EAST Kilbride-based Quality Trade Windows is doubling the size of its premises to meet growing demand for the aluminium doors and windows manufactured by the company.
The firm is moving to a much larger site 100 yards from the current base in the industrial estate that the business has called home for the past 18 years.
Quality Trade Windows started life as a uPVC company, supplying mainly to local tradesmen, and this service still makes up a large part of the business.
Several years ago, the firm began manufacturing Schuco aluminium bi-fold doors. And it is growth in the aluminium side of the business that is primarily responsible for the need to move to a larger facility.
Owner Lex Philip told Project Scotland, “Schuco is a market leader in this industry and well respected aluminium manufacturer.
“The bi-fold door business has grown greatly since we started manufacturing five years ago, so much so that we’ve totally outgrown our current premises”
“We have invested over £100,000 in new machinery in the past year which has enabled us to add Schuco lift/slide patio doors, casement and tilt and turn windows, doors and French doors to our product range.
“In other words, the full range of Schuco aluminium products in addition to our continued full range of Upvc products.”
The company employs 13 workers, the majority of whom work in the factory shop floor.
“Everybody’s very positive about moving,” Lex added. “All staff are on a profit sharing bonus so growing the business benefits everyone. I see the future for us as growing the aluminium business. We’re a family business. Both my sons, Colin and Scott, hold important roles and we all believe that by moving we are future-proofing the company. I also feel we can grow the business in the new 10,000 square feet factory.
“It’s a prime site, right on the corner. The prominent position will make it easy for people to find us.”
Since picking up the keys at the start of July, Lex and his team have embarked on a massive fit-out operation ahead of the planned move towards the end of August.
“All in all, with the increase to our costs and the fit out, it is an investment of around a quarter of a million pounds,” Lex explained.
“The future for us is niche market products.
“We’re looking at the higher end of the market. Most window companies aren’t interested in manufacturing these products as they are very labour-intensive and you supply in relatively small numbers.
“We are the only company in Scotland who manufacture Schuco bi-fold doors, we are also the only company in Scotland who manufacture the REHAU Geneo windows and doors which can achieve Passivhaus standards with a ‘U’ value of 0.67 W/m²K.
“We deal mainly with small builders, architects and directly with homeowners. We’re not involved in the commercial market at all.
“As the average bi-fold door costs thousands of pounds almost all customers, whether they be the builder or householder, visits our factory to see the products.
“All fully operating products are on display in our new factory to show potential buyers and discuss their requirements. All products are manufactured here in East Kilbride.
“Despite this industry having a reputation as being very salesman driven we do not employ any salesmen.
“Customers are shown the product, given a once only price and left to decide if and when they order. We do not pressure sell here!”
