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Consultancy
Firm Offers Expertise in UK and International Glass Markets
David
Woodward, the former Commercial Director for Pilkington Building Products,
has established Global Glass Consult
(GGC) to provide a range of advisory services to companies involved with
the flat glass market.
A
graduate in business studies, David is one of the industry's most experienced
individuals with more than 36 years experience in the flat glass industry
worldwide. Through GGC David now offers a range of services that includes
commercial strategy and policy, business planning, investment projects,
new product development and product/market exploitation. Technical, logistical,
manufacturing and processing projects are also within GGC's remit.
David's achievements and contacts are numerous; he established Pilkington's
first forum for global marketing co-ordination, and until recently was
a long-standing member of the Board of Directors of Groupement Europeen
des Producteurs de Verre Plat (GEPVP) - the European association of flat
glass producers. Contacts with the world's major glass producers are extensive.
One of the key projects in which David held a key responsibility at Pilkington
was the implementation of the company's SAP and Customer Relationship
Management (CRM) systems.
Global Glass Consult can offer a range of services to all sectors within
the flat glass/building products sector worldwide, including:
* Direct ‘hands-on’ involvement in all aspects of commercial
strategy and policy.
* Access to a network of associates worldwide with particular expertise
in the technical, logistical, manufacturing and processing functions.
* Business planning including investment projects, new product development
and product/market exploitation.
* GGC is an independent consultancy able to offer a unique skill-set based
on many years' of international and multi-national experienced senior
figures from the flat glass industry.
‘Running any flat glass related business is increasingly complex,
and under constant pressure from legislation on the one hand, and competition
on the other, from within the glass industry but also other building materials,’
says David. ‘I can now use the experience I gained from working with
one of the world's top glass producers to provide balance and support
for companies facing these pressures, but who perhaps require the additional
objective external resource and expertise to develop strategies with which
to counter them, to compete more effectively, and develop new opportunities.
I believe that the skill set available through GGC is unique.’
Visit http://www.GlobalGlassConsult.com
for more information, or contact David Woodward on 01704 564152, mobile
07802 234923.
Wendland
Launches Styal-ish New Retail Marketing Support Package
Wendland
Roof Solutions
has produced a new series of contemporary marketing literature that reflects
the increasing popularity of its Styal system amongst UK homeowners. Aimed
at the consumer market and highlighting the bespoke possibilities offered
by the Styal system, the new marketing materials illustrate how homeowners
can ‘bring the outside in’ with a Styal conservatory, and are
expected to be an invaluable sales aid to retail installers.
The
new series includes an outsize A4 full colour consumer brochure, a consumer
‘mini’ brochure and an A2 poster, all with a fresh, modern appeal
appropriate to the design and feel of the Styal system itself. The larger
consumer brochure, in particular, uses bright, colourful photography and
seductive text, suggesting the many different uses that can be made of
a Styal conservatory: as a sunny breakfast room, a practical playroom,
a bright working environment or a comfortable relaxation space.
‘In addition to the imaginative possibilities of the Styal system,
consumers are also alerted to its practical benefits: the fact that Wendland
was the first conservatory roof manufacturer to gain BBA certification,
the longevity of the company and its dedication to continual research
and development, the different options of glass and polycarbonate and
their benefits, the choice of finishes available and the weather performance
of the finished conservatory.’ says the company.
However, perhaps the most important message to consumers is that Styal
offers the possibility to create whatever kind of conservatory space they
want, in any bespoke design.
As the consumer brochure outlines, ‘With Styal, you get the space
you want – not an off-the-shelf box’. Wendland says that the
creation of the new themed literature has already resulted in a rise in
the number and value of bespoke orders received by the company during
the last few weeks.
To obtain copies of the new literature or find out more, contact Wendland
on 0870 420 7900.
Three
Daves Fish the Prizes in Total's Contest
Seems
like you couldn't put a rod wrong in the Total
Glass Fishing Competition if your name was Dave. Organisers
were left reeling by the coincidence, for all three winners in the fabricator's
third popular annual angling contest shared the same first name.
