Double-glazing
Company to Issue Sales Staff with Portable Lie Detectors.
Directors at a TradeMark Windows, based in Berkshire, believe that they
have the only sales force in the world that come prepared with lie detectors,
for use by customers. They believe that this brave step will set them
apart from the traditional hard sell and dishonest image of the double-glazing
salesman.
'Quite
simply, when any of our approved installers, who are also our sales representatives,
visit a customer for the first time, they will arrive with a hand held
'Truster' lie detector,' explained Mark Ashwell, Managing Director of
TradeMark Windows (pictured). 'The customer will then have the opportunity
to clarify any point by requesting that our representative use the lie
detector.'
As far as the company's directors are aware, they have the first field
sales team in the world that has taken this unprecedented step; but this
is not their first attempt at removing themselves from their industry's
unsavory reputation. In early 2000, they ceased all cold calling activities
and initiated a national survey to find the best 10 ways give cold callers
the brush off. In 2002 the company's crusade to clean up the industry
was picked up by the BBC's 'Rogue Traders' program (Mark Ashwell was called
upon to expose the shoddy work and cowboy tactics practiced by some in
the double glazing industry) and in 2003 they conducted a public survey
which placed 19 different industries in order of trustworthiness.
'I think that we are often seen as a thorn in the side of many organizations
in our industry' said Mark "But replacement windows and conservatories
represent a big investment for our customers, surely they deserve to be
treated properly'.
So, could this signal the end of some of the hard sell tactics employed
by some of the less scrupulous salespeople in the industry?
'I certainly wouldn't lose any sleep if our industry lost the old 'I'll
phone my boss' or 'I can do that price but you'll have to sign tonight'
routines,' added Mark.
The Truster personal lie detector analysis the voice patterns of the user
by using voice recognition technology. If the user is lying, his or her
voice carries a certain sonic wave that cannot be controlled. The analyzer
picks up this wave and detects stress, excitement, tension and emotional
agony and makes a judgment as to the truthfulness of a statement.
The user spends 15 seconds calibrating the machine to his or her truthful
statements before it is ready to use and manufacturers state that the
Truster has an 84% accuracy rate.
Trust Survey Results
Paramedic 94%
Pilot 93%
Policeman 89%
Fireman 86%
Teacher 75%
Barrister 71%
Magistrate 70%
Chef 66%
Financial Advisor 62%
Travel Agent 59%
Car Salespeople 59%
Estate Agent 56%
MP 46%
Electrician 45%
Builder 44%
Journalist 42%
Plumber 42%
Window Salespeople 38%
Time Share Salespeople 32%
The TradeMark Windows 'Ban Cold Calling' campaign listed the public's
best suggestions for combating cold calling. The top ten suggestions were:
-
'Hold on a second please.' Then put the phone on the table and go and
watch television.
"May I have your home telephone number - I'd like to call you back
when it's totally inconvenient to you."
"If I promise to miss you terribly, will you go away?"
"I don't live here, I'm just nicking the TV."
"I'm seriously thinking about eating your wife."
"Today - right now - this instant - you have made an enemy."
"Da ist wieder der Dummkopf am Telefon."
"I'll ask my husband - as soon as he gets out of prison."
"My rabbit eats his own poo."
"We're only squatters - but we'll have some if you're offering."
http://www.trademarkwindows.co.uk/
Ultraframe
withdraw Uzone CD-Rom
Following legal action taken by Eurocell, Ultraframe has been obliged
to withdraw its Uzone promotional CD-Rom. According to Eurocell, it was
agreed that the CD-Rom misuses the Eurocell logo trade mark and provides
misleading information regarding comparisons with competitor's systems.
Ultraframe have agreed to re-issue the disc, removing all references to
the Eurocell trade mark.
Eurocell
Profiles Celebrates 24% Increase in 2003 Turnover
Eurocell
Profiles, a major player in the UK window and door market and part of
Tessenderlo Group have reason to celebrate moving into 2004. The systems
company based in Alfreton Derbyshire have posted a 24 % increase in turnover
during the 2003-trading year (against + 19 % in 2002).
With the ‘window market’ historically quite stable, Eurocell
Profiles still managed to add a number of new fabricators to their nationwide
network last year bringing the total to over 300.
