Saint-Gobain
Glass invests over £15m in UK magnetron coating plant
Saint-Gobain Glass has invested in a magnetron coating facility at its
float glass manufacturing plant at Eggborough in East Riding of Yorkshire.
The magnetron coater, the first of its kind in the UK, represents an investment
in excess of £15m for Saint-Gobain Glass. The new plant will be
dedicated to manufacturing high performance soft coat low-E glasses for
the UK and Irish markets. Production of glasses from the SGG PLANITHERM
range is expected to start at Eggborough by the end of 2003. This major
investment has been made in response to the dramatic growth in sales of
Saint-Gobain low-E glasses due to recent changes to Building Regulations.
'Saint-Gobain realises that the UK market for low-E glasses will very
quickly become the largest of its kind in Europe and we are committed
to ensuring reliable and consistent supplies to our customers,' says Guillerme
Huguen, Managing Director of Saint-Gobain Glass UK. 'Sales of SGG PLANITHERM
glasses have superseded all expectation over recent months and have rapidly
become the UK's best selling range of soft coat low-E product. With Building
Regulations set to tighten again in the near future we expect demand for
these products to continue to rise sharply over the coming years. This
significant investment reinforces our strategy of supplying leading edge
soft coat low-E technology and confirms without doubt the commitment of
Saint-Gobain to the UK and Irish markets.'
The SAINT-GOBAIN GROUP was established in 1665. Today it is one of the
world's top 100 industrial companies, with an annual turnover of £20
billion and 170,000 employees in 46 countries world-wide. The group operates
in three key sectors: glass (flat glass, insulation and reinforcements);
high-performance materials (ceramics & plastics and abrasives); housing
products (building materials distribution, building materials manufacture
and pipe).
SAINT-GOBAIN GLASS is the largest glass manufacturer in Europe and the
third largest world-wide.
Recent Saint-Gobain investments in the UK include a £65 million
float glass plant which was opened in 2000 in Eggborough, Yorkshire, to
optimise logistics and provide an improved service for UK customers.
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'The Show the industry's been waiting 10 years for'
Only a few weeks ago the eyes of the world were on the Belfry for the thrilling climax to the Ryder Cup. Last week the eyes of the glass industry were focused on what one guest referred to as 'the show the industry's been waiting 10 years for'.
Leading names and key figures from across the glass industry were at the 18th October official launch of GP&T 2003- The Glass Processing & Technology Exhibition.
Launch
partners for the new show at The Belfry
The exhibition will be staged in Hall 1 of the NEC, Birmingham, 11-13 November 2003 and the Belfry Hotel was chosen to present the plans and the rationale behind the show which has been developed specifically to address the innovation and technology involved in glass production. Many of those companies present will be working closely with organisers Emap Maclaren as launch partners' for GP&T 2003.
The reception to the exhibition was extremely positive from all the guest companies, with 'the show the industry's been waiting 10 years for'comment from Cliff Rankin, Managing Director of Rankin Glass, summing up the feeling of many.
1,487m2 of stand space has already been reserved, with glass processing machinery distributor Promac the first to sign a contract for a 560m2 stand. Jim Jellicoe, Technical Sales Manager for Promac comments - 'Promac are proud to announce their full support and participation in the forthcoming GP&T 2003 exhibition.there has been a need for some years for an event dedicated purely to the Glass lndustry in the UK, especially since the very successful Glassex has naturally evolved into an event predominantly aimed at fabricators. Promac Glass, together with our main partner For.el, are very enthusiastic about the ability to showcase our equipment in a dedicated forum. We are 100% confident that Emap will provide a perfect vehicle for us to introduce our latest technology directly to the UK market place in an event that will undoubtedly rival Glasstec or Vitrum in the event calendar. Our lack of hesitation in reserving stand space demonstrates our commitment.'
Chris Keller, Event Director for GP&T 2003 comments - 'We were delighted to meet representatives from so many key companies - those with the power to drive this exciting new event forward. Many of the most influential people within the Glass industry have given us their total support and we look forward to working closely with them into what promises to be a very bright future'.
Launch partners for the show are: Bohle, Bystronic Lenhardt UK, GGF, Glaverbel, Pilkington, Promac Glass Machinery, Rankins Glass, Ritec, Saint-Gobain Glass, Tamglass and Willian Design.
