Pilkington launches improved and expanded website

From Monday 18th March 2002 the Pilkington Group website, www.pilkington.com, has a new look and added functionality.

The home page links users to country and global business content for 70 countries in 25 languages - and online ordering in selected markets.

Corporate information on Pilkington has been greatly expanded, with key facts and figures now available in English, German, French, Italian, Spanish and Portuguese for investors, analysts and researchers around the world.

The Pilkington site is also the place to visit for detailed global flat glass industry information for both the Building and Automotive sectors.

An e-mail alert service brings selected news from Pilkington automatically to your e-mail account as soon as it is released. See the 'Investor Relations' section in Corporate. If you have already subscribed, you can enter your email address to login and edit your preferences.

http://www.pilkington.com

Deceuninck redesigns website

The new Deceuninck site is stylish - a good example of Flash used properly, giving a touch of attractive animation without adding much to loading time. Similar to Pilkington, this worldwide Group has effectively addressed the issue of having to supply different products to different geographical markets. It does it in a similar way too, simply by asking the user to select his/her market in a drop down menu.

For the UK, it offers two choices: under '70mm suite' it offers the Status Chamfered Suite and provides a link to the Status website, which has also recently been redesigned (http://www.status-systems.co.uk). Under the product headings Windows & Doors, Roofline & Cladding, Walls & Ceilings, Internal Window Boards, Recycled Park & Garden Furniture and Air Treatment, it provides picture links to more specific and descriptive pages.

As a resource, both for the trade, for the consumer, and for the student/schoolchild, the site has something for everyone. Furthermore, it achieves this without becoming cluttered or overblown with good use of navigation and images, and text which is not overlong but which at least has some substance. For example, one page manages to describle the manufacturing process for PVC-U in 13 lines, by referring to an companying illustration.

Some blind alleys still exist in the English language version (eg, no press releases or jobs yet). However, this is more than made up for by the Corporate section which has a full history of the Group, its aims and objectives (in sensible language) and a downloadable Annual Report.

All in all, an excellent site well worth bookmarking even if you are not a Deceuninck/Status customer

http://www.deceuninck.com

The new Heywood Williams site, by contrast, would be a triumph of style over content, if it had any style. Come to think of it, it hasn't really got any content either. Devotees of the old site may remember masses of market information that you could set your watch by, not to mention borrow for those awkward board meetings.

The new site's home page has gone for an 'open' style, which rather belies the fact that it has more javascript on one page than most sites have on their entire server. The javascript mainly serves to continually swop a number of rather bland images, which purport to show the range of markets the Group is involved with, but then rather destroys this illusion by describing what the group does in good old fashioned words - a rather sparse 46 words to be precise.

As we go on through the site, this pattern is woefully repeated: the Group's 'Strategic Process' is rattled out in a breathless 32 words (which rather reminds one of those terrribly out of date 'Mission Statements' we used to see everywhere).

'Key People' looks more promising, and yes, all eight directors get the full puff treatment, together with massive pictures of themselves striking rather dramatic poses.

The 'Company Links' page is quite useful, if only to be given an opportunity to go to a site other than this. Again, the terse descriptions rather beggar belief: Spectus is summed up in an astonishingly economical four words, while Mila is deemed to merit by comparison a rather bloated nine.

The 'Financial Section' promises that the Annual Report will be available from April 5th, provides an archive of old information and press releases (up to mid 2001) and offers a couple of Powerpoint presentations to download in the interim. I have to confess that I lost interest at this point.

In conclusion I would say that Heywood Williams is doing itself no favours with this site if it wants to position it as an industry resource (which it used to be) or to promote the Group as one of the UK's largest window manufacturing companies.

http://www.heywoodwilliams.com

NEW HOME GROUND FOR GLASSEX IN 2003

Following a sell-out show in 2002, the organisers of Glassex have announced that next year’s event will take place from 23rd to 26th March 2003 inclusive in a new residence – the recently built Halls 17, 18 and 19 of the NEC, Birmingham.

