Problem solved

Jade Engineering’s ‘Consult’ service has been created as a lifeline for fabricators faced with baffling production problems. We talk to Jade’s Adam Jones to find out more.

Wouldn’t it be great to simply say what and how many windows and doors you want to make, how much money you want to spend, and for someone to tell you what you need, that it will be in budget and it will be fully installed and with staff trained too?

Most of the machinery brands serving the window and door sector will claim to do that and most will achieve it to one degree or another. But there are very few companies that have the depth of knowledge and experience to redesign processes and even develop completely new ones…

Although quietly going about its business for more than 30 years, every window manufacturer will know Jade Engineering. And that is because every fabricator of PVC-U window and door frames – and most aluminium fabricators – has machine tools that were manufactured by Jade. Most will know that Jade also engineers a range of single purpose machines including end-millers, V notch saws and welders, all of which are at the unsexy, ‘does what it says on the tin’ end of profile kit.

The machines and machine tools are two aspects of Jade Engineering. But a third and fast growing division is Jade Consult, which increasing numbers of fabricators and systems houses are said to be relying on: when a baffling production issue needs a resolution, they turn to Jade.

Jade Consult comes under the umbrella of Jade Engineering, which is headed up by Sean Mackey and Adam Jones. The firm is, by a clear margin, the leading supplier of machine tools to the UK window and door industry, with its products being used in the manufacture of the vast majority of PVC-U frames since 2008.

Rather than a conscious decision to create a separate entity, Jade Consult evolved from casually and occasionally providing advice on overcoming fabrication anomalies: “Our products are used by every company making PVC-U window and door frames in the UK and most of the aluminium fabricators too,” explained Adam. “And we are often called in by them to resolve fabrication problems. This has grown to projects in which we are asked to design a fabrication protocol from scratch…design, development, machinery specification and supply, commissioning and even training…it’s tremendously satisfying.

“As engineers we are by definition problem-solvers,” says Adam. “So, when we are approached with a question about how to resolve an issue, it really motivates us. Often, we are installing kit when we can see that something is not being optimised and we will offer solutions about how things can be done better.”

Jade Consult is increasingly presented with projects that begin with a blank sheet of paper and which end with a full production line, including a commission to design and install a complete line for Roseview’s revised flagship product, the Ultimate Rose vertical sash.

“The new version of the Ultimate Rose includes changes that further enhance the product’s reputation for authenticity, including a number of options such as deep cills, seamless run-through and no horn choices, staff beads, new astragal bars and a number of other features,” explained Adam. “We worked closely with Roseview’s technical team to develop processes and included CNC machinery that we were able to source from our sister company Kombimatec,” he added. The portfolio of such work is growing impressively, with big brands also including Sheerline and Epwin.”

Jade’s owners are engineers by trade and by nature, going about their business quietly and coming alive when asked about their engineering successes. Despite their light being hidden however, the Jade brand is one of the most prolific in the window and door industry. And the Jade Consult division will only enhance this further.