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Fab
& Fix : People on the Move
Success
of the recently launched Suited Range of window and door hardware from
Fab & Fix has led to company
expansion and a re-organisation of the sales team to take advantage
of its increasing customer base.
Pivotal to the company's continued growth are the appointments of Chris
Thompson & Rob I'Anson, each to the position of Field Sales Manager,
where they will manage F&F's external sales force.
(Left)
Rob I'Anson and (Right) Chris Thompson
Both
Rob and Chris have extensive experience in the window hardware business.
Chris started with WMS back in 1988, and said 'It is exciting to be
working for a company at the leading edge of design and techonlogy,
which allows us to sell a range of hardware that increases the value
of our customer's products.'
Rob brings a wealth of experience from a career spanning 11 years, beginning
with hardware manufacturer Maco.
'With a unique product range and unparalleled hardware colour scheme,
coinciding with a challenging marketplace,' he said, 'I think Fab &
Fix have a great opportunity here to excel where others have failed,
and I'm looking forward to working alongside Chris and the rest of the
workforce to help accelerate the company's already rapid growth.'
These appointments come on the back of Fab & Fix's recent re-location
to larger premises on the new Moorings Business Park in Coventry. Complete
with a new showroom and a 25,000 sq ft warehouse, the company is looking
forward to continued growth in the coming years.
Directions and a map can be found on either company's website - http://www.hardex.co.uk
http://www.fabnfix.co.uk
To book an appointment with a sales representative, call the office
on +44 (0)2476 585785.
New
Appointments Boost Revitalised Wendland Sales Team
As part of the creation of a new, revitalised Sales and Marketing department following the recent appointment of new Chief Executive Steve Gardiner, Wendland Roof Solutions has appointed Henry Inglis as National Sales Manager and Tony Hurley as Area Business Manager for Wales and the south west of England.
(Left) Henry Inglis, National Sales Manager.
(Right) Tony Hurley,Area Business Manager for Wales and the south west
of England.
With
over 15 years’ sales experience within the glass and glazing sector,
Henry Inglis has worked for some of the biggest names in the industry.
His career began with profile manufacturer Smart Systems in the 1990s,
where he became Sales Manager for a network of public sector fabricators
in Ireland, Scotland and the north of England. Following this, he worked
at Quantal for a total of five years, the first two as Sales Manager
for a similar region and the last three as Key Accounts Manager for
the whole of the UK. Most recently, Henry was Sales Director of Middlesbrough
based Quality Roofing Systems Ltd, where he looked after the company’s
network of aluminium and PVC-u bar length fabricators.
Henry is married with three children and has two homes to facilitate
his sales travels, one in the Leeds/Bradford area and another in Glasgow.
A proud Scot, he is also an energetic athletics club member and a ‘Munro
Bagger’, the name given to those who regularly scale Scottish Highland
peaks over 3000 ft in height!
Cardiff based Tony Hurley has built up an enviable commercial sales
portfolio over the past 30 years, working for organisations such as
Cadbury Schweppes and a major jewellery manufacturer. For the past five
years, he has concentrated his career on blinds and interiors, something
that Wendland feels will be a real asset following its recent launch
of the Sundyal™ solid roof system. Tony spent three years as Business
Development and Sales Manager for Bridgend based firm BDS Blinds and
has worked for the past two years as Business Development Manager for
Appeal Conservatory Blinds of Bristol. He is married with a son and
daughter and enjoys golf and country walking as his leisure pursuits.
The new appointments will further strengthen Wendland’s market
position as it moves into new product sectors. The company has already
reported unprecedented interest in the newly launched Sundyal™
system, a solid roof product that effectively bridges the gap between
a conservatory and a built extension.
Ultraframe
Appoints New Operations Director in Push on Productivity
The
designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofs, Ultraframe,
has appointed a new Director of Operations to head up a team of process
improvement practitioners and boost bottom-line performance. Mike Price
joins Ultraframe from the Manufacturing Institute where he has already
worked closely and successfully with Ultraframe.
