Happy New Year from Masco UK Window Group
Much
has been reported recently in terms of the economic slowdown that has
hit all sectors of the UK economy during the second half of 2007. The
reported Halifax housing index has, for the past 3 months, seen the average
price of property slipping on a month by month basis. 'High Street' retailers
went into the lucrative festive season with their sales already on. The
indicators, as we move into 2008 are for much of the same.
The recent cut in UK Interest Rates has signalled the Bank of England's
reading of the situation and its intent to reverse the position as soon
as possible.
Whilst the reported gloom surrounds, there has been a beacon of success
from the Masco UK Window Group. In reviewing the past year, Mike Dunlevy,
the Group's Strategic Marketing Director, reports that through strategic
vision and a focussed approach to the market, the group has had a number
of successes in 2007.
In the highly competitive 'new build' sector, the Group's Duraflex extrusion
business has had it's award winning 'Diamond Suite' specified by two of
the UK's 'Top 10' house builders - Persimmon Homes and the Gladedale Group.
This will be used on all their housing output in the UK. Commenting on
this success, Mike states 'the reason for this success has been Duraflex's
ability to demonstrate how, by working with a partner who can add real
value, the volume driven house builder can have 'peace of mind' in it's
supply chain for windows'. This demand generation is important to anyone
fabricating windows for the 'new build' market.
The extrusion division isn't the only success story in the Group. The
Group includes Griffin Windows, Cambrian Windows and Premier Trade Frames,
this makes it the largest fabricator of windows (as a group) in the UK
today. All of the businesses have seen, through a proactive recruitment
drive, the securing of a number of trade and retail window accounts. So
what makes the Masco proposition successful? Mike reflects on the 'drivers
for change' within the trade, especially in these uncertain times.
'Confidence is the key driver to change' reports Mike. 'The key criterion
is the assurance that the supplier you look to work with can offer you
a service which you can both rely upon and is stress free in terms of
service. Within our Group companies we have the infrastructure and processes
to provide this assurance. From the electronic placement of orders, the
availability of a full and comprehensive range of products, innovative
new products, a dedicated glass manufacturer within the Group and even
a next day remake facility in case something goes wrong with a project'.
The Masco UK Window Group has proved, through consistent performance,
that those within the industry looking for a well equipped, proactive
and secure trading partner would be well advised to talk to the group.
Not everything is doom and gloom as we go into 2008.
Tel: 08705 351351
Web: http://www.duraflex.co.uk
