The
UK Residential Windows & Doors Market Development Report
After
researching the UK Residential Windows & Doors Market Development
and taking into account various other factors the following major conclusions
can be drawn from MBD's report.
Market Review 1998 - 2002
The UK market for doors, door frames, windows, window frames and conservatories
has demonstrated nominal growth in each year under review, culminating
in a market valued at £3927 million in 2001. Overall the market
value is believed to have been increased by a nominal 12% during the review.
Windows and Window Frames Account for 61% of Total Market
By far the largest sector of the market is accounted for by windows and
their frames, this is explained by the higher value of the retro-fit double
glazing element of the market. In total the sector has consistently accounted
for 61% of the total market throughout the review period. Between 1997
and 2000 it is estimated that sales increased by some 10% in nominal terms,
to £2317 million. Further nominal growth of just 2% is estimated
for 2001.
PVCu Has Gained Major Popularity Within the New Construction Market
Some 70% of the value of the total market is accounted for by PVCu, which
is, in large, part the result of its leading position in the replacement
window sector though recently the material has gained major popularity
in the new construction market. Between 1997 and 2001 value of sales is
believed to have been increased by 14% in nominal terms.
More Stability for the Timber Sector
Timber is now representing a more stable sector, following years of increased
product substitution by PVCU. Timber remains at the periphery of the replacement
sector, and is also facing a significant challenge in the new construction
market. Against this, advances in the factory finishing has facilitated
something of the renaissance within the sector at the higher value end
of the new construct market, and in the public housing sector. As a result,
sales growth in the timber sector in total is also believed to have been
increased by almost 14% in nominal terms between 1997 and 2001. This represents
a major trend of diversification from previous years.
Market Forecast 2003-2007
The UK market for doors, door frames, windows, window frames and conservatories
is expected to increase in real terms throughout the review period, and
between 2002 and 2006 growth of 15% is anticipated. This will reflect
increased new construction activity in the longer term, the buoyancy of
the replacement sector in the short term (although growth rates are expected
to be significantly reduced compared with the past), and the effect of
value added products, partly driven by increased thermal insulation regulations.
Growth for Both Window & Window Frames Sector and Door & Door
Frames Sector
Sales of windows and window frames in the replacement and refurbishment
sector are expected to be somewhat stronger than in the new construction
sector, particularly in the short term. In total between 2002 and 2006
demand is expected to increase by almost 18% in real terms.
Within the doors and door frames sector, MBD forecast reaI growth within
the new construction sector of almost 10%, taking sales to £169
miilion by the end of the forecast period.
31% Increase in the Demand for Timber Based Products
Demand for timber based products is expected to increase by a highly significant
31% in real terms between 2002 and 2006, taking sales to £1092 million.
As a result, the market share of timber based products is expected to
increase from 20% in 2002 to more than 23% by the end ofthe review period.
lmportance of PVCu Sector Expected to Decline
Demand for PVCu based products is expected to increase over the same period
by 11% in real terms taking sales to £3158 million. The importance
of the sector is anticipated to decline from almost 70% of sales in 2002
to 67% in 2006.
The UK Residential Windows & Doors Market Development Report is available
from MBD.
Price: £495.00
Tel: 0161 247 8600
Email: mailto:enquiries@mbdltduk.co.uk
Web: http://www.mbdltd.co.uk
Chrysalis
Receives Warm Welcome to Glassex 2003
The
organisers of Glassex have extended a warm welcome to the aluminium-focused
Chrysalis Programme as sole sponsor of the Glassex Seminar Programme for
2003.
The Chrysalis Programme sponsorship serves to highlight and reinforce
Glassex as an industry wide event covering all sectors of the marketplace.
With a growing interest again in aluminium windows and doors, it is only
natural that Glassex should be chosen by The Chrysalis Programme as an
ideal opportunity to communicate its key messages to the industry as a
whole.
