'Tailored
Roofing Systems Found Guilty of Breach of Contract in a Six-Figure Payout
to Ultraframe'
In
a ruling recently, Tailored Roofing Systems (TRS), fabricators of conservatory
roofs, were found to be in breach of contract and ordered to pay an initial
£126,000, within 14 days, to the conservatory manufacturer, Ultraframe.
TRS has been found liable to pay Ultraframe a further amount of damages
as a result of their breach of contract, the amount of which is currently
under assessment. Ultraframe is claiming a substantial sum in lost profits
that it would have made had TRS complied with the terms of the contract.
TRS was ruled to be in breach of the 12-month ‘sole supplier’
contract it had in place with Ultraframe.
'As a responsible, committed and transparent company, Ultraframe is pleased
with the ruling. Customers benefit considerably from the reputation and
standards arising from exclusivity agreements with Ultraframe, helping
build those businesses and their own reputations with customers for superior
quality products.' says the company.
'Our customer relationships are the cornerstone of a successful business.
Ultraframe places great store in its customer services and training. Above
all, Ultraframe is concerned with the safeguarding and policing of industry
standards and will continue to protect the industry, its employees, customers,
shareholders and consumers.'
Nick Gale, Managing Director of Ultraframe, comments:
'We were disappointed that this situation arose at all, as we as a company
are committed to strengthen business relationships and to work in partnership
with our customers, however in this instance this proved not to be possible.'
Ultraframe
sues Eurocell for Patent and Design Right lnfringements Relating to Pinnacle
500
Legal
proceedings have been commenced by Ultraframe (UK) Limited against Eurocell
Building Plastics Ltd and Eurocell Profiles Ltd claiming an injunction
and damages concerning supplies of 'Pinnacle 500' roof system components.
Ultraframe claims significant infringement of its intellectual property
rights that relate to its successful Ultralite® 500 low pitch roof
system.
Ultraframe's case which involves claims of infringement of both patent
rights and design rights is denied by Eurocell.
Ultraframe's policy is to continue to safeguard intellectual property
rights and industry standards. Its continual investment in R & D and
upholding of industry standards ensures that it protects its customers,
employees, shareholders and consumers.
Ultraframe designs and manufactures conservatory systems for both domestic
and commercial use. The company, based in Clitheroe, Lancashire, was founded
in 1983. Today, Ultraframe Group employs 1200 people across Europe and
the United States.
In response to the above, Roger Hartshorn, Managing Director of Eurocell said: 'This is not a new claim and we have been aware of this since January. Both solicitors and Counsel have advised us that there is no merit in this claim and furthermore the patent is invalid. A counterclaim has been served on Ultraframe seeking to revoke this particular patent. Our solicitors are currently examining further Ultraframe patents.
Ian
Stuart departs from Heywood Williams, and Group Trading Statement Predicts
First Half Losses
In
the light of a loss in the six month period ending 30th June 2003, an
expected shortfall in full year profits against current expectations,
and the resignation of the group's chief executive, Heywood Williams,
following its board meeting recently, issues a trading update ahead of
the formal announcement of the full interim results on 3rd September 2003.
In summary, the scheduled improvements in UK operations are not materialising
as quickly as anticipated, and US markets remain depressed. Profit before
tax (before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation) for the first
half of 2003 is expected to be a loss of approximately £1.7 million
(H12002: profit of £10 million) reflecting the delayed turnaround
in the UK operations and poor market conditions in the US.
Net debt at 30th June 2003 is expected to be approximately £43.8
million (2002:£35.9 million) after the receipt of £8.9 million
in part settlement of the legacy product rectification claim first announced
in August 2002.
The balance sheet was further strengthened on 23rd July 2003 with the
receipt of the gross proceeds to date of £34.8 million following
the sale of the Creation Group to Dura. This could be increased by a further
amount of up to £1.8million dependent on Creation sales over the
next year. This successful divestment builds on Creation's record setting
financial performance in 2002 and maximises value for the group's shareholders.
Ian Stuart has tendered his resignation as group chief executive in order
to seek a new business challenge. With immediate effect, Hamish Bryce
has been appointed executive chairman, and fulfils the responsibilities
previously undertaken by Ian Stuart. Roger Boyes, a non-executive director,
has become deputy chairman and William Schmuhl has assumed executive responsibilities
for US operations. In due course, a search for a new group chief executive
will be initiated.
In its circular to shareholders proposing the disposal of the Creation
Group, the company undertook to maintain the 2003 dividend at 2002's level
of 15 pence per share, in the absence of unforeseen circumstances. The
board confirms it will maintain this undertaking post this announcement.
The UK turnaround has not progressed at the rate expected, particularly
in the Plastic Systems Division and Coldseal. At Plastic Systems costs
have to be reduced further and demand has yet to recover to the levels
anticipated following the supply chain disruption which arose in late
2002 and early 2003. The situation is slowly improving and all efforts
are being directed towards accelerating this process.
The company commented:
'Coldseal, our retail double glazing business, underperformed expectations.
Efforts to raise margins, improve productivity and strengthen management
did result in a better second quarter performance, but there is still
a long way to go to return this division to satisfactory profitability.
'Mila, our specialised component wholesale division, performed satisfactorily,
although their results were held back because of the weakness of Sterling
versus the Euro.
'In the US, the manufactured housing (MH) market remains depressed and
well below the level of the previous year. Pipe volumes and margins have
weakened as recently distributor stocks have temporarily run ahead of
final demand. We anticipate some recovery in pipe markets later in the
year, but the timing of the long awaited MH recovery remains uncertain.