Tel: 0208 277 5733
Corner
stone laying ceremony at Guardian plant in Goole
Yorkshire Forward Chairman Graham Hall paid tribute to two years of partnership
on Oct 25th at a ceremony which will see the creation of more than 300
jobs in one of Yorkshire and Humber's unemployment blackspots.
US-based Guardian Industries, one of the world's largest and most innovative
glassmakers is investing more than £100m in a new float glass factory
in Goole, East Yorkshire.
At a cornerstone-laying ceremony at the site on Friday, Graham Hall said
the development represented a turning point for the Goole economy where
unemployment currently stands at 5%.
Unemployment in the town is around 60% higher than the national average
and the plant is expected to create jobs for 50 graduate engineers and
skilled maintenance workers, and will help offset recent manufacturing
job losses.
Yorkshire Forward has been working with Guardian since it first began
looking for a site two years ago. Working with Invest UK and partners
in the region including East Riding of Yorkshire Council it beat off stiff
competition from Belgium to secure the investment.
Yorkshire Forward has also been working with JobCentre Plus, Hull and
Goole Colleges to deliver recruitment and training support to Guardian.
Yorkshire Forward will soon begin infrastructure works on the site, including
the provision of road and rail links. The works contract is to be awarded
in December with completion scheduled for September next year.
The deal will see Guardian Glass occupying more than 24 hectares of the
120 hectare site as an anchor tenant with Yorkshire Forward investing
£20m to develop the rest of the site for future industrial users.
Yorkshire Forward is developing the rest of the site as a major new business
park which is expected to create a further 2600 jobs by other employers.
The development of the site, adjacent to Junction 36 of the M62 and within
reach of the port of Goole is a significant step forward in the creation
of the Humber Trade Zone (HTZ), a key Yorkshire Forward project to realise
the underdeveloped potential of the Humber Ports.
Research shows that southern ports absorb 80% of container traffic entering
the UK yet only 40% is destined for the south-east and the HTZ aims to
increase the amount of freight using the Humber ports.
The site is the only one in the area and the north of England offering
the facility for moving freight by both road, rail and water and Yorkshire
Forward's investment in infrastructure is intended to maximise this opportunity.
Guardian Glass, based in Michigan, employs more than 19,000 people worldwide
and has a presence in 19 countries. It is one of the largest global manufacturers
of float glass and fabricated glass products for the construction and
automotive industries, the latter of which is part of Yorkshire Forward's
Advanced Engineering cluster. The new plant will produce around 700 tonnes
of glass a day, 365 days a year.
BHD Group acquires Portland Conservatories
Europe's
largest modular conservatory manufacturer, BHD Group, has acquired Manchester-based
Portland Conservatories.
Portland, which is associated with luxury conservatories, will join the
Group's operation, BHD Conservatories, which comprises Easy-Frame - the
Group's newly launched range of ultra low cost conservatories - and its
mid-range Houseproud range.
The Portland acquisition means that BHD Group will now cover all consumer demand within the conservatory industry, from best value to top end products for both the home improvement and new build markets.
BHD Group currently has an 8% share of the modular conservatory market in Europe, which has a forecast growth factor of 15% per annum.
Market research, commissioned by the company, has shown that a conservatory is a number one aspiration for home owners and it has forecast a significant uplift in demand over the next five years.
Steve
Bennett, Sales and Marketing Director of BHD Conservatories, said: 'We
are delighted to add the Portland brand to BHD Group's conservatory range.
Portland is the leading brand, synonymous with quality and it will remain
so under BHD Group.
'We plan to now extend the Portland range into the new build market and
develop it further in what is a very active industry.'
BHD
Group is based in Walsall in the West Midlands and has four live operating
companies - Vista, BHD Building Products, Aqualux and BHD Conservatories
operating from seven sites throughout the Midlands, North of England and
North Wales.
Tel 01922-455662
Coventry-based leading sash balance company Caldwell Hardware UK, has acquired Dutch specialist balance manufacturer Torso for an undisclosed sum. Caldwell has represented Torso for nearly 30 years and the company will continue to be run in Holland by Rob Wolters, son of the inventor of the Torso balance.