'2004 will see a great deal of consolidation within our business. We look
forward to supporting our existing fabricator network, as well as some
carefully planned expansion with further market penetration of the already
highly successful Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System,' says Martin Saunders,
Sales Director, Eurocell Profiles (pictured).
Solutia
International Design Awards - Recognising Outstanding new Buildings with
Glass
Solutia,
the manufacturer of PVB interlayers for the production of laminated glass,
is now accepting entries for the '6th International Solutia Design Awards'.
The awards recognise architects and designers who have incorporated laminated
glass in their projects in a very liberal way, demonstrating the versatility
of the material. This year, prize money will be raised to £2,500
for each winner in the commercial, residential, institutional and interior
categories. Winners will also receive a sculpture by critically acclaimed
artist Laurel Fyfe.
Judged by leading professionals in the architectural/design community
and Solutia, the criteria for the awards again in 2004 will be:
• Degree of attention paid to safety, structural, security, and/or
noise reduction through the use of laminated glass.
• Significance of the design in regards to new and developing applications
of laminated glazing.
• The creative use of laminated glass.
• Overall aesthetic appeal of the project.
If the entered project has been completed between January 1st and December
31st, 2003, and has been built with laminated glass, it is eligible for
participating in the Solutia Design Awards.
All entries need to include a filled out entry form with a short explanation
of the project and at least one high quality picture. Entry forms can
be downloaded at http://www.dupontbenedictus.com/enter.html.
Deadline for submitting entries is February 10th, 2004.
Entries can be either e-mailed (preferred) to mailto:solutia@leipziger.de
or sent via ordinary post to: Solutia Inc., C/O Leipziger & Partner,
Schmidtstrasse 12, 60326 Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
For more information on the Solutia Design Awards or Solutia architectural
glazing products, architects, designers and planners can contact Solutia
on 01633 275110 or via e-mail at mailto:films-archi@solutia.com.
Sentinel
Awarded Replacment Door Contract at Oadby & Wigston
Sentinel
Doors has successfully completed a supply and installation contract for
480 front, rear and outhouse doors for Oadby & Wigston Borough Council
in only sixteen weeks.
Tenants were offered a choice of Series 603 and Series 677 doors in white,
burgundy, dark blue, green, red and mahogany for the front of the property,
Series 603 or Series 604 for the rear and Series 800 for the outhouses.
All doors met PAS 23 and 24 standards and were fitted with hardware approved
under the 'Secured by Design' scheme.
Commenting on the supply and installation, Oadby & Wigston's senior
maintenance officer Alan Purdie says: 'All doors had to comply with the
council's stringent specifications and be installed to a very tight deadline.
We felt Sentinel's product quality made its doors the natural choice and
the contract was completed on time.'
Tel: 01443 229219
Stuga
Sells Ecoline Prepping Centre to Omega
Stuga
has confirmed another sale of the Ecoline Prepping Centre to Omega Group
of Peterborough for delivery in February 2004. Omega already has a Stuga
Autocut Saw Centre, which is the ideal combination for the Ecoline.
Omega has had a Flowline sawing & prepping centre for two years and
at certain times of the year the Flowline is running at maximum capacity,
but not at all times, meaning the company cannot justify the investment
in another Flowline for the time being. As the Autocut saw is under utilised
Omega has decided to take some of the work off of the Flowline at peak
times and put it through the Autocut, but the Ecoline purchase will mean
that all of the prepping can be carried out automatically as well.
The Ecoline works very simply by utilising barcodes that have already
been produced on the Autocut saw. The operator scans the barcode and puts
the part on the machine; everything is automatic from there including
the return of the finished pieces so that he does not have to walk to
collect them.
The Ecoline can produce in excess of 400 internally glazed windows per
week and carries out all preps including drainage, shootbolt/espag, trickle
vents, ‘V’ notches, ‘Y’ notches and all door preps.
Omega was very happy to make Stuga the company’s first choice for
the purchase of this new equipment because it values the excellent service
it has received from Stuga over the last four years.
'Stuga has sold in excess of twenty five Ecolines to date and it has established
itself as a major part of the companies output in the relatively short
period of 18 eighteen months.' says the company.