'Overall, the second quarter showed an improving trend on the first and
was profitable. Looking forward, we expect the second half to be below
prior year levels. In the UK we will continue to drive the operational
turnaround in the Plastic Systems Division and at Coldseal. Mila will
build on its inherent strengths to improve margin and grow market share.
'The remaining US businesses will continue their strong and proven focus
on operational efficiency and cost control as they await a return to more
normal market conditions. With the group's strong balance sheet, inherently
cash generative businesses and significant market positions in each of
its five principal areas of activity, the board, whilst fully recognising
the challenges ahead, remains confident for the longer term prospects
of the group.'
Hunter
Douglas Acquires French Blindmakers Filtersun and Goeland
Hunter
Douglas has acquired Filtersun and Goeland from Arquati, an Italian company
listed on the Milan Stock Exchange. Terms were not disclosed. In May Hunter
Douglas acquired three blindmakers from Arquati in Sweden, Switzerland
and Spain, and last month acquired Timberblinds, a US manufacturer of
window coverings.
Filtersun and Goeland assemble and distribute a range of window covering
products in France. The companies had combined sales in 2002 of EUR 16
million and employ 153 people. Their operations and management will remain
unchanged.
This acquisition will strengthen Hunter Douglas' position and product
offering in France where it distributes materials for window coverings
to independent blindmakers and where Luxaflex® window coverings are
assembled and distributed by Filtrasol, a company-owned blindmaker.
Hunter Douglas has its Head office in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, and
a Management office in Lucerne, Switzerland. The Group is comprised of
155 companies with 64 manufacturing and 91 assembly operations in more
than 100 countries. Hunter Douglas had sales in 2002 of EUR 1,692 million
and has about 15,500 employees.
The shares of Hunter Douglas N.V. are traded on the Dutch, Swiss and German
Stock Exchanges.
Pilkington
AGM Statement Warns of Continuing Difficulties
At
the AGM of Pilkington plc, the Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd, made the following
statement: 'As I said at the time of our results announcement in May,
last year we experienced some of the toughest trading conditions for many
years. However the improvement in our competitiveness following the restructuring
of recent years meant that we were still able to produce respectable results.
Operating profits fell by 9%, but our increased emphasis on cash generation
enabled Pilkington to deliver its strongest cash performance for a decade.
As we continue to trade in both difficult and challenging markets, our
priorities remain clear - continued cost reduction, further improvement
in manufacturing performance, and a focus on the generation of free cash
flow to underpin our financial performance.
In this context, last week we announced the sale, which is conditional
on regulatory approvals, of our Aerospace business to GKN for £42
million. The sale is consistent with our strategy of concentrating on
our core Building Products and Automotive businesses and strengthens further
the Group's financial position.
Turning to current trading, I would now like to pick up on the elements
in our core businesses that have determined our performance in the early
part of the year:
Building Products
As anticipated, most Building Products markets have remained difficult,
and whilst trading in the UK continues to be relatively strong, demand
in Continental Europe is weak.
In North America, conditions remain challenging in the commercial building
market, although we expect the benefits of restructuring and improved
manufacturing performance to come through in the results for this year.
Our Australian business continues to perform well and results in South
America are benefiting from the improved stabilisation of the Argentinean
economy.
Automotive Glass
Vehicle production in Europe and North America is currently running below
last year's levels. Nevertheless our sales to the OE manufacturers are
slightly better, due to strong demand for some key models featuring Pilkington
glass. Efficiency and productivity levels in our OE businesses in Europe
and in North America continue to improve, and overall results are a little
ahead of last year.
In Automotive Glass Replacement, demand in Europe is generally encouraging,
while the market in North America has experienced a slow start to the
year.
Continuing increases in productivity and cost reductions over the last
few years have, however, helped to ensure that results have held up relatively
well.
The Automotive businesses in South America, Australasia and China are
operating close to or better than last year's performance, despite variable
market conditions.
In summary, despite the background of challenging market conditions that
I have described, we have had an encouraging start to the year.'
Anticipated
Acquisition by GKN plc of the Aerospace Division of Pilkington plc
The
Office of Fair Trading is considering whether arrangements are in progress
or in contemplation which, if carried into effect, will result in the
creation of a relevant merger situation under the merger provisions of
the Enterprise Act 2002. Should it be found to be a relevant merger situation,
the OFT will further consider whether the creation of that situation may
be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition within
any market or markets in the United Kingdom for goods or services that
warrants reference to the Competition Commission for investigation and
report.
Affected Sector: Aircraft Transparencies.
illbruck
Acquires Alfas Group Share Capital
illbruck
Building Systems GmbH of Leverkusen, Germany, through a UK subsidiary
has acquired the entire issued share capital of Alfas Group Limited, the
Tyneside and Leicester based manufacturer of sealants, adhesives, security
glazing tapes and movement joints. The deal, which was signed in London
on 31st July, follows a long term and highly successful co-operation between
Alfas Group and illbruck in the UK through a joint venture company, Compriband
Limited.
Well known in mainland Europe, illbruck recently divested itself of a
large and well
established automotive division and its shareholding in a publicly quoted
industrial and building services company, in order to concentrate on its
core markets in the construction industry.
illbruck operates three business units, the largest being Sealant Systems
(focusing on the assembly, fixing and sealing of prefabricated building
materials). The other two are Acoustic + Design (of wall and ceiling systems)
and Bath lnstallation Technology (hidden integrated plumbing systems).
illbruck is a family owned business with similar values to those extolled
by Alfas. Last year the illbruck Group had sales of around 180m Euros
(£120m), two thirds of which were sales made by foreign (i.e. non
German) subsidiaries based within Europe and in the USA. This compares
with Alfas Group's sales of around 18m Euros (£12m).
