Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk 22 THE door industry journal spring 2023 Industry News Colin Reoch Returns as SWS UK’s Managing Director At the start of the year, Lancashire manufacturer, SWS UK welcomed the return of Colin Reoch into his former role as Managing Director. Colin accepted the opportunity to step into his old shoes after SWS UK’s previous Managing Director, Kevin Lindeque, made the carefully considered decision to return to his passion for commercial business and his earlier role as Commercial Director. Back to his Roots It’s undeniable that SWS UK is in good hands as Colin boasts a rich heritage within the shutter industry. Beginning his career with SWS UK back in 1994, the fresh-faced 21-year-old started in internal sales before progressing to National Sales Manager in 2000. Five short years later, Colin’s expertise and commitment to the business were recognised and earned him the title of Commercial Director. In 2008, SWS UK entered a new era of ownership under the FTSE 100 company CRH, and 12 months later, Colin succeeded SWS UK’s founder, Andrew Dootson as Managing Director. During his years in Sales and Commercial roles, Colin was fundamental in many of the business’ major milestones, including the launch of the hugely popular SeceuroGlide Garage Door in 1997 and the introduction of SeceuroDoor Industrial Shutters in 2003. After accepting the role of Managing Director, Colin propelled the business even further. Beginning with a fresh rebrand, he then went on to lead the company into a digital future with an online ordering system that later progressed to SWS Online. Developed to support SWS UK’s nationwide customers, SWS Online has evolved year-on-year and is still considered to be one of the best online ordering platforms in the industry. In 2017, Colin embarked on the next leg of his career with a move to Germany. Firstly, as Managing Director of one of SWS UK’s biggest suppliers, Alulux. Then in 2019, taking on dual responsibilities for Alulux and SWS UK’s new parent company StellaGroup. Toward the end of 2022, structural changes within StellaGroup allowed Colin the opportunity to support Kevin in his decision to move direction, by returning to SWS UK as Managing Director. Speaking of his return to the business, Colin said: “Returning to my position as SWS UK’s MD is a true privilege. I’ve followed the success of the business during my years away, and I’m excited to be continuing the achievements made by Kevin and the team. The experience and knowledge I’ve gained in the wider industry will be used to lead SWS UK into delivering next-level products and even higher levels of customer service. On a personal note, I’m also looking forward to re-establishing relationships with SWS UK’s distributors, many of whom have been in the industry almost as long as me!”. Ellard Moves Toward’s a New Fleet of Sustainable Forklifts Ellard has partnered with Runcorn-based, family-owned, Powerlift Material Handling for the supply of new forklift trucks. These will be phased in over the next 2 years and will replace the current fleet. The partnership offers a far more sustainable option with state-of-the-art batteries with zero maintenance and zero emissions. It will provide a safer fleet of assets that offer safety features designed to protect pedestrians in high-volume traffic areas. In addition to this Powerlift can offer in-depth forklift training for all necessary staff. Steve Routledge, Powerlift MD, adds: “All of the team at Powerlift Materials Handling Ltd are extremely grateful to have secured a contract to replace all warehouse equipment at Ellard’s Head Depot in Manchester. This will be done over 36 months to bring all the contracts in line. The new equipment will include several benefits and upgrades to operation and safety throughout Ellard’s Warehouse. Our in-house driver trainer has also implemented a training schedule to ensure all driver’s licenses are up to date before expiry. Being a family-owned local business a high level of service and personal relationship allowed us to work closely during the quotation stage to discuss features and benefits to help improve efficiency and safety.” Ellard’s warehouse staff and management look forward to further developing the partnership with Powerlift Material Handling.
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