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Stevly
Installs Stuga Microline
Stevly
Ltd.
started trading in 1995 as a fascia, soffits and plastics distributor
which then progressed into buying-in windows. By 2003 the number of
windows being purchased made it viable to set up in production of uPVC
windows and doors. Stevly was the idea of the Managing Director, Lee
Johnson, and a friend who both worked for a window manufacturer many
years ago and Lee has seen his dream through to fruition.
Stevly
currently employs twenty people in total and produces a current average
of 200 frames per week. Having recently purchased a state of the art
manufacturing facility on the Bowen Industrial Estate in Aberbargoed
the company then had the space to be able to purchase a Stuga Microline
cutting & prepping centre and now plans to increase window output
without taking on more staff, due to the efficiencies the Microline
creates.
Lee Johnson commented on how smoothly the installation of the Microline
went and the knowledge and expertise of the Stuga installation engineers
made it virtually faultless. Lee also mentions that the back-up of Stuga
is ‘second to none for any queries no matter how big or small and
that he would recommend the company to any firm considering new machinery’.
The Microline cutting & prepping centre was introduced by Stuga
for small to medium sized window companies who cannot afford the money
or the space for the larger cutting and prepping centres. With an output
of up to 500 windows per week and a footprint of only 13.5 meters by
2.6 metres the Microline is perfect for any company not having aspirations
of making more than 500 per week and that does not want to spend a huge
sum of money. Many Microline customers like Stevly are only making 200
per week.
The Microline has every attribute of the larger machines in the Stuga
range, the ZX3 and ZX4, as well as carrying out every cutting and prepping
function required on uPVC windows and doors. Night vents are routed
from both sides of the profile at the same time as are door preps. The
machine also measures profiles to use every last millimetre, measures
profile width and compensates for variations and has profile recognition.
Random offcuts can also be added at any time from offline saws etc.
The Microline comes fitted with three full colour video cameras integrated
with the sophisticated diagnostic software and broadband driven to ensure
that Stuga technicians can see exactly what happens when a fault occurs.
The cameras record when the machine is active so that past events can
be recalled by Stuga, which is particularly helpful for fabricators
working shift patterns when Stuga is not open. Stuga has engineers geographically
based throughout the country for fast response and has a guaranteed
call out policy of twenty four hours maximum during the normal working
week.
Stuga manufactures cutting & prepping machines for fabricators of
all sizes with the ZX3 producing up to 800 per week and the ZX4 producing
up 1,000 per week.
Stuga also sells welding and cleaning machines built in Germany by Sturtz
Maschinenbau including eight head welders into two or four head cleaners,
four six and eight head welders and CNC corner and transom cleaners.
For further information on the Microline call Steve Haines on 0800 169
5444 or on Stevly call Lee Johnson on 01443 839080.
Web: http://www.stuga.co.uk
When
it comes to customer service, K2 fabricator, SWC
Trade Frames says that it can lay claim to be a leader thanks
to its 15-year experience in the conservatory sector and its long-term
supplier relationships.
SWC
has built a stable platform within the business thanks to its suppliers
by using WHS Halo for 15 years and K2 for over 7 years. This has helped
nurture a particularly strong relationship with its customers and has
ensured consistency of supply.
Paul Richings, managing director at SWC Trade Frames comments: ‘Our
business is all about service and understanding the changing needs of
our customers. Decisions made within the business take into consideration
any impact on the customer; they have helped build the company and will
have an influence on the shape of it for tomorrow.’
One of the additional services that SWC provides is to offer additional
preparation to the components within a conservatory roof kit. For the
installer this means that less on-site work is necessary, speeding up
the final installation and making for a better overall finish. The company
is now also able to offer gable ends and raked frames which are manufactured
within their factory to ensure that all components can go to site as
a single package.
Paul concludes: ‘We have a great relationship with both suppliers
and customers and feel that our service-led approach is a positive benchmark
in this sector. Few fabricators have our experience, technical expertise
and depth of resource and this has resulted in the development of our
much valued and loyal customer base. We will continue to build on our
levels of support and look forward to building upon our longer-term
relationships.’
