People @ THE GL@ZINE

Click HERE for the People Page Archive section

New MD for LGT

LGT Limited, the second hand machinery and services division of the Lambert group, has appointed Darren Oakley as Managing Director. Darren joins LGT from Abbseal, Leeds in expectation of the projected expansion of this side of the business.

‘Darren’s experience and background further reinforces the Lambert Group’s dedication to excellence and service.’ says the company.

Tel: 01675 430438.
Email: mailto:sales@lambertgtservices.co.uk
Web: http://www.lambertgtservices.co.uk

New Sales Managers at aluplast UK

aluplast UK, PVCu window and door system extruder and supplier of the Plus Plan range in the UK, has announced the appointment of two new members to the sales team – with more planned as the company continues its 2004 programme of investment that includes not just new personnel, but complete new window systems.

Steve Muranyi joins as National Sales & Marketing Manager, bringing over 25 years of window industry experience and an impressive track record of sales success, that includes stints at other PVCu system suppliers and more recently within seals and hardware.

Peter Cobb also joins aluplast UK as an Area Sales Manager and also brings over 25 years of technical sales experience for other brand leading manufacturers within the window and other construction-related industries.

aluplast UK Managing Director, Phil Duncombe, welcomed his two new appointments by commenting, ‘2004 sees not only the launch of complete new window systems, including a radically new 70mm suite that is unveiled at Glassex 2004, but greater activity and support of our customers in the marketplace. Our objective is that the aluplast UK sales team, now headed by Steve, will provide customer service and support second-to-none.’

Further appointments are planned for the near future, as aluplast UK continues to strengthen its customer-focused sales teams.

Tel: 01455 556771

Photo: Pictured (l to r) – Steve Muranyi, Phil Duncombe and Peter Cobb

Dave Lawler, HW's Man in the Midlands

HW Plastics has appointed Dave Lawler as Area Sales Manager for the Midlands.

Married, with two children, Dave has considerable industry experience. Most recently he was General Manager of a trade fabricator. Prior to that Dave has been an Area Sales Manager for Esograt, Kommerling and GKN. Added together that amounts to over twenty years experience in the window industry.

Dave also brings with him a genuine passion for the job. Speaking of his new role, Dave commented: 'HW Plastics is a market leader, not only in terms of the quality of the products but also because there is a genuine desire to out-perform the competition.

'The level of innovation and the passion for service is second to none. While 2003 was clearly a period of substantial change for HW Plastics, 2004 will be a great year and I look forward to supporting HW Plastics' customers in the Midlands.'

Tel: 01625 420400

Kevin Points North for HW

HW Plastics has appointed Kevin Woods as Area Sales Manager for the North West and Scotland.

Married with two children, Kevin was previously with plastic compounders, Asahi Thermofil and Albis UK, coming from a lengthy background of high-profile account management. Kevin brings with him a wealth of know-how and a genuine passion and dedication to the job.

Speaking of his new role, Kevin commented: 'I was attracted to the role because of the challenge. HW Plastics is a market leader, not only in terms of quality of products but also in terms of the culture of innovation, which is evident within the company.

'Initiatives such as Elite 70 and AIMS, which now has in excess of 100 members, can provide that extra dimension to existing and new customers in a demanding market place.

'2003 was clearly a period of substantial change for HW Plastics and I am now in a position to provide the very best for both HW Plastics and my customers from Merseyside to the tip of Scotland'.

Tel: 01625 420400

Alcoa Executive Featured in U.S. Dept. of Defense Ad Campaign on Values

Alcoa recently announced that Moir Donelson, 34, director of industrial sectormarketing for Alcoa, is featured in the U.S. government's Department of Defense advertising campaign, Today's Military. The new advertising campaign links the values learned in the military service to success in life. Mr. Donelson is featured in a print advertisement in the March issue of Money magazine. Each ad in the campaign focuses on the qualities the individual gained as a member of the armed services - Mr. Donelson's ad is titled, 'Commitment to Integrity.'

