Total
Glass Signs Multi-Million Pound Deal with Profile 22
Total
Glass, one of Profile 22's biggest trade fabricators, has signed a multi-million
pound deal with its profile supplier, strengthening the already-established
working relationship between them.
Profile 22's Sales and Marketing Director, Rob McGlennon and Product Manager,
Nic Rossano, finalised the details of the agreement with Total's MD Frank
Deary and Operations Director, Paul Ierston.
With a successful 14-year trading history with Profile 22, Total Glass
is one of the systems company's largest customers and supplies trade frames
to customers throughout the North and beyond.
Says Frank: 'We're delighted with this £12 million contract and
to be working in partnership with Profile 22 to progress both our business
and theirs. It's an exciting time for us as we enter a new growth phase
coinciding with the launch of new products, such as the Safeware hardware
range and pre-applied gasket to main frame profiles.
'Over the years, we've had a lot of technical support which has helped
us streamline our production and processes throughout the company,' he
continues.
Total is already seeing time and cost savings in the use of Profile 22's
new PAG, or pre-applied gasket system, which can save more than nine minutes
manufacturing time per frame - representing a 30 per cent increase in
efficiency.
Using co-extruded profiles means no need to stock gaskets, and labour
previously used on gasketing frames can be employed to fabricate windows.
Adds Frank: 'Our customers are impressed with the new co-extruded profiles
which they find easier to install with no movement or shrinkage of the
seal. The quality of welding on the corners is improved too, resulting
in an overall even better top quality window.'
Pic caption: Shaking on the deal; left to right:
Paul Ierston, Operations Manager; Frank Deary, Managing Director; Rob
McGlennon, Sales and Marketing Director Profile 22; Nic Rossano, Product
Manager Profile 22.
Rumours
about the future of Plus Plan (UK) Ltd, a UK PVCu window systems company
in the commercial sector, and Plus Plan GmbH, both part of the German
VGT Industrie AG, have been circulating around the industry in the last
two weeks. As ever with rumours, some of these are true; but some are
false and potentially damaging.
Plus Plan UK's Managing Director Phil Duncombe comments: 'Everyone knows
how dire the economy is in Germany. The German window market has shrunk,
and even a significant export market in Russia and Eastern Europe is not
enough to prevent the rash of consolidation that is going on as German
profile companies come under increasing pressure. The latest casualties,
Plus Plan GmbH and the VGT group have gone into administration.
'However Plus Plan (UK) Ltd has not gone into administration. It continues
to trade as usual. It is solvent, made a profit in 2002, and is in profit
with good cash flow in 2003. It has the full support of both banks and
suppliers.
'Plus Plan GmbH, the German company, is continuing to operate as normal
under the supervision of an Interim Manager while a buyer is sought. Those
familiar with previous casualties such as the Kömmerling group know
that in Germany this process can drag on for a very long time, and the
UK company can emerge all the stronger at the end of it.
'It would be foolish to say this is not a distraction,' says Phil. 'But
I hope we may also end up far stronger as a result. Despite our parent
company's difficulties we managed to invest in two major product launches
for customers this year. We have increased sales staff to provide further
customer support and our marketing campaign is well underway with the
aim of positioning Plus Plan UK as a premium player in the industry. Our
customer base is expanding and Plus Plan (UK) is in good shape.'
Phil confirms: 'We are in discussions with a number of interested parties
who see the company as strengthening their line up. I look forward to
finding a new, stronger home for Plus Plan UK so we can fulfil our potential.'
Contact: Phil Duncombe
Tel: 01455 556771
Laird
Group files Positive Results, but Fullarton Disposal Proves Costly
The Laird Group has reported annual turnover for 2002 of £424m,
close to the figure achieved in 2001 and in the face of difficult electronic
markets and adverse exchange rate mocements. Laird Technologies, Laird
Security Systems and Laird Plastics all recorded higher operating profits,
before exceptional items, in the year.
Group profits for the year from continuing operations, goodwill amortisation
and tax were £31.8m, 26% up on 2001. Exceptional items include £7m
costs of a rationalisation process aimed at reducing costs, £7.4m
to restructure Fullarton prior to selling it, and a loss of £47.9m
on the sale of Fullarton. Losses on other disposals were £10.9m.
