The latest success story however is the 'home improvement' division, which encompasses both windows and conservatories. Noel O'Leary has been instrumental in driving the business forward since his introduction to the company around a year ago. Having spent almost 20 years in the glass and glazing industry in a number of executive positions, one of the first problems Noel was faced with was service and quality levels from his profile supplier. Immediately a number of companies were approached to prepare proposals but after all of the information was digested, as well as visiting the various companies' production and distribution plants, one company stood head and shoulders above the rest.
Support structure
'It is hard not to be impressed when you visit Eurocell's vast manufacturing site. The investment which they have made over the last few years has been astounding, we also visited the site of their soon to be completed second window extrusion factory which would put a number of other major players to shame. We were also struck by the 'support structure,' says Noel O'Leary of Turkingtons. 'Dave Watts our dedicated Technical Manager from Eurocell has been with them for over 10 years and this is mirrored in other key personnel throughout the company, which provides stability for both of us – bearing in mind this is Turkingtons first change of profile supplier in the 18 year window manufacturing history this was very important issue.'
The division currently has turnover of around £4 million but Noel is confident that this can be increased quickly with the help of Eurocell's Logik 70mm PCE System, introduced just after the turn of the year. Already production is nearing 300 windows per week, this will grow with the investment made in a number of marketing campaigns in both the local and national media, which are already generating a number of quality enquiries.
Conservatory package
Turkington's Window Division also saw the potential of Eurocell's complete package and have decided to fabricate the highly successful Pinnacle Conservatory Roofing System, which not only provides a logical product extension offering to the windows but also allows a perfect colour match. The company have also decided to stock Eurocell's impressive range of Building Plastics offering them through a dedicated trade counter located on their site.
'When we looked at the various systems companies on the market particularly the 'major players' only Eurocell could offer us the solution which we were looking for. Their Window and door systems, combined to the Pinnacle roofing systems and Building Plastics range provides a strong portfolio to us the fabricator, as well as allowing us to provide the same offering to our growing customer base, both trade and retail', adds Noel.
Trade Counter
As part of the ongoing communications Turkingtons recently launched their Trade Counter to the press (trade and public) and already the response has been fantastic. A number of influential people from the trade were invited, and one put in a £50k order on the day for Eurocell Doors and frames for a new build project due to be commenced shortly.
The day aided by a visit from the local Mayor has raised the profile of the division allowing people to get a feel of the place and the products.
'When I visited Turkington's site I was very impressed with their set up and I am looking forward to working with them in the future. Eurocell's product range and support certainly complement the market possibilities which Turkingtons can exploit,' added Martin Saunders, Sales Director of Eurocell Profiles.
Turkingtons, tel. 028 3833 2807
Source
Glass Age