A 1990 electrical engineering graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Donelson served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery units in Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and Ft. Hood, Texas, facilities as fire support officer, fire direction officer, and executive officer from 1990 until 1994. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant.

In the advertisement Mr. Donelson describes the attributes he attained in the military as vital to his Alcoa career. 'At West Point, I achieved what I thought were impossible goals. Today, even in the toughest business conditions, I have the confidence to face any challenge and overcome it.'

Mr. Donelson joined Alcoa in 2001 as operations manager of Excel Extrusions Inc., an Alcoa-owned aluminum extrusions producer located in Warren, Ohio. In 2003 he moved to Chicago as director of industrial sector marketing for Alcoa, primarily responsible for developing and deploying business and marketing strategies based on customers' needs.

Prior to joining Alcoa, Mr. Donelson served in production and engineering assignments for Motorola, Inc., in Austin, Texas. Motorola recognised Mr. Donelson in 1995 as the recipient of its Six Sigma Quality Control Champion Award for manufacturing improvements on the final test floor. Starting in 1999 he worked for global management-consulting firm Bain & Company in Chicago, before joining Alcoa in 2001.

Mr. Donelson received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1999. While at Harvard, he was chairman of the business school's Honor Committee and Minority Outreach Assistant for Harvard Business School Admissions. In addition, he was featured in the Harvard Business School's Alumni Bulletin, 'Six from the Class of 1999.'

Web: http://www.alcoa.com

Schlegel Displays New UK Sales Director

Adam Jones has joined Schlegel as UK Sales Director. He brings with him many years experience having previously worked within the packaging industry.

Adam says, 'Coming from a service industry I can see scope for improvement of the supply chain by applying some of the service industry attributes to the manufacturing environment. I see the way forward as focusing on our route to market and developing strategic partnerships with key distributors throughout the UK. I am looking forward to the Glassex Exhibition where we will be able to provide information to the industry on our unique product range as well as our ability to provide products tailored to our customers requirements.' He added, 'I am enjoying working as part of the UK Sales team. With such an excellent product base I see huge potential for development.'

Philip Bond, European Sales Director, commented 'Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team based in Bedfordshire. He will be helping us build and position our range of products within the market place and ensuring we continue to deliver the same high levels of service to our customers while continuing to develop our team to keep pace with increasing demand. We are delighted to have Adam on board.'

Schlegel, now a member of the multinational Unipoly group, specialises in sealing and architectural products for the door and window fabrication industries, as well as shielding products for electro-magnetic interference. The Bedfordshire company's main area of expertise is polymers, but it also manufactures a range of hardware - shoot bolts and patio door locks for example, for some very large window businesses.

'We have a proven and winning formula which offers our customers a huge competitive advantage and will benefit the system seller and fabricator alike', explains Philip Bond.

Jon Scarle Joins Eurocell Profiles Ltd

Derbyshire based Eurocell Profiles Ltd. has appointed Jon Scarle as the company’s South-West Area Manager. Jon brings with him a wealth of experience in the PVCu market where he has worked for over twelve years and before that for fourteen years in the building products market.

‘I am looking forward to working with one of the major players in the PVCu systems market and helping to drive the company’s business forward in 2004.’

Tel: 01773 842 100
Email: mailto: marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Website: http:// www.eurocell.co.uk

European PVC Window Profile and Related Building Products Association – EPPA – Appoints a new Executive Secretary

Following a three year assignment for EPPA, Ludo Debever is returning to Deceuninck N.V. in Belgium. He has developed EPPA to a European wide active association co-ordinating all the national recycling initiatives for the European profile sector.

Ludo Debever has also successfully worked for the establisment of EPPA as European Assosiation for the European profile industry. He was in dialogue with the concerned European Commissions with regard to the initiatives within the European profile industry in order to fulfil the specific elements of the Voluntary Commitments from the European PVC-Industry for Sustainable Development (http://www.vinyl2010.org).

Mrs. Ulrike Grawe (42) was appointed as successor to Ludo Debever as Executive Secretary of EPPA at the beginning of February 2004.

