Appointment of General Manager to Freefoam UK

Freefoam Plastics, one of the largest manufacturers of PVC-U and PVC-UE roofline and rainwater products in the UK, Ireland and Mainland Europe, has announced the promotion of Colin St John to the position of General Manager, Freefoam Plastics (UK) Ltd., with effect from the 1st June 2007.

Tony Walsh, Managing Director, comments, ‘With his contribution to achieving the strategic aims of the Company, Colin has been at the heart of the growth and development of UK operations over the last 5 years. In particular, his commitment to delivering a level of service that meets the needs of our customers has been a major part of our success. We are confident that customers will warmly welcome this announcement and wish Colin well in his role.’

For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email marketing@freefoam.com

New Sales and Marketing Manager helps TimberWindows.com's Dealers Grow

TimberWindows.com has recruited Lincoln Brown as its new Sales and Marketing Manager to help Registered Installers grow and generate profitable sales.

He'll help develop new marketing initiative the Lead-Machine - a policy designed to reward dealers who most actively seek sales.

Lincoln states:

‘The market potential for timber is huge. Homeowners want to maintain the traditional look of their property.

Having timber windows fitted keeps their homes' character and increases its value. We provide our Registered Installers with leads generated at our consumer website http://www.timberwindows.com as a reward for effective marketing.

‘It's a virtual business model that really works,’ continues Lincoln, ‘because it's efficient and is open all-hours.

'Installers can generate quotes online, access technical information and show homeowners accessories and add-ons at any time of day.

'The website is designed by people who know the industry inside-out so installers don't have to be computer whiz-kids to use it.’

Chris Brunsdon, Managing Director, expands:

‘Lincoln's worked in the industry for 34 years and held several senior management positions, bringing a lot of experience to TimberWindows.com. He'll be making sure new dealers understand our unique product and business model.

If you want to join the growing number of Registered Installers call 0845 458 9181.’

KAT UK Betts on Peter

KAT UK, the UK supplier of patio doors and vertical sliding sash windows, has appointed Peter Betts as its new regional sales manager for the South of England.

Peter, who has over 24 years experience of sales within the industry, will take responsibility for introducing new customers to KAT UK's range of products while ensuring excellent standards of service for existing customers.

Commenting on his appointment, Peter said: ‘KAT UK has an excellent reputation in the industry for selling high quality products and that in itself is already opening many doors for me. I'm delighted to have joined KAT UK and I look forward to the challenges ahead.’

Peter (44) lives in Hayes, Middlesex, with his wife and two children. A keen footballer, Peter is also a fully qualified football coach.

Tel:: 01625 439666
Email: sales@katuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.katuk.co.uk

VEKA's Jason Bird Moves Up the Pecking Order

To drive its sales forward VEKA plc has promoted Jason Bird to National Sales Manager.

Having crafted a very successful period as New Business Executive for three years, Jason's abilities in negotiations, customer relations and account management were fitting attributes to fulfil the role of National Sales Manager. Jason will continue to be responsible for New Business, with the support of Emma Crawford, and having had previous management experience in his career, he will also take on responsibility for all aspects of Account Management.

Commenting on Jason's well deserved promotion, Head of Sales and Marketing Colin Torley said: ‘When building any business it is important to have the strongest team of people behind it working to achieve unified goals, and that is what has made the VEKA name what it is today. Jason's promotion is well deserved as he has put the time and effort in to becoming a dependable team player who delivers results again and again. His is a positive addition to the Management Team and will bring continuity and renewed energy to the sales teams.’

Growing sales through both existing and new customers is an essential part of VEKA's success, so the search is now on to recruit a New Business Executive to fill Jason's old position.

Web: http://www.vekauk.com

New Sales Director for Glazpart

Glazpart, the glazing accessory specialist, has announced the appointment of Jim Nicholls as the company’s new Sales Director.

Jim previously held the position of Sales Director for the Cardale Garage Door group and prior to that was the National Sales Manager for the Marley Roof Tile Company.

Jim will take over full responsibility for Glazpart's Sales and Marketing operations.

The group's founder and Managing Director, Ken Hanley, said that the appointment was an important strategic move for the business and that Jim's manufacturing knowledge and experience in the construction sector had made him an ideal candidate for the role.