Overall, this led to a pretax loss of £54.4m (2001: £8.2m
profit). The group expects to perform considerably better this year, aiming
at a profit of around £35m before exceptionals.
The Laird Group Chairman, Nigel Keen, commenting on the results, said:-
"Laird has made significant advances in 2002. We have successfully
rationalised and refocused our portfolio, strengthened our businesses,
reduced our operating costs and continued to drive our expansion into
Asia. The fundamentals of our businesses are sound and we remain close
to our customers. All of these factors have contributed to the much improved
financial performance that has been delivered, with all three divisions
recording improved profitability, despite the weak market conditions which
have prevailed during 2002. 2003 has started as expected, although the
considerable geopolitical uncertainty which currently exists makes the
year particularly hard to predict. However, the leading market positions
which our businesses hold, the Group's sound financial structure and the
actions we have taken, leave Laird well positioned to make further progress
this year and provide a solid platform for future growth, particularly
when markets recover and the economic and political climate improves."
Saint Gobain fails to excite in good market, but glass is best sector'
Saint-Gobain’s
2002 performance, achieved against the backdrop of a challenging economic
environment, testifies to the Group’s resilience and its swift reaction
to changing business conditions', the group says.
- Sales up 1.1% on a comparable basis
- Operating income advances 0.2% on a comparable basis
- Operating margin holds firm at 8.5%
- Strong free cash flow, at EUR 1,257 million (excluding taxes on capital
gains).
. NET INCOME (excluding capital gains) remains stable at EUR 1,051 million.
. NET DEBT FALLS 10% to EUR 7 billion.
. DIVIDEND RECOMMENDED FOR APPROVAL BY THE AGM: euro 1.13 per share, up
0.4%
The
Glass Sector posted the strongest like-for-like growth within the Group
in 2002, driven by high sales volumes across the board. Profitability
eased back slightly however, due to a contraction in sales prices in the
Flat Glass and Insulation/Reinforcements divisions which could not be
offset by the significant increase in earnings for Containers.
Business and earnings in the High-Performance Materials Sector - which
slowed considerably during the first half - continued to contract in the
second half of the year, albeit less significantly. Markets linked to
industrial investment remain severely depressed both in Europe and the
United States and the electronics market has not yet shown any tangible
signs of recovery.
The Housing Products Sector continued down the same growth track as in
the first half, slightly outstripping average growth for the Group as
a whole and boosting profitability. The Building Materials division reaped
the benefits of the buoyant construction market in the United States.
The Building Materials Distribution division continued to expand, fuelled
by organic growth and bolt-on acquisitions, and continued to leverage
synergies. Operating margin for the division surged to 4.9%, from 4.5%
in 2001 (pro forma, including full-year contributions from pipe distribution
operations). Full-year Pipe division sales slipped slightly however, but
the division reported a strong recovery in the fourth quarter, led by
the first deliveries under the Abu Dhabi contract.
Asbestos
claims in the United States: The number of new claims filed against CertainTeed
in 2002 was slightly higher than in 2001 (67,000 compared with 60,000).
This increase was due to an exceptional surge in the number of claims
filed in Mississippi at the end of the year following the introduction
of a new law more favorable to defendants as from January 1, 2003.
44,000 claims were settled during the year, leaving approximately 107,000
outstanding claims at December 31, 2002.
At December 31, 2002 the Group’s total cover for asbestos-related
claims against CertainTeed amounted to EUR 426 million (USD 447 million),
comprised of insurance policies and provisions, including the EUR 100
million charge booked in 2002. This cover represents approximately 4 to
5 years of indemnity payments at the current rate.
In 2003, several factors may have a positive impact on the number of new
claims filed, particularly newly introduced or expected amendments to
legislation in certain states.
Analysis
of the Group’s 2002 key consolidated data:
Group sales dipped 0.4% in 2002. Based on a comparable Group structure,
sales contracted 1.8% in euros and increased 1.1% in local currencies.
This rise was mainly attributable to higher sales prices in most of the
Group’s divisions (up 1.1% overall). Sales volumes, which declined
slightly over the first nine months of the year, were unchanged for the
year as a whole, after a recovery in the fourth quarter.
France accounted for 30% of total sales, with other European countries
contributing 41.5%, North America 21.5% and other countries 7.0%.
