Low Cost Manufacturing Opens Doors to Higher Profits at Laird
Laird’s Chief Executive, Peter Hill, commenting on the results, said: '2003 was a year of significant progress, with earnings per share up 25% despite the adverse translation effects of exchange rate movements. We are expanding into related market sectors with good growth potential and we will continue with our programme of making bolt-on acquisitions. We have also started to see an improvement in certain of our markets, particularly those serving the electronics industries. With the developments we have made and the actions we are taking, we look forward to making further progress in 2004.'
Highlights
of the 2003 Results
o Good progress despite difficult economic and market conditions in the
early part of the year and the adverse translation effects of exchange
rate movements.
o Turnover from continuing operations up 8% at constant exchange rates,
to £429m.
o Pre-tax profits, before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation,
of £37.4 million, up 18% compared with 2002 profits from continuing
operations of £31.8m. At constant exchange rates the increase would
have been 27%.
o Earnings per share, before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation,
of 21.6 pence, up 25% compared with 2002 continuing earnings of 17.3 pence.
o Turnover for Laird Security Systems, a leading supplier of products
and solutions for the residential building and home improvements markets
in the UK and the USA, up 5% to £205.3m. Operating profits, before
exceptionals, up 10% to £24.8m.
Laird
Security Systems had another very successful year in 2003, once again
reporting growth in turnover, profit and operating margins together with
strong cash generation. This was achieved despite the adverse translation
effect of exchange rate movements on its US operations and input pricing
pressure on its uPVC products as a result of higher oil prices. In the
UK, window volume demand again showed a small decline, with growth in
the door and conservatory segments. In the US, our markets again showed
modest growth. Turnover in 2003 increased 5% to £205.3 million,
compared with £195.9 million in 2002, with turnover growth of 9%
at constant exchange rates.
Turnover growth was achieved both in the UK and in North America as we
continued to benefit from our close relationship with our major customers,
and also through industry leading performance in product development underscored
by the highest levels of customer service and support. Increasingly, we
work directly with our major customers in new product design and development,
thereby becoming an integrated service provider in the supply chain of
our customers. Through bolt-on acquisitions in recent years we have also
generated steady turnover growth, with the enhancement of existing products
and the benefits derived from access to the engineering, sales and distribution
network of Laird Security Systems.
Operating profits for the year, before exceptional items, grew 10% to
£24.8m in 2003 compared with £22.6m reported in 2002. At constant
exchange rates the profits growth was 19%, demonstrating the robustness
of Laird Security Systems’ business model after the 14% profits growth
at constant exchange rates delivered in 2002, which followed a 30% growth
in operating profits achieved in 2001.
Success and Innovation with a Robust Business Model
Our business model continues to be based on integrated global engineering
and design with low-cost manufacturing, supported by strong local execution
and dedication to the customer, with products being adapted where necessary
for the local market. In addition, we work alongside our customers in
product and market development, and we are also increasingly focusing
on the identification and exploitation of higher growth segments within
our overall market.
An example of this approach has been our expansion of door related products,
which contributed to the enhanced sales and profit generation during the
year. In the UK, growth continued in our multi-point lock, door hinge
and door handle programmes, while in the US further growth was seen in
the sales of Sash Controls’ door products, with profitability being
enhanced by the transfer of product manufacturing to China. An initiative
with a major American customer is expected to result in a new, specially
designed door hardware product range for North America being launched
in the second half of 2004, and this will be an important breakthrough
for us in this growing North American market segment.
Laird Security Systems has also continued to demonstrate overall sales
and profits growth in its traditional window hardware, seals and uPVC
profiles businesses. In particular, window balances in the US, where we
are the market leader, and also high quality, engineered weatherproofing
seals, showed good growth. Sales also benefited from the introduction
of our new combination balance and uPVC profile 'Jambliner' product in
the US, and growth in demand for the "Legend 70" window system
in the UK, though growth in profitability was held back as a result of
higher resin prices.
Following the acquisition of Omega in February 2003, constant force balance
production was transferred to an existing Laird Security Systems facility
in North Carolina in the US, with the original facility in West Virginia
being closed. Window hardware product transfer to China from the UK continued
during 2003, which will allow the friction stay manufacturing facility
in Cheltenham to be closed, while production in China of window hardware
products using the new Physical Vapour Deposition corrosion resistance
coating application was expanded.
