News @ The GL@ZINE

The exhibition duo fensterbau/frontale and HOLZ-HANDWERK 2006 has set a new record with some 100,000 trade visitors (2004: 92,294) and a distinctly larger international share. 1,184 exhibitors from 30 countries showed their products and services for woodworking, windows and facades in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 22-25 March 2006.

Those in the halls in Nürnberg on the four days of the exhibition in the first calendar week of spring could feel the mood of a new economic era dawning. There was a lively interest in new products and innovations on the stands of the exhibiting companies and the total display space was around 6 per cent larger than two years ago. The exhibition duo with some 100,000 trade visitors grew by 8 per cent over the previous event in 2004.

The reversal of the trend in the key German market at last also appears to be within reach in the trades closely associated with the building industry. 'The exhibitors started their most important German exhibition in 2006 with optimism,' says Dr. Bernhard Dirr, General Manager of the Fachverband Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen im VDMA. 'There are indications that particularly small and medium enterprises are investing more in machinery and workshop equipment again after years of depression in the industry.

'The extremely successful exhibition duo is an ideal start for the Building + Construction portfolio at the Nürnberg exhibition venue this year,' says a delighted Walter Hufnagel, Member of the Management Board of NürnbergMesse. Other powerful building or building-related exhibition highlights follow in 2006 with IFH/Intherm and the 1. Deutsche Ausbaumesse in the first half of the year and GaLaBau and IKK in the second half.

New halls for 2008
Willy Viethen, Project Manager of fensterbau/frontale at NürnbergMesse, already has firm plans to expand the leading international role of this exhibition in 2008: 'We will extend the successful basic layout of this year’s event for 2008 by adding the new halls 7A and 4A. This will ensure a clearer layout, easier orientation and optimum presentation facilities.'

The next fensterbau/frontale and HOLZ-HANDWERK duo takes place in the Exhibition Centre Nuremberg from 2-5 April 2008.

The organisers:
HOLZ-HANDWERK is organised by the Fachverband Holzbearbeitungsmaschinen im VDMA and NürnbergMesse GmbH. The co-sponsors of HOLZ-HANDWERK are the Fachverband Schreinerhandwerk Bayern (FSH) and the Fachverband des Maschinen- und Werkzeug-Großhandels e.V. (FDM).

The organiser of fensterbau/frontale is NürnbergMesse GmbH and the sponsors are the Fachverband Glas Fenster Fassade Baden-Württemberg, the Landesinnungsverband des Glaserhandwerks Rheinland-Pfalz and the Landesinnungsverband des Bayerischen Glaserhandwerks.

Thyssen Polymer, no longer part of the Thyssen Krupp group; since it was acquired by Deceuninck three years ago, exhibited at Fensterbau 2006 last week under a new name – Inoutic.

The strategy was initiated by Stephan Coester, who has been managing director of Thyssen Polymer since June 2005, and the Munich based corporate identity agency Martin et Karczinski. The name was made up of the 'Inside' and 'Outside' competence of the company, linked with its 'Ingeneering Creativity'. Its 680 workers now call themselves (willingly, apparently) the Inouten, or 'in-outs'

Inoutic demonstrated several new products, including Titanium Plus window with a decorative surface in a choice of three aluminium tones, made from 100% regrind.

Anglian Appoints New Chief Exec

Alex McNutt has been appointed Chief Executive of Anglian Group following the retirement of Larry Condon.

Mr. McNutt has extensive experience in the Home Improvement and Building Products markets and was previously President of ADT Fire and Security Systems (Europe and South Africa).

He is delighted to be joining Anglian Group as they celebrate 40 years in the home improvements business.

In taking up the appointment he said: 'Anglian is the market leader in the industry by the volume of products manufactured and the value of sales attained. The company remains in an excellent position and is achieving growth across all product ranges.

Anglian has a great opportunity to not only continue to hold its leadership status, but is ready to take full advantage of a fragmented market place.

