Synseal
Conservatory Sales up 38%
Coming
on top of bumper 2004 conservatory sales growth, Synseal Extrusions Ltd
announce conservatory sales up 38% on year to date figures compared with
the same nine months last year.
‘Our massive commitment to invest in developing one simple roof system
to provide all conservatory solutions has really paid off,’ explains
Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director. ‘Being an independent
company means we can invest in research and development for new products
and recruit more staff to keep ahead of growth. A combination of this
and listening to what our customers want has made this growth possible.’
Ayrshire Agencies Ltd Managing Director Cecil Wilson reveals how changing
to Global twelve moths ago has transformed the business: ‘We were
really struggling. We were discounting heavily to compete against other
systems and it was affecting our margins. Some customers went elsewhere
and to keep the others we were cutting prices. We had to change suppliers
if we were going to stay in business. That’s why we switched to Global.
Now we make the proper margins.
But, just having a price competitive roof is not enough. Our customers
had to be happy with it too. Although some were sceptical at first they
soon changed their minds and now they are singing the praises of Global.
We have won back several customers we’d lost and we’re picking
up new customers every month.
‘We have gained confidence in the roof over the last year and it’s
really proved itself, even for larger and more complex roofs. We have
just completed a B shaped roof spanning 9.5 by 4.5 metres. Synseal continues
to invest and improve Global. The new heavy duty glazing bar, for example,
makes fabrication easier and looks better for the homeowner.
‘We cannot say enough what a refreshing change it is to work with
a company who really listens to its customers. We appreciate the support
and backup at all levels. It means we can make 25-30 roofs a week and
we expect this to double during busy months,’ adds Cecil. ‘We
are confident that Global is the way forward and we are looking towards
a successful 2005.’
Nick Dutton reveals: ‘We have some really exciting developments planned
for 2005 which should maintain our strong growth through to 2006 and beyond.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Rok
to Close Conservatory Roof Company
Specialist
property developer Rok Property Solutions announces it is closing SpaceAge
Plastics after failing to sell it.
Rok blamed a 'lack of market appetite' for the closure of the SpaceAge
operation in Poole, Dorset, which will result in the loss of 35 jobs.
The business, which makes conservatory roofs and sells plastic building
products, has been running at a loss for some time.
Rok decided the SpaceAge operation, which at present represents just 1%
of group turnover, was not part of its core business when the company
underwent a restructuring in 2001. Measures by Rok to boost SpaceAge included
appointing a new management team, redundancies and a potential sale.
But the group said the latter option failed due to the 'intensely competitive
market in which SpaceAge operates and lack of market appetite for such
a business on terms amenable to Rok.'
Chief executive Garvis Snook said: 'While it is regrettable that the SpaceAge
business in Poole is to close, we firmly believe it is now necessary to
stop further losses.' A smaller SpaceAge branch, based in Reading, has
also been sold off to local company Duraglaze.
The decision to close will result in the group taking a £1.6m charge.
Rok said it would now focus on its core activities of development, building
and maintenance.
Norvik,
a Duraflex fabricator with a successful trade and new build customer base,
has completed the latest phase of its ambitious expansion programme.
The Barnsley-based company has just completed a £300,000 factory
extension as part of a five-year plan to boost production capacity to
4,000 frames a week.
Norvik had been leasing extra factory space to meet current output, but
with the new extension can now accommodate all fabrication under one roof.
‘Transferring machinery from the lease premises and repositioning
it alongside existing equipment will significantly improve production
efficiency,’ explains Norvik’s Managing Director, Steve Day.
Established in 1988, Norvik has been using Duraflex profiles from day
one, ‘Over the past few years we’ve achieved a steady rise in
turnover, which now stands at over £5 million. And with plans to
continue developing our product and service capability for housebuilders,
alongside a continuing commitment to our trade customers, we’re on
track to sustain this level of growth,’ says Steve.
Indeed, from just a few local contracts, Norvik now deals regularly with
more than 20 major builders. With advice and support from Duraflex, Norvik
also ensures it keeps right up to date with changes to building regulations,
such as Document L.
Norvik's
window, door and conservatory range includes bevelled and featured profiles
from the Duraflex Diamond Suite, together with Duraflex Patio doors.
According to Norvik, Duraflex's elegant Featured Suite has instant kerb
appeal and is a popular choice for new homes, particularly the internally
glazed option with shootbolt locking.
In addition, the company has recently taken on the Duraflex Rolled in
Gasket (RIG). Factory fitted as part of the extrusion process RIG delivers
cost savings and productivity improvements for the fabricator, and guarantees
excellent static and dynamic performance in correctly manufactured windows.
Steve concludes, ‘We’re on target to achieve 1,000 frames a
week during 2005 and have already purchased another 11/2 acres of land
to allow further expansion of our operation.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
Intellectual
Property Rights Infringement
Roofline
specialist Fascia Mania Limited recently brought a successful action against
Amber Roofline Limited for intellectual property rights infringement.
Amber Roofline was using photographs of Fascia Mania installations in
its promotional brochures and thereby misleading potential customers about
the quality and finish of its products.
A Fascia Mania employee recognised the photograph used in the Amber Roofline
brochure as one that had been taken at a house where Fascia Mania had
installed extensive replacement fascias. The photograph even included
Fascia Mania installers.
Fascia Mania instructed its lawyers to take every action possible to stop
Amber Roofline from misleading people into believing that Fascia Mania’s
installation work was its own. Proceedings were issued and the High Court
agreed that Amber Roofline’s unauthorised use of the photograph was
calculated to mislead the public and that Amber Roofline had not acted
in good faith. Fascia Mania obtained an injunction to stop Amber Roofline
using Fascia Mania’s photographs and payment of its legal costs.
