Fabricator Focus
‘ 7 Things ’ you should know about your fabricator
Whether you ’ re adding a new product to your portfolio , switching to a different system , you ’ re growing or starting a business , or you need to change from your current fabricator – there are certain things you should know to find out if they are the right fit .
Thermal Trade Frames was established 20 years ago and fabricates PVCu and aluminium products from its site in Barnsley . Here , MD Paul Hardcastle discusses seven things you should ask your fabricator about , and how he ’ d answer them …
Their experience
Paul says : “ Find out about your fabricator ’ s experience in business as well as industry . I started at Welcome Windows in 1985 on window prep and saw . Since then , I ’ ve worked in sales , trade , on the factory floor , in the office , customer and production liaison . Along with Kelvin and Patrick , when I set up Thermal Trade Frames in 2003 , there aren ’ t many roles I hadn ’ t had in fenestration .”
Their team
Paul says : “ We have a team of around 25 people – including our installation team . We ’ re a really close-knit company , which means we ’ re all on the same page when it comes to service and support . We have that family business feel too ; many of us have worked together for years , so we trust each other ’ s judgement and work ethic . And my wife Zoe works in the office too , so it doesn ’ t get much more close knit than that !”
Their systems
Paul says : “ Of course , you ’ ll need to know what systems your fabricator uses but ask them why they chose them as well . We pride ourselves on the quality of our products but also how they are fabricated and how it is to fit them . If we need to go on site to rectify something we will . But , we also try and choose products from
suppliers that don ’ t need that . We started with Plastmo System 2000 and now we primarily work with Kömmerling C70 and O70 and Deceuninck .”
Their products
Paul says : “ For us , the most important part of a product is the quality . All of the other factors here feed into that – our experience and expertise , technical knowledge and practical know how . The priority for us will always be an outstanding product ; backed by an equally high standard of support . Knowing what makes an outstanding product comes from years in industry , in our various roles , across different companies before we founded Thermal Trade Frames .”
Their service
Paul says : “ Customers want to talk to real people – in person or on the phone . That ’ s what we provide . Companies talk about online ordering systems and cloudbased programs , but our customers like the personal touch , and that ’ s what we provide . We ’ re honest , fair and straightforward . And if something goes wrong we will sort it out quickly to make sure no one is delayed longer than they need to be , and can get on with their own jobs and contracts .”
Their process
Paul says : “ We ’ re lucky that we don ’ t have many issues with our customers , or cause issues for them – but when problems do arise we sort them . We had a situation recently where a van was stolen from our yard after it had been loaded up with 60 windows in , ready to be delivered . We remade them all on the Monday ready to go out on the Tuesday . It wasn ’ t our fault the van was taken but it wasn ’ t our customers either . We make an agreement when a customer orders from us and we always finish the job .”
Their ‘ plan ’
Paul says : “ Business coaches will tell you to have a five-year plan but it ’ s impossible in this industry . Instead , we take every week as it comes . We concentrate on what we do . We make sure we give our customers everything they need to get paid and make sure we get paid . And we never give them an excuse to leave !”
www . eco-thermal . co . uk
50 JUNE 2024 CLEARVIEW-UK . COM