People @ THE GL@ZINE

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New Appointment Reflects Focus on Quality at SFS Intec

Leeds-based SFS intec’s Industrial Division has appointed Oxfordshire man Ken Brooks as its new technical sales engineer as part of a restructuring of its sales force.

Ken (60), who has many years experience in the window and door industry, joins SFS intec Industrial Division, which develops and produces high-precision fastening systems for PVC windows and hinges for PVC doors, from Nenplas, a specialist in PVC extrusion.

In his new role, Ken will be responsible for developing sales throughout southern England as well as providing a dedicated point of contact for technical advice and support for SFS intec’s customers.

Commenting on his appointment, Ken says: ‘I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge of the window and door industry to good use with a global company that is such a key player in the fastening business.’

Says Mike Mortell, Divisional Director Industrial Fasteners at SFS intec: ‘I’m pleased to welcome Ken to the team. Our focus, as ever, is on service and quality. We have restructured our sales teams to allow us to build on our current success in the industry and continue providing customers with the highest quality products backed by expert technical advice.’

Ken is married with two grown up children. As the owner of two MG sports cars, he enjoys his spare time attending MG Owner’s Club events.

LB Plastics Strengthens Business Development Team

UK Window systems company LB PLastics Ltd has appointed Rupert Jarman as its business development manager for the southwest area.

Rupert (37) previously worked as a business development manager with a Japanese electronics manufacturer, supporting the automotive and general industrial sectors.

In his new role at LB Plastics, Rupert will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and securing relationships with the network of housing providers and approved Sheerframe fabricators, across the region.

Rupurt lives in Burnham-on-Sea, enjoys fishing and has a keen interest in cars and motorbikes.

Tel: 01773 852311
Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk

Newbrand Manager to Extend K2’s Marketing Reach

K2, the UK conservatory roofing specialist, is to extend its marketing team with the addition of a Brand Manager. Karen Smith is to take up the newly created post with a remit to develop the K2 brand amongst both trade and consumer audiences.

Joining K2 from Manchester-based advertising and marketing agency Stuart Lawrence Group, Karen has extensive experience of both the conservatory and building products markets. Her previous role included managing advertising and marketing activity for one of K2’s leading competitors, as well as one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of brick and paving products.

Comments K2’s Marketing Director, Iain McInnes: ‘This is a key appointment for K2 which will enable us to manage investment of our increased marketing budget more effectively and address our brand development requirements amongst both trade and consumer audiences. Karen’s appointment comes at a very exciting time for us, we have increased our budget for next year, and have several major initiatives in the pipeline. With her experience of our industry and excellent marketing and communications skills, she will be a very valuable addition to the team.’

Karen’s role at K2 will include project management of key marketing programmes, as well as identifying marketing initiatives that will help enhance the company’s dealer and installer networks. Providing a vital link between K2’s marketing department and the company’s technical, production, sales and customer support operations, Karen will also ensure that all brand activity is aligned with the company’s communications and business development objectives.

Comments Karen: ‘I am delighted to have such a fantastic opportunity to join a very dynamic marketing team at K2 at such an exciting time in the company’s development. I already have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the conservatory market in the UK from my previous role and am looking forward to using this knowledge to help K2 develop its brand with a view to further increasing market share.

Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com

Whiteline Appoints New Operations Director

The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator of PVCu windows and doors, has appointed Mike Garner as Operations Director. For over 18 years Mike, a qualified engineer, has specialised in production and operations management in a variety of industries. Having successfully launched efficiency drives for a number of blue chip companies, he brings with him a wealth of experience in managing large and often complex multi million pound projects.

Initially his key role at Whiteline is to examine the existing production operations within the Group and to identify and implement new competencies and working practices designed to improve overall efficiency. As the company acknowledges, it is no secret that in this hugely competitive market, effective production procedures are crucial in meeting customer expectations, and Mike’s appointment can be seen as another example of Whiteline’s commitment to maintain its reputation for quality products and service.

