People and Careers September 2003

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New Logistics Director for HW Plastics

HW Plastics has announced the appointment of Harry McClurg as Logistics Director. Based at the company’s distribution centre at Trentham Lakes, Harry will be responsible for the company’s warehousing, transport, customers services and purchasing with the aim to deliver excellent customer service standards.

Harry brings with him a wealth of experience in the logistics field, where he has been responsible for warehouse, transport and customers services for a number of leading logistics providers. Prior to his appointment at HW Plastics, Harry worked for TDG where he was responsible for the logistics operations at several sites, servicing around 700 sales orders on a daily basis for blue chip organisations, in addition to the implementation of new contracts for fleet, software and warehouse construction.

‘I am delighted to be part of such as forward thinking company as HW Plastics,’ comments Harry McClurg. ‘My main aim is to deliver outstanding service standards including error free deliveries to our customers. In the short term I will be building on the good progress, which has so far been achieved this year. This will include reviewing the warehouse layout and operation as well as establishing improved targets.’

Harry’s objectives for the long term are to establish a totally safe working environment for all employees and a quality of service, which is surpassed by none. ‘My end objective is to make the Trentham warehouse a centre of excellence and a showpiece for HW Plastics that is the envy of all our competitors, one we would be proud to bring our customers to,’ concludes Harry.

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


Heat Seal Raises a Glass to Long Server

Melton Mowbray-based windows company, Heat Seal Ltd, is celebrating as one its employees clocks up 20 years service for the firm.

Production manager, Darrell Craves joined Heat Seal on a YTS scheme working in the timber shop making timber frames when he was just 16 years old. His responsibilities now include overseeing production activities on the shop floor and managing eight members of staff.

Commenting on his long service at Heat Seal, Darrell says, 'I love it here! I love the variety of the job and the company's forward-thinking, customer-focused approach. It has been a real privilege to be part of a firm which has such a commitment to its employees and investing in the future. I'm pleased to be part of such a strong team and hope I'll still be here in another 20 years!'

Established in 1970, Sheerframe fabricator, Heat Seal has grown to become a specialist in the area in quality double-glazing, with a wide choice in modern to traditional designs.


Alcoa Appoints Klaus Kleinfeld to Board of Directors

On September 15th the Board of Directors of Alcoa Inc increased the number of directors to eleven and appointed Klaus Kleinfeld as a director, effective November 14th, 2003. Mr Kleinfeld, 45, is president and chief executive officer of Siemens Corporation, the U.S. arm of Siemens AG, the global electronics and industrial conglomerate. With 70,000 employees in all 50 states, Siemens US consists of a broad range of industrial and infrastructure businesses and represents about 25 percent of Siemens' sales worldwide.

'Klaus Kleinfeld is a highly respected executive who possesses strong business building capabilities, including consulting, international, marketing and business management skills,' said Alain Belda, Chairman and CEO of Alcoa. 'We welcome his global strategic business and marketing leadership experience to the board.'

Klaus Kleinfeld was elected president and chief executive officer of Siemens Corporation on January 1st, 2002, after serving one year as chief operating officer of Siemens US, based in New York City. Prior to his U.S. assignment, Mr. Kleinfeld was executive vice president and a member of the executive board of the medical engineering group of Siemens AG in Germany, where he previously led the $1 billion Angiography, Flouroscopy and X-Ray Systems businesses. Earlier, Mr Kleinfeld established and headed the Siemens Management Consulting Group, which introduced cutting edge practices in benchmarking, reengineering and innovation across Siemens' global businesses.

Prior to joining Siemens in 1987, Mr Kleinfeld was a product manager for CIBA-GEIGY'S pharmaceuticals division in Basel, Switzerland. He also worked for a consulting firm in Germany, providing strategic marketing counsel to a broad variety of global corporations.

Mr Kleinfeld earned a master's degree in business administration/economics from the University of Goettingen (Germany) in 1982, followed by a Ph.D. in strategic management from the University of Wuerzburg (Germany).

