Romag
and BP Solar Unveils Photovoltaic BIPV Glass
London's
leading architects recently gathered at the Royal Opera House for the
launch of PowerGlaz, a laminated glass that incorporates BP Solar photovoltaic
cells. This unique British-designed solar electric glass, which can be
incorporated into the structure of a building to produce clean electricity,
is to go on sale in the UK later this year and could revolutionize the
use of renewable energy in building design.
Guest speaker Stephen Timms MP, UK Minister for Energy (pictured), told
the audience that the government is keen to encourage the use of products
that can be integrated into buildings, increasing energy efficiency and
reducing emissions. Special guest Sir Ranulf Fiennes, the artic explorer,
also spoke of his first hand experience of the damaging effects of climate
change and encouraged architects to introduce PowerGlaz into their building
design.
Developed by BP Solar and Romag, a world leader in the manufacturer of
specialized laminated glass, the joint-technology represents a significant
leap forward in the evolution of solar technology. PowerGlaz creates,
for the first time, a genuine building product that will be both economical
and widely available to the architectural and construction sectors and
help architects and developers meet the growing demand for sustainable,
energy efficient buildings.
'After leaving Arups six years ago to take up the challenge of making
solar panels a standard in building design, my dreams are starting to
come true' said Ray Noble BP Solar's UK Sales Manager.
According to BP Solar and Romag, who have spent six years developing the
product, PowerGlaz will be easy-to-install and serve the dual purpose
of replacing conventional glazing materials while simultaneously harnessing
energy from natural light to produce clean electricity.
BP
Solar has not yet disclosed the power output and cost of the new solar
glass.
PowerGlaz, which is essentially high performance solar electric cells
laminated between glass panels, will also cut carbon dioxide emissions
and provide a substantial percentage of the maximum power requirement
of a building. From an architectural point of view, the new product will
offer both striking design features and, by displacing the original building
material, reduce the cost of introducing solar electric technology.
'We will begin mass production of PowerGlaz at the end of this month,'
said Romag Sales Director Keith Morrison, ' allowing solar electric technology
to be used more widely and economically in the construction of buildings.
By using the latest processing technology, we will be able to offer PowerGlaz
in a range of sizes up to 3.3m x 2.2m. This will offer a wide choice to
designers and architects. The product is simple for installers to manage
and once installed is very low maintenance. It proves that our technologies
are available to deliver practical and economical solar energy systems.'
At the same event, Marley Roofing launched its solar-powered roof tiles,
which are aimed at the domestic market. The tiles are made of Romag's
laminated glass and also incorporate BP Solar cells.
Deceuninck
Sells Stake in Godiva MBO
Group Deceuninck has announced the sale of its participation in Godiva
Windows Ltd to the local management. Godiva provides services to the window
construction industry and will continue its cooperation with Deceuninck
in the future. All 26 members of staff of Coventry-based Godiva will continue
to be employed by the firm.
Deceuninck Ltd owned 80% of the Godiva Windows Ltd shares. In a Management
Buy Out these have been transferred to local management, who also took
over the remaining 20% of the shares that were owned by Coventry City
Council. Godiva last year achieved turnover of £2.5m.
The sale of its participation in Godiva fits in with Deceuninck's strategy
of streamlining its activities further to concentrate on its core business.
Deceuninck Ltd will continue to use Godiva's services in the future.
Deceuninck is an integrated group of world format, specialised in compounding,
design, development, extrusion, finishing, recycling and injection moulding
of PVC-U systems and profiles for the building industry. The company is
active in more than 32 countries, has 23 subsidiaries (production and/or
sales) and is supported by 2,740 personnel, of which 640 are in Belgium.
In 2003 the Deceuninck Group achieved consolidated sales of 470.5m euros
(including 6 months consolidation of the Thyssen Polymer Group).
Pilkington
Merges Primary, Processing and Merchanting into a Single Entity
Pilkington
has announced its new organisation Pilkington Building Products UK. The
company says that the move, which was completed on 31st March 2004, will
prepare the company for future market opportunities and provide far-reaching
benefits for customers and specifiers.
The new organisation builds on two successful businesses, volume glass
manufacturing through Pilkington Primary Products and downstream branches,
previously known as Pilkington Processing and Merchanting UK.
The formation of a single company brings with it more clarity, efficiency
and simplicity. It now provides one clear channel of communication and
allows for greater transparency, enabling the company to work with the
customers in a more effective manner.
