The keys to good growth: selective analysis and swift action helps AWJ glass grow

The AWJ story started with Andy Whitelaw Joinery in 1983, centrally located in Scarborough. Re-assessing the needs of the business, Andy decided on manufacturing his own sealed units, thus assuring better quality. Key management members are Dave Rosher, Operations Director, and Ivan Copley, Sales Director, both with many years experience in the glass trade. Andy’s wife Debbie is responsible for personnel and training needs.

Two For.el lines produce around 850 IG units a day. 20 per cent of raw material is toughened sheets feeding AWJ’s IG production and joinery, and customers without furnaces, who buy in toughened glass. Delivery is fast and tailored to customer needs.

Reactive solution

Glass is cut on two Hegla tables, except patterned glass, which is hand cut. A Hegla compact stock storage system is also installed, which allows for many glass types to be stored in a relatively confined space. This was AWJ’s reactive solution to growing demands for glass for specific functions – soft coat low E, solar control, and self-cleaning glass. AWJ uses Albat + Wirsam’s (A+W) XOPT2000 optimiser with harp rack organisation; and multiples and oversizes onto A racks. A+W’s XTV breakout display is installed at the table and shows the breakout patterns and rack location on a large monitor, ensuring that glass is available at the Tamglass furnace and the IG lines in the correct sequence.

Modular concept

The AWJ management team spent time comparing various software systems before deciding to go ahead with Albat + Wirsam. ‘Their modular concept gives us a fabulous solution that is tailored to our needs’, says Andy Whitelaw. ‘The software is reliable, practical and expandable, and pays off quickly.’

AWJ’s experience is typical of the customer-oriented service delivered from A+W’s UK office at Stevenage, and trust has grown between both companies over the years. They speak the same language, and queries are handled quickly, unceremoniously and competently.

AWJ also uses A+W’s system ALFAK for order processing and administration, tailored for the flat glass industry.

Ivan Copley says: ‘With ALFAK we can issue accurately calculated quotes including professional paperwork, technical drawings, quickly. When the customer accepts the quote, it converts it into an order – this saves time and works smoothly. The integrated fax module allows us to get one step closer to a paperless office solution.’

Orders are transferred to the ALCIM production planning system and sorted by criteria such as delivery date, route, customer, producing cutting sheets & planning production of a shift. When the jobs are optimally planned, they are optimised by XOPT and work orders and labels are printed.

Updating technology is necessary– but more important to Andy is trust between the management and staff. A familiar and informal atmosphere exists, despite the dynamics and the bustle in offices and on the shop floor. Staff motivation is boosted by an excellent working climate. Job responsibility and company identification is part of this ethos.