Clearview South December 2013 - Issue 145 | Page 4

fromtheeditor IN WITH THE NEW We’re all so busy here at Clearview HQ, as we prepare to move to our new, larger and completely refurbished premises, that we almost missed our own 12-year anniversary! And what better way to celebrate 12 years of Clearview magazine than to relocate our growing operations to shiny, new offices and welcome some more recruits to the Clearview Group publishing team. We’ll update you with our new contact details in due course so keep your eyes peeled. RETROSPECTIVE In this, our last issue of 2013, we take a look back at the industry over the past year in our 2013 Review feature, which kicks off on page 64 with a special double-page spread detailing the findings of the 2013 Fabricator and Installer Report, published by Insight Data. We also have an exclusive on page 66 from CPA Director, Jeremy Brett, where he unpicks the findings from the leading installer support body’s recent installer barometer. Put all that together with the news from RICS that UK house building is continuing to increase on page 15 and Dekko’s report of an upturn in the Irish construction industry on page 22 and even the most skeptical among us would have to admit that the suggestion that 2013 would herald an end to industry decline has in fact materialised. But, as is always the case following a recession, as the storm clouds part to reveal blue sky, the vista that is revealed looks significantly different to what went before. The report from Robert Palmer is particularly telling as to how the market has changed in terms of product when it comes to composite doors. He asks, ‘Are composites showing PVCu the door?’ on page 30 at the start of our special Composite Door feature. On page 44 Mike Crewdson of Emplas reflects on whether the impact of triple glazing has lived up to expectations and discusses it’s place in the market as we move into 2014. And speaking of living up to expectations, as we enter the sixth month since CE marking became a legal requirement, our feature beginning on page 38 reveals the reality behind the build up to the 1st July deadline. Sadly though, despite the apparent overall positivity there have, of course, been some casualties along the way and unfortunately Pilkington float glass volumes have suffered from overcapacity, resulting in its decision to cease manufacturing at its Cowley Hill plant. Matt Buckely explains below. And as this is our December issue, all that’s left for me to do is wish you all a very merry Christmas. Enjoy the season’s festivities, you’ve earned it! I hope the year has been good to you and I look forward to seeing you again in 2014 for our New Year issue. Thank you for reading. Becky Taylor, Editor. www.clearview-uk.com GLASS MANUFACTURING SET TO CEASE Following a review of the European Architectural Business, Pilkington United Kingdom Limited has announced proposals to cease manufacture and to mothball the Cowley Hill Float Manufacturing line (CH2) in the UK. The current economic downturn has impacted severely on Float glass volumes resulting in overcapacity, reduced prices and lack of profitability in the float product segment for the Company in the UK. As a result, a decision has been taken to adjust production capacity to match profitable customer demand. It is anticipated that approximately 140 jobs will be affected. 4 DEC 2013 The new Off-line coating line, as well as Silvering, Laminating and associated Warehousing and Engineering activity will continue on the Cowley Hill site. The Company will continue to manufacture Float glass at its larger line at Greengate (UK5), also in St Helens. The Company will be opening a voluntary redundancy window to mitigate the impact of compulsory redundancies. Discussions have commenced with employees and their representatives. Matt Buckley, Managing Director UK and Ireland, said, “This is a very difficult decision for the Company. Demand for Architectural glass (replacement windows, new houses and new offices) is insufficient to warrant the number of Float lines in the UK. This segment of our business is hugely loss making and we have had to address it in order to protect the rest of our business.” To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com