OFT
Launches Doorstep Selling Investigation
The
OFT has launched an investigation into doorstep selling following a super-complaint
from the National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux (NACAB).
A very wide range of goods and services are sold in the home. This facility
is useful for many consumers and for some it is essential. Many of these
sales are trouble free. The law gives consumers certain rights but these
can depend on whether visits were solicited or unsolicited. There also
appears to be some evidence, including that from NACAB, of practices such
as high-pressure sales techniques and reliance on unfair contract terms.
These can be particularly damaging to more vulnerable consumers. The OFT
has therefore decided to examine what is going on in more detail.
The OFT will use its investigation powers - currently under Section
2 of the Fair Trading Act 1973 - to carry out a wide-ranging investigation
into this area. The investigation will examine what goods and services
are commonly sold in the home, problems experienced by consumers buying
this way and why problems are associated with some products and services
and not others. The OFT will also carry out case studies in some areas,
such as home improvements and assisted products, examine the role of credit
and look at the range of statutory and voluntary safeguards for consumers.
Announcing the investigation Penny Boys, Deputy Director General of Fair
Trading, said:
'Buying in the home has many advantages for consumers - particularly those
who rely on this facility such as the housebound. The aim of this investigation
is to get a better understanding of this area, assess if any action is
called for, and if so, what would be most effective.'
The investigation will be carried out by the Markets and Policy Initiatives
division of the OFT. The possible outcomes of the investigation include:
* enforcement action by the OFT's competition and consumer regulation
divisions
* a reference of the market to the Competition Commission
* recommendations that Government consider changes in laws and regulations
and to regulators, self-regulatory bodies and others to consider changes
to their rules
* campaigns to promote consumer education and awareness
* a clean bill of health.
Vitro
Reports Unaudited Third Quarter 2002 Results
Vitro
announced on October 23rd that it continued to show a consistent level
of sales on a YoY basis, reaching US$600 million for the quarter, a marginal
decrease on 1.4% compared with the same period of 2002, taking into account
the ongoing slowness in the Mexican and the United States economies.
Stronger sales by Glass Containers partially offset the declines at Flat
Glass and Glassware.
Sales have been driven mainly by Glass Containers. The business sector
that has shown a better profit in net sales was Glass Containers, compared
with the lower results of Flat Glass and Crisa.
EBITDA increased 3.6 percent to US$105 million and, additionally, the
Company was able to pay off debt of a total of US$165 million over the
previous quarter, that came from the proceeds of the divestiture of Vitromatic
(US$133 million) and internally generated funds (US$32 million). Vitro
also showed a positive net income of US$38 million for the quarter that
compares to a net loss of US$59 million during third quarter of 2001.
These numbers demonstrate that Vitro's strategy of focusing on manufacturing
and distribution of glass is correct, as the Company maintains diversified
sources of revenues, products and markets, which on a consolidated basis,
produce a stable EBITDA, and that strengthening the financial structure
to support local presence and international expansion continues to be
a top priority for Vitro.
Web: http://www.vitro.com/neropr.htm
Top
Ten Most Profitable Companies in the Glass lndustry by Pre-Tax Profit
Margin for 2000/2001 - Revealed in Newly Published Business Ratio Report
A
just published industry report that examines the financial performance
of over one hundred leading companies operating in the glass industry
in Great Britain reveals the top ten most profitable companies by pre-tax
profit margin for the last complete financial year available, 2000/2001.
The table is led by Pilkington Special Glass with an impressive pre-tax
profit margin of 32.9% nearly eight times the report-calculated industry
average result of 4.2%. The sales turnover for the companies included
in the top ten varies from just £1.2million to £131.1million,
and features a number of the smallest companies to be included in the
report. (All one hundred and thirty nine companies featured in the report
have a minimum turnover of £1 million)
The Business Ratio report, entitled 'The Glass Industry' and published
by The Prospect Shop, analyses and compares the financial performance
of 139 leading companies operating in the glass industry in Great Britain.
Covering the last full three accounting years available, (1998/99 to 2000/2001)
the report provides individual company and sub-sector* analysis in addition
to performance averages for the industry as a whole. *(glass merchants,
glaziers and processors 43%, industrial and scientific glassware manufacturers
23%, glassware distributors 22%, automotive glass manufacturers and distributors
6%, domestic glassware manufacturers 6%)
Reasonable Financial Performance for Glass lndustry Overall
Although the ten companies highlighted have performed particularly well
in terms of profitability, the overall picture for leading companies operating
in the glass industry as a whole is reasonable. The report reveals that
the average company examined in the report has seen an average compound
sales growth rate of 4%. However, average profit growth rose from a figure
of 2% recorded between 1998/99 and 1999/2000 to 15% between 1999/2000
and 2000/2001, resulting in an overall compound rate of 6% for the three
year period reviewed.
