News @ The GL@ZINE

Pilkington has announced its results for the year to 31st March 2005.

'Pilkington has once again delivered results well ahead of the previous year', said Chairman, Sir Nigel Rudd. 'We have seen a good performance in Automotive, with Building Products holding up, despite variable trading conditions in our markets around the world. The Group continues to benefit from improvements in operational efficiency and continuous cost reduction programmes. Energy surcharges on Building Products' deliveries in Europe and North America have helped to alleviate the significant cost pressure from rising energy prices.'

Highlights:
* Operating profit including joint ventures and associates up from £213m to £231m
* Profit on ordinary activities before taxation, amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items up from £152m* to £180m, equivalent to an increase of 26 per cent at constant exchange rates
* Earnings per share before amortisation of goodwill and exceptional items up 19 per cent from 7.5p* to 8.9p; basic earnings per share up from 6.3p* to 7.8p (plus 24 per cent)
* Another year of strong free cash flow at £172m
* Net debt again reduced, by 14 per cent in the year, from £664m to £572m
* Final dividend increased to 3.35p (2004 - 3.25p), increasing to 5.1p for the full year, the first increase in the dividend for a decade
* 70 new model launches in Pilkington Automotive - a record

Sir Nigel Rudd, continues:
'This is another strong set of results from Pilkington. The Group continues to benefit from improvements in operational efficiency and continuous cost reduction programmes. Our continuing focus on cash generation enables us to report a further significant reduction in net debt. Adoption of a progressive dividend policy is an indication of the Board's growing confidence in the capability of the business to generate cash sustainably. Over the course of the next financial year, we expect to begin the transition into 'Stage 3' of our 'Cash for Growth' strategy, with targeted investments into profitable growth opportunities'.

'The Automotive business has been involved in a record number of new product launches over the year and has benefited from strong sales of many existing models equipped by Pilkington. Building Products' results in Europe were affected by low industry capacity utilisation, but outside Europe Building Products results continued to improve.'

Financial Results
Although turnover from continuing operations, including joint ventures and associates, decreased two per cent to £2.7 billion, at constant exchange rates this was equivalent to an increase of two per cent.

Operating profit from Group businesses increased by £15 million to £195 million. Operating profits from joint ventures and associates also increased from £33 million to £36 million, principally due to improved results in Cebrace and Shanghai Yaohua Pilkington, offsetting the profit decline at Vitro Plan SA de CV and its subsidiaries in Mexico. Overall operating profit increased by eight per cent from £213 million (as restated) to £231 million in 2005.

Profit before goodwill amortisation, exceptional items and taxation increased from £152 million to £180 million, with lower interest charges on reduced borrowings contributing, as well as improved profits from operations. After deducting goodwill amortisation of £8 million (2004 £8 million) and exceptional items arising principally from the sale and termination of operations of £7 million (2004 £7 million), profit before tax was £165 million, an increase of 20 per cent on the £137 million (as restated) achieved in 2004.

A continued focus on cash generation has enabled Pilkington to report a further reduction in net debt. Net borrowings fell from £664 million in 2004 to £572 million at 31st March 2005. This takes the total reduction in debt in the last three years to £348 million or nearly 40 per cent. The Group remains on track to begin its transition into the third phase of its strategy over the course of the next financial year, with targeted investments into profitable growth opportunities that meet our strict criteria for financial returns in our core business areas.

European Commission Inspection
On 24th February 2005 the European Commission announced an investigation into the flat and car glass sectors of the European glass manufacturing industry in connection with alleged infringements of Article 81 of the Treaty of Rome, the maximum penalty for which, if established, can be a fine of up to ten per cent of worldwide turnover. In the course of that investigation the Commission has carried out inspections at the premises of several glass manufacturers, including Pilkington. Pilkington has operated a competition law compliance programme for a number of years and is cooperating with the Commission's investigation. The investigation is at a very preliminary stage and the outcome cannot yet be assessed.

Strategy
Pilkington continues to follow a clear three-stage strategy, the stages of which are:
* First - to improve the operational fitness of the businesses;
* Second - to produce net free cash from operations, initially to reduce debt; and then
* Third - to invest net free cash in future profitable growth.

Over the past seven years radical improvements have been made in the Group's manufacturing performance, with significant reductions in overheads across the business. Management attention remains focused on the generation of net free cash and achieving further internal economies. The Group remains on track to begin the transition into the third phase of its strategy over the course of 2006.

Review of Operations

Building Products
Building Products' sales, including joint ventures and associates, were £1,389 million, broadly in line with the previous year at constant exchange rates.

Operating profits were essentially unchanged at £144 million. Although sales volumes were at similar levels to the previous year in Europe, prices fell in the early part of the year. The reduction in prices was largely offset by internal cost savings and improved manufacturing efficiencies. In South America, profits improved by approximately 12 per cent.

Global demand for float glass increased last year, with overall capacity utilisation of 87 per cent continuing its gradually improving trend from the low level reached in 2001. Most of the growth was in China, though South America improved and Australia held steady. While European demand picked up slightly, excess capacity remains. The North American commercial market continued to be weak last year, although there were clear signs of recovery as the year progressed.

