People and Careers March 2004

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CAP Increases Resources in New Growth Spurt

To help support its expanding operations, architectural glazing sub-contractor CAP Aluminium has appointed Andy Humphries as project consultant for West Midlands, Western England and South Wales.

Andy’s role will be as a regional resource to main contractors and specifiers, continuing CAP’s trend of developing partnerships with project teams on a mutually beneficial and long term basis. CAP is currently working on NHS LIFT, ProCure 21 and PFI contracts as well as the CLASP initiative.

Promoted from commercial manager, Andy, 43, has been with CAP for nearly 20 years and brings a wealth of experience to his customer orientated role.  He lives in Birmingham.

The vacant post of commercial manager has been taken by Andy Finn, another internal appointment. Both positions will be in CAP’s expanding architectural division which is responsible for large projects such as Evelina Children’s Hospital, Westminster (£1.3M) and several other £1m+ contracts currently on site in the W. Midlands and the South East.
  
Tel: 0121 525 1000 
Email: mailto:enquiries@capaluminium.com
Web: http://www.capaluminium.com


A Loyal Backing

You can tell a lot about a company from the people who work there says Shepley. After all, a business is its people. Based on its philosophy of building strong, long lasting relationships with its customers, the whole team at Shepley work towards this.

‘Customers appreciate our approach because it means there is always a friendly voice at the other end of the phone,’ says Gary Torr, managing director of Shepley. ‘This is partly because of the superb company wide customer service training we have carried out, but it is also because people enjoy working at Shepley. Twenty six Shepley staff have now been with the company for 10 years or more. That’s a third of the original Shepley team. This loyalty means a lot to us. It’s satisfying knowing that not only do our customers like our approach, but so do the people working for us.’

Tel: 0161 339 2433
Email: mailto:james.brisbane@shepley.com
Web: http://www.shepley.com


Paul Neeteson Becomes New President, glasstec 2004

Paul Neeteson has taken over the presidency for glasstec 2004, the 18th International Trade Fair for glass machinery, equipment, applications and products.

Mr. Neeteson is the General Delegate of the company Saint-Gobain (Aachen) for Germany and Central and Eastern Europe. Originally from the glass industry and President of the National Association of the Glass Industry, he takes over from Martin Nagel, National Director of the German Glazing Guild.


The Sky-Vent Team

Allan Hudson joins the Sky-Vent team as UK sales manager after working for window giant Everest. Allan lives in Dudley with his wife and 10 year old son. He enjoys caravanning and surfing in his spare time. 'I am delighted to join the team in Birmingham as the company moves to 'the next level' in this booming market.

'Sky-Vent has experienced tremendous growth over the last twelve months and has fast become a recognised brand in the conservatory market.' added Allan.

'Now supplying some of the largest names in the conservatory business the firm offers unparallel service and delivery times. From 24hr delivery to electrical wiring queries the team works very hard to keep everyone from fitters to fabricators happy. In order to stay ahead of the competition Sky-Vent continues to develop and improve the product with the latest addition being the 'Seal-Tech' aluminium lid.'

Sky-Vent claims that this allows the company to offer a leak proof guarantee. Feedback from installers and extensive product testing has given the company much experience in the roof vent sector.

Glassex surprise
'At Glassex this year we will be unveiling a surprise new product to complement Sky-Vent. We have invested heavily in this new product after noticing a trend in the market.

'It is something conservatory fabricators can make money with' says Allan who is keeping tight lipped about the new project.

Email: mailto:sales@sky-vent.co.uk
Web: http://www.sky-vent.co.uk


Alcoa Names Managing Director of Fjardaal - New Iceland Aluminium Production Facility

Alcoa announced recently that effective March 1st, 2004, Tomas Mar Sigurdsson, 36, has been named managing director of Fjardaal, Alcoa's planned new 322,000-metric-ton-per-year primary aluminium plant in East Iceland.

Alcoa's Fjardaal aluminium facility is part of the most extensive single investment in the history of Iceland and is being designed to be one of the most environmentally friendly aluminium production facilities in the world. Construction is scheduled to begin in 2005 and production is expected to start in 2007.

