August 2009

Our newsletters are not as regular as they should be, but there have been some significant changes to our business recently which have demanded a lot of management time.

We have made a decision to change our supplier of components from Ramtrack in Canada to Indeco in Poland.

It is our way that we do this openly after due consideration, and we have advised Ramtrack of the decision.

After our confirmation to Ramtrack they have offered to reduce the prices and to add a retrospective discount based on annual turnover targets being achieved.

We are disappointed that this offer is only made at this stage when we have struggled to hold our prices to our customers for so long.

Even now with the price reductions offered we are still convinced that the decision to change is the correct one. The change was decided on after examining the range of products offered by Indeco, the quality of the products and the service offered not just the price.

We do keep aware of the international availability of materials and systems, and if we just wanted a cheaper sliding door system we know that we could purchase that from far eastern countries. It is not what we want. We need a comprehensive range of designs, with colours and finishes which are popular in England. We need good quality, quick delivery, a technical back up, and of course a competitive price.

We have all that through Indeco, and we are sure that our customers will agree with this decision.

Having already advised you all of the changes we are pleased to find that although everyone is resistant to change almost all have welcomed it, especially those who were aware of the quality problems we had recently suffered. The steel stiles now available are different but with the two profiles available immediately it is possible to choose to go for the larger or the smaller sections, and the popular finishes are all available in both profiles. We will not be offering Chrome or Brass plated finishes which will be a disappointment to some, but a relief to others who had to sort out the quality problems associated with them.

The new much wider choice of Aluminium systems will be a welcome addition to the ranges you can offer, together with the competitive prices offered will we believe make the ratio of Steel to Aluminium orders change significantly. All this plus the extra fittings like soft close, single recessed floor tracks, track stops and positioners, and fittings for doors cut to suit sloping ceilings will give you more to offer and more business.

A new CD is being prepared which will continue to show all the Global Doors displays which can still be used in your promotions but there will be some extras showing the new developments.

Now that the national economy is recovering from its recent problems we expect that we will all see an increase in order volumes, and at the new prices that will make for useful increases in profits for us all.