Total Glass arranged packed lunches and coach transport from the company's
Liverpool factory to Cheshire for the 57 customers, suppliers and employees
who enjoyed bright June sunshine on the bankside at Hampton Springs, Whitchurch.
Roy
Carey of Total Glass, left, presents the trophy to First Prize winner,
Dave Hiehan of Amazing Glazing
First
prizewinner Dave Hiehan, of Amazing Glazing in Widnes, netted a flat screen
TV and DVD combination with his 28lb 5oz catch of the day. In second place,
guest angler Dave Molloy won a Sony hi-fi stereo for his 24lb haul, while
Dave Halewood of Merseyside-based Profile Windows came a close third with
23lb 1oz and wound up with a DVD player. All three were presented with
their trophies by Roy Carey, a Total Glass driver and keen fisherman who
helped to organise the competition with Total's Operations Director, Paul
Ierston.
'We couldn't believe it when we discovered they were all called Dave.
It was definitely a lucky day for the Daves, or was something fishy going
on perhaps? Whatever it was, someone up there must have been smiling on
them!' said a stunned Paul.
After six hours fishing in perfect conditions, the party retired to a
nearby watering hole, some to celebrate (no prizes for guessing who!)
and others to drown their sorrows.
For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151 549
2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com.
Essential
Selling Tool Now Available from Sash UK Ltd
A
specially designed sample case is now available from Sash
UK to customers wishing to sell the benefits of austenitic
products to the end user.
The
Yorkshire fabricator has recognised that, although it is widely accepted
in the industry that austenitic steel is more durable and less prone to
corrosion than ferretic alternatives, the end user is still relatively
oblivious. That is of course, until their ferretic component windows begin
to rust after just a few years.
The sample case, from Sash UK, will allow the salesperson to highlight
the benefits of austenitic products to the retail customer, without any
need for the ‘hard sell’. Each case contains examples of ferretic
and austenitic hinges, which have been subjected to neutral salt spray
tests to produce accelerated corrosion. The ferretic sample rusts significantly
during the test, whereas the austenitic hinge emerges with little more
than a fine powdery residue around the screws.
To the end user ‘seeing is believing’ and the austenitic hinge
performs so noticeably well in the ‘spray test’ that one Sash
customer even requested one ‘with more rust on it’, claiming
that it looked too good to be true! ‘This level of quality is just
one of the reasons why Sash is renowned for raising industry standards.
And once the end-user understands this, it will ultimately be the reason
why they choose a Sash UK window installer. All in all this makes the
sample case an invaluable selling tool.’ says the company.
The samples come in an attractive Samsonite suitcase that is convenient
to carry and transport. The case also contains a magnet to distinguish
austenitic from ferretic components (the magnet will not stick to austenitic
products). For more information please contact Sash UK Marketing on 01226
715619.
Glasslam
has again demonstrated the versatility of its laminating systems, the
company was asked by Garden designers Carole Waller & Sue Adcock if
panels of intricate hand painted silk could be laminated in between glass
and be made to look as if it were springing up out of the earth.
The panels recently won a Silver Gilt award at the world famous Chelsea
flower show in London.
Web: http://www.glasslam.com
Deeplas
by Deceuninck is launching its latest
marketing campaign with a new contemporary, promotional style.
A series of adverts and mailers have been produced using the existing
curvature of the Deeplas logo as the central focus. ‘The material
is modern, stylish and somewhat reminiscent of the extruded products the
company sell.’ says the company.
The campaign entitled ‘looking to grow your business’ is aimed
at installers who are looking to expand their current business while adding
additional value.
Deeplas by Deceuninck offers a range of roofline and cellular products,
in addition to a selection of niche products, to allow customers to diversify
into complementary markets. Such products include the company’s Décor
range of wall and ceiling panels that brings additional opportunities
in the kitchen and bathroom arena.
Each section of the campaign depicts an additional sales opportunity within
the Deeplas portfolio to demonstrate the range and diversity of the products.
Business Unit Manager for Deeplas, Hazel Wilson stated: ‘Our new
campaign is a modern, fresh design but more importantly, demonstrates
the impressive range of products available to our customers. Installers
and stockists are consistently facing increasing competition and not all
can come away with the business. One way to stay ahead is to offer the
fullest range of products that will not only allow you to offer a complete
solution, but presents the opportunity to react to other market demands.’