As well as sponsoring the overall Seminar Programme, The Chrysalis Programme
will be delivering three seminars entitled 'Marketing for growth - how
aluminium can help you sell more PVCu windows'. These seminars aim to
demonstrate to PVCu fabricators and installers the substantial business
potential they are missing out on by restricting their product range to
PVCu alone. There is also a Chrysalis Programme stand at Glassex, at location
F104.
The Chrysalis Programme is an independent marketing initiative under the
auspices of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB). Its main objective
is to highlight the benefits that aluminium windows and doors can bring
to residential applications, both new and refurbishment. It draws its
support from companies right across the industry including aluminium extruders,
finishers, systems companies, hardware suppliers and fabricators.
Contact: Nick Moss
Tel: 01386 710106
Email: mailto:nick.moss@chrysalis.uk.com
Web: http://www.chrysalis-programme.co.uk
Eurocell
Posts 17% Increase in Turnover for 2002
Eurocell
Profiles, the PVCu systems company based in Alfreton Derbyshire has posted
a 17% increase in turnover during the 2002 trading year, bringing in around
£50.7m. What makes the figure even more impressive is the fact that
turnover in 2001 (£43.5m) was 40% up on 2000 (£31.3m). Profitability
remains high, with the company enjoying pre-tax profits just short of
£11m in 2001.
Eurocell added over forty new fabricators to its nationwide network last
year, bringing the total to over 300.
'2003 will see a great deal of consolidation within our business. We look
forward to supporting our existing fabricator network, as well as some
carefully planned expansion with further market penetration of the already
highly successful Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System', says Martin Saunders,
Sales Director of Eurocell Profiles.
Eurocell Building Plastics, the sister company of Eurocell Profiles, has
also registered good results for 2002. With three new depots opening,
Colchester, Northampton and Derby as well as consolidation across the
rest of the nationwide network sales were up 30% to £35.3m (2001:
£26.4m). Pre tax profit for this division in 2001 was £1.2m.
Strong growth within the home improvement market as well as the introduction
of further Eurocell manufactured products, including the Pinnacle 500
Modular Roofing System, has boosted sales.
The division plans to promote its varied portfolio of products even more
strongly in 2003 with more new products intended to be introduced throughout
the year. New depots opened in Glasgow and Dublin at the conclusion of
2002 have begun trading and further depots in key locations as are also
within the business plan, aiming to build on the Eurocell brand.
Tel: 01773 842100
Email: mailto:marketing@eurocell.co.uk
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
IsoSystems
Appoints New Sales Chief
The
appointment of Tracey Walstra by IsoSystems has boosted new business by
up to 40%.
The company has undergone a transformation this year with a major re-branding
programme under the Iso22 banner and the launch of products and services,
including its complete conservatory package and a new in-line sliding
patio door.
Tracey
(pictured left), who brings 14 years PVCu sales experience to her role,
says: 'It's an excellent quality product which has been well received
and being able to sell a wider product range than ever before, such as
windows, doors and conservatories, has brought a positive response.'
The IsoSystems range offers versatility in creating a variety of window
types. IsoSystems General Manager, Malcolm Roberts, says these attributes
will enable IsoSystems to offer a flexible approach to the solutions that
customers need.
'These are exciting times for us. It's important to be able to take advantage
of new product developments and improved technical support. Our new approach
will take IsoSystems forward and give both the company - and the brand
- a long-term future, comments Malcolm.
Essentially a complete conservatory package, the Traditional Conservatories
package includes the roof, frames and glazing, and is proving popular
with customers seeking a competitively-priced quality conservatory from
a single supplier with an efficient turnaround.
Edwardian, Victorian, Gable End and Lean-To styles are available. 'We
have been getting a lot of demand from customers who don't want to go
through the bother of putting together a conservatory from several suppliers,'
explains Malcolm.
'So we have created a full service aimed at making ordering simple and
control easier. We've taken the hassle out of sourcing conservatories
and we have more than doubled our volume this year,' he adds.