Matt Buckley, Marketing Director at Pilkington Building Products UK comments:
'These are exciting times at Pilkington and the decision to bring together
the two former operations together makes perfect sense. We can now complement
our unrivalled product offering with a seamless customer service. Pilkington
Building Products UK is highly focused on quality and the formation of
the new organisation will help us to deliver exemplary service to all
our customers across the country and provide solid commercial expertise
to professionals at all levels of the glass and building industries.'
Pilkington Building Products UK manufactures a wide range of float, coated,
rolled, laminated and toughened glass products as well as its own range
of high performance insulating glass units. Glass is distributed direct
to customers, either as stock or as bespoke processed products to meet
their needs either direct from St Helens or through our network of 23
branches countrywide. The company is highly focused on quality and service,
continually improving to deliver the benefits of Pilkington‚s technical
ability and innovation to the end user.
Tel: 01744 692000
Titon
Blames Government Indecision on Ventilation Regs for Disappointing Interims
Titon Holdings has revealed disappointing half-year profits some 19% lower
than the same period last year. The company blamed competition and the
fact that sales growth came from lower margin product lines. Titon also
said it expects its second half results to be broadly similar to the first.
In the six months ended March 31, pretax profit dropped 19.1 pct to £568,000
from £702,000 the year before, on sales of £8.434m, up from
£8.004m.
Titon shares fell 53.5 pence to 74 a near 42% decline on the announcement.
According to a report in the Financial Times, the company said it had
been 'hit by a lack of clarity in the building regulationsfor ventilation',
which has led to the company having to concentrate on 'reselling other
manufacturers' products, which has led to much lower margins'
94%
of Homeowners are Unaware of Cancellation Rights in Unsolicited Visits,
says OFT Report on Doorstep Selling
The
OFT study on doorstep selling has found that consumer's need to be better
informed of their rights and consumers who solicit visits from traders
need more protection under the legislation. Doorstep selling is the practice
of selling goods and services on the doorstep or in the home. It is worth
at least £2.4 billion a year and covers a wide range of products
from household cleaning products costing less than a pound, to home improvements
costing thousands of pounds.
Products can be sold in two ways:
* solicited, where the consumer actively initiates the visit by the salesperson,
for example by specifically requesting a visit in response to an advert
or mail shot
* unsolicited, where the visit does not take place at the express request
of the consumer, for example where a salesperson makes a cold call.
Under the Consumer Protection (Cancellation of Contracts concluded away
from Business Premises) Regulations 1987 (the Doorstep Selling Regulations)
a seven day cooling off period is provided for purchases made following
an unsolicited visit. A cooling off period does not apply to sales following
solicited visits.
Findings
The OFT has identified a number of concerns which, taken together, mean
this sales practice can cause problems for consumers.
* The home has very specific features as a sales environment. The consumer
is effectively a captive customer and a well trained salesman, highly
versed in selling techniques can exploit these to their advantage and
the consumers detriment.
* Consumers are generally unaware of their rights when buying through
doorstep selling (94 per cent of consumers surveyed were unaware of their
cancellation rights for unsolicited visits).
* There can be intense pressure put on consumers buying in the home. The
OFT has identified a range of sales tactics and influencing techniques
that together are highly effective in securing sales, but can also lead
the consumer to make inappropriate decisions they regret.
* Key to this is pressure selling. Our research suggests that consumers
are equally as likely to be subject to pressure selling for solicited
and unsolicited visits. It also suggests that consumers are no better
prepared at resisting sales techniques if they have solicited the visit.
* The majority of complaints made are about high value goods. More than
half of these goods are bought through solicited sales. For these sales
consumers do not have the benefit of a cooling off period.
* Even where cooling off periods apply they can be undermined by unscrupulous
salespersons – either by exploiting a legal exception contained in
the Doorstep Selling Regulations or by other ploys.
* Prices can vary widely. In our case study of double-glazing products
by as much as 45 per cent. For some assistive products we found are paying
a large premium for buying in the home – as much as 144 per cent.
Recommendations
The OFT recommends that Government should extend the legislation to give
cancellation rights to solicited visits as well as unsolicited. The OFT
will run a consumer campaign, in conjunction with interested consumer
groups, to raise awareness of consumers rights and alert them to the psychological
techniques used and how to combat them.
To prevent the undermining of cooling off periods the OFT recommends that
Government consults on the possibility of removing the legal exception
and of banning work and/or payment with in the cooling-off period (with
exceptions).
