Clearview National April 2017 - Issue 185 | Page 70

PROUD SPONSOR OF DOORS & WINDOWS
DOORS&WINDOWS
Gearing Up for Exciting Future
Competition is intense and margins are tight but there is still room at the top
as shown by Ford Windows, the Sheffield-based fabricator and installer.
» » WHEN IT COMES TO MASS
production and success in the mass market,
there are few names stronger than the
Ford Motor Company – and similarly, in
the fenestration sector, few stronger than
Sheffield-based Ford Windows. The company
continues to go from strength to strength,
qualifying as a member of the Yorkshire
Fastest 50 – the comprehensive list of
Yorkshire’s fastest-growing companies – two
years on the trot, in both 2015 and 2016. In
fact, turnover virtually doubled between 2013
and 2014 and Ford has invested significantly
in plant and expanded its operations to
comfortably accommodate such rapid
growth.
Ford Windows currently produces 2,000
frames a week from its premises in Catley
Road, Darnall; yet has recently taken on an
extra 1300m2 factory in nearby Tinsley. Three
years ago, it also expanded into the Scottish
market, recruiting staff and leasing factory
space in East Kilbride, in a successful move to
capitalise on the vibrant fenestration market
there. “We dipped our toe in the water there
with a three-year lease and broke even in
the first year. We made a small profit in the
second year so in the third we’ve taken on
the premises next door, doubling the size of
the factory,” says Managing Director, Philip
Shackley. “For us, fenestration is booming
both in Scotland and England and house
builders really appreciate that we supply and
fit everything – we’re a one-stop shop.”
70 » A PR 2017 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M
And this, Philip believes, is key to the
company’s success as it numbers some of the
UK’s top house builders among its clients –
Barratt Development, Persimmon, and Taylor
Wimpey to name just three. “We believe in
adding value and reacting quickly to what
the customer wants,” Philip says. “If there is
a problem then we aim to get it sorted in 24
hours.”
The company also requires the same agility
from its suppliers, which is one reason why it
values its close, 13 year-old relationship with
Eurocell. “It has supported us every step of
the way,” Financial Director, Julian Thorpe,
comments. “It’s a very innovative business
and we have a healthy relationship so that on
the rare occasions we might have an issue, it
is quick to react and we have access to senior
people.”
The company is now investing even more
in production, after Philip and Julian acquired
50% of the business from the original owners,
Roger Sidebotham and Dennis Taylor in May
last year. In line with the company philosophy
of staff wellbeing, their first action was to rip
out the old staff canteen and put in all new
white goods and a laminate floor. And now
the management is spending the best part of
£1 million in introducing new IT systems
and, most recently, a top-of-the-range Stuga
ZX4 sawing and machining centre.
The computer-controlled machine can
produce an extra 800 to 1000 windows per
week but needs only two operators compared
to the 10 required to man existing machines.
Initially it will be dedicated to producing
Eurocell Eurologik 70mm windows in
response to demand from house builders for
improved U-values, which the six-chambered
design delivers with ease as it is one of the first
windows to achieve the UK’s highest possible
energy rating: A++.
Importantly, the Stuga ZX4 can be
configured to manufacture other Eurocell
windows as housebuilders turn to windows for
differentiation in a highly competitive market,
where models such as Modus will come to the
fore. Modus is specifically designed to meet
the growing demand for premium PVC-U
windows from discerning homebuyers who
want distinctive properties that present a
traditional appearance while meeting modern
performance standards.
Although this investment is considerable
it is, as Julian points out, all part of the
company’s plan for steady growth and is easily
within its means. “The investment might
be a new step in terms of the pace and size
of development but we haven’t had to use
external sources to fund this investment so
we’re very secure financially,” he says.
So, with a strong following among
the nation’s house builders, a committed
workforce and sound finances, Ford Windows
is set to continue its record of rapid growth –
perhaps outstripping its namesake.
www.fordwindows.com