Tel: 01455 554203
Email: mailto:sales@stuga.co.uk
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
Ultraframe
Research Starts to Show Results and Customers Increase Sales
Housing
Slowdown to Drive Conservatory Sales: Early findings from new market
research commissioned by Ultraframe show that homeowners see conservatories
as an investment for better quality living and increased house value.
Normally seen as simply adding value to a house, in a slower market conservatories
improve the chances of selling a home. Others see conservatories as adding
more living space to their homes as they find it more difficult to buy
and move home. However, it seems that only quality counts – consumers
are demanding more choice and high standards in return for their investment
to add real value to the home.
Extra Choice Increases Sales: New styles have been introduced to
the best selling range of UltraSelect, allowing conservatory systems to
be customised for homeowners. Now, in addition to the UltraSelect range,
new fans, finials and crestings are available as extra quality options
that prove valuable selling points to consumers. The full range enhances
the core product, driving sales for Ultraframe customers to convert sales
and maintain margins.
Ultraframe - Good For Business: Customers are feeling the benefits
of long-standing business deals with Ultraframe. Taylormade retail installers
have seen sales increase 28% on the back of the successful partnership
with Ultraframe - meaning that seven more fitting teams and a Head of
Installations have been employed to deal with demand and look after the
rapidly growing market.
Not only is West Yorkshire Windows winning new business, but sales have
increased by 50% a week including increased business from existing customers,
all benefiting from the extensive range of Ultraframe products. Since
becoming an Ultraframe fabricator in a major deal in 2003, Link has gone
from strength to strength and is now looking to enlarge its operations
to respond to customer demand.
Established for over 20 years, Weatherglaze has left a competitor to enter
a partnership with Ultraframe, to take its business forward as the leading
fabricator of Ultraframe roofs in Ireland.
Tel: 01200 452214
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
K2
Delivers Top Service with 100% Order Fulfilment
K2
Conservatory Roof Systems achieved a perfect score for service levels
in both October and November, with 100% order fulfilment across the company.
The feat follows a track record of sustained 99% on-time delivery capabilities.
Comments Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: ‘Customer service
has always been important to us and, even though we were consistently
achieving order fulfilment levels in excess of 99% we were determined
not to become complacent and continue striving for that magic 100% figure.
Achieving this goal not once but twice in consecutive months helped us
finish the year on a real high. We believe we are the first in the industry
to celebrate this achievement and it will now be the benchmark for both
our internal processes and for customer expectations.
‘Because we have managed to create a strong team culture at K2, our
staff aim high at every stage of the order process, with each individual
committed to playing their part in making sure that the customer gets
the right order within the right time frame. In today’s competitive
marketplace, product innovation is not enough to stay ahead, service delivery
is key to gaining customer confidence and we believe that this gives us
a real point of difference.’
In addition to the dedication of the K2 team, the company’s 100%
record in October and November has been made possible by its significant
logistics investment over the past two years. Key elements of the company’s
continuous improvement programme have included a £multi-million
spend on new, state of the art cantilever racking systems, stacker trucks,
delivery vehicles and software systems.
Sally Fielding continues: ‘K2’s success in gaining the number
2 market position within just 4 years is down to 100% innovation. Innovation
in product design, innovation in business processes and innovation in
the way we address customers’ needs. This achievement illustrates
that our approach is paying dividends – both for the company and
for our customers - and we will continue to look at ways of enhancing
our procedures to ensure that we deliver 100% across everything we do.’
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Total
Success for Partnering Contract
The
securing of a major long-term multi-million pound partnering contract
with a local social housing provider has boosted expansion at Total Glass
Ltd, one of Profile 22’s largest PVCu trade window fabricators in
the North West.
The company has taken on new staff and dedicated a fifth production line
to produce the 300 frames per week for Liverpool-based Cobalt Housing
Association. Work on the four-year window and door refurbishment contract
started in October.
The frames are being installed in the Norris Green, Huyton and Croxteth
areas of Liverpool by Kirkby-based Total’s contractor partner, White
Building Services Ltd.
According to Managing Director of Total Glass, Frank Deary, it was the
full and robust specification of the system that helped them to win the
work. Specification for the four-year contract included austenitic hinges
which are corrosion-resistant.
Says Frank: ‘We are delighted to have secured this work. It is one
of our biggest partnering contracts and takes us through the 2,000 windows
per week barrier for the first time ever. As a result, we’ve taken
on extra fabricators and dedicated our fifth production line to making
the frames. A sixth production line is being installed early 2004.’
