UTC
reports Q3 EPS 5% higher and $1bn cash flow after Chubb acquisition
United Technologies Corp. has reported third quarter 2003 earnings per
share increased to $1.27, up 6 cents or 5 percent from the same quarter
last year. Net income rose 4 percent to $639m. Consolidated revenues rose
9 percent to $8.0bn, primarily due to the acquisition of Chubb Plc during
the quarter.
Third quarter cash flow from operations was $1.0bn including a voluntary
pension contribution of $125m. Capital expenditures for the quarter were
$126m. Acquisition related spending was $2.1bn, principally for Chubb.
The debt to total capital ratio was 35 percent, 2 points below Dec. 31,
2002.
'UTC's global business balance and productivity led performance have again
overcome unfavorable market conditions in some sectors, notably commercial
aviation,'said Chairman and Chief Executive Officer George David. 'We're
confirming the consensus full year earnings estimate of $4.65,' he said.
'In the quarter, Otis and Carrier reported double digit operating profit
growth. Pratt & Whitney and Hamilton Sundstrand military revenues
also increased double digits. Of particular note, we completed assembly
of the first production configuration F135 engine for the Joint Strike
Fighter ahead of schedule during the quarter. Foreign currency translation
also boosted results in the quarter,'David continued. 'Although commercial
aviation remains at the low end of the cycle, we did see some improvement
in aftermarket volumes from the prior and first quarters.'
'Cash flow was again exceptionally strong, exceeding net income even net
of the $125m pension plan contribution and capital expenditures. On the
same basis, we now expect cash flow in the range of net income for the
year. Exceptionally strong cash flow in part supported UTC's 30 percent
dividend increase in the quarter.'
For the first nine months of 2003, UTC reported EPS of $3.53, 5 percent
above last year's $3.36. Net income increased to $1.77 billion from $1.70bn.
Cash flow from operations was $2.08bn and after capital expenditures of
$322m approximated net income.
Revenues for the first three quarters were $22.4bn, up 7 percent from
the same period in 2002.
The accompanying tables include information integral to assessing the
company's financial position, operating performance, and cash flow.
United Technologies Corp., based in Hartford, Connecticut, is a diversified
company that provides a broad range of high technology products and support
services to the building systems and aerospace industries.
League
Table Confirms The Burnden Group Plc’s Exceptional Growth Rate
International,
£multi-million construction and engineering group, The Burnden Group
Plc, has been highlighted in a league table of the 100 fastest growing
companies in the North West following 72.6% growth in 2001 - 02.
The league table ranking (#25) takes account of all the companies within
The Burnden Group, but it is dramatic and sustained growth at the group’s
conservatory roof system company, K2, that has helped establish the Plc
as a major commercial force in the North West. The company credits the
expertise of its personnel and its clear market focus with the speed of
its growth.
Comments
Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding (pictured): ‘To have gone
from new entrant to number two in the market within four years is quite
some achievement and we could not have done it without the talent and
focus of our people. Our strategy is to listen to the market and respond
to its needs and this is constantly driving the innovation that is making
us so popular with both the trade and consumers.’
The introduction of products has catalysed K2’s growth; as has the
acquisition of Conservatory Coloured Glass Ltd subsequently re-branded
as K2 Glass, which has launched the groundbreaking Celsius glass. The
company’s products have been used in more than 50,000 installations
during the past year.
Stephen Beckett, Group Financial Director comments: ‘The fact that
we have managed this growth in a controlled way, ploughing the additional
resources back into product development, sales and management means that
we are well placed to continue to address market requirements and deliver
further growth over the coming years.’
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Glassex
gets Competitive with Conservatories!
Building
on the growing importance of Glassex to buyers and specifiers serving
the conservatory sector, two new conservatory competitions will be launched
to take place at Glassex 2004. These events are designed to add fun and
interest at the show, but with the serious intention of developing and
promoting skills, safety and excellence in this rapidly expanding market.
