Investment boosts door output
Investment in new machinery is helping Phoenix Door Panels to meet rising demand for its composite doors amid expectations of a 20% rise in sales for the final quarter of 2010.
New saws and CNC routers has improved production efficiency and expanded capacity at its Somersham factory, which is working flat out to meet extra demand created by new customers and an increase in orders over the summer.
“We reached the point where we had to upgrade production equipment and match this to composite door and frame manufacture,” said Haydon Statham, national sales manager. “With sales currently around 200 doors per week and expected to rise to around 240 to 260 between October and December, we had to act fast.
“Because we manufacture everything in-house, right down to glass toughening and glazing options, we have complete control over our own destiny. Therefore, it was essential to invest further to maintain our reputation for excellent customer service and 99% complete and intact delivery record.”
Factors influencing business growth includes the addition of new customers, including the Channel Islands and Isle of Wight, as well as the introduction of GRP composite fire doors with 30-minutes fire resistance.
“Changes to the Building Regulations in 2007 requiring flats with doors to inner hallways to have fire doors have prompted more call for this type of product,” added Haydon. “As well as supplying regular contracts, high street installers have also been requesting fire doors for property conversions and upgrades in what seems to be a continuing strong market.”
