News @ The GL@ZINE

2005 the Most Painful Year, says Palmer in Latest Report on Residential Market

2004 was the first year that the £4.5 billion Home Improvements market has fallen since 1992. Caused primarily by the slowing of the Housing Markets, Palmer is reporting a more severe drop in 2005 followed by a smaller decline in 2006. From then on through to 2009 some revival can be looked for.

One turning point that has been expected is the overtaking of replacement windows by conservatories. The totals for 2005, Palmer forecasts, will be close with windows just staying ahead by value, and 2006 will be the first year that conservatory sales exceed windows in this sector.

The average Conservatory price differs significantly by the sales route, from £5,900 via retailers to £13,500 via specialist conservatory companies.

By 2009 - included in these projections, the conservatory market will be equivalent to the replacement window and entrance door values combined.

What's significant

* All product categories were down - windows, entrance doors, patio doors, conservatories and secondary glazing
* The direct sell sector is more sensitive to economic conditions, and so the builders sector is seen to perform relatively well
* Palmer reports a decline in all products except conservatories in 2005 - but much depends on the housing market
* The prospect of saturation in the replacement window category is postponed slightly by a further survey showing 28% of replacement windows in 2004 actually replaced replacements - this compares with 20% in the previous year
* PVC-U resin prices shot up on the back of rising oil prices
* Patio doors - sliding or French (hinged) both declined with the sliding doors falling faster than the hinged. Once again PVC-U slackened its dominance to the benefit of all other materials
* Sliding patio doors showed the biggest percentage fall for ten years, down over 10% - exactly the same rate by which sliding doors grew.

What's surprising

* PVC-U suffered at the hands of wood in all product categories except conservatories, but PVC-U still has by far the largest share in each category
* In the PVC-U market, vertically integrated companies fell 22%, retail fabricators saw market fall by 14%, but trade fabricators held their own
* Small retail installing companies (under £1m turnover) - now account for one-third of the market and grew by 7.5% on the last full year. This growth is accounted for by the price advantage the small companies can offer, but large companies (£3-£10m) grew even more in 2004, up by 26%. This is possibly caused by the dramatic reduction in the major installing companies (>£10m), which declined by over 10%, and medium sized installers fell by 17.5%
* Entrance doors showed more dramatic changes in construction. PVC-U fell by nearly 10% (mostly in the direct sell sector) while hardwood grew by 6% (mostly in the builders' sector)
* Composite entrance doors grew by one-third, but still only have 6% of the market.

The new format of this Palmer report makes it simpler to use. The Executive summary, main findings and forecasts are in readily digestible form in Volume 1; while the detailed research findings and background arguments are in Volume 2.

* This report continues Palmer's simplification of the reports to ensure that the key points are readily grasped by busy executives.
o The first volume contains the executive summary, an overview of the 2004 market, an analysis of the factors controlling the market ('market drivers') and forecasts to 2009
o The second, historical data and detailed market breakdowns for 'drilling down' into the underlying data and forecasts.

* The Report comes in two dedicated volumes, comprising:-
o 178 pages
o 11 sections
o 107 tables of numeric and statistical data,
o 60 charts illustrating the trends and comparisons.

How do I get hold of it?
Price £5,520 + VAT direct from:

Palmer Market Research
Tel: 020 8390 8131
Email: info@palmermarketresearch.co.uk
Web: http://www.palmermarketresearch.co.uk

Eastern Europe and Turkey Provides Deceuninck Sales Growth; UK and Germany Still Weak

Deceuninck Group earned turnover of 178 million euros during the third quarter, which represents a rise of 11.3% compared with the same period last year. The currency effect had an impact on turnover of 2.8% during the third quarter. The increased volume and the contribution by Winsa led to a climb in turnover of 6.2%. During the first nine months of this year turnover went up to 475 million euros, which amounts to an increase of 7.7% compared with the same period last year. Deceuninck is thus on track to achieve a rise in turnover of more than 5% by the end of 2005.

Growth during the third quarter can be fully ascribed to strongly expanding Deceuninck business in the growth markets of Eastern Europe and Turkey, where a rise in turnover of over 30% and 70% respectively was attained during the third quarter. On an annual basis both regions account for almost one third of turnover.

Almost all regions grew in Eastern Europe. Poland succeeded in producing an increase in turnover for the first time since the increase in VAT on construction materials on 1 May of last year.

