Old
Roots; New Routes - The Industry Debate 2007
The
first stage of the Industry Debate, which took place at Coombe Abbey near
Coventry on 17th October, and was sponsored by Spectus Window Systems
and The Gl@zine, saw some thoughtful and lively discussions on a number
of big issues.
‘We seem to have created a great deal of interest in the debate,
which is what we hoped,’ said Sam Kennedy, Managing Director of Spectus
Window Systems, ‘because it is only the first stage in the debate.
The second stage starts soon, in The Gl@zine, chaired by Richard Schwarz
the editor. The market and industry is going through a period of extreme
change and we believe there are a host of very important issues to think
about. Many, if not most fabricators, installers, hardware, machinery,
software and systems companies will have to change direction to keep up
and adapt to these changes. How we go about things will also change. But
there is a great deal of uncertainty in the market now, and it's clear
that there is a need for a thorough and wide debate in the industry.
'Holding a proper debate isn't easy. Get too many people in one place
and you have a cacophony where individuals struggle to have their say,
or hear what others have said. Too few, or get the mix wrong and you risk
bias and a partial picture. We decided to try holding an initial debate
between a wide variety of people and organisations and firms from different
sectors and levels in the industry. Then, by publishing the debate virtually
in full we hoped to spark an industry wide debate, enabling anyone to
comment in the Gl@zine on what was said in the first stage. We hope that
via the reach and power of the internet everyone can have the opportunity
to contribute.
‘Not everyone could be invited to this first stage debate, I wish
they could. We did have to disappoint some people who wanted to be at
the first stage but there simply wasn't room. However, several have asked
to be put on the short list for the next debate. The important thing,
I believe, is to hold the debate so as many people as possible can contribute,
which is what we have tried to do.
‘Time will tell if we have succeeded, but it is important to try.
We may not succeed in sparking an industry-wide debate, but I hope we
do, for the sake of the industry.’
Richard Schwarz, co-sponsor and co-chairman explains what happens next:
‘We will shortly be publishing the debate, one topic at a time, so
everyone can see who said what. There were a few hours of discussion and
we are having that transcribed. When people read what was said we'd like
them to email us their views so we can add them to the debate whether
they have further information, or they agree or disagree with a particular
view. What was said in the first stage of the debate is not the last word
by any means. It is a start of the real debate. We were short of installers
in the first stage, but we hope many will contribute their views through
The Gl@zine. Nevertheless, we did have one of the broadest based industry
groupings discuss key issues that I have seen.
‘The final line up included senior management and representatives
from the BFRC, BPF, GGF, and FENSA, as well as the Burnden Group (K2),
Bowater Building Products (WHS Halo), CGI International, Elumatic, John
Fredericks, K-Ban, Masterframe, MBN International (Profitmaker), Millenco,
Pilkington, Promac, Rehau, Sash UK, Ultraframe, Windowmaker and Winkhaus.’
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(From
l-r) Front row: David Ruzicka, Jt Managing Director, Sash UK; Grahame
Hall, Chief Executive, Ultraframe UK; Richard Schwarz, Editor, The Gl@zine;
Sam Kennedy, Managing Director, Spectus Window Systems; Phil Heavey, Managing
Director, Elumatec; Nigel Richmond, Chairman, FENSA and Chief Operating
Officer, Bowater Building Products.
Middle row: Wolfgang Gorner, Business Unit Director, Rehau; Mike Jackson,
Group Marketing Director, The Burnden Group (K2); Alan Trevethan, Managing
Director, K-Ban; Goronwy Jones, Managing Director, Windowmaker; Tom Ritchie,
Managing Director, CGI International; Michael Nagle, Managing Director,
MBN International (Profitmaker); Kevin Hill, Managing Director, John Fredericks.
Back row: Alan Burgess, Managing Director, Masterframe Windows; Mike Rigby,
Managing Director, Michael Rigby Associates; Peter Hunt, Divisional Managing
Director, Millenco; Martin Althorpe, Chairman, BPF Window Group; James
Hurst, Managing Director, Winkhaus; Alex Main, Director, Promac; Giles
Willson, Director, BFRC and Technical Director, GGF; Ron Hamilton, Operations
Director, Pilkington and Board Member, GGF
A
& B Glass Growth Continues with Coastal Acquisition
Suffolk
super fabricator A & B Glass Company Ltd (pictured right) has acquired
the well established trade fabricator Coastal, adding to the previous
acquisitions of Britannia Frames, Asset Manufacturing and Fineline Windows.
Coastal was acquired by Jeremy Belling in 2004 from the Heywood Williams
Group.
Since its inception in 1981 the rapid growth of A & B Glass has been
driven by proprietor Ray Byford and the company's growing network of Approved
Tricept installers are mainly based at various locations throughout the
South East of England. The acquisition of Coastal is an important strategic
move aimed at extending the network to the whole of the South of England.
Coastal fits the criteria of Ray Byford's previous acquisitions, in being
- since 1971 - 'a quality organisation with longevity and a sound customer
base.'
Production director David Locke, who is currently in charge of group manufacturing
has been despatched to Dorset to head up Coastal , and will liaise with
previous owner Jeremy who has agreed to remain available until December.
Other group directors Dave Barrett (MD), Steve Stone (Operations Director)
abd Brian Wilkinson (Trade Sales Director) will also be taking an active
role in the integration of Coastal over the coming months.
Jeremy Belling is pleased with the outcome: 'Coastal [will] be best placed
within an organisation that can offer the capabilities to take the company
forward by way of additional funding and with a wider range of skills.'
He further says that Coastal has been run as a lean manufacturing operation
and remains 'healthy'.
http://www.coastalwindows.co.uk
http://www.abglass.co.uk
Put
your own horse racing stable together with a £50 million* budget!
Have you ever fancied a try at the GeegGees but don't fancy the risk?
Well now both beginners and seasoned gamblers can try their hand as a
trainer and professional punter in a brand new Fantsay Horse Racing game
put together buy resi-door manufacturer Hallmark Panels.
To
be launched in November in association with The Glazine and Glass Times
www.hallmarkfantasyhorseracing.co.uk
enters its first season with National Hunt Racing (that's over the jumps
for the uninitiated) which is already underway and goes through to April
next year. For many aficionados National Hunt epitomises the full glory
of horse racing as these magnificent beasts and their lunatic riders thunder
around the track leaping the jumps at break-neck speed. The extra element
of uncertainty adds to the spectacle at some fabulous tracks around the
country, with meetings that include such classics as The Grand National
and the Cheltenham Gold Cup.
