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New
Management and Expanded Product Line at Armatec Vierhaus GmbH
Armatec
Vierhaus GmbH,
a subsidiary of Bystronic Glass,
has a new president. Bernd Bedner has succeeded Ulrich Vierhaus, who
retired at the end of last year.
Bernd
Bedner assumed responsibility for Armatec Vierhaus GmbH, located in
Gunzenhausen in Franconia, in April 2004. The contract with the previous
owner and former company president Ulrich Vierhaus ended on December
31st, 2004.
Founded in 1983, Bystronic-Armatec Technology is considered a leading
brand worldwide for customer-oriented complete solutions for the manufacturing
of laminated glass. The company is also a well known provider of efficient
handling equipment and transport devices for all sectors of sheet and
flat glass processing.
Since 2003, Armatec Vierhaus GmbH has been owned by Bystronic glass.
Bystronic is a global supplier of total solutions for the economical,
application-engineered manufacture of architectural and automotive glass.
Mr. Bedner has been active for eleven years in an executive position
in machine and system construction. Before his Armatec assignment, he
was the president of a well known mechanical engineering company in
the electrical industry for four years.
Even in the first few months of activity at Bystronic-Armatec Technology,
Mr. Bedner was able to successfully introduce a number of product innovations
to the market.
glasstec 2004 saw the presentation of a semi-automatic cutting table
for laminated and float glass in the form of smart’lamicut with
a previously unattainable cost-to performance ratio. The smart’lamicut
guarantees efficient processing of laminated and float glass and is
a good entry-level solution for laminated glass cutting.
Also in the area of system solutions for laminated glass manufacturing,
smart’lamiline, a new product with great promise, has been introduced
to the market next to first’lamiline, which has already proven
successful for many years.
The laminated glass that is manufactured on a smart’lamiline is
identical in quality to first’lamiline, and is every bit as compelling
a product. The differences between the two systems are in the different
type of production and in the differentiated level of fittings. Thus
smart’lamiline is especially designed for customers who are just
intending to get started with laminated glass production or who want
to concentrate on manufacturing speciality items with small batch sizes.
Email: mailto:armatec@armatec.de
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
Lister
Trade Frames
of Stoke has invested in its own in-house Information Technology Department,
focused on the constant improvement and implementation of new computer
systems and better communication throughout the business.
Mark Warren, Lister's MD says that 'The obvious advantage to having
our own IT development team is that they are on site working with all
members of the business all the time. And this last year has seen them
involved in projects covering new accounting systems, point of sale
software, scanning technology, documents sharing, telephone systems,
software for two computerised saw centres, and perhaps the most outstanding
development, Listers MDI program.'
left
to right: Listers IT team, David Sedman, Andrew Lister & Martin
Bell
Lister's
MDI (Multiple Document Interface) was conceived to bring many separate
computer systems within the company into a single operator interface.
It means that any of Lister's personnel can access information on any
part of Lister's operations from a single program. People involved in
processes in different parts of the company, even in different buildings,
can now see relevant information in real-time wherever they are. They
don't even have to get up to use the fax because orders and supply information
are shared electronically with suppliers and sent automatically by the
MDI program.
Andrew Lister who heads Lister's IT Department says 'It was an enormous
task to design and build this interface, which had to bring all the
different systems together, and at the same time please all the different
departments that would have to use it.' Andrew and his team developed
the system with constant interaction with the departments and it was
launched to the resounding applause of everyone involved.
'It was thrilling to see the Lister MDI system launched and it making
an instant improvement to everyone's work. The IT Team is an intrinsic
part of the development of our company and it's great to see the real
impact we can have on the company's success.' says Andrew.
Tel: 01782 205605
Email: mailto:sales@listertf.co.uk
Wendland
to Provide Faster Route to Market with New Product Development Team
Wendland
Roof Solutions
has created a new Product Development Team that will be dedicated to
keeping customers abreast of new products and finding the fastest and
best way to get them to market.
