Elumatec
Machinery Provides Vision for the Future
Vision
Products a factory employing people with disabiiities under the Workstep
scheme, has specified Elumatec machinery for its 'cost-effective, easy-to-use
qualities'. The new machinery will allow Vision Products to move forward
into the future, providing the company with expanded production capabilities
and enabling faster turnaround.
Vision Products, based in Pontyclun, South Wales, is part of the Rhondda
Cynon Taf County Borough Council. Employing 45 workers, many of whom
have disabilities, the workshop is split between two main production
areas, one of which is responsible for PVCu window fabrication.
Vision Products acts as a supply contractor to council departments such
as education and housing, and also supplies other housing associations,
the Diocese of Wales and some domestic installations.
The Elumatec machinery package - which includes a DG142/E550 double
mitre saw, WSF76 water slot router, ES710lv single head welder and 4AS-TC
corner and transom cleaner amongst others was,specified by a team of
Vision Products employees, including Purchasing Manager Cheryl Williams.
Comments Cheryl:
'We initially looked at purchasing one Elumatec machine but liked what
we saw so much that we decided to buy all our machinery from them. It
also made sense for us to take advantage of Elumatec's comprehensive
servicing package. The Elumatec machines are good quality products that
are also exceptionally easy to operate which, naturally, is fundamental
for us. They have also proven to be excellent value for money, allowing
us to significantly increase our output to 100/125 frames per week within
a relatively short period of time. We also hope to improve on this in
the near future, and we believe that the increased capacity offered
by the new machinery will allow us to do this.'
Section supervisor Derek Thomas also commented 'Elumatec machinery is
easy to use, with a modern approach. The maintenance and backup has
been very efficient and we at Vision Products have a good working relationship
with Elumatec.'
Tel: 01908 580800
Email: mailto:sales@elumatec.co.uk
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
New
Rehau Fabricator Opens in Cheshire
Cheshire has a new fabricator of Rehau's S706 70mm window system. Newbury
Trade Frames has been set up on Winsford lndustrial Estate to manufacture
and supply high quality frames to installers and builders around Winsford,
Stoke, Altrincham, Chester and Crewe.
The
company is particularly interesting because it has been founded by Newbury
Data Recording who have been manufacturing IT equipment for more than
40 years in partnership with experts in the window manufacturing field.
Newbury Data is devoting a large area of its existing 100,000 sq ft
factory to window manufacture and is training selected members of its
highly skilled workforce in the specifics of PVCu production.
Chris Sheridan, General Manager of the new venture says: 'Newbury Data
is a long established IT equipment business with an enviable and very
established Blue Chip client list. It is renowned for its quality and
commitment to customer service and it is our intention to transfer these
elements of the business to window production and build a similar reputation
here.
'We believe we have identified a real opportunity in this area of Cheshire
to manufacture and supply trade frames in Rehau. There is considerable
demand here which previously has not been serviced locally and we believe
we can tap into this and expand it even further.'
Newbury Trade Frames has invested in brand new Wegoma machinery for
its factory and in specialised training for its staff.
In the short term, it is looking to achieve an output of 300 windows
per week but it has the capacity to expand rapidly to more than 600
windows per week.
Tel: 01989 762600
Email: mailto:window.enquiries@rehau.com
Web: http://www.rehau.co.uk
The
Fastest Fabricator in the West
Wakefield
based West Yorkshire Windows has set up a 3500 square foot fabrication
plant in just a couple of weeks. Working with profile supplier Status,
West Yorkshire Windows was manufacturing 100 windows a week just a month
after it had decided to stop buying in from an outside source.
This
family run business had been purchasing its window products from a third
party ever since it was established in 1993, preferring to concentrate
on the retail side of the business. However, after nine years of being
let down and disappointed by shoddy service and constant unreliability,
director Andrew Glover decided to investigate the manufacturing route.
