Glass
Tribute Offers Memorial for New York Police and Fire Department Victims
of September 11 and plans to raise $1m for Children
Glass Creations, a Dallas-based decorative glass company, has created
a special handcrafted glass memorial dedicated to the New York police
and firefighters who lost their lives during last year's Sept. 11 attack
on the World Trade Centre. The piece, which is 42-inches tall by 60-inches
wide, includes each and every name of the members of the NYPD and NYFD
who were victims of the tragedy, including the police department rescue
dog, Sirius.
Craftmade International, a US ceiling fan designer and distributor, has
purchased the first 9/11 piece to donate it to the Lewisville Fire Department.
The piece will remain on permanent display at the Lewisville Central Fire
Station.
The
piece is 42-inches tall by 60-inches wide, and includes the name of all
the members of the NYPD and NYFD who were victims of the tragedy.
'It is a privilege for us to donate this incredible glass tribute to the
Lewisville Fire Department in honor of the firefighters who lost their
lives at the World Trade Center,' said Jimmy Ridings, CEO of Craftmade.
'It is truly a work of art commemorating those heroes who died while helping
others during the Sept. 11 attacks.'
Glass Creations also plans to individually create over 900 additional
glass memorial pieces, each hand-cut, hand-etched and numbered, for a
total of 911 pieces, with $1,000 from the sale of each going directly
to the UFA Scholarship Fund, established by the Uniformed Firefighters
Association of New York City. The fund helps the families of all firefighters,
active and deceased, with the escalating costs of college fees. Craftmade
has donated the initial $1,000 to kick off the fund-raising effort.
'We plan to raise approximately $1 million dollars for the children and
families of these heroic victims through the sale of the limited edition,
individually created glass memorials. On September 11, 343 firefighters
lost their lives, and more than 500 children lost their dads,' said Jason
Blake, president and founder of Glass Creations. 'We designed this piece
as a lasting memorial to the victims and heroes of Sept. 11 - and to the
undaunted spirit of the American people. The list of names included on
each piece is a poignant reminder of that fateful day.'
Highlights of the 9/11 glass memorial include hand-cut and hand-etched
shields of the New York Police and Fire Departments, each held aloft by
hand- cut eagles and an American flag. Behind the etched names is a portrait
of the pre-Sept. 11 New York skyline, complete with the Twin Towers, providing
a vivid memorial for each and every hero who died. For more information
on the 9/11 memorial pieces, visit the Glass Creations special web site
at:
http://www.glasscreations.net/september11th.htm
or contact the company on (972) 381-9190.
The
Winter Garden, New York, Reopens amongst Rubble of Ground Zero
The Winter Garden, a 10-story vaulted aluminum-and-glass atrium in New
York, has reopened, becoming the first major building destroyed in the
September 11 attacks to come back to life.
Gov. George Pataki and Mayor Michael Bloomberg praised workers for rebuilding
the popular public space that was the centerpiece of the World Financial
Centre complex within the one-year deadline set by its owners.
'When you saw the magnitude of the devastation, this day seemed very distant,'
Pataki said. 'The Winter Garden is a symbol of how New Yorkers are triumphing
over this tragedy.'
The
Winter Garden, a 10-story vaulted aluminum-and-glass atrium in New York,
has reopened, becoming the first major building destroyed in the September
11 attacks to come back to life.
The reconstruction included replacing the metal framework and 2,000 panes
of glass, bringing in 60,000 square feet of marble flooring and steps,
and replacing 16 40-foot Florida palm trees.
The Winter Garden was across the street from the World Trade Center's
twin skyscrapers. It was gutted by falling steel beams and other wreckage
as the north tower collapsed.
The space was reopened to the public on September 17.
At the reopening ceremony on Thursday September 12, President Bush said:
'We gather tonight here in a place - right next to a place of great tragedy
and great sorrow. And we also gather in a garden of great hope and renewal.
From this room we can view the empty space where these magnificent towers
once stood, and remember those who perished one year and one day ago.
And in this room we see and feel the common commitment of our nations
to build a better world, to work hard to see to it that good can overcome
evil.
Ever since it opened in 1988, the Winter Garden has been one of New York's
most beautiful public spaces, a place where people gathered to hear music
and view art against the backdrop of one of the world's greatest skylines.
September the 11th, in just a few moments that skyline was a scene of
fire and murder. This atrium was filled with steel and glass. And history
turned a page. Scores of nations lost citizens that day. And in the 366
days since, scores of nations have committed themselves to confronting
and combating the threat of global terror.
