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Roger Castleman, Norman & Underwood Chairman, Passes Away Aged 73

Respected Leicester businessman Roger Castleman passed away on 16th August 2004, following a long period of ill health. Roger, who was 73, was Chairman of the Leicester glazing, roofing and plumbing group of companies Norman & Underwood, whose principle processing plant is located in King’s Lynn. He had held this position since 1997, having joined the group in 1975 as Managing Director.

Over the past 30 years he was one of the main driving forces behind the growth in the group’s activities to its present national and international position, earning the respect and admiration of the whole of the industry in the process.

As a direct descendant of John Underwood, one of the two company founders in 1825, Roger was a member of the 6th generation of the family to play an active part in its long history.

Roger was very active in freemasonry having been a Past Master of Gartree Lodge, Leicester where he was a member for over 40 years.

He was also renowned for his charity work, which included the Leicester Rotary Club and Leicester Probus of which he was Treasurer. He was also Treasurer of the Leicestershire Girl Guide Association for 11 years.

For over 60 years of his life Roger attended the Robert Hall Memorial Baptist Church where he made many friends.

As a great family man, he loved to holiday in Cromer – or Cromer del Sol as he preferred to call it - and was known by his family as 'the landmark on the beach' as he had been visiting there for over 60 years!

Son Jonathan, who is a Director with the company, said
'He will be remembered by all who knew him as one of life’s true gentlemen. Norman and Underwood was a major part of his life and his hard work helped to make the company what it is today. It is in his memory that we will continue to build the business on his achievements.'

One of the nicest people you could ever wish to meet, Roger refused to let his illness dampen his spirit, his love of life and people or his dedication to the Company. He was last at his desk just weeks before he died.

Roger leaves a wife Pamela, five children and seven grandchildren.

Ali Meets Queen at the Pally

CGI International’s Commercial Manager, Alison Emerson, was presented to HM the Queen when she and two colleagues attended a reception at Buckingham Palace held in honour of achievers of a Queen’s Award for Enterprise: 2004 on 14 July 2004.

Together with Chief Executive Tom Ritchie and Andrew Napier, Alison attended the evening reception for around 450 Award winners who had the opportunity to meet senior members of the Royal Family as well as the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Secretary for State for Industry.

For CGI this concludes a period of regal activity, following the announcement of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: International Trade in April. In June, The Lord Lieutenant for Merseyside as the Queen’s representative for that region, presented the Award trophy and scroll to the company at its Haydock factory.

During 2003, over 70% of CGI’s turnover was secured in export markets throughout Europe and the rest of the world, and it was this level of export activity that formed the basis for this prestigious recognition.

Ritec Gets Nautical in London and Düsseldorf

Ritec is taking to the water in style both in the UK and at Glasstec in Düsseldorf later this year. Last Friday the company entertained a group of glazing trade press editors on a narrow boat to give them a chance to find out more about Ritec and its ClearShield glass surface protection system, while enjoying the peace and tranquillity of the Lee Navigation Canal.

The company has also put together a great travel package for exhibitors and visitors to Glasstec in November which includes a luxury cabin aboard the 5-star River Princess hotelship.

Editors of the leading trade journals boarded the narrow boat owned by Ritec directors Stephen and Karen Byers at Enfield Lock in north London, close to Ritec’s offices. The editors were able to talk to Stephen and Karen, as well as International Sales & Marketing Manager Serge Perkoff and Deputy Marketing Communications Manager Ka-Shing Man, as they cruised to a beautiful spot on the river bank for a spectacular picnic lunch. The press had to show their competence with the lock gates, but the weather remained kind throughout the day.

Anyone visiting Glasstec can book accommodation on the Ritec-sponsored River Princess and cabins are still available for the period of the show – Monday 8 November to Saturday 13 November.

The travel package is in association with Pressplan Travel who can be contacted on 01727 833291 for further information and reservations.

Saint Gobain Announces Interim Sales up 7%

Consolidated sales for the Saint-Gobain Group came to Euro 15,696 million in the first half of 2004, representing an increase of 7.1% after a negative currency effect of 2.4%. The contribution of the Group’s acquisitions to the growth figure, net of disposals, amounted to Euro 593 million during the period, accounting for a rise of 4.0% in net sales. Like-for-like growth amounted to 5.5% for the period as a whole, breaking down into 5.1% during the first quarter and 6.1% in the second.
Saint-Gobain Group consolidated net income for the first half of 2004 amounted to Euro 487 million, an increase of 3.6% on the same period of 2003. Excluding capital gains and losses, net income came to Euro 510 million, up 8.3%. This earnings growth was primarily fueled by an increase in operating income and a reduction in net interest and other financial charges.