'At the beginning of September we moved into a new unit and opened a
fantastic conservatory showroom development. It was the start of our
next phase of growth,' commented Andrew. 'Three weeks later we were
suffering yet again from unreliable deliveries. It was time to do something
about it. Despite never having raised the question of manufacturing
ourselves, the idea suddenly seemed to us the perfect solution. The
figures seemed to stack up. We decided then and there that it was the
best route to take.
'Our over-riding aim was to gain full control over the scheduling and
delivery of our products. This has been achieved, but on top of this
we are also experiencing a myriad of benefits - higher profit margins,
better cash flow, and much greater flexibility.'
When Andrew and his business partner brother Matthew made the decision
to go ahead, they called in four of the main profile suppliers, of which
Status was one.
'Status' approach was exceptionally professional, but was equally approachable
and down to earth,' continued Andrew. 'The company offered a package
that seemed achievable to us in terms of support and price. We knew
we could work with them on both a personal and professional basis. Status'
area manager Dave Barnes was particularly helpful and supportive - our
decision was ultimately one based on the people as much as the products.'
West Yorkshire Windows has already increased its windows per week yield
by 30 per cent and is on course to reach its capacity of 150 windows
per week within 12 months, concentrating purely on the retail market.
The company relies on traditional local advertising and marketing methods,
but has also been involved with Carol Vorderman's Better Homes, and
BBC's DIY SOS.
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Elumatec chosen by 'Quality Obsessed' Pennine
If
confirmation that 'quality pays' were ever needed then Newcastle upon
Tyne based Pennine Home Improvements continues to provide the evidence.
Founded 25 years ago, the company has grown from strength to strength
and is proud of its position as the leading home improvement company
in the north east. The management team at Pennine attribute their success
to top quality products and unparalleled customer service.
Manufacturing windows, doors and conservatory roofs for the domestic market Pennine Home Improvements has every relevant product quality and manufacturing standard available. So when Pennine required machinery to increase its conservatory and window output by 25% without compromising quality, it specified Elumatec. This resulted in the installation of an Elumatec 4 head welder, a butt welder, MSG105 conservatory roof saw (pictured), and double V notching saw.
However, whilst Elumatec got the order, Howard Jeffreys, Pennine's Production Manager says that the company is always cautious when making such valuable purchases: "We have an excellent relationship with Elumatec, which produces excellent quality machines with a good service backup. When purchasing new machinery we always look at competitor products but are always drawn back to Elumatec - it doesn't hurt to remind ourselves just why we buy from them."
Cladwinds
Moves Onwards and Upwards
Established in 1986, Cladwinds Ltd. are based in the Woburn Rd. Industrial
Estate in Bedford and fabricate Eurocell’s Ultimate 70mm Window
System. Currently the company makes around 150-200 windows a week but
recent investment in a new factory has allowed capacity to be increased
to 400 per week.
Paul Green the Managing Director set up Cladwinds to satisfy a niche
in the local market but business soon boomed, forcing the company to
rapidly outgrow their first unit. Paul decided to move into a vacant
shoe factory, which had come up for sale. This proved a successful venture
and Cladwinds Ltd. operated from here for the next thirteen years, growing
steadily over this period.
Cladwinds was initially set up by Martin Saunders (Eurocell Profiles
Sales Director) in Paul’s living room in the early days of PVCu
windows; when he was employed by another profile supplier. Paul liked
the way Martin operated and has since followed him to Eurocell –
continuing the business relationship which Paul feels is an important
part of Eurocell’s philosophy.
Again there were a number of issues, which lead Paul to seek new premises,
further business growth and a problem with access to the shoe factory.
Freehold premises or land with which to build were the options, Paul
decided to choose the latter. The land in question returned Paul to
the origins of the business, the Woburn Rd industrial estate. A personal
investment of £800,000 was made by Paul to acquire the land and
build the premises. One of the two units constructed on the land has
been sold off.
The new purpose built 17,000 sq.ft window fabrication plant is sufficiently
large enough to allow Cladwinds to allocate some space to the fabrication
of Eurocell’s Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System. After seeing
the Pinnacle Roof at Glassex, Paul was impressed by a number of unique
innovations; particularly it’s ease of installation – something
that will appeal to Cladwinds customers.
