Ultraframe
Announces Interim Results for 26 weeks to 26 March 2004
• UK results continue to be affected by aggressive competitive climate,
exacerbated by softening consumer demand
• North American core sunroom dollar sales flat; good growth from
nascent Company-owned retail stores
• Cash inflow from operating activities of £10.6m (2003: £10.9m)
• Interim dividend held in line with last year
Rod Sellers, Chairman, commented:
'The trading environment in the UK has become increasingly challenging
and competitive. In response, we are expanding our offering for the budget
segment, further developing our existing range of products, and exploring
new channels to market. Conservatory penetration levels remain low in
the UK but, given the extent of current market churn, we remain cautious
about the short and medium term outlook and expect the current sales trends
to continue during the remainder of 2004.
In North America, despite recent results from our franchise network being
slower than expected, the strong performance of our retail stores gives
us confidence in the underlying market potential.
'Overall, it is expected that Group profit for 2004 will be at the lower
end of expectations, while management initiatives and a renewed strategic
vigour should slow the rate of decline during 2005.'
The first half results reflect the increasingly competitive environment
in the UK and the delay in seeing the benefits of the transition to higher
quality franchisees in North America. On a constant currency basis, turnover
on continuing operations for the half year was down 9.6%, with reported
turnover on continuing operations down by 13.0% to £54.9m (H1 2003:
£63.0m). This reflects a 10% decline in the average exchange rate
of the US dollar against sterling in the period under review, compared
to the same period last year.
Gross margin from continuing operations decreased from 50.1% to 48.4%
, primarily due to the impact of changes in UK customer mix. Operating
margin before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items fell from 19.2%
to 9.4% on the same basis, reflecting volume related operational gearing,
together with increased revenue investment of over £3m (constant
currency basis) in North America to support the planned expansion. Operating
profit on continuing operations before goodwill amortisation and exceptional
items fell from £12.1m to £5.1m. Profit before tax, goodwill
amortisation and exceptional items declined by 58.4% to £4.7m and
reported pre-tax profit was down by 65.0% to £3.2m (2003: £9.1m).
Earnings per share before goodwill amortisation and exceptional items
decreased by 58.2% to 3.3p, with reported EPS down 63.5% to 2.3p.
Cash inflow from operating activities of £10.6m was in line with
the comparable period, with tighter working capital management offsetting
the decline in profit. Gearing stands at 13.6% (2003: 23.2%), against
10.3% at the last financial year end. Net debt was £10.3m (2003:
£18.1m), compared with £8.3m at 26 September 2003.
Sales in the UK in April were 23% down on the comparable period, and although
the absolute level of sales in April is ahead of March, the market as
a whole remains difficult. The Board expects the current sales trend to
continue for the remainder of 2004. In the more challenging competitive
environment, the level of leads is fluctuating more than usual between
months, and price has become a more dominant factor in competition for
sales. Longer-term, research recently commissioned from The Henley Centre
confirms that the addressable conservatory market has less than 20% penetration
and will see continued volume growth, albeit slower than historically
experienced and increasingly from a younger demographic group.
North America: Core sunroom dollar sales in April were 11% ahead of the
previous year. Sales levels in retail stores are running at around double
that of the prior year and the Board continues to believe that this rate
of comparative growth will be sustained throughout the year. An active
cost management process is in place to keep infrastructure overheads under
control, and the run-rate of second half dollar overheads will be below
that of the first half. The year on year rate of sales decline due to
franchisee deletions is expected to slow in the second half, and while
the Board continues to expect turnover growth for the full year, the reported
shortfall in dollar profit relative to expectations in the first half
will not be recovered in the second half of the year. Clear market growth
indicators and the current market penetration of less than 5%, as shown
by research commissioned last year from Ducker, give the Board confidence
that the fundamentals of the North American market remain attractive.
Operating
update: United Kingdom
Turnover decreased 13.5% to £36.1m; year-on-year sales were down
8% in the first quarter and down 20% in the second quarter. Gross margin
on continuing operations declined from 52.6% to 51.0%, mainly due to changes
in customer mix against a general market background of increased customer
churn. Operating profit of £7.9m is 28.9% lower than last year,
reflecting volume related operational gearing.
Research recently conducted by The Henley Centre, commissioned by the
Group, concluded that three broad macro-economic factors influence consumer
decisions to purchase a conservatory; interest rates, house prices and
real disposable incomes. We believe that current uncertainties relating
to pension incomes, savings growth, stock market volatility and increased
competition for the grey pound from new leisure opportunities has reduced
the propensity of our traditional consumer (aged 55+) to make an aspirational,
lifestyle purchase.
The budget segment of the market, on the other hand, continues to see
higher growth with intense competition and customer churn as market participants
compete aggressively for market share. We estimate that the budget segment
now accounts for some 40% of the conservatory market by volume (less than
30% by value) and is set to increase in size. This growth is being driven
by a younger consumer demographic (typically aged 35-54), seeking greater
space at home. These consumers are also more price conscious.