Anglian’s quality and product range allows us to meet our customers’ needs and with 40 years experience in the home improvement industry, it gives customers the confidence they are dealing with a company that will be around for a long time to come'.

Following his recovery from a period of ill health, Larry Condon semi-retires having enjoyed a thirty year career with Anglian and holding the CEO position for the past five years.

Chairman, David Rimmer commented

'The Board are grateful for Larry’s significant contribution to the development of the Anglian Group in an extensive career which has seen him in a number of senior roles within the company. Larry will remain on the Board on a part-time basis'.

Alex McNutt’s appointment is effective from 1st March 2006.

The Federation of Master Builders says that small construction firms up and down the country will be disappointed with the Chancellor's tenth Budget.

Commenting on the Budget speech, FMB Director of External Affairs Andrew Large said, 'Yet again, the Chancellor has ignored the strong case for a reduced rate of VAT for domestic building work. In doing so he has passed up the chance to increase the supply of affordable homes and support the drive for better construction standards.'

The 2006 Budget contained little to interest small builders across the UK. For example, the marginal changes to Stamp Duty will make little impact on the affordability of homes to first time buyers. However, the further support to home insulation works is a welcome support for the sustainability of the current housing stock.

One area that is of interest is the Chancellor's comment that more of the benefits of planning gain should be ploughed back into the local economy. Commenting on this, Andrew Large added:

'The Chancellor has admitted that the current system of Section 106 agreements is a flawed tax, rather than a means of supporting the consequences of development. The Government should take a step back from all debates about planning taxes, and work with the development industry to establish a sustainable system, rather than imposing a planning gain supplement that is doomed to fail.'

The Federation of Master Builders set up an online petition at http://www.cutthevat.co.uk urging every homeowner to put pressure on Gordon Brown to meet the 31st March deadline, set by the European Union, to get approval to cut VAT on building work.

Last month the EU member states agreed to allow lower VAT rates on repair, maintenance and improvement work until 2010. While several countries already benefit from these lower rates, UK homeowners still pay 17.5%.

Results from the unique Project:LIFE research experiment have now been assessed and according to David Wilson Homes who originated the concept, some significant design issues have emerged from the project.

In conjunction with the Universities of Nottingham and Leicester, David Wilson Homes set up the Project:LIFE house to investigate how a family uses different rooms and what effect house design had upon behaviour. Volunteer family, the Parnells spent two seasons test-driving the research house in Sheffield, where manufacturers volunteered their leading edge equipment and technology for testing under real life conditions.

Pilkington Building Products supplied a large quantity of its Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning glass for the project and the final analysis revealed that the use of the product was highly appreciated. The interior of the house was designed to be much larger than it appeared from the road, with the illusion of space and light enhancing this impression. The large expanses of Pilkington Activ™ glass significantly helped to create this sense of space with glazing to the rear of the property. The aim was to evoke the 'inside out' theory, where the garden is brought into the house and the house into the garden to create a seamless integration. Because of the self-cleaning properties of Pilkington Activ™, these large glass expanses could be achieved without having to consider the onerous maintenance problem of cleaning.

Although relatively new to the house builder market, Pilkington Activ™ has been readily adopted by the ever-growing self-build market, which recognises the design value of a glass with self-cleaning properties. ‘Self builders are more up to date with innovations and are more perceptive to embrace new concepts because they usually deal with individual homes rather than with volume building,’ explains Ian Spokes of Pilkington Building Products. ‘This allows them a more creative design choice and Pilkington Activ™ is becoming increasingly popular with this market sector.’

The results of Project:LIFE revealed the value of Pilkington Activ™ self cleaning glass as a useful design concept, accommodating large expanses of glass as well as offering a practical solution to the problems of cleaning.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Since choosing Edgetech's Super Spacer®, Durham-based sealed unit manufacturer Clayton Glass Ltd has attracted new customers specifically looking for units with warm edge technology.

