Bill
Pratt Goes Back to Recruitment
Having spent the last 15 years selling capital equipment to fabricators
in the UK, Bill Pratt has decided to go back to the recruitment business.
Having
been in sales for the last twenty years, not just in the window industry
but also within the building products market, Bill is drawing on his experience
and significant contacts to generate business.
'There is no doubt that in the recruitment field many people make the
mistake of trying to take on too much business and consequently dilute
their efforts. It is so often the case that potential long term clients
become frustrated and disenchanted through a lack of attention to detail.
You need to understand the market you are working in, understand a clients
needs and advise accordingly.' comments Bill.
Tel: 01454 418855
Mobile: 07900 495245
EMail: mailto:ten4321ten@aol.com
Ricky
Le-Grys New Sales & Marketing Director at Door Panels PLC
Door Panels PLC has appointed Ricky Le-Grys as Sales & Marketing Director.
Ricky is a respected and successful figure in the building supplies industry
with over twenty years service - most recently at fellow Heywood Williams
Group company, HW Systems.
Ricky's experience covers all aspects of the glazing trade with ten years
in sales and a period running his own training school. He has confidence
in all the research figures that indicate considerable projected growth
for the core door panels market and is expecting further growth for the
composite door business in retail, social housing, new build and the DIY
sector.
Dean Rinaldi, Managing Director of Door Panels comments: 'Ricky will be
a great asset to the company. He joins a successful team that will not
lose sight of further developing the core door panel business - the very
foundation of our success'.
Tel: 01684 594561
Email: mailto:sales@doorpanels.co.uk
Web: http://www.doorpanels.co.uk
Support
Grows at HW Systems
Andy
Miller is the latest appointment at HW Systems. Andy joins the company
as an Area Sales Manager covering the central region including Birmingham,
Manchester, North Wales, Nottinghamshire and Lincolnshire.
Andy's main task is to develop the level of fabricator support offered
by HW Systems and work closely with customers to grow and develop their
businesses. He has a wealth of experience in providing customer support
services plus specific window industry knowledge having previously worked
as Business Development Manager at Business Micros.
For Andy his decision to join HW Systems was an easy one to take: 'The
company is part of the largest PVCu extruder in Europe with a large
infrastructure in place and exciting plans for the future. I am looking
forward to working with HW Systems to help its customers move forward
and grow in this competitive marketplace.'
Tel: 01452 722227
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
Sash
Promotes Colin Poole to Conservatory Director
In
line with the emphasis placed upon this division of the business, window,
door and conservatory manufacturer Sash UK has announced the creation
of a specific board position to oversee its conservatory manufacturing
and large span installation operations, with Colin Poole taking up the
role of Conservatory Director.
Colin, 41 and from Lincoln, joined Barnsley based Sash UK three years
ago as conservatory manager to develop the company's interests in this
increasing niche market. This new role, extends Colin's responsibility
and recognises his extensive capabilities in developing this very specialised
sector.
On his appointment Colin commented 'This is a real honour for me but
also a measure of Sash UK's ambitions within the conservatory market.
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing operation will be further developed
as our sales continue to increase with demand for our large portal structures
growing particularly strong throughout Europe and the U.S.A. It is a
very exciting time.'
Web: http://www.sashuk.com
Portal
Appoints New Internal Sales Manager
Sue
Ryder has joined Portal Products as Internal Sales Manager responsible
for the day-to-day running of the sales office, sales analysis and order
input at the PVCu door panel and composite door manufacturer.
Sue previously worked as Operations Team Leader for a vehicle leasing
company managing a team in charge of business-to-business transaction
processing. In her spare time, she enjoys golf and skiing.
Tel: 01242 267000
Email: mailto:sales@portal-products.co.uk
Guardian
Industries Corp. Promotes Scott Thomsen
Guardian Industries Corp., a global player in the glass, automotive and
building products industries, announced on September 10th the promotion
of Scott V. Thomsen to group vice president. Russell J. Ebeid, president
of Guardian’s Glass Group, made the announcement.