The first of these events, The Conservatory Design Competition, will look
for the best bespoke designed installation in the UK, focusing on aesthetics,
structural integrity, detail application and overall best practice.
The second event will concentrate on the skill of the installer, with
a building competition taking place in the hall throughout Glassex 2004
for which teams will be invited to participate. Organised in association
with The Essential Support Team (T.E.S.T.), the goal is to uncover the
best conservatory installation team, but based upon skill, speed, safety
and overall quality.
The strong conservatory element in the exhibition continues, with more
than 20 conservatory-related exhibitors already signed up for next year’s
event, and the organisers expecting numbers similar to the last event,
when more than 50 companies – around 30% of the total – took
part.
Steve Redman, Event Manager for Glassex said: "Once again Glassex
is shaping up well for an excellent exhibitor list generally, but especially
from conservatory-related suppliers. Of course, we are disappointed that
K2 will not be there as in the past they have set an example of how to
make the most out of Glassex. We should not be too distracted by this
- the show still commands over 200 exhibitors each year with a depth and
variety of product that encompasses the whole industry. Glassex remains
the most powerful and effective sales, marketing and buying tool for anyone
involved with the purchase or specification of windows, doors and conservatories.
The last event drew more than 10,500 visitors in just 28 hours!’
Stand sales for manufacturers and suppliers serving general window and
door products also continue well, with around half of the total stand
space for 2004 now being contracted. Exhibitors include Profile 22, Mila,
and Elumatec dominating the floor plan with big stands.
The sales team advise that a number of prime stands remain available at
this stage for next year’s event but, as usual, they are going fast.
‘Book now to avoid disappointment’ is the message from the team,
who may be contacted on 020 8277 5124.
Eurocell
Building Plastics South East Round-Up
Eurocell Building Plastics, the UK network of trade centres, has relocated two of its prominent South East centres. EBP Hayes has now moved to the Clayton Business Centre off Trevor Rd, Hayes and the current South East HQ, EBP Dartford is now situated on Newtons Court in the Crossways Business Park, Dartford. The new premises are further indication of the inward investment Eurocell Building Plastics is making to its network, particularly in the South East.
Eurocell
Building Plastics' 53rd Branch in Camberley
Further
to this, Eurocell Building Plastics has now opened its 53rd Branch in
Camberley. The latest addition to Eurocell’s Nationwide network is
ideally situated to serve the M3 and M4 corridors from it’s Tuscan
Trading Estate location. ‘We are looking forward to developing Camberley
into one of the strongest performing centres within the region. Although
we have only been open a short while trade is brisk and word is spreading
fast,’ said Keenan Gorrie, Centre Manager.
Offering the new-build, replacement and the strong DIY markets a comprehensive
range of PVCu building products, Eurocell says it manufactures a product
range at competitive prices. The product range includes Eurocell Roofline
fascias, soffits together with window finishing trims, cladding, guttering,
silicone sealant, 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.
EBP – Dartford 01322 285 320
EBP – Hayes 0208 569 3363
EBP – Camberley 01276 671 901
Eurocell Building Plastics HQ – 01773 842 300
GBW
has made further investment in new personnel and the company’s operational
infrastructure. This includes additional staff resources within the Customer
Services Department to further enhance service levels, and the installation
of an IT system for tracking orders right through the production process.
And in line with GBW’s focus on developing sales in the commercial
market, the company has just appointed Gary Brant (pictured) as Commercial
Sales Manager. Gary will liaise directly with specifiers, advising on
requirements in terms of security and other door performance criteria.
With a background in trade and commercial PVCu building products, Gary
is well placed to continue GBW’s drive into the commercial and local
authority sectors with the Discovery range of composite doors. The high
performance Discovery door has played a pivotal role in establishing GBW
as a leading supplier of composite doors to local authorities and housing
associations around the country. Recent sales successes include contract
wins with Huntingdonshire District Council, London Borough of Barnet and
Waltham Forest Borough Council.