Offering all the excellent facilities expected of the UK’s busiest and fastest growing exhibition venue, the new halls also enjoy the latest environmental control systems and no less than 8 new catering establishments, ensuring the most comfortable working environment possible for both exhibitors and visitors. The new halls also represent a larger floor area than the traditional Glassex home of Halls 6, 7 and 8 and have been chosen in anticipation of further growth for the event, which celebrates its 21st birthday this year.

The 2003 Glassex dates have been arranged both to coincide with a late Easter – which will occur from 18th to 21st April next year – and to fulfil popular demand, with all recently conducted exhibitor and visitor research still supporting mid-March as the ideal date for the event. All of the new features launched at the 2002 event – including New Product Zones and Trails, VIP lounges and the Relaxation Zone - will make a return appearance in 2003, with yet more innovative areas to be announced throughout the year.

Total visitors this year numbered 12,808, a 7% increase on last year's attendance figures. The percentage of visitors from the owner/partner/chairman/MD/Director bracket: 46.36%, while the percentage of visitors from general manager/purchasing management area: 21.71%

6,600 square metres of space - around 60% of the total area planned for Glassex 2003 - was already reserved on-site before the doors closed for Glassex 2002.

Tel: 0208 277 5000
Email: mailto:nikki.lazenby@emap.com
Web: http://www.glassex.com

NB Our Glassex Review will appear in next week's Gl@zine.

Deceuninck Group current profit up by 20.3%

The Deceuninck Group, worldwide manufacturer of PVC-U window systems and building profiles, announced its annual results today. Deceuninck achieved consolidated sales of 350.6 million euro in 2001. Current net profit grew by 20.3% to 27.1 million euro. EBIT grew by 13.1% to 42.4 million euro, operational cashflow (EBITDA) by 13.5% to 74.1 million euro.

The construction market saw hard times in 2001. In the summer, the US was hit by an economic recession. The downturn was compounded by the events of 11 September. The economic situation in Western Europe remained problematic throughout, with the situation in Germany an absolute low. Only Eastern Europe achieved significant growth, particularly with regard to renovation. Turkey had to face unprecedented devaluation and suffered from natural disasters, such as earthquakes and floods.

Given this economic climate, Deceuninck's performance has been excellent. The company saw a strengthening of its position in virtually all regions thanks to new customers, improved service and innovative products. Thus, a new window system for large accounts in the UK and new window boards, building profiles and roller shutters with a ventilation system (Climaline) were added to the existing range. France, the United Kingdom and Eastern Europe in particular saw significant growth, while the other regions managed to maintain their positions in a shrinking market. The US, too, achieved improved results in difficult circumstances. Without the perseverance and determination of our staff this performance would not have been possible.

Sales figures improved moderately, with a growth of 3.2 %, but sales strongly increased in volume (10.4 %). This result is largely due to the stopping of the non-core activities in 2000, and to the significant growth in sales to large customers. Margins improved thanks to lower raw material prices and direct costs and stable overhead expenses. EBITDA, for instance, increased to 74.1 million euro (margin of 21.1 %) and EBIT to 42.4 million euro (margin of 12.1 %). Current net profit rose by 20.3 % to 27.1 million euro. Interest charges, finally, saw a considerable decline, because of good working capital monitoring, lower investments and the improvement of the net financial position by 30 %.

The Board of Directors will propose to the General Meeting of Shareholders on 14 May 2002 that a net dividend of Euro 0.168750 should be paid.

The year 2001 has been a transition period with the results and strong balance-sheet position of Deceuninck constituting an ideal basis for further growth. The consolidation in the industry offers interesting perspectives. Acquisitions and joint ventures are not to be ruled out and further sales and profit growth is expected.

Deceuninck is an integrated group on a world wide scale, specialising in compounds, design, development, extrusion and recycling of PVC systems and profiles for the construction industry. The company is active in 32 countries, has 20 production and/or sales branches, and has a world wide workforce of 1694, including around 540 in Hooglede-Gits. Deceuninck is number three in its sector in the world.

http://www.deceuninck.com

Europe's largest cantilever racking equipped distribution centre at Trentham Lakes

HW Plastics also has a thriving export business with its turnover, mainly in Eastern Europe, increasing by an impressive 40%.

