Edgetech
Takes its VAT Campaign to Number 10
Edgetech
has taken advantage of a new online petition service to gather support
quickly and easily for its campaign to have VAT reduced to 5% on Energy
Saving Recommended (ESR) windows.
The new online petition on the Number 10 Downing Street website allows
people to lobby Tony Blair on important issues. Managing Director of Edgetech
Andy Jones comments: 'I urge as many people as possible to sign this petition
so we can put it at the top of the list of issues people are petitioning
for. The Government must take notice of ESR windows and the benefits they
offer homeowners and the environment. As well as signing the petition
I also ask for continued lobbying of Government officials and MPs to ensure
that the window industry's voice is heard on this issue.'
The petition can be found at: http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/reduced-VAT
NSG
Reports Good First Half with Pilkington
NSG has included the performance of Pilkington, which became a consolidated subsidiary in June 2006, in the Company's consolidated income statements from the second quarter of the current term. Consequently, sales, operating profits, and ordinary profits all saw substantial year-on-year increases.
Building
Products
Sales: JPY131.604 billion, Operating profit: JPY6.103 billion
In Japan, solid increases in shipments of high-performance glass boosted
sales, but higher costs for raw materials and fuels caused operating profits
to drop year-on-year.
In Europe, profits were strong due to a firm increase in demand in the
region.
In North America, amongst a decline in housing construction, robust demand
for commercial building supported sales.
Automotive Glass
Sales: JPY96.872 billion, Operating profit: JPY 2.018 billion
In Japan, glass shipment were up year-on-year fueled by increase of domestic
car build.
In Europe, the new vehicles, of which Pilkington supplies glass products,
showed good growth.
In North America, OE business was slow due the reduced production by US
automobile manufacturers.
Other Businesses
Sales: JPY 44.782 billion, Operating profit: JPY 0.559 billion
In the information and electronics sector, steady shipments of optical
lenses for multifunction printers and a recovery in the display product
market lifted sales and profits year-on-year.
In the glass fibre sector, recovering demand for air filter-related equipment
was among factors generating a year-on-year rise in sales and profit.Convertible
bonds and borrowings
As for the convertible bond-type bonds with stock acquisition rights (No.1),
JPY 61 billion has been converted into stocks out of the issued JPY 110
billion as at the end of September 2006 and JPY 71 billion as of today
(approximately 65 percent of the total).
Interest-bearing debt balance at the end of this interim period is JPY
636 billion, which is a JPY 32.6 billion decrease from the end of the
first quarter.
New Medium-term Plan
Dividing the ten-year strategy from FY2008 to FY2017 into three stages,
the Company has set out a four-year medium-term plan starting from April
2007 as its first stage. This plan aims to integrate the Group's strength
and expand its performance by continuing efforts to restore financial
soundness, placing emphasis on improving productivity and quality, and
endeavouring to distinguish itself from its competitors.
Expansion
at Deceuninck's Calne Plant Reflects Positive UK Business
Deceuninck
has expanded its manufacturing capacity by introducing two new cellular
profile extrusion lines to help it meet growing demand for its Deeplas
by Deceuninck product range.
This means the Calne-based company has introduced four new, state of the
art, cellular profile lines this year alone which, along with its new
logics centre that was opened in June of this year, is in line with Deceuninck
Group's continual growth plan for the UK.
Hazel Wilson, Building Products Division Manager at Deceuninck said: ‘Deceuninck
Group continues to invest in the UK due to the rapid growth of Deeplas
by Deceuninck sales and it's a trend we are confident will continue. The
investment is also an indication that the industry is still growing, which
is welcome news for everyone in the sector.’
Deeplas by Deceuninck is a comprehensive range of cellular profiles for
interior and exterior use. It includes the Décor range of ceiling
and wall panels, which are ideal for bathrooms and kitchens because their
water resistant and insulating properties minimise condensation and mould
growth. Easy installation makes them ideal for both professionals and
DIY consumers too.
For the exterior, Twinson Terrace and Twinson Face combine the natural
appearance and warm feel of wood with the durability and low maintenance
of PVC to great effect in ranges of patio planks and cladding. Also for
the exterior is Belface, a heavy duty cladding system. It's a cyclefoam
using recycled PVC with very low thermal expansion so there's no tendency
for it to warp through exposure to moisture or temperature changes. Throughout
all the ranges, the colours and styles make them suitable for every type
of home and commercial application.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: hazel.wilson@deceuninck.com
Spectus
Installs New Extruders
The
Spectus factory in Macclesfield is now home to two new state of the art
twin strand extruders. These new high-speed extruders increase capacity
but also bring many more benefits.
They
are more efficient and require less electricity and cooling water per
metre of profile than older machines. Die changes are quicker leading
to less downtime. The machines are easier to set up so quality is more
consistent and Spectus' already low scrap levels are further reduced.
Moreover, the investment underlines Spectus' commitment to the UK market.
Says Dave Mulholland, Spectus' Sales and Marketing Director: ‘The
PVC-U windows and doors market is undergoing a period of change, and as
the market matures and becomes ever more competitive, our UK-base will
become increasingly important.