Gary is looking forward to being part of an expanding team with the necessary
skills and experience to service this demanding market and maximise its
potential for the company and its customers.
GBW’s Director of Sales, Geoff Foster sees the company’s continued
growth as the result of the whole team’s dedication to producing
quality products and high standards of service and support, ‘And
although we’ve had considerable success in breaking into new markets,
this has never been to the detriment of existing and valued customers,
which is reflected in the fact that orders from our core customer base
are also on the increase.’
Tel: 08705 388377
Web: http://www.gbwuk.com
Military
Honed Skill & Precision will Take KAT UK to Next Stage of Growth
Discipline,
drive, commitment, ambition, teamwork – these are just a few of the
qualities that motivate the new military trained management team of KAT
UK. Ex-Infantry officer David Richards, founding director of
KAT UK, has enlisted the skills of ex-logistics officer Paul Randall and
Submariner Sean Moriarty, to help him lead KAT UK into the next stage
of growth.
Between them they possess a dedication and attention to detail that they
say will ensure KAT customers receive a dynamic, proactive and constantly
evolving product and service proposition.
Pictured
from left to right: Paul Randall, David Richards, Sean Moriarty.
‘There is a drive and discipline among ex-services personnel that
can be translated extremely effectively into the commercial world,’
said David Richards. ‘Such qualities have enabled me to build the
business to its current levels. Now, with the additional skills of Paul
and Sean, we have the perfect framework to take us further.’
Sean joined KAT UK back in the spring as Financial Director. Paul is the
most recent addition to the team, and assumes the sales and marketing
directorship, enabling David to concentrate on the overall strategic direction
of the business.
Web:
http://www.katuk.co.uk
Bohle
Helps County Glass get Tough
County
Glass & Aluminium Ltd has boosted the efficiency of its glass toughening
operation with the latest Twin Belt Dry Grinding machine from Bohle.
The Winchester-based company has recently taken delivery of the new Bohle
equipment to replace outdated machinery and improve productivity.
Established
for over fifty years, County Glass & Aluminium manufactures double-glazed
sealed units and also supplies toughened glass to the trade.
Arrissing the edges of glass panes prior to toughening is vital to avoid
the glass breaking when it is heated. Utilising a completely dry process,
Bohle’s Twin Belt Dry Grinder has been specifically developed for
arissing glass with a protective film or water-sensitive coating, or for
any other processing applications where water cannot be used. Based on
proven components, this new addition to Bohle’s range features a
strong patented extraction system and highly effective air conduction
to ensure minimal soiling of the glass edge during processing.
Bohle’s Twin Belt Dry Grinding machine is designed for use with silicon
carbide or diamond abrasive belts, which are cleaned and cooled by air
conduction. The equipment can be set to the appropriate glass thickness
and arissing requirement, while the precise alignment of the glass and
belt in conjunction with the worktable guarantees excellent edge quality
every time. A range of optional accessories is also available for the
machine, including a filtering system for glass dust extraction, support
rollers for large panes and a corner edging device.
According to Alan Bartripp, Director of County Glass & Aluminium,
the investment is already reaping commercial rewards, ‘We chose Bohle
because they offer cutting edge technology and we are absolutely delighted
with the performance of the new machine. There’s simply no comparison
with our old equipment – it has really increased efficiency on the
production line and is also enabling us to work with awkward shapes.’
Bohle UK offers an extensive range of glass processing machines, including
versatile Belt and Disc Grinders and high precision Drillers. The company’s
growing number of machinery customers are served by a dedicated sales
and support team at Bohle’s machinery division based in Oldham.
Tel: 0800 616151
Web: http://www.bohle.ltd.uk
Celebration
Opening of new £60,000 Installer Showcase Showroom!
