Guardian Industries Announces £100 Million Investment in Yorkshire: Government grant will help create 300 new jobs in manufacturing

Guardian Industries Corp, one of the world's largest glassmakers, is to create more than 300 manufacturing jobs in Yorkshire with Government assistance Minister for Employment Relations and the Regions Alan Johnson announced yesterday.

Aided by £4.9m Regional Selective Assistance (RSA) from the DTI and £2.7m from the regional development agency, Yorkshire Forward, the US-based firm will invest £115m in a new factory in Goole.

Guardian Industries Corp, based in Michigan, employs more than 19,000 people worldwide and has a presence in 19 countries. It manufactures float and fabricated glass products for the construction and automotive industries.

In a simultaneous deal Yorkshire Forward has purchased 120 hectares of land to enable the creation of a business park in the area for a range of employment uses.

Announcing the grant, Alan Johnson said:
'This is great news. This major investment by Guardian Industries Corp is a ringing endorsement, not only of the region and its workforce, but of the UK as a top location for inward investment.
'This grant will help create high quality jobs and demonstrates the Government's commitment to manufacturing.'

Yorkshire, working with Invest UK, won the investment after stiff competition from Belgium. The development is the third major US investment into the region in just over a year following similar deals with Insight, which is building its European headquarters in Sheffield and Boeing which is building an Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre in Rotherham.

Graham Hall, Yorkshire Forward Chairman said:
'Yorkshire and Humber is continuing to lead the way in attracting high quality, high-technology investment despite the global economic slowdown.

'This latest investment delivers high quality jobs and kick-starts a major development which will play a key factor in the success of the Humber Trade Zone.'

Work will begin on the site in May 2002 with the first phase of infrastructure complete by May 2003. Guardian Industries Corp expect to begin glass production by early 2004.

The Solution is Clear Mr Brown Says the GGF

While the Government insist that combating cowboy traders and the environment is a priority, the GGF was disappointed that again for the glazing industry this was not reflected in Gordon Brown's latest Budget.

The UK Window Industry has a turnover of about £2 billion per year and in line with the introduction of Approved Document L, replacement windows will be the largest category of energy efficiency expenditure for the foreseeable future. Although previous Budgets have seen some energy saving measures granted a lower rate the major energy saver - replacement windows continue to be ignored.

'We believe low-emissivity glass should now be considered as an energy saving measure deserving the lower VAT rate. After all Low-E glass has no other purpose than to save energy,' said GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees.

He continued. 'This reduction in VAT linked with the industry's Fenestration Self Assessment Scheme (FENSA) would also be a further step forward in the crusade to rid the industry of the less reputable 'cowboy' installer. With the need to register with FENSA or seek Building Approval and without the ability to reduce his prices 'for a cash payment - don't worry about VAT!!' his main weapon would have been removed from his armoury.'

GGF Chief Executive Nigel Rees's recent lobby lunch address, and the response from Dr Alan Whitehead MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Department for Transport, Local Government and the Regions.

'We would seek some form of dispensation from parking fines for glass carrying vehicles undertaking emergency repair work' was one of the hot topics up for debate. What did the Minister say in response?

Read it all here first.

Brown Fails to Impress Construction Products Industry

After successive increases in previous budgets, the Construction Products Association has argued strongly that the burden on the construction products industry should not be increased.

Commenting on the Budget, Chief Executive Michael Ankers said: 'Whilst some additional tax increases were inevitable to fund the planned increases in investment in public services, the Chancellor has once again put an additional burden on business. The 1% increase in employers' NIC is particularly unwelcome as it acts as a tax on jobs.

'We are also concerned that the Government has scaled back total investment for the current year to £32 billion, £3 billion less than set out in last year's Budget. This highlights the need to ensure that the relevant departments and spending authorities respond to the Government's challenge and bring forward schemes promptly to improve the nation's built environment.

'We are also disappointed that the Chancellor failed to respond to a number of key issues affecting the industry, particularly the extension of Climate Change Levy negotiated agreements, a lower rate of VAT on domestic repair and maintenance, and a wider range of energy-efficient products eligible for lower VAT rates.

'However, the Association welcomes the introduction of the R&D tax credit and the new enhanced capital allowance for energy saving technologies.

