News @ The GL@ZINE

Network Veka says that it has bucked the industry slowdown by reaching £400million accumulated sales in record time.

The organisation's 140 members took only 18 months to bring in the last £100m between them, as against nearly two years for the previous milestone.

‘No one can deny things are tough out there,’ said Managing Director John Ogilvie, ‘But the overwhelming majority of members are faring much better than unaffiliated window companies at the moment.

‘As well as the benefit of our industry-leading Ten-Year Insurance Backed Guarantee, marketing support package, collective brand identity and new product ranges, they also have all the high public profile of our association with Steve Davis.

‘We firmly believe - and our members clearly agree - that an organisation like Network Veka is even more valuable to independent window companies in a tough market than it is in the good times.’

Network Veka had been in existence nearly five years when it reached its first £100million. It took another two years to reach its second £100million and 21 months for the third.

The board of directors of Advantage Windows and Conservatories Ltd, the Cheshire - based trade fabricator, has reported a 30% growth in sales compared to the previous year.

Group Commercial Director Danny Hague says: ‘as far back as 2004 we set out to attack the market in an aggressive manner in order to gain market share. Advantage is now achieving a turnover in excess of £12 million per annum - the highest ever achieved in 17 years of trading. Whilst price is always an issue in today's market, we continue to sell our products rather than give them away!’

Danny continues: ‘The launch of the Window Installers Warehouse initiative has been a resounding success with over 20 trade counters now on stream since our launch in January. This has not, however, meant that we have stopped selling into the retail sector. In fact, we have continued to gain account after account in the retail sector due to our reliable service, broad product range and excellent IT and marketing support.’

Ian Moran, Chairman of Advantage says: ‘I cannot believe what we are achieving right now. We are simply going from strength to strength whilst all around us our competitors continue to struggle and in some cases go out of business. At Advantage we offer simple product solutions that meet market demands. For example our range now includes both Rehau and Spectus 'Elite 70' frames (shaped and bevelled) and K2 conservatory roofs. This has helped us to achieve record order intake weeks during February, April, May and June. June was a particularly strong month which saw sales rocket on the back of our world cup campaign.’

With an ever increasing number of customers in supply agreements, Advantage has a very solid base from which to move forward. Danny Hague says: ‘our customers supply agreements are not signed on a 'wing and a prayer' - but rather because our customers know that we can offer them solutions. These solutions are not just confined to a good product range but are also because of our marketing initiatives and our state of the art dedicated pricing software.’

Window and Door Maintenance of Tamworth is one of Advantage's customers. Managing Director Angus Richards is keen to point out the success the company has achieved since it has been associated with Advantage. He says: ‘we have been trading with Advantage for over two years now. Last year we entered into its Window Installers Warehouse trade counter initiative and opened our own warehouse. We decided to go with Advantage because of the company’s professionalism and high class service. One year on, we are celebrating our first anniversary of Window Installers Warehouse - Tamworth. It is now a business turning over in excess of £1.5 million from a standing start. We also use Advantage for all of our commercial and trade activities and quite frankly it's the best decision we have ever made in our entire 30 years of trading.’

Tel: 01625 856488

Profine Group Reports Profits 'Well Above Budget'

Window profile group Profine, which includes KBE, Kömmerling and Trocal, reports 17% growth in turnover to €377.2m in its first half compared with the same period in 2005. Profits were €19m, described as 'well above budget', despite a 25% increase in material and energy costs.

The management is confident that the growth will be maintained in the second half, forecasting 2006 year-end turnover to grow by at least 10% compared with 2005 and to exceed €800m.

China and Eastern Europe brought in respectively 60% and 'well over' 50% increased sales, while there was more moderate 5% growth in the sales region of German, Benelux, Scandinavia and Switzerland. The rest of Western Europe grew only by 1%, but southeast Europe grew more strongly, up 9%, as did the region Australasia, Africa and America with 29%.