The Group's Building Products business remains a global market leader. Manufacturing performance is a critical element of this success and there is a continuing requirement both to ensure we implement best practice in every plant worldwide and to reduce the cost base in line with our objectives. To support this requirement, a worldwide manufacturing organisation for the business line has been created, which will include all the float and rolled plants worldwide, the central manufacturing improvement team and the Building Products technology group.

Demand for glass continues to outstrip GDP growth globally, with continuing growth in the value-added sector in mature markets and demand for basic architectural glass strong elsewhere. Over the coming year industry estimates are for demand to continue to recover in most markets worldwide, with strong growth in the Chinese market continuing. In Europe, surplus capacity is likely to continue in the short term, with consequent continued weak pricing.

Europe
Building Products Europe is Pilkington's largest single business, representing 69 per cent of Pilkington's Building Products sales in 2005.

Market conditions continue to be challenging, with industry capacity utilisation still low at about 82 per cent, following the market decline in 2001 and 2002. The competitive environment has led to price erosion, and prices have reached historical lows. At least 18 months of further volume increases closer to the long-term trend will be required to soak up excess capacity before firmer pricing can be expected.

In response, significant improvements in manufacturing performance were made during the year, further reducing costs. The restructuring of the European business approximately one year ago has simplified administration and brought further cost savings. Additional restructuring of the downstream network resulted in the sale or closure of a number of branches in Austria. The significant cost push in energy and raw materials was partly offset by the successful introduction of an energy surcharge.

The net effect of all these factors has been a modest decline in sales and operating profits.

Production of the Group's high value-added clear fire protection range, the market-leading Pilkington Pyrostop™, again increased in Germany to meet continuing growth in demand for this product. In the year, Pilkington Pyrostop™ was launched in Australia and a cutting station established to provide best service to the market. In the UK, an improved version of Pilkington Pyrodur Plus™ has been well received, allowing the business to grow sales at a faster rate.

Sales of Pilkington Activ™ continue to progress well, driven by steady growth in product recognition. Increasingly, this growth is supported by the expanding range of Pilkington Activ™ derivatives, offering Pilkington Activ's unique self-cleaning properties in combination with solar control coatings, low-e energy-saving glass, laminated safety glass and noise-reduction laminates.

UK sales of low-emissivity Pilkington K Glass™ were once again strong, following the upgrade in UK building regulations.

The Group's first float glass plant in Russia, in the Ramenskoye district of the Moscow region, is at an advanced stage of construction. Work has also begun on a new insulating glass unit manufacturing facility in Szezchin, Poland.

Automotive
Automotive Products' sales, including joint ventures and associates, were £1,198 million, down four per cent from the previous year. At constant exchange rates, sales were broadly the same as last year. Operating profit improved by 20 per cent to £107 million. Further integration has been achieved in the global supply chain, bringing cost savings, optimisation of plant loading and improved service to both the Original Equipment (OE) and Automotive Glass Replacement (AGR) customers worldwide.

Pilkington Automotive operates as an integrated global organisation, serving the OE and AGR markets. A programme to further integrate the supply chain, to the benefit of both OE and AGR worldwide, is already producing savings and improving customer service. Over the course of the year, Pilkington announced to customers in China the reorganisation of the three Chinese manufacturing plants (which it wholly or partly owns) with a unified identity and organisation.

Pilkington Automotive has been involved in more than 70 new product launches for new models over the past year, a record for the business. New introductions included high volume models such as the Citroën C3, BMW 1 and 3 Series, GM Astra, Silverado and Trailblazer and the Mercedes A-Class, as well as niche market models such as the Aston Martin DB9.

These new model platforms underpin Pilkington Automotive's future business. To ensure that this heavy programme of new model introduction can be successfully sustained, the business continues to develop, improve and expand its global quality management system. During the year, Pilkington Automotive achieved further site accreditations under global environmental standards.

Automotive industry expectations over the coming year are for relatively modest increases in production and sales of light vehicles across Pilkington's main markets of Europe and North America, and for significantly higher growth rates in the emerging markets in which Pilkington is already established. Pilkington Automotive will grow faster than the market in Europe, through success with new models and specialist applications. Plans for further improvements in efficiency, productivity, quality and customer service should again show through in the results, positioning Pilkington well to move forward with growth plans in developed and emerging markets. In North America, Pilkington continues to broaden its customer base across the major global light vehicle manufacturers.

Just Give 'em Some Fokkin' Money!

With less than a week to go before the GM Fundraising John O’Groats-Lands End Charity Cycle Ride commences on Monday 6th June, founder, Gary Morton has put out a final call for support from the glazing industry. Dubbed the 'GM Fundraising Top to Bottom Bike Ride' the event is sponsored and underwritten by Status Systems zendow brand, allowing all the money raised to be passed directly to the Hope House Hospice for terminally ill children.

Morton explains 'We hear a lot about the tough times the industry is going through but the work that Hope House does places that firmly into context. Every single penny we raise will have a direct impact on the lives of the Hope House kids and their families so without resorting to Geldof like profanity, I am urging everyone in the glazing industry to pledge money to this great cause.'

Sponsors can pledge an amount per mile, based upon the anticipated 944-mile trip or donate a lump sum by emailing gary@garymorton.co.uk.

