People and Careers January 2004

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Christian Streiff will Become Chief Operating Officer of Compagnie De Saint-Gobain on April 1st, 2004

At its November 20th, 2003 meeting, the Board of Directors of Compagnie de Saint-Gobain – acting on the recommendation of Jean-Louis Beffa, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer – appointed Christian Streiff as Chief Operating Officer. Mr Streiff will be replacing Gianpaolo Caccini.

This decision will take effect from April 1st, 2004, on which date Gianpaolo Caccini will be retiring.

The Board of Directors thanked Mr. Caccini for the major contribution and commitment he has given to the Saint-Gobain Group over the past 30 years.
Born in September 1954, Christian Streiff is a Civil Engineering Graduate of the Ecole des Mines de Paris. He has been with the Group since 1979. Having occupied several posts in Germany with Halbergerhütte (Pipe Division) and Vetrotex Deutschland (Reinforcements), he worked in Italy with Vetr.I.
(Containers). In 1994 he was appointed Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain Emballage. On January 1st, 1997, he was named President of the Pipe Division and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Pont-à-Mousson SA. Since October 15th, 2001, he has carried out the functions of Senior Vice-President of the Saint-Gobain Group and President of the Abrasives and the Ceramics & Plastics Divisions.

Born in August 1938, Gianpaolo Caccini has a doctorate in chemistry. He held several posts in Italy before being appointed Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain Desjonquères in 1988. In 1991 he was named President of the Insulation and Reinforcements Division, and in October 1996 was appointed Senior Vice-President of the Saint-Gobain Group, as well as General Delegate to the United States and Canada. He has held the post of Group Chief Operating Officer since September 1st, 2000


Mike Mehrer Retires After 20 Years of Service with CertainTeed Corporation

After 20 years Mike Mehrer, CertainTeed Corporation Director of Contractor Programs and Training has retired.

Mehrer joined CertainTeed in 1984 and quickly made his mark as an innovator and pioneer in the roofing industry. ‘During his tenure with CertainTeed, Mehrer developed and implemented numerous programs to help professional roofing contractors enhance their skills, improve their professionalism and utilise the tools they need to successfully sell CertainTeed roofing products,’ says Marcia Hannah, vice president of marketing for the CertainTeed Roofing Products Group (RPG). ‘He placed a high priority on listening to contractors and responding to their needs and ideas.’

One of Mehrer’s most recognised accomplishments was the creation of the Professional Roofer Advisory Council, giving contractors across the United States an opportunity to share information and ideas with their peers. Mehrer also created the popular Making Business Better audio tapes, CDs and workshops to introduce basic marketing and lead development strategies to contractors.

Mehrer’s contributions to RPG will continue on a limited basis as he begins consulting for CertainTeed. CertainTeed Contractor Programs Manager Jay Butch will continue developing RPG’s contractor programs for both steep- and low-slope contractors. Butch worked closely with Mehrer developing innovative programs such as ShingleMaster Company™. Butch, who joined CertainTeed in 1998, will also assume the role of editor for The Shingle Newsletter, a highly regarded industry news publication for the professional contractor.

CertainTeed Corporation is a North American manufacturer of building materials including roofing, siding, insulation, windows and patio doors, fence, decking, railing, foundations and pipe. The company is headquartered in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, and has approximately 7,000 employees and more than 40 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States. The company had sales of approximately $2.5 billion in 2002.

Web: http://www.certainteed.com


Congratulations Chris!

Synseal Extrusions Ltd is taking quality customer care on the road with the promotion of Chris Boyington. Chris has been promoted to Systems Support Manager and is visiting new customers to teach them how to use Synseal fabrication software. When Chris leaves a new customer they are able to design their own roofs and calculate the necessary costings. He is also on hand to answer any technical queries.

‘It’s a great position to have in Synseal,’ says Chris, ‘because the best way to grow and develop is to listen to your customers. With this philosophy behind me, I can really help our customers grow their business which in turn will benefit Synseal. It’s a win-win partnership approach.’