Completing the overall offer is the PatioMaster fabricated in-line sliding
patio doors. As Malcolm says: 'Under the PatioMaster Midlands banner,
we can offer a superior slimline patio door which fully integrates with
both the Iso22 frames and conservatory products.
'This provides peace of mind for both the homeowner and the installer
who can simply get on with the job without any of the worry associated
with sourcing various components from different suppliers,' adds Malcolm.
Contact: Malcolm Roberts
Tel: 01299 254300
Pilkington
Expertise helps Achieve Ireland's first Skyscraper
The
second and final phase of a modern multi-storey office development project
in Dublin has included the installation of over 8000m2 of curtain walling
panels manufactured using Pilkington Suncool™ glass. The Georges
Quay Plaza, which incorporates over 400,000 sq ft of office space, is
the first building in Ireland to be constructed using skyscraper techniques,
and the use of specially coated, toughened and laminated Pilkington Suncool™
glass has enhanced the visual effect of this impressive landmark.
Situated
in the heart of Dublin city centre near Tara Street and within walking
distance of the city's many attractions such as theatres, museums, art
galleries and restaurants, the Georges Quay Plaza development has been
20 years in the making, with initial planning applications first submitted
back in 1982. The second phase of the five-block development was completed
in 1999 and the third commenced in January 2000.
The high-rise aspect of the development and its repetitive facades required
a specialised approach. KMD Architecture, the architectural firm behind
the design of the project, appointed fellow Dublin native and aluminium
glazing expert Architectural Aluminium Ltd to provide specialist curtain
walling solutions for Georges Quay Plaza's construction. The company turned
to Cork based commercial and industrial glazing supplier WMG Group Ltd
to attend to the project's considerable glazing requirements.
Pilkington Suncool™ glass with a special Infrastop 51/37 coating
was specified as the solution as it allows high light transmission but
also offers high solar reflection, making working conditions more comfortable
for those employed within the office development. The Infrastop coating
was applied at Pilkington's Gelsenkirchen factory in Germany, after which
all other processing including toughening, laminating and heat soak testing
was carried out at WMG's production facility in Cork.
With the building largely made up of unitised curtain walling sections,
1,680 frames measuring approximately 4100mm x 1200mm were used in the
project. Each unitised panel is made up of toughened Pilkington 51/37
Suncool™ outer pane and 8.4mm toughened laminated clear inner, consists
of two panes of double glazed Pilkington Suncool™ glass with Infrastop
51/37 coating, structurally silicone bonded on four sides back to the
frame itself. The project also encompassed roof glazing, stainless steel
brise soleil and a stainless steel bolted glass assembly to the ground
floor podium level, all of which also utilised Pilkington glass.
Web: http://www.pilkington.com
Silos
Create Cost Efficiencies at Status
Investment
in extrusion development at the Status Systems plant in Delph, Oldham
has incorporated the installation of two 95 tonne silos to store the company's
regular supply of Decom compound. (Pictured: Status general manager Chris
Foreman in front of the new silos at the Status extrusion plant in Delph).
This £200,000 project has enabled the company to achieve considerable
cost and time efficiencies in terms of minimising the labour required
for loading and unloading the original boxes of compound. It also eliminates
the expensive exercise of sending the empties back to the Decom compounding
plant in Belgium.
‘This significant investment highlights the benefits of being part
of the Deceuninck group,’ said Status' general manager Chris Foreman.
‘We get nine compound deliveries a week. Before this would involve
a lot of man hours to load and unload the boxes. Today the process is
cheaper and quicker. It has freed up vital space in the factory, and helps
keep everywhere tidier and less congested.
‘This is part of a long term programme of investments at Status to
ensure a dynamic and proactive approach to developing manufacturing efficiencies.’
Tel: 01457 875731
Email: mailto:info@status-systems.co.uk
Web: http://www.status-systems.co.uk
The
Truth is Out There Somewhere
The
debate in the fastener industry has been hotting up in recent months.