'We offer customers continuity of supply on a day-to-day basis and our
factory operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, closing only for Christmas
and New Year.
'Almost inevitably some European system companies whose core market is
not the UK will either pull out all together or move manufacturing back
to mainland Europe. As transport costs increase and the environmental
impact of moving goods long distances begin to have more of an impact,
they will find it increasingly difficult to provide the service fabricators
are used to.
'Our customers will continue to benefit from the service levels that only
a financially stable, progressive, and UK based company can provide.’
Picture: The Spectus factory in Macclesfield is
now home to two new state of the art twin strand extruders.
Freefoam
Plastics, a leading manufacturer of roofline and Rainwater systems in
the UK and Ireland, has reached another milestone by achieving record
monthly sales in excess of €4 million for September.
It was Freefoam's objective to reach this target for the month of September
and due to an increase in demand in the marketplace plus a growing customer
base this has been achieved.
The reason for this growth is attributed mainly to the continued investment
in the market and the launch of new products that add to an already extensive
product range.
Aidan Harte, Finance Director, comments,
‘There are numerous reasons why Freefoam's sales have grown so fast
in the last few months but the main contributors have to be the benefits
incurred by expanding our manufacturing plant in Northampton along with
our recent acquisition of the Permacell product range allowing us to offer
a wider product range to our customers.
'Freefoam is committed to continuing this investment programme and we
shall be making further announcements in the near future. How long before
we have reached €5m monthly sales? Watch this space’.
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
Deceuninck
to Consolidate Extrusion Production in North America
The
Deceuninck Group will cease extrusion operations at its Oakland, New Jersey
(USA) plant. The move is part of the integration of the Vinyl Building
Products and Dayton Technologies acquisitions completed earlier by Deceuninck
Group. The Pompton Plains, New Jersey, distribution centre shall remain
operational to ensure uninterrupted service to Deceuninck's customer base.
This decision is an integral part of the Deceuninck Group's business plan
2009 and is the final part of site optimisation.
The Oakland, New Jersey manufacturing plant became one of the Deceuninck
North America production sites after the acquisition of Vinyl Building
Products, part of Thyssen Polymer (Germany) in July 2003.
Deceuninck North America holds a leading position in the American PVC
window profile extrusion market with sales of $ 170 million in 2005. The
current production capacity of Deceuninck North America remains unchanged,
but will be consolidated into its state-of-the art Monroe, Ohio and Little
Rock, Arkansas facilities.
The transition will begin immediately and should be completed by the end
of March 2007. Approximately 70 people will be affected by this consolidation
and the company will make every attempt to identify further employment
opportunities for those employees.
The costs related to this operation will be accrued for in the 2006 accounting
figures.
‘The decision to close down production at the Oakland site is part
of our worldwide platform and streamlining projects that were started
after the acquisition of Thyssen Polymer in 2003. Through much improved
operating efficiencies resulting from this action we will become a more
competitive industry leader, which will strengthen our position as a leading
supplier to the North American PVC window market. This move leverages
our state-of-the art facilities in a more efficient approach to the market.
It also enables a greater focus on quality resulting in further improved
service levels. Finally, it will strengthen the relationship with our
customer base as we ensure the long term viability of our partnerships,’
says Clement De Meersman, CEO of the Deceuninck Group.
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
The
Freefoam Roofline Report - Roofline Sales Rocketing
According
to The Freefoam Roofline Report, a quarterly trends survey produced by
Michael Rigby Associates, and sponsored by Freefoam Plastics Ltd, a net*
32% of roofline stockists and installers reported better sales in August
to October 2006 compared with May to July 2006.
A net 35% of stockists and installers increased sales in August to October
2006 compared with the same three months of 2005 (chart 1). Mid-sized
(48%) and small companies (38%) saw an improvement but on balance 7% of
large companies saw a fall in sales. Stockists and installers in all regions
experienced better sales.
Specialist stockists (net 44%) again did better than specialist installers
(25%).
* The net balance is the difference between the percentage of companies
reporting an increase over those reporting a decrease.
Sales forecasts
Seasonal influences mean that expectations for the next three months are
low. On balance 41% of stockists and installers expect to see a drop in
sales in the next three months (November 2006 to January 2007) compared
with the previous three months (August to October 2006).
Year-on-year forecasts are better. A net 11% of stockists and installers
expect increased sales in November 2006 to January 2007 compared with
November 2005 to January 2006 (chart 2). Mid-sized firms (net 20%) are
most confident but small companies (9%) are also positive. However, a
net 7% of large firms forecast a drop. Stockists and installers in the
South and Midlands (17%) are upbeat but a balance of 3% in the North expect
sales to fall.
Prospects
A net 19% of stockists and installers are more optimistic now about the
overall prospects for the roofline market than three months ago. Mid-sized
firms (38%) are more confident than small companies (13%) but a balance
of 13% of large firms are less confident than three months ago. Stockists
and installers across the country are positive.
Specialist stockists (20%) are more optimistic than specialist installers
(8%).
Comment
‘With home owners staying in their existing homes for longer,’
says Tony Walsh, Managing Director of Freefoam, which sponsors this survey.
