Roger
Deceuninck has Passed Away, aged 80
It
is with the deepest sorrow that the Board of Directors, the Executive
Committee and all the staff of the Deceuninck group announce the death
of Roger Deceuninck, Honorary Chairman of the Board of Directors of the
group. He died on the 15th July at the age of eighty.
Roger Deceuninck was born in 1924. He was one of five sons of Benari Deceuninck,
the founder of the Deceuninck company. Shortly after finishing his secondary
school studies, he started to play a part in activities in his father's
young PVC company and as from the end of the fifties, Roger Deceuninck
committed himself totally to the development of the family company.
In the early stages he took on both the administrative as well as the
sales responsibilities. In 1974 he took over the direction of the company
and laid the foundations of the current Deceuninck group. 'Roger Deceuninck
did everything to ensure that the family company expanded into an international,
leading group with an open, modern corporate culture. In addition to being
an inspirational strategist, he was also an amiable and versatile man
who was esteemed and respected by all staff', says Clement De Meersman,
CEO of Deceuninck.
In 1985, long before many other companies followed his example, Roger
Deceuninck floated his company on the stock exchange. From the initial
phase in 1985 he was Chairman of the Board, a position he occupied from
1985 until 30th June 2003. On 1st July 2003, Roger Deceuninck was succeeded
as the chairman of the Board by his son, Arnold Deceuninck. In 1994, he
handed over operational management of the company to the current CEO,
Clement De Meersman.
Roger Deceuninck had reached the age of 80. The ceremonial burial service
will take place on Friday 23rd July at 11 am at the Exaltation of the
Cross (Heilige Kruisverheffing) in Beveren (Roeselare).
The Board of Directors, the Executive Committee and all staff at home
and abroad - along with staff at The Gl@zine, and many of its readers
who knew Roger - extend their sympathy to the family.
'The
showroom is your window to the outside world but can be a severely under
exploited resource.’ This is the view of system supplier, Deceuninck
Ltd which has recently ‘unveiled’ the company’s new state
of the art showroom at its UK headquarters in Calne, Wiltshire.
The
96sqm showroom demonstrates the range and diversity of Deceuninck’s
products and associated building product solutions, in a modern, contemporary
and somewhat minimalistic way. This design approach was quite deliberate
and capitalises on current design principles towards smoother, cleaner
lines and less cluttered living.
On show are the three leading window and door suites including the new
3000 Series, which blends well with the modern contemporary approach of
its environment. In addition, customers can view the company’s full
range of building products including the Décor panel products with
its wide collection of colours and finishes. Taking centre stage is Deceuninck’s
Decoroc coating system that demonstrates the elegance and diversity of
coloured profiles including an aluminium style finish. The finale is a
dedicated area designed to demonstrate SynergeBuild, the company’s
on-line ordering system.
There is great attention to detail and the utilisation of space has been
skilfully designed. Sales and Marketing Director, Jon Skinner, stated,
‘The showroom can act as a silent sales person and it should be treated
as a valuable asset rather than a necessary evil. With this in mind, our
new showroom provides inspiration and demonstrates the potential marketability
of our full product range to both existing and potential customers.’
The new showroom forms part Deceuninck’s continual improvement policy.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:martin.vowden@deceuninck.com
Heywood
Williams FD Leaves as Head Office is Slimmed Down
Heywood
Williams has announced that Laurence Campbell, Finance Director, has decided
to leave the Group in September to become Finance Director of Hammonds,
the international law firm. Separately, a selected number of senior managers
based at the Group's headquarters left the company on July 13th and certain
head office functions have been rationalised.
The Group's financial controller, Mark Wild, who joined Heywood Williams
in 1994, will temporarily assume the role of Head of Finance. An executive
search process for a replacement Finance Director is now underway.
Roger
Boyes, Chairman, (pictured) said;
'I would like to thank Laurence Campbell for his contribution to the Group
in recent years and wish him success in the future.'
These changes are part of a review of the Group's headquarters designed
to deliver an operationally focused management team, align the Group's
central resources with the size of the operations, and reduce costs.
Robert Barr, the new Chief Executive, commented;
'I wish Laurence Campbell every success in his new role.