A
little bit of business and a lot of fun were the order of the day at Newstead
Trade Frame’s recent Celebration Opening event, attended by over
120 staff and their partners and 46 guests. The day was organised as a
thank you to staff and suppliers for the hard work put in during the course
of Newstead’s recent expansion programme. Gary Dutton, Chairman of
Synseal Extrusions Ltd opened the £60,000 showroom for exclusive
use by the company’s installers. Formalities were followed by guided
tours round all four of Newstead’s manufacturing facilities and sales
premises, totalling 79,000sq ft.
Adrian Locker, Director and General Manager, was there to join in the
celebrations: ‘The showroom is a really exciting development for
us and more importantly our customers. It gives our installers access
to a professionally designed premium showroom, which understandably not
many small businesses have. Installers can invite prospects to the show
room where our comprehensive display of windows, doors, conservatories,
patio and French doors, and a display of our range of Georgian bar, leading
and bespoke colour lead designs all come to life.
‘The day was really to say thank you to staff and suppliers, and
to let everyone share in what we’ve all achieved in the last two
years. Over the last 18 months we have invested over £2 million
to increase capacity and provide what we believe is a unique package of
support for customers. As well as the showroom, we’ve invested in
state of the art manufacturing machinery and IT systems; new trade counter
facilities, and a building products one-stop shop. But we aren’t
stopping there, and are already working on more projects that will give
Newstead installers the edge over their competitors.’
Tel: 01782 641 642
Fasteners
that Stay in one Piece from UK Fasteners
Screws
may be simple components, but they need to work. ‘Specifiers and
fabricators have been complaining of problems with a brand of bi-metallic
screws,’ warns David Ballinger, managing director of UK Fasteners.
‘As the photograph shows the thread of the fastener is coming loose
at the join between the austenitic steel and carbon steel parts of the
bi-met. Struggling to apply a screw that is not made well, or worse not
being able to use it at all because the thread has come off, is a waste
of time and money. Most people are aware of the risks if you buy a cheap
brand but you can pay well over the odds and still end up with a substandard
fastener. UK Fasteners’ new range of high specification bi-metallic
fasteners stay in one piece.’
Tel: 01242 577077
Web: http://www.ukfasteners.co.uk
BeA
Fastening Systems Appoints Distributor for Southern Ireland
BeA Fastening Systems Ltd, the UK manufacturer of collated industrial fastenings, has just appointed TBF Thompson as sole distributor for Southern Ireland. The new partnership will herald unlimited production and output benefits for the Irish manufacturing industry.
BeA's
product range offers fastening solutions for a host of applications including
furniture production and upholstery; construction of timber framed buildings,
roofing, framing, sub flooring, heavy-duty insulation work and joinery
and timber windows; assembly of caravans, boats, sheds, modular buildings
and garden furniture; production of timber framed panels, pallets and
crates; as well as fencing, packaging, and automotive applications.
'The very nature of our product offering requires high levels of technical
support and expertise,' commented Brian Lund, national sales manager.
'We are confident that TBF Thompson is both committed and has the in-house
engineering experience to provide the level of service and assistance
which our existing clients have become accustomed to.'
BeA's product portfolio encompasses over 248 pneumatic tools which are
capable of inserting staples, nails, brads, pins, corrys, clips and specialist
fasteners at rates of up to 8 per second. Self re-load tools with holding
capacities of up to 10,000 fasteners are also available and will speed
up and optimise fastening processes. Specifically designed for automated
or mounted high volume stapling and nailing applications, the tools are
modular in design so can be tailored to individual requirements.
Manufacturers in Ireland will also be able to source hot melt applicators
and adhesives including hand held tools for stick and slug glues up to
bulk tank systems for block and pellet glues for larger applications via
TBF Thompson.
BeA and TBF Thompson are already working closely to supply automated CNC
controlled nailing, stapling and clipping systems which can be custom
designed to meet the most detailed specifications. The implementation
of such machines offers production line benefits including high output,
exact nailing patterns, manufacturing flexibility, labour savings and
low running costs.