Clyde Scothern, managing director of Fascia Mania, pointed out that his
company takes quality and service very seriously. He and his employees
have worked very hard to earn the reputation that the company has for
the quality of its products and service. 'It is demoralising to see another
company trading on the great reputation we have taken years to establish.
We have taken action and been successful. It is good to know that the
law is willing to protect our consumers from such bad practice. We shall
certainly take action in the future where infringements of this nature
occur.'
Tel: 0115 983 4007
New
Horizons and a New Factory for J.Banks Ltd
One
of Willenhall’s longest established lock and hardware manufacturers,
with a proud history stretching back more than 150 years, J.Banks &
Co Ltd has now moved to a modern, purpose designed manufacturing and distribution
complex in nearby Tipton.
The
company is already recognised throughout Europe for its range of Window
and Door Restrictors, which together with the strong demand for the company’s
growing range of security products such as ERICA and Res-Lok, illustrates
that the company’s move to a larger site is well timed.
David Wellman, the owner and Managing Director of J.Banks commented on
the reasons for the move. ‘In many ways we are sad to leave Willenhall,
the traditional heartland of British lock making, however we had completely
outgrown our old site and in order cope with our rapidly expanding product
range and growing order book we simply had no choice but to re-locate
into a much larger open plan factory. The increased capacity and improved
facilities that the new premises provide will enable us to fully realise
the next phase of the company’s ambitious product development programme’.
The new address and contact details for J.Banks & Co Ltd are:
Hobart Road, Princes End, Tipton, West Midlands, DY4 9LE.
Telephone: 0121 520 9205
Fax: 0121 520 7922
Email: mailto:sales@jbanks.co.uk
Web: http://www.jbanks.co.uk
Butler
Appointment Further Enhances the Kawneer Team
Kawneer,
the manufacturer and supplier of architectural aluminium systems, has
announced the appointment of Carl Butler as Manufacturing Director with
immediate effect.
Reporting directly to Managing Director, David Shuttleworth, Carl is responsible
for all manufacturing activities at Kawneer’s Runcorn site, including
the development and implementation of the business’ manufacturing
strategy.
In his new role, Carl will ensure processes are maintained to meet Kawneer’s
manufacturing Key Performance Indicators, while enhancing Kawneer’s
culture for continuous improvement.
Carl joins Kawneer from MFI, where he spent two successful years overseeing
operations as Manufacturing Manager. Prior to his career at MFI, Carl
worked within the Automotive-components industry.
David Shuttleworth commented: ‘I have every confidence that Carl’s
appointment will serve to strengthen our team further and will positively
develop our culture of continuous improvement. Carl’s extensive knowledge
and skills will prove to be invaluable in his new role with Kawneer and
I’m sure that his enthusiastic and committed approach will help us
surpass our business goals.’
Tel: 01928 502500
Web: http://www.kawneer.co.uk
L.B.
Plastics Team Raises the Roof
As
the new Sheerlite conservatory roof system takes off in 2005, L.B. Plastics
has ensured its key customer service staff have up to the minute knowledge
of the latest Sheerframe conservatory developments by providing its team
of area sales managers with a special technical seminar at its Derbyshire
HQ.
Designed to suit any window system, Sheerlite offers a good solution for
Sheerframe and an important one given the growth L.B. Plastics is experiencing
in the conservatory market, particularly from the newbuild sector. This
commitment to training and support by L.B. Plastics will ensure that its
area sales managers can assist fabricators more effectively in the first
instance, with further technical back up always available.
L.B.
Plastics' Mike Butterick (back, centre) provides an insight into the latest
Sheerframe conservatory developments to area sales managers during the
recent conservatory training day held at its Nether Heage HQ.
L.B.
Plastics' Mike Butterick says, 'Sheerlite sets new standards in conservatory
performance and we are particularly excited how it fits with the Sheerframe
system. We've already had a great deal of interest from Sheerframe fabricators
and those installing other window system profiles and with in-depth training
like this seminar, we are confident our team have the skills to offer
the right advice.'
Installers can find more information on the system at http://www.sheerlite.co.uk.
K2
Installers Gain FMB-backed Quality Assurance
Conservatory
system manufacturer K2 has announced the accreditation of 17 installers
to its Approved Installer Scheme.
The
K2 scheme, backed by the Federation of Master Builders, has been designed
to give installers a competitive advantage, enabling them to win business
by offering complete customer confidence and credible third party endorsement.
The K2 Approved Installer Scheme was launched earlier this year, which
has since seen 17 companies gaining accreditation after undergoing a lengthy
and in-depth audit process in order to qualify for the initiative, which
has been heralded as the most stringent in the home improvement sector.
The accredited installers come from across England and Wales and include
some of the best known names in the business.
Explains Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: ‘Most householders
have come to accept that they run the risk of hiring a ‘cowboy builder’
when they want to improve their home – but we believe that the high
quality, professional installers shouldn’t have to battle against
this perception. At K2, we are meticulous in ensuring everything we do
is quality managed to the highest standards, from procurement, through
to product development, production and customer service. We wanted to
pass the business benefits of this approach and reputation onto installers
that use our product and work to the same demanding standards as we do.
‘A conservatory is a significant investment for most homeowners and
we believe confidence in quality of workmanship, professionalism and product
integrity are the strongest differentiators in a competitive marketplace.
