Choosing A New Manufacturer – Consider These 10 Things
Responding to a valuable article that was circulated by Made in Britain and written by Lucinda O’Reilly, Masterframe has evaluated the company’s performance against the 10 recommended boxes to tick when selecting a manufacturer. Carol Slade, Managing Director says “We read the article with great interest and found that we absolutely agreed with what has been written. It is very prudent for companies looking to engage new manufacturers to evaluate their businesses in detail to ensure that they are not only getting the very best products but also the most competent and reliable partners who have their best interests at heart. We have followed the ten recommended points mentioned and given our own response below”.
1. Quality Standards and practices:
Masterframe is an ISO 9001:2015 approved company and has recently been audited with their accreditation continued. This proves that the company uses recognised managements systems for consistency and that each area of the business conforms to set processes which are constantly monitored for compliance. The company has its own Visual Quality Standards Policy and Document which not only complies with European and British standards but surpasses them in some areas such as glass inspection.Masterframe is BBA Accredited which means that all products and components are submitted for stringent independent testing assuring customers that the performance and longevity of the products is assured. Add to this Energy Savings Trust Endorsed products and Secured by Design options for security and there is no doubt that the customer is purchasing from a company where quality standards are of the greatest importance.The generous guarantees offered on all Masterframe brands are an indication that the company stands behind their products for 10 to 12 years.
2. Compliance and regulatory standards passed:
Masterframe has a dedicated Technical & Compliance Director in Ray Rabett who has 34 years’ experience in the fenestration industry, 27 of which have been at Masterframe in a technical role. Ray’s portfolio covers the regular scrutiny and updating of documents relating to regulatory requirements which are audited for their relevance as part of the ISO 9001: 2015 compliance. As members of the GGF and the British Plastics Federation, Masterframe attends regular meetings and is constantly updated on new issues affecting the fenestration industry and what steps need to be taken in order to manage changing situations. When new information is received that is of importance to customers then a communication plan is set up to pass on the information.
3. Communication with clients:
Customer service is at the very heart of the Masterframe ethos and communication with customers is regular and sustained. Zoom meetings and frequent telephone conversations have taken the place of physical meetings this year, however, even though the lock-down, Directors were on hand to offer assistance and to check on how their customers were doing under difficult circumstances.
Regular communication is achieved by:
Formal Technical Update mailings to advise customers on product and specification changes
Weekly newsletter to customers that are part of the Bygone Approved Network
Formal briefings and updates by Zoom meetings to communicate new marketing and business strategies
Online training by webinar or zoom
4. Flexibility:
Although there are official lead times in place for manufacture, the team at Masterframe will always look for a flexible solution when one is required by a customer. If changes have to be made, then accommodating the customer takes top priority.
5. Problem-solving initiatives:
With over 31 years of experience, the team at Masterframe has the knowledge, expertise and infrastructure to deal with problems as they arise either in manufacture, supply or after-sales.As sash window specialists, it is in the area of problem-solving that Masterframe really comes into its own. Many new products such as the exclusive integral mullion and the London Sash & Frame design were born out of a need to meet a customer brief to match existing timber window designs.
6. Portfolio of work:
Over the years Masterframe has built up an impressive portfolio of case studies and testimonials, some of which can be viewed on the website here. References from previous project partners on large and small projects are published and available on request.
7. Striving for innovation:
Innovation has always been top of mind at Masterframe, striving to produce the truest to original PVC-U sash window on the market.On this journey, innovation has led the company to trade-mark names and patent many of its inventions. Sometimes these are small elements incorporated into the window to either enhance performance or aesthetics and at other times serious technological innovation such as Timberweld®, a method of producing perfectly sealed corners that were first to market. To produce these sophisticated products more efficiently, Masterframe has invested heavily in new machinery over the last two years bringing the manufacturing facility well up to date with all the new technology. In addition following the latest trends towards more adventurous colour choices, a new paint plant has been commissioned and staffed up with highly trained technicians.
8. Intellectual Property:
Masterframe has a robust Privacy Policy which is well publicised on both company websites. In addition, strict GDPR guidelines are adhered to with the Managing Director, Carol Slade being the Data Control Officer and personally overseeing the management of data.
9. Financial Stability:
Masterframe has a long history and has survived recession and lock-down and emerged with a positive view of the future. There are plans and strategies in place to increase productivity and further innovate and market the company into an even stronger position.
10. Additional Services Offered:
Although Materframe is 100% focussed on sash windows, they are project partners in every respect. On large commercial projects, they offer their technical expertise and support customers from conception to completion and beyond. As experts, Masterframe offer guidance on gaining approval for low maintenance PVC-U sash windows in Conservation Areas and have published a comprehensive guide on the subject for customer reference.
If you are looking to appoint a new sash windows manufacturer, read about the full spectrum of products and services that Masterframe can offer by visiting the website www.masterframetrade.co.uk.