Remarkable constant growth has been achieved by Deceuninck Spol, which operates in the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. On an annual basis it is recording a rise in turnover of over 30%. Sales activities are progressing according to schedule in Russia. Almost 50% more turnover was recorded in the third quarter than in the same period last year. Local production which was launched near Moscow last August is running according to plan.

Winsa in Turkey is being jointly consolidated for the first time. Growth here can also be ascribed to strong turnover expansion at Ege Profil, the Turkish division of Deceuninck in Izmir.

In Western Europe the trend of the second quarter was continued. Despite difficult market circumstances the sales divisions in Belgium and France succeeded in maintaining a solid position by introducing new products, such as the zendow window system. zendow also explains the remarkably good sales figures in the Netherlands. Similarly, Spain continued to perform well.

Consumer confidence was weak again in the United Kingdom, which was reflected in falling residential construction business. Moreover, budgets for the renovation of social housing and public buildings were only released with difficulty, despite the ongoing commitment by the British government. This is having an impact on local window manufacturers' order books. Construction also shrunk further in Germany, which led to a fall in turnover.

The trend from the second quarter was also continued in the United States. On an annual basis the rise in turnover in the United States is almost 10%.

Wood Composite

The turnover for wood composite terraces slowed down in the United States. However the potential remains strong. After a thorough market survey and thanks to sound co-operation with Alcoa Home Exteriors, with which Deceuninck signed a distribution contract in 2003, the range has recently been expanded to include new colours and improved surface structures to fulfil recent customer demands even more effectively. Alcoa also expects positive results from the intensive marketing drives planned for the fourth quarter. Deceuninck, therefore, views the future here confidently.

In Europe the launch of Twinson terraces and facade covering profiles in wood composite is progressing at full speed. In contrast to the terrace systems in the United States Deceuninck perfected the technology itself. Given that this is a new material for Europe, it is anticipated that sales during the starting phase will move on stream slowly.

Future Expectations

PVC resin prices began to rise again, in particular from September, due to the limited availability in Europe and the consequences of hurricane Katrina in the United States. During the third quarter inadequate quantities were already reported in the market, thus leading to interruptions in production. Further limited available quantities and very high ethylene prices during the fourth quarter create anticipation that resin prices will be at least at the same high levels as during the fourth quarter of last year. Deceuninck is closely examining how this sudden sharp rise in raw materials prices can be passed on to the market.

Subject to reservations concerning sudden, unexpected developments relating to PVC resin prices and sourcing of stocks, Deceuninck is adhering to the previously forecast expectation that turnover at the end of 2005 will rise by 5 to 10% and the results will be better than last year.

Deceuninck is making its 2009 business plan known on Thursday 27 October before the stock market opens.

Pilkington Building Products - UK has announced that it has won the prestigious Zenith Staybrite Award for 'Glass and Glazing Supplier of the Year'.

Pilkington beat off 11 contenders to scoop the award from Zenith Staybrite, one of the UK's leading replacement window companies.

Glass and sealed unit component manufacturers are measured against one another and points are earned for levels of customer service, speed and efficiency of handling requests, quality and on-time deliveries in full. Pilkington came out on top with a score that bettered its competitors.

(L-R) Frank Gray, Commercial Director Zenith Staybrite, Jackie Thomas, Customer Services Representative, Pilkington Building Products - UK and David Wignall, National Account Manager, Pilkington Building Products - UK.

It is the third time in ten years Pilkington has won the award and it comes as Zenith Staybrite reaffirms its commitment to using Pilkington K Glass. Zenith Staybrite has remained loyal to Pilkington K Glass on the basis that it is the brand that householders continue to ask for by name and it is a good way to meet the requirements of Part L and Window Energy Ratings (WERs). The company also has a long history of handling the glass and installing it.

Frank Gray, Commercial Director, of Zenith Staybrite comments: 'Our success is based on providing first class products and excellent service. It is an increasingly competitive market but Pilkington has been supportive of our aims and helped us to achieve our objectives. They are worthy winners of the award.'

David Wignall, National Account Manager at Pilkington Building Products - UK comments: 'This is a marvellous accolade and I am delighted to accept this award on behalf of Pilkington. We have a strong relationship with Zenith Staybrite that stretches back 20 plus years, which is reinforced by their commitment to Pilkington K Glass. We look forward to working with them for many years to come.'

Tel: 01744 692000
Email: pilkington@respond.uk.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com

‘Global roof sales for the first half year to 30 September 2005 are up 19.9% on the same period for last year,’ comments Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director.

