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Pilkington Warns against Substitute Products as 'Activ' Campaign Breaks

'Pilkington Activ™ is a permanent, dual action, self-cleaning glass. Beware of imitators!’ That is the unequivocal warning from Pilkington to fabricators and installers as its massive television, newspaper and Internet advertising campaign for Pilkington Activ™ reaches homeowners throughout Britain.

‘As you would expect since we launched Pilkington Activ™ more than three years ago, as the product has become established and created a new niche market, a number of other products that claim to be 'self-cleaning' to one degree or another have emerged,’ said Matt Buckley, Marketing Director for Pilkington Building Products UK.

‘Competition is fine as this can help a new market to develop and grow,’ added Buckley but, he warns, it is important for installers to offer only genuine Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass, when that is what a customer asks for in response to the publicity campaign. There are coatings out there that purport to be ‘self-cleaning’ but are only hydrophobic or hydrophilic, for example they may make the rain run-off.
Pilkington Activ™ also breaks dirt down - these coatings don't. Also many coatings are sprayed on - they are not permanent and fail to work after a period of time and should be stripped off and re-applied. As with so many things, you get what you pay for.

‘All of the advertising and supporting information given on web sites and other material are quite specific to Pilkington Activ™, which is the world's first self-cleaning glass and revolutionary with its dual action cleaning process, explained Buckley.

‘Installers may be making a big and expensive mistake if they switch the specification, knowingly or otherwise, from Pilkington Activ™ when that is what a customer is responding to, and has asked for. Installing anything else, whatever the claims for a product by its suppliers, is inviting problems and is simply not worth the risk.

‘There seems to be quite a lot of misleading information being claimed by companies offering high performing glasses whether it is in terms of self-cleaning vs low maintenance or in terms of solar control and U value performance and this cannot be good for the industry in the long term.’

The warning comes as Pilkington's advertising campaign, the biggest undertaken specifically for a branded flat glass in at least a decade, will reach more than 30 million people in a campaign designed to drive homeowners through the doors of double glazing companies throughout the UK.

Initially, breaking from the middle of February and running through to the end of April - targeting home owners as they begin the process of choosing their new replacement windows and conservatories as the weather improves - the TV, newspaper and magazine advertising is supplemented by a special website and public relations activities that guarantee reaching Britain's top home improvement spenders.

Since its launch the product has been widely featured in the press and on television and has been chosen by thousands of homeowners throughout the UK, who are now enjoying windows installed with glass that, quite literally, continually cleans itself using a coating that is activated by daylight and rain.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Deceuninck Sales Rise by 11% to 644m Euros in 2005

Deceuninck recorded sales of 169m euros in the fourth quarter of 2005. This represents an increase of 19% compared with the same period in 2004 and means total sales for 2005 amounted to 645.8m euros, an increase of 10.6%. The exchange rate and turnover from divested actlvities together had a positive impact of 2.1% on an annual basis. The annual volume sold rose by 2.7%.

'The strong sales in the fourth quarter are a boost', says Clement De Meenman, Deceuninck's CEO. 'This is the gilt on the gingerbread after a year's hard work. Right from the end of the second quarter we were saying that we were heading for a healthy annual figure. The fact that the fourth quarter has been so good exceeds our wildest expectations. It's gratifying to note that the strong growth in the fourth quarter comes from both the growth regions and the tradltional mature markets such as Benelux and France, The successful switch to Zendow® and our revamped Deuctone® colour strategy have definitely ensured that we have gained market share in these countries', continues De Meersman.

Regional trends

• Europe
Annual sales in Europe rose by 3%. This rather modest growth is attributable to the slack markets in the United Kingdom and Germany. Excluding these two markets, sales in Europe rose by 10%, during the fourth quarter even by 20%.

In Eastern Europe annual sales increased by over 17%. In the last quarter they actually grew by more than 39%, For the full year 2005 growth of over 25% was recorded in all important Eastern European markets other than Poland. Russia remained on track and achieved the forecast sales.

• United States
Deceuninck North America saw its sales rise by more than 12% in dollar terms. This is mainly attributable to a very strong performance in the seoond half resulting from a vigorous market in new construction and renovation.

As already reported, sales of wood composite decking have not yet met expectations. Sales have been held back by adaptations to the colour range that were essential in the second half. In the meantime the range has been expanded with a number of new colours. On the basis of the inltial reactions of the market, the prospects for wood composite sales in 2006 remain favourable.

