New Line Seals it for Phoenix Door Panels

Investment in a new sealed unit line has boosted PVC-U door panel production capacity to in excess of 1,500 per week at Cambridgeshire-based Phoenix Door Panels, enabling the company to meet forecast growth in 2008 and beyond.

The £30,000 switch, from a hot melt process for IG production to Tremco illbruck's Duraseal warm edge spacer system, is also improving accuracy in manufacture, as well as offering end users better thermal efficiency.

Commissioned in February, the new glass line comprises a flat bed washer, an air flotation table and application area. Through the more efficient process using a combined spacer, sealant and dessicant, Phoenix has replaced five separate operations with a single component application.

‘The Duraseal system certainly gives us more speed and a greater consistency in the glass unit thickness,’ comments Haydon Statham, National Sales Manager at Phoenix. ‘This is important, especially given our increase in business with the addition of over 50 new customers since the beginning of the year. While commentators may question the wisdom of investing in the current financial climate, we foresaw this growth and had the infrastructure already in place to meet its demands.’

Sales grew by 30% month on month between April 2007 and April 2008, firmly establishing Phoenix Door Panels as one of the UK's largest privately-owned PVC-U door panel manufacturers and suppliers of composite doors. Haydon attributes this to a number of factors; the company's commitment to product quality, excellent customer service and reliability, as well as the new accounts coming on board increasing annual turnover by around £500,000 in a full year.

‘Having our own glass toughening plant, as well as sealed unit production gives us great flexibility and control over these production processes,’ adds Haydon.

‘Customers appreciate the fact we can supply bespoke door panels from a comprehensive range of designs and glazing options within a few days; 85% of which are delivered safely and securely on our transport. Hence we feel justified in calling ourselves the complete door solution company.’

For more information, contact Phoenix Door Panels on 01487 740469 or visit the website at http://www.phoenixdoorpanels.co.uk.