Thomsen is responsible for directing research and development initiatives
at Guardian’s Science & Technology Centre (S&T) in Carleton,
Michigan. At the Centre, established in 2000, more than 50 scientists,
engineers and technicians from around the world are dedicated to developing
leading edge glass technologies and improved manufacturing processes for
the architectural and automotive industries.
'Scott Thomsen has energy, drive and passion for product and process innovation,'
says Ebeid. 'He has taken S&T and helped build it into a world-class
centre for research and development. He is a key contributor to Guardian’s
future success.'
Thomsen’s mission is for the centre to play a vital role in bringing
innovative products to market rapidly and at reduced costs.
Thomsen earned a bachelor of science degree in electrical engineering
from the University of North Dakota and a master of science degree in
electrical engineering from the University of California.
Synseal
appoints new non-exec director
Synseal
Extrusions have appointed Alan Woods as Non-Executive Director. Alan,
previously a Senior Partner with Cooper Parry, joined Synseal in May this
year to help continue the formulation of long-term strategy.
Alan and Gary Dutton knew of each other for some time and this was a natural
progression of mutual respect. 'My perception of Synseal before joining
the company was that it is a proactive, innovative firm which despite
its growth has managed to maintain the family values with which it was
set up. Since joining I have realised the strong extent of their commitment
to quality and how serious Synseal’s directors are about developing
strategies to keep striving forward. A very exciting time for me to join
the company.'
Tel: 01623 443200
Web: http://www.synseal.com
Piper
Windows Appoints new Business Development Manager
As
part of an on-going expansion programme, windows, doors and conservatories
fabricator Piper Windows, Kent, has appointed Kris Wilkes as Business
Development Manager.
Kris, married with one son is a keen digital photographer. His other hobbies
include producing and writing his own music, designing websites, and when
time permits, riding his GPZ500 motorcycle.
His previous work experience includes managing the New Build Department
of a major PVC building product supplier based in Kent.
Having decided on a career in sales, Kris felt that Piper Windows was
an obvious choice as it is a company that believe in investing in people
to achieve their objectives.
Kris comments, 'With his vast experience and the ‘hand on shoulder’
approach to training that Darren Harrison, Commercial Sales Manager has
adopted with me, I feel there will be no holding me back from becoming
one of the best specification salesmen in the industry.
'My goal is to be successful in everything I do, I believe success is
a journey, not a destination, and I am looking forward to this exciting
new challenge, and working with a company that can undertake the most
demanding projects with such confidence and skill.'
Kris joins an existing sales force to promote Piper Windows reputation
within the commercial sector and to help develop long term partnering
agreements with Local Authorities and Housing Associations.
Tel: 01843 850500
Email: mailto:piper@piperwindows.co.uk
Web: http://www.piperwindows.com
New
Sales Appointments at Profile 22
Profile
22 has appointed two new Business Development Managers, Jerry Brookes
and Laurence Hughes, who coincidentally were colleagues at a previous
company and share the same birthday.
Jerry, who covers the South East and South coast, brings a varied sales
background to his role including manufacturing and export sales. He
recently headed up a fabricator's sales operation and prior to that,
worked for a major systems supplier.
His spare time interests include sport, particularly Rugby Union which
he occasionally plays.
Like his colleague, Laurence shares a background in sales with major
systems and hardware suppliers. He is responsible for looking after
Profile 22 customers and new business in the South West.
Time permitting, Laurence enjoys gardening and looking after his assortment
of animals on his smallholding.
Contact: Kathy Wilkinson
Tel: 01242 243444
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
New
Appointments at Premier Profiles
Premier
Profiles, extruder of PVCu window, door and cellular foam profile, has
strengthened its sales team with the appointment of two new commercial
sales representatives.
Andrew Nicholds from Doncaster and Paul Jones from Bristol will be responsible
for supporting Premier's existing fabricators as well as developing
new business for its profile and cellular foam products, including the
Concept 60 and Sekura 70 window and door systems and Conservatory Roof
System.
Andrew and Paul bring over 14 years' combined experience in the PVCu
and extruded products industries. Having worked in quality assurance,
discolouration and customer liaison departments, the broad range of
skills that Andrew and Paul have developed will make them key additions
to Premier's commercial sales team.