Mike was the first practitioner to join The Manufacturing Institute
in 2001 and played a key role in establishing and then running the Manufacturing
Advisory Service (MAS) in the North West. Since the launch of MAS NW
in April 2002, Mike has recruited and developed a team which generated
benefits worth more than £25 million through productivity improvement
in North West manufacturing companies.
Now Mike will be applying his extensive technical knowledge and experience
as a qualified electronics, mechanical and production engineer to improve
and develop operations at Ultraframe.
Mike Price commented: 'I am excited to join Ultraframe‚s dynamic
management team and help build on the company's market leading position.
We are committed to total quality and premium service which will deliver
real business benefits for the company.'
Ultraframe Managing Director, Vanda Murray OBE, said: 'Ultraframe is
delighted to have someone of Mike's calibre and experience as part of
our management team. He has a formidable track record of achieving major
operational improvements and will be key to developing our operations
strategy and bottom-line performance.'
Web: http://www.ultraframe.com
A
Warm-Edged Welcome for Edgetech’s new Technical Sales Manager
David
Cox joined Edgetech as the new Technical
Sales Manager in January this year. He’s come straight from working
at PBM as Area Sales Manager and has also worked for well-known companies
such as Magden.
David
has worked in the IG Consumable sealants and machinery industries and
has 20 years of experience in sales.
‘I’ve worked on projects with Andy Jones, Sales Director and
General Manager at Edgetech UK, over the past two years and thought
of the company as a sleeping giant,’ David explains.
‘When Andy approached me a couple of months ago it was a proposition
I couldn’t refuse.’
‘Edgetech is a professional company: the global leader of warm
edge technology. With the partnership of a number of large machinery
suppliers and the tried and tested Super Spacer®, we can’t
go wrong.
'This
is the future of glass units.’
Tel: 02476 705570
http://www.edgetechig.com/International/international_united_kingdom.htm
Pierre-André
de Chalendar is Appointed as Chief Operating Officer of Compagnie de
Saint-Gobain
Christian Streiff is stepping down as Chief Operating Officer of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain.
In
the course of his twenty-six years of service within the Group, Christian
Streiff has held nine positions, including six executive management
functions in Germany, France and Italy - notably Chief Executive Officer
of Saint-Gobain Emballage and Chairman of Pont-à-Mousson S.A.
From 2002 to 2003, he was President of Saint-Gobain's Abrasives and
Ceramics divisions. He had taken up the function of Chief Operating
Officer on April 1st, 2004.
At its meeting of May 3rd, 2005, the Board of Directors of Compagnie
de Saint-Gobain, acting upon the recommendation of Chairman and CEO
Jean-Louis Beffa, unanimously appointed Pierre-André de Chalendar
as Chief Operating Officer.
Pierre-André de Chalendar, 47, joined the Group in 1989 as Vice-President,
Corporate Planning. He was then Head of the Abrasives Division, Europe
from 1992 to 1996, and President of the Abrasives Division from 1996
to 2000. From 2000 to 2002, he was the Company's General Delegate to
the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland, as well as President-Delegate
of the Building Distribution Division for the United Kingdom and the
United States. Since 2003, he has been Senior Vice-President of the
Company and President of the Building Distribution Sector.
Tel: +33 1 47 62 32 78
The
Other Side of the Story for Siegenia’s New Man in Ireland
A
growing share in the Irish market has led Siegenia
-Aubi Ltd to appoint a dedicated representative in Ireland.
Robert Bell joins the hardware and ventilation systems manufacturer
as a technical sales representative. From a base in Belfast, he will
support existing regional sales manager, Ian McFarlane, who is responsible
for the Scottish and Irish markets.
Robert has more then 25 years’ experience in the window industry,
where he began his career as a joiner. From there he progressed into
installation, fitting PVC windows with Siegenia -Aubi hardware. He then
moved into the aluminium sector as a production manager, working again
with Siegenia products.
