion
increased by 17% to SEK 1.65 (1.41) for the quarter, and earnings per
share after tax and full conversion but excluding goodwill amortization
amounted to SEK 2.93.
Operating cash flow before tax and company acquisitions for the second
quarter totaled SEK 886 M (532), which represents 183% of income. Cash
flow for the half year was SEK 1,528 M. Programs to shorten lead-times
and reduce working capital continues to contribute. The strong cash flow
is also an indicator of quality in the reported results and of a consistent
application of prudent accounting principles.
Kyro's
Profit Before Taxes Grew During January-June 2002
- Net sales was EUR 71.6 (76.7) million, while operating profit amounted
to EUR 7.6 (9.2) million or 10.6 % of net sales
- Pre-tax profit grew to EUR 7.8 (7.4) million or 10.8 % of net sales
- Earnings per share grew to EUR 0.13 (0.12)
- Strong financial position, equity ratio 74.6 (80.4) % on 30.6.2002
- Order book grew from 1.1.2002 to EUR 72.7 million on 30.6.2002
- Kyro Corporation acquired all shares of Uniglass Engineering Oy
Due to changes in group structure that took place during 2001, the comparison
figures in the interim report for last year are Pro-Forma figures, presented
without the figures of the Tecnomen Group.
Business areas within the current Kyro Group consist of Safety Glass Technology
and Energy. The Safety Glass Technology business area is formed by the
Tamglass Group and Uniglass Engineering. The Energy business area is Kyro
Power.
Kyro Corporation acquired all shares of Uniglass Engineering Oy on 19.4.2002.
Figures for Uniglass Engineering have been consolidated with the Kyro
Group since 1.5.2002.
Net Sales and Profit
Net sales of the Kyro Group was EUR 71.6 (76.7) million during January-
June 2002, while operating profit was EUR 7.6 (9.2) million, or 10.6 (12.0)
% of net sales. The operating volume of both business areas during January-June
was smaller than in the previous year. The Group’s net sales and
operating profit increased by around 30 % from the first to the second
quarter within the period under review.
Profit before taxes and minority interest improved, and amounted to EUR
7.8 (7.4) million, or 10.8 (9.6) % of net sales. Profit for the period
was EUR 4.9 (4.6) million. Earnings per share were EUR 0.13 (0.12). Net
financial items improved from the corresponding period of last year and
amounted to EUR 0.2 (-1.8) million.
Kyro Group’s order book grew from EUR 71.7 million at the beginning
of the year to EUR 72.7 million on 30.6.2002.
Personnel
On 30.06.2002, The Kyro Group employed 531 (486) people. The number of
personnel has grown from the corresponding period last year, mainly due
to the acquisition of Uniglass Engineering and recruitment at Tamglass
factories in China and Brazil, as well as resource additions for the Tamglass
After Sales and product development operations.
Net Sales, Operating Profit and Order Book
The business area consists of Tamglass and Uniglass Engineering. The figures
for Uniglass Engineering have been consolidated with the Kyro Group since
1.5.2002. The business area’s net sales for January-June 2002 was
EUR 59.3 (62.8) million. The decline was due to the postponement of certain
deliveries to the following quarter and the unusually high net sales of
the first quarter in the previous year.
Operating profit was EUR 6.4 (8.3) million. Profitability was affected
by a decline in net sales for the period under review and the continuation
of investment in the factory in China. Operating profit as a percentage
of net sales was 10.8 % for the whole period under review whereas it was
9.9 % for the first quarter.
The number of machine orders received grew from the corresponding time
period of the previous year. The order book for the business area grew
from EUR 47.6 million at the beginning of the year to EUR 49.7 million
on 30.6.2002.
Market Development
Uncertainty in the world economy continued to impact the demand for safety
glass machinery during the second quarter, delaying investment decisions
particularly in the United States. In the Far East, the demand for safety
glass machines grew compared to the corresponding period of last year.
Demand continued to be high in Brazil and China, which have been the focus
of Tamglass investments. Demand for safety glass and safety glass machines
is estimated to continue along its long-term growth trend.