Highlights:

Strong Growth in Operating Performance:
• Sales up 7.1% to Euro 15,696 million
• Operating income up 6% to Euro 1,258 million (up 7.5% at constant exchange rates* and excluding Dahl)

On a like-for-like basis:
• Sales up 5.5%
• Operating income up 7.8%

Net Income Excluding Capital Gains and Losses Up 8.3% to Euro 510 million

2004 Target Revised Upwards:
• Saint Gobain has increased its target for Operating Income Growth to 7%, at constant exchange rates and excluding Dahl.

Performance of Group sectors and divisions:
Apart from the Pipe Division, all of the Group’s divisions reported sales growth in first-half 2004, with the majority picking up pace in the second quarter. On a like-for-like basis, second quarter sales were up 6.1% (of which 1.3% attributable to prices), on the back of a 5.1% increase in the first quarter. This gave a total growth figure for first-half 2004 of 7.8% for operating income (on a like-for-like basis) and 5.5% for sales (including a +4.8%volume effect and a +0.7% price impact). In line with the economic scenario anticipated at the beginning of 2004 and the trends of the first quarter of the year, the new businesses (Building Materials Distribution and High-Performance Materials), as well as emerging markets in general, proved to be the Group’s main growth and profitability drivers.

This performance testifies to the quality of Saint-Gobain’s business model and demonstrates the Group’s ability to reap the benefits both of the current economic recovery –particularly in industrial production and capital spending – and of the growth in emerging countries.

•The Glass Sector achieved satisfactory organic growth, with like-for-like sales up 4.0% and a slight increase in operating income. The Insulation and Containers divisions, spurred by sustained favourable market conditions, posted improved profitability. The Reinforcements Division was still affected by an overall contraction in sales prices throughout 2003, despite an upturn during the second quarter of 2004. Flat Glass continued on the growth track, reporting a 4.1% increase in like-for-like sales but margins were eroded due to downward pressure on sales prices in the European construction market during the first quarter of the year.

Group sales climbed 7.1% on an actual structure basis and 3.1% based on a comparable structure. At constant exchange rates*, sales were up 9.5% on an actual structure basis, and 5.5% based on a comparable structure. Sales volumes rose 4.8% and prices 0.7%.

France accounted for 33.1% of total sales, with other Western European countries contributing 39.6%, North America 17.2% and emerging countries and the Asia-Pacific region 10.1%.

• Asbestos-related claims in the United States: some 9,000 new claims were filed against CertainTeed during first-half 2004, including 800 in the State of Mississippi, representing 5 times less than the number of new claims filed in the same period of 2003 (48,000, including 28,000 in Mississippi). At the same time, 11,000 claims were resolved during the period. Therefore the number of outstanding claims at June 30th, 2004 was slightly lower than at December 31st, 2003, amounting to 106,000, compared with 108,000 (123,000 at June 30th, 2003). The average cost of claims settled over the last twelve months was US$2,700 per claim, up on the 2003 average figure of US$2,100. This increase was due to the higher number of serious cases as a proportion of overall claims settled and claims currently in the process of being settled.

Legislative efforts have been very active during the first half of 2004. On April 22nd, 2004, the Republican Majority Leader of the United States Senate attempted to move forward a debate on proposed legislation to create a National Asbestos Trust Fund. The bill fell short of the 60 votes (out of 100) required to pass through the Senate. A mediation process was then launched at the request of the Senate’s Republican and Democrat leaders, in an attempt to reach an agreement among the various parties involved, particularly concerning the size of the fund. This negotiation concluded positively on all topics, except two ones: the size of the fund and claims values for the various disease categories. Since then, the Republican and Democrat leaders have exchanged proposals on the outstanding issues. With the support of the industrial and insurance sectors, a few weeks ago, the Republican Senate Majority Leader made a new proposal for a compensation fund representing a total of US$ 140 billion. Discussions are still going on, but as the Senate has recessed for the month of August, substantive negotiations may be delayed until September.

