Deceuninck
Merges UK Subsidiaries: Delph Plant to Close
Group
Deceuninck, a worldwide manufacturer of PVC window systems and profiles,
will restructure its activities in the United Kingdom. The management
of Deceuninck UK Ltd and Status Systems Ltd in the UK have announced their
intentions to integrate the two businesses into one trading company, to
be known as Deceuninck Status, with the legal entity Deceuninck Ltd. The
proposed new organisation will create a powerful new presence in the market
and will be well placed to meet the needs of its customers both now and
in the future, while building effective strategies for long-term business
success. It is anticipated that approximately 80 employees, out of 259,
the total Deceuninck UK headcount end of March 2005, may be affected.
After
a thorough analysis of current market trends, the Deceuninck Board has
taken the decision to propose the closure of the Status manufacturing
site in Delph, and to transfer production to other Deceuninck sites in
Europe to optimise manufacturing capacity. Non fenestration activities,
mainly Deeplas cellular foam profiles, will remain under the management
of Deceuninck UK Ltd in Calne. The distribution centres will continue
to operate from both the company’s existing Royton and Calne sites.
An experienced UK senior management team led by two key directors (reporting
directly to Deceuninck CEO, Clement De Meersman) will direct and develop
the new Deceuninck Status organisation. Chris Foreman (Director and General
Manager of Status Systems) is charged with directing the integration of
the UK sales operations, Ron Painter (Director and General Manager of
Deceuninck Ltd) is charged with directing the integration of the UK operations
functions.
‘The decision to join the UK subsidiaries of Deceuninck under one
united banner makes good sense to ensure the long-term success of our
business in the United Kingdom. The combination of Deceuninck and Status
brands builds strength on strength. We are confident that Deceuninck Status
will generate efficiencies that will benefit our customers. Both companies
share compatible cultures built on traditions of product innovation and
effective solutions and by cementing the strengths of the two companies,
we have reinforced our ability to ensure long term prosperity and growth,’
says Clement De Meersman, Deceuninck's CEO.
In the framework of the proposed merger, Deceuninck will start consultations
with the employees' representatives, in accordance with the legal requirements.
The management intends to handle this situation in an honest and transparent
manner. ‘Deceuninck regrets that it has been necessary to propose
the current measure. We shall make every effort, in consultation with
the employees' delegates, to limit the number of redundancies to a strict
minimum’, adds De Meersman.
The combination Deceuninck Status offers potential for synergies and anticipates
a turnover in excess of £50 million (about €73 million) during
2005, with significant growth in the future.
Deceuninck is an integrated group of world format, specialised in compounding,
tool fabrication, design, development, extrusion, finishing, gaskets,
recycling and injection moulding of PVC-U systems and profiles for the
building industry. The group is active in more than 60 countries, has
32 subsidiaries (production and/or sales) and employs 3043 people, 670
of them in Belgium. In 2004 the Deceuninck Group achieved consolidated
sales of 582.1 million euros.
Peter
Abbott Quits VEKA, but VEKA to Stay in UK
Last
week Peter Abbott sent out a letter announcing his resignation from VEKA
plc. This was not a surprise within VEKA, as he announced his intention
to the main board in February 2004. He is simply moving on to new pastures
after committing the last 20 years of his life to VEKA, and taking VEKA
plc to the level it stands at today.
VEKA plc is stepping up production of window and door profile in the UK,
and certainly not ending it. The investment in the new, £10 million
distribution facility includes a sophisticated - and accordingly very
expensive - monorail link that carries stillages from the extrusion lines
into the distribution centre, which is sited some way form the main factory.
As was announced recently, but which has been generally known for some
time, VEKA has sold its Trim division to Celuform, a move that is also
designed to focus attention of the company's window and door profile manufacturing,
and to free up capacity to cope with an increase in demand.
Ultraframe
Trade Advert Attracts Complaint
A
complaint objecting to a trade magazine insert and a mailing to conservatory
fabricators, installers and stockists for Ultraframe (UK) Ltd of Clitheroe,
Lancashire was upheld in one of the two objections according to published
details from the Advertising Standards Authority.
Complaint:
Future Products Ltd objected to a trade magazine insert and a mailing
to conservatory fabricators, installers and stockists, headlined 'FACT:
The most cost effective roof on the market today Uzone'. Text inside stated
'Unique clicklock technology - fastest roof to install ... DONT JUST TAKE
OUR WORD FOR IT Global eg. Future Products 3 x 3 Edwardian, 25mm poly:
£673 Uzone: £609 YOU SAVE: £64 ... Global eg. Future
Products 3 x 3 Vic, 25mm poly: £616 Uzone: £550 YOU SAVE:
£66'. The complainants, who maintained that their prices included
cresting and delivery and were not restricted to a specific pitch, objected
that:
1. the price comparisons with their products were misleading because the
advertisers' price did not include cresting or delivery and the advertisers'
product was restricted to a specific pitch and
2. the claim 'fastest roof to install' was misleading because they believed
their product was faster to install.
1.Complaint upheld
The advertisers said they had taken the prices for the complainants' roof
from an advertisement in a different trade magazine. They said that advertisement
did not state that cresting and delivery were included in the price and,
because cresting and delivery were charged as extra by most companies,
readers were likely to assume they were not included in the price comparisons.