Mr. Sigurdsson joins Alcoa from Nordural (Nordic Aluminum), a primary aluminium manufacturer in Iceland, where he was technical and environmental manager.

'Fjardaal is an important element of Alcoa's growth strategy in primary metals. Tomas brings start-up and project management experience to the job having been involved in both expansion and new construction projects at Nordural that included environmental assessments, power and raw materials contracts, and community engagement. We are pleased to have Tomas take a leading, active role in establishing one of the most efficient smelters in the world,' says Mike Baltzell, president of Primary Development for Alcoa.

Biographical information on Tomas Mar Sigurdsson:
Tomas Sigurdsson has been technical and environmental manager at Nordural (Nordic Aluminum) since 1997, responsible for engineering, environment, power and utilities, production services, quality control, and maintenance areas for this primary aluminium producer based in Akranes, Iceland. From 1995 to 1997, he worked primarily on environmental impact assessments and project planning as an engineer/project manager for Honnun Ltd. Consulting Engineers. Early in his career, he was an engineer for the Icelandic Public Road Administration.

Mr. Sigurdsson has a bachelor's degree in civil and environmental engineering from the University of Iceland, Reykjavik. He received a master's degree in Development Planning in 1995 from Cornell University, located in Ithaca, New York in the United States. While attending graduate school, Mr. Sigurdsson was a teaching assistant in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Cornell and later worked as a transportation analyst for Ithaca Tompkins, the County Transportation Council. He returned to Iceland in 1995 and taught courses on environmental impact assessments at the University of Iceland before joining Nordural.


The Burnden Group ‘Raises Stakes’ with New Group Financial Director

The Burnden Group, parent company of conservatory roofing specialist K2, has appointed a new Group Finance Director, Stephen Beckett. A key part of Stephen’s remit in the newly created post will be to manage the financial growth of K2, both organically and by acquisition.

Stephen joins The Burnden Group from Money Control Group, a division of Coin Acceptors Incorporated, a major American owned group supplying coin and bill handling equipment and vending machines to the vending, amusement, telecommunications and gaming industries. His previous role as Group Finance Director involved managing the division’s financial affairs across Europe and North America, as well as subsidiary companies across the world.

Stephen has extensive experience of refinancing for growth, negotiating numerous forms of commercial agreement and expanding companies both organically and by acquisition, making him an ideal candidate to manage the expansion of K2, which grew by 73% over the last financial year.

Since recently joining The Burnden Group, Stephen’s role has involved completing the acquisition of K2 Glass (previously CCG), extending the K2 brand to include K2 Windows and Doors and securing a finance deal for the company from the Royal Bank of Scotland. Stephen has also introduced a new financial reporting system, which will allow K2 to manage both its current financial affairs and its future investment in new projects.

Comments Stephen: ‘I am delighted to have joined such a dynamic group and gained financial responsibility for an innovative company like K2, with undoubted potential for growth and development. I have experience of managing a group of companies across different countries, particularly with regards to expansion and am looking forward to using this knowledge to help K2, and the other companies within The Burnden Group develop and grow in the future.’

Comments K2’s Managing Director, Sally Fielding: ‘This is a key appointment for both the Group and K2, which will enable us to manage our expansion and forecast our ability to invest in new business ventures and projects. Stephen has excellent experience and knowledge of supervising the financial affairs of international companies and their development plans, which will make him a very valuable addition to the company and enable him to manage and direct our plans for future growth.’

Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com


Modplan - Expanding Through Efficiency

Recently appointed as general manager for Modplan Limited, Stuart Lewis is equipped to develop the production techniques and competencies that will enable the company to achieve greater expansion.

Investment in people, plant and machinery has played a large part in Modplan’s growth, but for trade sales manager, Chris Reeks, it has been the ability to anticipate and meet the changing needs of its customers, which has proved to be the key to maintaining steady growth.

Chris explains, ‘As part of the Burles Group we are able to identify varying shifts in requirements, across both domestic and commercial markets, well before they become the norm. That has allowed us to assess the impact they will have on both production techniques and service criteria, implementing any necessary changes without disruption or loss of business to our customers.’