• Outlook and targets: in view of the Group’s first-half 2004 performance and the encouraging outlook for its businesses for the second half of the year, Saint-Gobain is revising upwards its full-year growth targets for 2004. Based on constant exchange rates (average rates for 2003), the Group’s target for 2004 is now 7% growth in operating income (excluding the positive impact of Dahl).

Everest Commercial Expands Production at Sittingbourne

Following the major expansion at its Treherbert production plant in 2002, Everest Commercial has invested over £500,000 to meet escalating demand for both Commercial and Retail business at the company's main site at Sittingbourne in Kent.

This significant investment in modern technology will automate and increase capacity at the Sittingbourne site.

A major element of the investment is a new high-speed Rapid machining centre. 'The Rapid is an automated cutting and fabricating machine which will support our core doors and windows manufacturing facility,' says Paul Whitfield, the plant manager tasked with bringing about the changes. 'The £1/2 million investment and a new layout to the whole shop floor will re-energise the production line from both an automation and assembly perspective.

'The Rapid can fabricate all doors and windows, including our fully reversible windows. The machine is computer controlled, driven by a breakdown file that will automatically cut whatever the design requires. Drain slots, lock-key routing and mitre cutting is handled automatically by the machine, work that was previously a manual process.

'The newly installed machine will help us achieve a higher level of efficiency and make more effective use of our floor space. The increased capacity and capability is necessary to handle our growing commercial business as well as our core retail business as well.

'It will also allow us to keep a closer eye on quality control. Although quality has not been a problem in the past, thanks to the efficiency of the automated system you could say that the best has just got better.'

The new Rapid was installed in mid-February and has since undergone a series of intense tests designed to check its safety and performance. 'The standards of speed and accuracy the machine needs to meet are set very high and the Rapid has passed every criteria,' says Paul Whitfield.

Having met these stringent safety standards, the Rapid was fully operational in May.

Everest has more than 150,000-sq. ft. of production facility at Treherbert and Sittingbourne.

Masco Corporation Reports Record Second Quarter and Increases Earnings Guidance for 2004

Masco Corporation reported on August 3rd that net sales from continuing operations for the second quarter ended June 30th, 2004 increased 16% to a quarterly record $3.1bn compared with $2.6bn for the same period in 2003. The Company's strong second quarter performance, including 16% organic sales growth, benefited from market share gains, new products and positive economic conditions impacting the new home construction and home improvement markets.

Income from continuing operations for the second quarter of 2004 was $294 million compared with $220 million for the same period in 2003. Earnings from continuing operations increased to a second quarter record of $.65 per common share compared with $.44 per common share for the 2003 second quarter.

Results for the 2004 second quarter include after-tax income of $.01 per common share related to insurance proceeds from the Behr litigation and after-tax incremental income of $.01 per common share (compared with the 2003 second quarter) from the sale of marketable securities and other non-operating assets.

Second quarter 2003 operating performance was negatively impacted by adverse weather conditions, which reduced demand for certain of the Company's products, and by a non-cash charge of $23 million ($.03 per common share, after tax) resulting from a system failure at one of the Company's European operations.

The Company continues to experience better-than-expected sales performance thus far in 2004, and, based on current business trends, believes that it will achieve record sales and earnings for 2004 with full-year earnings from continuing operations in a range of $2.25 to $2.30 per common share. This new guidance represents an increase from the previous guidance of $2.00 to $2.10 per common share. This new guidance includes the benefit of recent common share repurchases and continues to reflect increases in a number of operating expenses, including such items as certain material, freight, energy and insurance costs, as well as costs and expenses associated with complying with the new requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Legislation. This new guidance also includes realised income related to the Behr litigation of $.04 per common share in the first half of 2004 but excludes any future Behr litigation income (as such amounts cannot be predicted), any gains or charges for businesses to be divested and any other possible unusual items.

Based on current business trends, the Company anticipates that third quarter 2004 earnings from continuing operations will be in a range of $.57 to $.60 per common share compared with relatively strong third quarter 2003 earnings of $.53 per common share.