Developed in the 1950s to meet the needs of rebuilding in post-war Europe, Torso products today are recognised worldwide as the best solution for vertical sliding windows. The Torso balance can cope with sash-weight loads up to 50kg and is suitable for timber, aluminium and PVC windows. Most famously employed in 12,000 pairs on many of the 6500 vertical sliding windows in New York's Empire State Building, the dual-spring balances are pre-tensioned for ease of installation.
Carrying a 10-year guarantee, Torso balance springs are hardened in a special oven to increase the limit of elasticity and improve sagging properties. The balances are available in two tube diameters for conventional vertical sliding windows and tilt-in vertical sliding windows.
Caldwell
UK Managing Director Alistair MacAulay said, 'The UK is currently the
largest market for Torso balances and we see this as an important addition
to our product porffolio. We envisage improved lead times for UK customers
and are looking forward to working with our new colleagues in order to
develop sales and applications especially in the US.'
Tel: 02476 437900,
email: mailto:gmitchell@caldwell.co.uk
web: http://www.caldwell.co.uk
Jacques
Aschenbroich to be Opening Speaker at GPD 2003
The largest conference in the global glass industry, Glass
Processing Days (GPD), will take place on 15-18, June 2003 in Tampere,
Finland. More than 900 decision-makers will be expected to participate
from more than 60 countries in the next GPD. In the last conference, in
2001, 75% of the audience represented owners, presidents, general directors
and managers of the glass companies. GPD 2003, with over 200 presentations,
continues the tradition of being the most respected information sharing
and problem-solving forum for the global glass industry.
Previous opening speakers of the GPD have been visionaries of the global
glass industry and they have stimulated interesting discussions, which
have continued long after the conferences. The GPD 2003 conference is
honored to have Mr. Jacques Aschenbroich, Senior Vice President of Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain, Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain Vitrage and Managing
Director of the Flat Glass Division of La Compagnie de Saint-Gobain as
an Opening Speaker. He continues the respected list of opening speakers
of GPD conferences:
GPD 1997 Mr. Roger Kennedy, President, AFG
GPD 1999 Mr. Russell Ebeid, President, Guardian Industries
GPD 2001 Mr. Paolo Scaroni, Chief Executive, Pilkington
GPD 2003 Mr. Jacques Aschenbroich, SVP, Saint-Gobain
Mr. Jacques Aschenbroich has been Senior Vice President of Compagnie de
Saint-Gobain since 15 October 2001 and Chairman and CEO of Saint-Gobain
Vitrage and Managing Director of the Flat Glass Division of La Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain since 1 October 1996. He joined Group Saint-Gobain on
17 August 1988 being in charge of the building materials in Brazil. Mr.
Jacques Aschenbroich has also been the Technical Advisor to the Prime
Minister's Cabinet (Jacques Chirac) being in charge of industry, research,
space and telecom.
'High quality presentations have become a standard at the GPD conferences
and each year the level is higher. Speeches are well presented and have
been carefully prepared. The role of the conference as a meeting place
and as a potential for exchanging information with other decision-makers
has become more pronounced. We are certain that speakers like Mr. Jacques
Aschenbroich will create an enthusiastic atmosphere for the whole conference
with his presentation on the opening day of GPD 2003,' says Mr. Jorma
Vitkala, Chairman of the Organising Committee of GPD.
The significance and use of glass in buildings, vehicles and domestic
applications are changing. As the global use of glass is increasing, research
and development is creating new properties and applications for glass.
The international glass industry believes that this material, which has
been used for millennia, will become increasingly competitive in comparison
with other options. Mr. Jacques Aschnbroich's presentation will consist
of Saint-Cobain's views on the industry's latest trends and on the future
challenges of glass compared to other competing materials.
Glass Processing Days has been run seven times, in 1992 it attracted 30
participants. In 1994 the number of the participants exceeded 100 and
in 1997 the conference achieved the status of a respected glass conference
with over 600 participants. GPD is organised by Tamglass, which is part
of Kyro Technologies. Tamglass designs and manufactures safety glass lines
and machines for the architectural, automotive, furniture and domestic
appliance glass industries.
