EU
Firms still Face Problems in China Market
China's
push to implement WTO accession rules has benefited European companies,
but huge obstacles remain, with foreign firms notably in the auto and
construction sectors actually seeing the number of barriers to business
increasing, the European Chamber of Commerce in China said.
'For [some] foreign companies, the business environment in China has become
worse since WTO accession, notably in the auto and construction sectors,'
Jan Borgonjon, vice president of the European Chamber of Commerce, told
reporters at a meeting to discuss the release of the European Business
in China position paper recently.
The report said that European companies still face daunting challenges
as they try to break into and prosper in the Chinese market.
These include increasing amounts of red tape and non-tariff barriers -
notably the inability of the central government to impose its policies
on provincial and local level governments, discrimination in favor of
domestic businesses, a lack of national treatment and a lack of enforcement
of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR).
The report said there was 'disturbing evidence' of China seeking to use
non-tariff barriers to trade and development, and said the country seemed
to be 'testing the framework' of what was acceptable and unacceptable.
Borgonjon denied China was orchestrating a system of non-tariff barriers
but said there was a 'definite emergence' of barriers to trade over the
past year.
Some sectors had actually regressed in China since its WTO accession in
December 2001, he said, notably auto and construction, while banking and
insurance had progressed, but marginally.
New legislation under discussion would require foreign construction firms
to have capital minimums of 300 mln yuan and a positive domestic track
record to set up in China, which would rule out many European construction
firms.
A lack of transparency and a preference for domestic construction firms
had also held back the opening up of the sector, he said. 'With the Three
Gorges project, of the 12 construction projects only four were opened
to tender from foreign firms,' adding that long-term engagements with
Chinese partners were often cancelled once western technology had been
'transferred and understood' by domestic firms.
In the auto sector, European carmakers complain they are constrained by
government regulations that, among other things, limit the number of manufacturing
projects allowed per foreign company.
New laws expected later this year or early next are expected to further
promote domestic firms at the expense of their foreign rivals.
IPR piracy is also a major issue for European businesses. Companies in
most sectors have lost revenue to counterfeiting, but the report picked
out cosmetics, telecommunications, IT, pharmaceuticals and auto components
as sectors most affected by rampant piracy in China.
He said the country had pushed ahead with legislation protecting IPR owners
in the past year, and said there was a 'willingness' within the government
to work on the issue.
But he added there remains a 'lack of control on the ground,' with little
deterrence provided to transgressors.
The report said criminal prosecution should be used against IPR infringers,
with repeat offenders facing 'severe penalties.'
On the upside, Borgonjon said recent revisions to China's export tax rebate
rules were a step in the right direction for European businesses.
European firms source, manufacture and export vast quantities of goods
from China each year, and the rule changes would help speed up payments,
he said.
'The issue of reimbursements is key for exporters,' he said. 'At the moment
it is not unusual for European firms to wait up to two years to receive
tax reimbursements,' he said.
And while issues remain, Sino-European trade is on the upward path, with
both on track to become the other's biggest trade partner. 'Its going
that way, and it won't be too long,' Borgonjon said.
Europe was China's third largest trading partner in 2002 after the US
and Japan, and vice versa, with two-way trade reaching 86.76 bln usd.
The
Glass Processing Days Conference Sprung out to UK
The
first GPD UK will be organised in conjunction and in co-operation with
Glass Processing & Technology Exhibition held on 11-13 of November
in Birmingham, UK. A day and a half-long GPD UK will take place on 10-11
November 2003. The main social element will be a five course banquet in
Warwick Castle (jousting optional).
The philosophy of GPD will remain the same in UK as well. The target is
to collect and share information to develop the glass industry. This time
at GPD UK the organisers will concentrate on the development of the coated
glass processing.
The GPD UK is targeted from the Production Managers to the Operators within
the Glass Processing industry. An intensive conference will contain practical,
useful and educational information in a compact format.
Glass Processing Days (GPD) - which regularly takes place in Tampere,
Finland - is a global phenomenon and the glass industry's leading conference.
GPD UK has been launched by the organisers of GPD to bring fresh insight
and information to the UK market.
All sessions take place in the Pendigo Suite, NEC.