A team of riders, predominantly from the glazing industry, has been in training for several months (the picture on the right shows them training hard in Majorca recently) and potential donors may sponsor an individual or the whole team. Morton explains, 'I am proud to be undertaking this tremendous challenge with a great team of riders, including Alan & Phil Rothwell (Patterson & Rothwell), Jim Bergson (Bergson & Eaton), Gary Torr (Shepley), Alan Sadler (Fabstore), Graeme Bailey, Adrian Girling, Keith Aspinall (All of Business Micros), Stuart York and Iain McInnes (Wendland). Allen McDougall, lately of JAG Glazing and Alan Tupman of Graphisign are leading the support team throughout the trip. Everyone has already given an enormous amount of time and energy to this project and there is still 944 miles to go!' The ride will finish at Lands End on Saturday 18th June.

For those wishing to support a less strenuous charity event, there are still a few places available on the annual GM Fundraising Golf Day at Hawkstone Park, Shropshire on Tuesday, 28th June. Potential competitors for this four-ball team Stableford competition can obtain entry forms from Dave Broxton at djbmarketing@blueyonder.co.uk.

For further information:
Dave Broxton
Tel/fax: 01902 417131 Mob: 07966 441973
Email: djbmarketing@blueyonder.co.uk

Gary Morton
GM Fundraising
Email: gary@garymorton.co.uk

zendow Continues to Outperform Market

Since the launch of zendow by Status Systems last August, the product has enjoyed substantial growth in the face of challenging market conditions. A large number of Status fabricators have taken zendow as a contemporary alternative to chamfered products but most have chosen to convert solely to zendow.

The pre-gasketed zendow system is easy to fabricate and install with a wide range of options. zendow now accounts for more than 25% of Status Systems turnover with more than fifty fabricators manufacturing zendow windows, doors and conservatories.

Commenting on the continued success of zendow, Status Systems Sales & Marketing Director, Kevin Warner said, 'We knew we had a winner when independent consumer research, conducted by ICM, proved that four out of five potential window customers preferred zendow to conventional chamfered products. Research is important but in the real world, we are only interested in hard data and the fact is that every zendow fabricator has increased sales with some demonstrating extraordinary growth, doubling and in one case, tripling output. They are all finding the ability to supply an aesthetically superior product at competitive prices is winning them more orders'.

System zendow is fully accredited for commercial use and can be ordered online via Status Systems market leading SynergeBuild e-commerce software proposition. More than seventy percent of Status customers purchase online.

Crystal Palace to Arrive in London in Presidential Style

Newly cast parts of Joseph Paxton's Crystal Palace, centrepiece of the Great Exhibition 1851 and quite possibly the 8th Wonder of the World, will return to London aboard the Black Country Living Museum's steam narrowboat 'President', arriving on June 8th.

On Sunday 22nd May full size replica Crystal Palace Columns left the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley and is being floated to London aboard the 'President' narrowboat, in convoy with its butty 'Kildare' via the Grand Union Canal.

David Powell from The Friends of President said: 'We at Friends of President are looking forward to transporting the Casting of the Crystal Palace to London and using this traditional method of transport seems very fitting for the historic nature of the project.

'President is owned by the Black Country Living Museum and is operated by the volunteer group Friends of President. It is the only restored Steam Powered Narrowboat on the canals today and always creates interest everywhere she goes.' (see: http://www.nb-president.org.uk)

In London the boats will pick up and follow the original 1852 route taken when the Crystal Palace was moved from Hyde Park to Sydenham and where the 'Crystal Palace Corner will be erected on its original site, near the Crystal Palace Museum.

John Greatrex, Coordinator of the P.C. P.C.P said: 'With the help of 'President' and the Black Country Living Museum we wish to recreate the Crystal Palace Corner in memory of the greatest greenhouse ever seen - Paxton's glass cathedral, the flower of the Victorian age, so that all who witnessed the fire in 1936 can revisit the site with their children and grandchildren, and tell them about the palace.'

Schedule:
Captain Week One Neil Ratcliffe; Rest of trip Nick Haynes

Tues 31st May Crick - let go about 09:00 - Buckby Top Lock

Weds.1st June Buckby Top lock - let go 08:30 - Stoke Bruerne (bottom lock)

Thurs. 2nd June Stoke Bruerne - let go 08:00 - Soulbury, Three Locks

Evening arrival mooring at bottom of the locks and then on Friday Morning up 11am with the boats going up the locks.

Fri. 3rd June Soulbury - let go 11:00 - Marsworth

Sat. 4th June Marsworth - let go 08:30 -Winkwell, swing bridge

Sun 5th June Winkwell, swing bridge - let go 08:30 - Batchworth lock

Mon. 6th June Batchworth lock - let go 08:00 -Pleasureboat Pub Ealing road bridge 11 (Nr Perivale)

Tues. 7th June Pleasureboat - let go 08:00 -Limehouse basin

Weds 8th June Limehouse Basin - Battlesbridge basin via River Thames,- lock out into Thames at 12:00, South Dock Marina (unloading Crystal Palace replica castings) lock back in before 17:30 http://www.sdockmarina.co.uk

The Black Country Living Museum is only three miles from Junction 2 of the M5 Motorway, and five miles from junction 10 of the M6 and is easily accessible from the Midlands Motorway network. Opening times - every day from 10am until 5pm. http://www.bclm.co.uk/

John Greatrex can be contacted via http://www.crystalpalacefoundation.org.uk

For the second year running, Edgetech has made it to the finals of the G05 Awards Energy Efficiency category. Winners of the category last year, the leading warm edge Super Spacer® innovator, has not stood still in its commitment to energy efficiency within the window industry. ‘We’re delighted to be finalists again this year,’ says Andy Jones, Sales Director and General Manager of Edgetech UK and Ireland (pictured right).

