22
NEW YEAR MESSAGES
Martin Thurley,
Group MD,
Liniar/Avantek
Richard Gyde,
managing
director, Mila
2019 will usher in
another year of
innovative technology
from our design and
development department, dedication to
our employees and customers, further investment and a long list
of industry-leading products in both of our companies – and I’m
excited to be part of the future.
While long-time CEO, Roger Hartshorn, has stepped away from
the company, I’ve been at the helm for approximately two years
now, and it’s very much business as usual.
I’m committed to keeping the flat structure, and ‘family feel’
that the Group is famous for. Supporting me in this vision is our
committed senior management team, which was handpicked
by Roger; and the same team that has already brought us
groundbreaking products, like ModLok technology, Alumina and
the new Elevate roof – as well as the Supercut machining and
cutting centre.
“We’ve had, and continue to benet
from, the highest investment in
innovation, plant and equipment
from our parent company Quanex”
We’ve had, and continue to benefit from, the highest
investment in innovation, plant and equipment from our parent
company Quanex, that I’ve ever seen in a company I’ve been
a part of. Because of this, 2019 will see the largest number of
product launches in Liniar’s history; a testament to our desire
to set the bar high for industry-leading, cutting-edge ideas and
products.
People have always been at the forefront of our business,
from our dedication and safety records to excellent customer
service and the fresh ideas brought in by our apprentices. For
the year ahead, we’re furthering our focus on attracting young
people to the fenestration industry by recruiting three additional
apprenticeship placements. These will join the 24 apprentices
who’ve come before them, two of which are currently part of our
management team. We’re big believers in the recently-launched
Building Our Skills initiative and hope other businesses in the
industry get involved.
On top of innovation and people, we’re still devoted to
reducing our carbon footprint and protecting the environment.
We pledge not only to remain a Zero operational wastage facility
but will continue to add to our 100% recycled product line.
With the FIT Show rapidly approaching, we’re looking forward
to welcoming our customers, installers and fabricators to our
stand. Make sure you pay us a visit – we can’t wait to show you all
what we’ve been working on!
I’d also like to wish everyone in the industry a prosperous and
Happy New Year.
There will be plenty to
get excited about in 2019
– with the premium sector
continuing to perform well and
more innovation to come from across the
industry in the key areas of aesthetics and security.
However, I’m expecting market conditions to remain tough
for many – ongoing uncertainty around Brexit is likely to make
some consumers cautious about spending money and a fairly
subdued housing market, particularly in the south east, may
limit the opportunities in the replacement market.
For component suppliers like Mila, the onus as always will be
on efficiency and service – maintaining the 99% OTIF which we
know gives our customers a head start in the market by making
sure we always have product in stock to help them respond to
any market demand.
That’s all down to our expertise in supply chain of course, and
the fact that we have been preparing for every conceivable Brexit
outcome pretty much since the results of the referendum were
announced in 2016.
Service will once again be a key differentiator for many.
Fabricators, and in turn installers, will quite rightly be
demanding more from their suppliers to help them navigate a
challenging marketplace, and it is companies like Mila who can
offer everything from specialist technical advice to independent
testing facilities who I think will win out.
Mila’s new product development programme will continue
throughout 2019 of course and we’ll have our first big
announcements to make in the spring. We’re not giving
too much away as yet, but the focus as in 2018 will be on
affordability – giving customers worthwhile new sales
opportunities with sustainable margins, without compromising
on the design, quality and durability which has always been
Mila’s trademark.
2019 will undoubtedly bring some challenges, but Mila will be
using all our strength in product development, supply chain and
marketing to help our customers overcome them.
www.ggpmag.com January 2019
/www.ggpmag.com
