National
Window Companies 'A Pain in the Glass' says Which? Report
In
a survey of its readers, published on 7th November 2002, Which? found
that six out of ten respondents experienced difficulties with double glazing
companies. National chains caused the most problems.
According to the survey, around three quarters of Anglian, Coldseal, Zenith
and Staybrite customers experienced problems, compared with half of those
using independent companies. Everest caused the fewest problems of all
the nationals but 62 per cent of its customers still had difficulties.
Surprisingly, despite all these problems, most people were generally fairly
happy with the finished product.
Customers faced problems with delivery and installation, poor customer
service and high-pressure sales techniques - a huge 44 per cent of Zenith's
customers complained of pressure selling. One reader felt pushed into
buying new windows after a salesman from a national chain stayed at his
home from 7pm till 1am. And companies aren't good at putting their mistakes
right: on average a quarter of customers of national chains were very
dissatisfied with the way their complaint was handled.
One couple had so many problems when Coldseal installed their double glazing
that they took the company to court and won. Their problems ranged from
damage to their windows' seals and frames to poor customer service. After
they'd had to wait three months for the company to put right all the faults
and the promised cheque for compensation failed to turn up, the couple
went to court, and won £430.
Double glazing is one of the most expensive home improvements. On average
Which? survey respondents spent just over £5,000 on new windows
and doors and one in ten spent more than £10,000. But prices can
vary widely between companies with national chains tending to charge more
than independents for the same number of installations. In one case a
national chain initially quoted £8,139 for replacement windows,
before eventually dropping the price to £5,127. Local companies
quoted around £2,000 for the same job.
Which? has passed its findings to the Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF)
whose members include all the national chains in the survey. It's asking
the GGF to monitor its members more closely to ensure they provide a good
service and good quality products and to penalise any companies whose
work isn't up to scratch.
Helen Parker, Editor of Which? said:
'Our survey results show that double glazing companies, particularly national
chains, are failing to provide trouble-free service, and tend to charge
more than independents for the same number of installations.
'Your safest bet is a personal recommendation of an independent or regional
firm.
'We want to see double glazing companies polishing up their act and are
passing our findings to the Glass and Glazing Federation for stricter
monitoring.'
Deceuninck fabricator wins Business Award for customer service
Deceuninck
fabricator Great Harwood Windows Ltd has won the prestigious East Lancashire
Business Award for customer service. Over 100 companies entered this category,
but the judges were impressed with the Blackburn based company's commitment
to customer service.
At Great Hardwood Windows, customer service is on the agenda of every management meeting. The company offers a genuine no pressure sales approach, and encourages every customer to complete a service feedback questionnaire.
Managing director James Hindle said:
'For a window and conservatory company to win an award for customer service is almost unknown, so we are particularly proud to have won. The award is a tribute to all our staff who work so hard to ensure that high customer service standards remain a paramount objective of Great Harwood Windows.'
Pictured: Great Harwood Windows retail sales & marketing manager Neil Livesey collecting the East Lancashire Business Award for customer service.
Which
Trade Fabricators Have you Heard of?
Shepley
recently commissioned research into installers' perceptions of trade fabricators
and the overwhelming message from this research was that installers know
very little about trade fabricators.
It's no secret that awareness of systems companies is low compared with
many other industries. For example, if you ask people to write down all
the cars they've heard of, most people can fill a page with hardly a pause.
But when fabricators are asked how many systems companies they know of,
they run out of names rather quickly. This latest research shows awareness
of trade fabricators among installers is even lower.
Despite low awareness, Shepley was perceived favourably, scoring consistently
well on all attributes installers were asked to rate. 'We have taken on
board all the findings from the research,' explains Gary Torr, Managing
Director of Shepley. 'We're using this research to strengthen and improve
our performance and to get the right message to those PVCu installers
that require the quality, service and support our customers receive. Getting
this message across would be simpler if only our prospects knew what our
customers experience!'
Contact: James Brisbane
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com
Who
Will be Caught with their Trousers Down in 2003?
The
window industry is facing one of the most significant phases in its history,
yet window companies in general appear poorly prepared to combat saturation
and less ready still to face up to the issue of replacing the replacements.
Who will be the first to be caught with their trousers down in 2003?
The latest report from Michael Rigby Associates (The PVC-U Window Profile
& PVC-UE Cellular Foam Profile Industry in the UK & Ireland -
2001 Market & Forecasts) not only provides detailed information on
the window and foam markets in 2001, but also gives in-depth analysis
of growth forecasts over the next few years. The reports include additional
analyses on production, an extended forecast section, an updated environmental
review and a new section on Replacing the Replacements.
Last year both the window and foam markets saw increases in volume and
value compared with the previous year. The window market expanded 14%
in tonnage processed compared with 2000. Year on year value was also up.
Material yields remain largely unchanged with systems companies citing
more stringent quality demands from customers, new product launches and
more frequent tooling changeovers as reasons for lack of improvements
to yield. Average tool changeover times are at the same levels as they
were in 1999 and although fast tool changeover is seen by some companies
as the next major challenge in the drive to reduce production costs, few
have yet adopted lean manufacturing techniques.