Led by Pilkington UK with a turnover of £271.1 million, the above
table features the top ten companies featured in the report by sales turnover,
2000/2001. The remaining companies fall within a turnover band of just
over £96 million to just over £221 million. Performance can
be seen as mixed for these top ten companies by size. Only four of the
ten companies recorded a pretax profit margin that exceeded the report-calculated
industry average of 4.2%. Newell, Solaglas and United Glass Group all
reported a negative pre-tax profit margin result. In addition, only four
of the eight companies with figures available exceeded the average sales
growth figure of 4%, whilst Solaglas actually reported a contraction in
sales growth over the review period.
About The Report
Published annually by The Prospect Shop, the Business Ratio report entitled
'The Glass Industry' provides a financial benchmarking tool for anyone
concerned with the industry. Clear presentation of data and analysis allows
you to measure your own company's financial performance against the performance
of other leading companies within the industry. Up to 26 different types
of ratios and averages are provided.
Edition & Price: 23rd Edition 2002 / £275.00 (plus £4.95
p&p)
Tel: 020 8481 8720
Email: mailto:dcranston@theprospectshop.co.uk
Stuga
Limited recently sold Flowline number thirty-seven and is currently installing
number thirty. This is a major success storey for a machine that was only
launched three years ago.
The Flowline automatically preps and cuts 6.0 metre lengths of PVCu profile
correctly positioning waterslots espag preps, trickle vents, 'V' and P
notches, hinge preps and much more, including all door preps.
Two customers now have two Flowlines and one has three; four more Flowline
customers are talking about purchasing another Flowline in the coming
months. Recent sales include L.D.G, Group in Preston, Lister Trade in
Stoke-on-Trent, Customade of Stonehouse, Roundbrand of Doncaster and Radway
Door & Window, the Kommerling fabricator of Redditch.
Another
Stuga success can be seen with the high sales of the Autocut automatic
sawing centre (pictured left) that is designed to make as many windows
as three electronic double mitre saws at half the purchase cost. These
machines also remove the inaccuracies of producing consistent lengths
and central arrowheads in window sections prior to welding. Machine number
sixty-four has just been sold. Recent sales include Genesis of Lichfield,
Absolute Windows of Bolton, Trade Window Specialists of Malvern, Emplas
of Wellingborough and Shelforce the Birmingham sheltered workshop.
The latest machine is the Ecoline 'stand-alone' Prepping Centre that can
automatically produce all necessary preps on PVCu window and doors quickly,
accurately and consistently. The Ecoline fits perfectly with the Stuga
Saw Centre or any combination of Double Mitre Saws. To date fourteen of
these machines have been sold and the fourth one is just being installed;
all of this since its launch at Glassex 2002.
Given the problem of getting and keeping fabrication staff Stuga are expecting
many more companies to see tbe benefit of this type of equipment and the
staff savings it makes.
Stuga has expanded from having one factory in Great Yarmouth to four over
the last two years and are now the biggest engineering employer in the
town. Plans are currently being drafted for a new factory and it is hoped
that a suitable site can be found in the not too distant future.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:stuga@eurotec.org
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
At
the close of a financial year that took in the company's most successful
Glassex to date and the launch of several key new products, GTI-Kombimatec
reports a 20% overall increase in sales revenue. This follows on from
the previous year's results, which also saw a 17.5% rise in annual sales
for the company.
2001 - 2002 has been a busy period for GTI-Kombimatec, with the introduction
of several new machines. These include the NIPPA(tm) relief miller for
decorative profiles, introduced for the first time at this year's Glassex.
A solution to a common corner cleaning problem, the NIPPA(tm) pre-trims
the decorative profile so that no sprue or flash needs to be cleaned from
the inside corner of the joint after welding. Other new product launches
this year included the CR5650 Vent Slot Router and a Manual Machining
Centre - MMC308 - that provides a solution for routing door sections.
However, it is the increasing popularity of the Kombimatec 'Power Trio'
- the 3HDV triple head combination welder, DGS530 saw and EV450 CNC corner
cleaner - that has made the largest contribution to the company's success
this year, appealing to a wide range of customers from new start-up fabricators
to businesses looking to expand production by purchasing an automated
package.
A key machine in the group is the DGS530 Electronic Double Cutting Mitre
Saw, which reduces profile wastage by using an optimised cutting programme.
A cutting list can be pre-prepared using an office computer and submitted
to ensure that the saw cuts as economically as possible, reducing wastage,
time and costs and effectively 'de-skilling' the task of sawing. No manual
saw head positioning is required for length and the saw pivots between
45° and 90°, reducing the risk of cutting errors. Other features
include no practical minimum cut length, automatically hinging transom
stop and built-in profile roller supports.
Sales & Marketing Director Ian Wheatley believes that the company's
increasing success is due to two factors: producing the right machines
for the current marketplace and delivering the service that growing companies
need.
'With skilled staff in ever shorter supply, the emphasis on using CNC
machinery for the smooth running of window, door and conservatory fabrication
is accelerating. With the launch of our new products this year, GTI-Kombimatec
has never been in a better position to offer fabricators the best choice
of automated and semi-automated machinery on the market.