Download
the doorstep selling report here
(pdf 456 kb)
VITRO
Shows Growth in First Quarter, but not from Flat Glass
Mexican
company Vitro S.A., one of the world's largest producers and distributors
of glass products, has announced 1Q04 un-audited results. Vitro posted
4.2 percent YoY growth in consolidated sales, with all three business
units contributing to the increase. Consolidated EBlTDA rose YoY by 1.2
percent, driven by improved performance at the Glass Containers and Glassware
business units, which more than compensated for the decline in Flat Glass.
Consolidated EBlT for the quarter, however, declined by 10.5 percent,
with decreases at both the Flat Glass and Glass Containers business units.
Alvaro Rodriguez, Chief Financial Officer, commented: 'The results were
in line with the expectations and our guidance. A positive signal is that
sales increased for the first time in eight quarters, driven by strong
volume growth across the board. We believe these are additional signals
that we are in a positive trend.
'These results once again demonstrate the value of Vitro's asset portfolio.
While last year, Flat Glass was the stronger performer, this time Glass
Containers and Glassware are driving performance. We believe that this
business and asset structure provides a valuable base for stability in
sales and cash generation. This is one of Vitro's greatest strengths.
Further commenting on Vitro's strong business portfolio, Mr. Rodriguez
said: 'Although we may see variations quarter to quarter, longer term,
Glass Containers is expected to provide downside protection while Flat
Glass adds growth potential.'
Mr. Rodriguez added: 'We continue to deliver on our stated strategy to
focus on our three glass business units with the sale of Vitro's interest
in Vitro Fibras, our former fiberglass operation. The proceeds of this
sale will be used during the year to pay down debt.'
'In addition, on April 2, 2004 through a syndicated loan facility taken
at the Glassware business unit, Vitro refinanced close to 40% of its non-revolving
bank debt due in 2004. This transaction is evidence of the financial initiatives
we're committed to, and will continue to pursue as part of our ongoing
efforts to improve Vitro's capital structure', Mr. Rodriguez concluded.
Contract
Win for WSP – 'The Shard of Glass'
WSP
confirms
that it has been awarded the Civil, Structural and Infrastructure Engineering
design for Europe’s proposed tallest building, London Bridge Tower,
'The Shard of Glass'. This prestigious contract win confirms WSP’s
leading position in high rise building design, a skill enhanced through
the USA acquisitions made in 2000.
'We are
continuing to make good progress in accordance with the Board’s expectations.
We are experiencing early signs of improving markets in the recently quieter
private commercial and corporate sectors in the UK and USA. Our other
markets including health, education, residential and transportation continue
to be robust.
'As reported in March our order book had strengthened and still remains
in excess of £400m, supported by major wins in our three principle
operating regions, UK, Scandinavia and USA.'
Third
Silo Increases Compound Storage by 50 Per Cent
PVCu
systems specialist Status Systems has invested £60,000 in a third
silo store at its Oldham based extrusion plant. With growing sales and
a new 70mm PVCu system concept - zendow - the company had a real need
for additional compound storage both in terms of quantity and material
type.
The new silo increases Status' compound capacity to 300 tonnes - an increase
of 50 per cent on its existing stores. This gives the company an extra
100,000 metres of profile which can be extruded from on site compound
stocks.
‘We have had a stunning 2004 so far, in which sales have risen by
14 per cent on last year,’ said Status general manager Chris Foreman.
‘Our sales team has written over 20 new accounts. This combined with
the launch of zendow (which will be covered in next week's Gl@zine
- Ed) is making Status a very busy place to be at the moment.’
18 months ago the company installed its first two 95 tonne silos to store
the company's regular supply of Decom compound. This exercise has enabled
the company to achieve considerable cost and time efficiencies in terms
of minimising the labour required for loading and unloading the original
boxes of compound.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
They’re
off…Next Stop the Desert of Dinosaur Bones
A
major challenge using wind-powered overland travel was launched on May
12th. Three extreme sports enthusiasts aim to ride the wind into the record
books with the first ever crossing of the Gobi Desert by kite-power, in
the Network Veka 2004 Gobi-Kites Expedition.
They set the wheels rolling on May 12th by unveiling the first of the
state-of-the-art buggies and kites that have been purpose designed for
the gruelling 650-mile haul.
Professor Brian Cunningham, 61, a Visiting Professor at Manchester Business
School, professional buggy designer Kieron Bradley, 30, and a third kite-buggying
veteran Peter Ash, 34, will make the crossing in September, when the notoriously
fierce weather conditions will be at their most manageable. Even so, they
can expect temperatures to soar to 105F (40C) by day and drop below freezing
at night.