A new Product Champion has been appointed from each of Wendland’s
four central departments – Technical, Marketing, Sales and Purchasing
– to form the team, which will meet weekly to discuss progress
on new product development, manufacture and supply. Initially, these
meetings will be presided over by recently appointed Chief Executive
Steve Gardiner, who will track the progress of these developments and
appoint tasks to the chosen Champion of each department. The company’s
Designer of Concepts will also be closely involved with the new Team
and its objectives.
Wendland’s
new Chief Executive Steve Gardiner will ensure customers get what they
want with the introduction of a new Product Development Team
A
number of new initiatives have also been put in place to support the
Product Development Team in its endeavours. A bespoke software system
has been specially created for the input of customer feedback. Every
comment regarding new product requests or suggestions received from
customers dealing with every Wendland department will now be logged
into the system and evaluated. Regular reports from the system will
be produced and examined during the Team weekly meetings.
Steve Gardiner believes that this team approach will produce a far more
efficient product development programme:
‘This is a very unusual tactic for our industry but we need to
put a practical solution in place that will allow us to get the products
that our customers really need to them as quickly as possible. The new
computer system will ensure that every new product development –
from a nut or bolt to a complete system – is tracked from concept
to completion, and the team meetings will keep everyone regularly up
to date with what is being done. I expect this approach to be a successful
one and look forward to offering Wendland customers an even smoother
service.’
Caption: Wendland’s new Chief Executive Steve Gardiner will ensure
customers get what they want with the introduction of a new Product
Development Team.
Synseal
New Recruit Sells £250,000 of Global on Second Day in the Job
Dave
Jackson, of Synseal Extrusions Ltd,
landed a £250,000 contract on only his second day with the company.
Coming from another large conservatory roof company Dave comments: ‘I
didn’t bring on an account of this size in the last 12 months I
was with my previous employer. I knew it was time to make a career change
and Synseal was the obvious choice because I had come across them so
many times. The Global system is the best on the market and the sales
support is second to none.
After a phenomenal induction week I started my sales calls on Monday.
My first call was so impressed, they made a four hour round trip to
visit the Synseal factory on Tuesday afternoon. When they arrived their
costings had already been prepared so they had all the information required
to make a decision to choose Global there and then. Synseal is the most
proactive company I’ve ever worked with. The speed of reaction
to customers is amazing. It’s a totally different culture.’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Masco Corporation Announces Management Appointments
Masco Corporation announced on 28th February two management appointments: Sharon Rothwell has been named Vice President, Corporate Affairs; and Melonie Colaianne has been named President, Masco Corporation Foundation.
Prior to joining Masco in 2003, Rothwell served as Chief of Staff to Michigan Governor John Engler. In her new role, Rothwell will work closely with Richard A. Manoogian, Chairman and CEO, and become an officer of the Corporation. In addition, she will represent Masco in its community and charitable activities and continue to represent Masco in government relations and civic activities. Rothwell holds a Master of Public Administration degree and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.
Colaianne joined Masco in 1998 after serving as Vice President and Corporate Secretary for Cranbrook Educational Community. As President of Masco's Foundation, she will lead Masco's charitable initiatives while continuing her responsibilities as Director of Corporate Affairs, including oversight for Masco's corporate-wide travel and meeting service programmes. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from Eastern Michigan University.
Headquartered in Taylor, Mich., Masco Corporation is one of the world's leading manufacturers of home improvement and building products as well as a leading provider of services that include the installation of insulation and other building products.
Three
New Sales Stars at Masterframe’s Sales Office
Masterframe
Windows,
manufacturer of high-quality PVC-U sliding sash windows, is strengthening
its sales team with the appointment of new team members: Donna Reardon,
Gemma Murphy and Sarah Howard.
‘Founded
in 1988, Masterframe continues to wow the market with a range of windows
based on continuous product innovation and strong sales support. The
same principles apply to our sales team,’ says Sonia Smith, Masterframe’s
Sales and Processing Manager. ‘Appointing Donna, Gemma and Sarah
reflects Masterframe’s continued success and our commitment to
putting the right people behind our great products.’
