News @ The GL@ZINE

The Armstrongs: BBC2 Wednesday 10pm. Do Not Miss!

'I won't s**t on anyone's head unless I have to, but if I do, it will be from a very great height', said John Armstrong of U-Fit, Coventry's third-biggest double glazing company, who featured in the BBC programme Office Christmas Parties in December 2003. As a follow up, BBC2 is screening 'The Armstrongs', an access-all-areas insight into the unorthodox and sometimes ruthless business antics that are par for the course at U-Fit.

'Driven by the desire for profit, management team John and Ann Armstrong are constantly spying on their unwieldy sales force with CCTV cameras and phone taps', says the BBC. 'But motivating the team is an uphill struggle and John and Ann must resort to ever-more desperate measures to boost sales.'

'Despite their best endeavours, though, their plans backfire with alarming frequency. However, woe betide anyone who should get in the way of their dream of becoming multi-millionaires.'

In the original Christmas Office Parties programme, Ann explains: 'The film crews captured the trials and tribulations leading up to the office do – and it certainly wasn’t plain sailing for us'.

Viewers saw Anne introduce a 'clean desk policy' because she was fed up having to tidy up after people (most viewers wondering at this point why cleaners were not employed). Staff had to tidy their work areas every day, including emptying their own bins. One hapless employee had the temerity to query the new rules, the answer to which was 'just adhere to them or go and work somewhere else'.

'We were forced to switch the venue of our Christmas party from an Indian restaurant just days before it was due to happen. It was all quite hectic really. John conducted an important sales meeting dressed as Santa – and no-one even batted an eyelid – but he certainly wasn’t spreading Christmas cheer that day.'

It was at that meeting he uttered the following classic 'Brentism': with the sales force not hitting targets after he had raised them again and again, John tried to rally them with the immortal line 'Start aiming for the stars and you'll hit the moon'.

Another Brent moment came when some A4 colour invites to the party had been knocked up on the company computer, which were duly handed rounded to the office staff first. They were then asked to give them back so that the same invites could be recycled to the shop floor staff.

See our report on the Office Christmas Parties programme at:

http://www.theglazine.com/newsarchive/news100204.html#ChristmasOffice

Masterglaze Ltd the specialist window and door trade counter network part of Burles Group plc has announced the acquisition of Advanced Building Plastics Ltd's operation based on the South Coast.

Advanced Building Plastics was started and built by Paul Diment who was a Director of Freefoam before starting his own venture. The company had grown quickly and profitably but Paul wanted the cut and thrust that comes from being a part of a larger organisation.

Commenting on the sale Mr Diment said ‘The approach from Burles Group and Masterglaze through MBA was one that crystallised my desire to play an important part in a larger organisation again and I am excited about joining my business with that of Burles Group and taking an appointment within Masterglaze to drive the business forward.’

Doug Richardson General Manager of Masterglaze said ‘This is an exciting development for us, I am very pleased to welcome Paul in to the business, his experience drive and enthusiasm matches ours and the addition of Advanced Building Plastics is in line with our strategy of expansion of the brand and the branch network.’

Burles Group and Masterglaze were advised by MBA Associates Ltd, MD Chris Ball commented ‘Masterglaze is a very proactive and vibrant company to work for and we are pleased to have played our part in this deal.’

MBA Associates is a specialist consultancy operating within the fenestration industry, the company brokers strategic acquisitions and disposals for clients as part of its business improvement services

For more details contact Chris Ball on 01242 821 432 or email to info@mba-associates.co.uk

Kömmerling fabricator, Whiteline Group, has acquired its largest unglazed frame customer, Tunbridge Wells Home Improvements Ltd (TWHI), as a wholly owned subsidiary; part of a three year strategic restructuring of the company.

Tony Hughes, Chairman and founder of Whiteline Group said: ‘The purchase of TWHI is the continuation of Whiteline's UK strategy, where expansion is achieved through strategic partnerships, organic growth and acquisitions. This acquisition further strengthens Whiteline's strategic position as well as generating market potential for its customers.’

Gouldhurst-based TWHI is principally a value added reseller of Whiteline Group's Kömmerling PVC-U frames. Whiteline has acquired the TWHI customer base of smaller installers and builders who value a quality product, purchasing some £1m of window, door and roof products annually.