The expedition is being sponsored by Network Veka, the independent window
and conservatory installers’ trade body, to endorse its motto: ‘Reliable
in the Extreme.’
The
team, backed by Prof Cunningham’s wife Christine as medic and photographer,
will travel by 4x4 from the capital Ulaanbaatar, then aim to cover over
650 miles (1,000km) in the kite buggies from the Altai region, first heading
South Easterly then turning North East to the finishing point in the Erdenaalai
region. During the journey, the team will traverse the country’s
famous Desert Of Dinosaur Bones. They also aim to set a new record for
the furthest distance ever travelled by kite-buggy in 24 hours.
The Gobi’s legendary rugged terrain means the buggies have had to
be custom-built from scratch, including extra large high-tech alloy wheels,
by team member Kieron Bradley and his company Parastorm.
Kieron, a former Formula 1 engineer now living in Norwich built up Parastorm
while based in Shrivenham, Wiltshire. He has spent more than a year developing
the Gobi-Buggies.
The team had hoped to test run the new buggy and kites on May 12th but
the plan was hindered by almost windless conditions and the kites could
only be kept in the air during brief moments of breeze.
Prof
Cunningham said: ‘The expedition is probably the toughest challenge
ever for any kite buggy but I have no doubt that our Gobi-buggies will
be more than up to the job. It is probably the most advanced ever made.’
Kieron added: ‘Everything must be absolutely reliable in such a remote
region – if anything goes wrong we are completely on our own’.
Peter, a garage proprietor from Aylsham, Norwich, said: ‘This is
a tremendous opportunity to show just what can be achieved when you have
the kind of technology we have.’
As well as the first kite-powered Gobi crossing, the team also aim to
set a new record for the furthest distance travelled by kite-buggy in
24-hours.
A special website, http://www.gobi-kites.com
is being set for the expedition and is intended to carry regular news
updates and pictures.
Consumer
Interest in Home Improvement Hits all Time High with 50% Increase, says
eBuilders
Whether
it was the April showers or the recent upsurge in the housing market,
consumer interest in home improvement doubled this April compared to the
same month in 2003, according to a report by home improvement website
specialist, eBuilders.
Barry Dunlop, who heads up eBuilders, said: ‘April was a record breaking
month for all 25 of our home improvement websites, but http://www.ask-questions.com
was the most successful, with a 50 per cent increase in users of its online
forum.’
www.ask-questions.com is a website where consumers can seek answers to
all types of home improvement questions. The site offers tips and suggestions
for making the most of the home, from conservatories to bathrooms, kitchens
to double-glazing and it also includes links to many leading home improvement
suppliers.
Conservatories was the number one topic of interest on the website with
40 per cent of consumers asking conservatory related questions. Interestingly
the most popular question in terms of page views was with regards to ‘Superstore
DIY Conservatories’. The second most popular topic was ‘DIY
gas installation’ in the Kitchens section.
Barry Dunlop, said: ‘It is clear that whilst this market continues
to grow, consumers are not jumping in with two feet first, they want questions
answered so they can make informed buying decisions.’
He continued: ‘The feedback we get confirms that the site is serving
a very useful purpose including comments such as ‘I’ve spent
months exploring various conservatories. I wish I’d found this site
early on, I would have focused in on what I wanted much quicker’.’
www.ask-questions.com
is just one of 25 eBuilders websites. The company also offers a series
of Almost Impartial Guides for conservatories, kitchens, bathrooms and
replacement windows. As well as giving ‘warts and all’ information
the sites also offer practical information on a wide range of topics including
how to decide on style and material, coping with problem sites, whether
to go for DIY or supply and fit and how to find suppliers.
HW’s
Elite 70 Latest to be Approved with Pilkington Activ™
HW
Plastics’ recently launched Elite 70 PVC-u window system is one of
the latest products to be approved for compatibility with Pilkington Activ™,
the self-cleaning glass. With a range of advanced features, HW was keen
that its new system should be well-suited to a glass that also pushes
back technical boundaries.
Pilkington Activ™ is advanced in its performance, but generally requires
no more care in handling and installation than any other hard-coated glass,
such as its energy management product, Pilkington K Glass™. But as
this product uses a continuous, active process that utilises ultra-violet
light to break down organic deposits on the surface of the glass, and
rain or a light hosing to wash the loosened deposits off, Pilkington is
keen to ensure that nothing interferes with that action. The company has
therefore undertaken an extensive programme of working with the manufacturers
of a huge range of products to ensure that nothing in those products affects
the mechanism by which Pilkington Activ™ keeps itself clean.
