EVOLUTION AND VEKA GO FROM STRENGTH TO STRENGTH

Bedfordshire based Evolution Windows a specialist manufacturer of timber alternative windows and doors, is celebrating continued success despite the turbulent times of the past few years. The company which uses a unique 82mm patented profile and has built a successful partnership with leading PVCu Manufacturer VEKA plc for the last 11 years says that quality, service and VEKA’s strong operational support are the key elements of its success.

The prestige brand was founded in 2005 and has grown to become a leading player in the timber alternative segment with one of the most desirable products available.

Evolution markets its products through an approved dealer network of independent customers right across the UK. Products are designed to emulate traditional timber aesthetics and every window and door is hand finished to create a genuinely authentic timberalternative look and feel.

VEKA Managing Director, Neil Evans said, “We are pleased to be in partnership with Evolution and UK Windows and Doors Group, who have successfully carved out a niche in the marketplace. It offers a high specification product range of window and doors, that bring something different to the market and VEKA is honoured to be part of that offer. We look forward to continuing the partnership over the long-term”.

Paul McEneaney, General Manager of Evolution said, “Our position in the market continues to be strong, even with the growth in competition for timber alternatives. Evolution remains highly desirable to our target demographic, and we have enjoyed growth in market share over recent years. Our unique 82mm patented profile makes us distinctive to customers market and our partner profile supplier VEKA extrudes this exclusively for Evolution.”

The relationship between the two businesses has gone from strength to strength over the years. Paul said, “The day-to-day support from the VEKA Customer service team has allowed us to be consistent in achieving delivery dates and the highest quality standard of products that exceed our customer expectations. Our Business Development Team is always on hand to provide additional support, which gives us extra confidence in this partnership.” www.veka.co.uk

Lisa continues “Force 8 has always been a family business and extremely successful under the guidance of Dennis Sumner the managing director. After receiving many attractive offers to buy the company Dennis decided that the EOT was the best way forward for the company. Some of the staff from the shopfloor to the office have been with the company for over 20 years, and Dennis wanted to make sure the company was secure, and most of all the staff felt secure, the EOT was the perfect solution”.

An Employee-Owned company is one where over 51% of the shares are held in a trust for the benefit of all employees, in the case of Force 8 its 100%. The trust which oversees the management of the company includes shop floor representatives and one non-working independent person The trustee board must meet certain legal requirements and ensure that the company is always acting in the best interest of all the employees. Alongside this, a Forum is made up from staff and directors with the aim of improving the company and discussing new ideas. Companies with employee ownership often see greater productivity, reduced absenteeism, increased revenue, and higher profitability. These successes also tend to continue over time, as the motivation of employees continues to build, which is evident with Force 8. www.force8.uk

In an industry where staff and skill shortages are starting to bite, Force 8 has found what it believes is a unique and longlasting solution to the problem.