The advertisers pointed out that the complainants' advertisement did not
mention pitch; they argued that, although it might influence a purchaser's
choice of product, it was irrelevant to the price comparison, because
fabricators did not quote different prices for different pitches of roof.
They asserted that the specialist trade, to whom the leaflet was targeted,
would not be misled by the price comparisons, because they would understand
the characteristics of the products; they said they had made clear delivery
was charged as extra on their Uzone product. The advertisers sent an advertisement
for a different competitor to show that roofs at different pitches were
quoted at the same price and two letters from conservatory roof distributors:
the first letter explained that industry readers would regard pitch as
irrelevant in a price comparison and asserted that the advertisers' roof
did include cresting that was not decorative; the second letter asserted
that the complainants probably did charge for some deliveries, but not
all.
The Authority noted the price quoted for the advertisers' product included
a simple roll-top feature which, although not ornate or decorative, served
the purpose of cresting. It also noted the variability of the pitch of
the roof was unlikely to influence the price. Although it noted one of
the distributor's letters alleged that the complainants' price did not
always include delivery, the Authority did not consider that evidence
to be sufficiently robust to refute the complainants' assertion that the
price did include delivery. Because the price comparison in the advertisement
compared a price for the complainants' product that included the cost
of delivery with a price for the advertisers' product that did not, the
Authority concluded that the price comparison was not clear or fair. The
Authority noted the advertisers' assertion that they did not intend to
use the advertisement again and advised them to seek help from the CAP
Copy Advice team in future.
2. Complaint not upheld
The advertisers said they had conducted tests to prove their product was
the fastest to install; they sent video tapes of an independent builder
installing four different brands of conservatory roofs, including their
own brand and the complainants'. The advertisers pointed out that the
man who installed the roofs was an independent builder and the four roofs
were designated by lettering so they would not be identified by name.
They said the builder was permitted to read the instructions before constructing
the roofs on dwarf frames. The advertisers pointed out that the tapes
showed their Uzone roof was the fastest to build.
The Authority noted the test was conducted by an independent builder and
the video tapes showed that he had constructed the advertisers' roof in
the fastest time. Although it noted the complainants had sent a similar
recording of their own roof being constructed in under one hour, it considered
that, because the construction was not performed under the same independent
test conditions as the advertisers', it was not sufficiently robust to
refute the claim. The Authority concluded that the claim was acceptable.
BBA
Certification for CWG’s Global Plus Conservatory Roof
Martyn
Reed, Head of Certification at the British Board of Agrément recently
presented the Corby Windows Group with its BBA certificate. CWG was the
first fabricator of the Shield Global conservatory roof to be accredited
by the leading test and certification centre after an in depth audit and
inspection of production systems and methods.
During the presentation, Martyn Reed complimented CWG personnel for their
dedication and hard work in achieving the levels of performance and quality
required and for being part of the BBA scheme.
BBA
Accreditation for CWG’s Global Plus conservatory Roof. Those present
(from left to right) : Jason Wilder, Man Dir - Corby Windows Group; Stewart
Hull - CWG Conservatory Manager; Martyn Reed - British Board of Agrément;
Gary Dutton – Chairman Shield/Synseal
The
advantages of the Shield conservatory roof and particularly its significant
fitting benefits for installers have made it an important part of the
wide CWG product selection. For even greater versatility, the group has
developed the CWG Global Plus roof that is compatible with just about
any other PVC-U systems including all those fabricated by the company.
CWG has been producing conservatory roofs for over ten years. The company
started with the Shield roof when it was first introduced after being
impressed with the 70mm Shield PVC-U window and door profile system. The
Group fabricates Shield alongside Rehau’s 60mm Tritec, 70mm S706
and S719 Heritage VS systems plus the fully sculptured SynerJy and Kömmerling
Connoisseur suits.
‘With this prestigious BBA accreditation, Corby Window Group’s
installer customers can be assured of continuing top quality plus a high
standard of service and performance.’ says the company.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
K2
Helps Blackpool Fabricator Tower Above the Competition
Blackpool
based fabricator Classic Conservatory Systems Ltd has completed the first
phase of an ambitious expansion programme in conjunction with the sales
and marketing team from conservatory system supplier K2.
Classic
Conservatory Systems Ltd became a K2 dealer more than two years ago and
in November 2004 signed up to a trading agreement with the manufacturer,
ensuring that the company will continue to benefit from the high levels
of support K2 offers for the next three years. The company has now expanded
into an adjacent production unit, giving Classic a total production and
storage space of over 10,000 sq ft, and its plans for expansion don't
end there.
Explains Martin Connelly, Managing Director of Classic Conservatory Systems:
'A combination of demand for a quality product, K2's technical, sales
and marketing support combined with our excellent service history has
helped us grow our business over the past two years to a point at which
we needed to take on more manufacturing space. We have also taken on extra
trained fabrication staff and have been lucky enough to acquire space
next to our existing production facility that gives us the potential to
expand the business even further. With the capability of manufacturing
any shape or sized roof and with K2's ongoing support we hope to achieve
our targets for growth.
'At Classic we are very experienced within the industry. We know that
service is very important and we try and support our client from the very
beginning. We offer a free onsite survey, technical assistance and free
onsite assistance from K2 if required. With free CAD drawings a multiple
range of colours in stock and working to a five day turnaround we hope
to give our customer exactly what they require. We can also deliver to
site or factory address' at no extra charge.'