Ulrike has 15 years professional experience in the PVC profile industry and previously held a leading position in a well known systems house.

EPPA represents the interests of the European PVC profile industry with specific objectives for the sectors within the Voluntary Commitments for the PVC Industry for Sustainable Development. These responsibilities are largely concerned with increasing recycling rates of post-consumer profiles and the phase out of lead-stabilisers by 2015, beginning in 2005, in all EU member states.

EPPA is supported by the national associations of the PVC profile industry together with companies such as Deceuninck N.V., HT Troplast AG / profine GmbH, Tessenderlo Group and Veka AG.

EPPA acts as a sector group of EuPC – European Plastics Converters (http://www.eupc.org).

John Ogilvie, Chairman of the BPF Windows Group, commented: 'Following the good work undertaken by Ludo Debever over the last three years, the BPF Windows Group is delighted that there is to be continuity in this vital role with the appointment of Ulrike Grawe. The Voluntary Commitment is one of the most important issues to be addressed by the Windows Group. Its demanding requirements to recycle 50% of collectable, available waste and phase out lead stabilisers by 2010 will affect the entire industry in its effort to further promote and demonstrate a message of sustainability. The UK does not operate alone though and we look forward to working with Ulrike in the European context to share knowledge and information on best practice, and protect the interests of our members '

Email: mailto:ugrawe@web.de
Web: http://www.eupc.org

New President and CEO at AFG

D. Roger Kennedy, President and CEO of AFG Industries Inc. since 1999 retired on January 5th, 2004. Mr. Kennedy, a 1969 graduate of ETSU, joined AFG in 1980 as a Senior Marketing Analyst and moved rapidly through the management of the company. Prior to being elected president, he spent 10 years in Atlanta as president of AFGD where he lead the change from local glass distribution into providing global distribution of value-added commercial glass products.

Over the past four years, Kennedy has lead AFG into new markets with a wide range of value-added products supported by the world’s most advanced glass coating and fabrication technologies. On leaving, Mr. Kennedy said, 'This has been an exciting time to lead a glass company. We have survived a recession and a very weak commercial construction market by focusing on our business basics and never forgetting the importance and value of our customers and their needs. With our markets improving and a solid forecast for 2004, I felt it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labour.'

He continued, 'My wife, Martha, and I are looking forward to relaxing, travel and just enjoying ourselves. I am also confident that the company is in a strong position to profitably grow, and excited about the opportunity John Litzinger has to take the company to the next level.'

John J. Litzinger, currently Executive Vice President, became President and CEO in January. Mr. Litzinger joined AFG in 1978 as Quality Manager at the Jerry Run, WV plant followed by responsibilities in manufacturing and technical development prior to being named Vice President, Manufacturing in 1992. In 1999, he was named EVP and has been responsible for manufacturing, engineering, technical development and information systems. He has a degree in physics from Oakland University and is a native of Michigan although he and his wife Diane and their family have lived on Boone Lake since 1992.

On being named president, Mr. Litzinger said, 'I am inheriting a responsibility and opportunity from Roger which is in good financial condition and clear vision for the future. My role will be to continue to focus on costs while growing our value-added products and the accelerated introduction of new technologies and services to our customers and markets. We live and work in a highly competitive global market, which is changing rapidly. It is up to us to profitably grow our businesses by having a clear vision of the opportunities which lay ahead of us.'

AFG is headquartered in Kingsport and is part of Asahi Glass Company’s Flat Glass Company headquartered in Brussels. AFG celebrates its 25 anniversary on December 20th, 2004.

Nick Edmonds Aims to Guarantee Quality at HW

Nick Edmonds, with ten years experience as an Area Sales manager for HW Plastics is now also responsible for spearheading the company's Approved Installer Member Scheme (AIMS).

Nick's task is to drive the company's scheme to customers, ensuring the quality and professionalism of its installers. Linked to the Government backed Quality Mark scheme, AIMS is designed to provide stringent assessment of member companies and offers customers assurance as to the professionalism of contractors.

