|
|
 |
|
| |
August 09 |
|
Manufacturers face increasingly complex challenges from stiff global competition to increased uncertainty and rapidly changing markets. For Carmarthen-based Nolan uPVC, innovation is essential to growth and competitiveness.
Set up over 20 years ago, former carpenter Nolan Nicholas wanted to create a service-focused business that didnt fit the stereotypical image of a double glazing company.
Managing Director, Mr Nicholas explains: "I wanted Nolan uPVC to be the local name you can trust for home improvements. Although the company has grown and developed since then, the principle remains the same - to deliver the highest quality in everything we do from manufacturing to installation to after sales care."
Since 1989, the award-winning family-run business has built up an impressive £7 million turnover and become one of the largest independently owned companies in Wales manufacturing windows, doors and conservatories. All of the companys high quality products are manufactured on-site in Carmarthen.
In 2008, Nolan uPVC moved its workforce to a new £1.5 million state-of-the-art facility. This enabled the company to centralise manufacturing, administration, sales and distribution under one roof, and at the same time to upgrade plant and machinery, logistics and IT capabilities. The new site also hosts a new 4,500 sq ft walk-in design studio which supplements Nolan uPVCs high profile design studio in Cardiff the largest uPVC showroom in Wales.
"With cutbacks in the building industry because of the economic climate, we were eager to make sure we took full advantage of our new facilities," says Mr Nicholas. "The manufacturing support programme from the Welsh Assembly Government has been of great help and we are now well positioned for a positive future."
The first step was support from a specialist Manufacturing Manager to undertake a company diagnostic. This helped to identified areas of the business that needed immediate attention, as well as highlighting areas where there were clear strengths.
With the diagnostic completed, the Business Innovation Manufacturing team is now supporting the company in developing a prioritised action plan. This will cover areas such as:
Control of manufacturing costs e.g. energy cost reduction
Improvement in the control of the supply chain
Further improvements in manufacturing quality
Further improvements in manufacturing efficiency
Introduction of additional key performance indices
Development of a strategic approach to the current business climate.
The action plan and support for further funding is being taken forwarded with help from an Innovation Manager.
For More information about the support available and Business Innovation Manufacturing, visit www.business-support-wales.gov.uk/innovation or call Flexible Support for Business on 03000 6 03000. |
|
|
|
|