Tony Hughes said; ‘Together, the combined companies will offer a powerhouse of entrepreneurial skills and solutions that will further accelerate Whiteline's growth, by providing inroads into new and incremental business for its customers enabling Whiteline to reassert itself as one of the most dynamic super-fabricators in the UK.’

In Jim Corby, Whiteline has brought in a sales director with over 15 years experience. Owner/co-founder of TWHI, Tim Gourmand, now heads up the newly restructured Whiteline Group as Managing Director. With experience that spans from start-up businesses to multi-billion dollar corporate companies, he gives Whiteline extra management 'muscle', driving the Group forward. In addition to first-rate management skills, Tim Gourmand also provides access to major funds both personal and external, enabling the Group to make further acquisitions if necessary.

‘Whiteline has always had an enviable reputation for product quality and service; these core strengths benefit TWHI customers with the additional benefit of a one-to-one service,’ said Tim Gourmand. ‘TWHI is very close to its customers, and provides a distribution channel that gives the smaller installer a highly bespoke service which simply isn't offered by many of the larger fabricators.’

The continued strength of Whiteline's group balance sheet means that the firm is well placed for expansion as change in the sector accelerates. The Group is on the lookout for suitable acquisitions, and has a number of opportunities under consideration.

However, the focus on 2006 is on extending the distribution network, there will be substantial investment in IT focused on automating the order to delivery cycle, empowering customers with more information and more control over their relationship with Whiteline.

Window and conservatory supplier St Helens Glass Ltd (SHG) has given undertakings concerning the goods and services it will provide, following action by the OFT.

The case was referred to the OFT after dissatisfied customers mainly in the North of England contacted their local Trading Standards Services about the company. The complaints ranged from customers being concerned about poor installation of windows and conservatories, to the length of time it took for the work to be completed.

After working with St Helens Trading Standards Service, the OFT decided to seek undertakings from SHG, mainly covering breaches of the Supply of Goods and Services Act 1982.

On the basis that it does not admit any liability, SHG has given the OFT undertakings addressing its future conduct. SHG has undertaken that it will not:

* supply goods which are of unsatisfactory quality or not reasonably fit for their purpose such as to harm the collective interests of consumers

* fail to carry out services with reasonable care and skill such as to harm the collective interests of consumers

* fail to deliver and/or install goods or parts of goods within the time agreed, unless it can show that any delay was due to circumstances genuinely beyond its control or, where no time has been agreed, fail to deliver and/or install goods within a reasonable time such as to harm the collective interests of consumers.

If any of these undertakings are breached, then the OFT may go to court to seek an Enforcement Order.

St Helens Glass Ltd is based in Merseyside and has an annual turnover of around £15m.

Christine Wade, Director of Consumer Regulation Enforcement said :
'We are pleased to have been able to work with St Helen's Trading Standards to obtain better protection for consumers across the North of England. Suppliers must provide consumers with satisfactory goods and carry out services with reasonable care and skill. The OFT or Trading Standards can take action if necessary to ensure that suppliers meet their legal obligations and that consumers can deal with them with confidence.'

Web: http://www.oft.gov.uk

PVCu fabricator Shepley Window Systems has appointed John Williams as Commercial Manager to spearhead the Group's entry into the commercial market.

John has a 28-year track record covering every level of the commercial window industry from surveying and design to fabrication, installation and contract management. He is also a member of the Construction Skills Certification Scheme to contract manager standard.

Shepley Managing Director Gary Torr said: ‘John's appointment, backed by support staff, marks a major step forward in addressing more specifically the needs of housing authorities, house builders and construction companies. The Shepley Group, comprising of Shepley and Interframe, is widely recognised as a leading supplier to retail installers and is committed to this sector. With John's expertise, we now also look forward to manufacturing for the commercial market’.

Shepley's complete commercial service covers survey and design, including structural implications, technical drawings, wind load analysis, tenant liaison service as well as contract, project and health & safety management.

Celebrating 20 years in the industry and now fabricating the highly specified Veka frame system, alongside the successful Deceuninck 2800 series, the Group has the capacity to produce over 8,000 frames per week.

For more information on Shepley's range of products and services please call on 0161 339 2433.

Web: http://www.shepley.com

'It is with very great regret that KS Profiles Ltd announces the decision of the company to terminate it's Fenestration activities in the UK,’ say Karl H Diekel and P Middleton-Smith, Joint Managing Directors.