• Turkey
With an increase of well over 65%, Turkey is the most rapidly growing region. Approximately two thirds of this increase is attributable to the contribution from WINSA, which, for the first time, was included in the consolidation for a full year. However, WINSA's contribution does not in any way detract from the vigorous internal growth of Deceuninck-EGE. As a result, Turkey's share of the Deceuninck Group's total sales rose from 9% in 2004 to 13% in 2005.

Consumer confidence also remains high in Turkey. Abundant building activity driven by residential new construction will continue unabated in 2006. For the first time in history falling interest rates are now also making it possible to obtain affordable mortgages on residential property.

Raw materials prices
In Europe, the prices of PVC resin in the fourth quarter ended up at the same high level as in the same period of 2OO4. In the United States, however, the biggest producers invoked force majeure after the technical problems caused by hurricanes Katrina and, particularly, Rita. As a result ethylene prices rose steeply. The hurricanes were the direct reason for an average increase in WC resin prices during the fourth quarter of 30%.

Detajoint
In 2003 Deceuninck acquired a 75% holding in Detajoint. The company is located in Dottenijs and specialises ln tri-extrusion of high-tech TPE seals (thermoplastic elastomer seals) for the building and automotive industries. Since then, Deceuninck has acquired an additional holding in Detajoint as a result of which it has become the 100% owner.

The Legend Lives on with Synseal

Synseal Holdings Ltd is moving the manufacturing facilities for Legend70 to Huthwaite. 'It's like a military manoeuvre,' explains Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal.

'There are seven complete extrusion lines and 58 extrusion tools as well as all the stock to move, and we're doing it in just one day. That's 87 truck loads in all. The move means all profile manufacturing will be in one place with obvious benefits to our customers.

We have fine tuned the manufacturing process over many years, and constantly look for ways to improve it. Moving Legend to Huthwaite means it too will benefit from the massive facilities, technical support and marketing that drive Synseal's growth. Legend customers can already see the benefits of product development with a higher gloss finish to the profile, and further manufacturing improvements are being made. Additional marketing support with a new brochure for homeowners is available now.

'In the past 12 months we've invested £17 million in Huthwaite, Nottinghamshire. And there's more to come. A new 100,000 square foot factory is being built, taking the total factory space to nearly 600,000sq feet. This will be ready in June. And, we've commissioned 17 new Legend mainframe extrusion tools - an additional investment of £1.4 million.

'Cellular foam too will get a boost. The additional space freed up by moving Legend from Silver End releases a much needed increase in production capacity of cellular foam, enabling the Permacell range to grow in line with Synseal's expectations.

'Synseal is creating 60 additional jobs at the Huthwaite production site, and more in the long term. Unfortunately 66 employees in Silver End, Essex have been affected by the move, although many have been offered relocation. We hope that many will take this up. These are exciting times for us all, and the Legend lives on.

'Legend70 is a well-respected brand in the window industry', continues Nick. ‘That's why Synseal invested £10 million into buying the company. And it is important to us that we build on this brand.

‘Legend70 is a specified brand for councils and contracts as well as for domestic use. And with the future growth of Legend70 as a priority, we took a full audit of plant, machinery and tooling. To increase production and maintain the highest standards we've already commissioned 17 new Legend mainframe extrusion tools from Greiner - an investment of £1.4 million. And that's just the start. The Legend lives on.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
http://www.synseal.co.uk/synseal/news/pages/05/legend.html

K2 Returns to Glassex

After an absence of two years, conservatory systems manufacturer K2 has announced it will attend this year's Glassex.

The company will appear alongside its sister business K2 Glass which has appeared many times and intends to make its return in style. Not only will it be exhibiting its full suite of products, but it also plans to use Glassex 2006 as the setting to launch a number of new developments.

Speaking on the matter, K2's Managing Director, Sally Fielding, said: ‘We're truly excited about the prospect of attending Glassex and the number of new developments that will be unveiled at the event.’

Some of these developments are set to remain under wraps until the start of the exhibition however there are a limited number that can be revealed at this time - including the introduction of a new aluminium roof vent.

The vent utilises a leak free design whereby the sash profile is entirely outside of the primary seal. Indeed the sash glazing itself seals onto the outer frame - making water ingression impossible.

The position of the sash eliminates the need for a thermal break and eradicates any risk of condensation.