‘Synseal's conservatory sales remain buoyant despite a difficult and demanding market. Our customers continue to do well and with their success our sales have increased significantly. We continue to listen to our customers and deliver what they want, when they want it. Our commitment to the conservatory market through continuous research and development enables our customers to keep ahead in the market. In response to our customers we are launching Global 600, the low pitch conservatory roof system, later this month. These results confirm the growth in our market share of the conservatory market.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Following on from the success of Global EVie, the state of the art exhibition vehicle, from Synseal Extrusions Ltd, SynerJy-Global EVii has been launched. ‘Both the Global roof system and SynerJy, the fourth generation fully sculptured suite that fully integrates windows, doors, patio doors and conservatories are displayed,’ explains Nick Dutton, Synseal's Sales and Marketing Director.

‘The black of the Global logo next to the white of SynerJy looks stunning in this new design. When fully extended the tardis like vehicle expands to a full 30 square meters giving room for full sized samples to be displayed. And as before, customers can use the interactive touch screen to view trade and consumer presentations. The meeting room has a drop screen overhead projector presentation, sound system and climate control, as well as meeting table and catering facilities.

‘Taking Global round the country so new fabricators and installers could see the benefits without coming to Sutton-in-Ashfield proved such a hit we wanted to do the same with SynerJy. We expect EVii to be even more poplar than EVie!’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Vestolit Invests 100m Euros in Expansion Programme

VESTOLIT, one of the larger European PVC-producers, has invested 80m EUR into a new Chlorine plant (membrane-technology) and 20m. EUR expanding its PVC-capacities to more than 400,000 tonnes.

After having the VC-capacity increased by 50,000 t to 400,000 t in July this year, VESTOLIT will now spend approx. 100 Mill. EUR within the next 2 – 3 years to further improve its competitiveness.

The start up of the new membrane plant with a capacity of 260,000 t is second half 2007.

Furthermore VESTOLIT will expand the PVC-capacity to more than 400,000 t, further strengthening the largest fully integrated PVC-site in Europe. 'We especially will focus on new PVC products for paste applications like e.g. flooring and window profiles', says CEO Robert Bornhofen.

VESTOLIT operates in Marl, Germany, for more than 50 years the biggest fully integrated PVC plant in Europe. In 2004 more than 360,000 t of PVC were produced with a turnover of 360 Mill. EUR. The company has more than 650 employees. Robert Bornhofen operates as CEO and Dr. Michael Träger as COO at the company.

VESTOLIT is focused with own technology on special PVC applications like window profiles, CV-flooring, wallcovering, underbody coating and tarpaulins.

VESTOLIT originally was part of Hüls AG. In 1999 the former Degussa-Hüls AG sold the company to a private equity group under the leadership of Candover Partners Ltd.

KAT UK, the UK supplier of in-line patio doors and vertical sliding sash windows, has recently invested £125,000 in new equipment, including the UK's largest vertical quad welding machine.

KAT UK has purchased and installed the vertical quad welding machine in partnership with Kall Kwik Machinery. The Urban verti-quad has been specially commissioned to service the patio outer frame line. The machine is capable of welding patio outer frames up to four metres in length, to tolerances of + 1 mm, ensuring the quality and accuracy of the outer frames are consistently to specification.

An Urban Automatic Screwdriver has been introduced to the patio sash line. Steel reinforcement is now secured automatically and to a consistent quality standard, ensuring that KAT UK customers have robust 'fit for purpose' patios.

Finally, KAT UK has invested in Emmegi Double Mitre Saws for both the vertical sliding sash window and patio factories. The new cutting saws will improve the quality and accuracy of cut, as well as having the capability of cutting from disk.

Manufacturing Manager at KAT UK, David Morgan said: ‘We've made a significant investment in new equipment simply to further improve the quality of product supply. We will go on investing in leading technology to ensure that we continue to provide exclusive, market leading products.’

Tel: 01625 412558
Email: sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

The Government is listening to pleas from the construction industry to reduce the amount of regulation in the industry, door and hardware makers heard at their annual conference.

Michael Ankers, chief executive of the Construction Products Association, said: 'There is a realisation within Government that the burden of regulation in our industry is excessive and there is a genuine desire within Government circles to cut the amount of regulation.'

He was speaking at the annual conference of the Door and Hardware Federation held recently at Loughborough University

The Construction Products Association represents more than 85 per cent of the UK’s £40 billion construction products industry and numbers most major construction products companies and trade associations within its ranks. It is working with the DHF and other member federations and associations to produce evidence of excessive regulation in the industry and will be presenting its findings to the Government.