Alongside these emerging trends, the conservatory market as a whole has
experienced structural change. Independent research suggests that the
home improvement window market has now matured. We have seen some of the
main window companies moving more aggressively into the conservatory market,
with low priced products and low margin expectations, as they seek alternative
opportunities for growth.
The Group is increasingly committed to defending its market share. In
its traditional market, the Group is maintaining the quality differential
and uprating its conservatory systems. In the budget market, the Group's
offering is being expanded. Uzone TM, which was developed as a completely
new, budget-oriented platform, has been launched and the product range
will be further expanded in the second half of the year. Uzone TM is gathering
sales momentum and is expected to bring a small but growing sales contribution
in the second half as it builds market share. The Group also has a number
of additional new products in the pipeline aimed specifically at the budget
market, which will be introduced over the next six months. For example,
the previewing of Litespace TM at the Ideal Home Exhibition in the spring
generated significant interest. The Group continues to explore ways to
broaden alternative channels to market, including builders' merchants.
The Board is making good progress in seeking a new Managing Director for
the UK business, for which David Moore has taken direct responsibility
in the interim. The management team has been strengthened with the appointment
of a design and development director from Dyson, and the sales team is
being restructured to meet the new competitive challenges. The Group continues
to explore opportunities to reduce costs, but remains committed to research
and development, proactive sales and marketing and the rigorous pursuit
of intellectual property rights infringement. Accordingly, the overhead
run rate for H1 is expected to continue at the same level in H2.
In North America, core sunroom dollar sales are up 0.2% to $33.2m. Overall
dollar turnover is down 1.9% to $33.2m. Year on year, Q1 dollar sales
were up 3% and Q2 sales were down 3%. Gross margin declined from 45.1%
to 43.6%, mainly due to increased labour costs in anticipation of higher
sales growth. A significant increase in overheads against the same period
last year due to the planned revenue investment in infrastructure and
retail stores has resulted in an operating loss in the first half of $2.8m
(2003: operating profit $3.4m). The 10% depreciation in the US dollar
exchange rate has materially impacted the sterling reported results of
our North American business.
The strategy of improving the quality of the franchise network is progressing
well and the business continues to attract new, high quality franchisees.
However, this programme is taking longer to deliver sales growth than
originally anticipated given the extent of franchise deletions (now largely
complete) and slower than expected growth in the core franchisee base.
The Group remains confident that its strengthened franchise network will
grow turnover going forward. New franchisees are generating a higher sales
contribution per franchisee than those they replaced despite their relative
immaturity. Furthermore, the Group continues to encourage all the 300
plus franchisees and dealers to accelerate their sales contribution, through
the provision of on-going support and investment in initiatives to stimulate
demand, such as the recent major development of the Four Seasons website.
The retail store expansion programme is progressing on schedule and continues
to demonstrate the underlying demand in the North American market, delivering
solid growth in sales from $2.7m in the comparable period to $5.6m in
the first half of this year. The stores contributed sales of over $7m
in the previous financial year. Ultraframe currently owns and operates
five retail stores, including one in Houston opened April this year. The
next opening is scheduled in Orlando towards the end of this financial
year. A further five new retail stores are planned by the end of the next
financial year. The retail stores continue to stimulate consumer interest,
generate direct sales leads and attract new franchisees into surrounding
geographic areas that have strong market growth potential.
The Group continues to leverage technological know-how across its businesses.
The first complete vinyl clad room was introduced in the US in the first
half and we are on track with the programme to materially reduce the number
of fasteners in our core sunroom products to significantly reduce installation
times and improve product durability. Ongoing development of range extensions
of the core Four Seasons product portfolio is well underway. Furthermore,
progress in gaining National Building Code Approvals remains a high priority
in the second half, to accelerate the regulatory building permit process
and reduce lead times for sunroom installations.
The planned implementation of a cost reduction programme in the second
half, in direct response to the slower sales growth in the franchise network,
should ensure that infrastructure-related overheads in the second half
of 2004 will be only marginally higher than the equivalent period in 2003.
However, planned revenue investment on the roll out of Company owned retail
stores will continue. Taken together, this is expected to result in lower
dollar overheads in the second half compared with the first six months,
albeit ahead of the comparable period last year.
Synseal
Hits an Average of 1000 Roofs per Week
A relative newcomer to the conservatory roof market, Synseal has demonstrated
the power of product innovation to shake up a market. Growth has been
rapid from its entry to the conservatory market in 2002, and Synseal is
being seen as a future market leader. Synseal’s Shield and Global
roofing systems are now being used in over 1000 conservatories a week.
'And these figures aren’t just for one good week,' confirms Nick
Dutton Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal. 'We’re producing
1000 roofs a week, every week. In fact good weeks are now far beyond 1000.