The partnering concept is clearly benefiting all the parties concerned,
as Whites’ Site Manager, Lee Chadwick comments: ‘Although it’s
still early days, we’ve had no difficulties or problems with the
way the contract is progressing. It definitely pays off being involved
right from the outset so any potential obstacles can be ironed out early
on.’
This sentiment is echoed by Frank, who adds: ‘We believe that essential
to the smooth running of the contract is good communication between all
the partners and this is best achieved through regular meetings, including
tenant liaison groups.’
Andrew Reid, Profile 22’s National Sales Manager for the Commercial
Sector, observes that their fabricators are securing more and more significant
partnership contracts as the benefits of the principles are more widely
recognised and taken on board.
He comments: ‘Congratulations to Total on getting this contract.
Total Glass has always striven to supply a very high specification in
their windows and this is in line with the philosophy of Best Value. This
approach has helped them in securing this work.
‘The prominence that Profile 22 has given to the partnering philosophy
with its open and honest approach to collaborative working - for example
through our seminars featuring Sir Michael Latham - is now paying dividends
with a number of future partnering contracts about to be signed,’
adds Andrew.
Beaufort
Fabricators Pass with Flying Colours
Two
members of Beaufort Secure Design’s Approved Fabricator scheme have
just passed their first annual audit with flying colours. Beaufort technicians
recently assessed aluminium build practice at Superglazed in London and
Fareham-based GPM Meridian Windows as part of an ongoing check that quality
standards are being upheld.
To
join Beaufort’s nationwide network of quality Approved Fabricators
companies must pass a detailed analysis of their manufacturing procedures.
This is then followed up with an annual audit whereby key aspects of the
production process, such as sealing and drainage, are scrutinised. This
gives architects and specifiers the confidence that products are being
fabricated in line with Beaufort’s manual, while fabricators following
these guidelines automatically qualify for third party accreditation of
standards awarded to the system. The audit also includes all hardware,
which must satisfy Beaufort’s performance standards, verified by
testing to BS 7950, BS 6375 and PAS 23/24.
‘The Approved Fabricator scheme is important to both the systems
company and its fabricator network as it strengthens partnerships and
instils confidence among specifiers, architects and planners. We are delighted
to have passed our first annual audit and look forward to a long and mutually
successful relationship with Beaufort,’ commented John Palmer, Managing
Director of GPM Meridian Windows.
Nigel Harris, Beaufort’s Customer Services Manager, is keen to stress
that Beaufort doesn’t dictate to its customers when it comes to production
methods and acts in much more of an advisory capacity to help raise standards.
As Beaufort’s Approved Fabricator network continues to expand, Nigel
believes regular monitoring is essential to give the Scheme credibility
and value, ‘We don’t just appoint a fabricator after one check
and then forget about them. Assessment must be ongoing, so if there are
any quality issues we can help resolve them quickly. That way the reputation
of the Beaufort system and our customers is maintained right down the
line.’
Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk
Eurocell
Building Plastics Newcastle Branch Re-Locates
Eurocell
Building Plastics has announced further development within the group.
Now with 53 centres nationwide, the depot in Newcastle-upon-Tyne has relocated
to a larger, 4000 sq ft site on the North Tyne Industrial Estate, Long
Benton, to keep abreast of the high demand for it’s products.
‘It was essential that we moved into the new depot as quickly as
possible due to the growing demand from installers in the north east.
A number of new products were launched in 2003, combined to the growing
requirement for both modular and bespoke Pinnacle Conservatory Systems;
the new premises now offer the staff a larger more modern environment
to operate from. We look forward to continuing where the old depot left
off in 2004.’ said Paul Dixson, Eurocell Building Plastics.
Eurocell offers both the new-build and replacement markets a comprehensive
range of PVCu building products. The product range includes Eurocell Roofline
fascias, soffits together with windowsills, boards, trims, cladding, silicones,
and tooling as well as traditional and modular conservatory roofing systems.
All Eurocell roofline and cladding products have BBA approval and are
manufactured in accordance with ISO 9002.
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Connect
2 National Plastics has welcomed 2004 with a double celebration, following
the recent acquisition of Corby Plastics. The national, plastics building
specialist, has already opened its doors to builders, window installers
and roofing specialists in the Corby area, offering the same benefits
enjoyed by customers at the other fourteen, Connect 2 branches across
England and Wales.