Operating income contracted 3.7%, but rose 0.2% on a comparable structure
and exchange rate basis. Operating margin was 8.5% compared with 8.8%
in 2001. The change was wholly due to a sharp decrease in profitability
for the High-Performance Materials Sector. The modest drop in margins
for the Flat Glass and Insulation/Reinforcements divisions was more than
offset by growth reported by most of the other Group divisions.
Profitability increased in North America, Brazil, the United Kingdom and
Spain, but lost ground in other European countries.
Net interest and other financial charges fell 16.4%, mainly thanks to
a reduction in both net debt and interest rates, combined with the impact
of a weaker US dollar against the euro during the second half of the year.
Interest expense was covered 5.1 times by operating income for the year
ended December 31, 2002, compared with 4.4 times for the prior year.
Non-operating costs stood at EUR 252 million in 2002, compared with EUR
122 million in 2001. This increase was primarily due to a EUR 100 million
charge recorded for CertainTeed asbestos-related litigation in the United
States and, to a lesser extent, to an increase in reorganization costs
for the High-Performance Materials Sector.
Profit on sales of non-current assets amounted to EUR 3 million. Capital
gains made on the disposal of certain non-strategic Group assets were
almost totally offset by capital losses and asset write-downs. Goodwill
amortization dropped 8.2%, as the Group wrote off in full certain cases
of badwill. Minority interests fell 15%, reflecting the purchase of minority
interests in Saint-Gobain Cristaleria and several Brazilian subsidiaries
in 2001 and in Lapeyre in 2002.
Outlook: the current geopolitical events give rise to significant uncertainty as regards global economic trends. During the two first months of the year, Group sales have been in line with the target of moderate growth for the full year, despite increased exchange-rate fluctuation.
Caldwell
has been chosen by Veka plc to supply improved window hardware for its
Matrix vertical slider range. Veka has been working on an enhancement
programme with this product for several months. In particular, the company
was interested in approving Caldwell's slide-in pivot bar assembly and
sash restrictor, along with the development of a new tilt restrictor range.
Using Caldwell's slide-in pivot bar assembly, which has been tested to
a sash weights of up to 32kg, will allow Veka fabricators to manufacture
the window with all the balance hardware fitted to the outer frame, ready
to be installed on site. The sashes can be taken to site separately,
improving transportation and handling, and then simply loaded into the
outer frame. The two-part pivot bar is held together by a black nylon
push rivet which allows for simple removal of the sash during maintenance
- even when close to the window reveal.
Caldwell claims that its tilt restrictor products considerably improve
the safety of vertical sliding windows, allowing for safer window opening
and cleaning. Veka and Caldwell have successfully completed drop tests
on a 1300mm x 1200mm sash incorporating a double glazed unit of 4mm thick
panes of glass.
Veka's research and development manager Tim Williams explains 'Both companies
worked together to achieve a very successful outcome. The introduction
of these components will further enhance the functionality of Veka's vertical
slider for both installers and customers.'
Caldwell's products are suitable for use on PVC, aluminium or timber windows.
Contact: George Mitchell
Tel: 02476 437900
Email: mailto:gmitchell@caldwell.co.uk
Web: http://www.caldwell.co.uk
Don't
Hold Industry Back Urges BPF President
BPF
President, Brian Mann made an impassioned plea to Ministers on 19th March
urging government action to alleviate the fiscal and regulatory pressures
currently suppressing manufacturing industry's performance.
Speaking on behalf of the Nine Association Alliance representing plastics,
rubber and coatings sectors, Brian Mann called for an end to the iniquity
of the Climate Change Levy which falls on plastics processors without
prospect of a rebate when more energy intensive, competing industries
have been allowed to secure negotiated agreements which soften the effects
of the Levy.
'A plastics pipes producer is paying £123k per annum as a Climate
Change Levy, an EPS Packaging Producer £74k and a small moulder
£65k. This is the reality of how this tax is hitting the bottom
line of small and medium sized companies in the industry. For the largest
companies the net impact is over £1 million. The opportunity cost
means lower investment on plant and innovation and reduced expenditure
on marketing at a time when business is extremely difficult to win and
hold.'
