SMARTGLASS BULLETIN:

FNB BUILDING CONFIDENCE INDEX Q3 2009 SHOWS SLIGHT INCREASE

The FNB Building Confidence index for 3Q 2009 has shown a slight increase from an index value of 30 in 2Q2009 to 32 in 3Q2009.

Of the six sub-components of the FNB BCI, three registered a rise, while declines were recorded in the remainder during 3Q2009.

Compared to 2Q2009, improvements in confidence levels were recorded among building contractors (+1), manufacturers (+23) and retailers of building materials (+13). On the other hand, declines occurred in the case of architects (-7), quantity surveyors (-4) and building sub-contractors (-15).

A closer analysis of the survey data shows that the downward spiral in the residential sector is probably close to a bottom, while the normalization of the de-stocking cycle of building merchants at the retail level has resulted in improved demand experienced by manufacturers of building products.

In contrast, the downswing in the non-residential sector is still firmly in place, hence the weakening of building confidence in the case of architects, quantity surveyors and non-residential building contractors.

SMARTGLASS BULLETIN

Connecting you to Glass industry trends, updates and events.

GSA helps South Africa gear up for 2010: Stadiums, stations and innovation.

The FIFA World Cup is fast approaching and South Africans watch with open anticipation as construction booms across the country. Huge infrastructural development and international collaboration have been cornerstones in the preparation for an event watched by over 800 million people worldwide.

The role of glass in the construction leading up to the event has certainly been significant. As a material, glass allows for environmentally conscious, energy saving construction whilst providing aesthetic and structural advantages. GSA, being the leading distributor of world-class building and automotive glass products played a central part in providing the material and in project management. From the stadiums to Gautrain stations, hotels to monuments- we have brought innovation and collaboration to the forefront in ensuring that South Africa is ready for the massive influx of tourism and publicity.

The Ellis Park Stadium, in the heart of Johannesburg is one of the best-known sports facilities in the country and has been an exciting, fast-moving 2010 project. Ellis Park will seat 62 000 football fans, increasing its capacity by almost nine percent from the previous 57 000. "We are very happy with the progress on Ellis Park... It's really exciting to see how fast things are moving. Every time I visit, the stadium’s progress is visible," confirmed Sibongile Mazibuko, the City's executive director for 2010. Such large infrastructural development  requires a distributor that not only offers large quantities of superior quality- but also delivers on time, ensuring punctual completion of integral projects.

SMARTGLASS BULLETIN

Economy 2010 - forecast from the First National Bank/BER

GSA wishes all our valued customers a prosperous 2010. We look forward to a year of improving trade conditions and aim to continue to support and serve our Partners and Members efficiently this year. Watch out for our new initiatives which will be posted to you shortly.

In this first SmartGlass Bulletin for 2010 we provide our network with economic insights from the Stellenbosch Bureau for Economic Research, First National Bank and Rand Merchant Bank and evaluate the impact of the economy on the building and automotive industries. We hope the information will be useful to Partners and Members for business planning purposes.