More info here
Consort
Signs up for Global Roofs
Consort
Ltd has signed a supply contract with Synseal Extrusions Ltd for the new
Global roof. Consort, one of the first BBA Ultraframe roof fabricators,
decided it was time to change. ‘We could see the conservatory market
was experiencing massive growth, but our conservatory sales weren’t
growing at all,’ explains Stuart Buchanan, Sales and Marketing Director
of Consort.
‘We researched the market for a new roof, but we didn’t want
to make any rash decisions. Global was our preferred choice, but we asked
our customers what they thought of it before signing the deal. We told
them to destroy the roof with their criticism because we wanted to be
sure before committing. But they couldn’t. There was no adverse reaction
at all. All our customers were not just completely happy, but keen for
us to make the change.
‘We liked lots about the roof but our customers were particularly
impressed with the double skin box gutter, the gutter fixing plate, the
seamless guttering joints, the way the top caps just push along and clip
in to place and the way the roof is installed from the inside. A particular
selling point is the aluminium woodgrain top capping. Although capping
distortion is rare, it only takes one to go wrong. Synseal’s design
avoids the problem in the first place. This is a big market with vast
potential. We are major suppliers of complete conservatories to the trade
and new build. We don’t intend to let this opportunity slip or be
pushed into second place, so we have changed to the Global roof.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
£200,000
Investment by Status Fabricator
Status
fabricator Allen Installations, better known to the trade as Windows Direct,
has recently invested £100,000 in production machinery, with a further
£100,000 budgeted over the next six months. These investments have
been designed to increase productivity, streamline production flow and
eliminate human error at the company's Essex based factory.
Allen
Installations now has a welding capacity of 14 heads in total, in various
combinations of single, double and trebles.
'Despite some negative forecasts in the industry, we are finding the market
incredibly buoyant at the moment,' said director John Allen. 'Over the
years we have maintained a steady, financially stable growth and have
fiercely guarded our local reputation as an honourable and respectable
business. As the market changes and more pressure is being added, we find
that this history helps us hold firm without losing our profitability.'
Allen Installations is already coming across the next generation of older
home owners who are replacing original PVCu windows from 15-20 years ago.
'We have a strong influx of retirement or near retirement home buyers
coming out of London with significant equity to make further improvements
to their properties. Although the majority of replacement projects are
still timber, we are taking out an increasing number of old PVCu jobs.'
Allen Installations comprises two separate companies - Windows Direct
that supplies the trade market, and Academy Windows which offers a premium
product to the retail end of the market.
Tel: 01457 875731
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
SFS
Fastener Wins 100% Approval Rating as Company Sounds Warning about Far
Eastern Imports
The
new generation bimetallic fastener from SFS intec Ltd has won a 100% approval
rating from fabricators and specifiers, a recent survey has revealed.
The news follows warnings about the risk of failing fasteners at a time
when the market is facing an influx of imported bi-mets from the Far East.
SFS,
whose bi-metallic austenitic fasteners are all made in Europe, have alerted
fabricators and specifiers alike to the risks of untried and untested
products.
Says SFS intec divisional director Mike Mortell: ‘There is no doubt
that creating bi-metallic fasteners is a complex business, especially
at the small scale required for windows. At SFS we invented the miniaturisation
process so we know only too well the pitfalls involved. Following the
demise of the martensitic fastener we have, for some time, warned that
not all bi-metallic fasteners are the same. Specifiers would be well advised
to check carefully the origin and composition of their components to ensure
they are using fasteners from a reliable and reputable source.’
In the two years since the launch of the new SFS bi-met, the Leeds based
company has operated a policy of zero defect manufacturing and delivery.
Like its predecessor, the fastener head features the Stadler recess but
the new version, developed jointly by Swiss and UK teams, also features
a new drill point design which delivers the capability of drilling into
steel ranging from 1-3mm in thickness to cope with the range of reinforcing
currently being utilised within the industry.
Advances
in weld technology create an even stronger bond between the drill point
and shaft to provide a more robust fastener. In acknowledgement of the
changes in steel used in reinforcing, SFS has also designed a new thread
form, which gives even higher pull-out values in high tensile steel.
A brochure, detailing the new bi-metallic range, is available from SFS
intec Ltd.
Tel: 01904 610077
LHC
Approval for Sovereign Group - Local Company Celebrates Success for New
Aluminium Venture
Nelson
based PVCu window and door manufacturer, Sovereign Group Ltd has gained
LHC (London Housing Consortium) approval for it’s new expansion into
aluminium window and door production.