Tel: 01302 311200
Email: mailto:info@premierprofile.ltd.uk
New
Sales Director at Alfas
Sealants
manufacturer Alfas has appointed Martin Eades as its new Sales Director.
In this post Martin becomes responsible for the sales and business development
activities of the group's specialist sealants companies, Alfas Industries
Ltd, manufacturer of tapes and technical sealants, and Seal Strip Ltd,
supplier of wet sealants and adhesives.
Martin is well known within the sealants and adhesive tapes industry.
He has worked in the sector for over 31 years and has gained considerable
experience of domestic and export sales activities, raw materials, products
and markets. Holding senior management positions at a number of companies,
he has contributed greatly to the success of several specialist adhesive
tape companies.
Martin is a founder member and is currently on the management committee
of the Association of Die Cutters and Converters of Adhesive Tapes.
Tel: 0191 419 0505
Email: mailto:sales@alfas.com
Web: http://www.alfas.com
Ultraframe
Strengthens Midlands Sales Team and appoints New Northern Sales Manager
Ultraframe,
designer and manufacturer of conservatory roofing systems and ancillaries,
has beefed up its sales team with the appointment of a new representative
for the Midlands region. Craig Daykin (pictured left), married with
three children, has over 15 years experience in the building industry
and joins the team from architectural ironmonger Basta Parsons.
Welcoming Craig to Ultraframe, Peter Allen, Sales Director, said: 'Craig
has an impressive track record and I am confident that he will deliver
superb sales and service to Ultraframe's customers in the Midlands.
We're delighted to have him as part of the Ultraframe team.'
Chris Kendall, meanwhilehas been appointed North of England and Scotland
regional sales manager for Ultraframe.
Chris
(pictured right), who is married with two young children, has 12 years
Business-to-Business sales experience within the home improvement market.
Chris joins Ultraframe from a trade supplier in Scotland, where he was
Trade Sales Manager. Previous positions include: area sales manager
at Consort, Nottingham; and Scottish sales manager for Cordiners Windows,
Bangor, Northern Ireland. In addition, Chris also ran his own business
for two years supplying the trade with PVC frames.
With many years of experience selling various trade frames, Chris is
looking forward to driving sales in the North. Chris says: 'I am very
pleased to be joining a strongly sales focused company like Ultraframe,
which really understands the needs of its customers.'
Tel: 01200 443311
Email: mailto:sales@ultraframe.co.uk
Web: http://www.ultraframe.co.uk
GBW
Takes on New Team Player
GBW
has added a new member to its Technical Support team. Paul Bateman has
recently joined the company as Technical Sales Manager specifically
for GBW's Discovery range of composite doors. His responsibilities include
setting up a training programme for new and existing commercial customers,
and providing comprehensive technical support for the Discovery collection.
In his new role Paul will also act as a vital link between the customer
base and GBW's research and development department, reporting feedback
from users to assist in the planning of new products.
Paul joins GBW having gained extensive experience within the industry
and of working with fabricators. His career to date encompasses various
positions within the field of one-to-one training and technical support,
and he has also been directly involved in the development of new window
systems.
Based in the Midlands, Paul is a keen Aston Villa supporter and is now
looking forward to playing his part in the GBW team. Commenting on his
appointment, he says: 'I believe the Discovery composite door has massive
potential in both the commercial and domestic markets because it offers
the winning combination of exceptionally high performance with the look
of a traditional timber door.'
Tel: 08705 388377
New
Head of Marketing Leads New Product in HW Plastics
HW Plastics has appointed Brian Wallace as the new Head of Marketing
for its building products division. His remit will include the Kestrel
and BCE brands and he will also be driving the development of the new
Fibrex™ material that HW Plastics is introducing into the UK.
Fibrex™
is a composite material made of PVC combined with wood pulp. The resultant
material combines the low maintenance and durability appeal of PVC with
the inherent strength and thermal stability of wood. HW Plastics claims
to be the first company to manufacture this material in the UK, having
signed a licence agreement with the material's developers the Anderson
Corporation, USA at lnterbuild earlier this year.
Brian Wallace, with almost 20 years' experience in different sectors
of the plastics industry, brings a wealth of experience in new product
development and market introduction with him to HW Plastics, and was
attracted to the company because of its pioneering attitude to new products.