To accommodate a greater variety of roofs, the vent will be supplied in a dedicated 24/25mm sash profile for use with glass and polycarbonate and in a 35mm profile for use with polycarbonate. It also offers the homeowner design freedom. As well as white and blue/white, the vent will be supplied in mahogany, rosewood and golden oak foiled woodgrain finishes, with both sash and outer frame being foiled.

Another new development that will be on show on K2's Glassex stand is the company's new sliding roof vent. Developed in conjunction with Accuride - one of the world's leaders in the design and manufacture of telescopic ball bearing slides - this vent incorporates its own motor for fully electronic opening.

K2's appearance is set to be mirrored by an equally impressive presence from K2 Glass. This company enjoyed an extremely successful showing in 2005 and intends to build on this. As such, the company will once again be using an interactive demonstration to highlight the advantages of its flagship product, Celsius performance glass, over standard glass and polycarbonate.

Continues Sally Fielding: ‘Glassex 2005 was an enormous success for K2 Glass and guests found the differences highlighted by the Celsius product demonstration to be amazing. Considering both K2 and K2 Glass will be attending, Glassex 2006 looks set to be even better!’

Rehau and Shepley End Relationship

Rehau has announced the ending of its supplier relationship with Manchester-based fabricator Shepley Group.

Rehau has been Shepley Group's principal systems supplier since 1988 and during that time the partnership between the two companies has helped them both to build exceptional reputations in the North West.

However, Shepley's recent major restructuring and a change in strategic direction has brought an end to the mutually beneficial relationship.

Commenting on the announcement, Rehau's Business Unit Manager Wolfgang Gorner, said: ‘Of course, we wish Shepley Group and its management team every success in the future. We are proud to have played our part in the company's development over the past 18 years and to have created one of the longest standing and most successful partnerships in the industry.

‘Now though, we are looking to the future and investing in new product and service initiatives which we are confident will enable us to sustain our current growth.

‘Our existing customers are set to benefit from the recent launch of the new Rehau Marketing Book which sets new standards in the entire industry in terms of both standard and bespoke marketing support and new customers will be welcomed on board with exceptional support packages.’

Rehau will also be making a number of new product announcements during 2006 designed to help fabricators and installers to consolidate their market positions as well as exploiting new sales opportunities, and the first of these will take place at Glassex.

Tel: 01989 762600

Super Spacer® Builds Investment Confidence

JK Windows, based in Middlesex, has been trading for over 20 years. Director Ajig Singh Jagdev attributes much of the firm's longevity to its commitment to using the best and most technologically advanced products.

Ajig Singh Jagdev comments: ‘We'd always used aluminum spacer bars until I saw Edgetech Super Spacer® at Glassex. Edgetech Super Spacer offered flexibility which would make arched windows much easier to manufacture. We quickly realised how much more it could do, so started phasing out aluminum spacer bars, and our units are now 100% Super Spacer. This has enabled us to increase productivity and streamline our manufacturing process, enabling us to produce glass units that have a longer life and improved energy performance, all at no extra cost compared with the old aluminum spacer bars.’

JK Windows produces 3,500 - 4,000 units per month and has plans to double productivity within 12 months. ‘Our customers are delighted with the new units,’ continues Ajig Singh Jagdev, ‘which has given us the confidence to invest in the future. Plans are already in place to open a state-of-the art showroom in January 2006.’

Tel: 02476 705570

SAS Opens Window to New Dawn

Doncaster-based Senior Aluminium Systems says that it has secured the next stage of its success with a board restructure and new finance partners.

Control of the company is now in the hands of md Lennart Jonsson and co-founder David Senior who have bought out majority shareholders and non-executive directors George Hall and John Hannam.

'George and John have both been extremely helpful to the company's growth and development but are now at a stage where they are moving on,' said Lennart Jonsson. 'As part of this consolidation process we have also secured financial backing from South Yorkshire Investment Fund and more advantageous banking arrangements.

He continued: 'We are at an exciting stage in the company's development. Orders continue to grow, a third factory shift is being introduced, creating five new jobs and with the new board and finance partners in place we are committed to continued investment in the future of the company.'

(Left to Right) SAS md, Lennart Jonsson with George Hall and SAS co-founder David Senior.

Only last year, SAS was described as a company 'with a solid foundation and tremendous potential for a lot more growth' by David Fletcher, former chairman and chief executive of Sheffield Forgemasters and current non-executive chairman of SAS.

