With the need to provide specifiers with a quality choice of doors, windows and curtain wall systems that perform as well as they look, the added value that the supply chain can offer can’t be underestimated. In our latest blog, Soundcraft’s director of production Lee Gordon looks at the external benefits of working with a company with in-house expertise.
Building strength from within
They say that three is the magic number and in terms of the ongoing development of Soundcraft, investment in our three key resources – people, plant and products – has certainly proven to be a successful combination. Giving our workforce the skills they need to be the best at what they do is a key part of business ethos and through the training and development of our team, we have been able to build a strong in-house technical department. This in turn has led us to be able to provide a full service offering to our clients that includes the design, manufacture and installation of high performance aluminium and aluminium-timber composite doors, windows and curtain wall systems
This commitment to nurturing our internal resources has been an important part of Soundcraft’s development from when we started back in 1962 to where we are today. Originally a company specialising in the supply of timber doors and windows and associated joinery products, our expansion into the manufacture and installation of steel communal security doors in the mid-1990s saw us develop new skills alongside our new product offering. As demand for aluminium fenestration systems increased, we responded by investing once again in our people, plant and products so that we could provide our clients with not only doors and windows, but innovative curtain walling solutions. This has led to the successful development of our timber and aluminium composite systems that have gone on to be installed on a number of high profile projects.
Continuous Improvement
One of our greatest assets is our team of in-house CAD technicians which allows us to make full use of our manufacturing and installation expertise. It also enables us to offer a bespoke service to our clients, working with them to develop solutions that meet the specific requirements of each project.
By utilising the latest CAD software and fully networked CNC machines, alongside Logikal estimation software and technical manuals from product manufacturers such as Senior Architectural Systems, we can design and produce our own 3D extrusion drawings for specific items such as fixing brackets. Our ongoing training will also provide us with the necessary skills to fully integrate our design services across the project supply chain, offering a joined-up approach with our other internal departments and collaborating more closely with both our clients and product suppliers.
Full service solution
Our range of in-house resources have been developed to offer support from concept to completion. On supply and fit contracts, our team of experienced surveyors can help to identify and solve any potential problems before work commences on site, ensuring that all aspects of the opening into which our products are installed are considered at the design stage.
Informed design leads to quality manufacture, with our production team utilising state of the art machinery to create high quality doors, windows and screens. All of our in-house manufacturing is also assured by our commitment to the ISO 9001:2008 Quality Management System.
Completing the circle, our installation service is available for most products and the advantage of working with a sole supplier that can offer a single of responsibility has been widely embraced by our clients. Supported by our in-house surveying and design departments, which are both essential to good installation, utilising our team of installers also brings important health and safety benefits.
Perhaps the jewel in the crown of Soundcraft’s in-house resources and the area that we feel we can really offer the extra value that clients so rightly demand, is our expertise in meeting thermal, security and fire resistance requirements. Our third-party certification and membership of leading schemes such as Exova BM Trada for the installation of timber fire doors and screens and Secured by Design for our security doors, not only gives us the knowledge we need to be able to provide our clients with a high quality and fully comprehensive service, but also ensures that every door, window and curtain wall contract we deliver is fit for purpose.
To find out more about how Soundcraft can assist you with your next project, please call our UK technical and sales helpline on 0800 988 1875 or request a call back.