The group is investing €48m in production capacity in 2006, two thirds of which will be in Germany, and this level of investment will have to be made each year to keep up with growth. In Germany, investment has achieved the required increase of capacity by replacement of existing plant with higher performance equipment.

PVC compounding capacity at KBE in Berlin will increase in 2007 from the present 110,000 to 115,000-120,000 tonnes with plant to be installed on neighbouring land acquired by the company. While there are plans to set up an extrusion plant in the Ukraine, there will be a significant increase of capacity at the Russian extrusion plant in Woskresensk near Moscow, with a decision to be made in 2007 as to whether to establish a second Russian plant to the East.

Time is running out for those of you wishing to purchase tickets for Conservatory Outlet's charity ball. The event, being held on September 30th at the Galpharm Stadium in Huddersfield, will raise money for UK-based charity Health and Education for All (HEAL). HEAL helps orphaned and underprivileged children in India gain essential skills and education as well as providing safe homes and healthcare.

The event, which will include an auction, is expected to raise £20,000. Tables cost £490 for ten people and tickets can be purchased for £49 each. Conservatory Outlets Managing Director Matthew Glover says: ‘HEAL is a worthy cause and we hope as many people as possible will show their support by attending the ball.’

To book tickets or for further information contact Alison Glover at alison.glover@conservatoryoutlet.co.uk

AG Glass is no stranger to the G06 awards having won Glass Company of the Year back in 2004, thanks to a business model designed to improve company-wide performance and this has ultimately enhanced its customer offering.

Managing director, John Spiby comments: ‘We have won this award before in 2004 and it was a great and humble recognition of what each and every employee has brought to AG Glass. In the last few years we have continued to improve throughout the organisation thanks to the investment in cutting edge technology such as our Lisec fully automated Super Spacer™ line and just as importantly in the welfare and training of our staff.’

The company is hoping that this culture of continuous improvement and development will help towards its goal of winning the G06 Glass Company of the Year, in what is considered as a highly competitive and prestigious award category.

John Spiby concludes: ‘The market for IGU units in the trade and consumer sectors is undergoing a radical transformation as the impact of the energy ratings becomes evident. Yesterday's glass company was focused on efficiencies, product quality and customer service, tomorrow's company will also have to be able to offer a range of products to enable fabricators to offer an energy rated window.’

The company has already developed solutions for several leading fabricators in the UK and now Stoke-based Lister Trade Frames is offering a 'C' rated window as standard thanks to the assistance and expertise provided by AG Glass.

Tel: 01226 356500
Email: john.spiby@ag-glass.co.uk

The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has officially launched www.plasticsacquisitions.com, a website set up to support companies or individuals wishing to buy and/or sell plastics businesses.

Business Conditions have been extremely difficult in the UK plastics industry pushing many companies into the margin of un-viability. To assist owners of companies release assets and help others take advantage of business development opportunities, http://www.plasticsacquisitions.com has been set up.

Iain McIlwee, BPF’s Business Services Manager said:
'Costs associated with the sale of a business can be high and finding a potential buyer difficult. We are delighted to be in the position to support those companies wishing to buy and/or sell plastics businesses. The website will aid companies improve process and remove some of the costs in this area.'

The website is split into two sections - 'buy' and 'sell', guidance notes about the acquisition process including a section on common pitfalls and mistakes. There are advertising opportunities for companies wishing to publicise themselves as for sale and for those to promote themselves as potential buyers.

Visit http://www.plasticsaquisitions.com for more information.

Rolf Honegger, head of the Glass Processing Systems business unit (Bystronic glass) for the last six years, has decided to leave the Conzzeta Group to take up a new career challenge.

Rolf Honegger has devoted his years in charge to building up the business unit, driving forward product innovation and the international expansion of the business, and promoting the worldwide market position of Bystronic glass. The Board of Directors and Executive Board of Conzzeta Holding owe him a debt of gratitude for his great commitment and key contribution to the development of the business unit over the years.

