Clearview South April 2014 - Issue 149 | Page 10

INDUSTRYNEWS british plastics federation (bpf) launch ‘plastics timeline’ The British Plastics Federation (BPF) has launched the ‘Plastics Timeline’ a set of 10 posters charting the history of the plastics industry from its early beginnings in the 1800s through to its development over the 20th century when it became one of the planet’s most used and important materials. The Timeline also features a glimpse into the future of the plastics industry with developments, such as plastics blood, 3D printed body parts and driverless vehicles featured. The Timeline, which was created in consultation with the Plastics Historical Society and the Worshipful Company of Horners is being distributed free of charge to more than 500 plastics companies. ‘Most used and important’ It is also being set to all universities with a key interest in polymers. In partnership with the Wastebusters UK Network, the poster set will be distributed to all primary schools attending the upcoming National Primary Earth Summit. This aims to help pupils investigate plastics as materials and will provide a forum for children to air their views on plastic waste on a national and international level. In co-operation with the Horners’ Company, the Timeline will be distributed to all teachers attending the Polymer Study Tours (an initiative organised jointly by the Horners and the BPF to educate teachers about the benefits of plastics and arm them with materials that they can use in the classroom. More details at: www.plastipedia.co.uk More space, more sales - and more staff for VEKA customer NE&C Sunderland-based VEKA fabricator NE&C (North East & Cumbria) Windows and Doors has created new jobs and is growing its product range after moving into a larger factory with support from Sunderland City Council. This family-owned company manufactures a range of PVC-U and aluminium windows, doors and conservatories for the commercial and residential sectors. To meet demand and bring its design and manufacturing operations under one roof, the business has expanded into a 16,000 sq ft unit at Glover Industrial Estate in Washington from two smaller units on the city’s Pattinson Industrial Estate. Since the business was started a decade ago by MD Ed Ramshaw and his wife Heather, the company’s Financial Director, NE&C has grown from a turnover of £250,000 to over £1.3m and a staff of four has increased to 21. Heather said: “That figure will continue to grow. We’re not looking at a cap on how many people we employ now that we have a factory to grow into in the future.” ‘We’re not looking at a cap on how many people we employ’ VEKA plc, 01282 716611, www.vekauk.com, [email protected] NEW VISAGE WEBSITE GENERATES SALES LEADS FOR INSTALLERS Leading trade fabricator Shepley has invested further in the comprehensive marketing support it offers to installers through its nationally recognised retail brand Visage, including a new website and free sales lead generation. Visage has launched the new retail websi te to show the benefits of its REHAU products and offer useful advice to consumers, who can also search www.visageonline. 10 APR 2014 co.uk to find a local installer, generating even more quality sales leads for installers. ‘Quality sales leads’ Visage was one of the first retail brands established to support installers. Since then it has worked with customers nationwide to help them market their businesses locally and regionally and deliver Visage windows, doors and conservatories to homeowners. Showroom support and marketing materials including brochures and downloads are available to installers. Shepley also offers customers a comprehensive online information resource. www. Shepley.com features a composite door designer and Customer Centre giving installers access to useful technical downloads, up to date Building Regulations and CE marking compliance. The Composite Door designer contains the complete Visage collection with 31 door styles and a huge range of glass including the popular Inox Glazing Options. www.visageonline.co.uk To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com