‘We gave Edgetech a trial run first,’ says Ryan Green, Managing Director of Clayton Glass, ‘and also looked at other spacer bars on the market. But we found that Edgetech machinery took up less space than the alternatives needed. The stunning door pictured was manufactured by timber craftsmen Carey and Fox, and required a level of internal fretwork that would have been impossible with any other system.

‘Warm edge technology can achieve a higher rated window,’ continues Ryan, ‘and for our more technically demanding customers, opens up a new range of possibilities as an integra bar.’

Ryan first saw Edgetech at Glassex 2003, ‘but in the last year Edgetech and the Super Spacer have become more prominent in the industry, and are now household names among installers and fabricators. We manufacture 10,000 glass units a week with 10% either shaped or with internal bar systems, both of which we can now manufacture with Edgetech thanks to its improved versatility and performance.

‘In a difficult market we saw a 12% increase on annual turnover across 2005, to approximately £7 million - with Edgetech's help we hope to make the same increase in 2006.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Specialist inline sliding patio door fabricator Patiomaster is urging fabricators to save time, resources and money by buying in patio doors from a specialist manufacturer, instead of making them themselves.

The company believes many fabricators could have up to £10,000 worth of 'dead stock' in their inventories, to fulfil with a product that makes up a fragment of overall sales.

The other issue, says the company, is the costly and time-consuming reconfiguration of machines that is needed to switch production line from window to patio door manufacture.

According to Patiomaster the process cuts down overall manufacturing capacity and by up to 20 per cent and requires specially trained operatives, making it a significant contributor to operational overheads.

Jeremy Richmond, Patiomaster's general brand manager, says: ‘More and more fabricators are seeing the way forward isn't to make everything in-house, but to partner with specialist product manufacturers to offer niche products on a just in time basis.’

In 2005, Patiomaster's market share grew by nearly 15 per cent. The company puts this growth down mainly to the influx of fabricators and installers wanting to ‘expand their product offering, without the need for additional expenditure.’

Jeremy says: ‘Our customers are always impressed at how easy Patiomaster products are to work with. We integrate several key design features into every door to make sure it delivers the perfect fit and finish, every time. And, because we operate a UK-wide distribution network, they can be sure they'll get the product and support whenever they need it.’

Tel: 01952 210850
Web: http://www.patiomaster.co.uk

The new Part F of the Building Regulations for Northern Ireland will come into effect in June 2006. It means that for the first time low-e glass will effectively be mandatory for all new and replacement windows.

Although the final details have not been published yet, Part F is likely to include some radical changes that will have a significant impact on glazing specifications in Northern Ireland. While the changes will be far-reaching, the use of Pilkington K Glass should ensure all windows satisfy the requirements. An additional benefit is that as a hard coated product it is tough, durable and easy to process.

The introduction of the new requirements will bring with them some fundamental changes for both new and replacement windows. Primarily, for new buildings, compliance will be achieved on the basis of the total CO2 performance of the whole building. However there will be worst-case U values that individual elements have to achieve. For windows this will be 2.2. This maximum window U value means that ordinary double-glazing will no longer be permissible in new buildings.

The most radical change however will be the requirement that all replacement windows installed in existing buildings must achieve a minimum performance level. In housing the replacement window U value will have to be no greater than 2.0. However, the introduction of a new system, the Window Energy Ratings (WERs), creates an alternative route to compliance. A replacement window achieving a band E will be acceptable. Again this can be accomplished by windows containing Pilkington K Glass.

Rick Wilberforce, market development manager - Europe, comments: 'The Part F changes will be fundamental; new buildings will have to be evaluated in total CO2 terms, and replacement windows will for the first time have to comply with Part F. Fortunately there is a simple and consistent solution; windows incorporating Pilkington K Glass will enable the requirements to be satisfied almost without exception.'

For more information e-mail Pilkington@respond.uk.com or telephone the Technical Helpline on 01744 692000.