His successor is to be Richard Jakob (56), a graduate in electrical engineering from the ETH in Zurich, who has been with the Schindler Group for the last 20 years, holding a number of challenging management positions in Switzerland and abroad. Mr Jakob will join Conzzeta on October 1st, 2006, and take over as head of the business unit with effect from January 1st, 2007.

Companies wishing to profit from the sales opportunities offered by Glassex, but having a limited exhibition budget, can now have a range of new stylish, yet reasonably priced, stand design options.

New for 2007 is a Superior shell scheme stand design from Melville Exhibition Services. With a clean, modern appearance, the stand comprises a Silver Sodem outline structure and white infill panels with a 300mm fascia board, fingerboard and a foamex oval shaped name panel. The new shell scheme option is a solution that is both affordable and distinctive, costing just £255 plus VAT per square metre.

However, customers interested in space-only options have also been taken into consideration, with Glassex now offering a cost-effective bespoke stand design and build service from specialist contractor Clements & Street Ltd. From an initial brief provided by the customer, the company will be able to supply a unique stand design comprising a floor plan and colour visuals, together with a full breakdown quotation. This service is offered free with no obligation. Glassex exhibitors can then examine their options thoroughly before deciding which is best for them. Clements & Street has been offering stand designs for over 10 years and can offer stands costing from as little as £4,500.

David Broxton, Head of Sales for Glassex, believes that the new stand options offer a valuable opportunity:

‘It is well documented that there is simply no other UK event that attracts the same level of professional interest in buying or specifying glass and glazing products than Glassex does. We appreciate that not every exhibitor has the budget to host an expansive, lavish stand every year, but we also know from research that companies miss out on literally hundreds of leads if they decide not to attend at all. The new stand design options offer an ideal compromise, enabling exhibitors to benefit from having a Glassex presence that is relatively inexpensive, and value for money.’

For more details on the stand options available, call 020 8277 5347/5733.

For years now, trade customers have had to pay that little bit extra if they wanted the best products. Just a little bit more than standard for the better lock or handle in the range…. Just a little bit more than standard for the higher rated sealed unit. Now Listers says that for their customers that’s all over.

Trade fabricator, Lister Trade Frames, of Stoke-on-Trent, says that it has always been known for its quality but now it has begun to offer its superior locks and sealed units as standard to all its trade customers at no extra cost.

Mark Warren, Lister's Managing Director says that Lister has a clear goal. 'We started an initiative in the company earlier this year to end what we called the ‘protection racket’. That meant that we wanted to ensure that we were offering what the industry regarded as the premium products, as our standard range. In other words the customer doesn’t have to pay any extra for the best products or better protection.'

Lister has already ended the ‘protection racket’ in two main areas: firstly by upgrading the company's standard windows to ‘C’ Energy Rated, and now it is fitting its own branded version of the ROTO TSL locking system, again, as standard and at no extra cost.

'This revolutionary Twin-cam Security Locking (TSL) system has been put through some serious evaluation and testing' says Mark, 'Our technical team was so impressed with the results that we immediately trialled it with selected customers who gave us a unanimous cry of: ‘let’s have it now!’'

'A lot of the industry is still obsessed with shootbolts, but our move to Elitis TSL demonstrates our determination to lead from the front by offering our customers the very best in state of the art technology. And at no extra cost!'

The new Elitis TSL locks are now fitted on both trade and commercial products and have provided Listers and its customers with a tremendous opportunity to differentiate their products from those of the competition.

'As usual, we have provided our customers with comprehensive marketing support materials, detailing the benefits of TSL and helping them to promote its many advantages to the end user. The product itself is branded and there is even a video showing the lock under test.'

Lister says that the first stage of its ‘ending the protection racket’ has been met with rapturous applauds from the company's customers, but that this is not the end yet. The company intends to continue this initiative over the coming months with more improvements to follow.