'The increased costs to construction product manufacturers and suppliers from the higher level of employers' NIC will, however, outweigh the benefits from the range of other measures the Chancellor has introduced for the majority of companies.'

Pilkington Aerospace Lands Swedish Jet Fighter Contract

Pilkington Aerospace, a wholly owned subsidiary of Pilkington plc, has been selected by Saab of Sweden to supply the advanced transparency system for the cockpit of the new Saab Gripen JAS 39 jet fighter.

The contract is the latest business success for Pilkington Aerospace. Recent wins include selection by Lockheed Martin to supply the Integrated Transparency System for the new US Joint Strike Fighter (JSF), and a 'life of the programme' contract to supply windshields for the Bombardier Learjet 45 corporate jet.

The Gripen JAS 39 is a fourth generation, multi-role combat aircraft to be manufactured by Saab for the Swedish domestic defence and for export to several countries including Hungary, The Czech Republic and South Africa. Saab's design and development of the aircraft is being co-ordinated with BAE Systems, which has a 35 per cent interest in the project.

The Pilkington Aerospace contract, valued at more than $15 million, calls for the design, development and production of windshields and canopy systems for 250 fighter aircraft which could double to 500, with more than 80 per cent expected for export. With spares, the total value of the contract could grow substantially over the total life of the programme.

Light and Shade in the German Window Market: Turnover Falling, Prices Continuing to Rise

2001 has been the worst turnover year for the German window market in over 10 years; since the absolute peak in 1995, with over 26 million units sold, the market has continuously declined; 2001 brought another decrease in volume of -12.8% to about 18.5 million units, as the latest report by the consultants of InterConnection shows.

The decline in renovation, which in the last few years had compensated for decreases in orders for new construction, was especially painful for the market. The number of windows used in renovating older buildings has gone down again by 11.7% after the bad year 2000 (minus 14.2%). As in the previous years, non-housing did better than housing. While the market for windows in the private sector (one- and two-family homes) went down by 15.8%, the decrease in the object segment (multi-level buildings and non-housing) was significantly less, at -10%. Considering that the object segment of multi-level buildings is experiencing a historical low, in the segment office and business buildings there has even been market growth - a ray of light which will mainly benefit those who offer fronts and aluminium systems.

Click here for more on this story

Bringing Sweden to Warrington (And Bolton)

Warrington based fire glass manufacturer CGI International Ltd recently played host to a group of 17 distributors and glaziers from Sweden.

Organised by one of CGII’s distributors, Klaes Jannson and supported by their local agent, Anders Melin, the group visited CGII’s factory facilities in Warrington and saw the effect of a number of new substantial investments in the manufacturing process of the Pyroguard range of fire resistant glasses.

The visit was completed by the witnessing of a fire test which demonstrated Pyroguard's performance in controlling fire and passive radiation.

'Pyroguard is one of the few clear fire glasses that can be stocked and cut locally and as a result has proved to be a great success in the Swedish market.' comments Steve Ridgway of CGII, pictured left, receiving the first of the Swedish visitors.

The trip was not complete until a visit was made to Bolton Wanderers FC where CGII’s Sales Manager, Ian Blakemore, spends his spare time as a steward.

Whilst the group were impressed with CGII’s products and facilities the same couldn’t be said of the game which resulted in yet another draw for the Wanderers.

Better luck next time lads!

Tel: 020 7960 6060
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk

BBA Certification Update

New Certificates
02/3901 K2 CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEMS - The Conservatory Factory Ltd
02/3907 THE DURAFLEX PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Wright Window Systems Ltd
02/3909 SLIMLINE PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Jeld-Wen (UK) Ltd
02/3913 SPACE 4 LOADBEARING STRUCTURALLY-INTEGRATED WALL PANELS

Amendments to existing Certificates
01/3822 Second issue C.A.GROUP MR-24 SINGLE SKIN AND DOUBLE SKIN ROOF SYSTEMS
88/2108 Second issue VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM
97/3346 Second issue REHAU PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Minster Windows & Conservatories Ltd
98/3518 Second issue TWIN-THERM ROOF SYSTEM

Certificate withdrawals
00/3744 HW SYSTEMS PVC-U DOOR SYSTEMS - A & B Glass Co Ltd
93/2954 FERSINA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Cestrum Building Products Ltd

Certificate suspensions
None.