The terrible losses of September the 11th are close to our thoughts tonight.
But so are the common hopes of our nations for a better world, a world
beyond terror. And again, this room is a powerful symbol of these hopes.
In one short remarkable year, the Winter Garden has been reborn. The speed
and success of this rebuilding effort is a testament to the optimism and
determination of the people of New York, and the people of the world.
More than one million pounds of marble for this building was quarried
in Italy and Spain. As one quarry official stated, 'We didn't consider
this a job, it was a duty.'
OFT
Action on Doorstep Selling Complaint
Doorstep selling is the subject of the second super-complaint received
by the OFT.
The National Association of Citizens Advice Bureaux has asked the OFT
to look at problems consumers experience with doorstep sales in a wide
variety of goods and services. The OFT will now fast track this super-complaint
and announce within 90 days what action, if any, it proposes to take and
whether it will launch a formal study into the practice.
John Vickers, Director General of Fair Trading, said: 'I welcome the NACAB
report and this super-complaint and we will respond promptly to it. A
vast range of goods and services are sold on the doorstep and the report
raises a number of important issues for consumers.'
Super-complaints
The Government's July Enterprise Bill White Paper proposes that the super-complaints
procedure will be enshrined in law. Prior to this becoming law, the OFT
has agreed it will consider super-complaints received.
The super-complaints system allows a number of bodies to refer fast track
complaints to the OFT. These complaints will focus on areas where the
complainant suspects there are market structures or practices that are
working against the interests of consumers. They are investigated by OFT's
Markets and Policy Initiatives Division.
The law on doorstep selling
The commonly-called Doorstep Selling Regulations (SI1987/2117) say that
if consumers enter into a purchase contract for more than £35 during
an unsolicited home visit, they are entitled to cancel that contract within
seven days. The business should provide a cancellation form, although
a letter from consumers to the business will also be a valid cancellation.
If the business does not provide a cancellation form, it is committing
a criminal offence and the agreement cannot be enforced.
Certain kinds of contracts, for example, some insurance contracts, are
excluded from this legislation.
Different cancellation rights apply to credit agreements under the Consumer
Credit Act 1974.
Some businesses which sell to consumers in their homes belong to trade
associations which require their members to offer other cancellation rights.
What consumers can do to help themselves
* ask a door-to-door salesperson for identification
* if you don't want what the salesperson is offering, don't let them in
* if given anything detailed to read get the salesperson to call back
so that you have time to read it at your own pace and take independent
advice if there is anything there you don't understand
* treat special offers with caution
* if you sign a contract and later regret it, you may be able to cancel
it, but you will need to act quickly. If you want advice, you should go
to a CAB or ring your local trading standards officer, who can be contacted
through your local authority.
Click here for more info and examples of bad doorstepping practices.
Hegla
Invests in the UK
Hegla Group of Germany is opening a Sales and Service office in the UK
to support its range of glass cutting and handling machinery for monolithic
and laminated glass.
The
office will be based in Milton Keynes and Steve Goble has been appointed
as Managing Director. His responsibilities will be to set up the sales
and support office as well as handling technical sales to the UK market.
He brings to Hegla 25 years experience in the glass industry covering
insulating glass, glass processing and glass software.
Steve says 'Our aim will be to offer a complete package to current and
future customers by the means of comprehensive spare parts, UK based service
engineer and administration'. Hegla Germany already has a well established
service department supporting world sales not just through English speaking
engineers but through English employees based at the head office in Beverungen.
Tel: 07734 172638
Email: mailto:steve.goble@hegla.de
Web: http://www.hegla.de
Pictured: From the left: Peter Böhmer (Export
Manager HEGLA Group), Stefan Schuchardt (Commercial Director HEGLA UK),
Steve Goble (Managing Director HEGLA UK) and Manfred Vollbracht (Sales
Director HEGLA Group)
Click here for details of Hegla's Glasstec presentation.
Indigo
Products Professional Boxing Evening
Capital Promotions UK present an evening of professional boxing to be
held at the Menzies Leofric Hotel in Coventry on Saturday 16th November.This
is a black tie event which includes four contests plus dinner and entertainment.
Tables of ten are available at £500. Proceeds to support up and
coming Midlands based boxers.
For more details contact Danny Hague on 07736 499780.
Intermac
Launches UK Subsidiary
Intermac, part of the quoted Italian group Biesse SpA, has established
Intermac UK in order to provide closer sales and service support to the
glass and stone markets in the UK and Ireland.