Window market forecasts reflect increasing levels of saturation and most
players expect limited growth by 2006. In contrast the foam market is
expected to grow by 5% in 2002 and by a further 6% in 2003.
The new section, 'Replacing the Replacements' in the window report emphasises
the need to act now and develop innovative products that will encourage
the consumer to replace their existing windows and doors. Some suggestions
are outlined in the report.
The reports are aimed at anyone who works with PVCu window systems or
PVC-UE cellular foam building products, or related markets. They can be
used to help prepare business and marketing plans, make sales forecasts
and take informed decisions.
For more information on these reports or to purchase a copy, please contact
Lucia Di Stazio on 01453 521 621
Management
team buy out Ultraspan from Ultraframe
The management team at Ultraspan, including director of sales Steve Abrahams,
has purchased the Company from the Ultraframe group. Ultraspan will continue
to strengthen and expand the business from its Southampton based factory.
Other members of the team include Steve Collis and Joe Meakin, who owned
the company when it was known as Robinsons, before it became part of Ultraframe
and then known as Ultraspan.
'The Management team are pleased with the smooth transition of the purchase and delighted at the good wishes and promises of future business from its loyal customer base', says Steve.
The Company is committed to its policy of continual improvement and product development, the R&D team are working on a number of new products and systems, which will be released in the near future.
Telephone : 023-8052-8165
Fax : 023-8070-5588
email : stevea@robinsons-ltd.com
The
VEKA Charity Calendar 2003 - Now it's Time for the Girls!
If you deal with PVC-U window systems supplier VEKA and perhaps wondered
if the girl on the other end of the line looks as good as she sounds,
now's the time to find out! Because after the fantastic success of the
first ever Charity Calendar featuring the men in the company in photographs
taken by their female colleagues, now it's time for the girls to show
off their assets - and the results are well worth waiting for!
The
2002 version raised hundreds of pounds for a men's cancer charity. Now
it's the time for the girls, including Vicky Naughton and Lynda Calverley,
whose brainchild it was to raise money this way for good causes. But now
it's their turn to get in front of the lens the girls have sweet-talked
a professional photographer and designer to produce the 2003 version,
which is raising money to support the fight against breast cancer. Says
Vicky: 'We want to be seen in the best - or perhaps the worst - light
so we thought that we would employ the services of some professionals!
Perhaps not surprisingly we had dozens of offers from the men in the company
to take our photographs, so perhaps this is also the most diplomatic solution.'
No less than 19 VEKA lovelies are featured in the calendar, in a variety of poses and outfits that will ensure copies will not look out of place on the factory wall! Basques, motorcycles and even a dog collar are to be found in its pages guaranteeing that even the winter months are hot!
Although produced by professionals VEKA sales and marketing director Mark Rogers nonetheless decided that the 2003 version required his creative talents as Art Director: 'My involvement was purely to ensure the highest artistic standards, and indeed to make the girls feel comfortable in front of the lens' he said. 'I have to say that anyone less professional and objective than me might have had a real problem controlling themselves; some of my male colleagues may never think of the female staff in quite the same way again.'
The VEKA 2003 Charity Calendar is available for £5.00 each plus £1.95 post and packaging, with all proceeds from the cover price donated to charity. Orders to Vicky Naughton or Linda Calverley at VEKA 01282 716611; fax 01282 718492; email vnaughton@veka.com
New
Kitemark Scheme Launched for Double-Glazing Installation
BSI
has launched a new Kitemark scheme to ensure the quality of PVCu window
installations. A double-glazed window is only as good as the installation.
Double-glazed windows on their own can achieve the Kitemark but if a window
is not properly installed it may not last.
Since the new Kitemark highlights the importance of the installation,
BSI audits the survey and installation against the Local Authorities PVCu
Frame Advisory Group’s (LAPFAG) Specification.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council (RMBC) is the first organisation
to achieve this new Kitemark. The council received it in conjunction with
complying with the LAPFAG specification.
Alan Hope, general manager of BSI Product Services made the formal presentation
to the Mayor of Rotherham, Councillor Aubrey Senior. Michael Pearson,
RMBC's quality assurance officer, said: 'We are delighted to have become
the first licensee of this new Kitemark. We recognise its value to the
public sector and believe we will benefit enormously from all the hard
work we have put in to achieve this success.'
RMBC has been manufacturing and installing its own double-glazing units
for 15 years in line with its policy of providing the best possible service
to its tenants. The council looks after 27,000 council houses of which
around 70% now have PVC windows installed. RMBC's window fabrication unit
operates largely for the council itself but has a growing number of contracts
with other external agencies in the public sector.
BSI has worked in an advisory capacity with LAPFAG which wrote the specification
in conjunction with 34 key players from the window industry, including
many manufacturers.
The Specification includes three key British Standards governing performance
and security of PVCu windows – BS 7413, BS 7412 and BS 7950. It also
cross- references many other standards and takes survey and installation
into consideration. Most importantly, it requires independent third party
certification – hence the Kitemark.