'The new purpose built unit has allowed Cladwinds Ltd to consolidate
it's existing business as well as providing the company with room to
grow which other premises we have operated from perhaps have not. Our
partnership with Eurocell and the ease of fabrication of the Ultimate
70mm Windows has been one of the reasons for our combined success. I
have invested a small fortune in the company, it has been successful
for the past sixteen years and I intend with the dedication of my staff
in conjunction with Eurocell’s support to see the business continue
long into the future.' said Phil Brown, Sales Director.
Cladwinds also supply the full range of Eurocell Building Plastics,
facias, soffits, capping boards etc. Again one of the benefits of using
the Eurocell Building Plastics is the fact that they are an exact match
for the Eurocell Window Profile and are 'fitter friendly'.
Eurocell 01773 842 100
Cladwinds Ltd 01234 856611
Email: mailto:sales@cladwinds.com
Out
of the shadows of the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, Trade Window
Specialists is emerging as a thriving and progressive Profile 22 fabricator.
In three years, the company has built up a loyal customer base that
values quality and service.
Over
the winter, and as part of an ongoing investment strategy, the company
is making substantial investments in new machinery, including CNC corner
cleaners, automated saws and machining centres, which will more than
double its existing 250 frames per week production capacity.
Richard Vaughan founded the company in 1999 in 14,000 sq ft premises
nestling below the hills. He and his fellow director, Steve Ballard,
believe the route to success lies in providing a responsive and quality
service to their growing customer base.
'We have always been with Profile 22 who supported us in the early days
as we were getting established,' says Richard. 'And part of our success
is the quality and ease of fit of the Profile 22 window and our ability
to offer the whole range across their 60 and 70mm systems.
'We work very hard to offer all our customers, including the smaller
installer, a flexible and caring service. We have seen a significant
number of our customer develop thriving businesses partly due to the
assistance TWS has been able to offer, coupled with the responsiveness
and consistency of our service,' continues Richard, who has developed
a number of successful other businesses in the past.
To
match the major investment in automated equipment TWS also plans to
improve its business systems. By early 2003, the company plans to achieve
the ISO 9001: 2000 and ISO 14001: 1996 quality and environmental accreditations
that reflect the business ethos of contributing to a better environment.
As part of this ongoing policy of improvement, Trade Window Specialists
is also updating its corporate image as it enters its next stage of
development to reflect its progressive outlook.
Richard adds: 'Our investments show that we have every confidence for
the future. We have a professional team, a strong base and a commitment
to quality and service on which we can develop the business.'
Trade Window Specialists - Tel: 01684 891200
Profile 22 Systems - Tel: 01952 290910
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
Leamore
Windows Building for the Future with Eurocell
Leamore
Windows, a West Midlands window company, is now planning for the future
with further investment plans. A fabricator of Eurocell's Ultimate 70mm
window system for the past five years, the company is currently experiencing
signs of organic growth.
Brothers
Martin and Gary Hackett, from humble corner shop premises in Walsall
High Street, started Leamore Windows almost 20 years ago with a small
manufacturing area behind of no more than 800sq.ft. Like many window
companies they then experienced a huge surge in demand for their product,
which lead them to relocate to a larger factory of around 3000 sq.ft.
One of the main reasons for its sustained growth over the initial years
of the company, and more recently as the company has grown, has been
the influential, hands on management style of both Gary and Martin.
They continue to enjoy a small company feel where the customer really
is the king - even though their substantial customer base and premises
continue to grow. This is certainly reflected in their bulging order
book, which currently has a 16-week lead-time for potential customers,
even with seven fitting teams!! Infact some orders have already been
placed for delivery in 2003.