Tel: 01623 443 200
Web: http://www.synseal.com


New Sales Manager at FendorHansen

Jason Davidson has been appointed Sales Manager at FendorHansen, the fire and security glazing system specialists.

FendorHansen is part of the Angio-Scandinavian HansenGroup, one of Europe's leading fenestration specialists, with annual sales of £100 million and over 1,000 employees. HansenGroup's activities extend from structural glazing, curtain walling and windows, fire resisting and steel glazing systems and advanced glass processing to high performance steel doorsets for fire, acoustic, security and cleanroom applications.

Jason Davidson has considerable experience with FendorHansen, having spent several years in the drawing office and in area sales management. Announcing the new appointment, Managing Director, Chris Duffy, said:

'Jason's considerable experience ln our products and systems, combined with his undoubted skill, enthusiasm and proven success, will be very important in this significant new role.'

Tel: 0191 438 3222
Email: mailto:sales@fendorhansen.co.uk
Web: http://www.hansengroup.biz


New MD for Windowstyle Offers Clear View for Future Success

Windowstyle UK, the manufacturing arm of the Style Group Plc, UK supplier of PVCu windows and doors has appointed Brendan McCambridge as its new Managing Director.

Brendan, 41, a Chartered Engineer, joins Windowstyle UK Limited, Barnsley’s largest employer with over 500 workers producing up to 10,000 quality assured frames every week, after 20 years in the electronics sector, working in Senior Management positions with blue chip organisations such as Panasonic, ICL and Securicor as well as being at the forefront in the development of a number of start-up technology businesses.

Launched in 1992, the Style Group is well known as a retail company, installing around £2 million worth of frames every week, which in itself puts huge pressures on the Wombwell-based site, as Brendan is keen to point out:

‘The Group has invested over £1.5 million on new technology over the last twelve months and it is my job to ensure that investment is maximised and our market share increases.

‘Over this period output at Windowstyle has remained high and its overall customer base has increased but there is still room for improvement. I am accustomed to working in high technology industries and I am sure many of the generic systems I have implemented in the past will help us improve our efficiency, quality, productivity and most importantly our profitability.’

Brendan’s role will also involve the development of Tradestyle, the newest member of the Style Group, which was formed at the start of 2002 to meet potential opportunities in the supply-only sector of the trade market. Brendan added:

‘Tradestyle exceeded all expectations last year with a turn over in excess of £2.5 million but as we have only concentrated our efforts locally, there is enormous potential for us to grow the brand nationally.’


Shepley Employs Two New Members of Staff for Conservatory Division

Shepley Window Systems has appointed two new members of staff for its conservatory division to stay ahead of increasing demand. The trade fabricator says it is experiencing tremendous growth for conservatories as well as frames.

To stay ahead of this growth Shepley welcomes Pete Hollinshead as Conservatory Roof General Manager and Wes Clarkson as Conservatory Roof Sales Manager.

Pete brings with him 25 years experience in the industry ranging from owning his own installation company to positions such as technical manager and sales representative. Wes has seven years experience in the industry with previous employers including Atherton Windows and Ultraframe. But it’s not all conservatories because sport is important to both men too. A keen golfer Pete also enjoys watching and occasionally taking part in motor sports. Wes prefers football and plays for his local team in the East Lancashire Premier League.

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


Important New Appointment for Patent Glazing Group

Leading 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


Nick Hibberd Takes on Wider Customer Support Role for SashUK

Sash UK has re-affirmed its commitment to provide a wider customer support service with the internal promotion of Nick Hibberd. Nick, PR and Marketing Manager for Sash for more than seven years in all, has added Head of Customer Services to his role, bringing the whole marketing and customer service support under one banner.

‘In my mind it is a logical action to bring the whole customer package together,’ explains Nick: ‘As a professional marketer I am, by instinct, customer focused and have an in-depth understanding of the customer’s needs and requirements. Marketing also tends to operate independent from the ‘hands—on’ processing, manufacturing and distribution aspects of the company, which enables me to be totally unbiased when it comes to identifying and alleviating potential problem areas.