'The decision to set up Intermac UK has been well received by our many
customers,' said sales manager Gary Nicholls. 'By concentrating only on
our equipment, we can offer unrivalled expertise on the application, installation
and servicing of Intermac machinery.'
Intermac UK operates as the glass and stone division of Biesse Group UK
Ltd, a subsidiary of Biesse SpA, which currently supplies the Group's
woodworking machinery throughout the UK and Ireland. With the addition
of the glass and stone division, Biesse Group UK will have a turnover
in excess of £10m and more than 40 employees.
Intermac UK was initially based at the Wetherby offices of Schelling UK
Ltd - another Biesse group company - while alternative premises were sought
in the area. However, for operational reasons it was later decided that
Intermac UK should be based at the Daventry headquarters of Biesse Group
UK.
The purpose-built Daventry premises already include extensive showroom,
training, spares and office facilities, and these will be extended to
provide a showroom for Intermac machines, as well as additional spares
storage and office areas.
Biesse Group UK's service support includes a telephone hotline, which
is staffed by experienced engineers who offer advice and troubleshooting
services and are often able to solve problems without the customer incurring
the cost of a service visit. Intermac UK will also be offering this service
to its customers.
In addition to his responsibilities as sales manager, Gary Nicholls looks
after Intermac customers in northern England and Scotland. The company
has recruited three additional salesmen - Derek Byrne in Ireland, Richard
Lord covering eastern England, and Nigel Chapman covering western England/Wales.
Intermac manufactures a wide range of CNC work centres, automatic handling
systems and integrated lines for the glass and stone industries - as well
as the Busetti range of drilling machines and double edgers, and the Gieffe
standalone machines for bevelling, profiling and polishing straight and
shaped glass without the need for a template.
'Intermac has made a long-term commitment to the UK and Irish markets
and we look forward to building stronger and more supportive relationships
with our customers,' said Mr Nicholls.
Click here for details of Intermac's Glasstec presentation.
Pilkington
Appoints Oscar Boronat to Head Primary Products Europe
Pilkington
plc has appointed Oscar Boronat (left) to the position of Managing Director
of its European Primary Products division, the largest operating unit
within the Group. He succeeds Stuart Chambers, who was appointed Group
Chief Executive of Pilkington in May.
Oscar, 53, was previously chief executive of the company's Building Products
division in South America, and was also country manager in Brazil, where
he was based for many years. He has recently completed his move, along
with his family, to the UK and will be based in St Helens, Merseyside.
'This is a great challenge, and while I certainly have my own management
approach and style, and I am also always open to new ideas, cost consciousness
will remain our core focus as we continue to work to maximise output,
develop high quality products and improve still further our customer service,'
he said.
Tel: 01744 692000
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Wendland's
New Roof Comes Out on Top
Wendland's new Styal™ conservatory roofing system has proved a clear
winner in the bid to supply a new roof fabrication venture set up by the
highly successful Eynsham Group, founded by Gary McCartan and Mike James.
3D Roof Solutions will share the modern and well-equipped manufacturing
facility of the Group's recently formed 3D Trade Windows in Andoversford
near Cheltenham. The company has signed a three year agreement with Wendland
to fabricate the all-new Styal™ roof system launched in September.
Styal™ was selected by 3D after exhaustive research of other roofs
on the market, and the service and support offered by their respective
manufacturers. Styal™ and the team at Wendland came out top in a
number of key categories. 'We see conservatory roofs as the perfect complement
to the profitable trade frame manufacturing base which we've established
through our ongoing acquisition strategy, it was just a matter of finding
the right roofing system.With Wendland we were impressed with the product,
the people, and the company's commitment to make things happen,' explains
3D's Managing Director, Steve Rose.
(L-R)
Gary McCartan and Mike James (Eynsham Group), Alan Fielder, David Priscott
and Damian Battle (Wendland), Steve Rose (3D Trade Windows), Chris Owen
(Wendland)
3D Roof Solutions is planning an initial output of ten roofs a week and
has ambitious plans for growth. It is looking to develop a reputation
as a specialist conservatory supplier targeting niche markets, and will
manufacture the roof only or a complete conservatory as required.
Stronger, slimmer and even easier to fabricate and install than its previous
roofing system, Wendland's new Styal™ marks an important milestone
in conservatory roof design.It incorporates a combination of new features
and benefits, which add value to both fabricator and installer - and all
at no extra cost. Increased strength and rigidity are key advantages of
the new roof, as is increased 'kerb' appeal, with slimmer sightlines,
and new glazing options and foil finishes.