The new Deeplas campaign will be seen throughout the remainder of 2005.
Tel: 01249 816969
Email: mailto:hazel.wilson@deceuninck.com
Veka’s
St Austell Window Firm Opens its Doors to a New Opportunity
An
established window company based in St Austell recently opened its doors
to the trade and general public to celebrate £400,000 worth of investment
in a new window manufacturing plant. The Wunderplas
Windows fabrication plant based in St Austell, Cornwall has
created new jobs for the local workforce and is expected to significantly
boost business for the firm.
Wunderplas
Windows as a brand has existed since 1978, but the Cornwall side of the
business was bought out by husband and wife team David (pictured) and
Carole Vine in 1991. The company has grown significantly since that date,
building up an enviable retail business with additional commercial contracts.
Despite this steady growth, however, the company’s Directors believed
that Wunderplas could achieve even more success as a manufacturer and
trade supplier of windows, doors, conservatories and other products. Having
previously bought Veka window frames from a north of England manufacturer,
Wunderplas approached Veka and asked for its help in setting the company
up as an independent fabricator.
Says David Vine:
‘We have always used Veka products and find them to be excellent
quality, so we had no doubt as to whom we should choose as our PVC-u supplier.
We have been very grateful for the company’s guidance in helping
to design and plan the new fabrication plant.’
Wunderplas has also invested around £400,000 in a new Haffner automated
cutting and machining centre including the latest CNC window manufacturing
and glass processing machinery, allowing the company to manufacture all
its own windows and many other products in-house. Wunderplas can now produce
up to 150 windows per week plus conservatories. The plant installation
has led to the creation of eight new jobs: two office-based roles and
six factory floor positions.
The new personnel will join the company’s already 30 strong team.
However, David Vine describes these recent developments as ‘just
the beginning’ for the company’s new future, with further plans
already in motion to invest more. The ultimate goal is to reach a manufacturing
capacity of 550 windows per week, employing more local people as the business
grows.
Although the weather at the recent Wunderplas Open Weekend was very disappointing
it did create a great deal of interest and the Company received a considerable
number of new orders for its products. Part of the attraction was the
Veka’s Big Rig, an impressive, fully-equipped 25 tonne mobile exhibition
unit that acts as a moveable walk-in showroom, allowing visitors to see,
touch and try out Veka products for themselves. The unit has been used
at launch events, regional fairs and local authority/ housing association
tenant meetings and comes complete with refreshment facilities.
The
K2 roofing system and K2's Celsius
glass became TV stars when they appeared on Channel 4's 'Room for Improvement'
programme on 3rd May 2005.
The popular home interest show, which is broadcast on weekdays at 4pm
featured the K2 system in an ambitious kitchen and dining room redevelopment
project, demonstrating the flexibility of the K2 product range within
a domestic setting.
The use of thermal performance Celsius glass allowed the homeowners featured
in the programme to enjoy their family kitchen and dining room all year
round in a light and welcoming environment.
The effectiveness of Celsius thermal performance glass was also demonstrated
by an experiment involving ice cream and the use of a special Celsius
heat lamp. When programme makers held up an ice-cream in front of the
heat lamp fitted with ordinary glass, it melted straight away; while when
an ice cream was held in front of the heat lamp fitted with Celsius thermal
performance glass, it did not melt. This experiment demonstrated the thermal
performance properties of Celsius, which allow it to reflect 72% of solar
energy, more than three times the amount reflected by standard glass.
Comments Managing Director of K2, Sally Fielding: 'Supporting our installers
by driving interest from the consumer market is an important part of our
business strategy and this high profile TV programme will help consumers
understand just what can be achieved with K2 products. The market for
Celsius glass is expanding as more and more homeowners discover the advantages
of thermal performance glass and we expect interest from the programme
to make it easier for installers to up sell to Celsius as a value added
glazing option.
'We're delighted that the K2 system has achieved TV stardom. We don't
need to worry about the camera capturing the product's good side - we
think it looks great from any angle!'