‘The current state of the UK window and door market is extremely difficult and there is no immediate prospect of an improvement. At the same time the cost of all raw materials has risen inexorably over the past 18 months and, once again, there is no prospect in sight of a reversal of this situation.

‘The company has come to realise that it cannot serve UK window and door fabricators successfully and future investment cannot be justified in these circumstances.

‘The buoyant Drainage Fittings Division of KS Profiles will continue at Daventry and is not affected by this decision.’

Mexico 86' star, Gary Stevens, will be at Glassex this year under the Profine Group umbrella. He will be talking about the use of sport for team building at fabricator Whiteline.

Whiteline has enlisted the services of ex-England footballer Gary Stevens during the restructuring, to deliver teambuilding know-how, helping Whiteline's people to continue achieving outstanding results through excellent teamwork. Gary Stevens represented England in the Mexico 1986 World Cup Finals Team.

Gary Stevens said: ‘All successful teams recognise one thing; their dependency on each other to be successful. I have worked with many hard working teams and great leaders in the past and I am pleased to see a lot of their qualities in the people at Whiteline. Through teamwork we can identify what works well, raising the standards of excellence.’

England's Mexico 86' star Gary Stevens kindly presenting an award to a pupil at Tunbridge Wells Grammar School for Boys, Tim Gourmand and Jim Corby's old school. The picture features from right to left Gary Stevens, Derek Barnard (Headmaster), Jim Corby, and the winning pupil.

Gary played for England in the notorious 'Hand of God' football game, where Maradona handballed, an action which knocked England out of World Cup. He played over 200 games for Tottenham Hotspur including winning the UEFA Cup with the side in 1984 and is anchor on Sky Sports Soccer Am and Soccer Sunday programs.

See Gary's full career history at http://www.theballschool.com

Super Spacer® manufacturer Edgetech I.G. Inc. will have a significant presence at Glassex this year, on stands by Promac, New World Developments, Reflex and the Energy Saving Trust (EST).

Promac will show a fully automated Super Spacer line by Italian machinery manufacturer Forel on Stand G070. Fast and accurate, the Forel Super Spacer applicator greatly reduces glass handling in IG unit manufacturing. Meanwhile on Stand H020, New World Developments Ltd will launch its double skinned Apeer door range, fabricated with Super Spacer for greater thermal insulation.

Reflex will also feature Super Spacer on Stand A090, as part of its conservatory roof glass. Super Spacer's warm edge technology helps Reflex's conservatory roof glass reduce noise from traffic and rain.

On Stand F105, The EST and the British Fenestration Rating Council will hand out invitations to industry-wide seminar Increase your profits: Energy Efficiency in Focus, organised by Edgetech and held at the Ricoh Arena on May 10th this year.

‘Glassex is one of the most important events in the glazing industry's calendar,’ states Andy Jones, Sales Director and General Manager. ‘But I believe that this seminar could be equally important for the industry's future. Interested parties should call Anne O'Connor at Edgetech on 02476 705570 or Fiona Lund at seminar organisers Michael Rigby Associates on 01453 521621 for more information.’

aluplast is sponsoring the Glassex Challenge competition this year in conjunction with two aluplast fabricator customers. The daily competition will give installers competing in the bay window and door sections a hands-on experience with the aluplast Ideal 70 window and door system.

The windows and doors for the competition are being manufactured and supplied by Seal-Lite Windows and Doors Limited of Clevedon, Somerset and Rapid Frame Limited of Walsall.

‘This is a very worthy competition that rewards excellence and we are delighted to be involved and to be able to put something back into the industry that has bought into our new system overwhelmingly since we launched it this time last year. It is also great to be able to share the stage with two outstanding fabricator customers who share our vision and have invested in Ideal 70 fabrication to secure a really bright future in a competitive market’ says Alan Fielder of aluplast.

The competition is judged by a panel of independent experts who will be looking at all aspects of the installers' craft, winning is quite an achievement and will benefit the business of winning installers considerably. Ideal 70 windows and doors from Rapid Frame and Seal-Lite are fitter friendly and will ensure a 'level playing field' for competitors that will enable their true abilities to shine through.

Tel: 01455 556771 F
Email: info@aluplastUK.com

To celebrate the launch of its new ‘Art Deco’ window handle range 'The Manhattan', Laird Security Hardware is offering the chance for one lucky person to win a weekend for two in New York.