The appointment of Stuart Lewis is viewed as another step towards reaching Modplan’s key target – enabling customers to stay ahead of their competitors.
‘Successful growth inevitably brings with it the need to introduce new competencies and working practices’, continues Chris, ‘but in today’s climate, combined with an increasingly diverse nationwide customer base, we need to be even more innovative and efficient if we are to maintain the substantial development we are used to!’

With over 19 years in production and operation management, across various industries, Stuart certainly has invaluable experience. Committed to developing production techniques that will provide increased efficiency and capacity, Stuart is looking forward to meeting the challenges that lay ahead.

‘The substantial amount of recent investment in plant and machinery is palpable,’ comments Stuart. ‘Initially my role will be to develop that investment through identifying and implementing the key skills which will enable Modplan to use it to maximum advantage. But the overall goal is to combat both current and future markets with the utmost efficiency, whilst not only maintaining, but improving on our existing reputation for quality products and service.’

Tel: 01495 246844


Beaufort Strengthens Sales Support

Beaufort Secure Design has strengthened its customer services team with the promotion of Richard Minor to Sales Support Manager. Richard joined the Newport-based aluminium systems company in 1995 and initially worked in the warehouse before moving into sales.

Richard’s new role covers all aspects of sales and marketing support for Beaufort’s growing customer base. These include advising on the product range, customer liaison, producing in house sales literature and assisting in the launch of new developments. He will also play a key part in expanding the company’s Approved Fabricator scheme, which recognises high standards of service and manufacturing quality among Beaufort’s customers.

Richard is looking forward to building on Beaufort’s success and having been with the company for eight years, his knowledge of Beaufort’s aluminium systems and user network will prove invaluable in his new position.

The company has recently reported exceptionally buoyant sales figures and Sales Director, Nigel Yates, says 2003 has been a busy and productive year. ‘Support is an important aspect of our business and Richard will work closely with other members of the sales team to reinforce the importance of pro-active customer service throughout the company.’

In his spare time, Richard is a keen golfer and Welsh League football player.

Tel: 01633 29 40 40
Web: http://www.beaufortsecure.co.uk


Key Player for Key Accounts

HW Plastics has recently appointed Nick Woodall as Key Account Manager to provide specialised support for its larger customers.

Nick will be working alongside Key Account Manager Dave Roden and closely with National Sales Manager Paul Lindsay to ensure the very highest level of customer service for HW Plastics' major clients.

Coming from a lengthy background of high-profile account management for some of the construction industry's most renowned firms such as Armitage Shanks and Armstrong Flooring, Nick brings with him a wealth of know-how, including professional marketing qualifications. More than this, he brings a genuine passion and dedication to the job.

Speaking of his new role, Nick is animated: 'I know it sounds like a cliche, but it really is great to be joining such a leading company at such an exciting time' he says. 'The last year was very much a transitional period for HW Plastics; the fruits of which are just beginning to show. I am in a position to really run with this extra capability, and am looking fonvard to combining it with all of my expertise fo provide the very best for both HW Plastics and my Key Accounts.'

Tel 01625 420400


New Appointment for Patent Glazing Group

Industry figure Ray Fraser has been appointed Chairman of the Council for Aluminium in Building's Patent Glazing Group.

As a sub-committee of the CAB, the Patent Glazing Group plays a pivotal role in influencing change in the £20+ million UK patent glazing industry. Members of the group, drawn from many leading companies, are responsible for promoting issues relating to patent glazing and to look after the interests of CAB members that are active in the sector.

With significant changes expected within the sector over the next few years, the new Chairman's remit will be to raise the profile of the Patent Glazing Group and ensure that members are kept up to date with the changes and new legislation that comes into force.

Ray comments on how he proposes to do this: 'It is important that members of the patent glazing group work cohesively and communicate their common interests to the CAB. Regular meetings will be encouraged to discuss new developments and it will be my job to ensure focus is placed on key issues important to the industry.'

Ray has enviable experience with a career behind him of over 40 years and is a leading authority on patent glazing. Well known throughout the industry, Ray is currently Architectural Consultant at specialist patent glazing manufacturer, Lonsdale, in London.