‘Window and conservatory companies will reap the benefits this brings
when consumers start to make big home improvements. However, they are
not the only ones who gain. With more installers now switched on to the
benefits of roofline, more home owners are also having roofline products
installed.
‘Consumers are prepared to spend money on their home but they will
not be knocking down your door to buy from you. Projects don't just fall
in your lap.
There is no substitute for positive word of mouth generated by quality
of installation and service, but the real winners also make themselves
known to prospective purchasers. Whatever the state of the market, proactive
marketers and sellers do better than those who sit and wait. Are you consistent
in your marketing? Is your company top of mind, the first name to be considered
when your sort of customers think of roofline? If homeowners know about
you, they're more likely to use you.
‘Home owners do have money, and they are spending, but you are competing
for their pounds with holidays, cars and entertaining as well as a growing
list of other home improvements. Companies have to make the case for roofline,
as well as making the case for their company. The long term prospects
for roofline look very good.’
For a copy of the full report call: Jenny Reilly on 01453 521 621 or visit
http://www.521621.com/research/quarterly/readreport.php?roofline
The Freefoam Roofline Report, a quarterly trends survey, is produced by
Michael Rigby Associates, and sponsored by Freefoam Plastics Ltd.
The survey covers a representative sample of 100 roofline installers and
stockists, including builders' merchants, of PVC-UE cellular foam. Telephone
interviews took place between the 1st and 8th November 2006 across a balanced
spread of size of firm and geographical area.
© Copyright Michael Rigby Associates 2006
Home
Counties Roofing Systems Moves to Ultraframe
A
desire to keep ahead of its competitors has driven Home Counties Roofing
Systems to switch to fabricating Ultraframe conservatory roofs. The Milton
Keynes based fabricator wanted to provide its customers with the best
quality and most technically advanced roof system on the market and found
that only Ultraframe could meet the company's demands.
Home Counties conducted thorough research in its hunt for an alternative
supplier which could keep the company at the forefront of the conservatory
industry. The company has the capability to manufacture over 50 roofs
a week, so efficient product ordering and delivery was paramount in their
search for a new supplier.
Geoff Davies said: 'We felt it was time to introduce a change that would
inject some enthusiasm back into our company. After a lot of researching
and several meetings we realised that Ultraframe could offer us a package
that meets our need for a superior product range, excellent sales back
up plus outstanding technical and marketing support. We are particularly
impressed with Ultraframe’s ability for next day delivery on our
component orders. This new partnership allows us to work with a company
who is concentrating on providing products which deliver exactly what
the marketplace is looking for, so we in turn we can give our customers
what they want.'
To maximise order accuracy and cost efficiency Home Counties is planning
to use Ultranet Order Manager. This initiative was developed by Ultraframe
in partnership with its fabricators to give them a unique, cost effective
and responsive solution to ordering Ultraframe products. The user-friendly
system reduces paperwork and allows fabricators to easily configure roofs,
prices and order stock components.
For the past twelve months Ultraframe also has been running a programme
of regular fabricator consultation days. This Customer First approach
provides an opportunity to gather vital feedback and for Ultraframe customers
to preview the latest developments and shape the way Ultraframe products
and services evolve before they are offered to the market place.
Geoff Davies continued: 'Finding a company which actually listens to what
we want from a supplier is very refreshing. All our staff have been receiving
excellent training and support from Ultraframe which is making the transition
to the new products much simpler. Although it is early stages we have
had an overwhelmingly positive response from our customers who really
trust the Ultraframe brand. Combined with the reputation for quality and
customer service that we have built over the years, I’ve no doubt
we’ll make a great team and our customers will benefit.'
Ultraframe’s Commercial Director, Nick Brown, said: 'We are delighted
to welcome Home Counties Roofing Systems on board. Working hand in hand
with our customers is the future of our business. Clearly Ultraframe already
has a great product range and a number of innovative service initiatives
that enable our customers to differentiate themselves from their competitors.
We will be paying more attention to developing the infrastructure that
will enable us to deliver increased customer service and jointly develop
innovative conservatory solutions.'
For more information on Home Counties Roofing Systems call 01908 227881
or email hcrs@btconnect.com
M&S
Cladding and Windows Celebrates a Successful Start
Torquay's
M&S Cladding and Windows has two reasons to celebrate at the moment.
The company has just opened its new impressive showroom - The Conservatory
Centre - and is already seeing an increase in sales as a result.
M&S
Cladding and Windows uses a wide variety of Deceuninck window and building
products, including two of Deceuninck's systems - chamfered 2500 and zendow
3000 - as well as Twinson Terrace, Belface cladding and Deeplas range
of cladding and fascias. The Conservatory Centre's main focus is obviously
conservatories, which are displayed in luxurious lifestyle settings.
Steve Mazdon, M&S Cladding and Windows' Director, commented: ‘We're
delighted with the success of The Conservatory Centre so far. We're particularly
pleased with our decision to display products in lifestyle settings. It
demonstrates the versatility and value of our product range to customers
in a very subtle and modern way. Laying Deceuninck's Twinson decking round
the conservatories, for example, means the benefits of the product are
immediately visible - which helps make the sales person's job a bit easier.’
