AG's £6.5M Investment 'Gives 'em 'L'


A little over a year after moving into its new £2M purpose built factory, Barnsley-based glass processor AG Glass has upped its game even further with an additional £4.5M investment to create extra production space (now totalling 65,000 sq. ft), and installing the latest state-of-the-art production equipment from Bystronic, Lisec and Ashton Industrial.

The result: AG is even now producing 16 -18 000 sealed units a week (of which around a third are toughened), and plans to achieve a figure of 20 - 25,000 very soon. The company also expects to see a projected increase in turnover from £9M in 2001 to about £13M in 2002.

Lisec robot sealing machine at end of one of the new automated lines

The driving force behind this investment - which over two years amounts to more than most glass companies achieve in annual turnover - is Part L.

The level of investment AG has made under the guidance of directors Glenn and Anita Day, not only positions the company as one of the leading glass processors in the UK, but it also includes a new fully automated argon gas filing line, ready for Part 2 of the new regulations.

After 17 years, the company (now a member of the Heywood Williams group) is firmly established as one of the biggest single site users of Pilkington glass in the country. This means that supply of raw materials is unlikely to be a problem, however big their own customer's requirements. And with two fully automated sealed unit lines (a third is on the way) - plus 150 staff working over two shifts, with the capacity to go to three shifts, seven days a week, supported by a delivery fleet of 6 articulated vehicles - on-time completion and delivery of orders has been refined to an art.

Glenn Day sums it up: 'With the new regulations coming into force, where do you go when you need your sealed units and you need them fast? You come to us, is the answer. By making this level of investment to be fully compliant, where many are unable to, we can become your partner for glass, allowing you to profitably get on with the business of making and selling windows.'

Tel: 01226 356500
Fax: 01226 356510
Email: info@ag-glass.co.uk

Thermoseal invests in new premises

The Thermoseal Group, the fastest growing UK supplier of double glazing consumables, has moved to new 27,500 sq ft premises on a 1.5 acre site at Nexus Point, Birmingham. The company has also announced a series of opening days and Part L training workshops, timed to coincide with Glassex and beginning on March 4th.

The new premises has car parking spaces for 65 vehicles with enough room for articulated lorries to turn in the car park. Since it is situated on the bank of the river Tame, Thermoseal has the added bonus of fishing rights!

The move has meant that the company has been able to double the size of its georgian fabrication department and has made significant investment in several new manufacturing processes.

Thermoseal's new 26,500 sq ft premises, with ample parking space

Another advantage is that rather than having spacer bar delivered in boxes, Thermoseal now has stillages stacked up to the roof which enable customers to buy spacer bar in a more efficient way, reducing the amount of cardboard involved. It also means being able to hold far more stock of all consumables.

The Thermoseal Services division, which deals with insulated glass machinery, is now in the enviable position of holding substantial stock instead of having to build machines to order. Machinery held in stock includes the Rjukan MB440 bar-bender, glass washers, PIB machines, hot-melt machines, rotary tables, assembly stations, gas filling machines, digital snip-saws, desiccant dispensers and a complete IG production line.

There will be open days on the 4th, 5th and 6th of March, when customers are invited to the new premises to view machinery and demonstrations of the Artisan glass creative resins process. This will be the start of a permanent ‘mini-exhibition’ where there will be an ongoing display of in-stock machinery, Rjukan glass bending machinery and finished Artisan glass panels. This will enable customers to buy on demand which will usually mean immediate delivery.

Sealed unit manufacturers who are preparing to meet the requirements of Document L and are visiting Glassex would be well advised to drop into the new Thermoseal premises to view the wide selection of products available there and discuss Thermoseal’s Part L training package.

The new address is:
Thermoseal Group
Gavin Way, Nexus Point, Holford Broadlands, Birmingham B6 7AF
Tel: 0121-331 3950
Fax: 0121-331 3999
Freefax Sales Orders: 0800 435 808
http:www.thermosealgroup.com

THE MORAN GROUP OFFERS EXCLUSIVITY FOR WINDOW WARM

Adelphi Window Systems, part of The Moran Group PLC, has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Window Warm of Leamington Spa. Window Warm will have sole distribution rights for the Adelphi window and the Advantage conservatory roof within an approximate 20 mile radius of Leamington Spa.