‘The fact that I have been directly involved with our Customer Panel and customer surveys from the outset, as well as offering practical advice on any marketing issues, enabled me to build up an excellent repartee with the majority our customers and suppliers, which is essential for any customer service position,’ he added.

Nick’s earlier positions at Sash have more than prepared him for his new role. As far back as 1990 he was handling the company’s first PR campaigns as a consultant, eventually joining the company as PR & Retail Manager in 1993. Here he was responsible for all domestic sales and fitting activities from four retail showrooms in South and West Yorkshire.He was also responsible for all the company’s PR requirements and helped with marketing to the Trade and Commercial sectors.

He was promoted to PR & Marketing Manager in 1994, having increased retail sales by more than 300% and helped establish Sash as one of the industry’s top manufacturers when they took the coveted title of ‘Manufacturer of the Year’ in 1995. He left the company for a short time in 1996, to focus on TV, Video and multimedia production, but was encouraged back to Sash in 1999 with the imminent launch of the company’s new purpose built factory facility at Grimethorpe and the lure of helping to expand their overseas business in the USA.

Tel 01226 719969
Emai: mailto:nick.hibberd@sashuk.com


Exceldee - Expansion by Design

Exceldee has established a new research and development department by employing Harish Mandalia as its new design engineer. He has brought machine tool experience with him which he gained at Bridgeport Machines Ltd.

Harish was employed by BM as a design engineer responsible for the mechanical design and specification of complete new machining centres and incremental design of existing machines, working within ISO9001. He will develop new ideas to take the company and it’s customers forward in what many consider to be challenging times.

Harish’s first project is to design a new laminated glass cutting machine, a general request from customers. Other machines being considered in the expansion programme include a new breakout table, a loading machine, tilt and break table and multi-stage loaders.

Tel: +44 (0) 1865 407 003
Email: mailto:mgxld@netcomuk.co.uk
Web: http://www.exceldee.com


Masco Corporation Announces Appointment of Two New Directors

Masco Corporation, announced on 3rd November that its Board of Directors has appointed two new Directors:

- Professor David L. Johnston, 62, has served as President and Vice Chancellor of the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada since July 1, 1999. A specialist in securities regulation, corporation and information technology law, Professor Johnston has authored numerous books, holds an A.B. from Harvard University, an L.L.B. from Cambridge University and an L.L.B. from Queen's University, as well as honorary doctorates from twelve universities.

- J. Michael Losh, 57, formerly served as Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of General Motors from July 1994 through August 2000 and as chairman of GMAC, General Motor's financial services group, from July 1994 until April 1999.

'We are very fortunate to add these two experienced professionals to our Board of Directors. Both of these men have enjoyed extensive professional careers and understand the role and responsibilities of public company directors,' said Richard A. Manoogian, Masco's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. 'I expect that both David and Michael will occupy important roles and make meaningful contributions as members of our Board and its various committees.'

Web: http://www.masco.com


Windowlink Develops Software Team

Software house, Windowlink has strengthened its programming team with the appointment of Albert Chen as Software Developer. With a degree in software engineering, he is well qualified to fulfil his challenging new role.

Albert also brings excellent all-round experience of the computer industry to Windowlink, which offers a comprehensive suite of sales presentation and manufacturing software for windows, doors and conservatories. In addition to commercial software development, Albert has also worked in technical support, including hardware repair and assembly. His main areas of responsibility at Windowlink will be to enhance current packages with additional features and functionality, as well developing new software solutions to meet changing customer needs.

Commenting on his appointment and the buoyant home improvement industry, Albert says, ‘The increasingly competitive conservatory market, in particular, is demanding ever more advanced software, incorporating high quality graphics, information and now pricing at the click of a button to help clinch a sale. And that’s clearly the way forward for Windowlink.’

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


Henry Promoted at Quantal

Henry Inglis has been promoted to UK Business Development Manager for Quantal Conservatory Roofing Systems.

Henry brings more than 15 years' experience in the industry to his new position. He says, ‘I am looking forward to working closely with key customers nationwide to find ways of increasing and developing their businesses, using a variety of different services.

