Twenty-year partnership

Glazerite UK Group celebrates its 20^th birthday this year. Group managing director Jason Thompson, and Dave Jones, managing director of its long-standing and biggest supplier Veka UK, reflect on their 20-year partnership, and what the future might bring for both companies.

“2020 marks our 20^th year in business, and John and I couldn’t be prouder of what Glazerite has achieved,” Jason Thompson, who set up the Wellingborough -based fabricator in 2000 with chairman John Hewitt, said.

Glazerite’s biggest supplier, Veka, has been with the company since the beginning, and Glazerite has grown into one of their largest customers.Veka MD Dave Jones has worked closely with Jason and John since Glazerite was founded. He believes the relationship between the supplier and fabricator has been built on a “mutually successful, open and honest partnership”.

“Together, Veka and Glazerite deliver the best possible products and services, and have continued to do so, even during tough times in the industry,” Dave said.“We have always stood and worked together, and we’re both stronger for it.”

There are a number of factors behind Glazerite’s success, he said, including the fact neither Glazerite nor Veka stands still for long.

“Like Veka, Glazerite is constantly evolving as a business and is ahead of the pack when it comes to trying out new products,” he said.

“In addition to their product range, their customer service, UK-wide presence and manufacturing capability, a lot of their success is down to their people.

“Veka’s team has great working relationships with Glazerite employees across each of our functions, from sales and marketing through to technical and product development. They’re also active members of our fabricator advisory panel and we seek their input when it comes to evolving our own business.”

As well as fully embracing the Veka brand, Glazerite is also an active ambassador for Independent Network,showcasing the IN commitment to quality craftsmanship, high standards and excellent service, areas also demonstrated by the large number of Glazerite installers who are IN members.

Jason saidGlazerite’s success is in part due to the style and choice it can offer installers, afforded by the growth in the Veka and Halo offering.

“Being able to offer our installer partners such a comprehensive portfolio means they can meet the needs of their own customers, particularly when it comes to style and colour,” he said.

“As demonstrated by the recent launch of Veka’s Spectral ultra matt finish, and the next generation Vertical Slider, Veka is never afraid to try something new and innovative, recognising market demands and consumer trends. They really raise the bar when it comes to high quality, aesthetic and energy efficient products the consumer wants.”

In recognition of how much the market has changed since 2000, when Glazerite was fabricating just one product, the Veka Matrix 58mm, the fabricator is this year introducing authentic joint detailing using Timberweld on its Halo Flush Sash product.The next 12 months will also see Glazerite highlight the offering available to its installers from Veka Recycling.

As a new decade dawns, both Jason and Dave are looking forward to a strong future together.

“Veka and Glazerite are about providing stability and strength, as well as choice and reach for our customers,” Jason said.“We look forward to continuing our partnership, which can only further benefit our installer partners.”