He is a member of the Managing Board of Siemens AG; a board member of the Turner Corporation; the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Centers for Disease Control Foundation, the Metropolitan Opera and the Partnership for New York City co-chair of N.Y. Mayor Bloomberg's Task Force on Stimulating Growth and Diversification; and a member of The Business Roundtable, where he serves as the chair of the Information Security Committee.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com


Sash Ops Director Turns Easy Rider

Sash UK’s Operations Director Paul Bird has decided to match the fast paced environment of working for one of the UK’s busiest trade fabricators & installers with the thrill of the race circuit, having recently joined prominent Yorkshire motorcycle racing club Auto 66. And 40 year-old Paul is already showing a flair for the track, having finished 4th and 5th place respectively in his first two race events for the club.

Paul – who has worked for Sash UK for 3 years and within the UK window trade for over 20 years – has been considering participation in a team for some time, having long been a motoring enthusiast:
‘My younger brother John has been motorcycle racing for over 15 years and I have spent a lot of time watching and supporting him, as well as closely following other events such as Formula One and the World Motorcycle Championship. When I turned 40 earlier this year, I thought ‘it’s now or never’!’

Paul and his brother also run a motorcycle build and spares business called Moto SP Ltd and have built their own Race 125 production bikes for the forthcoming Yorkshire league championship. Says Paul:
‘It’s purely for fun from my point of view, but it is certainly exhilarating being out there. Helps build up your stamina for the working week ahead!’

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


New Sales Appointments at Sentinel

Following a number of internal promotions to strengthen its contracts team, Llantrisant based Sentinel Doors has appointed two new area sales managers.

Michelle Humphreys, who has extensive experience in the composite door market, now covers the Midlands and North West regions, and Niall Macpherson takes over the London Boroughs and Hampshire with specific responsibility for LHC Building Components and Services.

 



Commenting on the appointments, sales and marketing director Phil Mundell says a period of unprecedented growth for the composite door manufacturer is creating opportunities in many key areas of the business.

Tel: 01443 229219


Double Billing for FGI

Float Glass Industries (FGI) has announced the appointments of Andy Williams and Sarah Robinson, who join FGI with a wealth of knowledge representing a combined total of 33 years experience in the glass industry. The new additions to the team reflect ongoing expansion at the 109 year old company, which includes the arrival of the third toughening line and relocation of the glass processing division into newly refurbished premises. The move to Manchester-based Float Glass Industries also marks a welcome return to the northwest and an exciting new challenge for Andy and Sarah.

Andy has gained an in depth understanding of all aspects of the glass business, including sales and estimating, during his career at Nicholls and Clarke and most recently at Glass Processing Services. Due to his diverse experience, FGI is delighted to have him on board and initially he will be ‘hot desking’ within different departments imparting his invaluable knowledge. Andy feels that it’s an exciting time for the glass industry, which can ‘literally change from one day to the next’ and is looking forward to rising to the diverse challenges that lie ahead.

Sarah has a total of 15 years experience in the glass industry and joins FGI from the sales office at Greenberg Glass. As a member of FGI’s telesales operation she will be responsible for maintaining and building good customer relationships and will also help to grow the customer base. Sarah comments, ‘glass is a very cut-throat business to be in as the customer is always looking for the best deal and so a combination of quality, value and service is essential.’

In his spare time Andy enjoys football and is also an avid golfer, both on
the course and on the sofa. The couple are both keen supporters of Southampton FC and enjoy relaxing walks with their dog.

Tel: 0161 946 8000
Web: http://www.floatglass.co.uk


A Fresh New Opening for Kelly...

The appointment of local girl, Kelly Beck has led to a considerable development in Customer Care objectives at MPH Windows. In fact Kelly is really local, as she lives in the same Preston street as MPH Windows, manufacturer of PVCu windows.