Sales of Safety Glass Machines
The majority of the Group's machine orders during the period under review
focused, as previously, on architectural glass machines. The growth in
sales of Tamglass's glass machines for vehicles continued during the second
quarter. In May, the company received orders for safety glass machines
for vehicles to a total value of EUR 11 million, including, e.g., the
delivery of the entire machine stock for a new factory for vehicle glass
to be built in Russia.Tamglass’s own safety glass factory, Tamglass
Safety Glass, reached a two-year agreement with Maaseudun Kone regarding
glass deliveries for Valtra tractors. As a new product, the company delivered
complex, bent safety glass to a Finnish manufacturer of shower cabinets.
Tel: 03-382 3111.
Web: http://www.kyro.fi
Glaverbel
Shuts Down Float Plant in the Netherlands
Glaverbel has temporarily shut down its float plant at Tiel in the Netherlands
as it copes with continuing economic weakness. The company says float
glass prices are falling because demand is stable at a time when new manufacturing
capacity is coming on stream, but reports good performances from its value-added
products such as low emissivity glass, solar control glass and fire-resistant
glass.
There was also sustained demand for automotive glass and further recovery
of its automotive activities, in lien with its 'Three years to win' plan.
The company predicts slightly lower profits for 2002 as a whole.
Tel: 01788 535353
Email: mailto:gvb.uk@glaverbel.com
Web: http://www.glaverbel.com
Work
begins on Reynaers Institute
Work has recently commenced on the new 'Reynaers Institute' in Belgium.
This new development aims to enhance the service offered to both clients
and employees of Reynaers Aluminium and will append itself to the existing
facility in Duffel. The project comprises various elements, including
a learning centre, test facilities and showrooms.
The lnstitute will provide the perfect setting for commercial and technical
training, product launches and seminars. There will be two showrooms:
"Reynaers Project" and "Reynaers @". In the "Reynaers
Project" showroom larger samples will be on display and an area set
aside for providing demonstrations to architects. The "Reynaers @"
showroom will serve for the provision of ebusiness and software application
demonstrations.
In addition, the centre will incorporate an attractive reception area,
conference facilities, cafeteFias and offices. Reynaers clients will have
full use of the facilities offered by the Institute, including conferences,
training and lectures.
Work commenced on the project in June 2002 and completion is set for July
2003. The building will incorporate Reynaers curtain walling CW 86 with
parallel opening windows. From September, it will be possible to see photographs
of the project and to view its progress at www.reynaers.com.
Tel: 0121 421 1999
Email: mailto:reynaersltd@reynaers.com
http://www.reynaers.com
Saved
From the Soft Stuff
A successful new start up could have gone completely the other way if
it were not for Business Micros stepping into the breach.
Chelmsford
based Chester Windows was established at the beginning of 2002 and demand
for its products was strong from day one (Pictured: Martin Killick (right)
and Paul Foyle) Unfortunately the software the company had installed was
severely under-performing, and the consequences were beginning to affect
the progress made in developing sales during the company's first few months
of trading. A phone call to Business Micros saved the day.
It took just afew hours for Business Micros to turn the company's IT infrastructure
round
'Looking back we should have gone with Business Micros from the start,'
said Chester Windows director Paul Foyle. 'This experience really made
us realise how important the software is to the entire fabric of the operation.
Installing a program that never really worked for us nearly cost us our
business. If it had not been for Business Micros coming in and turning
things round so promptly, we may not be sitting here today.'
Fortunately for Chester Windows there were no long term side effects,
and the fabricator is currently turning out over 100 windows a week, and
growing. Paul and his business partner Martin Killick are currently making
further significant investments in manufacturing facilities, and are working
closely with Business Micros to guarantee that all the software links
are carried out properly.
Tel: 01848 330588
Email: mailto:info@businessmicros.co.uk
Web: http://www.businessmicros.co.uk
European
Machinery Sales buys another Glasner
European Machinery Sales has installed a second large and fully automatic
computer controlled blasting booth from German manufacturer Glasner for
European Glass at its new works in Park Royal, London.
'The installation shows the faith Europoean Glass has both in the machinery
and in European Machinery Sales since the installation of the first such
machine in Manchester over two years ago', the company says.