Peter Hayes, Head of Marketing for HW Plastics’ Windows division,
believes that Elite 70 installed with Pilkington Activ™ offers the
ultimate glazing combination: ’With Elite 70 we have delivered a
system that offers superb aesthetics, and high performance that will accommodate
emerging trends in the market place and changes to the Building Regulations
for the foreseeable future. It has also been designed with an emphasis
on ease of fabrication and installation.
’So
thorough has been the design and development of Elite 70 that we also
wanted to ensure it was totally compatible with other advanced products,
to cater for every likely desire of our customers. We are therefore delighted
that Elite 70 has been approved by Pilkington as being totally compatible
with Pilkington Activ™.’
For Pilkington, Marketing Director Matt Buckley said: 'We are very keen
to ensure that Pilkington Activ™ performs to its full potential when
installed. Certain products, especially gaskets and other products lubricated
with silicone oil, can affect the performance of Pilkington Activ™,
and must be avoided. However, there are many other alternatives and we
want to offer window, door and conservatory fabricators and installers
a clear and unequivocal guide to the components and systems that are compatible
with our glass. We are delighted to add HW Plastics’ Elite 70 system
to the approved list.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Guyson
International Ltd has announced its recent acquisition of Kerry Ultrasonics
Ltd, the manufacturer of ultrasonic cleaning equipment.
Guyson International Limited is a specialist in blast finishing and industrial
spray washing equipment, with manufacturing sites in Skipton, North Yorkshire
and Saratoga, NY, USA, and with equipment sales worldwide, views Kerry
as the ideal extension to its global product offering.
Kerry Ultrasonics Limited, based in Hertfordshire, England, has been manufacturing
ultrasonic cleaning systems for over 50 years and offers a comprehensive
range of standard products along with customised and specialist bespoke
systems.
'Kerry has built up a tremendous reputation for high cleaning standards,
especially within the Electronic, Medical and Optical manufacturing markets,'
said Guyson Chairman, James Thomson, 'and we are extremely excited about
adding these high quality systems to our international product
offering.'
Kerry employs over 50 people and had sales for the year ended April 2003,
of £5.0 million.
Tel: +44 (0)1756 799911
Email: mailto:info@guyson.co.uk
Web: http://www.guyson.co.uk
D
L H Windows & Repairs Expelled from the Federation of Master Builders
The
Federation of Master Builders (FMB), South West Region, announced that
it has expelled D L H Windows & Repairs of Redruth, for bringing the
FMB into disrepute.
Following a complaint from a customer the FMB wrote to D L H Windows &
Repairs on a number of occasions, however, the company ignored all correspondence.
D L H Windows & Repairs were informed of the FMB's decision to expel
them on March 11th, 2004.
Jeremy Chapman, FMB South West Regional Director, said:
'The FMB operates a rigorous consumer complaints procedure and it is quite
unacceptable for a member to fail to respond when a complaint is put to
them'.
The FMB has advised the Trading Standards Office in Redruth of its decision.
Opportunities
in Eastern Europe and Asia Europe's Future is in the Export Sector says
glasstec Research
The
trend of the past few years has continued for the European glass machine
industry. While the glass industry in Western Europe has been reluctant
to make investments, a current revival of the markets in North America
and Russia can be detected. In addition the sector is hoping for growth
from India, South America and Eastern Europe, where obsolescent machinery
will require new investment. In Asia the enormous demand for plate glass
in China has above all ensured that new orders have been generated - but
against this the trend in other Asian markets continues to be restrained.
The Western European manufacturers of machinery and installations for
the manufacture and processing of glass are very export-oriented and to
a large extent dependent upon world economic developments. In the case
of the German glass machine industry, for instance, the export quota amounts
to approximately 80% of all sales. The largest market is still Western
Europe, which accounts for almost a third of the items produced. But the
increasing incoming orders from regions such as Eastern Europe and Asia
have ensured that there has been a shift in exports. Asia now accounts
for more than a quarter of the exports, Eastern Europe just trails it
with an approximately 25% share.
Italy registers increase in exports
Similar developments can be witnessed in another important production
country for glass machinery - Italy. The main rival of the German glass
machine manufacturers also registered a general increase in exports in
the past few years whereby the Asian countries have also taken on a special
significance. In particular the bottle glass sector has accounted for
exorbitant growth rates in terms of the exports of Italian manufacturers
to Asia. In total 75% of the Italian manufacturers' glass products are
for the export sector.