Commenting on this first major sales success for Styal™, Alan Fielder,
Wendland's Director of Sales says: 'We're delighted to have beaten off
the competition and won this prestigious contract. It's the system's first
test in securing new business in a highly competitive marketplace and
it's passed with flying colours.'
Tel: 08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com
Click here to for details of the first installation of the new roof, by Oxford Trade Frames.
Window
Factory Works on Future PERCS
Deceuninck's PERC operation has started working with Status fabricator
The Window Factory in the development of an operation dedicated to PVCu
roofline and cladding products. The St Helens based Window Factory is
going through Deceuninck's intensive PERC installation training programme,
as well as becoming a local Deeplas stockist for main regional distributor
GAP.
The Window Factory's managing director Steve Grady has already put into
progress a number of projects for expanding window sales, and felt that
there was a significant gap in the market to develop the PVCu building
products alongside this growth.
'There is no other scheme in the St Helens area that offers as much support
as Deceuninck's PERC schemel' said Steve Grady. 'The company has worked
with us right down the line. From the beginning both Deceuninck and GAP
sat down with us and worked through the initial roofline business plan.
Since then the support and advice has been more than helpful - it has
taken into account us as a company, our individual needs, and how we want
to develop over the next few years.'
The Window Factory was particularly impressed by the comprehensive nature
of the PERC scheme. The company's window fitters were put through rigorous
product knowledge and installation training. The company's management
team sat down with Deceuninck to work through sales and marketing initiatives,
and the creation of commercial opportunities.
'We feel primed and ready to put everything we have learnt and thought
about into practice now,' said Steve Grady. 'Incorporating roofline into
our business strategy is the most natural next step to take in growing
the business and generating greater profitability. With minimal investment
necessary from ourselves, and an excellent network of support services
from Deceuninck, we are expecting to see good returns in a relatively
short time.'
The PERC scheme - Purveyors of Excellence in Roofline and Cladding - from
Deceuninck has been .strategically formulated to open up commercial opportunities
in the PVCu roofline market. Its aim is to set national standards of quality
in both products and installation, creating a recognisable beacon of reassurance
for the homeowner.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:deceuninck.ltd@deceuninck.com
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Pilkington has created a network of 'Product Launch Partners' to distribute Activ
In
an effort to support Activ further down the sales chain, and limit distribution
in the early stages of the rollout, Pilkington has created a network of
'Product Launch Partners', currently
standing at around 51 window manufacturing companies. Callers, and users
of the special Pilkington Activ™ website (http://www.activglass.com),
will be directed to a rapidly growing number of companies that have already
become designated Product Launch Partners in anticipation of a surge for
what many believe is the most significant new product for the window market
since the advent of PVCu frames. A network of specialist IGU processors
will serve national, local and regional fabricators and installers.
Click here for the full
list of partners
Click here for more
marketing info on Activ
Design
Team Appointed for New Bridges at Canary Wharf
Canary
Wharf Group has appointed design team Patel Taylor Architects/MG Bennett
Associates/Techniker to design two bridges for its eastern district. They
will span the north/south waterway, Bellmouth Passage, linking Canada
Square with Churchill Place which will be home to a new retail development
currently under construction.
Five different architectural practices were invited to submit design concepts
for the two pedestrian bridges. The brief called for designs of special
merit but did not prescribe form or style. They would, however, have to
allow for the passage of small craft when closed and larger vessels when
open as the waterways throughout Canary Wharf are in constant use by pleasure
craft as well as construction vessels delivering raw materials to the
various construction sites. These two pedestrian bridges would serve to
reinforce and supplement the already existing pedestrian linkages.
The
appointed architectural practice advocated that the use of the bridges
and the movement from one district to another should be a seamless experience.
The resulting design is for two swing bridges, enclosed in steel and glass,
which provide an attraction by being illuminated at night. The bridges
will integrate with the buildings they serve, uniting the two sides of
Bellmouth Passage. Patel Taylor's concept thereby provides for a continuous,
safe, comfortable and, above all, seamless journey.
Pictures show (above) the winning design, and (right) an interesting effort from Birds Portchmouth Russum Architects of London
Top
Ten Most Profitable Window and Door Manufacturers
A new industry report that examines the financial performance of over
one hundred leading companies operating as window and door manufacturers
in Great Britain reveals the top ten most profitable companies by pre-tax
profit margin for the last complete financial year available, 2000/2001.