Like the Quality Mark scheme, companies wishing to join AIMS are assessed by a UKAS registered independent assessment oganisation. Once accepted they will then be eligible to receive the extensive marketing support material in addition to offers on a wide range of products and services.

Nick Edmonds says of his new role; 'I am looking forward to the challenge of promoting AIMS at the coal face, to work closely with the customers and develop their business. It ties in nicely with my role as Area Sales Manager, where I am responsible for developing the level of fabricator support offered by the company.
I really do believe that AIMS is the way forward in ensuring quality and professionalism in the industry, especially as it is so closely linked to the Quality Mark and therefore monitored by the DTI. Once signed up to AIMS, our installers and their customers will see for themselves the additional key benefits and advantages from such a scheme.'

HW Plastics already has over 100 members in the scheme and with Nick's support expects this to increase significantly during the year.

Tel: 01625 420400

Sash Appoints New National Trade Sales Manager

Trade and commercial fabricator Sash UK has appointed 42 year-old Sean Cronin as its new National Sales Manager. Overseeing a team of seven sales personnel, Sean’s responsibilities will include the outline development of new business strategies – working on bringing the company closer to its customers.

Sean Cronin has spent many years working within and on the periphery of the UK conservatory industry, building up valuable sales experience and honing extensive sales training skills. Whilst he had worked outside the glass and glazing sector for the 18 months before he joined Sash UK, he had previously worked for 5 years as National Sales Training Manager for Cestrum Conservatories, part of the Heywood Williams Group. He also spent 5 years working as National Trade Sales Manager for Allerton Glass, now known laterally as Magnet.

Sean has been married to wife Wendy for 11 years and lives in Southport, Merseyside with cats, dogs and fish. A keen cyclist and member of the Southport Cycling Club, he also enjoys golf in his spare time and is an active member of the local community and parish.

Sash is now wanting to develop its sales force and is looking for additional Business Development Advisors throughout the UK.

Tel: 01226 719969
Web: http://www.sashuk.com

New National Key Accounts Manager for Quantal

Quantal Conservatory Roofing Systems has appointed Ian Cocken as National Key Accounts Manager.

Ian has 12 years of industry experience, having previously worked for window systems and conservatory roofing companies, most recently in the newbuild sector.

Of his new role Ian comments, 'Quantal offers a great product with huge potential, and is a company with the back-up to deliver a first class and expert service to customers. I am looking forward to joining a professional team and having the opportunity to make a real difference in the marketplace.'

Married with two children, Ian enjoys fly-fishing and property renovation in his spare time.

The BBA approved Quantal system features a polyester powder-coated aluminium external finish, internally clad with PVCu for thermal efficiency.

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

New Role for Karen Prendergast

Following the appointment of David E. James as BM TRADA Certification Ltd Managing Director, the company has been restructured to create a new Sales and Marketing Department, encompassing Training and Business Development. Karen Prendergast, formerly Internal Systems Assistant, will take on a more strategic and focused role as Marketing and Sales Manager.

Ms Prendergast has almost five years’ experience in the certification industry. She joined the company with a marketing background in the Further Education sector and is currently studying for an MBA. Her aim is to develop a more structured approach to marketing and sales within BM TRADA. Training Manager Stewart Livingstone and his assistant Evelyn Grogan, both based at the company’s offices in Alloa, Scotland, will now report to Ms Prendergast, as will Marketing Assistant Alex Thompson.

BM TRADA Certification is an UKAS-accredited certification body. Originally established to develop quality assurance schemes in the construction industry, the company has expanded into many other sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, local authorities, nursing homes/residential care, printing, software, legal and professional services, food and agriculture. It provides certification to quality, environmental and health & safety management systems, as well as product and personnel schemes.

Mr James said: ‘Our network of clients, across all aspects of our business, has grown dramatically in the past year, with greater international awareness. The Business Development role within BM TRADA will be re-determined and re-aligned over the coming months, to take account of our present and future business needs.’

