Leeds-based Express Bi-folding Doors has announced that it is gearing up for a solid year of growth after significant investment into its 130,000ft2 Millshaw Park Industrial Estate showroom and manufacturing premises near White Rose Shopping Centre.
Almost three years after the £3.5m development of its Leeds site, which included the installation of three full-sized show houses and bespoke kitchen and bedroom displays from sister company Express in the Home, the aluminium glazing specialist says it has invested £75,000 to further improve the showroom experience for its customers.
Express’ Leeds showroom is said to offer a destination for all elements of glazing within the home, from the latest innovations in bi-folding and sliding doors, to aluminium front doors, windows and glazed roof structures. As part of the company’s recent investment, improvements have been made across all displays, including its latest bi-folding door design, the XP Vision, and a showcase of its entire aluminium front door range.
Its newest display area includes three sets of Express’ new-to-market, architecturally-inspired lift-and-slide patio door, the XP Infinite, installed on an open corner spanning 9m. Also new for 2019 is a specialist design centre, offering visitors the opportunity to sit down with an expert and speak in detail about their specific requirements.
Alongside its showroom updates, Express has divided its manufacturing operation into two premises, following the appointment of a new head of production. One factory will focus on the mass volume product line and the other, which covers 20,00ft2, has been designed for manufacturing complex and bespoke products that require more specialist engineer attention.
Further improvements planned for completion by the end of 2019 include making the production line visible to showroom visitors. By moving this element of the manufacturing operation in front of the glass wall that currently separates the showroom from the manufacturing facility, Express says that customers will be able to get an inside look into how the products are made. This will make space for a profile and machining area where all stock can be held in one place alongside the specialist CNC machinery.
The second phase of expansion will see an interiors and homeware retail shop built on the mezzanine level, allowing customers to purchase anything, from cutlery sets to three-piece suites, that’s on display in the showroom.
Express Bi-folding Doors’ managing director, Steve Bromberg, commented: “After being in the showroom for nearly three years we have utilised the space to showcase our latest glazing designs as well as some of the specialist, bespoke solutions we offer that can’t be seen in other showrooms. We’re always looking for ways to innovate and streamline our manufacturing operation and customer experience, and our recent investment and redevelopment is testament to this.
“Our next phase is to put a retail shop onsite to really position the Leeds showroom as a home improvement destination while maintaining our core aluminium glazing offering. Express in the Home has grown significantly since bringing it into the Leeds showroom so we’re pleased to be able to offer a wide variety of home improvement services all under one roof.”
Express Bi-folding Doors’ former sales director, Mark Phillips, has taken on the role of managing director at sister company, Express in the Home, to improve the showroom experience and create synergy between the two companies.