Tel: 358 (0) 40-553 2042
Web: http://www.glassfiles.com
http://www.glassprocessingdays.com
Norman
& Underwood appointments and investments
Norman & Underwood's Glass Products Division has demonstrated its
on-going commitment to quality and efficiency by making major investments
in both people and equipment.
The
Division - one of the UK's leading independent sealed unit producers -
has appointed Simon Mace as Production Planning Manager and Mick Duff
as Quality Assurance Manager (pictured left). Both are based at the company's
King's Lynn site in Norfolk.
Mick, who joins Norman & Underwood from Solaglas where he held a similar
position, will oversee the Division's smooth transition from BS 5173 to
EN1279 - the new European CE standard for insulated glazing.
He will also work to upgrade the Division's quality system accreditation
to the new international standard ISO 9001:2000 at both the company's
King's Lynn and Leicester sites.
Simon, who was previously a Production Planning Manager with Bespak plc,
aims to improve Norman & Underwood's plant utilisation, overall delivery
performance, and, most importantly customer service.
In addition, the company has also invested heavily in new equipment to
ensure that its processing plant continues to meet all the latest product,
quality and environmental standards.
Its new computerised cutting facility, for example, provides fast, accurate
and economic cutting for both toughened and non-toughened glass.
The Division recently installed new in-line gas filling equipment to make
certain its automated sealed unit production lines manufacture units that
fully comply with Document L (Building Regulations Part L) which became
law in Britain last April.
Structural changes to the market in the UK, prompted by changes to the
industry's regulatory environment, pose both an opportunity and a threat,
says Norman and Underwood.
Paul Watson, Managing Director of the Glass Products Division, said: ‘These
changes - plus the additional requirement to comply with EN 1279 - mean
that equipment will need to be used more efficiently to keep up with demand
and improve due date performance.
‘Quality will also be a key issue, with manufacturers expected to
adopt a 'right first time, on time' and 'zero defects' approach to their
business.
'With their dedicated positions and professional backgrounds, Simon and
Mick will significantly strengthen the Division's management team as we
seek to exploit the new opportunities presented by the changing market.’
Tel: (0116) 251 5000
'Revolutionary'
Glass Anchor Makes World Debut on Facade in London
An undercut glass anchor, which fixes glazing panels without the fixings
penetrating through the glass, has made its debut in a prestigious new
development at Century House, Westminster Bridge Road, London.
The
Sheerglaze FZP-G system patented by German manufacturer fischer, has been
engineered and installed by Metal UK, part of the LMC Group, the sole
UK agent. The undercut holes in the glazing panels are drilled at the
first drilling centre in the country. The work is carried out by another
LMC Group company, Glass UK, using a CNC-controlled static drilling machine
supplied by fischer. The panels are then toughened and heat-treated.
Metal UK provided the total solution for the Westminster Bridge Road contract,
from design, engineering and installation, all carried out by operatives
trained by LMC Group's specialist training and recruitment company Skillbroker.
The project included the design, supply and installation of glazing elements
for the project's entrance screen elevation, as well as curtain walling
on an adjacent link bridge. The entrance screen elevation has an overall
height of 11m and a width of 15m, with two sides at 7m wide, using 10mm
tinted green glass.
'We are delighted to be leading the way in this revolutionary new technology,'
says LMC Group managing director Rod Milicevic. 'We believe that this
product will take the bolted glass fixing sector by storm - in terms of
the aesthetic impact, it is streets ahead of existing technology. We are
also particularly pleased to be able to demonstrate the full capability
of LMC Group companies involved in the project - this fits well with our
Architectural Intelligence ethos, supplying a full range of vertically
integrated services, from design to engineering, training and installation.'
Contact:
Rod Milicevic
Tel: 01895 629940
Stoke
Firm at the 'Cutting Edge'
Considerable growth during 2002 has led Profile 22 fabricator Cutting
Edge to invest over £100,000 in new plant, machinery and vehicles
to meet demand from its growing customer base.
Equipment
purchased by the Stoke-based firm includes a new four-headed welder, CNC
corner cleaner, router and computerised bead saw, as well as a new Mercedes
7.5 tonne van to keep pace with a 67% increase in turnover.
The company has also taken on more office and fabricating staff to look
after new customers in all sectors of its business and exceeded all growth
targets for 2002. It supplies the Stoke and Midlands area on a five-day
turnaround from its premises in the Parkhall Business Village.
