While the big German window profile manufacturers are complaining of cut-throat competition, falling yields and declining sales in part, Belgian profile producer Deceuninck Plastics Industries N.V. (Bruggesteenweg 164, B-8830 Hooglede-Gits) has announced “excellent results” for 1999. Group sales rose 24% to EUR 281m, while the result after taxes increased 15% to EUR 20.3m. The growth experienced over the past five years has thus continued. The management at Deceuninck attributes this not only to the company´s considerable acquisitions but also to the group´s sound financial basis.

Deceuninck´s chief markets are France, the UK, Spain and Benelux, which together account for some 60% of sales. And precisely these markets recorded above-average business in plastic window frames last year. Sales in the UK were stepped up by more than 20%. The group´s broad geographical diversification paid off particularly well in 1999.

The high growth in tonnage meant that Deceuninck was operating at full capacity last year. The company has recently announced that it is to speed up its ambitious investment program, with more than EUR 30m earmarked for additional extrusion lines, compounding units and dies, to enable it to cope with demand. The group had a payroll of 1611 in 1999.

Deceuninck announced a major order in the UK a few days ago: the biggest British producer of PVC windows and doors, Speed Frame, has concluded a five-year supply agreement for profiles and dies with Deceuninck Ltd., Calne. Speed Frame achieved sales of more than EUR 30m last year and is currently producing 4500 windows per week.

• Plasteurope.com Service:Details on the course of business at Deceuninck in 1999 (English): PIE-No. 44511.