'The Government does want to see a lighter touch being applied in terms of regulation and it is listening to what we are saying. We want even more real life examples of excessive regulation from our industry to help us present them with a compelling case to bring about more deregulation.'

There is also pressure in Europe to encourage deregulation strongly supported by the recent eastern European entrants into the EU. However, this change in culture is perhaps not as readily accepted by all Commission officials as it might be, many of whom still see their prime purpose is to set regulations and enforce them, added Mr Ankers.

Ian Wood, chief executive of the DHF, pledged the federation’s support to the association’s campaign to stimulate deregulation both in the UK and in Europe.

Tel: 01827 52337
Web: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk

Stevenswood of Edinburgh has just invested a further £360,000 on a new Stuga sawing and prepping centre and 2 Urban SV530 CNC corner cleaners with the new self-centring action.

Stevenswood was the first manufacturer in Scotland and only the second in the UK to start fabricating the fully sculptured, 70mm SYNERJY window and door suite from Synseal.

Stevenswood also manufactures the matching SYNERJY conservatory roof system from Synseal, producing a fully matching conservatory, both for colour and profile shape.

‘Since we started nine years ago we have offered our customers a fully sculptured suite as it looks so much better than typical bevelled suites. It is however, much harder to maintain a quality finish due to the curved frames. Although we have managed until now, this investment in machinery will allow us to produce consistent high quality in our typical seven days turnaround’.

Stevenswood supplies retailers, trade installers and DIY enthusiasts, throughout Scotland. The company also has a retail division installing four conservatories a week in the Edinburgh area. This is a great test-bed for new products before these are offered to trade customers.

Stevenswood has this year added a further 7,000 sq ft to the company’s manufacturing facility in Livingston and has its first Trade Centre opening in November near Ikea in Edinburgh. The trade centre will specialise in complete conservatories to the trade with full technical backup. The company will also be offering trims, cills, roofline, ancilliaries etc - a one stop shop for the glazing trade.

If you would like the company’s info pack, including price lists, please call sales manager Gary Tickle on 01506 438111.

Edgetech's Super Spacer® has been voted favourite spacer by 28 independently owned fabricators that form the Chelsea Trust Fabricator Network in the US. Ninety per cent of the US market uses Warm Edge Technology which means the competition was tough. Over 23 companies, including Edgetech showcased products and services to the Trust Network from all around the United States.

Andy Jones, Sales Director and General Manager of Edgetech UK and Ireland, comments: ‘We are delighted Super Spacer was voted number one - it's great news for our counterparts in the US and it's good news for Edgetech customers here too, with the same benefits available in the UK. We are committed to putting customers first and this recognition rewards the hard work and dedication of our staff.’

Feedback from Trust Fabricator members included comments on Edgetech's winning combination of high quality product and outstanding support to its customers.

Tel: 02476 705570

Eurocell Building Plastics has strengthened its relationship with air conditioning specialist Comfyair, with the purchase of its first container of the popular Comfyair 12000 through-the-wall air conditioner.

This product will now be available through all Eurocell branches, along with other Comfyair products including the new DIY split system, the new 16000 Comfyair through-the-wall unit, the 2KW heater and the popular Friedrich Wallmaster.

The new DIY splits, which created a lot of interest at Eurocell's open day in Grimsby earlier this year, are made up of a compressor unit sited on the outside of the building and connected via pre-charged pipes to a distribution unit on the inside. These are easy to install and run from a 13 amp supply. They are suitable for conservatories, bedrooms and various other rooms.

The Comfyair 16000 unit is in the same casing and has the same features (ie remote control and 24-hour timers) and is suitable for the larger conservatory.

The Friedrich Wallmaster is the only through-the-wall unit on the market with no outside extrusion which has a heat pump and back-up electric heating, as well as providing an efficient air conditioning function.

Eurocell will also sell the new 2KW electric heater, which has the appearance of a small air conditioning unit and is mounted high on the wall in a conservatory. The unit has a fan which can circulate air within the room.

Tel: 01773 842395
http://www.eurocell.co.uk

Caption: The ComfyAir trade stand. Managing Director David Clarke shows off some of the products that complement Eurocell conservatories.

Thermoseal Group, a distributor of molecular sieves for use in the production of insulating glass, has recently embarked on a joint venture project with Natergy Chemical Co.

The result of the venture is Eurosiv molecular sieve. Eurosiv is a pure 3A molecular sieve that Thermoseal is now distributing throughout the UK and Europe.

Eurosiv pure desiccant has performed well in Delta 'T' tests and has very low initial moisture content which provides optimum moisture capacity and therefore prolongs the working life of the glass unit.