In his new role at Siegenia he will experience window hardware from
the opposite end of the supply chain. From this new perspective he will
seek to develop Siegenia’s stronghold in Ireland, a market in which
he has in-depth knowledge and extensive experience.
Robert is looking forward to a new challenge with Siegenia. ‘I
have experienced Siegenia products from numerous different standpoints,
and I’m looking forward to combining this experience with my knowledge
of the Irish market to develop an even stronger presence for the company
over here.’
Ian McFarlane adds, ‘We’ve always enjoyed a strong position
in Ireland and Robert’s appointment reflects our commitment to
this important market. Having a dedicated representative on the ground
will enable us to provide even greater support for our customers, he’s
a welcome addition to the team.’
Tel:
024 7662 2000
Email: mailto:si-uk@siegenia.com
Web: http://www.siegenia.de
Synseal’s
Area Sales Manager Hangs up his Keys after Selling over £100 Million
in 13 Years
Neville
Loveridge, Synseal’s longest
serving Area Sales Manager, hung up his keys in April after just over
13 years with the company. Neville has personally sold over £100,000,000
worth of business for Synseal through the years – an outstanding
achievement. He worked in the hardware industry before he came to Synseal,
for companies like Mila, Wagner and Smith Wallace.
Neville has played a key role in Synseal’s dramatic growth. Neville
explains: ‘Currently Synseal is well on its way to be the market
leader, but when I joined in 1991 Synseal was just going into profile.
There were only six accounts then, and those were fairly small. I had
to increase the accounts pretty much on my own in the beginning: I could
be in Scotland one day and who knows where the next!
‘So much has happened since I’ve joined Synseal – it’s
grown at an astonishing rate and I’m proud to have been part of
that. I’ve seen the introduction of more and more new innovations
from Silhouette to Shield, to the latest with SynerJy.
‘I always said I’d get out by the time I’m 60, in August.
I’m looking forward to more holidays, and I’ve planned Christmas
in Barcelona. I’ll be spending as much time as my wife allows in
Spain. We own a place there which backs onto a golf course – I
used to play 20 years ago and can’t wait to take it up again.
‘Synseal now has over 600 customers – and a fantastic product
portfolio. Synseal has kept on innovating, and the UK market can expect
even better things in the future. I look forward to hearing about the
next developments, ideally from the golf course!’
Tel: 01623 443 200
Total
Glass Strengthens Training Team
As
part of its on-going commitment to staff training, Total
Glass has strengthened its management team with the appointment
of Maria Melia to co-ordinate the company’s training and development
programmes.
Maria’s
Training Officer role involves liaison with Total’s production
departments and external training providers over the provision and delivery
of NVQ and other work-related qualification programmes tailored to the
needs of the workforce.
The company established the Total Training School last year in response
to a growing skills shortage generally and more specifically to maintain
its reputation for supplying a quality product within short lead times.
Operating all year round, the four-week fabricator training scheme is
already having a beneficial impact on the business.
‘The shortage of fabricators within the industry is widely acknowledged
and as a company, we are addressing this and other related training
issues through our sustained and comprehensive approach to staff development,’
says Maria, who previously worked for a large training organisation
in Liverpool.
She is also responsible for maintaining Total Glass’ partnership
links with Knowsley Borough Council on training projects, including
the Government’s New Deal programme aimed at getting the long-term
unemployed back into work. New recruits undergo intensive training in
a variety of NVQ subjects ranging from window fabrication to business
administration. Supervisors are also encouraged to become qualified
NVQ verifiers.
‘Total Glass has long believed in the benefits of training for
both the company and its staff,’ adds Maria. ‘All our employees
are encouraged to train for a work-related qualification and it is vital
that with a fast turnaround, we have a skilled workforce that enables
us to produce high quality products more efficiently and more safely.’
Throughout 2005, Total Glass expects to train around 50 people using
dedicated training and production line facilities at its new 100,000
sq ft factory. After learning all aspects of window fabrication in four
weeks, trainees are ready to ‘hit the ground running’ with
their shopfloor colleagues at the factory pace.