Growth has come from both new customers, and from existing customers who
are doing extremely well with it. If we go by Robert Palmer’s market
report figures, with a market of only 208,000 conservatories a year, our
new sales figures would give us a 25% market share. That would be nice,
but I don’t think it’s realistic. Adding up the sales figures
of those we know comes to around 200,000, so the total market must be
bigger than that. We think the market is around 330,000, up 15% on the
289,000 figure for 2002 which comes from the Rigby report. That gives
us a 15% share. We are pleased with that as we only launched the first
Shield roof in 2002. Our growth is accelerating, and we have several new
innovations in the pipeline. If we continue to listen to our customers
and meet their needs we will continue to grow.'
Eurocell
Founders Set up New Polycarbonate Company
Formed in Alfreton, January 2003, Polyex Ltd has been set up by Roger Hartshorn and Mike Bosworth to take advantage of the growing demand for conservatories and related products. Roger and Mike made significant personal investment in the new venture which has the capability and capacity to have a major impact on the market.
Polyex
Ltd’s 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft.) purpose built manufacturing headquarters
Both Roger and Mike have significant industry experience; Roger has been
Group MD of Fairbrook Plc for over 15 years where under his tenure sales
have grown from £2m per annum to almost £100m. Mike has been
Group Chairman during this time: (Fairbrook Plc incorporates Eurocell
Window Systems, Eurocell Building Plastics, HL Plastics and Tarpey Harris).
The
money invested in Polyex Ltd has been directed into the installation of
2 bespoke Omipa Polycarbonate extrusion lines, with space for a third
already allocated. Polyex Ltd’s 6,500 m2 (70,000 sq ft.) purpose
built manufacturing headquarters include state of the art quality control
facilities, a high capacity cutting centre, huge warehousing and an office
block for its dedicated sales and technical staff. The location, close
to Junction 28 of the M1, allows Polyex Ltd to distribute sheets easily
to its growing customer base.
The small, yet hugely experienced management team has deep industry knowledge
and play an important role at Polyex Ltd. This makes the business well
positioned within the marketplace to take advantage of being only the
second mainland based manufacturer of polycarbonate with no requirement
to import product from overseas.
As well as investing in infrastructure, Polyex Ltd has created a product
range well suited to the demands of a competitive and evolving market.
Polyex currently offer a range of five different colours, three different
widths and two thicknesses with four more coming to market within the
next two months.
(Colours are clear, bronze, opal, bronze/opal and arctic pearl. Widths
are 1.6m, 1.8m, and 2.1m. Thickness is 16mm and 25mm with 8mm, 10mm, 32mm
and 35mm being launched shortly).
‘Both
Mike and I set up Polyex Ltd to provide the conservatory market with a
high quality product at a highly competitive price. We aim to pass on
the efficiencies generated by our manufacturing and production experience;
which will ultimately result in cost-savings to our customers.
‘We recognise that it is a complex industry with demanding customer
requirements. We are therefore committed to delivering not only a market
leading product range but also customer service appropriate to the differing
requirements of the market, from specialist roof fabricators to smaller
DIY operators. As the business grows, we will seek to expand our distribution
network to ensure that we can serve all potential customers’, says
Roger Hartshorn.
The company has also just added ISO 9001:2000 and BBA certification to
its growing list of achievements, a very quick turnaround since their
first production run in late 2003.
Tel: 01773-838400
http://www.polyex.co.uk
Status Sales Up 14% - Over 20 New Customers
At
the end of the first quarter of 2004, profile extrusion specialist Status
Systems has reported that over the three months sales have risen by 14
per cent on last year, and its sales team has written over 20 new accounts.
New accounts consist of existing fabrication businesses and new starts,
which highlight interesting trends in the industry at the moment, according
to general manager Chris Foreman (pictured).
'There are a lot of dissatisfied companies out there at the moment who
are desperately wanting to grow their business, but are being thwarted
by poor service and overall instability,' said Chris. 'Overall enquiries
have increased about Status, as we have, and have always had, an exceptionally
solid foundation.
'Our increase in sales does not yet reflect the contribution made by all
the new customers. The majority of the growth has been achieved by our
existing customer base which has demonstrated exceptional loyalty and
commitment to the Status brand - sentiments that we recognise and support
with our own loyalty and commitment'.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Masco
Corporation Reports Record First Quarter
Masco
Corporation has reported net sales from continuing operations for the
first quarter ended March 31st, 2004 increased 19 percent to a first quarter
record $2.8 billion compared with $2.4 billion for the first quarter of
2003. Income from continuing operations for the first quarter of 2004
was $241 million compared with $158 million in the first quarter of 2003.
Earnings from continuing operations increased to a first quarter record
$.52 per common share compared with $.30 per common share for the 2003
first quarter.
Results for the first quarter 2004 and 2003 include income related to
adjustments of the Behr litigation accrual of $.03 and $.02 per common
share, after tax, respectively, and incremental income from financial
investments of $.03 per common share, after tax compared with first quarter
2003.
The Company previously announced the planned disposition of several European
businesses that are not core to the Company's long-term growth strategy.