'Following a management buyout in 2000, we are dedicated to driving the
business forward and expanding into different markets,' commented Mark
Maguire, product support director for TBF Thompson. 'We plan to work with
BeA's existing customers as well as developing new and previously untouched
markets. We anticipate wide interest in the product range as the tools
have a proven track record in terms of performance, product longevity,
speed and efficiency - the company's 90 year pedigree is testament to
this'
BeA and TBF Thompson used this year's Woodworking Ireland exhibition to
launch the joint venture. Marketing and promotional activity will include
targeted media relations and direct mail campaigns.
For literature and pricing information on the complete range of equipment
and
materials available contact TBF Thompson on 00353 16715711.
Dorma
Steps up MidEast Business Activity
The Dorma Group is significantly expanding its business in the Middle East. In the presence of Germany's federal chancellor, Chancellor Gerhard Schröder, Dr. Michael Schädlich, Chief Executive Officer of the Dorma Group, signed in Ryadh the purchase contract enabling Dorma to acquire a majority holding in a production facility in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. At the same time the Dorma CEO also announced the planned establishment of a subsidiary and the take-over of a service organisation in the door automation sector in the United Arabic Emirates (UAE).
Dr.
Michael Schädlich, CEO of the Dorma Group (right), and Sulaiman A.
Al Zamil, Director of Hamed A. Al Zamil & Bros. Co. (left),
with the German Federal Chancellor Gerhard Schröder after signing
the contract.
The
contracts will result in an increase in the Dorma shareholding in the
DAAD joint venture (Dorma Arabia Automatic Doors Ltd.) from 49% to 75%.
The establishment of this joint venture with the Saudi Al Zamil Group,
Dammam, dates back to the year 2000. Al Zamil is a major industrial and
trading concern focusing on the construction sector. DAAD headquartered
in Dammam, Saudi Arabia, has in this short period to date developed into
the region's market leader for the production and sale of automatic doors.
The combination of the regional presence of Al Zamil and the technological
know-how of Dorma has, according to Dr. Schädlich, been a significant
contributory factor in this success.
'Dorma's purpose in acquiring a majority interest in DAAD is to be able
to offer our products to our customers on a cross-divisional, single-source
basis while operating hand-in-hand with Dorma Gulf Door Controls FZE in
Dubai,' emphasised the Dorma CEO in Ryadh. 'In collaboration with the
Al Zamil Group we shall be better able to undertake major projects and
to exploit the major development opportunities that exist in this region.'
As part of the same process, DAAD is to found a subsidiary in currently
the region's fastest growing market of Dubai (UAE) and is in the process
of acquiring an already well established sales and service network. This
means that DAAD will be exceptionally well positioned in this booming
economy. All these measures are, according to the Dorma CEO, expected
to be in place by the end of 2003.
Sureframe
Hit with Portal’s Paladin Door
The
growth of the composite door market has persuaded Accrington-based window
company Sureframe to start supplying Portal Products’ Paladin door.
A PVCu panel customer for the last seven years, Sureframe decided to stock
the Paladin door as it complements the company’s existing product
range.
Both
Sureframe’s retail and trade customers will benefit from a wider
choice which includes GRP and steel-faced versions of Paladin. And according
to the company’s Managing Director Darren Holden (pictured), the
doors have been well-received by their customers.
‘The quality of the product is excellent and we’ve had very
positive feedback from both our customers and homeowners,’ comments
Darren.
Cheltenham-based Portal Products recently launched a GRP version of its
Paladin steel-faced composite door to meet demand for a sturdy, yet good-looking
product in this fast-growing sector.
Portal says the addition of the fibreglass door completes its product
range to maintain its niche as a ‘one-stop shop’ supplier to
installers.
And it this service that is impressing companies such as Sureframe to
expand its product offering.
