Total
Glass Holds Open Day in New 100,000sq ft Premises
To mark the company’s move to new 100,000 sq ft premises, Total Glass
threw open its doors to around 160 customers and suppliers in May which
was hailed as a 'great success' by MD Frank Deary. Throughout the Open
Day and into the evening, a constant stream of visitors arrived to tour
the extensive Liverpool-based production facilities where multi-million
pound investment has reinforced the firm’s position as one of the
UK’s fastest-growing and most successful window manufacturers and
trade suppliers.
In a welcoming and relaxed atmosphere, attendees were also able to view
new products and presentations from the company’s door, conservatory
roofing, hardware, glass, profile and insurance suppliers, including GAP,
PatioMaster, Tailored Roofing, Profile 22’s hardware brand Safeware
and decorative designs from Custom Glass.
David
Ogilvie with customers, Dave Robinson and Lynn Fairclough of Palace Windows
on the shop floor
Among the product displays which captured visitors’ attention were new door handles, hinges and a one-piece keep from the expanded Safeware hardware range. Covering virtually every area of the hardware market, the products incorporate innovative features that simplify manufacturing and installation. Product Manager, Mike Roe said: 'We see our role as offering hardware that makes fabricating and installing PVC-U products as easy as possible. This new range has been very well-received by Total’s customers.'
Frank
Deary with customers and suppliers at Total’s Open Day
And
plenty turned up to make the day a success. 'It was buzzing; an excellent
and worthwhile day that exceeded all our expectations,' enthused Frank,
in between greeting visitors and conducting tours. 'Having successfully
moved our entire operation in just 48 hours with no disruption to production
or customer service, the event represented a superb opportunity to celebrate
and share this achievement with our customers and suppliers, as well as
showcase our new products, production facilities and services.
'We were delighted with the response and plan to hold a similar event
next year. I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, including
the whole team at Total who did a magnificent job in helping to make it
a complete success.'
The imposing size of the place impressed all, as Rob McGlennon, Profile
22’s Sales and Marketing Director, observed: 'It’s a fantastic
operation and a bold statement in the current marketplace which will undoubtedly
bring benefits in the coming months.'
Indeed, extra space is crucial to the company’s progression and future
growth plans. Current capacity is up to 2,700 frames per week. Streamlining
the whole window and door fabrication process through a ‘modular’
approach to the factory floor layout has resulted in even greater production
efficiencies. A complete item is now ready for despatch in around 45 seconds.
Significant investment has also been made in state-of-the-art machinery,
further increasing automation, along with increased efficiencies from
a dedicated door fabrication line which was commissioned in May.
Investment has also been made in training and the company’s well-established
Total Training School ensures that all employees receive the training
and development they need to maintain the quality workmanship that guarantees
customer satisfaction. Maria Melia was recently appointed as Training
Officer to oversee the firm’s training initiatives and requirements
and representatives from external training providers were among those
attending the Open Day.
'Effective and on-going training is an integral part of our business philosophy
and is essential to maintaining our reputation for quality and service,'
continued Frank.
'We recognise that installers need cost-effective windows, doors and conservatories
without compromising quality or specification, and with guaranteed delivery
dates. As a one stop shop offering, the Total Window Package supplies
just that, right down to a wide range of ancillaries from our dedicated
Trade Centre. Our customers get the same high standard of service and
specification whether they install 20 or 200 windows a week. They’re
all important to us.'
Full
house at the Total Glass Complex as customers and suppliers relax over
refreshments
This
was borne out by praise from installers who had travelled from across
the North West, Wales and beyond to the event. Good service and quality
accredited products were among the reasons Richard and Cathy Williams
from Caernarvon-based Celtic Windows chose Total Glass as their supplier.
They added: 'Accredited products are important to us in securing work,
particularly in the local authority sector.'
Despite the company’s growth, it has not lost the personal touch
and that impressed Terry Gardner from Garstang, Lancashire, another long-standing
Total customer. 'They understand their customers and go out of their way
to put right any problems. They’re a good firm using a good system
and that makes the difference.'
According to Steve Teare from Cheshire Windows, it was Total’s strong
reputation, hands-on customer service and reliable deliveries that clinched
it for him four years ago. 'It was business as usual for us, despite the
factory move. Deliveries are spot-on and the drivers are so helpful -
that is important to us as they represent the company as much as anyone.
We’ve written to Frank to praise their excellent service. I feel
valued as a customer.'
Certainly a fitting testament to Frank and his team who have proved that
getting it right - in all areas of the business - is really what counts!
For further information on Total Glass, contact Frank Deary on 0151 549
2339 or visit the website at www.totalglass.com