Door Industry Journal - Spring 2012

Also online at: www.doorindustryjournal.co.uk 12 THE door industry journal spring 2012 industry news INTRODUCE SOMETHING BRAND NEW IN 2012 The end of 2011 marked the end of an era for SWS UK with its founder Andrew Dootson stepping down from the role of Managing Director after 26 years. Since starting the business in 1985 Andrew has overseen SWS UK’s expansion from a family run roller shutter manufacturer to the diverse, innovative and successful business it is today. Taking over the reins as Managing Director and leading SWS forward is former Commercial Director Colin Reoch. During his 17 years with SWS UK, Colin has made a major contribution to its growth and success which has earned him the respect of colleagues, customers and suppliers. Further development by parent company CRH has now prepared him for this well-deserved succession. With new beginnings comes a new identity as Colin Reoch and his team have been working on a fresh new look for SWS UK’s brand and that of its product range. Following customer feedback and extensive market research SWS UK are proudly introducing a new suite of literature, website and corresponding marketing material. Instead of trying to create a one size fits all brochure SWS have created three tiers of literature which offer tailor made information suitable for the end user, trade distributors and architects, builders & contractors. A brand new website will shortly be launched to complement the new look. The website has been structured to offer visitors a clear and easy to use layout with a comprehensive resource of information specific to differing industry sectors. Throughout February and March trade customers were invited to a sneak preview of SWS UK’s new look at a number of specialist seminars held at their offices in Lancaster and various other locations across the country. With an overwhelming positive response SWS UK are confident that the new literature and corresponding website will prove to be an invaluable tool to both new and existing customers. For further information contact SWS UK on 01524 772400 WESSEX GETS NEW OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Wessex’s longest standing Employee; Graham Hurst has been promoted to Operations Director. Well known throughout the door industry, Graham started in the industry with Ellard, based in Letchworth Hertfordshire in 1979. The company manufactured sliding door gear as well as steel garage doors and at that time were part of the Bolton Gate Company Group. Ellard was purchased by Roland Nix of Wessex Garage Doors in 1987 and Graham continued working at the factory in Letchworth, until the company was moved to Verwood in 1992. Graham re-located to Verwood, Dorset when the Letchworth site was sold and Verwood continued to produce the steel doors, whilst introducing timber doors to the range. Graham launched himself into his new role and soon became the GRP expert his customers knew so well and continued with his “Expert” status in all things sliding door gear and up and over gear. Wessex was acquired by the Cardale Group in 1997 and Graham continued to be resident customer services contact in the ensuing years. The Wessex name was retained by Cardale, who continued to manufacture GRP doors until the company folded in 2009 and BRP took control. Undeterred, Graham continued to help all of his customers and BRP (like Cardale) found Graham’s knowledge and expertise invaluable. In February 2010 BRP went into administration thereby ending over 31 years of continuous employment with the company for Graham, albeit with 3 different owners. However all was not lost for Graham, as in April 2010 Wessex GRP Products bought the Wessex GRP side of the business from the administrators and Graham once again found himself back in Verwood, re-employed by the new company. So much was Graham’s enthusiasm and confidence, that he was the man for the job; on the day of his interview with the new company he took his usual lunch box and promptly advised that he thought he should have the job and might as well start straight away - and did! Graham’s loyalty, commitment and enthusiasm were recognised in July 2011 when he was appointed Operations Director with full day to day responsibility for the Verwood manufacturing site.