But UK Fasteners claims it has new evidence which challenges what the
dominant voice in the market has been saying. 'UK Fasteners not only provides
quality products but also sticks to the seemingly old fashioned view that
the customer comes first.
Because we believe specifiers and fabricators have a right to know the
truth, we are presenting the facts to guide them,' comments David Ballinger,
Managing Director of UK Fasteners.
'Fact: Everything corrodes. Some products are better than others, but
everything corrodes eventually. Different products are better in different
situations.
'Fact:
Marutex is a next generation steel fastener, a modified martensitic material,
as different from unmodified martensitic in its characteristics and performance
as bimetal austenitic is different from austenitic. The distinction between
martensitic and modified martensitic is often fudged in reports that claim
martensitic fails. This is misleading for specifers and fabricators.
'Fact: Austenitic will corrode. The myth that says it doesn't corrode
is just that, a myth. And everyone involved in the debate knows it. The
people that carry out the tests know it, such as the Otto Graf Institute,
the BBA and the Cortest Laboratories who even show pictures of austenitic
corroding badly in their respected newsletter. And we also have the evidence
to prove it.
'The tests our fasteners have been put through, referred to frequently
by our competitors, were never published, even when we asked for them
to be. That surely brings into question their credibility. The accompanying
photo shows corroded austenitic fasteners taken from a real-life situation
after just six months. We'll let the evidence speak for itself.'
Tel: 01242 577077
Email: mailto:ukfasteners@btconnect.com
Web: http://www.ukfasteners.com
Record
Times for Portal Products
Door
panel manufacturer Portal Products is celebrating the best sales figures
in its 11 year history.
Despite an interesting year influenced by the summer's events, October
and November 2002 saw the Cheltenham-based PVCu door panel and composite
door manufacturer handle record orders. Now this year looks like breaking
through new sales barriers too.
To help meet this increased demand, the company is planning on-going investment
in new plant and machinery.
Says Director of Sales, Haydon Statham: 'November 2001 was a record in
itself, but was way overtaken by November 2002. Likewise we took the entire
sales of the previous October in the first two weeks of October 2002.
‘The year started very busy for us, but like many in the industry
we were surprised by the effect of the Jubilee and World Cup which made
it difficult to forecast production planning and material buying. However,
we have overcome the unpredictable trends through investing in staff to
move the business forward,’ continues Haydon.
Such investment has paid off with the recruitment of native French speaker,
Dorcas Dago. She has proved popular with Portal's customers in France
who appreciate being able to communicate in their own language.
As Haydon explains: ‘Because of our success in the export market,
especially in France, we were seeking to recruit a French speaker in our
customer service department. The appointment has worked very well and
Dorcas has built up an excellent working relationship with our customers.
‘Record sales have also been boosted by the efforts of the sales
force through targeting smaller independent fabricators who often cater
for niche markets and aim to provide customers with a wide choice of products,’
adds Haydon.
Portal's portfolio comprises aluminium panels, PVCu panels and Paladin
composite doors, giving the company flexibility to cater for all markets.
Similarly, the launch of new products such as Amatis and the resin-bevelled
glass range has also increased the appeal, and sales, of the range.
Contact: Haydon Statham
Tel: 01242267000
Email: mailto:sales@portal-products.co.uk
Chalco
and Alcoa Announce Revised Timetable in Formalising Pingguo Joint Venture
Aluminum
Corporation of China Ltd (Chalco) and Alcoa Inc announced on December
17th that their joint venture at Pingguo will now be formalised in 2003.
This revised schedule will allow the parties to complete the necessary
commercial terms and to obtain the necessary government approvals for
the joint venture. Both Chalco and Alcoa are satisfied with the substantial
progress of preparations made during 2002 toward the finalisation of the
Pingguo joint venture.
Under the previously announced strategic alliance, Chalco and Alcoa are
forming a 50/50 joint venture at Chalco's facility at Pingguo, which is
an efficient alumina and aluminum production facilities in China. Alcoa
believes that the proposed joint venture will allow it to benefit from
the growth of China's aluminum market, said to be the fastest growing
in the world. Chalco believes that the cooperation with Alcoa on the Pingguo
joint venture will improve business performance within Chalco.
