Sunderland-based VEKA Approved Fabricator, NE&C Windows and Doors is celebrating two notable anniversaries in 2015, marking both a decade in business as well as its first year in a brand new, centralised factory.
NE&C – whose initials stand for North East & Cumbria – was established in late 2004 by husband-and-wife team, Ed and Heather Ramshaw. Establishing its own glass-manufacturing plant, the company continually grew until, in early 2014, a move to larger premises was required to meet unprecedented levels of demand.
Financial Director, Heather explains: “Having previously run two smaller units, it made sound business sense for us to consolidate our operations to a single facility. We took the opportunity to increase capacity at the same time and are thrilled to be celebrating the first anniversary of our move – it’s had a huge impact, with improved production and logistics being among several beneficial outcomes.”
Central to NE&C’s continued growth and development has been its commitment to fabricating high-end PVC-U window systems from The VEKA UK Group – the country’s largest manufacturer of PVC-U window profile. It is estimated that one-in-four UK commercial window installations uses VEKA products.
Director, Ed Ramshaw confirms: “We’ve now worked with The VEKA UK Group for more than four years and during that time they’ve supported and helped us in evolving and expanding the PVC-U division of our business.
“2015 sees our portfolio complemented by the introduction of new divisions for bi-folding doors and conservatory roofing, and we’re confident of VEKA’s continued and pro-active support in building this new stream of revenue.”
NE&C’s new 16,000 square feet home at Glover Industrial Estate, Washington has contributed to an increase in profitability, with the company’s annual turnover now in excess of £1.3m. Five new job roles have also been created, increasing staff numbers by over 20%.
Heather adds: “We’ve not just invested heavily in the premises but in staffing and machinery too. We’re attracting a good spread of customers from residential to construction industry clients and, with quality products from the likes of VEKA behind us, we’re assured in our ability to offer the right solutions for virtually any project.
“Streamlining our operations has allowed us to pass logistical savings on to our loyal customers and, with space to grow, we don’t envisage any cap to what we might achieve. Here’s to the next ten years’ success!”