Web: http://www.glazpart.com

New Appointment for VEKA

VEKA has announced the appointment of Tom Wade as Account Management Executive. With a wealth of experience in the PVC double glazing industry, spanning an impressive 28 year service history, Tom is the latest recruit in VEKA's drive towards the best in customer service and the pursuit of new business.

‘I am thrilled to be working for the best company in the industry,’ says Tom. ‘This is a fantastic opportunity for me to utilise the experience that I have gained over the years in the many and varied facets of PVC fabrication, and having been involved in all aspects from installation to commercial specification, I have a wide reaching knowledge which I can bring to the table.’

Tom's responsibilities focus on account management for the North of England and Scotland. ‘My primary function is to serve our existing fabricator base and gaining business for them. It is vitally important that our key accounts are serviced regularly and efficiently and I am looking forward to working closely with our fabricators to source new business and expand upon existing contracts.’

Colin Torley of VEKA welcomes the new arrival as part of the team. ‘The North of England is a huge market for us and we have a number of loyal fabricators turning over a large amount of doors and windows for the region,’ he comments. ‘With his experience, Tom is the ideal man to service this area and to generate new business and we are looking forward to a long and successful partnership together.’

Web: http://www.vekauk.com

New Quality Manager for Kolorbond

Technispray Paints Ltd, manufacturer of Kolorbond - the colour coating for PVC-u windows - has appointed paint and coatings expert Eric Desmond as its new quality manager.

Eric has more than 40 years' experience in the coatings industry, having worked in both the manufacturing and application of wet paint and powder coatings. He joins the company from Colour Powder Coatings, where he was technical manager. In his long career in the industry, Eric has also worked for many well known companies, including Europlas Coatings, Akzo Nobel Coatings and Postans Limited.

In his role as quality manager with Technispray Paints Ltd, he will be responsible for ensuring that the company meets the consistently high standards that it has become known for in the production of its range of coatings.

Eric was attracted to Technispray by the company's excellent reputation for quality and service. ‘I am delighted to be joining the company at such an exciting time in the coatings industry. Like Technispray I am passionate about delivering a high quality product to the customer and providing excellent service and support to them. This is an attitude that is often missing in this industry and one that I am sure will enable Technispray to maintain its position as a leading force in the PVC-u market.’

Commenting on Eric's appointment, Dave Kershaw, Technispray's managing director, said: ‘This is a very exciting time for our business and we are very pleased to welcome Eric who is an exceptionally experienced individual with a strong track record in paints and coatings. I am sure that his appointment will make an enormous contribution to the company and help us to build on the winning formula that we have established.’

Midlands-based Technispray Paints Limited manufactures a wide range of coloured coatings for uPVC, ABS and other hard plastics. The product, which is guaranteed not to peel or flake off, is environmentally friendly and inert when dry. There is an unlimited choice of colours available and the company also provides a colour matching service.

Tel: 0121 326 8020
Email: enquiries@kolorbond.co.uk
Web: http://www.kolorbond.co.uk

New Warehouse and Transport Manager joins Everwhite

Everwhite Plastics welcomes Terry Owen as new Warehouse and Transport Manager. With over 10 years experience in manufacture, Terry is an ideal candidate. He is responsible for logistics and distribution operations and manages the drivers, warehouse and office staff in the busy factory to make sure it all runs smoothly.

Always one to enjoy a challenge, Terry comments: ‘My duties include making sure it's alright on the night. It doesn't matter how much you plan, something new happens everyday - I make sure we're always ready to act and so we don't let our customers down with deliveries. With roofline sales rising, Everwhite is expanding and I'm proud to be part of that growth.’

Tel: 01685 882 447

Glazerite Windows Appoints new Technical Manager

Network VEKA fabricator Glazerite Windows Ltd has announced the appointment of Mike Carroll as the company’s new Technical Services Manager.

Mike, 52, has spent the last 26 years in the fenestration industry, and Glazerite says that it is delighted that he is bringing his wealth of knowledge and experience to the company.