The parties have committed to significantly increase both the refining
and smelting capacities at Pingguo over the next few years. The currant
alumina expansion should be completed in mid 2003, at which time the capacity
of the alumina plant will be 850,000 tpy. There are also plans to expand
the 130,000-mtpy aluminum smelter at Pingguo by 250,000 mtpy, bringing
total capacity to 380,000-mtpy by 2006.
Both parties expect to finalise the necessary arrangements and obtain
government approvals by the second half of 2003. No US regulatory approvals
are required.
Chalco is the sole alumina producer and the largest producer of primary
aluminum in China, and was ranked 2nd in terms of alumina production volume
in 2001 in the world. Its mining, refining and smelting operations are
the largest in the Chinese aluminum industry.
Web: http://www.alcoa.com
New
Face For Eurocell's Poole Branch
Eurocell
Building Plastics has refurbished another of it's main sites. Poole has
now been brought into line with the other 48 branches, having had a new
updated trade counter installed. The new trade counter allows a more comprehensive
range of products to be displayed combined to providing a superior environment
for customers.
Eurocell are striving to continually improve their service through constant
inward investment into their branch network. As well as carrying a wide
range of building plastics products, Eurocell have recently launched The
Pinnacle 500 Modular Roofing System - complementing the traditional Pinnacle
Conservatory Roofing System also available. Both of these new products
are available from all branches in the network.
Tel: 01773 842 300
Web: http://www.eurocell.co.uk
Pier
Glass Woolwich Ltd, wholesale and specialist glass distributor, part of
the RMG Group, is a stockist of CGI International’s range of Pyroguard
fire resistant glasses, supplying a customer base covering London, M25
and the Home Counties.
The RMG Group, established in 1993 by Robert McKill, has expanded with
the acquisition of Witting Brothers in 1994, Pier Glass Woolwich in 1996,
Kings Glass in 2001, and Essex Sealed Units in 2002.
The Group currently employs 62 people and offers services to the trade,
encompassing stock glass distribution, specialist processing and soft
coat low-E sealed units to comply with Document L.
Specialist
Products Advisor, Gerry Stinton says, 'With the ever increasing use of
glass in commercial construction, shopfitting and interior projects, the
RMG Group offers a ‘One Stop Shop’ for all glass enquiries and
requirements from float glass to complex glazing installations.
'As stockists of Pyroguard, we are able to offer a 30 - 60 minute integrity
only fire rated glass at competitive rates. Pyroguard is available as
stock sheets or cut sizes on short lead times, which is in contrast to
the often lengthy lead times experienced with other fire resistant glasses.
'The CGI Pyroguard range includes 7.2mm Pyroguard Clear, Wired, Coloured
Wired – all colours, and the new patterned and satin finish glasses,
Satin and Master. We also offer11.4mm Pyroguard Clear and Bevelled fire
rated panels. With this wide range of clear, wired and obscured glasses
Pyroguard is ideal for a multitude of applications.'
CGI’s guidance paper ‘An overview of Fire Rated Glasses’
which used as a training aid, helps architects and specifiers through
the maze of different fire glasses in the market place, is available on
request.
Contact: Pier Glass Woolwich Ltd
Tel: 020 7473 0999
Fax: 020 7476 1017
Email: mailto:pier@rmg.prestel.co.uk
CGI International Limited
Tel: 020 7960 6060
Fax:020 7960 6116
Email: mailto:info@cgii.co.uk
Web: http://www.cgii.co.uk
Connect
2 Increase Warehousing in Sheffield
Connect
2 National Plastics has further expanded and increased its stock. The
Sheffield branch has moved to Riverside Park, where the Connect 2 premises
have more than trebled in size.