Tel: 01782 205605
Web: http://www.listertf.co.uk

Following the success of Synseal's low pitch roof system global600, a new cut-to-size service is now available. global600 has been available off-the-shelf since September 2005 and customers have been quick to embrace the new product with sales exceeding expectations within the first few weeks. Like all Synseal roofs, global600 is designed to be installed from the inside - so it's quicker, easier and safer to install. Now the new cut-to-size service will make it even easier for installers.

The pre-cut bars, wallplate, eaves beam and polycarbonate are ready to install without the need to cut or drill anything onsite. So there's no waste for installers. Synseal can also cut the firring to size. As with all Synseal's roof kits, from order to delivery it takes only three days. Synseal constantly looks for ways to keep customers ahead in the market, and the new global600 cut-to-size service saves installers time and money.

Web: http://www.synseal.com

Radical changes to Part F of the Building Regulations for Northern Ireland, which come into force in November, will mean for the first time low-e glass will effectively be mandatory for all new and replacement windows. Pilkington Building Products UK has a simple solution to ensure compliance in one easy step.

Rick Wilberforce, Market Development Manager-Europe, Pilkington said, 'While the changes to Part F will be far reaching and have a significant impact on glazing specifications, the use of Pilkington K Glass should ensure that all windows satisfy the requirements. And by specifying a hard coated product, you're guaranteeing that it is tough, durable and easy to process.'

Although the technical detail of the new Part F is yet to be published, an announcement made by Department for Finance and Personnel Northern Ireland in March made it clear that, for new buildings, compliance will be achieved on the basis of the total CO2 performance of the building. However, the maximum allowable U value for windows will be 2.2, meaning that ordinary double glazing is no longer permissible in new buildings. For replacement windows installed in existing buildings, it is likely that a U value no greater than 2.0 will have to be achieved. Both these requirements are easily met with windows using Pilkington K Glass.

With the new requirements for replacement windows will come a new route to compliance; the Window Energy Rating (WER). WERs were launched by the British Fenestration Rating Council (BFRC) in 2004 but came of age in April this year with the changes to Part L in England and Wales and now in Northern Ireland with Part F.

Rick Wilberforce explains, 'WERs is a system for assessing and labelling windows in terms of their energy performance. The concept was developed because it was recognised that the traditional U value is an incomplete reflection of the impact that windows have on the energy performance of dwellings. Indeed, it was recognised that lower or better U values could be counter-productive if a low-emissivity coated glass sacrificed valuable solar gain as a result. Taking account of this solar gain, and the ventilation of the window frame, results in a more technically correct, and a much fairer, method. Using WERs, both hardcoat low-E and softcoat low-E glasses allow windows to achieve the same performance band. The choice of low-E glass has little effect on the performance band achieved, but choosing low-E glass has a greater impact on the product processing costs. Softcoat low-E glasses require equipment investment, longer toughening cycle times and a much higher degree of car! e and attention due to the relatively fragile nature of the glass coating.'

The BFRC rating also demystifies the energy performance of windows for householders. The BFRC rating value can be converted to a letter on a scale of A to G. The resulting label, which can literally be applied to a window, looks the same as the labels used to rate the energy performance of other domestic goods, such as fridges, washing machines and light bulbs. The public is already familiar with this type of rating and label, and understands that A-rated goods are energy-efficient and G-rated ones are not. This allows WERs to be used both as a demonstrator of Part F compliance and a product differentiation tool. WER labelling recognises and promotes added value windows ultimately to allow consumers to choose between windows on the basis of their energy performance via a single standardised measure.

'And we have already seen the first A rated windows. One such window, created by Piper Double Glazing using Pilkington K Glass and Pilkington Optiwhite low-iron glass, achieves the highest WER band. The accomplishment is all the more impressive as Piper Doubling Glazing used standard technologies and products', concluded Rick.