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.co.uk
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles Partners Rizla Suzuki Superbike Team
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles
has joined the Rizla Suzuki Superbike Team as Official Logistics Partner,
supporting the team in the 2005 British Superbike Championship. By supplying
the Caravelle, Transporter and LT to the current British Champions, Volkswagen
provides the team with a complete transport solution.
A
Volkswagen LT35 van is used by the team to transport its motorcycles.
The spacious and highly practical van has enough room to fit bikes and
all of the spares required to keep Rizla Suzuki running for an entire
race weekend.
The team uses two Caravelles to move its VIP guests around tracks in style
and comfort. With flexible seating and a carefully designed interior,
the Caravelle can comfortably accommodate seven people and their luggage.
For team members and their kit, two Transporter Shuttles are used to move
the squad between circuits and hotels around the country.
Rizla Suzuki‚s British Superbike Champion, John Reynolds, and his
team mate Scott Smart, will be racing their 200 mph Suzuki GSX-R1000 bikes
at 13 venues around the UK as they contest the 2005 British Championship.
Rizla Suzuki Team Coordinator Simon Green said: 'Volkswagen Commercial
Vehicles is the perfect partner to Rizla Suzuki. Its Caravelles and Transporter
Shuttles are the absolute pinnacle of people carriers and the LT stores
enough parts to keep the British Superbike Champion team running for an
entire weekend with room to spare. Volkswagen takes care of all our logistical
needs and let us get on with the job of producing the fastest motorcycles
we can to win races.'
You can follow all the progress of the Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles-supported
Rizla Suzuki team on http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
or
http://www.rizla-suzuki.co.uk
Conservatory
fabricator Dave Boot has thundered to the top in his first motorbike road
race backed by Aztec Conservatory Roof Systems.
Aztec,
the conservatory roof system company, is sponsoring Dave during the 2005
season, to achieve his ambition of competing in road racing. He will be
competing on two bikes, a Suzuki 750 and Suzuki 813, which he has engineered
to be equivalent to British Superbike specification.
In the opening round, organised by Derby Phoenix Motorcycle Club, Dave
raced round the tough Anglesey track averaging speeds of over 80mph to
take the winner’s laurels and two additional podium places in the
Thunderbikes class for V-twins and four cylinder bikes, on his Suzuki
750cc, in races each with nearly 30 competitors. The race he won, he took
by over a third of a lap, despite starting at the back of the grid, passing
27 other riders to take the chequered flag.
He is now working on achieving similar success in Open classes on his
second bike, another Suzuki 750 which has been bored to over 813cc capacity,
offering a ‘fiestier’ ride and power equivalent to a 1000cc.
Colin Bennett, Aztec managing director and himself a keen biker, commented,‘Anglesey
is a difficult track, as I know from personal experience!
‘You have to concentrate all the time. Dave rode superbly: it was
not only his first time racing competitively, but his first time on the
track, so to win one race and come second in two others emphasises his
skill and confirms our judgement of him.’
Added Dave, who works for Conservatory Land in Mansfield, ‘The adrenalin
was really flowing. I was delighted with the result, and hope to keep
up that pace for Aztec in the next rounds.’
Aztec’s support of Dave is the latest sporting sponsorship the company
has agreed. It is also sponsoring Neil Boardman in the Opel telecom NW
Formula Ford 1600 Championship, in which he took a podium place in the
opening round, and the Yasumitsu Schlapp speed cycling team which includes
World Masters and British Champions and Olympic gold medallists. Colin
adds, ‘The Aztec system is all about superb engineering and speed
of build, so has great synergy with speed sports. We have an ethos of
developing people’s skills, so it is great to be able to help both
Dave and Neil achieve their potential.’
Tel: 01942 720044
Email: mailto:enquiries@aztecsystems.co.uk
Web: http://www.aztecsystems.co.uk
Vicaima
Doors Climb the Property Ladder
When
Property Ladder developers were looking for doors for their Art-Deco house,
Vicaima offered the ideal solution.
Sisters Natalie and Tanja Milton featured in the hit Channel Four show
as they took on the renovation of a unique 1930s four bedroom house crying
out for some attention.
Situated at Southbanks, Poole, an area famed for having the fourth most
expensive land in the world, the property demanded something more than
the average door.