The new improved Installers will no longer be competing on a level playing
field with their competitors; they will have a significant market advantage
that they can substantiate. There is no automatic entry into the scheme,
the companies that have now been accredited have worked hard to demonstrate
that they meet the standard and we would like to congratulate them on
achieving Approved Installer status.’
The scheme was designed in association with the Federation of Master Builders,
one of the UK’s most respected trade bodies with a 60-year history
of excellent standards. As a condition of joining the scheme, Approved
Installers must meet the stringent conditions of FMB membership as a Warranted
Builder, adhere to the FMB code of practice and provide a 10-year MasterBond
warranty with every installation.
Sally Fielding continues: ‘With the Approved Installer Scheme, our
aim is to create a benchmark in the home improvement sector by offering
a package that not only offers the accredited installers a competitive
advantage, but secures for them wide-ranging support from their supplier
including marketing materials and a presence on both the K2 and FMB websites.’
There are currently a further 8 K2 installers involved in the audit process
for Approved Installer status and K2 expects to be making further announcements
over the next few months.
Further information on the K2 Approved Installer Scheme is available from
http://www.k2conservatories.com
Brackenwood
Presents a New Image with Windowlink
Brackenwood
Windows Ltd has made a major investment in the latest design-to-sell software
from Windowlink. The Basingstoke installer has recently installed Windowlink’s
FocusPlus window and door sales presentation software, complete with bespoke
pricing module, plus the Vector 3D design and sales package for conservatories.
Brackenwood
is a successful installer of Duraflex PVC-U doors, windows and conservatories
which are manufactured by Griffin Windows, one of the UK’s leading
trade fabricators. Brackenwood purchased Windowlink’s FocusPlus software,
which includes a totally customisable pricing system to cater for the
pricing methods used by Griffin. Whether the window or door is a standard
design with its own matrix or is priced up as a special, the Windowlink
program calculates the price exactly to the penny. In addition, Brackenwoods
own fitting and accessory prices have been incorporated. This has saved
Brackenwood hours by eliminating time-consuming manual pricing calculations
and the possibility of costly mistakes.. ‘We sell over 1000 windows
and nearly 100 doors a month. Now with FocusPlus we can select window
styles, door panels and glazing options at the click of a button, and
then price each order using computer-assured accuracy,’ explains
Dave Medcraft, Managing Director of Brackenwood Windows.
FocusPlus is an advanced version of Windowlink’s entry level Focus
presentation and quotation program. It contains a comprehensive list of
pre-programmed questions based on information and pricing criteria provided
by the company.
These provide a checklist to ensure that nothing is forgotten during the
presentation process. The customer can also immediately see the effect
any changes in the specification may have on the overall price, such as
the choice of finish or type of hardware.
In addition to doors and windows Brackenwood supplies approximately 10
conservatories a month. By investing in Windowlink’s Vector 3D presentation
program for conservatories the company’s sales team can plan a conservatory
on-screen alongside the customer. Vector software incorporates an extensive
library of conservatory styles, decorative window leads and roof glazing
options, and produces photo-quality printouts of alternative options shown
side by side together with base layouts, roof plans and frame reports.
VectorPlus, an advanced version with built-in pricing facility, is also
available.
Established in 1987 Brackenwood operates throughout Berkshire, Hampshire
and Surrey. In conclusion, David Medcraft says, ‘Windowlink offers
a very cost-effective and efficient service. About 95% of our sales are
arranged in customers’ homes and with the new software our sales
people can present a highly professional image and produce an accurate
quote there and then, which gives us a real competitive edge. We have
been very pleased with the friendly approach from Windowlink and I have
enjoyed their visits to tweak the software to our exact requirements.’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com
KBE
Welcomes Successful Change of Ownership
KBE,
one of the international brands of profine International (along with Kömmerling
& Trocal) welcomes the announcement that the transfer of ownership
of HT Troplast AG to international private equity houses, The Carlyle
Group and Advent International, has been successfully completed.
The Carlyle Group’s Heiner Rutt, has been appointed Chairman of the
new Supervisory Board and announced the following appointments to the
Management board of profine GmbH.
Gerhard Sommerer (53) was appointed Chief Executive Officer. Formerly
management board chairman at Roto Frank AG (hardware systems and roof
windows), where he successfully maximised growth prospects, Sommerer has
extensive international experience. He assumes overall responsibility
for sales and marketing, product policy, strategy and company development
within the profine group.
Hans Herpoel (44) also joins the board as Chief Operating Officer. Formerly
with the Deceuninck Group, most recently as Managing Director of Thyssen
Polymer GmbH, he takes responsibility for the whole value creation chain,
starting from product development through to delivery.
Mr Sommerer, said ‘Our priority is to organise ourselves according
to clearly defined structures and to achieve the highest performance standards
of customer satisfaction.
‘The whole profine team, led by the new management board, will be
focussed upon meeting our customers' needs, contributing to mutual success’
Hans Pabst, UK head of KBE Window Systems, commented ‘The day to
day operations of KBE are unaffected by this announcement but it gives
the existing management team even greater confidence to implement our
plans for the future. Central to this, as our new CEO, Gerhard Sommerer,
emphasised, is the fact that our customers remain the most important facet
of our business and we look forward to being able to develop together
strongly, through 2005 and beyond’
West
Port and Winlock on the up with Partnership Deal
Business
is booming at Cumbrian-based timber window and door technology company
West Port, following its recent success in winning several key social
housing contracts. Sharing in this success is Winlock Security, which
is supplying its Grenadier and Custodian window handles for the contracts.
With
major social housing window replacement contracts struck in London, Newcastle
and Cambridge recently, and with strong order books for 2005, West Port
is taking advantage of being one of the country’s biggest timber
window frame suppliers.
Winlock, which has been supplying West Port for four years, is also reaping
rewards. According to West Port’s managing director, Sean Parnaby,
it is Winlock’s attention to customer service that has convinced
the company to choose Winlock handles as the preferred standard product
on West Port’s standard ranges.
‘A majority of our clients are in social housing and they need a
handle that’s going to be reliable and operable for a long time,’
explained Parnaby. ‘Service is vitally important to us and our clients
have to be sure that their tenants will like the handles and that they
are sturdy and durable. Winlock’s Grenadier and Custodian handles
fit the bill exactly.
‘On average our turn around for windows is between 4-6 weeks or three
weeks if fast-tracked. Winlock has proved to us that we can trust them
to deliver on time, to a high quality and with an ability to tailor their
products to our customers’ needs.
‘When dealing with special requirements, such as the need for a wide
choice of colours, special handles for disabled use or different locking
mechanisms, Winlock is able to respond and will often undertake some of
the deign work for us,’ explained Sean Parnaby.
Winlock’s sales and marketing director Philip Swann said: ‘We
are delighted that West Port has selected Winlock as the company’s
preferred handle choice.’
West Port’s sales director, Geoff Taylor points to a growing acceptance
from social housing specifiers of the eco-friendly and sustainable nature
of timber as a key reason for optimism that timber will enjoy a revival
in fortunes.
‘Huge advances in timber treatments coupled with modern and sophisticated
timber door and window manufacturing processes - is evidence of the potential
for timber,’ explained Taylor.
Contact: Philip Swann
Tel: 01952 680178
Email: mailto:sales@winlock.uk.com
West Port contact: Geoff Taylor
Tel: 01900 814225
Email: mailto:geofft@west-port.co.uk
New
Backing and Sheerframe Shift for Top Aberdeen Window Maker
One
of the north of Scotland's best known names in PVCu windows, doors, conservatories
and roofline products, Aberdeen Cladding & Windows, is looking forward
to a positive 2005 following its acquisition by a leading Glasgow-based
manufacturer and its resulting move to the Sheerframe system from L.B.
Plastics.
Established ten years ago, Aberdeen Cladding & Windows has grown steadily
to become one of the biggest manufacturers and installers of PVCu windows,
doors, conservatories, cladding and roofline products in the region. Now
part of Avonholm Windows, a company that already serves residential, commercial
and public sector customers throughout Scotland, Aberdeen Cladding &
Windows is set to improve both the service it provides to customers and
product quality.
The
new team behind Aberdeen Cladding & Windows - (L-R) Charles Coffey,
Managing Director of Avonholm Windows; George Beedie, General Manager
of Aberdeen Cladding & Windows; and Jim Goldie, Director of Avonholm
Windows.
According
to George Beedie, General Manager at Aberdeen Cladding & Windows,
these improvements have primarily been brought through a move to the Sheerframe
7000 and Hometrim systems - a change he believes will deliver noticeable
benefits for customers:
'We will now be manufacturing our windows, doors and conservatories using
Sheerframe 7000 which is one of the most technologically advanced PVCu
window systems available anywhere in the world. While many of our customers
are already aware that PVCu is always the best option for long term maintenance-free
performance, what Sheerframe offers is an even better thermal performance
and a much greater range of styles - increasingly important considerations.
'The co-extruded Sheerframe system will provide us with important manufacturing
benefits and enable us to provide our customers with an unrivalled choice
of window types to suit their exact personal and aesthetic requirements
- including standard casement windows, tilt and turn, fully reversible
and vertically sliding sashes. Our cladding and roofline range has also
been transformed through a move to the equally advanced Hometrim system
and this will allow us to further grow this already substantial part of
our business.'
The acquisition by Avonholm will see the well-known Aberdeen Cladding
& Windows name live on and enable important investment and development
to take place at the company's Whitemyres Avenue factory, where around
80 windows are produced every week.
George adds: 'Unlike many home improvement companies in the region, we
will continue to manufacture all our own windows, doors, conservatories,
cladding and roofline products. This is vitally important as it means
we can provide skilled jobs for local people and it ensures we can react
quickly to customer requests and to resolve any technical issues.
'This is a tremendously exciting time for Aberdeen Cladding & Windows.
Thanks to the great team we have in place, combined with the backing of
one of Scotland's leading door and window manufacturers and a very advanced
product range, we have everything in place to give our customers even
more than ever.'
For further information on the Sheerframe system, call L.B. Plastics on
01773 852311.
Fastener Quality Key for Sovereign
The
Sovereign Group, the UK manufacturer and installer of PVCu windows and
doors, has reaffirmed its commitment to high product quality and long
term performance in its social housing contracts with its decision to
continue using only austenitic stainless steel fasteners from SFS intec.
Lancashire
based Sovereign has achieved the highest recognition for its Sovereign
Commercial contracts with the social housing sector, gaining LHC approval
back in the early 1990s and ‘All Star Supplier’ status with
the government’s OGCbuying.solutions (formerly The Buying Agency).
Sovereign’s social housing work forms the major part of its business,
with the company involved in partnering or supply chain agreements with
a number of local authorities and housing associations. These include
partnering with the English Churches Housing Group, The London Borough
of Hackney and Preston City Council, plus a deal to supply frames to FUSION
21 for Helena Housing.
