Ultraframe
Posts Losses in First Half but Expects to be Back in Black in H2
Ultraframe Plc has announced its interim results for the 26 weeks ended
1 April 2005. Legal and restructuring costs coming in at a massive £3.6m
for the period (which includes a £2.6m hit to cover the long running
legal dispute with the Burnden Group/K2, which is expected to be concluded
this month) and turnover in the UK down by 28% (with US sales slightly
down after unfavourable exchange rates) have resulted in a post-exceptional
losses of £6.2m. Gross margins are down from 51% to 40.8%.
Net Debt also increased from £6.5m at the last financial year end
to £15.6m at 1st April 2005, representing gearing of 25.5% (H1 2004:
13.6%) against 9.6% at 1st October 2004.
The company is, however, bullish about the second half of 2005, when exceptional
costs shouldn't be as high (although another £1m has been earmarked
for the UK legal proceedings) and the cost reduction measures now in place
should start kicking in (it is expected that these measures will save
around £4m across the whole financial year 2004/5, and therafter
save £6m a year). Not paying an interim dividend will also have
a positive impact.
Also good news for the company is that a whole raft of new products are
now in place across all price points, with more on the way this year.
Sales of budget segment products rose 6.5% in the first half, and this
segment now represents 27% of UK sales. Uzone ales volumes were almost
four times higher than in the first half of last year. In ther overall
market, Ultraframe reckons that budget products account for some 40% of
volume.
The new UK management team under MD Vanda Murray is 'focused on faster
new product development and introduction, closer partnering with customers,
new channel development, enhanced customer service and impproved operational
efficiencies. We have launched a 'Customer First' initiative and our overall
pricing policy has been restructured to focus on delivering a more competitive
offer across our comprehensive product portfolio.
'This programme includes customer consultation days, our registered installer
scheme and a certification of authenticity on Ultraframe products to maintain
differential quality standards in the industry.'
As well as cost savings from delayering middle management, significant
investment has been made in new products, which are now beginning to add
to the bottom line. The Uzone product is now established, with the Elevation
lean-to roof and the Litespace glazed bay window style products expected
to make an impact in the second half. Two major products - the Sunroom
click-lock roof and the revamped Classic range - were launched at Glassex.
Sales in April were 27% down on April 2004, but were better than last
month, so there are signs of recovery: 'Overall we expect a signifricant
improvement in the level of operating profit (before exceptional items)
generated in the seasonally stronger second half, compared with the first,
albeit lower than the final six months of last year'.
'Conservatory penetration levels are under 20% of the addressable market
in the UK and less than 5% in the US. These markets have long term growth
potential,' the company adds.
Rod Sellers, Chairman, continued:
'Trading in the first half has been in line with our expectations, reflecting
the well-documented slowdown in the conservatory market in the UK, and
recording an improved operating performance in North America. In the near
term, the UK is expected to remain intensely competitive and pressure
will continue as a result of the wider consumer environment.
'North America has good prospects for growth in the second half, through
a restructured, higher quality, franchise network and the Company-owned
retail stores. The cost reduction measures implemented in both the UK
and North America are on track, as are other operational initiatives.
'This leads us to expect a return to profitability before tax, goodwill
and exceptional items in the second half, and consequently the Board’s
expectations for the full year remain unchanged. Looking further ahead,
we intend to reinvest the majority of cost savings initiated this year
into sales and marketing activities to defend and build our market share.'
Results (before goodwill amortisation and exceptionals, 2004 first
half figures in brackets):
Turnover £44.0m (£54.9m )
Operating (loss)/profit £(0.7)m (£5.1m)
(Loss)/profit before tax £(1.1)m (£4.7m)
(Loss)/earnings per share (0.8)p (3.3p)
Statutory results (post goodwill amortisation and exceptionals):
Operating (loss)/profit £(5.5)m (£3.6m)
(Loss)/profit before tax £(6.2)m (£3.2m)
(Loss)/earnings per share (4.5)p (2.3p)
Dividend per share Nil (3.24p)
Highlights:
* UK competitive and consumer environment remains challenging
* Sales down 28% on the comparative period and gross margins lower
* New divisional management team has implemented procedures to accelerate
new product development and introductions, encourage more customer contact
and more competitive pricing to stimulate sales in the second half
* North America showing the anticipated modest improvement in operating
performance as a result of actions taken to realign the cost base and
rephase revenue investments
* Dollar sales overall up 2% on first half last year and gross margins
have been maintained
* Dollar turnover in Company-owned retail stores up 5%. Modest sales growth
in the franchise network, impacted by planned franchise deletions
* Statutory results reflect first half exceptional item charge of £3.6m
(£2.7m net of tax), including abnormal litigation costs of £2.9m
and redundancy costs of £0.5m
* Implementation of cost reduction plans expected to deliver annualised
savings in excess of £6m in the UK and more than $3m in North America
(anticipated Group savings of over £5m in current full year)
* Net cash outflow before financing of £10.1m after payment of the
final dividend for 2003/4 (£7.6m) and the cash cost of exceptional
items (£2.6m). Net debt increased to £15.6m, representing
gearing of 25.5%
* In view of the current trading environment, the Board is not declaring
an interim dividend for the half year ending 1 April 2005. It will review
the dividend policy at the year end in light of the Group’s full
year performance.