'At the same time, we continue to receive compliments from customers who
feel we have given them a service that exceeded their expectations. We
fully understand that if you're a fabricator who's just moved premises
in order to expand production, the last thing you want to have to deal
with is a machinery supplier who's never at the other end of the phone
when they should be. As a growing company ourselves, we enjoy progressing
alongside our customers and will continue to focus on giving them the
support they really need.'
Tel: 01582 455934
Email: mailto:sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.gtikombi.demon.co.uk
Rapid
Success in 21st Century Windows
North
Wales PVCu fabricator, 21st Century Windows, has recently completed the
latest expansion of its Hawarden site that puts the company well on its
way to achieve its objective of producing 2,500 windows per week.
21st
Century, which manufactures windows using the Veka Matrix system, operates
from a 2.5 acre site on the Welsh/English border, a location that allows
the company to compete throughout the United Kingdom. A substantial investment
in machinery within the last 12 months that has improved both the quality
consistency and delivery times for its products, has given 21st Century
the opportunity to service larger accounts. And with more frames coming
out of the factory so 21st Century has increased its delivery fleet, with
70 new jobs created throughout the company.
Bryn Williams, 21st Century's Sales Director says that its systems supplier
has provided excellent support for the company's development: 'Veka has
played a major role in supporting us since the start of the company. One
the most useful tools that we particularly value is Veka's Big Rig mobile
exhibition unit. We used this again recently for two open days during
which over 30 companies came to see our factory and to see the quality
of the work we produce. This produced hard orders, the best evidence there
is that something works!'
21st Century has now rewarded Veka's support by entering into a long term
supply agreement with its principal supplier, ensuring the continuity
that Bryn believes is essential for its own future, and for its customers.
A similar agreement has been signed with conservatory roof supplier Ultraframe.
Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com
Showroom
Spectacular for Taylormade Conservatories
Taylormade
Conservatories of Tamebridge, Walsall - an installer of the Ultraframe
conservatory roof system - has recently opened a new purpose built indoor
showroom displaying 20 conservatories.
The
company has been in business since 1985, when it began trading at Broad
Lanes, Bilston. The company moved to its new home in Walsall in 1997,
initially with four internal display conservatories and four external
conservatories.
However, the company has grown from strength to strength with sales volumes
increasing from £50K per week to £150K in 2001. The new 15,000
sq ft factory showroom is the result of this continued success.
Taylormade now installs conservatories from Rugby in the South to Stafford
in the North, Worcester, Redditch and Evesham in the West and Tamworth
and Lichfield in the East. lnstallations have increased from less than
one per week in 1985 to 25 to 30 per week today.
Commenting on the new showroom, Mark Gibbins, Managing Director, Taylormade,
said: 'We decided on an indoor showroom to minimise the cleaning required
and to keep the conservatories looking their best. Moreover, the twin
problems of vandalism and theft of display material such as cane furniture
has been eradicated overnight by this new faciiity.'
Taylormade Tel: 0121 777 1111
Ultraframe Tel: 01200 443311
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com
Pilkington
Activ™ Installed on Transport Fleet
The
Pilkington vivid green transport fleet is a familiar sight on roads throughout
Britain and mainland Europe. Now, the vehicles have become even more eye
catching by having Pilkington Activ™ added to 100 of the delivery
trucks.
However,
as yet there are no plans for the dual-action self-cleaning glass to be
installed in any type of road transport. Instead, giant versions of the
specially developed Pilkington Activ™ Swirling brand logo has been
added to the tail panels of some of the delivery vehicles. And with the
fleet continually travelling between UK, mainland Europe and Ireland,
the brand logo will become a familiar sight for thousands of potential
consumers.
The logo is an intrinsic part of the marketing strategy for Pilkington
Activ™, With a hologram version being affixed to all sealed units
manufactured featuring the product to confim its authenticity. The 55
Floatliners and 25 canopy trailers will carry four-colour versions of
the logo, which is becoming known throughout the world.
Stephen Lipscombe, European Marketing Communications Manager for Pilkington
said that this is just one element of the comprehensive marketing campaign
for Pilkington Activ™: 'Having now completed the launch of Pilkington
Activ™ in most key European markets, we intend to continue to support
the product with various initiatives. The logo is simple and has immediate
impact allowing the brand to be noted without being a distraction to drivers,
something that we researched before we added it to the livery.'
Tel: 01744 28882
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Combining
Technology with Tradition
North
east Status fabricator, Ramage Trade Frames has invested £100,000
and has incorporated internet trading. Ramage has developed an IT infrastructure
based around the Synergebuild internet platform. As well as streamlining
order processing and stock movements, the system has created a stable
foundation to enable Ramage to control its growth more efficiently.
The
family run company, which was established and grown by father and son
team George and Andrew Ramage, recently moved into new premises having
outgrown its existing site. With a weekly production rate of 250 frames
and growing, the £100,000 investment in machinery, training and
extra resources, as well as the installation of Synergebuild, was crucial
to enable Ramage to keep a firm grasp on the direction of the business.