Pilkington has produced a special bulletin to explain WERs, the developments over the last few months and the current situation. To obtain a copy go to the Pilkington website http://www.pilkington.co.uk/WERs, call the Pilkington Helpline on 01744 692000 or email pilkington@respond.uk.com.

Instabuild, the company behind an advanced steel base and wall system for conservatories, has taken on Windowlink's Vector Plus conservatory presentation and pricing package. Windowlink has tailored the software for the Instabuild System, including the 35 different finishes, so conservatories can be shown in 3D format in the selected finish, from Old English Stock to Cotswold Stone. The package also includes a facility for calculating the exact price of a conservatory during the design process.

Instabuild's MD Alan May believes Vector Plus will prove an invaluable sales aid for its retail customers. ‘We're the first base company to offer this type of software and installers that invest in a copy can provide a realistic image of the finished conservatory, which is a real bonus and could help close the deal.’

Vector Plus features a pricing module so the customers can accurately price the Instabuild base for each conservatory. In Instabuild's version, users can simply enter the dwarf wall height, for example, and the correct price pops up. As an additional Windowlink service, companies that purchase the software can have this facility expanded to cost other aspects of the conservatory, such as electrical and plumbing work. The program also includes a checklist of questions based on information provided by each company, which ensures that nothing is inadvertently missed off.

The Instabuild System is a modular floor and wall system which simplifies construction and saves installation time. The self-assembly rigid steel base can be manufactured by Instabuild to any size and specification and delivered direct to site. A standard base and walls take about two days to complete, with no major earthworks required, so drains and manhole covers can be left in place. The high quality result is indistinguishable from a conventional build including cavity wall.

With all these benefits it's not surprising that Instabuild's System has proved a popular solution with conservatory companies throughout the UK. The Reading-based firm currently supplies around 200 bases each month and says it wins a new customer every week. ‘And with Vector Plus I'm sure we'll attract even more companies and give our existing customers the opportunity to boost their sales potential,’ concludes Alan May.

Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com

'Finally PFI Approved'

The Chalcots Estate, Camden, designed by Dennis Lennon and Partners and built in 1965-70 has recently been granted PFI approval after almost seven years of consultation with Government. With an injection of £65 million from central Government this £100 million plus well documented PFI renovation project, was one of the first to be put forward under the new PFI scheme back in 1999. Included in the new scheme will be a complete overcladding of the five tower blocks which will be supplied by UK overcladding specialist CEP Architectural Facades and installed by specialist cladding contractor, Harley Curtain Walling Limited. Designed by HTA Architects, the revised and now approved PFI scheme, will complement the original architects designs which graces the North London skyline.

The existing roofs, cladding and windows have failed after 30 years and this overcladding element of the renovation will be first to be completed before internal finishes and services can be installed. The £16 million overcladding sub-contract awarded to Harley, will be the largest single project entered into by CEP Architectural Facades and Harley Curtain Walling. Materials supplied by CEP Facades include 4 300 dual colour, top hung, Schuco composite windows, which is equivalent to 17 870 square metres of glazing and 28 000 square meters of rainscreen overcladding. CEP's direct Fixed 'Etalbond ACM' has been specified for the rainscreen panel which is fixed onto CEP's aluminium support system and includes integrated horizontal and vertical fire barriers.

The main contract has been awarded to Rydon Construction. The scheme will begin on site later this year and will prove to be one of the largest overcladding projects of its kind in the UK.

For further information on CEP Architectural Facades visit the company's website at http://www.overcladding.com or phone +44 (0) 1744 617175

Comar Supplies Aluminium for The Garden House, Exeter

Comar Architectural Aluminium Systems, with the company’s approved fabricator MPS Glass Ltd, supplied aluminium for an ultra-modern glass pavilion, which was recently the featured project on Channel 4’s ‘Grand Designs’.