Synseal
Announces Record Increases in Sales
Synseal
increased sales by £14m to £80m in the financial year to 31st
March 2005. This is an increase of over 21% across the board, and conservatory
sales are up 38%.
‘These figures would be good at any time – but in a difficult
and demanding market,’ explains Malcolm Le Masurier, Synseal’s
Managing Director, ‘these results are very pleasing. While other
companies are struggling or shutting up shop we are continuing to increase
our market share. We have grown by listening to our customers and giving
them what they want. As they grow, so do we. Some companies complain about
a weak conservatory market but our sales are still surging ahead. We continue
to dedicate our resources into the development of window and conservatory
products for the UK market. Recent changes in the market have helped us
strengthen our position and we are on track to be the market leader in
both windows and conservatories.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
G
05 Awards Finalists Announced
The prestigious G05 Awards, which take place at the Birmingham Hilton
Metropole, NEC Complex on June 10th 2005 and which are being held once
more in conjunction with the GGF Annual Convention, is in full swing,
with speaker Bradley Walsh signed up and the shortlist of Awards Finalists
now announced:
Fabricator of the Year
Lister Trade Frames
Masterframe Windows
Newstead Trade Frames
Installer of the Year
GSL International
P & P Glass
Warmseal Windows(Newcastle) Ltd
Conservatory Installer of the Year
Betterview Windows and Conservatories
P & P Glass
Romsey Conservatory Company
Warmseal Windows(Newcastle) Ltd
Energy Efficiency Initiative
Masterframe Windows
Edgetech IG
Pilkington Building Products
Social Housing Project of the Year
Warmseal Windows
Pilkington UK
Select Home Improvements
Health and Safety Initiative
Greenberg Glass
Warmseal Windows
Pilkington Building Products
Glass Company of the Year
Glass UK
Darby Glass
K2
Glass Project of the Year
Haran Glass
Glass UK
GSL Ltd
Training and Development Award
Alumet
AG Glass
SWC Trade Frames
Specialist of the Year
Ritec International
Universal Arches
Glass UK
Promotional Campaign of the Year
Chrome Consultancy (Dazzle)
Trademark Windows
Safestyle (Cannon and Ball)
Customer Care Award
Masterframe,
David Gibson Conservatories
Safestyle UK
Lister
Trade Frames says that it is experiencing record sales this year and exceptional
growth in the company's conservatory division.
While
many manufacturers around the country are reporting a fifteen to twenty
percent drop in sales over last year, Listers has shattered all previous
company sales records over the last three months with May showing a 25%
uplift in sales over 2004.
Phil Warren, Listers Sales Director, says that 'all the new products,
restructuring and extra service that we worked so hard on last year is
now paying dividends. Our customers are benefiting from the new marketing
and improved support which is helping them to gain more work, and that's
what is really driving us forward.'
Last year saw Listers move into new production and office facilities with
capacity for over 1500 frames per week. The company launched its own branded
window systems, 'Elitis Linear' and 'Elitis Sculptor', plus an entire
suite of branded literature, web sites, samples and sales aids. On top
of that the company managed to swap over to a new system supplier, develop
itsown 'Multi Document Interface' software system and hold a week long
trade counter sales event.
'We're really pleased to be experiencing this continuing growth,' Says
Phil, 'Our conservatory roofing division is showing the greatest expansion
with sales increased by over 100% in March alone. It‚s great to see
that we're bucking the current industry trends and building our business
together with our customers.'
The upward trend for Listers seems to be continuing. When this article
was written the company said that it had just smashed last years previous
record for the largest number of trade frames ordered in a single week.
Tel 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
ClearTherm
a Clear Winner with Edgetech
Glass
unit manufacturer ClearTherm Limited recently signed up with Edgetech’s
Super Spacer and installed a £30,000 semi automatic machine at its
premises in Barwell Leicestershire. Looking to double its turnover of
£1.5 million by 2006, this most recent investment, along with the
acquisition of another glass unit and toughening company, gives the company
the capability to do just that.
David Laing founded ClearTherm in 1988, based in Leicestershire the company
decided to add the Edgetech Super Spacer line in October of last year:
‘We are constantly looking to add to our range of products and saw
that Super Spacer would enable our customers to compare the features and
benefits of super Spacer against conventional spacer systems.’
‘We looked at using a plastic spacer bar as an alternative material
but it was simply too difficult to work with. Edgetech’s Super Spacer
is different. We opted for this warm edge solution because it is a futuristic
product. Its thermal efficiency and compliance with document L is even
recognised by our local councils. Approximately 10% of our business is
new build, but this is growing fast thanks to the benefits of Super Spacer.’
Sixteen per cent of the glass units produced per week are already made
with Super Spacer and over the next twelve months David is committed to
vastly increasing this ratio.
‘The key to our success is delivering consistent quality, service
and prices to our customers, which is what we have supplied over the past
15 years,’ continues David ‘Warm Edge technology is the future,
but at the moment our forward thinking approach has given us the edge
on the competition and we’re going to make the most of this opportunity.
We opted for Super Spacer because we could see it would help us achieve
our goals and remain a market leader. Its still early days for us because
the machinery was only installed a few months ago, but our customers are
already seeing the benefits.’