Mike, together with his partner and two children, enjoys motorcycling, playing golf and supporting Manchester City.

Tel: 01323 747526
Email: mailto:sales@whiteline.ndo.co.uk
Web: http://www.whitelinewindows.com

HW Plastics Appoints New Commercial Managers

HW Plastics has recently made two new appointments to its dedicated specification team. As of April, Matt McColl joined this specialised panel as Commercial Sales Manager in the North, and August saw Simon Tate’s appointment in the same position covering the South West.

Matt and Simon will be responsible for nurturing relationships with HW Plastics’ valued commercial customers, initiating and maintaining contacts that will prove beneficial to all parties.

Moving from the position of Business Development Manager with De Boer Structures, Matt brings over 20 years’ experience in curtain walling and facades as well as considerable knowledge of the windows market. He is enthusiastic about the move, saying that: ‘I hope that with my breadth of experience and technical knowledge I will be able to bring to an expertise to the role that will be extremely beneficial to my customers.’

Simon brings with him a lengthy experience of contract sales across a variety of product sectors including architectural specifications for ceramics and joinery products. Very much a people person, Simon is looking forward to the interaction the role will bring. ‘I am excited about the challenges of getting to grips with a new market, and deciding how to best use my sales expertise within it. Most of all I am looking forward to getting to know the customers and forming mutually successful relationships with them. I am looking forward to giving 100% of my dedication and expertise to this job.’

The creation of a highly focussed, carefully chosen specification team ensures that HW Plastics’ customers are getting their information from someone who really knows their needs and the capabilities of the product.

Joanne Moves her Waste Talents to Berryman

Glass recycling company Berryman Glass has recruited Joanne Hall to run and grow its collection services for plate and flat glass processors. She will ensure that ongoing investment in collection and processing facilities by the company will continue to benefit processors who face increasing landfill and disposal charges for their waste glass.

Joanne Hall has a background in the waste management industry, working for UK Waste and managing the Chester depot of Hales Waste.

Berryman operates a fast and efficient nationwide collection service to the trade. With collection depots in West Yorkshire, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh, there is accessibility for all of mainland Britain. The company collects all types of glasses including float, obscured, tinted, mirrored, laminated and wired, up to and including double-glazed units. For the automotive industry, a national collection scheme was introduced during 1999, offering a revolutionary system for the recycling of windscreens.

The company's £12m state of the art plant in Yorkshire is believed to be one of the most advanced glass recycling plant in the world, enabling Berryman to supply the highest quality cullet to its customers.

Contact: Mick Keogh
Tel: 01977 608020
Web: http://www.berryman-uk.co.uk

sdea Elects New President and Vice President at AGM

At its Annual General Meeting, the Shop and Display Equipment Association elected Jonathan Loader of Railston the Shopfitter as the new President and Andy Musty of Rapid Racking Ltd as Vice President. Mark Gosen of DZD becomes lmmediate Past President.

Jonathan Loader has been in the industry for 30 years. He joined Church & Co, often regarded as the founder of the shopfittings industry in the UK, straight from college and left ten years later when they were taken over. In 1983, he formed Railston with a partner who has recently retired.

Andy Musty joined the storage equipment industry in 1987 and developed the retail sector for Link 51 supplying storage solutions to create additional space for expanding retailers. He left to start his own business and subsequently moved to Rapid Racking as UK sales manager.

Both men share a passion for motorsport. Jonathan races a Lola in the national Sports 2000 championship and Andy enjoys off-road competition in his Land Rover.

The AGM also saw two new additions to the Executive Council. Roy French, sales director of The Sloane Group and Loraine Krell, managing director of Replica Production Group who returns after a break of two years.

Over fifty members joined sdea for this year's Annual General Meeting and Summer Ball. After the meeting, members enjoyed cream tea on the lawn, followed by a gala dinner and disco, plus a treasure hunt in the hotel's beautiful grounds the next morning, which was won by the team from DZD.

