Clearview National March 2015 - Issue 160 | Page 56

DOORS&WINDOWS New-Build Fabricator Finding New Market in Trade Sector »»Flintshire based fabricator Rooms and Views has built an enviable reputation in the new-build market, supplying products for numerous high-profile projects, and building long-term relationships with many of the UK’s national and regional house builders. Rooms and Views is on track to widen its new-build customer base and is also turning its attention to trade customers. The company has made a number of significant investments in order to achieve the same success in the trade market that it has enjoyed in new-build. Managing Director Kevin McClure explains why the company is now targeting trade sup ply only: “Historically our core focus has been the new-build sector and it will continue to be so, but over the last few years we’ve been getting enquiries from installers looking for a trade. Having built up a small group of regular trade customers, it seemed logical to open the Rooms and Views Building Plastics trade counter to bring this service to a wider trade audience.” Products to help installers stand out from the crowd An important element of what Rooms and Views bring to the trade market is their premium product range. The company fabricates the full range of Liniar Energy Plus PVCu windows and doors. Kevin comments: “Thanks to its unique multi-chambered design, the system is one of the most thermally efficient on the market today, giving installers a powerful USP. It also means we are able to achieve an ‘A’ Window Energy Rating with a lower spec sealed unit, saving the installer money whilst still being able to offer a premium product. Also included within the Rooms and Views product range is the recently launched Modlock bi-fold and flush sash casement. 56 » M AR 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M The Mod-lock bifold has a completely smooth opening and closing action, with slimline frames, and is a genuine rival to aluminium bi-folds. The flush sash window meanwhile, is a timber alternative designed for replacement installations in the heritage market, and mimics traditional timber joinery. Kevin comments: “Ultimately, we want to help installers stand out and attract attention at the top end of the market to win more profitable jobs. Complementing the high quality windows and doors is a comprehensive range of plastic building products such as fascias, soffits, guttering and all roofline ancillaries. These, along with PVCu frames, can be delivered to installers or picked up from Rooms and Views trade counter. Major machinery investment Kevin recognised that in order to successfully sell to the trade on a large scale, Rooms and Views needed to scale up its manufacturing procedures and produce high frame volumes while still retaining exceptional quality. The decision was made to invest circa £200k in a new machining centre. Kevin comments: “The machining centre is so good that we estimate it will save us around £25k per year at our current volume levels, and it will help us keep consistent levels of quality, even when demand for products increases.” Improved customer service As well as a major machinery investment and a product shake-up, Rooms and Views has recently appointed Simon Lomax as Operations Director to help the fabricator spearhead growth in the trade market and widen the customer base in their new-build business. ‘Simon’s knowledge and experience will prove very valuable’ Prior to working at Rooms and Views, Simon held a number of senior positions in the industry including Factory Manager for a large fabricator, where he was responsible for 105 staff and all manufacturing operations, and Sales Director again for another large fabricator, where he opened 10 new trade counters, adding £8m to the company’s turnover. Kevin comments: “Simon’s knowledge and experience will prove very valuable as we start selling more to the trade and he will be vital in identifying areas to develop our service to give installers the best experience when dealing with us as their supplier.” If you’re an installer in the in the North Wales/Cheshire region and would like to know more about Rooms and Views, contact Simon Lomax on 01244 544447