Sash UK’s sales are up as global interest soars

Despite the struggling times the UK industry is facing, which has seen many companies failing to keep their heads above the water, Sash UK is making big waves globally to drive sales significantly higher than last year... disproving the popular theory that British glazing companies seldom look beyond these shores. With its non-commercial order intake for doors & windows up 38% on this time last year, and its order intake for conservatories up by 13%, Sash is truly riding out the storm with resounding success in all areas of its business. But the company's success doesn't just relate to its activities within the UK market place. Due to the commercial capabilities and versatility of the business, Sash has been able to cultivate and sustain itself in overseas markets, particularly the United States where they have dominated the luminatrium market for many years. It is through these ongoing activities that Sash has seen the recent surge of interest in its product range on a global scale, with countries as far reaching as Japan enquiring about its many door and window products, as well as Egypt, Dubai and Australia showing an interest in its luminatrium range. And in countries such as Cyprus, where business opportunities have already been established, the Sash name continues to grow in popularity seeing a fourth company signing up to receive its conservatory range. So what is Sash's secret to its ongoing success? "A company's success is only truly measured by its achievements, particularly in testing times," says David Ruzicka, joint Managing Director of Sash UK. "The Sash name has been built on very strong foundations that has enabled our business to go from strength to strength, even though the UK industry in general is considered to be on a downturn. It is these strong foundations that have given Sash the leverage in which to move into other market arenas, widening our scope to build our business and reputation on an international level. Although we are still heavily focused on the UK, we have to recognise that the market has changed and it is essential for us to look overseas. I have always believed it is important to keep the Sash name in the international spotlight, and from that we are now drawing strength and generating new business."

Sash UK has a 'Rudy' awakening with recruitment of new Fitrite rep

Increasing demand in all areas of Sash business has prompted the recruitment of a Business Development Advisor (BDA) dedicated solely to the Fitrite Decking and Fencing division. Rudy Micallef joins Sash following 23 years of retail and commercial sales experience in the aquatic and garden leisure industry, bringing with him a skill base that he believes is well suited and easily transferable to Fitrite. Prior to Rudy's appointment the role was divided between Sash's BDA's for windows, doors and conservatories. However, following a sales and marketing push on all fronts, coupled with the new partnering with Spectus, levels of enquiries and orders have increased. So, in order to better service its trade customer-base, Sash has begun to expand its sales team further. "Rudy will be responsible for supporting the current network of Approved Installers in addition to recruiting new Installers to strengthen Fitrite's nation-wide coverage," explained David Ruzicka, Joint MD at Sash UK. "His knowledge of the garden leisure industry will be invaluable in marketing Fitrite and his appointment to the role is testament to the increasing momentum of the Decking and Fencing division". Since its launch in April 2004 Fitrite has grown in terms of range and Approved Installers. In addition to PVCu decking and fencing, Sash has also devised a range of garden accessories, including a magnificent 14ft pagoda and attractive alternatives to smoking shelters. Business has proved to be less seasonal than first forecasted with a steady stream of orders still coming in despite the recent change in weather. However, with the appointment of Rudy Sash is gearing up for a springtime boom and further distributor expansion for 2007.

Sash UK Prepares for 100% Expansion

Sash UK has begun preparatory work on land next to their headquarters in Barnsley, South Yorkshire. The new land doubles that currently occupied by their existing facilities and is testament to the growth that the company continues to enjoy. Purchased in 2005, the land is being brought up to build level. This initial stage of work should be completed by March 2007. Currently situated on 5 acres, the new land of 9 acres almost trebles Sash's operations. Planning permission has been granted for a building from 50,000 sqft up to 160,000 sqft. Sash UK also owns an additional 2 acres of land that has been set aside for landscaping to maintain the rural environment of the area. "We have that many irons in the fire at present that we are still unsure as yet, what the new premises will be used for," said David Ruzicka, Joint MD at Sash UK. "There's the possibility that we may use it to house production of our new Spectus line or for the manufacture of 'special' frames such as in-line sliders, which have a tendency to slow general production down. The extra space will also come in useful as our decking and fencing business continues to grow and we intend to move luminatrium and conservatory production to the new site," he added. "It's a great accomplishment to be expanding our facilities at a time when others are down-sizing. Diversification of our core business had allowed us to maintain the growth we have always enjoyed. The success of our recent ventures is the result of persistent hard work and the expansion of our premises is the fruit of our labour," David finished.