Our
coverage of Epwin's end of year figures last week, prompted a quizzical
response from some quarters of the industry as to why we had given undue
prominence to the Group's operating profit. There are several things to
be said about this.
Firstly, Epwin published - very quickly after their official financial
statement - a 16 page report which is both very glossy and very informative.
They also publish all the same information on their investor website.
This report does not try to hide information, it tries to present it in
a way which is more easily accessible. It very clearly shows a bottom
line which is a £1.4m loss. Producing a report this quickly is actually
quite unusual, and a typical example of how the Epwin Group uses its (excellent)
marketing department to produce a document which is user friendly and
can be sent to investors and customers alike, so soon after the official
financial announcement. Most companies do not produce the glossy annual
report until some time after - a month or two in most cases.
Secondly, in the many years we have been digesting financial news from
the industry, we have become a little bit jaded about how groups (Epwin
is a Group comprising 30 subsidiaries with a total turnover of nearly
£168m) and conglomerates appear to spend a lot of time deliberately
trying to confuse the issue, largely to wrong-foot the city and ramp up
the share price.
The old method of making a few disposals and acquisitions every year that
only your accountants can keep up with is a bit old hat. Nowadays, most
groups seem to be using the excuse of currency exchange rates as the main
reason why their bottom line is £10m or so below the operating profit.
Other excuses, of course, include September 11th and the Iraq war, but
how many shareholders are asking companies who use these type of excuses
'Where is the proof?'
It does however, explain why many companies prefer to announce their Operating
Profits, as they may rightly feel that currency exchange rates, terrorist
atrocities and wars are outside their control. It is worth mentioning,
however, that the more familiar 'Pre-tax Profit' which companies more
commonly used to quote, stands at a reasonable healthy £1.7m in
the black.
Finally, here is Epwin's explanation of why the bottom line shows a net
loss despite healthy operating profits, which we published in full in
our original article:
'In July 2002 Epwin successfully refinanced the debt incurred at the time
of the public to private transaction as well as for the acquisition of
Swish Building Products. Simultaneously, the opportunity was taken to
cancel all share warrants held by loan providers. This has resulted in
a one off charge of approximately £6.6 million, which is included
in net interest payable and refinancing costs with a corresponding reduction
in Shareholders' Funds'.
The £6.6m mentioned here is part of the £10.3m 'net interest
repayable and refinancing costs'. Add to this £2.75m tax and £350,000
worth of dividends, and you get to the £1.4m loss.
Heywood Williams Timely US Disposal Opens Growth Options
Heywood
Williams Group Plc, the UK producer of PVC window systems, cellular foam
and hardware has reached a definitive agreement for the sale of the Creation
Group to Dura Automotive Systems Inc for a consideration of US$60m (£35.7m).
The consideration comprises an initial US$57m payable in cash on completion
and a further consideration of up to US$3m which would become payable
if the Creation Group achieves certain revenue targets during the twelve
months following completion.
The disposal is conditional, inter alia, upon the approval of Heywood
Williams' shareholders and upon clearance by the relevant US anti-trust
authorities. A document containing a notice convening an extraordinary
general meeting of shareholders to approve the disposal was dispatched
to shareholders last week.
The Creation Group is a leading manufacturer of windows, doors and aluminium
fabricated parts to the recreational vehicle market and to the automotive
aftermarket for light truck caps in the US. It is headquartered in Elkhart,
Indiana, operates ten manufacturing and warehouse facilities in Indiana,
Ohio and Pennsylvania, and has around 1,100 employees. For the year ended
31st December 2002, the Creation Group generated operating profit of US$8.7
million (£5.4m) on turnover of US$145.4m (£96.9m). EBITDA
for the year ended 31st December 2002 was US$11.6m (£7.7m). The
net assets of the Creation Group at 31st December 2002 were US$27.7m (£17.3m).
The disposal of the Creation Group is consistent with Heywood Williams'
strategy to focus the Group on organic development in the core UK windows,
doors and conservatory market. The disposal will also strengthen Heywood
Williams' balance sheet as the Group continues to focus on a turnaround
driven by the restructuring programme in the UK.
Commenting on the proposed disposal of the Creation Group, Heywood Williams'
Group Chief Executive, Ian Stuart, said:
'Selling Creation at an attractive price sharpens the Group's focus on
our core businesses in the UK. It strengthens our balance sheet and reduces
the complexity of the Group.