Recently, GRP has become an increasingly popular choice for entrance doors
due to its inherent strength and high resistance to denting, warping or
twisting. The strength of the material is testament to its use in the
manufacture of racing cars, speedboats and even British Army tanks.
Portal Products offers its customers a totally bespoke service in size,
style and glazing options for the GRP door. Frames are also supplied so
that installers can simply order a complete door set and fit on site.
All GRP Paladin doors can be painted to any RAL colour and with up to
six times greater heat insulation than a comparable timber door, the product
meets the requirements of Part L of the Building Regulations.
Portal’s Managing Director, Peter Shears, comments: ‘We’re
delighted to be able to expand our product range even further with the
launch of the GRP door which perfectly complements our range.
‘Our sales have also grown through targeting smaller independent
fabricators who often cater for niche markets. With our comprehensive
range of door types, styles and decorative glass, we aim to provide customers
with a wide choice of products.’
Portal’s portfolio comprises PVCu panels, aluminium panels and composite
doors in steel and GRP, giving the company flexibility to cater for all
markets. Similarly, the launch of new products such as Amatis and the
resin-bevelled glass range has also increased the appeal, and sales, of
the range.
Tel: 01242 267000
WindowQuoter
Opens Doors for Companies
Two
more companies have signed up to the internet-based WindowQuoter system
to generate new customers - and say they are already reaping the benefits.
Operated by nation-wide company Price Engines Ltd, WindowQuoter provides
firms with quality windows, doors and conservatory business by providing
genuine appointments with serious customers.
Customers use WindowQuoter to obtain instant on-line quotes, and their
details are then passed on to window companies.
Firms using Price Engines' service to secure appointments range from national
companies to one-man operations. Currently, Price Engines secures £8
million worth of inquiries cost effectively each week.
North-west firm Malbern UPVC Windows and Doors and Highgrove Windows,
which covers Kent, Sussex and Surrey, are using WindowQuoter.
Price Engines sales manager Mark Cooper said: 'We are busier now than
we have ever been in terms of the number of leads that we are generating.
Every week we break records with the number of leads placed with window
companies.
'Malbern and Highgrove are two examples from different parts of the country
of customers who are benefiting from WindowQuoter.'
Malbern is the biggest manufacturer in the north west and employs 600.
Company spokesman Kelvin Wright said: 'We heard about WindowQuoter through
the internet. We like it because we only pay for what we get. We could
spend £1,100 in a newspaper and the return is uncertain. WindowQuoter
provides us with people who need windows and doors and then it's down
to us.
'We get enough calls out of WindowQuoter to make it very cost effective.'
Highgrove Windows managing director John Houlihan said the company had
used newspapers to advertise for the past 15 years. Now WindowQuoter had
given it another avenue. He said: 'We like the leads; they are genuine
leads.'
Companies using WindowQuoter can select an area they wish to cover and
the number of appointments they require each day. All appointments are
with buyers purchasing windows, doors or conservatories in the near future,
with an average order value of £4,000-plus each.
Price Engines was established in 2000 and has its headquarters in Derby.
Tel: 01332 297472
Web: http://www.priceengines.co.uk
PPG
Glass Provides Clearer View of Charters of Freedom
As
visitors returned on September 18th to the newly renovated rotunda at
the National Archives Building in Washington, they viewed the Declaration
of Independence, Constitution, and Bill of Rights through Starphire ultra-clear
glass by PPG Industries.
The National Archives exhibition building is reopened after an extensive
two-year renovation. At the centre of the renovation are new display
cases - made with Starphire glass - for the three documents, collectively
called 'The Charters of Freedom.'
Two
additional displays ringing the rotunda contain a series of 'American
Originals,' documents related to The Charters of Freedom. (Installation
of Starphire glass in the American Originals display has not yet been
completed.)