It's simple to play even for beginners but has enough edge for experienced
punter. Players register at www.hallmarkfantasyhorseracing.co.uk
and create a stable from 500 real horses using a theoretical budget of
£50 million which, when they race in real life, are racing for you!
Horses may be traded throughout the season and all players receive regular
updates and tips in addition to regular free email alerts and news about
races and horses. And it's the only fantasy game in which you can play
for real by having a real flutter at the bookies or the track - practice
what you preach!
There
are some stunning prizes - and no risks! The 'owner' of the winning stable
will receive a luxury break for two in Paris for one of the world's most
glamorous horse racing events, the 2008 Prix de l'Arc de Triomphe, for
which Hallmark will also give £250 spending - or betting - money.
But that's not all: the winner will also receive a table for ten at next
year's Glass Times Race Meeting to be held in July at Haydock Park - take
friends, family or customers for a fantastic day out!
There is also a monthly prize of a real £100 bet to be placed on
a live race featured on Channel Four Racing; the winner can choose the
horse or let the Hallmark pundits decide; either way all winnings go back
to that months winner. In addition Hallmark's two experts will each receive
£25 to place in the same race on behalf of the Hallmark Charity
Accumulator. Any and all winnings will go into this special fund which,
at the end of the season, will be donated to a children's equestrian-related
charity.
There are also Bonus Prizes of tickets to a Manchester United Home Game,
holidays, and more to be announced through the season.
Go ahead - Register now at www.hallmarkfantasyhorseracing.co.uk
and get ready to race - and win!
*Notional budget within the terms of the Hallmark Fantasy Horse Racing
Game.
Force
8 is giving a 25 year structural guarantee to every composite door leaf
it supplies. Doors feature a GRP thermoplastic skin, are flush fitting
and have a traditional timber look, using a high definition timber mould.
Thanks to the thermosetting process, doors are not affected by temperature
changes and will not warp, twist or crack. Insulation is six times better
than a timber door and soundproofing is also improved, says Force 8. Thermosetting
means that the materials undergo a permanent chemical reaction during
the moulding process called curing.
Thermosets once cured cannot be transformed into another shape, their
chemistry has been permanently altered and this gives exceptional strength,
will not absorb water and is therefore an excellent material for the door
leaf.
Extreme weather performance and high security are features of the Force
8 composite door. Stiles and rails are made of water resistant material
bonded to the door skin. All doors are secured with a five point locking
system, which consists of three dead bolts and two hooks. The PVCu outer
frame, which is fitted with three waterproof seals, is reinforced and
has three adjustable hinges, discreetly rebated into the door leaf.
Composite
doors are available in Black, Red, Green, Blue, White, Rosewood and Light
Oak. The door is supplied glazed if required and complete with furniture
- letter plate, knocker, lever pad handles and Yale lock options. An aluminium
low threshold option is available. They are supplied complete and ready
to fit.
Bending specialist, Force 8 can also supply combination and arch frames
with half and full raised side panels to perfectly match the composite
doors which makes them unique in the industry.
Five day turnaround
Force 8 doors are made to measure at their Stockport factory and they
hold large stocks of glazing units and cassettes, as depicted in their
brochure, enabling a five day turnaround to be achieved. Thanks to the
latest CNC routing technology, the company has the capacity to manufacture
350 doors per week. Doors are despatched nationwide using our own delivery
vans.
The Force 8 Composite Door Collection is detailed in an extensive new
brochure which can be viewed on http://www.force8.co.uk.
The brochure covers all door styles and glazing options (including triple
glazing units with unique designs), and is suitable for overprinting.
Further details: Force 8, tel. 0161 483 1997, email sales@force8.co.uk,
http://www.force8.co.uk
Business
Micros (Aluminium) Ltd Launched
Business Micros (Aluminium) Ltd is the new company set up by Business
Micros specifically to provide a dedicated and more tailored service to
customers in the aluminium sector.
It represents a significant expansion of Business Micros' commercial division
and will be based at the same Tewkesbury offices, headed up by Sales and
Marketing Director Dean Hodges and Operations Director Keith Aspinall.
The new company is focusing specifically on the renowned LogiKal aluminium
software programme which it distributes exclusively on behalf of Orgadata
in the UK and Ireland.
Directors
Keith Aspinall (left) and Dean Hodges (right) at the recent GlassBuild
exhibition in Atlanta
LogiKal
was introduced to replace Business Micros' previous Quest software programme
and has prompted such a huge increase in demand from customers in the
aluminium sector that Business Micros has responded by investing in the
new company with its own dedicated team and resources.
Dean Hodges said: ‘LogiKal has transformed Business Micros' performance
in the aluminium sector and it is now very much the 'must have' software.
User-friendly, with machinery links and a simple AutoCAD interface, it
is being endorsed by systems companies, machinery manufacturers and fabricators
themselves.
‘The new company structure will help us to maximise the opportunities
created by LogiKal but also enable us to deliver the levels of efficiency
and customer service we are aiming for, and provide a secure platform
for future growth.’
Working at Business Micros (Aluminium) Ltd alongside Dean and Keith are:
Support Technician Dan Etheridge who is liaising between systems companies
and Orgadata in building the final LogiKal data suites, experienced Software
Installation Technician Ian Mills and Accounts Administrator Marianne
Little.
The company will be hosting a series of seminars over the coming months
to demonstrate the benefits of LogiKal to fabricators. For further details
on dates and locations, please contact the company direct on: 01684 851230.
Email: dean.hodges@bmaluminium.co.uk
Franklin
is no stranger to industry accolades and this year's G07 Awards saw the
Leeds-based composite window, door and conservatory specialist achieve
the prestigious Conservatory Installer of the Year Award.
There may be in the region of 8,000-10,000 conservatory installation companies
in the UK with a small number of these aspiring to offer something a little
different, but Franklin says that it has clearly demonstrated that companies
can be innovative and successful. Franklin’s own range of composite
products blend the performance of aluminium with the detailed and warm
finish of hardwood on the inside. The result is a very unique and striking
end product for the discerning homeowner and specifier, which has been
recognised by the G07 committee.