Sovereign has taken an additional unit for aluminium production on Lomeshaye
industrial estate and will create a significant number of new jobs as
a result of this latest venture. Sovereign’s new Aluminium Commercial
Manager, Kevin Cranham brings a wealth of industry experience and will
work closely with staff at the Nelson site, from his home-base in the
South East of England.
The company will produce its first batch of 150 aluminium windows in November
and eventually plans to increase production to 200 frames a week as orders
build up. With over £1 million of orders already in place, the aluminium
side of the business looks to have got off to a flying start.
The LHC already has a close working relationship with the Sovereign Group,
and voted the company ‘Partner of the Year’ in 2002. The addition
of aluminium to the product range will permit the company to service an
even larger section of the social housing market. Furthermore it will
allow existing customers the opportunity to single source the necessary
products required to succeed in the social housing arena.
Managing Director Glenn Taylor said of the enterprise: ‘The new aluminium
site is part of Sovereign’s planned growth and expansion as we look
to increase our £17 million turnover. It also represents a significant
boost to local employment by creating much-needed skilled manufacturing
jobs’.
Tel: 01282 618171
KAT
UK and Manse Masterdor Reach Supply Agreement
Niche
products specialist KAT UK and composite bespoke door manufacturer Manse
Masterdor Ltd have reached a supply agreement, giving KAT UK access to
a top of the range door product, and extending existing market avenues
for Manse Masterdor Ltd.
KAT
UK is marketing the Masterdor door range to its trade customer base as
the KAT Elegance composite door. The agreement complements a new composite
door strategy that KAT recently launched to the UK window and door trade
market. KAT's product ranges normally incorporate a standard 'Classic'
choice and a premium 'Elegance' option.
'Faith in our product is more than proven,' said Paul Carrier (pictured
right), who looks after new business development on the new-build and
domestic fronts for Manse Masterdor Ltd. 'Our reputation grew initially
with social housing and local authority work. This was soon supplemented
with retail and new-build sales. The supply agreement with KAT UK opens
up additional market routes for us and allows us to increase the volume
of Masterdors being sold into markets that we are already dealing with.'
Together KAT UK and Manse Masterdor Ltd will be able to offer the premium
composite door to fabricators and installers at competitive prices and
with a minimum order of just one door.
'Most window companies would not require more than one or two doors a
week,' said KAT UK director David Richards. 'Manse Masterdor Ltd is well
set up to deliver volume orders for large scale projects, such as social
housing. By combining the force of the KAT UK sales team with Manse Masterdor's
expertise and proven track record, we are now able to meet the requirements
of projects of any size, and provide a comprehensive service to the window
industry.'
Manse Masterdor Ltd claims to be the UK's biggest producer of bespoke
timber-bladed external doors. Masterdor is a pre-finished door-set, complete
with hardware and glazing. Manse Masterdor Ltd has a production technique
of fitting a door of engineered timber, manufactured from sustainable
sources, into a PVCu frame. With these components reacting in harmony
to varying weather conditions, the system has all the energy efficiency
and good looks of a wooden door leaf without the weather related maintenance
problems. Endorsed by a Secured by Design licence and PAS 23/24 tested,
the made to measure Masterdor offers real protection against burglary
or vandalism.
Manse Masterdor Ltd recently initiated a massive multi million pound expansion
programme which took the form of continued capital investment in the company's
existing plant at Knaresborough and the creation of a new dedicated production
plant at a newly acquired site in Derbyshire.
'A front door makes a tremendous difference to both the look and value
of the house. As a result there is still a huge growth potential for composite
doors - particularly at the higher end of the market,' added Paul Carrier.
Web:
http://www.katuk.co.uk
Web:
http://www.masterdor.co.uk
In
recent months Shepley Window Systems announced a series of new records
for window and door production. The trade fabricator says it has now broken
its sales records too.
‘On the week commencing 14th July this year we achieved more sales
for frames and roofs than ever before,’ explains Gary Torr, managing
director of Shepley. ‘We received orders for 5,085 frames and 61
roofs in a week. This growth comes largely from current customers. Business
is booming for them which is great news for them, and great news for us
as well.’
Tel: 0161 339 2433
Carl
F Direct - Quality Tools Delivered Next Day
An
expansion programme established by Carl F has been substantially increased
with the launch of Carl F direct. Running alongside its core window and
door hardware operation, the company says that the new mail order business
is the most significant development to be announced in Carl F’s 15-year
history.