‘Since winning the award last year, nothing in terms of our passion and commitment for energy efficiency has stood still, and if possible we’ve done even more over the last 12 months with our commitment to the BFCR window ratings scheme, and the launch of a new product TriSeal™. A captive polyisobutylene primary seal gives enhanced gas retention and low-moisture vapour transmission. An outer structural seal gives proven structural glazing performance.

‘The unique triple-seal design of TriSeal™ uses an inner acrylic adhesive seal for immediate unit handling. It is also compatible with fabricators’ usual silicone structural sealant and other secondary sealants for captive glass. TriSeal is one of the first spacers with a silicone backing seal to be used on any product that passed the CEN1279 Part 3 gas retention test. This combined with Super Spacer offer massive energy saving potential for the UK. As the energy efficiency of windows becomes more closely measured and more tightly regulated, and as companies become increasingly desperate to find new ways of differentiating themselves in this difficult market, Edgetech offers excellent energy efficient solutions. Reaching the final of the G0 Awards is a great third party endorsement of this.’

Tel: 02476 705570

Masterframe Windows says that it looks set to storm the G05 Awards on June 10th. Staff at the manufacturer of premium PVC-U sliding sash windows are celebrating after the company was announced this week as finalists for Fabricator of the Year, Energy Efficiency Initiative of the Year and the Customer Care Award.

‘The G05 Awards set the industry standard,’ observes Alan Burgess, Managing Director of Masterframe (pictured right). ‘We’re delighted to have got through to this stage.

Masterframe and its customers are doing well while the rest of the industry is at standstill. Customer care is our top priority. We deliver the best product we can with a high level of support –which includes being the first window company to get a BRFC rating It’s this attitude which pushes our sales and our customer’s sales.’

Masterframe has also won through to the regional finals of the 2005 National Business Customer Focus Award, sponsored by Orange.

Alan continues: ‘With two of our Bygone Preferred Installers – Romsey Conservatory Company and P&P Glass joining us as finalists Conservatory Installer of the Year and Installer of the Year categories, it’ll be a great night. I’m not looking forward to the morning after though!’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

Adrian Locker, Director and General Manager of Newstead Trade Frames was delighted to hear that the company had reached the finals of G05’s prestigious Fabricator of the Year Award: ‘It’s a genuine recognition of how well Newstead is doing in the market.’

With most of the industry still struggling, Newstead, the nationwide supplier of PVC-U windows, conservatory roofs and doors, reported a good end to 2004 with sales up 25% to £6.92 million. ‘And we’re still on the up,’ grins Adrian, ‘achieving £0.5 million in February alone.

‘Everyone here at Newstead has their fingers crossed – but even if we don’t win, it’s great to have got this far. Having said that, if I don’t come back with the prize I’ll have a lot to answer for!’

Tel: 01782 641 642

Tudor Windows of Wiltshire celebrated its first anniversary as a member of Ultraframe’s Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme with the launch of a new show site in Swindon.

The family run company, which has been installing conservatories for 18 years, has opened a display centre at Blooms Garden Centre in Swindon. It will showcase five conservatories all with Ultraframe roofs, including a gable ended sunburst conservatory, a twin-hipped Victorian design and an Elevation lean-to style.

Mark Symonds of Tudor Windows said: 'Since joining the Ultra Installer Scheme a year ago we have experienced a significant increase in demand for our services. Our new showroom demonstrates that we can offer something for everyone.

Whatever the customers’ budget or taste we have a range of both traditional and contemporary style conservatories so that they can find the conservatory that will perfectly suit their property. We even have a stylish range of conservatory furniture to add the finishing touches to their new conservatory. We have employed four additional staff to manage the site and install the conservatories we are selling.'

Mark continued: 'Our show site launch at Blooms Garden Centre in Swindon was a great success and we were delighted to have an Ultraframe mobile roadshow support vehicle. Ultraframe marketing support is excellent and it certainly helps us promote our business. We are delighted and proud to be part of the Ultra Installer Scheme. Our customers benefit from the reassurance that that we really are a good, well trained and trustworthy business, and we benefit as Ultraframe works hard to promote its Ultra Installers and generate new business leads for us.'

Linda Doughty, Marketing Director at Ultraframe said: 'Tudor Windows is a growing, successful business and we are delighted to be able to support their marketing activity and promote their membership of our scheme. Companies who join the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme now benefit from BBA audits, an exclusive Marketing Toolbox, and the opportunity to offer an Insurance Backed Guarantee.'

Linda continued: 'We are currently receiving over three hundred calls a week from homeowners asking for recommended conservatory installers and a copy of our Ultra Guide to Conservatories. Each homeowner who contacts Ultraframe is recommended three Ultra Installers in their area. This is proving to be a great success for our members who, like Tudor Windows, are reaping real business benefits. As UK market leader it means we are building stronger relationships with our customers which all adds up to increased success and more business.'

