The wealth of knowledge these companies have built up between them is priceless. But what sets them, and many other Status fabricators, apart in their continuing desire and motivation to continue growing, pushing the boundaries, investing and evolving?
MB Frames, for example, achieved a growth of 40 per cent last year – the direct result of a concerted push by the company to proactively grow and develop its business. The company strengthened its infrastructure both externally and internally, better positioning itself to survive in an increasingly changeable and competitive market place.
'We had spent a lot of time and resources increasing our efficiency and accuracy both in the factory and in administration,' said MB director Andy Burns. 'Simply by investing heavily in IT infrastructure and software training has allowed MB to get true up to date costings, which in turn leads to instant quotation. These developments, combined with a consistency in product quality development, ensure our growing customer satisfaction throughout the South West.'
Customer satisfaction and consequently a strong local reputation is often a key factor in the survival of these companies. Moreover they understand that once you have won someone's trust and confidence, it takes very little to lose it again – which is why Midlands based MFH has learnt never to rest on its laurels – even after 17 successful years.
Managing director Paul Allen does admit that he felt threatened a few years ago by the reported rise of the super fabricator. However, despite the temporary pressures, his company maintained its stronghold on the local market place, highlighting the continual need for a local supplier that provides a more traditional hand holding, flexible personal service – price becomes a secondary issue, providing it is in the ballpark.
'We have been comfortable manufacturing 300-350 windows per week for a few years now, and are comfortable and profitable at this level,' continued Paul. 'We know our market place extremely well, and are able to focus on our customers' needs, rather than pushing for ever increasing sales.'
Framework for growth
Status' general manager Chris Foreman comments: 'Nine times out of ten, success and survival are the results of having the right attitude, and the conviction of your actions. We work very closely with our fabricators within the context of the Status Framework For Growth, which is a combination of analyses of the facts and figures, and experience built up over many years.'
Both Allen Installations and Window Warehouse have been busy investing over the last few months, and are beginning to taste the fruits of their labours.
'Despite negative forecasts in the industry, we are finding the market incredibly buoyant at the moment,' said Allen Installations director John Allen. Local demographic movements affect a housing market that is a strong target for retired and semi-retired Londoners moving out with significant capital to make further improvements to their properties. In view of this John Allen has put £100,000 into expanding his production facilities, with a further £100,000 budgeted for the next few months. Steady investment combined with a strong pedigree in the South East area has been a contributory factor during the company's 12 years of manufacturing, and indeed 26 years of trading.
There can be no denying the positive impact mixing the old with the new can also make. Window Warehouse enjoys an equally lucrative local reputation, but also knows that introducing new blood, a fresh pair of eyes, new technologies, and a more blue chip and professional approach are essential to move onto the next level of growth.
Source
Glass Age
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