Composite doors are a new line of products from Selecta Systems Ltd. The German owned extruder of PVC-U window systems has set up a dedicated manufacturing facility within its nine acre site in Birmingham.
Mark Richmond, Selectas Sales & Marketing Director, was a driving force in forming the new door division. He is enthusiastic about the markets response to the Selecta composite door and expects to follow this up with the launch of bi-folding doors and ready-to-fit patio doors.
Selecta is expecting to attract many new customers for its composite doors in addition to take-up from its fabricator base, who see the product as a hassle-free add-on.
New business
In a difficult economic climate, Selecta has set up 24 new fabricators in the last year and sales are up 19%. We are the only firm actively encouraging others to enter the marketplace, says Mark Richmond, who is not surprised that individuals would want to start manufacturing right now. Despite the credit crunch, people still believe in their ability to create a market, he explains.
Selecta has been responsible for launching many window fabricators during its 26 history, and still offers machinery packages for newcomers on a small budget to begin manufacturing. The company historically has a customer base comprising small and medium fabricators and while this continues a number of larger fabricators are now switching to Selectas Advance 70 system. In fact 43 existing fabricators have converted to Advance 70 in the last year.
Selecta is continuing to invest in the extrusion facilities behind the Advance 70 high performance window system. A new mixing plant has recently been installed, ensuring great control over PVC-U compound as well as cost savings for Selecta.
Few extrusion companies are investing like we are at the moment, says Mark Richmond, referring to the new plant, which is overseen by Mixing Plant Manager Dr Paul Lutwyche.
New initiatives
Composite doors are an exciting new area for Selecta, and the latest in a string of initiatives by the company designed to support its customer base.
We are doing as much as we possibly can to help the fabricator to get the sale, adds Mark Richmond. A pack of new literature is the latest marketing initiative from Selecta, and we can expect further product launches next year.