Gary and Martin took the decision to move to their current premises
almost ten years ago - where a purpose built 18,000 sq. ft. factory
was constructed. Combined to this the brothers made the move of purchasing
adjoining land where six units were constructed, and an acre area was
set aside for storage of profile and other ancillary items. With continued
growth and demand for its product it was essential that Leamore was
being serviced by a profile supplier, which could grow, support and
aid in its development. Eurocell was the choice of both brothers and
since the delivery of the first stillage the relationship has grown
from strength to strength.
The six units have been rented since their construction but after the
tenants recently moved out Gary and Martin have now allocated its 6000
sq.ft of space solely to their glass manufacturing division. Indeed
this is an area of the business, which also seems to be growing, particularly
after a recent £40k investment in glass cutting machinery.
The relocation of the 'glass division' will allow Leamore to manufacture
more windows than its current 300 per week; indeed it is currently in
the process of identifying a suitable automated machinery supplier.
With new machinery and extra capacity for windows, Leamore will then
perhaps be able to supply more windows to the trade, which currently
accounts for 20% of its business, much of which comes from customers
who have been with the company since it's inception.
Leamore's retail customer base generally comes from a 10-mile radius
from its premises in Bloxwich. All of the business is derived from incoming
enquiries, either through word of mouth, recommendations or from marketing
activities - Leamore has a bus sign written as well as using adverts
in the local press. It also employs a strict no-pressure selling technique,
which encompasses no cold calling.
'It is important for us to operate effectively within our community,
where almost all of our business is derived. Many of our customers tell
their friends and family about us and we want to continue in that vein.'
says Gary Hackett.
Leamore currently employs over 40 people and this is set to increase
with its latest development plans - the company is recruiting for two
new fitting teams. With the glass shop moving and more profile machinery
coming soon, Leamore is laying a foundation for its future. It also
has the acre of land, which it can also develop.
'Leamore has been with us for five years now and it is exciting to see
its progression. From the moment you walk into the impressive showroom
you know it is a company, which is here to stay. Both Gary and Martin
have been influential in the firm's development and will be in the future.
We can look forward to continuing our successful relationship for some
time to come.' Martin Saunders. Eurocell Profiles Sales Director.
Leamore Windows fabricates Eurocell's Ultimate 70mm window system as
well as using Eurocell Building Plastics extensive range of complimentary
products.
Leamore Windows - 01922 473 737
Eurocell Profiles - 01773 842 100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Kingston Windows and Conservatories Celebrate with Eurocell
Kingston Windows and Conservatories is currently celebrating its second year with Eurocell. Barrie Francis one of the founders of the company back in 1964, originally set up Kingston Windows to provide secondary glazing for local residents of Bedford after seeing some in Kingston-upon-Hull, hence Kingston Windows. Orders were taken in the evening when Barrie and a number of his staff knocked on doors selling off the cuff, on the premise that the window would, 'Keep some warmth in and some noise out'. When sold the window would be 'fabricated' in a convenient shed before being fitted.
Sales
increased and Kingston Windows grew quickly, requiring new manufacturing
premises, two local pubs were located and transformed into their first
factory - before moving to Caxton Road fifteen years ago where the company
has established its head office. Kingston Windows progressed from secondary to aluminium to PVC which it now, as many other window companies makes almost all of its windows from. Barrie was reluctant to change to PVC but winning a local contract to supply two blocks of flats where PVC windows were specified forced the company into manufacturing this type of product.
As the demand grew for PVC Barrie sought a profile manufacturer to meet his fabricating requirements, and duly chose a suitable supplier. Infact the decision proved to be a wise one with Barrie remaining with the supplier for around thirty years. The companies formed a close relationship and grew together, both becoming successful in their respective industries.
Time, demands and market conditions change industries and the window market together with PVC profile manufacturing are both no exception to this rule. It was time for Barrie Francis and for Kingston Windows to look forward to the future, to find a modern, dynamic manufacturer who would satisfy all of their requirements. This was a massive decision for Barrie and Kingston to make, after being with the same supplier for thirty years, it would require something special for the supplier to get their business. A number of profile manufacturers initially were in the frame, but after a visit to Eurocell's headquarters in Alfreton Derbyshire the decision became much easier. Both Barrie and Sales and Marketing Manager Tony Martin couldn't be happier with the service, product quality and general stability of Eurocell with whom they hope to build a successful partnership.