'The combination of a large and fast automatic blasting booth handling
3500 x 6000mm glass and the speedy completion and delivery of sand blasted
glass to its clients makes European Glass unique in the UK', the firm
adds
More from European Machinery Sales (01522-575004)
Novaglaze
moves to bigger premises
Novaglaze the specialist bending and processing glass Company has moved
premises from Huddersfield to a new larger factory in Elland, to cope
with the increase in business the Company has been winning. Ken Woodcock
the founder said it was necessary the Company found larger better located
premises near to the M62 motorway. So now Novaglaze benefits from an increase
in bending capacity of over 30%, delivery bay, spacious offices, working
on the latest wireless technology and a large new deliveries area.
This will help Novaglaze continue to provide the fast turn around customers
require for laminated and curved glass.
Tel: +44(0)1422 377111
sales@novaglaze.co.uk
www.novaglaze.co.uk
lndigo
Teams up with Spectus
lndigo, the Alridge-based fabricator, has signed a five year sole supply
agreement with Spectus to manufacture its Sightline 70 suite. The company,
which currently manufactures 2000 frames a week specialises in the trade
sector but is looking to expand into the commercial market.
Says Peter Hepwood, lndigo's Managing Oirector: 'We are keen to expand
our business further and working with Spectus will help us achieve our
aims. Spectus has shown its commitment to our business and as a large
systems house is able to offer the support that we need across all aspects
of the business including technical back up, regular, on-time deliveries
and marketing advice.
Spectus provides more than just product, it's a partner working with us
to help us expand our business and achieve our ambitions for growth.'
Tel: 01625 420400
Eurocell
help complete Totty Installation
Eurocell Building Plastics have recently been awarded a contract to supply
over 300m of SB300 tongue & groove soffit and Euroboard to Totty building
services Ltd. The items for the New Build Medical Centre, off Salt Box
Lane in Sheffield, have been supplied by the Eurocell depot in Sheffield.
The project has been underway for six weeks now and the major contractor
Totty Building Services Ltd (A large building company working throughout
the UK but based in Bradford) has been impressed with the service and
quality of both products and services of the Eurocell depot. Eurocell
initially provided an on-site consultation with Totty staff to establish
the best materials for the job, before allocating and then delivery to
site – a service, which all depots provide.
The contract comes at a time when Eurocell Building Plastics and Profiles
are looking to move more and more into commercial work, a task made somewhat
easier by the recent appointment of Eric Gale as commercial manager.
The Sheffield depot situated on Newhall Rd Industrial Estate has also
experienced the benefit of Eurocell’s recent inward investment programme.
A new trade counter, signage, vehicles as well as expanded depot has allowed
this established depot to grow into one of Eurocell’s flagship sites.
For further information contact
Neil Riley Eurocell – 01773 842 100
Sheffield Depot – 0114 242 1666
Website: www.eurocell.co.uk
Group Website: www.tessenderlogroup.com
HiB
Just Gets Bigger and Better
A state of the art larger capacity warehouse has been on the shopping
list for HiB since last year, and now has become reality. All stock is
now housed in a new 27,000 square foot premises based in Tamworth, Staffs.
'HiB is growing at such a rate that for sometime now we have needed to
increase our warehousing operation. The growing portfolio of product ranges
and our continued expansion this year is part of the overall marketing
strategy. Our most important priorities are customer service and delivery,
this move is another big step forward, marking the continued success for
HiB' says MD Warren Ginsberg.
Tel: 020 8441 0352
Email: mailto:sales@hib.co.uk
Web: http://www.hib.co.uk
Permadoor
commits to Secured By Design
Permadoor, the UK manufacturer of thermoplastic composite doors, is committed
to the police initiative, Secured By Design.
The Association of Chief Police Officers, Secured By Design initiative
has encouraged the UK building industry to adopt crime prevention measures
in the development and design of buildings. Secured By Design identifies
technical standards and evaluations, which test the competance of security
products, their resistance to criminal attack and appraises the close
environment. The long-term aim is to reduce the opportunity for crime
and thus provide safe and secure homes in which people can live.
Paul Nugent, Managing Director of Permadoor; 'SBD has had a definitive
impact on the door industry, especially for those companies servicing
the public sector.