Web: http://www.bmtrada.com


People and Careers April 2004
Click HERE for the People Page Archive section New MD for LGT LGT Limited, the second hand machinery and services division of the Lambert group, has appointed Darren Oakley as Managing Director. Darren joins LGT from Abbseal, Leeds in expectation of the projected expansion of this side of the business. ‘Darren’s experience and background further reinforces the Lambert Group’s dedication to excellence and service.’ says the company. Tel: 01675 430438. Email: mailto:sales@lambertgtservices.co.uk Web: http://www.lambertgtservices.co.uk New Sales Managers at aluplast UK aluplast UK, PVCu window and door system extruder and supplier of the Plus Plan range in the UK, has announced the appointment of two new members to the sales team – with more planned as the company continues its 2004 programme of investment that includes not just new personnel, but complete new window systems. Steve Muranyi joins as National Sales & Marketing Manager, bringing over 25 years of window industry experience and an impressive track record of sales success, that includes stints at other PVCu system suppliers and more recently within seals and hardware. Peter Cobb also joins aluplast UK as an Area Sales Manager and also brings over 25 years of technical sales experience for other brand leading manufacturers within the window and other construction-related industries. aluplast UK Managing Director, Phil Duncombe, welcomed his two new appointments by commenting, ‘2004 sees not only the launch of complete new window systems, including a radically new 70mm suite that is unveiled at Glassex 2004, but greater activity and support of our customers in the marketplace. Our objective is that the aluplast UK sales team, now headed by Steve, will provide customer service and support second-to-none.’ Further appointments are planned for the near future, as aluplast UK continues to strengthen its customer-focused sales teams. Tel: 01455 556771 Photo: Pictured (l to r) – Steve Muranyi, Phil Duncombe and Peter Cobb Dave Lawler, HW's Man in the Midlands HW Plastics has appointed Dave Lawler as Area Sales Manager for the Midlands. Married, with two children, Dave has considerable industry experience. Most recently he was General Manager of a trade fabricator. Prior to that Dave has been an Area Sales Manager for Esograt, Kommerling and GKN. Added together that amounts to over twenty years experience in the window industry. Dave also brings with him a genuine passion for the job. Speaking of his new role, Dave commented: 'HW Plastics is a market leader, not only in terms of the quality of the products but also because there is a genuine desire to out-perform the competition. 'The level of innovation and the passion for service is second to none. While 2003 was clearly a period of substantial change for HW Plastics, 2004 will be a great year and I look forward to supporting HW Plastics' customers in the Midlands.' Tel: 01625 420400 Kevin Points North for HW HW Plastics has appointed Kevin Woods as Area Sales Manager for the North West and Scotland. Married with two children, Kevin was previously with plastic compounders, Asahi Thermofil and Albis UK, coming from a lengthy background of high-profile account management. Kevin brings with him a wealth of know-how and a genuine passion and dedication to the job. Speaking of his new role, Kevin commented: 'I was attracted to the role because of the challenge. HW Plastics is a market leader, not only in terms of quality of products but also in terms of the culture of innovation, which is evident within the company. 'Initiatives such as Elite 70 and AIMS, which now has in excess of 100 members, can provide that extra dimension to existing and new customers in a demanding market place. '2003 was clearly a period of substantial change for HW Plastics and I am now in a position to provide the very best for both HW Plastics and my customers from Merseyside to the tip of Scotland'. Tel: 01625 420400 Alcoa Executive Featured in U.S. Dept. of Defense Ad Campaign on Values Alcoa recently announced that Moir Donelson, 34, director of industrial sectormarketing for Alcoa, is featured in the U.S. government's Department of Defense advertising campaign, Today's Military. The new advertising campaign links the values learned in the military service to success in life. Mr. Donelson is featured in a print advertisement in the March issue of Money magazine. Each ad in the campaign focuses on the qualities the individual gained as a member of the armed services - Mr. Donelson's ad is titled, 'Commitment to Integrity.' A 1990 electrical engineering graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Mr. Donelson served in the U.S. Army Field Artillery units in Ft. Polk, Louisiana, and Ft. Hood, Texas, facilities as fire support officer, fire direction officer, and executive officer from 1990 until 1994. He attained the rank of First Lieutenant. In the advertisement Mr. Donelson describes the attributes he attained in the military as vital to his Alcoa career. 