Having manufactured its own windows for several years, Window Warm wanted to focus more on improving its service and further developing its trade and retail sales. Director Herbie Jhita was particularly impressed by the quality of the Adelphi window, and felt reassured by the support of a large PLC as his main supplier.

Herbie Jhita of WindowWarm with Danny Hague sales director of Adelphi

'Increasing demand meant that manufacturing our own windows was beginning to compromise our service levels,' said Herbie. 'Window Warm has always prided itself on giving a highly personal service, and we wanted to improve on this and offer a product range with a higher specification. Adelphi's proposition gave us the foundation to really hit the ground running. Window Warm can now offer the products, the marketing support, and the administrative back-up to make a real impact this year.'

After 16 years in business, Window Warm has built up a strong reputation and a loyal customer base. Window Warm forms the right approach to the market place that Adelphi believes is the way forward for the window industry.

'Although dealing with many larger companies, Window Warm has never forgotten the one and two man outfits which collectively form a significant proportion of the market place,' continued Adelphi's chief executive Ian Moran. 'Herbie's knowledge and contacts which have been cultivated over many years will ensure that the product quality of the Adelphi windows and the Advantage conservatory roofs can provide sales and installation benefits further down the supply chain.'

Window Warm will still have distribution rights outside of the prescribed area, though not on an exclusive basis.

Contact Laura Clegg, Adelphi Window Systems Ltd
Tel: 01625 859976
Fax: 01625 859801.
EmaiI: info@adelphiwindows.com
Web: www.themorangroup.com

MORE FUND RAISING FUN

Who says the broom isn't mightier than the pen? PR expert Kate Ashley-Norman of The Bath Plug & Tap Publicity Company swapped her pen for a couple of hours sweeping the floors at MB Frames’ Bristol factory, putting her will on the way to raising funds for a 100km hike to the Himalayas.

By the time you read this Kate will hopefully have recoveredfrom an unspeakable gut turning stomach upset contracted during the trek, which was organised in aid of the cerebral palsy charity Scope (in fact, chances are that she has just contracted another dose in Turkey!).

The Himalayas trip was made possible by the generosity of the window industry, and in particular Status Systems fabricators Jeff Cole of Select Window & Door Systems, Mick Mills of Wombourne Windows, and Andy Burns and Peter Melville of MB Frames. And of course not forgetting Derek Ashley-Norman of D&E Architectural Hardware Ltd (thanks dad!).

Kate also helps Deceuninck’s Gary Morton in his GM Fundraising endeavours, and would like to let everyone know that the now infamous Glassex Gig will be taking place on the Sunday evening of Glassex – Sunday 3rd March 2002. The venue is the usual Finn & Firkin which has been renamed the Hibernian on the Pershore Road in Stirchley, Birmingham. Sponsored by the Glassex organisers and Glass Age, tickets are the usual £10 each. Numbers for this extremely popular event are limited so get your order in early by contacting Kate on any of the numbers below.

And a quick reminder for those who are hoping to buy a table at the 6th GM Fun-Raising Fund-Raising Gala Dinner taking place in Manchester on April 27th. Despite the event being almost twice as large this year, tables are nearly sold out. If you’re hoping to get something together please let Kate know as soon as possible.

For tickets and details for any of the events above, please contact Kate:
Tel: 01225 446844
Fax: 01225 338755
Email: kashleynor@aol.com

NEW-LOOK MANAGEMENT OPENS DOOR ON 2002

Leicestershire based Benlowe Group, the UK construction industry niche supplier (which includes Bennett Windows and Thomas Lowe , has changed hands in a £8 million deal, which has placed a new man at the head of the business.

David Pead (previously chief executive of Ward Construction plc) is bringing his 20 years experience in construction to the existing management team at Benlowe Group.

Other group executives included in the buy-out are sales and marketing director David Dack, production director Geoff Mortimer, finance director Bill Power as well as Mike Harris and lan Newson respectively divisional sales and production directors.