'I am reducing the size and cost of our head office by closing certain
administrative functions and amalgamating others. My aim is to establish
a smaller, more operationally focused executive team.'
Nova
Group Ltd Signs Deal with Global
With
a turnover of £13.8 million at the end of 2003, trade fabricator
Nova Group has clearly found a winning formula since it was first established
in 1971. Producing 1200 frames and 6,000 units a week and up to 40 conservatory
roofs, why has the company decided to change its conservatory roof supplier
now?
Managing
Director Ian Sproston (pictured) explains: ‘The conservatory market
has changed over recent years, with the arrival of new roof manufacturers.
By offering new product innovations and excellent quality at better value,
new conservatory systems like Global have put paid to the market leader’s
historical argument that switching to alternative roofs mean a trade off
between price and quality. This is no longer the case.
'Nova Group Ltd has always prided itself on being at the quality end of
the market based on our reputation for service and product excellence.
Over the last three years we have been reviewing the market to find a
credible alternative to our previous conservatory system. We needed a
system that we’d be proud to fabricate and that would satisfy our
discerning customer base. But we also needed one which would allow us
to compete in terms of price within the market place. After extensive
research and testing we believe we’ve found this system in Global.
'The entire Global package matches the market leading roof for quality,
innovation, service and the support resources of a serious player within
the conservatory market. But significantly, it also offers real value
for money. Global allows us to offer a competitive product that will allow
us to substantially increase our conservatory business from a supplier
who will not deal directly with our customer base. Combined with Global’s
honest approach and genuine desire to work with us, we are looking forward
to a big improvement in conservatory lead conversion and an opportunity
for our customers and Nova to really benefit from the conservatory market.
'A healthy sustainable market requires continuous product development,
innovations that add value and take time and cost out of the system, and
a supply chain that balances the needs of both ends of the chain. Suppliers
need to ensure that their customers make the money they need to develop
the market and thrive. We believe Global will help us do just this.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Alcoa
Income Rises 86 Percent over Year-Ago Quarter; Equals Highest Ever
Alcoa
reported on July 7th second quarter net income of $404 million, or $0.46
per diluted share, up 14 percent from $355 million, or $0.40, in the previous
quarter, and up 87 percent from $216 million, or $0.26, in the second
quarter of 2003.
Income from continuing operations was $404 million, or $0.46, up 86 percent
from $217 million, or $0.26, in the second quarter of 2003, and 15 percent
higher than $350 million, or $0.40, in the previous quarter. Results for
the current quarter included charges for environmental work at New York's
Grasse River, certain restructuring charges, and benefits from the restructuring
of debt. The net benefit surrounding these activities was immaterial to
the company's results.
'By keeping our focus on controlling costs and seizing opportunities for
growth, we achieved our most profitable first half performance ever,'
said Alain Belda, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa. 'Looking forward, we see
continued favourable fundamentals in upstream businesses and significant
potential in downstream aerospace, industrial products, and commercial
vehicle markets that are moving off lows in the cycle.
'Through deployment of the Alcoa Business System and our growth plan,
we are well positioned for the second half of the year and beyond while
we continue to make progress on our Return on Capital goal," said
Belda. In the second quarter, the company achieved a Return on Capital
of 10.2 percent on a quarterly run-rate basis.'
Highlights:
* Income from continuing operations was $404 million, the highest level
ever, and up 86% from 2003 and 15% over first quarter;
* Net income of $759 million for first half of 2004, highest in Alcoa's
history;
* Sales grew to $6.1 billion, the highest level since fourth quarter of
2000, up 7% sequentially and 11% year over year;
* Five of six segments showed double-digit increases in profitability
year-over-year; Alumina & Chemicals up 79%, and Engineered Products
increased 70%;
* Revenue gains in every segment over the previous quarter;
* Debt-to-capital ratio declined to 33.6%, down from 40.4% a year ago
and 34.9% as of the first quarter.
Market Overview
Revenue in the quarter was $6.1 billion, the highest in more than three
years, and an increase of 11 percent year-over-year and 7 percent on a
sequential basis. Higher realised prices across all the segments, combined
with seasonal improvements in packaging and home building markets, helped
drive double-digit gains in sales over the second quarter of 2003.