The Hardware Division, spearheaded by Mila Hardware and Windoware has experienced double digit growth and to cope with the increased level of business it is extending the size of its manufacturing and warehouse premises. Mila also has a thriving export arm with businesses in Eire, Benelux and Scandinavia.

Mila expects even greater things from the launch of "Centra-lock" - the UK's first affordable, practical and easy to fit household central locking system, judging by the reception it was accorded by the trade buyers at its launch at Glassex in early March, their confidence in the future seems to be well justified.

An investment of over £l million has been made in the form of the new composite door factory in Gloucester for Door Panels plc, which will take the company into a new era.

'When I arrived at Heywood Williams early last year, it was obvious that the Group was not moving forward the way a market leader shouid. Yet the potential of our individual companies was enormous. Having restructured our cost base, we are now investing heavily in the efficiencies, new products and higher service levels that our customers expect and deserve', concludes Ian Stuart.

Group Results at a glance:
Sales: £621.2m (2000 £652).
Operating profit* of £20.5m (2000 £28.1m)
H2 operating profit* of £13.3m (2000 £7.9m)
Profit before tax* of £18.1m (2000 £25.7m)
EPS* of 16.1p (2000 21.9p)
Net borrowings up only £3.9m at £25.7m
Dividend of 15p maintained
* Before exceptionals, goodwill and excluding income from associates

Lisa Urquahart of the Financial Times sounded a note of warning about the Group's US market:

'Pre-tax profits fell from £14.3m to £4m and included a £6m restructuring charge in the UK. ... Improved trading in the UK and cost savings ... went some way in offsetting US operating profits, which almost halved to £9.7m (£18.4m) as volumes in the pipe division fell.'

It went on to pay a measure of respect to Ian Stuart's pruning of the domestic business:
'While most of the recovery may have come from the pared down UK business, the US manufactured housing side finished strongly'

GO-AHEAD FOR FOUR SELF-CERTIFICATION SCHEMES UNDER THE BUILDING REGULATIONS

A new scheme to promote competence, cut red tape and help consumers identify reputable glazing firms was one of four new self-certification schemes approved today by Minister for Building Regulations Alan Whitehead. (Yes, believe it or not, they are talking about FENSA - Ed)

From 1st April people wishing to replace their windows will need to get building control approval either from their local authority or through a new self-certification scheme called FENSA (Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme). The scheme applies to windows and frames – but not to broken windows.

The FENSA scheme will provide a cost-effective alternative to seeking local authority building approval and will help householders to identify reputable glazing firms. It will require replacement glazing companies to certify to local authorities that their work meets the new energy efficient building regulations. Membership of the scheme – which is backed by glazing industry - means that companies are not required to seek building control approval from councils, saving time and money for the consumer. Non-members and persons wishing to carry out the work themselves can still do so but will be obliged to seek building control authority approval.

Firms registered with FENSA will be subject to detailed scheme rules, will be inspected regularly and will offer each customer an insurance-backed guarantee. The scheme will be administered by the Glass and Glazing Federation, and will be open to any firm that meets the relevant criteria.

Laying the new regulations before parliament today, Alan Whitehead said:
“These regulations mark a major step forward for consumer protection in the glazing industry. For the first time the glazing industry has drawn up a national scheme to ensure competence among members, offering consumers a greater confidence and level of protection than ever before. By signing up to schemes such as FENSA, companies are giving out a clear message to consumers that their work complies with building regulations”
.
The other schemes coming into force on April 1st are:
* The Heating Equipment and Testing Approvals Scheme (HETAS Ltd) for the installation of solid fuel heating producing appliances, such as a wood burning stove.
* The Oil Firing Technical Association for the Petroleum Industry (OFTEC) for oil fired heating appliances, fittings and oil storage tanks.
* The Institute of Plumbing’s Approved Contractor Person Scheme for the installation of water-using appliances and internal drainage systems – eg, a new downstairs toilet.

NB: The self-certification schemes are being launched under the Building Regulations as part of the Government’s campaign to boost competence in the construction industry and cut red tape. Amendments were made to the regulations last year to introduce better energy saving standards to meet Kyoto and domestic commitments. These include the making of replacement glazing (including the frame) a controlled fitting, and more rigorous requirements for heating systems.