Apart from its prior shareholding in Compriband Limited, illbruck has
no business interests in the UK, and Alfas Group will therefore become
its sole manufacturing and sales arm in the UK and Republic of Ireland.
As part of the restructuring which has taken place to facilitate this
transaction and to simplify and strengthen the marketing position under
the Alfas name, the business of Seal Strip Limited has been integrated
into Alfas lndustries limited. This means that the Seal Strip company
name will no longer be used. However all of the familiar brand names (such
as Webbseal, Webbfix, Webbflex, Webbclean and Webbgrip) will continue
to be produced and sold from the Coalville site.
Alfas Group currently employs around 80 people in Washington, Tyne and
Wear and in Coalville near Leicester and has a history of profitable growth
and illbruck's strategy is to develop onwards from this stable platform.
An initial aim will be to introduce additional illbruck products through
the new UK
sales channels and to look for new sales opportunities for Alfas Group
products in
continental Europe using illbruck's sales arms.
Alfas Group was founded in Gateshead in 1981 by the Stern family. In 1989
Gerald Stern bought out the company with the assistance of venture capital
company 3i plc.
Gerald Stern is staying on as chairman to assist in the integration process
and will
continue to lead what is foreseen to be an expansion of the businesses
in the UK and Ireland. The existing senior management team will remain
unchanged.
Commenting on the deal, Gerald Stern said 'This deal represents a really
exciting opportunity for everyone, along with a strong element of security
for all of our staff. Within illbruck we have found an excellent fit in
terms of products, markets and culture. lllbruck is an innovative and
progressive organisation which has now acquired substantial interests
and expertise within the UK and the Republic of lreland through Alfas
Group.'
illbruck CEO, Ulrich Zimmermann added 'With Alfas Group we have found
the ideal partner to continue with and push forward our internationalisation
strategy and we look forward to welcoming our new team members as a very
important part of our organisation.'
Saint
Gobain Group Slips in First Half due to Exchange Rate Losses
Saint-Gobain
Group consolidated net income for the first half of 2003 amounted to EUR
470 million, a decrease of 5.6% on the same period of 2002. Net income
before profits and losses on sales of non-current assets came to EUR 471
million, down 8.5% on the year-earlier period. The decline was attributable
to unfavourable exchange rates (US Dollar: -19%; Brazilian Real: -39%;,
British Pound: -9%) which significantly impacted the Group's main income
statement captions. At constant exchange rates, net income was on a par
with first-half 2002.
Like-for-like consolidated sales – based on a comparable Group structure
and at constant exchange rates – rose 2.0% compared with first-half
2002. Changes in exchange rates negatively impacted all Group divisions.
However, all three sectors reported increased like-for-like sales, spurred
mainly by higher sales prices.
The Glass Sector achieved moderate organic growth, with like-for-like
sales up 1.6%. However, operating margin dipped slightly, to 10.2% from
10.6%. This was due to lower margins in the Containers division, caused
by soaring energy costs in the United States, as well as in the Insulation
and Reinforcements divisions as a result of renewed pricing pressure.
The Flat Glass division, for its part, turned in the best operating income
performance within the Group on a like-for-like basis.
These good results were primarily attributable to strong sales in emerging
markets as well as in the European automobile market, offsetting the ongoing
erosion of demand from the European construction industry.
The High Performance Materials Sector posted a solid improvement
in operating margin, to 9% from 7.2%, on the back of a modest 1.1% increase
in like-for-like sales. This was achieved primarily thanks to the cost-cutting
measures implemented in 2001 and 2002. Sales growth was held back by the
persistently depressed conditions in manufacturing industry on both sides
of the Atlantic, which have prevented any real recovery in corporate capital
spending.
The Housing Products Sector was the star performer in terms of
organic growth. The 2.7% rise in like-for-like sales was attributable
to the 12.9% surge in Pipe sales, spurred by major distant export contracts.
However, the sector's operating margin dipped slightly, to 6.0% from 6.7%,
due to sharply higher raw materials costs for the Building Materials division
in the United States. The Building Materials Distribution division continued
to gain ground in its main markets, through a combination of organic and
external growth, and also posted a further improvement in profitability
despite the persistently dismal conditions in Germany.
Key figures from the interim consolidated financial statements reviewed
by the Board of Directors on July 24th, 2003 are as follows:
Consolidated sales contracted by 4.6% or 5.9% based on a comparable
structure. The decline was entirely attributable to unfavourable exchange
rates – mainly the sharp weakening of the US dollar, sterling and
the Brazilian real against the euro – which had a 7.7% negative impact
on sales for the period. Excluding the currency effect, sales climbed
3.4% (2.0% based on a comparable structure). Volumes expanded by 0.8%
while average sales prices rose by a further 1.2%.
The breakdown by geographic area is as follows: France 32.9%, other European
countries 41.3%, North America 19.0% and rest of the world 6.8%.
Operating income declined by 8.1%. However, excluding the currency
effect, operating income rose 1.0% (0.6% based on a comparable structure).
Operating margin eased back to 8.1% of sales, from 8.4% in first-half
2002. The decline stemmed from lower margins in the Insulation and Reinforcements
Division, and also in the Building Materials Division due to soaring raw
materials prices in the United States.
Profitability improved in France and emerging markets, but retreated
in the other countries of Europe and in North America. Net income came
in at EUR 470 million, down 5.6% on first-half 2002. Based on the 341,010,680
shares outstanding at June 30, 2003, earnings per share stood at EUR 1.38
versus EUR 1.44 for first-half 2002. Net income at constant exchange rates
was virtually on a par with that for the year-earlier period.