The Company previously announced, in the first quarter of 2004, the planned disposition of several European businesses that are not core to the Company's long-term growth strategy. The second quarter 2004 results include after-tax income from their operations of $11 million, and an additional after-tax charge aggregating $44 million ($.10 per common share) for those businesses that are expected to be divested at a loss, both of which are included in discontinued operations. The charge (reduction in expected proceeds) principally relates to operations located in Spain and is primarily the result of lower-than-expected operating results of those operations. Any gains resulting from the disposition of individual businesses, which are expected later this year, will be recognised as such transactions are completed, and the Company continues to expect that the gains will substantially offset the 2004 charges. Including the operating results of these discontinued operations and the second quarter charge for certain of these businesses, net income for the quarter increased to $261 million compared with $229 million for the 2003 second quarter; and earnings increased to $.58 per common share compared with $.46 per common share for the second quarter of 2003.

Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.

Web: http://www.masco.com

Following last year's acquisition by the illbruck Group, the sealants, adhesives and movement joint businesses operated by Alfas Industries Ltd and Compriband Ltd are to be combined into a single business operating under the name of Alfas Industries Ltd.

Alfas will operate the business as two distinct divisions.

The new Technical and Specifications (TechSpec) Division, based at Washington, Tyne and Wear, will be responsible for the familiar Alfas branded tapes and technical sealants, along with the Compriband branded mechanical movement joint profiles, expansion joints and membrane tape products.

The Trade Division will concentrate on the company's range of cartridge sealants, adhesives, canister foams and allied products sold under the Webb brand from the group's Coalville, Leicestershire site, together with private label products it supplies to larger customers.

Stephan Coester, illbruck Group's head of Sealant Systems, said; 'We believe the reorganisation will strengthen our position as one of the market leaders in the field of sealants, adhesives and movement joints. In particular the new market focussed structure will benefit customers by simplifying administration processes and providing access to enhanced levels of technical support and improved services.'

Well known in mainland Europe, illbruck operates three business units, the largest being Sealant Systems (focusing on the assembly, fixing and sealing of building materials). The other two are Acoustic & Design (wall and ceiling systems) and Bath Installation Technology (hidden integrated plumbing systems).

Last year the illbruck Group had sales of around 180m Euros (£120m), two thirds of which were sales made by foreign (i.e. non German) subsidiaries based throughout Europe.

In the UK, Alfas Group employs 80 people and has annual sales of around 18m Euros (£12m).

BM TRADA Tightens up Fire Door Scheme

BM TRADA Certification Ltd is tightening up its Q-Mark fire door scheme to give added reassurance to specifiers that they are choosing a product that will perform consistently to exacting standards.

From January 2005, fabricators applying for membership of the scheme will undergo a random audit test of their product. Fabricators are defined as companies who source fire door blanks externally and then manufacture complete doorsets, as opposed to manufacturers who produce the doorset from start to finish themselves. Q-Mark fabricators, however, must buy Q-Mark door blanks.

To become Q-Mark members, fabricators will also submit to an audit visit by a trained fire consultant, who will assess Factory Production Control, quality of workmanship and the general specification of the product being made. This has always been and will continue to be a stipulation of membership and the audit visit has been carried out before a company is accepted into membership.

As Product Certification Manager Simon Beer said, ’The auditor carries out a stringent assessment and only companies able to attain the high standards demanded by Q-Mark are able to join as full members. By introducing an audit test as well, we are bringing fabricators into line with manufacturers, by asking them to obtain test evidence in their own right.’

The decision follows a close scrutiny of membership earlier this year, when some members were found to be unable to maintain the high standards of quality control demanded by the scheme and have had to leave. Simon Beer added, ‘For us, the Q-Mark means a scheme that lifts standards in the market place and we are not prepared to compromise. Any member who is unable to meet the requirements will have to leave. This does not mean a decline in membership, however, because new members are joining at a steady pace.’

BM TRADA’s Q-Mark fire door manufacturer and installer scheme is broken down into four categories, although members may fulfil the criteria for more than one category:
• door blank supplier
• door/set manufacturer
• fabricator (must use Q-Mark approved door blanks)
• installer.

A series of colour-coded plugs denotes the status of the fire doors and a unique identification number pinpoints the manufacturer or installer. Top of the range are the silver and gold-centred plugs – silver for full factory hung doorsets and gold for doorsets which have been fully manufactured under the scheme and installed by a registered installer.

Training is an important part of the scheme and potential members must also attend Timber Fire Doors Explained, a training course centred on a full-scale fire test demonstration, run by sister company Chiltern Fire International.

• To find out more about the Q-Mark fire door scheme contact Simon Beer on 01494 569800 or email mailto:sbeer@bmtrada.com. For a full list of members visit http://www.bmtrada.com.