'The exhibit looks great. You can hardly tell that the glass is even there,'
said Marvin Shenkler, restoration project manager for the National Archives.
'In prior years, Americans looked at these documents through glass that
gave them a green appearance. Thanks to the new glass and lighting, people
from across the nation - and from across the world - can get a much clearer
view of The Charters of Freedom.'
The new display replaces one installed in 1952, in which deteriorated
glass was developing small cracks and becoming opaque. The archives feared
that eventual contact with the ageing glass could cause abrasion to the
parchment (animal skin) on which the historic documents were written,
Shenkler said. Starphire glass in the new display cases will never touch
the documents, he added.
'We are extremely proud that Starphire glass was selected for use in the
National Archives project,' said Mark J. Orcutt, PPG's vice president
of flat glass, adding that 1,500 square feet of the glass was donated
by PPG for use in the project.
While conventional glass has a green tinge, 'thanks to the innovative
work of PPG researchers and advanced manufacturing techniques, Starphire
glass is the clearest float glass in the world, transmitting absolutely
true colour,' Orcutt said.
For use at the National Archives, Starphire glass (3/8-inch thick) was
laminated to provide high-security characteristics, and it was covered
with an anti-reflective coating - by Denglas Technologies, LLC - to maximise
the amount of light to illuminate the documents, which are considered
the foundation of American democracy. Denglas is a global leader in anti-reflective
coating technologies for the picture framing and specialty glass industries.
For more information on The Charters of Freedom and the National Archives
visit http://www.nara.gov.
Pittsburgh-based PPG Industries is a global supplier of glass, coatings,
fibre glass and chemicals, with 120 manufacturing facilities and equity
affiliates in 23 countries. Sales were $8.1 billion in 2002.
Web: http://www.ppgstarphire.com
Top
Glass Dining at the Dorchester
The
Krug Room, the new Krug-sponsored chef’s dining room at the London
Dorchester is now officially open. Optima Architectural Glass was chosen
to work with interior fit out firm Vivid Interiors to install a 10m Priva-Lite®
‘intelligent’ glass screen in the Krug Room.
Manufactured
by Saint-Gobain Glass (SGG), the transparent glass screen allows diners
to view Executive Chef Henry Brosi and his team preparing each culinary
delight then, with a flick of a switch, dine in complete privacy as the
screen turns opaque.
How intelligent glass works
The SGG Priva-Lite® screen is made from 11.8mm laminated glass with
a liquid crystal interlayer film connected to a 200VA electrical transformer.
When the power is switched off the liquid crystals are randomly scattered
giving the glass an opaque appearance. Switching the electrical current
back on realigns the crystals, creating a transparent appearance.
Unique dining experience
The Dorchester’s food and beverage manager Zoe Jenkins said: ‘The
intelligent glass screen installed by Optima creates a visually stunning
effect for diners. The Krug Room’s contemporary design brings together
natural and hi-tech products, creating something exceptional, not only
to the Dorchester, but also to London.’She continued: ‘The concept
has been designed to provide a unique dining experience, allowing guests
to view their meals being prepared while experiencing the hub and atmosphere
of the kitchen.’
Applications
As well as creating an opulent surrounding for hotel dining rooms, the
glass screen can be used for a variety of other applications, including
glazed meeting rooms, shop fronts, façades, high security anti-bandit
glass, bespoke displays, and fish tanks. High resolution images can also
be projected onto the glass for use in exhibitions, TV studios or meeting
rooms.
The ‘intelligent’ SGG Priva-Lite® screen offers a stylish
alternative to curtains, blinds or standard partitioning. Single or double
glazed panels can be curved, silk-screen printed or sand-blasted.
Company background
Optima Architectural Glass, part of the HLS Construction Group, is a specialist
glazing contractor based in High Wycombe with more than ten years experience
in the design, management and installation of glass. It provides an extensive
range of services and products for all architectural glass applications.
Web: http://www.optimaglass.com