'We
acquired the Sheffield branch last year' comments branch manager, Mick
Poole, 'and started looking immediately for a new site that could accommodate
the expansive range of products held in our other Connect 2 branches nationwide.'
Mick explains that offering leading brand names, at competitive prices,
attracts a diverse customer base. 'Our exterior range of plastic building
products has always been a main stay for the company, attracting local
builders, roofing and window installers, as well as local councils.' Some
of the most popular items include the full range of Veka and BCE trims,
Everbuild and Flo-Plast rainwater goods.
For trade customers, the service that is offered by their local depot
is probably appreciated even more than the 600 plus product lines available.
'Customers like the benefits of having a local depot - friendly, knowledgeable
staff that are keen to understand their requirements, a same day delivery
service, which is free of charge, and the chance to actually browse around
the depot to see alternative products first hand, rather than in a brochure!'
But Mick and his fellow managers across the country, all agree that it
is the resources of a large, experienced, networked company that offers
the real benefits to customers. 'Every branch has constant support from
the national resources and systems, allowing us to work together, sharing
new ideas and innovations so that we can constantly improve our services.
Customers like our special monthly offers too.'
Sheffield Branch: Unit 2 & 3 Riverside Park, Sheaf Gardens, Sheffield,
S2 4BB
Tel: 0114 2700788
Head Office: Tel: 01495 244551
Door
Panels to Create Network of Fabricators and Installers to Benefit from
new Composite Product
'Ask
any homeowner what they look for in choosing a new door and they will
inevitably say security and good looks.' says Door Panel's Sales &
Marketing Director, Ricky LeGrys 'With disturbing police statistics showing
that over 70% of break-ins are gained via the door, Door Panels has developed
the most advanced composite door to arrive in the retail sector.'
Door Panels PLC is currently embarking on a campaign to attract fabricators
and installers to become members of a network to sell and install its
collection of Doorman Composite Doors.
Customers signed up to the network will benefit from a marketing support
programme which includes regional press coverage, advertising templates,
showroom display material, mailers and sales support literature.
The 'Doorman' is double rebated to provide weathertightness and security.
Every door is factory fitted with a multi-point locking mechanism coupled
with high strength performance hinges, steel latch lock and anti-drill
key barrel for enhanced security. The 63mm composite construction also
provides thermal and acoustic performance.
The 'Doorman' looks and feels like a traditional timber door, with its
rich grain and range of UV stable colours or natural woodgrains - none
of which require the painting and varnishing associated with timber. And,
unlike timber, its composite construction is designed to prevent warping,
bowing, cracking or rotting.
If you want a secure door that still lets in the light you can chose a
'Doorman' fitted with 'Doorman Secure Glass' as standard. This entry resistant
glass provides additional resistance to forced entry.
The 'Doorman' claims to be as easy to fit as any PVCu door, and it arrives
as a complete doorset ready to fit.
Ricky LeGrys adds: 'The Doorman Collection of composite doors offers fabricators
and installers the opportunity to sell a premium product with added value
at a premium price and as such a superb opportunity to increase their
profits. You could easily double your normal profit on a door sale with
this product, and even revisit previous installations for new sales opportunities.
The opportunities are huge. And for committed partners, we will support
installers with an unrivalled package of marketing material that will
win you new business.'
FREEPHONE: 0800 1387276
Email: mailto:sales@doorpanels.co.uk
Web: http://www.doorpanels.co.uk
Number
One Distributor of Pyrobel in UK
C3S
Securiglass Ltd., is a UK specialist processor and stockholder of safety,
security and fire resistant glass. The company's activity ranges from
the supply only of cut sizes of these glasses through to the installation
of full framing systems for fire, explosion, physical and ballistic attack
resistance.
Based in Elland, it claims to be currently the number one distributor
of Pyrobel in the UK. Its profile is strong nationwide as there are regular
deliveries throughout the north and south.