The company has used SFS intec austenitic stainless steel fasteners in
manufacturing PVCu windows and doors since the late 1980s. Sovereign is
a Network Veka System approved fabricator currently producing more than
1,600 frames every week at its 100,000 sq. ft. main factory complex in
Nelson.
With this level of production demanding around 30,000 austenitic fasteners
per week, Sovereign takes advantage of SFS intec’s flexible supply
chain management solutions which gives its own stores manager the full
support of SFS intec wherever necessary to ensure stock levels are effectively
maintained.
John Hall, Sovereign’s Technical Director said: ‘The SFS bi-metallic
fastener is the best on the market. We know from experience that unit
cost should not be the most important factor when you’re producing
a quality product that must perform well in the long term. This is exactly
what social housing specifiers need and this is why we continue to choose
SFS.’
Contact SFS intec on 0113 208 5500.
Assa
Abloy Acquires Leading Door Service Company in the UK
Lock
group, Assa Abloy, has signed an agreement to acquire Doorman Services,
one of UK's leading companies in door services. Through this acquisition
Assa Abloy strengthens its automatic door business.
Doorman Services' business is in the supply, installation and service
of manual and automatic doors and roller shutters throughout the UK with
about 170 employees. The company has a strong presence in the retail segment.
Main attractions to Assa Abloy include a broad service offering and the
ability to offer more one-stop shop service solutions for complete entrance
systems.
The purchase price on a net debt free basis amounts to GBP 6 M. The company
generated sales of GBP 11 M and an EBITA-margin of 8% in 2004. The acquisition
is expected to be accretive to EPS from the date of acquisition.
Schott
Jenaer Glas GmbH Ends Production of Consumer Glassware in Jena
Schott
Jenaer Glas finds itself compelled to terminate production of consumer
glassware in Jena. It is planned to close down all business activities
by March 31st, 2005. The closure will affect 120 employees. Schott intends
to limit the number of operational layoffs to a maximum of 30. The employees
affected will therefore be offered transfers within Jena and the Schott
Group, as well as measures aimed at buffering the social impacts of closure.
A massive decline in demand combined with increasing imports from low-wage
countries have led to extreme competition in the consumer glassware industry.
In addition, many customers supplied by Schott Jenaer Glas have relocated
their production to other countries. This has led to enormous losses in
the order of millions of euros in recent years, despite intensive restructuring
and rationalisation measures.
Other reasons for closure include overcapacities in Europe and the increase
in aggressive pricing by eastern European and Asian competitors.
A further contributory factor is that other materials, such as ceramics,
plastics and special steel, are substituting for products made of borosilicate
glass. A reversal of this direction is nowhere in sight.
'This was a tough decision for us to make, because it impacts on the long-standing
'Jenaer Glas' brand. Nonetheless, we had to accept that the production
of consumer glassware in Germany is no longer viable', commented CEO Wolfgang
Meyer.
Schott is committed to Jena as a production location and will now concentrate
on manufacturing high-tech products with a bright future. Permanent and
secure jobs are safeguarded in Jena by processing of 'Ceran' glass-ceramic
cooktops, production of special float glass and fire-resistant glass,
growing crystals for chip manufacturing, and making high-quality thin
glass products for TFT applications.
The Schott Group is currently undergoing the greatest modernisation process
in its corporate history. The goal is to improve its international competitiveness
and to establish a strong basis for stable revenue and earnings growth.
These efforts will also benefit the sites in Jena, where Schott has invested
more than 350 million euros since 1990.
Schott Jenaer Glas GmbH, Schott Lithotec AG and Schott Display Jena GmbH
are the key subsidiaries of the globally operating group in Jena, where
Schott currently employs around 900 people.
Chubb
Acquires Connecticut Based Security Firm - ACP Engineering Inc.
Chubb,
the global fire safety and security services division of United Technologies
Corp. announced on 2nd February that it has acquired Plainville, Connecticut-based
ACP Engineering Inc. Financial terms were not disclosed.
ACP, which was founded in 1990, is a security systems integrator that
installs security applications such as access control, closed circuit
television and burglar alarm systems. The company has a strong customer
base in commercial banking, gaming, health care, and commercial and government
sectors primarily in Connecticut and Massachusetts.
'ACP offers good growth potential and strong expertise in security integration,'
said Bruce Currer, Chubb president North America. 'ACP also has an impressive
customer base including the recently completed contract to convert Foxwoods
Casino from analog to digital video recording - believed to be the largest
ever conversion of its kind.'
Founded in 1818, Chubb is a global provider of security and fire safety
products and services. Chubb employs 45,000 people in more than 20 countries.
In the fire safety industry, Chubb provides system design, integration,
installation and service of fire detection systems, fixed suppression
systems and portable systems. In the electronic security industry, Chubb
provides system design, integration, installation and service of intruder
alarms, access control systems, closed circuit television systems and
video surveillance. Chubb also provides monitoring, response and security
personnel services to complement both the fire safety and electronic security
businesses. UTC acquired Chubb in July 2003. Chubb World Headquarters
is based in Farmington, Connecticut.
Chubb also announced that it has entered into an agreement to acquire
a 29 percent stake in China Fire Enterprise Group Holdings Limited (CFE),
a company listed on Growth Enterprise Market of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
Chubb will procure the 29 percent interest in CFE through the subscription
of new shares, in two tranches. It has also entered into an option agreement
with CFE Chairman Jiang Xiong, giving Chubb the option to acquire a certain
percentage of his shares after three years. These transactions are subject
to independent shareholders' approval.
Chubb is a global security and fire safety company that already has operations
in Hong Kong and China.