Commercial work has also picked up with Cutting Edge completing school
and window installation projects for Local Authorities and supplying doors
and windows to Housing Associations.
Sales and marketing director, Andy Jones, comments: 'Growth has been across
all our market sectors, but particularly from trade customers and this
has helped to confirm our status as one of the town's biggest fabricators.'
In the two-and-a-half years since it was formed, Cutting Edge claims to
have become the third largest PVCu window fabricator in Stoke-on-Trent.
Established in May 2000, the company comprises four directors who between
them have more than 50 years in the window industry:
The four are: Malcolm, his partner and Financial Director Shirley Peake,
Gareth Jones who runs the roofing division and Andy Jones, a former Business
Development Manager at Profile 22.
Their positive working relationship with the company's systems supplier
is enhanced by sharing the same philosophy- namely to pursue consistent
growth supplying a quality product with friendly and efficient customer
service.
Providing tailored marketing support is an important part of the company's
strategy and Cutting Edge recently launched its Diamond Installer initiative
for selected installers.
Developed with Profile 22's help, this marketing package has been well
received and the scheme is expanding. The literature suite contains 'lifestyle'
brochures, advertising templates and proven marketing techniques.
Adds Andy: 'It's important to offer this support to our customers as ultimately
it is their success that contributes to ours and the ensuing loyalty is
beneficial to both sides.'
Contact: Keith White
Tel: 01952 290910
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
Natur-al choice for a batch of new installers
Natur-Al Conservatories has signed up eleven companies to its fast-expanding dealer network, the latest being The lsle of Wight's longest established window company, White Windows. Since the Natur-Al conservatory system was launched just over a year ago, the company has been actively recruiting experienced retail installers focused on quality and service to become licensed dealers.
Now
covering a broad geographic area across England and Northern Ireland,
other recent additions include Eston Replacement Windows in Middlesborough,
Reddish Joinery in Stockport, New Windows 2000 in Wisbech and David Gibson
Conservatories in Belfast.Natur-Al's original construction concept combines
quick assembly with a choice of exterior aluminium and interior veneer
finishes for an individual and distinctive look.
David Gibson Conservatories, Natur-Al's new dealer in Belfast sees the system as an exciting new home improvement opportunity. 'It will meet consumer demand for a really smart looking conservatory with an attractive timber interior and maintenance free aluminium exterior, and at an affordable price,' comments proprietor David Gibson. Cambridgeshire company, New Windows 2000, is also looking forward to being able to offer customers a wider range of colour options both inside and out, 'it gives us something different to offer, and that's vital in a competitive marketplace,' says Malcolm Partridge, Partner.
Successful dealers have all had to meet Natur-Al's strict acceptance criteria to ensure high quality standards of installation and service are upheld. They are provided with a comprehensive sales and technical support package, including product training, promotional material and advice on sales and marketing. And
Although Natur-A plans to continue adding to the network, any expansion will be undertaken in stages to ensure adequate support can be provided, and an area of exclusivity will be maintained for existing dealers.
North
West Roof Fabrication Growth
Rooftec Ltd has relocated its Bolton-based operation to purpose built
8,500 ft2 premises in Vale Street, Breightmet, Bolton. The new facility
combines offices, factory and showroom on two floors, giving customers
the opportunity to fully appreciate the range of product supplied, and
see at first hand the fabrication process.
Rooftec
uses the Aztec conservatory roof system for its commissions, and will
be offering the company's full range of roof systems- standard, heavy
duty, combined 16-35mm ridge and the latest gazebo frame. Rooftec maintains
it finds the Aztec system to be the most fitter-friendly on the market,
with its ten core components enabling conservatory build time to be cut
by up to 30%.
As part ofthe new operation, Rooftec will also provide a full technical
support service, including computer calculation and design, for the conservatory
roof, frames and glazing, with all components preassembled in the factory
to ensure correct fitting before delivery to site.
To help customers, Rooftec has even built a sample roof at floor height
within the new showroom, so fitters can easily see and appreciate the
engineering and performance benefits of its conservatories.
Rooftec has built its business on quality of service, maintaining customers
deserve respect, and that should be inherent in the service, regardless
of the quantity of business, be it one roof a year or ten roofs a week.