ClearTherm manufacturing capability includes leaded, bevels, Georgian
and gas filling along with its new in-house toughening. Its systems are
accredited with ISO 9001/2000 Licence No FM57022 and its product lines
have EN1279-2 Licence No. KM52421.
Tel: 02476 705570
http://www.edgetechig.com/International/international_united_kingdom.htm
Ireland
United at last! - in new Database
Not
politically - but in the Conservatory, Door and Window industry, as recorded
by Windowbase. The latest version of the Windowbase All Ireland database
contains over 1100 companies currently manufacturing or installing products
in the green isle.
‘Although PVC-U is, like Britain, the major material used; both aluminium
and wood are relatively more used in Ireland. There is less specialisation,
with many companies installing all three, and so we do not divide up the
data as we do in the UK’, says Mike Davis of Windowbase. ‘There
are local companies installing shop-fronts, doors & conservatories
for both home improvements and commercial markets - all of whom are potential
purchasers of a wide range of materials.’
Obtaining the information involved significant calling after 6 pm to locate
the smaller operations that make this database so valuable to those requiring
industry information. Key information in the database, includes main contact,
company activity information and size by number of employees and by installation
teams. All information has been obtained direct from the companies themselves,
PVC-U and aluminium fabricators were asked by the systems suppliers.
Also unique to Windowbase is the provision of alternative telephone and
fax fields depending on whether contact is being made from the UK or the
Republic of Ireland.
The All Ireland database of Conservatory, Door and Window companies is
available in digital format on licence for £980, sets of mailing
labels are available for around £256 direct from Windowbase.
For further information, ask for data sheet 6 from:
Mike Davis +44(0) 1706 644 308
Email: mailto:miked@winbase.co.uk
Web: http://www.winbase.co.uk
Baldwin
Glass Joins CGI’s Stockist Network
CGI
International is helping a family-run glass and glazing firm broaden its
business horizons. Baldwin Glass in Hull has recently joined CGI’s
national stockist network and now supplies CGI’s Pyroguard fire resistant
glass for local building projects. Baldwin Glass is also in the process
of gaining FIRAS accreditation, which will permit the company to install
Pyroguard as well as supply it.
Established in 1976, Baldwin Glass is now a 10-strong operation, with
husband and wife Mark and Margaret Baldwin at the helm and their two sons,
Jamie and Daniel, as Glazing Manager and Sealed Unit Production Manager
respectively.
Mark believes adding Pyroguard to its product offering will give Baldwin’s
a competitive edge locally and open up new business opportunities. ‘Increasingly
stringent building regulations have boosted demand for fire glass, and
by developing our expertise in this field we’ll be well-placed to
meet that demand,’ says Mark. ‘We chose CGI’s Pyroguard
Clear 7.2mm because of its reputation and as it’s an unwired option
we can cut it with our existing equipment.’ CGI’s proven Pyroguard
range of laminated fire resistant safety glass offers a choice of integrity
glasses that have the added benefit of radiation control. It covers clear
and wired products with 30 (7.2mm) and 60 minutes (11.4mm) performance
ratings.
Baldwin Glass’ expansion into fire glass follows a move to larger
premises. The new light and airy facility is double the size of its previous
site and enjoys a more central location. ‘We’re now in Spyvee
Street, which is east of Hull city centre and where most of the local
building contractors and merchants are based, so we’re much more
visible to potential customers,’ explains Mark.
Mark concludes: ‘Since we became a stockist CGI has been very supportive.
They’ve passed on sales leads and are assisting with our FIRAS accreditation,
which includes a system audit, training and a site inspection. The combination
of our recent move and this promising new venture has given everyone on
the team a boost and we’re all feeling really enthusiastic about
the future.’
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
The
move to larger, more modern premises for London-based fabricator Superglazed
– a long-time member of Beaufort Secure Design’s Approved Fabricator
scheme – is enabling the company to focus on increasing its capacity
to provide both domestic supply only installers and the commercial sector
with a full range of aluminium windows and doors.
Following
a major investment of £1.8 million, an impressive 14,000sq ft factory
in Park Royal, North West London, is the new home of Superglazed. The
move has been completed smoothly and Superglazed is now running efficiently
from its smart new factory, which is in fact two buildings which have
been combined into a single unit. The layout has been designed for Superglazed
by Beaufort and equipped to meet its precise specifications.
Superglazed outgrew its former premises in North London, which have been
the company’s base since it was established 11 years ago. The rise
in demand for aluminium and the continued use of the successful Beaufort
system will allow Superglazed to set its sights on growth of 300% over
the next three years.
Managing Director Hasu Parmar says that Superglazed currently produces
150 frames a week, predominantly for the domestic market. It is now looking
to expand this to 450 units to meet the demands and expectations of the
commercial sector, while continuing to benefit from the growth of its
domestic customers that have become loyal to Superglazed after many years’
reliable service. With the increased capacity and capability now available,
Superglazed is ready and able to make that jump.
At the moment, the company’s business is split is 60:40 between domestic
and commercial, and Superglazed is well placed to capitalise on the buoyancy
it has noticed in both sectors, with significant amounts of business coming
from major domestic and commercial window installation companies. While
Superglazed works with both aluminium and PVC-U, around 90% of its business
is in aluminium these days, and that is the sector where growth is particularly
dynamic.