Traditionally selling to installers in the Fylde Coast area, Classic Conservatory
Systems discussed plans to expand further into the North West region with
K2 and the manufacturer agreed to help the company with a range of support
services.
Martin Connelly continues: 'K2's lead generation has been one of the factors
in the success of our business over the last two years along side the
technical knowledge and experience of our service personnel. Unlike some
manufacturers who compete for business with their dealers, K2 provides
us with qualified leads which our staff are then able to convert into
orders. Once we have the business, the quality of the K2 product, our
combined technical support and our excellent service ensures that we have
the edge to maintain our client base. We fully understand the importance
of getting it right first time and in turn we don't cause our clients
any unnecessary stress and more importantly cost!'
Comments Sally Fielding, Managing Director of K2: 'We are delighted to
congratulate Classic Conservatory Systems on the company's success and
will support it however we can as it implements the next phase in its
expansion plans. At K2, customer support stands side-by-side with product
quality in ensuring we offer dealers a genuine competitive advantage and
success stories like these clearly demonstrate that the approach really
does work in helping our customers achieve their business objectives.'
Court
Upholds Roto Hardware Patent
A
recent court ruling upholding the veracity of patents on one of Roto Frank's
most successful products could have far-reaching consequences for anyone
using other manufacturers' products that infringe the patent, according
to the company.
The
ruling concerns Roto's Rotoline 3D flag hinge, which has been developed
and designed in conjunction with the company's manufacturing partner,
BKV, a company with international renown for creating high quality, high
performance hinges.
Fortunately for Roto, the initial development costs of the hinge included
the patenting of certain aspects of the product's design and it is this
that proved key when it was discovered that another hardware manufacturer
had incorporated such features in its own product.
On discovering the patent infringement, together with BKV, Roto has successfully
brought legal proceedings to prevent other parties from manufacturing
cloned products that incorporate the unique anti-lift facility provided
on the Rotoline 3D flag hinge range. As a result, Roto is believed to
be the only manufacturer offering this facility on hinges.
Because of this ruling, fabricators will have to use additional hardware
gadgets to provide the same level of security. Roto also believes that
if a fabricator has used the cloned product to achieve PAS23/24 accreditation,
the certification of the door will also be brought into question.
Costs may not necessarily stop at the mere re-testing of the door; other
potential, additional costs could include stockholding of the additional
hardware gadget, the cost of time for processing additional orders, the
cost of paperwork and dealing with shortages and credits. There will also
be the cost of manufacturing and fitting the hardware gadgets, lost time
dealing with the change-over, the cost of the errors in production, loss
of reputation, costs to replace doors that have already been fitted and
the potential compensation claims from duped customers.
Gary Davies, technical manager at Roto, states, 'The ruling should give
every company that pursues a progressive research and development policy
faith in the power of patents and our experience is a salutary lesson
for all those companies who, like Roto, pride themselves on their innovative
approach.
'Superior products are not cheap, but they are not mediocre products.
Everyone knows that you get what you pay for and, as an industry, we should
be stating that security and quality do cost a little more, but the benefits
far outweigh the costs.'
Tel: 01788 558600
UKae
Commences In-House Georgian Profile Manufacture
UKae
Ltd, the UK manufacturer of IG components and the System 1 Georgian profile,
has expanded its manufacturing capacity to include production of its own
Georgian profile in-house.
‘Investment
in up-to-the-minute induction welding technology has allowed the company
to make this leap forward, making UKae the only company able to both manufacture
and supply the product within the UK.’
‘In-house manufacturing of Georgian profile means that UKae is able
to offer significant advantages over its competitors.’ says the company.
‘At present, all other Georgian products supplied in the UK are imported
from other countries, which can often mean lead-time delays. UKae can
now offer an even speedier turn-round service for customers, with short-term
orders easily accommodated.
The ability to manufacture its own Georgian profile also allows UKae to
remain in full control of the process from start to finish, maintaining
a high quality finished product. However, the product remains cost-effective
and is priced to suit a competitive market.’
UKae’s Managing Director Garry Ealing sees the move as further proof
that UKae remains one step ahead of the rest:
‘It was UKae that first introduced the definitive System 1 Georgian
profile to the UK market, and the product has since been much imitated
but never bettered. The continuing success of the original product has
led us to this decision as we feel we can now provide an even better service
this way. It’s a step that shows we still lead the way in the UK
market.’
UKae Georgian profile is available in wood grain finishes and a range
of standard RAL colours to suit any application.
Radius
Bending Ovens Launch Success
The
country’s leading fabricators enjoy bending. At least that’s
the view of Radius Engineering, the manufacturing equipment arm of the
UK PVC-U profile bending company.
The
announcement follows what the company describes as the ‘overwhelming
success’ of the launch of a range of low-cost but quality profile
bending equipment last year.
Radius’ Mike Crewdson says that British frame makers keen to bring
specialist frame making in house, have clamoured to buy the company’s
specially developed ovens and other equipment: ‘Of course we knew
there was a demand for companies to handle their own specialist curved
frames but our research did not show just how big the demand would be.
We offer the same equipment that we use ourselves on a daily basis, and
which we have successfully exported for over 10 years.