These businesses had combined 2003 net sales in excess of $350 million
and the Company expects net proceeds from the dispositions to exceed $300
million. The dispositions are expected to be completed within the next
twelve months.
First quarter 2004 results include an after-tax charge aggregating $76
million ($.16 per common share) to reflect those businesses that are expected
to be divested at a loss, and after-tax income from their operations of
approximately $4 million, both of which are included in discontinued operations.
Any gains resulting from the disposition of individual businesses, which
are expected later this year, will be recognised as such transactions
are completed and are expected to substantially offset the first quarter
2004 charge.
Including these discontinued operations and the anticipated loss on the
disposition of certain of these businesses, net income for the quarter
increased to $168 million compared with $166 million for the 2003 first
quarter; earnings increased to $.36 per common share compared with $.32
per common share for the 2003 first quarter.
The Company's strong first quarter performance, including 19 percent organic
sales growth, benefited from market share gains, new products and positive
economic conditions impacting new home construction and home improvement
markets. First quarter 2003 operating performance was negatively impacted
by adverse weather conditions which reduced demand for certain of the
Company's products.
The Company continues to experience better than expected sales performance
so far in 2004, and, based on current business trends, believes that it
will achieve record sales and earnings for 2004 with full-year earnings
from continuing operations in a range of $2.00 to $2.10 per common share.
The new earnings guidance represents an increase from the previous guidance
of $1.80 to $1.90 per common share. This year's new earnings guidance
includes the benefit of recent common share repurchases and reflects increases
in certain operating expenses, including such items as energy, insurance
and certain material and freight costs, and excludes first quarter income
related to the Behr litigation and the charge for businesses to be divested.
The earnings projection does not reflect any potential additional income
related to the Behr litigation for the remainder of 2004, as such amounts
cannot be predicted.
Based on current business trends, the Company anticipates that second
quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations will be in a range of
$.50 to $.53 per common share compared with second quarter 2003 earnings
of $.44 per common share.
New Partnership Bids for £1bn Market
Two
of the UK's leading companies in their specialised markets WTL and Heywood
Williams Group, have joined forces to seize the enormous potential of
the WPC (wood plastic composite) market for extrusion and injection moulding
- a market that a recent conference forecast to grow to more than £1bn
in Europe by 2008.
HW Plastics, a division of Heywood Williams Group has a turnover of nearly
£100 million making it one of the largest UK manufacturers of PVCu
window systems and PVC-UE building products. Its PVC cellular extrusions
have a 10 year guarantee against splitting, rotting and cracking, making
them very durable.
Working alongside Heywood Williams Group for the last three years is the
environmentally conscious group WTL lnternational Ltd. WTL has pioneered
the manufacture of organically produced materials, while ensuring health
and safety is implemented. Its commitment to development and cost effectiveness
has confirmed its status as a leading UK Wood Flour manufacturer.
The partnership uses a specific grade of Fibreton Wood Flour supplied
by WTL to manufacture window boards. The composition brings together the
durability and low maintenance of PVC-UE with the workability and strength
of wood, resulting in lower expansion rates and high temperature stability,
making it a cost effective alternative.
WTL identified that not all extrusion firms could handle and extrude a
low density material directly into their extruders. The implication led
to the birth of a new compound of wood filled polypropylene called Natraplast®.
Heywoad Williams Group and WTL say that they have achieved excellent results
using Natraplast® in end products. Extruders who were previously unwilling
to invest in new equipment to handle Wood Flour can now benefit from wood
plastic composites. The development has lead to significant confidence
in the use of Natraplast® to produce various profiles in the market.
This emergence will eventually lead to an upgrade in handling systems
as Fibreton will be used directly with a polymer in-line. The application
will reduce costs without compromising on the quality of the end product.
Tel: 01625 412114
Email: mailto:info@kbp.co.uk
Web: http://www.kbp.co.uk
£50
Million Call for Innovative R&D Proposals Under New Technology Programme
Science
Minister, Lord Sainsbury, has called upon Britain's businesses to put
forward new project ideas for a £50 million programme now available
to support technological innovation.
Speaking to over 500 business leaders, researchers and university academics
at the Government's Technology Strategy and Programme Information Day
at the Business Design Centre in London on 26th April, Lord Sainsbury
said:
'We have put aside at least £150 million over the next three years
to support research and development and the sharing of technology innovations,
areas critical to the growth of the UK economy.
'Today, I have announced the first funding tranche of £50 million
and I am calling upon businesses to work with research bodies to put forward
projects for funding that could make a real difference to our economy.
'Proposals are being invited for seven priority areas where businesses
have told us that public support can make the biggest difference.'
The seven priority areas are:
* bio processing;
* technologies to support environmentally-friendly transport;
* advanced composite materials and structures;
* inter-enterprise computing;
* renewable technologies;
* disruptive technologies in electronics and displays; and
* sensor and control systems.