• Timber Fire Doors Explained – contact Tom Gregory for full details on 01494 569800 or email mailto:tgregory@chilternfire.co.uk.

Space Age Plastics to Sell Global Conservatory Roofs

Space Age Plastics, part of Rok Group plc, has expanded its product offering by adding the Global roof system to its portfolio. The decision – in the words of Managing Director, Colin Deuchars - was ‘to ensure we retain our competitive position in the conservatory market place, by having suitable product that meets all market sector needs’.

Colin continues: ‘As competition within the industry continues to hot up, we realised that for us and more importantly our customers, widening our product range was the only way we’d all earn the sales and profits from conservatories that we deserve. We looked around at various other roofing systems before opting for Global, but thanks to its faster build times, and easier installation, customers told us they’d like to try it out.’

Space Age Plastics is going for growth and is significantly looking to increase its turnover. Conservatories currently represent more than 50% of turnover. Colin adds: ‘Going forward, we want to increase the proportion of our conservatory business to over 70% from our network of three branches across England. To achieve this, our suppliers need to offer, and deliver, the right product, at the right price, at the right time. We are ensuring we work with companies who achieve the balance between product development, marketing and true value for money. Clarity and openness of communications are also important because for Space Age, a supplier is more than just a supplier; it must be a true partnership. We are looking forward to achieving just this with Synseal and Global.’

Taylor Made Conservatories uses Shield

Taylor Made was one of the first large fabricators to make a wholesale swing to conservatories. It is always on the look out for making the running in new markets and in spearheading new products. The company has just announced the latest evolution in its 19 year old history: it has started to use Synseal’s Shield conservatory system.

Managing Director, Alan Fowler, explains the thinking behind this big decision: ‘We are currently supplying around 60 retail conservatories every week of the year from our showroom clearly visible from the M6/M5 junction, the largest conservatory showroom in the country. In addition we’ve also just established a new trade arm, BIY Conservatories Ltd, Paul Wilding has joined the team with a specific aim to manage the new BIY project. ‘

‘The Shield product fits perfectly into our BIY plans’ adds Paul.

Paul continues, ‘From a fabricator’s perspective the Shield system is great because its second generation design incorporating efficiency and time saving features means our manufacturing time is cut down, without any compromise on quality. It’s the simple things that make the difference too. For example, Shield’s easy profile identification uses common sense product coding which is vital to keep our manufacturing as smooth and cost effective as possible. Specifically, the box gutter system is also ahead of its time - unlike some systems, it strips out unnecessary components.

‘The support from the Synseal team has been outstanding and highly professional. This goes especially for the technical support, and the breadth and depth of information they gave us to get going. Compared with other systems, the Shield product is well thought out and designed and has constant new product developments and upgrades. This combined with Synseal’s approach of really listening to customers’ feedback and suggestions, means they create confidence and enthusiasm about our new relationship - a refreshing change in this sometimes negative and competitive industry.’

Tel: 01623 443 200

Fenzi: Thiover Turns Canadian

Thiover polysulphides has moved to Toronto. The polysulphide sealant for insulating glass, already distributed by Fenzi North America for some time, is now produced in Canada at the new plant in Toronto, an ideal area in strategic terms for serving the Northern American market. Opening of the new plant guarantees Thiover an even more effective presence in the area, in line with the needs of this market, avoiding, for example, fluctuations in exchange rates and ensuring fast and timely deliveries to customers thanks to constant restocking.

Technology and ecology go hand in hand at this new facility: the new Thiover production plant was designed for maximum automation and full observance of the strictest environment protection laws.

The Thiover polysulphide sealant already enjoys a significant presence on the North American market. Distributed since 2001 by Fenzi North America, a company in the multinational group Fenzi, it soon became the sealant of choice for a number of important flat glass processors due to its machinability with all the extruders and robotic sealing machines currently available on the market.

Thiover says that 'Made in Canada' is therefore set to increase its success even further, confirming its high quality, identical to that of the product 'Made in Italy' which has gained it certifications from all the major official test houses in Europe.

A Coventry double glazing firm has turned to the latest technology to boost deliveries and drive customer service forward.

Holbrooks-based specialist do-it-yourself conservatory firm U-fit.co.uk has added to its van fleet with two new vehicles, fitted with state-of-the-art tracking technology.

The computer tracking system in the vans will allow staff at U-fit's headquarters, in Boston Place, to log-on and find out exactly where a vehicle is at any time.