Brian Mann warned of the impending impact of the increase in Employers
National Insurance Contributions (NICs) which are due to be implemented
from 1st April 2003. 'Again indigestible costs are being applied at a
time when manufacturing is very delicately poised. Recent BPF research
has revealed a plastics pipes producer with 900 employees which will pay
an additional £150k in NICs. A machinery supplier with 40 staff
will sustain a rise of £12k. This amounts to a strong disincentive
to employ staff. It reduces our ability to invest in much needed training
at a time when national training facilities are in a transitional stage
and diluting their coverage of key strategic sectors like plastics.' In
addition our industry is now faced with enormous year on year insurance
increases, in certain cases up to 100%!
Their points are foremost in a letter sent by the Nine Association Alliance
to Chancellor Gordon Brown in the lead up to the Budget and follows an
earlier call from the plastics, rubber and coatings industry for the creation
of a Manufacturing Board within government to provide top-level co-ordination
of policy on manufacturing between the government departments involved
ensuring the critical involvement of the Treasury with senior industrialists
to provide a strong measure of realism. 'Government needs to demonstrate
more firmly that it understands current business conditions for manufacturers'
said Mann.
'The plastics industry is a strategically important sector for the UK.
We have considerable advantages, which will tell in the long-term, yet
progress in our industry and in our customer sectors is severely restrained
not only by the actual regulatory and fiscal constraints but by the suspicion
that more is on the way. Our manufacturing industry is in dire need of
Government assistance, not further legislative
and financial burdens!'
Alcoa
Finalises Agreements with Government of Iceland to Build Aluminium Facility
Alcoa
Inc. announced on March 18th it has finalised agreements with the Government
of Iceland and Landsvirkjun, Iceland's National Power Company, to build
the 322,000 metric tons per year Fjardaal aluminium facility in Eastern
Iceland. Agreements were signed recently in Iceland.
Alcoa's Fjardaal aluminium facility is part of the most extensive single
investment in the history of Iceland, and is scheduled to begin production
in 2007. The facility is being designed to be the most environmentally
friendly aluminium production facility in the world. The cost of the Fjardaal
aluminium facility will be approximately $1.1 billion over the next four
years.
Alcoa's Fjardaal aluminium will provide approximately 450 jobs and generate
approximately 300 additional full-time equivalent positions in service-related
industries, for a total of 750 new jobs. Construction of the aluminium
plant in East Iceland is part of an overall economic plan by the government
of Iceland to improve living standards from health care to infrastructure
to communications - not just for the region, but also for all of Iceland.
Those new jobs will help strengthen and diversify the economy of East
Iceland, which has seen declining employment and out-migration as traditional
jobs in fisheries and farming have declined. The project will create hundreds
of construction jobs in the region, helping fuel economic growth. Smelter
construction is scheduled to begin in early 2005.
The new Alcoa plant will have significantly less environmental impact
than an earlier design for the location for four basic reasons:
*Alcoa will not dispose of spent pot lining, a by-product of the aluminum
production process, on the site in Iceland.
*Carbon anodes will not be manufactured at the Iceland plant, eliminating
a source of sulfur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxide (NOX) and hydrocarbon
(PAH) emissions.
*Alcoa is designing the plant to achieve strict, self-imposed sustainable
development objectives, including zero process water discharge.
*The annual production level of the plant will be approximately 25% below
that planned for the original plant.
While the Alcoa plant will bolster the local economy in East Iceland,
it will not require as many resources as the original design. The smaller
size of the Alcoa facility, in addition to the state-of-the art technology
planned for Fjardaal, ensures that it will consume less electricity (22%
less), fuel (33% less) and water (58% less) than the original proposal.
Alcoa's study also projects that carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions will be
25% less, PFC emissions will be 40% less, and nitrogen oxide (NOX) will
be 80% less than under the original proposal. The company's operating
permit establishes stringent gaseous fluoride limits in ambient air and
Fjardaal expects to achieve performance targets that are among the lowest
in the world.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
'Explosive'
Demand for Evolution puts Business Micros on Track for 35% Turnover Growth
As
the orders continue to come in for Business Micros Evolution manufacturing
program, the software supplier finds itself well on track to achieve a
year on year turnover increase of 35 per cent.
Specific demand for Evolution has been so great that the company has had
to take on six new people to help manage the increased workloads.