TLC
Celebrates Ten Years with Kömmerling
Peter
Hyett MD of Mitcham-based trade frame fabricator TLC
has been presented with a commemorative plaque celebrating ten years'
partnership with Kömmerling.
Presenting
the plaque was Dan Whalley, National Sales and Marketing Manager for
Kömmerling. He brought TLC into the Kömmerling partnership
in 1997. He said, ‘TLC is a very progressive company with people
who know how to deliver. Over the past decade, Peter Hyett and his team
have been ambassadors for the Kömmerling brand, fabricating products
of outstanding quality. Their focus and professionalism is hard to beat
and their service ethic - exceptional. I would be pleased to see them
remain in the partnership for another ten years.’
Since 1997, a lot has changed for TLC. In fact, Peter Hyett claims Kömmerling's
reliable 'no surprises' service is the only thing that hasn't changed
over the course of their ten year relationship, ‘In ten years we've
evolved into a company which has double the amount of customers, manpower
and factory space as in 1997.’
Peter explains that the company's growth is due to the robust systems
in place and the good people on board who proactively drive the business
forward, ‘We've got a great team here. In particular, Terry Walker,
who started as a fabricator aged 17, has been with the company for 14
years. He maintains our systems to ensure we run like a finely tuned
machine.’
With over 20 years' experience in the business, Peter Hyett said that
process efficiency is key to maintaining TLC's customer base and its
margins, ‘We remain successful through good organisation. But,
in a business where demand fluctuates on daily basis, you also need
a flexible supplier you can rely on.
‘Kömmerling is the 'constant' in our equation for efficiency.’
On the service received from Kömmerling, ‘To deliver on our
five days turnaround as a trade frame fabricator - the supplier has
to be there. Kömmerling is a big company - a well run company -
and we've had some success on the back of that.’
Three years ago TLC chose the Kömmerling Connoisseur system to
be fabricated in addition to the Kömmerling 58 Gold. This gave
trade customers the choice of a fully sculptured and a clean cut bevelled
edged frame. Peter said, ‘The Kömmerling product is very quick
and easy to install. If you're an installation firm with two, three
or four teams of installers the time saved soon stacks up into a clear
return. Once the installers get used to Kömmerling, they only want
to work with Kömmerling.’
Peter concluded, ‘We've tried other products in the past, but Kömmerling's
package is second to none. We look forward to ten more successful years'
of partnership.’
For further information on TLC and the Kömmerling Connoisseur and
58 Gold window and door ranges, call Peter Hyett on: 0208 640 834.
Plastmo
fabricator, GE Banks Ltd, has once
again been successful in gaining several new commercial contracts. The
fabricator based on the Isle of Wight says that it is well known on
the Island for carrying out outstanding work in both the commercial
and retail sectors.
GE Banks has been involved in some very prestigious contracts. Last
year, the fabricator completed a contract worth approximately £50,000,
replacing around 50-60 windows in the Radiography centre at St Mary's
hospital. The building was an old Victorian property and therefore the
window sizes were considerable and many were curved in shape.
The fabricator is an approved fabricator for the Isle of Wight county
council as well as for the South Wight Housing Association. This means
that the company has to be competitive and also efficient with a fantastic
service and a quality product. Councils are well known for accepting
nothing less.
The company has also recently completed a contract at Carisbrooke High
School where it installed curtain walling around the Gym Hall as well
adding high level windows to the hall. This contract was worth in excess
of £30,000 and the company has now won another contract at the
same school. This will involve the complete renovation of a school block
with 50-60 replacement windows, amounting to a project value of around
£35,000.
Brian Skelley, managing director comments: ‘We are very pleased
to be winning all these contracts, as we are growing our business in
a controlled manner, which is always good. We aim to give the best service
and best quality product out there, so that not only can we keep winning
repeat business, but we also make our customers happy.’
Tel: 01604 790780
Windows,
doors and conservatories are the products offered by VEKA fabricator
and family run business, M & M Windows
Ltd of Wigan (a member of Network VEKA). Established in 2003,
M & M supplies to both the trade and domestic private sector, though
as Colin McCoy, MD of the company explains, a major proportion of the
business is within the public sector.