Excluding profits and losses on sales of non-current assets, net income
amounted to EUR 471 million versus EUR 515 million in first-half 2002,
a decline of 8.5%. Earnings per share before profits and losses on sales
of n on-current assets stood at EUR 1.38, compared with EUR 1.49 for the
year-earlier period, based on the 341,010,680 shares outstanding at June
30, 2003. Net income before profits and losses on sales of non-current
assets and at constant exchange rates was virtually unchanged compared
with first-half 2002.
Asbestos claims in the United States: During the first half of 2003,
around 48,000 new asbestos claims were filed against CertainTeed, including
28,000 in the state of Mississippi. As announced at the beginning of the
year, there was an exceptional surge in asbestos claims filed in Mississippi
at the end of 2002 due to the adoption of a new law, applicable from January
1st, 2003, which makes this state a less friendly venue for these claims.
Most of the claims recorded in Mississippi in the first half of 2003 were
filed before the new law came into effect on January 1st but were not
disclosed to the company until after that date. The flow of claims in
Mississippi declined significantly in June, indicating that the surge
is probably over.
Some 20,000 claims were filed during the period in other states, compared
with 21,400 in the second half of 2002. Apart from the temporary rise
in claims in Mississippi, average monthly new claims in the first half
of 2003 were on a par with the second half of 2002, at less than 4,000.
During first-half 2003, 25,000 claims were settled versus 24,000 in second-half
2002, and 7,000 claims were placed on the inactive docket. At June 30th,
2003, some 123,000 claims were in progress.
The average cost of claims settled in first-half 2003 was USD 2,100, unchanged
since September 2002.
In the coming months, the number of new claims recorded in Mississippi
is expected to remain very low. However, there may be a rush to the courthouse
in Texas, as the state legislature is seriously considering a new legislation
making the state a less friendly venue.
The proposal to set up a federal Asbestos Trust Fund contained in a Bill
introduced by Senator Hatch might pave the way for all current and future
claims to be dealt with at national level.
Outlook and targets: In light of the sharp rise in the euro against most other currencies observed since the beginning of the year, operating income and net income for the full year will be down on 2002. At constant exchange rates (i.e. based on average 2002 exchange rates), the Group is aiming for a modest increase in operating income.
Tender:
Supply of Window Ventilators and Door Infill Panels - Barnsley Metropolitan
Council
Barnsley
Metropolitan Borough Council Housing and Property Services Directorate
Tender for the Supply of Ventilators for PVCu Windows - Ref PC/03/13
PVCu Door and Window Infill Panels - Ref PC/03/12
Applications are invited from Suppliers who wish to tender for the supply
of Ventilators for PVCu Windows and PVCu Door and Window Infill Panels
to various locations within the Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council
area during the period 1st October 2003 to 30th September 2005.
Written or E-Mail applications must be received by the:-
Principal Supplies and Contracts Officer, Barnsley Metropolitan Borough
Council, Housing and Property Services, Supplies Section, Smithies Lane
Depot, Barnsley S71 1NL no later than Friday 22nd August 2003, stating
which of the above documents are required.
Please Note:
E-Mail Address: mailto:davidhoward@barnsley.gov.uk
Tel no: 01226 774143
The following award criteria will apply to all tenders submitted:
Most economically advantageous taking into account quality, price, technical
merit, delivery and after sales support. This criteria is not in descending
order.
Barnsley, Metropolitan Borough Council operates an Environmentally Friendly
Purchasing Policy.
Visitor
Registration Hotline Now Open for GP&T 2003
The
Visitor Registration Hotline has now opened for The Glass Processing &
Technology Exhibition (GP&T), the new exhibition and conference created
for UK glass professionals, set to take place at the NEC this November
(11th – 13th November 2003 inclusive).
The organisers, EMAP Maclaren, rushed to open the lines - which actually
include telephone, fax and Internet facilities - earlier than usual following
a sharp increase in the number of telephone enquiries received about GP&T,
the first new event to target the glass industry and glass specifiers
for almost 25 years. Up to 100 exhibitors will be showing the latest innovations
in glass processing machinery, equipment, tools and systems, alongside
glass manufacturers, specialist glass suppliers and other services aimed
at glass specifiers.
'The interest has been phenomenal,' said Nikki Lazenby, marketing manager
for GP&T. 'We have been fielding dozens of calls each day from people
asking for tickets. GP&T 2003 is set to be a great show!'
Visitors may register by telephone on 0870 429 4534, by fax on 0870 429
4535, or online via the Internet at: http://www.gptexhibition.com.
The Glass Processing & Technology Exhibition will be held in Hall
1 of the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham, on 11th, 12th and 13th
November 2003. Further information on exhibiting can be obtained from
Leah Tidy on 020 8277 5733; email: mailto:leah.tidy@emap.com.
Laird Group Pre-Tax Profits up 24% for First Half
Laird Group Chairman, Nigel Keen, commenting on the results, said:
'Laird has continued to make good progress in the first half of 2003.
Further improvements in operating performance this year, together with
the divestment of loss making businesses in 2002, have resulted in profits
before tax, exceptional items and goodwill amortisation increasing by
24% to £16.9 million, or by 35% had exchange rates remained constant'.
'At constant exchange rates the increases would have been 35% and 17%
respectively. All three of our divisions, Laird Technologies, Laird Security
Systems and Laird Plastics, again increased their operating profits and
the overall results benefited from the elimination of the losses from
Fullarton Computer lndustries which was sold in August 2002'.