'Even with the six extra people we have recently taken on, we are still
looking for two more,' said Business Micros director Graeme Bailey. 'We
are having to quote September and October delivery times, demand has been
so great. We are staggered by the response and are pulling out all stops
to meet the Evolution demands.'
Business Micros developed Evolution as a natural progression to its Winstar
program. Winstar remains the core IT platform for hundreds of window manufacturing
operations nationwide. However many of these manufacturers are growing
fast. Business Micros was finding itself working individually with many
of them, designing bespoke systems that took the concepts and innate features
of Winstar into a much larger arena. Evolution came out of this.
'Overall we are averaging between 30 and 40 new customers a month on Winstar
alone,' continued Graeme. 'Fortunately we already had an incredibly stable
administrative and support system, and have managed to absorb the increasing
workloads without compromising on service levels.'
In essence, Evolution encompasses a concept that combines Business Micros;
deep seated knowledge of the changing software needs and perceptions of
the market place with a technically advanced user friendly and flexible
software solution that will grow and change alongside the fabricator.
Tel: 01848 330588
Email: mailto:info@businessmicros.co.uk
Web: http://www.businessmicros.co.uk
Alumet
Systems (UK) Ltd has trebled its market share over the past four years
and is set to double it again over the next two. With profits for its
latest full year forecast to rise to 70 percent, and turnover for the
current l2 months likely to be 50 percent up at more than £10 million,
confidence at the Warwickshire based company is at an all time high.
'As a specialist designer, manufacturer and installer of aluminium curtain
walling, windows, doors and cladding we are continuing to grow, our workforce
has, in a decade, grown from twenty-fold to 160+.' says the company.
'As a company, we adopt a pro-active approach to everything we do, whether
it be investment in the latest CNC machinery and our CAD drawing office,
training our staff to maximise our skills base, or in providing potential
clients with speculative technical, budgetary and logistics advice, partnerships
with some of the biggest names in the construction industry and preferred
supplier status with Taylor Woodrow being among the factor's in Alumet's
astonishing progress.'
For the future the firm is trying to maximise repeat business and bigger
sales for its `Dry Wall Beam', which is easy to install in all weathers,
and reduces both construction delays and costs compared with more traditional
systems.
Business and Financial Success
With turnover due to increase to £10+ million in 2003, last year
was one of consolidation and investment in the future with increased expenditure
putting key staff and equipment in place ahead ofimmediate demand.
'As planned, turnover for 2002 remained equivalent to 2001. This reflects
our investment in design and estimating in the Blackburn Hospital PFI
partnership. Profit however increased once again by 70%.' the company
comments.
The chart below demonstrates the growth and benefit in employment provided
by the company in the region's traditional sector of manufacturing.
Organisational Measures
With turnover forecast to increase from £6.6 million in 2002 to
in excess of £10 million in 2003 the company has commenced a planned
increase in senior, managerial, technical and support staff. During 2002
the board has been strengthened with the addition of a Sales Director
and Contracts Director. The company increased from two to three Contracts
Managers, recruited a new Team Leader, Draughtsman and Assistant into
the Drawing Office.
To follow contingent upon continuing sustainable growth will be increases
in the company's Estimating, Surveying and Fabrication resources.
Tel: 01926 811677
Email: mailto:info@alumet.co.uk
Web: http://www.alumet.co.uk
Status
Encourages Fabricators with Attitude
With
tough forecasts being set for 2003, profile extruder Status has already
exceeded targets for the first two months of the year. This is due in
great part to both the proactivity of its sales team, and the overall
ambitious nature of its nationwide fabricator network.
Status encourages motivation and ambition in all areas. Its continuing
success highlights that this positive, forward thinking attitude, combined
with continuous monitoring and developments of manufacturing and administrative
efficiencies, helps both Status and its fabricators maintain a keen competitive
edge.
'We are being more and more stringent about the kind of fabricator we
want to work with,' commented Status general manager Chris Foreman. 'On
the whole they are hungry to succeed and have the right attitude and approach
to move forward. By demonstrating this ambition we will pull out all stops
to help them in every possible way.
