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Happy New Year – Here's to a great 2016!
Many exciting developments planned
Happy New Year and welcome to the first Profile of 2016.
Last year was positive for the industry and the good news is that 2016 is looking even better with Construction output forecast to increase to grow by 3.8% (source: CPA) and PVC-U markets also seeing increases of between 2 and 14% (source: D&G Consulting).
Eurocell also has some exciting developments planned over the next 12 months….
Eurocell announces new CEO
Patrick Bateman (63) to retire.
Eurocell, the UK's leading manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems, has announced that Chief Executive Patrick Bateman (63) will retire from the company at the end of June.
Patrick has been CEO for over eleven years, during which Eurocell has enjoyed sustained growth by continually expanding its product range and its own network of building plastics branches, which currently stands at over 140.
The group has also invested significantly in recycling. Last year the company floated on the main market of the London Stock Exchange.
Eurocell has named Bateman's successor as Mark Kelly, currently Chief Executive of Grafton Merchanting GB. Previously Kelly (55) worked for BDR Thermea, IMI and Novar.
He has experience of the PVC-U window and doors industry, from earlier in his career with Duraflex and Celuform. Kelly will formally take over from 1 July 2016, after an initial handover period.
Bob Lawson, Eurocell plc Chairman, commented:
"When Patrick retires from the company, he will leave a strong management team and an excellent business with a clear strategy for delivering sustainable future growth, for the benefit of its customers. We are delighted that someone of Mark's calibre will be joining Eurocell.
He is an experienced Chief Executive with a deep and broad understanding of the construction products sector, from a manufacturing and distribution perspective. This will be invaluable as Eurocell continues its exciting development."
Introducing SlateSkin – gives Equinox installers the edge
New GRP sheet system offers roofing opportunities galore
SlateSkin is the new, innovative GRP sheet tile system that gives a traditional slate-effect in half the time of alternatives. Developed for the Equinox tiled conservatory roof system, the combination of the two creates the most advanced system currently available.
With multiple tile courses built in to each sheet, SlateSkin reduces the time spent positioning and nailing tiles, with no compromise on build quality or aesthetics, while its lightweight construction allows the roof pitch to be set anywhere from just 10 degrees to 35 degrees.
Not only does SlateSkin provide a realistic slate-effect in a fraction of the time required for alternative roofing methods but it is also guaranteed for 25 years. Used together with the Equinox roofing system it also meets the requirements of BS476 Part 3:2004 for the External Fire Performance of Roofs, the classification for fire penetration.
Using the technical support that Eurocell provides, installers can be sure of getting the right fit first time, every time. Once it has received the all the dimensions, Eurocell engineers will create all the components required, including the tile sheets, hip end caps and ridge and hip top cap using state-of-the-art equipment.
Equinox kits really do offer a 'one box solution' – with SlateSkin sheets pre-cut to size and numbered for easy identification and installation. Plus, all the sealants and fixings required to install the roof to the highest standard are also in the box.
To see how it all comes together – and how easily – watch the video at https://www.eurocell.co.uk/pvc-u-trade/conservatories/equinox-tiled-roof#
New Modus S – a modern take on traditional looks
Eurocell has a significant new addition to its market-leading Modus range.
Modus S – a mechanically jointed flush sash window that combines modern materials with a truly authentic traditional appearance. This latest model to join the Modus range is possible thanks to additional precision-engineered mouldings inside the frame which remove the need for diagonal corner welds – a distinctive characteristic of standard PVC-U windows.
The new joint detail adds considerable authenticity to the appearance of the window and enables installers and fabricators to provide a window with the look of timber, while retaining all the optimum energy efficiency and virtually maintenance-free performance benefits of PVC-U.
Given its traditional appearance, the new product is ideal for Victorian-style properties, cottages and conservation areas where the homeowner wishes to maintain or enhance the period look of the property, without the maintenance legacy burden of repainting and repairs associated with timber windows. Modus S offers sleek sightlines unbroken by external bead lines as, like most contemporary windows, the system is internally beaded for enhanced security standards. Its combination of superb looks, leading technical performance and attractive cost make the Modus mechanically jointed flush sash the best value flush sash window yet.
More branches for you
We believe that we need to be close to our customers to give you the service you deserve – literally.
That's why the Eurocell branch network has more than tripled in the last five years so that there are now 142 branches throughout the country, providing top quality products backed by business class service. Last year saw 13 new branches open, from down in the South West at Taunton to up in the North East at Sunderland.
All the branches are modern, easily accessible from the major roads in the area and have a large trade counter and product display area. We take care to place them near the other suppliers that customers are likely to use, so a visit to the Eurocell branch does not mean a special trip. And we make sure that we serve entire regions, so that branches can provide a comprehensive service to customers who can be working anywhere within that area.
Our latest addition, Huntingdon, is no exception, complementing other branches along the A1 and A14 at Stevenage, Bedford and Peterborough. Located on the Stukeley Meadows Industrial Estate, the new branch completes the network in that region and supports the highly successful Cambridge and Thetford branches that opened in the last 18 months.
Video taster for latest eco-friendly fencing system
Our latest product for the great outdoors, Composite Fencing, can be seen on Twitter – but don't blink.
The teaser video is just six seconds long but that's all it takes to see what a difference this eco-friendly composite fencing can make. Click on https://www.eurocell.co.uk/homeowners/composite-fencing and you'll see how this smart product can tidy up a garden.
It's light and swift to install too because all the components just slot together in minutes to provide the perfect weather-proof, maintenance free solution to fencing the garden – and it comes with an amazing 20-year guarantee against rotting.
Made out of Wood-Grain, a composite comprising 75% recycled material, Composite Fencing looks and feels like timber but cuts out all the hassle. Plus it has the durability of concrete without the weight and health and safety concerns.