‘We supply to a number of local authorities who recognise the quality
and reliability of our product range,’ he comments. ‘Within
the public sector, best value is always the predominant issue and our
products meet all the criteria in terms of durability, value for money,
security and aesthetics. Local authority specification demands the highest
standards on every level and we deliver the goods!’
Incorporating the VEKA Matrix 58mm and 70mm profiles is standard for
M & M Windows and has been since the company formed. ‘We manufacture
150 frames per week and between 25 and 30 doors,’ continues Colin.
‘Our reputation is unrivalled within the Wigan area and as far
afield as Liverpool and Blackpool. We get the majority of our customers
through recommendations and to maintain this reputation for quality,
we have to consistently produce the best products available in the marketplace
today. VEKA not only supplies us with the profiles, the company also
employs an excellent customer care policy which means that we enjoy
a very strong and mutually beneficial relationship with VEKA.’
Selecta
Provides the Right Solutions for Leading Fabricator
This
year Imperial Windows and Conservatories
based in Bath/Bristol celebrates 15 years as a supplier of windows,
doors and conservatories. Over the years the company has maintained
a steady growth and established a strong reputation for superior standards.
Imperial provides a diverse range of PVC-u products using the five chambered
Advance 70 system from Selecta Systems Ltd. The company has been using
Selecta as the preferred supplier for over 18 months because of a number
of key benefits the profile offers.
Senior management at Imperial Windows and Conservatories considered
a number of extruders but chose to switch to Selecta Systems due to
the benefits incorporated into the profile. These include the system
being pre-gasketed as well as the five chambers which provide exceptional
strength, durability and high performance standards.
Subsequently, Advance 70 has proved to be extremely flexible and easy
to manufacture in the production of all window systems, doors and conservatories
that are tailored to specific Imperial customer requirements.
The company provides a broad selection of PVC-u products from standard,
bow and bay windows that can be personalised with glass designs which
include leaded lights or Georgian squares. The range of doors are reinforced
providing added strength and security with multi-point locking systems
and weathertight seals.
Additionally Imperial offers a complete conservatory service that includes
professional surveying, design and planning. All Imperial products can
be delivered and installed to suit customer requirements.
The high quality reputation that has been established by Imperial over
the last 15 years has grown through the professionalism and diligence
of a skilled, friendly team that provides exceptional products and comprehensive
services to customers that are guaranteed.
Tim Allen, Managing Director, Imperial Windows and Conservatories comments,
‘Having established such a strong reputation for excellence and
reliability within the industry for over 15 years, it is imperative
to use the right products that reflect those recognised qualities.’
He continues, ‘We chose to use Advance 70 for many reasons but
predominantly because we know that our entire portfolio can be guaranteed
in terms of performance and aesthetics. Selecta has the right approach,
understands our market needs and has great technical and support services
that help to substantiate our business.’
Mark Richmond, Sales and Marketing Director, comments, ‘Building
strong business relations is extremely important to Selecta so it is
very rewarding to know that our profile systems, advice and services
have helped to further establish Imperial's flourishing market position.
We wish the company many more years continued success and congratulate
it on its 15 year celebrations.’
Imperial Windows: 0117 986 9714
Selecta Systems Ltd: 0121 325 2100
VEKA's
Big Rig was out on the road again recently, this time on the streets
of Bolsover, Chesterfield. The supersize facility was brought in to
assist M1 Trade Frames' new relationship
with VEKA, which the fabrication company has entered into.
M1 Trade Frames (a member of Network VEKA) has been well established
in the area for five years, with two main show sites - Bolsover and
Tansley in Matlock.
Having reviewed its profile supplier, the decision was made to move
to VEKA, an agreement that MD, David Jowle, believes will strengthen
his company's position in the marketplace and increase profitability.
‘Quality is paramount to us,’ he comments. ‘VEKA has
an outstanding reputation in the industry not only for the quality of
its product range but also the standard of its customer service policy,
the training regime and general discipline.