U-fit managing director John Armstrong (pictured left with his new lorry) said the system would help the company to let customers know exactly when their delivery is expected rather than leave them waiting around for hours on end if a driver became stuck in traffic.

U-fit has enjoyed tremendous growth since it was set up eight years ago by John and his wife Ann and the additional vans will now allow the company to deliver 75 conservatories a week to customers around the UK.

The company, which last December featured in a BBC documentary, is aiming to boost its £3.2 million turnover by more than half by April 2005.

John Armstrong said: ‘It's a huge boost to our delivery fleet, not only in terms of the quantity of conservatories we will be able to transport in a week, but also in terms of customer service.

‘If traffic is likely to be bad on route to a customer it will automatically re-route you and drivers will also be able to drive straight to customers' front doors by using the system.

‘By investing in technology we are strengthening our position in the market while giving customers an improved service and hopefully this will be yet another step towards our future growth.’

Tel: 0800 3890595

Wendland Raises the Bar with New Roofing Technology Centre

Following its recent move to new state-of-the-art factory and office premises, conservatory roof manufacturer Wendland Roof Solutions is now pledging to improve standards within the conservatory industry and provide customers and staff with greater knowledge and support following the opening of its new Roofing Technology Centre. Based at the company’s new Gloucestershire headquarters in Quedgeley, the Centre offers a complete business solution and has been designed to help customers focus on adding value to their business.

The Roofing Technology Centre comprises three main areas: a fabrication facility, a product showroom and a training facility. The first is effectively a mini-fabrication plant that offers both new and existing Wendland customers the opportunity to learn how best to fabricate and build all Wendland roof solutions, including the increasingly popular Styal system. The facility has been designed to mirror the set-up recommended to Wendland fabricators, giving customers a realistic experience of the materials, tooling and machinery required to manufacture Wendland roofs.

The showroom area highlights the breadth of Wendland’s product range and showcases the Styal and Modual systems, with new additions soon to appear alongside these established products. Customers will be able to experience first-hand the latest technologies, techniques and products being offered by Wendland prior to official launch, allowing the company to respond to valuable customer feedback.

The crowning glory of the new Centre, however, is the Wendland Academy, a fully equipped training facility for both staff and customers. The Wendland Academy offers a set prospectus of courses covering everything from basic product training to more complex instructions such as specific surveyor training. The facility will also run tailor-made courses for individual customers, allowing them to utilise the Centre as their own branded training area whenever they need it.

Wendland Managing Director Graham Fisher believes that the new Roofing Technology Centre will not only offer high level support to customers but will also improve industry standards in general:

‘By educating our customers as much as we can about our products, we can help them maximise profits by identifying areas where they could improve productivity or achieve added value sales. The training facility also offers major benefits – there is still a lot of ignorance in the market-place about how to do things correctly, and we want to ensure that our fitters as well as our fabricators are fully informed about every aspect of the system, and that everyone has the opportunity to receive practical, hands-on support and advice.’

For further information about the new Roofing Technology Centre, call Wendland on 0870 420 7900 or email mailto:training@wendland.uk.com.

Radley Joins Forces with Maitland on Barratt Contract

Specialist trade fabricator Radley PVCU and Maitland, an Ultraframe roof manufacturer, have joined forces to supply conservatories for two prestigious Barratt developments in Surrey. Depending on demand from purchasers of properties on each site, the contract could involve up to 200 conservatories.

Barratt is giving house buyers at its developments in Queen’s Road in Richmond and Townmead Road, Kew the opportunity to enhance their new home with a high quality PVCu conservatory. The conservatory is installed during the main build process, which makes it VAT free and therefore a cost-effective option. This added value sales incentive is becoming increasingly popular with housebuilders, and gives homebuyers the convenience of having a stylish conservatory already installed when they move in.

Buyers are being offered a choice of conservatory design in a clean, white finish within a set price range. All conservatories feature an exacting specification, including shootbolt locking and toughened safety glazing. Radley and Maitland have already fabricated and fitted a double-hipped Victorian style conservatory for the £1.7m show house in Richmond. This first conservatory, which is 7.5m long and has a 3.5m projection, includes classic casement windows with decorative bevelled fanlights, together with a 165mm box gutter and French doors.