The build was in two parts: a cottage, which maintained the olde worlde charm for the elevation in Medland Manor and the second part in the walled garden, which was a modernist glass pavilion. The new pavilion is made almost entirely of glass housed in slim elegant Comar framing system. Its appearance echoes Victorian greenhouses found in walled gardens and the modernist glass pavilion houses of Mies van Der Rohe and Philip Johnson. The glazed skin works on two levels: large panes of glass in slender Comar framing provide uninterrupted views of the walled garden and let the bedrooms, living and dining rooms bathe in the Devon sunshine.

To achieve the minimalist glazed façade, Comar 6 curtain walling was chosen. Because of Comar systems’ outstanding design and aluminium’s inherent strength, the framing is capable of containing large panes of glass in slim 50mm frames.

The large sliding doors were created by using the comprehensive Comar 7P.i. HSD system. This system incorporates Comar’s trademarked P.i. thermal efficiency; the profiles are extruded separately then rolled together with a 20mm polyamide strip. With this amount of glass the excellent thermal properties of Comar 7Pi HSD were, therefore, a key factor in specification. The robust system, with its engineered design, ensures that the sliding doors operate smoothly and will stand the test of time.

Comar 7P.i HSD can be used to create 2 to 4 pane sliding patios, with the added bonus of dual colour - the inside and the outside framing can be polyester powder coated to different colours. This opens up a wealth of design opportunities for the creative client and architect.

Architects: Private Architect
Fabricators: MPS Glass & Window Centre Ltd.
Main Contractor: Private Contractor
Systems Used: Comar 6 and 7
Location: Exeter

Elumatec SBZ122 Helping Hepworth

Hepworth Framework Ltd of Huddersfield took possession of an Elumatec SBZ122 CNC profile machining centre last year and company owner, Richard Steckles readily admits that it has been invaluable. ‘Purchasing the machine was the next stage in the company’s progression,’ he says. ‘As a leading commercial aluminium window, door and curtain walling manufacturer, we have to keep up to date with fabricating technology and with a number of Elumatec machines already established in our factory, it was a natural choice to add the most up to date profile machining centre. Being familiar with the Elumatec brand and experiencing its product reliability and quality, we decided that the SBZ122 was the most suitable option for our needs.’

With the company’s plans to improve its aluminium output, the SBZ122 was chosen because of its reliability and high performance, and is being used exclusively to manufacture the company’s aluminium door and window ranges. Aluminium is currently enjoying a resurgence in popularity and as an alternative to investing heavily in expensive profile machining equipment, Elumatec offers the SBZ122 as a cost efficient, first stage solution. The SBZ122 has been developed to achieve the highest standards of technical excellence, as well as being compact in size making it a perfect machine for smaller manufacturers. This was an important factor for Hepworth, with space in the factory being limited. ‘The SBZ122 offered an ideal solution for us in terms of the space problem,’ continues Mr Steckles. ‘Employing more staff to cope with our increasing workloads was not an option, so when we looked at the machining available to help us meet the growing demand for aluminium frames, the size, the quality of the profiles produced and the ease of installation the SBZ122 delivered won us over.’

In line with market demand, Elumatec has made modifications to the model to further extend its capabilities. A new roller extension accessory enables the machine to cut profiles up to 6.5m in length by giving the machine a second stop position. ‘This saves us time when we are manufacturing larger components as we don’t have to turn the bars round,’ continues Mr Steckles. In addition, updated software to accommodate the latest serial and parallel interfaces for online connection, barcode scanner, modem and label printer, has also been adapted. These modifications have been specifically introduced to increase productivity without compromising the cost of the system.

In the 22 years that Mr Steckles has been manufacturing aluminium profiles, he has always used Elumatec machinery claiming, simply, that it is the only name in the industry. ‘Last year we worked seven days a week to enable our ten fabricators to produce the quality and quantity of frames required and expected from Hepworths,’ he continues. ‘This output would not have been possible without the installation of the SBZ122. Over the last twelve months, sales have steadily grown in line with our company expansion plans and we are delighted with the results.’