As a result, risk is eliminated for the public sector procurement of PVCu
windows and their installation. Specifiers in the social housing sector
will have peace of mind in the selection of PVCu window suppliers since
they have the assurance that successful licensees will have been audited
and tested right from the initial tender process through to the fully
installed product.
The current spend within the UK public sector is £400 million (US$620
million) a year on PVCu windows, through 460 local authorities and 1,300
housing associations.
BSI provides a cost-effective testing and certification service for manufacturers
to demonstrate that their products are legal and fit for purpose.
Tel: 01442 278 607
Email: mailto:product.services@bsi-global.com
Web: http://www.bsi-global.com
Vat
Reduction ‘Crucial to Prescott’s Urban Crusade’, says NFB
The
National Federation of Builders (NFB) is calling on the Chancellor to
reduce the level of VAT on refurbishment projects in his pre-Budget report
later this month to help bring thousands of vacant, disused homes back
into use.
The Federation, which represents over 3,000 companies, says a commitment
from Gordon Brown to lower VAT on all repair, maintenance and improvement
(RMI) contracts would show the Government was serious about its pledge
to revive the inner cities and meet the current shortfall of affordable
homes.
Barry Stephens, chief executive the NFB, said: 'There are hundreds of
thousands of decaying properties across the UK and, in particular, London
and the South East, while key workers continue to struggle to find affordable
homes.
'By reducing the current VAT rate on RMI work to 5 per cent, the Chancellor
would make refurbishment projects more commercially viable for builders
and developers, in turn bringing a significant proportion of these properties
into use.'
There are currently over 200,000 empty homes in London and the South East.
The Empty Homes Agency estimates there are more than 100,000 in Greater
London alone - roughly the same number as the entire housing stock of
the London Borough of Lewisham.
Mr Stephens added: 'If the government is truly committed to providing
decent accommodation for all its citizens and reviving the country’s
towns and cities, it must take a more holistic approach to regeneration
policy and look seriously at the VAT issue.
'The calls from the Deputy Prime Minister for the building industry to
get behind its regeneration drive might be better directed at one of the
principle impediments to this – the Treasury’s reluctance to
make the VAT reduction that the industry believes is necessary.
'Real progress in addressing these problems will only be secured when
the government applies more joined up thinking to its central policy and
gets its departments working with each other.'
Mr Stephens said a VAT reduction would also help the Government tackle
the problem of ‘cowboy’ builders operating in the black economy.
He added: 'Rogue operators continue to drive bona fide builders out of
the domestic market because VAT registered traders cannot compete with
cash-in-hand prices.
'Lowering VAT on domestic RMI work would remove the unfair competitive
advantage cowboy builders have by operating outside of the tax system,
encouraging professional firms into the domestic marketplace and making
harder for rogues to operate.'
Perfect
Partners for Pilkington Activ™
The
UK launch of Pilkington Activ™, the dual-action self-cleaning glass,
has now taken place, causing interest from not just homeowners looking
to save both time and money on window cleaning, but also the trade who
are keen to add the new product to their own portfolio.
To ensure the high quality and accurate use of Pilkington Activ™,
Pilkington has taken the decision to recruit a team of Launch Partners.
Since the product was first discussed with customers, it has been welcomed
with enthusiasm and the list of specialist Launch Partners now stands
at some 190 window fabricators across the United Kingdom (Click here
for Partner List).
The first of these to sign up was DWL Home Improvement of Kent, enlisted
by Glen Osborne, Sales Manager of Pilkington Basingstoke. To mark its
position as the first Launch Partner for the self cleaning glass, Pilkington
presented the company with a cut glass rose bowl.
Derek
Murphy, Chairman of DWL Home Improvement, commented: 'As a company we
are constantly looking for ways to improve our product offering and keep
one step ahead of the game. Signing up to be a Launch Partner for Pilkington
Activ™ was an excellent way to help to build our business. It is
a brand new product that looks set to change the glazing world and we're
very enthusiastic about it, we've already sold the product for a number
of complete conservatories - the sides and the roofs.'
To complement Pilkington's own national trade and consumer advertising,
DWL Home Improvement has also embarked on its own local radio and press
campaign to help raise awareness of Pilkington Activ™ and its capabilities.
Martin Mumford, General Manager for Pilkington Processing & Merchanting
UK, congratulated DWL Home Improvement on its number one position:
'We have worked successfully with DWL Home Improvement for many years
and they have always been very enthusiastic and keen to develop both their
own business and the industry. We look forward to helping them take their
business forward using the Pilkington glass range, from the traditional
products right through to state of the art developments such as Pilkington
Activ™.'
Pilkington Merchanting and Processing UK is the specialist business of
Pilkington, merchanting bulk glass and processed bespoke products for
the industry.
Tel: 01744 692000
Email: mailto:contact@pilkington.com
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
As
part of the reinvestment programme already under way, and with an eye
on future compliance with Part L / Part J of the Building Regulations,
the Darby Group proposes to install a new cutting table at its location
in Scotland.
