Annual Report 2008 English [PDF, 2.69 MB] - Tessenderlo Group

annual report 2008
Profiles
The sharp decline of the construction market in 2007 spread across the whole of
Europe in 2008. Sales in the Profiles business unit dropped as a result of this decline
by 3 %. Lower sales were also accompanied by an increase of raw material prices
which reduced profitability.
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Activities and products
The Profiles business unit brings together
the production of various PVC profiles for
the construction industry, such as door,
window and conservatory profiles, profiles
for roofline, fences, the cladding of façades
and various finishing products.
Trends and facts in 2008
The market slowed down substantially in
Great Britain, especially in the second half
of the year. Despite these unfavourable
conditions, the Profiles business unit is
continuing to invest in the development of
its activities.
This is reflected in the further growth of
the distribution network that consisted
of 90 depots at the end of the year, and a
number of acquisitions:
• Eurocell, a subsidiary of Tessenderlo
Group and the British market leader
in the production and distribution
of PVC window and roofline profiles,
acquired distributor Peninsula Plastics
in March. Peninsula Plastics recorded a
turnover of more than 3 million pounds
and has distribution branches in the
northwest of England. The locations
complement the existing Eurocell
branch network, resulting in the
company strengthening its presence
in this part of the country.
• In April, Eurocell announced the
acquisition of the assets of Sprint
1233, formerly known as Plastmo
Profiles Ltd. based in Northampton.
The acquisition and the transfer of the
activities to the Alfreton production
site increase production efficiency and
Eurocell’s market share.