Web: http://www.pilkington.com

Senator Windows has become the first PVCu window manufacturer in the Republic of Ireland to offer a BFRC Energy Rating. Its new Excalibur casement window, launched at its annual dealers' conference last month, will carry the distinctive European energy-rating label, already familiar on refrigerators and freezers.

The company has achieved its British Fenestration Rating Council 'C' Energy Rating with independent body BM TRADA Certification. Senator Windows has also rebranded its energy-rated glass units as 'Senergy' units.

Dealers were delighted at the news, said Marketing Manager Rosaleen Jones. 'Our dealers and our customers know that Senator Windows' success is based on quality and the best technology. We were first in Ireland to achieve the Q-Mark, Irish Agrement Board certification, the Kitemark and ISO 9001:2000 and we are proud to add another first to the list, reinforcing our position as market leaders.'

The company, based in Wexford, was established in 1985 and manufactures PVCu windows, doors and conservatories. It has a network of 28 dealers who sell to homeowners and builders exclusively for Senator Windows, including two in Northern Ireland and one in Wales. Local sales are managed from the manufacturing plant in Wexford. The company also has a successful commercial aluminium division.

BM TRADA Technical Consultant Andy Sumner said: 'To achieve the energy rating windows must first pass an air leakage test according to BS 6375: Part 1, followed by computer simulation which determines how efficient the window is. A C-rated window, like the Excalibur, is an effective product.'

New European regulations will mean that from January 2007 all new houses in the Republic of Ireland will have to carry an energy rating, which will extend to commercial buildings in January 2008 and to all existing homes a year later. Rosaleen Jones said, 'Our windows will enable homeowners and developers to achieve these new ratings for their homes. With sales leads already up 70% on last year, we know that the market wants this new product.'

Senator Windows is running a national radio campaign to support the launch and the response has been excellent, she added. 'The Excalibur window is the ultimate window as regards looks, technology and security. It is what customers expect from Senator Windows.'

For further information on

* Senator Windows Ltd telephone 00 353 (0) 53 41522 or visit http://www.senatorwindows.com. Callsave (R.O.I) 1850 77 44 55 or (N.I) 0845 601 55 72

* BM TRADA email kprendersgast@bmtrada.com or telephone 01494 569700. Visit http://www.bmtrada.com.

Radiance Glass continues to invest in its customer support function to provide customers with speedy quotations and to deal with general enquiries, with the promise of a 4 hour turnaround.

The supplier of performance roof glass has invested in a dedicated customer support team and the necessary glass processing software, ensuring that quotations are processed quickly and accurately.

The company offers a 4 hour fast-track quotation service providing installers with the confidence of dealing with a glass supplier to the conservatory sector. Enquiries are at an all-time high for Radiance Activ and the company has invested further to ensure that they can support the continued growth.

Bob Lilley, managing director comments: ‘Radiance Activ has been a resounding success and we have put in place the resources to fully support the expected growth. Radiance customers not only benefit from a great product but we feel that we offer the best customer service and marketing support in the sector. Anyone looking for a supplier of performance roof glass should try us!’

Tel 01373 464051
Email: info@radianceglass.co.uk

Simpsons is offering Ritec ClearShield protected glass as a factory-applied extra on its top quality shower doors and enclosures. The specialist designer and manufacturer is using ClearShield Shower Protect to convert toughened safety glass into Low-M (Low Maintenance) Glass at its Surrey production facility. The option is proving particularly popular with Simpsons' top of the range Classic shower doors and enclosures. Once treated with ClearShield, the surface of the glass is protected against the build up of dirt and limescale so it stays in pristine condition for longer and is much easier to clean.

Glass shower doors and enclosures are especially vulnerable to surface damage and staining because of the salts and minerals (limescale) found in tap water. In addition, dirt and greasy substances, such as soap and shampoo, accumulate on the glass, making cleaning difficult and time-consuming. ClearShield is based on a special polymeric resin which forms a protective treatment that chemically bonds to the surface of the glass, and measures less than a micron in thickness.

