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New Look Reflects a New Focus for Darby Glass
Independent
glass processor, Darby Glass, has
totally restructured and re-focused its business over the past four years.
Recognising the changing demands of modern industry Darby Glass, which
has operated in the glazing industry for the past 30 years, has not only
improved its manufacturing processes and product offering but has recently
taken the decision to change its brand look and positioning in an effort
to make a statement to the market place.
This new look can now be seen across the length and breadth of the UK
as the company has taken delivery of ten new Mercedes commercial vehicles
sporting the new livery.
Commenting on the new strategic focus of the company from his office at
Darby’s Scunthorpe HQ, Managing Director (Glazing Products) Ian Ford
states: ‘We have taken a fresh look at every aspect of our business,
making radical changes where necessary. Great strides have been made in
enhancing manufacturing processes and the service we give to our customers.
We felt the time was right to sharpen our image and make a statement which
reflected the improvements we have made.’
The
Darby Glass business now has a network of six decentralised sites, each
focused on being the ‘Supplier of Choice’ to its customers.
This will be achieved through a three-pronged strategy – quality
products, excellent service and competitive prices. Proof of the success
the company is experiencing came with its acquisition by the Jarvis Porter
Group plc in May this year.
The company focuses on distinct market sectors. For Glazing Products,
Darby supplies toughened glass and insulating glass units, predominantly
for the domestic market. More recently, the company has been producing
ever increasing volumes of ‘Higher Spec’ glass for use in commercial
glazing and this will continue to be a key area of activity.
More specialised products fall under the recently launched Pro-Glass by
Darby brand. Curved and processed glass, predominantly in thicker substances,
is used in many applications such as street furniture and architectural
specifications. Pro-Glass has particular expertise in curving and screen-printing
glass.
Despite Darby’s tradition and history, Ian Ford has his eyes firmly
set on the future with the re-launch of the company. ‘We have made
dramatic changes right across the business to enable us to be a key player
going forward. Continuous investment in plant and machinery, processes,
systems and people will help us maintain our position and uphold a high
level of customer satisfaction both now and in the years ahead.’
Tel: 01724 280044
Email: mailto:sales@darbyglass.co.uk
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk
Imagination
– Synseal’s Marketing Support that Works
Synseal
is currently reprinting another 20,000 copies of the ‘Imagination’
hardback book. ‘Imagination’ was launched less than 10 months
ago but the original 20,000 copies have already been snapped up.
‘We have invested over £80,000 in the combined 40,000 books,’
comments Nick Dutton, sales and marketing director of Synseal Extrusions
Ltd.
‘We had to print more because not only have we run out of this premium
marketing support item, we are also taking the opportunity to incorporate
the latest information on new additions to the Shield Conservatory System.
For example the new box gutter system and aluminium woodgrain top caps.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
The
name CGI International is going to
be a familiar sight on the roads in the UK. A new fleet of delivery vehicles
have the CGI International company logo on the curtainsides. This marks
a new transportation era for CGII and follows an excellent year of growth
for the Haydock based company.
Steve Ridgway, Sales & Marketing Director, had this to say,'The name
CGI International is synonymous with fire and safety glass but having
the company name on transport vehicles reminds customers that we are here,
and hopefully it will reach the company’s that we have yet to do
business with.'
These vehicles transport the company’s fire and safety glass, to
many clients all over the UK. CGII manufactures its fire and safety glasses
at its purpose built factory in Haydock, Merseyside. The factory was built
mainly for the exclusive manufacture of the company’s Pyroguard unwired
fire glass product range. Since then CGII has enjoyed increased productivity
and sales and is continuing to smash growth targets. The factory is now
operating to full capacity and has a second production line in operation.
CGII provide a complete range of fire products to fulfil a wide variety
of performances and appearances enabling specifiers to obtain all their
requirements for fire and speciality glasses from a single source.
Tel: +44 (0) 20 7960 6060
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Website: http://www.cgii.co.uk
Coventry
based cruiserweight Rob Norton recently took to the ring in Sheffield
to contest the British and Commonwealth title. Norton is sponsored by
midlands based Spectus fabricator Indigo Products
Ltd.
The contest took place in early September and was the main event on a
fight night special shown nationally on BBC 1.Norton’s opponent was
local fighter and titleholder Mark Hobson.