'The market place is getting too tight now to accommodate those who expect
something for nothing,' continued Chris. 'Defeatist talk only leads to
defeated businesses. As an industry as a whole we need to pull together,
putting more into the market place so that we can all get more out. Status
is happy to give something for something if the fabricator has a positive,
dynamic attitude.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Profab
2000 is marking its 14th year with Profile 22 to announce a 75% boost
in its factory space to meet growing demand from its West Wales customer
base. Profab's premises in Ammanford have grown by 2,600 sq ft to 7,500
sq ft as part of controlled expansion plans to take the company forward
into the 21st century.
Managing Director Greg Marsh is ambitious about the future, saying: 'Linked
with this expansion is our drive to achieve Kitemark and ISO 9002 accreditations.
Profile 22 has given us technical and marketing support as we move towards
a new era in our sustained growth.'
On-going investment in new machinery, including a new three-head welder
and a glazing bead saw, has improved efficiency enabling the company to
fabricate up to 150 frames per week.
With over 13 years experience in the window industry, most of those running
Profab 2000, Greg bases his business philosophy on more than 20 years
experience as a local businessman.
A particular feature of the company is a revamped showroom and the fact
that customers, trade or domestic, are welcome to view the fabricators
at work. Customers particularly appreciate the facility to view the workshop
and see frames being made, including the use of coloured glass which is
produced on the premises.
Profab has been using Profile 22 since the company formed and Greg rates
the system highly. 'Our working relationship is very good and the quality
of the system speaks for itself with customers.'
Contact: Keith White
Tel: 01952 290910
Pic caption: Left to right: Paul Hinder, Profab 2000 Sales & Marketing
Manager; Laurence Hughes, Profile 22 Business Development Manager; Greg
Marsh, Managing Director; Stephen Thomas, Technical and Production Director
Gold
Seal Windows and Roofline
Goldseal
Windows has announced that it will now be operating from new larger premises.
Until recently the company traded from Goldenhill Lane in Leyland but
due to increased demand and the introduction of a new trade window division
has now moved to Boro' Corn Mill in Chorley.
Father and Son Partnership, Steve and Richard Fairclough backed up by
a staff of over ten employees as well as three fitting teams are looking
forward to developing the business from the recently converted Mill. The
16,000 sq ft unit also encompasses a Glass Division 'ColorTone Glass'.
As well as the new trade division Goldseal has also set up a Roofline
Division to service this growing segment of the local market. Looking
at the quality end of the market, Steve and Richard have decided to exclusively
stock Eurocell's extensive range of Building Plastics.
'The addition of Goldseal to our North West Division as a sub stockist
will clearly increase our market penetration in this important and diversifying
area of the UK.' said Steve Sellars, Eurocell Building Plastics.
Tel:
01773 842100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Outstanding
Tenant Satisfaction Ratings for Sentinel
Sentinel
Doors, which is operating 'Project Partnering' agreements with many local
authorities and housing associations throughout the UK, has achieved tenant
satisfaction ratings of 98% and 99% respectively from partnerships with
Tonbridge & Malling Housing Association and Perth & Kinross Council.
Sentinel was recently awarded a three and a half-year, 5500-door contract
to supply its Series 100 range to Tonbridge & Malling HA. On completion
of each phase, tenants were asked to provide feedback via a questionnaire,
on the work carried out to their property.
From the first round of questionnaires 98% of tenants were satisfied with
their doors and way the work was carried out by Sentinel's installation
teams.
And as part of a five-way Project Partnering agreement between Perth &
Kinross Council, Sidey Glaziers, the tenants federation, the local police
force and fire brigade, Sentinel supplied 2000 doors for a refurbishment
programme involving 1500 council properties.
Since the programme started in July 2002, Sentinel has supplied over 1,300
of its Series 600 doors in 950 properties and has achieved an overall
satisfaction rating of 99%.
Commenting for Sentinel, sales and marketing director Phil Mundell says:
'Although a benchmark satisfaction rating of 95% is usually agreed with
the customer at the start of the programme, these ratings demonstrate
our on-going commitment to continuous improvement.'