The Divisions' improved performance was achieved despite the market and
economic difficulties and the geopolitical uncertainty which prevailed,
particularly during the early months of 2003, and despite adverse exchange
rate movements which reduced profits on translation by £1.4m which
offset the benefits from acquisitions.
Turnover in the six months to 30 June 2003 was £207.9m compared
with £213.7m in the same period last year. At constant exchange
rates turnover growth wali 4%, reflecting the benefits of bolt-on acquisitions
in Laird Technologies and Laird Security Systems.
The Group recently received investment grant approval from the Czech Government
for the construction of a new plant north of Prague and as a result has
begun the repositioning and rationalisation of Laird Technologies' European
operations. This will lead to improved customer service and reduced operating
costs. Exceptional costs of £2.5m have been charged in the period,
with a similar amount expected in the second half as the European rationalisation
is completed.
An important part of our strategy has been to maintain a sound financial
structure. New bilateral banking facilities have successfully been put
in place, for a five-year term to 2908. These new facilities, together
with the Group's existing long-term private placement facilities, give
Laird the resources to make further value-enhancing acquisitions.
Laird Security Systems delivered another good performance, despite retatively
static markets and the adverse translation effect of exchange rate movements
on its US business. lndustry leading service levels and new product developments,
together with improved efficiencies, increased Asian sourcing and the
acquisition of Omega in February this year all contributed to the improvement,
although higher oil, and therefore resin prices held back profitabiiity
improvements in uPVC products in the early part of the year.
Turnover in the six months to 30 June 2003 was £97.4m, up 1% on
£96.9m reported in the first half of 2002. At constant exchange
rates the sales growth for the period would have been 5%. Operating profits
before exceptional items in the half year were £11.6m, up 5% compared
with £11.1 million reported in the first half of 2002 and up 13%
at constant exchange rates.
Laird Security Systems continues to develop its business model of low
cost manufacturing on a global basis with a strong local commitment to
the customer. Increasing benefits are being gained also from global product
design initiatives, particularly in door products, an important growth
sector.
Laird Security Systems' performance in the UK benefited from its wide
product range, with sales growth in most sectors of the business but in
particular benefiting from our increasing focus on door products and packages.
Further benefits from this focus are expected as new products increase
their market penetration. The Legend 70 uPVC window system continued to
gain share and uPVC roof line products benefited from their introduction
into a major DIY retailer.
Laird Security Systems' US activities saw sales growth in virtually all
of its product lines, with continuing success in penetrating key customer
accounts and an expansion in its product offering. The commitment to supporting
larger US customers on a national scale will see the opening of a West
Coast facility in the second half of 2003. A new range of door hardware
products for the US market, sourced from China, is also now being developed.
The integration of Omega proceeded according to plan and the consolidation
of the majority of Omega's operations into one of Laird Security Systems'
existing US plants will be undertaken in the second half of this year.
Rogerson
Teams up with DJ Glass Consultants
Wayne
Rogerson, formerly a business development manager at the BSI, has set
up his own company – Fenestration Consultancy Solutions - to work
with DJ Glass Consultants Ltd (DJGC). The demand for the EN 1279 consultancy
services of DJGC since Dave Frost established the business in September
2001 has become overwhelming and Wayne is taking on all business in northern
England and Scotland.
He
already has over 30 accounts on his books, leaving Dave Frost free to
concentrate principally on the Midlands and southern England, Wales and
East Anglia. In the south of England, Dave Frost is already collaborating
with Steve Anderson, principal of Businesspoint, the management systems
consultancy.
Wayne Rogerson has 18 years experience in the industry; first with window
and insulating glass (IG) unit manufacturer, Nova Group, where he gained
invaluable experience in all aspects of management, quality control and
manufacturing.
Latterly, he has been a business development manager for BSI, where he
been selling the benefits of product certification and testing throughout
the fenestration industry. It was here that he met and first worked with
Dave Frost who was developing his consultancy service to help IG unit
manufacturers achieve the mandatory CE Marking standard.
Wayne says of his new venture:'Nationally, there is a severe shortage
of consultants with the right blend of experience and expertise to provide
a thorough and cost effective service to IG unit manufacturers. My experience
in manufacturing and at the BSI gives me the credentials and the up to
date knowledge to put before the industry. Dave Frost is a brilliant consultant
– the business he is doing proves it – and I would not have
considered allying myself with anyone else in the industry.'
Dave Frost and Wayne Rogerson are at one when it comes to considering
the timescale facing the IG unit industry.'This is a crucial period,'
says Dave.
'Many companies are still sitting on the fence and they will suffer; the
testing resources and indeed quality consultancy time available are both
extremely limited. Companies which are EN 1279 compliant, or which are
already working towards compliance, will be in a very strong commercial
position simply because so many of their erstwhile competitors left it
too long to complete the process before the regulations become mandatory.'
Eurocell
Launches New Off the Peg Conservatory Roof Offer
Last
year Eurocell, of Alfreton Derbyshire, launched its Pinnacle Conservatory
Roofing System as well as introducing the Pinnacle 500 Modular system;
complementing the company's range of window and door systems and array
of Building Plastics.
Using its nationwide network of 53 Eurocell Building Plastics Depots,
customers will be able to buy 3x3 as well as 4x4, Victorian and Edwardian
Pinnacle Roofs direct from stock for a limited time only. The ‘off
the peg’ packs also comprise: guttering, polycarb, crestings, finials
and include builders layout plans / installation guide. Also incorporated
in this promotion is the 3x3 Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing System.
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
A
Further £250,000 Extrusion Investment
A
quarter of a million pounds has recently been invested by PVCu profile
extruder Status to contribute towards the company's drive in quality and
efficiency. Three lines have been installed with a combined output of
250 kgs of profile per hour.