‘Members of the Approved Quantal Fabricator or Retail Networks can enjoy all the benefits that we offer, including training, full technical backup and a comprehensive marketing package. I aim to use these tools to help our customers realise the best possible results.’

Henry will continue with his area sales role in Scotland, Ireland and the North of England, whilst taking on his new responsibilities.

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 Managing Director for Sapa Building Systems

Nigel Sissons has been appointed Managing Director at Sapa Building Systems, following the announcement of David Boast’s retirement at the end of the year after 22 years with Sapa.

Nigel’s appointment as Deputy Managing Director earlier this year has helped to ensure a smooth transition both within the company and for Sapa’s customers.
After joining Sapa in 1994, initially as Finance then Commercial Director, he has been instrumental in helping the company develop its strong position both within the industry and the Sapa Group.

Nigel commented: ‘It is an honour to accept the position at such a key stage in the Company’s development. We have recently invested strongly in both computer systems and new product developments and are therefore poised to enable both our customers and ourselves to grow profitably over the coming years. These investments, combined with the talented team at Sapa, underpin our exciting plans for the future and I am delighted to be taking Sapa Building Systems forward as Managing Director’.

Tel: 01684 853500

Email: mailto:janet.oneill@sapagroup.com


New Role for Medlock at Expanding Fastener Firm

Tony Medlock has joined the expanding van sales operation of window fasteners and door hinge company SFS intec.

Tony (29) joined SFS intec three years ago, initially working as a toolmaker. Prior to joining SFS intec, he was employed by a metal components company.
His responsibiities include servicing the small fabricator who needs a quick response and a small number of products, in addition to making regular planned deliveries. As part of a team of three, Tony serves regions south of the M62 motorway as far as the Home Counties.

Says Neil Ackroyd, regional manager Industrial Fasteners of SFS intec: 'SFS intec has always: prided itself on customer service, and expanding our van sales team will further enhance this.'

Tony lives in Mirfield, West Yorkshire. His hobbies include playing the guitar, going to concerts, socialising and camping.


Tel: 01904 610077


New Managers at Maco

 Maco has announced the appointment off two New Area Managers for the North West and South East of the country.

Russell Gaukroger age 40, joins Maco in the North West bringing over 11 years experience to Maco. He is looking forward to working for a major European manufacturer having worked in sales for distributors and smaller manufacturers he sees the challenge as interesting and exciting working in partnership with the Maco distributors. He has a very get up and go attitude and strives to put his skills to good use and make this challenge a very rewarding one.

Russell has two daughters and a son and his interests include photography and football, he is a keen Leeds United supporter.

Matthew Oakley age 27 has been with Maco for 2 years working in the technical department, he has been promoted to the position of South East Area Manager. He is already known by many customers over the telephone and who have had products tested at Maco as Matthew was responsible for the test room.

He is looking forward to combining his technical knowledge of both Maco products and the various test standards to assist his customers in achieving the highest possible performance requirements.

Mathew and his partner are expecting their first baby in January and his interests include photography, football (Chelsea) and playing Hockey.

Web: http://www.macouk.net


Field Achievement Endorsed

The field endeavours and achievements of one of Wendland’s field sales stalwarts has been recognised with the promotion of Davie Priscott to Field Sales Manager.

‘I am delighted that Dave’s sterling efforts and achievements in the last two years have made him an automatic choice for this important appointment as the company progresses to ‘the next level’. Dave’s enthusiasm, pragmatism and undoubted ability will ensure his success in helping Wendland ‘Lead By Design’ and maximise their market opportunities’ says Wendland Sales & Marketing Director Alan Fielder. Dave’s experience stems initially from engineering and commercial print and he has been doing the business for Wendland since 2001.

Dave has no less than five children, plans to make Julia his wife in the near future (they plan to be married in Las Vegas by Elvis!) and enjoys playing guitar and mountain biking, when not entertaining three-year-old daughter Imogen at home in Bewdley, Worcestershire.

Tel: 08706 009600
Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk
Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com


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