'At West Point, I achieved what I thought were impossible goals. Today, even in the toughest business conditions, I have the confidence to face any challenge and overcome it.' Mr. Donelson joined Alcoa in 2001 as operations manager of Excel Extrusions Inc., an Alcoa-owned aluminum extrusions producer located in Warren, Ohio. In 2003 he moved to Chicago as director of industrial sector marketing for Alcoa, primarily responsible for developing and deploying business and marketing strategies based on customers' needs. Prior to joining Alcoa, Mr. Donelson served in production and engineering assignments for Motorola, Inc., in Austin, Texas. Motorola recognised Mr. Donelson in 1995 as the recipient of its Six Sigma Quality Control Champion Award for manufacturing improvements on the final test floor. Starting in 1999 he worked for global management-consulting firm Bain & Company in Chicago, before joining Alcoa in 2001. Mr. Donelson received an MBA degree from Harvard Business School in 1999. While at Harvard, he was chairman of the business school's Honor Committee and Minority Outreach Assistant for Harvard Business School Admissions. In addition, he was featured in the Harvard Business School's Alumni Bulletin, 'Six from the Class of 1999.' Web: http://www.alcoa.com Schlegel Displays New UK Sales Director Adam Jones has joined Schlegel as UK Sales Director. He brings with him many years experience having previously worked within the packaging industry. Adam says, 'Coming from a service industry I can see scope for improvement of the supply chain by applying some of the service industry attributes to the manufacturing environment. I see the way forward as focusing on our route to market and developing strategic partnerships with key distributors throughout the UK. I am looking forward to the Glassex Exhibition where we will be able to provide information to the industry on our unique product range as well as our ability to provide products tailored to our customers requirements.' He added, 'I am enjoying working as part of the UK Sales team. With such an excellent product base I see huge potential for development.' Philip Bond, European Sales Director, commented 'Adam brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to our team based in Bedfordshire. He will be helping us build and position our range of products within the market place and ensuring we continue to deliver the same high levels of service to our customers while continuing to develop our team to keep pace with increasing demand. We are delighted to have Adam on board.' Schlegel, now a member of the multinational Unipoly group, specialises in sealing and architectural products for the door and window fabrication industries, as well as shielding products for electro-magnetic interference. The Bedfordshire company's main area of expertise is polymers, but it also manufactures a range of hardware - shoot bolts and patio door locks for example, for some very large window businesses. 'We have a proven and winning formula which offers our customers a huge competitive advantage and will benefit the system seller and fabricator alike', explains Philip Bond. Jon Scarle Joins Eurocell Profiles Ltd Derbyshire based Eurocell Profiles Ltd. has appointed Jon Scarle as the company’s South-West Area Manager. Jon brings with him a wealth of experience in the PVCu market where he has worked for over twelve years and before that for fourteen years in the building products market. ‘I am looking forward to working with one of the major players in the PVCu systems market and helping to drive the company’s business forward in 2004.’ Tel: 01773 842 100 Email: mailto: marketing@eurocell.co.uk Website: http:// www.eurocell.co.uk European PVC Window Profile and Related Building Products Association – EPPA – Appoints a new Executive Secretary Following a three year assignment for EPPA, Ludo Debever is returning to Deceuninck N.V. in Belgium. He has developed EPPA to a European wide active association co-ordinating all the national recycling initiatives for the European profile sector. Ludo Debever has also successfully worked for the establisment of EPPA as European Assosiation for the European profile industry. He was in dialogue with the concerned European Commissions with regard to the initiatives within the European profile industry in order to fulfil the specific elements of the Voluntary Commitments from the European PVC-Industry for Sustainable Development (http://www.vinyl2010.org). Mrs. Ulrike Grawe (42) was appointed as successor to Ludo Debever as Executive Secretary of EPPA at the beginning of February 2004. Ulrike has 15 years professional experience in the PVC profile industry and previously held a leading