David Franklin, director of Franklin comments: ‘We are absolutely
thrilled with the award. We have won numerous awards in the Glassex Conservatory
Design Competition and this is further evidence that we have created a
successful position in the market. Our latest development is a composite
folding, sliding door which is already contributing to a very full order
book.’
The company is continuing to develop its expanding portfolio both in terms
of products and prestigious installations. Log on to the newly enhanced
website at http://www.franklinwindows.co.uk
to find out what it takes to become the G07 Conservatory Installer of
the Year.
G-07
Champagne and Theft Reception
Listers and Bohle would like to say a very big thank you to all those
guests who attended the pre-dinner Champagne Reception at the G-07 Awards.
Around 500 people attended the event held at the Birmingham Metropole
Hotel and they were treated to a lot more than just a free drink. The
sponsors, Lister Trade Frames and Bohle, provided some close quarters
entertainment through a professional pickpocket, Keith the Thief, and
his partner, who mingled with the guests and demonstrated their specialist
skills, to agreeing parties of course!
Picture
shows left to right: Gary Dean MD Bohle and Mark Warren MD Lister Trade
Frames
Gary
Dean, MD of Bohle, said that he was pleased to see such a big attendance
and so many smiling faces and laughter as people lost various items of
jewellery, wallets and cash. 'Keith really did impress' Says Gary 'and
our guests were more than willing participants as they saw coins, cards
and cash disappear right before their eyes.'
The G-Awards attract the UK's leading companies for a celebration and
recognition of the outstanding achievements being made in our industry.
Mark Warren, Listers MD and previous award winner, took along over 20
of his staff to the event. 'This is an important event in our industry,
and one which we totally support. The champagne reception gave people
a chance to meet and greet each other in a relaxed atmosphere before the
awards and I think that our entertainment was a great icebreaker.'
Both Gary and Mark were pleased to have sponsored the event and to have
received so much support and appreciation from the guests. So thanks to
all the guests from Listers and Bohle. I wonder what they will have in
store for us next year?
Contact: Lister Trade Frames 01782 205605 www.listertf.co.uk
Contact: Bohle 0161 3421100 www.bohle.de
AGC
Picks Up Project Of The Year Award At G07
AGC
Flat Glass UK has picked up Glass Project of the Year at the G07 Awards
for a spectacular glass-clad building in Barcelona. AGC supplied 18,000m2
of solar control glazing for the new headquarters of Spain's Gas Natural
group, which features a 20-storey glass tower and imposing horizontal
jut.
A shining new landmark on the city's skyline, the building's facade is
clad in AGC's Stopsol Supersilver grey and Stopsol Classic clear solar
control glass, supplemented by low-emissivity Planibel TopN. This combination
met the project's stringent energy saving specification with a U value
of 1.4W/m2K and ensures occupants' comfort with a 21% solar factor to
protect against high levels of solar light and heat. The reflective nature
of AGC's Stopsol coatings also creates an attractive play of light.
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Hannah Gration, Marketing Manager of AGC Flat Glass UK, said the company was delighted to receive the Award and also saw it as a fitting tribute to one of the two architects, Enric Miralles, who died before the project was completed. She says: 'The building is a stunning example of how today's high performance glass can meet the demands of modern architectural projects on both an aesthetic and technical level. The G-Awards provide an ideal opportunity to celebrate the best in our industry and long may they continue to recognise its achievements.'
The Award is the first UK prize for the leading glass group following
its global rebranding. AGC Flat Glass UK recently changed its name from
Glaverbel (UK), creating a unified brand worldwide and enabling the company
and its customers to benefit from the strengths of a world-class organisation.
For more information about the company and its comprehensive range of
products for external glazing, specialised industries and decorative glass
applications, visit www.agc-flatglass.eu
(corporate site) or www.yourglass.com
(architectural and interior design products).
Double
Celebrations For Safestyle At G07 Awards
Safestyle
UK, the country's leading independent replacement window and door retailer
has scooped two further major prizes at this year's prestigious G07 Awards.
Held at the Birmingham's Metropole Hotel, the high profile G Awards are
open on an annual basis to all organisations in the glass, glazing and
fenestration industries and aim to highlight and reward excellence in
twelve different categories.
This year Safestyle UK were nominated and short-listed for two awards
- the Health and Safety award and the highly prestigious Installer of
the year award. More than 500 industry members applauded as Safestyle
UK overcame stiff national competition to come away as resounding winners
in both categories.
The
Safestyle team, with their Head of Installations, Andy Clegg, receiving
the first of their two awards at this year's G07 ceremony
Safestyle UK's Chairman, John Ross, commented: 'We have won several awards
in recent years but these latest honours are particularly important. We
complete more than 800 installations every week - that's a lot of installations!
So we're continually working hard and looking for ways to improve effectiveness
and efficiency of our operations. Awards like these are important because
they show our work is being recognised by the industry and more importantly,
they go a long way towards acknowledging and rewarding all the effort
our guys are putting in to make sure Safestyle's performance is second
to none.'
The Installer of the Year award was presented to Safestyle in recognition
of the tremendous work that has gone into making one of the largest installation
operations in the industry into one of the slickest and most efficient.
This includes Safestyle's recent measures to get their procedures BSI
accredited - a process that is well on its way with one installations
depot already having met all BSI standards and requirements.
The award was collected by Andy Clegg, Head of Safestyle UK Installations.
To win the Health and Safety award, the Safestyle UK team specifically
designed tailor-made packs and initiatives for each department in the
company to ensure complete understanding of all health and safety rules
and requirements. One of the proactive measures taken was to increase
the safety of their female staff by providing free panic alarms.
The award was collected by Gary Hoyle, Safestyle UK's Health and Safety
manager.
Emplas
Works into the Twilight Hours
Emplas
has seen real growth this year and has attracted several new trade customers
to its already substantial base, including four former fabricators who
now buy in their product requirements from Emplas.
The main reasons for the growth are the bespoke marketing the company
offers its trade customers, including their own branded tape on their
windows, and a real commitment to customer service.
As a result, it has been necessary to increase capacity at the Wellingborough
manufacturing site. Major investment has taken place including £350,000
for a Stuga Cutting Centre and later in the year a £300,000 Winmac
8-head Welding Line will be installed.