To enter, entrants simply answer the following question and Email their choice to: competition@lairdsecurity.co.uk giving contact name, company, address and telephone number.

‘How many windows are fitted in the Chrysler Building in Manhattan, New York?’
A) 2619 B) 3416 or C) 3862

The winner will be drawn from those giving a correct answer and the prize awarded by July 28th 2006.

The competition closes on June 30th, full terms and conditions available upon request.

No purchase necessary.

Entrants may alternatively send their answers direct to Manhattan Competition, Laird Security Hardware Limited, Freepost MID 15591, Tipton, West Midlands. DY4 9BR.

Window, door and conservatory hardware giant Avocet has gone fully operational with its huge Distribution Centre, following extensive live proving trials.

A core tenet of Avocet's extensive operational and investment strategy that has taken the company through a top-down review of every aspect of the business, the Distribution Centre is at the heart of Avocet's commitment to provide its customers with World Class service and market leading products.

For statistic lovers the facility, built at Avocet's head office site at Brighouse, provides 87,000 feet2 of storage space, in which the narrow aisle high bay racking provides space for 8,000 pallets, which are reached by a fleet of the latest specialist high reach trucks and equipment.

To provide maximum efficiency and accuracy Avocet has combined the latest logistics technology with high manning levels, with almost 150 staff employed to ensure full and efficient stocking and fast and accurate distribution. Dedicated picking teams have been created for own branded products and DIY sector accounts, and a specialised team serving Avocet core customers. These operate on a three shift system running 24 hours a day, five days a week, ensuring maximum possible product stocking, and next day delivery for orders placed up to 5pm.

Avocet Managing Director Chris Morris is impressed with the performance of the Distribution Centre: ‘The structure was completed a year ago but we undertook not to go fully operational until we were confident that the facility was running to maximum efficiency. We virtually started from scratch, a huge undertaking in a business as complex as this, and in an industry that has come to expect efficient service levels.

‘We are working hard to ensure that our product portfolio is the best in the business but that, and everything else we are doing is pointless if we can't get product to our customers, right first time, on time, every time. That we now do, setting World Class standards. When you order from Avocet, it's as good as delivered.’

Fastener and door hinge manufacturer SFS intec says that it has achieved its best ever performance on customer deliveries during 2005, with latest figures beating 2004’s already near perfect record.

Operating from its UK headquarters in Leeds, during 2005 SFS intec delivered its 29,900 lines of fasteners, hinges and consumables to window and door fabricators on-time on 99.6 per cent of occasions. In several months, for example during May 2005, SFS intec maintained a 100 per cent perfect record of delivering its products to customers when it said it would.

Head of SFS intec’s customer service team Mick Maddison says, 'Our delivery performance is just getting better and we are extremely pleased with these latest figures. Our continuous investment in ordering and logistics technology keeps us at the forefront of the industry and we are doing all we can to ensure the remaining 0.4 per cent of cases where we have not met target delivery times can be reduced even further.

'Last year the Construction Products Association - in its report Improving Construction Logistics - concluded that £3 billion is wasted by the construction industry every year as a result of poor logistics. Although this speaks for the sector as a whole, SFS intec is showing that poor logistics and delivery let-downs needn’t continue to plague the industry, with the vast majority of our window and door industry customers getting the essentials that ensure they can maintain efficient fabrication exactly when the need them.'

Swiss company SFS intec is a manufacturer of fasteners for windows and doors, plus superior door hinges. The company’s delivery capabilities will accommodate all types of customer, from a total supply chain management solution where SFS intec takes full responsibility for consumables stock control, to a bespoke service which fits with existing purchasing systems and a walk-on van service in certain parts of the country.

Tel: 0113 208 5500
Web: http://www.sfsintec.biz/uk

The reflex™ heat reflective glass unit was short listed in the finals by Shell for its central Springboard awards which recognise small business achievements for innovative carbon reducing products with business credibility.

Held at the Palace hotel in Manchester city centre in February, reflex™ was one of eight products to beat 265 national energy saving projects to the finals. Ex dragon's den contestant David Wilks was one of the three eventual winners to receive a grant of £40,000 for his water saving device.

Shell recognised the duel energy saving features of reflex™ in both the winter and the summer, the company was impressed with the future development plans for the heat reflective coating, to help combat the greenhouse effect by reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Shell UK Chairman James Smith commented that reflex™ was a clever way of homeowners reducing carbon emissions and increasing comfort.