Despite an absence from competitive bouts for three years, Norton made
a hard fight for Hobson who retained his title on points after the fight
went the scheduled distance of 12 rounds.
Indigo’s Sales and Marketing Director and ardent boxing fan Danny
Hague managed to catch the fight on television while on holiday in Spain.
He said, ‘Rob put up a hell of a fight. He will definitely be back
fighting for more titles and flying the Indigo colours.’
Contact: Danny Hague
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com
Clement
Provides Top Prize for Radio Joker
Haslemere
based Clement
Windows Group has announced the winner of its 'knock knock'
joke competition, which was recently held on Delta FM's Bill Sheldrake
show.
The lucky winner of the competition for the best knock knock joke is John
Brine of Alton, Hampshire, with his joke:
'Knock knock'
'Who's there?'
'Mickey'
'Mickey who?'
'M'key won't fit, that's why I need a new door!'
The prize, donated by Clement Windows is a new front door worth in excess
of £500. Clement also agreed to install Mr Brine's new frontdoor
free of charge!
Mr Brine comments:
'I am shocked and delighted to have won the competition. I am very pleased
with the new door and it makes a big difference to the amount of light
coming into our home.'
Web: http://www.clementwg.co.uk
Castle
Combe experienced increased visitor numbers during September, when guests
of the Burles Group flocked to the
racing circuit.. The two-day event attracted existing and prospective
customers, but for many the attraction was inside the Veka Big Rig, rather
than on the track!
Hosting the occasion in collaboration with Veka plc were representatives
from window and door fabricator, Modplan Limited, and its sister company
Versatile Limited, designers and manufacturers of the Versatile Roof System.
‘We held a similar event at our own premises earlier in the year
which proved to be very successful’ explains Chris Reeks, trade sales
manager for Modplan. ‘This time we decided to venture further afield
– and are very glad we did! Visitor numbers were double those earlier
in the year with many more potential customers than expected.
‘As well as offering the chance to view the full range of Veka products
available through Modplan, this type of event creates the opportunity
for informal discussion,’ continues Chris. ‘That in turn helps
us to demonstrate first hand the partnership philosophy which runs throughout
the Burles Group and our suppliers, working together to ensure that customers
can meet future market demands and stay ahead of the competition.’
Staying ahead of the competition proved to be a breeze for Graham Snell
who drove away as winner in the majority of races on the second day. Taking
time out to visit the Big Rig, with racing colleague Russell Nagle, Graham
described himself as a ‘track day addict’ and was not the only
one to win track prizes at the event.
The Burles Group ‘Entry Ticket Draw’ meant that many guests
will be taking advantage of free spectator tickets for a track day event
in the future, whilst Cary Golding, who gained the first prize from the
draw, will soon be experiencing the thrills of the track from behind the
wheel of a Ford Focus and single seater racing car!
With the opportunities provided from the growth in the conservatory market,
existing customers of Modplan take advantage of the complete conservatory
package offered by the company. Together with its quality windows and
doors, the company offers the Versatile Roof System, providing differentiation.
‘Those visitors viewing the benefits of the roof for the first time
were stunned at how simple it is to install, compared to the roofs they
are currently using and the unique GRP beam, with its elegant appearance,
also seemed to provide enormous appeal’ commented Chris.
Tel: 01495 246844
Pilkington
goes ‘Pro-Activ’ with National Field Marketing Strategy
With
Pilkington Activ™ self-cleaning
glass now an established brand name across the UK following its launch
one year ago, Pilkington has now announced that it has begun a large-scale
field marketing campaign that is targeting almost 1800 window companies
to drive sales from the front end of the window supply chain.
This initiative follows some market research in which sales managers and
representatives said that they would like further training on Pilkington
Activ™. A 10-day telemarketing push targeting around 1800 window
companies has kick-started the programme, with prospective customers initially
being offered a glass sample and training consultant visits. Consultant
visits will then take place in two phases: the first will involve training
the main decision maker and gaining an agreement for the company to offer
Pilkington Activ™ to its customers; the second will include training
of the company's employees and placement of point of sale materials.