He added, ‘But we shouldn't forget the value of Deceuninck's products
in all this. We've always been delighted with the company’s products
and with the support it offers. Now we've opened our showroom and have
an appropriate way to display the products, it's clearer than ever that
our customers agree with us!’
Another factor in The Conservatory Centre's success was an extensive and
effective local advertising campaign. The campaign included an attention-grabbing
competition on local radio. 'I'm in a conservatory - get me out of here!'
ran during the Centre's opening week. Two winners each day made it to
the final - which involved all the winners being put in a conservatory.
The eventual winner won the conservatory of their choice.
M&S Cladding and Windows serves both the trade and domestic markets.
As well as its trade counter, the company also offers a reliable delivery
service throughout the South West. The Conservatory Centre, which opened
four weeks ago, is open to the public as well as members of the trade
wanting to show their own customers what they can offer.
Steve concluded, ‘The Conservatory Centre is our window to the outside
world and provides inspiration to consumers. We have been delighted with
the amount of customers to the centre.’
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mike.ward@deceuninck.com
Haffner
GB Ltd has reported another excellent trading year for the company with
continued sales growth, which in today's volatile market is an achievement
in itself.
Dave Thomas, Haffner's Managing Director says the growth is largely due
to the continued success of its SBA Cutting and Machining Centre, backed
up with its excellent customer service which includes free consultancy.
The Centre offers a solution to the problems faced by many fabricators.
By automating much of the fabrication process, it guarantees quality and
accuracy and - crucially - can fabricate up to 750 frames a week using
just one member of staff. Dave adds, ‘The machine's always offered
a multitude of benefits to fabricators, but recent developments make it
even more valuable. For instance, the centre now has a double routing
facility for night vents, so rather than night vents being a separate
process, the Centre can cut them in just 10 seconds.’
Naturally, the company is delighted with the growth it's enjoying. But
Dave Thomas is pleased for another reason: ‘We're constantly being
told that the industry is in decline, but I think our sales growth shows
that even though times may be tougher than they used to be, the industry
isn't going to give up without a fight.’
Next year is looking rosy for Haffner too. Ian Wheatley has just been
recruited as Head of Sales and early signs suggest it was an astute appointment
- he secured his first sales within a fortnight of joining the company.
Plans are also afoot to move to new, larger premises to help keep up with
demand. So watch this space for next year's results.
Tel: 01785 814032
Email: dave.thomas@haffnergb.co.uk
Selecta
Systems Crosses Border with Trade Windows Scotland
Dundee-based
fabricator Trade Windows (Scotland) Ltd is the latest in a string of companies
that has switched to Selecta Systems, the UK extruder of PVC-u window
systems.
The
company which is the largest fabricator of windows, doors and conservatory
kits in Dundee, had been working with a major extruder for many years,
but was attracted to Selecta because it was so impressed with its Advance
70 system and the support services provided.
Trade Windows, has been fabricating the Advance profile since August and
was impressed with this single profile as it is compatible with such a
diverse range of products, from windows through to French doors, so the
need to hold large quantities of different stock has been dramatically
reduced.
Trade Windows (Scotland) Ltd is the largest fabricator of windows, doors
and conservatory kits in Dundee. Established more than a decade ago, the
company operates in Central and North East Scotland and currently fabricates
around 60 frames per week.
George Hood, Director of Trade Windows comments, ‘We reviewed a range
of systems from many manufacturers, but when we looked at Selecta, there
was really no contest. Advance 70's five chamber profile was what really
sold it to us as the system provides great strength and durability while
also helping it to achieve low U-values - this will be an essential element
in further strengthening our business in the future with the increasingly
stringent building regulations that will be coming into force next year.’
The strong technical and support services that are available for companies
using Advance 70 was also a key factor for senior management at Trade
Windows when deciding to choose Selecta Systems as its supplier.
George Hood continued, ‘We were really impressed with the service
offered by the team at Selecta, as they are reliable and approachable
so we felt very confident that we will always have a fast response from
them.’
Mark Richmond, Selecta System's Sales and Marketing Director, stated:
‘We're delighted to welcome Trade Windows on board. We pride ourselves
on the consistent, high quality of our products and the services we offer.
We're very pleased that our reputation for achieving this is growing within
the industry. No product, however good it is, can succeed without good
support service and I believe our personal touch is what really makes
us different.
We have a genuine interest in the success and growth of all our customers
and we will go the extra mile to help them achieve success and yield profit.
I'm looking forward to a long and prosperous business relationship with
Trade Windows.’
Tel: 0121 325 2100
Email: dawn.pritchard@selectasystems.com
Not
content with just one top of the range Elumatec SBZ150 profile machining
centre, Roger Philips of Crown Aluminium is treating himself to a second.
The company, based in Stroud, Gloucestershire specialises in the manufacture
of aluminium curtain walling, doors and windows and has been a strong
advocate of Elumatec equipment for years.
‘We began with an Elumatec SBZ130 eleven years ago and since then
have installed two SBZ130s ands one SBZ150,’ commented Roger. ‘The
new SBZ150 has been ordered to replace one of the 130s, as the capacity
of the machine is much greater and we are able to complete many projects
which would have been virtually impossible over the same time frame with
comparable machinery.’