The table which will be installed in January next year will have the facility
to edge delete coated glass, allowing Darby Scotland to productively handle
soft coated glass; in addition, the table will allow the cutting of laminated
glass and shapes on line.
'Having recently invested in excess of £1M in three new automated
unit lines, the cutting table at Scotland is further evidence of our determination
to ensure that the Darby Group remains one of the leading suppliers of
Insulating Glass Units in the United Kingdom' states Ian Ford, Managing
Director, Glazing Products Division.
'The table will meet all the foreseeable needs of our site in Scotland
and will enable us to strengthen our market position'.
Tel: 01724 280044
Email: mailto:sales@darbyglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Avocet
Hardware has completed the first phase of a £3.5m project to establish
an automated picking and despatch operation at its National Distribution
Centre in Brighouse. A narrow aisle, high bay racking scheme has just
been installed, which has substantially increased bulk storage capacity.
Commenting on this first stage, Chris Morris, Avocet UK's Managing Director
says: 'Because it wasn't possible to extend the actual floor space as
the site is located on a peninsula between the Calder River and Hebble
Canal, we had to literally raise the roof.' The new racking system has
top beams over 14 metres high and can cope with a mix of both standard
and euro pallets, as well as the 2.5m crates which door bolts are shipped
in. Given the height, a new shell had to be built around the racking,
and the whole project took four months to complete. The net result is
that Avocet's bulk store can now hold 9000 pallets, compared to 1800 previously,
in the same footprint. 'And in addition to extra space, it's also given
us better selectivity and stock management and enables us to continue
to give our customers the level of choice they demand and deserve,' adds
Chris.
This extension of warehousing capacity is just the start of an ongoing
investment programme at Avocet to ensure speedy and efficient turnaround
of orders for the company's range of window and door security hardware,
fixings and fasteners, and access control systems - a total of over 20,000
products. Avocet is also planning to introduce bar coding across all product
lines, radio frequency terminals throughout the site, together with the
latest warehouse management software in the move towards a paperless pick,
receipt and replenishment system.
Contact: Sheroz Adat
Tel: 01484 711700
Email: mailto:post@avocet-hardware.co.uk
Web: http://www.avocet-hardware.co.uk
Structural
Glazing in Research and Practice - Customer Service via Glass Competence
Centres (GCC)
Wacker
has set up Glass Competence Centres (GCC) worldwide in order to provide
customers with individual, project-specific consultancy right through
from planning to implementation. At these three centres, in Germany (at
Nünchritz, Dresden), China (Shanghai) and Singapore, the R&D
departments for the company's Structural Glazing Division are concentrated.
These experts not only develop new processes and products, but are also
at the service of customers on all continents. In Germany, consultancy
is provided for projects in Europe, Africa, the Middle East and America.
In their consulting activities, Wacker's Silicones specialists put emphasis
on interdisciplinary cooperation with their partners in the glass and
construction industries. Because, in the experience of the Wacker Silicones
Division, that is the way to plan innovative all-glass facades most effectively.
The earliest possible coordination among project participants has proved
exceptionally valuable in the context of novel SG techniques, unusual
joint designs, and the development of new products.
When customary SG techniques are checked, the customer receives approval
of the SG design, plus information on joint dimensioning, from Wacker
Silicones within three working days. The laboratory report on adhesion
and compatibility testing is made available within one month. After that,
a start can be made on bonding the elements. For checked and approved
projects, Wacker Silicones gives a ten-year warranty.
The GCCs' Project Support in Detail
*Complete structural glazing system testing in regard to joint design,
joint dimensioning, adhesion and compatibility testing with original materials,
and evaluation, within one month.
*lndividual technical consultancy and support with new SG constructions.
*User training at the GCC (Glass Competence Centre) and on site. Manufacture
of insulating glass units with silicone as edge sealing system, structural
bonding with silicone.
*Practical on-the-spot help from specifically trained technical staff
on all aspects of processing.
*Assistance with the conduct of external tests.
*Development of complete ready-to-use solutions for integrated structural
glazing systems and difficult processing conditions. Development of new
products in association with the customer. After testing and approval
of the project, a ten-year warranty for the adhesion of ElastocilR silicone
sealants.
Typical SG Project Checking Procedure - Stages and Steps
Design Stage
The customer sends his construction details (drawings) to Wacker. There
the details of the joints are checked and the dimensioning of the joints
is calculated. On the basis of the known facts, the experts at the GCC
recommend the appropriate sealants.
Testing Stage
Using the substrates and auxiliary materials submitted by the customer,
Wacker Silicones conducts adhesion tests on the frames and glass grades
selected. Testing also covers compatibility with all the materials that
are going to be in contact with the adhesives/sealants. The customer receives
the results in the form of a laboratory report. Wacker Silicones recommends
a suitable cleaning agent and, where appropriate, priming for the surfaces.
Application Stage
Wacker Silicones instructs the applicator in every step of application,
from the cleaning and priming of the surfaces, through the application
of the SG adhesive and quality control during glass panel manufacture,
to weathersealing at the building site.