Tel: 01453 828851
Email: mailto:enquiries@c-a-b.org.uk
Web: http://www.c-a-b.org.uk


Ultraframe Appoints ex-Dyson Director for Major Push in Design and Innovation

Conservatory designer and manufacturer, Ultraframe UK has appointed ex-Dyson Director Andrew Thomson as its new Design and Development Director.

Andrew, 35, joined Ultraframe on 5th January 2004 and brings with him extensive experience in innovative industrial design and engineering projects from his previous role at the Dyson Group. In this role, Andrew will be responsible for new product development.

Commenting on his appointment, Andrew said: ‘Ultraframe is a leader in innovation for conservatory systems and I am excited to be joining the dynamic team that will build on the success already achieved. There are many great new products on the way and I am looking forward to keeping Ultraframe’s products at the forefront of technology, design and innovation, ultimately delivering real benefits to our customers.’

Ultraframe Managing Director, Nick Gale commented: ‘Ultraframe is absolutely delighted to have someone of Andrew’s calibre on our development team. He will be a great asset to the business which has a heritage of innovative design and construction and prides itself on its approach to product development.’

Andrew has a Bachelor of Engineering Honours degree from Imperial College London and a Masters degree in Design from the Royal College of Art.

Tel: 0500 822340
Email: mailto:brochures@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk


New Director of Newstead

Adrian Locker has been promoted to Director and General Manager of Newstead Trade Frames. Having worked for the company for 16 years Adrian is looking forward to the new challenges ahead. His new role will involve the development of all operating systems and procedures as well as ensuring the continual training and development of the management team.

‘I’m thrilled at this opportunity,’ says Adrian, ‘especially at such an exciting time for Newstead. The ongoing development programme for Newstead is a constant source of satisfaction. It’s exciting to develop new ways of doing things. The trick is to never be afraid to have a go, and take pride in what has been achieved thus far. Working closely with Peter Wilcox, Managing Director, and the rest of the team, our main objective for the future is to continue to provide customers with on-time, on-quality products and service that exceed expectations.’

Tel: (01782) 641 642


Profile 22 Appoints New BDM

Profile 22 has appointed Neil Whitfield as Business Development Manager for the North responsible for new and existing customers.

Neil brings more than 30 years experience in the building products, window and construction industry, primarily in sales and training. A qualified joiner, he also has considerable experience in devising construction training courses.

Father-of-five Neil says: ‘I plan to draw on my 30 years experience of the building and plastics environment to build up new relationships and develop profitable partnerships.’

Outside work, Neil enjoys music and DIY. His eldest son Ben, 19, is following in his dad’s footsteps by training to be a joiner.

Tel: 01952 290910


DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers Announces new Leadership Role and Emphasis on Safety Glass

DuPont Packaging & Industrial Polymers (P&IP) has announced the creation of a new global vice president position for its products and services to the glass laminating industry. Luigi Robbiati, a DuPont 30-year veteran business leader has been named to the new role, located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Announcing the move, DuPont P&IP President Craig Binetti noted, 'Our glass laminating business is making our homes and cars safer, protecting people and property. We believe this business is well-positioned to help advance DuPont leadership and innovation in architectural and automotive markets.'

DuPont products for the glass laminating industry include Butacite® polyvinyl butyral (PVB) interlayers and SentryGlas® Plus ionoplast interlayers used to manufacture safety glass for automotive windscreens, homes, and commercial and public buildings. Recent DuPont innovations include a new class of hurricane- and blast-resistant glass interlayers, as well as designer-oriented, printable SentryGlas® Expressions™ lnterlayers enabled by combining DuPont ink jet and safety glass materials sciences.

'These are important and growing product lines, supported by new DuPont design support capability and advanced security glazing technical services,' said
Binetti. 'Adding Luigi Robbiati in a new leadership role helps us provide the business with dedicated direction and attention to its global growth opportunities.'

According to Binetti, the new business emphasis will include renewed focus on worldwide manufacturing and customer support capability, as well as research and development aimed at providing services and technologies for improved injury protection, loss prevention, and building comfort and energy efficiency. The business unit will be named 'DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions,' and will continue to operate within P&IP as part of the DuPont Performance Materials platform.