‘Our entire production was sold within two weeks of the launch, and
we have a very healthy order book. We believe a real benefit is that our
equipment is proven technology and still continues to lead this sector,
as well as our decision to make this equipment the lowest cost available
in Europe.
‘Part of the attraction, besides the real value for money packages
that we offer, is the assurance we give buyers through our service, support
and training, which are essential for any company entering this sector
of manufacturing, which is highly skill based. And, with Radius the market
leader amongst special frames fabricators, we also have unrivalled expertise
to offer customers setting up their own plant.’
The equipment, which has been designed and engineered by the Radius technical
team, allows fabricators to produce their own arches, whether true or
part radius, Gothic, basket tops, circular windows or double arches.
A complete range of equipment and manufacturing machinery is available,
from starter packages semi-automated lines, backed by free operator training
and technical support to ensure fast operational start up, and minimum
service downtime. In addition Radius will shortly launch its press-plate
technology, which the company says is widely acknowledged by production
experts as being the only effective method of creating complex curved
shapes with consistent accuracy, and with minimal wastage.
Queen’s 2005 Awards Includes Powershield
Doord, Safeglass and Apollo Chemicals
Her
Majesty The Queen recently announced the 2005 winners of The Queen’s
Awards for Enterprise, the UK’s leading accolade for business success
that is now in its 40th year. There are 137 Awards, the highest total
for 10 years.
The anniversary year is also marked by the announcement of the first recipients
of The Queen's Award for Enterprise Promotion. These new Awards for individuals
who have played an outstanding and significant role in promoting the growth
of enterprise and/or entrepreneurial skills and attitudes in others include
a Lifetime Achievement Award and 10 Standard Awards.
The Queen’s Awards for businesses honour outstanding companies from
across the UK, from a small firm with only two employees to an international
giant employing nearly 4,500. Their products range from cheese and
whisky to high-quality loudspeakers, an innovative hot food display cabinet
and a digital scanner for the motion picture industry. Business Award
winners include a company involved in the Indian Ocean tsumani disaster
relief operation and a UK-based Japanese car company that is exporting
cars – to Japan.
Products and services from winners in the International Trade category
include fine perfumes, specialist cheeses, higher education courses and
water purifiers, foodstuffs for conflict zones, and converters of drapery
and upholstery textiles for the contract and domestic soft furnishings
industry.
Awards in the Innovation category recognise a broad spectrum of outstanding
achievement including equipment that aids traffic management and road
safety by detecting pedestrians waiting to cross the road, new ways of
tagging products to stop in-store theft, the world’s first isotonic
energy gel for sportspeople, and a secure radio for frontline soldiers
on active service.
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: International Trade 2005
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to confer Her Awards
in 2005 upon the following business units in recognition of their outstanding
achievements in International Trade:
Powershield Doors Limited Lisburn, County Antrim, Northern Ireland Steel
doors and steel framed glazing systems
The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise: Innovation 2005
HER MAJESTY THE QUEEN has been graciously pleased to confer Her Awards
in 2005 upon the following business units in recognition of their outstanding
achievements in Innovation:
Apollo Chemicals Limited Tamworth, Staffordshire 'Fast-tack' solvent free
contact adhesive
John Guest International Limited West Drayton, Middlesex Speedfit plastic
plumbing fittings and pipe
Safeglass (Europe) Limited East Kilbride, Glasgow, Scotland. Safeglass®
is used as the industry standard throughout the rail and bus industry
for break glass hammer boxes, door egress, fire extinguishers and many
other safety products. Safeglass® is also used in hospitals for fire
alarms and oxygen shut off valves. http://www.safeglass.co.uk
ScrewFast Foundations Ltd St Albans, Hertfordshire Specialist high speed,
concrete free foundation system for buildings, masts and tall structures
Indigo
and Select – A Decade of Service
Mike
Bargery, Managing Director of Devon-based Select Windows of Honiton, is
a man steeped in the window business. He formed Select Windows in 1987
after many years working in direct sales at a senior level for a major
national retail company. He has been a customer of midlands-based fabricator
Indigo Products for the past 10 years and was one of Indigo’s first
customers to recognise the benefits of the new Elite 70 range.
Select is a purely retail company which is long established and proud
of its local reputation. Sales Director John Capon says: ‘a large
proportion of our business comes from recommendations. We cover a wide
area from mid and East Devon to West Dorset and into South Somerset, and
as you can imagine, local competition is fierce. We do well because of
the confidence we have in the product and because we know that Indigo
will always support us.’
On site at its premises just outside of the town centre, Select has six show conservatories in a variety of finishes including white, light-oak and rosewood. The company employs three fitting teams who are kept constantly busy.
John
Capon – Select Windows Sales Director (left) with Dave Stearman –
Indigo Products National Sales Manager (centre) and Mike Bargery –
Select Windows Managing Director (right)
‘Demand
has been strong recently for larger Victorian and Edwardian conservatories,’
says Mike Bargery. ‘Many pre-retired and retired people live in our
local area and we know that they appreciate good quality products and
most importantly – good service. I make it a priority to personally
respond as quickly as possible to any of our customers who have even the
smallest problem. That is the philosophy of Select Windows and is the
reason why we have such a good local reputation. That along with the support
we receive from Indigo Products.’
