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Norsk Hydro has completed the acquisition of Orkla’s 50% ownership of Sapa, giving Hydro full ownership of the aluminium extruder.

President and CEO, Svein Richard Brandtzæg, said: “Today symbolises the start of our exciting journey as the leading force within the global aluminium industry, fully integrated from bauxite to end-user products and with the best-possible platform for further growth and optionality, innovation and product development, and sustainability and responsibility.”

Formed as a 50/50 joint venture between Orkla and Hydro in 2013, Sapa will continue to operate with the business units Extrusion Europe, Extrusion North America, Precision Tubing and Building Systems, as Hydro’s new Extruded Solutions business area. It has 22,400 employees and presence in around 40 countries.

The agreed enterprise value for 100% of Sapa is NOK 27 billion. A preliminary purchase price for the shares, adjusted for net debt and normalised working capital, of NOK 11.86 billion was paid in cash to Orkla.

According to Hydro, there will be a ‘customary post-closing adjustment of the purchase price’, based on a closing balance sheet.

The post Hydro takes full ownership of Sapa appeared first on Glass & Glazing Products Magazine (GGP).

Even the miserable weather couldn’t stop the hoard of PIGS descending on Pitcher and Piano at Brindley Place in Birmingham on Thursday 19 October 2017. It was the fourth and final PIGS of the year and they came in their droves to enjoy the final PIGS17 event in style.

PIGS Organiser, Sarah Ball, says “Birmingham is always our busiest event, but I think this year we drew in more PIGs than ever! We reckon there may have been up to 200 people! It was a really busy evening and it was great to see PIGS, old and new join us for our last event of the year.

“As usual, I would like to give a special thanks to all of our fabulous PIGS Birmingham sponsors. Without your generous sponsorship, PIGS couldn’t happen.”

PIGS received fantastic support from the industry, with a whopping 39 companies dipping their hands in their pocket to support Birmingham PIGS.

The Birmingham sponsors were:

• AluK
• Avantis International
• Build Show
• Business Micros
• Central RPL
• Danvac
• Dempsey Dyer
• DW3
• Edgetech UK
• Emplas
• ERA
• ExtrudaSeal
• FIT SHOW
• Frame Fast UK
• Georgian Bar Company
• GGF
• Glazpart
• Haffner Murat Ltd
• Ikon Aluminium Systems
• Independent Network
• MBA Associates
• Mi Glass
• Profix Group
• Quickslide
• Regalead
• Selecta Systems
• Senior Aluminium Systems
• Stuga Machinery
• Synseal
• The VEKA UK Group
• Thermoseal
• Titon
• Total Hardware
• Ultraframe
• Uni_Slide
• Universal Arches
• Whizzle
• Windowware
• Yale

Sarah adds: “The next official PIGS event isn’t until March 2018, when we will be returning to Manchester, but we’re looking forward to catching up with all of our G-Award nominated PIGS sponsors at the ceremony in November.

“I would like to say thank you to everyone who supports and attends PIGS and I’d also like to thank the Balls2 Marketing team for helping me with the organisation and promotion of PIGS.”

If you would like to sponsor a 2018 PIGS event, please email Sarah at sarah@balls2marketing.com. Sign-up for the latest event updates at www.balls2marketing.co.uk/pigs.

Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions is celebrating its best month ever for sales of its industry-leading lantern roofs, rooflights and Skyroom mock orangery system. Still the fastest growing glazed roof manufacturer in the industry, Atlas has just announced that its greatest month on record pulled in 40% more sales compared to the same period last year.

Demand for the Atlas range of clean, minimalistic products has been rising rapidly as the market becomes increasingly aware of its superior features and the high profit margins it delivers. And after this record-breaking month, Atlas is now well on course to smash more sales records before the end of the year.

Gareth Thomas, Sales and Marketing Director at Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions, explains: “It’s been a fantastic period for the business and we are absolutely delighted with this record performance which shows that we know a thing or two about glazed roofing!

“There are lots of glazed roofing products on the market but the Atlas roof system still remains the best out there. It’s gained an envied reputation for being the strongest, best looking and most thermally efficient roof available and a growing number of homeowners are asking for an Atlas roof by name, which is a fantastic affirmation of our brand.

“Escalating consumer demand has led to our record-breaking month and affirms our position as a major player in the industry. We are focused on the needs of our customers and we’re incredibly proud to have created a very elite, and rapidly growing, network of Atlas installers who’ve seen their sales rocket with Atlas. This exciting  brand gives them everything they need to stand out in the market and win lucrative business.