'We are very excited to be a part of a company with a history of more
than 10 years and a sizable presence in China,' said Olivier Robert, president
of Chubb. 'This transaction is one of Chubb's first steps to increase
our visibility in the People's Republic of China.'
China Fire Enterprise, based in Fuzhou, Fujian Province, has extensive
market coverage throughout the People's Republic of China, and is a total
solution provider of fire detection and suppression systems, specialising
in system design, manufacturing, installation, and maintenance, and more
recently, the sale and distribution of fire engines and fire-fighting
and rescue tools, and the development of fire prevention and fighting
alarm monitoring centres. CFE has 2004 estimated sales of $58 million
and EBIT of $20 million.
This announcement does not constitute an offer to sell or invitation to
purchase any securities or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities,
pursuant to the offer or otherwise.
CertainTeed
Corporation Reaches Record $2.6 Billion in Annual Sales
CertainTeed
Corporation announces its sales for 2004 were $2.6 billion, an increase
of approximately 12 percent compared to the company's 2003 sales figures.
Funded in 1904, the building products company manufactures roofing, siding,
windows, insulation, fence, decking, railing, foundations and pipe.
‘Overall, 2004 was a great year for CertainTeed,’ says Peter
Dachowski, President and CEO of CertainTeed Corporation. ‘Despite
the rising cost of raw materials, our sales grew more than $250 million
over the year prior thanks to our strong, broad product offering and stellar
workforce.’
Product Innovations & Advancements
Demand for CertainTeed products experienced solid growth in 2004 as building
professionals pursued innovative, low-maintenance materials that are easy
to install, easy to care for and enhance kerb appeal.
For instance, each of the company's vinyl, polymer and fibre cement siding
businesses increased their share of market. Product introductions such
as Cedar Impressions(r) Triple 5" Perfection Shingles, new in 2004
to the company's line of cedar-style polymer siding products, give building
professionals more flexibility and design options when working with CertainTeed
materials.
The sharp rise in demand for the company's roofing shingles in 2004 reflected
the market's growing acceptance of asphalt designer shingles. In addition,
exceptional demand for roofing materials in the southeast region of the
United States, caused in large part by an active hurricane season, contributed
to the 2004 up tick in sales performance.
As builders and homeowners continue to seek outdoor products that withstand
the elements and require little upkeep, sales of the company's lines of
vinyl fence, deck and railing remain strong. The composite decking category
made advancements of its own as CertainTeed modified the formulation of
Boardwalk® Composite Decking & Railing to upgrade the product's
long-term performance.
Other CertainTeed product categories contributed to the year-over-year
sales growth. The company's Bryn Mawr II™ vinyl replacement window
was rated a 'Best Buy'by Consumer's Digest. CertainTeed also introduced
an impact-resistant option, available regionally, for Bryn Mawr II and
New Castle XT™ new construction vinyl windows.
The Form-A-Drain® three-in-one specialty foundation system also enjoyed
solid sales growth as did the insulation category with advanced products
such as the award-winning MemBrain™ SMART Vapor Retarder. MemBrain
is a first-of-its-kind vapour retarder that changes physical structure
according to ambient humidity conditions, allowing excess moisture to
escape from wall cavities and helping prevent mold and mildew.
Manufacturing Plant Expansions
Also of note in 2004 is the expansion of CertainTeed manufacturing operations.
The company opened two new production facilities, one for the manufacture
of windows in West Sacramento, California, and another for the manufacture
of insulation in Sherman, Texas. And, due to the high sales growth of
its laminated roofing shingles throughout the United States, the company
completed a substantial plant expansion in Shreveport, Louisiana, and
broke ground on a new production line for laminated shingles at its roofing
facility in Oxford, North Carolina. Capacity for premium blowing wool
was expanded at the company's insulation plant in Kansas City, Kansas.
Looking Ahead in 2005
In 2005, CertainTeed continues its storied tradition of innovation through
creative product design and development. Already the company has unveiled
several new product and service offerings, including access to insurance
and customer financing programmes for CertainTeed credentialed roofing
contractors.
The company will continue its focus on customer service designed to help
building professionals and remodelling contractors grow their businesses.
CertainTeed has introduced new incentives to home builders who use two
or more super premium products on home development projects and retooled
an incentive programme for remodellers who use multiple CertainTeed product
lines.
‘The current challenge throughout the industry is to pace product
pricing with the escalating cost of raw materials, employee benefits and
logistics costs. We therefore see 2005 as a stable year in terms of sales
performance,’ says Dachowski.
Also of significant priority is the health and welfare of its employees.
In unison with its parent company Saint-Gobain, CertainTeed is steadfast
in building a world-class culture with unwavering emphasis on health and
safety for every employee with the ultimate goal of zero workplace accidents.
About CertainTeed Corporation
Through innovation and creative product design, CertainTeed Corporation
has helped shape the building products industry for more than 100 years.
Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Company, the firm made its slogan ‘Quality
Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed,’ which quickly inspired the
name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American manufacturer
of vinyl and fibre cement siding; vinyl and composite decking, railing
and fencing; vinyl windows; residential, commercial and mechanical insulation;
residential and commercial roofing; pipe and foundations.
Headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, CertainTeed is a Saint-Gobain
company with approximately 7,000 employees and 40 manufacturing facilities
throughout the U.S. CertainTeed had sales of approximately $2.6 billion
in 2004.
Web: http://www.certainteed.com
Strong results
for Hydro in 2004
Hydro's
income from continuing operations in 2004 was NOK 11,477 million compared
with NOK 8,375 million (NOK 32.50 per share) for 2003.