To ensure that these measures take place with the minimum burden on firms and the consumer, the Fenestration Self-Assessment Scheme (FENSA) has been developed to allow glazing installers to certify to local authorities that their work complies with the Building Regulations. The scheme was developed by a steering group consisting of key stakeholders, including representatives from the glazing industry and Trading Standards.

These regulations also recognise two bodies in relation to the provision of combustion appliances – HETAS and OFTEC. Promoting membership of these will help reduce life-threatening incidents through poor installation, and encourage energy efficiency, and link with new requirements for the safe installation of combustion appliances. A scheme developed by the Institute of Plumbing for plumbing work has also been recognised.

Laird Group report a depressed 2001 as Ian Arnott finally bows out after 20 years

Laird Group Chairman, Nigel Keen, commenting on the results, said:-
'2001, which represents the first full year’s results since the major repositioning of the Group in 2000, was affected by the unprecedented downturn and resultant destocking seen in the electronic industries and by the weak US economy. Trading conditions remain challenging. However, there are signs of conditions stabilising and of destocking in the electronic industries coming to an end. Laird’s long established conservative financial policies have ensured that the development of the Group has continued in 2001, despite the difficult trading conditions. The actions taken during the year, and the further steps being implemented in 2002, will ensure that Laird can take full advantage of a return to growth, especially in the electronic industries, when it occurs.'

Turnover - continuing operations £574.9m  (2000) £602.1m
Profit before tax - continuing operations*      £ 25.2m  (£42.2m)
Net borrowings £66.7m (£47.9m)
Shareholders’ funds £268.2m (£ 277.2m)
Earnings - continuing operations* 13.2 (20.0)
Dividends 11.1 (16.5)
*   Before exceptional items and goodwill amortisation. The totals for 2000, including discontinued operations, were a profit before tax of £56.5 million and earnings of 26.5p per share

The Group also announced the sooner than expected departure of chief executive Ian Arnott, who had been with the company for 20 years. He has been replaced by ex Invensys director Peter Hill. Although the 2001 results were pretty poor, the company has tightened its belt by cutting its workforce by about 25%, and is optimistic about the coming year, anticipating full year profits of around £25m.

Click here for complete report

Alcoa and Aviation Equipment, Inc. Announce 'FORTRESS' Cockpit Door

Los Angeles 14th March: Alcoa Aerospace announced today that it has collaborated with Aviation Equipment, Inc., of Los Angeles, USA to develop the FORTRESS(TM), a door designed to prevent access to the cockpits of the world's current commercial air fleet. The reinforced and armored door will provide levels of protection mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in response to the September terrorist attacks while also offering global airlines fast and efficient retrofit installation.

    Structural design engineers from the Engineering Design Center at Alcoa Technical Center (near Pittsburgh, PA) evaluated several concepts and selected the FORTRESS(TM) design for FAA certification testing. The FORTRESS(TM) cockpit door uses Alcoa 2519 ballistic aluminum armor in conjunction with composite armor laminates. FAA certification is in process.

    The unique FORTRESS(TM) design uses standardized components and is able to accommodate most aircraft models. The tamper-proof door is furnished as a complete kit, including attachment hardware, and can be installed in four hours or less -- allowing for overnight installation. A security camera, with tamper alarm for monitoring from the cockpit, is also available. A single-point door release is reachable by both pilots from inside the cockpit. Only security coded access is available from the passenger side of the cabin.

    Upper and lower blow out panels allow for air pressure equalization in both directions should rapid decompression occur. The panels automatically re-latch after pressure is balanced. Only slightly heavier than conventional, non-reinforced doors, the FORTRESS(TM) door weighs 5.5 pounds per square foot.

    "We have integrated our knowledge of aerospace materials, design, engineering and manufacturing to develop a cockpit door that will meet the U.S. government's performance objectives, the cost and installation objectives of the airlines and the security concerns of passengers," said Pat Hassey, executive vice president of Alcoa, who is responsible for the company's aerospace market sector.