MPH's Continual lmprovement Plan, part of its Business Strategy pledges to provide a complete customer-orientated package for both retail and commercial customers. Kelly Beck's appointment fulfils this obligation. Her role is to satisfy customer enquiries, resolve problems and ensure customer satisfaction throughout Lancashire.

MPH Windows director Greg Kane said; 'Kelly is a bright new face at MPH. Her broad sense of humour fits in well with our Lancashire customers and she is proving very confident in her vital role. As turnover at MPH continues to expand, Kelly's role with the company becomes ever more important and we are most pleased with the way our strategic sales targets are being fulfilled. First impressions count, and as a premier company we aim to provide exceptional Customer Service to our customers. Kelly is most adept at handling the increasing level of business at MPH Windows, using the Show Centre's latest high-technology £25,000 Telephone System'.

Tel: 01772 463694
Web: http://www.mphwindows.co.uk


New PA at Millenco

Millenco Hardware Ltd has appointed Julie Price as personal assistant to managing director Mark Bromley, and as senior secretary to the board.

With over 20 years experience in service related PA and administrative roles, Julie will fulfil a much needed role in overseeing the day to day operations at Millenco's Wolverhampton offices.

Tel: 01902 454 543
Email: mailto:sales@millenco.net
Web: http://www.millenco.net


Highseal Strengthens Sales in Scotland

Trade fabricator, Highseal Windows, is strengthening its sales team in Scotland with the appointment of Walter Green as a new Business Development Manager for the region. Based near Glasgow, Walter has a proven track record in PVCu system sales and also brings extensive experience of the Scottish market to his new role.

Highseal has already achieved strong growth in Scotland, with sales increasing by nearly 50% year on year to £1 million. Walter’s appointment represents further investment in the area by the Scunthorpe-based company, which has enjoyed continuous growth since it was established in 1995. Recent developments include a new head office and the opening of a second factory, doubling production capacity. A third facility is planned for Scotland in the near future.

Highseal has also been extending its product range, having taken on Duraflex’s 70mm PVCu Featured Suite last year. The company currently offers PVCu doors and windows from the Duraflex Diamond Suite, vertical sliding sash and casement windows, composite doors and has a dedicated conservatory division with a well-equipped roof manufacturing facility.

In addition to expanding its team in Scotland, Highseal has been successfully targeting new market opportunities, such as new build, with the Duraflex range. Also, the company has recently won a contract to supply Duraflex doors and windows plus the new Duraframe cavity closer to a leading chain of builders’ merchants in selected regions throughout England and Scotland.

Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk


Rudolph Huber to Head Alcoa Global Business Services Group

Alcoa has announced that Rudolph (Rudi) P. Huber, 49, has been named to the newly created position of vice president Alcoa Global Business Services and Chief Information Officer. Rudi has been a vice president of Alcoa and CIO since 2000. He will be responsible for leveraging the global transactional processes for information technology, financial, procurement, and human resources, with a focus on combining the North American and European organisations into the new structure.

In announcing the new position, Alcoa CEO Alain Belda said, 'Regional business service functions have delivered significant results for Alcoa in terms of cost and consistent value delivery over recent years. Now is the time to expand our vision in the direction of globally leveraging transactional operational work in our continuing focus on achieving world-class costs, quality and services and creating value for customers and shareholders'

Rudi Huber was named vice president of Alcoa and chief information officer in November 2000. Previously, he was executive director finance for Alcoa of Australia.

Rudi joined Alcoa in 1981 in Lausanne, Switzerland as credit manager in Europe, progressing to treasurer, European region in 1986. Two years later, he moved to Pittsburgh where he held various positions in finance until being named assistant treasurer in 1991. He returned to Lausanne in 1992 as director of finance and administration, Europe and chief financial officer for Alcoa Italia. In 1997 he relocated to Perth, Western Australia as director finance for Alcoa of Australia. He returned to the U.S. in 2000 to assume his most recent position as vice president and CIO.

Web: http://www.alcoa.com


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