Public sector and new build door and window supplier, Nationwide Windows, pulled out all the stops last week, with an event to mark the official opening of its brand new insulated glass unit (IGU) production facility.
Injecting some glamour into glazing, the company, which is also celebrating three decades in business this year, surprised approximately 150 guests with a dazzling live performance from professional electric string musicians, Siren, who emerged from a cloud of dry ice as the door opened to reveal the brand new 36,000ft2 factory. Special guests also included Mark Pawsey, Member of Parliament for Rugby, who cut the ribbon to officially open the new premises, and the Mayor of Rugby, Clllr Richard Dodd, who remarked on the ‘wow factor’ of the opening event.
Visitors were able to view some of the state of the art glass processing machinery in action, while the ‘Supplier Zone’ played host to some of Nationwide’s partners including BSI, Hoppe, Edgetech, RegaLead, Promac and composite door supplier, Distinction Doors, which was previewing its new, low maintenance composite decking and fencing products, due to be officially launched early next year.
Situated opposite the company’s head office and fabrication plant in Rugby, Warwickshire, the new facility has created around 30 new jobs in the local area and now enables Nationwide to control its entire production process, by incorporating IGU manufacture into the supply chain.
Following the official opening, guests were able to partake in a comprehensive Nationwide Windows factory tour and BBQ. A rugby theme was also the order of the day – with Wasps RFC in attendance, as well as a bar and big screen laid on to show the afternoon’s Rugby World Cup matches, with the celebrations extending into the evening.
Managing director at Nationwide Windows, John Whalley, commented: “We had a fantastic day at the opening of our new IGU manufacturing facility. It was a great way to mark our 30th anniversary this year, to bring all of our customers and partners together to thank them for their support, and to officially open the new IGU plant. The facility will further ensure that we have full control over all of our processes, to the benefit of our customers, and it has capacity for around 3,500 units per week, including toughened and laminated glass. All units are argon filled and use the latest warm edge technology for optimum thermal efficiency.
“The new space also means that we can future proof the business as a whole to allow for further growth and recruitment, with additional parking, office space and a training facility. We’ve worked hard with our partner companies to source the best machinery and equipment available to ensure that the fully automated facility was able to hit the ground running at point of launch. Watch this space for more updates in the coming months.”