    "We are fortunate to have more than two decades of successful structural design and engineering experience to draw upon," Hassey continued. "Working with both the automotive and aerospace industries, Alcoa has developed a design methodology based upon principles of `design for manufacturability' and `design for assembly' which, when coupled with our innovative aluminum products and processes, substantially improve performance, reduce weight, and minimize costs."

    "Alcoa and Aviation Equipment, Inc. have a great deal of practical experience in many areas. We think the collaboration will give us a very competitive approach to this new and important product application," said Kristopher Bentson, Sr., vice president of Sales and Marketing for Aviation Equipment, Inc.

    Alcoa is the world's leading producer of primary aluminum, fabricated aluminum and alumina. It provides customers in packaging, consumer products, automotive, aerospace, construction and other markets with a variety of fabricated and finished products. Alcoa has 129,000 employees in 38 countries.

    Aviation Equipment, Inc. specializes in the design, manufacture, overhaul and repair and modification of components for a variety of aircraft. The company also has extensive capabilities in advanced composites, aluminum metal-to-metal and boned honeycombed structures for control surfaces, cargo floor panels and other low-temperature airframe parts.

    Aviation Equipment, Inc., also manufactures components for many high-temperature applications utilizing alloys such as inconel, hastealloy, titanium and stainless steel. With its extensive engineering capabilities, the company has obtained many Supplemental Type Certificates and Parts Manufacturing Approvals and is an exclusive licensee of Alcoa's advanced aerospace laminate, Glare.

http://www.alcoa.com

Schott plans investment of 300 million euros

In spite of the weakness of the world economy and negative influences from industry the Schott Group anticipates sales of 2 billion euros in the current fiscal year (to Sept. 30, 2002). 'We have the opportunity to get through the current fiscal year on a successful business basis, to strengthen our competitiveness and to create new growth potential', said Chairman of the Board of Management Dr. Leopold von Heimendahl at the Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung’s annual financial press conference.

The current business situation is marked by stable demand for Ceran® glass-ceramic cooking surfaces as well as ampoules and vials for pharmaceutical purposes. In contrast Schott is feeling some restraint in the Advanced Optical Materials & Components and Opto-Electronics strategic business units.

It is Schott’s aim to maintain its productivity and innovation offensive even in times of difficult economic developments. To this end 300 million euros are being invested in the 2001/2002 fiscal year, a third of which is directly in future businesses such as microlithography and photovoltaics. To be better equipped to tackle the global competition, since the start of the new fiscal year Schott has reorganized its corporate structures including the bundling of competences and the setting up of strategic business units.

In the 2000/2001 fiscal year the Schott Group increased its sales by 6% to 2.0 billion euros of which foreign business accounted for 79%. The annual surplus at 52 million euros was at the same level as the previous year. Cash flow before profits taxes improved in line with the business situation by 65 million euros to 345 million euros and reached 17% of sales. At 279 million euros investment in tangible assets rose by a third. At September 30, 2001 the Schott Group employed 19,800 people (1999/2000: 19,600), of whom 9,800 were in Germany.

The Carl-Zeiss-Stiftung with the two foundation enterprises Schott Glas of Mainz and Carl Zeiss of Oberkochen plus the subsidiary companies included in the Schott Group and the Zeiss Group achieved sales in the 2000/01 fiscal year of 4.0 billion euros (1999/2000: 3.85 billion euros). The foreign share of this was 81%. 34,000 people were employed worldwide (1999/2000: 33.400).
http://www.schott.com

Bohle celebrate 12 months success with Scratch Away

At Glassex Bohle demonstrated,for the second year running,the Scratch Away scratch removal system to great success. The company claims the Scratch Away system includes several exclusive and unique features which not only allow for complete and distortion free removal of surface scratches, but the quick analysis of them prior to starting work.

'Scratch removal is easy, quick, safe and highly efficient- no time is wasted on scratches that would always be too deep to ever remove.