SAS moved to brand new, purpose-built premises on Eland Road, Denaby Main in 2002. The company was established in 1991 with just two employees and today has a turnover of around £15 million a year and more than 100 employees.

David Best, Investment Director of South Yorkshire Investment Fund (SYIF) said: 'When Senior Aluminium Systems came to us seeking financial support, we were immediately impressed both by the ability of the management team and the quality of the company's facilities. Since arriving in Denaby, Doncaster, they have gone from strength to strength. SYIF is pleased to be involved with this successful company.

'SYIF provide loans and equity linked investments ranging from £15k to £2.5m to businesses already in, or prepared to relocate to, South Yorkshire,' added David. 'The Fund has already invested £16.3 million in 140 businesses and we want to help many more like Senior Aluminium Systems.'

Caption: (From Left to Right) SAS md, Lennart Jonsson with George Hall and SAS co-founder David Senior.

Total's Breakfast Club a First in the Industry

As part of its commitment to improving employee communication and feedback, Total Glass has launched what it claims to be a first in the glazing industry - a Breakfast Club where management and staff can discuss issues informally over coffee and croissants.

The Liverpool-based company says that it is one of the UK's fastest-growing trade window fabricators and believes its adaptation of the American concept to suit the needs of its business is unique. The Breakfast Club is among a number of employee initiatives introduced recently by the company to open up lines of communication as part of its wider business strategies for future success.

The Breakfast Club comprises regular early morning meetings between all employees, from operatives to supervisors and personnel to management. Scheduled on a rota basis, the informal chats are held in the company's well-equipped and popular canteen where views, concerns and areas for improvement can be mutually shared. For night shift workers, the Club moves to an evening slot to accommodate their working patterns.

According to MD Frank Deary, the Club is already having a positive effect on morale and communication across the company within a few weeks of its introduction.

‘We have taken the American concept of Breakfast Clubs and tailored it to our own needs after analysing various approaches to improving communication,’ explains MD Frank Deary. ‘Having face-to-face meetings from 6.30am in a relaxed setting, and with the added benefit of a hot breakfast, enables us to get to know our people better and listen to any concerns they may have with their jobs.

‘From this feedback, any potential problems or issues can be identified early on, allowing us to plan our strategies in a more focused way. This, in turn makes for a better working environment for all, and ultimately of course, a more successful company.’

Supervisor Tony Smith anticipates the breakfast club will be a great success, adding: ‘I think it will really help to bring the company together. It doesn't matter if you come to work in a suit or overalls, we are all working for the same goal.’

Sharing his view is fabricator Gerry O'Brien who comments: ‘It's good to spend time talking with the directors, rather than just about business. It is a real chance to build on working relationships and include everyone. I think this will be great for the company and have a really positive effect, particularly on our younger members of staff.’

Instrumental in the launch of the Beakfast Club is Total's Training Officer Maria Melia who explains: ‘We recognise that our employees are our biggest asset and that their opinions do count. By making the effort to hear what they have to say, they feel more valued, boosting morale throughout the whole company. ‘From monitoring the scheme so far, we have noticed a difference in terms of reduced absenteeism and increased performance within just a few weeks.’

Total Glass' HR programme also includes Long Service, Employee of the Month and Year Awards as well as staff questionnaires, a Suggestion Box and regular draws for Race Days and the Executive Box at Anfield Football Ground. The company is also pursuing the Investors in People standard, which it hopes to achieve by the end of 2006.

‘We are striving to create a more democratic culture at Total Glass where people will view us as 'the company to work for' and feel proud to do so. Given our achievements in 2005, the signs are that this is already happening,’ adds Frank.

For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary or Paul Ierston on 0151 549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.

Neilson Back at the Helm

Kestrel-BCE Limited is now part of the Latium Group of companies and has a new Managing Director, Paul Neilson who has returned to the company from a three-year spell working elsewhere in the Building Products market.

Says Paul ‘It's great to be back! The problems Kestrel and BCE went through in 2002 and 2003 with the various factory and warehouse moves are now well behind us. We're now back to industry leading service levels and we've always had the best design and range of products. But we're not stopping there though! We've already started to build on this position - watch out for some great new products and innovations together with a strong return to market sectors where we once led.’