Fabricated aluminium shipments continued to show strength as demand in
the commercial vehicle, building and construction, and aerospace markets
improved. Growth in North American markets accounted for most of the improvement
in sales, while Europe was relatively flat and Asia remained strong.
Cost Savings and Management Actions
On its long-term savings challenge, the company achieved $13 million in
new sustainable savings - or $52 million on an annualised basis in the
quarter. Alcoa has now achieved $160 million in annual savings toward
the $1.2 billion three-year cost challenge.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Alcoa
Creates Global Building & Construction Systems Business in Geneva
Alcoa
also announced on 7th July the creation of a new global Alcoa Building
and Construction Systems business, that will combine the company's European
Building and Construction systems business with its Kawneer North American
operations. The company says that the combined entity will be one of the
leading architectural systems, services and building products businesses
in the world.
The new global business will be based in Geneva, Switzerland and will
report to David W. Schlendorf, President, Alcoa Building and Construction
Systems, and will be part of the Alcoa Europe group of companies headquartered
there.
'This new business combines our capabilities from both sides of the Atlantic
to put Alcoa in a position to serve customers and capture opportunities
on an international scale,' said Schlendorf. 'In the past five years our
European Building and Construction business has quadrupled revenues by
focusing on our customers and the marketplace. Combining talented people
and the Kawneer brand name - the best-known brand name in the worldwide
architectural systems business - with our existing Building and Construction
Systems infrastructure should put us in a position of continued growth
in this global market.'
Alcoa BCS is focused on two lines of business: Architectural Systems and
Architectural Products. Alcoa Architectural Systems operates in the UK,
France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland and Morocco. The product
range includes windows and doors, curtain wall systems, ground floor treatments
and rainscreen cladding, all engineered to work together to produce a
wide-variety of standard and custom facades. In addition, Alcoa Greenhouse
Systems provides building systems to the agricultural industry throughout
Europe. Alcoa Architectural Products produces coil-coated aluminum sheet
and aluminum composite material under the trade names, Reynolux® and
Reynobond®. With operations in the U.S. and Europe, Alcoa Architectural
Products markets its products to customers around the globe. Kawneer North
America is a leading manufacturer of architectural aluminum building products
and systems for the commercial construction industry. Its products include
entrances, framing systems, windows and curtain wall systems used in applications
such as high-, mid- and low-rise buildings as well as sports stadiums
and retail complexes. It has 25 locations throughout North America.
From a financial reporting standpoint, the Kawneer business will no longer
be included in assets held for sale as of the second quarter of 2004.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Glass
Seminars and Exhibition at the Building Centre
Throughout
September, the internationally renowned London Building Centre will play
host to a month long event, dedicated to architectural glass and associated
products entitled ‘Glass Products in Practice’. A number of
related events are scheduled, including, on 8th September, an evening
lecture by Tim MacFarlane of Dewhurst MacFarlane Engineers entitled ‘Glass
Structures - where now?’ MacFarlane will speak on the use of high
performance laminates in the field of structural glass. Later in the month,
on 20th September, a full day seminar programme on CE Marking from the
organisers of the Glass Processing & Technology Show, will take place,
followed by an evening reception for leading specifiers.
During the month long event, space only exhibition space will be available
to a limited number of companies with architectural glass specific products
and services. The exhibition will be located in the newly refurbished
Front Window Gallery, within the main entrance of The Building Centre.
Exhibits are not required to be manned, as the Building Centre will provide
free literature distribution with a same day email lead service. Also
included is promotion on the Building Centre website, coverage in the
Building Centre newsletter and the opportunity to participate in Glass
Products in Practice events.
Exhibition stand costs range from £1000 to £2000 for the month
long exhibition. Potential exhibitors should contact Dave Broxton at mailto:djbmarketing@blueyonder.co.uk
or call 01902 417131 for further information.
Last
chance for Glazing Industry Fun Charity Golf Day
West
Midlands Golf Club will be playing host to the 2004 Glazing Industry Fun
Charity Golf Day on Thursday 29th July. The parkland course is situated
off M42, junction 6, near to the NEC in Warwickshire and offers a test
of golf for all handicaps, with a number of holes featuring the dreaded
wet stuff!