Luigi E. Robbiati, appointed vice president, holds a degree in Economics/MBA and held previous leadership positions in DuPont printing and publishing, imaging, X-ray and industrial films enterprises. He recently headed the European business of DuPont Teijin Films, helping guide the joint venture's transformation into the world's largest PET film manufacturer.

'DuPont has a strong position in the glass market today and will grow even stronger as we do what it takes to be the preferred supplier and innovator of glass laminating solutions for a better, safer world,' said Robbiati.

The DuPont Glass Laminating Solutions business manufactures safety glass interlayers at sites in the United States, Korea, and Germany. Its sales are reported as part of DuPont's $5 billion Performance Materials platform.


Masco Corporation Announces Key Management Changes in its Cabinet Group

Masco Corporation recently announced the following key management changes in its Cabinet Group.

- Clay Kiefaber, 48, President of Merillat Industries has been promoted to the position of Group Vice President. In his new position, he will assume reporting responsibility for Texwood Industries in addition to his current responsibilities at Merillat. Kiefaber will continue to report to Cabinet Group President Ron Ayers;

- Scott Gordon, 38, Executive Vice President of Texwood, has been named President of Texwood, with responsibility for day to day management of the company, reporting to Kiefaber; and

- Bob Ladd, 53, President of Texwood and owner of the business when Masco acquired Texwood in 1997, at his request, will reduce his management responsibilities, but will continue as an advisor to the company.

'This move formalises the close working relationship between Merillat and Texwood and enhances our collaboration and focus in the marketplace to provide national solutions for builders,' said Alan Barry, Masco's President and Chief Operating Officer. 'We are fortunate to have the talent that enables us to provide such creative solutions to our customers and to promote from within when key leadership positions open up. Our ability to fill these positions with experienced, enthusiastic leaders demonstrate the depth of our management team and the effectiveness of our succession planning programme throughout the organisation.

'Bob Ladd has done an outstanding job, not only in building Texwood's business and manufacturing capabilities, but also in developing a management team that could lead the Texwood team into the future. We are very grateful for his contribution to the Masco family of companies,' Barry said.

Headquartered in Taylor, Michigan, 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.


New Face at Windowlink

Windowlink has expanded its sales team with the appointment of Sam Mason as Internal Sales Executive. Sam joins the software house with a wealth of experience in customer service.

Based at Windowlink’s new head office in Cirencester, Sam will be a key point of contact for general enquiries and will also liaise with both new and existing customers to raise awareness of the company’s range of products and services. In addition, her role will include generating new business opportunities for Windowlink’s sales presentation and manufacturing packages among current and potential users.

A new face in the window industry, Sam’s background in technical sales - which covers pricing, training and product development, should prove invaluable in her new position at Windowlink. Commenting on her appointment, Sam says, ‘I’ve been in a sales environment all my working life and am very customer focused. I’m really looking forward to developing my role and making a positive contribution to Windowlink’s continuing success.’

Tel: 0870 7701640
Web: http://www.windowlink.com

SFS Intec Strengthens Specification Team

Leeds-based SFS intec’s Industrial Division has recently strengthened its specification team in response to a greater requirement from specifiers and increasing demand for high performance corrosion resistant fasteners in the social housing sector.

The team comprises of experienced specification professionals led by Robin Szymura, specification manager, and comprises regional specification manager Richard Clough and specification advisor Jon Bunn.

The restructuring of the team now means that technical support and advice will be available at a more local level. Expertise on the complete range of roofing, window and industrial fasteners along with hinges will be readily accessible to meet the increasing demands from both public and private
sector specifiers.

Newcastle-based, Richard Clough joined SFS intec’s Roofing and Cladding Division over three years ago as a specification manager following 18 years in the industry. His new role will see him take on specification sales for the Industrial Division of the firm in addition to Roofing and Cladding for the north of England, north Wales and Scotland.

Richard says, ‘It's really exciting to be working in both divisions of SFS intec at this time. We have superior quality products and we are driving innovation and development. I am looking forward to boosting our success in the Industrial Division within my regions.’