Certificates deleted
90/2399 L.B. PLASTICS UPVC WINDOW SYSTEM - Solaglas Limited (lapsed)
97/3415 SPECTUS PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Dale Joinery Limited (lapsed)
98/3530 VEKA PVC-U WINDOW SYSTEM - Gloucestershire Industrial Services (lapsed)
99/3575 ULTRAFRAME CONSERVATORY ROOF SYSTEM - Castle Products Ltd (lapsed)

Click here for BBA website

Trocal Now has PP Profiles - New Material in PVC Product Range

'The producer of the world's first serially manufactured plastic window profiles also has a head start in the field of alternative materials - with polypropylene-based Trocal lnnonova PP.' says HT Trocal.
'Alongside PVC windows, with their still unsurpassed price-performance ratio, there has been growing demand for alternative plastics in recent years. These alternatives should retain the intrinsic advantages of the plastic window relative to frame materials such as wood and aluminium. Trocal lnnonova PP is ideal in this regard.'

While having the advantages of other plastics, it is completely free of halogens and heavy metals. Like PVC, it is produced without added styrenes. With the help of the experience gained during many years of using the coextrusion method, the Trocal lnnonva PP profile was successfully developed to the serial production stage. The core of the polypropylene (PP) profile is the key to its optimal mechanical properties, such as impact strength, rigidity and resistance to high and low temperatures. The externaljacket (which is also made of PP) contains special additives to make it weather resistant and colour fast. The weathering of TROCAL PP window profiles has been tested in the open air in southern Spain since 1990.

The profiles have a classic design. The Trocal lnnonova PP profile has a structural depth of 70 millimetres. It has rounded edges and a closed, smooth easy-to-clean surface. The new profile is available in white. It can also be supplied in any RAL colour using the Trocal aluminium cladding system. Since modern coating methods (powder coating, painting, anodising) allow the aluminium cladding to be finished in any RAL or NCS colour or even laminated or given a powder-coated wood look, there are many creative possibilities. Sashes and outer frames can be supplied as 4-chamber profiles.

Like the standard centre seal systems from Trocal, an all-round external rebate seal can be inserted to satisfy noise insulation requirements from class 4. Casement windows and tilt-and-turn windows (if desired with multiple sashes and mullions) are also available, as are balcony doors. Processing can be carried out with the conventional machines and tools used with plastics. provided the production parameters are suitably adjusted.

Polypropylene has been produced on an industrial scale since 1957. It is durable, has good mechanical properties, chemical resistance and a balanced price-performance ratio. Like all Trocal profiles, the new Trocal lnnonova PP is completely recyclable.

Web: http://www.ht-troplast.com
http://www.trocal-profile.de

Demand Doubles Masterdor Production

Manse Masterdor has announced a doubling of production, brought about by the major increase in demand by the social housing sector for high security, easy access entrance doors and successful partnering arrangements.

The company, which claims to be already the UK's biggest producer of bespoke external doors, plans to expand its door production capacity following the acquisition by its parent company The Litchfield Group, of a 100 acre site north of Ambergate in Derbyshire.

The Part L compliant Masterdor range of bespoke doorsets are being widely used throughout the local authority and housing association sectors because of the pressure being exerted onto specifiers to cite a door that not only performs, but complies with increasingly stringent requirements concerning security and disabled access.

The company has an award-winning partnering approach to construction projects and Masterdors are endorsed by Secured By Design and PAS23/24 accredited. The latter guarantees the product's ability to cope with normal day-to-day wear and tear such as resistance to slamming, closure against obstruction and weather tightness and attempted break-ins. With over 50 styles available, specifiers are guaranteed a product range that is security conscious without compromising on choice of colour and style.

The design of Masterdor, and the nature of the manufacturing process, can help specifiers conform to the existing Building Regulations Part M for doorways in residential developments, by offering a choice of either standard or low threshold, which meets the stipulations for wheelchair access.

