Driving productivity and efficiency

Epwin Window Systems has said its recent investments are driving innovation and supporting Covid-19 working practices.

Clare O’Hara, managing director of Epwin Window Systems, said: “We are committed to continuous investment, which can be seen in our new warehouse and distribution centre. The building, which is 300,000ft2, will consolidate all our existing warehousing facilities into a single operation and has the capacity to hold over 5,000 stock lines.

“We have recently invested in seven bespoke MSU 60 sideloaders from Hubtex, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of bespoke manual handling equipment. The new Hubtex technology transforms productivity and efficiency and is operated by a single operator working on a platform at a safe distance from other colleagues. It’s a factor that is helping us maintain social distancing on the warehouse floor too.”

The new warehouse and distribution centre forms part of a wider programme of investment that has seen Epwin Window Systems expand its PVCU extrusion capacity by more than 40%, increased its foiling capacity by 30%, and invested in the world’s first Luna R automatic profile wrapping machine.

“When we started our work on the warehouse and distribution centre, we could not have foreseen the Covid-19 pandemic,” Clare said. “But what’s interesting is that we are now seeing that our investment in the future of our business will not only help us in the long term but also help us in the shorter term as we adjust to operating in the new normal.”

Epwin Windows Systems has also completed rigorous risk assessments and introduced protocols throughout the business to protect the health and safety of their employee.

Every member of staff returning to the workplace is taken through a thorough sign-off process so they understand the new working practices that are in place.

“The actions that we have taken to protect our employees are a reminder that although technology and innovation has a vital role to play in the future of our industry, it’s the people who are at the heart of everything we do,” Clare said.