In a recent trading update, Eurocell has announced that it is in a strong position to move forward from the COVID-19 lockdown and ensure its fabricator partners can source the products, services and solutions they need as the industry gets back on its feet.
The manufacturer, distributor and recycler of PVC-U window, door, conservatory and roofline systems stated that by the end of June, all bar one of its manufacturing plants, branch network, distribution and recycling operations were open.
The one exception is a recycling site in Selby which is expected to be open by the end of July due to an increasing demand for recycled material.
According to Eurocell, the speed at which it has returned to near complete operations means that it is well placed to support the window and door industry as it recovers from the lockdown. Since re-opening in May, Eurocell claims its branch network has been busy fulfilling orders, with a 6% increase in sales in June compared to the same period last year.
The trading update outlined that sales were very much in line with expectations to the end of March and despite the closure of operations for a period, the company achieved £94 million for the first six months of the year. The return to work in May saw sales rising rapidly and the company was able to take on additional business through market share gains in the roof sector and the introduction of new products including a range of outdoor living solutions.
In order to further ensure that it can meet a growing demand for its products, Eurocell is continuing with plans to open a 260,00ft2 warehouse in early 2021. This warehouse will improve its capacity while providing a number of operational efficiencies.
Ian Kemp, sales director at Eurocell, said: “In line with the government’s guidance, we temporarily closed plants, distribution and recycling operations on 23 March. When the guidance changed in May we began a phased reopening while taking care to maintain good health and safety performance, with safe working practices for COVID-19 implemented across the business.
“We know that many people in the building industry have been concerned about the reliable supply of materials due to the disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The actions we’ve taken to not only reopen the business but actively grow it means that we are well placed to work with fabricators and our partners in the glazing industry to collectively navigate a way back to normality.
“Our commitment to providing the industry with what it needs goes further than just getting back to the way things were at the beginning of the year, as we’re also increasing our operations with a new warehouse so that we can provide a better service than ever before.
“In addition, we’ve been busy launching new products which we know the market wants, such as our range of garden rooms. These are ideal right now, as they provide a way for people to create more space at home where they can not only live and work but also enjoy the summer sunshine.”
