Investment marks nearly 20 years of composite doors
11th December 2018

DISTINCTION DOORS is approaching the 20th anniversary of the UK’s first composite doors with the completion of the £850,000 first phase of a major infrastructure investment at its Barnsley HQ.

Since Drew Wright, who went on to found Distinction, brought in the first consignment of composite door panels in 1999, Distinction now has more than three million of its products in homes around the UK.

With prepped doors now accounting for 40% of Distinction’s sales most of the budget has been spent on saws, CNCs, edgebanders, and painting and related equipment as well as ancillaries in anticipation of further growth in demand. Quality control has also been developed through the introduction of the production technology, with a significant reduction in waste and therefore cost.

From the company’s first year sales of £1.1 million in 2005, its products now account for 25% of all entrance doors installed in British homes annually. Managing Director Gareth Williams says its recent investment should be seen as clear evidence of a commitment to growth, efficiency and innovation within the company.

“Despite the unknown pressures that Brexit will inevitably bring, we must look past this period and assume that British homeowners will, in the longer term, continue their enthusiasm for improving their homes and that private and public sector housebuilders and landlords will continue to invest in composite doors for their properties,” he said.

“The difficulties of Brexit prevent any meaningful forecasts for growth in the short term but by investing in our infrastructure we are removing cost, improving quality and increasing both our capacity overall and ability to cope with fluctuating demand.

“Our relationship with our suppliers continues to be excellent and they are working closely with us to introduce some exciting new products as well as to continuously improve the quality of existing favourites.

“Our overarching commitment continues to be our customers however, and in turn their customers. For them and with them, we will continue to improve, to innovate and to lead in the market that was founded by Drew Wright - who retired last year - the man that also created Distinction Doors. We are always mindful of that responsibility.”

www.distinctiondoors.co.uk