Clearview National May 2017 - Issue 186 | Page 109

AL UMINIUM Building the success story » » AS THE FIRM CELEBRATES a quarter of a century in business, CDW Systems’ Managing Director Mike Davis reflects on the company’s success and outlines its plans going forward. Entrepreneur and billionaire Bob Parsons once said: “Never stop investing. Never stop improving. Never stop doing something new.” It is a mantra that can be applied to all successful businesses and here at CDW Systems we know that the key to success is never standing still. Over the past 25 years, we have made significant investments across the company to ensure we remain at the top of our game and offer a world-class service to our customers. From our factory floor, right the way through to delivery and aftercare, quality is integral to our operations. BUILDING THE SUCCESS STORY The business was formed in 1992. Jerry Webb, who totals more than thirty years’ experience in the aluminium industry, joined the business soon after. Using his industry knowledge and expertise gained from previous employment at leading systems suppliers, he built CDW from a niche manufacturer of commercial aluminium doors to a company that now offers a multi-faceted product range for domestic and commercial applications – including windows, doors and curtain walling – using some of the leading aluminium profile systems on the market. Jerry and the team’s unwavering determination to build on our initial success has seen us achieve phenomenal growth over the years, and the group recently celebrated a record year. Group turnover increased by 19% and hit £10m turnover for the first time, in the year ending 2016. PASSING THE BATON Our record year coincided with my appointment as Managing Director, taking over from Jerry Webb, who becomes Group Chairman. I personally have been working in the industry since the 1980s and have been employed at CDW Systems for 11 years, where I first joined as Sales Administration Manager. It is a testament to the company’s investment in its staff that I have been afforded the opportunity to progress into this new role and I’m excited to become Managing Director as we continue to break new records. It is incredible to think how much has changed since CDW Systems was formed. In 1992, the internet was only just becoming commercially available and since then it has exploded. I feel CDW has done the same – the business has just exploded. PREMIUM PRODUCT RANGE Our extensive range of aluminium products has been 25 years in the making and each product is carefully selected to help our customers capitalise on lucrative opportunities in the market. This year, to commemorate our quarter of a century in business, we’ve expanded our range again with the launch of Reynaers Aluminium lift and slide patio doors. The residential market is shifting towards premium aluminium products – such as patio doors – and adapting our range accordingly is crucial to our customers remaining competitive in an increasingly cutthroat market. We also aim to launch even more new products in collaboration with some of the leading aluminium systems companies to help our customers capitalise on future trends and growth markets. SIGNIFICANT INVESTMENTS Along with new products, 2017 will bring several changes to the business and its operations. We have always invested heavily in our manufacturing operations and we were one of the first aluminium fabricators in the UK to install CNC machine centres and punch presses. High demand for our products saw us expand our factory once in 2011 and now again this year. We are currently awaiting planning permission to extend our existing factory and HQ on Eastbrook Road, Gloucester, where we employ over 60 full-time staff. We have also introduced a second shift to meet increased demand for our aluminium products. Recently, we have also employed 10 local manufacturing specialists and with these new appointments and plans underway to extend the factory, we are well positioned to meet demand and fuel further growth. NEVER STOP IMPROVING Following a turbulent political and economic year, there are reports suggesting the construction industry is in for a rough ride in 2017, but so far, we’re still seeing increasing order books for both commercial and domestic aluminium products. One thing we are certain of is we will never stop investing, improving or doing something new. For more information call 01452 414853 or visit www.cdwsystems.co.uk C L E A RV I E W-U K . C O M » M AY 2017 » 109