New tech, new benefits

Blackpool based Lytham Window Company has recently invested in new machinery from Avantek. We catch up with general manager, Ted Kirkham, who explains more about the efficiencies the latest technology has introduced.

Started over 35 years ago by managing director, Dave Fletcher, Lytham Window Company is said to be the longest established fabricator and installer of PVC-U windows, doors, and conservatories on the Fylde Coast.

Based in Blackpool, the company focuses on servicing the Fylde Coast and surrounding areas.

Though their primary customer base is retail, they also supply trade and developers, and have worked with large, reputable companies such as Baxter Homes and Kensington Homes.

Time for an upgrade

In March 2021, the company upgraded its machinery, taking delivery of a SuperCut 5 cutting and machining centre from Avantek Machinery.

Lytham Window Company’s general manager, Ted Kirkham, said: “The machine we were replacing was around 16 years old and worn out. Although it had served us well, it was becoming less efficient.

“We wanted something with like-for-like specs in terms of cuts and preps, but with upgraded technology to continue a reliable supply of quality products to our customers.”

Avantek Machinery is a subsidiary of parent company Quanex. This allows the company to leverage economies of scale and has led to the development of close relationships with its overseas suppliers. One result is significantly reduced lead times for Avantek customers.

Ted continued: “Of course, having made the decision to upgrade, we wanted to do so with as little disruption to production as possible, so waiting times and ease of installation were important considerations.

“The turnaround time from placing our order with Avantek Machinery to taking delivery was faster than alternatives we’d considered and the installation went very smoothly.”

The Supercut 5 is designed with speed, accuracy, and quality in mind, which it achieves using the highest-grade components and latest software.

The upgraded technology brings a number of benefits to Lytham Window Company, as Ted explains: “The software is impressive. It’s optimised to reduce waste and maximise energy efficiency, both crucial in today’s climate of soaring costs. The training the guys from Avantek gave our team was fantastic and demonstrated how user-friendly the new SuperCut 5 is – it has been quick and easy to get to grips with.

“Another feature we’re finding impressive is the network connectivity, which enables remote assistance and is extremely useful,” he continued. “It’s like having a team of professionals onsite 24/7.”

Peace of mind

A further benefit is that Avantek Machinery can afford to keep a stock of essential spare parts. Sales director, Jamie Munday, explained: “Here at Avantek, we pride ourselves on our quality driven approach to manufacturing and customer service.

“We fully understand the detrimental impact downtime can have on fabricators, who must deliver on timescales agreed with their customers, to preserve their own professional reputation as well as the reputations of the installers they supply.

“In addition to ongoing training and technical support, one of the ways we limit disruptions to productivity is by ensuring rapid replacement of consumable parts,” continued Jamie. “We are able to do this by holding stock in the UK.”

“We’ve been running the machine for over a year now and haven’t encountered any major problems,” concluded Ted. “It’s also reassuring to know that Avantek holds a stock of consumables and spare parts, so if anything does happen, we can rest assured things will be resolved quickly.

“The new SuperCut 5 is proving reliable, energy efficient, and is consistently producing results to the exacting standards our customers demand.”