Simpsons buys in cut and drilled toughened glass for use in its shower doors and applies the ClearShield surface protection in-house as required. The company received full training from Ritec on how to use the specialist spray equipment. Design Director Richard Simpson, explains the process: ‘The majority of glass has to be cleaned first with Ritec's specialist cleaning product to ensure an effective result. ClearShield Shower Protect is then applied to the interior side of the glass and once cured any residue polymer is simply wiped off - it's really quick and easy.’

Since it began offering ClearShield-protected glass less than a year ago, Simpsons has seen demand rise month on month. The company now supplies about 80 Classic units with ClearShield Glass every month, which is over four times higher than when it first started. Richard Simpson reports a growing awareness of the benefits of ClearShield glass protection technology in the shower market and the added value potential it offers on premium products.

Simpsons distributes its exclusive collection of bath screens, shower doors and enclosures to builders' and plumbers' merchants and bathroom boutiques across the UK. Richard Simpson sums up: ‘I believe that if you don't offer ClearShield Glass then you're not offering a complete service to your customers. Indeed, if demand continues to grow at the current rate it's probably just a matter of time before we'll be offering it as standard on our Classic range.’

Tel: 020 8344 8210
Web: http://www.ritec.co.uk

National trade window and door fabricator Glazerite Windows has become the latest manufacturer to enhance the aesthetic and security qualities of its PVC-U doors by choosing the advanced Dynamic 2D hinge from SFS intec.

In just six years, the Wellingborough based Network Veka fabricator has established a strong reputation for the high quality of its doors. By complementing their existing hinges with the Dynamic 2D, Glazerite has added a further dimension to security, without compromising the good looks of its doors.

Glazerite now fits the Dynamic 2D to its 70mm Veka doors as standard and also as an option on the 58mm system range. The Dynamic 2D has demonstrated excellent strength characteristics in independent testing. A doorset built using the Dynamic 2D has successfully withstood approaching a force of 9kN, double that required to achieve PAS-24.

Chris Reeks, Sales and Marketing Manager at Glazerite says: 'Our UK-wide customers in the trade demand PVC-U doors which offer both strong visual appeal and enhanced security. Today’s householder is very security conscious so we must ensure that our doors meet the highest standards in this respect.

'Using the slimline yet robust Dynamic 2D, we can create doors which meet these dual requirements very effectively and produce doors which are extremely attractive.'

Another important factor for ISO9001 accredited Glazerite is the variety of colours in which the Dynamic 2D can be fashioned. In addition to white, the hinge is available in numerous colour finishes including light and dark brown, plus the popular matt chrome.

For further details on the Dynamic 2D hinge from SFS intec, telephone 0113 208 5500 or visit http://www.sfsintec.biz/uk. To discuss the range of Glazerite products call Chris Reeks on 07813 840403.

Opening Glazerite’s doors: Mark Charlesworth, SFS intec’s Technical Sales Adviser (left) with Chris Reeks, Glazerite Windows’ Sales and Marketing Manager.

International sales success has prompted Securistyle, the UK window hardware manufacturer, to double its export sales team, as it expects to see its export sales treble in the next five years.

Securistyle now exports to China, Dubai, Canada and Europe. Nigel Thompson, sales director at Securistyle says: 'A key country for future growth is India, particularly in the run up to the 2010 Commonwealth Games in Delhi, which will see tremendous newbuild opportunities.

'Last year, Securistyle achieved a hat trick of hotel success with the installation of commercial window hinges in three luxury Dubai hotels. The UK manufacturer’s range includes the heavy duty Parallel and Sterling hinges and is specified by some of the world’s leading architects. The products are durable, easy to operate and are manufactured from austenitic stainless steel, which is highly corrosion resistant.'

Parallel opening windows provide ultimate natural ventilation by allowing a balanced air flow around the entire opening and can also form part of an automated solution for climate control.