Another key feature of Eurosiv desiccant is the fact it is a 'low deflection' molecular sieve. This has been supported in the results of regular Methanol Delta 'T' tests that have shown Eurosiv to not adsorb or re-adsorb nitrogen and therefore giving it low deflection properties. The result of using a desiccant that does not adsorb nitrogen is that it alleviates deflection and stress occurring at the glass edge and therefore prolongs the life of the glass unit.

Eurosiv 3A molecular sieve is available in two forms: standard 1.3mm bead and 0.9mm extra-mini bead. The desiccant arrives packaged in air-tight cartons (25kg) or high volume steel drums (150kg).

Eurosiv has been approved by several recognised test houses and meets the insulated glass industry requirement of EN1279.

For more information or to request various technical data relating to Eurosiv desiccant please contact Mark Hickox on 0121 331 3950 or alternatively email sales@thermosealgroup.com

Over 100 people turned up in the snow for Stoke on Trent fabricator Cutting Edge Ltd's open day to celebrate its move to larger premises. Shirley Peake, Managing Director at Cutting Edge, explains why the company opened its doors: ‘We had to expand because we've grown so significantly and wanted to celebrate our expansion with both customers and prospects. We have taken on a new unit dedicated to our roof manufacturing division, and will continue to fabricate windows and doors in our current units. The open day was a great success. We demonstrated what we have to offer and were supported by our key suppliers including GAP. GAP supplies us with all of our ancillary profiles, including window boards and silicones.’

Steve, GAP's newest Depot Manager, adds: ‘We were happy to support Cutting Edge at its open day. We were able to meet some of the company’s customers and show them what GAP has to offer. I'm very excited about my new position as Branch Manager in the soon to open GAP Birmingham UPVC Warehouse. I've been working at GAP for six years and over the last 12 months have been servicing new customers from the Nottingham Branch who will be supplied by Birmingham as soon as it's open. So we'll be having our own open day very soon and look forward to inviting Cutting Edge.’

Tel: 01254 682888

Agrapins S.A. in Uruguay is a partner of over 20 timber industries and mills that produce a wide range of timber products, from sawn timber to finished products.

The company is looking for sales agents to expand its market and increase its export volume.

Agrapin S.A. was created in 2003, from the experience of several partners, with the intention of concentrating under a global trade mark the business in international timber trading which was developed over 20 years.

The company's headquarters are based in Montevideo Uruguay and it is present in Brazil with its own offices in strategic exportation spots like Curitiba, Belém, Paranaguá and Lages.

'Our low-costs based structure, allows us to be very competitive in prices and consequently to estimulate our sales agents with commission that are normally over the average percentage payed in timber business.' says the company.

'We are available to settle agreements of exclusivity for geographic areas or countries after a trial period of cooperation, and guarantee, starting from the first order issued and confirmed, a continuative agency relationship for the presented customers.'

'Please visit our web site http://www.agrapin.net which contains information on our main products. If interested we also invite you to inform us of the specifications of products required in your specific market, as we are continuously expanding our partnerships.'

Email: agrapin@uol.com.br

A paperless stock management system has been introduced at Carl F Petersen's parent group warehouse in Odense, Denmark.

With 12,000 despatch locations and over four tonnes of products shipped daily, the computer controlled solution has enhanced the speed and efficiency of the company's distribution processes.

Incorporating cassette elevation technology and utilising a one way flow routing solution, products reach their distribution point via the most efficient path through the factory.

Carl F Petersen Ltd's Business Development Manager Bruce Bradshaw visited the Odense factory to gain an insight into the new generation shipping technologies. Commenting on the system, he said:

‘Carl F group companies have an open policy regarding knowledge share - we recognise that we can learn from each others' policies and procedures. We constantly review the UK operation to refine and improve our processes and it was extremely beneficial to learn about the paperless system in Odense.’

As part of his visit, Bruce Bradshaw toured the Odense warehouse, the administration centre and a number of Carl F shops across Denmark.

For Carl F Petersen hardware enquiries:
Tel: 01536 401155
Email: sales@carlf.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlf.co.uk

Albert Equipment UK has just installed a 4LH-1600 horizontal glass washer in its Coventry Showcase factory - an area that is designed for potential customers to view their machines in action.