Tel: 01883 348911
Web: http://www.sdea.co.uk

New Appointments at Wendland

New Commercial Manager Vicky Hill (right) is to steer the internal sales office ship at conservatory roof specialist Wendland as the company’s growth continues, while Claire Leadbeater (left) has been appointed as Marketing Executive.

History graduate Vicky has spent the last five years working on the organisation of the BT Global Challenge round the world yacht races and also brings with her extensive window industry experience, having worked for Duraflex Window Systems and Portal Products.

Vicky is 36, married and is resident in Newent, Gloucestershire. Her interests include reading, theatre, cooking and travel.

A year of outstanding enthusiasm and effort has seen Claire Leadbeater appointed as Marketing Executive at Wendland Roof Solutions. Wendland has an exciting year ahead and Claire is looking forward to spearheading the company’s marketing activities and communication as the company moves ‘to the next level’

Claire, 24 lives in Cheltenham, having moved down from her native Doncaster some five years ago. Claire has a solid background in engineering and conservatories, her father formerly owned components manufacturer Pastal.
Having gained a degree in marketing at the University of Gloucestershire Claire worked in IT companies prior to joining Wendland a year ago.

Claire enjoys mountain biking, visiting the gym and swimming. She also enjoys Wendland and her infectious enthusiasm and dedication will ensure success in her new role.

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

Coastal Doubles Sales

Coastal Windows, Doors and Conservatories has just appointed Mark Holloway as New Business Development Manager with key responsibilities in the Midlands and the North, and Davyd Oddy as Regional Sales Manager for the South East. This gives Coastal a dedicated point of contact across all regions as well as the resources to develop new business opportunities.

Mark Holloway has extensive knowledge of the industry and an impressive pedigree including working for the Epwin Group. He joins Coastal from Fab n’ Fix where in the last 18 months alone he says he increased the company’s turnover by 31%.

Davyd Oddy also has a wealth of experience in the window and conservatory sectors spanning 17 years, specifically achieving substantial success with MPM Windows, S & J Marketing and Ideal Williams.

Paul Maidment, Coastal’s Managing Director comments ‘Coastal is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and I’m confident Mark and Davyd’s experience will strengthen the Coastal operation and prove invaluable to both existing and new dealers’.

Tel: 01202 624011
Web: http://www.coastalwindows.co.uk

Steve Pitman Joins Rivers Machinery

Steve Pitman has recently joined Rivers Machinery to promote the company's full range of products specialising in the supply of a wide range of production equipment from tube manufacturing and process plant through to Kasto sawing and storage systems. Rivers Machinery has been active in the UK market for over 35 years and since January 6th, 2003, is now a subsidiary of Kasto, Germany, the sawing and storage equipment manufacturer.

In addition to the Kasto systems, Rivers Machinery Ltd also supply FOM machines for aluminium processing and are agents for Bema who manufacture tube manipulation equipment. Caorle's crankshaft end working machinery further complements the product range.

To support its portfolio of products, a team of eight service engineers are located throughout the UK who are in constant telephone contact with the Service Co-ordinators based in the head office and showroom in Southampton.

With the knowledge and experience that Steve Pitman can bring to the company, Rivers Machinery is looking to expand its market share and increase the company's presence within the East and South East of England.

Tel: 01489 772882
Email: mailto:sales@riversmachinery.com
Web: http://www.riversmachinery.com

Sealocrete Expands Team after Record Year

Sealocrete says that after another record year it is gearing up for more growth by expanding and restructuring its team.

Two changes were made to the Board of Directors. Michelle Kelly, previously Sealocrete Administration Director, has taken on the position of Sales Director and Jim Palmer has been promoted from Technical and R&D Manager to the role of Technical Director - a new position within the organisation.

Michelle and Jim have both spent two years with Sealocrete and are highly experienced within their fields, Michelle has over seven years sales experience and Jim has 26 years experience in Research and Development.