Tudor Windows joined the Ultra Installer Scheme last year following a visit to Glassex. Mark said: 'Our aim is to provide a comprehensive service from sales to conservatory completion. We have dedicated members of support staff and we are committed to offering our customers high quality products and services. We only supply our customers with Ultraframe roofing systems and we joined the Ultra Installer Scheme to give homeowners further peace of mind that complete quality is reflected in everything we do and say.'

For more information on Tudor Windows call 01793 719015.

For more information on Ultraframe or the Guild Approved Ultra Installer Scheme visit http://www.ultraframe.com or call 0870 414 1007.

The new SynerJy window from Synseal was installed in the fastest time by winners of he Glassex Challenge, Romsey Conservatory Company. The SynerJy system was supplied by Corby Window Group sponsors of the Glassex Challenge.

Jo Cornell, Director of Romsey Conservatory Company, said, ‘We are absolutely delighted to be the winners of The Glassex Challenge. We pride ourselves on service. We have a motto – treat customers are you’d want to be treated – and that’s why we sell purely from recommendation. We are not newcomers to the industry and we’ve built our reputation over 20 years.

We are delighted for our installers, Laurence Wood and Gavin Stainburn. They completed all the tasks as they would on our customers’ homes. They had never installed the new SynerJy window before but fitted it in the fastest time. It’s made to be easy to install.’

Nick Dutton, Synseal’s Sales and Marketing Director, adds: ‘We designed the SynerJy suite to be fitter friendly – we really listened to our customers to find out what would make their lives easier. We launched SynerJy at Glassex and having it as part of the Glassex Challenge meant it could be seen first hand how easy it is to install - saving installers time and money.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com

Homag U.K. will host its June open house on Monday 6th and Tuesday 7th.

Centre stage will be the latest in profile wrapping techniques from Homag Group specialist Friz with particular emphasis on the wrapping of complex window frame profiles. There will be live demonstration and experts on hand to discuss the latest developments in materials, adhesive application and fast set-up.

Other machines from Homag U.K. which will feature strongly will be from Martin’s range of classical woodworking machinery - including the all new T92 throughfeed moulder series.

From Homag Group widebelt sanding specialists Bütfering the new brushing machine for profiled panels that was launched recently at Ligna will be shown and demonstrated. This machine features three counter-rotating interchangeable brush heads preceded by revolving brush discs mounted on an oscillating head at the infeed. The machine is capable of pre-finishing and finishing 3D profiled panels or 5-piece doors in a single pass.

To obtain more information and an invitation fax Sylvia Albe on 01332 856465.

Tel: 01332 856500
Email: mailto:info@homag-uk.co.uk
Web: http://www.homag-uk.co.uk

Freefoam’s significant levels of growth in the Northern European roofline market have led the company to make the decision to open a manufacturing facility in Northampton to meet demand in the UK market.

Freefoam has acquired a building, formerly occupied by Reason & Pickles, beside its existing distribution facility in Northampton. The company is investing a total of £3m (Euro 4.4m) in plant, equipment and expansion. The facilities in Northampton now occupy an area of 8,000 m2 and house manufacturing, distribution and customer service operations.

Four extrusion lines are being installed in the initial phase, using machinery from Krauss-Maffei. In addition, a fifth line may be installed this year and there is floor space to house 18 lines in total.

Steve Pilkington (pictured right) has been appointed UK Production Manager and he will be responsible for managing the manufacturing operations at the new facility. Prior to joining Freefoam, Steve was Production Manager at Veka’s cellular foam facility.

Tony Walsh, Freefoam Managing Director, comments ‘The opening of this manufacturing facility in the UK is a significant part of our strategy to become the No. 1 manufacturer of roofline products in Northern Europe. We will have other significant announcements to make in the months and years ahead towards this end.’

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com

Following a year of rapid expansion within the Building Integrated Solar market, PV Facades MD, Barry Marsh explains the logic of building a group company structure and launching The Solar Technologies Group.

'Having spent the last seven years installing both on roof and integrated PV, we have ebbed and flowed with the emerging market. Primarily as an installer for BP, our fate lay in the hands of the EST grant process and BP's sales force. However, during the last 18 months, we have secured external investment and have rapidly evolved our position within the industry.'

Still, as BP's largest installer of PV and also the UK's largest installer, the emerging group of companies will still assume the position that has been generated historically. However, in addition to an installations division, the rapid growth within this sector has facilitated the creation of both maintenance and product distribution companies.

Marsh continues 'historically, we have only had the installation piece of the process with which to concern ourselves. Now though, we are experiencing significant demand to service and maintain existing installations, and while this was apparent in the past, the recent volume of work [over the last two years] now warrants this element of the business having separate focus.'

In addition, recent partnerships with a number of 'household names' in the industry, have led to an entirely separate entity being formed to handle the supply and distribution of domestic housing 'kits' that can be distributed through a number of channels to market.

Entitled Solar Technologies Group, the parent company for the new group will be responsible for generating market awareness and lobbying government bodies to ensure the maintenance of the successful grant initiatives that have 'opened up' the UK market in the past two years. Below the group company, three additional companies will operate - Installations, Maintenance and Service, Distribution.