'ln both Northern lreland and Wales, the respective governing authorities
have recently taken steps to embrace the initiative and have made Secured
By Design a compulsory requirement in door specifications.
'We believe that the SBD license will become a mandatory requirement within
all new UK door specifications across the public and private sector housing
market, and Permadoor will continue to support the initiative' he added.
Local Authorities and Registered Social Landlords alike are increasingly
requesting SBD licensed products for most new build and refurbishment
projects. For information on Permadoor's range of Secured By Design registered
products, contact 01684 595200.
Email: mailto:sales@permadoor.co.uk
Web: http://www.permadoor.co.uk
John
Fredericks Sets the Wheels in Motion with Bigger Fleet
John Fredericks, one of the largest independent trade manufacturers of
PVCu windows, doors and conservatories, has enhanced its national distribution
chain to the installer network with the addition of new vehicles to its
growing fleet.
The
company now has a fleet of 12 lorries and nearly 20 box trailers, which
have significantly increased its success rate of 'right first time' deliveries
to 98 per cent.
John Fredericks is now manufacturing some 3,000 frames a week, all of
which feature sculptured and chamfered edge finishes. The addition of
the new trucks, which carry John Fredericks' yellow logo, will mean that
the company can further improve the distribution of its frames to its
customer base of installers.
With a standard two week turnaround for its frames and increased capacity,
the company has also added a new 5,000 square feet Mezzanine terrace to
provide additional storage space at its 70,000 square feet production
facility.
Mark Dicconson, sales director of John Fredericks, commented: 'We have
grown rapidly over the last few years and were at a stage where we needed
additional vehicles and storage space to maintain that growth. We expect
the business to continue to grow and will increase our fleet of vehicles
and storage space to ensure that we still maintain the highest levels
of service for our customers.'
Contact: Mark Dicconson
Tel: 01422 314100
Email: mailto:mdd@johnfredericksplastics.com
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.com
Vitro
announces restructuring plan
Vitro, S.A. de C.V. announced that at an internal meeting on August 20th,
Federico Sada, Chief Executive Officer of Vitro, reiterated the company's
commitment to the strategy put in place in the last few years, to streamline
operations, to focus on the production, manufacturing and distribution
of glass products, divest non-core assets and strengthen its financial
structure.
'We are very pleased with the progress this management team has made since
we established the strategy', said Federico Sada. 'Divestiture of non-core
businesses has allowed us to restructure and to focus on strengthening
our primary business and our financial position.'
Jose Domene, Chief Operating Officer, Claudio Del Valle, Chief Financial
Officer, and Francisco Romero, General Counsel head Vitro's management
team.
Jose Domene, Chief Operating Officer, responsible for the operations of
Vitro's three business units: Flat Glass, Glass Containers and Glassware,
stated that Vitro will continue to improve its productivity through cost
and expense reductions and an increased focus on quality and good service
to clients.
In addition, Claudio del Valle, Chief Financial Officer, said Vitro will
continue to concentrate on divesting non-core assets, and strengthening
the financial position using proceeds from the sale of assets and free
cash flow to reduce debt and improve financial ratios.
At the meeting, Federico Sada also asked Juan Orozco, Vice President of
Corporate Finance and Treasury, to continue to work closely with the financial
community to communicate Vitro's commitment to continue to create value
for the company.
Finally, Federico Sada expressed his confidence that the team, which has
been implementing Vitro's strategy during the last years, will work with
dedication to accomplish the company?s goals.Vitro, S.A. de C.V., through
its subsidiary companies, is a participant in three distinct businesses:
flat glass, glass containers, and glassware. Vitro's subsidiaries serve
multiple product markets, including construction and automotive glass,
wine, liquor, cosmetics, pharmaceutical, food and beverage glass containers,
fiberglass, plastic and aluminum containers, glassware for commercial,
industrial and consumer uses.
Founded in 1909, Monterrey, Mexico-based Vitro has joint ventures with
9 major world-class manufacturers that provide its subsidiaries with access
to international markets, distribution channels and state-of-the-art technology.
Vitro's subsidiaries do business throughout the Americas, with facilities
and distribution centers in seven countries, and export products to more
than 70 countries.