'These represent emerging technologies that have wide and pervasive applications
in business, and achieve environmental and social benefits,' Lord Sainsbury
added.
The money will be made available by open competition through two of the
DTI's new business support products: Knowledge Transfer Networks and Collaborative
Research and Development. These products were developed as part of a restructuring
of DTI's business support that replaced a complex array of schemes with
just nine products that are easier to use and understand.
Grants of between 25 and 75 per cent will be made available for collaborative
projects and 100 per cent grants will be available for proposals that
help develop dynamic knowledge transfer networks in the specific key emerging
technology areas. Applications can be made on-line via the DTI website.
'Encouraging innovation and the demand for new technologies is essential
to ensure UK businesses remain competitive in the tough global marketplace.'
Lord Sainsbury said. 'Today's announcement marks a key step in the development
of our Technology Strategy and Programme as recommended in our Innovation
Report.'
New Large-Scale Test Facility for the North East
A
new facility has been established by BRE Fire Division (FRS) to meet the
needs of construction and associated industries in North East England
for large-scale fire and other buildings-related tests.
Known as BRE North East, the new facility includes a 20m by 40m by 8m-high
building and access to a 40-metre-high facility, allowing BRE to undertake
large and full-scale scale testing work such as:
* Fire performance tests on construction products
* Fire safety tests of innovative building designs
* Testing for certification schemes approval and Buildings Regulations.
The facility's location in Middlesbrough - close to the North East coast
and major transport routes - will allow FRS to provide a more local and
cost-effective approach to many of the fire-test requirements of northern
clients such as:
* Construction products manufacturers
* Building designers and developers.
Contact: Pauline Aitchison at FRS
Tel: 01923 664973
Email: mailto:aitchisonp@bre.co.uk
Astraframe's Shortcut Prosperous Year
Norwich
based window manufacturer Astraframe is anticipating a productive year
ahead following a £250,000 investment in its production capability.
The company has purchased a new Y-Welder, following the recent additions
of the latest replacement Stuga cutting centre and Transom/corner cleaners. The
urban machine is able to produce two Y-Welds in one working cycle, eliminating
the less accurate process of reverse butt-welding on single head welders
and manual V-notching.
Trevor Collier, managing director of Astraframe, commented: 'By investing
in the latest technology and adding to our product portfolio, we are on
track to raise production, develop our market share and improve profitability.
'Having recently secured exclusive rights to manufacture windows and doors
for prestige brand James Harcourt, we are building and enviable local
reputation for fulfiling demand for premium quality windows, doors and
conservatories across East Anglia.'
The replacement window market in Norfolk is currently worth £25
million a year and Astraframe's local reputation has helped the company
achieve growth within a crowded and competitive environment. However,
Trevor Collier believes that less conscientious businesses are in for
a rough ride.
'The industry recognises that one third of the replacement window market
will disappear by 2006 and that only those companies committed to improving
the quality, diversity and profitability of their business offer will
survive.'
Astraframe was established in 1989 and now employs a workforce of more
than 25 people at its Barker Street factory in the city.
Versatile
Hits the Big Screen at Interbuild
With sales growing continuously amongst national and local housebuilders,
Versatile took the opportunity to hit the big screen at Interbuild 2004,
‘And we’re very glad we did’ says Kevin Barnard, managing
director.
The company has previously been a loyal exhibitor at Glassex, but after
much consideration decided this year to show at Interbuild instead.
‘The response received has justified that decision’, continues
Kevin. ‘The Versatile conservatory roof presents the ideal solutions
to meet future standards and regulations, offering unique opportunities
across a wide spectrum of the market. And as part of the Burles Group
of Companies we are able to offer ‘Versatile’ solutions from
a standard fully prepped roof kit, through to a full conservatory package
and/or installation service, which makes Interbuild an ideal forum to
reach the most widest audience possible.’
A concerto, composed specifically for the occasion, provided a serene
ambience, as the unique features and ease of installation offered by the
Versatile Conservatory Roof System were displayed continuously on a large
video screen, drawing great interest from visitors to Hall 6.
Specifiers seeking a truly, durable, lifetime product, were impressed
with the pultruded GRP ring beam gutter, which offers excellent physical
and mechanical properties and low thermal conductivity with greater insulation
than "traditional" roof system materials, whilst its high dimensional
stability means minimal expansion and contraction with temperature changes
and heat loading. Comparatively priced with thermally broken aluminium,
GRP provides a U Value similar to that of timber, is faster to work with
than PVCu and is so strong it does not require reinforcement.
Versatile’s vision for the future - a system manufactured throughout
using GRP materials - also created enormous interest. Currently the roof
bar sections are manufactured from pvc profile, manufactured by Veka Plc,
but the company’s design team are developing sections that would
also be manufactured from pultruded GRP, offering a higher strength to
weight ratio, thereby eradicating the need for reinforcement on more conventional
sizes of conservatories. Whilst specifiers were intrigued with the long
term values of the system, fabricators and installers were amazed at the
innovative design, which allows the ring beam to act as an integral gutter.