Securistyle’s Sterling top hung heavy-duty hinge system is a good choice for commercial windows, as it has superior carrying capacity. The heavy duty friction hinge is capable of achieving all leading international standards, including the UK BS 6375; the North America AAMA 904.1; the French NFP-20-501; and the Singapore Standard 212:1988.

Nigel Thompson adds: 'Our high quality window hardware fulfils the requirements of many commercial developments and we have a proven track record in successful office and hotel installations.

'With the commercial sector booming in India, China, Europe and the Middle East over the next few years, we believe it is a key area for us to expand into.'

To demonstrate its skills and experience in this field, Securistyle has developed a CPD certified presentation specifically aimed at specifiers and architects in the commercial sector.

The presentation covers the use of window hardware solutions in large-scale commercial buildings with regards to creating pleasant and productive working environments for occupants, as well as provision for smoke egress. The presentation also provides details of Securistyle’s commercial hinge range, which includes parallel, top hung, bottom hung and louver.

If you would like to arrange a free CPD-seminar with Securistyle call Maria Fatica on 01242 221200 or for further information about Securistyle’s international capabilities visit http://www.securistyle.com.

When Omega Trade Frames wanted to upgrade the machinery in its 5,000sq ft factory, Elumatec was the first and only choice. Having invested in the company's machinery before, Omega decided to purchase the new SBZ 610 profile centre to accommodate the production of its high security, internally glazed products.

‘We installed the SBZ 610 machine in September last year and so far we have seen significant results in terms of improved quality and increased capacity,’ says Martin Grant of Omega. ‘The decision to use Elumatec was based on a number of factors, not least the quality of the product range, which we have been using since we launched our company, and the support that Elumatec has always shown us. This reflects the level of confidence that we have in the company should any problems arise. The installation of the new SBZ 610 has enabled us to take on more work without having to increase the labour capacity, which is a major bonus in this industry where skilled labour is a shortage.’

Located in the Devon town of Newton Abbott, Omega was founded in 1995 and has grown rapidly since then to offer glazed or unglazed PVCu products to the South West. The purpose built factory enables the company to produce 300 frames a week in a variety of styles and sizes to suit any specification.

The new Elumatec cutting centre SBZ 610 has been designed specifically to help fabricators to increase their efficiency. It is particularly suited to the smaller fabricator as the SBZ 610 requires only one person to operate, eliminating the cost and time associated with sourcing skilled operatives. The value of the machine lies in its ability to simply be turned up, down or off depending upon the workload levels required. There is no wastage in operation and no costs incurred when workloads slow down. At full capacity, the machine has the capability to produce up to 500 frames per week.

Elumatec produces a solution for any application using the latest technology and state-of-the-art production facilities to serve the needs of the industry.

Web: http://www.elumatec.com

Glasgow-based fabricator Watson Dallas has changed its profile supplier to Plastmo, in what the company feels is a move to a company that can offer higher levels of service and support.

Watson Dallas says that it is Scotland's leading specialist in the new housing sector with a reputation for fabrication excellence and project management expertise. Plastmo will be supplying the company with the Vogue and Index 62mm suites, the Slidex patio door system and the market-leading Charisma vertical slider.

General director Derek Hoggan comments: ‘changing supplier is not a decision we took lightly. However, the product and service offering from Plastmo was very impressive and I have to add that the changeover has been seamless thanks to the technical support engineers.’

2005 was a record year for Plastmo in which the company invested heavily in marketing support for the fabricator and installer. The company expects further new business success in 2006 as fabricators seek greater levels of support and commitment from their profile suppliers.

The latest example of Solar Windows' commitment and expertise in the public sector is a two year manufacture, supply and installation contract with Denbighshire County Council, which represents the largest window replacement contract the council has ever awarded.

The Caerphilly-based Rehau fabricator will manufacture and install replacement windows and doors for around 2,500 council owned properties to bring them up to the Welsh Housing Quality Standards ahead of the 2012 deadline.

This project is a real success story for the whole of Wales since it uses windows fabricated in South Wales, Rehau PVC-U profile extruded in Blaenau, North Wales and double glazed sealed units produced in Port Talbot. Not only does it help to secure jobs at Solar Windows and at many of its supply chain partners throughout the Principality but it is already bringing additional spending into Denbighshire with warehouse investment and both long term and contract employment opportunities.

It justifies the confidence shown by Solar Windows' MD Carl Lewis who in recent months has invested more than £700,000 in new plant and machinery.

Solar Windows has been praised by Paul Quirk the Head of Housing Services for the council for the quality and care being shown throughout the project. It has, for example, established a local depot in Denbighshire from which it is managing the installations and is working closely with the Tenant Liaison Officers to ensure deadlines are met and that tenants are completely satisfied.

Solar was awarded the contract only after a rigorous tendering process during which it had to prove not only its ability to meet the time scales required but also to provide Best Value to Denbighshire County Council.

It is also working hard with both Arena Network and Denbighshire Enterprise Agency to look for local solutions to recycling as much of the waste from the installations as possible.

The project is ongoing and is expected to be complete during 2007.

One of East Anglia’s leading architectural glazing firms is reaching for the stars after being awarded a prestigious contract to work on the Royal Observatory in Greenwich.

A team from Mildenhall based English Architectural Glazing (EAG) has been contracted by Gardiner and Theobald Construction Management to create a spectacular mirrored glass structure known as a discoid which will be used to reflect light towards the North Star.

The discoid will be a key feature of the new state of the art Peter Harrison Planetarium which is being built as part of the £15 million Time and Space project at the 330 year old Observatory, world famous home of Greenwich Mean Time and the Prime Meridian line.

The planetarium will be built in the form of a bronze-clad inclined truncated cone with the discoid reflecting the sky on the inclined side.

EAG’s Project Manager Brian Smith said: 'The structure is quite unique and will be constructed from a disc of glass with reflective coating and a coloured interlayer just like a mirror. Although we have done similar sorts of work before with the same substructure it’s taken a lot of careful planning to get it right. It’s very exciting to be involved in such an important development for the Observatory.'

Although work on the discoid will not begin until September, Brian and his team will start installing rooflights and glass sliding doors for the foyer of the 120 seat planetarium next month as part of the £210,000 contract awarded to EAG. The planetarium is due to open in spring 2007.

Pre-construction Director at EAG Edward Whipp said: 'We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen to work on such an exciting project at what is one of the most important historical and scientific sites in the world.'

New Plastmo Customer AK Windows, Doors and Conservatories Ltd based in Northamptonshire has started PVC-U door and window fabrication within four weeks of company formation - from empty shell to full production.

Partners Andy Bucknall and Karl Hurst have invested £50,000 into their business and are operating from a 2,400sq.ft site in Blisworth. The company bought second hand machinery from an existing Plastmo fabricator and has now started manufacturing. The company chose Plastmo for the aesthetics of the product and because it is a fitter friendly product.

Karl Hurst comments: ;I have been fitting windows now for twenty years and have used a few of the different profiles, but Plastmo has always been far superior. We install in some very prestigious properties as well as do work for Hackney Borough Council. We have always bought our frames off a Plastmo fabricator and wanted to stick with the Plastmo profile which is so nice to install.’

Within its first two weeks of fabricating, the company has been manufacturing around 30 frames a week. The company has a structured and strategic business plan and hopes to be manufacturing its full capacity later on in the year. The company is fabricating the 62mm mechanically externally beaded Index system.

Revenue improved by more than 4.2 % in 2005 compared to 2004 going from 2,062.9 million EUR to 2,149.5 million EUR.

The Rebit amounted to 67.4 million EUR in 2005 compared to 106.2 million EUR for the same period in 2004, a drop of 36.6%.