Web: http://www.vitro.com
Chester
Housing Trust Commits to Full Partnering with Sash UK
Following the successful conclusion of the window refurbishment of two
housing schemes by Sash UK Ltd on behalf of The Chester & District
Housing Trust, the Trust and Sash UK have now entered into a full partnering
agreement. The agreement is to replace the existing windows in all of
the Trust's properties that don't already have PVCu double-glazing.
The Partnering Agreement between the Trust and Veka fabricator, Sash UK
will see the refurbishment of approximately 850 homes per year, over a
period of 31/2 years. This is particularly significant as this is the
first time the organisation has worked with an external partner for replacing
windows in its properties, and because of the tough criteria laid down
by the Trust to evaluate a potential partner. The focus therefore was
on Sash UK to perform well not just to ensure the satisfaction of the
residents, but also to justify the decision of the Trust's officers to
take this route.
Brian
Oxley, commercial director of Sash UK Ltd (left) delivering the first
window of the new £8.5m partnering agreement to Geoff Blackburn,
chief exec of Chester & District Housing Trust
As part of the selection process, Trust officers visited the Grimethorpe,
Barnsley headquarters of Sash UK. Whilst there they studied the company's
facilities and resources, the skills of its staff, and to ensure the quality
control procedures and products were to the trust's stringent standards.
Of the two previous schemes carried out by Sash UK, residents are reported
to be delighted as they have experienced little disruption even during
the winter months, with installers masking internal decorations to minimise
damage and further pleasing residents by polishing glass internally and
externally before leaving site.
The Partnering Agreement will bring further benefits to the programme
by reducing costs through the elimination of duplication of records and
repeat contact with the residents, and by allowing longer-term planning
and mutual commitment.
Geoff Blackburn, chief executive of The Chester & District Housing
Trust says that the organisation is delighted to work with Sash UK as
partners: 'lt goes without saying that we undertook an extensive appraisal
programme, based on practical experience, independent surveys and resident
feedback, just to make the decision to work with an external supplier.
From the outset we put stringent controls in place to ensure that the
programme was completed within time and budget and with the minimal upheaval
for our residents.
'The feedback we got from residents on the earlier phases, showed that
Sash achieved more than a 90% average ratio from those that responded
to our satisfaction survey, with more than 25 properties completed on
average each week. This indicates that they are capable of maintaining
our high standard of quality and service, even with the increased quantities.
'Even during the early stages of the partnership Sash is already proving
itself to be the right choice in partner, with its commitment to continuous
improvement.'
Tel: 01226 719969
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Sound
absorbing Elephant
A customer who lives in a property on a busy road recently presented Elephant
Windows, the domestic division of Kent-based Piper Double Glazing, with
a problem.
The requirement was for windows on the front aspect of the dwelling that
would provide protection from the noise of the traffic, whilst at the
same time allow the free flow of fresh air. As the property is situated
near the coast, a high degree of wind and water resistance was also required.
Elephant consulted preferred hardware supplier Wagner (GB) Ltd, who recommended
the use of Renson's lnvisivent AK acoustically insulated over-frame ventilators.
The customer's requirements were met in full and he was so impressed with
the effectiveness of the product that he ordered all the windows of the
property to be fitted with lnvisivent so that air circulation could be
ensured without jeopardising the integrity of the building's security
systems by having to leave windows open in the hot and humid weather.
Contact Gary Gleeson, Wagner (GB) itd 01634 263263
Minster
Steps up a Gear
York based Minster Windows has become the latest fabricator and stockist
of Ultraframe's roofing systems; in particular Victorian roofs and Ultralite
500 - the lean-to 'roof in a box'.
Currently manufacturing Rehau 70mm frames to BS7412 and holding BBA accreditation,
Minster identified the need to grow its business and sought out Ultraframe
to help it deliver the complete package to the trade.
David Haley, Sales & Marketing Manager, commented 'The time was right
to position Minster firmly in the trade sector and being able to offer
market leading products is vital to our continued success. Ultraframe
was the obvious choice and by fabricating the Victorian conservatory systems
and stocking Ultralite 500, we can now offer our trade customers the one
stop shop they have been requesting'.
Tel: 01347 810823.