'In the second half of this year we will gain benefits from the launch
of exciting new products which include the remote control Centralock system
and the Elite 70 window suite. Our e-commerce activities continue to grow
and we are seeing improving trends at Coldseal'.
According to the Financial Times, 'the company was forced to delay the
sales (of its three US businesses) because of the deterioration in the
US economy'.
Shares in Heywood Williams rose more than 13% on the announcement to 138p.
Web: http://www.heywoodwilliams.com
Plus
Plan UK Joins Aluplast Group
The
future of Plus Plan (UK) is secured following acquisition by Europe's
fifth largest PVCu extruder, Aluplast GmbH. The new company, which will
be known as Aluplast (UK) Ltd, will continue to make full use of the Plus
Plan brand name, supplying the existing profile systems from the Lutterworth
manufacturing site.
'There were a number of national and international bidders for the Plus
Plan UK interest,' comments managing director Phil Duncombe. 'I am delighted
at the outcome as I believe it will offer the best opportunities for the
Plus Plan brand and fabricators. Aluplast is an enthusiastic, quality-focused
and technologically advanced parent who will provide us the back up and
purchasing power necessary to succeed in today's competitive market. And
while spring boarding the Plus Plan brand into a position of strength,
Aluplast supports us 100% in our continuing customer focused culture.'
In 2002 Aluplast processed 64,000 tonnes of PVCu profiles and is targeting
75,000 tonnes for 2003. It is one of the few companies that has sustained
growth in a significantly shrinking German market, and now has a total
of seven production sites in four European countries.
Manfred Seitz, director of Aluplast comments, 'We are delighted to welcome
Plus Plan (UK) to the Aluplast Group and look forward to a long and happy
working partnership with all members of the Lutterworth team and both
new and existing customers.'
Tel: 01455 556771
Web: http://www.plusplan.com
Deceuninck
Business Plan Aims at Sales 700m Euro in 2007 through Growth and Consolidation
Deceuninck,
worldwide producer of PVCu window systems and profiles for the construction
industry, released its 2003-2007 Business Plan on June 10th. This revised
Business Plan underscores the importance Deceuninck attaches to establishing
a long-term vision for the group.
The previous Business Plan covered the period 2000-2004. It focused on
growth and set a target of 500 million euro as the sales objective to
be realised by the year 2004. The new Business Plan emphasises internal
consolidation, integration, and development. It is intended to achieve
sales of at least 700 million euro by 2007, excluding substantial acquisitions.
The first touchstone in the 2003-2007 Business Plan is consolidation.
This applies mainly to the window and door systems that currently account
for 80% of the company's sales figure. Both plants and machinery operated
by Deceuninck are of recent construction and high quality, which eliminates
the need for substantial investments. The capacity of the compound unit
in Diksmuide was increased at the beginning of this year, which allows
the company to cope with increasing volumes.
The second touchstone of the revised Business Plan is integration. 'We
plan to pay a lot of attention to the integration of Thyssen Polymer.
Synergies and benefits of scale are being created within the new group.
A common platform is being developed and implemented, aimed at cost savings
and the optimisation of operating processes', says Clement De Meersman,
CEO of Deceuninck.
Finally, there is the development touchstone, which pertains to both the
window systems and the profiles for the construction industry. In this
respect, a totally new window series was launched in France on May 16th.
The other markets will be accessed in the course of 2003 and 2004. The
profiles for the construction industry, which currently account for 20%
of the total sales figure, will likewise be given special attention.
With reference to Thyssen Polymer, Deceuninck reports that the 'anti-trust
authorities' have given final approval to the acquisition of Thyssen Polymer.
The consolidation process is scheduled to start as of July 1st, 2003.
The Deceuninck Group is an integrated group of world format, specialised
in compounding, design, development, extrusion, finishing, recycling and
injection-moulding of PVCu systems and profiles for the building industry.
The company is active in more than 32 countries, has 22 subsidiaries (production
and/or sales) and is supported by 2700 personnel, with 560 in Hooglede-Gits.
Deceuninck achieved consolidated sales of 362.2 million EUR in 2002 (excluding
the acquisition of Thyssen Polymer).
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Indigo Poised to Make Inroads with Elite
'Indigo
Products is on the threshold of significant growth and will be pursuing
an active and targeted sales campaign to drive our business among current
and potential new customers' said Danny Hague, Indigo's Sales and Marketing
Director (pictured right).
'We have already made considerable inroads with our new conservatories
division and the restructuring of our commercial division means that we
are having a positive impact in attracting important business both in
the private and public sector'
'The entire sales team sell all products into their own areas across the
UK, including Elite 70 and Conservatories. Obviously we will be supporting
the team with a substantial trade marketing support package, which includes
trade advertising, and a trade PR campaign to keep our customers update
on all services and developments. We believe that this combined with our
genuinely competitive pricing and open door communications policy with
all our customers will help the commercial division realise its £1.75
million revenue target within the next 12 months.'
Indigo Products Ltd is believed to be the biggest independent fabricator
for the new Elite 70 system from H.W. Plastics.
'I believe this is the best PVCu system in the UK,' adds Danny. 'It anticipates
any future revisions to the Building Regulations and for us as a fabricator,
it is a sheer joy to work with.' So far the majority of Indigo's customers
have stated they will take up the new system.
The Elite 70 is a fully sculptured five-chamber profile with two either
side of the reinforcement chamber. Thermal performance has been increased
with a reduction in cold bridging. The system eliminates the need for
de-burring and the drainage slots can be routed without having to reset
the machinery. It uses co-extruded gaskets and is compatible with the
Sightline 70 range of ancillaries.
Formed in 1985, Indigo Products Ltd manufactures PVCu windows, doors and
conservatories to the trade. Headquartered in Aldridge in the West Midlands,
it occupies a single, self-contained site of 35,000 square feet. Indigo
employs 140 people and its vehicle fleet includes two articulated lorries
and two 18 tonne rigids.
'Indigo
has grown significantly over the years and has an established reputation
offering quality, reliability and a first class service to all of its
customers,' said Peter Hepwood, Indigo's managing director (pictured left).
'This has helped us secure the leading position that Indigo holds today
as one of the UK's top PVC-u fabricators.'
Highly automated with a recent £3 million machinery investment,
the factory houses the very latest in manufacturing and production technology.
Continued planned investment in these resources, together with proactive
management policies, have reaped their rewards and enabled Indigo to constantly
strive for all round excellence.
As a specialist fabricator, the company offers two suites from H.W. Plastics
- Sightline 70 and Elite 70 - extruded to BS 7413 with a back to front
dimension of 70mm, manufactured to BS 7412 Kitemark under BSEN ISO9002:
1994 quality assurance system - a complete complementary suite for windows
and doors.
In line with market movements, Indigo also offers a 'get out of fabricating
scheme', including machinery disposal assistance for the ever increasing
number of fabricators who are looking to switch to buying in.
Indigo's products have been tried and tested in the field over the years
in both commercial and domestic installations. BS 7950 also exists within
the portfolio of Kitemarks.
Contact: Danny Hague
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Construction of the UK First Magnetron Coating Plant Begins
Construction
of the UK's first magnetron coating facility began last week at Saint
Gobain's float glass plant in Eggborough near Selby in Yorkshire.
The new £15-million coater will enable Saint-Gobain Glass to produce
its soft coat low emissivity (Low-E) glass 'Planitherm' in the UK, improving
supply to UK customers and enabling the company to capitalise on the dramatic
increase in demand for Low-E glass.
Performing
turf-cutting ceremony L - R John Grogan, MP for Selby, Denis Petit-Maire,
Site Director St Gobain Glass UK, and Guillerme Huguen, MD of Saint Gobain
Glass UK
'Since its launch, Planitherm has exceeded all expectations to become
the best selling soft coat Low-E glass in the UK,' said Guillerme Huguen,
Managing Director of Saint Gobain Glass UK. 'At the moment we can supply
the UK market by importing Planitherm from our sister factories in mainland
Europe, but the new plant will enable us to respond even more effectively
to the needs of our customers here.
'We expect sales of Planitherm to increase further as existing environmental
legislation is expanded upon and new energy efficiency requirements are
introduced. This investment reflects our commitment to developing our
UK business and to providing the very best products and services to our
UK customers.'
Planitherm has a neutral appearance and can offer superior thermal insulation
performance. Its light transmittance also ensures total clarity of vision
and maximises the entry of natural daylight into a building. Production
of Planitherm is expected to start at Eggborough in Spring 2004.
Eggborough has proved to be one of the most successful start-ups ever
undertaken by Saint-Gobain. Opened in April 2000 at a cost of £65-million,
the plant is very environmentally friendly and the only electrostatic
precipitator (EP) in the country. The construction of the coater will
create 60 new jobs.
Web: http://www.saint-gobain-glass.com
Status
Systems sales and marketing director, Roy Shipley, has announced his departure
from the company.
Roy has been with Status for some 12 years, during which he has played
a major role in firstly turning the business around in the early nineties,
and its profitable growth thereafter.
However, he has now opted for a life in France, along with his wife Michelle
and their two young children. He has purchased a smallholding and restaurant
in the Normandy area.
'It has been an extremely difficult decision and I will very much miss
all the friends and colleagues I have made throughout my years with Status,'
said Roy. 'I am very proud of the company's achievements over the last
12 years and the role I have played in it. I wish friends and colleagues
continued success, and hope to see some of them in France in the not too
distant future.'
Roy will be with the business until September of this year, during which
time the company will be reviewing their options for his replacement.
Tel: 01457 875731
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Pilkington Plc - Final Dividend Scrip Price
The
scrip dividend share value in respect of the final dividend payable on
1st August 2003 has been calculated at 70p based on the average of the
middle market quotations of Pilkington plc shares on the London Stock
Exchange for the five dealing days 11th to 17th June 2003 inclusive.
In respect of this final dividend the Return Date for scrip election or
cancellation is close of business on 15th July 2003.
The offer of a Scrip Dividend is subject to shareholders approving the
continued operation of the Pilkingon plc Scrip Dividend Scheme at the
Annual General Meeting on 28th July 2003 and to the Rules of the Pilkington
plc Scrip Dividend Scheme.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Penalty Shoot-Out Ends Mila's 5th Trinity Challenge with a Joint First Place Victory
It's the sporting finish that has made for many a nail-biting moment in England footballing history, and it was no different at this year's Mila Trinity Challenge when Bryco Windows' triumph in a penalty shoot-out placed the company in joint first place position with Golf and Karting champions Hoppe. The overall result of the tournament was an unprecedented tie between the two companies, who now share the much-coveted Mila Trinity Champions Trophy.
Now
in its 5th year and encompassing three separate sporting events for football,
karting and golf, the Mila Trinity Challenge - co-sponsored by Hautau,
KFV Siegenia and Glass Age magazine - has become well-known as the industry's
definitive annual sporting and social event. A total of 22 teams assembled
from every facet of the industry braved hot and sticky weather conditions
on the weekend of June 14th to battle for the title of Trinity Challenge
Champion, with many teams having returned from previous years to try their
hand once more.
After some particularly tough competition this year, the winners and finalists
of each event were:
* Golf:
Winner: Cestrum
2nd Place: Brunel
3rd Place: IDS
* Karting:
Winner: Hoppe
2nd Place: Patterson & Rothwell
3rd Place: Mila
* 6-a-side Football:
Winner: Bryco
2nd Place: Space Aluminium
3rd Place: Hoppe
Whilst Hoppe's strong performance in the karting and football events pushed
the company to the top of the league table, it was Bryco's stunning triumph
in the final of the football event that evened the balance: The company
won 2 - 0 against Hoppe in the semi-final and went on to tie 1-1 with
Space Aluminium before scoring 4-2 in the resulting penalty shoot-out.
Overall third place winners were Brunel.
The day's sporting victories were celebrated later that evening at the
Trinity Challenge Gala Awards Dinner, where over 250 guests wined and
dined the night away, entertainment included a comical insight into the
football world by guest speaker and former football manager Tommy Docherty
and mind reader Graham Jolly.
Mila Marketing Manager Kelvin Green believes that the 5th Trinity Challenge
was the closest yet:
'The Mila Trinity Challenge just keeps getting better and better, not
just as a social occasion but also as a healthy competitive outlet for
our industry. The competition was especially tough this year, which shows
in the end result. The decision to place both Bryco and Hoppe in first
place wasn't taken lightly - they both put in such amazing performances
that we just couldn't choose between them. I'm already looking forward
to seeing what the teams can do next year!'
Web: http://www.mila.co.uk
BWF
Strengthens Audit Testing for Fire Door Accreditation Scheme
The
British Woodworking Federation (BWF) has implemented a more rigorous audit
testing regime for its Fire Door & Doorset Scheme. This follows Members'
comments on a proposal drawn up by CERTIFIRE - the BWF's partner in the
Scheme - in response to a recent strategic review.
Underlying the new audit procedures are three main principles: greater
independence from manufacturers, random procedures to avoid prior preparation
for any tests by manufacturers, and testing of like-for-like products.
'This is a significant step forward in the development of the BWF-CERTIFIRE
Fire Door Scheme,' said Richard Lambert, Director of the BWF. 'We constantly
scrutinise our procedures, both within the Federation as a whole and within
the quality schemes that we operate. As the Scheme has expanded, it has
inevitably brought into the spotlight those areas where we can implement
improvements that will build upon its credibility amongst specifiers.
'lt's also important to note that while the idea has been driven through
to fruition by the BWF and CERTIFIRE, this new initiative originally comes
from our Members and their desire to be part of a Scheme that has the
highest standards possible. The Scheme depends on the rigour and credibility
of its audit procedures.'
The audit requirement continues to demand that each certificated door
design shall be Fire Tested no later than five years after certification,
and every subsequent five years or after the manufacture of every 250,000
doors whichever is more frequent. All tests will be conducted in accordance
with BS 476: Part 22: 1987 or EN 1634: Part 1, as appropriate. However,
in a new departure, doors will be sourced at random, and anonymously,
from a regular stockist or distributor, rather than supplied direct to
the test house by the manufacturer.
The audit regime will be strengthened by the introduction of Destructive
Physical Tests which will be conducted at a half-way point, during the
third year for fire doors audit fire tested every five years and after
the manufacture of 125,000 for others. Again, random selection will be
the norm. The test will involve taking the door apart to check that its
construction matches its specification.
Annual Factory Product Control Surveillance Visits, for both prime door
manufacturers and aperture and frame companies, are a further innovation
within the Scheme. These, too, will be carried out on a random basis and,
in the main, will be separate from those carried out by the ISO 9000 certification
body. Factory Product Control complements ISO accreditation because it
checks the quality of the product actually produced rather than the system
of production, and so adds a further strength to the Scheme.
In the event of failure, manufacturers will have the opportunity of putting
in place corrective action. Depending on the exact circumstances surrounding
the failure,, procedures will have to be amended or reviewed within three
months of the test. Failure to comply with the actions required will result
in withdrawal of certification.
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:firedoors@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
ACDM
Welcomes GBW to its Membership
GBW
Panels Ltd has joined the Association of Composite Door Manufacturers
(ACDM), increasing the number of members to eleven.
Commenting on the company's reasons for joining, GBW Technical Manager
Paul Brough says: 'Composite doors are the fastest growing sector of the
market but are not currently covered by a specific certified standard.
The ACDM offers composite door manufacturers representation and the opportunity
to have a say in the development of current and future standards in the
UK and Europe.'
GBW manufacturers composite doors at its Worcester factory and, like all
ACDM members, is a Secured by Design licensee whose doors have been tested
to PAS 23 and 24 standards, the current maximum standard available.
Welcoming its newest member, ACDM chairman Steve Brown says 'Paul Brough's
comments reflect a growing concern that composite doors should be covered
by a definitive standard that recognises the very different design and
manufacturing standards separating them from other door types such as
timber and UPVc.'
Contact: Richard Bunker
Tel: 01922 415980
Email: mailto:admin@acdm.co.uk
Web: http://www.acdm.co.uk
New
Body gives Network 'Installer-Power'
Network
Veka is giving installers a bigger say in the running of the organisation
with the launch of the Network Veka Installers' Committee.
The new body was set up in direct response to calls from the membership
and will give installers of all sizes a direct link to the organisation's
policy-making structure.
'Members already take part in electing our Steering Group,' said Robin
Holland-Smith, who will chair the new committee and co-ordinate its activities
with the main organisation.
'But that Group consists mainly of large fabricators. The new body will
ensure more effective input at every level of membership.'
At the recent launch meeting, five of the seven founder members formally
accepted the committee's Terms of Reference and immediately began discussing
their contribution to the membership and organisation as a whole.
The idea of the Installer Committee was first mooted at last year's AGM
following requests from all across the membership base.
The Committee is expected to sit half-yearly at a variety of venues with
senior Network staff in attendance. Its proposals will be put directly
for formal debate by the Network Veka Steering Group.
Robin, who is MD of Cheshire-based Goodlife Windows, added: 'Network Veka
has always been the only democratic trading body in the industry.
'Now we have taken that accountability even further in a way that empowers
every type of member across the organisation.
'The fact that we have set up this committee shows the importance we place
on responding to members' needs. We hope now that it will turn that commitment
into actions.'
The founder members are:
Nick Robson of Thistle.
Malcolm Heaver, Heaver's of Bridport.
John Kerr, Gryffe Homeworld.
Lawrence Wall, ERW.
Tommy Gratton, Windows 2000.
Peter Mew, Mews Windows.
Robin Holland-Smith, Goodlife Windows.
Nigel Bird, Eddisbury Construction
Thistle is currently Network Veka Member of the Year. Heaver's is the
South West regional winner and a former Member of the Year. Gryffe Homeworld
and Windows 2000 are regional winners for Scotland and Ireland respectively.
Tel: 01282 473170
Pictured: (l to r) Malcolm, Robin, Nigel, Tommy and Peter at the inaugural
meeting. (The others had prior commitments but will join the next meeting
later in the year).
Shepley
is First to Manufacture the Latest in Integral Gaskets
Shepley
customers are the first installers to receive the new integral gasket
for the Rehau 70mm PVCu window and door system launched at Glassex 2003.
Gary Torr, managing director of Shepley explains: 'Our customers have
been looking forward to this news for sometime now as the integral gasket
features a number of innovative developments, all benefiting the installer.
Lower sightlines mean a better looking product and improved weather performance
keeps windows looking better for longer. It also saves fitting time on
site.'
Chris Tudgay, Divisional Marketing Manager, for Rehau comments: 'The gaskets
are uniquely made from three-part co-extrusion, which ensures top performance
in terms of recovery and flexibility with firmness, rigidity and colour
compatibility. The materials used in the new gasket have all been tested
and approved by BSI in accordance with the new BS7412 requirements.'
Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com
The
UKDPN Enters Export Market
The
UK Door Panel Network, the UK group of independent door panel producers
has started to look overseas for expansion, and is delighted to have signed
up its first contract in Dubai.
Ray Bannatyne of UKDPN says, 'Our growth over the past two years in the
UK has been tremendous, but this means that there are fewer areas where
we want to establish new producers. Our policy is to limit the number
of UKDPN members in any one area in order to help our existing members
grow their panel businesses. Looking at overseas markets therefore makes
considerable sense.'
The Network has taken its first order for a door panel manufacturing installation
from Vista Windows of Dubai who also have offices in Kenya.
Mr Agarwal, General Manager of Vista says,'There is a significant opportunity
across the Middle East for door manufacturing and we felt the time was
right to invest in panel production.
'We found the advice, and the support from the UKDPN impressive, and we
are delighted to have signed an agreement with them.'
Production is already underway for the large press ordered by Vista and
the target date for having the operation established in Dubai is early
August 2003.
As Ray says, 'The basics of panel production is simple, and it does not
matter whether the manufacturer is in Durham or Dubai, the process is
still the same. All we have to do is to make slight adjustments to allow
for the different electricity supply and climatic conditions around the
globe.'
Tel: 0800 018 3499
Versatile
Joints for Windows and Conservatories
The
Hoffmann system of using special dovetail keys to create a variety of
joints is now in wide use throughout various sectors of industry. But
this system is also suitable for the modern window, door and conservatory
manufacturer.
The system uses a variety of serrated dovetail keys which are inserted
into accurately routed keyways in each face of the joined components.
The keys then act to pull the two faces together securely and accurately
with no pinning, stapling or time and space consuming clamping for glue
curing.
The keys come in a full range of sizes to suit the dimensions of the sections
to be jointed and, if required, in a range of materials from polymer to
aluminium.
The Hoffmann system is suitable for all simple or compound mitre joints
and is supported with a full range of Hoffmann keyway routers from simple
bench-top models for the small workshop to fully automated combination
designs for high volume production.
The range of joints and angles that can be accurately and securely achieved
with the Hoffmann system makes this an attractive construction method
for complex conservatory designs.
The system is versatile and, used in conjunction with the Morso guillotine
for cutting haunch joint apertures in a single action, is suitable for
constructing internal frame sections like mullions or cross beam lattices.
The Hoffmann system is simple, fast and saves significant time and space
(in a restricted workshop area time consuming clamping can be a headache).