Dave Stearman, Indigo’s National Sales Manager has worked in partnership
with Select for the past six years. He says: ‘Select is a real success
story. You only have to look at the people and the whole set up to realise
what can be achieved through hard work and determination. We are delighted
to be associated with Select Windows and look forward to the next ten
years.’
Change
in the Top Management at Bystronic Maschinen AG
There
has been a change in the top management at Bystronic Maschinen AG. Roland
Gredig has been promoted to President.
Roland Gredig took on the position from Rolf Honegger, who had previously
held itin addition to his position as CEO of Bystronic glass.
Roland Gredig, a trained machine engineer, has been engaged in various
executive positions at Bystronic for eleven years, including eight years
at Bystronic Laser AG. Prior to his appointment as President, Roland Gredig
was Head of Operations at Bystronic Maschinen AG.
Bystronic Maschinen AG is part of the Bystronic glass group, the global
supplier of total solutions for the economical, application-engineered
manufacture of architectural and automotive glass.
‘We are the world market leader in automotive glass because we can
offer our customers the best system solutions on the basis of continual
innovations’, says Roland Gredig.
‘We have developed new procedures for architectural glass cutting,
such as the vertical cutting technology, that provide our customers with
significant logistical and cost advantages.’
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
Meadow
View Streamlines Service with Windowlink
Meadow
View Windows and Conservatories is predicting a 15% increase in sales
thanks to new presentation and pricing software from Windowlink. The Powys
based company has had VectorPlus conservatory and FocusPlus window and
door design-to-sell programs installed, which include bespoke pricing
modules.
According to Proprietor, Phil Davies, the investment is improving efficiency
and winning compliments from customers.
Meadow
View is a successful local company with Phil having over 30 years experience
within the building and window industry. The dedicated team is committed
to providing quality products, reliable service and total customer satisfaction.
Phil says they chose Windowlink following a successful demonstration:
‘Other programs have failed to meet our needs, but Windowlink has
delivered on all its promises.’
Meadow View’s PVC-U range from the Duraflex Diamond Suite is manufactured
by Griffin Windows, one of the UK’s leading trade fabricators. The
company’s Windowlink software includes a totally customisable pricing
system to cater for Griffin’s pricing structure. ‘The program
calculates an exact price, thus ensuring consistency and accuracy on every
order, whether it’s a standard design or a special,’ explains
Phil.
With Windowlink’s VectorPlus 3D presentation program for conservatories
Meadow View can design and price a conservatory on-screen alongside the
customer. The software incorporates an extensive library of conservatory
styles, decorative window leads and roof glazing options, and produces
photo-quality printouts of alternative options shown side by side together
with base layouts, roof plans and frame reports. Phil adds, ‘Being
able to produce accurate drawings in VectorPlus to include with a quotation
really impresses customers and has made the whole procedure faster and
easier.’
FocusPlus is an advanced version of Windowlink’s entry level Focus
presentation and quotation program. It contains a comprehensive list of
pre-programmed questions based on information and pricing criteria provided
by the company.
These provide a checklist to ensure that nothing is forgotten during the
presentation process. ‘And when we are preparing a quote with a customer
they can automatically see the price, plus the effect of changing the
hardware or finish, for example,’ Phil continues.
Meadow View is delighted with its Windowlink software. ‘We’ve
always striven for perfection and with Windowlink’s help we’ve
speeded up and enhanced the sales process and are presenting a much more
professional image to our customers.’
Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com
Masterframe
puts Punch Behind Jade’s Expansion
Northamptonshire-based
installer Jade of Wollaston has been installing Masterframe’s PVC-U
sash windows since 1998. The business, owned by Kevin Swinden, is expanding
and Masterframe has been important in its success.
Currently,
20 per cent of Jade’s installation involves vertical sliders, with
Kevin’s ambitious expansion plans looking set to see this increase
to 50 per cent within a couple of years. Asked about his success, Kevin
is quick to sing the praises of Masterframe: ‘I had a good feeling
the very first time their rep called in. I’d been using another supplier
before then and Masterframe offered better value and service. We’ve
worked well together and built the trusting working relationship you need
for success in this business.’
An important part of Masterframe’s support involves the Bygone Preferred
Installers (BPI) network. Kevin shares the enthusiasm of so many BPI members:
‘Masterframe strives constantly to improve its whole offer; that’s
what I like so much. They listen to what I – and other BPI members
– say and value our suggestions. It’s not just about selling
a window here; it’s the whole ‘Bygone’ concept: support,
technical innovation, performance and competitive pricing and the best
PVC-U vertical slider you can get.
‘We’re a relatively small outfit at the moment but with Masterframe
behind us we can punch well above our weight. We like to describe ourselves
as a window industry wolf in sheep’s clothing. So watch out!’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
Astraseal
Promises 5-Day Turnaround for Trade Customers
Wellingborough-based
trade fabricator Astraseal has just announced details of a new 5-day turnaround
service on all the company’s glazed and unglazed frames.
Andrew
McKeown, the company’s Managing Director, says: ‘We recognise
that for trade customers, prompt and reliable delivery is absolutely critical.
We are constantly reviewing our turnaround times and looking at ways to
improve and are delighted that for 2005 we can routinely promise the 5-day
service which we know installers increasingly value.’