Paul Thompson and Angela Martin from Ernst & Young's East Midlands Corporate Finance team provided advice on the acquisition to the purchasers.

The Benlowe Group consists of Bennett Windows based at Ratby, Leicestershire and Thomas Lowe at Brownhills, Staffordshire. Bennett has a turnover of approximately £8 million, and employs 135 people providing timber windows directly to upmarket house builders.

Thomas Lowe Joinery claims to be the UK's 3rd largest staircase manufacturer employing 57 people and turns over approximately £2.5 million.

Mr Pead said: 'We are looking for expansion - our competitive advantage results from our special manufacturing process, which enables extensive guarantees to be offered - in turn, this has led to our being recognised as market leaders'.

The business has recently acquired a property alongside its existing Bennett Windows manufacturing unit at Ratby, Leicestershire in anticipation of expansion.

Mr Thompson said: 'With the increasing thermal and acoustic requirements of current building regulations, combined with the environmental advantages, timber windows have become a very competitive alternative to uPVC windows'.

'Windows form an integral part of the external appearance of a property and those buying expensive properties are demanding the quality, performance and look offered by timber. As a result, the acquisition offers an excellent opportunity for David and his management team'

The sale was triggered by the desire of Aberdeen Murray Johnstone Private Equity, which funded the firm's original buy-out two years ago, to realise its investment, and by the decision of the present chief executive, Clyve Perkin, to retire in the Spring.

Finance for the buy-in-management buy-out was provided by Barclays Ventures (Richard Bucknell and Chris Mitchell) and Fortis Bank (Sue Varley and lan Howey).

Richard Bucknell said 'Bennett Windows has been a pioneer in its niche market. By further exploiting the trend towards off-site manufacture, the company has excellent prospects. With the opportunity to also employ a similar strategy in the Thomas Lowe staircase business, we are confident that this was an investment opportunity too good to miss.'

Legal advice to management was provided by Eversheds (Ben Johnson and Stephen Hill).
Contact: David Dack, Bennett Windows
Tel: 01162 395353
Fax: 01162 387295

ULTRAFRAME ENJOYS GOOD FIRST QUARTER

Rod Sellers, the Chairman of Ultraframe, made the following statement regarding current trading at the Annual General Meeting held at Clitheroe on 18th January.

'Since we announced the preliminary results in early December, we have continued to perform well in both our UK and North American operations. Sales in the first three months of the current financial year are over 10% ahead of last year in the UK and the Board remains confident of the prospects for our UK business, although we do not currently expect to see this growth rate continue for the full year. Our North American operations are performing in line with our expectations and we are confident that Four Seasons will prove to be an excellent acquisition for the Group.'

Ultraframe has also just appointed Vanda Murray as non-executive director. She is chief executive of Blick.

Contact: Mark Hanson, Ultraframe PLC
Tel: 01200 443311
Fax: 01200 425455
Email: brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: www.ultraframe.co.uk

Universal Imports signs with GBWendland

GBWendland, part of the £260m Latium Group, is, apart from supplying an innovative conservatory roof system, a supplier to the UK market of bespoke door panels and composite doors. 'Our customers have very demanding standards so naturally GBW is continuously striving to improve quality and service.'Says MD Philip Troman.

'During 2001 we entered into a partnership agreement with Universal Imports to buy a range of door furniture that meet our stringent criteria. 24 months ago GBW invested in a brand new factory and the best enabling technology and the benefits from this are reflected in an increasing market share in the UK and export markets'says Director of Sales Geoff Foster

He added that 'Universal Imports have maintained a high level of service to us with quality and delivery being of paramount importance, and we are confident that they will continue to do so as we further increase market share in 2002.'

Universal Imports, are one of the UK’s leading suppliers of complete door furniture, whether in bulk or smaller amounts. Their range of products includes high quality doorknockers, numerals, letters (alphabet), door viewers, cylinder locks, handles and hinges.

David Clegg, UI’s Sales Director says, 'We have a reputation for quality, service and value for money. Indeed, we probably have the most extensive range of 'next-day'available doorknockers and ancillary items in the UK. Any order for standard stock received before 12.00 Noon will be despatched that same day, and delivered the next by Insured Carrier.