The table is led by 3D Aluminium with an impressive pre-tax profit margin
of 17.2% - nearly four times the report-calculated industry average result
of 4.4%. The sales turnover for the companies included in the top ten
varies from just £4.2 million (3D Aluminium) to £32.4 million,
and features a number of the smallest companies to be included in the
report. (All one hundred and fifty two companies featured in the report
have a minimum turnover of £2.5 million)
Table
- Top Ten Companies by Pre-Tax Profit Margin 2000/2001
The
Business Ratio report, entitled Window and Door Manufacturers' and published
by The Prospect Shop, analyses and compares the financial performance
of 152 leading companies operating as window and door manufacturers in
Great Britain. Covering the last full three accounting years available,
(1998/99 to 2000/2001) the report provides individual company and sub-sector
analysis in addition to performance averages for the industry as a whole.
'Timber Windows and Doors' Witnesses Most Dramatic Fall in Profit Margin
Although the ten companies highlighted have performed particularly well
in terms of profitability, the overall picture for leading companies operating
as window and door manufacturers as a whole is not so encouraging. The
report reveals that the average company examined in the report has experienced
a slight but steady decline in its' average pre-tax profit margin result,
falling from 5.4% in 1998/99 to 4.4% in 2000/2001. Comparing sub-sector
performance within the industry, timber windows and doors witnessed the
most dramatic fall in profit margin results, from 3.3% in 1998/99 to minus
1.3% in 2000/2001.Two sub-sectors - metal windows and doors and general
windows and doors, saw an overall increase in their margin results over
the three-year period under review, from 6.6% to 7.0%. and 1.7% to 4.2%
respectively. Replacement windows and double glazing saw a fall from 6.2%
to 4.3% during the period.
Table - Top Ten Leading Companies by Sales Turnover
(2000/2001)
Led by Anglian Group PLC with a turnover of £266 million, the table
features the top ten companies featured in the report by sales turnover,
2000/2001. Although the biggest players in the industry, profit performance
among them was mixed. Only three of the companies recorded a pre-tax profit
margin that equalled or exceeded the report-calculated industry average
of 4.4%. Three companies - Bowater Windows, Coldseal and HW Plastics-
actually recorded negative profit margins.
About The Report
Published annually by The Prospect Shop, the Business Ratio report entitled
Window and Door Manufacturers' provides a financial benchmarking tool
for anyone concerned with the industry. Clear presentation of data and
analysis allows you to measure with ease your own company's financial
performance against the performance of other leading companies within
the industry. Up to 26 different types of ratios and averages are provided.
New Report Findings From: Business Ratio - Window and Door Manufacturers
Publisher: The Prospect Shop
Edition & Price: 23rd Edition 2002/£275.00 (plus £4.95
p&p)
Telephone: 020 8481 8720
Schott
to Build Europe’s Largest Float Plant for High-Quality Thin Glass
in Jena
The Schott Group will invest 49 million euros in a new production facility
for high-quality thin glass (TFT glass) for the display and electronics
industry at its Schott Jenaer Glas GmbH site, where more than 70 new jobs
will be created. The group is already a successful supplier of glass substrates
for mobile phones, microelectronics and flexible displays. By adding TFT
glass to its product range, the company is entering an expanding market
in which it aim to attain a leading position.
'We are the only ones in Europe who can manufacture this glass and the
second in the world who will be making the required type of glass using
the float process', says Dr. Udo Ungeheuer, member of the Schott management
board. By using the float process, it is possible to manufacture glass
panels that are double the size of those produced by other processes.
In the float process, the molten glass flows out of the melting furnace
onto a bath of molten tin where it spreads out and is brought to the thickness
required.
Display glasses, which can be as thin as 0.7 millimeters, have many applications
- for example in notebook computers, PC monitors, flat TV screens, PDAs
and mobile phones. 'Our new glass is the lightest in its class and superior
to the other glasses on the market in almost every respect', says Dr.
Udo Ungeheuer. 'It will also be possible to use it when liquid screens
are replaced in the future by organic light emitting diode displays in
individual areas of application'.
Operations at the new Jena production facilities will commence in the
summer of 2003. Dr. Reiner Mauch will be responsible for the new TFT Glass
business unit.
With the construction of this, the largest float plant for alkali-free
thin glass in Europe, Schott is again demonstrating its commitment to
its location in Jena. More than 250 million euros have been invested to
date in Schott Jenaer Glas GmbH and Schott Lithotec AG. The Schott Group
employs a total of more than 1000 people at its facilities in Thuringia.
