Glass News Interview Solar Group

NEW MANAGING DIRECTOR OF SOLAR GROUP’S HUTHWAITE OPERATION, GARETH JONES, TALKS TO GLASS NEWS

Glass News’ Editor, Chris Champion, talks with Gareth Jones who recently took up his appointment as Managing Director of the Solar Group’s Huthwaite based operations, taking the opportunity to congratulate him after his summer of gardening. Actually, in Gareth’s case, an opportunity to improve his golf handicap!

Solar’s Huthwaite operation includes three businesses: Solar Calibre Doors, Solar Norvik and Taylor Manufacturing. Bearing in mind Gareth’s previous position with profine and their acquisition of the Aperture business in May 2020, it seems ironic that Gareth’s new charge is Huthwaite based, too. It’s worth listening to his explanation as to how this new appointment came about and how, in recent years, Gareth has been involved in various ways with the Solar Group’s businesses. With over 22 years’ experience in the industry earning him a number of high profile positions, it’s not surprising that Solar has taken the opportunity to entice Gareth to their brand. His knowledge fits well with the Solar Calibre Door business with its mix of both composite doors and engineered timber doors that are available in both 44mm and 54mm with double rebate and triple seals in over 80 styles, plus fire doors, too. The new build operation of Solar Norvik sells to the public and private sector including Local Authorities, Housing Associations and New Build Developers, while Taylor Manufacturing, a window and door fabricator, produces a wide range of fenestration products for the wider group as well as selected business partners. Ahead of joining Solar on 3rd November Gareth was at the Glazing Summit and shares his views on a number of topics that were discussed in Birmingham including the issues over finding and keeping experienced people, how the pandemic has changed business life and some of the opportunities it affords, plus the supply chain. He talks about it being an extremely exciting time for the Solar Group with huge potential for its businesses, all of which have maintained quality and supply throughout a very challenging period for the industry. The committed supply chain, the reliable manufacturing route and the efficient service Solar offers to its customers are all key in the current market conditions. And what of the future? New products? Expansion? 2022 is, says Gareth, a time to develop their offering. Importantly, they have both the capacity and the capability to do just that, and he is looking forward to a very active and engaging year ahead. Gareth is also looking forward to The FIT Show and the opportunity to present his companies, their products and their people to the industry… the timing couldn’t be better!

It’s very much a case of welcoming Gareth Jones back to an important position within our industry and wishing him well for the future.

“2022 is, says Gareth, a time to develop their offering. Importantly, they have both the capacity and the capability to do just that, and he is looking forward to a very active and engaging year ahead.”