Space is still available for a few more teams in order to raise the maximum
amount of cash for St.Christophers Hospice and the Ben Hollioake Memorial
Fund. The day revolves around a team Stableford competition for fourballs,
followed by a three-course, presentation dinner. Spot prizes are also
up for grabs for the longest drive and nearest the pin. Entries are invited
at a cost of £340 per team or £90 for individuals, including
green fees, bacon rolls & coffee on arrival, on course refreshments
and dinner. Discounted rates have also been obtained with a local hotel
with the now traditional après golf late bar.
To enter a team, golfers should contact GP&T Sales Manager, Leah Tidy
by telephone on 07736 171 425 or by email at mailto:leah.tidy@emap.com
as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
The
Automation Warehouse Goes Global after Acquisition by Urmet
With
the acquisition of its ltalian based parent company, Aprimatic, by the
Urmet Group, The Automation Warehouse has changed its name to Global Access
Technology (G.A.T.). The news was announced at an event held at Donnington
racecourse, where the Aprimatic sponsored Ferrari was competing (pictured).
G.A.T. is now part of a global network of companies specialising in building
automation and security products with a turnover of E431 million.
The
Urmet Group comprises a number of divisions throughout the world, many
of which are at the forefront of research and development for new products
in everything from Access Control and Entry Phones through to Environment
Control and Security.
The group has ambitious plans to increase sales and turnover throughout
the world. Its acquisition strategy has been to rationalise the product
offering to ensure that the full spectrum of automation in building is
covered.
Aprimatic was acquired because of its technological expertise and range
of automation products that are suitable for Urmet's core markets in residential,
industrial and commercial buildings. Global Access Technology will continue
to offer Aprimatic products, but will now also be able to offer the Golmar
entry phone product range to complement them.
The name change from The Automation Warehouse to Global Access Technology
reflects the company's new status within the Urmet Group. Managing Director,
Phil Bushnell, commented: 'This is a very exciting opportunity for us,
we are now part of a hugely successful international company with access
to a global network of research and development and the technological
leaders in their fields. As a result we will be able to offer an unrivalled
range of products providing the very latest solutions to access problems.'
Tel: 01256 374930
Web: http://www.gatuk.co.uk
Roman
Glass sets Auction Record
A
Roman bowl has become the most expensive piece of ancient glass ever sold
at auction. The piece sold for £2,646,650 at Bonhams in London on
Wednesday 14th July. It was bought by a telephone bidder. The Constable-Maxwell
cage-cup dates from the third century and is decorated with a delicate
lattice design. It has survived intact for 17 centuries.
It is the third time the item has set the record for the highest price
paid for a piece of ancient glass.
Joanna van der Lande, head of antiquities at Bonhams, said it was likely
the glass bowl, thought to have been a grave object, would have originated
in the eastern Mediterranean.
Ms van der Lande added: 'It's exceptionally fragile and cut from a single
block of glass. It's something that would have been highly important in
its day. It would have been clear, but has become iridescent due to a
chemical reaction between the earth and the glass.
'Its probable use was as an oil lamp suspended by a metal collar around
the rim and light would have come through the lattice work. It's really
a very highly prized piece.'
In 1979, Andrew Constable-Maxwell, a British collector, sold it for a
then-record price of £520,000.
The cage-cup went on to be sold in 1986 for £2.1m when it was auctioned
by the British Rail Pension Fund.
It was one of 25 glass objects and artefacts sold at Bonhams' London saleroom,
fetching a total of £6m for the anonymous seller.
http://www.bonhams.com/cgi-bin/wspd_cgi.sh/pubweb/publicSite.r?screen=10763info#
The
prestigious G04 awards held in June at the ICC in Birmingham saw 18-month-old
patio door specialist Sliders UK nominated for the title of ‘Distributor
of the Year’. According to the judges the decision was a close call
but Sliders narrowly missed out to the winners Mila.
‘We were absolutely delighted to be nominated,’ stated Directors
Mike Spain and Ian Longbottom ‘being runners up for an award of such
importance is recognition of all our hard work. We had a fantastic time
at the event (see pic!) and were pleased to meet several of our major
customers who were also up for awards.