Over 90% of all scratches are surface scratches,' Gary Dean , MD of Bohle UK explians 'these can easily be removed step-by-step using the worldwide patented Scratch Away system achieving 'invisible' distortion free positive results. Ideally suitable for flat, insulating and automotive glass surfaces, the flexible rubber collar protects the enviroment and the operator from becoming soiled and the speed is such that the time to reach a positive result is remarkable' he told us.

Bohle says it has had every product in the world from every manufacturer put before us, as our worldwide distribution network is very appealing toproduct producers, but this is by far the best scratch removal system we have seen to date- and the remarkable sales since its launch at last years Glassex confirm our confidence in the product' said Gary

'Scratch Away has a proven track record and high degree of customer satisfaction, to date we are sure that this product is the quickest, safest and most effective scratch removal system currently in production.'

Scratch Away is available in 3 versions, 240v, 110v and a Pnuematic version and comes in a case with all accessories , manual and demonstration CD.

Tel: 0800 61 61 51
Email: mailto:bohleuk@bohle.de
Web: http://www.bohle.de

Tamglass increased its market share by 30% in 2001

The net sales of Tamglass Ltd. Oy, the leading manufacturer of safety glass machines, grew by about 30 % between January and December 2001 from the previous year, totalling EUR 120 million. Tamglass' order book increased slightly from the end of September and was at a good
level on December 31, 2001, at EUR 47.6 million. The order book continued to grow at the beginning of 2002 and was EUR 50.1 million in the end of January.

Demand for safety glass and safety glass machines continued its long-term growth. The capacity utilization of Tamglass' machine customers, i.e., glass manufacturers and glass processors, was high all around the world in 2001. Uncertainty in the world economy has mainly affected the demand for machines for automotive glass. The demand for machines for architectural glass remained at a good level despite the economic climate.

The demand in Tamglass' main market areas was good in 2001. Strong market areas within Europe included e.g. United Kingdom and Germany. Despite slow decision making in the United States, good amount of orders were also received towards the end of the year. Strong demand
in Brazil continued. Also the safety glass machine markets in China grew.

Tamglass' position in 2001 as a supplier of safety glass technology was stronger than before in all market areas. The company increased its market share particularly in Europe, the United States and South America.

Tamglass made in 2001 its machine manufacturing more efficient and shortened throughput times. Machine production in Switzerland was relocated to the Finnish factory. The Swiss subsidiary of Tamglass Group, Cattin Machines S.A, will focus in the future on product development and after sales operations. Tamglass product development expenditures amounted to EUR 7.4 million. The company launched several technology innovations to the market during the year 2001.

The good demand for safety glass and high utilisation rate of glass processors' capacity emphasize the significance of preventive maintenance. This together with the good new machine sales added further to the number of maintenance agreements for safety glass machines. Maintenance, spare parts sales and installations of new machines, which form the core of after sales services, continued to grow well.

Tamglass, a Kyro Group company, designs and manufactures safety glass lines and machines for the architectural, automotive, furniture and domestic appliance glass industries. Tamglass has a total of 16 operating units world-wide. The company has delivered over 1,400 production lines to over 70 countries. Tamglass Safety Glass Ltd., Tamglass Group's own glass processing unit, produces demanding, value-added safety glass products using the latest Tamglass technology.
http://www.tamglass.com

CBK, ONE YEAR ON

Gloucester based, CBK Ltd started trading as a specialist conservatory roof manufacturer in January 2001.

Since becoming an authorised fabricator of the K2 Conservatory Roof System, the company claims its business objectives of becoming one of the leading conservatory roof suppliers in the Southwest have turned into a reality.

Over the last year CBK has experienced a rapid increase in business opportunities, resulting in their current workforce working flat out to fulfil the demand of over 30 roofs a week.

K2 says it aided the development of CBK by providing them with a first class product coupled with the very best in service and support.

Bill Holden and Ken Meyrick the directors of CBK, commented: 'We feel that a major part of our success has been due to the popularity of the K2 roof system. The system has developed an impressive reputation throughout the industry and is recognised as a strong challenger to the current market leader.'

'We feel that with the continued support of K2, CBK have the drive and determination to continue our success story, providing endless business opportunities throughout the South West.'

Contact: Jack Nowicki
Tel: 01204 554 554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com