Sealocrete has also recruited Jim Harte, who has 28 years experience of the paint industry, as Site Manager of the company's paint manufacturing plant and Emma Lowther as Marketing Manager, another new role within the organisation.

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

New VP Builds on K2’s U.S. Growth

Conservatory roof system manufacturer, K2, has created a new Vice-President post in the USA. Conservatory specialist, Mike Francis takes up the new post, with a remit of delivering K2’s strategy for growth in the US Market.

Mike joins K2 from Gorrell Enterprises, one of America’s leading Vinyl replacement window companies, where he spent two years developing its American Conservatory Systems brand. He has worked in the US conservatory industry since 1999 and has a wide-ranging knowledge of the market, making him the ideal candidate to spearhead K2’s continuing development in America.

Comments Mike: ‘Unlike some of its competitors in the US marketplace, K2 is genuinely interested in listening to the market and responding to its needs. This makes the company a very exciting proposition for me, as its business growth strategy is aligned with the objectives of its customer base. The US market is completely different from the UK, and while some of the UK’s leading players are expecting simply to replicate their activities here, K2 has recognised that it needs a fresh approach and I have been brought on board to define and implement this market-specific strategy.’

K2’s ambition is to become the US market leader in the conservatory roof system sector. Mike will be focused on developing K2’s route to market in the US through proven customer channels, developing products and services in line with market-specific requirements and driving growth.

Sally Fielding, Managing Director of K2 in the UK comments: ‘K2 believes in appointing the best, as our staff are the core of the business. This is a key appointment for us and a real landmark in the global development of our brand. Mike is a major talent in the US conservatory industry, we are delighted that he has agreed to join us by taking up this significant new post and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he builds on our achievements in the UK market.’