Another reason why Masterdor's are specified by housing associations up and down the country is the company's internet gateway to an ordering and product information database, which makes Masterdor a good partner for refurbishment programmes. By allowing each customer full specification details of every door purchased in the last five years, the database has enabled the company to provide high levels of customer support and cut maintenance costs, which has meant major savings for all Masterdor customers.

Recent contracts completed include a project by the West Wiltshire Housing Society, involving the replacement of timber doors on 3,527 properties with Masterdor's to improve the safety of residents, and a redevelopment programme in Scarborough on behalf of the Harewood Housing Association, involving large numbers of prefabricated bungalows.

Tel: 01423 866868
Email: mailto:info@masterdor.co.uk
Web: http://www.masterdor.co.uk

Brand New Van for Conservatory Man

Ultraframe customer lan Gibson of Artisan Conservatories, Mold, Wales, is now the proud owner of a brand new top spec van as a result of his participation in the 2001 National Conservatory Competition. A conservatory installation from Artisan Conservatories won the Small Victorian category in the competition - sponsored by Ultraframe - and lan won the van in a draw that took place earlier in the year at a winners' dinner at the Dunkenhalgh Hotel, Clayton Le Moors, Lancashire.

The grand prize was a Volkswagen LT35, 2.5 litre TDI Medium wheelbase/high roof van complete with full livery, power steering, engine immobiliser, stereo/radio cassette player and fitted roof rack and frails - worth up to £26,000 at showroom prices.

A delighted lan Gibson said on the night, 'I have been in the industry for 20 years, and this is the tenth year that Artisan have been trading and Ultraframe products are by far the best in the market. It is partly down to them that one of my conservatories has won this evening, so I would like to thank them. We were not going to enter the competition this year but I am glad we did and winning the van is just the icing on the cake!'

The National Conservatory Competition, sponsored by Ultraframe, was launched six years ago.
The competition is open to all manufacturers and installers of conservatories who use Ultraframe roofing systems whether purchased direct or through stockists/fabricators. However, the systems must use 100% Ultraframe roofing components.

All of the conservatories are judged on aesthetic grounds, taking into account how well they complement the property and fit in with their surroundings. Any unique or unusual design features are also taken into account. An independent panel comprised of members of the trade press, the Glass & Glazing Federation and the British Board of Agrement undertake the judging. Each winner receives a specially engraved glass trophy, and the overall prize of the van is drawn on the evening of the winners' dinner.

Tel: 01200 452375
Email: mailto:sales@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk

Highlights from Glass Training e-briefing April 2002

Do you need help with NVQ/SVQ implementation?
Glass Training can help. We are now producing Videos and Interactive CD Roms which cover the units in each NVQ/SVQ. If anyone would like to input into the development of these or would like more information please contact: michael@glass-training.co.uk

Glass Training's AGM
Come along to our AGM this year and meet key figures in our industry.The meeting will be held at the Moat House, Sheffield on Wednesday 24th July 2002. This year we will be producing a crystal gift for all those that attend by prior agreement to celebrate 20 years of Glass Training Limited. We are delighted that Paul Jagger, Regional Secretary for the TUC has agreed to speak at the AGM. Contact: lisa@glass-training.co.uk to book your places.

Glass Training's Conference
Our Biennial Conference is an established event for the UK's glass industry. Don't miss out on your chance to hear how key thinkers and business leaders are developing their business and manufacturing techniques to meet tomorrow's demands.The Conference will take place on October 2nd and 3rd. Contact:lisa@glass-training.co.uk to book your places.

Glass Fusing Courses
Glass Training member, Pearsons Glass, is offering glass fusing courses at its premises in Liverpool.This exciting way of processing glass produces quite stunning pieces of work! Pearsons offers two courses - basic and intermediate. Dates are set for:18 May, 15 June, 13 July & 10 August - one day basic courses running, 1-2 June, 27-28 July & 24-25 August - two day intermediate courses running. Contact: info@pearsonsglass.co.uk to find out more.

A Practical Introduction to Stained Glass Courses
Students can produce either a panel to hang on a chain or to fit an existing window space. Small groups ensure individual attention. Courses take place in an authentic glass studio at Transformer Rooms, Wallasey. For more information telephone 0151 709 8023.