Solar Technologies Installations Ltd will be the new trading name for PV Facades, though the other two companies will be created from new.

Marsh concludes 'clearly the busiest unit will still be Installations in the early days - we have currently secured enough work for the coming year. However, with 25 staff, we now have enough resources to initiate positive moves within both service and distribution, and we fully expect these to be operating at levels similar to our installation business within the next 18 months.'

Solar Technologies Group is expected to generate in excess of £4m in the coming 12 months, almost doubling 2004's revenues.

Web: http://www.solartechnologies.co.uk

Essex based PFL (Permacell Finesse Limited) has become the first manufacturer in the window industry to achieve accreditation to the new internationally recognised occupational health & safety standard, known as OHSAS 18001. Alan Hurst, then Member of Parliament for the Silver-End area where PFL is based, and Braintree Councillor Philip Barlow joined the company to celebrate this landmark achievement. The OHSAS 18001 certificate was presented to MD Terry Slater by Mark Stokes from the British Standards Institute.

The award is good news for employees and PFL customers alike as it indicates that all PFL products are manufactured under some of the safest conditions in British industry today. This in turn ensures both the safety of the workforce and the safe, efficient handling of the products at every stage in the manufacturing process, including their preparation for delivery to customers.

PFL was also the industry's first manufacturer to achieve accreditation to ISO 14001, the international environmental standard, also awarded by the British Standards Institute.

The addition of the Kronospan laminate flooring range increases the number of products stocked by GAP to 3,101. GAP, the UK stockist of PVC-UE roofline, listens to customers and aspires to exceed expectations. Kronospan was chosen by GAP not least because the company offers a quality product at a competitive price.

Being Europe’s largest manufacturer of quality wood based laminates, Kronospan’s local presence in North Wales guarantees availability for GAP customers.

John Randles, Group Purchasing Manager at GAP (pictured left) says: ‘I believe we are the first non-DIY or flooring store to stock this product. We have only been stocking Kronospan since February and have already placed our second substantial order. GAP will continue to extend its range of products to ensure we provide our customers with a one stop solution to their purchasing needs’.

Tel: 01254 682888

Safe2Bond, the white light cured bevel bonding system, is now available from distributors Magden Ltd and UKae Ltd and direct from the manufacturer J & S Adhesives.

The Safe 2 Bond adhesive system is an intrinsically safe and quick method of affixing shaped glass bevels to add sparkle and interest to what would otherwise be simply plain windows or mirrors. It works by utilising an adhesive that cures within the ‘white light’ end of the light spectrum. This is the same white light used in dentistry and opto-electronics.

‘Ukae is delighted with Safe 2 Bond, it fits in perfectly with our extensive product range for the fabricator and installer,’ said Ken Brown, Operations Director. ‘Ukae shares similar goals to J & S Adhesives: to lift the professionalism of the glazing industry. Safe 2 Bond is the established product in the market with proven quality and track record’

Magdens’ md Alan Robinson is in agreement: ‘Safe 2 Bond is a professional’s product developed by a highly professional company. We, at Magdens, are extremely pleased to be associated with both. Our long-standing experience in marketing and distribution will surely see this simple but clever adhesive system at the top of everyone’s factory floor shopping list. Employers owe it to their staff.’

John Jackson, managing director of J & S Adhesives, adds: ‘We are very proud to be associated with professional companies such as UKae and Magden. We are manufacturers of Light Curing Adhesives and we have specialised in manufacturing only this type of product over a 15 year period, which I think gives us the most experience of probably anyone in the market place today. We sell no other products into the glazing industry, we stick to what we know best – producing the highest quality specialist adhesives. This should be a great comfort to the end user because it is absolutely vital in today’s market that the product used to create decorative glass, comes from a company with sufficient expertise. Bevel adhesives play a major part in creating high value decorative work, and can only be supplied through established manufacturers such as J & S. We look forward to continuing our long association with Ukae and Magden and we will continue to innovate as a Company’.

J & S Adhesives’ Safe 2 Bond system includes safe light bulbs, both for bench or hand-held units, and the Safe 2 Bond adhesive itself supplied in 200mg bottles.

Tel: 01526 388388
Email: mailto:info@jandsadhesives.com

Having been established for only six years Arctic has invested heavily in a new Stuga CNC system to give the company a production capacity of 1000 frames a week. Any company investing £256,000 needs to be sure of both the market potential of its products and the key supply chain behind it.

As a solution to both points, the company turned to Maco as a manufacturer of high quality components. John Kalter, Maco’s Northern Sales Manager explains, ‘Maco’s approach to working with its customers is on a partnership basis, we provide the very best products, the support infrastructure – delivering in-house testing facilities for pre-accreditation testing together with full technical support’.

Arctic took on the new Maco RAIL Espagnolette as the preferred product coupled with a decision to move into the commercial and trade markets. The RAIL provides a simple, accurate, fast assembly capability which in turns makes a major contribution to the enhanced productivity required for volume markets, without compromise on quality standards.