The value of the SBZ150 can be seen on the two domes at the Marshes Shopping
Centre in Dundalk which Crown completed for Glazing Designs of Ireland.
‘There is absolutely no way that we could have managed this project
in the timescale and with such precision, without the advanced cutting
and unique power saw action of the SBZ150,’ admits Roger. The exterior
of the Marshes centre has been designed as a streetscape linked by a new
high street. The centre has several different architectural styles, including
the 10m and 16m domes that reflect Dundalk's period architecture. ‘It
was an ambitious design and a challenge to us to manufacture the domes
but we achieved it and the results are stunning,’ continues Roger.
‘This is just one of many projects that we have been able to undertake
confident in the knowledge that the Elumatec machinery will be up for
the job.’
Elumatec UK has designed the SBZ150 profile machine centre to help with
the manufacture of aluminium and steel profiles. ‘There is no doubt
in my mind that the Elumatec SBZ150 is the most advanced machine of its
kind currently on the market, with the saw feature second to none,’
continues Roger, who is also president of the Council for Aluminium in
Buildings. ‘We are eagerly awaiting the new arrival in January!’
Crown Aluminium Limited is a family owned and operated company that was
incorporated in 1987 and has an annual turnover in excess of £2.5
million. Specialising in the fabrication of windows, doors and curtain
walling for specialist installing sub-contractors. Crown is undoubtedly
the UK's largest and most experienced fabricator servicing this sector.
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
After
a visit to India by Derek Parsons, managing director of Kombimatec Machines
Ltd earlier this year an order was concluded during a reciprocal visit
by the Kombimatec Indian representative, Deepak Chugh and uPVC window
fabricator Mr. Vikram Kashyap to the Kombimatec manufacturing facility
in Luton.
Kombimatec
has been exporting machinery to India for the past four years but what
makes this order significant is the inclusion of the EV470 CNC Corner
& Transom Cleaner.
Although the market is predominantly 2 and 3-track horizontal sliding
windows there is a need for outward opening casement windows just like
the UK.
As a result they require transom welding and cleaning capacity (and reverse
butt) and with the complex styles and variety of profiles the EV470 Cleaner
is perfect.
The Indian market in general is booming and the building sector in particular
has a 25% growth. This is growth is being fuelled by tax incentives to
purchase homes and the boom is happening in all the major cities across
India.
The Kashyap Company currently produces Aluminium and Wooden windows but
sees demand from its existing and new customers for uPVC windows.
During their visit to the UK they visited several existing fabricators
including Evolution based in Biggleswade. The first package of machines
will be despatched before the end of 2006 complete with tooling to manufacture
Rehau Tritec 60 and S920 profile suites.
Tel: +44(0) 1582 455934
Email: sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.kombimatec.com
Andrew
to Head Up Oktopus UK Crane Team
Bromsgrove-based
lifting specialist Oktopus UK has announced the appointment of Andrew
Hinton-Sheley as head of its cranes division.
Andrew
joined the company as part of its move towards offering a dedicated lifting
solution as well as the general supply of specialised lifting equipment.
Oktopus has devised a range of compact cranes to suit most industry needs,
and assesses each customer's requirements to ensure that the equipment
involved is correctly suited to the job.
Andrew, 38, who is married with two children and lives in the West Midlands,
has 10 years' experience in the construction hire business, as well as
being an appointed person.
As an appointed person in the crane industry, Andrew's role will involve
site surveys and drawing up lifting plans so that the needs of the customer
can be best met.
Oktopus UK supplies vacuum lifting machines for the roofing, cladding
and glazing industries. The increase in size of panels in the building
industry, combined with stricter health and safety guidelines, has led
to logistical problems for lifting and construction personnel.
The Oktopus system can handle every profile of cladding panels and is
suitable for roof panels up to 30 metres in length. The suction contact
means that there is no damage to the panel edges or surfaces as they are
lifted into place.
Stuart Young, works manager at Oktopus UK, said: ‘Our range of specialist
cranes is increasing and that allows us to ensure that any of our equipment
is correctly specified for the customer's needs. We also recognise the
importance of safety on site and how that is related to the correct use
of equipment.
‘Andrew's appointment will allow us to better serve our customers,
both in the supply of equipment or, alternatively, in offering a lifting
service where required. We are delighted to welcome him to the company.’
For more information on Oktopus UK, telephone 01527 570111 or visit http://www.oktopus.co.uk
Martindales
Increases Production Five-Fold in 12 Months
Replacement
door and window frame production at Martindales has increased five-fold
in the past 12 months.
A combination of new equipment, contracts and working practices has meant
that Bolton-based Martindales, the UK supplier of replacement doors and
windows to the insurance industry, has stepped up output from 120 to 500
uPVC frames a week.
'We've invested in new equipment, we've launched Martindales Trade Frames
- a division to supply the building trade - as a supplement to our insurance
business, we've increased efficiency and production levels in every part
of the business, and the result is that we've achieved a fantastic result,'
said Phil Martindale, founder and Managing Director of Martindales.