'HW Plastics is not afraid to experiment' he enthuses. 'There is a strong
tradition of exciting innovation, both in terms of product development
and of business practice, I believe there is a strong future for the
Fibrex™ material, and finding what that future is will be an exciting
as well as a challenging process.'
Brian will be based in the HW Plastics office at Congleton, which is
also the headquarters of the Kestrel brand.
Tel: 01625 420400
Web: http://www.hwplastics.co.uk
New
Team at Patiomaster Midlands
In-line patio door manufacturer, Patiomaster (Midlands) has strengthened
its team with the promotion and appointment of three members to its
Kidderminster-based team.
Darren Dimmock has been promoted from Administrator to Patiomaster Manager
responsible for running and growing the business serving fabricators
in the Midlands.
The
new team at Patiomaster Midlands; left to right - Darren Dimmock, Lee
Neale and Laura Shotton
He joined the company in March last year and has recently overseen the
investment in new plant and machinery in the welding and fabrication
areas to cope with increased demand.
Lee Neale has been appointed Team Leader in charge of the day-to-day
production, which has doubled in the last six months. Supporting them
is Laura Shotton, Patiomaster Assistant, who joined the company in May
and will be the main contact with customers for order processing and
delivery information.
Patiomaster (Midlands) offers its customers a five working day turnaround
on patios, with weekly deliveries throughout the Midlands.
The Patiomaster UK network comprises a national network of nine locally-based
fabricators offering a dedicated ready-made in-line patio door service
for fabricators and installers.
Contact Laura or Darren on 01299 254312
New
Customer Services Head for SFS
Former electronics logistics man Mick Maddison has joined Leeds fastener
company SFS intec, to head its UK customer services operation.
The
company, which supplies window fasteners and door hinges, is extending
its supply chain management operation to help increase the profitability
of UK windowmakers via more efficient component supply management. Already
a number of major companies in the UK and lreland are using the SFS
SCM system, as well as buying SFS' high-performance austenitic fasteners.
Aged 39, Mick joins SFS from Farnell, the electronics component distributor,
where he was inventory manager, responsible for a 60,000 items inventory
profile across 500 suppliers. Prior to that he had worked for a number
of years in the food-retailing sector.
In his new role he plans to build on the systems already in place to
extend the service, focussing on customer support and supply chain management,
Based in Leeds, he will work closely with the logistics teams at other
SFS manufacturing operations in Europe and the US.
Mick is married with two children and lives in Pudsey, Leeds. His interests
include cricket, football golf and swimming.
Tel: 0113 208 5500
Email: mailto:bric@sfs.ch
New
Appointments at Rehau
Rehau
has made two new appointments at its Manchester Sales Office.
Tony Ball has joined Rehau as an Area Sales Manager responsible for
both new and existing customers in Manchester and surrounding towns
and John McNama has been appointed as Commercial Sales Manager supporting
those customers who operate in both the public and private sectors of
the commercial market.
Both men have more than 15 years experience in the window industry and
bring to Rehau a considerable amount of commercial and technical expertise.
Tel: 01989 762600
Email: mailto:window.enquiries@rehau.com
Web: http://www.rehau.co.uk
New
Appointment at HW Systems
HW
Systems has appointed Mark Scanlon as Area Sales Manager for the Northern
Region.
Mark will take on responsibilities for managing and developing existing
customers and developing new business.
Having previously worked with an American software company Mark is keen
to develop the customer service element of his job.
Says Mark: 'Support is a vital part of any business and HW Systems offers
one of the best packages in the industry - including an unsurpassed
range of marketing and business support.'
HW Systems offers two main window suites - HW 70 and Vinylock 1600 Plus
the FrameFast range of cavity closers & window formers for the new
build market.
Tel: 01452 722227
Web: http://www.hwsystems.co.uk
Petri
Mölsä Appointed CEO OF Uniglass Engineering OY
Petri Mölsä has been appointed CEO of Uniglass Oy, part of
Kyro's safety glass technology business group. Mölsä was previously
in charge of the company's maintenance operations.
Uniglass Engineering Oy’s business operations comprise thedesign,
sale and maintenance of glass-tempering furnaces. Thecompany claims
to be one of the leading suppliers of flat tempering machines in the
world.