Jon Bunn, who has been with SFS intec for five years, will be working alongside Richard serving the south of England from his base in Norwich. He will also be specifying fasteners and hinges from the Roofing and Cladding and Industrial divisions. Part of his responsibility will involve carrying out CPD seminars.

http://www.sfsintec.biz/CHSFSD01\WEB\SFSINT_E.NSF


Saint-Gobain Corporation Names Wilk Vice President

Robert Wilk has been promoted to Vice President-Business Practices and Compliance Programs for Saint-Gobain Corporation (parent company of CertainTeed).

In this position, Wilk will focus on Saint-Gobain’s proactive strategic initiatives in asset security, business controls, as well as compliance training and education.
In 1984, Wilk joined Norton Company (which became part of Saint-Gobain in 1990) as Manager of Security. He became Director of Corporate Security in 1986, and was Director of Business Practices and Compliance Programs prior to his recent promotion.

Wilk has a B.S. from the University of Toledo, Ohio.

Saint-Gobain Corporation is the holding company for the U.S.- and Canadian-based businesses of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain (Paris), a leading worldwide producer of abrasives, building materials, high-performance plastics, insulation, flat glass, glass containers, piping, reinforcements and industrial ceramics. One of the top 100 industrial companies in the world, Saint-Gobain had sales of $28.6 billion in 2002. In the United States and Canada, Saint-Gobain employs approximately 27,000 people, and nearly 200 manufacturing locations.


Proposal for new Board members in Trelleborg AB

A Nominating committee consisting of the Chairman of the Board and representatives from major owners representing approximately 65 percent of the voting rights in Trelleborg, has decided to put the following proposal before the Annual General Meeting:

Didrik Normark (elected to Trelleborg's Board of Directors in 1994) has declined re-election at the next Annual General Meeting on the grounds of age. Ann-Christine Albertsson (elected in 1999) has also declined re-election. The following new Board members will be proposed: Claes Lindqvist, CEO of Höganäs and Heléne Bergquist, Senior Vice President of the Electrolux Group. The following Board members will be proposed for re-election: Anders Narvinger (Chairman), Fredrik Arp (CEO), Rolf Kjellman, Berthold Lindqvist and Staffan Bohman. The Board members elected by employees are Kim Davidsson, Alf Fredlund, Karin Linsjö and Rolf Larsson.

The President and CEO of Höganäs AB, Claes Lindqvist, 53 years of age and a graduate engineer and economist, has worked as the CEO of the Höganäs Group since 1990. Claes Lindqvist has a solid background in engineering and has also held positions of responsibility for various operations within such companies as ABB and Åkerlund & Rausing. In addition to his involvement with Höganäs, Claes Lindqvist is a Board member in Jernkontorets Fullmäktige, the Southern Sweden Chamber of Commerce, AB Wilh Becker, SIMI Scandinavian International Management Institute and the Dunker Funds and Foundations.

Heléne Bergquist, Senior Vice President of the Electrolux Group, 45 years of age, has worked with global internal-control issues at the Electrolux Group for three years. She was previously a partner, part owner and authorised auditor at PricewaterhouseCoopers where she was responsible for a business unit dealing with consumer and industrial products. Her other assignments include Board membership in the Association for the Development of Generally Accepted Accounting Principles and previously, she chaired the Swedish Institute of Authorised Public Accountants' educational committee.

'Didrik and Ann Christine have participated in an admirable and committed way in the development of the Trelleborg Group for many years. We have now found worthy successors for them,' says Chairman of the Board, Anders Narvinger. 'Claes Lindqvist's comprehensive industrial experience and Heléne Bergquist's expertise in finance and control provide a most suitable complement to the Board.'

Trelleborg's nominations committee consisted of Chairman of the Board Anders Narvinger, Rolf Kjellman (the Dunkers Funds and Foundations), Ramsay Brufer (Alecta), Caroline af Ugglas (Skandia), Marianne Nilsson (Robur) and Lars Örstedt (AFA).

Web: http://www.trelleborg.com


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