position in a well known systems house. EPPA represents the interests of the European PVC profile industry with specific objectives for the sectors within the Voluntary Commitments for the PVC Industry for Sustainable Development. These responsibilities are largely concerned with increasing recycling rates of post-consumer profiles and the phase out of lead-stabilisers by 2015, beginning in 2005, in all EU member states. EPPA is supported by the national associations of the PVC profile industry together with companies such as Deceuninck N.V., HT Troplast AG / profine GmbH, Tessenderlo Group and Veka AG. EPPA acts as a sector group of EuPC – European Plastics Converters (http://www.eupc.org). John Ogilvie, Chairman of the BPF Windows Group, commented: 'Following the good work undertaken by Ludo Debever over the last three years, the BPF Windows Group is delighted that there is to be continuity in this vital role with the appointment of Ulrike Grawe. The Voluntary Commitment is one of the most important issues to be addressed by the Windows Group. Its demanding requirements to recycle 50% of collectable, available waste and phase out lead stabilisers by 2010 will affect the entire industry in its effort to further promote and demonstrate a message of sustainability. The UK does not operate alone though and we look forward to working with Ulrike in the European context to share knowledge and information on best practice, and protect the interests of our members ' Email: mailto:ugrawe@web.de Web: http://www.eupc.org New President and CEO at AFG D. Roger Kennedy, President and CEO of AFG Industries Inc. since 1999 retired on January 5th, 2004. Mr. Kennedy, a 1969 graduate of ETSU, joined AFG in 1980 as a Senior Marketing Analyst and moved rapidly through the management of the company. Prior to being elected president, he spent 10 years in Atlanta as president of AFGD where he lead the change from local glass distribution into providing global distribution of value-added commercial glass products. Over the past four years, Kennedy has lead AFG into new markets with a wide range of value-added products supported by the world’s most advanced glass coating and fabrication technologies. On leaving, Mr. Kennedy said, 'This has been an exciting time to lead a glass company. We have survived a recession and a very weak commercial construction market by focusing on our business basics and never forgetting the importance and value of our customers and their needs. With our markets improving and a solid forecast for 2004, I felt it was time to enjoy the fruits of our labour.' He continued, 'My wife, Martha, and I are looking forward to relaxing, travel and just enjoying ourselves. I am also confident that the company is in a strong position to profitably grow, and excited about the opportunity John Litzinger has to take the company to the next level.' John J. Litzinger, currently Executive Vice President, became President and CEO in January. Mr. Litzinger joined AFG in 1978 as Quality Manager at the Jerry Run, WV plant followed by responsibilities in manufacturing and technical development prior to being named Vice President, Manufacturing in 1992. In 1999, he was named EVP and has been responsible for manufacturing, engineering, technical development and information systems. He has a degree in physics from Oakland University and is a native of Michigan although he and his wife Diane and their family have lived on Boone Lake since 1992. On being named president, Mr. Litzinger said, 'I am inheriting a responsibility and opportunity from Roger which is in good financial condition and clear vision for the future. My role will be to continue to focus on costs while growing our value-added products and the accelerated introduction of new technologies and services to our customers and markets. We live and work in a highly competitive global market, which is changing rapidly. It is up to us to profitably grow our businesses by having a clear vision of the opportunities which lay ahead of us.' AFG is headquartered in Kingsport and is part of Asahi Glass Company’s Flat Glass Company headquartered in Brussels. AFG celebrates its 25 anniversary on December 20th, 2004. Nick Edmonds Aims to Guarantee Quality at HW Nick Edmonds, with ten years experience as an Area Sales manager for HW Plastics is now also responsible for spearheading the company's Approved Installer Member Scheme (AIMS). Nick's task is to drive the company's scheme to customers, ensuring the quality and professionalism of its installers. Linked to the Government backed Quality Mark scheme, AIMS is designed to provide stringent assessment of member companies and offers customers assurance as to the professionalism of contractors. Like the Quality Mark scheme, companies wishing to join AIMS are assessed by a UKAS registered independent assessment oganisation. Once accepted they will then be