The workforce has been increased so that a Twilight Shift between 1600
and 2400 hours can indeed increase capacity, in addition to the normal
shift of 0630-1600. This is the first time that Emplas has been involved
in a twilight shift and it is proving very successful. The workforce is
carefully selected to work on the dedicated area with minimum management
intervention, only a quality overview. The quality of products which leave
the factory are one of the reasons why Emplas is enjoying its continued
success. There is a dedicated Quality Manager who ultimately checks every
product before it is delivered to the customer, but it is the individual
responsibility of all personnel to produce the highest quality windows
and doors to avoid returns which are both costly and time consuming. There
is a 'Right First Time' policy at Emplas.
Craig Johnson, Emplas Sales and Marketing Manager, said,
‘With the increasing business at Emplas, we have had to address an
increase in capacity without jeopardising our quality policy. The Twilight
Shift has worked very well for us and we are aiming to produce over 2400
frames per week at Wellingborough with a capacity of 3000. We are heading
in the right direction and our reputation for producing a high level of
quality products delivered when expected is continuing to embrace our
growth.’
For further details, contact Craig or Sarah on 01933 685711, email info@emplas.co.uk
or visit http://www.emplas.co.uk
Freefoam
Northampton Continues to Grow
Freefoam
Plastics, a manufacturer of PVC roofline and rainwater systems recently
introduced more extrusion lines at its Northampton plant. This brings
to nine the number of extrusion lines that have been installed since the
plant opened in 2005.
The expansion and growth of Freefoam's Northampton plant echoes the growing
demand for Freefoam's products in the UK market. Freefoam has experienced
rapid growth in recent years and has introduced many new products including
the very popular co-extruded Freeflow Rainwater Systems. All registered
Freefoam installations are eligible for Freefoam's industry first 20-Year
Extended Guarantee.
Steve Pilkington, Production Manager, comments, ‘The continued expansion
in Northampton reflects the overall growth Freefoam has experienced in
recent years. Since we've opened we have been expanding continually to
meet the growing demand for our products’
The facilities in Northampton occupy an area of 8000m2 and house manufacturing,
distribution and customer service operations.
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com
Sash
Saves the Day for Pamela's Party
Network
VEKA installer Sash Windows has been hailed as a local hero after rescuing
a homeowner's 80th birthday plans.
Pamela Marshall thought she would have to cancel the celebration when
another local company left her with an unfinished conservatory at her
Huddersfield home, especially when local press and TV reported on other
homeowners let down by the same company.
Sash Windows stepped in and not only completed the conservatory but also
enlisted three other local companies to install a heater, a carpet and
trim - all free of charge.
Kim,
Jason, Mrs Marshall and relatives celebrate with the conservatory
Mrs
Marshall was able to have her special celebration with guests including
her four daughters, including Fiona who had travelled from her home in
Toronto with 11-year-old great granddaughter Leyah. They also enjoyed
an extra birthday present - a magnum of Champagne presented by Sash Windows'
Jason Dickinson and Kim Howe.
‘It was so upsetting to think the conservatory wouldn't be finished
in time for today,’ Mrs Marshall said at her party.
‘But Sash Windows really saved the day.’
There was an unexpected bonus for Sash Windows too, as Jason explained:
‘We hadn't expected to get anything back from it but after the local
paper picked up on the story, we took two orders, worth £30,000,
directly attributable to it.’
Web: http://www.sashwestyorkshire.co.uk
Sky-Frame
Takes Off in UK
The seamless interface that Sky-Frame represents between the comfort of
enclosed living and the beauty and adventure of the great outdoors clearly
struck a chord with visitors to the recent 100% Detail lifestyle design
and innovation show at Earls Court.
From
the small stand display that Swiss glass and aluminium architectural engineering
specialists R&G Metallbau set up to launch its 'less-is-more' Sky-Frame
concept in UK markets, sales director Heinz Burkart reports having taken
more than 550 high quality sales enquiries during the three day event.
‘We have proved the advantages of Sky-Frame already in other central
European markets,’ he says, ‘but I was still surprised by the
level of enthusiasm we got from British architects and designers. Our
booth at 100% Detail was very, very busy - as visitors to the show will
confirm!’
The key advantage of Sky-Frame for designers is the minimalist frame system
that eliminates threshold barriers and uses the slenderest 20mm mullions
between fixed and sliding panels to allow clear glass in heights up to
4 metres to speak for itself. Sky-Frame also uniquely allows corner openings
without need for vertical supports and is infinitely flexible with no
reliance on joints - 66% of glass can be opened on the 3 x track mechanism
developed by the R&G engineers in Switzerland.
High levels of thermal insulation generated by the double glazed panels
of Sky-Frame ensures compliance with building regulations and high precision
multi-point locking, invisible from outside, ensures impressive levels
of security.
Carbon fibre or steel reinforced mullions are used in conjunction with
Sky-Frame at heights above 2.6 metres and an integrated screening system
even excludes insects while ensuring comfort-level night-time ventilation
or a free flow of air during hotter weather.
Excess rainwater is drained away via ducting integrated within Sky-Frame
at ground level and an electric drive system can also be incorporated
for opening and closure from the comfort of an armchair via a remote control
device. Remotely controlled operation is also effective for child security
or for wheelchair users, for whom the absence of threshold barriers is
also crucial.
Classically minimalist, almost Bauhaus visual appeal, with unencumbered
views and free admission of light, won for Sky-Frame the prestigious Architektur-Fenster-Fassade
Award for innovation at Europe's leading trade show in Nuremburg in 2006.
Sky-frame is also now installed at the recently renovated Letzigrund football
and athletics stadium in Zurich where world records have been set down
the years and where an 80 metre installation length of fixed and moving
glass now provides visually perfect and fully protected viewing for VIPs
- a run which might, in itself, be a record!
Outlets covering sales, installation and technical help have now been
established to cover UK markets at all levels - contact can be made at
http://www.sky-frame.co.uk
A
Smashing Time for Jack Straw at GAP Warehouse Opening
The
new Central Distribution Warehouse for GAP, the UK home improvement stockist,
has been officially opened by the Right Honourable Jack Straw MP. GAP's
facility in Blackburn was opened by its local MP and Secretary of State
for Justice on Friday October 19th at a ceremony attended by local dignitaries,
GAP suppliers and staff.
The
official opening is a significant moment in GAP's history. During the
past 14 years GAP has experienced rapid growth and now has 11 depots stocking
a wide variety of home improvement products including cills and accessories,
Homeline roofline products, conservatory accessories, laminate flooring,
underfloor heating, underground drainage, canopies, tools, decking, electrical
fittings, plastering equipment, sand, cement, work wear, insulation and
skylights. GAP also manufacturers door panel ranges Cosmopolitan and Perfection.