Kingston Windows and Conservatories has built up its business and reputation, in almost forty years of trading; indeed 50% of its business is derived from existing customers, add-ons or recommendations. The company is very much focussed on the quality end of the market and fabricating Eurocell's Ultimate 70mm window system certainly allows the sales team to convert many of the sales leads which it receives in the surrounding area.
The Caxton Road factory currently produces around 200 windows a week from it's 10,000 sq. ft of space, but with current market conditions favourable as well as the increased demand for conservatories the future certainly looks bright. Kingston Windows and Conservatories also has four other showrooms at Dunstable, Kempston, Willington and Woburn Sands with Willington and Woburn also having a dual role as conservatory sites.
'We are very pleased with the change we made to Eurocell and we look forward to the future growth of Kingston Windows and Conservatories as well as our partnership with Eurocell. Even after such a long time with our previous profile supplier our change to Eurocell has been seamless, we couldn't be happier.' says Tony Martin Sales/Marketing Manager.
Eurocell 01773 842 100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Rub-A-Dub-Dub, a Profitable Tub!
To
get over a thousand hits on your company website in just 12 hours takes
some achieving. But it helps if your PVCu 'gazebo' over a hot tub is featured
on Carol Vorderman's popular Better Homes TV programme.Profile 22 fabricator, Slaithwaite Developments Ltd, designed and installed the garden shelter housing the spa pool, allowing it to be used comfortably all year round.
The end-of-terrace home in Fleet, Hampshire, subsequently enjoyed the greatest increase in value - by some £25K - of the homes featured in that evening's programme.
The free-standing gazebo was constructed from Profile 22 frames and PVcu panels, topped with SDL's own polycarbonate roof.
SDL Director Martin Lawton comments: 'We were delighted with the response to the website which had prompted the initial inquiry from the programme in the first place.
'From those hits, we've had some definite orders and as a result will be looking to recruit as a result of the business growing,' adds Martin.
SDL's subsidiary, Hot Tub World installed the spa pool that generated the massive response to its website within hours of the programme being broadcast in July.
Tel: 01952 290450
Web: http://www.profile22.co.uk
Veka Fabricator Gives the Competition some Stick
The British double-glazing industry is awash with stories of competition and rivalry. And whilst some of the stories - fortunately very few these days have not always shown the industry in its best light, seldom is the competition faced with large, curved sticks!
But
Greg Turner, a director of Veka fabricator Manx Glass, did just that recently.
However, rather than facing up to some hefty and determined commission-hungry
conservatory salesman, he was part of the Manx Senior Mixed Hockey team
that recently won the English Hockey Mixed Counties Championship. The
competition held in Oxfordshire meant the team had to beat off stiff competition
from seven other counties throughout the UK playing six games over the
two-day tournament. Manx beat the much fancied side to win the tournament
Sussex by 1-0 in the final to take the honours.Greg's responsibilities at Manx Glass usually find him dealing with the estimating and glass side of the business, Manx Glass, which has a factory and showroom in Snugborough, lsle of Man, has its products installed in many of the islands prestigious buildings and landmarks. Manx has been a Veka customer for over 10 years supplying windows, doors and conservatories to the trade and domestic market within the lsle of Man. But come weekends, Greg pads up for his role as goalkeeper for the Manx team - participating in a sport he has enjoyed for 15 years.
Said Greg: 'Obviously we are delighted to win the championship. The game is all about manoeuvres, and a tactical approach, which I find is great way to let off steam after a busy week in the office. We never dreamt that we would win this competition, but all the training and hard work has paid off and the win has obviously given us all a tremendous morale boost especially as it is the first senior county mixed hockey tournament win in history for the lsle of Man'.