Synseal
Invest Over £1 Million in Production Lines
Synseal
has invested in its production capacity with the recent addition of a
second gasket extrusion line and the installation of a third foiling line
which has increased foiling capacity by 50%.
Extrusion capacity has recently been boosted by 15% with the purchase
of four new extrusion lines, while an extra Silo gives Synseal an extra
100 tonne storage capacity. This recent round of investment in production
totals nearly £1.4 million.
Synseal also installed its own polycarbonate cutting line earlier this
year to keep ahead of demand.
'The new foiling lines are from Barbaren, with Nordson slot nossel and
drum unloader,' comments Gareth Edwards, Production Director of Synseal
Extrusions Ltd. 'Together with the new gasket and extrusion lines, they
will help us maintain the efficient service our customers expect.'
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
UKae
Installs New Spacer Bar Production Lines
Following
a period of extensive growth for the company, glazing consumables manufacturer
UKae Ltd has just completed installation of three new spacer bar production
lines. This addition to the company's existing four spacer bar production
lines means that UKae is now able to offer a larger and more comprehensive
range of spacer bar products.
The decision was taken to install these new induction welding technology
lines 5, 6 and 7 at UKae's manufacturing facility at Minworth in the West
Midlands in anticipation of significant further growth over the next few
years. The new lines have increased UKae's capacity for spacer bar manufacture
three-fold and have allowed the company to offer an extended range of
products.
UKae's Managing Director Garry Ealing believes that the company's investments
are a major step towards its ultimate goal:
'Quite simply, the installation of these new production lines enables
UKae to offer customers any spacer bar requirement at any time - no order
is too big or too small, and no product is out of our reach, no matter
what the specification. We are now the only manufacturer in the world
that can offer this product combination from under one roof. This not
only puts us in a unique position within the global market but also allows
us to continue our progress towards being the industry's definitive 'one
stop shop' for consumables.'
Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk
Sheerframe
Delivers New Life to Clasp Schools
UK window and curtain walling systems company, L.B. Plastics Ltd., has
come up with a solution to revitalise deteriorating CLASP buildings. A
structural grid system, incorporating Sheerframe panels, delivers a thermally
efficient, minimum maintenance, cost-effective curtain walling structure.
The CLASP system, and others like it, is widely used in schools and other
public buildings throughout the UK. Having given years of excellent service,
many have fallen into a state of disrepair causing a headache for cash-strapped
schools, colleges and local authorities. The Sheerframe solution involves
retaining the original steel structure on which the system is based, but
replacing the timber infill panels with high performance PVC frames, within
an aluminium grid system which is attached to the original steel structure
using specially designed brackets.
The pre-manufactured Sheerframe PVC frames can be either glazed or fitted
with
insulated infill panels to provide a thermally and acoustically efficient
screen, typically to two storeys in height. Co-extruded Sheerframe profiles
help to ensure optimum thermal performance, and glazed units can feature
either fixed lights or a range of opening options. Where casement, reversible,
pivot or tilt and turn windows are fitted, locking handles and opening
restrictors can be fitted as an extra safety precaution where required.
The system, which has been extensivelv wind-load tested, is easy to fit
and requires only minimal future maintenance.
Many CLASP structure schools throughout the North of England, including
St Edmund Campion School in Wrekenton, Gateshead, have been transformed
by the Sheerframe solution.
A free seminar, outlining the benefits of the system, based on the Edmund
Campion experience, is available to specifiers and school and college
property managers by contacting Cary Doxey on 01773 852311.
Email: mailto:sheerframe@lbplastics.co.uk
Web: http://www.sheerframe.co.uk
Mission Impossible - NOT FOR INDIGO!
Few
fabricators possess the capacity, or production planning flexibility to
cater for the needs of all market sectors. But the team at Indigo Products
Limited have a mission to do just that!
Indigo's on going investment in plant and machinery has certainly provided
the capacity to produce an even greater volume of product, but it is their
planning flexibility that has ensured the growth of their customer base.
Supplying product to trade customers working across domestic, commercial
and new build sectors is no easy task. Each market has itís own
demands, whilst all are under pressure to reach higher standards and provide
improved quality in both product and service.
With a production planning initiative that is second to none, Indigo is
able to offer an extensive product portfolio, which receives constant
review and expansion, in order to meet the needs of an extremely diverse
customer base.