For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151
549 2339 or visit the website at http://www.totalglass.com
Edgetech
Announces new Sales Director and General Manager
Edgetech
has appointed Andy Jones to the position of Sales Director and General
Manager UK and Ireland.
Andy’s new position reflects his vital role in Edgetech’s
development and increased market standing over the last few years.
It’s been a solid contribution at a very important time for the
company, and Andy’s key objective is to develop the UK Super Spacer®
market even more, by building on Edgetech’s continuing achievements
in warm edge technology.
Commenting on his appointment, Andy says: ‘I’m obviously excited
about the challenges ahead of us in 2005 but also about the longer term
prospects for Edgetech and our customers during the next few years.
'You
only have to think back to the amazing scenes at Glasstec in November
last year to appreciate the opportunities ahead and what a great team
we have. It’s this teamwork within Edgetech itself combined with
the partnerships we share with our customers that’s been instrumental
in getting us to where we are to date. I believe this will be the key
to our future success too.’
Tel: 02476 705570
http://www.edgetechig.com/International/international_united_kingdom.htm
Change
in the Top Management at Bystronic Maschinen AG
There
has been a change in the top management at Bystronic
Maschinen AG. Roland Gredig has been promoted to President.
Roland Gredig took on the position from Rolf Honegger, who had previously
held itin addition to his position as CEO of Bystronic glass.
Roland Gredig, a trained machine engineer, has been engaged in various
executive positions at Bystronic for eleven years, including eight years
at Bystronic Laser AG. Prior to his appointment as President, Roland
Gredig was Head of Operations at Bystronic Maschinen AG.
Bystronic Maschinen AG is part of the Bystronic glass group, the global
supplier of total solutions for the economical, application-engineered
manufacture of architectural and automotive glass.
‘We are the world market leader in automotive glass because we
can offer our customers the best system solutions on the basis of continual
innovations’, says Roland Gredig. ‘We have developed new procedures
for architectural glass cutting, such as the vertical cutting technology,
that provide our customers with significant logistical and cost advantages.’
Web: http://www.bystronic.com
Paul
Milner Champions Health and Safety Interests of Federation
Safety
specialist Paul Milner has been appointed as health and safety adviser
by the Door and Hardware Federation
(DHF) which represents the UK’s leading manufacturers and suppliers
of industrial and commercial doors, shutters and hardware.
Paul will be providing DHF members with a valuable advisory service,
answering their individual problems and concerns on health and safety
issues. In addition, examples of advice which he has given to individual
DHF members, which could be of wider interest to the door and hardware
industry, will be posted on the members’ only section of the DHF
website. In the near future it is also proposed to hold seminars where
DHF members will have the opportunity to put their questions to Paul
in person.
DHF chief executive officer Ian Wood said: 'Increasingly, our members
are looking to the federation for help and support on all manner of
health and safety issues. This trend is accelerating as further legislation
comes into force and more companies find they can easily fall foul of
the various regulations. That is why the federation has answered members’
needs by appointing Paul as our health and safety adviser.'
Paul explained: 'Health and safety legislation has been drafted to cover
a wide range of equipment and products; it doesn’t deal with just
one particular type of product. DHF members need someone with relevant
industry experience who can interpret regulations from each member’s
point of view.
'I am expecting questions from members on many different topics, including
health and safety legislation, responsibility for safety, safety on
site, safety within the factory, CE marking, standards, risk assessment
and safety of the product when in use.'
Paul, a chartered engineer and a corporate member of the Institution
of Mechanical Engineers, has worked as a 'hands-on' safety professional
since the time that he joined the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
as a national topic specialist inspector, in its headquarters consultancy
division, almost 15 years ago.
He is no stranger to the door and shutter industry: during his time
in the headquarters consultancy division he carried out accident investigations,
provided guidance and gave seminars on health and safety issues to manufacturers
and to a number of trade associations, including the Door and Shutter
Manufacturers’ Association which is part of the DHF.