'As soon as Synergebuild was installed, it gave us immediate peace of
mind,' said Ramage general manager Steve Dunn. 'When we input an order,
we get confirmation within five minutes. Any anomalies or mistakes are
highlighted straight away because the system has been developed with intelligence
in mind. It also gives us instant access through the internet to our order
history, so we can perform immediate cost and stock analyses.'
Ramage Trade Frames was keen to implement a more advanced IT system throughout
the organisation to sharpen its competitive edge. The company was inspired
by Status and the user-friendliness of Synergebuild. Plus the long term
cost and commercial benefits were self evident.
'Putting Synergebuild into practice presented no difficulties at all -
it was simple to absorb and has rapidly become a vital and viable tool,
both administratively and in our marketing,' continued Steve. 'In the
past we have been aware of the opportunities of the internet, and were
looking for the best way to implement it into our business strategy. Synergebuild
has given us the opportunity to take a big stride ahead of our competitors.
Ramage is now a dynamic and efficiency driven window company that has
embraced modern technology into a long running family business. The combination
of technology and tradition, both proven, are powerful selling points.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Warmshield
Joins Forces with HW Systems
Halifax
based Warmshield Windows Ltd has recently signed an agreement with HW
Systems to manufacture its range of products including the HW70 suite
and Vertical Slider Sash window. The company which was set up only three
years ago is rapidly growing and has seen its business increase from producing
50 windows a week to between 300 and 500.
'The VS is ideal for the Yorkshire area where much of the property is
in conservation areas and/or of historical interest,' explains Chris Turczak,
managing director. 'Many local authorities are now accepting PVCu replacement
sash windows as an alternative to high maintenance wooden sash windows.
The benefits and features of the new VS, including ease of maintenance
and security couldn't be matched by our previous supplier so it made sense
for us to upgrade to the new VS as well as the HW70 Suite.'
'HW Systems is the biggest company in the marketplace and is moving forward
with products such as the VS,' concludes Mr Turczak. 'We are looking to
develop our business, especially on the retail side, and as far as we
are concerned HW Systems has all the right ingredients to enable us to
do so.'
Tel: 01452 727603
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
When
major national housebuilder, Bellway Homes, wanted bespoke roofline components,
Swish Building Products stepped in to supply the items to their exact
specification.
Gordon Coster, Bellway Homes' Chief Architect for Scotland, commented,
'When we found that the standard bracing bar and finial available was
by no means big enough for the uniquely designed houses at Farrier's Way,
Glasgow, we called on Swish to design a bespoke product to our specifications.'
Swish's experienced technical support team worked closely with Bellway
Homes to design, develop and manufacture the larger bracing bar and finial
for Bellway to use on the three and four bedroomed homes.
'Bellway Homes' attention to detail and quality specifications make our
properties highly desirable,' said Gordon. 'These bespoke Swish products
enhance the appearance of Bellway homes, with the added benefit of being
guaranteed to look good for the next 15 years.'
As well as the finial and bracing bar, Swish decorative bargeboards, soffits
and fascias were also used, completing the attractive, low-maintenance
roofline system.
Swish Building Products, an ISO9001 registered company, manufactures and
supplies low-maintenance cellular PVC roofline and cladding products.
Its guarantee covers the performance and appearance of its white cellular
PVC profiles for 15 years. Swish also holds full BBA certification and
Kitemark registration.
Tel: 01827 317200
Email: mailto:marketing@swishbp.co.uk
Everest Expands Treherbert Production to meet Commercial Success
Everest
has recently invested £500,000 expanding window production at its
Treherbert, South Wales factory - primarily to meet the escalating demand
from the Everest Commercial Division now into its third year in business.
Everest
Commercial provides fenestration solutions to Housing Associations, Local
Authorities and commercial and private property managers throughout the
UK.
Roy Frost, Production Director of Everest says, 'The commercial market
is now recognising the Everest product range as setting the standards
for multiple residency properties. Ross St Quintin's commercial team is
rapidly expanding sales and our policy is vertical integration i.e. making
the majority of products we sell in-house. lnvesting £1/2 million
has given us a 35% increase in our window & door production capacity.
The Welsh Authority, which has provided some grant aid, has been supporting
our project from the start and has been most helpful. We have safeguarded
local employment and the whole atmosphere is very positive.
Everest has more than 150,000 sq.ft of production facility at Treherbert
and Sittingbourne, Kent.
Paul Whiffield is the new Plant Manager at Treherbert, tasked with bringing
the new capacity on line rapidly.
'We have invested in a new six head welder, a state of the art machine
that handles both windows and doors, a new corner cleaner system with
a rotating table that will automatically smooth all the welds on a fabricated
assembly. The final element is a new high-speed Schurmer saw that also
provides the routing of the profiles. All these are linked to our computer
design and manufacturing system to speed the production throughput. The
entire production line is being re-positioned to maximise our production
capability. This significant investment and repositioning will enable
Treherbert to become one of the most modern UPV-c production iines in
Europe,' says Paul.