The management team has over 20 years' experience in conservatory roof
installation, so can surmount any potential problems, and will even carry
out on-site inspection if needed before the order is placed to help ensure
the customer gets the right product.
Comments Shaun Rosimus of Rooftec, 'Our business has grown significantly
over the past couple ofyears, so we needed bigger premises to accommodate
that and to continue to grow. Our customers find it useful to have the
showroom, to which they can bring their own customers if required, to
see the different styles of conservatory available.
'The new facility will enable us to offer conservatory companies probably
the best design and fabrication service within the region.'
Contact: Colin Bennett
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
With
UKae Colortop Spacer it's Like Painting by Numbers
Four years ago UKae installed a spacer tube paint plant to offer the sealed
unit manufacturer choice and peace of mind in respect of the product range
and colour stability.
Whilst the market still requires anodised colours the increase in demand
for Colortop in 2002 is proving to be significant for UKae as the industry
continues to make positive steps on the back of Document L with value
added products.
The latest additions to Colortop are being able to offer most standard
RAL Colours in sensible minimum order quantities and the ability to paint
stainless steel spacer.
All the customer needs to do is specify the colour and which spacer they
want it on.
Tel: 0121 313 3010
Email: mailto:ukae@minworth.freeserve.co.uk
Interframe
has Ten Years on the Roof
Interframe, of Paignton, Devon, is celebrating 10 years as a trade supplier
of Ultraframe conservatory roof systems. Formed in 1985, the company fabricates
Rehau window systems and supplies to trade installers and housebuilders.
It has five trade counters - in Plymouth, Paignton, Poole, Fareham and
Marlborough - which service small builders and local installers across
the South and West of England, and Wales.
With 180 employees, Interframe currently sells 1300 windows per week and
70 Ultraframe roofs per month. Its two modern factories in Paignton provide
nearly 30,000 square feet of manufacturing space and some 8,000 square
feet of offices.
Interframe has been an Ultraframe supplier for 10 years and the senior
team - managing director Warrick Butler, finance director Rob Cowling,
operations director Eddie Hempseed, sales director Paul Burch and production
director Mike King - like using the roofing system because they say it
reflects the company strategy of providing a top quality product with
the best possible service.
Tel: 01803 666633
Email: mailto:mail@interframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.intertrameco.uk
Northface
Heads for Summit
Essex based, Northface Conservatory Systems are the latest in a number
of new start business ventures to join forces with K2 Conservatory Roof
Systems.
Established
in 1998, the company is run under the leadership of Lee Delapperall. With
over 18 years of experience to his credit, Lee has definite long-term
plans of becoming a leading supplier of trade roofs throughout South East
England.
Operating from its 3,000 sq ft site, Northface currently employs four
staff and has the capacity to produce in excess of 16 roofs per week.
But with an active order book, plans are already in place to recruit additional
personnel in an attempt to handle the increasing workload.
'Since we joined K2 as a new start business venture, their levels of support
and service has been second to none.' Commented Lee.
K2 has furnished Northface with a business plan forecasting the development
of the company over the next 18 months, and have also assisted in providing
a marketing platform in support of Northface's direct mail campaign, and
ongoing sales and brand promotion over the coming years ahead.
Tel: 01245 323223
Email: mailto:info@northface.me.uk.
Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
CWG
Solutions to a Burning Question
Five window products are now available from the Corby Windows Group that
provide answers to the problems associated with fire escape and safety.
Three of the five include the additional benefit of easy clean facilities.
'Though there seems to be some confusion about the installation of fire
escape windows, one thing is abundantly clear. With respect to replacements
Building Regulations say that a window, no matter where installed, must
not downgrade the performance of what was originally there. This is particularly
important with upstairs situations where the potential for escape must
be no worse than existing. For example care is needed when replacing steel
windows so the existing dimension of the unobstructed opening is not reduced.
Liaison with local Building Control is always worthwhile.' says the company.
Many dwellings do not have any windows installedwith escape capabilities.
CWG's customers know window styles with escape capability are available
from the company. They are aware of the possibilities turning an enquiry
situation into a profitable advantage by suggesting an upgraded safety
specification.