The three CNC automated Cincinnati lines will be used for running cills
and other ancillary profiles.
'Maintaining and improving the quality of our products is fundamental
to the commitment of Status to its customers,' said general manager Chris
Foreman. 'Within this comes the efficiency engineering of our extrusion
facilities. The more efficiently we run our lines, the more leeway we
generate to further invest in fabricator support and service.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Business
is Booming for Boisse as it gets Trim
Business
is booming in Dorset for Veka installer Boisse Windows Ltd which has decided
to give sales a helping hand by opening up a trim shop. Boisse Windows
Ltd based in Weymouth is owned by Michael Boisse who has glazing in his
blood – his grandfather, father and brother were all in the trade
- so it was only fitting that he would follow in their footsteps.
His
company, a customer of Sash UK has been supplying and installing windows,
doors and conservatories made from the Veka Matrix profile for many years,
leaning heavily towards the new build sector. But when demand for trims
- including cladding, roof trims and finishing systems - increased in
the area there were no Veka stockists available locally. That was when
Michael decided to open up a shop dedicated to this sector of the business
- Granby Trims Ltd.
Granby Trims Ltd is based on Weymouth’s Granby Industrial estate
and supplies trims, gutters and polycarbonate products to all Veka customers
in the area. With the shop only open a couple of months business is already
booming.'We are delighted at the response to Granby Trims and it is good
to be able to fill the niche in this area with regard to our own work
as well as supplying other Veka customers in the Dorset region' said Michael.
With Michael Boisse already an established name within the local new build
market, Michael is looking ahead to the new Building Regulations and already
has plans underway to help this sector comply:'Granby Trims will be looking
to sell Vekafix - a UPVC former developed by Veka. The beauty of this
product is that is can be easily adjusted to any size window opening and
installation couldn’t be easier – the window snaps tight directly
into the frame without requiring any further fixing.The new Building Regulations
will be stating that formers must be used in new build projects and we
will be the only manufacturer in Dorset to supply this product'.
New
Dedicated Wood Grain Production Line
Production
of all Planets’ wood grain products got under way at the recently
extended 12,000 square foot Bamber Bridge factory earlier this year. Two
new 8 Series SOMACO computer controlled welders (one four head and one
three head) have been installed, together with a new URBAN SV 530 corner
cleaner. The move is designed to help Tradeline keep pace with Planet’s
growing order book.
'This
new manufacturing set-up will give us a number of benefits. Moving the
foiled profile out of Tradeline Leyland into a dedicated plant means no
more changing of machine settings between making white and grain products,
so the operator can concentrate on quality and consistency. Every corner
is now processed on the same unit, giving a uniform finish. We can also
bring back into full production the machinery previously held at Leyland
that has been under utilised since the URBAN and RAPIDE suite came on-line
in Spring 2002. By specialising in this way, we will also increase our
production capacity by almost 30% with the capability of making between
1000-1100 frames a week at the Leyland plant and 3-400 a week at Bamber
Bridge with the need for very few extra staff,' says Stuart Prescott,
Manufacturing and Operations Director.
Ancillaries are now handled separately at Bamber Bridge and the plan is
to gradually integrate the production of cills and welded cills with the
new wood grain facility to provide increased opportunities for operatives
to learn new skills and develop their careers in manufacturing with Planet.
Tel: 01772 452225
Web: http://www.planetpvc.co.uk
CPA
to Advise on Building Regs
The
Construction Products Association (CPA) has been asked by the Office of
the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) to select members for an advisory group
that will look at how Part L of the Building Regs can drive energy efficiencies
forward.
Entitled 'Suppliers of products and systems relating to the building envelope',
the group will be split into two - one for non-domestic buildings and
one for dwellings.
The groups will consist of representatives from several different sectors,
including housebuilders and heating and ventilation. The CPA has to fill
12 spaces in one group and 10 in another.
'We're looking for people who can be representative for the industry and
be able to contribute positively to the overall debate. We also need to
ensure we get a balance of representatives from all product groups - we
can't have 12 insulators for example,' explained John Tebbit, CPA's industry
affairs director.
The group's first meeting is scheduled for September where they'll then
be split into 'expert panels' to look at specific issues.
'These expert panels will then meet between October and February and then
the whole group will meet in March to compromise a summary. After that
the findings will go to the ODPM and hopefully a consultation paper will
be out next summer,' added Tebbit.
UK
First for Metal Technology's New Machine
An
advanced thermal break machinery has been purchased by aluminium systems
company Metal Technology, as part of a £2.5M, three-year investment
plan. With contractors and fabricators demanding ever shorter lead times
and business growing rapidly Metal Technology decided to install the Belgian
Aluroller thermal break machine.
Linked to CNC programming and with an accuracy of 0.15mm, it inserts a
polyamide insulation strip, processing over 600 profiles per shift. These
are then automatically stacked and packaged per project, through an automated
spiral wrapping machine, ready for swift despatch.
Antrim-based Metal Technology, who has daily deliveries to fabricators
and sites on the mainland for its curtain wall, window and ground floor
systems, intends to be the strongest link in the supply chain.
Considerable investment is also being put into new products which will
be launched over the next few months. All of these high performance systems
are tested to comply with CWCT requirements.