This not only saves time and cost, but adds to the exceptional appearance
of the finished product and provides invaluable adaptability for ease
of construction in awkward applications, such as properties with low eaves,
or the ability to incorporate a chimneybreast.
Versatile also took the opportunity to Introduce a new aluminium ridge,
which enables greater distances to be spanned, whilst providing the flexibility
of variable pitch. With external and internal GRP ridge covers located
to stops, without any screws to penetrate the cover, the new ridge continues
to allow accurate, yet simple, timesaving methods of construction.
With a host of decorative options, including a truly attractive dentil
ring beam, the Versatile Roof System combines a flexibility of style to
accommodate the most demanding of applications, whilst attractive joint
and end cappings provide a truly professional finish. In addition there
is a wealth of colour choice to appeal to the most discerning of end users
with lead times on colour minimised through the use of Versatile’s
own in-house paint facility.
Size
Matters for Vetrotech Saint-Gobain in Ground-breaking Test
A single sheet of glass from Vetrotech Saint-Gobain, one of Europe’s
leading suppliers of fire resistant glass, has proved itself to be in
a large-span class of its own – offering huge new options for architects
and designers.
A ground-breaking fire test in France has certified that a single sheet
of SGG Contraflam-N2 over seven metres square achieved 60 minutes of integrity
and insulation – a world first for a single glass span of this size
and performance.
The successful test, providing certification to EN 1364 Part I, reflects
Vetrotech Saint Gobain’s commitment to continually develop fire glass
solutions that will allow architects and specifiers greater freedom when
incorporating safety glass into their designs – externally or internally.
The enormous span of high-performing glass, glazed into timber, was tested
at the Centre Technique Industriel de la Construction Metallique (CTICM),
France’s leading independent testing centre, and achieved 66 minutes
in both integrity and insulation – a 10% over-run.
‘This test means that Vetrotech Saint-Gobain is uniquely able to
offer the highest level of fire protection in glass sizes that were hitherto
thought impossible, particularly into a timber frame,’ said Sue Hargreaves,
UK and Ireland General Manager.
‘We are proud to offer a complete product range of Class A glasses
that together offer an affordable and comprehensive glass solution –
whatever the fire safety requirement,’ she said.
SGG Contrflam-N2 can be used as single glazing or incorporated into double
glazed units, and was developed to also easily offer a range of decorative
or functional options - such as solar control, sound reduction or thermal
insulation.
The French fire test involved glass dimensions of 2200mm high by 3210mm
wide – a total of 7.06 square metres.
In a separate test, SGG Contraflam-N2 also achieved 60/60 certification
when glazed into a steel frame, with a total glass size of 4.2 square
metres and a glass height of 2750mm – another significant test that
underlines the versatility of this glass for large-span applications.
SGG Contraflam-N2 is a multi-laminated fire resisting glass, with the
required level of fire resistance determining the number of tempered safety
glass sheets and interlayers. In different formats, the glass can provide
from 30 minutes of integrity and insulation (EI30) to 120 minutes of integrity
and insulation (EI 120).
For a comprehensive product selector on all Vetrotech Saint-Gobain’s
glasses, please phone 0113 239 1500, fax to 0113 239 1511 or log onto
www.vetrotech.com.
Alternatively, you can contact Vetrotech Saint-Gobain by email on infovsguk@vetrotech.co.uk
Listers, £400,000 & 15 Miles of Electrical Cable
Back
in January Lister Trade Frames purchased a new 90,000 square foot site
in Stoke for its expanding window, door and conservatory production. And
now, after spending an additional £400,000 the building has been
totally refurbished to Listers manufacturing standards and is ready to
start production.
Mark
Warren, Listers Managing Director is delighted to see the progress in
just three months. 'Basically the building was just a shell, albeit a
very large shell, but the services were just not to the standard we required,
so rather than just make do, we decided to take the opportunity and completely
refurbish the entire building.' This was on top of the company's initial
investment of some £2.5 Million. An estimated 15 miles of new electrical
cable has been installed along with new lighting, heating and air supplies.
Darren Pusey, Listers Production Director (pictured standing inside part
the newly refurbished window production hall). can't believe his luck,
new premises tripling his production area and all kitted out for the latest
machinery and staff. 'Our commitment to quality and service are appreciated
by our customers, but this further investment has demonstrated that we're
not content to just 'tread water' like so many companies. We want to grow
our market share, and we are willing to invest heavily to do so.' says
Darren, 'I just can‚t wait to get in there!'
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
'As
forecast at the time of launch 18 months ago, Pultec has had no trouble
passing all the relevant British Standards, with performance results substantially
better than PVCu and aluminium.' says the company.
Pultec's casement and tilt and turn window systems meet the BS7950 specification
for domestic windows, also BS6375 for water resistance.
In acoustic tests, Pultec systems recorded a Weighted Sound lndex of Rw
38, a good result.