In 2002 the Italian glass machinery industry achieved positive results
by contrast with many other branches in the machine tool sector. It is
fair to say that the industry did not register any investments in commercial
sized installations, but recorded a series of small and medium-sized orders,
making it possible to achieve a satisfactory level of sales in overall
terms. The foreign imports have increased in overall terms, but decreased
by 19.3% in the plate glass sector whilst the imports in the bottle glass
sector increased by 20.1%.
The total imports amounted to €61.7 million Euro. €10.2 million
of this figure was accounted for by machinery, accessories and specialist
products for the production of plate glass whilst the Italian plate glass
companies purchased goods valued at € 51.4 million in the foreign
markets. Local manufacturers were able to greatly improve their market
position as the Italian market for plate glass installations increased
in overall terms, whilst the imports declined. Set against this the increased
demand in the bottle glass sector was met equally by means of increased
imports and domestic production.
The exports increased by 6.5% and were valued at in excess of €750
million. Here too there were differing trends in the two sectors. An increase
in the exports of machinery, accessories and specialist products for plate
glass by almost 10% was set against a slight decline of the products for
the bottle glass processing of 1.2%. The European Union continued to be
the main customer for Italian machines, but recorded a constant decline
in the sales levels - in 1999 the EU still accounted for 50.6% of the
exports. There is a trend of increasing exports to all the other regions
with the exception of America.
Drive from Asia and Eastern Europe
The European machine manufacturers anticipate that the greatest drive
will come from the Asian and eastern European markets in the future. This
applies above all to the plate glass sector. Hence a constant increase
in demand for machinery and installations can be anticipated in China
due to the flourishing construction sector and the increased levels of
automotive production. Therefore the developments for the sector in 2003
could also continue to apply in 2004 even if the current exchange rate
of the Euro does not exactly enhance the export opportunities. In the
bottle glass sector an increase in the order levels from Eastern Europe
and South East Asia is also anticipated.
Glass industry: Export growth
The trend for the European glass manufacturers is similar. In many cases
growth can only be achieved by means of an increase in the levels of foreign
business. However, Europe's glass industry has already been represented
in all the continents of the world for a number of years so that it can
already participate in the growing markets. This applies to plate glass
and also to container glass or crystal and commercial glass.
The European single market is of the greatest significance for the European
glass manufacturers. Germany, for example, exports more than half of its
produce to EU countries. The mainstay of the imports amounting to a 49%
share comes from the neighbouring western countries. Eastern Europe, with
a share of roughly 20%, is the second largest exporter of glass products
to Germany achieving higher export levels than Asia or America.
Important foreign markets for the European glass manufacturers include
Africa and the Arabian countries in addition to Eastern Europe, Asia and
North America. The trend that has been witnessed for several years continues
by means of these developments whereby the non-European markets are increasing
in terms of their significance due to their more dynamic rates of growth.
The import developments reveal a number of parallels with the developments
in the export sector. Thus an increase in exports has also been recorded
in Germany. However, this is due less to increasing imports from EU countries
and can instead be put down to imports from the United States, Asia or
Eastern Europe. In the construction and consumption-dependent sectors
in particular the imports have brought about a price war in some cases.
Flat Panel Display and photovoltaic system growth markets
The Flat panel display market is viewed as having high growth potential
due to the increasing number of applications in the information technology
and communications technology sector. Market research institutes anticipate
growth rates of up to 20% in the next few years. Alongside North America,
Europe has the largest final consumer market for display glass, the manufacture
of which will, of course, be increasingly transferred to the Asian region.
glasstec 2004 will also provide information within the special ‘glass
technology live’ show about current developments, processes from
the world of flat panel displays in addition to staging two specialist
symposia.
Within the framework of the special ‘glass technology live’
exhibition the potential of glass during the manufacture of solar construction
components will also be addressed as a theme. Solar collectors are becoming
increasingly popular, particularly in Germany. This is also due to legislation
and grants, which make power generation from regenerative sources more
interesting in economic terms.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the European photovoltaic industry in
particular is recording great levels of growth. The members of the German
BSI, (Federal Association of the Solar Industry), anticipate market growth
in the photovoltaic sector of approximately 35% in 2004. This view is
based in particular on the enactment of the new photovoltaic addition
law relating to the Energy supply law (EEG). Operators of photovoltaic
plants, which are connected to the grid this year, can anticipate much
higher supply remuneration for solar energy from the start of this year.
OFT
Receives Assurances from Swarovski over Retail Prices
The
OFT has accepted assurances from cut crystal glassware and jewellery supplier,
Swarovski UK Ltd, that it will make changes to its dealer agreement with
UK retailers and will not seek to influence the prices at which retailers
sell their products.