Lord Wade of Chorlton was clearly impressed with reflex™ and said that he wished the company success in the future with regards to the ambitious product developments.

The Shell Springboard event is the perfect way for promoting ideas to help combat climate control problems and help get innovative environmental projects off the ground.

Visit http://www.reflexglass.co.uk for more details.

WHS-Halo fabricator John Fredericks is set to increase its offering with the launch of a new soft coat Low-E glass option.

The new soft coat glass will be available on John Fredericks' new single leg bead sculptured frame as well as the company's chamfered product range. It will broaden John Fredericks' trade customers' offering and provide them with a more attractive sales proposition.

Soft coat Low-E glass is one of the highest performing options available in the market today. It provides superior optical clarity with minimal colour haze as well as optimum U-values, making it suitable for trade customers and end users who demand a combination of very high performance and clarity.

The glass, which also offers up to 70 per cent less UV transmission compared with standard clear glazing, has been extensively trialed with John Fredericks' customers. With the new soft coat glass, John Fredericks' sealed units can achieve U-values of around 1.4 and can get as low as 1.2 with argon filling, to very comfortably exceed the standards in today's marketplace.

Martin Hall, John Fredericks' sales director, commented: ‘As part of our commitment to provide a wide choice and flexible solution for our customers, we're delighted to extend our range of glass to include Low-E soft coat glass. The new glass, which will be available on both our sculptured and chamfered ranges, has many benefits and will without doubt, widen our trade customers' offering to the consumer. We will be continuing to offer the leading brand of hard coat glass as well for those who want it.

‘With this new addition to our glass range, we've given the marketplace a high level of choice backed by the superb technical and sales support that Fredericks has become renowned for,’ he added.

Tel: 01422 314100
Web: http://www.johnfredericksplastics.com

JAM Glass Ltd is a new start-up in Bedfordshire aimed at the float and laminated cut size and processing market. It has been set up by Chand and Neil Modha (pictured with Malcolm Searle) who have invested in a computer system from Clear Thinking Software, which links to the Hegla laminated/float table and Remaster.

The new factory in Dunstable is 34,000+ sq.feet and is ideally suited for 6 x 3 glass and sited close to the M1 motorway. The company has investing heavily in quality equipment and technology from day one. The computer system it has purchased from Clear Thinking Software will plan, monitor and optimise production and link to the Hegla laminated/float table which has 24+ loading positions from a gantry loader, and Remaster. The Remaster will store up to 25 off-cuts from production runs, as well as full 6m x 3m sheets above the table, this will be crucial to JAM Glass in controlling glass waste and its varied range of products.

For instance, if the company only has a few pieces of 10mm glass to cut right away, which cannot wait, the software will cut it efficiently and then rack the off-cut (which let us say is 3m x 3m). This off-cut can be used in its entirety on another batch, and because it is not being handled by men, it is safe and stored without scratching. Moreover, there is no need to cut sub-plates into smaller pieces for operator off-loading. Not only this, but the Clear Thinking Optimisation Software can check the Remaster at any time to identify which sizes and substances are available, and then prioritise these for the next optimal run.

This also means that the off-cuts are available to the shop floor for remakes, should there be any, without the need to communicate such minor changes to the office. As a safeguard, items locked for production runs cannot be used freely by the operator.

Finally, the software will barcode every piece of glass and rack glass together that will go to the same workstation (e.g. for drilling or polishing). Barcode reading stations on the shop floor will enable everyone in the company with approved access to a PC let a customer know exactly where in the production cycle their order is. JAM Glass may want to publish this information securely to its website later, to further aid customer service by allowing customers to personally check the status of their order.

Chand Modha said, 'We are pleased to be partnering with Clear Thinking and Hegla. We have done our research, and although their solutions were not cheap, we are convinced that this technology, coupled with our commitment to service, will give us a significant edge over other players in the market. We were also impressed with their commitment to join together to provide us with a complete and seamless solution'.

'We're sure that their support and expertise will enable us to fulfil our aims of providing a swift and quality service to our customers.'

JAM Glass Ltd, JAM House, 3 Foster Avenue, Dunstable, Bedfordshire, LU5 5TA
Tel: +44 (0) 1582 601101
Fax: +44 (0) 1582 601001
Email: info@jamglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.jamglass.co.uk

Clear Thinking Software,
Tel: 01273 570857
Web: http://www.clearthinkingsoftware.co.uk

In readiness for the expected up turn in demand for sealed units with the CE mark when it is implemented later this year, Kash n Karry Sealed Units has invested in additional plant and machinery.