The company’s net sales amounted to approximately EUR 10 million
in 2001. The figures of Uniglass Engineering Oy have been included in
the safety glass technology business of Kyro Group since 1st May, 2002.
Tel: 00358 3 2545 100
Email: mailto:info@uniglass.com
Web: http://www.uniglass.com
SDEA
Appoints new Council
Members of the Shop and Display Equipment Association welcomed a new
team to its Executive Council at the Association's recent Annual General
Meeting and Summer Ball held at the charming Nailcote Hall in Warwickshire.
Mr Mark Gosen, Managing Director of DZD was re-elected as President,
Mr Nick Flack, Group Sales and Marketing Director for Quinton and Kaines
(Holdings) Ltd, was re-elected as Vice President and four members were
appointed to the Executive Council: - Mr Andrew Musty, UK Sales Manager
for Rapid Racking Ltd and Mr Roger Sturley, Managing Director of Pennant
Shop Equipment Ltd were re-elected. Mr Gerry Griffiths, Managing Director
of London Visual Ltd and Mr Phillip Ince, Managing Director of Sperling
Retail Developments Ltd were newly elected to serve on the Council.
The two new members bring a vast array of knowledge and experience to
the Council's already broad mix, from their respective industries -
London Visual serves the visual merchandising market and Sperling offers
a large range of shopfittings and display products.
Over sixty members joined sdea for this year's Annual General Meeting
and Summer Ball. AGM completed, members enjoyed a gala dinner and were
entertained by a juggler, French mime artist, string quartet, illusion
show and disco, plus a treasure hunt within the hotel's beautiful grounds
the following morning.
Tel: 01883 348911
Email: mailto:enquiries@sdea.co.uk
Web: http://www.sdea.co.uk
New
Head of Sales for ARP
Included
in the latest phase of the growth of rainwater systems specialist Aluminium
Roofline Products Ltd is the appointment of Darren Wood as Sales Director.
In what is a relatively young and specialised market, Darren is one
of the most experienced sales professionals around, having controlled
a large sales force for a competitive manufacturer for several years.
Prior to his specialisation in aluminium rainwater products Darren gained
experience with a number of other major names in the building and construdion
markets, which combine to give him a thorough knowledge of these sectors.
Darren's role now is to fulfil the interest ARP is creating in the commercial
and home improvement markets for its sectional and continuous guttering
systems.
Darren, 36, is married with a 2-year-old daughter. Living in Leicestershire,
when time permits he enjoys a round of golf and Formula 1 racing.
Tel: 0116 289 4400
Email: mailto:sales@arp-ltd.com
Web: http://www.arp-ltd.com
Two
Key Players add over 40 Years' Experience to the Launch of Roof Lock
The newly appointed Operations Director and Production Manager for Aegis
Conservatory Roof Systems add more than 40 years of industry experience
to the launch of the company's new high security roofing system.
Chris Kinnair and Paul Underwood will play leading roles in the launch
of Roof Lock - a new roofing system that aims to become a standard feature
of future conservatory design.
Chris
(pictured left), who joins as Operations Director, has 'done everything
except sales' since joining an aluminium and timber window manufacturing
business at Deeside in the early 80s. Since then he has been a surveyor,
fabricator, installer and held senior management positions including
Installations Manager and Customer Services Manager.
As Production Manager for Griffin Windows he was handling up to 2,000
frames and 35 conservatory roofs a week and as Regional Installation
Manager for Magnet in Flintshire he ran a £10,000,000 department
and organised 38 North West installation teams.
Two years ago he jointly set up 21st Century Windows at Hawarden in
North Wales and was Production Director, before being invited to join
Aegis.
Production Manager Paul Underwood (below right) is a time-served manufacturing
engineer. His experience in production, engineering services, planning
and technical management has been strengthened by industry qualifications
in management, information technology, engineering design and mechanical
and production engineering leading to a 1997 postgraduate diploma in
management studies from Trent University's Nottingham Business School.
The
following year he moved to North Wales to become Technical Manager at
Magnet in Flint and, later, joined Chris Kinnair at 21st Century Windows,
as Quality Systems Manager.