Tel: 028 94 487777
Email: mailto:info@metaltechnology.com
Web: http://www.metaltechnology.com
Kyro
Corporation - Clear Growth in January-June Net Sales and Operating Profit
-
Net sales grew with acquisitions by 53% to EUR 109.5 (71.6) million
- Operating profit before amortisation of goodwill grew by 38% to EUR
10.6 (7.7) million
- Profit before taxes grew by 19% to EUR 9.2 (7.8) million
- Financial position is good, equity ratio 30.6.2003 at 57.3% (74.6%)
- Glaston Technologies received a record amount of orders of EUR 20 million
in July,
- Kyro's order book at all-time high of EUR 88.0 million on 31.7.2003
- Tamglass and Z. Bavelloni introduced at the Milan trade show a One-Stop-Shop
concept which is unique in the glass processing industry.
President's Commentary
'Corporate acquisitions completed in 2002 and early 2003 in accordance
with Kyro's growth strategy have increased the Group's net sales. The
good result from the period under review is based on a strong market position,
measures taken for production efficiency, and improved productivity. These
create a basis for good profitability also during the rest of the year',
notes Pentti Yliheljo, President & CEO of Kyro.
'Long-term growth of the glass processing industry outpaces that of the
general economy. Glaston Technologies has further strengthened its market
share as the leading supplier of glass processing machinery and equipment,
even while the current economic cycle has slowed down industry growth
and investments. Kyro's operating subsidiaries are well positioned to
respond quickly even to rapid market growth should an economic upturn
take place', Yliheljo elaborates.
Group Structure and Comparison Figures
Kyro's Safety Glass Technology business area has expanded through acquisitions
to become the Glass and Stone Technology business area, which operates
under the name of Glaston Technologies. While Kyro already previously
was the technology and market leader in safety glass machinery, it now
is also the biggest supplier of machinery and equipment for the glass
processing industry as a whole. Kyro's second business area is Energy,
which consists of the energy supplier Kyro Power Oy.
Kyro purchased all the equity of Uniglass Engineering Oy in April 2002,
and a majority stake in Finton Parvekejärjestelmät Oy in November
2002, which after an additional capital infusion now amounts to a 65%
ownership share. In January 2003 Kyro purchased the Z. Bavelloni and Glasto
groups in their entirety, and a 70% share of Suomen Lämpölasi
Oy.
Consolidated Kyro Group figures include Uniglass Engineering Oy as of
1.5.2002, Finton Parvekejärjestelmät Oy as of 1.11.2002, and
Z. Bavelloni, Glasto and Suomen Lämpölasi Oy as of 1.1.2003.
The 1-6/2002 comparison figures for the Glass and Stone Technology business
area do not include companies acquired after 30.6.2002.
Net Sales and Profit
Kyro Group net sales grew with acquisitions by 53% to EUR 109.5 (71.6)
million for the period under review. The Group's operating profit before
amortisation of goodwill grew by 38% to EUR 10.6 (7.7) million, representing
9.7% (10.7%) of net sales. Amortisation of goodwill increased to EUR 1.6
(0.1) million. Unamortised goodwill stood at EUR 57.6 million on 30.6.2003.
Operating profit after amortisation of goodwill grew by 19% to EUR 9.0
(7.6) million.
Net financial income amounted to EUR 0.2 (0.2) million for the period
under review. This includes interest, dividend and other financial income
of EUR 1.2 (2.0) million and interest and other financial expenses of
EUR 1.0 (1.8) million. These consist of EUR 0.2 (0.1) million in interest
expenses, EUR 0.5 (0.4) million in foreign exchange losses, EUR 0.2 (1.3)
million in securities valuation losses, and EUR 0.1 (0.0) million in other
financing expenses.
Profit before taxes totalled EUR 9.2 (7.8) million. Profit for the period
after taxes and minority interest was EUR 4.6 (4.9) million. Earnings
per share were EUR 0.12 (0.13).
Kyro Group's total order book stood at EUR 76.2 million on 30.6.2003 (EUR
67.4 million on 31.12.2002). The total order book was boosted by the order
books of the new Group companies. Kyro's order book increased in July
and stood at EUR 88.0 million on 31.7.2003.
Investments
The Group's investments totalled EUR 61.5 (1.7) million during the period
under review. The purchase cost of Z. Bavelloni, Glasto and Suomen Lämpölasi
Oy shares represented the bulk of the investments.
Net sales, operating profit and order book
Kyro's Glass and Stone Technology business area, Glaston Technologies,
consists of Tamglass, the market and technology leader in safety glass
machinery; Z. Bavelloni, the leading supplier of glass pre-processing
machinery and tools; Glasto, a group of distribution companies; Uniglass
Engineering, a supplier of flat tempering machines; and Tamglass Glass
Processing, a significant full-range supplier of glass processing products
in Finland.
The net sales of Glaston Technologies during the period under review grew
with acquisitions by 60% to EUR 94.6 (59.3) million. Operating profit
before amortisation of goodwill grew by 36% to EUR 8.8 (6.4) million.
Its share of net sales was 9.3% (10.9%).
The net sales of the Tamglass Group and Uniglass Engineering remained
at the previous year's levels despite the strengthening of the euro. Profitability
was clearly better due to new products and measures undertaken at the
Finnish, U.S., and Chinese manufacturing plants to improve production
efficiency.
The net sales and profitability of the Bavelloni Group declined from the
previous year's levels, mainly due to the weakening of its main billing
currencies against the euro and a shift of demand toward smaller and more
basic machinery.
The order book of Glaston Technologies stood at EUR 54.0 million on 30.6.2003
(EUR 45.2 million on 31.21.2002). New orders in July amounted to a record
EUR 20 million, thanks to success at the Milan trade show. As a consequence,
the order book stood at the high level of EUR 65.9 million on 31.7.2003.
The order book of Z. Bavelloni is generally modest in relation to its
total business volume because, apart from the largest CNC machines, its
machinery and tools are mostly sold and delivered from stock. Monthly
changes in business volume are consequently also greater than for Tamglass.