eligible to receive the extensive marketing support material in addition to offers on a wide range of products and services. Nick Edmonds says of his new role; 'I am looking forward to the challenge of promoting AIMS at the coal face, to work closely with the customers and develop their business. It ties in nicely with my role as Area Sales Manager, where I am responsible for developing the level of fabricator support offered by the company. I really do believe that AIMS is the way forward in ensuring quality and professionalism in the industry, especially as it is so closely linked to the Quality Mark and therefore monitored by the DTI. Once signed up to AIMS, our installers and their customers will see for themselves the additional key benefits and advantages from such a scheme.' HW Plastics already has over 100 members in the scheme and with Nick's support expects this to increase significantly during the year. Tel: 01625 420400 Sash Appoints New National Trade Sales Manager Trade and commercial fabricator Sash UK has appointed 42 year-old Sean Cronin as its new National Sales Manager. Overseeing a team of seven sales personnel, Sean’s responsibilities will include the outline development of new business strategies – working on bringing the company closer to its customers. Sean Cronin has spent many years working within and on the periphery of the UK conservatory industry, building up valuable sales experience and honing extensive sales training skills. Whilst he had worked outside the glass and glazing sector for the 18 months before he joined Sash UK, he had previously worked for 5 years as National Sales Training Manager for Cestrum Conservatories, part of the Heywood Williams Group. He also spent 5 years working as National Trade Sales Manager for Allerton Glass, now known laterally as Magnet. Sean has been married to wife Wendy for 11 years and lives in Southport, Merseyside with cats, dogs and fish. A keen cyclist and member of the Southport Cycling Club, he also enjoys golf in his spare time and is an active member of the local community and parish. Sash is now wanting to develop its sales force and is looking for additional Business Development Advisors throughout the UK. Tel: 01226 719969 Web: http://www.sashuk.com New National Key Accounts Manager for Quantal Quantal Conservatory Roofing Systems has appointed Ian Cocken as National Key Accounts Manager. Ian has 12 years of industry experience, having previously worked for window systems and conservatory roofing companies, most recently in the newbuild sector. Of his new role Ian comments, 'Quantal offers a great product with huge potential, and is a company with the back-up to deliver a first class and expert service to customers. I am looking forward to joining a professional team and having the opportunity to make a real difference in the marketplace.' Married with two children, Ian enjoys fly-fishing and property renovation in his spare time. The BBA approved Quantal system features a polyester powder-coated aluminium external finish, internally clad with PVCu for thermal efficiency. Web: http://www.quantal.co.uk New Role for Karen Prendergast Following the appointment of David E. James as BM TRADA Certification Ltd Managing Director, the company has been restructured to create a new Sales and Marketing Department, encompassing Training and Business Development. Karen Prendergast, formerly Internal Systems Assistant, will take on a more strategic and focused role as Marketing and Sales Manager. Ms Prendergast has almost five years’ experience in the certification industry. She joined the company with a marketing background in the Further Education sector and is currently studying for an MBA. Her aim is to develop a more structured approach to marketing and sales within BM TRADA. Training Manager Stewart Livingstone and his assistant Evelyn Grogan, both based at the company’s offices in Alloa, Scotland, will now report to Ms Prendergast, as will Marketing Assistant Alex Thompson. BM TRADA Certification is an UKAS-accredited certification body. Originally established to develop quality assurance schemes in the construction industry, the company has expanded into many other sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, local authorities, nursing homes/residential care, printing, software, legal and professional services, food and agriculture. It provides certification to quality, environmental and health & safety management systems, as well as product and personnel schemes. Mr James said: ‘Our network of clients, across all aspects of our business, has grown dramatically in the past year, with greater international awareness. The Business Development role within BM TRADA will be re-determined and re-aligned over the coming months, to take account of our present and future business needs.’ Web: http://www.bmtrada.com GO TO PEOPLE ARCHIVE PAGE RETURN TO HOME PAGE