In the 'hot box' test for thermal insulation, Pultec achieved U values
down to 1.55WM2/K, which will continue to exceed the Part L requirement,
even when the current level is reduced from 2WM2/K to 1.8WM2/K in a few
months time. An even higher level of performance can be achieved by filling
the open chamber within the Pultec profile with expanded polystyrene.
'Wood has a relatively poor U value of 2WM2/K. Steel and aluminium are
good thermal conductors and therefore poor insulators. PVCu is thermally
volatile and, unlike Pultec, also needs metals inserts which act as a
cold bridge.'
Tel: 0117 947 4727
Email: mailto:windows@lindman.co.uk
Danny
Takes the Advantage
Danny Hague has joined Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd of Poynton,
Cheshire, as Group Commercial Director.
He re-joins the company after a two year absence in an expanded role that
oversees both the window fabrication and the conservatory roof divisions.
The company is part of the Moran Group Plc and Danny will be working closely
with Chairman Ian Moran.
On his appointment Danny said ‘I am delighted to be back at Advantage.
There is a real sense of excitement about the future and I am looking
to strengthen our commitment to our existing customers as well as looking
for new opportunities for growth.’
Selectaglaze Ltd - By Appointment to Her Majesty The Queen
St.
Albans based Selectaglaze has been granted a Royal Warrant of Appointment
to Her Majesty The Queen as Manufacturer and Supplier of Secondary Glazing.
Founded in 1966 by the late Chris Childerstone, the company has gained
a reputation as one of the country’s leading secondary glazing specialists
with particular expertise in the sensitive treatment of listed facades.
From the company’s headquarters Managing Director, Meredith Childerstone
– son of the company’s founder – says: ‘We are delighted
with this honour. It’s a testament to all the hard work, dedication
and craftsmanship that has prevailed throughout the company since its
inception. It is an Award in which the entire company, past and present,
can take pride in receiving’.
The company employs in the region of 70 people, designing, manufacturing
and installing secondary window systems. Much of the company’s work
is based in city centres throughout the UK, particularly Central London.
‘We have worked on a phenomenal range of prestigious and famous buildings’,
says Meredith.
‘Much of our work is with the refurbishment of Listed Buildings where
it is vital to maintain the original character and style. We also handle
many projects where noise is a real issue, particularly near motorways
and airports and we increasingly work on projects that require upgraded
security.’
As long as developers continue to upgrade and refurbish, as opposed to
build from new, secondary glazing systems will remain an important specialist
product.
Tel: 01727 837271
Email: mailto:enquiries@selectaglaze.co.uk
Web:
http://www.selectaglaze.co.uk
Patiomaster South West Expands Delivery Fleet
Paignton-based
PatioMaster South West has added a new vehicle to its delivery fleet to
meet rising demand from fabricators and installers for its in-line sliding
patio door. The addition of a new DAF 7.5 tonne sleeper cab brings the
total fleet to three to further improve PatioMaster South West's delivery
service throughout the South West and South Wales.
Now in its sixth year, the original stalwart of the PatioMaster national
network of nine regional fabricators supplies 150 PVCu fully fabricated
patio doors to a growing customer base. The workforce has also expanded
by 20% due to sustained growth.
PatioMaster SW General Manager, Jeff Dealtrey says the company’s
specialist service offers customers a simple, reliable and cost-effective
local source of quality patio doors.
Explains Jeff: ‘Our customers depend upon our reliability and being
able to respond quickly to their needs - in a five day turnaround. By
purchasing their patio doors from a specialist supplier, fabricators can
concentrate on the job in hand - making windows.’
PatioMaster, the UK patio door manufacturer, has enjoyed steady year on
year sales growth.
The PatioMaster national network of approved distributors stretches from
Scotland and Northern Ireland to the South East offering a choice of versatile
patio doors to suit a variety of applications and requirements.
Profile 22 Scores a Big Hit with Customers
Profile
22 scores highly on brand awareness, technical and specification back-up
and marketing support, an annual survey of its customers has revealed.
The company has also made improvements in areas such as the product's
appearance, innovations and solid reliability, as well as Business Development
Managers and the benefits of having a well-known brand, the research concludes.
Profile 22 commissioned the study to assess customer satisfaction levels
on a range of product and service issues and, where possible, compare
these to results from the previous year.
Technical support, as well as marketing support, proved to be the most
used services for the second year running, with specification help the
next most used. ‘Clearly Profile 22's sharing of its expertise is
of value to its customers,’ the study says.
Production aid showed a big jump between 2002 and 2003; with almost double
the number of customers taking advantage of the service, perhaps reflecting
more investment in plant and machinery.
Other services used more by customers included marketing services, such
as literature, point of sale material and lead provision; while the offer
of selling strategies had been taken up by a third more of respondents
over the previous 12 months.
When asked about improvements made by Profile 22 over the past 12 months,
respondents noted better communications, the launches of Safeware and
Bubblex, product quality and easier ordering.
