In
the face of a relatively flat market, VEKA Group knows that investment is the
best way to support customers and stay at the forefront of the industry.
This
year sees the industry-leading PVC-U systems supplier expected to invest £5M in
facilities, plant and technology at its Burnley-based site.
VEKA
Group MD Dave Jones explains: “We have an exciting programme of developments
planned for 2018, in order to continue providing our customers with the very
highest levels of service.
“The
main focus of investment will be our lamination department. This is an area of
the business that we have seen continue to grow year on year, in response to
consumer demand. Currently, over 33% of VEKA Group sales are foiled product,
and we are focussed on preparing for continued expansion in this area.
“We’re in the process of acquiring a building adjacent to
the existing VEKA HQ which would allow the current 380,000 sq ft site site
to expand by a further 40,000 sq ft and will enable us to potentially increase
lamination capacity by a further 50%.
“As
well as the new building, we are investing in a new, flexible lamination line,
allowing us to offer the most efficient service on the inevitable small runs
and quirkier colour choices. Not only that, but the department will see the
addition of another standard lamination line, a new colour changing head and a heat tunnel, alongside all our existing
high spec foiling equipment.
“The
aim with this investment – as always – is to ensure that our customers are best
placed to meet the demands of a challenging market. In such a competitive
industry, we strive to ensure that our client base has access to all the
‘tools’ they need to set themselves apart from the competition. It’s not only
about increasing the potential volume of
our output, but supporting customers with flexibility and efficient service.
This, of course, will reflect on their own business and the level of service
they are able to offer to their customers, whether that be homeowners or
commercial specifiers etc.
“2018
will also see VEKA Group planning improvements to our specialist maintenance
and tooling department. Expanding our in-house maintenance department means
that we can respond immediately and capably to any possible problems with our
machinery (however unlikely) to ensure there is no disruption to the supply
chain.
“2018’s
planned spend of £5M continues a pattern of investment, including - for example
- £400K last year allocated to energy efficiency upgrades for the plant.
Improved lighting, heating and high bay racking meant that our warehouse
facility achieved a 25% reduction in electricity consumption in 2017.
“While
we’re busy with our investment plans here in Burnley, our sister company VEKA
Recycling has also announced the fantastic news that it will be investing £8M
into constructing one of the most advanced PVC-U recycling plants in Europe,
right here in the UK!
“In
the face of a relatively flat market, I am very proud to be part of a Group
that will continue to invest in order to see our partners succeed. Customer
feedback has always, and will always, directly influence product and
service development here at VEKA.”
