Open day a total success

Throughout the Open Day a constant stream of visitors arrived to tour the Liverpool-based production facilities where multi-million pound investment has reinforced the firm’s position as one of the UK’s fastest-growing window manufacturers and trade suppliers.

Attendees were also able to view new products and presentations from the company’s door, conservatory roofing, hardware, glass, profile and insurance suppliers, including GAP, PatioMaster, Tailored Roofing, Profile 22’s hardware brand Safeware and decorative designs from Custom Glass.

Hardware on display

Among the products on display were new door handles, hinges and a one-piece keep from the expanded Safeware hardware range. Covering virtually every area of the hardware market, the products incorporate features that simplify manufacturing and installation. Safeware Product Manager, Mike Roe said: ‘We see our role as offering hardware that makes fabricating and installing PVC-U products as easy as possible. This new range has been very well-received by Total’s customers.’

And plenty turned up to make the day a success. ‘It was buzzing; an excellent and worthwhile day that exceeded all our expectations,’ enthused Frank, in between greeting visitors and conducting tours. ‘Having successfully moved our entire operation in just 48 hours with no disruption to production or customer service, the event represented a superb opportunity to celebrate and share this achievement with our customers and suppliers, as well as showcase our new products, production facilities and services.

Plans for next year

‘We were delighted with the response and plan to hold a similar event next year. I’d like to thank everyone who supported us, including the whole team at Total who did a magnificent job in helping to make it a complete success.’

Rob McGlennon, Profile 22’s Sales and Marketing Director, observed: ‘It’s a fantastic operation and a bold statement in the current marketplace which will undoubtedly bring benefits in the coming months.’

Indeed, extra space is crucial to the company’s progression and future growth plans. Current capacity is up to 2,700 frames per week. Streamlining the whole window and door fabrication process through a ‘modular’ approach to the factory floor layout has resulted in even greater production efficiencies. A complete item is now ready for despatch in around 45 seconds.

Significant investment has also been made in state-of-the-art machinery, further increasing automation, along with increased efficiencies from a dedicated door fabrication line which was commissioned in May.

Training School

Investment has also been made in training and the company’s well-established Total Training School ensures that all employees receive the training and development they need to maintain the quality workmanship that guarantees customer satisfaction. Maria Melia was recently appointed as Training Officer to oversee the firm’s training initiatives and requirements and representatives from external training providers were among those attending the Open Day.

‘Effective and on-going training is an integral part of our business philosophy and is essential to maintaining our reputation for quality and service,’ continued Frank.

‘As a one-stop-shop, the Total Window Package supplies just that, right down to a wide range of ancillaries from our dedicated Trade Centre. Our customers get the same high standard of service and specification whether they install 20 or 200 windows a week. They’re all important to us.’

Satisfied Customers

This was borne out by praise from installers who had travelled from across the North West, Wales and beyond to the event. Good service and quality accredited products were among the reasons Richard and Cathy Williams from Caernarvon-based Celtic Windows chose Total Glass as their supplier. They commented, ‘Accredited products are important to us in securing work, particularly in the local authority sector.’

According to Steve Teare from Cheshire Windows, it was Total’s strong reputation, hands-on customer service and reliable deliveries that clinched it for him four years ago. ‘It was business as usual for us, despite the factory move. Deliveries are spot-on and the drivers are so helpful – that is important to us as they represent the company as much as anyone. We’ve written to Frank to praise their excellent service. I feel valued as a customer.’ With customer testimony like this, it seems Total will continue to build on its strengths.