Whilst this substantial investment has been made in manufacturing, new
product designs have been finalised to take advantage of the new, sophisticated
production capacity and these will be announced shortly. These new products
have been designed to complete the Everest Commercial portfolio.
Ross St.Quintin, General Manager of Everest Commercial says, 'Our market
success is clearly being backed by this investment and the Everest position
in the commercial and new-build market will continue to grow from this
strength of capacity and product.'
Tel: 01707 875700
UK
Exhibitors Endorse glasstec
2002
'For all our British exhibitors glasstec 2002 seems to have been an unparalleled
success', commented Nigel Rees, the Glass & Glazing Federation Chief
Executive. 'We have had nothing but good reports from everyone concerned.
Most companies are hopeful that they will be able to turn a good proportion
of their leads into business opportunities'.
He went on to say, 'the Glass and Glazing Federation are happy to support
such sound business initiatives and are already looking forward to 2004
when we hope to introduce new British companies to the European market.'
'We could not have asked for a better response from visitors; it was successful
way beyond our most optimistic expectations.' That was the view of Stephen
Lipscombe, European Marketing Communications Manager for Pilkington, and
the man responsible for planning the company's highly impressive appearance
at glasstec.
'This was very much an international branding exercise,' said Stephen.
'In many markets around the world the Pilkington name is very well known,
and even the market leader. But despite often having a very substantial
trading presence, in some regions perhaps people do not realise just how
strong we are, and the dominant role Pilkington continues to play in the
world's glass industry. We did much to alter that at glasstec.'
Other UK exhibitors had similar views.
'The response has been fantastic', said Michael Revell, Managing Director
of Decorative Resins International, 'and the levels of enquiry excellent'.
Patrick Sumner, Creative Resins Managing Director also agreed - 'a good
show with very satisfactory results'. 'We certainly achieved what we wanted
to', said Bostik Findley's Chris Alderson, 'we picked up some very good
leads and had high quality enquiries'.
Andrew Collins, Sales & Marketing Manager for Azon UK was delighted
with the results from the fair. 'Our enquiries were 100% up on the previous
glasstec', he said. 'We nearly ran out of samples, brochures - it was
just crazy. We had visitors from as far afield as the Ukraine, Lebanon,
Syria, Iran, Madagascar, Tasmania, Australia and China'.
Keith Taylor of Unilam International also had a wide cross section of
interest, in particular from the Middle and Far East. 'We had a good number
of quality enquiries', he commented, 'but even better, we had a lot of
requests for overseas visits to customer's premises'.
Abrasive Technology's Nick Lamb put across an interesting viewpoint. He
felt that by charging an entrance fee to the fair, glasstec attracts those
who are in purchasing positions and are able to make purchasing decisions
- in other words, no time wasters! His company too, received visitors
and enquiries from many different continents.
As a first time exhibitor at glasstec, although he had visited the fair
in 2000, Neale Parkin of DSF Refractories & Minerals said he had been
very impressed and the company had achieved excellent results. He had
no doubts about returning again to the next glasstec in 2004.
The main interest areas for visitors to glasstec 2002 showed that glass
processing and finishing attracted 53%, glass production 40%, glass products
and applications also 40% and tools, wear parts and spares, 28%.
The next glasstec will take place once again in Düsseldorf during
the autumn of 2004.
Quality Service and Value from Panels Plus
Panels
Plus, manufacturer of PVCu door panels and composite doors has taken a
new departure and has changed from a pure ‘sales’ operation
to a more customer and service focussed company.
The company now has six new sales people in place, one working from each
of its four regional depots, and two working from the head office in London,
covering North and South of the Thames.
Nick Lake, Communications Manager says, 'The new sales team are directly
responsible for promoting our products to existing and potential customers,
a key new product for Panels Plus is our new System-X composite door.
'One of the first tasks for the sales team is to make sure that all Panels
Plus existing customers are aware of System-X doors and provide them with
Point-of-Sale material whenever possible. Initial reaction from existing
customers that already have the doors on display is extremely positive.
'The System-X displays are attracting several orders per week, giving
these customers another weapon in the sales ‘battle’. Our combination
of quality, service and value ensures that our customers make the highest
possible profit.
'The new sales team are also responsible for introducing new customers
to the complete Panels Plus range that now includes an expanded range
of GRP products which includes the ever popular Garden Room roofs.
'We have purchased five new Citroen Xsara Picasso Estates cars, fitted
with Minor Planet Satellite Tracking and Navigation. This ensures we are
getting the best value from our employees and that our customers are getting
a prompt and efficient service.
'Of course we still have in place our regional distribution networks,
offices and ‘jocular’ telephone based support, that continues
to win acclaim from our customers.'
Tel: 01708 630 045
Email: mailto:sales@panelsplus.co.uk
Web: http://www.panelsplus.co.uk
CertainTeed
Corporation Acquires Marshall Vinyl Windows
CertainTeed
Corporation, the North American building product manufacturer, announced
on 5th November the acquisition of Marshall Vinyl Windows, Inc. of Corona,
California. Terms of the sale were not disclosed.