There has been significant investment in equipment too, to the tune of
£120,000, including an Elumatec SBZ 122 Profile Machining Centre,
DG 104
double mitre saw and EMA 201 Beading System to speed up fabrication as
well as raise and maintain consistent quality standards throughout the
production cycle.
And a large trade-only showroom is planned at the new site and will be
situated alongside the factory, giving customers the opportunity to see
the complete Superglazed offering first hand and to discuss the technical
aspects of the product range.
The new premises are well situated on a modern industrial estate just
off the North Circular that offers easy access to Superglazed’s customers.
It represents a significant step forward and marks the start of a new
phase in the development and growth of the company.
Tel: 020 8965 7761
Web: http://www.superglazed.co.uk
Spring
is in the Air for Ensol
Engineering
Solutions (Ensol) which has recently become a new source of fasteners
and screws to the industry has merged with Taiwan's On Spring Industrial.
Part of the Sansoar group, On Spring has supplied European Fastener Distributors
for over 15 years with high quality components for the construction and
window industries and is embarking upon the expansion of the company's
operation by instigating a distribution outlet for the EC and beyond.
'It is hoped that the promotion of the 'On Spring' range of window screws
can be successfully transposed to larger sectors of Mainland Europe by
having a significant supply closer to the customer base while the introduction
of other standard ranges can complement the portfolios of other distribution
partners.' says the company.
Email: mailto:andy@ensol.org.uk
Continuing
success at AWJ Glass has prompted the move to larger, purpose built premises
in the centre of Scarborough. At 42,000 sq ft, the new facility provides
the company with a 200% increase in floor space over its previous site
in the town. The expansion, which includes the purchase of a Tamglass
HTF-Super toughening furnace, represents an investment of nearly £2
million by the IG and processed glass producer.
AWJ
Glass has enjoyed year on year growth since it was set up by Andy Whitelaw
in 1996 to serve Andy’s joinery business and to supply high quality
sealed units to companies in the surrounding North East of England. The
new factory has been custom-designed for AWJ Glass to meet current requirements
and future development, and includes recycling systems for both rainwater
and heat generated from the furnace. The extra space, together with investment
in the latest glass processing machinery, will accommodate an anticipated
increase in capacity of at least 2000 sealed units each week.
80% of the company’s glass processing currently relates to IG production
and Andy Whitelaw believes recent changes in the industry have made it
inevitable for large sealed unit manufacturers like AWJ Glass to consider
toughening their own glass, especially with regard to soft coat. He comments:
‘Bringing this process in house guarantees both a reliable supply
and consistent quality. Our expansion means we can develop sales of high
quality single toughened glass, as well as offer an enhanced service to
existing customers.’
In addition to the Tamglass furnace, AWJ Glass has installed a Hegla compact
storage system in the new factory, together with a Willian dry arriser
and two Flat bed washers. The company has also recruited and trained eight
additional members of staff and increased the delivery fleet with the
purchase of an additional vehicle.
Andy concludes: ‘With the team’s commitment to quality control
and dependable service, AWJ Glass has become established as a sealed unit
supplier to both the commercial sector and the domestic market. Now with
our well-equipped production facility we are ideally placed to respond
to the needs of an ever-changing market, and ensure we can continue to
provide our customers with products that meet and exceed current requirements.’
Tel: 01723 580010
Davies
& Tate is introducing a ‘Super Branch’ concept for its Window
Fitters Mate (WFM) door and window distribution network. The Uckfield
depot in East Sussex will become the first ‘Super WFM’, distributing
an even wider range of doors, windows, conservatories and ancillaries.
With the capacity to handle higher volume orders, it is well placed to
service larger customers such as regional developers and builders looking
to purchase between 30 and 50 frames per week.
Having
outgrown its previous premises, WFM Uckfield has recently moved to more
spacious facilities alongside Davies & Tate’s Head Office in
the town’s Pentex Centre. The new 6,000 sq ft depot is the biggest
in the WFM network and provides extensive sales, stockholding and office
space, together with the chain’s largest indoor product display area.
Uckfield’s six-man team is headed by Branch Manager, Mike Allistone,
who played a key role in establishing Uckfield as the first WFM depot
in back in 1997. Since then Mike has seen both his branch and the WFM
network go from strength to strength.
He comments: ‘We were the template for the whole chain, which now
stands at 27 branches and spans the Midlands and the South of England.
As the largest in terms of size and turnover, we were clearly the ideal
branch to spearhead this exciting initiative.’
The WFM organisation currently supplies in excess of 4,000 windows and
doors every week to customers ranging from local builders and independent
window companies to regional housebuilders. ‘And now with the potential
for a number of Super Branches that figure is set to rise,’ adds
Mike.
WFM Uckfield offers a comprehensive selection of PVC-U doors, windows
and conservatories from leading manufacturers at a competitive price,
thanks to its purchasing power as part of a national operation. Aluminium
and timber options are also available, and the experienced team is always
on hand to offer helpful advice on specification and installation if required.
Seven working days is the average turnaround time for most orders. Mike
continues: ‘Customer can either collect from the branch, or we can
deliver. In fact, we’ve invested in a 7.5 tonne vehicle to handle
bigger loads.’ And while the branch’s main distribution area
is contained within a 50-mile radius, it has also supplied products for
contracts as far afield as France, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Becoming a Super Branch will mean Uckfield can broaden its customer base
even further, as Mike explains: ‘We’re keen to promote the benefits
of working with WFM to an even wider range of customers, including new
build developers and those involved in local PFI projects.’ And once
it is up and running at Uckfield, Davies & Tate has plans to roll
out the Super Branch concept to other larger WFM depots and those with
the potential to expand.