Profile 22's Sales and Marketing Director, Rob McGlennon comments: ‘We
wanted to get an overall impression from our customers to find out what
we're doing right and where we can improve'.
‘The results are invaluable to us and as they also form part of our
annual quality accreditation reviews, we can ensure that our quality products
and customer service can only improve,’ adds Rob.
Some customer comments on technical support...
'Technical support is very good.’
'Invaluable service in the early days.’
'Knowledge to answer all our questions.’
'They are very helpful regarding queries on machinery and tooling.’
'Help with Kitemark certification on products. Advice and help with wind
calculations and meeting specifications.’
Some customer comments on specification help...
'Invaluable resource.’
'Advice on tenders, contracts and building regulations.’
'To keep up to date with contract work specifications and building regulations.’
Passing Quality Down the Line – ‘Everyone is a Quality Inspector’
'The
window spec has changed for the better.’ It may be a play on words
by the Managing Director of Birmingham-based trade fabricator Window-Spec,
but with new premises four times the size of the old factory, a new profile
supplier and new window system, it certainly rings true.
‘Window-Spec’s rebirth in this way means we’re ready for
sustained growth to take advantage of the current opportunities in the
market place,’ says John Whateley.
Window-Spec
is now manufacturing an average of 500 frames a week in its new 20,000
square foot factory - that is 100 more than the capacity of the old 5,000
square foot premises. And there is plenty of room for the growth that
switching to Kömmerling’s 70mm chamfered and classically-curved
Connoisseur systems is expected to bring.
‘With our planned automation and computerisation programme, we will
be able to manufacture 1,200 windows a week here comfortably, and the
potential could go as high as 1,500,’ says John.
The total investment for the move, with new machinery including state-of-the-art
saws for increased cutting capacity, welders, and a fully-automated top-of-the-range
corner cleaner, was £200,000.
‘Many fabricators don’t realise that in order to manufacture
a fully sculptured system, a large investment is required to make it a
presentable product. Our old premises just weren’t suitable for fabricating
sculptured windows, so we needed to invest, in order to bring a high quality
finished sculptured window to the market.’
As a trade-only fabricator, potential new customers often ask Window-Spec
about its quality control. While it is a BSI-registered company, and ISO
management registered, John says their approach to quality is different
to that adopted by most fabricators - especially of their size.
It is a practice they have constantly adopted throughout their growth
from a small start-up company eight years ago. ‘The way we work means
we don’t need an overall quality inspector. With a total workforce
of 42, including around 30 semi-skilled fabricators, every individual
is responsible for checking the quality of their particular part of the
operation.
‘Our reputation has been built on the fact that we don’t pass
anything but quality down the line. Everyone is a quality inspector, and
it means we drastically reduce in-house waste, and drastically reduce
sending problems of our making into the market.’
Window-Spec
is looking for the product range, quality and service from its new relationship
with Kömmerling, to propel it into a leading position to take advantage
of market changes which Sales and Marketing Manager Andrew Wheeler says
are currently taking place.
‘While our customer base has always been a mixture of domestic and
commercial installers, the more established domestic installation companies
are now getting more opportunity to move into commercial contractual work
on a regional basis. Manufacturing two Kömmerling systems gives us
a good market edge.’
However, he says that changing systems should not to be undertaken lightly.
‘The industry is renowned for fabricators frequently changing entire
systems to save a few pounds here and there - but it’s usually at
the expense of quality. We wanted a long-term relationship with a company
that was well known and well respected within the trade, so we had discussions
with a number of what we perceived to be reliable, good quality profile
extruders, before making the decision to switch.’
Andrew and John agree that many installers are turning away from ‘off-the-shelf’
windows, in favour of those which can be tailor-made for their own customers’
requirements. ‘Window-Spec is less automated than what we’d
call the large super-fabricators,’ says John.
‘Because our fabricators are semi-skilled, instead of just being
machine-minders, we pride ourselves on maintaining that all-important
flexibility to meet installers’ individual demands.’
Andrew says many of his customers have started replacing existing PVCu
replacement windows, which were originally fitted in the early 1980s.
‘Today’s modern window is so much better looking than its earlier
PVCu counterpart, and has many more security features. People replacing
existing replacement windows in their homes are often those who’ve
recently moved into the property, and the windows in their previous home
were better than those in their new one. They’ve seen the difference
at first hand.’
Europa
is Exclusive to Newstead Installers
Newstead
Trade Frames has now received confirmation from The Patent Office that
its Europa® brand has been authorised as a registered trademark. ‘We
wanted our installers to have a further edge over their competitors by
differentiating our products even more,’ says Adrian Locker, Director
and General Manager of Newstead.
‘It’s brand protection for us, but for our customers too. Having
the Europa brand registered adds credibility when installing and selling
in the home. For example it gives our comprehensive marketing support
package even more weight with homeowners. It also helps customers protect
and support their pricing.’
Tel: 01782 641 642