The Ultraframe roof, manufactured by Maitland at one of its three factories in Worcestershire, is glazed with 25mm bronze polycarbonate to reduce heat build-up and glare. Radley and Maitland are currently in the process of supplying similar conservatories for two properties that have recently been sold on the site in Kew. Barratt is also offering smaller conservatories in a standard Victorian or Edwardian design to purchasers of townhouses on both developments.

Radley’s fabrication expertise and Maitland’s experience in high volume conservatory roof manufacture are proving a winning combination on this prestigious new build contract. ‘Maitland was given the opportunity to quote through Ultraframe and then contacted us to provide the rest of the conservatory package,’ explains Gary Wanless of Radley PVCU’s Trade Sales. ‘Together we compiled a quotation and delivery schedule, which was approved by Barratt. The contract is working very well so far and is, I believe, an excellent example of good partnering in action.’

Tel: 01235 516700

Over the last two years Shepley Window Systems has seen an increasing number of customers launching new showrooms or revamping existing ones. It’s a natural progression for companies serious about selling conservatories, and follows in the steps of other home improvement sectors like bathrooms and kitchens. That’s why Shepley now offers a professional showroom design service to its installer network.

‘Shepley aims to help customers to develop and manage growth, increase sales or simply freshen up their business by focusing on the shopping experience,’ explains James Brisbane, marketing manager of Shepley. ‘The showroom design service is another new addition to our partnership approach and perfectly complements Shepley’s already extensive range of marketing support. There are various ways we can help, from working with what’s already there – maybe the showroom just needs some new life injecting into it – to going back to the drawing board and starting from scratch. Working alongside a professional retail design company we can help companies create the best looking and most effective showrooms, while staying in line with budgets.’

Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com

Profix Invests for the Future

Due to expansion into the trade market, Profix Ltd has recently undertaken an investment programme to purchase new fabrication machinery at its site in Birmingham. Included within this investment is the purchase of an EKA 379 Transom Corner cleaner which will ensure accurate cleaning of the company’s 60mm decorative suite, by Deceuninck.

The introduction of the new machinery has improved manufacturing efficiency and allowed additional production space within the company’s unit.

Mick Sadler, Director of Profix explains ‘During recent months we have made considerable inroads into the trade market whilst sustaining business growth within the commercial arena. By investing in the new machinery we are confident that we will be able to sustain our competitive edge in terms of product quality and turnaround, whilst meeting our own business objectives.’

Profix currently manufactures 300 windows per week and offers installers a comprehensive range of products including casements, patios, French doors and tilt and turns.

Tel: 0121 358 6128

Kier Sheffield LLP Chooses System 10 for Long-Term Partnership

A just signed six year partnership agreement with Kier Sheffield LLP has put System 10 in the public sector spotlight.

System 10 PVCu windows and doors are already extensively used by major cities Birmingham and Glasgow. Now, with the addition of Sheffield, System 10 has three of the largest UK social housing providers amongst its client portfolio.

Kier has teamed up with Sheffield City Council's Construction and Building service to form a new joint venture company - Kier Sheffield LLP - in order to maintain and repair some 64,000 council houses and other council buildings over a ten year term. The council's outsourcing contract is thought to be one of the largest of its kind awarded in the UK to date.

Mike Stevenson, Sales and Marketing Director - Public Sector of WHS Halo, the manufacturer of System 10 said:

'There are a number of window system companies who claim to be able to service the requirements of the public sector. However, there is only one brand with a proven track record of over twenty years experience specifically in this arena, and that's System 10. It takes a specialist approach to service public sector clients that is very different from that of retail work. This specialist expertise is what differentiates System 10 from the rest.'

Commenting on the selection of System 10, Lawrie Weaver, Kier Sheffield LLP's Service Development Director, said:

'System 10 was selected by us for a number of reasons. The high quality of the product and the proactive, problem-solving approach of the System 10 team were the two main factors. We were impressed with the team's commitment to partnering to provide solutions for our client. Price was an important element but a balanced view between quality, service and price was used to evaluate what is to be a long-term relationship. We are looking forward to our partnership with System 10, and are confident that the brand will deliver what Sheffield City Council is looking for.'

An interesting aspect of the contract is the provision of a sheltered workshop employing people in a supported environment. The workshop will handle the fabrication. of the System 10 windows intended for upgrading the council's housing stock and other associated buildings.

Tel: 0121 749 3000
Email: mailto:system10@whs-halo.co.uk

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