Working closely with MACO and utilising the test facilities have created a first for the company and Maco in the UK, as Arctic became the first manufacturer to achieve BS7950 and BS7412 at the first attempt. At the request of John Gales, Production Manager for Arctic, the BSI loaded the test window to 5KN on the RAIL and Hinge Protector, there being no component failure, the BSI needed to go no further. Altogether Arctic has also achieved SBD Accreditation and is accredited by LAPFAG.

With 42,000 sq ft manufacturing space available, the ability to produce quality volume production, and the proven ability to meet the highest standards, the pace is really hotting up at Arctic.

Maco Contact: Craig Bryant, Tel: 01795 433900 mailto:c.bryant@macouk.net
Arctic Contact: Ian Milstead, General Manager Tel: 0191 267 8000

‘Seven successful years with Masterframe so far, and never a failure.’ That’s the proud claim from Mark Edgell, Managing Director of Key Windows UK Ltd who, in the late 1990s decided to give sliding sashes a go. Nearly a decade later, the magic still works for the Crowthorne, Berkshire-based company.

Key Windows became one of Masterframe’s first Bygone Preferred Installers (BPI) when Mark decided to use Masterframe rather than his existing casement window supplier for vertical sliders. Now, as Mark approaches 15 years in the industry, PVC-U sash windows are one of the growing markets in the window industry – and an integral part of his company’s product offer.

He continues: ‘We always knew Masterframe as a specialist sash window manufacturer in the old days. We haven’t looked elsewhere since appointing the company and we’re very confident of its ability.’

As one of the first Bygone Preferred Installers, Key Windows is used to the benefits of this select installer’s network. Mark again: ‘It’s a super idea that perfectly complements Masterframe’s engineering and service. And then there’s the authenticity of the sash windows. Even when we’re replacing genuine timber sashes, the Masterframe vertical sliders blend in perfectly and always enhance a property.’

Key Windows Ltd’s expansion plans will see the company opening a new outlet in 2005 and employing additional installation teams as it seizes the challenge of a growing market. ‘We want to double our sash sales in 2005,’ adds Mark. ‘Masterframe is the key to achieving that.’

Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk

With the first quarter of 2005 behind us and the election finshed, many window companies assume that the worst is over, and that the industry will begin to bounce back. ‘They are wrong,’ states Mike Derham, Managing Director of Mighton, the sash window hardware specialist. ‘With the economy slowing and saturation in the core casement replacement market affecting even the biggest systems companies, the window industry needs new markets. And there are opportunities out there. Vertical sliders, for example, are a profitable, relatively untapped market. Twenty percent of housing stock in the UK is pre World War One, and most of those contain vertical sliders which are yet to be replaced.’

Vertical sliders - sliding sash windows - are generally bigger, heavier, and more difficult to open than casements. Modern sashes are even heavier, with double glazing and more robust frames.

‘Fenestrator, a new, retro-fitted, easy-opening device, is designed and manufactured by Mighton. Easy to turn with one hand, Fenestrator takes the strain out of opening and closing sash windows, even the largest and heaviest. It doesn’t interfere with the tilt action of PVC-U vertical sliders, and gives easier access to windows that are partially blocked or difficult to reach.’ says Mike Derham.

Fenestrator is suitable for all PVC-U and timber sash windows, whether weight or spring balanced. ‘A key benefit is Fenestrator’s ability to be retro-fitted. Installers can sell Fenestrator to homeowners who want to keep their original sash windows but find them difficult to open,’ explains Mike. ‘Companies can easily sell Fenestrator as an extension of their services. The Disability Discrimination Act 2004 is opening up the market for products that help the aged or infirm. There is huge potential for the Grey and Disabled markets, particularly Residential and Nursing Homes, Local Government and Housing Associations.’

Mike continues: ‘Unlike other diversification products, which require lengthy installation training, Fenestrator is easy to fit – it’s a simple, bolt-on procedure. It doesn’t need any complicated adjustments. It’s the ideal add-on product.’

For further information on Fenestrator or the full range of Mighton sash hardware call 0800 0560471 or visit http://www.mighton.co.uk

Bespoke Frames from a Super-Fabricator! - Personal Touch from Birthday Company

Celebrating its 21st birthday, super-fabricator Whiteline says several major elements have contributed to its success and growth.

One factor, is making the right business decisions at the right times. Group Managing Director Tony Hughes says that while the current general downturn in the window industry is not as bad as in the late 1980s, the next couple of years will see consolidation throughout all sectors of the industry.

Knowing how to handle a stagnant or contracting market not only keeps a company at the leading edge, but is what sets survivors apart from the failures – and Whiteline says that it is well-placed to remain at the forefront. It is currently at the end of a period of major restructuring, meaning that decisions can now be taken and implemented more quickly with less debate and red tape than before.

And closer contact with customers - listening to their needs - has led to the development of new products which will be launched in the coming months.The Whiteline Group has three sites totalling 70,000 square feet near the seafront in Eastbourne, where it fabricates 2,500 frames a week from Kömmerling Connoisseur, and Kömmerling’s 58mm and 70mm chamfered systems, taking annual turnover to £14m, with a workforce numbering almost 180.

Its customers have a high expectation of their manufacturer in terms of market position, because the phrase ‘super-fabricator’ implies high levels of volume. ‘This is because a super-fabricator has advanced levels of automation compared with the rest of the industry,’ says Tony Hughes; something that Whiteline has achieved through its long-standing policy of reinvesting corporate profits in technology and state-of-the-art manufacturing machinery.