Founded in 1954, Marshall Vinyl Windows, Inc. manufactures vinyl windows
and doors for distribution throughout California, Arizona and Nevada.
Since 1992, Marshall has been an independent window fabricator for CertainTeed,
taking the vinyl components manufactured by CertainTeed, then assembling
and selling finished product under the CertainTeed brand name.
'Marshall has been a tremendous partner of ours in manufacturing high-quality
windows and patio doors,' says Harald Jacobsen, president of CertainTeed's
Window Products Group. 'This acquisition opens the door to new growth
opportunities throughout the Southwestern United States and also brings
us closer to our goal of becoming a nationwide, fully integrated window
manufacturer and supplier.'
With this acquisition, CertainTeed now owns and operates four window manufacturing
facilities. The others are located in Auburn, Washington, Richmond, Virginia
and Nesquehoning, Pennsylvania. An additional facility, currently under
construction in Lebanon, Indiana, will start production in 2003. CertainTeed
also owns a vinyl component extrusion plant in Hagerstown, Maryland.
The Corona, California facility currently employs 250 people and is located
about 50 miles east of Los Angeles. No change in employment levels is
expected. The facility manufactures CertainTeed's highly popular Bryn
Mawr II, New Castle II, New Castle XT, and Somerton II lines of new construction
and replacement windows.
CertainTeed Corporation is a manufacturer of residential and commercial
roofing, vinyl and fibrecement siding, vinyl windows and patio doors,
composite decking and railing, ventilation products, fibre glass insulation,
vinyl fence, deck and railing, piping products and ceiling products. The
company is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and employs more
than 7,000 employees at approximately 50 manufacturing facilities throughout
North America. The company had sales of approximately $2.2 billion in
2001.
Tel: 610-341-7000
Email: mailto:mike.b.loughery@saint-gobain.com
Web: http://www.certainteed.com
New
XRF Drift Correction Glasses
Glass
Technology Services (GTS), the technical arm of British Glass, offers
a new Drift Correction Glass service to both manufacturers and users of
X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF) instrumentation.
XRF provides an accurate, non-destructive measure of the elemental composition
of a sample as each chemical element has a unique set of energy levels
that produce a unique x-ray signature.
Drift correction samples are widely used to correct the day-to-day drift
of XRF instruments. Glass, owing to its very high stability and versatility,
is particularly well suited for this high-precision task.
GTS, with many years of experience and a proven track record in the development
and supply of customised glass compositions, can tailor glasses to suit
the requirements of individual customers by supplying glasses from one-off
bespoke samples to large regular orders.
XRF Correction Glasses, developed and manufactured by GTS, range in composition
from relatively simple (ie five to ten elements) to complexglasses doped
with many elements. These are normally provided as discs, 5mm thick, 40mm
diameter, with one face optically polished.
However, the new service by GTS is very flexible as each customer can
have custom-made dopant types and levels tailored to their needs.
All GTS glasses are processed to ensure homogeneity and reproducibility
and, with its own UKAS-accredited XRF facility Glass Technology Services
can furnish a Certificate of Analysis for each batch.
Contact: Paul Bingham
Tel: (0114) 290 1801
E-mail: mailto:melting@glass-ts.com
SFS
Fasteners Provide Conformity Certification
SFS
intec has produced a certificate for registered fabricators to confirm
that both its austenitic and carbon steel fasteners meet the requirements
under BS7412 2002.
BS7412 registered fabricators now have to provide a certificate of conformity
for all components used in the manufacture of 7412 windows. For fasteners,
the requirement is conformity with BFF Guidelines 363/1 Feb 2001, with
which SFS' range of fasteners - including bi-mets - comply.
But, warns SFS specification manager Robin Szymura, fabricators still
need to be careful in choosing the right fastener for each application:
'Where stainless steel hardware is used it should not be attached using
carbon steel fasteners - only stainless steel fasteners are permitted
under BPF guidelines'
SFS recommends only the use of austenitic stainless steel fasteners for
all exposed fixing applications, to avoid the risk of atmospheric corrosion
associated with other fastener materials. Based at its Leeds headquarters,
the company's technical support team is available to provide guidance
to fabricators on all aspects of fastener selection and fixing.
The company has recently introduced a new audit scheme to help fabricators
make the right fastener choices and to help specifiers ensure that windowmakers
are adhering to their specifications.
Tel: 0113 208 5500
Email: mailto:bric@sfs.ch
New
Research Paper Examines Correct Window Hardware Specification Options
The
effect of correct window hardware specification on the longevity and quaiity
of an entire window is examined in a new research paper just published
by risk management company, BLP Housing.
Window hardware manufacturer, Securistyle Ltd, has sponsored the research
paper, which considers the ironmongery options available to specifiers,
the main failure modes and key specification points to minimise the risk
of premature failure on casement windows.
Focusing on high security locking devices and variable geometry friction
hinges, the research paper features tables of durability classes and indicates
the level of insurance available, to a maximum of 25 years, for each class.
The aim of the report is to provide specifiers with guidance on the whole-life
performance of window hardware.