Chris Gill, Marketing Communications Manager for Pilkington, believes
that the timing is now right to market Pilkington Activ™ as a mainstream
product:
‘It was important for us to spend the first year following the UK
launch of Pilkington Activ™ ensuring that there was a fundamental
understanding of its essential benefits, both by consumers and by window
companies looking for a real value-added product. We now feel that Pilkington
Activ™ self-cleaning glass is a recognised brand and that we have
achieved what we primarily set out to do. The next phase is to establish
the product with window companies and their customers.
‘We will be watching the results of the field marketing activity
very closely as we believe it has the potential to really drive sales
forward.’
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Power
to Profile 22 Prizewinners
The
pleasures of powerboating await Framexpress director Mark Westbrook whose
company came top of the league in Profile 22’s
recent Red Letter Days marketing promotion.
A long-standing Profile 22 trade fabricator, Telford-based Framexpress
won the £1,000 Gold Award in the systems company’s Safeware
door locks Rewards Package.
Delighted with his success, Mark commented: ‘I’ve always wanted
to try powerboating and this prize gives me the opportunity to give it
a go. We’re very pleased with the new Safeware hardware range which
has been very well received by our customers.’
Prizes on offer included quad biking, helicopter rides, supercar driving,
sailing, champagne balloon flights and driving steam engines. Customers
were invited to sign up to notch up points based on hardware sales. The
more sales, the more points and the bigger the choice of prize.
Silver Award prize-winners included Neil Atherton of Atherton Windows
(£750); Ken Taylor of Superseal Windows of Northern Ireland (£700)
and David Dowling of Inverness Glass (£550). Nigel Porter of Alfa
Windows at Gateshead scooped the Bronze Award (£450).
Rob McGlennon, Profile 22’s Sales and Marketing Director, said that
lock sales had exceeded expectations and converted new customers to the
new range. He added: ‘It’s a great result and we may well run
another similar promotion in the future. So those who missed out can sign
up to the next one!’
Tel: 01952 290910
UKae
Boosts Georgian Sales Opportunities with new Portfolio Case
Ukae
Ltd
has introduced a new point of sale portfolio case, featuring sample grilles
of the company's Georgian range.
The case will represent a complete Georgian portfolio guide for fabricators
and sealed unit manufacturers, but is also expected to be effective as
a consumer sales aid for installer sales teams. The case will hold 24
different samples of the company's most popular Georgian systems, fully
assembled. Products displayed within the case will include coloured, painted
Georgian bar, Ukae's patented Covercap system, tu-tone and wood grain
Georgian profiles and the full range of Ukae's painted spacer profiles.
All the grilles are numbered for ease of reference and special portfolio
cases featuring individual company logos are also available to order,
increasing brand awareness at all supply levels.
Ukae's Sales & Marketing Manager Jason Williams believes that the
portfolio case will help boost profits for everyone: 'Georgian bar units
are premium units that can be sold as such to consumers. Creating more
awareness of the different types of Georgian products available by being
able to actually show customers what they look like rather than just showing
a drawing or description will, I think, have a big impact on sales of
this type of product in the market. This will have a very positive knock-on
effect throughout the whole supply chain.'
To obtain a Georgian portfolio case from Ukae, contact Lisa O'Neill on
0121 352 3138.
FA
Trophy Win for Sheerframe Club
A
football club sponsored by Sheerframe window systems company, L.B.
Plastics Ltd, has become the lowest placed semi-professional
club to win the prized FA Trophy.
L.B. PLastics Ltd has been one of the main sponsors of Lancashire club
Burscough FC for a number of years and has watched the team rise up the
ranks.
L.B. Plastics was first introduced to the club by John Moorcroft, a director
at the club and also managing director of Lancashire-based Sheerframe
fabricator, Horizon Windows. To mark the historic achievement, James Litchfield,
director of L.B. Plastics and John Moorcroft, recently teamed up to celebrate
the victory at L.B. Plastics headquarters in Derbyshire.
(L-R)
Burscough FC director John Moorcroft and James Litchfield, director LB
Plastics
'The Linnets', as Burscough FC are known, secured the FA trophy and became
footballing heroes (from odds of 400-1 at the start of the competition)
in a 2-1 win against Tamworth, the champions of the Dr Martens Premier
League, at Aston Villa's Villa Park ground.
James Litchfield comments, 'It's great to hold the FA Trophy, which was
so deservedly won. It was a superb performance by 'the Linnets' - they've
worked very hard and their success is well deserved. Let's hope this season
is as successful!'