Backed by research and development investment of over £100,000,
Carl F direct has evolved from the company’s Window Shop operation.
The mail order initiative is designed to offer a comprehensive range of
tools for the window industry, and additional products for associated
sectors.
The 64-page product source features over 300 products clearly catalogued,
grouped and referenced. Key ranges include; power tools, hand tools, measuring
equipment, personal protection equipment, care & maintenance products
and ladders including the Laddermatic telescopic ladder.
Tel: 08453 665566 (lo-cost)
Email: mailto:sales@carlfdirect.co.uk
Web: http://www.carlfdirect.co.uk
Deceuninck
Subsidiary Dayton Technologies joins with Alcoa Home Exteriors in Strategic
Alliance
Deceuninck,
worldwide producer of PVC window systems and profiles for the construction
industry, announced on 2nd October that its U.S. subsidiary Dayton Technologies
has joined with Alcoa Home Exteriors, Inc., a major U.S. manufacturer
of building products, in a strategic alliance that promises to bring an
exciting range of products to the home exteriors marketplace.
The companies are entering a growing sector of the building products industry
- engineered wood, or composites. Plans are in place for a launch of the
companies' first collaboration - the introduction of a composite decking
and railing program by early 2004. The $3.5 billion decking market is
one of the industry's hottest categories. 'This exciting partnership with
one of the most trusted business names in the U.S. allows us to enter
a growing sector of our business. The timing could not be better', says
Clement De Meersman, CEO of Deceuninck.
The new product, a composition of HDPE - High Density Polyethylene - and
wood flour, will be manufactured at Dayton Technologies' 550,000 sq. ft.
state-of-the-art plant. The facilities are being expanded for the new
decking line.
Engineered wood is used in a variety of exterior building products such
as decks, railing and siding. Highly durable, these low-maintenance alternatives
to traditional wood are gaining wider acceptance and winning over consumers
with their enhanced aesthetic appeal and performance attributes such as
colour-fastness. 'We have gone through rigorous R&D and will soon
introduce one of the finest composite building materials available today.
With our combined resources, the alternatives for builders and homeowners
will keep getting better,' adds De Meersman.
Headquartered in Pittsburgh, PA, Alcoa Home Exteriors, Inc., a wholly
owned subsidiary of Alcoa, is a leading U.S. manufacturer of vinyl ahd
aluminum products for the remodelling and new construction markets, featuring
both the MasticR Premium brand siding and the Alcoa Classic Living Siding.
Alcoa Home Exteriors offers 41 years of experience in manufacturing and
marketing a broad selection of exterior building products, including siding,
shutters, decorative accessories and aluminum gutters, soffit, fascia
and trim. Alcoa Home Exteriors operates manufacturing and warehousing
facilities in Ohio, Virginia, South Carolina, Texas and Georgia.
Dayton Technologies is part of the Deceuninck Group, an integrated group
of world format, specialised in compounding, design, development, extrusion,
finishing, recycling and injection-moulding of PVCu systems and profiles
for the building industry. The company is active in more than 32 countries,
has 22 subsidiaries (production and/or sales) and is supported by 2700
personnel, of which 610 in Belgium. Deceuninck achieved consolidated sales
of 362.2 million EUR in 2002 (excluding the acquisition of Thyssen Polymer).
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Trosifol
Opens new Production Plant in Russia
In
the presence of high-ranking regional politicians and important business
partners, Trosifol officially opened its new production plant in Nizhny
Novgorod, about 450 kilometres east of Moscow, on 12th September. With
a maximum capacity of 4,000 tonnes of PVB film for laminated safety glass,
the new plant will be the hub in satisfying demand from the Russian market.
The first metres of saleable film from the new production plant are expected
in autumn 2003. '000 Troplast' is a wholly owned subsidiary of HT Troplast
AG.
The
focus of the modern multi-purpose plant will be on the production of PVB
film regenerated from trimmings generated internally and supplied by customers.
Although the resultant film is technically speaking a recycled film, qualitatively
it meets virtually all the requirements of a top-grade film. This film
with the brand name 'Trolen' has been designed for applications in architecture
and cars in price brackets that have not yet been achieved with Trosifol.