Laird Security Systems extended its geographic coverage in the US at the
end of 2003 with the opening of a new branch in the western US, which
will provide support to our larger customers on a national scale as well
as access to the local market in that region. Market research was completed
during the year into serving the local Chinese and Asian markets with
a select range of door and window hardware products, and a pilot sales
and marketing campaign will begin in 2004. Trials of our prototype electronic
access controls for windows and doors continued in the UK during 2003,
confirming the technical viability of the product offering. Market acceptance
trials are currently underway which, if successful, will result in the
start of commercial scale development during 2004, aimed at both the new
build and replacement residential markets.
Growth Markets and New Routes to Market
As part of a strategy of identifying and exploiting higher growth sectors
within our overall market, Laird Security Systems acquired Intron Limited,
a leading UK composite door manufacturer, in November 2003. The market
for composite doors is growing due largely to a number of Government funded
social housing initiatives, where the combination of security and maintenance
characteristics result in composite doors being the preferred product.
Our long-standing relationship with the local authority market, together
with specifically developed hardware solutions, has positioned us to be
a leading player in this market.
New routes to market were also developed in 2003 and sales to the DIY
market in the UK continued to grow. Cellular uPVC roofline products were
launched in the UK through major DIY outlets, with an installation programme
to be rolled out in 2004. Following the success of Laird Security Systems’
Ventrolla window renovation franchise business in recent years, a pilot
lock installation and maintenance operation was launched in 2003. The
intention is to develop a national UK franchise of security hardware installers,
providing high standards of reliable service to the consumer, supported
by national quality and marketing expertise.
Dowload the whole report here
Structura
Sets up Planned Maintenance Division
A
new Planned Maintenance division headed by Leroy Graham, 47 (pictured),
has been set up by Structura Special Projects, specialists in the repair
and replacement of curtain wall facades, windows and doors.
Of particular interest to facilities and building managers, the new division
has won a contract to maintain atria glazing, screens and doors of a high-profile
government building in central London, and is maintaining the front entrance
doors and rear doors of an office building in Ashford, Middx.
Mr Graham brings over 25 years’ experience in the refurbishment and
maintenance industry to his new position. He says: 'Special Projects is
handling a varied and increased workload to challenging schedules, and
the setting up of a Planned Maintenance division is a natural progression
to provide a complete service nationwide.'
Further information is available from Structura UK Ltd, Special Projects,
Unit 1, Oakcroft Road, Chessington, Surrey KT9 1RH. Tel: 020 8397 4361.
Fax: 020 8391 5805. E-mail: mail@structura.co.uk
Web: www.structura-uk.com
Halo
Fabricator Doubles Production with new Factory
A Scarborough based trade fabricator experiencing unprecedented growth
is celebrating the completion of an ambitious expansion project.
SWC Trade Frames Limited, one of WHS Halo's most successful UK fabricators,
has added a new 57,500 sq ft site to its current window, door and conservatory
operation in North Yorkshire.
The expansion means the company now operates out of two premises - its
existing 25,000 sq ft window and door production site at Barry's Lane,
and the new Eastfield facility which serves as its head office and conservatory
roof manufacturing and transport base. The new site gives SWC, which manufactures
WHS Halo's System 10 and Esthetique products, the potential to double
its existing weekly production rate of 1200 window frames and 80 conservatory
roofs and has also lead to the creation of a number of new jobs.
Commenting on the developments, Paul Richings, Managing Director of SWC
Trade Frames said:
'When we started fabricating WHS Halo products some 10 years ago we were
only producing around 150 frames per week. The fact that this figure has
now grown to around 1,200 bears testament to our success in growing the
business by working together with our suppliers.'
'We have ambitious plans for the future not only in terms of business
growth but also in terms of marketing support and by working closely with
WHS Halo and its In Business Together Scheme, we are confident that the
next decade will be equally as successful as the last.'
In addition to its WHS Halo product offering, SWC Trade Frames also fabricates
the K2 conservatory roof system. The company employs 130 staff.
Synseal
Customer Celebrates Large New Build Contracts
Hertfordshire based Crystal Clear (Manufacturing) Ltd, has used Synseal
Extrusions’ roofs in its conservatories for three years. Producing
1000+ frames and 2000+ sealed units a week means that Crystal depends
on its suppliers for a reliable service, something Synseal delivers according
to Martin Manning, Crystal’s Director of Sales.