Tel: 01773 852311
Case
in Hand!
In
judging any conservatory system, it always helps to actually handle and
examine components. That is now achieveable with the Aztec
conservatory roof system, with the development of a new sales and marketing
tool.
The
company has produced an easy-to-use branded sample case that includes
handy-sized samples of all the 10 core components that make up its roof
system. Manageable sections of ridge assembly, box gutter, eaves assembly,
transom assembly, glazing beads, ring beam, rafter pins, clip-on finials
and crest and end closures are included, to demonstrate the key installation
benefits of the Aztec system. As a result, the company's fabricators can
help their customers understand the concept ofthe Aztec system, and their
customers sell the system to end-users, by being able to physically show
its quality of engineering and installed performance benefits.
Colin Bennett, managing director of Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems, says,
'We all know how it helps our understanding of a product or system by
physically handling and examining a component.
'Because our system has so few parts compared to other premium quality
roof systems, it is easy to incorporate all components into a sample case,
to help our customers and their customers explain and demonstrate the
benefits'
The development of the sample case is the latest in Aztec's continuous
programme of improving customer support, which includes an updated website,
quality sales literature, and what the company claims is perhaps the most
professional 'corporate' video in the industry, aimed at all sectors of
the market, from fabricator to end-user, featuring TV motoring journalist
Tiff Needell.
Adds Colin, 'We are all subjected to increasingly high quality, professional
marketing in our lives. It is vital the conservatory industry keeps pace
with that. At Aztec, we are making our contribution to that, to help our
customers continue to grow their businesses and profitability.'
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
UAP,
the door furniture supplier to the PVCu industry, has launched a new packaging
design for all the company’s decorative hardware products.
John Cross, sales manager of UAP says, ‘We believe that our products
are far superior to our competition, and whilst we are happy to discuss
every aspect of our product with any customer, we had to accept that our
packaging let the product down.
‘Our packaging was the standard white boxes that are common in the
market. We felt that it was imperative to set our products apart from
the competition and brand them.
‘Our trading style of the company is Universal Imports and we have
a strong brand identity with UAP.
‘UAP as a brand is easy to remember, it is short and the logo style
reflects a
strong image. We have used our brand on our range of cylinders and imported
glass, so adding the brand to our decorative hardware was a natural progression.
‘Now when anybody is looking for high quality products at a competitive
price, all they need do is to look for the UAP brand name.’
Tel: 0161 763 5290
Email: mailto:univ.imports@ukonline.co.uk
Web: http://www.universal-imports.com
Sarnafil
Roof Assured,
the supplier of PVC flat roofing systems to the home improvement market,
has recently launched the company’s most comprehensive start-up package
yet. It includes advice and practical tools to help installers get up
and running with lead generation, sales and installation.
Lead Generation Support includes an in-store display model with ‘tap’
water feature, as seen at Glassex, artwork for logos, leaflets and direct
mail, advertisement design and PR.
Sales Support helps convert leads with a table top roof model, colour
brochures, videos, assorted Sarnafil samples and the Sarnafil weld pull
strips as featured in the Glassex ‘take the pull’ test. In-house
product sales training and the 5-point system photographic sales presenter
are also included.
Installation Support involves training at the Sarnafil CITB registered
training school in Norwich. On-site operative training, workmanship inspection,
surveyor training and installation cost benchmarking all contribute to
exceeding the customers’ expectations.
Andy Ball, Market Development Manager of SRA comments: 'We are constantly
working to improve the marketing support available to registered installers.
This is our most professional and wide-ranging package yet, and we expect
sales to reflect that.'
Tel: 01603 748985
Spectus
Fabricator, Indigo Products provided
some weighty support for the launch of HW Plastics' new Elite 70 system
at this year's Glassex in the form of championship boxers Rob Norton and
Dean Pithie.
Rob
who is the former WBU Cruiserweight Champion and Dean, the current Commonwealth
Super Featherweight Champion visited HW Plastics' hospitality suite along
with boxing enthusiast Danny Hague, Sales Director of Indigo Products.
Walsall-based Indigo Products has sponsored Rob and Dean in all their
fights over the past 12 months.
This has included both Indigo and Elite 70 logos featuring prominently
around the ring during recent fights.