Tel: 01825 769133
Web: http://www.woofem.co.uk
New
Appointments Boost Revitalised Wendland Sales Team
As
part of the creation of a new, revitalised Sales and Marketing department
following the recent appointment of new Chief Executive Steve Gardiner,
Wendland Roof Solutions has appointed Henry Inglis as National Sales Manager
and Tony Hurley as Area Business Manager for Wales and the south west
of England.
With over 15 years’ sales experience within the glass and glazing
sector, Henry Inglis has worked for some of the biggest names in the industry.
His career began with profile manufacturer Smart Systems in the 1990s,
where he became Sales Manager for a network of public sector fabricators
in Ireland, Scotland and the north of England. Following this, he worked
at Quantal for a total of five years, the first two as Sales Manager for
a similar region and the last three as Key Accounts Manager for the whole
of the UK. Most recently, Henry was Sales Director of Middlesbrough based
Quality Roofing Systems Ltd, where he looked after the company’s
network of aluminium and PVC-u bar length fabricators.
Henry is married with three children and has two homes to facilitate his
sales travels, one in the Leeds/Bradford area and another in Glasgow.
A proud Scot, he is also an energetic athletics club member and a ‘Munro
Bagger’, the name given to those who regularly scale Scottish Highland
peaks over 3000 ft in height!
(Left)
Henry Inglis, Wendland National Sales Manager; (Right) Tony Hurley, Area
Business Manager for Wales and the south west of England
Cardiff
based Tony Hurley has built up an enviable commercial sales portfolio
over the past 30 years, working for organisations such as Cadbury Schweppes
and a major jewellery manufacturer. For the past five years, he has concentrated
his career on blinds and interiors, something that Wendland feels will
be a real asset following its recent launch of the Sundyal™ solid
roof system. Tony spent three years as Business Development and Sales
Manager for Bridgend based firm BDS Blinds and has worked for the past
two years as Business Development Manager for Appeal Conservatory Blinds
of Bristol. He is married with a son and daughter and enjoys golf and
country walking as his leisure pursuits.
The new appointments will further strengthen Wendland’s market position
as it moves into new product sectors. The company has already reported
unprecedented interest in the newly launched Sundyal™ system, a solid
roof product that effectively bridges the gap between a conservatory and
a built extension.
Spire
Composite Doors Opens to Opportunity
The
Barnsley-based Priory Group is so confident of the growth in demand for
composite doors that it has set up a dedicated company to specialise in
the production of this increasingly popular home improvement product.
Spire Composite Doors opened its doors for business last month to produce
a wide range of options based on the Evergreen Door fibreglass leaf, chosen
for its quality and authentic wood-grain finish.
Investment of £180,000 has created a purpose-built factory in Barnsley
which houses specialist production machinery and spray booth for unlimited
colour options. Commenting on the commitment MD James Davies says: 'Homeowners
are fast becoming aware of the benefits of composite doors so we wanted
to make sure we are in position to offer our own and the group's customers
a top quality product to meet this accelerating demand'.
In addition to quality, service was high on the agenda when setting up
the new company. 'We are able to offer a two week turnaround on any style
door with a huge range of glazing options' remarks James Davies, 'and
all our doors carry a full 10-year guarantee'. Spire operates throughout
the East of England and will deliver anywhere. All doors are pre-hung
and ready to fit and offered at competitive prices.
For further information, and details of the full product range, contact
Spire Composite Doors on 01226 321111. For details of the Evergreen fibreglass
leaf, telephone 08709 504483.
Profitmaker’s
Factory Monitor Reduces Stress
'Fabricators
run their businesses by promising on-time deliveries to customers,’
observes Mike Nagle (pictured), Sales and Marketing Director of MBN International
Systems, makers of lean manufacturing Profitmaker™ software. ‘But
remakes, poor planning, and systems failures can all throw schedules into
chaos, and that pushes up costs, eats into profits and makes customers
unhappy.
But worse than that, because you let your customers down, they build a
‘just in case you let them down again’ factor into their ordering
by adding an extra few days buffer to their normal lead times. They start
to order products in advance of when they actually need them for installation,
or order in bulk, which adds to the pressure on the factory and makes
it even harder to deliver what is ordered on time and in full.
‘That’s where the Profitmaker™ Factory Monitor software
comes into its own. It displays every job in a production schedule, and
the current state of each job – so you can monitor work in progress
in real time. It shows you the time for completion at each work centre
and the number of operatives required per work centre for any given period.
Factory managers can see at a glance if they’re running behind or
ahead. They are forewarned well in advance if they need to re-schedule
with customers to avoid working overtime. The Factory Monitor gives factory
managers the power to adapt easily and flexibly to real world working.
A key benefit is that it also issues work sheets, which tell each operative
in what order the work should flow through the factory to prevent cherry
picking simple jobs, which might throw schedules and upset deadlines.
This is particularly valuable for companies who operate bonus schemes
based on number of frames manufactured.