'In 2003 we sold in excess of 2000 conservatories utilising the Shield
roof. It is of vital importance that we get three on time and complete
deliveries from Synseal each week, which we do.'
At the end of 2003 Crystal secured two large new build contracts via trade
clients, one a sizeable nursing home and the second a complete block of
flats comprising of some 240 windows, plus doors and a Victorian conservatory.
Pechiney
- 2003 Fourth Quarter and Full Year Results
Pechiney announces earnlngs from operations in the fourth quarter of 2003 of Euro 66 million, down Euro 5 million from the fourth quarter of 2002, and up Euro 8 million from the third quarter of 2003. Net result for the fourth quarter was a loss of a 443 million as a result principally of impairment charges and other one-off charges. The 2003 full year earnings from operations stands at Euro 262 million, down Euro 145 million (or 36%) from 2002, essentially due to the weakness in the U.S. dollar. The 2003 net result is a loss of Euro 508 million compared to a loss of Euro 50 million a year earlier.
2003
Highlights
Earnings from operations:
The decline in the Group's 2003 earnings from operations was mainly attributable
to the Primary Aluminum sector, which reported earnings from operations
of Euro 156 million in 2003, down Euro 126 million from 2002.This decrease
is due to the worsening of external factors, notably the depreciation
of the U.S. dollar vis-a-vis the euro and to a lesser extent higher energy
costs. These negative factors were only partially offset by the slight
rise in the average price of aluminum realised by Pechiney on the LME,
which increased from 1,358 U.S.$/metric ton in 2002 to 1,395 U.S.$/metric
ton in 2003, as well as by significant continuous improvement related
volume increases.
The Aluminum Conversion sector reported eamings from operations of Euro
49 miilion in 2003 versus Euro 13 million in 2002. This strong growth
refiected primarily the good performance of European activities, which
benefited from the upturn in shipments to the aerospace industry in 2003.
American activities also benefited from enhanced cost control and marked
operational improvement at the Ravenswood plant following the restructuring
plan launched at the end of 2002.
The Packaging sector reported eamings from operations of Euro 93 million
in 2003 versus Euro 129 million in 2002. This decline was due to lower
sales volumes, a negative price/raw material cost squeeze and the depreciation
of the U.S. dollar. These negative factors were only partially offset
by cost reductions secured through the Pechiney Continuous lmprovement
System.
During the year, the Group pursued successfully its implementation of
the Pechiney Continuous lmprovement System, with benefits estimated at
Euro 119 million for 2003, representing the cumulated sum of Euro 249
million since January 1st, 2002.
In the fourth quarter, earnings from operations appear to have stabilised,
compared to the strong year on year declines experienced in the previous
periods. Eamings from operations stood at 7% (Euro 5 million) below the
fourth quarter of 2001, and at 14% (Euro 8 million) above the third quarter
of 2003. The realised LME price rose to 1,430 U.S.$/metric ton during
this fourth quarter.
Net result:
The 2003 negative result is due to long-lived asset writedowns, other
income (expense) and restructuring expense for a total of Euro 743 million,
out of which Euro 525 million with no impact on cash flow. These charges
reflect mostly the impact of the use of new economic assumptions in particular
with regard to currency forecasts, the write down of the capitalised costs
of the AP50 Coega project, and the potential capital loss associated with
planned divestitures.
Recent developments - 2003 fourth quarter and beginning of 2004
On December 16th, modification of the Board of Directors of Pechiney,
following Alcan's acquisition of more than 92% of Pechiney's share capital
in the initial offer period. Travis Engen, Alcan President & CEO,
was appointed as the new Chairman & CEO of Pechiney.
On December 30th, Pechiney became the sole owner of Aluminium Dunkerque.
The acquisition by Pechiney of the remaining 65% stake in the Aluminium
Dunkerque smelter, from the smelter's financial partners, represented
Euro 248 million. The transaction also resulted in the consolidation of
an additional Euro 117 million of debt.
On January 8th, the French Autorite des marches financiers released the
definitive results of Alcan's re-opened offer for Pechiney securities.
Taking into account the Pechiney securities tendered during both offer
periods, more than 95% of the share capital of Pechiney on a fully diluted
basis was tendered to the offer. Therefore, Alcan will pay the specified
additional consideration to the holders of Pechiney securities who tendered
to the offer.
On January 20th, Pechiney American Depositary Shares were de-listed from
the New York Stock Exchange.