Kestrel-BCE operates from a freehold 11.5-acre site with a 140,000 square feet factory in Scunthorpe, North Lincolnshire and employs around two hundred people. It blends its own raw materials and has recently invested in new foiling lines and other equipment to give customers additional products and flexibility. The company says that the business is now in a position to exceed and delight customers and place an emphasis on the company mission – ‘To be a leading world class supplier and manufacturer of plastic products to the building industry.’.

With its already strong market position, wide product range and manufacturing facility Kestrel-BCE says that it is optimistic about the future and is confident that the company's position will continue to strengthen with its re-vitalised strategy and focus.

http://www.bcecellular.com/

Celuform Appoints McEvoy Sales Director

Pat McEvoy is the new Sales Director at Celuform, the PVC-ue roofline and cladding specialist. Appointed General Manager at Vekatrim only a few months ago, McEvoy will have full responsibility for sales of both brands.

Previously, he was Sales Director of the Baxi Fires Division and Director of Sales - Trade at Valor Heating. His career also includes nine years at Lucas Industries. McEvoy was brought in to oversee the transition following Celuform's purchase of Vekatrim from Veka plc earlier this year.

‘Responsibility for two great brands gives us a fantastic opportunity to ensure we secure growth in all market sectors,’ McEvoy said. ‘However, we will use the strengths of both to market them individually.’

Andrew Wakelin, Celuform's Managing Director, commented, ‘We are delighted to have Pat McEvoy oversee sales of the two major cellular plastic brands. Celuform continues to forge ahead in key markets. Adding Vekatrim to our range enhances the selection of products and services that we can provide to a wide range of customers.’

Pat McEvoy will also be responsible for Celuform's customer service department.
The Vekatrim acquisition made Celuform the largest manufacturer of cellular plastic cladding and roofline products in the UK. The company provides a complete range of systems for refurbishment and new build. It is an exclusive supplier of roofline and cladding systems to a number of developers including Redrow and David Wilson Homes, as well as being a key supplier to many housing associations and local authorities.

For more information about Celuform PVC-ue products call 01622 719199, fax 01622 882258 or go to http://www.celuform.co.uk

Decra Led Products Approved for Pilkington Activ

With the growing popularity of Pilkington Activ self-cleaning glass, many decorative glass workshops have been keen to know which products can still be applied to the special surface.

Activ has a unique permanent dual action coating that helps give windows a cleaner appearance for longer. It works by utilising a photocatalytic process to react with ultra violet rays from sunshine to break down organic soiling, and is also hydrophilic so that rainfall more readily washes deposits away.

As such, there had been some concern that decorative products, including self-adhesive lead strip, coloured films, and UV bonded glass bevels, would not adhere to the special coating.

North Western Lead has announced that after extensive testing by Pilkington Glass, a range of Decra Led products has been approved as compatible with Activ.

All of NWL's lead products have been approved, including Decra Led Premium, Alpha Led, and Hi-Tac. Coated Decra Led also has no compatibility issues with Activ. In addition, Bondmaster UV 7349, Decra Led's UV adhesive for bonding glass bevels has also been passed, along with Decra Clean, NWL's glass cleaner.

For further information on the use of any of these products with Pilkington Activ, contact the Technical Department at NWL on 0161 368 4491 or email decraled@decraled.co.uk.

Web: http://www.decraled.co.uk

Plastmo Adopts HomePro Insurance Scheme

Plastmo Profiles has secured an alliance with insurance provider, HomePro to launch a Plastmo-branded insurance backed guarantee (IBG).

As installers seek greater levels of support and tools to support their business, Plastmo has been quick to develop a FENSA approved insurance backed guarantee that the company says provides several key advantages over other such guarantees.

Robert Thiroff, sales and marketing director of Plastmo explains the decision: ‘HomePro was chosen given that it is registered with the FSA and has been established for over 20 years. The company has worked with several blue chip clients in the home improvement and utilities sectors and is the only FENSA listed IBG provider published in 'The Home Improvement Guidelines' brochure published by the Office Of Fair Trading.

'The Plastmo branded insurance backed guarantee will be underwritten by UK underwriters, unlike several others in the market that use offshore insurance companies to underwrite guarantees. This will give Plastmo installers greater credibility and consumers added reassurance that the guarantee represents the very best cover available.