Amongst the latest products to be introduced is an intermediate outer
frame, designed for use in regions where the character of the buildings
is determined by a deep plaster line. The frame is larger in width than
the standard outer frame, reducing the amount of additional work required
during refurbishment and providing a cost effective solution for the installer.
A further innovation is the new Indigo panic bar, which has been especially
developed to operate with pvc products and comes complete with door lock.
Featuring twin hardened steel pins, fitted to the top and bottom lock
cases and an automatic disengaging emergency function, there is also a
latch-lever function, dead bolt with double throw 20mm projection and
optional door dogging devices, making the bar suitable for use in most
commercial premises.
New build designs are inclined to set trends in refurbishment styles and
none more so than the return to the traditional appearance of Victorian
sash windows. With Indigoís new horn, customers will be able to
offer a cost effective, ìmock sashî window, with an attractive,
authentic appeal, whilst using a normal casement window for ease of installation.
Sidey
Open New Showsite
A major capital development programme has seen the expansion of Perth-based
Sidey Ltd, by way of opening the doors to a newly developed show site.
As a long established business, the company name is known throughout the
Perthshire and Tayside regions of Scotland for the manufacture and installation
of conservatories, doors and windows.
The
opening of the new show site, housed within Dobbies Garden Centre, Perth,
has provided Sidey's with the ideal arena in which to exploit their range
of conservatories, all of which utilise the BBA approved K2 conservatory
roof system.
The showroom has been designed to emphasis the lifestyle attributes of
owning a conservatory, inviting design conscious homeowners to leisurely
stroll around the array of fully furnished conservatories, in a range
of style, size and colours.
Sidey's sales director, Victor Dawes, commented: 'The new show site is
already proving to be a huge success with homeowners in Perthshire, who
are now beginning to appreciate that the addition of a conservatory can
enrich their lives and their home. K2's design led system is becoming
increasingly popular amongst homeowners for its fully sculptured, aesthetically
pleasing appearance. Being built in Scotland we can provide assurance
that the K2 roof is capable of coping with Scottish climatic conditions,
and comes complete with a ten year guarantee.'
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiry@K2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.K2conservatories.com
Status
Fabricator Triples Factory Space
A more than trebling of factory space is putting Status fabricator PLAS-tech
Windows & Conservatories firmly on the road to continuous expansion.
The Midlands based company has recently moved into a new 3000 square foot
manufacturing unit to help service an increasing demand for well produced
trade windows.
Set
up in early 2001, managing director Rob Saunders and two partners James
Pell-Walpole and Jonathan Price, spent the first 18 months ensuring that
they worked well as a team, and ironing out any problems. Today, with
a strong commitment and will to succeed from all three, PLAS-tech is developing
a professional persona and image that better reflects the level of service
and product it has to offer.
'Our first premises were no more than a small workshop, but it did not
stop us concentrating on developing a reputation for quality workmanship,'
said Rob Saunders. 'We were building the business on a professional basis,
as we always knew that was the direction we wanted to go in. Too often
companies get too big for their boots too quickly. We wanted to make sure
those boots fitted us properly before taking the next step.'
PLAS-tech has grown steadily through word of mouth retail sales, and its
turnover is split about 70 per cent retail and 30 per cent trade sales.
Investments are being made to reverse these percentages, while increasing
overall sales.
'We are in a position for the trade market to put its confidence into
the effectiveness of our abilities,' continued Rob. 'We are outsourcing
our domestic installations, freeing us to concentrate on fabricating.
We have added capacity to the factory, developed proper branding and marketing
procedures, and are already beginning to field growing interest for trade
enquiries. We are all going into this with a strong determination to succeed,
and this positive attitude is already winning us new friends.
Through PLAS-tech Rob is bringing over 17 years experience to the field.
He trained in his teens as a traditional glazier - a 'Putty Bumper'. He
then soon moved into PVCu installations, and as soon as he had picked
up this skill he knew he wanted to work for himself. He set up his first
operation, Solihull Glazing, which became so successful he was having
to contract out some of the work.
Constant unreliability by other window manufacturers was the impetus that
compelled him into manufacturing, and the creation of PLAS-tech. Today,
Rob and his partners come across a wealth of opportunities every day which
confirm to them that the right decision to go into manufacturing has been
made.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
ROTO
REBUTS RUMOURS
Roto has issued a statement rebutting various rumours circulating the
door and window industry that the company has gone into receivership.