The
OFT considered that a clause in Swarovski's agreement with retailers entitling
Swarovski to buy back products which retailers wanted to enter into a
sale restricted retailers' ability to set their own prices. The OFT also
received evidence from retailers which suggested that Swarovski had actively
restricted retailers' ability to price below Swarovski's recommended retail
prices.
Swarovski UK Ltd has agreed to write to all its retailers to notify them
of the changes to be made to the dealer agreement and to make clear that
retailers are free to set their own prices. In the light of this and the
OFT's other casework priorities the OFT has decided to close its investigation.
John Vickers, OFT Chairman, said: 'Retailers must be free to set the prices
of goods and services independently.'
Swarovski UK Ltd supplies crystal glassware and jewellery to retailers
in the UK. Its turnover in 2002 was in the region of £28m. Its parent
company is located in Switzerland. The OFT began an investigation under
the Competition Act 1998 into Swarovski UK Ltd in June 2002 following
a complaint from a retailer.
Travis
Perkins Locks into Fullex
National
builders merchant, Travis Perkins, has recently opened a new architectural
ironmongery centre at its Wolverhampton branch, specifically aimed at
architects and specifiers, and has chosen to display the Fullex range
of high security door locking systems.
The decision to use Fullex was taken following collaboration on a large,
private swimming pool project in Cheltenham. Approached by the architect,
the Travis Perkins branch at Cheltenham was unable to source the high
specification of door lock required, at a reasonable cost to the homeowner
– until they contacted Fullex Locks.
Sue Cook, Fullex specification manager and the technical support team,
worked with the architects to establish lock specification and security
needs to ensure total compatibility with the timber doors being installed.
A solution was found by utilising the options available in the Fullex
SL-16 range, which includes a choice of compression and hook bolt combinations,
centre dead bolt, split or solid spindle, latch and night latch facilities.
Meanwhile, Fullex National sales manager, John Hill, worked with the Travis
Perkins sales team to ensure that the specification was cost effective
and completely fulfilled the needs of all parties.
‘Being specified is just the start,’ explains John. ‘Providing
the technical expertise and understanding why and how different materials
perform together, is essential to any project whatever its size.’
‘We are continuously working with door manufacturers and fabricators
to understand the variation in contraction and expansion co-efficients
experienced with different materials and applications’, continues
John. ‘For maximum, cost effective security, you can’t just
put any lock into any door and expect it to perform with equal efficiency.
It is vital to appreciate that a good PVC multi-point lock is not necessarily
a good timber or composite door lock!’
It was the determination of the company to satisfy customer requirements,
that prompted Travis Perkins to request a Fullex display for the new Wolverhampton
branch. In order to help the merchant with the success of its new centres,
Fullex Locks will also be providing training for members of the Travis
Perkins sales team.
John concludes, ‘Our experience across all sectors of the market,
particularly with demanding commercial applications, means that we are
prepared for the flexibility of approach required to assist Travis Perkins
in specification. The Fullex team is delighted to have this opportunity
and looks forward to the challenges it will offer.’
For your nearest branch of Travis Perkins, log on to http://www.travisperkins.co.uk,
or call the Customer Helpline on 0800 3896611.
Beauty
Isn’t Only in the Eye of the Beholder
PVCu
manufacturer Sash UK says that it is so renowned for its working techniques
that it is attracting international visitors to see just how good it actually
is. A recent visitor from Russia even described the Barnsley based company
as ‘beautiful’, after viewing its factory earlier this month.
Sash
UK, one of Barnsley’s largest employers, was purpose built in 1999,
and has a highly automated shop floor layout. It is evident that its international
reputation is not ignored considering that manufacturers from as far afield
as Russia are travelling such a distance just to see how the factory operates.
Joint Managing Director of Sash, David Ruzicka, says: ‘We’re
always delighted to welcome visitors here at Sash UK. It’s great
to receive feedback of any nature, as we thrive on making improvements
wherever possible through continual review, but when we receive guests
who visit us in order to improve and develop their own business, we know
we must be doing something right!'
Sergey Fayziev, Head of Development for Kaleva (a Moscow based company
which produces roughly the same amount of windows as Sash), visited the
factory on the recommendation of Uwe Jahnrich, Sales Director of German
based Schirmer (which in the past, has supplied Sash with a number of
key machines). Part of their visit was to see this machinery in action
– namely a Frame Saw Working Centre and the Sash Handling Line. Their
other objective being to observe the effective methods of production at
Sash and to gain inspiration for a new factory to be built for Kaleva
in the near future.