'This is one of a number of exciting opportunities that will benefit Plastmo fabricators and installers and it backs our belief of investing in the tools our customers need to develop. We've got a lot happening at Plastmo and we hope to share some of these new dynamic initiatives with the visitors to our stand at Glassex’ adds Robert.

Basden Resigns from Victorian Sliders Ltd

Danny Basden has resigned his directorship of Victorian Sliders Ltd. The company was launched in September 2005 and has made excellent progress in promoting and selling Plastmo Profiles 'Charisma' vertical slider.

However, due to professional, ethical and operational differences of opinion with the manufacturing unit at Kidwelly - Wales, Basden has now given up all involvement with the company with immediate effect.

Commenting on his resignation he said: ‘I would like to thank Plastmo Profiles and the many existing and potential customers for their support over the past few months. However, rest assured - I will be back!’

100th New Member for CAB

Over the last twelve months the Council for Aluminium in Building membership has increased significantly and at its recent members meeting in Falkirk celebrated its 100th new member. SE Controls is a market leader in hardware which controls automatic opening vents for both smoke and natural ventilation systems, Martin Oates the company's Commercial Director was on hand to receive its CAB plaque.

'We are delighted to be recognised as the 100th member of the CAB and to be part of a milestone for the organisation. The continued growth and skill set within the CAB provides invaluable industry feedback and a forum for it’s members to raise and address collective issues. As a specialist contractor we hope to bring our extensive industry knowledge to the organisation and increase it’s reputation as an industry authority.'

The CAB has a broad membership base which brings together all businesses associated with the installation of aluminium products in buildings and not just producers of aluminium. This diversification in membership representing the complete supply chain is one of the strengths of the CAB and the continued increase in membership supports its claim of being the 'recognised voice of aluminium in building'.

Further information about membership can be found on the CAB website at http://www.c-a-b.org.uk and the CAB's free monthly industry newsletter at http://www.aluminiuminarchitecture.com

New Standard Specification for Masterframe's Bygone Collection Sash

Masterframe Windows Ltd has upped the ante for PVC-U sliding sash fabricators with the new standard specification for its flagship product, the Bygone Collection window.

Masterframe's network of Bygone Preferred Installers (BPIs) can now offer authentic vertical slider details such as a deep bottom rail; continuous moulded horns; branded brass hardware; external astragal Georgian bars (which are BBA guaranteed to stay on for at least 10 years thanks to patented Georgian crossover joints and Georgi Clips®) and white woodgrain foil finish as standard to the homeowner.

And for only an extra £27, customers can choose a British Fenestration Ratings Council (BFRC) approved 'C' rated window, energy efficient to -20kWh/m2/year. BPIs have been offered a free upgrade to the C rated window until the end of February 2006.

If the homeowner prefers a white plastic finish, BPIs get a 15% reduction, and if continuous horns are not needed, each window ordered is £20 less.

‘We believe it has the highest standard specification on the market,’ says Ray Rabett, Masterframe's Technical Manager. ‘The BPIs exclusively sell the Bygone Collection sash, which has been certified by the British Board of Agrément (BBA) to last for 20 years - and that's the whole window, including balances and hardware, not just the profile. With such a high specification and the supporting BBA accreditation our BPIs frequently charge homeowners £1,000 a window. The margins are significant, and there are no hidden extras. It's a quality product that really makes our customers stand out from the crowd.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

Commercial Opportunities for Newstead Customers

As part of its new support scheme, Selling Made Easy (SME), fabricator Newstead Trade Frames is offering customers the opportunity to work alongside its Commercial Division as subcontracted nominated installers.

Paul Charlesworth of Stoke-based PC Windows is one customer who has worked with Newstead on a number of commercial installations and refurbishments: ‘Newstead Trade Frames has been my preferred supplier now for seven years. In my experience, no other manufacturer takes more care about the products it produces or the customers it produces them for. It's nice to know that someone is really doing all they can to help me and my business.’

‘But we'd like to go further than this,’ explains John Davies. ‘If any one of our customers plans to do any commercial work, we'd like to offer our help - whether it's supplying products, advice on project management, putting together a proposal to tender, or even helping install, if additional skilled resource is needed. Our experienced fitting teams can help on any commercial projects.’

Newstead's Commercial Division has four experienced fitting teams. Its client base includes Macclesfield Council, the De Vere Hotel Group, Multibuild Building Contractors, North Staffordshire NHS Bucknall Estates, Sandy & Co (Stafford) and JJ Cavannagh Construction.