Lisec Automatic Cutting and Break-out Tables were commissioned in January, to handle the 3210 x 2250 Stock Sheets more efficiently. Richard Bennett, Production Supervisor at Knk says, ‘This will double the quantity of units that can be cut.’

Also a new Argon Gas Filling Machine has been added to the sealed unit line, this will enable the production of Kite Marked 1.1 U-Value units in the future.

Peter Chattin, the Managing Director, says ‘At Kash n Karry we believe that a number of the smaller manufacturers will stop production in the run up to the CE Mark deadline. We are already supplying three companies who used to make their own units and this is only the early days. With our competitive prices I am sure there will be many more.’

For further information contact 01384 568568.

The last piece of commercial land in Blackburn has been bought by roofline stockist GAP.

Charles Greensmith, GAP's Joint Managing Director, explains:

‘Plans for the seven acre site opposite the current GAP head office and sister company Rockdoor on Partnership Way, include an 111,000 sq ft factory, offices and four smaller units.

This significant investment will create an additional 150 jobs.’

Valerie Mills, Policy Manager of East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, comments: ‘I think this is splendid news.

It's a great sign of confidence in the area. GAP should have no problem expanding because one of the things about the East Lancashire area is the wide ranging manufacturing ability and manufacturing skills.’

Tel: 01254 682888

Continuing strong sales growth has encouraged Spectus fabricator Lancashire Trade Frames to move to larger manufacturing premises and invest in new equipment in order to satisfy demand.

Since the company was founded in 2003, it has grown every year. Now production has moved into a 20,000 sq ft new factory in Breightmet near Bolton, and an investment of £350,000 has been made in of new machinery, including a corner cleaner and CNC machining centre.

This follows an investment of over £180,000 in new machinery in 2004.

Mark Rolands, Managing Director of Lancashire Trade Frames comments: ‘Our move to larger premises will permit us to increase production from 600 to around 1,200 frames per week.

With our five day turnaround, and 24 hour express line, we have seen rapid growth in business. The new premises will allow us to meet current demand, and gives the company space for future expansion.

‘Demand for the Elite 70 fully featured suite is on the increase. We will also offer the Elite 70 bevelled when it is launched in March, and forsee that it will be as popular as the rest of the range.

The Elite 70 system establishes a benchmark for performance and design. Lancashire Trade Windows aims to match that with quality and service.'

R & J Ince Ltd is the latest trade fabricator to invest in a Multifab 3000 stand-alone automation system from Scott STB. The acquisition is enabling the Newcastle-based company to achieve shorter lead times and enhance quality control without having to increase its labour force.

The Multifab 3000 requires just one operator and performs virtually all machining to PVC-U window and door profiles, including espagnolette preparation, drainage, door lock and trickle vent routing, plus hinge and v-notch location holes. Existing staff can be up and running with minimal training courtesy of the system's NT-based control software, which was specially developed by the manufacturer, STB, and features user-friendly drag and drop functions together with a graphical display.

R & J Ince is using the Multifab 3000 with its existing Scott STB SD 25/S5 double mitre saw to produce cut lengths ready for machining. A barcode identifies the cut piece and the control identifies the machining requirements. The profile is placed on the infeed magazine and the machining functions are then performed automatically. A highly flexible solution, the Multifab 3000 can be programmed to handle multiple profile systems and is easily updated for a new profile or, indeed, complete systems.

Established in 1965, R & J Ince became a PVC-U fabricator nearly 20 years ago and currently supplies a comprehensive range of windows, doors, patios and conservatories to the trade. Malcolm Ince, Proprietor of R & J Ince, comments: ‘We're absolutely delighted with all aspects of the Multifab 3000 and the service we've received from Scott STB. The system has reduced our reliance on skilled labour, which is in short supply and helped us make a whole raft of improvements. We've increased efficiency, quality and capacity and it's given us greater control of the production process.’

The Multifab 3000 provides a cost-effective capital investment for companies looking to increase efficiency through automation, whether they are producing 200 units a week or thousands. A system can be installed for a typical price of £95K and, on average, fabricators can expect to cover the costs in a two-year period.