On January 23rd, the withdrawal offer for all remaining Pechiney securities
was opened for a ten French trading days period.
On February 6th, Alcan acquired all remaining Pechiney shares, bonus allocation
rights and OCEANEs it did not already own. Pechiney shares were de-listed
from Euronext Paris stock exchange on the same date.
PPG
Reports Strong Earnings, Cash Flow in Fourth Quarter
PPG
Industries reported on January 15th fourth quarter net income of $122
million, or 71 cents a share, including an aftertax charge of $8 million,
or 5 cents a share, to reflect the net increase in the current value of
the company's obligation under the asbestos settlement agreement reported
in May of 2002. Sales were $2.18 billion.
This compares with fourth quarter 2002 net income of $94 million, or 55
cents a share, including an aftertax charge of $4 million, or 2 cents
a share, to reflect the net increase in the value of the company's obligation
under the asbestos settlement agreement. Sales were $1.99 billion.
For
all of 2003, PPG recorded net income of $494 million, or $2.89 per share,
which includes aftertax charges of $6 million, or 3 cents a share, for
the cumulative effect of a required change in the accounting for asset
retirement obligations; $23 million, or 14 cents a share, to reflect the
net increase in the current value of the company's obligation under the
asbestos settlement agreement; and $2 million, or 1 cent a share, for
restructuring. Sales for 2003 were $8.76 billion.
For all of 2002, PPG recorded a net loss of $69 million, or 41 cents a
share, including aftertax charges of $484 million, or $2.85 a share, for
the asbestos settlement; $52 million, or 31 cents a share, for restructuring;
and $9 million, or 5 cents a share, for the cumulative effect of a required
accounting change. Sales for 2002 were $8.07 billion.
'We generated cash from operating activities of about $350 million during
the fourth quarter, representing an increase of about $75 million over
last year's fourth quarter, as a result of stronger earnings and further
reductions in working capital,' said Raymond W. LeBoeuf, PPG chairman
and chief executive officer. 'In 2003 we paid down debt by nearly $400
million, reducing our debt-to-total capital ratio to 36 percent, surpassing
our year-end goal of 40 percent. In addition, we increased our cash position
for the year by about $375 million, and expect strong cash flow again
in 2004.
'We produced solid earnings for the quarter thanks to improved cost performance,
increased volumes across all of our businesses, stronger pricing in commodity
chemicals, the growing success of our optical products business and the
strengthening of the euro. This was achieved in the face of cost increases
for energy, labour, pension and retiree medical and environmental costs.
Further, the change in the current value of the asbestos settlement agreement
negatively impacted the pretax comparison to a year ago by $7 million.'
Consistent with previous disclosures, fourth quarter 2003 pretax earnings
included approximately $37 million of higher pension and retiree medical
costs compared with a year ago.
Looking to the future, LeBoeuf added, 'Our optimism about the global economy
grew throughout 2003 and that continues today, fueled by improvements
in North America and Asia, where we are well positioned. Even in Europe,
there are some positive signs in the economy; however, that improvement
could be negated by a stronger euro. At the same time, we remain committed
to making significant further reductions in costs, ensuring that an improving
economy will produce even better results. Additionally, we will continue
to develop new products and pursue growth.'
Coatings sales increased $134 million, or 12 percent, due to the strengthening
of foreign currencies and stronger volumes in the architectural, aerospace,
automotive and industrial businesses. Operating earnings were up $36 million
largely due to increased volumes, lower overhead costs, improved manufacturing
efficiencies and the favorable effects of foreign currency translation.
These were offset, in part, by higher pension and retiree medical costs
and inflationary cost increases.
Glass sales increased $18 million, or 4 percent, largely on the strengthening
of foreign currencies. Stronger volumes in the automotive original equipment
and flat glass businesses were offset by lower prices in the automotive
original equipment, automotive replacement glass and fibre glass businesses.
Operating earnings were down by $18 million because of lower selling prices
and higher energy, pension and retiree medical costs, which more than
offset the benefit of higher volumes, improved manufacturing efficiencies
and lower overhead.
Chemical sales increased $33 million, or 8 percent, on higher selling
prices for commodity products, stronger optical products volumes and the
strengthening of foreign currencies, offset partially by lower volumes
for commodity products. Operating earnings increased $17 million as higher
selling prices and improved volumes more than offset increased overhead
(in our optical business), environmental remediation, energy and pension
and retiree medical costs.
