When we spoke to Jason Powell, it was almost three years to the week since he joined Victorian Sliders ® as Operations Director in 2022.

With 42 years in the industry, starting at just 17, Jason brings extensive experience in window and door manufacturing. He spent 35 years with one business, originally South Wales Windows, an owner-managed installation and manufacturing firm. That business evolved into Premier Trade Frames before becoming part of the Masco UK Window Group in 2001. After leaving, Jason went on to senior roles at The Customade Group and Emplas, before helping a start-up, GC Manufacturing, scale to 1,200 frames per week in just three years. He then joined Victorian Sliders ®.

So, when the opportunity came along, Jason didn’ t hesitate. He describes it as a“ fantastic opportunity” to work in“ probably the best window manufacturing plant in the country – a 240,000 sq ft facility in Ammanford, South

Wales, where virtually every part of the manufacturing process is controlled in-house.”

Here’ s how the last three years have unfolded.

“ Quality was my first priority”

“ My priority was to improve the overall quality of the product and the manufacturing processes within our glass shop. In the first twelve months, we invested heavily in new machinery – particularly IG lines – and focused on automation. Reducing manual handling was key. The more people touch glass, the more chance of scratches or damage.

“ We’ ve worked hard to raise standards. Our‘ right first time’ rate is consistently over 92 %, and our first-pass yield stays in the high 90s. Remakes are low, and that’ s thanks to refining every stage of the process.”

“ We don’ t outsource any part”

“ What makes Victorian Sliders ® different is that everything happens on-site. We don’ t

outsource core parts of the manufacturing process. We start with raw PVC compound, extrude the profiles, and add in our own recycled material – all processed here on site.

“ We make our own injectionmoulded components, and we run a full glass shop that turns sheet glass into sealed units. Then it all comes together in the window manufacturing department. Any UPVC offcuts are recycled straight back into the system.”

“ Full control over cost, lead time, and quality”

“ It’ s the complete lifecycle. That gives us full control over cost, lead time, and quality. We quote a seven-day lead time, but the actual production time is closer to five. Resulting in a market leading lead time and lack of reliance on 3rd party suppliers to replace glass units for example.

“ Right now, we produce between 1,700 and 1,800 sash windows a week. At the height

of Covid, output peaked at 2,000. We employ around 280 people— about three-quarters in production and the rest in office and management roles.

“ We run two shifts in production, extrusion operates 24 / 5, and recycling runs daily. It’ s a largescale operation, but because everything is in one place, it’ s highly efficient.”

“ If we can do it ourselves, we will”

That philosophy— instilled by founder Scot Starkey— runs through the entire business.“ If we can do it ourselves, we will. It’ s a mindset that has shaped Victorian Sliders ®’ structure and direction from the start.”

Alongside in-house extrusion, recycling, and glass processing, the company also manages its own hardware production in China, including toolmaking, casting, and injection moulding— all overseen directly by Victorian Sliders ® to ensure consistent quality and supply.

“ Our number one priority is always the same”

Under Jason Powell’ s leadership, Victorian Sliders ® continues to refine its end-to-end manufacturing process, focusing on quality, reliability, and speed. Its in-house model gives the business the ability to adapt quickly, improve continuously, and control every aspect of production from raw material to finished frame.

As Victorian Sliders ® celebrates its 20th anniversary, it does so with a clear sense of direction and operational strength. For Jason, it’ s simple:“ We control everything here. That’ s what makes the difference.”

And, as Jason explains, the process has evolved, but the focus remains the same:“ Our number one priority is always the same – making quality windows for our customers.”