‘We
currently stock many of the most popular brand names’, explains area
manager, Mike Toll, ‘but we know from experience that it won’t
be long before customers start requesting some of our more innovative
product ranges, which is why plans for expansion are already in progress!’
Amongst the best selling brands in stock are Freefoam, Rhodia and Plaslyne,
providing fascias, soffits, trims, rainwater goods and sheet plastics,
along with all the silicones, fixings and tools required for installation.
'In line with all Connect 2 National Plastics depots, customers in the
Corby area will find the location easily accessible and appreciate the
comprehensive product offering and professional service available.' says
Mike. 'With every branch operating its own fleet of vehicles and providing
an exceptional delivery service, it is no wonder that the Connect 2 network
has seen immense growth over the last few years.'
‘We’re looking forward to 2004’ concludes Mike, ‘and
are keen to implement our expansion plans, which will allow both existing
and new customers in the region to reap the benefits of our full product
offering. And because we pass on the cost benefits from the chain’s
high volume buying power to our customers, they’ll enjoy our extremely
competitive prices too!’
Tel: 0800 22 77 77
Web: http://www.connect2nationalplastics.com
K2
Expands Key Dealer Network
Conservatory
roof specialist, K2, is to expand its key dealer network following increased
demand for its products over the past six months. K2’s key dealer
scheme applies to all dealers who meet strict criteria based on achieving
an agreed minimum level of turnover, business practices, quality control
and manufacturing capability. The company says that as its product portfolio
has grown and its reputation for innovation, customer support and service
delivery has spread, the number of dealers meeting these criteria has
risen significantly.
Cambridgeshire-based
Phoenix Door Panels is the latest fabricator to be appointed to K2’s
Key Dealer Network, bringing the total of high volume K2 dealers to 12.
A K2 dealer since the company began supplying conservatory roofing systems
in 2001, Phoenix has grown dramatically over the past three years, expanding
its premises and production capacity to cope with demand.
Comments Neil Peck, Managing Director of Phoenix: ‘We are delighted
to have joined K2’s Key Dealer Network as this will help us build
an even closer relationship with the supplier, enabling us to tap in to
the excellent customer support they offer more effectively.
‘A large part of our success within the conservatory market over
the past three years has been down to the quality products and reliable
service that K2 has provided. They have been extremely supportive, particularly
with the provision of marketing materials and technical support, and we
look forward to continuing to grow the volume of product we order from
them as a Key Dealer.’
K2 now supplies product to a total of 70 dealers, and anticipates further
additions to its Key Dealer Network within the next six months.
Comments
K2 Sales Manager, Paul Carter: ‘Several of our dealers are now ordering
at just below Key Dealer levels but are growing quickly. It shouldn’t
be long before we add them to the Key Dealer list.
‘Phoenix’s growth over the past three years has been very impressive
and in many ways has mirrored our own as both companies have successfully
increased market share to become a major player within a short period
of time. We wish them every success in continuing to develop their business
in the future and look forward to supporting them achieve their commercial
objectives.’
Leeds
Glass - First in the UK for Pilkington
Leeds
Glass Company, based in Harehills Lane Leeds, recently became the first
appointed Pilkington Team Partner in the United Kingdom.
The European-wide Team Partner initiative is a partnership set up by Pilkington
and independently owned businesses such as Leeds Glass.
It was awarded following a rigorous appraisal of all aspects of Leeds
Glass customer service levels including product knowledge, product quality,
fitting expertise, health and safety standards and a willingness to accept
best practice throughout the organisation.
In return, Leeds Glass and other Pilkington Team Partners will benefit
from the resources of a large plc company in a number of important areas
- including staff
training, heaith and safety standards and compliance with new legislation.
Alastair Adams, Managing Director of Pilkington Glazing, personally presented
the award to Leeds Glass chairman Edward Goodall - commenting that the
company was the ideal candidate to become the UK's first Team Partner...
'Leeds Glass has been established for almost 25 years, and a Pilkington
customer for all of that time. We have been impressed with the company's
forward-thinking attitude towards customers and staff, consistently delivering
high levels of service and scoring highly on our appraisal of customer
satisfaction.'