Tel: 01204 554554
Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com


People and Careers November 2003
Click HERE for the People Page Archive section New Appointment Reflects Focus on Quality at SFS Intec Leeds-based SFS intec’s Industrial Division has appointed Oxfordshire man Ken Brooks as its new technical sales engineer as part of a restructuring of its sales force. Ken (60), who has many years experience in the window and door industry, joins SFS intec Industrial Division, which develops and produces high-precision fastening systems for PVC windows and hinges for PVC doors, from Nenplas, a specialist in PVC extrusion. In his new role, Ken will be responsible for developing sales throughout southern England as well as providing a dedicated point of contact for technical advice and support for SFS intec’s customers. Commenting on his appointment, Ken says: ‘I look forward to putting my experience and knowledge of the window and door industry to good use with a global company that is such a key player in the fastening business.’ Says Mike Mortell, Divisional Director Industrial Fasteners at SFS intec: ‘I’m pleased to welcome Ken to the team. Our focus, as ever, is on service and quality. We have restructured our sales teams to allow us to build on our current success in the industry and continue providing customers with the highest quality products backed by expert technical advice.’ Ken is married with two grown up children. As the owner of two MG sports cars, he enjoys his spare time attending MG Owner’s Club events. LB Plastics Strengthens Business Development Team UK Window systems company LB PLastics Ltd has appointed Rupert Jarman as its business development manager for the southwest area. Rupert (37) previously worked as a business development manager with a Japanese electronics manufacturer, supporting the automotive and general industrial sectors. In his new role at LB Plastics, Rupert will be responsible for supporting, maintaining and securing relationships with the network of housing providers and approved Sheerframe fabricators, across the region. Rupurt lives in Burnham-on-Sea, enjoys fishing and has a keen interest in cars and motorbikes. Tel: 01773 852311 Web: http://www.litchfield-group.co.uk Newbrand Manager to Extend K2’s Marketing Reach K2, the UK conservatory roofing specialist, is to extend its marketing team with the addition of a Brand Manager. Karen Smith is to take up the newly created post with a remit to develop the K2 brand amongst both trade and consumer audiences. Joining K2 from Manchester-based advertising and marketing agency Stuart Lawrence Group, Karen has extensive experience of both the conservatory and building products markets. Her previous role included managing advertising and marketing activity for one of K2’s leading competitors, as well as one of the UK’s foremost suppliers of brick and paving products. Comments K2’s Marketing Director, Iain McInnes: ‘This is a key appointment for K2 which will enable us to manage investment of our increased marketing budget more effectively and address our brand development requirements amongst both trade and consumer audiences. Karen’s appointment comes at a very exciting time for us, we have increased our budget for next year, and have several major initiatives in the pipeline. With her experience of our industry and excellent marketing and communications skills, she will be a very valuable addition to the team.’ Karen’s role at K2 will include project management of key marketing programmes, as well as identifying marketing initiatives that will help enhance the company’s dealer and installer networks. Providing a vital link between K2’s marketing department and the company’s technical, production, sales and customer support operations, Karen will also ensure that all brand activity is aligned with the company’s communications and business development objectives. Comments Karen: ‘I am delighted to have such a fantastic opportunity to join a very dynamic marketing team at K2 at such an exciting time in the company’s development. I already have a good understanding of the challenges and opportunities presented by the conservatory market in the UK from my previous role and am looking forward to using this knowledge to help K2 develop its brand with a view to further increasing market share. Tel: 01204 554554 Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com Whiteline Appoints New Operations Director The Whiteline Group, the South East specialist trade fabricator of PVCu windows and doors, has appointed Mike Garner as Operations Director. For over 18 years Mike, a qualified engineer, has specialised in production and operations management in a variety of industries. Having successfully launched efficiency drives for a number of blue chip companies, he brings with him a wealth of experience in managing large and often complex multi million pound projects. Initially his key role at Whiteline is to examine the existing production operations within the Group and to identify and implement new competencies and working practices designed to improve overall efficiency. As the company acknowledges, it is no secret that in this hugely competitive market, effective production procedures are crucial in meeting customer expectations, and Mike’s appointment can be seen as another example of Whiteline’s commitment to maintain its reputation for quality products and service. Mike, together with his partner and two children, enjoys motorcycling, playing golf and supporting Manchester City. Tel: 01323 747526 Email: mailto:sales@whiteline.ndo.co.uk Web: http://www.whitelinewindows.com HW Plastics Appoints New Commercial Managers HW Plastics has recently made two new appointments to its dedicated specification team. As of April, Matt McColl joined this specialised panel as Commercial Sales Manager in the North, and August saw Simon Tate’s appointment in the same position covering the South West. Matt and Simon will be responsible for nurturing relationships with HW Plastics’ valued commercial customers, initiating and maintaining contacts that will prove beneficial to all parties. Moving from the position of Business Development Manager with De Boer Structures, Matt brings over 20 years’ experience in curtain walling and facades as well as considerable knowledge of the windows market. He is enthusiastic about the move, saying that: ‘I hope that with my breadth of experience and technical knowledge I will be able to bring to an expertise to the role that will be extremely beneficial to my customers.’ Simon brings with him a lengthy experience of contract sales across a variety of product sectors including architectural specifications for ceramics and joinery products. Very much a people person, Simon is looking forward to the interaction the role will bring. ‘I am excited about the challenges of getting to grips with a new market, and deciding how to best use my sales expertise within it. Most of all I am looking forward to getting to know the customers and forming mutually successful relationships with them. I am looking forward to giving 100% of my dedication and expertise to this job.’ The creation of a highly focussed, carefully chosen specification team ensures that HW Plastics’ customers are getting their information from someone who really knows their needs and the capabilities of the product. Joanne Moves her Waste Talents to Berryman Glass recycling company Berryman Glass has recruited Joanne Hall to run and grow its collection services for plate and flat glass processors. She will ensure that ongoing investment in collection and processing facilities by the company will continue to benefit processors who face increasing landfill and disposal charges for their waste glass. Joanne Hall has a background in the waste management industry, working for UK Waste and managing the Chester depot of Hales Waste. Berryman operates a fast and efficient nationwide collection service to the trade. With collection depots in West Yorkshire, Birmingham, London and Edinburgh, there is accessibility for all of mainland Britain. The company collects all types of glasses including float, obscured, tinted, mirrored, laminated and wired, up to and including double-glazed units. For the automotive industry, a national collection scheme was introduced during 1999, offering a revolutionary system for the recycling of windscreens. The company's £12m state of the art plant in Yorkshire is believed to be one of the most advanced glass recycling plant in the world, enabling Berryman to supply the highest quality cullet to its customers. Contact: Mick Keogh Tel: 01977 608020 Web: http://www.berryman-uk.co.uk sdea Elects New President and Vice President at AGM At its Annual General Meeting, the Shop and Display Equipment Association elected Jonathan Loader of Railston the Shopfitter as the new President and Andy Musty of Rapid Racking Ltd as Vice President. Mark Gosen of DZD becomes lmmediate Past President. Jonathan Loader has been in the industry for 30 years. He joined Church & Co, often regarded as the founder of the shopfittings industry in the UK, straight from college and left ten years later when they were taken over. In 1983, he formed Railston with a partner who has recently retired. Andy Musty joined the storage equipment industry in 1987 and developed the retail sector for Link 51 supplying storage solutions to create additional space for expanding retailers. He left to start his own business and subsequently moved to Rapid Racking as UK sales manager. Both men share a passion for motorsport. Jonathan races a Lola in the national Sports 2000 championship and Andy enjoys off-road competition in his Land Rover. The AGM also saw two new additions to the Executive Council. Roy French, sales director of The Sloane Group and Loraine Krell, managing director of Replica Production Group who returns after a break of two years. Over fifty members joined sdea for this year's Annual General Meeting and Summer Ball. After the meeting, members enjoyed cream tea on the lawn, followed by a gala dinner and disco, plus a treasure hunt in the hotel's beautiful grounds the next morning, which was won by the team from DZD. Tel: 01883 348911 Web: http://www.sdea.co.uk New Appointments at Wendland New Commercial Manager Vicky Hill (right) is to steer the internal sales office ship at conservatory roof specialist Wendland as the company’s growth continues, while Claire Leadbeater (left) has been appointed as Marketing Executive. History graduate Vicky has spent the last five years working on the organisation of the BT Global Challenge round the world yacht races and also brings with her extensive window industry experience, having worked for Duraflex Window Systems and Portal Products. Vicky is 36, married and is resident in Newent, Gloucestershire. Her interests include reading, theatre, cooking and travel. A year of outstanding enthusiasm and effort has seen Claire Leadbeater appointed as Marketing Executive at Wendland Roof Solutions. Wendland has an exciting year ahead and Claire is looking forward to spearheading the company’s marketing activities and communication as the company moves ‘to the next level’ Claire, 24 lives in Cheltenham, having moved down from her native Doncaster some five years ago. Claire has a solid background in engineering and conservatories, her father formerly owned components manufacturer Pastal. Having gained a degree in marketing at the University of Gloucestershire Claire worked in IT