Adapt and invest to open the door to success
In the face of further restrictions and upcoming severe local lock downs, Window Supply Company announce a 234% increase in manufacturing output.
With the nation facing further local lockdowns and Brexit looming, we have the right to feel a little apprehensive about what 2021 has in store. Despite the boom in home improvement it is yet unclear how long this increased market demand will continue into the new year. It is welcome news West Lothian based Window Supply Company (WSC) announce a 234% increase in manufacturing output since March this year.
Like most window fabricators easing out of lock down back in June, the company faced a huge increase in market demand. In response, WSC invested heavily in their team, increasing the number of employees by a huge 90%. Admiringly recruiting staff previously made redundant as a result of the crisis, or those in sectors with a now uncertain future, delivering training and adding to their skillset. The company now employs a team of 96 people throughout their manufacturing facility and trade counter network and will continue to invest in the new year to support their business growth strategy.
With the introduction of a new shift pattern, the company ramped up production with capacity now at 240 windows per day with little plans to stop there. This edges the company extremely close to restoring their 95% on time in full score from the previous March. A hindrance to this is of course the supply chain challenges the entire sector is facing. Fortunately, the financial security of WSC has enabled them to build up a sufficient stock to ease some of the issues, meaning they can continue to deliver excellent service to customers despite the disruption. By increasing their delivery fleet of vehicles from 3 to 5, customers are assured that products continue to be delivered to site or to a local trade counter throughout Scotland.
As part of the manufacturing and construction industry, WSC had been operating as normal under Tier 3 in Scotland since 2nd of November with no negative impact on sales. The opposite in fact, as trade customers work hard to fit in installations before the Christmas break. West Lothian is one of eleven local authorities who entered Scotland’s highest lockdown level, Tier 4 on 20th November. Window Supply Company CEO Duncan Murray explains why he is not concerned.
‘Our success since easing out of lock down is undeniably the result of how quickly we responded to the new normal. We adapted and we invested, not only in people, but in technology and infrastructure and emerged a strong and stable supplier, trusted by our customers. Now in another lockdown with an uncertain 2021, how we react, adapt and continue to invest will ultimately determine our success.’