The new build specification where escape must be 'built in' to every habitable
room should be remembered when making fire safety proposals. It defines
a fire escape window as having an unobstructed openable area of at least
1/3rd of a square metre with an open width or height no less than 450mm.
To comply, a window with an unobstructed width of 450mm must have a minimum
unobstructed height of 735mm. Additionally, the lowest unobstructed height
from the floor must not be above 1100mm or lower than 800mm without a
guard.
Contact : Jason Wilder
Tel : 01536 409100
Email : mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web : http://www.cwg-uk.com
caption - Fire escape solutions available from Corby Windows
Alcoa
Signs Letter of Intent to Explore Opportunities in Suriname
Alcoa Inc. announced on October 17th that it has signed a Letter of Intent
with BHP Billiton Plc, the parent company of its joint venture partner
in Suriname, formalising cooperation on various opportunities in the country.
The companies currently have joint interests in alumina refining and bauxite
mining operations in Suriname.
The letter of intent covers the continuation of mining and refining bauxite,
an ore from which alumina is extracted and used to make aluminum, in eastern
Suriname beyond the existing term of the current joint venture agreement
(2006); prepare the engineering for an approximately 12 percent expansion
(250,000 metric tons) of operations at the Paranam refining facility to
capture operating cost efficiencies; and exploration over the next two
years of bauxite mining and refining opportunities in western Suriname.
Separately, Alcoa will explore the feasibility of establishing hydroelectric
power opportunities in western Suriname to be used for future development
needs. Alcoa will own 55 percent of the joint venture interests and BHP
Billiton will own 45 percent, which is the current ownership arrangement
of the existing refinery. It is intended that construction of the Paranam
expansion would be undertaken in 2003, subject to final agreements as
well as governmental and other approvals.
Alcoa's presence in Suriname extends back to 1916. The business, now known
as Suriname Aluminum Company, L.L.C. (Suralco L.L.C.), originally focused
on mining bauxite. In 1958, Suralco signed an agreement with the government
of Suriname to develop the country's hydropower and bring the aluminium
industry to the country. Today, Suralco produces approximately 2 million
metric tons of alumina annually at its facility in Paranam. Suralco is
owned by Alcoa World Alumina and Chemicals (AWAC) - a global alliance
between Alcoa and WMC, Ltd.
As part of its process Alcoa will take steps to ensure the projects meet
the company's high standards for sustainable development.
Alcoa is a leading producer of primary aluminium, fabricated aluminium
and alumina, and is active in all major aspects of the industry. Alcoa
serves the aerospace, automotive, packaging, building and construction,
commercial transportation and industrial markets, bringing design, engineering,
production and other capabilities of Alcoa's businesses to customers.
In addition to aluminium products and components, Alcoa also markets consumer
brands including Reynolds Wrap(R) foils and plastic wraps, Alcoa(R) wheels,
and Baco(R) household wraps. Among its other businesses are vinyl siding,
closures, precision castings, and electrical distribution systems for
cars and trucks. The company has 129,000 employees in 38 countries.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
Andersen
Corporation to Acquire Iron City Sash and Door
Andersen Corporation announced that its subsidiary, Andersen Logistics,
has signed a definitive agreement to purchase certain assets of Iron City
Sash & Door Company, an independent distributor of Andersen® windows
and doors in the middle Atlantic area.
'This is another step in our plan to consolidate and restructure our distribution
system for the benefit of our customers,' said James E. Humphrey, chief
operating officer of Andersen Corporation. 'We will continue to operate
with a combination of company-owned and aligned independent distributors.
While we evaluated other alternatives to expand our presence in this important
geography, we ultimately determined that it was in our best interests
to own distribution in this area. It enables us to get closer to our customers
and to provide seamless logistics coverage across a broader geography
through the Midwest, Southeast and portions of the middle Atlantic region.'
'Iron City has been a distributor of Andersen products for more than 50
years, during which time we’ve seen significant change in the way
windows ultimately reach each market segment,' said Gary Brown, president
of Iron City Sash & Door.
'This acquisition is part of a larger strategy that Andersen has been
working on for several years and it became clear that Andersen felt it
best to own and operate its distribution in our trading area,' Brown said.
'Additionally, by selling the company to Andersen, it gives a number of
our employees the opportunity to continue to work for an excellent organisation.'
