More than £million invested

Hurst Doors has invested more than £1 million in the last two years to keep up with the growing demand for its composite doors and PVCU panels.

One of the most significant investments has been into a CNC machining area, which includes two new Felder machines, Format 4 H5000 five-axis CNC machining centres, and new Palamatic vacuum lifting equipment.

Hurst has also installed a new Haffner Murat, automated double mitre saw for cutting PVC profile. The Hurst glass shop has been upgraded with a new Atlantic, four-brush vertical glass washer, Glass Eye software and a plotter, as well as a new automated sandblaster. The glass shop expansion means Hurst is capable of creating any bespoke sandblast designs to meet customers’ specific requirements.

Kevin Wheatman, Hurst director and general manager, said: “This investment has helped us increase our composite capacity capability by 50% and that’s great news for Hurst customers. We take great pride in our otif, which currently measures above 99%. This new machinery will ensure our customers continue to enjoy the high standards of service that Hurst is known for.”

Hurst has grown its workforce by 20% over the past 12 months, and now runs a daily fleet of 18 Mercedes Sprinters, which means 95% of orders are hand delivered by a member of the Hurst team, throughout the length and breadth of the country.

Formerly known as Hurst Plastics, the continued investment into the business follows a wholesale rebrand for the company in the year, which saw Hurst change its name to Hurst Doors. This rebrand was alongside the launch of a new corporate website.

The website contains useful information and support for installers and end-users, as well as new features, including a live ordering portal for trade customers, enabling them to quote, place orders and track orders in real-time, and a redesign of the Hurst Door Designer – complete with a visualiser – allowing installers and homeowners to customise their doors with thousands of combinations to choose from.

Hurst has also refreshed and redesigned its marketing collateral, both off and offline, including new brochures, as part of its commitment to provide its door installer network with comprehensive marketing support.

Hayley Barker, marketing manager at Hurst Doors, said: “Sustained investment into the business has meant we can continue to deliver on our promise to provide Hurst customers with the highest standards in quality products with a professional and personable customer service, so they’ll always feel at home with Hurst.”

Hurst Doors manufactures more than 500 composite doors and more than 3,000 door panels a week from its factory in Hull, and has a national network of more than 1,300 installers.