Synergies between Tamglass, Z. Bavelloni and Glasto
Z. Bavelloni, Glasto and Tamglass co-operate with one another closely.
Synergy benefits are derived from the cross selling of the companies'
products to their respective customer bases in particular, and from purchasing,
logistics and maintenance co-operation.
Tamglass and Z. Bavelloni introduced a One-Stop-Shop concept in June at
their combined stand at the Vitrum 2003 trade show. This concept facilitates
the ordering of all the required glass processing machinery and equipment,
or a complete set of machinery for a glass processing plant, from one
supplier.
Synergy benefits in logistical co-operation between Tamglass and Z. Bavelloni
will be achieved most rapidly in the joint procurement of materials and
components, bringing cost savings already this year.
Markets and sales
The demand for processed glass products grows due to the evolution of
glass architecture, the proliferation of value-added glass products, the
increasing volume and diversity of glass surfaces on vehicles, and advances
in safety glass legislation and regulations. This growth in glass processing
creates the basis for the long-term growth of the glass processing machinery
business. Safety glass is the fastest growing segment within glass processing.
The demand for glass processing machinery in the second quarter remained
at the level of the first quarter. Weak economic growth continued to hold
investment decisions at a low level in Central Europe and the United States.
Glass processors postponed purchase decisions to the connection of Vitrum
2003 show in June. However, sales of Z. Bavelloni stone processing machinery
grew from the corresponding period last year.
Tamglass and Z. Bavelloni presented a combined stand for the first time
at the Vitrum 2003 trade show. The companies' combined business model
has gained strong customer approval. Accordingly, Glaston Technologies
agreed on as much as EUR 15 million worth of new machinery orders in connection
with the show, despite the current economic cycle and the exceptional
timing of the trade show.
Production and products
The capacity utilisation rate of Glaston Technologies machinery plants
was good at the beginning of the year. The machinery plants are capable
of even a rapid capacity increase in case demand picks up.
All operations of Uniglass Engineering were centralised at the company's
machinery plant in June, which brings cost savings and improves operational
efficiency.
The product range of safety glass and pre-processing machinery at Glaston
Technologies is the broadest in the industry. Tamglass, Z. Bavelloni and
Uniglass Engineering introduced several new products at the Vitrum trade
show in Milan.
Tamglass launched a new HTF Super version of the world's best selling
HTF flat tempering machine, Z. Bavelloni brought out a CNC line for large
sheets of glass, and Uniglass Engineering introduced an updated model
of its UGC convection oven.
Maintenance services, spares parts and tools
The number of maintenance agreements continues to grow. The cautious investment
climate was reflected in the sales of maintenance services, auxiliary
equipment and machinery upgrade packages during the period under review,
and slowed down the growth of the maintenance business. A limited number
of used machines were traded in, which restricted the sale of reconditioned
machines despite robust demand.
The strengthening of the euro against other billing currencies also impacted
the euro-denominated sales of spare parts and glass processing tools by
Z. Bavelloni. However, the sales of these products typically grows quickly
whenever the economy turns up.
Tamglass Glass Processing
Tamglass Glass Processing includes Tamglass Safety Glass, a safety glass
processor; Tamglass Finton, a balcony systems manufacturer; and Tamglass
Insulating Glass, an insulating glass element manufacturer.
Tamglass Glass Processing plays an important role in the technology development
of Glaston Technologies. The newly acquired companies, Tamglass Finton
and Tamglass Insulating Glass, enhance this role further. The comprehensive
combined product range of these three glass processing companies makes
them significant suppliers to the Finnish construction industry.
Tamglass Glass Processing benefitted already during the period under review
from synergies in sales and comprehensive deliveries. Tamglass Safety
Glass and Tamglass Insulating Glass supplied during the second quarter
tempered insulating glass for the South Harbour's Makasiini Terminal in
Helsinki and the main post office in Stockholm, for example. Tamglass
also delivered all safety glass required for the new annex at the University
of Tampere. Significant synergy benefits were also achieved within Tamglass
Glass Processing by centralising the procurement of materials for the
various business units.
GPD 2003, the leading glass processing conference
The Glass Processing Days (GPD) conference organised by Tamglass every
two years brought over 900 glass experts from some 60 countries to Tampere
in June. This conference seeks to promote the safe and comfortable use
of glass and to advance the development of glass processing. GPD strengthens
the specialist status of Glaston Technologies in the glass processing
industry. The Tamglass Glassfiles.com portal, which supplements the GPD
conference, set a new record of over 12,000 registered users during the
period under review.
Future
Outlook
Kyro Group and its business areas are well positioned for the remainder
of 2003.
Glaston Technologies is the global market leader in its field, and its
order and offer books are at a good level despite unfavourable currency
developments.
Kyro Power's net sales and operating profit in 2003 are expected to grow
slightly from the level of the previous year.
Kyro Group net sales in 2003 will grow strongly following the acquisitions
that have been made.
Investments in these acquisitions, the business cycle, and foreign exchange
movements reduce the Group's relative profitability this year, but the
cash flow from operations is expected to increase.
The profitability of the Kyro Group is expected to be at a good level
in 2003, despite the prevailing general economic uncertainty.
Web: http://www.kyro.fi
UK
systems company L.B. Plastics is sad to announce the untimely death of
its Ireland area sales manager, Jackie Shiels, aged 47. Jackie died of
a heart attack on Tuesday 9th July whilst playing tennis with friends.
Jackie, who had worked with L.B. for fifteen years, was well-known and
highly respected in the window industry throughout Ireland. He leaves
a wife, Carmel, and three children.