Tel: 01327 706670
Web: http://www.scottstb.com

Indigo Products Ltd, the Midlands-based trade fabricator has recently completed the first stage of a major upgrade of its internal computer systems. With modern technology changing so fast, the company has made a significant investment in order to improve its capacity and functionality to run the very latest applications.

New hardware has been installed in the form of a dual processing server, back up tape drives that offer enhanced security and new work stations and monitors. New software recently installed includes Windows 2003 SBS and the latest version of Pegasus Opera II. The company has also had bespoke report files written to provide an automated interface between the two main business applications. The project has taken over six months to date and is still ongoing. Work is continuing to examine processing flows and further accelerate processing routines.

The benefits of implementing the new technology are already bearing fruit. Electronic communication and messaging is now faster and more secure. The gathering and collection of quality real time management information has now become much quicker and this allows the company more time to absorb and act upon this information to continually improve the business. A tangible example of this would be slicker stock control and purchasing systems leading to reduced waste. The new system also allows secure remote accessibility.

As a direct result of the time and investment in the new systems, Indigo's customers will have the ability to communicate electronically and interface with the company. They will be able to order online, track the progress of their orders, make modifications and additions to their orders as they are being processed and check their financial status at any given time.

Indigo's National Sales Manager - Dave Stearman says: ‘the improvements that we have made to our information systems are vital in keeping pace with modern demand. We are now better informed, more responsive and able to adjust our manufacturing activity faster to ensure a better quality of service for our customers.’

Kleentec says that it has seen sales, to the conservatory market, of the company's ‘non-stick, easy clean’ glass treatment increase 400% in the last 12 months.

Several manufacturers are applying the treatment as standard. There has also been a big increase in demand for retro fitting to existing conservatories. As it is simple to apply some companies are going back to existing clients offering the service, which also gives the opportunity to gain extra business (new windows?).

'We have also seen a big increase in the supply of DIY kits, allowing homeowners to treat their own windows,' says boss Nigel Whitaker aka the Nutty professor.

'This increase is not surprising, when you consider that the treatment, under the banner of the Kleentec Bridge Window Safety System, is making the window wipers on over 300 vessels worldwide, redundant!'

Tel: 08705 134745
Web: http://www.kleentec.co.uk

Cardo has entered into an agreement on the acquisition of the Spanish company Combursa, which is one of the main Spanish manufacturers of docking systems and industrial doors.

Combursa has sales of approximately SEK 275 million and employs about 150 people. Its head office and production plant are situated outside Barcelona and there are 6 regional sales offices around Spain. In addition, there are subsidiaries in France and Portugal.

The seller is an investment group consisting of the companies 3i and MCH. The acquisition is conditional upon the approval of Spain's competition authority. Assuming that this is given, the acquisition is expected to be completed in April. The acquisition will be realised at an enterprise value of approximately SEK 320 million.

Crawford Group within Cardo's division Door & Logistics Solutions is the major player in Europe in industrial doors and docking systems, offering overall solutions to customer groups in transport, logistics and retailing. Crawford has been represented in Spain for several years through its subsidiary Crawford Door.

'With the acquisition of Combursa, which is one of the main players in Spain, we will further strengthen our market position in southern Europe. The acquisition fits in excellently with Cardo's strategy of making strategic acquisitions with a view to strengthening its geographical presence and/or expanding its product range for the customer segments we have selected,' says Cardo's President and CEO Peter Aru.

'The acquisition of Combursa is an important building block in Crawford's ambition to offer value-adding solutions to customers all over Europe,' says Peter Aru.

The acquisition is expected to have a positive effect of Cardo group earnings as of the date of acquisition.

Ertl Glas has chosen the latest top technology from the Glaston Technology group which has supplied the two new integrated glass processing lines.

Just months after its official launch at Vitrum 2005, the new integrated pre-processing line and the horizontal milling centre - HDM by Z. Bavelloni are already gaining major recognition from the market for their flexibility, productivity and technological innovation content.

In Milan on 13th February 2006 Z. Bavelloni, from the Glaston Technologies group, which in turn belongs to the KYRO group, announced the conclusion of an important contract with the Austrian group Ertl Glas for the supply of two integrated lines for the grinding, milling and drilling of flat glass.