On 24th March 2004, Hydro’s agri business was transferred to Yara
International ASA in a demerger transaction. Results of the transferred
operations relating to periods prior to the demerger are reported under
'Income from discontinued operations'. The following discussion excludes
those activities.
Strong operating results reflected exceptionally high oil prices on top
of an 8 percent increase in oil and gas production for 2004. Volume increases
made possible by expanded aluminium production capacity together with
strengthening metal prices also contributed to the results. However, the
substantial decline in the US dollar weakened the competitiveness of the
Company’s European aluminium operations. Increasing energy prices,
combined with the decline of the US dollar, led to a write down of Hydro’s
German smelters by approximately NOK 1.5 billion after tax in December
of 2004.
Income from continuing operations for the fourth quarter of 2004 amounted
to NOK 3,638 million (NOK 14.40 per share) compared with NOK 2,991 million
(NOK 11.60 per share) in the fourth quarter of 2003.
Operating
income for the fourth quarter was NOK 6,234 million compared to NOK 6,366
million in the fourth quarter of 2003. 'As a result of good market
conditions and significant operational improvements throughout 2004,
Hydro enters the company's 100th.year with a solid financial position.
Important highlights for 2004 include the demerger of the
agri business, ambitious business development in our remaining core
business areas and the implementation of necessary restructuring in the
aluminium activities. Value creation has been strong, and it
is a great pleasure to announce an extraordinary high
dividend for our shareholders in our centennial year,' said President
and CEO , Eivind Reiten.
'The expansion of the aluminium plant in Sunndal in Norway has been completed
and the Ormen Lange development is on track and on budget. I am proud
to see that Hydro's organisation is recognised for good project
management and reliable project execution. Our intention is to make
the development of a world class aluminium metal plant in Qatar our next
large project,' says Reiten.
'Hydro is well positioned for continued profitable growth. Priorities
going forward will include adding new oil and gas resources to our
portfolio, continued improvements of our operations in aluminium to improve
our competitive position and continuous research and innovation to add
value throughout all our business activity,' said President and CEO, Eivind
Reiten.
Aluminium incurred an operating loss of NOK 1,951 million for the quarter
as a result of the write down relating to the Company’s primary aluminium
plants in Germany. An amount of NOK 2,042 million was included in operating
income relating to the write down while NOK 268 million was included in
results for non-consolidated investees. The operating loss for the quarter
also included NOK 500 million of costs relating to manning reductions
in Norway.
Aluminium operating results were positively influenced by volume increases
combined with strengthening aluminium prices. Hydro’s average
realised aluminium prices increased to US dollar 1,691 per tonne in the
fourth quarter, roughly 14 percent compared to the fourth quarter of 2003.
However, measured in Norwegian kroner, realised prices increased by about
six percent. For 2004 as a whole, Hydro realised average aluminium prices
of US dollar 1,638 per tonne compared to US dollar 1,440 per tonne in
the previous year. Average realised aluminium prices measured in Norwegian
kroner increased 9.5 percent for the year as a whole. Upstream volumes
increased mainly as a result of new capacity and improved capacity utilisation. Progress
continued on the implementation of the Aluimprover cost-reduction programme.
The programme is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2005
and result in annual cost reductions of NOK 350 million – 400 million.
The total estimated cost of the programme has been reduced by NOK 200
million to NOK 600 million. In December, Hydro signed a 'Heads of Agreement'
with Qatar Petroleum to evaluate the development of one of the world’s
largest aluminium plants in Qatar.
Investments amounted to NOK 19.5 billion for the whole of 2004. Around
half of the amount invested related to oil and gas operations. The amount
contains certain items that have no cash effect in the near term. The
most significant of these include NOK 1,275 million relating to the consolidation
of the aluminium producer Slovalco and NOK 922 million relating to future
assets retirement obligations for oil and gas installations.
Oil prices are expected to remain high for the coming months. Price developments
underlying future valuations of gas and power contracts are expected to
remain volatile. Snorre and Vigdis on the NCS and the Terra Nova field
in Canada have resumed production and are expected to contribute to the
Company’s production target for 2005 of 575,000 boe per day. Exploration
activities will increase in the coming months.
In the beginning of February 2005, primary aluminium (three-month LME)
was trading at roughly US dollar 1,800 per tonne. Total Western world
shipments for 2004 are estimated at 22 million tonnes. Growth rates of
3.5-4 percent are expected in 2005. Western world production is expected
to increase by about 700,000 tonnes in the coming year, while Chinese
exports of primary aluminum are expected to slow. Continued moderate volume
growth is expected in the European downstream markets. Margins for standardised
products are expected to remain under pressure while margins for specialised
products are expected to remain relatively firm. Costs relating to the
Aluimprover project are expected to impact the first quarter of 2005 by
approximately NOK 170 million.
Rhodia: 2004
Sales Improvement
Rhodia
announced on February 15th consolidated net sales of 1,233 million euros
for the fourth quarter of 2004, a 10.6% increase over the same period
in 2003 on the same basis (constant structure and exchange rates).
This performance reflects the strong emphasis in 2004 on raising selling
prices which resulted in a 7.7% increase in prices in the fourth quarter
of 2004 compared with 2003, excluding transactional exchange rate effects
(-1.1%). Over the same period, volumes rose 4.1% compared to 2003.