Sash UK left a lasting impression on Sergey – so much so that he
used words as strong as ‘beautiful’ to describe its factory.
It enhanced links between the three companies, which goes to show that
occasions like these really do encourage and strengthen business relationships.
Members of the Sash workforce have now been invited to view the new factory,
to be built in Moscow, on its completion.
This isn’t the first time that the £22million company has been
contacted by the Russians. David remembers: ‘In 1992 we had a delegation
visit us from Gorlovka in the Ukraine. Although there was a great deal
of interest in our PVCu windows and doors, with contract values well in
excess of £1.2 Million per annum, the payment terms were not ideal.
The only way we could have done business was through a system of bartering
or exchange – under the ‘Old Russia’ when communism was
still in place. I can clearly recall Guano (fertiliser) being one of a
handful of the more viable products discussed. Needless to say, we didn’t
take up the offer’
Tel
01226 719969
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Green
Light for Schott AG - Advisory Board and Foundation Commissioner Approve
Change to Stock Corporation
At
its recent meeting the Schott Glas advisory board approved the transfer
of the foundation enterprise into the legal form of a German stock corporation
(Aktiengesellschaft). The advisory board, which includes both representatives
of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung and also elected representatives of the workforce,
came to this decision unanimously. On the basis of the advisory board’s
decision Tilman Todenhöfer, the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung Foundation Commissioner,
also approved the conversion to an AG.
Following the decision of the Federal High Court in a legal action concerning
a previous change to the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung statute a further important
milestone in the reform of the foundation has been reached with the decisions
of the advisory board and foundation commissioner.
'With the advisory board’s decision the road to Schott AG is finally
clear,' said Todenhöfer. To which Chairman of the Board Dr. Udo Ungeheuer
added: 'We are finally to achieve an internationally recognised legal
form that will improve our strategic competitive position.'
Currently, the two separately managed companies are part of the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung,
a foundation incorporated under the laws of Germany. As such, the Carl-Zeiss
Foundation is the only foundation left in Germany which incorporates two
entirely separate businesses, a legal structure which is unknown and a
major handicap in many international business transactions. The incorporation
of Schott Glass as stock corporation will result in the dissolution of
its joint liability with its sister company Carl Zeiss in Oberkochen.
The conversion of Schott Glas into a stock corporation was set to be recorded
in the commercial register in the middle of May after approval by the
Administration of the Foundation. As plans stand at present the conversion
is set to come into force in July 2004.
The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung will hold all the shares in Schott AG. Listing
on the stock market is therefore not a possibility.
Alcoa
Begins Public Consultation Re Expansion of Wagerup Refinery in Western
Australia
Alcoa
World Alumina Australia is undertaking comprehensive public consultation
about a third production unit at its Wagerup refinery. Managing Director
Wayne Osborn said the Wagerup refinery was already the most environmentally
advanced alumina refinery in the world. An expansion would meet world-class
health guidelines and address community expectations on health and the
environment.
He said Alcoa was committing to delivering no increase in dust, noise
or odour impacts on residents with an expansion.
'We will be conducting detailed health risk and environmental assessments
to ensure the plant maintains its superior, world-class environmental
performance,' he said.
'It would be an opportunity to create more jobs, growth and business opportunities
in the region and mean about 150 permanent new Alcoa jobs and about 3,000
direct and indirect jobs.
'This would also be a very significant project for the State, with capital
expenditure of around A$1.5 billion (approximately US $1.1 billion) and
new export revenues of about A$17 billion over the life of the project.'
Alcoa has made a major effort and significant investment in a comprehensive
emission reduction programme at Wagerup in recent years to address community
concerns about emissions and has been working to gain community support
for a number of years, through community consultative groups and through
demonstrated success of significant environmental improvements made at
the refinery.
'We have been working in good faith with the local community to restore
confidence and strengthen the future prospects of the community and the
region,' Mr. Osborn said.
'We will embark on a thorough community engagement programme to ensure
the region around the refinery benefits in a sustainable way that provides
a secure and prosperous future,' Mr. Osborn said.
'We want the community in surrounding region fully engaged and fully informed
on all aspects of this project and will be consulting with a comprehensive
stakeholder group on the best process in which to achieve this.'
Adding a third production unit to the Wagerup refinery is one of several
options Alcoa is looking at worldwide to meet a predicted increase in
world alumina demand towards the end of 2007.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com