Andersen has agreed to purchase certain assets associated with the distribution
of Andersen® products in Iron City’s Sandy Lake, PA, Rochester,
NY and Baltimore, MD facilities. Not included in the acquisition are Iron
City’s corporate offices in Pittsburgh, its door fabrication facility
in Johnstown, PA and its commercial door facility in North Lima, OH. At
this point, it has not yet been determined how many of the approximately
370 employees will join Andersen.
In addition, Andersen will purchase the assets of the Renewal by Andersen®
affiliate in Pittsburgh that Iron City has operated since 2000. 'The age
of the housing stock in the Pittsburgh market area means there is great
potential for replacement windows,' said Humphrey. 'Adding this location
to our company-owned Renewal by Andersen retail operations will ensure
that we have the resources required to serve the homeowners in this area.'
The purchase by Andersen is contingent on the successful completion of
a due diligence process. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. A
tentative closing date is set for early November.
Tel: 1-800-426-4261, ext. 1232.
Web: http://www.andersenwindows.com
New
Company Offers 'One Stop Shop' for Timber Windows
A new company, Timber Windows Limited, has been launched to operate a
'one stop shop' for the exclusive supply and installation of timber windows
and French doorsets manufactured by members of the British Woadworking
Federation's Timber Window Accreditation Scheme.
The company is operating across London, the Home Counties and the South
East of England, using teams bound by a strict code of conduct, installing
a wide range of factory finished, double glazed units.
'The success of the BWF Timber Window Accreditation Scheme and the sustained
resurgence of timber as the material of choice for domestic windows has
opened up a substantial new market,' said managing director, Duncan Wright.
'We spotted the potential for a single source approach, so that our customers
not only have an extensive choice of window designs, but also can obtain
a complete set all conforming to the high standards demanded of BWF Scheme
Members.
'As we only supply BWF Accredited Timber Windows, we can guarantee their
quality, high standard of finish and their security - Timber Windows Ltd
can install windows that have been successfully tested to BS7590 security
standards - and, of course, being timber, each order can be custom built
to suit individual properties. All our products carry the BVVF label that
can only be used by Scheme Members and enables full traceability back
to source in the unlikely event of a problem.'
Duncan Wright also sees companies like his breaking down the misconception
that timber windows are expensive and require extensive maintenance: 'We
know the vast majority of people instinctively prefer timber, simply because
it looks so good and they feel it is environmentally preferable.
'We are finding that once we have the chance to explain the benefits of
the whole life costs of timber, coupled with the long-term guarantees
we can give for paint and stain finishes, overcoming any reservations
customers have is not difficult.'
Tel: 020 7608 5050
Email: mailto:info@bwf.org.uk
Web: http://www.bwf.org.uk
Three
Whiteline installers each win a conservatory roof!
The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator of PVC-U
windows and doors, has announced the winners of its three month Summer
conservatory promotion. Jubilee Windows of Ashford, Middlesex, Lancing
Glass Works Ltd. of Lancing, West Sussex and DPR Windows of New Milton,
Hampshire have each won a free conservatory roof.
The special promotion, which ran during the months of July, August and
September, proved highly popular with Whiteline's customers, resulting
in a significant increase in sales. In addition to the monthly prize draw
for a free conservatory roof, all installers participating in the promotion
also benefited from extra discount on all conservatory orders placed during
the promotional period.
The Goldline conservatory collection is available in three basic styles.
The traditional Victorian and classic Edwardian ranges both feature a
pitched roof while the Mono Pitch design offers a minimal pitch of 2.50
- 50 depending on the roofing system chosen.
Made to measure to meet individual requirements, conservatory walls are
manufactured from Goldline and Goldline 70 frames, whilst Whiteline's
conservatory roofs are sourced from Ultraframe, Whiteline's roof partner
for the last eight years.
Featuring a patented trickle vent system, the roof can be supplied with
a range of glazing options including clear or tinted glass, or a choice
of polycarbonate finishes with Ultralite 500 available for bungalow installations
requiring a very shallow roof pitch.
The promotion, as with all Whiteline sales and marketing promotions, was
open to all approved Goldline and Goldline 70 installers. To find out
more about becoming a Goldline Installer, please call the hotline on 01323
647800 or visit www.whitelinewindows.com