The three new colleagues bring valuable experience and enthusiasm from
within – and beyond – the window industry. All three had heard
of Masterframe’s reputation and couldn’t wait to bring their
skills and personalities to the sash window scene.
New recruit Donna, who joins Masterframe after several years with a
casement window fabricator, speaks for the trio when she says: ‘We’ve
all seen Masterframe’s quality and the company’s loyalty to
its customers and employees. Every sales call lets us spread the Masterframe
message. We love every minute!’
Tel: 01376 510410
Web: http://www.masterframe.co.uk
John
Waide has been appointed as factory manager to Irish door manufacturer
New World Developments. Previously
with a large international operation, John is helping to drive through
change which will ensure the company’s continuous growth and bring
employment and prosperity to the region.
Already a player in the UK’s PVC door panel market, last year New
World championed the launch of the composite door, Apeer, and is now
developing this line with several new products including a single-rebate
option.
John lives locally in Antrim and has a strong commitment to communicating
with customers. MD Austin McGillian says 'John’s appointment has
strengthened our team considerably and we appreciate that his specialist
skills will benefit us all.'
Tel: 028 2563 2200
Email: mailto:linda.tomb@nwd.uk.com
Web: http://www.nwd.uk.com
HEWI
Strengthens its Marketing and Sales Focus with new Appointees to Management
Team
The
past few years have seen HEWI concentrating its activities clearly on
cost cutting and restructuring. HEWI has now brought this phase to a
close by appointing two new directors.
The appointment of Reinhard Fenski as the new director of marketing
and sales is intended to give the company’s activities a stronger
market orientation, whereby particular attention is being attached to
the company’s enhanced internationalisation.
The other new addition to the management team, alongside Reinhard Fenski,
is Dr. Gunnar Streidt who has been put in charge of the company’s
finance, controlling, purchasing and personnel divisions. Dr. Streidt
is not an unknown quantity at HEWI as he was already managing director
at the company in the mid-nineties.
From
left: Reinhard Fenski, Ralf Lehne, Dr. Gunnar Streidt
Ralf Lehne retains his position as managing director of the company’s
research, development, innovation and production divisions and also
remains in charge of quality management.
Ralf Lehne was pleased to already be able to announce the launch of
new products enhancing the company’s 'barrierfree' collection and
further additions to its stainless steel programme to coincide with
the Bau trade fair in Munich. 'Stainless steel has meanwhile become
a permanent and wide-ranging feature of our collection,' he declared.
'What is important now is to work together with sales manager Eckhard
Brosch and marketing manager Werner Laux to correctly position our enhanced
product ranges in the marketplace', Reinhard Fenski stated.
Pierre-Alain
De Smedt New Independent Director for Deceuninck
Group
Deceuninck,
manufacturer of PVC window systems and profiles for the construction
industry, has appointed Pierre-Alain De Smedt as new independent director
on the Board of Directors.
At present Pierre-Alain De Smedt (60) holds a top position with the
Renault group in Paris, where he has been responsible for all operational
activities since 1999.
Pierre-Alain De Smedt graduated as a commercial engineer with a masters
degree in economic sciences at the ULB. He has built up an impressive
career in various branches of industry. For example, he was general
manager of automatic data processing for Solvay and administrative and
financial manager of Bosch Belgium.
He then worked for Volkswagen in Vorst where he became managing director.
Following this he became managing director of Autolatina, the joint
car operation of Volkswagen and Ford in South America.
Pierre-Alain De Smedt is no stranger to Deceuninck. At the stockmarket
introduction in 1985 he was already a member of the Board of Directors
of Deceuninck as independent director.
'We are delighted that Pierre-Alain De Smedt has agreed to sit on our
Board of Directors once more. He has acquired a great deal of technological
and organisational know-how both in Belgium and abroad. Pierre-Alain
De Smedt is also someone who gives his all to everything he does. He
is an important asset for Deceuninck,' says Arnold Deceuninck who is
chairman of the Board of Diredors of Deceuninck.
Pierre-Alain De Smedt will be filling the vacancy that became available
following the death of honorary chairman and director, Roger Deceuninck,
on 15th July this year. Next May the General Meeting will be asked to
finally confirm the appointment of the new independent director.