Tel: 01282 716611
Email: mailto:salesenquiry@veka.com
Web: http://www.vekauk.com
Fabrication Through Acquisition
After seven years spent building its Mr Glassman brand, the Prestwich based installation company took its next logical step and went into manufacturing. Through acquisition a separate fabrication unit trading under the name The Frame People was established, and one year on is producing over 250 Status windows a week.
Directors
Michael and Yvonne Goodman (pictured right)entered into negotiations with
a local Status fabricator on the verge of collapse. A rescue plan was
formulated and the new management, together with the re-motivated workforce,
soon had production up to 200 frames per week.'We carried out thorough cost analyses on both starting a company from scratch, and going down the acquisition route,' said director Yvonne Goodman. 'The second option came out as by far the most cost effective.
'Probably the most valuable thing to come out of the previous company was the choice of Status as the preferred profile supplier,' continued Yvonne. 'We called them in for preliminary talks, and were impressed by what they had to offer us. From the earliest stages, Status has been a constant source of support.'
To overcome the problems created by the previous company, Yvonne and her team embarked on a complete restructuring package. By gaining a clear understanding of what had gone wrong, they were able to learn from past mistakes.
'With Status' help we completely overhauled the factory layout with no disruption to the on-going production schedules. By taking on our own name, targeting the middle of the road trade market, and by staunchly standing by our service ethics, we were soon exceeding production targets.'
This stepping stone was particularly significant to The Frame People - it meant that its sister company, Mr Glassman, now accounted for less than 50 per cent of production.
Having achieving all this within a year of starting up, and tackling the inherited problems of the previous company, Yvonne is far from resting on her laurels. The company is now planning its next stage of growth and development, based on a premise of measured expansion with no compromise to quality.
'Working to tight margins means there is very little room for error,' said Yvonne. 'We take every day as it comes, while building growth at a steady pace. Like any business we are aiming for greater consistency and profitability, but we want it for the long term.'
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:sales@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
Pictured: Yvonne Goodman, director, The Frame People
Trade Supplier Turns to Second Fabricator
Business is growing so much for trade supplier PDQ, that it needed a greater range of windows than its long-standing fabricator can let it have.
In
order to meet a more diverse demand, PDQ has joined Kömmerling fabricator
Everglade Windows' growing network of trade and retail customers in the
South and South East. Russell Cross, Director of PDQ, says orders were
outstripping the range of windows and accessories that its main supplier
could provide, and Everglade is now providing the extra ones required.Although Russell has been a window manufacturer in the past, there was no question of him returning to fabrication to make up the shortfall. 'I prefer to focus on the service end of the chain, working just with customers who want a top quality window and who have good installation skills.'
PDQ has been in business for four years, supplying glazed or unglazed Kömmerling windows, doors and conservatories, to the trade only. It has recently run a special campaign to allay customer fears about Part L, by demonstrating that the unglazed frames it takes from Everglade automatically comply with Part L when fitted with Pilkington K glass.
'Everglade, as a company, is fast and efficient, and their manufacture is high quality, accurate and clean, providing strong, sturdy and elegant windows readily achieving Part L - all of which gives us an excellent rapport with the disceming installers we deal with.' His refusal to deal with installers who buy on price alone, means that PDQ does not suffer from the usual problems associated with poor quality installations.
PDQ operates from a 2,500 square foot warehouse at Lancing on the South coast. It currently takes the Kömmerling Gold 58mm and 70mm window systems, and is gearing up to supply the new classically-curved Connoisseur as well.
Vinod Gopal, Managing Director of Everglade, says: 'We're Iooking fonvard to building a long-term relationship with PDQ. Everglade has a reputation for helping customers grow, and we grow with them.'
To meet increasing customer demand in all its market areas - retail, domestic, trade and commercial - Everglade has invested a further £300,000 in new technology which will almost triple its PVCu capacity. 'It means we can manage a further rise in orders which we're expecting over the next18 months.'
Tel: 01784 464000
Email: mailto:enquiries@kommerling.com
Web: http://www.kommerling.com
Double Double for Cheshire's Conservatory Champion
Evidence of the conservatory boom continuing, as one of the North-West's domestic conservatory retailers has just doubled the size of its showroom - and is on course to double its tumover this year.