Web: http://www.elumatec.com

Schüco Smoke and Heat Ventilation System Extended

With the EN12101 standard for smoke and heat ventilation systems due to come into force in September this year, building envelope specialist Schüco International can now offer its SHEVS system on the company‘s widely specified Royal S window ranges.

When SHEVS was launched last year, it was the first and only complete system that could meet the new EN standard and with over 50 different options now available, Schüco says that its range of EN-compliant SHEVS windows remains unrivalled. It also offers a wide choice of actuators, controls and accessories.

The great advantage of the system lies in its simplicity: in the event of a fire, sensors automatically trigger the actuator and the window opens by means of rigorously tested chain-driven motors, so helping to remove heat and smoke (the cause of most deaths).

SHEVS also offers a practical solution for normal ventilation and building climate control and is applicable for all Schüco Royal S window systems - including Royal S106D roof vents - whether inward- or outward-opening, top-, bottom- or side-hung.

For more details of SHEVS including relevant literature, contact the Marketing Department, Schüco International, Whitehall Avenue, Kingston, Milton Keynes MK10 0AL. Tel: 01908 282111 or visit the website: http://www.schueco.co.uk

A Punctual Start for High Wycombe Bus Station

The £5m first phase of the High Wycombe town centre regeneration project has been completed on time by specialist contractor, English Architectural Glazing Ltd (EAG).

EAG was employed by main contractor, Multiplex, to install curtain walling, canopies, windows and automatic doors to the new bus station.

Work began on site in March this year, with EAG working to schedule to complete the contract in five months to enable Multiplex to hand the new bus station over to the operator, Arriva, at the end of July.

EAG is currently on schedule to complete the second phase of its programme of work at the House of Fraser & M&S stores, for handover in February next year.

Trelleborg Signs an Agreement in Principle to Acquire Danish Roofing Operations

Trelleborg, through its Building Systems business area, has signed an agreement in principle to acquire the operations of Hetag Tagmaterialer A/S, with about 20 employees and annual sales of approximately SEK 100 M, and 40 percent of the operations of Hetag Tagdaekning A/S and its subsidiaries, which have annual sales of about SEK 300 M. Hetag is privately owned and based in Hedensted, Denmark.

Hetag Tagmaterialer A/S distributes roofing products in the Danish market, while Hetag Takdaekning A/S conducts roofing contract work.

'Trelleborg Phønix has a strong position in the Danish roofing market. The acquisition of Hetag Tagmaterialer includes products that complement Trelleborg Phønix’ offering,' says Peter Suter, Business Area President of Trelleborg Building Systems. 'The acquisition strengthens our market position in the Danish market, while there are also administrative and logistics synergies.'

The final agreement is conditional upon the fulfillment of certain terms. The acquisition is expected to be completed on October 1st, 2006.

Trelleborg Building Systems is a leading supplier of polymer and bitumen-based building products for sealing and waterproofing applications in industrial and consumer markets. Trelleborg Building Systems has sales of approximately SEK 2.6 billion and about 1,500 employees. Production units are located in Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Germany, Spain, the UK and the US.

• Trelleborg's acquisition of the North American company Kawneer Rubber and Plastics has now been completed. Kawneer Rubber and Plastics (KRP) has annual sales of approximately SEK 90 million with about 40 employees. KRP manufactures polymer sealing products, such as extruded profiles, mainly for the construction and transportation industries. The company has production operations in Bristol, Indiana.

Trelleborg's acquisition of the protective suit operations, UAB Trella, from Lithuanian company Svytis has also been completed as of July 31st, 2006.

Web: http://www.trelleborg.com

Strong Sales Lead Hazlemere Expansion

Sapa Building Systems’ customer Hazlemere Windows has announced the strengthening of its commercial operation with the recruitment of several key industry figures.

Barry Matthews joins the company as Commercial Director and brings with him Estimator James Edwards and Site Manager Gareth Crocker.

The trio, who have all previously worked together, are charged with helping Hazlemere to continue to focus on the company’s growing commercial division.