The opening signals the next phase of GAP's expansion. In the next five
years GAP plans significant expansion via its network of nationwide depots.
The 1,500sq ft trade counter is a new format for customers allowing them
to pick up items they want rather than waiting to be served. The 24-hour
45,000sq ft warehouse holds increased stock levels which can be moved
around to depots overnight. It also provides a platform for future expansion.
GAP's sales have been booming and the new warehouse will be able to sustain
and continue this trend.
Before officially opening the warehouse Mr Straw said: ‘It is a real
pleasure for me to be here for the opening to celebrate the work of GAP.
Fifteen years ago GAP started in Accrington with skill and knowledge of
the industry. By their efforts and values they have managed to build this
company into what it is today and more importantly into what it will be
in future.’
During
his visit Mr Straw launched a sustained attack on Number 10. No, not on
Gordon Brown, but on a specially erected black Number 10 Rockdoor imitating
the home of the Prime Minister. Mr Straw was invited to attack the door
that 'beat the bobbies' with a 16lb heavy duty sledge hammer. After several
attempts at trying to gain entry, Mr Straw made little impact. Even the
Mayor's attempts with the sledge hammer were in vain, demonstrating the
door's security credentials. There are over 10,000 Rockdoors fitted throughout
Mr Straw's Blackburn constituency.
Thanking Mr Straw for attending Joint Managing Director Simon Bird said:
‘Blackburn has been good for us and I hope we've been good for Blackburn.
We started with a small unit in Accrington with just five of us. We saw
opportunities and we got stuck in. Today, we have 11 depots, a £40
million turnover, 3,000 products, almost 400 staff, over 1,000 deliveries
a day and manufacture 3,000 doors a week. We've achieved this because
we've got a great culture, team spirit, great members of staff, respect
for each other and respect for our customers.’
Joint Managing Director Charles Greensmith commented: ‘It is a proud
day for us. We are here to see the opening of our new distribution centre
which has been designed to give us future growth. We wanted to grow and
our building will allow us to see the expansion of our home improvement
depots. We've got a plan to be able to deliver anywhere in the UK. This
building is going to help us achieve this. The building also gives us
a Training Centre for the continued development of our staff and customers.
It is part of our commitment to train staff and customers and help improve
our industry's reputation.’
Mayor of Blackburn with Darwen, Mrs Maureen McGarvey said: ‘I am
extremely pleased to see a local company who is doing so well in its industry
and who is located in Blackburn. I can see from some of the fantastic
new facilities that this is what Blackburn needs - we should be very proud
of what we have. I would like to wish GAP every success and hope that
they will be here for the next 15 years.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Edgetech
Confirms its Presence at Glassex-GP&T 2008
Edgetech has committed to Glassex-GP&T in style with high profile
sponsorship of the visitor entrance hall.
The rapid growth of window energy ratings and an ever increasing demand
for more energy efficient glazing means 2008 will be a challenging and
important year for the window industry.
'We will be using the industry show to highlight Edgetech's exciting business
support and innovative products, designed to help our customers increase
sales in a changing market place' explains Andy Ball, Marketing and Business
Development Manager of Edgetech. 'The show's over-riding theme for 2008
will be one of Sustainability for Profit, an approach that dovetails neatly
with Edgetech's. Energy rated windows are of course better for the environment
and positive contributors to sustainability, but more importantly, with
the right approach they are helping companies win sales and improve profitability.
'Based on our success at Glassex 07 we have decided to up our activity
even more in 2008 by taking the high profile sponsorship package of the
visitor entrances. Some may question why. After all, we're exhibiting
anyway so why do we need to do more? I believe the more you put into something,
the more you get out. There is a simple correlation between increased
marketing and increased success at exhibitions.
'The mixed reports from the last Glassex were no coincidence and those
exhibitors I spoke to whose emphasis was on marketing before, during and
after the show reaped the awards. Glassex-GP&T is a major investment
for Edgetech, we will put in 100% for the 2008 show and look forward to
launching new product developments and customer support initiatives -
more on these shortly.'
Dave Broxton, Glassex-GP&T Sales Director, adds: 'It's great that
one of the big boys, Edgetech, has already made this commitment and is
showing its support for next year's show. We're delighted to welcome back
such an innovative and proactive organisation.'.
GGF
President meets DEFRA's Phil Woolas MP
GGF
President Rick Wilberforce continued the Federation's high profile lobbying
when he met with Phil Woolas the DEFRA Minister responsible for Climate
Change and Sustainable Development in London last week.
Attending a Construction Products Association (of which the GGF is a member)
President's Lunch, Rick was in a position to highlight the work the GGF
and the industry as a whole was undertaking in the area of energy efficiency
including 'Project Green' and the importance of energy efficient windows
and energy ratings.
'This was a first rate opportunity to speak direct with the Minister responsible
for one of the most significant issues facing our industry and all other
industries for a number of years. It was very useful to be able to focus
on what we can do to enable Government and the UK meet its environmental
commitments.'
As the gathering covered a whole range of construction products and materials
the main messages that the Minster took away with him included:
* the building materials industry through its investment in new product
development is part of the solution and not the problem, if the UK's sustainability
targets are to be achieved.
* it could be counter-productive if UK manufacturing is burdened with
environmental taxes that only serve to make foreign manufacturers more
competitive.
* Industry needs a clear and long-term framework from Government if we
are to have the confidence to invest in new capacity and product development.
By long-term, industry means 5 - 10 years (whereas Government thinks in
terms of 1 - 3 years).
Finally Rick concluded, 'Most significantly for GGF, he (the Minister)
fully acknowledged that the key to stimulating the market is to increase
financial incentives to householders. He said Energy Performance Certificates
offered a great opportunity for linking measures with fiscal incentives.
The challenge now is for government to deliver specific legislation in
support of these principles.'
http://www.ggf.org.uk
Kömmerling
Chemische Fabrik GmbH Increases Selling Prices
Effective
latest 1st January 2008, or as contract terms allow, Kömmerling Chemische
Fabrik GmbH will increase prices for adhesives and sealants in Europe
and Asia between five and ten percent.
Supply prices of polymers and plasticisers have risen sharply following
continued oil based feedstock increases and capacity limitations with
critical products, as well as freight and fuel costs.