Mr Goodall said it was rewarding to be recognised as a straight-dealing,
customer - focused organisation in an industry often plagued with allegations
of high pressure sales techniques, 'dodgy' salespeople and misinformation.
'Over 70 per cent of our business comes from existing satisfied customers
- a
fact of which we are extremely proud.,' he said.
Contact: Robert Eaves, Pilkington Glazing on 0161 932 8225
Leeds Glass Windows Ltd: 0113 248 8433
Web: http://www.leedsglassgroup.co.uk
Nationwide
Frame Services Ltd (NFSL) Expands its New Build PVCu Supply & Fit
Operation
In
the Autumn of 2003, Nationwide Frame Services Ltd (NFSL) reached an agreement
with a major manufacturer of PVCu Windows and Doors, to take over its
new build PVCu supply & fit operation, which is predominately active
in the South Yorkshire area. This resulted in a number of house builders
including Strata Homes, transferring their orders for the supply and fit
of PVCu windows, doors and conservatories to NFSL’s. The transfer
involved approximately 290 plots along with three employees and will be
serviced out of NFSL’s North Midlands Regional Operating Centre (ROC)
at Huthwaite near Mansfield.
Monday 5th January 2004 saw a further transfer of supply & fit business
from another major fabricator to NFSL. The fabricator will continue to
manufacture and supply NFSL with the products and NFSL will establish
a new ROC in the North East in order to service the company’s new
customers that include Wimpey Homes, Yuill Homes, Portford Homes, Bryant,
Bowey Homes, Dunelm Castle, Kebbell Homes and Shepherd Homes. The transfer
involves approximately 900 plots and 11 employees.
Martin Bevan, Managing Director of NFSL, said, ‘We are delighted
that we have the opportunity to increase our geographical reach into the
North East region which takes us another step towards achieving a truly
national PVCu supply & fit solution for our customers. We are looking
forward to developing the service that we provide to our new customers
in order that we become their preferred supplier’.
Tel: 01623 551555
Email: mailto:mbevan@nfsluk.com
Minimal
Scrap Rate Reinforces High Quality Efficiency at Status
With
a scrap rate that on occasions is as low as two per cent per month, extrusion
expert Status Systems has the best record among all Deceuninck subsidiaries
worldwide.
The company's extrusion plant runs 15 lines, 24 hours a day, seven days
a week. A combination of low complex product lines and a continuous tool
refurbishment programme ensures that the finished quality of the extrusion
is achieved to a consistently high standard.
'I imagine that two per cent falls well below the industry average,' commented
Status general manager Chris Foreman (pictured right). 'The repercussions
for us and our customers are manifold, commercially, financially and environmentally.
Such a low scrap rate is fundamentally indicative of the complete focus
on product quality and consistency in the factory. What better guarantee
can our fabricators have that their products will fulfil all expectations'.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Mercedes
a Clear Winner for Thermoshield
When
Rochford-based window and conservatory manufacturer Thermoshield decided
to mark its 20th anniversary by increasing its fleet of vans, Mercedes-Benz
was the only name in the frame.
Terry Sales and Jean Sergeant set up their firm in 1983 and it now employs
more than 60 staff in the manufacture, sale, installation and servicing
of windows, doors and conservatories, at its Purdey Way headquarters.
The
firm prides itself on carrying out each job, be it a single house window
or a local authority contract, on time and within budget. To uphold its
reputation, it needs to ensure that the vehicles which turn out to its
customers' premises are reliable and convey an image of professional quality.
Having experienced problems with other marques, Thermoshield plumped for
five Mercedes Sprinter 311CDI supplied by S&B Commercials - a decision
that is proving a hit with bosses and drivers alike.
Financial Controller Scott Austen says: 'Our previous vans were beset
by problems until in the end we decided to invest in new vehicles. I'd
had previous experience of running Mercedes and knew of their reliability.
S&B Commercials offered us a good deal and we were impressed by the
service.'
Scott continues: 'The drivers consider the Sprinters a vast improvement
and think they're terrific. Opting for a long wheelbase and high roof
configuration is paying dividends. The larger size makes the job much
easier for the fitters, particularly as the vans are racked out on the
inside to carry glass and PVCu products.
'We decided against fitting frails to the exterior as it obscures the
livery. And the fact that the vans wear that famous three-pointed star
also helps us to create the right impression.'
http://www.thermoshield.co.uk/
Technology
and Sustainability on the North Circular
Kajima
Design has won planning permission for the redevelopment and reconfiguration
of the existing JVC Business Park at Priestley Way, Staples Corner adjacent
to Brent Cross. The JVC Business Park is situated in the London Borough
of Brent, adjacent to the A406 North Circular Road and the Welsh Harp
Reservoir a site of Special Scientific lnterest (SSSI).
Redevelopment of JVC Business Park will comprise Logistics Distribution
facility, UK, European HQ'S and JVC Showroom. The development aims to
'embrace sustainable development whilst satisfying institutional standards
and creating a sense of place.'
Project Name: JVC Business Park
Client: JVC
Location: Priestley Way, Staples Corner adjacent to Brent Cross, London
Site Area: 38,800m2
Completion: August 2005
Project Team
Architect: Kajima Design Europe;
lnterior Design: Kajima Design - interiors
Structure, Civils, ITE: Buro Happold
Fire Engineering: FEDRA
Services: Buro Happold and Kajima Design Europe
Landscape: Anthony Walker and Partners
Planning Consultant: DTZ Pieda Consulting
Tel: 020 7465 0007
http://www.kajimaeurope.com/construction.html
Alcoa
Selected to Collaborate With Ferrari on Next-Generation Aluminum Space
Frame
Alcoa
Advanced Transportation Systems (AATS) announced on 5th January that it
has been selected by Ferrari as the sole provider for the next-generation
aluminium space frame for its new, 12-cylinder, front engine 2+2 sports
car, the 612 Scaglietti (pictured right). Full-series production begins
this year.
'Alcoa
is pleased to have been chosen to collaborate with Ferrari once again
to help meet the design, interior space and performance challenges of
what is destined to become one of the world's most exciting automobiles,'
said Rick Milner, President of Alcoa Automotive Transportation Systems.
'The Ferrari 360 Modena has successfully demonstrated the capability of
a highly-engineered aluminium structure to significantly increase interior
space and occupant comfort while not only maintaining, but improving,
driving performance. We also believe that the demonstrated safety performance
of Alcoa's aluminium structures will be very important in helping Ferrari
satisfy Europe's demanding safety requirements.'
Alcoa's Pan-European Connections
Production of Ferrari space frame components illustrates Alcoa's pan-European
manufacturing and supply capabilities. Cast, extruded and fabricated components
are produced in Hungary, Germany and the Netherlands and shipped to Modena,
Italy, where they are assembled into the finished space frame at an Alcoa
facility inside Ferrari's Scaglietti Works.
Ferrari/Alcoa History
Ferrari and Alcoa first began working together in 1994, when the company
was seeking a development partner for an aluminium-structured vehicle
to replace its older models. In June of that year, Alcoa assumed the primary
design and engineering role for the aluminium spaceframe body structure
development, with full production beginning in 1998. To date, Alcoa has
supplied more than 12,000 frames to Ferrari for its Modena model - a model
recognised today as one of the best performing sports cars in the world.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
OFT
Refers Proposed Acquisition by Carl Zeiss of the Microscopy Business of
Bio-Rad
The
OFT recently referred the proposed acquisition by Carl Zeiss Jena GmbH
of the microscopy business of Bio-Rad Laboratories Inc to the Competition
Commission (CC).
The OFT has referred the merger because it believes that if it went ahead
it might be expected to result in a substantial lessening of competition
in the supply of single and multi-photon confocal laser scanning microscopes
in the UK.
Given the OFT's view that this merger may give rise to a significant prospect
of a substantial lessening of competition there was no need for the OFT
to assess it further in relation to the interpretation of the test for
reference given by the Competition Appeal Tribunal in its recent judgment
in IBA Health Ltd v OFT [2003] CAT 27.
Vincent Smith, Director of Competition Enforcement at OFT, said:
'Carl Zeiss and Bio-Rad are two of the three principal suppliers of single
and multi-photon microscopes in the UK and worldwide. Concerns arise from
the reduction in head to head competition and the effect on the incentives
of the remaining players to innovate. Further investigation by the CC
is required to assess these issues.'
The CC is required to publish its report by 14th June 2004