All interested installers please contact John Davies on 01782 641642 or JDavies@ntf.co.uk.

Crime Prevention Pays

Mighton Products, which offers premium sash window hardware, is the first choice for MH Joinery from Bridgwater, Somerset, when it comes to quality, aesthetics and security. With the British Crime Survey of 2002/03 reporting 24% of all burglaries in England and Wales occurring via a window that was open or that was forced open, MH Joinery is bolstering its standard specification with Mighton's Ventlock, as Lee Scampton, Sales Director, explains:

‘Because of our reputation we get a lot of demand from specifiers and architects who want to reinstate or replace existing timber windows but, increasingly, also upgrade the security of the building. Mighton's Ventlock, which complies with ISO 9002, solved the problem.’

Lee continues: ‘We've used Mighton Products for eight of our twelve years in business. The Ventlock allows timber sash windows to be securely locked in an open position so our customers feel safe. It is discreet, strong, a theft deterrent and child proof, as well as being uncluttered and aesthetically pleasing. The range, which is easy to fit on site, fits in nicely with our own range of finishes - brass, chrome and satin chrome. We do a lot of work for local authorities, who are increasingly replacing timber with timber, as well as listed buildings and conservation areas. Maintaining high standards of workmanship as well as offering value and security is enabling us to lead the sash window revival.’

Tel: 0800 0560471
Web: http://www.mightonproducts.com

Forklift Trucks for Everwhite Fleet

Roofline manufacturer Everwhite Plastics Ltd has now fitted its entire fleet with a demountable forklift in order to make its delivery service even more efficient. The company has also enlarged its fleet with two new trucks, a 40 tonne articulated lorry and a rigid 17.5 tonne lorry.

Everwhite Plastics covers over half a million kilometres a week, delivering from Scotland to Cornwall to 162 stockists.

‘To make life easier for our customers when we get there,’ says Ray Turner, Everwhite's Warehouse Manager, ‘we have introduced demountable forklift trucks on the backs of our delivery vehicles. It saves time for our customers - and for Everwhite.

If a customer has another delivery coming in at the same time, rather than wait for it to unload and leave, we can just demount our own forklift, unload and leave. It is certainly quicker for us than for companies that don't have their own forklift, who either have to wait to use the customer's forklift (if they have one!) or unload by hand.’

Tel: 01685 882 447
Web: http://www.everwhite.biz

AWJ Glass Gears Up for Growth

Following successful expansion during 2005, AWJ Glass is gearing up for further growth with continued investment in its new state-of-the-art facility on the outskirts of Scarborough. The IG and processed glass producer has recently installed a third automated cutting table to handle increased demand and ensure efficient handling of a wider range of products. The company is also looking to develop new and existing market potential for both its core products and new high specification glasses with the appointment of Roger Hall as Business Development Manager.

AWJ Glass looks set to grow by up to 30% during the financial year 2005 / 2006, with new business accounting for much of this impressive figure. The move to purpose-built premises equipped with the latest machinery has provided increased capacity for sealed unit production, plus the capability to expand the company's product offering.

Although the vast majority of the company's glass processing still relates to IG manufacture, developing in-house facilities, including its own toughening line, has opened up new market opportunities for AWJ. ‘And we're looking to maximise this potential, particularly within the commercial sector,' says Ivan Copley, Sales Director at AWJ Glass. ‘Alongside the supply of single toughened glass, which is a fiercely competitive and price-driven market, we're also responding to increased demand for specialist, higher margin products, such as solar control and self-cleaning glass, and sales of high performance Low-e glasses are also up, which is reflected in our own growth and development.’

Whilst AWJ Glass has increased its focus on attracting new business, Ivan is keen to stress that retaining existing customers, whether large or small, is equally important. ‘We're totally committed to high standards of service at every level. Everything we do is driven by our customers, some of which are relative newcomers to the industry. You have to look after them, listen to their changing needs and provide the products they need to develop and grow.’

Since it was founded in 1996, AWJ Glass has become established as a sealed unit supplier to the domestic and commercial sectors. Now, through its ongoing investment programme and knowledge of the industry, the company is successfully developing new market opportunities alongside its existing business base. Summing up, Ivan says: ‘Recent results show that our strategy for growth is working. However, I believe that the key to success will always be a commitment to service and quality and so that will remain our main focus now and in the future.’

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