Kömmerling Chemische Fabrik GmbH is one of the leading manufacturers
of Polysulfide, Polyurethane and Polyisobutylene sealants for the insulating
glass and automotive industries and a major supplier of adhesives and
sealants to the automotive, construction, marine other manufacturing industries.
For further information please contact:
Lee Foulkes, commercial manager Tel: 01895 465600
Email: enquiries@kommerlinguk.com
Justice
Minister Launches Attack on Rockdoor's Number 10
The
UK's leading composite door proved to be too strong for Secretary of State
for Justice and Lord Chancellor, Jack Straw MP. During his visit to open
the new Central Distribution Warehouse of its sister-company GAP, Mr Straw
launched a sustained assault on a black Number 10-style Rockdoor with
a 16lb heavy duty sledge hammer. But despite his best efforts Mr Straw
made little impact. Hardly surprising considering Rockdoor is a fully
engineered PVC-U door system designed for strength and security. It is
so strong it is known as the door that beat the Bobbies!
During his visit Mr Straw also took a tour of Rockdoor's state-of-the-art
facilities including its new showroom. Mr Straw commented: 'Rockdoor has
played an important part in helping to get crime down in this county and
across the country. The fact that Twin Valley Homes in Blackburn, and
many other social landlords, have installed Rockdoor is a testament to
your products.'
Rockdoor's Sales Director Mark Simm comments: 'We are so confident about
our doors strength, we were happy to invite Mr Straw to attack it with
a sledge hammer. But even his challenge on Number 10 was no match against
a Rockdoor.'
As well as being strong and secure Rockdoor offers looks good too. It
is available in 12 styles of door, with eight colours, 11 glass options
and six finishes of door furniture - a secure door for every home.
Spectus
fabricator EYG has recently expanded its premises with a 12,000 ft2 factory
and invested £150,000 in new machinery to increase production.
'The market place is not getting any bigger,' says Nick Ward, Joint Managing
Director of EYG. 'But EYG Group has grown significantly since it was established
almost four decades ago, with an overall increase in turnover of 15%.
But we can only grow as fast as our supplier lets us. We are stealing
business from our competitors because we get the right service and products.
'Spectus has the most comprehensive product range on the market,' continues
Nick. 'And The Elite 70 range is great looking. By offering a flexible
attitude to change and diversifying its products, Spectus is helping us
meet our customers' expectations. We have developed an excellent relationship
and hope this will continue.'
http://www.spectus.co.uk.
Synseal:
20 years of Service and Servicing
Synseal,
the UK's number one choice for windows and conservatories, first started
servicing its own vehicles on 14 September 1987. And the person taken
on for the job was mechanic Steve Kelsall.
Steve still has his letter of acceptance signed by Chairman Gary Dutton.
When he started there were 15 transit vans, one lorry and six cars. At
this time Synseal still had 13 retail showrooms in the Midlands.
But it wasn't just Gary who was impressed. Nick had only just passed his
test when Steve arrived at Synseal. Steve remembers: 'Nick hadn't started
working at Synseal but he'd come into the garage to ask loads of questions.
He was mad on 2CVs.'
The fleet has grown since then. Today Steve and two full time mechanics
service 49 lorries and seven trailers, and 52 cars and vans. And it's
about to get even bigger. Synseal is adding six more vans to deliver Global
doors.
In the last 20 years Steve has serviced hundreds of different vehicles.
And even a couple of boats too. When asked about future plans he answered:
'I can't imagine working anywhere else.'
www.synseal.co.uk
Foilex
Unveils 'Super-Size' Foiling Service
Lamination
specialist Foilex has introduced one of the largest adhesive coating systems
ever produced for the industry to provide fabricators and installers with
a more flexible foiling service and a faster turnaround.
The new system is the second wide-bodied line to be acquired and it features
the latest state-of-the-art technology to help boost Foilex's capacity
to foil wide products.
Richard Morris, general manager, Foilex, said: ‘The new wide-bodied
line enables us to foil products up to 850mm wide.
‘With the very latest features, Foilex's new line brings with it
the flexibility to foil a range of products including flat panels and
wider roofline products, making it one of the most advanced foiling services
around.’
With experience in foiling virtually every PVC-U profile type on the market,
Foilex says that it continues to invest in the latest machinery to provide
customers with the most adaptable and wide-ranging foiling service.
Richard said: ‘By increasing our capacity to foil wider products,
Foilex can help fabricators and installers present a unique range of products
to their customers, giving them something different to offer in a marketplace
that is already crowded.
‘Foilex has more than a decade of foiling experience and the company
provides added value through its comprehensive customer service focus
and unique partnership approach to business.’
Richard added: ‘Homeowners are spending more time on their homes
and are prepared to pay a little extra for windows and doors in varying
finishes and colours as it helps them to stand out from the crowd.
‘Foilex offers the most flexible range of foiling services in the
industry so that fabricators and installers can give their customers the
widest choice of distinctive products on the market and in so doing, increase
new sales.’
For further information about Foilex's new wide-bodied lamination line
or to obtain a brochure call 01952 289209 or visit http://www.foilex.co.uk.
Open
Day Launches New Showroom
Leicestershire
based E.A.S. Windows hosted a successful Open Day recently to mark the
launch of its new showroom.
The
company, a REHAU fabricator serving both the retail and trade markets,
has purchased a suburban semi-detached house and equipped it as a stylish
showroom for its complete range of windows, doors, conservatories and
patios.
The house sits alongside its factory in New Street, Oadby and thus gives
visitors the opportunity to see the quality of the E.A.S. product from
manufacture to finished installation.
Adam Spradbury, a Director at E.A.S., says the new showroom offers customers
a mix of inspiration and reassurance - inspiration from the huge range
of window styles and finishes available and the reassurance of actually
being able to see and touch real products in a real house.
At the Open Day, E.A.S. invited trade customers to an exclusive preview
of the showroom before opening it up to retail customers the following
day.
The response from the trade was very encouraging, with customers enjoying
the opportunity to see a vast portfolio of products from E.A.S.' range
including vertically sliding windows, multi-fold doors, composite doors
and foiled finishes.
Adam says: ‘Trade customers now get to see everything we supply in
the REHAU system as well as our composite doors, ancillaries and roofline
products. We hope this will encourage them to perhaps offer customers
a more varied range and to open up new sales opportunities for themselves.’