Tel: +49 89 62791650
Email: mailto:werner.wagner@wacker.com
Web: http://www.wacker.com
Support
for EU Energy Directive
At
a conference to review the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive -
which has been adopted by the EU Council of Ministers - there was overwhelming
support for its introduction in the UK as soon as possible.
Around 200 delegates attended the conference, held by the Institute of
Energy and BRE, on 29th October. Subsequently a one-day Workshop was held
for 30 specialists and practitioners associated with the Directive’s
building energy labelling requirements.
The Directive has far reaching implications for the owners, operators
and developers of UK buildings. A number of issues concerning its introduction
were identified during the conference and workshop, in particular:
* considerable preparatory work is needed within the next three years
to ensure that the measures in the Directive play their part in achieving
the 'step change' in energy efficiency that the Government’s White
Paper is likely to call for in response to the PIU Energy Review
* a quick decision on which Government Department takes the lead in implementing
the agreement is essential
* substantial benefit could be derived, in the view of the workshop delegates,
from rapidly establishing a joint Government/Industry Working Group to
address the many complex technical and legislative issues to be resolved.
'The Directive provides an excellent opportunity to achieve substantial
improvements in the energy performance of buildings,' says Professor David
Strong, Managing Director of BRE’s Energy Division.
'The energy efficiency industry is keen to engage with Government and
property-owning interests to achieve transposition into law and practical
and enforceable implementation on time. We strongly recommend that work
needs to start immediately to ensure that the Directive is adopted in
the UK well within the three year deadline set by the EU.'
Contact: David Strong
Tel: 01923 664237
Email: mailto:strongd@bre.co.uk
Asahi
Glass Reports Consolidated Results for Fiscal 2003 First Half
Asahi
Glass Company Limited released its consolidated operating results for
the first half of fiscal 2003, ended September 30, 2002, on November 18th.
Net sales edged down by 2.0%, to Y632,873 million ($4,921 million). Operating
profit dipped 35.1%, to Y28,734 million ($223 million) and ordinary profit
declined by 30.9%, to Y24,799 million ($193 million). Nonetheless, net
income rose 11.8 %, to Y15,220 million ($118 million). Net income per
common share was Y12.96 ($0.101), up from Y11.59. The Company declared
interim dividends per common share of Y4.50 ($0.035), the same as at the
fiscal 2002 interim.
Operating Results
Some signs of a mild recovery in this midterm were observed in some parts
of the world, but the future course of the world economy becomes uncertain
due in part to the falls in global stock prices. In Japan, while personal
consumption continued to stagnate, production showed signs ofa recovery
thanks to an increase in its exports. Even though economies in Asian nations
are recovering, European economies have slowed down and the future course
of the U.S. economy has become uncertain, and the economic climate around
us increased its severity.
In this severe economic climate, we further strengthened integrated global
business operations in the wake of the transition to the new Company scheme
in April 2002, and continued to implement cost reduction measures further,
while withdrawing firom unprofitable business operations in order to improve
profitability.
Concerning the performance for this midterm, we recorded sales of Y632,873
million, an operating profit of Y28,734 million, as well as an ordinary
profit of Y24,799 million, each of these to be lower than those booked
in the previous midterm. This is partly because the Hankuk Electric Glass
Co., that had been a consolidated subsidiary until the previous midterm,
was changed to a group company under the equity method in this midterm.
However, net income saw an increase from the previous midterm to Y15,220
million, thanks to an improvement in extraordinary profit/loss over the
corresponding period oflast year.
We shall make a midterm dividend payment of Y4.5 per share for this midterm,
in accordance with the 'Allocation of Profits' in the Management Policy
hereinafter.
In order to enhance integrated global operation of its flat glass line,
the Company acquired 1,948,159 shares of common stock and 26,723 units
of convertible bonds in Glaverbel S.A. for 380 million euro (approx. Y44,000
million) through public tender offer effective May, 2002. In addition,
in August 2002, the Company acquired another 7.0 percent interest in the
same company from its shareholders under the same conditions of the public
tender offer. As a result ofthis acquisition, the Company's share of voting
rights in Glaverbel S.A. has reached 98.98%.
Glass and Related Operations
The Glass and Related Operations segment encompasses two main product
categories: flat glass and construction materials for use in construction,
and fabricated glass consisting primarily of tempered glass for automotive
use.
For the domestic flat glass business of the Company, sales turned lower
than the figure in the previous fiscal year due to stalled domestic housing
starts, although construction demand for building remained strong, owing
to redevelopment projects in metropolitan areas. In Asian markets, production/shipment
expanded amid the economic recovery the the regions, while in the US market,
its sales volume increased due to an increase in the number of new housing
starts. In European markets, though prices declined under the influence
of the region's economic slowdown, sales increased from the year earlier,
following an inclusion of Russian Bore Glass Works into the Company's
consolidated books.