From now on in Russia, both Trosifol and Trolen will be marketed from
the new location. European market leadership in architectural glazing
is now to be extended to the Russian market, where Trosifol is already
established. At the same time, it is hoped that better access will be
gained to the Russian and Eastern European automotive markets. 'The decision
to set up our own production plant in Russia is the logical extension
of existing activities on the Russian and Baltic markets,' stresses Trosifol
General Manager Karl-Heinz Spiess. The goal is market leadership for PVB
film in Russia and its neighbouring countries.
Nizhny Novgorod, formerly Gorky, was chosen for strategic reasons. The
Bor glassworks, the biggest Russian glass manufacturer, is situated in
the vicinity of the new Trosifol location.
Production will be handled exclusively by Russian staff, who are fully
conversant with the production of Trosifol and Trolen PVB films after
several months of training at company headquarters in Troisdorf (Germany).
For the city this means 40 new jobs, which lvanov Vladimir Alexandrovich,
Mayor of Bor, and Sentyurin Yuri Petrovich, Deputy Governor of the Nishegorod
district, explicitly welcomed in their addresses given at the official
opening.
In the opinion of experts, the Russian market for laminated safety glass
will develop in much the same way as in Western Europe. By creating its
own production plant, Trosifol has given itself a springboard for further
expansion within Russia.
Web: http://www.ht-troplast.com
Web: http://www.troisfol.com
Polycarbonate
roof pack supplier Molan has agreed a deal to distribute the Sky-Vent
conservatory roof vent product. The company supplies over 1000 roof packs
per week to the conservatory market and says it is the largest polycarbonate
roof pack supplier in the UK.
'Being able to offer an independent product like Sky-Vent to our customers,
gives us the flexibility we need to complement our product range.' Said
Rod Beattie Sales and Marketing Manager. 'We can supply made to measure,
pre-glazed Sky-Vents on a 48hr turn around with roof packs on our own
transport. The Sky-Vent product is very popular in the conservatory market
mainly due to it's complete peace of mind fit and forget concept.' he
added.
'Used by some of the largest companies in the conservatory business such
as Synseal, Eurocell and BHD, this roof vent has a proven track record.
The Sky-Vent package allows conservatory salesmen to specify roof vents
in conservatories without any of the old comeback problems associated
with previous vents. This new generation of roof vent has become the 'professional's
choice,' allowing firms to make extra margin on a trouble free product.'
comments Sky-Vent.
Tel: 0121 212 1434
New
Windows and Central Heating - The Residents’ Choice
A
new programme of resident consultation across Reigate and Redhill in Surrey,
highlights PVCu replacement windows and central heating as the two most
popular improvements.
Following its devolution from Reigate and Banstead Borough Council just
over a year ago, RB Housing Trust took over social landlord responsibility
for 5,500 properties in and around East Surrey at the time of Sir John
Egan’s ‘Rethinking Construction’ report.
‘The combination of the new Trust and the Egan principles of Partnering
mean that our residents are getting much more involved with meeting our
suppliers and discussing their needs than they had previously,’ says
RB Housing Trust’s procurement manager Malcolm Viccars.
The Council started its window replacement programme around ten years
ago, but Malcolm Viccars says restrictions at that time meant the standard
of those early replacements did not match the high quality windows residents
are asking for today.
‘Some of the windows just weren’t right for the job, but were
winning tenders because they were cheap. The Government has now removed
the obligation for us to accept the cheapest tender, which means we’re
able to specify windows more suited to what’s required of them.
‘We decided to limit the number of window systems we would use, to
those of a similar, but high quality, which would give us similar tender
prices.’
The windows currently being replaced are between 25 years and 50 years
old. Some of RB Housing Trust’s property dates back to the post-war
building boom of the 1950s and still has the original windows. And windows
in other homes, built in the 1970s, haven’t stood the test of time.
‘They’ve had a useful life, but now need replacing.’
The £2.5m first three phases of installing Kömmerling GOLD
58mm PVCu casements at around 500 homes, was carried out by specialist
public sector window contractor, Radway Door & Windows Ltd. At any
one time Radway manages between 30 and 40 large-scale contracts, each
in the six or seven figure bracket, mainly for social housing, local education
authorities and the Ministry of Defence.
The Kömmerling system specified by Louis Falquero for RB Housing
Trust, is the 58mm GOLD with Pilkington K Glass™ air-filled glazing
and aluminium spacers. This gives a unit u-value of 1.8 W/m2K and a whole
window u-value of 1.97 W/m2K. The energy-efficiency windows also complement
the Trust’s current programme of installing insulation into residents’
homes.
