Following its five-year exclusive supply agreement with VEKA, Glazerite reveals the rationale behind the decision and the extensive benefits for its installer customers.
For more than 25 years, Glazerite and VEKA have stood shoulder to shoulder, building a strong partnership that has been instrumental in the fabricator’s success.
Now one of the UK’s leading window and door manufacturers, Glazerite’s decision to double down on this very special relationship, by means of a five-year exclusive supply agreement, is rooted in ambitious plans for future growth.
It also means a simpler, more efficient supply chain, an even closer working partnership and ultimately, a better service for Glazerite customers.
Following an operational review, Glazerite will now manufacture 100% VEKA/Halo from its Wellingborough, Peterborough and Bolton sites, benefitting from access to VEKA's complete product portfolio, continued investment in innovation and reliable technical support.
Removing unnecessary complication was also a significant factor in the decision.
“This is quite a shift from what the business has done historically, but what it means is we can completely focus on the VEKA brand,” explains Jeff Dunn, Group Sales & Commercial Director at Glazerite.
“We decided that our systems were up to date and the right personnel was in place, but there was far too much complexity within the business. We’ve stripped a lot of that out now. It means we've got much more efficiency in procurement; in IT; in transport; and of course, in manufacturing.”
This allows Glazerite to focus its resources more effectively, with fewer competing demands on the business and a clearer direction for the future. The five-year term also provides a secure basis for planning, with both Glazerite and VEKA fully committed to working together over the set period.
“I think the fact that we've put in a five-year agreement is an indication of the confidence we have in the VEKA product range and what it delivers for our customers,” Jeff explains. “The two businesses understand each other, and that's why the deal was logical.”
This builds on VEKA's established support for Glazerite, creating further opportunities for the two businesses to work closely together and respond to the needs of installers.
“They've been really supportive,” says Jeff. “When we've got something that we want to talk to them about, we can see that they're really listening and taking on board what we need from them to help our business; help our customers; and streamline our systems…”
With regular strategy meetings providing opportunities for discussion, such closeness with its systems supplier allows Glazerite to effectively communicate its own customers’ requirements and discuss how VEKA’s products, processes and support can rise to the occasion; something that is particularly important during challenging trading conditions.
For installers, the benefits of such good synergy between systems supplier and fabricator filter down, creating confidence, consistency, reliability and quality that helps ensure their own day-to-day operations run as smoothly as possible.
“I think from our installer partners' point of view, they're all delighted that we've got this really healthy relationship with VEKA,” explains Jeff. “I think our installers want to know that we are in a really good place with our key supplier, so in turn, they're in a good place with their supplier.”
While the new five-year deal simplifies Glazerite’s supplier arrangements, it does not come at the expense of its comprehensive product offer. Supplying every product within the VEKA range, installers have access to a broad choice of innovative window and door products.
A particular favourite with Jeff and the wider Glazerite team is VEKA’s Feinstruktur foils.
“I think it’s the best product that VEKA has brought to market in a decade,” affirms Jeff. “It's such a robust, attractive foil. We love working with it on the shop floor; our customers like it; we're keen to promote it; we think it's good value and we think it's something genuinely new.”
Ultimately, for Glazerite, choosing to strengthen its relationship with VEKA has improved its ability to deliver product quality and choice for its customers, increase efficiency and galvanise the relationships and support on which installers depend.
“Our internal teams are delighted that we've got this new agreement with VEKA, and I know from speaking to the VEKA team that they're also very excited about partnering with Glazerite 100%,” says Jeff.
“I think the new agreement shows a confidence between both parties. VEKA has got every faith in Glazerite for the next five years, and we are very confident that they've got our back for the next five years,” he concludes.