Vicaima was chosen for its blend of designs and quality. Of the vast range
of doors available, the Exclusive Natur EX5.1 with DFB02 decorative beading
was selected as it complemented both the art-deco look and the sisters'
flamboyant style. Its clean-cut lines and black panels combine timeless
style with modern design and technology. Real wood veneers and contrasting
inlays added an extra touch of quality to the development.
Tanja said 'We've had an incredible amount of compliments on the Vicaima
doors as they truly set off the house and are fabulously art-deco'.
Vicaima offers a wide selection of finishes including Ash, Maple and Steamed
Beech. The Milton sisters opted for glazed cherry veneer throughout the
house, which was compatible with all of the wide range of décors
they chose, from bold colour schemes to neutral classics.
The Exclusive range is just one of an extensive selection of door styles
offered by Vicaima. Other options include Classic panelled and Essential
flush doors, in a variety of fully factory finished veneer, foil and laminate
faces.
Tel: 01793 532333
Web: http://www.vicaima.com
'For
those in the UK fenestration industry, conditions can be likened to the
weather, where from a clear view, dense fog can arise with alarming speed!’
says Graham Felton, the man behind engineering and management consultancy
business, Compass Consulting, who has been navigating companies through
this type of experience for more than a decade.
‘As the industry becomes more competitive and complex, companies
are continually faced with new challenges’ explains Graham. ’Whether
it's a new regulation or a new competitor, whatever, often the problem
appears so quickly that it's too late to read the terrain, and even the
most carefully thought out strategic map isn't of much use! Consequently,
the consulting projects I have been asked to undertake over the last few
years have differed widely - in both focus and scope.’
With a long and successful career in engineering behind him, across the
building industry in general as well as 16 years at supply level in fenestration,
it is no surprise that much of the project work originally undertaken
by Compass Consulting related to Graham's expertise in the field of engineering,
mainly focussed on product development for larger companies seeking differentiation.
These days, Compass is retained by a variety of businesses, many of which
are quite small in comparison.
Graham continues, ‘Ten years ago people only saw Consultants as being
part of a large team, taking months or years, and a lot of expenditure,
to sort out basic problems with a lot of jargon thrown in for free. With
the window and conservatory markets becoming so competitive, not to mention
price driven, organisations have cut back on overheads and head count,
resulting in a lack of internal resource to handle the smallest of new
projects, or to manage basic elements such as any internal restructuring
that may be required. In other words, management are so busy handling
the day to day work load, that there's no time left to manage the implementation
of even the simple improvements in efficiency that would help maintain,
or boost, profit.
Often, clients need no more than a sounding board. Someone who can help,
in a straight forward manner, to determine what resources will be required
and what problems may be encountered if they pursue, or miss, a particular
opportunity. Sometimes they simply need an extra pair of experienced hands
for a short time because they are unable to take on the extra overhead
of further head count during an unexpected period of big demand.
‘Another problem I encounter a lot is due to the fast pace of change
within the industry. For instance, companies who have been successful
for years, always doing things in the same way, identify a need to diversify
or introduce updated processes if they are to survive. They implement
new ideas quickly and appear to be experiencing great success, only for
them to discover that they are over stretched, have lost focus and direction
and need someone who can see things from a different angle to help get
them back on the right path - it happens frequently with new entrants
to the industry too!
‘Then of course, there's the reverse situation, which we've all experienced
where we know we have to do something, but what? More often than not the
solution is staring us in the face, but we're walking down the wrong path
to see it!’
Graham's experience and expertise has been tested to the full in recent
years, yet he still finds time to run a second company in conjunction
with his consulting work. ‘Launching Compass Building Products in
2000 was the result, a natural progression I suppose, of my engineering
and product development work.
Compass designs and manufactures technically advanced products for people
who want to stand out from the crowd, or who need an adaptation of a product
to make it simpler and more efficient to use. It helps to add a new dimension
to the consulting business as well, as we have such a broad spectrum of
clients, from specifiers and architects through to installers and has
provided valuable experience in working with organisations of all sizes,
across all market sectors.’