We also have a reputation for innovation. Our extra long 85mm Nylon Bolts and our unique pricing policy are testament to that.

Over the past 4 years we have extended our product range to include other Hardware products, many of which are bespoke products for large users and distributors. David says, 'Because we have a reputation for quality and service, we started to be asked for ‘non standard’ products, which was a great compliment. We therefore tapped in to our network of manufacturers, and were able to produce products to the right quality, service and price that the customer required. We now supply a wide variety of products, and this range is growing constantly as more customers ask us for different types of products.'

Tel: +44 (0) 161 763 5290
Fax: +44 (0) 161 763 6726
E-Mail: univ.imports@ukonline.co.uk

Synseal gets branded with Avocet and tests Conservatory Roof to destruction

Customers' purchases of Avocet hardware from Synseal have soared in the last few months. In response to this boost in sales Avocet has agreed to replace the Avocet logo with Shield on the most popular products from Synseal's one-stop-shop for hardware.

'Striking this deal with Avocet on behalf of our customers is superb news,' comments Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal.

'Shield customers can now supply complete window, conservatory and door systems under the same brand umbrella. The news is particularly good for companies selling into the home, where we expect our consistently branded, complete systems to steal a march on others using generic hardware.

As firm believers in branding, we've already passed on the benefits to customers, in the form of Shield wrapped profile, Shield brochures and bags. Branded hardware is a logical and powerful addition.'


Conservatory roof:
Before the launch of any new product, rigorous testing is carried out to ensure that a high standard is met for the end consumer. Synseal Extrusions Ltd have recently completed the tests on their new Conservatory System and the results are good news for the industry.

'Testing conservatories to complete destruction takes some doing, 'comments Nick Dutton, Sales and Marketing Director of Synseal. 'Especially when they are Shield Conservatories as our recent tests have proven. We are confident that our customers won't need to subject their Shield conservatories to such extremes but to ensure what they're buying really is the best on the market the tests we used were tough. Our conservatories passed with flying colours.'

One of the tests on Synseal's Conservatory System was to stand a two tonne load on the lightweight bar overnight. The next morning the roof was water tested to see if the added weight had affected its performance. The Shield conservatory roof didn't leak.

Another test was to demonstrate that the unique frame to eaves clip will stay in place in the outerframe with 82 kilograms (about 14 stone) hanging from it. It actually managed to stay in place with over 120 kilograms hanging from it.

'Synseal like to get things right first time and whenever possible better than just right, as the results to our conservatory tests show.'

Tel: (01623) 443 200
http://www.synseal.com

WRAP announces Workshops & Events

Improving waste management and recycling is one of the biggest challenges facing UK industry. Consequently, the recycling sector is primed for significant growth and many exciting opportunities exist for investors in businesses ready to be part of this growth, says the Waste And Resources Action Programme.

WRAP has already created a Business Development Service to assist businesses in the glass, paper, plastics and wood sectors in obtaining finance. However, WRAP has significant resources that can be utilised to facilitate the development of new Financial Mechanisms that can encourage increased investment in the sector. What mechanisms would be most beneficial and what else could WRAP be doing?

'lt is crucial that both business and financial communities engage in these events to help develop solutions for the future.' Dr Bevis Watts. Business Development Service Manager.

Workshops are available which include:

• Presentations on the perspectives of both investors and recycling businesses, and on what WRAP is doing to bridge the gap between the two

• Facilitated breakout sessions to debate specific issues in detail and contribute to the development of mechanisms to increase investment in recycling

• Opportunities to meet potential investment partners and clients

Please note that places are limited and preference will be given to businesses in need of capital investment and members of the financial community

Speakers will vary between events but speakers and facilitators throughout the programme include members of the WRAP Board, senior representatives of financial institutions and high-profile business leaders.

WRAP Events are:

Wednesday 30 January
Le Meridien Queens, City Square, Leeds

Thursday 31 January
Malmaison, London Road, Manchester

Tuesday 05 February
Q.ton Forum. Cambridge Science Park, Cambridge

Tuesday 12 February
Nottingham Royal Moat House, Wollaton Street, Nottingham

Wednesday 13 February
lnternational Centre for Life, Times Square, Newcastle

Tuesday 19 February
The Southgate Hotel, Southernhay East, Exeter

Wednesday 20 February
Winchester Guildhall, The Broadway, Winchester

Tuesday 05 March
Hilton GLasgow, 1 William Street, Glasgow

Wednesday 20 March
Hanover lntl. Hotel, Atlantic Wharf, Cardiff

Thursday 21 March
Birmingham Aston Business School, Aston University, Birmingham

Wednesday 27 March
Cabot Hall, Canary Wharf, London

All events are held in the morning finishing with lunch, except Winchester which will be held in the afternoon.


Contact: Waste And Resources Action Programme
Tel: 01295 819900
Fax: 01295 81991
Email: info@wrap.org.uk
Web: www.wrap.org.uk

Clement Windows, quite literally, stop traffic!!

When the owners of the much-publicised 'Flat Roofed House', near Henley, heard the thunderous smashing of glass, they were horrified to find that a 7 1/2 tonne delivery truck that was parked on their slopping driveway had, due to a faulty handbrake, rolled into the house.

The strength of the Type W20 steel windows installed by the Clement Windows Group, which amazingly withstood the tremendous impact, prevented the truck from rolling further into the house and averting what could have been a fatal accident.

The house was designed in 1934 by Colin Lucas. Its appearance is typical of Modern Movement architecture, the elevations are constructed of 100mm thick poured reinforced concrete that has been rendered and painted white. All this is protected by the broad flat roof, from which the property takes its name.

The Grade II Listed building was recently refurbished and extended by Dennis Sharp Architects. Part of this ambitious project was the replacement of the original steel framed windows. Few steel framed windows have survived from 1934, as they tended to be painted rather than galvanised. Due to this problem, some of the original frames had already been replaced by u-PVC.
Luckily, the restoration ensured that steel framed windows were used and Clement W20 steel windows were chosen for the project. Offering slender sections, design versatility and strength enough to stop a runaway lorry, the W20 range allowed the Architects to match the 1930's originals and accommodate double glazed units.


The Clement Windows Group, formerly Clement Brothers Haslemere Ltd, was founded by Jack Clement and his three brothers in 1928, making the company the oldest family run windows business in the U.K. Their father had  previously worked on the famous 'Crystal Palace' and so the family heritage of working with steel and glass had already been firmly established.  The companies' long and colourful history has spanned over nearly a hundred years and has been involved with the steel window and its components at every stage of development. In 1964 the company's Glass & Glazing department were selected by Pilkington to install the very first 'glas to glas' double glazed units. 1977 saw the company becoming a founding member of the 'Glass & Glazing Federation'. There are now three distinct parts to the operation: 'Clements Steel Windows' manufacture, supply and install operating nationwide. Recent prestigious installations include new steel windows and doors at the London Ritz, Hampton Court Palace, Windsor Castle and Victoria Railway Station.

http://www.clementwg.co.uk

Baltic Pine announces Major Investment in Cornwall

Baltic Pine, manufacturer of timber conservatories, has announced a major spend of £0.5M in a new treatment plant, the company's largest investment to date.

The Baltic Pine Timber Corporation is based in Penzance in Cornwall where it employs 250 staff, making it one of the largest employers in the area. It currently has a 20% share of the UK timber conservatory market.

Baltic Pine claims this investment will mean that it will have the UK's widest treatment plant and it will enable the company to offer a 15 year guarantee on its products.

Ashley Warden, Managing Director of Baltic Pine, said, 'This is great news for our company and means that we will be able to offer our customers an extended warranty with our broad range of standard and bespoke conservatories.'

Mr Warden goes on to say, 'There is no doubt that the success of Baltic Pine can be attributed to the fact that we have an excellent loyal workforce, and a great product. In addition, by locating the main factory in Cornwall we have a low cost facility with good access to vital communications.'

Contact: Mandy Sowden, Baltic Pine
Tel: 01736 334522
Fax: 01736 332219
Email: enquiries@balticpine.co.uk
Web: www.balticpine.co.uk