In the automotive glass segment, sales decreased because the ratio of
compact cars in the total number of manufactured vehicles increased, though
domestic automobile production saw a moderate increase over the previous
year owing to brisk exports. In the US market, sales increased owing to
an increase in shipment underpinned by strong automobile production, as
well as an expansion in the company's market share with new customers
increasing. While in Europe, sales saw a moderate increase, thanks to
an increase in the volume of shipment for repair use, and of high value
added products, although automobile production stagnated.
As a result, consolidated sales for the Glass and Related Operations rose
by Y13.0 billion ($101 million), year on year, to Y346.8 billion ($2,697
million), but operating profit decreased by Y1.6 billion ($12 million)
to Y20 billion ($156 million).
Business
Micros 12 Per Cent Up
Software
supplier Business Micros has reported a 12 per cent increase in turnover
in the year since it was bought out by directors Graeme Bailey and Jim
Cronie.
The company attributes much of this success to the successful launch of
its new Evolution program, and to an increase in the demand for effective
machinery links.
The company also increased its customer base by 357, and closed the year
with an order book totalling £250,000.
'The long standing nature of Business Micros, and its exceptional reputation
for service, were always comfort factors for its customers. We were keen
after the acquisition to continue to develop the loyalties that had built
up over the last 23 years,' said director Graeme Bailey.
As well as the continuing application of its Winstar program, and the
launch of the next generation Evolution software, Business Micros was
also able to maximise on the opportunities of an increasingly perceptible
trend in the market place.
'More specifically we detected a growing frustration in the industry with
other software products that did not perform, often leaving fabricators
in untenable commercially risky situations. Our highly structured technical
and support teams meant that we had the resources to help these companies,
not just with a more competent product, but with the high levels of service
required to run complex manufacturing businesses.'
During the year Business Micros invested considerably in its infrastructure
to guarantee consistency in these service levels. A complete overhaul
of its telephone and communication system at its Dumfries head office,
a brand new data processing centre in Warrington, additional staff both
in the field and supporting them behind a desk, have all been added to
provide extra resources.
Tel: 01848 330588
Email: mailto:info@businessmicros.co.uk
Web: http://www.businessmicros.co.uk
Commercially
Aware, Customer Driven
When
Indigo Products Limited opened its commercial division it determined to
tender only for those contracts it felt confident in fulfilling with high
quality and on site service performance.
Five years later, the commercial team is reaping the rewards, with growth
in sales across both refurbishment and new build markets, much of which
has been generated through testimonials from satisfied customers.
One such customer is Erewash Housing Limited, for whom Indigo have recently
commenced a supply and fit contract. 'This is our third project for Erewash
Housing, which is a great recommendation.' says Bob Street, manager of
Indigo's commercial division.
But Bob and his team are not complacent. 'Our previous contracts with
Erewash have obviously been a success, despite challenges such as removing
tiled cills without damaging the brick work. The current contract is to
be completed over three years, so the most important factor will be constant
attention to detail, both in manufacture and installation, to ensure consistency
of quality throughout the contract.'
Nearly 2,500 timber windows will be replaced per year during the contract,
in housing for the elderly. This meant that, as with previous contracts,
security, safety and performance were an important part of the specification.
Indigo has fulfilled these requirements using their high specification
internally beaded, 70mm casement windows, with shoot bolt mechanism and
to make the windows particularly user friendly for the elderly, have added
low level, easy to reach handles.
'Having total control of quality is of course a definite advantage in
maintaining high standards,' continues Bob, 'but our main aim is to ensure
that not only the client's requirements are fulfilled, but the needs of
the tenants also.'
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com
Schott
on Course in Difficult Times
With
virtually constant sales of 1.98 billion euros (2.004 billion euros in
2000/2001) and a satisfactory profit comparable to that of the previous
year the Schott technology concern stood up well to the weak world economy.
'Overall Schott performed better than could have been expected a year
ago. We are maintaining our course even in these difficult times', asserted
Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Leopold von Heimendahl during
a press conference in Mainz at which the group’s provisional business
figures were presented. He identified the group’s broad product portfolio,
strict awareness of costs and consistent expansion of future businesses
as the basis for its success.
In the current fiscal year Schott intends to invest around 250 million
euros in strengthening existing businesses and building up new activities.
The main emphasis in building up future businesses is on photovoltaics,
top-of-the-range thin glasses for TFT displays and microlithography.
In the 2000/2001 fiscal year progress was variable in Schott’s main
markets. While the telecommunications and semiconductor market practically
collapsed, the markets for household appliances and pharmaceutical packaging
were in very solid shape. This variable pattern could be seen across the
group’s five Strategic Business Units.
'Advanced Optical Materials and Components' suffered severely overall
from the weak state of the economy. Growth continued for some high-tech
optical materials and components for chip manufacture, although at a reduced
rate.
'Opto-Electronics', with its two large divisions Electronic Packaging
and Fiber Optics was not able to continue the good progress made in previous
years. Only business in glass-to-metal connections for airbag igniters
and lighting components for automobiles progressed satisfactorily.
Television glass, a core activity in 'Display Solutions', is marked by
serious fluctuations in demand. The trend towards large and flat screens
continues.