'Unlike most of our competitors showrooms, our Coventry Showcase is a genuine working factory so potential customers are able to see our machines in their true working environment. In addition, they are able to ask trained glass processors questions about the machines to really find out how they are to live with' says Damien Pooley, Product Manager with Albert Equipment UK. 'This horizontal glass washing machine is a fantastic addition to our showroom as washers are the core of most glass processing factories - a must for any processor requiring a good quality finish'.

The 4LH-1600 washing machine is part of the new range of glass processing machinery that Albert Equipment UK is now offering to the British and Irish markets. This machine has a 1.6 metre wide flat bed that has the flexibility to wash small pieces of glass as well as large, without changing any settings. Setting changes, when they are necessary, may all be performed via the Control Desk - an intuitive PLC based system that controls all variables that affect the good running of the machine (water temperature, conveyor speed, brush height etc.).

4LH-1600 is also soft coat low 'E' ready - this means that it has been proven to be able to clean to a very high standard all the latest low 'E' glasses that are now becoming the norm.

Tel: 0121 7333003
Email: sales@albertequipment.co.uk

Glass Inserts, a specialist manufacturer of decorative window and door products, has announced that Roy Coomber, who has spent over 60 years studying and practising the art of stained glass, has invested in the company. Paul Richards, managing Director of Glass Inserts, comments:

‘When someone as well regarded as Roy shows confidence in your product it confirms that the 11 years I've spent perfecting the product was worthwhile.’

Roy, a Fellow of the British Society of Master Glass Painters, says:

‘I see Glass Inserts as an innovator, giving glass companies the opportunity to enhance their reputations by offering high quality, original glass art products. I see great possibilities for Glass Inserts in the field of architectural glass and domestic windows.’

Roy has specialised in designing traditional stained glass windows for churches and cathedrals all over the world, especially in the UK and America. Roy is also an accredited artist, designer and glass painting teacher member of the Stained Glass Association of America.

Tel: 01179 619953

Well known Midlands dignitary Mike Wolfe, the then Lord Mayor of Stoke on Trent, recently paid a visit to Newstead Trade Frames as part of his commitment to learning more about successful companies in the Stoke area. Against the back drop of the recent Rover closure, good news manufacturing stories like Newstead are gold dust, something which Mike Wolfe is keen to promote.

Adrian Locker, Managing Director of Newstead, comments: ‘We were delighted that Mike chose to visit us to see for himself what makes us stand out from other trade fabricators in the area. He took the time to tour all four sites taking in the manufacturing facility, the conservatory showroom our customers use, and the building products division. Mike is actively committed to regeneration of the Stoke area, a view shared by Newstead as we continue to deliver more employment and investment locally, as well as a nationwide product and service second to none.’

Tel: 01782 641 642

The National Glass Association (NGA) has announced the election of Thomas D. Lee, III to the office of Chairman of the Board.

Lee, President of Lee & Cates Glass, Inc. in Jacksonville, FL, has been a supporter of the NGA for many years, having served on the board since 1999. Lee took the office of Chairman on September 15th at GlassBuild America in Atlanta. He will serve a one-year term.

Joining Lee as executive officers are Chairman-Elect, Wesley Topping, Jr. of Elite Auto Glass/Glaspro in Commerce City, CO and Treasurer, Tom Koehler of HKL Cladding Systems, Inc. in Vadnais Heights, MN. John Heinaman of Heinaman Contract Glazing in Lake Forest, CA, serves as immediate past chairman for the forthcoming year.

Two new members have joined the board of directors to serve three-year terms—Steven R. Burnett of Walters & Wolf Curtain Wall, Mukilteo, WA and Douglas Linderer of Go-Glass Corp., Salisbury, MD.

Board members returning for the 2005-2006 term are: Al Gauntlett, General Glass Co., Inc., Portland, OR; Bob Lawrence, Craftsman Fabricated Glass, Inc., Houston, TX; Kevin M. McMahon, K-Man Glass Corp., Bethel, CT; Stephen W. Mort, Don’s Mobile Glass, Inc., Modesto, CA; Gregory P. Pattakos, Advanced Auto Glass, Inc., Akron, OH; Robert J. Trainor, Trainor Glass Co., Alsip, IL; Rodney Van Buskirk, Bacon & Van Buskirk, Champaign, IL; and Richard Voreis, Consulting Collaborative, Dallas, TX.

Founded in 1948, the National Glass Association is the largest trade association representing the entire flat glass industry. Based outside Washington, DC, NGA offers certification, education and training, and serves the industry with the leading trade publications—Glass Magazine, Window & Door, and AutoGlass. NGA currently hosts GlassBuild America: The Glass, Window & Door Expo and the National Auto Glass Conference & EXPO.