Further details on the new showroom are available at http://www.easwindows.co.uk
Dynamic
CAB Goes Back in Time!
The Dynamic Earth Centre, Edinburgh was an appropriately dramatic backdrop
for the Council for Aluminium in Building's (CAB) 2007 Scottish Regional
Meeting where Members and their guests were briefed with a series of key
marketing and technical updates and new initiatives.
In
an exhilarating mix of provocative smells, dramatic sounds and stunning
visuals, the venue explains the processes and evolution of life.
In this respect and in its focus on climate change it was an exciting
way to focus on sustainability - one of CAB's key themes for 2007.
David Earle, CAB Technical Officer, offered an overview of the Scotland
Technical Committee meeting held earlier in the day. The Group has and
continues to contribute to Scottish Executive and SBSA consultations on
building regulations and standards. Of particular and current interest
was the 'Sustainable Design Guide' from the City of Edinburgh Council
which quotes that windows in buildings only contribute 3% to a typical
building environmental impact. The full document is available to CAB members
on its website.
Justin Ratcliffe, CAB Chief Executive, commented on the forthcoming Aluminium
Zone at Interbuild where 16 member companies had already booked space
equating to close on 1,000 square metres. He added, ‘Over the last
18 months there has been a significant interest in aluminium products
from the PVCu window sector. Couple this with the increased use of aluminium
in commercial sector and the industry is currently very busy. The number
of aluminium related businesses inside and outside the Aluminium Zone
is testament to the resurgence in the material in recent years.’
Other points rated by Justin included the Members' Marketing Conference
in January 2008 and working with Palmer Market Research to produce the
next 'Aluminium Commercial Glazing Markets' report for 2007. The outline
of the findings will be offered to CAB members at an exclusive Members
Meeting in February 2008.
After the Members' meeting everyone experienced an interactive tour by
entering a space time machine and going back to the dawn of time itself
and experiencing the ‘big bang’. Over 150 members and guests
then sat down to dinner followed by after dinner speaker Robbie Glenn,
ex-prison governor, who entertained guests with his experiences in the
service. To finish the evening diners were entertained by Jennifer and
Ian who form the acrobat team of 'Silk Sensation'.
The 'Dynamic Earth Centre' structure was designed by Sir Michael Hopkins
and completed in 1999. The structure features his trademark tensile fabric
tent which forms the top floor of the structure. Underneath there are
two further floors which house the exhibition, offices workshops and forecourt.
The fabric structure is linked to the floor via a continuous glazed wall,
which gives the impression of an outdoor space with excellent views of
the city and Arthur's Seat.
Further information about membership is available from the CAB offices
by contacting Julie Harley on 01453 828851 or by visiting the website
at http://www.c-a-b.org.uk.
Simple
Texting Service Transforms Consumer Credit Sales
A
texting service making it easier and quicker for sales staff to set up
credit deals for their customers has been pioneered by independent finance
company - Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd (CCS).
CCS,
which specialises in organising consumer credit deals for the home improvement
market, introduced the service to give retailers instant access to the
financial data necessary for providing individual credit quotations. This
can all be done in seconds via an ordinary mobile phone while the customer
waits.
Will Evans, a Partner at CCS, explains why the service was needed. ‘Changes
to the Consumer Credit Act in 2005 led to a large increase in the number
of calculations that were needed for a retailer to complete a Credit Agreement.
This inevitably takes extra time, and carries an increased risk of mathematical
errors - resulting in documents being returned from the lenders for re-calculation
and then having to go back to customers with new forms to sign.’
To take this pressure away from sales staff, CCS teamed up with financial
software specialists - Castlefield Computer Consultants - to develop a
simple to use text service that provides accurate and reliable figures
within seconds. Previously, a similar service would have required special
hand-held devices that were prohibitively expensive, especially for retailers
with large or transient sales forces.
Bob Lodge is Retail Sales Manager for Warmseal, one of the many companies
within CCS's managed portfolio to have taken advantage of the new texting
service. ‘It is now so much easier to work out the finance element
of a credit deal,’ he said.
‘You send a very short text and within seconds the figures come back
which you can then share with the customer. Without this back up, you
would have to make your own lengthy calculations and then wait for verification
from the lenders. This time delay would mean having to get back to the
customer and perhaps arranging a second meeting at their home to discuss
the figures.
‘The service is obviously a far more efficient use of sales time
and gives the customer immediate and accurate information relating to
their own personal credit status,’ he added.
There are other text message services available but they tend to require
very long strings of complicated information to be sent in the text.
In order to make the text messages as short as possible, each retailer
has their own bespoke code which saves them from re-entering basic data
every time they request some figures. A typical text would therefore comprise
of the unique retailer code (two letters) and the rate or APR that is
required, followed by the cash price, deposit and number of months.
For example 'XX590 5000 500 60' will give the XX company a quote for 5.9%
APR, on a purchase of £5,000, with a £500 deposit, over 60
months.
The answer is usually returned within 20 seconds and the round-the-clock
service costs no more than the standard rate of a UK text.
An additional advantage of the service is that the software system is
designed to sift out user errors. For instance, if a retailer requests
a deal that is paid back over 72 months and this is not one of the repayment
options agreed with the lender, it will text back as an error message
with suggested correct alternatives.
Details of the text service can be obtained from CCS on 0845 120 6666
or by visiting http://www.creditsolutionsgroup.co.uk.
Alcoa
Reports Third Quarter 2007 Income
Alcoa has reported third quarter income from continuing operations of
$558 million, or $0.64 per diluted share. Third quarter income from continuing
operations increased three percent from $540 million, or $0.62, in the
third quarter of 2006. Income from continuing operations was $716 million,
or $0.81, in the second quarter of 2007.
Highlights:
* Income from continuing operations of $558 million, or $0.64 per share,
a three percent increase from a year ago.
* Revenues of $7.4 billion.
* Board increases authorisation to repurchase shares to 25 percent of
outstanding shares, up from previously authorised 10 percent.
* Chalco sale and upcoming packaging and automotive castings sales to
provide cash and flexibility to enhance shareholder value.
* Debt-to-capital stands at 29 percent.
* Trailing 12-month ROC stands at 11.8 percent including significant growth
investments; excluding investments in growth, ROC is 14.6 percent.
* Quarterly results impacted by Chalco gain, restructuring and impairment
charges, currency, seasonality, metal prices, higher energy costs and
softening markets.