Sales for the full year 2004 increased 6.8% to 5,281 million euros compared
to 2003 on the same basis (constant structure and exchange rates). In
an environment of sustained demand in most of the Group’s markets,
especially in Asia, the US and Latin America, volumes grew 5.3% compared
to 2003 while prices increased 2.7%, excluding transactional exchange
rate effects (-1.2%).
Rhodia will publish its 2004 results March 1st, 2005, before the opening
of the Paris Bourse.
Milacron's
Q4 Results Improve on Higher Sales; Outlook for 2005 Remains Positive
Milacron
Inc.reported on February 14th a net loss in the fourth quarter of 2004
of $1.2m on sales of $213m. This compares to a net loss of $24.2m,
on sales of $198m, in the fourth quarter of 2003.
In the fourth quarter of 2004, restructuring charges of $8.5 million were
greater than anticipated, as the company wrote down plant and equipment
idled as a result of recent restructuring actions. The 2003 fourth
quarter included restructuring charges of $8.1 million with no tax benefit
and a goodwill impairment charge of $13.3 million.
The results in the most recent quarter came in at the high end of the
guidance last issued by Milacron on November 3rd, 2004, as sales, segment
earnings and income tax benefits exceeded the estimated ranges.
Operating earnings before interest, taxes, restructuring, goodwill impairment
and refinancing charges were $9.9 million in the fourth quarter of 2004,
compared to $7.9 million in the year-ago quarter (see reconciliation table),
as cost-reduction benefits more than offset higher material costs.
Manufacturing margins continued to improve, reaching 21.7%, up from 20.6%
in the year-ago quarter.
The $213 million in sales represented an 8% gain over the fourth quarter
a year ago, reflecting a continued pickup in demand for injection moulding
machines in North America as well as favourable currency translation effects
- primarily the stronger euro and the weaker dollar. Currency translation
had little impact on earnings. New orders in the fourth quarter of
2004 were $197 million, $3 million higher than a year ago, as continued
strong demand in Asia and recovering North American markets - as well
as favourable currency effects - offset weakening demand in Western Europe.
'Our quarterly sales exceeded $200 million for the first time in almost
four years,' said Ronald D. Brown, chairman, president and chief executive
officer. 'As the North American market for plastics processing equipment
continues to recover, the benefits of the cost reductions we've implemented
over the past several years should become more evident with sales volume
increases,' he said.
Year 2004
Milacron's net loss for the year was $51.1 million, or $1.32 per share,
and included $21.4 million in refinancing costs and $13.6 million in restructuring
charges. 2004 results were aided by a fourth-quarter non-cash income
tax benefit of $4.8 million, resulting from a year-end adjustment of valuation
allowances for deferred taxes. In 2003, the company had a net loss
of $190.9 million, or $5.21 per share, which included a $70.8 million
non-cash writedown of deferred tax assets and a $65.6 million non-cash
goodwill impairment charge, as well as $28.9 million in restructuring
and refinancing charges and $7.2 million in losses from discontinued operations.
In 2004, earnings from continuing operations before interest, taxes, restructuring,
refinancing and goodwill impairment charges were $19.8 million, up from
$7.1 million in 2003 (see reconciliation table), as savings from restructuring
and other cost-reduction measures more than compensated for increased
costs of materials, pension, insurance and compliance with the Sarbanes-Oxley
Act.
Sales in 2004 reached $774 million, up from $740 million in 2003, while
new orders rose to $766 million from $747 million, reflecting 5% and 3%
increases, respectively, as solid growth in North America and Asia, and
favourable currency translation effects, offset weakness in Western Europe.
'In 2004, Milacron successfully met the challenge of refinancing our capital
structure while taking advantage of a partial recovery in capital goods
markets in North America and strong growth outside our traditional markets,
particularly in China, India and Eastern Europe,' Brown said. 'We
continued to find ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency while never
losing focus on the number-one priority: delivering advanced technology
and superior service to our customers.'
Segment Results
Machinery Technologies-North America (machinery and related
parts and services for injection moulding, blow moulding and extrusion
supplied from North America and India) Driven by higher demand for
the company's injection moulding machines, new orders and sales in the
fourth quarter of 2004 were up about 11% versus the fourth quarter of
2003. New orders were $91 million, up from $82 million a year ago,
while sales increased to $97 million from $87 million. Cost-reduction
benefits, sales volume increases and better pricing more than offset higher
material costs, as segment operating earnings (earnings before interest,
taxes and restructuring charges) in the quarter rose to $9.1 million,
or 9.4% of sales, compared to $6.1 million, or 7.1% of sales, in the year-ago
quarter.
For the year 2004, new orders in this segment were $337 million, up from
$325 million in 2003, and sales rose to $334 million, from $321 million.
Cost reduction benefits were the primary factor leading to a near doubling
of operating earnings to $16.0 million, or 4.8% of sales, from $8.1 million,
or 2.5% of sales, in 2003.
Machinery Technologies-Europe (machinery and related parts
and services for injection moulding and blow moulding supplied from Europe)
As demand softened considerably in November and December, fourth quarter
new orders declined to $33 million from $45 million in the same quarter
of 2003. Sales of $45 million were comparable to the year-ago quarter
in dollars but down in local currencies. Lower sales volumes and
rising material costs led to a modest loss of $0.3 million compared to
operating earnings of $1.5 million in the fourth quarter of 2003.
For the year 2004, this segment's new orders were $155 million compared
to $154 million in 2003, while sales rose to $167 million from $151 million. In
local currencies, new orders declined while sales were about even with
those of 2003. As a result of the company's focus on cost reduction
over the past year, operating earnings improved to $1.8 million, up from
an operating loss of $1.4 million a year ago.