Paul also developed technical safety formulae for UK installers and
users of automatic and powered pedestrian doors, and he represented
the UK as technical expert on several European technical committees.
Since leaving the HSE, Paul has worked as the safety specialist associate
at Boydell Codit Forensic, where he has continued to carry out accident
investigations and provide advice on safety, working for a wide range
of clients from the private, public and professional sectors.
As a result of his many contacts whilst working as a safety professional,
he is widely known and respected, particularly for his specialist knowledge
and technical expertise on reducing the risk of injury from powered
and automated doors and shutters.
Web: http://www.dhfonline.org.uk
The
New Team Behind G-Span Structural Glazing
G-span
Limited,
the structural glass specialist has built an impressive team of specialists
with years of experience in all aspects of the design, construction
and site management of glazing contracts.
On the left of the photograph is Neil Whitaker. Neil's speciality is
in design and design engineering having been with Pilkington Arcitectural
as a Designer and subsequently as a member of the specialist team developing
Pilkington Planar™.
He was appointed Senior Design Engineer/Sales Co-ordinator for Hansen
Glass Processors in 1998 where he was responsible to the Managing Director
as a senior member of the small team involved in the specification through
to contract co-ordinating of structural glazing projects.
The
G-span team of Neil Whitaker, Craig Williams and Bill Kelly
Craig
Williams in the centre has just been appointed Contracts Manager at
G-span bringing with him a wealth of experience in the management of
prestigious glazing projects including the Lowry Centre in Salford,
Global Switch 2 in London Docklands and Green Park in Knightsbridge.
He commented, ‘Although reasonably happy in my last position I
felt that there was no real challenge. Consequently when the offer came
to join G-span to help launch a new structural glazing system that not
only has exceptionally good lead times in comparison to its competitors
yet able to meet virtually any architect or main contractor specification,
I felt it was an opportunity that I could not afford to waste.’
Finally Bill Kelly on the right. Bill did a time served apprenticeship
in installation and commissioning of all plant and equipment at Pilkington
Glass and subsequently worked for specialist construction engineers
both in the UK and the Middle East before joining Ian Alan Associates
as Resident Construction Manager seconded to Pilkington Architectural
and assigned to projects as a key member of the construction team. In
1998 Bill joined CAP Aluminium Systems as the Planar™ consultant
where he assisted with technical advice in the progress of all contracts
with a Planar™ content.
Both Bill and Neil were headhunted by G-span MD Colin Price in 2004
and have played a pivotal role in the successful development of the
structural glazing system. The company has already completed a £1/4
million glazing contract and has many others on its order books. This
success is in part because the range of G-span mechanical fixing systems
allows for designs in any plane from vertical to horizontal in single
or double skin and laminated glass systems and also because of the competitive
lead times. Whether on a supply only or supply and installation basis
contracts are warranted and can often be completed in as little as 4
– 6 weeks from order anywhere in mainland UK.
All G-span frameless glass structures are produced entirely in-house
to meet the most demanding specifications and have been tested to exceed
CWCT and BS EN 13830 standards. Add to this the well-established ‘Portello’
frameless glass door system and complete facades can be designed.
For more information about new G-span contact Neil, Craig or Bill on
0151 523 3131 or email mailto:glazing@jprice-group.co.uk
Freefoam
Appoints UK Production Manager
Freefoam’s
significant levels of growth in the Northern European roofline market
have led the company to make the decision to open a manufacturing facility
in Northampton to meet demand in the UK market.
As a result, Steve Pilkington has been appointed UK Production Manager
and he will be responsible for managing the manufacturing operations
at the new facility. Originally from Burnley in East Lancashire, he
has worked for over 18 years in the plastics industry. Prior to joining
Freefoam, Steve was Production Manager at Veka’s cellular foam
facility.
‘I’m delighted to be joining Freefoam at this exciting period
in the company’s development,’ comments Steve. ‘I was
already familiar with the Freefoam brand, and - like many others within
the building materials industry across the UK - have observed the company’s
amazing growth in recent years. I’m looking forward to meeting
the challenge of my new role and being part of the team on track to
become the new market leader in Northern Europe.’