Astraseal has achieved this significant milestone through the ongoing
investment programme which is in place at its Wellingborough facility.
For example, the company has purchased new frame and sash cutting centres
and introduced a new administration workflow which is helping it to process
orders even more quickly than previously. The company is also installing
a new toughening plant for sealed units in its specialised factory.
Additionally, Astraseal will shortly begin manufacturing its own composite
door slabs which will help the company to offer even more competitive
prices and flexible service on its composite door range.
Astraseal manufactures windows, doors and conservatories in the REHAU-Tritec
60mm system, S706 70mm system and REHAU Heritage vertical slider system.
The company has a capacity of 10,000 sealed units and 3,500 glazed frames
per week.
Tel: 01933 227233
Email: mailto:timmckeown@astraseal.com
Major
Emplas Commercial Contract Represents the UK’s Largest PVC-u Recycling
Project
Emplas
Window Systems Ltd, the UK trade and commercial fabricator, has been awarded
a major supply and installation contract by Carmarthenshire County Council
as part of a five year, multi million pound investment plan for the refurbishment
of its council properties. Emplas, which also has access to a full UK-based
PVC-u recycling facility, won the contract in part due to its ability
to fulfil the Council’s stringent recycling objectives. The project
involves the recycling of between 350 and 400 first generation PVC-u windows
per week, making it the UK’s biggest PVC-u recycling scheme to date.
Carmarthenshire
County Council is committed both to the provision of quality housing and
to the environment. Its main objectives for its five-year plan are to
ensure that all homes are brought up to Welsh Quality Housing Standards,
focusing on the improvement of energy efficiency, reduction in maintenance
costs and increased security. With this in mind, the Council specified
Profile 22’s PVC-u system and sought out a number of Profile 22 fabricators
and installers to submit proposals for tender. All prospective suppliers
also had to be members of Constructionline, the UK’s largest register
of local and national pre-qualified construction-related services.
Emplas Window Systems impressed the Council with the breadth and quality
of its product range – the company will also be supplying replacement
roofline and rainwater products for the project where required –
in addition to its professional approach and the company’s willingness
and ability to meet the tight deadlines of the project. Emplas beat five
competitors to win the contract and will supply and install new PVC-u
double glazed windows and doors for the first year phase of the project.
Carmarthenshire County Council is particularly committed to reducing waste
and improving recycling performance throughout the county and has already
achieved outstanding results with its domestic recycling initiatives.
The Council was therefore also attracted to Emplas Windows ability to
recycle plastic window frames. All the old frames and glass taken from
the properties will therefore be recycled as part of the project, with
the figures added to the Authority’s recycling quota.
The glass is taken out of the frames and is stored at the Council’s
Civic Amenity Site at Wernddu until there is a sufficient load to be taken
to local recycling company Paper Dragon. The PVC-u frames – including
hardware and gaskets - are separated from the glass and stored at a site
compound occupied by Emplas and based at Ammanford. These frames are stacked
carefully into an articulated trailer unit and collected twice a week
by lorry and taken to an extrusion processing plant in Rhymney, South
Wales. The gaskets and ironmongery are then separated from the PVC-u,
with the former by-products also recycled. The PVC-u is ground down and
re-processed for use again.
The refurbishment project – which began in Llanelli late last year
– has already got off to a flying start, with Emplas proving its
worth to Carmarthenshire County Council within the first month. Emplas
had just two weeks from invitation to tender to submit its initial proposal.
A pre-contract meeting was arranged for the end of October 2004; by the
close of November, Emplas had already completed site set-up and surveys
for the first round of properties, with 332 windows delivered to site
and installed within four weeks. Emplas is also proving to be an active
partner for the Council in other areas, appointing a bi-lingual Liaison
Officer for close consultations with tenants and employing local labour
for its installation teams and within its recycling compound.
The first phase of the project for will see a total of 982 properties
in Carmarthenshire having new windows installed and old windows recycled,
with more than 5000 new windows due to be installed in total. The first
phase is due to be completed by May 2005. David Poole, Contracts Co-ordinator
for Building Services at Carmarthenshire County Council, is impressed
with Emplas’ performance so far:
‘Emplas’ extensive experience in the public sector was a great
advantage to us. The company was able to provide us with an immediate
start and it moved exceptionally quickly, employing a sound project team
and programme of works within weeks. All the information we required from
the company was provided immediately. We are really pleased with the progress
Emplas has made and with the standard of the windows to date, and we are
satisfied that our deadlines will be met and we will finish on schedule.’
The recycling of end-of-life windows for this project is proving so successful
that the Council is now seeking to operate a similar scheme with other
double glazing firms located within the county.
Earlier
this year, EYG, a major fabricator based in Hull, moved over to Spectus’
Elite 70 window and door system. It will be branded as the ‘Heritage
Elite’ window.
The
product was launched by Nick Ward, EYG’s Sales Director, at the company’s
annual sales and marketing conference at the end of February. Commented
Nick: ‘The window market has now clearly matured and we therefore
have to focus on differentiation. This may concern price, choice, style
and, most importantly, service. The management team at EYG recognised
that the market would slow down; accordingly, during the last couple of
years, we have taken steps to get our product and service right.
‘Our sales force, who are very discerning these days, were very much
attracted to the features and benefits of the Spectus Elite 70 system.