‘The Factory Monitor proactively schedules and reactively tracks
jobs through the production cycle, allowing extra time for complicated
orders such as cruciform windows or jobs where extra reinforcement is
required. It calculates production times across all factory work centres,
so you can tell exactly how a job fits into the schedule in advance of
the customer’s required date, and if you can meet its delivery schedule.
Profitmaker software helps fabricators run factories more efficiently.
This results in improved delivery times, happier customers and greater
profitability. It also helps reduce stress and premature ageing in hard
worked factory managers.’
Tel: 0870 241 3089
Web: http://www.profit-maker.net
GAP
Helps Twinfix get to Smaller Builders
Twinfix,
provider of specialist glazing systems for the installation of multiwall
polycarb, is now supplying glazing bars to GAP the UK stockist of PVC-UE
roofline.
Martin Fleet, Business Manager of Twinfix says: ‘We have only known
GAP for a few months but our first impressions tell us that the company
is a professional outfit with well organised warehouses which are clearly
labelled for easy access to products.
‘We are looking forward to a long and prosperous relationship with
GAP who will help us to reach the smaller builder on a supply and demand
basis, a previously untapped market for us.’
Tel: 01254 682888
Email: mailto:marksimm@gap.uk.com
Ultrasonic
Systems Deliver Superior Cleaning for Plating
Guyson
International, which acquired Kerry Ultrasonics early in 2004, is now
providing manufacturing, sales, support and service from its extensive
10,000 square metre facility in Skipton in the North of England, for the
Kerry Pulsatron UCR (ultrasonic clean and rinse) systems.
Pulsatron
UCR systems effectively remove polishing compounds before electro-plating
from items as diverse as door furniture: handles, plates, letterboxes
and locks, light fixtures, bathroom fittings, auto and motorcycle components
to intricate electronic and audio components, where any contamination
remaining on the product would result in poor adhesion and lifting of
the plate.
With all aqueous wash tanks a detergent additive is essential to ensure
effective removal of contaminants. To avoid potential staining of the
cleaned parts by detergent residues adhering to the surface subsequent
water rinsing is critically important. The UCR two-tank system incorporating
both ultrasonic cleaning and immersion/ spray rinsing overcomes this problem
leaving parts completely residue free and ready for processing.
The latest Kerry UCR systems have been designed to achieve optimum cleaning
results. Ultrasonic transducers bonded to the tank base provide high performance
and reliability together with uniform distribution of the ultrasonic energy.
The frequency is tuned to the individual tank/transducer combination and
then optimised under normal usage conditions with frequency sweep and
fully automatic tuning.
Pulsatron UCR tanks allow the user to pre-set exact cleaning times and
temperatures, ensuring consistent levels of cleanliness from batch to
batch and providing an affordable way to improve cleaning quality. All
functions are controlled by a simple four-button membrane keypad. An LCD
panel displays the temperature and time set by the user, the time elapsed
since the start of the cleaning process, and the status of the power supply,
heater and ultrasonics.
Each unit works within operating temperatures from 20 to 80 degrees Centigrade
which can be set in 1-degree increments, allowing the optimum temperature
to be selected for a particular combination of component material, cleaning
solution and contaminant. Sonics time may be set in the range 0.1 up to
99.9 minutes in 0.1 min increments, or to constant when sonics may be
switched on and off manually.
Automatic safety devices include non-operation of sonics if solution temperature
is more than 10ºC above set temperature, and low-level protection to prevent
heater burn-out if solution level drops.
Tel: 01756 799911
Email: mailto:info@guyson.co.uk
Glassex
and Ultraframe join Forces for Second Year Running
Following
this year's successful Conservatory Design Competition, Glassex has announced
that Ultraframe will be sponsoring the competition again in 2006.
The Glassex and Ultraframe partnership demonstrates a major investment
in promoting excellence in the industry. Ultraframe has committed to raising
the profile of the competition next year with a new 'Best in Show' award
and a substantial prize package.
The number of entries for the 2005 competition trebled this year as installers
seized the opportunity to showcase their most impressive work and compete
for the prestige of being a winner in this elite competition. Thanks to
Ultraframe‚s renewed commitment next year's competition promises
to be even bigger ensuring a high profile for the winning installer and
offering an even greater prize incentive.
Jim Hay, Managing Director of Emap Maclaren, said: 'Ultraframe is the
ideal sponsor for the competition. It has a genuine desire to promote
high standards of quality and innovation within the industry and reward
and celebrate the work and talents of exceptional installers. This year's
competition received a record number of entrants and the judges were highly
impressed with the high standard of projects submitted. However, we are
already planning how to make next year's competition even more successful
and Ultraframe's renewed sponsorship is crucial.'
To encourage more entries in next year's competition there will be a greater
lead time allowing installers more time to prepare and submit their entries.
The awards will be judged in the same four categories, Innovative Design,
Conventional Commercial, Conventional Domestic and Portals, but an overall
'Best in Show' winner will also be announced. This overall winner will
receive £5000 worth of marketing support from Ultraframe and two
years free membership to the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme so
that the company can successfully develop its business further. Membership
to the Ultra Installer Scheme, means companies can benefit from direct
sales referrals from Ultraframe's consumer website and dedicated consumer
call centre, increased customer confidence and business and marketing
support.