Contact: Phil Mundell
Tel: 01443 229219
BBA
Monthly Certificate Update
The following BBA Certificates have been awarded, updated or withdrawn:
New
Certificates
03/3978 Rehau PVCu Window System - Bonnyview Conservatories & Windows
Ltd (308Kb PDF file)
03/3993 K2 Conservatory Roof Systems - Home Counties Roofing Systems
Amendments to existing Certificates
99/3624 Second issue Plus Plan PVCu Window System -City Windows (498Kb
PDF file)
99/3638 Second issue Infill Door Panels
Certificate withdrawals
00/3770 Ultraframe Conservatory Roof System - Newlife Conservatories and
Windows Ltd
Certificates deleted
99/3563 Spectus PVCu Window System - Farrans (Construction) Ltd (lapsed)
99/3661 The Permafit Cavity Closer and Window Subframe System - Permacell
Finesse Ltd (lapsed)
New
Premises for Rooms with a View
Bradford-based
Rehau fabricator, Rooms with a View Ltd has recently moved to larger premises
in Hillam Road, off Canal Road in Bradford.
The company's continued.success meant that it had outgrown its previous
site on Leeds Road and it has now relocated to a 6,000 sq ft facility
with the capacity to produce up to 400 windows per week.
Rooms with a View Llmited is a family business which has built its reputation
on the quality of the products it manufactures, the service it delivers
and its ability to deliver something special for customers.
The company has invested in new technology to further improve efficiency
in its factory, with new machinery and computer systems helping to optimise
performance and minimise waste.
Rooms with a View Limited fabricates using Rehau's S706 70mm system and
supplies trade customers throughout Yorkshire offering a range of window
and door styles as well as conservatories using the Ultraframe roofing
system.
Tel: 01989 762600
Leading
the On-Line Revolution with Synergebuild
Controlled
investment has enabled Status fabricator Leading Windows to achieve a
year on year growth of a quarter of a million pounds since 1999.
Incorporation of the Synergebuild on-line ordering system, combined with
a £50,000 investment in new machinery has complemented the Portsmouth
based fabricator's growth with significantly improved efficiencies leading
to greater profit margins.
'Status asked me to pilot Synergebuild before it started rolling it out
to its wider customer base.' said Leading's managing director Erik Turner.
'It has been instrumental in achieving a tangible Just In Time system
for my stock levels, as well as eliminating any errors that can occur
during the ordering process. If you input the wrong figures by mistake,
it will tell you - you cannot get more user friendly than that.'
Investment in a new CNC corner cleaner has also enabled Leading to reduce
cleaning time by nearly 70 per cent. Combined with Synergebuild, these
initiatives increase Leading's competitiveness in the trade and commercial
market places.
'Incorporating Synergebuild has definiteiy given us a professional edge,'
concluded Erik Turner. 'The speed, accuracy and efficiency of our administrative
procedures ensure that we are always at the forefront when it comes to
pitching for business. Synergebuild has proved to be a valuable business
tool, and the nature of it means that it is constantly evolving. Status
works closely with us to ensure that it is needs such as ours that drive
those changes.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Progressive
Success for Unique Windows
Its
first 16 months of Trade sector fabrication has been so successful for
Bedfordshire-based Plastmo customer Unique Windows, that the company has
purchased a further 4,000 sq.ft. of production space, within an overall
£500,000 expansion programme.
Investment has been made in new corner cleaners, beadsaws and triple headed
welders, raising production capacity to 600 units a week. Now with a 42-strong
workforce from a nil base since starting Trade fabrication in early 2001,
the company will shortly add fully internally beaded units to its product
range, as a result of this expansion.
Co-director Salvatore Bianco says 'Right from the start,we have provided
our customers with first-rate products, based on:the versatile Plastmo
System Index profile, matched by a very high level of product delivery
and service. This has established an excellent reputation for Unique within
our 50 mile trading radius; a reputation we shall continue to enhance'.
Unique Windows - Tel: 01234 765004
Alcoa
Continues to Limit Use of Independent Accounting Firm
Alcoa
announced on 28th February that, consistent with the company's corporate
governance guidelines, it continued to strictly limit the non-audit work
of its independent accounting firm, PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC), in 2002.
As reported in the company's 2002 proxy statement filed on 28th February,
the company paid PWC $7.1 million for audit and audit-related services
in 2002; $6.5 million for tax fees; and did not pay the firm for any non-audit
related services in 2002. Aside from work on audit and audit-related work,
and tax matters, Alcoa paid PWC no other fees in either 2002 or 2001.
After reviewing the fees paid for audit services as compared to fees paid
for audit-related and tax services, both the Audit Committee and management
agreed that the fees paid for other services would not affect the independence
of the auditors in performing their role.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com