Mike's technical experience will be utilised to the full in his wide-ranging brief which encompasses three key areas both at the main factory and at customer sites. He will be working with the in-house team, assisting production and providing office technical support. He will also be interfacing directly with customers, advising on technical and site issues when required. Finally, he will be key in new product introductions, advising on and sourcing new products to add to Glazerite's already extensive portfolio.

Mike commented, ‘I've always had a great deal of respect for the personnel at Glazerite and I'm looking forward to working alongside them.

'I have no doubt that the reason for the company’s impressive success in the past couple of years is down to the quality of its products, reliable service and ‘can-do’ attitude and I'm excited about working as part of such a professional team.

'I know that by expanding our product range and continuing to offer exceptional service and marketing support, we can achieve even greater success.’

By strengthening the team at Glazerite Mike will be an integral part in the company's continued growth and development.

Investment over the past 18 months has seen in excess of £1.5 million invested in machinery, premises and technology to produce a portfolio of Veka products covering windows, doors, complete conservatories, bifolding doors and more besides all backed by a comprehensive 10 year guarantee.

With online quoting and ordering facilities available via broadband connection, Glazerite can offer the complete package to keep the installer one step ahead of the competition in today's market.

Tel: 01933 443222

Hurst Appoints Composite Expert Ron Jones

Hurst Plastics has appointed composite door expert Ron Jones to join the experienced team which looks after its recently launched Rhino composite door - a product which the company says offers the very highest in security and weather performance.

Ron Jones joins Hurst's skilled composite door team as Specification Manager. He was formerly with composite door manufacturer Homesafe Lindman, where he worked for 18 years in business development roles.

Ron has many years of experience within the composite door market and is well equipped to work with a wide range of local authorities, housing associations and contractors.

Ron was attracted to Hurst by the company's reputation for quality and service and the potential of the Rhino door. ‘I am delighted to be joining Hurst at such an exciting time for the business,’ says Ron. ‘Like Hurst, I am passionate about delivering the right product to the right customer in the right condition at the right time. This is a philosophy that is sadly lacking in this industry and one that I am certain will help Hurst to maintain its position as a leading force in the composite door market.

‘Low maintenance and guaranteed not to warp, twist or flake, the Rhino door is available as a prepared door set or fully prepared door leaf and has a lead time that will 'floor' the competition.’

For further details on the Hurst Rhino or to obtain a copy of the new brochure, please contact the Marketing hotline on 01482 790790.

Hurst Plastics is one of the UK's leading manufacturers of high quality PVC-U door infill panels and polymer doors. Based in Kingston-Upon-Hull, the company also supplies a wide choice of glazing options and a selection of GRP products, including overdoor canopies, bow canopies and conservatory roofs.

Web: http://www.hurst-plastics.co.uk

Web Developer joins the Board at TimberWindows.com

TimberWindows.com has demonstrated its commitment to further develop its web system by promoting Senior Web Developer Robert Franks to the Board of Directors to continue to increase sales leads.

Robert comments: ‘One of my ambitions as IT Director is to produce a powerful and comprehensive web-based system and network of sites for TimberWindows.com. The company's online presence has increased dramatically through link building and search engine strategies which will continue to strengthen.’

‘I've had seven years experience in professional web application development for business-to-business and consumer systems including travel, health and recruitment services,’ continues Robert. ‘In this industry, TimberWindows.com is leading the way in developing a professional web-based tool to specify and sell timber windows. The products are innovative and fabricated to high standards, so by utilising the internet as a highly efficient marketplace, the prices remain competitive.’

Tel: 0845 458 9181
Web: http://www.timberwindows.com

Spectus Appoints Duncan Douglas as Sales and Marketing Director

Duncan Douglas has joined Spectus as Sales and Marketing Director to develop the brand and help customers grow. He'll be building on the progress made since the company was acquired by Latium.

Duncan brings 23 years of successful, senior level, sales experience with him gained at a premium systems company and with major fabricators.

‘Spectus has a reputation for professionalism and innovation,’ comments Duncan, ‘and for having one of the best and most comprehensive product ranges on the market. Latium has brought resources, renewed focus and a stability many of our competitors find hard to match. The potential is enormous.’

Duncan continues: ‘New business is key, but helping existing customers improve their sales and profitability is equally important. Having worked for fabricators and for systems companies I can empathise with both sides, quickly developing the strong working relationships necessary for successful business.’