'Ceran' glass-ceramic cooktops again proved to be growth products in the
'Home Tech' strategic business unit. Sales development was particularly
positive in the United States and Japan. Schott was able to maintain its
globally good position in processed flat glass products for home appliances.
'Pharmaceutical Systems' profited from stable demand for pharmaceutical
packaging. Demand for pharmaceutical tubing as a raw material was satisfactorily
good, while business in special glass tubing for technical applications
remained below the previous year's level.
Schott invested some 220 million euros in shaping its future. Significant
financial resources equivalent to around 6% of sales were set aside for
research and development.
The number of people employed worldwide remains constant at 19,800. In
Germany Schott employs 9,800 people (no change).
The current fiscal year continues to be influenced by a weak world economy.
In addition, said von Heimendahl, the expected increase in taxes and duties
for the German companies would lead to a weakening of the position of
the facilities in Germany in international competition. Considerable effort
would be required in these difficult times for the group to achieve the
success it had enjoyed in the past.
Schott’s commitment to several high-tech businesses continues. These
include photovoltaics where the recently created joint venture RWE SCHOTT
Solar already claims to occupy the leading position in Germany. With the
construction of the largest and most up-to-date float plant for top-of-the-range
thin glasses Schott is entering the growth market for TFT glass for screens
for notebooks and flat TV sets. Other products in the spotlight include
optical materials for the semiconductor industry. Here Schott occupies
the pole position worldwide with calcium fluoride crystals in these key
components for chip manufacture. High-grade plastics, for example for
pharmaceutical packaging, are also becoming increasingly important.
Taking into consideration the opportunities and risks involved Schott
is looking forward to a slight increase in sales in the 2002/2003 fiscal
year.
Tel. + 49 (0) 61 31/66-40 99
Email: mailto:juergen.breier@schott.com
Web: http://www.schottglass.co.uk
Earnings
of PPG Industries for the fourth quarter are forecast to be between 55
and 60 cents a share, according to Raymond W. LeBoeuf, chairman and chief
executive officer.
First Call's current estimate range for PPG is 70 cents to 83 cents. Per
share earnings in the fourth quarter of 2001 were 49 cents.
'Sales and earnings for the quarter will be ahead of last year's fourth
quarter, primarily in coatings and chemicals. Nevertheless, the continued
slowdown in overall industrial production continues to dampen our earnings
performance,' LeBoeuf said.
'Typically, several of our businesses experience seasonal slowdowns in
the fourth quarter, such as architectural coatings and optical products.
We are also experiencing slower-than-expected increases in our commodity
chemical prices.'
Pittsburgh-based PPG is a global supplier of coatings, glass, fiber glass
and chemicals, with 120 manufacturing facilities and equity affiliates
in 23 countries. Sales in 2001 were $8.2 billion.
Assa
Abloy - Interim Report for the Third Quarter of 2002
*
Sales increased by 13%, with 3% organic growth
* Income before tax increased by 28% as a result of ongoing improvements
and increased Group coordination
* Operating margin (EBITA), including Besam increased to 14.5%, a rise
of 0.9% over the second quarter
* Strong operating cash flow, SEK 1,002 M, 191% of income, from successful
capital rationalisation
* Acquisition of Poli, the market leader in Chile, strengthens leading
position in South America
Click here for full report
Cotswold
Windows goes from Strength to Strength
In
order to accommodate a growth in business, HW Systems fabricator, Cotswold
Windows has recently moved into new premises in Toddington, near Cheltenham.
The new 8,400 sq ft manufacturing premises on the Orchard lndustrial Estate
has been specially adapted to accommodate Cotswold Windows and will enable
the company to increase its manufacturing output and develop new product
lines including HW Systems' Vertical Sliding Sash window which the company
exhibited at this year's Interbuild.
'The Vertical Sliding Sash window, which we have been manufacturing for
about a year with the HW Systems profile is a growing sector of our business,'
explains Ann Davis, Director of Cotswold Windows.
Cotswold Windows which is a family business has seen a steady growth over
the last 26 years. The company currently manufactures an average of 120
frames a week for both the trade and commercial sector including housing
associations, schools and local councils. As part of the expansion to
new premises, the company is also employing at least three new fabricators.
Tel: 01452 727603
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
Activity
Centre gets Warm Response from Sash
Youngsters
throughout the UK are reaping the benefits of a newly refurbished activity
centre on the outskirts of Barnsley - thanks to local window manufacturer
Sash and a selection of the company's suppliers.
Scout
Dike Activity Centre is based in Penistone, just outside Barnsley on the
edge of the Pennines. The building was constructed and opened in the 1960's
to give children aged 7-16 the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor
activities. The centre offered accommodation for pupils in dormitories,
which added to the excitement and for many this was their first, and sometimes
only, holiday away from home.
Stephen Morrell, joint managing Director of Sash UK Ltd and one of the
many thousands of pupils that benefited from the facilities during his
school years, recalled: 'Whilst the stay was designed to support learning
and the school curriculum, its position and range of activities made this
a unique learning experience for which I have very fond memories.'
The centre closed due to lack of funds some years ago and the land was
considered for re-development. This caused uproar within the local community.