companies prior to joining Wendland a year ago. Claire enjoys mountain biking, visiting the gym and swimming. She also enjoys Wendland and her infectious enthusiasm and dedication will ensure success in her new role. Tel: 08706 009600 Email: mailto:wendland@cdw.co.uk Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com Coastal Doubles Sales Coastal Windows, Doors and Conservatories has just appointed Mark Holloway as New Business Development Manager with key responsibilities in the Midlands and the North, and Davyd Oddy as Regional Sales Manager for the South East. This gives Coastal a dedicated point of contact across all regions as well as the resources to develop new business opportunities. Mark Holloway has extensive knowledge of the industry and an impressive pedigree including working for the Epwin Group. He joins Coastal from Fab n’ Fix where in the last 18 months alone he says he increased the company’s turnover by 31%. Davyd Oddy also has a wealth of experience in the window and conservatory sectors spanning 17 years, specifically achieving substantial success with MPM Windows, S & J Marketing and Ideal Williams. Paul Maidment, Coastal’s Managing Director comments ‘Coastal is committed to providing the highest levels of customer service and I’m confident Mark and Davyd’s experience will strengthen the Coastal operation and prove invaluable to both existing and new dealers’. Tel: 01202 624011 Web: http://www.coastalwindows.co.uk Steve Pitman Joins Rivers Machinery Steve Pitman has recently joined Rivers Machinery to promote the company's full range of products specialising in the supply of a wide range of production equipment from tube manufacturing and process plant through to Kasto sawing and storage systems. Rivers Machinery has been active in the UK market for over 35 years and since January 6th, 2003, is now a subsidiary of Kasto, Germany, the sawing and storage equipment manufacturer. In addition to the Kasto systems, Rivers Machinery Ltd also supply FOM machines for aluminium processing and are agents for Bema who manufacture tube manipulation equipment. Caorle's crankshaft end working machinery further complements the product range. To support its portfolio of products, a team of eight service engineers are located throughout the UK who are in constant telephone contact with the Service Co-ordinators based in the head office and showroom in Southampton. With the knowledge and experience that Steve Pitman can bring to the company, Rivers Machinery is looking to expand its market share and increase the company's presence within the East and South East of England. Tel: 01489 772882 Email: mailto:sales@riversmachinery.com Web: http://www.riversmachinery.com Sealocrete Expands Team after Record Year Sealocrete says that after another record year it is gearing up for more growth by expanding and restructuring its team. Two changes were made to the Board of Directors. Michelle Kelly, previously Sealocrete Administration Director, has taken on the position of Sales Director and Jim Palmer has been promoted from Technical and R&D Manager to the role of Technical Director - a new position within the organisation. Michelle and Jim have both spent two years with Sealocrete and are highly experienced within their fields, Michelle has over seven years sales experience and Jim has 26 years experience in Research and Development. Sealocrete has also recruited Jim Harte, who has 28 years experience of the paint industry, as Site Manager of the company's paint manufacturing plant and Emma Lowther as Marketing Manager, another new role within the organisation. Web: http://www.sealocrete.co.uk New VP Builds on K2’s U.S. Growth Conservatory roof system manufacturer, K2, has created a new Vice-President post in the USA. Conservatory specialist, Mike Francis takes up the new post, with a remit of delivering K2’s strategy for growth in the US Market. Mike joins K2 from Gorrell Enterprises, one of America’s leading Vinyl replacement window companies, where he spent two years developing its American Conservatory Systems brand. He has worked in the US conservatory industry since 1999 and has a wide-ranging knowledge of the market, making him the ideal candidate to spearhead K2’s continuing development in America. Comments Mike: ‘Unlike some of its competitors in the US marketplace, K2 is genuinely interested in listening to the market and responding to its needs. This makes the company a very exciting proposition for me, as its business growth strategy is aligned with the objectives of its customer base. The US market is completely different from the UK, and while some of the UK’s leading players are expecting simply to replicate their activities here, K2 has recognised that it needs a fresh approach and I have been brought on board to define and implement this market-specific strategy.’ K2’s ambition is to become the US market leader in the conservatory roof system sector. Mike will be focused on developing K2’s route to market in the US through proven customer channels, developing products and services in line with market-specific requirements and driving growth. Sally Fielding, Managing Director of K2 in the UK comments: ‘K2 believes in appointing the best, as our staff are the core of the business. This is a key appointment for us and a real landmark in the global development of our brand. Mike is a major talent in the US conservatory industry, we are delighted that he has agreed to join us by taking up this significant new post and look forward to celebrating his achievements as he builds on our achievements in the UK market.’ Tel: 01204 554554 Email: mailto:enquiries@k2conservatories.com Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com GO TO PEOPLE ARCHIVE PAGE RETURN TO HOME PAGE