Door Industry Journal - Spring 2015

Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 46 THE door industry journal spring 2015 Changes Afoot at Fort Doors Fort Doors, the Birmingham-based producer of garage doors, has initiated a number of changes across the business that are designed to improve the service it offers to customers. “We are moving towards our third summer of trading and this seemed like a good time to take stock of the business and see what we could improve for the many loyal customers who have helped us along the way,” says Fort Doors Director Lee Moon. “We have come a long way in a short period of time but now we are established we see it as time to improve our service. Like most new companies we’ve experienced our ups and downs but feel that we are now in a much stronger position to offer all our customers the service they expect and deserve.” As part of the programme of improvement, Fort Doors is now carrying a large number of stock doors, which will enable the company to deliver items to customers much faster than previously has been the case. This has already had the effect of cutting delivery times down to two weeks maximum for stock doors, with most doors in the Fort range available even quicker. Fort has also made the decision to manufacture all products in the UK, which means even doors that are custom-made to exact client specifications can be delivered within a three week period. Other improvements include a revamp of paint facilities so that customers now have access to any colour from the RAL chart, with no resultant delay in delivery. A new price list is also available, which has been streamlined and simplified to make it easier to cost jobs. Although some prices have gone up, these rises have been kept to a minimum, whilst the majority of door prices have fallen across the Fort product portfolio. The new price list also means that standard ribbed and medium ribbed doors are now the same cost, enabling installers to price before arrival and offer a no-cost optional alternative to customers. Changes to the product range have also seen the introduction of a new standard paint finish for horizontal/vertical designs. This is in response to Fort customers asking for the option of a smooth finish on these doors, which is now offered as a no-cost choice. If no preference is made then smooth satin finish is standard, with deep texture finish a no-cost option. A new spring system on canopy doors has also been introduced. The spring is 20% larger in diameter and is now finished in chrome to ensure a longer life span. This also means the door is easier to tension and adjust on site and gives a much better balance to the door operation. It is not just products and systems that have undergone a revamp. Changes have also taken place in the Fort Doors staff, as Lee Moon explains: “There is a changing of the guard in process as Matthew Berry has left us for pastures new. We all wish him well, as he has greatly contributed to our success, and we will be announcing his replacement in due course.” For information or queries regarding Fort Doors please call Dan Rutherford on 0121 7493699 or 07900 943262. garage doors