Graham admits that in today's business climate, identifying and implementing
solutions for future success can be tricky, ‘but it doesn't have
to be a long drawn out process and it can be very cost effective’.
If you need assistance to plot a safe course to the future, call Graham
on 07710 058726.
Volkswagen's
New Ad Campaign lets Van Customers Do The Talking
Volkswagen
Commercial Vehicles'
new advertising campaign stars 19 of the company's customers from across
the UK - and of course their vans. The brand decided the best advertisement
for the product would be the customers - professionals whose vans form
a vital part of their businesses.
The campaign, featuring real Volkswagen van customers who volunteered
to take part, will be seen on billboards across the country, in national
press and in numerous trade press publications. Each was photographed
in their place of work, as part of the campaign to raise brand awareness.
The work is a major departure for van advertising in the UK in that it
focuses on loyal and enthusiastic customers with their vans.
The customers in the campaign were nominated initially by their local
Volkswagen Van Centre, who were then sent disposable cameras asking for
snapshots of them with their vans. Following an unprecedented response
from customers, the pictures were carefully judged and the final candidates
chosen. The customers-turned-models and their vans then took part in a
professional photo-shoot from which the final advertisements were produced.
The advertising also introduces a new strapline: 'Apparently Volkswagen
also makes cars' - a light-hearted reference to the customers' love of
their vans.
Head of Marketing for Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles, Nigel Brotherton,
said: 'We want to celebrate the success of our customers and put them
centre stage. My thanks go out to each and every customer that took part.'
In 2004, the company achieved sales of 20,803 in the UK, which represents
a 27.2 per cent increase over 2003 - itself a record year. The record-breaking
figure gave Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles a 6.2 per cent share of the
UK light commercial vehicle market.
Tel: 0800 717131
Web: http://www.volkswagen-vans.co.uk
Alcoa
Netherlands Aluminium Extrusions Featured on Popular U.S. Television Programme
Aluminium
extrusions produced by Alcoa Netherlands
in Drunen helped to make a home featured on the popular U.S. television
programme 'Extreme Makeover: Home Edition' livable for a paralysed man.
Alcoa Netherlands is the sole supplier of aluminium extrusions to Handi-Move
International, a leading manufacturer of lift and care systems for disabled
persons based in Belgium. Handi-Move's U.S. distributor is SureHands®
Lift & Care Systems of New York.
The premise of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition is to challenge a team of
professional designers to renovate a home in a week. Earlier this season,
the designers helped a handicapped man accomplish normal activities for
daily living by installing a SureHand®
Lift & Care System - a motorised system that moves a person in a so-called
body-support suspended from tracks installed on the ceiling. Alcoa extrusions
are used for the ceiling tracks of the navigation system.
According to Serge Timmermans, Alcoa account manager for Extrusions and
End Products, Handi-Move chose Alcoa aluminium extrusions for its products
because of four attributes of the metal: weight, shape, machining and
durability. 'Handi-Move products use profile shapes that are made possible
by aluminium extrusion forming, which is not possible with steel. In addition,
aluminium profiles are easier to machine and bend than steel ones. And
finally, aluminium is the preferred metal for a tool such as the Handi-Move
ceiling track because of aluminium's durability and it's lightweight.
It will stay in good physical shape even in humid surroundings,' said
Timmermans.
About Alcoa Europe Extrusions & End Products
With almost 50 presses in 6 European countries, Alcoa Europe Extrusions
& End Products (EEP) is one of the largest extrusion companies in
Europe. Aluminium extrusions for automotive or aerospace applications,
commercial transportation profiles, building and construction systems,
heat sinks for electronic components, micro extrusions, industrial products
or other - Alcoa EEP is a one-stop-shop for aluminium extrusion requirements.
It is ISO 9001, ISO 14000, QS 9000 & EURAS EWAA Qualanod and Qualicoat
certified supplier.
Alcoa in The Netherlands
Alcoa has been active in The Netherlands since 1967. Products produced
in The Netherlands include extrusions, architectural systems, building
products, packaging, ingot and end products like greenhouse systems, light
poles and flagpoles. Alcoa Netherlands has manufacturing facilities in
Raamsdonksveer, Drunen, Harderwijk and Kerkrade.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com