‘Sliders UK has grown to 200 patios per week already and is set to
grow substantially over the next 12 months thanks to continued investment
in staff, premises and state of the art machinery.’
Tel: 01772 698222
Email: mailto:sales@sliders-uk.com
Your
Doorstep - your Decision: OFT Campaign Shows Pressure Sales Tactics the
Door
Psychological
sales ploys will be shown the door with a new OFT campaign designed to
help consumers buying goods and services in their home.
Spearheaded
by film star Nanette Newman, the campaign aims to equip consumers with
the skills they need to identify psychological sales techniques used to
secure a sale so that they can keep control of the transaction. The campaign
follows an OFT report into doorstep selling - where goods or services
are bought in the home or on the doorstep - which highlighted six main
psychological techniques employed by doorstep salespeople.
The home is a unique setting for a business transaction - salespeople
effectively have a captive audience and consumers are more susceptible
to high-pressure sales tactics than they would be in a retail environment.
It is therefore essential that consumers remain in control if they are
to make informed decisions. The OFT campaign includes a handy door hanger
to remind consumers:
* Check the seller's identity
* Take control - you ask the questions
* Don't sign on the spot - take time to think and shop around.
A more detailed leaflet includes information on consumer rights when buying
from doorstep traders and advice on how to combat the sophisticated psychological
approaches including:
* don't let the salesperson ask questions - you ask them
* don't buy on impulse even if you're given a so-called 'once in a lifetime
offer' - you won't know whether it's a good price unless you shop around
* don't get drawn into conversation about family or interests - this is
a business transaction not a social call
* check out any expert endorsements yourself
* you don't owe the salesperson anything - if you don't want to buy, refuse
firmly.
Penny Boys, OFT Executive Director, said:
'This campaign will help consumers arm themselves against pressure sales
tactics in the home. If you can recognise the psychological techniques
used and how they are designed to make you respond, then you can have
the confidence to stay in control. Remember it's your home, so it's your
decision who you let in and what you buy - not the salesperson's.'
Case Study
Mr Ronald Forster, 76, from Guildford in Surrey was subjected to the classic
'hardsell' in his home using the anticipated regret and reciprocity principles
from a double glazing company. A representative stayed in his home for
three-and-a-half hours initially quoting over £13,000 for three
windows. During the course of the visit the representative repeatedly
offered discounts until a final 'special reduced' price of £4,600
was agreed if he bought there and then. Mr Forster paid a deposit of £630.
However he subsequently decided to get another quote to compare prices
which came in at £2,300. Mr Forster found it difficult to cancel
the contract with the original company until his local trading standards
department intervened on his behalf.
Download the OFT leaflet Your Doorstep, your decision (pdf 285 kb), here
MV
Building Contracts Advertising Attracts Complaint
A
complaint, objecting to a regional press advertisement, for a double glazing
company that fitted conservatories MV Building Contracts Ltd of Hemel
Hempstead, Hertfordshire, was upheld in both of the two objections according
to published details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
Complaint:
Objection to a regional press advertisement, for a double glazing company
that fitted conservatories, headlined 'Public Notice'. The advertisement
featured two photographs of conservatories; one photograph had a cross
beside it and the text 'Not built in accordance with new legislation rules.
Not insured. Not an investment but is a financial risk'; the other photograph
had a tick beside it and the text 'All certificated to new standards being
introduced. Completely insured. Proof when selling your property of the
building standards ...'. Text beneath the photographs stated 'Did you
know that new legislation is being introduced soon to control the building
standards of conservatories! The new rules will mean that if your conservatory
does not comply to [sic] current Building Regulations it will not be covered
by your home insurance and it will make it difficult when selling a property
...'. The advertisement stated a telephone number but did not state the
advertisers' name and address. The complainant objected that the advertisement
was:
1. misleading, because the headline 'Public Notice' suggested that the
advertisers were a public authority, not a double glazing company and
2. misleading and likely to cause undue fear and distress, because it
implied that the new building regulations for conservatories were retrospective
and would apply to existing conservatories as well as new ones, which
could render existing conservatories a financial risk and make the owners'
homes difficult to insure.
Adjudication:
The advertisers said as a result of the complaint their agency had advised
them to stop using the advertisement and to replace it with a different
version.
1. Complaint upheld
The advertisers said they had used the headline 'Public Notice' in regional
press advertisements for five years. They pointed out that the advertisement
did not appear in the formal classified pages of the newspaper. The Authority
noted the advertisement did not state the advertisers' name. It considered
that the headline 'Public Notice' misrepresented the advertisement and
misleadingly suggested that the advertisers were a public authority. The
Authority told the advertisers to remove the claim 'Public Notice' from
the advertisement.
2. Complaint upheld
The advertisers said the advertisement encouraged the public to ensure
that new conservatories were fitted according to the new building regulations.
They asserted that conservatories completed prior to the new building
regulations would be exempt from them, and they did not intend to suggest
that the new regulations were retrospective. The Authority considered
that the advertisement did not make clear that the new building regulations
applied to new conservatories only and considered that it suggested that
the regulations also applied to existing conservatories. It noted the
advertisement stated ' ... is a financial risk', ' ... it will make it
difficult when selling your home' and 'Don't lose your investment, make
sure you cover yourself' and considered that it was likely to cause undue
fear and distress. The Authority welcomed the advertisers' willingness
to consider changing the advertisement. It told them not to repeat the
advertisement and advised them to contact the CAP Copy Advice team when
preparing an amended version.
Eurocell
Building Plastics Expands with Branches 54, 55 and 56
Eurocell
Building Plastics, the UK network of trade centres, has recently opened
its 54th, 55th and 56th branches. The latest branches at Burton-On-Trent,
Southend and Bolton have added further quality to the network of EBP centres
and sub-stockists.
‘It is important that we have a strong presence throughout the UK
to serve the growing building plastics market. Our network of centres
has been a considerable success and these three additions should continue
along the same theme.’ said David Salt, Sales Director. Eurocell
Building Plastics.
Offering the new-build, replacement and the strong UK DIY markets a comprehensive
range of PVCu building products, Eurocell manufactures a wide product
range. The product range includes Eurocell Roofline fascias, soffits together
with windowsills, boards, trims, cladding, Soudal silicones, and tools
as well as Eurocell’s Pinnacle traditional and modular conservatory
roofing systems. Products are consistent and all Eurocell roofline and
cladding products have BBA approval and are manufactured in accordance
with ISO 9002.
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Avanti
Systems Expands with Epsilon Acquisition
Avanti
Systems, the UK's largest independent manufacturer of office partitioning
systems, has taken over Oxted based Epsilon as part of its ever-expanding
partitioning operation. The latest member to join the Avanti family has
been newly named Epsilon-Avanti and brings its own brand of distinctive
partitioning products to the group as well as a strong nucleus of experienced
and loyal staff.
Epsilon-Avanti General Manager, Nick Irwin, has over thirty years experience
in the partitioning industry and sees the partnership as a positive move
for the company. He states 'The merger with Avanti is good news as it
means we are now able to offer a more extensive product range and superior
service.
Epsilon-Avanti
Team, General Manager Nick Irwin pictured far left
‘Epsilon
has distinguished itself in the industry as an independent partitioning
supplier by providing high levels of service and offering a wide spectrum
of partitioning products, ceilings and bespoke solutions to customers
nationwide. Its product range is aesthetically different allowing it to
sit comfortably alongside Avanti's existing product portfolio and offer
customers an even wider choice of product solutions to meet their performance
and design requirements.’
Epsilon product ranges include the 50mm Matrix partitioning system, Fireshield
offering 75-100mm fire-rated performance partitioning, a custom-made natural
hardwood system called Naturale, and the versatile Unity partitioning
system suitable for even the most prestigious of interiors projects.
Merging with Avanti Systems is already bearing fruit following the appointment
of five new team members: four external Sales Dealer Managers and a dedicated
UK Specifications and CPD Manager. There are also plans for new co-branded
product literature and marketing support.
Guardian
Industries Inaugurates Float Glass Plant in Poland
Guardian
Industries Corp., one of the largest worldwide manufacturers of float
glass and fabricated glass products for the construction industry and
a leading supplier of vehicle glass to the global automotive industry,
recently inaugurated its float glass facility in Czestochowa, Poland.
Guardian Industries officials joined their Guardian Poland colleagues
in welcoming a distinguished group of government officials to the plant
for the inauguration. Customers, suppliers, contractors and others attended
the event, which featured a plant tour and reception.
Guardian broke ground on its seventh European float glass line in Czestochowa
in 2002, making it the company’s 22nd float glass line worldwide.
Float glass is made by floating melted glass on a bed of molten tin, which
produces superior quality flat glass for the construction and automotive
industries. The plant also has a state-of-the-art coating operation, which
facilitates the production of thermal-insulating low-emissivity glass.
'Our Czestochowa plant ranks among the best float glass plants in Europe,'
says James Moore, managing director of Guardian Europe.'This plant, which
was built in record time, satisfies our commitment to energy conservation
made all the more important by the recent steep rise in energy costs.'
The Czestochowa plant employs approximately 300 people, operates 24 hours
a day, seven days a week, producing about 600 tons of glass daily.
'The strong demand for float glass in Central Europe has made our investments
in Poland, Hungary and Eastern Germany very worthwhile,' says Russell
J. Ebeid, president of Guardian’s glass group. 'With this new facility,
Guardian reinforces its commitment to delivering high-quality, value-added
glass for the Central European market.'
Asahi
Glass Invests in Hungary for Automotive Safety Glass Plant
Asahi
Glass Co., Ltd. (AGC) will build a new automotive glass plant near Tatabanya,
Hungary to serve the growing market in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE)
and to support existing customers in the region. Initial investment will
be approximately Euro 60 million over the next three years. The investment
will be for a high technology automotive tempering glass plant. The construction
of the plant will start within this year and the start of production is
planned in early 2006. The company will hire 200 people for the new plant.
This investment follows automotive companies who are adding new capacity
in the CEE region and more expansion is planned to meet growing demand
for new cars. AGC is committed to creating the conditions by which it
can bring the scope and level of support which these automotive companies
require. The region is the fastest growing area in the newly expanded
European Union. It is forecasted that the growth in the CEE region will
be from 2.4 million carsets in 2003 to 4.1 million carsets in 2008. Demand
for automotive giass and related value added products is also growing
fast in this region.
Asahi Glass decided to invest in Hungary because of its close proximity
to its customers, its infrastructure and the strong support from the government.
'Through this project, AGC will deliver high quality products and services
to our customers.' says the company.
Cardinal's
Durant FG Plant Now Operational
Cardinal
FG Company has announced the beginning of operations of its fourth float
plant, residing in Durant, Oklahoma.
Attended by Cardinal Glass Industries CEO Roger O’Shaughnessy, Plant
Manager Rich Valtierra and other Cardinal management, this special ribbon-pulling
event was marked by the flow of the first batch of molten glass from the
furnace onto the tin bath. This was preceded by a 23-day preparation of
furnace heating to a precise 2900 degrees Fahrenheit.
The facility is the size of over ten football fields and will process
600 tons of glass per day. This will serve float glass to the Waxahachie,
Texas coated glass plant, which in turn, serves the Waxahachie insulating
glass plant, providing a complete fabrication process for window makers
in the southern markets of Texas, Mexico and other areas.
This plant will ultimately include an in-house tempering operation, estimated
to begin functioning by mid-August of 2004.
HT
Troplast Sale Nears Completion
Europe’s
largest window profile extruder is expected to be sold within the next
few weeks.
The sale of HT Troplast, currently owned by Rütgers, has been on
the table for almost 16 months. HT communications manager Rainer Hardtke
said a sale to another profile producer was unlikely, as cartel authorities
would find it difficult to approve of such a deal in view of HT Troplast’s
size and dominating market position. The company has 3,750 employees,
achieved turnover of E640m in 2002 and consumes more than 300,000tpa of
plastics.
Rütgers has said it will dispose of its plastics interests within
2004. In April it sold Isola, a producer of copper clad laminates for
circuit boards, to financial investor Texas Pacific Group. Deals have
yet to be concluded for HT Troplast and thermoset resin and compound maker
Bakelite.
Rütgers decided to sell HT after a decade of ownership to finance
its purchase of chemicals company Degussa from the utility Eon.