Hazlemere’s new team have expansion in their sights. Left to right – Barry Matthews, Tony Beale and James Edwards.

Hazlemere Windows’ Director Tony Beale commented: ‘Our commercial division is going from strength to strength and enquiry levels for aluminium in particular are very strong. Barry, James and Gareth are an intrinsic part of our plans for growth in the future. We are now starting to promote Sapa’s E52 curtain walling system and this teams’ specific expertise in this crucial sector will allow us to undertake larger and more complex projects.’

Hazlemere’s appointment of the new team is a crucial part of an investment programme that has seen the company successfully achieve the first ‘A’ WER on an aluminium window earlier this year as well as develop an extensive showroom facility that accommodates the needs of homeowners, trade customers and specifiers.

Hydro's CEO and CFO Exercise Options

Hydro President and CEO Eivind Reiten has recently exercised 40,000 options granted in 2003 at a value of NOK 4,407,200. Hydro's Chief Financial Officer John Ottestad has exercised 32,620 options granted in 2002 at a value of NOK 3,531,833.

The exercise of options is carried out through a payment of a cash amount equal to the difference between the exercise price per share and the average share price over the last five trading days. The grants have been adjusted for the spin-off of Yara International ASA in 2004 and the 5 for 1 share split in 2006.

The options exercised by Eivind Reiten were related to the total shareholder return for the Hydro share during the 3-year period from 1st July 2003 until 30th June 2006. The exercise price is NOK 64.32 per share. The payment to Eivind Reiten of NOK 4,407,200 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and average share price over the last five trading days which was NOK 174.50.

The options exercised by John Ottestad were related to the total shareholder return for the Hydro share during the 3-year period from 1st July 2002 until 30th June 2005. 93.2% of the options are exercisable. The exercise price per share is NOK 66.23. The payment to John Ottestad of NOK 3,531,833 is calculated as the difference between the exercise price and average share price over the last five trading days which was NOK 174.50.

In order to remain eligible to exercise vested options, participants are required to convert net-after tax value of exercised options into an equivalent value of Hydro shares until the value of their shareholding meets a defined level in relation to their annual base salary. Eivind Reiten meets the share value holding requirement of minimum 200 percent of annual base salary. John Ottestad meets the requirement of minimum 100 percent of annual base salary.

The payments to Eivind Reiten and John Ottestad will be subject to income tax. As the options are cash settled upon exercise, the shareholding in Hydro of Eivind Reiten and John Ottestad remain unchanged at 68,395 shares and 41,380 shares, respectively.

Web: http://www.hydro.com

Alcoa Secures Five-Year Power Supply for Intalco Smelter in Pacific Northwest

Alcoa announced on 31st July that it has secured power in the open market to operate one potline at its Intalco Works aluminium smelter in Ferndale, Wash., with the intention of operating the plant for five years by using benefits provided in a recent agreement with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).

‘This agreement has helped us build a bridge until 2011 when we hope to be able to once again purchase cost-based BPA power like other key industries in the Pacific Northwest,’ said Alan Cransberg, President, Global Manufacturing, Alcoa Primary Products. ‘A coalition of employees, local and state government officials, community leaders and the BPA has worked together to be part of this solution that will enable Intalco Works to continue operating past October 2006.’

The BPA agreement signed in June provides aluminium companies in the Pacific Northwest with financial benefits to help reduce the cost of open market power purchases made after the current BPA contract expires in October. Alcoa has since been able to secure enough power to continue operating Intalco Works at 90,000 metric tons per year (mtpy), which is a third of its capacity.

‘A number of our key stakeholders have come together to help support the 450 family-wage jobs at this smelter,’ said Mike Rousseau, Alcoa Intalco Works plant manager. ‘The total economic impact of Alcoa's operations in Washington amounted to $210 million in 2005, and we'll be able to continue to positively contribute to the state's economy because numerous people in our community and region have worked together on this issue.’