At Aegis Paul will control and schedule the production of bespoke Roof
Lock units for supply, in kit form, through a UK network of authorised
dealerships.
'The product has been called 'the most secure conservatory roofing system
ever' and seals off a weak spot in conservatory design which could otherwise
continue to seriously threaten domestic security.' says Paul - who was
last part of a brand new product launch at Magnet where he was also
involved in security kitemark testing on casement windows.
'People don't realise that it's just as easy to get through a conservatory
roof as it is through a door or window. I'm looking forward to being
party to this genuine innovation which will change the face of conservatories.
There's an enormous amount of drive and energy going behind this new
product.'
Tel: 08702 403662
GTI-Kombimatec
Announces New Board Appointments
GTI-Kombimatec Machines Ltd has announced several internal promotions,
with two of its most experienced staff now appointed as Board Directors.
Ian Wheatley, who joined GTI-Kombimatec in February 2001 as Area Sales
Manager, now heads up the company's National UK Sales Division as Sales
Director. Ian has over 16 years' experience working within the window
industry, including 3 years as UK Sales Manager for glass machinery
manufacturer Contract Developments and 5 years as Northern Area Sales
Manager for a major aluminium extruder. Ian, who currently lives in
York with his family, will be responsible for building long-term relationships
with customers and looks forward to developing fresh sales strategies
to encourage further growth.
With many new products having recently been added to the Kombimatec
portfolio - and more to follow - a Technical Director has also been
appointed to oversee product development, technical support and training.
David Parsons has been promoted to the position having spent the past
6 years working within the window trade, many of those at GTI-Kombimatec.
Ian Wheatley believes that both his and David's changing roles are an
essential part of the company's future development:
'UK sales have risen dramatically for GTI-Kombimatec during the past
year thanks to our strong, comprehensive product portfolio and our reputation
for superb service. However, there are definitely many more opportunities
out there for us both in the UK and overseas. Our new roles now allow
us to focus on new business development and take full advantage of those
opportunities for Kombimatec.'
Tel: 01582 455934
Email: mailto:sales@gtikombi.co.uk
Web: http://www.gtikombi.demon.co.uk
Indigo
Action Means More Than Words
'Our greatest strength is a commitment to customers, many of which have
been with us for over 10 years' says Peter Hepwood, managing director
of Indigo Products Limited. 'We take the time to understand their businesses,
providing support that makes their lives easier, allowing them the time
to focus on what they are good at.
Indigo's customer service team encourages a close involvement with other
company departments. Understanding the pace and strains of the industry
they pride themselves on their prompt response and problem solving capabilities.
But for the technical team at Indigo, providing advice on specifications,
Building Regulations and awkward installations, fills their day and
for the last nine months a new addition to the team has been out on
the road with a truly hands on approach.
Will Vidor, has become so popular with Indigo customers that a new Nissan
Cargo Van has recently been purchased to help him get around the national
customer base. Will's role is to familiarise customers with the extensive
range of products available and to help out on site where more demanding
applications require specialist expertise.'Each of our customers is
different and their markets and businesses change constantly,' continues
Peter, 'That's why Indigo support doesn't stop with pretty pictures
and words. It comes from every department with the same commitment and
enthusiasm we apply to our own business.'
Tel: 01922 743202
Email: mailto:sales@indigoproducts.com
Web: http://www.indigoproducts.com
Everwhite
Appoints Neil Whitfield
Everwhite,
manufacturers of PVC UE building products and systems has appointed
Neil Whitfield to the position of Business Development Manager for North
England.
Based in Wigan, Neil joins the Everwhite team with specific responsibility
for developing business in the fields of rebuild and refurbishment.
With over twenty five years experience in the construction industry
Neil previously worked for Swish and FloPlast. He entered the PVC-UE
industry following the early part of his career as a lecturer in carpentary
and joinery.
Announcing his new appointment Tony Crutcher, Sales and Marketing Director
of Everwhite said, 'Neil's considerable experience in the PVC-UE industry
is enhanced by his technical knowledge developed during his years as
a lecturer. He will play a key role in further developing our distributor
base in the North of England.'
Tel: 01685 882447