Mike Piqeur, Head of Western Europe and Managing Director of operations
in the UK, states, "ln world trading as a whole, our group is currently
6% up on last year, whilst in the UK and Ireland, our Rugby-based operatidn
is well ahead of budget on the year and has just enjoyed its best ever
turnover for July since we started here in the mid-Eighties.
"However, the industry across the world is going through a lot of
changes and will become increasingly competitive, particularly in European
markets. As a world leader, Roto Frank needs to anticipate these changes
and plan accordingly to ensure we continue to give our customers the high
levels of service, product quaiity and value for money they have come
to expect, as well as safeguarding returns to our shareholders.
"Consequently, our German parent company is undertaking a restructuring
programme for manufacturing in across our international operations, which
will secure our position as a dominant force in the international hardware
industry and create a leaner, fitter organisation, more able to respond
to customer needs.
"Much of this restructuring is taking place on the Continent and
many of our competitors have used this as an excuse to fuel some mischievous
scaremongering in the UK, where we have achieved considerable success
with all products, particularly our MVD340 door lock and concealed tilt
and turn hardware, which have become the standards by which others in
the industry are judged.
"This is very much a situation where there is no smoke and no fire!
"I can assure our customers in the UK and Ireland, as well as those
competitOrs who would rather compete on rumour than products and service,
that we are here to stay and that Roto's reputation for quality, performance
and service will continue well into the future."
EC
Hopes to Unblock Delays to its PVC Strategy Report
The European Commission (EC) hopes to resolve the issues which are delaying
its promised communication on a future European Union (EU) strategy on
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), an EC representative said recently.
He told the European Parliament's environment committee that a number
of outstanding questions stiil had to be resolved within the EC. However,
responding to a question from committee member Guido Sacconi, he said
'high level' contacts have been made and he hoped the situation could
be unblocked. Pressure from Parliament's environment committee would help,
he noted.
lssues concerning the maximum recycling rate, PVC stabilisers and incineration
techniques were being considered, the EC representative added. Caroline
Jackson, chair of the environment committee, promised that the subject
would be raised with Margot Wallstrom, EC Commissioner for the Environment
Directorate-General, and ErkkiLiikanen, Commissioner for the Enterprise
Directorate-General, at the committee's meeting. The industry has been
waiting since early 2001 for the EC's PVC strategy paper, which is expected
to set out a framework for acceptance of voluntary commitments covering
recycling targets and the phase-out of some additives.
The EC also plans to submit a paper on voluntary agreements concerning
PVC waste, although this cannot be issued until the Commission's work
on European governance has been completed.
Alcoa
Realigns Business to Better Serve Customers
Alcoa announced on September 16 that it has realigned its existing businesses
to provide a closer fit with customer needs in the automotive, aerospace,
and commercial transportation market sectors. 'Focus on the customer is
a cornerstone of the Alcoa Business System,' said Alain Belda, Chairman
and CEO of Alcoa. 'By reorganising Alcoa to better focus on our global
automotive market and our global aerospace and commercial transportation
markets, we are better positioned to serve our customers and grow our
business.'
Bob Hughes, Executive Vice President, will lead a new Alcoa Automotive
and Allied Products Group, which will include the businesses that support
automotive customers by providing electrical distribution systems, cast
and forged automotive wheels, cast and assembled components, and other
products.
Bill Christopher, Executive Vice President, will lead a new Aerospace
and Commercial Transportation Group, focusing on customers in the aerospace,
commercial transportation, and industrial gas turbine markets. He will
lead the businesses that support these markets by providing wheels and
forged components, fastening systems, as well as the Howmet business.
'Bob Hughes and Bill Christopher, will provide the dynamic leadership
that Alcoa needs to continue its transformation to a very customer-focused
organisation,' said Belda.
Pat Hassey, 56, Executive Vice President, has decided to retire early
next year after more than 35 years in a wide variety of leadership positions
at Alcoa. 'Pat Hassey has made an outstanding contribution to Alcoa over
his 35-year career,' said Belda. 'His recent work building a team focused
on aerospace and integrating Huck and Howmet paved the way for a new Alcoa
business focused exclusively on that market.'
Alcoa is a producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina,
and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa serves the aerospace,
automotive, packaging, building and construction, commercial transportation
and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering, production and other
capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers. In addition to aluminum
products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer brands including
Reynolds Wrap(R) products, Alcoa(R) wheels, and Baco(R) household wraps.
Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures, precision castings,
and electrical distribution systems for cars and trucks. The company has
129,000 employees in 38 countries.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com