This
high level of commitment to the customer mirrors our own dedication
to customer satisfaction and we are delighted to be using the renowned
VEKA Matrix profiles in the manufacturing of our frames.’
Providing doors, windows and conservatories to both the trade and domestic
sectors, M1 Trade Frames has an ongoing policy of investment into improving
products and systems. ‘We have the support of VEKA behind us which
is very reassuring,'continues David.
'It also demonstrates that we have the qualities to match up to the
VEKA ideal, and as members of the Network VEKA scheme, we intend to
expand upon our current rate of production of 160 frames a week.’
With the new agreement with VEKA now in place, M1 Trade Frames is in
an ideal position to enter the next phase in the company's operations,
using the Matrix profiles as standard in the product range and forging
ahead to the future with plans that include further dedicated trade
sales representatives and increased production.
Web: http://www.m1tradeframes.com
Goldleaf
Switches to Wendland Conservatory Roofing System
Goldleaf
Conservatories,
based in Preston Lancashire is a supplier of a wide range of Upvc products
to homeowners and trade customers.
Operating from an impressive retail and trade showroom by the Preston
Docks the company says that it has a commitment to providing customer
service and product excellence. A recent review of its product range
has seen this rapidly expanding company move to supplying the Wendland
Conservatory roofing system.
The family-run business believes that supplying the best products is
critical to its continued success and found the Wendland system to be
‘a high quality system, which provides stunning aesthetics, coupled
with outstanding technical performance’.
Goldleaf Director, Melissa Harkin commented: ‘After a thorough
review of the market, we decided to move to the Wendland roofing system
after encountering service problems with our previous supplier. Since
moving to Wendland, we have found that working with a reliable supplier
makes a huge difference to the way we work, meaning that we, in turn
can provide a consistently high level of service to our own customers.
The product too is of course excellent and has some unusual finishing
touches such as decorative cappings & cornices which are great selling
tools when dealing with homeowners looking for something extra special.
‘Established in 2003 Goldleaf has built its reputation by offering
an amazing level of attention to detail. One great selling point, which
offers peace of mind to potential customers is our 10 year inspection
promise, where one of our highly experienced staff will return to carry
out a full 'conservatory health check' once a year for 10 years. There
is a no obligation free quotation service, which enables retail or trade
customers to request quotes with no pressure selling afterwards.’
Simon Hollidge, Wendland Sales Director commented: ‘Goldleaf is
a highly professional, motivated company who we are thrilled to be working
with. Goldleaf’s dedication to providing a truly professional service
at every stage of the buying process is just one of the reasons why
the company is succeeding in the current to0ugh market, along with its
commitment to using the very best products, such as the Wendland roofing
system. We look forward to a long and successful partnership.’
Tel: 0870 756 0173
Web: http://www.wendland.uk.com
Being
able to prove product quality is a valuable selling tool for fabricators
and a reassurance for consumers, which is why accreditations like BS7950
are so sought after.
One
company that knows the value of these accreditations is Sheffield-based
fabricator Ford Windows. Phil Shackley,
Production Manager of Ford Windows', explains why: ‘Our clients
include some of the biggest names in the construction industry - David
Wilson Homes, Persimmon, Wimpey and the like. They need to protect their
reputations as much as we do, so it's vital that we're able to demonstrate
our commitment to the quality and high performance of our products.
By achieving BS7950 enhanced security status on our windows we're providing
evidence of that commitment to quality to our clients.’
Ford's window uses the Stallion 2 shootbolt from Trojan Hardware and
Design. Using the Stallion 2 shootbolt in a product has helped many
companies achieve BS7950 and its qualities and reputation are the reasons
Ford Windows chose to use it in their windows.
The Stallion 2 shootbolt has a largely stainless steel construction
to meet increasingly stringent requirements and minimise corrosion.
It has achieved 1000 hours Salt Spray resistance under BS EN 1679:1998
test conditions and has the prestigious Secured By Design accreditation.
Furthermore, the product has just been awarded a BBA (British Board
of Agrément) Certificate.
For fabricators, the easy-to-fit nature of the shootbolt offers benefits
for the fabrication process. It features a unique clip-in action to
the Eurogroove - this automatic self-setting action sets the shootbolt
at the required length and rising locking cams maximise engagement while
maximising frame clearance. The shootbolt also offers flexibility: it's
available in a range of sizes to suit sash rebates from 300mm to 1750mm.
Phil Shackley concludes, ‘Trojan's product quality is renowned
for good reason. We use the Stallion 2 shootbolt in our windows because
we think it is the best on the market. Achieving the BS7950 enhanced
security accreditation is proof of this and confirmation that we've
definitely chosen the right company to supply our hardware components.’
Trojan Hardware and Designs Ltd
Tel: 01922 713933
Email: pjudd@trojan-hardware.com
Ford Windows Ltd
Tel: 0114 2617519
Platinum
Windows
of Chester has been investing steadily in machinery since the company
was established in 2000 as a PVCu window and door manufacturer.
Currently
turning around 200 windows a week, the company recently invested in
a new VS704 RTS Welder from Elumatec to join the existing RTS welder
which Platinum purchased a number of years ago.
‘Previously, we had a double headed welder which we used alongside
the RTS three headed model,’ explains Paul Birkett of Platinum.
‘However, as our business has expanded and we have begun to experience
a greater demand for our products, we took the decision to replace the
smaller model with the latest Elumatec welder, the VS704 RTS, which
offered a four headed function for greater speed.’
It was the efficiency of the Elumatec welder that led to its specification.
‘We pride ourselves on quality and fast turnaround,’ continues
Paul. ‘The VS704 RTS offers a much faster process, with reliability
and accuracy assured, as we have discovered with the first machine.
Because our operatives are already familiar with the machines, the transition
to the new model was very straightforward.’
In addition to the welders, Platinum has added an Elumatec saw to the
factory, in direct response to viewing it at Glassex 2006. ‘We
saw the model, realised how much value it would be to us and bought
the show saw from the stand,’ says Paul.
‘In all, we are delighted with the Elumatec equipment that has
helped to significantly streamline our business, the core of which is
supplying doors, windows and conservatories to the trade.’
As a world market leader in the production of profile machine centres
and a huge range of equipment for the fabrication industry, Elumatec
produces a solution for any application using the latest technology
and state of the art production facilities to serve the needs of the
industry.
Web: http://www.elumatec.com
Soaring
Sales at Victorian Sliders
Plastmo
fabricator, Victorian Sliders was
set up by Sarah Starkey in September 2005. In just less than two years,
it is now in the top ten, if not the top five, vertical slider fabricators
in the United Kingdom.
Due to its phenomenal month on month growth, the fabricator has just
moved to new premises in Llanelli, South Wales. The 10,000sq.ft premises
are right next to the M4 motorway network, making transportation easier
and quicker.
The company has also invested heavily in new machinery (Stuga cutting
centre, two Rotox corner cleaners, Urban quad welder, Pertici two head
welder and various other Pertici machines) as well as two 17.5 tonnes
lorries.
Sarah Starkey comments: ‘I have invested heavily in my business
in all areas. The location of the premises is now excellent, cutting
down our transportation times and the extra efficient lay out will allow
us to more than double our capacity. We are currently manufacturing
around 160 vertical sliders a week. We are hoping that by the end of
2007 this will have doubled. The new machinery will enable us to do
this easily and will enhance the quality of our product.’
Victorian Sliders has been going less than two years and is steaming
ahead in the market place. So what is the secret to Victorian Sliders'
success?
Sarah comments: ‘I love the industry and the nature of the business.
VSL prides itself on offering a top quality product with a fantastic
service to back it up. We are a very friendly and professional company
and treat our customers how we would like to be treated. We make sure
that our product is delivered on time and always uphold our promises.
It really is as simple as that. We have around 300 trade customers nationwide.
We are delighted with the way Victorian Sliders has developed and we
now aim to be the market leader of vertical sliders by the end of 2008.’