The single leg knock-in bead makes installation on site much easier and
the shape has real kerb appeal for our retail customers. We also like
the forward thinking that Spectus have built in to the product; namely
a five-chamber profile, which clearly reflects the future trends within
the Building Regulations for enhanced thermal efficiency. Simply put –
keeping the cold out and the warmth in during winter months.
‘When we make our minds up about something at EYG, we tend to act
quickly. A good example of this principle is that we have already achieved
BS:7412 and BS:7950 accreditations. Not all fabricators can offer this
additional comfort factor – quality products and a reliable service
are our watchwords.
‘EYG is also fully committed to further develop our lead generation
activities, which will keep up well ahead of the pack. We expect 2005
to be a bumper year’.
Tel: 01625 666119
Wirral
takes No Risks with SFS Intec Commitment
After
stipulating SFS austenitic stainless steel fasteners in its window specification
for more than five years, Wirral Council is continuing its solid commitment
to quality as it strives towards the Decent Homes standard by keeping
this spec exactly the same when it transfers its 15,000 homes in 2005
to form Wirral Partnership Homes.
The
stock transfer covering major urban areas, including Birkenhead, Wallasey
and Bebington, unlocks a massive £172 million to fund repairs and
improvements to properties over the next seven years. The most significant
component of the initial programme will be the installation of PVCu replacement
windows at 11,000 homes, with many other properties earmarked also for
new front doors, kitchens, bathrooms and central heating systems.
‘Now that the transfer has been approved, we are looking forward
to being able to invest much more significantly than we’ve been able
to in recent years,’ says Brian Croft, Surveying Manager at Wirral
Council.
‘At the same time we must deliver Best Value to our residents by
ensuring that we specify the right components. We can’t risk hardware
failure on such a massive new programme and already have first hand experience
of the excellent performance offered by SFS austenitic stainless steel
fasteners. It makes every sense to take this spec forward for Wirral Partnership
Homes.’
Year one of the window programme alone is valued at around £6 million
and Wirral is currently in the process of appointing fabricators to carry
out the work. In addition to external contractors, Wirral Partnership
Homes will also allocate a sizeable portion of the work to its own in-house
PVCu window-making company, its Construction Services Division.
Established in 2001, the Birkenhead based Construction Services Division
is a small but growing fabrication team which is currently producing 50-60
windows per week. The forthcoming stock transfer will see the division
awarded a contract worth £1.5 million over the first 12 months of
the seven year window programme, pushing up production significantly to
around 100 windows every week.
The Division is committed to Wirral Council’s specification, using
only SFS intec austenitic fasteners and Securistyle friction hinges with
the Rehau profile.
Heading the window fabrication team, Ronnie Croston, Factory Manager at
Wirral Council says: ‘We’ve used SFS austenitic stainless steel
fasteners since we started more than three years ago, sticking rigidly
to the Council’s spec. It is crucial that we do this given our coastal
location as we can’t afford to take risks with long term performance.’
SIG
plc adds Everwhite as Part of its Expanding Roofline Portfolio
SIG
plc, the specialist distributor of insulation, roofing and commercial
interior products in Europe, has announced it has added Everwhite Plastics
Ltd to its expanding product portfolio. In the most recent trading statement
Les Tench, Chairman reported: ‘After a year of exceptional progress
in 2004, the Group enters 2005 from a position of strength both financially
and in the markets in which we operate, and the board is confident that
further progress will be made.’
SIG has recently added roofline manufacturer Everwhite Plastics Ltd as
a key supplier. Philip Johns, Sales and Marketing Director for SIG Roofing
Supplies Group comments: ‘We are very pleased to be working with
Everwhite. As a specialist distributor of roofing materials we constantly
reassess our product portfolio. Feedback from many of our customers has
shown us that roofline products are becoming more important to the roofing
contractor. We offer our customers a comprehensive range of boards, fascias,
soffits, cladding and accessories, including joints and corners and are
making a significant investment in the roofline area of our business to
meet this growing demand. An important part of this initiative is forming
relationships with key manufacturers of roofline products, including Everwhite.
Everwhite products are available now at SIG Roofing branches across the
country.’
Tel: 01685 882 447
Wirral’s
Largest Roofline Installer goes to GAP for Great Service
Professional
installers need good working relationships with their suppliers to maintain
their reputations for quality. Fascia Direct Ltd is the Wirral’s
largest fascia and soffit replacement company, with an annual turnover
of £1.5 million. Its reputation is based on quality products and
professional installation, which is why Fascia Direct has used PVC-UE
roofline supplier, GAP, for four years.
‘Sixty percent of the roofline we order is GAP’s own brand,’
says Paul Challis, Managing Director of Fascia Direct. ‘The rest
is Swish, which is specified. We buy approximately £5,000 a week
from GAP, the majority of which is white, with 10% coloured or with wood
effects.
‘The service we get is impeccable. GAP consistently supplies good
quality fascia and soffits at the right price, complete, undamaged, and
on-time. Both management and staff are friendly and helpful, and there’s
always someone there to answer the phone and give you the time you need.
GAP’s support helps everything go as smoothly as possible.’