'This is extremely encouraging - because it is a tough and massively competitive
business sector. It is even more encouraging that we have maintained our
high standards of customer service while increasing production levels,'
he added.
'However, the team has looked very carefully at ensuring we can cope with
further growth - and such is the structure at which we have arrived that
we clearly have an ability to step up even further.'
Martindales invested more than £300,000 in several key pieces of
equipment at its manufacturing headquarters in the second half of 2006,
and is planning more investment in 2007.
'It has also meant that we can drive even more competitive prices, because
with an increased volume of raw material purchased comes better buying
power,' added Phil Martindale.
'The new equipment and processes mean that the factory is maintaining
high levels of output for two completely different seasonal markets.
'Things change slightly in winter, because there is a 25% increase in
break-ins with darker afternoons, evenings and mornings. Our capacity
comes in to its own and enhances speed, while we have a different sort
of demand - planned volume - for the building trade and summer construction
projects and contracts.
'On the insurance side, we are on a permanent state of high alert. We
never know what we're going to be asked to replace. It's a bit like a
restaurant kitchen: we get the order, it's given to the production team,
and we have to pull together the ingredients very quickly - and deliver
a perfect job.'
Web: http://www.martindales.ltd.uk
Penicuik
Home Improvements Opens New Showcentre
Scottish
window and conservatory specialist, Penicuik Home Improvements, celebrates
the opening of the company's new showcentre in Cairneyhill, Fife.
Cutting the ribbon are managing director Bob Tennant (right) and marketing
manager Craig Scott.
Penicuik also has a showcentre in Glasgow and one just outside Edinburgh.
The company specialises in conservatories, sunrooms, windows, doors and
roofline products.
Further information: Craig Scott, Penicuik, 01968 664000
Glass Doctor to Offer NGA's On-line Training
The
National Glass Association (NGA) announced on 13th November that it has
reached an agreement with Glass Doctor® that will make its on-line
training programme, MyGlassClass.com, available to all of Glass Doctor's
140 franchises and hundreds of glass technicians. Glass Doctor is the
nation's largest full-service glass company, specialising in auto glass
replacement and repair and residential and commercial windows and doors.
'We are extremely pleased to have worked out this agreement that will
give our franchises the opportunity to offer a training programme as comprehensive
and accessible as MyGlassClass.com at preferred pricing,' said Mark Dawson,
President of Glass Doctor. 'This on-line training dovetails nicely with
our existing internal training, and we believe it will be a huge benefit
to our franchises and their employees.'
MyGlassClass.com launched in June and offers dozens of courses specifically
designed for both the auto and flat glass industries, ranging from safety
instruction to professional development to industry certification. It
was developed in partnership with leaders in the glass industry and will
be continually updated and enhanced to reflect industry needs, with more
than 100 course offerings planned for the first year.
'We at the NGA are thrilled to have yet another world-class company like
Glass Doctor embrace MyGlassClass.com,' said NGA President and CEO, Phil
James. 'This deal will truly broaden the nationwide reach of our on-line
training programme.'
The NGA's Vice President for Association Services, David Walker added,
'Our alliance with such a high-calibre company is strong testimony to
the quality and affordability of MyGlassClass.com, and highlights the
importance of this innovative member service to the entire glass industry
and to independent franchises.'
For more information on the alliance between Glass Doctor and the NGA,
or information on MyGlassClass.com, contact the NGA's Debi Schneider toll-free
at 866/DIAL NGA (342-5642), ext. 126.
Web: http://www.glass.org
Prosaw
- A Success Story in Difficult Times
After
43 years as the leading supplier of metal sawing equipment in the UK Prosaw
decided in 2005 to diversify into the upvc and aluminium machinery market
and open a Window Machinery Division.
Realising
that this is a specialised market Prosaw recruited Martin Linnell (pictured)
, who having worked in the window machinery market for some 14 years,
is well known in the industry and highly respected for his knowledge and
expertise.
With the objective of becoming as successful in the company's new venture
as it has been in its previous 43 years, Prosaw was proud to be appointed
official distributor of Pertici machinery, which is recognised as a market
leader in the upvc and aluminium window machine sector.
'I have known Pertici for many years, and having worked with the company
in the past, I am delighted that Prosaw is now agent for such a progressive
and well respected company' says Sales Director, Martin Linnell.
The first year of trading exceeded initial expectations, with orders throughout
England, Scotland and Ireland, for Pertici multi-head welders, electronic
saws, corner cleaners and cutting centres.
Prosaw then looked at other machinery to complement its range and was
again delighted to be awarded the sole UK agency for the Tekna range of
machinery, one of the world leaders in high quality CNC control machining
centres, drilling lines and sawing equipment.
'The decision to represent Tekna within the UK was a logical step, because
the Tekna product range offers a new opportunity for Prosaw to offer this
type of machinery to its existing customers within the sectors of Aerospace,
railways and heavy industry, plus the ability to look at other areas,
such as machined extrusions, curtain walling and panel preparation.
Having
already secured orders for Tekna machines worth in excess of £250,000,
this has further reinforced our confidence to move into this market',
says Martin.