Pierre-Alain De Smedt also has a directorship with Belgacom and the
Nationale Portefeuille Maatschappij.
Web: http://www.deceuninck.com
Duraflex
Takes Stock with New Appointment
Dedicated
Duraflex employee, Rich Holder,
has worked his way up through the ranks to become the company’s
new Warehouse and Distribution Manager. Since joining the systems company
back in 1987 as a picker and packer Rich has held a number of supervisory
positions, and even enjoyed a brief stint as a delivery driver. His
extensive and varied experience is already proving invaluable in ensuring
the smooth running of Duraflex’s busy warehouse and distribution
centre.
His most challenging project to date has been the move of the company’s
warehousing facilities from Quedgeley to its new purpose-built headquarters
in Tewkesbury. Rich and his team completed the transfer of the entire
warehouse and distribution operation without a hitch, and in fact finished
half a day ahead of schedule.
‘The move to our new HQ is the biggest logistical project I’ve
ever been involved in,’ says Rich. ‘The unification of the
warehouse, factory and office on to one site is a major step forward
for the company and will enable us to work more closely together as
a team for the benefit of both the business and, most importantly, our
customers.’
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
KEB
Appoints National Sales Manager
Social
housing fenestration specialist KEB Fabrications
has announced the appointment of Sarah Rudderham as National Sales Manager.
Commenting
on the appointment, Lawrence Breakspear, MD of KEB said, ‘As a
consequence of our recent growth, it became apparent that we needed
a dedicated manager to coordinate our commercial activity throughout
the UK.
Sarah brings to KEB extensive experience of the Commercial market and
an excellent track record in Sales. We are delighted to have added her
knowledge and skills to our management team.’
Following her appointment Sarah said, ‘My previous career has been
in the Commercial sector so naturally, I am delighted to be joining
a company with such a great reputation.
I share KEB’s ambitions and I am looking forward to meeting the
challenge of maintaining the company’s growth.’ Sarah was
previously employed for nine years with a regional commercial fabricator
where she was Sales Manager.
KEB was the subject of a management buyout twelve months ago and since
then, the Profile 22 fabricator has been awarded long term contracts,
throughout the UK, valued at more than £30M.
Tel: 0121 555 5533
Web: http://www.kebfabrications.co.uk
New
National Sales Manager at Sierra Windows
Paul
Tranter has returned to Sierra Windows
as National Sales Manager. Paul has spent all his working life in the
window industry, covering everything from manufacturing to sales, including
several years at Sierra as Regional Sales Manager.
‘I'm excited to be coming back to Sierra as it is one of the biggest
players in the industry,’ says Paul.
‘Sierra has a fantastic range of products and our customer service
and marketing support is second to none.
‘I am looking forward to working with the sales team offering the
complete Sierra package to installers all over the UK,’ he adds.
Paul enjoys golf, squash and motorcycling in his spare time.
Tel: 08700 113706
Web: http://www.sierrawindows.co.uk
Saint-Gobain
Corporation Names Puccio Vice President-Finance
M.
Shawn Puccio has been named Vice President-Finance by Saint-Gobain
Corporation, effective February 1st, 2005. She was previously
the company's Vice President, Internal Control Services.
In her new position, Puccio will be responsible for providing leadership
and direction to the company's finance functions.
Puccio has a Bachelor's of Business Administration in accounting from
Marquette University, as well as an M.B.A. in finance and operations
management from Wharton. She is a resident of Berwyn, Pennsylvania.
Puccio is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
and the Pennsylvania Institute of Certified Public Accountants, as well
as the Forum of Executive Women. Puccio is also treasurer of the Girl
Scouts of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
Before joining Saint-Gobain, Puccio was a partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers
LLP.
Saint-Gobain Corporation is the holding company for the U.S.- and Canadian-based
businesses of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (Paris), a leading producer
of construction products (building materials, insulation and piping),
high-performance materials (abrasives, industrial ceramics, high-performance
plastics, and reinforcements), flat glass, and glass containers. The
company is also a leading distributor of building products in Europe.