The windows they’re replacing are timber casements, pivots and sashes,
and metal crittall windows - some set within timber frames, others set
directly into the brickwork.
‘Energy conservation is very important to the Trust,’ says Malcolm
Viccars. ‘Not only to comply with Part L of the Building Regulations,
but also for the comfort of our residents. So much so that when we embarked
on phase two, which was before Part L took effect, we still stipulated
that we wanted the windows to be Part L compliant.
Alcoa
to Continue Operations at Intalco; Uncertainty About Rates Leads to Cutback
Alcoa
announced on 15th October that it will cut aluminium production at its
Ferndale, Washington ('Intalco') smelter, because higher Bonneville Power
Administration (BPA) prices have made the plant less competitive. The
plant will move to an annual production rate of 90,000 metric tons on
November 1st, 2003.
'Energy is a key component of aluminium production, and today's BPA energy
rates are among the highest in the world for our industry,' said Bernt
Reitan, President of Alcoa Primary Products. 'With a long-term, lower-cost
power supply, we could operate Intalco at full capacity but, unfortunately,
that is not an option at today's prices. We regret the impact this will
have on the local community.
Alcoa is committed to working with the government toward a long-term power
arrangement so Intalco and the people who work there have a brighter future.
'We are encouraged by recent actions by the Northwest congressional delegation
to address financial issues within BPA. We are hopeful that, in the long
term, these actions will allow BPA to return to its role as an economic
engine for the region. In the meantime, we will operate at a reduced scale
to serve our customers in the region and maintain flexibility for the
future,' said Reitan.
'The Intalco plant is the lowest cost smelter in the Pacific Northwest,
and the last to remain operating in the region, but higher BPA rates have
taken a toll,' said Mike Tanchuk, President of Alcoa Primary Metals Northwest
Operations 'Our employees have put their heart and soul into making this
plant competitive and I'm proud of their work. Support from our community
leaders and elected officials has been tremendous, and they continue to
explore ways to help. Our employees and our community deserve a more certain
future.'
Production and Energy
Alcoa is currently running two full pot-lines at the Intalco plant with
180,000 metric tons per year of production. Alcoa's interim power supply
agreement with BPA expired last month, and the company now has a contract
with BPA that runs through September 2006.
BPA recently announced that the rate could be reduced if a settlement
of a lawsuit between investor-owned and public utilities can be reached.
The outcome of settlement negotiations remains uncertain, and BPA has
imposed a 2.2 percent rate increase that is in effect.
Impact on Workforce
As production is scaled back Alcoa will reduce its payroll at the plant
by approximately 200 employees out of a workforce of about 600.
Alcoa Smelting Capacity
When the curtailment is complete, Alcoa will have approximately 595,000
mtpy of idled capacity on a base primary aluminum capacity of 3.9 million
mtpy.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Vitro
Cristalglass Selected to Supply Glass for 2004 Barcelona Forum
Vitro,
S.A. has announced that Vitro Cristalglass, Vitro's European subsidiary,
was selected to supply glass for the construction of the Universal Culture
Forum, a new icon building in Spain, that will host the 2004 lnternational
Conference in Barcelona.
This multicultural event, better known as the 2004 Barcelona Forum, seeks
to promote study, reflection and innovative research through a dialogue
between those who work for peace, respect for diversity and sustainable
development based on shared ethical values.
For 141 days, from May 9th through September 26th, 2004, the city of Barcelona
will host conferences, exhibits and events in a new city zone at La Plaza,
the Forum building, the Convention Centre, the Sea Auditorium, and the
Sports Port.
An example of urban and marine renovation, these buildings encompass more
than 320,000 square meters and will host more than 60,000 congressmen,
2,000 artists and 79,000 attendees.
Vitro Cristalglass will supply 5,000 square meters of STOPSOL + MULTlPAC
glass for the external and internal facades the Forum building, and Mernie,
S.A. will install the glass. Begun early this year, the construction will
be completed during the first quarter of 2004.
The glass selected reflects the modern character of the intercultural
congress that the Forum will host. 'Glass distinguishes itself from other
materials because of its flexibility, elegance and modernity; it adapts
easily to contemporary architectural elements,' said Alberto Gomez, Marketing
Manager of Vitro Cristalglass.