Vanda Murray, Managing Director of Ultraframe, said: 'We are delighted
to be sponsoring next year's Conservatory Design Competition and to be
given the opportunity to give something back to the industry. Ultraframe's
name is synonymous with highly innovative and technically superior products
so a design competition with similar judging criteria fits perfectly with
our core brand values. The competition is an incredibly positive initiative
for the industry. It is an excellent measure of talent and the winning
designs are truly inspiring.'
Jim Hay concluded: 'Glassex is a perfect vehicle to promote excellence
in conservatory design to a wider audience and the competition helps to
make Glassex much more than a passive exhibition. The Conservatory Design
Competition stand proved very popular with visitors to Glassex, as did
the glossy brochure which detailed the winners and their designs. Ultraframe
and Glassex will be building on the huge interest and enthusiasm generated
at Glassex 2005 to promote next year's competition as a major activity
and excellent opportunity for all installers of all systems.'
fensterbau/frontale
RUSSIA 2005: Good Prospects for Future
The
première of fensterbau/frontale RUSSIA 2005 in Moscow from 26-28
January was promising: net hired display area of just under 2,100 square
metres, a total of 94 exhibiting companies and some 3,500 trade visitors;
the concept and theme of the trade fair and the accompanying conference
were convincing. Likewise the continuing good prospects of the window
market in Russia, where companies expect growth rates of up to 20 per
cent for the current year.
Nürnberg Global Fairs together with Central European Exhibitions
organised the trade fair - an offshoot of the well-known fensterbau/frontale
in Nürnberg - in pavilion 7 of the Moscow EXPOCENTR, the most modern
and newest exhibition hall in the city centre. The organisers achieved
their first success even before the première: At the initiative
of the Verband der Fenster- und Fassadenhersteller e.V. (VFF) in Frankfurt,
an official German pavilion was organised in the very first year of the
exhibition. Eighteen German companies exhibited in Moscow under the same
roof and design in the pavilion sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Economics
and Labour and organised by Nürnberg Global Fairs.
The exhibitors at the trade fair for window and facade construction included
companies from Belgium and Finland, as well as from Greece, Great Britain,
Italy, Ireland, Poland, Russia and Turkey. A total of ten nations were
represented and 40 per cent of the companies came from abroad. The use
of a computer-aided visitor registration system enabled accurate evaluation
and analysis of the visitor data. Particularly specialists from Central
Russia were interested in talking to the experts on the exhibition stands;
the satisfied exhibitors praised the high quality of the business contacts:
'We are satisfied with the contacts made and the calibre of the trade
visitors. fensterbau/frontale RUSSIA offered us a good platform for gaining
new customers,' says Josef Leo Beckhoff of VEKA AG in Germany. A statement
that George Kardiakidis from the Greek company ETEM S.A. also confirms:
'Our products experienced an excellent response on the market after our
presentation at fensterbau/frontale RUSSIA.' The companies also rate future
business expectations and the service provided by the organisers favourably.
Quite a few exhibitors announced their intention to exhibit again at the
next trade fair in Moscow straight after the event - including, for example,
Alberto Costa from the internationally operating emmegigroup in Italy.
The international conference 'Fenestration Days RUSSIA', which took place
parallel to the exhibition on 25-26 January, also attracted a good response:
'The conference visit was thoroughly worthwhile - we were delighted with
the top-class papers and well-known speakers,' was ETEM representative
Kardiakidis’ final verdict on the event. In his conference presentation,
Dr. Thomas W. Büttner, General Manager of the German Verband der
Fenster- und Fassadenhersteller, established the link between the Russian
and European window market. Other plenary presentations provided information
about the investment climate in Russia, trends in the building sector,
such as in high-rise buildings, and window and facade systems for the
continental climate - market segments that are still growing rapidly in
Russia and promise high growth rates in the coming years, also increasingly
outside the cities of over a million inhabitants.
More information about the next fensterbau/frontale RUSSIA, which takes
place in Moscow from 31 January to 2 February 2006, is available on the
Internet at http://www.frontale-russia.com
Fenestration
China 2005: Good Prospects There Too!
Fenestration
China 2005 takes place in Beijing from 16-19 November. The prospects for
exhibitors are more than favourable: Experts estimate the market for windows
and doors for the coming five years at approximately 200 million window
units per year. Nürnberg Global Fairs acts as official 'overseas
co-organiser' at Fenestration China and also organises a German pavilion.
Fenestration China is developing exceptionally well against the background
of rapid economic development and especially the booming building sector
in the People’s Republic. The last Fenestration China in 2004 succeeded
in consolidating its position as China’s biggest international trade
fair in the window and facade sector: With 22,000 trade visitors and just
under 180 exhibitors from 14 countries, the four-day trade fair last November
offered an ideal platform in the Chinese market particularly for foreign
companies.
Manufacturers from the USA, Australia, Austria, Switzerland, Great Britain,
Canada, Germany and Italy as well as companies from China and the Asian
region presented their products on a total area of 15,000 square metres
(2003: 11,000 m2). Around one-third of the exhibiting companies were from
the window industry, another third from the facade industry, and some
23 per cent of the companies exhibited fittings and accessories. Of the
22,000 trade visitors at the exhibition (2003: 15,600), almost one-third
came from the door and window sector, 20 per cent from the facade sector
and ten per cent from the material sector. The visitors were also mainly
interested in these themes.
The accompanying conference 'Fenestration Days China' offered a top-class
programme for the around 180 participants: Just under 30 experts presented
professional papers to support knowledge transfer in the window industry.
The exhibitors were extremely satisfied in view of the success achieved
by Fenestration China 2004. For example, Patric Hachtel of Helmut Hachtel
GmbH, Schwäbisch Hall, rated the number and calibre of the visitors
positively: 'We have made valuable business contacts and expect successful
follow-up business. We plan to exhibit in the pavilion again next year.'
Sven Hlywiak of Konrad Hornschuch AG, Weißbach, also reported success:
'We have achieved all the targets defined before the exhibition, such
as new contracts, successful product launch, customer advertising and
contact care. We want to be present in China again next year.' A majority
of the exhibitors also praised the professional organisation of the event
by the organisers.
Exhibiting at Fenestration China 2005 is again simplified for German companies
by a pavilion supported by the Federal Ministry of Economics and Labour.
German exhibitors can profit from the co-operation in the German pavilion
through low-cost stand packages, relevant technical and organisational
support and assistance with travel and customs formalities. The deadline
for applications for the pavilion is 29th July 2005 and the next Fenestration
China takes place in Peking from 16-19 November 2005.
Further information about Fenestration China 2005:
Nürnberg Global Fairs
Messezentrum
90471 Nürnberg
Contact for exhibitors:
Axel Bartkus, Ulrike Strohschnitter
Tel +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-86 88, -81 61
Fax +49 (0) 9 11. 86 06-86 94
mailto:axel.bartkus@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
mailto:ulrike.strohschnitter@nuernbergglobalfairs.com
Web: http://www.nuernbergglobalfairs.com
Interplas
is Reduced to One Hall
Reed
Exhibitions has confirmed that Interplas 2005 will now occupy just one
hall of the National Exhibition Centre when it takes place on 4-6 October.
The organiser had originally planned to fill both halls four and five,
but the show is now being consolidated into hall five as a result of a
drastic fall in exhibitor numbers.
When it last ran in 2002, Interplas occupied three halls of the NEC. The
latest drop follows more than a decade of steady decline for the exhibition,
which filled five halls as recently as 1990.
Interplas exhibition director Ian Crawford has also stated that the audience
at Interplas 2005 could be more than 50% down on the previous attendance
figures.
In a press release issued by Reed Exhibitions, he said he was confident
of delivering 8,100 to 10,800 visitors. This compares to more than 17,000
for the 2002 event, which in turn represented a drop of more than 33%
compared to 1999 attendance levels.
Tessenderlo
Group: 1st Quarter 2005 Results
Tessenderlo
Group is now publishing its results on the basis of IFRS accounting standards
and will, in the future, be reporting three sectors of activity instead
of five divisions.
This change will ensure greater transparency so that the group’s
activities and their industrial cohesion can be presented more clearly.
The new structure consists of three Business Groups:
- Chemicals and its business units: inorganics, chlor-alkali, PVC
- Specialities and its business units: fine chemicals, gelatin, natural
derivatives
- Plastics Converting and its business units: profiles, plastic pipes
& fittings, compounds.
Tessenderlo Group’s sales amounted to 519.1 million EUR, compared
with 503.3 million EUR in the first quarter of 2004, i.e., a rise of 3.1
%.
The group’s share of the net profit increased from 13.7 million EUR
to 16.7 million EUR, i.e., a 21.9 % improvement, thanks largely to the
Chemicals sector, which benefited from sustained demand for caustic soda
and PVC in European markets.
The group’s net cashflow rose by 17.1 %, to 45.9 million EUR, compared
with 39.2 million in the previous year.
PVC prices started the year unchanged from the end of 2004, greatly boosting
the quarterly results.
Plastics Converting fell sharply. This was due, for the most part, to
profiles for windows, where the margins were slender at the beginning
of the year as a result of slack demand in the building sector due to
weather conditions. The situation would now seem to be improving.
Outlook
The picture should improve for Specialities and Plastics Converting in
the coming months; more specifically, there are indications that the markets
for Plastics Converting are on the upturn.
In contrast, the results for Chemicals are unlikely to be as high as in
the first quarter. The increase over the previous year may therefore slow
towards the end of June 2005.
Web: http://www.tessenderlogroup.com
IMI
plc Annual General Meeting
IMI
plc, the major international engineering group, held its 2005 Annual General
Meeting last week. At the meeting Jim Leng, Chairman, commented:
'2004 was another year of solid progress, with profit before tax, goodwill
amortisation and exceptional items at £155.4m being the highest
ever made by the Group, and adjusted earnings per share up 12% from 25.7p
to 28.9p.
As part of the ongoing capital management of the Group, we announced in
March that we would undertake an on-market share buy-back programme. To
date we have purchased 5 million shares at an average price of 404.5p
and retain the shares in treasury.
We reported in March that we had provided certain confidential information
to a number of parties who had expressed an interest in acquiring Polypipe.
Some of these parties have been invited to participate in more detailed
discussions and an update will be given as appropriate in due course.
The first four months of this year overall have been much as expected,
with mainland Europe and the UK somewhat subdued but encouraging momentum
elsewhere. Although there are some indications that general macro-economic
conditions may be less favourable our expectations for 2005 remain unchanged
from those communicated in March.
In accordance with our usual practice, it is our intention to issue a
trading update on 30th June 2005, which will comment in more detail on
current trading.'