Which leads to another ingredient in Whiteline’s recipe for success: offering something that is normally alien to a super-fabricator – a personal touch to deal with installers’ individual needs, which often includes producing ‘one-off’ non-standard windows. This has led to the development of a 5,000-square-foot Specials Unit dedicated to the manufacture of variations to standard products.

Divisional Director Bryan Leach says: ‘It’s extremely difficult to produce one-off variations with automated production lines that simply mass produce standard-sized frames. While computer-controlled machines can only cope with certain manufacturing tolerances in frame size and shape, and transom drops etc., Whiteline’s dedicated specials unit gives us a more cottage-industry, hands-on approach, offering greater variance of size and shape.’

In the unit, frames can be cut and drilled manually, enabling Whiteline to produce totally bespoke, out-of-the-ordinary windows, with the older-style, smaller fabricator’s personal service. ‘As this is a maturing market, installers can’t afford to walk away from contracts which require individual installations, so they look to us to accommodate these specialist variations.’

The unit helps support Whiteline’s Conservatory offer being able to address some of the most complicated designs in the ‘Bespoke’ Market as well as the more standard products to be found in the ‘Pre-Designed’ range.

Whiteline’s products and services are well suited to support customers needs. Whiteline enjoys successful relationships with customer types ranging from the more sophisticated ‘One Man Band’ to privately owned businesses operating from a ‘High Street Showroom’ or ‘Small Industrial Unit.’

While actively promoting the Kömmerling frame to potential new trade customers because it is recognised throughout the industry as being a premium quality brand, the end-user retail brand under which Whiteline’s network of installers all market their products, is called Goldline. The Goldline brand encompasses not only the frame, but also the glazing, the hardware supplied by Laird Security Systems and Mila. Goldline products are backed by the Goldline Secure warranty scheme which comprehensively covers both the frame and the hardware against break-ins.

‘It also means our installers can offer a totally unique product that is different from anything else on the market – different even, from windows offered by other Kömmerling fabricators,’ says Bryan Leach.

Whiteline was formed in 1984 to manufacture aluminium products. Two years later it introduced PVC-U, and stopped aluminium production when it switched its PVC-U system to Kömmerling in 1995. ‘By then aluminium represented just three per cent of the company’s turnover by volume, so we chose to become PVC-U specialists, and found that Kömmerling was the system best suited to take us where we wanted to go.’

Super-fabricator status was achieved in 1998 with investment in a second manufacturing site and production line which took the company into the high-volume unglazed market. Today unglazed represents 70 per cent of Whiteline’s business. Along with Tony and Bryan, four other directors run the business: Operations Director Mike Garner, Technical Director Robin Funnell, Commercial Director Mike Youldon, and Group Sales Director Alan Clarke.

Finally – the name Whiteline came about as a result of where the company originally pitched itself in the market place when it was formed in 1984. Says Tony Hughes: ‘We decided we weren’t going to use a cheap aluminium system…neither did we want to price ourselves out of the market by going to the very top end. So we chose the middle of the road. And what do you find in the middle of the road? A white line!’

The 100 millionth Volkswagen, a Touran 1.9-litre TDI in metallic Reflex Silver paint, came off the assembly line in Wolfsburg on 24th May, making Volkswagen the first automotive manufacturer in Europe to reach this production milestone.

Reinhard Jung, Member of the Volkswagen Brand Board of Management responsible for production, praised the 'achievement of our employees' for the production milestone.

Volkswagen's road to success began with the now legendary Beetle. Production in Wolfsburg began in 1945 with 1,800 Beetles produced over the year. Output from the factory then steadily increased, and only five years later the 100,000th Volkswagen left the assembly line. At the time the range consisted of not only the Beetle, but also the T1 Transporter.

The model range continued to grow. Seven Beetle models and a total of five Golf generations are milestones in this development. Over 21.5 million Beetles, 23 million Golfs and 13 million Passats, as well as nine million Polos, are further confirmation of Volkswagen's success. In 2002, Golf production overtook that achieved by the Beetle, in turn setting a new record for the Volkswagen brand.

Volkswagen now builds vehicles all over the world at plants in Wolfsburg; Emden; Hanover; Mosel; Brussels; Pamplona; Bratislava; Palmela; Poznan; Mexico; Argentina; Brazil; South Africa; and China.

Customers can now choose from a diverse range of 41 models spanning from the compact Lupo up to buses and trucks, according to country. Volkswagen vehicles offer customers leading-edge technology and the highest quality in almost every segment of the automobile market. The range includes models such as the Golf, Passat, Touran and Polo in the mainstream sector, plus the Phaeton and Touareg in the luxury sector.

In 2004, Volkswagen delivered 3.06 million vehicles to customers in more than 150 countries around the world. The Volkswagen brand has a global workforce of over 133,000.

Volkswagen continues to enjoy sales success in the UK too. Last year the brand achieved record sales of 181,897 vehicles, beating the 178,953 figure of 2003 - itself a record year. Volkswagen's best-selling car in the UK is the Golf, with 69,784 sales last year, followed by the Polo (45,530) and Passat (31,510).