INDUSTRYNEWS
Lights , Camera , Action
It was a case of “ Lights , Camera , Action ” for one window and door manufacturer , who opened its doors to camera crews to tell its unique story .
» SHELFORCE HAS BEEN CHOSEN BY producers of ITV4 ’ s Made In Britain to feature in the next series of the programme that tells the story of British production and some of the country ’ s best loved products .
Shelforce welcomed camera crews to its headquarters in Erdington , Birmingham , to provide a glimpse inside the factory , which produces thousands of windows and doors a month .
Specialising in providing high-quality PVCu and aluminium products to local authority building projects , including Birmingham City Council , Shelforce also employs some of the city ’ s most vulnerable people , with 75 % of its workforce disabled .
Series Producer Rob Kelly explained Shelforce ’ s attraction : “ Made In Britain is not just about the products , it ’ s about the stories behind them , and Shelforce provides a truly inspirational story to tell .
“ We were very keen to come here because it ’ s got everything – great product , great factory , and great people . Shelforce has hit the headlines in the past for its work in raising awareness of inclusivity in the workplace , and it was wonderful to see how everything works and speak to some of the people involved .”
Narrated by actor Ricky Tomlinson , there will be 10 episodes in the series , with four products featured in every episode , and it is set to hit TV screens across the country next spring , transmitting on ITV4 in the UK and other broadcasters internationally .
For Howard Trotter , Shelforce ’ s Business Manager who was interviewed on camera for the show , the spotlight is great recognition for the team .
“ It ’ s absolutely fantastic the producers of Made in Britain have chosen us – it ’ s a great opportunity to put Shelforce and what we do out there , and it ’ s great for the team to be getting the recognition they deserve for all their hard work ,” said Howard .
“ The producers wanted me to talk about what we do , tell the Shelforce story , talk about the people who work here , and some of their back stories .”
As well as Howard , signers were also bought in to interview two workers who are deaf on what Shelforce means to them .
“ There has been a real buzz around the team , and they have loved being a part of it . The team have taken the filming in their stride , as they do with everything , and haven ’ t let the cameras bother them ,” said Howard .
“ I ’ ve kept telling them that the reason why ITV4 are here is because they ’ re brilliant at their jobs , because it ’ s true . It ’ s about product and people and it ’ s the team that add value to the products . For us , disability doesn ’ t come into it , it ’ s all about ability .”
Film crews will also be filming at Shelforce ’ s supply partner Eurocell , and glass manufacturer Kelsi Group . Of particular interest is Eurocell ’ s commitment to PVCu recycling and providing energy efficient , sustainable PVC-U products to support the drive towards carbon zero construction . “ For this series we are also focussing on the green angle ,” said Rob . “ With the construction and building products industry under increasing pressure to build sustainably , through its partnership with Eurocell , Shelforce is also dedicated to reducing waste .”
While the spotlight on Shelforce is long overdue , Howard also hopes that the feature spot will shine a positive light on the fenestration industry .
“ The industry has a certain perception in the general publics eyes and can sometimes take a bit of a hammering . Even some of the lads on the crew mentioned White Gold ,” said Howard . “ But this provides us with an ideal opportunity to show that that image is not the case .
“ These are engineered products ; they keep us warm in the winter , fire doors protect and keep us safe , and most people don ’ t realise how these products are made and the processes they have to go through before they come out of the factory . Hopefully , this programme will change that .”
www . shelforce . com
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