15 years and counting
Dekko Window Systems is celebrating 15 years in business. We catch up with sales director, Kurt Greatrex, who says the company is preparing to launch new products and services in 2023 and beyond.
Of all the years to start a business, 2008 might not have been the one to pick. It was the year the so-called ‘credit crunch’ began which quickly became a global recession, ushering the age of austerity into the UK.
That year, many big names in business, including Woolworths and MFI, closed for good. But although the future looked bleak, two experienced industry colleagues, Gary Torr and Kurt Greatrex, opened Dekko Window Systems, with the aim of providing local installers with high-quality windows and doors.
Today, 15 years on, the company has become one of the leading firms in its field. Using all the expertise gained during this period, Dekko now offers an extensive range of doors and windows manufactured using the latest cutting-edge technology.
Continual product investment
After working to establish a foothold in a highly competitive sector, in 2013, Dekko took on the fabrication of Residence Collection windows and doors, and was the only UK fabricator at the time to have a dedicated manufacturing space for the range.
Later that year, Dekko opened a brand new 55,000ft2 factory in Ashton-under-Lyne in order to accommodate the machinery needed to create all the products to service a market that was rapidly evolving due to changing customer demand and advances in technology.
This facility enabled Dekko to expand into the growing aluminium market with the launch of Räum, a premium range of windows, bi-folds and sliding patio doors, all boasting sophisticated slimline frames and optimum performance.
But Dekko certainly hadn’t forgotten about its beginnings in uPVC. In 2016, the company launched its premium Infinity brand of doors and windows, recognisable by its timber-like corner joints and smooth clean lines.
Rising to the challenge
Like everyone, the 2020 pandemic and its fallout handed Dekko new challenges – ones it has risen to admirably well. Supply chain disruptions and ongoing recruitment challenges could’ve conspired to cause the company any number of headaches.
But Dekko has worked around the clock to ensure lead times are kept to pre-Covid levels via investment in people and machinery and keeping in close contact with suppliers.
Last year, Dekko sold a 70% share to Swedish firm Inwido, Europe’s leading window group, securing a financial backing that gave the company the clout to be able to invest in new products and drive it on to even greater success.
Also in 2022, Dekko worked with machinery expert Haffner to launch the world’s first fully seamless window via its Infinity range. The product was unveiled at the 2022 FIT Show, to great acclaim.
A bright future for Dekko
Dekko sales director, Kurt Greatrex, commented: “Dekko has a long and rich history, and to reach 15 years is an incredible milestone for the company. During this time, we’ve grown from being a standard PVC-U fabricator to one of the UK’s leading manufacturers with a total production space of 80,000ft2, and an annual turnover of over £24 million.
“Today, we’ve also achieved a very successful partnership with Kubu, allowing us to incorporate their smart security locks into many of our front door offerings. We have also expanded our Räum range with market-leading products, and are proud to be the UK’s largest Residence Collection fabricator,” he continued.
“The success of the past 15 years is all thanks to the hard work and dedication of the Dekko team, the wide range of our high-quality products, strong relationships with our trusted suppliers, and continual investment.
“Looking ahead, we have several new products and services in the pipeline for 2023 and beyond. It’s a very exciting time for the company and our partners, and I very much look forward to seeing what the future has to hold for Dekko.”