Prosaw's 26,000 sq. ft. premises are centrally located within the UK,
and with over 100 machines available for demonstration, customers are
invited to Prosaw to see any machinery offered to them in operation. Alternatively
machines can usually be taken to a customers premises on one of the two
Prosaw purpose built mobile demonstration vehicles for an on-site demonstration.
With any machine investment, there must also be an underpinning commitment
of quality, professional after sales service and spare parts support.
Prosaw is very aware of the importance of this, and has over nine directly
employed area based service technicians to assist their customers.
With this level of engineering support, together with over £1000,000
invested within spare parts and machinery stock, all available on a next
day delivery, the 'commitment to service' cliché is, in Prosaw's
case, no empty promise.
'After spending many years in the Industry I am aware of the problems
experienced by many customers and being able to join Prosaw and start
with a blank sheet, we can offer customers what they need: the right machine
at the right price with the long-term after sales back-up they deserve'
says Martin.
http://www.prosaw.co.uk/
House
Building: July to September Quarter 2006
Figures
for the latest quarter to September show some slowing in the recent increases
in housing starts and completions in England. There were, however, increases
in some regions and the longer term trends show housing starts and completions
in the 12 months to this September around 25 per cent higher than for
the equivalent period in 2001.
Starts and Completions in July to September
In England, in the quarter to September 2006, there were 40,800 starts
and 37,700 completions. Comparing the quarter to September with the equivalent
period in 2005:
* Starts were down 9 per cent
* Completions were down 1 per cent
* There were regional variations -
* starts up in the East Midlands (up 3 per cent) and the South East (up
4 per cent)
* completions up in Yorkshire and the Humber (up 11 per cent), West Midlands
(up 1 per cent), East of England (up 3 per cent), London (up 20 per cent)
and the South West (up 9 per cent).
Starts and Completions in the 12 months to September 2006
Looking at the medium trends by comparison of the 12 months to September
2006 with the equivalent period in the previous year, there were:
* 178,900 starts up 2 per cent on the figure for the same 12 month period
last year.
* 165,400 completions, up 6 per cent on the figure for the same 12 month
period last year.
* regions with increases in starts were North West (up 1 per cent), East
Midlands (up 2 per cent) the North East (up 3 per cent), South East (up
14 per cent) and the South West (up 17 per cent).
* All regions saw increases in completions except the West Midlands (down
1 per cent) and South East (same level).
Longer Trends
Looking at the long trend, starts and completions in the 12 months to
this September were around 25 per cent higher than in the equivalent period
to September 2001.
The following charts illustrate the trends in starts and completions through
use of a 'quarterly moving average'.
Volkswagen
Reveals High Temperature Fuel Cell Technology
Volkswagen
Research has developed a new type of high temperature fuel cell (HTFC)
that means an affordable fuel cell-powered vehicle is suitable for everyday
use could be available as early as 2020.
The HTFC system eliminates the disadvantages of existing low temperature
fuel cells (LTFC), and thanks to a new, high temperature membrane and
electrodes, will enable significantly more compact, cheaper and more efficient
fuel cell systems.
In simplified terms, LTFC systems are operated at a membrane temperature
of approximately 80 degrees Celsius. If the temperature greatly exceeds
this value, fuel cell performance breaks down and irreparable damage is
done to the cell. This is why LT fuel cell vehicle prototypes - should
they be able to pass driving test cycles similar to a combustion engine
- place very high requirements on the cooling system, and become very
expensive. In addition, in an LT system the supply of hydrogen gas and
air must be continuously humidified, because otherwise the production
of energy will break down. This humidification also takes space, weight
and money.
The high temperature membrane developed by Volkswagen can, in combination
with newly-designed electrodes, be 'driven' at temperatures of up to 160
degrees at the same output of power. A medium operating temperature of
120 degrees is intended for vehicle operation, and this is without additional
humidification. A distinctly simpler cooling system and water management
is sufficient here, significantly reducing the need for space, weight
and money.
The Volkswagen timetable for fuel cell research is as follows:
1999: Volkswagen Research begins the programme for the development of
a high temperature membrane.
2001: Volkswagen decided to carry out independent development of the high
temperature fuel cell - starting with basic research on the topic of membrane
technology.
2003: Volkswagen researchers achieved significant success in membrane
development. But suitable electrodes were missing as the key to implementation.
2006: The electrode problem has for the most part been solved. The high
temperature fuel cells are currently being developed and tested in the
Volkswagen Technology Centre in Isenbüttel, specially constructed
for the research of alternative drive systems and located at the gates
of Volkswagen's HQ in Wolfsburg.
Approx 2010: More higher performance HTFC systems evolve that are perfected
step by step and will power the first research vehicles in 2010.
Approx 2020: The first Volkswagens with a fuel cell drive that is affordable
and suitable for everyday use - the decisive factors - could appear. Volkswagen
sees no chance for the mass series production of LTFC vehicles, primarily
being used by other carmakers today due to the disadvantages related to
their conceptual design.
Power
Efficiency in the Glass Sector
Last
winter, large energy users in the UK suffered the consequences of the
highest wholesale gas prices in the world and electricity prices that
were the highest in Europe. Manufacturers shifted production outside the
UK and closed sites - some permanently.