As a result of the Company's strong capital structure and healthy cash
flows, Alcoa's Board of Directors has authorised the repurchase of up
to 25 percent of the company's outstanding common stock, or approximately
217 million shares. Under the earlier repurchase programme, 43 million
shares, or approximately five percent, had already been repurchased by
the end of the third quarter, leaving the company with authorisation to
buy back approximately 174 million shares.
‘The Chalco sale, combined with proceeds from the upcoming sales
of our packaging and auto castings businesses, give us a strong balance
sheet, increased flexibility to ramp-up share repurchases, and deliver
greater shareholder value,’ said Alcoa Chairman and CEO Alain Belda.
Net income for the third quarter of 2007 was $555 million, or $0.63, compared
to $537 million, or $0.61, in the third quarter of 2006 and $715 million,
or $0.81, in the 2007 second quarter. Third quarter results were impacted
by the Chalco sale, charges associated with planned asset sales and restructuring,
higher petroleum and energy costs, seasonality, lower metal prices and
softness in the North American economy.
In the first nine months of 2007, net income was $1.93 billion, or $2.20,
compared with $1.89 billion, or $2.16, in 2006. Year-to-date income from
continuing operations was $1.95 billion compared with $1.90 billion in
2006.
Revenues for the quarter were $7.4 billion, compared with $7.6 billion
in 2006 and $8.1 billion in the 2007 second quarter. This quarter's results
were primarily impacted by the exclusion of the company's soft alloy extrusion
business as a result of forming a joint venture with Sapa in June, lower
metal prices, seasonality and softness in the North American markets.
‘Macroeconomic drivers such as the weakening US dollar, higher petroleum
costs, and market softness in North America impacted the quarter,’
said Belda. ‘Despite these challenges, we have established all-time
records for revenue, net income, earnings per share and cash from operations
in the first nine months of the year,’ added Belda.
Cash from operations for the quarter was $592 million, including the impact
of approximately $200 million in contributions to the company's pension
plans. Year-to-date, cash from operations was $2.47 billion, including
pension contributions.
Capital expenditures for the quarter were $941 million, with 66 percent
dedicated to growth projects. Year-to-date, the company has invested $1.74
billion in growth projects, or 67 percent of capital expenditures.
The company's debt-to-capital ratio at the end of the third quarter of
2007 stood at 29 percent, the lowest since 1999.
The Company's trailing 12-month return on capital (ROC) stands at 11.8
percent including significant investments in growth projects and construction
work in progress; excluding investments in growth and construction work
in progress, ROC is 14.6 percent.
Segment and Other Results
Alumina - After tax operating income (ATOI) was $215 million, a decrease
of $61 million, or 22 percent, from the prior quarter. System production
decreased by a net of 24 kmt as production increases throughout the system
offset much of the loss in Jamaica due to Hurricane Dean. Higher energy
costs, the weakening US dollar and hurricane damages also impacted the
quarter.
Primary Metals - ATOI was $283 million, down $179 million, or 39 percent,
compared to the prior quarter. The ATOI decrease resulted from lower LME
prices and premiums, unfavourable energy and currency, Iceland start-up
costs and continued curtailment costs at Rockdale and Tennessee. Third-party
realised metal prices decreased $145 per metric ton, or 5 percent, to
$2,734 per ton. Primary metal production for the quarter increased 33
kmt to 934 kmt. The Company purchased approximately 58 kmt of primary
metal for internal use as part of its strategy to sell value-added products.
Flat-Rolled Products - ATOI was $61 million, down $32 million, or 34 percent,
from the prior quarter and up $13 million, or 27 percent, from the year
ago quarter. The decrease in ATOI from the prior quarter was primarily
due to seasonally lower volumes and unfavorable product mix.
Extruded and End Products - ATOI was $13 million, down $33 million from
the prior quarter and down $3 million from the year ago quarter. The decrease
from the prior quarter is primarily related to the soft alloy extrusion
businesses for which no depreciation was recorded in the second quarter
while the assets were held for sale. Additionally, these businesses were
impacted by normal seasonality. The majority of the Company's soft alloy
extrusions business became part of the Sapa joint venture on June 1st,
2007. The global hard alloy extrusions and building and construction systems
business remained strong.
Engineered Solutions - ATOI was $60 million, down $45 million, or 43 percent,
from the prior quarter and down $15 million, or 20 percent, from the year
ago quarter. The 2007 third quarter results were impacted by normal seasonality
and increased weakness in the automotive industry. In addition, a one-time
inventory charge as part of restructuring our automotive business and
a German tax rate change impacted the segment.
Packaging and Consumer - ATOI was $36 million, up $12 million, or 50 percent,
from the year ago quarter and down one million, or three percent, from
the prior quarter. On a sequential basis, productivity improvements offset
most of the expected seasonal decline. The significant improvement over
the prior year quarter was due to productivity gains across all businesses.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
A
Glass Act from Left to Wright!
The 'Left' hand clearly knows what the 'Wright' hand is doing at Britain's
fastest-growing windscreen repair and replacement firm AutoWindshields.
For Chad Left from Birmingham has proved to be a real 'glass' act after
winning his tools as the company's latest fully fledged mobile fitter.
The 20-year-old, who works for AutoWindshields' Birmingham operation,
learnt his trade from qualified technician Paul Wright from Dudley.
Chad
Left (left) and Paul Wright celebrate Chad's success in winning his tools
as a fully fledged mobile fitter for AutoWindshields in Birmingham
Paul
in turn joined the Preston-based firm as its first apprentice five years
ago when it was founded by brothers Neil, George and James Newburn.
In fact the family approach runs all through the business, for Paul's
wife Beverley also takes the overnight calls from Birmingham customers.
Throughout his apprenticeship Chad Left honed his skills in repairing
and replacing the widest range of screens for the firm's 24-hour mobile
call out service, which operates through a 60-strong nationwide van fleet.
Barry Donaldson, AutoWindshields business development director, said:
‘Chad is our latest apprentice to have proved to possess what it
takes to provide our unique next-day windscreen repair and replacement
service delivered either at the home or at the workplace.
‘He also confirms the success of our growing career-led apprenticeship
scheme for which there is no 'glass ceiling' to advancement.’
AutoWindshields' apprentices are trained on the job under the supervision
of qualified technicians with at least five years' industry experience.
Tel: 0121 666 7003