Ertl Glas is a front-line figure in the European market for the processing of laminated and hardened glass, with a vast range of applications to respond to any needs in the fields of architecture and the construction industry. Established in 1938, the company grew and developed over the years until it attained its current status as an important group, with production sites spread around Austria and the former Czechoslovakia.

The company run by Josef Ertl, a direct descendant of the founder, is an example of technology and innovation, acquiring over time various top-quality glass processing systems, from hardening furnaces to grinding, milling and drilling machinery.

Ertl Glas is a cutting-edge firm, keeping abreast of the constantly evolving technology that enables the company to respond to the demands of the market within an ever-shorter timescale, and with extremely high levels of quality.

The company has recently chosen Z. Bavelloni as its partner for the supply of two integrated lines for processing glass of dimensions up to 3000x2600mm and 5100x2600mm, and suitable for processing Low-E glass.

Each integrated line consists of a glass-loading station, a VX 11 OS double-edging line, a HDM26 horizontal drill for drilling and milling, complete with two tool stores, each with 10+10 places, a washing machine and a station for unloading the glass.

Each line is completely integrated into the production management software environment, guaranteeing top-notch performance in terms of both productivity and flexibility.

The integrated lines are available in a complete range of models with the capacity to process glass up to Magnum size (3.3 x 7.2m) whilst the individual machines within the lines (such as the VX and the HDM) can also be purchased separately. Z. Bavelloni guarantees the possibility of augmenting and integrating at a later date, leaving companies free to invest in equipment correctly, as and when required, to grow abreast with their business.

‘This recognition from the market fully endorses the validity of the strategic choices made by our company,’ comments Mauri Leponen, Business Director Architectural Glass Technology of Tamglass/Z. Bavelloni. ‘The Z. Bavelloni name has always stood for reliability and quality, and our company has been chosen as a technological partner by leading-edge producers in the glass sector to compete and maintain their leadership in an increasingly tough and competitive international market with progressively more highly-specified requirements.’

http://www.bavelloni.com.

Recent research undertaken by fulfilment and distance shopping expert, Zendor, points to the takeup of broadband as having the biggest single influence on growth of online shoppers in 2006. As experts continue to predict huge growth in online sales, fulfilment company Zendor asked consumers to identify the factors that are most likely to impact this shift during 2006. Of more than 200 consumers polled by Zendor about their shopping habits, 51% claim that the single biggest factor which would encourage them to shop across more than one channel (online, telephone, catalogue etc) is faster Internet connections. As falling prices and increasing speed impact the takeup of broadband in the UK, it is estimated that 60% of households will have a high-speed broadband connection by 2007 (Source: Data Monitor), and the research indicates that this will play a major role in the continued growth of online shopping.

According to Zendor's findings, published in January 06, other factors which influence a consumer's decision to shop across more than one channel include better promotion of available channels by retailers, improved delivery and better online security. In terms of the need by consumers of better promotion of channels, this suggests that consumers are not only expecting more than one channel via which to shop, but are also not aware of websites offered by many high street retailers. It seems there is still a lot of work to be done by retailers in driving customers to their own sites rather than competitors.

The need for improved delivery services and options is still prevalent, with many consumers demanding flexibility of delivery options in terms of timed slots and specified delivery days, as well as an overall improvement in reliability. Use of a 3rd party fulfilment provider such as Zendor is an increasingly common way for retailers to reduce risks and guarantee a high level of service.

Online security, although cited, is less of an issue than it has been in the past, which suggests that consumer confidence in the Internet is growing. This could be due to effective 3rd party online fraud solutions being made available and campaigns, such as the Interactive Media Retail Group's (IMRG) Internet Shopping is Safe (ISIS) mark, reassuring online shoppers. This increase in consumer confidence was further demonstrated by the huge rise in online shopping during the 10 week run up to Christmas 2005 when sales soared by 50%.

Angela Schorah, Marketing and Communications Manager at Zendor, comments: ‘As more and more consumers sign up to a broadband connection, the attraction of Internet shopping is becoming even more pronounced. Any retailers who have not yet developed a multi-channel or online strategy need to move fast if they are to embrace this shift in consumer behaviour and stay ahead of their competitors.’

Manchester-based Zendor handles a range of fulfilment services for retailers interested in moving into the distance shopping arena. Zendor's services include fulfilment and call centre services, multi-channel strategy and planning and channel development and marketing. For further information please e-mail curious@zendor.com visit http://www.zendor.com or call 0161 238 2050.