'Success has not come without its costs', says Mike Fawcett, Sales &
Marketing Director, 'having to compromise our resources to become the
number one, and being able to offer the range of products which is wider
than our competitors. Pyrobel is available in thicknesses from 12mm to
52mm and can provide between 30 and 120 minutes stability, integrity and
insulation and it can meet the requirements of BS476:Part 22 for up to
120 minutes.'
It is composed of float glass and intumescent interlayers, therefore when
Pyrobel is subjected to fire, it creates a barrier which prevents the
passage of heat or smoke as well as hot gases. As the glass turns opaque
during a fire, it also reduces the likelihood of panic, whilst at the
same time, almost eliminating the likelihood of combustion through radiated
heat of flammable items on the side opposite to the heart of the fire.
'Now that Glaverbel has moved its manufacturing facilities to the Czech
Republic, C3S Securiglass has geared itself up for optimisation and better
savings which can be passed on to its customers.' adds Mike.
Tel: 01422 376181
Top
Gear for PatioMaster South West
Paignton-based
PatioMaster South West has taken delivery of a new DAF 7.5 tonne sleeper
cab for a more efficient and versatile delivery service within the South
West and South Wales.
Established four years ago, the original stalwart of the PatioMaster network
is maintaining steady growth through a loyal customer base.
Says
PatioMaster General Manager, Jeff Dealtrey: 'Being able to offer our customers
a local service is key to the whole operation, as is sticking to a five
working day turnaround. Our customers depend upon our reliability and
being able to respond quickly to their needs.'
PatioMaster was born out of research in the marketplace which revealed
a growing trend for specialisation in the manufacturing of PVCu slimline
patio doors, coupled with a demand for a dedicated 'ready-made' service
for fabricators and installers.
The solution was to create a network of specialist PatioMaster suppliers
with a five-day lead time to fabricators and installers who want to offer
patio doors to their customers, but don't wish to fabricate the doors
themselves.
The result is a national network of approved distributors, including Scotland
and Northern Ireland, who specialise in the production of fully-fabricated
in-line sliding patio doors.
Product Manager, Richard Parker, explains: 'The success of PatioMaster
reflects the demand for this type of service, and through our product
development, we are creating an even more versatile patio door to suit
a variety of applications and requirements.'
Contact: Richard Parker
Tel: 01952 210850
Since
changing to Business Micros Winstar software, Almark Windows has had the
confidence and the manufacturing capability to more than double its production
output.
The company was established just over 12 months ago, and this year was
dogged by constant and costly production problems caused by its original
manufacturing software. Product calculations were consistently incorrect,
and costing and pricing through the software was never accurate, giving
the customer no confidence in the system.
'And to cap it all the system kept crashing,' said Almark director Mark
Brundell. 'Our profile system supplier Rehau suggested we contact Business
Micros. Within 24 hours sales director Graeme Bailey came to see us, and
worked with us until midnight replacing our previous software with Winstar.
Since then all our manufacturing and costings have been spot on.
'Confidence in the performance of Winstar has given us the confidence
- as well as the time and energy - to concentrate now on building sales
rather than trouble shooting on the factory floor,' continued Mark. 'We
are now making double what we were making before Business Micros helped
us out.'
Business Micros sales director Graeme Bailey added:
'Installing the right software can sometimes be the difference between
a company making it, or simply not making it. Significant investment goes
into setting a factory up, commissioning machinery, training personnel.
Ultimately the software is the element that links it all together and
drives it all forward. If the software does not perform, everything soon
caves in like a house of cards. Almark's experience could have been completely
different if they had not had the foresight to contact us for immediate
assistance. Instead the company is now growing extremely well, no longer
having to worry about propping up a failing IT infrastructure.
'Almark's confidence comes from the over-riding fact that the windows
they make respond precisely to the technical specification data that is
in-putted. Winstar has been error-free from the start, saving Almark significant
time and money, and helping to avoid expensive and embarrassing mistakes.'
Tel: 01848 330588
Email: mailto:info@businessmicros.co.uk
Web: http://www.businessmicros.co.uk