'Over the years we have built up a strong relationship with HW Plastics
and were more than happy to arrange for the lads to visit them at Glassex,'
comments Danny Hague. 'As a company we pride ourselves in our commitment
to customers. The new Elite 70 suite is very impressive and will only
help to enhance our reputation for quality products and excellent service.'
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com
Titon
Continues Another Season in Top Form
Hot
on the wheels of last season, Titon,
the window fittings and trickle ventilation manufacturer, has continued
to sponsor motor racing champion Martin Byford.
Racing
cars is just a hobby for Martin, who works as a conservatory designer
at Sudbury-based A&B Glass, and this year he will be racing alongside
his dad, Ray, Managing Director, A&B Glass, in his bid to win the
Super Coupe Cup. Last year Martin came fourth in the Clio Cup after he
fiercely contested the competition.
Titon decided to continue its sponsorship with A&B Glass to maximise
its brand awareness in East Anglia; Titon’s headquarters are based
in Colchester, and the company's manufacturing facilities are in Haverhill.
Tyson Anderson, Marketing Director, says: 'Martin’s doing a great
job in the drivers seat, and after four meetings and six races he currently
leads the championship. We are delighted to continue our sponsorship with
A&B Glass and wish the team well for the rest of the season.'
The Super Coupe Cup is a multi-class championship comprising of various
saloon cars from their respective defunct ‘one-make’ championships.
It is one of Britain’s most popular and best-supported saloon car
championships.
Web: http://www.titon.co.uk
Saint-Gobain
Glass UK Launches SGG Planitherm Challenge 2003
Saint-Gobain
Glass UK
recently launched The SGG Planitherm Challenge 2003, a new initiative
designed to incentivise purchasers of SGG Planitherm.
Thirty-four companies have been selected by Saint-Gobain Glass UK to take
part in The SGG Planitherm Challenge 2003 and they have been set individual
targets for purchases of the SGG Planitherm and SGG Planitherm Futur N
soft coat products. Companies successful in achieving those targets during
the qualifying period, July to December 2003, will win up to four holidays
to Rome, enabling many people to enjoy the delights of a long weekend
break in one of Europe’s most exciting cities, during spring 2004.
The successful companies will be notified in the New Year.
The launch of this promotion comes only a few weeks after the ground breaking
ceremony held at the float plant in Eggborough, Yorkshire for the £15
million magnetron coater which will be used exclusively for UK production
of the SGG Planitherm products.
'The SGG Planitherm Challenge 2003 is a new, exciting style of promotion
for Saint-Gobain Glass UK, designed to incentivise and reward purchasers
of our class leading soft coat low-E products.' says Darren Kearns, Group
Marketing Manager of Saint-Gobain Glass UK.
'The transition in the UK and Ireland to soft coat low-E products is being
driven not only by tightening Building Regulations but also by the enhanced
characteristics of the soft coat glass compared to traditional hard coat
products; better thermal performance, increased light transmission and
more neutral in appearance.'
Contact: Kathryn Dalgleish
Tel: 024 7654 7544
Ultraframe
takes Uzone on Nationwide Roadshow
Ultraframe,
the international manufacturer and designer of conservatory systems, is
taking its new Uzone roof system on a three-month nationwide roadshow
in response to unprecedented levels of trade interest.
Over 8000 installers are now being invited to experience the Clicklock
technology first hand at a series of events nationwide. Each visitor has
the chance to win a luxury holiday to an exotic destination, and all attendees
will also receive an exclusive free gift.
Uzone offers quality, affordability and technical performance (at a price
of £850 for a 3m by 3m Victorian roof) and brings Ultraframe quality
and engineering expertise to the value end of the sector.
There will be three 'bases' for Uzone. Firstly, Ultraframe's showroom
in Clitheroe is being specially adapted for those attending from the North
West; while two large mobile Uzone showrooms will tour the country in
order to satisfy demand elsewhere.
The 23-foot showrooms are fully equipped with the latest audio-visual
equipment, air conditioning and galley. Each day of the Uzone roadshow,
running between the beginning of July until the end of September, will
see four hands-on sessions take place — typically involving a technical
presentation, Q & A session and practical build-up, lasting around
an hour.
Installers will receive a personalised invite from Ultraframe to a roadshow
in their area and should reply quickly to guarantee their place.
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk