Stafford Aluminium Windows achieves success

A WINDOW replacement firm is riding high after setting out two years ago to challenge the dominance of the industry's big names.

Having weathered the recession to date, Stafford Aluminium Windows has re-invested more than £500,000 in its facilities and increased its workforce by 40 per cent.

Now, with 70 people and still recruiting, it is confident of doubling its turnover towards the £10 million mark within two years.

And one special product – developed specifically to win a multi-million pound contract – has given the company a whole new product range into the bargain, and last month won a prestigious national trade award.

Now Stafford Aluminium is a nominee in The Sentinel Business Awards, presented in association with North Staffordshire Chamber of Commerce and Stoke-on-Trent City Council, in the Staffordshire University-sponsored Small Business of the Year category.

Over the past two years the company has virtually re-invented itself.

Commercial director Dee Benning said: "Before the national decline in the residential replacement window market, our sales were roughly 80 per cent to homeowners and 20 per cent to commercial customers, major social landlords and the like.

"By design, we have completely reversed that, and are now in the process of doubling our turnover again through expansion of our aluminium-framed products."

A real feather in the 33-year-old firm's cap was getting its products used – and specified for future replacements – in the world-famous Cadburyworld listed housing development.