Tomorrow, December 13, sees North East fabricator Made for Trade celebrate 40 years in the fenestration industry.
Originally established as Aanco by Richard Gaunt in 1979, the company was officially incorporated on December 13th 1983 as a supplier and installer of windows and conservatories to the retail market. It moved from an original location in Sheffield to the North East, and became established in the Tees Valley area, investing in the region with its inaugural purpose-built factory, soon followed by a show village to engage with consumers and showcase the products for which it had already become known.
Since then, it made the transition from retail to trade while remaining a family enterprise, though now with a workforce in excess of 250.
The Made for Trade name was suitably established in 2005 and the company continued to grow in size under new leadership.
The company continues: “The next significant step came in 2016, with the launch of the Korniche brand; a disruptive product line that would go on to change the perception of the fenestration industry and stand behind a range of items with a unique engineering-led focus. So much so in fact that in the years that followed, Made for Trade is often regarded not as a fenestration business, but as a precision engineering company that just happens to be designing and manufacturing fenestration products.
“The first Korniche product to market was the Aluminium Roof Lantern, which alongside its design set the bar to new heights when it came to ease of installation, graphic instructions, and its ability to reduce the time spent on site for installers. The brand established its presence as a household name for both consumer and trade buyers at the 2016 FIT Show and the Homebuilding and Renovating Show two years later; where live demonstrations wowed onlookers via installations measured in minutes.
“Designed by the ever-growing engineering team now headed up by Bradley’s brother, Ashley Gaunt – recruited back to the family firm from his role designing motorsport suspension systems in Italy – the second clean-sheet product to be announced under the auspices of the Korniche brand was the Bi-Folding Door. It appeared for the first time at the 2019 FIT Show to a rapturous reception thanks to a number of highly innovative features, plus a price that saw it compete with industry bestsellers. Product number two swiftly became one of the most sought-after aluminium glazed product in the UK as a result.
“Production commenced the following year just as the company settled into their new home; a huge 120,000 sq-ft three-factory site in Wynyard that brought most of the core functions of Made for Trade under one roof. From initial quotation to final delivery – something which would soon include glass on the same drop – Made for Trade now served the entire UK market.
“The next three years saw extensive growth as the family team geared up to meet exceptional demand; whilst a new site in Hartlepool underwent redevelopment ready for the next stage of expansion. Of key importance during this time was gaining enviable ISO 9001 accreditation for quality standards; another landmark in manufacturing for a company in the fenestration industry.
“The Korniche Flat Glass was suitably unveiled in MFT’s 40th Anniversary year as the third product under the game-changing brand name; again at the ideal time to capitalise on market demand, and the systems are now available to order with deliveries starting in January.
“Made for Trade is poised to continue its upward trajectory of growth and success in its 40th anniversary year as alongside new products it prepares trade days, press events, and in-house celebrations to honour its dedicated staff, many of whom have been with the company throughout its remarkable journey. Here’s to the next 40 years of remaining at the forefront of the fenestration industry.
