Everest acquires Evolution from UKWDG
Everest 2020 has announced the purchase of the brand, order book and assets of Evolution, a UK manufacturer of timber alternative windows and doors based in Biggleswade, Bedfordshire.
Evolution was previously a profitable business unit within the UK Windows and Doors Group (UKWDG), with the wider group recently going into administration, affecting hundreds of UK manufacturing jobs. The acquisition secures the future of the company and will save many jobs.
Importantly, this development gives certainty to trade customers who have been partnered with the Evolution brand for many years. Continuation of supply to these partners is said to be of ‘the highest priority to Everest’, whose primary focus will be on supporting Evolution customers navigate the change of ownership.
All customers with outstanding orders with Evolution will be contacted to inform them of their estimated delivery date to complete their order. New orders are now also welcome
Paula Chambers, CEO of Everest, commented: “This is a significant milestone for Everest, especially following the recent supply agreement with Veka, and we are very much looking forward to what the future brings.
“Firstly, I want to reassure Evolution’s trade customers that we intend to recommence trading the Evolution business as soon as is practicable and thank them for their patience – I appreciate the last few weeks have been very difficult for them and their customers. Our priority is to work closely and collaboratively with them; in the short term that means fulfilling orders which have been on hold since UKWDG’s entering administration and in the slightly longer term it means working together to enable continued delivery of excellent products and services to their customers.
“We are keen to maintain and build on these long-standing relationships and have been working hard over the last two weeks to secure supply and create an investment plan for the Evolution business which will build on its previous successes. Evolution partners chose the brand and its products for the high standards of quality and workmanship they rightly expect, and we are committed to building on these and the service Evolution provides its customers, to create even stronger partnerships going forward.
“Everest already has strong relationships with many of Evolution’s suppliers and we are looking forward to building on these partnerships to ensure the Evolution product continues to lead its market over the months and years ahead.”
Paula continued: “For many, Evolution was the jewel in the crown of the UKWDG organisation, offering superior quality products and a market leading style and performance that UK homeowners are now demanding more than ever before.
“For Everest, the deal brings several opportunities in terms of product innovation and access to new markets. However, our priority is to maintain and build on the Evolution brand and operating approach and expand the reach of its business model. Longer term the aim is for both brands to drive the market for quality windows and doors based on exceptional performance and design styling.”
This development follows Everest’s recent partnership with Veka which supports Everest’s plans to offer windows and doors that meet the proposed Future Home Standards 2025.
“This is a clear demonstration that the brand is once again setting the standards for the quality of window and door production in the UK,” Paula concluded. “For over 50 years the Everest brand has been synonymous with premium quality and best-in-class service, and we will continue driving forward our window and door proposition with high performing and beautifully designed products.”