Doors & Windows
BUILDING A BUSINESS, STARTING WITH THE PEOPLE
When people think of manufacturing, the mind often jumps to machines whirring, production lines running, and technical processes being executed with precision. It’ s a sector often seen as mechanical, product-driven, and automated. But at Shelforce, based in Birmingham, the reality is very different. For more than 185 years, the company has been showing that manufacturing is, above all else, a people business.
From the very beginning, Shelforce’ s story has been about human potential. Founded in 1839 as part of the Royal School for the Blind, the organisation was created with a clear mission: to provide training and employment opportunities for visually impaired individuals. The products were modest: brushes, baskets, and mats, but their impact was profound. For the first time, people with disabilities were being given a path to financial independence, skills development, and a strong sense of purpose.
That ethos still defines Shelforce today. Over the decades, the company’ s product offering has evolved significantly, from beds and wooden furniture to today’ s high-performance windows and doors, including fire doors supplied to local authorities and housing associations. But what has never changed is its focus on people. The business has always recognised that true innovation is not limited to what you make, but how you make it, and who you make it with.
“ Innovation isn’ t just about the end product,” says Howard Trotter, Business Manager at Shelforce.“ It’ s about your culture, your values, and your people. Manufacturing might be associated with machines, but at Shelforce, the people are the most important asset we have and always have been.”
Today, Shelforce continues to create life-changing opportunities for individuals
with a range of disabilities, including hearing impairments and learning difficulties. But more than just providing employment, Shelforce offers careers. Employees are encouraged to develop skills, contribute ideas, and take pride in their achievements. They’ re not just part of the process, they help shape it.
This inclusive approach has benefits that ripple throughout the entire business. People bring different perspectives, lived experiences, and problem-solving approaches that lead to better collaboration, smarter ways of working, and, ultimately, better products. When individuals are valued and supported, they don’ t just complete tasks, they innovate, improve, and drive progress.
Shelforce’ s values were tested during the early 2000s when the company faced serious financial and operational challenges. A significant restructure was needed, and the business had to make some tough decisions to survive. But instead of abandoning its mission, Shelforce leaned into it. The company streamlined operations and refocused on its core purpose; providing a supportive workplace where people of all abilities can thrive.
That resilience paid off. Not only has Shelforce rebuilt, it has grown stronger, more efficient, and more impactful than ever. In 2023, the company’ s dedication to inclusivity and opportunity was recognised with the prestigious King’ s Award for Enterprise in Promoting Opportunity. It’ s an accolade that celebrates both community and economic contributions, and for Shelforce, it affirmed what they’ ve always believed: that inclusivity isn’ t just the right thing to do, it’ s a smart business strategy.
Today, Shelforce stands as a benchmark for inclusive manufacturing, demonstrating that the strength of any organisation lies in its people. While machinery can deliver consistency and scale, it’ s people who bring creativity, empathy, and purpose; qualities that define long-term success.
Shelforce’ s journey proves that when you invest in people, you build more than just products. You build loyalty, resilience, and a culture of innovation that no machine can replicate.
Because while machines may build the product, it’ s people who build the business …
www. shelforce. com
24 MAY 2025 CLEARVIEW-UK. COM