'Turnover's
now reaching £1.25m. Business has increased so much we've had to
move into a new purpose-built 2,000 square-foot showroom,' says Tony Unwin,
Managing Director of Cheshire-based Premier Conservatories. (Tony is pictured
(centre) with Graham Yoxall (right), Central Glass Production Manager,
and Graham Ward, Central's Sales Manager.) The principles of partnering - having come to prominence in Sir John Egan's report 'Rethinking Construction' - are being adopted by Premier, its systems company Kömmerling, fabricator Central Glass and roofing supplier Aztec. Having spent 46 years in the windows industry, Tony is absolutely certain about what is needed for success nowadays: 'A top quality profile, first class installation, good all-round service, and open communication at all levels ofthe supply chain, which partnering provides.'
He also says that partnering is the key to Part L compliance. Central Glass manufactures its windows from the Kömmerling 70mm system, using Pilkington K glass, giving automatic compliance by achieving a u-value of 2.0 or less.
Tony used to be a partner in the former Macclesfield Window Fabrications, with Central Glass Director Ken Wheeler, until he gave up manufacturing after a heart attack nearly two years ago. He now concentrates on retail and installation, running Premier with son Richard and son-in-law Michael Owen, employing a further six people. 'We can handle up to £1.5m with the staff we've got, and I don't really want us to grow beyond that.'
Another key to Premier's success is the fact that conservatories are its core business. 'Too many window companies offer conservatories as a bolt-on to their windows business. But because a properly made conservatory is far more complex than simply fitting windows, we specialise in that area.'
Tel: 01784 464000
Email: mailto:enquiries@kommerling.com
Web: http://www.kommerling.com
My
Kingdom for a House!
A generous father put up his house as security so his son could found
a window company - and so Alfa Windows Ltd was born in January this
year fabricating the Profile 22 system.
Luckily for 78-year-old Alf Porter, he still has a roof over his head
thanks to son, Nigel and fellow director, Gerard Hiscock, making a success
of the Gateshead-based business they named after him.
Explains
Nigel: 'Dad knew I'd always wanted to start my own business, so he gave
me the deeds to his house and said 'go and do what you should have done
five years ago.' Though it was on the proviso that the spare room was
always available!
'We called the company Alfa based on my dad's name, Alf, and he's very
proud of the business. Being a retired lecturer in heavy engineering,
he was fascinated with the machines we'd bought!'
The directors draw on their very different backgrounds to run the 150-frame
plus per week company operating out of 3,600 sq ft premises a stone's
throw from the A1. Gerard, a former postmaster for 25 years, entered
the window industry two years ago as a plastic building products salesman.
In contrast, Nigel had done most things in his 28-year career, from
selling glass silicon and finally becoming marketing director for a
major window company.
Alfa Windows' philosophy, like their choice of profile supplier, is
straightforward. 'We aim to supply a high quality product with high
quality service at a competitive price, says Nigel who was already familiar
with the Profile 22 ethos from a 'previous life.'
'We liked Profile 22's approach, which mirrored ours being very customer
service-oriented. The whole package is excellent, particularly the four-chambered
70mm system, and the knowledgeable sales staff are a great help to us,'
continues Nigel, a former North East Regional Chairman of the Glass
and Glazing Federation who assisted in consultations over the original
Document L content.
'We were given help with start-up business advice and planning, as well
as technical support and assistance with our factory layout. All in
all, a very valuable service.'
Apart from running a business together, the men share a lot more in
common. Born just two days apart at the same hospital, the 44-year-olds
live two doors away from each other and each has a son, John Hiscock
and Martin Porter, working for the company.
Now gaining at least one new customer a day, the company is buoyant
and growing steadily. As Nigel concludes: 'They're not just customers,
they're becoming friends. We believe in setting a fair price to everyone
so they can compete effectively for business.'
Contact Alfa Windows on 0191 487 2123
Achievable Solutions for Yorkshire Company
With
little over a year since the birth of Conservatory Solutions Ltd, the
company has announced record sales growth, made achievable since they
joined forces with K2 Conservatory Roof Systems.
The
popularity of the K2 system has seen the Batley based company experiencing
escalating volumes of production, forcing the company to purchase larger
premises in an attempt to handle the rise in demand.
The new 3,000 sq ft premises, located in nearby Dewsbury will provide
the team with the ability to increase fabrication levels from 20 roofs
to in excess of 30 roofs per week.
The company has already taken on board two new employees in order to
handle the additional workload, but with plans already in place to expand
the business into a neighbouring unit, recruitment levels look set to
increase in the near future.
Both Nick Wagner and Martin Bannister, Conservatory Solutions managing
directors, commented: 'The success of the business since joining partnership
with K2 has exceeded our expectations, and with the infrastructure now
in place to handle the rapid penetration of K2 within the marketplace
we feel confident that Conservatory Solutions Ltd can look forward to
an exciting and profitable future.'
Tel: 01204 554 554
Email: mailto:enquiry@k2conservatories.com
Web: http://www.k2conservatories.com
Rainseal's
10th Anniversary: Less Work for More Pay!
Bury-based Plastmo fabricator Rainseal Trade Windows Limited celebrates
its 10th Anniversary and is poised for yet another record-breaking year.
To commemorate its decade of progress and to record his gratitude to
his 40 strong staff, Managing Director Rob Foy has devised a novel approach
to staff relations. He has introduced a four-day working week with five
days pay, to all long-serving staff. Rob also plans to shorten his sales
and marketing teams six-day working week, to five days.
He says 'All my staff work hard, are well motivated and do an excellent
job. However,there is more to life than just working. I believe that
if you look after your staff,they will also look after you.'
Rainseal's
md Rob Foy (left) cuts the anniversary cake aided by Jack Simmons, chairman
of Lancs Cricket Club
Rob Foy attributes the secret of his success to three factors. Firstly,
Rainseal believes in providing an excellent customer after sales service.
'Treat your customers as though they were your parents and provide a
service you can be proud of. A lot of companies in the industry fail
because they ignore the customer'. he advises. The second Rainseal keystone
is to provide a quality product at an affordable price and which exceeds
customer expectations.
Rob Foy's final recipe for success is to have a committed and dedicated
workforce. His own longterm industry experience has given him a valuable
insight into people management; closely observing the benefits of a
loyal and enthusiastic workforce. He concludes 'I am convinced that
the innovative staff benefits we have introduced will improve the business
even further and lead to fresh growth opportunities'.
Tel: 01604 790780
Email: mailto:info@plastmo.co.uk
Web: http://www.plastmo.co.uk
A
Family Concern for Spectus
Fersina Dundee has become one of
the most recent fabricators to take on board the Spectus Sightline 70
range of profile.
Fersina
has traditionally bought from Cestrum, so with the takeover of Cestrum
by HW Plastics, it was a logical - althrough by no means inevitable
- progression to switch to the Spectus product. In discussing why the
Sightline 70 product was appealing, MD Gordon Smith highlighted both
the appearance of the range and, particularly, the technical back up
and support provided by Spectus Systems (Gordon
and Sheila Smith are pictured to the right with Neil Selby, New Business
Manager, Spectus Systems).
Fersina in Dundee is a medium sized company specialising in domestic
refurbishment, fabricating and installing both windows and conservatories.
Run by Gordon and Sheila Smith, the company is proud of the personal
service it has provided throughout its 15 year history, and Gordon Smith
puts much of the company's success down to the fact that both owners
are still actively involved in the business and very much concerned
with the day to day contact with customers.
The majority of the company's new work is through referrals, providing
employment for some 25 local people in its Dundee factory, showroom
and head offices.
Plans for the future are to continue with the gradual growth that has
characterised the business in recent years - and, as with all Spectus
fabricators, to continue to make use of all the support offered by Spectus.
Tel: 01625 420400