Also, the system allows for components to be routed and pre-prepared for
assembly with final insertion of keys and gluing performed on site. The
system ensures accuracy of joints. It is also resistant to temperature
range flexes and the different expansion co-efficients when material are
used in combination like a wooden frame with an aluminium exterior facing.
Tel: 015242 62500
Budding Inventor Big Brother's Jon Tickle Blows his Chance, says Patent Office
Jon
Tickle, the boffin from Channel Four's Big Brother House, made a terrible
mistake in discussing his would-be inventions with his Housemates, and
in front of millions of TV viewers. His disclosures have cost him all
hope of patent protection for his ideas.
'The first rule of inventing is to keep your idea secret until you have
filed for a patent,' explains Jeremy Philpott, Marketing Executive at
the Patent Office. 'Anyone who talks about their invention in public cannot
file a valid application afterwards.'
Physics graduate Jon told the Housemates that he wants to invent a toaster
with a delayed release for the second slice of toast.
'Jon's idea for the toaster seems to be new,' says Jeremy. 'A short check
through several of our databases has not brought up any previous documents
showing a toaster where the second slice pops up several seconds after
the first. His invention of a toaster which keeps the second slice warm
whilst you butter the first slice could quite probably have been patentable
- if only he hadn't told his Housemates all about it!'
Jon has said he does not want to profit from the idea, and has given the
idea away for free to the nation in the hope that a manufacturer will
make it. But now that patent protection for Jon's clever toaster has been
lost, manufacturers will think twice before investing time and money in
the product as they cannot stop competitors from copying it.
Electric toasters have been around for about 100 years, with the first
pop-up toaster appearing in 1919 (invented by Charles Strite of Minnesota)1.
Now the patent databases show over 300 British patents for toasters, and
nearly 2,500 from around the world! Patents protect the technology behind
how a product or process functions. The way a product looks is protected
by a registered design - and there are 157 registered designs for toasters
in the UK!
Jon also told the Housemates about his idea for a screw-stick of butter,
just like a lipstick. Jeremy has done a patent search for this too. 'With
the screw-stick of butter Jon may have been beaten by other inventors
- there are already several fairly old patents for this idea. One shows
a device just like a Pritt Stick® filled with butter. As this invention
is already out there, Jon would not be able to get a patent for it, so
talking about it is no great loss,' says Jeremy.
'We would like to offer Jon the chance to visit the Patent Office for
a day now he has left the House, and our staff will be happy to show Jon
the right way to go about getting the all important patent protection
for his inventions. This will include the chance to learn how to search
on-line for patents from around the world - this will help Jon to discover
which of his ideas have been done before, and which are novel and hence
worth protecting.'
Jon was delighted to learn from Davina McCall on his eviction night that
The Sun newspaper had filed for a patent on his toaster idea on his behalf.
Alcan
Commits to Achieving ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 Certification for all Facilities
President
and Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc., Travis Engen, committed on
June 10th that the Company will work to ensure all its operations, including
its head office in Montreal, Quebec, achieve ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001
certification by 2004. This announcement comes in conjunction with an
address by Mr. Engen to the Canadian Club in Ottawa on Alcan's approach
to sustainability.
'This certification commitment stems from the integrated management approach
to EHS Alcan adopted this year and further demonstrates our ongoing commitment
to excellence in environment, health and safety issues, key measures of
sustainability for all of us at Alcan,' said Travis Engen, President and
Chief Executive Officer of Alcan Inc.
Compliance to ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 are two core components of Alcan's
integrated EHS management system, christened EHS FIRST. The system also
includes Alcan's own requirements, legal requirements, as well as, training,
communications and leadership.
Alcan's greenhouse gas reduction success, which has resulted in environmental,
operational and economic benefits, is a prime example of the Company implementing
a sustainable approach to an issue.
Through its TARGET greenhouse gas reduction programme, this year Alcan
met its greenhouse gas reduction commitments outlined in its specific
agreement on voluntary greenhouse gas emission reductions signed with
the Government of Quebec in October of 2001. Globally the Company achieved
a baseline reduction of 1.1 million tonnes of GHG emissions in 2001 and
1.8 million tonnes of GHG emissions in 2002.
Along with EHS goals, Alcan has organised its social and economic objectives
into a global sustainability framework, which is tied directly to growing
Alcan's businesses and its governing objective of Maximising Value.
'By understanding and integrating sustainability into our business culture,
I believe it will significantly enhance Alcan's capacity to maximise value
in the near and long term,' continued Mr. Engen.
