MD of specialist aluminium fabricator outlines ideas for growth
Posted on 31/10/2013
The MD of a leading specialist aluminium fabricator is outlining his thoughts on how to cement the economic recovery, following some recent positive signs.
Gloucester based CDW Systems has performed admirably throughout the recession, recently posting record trading figures. But its Managing Director, Jerry Webb, believes more can be done to boost manufacturing output and increase demand in the commercial and domestic glazing sectors.
In correspondence he is circulating to key figures inside and outside of the industry, Jerry has called on government to provide clarity around the Green Deal, consider a reduction in VAT charged on all domestic and commercial building work; and detail its vision for house building.
“Aluminium has experienced a renaissance in the last few years and as a company we have benefitted from strong demand in the commercial and domestic sector, for our aluminium windows and doors. The bi-fold boom has also helped.
“But looking forward we can’t become complacent and a recent report by AMA, on the commercial glazing sector, is predicting a relatively stagnant market over the next two years, with recovery strengthening from 2016.
“How do we accelerate that? What levers do we need to pull? I personally believe a reduction in the level of VAT on commercial and domestic work and a major house building programme is required.”
Jerry says that a Green Deal that works would also allow smaller building companies to carry out upgrade work on existing properties.
“I would say that the commercial sector also needs targeted investment. There are positive signs in the office sector in the major cities and there are niche projects generating growth. But the scrapping of the Building Schools for the Future programme has slowed demand in the education sector.
“Nobody has all the answers and we are in a harsh economic reality but as a major employer and leading company in the aluminium sector, I felt it responsible to talk with our installer customers and communicate their and our views,” Jerry concludes.
CDW Systems have been in business for twenty-one years and manufacture and supply a wide range of windows, doors, shop fronts and curtain walling using some of the leading aluminium profile systems on the market today including Smarts and SAPA.
The specialist aluminium fabricator brings to market new products yearly; and most recently brought its new PassivHaus approved patio door, that can accommodate up to 400 kg of glass, to market.