One of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, Saint-Gobain's
2004 sales approximated $40 billion. In the United States and Canada,
Saint-Gobain employs more than 25,000 people, and has about 180 manufacturing
locations.
Maco
announces the retirement of its Area Sales Manager for Scotland, Bob
Gallie. ‘Bob has contributed well to our overall success in Scotland
for the past six years, having joined the company on the 29th September
1998.’
As
a trained joiner, Bob worked his way through manufacturing and into
timber windows and in 1975 joined Arthur Shaw as a sales representative
selling fittings for timber windows. He subsequently joined two other
‘Names’ in the industry, (Wagner and then Mila) before moving
to Maco.
Bob says he has seen many major changes in the industry over the years.
His perception of the industry is one of ‘The larger companies
getting larger, and the small ones dropping away’ In answer to
the question about future window sales in Scotland, he points out that
the Local Authority window replacement programmes are coming to an end,
and there is only a fraction of the new housing development planned
in Scotland in comparison to the South, but that there is ‘Still
a good volume of windows to replace’.
As to the future, he and his wife are planning a ‘Dream holiday’
and then he has his gardening, the bowling green and badminton to focus
his attention on. He also says that ‘As the hardware business gets
in your blood, I might enjoy some part time work behind the counter
somewhere in a hardware supplier’.
With a rousing send-off accompanied by a Scottish Piper, Rob Lawrence
and the Maco team wished Bob a happy and enjoyable retirement and knowing
his energy and enthusiasm are quite sure that he will get as much out
of it as he can - and in the process hope he stays in touch.
Tel: 01795 433900
Vicaima
Expands Merchant Support
The
appointment of Andrew Sainsbury-Brown as Sales Manager for Vicaima
in the South East of England indicates the company's commitment to merchant
support and marks further growth for the door manufacturer.
Andrew joins the Swindon based door specialist with over 20 years experience
in the building industry. Formally with Fakro Roof Light Windows and
prior to that Jeld-Wen joinery manufacturers, he brings with him an
in-depth knowledge of the merchant market and a thorough knowledge of
interior timber doors. Andrew will be responsible for developing sales
relationships throughout the South East and will be able to introduce
many of the doors that have proved so successful for Vicaima in other
areas.
‘Vicaima has so much to offer’, said Andrew. ‘The company’s
reputation for quality, performance and real alternatives to door construction
are like a breath of fresh air. I am looking forward to providing new
solutions and working with customers new and old’.
Vicaima holds substantial stocks at its UK warehouse and distribution
facility, with over 80,000 interior doors, in over 750 product lines.
The company’s ranges include flush, panelled and inlay designs,
with an extensive selection of finishes including: Natur real veneers,
Cepeldor™, a pressure laminate surface with excellent durability,
and Dekordor© wood-look foils, which are an alternative to white
painted moulded skin doors. All Vicaima doors are supplied fully factory
finished and can be provided in a wide selection of stock sizes. As
specialists in fire protection, with accreditation to both the BWF-CERTIFIRE
and TRADA Q-Mark schemes, most Vicaima doors are also available fire
rated to FD30 or FD60, making them suitable for commercial and high
rise domestic applications.
Tel: 01793 532333,
Web: http://www.vicaima.com
Rehau continues to invest in its personnel with the appointment of two new members of staff.
Terry
Ledwith (right) is the new Area Sales Manager for Kent and Essex responsible
for providing a high level of customer service to fabricators in that
area. He has joined Rehau after 12 years experience in retail window
sales and believes his background will particularly benefit customers
looking to target that sector.
Mark Gajda (left) has been appointed to a newly created Supplier Quality
Management role with a brief to strengthen and improve supplier quality
to Rehau. This is part of a European wide initiative within Rehau which
will see a network of Supplier Quality Managers in each country sharing
knowledge and expertise to achieve the same standards of excellence
from suppliers across the group.
Mark has been with Rehau for three years and previously worked as a
design engineer.
Tel: 01989 762600