ISO 14001 is an environmental management standard which certifies that
the processes influencing the impact of an organisation's activities on
the environment conform to the standard's requirements and how an organisation
minimises harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities.
OHSAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Assurance Systems) is a health
and safety management standard. It requires an organisation to determine
its current health & safety activities and to develop programmes and
systems that focus on the elimination of risk to staff and other interested
parties.
Alcan is a multinational, market-driven company and a global leader in
aluminium, packaging, and recycling with 2002 revenues of US$12.5 billion.
With world-class operations in primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium
as well as flexible and specialty packaging, Alcan is well positioned
to meet and exceed its customers' needs for innovative solutions and service.
Alcan employs 53,000 people and has operating facilities in 41 countries.
Caring
Interseal Replaces Hospital Windows
Devon
based Profile 22 fabricator, Interseal, was praised by senior management
at a hospital in Plymouth for the professional, caring way that the company
worked on the wards while installing new windows.
A total of 110 white top opening windows with anti-glare glazing were
installed over six weeks at Beauchamp Ward, Mount Gould Hosptial, at a
rate of four a day. Staff moved the beds as and when needed.
Paul Willsher, partner, explains, 'We were delighted to receive the letter
of commendation from the staff at the hospital. Beauchamp is a Stroke
ward, so we obviously had to work as cleanly and with as much discretion
as possible.'
Interseal was established 10 years ago by partners Paul Willsher and Graham
Haydon and has 19 employees. A trade supplier, the company also fabricates
and installs for retail and commercial customers in Plymouth and the surrounding
area.
Tel: 01952 290910
Reduce
Shipping Costs of Glass Products with Container Dri II Moisture Control
System
Manufacturers
of glass, and products incorporating glass, can significantly reduce moisture
damage and shipping costs with Container Dri® II from Süd-Chemie
Performance Packaging. As shipments travel over land and by sea, condensation
often accumulates on glass surfaces damaging glass or surrounding products
and depositing alkaline minerals after evaporation. Significant product
replacement and clean-up costs can result. Container Dri II is a cost-effective
method of preventing condensation from forming on glass surfaces by absorbing
ambient moisture inside cargo containers during transportation. Container
Dri II is effective at protecting various forms of glass from moisture
damage, including float glass, beaded glass, and glass containers.
During wet-dry cycles, condensation forms repeatedly on glass surfaces
and then evaporates. As this process takes place, moisture forming on
the glass surface leaches alkaline materials from the glass, and when
the moisture evaporates, it leaves concentrations of alkaline behind,
staining the glass. For the best protection from moisture, glass should
be shipped and stored in low humidity and air temperatures to avoid condensation.
Specifically designed to meet the needs of the shipping industry, Container
Dri II absorbs water vapor and lowers relative humidity for up to 90 days,
protecting shipments throughout extended voyages and unexpected delays.
This moisture control system absorbs water vapor through a special micro-porous
packaging film. Water is captured in a proprietary formulation that concentrates
it into a thick gel, preventing it from escaping. It can absorb up to
three times its weight in water and contains environmentally friendly
materials allowing for regular waste disposal.
Container Dri II is available in a strip of six with an adhesive backing
for easy installation onto the inside walls of shipping and freight containers.
It is also available in individual bags to place between loaded packages
or cargo. In 20-foot shipping containers, generally 32 125-gram bags are
required to protect cargo; double the amount should be used for 40-foot
containers. Based on these recommendations, transporters can maintain
product integrity for up to 90 days. Required amounts of Container Dri
II may vary depending on the time and mode of transportation, the quantity
and composition of transported goods, and temperature and climate changes
experienced during transport.
The manufacturer of Container Dri II, Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging,
is a worldwide supplier of desiccants and humidity indicator products,
with North American manufacturing facilities in Belen, NM, and Colton,
CA, and global facilities in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America.
The company manufactures a complete line of humidity indicator products,
packaged desiccants, and absorbents.
Süd-Chemie Performance Packaging provides moisture control solutions
for pharmaceutical, diagnostic, nutraceutical, electronic, food, agricultural,
chemical, automotive, and other industries. Süd-Chemie Performance
Packaging is ISO 9001:2000 certified and is a member of the Süd-Chemie
Group, a global organisation with more than 60 manufacturing and marketing
companies worldwide.
Tel: (505) 864-6691
Web: http://www.s-cpp.com