According to the Energy Intensive Users Group, over 6,000 jobs have been
lost in the glass sector over the last two years.
‘The major cause has been gas,’ the EIUG says. ‘[It has]
increased 300 per cent between 2003 and 2006 - in turn pushing up the
costs of electricity and raw materials. The UK now has little or no crystal,
automotive, fibre or TV/computer screen manufacture left.’
As a result of the price increases and security of supply concerns there
has been a trend to move from forward curve purchasing (i.e. fixing a
price a long time ahead of usage) to prompt market contracts (such as
buying day ahead), which means customers' energy prices have been more
closely influenced by the market. Many intensive users had to buy gas
on the day-ahead market to avoid uncompetitive forward prices. However,
this entails much more risk and uncertain costs.
Mark Callaway, Director of Energy Markets at Power Efficiency, says: ‘This
winter, large industrial buyers face the same difficult choice as they
did twelve months ago. Fixed price gas is expensive compared with gas
in Europe. Buying day-ahead or month ahead is much riskier but will create
savings if it is a mild winter with good supply.’
Power Efficiency's advice to heavy gas users, such as the glass sector,
is to take this decision wisely, starting with quantifying the exact risk
and having a strategy to deal with high prices, if they occur.
Power Efficiency deals with a client's negotiation, management and monitoring
of utility contracts and specialises in fundamental analysis of the gas
and power markets.
In the last seven months the outlook for this winter has become less pessimistic.
According to utility consultancy Power Efficiency, gas traders are much
more confident about the supply of gas versus demand for this winter.
For the first quarter of 2007, gas prices have fallen by one third since
they peaked at 95p/therm on 3rd April. Since then the Rough gas storage
facility has returned to service, the Langeled pipeline has opened and
the market is also confident of new supplies of gas from the Netherlands
and liquified natural gas coming into Teesside.
Furthermore, National Grid has created its ‘restricted’ gas
demand forecast, which predicts that industry and power generators will
reduce their demand in response to high prices. National Grid has assumed
that domestic customers will reduce their demand by a further 2 percent
as they feel the effect of higher prices.
A recent survey by the Major Energy Users Council (MEUC) found that many
large users were not intending to change their buying strategy this year.
The majority would remain on the same contract as last year, despite the
high gas prices they suffered last winter. However, the small number that
were changing were all switching to a more conservative strategy.
In practice this means switching from a flexible contract to a fixed contract.
A fixed contract between user and energy company has a fixed energy price
usually on a 12 month basis. A flexible contract can take three forms:
buying energy a season ahead, a month ahead or a day ahead.
One company which took part in the MEUC survey purchased day-ahead in
winter 05/06 has changed to a one year fixed price contract for 06/07.
A spokesperson says: ‘Due to the high volatility of prices experienced
last winter, budget performance and forecasting became a major problem
(budgets are set by central HQ). After this experience the finance director
decided that budget certainty was the priority so a fixed contract option
has been taken.’
Another company purchased month ahead in winter 05/06 and it has ‘already
purchased 75 per cent of our spend’ for winter 06/07.
This is the impact of unmanaged risk on business users' energy strategy.
A conservative approach does not necessarily mean savings. As recently
as 2004/5, conservative strategies ended up costing 15-30% more than a
day-ahead flexible contract.
There are a variety of contract types on the market for large users. Powergen
has developed an ‘emergency sell-back’ contract, which means
the energy company buys gas back from its customer at a pre-arranged price,
if there is a slowdown in the rate of growth. The company admits that
some of its customers may have got their fingers burned last year, and
that there has been a slowdown in the rate of growth of flexible contracts
this year.
Since energy prices have increased by so much, the implication of taking
the wrong decision about energy contracts is much bigger. A company could
potentially go out of business on the back of a bad choice. In light of
this environment, Power Efficiency has found that, surprisingly, fewer
companies are willing to issue invitations to tender for energy contracts
believing they would do better staying with their supplier.
Power Efficiency says: ‘Intrigued by it, we undertook to prove or
disprove the assertion by analysing the result of the issue of invitations
to tender for contracts to supply electricity and gas with July and October
start dates.’
The company says its research found that 95 per cent of gas customers
were better off changing supplier.
‘They saved 5 per cent by changing supplier,’ the company says.
‘And 47 per cent of electricity customers were better off changing
supplier. They also saved 5 per cent by switching.’
Power Efficiency says the danger of a lack of liquidity in the retail
market, and an absence of customer 'churn', is ‘unlikely to encourage
new entrants to the electricity and gas supply industry - increasing supplier
security, and fostering the possibility of supplier complacency.’
‘The lesson in all of this is, simply, that it pays to take your
supply contracts to the marketplace - and that denying there's any benefit
in doing is, simply, dangerous,’ the company says.
The question remains, have companies learned their lesson from last year,
when many were caught out by high prices? The relative lack of contract
switching in the market - and the slight trend towards fixed - indicates
that energy is still not a top priority for many large users. If energy
buyers were valued highly in companies, and thorough research undertaken,
the potential for savings is huge.
Bobby Collinson
Managing Director
Power Efficiency
0208 269 6111