After serving as a refugee centre and a further spell empty, a group of
community and business people worked together to turn the building back
to its original function as an activity centre for youngsters, which is
now operated as a charity.
To the delight of the locals, Scout Dike was re-opened and work to modernise
the building began, with the window frames in a particularly poor state
of repair. The centre was able to access partial funding from South Yorkshire
Key Fund so that the replacement of the windows could go ahead. And with
Sash, a leading UK window fabricator on the doorstep, the centre didn't
have to wait long for new PVCu windows to be manufactured and installed.
Sash, supported by other key industry suppliers, Veka, Maco, Pilkington
and commercial installation specialists, Orchid Windows, helped to heavily
fund no less than 84 windows in the centre in what turned out to be a
major refurbishment project, the remaining costs paid for through the
South Yorkshire Key Fund.
The results are well worth it says the centre's Operations Director Frank
Gledhill MBE: 'We are delighted with the refurbishment at Scout Dike and
are very grateful to South Yorkshire Key fund, Sash UK Ltd, their suppliers
and especially Orchid the installers who worked so hard. The new windows
have made such a difference and we keep thinking the central heating is
switched on high as the building stays so warm!
'During the refurbishment we discovered many of the installers involved
had very fond memories of Scout Dike as most had stayed at the centre
when younger and were delighted to be back here, albeit in a different
capacity. All work was carefully scheduled around us so we could continue
to keep the centre open with minimal disruption,' he added.
The corridors of Scout Dike are again filled with the sounds of fun and
laughter as a new generation'of youngsters enjoy activities such as cycling
proficiency, IT and life skills, local historic trips as well as the many
outward-bound activities the centre offers.
Tel: O226 719969;
Email: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Alcoa
Foundation Celebrates 50 Years; Announces International Social Venture
Initiative
As part of a worldwide celebration of its 50th anniversary, Alcoa Foundation
announced an international Social Venture Initiative designed to improve
the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofits by applying business
and entrepreneurial models in their organisations.
Concurrently, Alcoans in over 100 communities worldwide joined on November
19th to recognise 50 teams and individuals for volunteer work in their
communities and to inspire greater participation in all global locations
over the upcoming anniversary year.
Speaking at an anniversary event at the Alcoa Corporate Center in Pittsburgh,
Alcoa Chairman and CEO Alain Belda said, 'We are proud to celebrate 50
years of putting Alcoa Values into action at the community level. By helping
nonprofits on the path to financial sustainability and greater community
effectiveness, celebrating employee involvement, and measuring our progress,
Alcoa Foundation will enrich Alcoa communities and bring Alcoa closer
to being the best company in the world.'
Investing in Sustainable Nonprofits
Alcoa Foundation has partnered with Washington D.C.-based Community Wealth
Ventures (CWV) to create the Social Venture Initiative (SVI) to help nonprofits
manage increasing needs for their services and declining available funding.
CWV is one of the leading consulting firms working directly with NGOs
and foundations as they seek to develop and implement earned-income business
ventures.
The initiative is designed to help nonprofits generate their own revenue
streams using their existing resources and new entrepreneurial strategies.
It consists of three initial phases:
Launch in 2003 with a forum of international experts in nonprofit sustainability
that will be webcast to nonprofits at Alcoa locations around the world;
Request for nonprofits to submit proposals that detail their plans for
sustainability; and
Reconvene nonprofit SVI grant recipients to share lessons learned and
mentor other groups of nonprofits in sustainability.
Celebrating Thousands of Volunteers
A major element of the events was the recognition of thousands of Alcoans
who have made substantial commitments of their own time to volunteer in
their own communities. Employee engagement has been a key part of the
Foundation's work. In addition, the celebrations honoured 50 teams and
individual Alcoans who have earned substantial grants for nonprofits in
their communities, by volunteering to provide hands-on support for these
organisations.
According to Alcoa Foundation President Kathleen Buechel, 'We've learned
a great deal in our grantmaking in the last 50 years. Over the last several
years, we've taken the approach that our involvement must be about more
than money -- our human capital, energy, and expertise all greatly enhance
the value of our financial contributions and connect our work more closely
to the community.' Kathleen added, 'As we move ahead, we want to build
on what we've begun. The anniversary is an opportunity to move forward
in ways that continue to enrich Alcoa communities and provide new community
investment models for all locations to share.'
The Foundation plans to track progress for outcomes of the SVI and for
employee involvement using a strategy that reflects the methodical measure-and-report
approach taken by Alcoa in its successful effort to improve workplace
safety over the last two decades.
About Alcoa Foundation
Established in 1952, Alcoa Foundation is a global resource that actively
invests in improving the quality of life in more than 26 countries around
the world where Alcoa operates. In addition to community grants addressing
local needs, the Foundation provides global grants focusing on Areas of
Excellence, including: Sustainability; Safety; Healthy Communities; Workforce
Development and Nonprofit Effectiveness. To view the Alcoa Foundation
50th Anniversary website go to: http://www.alcoa.com/global/en/community/foundation_50_years/splash.html