Web: http://www.ppg.com
Celsius
Offers Hot Prospects to New Recruits
Twelve
months on, sales of Celsius performance glass continue to far exceed expectations
resulting in K2 Glass Ltd having to increase its workforce by more than
25%.
The
company says that Celsius’s positioning in the marketplace and continued
marketing support activity from K2 has helped the thermal performance
glass go from strength to strength. The popularity of Celsius has surpassed
all expectations and it is now being specified by name by both installers
and consumers. As a result, sales of Celsius have rocketed, with recent
figures showing Celsius has exceeded forecast sales by as much as 400%
in a single month.
The popularity of Celsius and the increasing numbers of sales has led
to K2 Glass recruiting more than 10 new members of the workforce, including
both glass processors and delivery drivers, as well as doubling its fleet
of delivery vehicles. The company is also in the process of setting up
a new distribution hub in the Bedford area, which will further increase
the K2 Glass workforce, as well as enabling K2 to deliver even more quickly
and efficiently to a greater number of installers all over the UK.
This increase in employees, vehicles and distribution hubs now means that
K2 Glass is able to extend its delivery service, in order to deliver direct
to consumers or to the site where the conservatory is being constructed.
This direct delivery service not only increases efficiency and saves time,
but also reduces the likelihood of breakages.
Dave
Bradshaw, Managing Director of K2 Glass (pictured) comments:
‘The success of Celsius has surpassed our expectations, allowing
us to grow the workforce more than 25% in less than a year. This has improved
our efficiency and levels of customer service, as well as allowing us
to increase our production of bespoke orders. Our improved levels of customer
service and ability to deliver direct to site now means that we can turn
round an order in just 5-7 working days.’
K2 predicts that sales of Celsius glass will continue to grow at a similar
rate in 2004, undoubtedly leading to further growth for the company over
the next year.
Web:
http://www.k2conservatories.com
Vitro
Continues Positive EBITDA trend in 4Q03
Vitro
S.A, de C.V, one of the world's largest producers and distributors of
glass products, announced on 17th February 4Q03 and 2003 year end un-audited
results. For the quarter, Vitro posted a 57.0 percent and a 24.1 percent
YoY increase in consolidated EBIT and EBITDA respectively. EBIT increased
by US$14 million and EBlTDA by US$19 million during the period. Flat Glass
was the major contributor to the improvement, with YoY increases of 166.5
percent in EBlT and 42.5 percent in EBITDA. Consolidated EBITDA margins
improved YoY by 382 basis points, with all three business units contributing
to the increase. Annualised EBlTDA improved from US$345 million as of
September 30th, 2003 to US$364 million for fiscal year 2003, reflecting
the improving trend.
Commenting on the results, Alvaro Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer,
said: '2003 was a challenging year for glass companies worldwide, and
Vitro wasn't an exception. The improvement in EBlTDA reflects our commitment
to cost control and improved efficiencies, as seen by the decrease in
cost of sales and SG&A on a year over year basis.
Mr. Rodriguez added: 'We are aware that the market is expecting sustained
improvement in our results. We are committed to produce a consistent recovery
in sales and earnings. We are optimistic about the long term future of
Vitro since we have one of the finest glass operations in the world. Our
portfolio of assets puts us on very solid ground, with the Glass Containers
business as a downside protection operation and the Flat Glass business
providing us great potential upside.'
Mr. Rodriguez continued: 'As one of the world's leading glass producers,
Vitro will continue to build on its strengths, focusing on value added
and niche markets, increasing its domestic market share participation,
maintaining a well diversified and strong customer base, leveraging its
position in international markets through joint ventures, and balancing
domestic revenues with exports and international sales.
Flat Glass (49 percent of Consolidated Sales)
Sales
Flat Glass' consolidated sales for the fourth quarter of 2003 increased
by 0.9 percent to US$267 million YoY, and decreased 0.8 percent for the
full year to US$1,089 million from US$1,098 million in 2002. For the quarter,
the increase was mainly attributable to sales from the new Mexicali float,
which started operations in November 2003, ahead of schedule and under
budget.