Glass Training Limited
Tel: 0114 2661494
Email: mailto:info@glass-training.co.uk
All e-briefings are also available on our website under 'news'
http://www.glass-training.co.uk

Water off a duck's back: Wagner's North East Golf Day

Things looked grim when the players arrived at Bishop Auckland Golf Club for the first Wagner North East Golf Day recently.

Heavy rain over the proceeding few days had rendered the course unplayable and it appeared that the event would be a washout.

In true never-say-die style, however, local Wagner Representative, Paul Davidson, scoured the yellow pages in his quest to deliver the goods to his guests, eventually finding a course that was open for play.

Newly buoyed, the intrepid band of golfers then travelled to the Ramside Golf Club in Durham for what turned out to be a tightly fought, yet enjoyable competition before returning to Bishop Auckland for prize-giving and dinner, where everyone agreed that, thanks to Paul, a great day had been had by all.

Contact: Gary Gleeson
Tel: 01634 263263
Email: mailto:sales@wagnergb.com
Web: http://www.wagnergb.com

Plastics firm fined £250,000 after fatal accident

A Buckinghamshire company was fined £250,000 at Aylesbury Crown Court on 22 March for three breaches of health and safety legislation following the death of a machine operator.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) prosecution followed the death of Ronald Leslie Glue, 61, of Aston Clinton, Buckinghamshire, whose head was crushed while he was setting a Hanwood vacuum-forming machine.

Klargester Environmental, of Aston Clinton, was fined £200,000 for breaches under Regulation 11(1)(a) of The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (PUWER)1998, in that it failed to ensure that measures were taken to prevent access to dangerous parts of machinery. It was also fined £50,000 for breaches of Section 2(1) of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 in that it failed to ensure the health and safety of its employees. No separate fine was made for the offence under Regulation 11(1)(b) of PUWER 1998.

Passing sentence, Judge Morton Jack said "that there were multiple failings, some of which must have been present for a long period, some for many years".

He said that "the defendant was unable to demonstrate a proper system for inspection and maintenance, necessary to prevent accidents".

He said that "the situation at the factory was "serious and horrifying".

After the hearing, HSE investigating inspector Robert Meardon said: "The investigation into this tragic, fatal accident revealed a factory with widespread inadequate control of many health and safety matters, from machinery guarding, to electrical apparatus, to toxic substances and others.

These problems had developed over a number of years and an accident of some kind could have occurred at any time. The level of fines demonstrate that the court intends to send a very strong message that employers face severe penalties if they fail to adequately control the risks to their employees."

Everest Commercial Win Further £4 Million Contract from St Martin's Community Partnership

Everest Commercial has been awarded a contract valued at £4 million for replacement fenestration and doors by the St Martins Community Partnership in South London. Everest has already completed two phases for SMCP.

Following the principals of the Construction Task Force Report, the fully fledged PPC 2000 relationship was established with Walter Llewellyn & Sons Ltd as constructor alongside specialist contractors and suppliers. The St Martin's Community Partnership comprises the Metropolitan Housing Trust, the South London Family HA and the Presentation HA. The £34 million property regeneration scheme is the final phase of a three-part programme. This phase is due for completion by October 2004. The entire St Martin's Estate bordering Tulse Hill includes 1200 properties and this contract is for the final 900 units.

Everest will be installing a single suite of matching products in this project, the main unit being a fully reversible window pattern for ease of cleaning maintenance.

Keith Evans, MHT's Assistant Director and Head of Property Services said, 'I am pleased that the main project has got the green light. Our tenants have been very pleased with the results of the pilot phase and are eager to have the benefits themselves. The Everest product is first class and our tenants are keen to have the better security, draught protection and modern, good looks. Our Partnering Project has really brought the best elements of all the suppliers together. It has proved the worth of the principles and everyone is working really well together'.

Ross St Quintin, Everest Commercial General Manager is equally enthused. 'Putting the Partnering Project together has been very interesting. We believe that the construction industry will now continue to move forward with more arrangements of this nature. We have formed a real team with Llewellyn's and SMCP. We can add this major award to our ever increasing contract list.'

Tel: 01603 762999
Fax: 01603 762998

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