Managing Director Sam Kennedy adds:

‘The window industry has always generated a fast-moving and challenging environment, especially in recent years. The market is currently undergoing a complete restructuring and transformation. Only certain systems companies will be relevant to fabricators as the market evolves.

'As a premium systems company, Spectus is uniquely placed to lead the field, and Duncan will be spearheading its growth.’

Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.spectus.co.uk

New Appointment for VEKA

Not many employees have a job created specifically for them, but Joe Richardson of VEKA is the exception, having been welcomed back to the company in a brand new position. Joe previously worked for VEKA Trim for three years before moving to Celuform when this part of the business was sold.

Two years later and Joe is back in the fold at VEKA as Specialised Systems Executive, a position that represents VEKA's diversification into other market sectors.

‘I am in charge of the VEKAflow rainwater system and the VEKAstyle decorative cladding,’ explains Joe. ‘Essentially this is an area that differs from the archetypal use of profiles for windows and it is a challenging role to expand this business further. I rejoined VEKA in March 2007 and since then, we have seen a very steady growth in both rainwater systems and the specification of decorative cladding.’

Having always worked within the fenestration industry, Joe has built up an excellent working knowledge of how the industry operates and the creation of this new position is a natural progression for him.

Colin Torley, director at VEKA is delighted to welcome Joe back to the team. ‘Having Joe back on board to drive this area of our business is highly reassuring. He worked for us for three years so we know that with his level of expertise and industry awareness, he is the man to lead this division into the future, and we are confident that he can make it flourish under his expert guidance.’

Web: http://www.vekauk.com

Kestrel Supports its Growing International Markets

Kestrel has seen an increase in demand for its products, not just in the UK, but internationally too.

As a result it welcomes Joe Dickinson on board as International Sales Manager to ensure it stays ahead of demand and provides each international market with the level of support and service Kestrel's customers have come to expect.

With eight years experience in international sales and international product development in the construction industry Joe has also just completed an MBA with a focus on foreign markets and entry strategies.

‘This background means I am well placed to service Kestrel's existing international markets and look at opportunities for new markets,’ says Joe, ‘whether through existing contacts or new agents, or even where appropriate buying new companies.

‘I joined Kestrel at the beginning of April and have spent my first few weeks meeting the rest of the team. I've been impressed with the level of enthusiasm and energy I've seen from everyone, for Kestrel and its existing markets, but also for the potential markets we may enter.’

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

Continued Investment at Darby Glass

An investment/re-structuring programme has been completed at Darby Glass in its objective to achieve operational excellence across its regional centres.

Spearheading this strategy at Darby Midlands is Mark Lenton, the new General Manager of the Wolverhampton branch. Mark has extensive experience in lean manufacturing and supply chain management from his 17 years with Unipart Logistics, which is now proving invaluable to Darby's ambitious growth and development plans.

Darby Midlands operates two main production streams - insulated glass units (IGU's) and a rapid delivery service for single toughened glass. It also specialises in leaded, bevelled and patterned IGU's. As part of the company's regional investment programme, the furnace is being upgraded for continued output quality, and a soft-coat capable and laminated glass cutting table has been installed.

Adrian Baratt, the Cell Leader in the production plant, has also just joined the growing team.

Although it operates in a highly competitive market, Darby Midlands reports positive sales results. The existing customer base consists mainly of domestic window and conservatory installers, but the well-equipped Wolverhampton facility has the capacity to significantly increase its present output says Mark Lenton, 'We are currently in the process of analysing the market for our products and services so we can target new business opportunities'. To support this strategy a Customer Service Manager, Mayureen Patel, has also been appointed.

As to the future, Mark says that alongside building its IGU customer base, Darby Midlands has plans to develop support with a range of new customer initiatives. ‘I believe the glass industry has plenty of potential and it's up to manufacturers like Darby Glass to show the way forward by adding value to the supply chain, which in turn can help our customers develop their full potential. We work very closely with our customers from order to delivery, and pride ourselves on high levels of service and support to ensure the best possible results.‘

Tel: 01724 280044
Web: http://www.darbyglass.co.uk

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