Peter Mayer from BLP Housing said: 'The correct specification of window
ironmongery is essential to ensure that the most appropriate components
are specified according to their use and do not fail prematurely. The
cost of correcting a failure is at best disproportionate to the value
of the ironmongery, or at worst terminal in terms of the whole window's
predicted life.'
Nick Haskins, national specifications sales manager at Securistyle, said:
'ln practice the durability of the ironmongery is highly dependent upon
the care in which it is used. However, there are many specification and
maintenance checks that can reduce the risk of premature failure. The
research paper identifies these checks and will give specifiers the confidence
to select window hardware that is high quality and durable.'
To obtain a copy of the research paper contact BLP Housing on 0207 204
2434 or Securistyle on 01242 221200.
Email: mailto:info@securistyle.co.uk
Web: http://www.securistyle.co.uk
Come
and Join us, says Bigger Better Network
Network
Veka has celebrated reaching its 50,000th installation with a new recruiting
call to the industry.
The invitation came at the organisation's sixth AGM, when 170 delegates
heard there was never a more relevant time for other window companies
to look at the Network way of doing things.
Delegates heard that Network Veka is still breaking records on every front.
Membership has now passed 140, aggregated sales are nudging £200million,
last July was the best month ever with sales topping £6.1million
- and only days before the AGM it was confirmed that members have now
completed 50,000 installations since the organisatlon's launch six years
ago.
Even more significantly, said Operations Manager John Ogilvie, Average
Installation Value has increased by more than half since 1996 and now
stands at £4,367.
Speaking on the conference theme of 'Going into Battle,' at the venue
of the Royal Armouries, he said that around the industry the battle for
survival was getting tougher every day:
'Many are seeing installation values plummet; casualties are now widespread
in some quarters... and most experts agree that the bloodshed is far from
over.
'Is it any wonder that that our recruitment is at a record high when the
Network Veka brand is growing in recognition in a market that is increasingly
strewn with the remnants of failed companies?
So, to all those companies watching us from out in the cold, the message
is simple: We're doing great with Network Veka...come and join us...and
together we'll be even greater.'
Members also heard of a number of new initiatives and developments, including:
*A Renault Laguna prize draw for consumers, a Laguna car or Trafic van
prize for the member with the biggest business increase in the coming
year - plus new fleet savings through Renault for all members .
*Plans to give installers more input into the organisation with proposals
for an lnstaller Committee.
*Network Veka's acceptance as a member of the General Insurance Standards
Council as a further boost to the integrity of its insurance-backed guarantee.
*Proposed trialling of the DTI's new Quality Mark
Later, more members than ever heard that their success had been recognised
with one or more of the Network Veka awards. More than 30 members became
members of the 2002 100% Club for faultless Customer Satisfaction returns,
33 salespeople were enrolled into the £1/2Million Club while 11
were elevated to the £Million Club. Also, for the first time, the
Member of the Year Award was joined by eight regional awards.
Contact: John Ogilvie
Tel: 01282 718997
Email: mailto:networkveka@veka.com
Web: http://www.networkveka.com
Metal
UK Secures LSE Glass Construction Contract
LMC
Group company Metal UK has been awarded a £100,000 contract to design,
manufacture and install a complex structural glass cafeteria and meeting
place at the London School of Economics.
The contract includes structural glass units measuring 16.5m x 2.4m to
the rear elevation, with a clear storey over the top, 16.5m frameless
double glazed doors on the front elevation, also with a clear storey over
the top, a 26m glass canopy along entire structure and sliding glass doors
along each end elevation.
Under the terms of the contract, Metal UK will work with architect MacCormac
Jamieson Prichard to design the structure, and will manufacture and install
the complete assemblies. Fellow LMC Group company Glass UK will engineer
and manufacture the structural glass units. Work is scheduled for completion
by the end of January 2003.
The completed cafeteria and meeting place will sit in a newly landscaped
plaza, which will accommodate artwork by artists and sculptors. Main contractor
for the development, which is privately financed by a former student,
is Allenbuild.
'I’m delighted to be working with Metal UK again,' says project architect
David Thompson of MacCormac Jamieson Prichard. 'We have worked together
on a number of projects in the past and, quite simply, there isn’t
another company in the UK that can manufacture cast laminated glass and
oversize double-glazed units of the size and complexity required, or provide
such a comprehensive design, engineering, manufacturing and installation
service.'
Tel: 01895 629940
Email: mailto:enquiries@metaluk.co.uk
Web: http://www.metaluk.co.uk
Glass
Industry Standards Review
The glass industry standards are being reviewed to ensure they continue
to address current and future working practice. Consultation to date has
identified that the current Level 2 NVQs and SVQs broadly meet the requirements
of the glass industry and should not be changed. However, there are plans
to have only one qualification at Level 3 with six optional routes.