“We talk installer language and we know that a huge advantage for installers, is what these products can do for their profitability. Combining all the looks and performance that homeowner’s desire with the ease of installation that installers demand, means that our range delivers a far greater profit margin than its rivals. In such a competitive industry, we bring an exciting new source of revenue for installers, helping them to win longer term, lucrative business.

“As soon as a customer sees an Atlas product, they’re impressed with its unique modern appearance and very slim sightlines which really set it apart from its rivals. With a 70% slimmer profile than other systems, no chunky boss or hood and no low rod bar, it’s easy to see why our glazed roofing products are a dream to sell.”

Atlas has created a comprehensive marketing support package, which helps installers to promote and sell to customers. It includes brochures, which can be personalised with the installer’s logo and company details, digital marketing support, direct mail and advertising templates, retail leaflets and showroom display graphics.

The experienced marketing team at Atlas is also on hand to guide installers through their marketing and to develop a tailored programme to help them sell the range of Atlas products.

For further information on the Atlas range of glazed roofing products, please contact Atlas on 02838 327741 or visit www.atlasroofsolutions.co.uk.

The post Atlas Glazed Roof Solutions celebrate best ever month appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

With the market dominated by PVC-U and aluminium windows, timber windows have become rather neglected by many installers and retailers. Lack of choice and supply are often cited as reasons for this neglect, but one company is aiming to turn installers back on to the merits of installing timber windows and doors to British homeowners. Allan Brothers is Britain’s longest-established joinery specialist and has been manufacturing windows and doors since 1811. The modern-day Allan Brothers is now part of Europe’s largest supplier of windows, the Inwido Group. In the UK, Allan Brothers sits beside fellow Group companies CWG Choices and Jack Brunsdon & Son.

Sales Director at Allan Brothers, Wolfgang Gorner is keen to emphasise the strength of the Inwido Group’s UK companies: “The majority of the group’s products are destined for the residential market, and this is certainly the case at Allan Brothers. Our products are sold through a mixture of outlets, including merchants, small building companies, pre-fabricated housebuilders and installers.”

The Inwido Group offers choice in the UK and can offer aluminium, PVC-U and timber windows and doors. Wolfgang believes it is important to let the installer and their end-customer choose the material they want. When it comes to timber, he believes there is a fantastic opportunity for installers to offer customers timber windows and doors. He told Windows Active: “We think timber windows and doors are a logical business bolt-on for retailers and installers. The market is dominated by PVC-U and aluminium and very few businesses are offering timber to homeowners. With our dedicated timber sales team here at Allan Brothers we can support installers through the process of ordering timber products. It is slightly different, but with lead times of between 6-8 weeks the difference is marginal when it comes to ordering. As for installation, it couldn’t be easier and is very forgiving. You get a modern factory-finished product ready for quick installation.”

With a wide range of products including standard casement windows, sliding sash, patio and french doors, entrance doors and timber/aluminium solutions, it really is the time to consider adding timber products to your retail offering. Allan Brothers is perfectly positioned to offer all the products and support you need to tap into this lucrative segment of the market. For more information please call 01289 334600 or email: enquiries@allanbrothers.co.uk.

The post Allan Brothers is perfectly positioned to offer a wide range of timber products appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.

A Birmingham-based conservatory roof manufacturer has appointed a new business development manager. 43-year-old Dene Rylands from Stoke has joined Abcell (www.abcell.co.uk) in Witton, Birmingham from Listers Trade Frames.

During 20 years with Listers, Dene climbed through the ranks from driver through to commercial sales manager. Dene, who lives in Werrington with his wife and two children, said: “Everything’s happened really quickly. I came down to visit Abcell a couple of weeks ago. Paul Ford, the Managing Director, showed me the site. And he shared some of his plans for growth over the next five years. It’s an exciting time to be joining the team.

“I have a lot of good contacts in the trade. I’ll be catching up with them again over the coming months – that’s for sure. And I hope I can play my part as the Abcell success story continues.” Abcell was established to service conservatories installers throughout the country. Abcell has grown to manufacture and supply a range of specialist products exclusively for the trade. These products include Guardian Warm Roofs; Warmcore Bi-Fold doors; and Stratus Lantern Roofs. In 2009, Abcell diversified by launching its own glass processing service to manufacture Eco-cool glass.

Abcell managing director Paul Ford said: “This is an important appointment for Abcell. And Dene was an outstanding candidate for the role. One look at his CV to realise he’s a hard worker. But he possesses a good deal of commercial know how too. That’s a great blend. “At every stage of his career Dene’s forged strong relationships with colleagues and customers. And he now has the opportunity to continue that with Abcell.”

The post Dene Rylands, Business Development Manager at Abcell appeared first on Windows Active Magazine.