Ebit decreased by 27.1% resulting in a figure of 59.2 million EUR, after considering non recurrent elements of 8.2 million EUR such as the amortisation of the assets of some business units or provisions for on-going litigation.

The financial charges decreased markedly but apart from a profit from currency transactions they increased compared to 2004; this is explained by a steady increase in net debt during 2005, giving 428.9 million EUR against 351.5 million EUR at the end of 2004. Net gearing is 55.4%.

The group's net result decreased by 34.4% going from 53.6 to 35.1 million EUR.

Net cash flow amounted to 161.0 million EUR in 2005 against 195.6 million EUR in 2004, a decrease of 17.7%.

Investments in fixed assets for the year were 172.5 million EUR, 47.7 million EUR of these being for the new electrolysis unit at Tessenderlo (BE) concentrating on membrane technology which will be operational in mid-2006. The whole of the project amounted to 86.5 million EUR at the end of 2005.

Group shareholders' equity after dividend distribution for 2004 but before the distribution for 2005 was 774.3 million EUR against 755.5 million EUR at the end of 2004; apart from the results some of this improvement came from the valuation of the dollar in the shareholder's equity of the American companies.

Plastics Converting Business Group
‘As regards profiles, disappointing performances in markets in Great Britain and in Eastern Europe in 2005 led to extremely reduced growth. In addition the price of raw materials fluctuated greatly and we have not been able to recoup these from the sale price. The result was a drop in profitability for 2005.’

In Great Britain, Fairbrook was faced with difficult market conditions. The renovation sector in particular weakened in 2005. Tessenderlo Group nevertheless succeeded in maintaining business at the level of 2004, thanks to its vast distribution network.

Eurocell Building Plastics took over the six distribution centres that Brunel Plastics, a distributor of PVC profiles for the construction sector, owned in the south-west of England. This expanded its distribution network to 70 centres.

Markets held up well in France and in Benelux. Wymar however performed less well in Eastern Europe particularly in the first half.

Chelsea Building Products (CBP) on the other hand benefited from a recovery in the United States market.

The 'pipes and fittings' business unit succeeded in maintaining volumes in the majority of market segments at an acceptable level. As the majority of the markets performed well, it was possible to recoup the increase in the price of raw materials from the customers. This has also led to a significant improvement in global profitability despite the mediocre results recorded in France.

In Benelux, the business of Dyka BV and Dyka Plastics experienced strong growth under the impulse of the strong contributions from the construction and the public works sectors.

In Poland, Dyka Polska had a quiet first half with business picking up in the second half.

Despite a bad year for the construction sector in Great Britain. John Davidson Pipes nevertheless succeeded in maintaining its performance at the 2004 level.

The downturn in the compounds market for the shoe industry was even more marked in 2005 to the advantage of Asia. But then again there have been considerably more sales of thermoplastic elastomers, mainly in the automotive sector. Tessenderlo Group further strengthened its position in the niche market of notably airbag covers in 2005 and in that of PVC for dashboard skins.

To summarise the 'Compounds' activities remained at a lower level than in 2004 despite the strong performance of the thermoplastic elastomers sector.

Outlook and dividend
In an economy that was not profitable for the group in 2005 some progress has nevertheless been recorded. This should be consolidated in 2006 with the expectation of the full effect of the saving plan of 30 million EUR. The first efforts were launched in January and confirm that the objective could be achieved.

Given the confidence in the recovery of the results the board of directors will propose a net dividend of 0.90 EUR at the Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 6th June 2006 per ordinary share the same as for the previous year. The dividend will be payable on 9th June 2006 on presentation of coupon no 69. The net amount for shares presented with strips is 1.02 EUR.

Business at the beginning of the year was reasonably sustained. The results for the first quarter 2005 had benefited from a particularly favourable situation for PVC that reached a historically high level. Therefore, the results of the first quarter 2006 will fall back compared to the first quarter 2005 without this being significant for the trend for the year.

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