Take the opportunity to influence this debate by checking out the latest
draft standards on our website and then contact :
mailto:julia@glass-training.co.uk with your views. For more information
visit: http://www.glass-training.co.uk/standrdsreview/index.htm
New Noise Advice From The HSE
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidance on noise,
making it easier to find information on protecting hearing from noise
at work. Six 'Noise at work' publications have been combined to produce
a comprehensive leaflet for employers and a pocket card for employees.
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg362.pdf (1.3mb)
http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg363.pdf
(353kb)
Employers Fulfilling New Role To Marry Training And Business Needs
More employers will be put firmly in the driving seat to tackle skill
shortages in their sectors as part of the further expansion of Sector
Skills Councils, Adult Learning and Skills Minister Ivan Lewis announced
recently.
He praised the leadership shown by employers spearheading the five trailblazer
Sector Skills Councils. At the same time, the Education and Skills Secretary
announced new steps to improve the quality of management and leadership
across the UK economy. This includes the setting up of an advisory panel
of public and private sector leaders and Ministers to build upon the recommendations
set out in a report by the Council for Excellence in Management and Leadership
(CEML) earlier this year. For more information visit http://www.dfes.gov.uk.
Negotiation Skills
Any contractual arrangement will require good negotiation skills. This
one-day programme will help your staff develop sound negotiation skills.
Contact: mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Report Writing Skills
Do you feel your report writing skills could be better but don't have
time to attend a course? We're running a 'learning pathway' distance learning
programme in report writing with one to one telephone counselling. For
more details contact: mailto:julia@glass-training.co.uk
Alternative to NEBOSH Qualification
An NVQ level 4 in Occupational Safety is equivalent to the NEBOSH qualification
and recognised as such by the regulatory bodies. The NVQ also ensures
that you can demonstrate competence to 100%, rather than working on a
40% pass mark in an exam. You can achieve the NVQ via traditional workplace
assessment or through a distance Learning Pathway. Contact: mailto:mike@glass-training.co.uk
Lyten Windows Reach New Standard
Lyten
Windows a Eurocell 60mm Window System Scottish Fabricator has achieved
the Scottish Building Regulations Part J requirement (equivalent to Part
L in England). The company decided to do this in advance of the legislation,
which will come into force in 2003.
The Eurocell 60mm Window submitted for 'hot box' testing at the National
Physical Laboratory in Middlesex, contained Pilkington K Glass as well
as thermally efficient spacer bars. Lyten achieved a u-value of 1.78,
which puts them well inside the benchmark figure.
Lyten, based in Wallyford, East Lothian, has been fabricating Eurocell's
Window System for over three years now, stated, 'we are very pleased that
the window has passed the new regulation in conjunction with Eurocell
and are looking forward to developing our customer base as a result of
this important achievement.
'Eurocell realises how important the new legislations are for the industry
to become more credible in the eyes of the consumer, effectively ridding
itself of the 'cowboy element,' which previously existed. We have put
tremendous emphasis on achieving all relevant accreditations in the past
and that is also applicable to any further introductions in the future.'
'At Eurocell we also recognise the importance of the accreditations to
our customer network and will support them wherever we can, Lyten being
the latest example.' said Martin Saunders, Sales Director Eurocell Profiles.
Tel: 01773 842100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Masco Corporation Announces Record Third Quarter Sales, Litigation Settlement Charge and gives Fourth Quarter Earnings Guidance
Masco
Corporation reported on November 12th that net sales for the third quarter
ended September 30, 2002, aided by acquisitions, increased 13 percent
to $2.5 billion, a new quarterly record, compared with $2.2 billion for
2001. Operating profit for the quarter, excluding a litigation settlement
charge, increased 25 percent to $422 million, also a record for any quarter,
as compared with $337 million before goodwill amortisation in 2001.
The Company reported net income of $123 million or $.24 per common share
for the quarter. Excluding unusual charges recorded in both the 2002 and
2001 third quarters (the Behr litigation settlement charge in the third
quarter of 2002 and the write-down of certain long-term investments, principally
securities of Furnishings International Inc., in the third quarter of
2001) and excluding goodwill amortisation in 2001, net income for the
2002 third quarter increased to $227 million ($.44 per common share) compared
with $181 million ($.37 per common share) for the 2001 third quarter.
In the third quarter of 2002, the Company recorded a $166 million pre-tax
charge for the preliminary settlements to resolve all class action lawsuits
pending in the United States against the Company and its subsidiary, Behr
Process Corporation, related to exterior wood coating products formerly
manufactured by Behr. As previously stated by the Company, this charge
does not reflect any offsetting amounts that the Company and Behr expect
to recover from the liability insurers or other third parties, which the
Company anticipates will be significant.
Recoveries from liability insurers or other third parties will be recorded
at such time as they are agreed to, or otherwise received.
Masco Chairman and CEO Richard A. Manoogian commented, 'The positive sales
and economic trends that we have experienced in our businesses in the
first nine months of 2002 have continued thus far in the fourth quarter.
Assuming that present business conditions continue for the remainder of
the fourth quarter, seasonally one of the year's lowest quarters for Masco,
we believe that our fourth quarter earnings should approximate $.34 to
$.37 per common share.'
Web: http://www.masco.com