Gomez added, 'Vitro Cristalglass offered the best product, the most convenient
production capacity, the most competitive delivery dates, and the most
experience constructing icon buiidings.'
'With the 2004 Barcelona's Forum project, Vitro Cristalglass will generate
close to 20 percent higher sales than last year. Our performance reflects
our unwavering teamwork and commitment; together, we capitalise on our
experience and ability to expand into more markets every day,' said Fernando
Flores, President of Vitro's Flat Glass division.
With this million-dollar project, Vitro Cristalglass consolidates its
presence in complex icon building construction, including such important
projects as the L'Oceanographic Museum of Valencia, the new Walt Disney
Conference Hall of Los Angeles, the New York Winter Garden Atrium, the
Torre Mayor building in Mexico City, the Banco Santander Central Hispano
Financial Center and the Reina Sofia Art Museum in Madrid, the Galerias
Valle Oriente in Monterrey, Mexico, the Bilbao's Exhibit Centre, as well
as the Victoria's Secret stores' remodelling in the United States, among
others.
The Forum building, which was designed by the Swiss firm Herzog and De
Meuron, is triangular with 180 metres on each side and 25 metres in height.
The building, one of the five host facilities, will certainly become one
of Barcelona's most impressive buildings.
The Plaza site will serve as the centre for the 2004 Barcelona Forum's
cultural, recreational and food activities and wili become the second-largest
plaza in the world affer Tiannanmen Plaza in Peking, China.
Vitro Cristalglass says it is Spain's leading fabricator, distributor
and marketer of architectural and construction flat glass products and,
through its Vitro Chaves subsidiary, is a leader in Portugal. The company's
almost 550 employees recorded sales of approximately US$100 inillion in
2002, which accounted for approximately 8% of the Flat Glass business
unit's annual sales.
Vitro Cristalglass has five facilities in Spain: two flat glass production
facilities in Camponaraya and La Rozada, and three distribution facilities
in La Coruna, Valencia, and Barcelona.
Flat Glass is dedicated to manufacturing, processing and selling glass
for the automotive and construction markets, with annual sales of US$1.1
billion in 2002, or 47% of Vitro's totalsales.
For more information about Vitro Cristalglass and Barcelona's Forum, please
visit http://www.cristalglass.es
and http://www.
barcelona2004.org
‘Live
Job Bags’ Take Hold at Regency
Cheshire based Network Conservatories who produce Regency conservatories are the latest company to buy into the RoofWright family of software. Using RoofWright, Network Conservatories will be able to process the orders taken by sales people within hours and substantially increase their throughput.
Keeping
track of leads, contracts, jobs and customers becomes harder and harder
as a business expands. Using computer software can help. RoofWright Enterprise
has been developed especially for the conservatory business. It is easy
to use and allows you to keep track of all your contacts and your dealings
with them by linking together all the correspondence, documentation, telephone
messages and details concerning a contract or job. Everyone in the system,
from the sales force to the warehouse can add, and have access to, full,
accurate, and up to date records.
‘We aim to run a seamless operation to meet all our customers’
expectations.’ comments Network’s Sales Director, Colin Jones.
‘We looked at all the software on the market before selecting RoofWright
because we had to be sure it generated all the information we need to
offer the highest possible levels of customer service.’
Not only does RoofWright create a 3D design to show the customer, it produces
the illustrated retail quotation, the pricing details, the parts &
cutting lists. ‘When everyone in our supply chain is using RoofWright,
we can exchange accurate drawings, exact specifications and place orders
electronically saving time and almost eliminating duplication’ comments
Colin.
To gain even more speed and precision in fulfilling customer orders, Network
has also purchased RoofWright Enterprise which bundles the orders into
bar lengths, monitors stock levels, keeps track of all the job components
and even calculates the weight of each package to satisfy Health and Safety.
‘Our customers trust us to get it right first time and to deliver
on time’ comments Richarad Jones, Network’s Operations Manager
‘and we have invested heavily in the necessary machines, software
and workforce to make sure that they can. We are confident that RoofWright
will enable us to run our business more efficiently and are looking forward
to servicing our growing base of very satisfied customers.’
Web: http://www.roofwright.co.uk
(tel: 0161 426 0465)
Web: http://www.networkconservatories.co.uk
(tel: 0870 850 0148)