Contact: Mark Simm
Tel: 01254 682888
Email: mailto:marksimm@gap.uk.com
Newstead’s
Customer Care Makes the Difference
Newstead
Trade Frames has recently launched a new initiative to call customers
once a week to ensure everything is OK. The trade fabricator checks orders
are correct and nothing needs to be added and asks whether customers need
any marketing support material to use for any particular prospects that
week.
‘It would make my life so much easier if all my suppliers would do
this,’ explains Jonathan Stubbs, Director of Chester based Sovereign
Windows. ‘Like every business it’s easy to overlook things when
you’re busy, so Newstead prompting us like this is really useful.
We chose Newstead as a supplier in the first place because although our
previous supplier gave us a good quality product with a good service,
Newstead gives us the same product quality with an even better service
and the package is more competitively priced. Having said that, we’ve
been in the business for twenty years and we wouldn’t sacrifice our
well earned reputation for price alone. Newstead’s approach means
better working relationships all round.’
Tel: 01782 641 642
New
Business Unit for Roofline Products
Following
a strategic review of the business conducted in the second half of 2004,
Kestrel BCE Building Products is the name of the new Business Unit for
the roofline products division of HW Plastics.
The announcement follows the appointments of Richard Whiting as Group
Finance Director and Paul Neilson as Divisional Managing Director of the
Plastics Division and the subsequent creation of two distinct Business
Units for Rigid and Cellular.
Kestrel BCE sales and marketing is now based at the modern production
facility in Scunthorpe where both Kestrel and BCE profiles have been manufactured
for a number of years. The closer links between manufacturing and sales
are expected to deliver best service to customers allowing complete concentration
on the cellular market and the customers that the business serves.
Shirley Henderson, the new Managing Director of Kestrel BCE Building Products
explains, ‘The
reasons for the change include recognition that our market and our customers
are very different to the customers of the windows side of the HW Plastics
business and also a belief that by creating a single team completely focussed
on the Kestrel and BCE business, we can deliver an even better service
to our customers
‘We are also re-organising our sales team to ensure that they deliver
the best possible service to our customers. With effect from January,
we created a combined sales team that is now responsible for selling both
brands. The benefit to our customers is that this enables us to reduce
the geographical areas they cover and therefore reduce the amount of time
they spend travelling so increasing the amount of time available for them
to spend helping customers develop their own business, including back
selling, securing specifications and new build business. This is a model
that we developed in Scotland a number of years ago and has delivered
tangible benefits for us and our customers.’
The Kestrel BCE name and logo are being rolled out over the coming months,
although the business will still remain a trading division of HW Plastics.
Production will be centred at the Scunthorpe facility though distribution
will continue to operate from the Groups’ state of the art warehouse
and distribution facility at Trentham, near Stoke.
Concludes Shirley Henderson, ‘I would stress that whilst we have
merged two brand names to form a company identity; the two product ranges
will remain distinctly separate and will be marketed under either the
Kestrel or BCE brand.’
Freefoam
Congratulates Trimseal and Just Fascias
Freefoam
congratulates Trimseal which is celebrating its 18th year in business
in May. Based in Eastbourne and Bexhill, Trimseal is a major supplier
of Freefoam products to the Newbuild, Refurbishment, Trade and DIY sectors.
‘Trimseal aims to provide high quality products and service to each
and every one of our customers in the most efficient manner possible.’
says the company.
Freefoam Area Sales Manger, Simon Parrott, comments, ‘Trading successfully
in the highly competitive plastic building products industry for 18 years
is quite an achievement. Trimseal has achieved this by supplying its customers
with high quality products and service. We wish the company many more
years of success’.
Freefoam has also announced that Just Fascias has topped the Freefoam
guarantee registration table for the first quarter of 2005. The South
Yorkshire based company also topped the poll in the last quarter of 2004.
Freefoam, a manufacturer of lead-free PVC Roofline and Rainwater systems
for the Northern European market, originally launched its 20 Year Extended
Guarantee scheme early in 2003. The system has proved a success for both
the company and its customers.
‘Just Fascias is an example of a progressive customer-focused company
investing in developing its markets through improved customer service
and sales support,’ comments Kevin Reed, Freefoam National Sales
Manager. ‘Feefoam installers benefit from being able to offer something
unique to support their work, and homeowners have greater peace of mind
that comes from receiving confirmation of their guarantee direct from
the manufacturer’.
For more information on the 20 Year Extended guarantee, contact Freefoam
directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com.
Alternatively log on to the guarantee scheme directly at http://www.freefoam.com/guarantee
The
Board of Directors of Alcoa declared on
April 22nd (a) a quarterly common stock dividend
of 15 cents per share payable May 25th, 2005 to shareholders of record
at the close of business on May 6th, 2005 and (b) a quarterly dividend
of 93.75 cents per share on Alcoa's $3.75 cumulative preferred stock payable
July 1st, 2005 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June
8th, 2005. Alcoa has paid a quarterly dividend on its common stock for
more than 60 years.
Alcoa is the world's leading producer and manager of primary aluminium,
fabricated aluminium and alumina facilities, 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 aluminium products and components,
Alcoa also markets consumer brands including Reynolds Wrap® foils
and plastic wraps, Alcoa®
wheels, and Baco®
household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding, closures,
fastening systems, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems
for cars and trucks. The company has 131,000 employees in 43 countries
and has been a member of the Dow Jones Industrial Average for 45 years
and the Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes since 2001.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com