Within the construction segment, during 2003, Flat Glass experienced stronger
domestic sales due to the recovery of long-term contracts with some major
distributors and the new float facility at Mexicali. Going forward, this
market shows positive pospects, as the Mexican govemment is favouring
housing constnrction at all levels. During 2003 Vitro Cristalglass, our
Spanish subsidiary, increased its market penetration in Portugal, and
showed a YoY growth in sales of over 40 percent, reaching US$117 million
at year-end. Vitro Cristalglass was also awarded significant contracts,
which provided access to new markets, such as the Euro one million contracts
to supply architectonic glass to the Spanish retailer El Corte Ingles.
In the case of Vitro America, sluggish demand in the US non- residential
construction market was largely responsible for the decline in sales in
the segment. Going forward, the Company plans to expand its exposure to
the growing residential construction segment and increase synergies by
raising the amount of glass sold to its US subsidiary.
Sales within the OEM auto industry were down YoY since this market continued
to show weak demand in both the domestic and export segments. Going forward,
the Company expects to increase its sales to OEMs as it has secured long-term
contracts of new platforms being introduced in 2005. The YoY increase
in sales to the export auto-replacement market partially compensated the
decrease in OEMs, but strong competition in the US and the domestic market
forced price adjustments that were necessary to maintain market share
in such segment.
Six
and a Half Million Metres of Laminated Profiles
PVCu
profile lamination specialist Profoil Ltd produced six and a half million
metres of foiled profile lengths in 2003. The Kettering based company
has been offering a dedicated lamination service, to the industry since
1996, and now runs four lines, supplying systems companies and conservatory
roof companies nationwide.
'This is a staggering result, and indicates the direction of the market
place as it feels around trying to find product differentiators in the
bid for greater competitive edge,' said Profoil managing director Colin
Deans (pictured right). 'Today we are probably producing in one month
the amount that we initially produced during our first year of trading,
and all the indicators show that this is set to grow yet further.'
Profoil offers an extensive selection of different colours and finishes
to systems companies and conservatory roof companies nationwide.
Email: mailto:sales@profoil.sagehost.co.uk
Web: http://www.profoil-ltd.co.uk
Paul
Cocksedge Inspired - Sapphire and Tonic
Winner
of The Bombay Sapphire Prize 2003 and shortlisted for Designer of the
Year 2004, this year's rising design star Paul Cocksedge has just invented
an intriguing new light, Sapphire and Tonic.
Commissioned by Bombay Sapphire after winning the £15,000 Bombay
Sapphire Prize for excellence and innovation in contemporary glass design,
RCA graduate Paul Cocksedge, 25 years old has created an elegant and innovative
light made out of glass, ultra-violet light and Bombay Sapphire gin and
tonic!
Aptly named Sapphire and Tonic, the design involves pouring Bombay Sapphire
and tonic into a light bulb-shaped vessel and shining a UV light onto
the chandelier. Switched on, the clear translucent liquid is transformed
into an incredible glowing blue colour.
'From the outset I wanted to design an elegant light made from glass that
possessed a subtle element of intrigue.' Paul explained; 'I then discovered
that when a UV bulb is positioned next to a glass container filled with
Bombay Sapphire and Tonic, the liquid glows blue, the same colour of the
Bombay Sapphire bottle. This inspired me to design a light based on these
unusual aesthetic qualities, a light bulb-shaped glass vessel in a chandelier
on to which you shine an ultra-violet light. The liquid changes from being
crystal clear to glowing blue. The liquid becomes the light.'
Bombay Sapphire, the premium gin in the blue glass bottle and a strong
supporter of design, will be launching Sapphire and Tonic at the intemational
design fair Salone del Mobile in Milan this April.
Tel: 020 7224 0994
Email: mailto:foundation@bombaysapphire.org
When
was the last time you loaded or unloaded a patio door? Occasionally large
windows or doors can be a struggle to load on smaller vehicles. ‘For
patio doors – especially in large numbers – this is always the
case,’ said Sliders UK’s director Mike Spain. ‘Right from
the start we specified 7.5 tonne drop well trucks with ramps – modified
Luton vans were never going to be suitable or big enough for us.’
The third vehicle in Sliders’ fleet has just been delivered. In addition
to a sleeper cab for long-range deliveries, the Iveco, supplied by Leyland
Truck Centre, also features the same walk-on walk-off facility as the
first two vehicles, each of which is capable of safely transporting over
40 patio doors at a time.
The trucks are part of a framework of high capacity initiatives which
the company says keep it on target to supply 250 patio doors per week
in just its second year of trading.
Tel: 01772 698222
Web: http://www.sliders-uk.com