Doors & Windows
New site opens doors for next stage of bounceback
An intensive programme of factory upgrades following a site move is putting Gateshead-based composite door manufacturer Virtuoso Doors back on the path to renewed growth . The company is now producing up to 200 doors per day , despite the backdrop of the pandemic , materials shortages and escalating customer demand .
Virtuoso Doors manufactures high quality composite doors and PVCu door panels through a mix of precision engineering and workshop finishing supplying doors with stunning detail and unrivalled quality .
The company moved from its original Chester-le-Street manufacturing site to the new purpose-built site at Follingsby Park , Gateshead at the start of 2021 . The site , formerly the clothing warehouse for Barbour , has a 120,00 sq . ft . footprint and will double the capacity and manufacturing capability of Virtuoso Doors .
Over the course of the year the site has had a power upgrade to meet manufacturing requirements , a new compressed air system , and state of the art extraction system installed .
In addition , a new automated paint line has come online allowing for a greater choice of custom colours to be chosen by customers . New lift assist systems allow the factory technicians and craftsmen to work on the door units quickly and safely , without compromising on the crafted precision ethos of Virtuoso Doors .
Furthermore the move to a more modern building is allowing for a number of improvements to staff facilities from the catering and break areas to the office space .
As most manufacturing businesses are experiencing 2021 has not been without its challenges , as ongoing supply chain issues and the need to carefully manage the needs of employees returning to more normal working patterns as COVID-19 restrictions ease , have been met with incredible consumer demand for home improvement products .
However Virtuoso Doors has been able to adapt to the circumstances , has managed to secure a firm supply of the all-important door slabs needed for production and is well positioned to finish 2021 strongly . Virtuoso is now able to produce at a capacity of 200 doors per day . Tony Craggs , Managing Director , Virtuoso Doors : “ With our teams having to adapt to changing conditions on a daily and weekly basis , it is important we don ’ t lose sight on how much has been achieved this year to put Virtuoso Doors on the front footing . We ’ ve moved from a cramped site to a state of the art location with significantly more space and ability to grow further , which will help us create new jobs over time . Every purchase has been made with a view to improving the quality and precision of our manufacturing processes , and the doors that we deliver to customers at the end of each day .
“ There is never a good time to move home , but for our team to have done this during the pandemic under the COVIDrelated restrictions , and then continued to apply their talent and skills to bring the machinery on site up to speed , while others have adapted to the new supply chain realities to secure a source of necessary components , it is a very proud achievement for us .”
www . virtuoso-doors . co . uk
Tony Craggs , Managing Director , Virtuoso Doors
Virtuoso Doors is a leading manufacturer of quality composite doors and PVCu door panels . The company was established in 1981 and is now owned by the Customade Group . Virtuoso Doors is dedicated to creating doors with crafted precision , using a combination of precision engineering and a workshop filled with master craftsmen producing doors with incredible accuracy , stunning detailing and unrivalled quality . The company is based at Follingsby Park , Gateshead , and has 120 employees .
28 DECEMBER 2021 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM