Expecting a return to strength

Eurocell has announced that it is in a strong position to move forward from the Covid-19 lockdown and ensure its customers can source the products, services and solutions they need as the industry gets back on its feet.

In its recent trading update, the systems company said that by the end of June all of its manufacturing plants, branch network, distribution and recycling operations (bar one) were open.

The one exception is a recycling site in Selby, which is expected to be open by the end of July due to an increasing demand for recycled material.

Since re-opening in May, Eurocell’s branch network has been fulfilling orders, with a 6% increase in sales in June compared to the same period last year.

The company said the trade sector has been exceptionally busy, with many fabricators reporting orders levels well above the seasonal average.

The trading update outlined that sales were very much in line with expectations to the end of March and, despite the closure of operations for a period, the company achieved £94 million for the first six months of the year.

The return to work in May saw sales rising rapidly and the company was able to take on additional business through market share gains in the roof sector and the introduction of new products including a range of outdoor living products.

Eurocell is continuing with plans to open a 260,000ft2 warehouse in early 2021, which will improve Eurocell’s capacity while providing a number of operational efficiencies.

Ian Kemp, sales director at Eurocell, said: “In line with the government’s guidance, we temporarily closed plants, distribution and recycling operations on March 23. When the guidance changed in May we began a phased reopening while taking care to maintain good health and safety performance, with safe working practices for Covid-19 implemented across the business.

“We know that many people in the building industry have been concerned about the reliable supply of materials due to the disruption caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The actions we’ve taken to not only reopen the business but actively grow it means that we are well placed to work with fabricators and our partners in the glazing industry to collectively navigate a way back to normality.”