For more information, contact Freefoam directly on 01604 759871 in the
UK, 021 4911055 in Ireland, or email mailto:marketing@freefoam.com
Web: http://www.freefoam.com
New
aluplast Regional Sales Manager for the South East
aluplast
(UK) Limited
has announced the appointment of Susan Grigg to the role of Regional
Sales Manager for the South East. Sue is 46 and lives in Romford, Essex.
Sue has 20 years experience of window industry and related sales, having
cut her teeth in the best training school in the business at Anglian
Windows.
She has sold successfully in domestic retail, trade and commercial sectors
and has the knowledge and enthusiasm that will enable her to help her
customers grow and develop their businesses.
‘I am thrilled to be joining aluplast at such an exciting time
in the company’s UK development and I’m sure that our fantastic
new products will enable us to make our mark on this challenging market.’
says Susan. ‘I am looking forward to meeting and getting to know
our existing customers and to making new friends and winning new customers
with our outstanding new ideal 70system’.
Susan Grigg can be contacted on 07798 585488.
BeA
Fastening Systems Fixes the Future
Continued
successful trading has led Beverley-based fastening company, BeA
Fastening Systems Limited, to restructure its workforce,
in order to meet record sales, maintain the high levels of customer
service and develop wider markets.
Headed by anchorman, Paul Lee, managing director, BeA has promoted Dave
Meakin to UK sales manager. Dave joined the company over 21 years ago
as technical sales representative and progressed through the ranks to
head of sales.
His new responsibilities include leading the team of over 25 sales,
service and engineering staff and maintaining complete control over
distributor sales throughout England, Scotland and Ireland. He also
will play an integral role in the development of two major projects
during 2005: the launch of an 'innovative gas tool set to take the building
and construction industry by storm' and the penetration into the timber
frame housing market.
'Over the years Dave, who has become an attribute to the business, has
built up a wealth of tooling knowledge. This, coupled with his man management
skills will set him in good stead for his new role,' commented Paul
Lee, managing director, BeA Fastening Systems Limited.
Web: http://www.bea.uk.com
Roofline
specialist Everwhite Plastics Ltd
reports that sales are up by 31% year on year in the UK. As a result
the company has appointed Bob Petersen as its New Business Development
Manager.
‘Everwhite has built an impressive sales team with excellent industry
experience,’ says Bob.
‘I’ve gained experience over the years in roles at Kestrel,
BCE and Brett Martin.
I kept track of Everwhite’s growth especially over the last few
years and am amazed by its achievements.
Now I’m looking forward to being part of the team that make Everwhite
one of the top choices for roofline.’
Tel: 01685 882 447
Mark
Watson has recently joined the Corby Windows
Group to strengthen the company’s successful sales team.
With fourteen years in the industry, his experience will be of considerable
benefit to customers.
Working from Tewkesbury, Mark will be responsible for the Midlands area
promoting the wide CWG product range of windows, doors and conservatories
to installers and other trade customers.
He explained, ‘I immediately recognised the vision within the company
with the capability of being able to provide just about everything that
might be needed. Literally, it’s a one-stop shop for hard working
installers.
'Besides being able to choose from no less than six profile systems,
there are vertical sliders, standard casements, composite doors and
a whole selection of conservatories, which are just a few examples of
what can be supplied, all from the one company’.
Tel: 01536 409100
Email: mailto:info@cwg-uk.com
Web: http://www.cwg-uk.com
Keith
Armishaw has joined Tremco as Regional
Director - Sealants, moving from Adshead Radcliffe where he was Commercial
Director/Deputy Managing Director.
Keith joins the Operations Group of Tremco Ltd and will be responsible
for the profitable growth and strategic development of the company's
extensive sealants business.
Reporting to John Newens, Tremco's Executive Vice President and Managing
Director - Europe, Keith will lead the sealants management team and
technical sales representatives.
Tel: 01753 691696
