Cumbernauld-based window fabricator, Dessian Scotland, is celebrating 25 years of trading.

The business was first established in 1999 as an offshoot of Belfast-based Dessian Products, as part of a move to increase the company’s commercial presence in Scotland.

Originally setting up in the Alloa Business Centre in Clackmannanshire, the company grew rapidly, soon warranting a move to a site in Coatbridge, Lanarkshire. Another move to nearby Bellshill would follow, before finally settling in Cumbernauld in 2003, where it remains to this day.

Managing director, Jorge Lopes, said: “Location is a major reason why we have been able to stand the test of time as a business. Our Cumbernauld location allows us to serve both Edinburgh and Glasgow, with excellent transport links via the M80.

“Besides this, the foundation of our business has always rested upon the people. Investing in your staff is key as this will pay itself dividends over time, with the long-term generation of employees that goes hand in hand with the retention of business.”

Today, Dessian Scotland’s team is 24-strong across the factory, office and installation teams. Testament to the company’s people-focused approach is its retention rate, with 60% of the workforce having been at the company for over 10 years. John McDermott and Robin Rae, quantity surveyor, are celebrating 25 years’ service this year, and have worked together in the industry for over 35 years.

Another member of staff, Jamie Gallagher, has been with Dessian for 22 years. He joined directly from school and is now a trade sales representative at Windowmate, Dessian’s sister trade counter company.

Dessian Scotland is still an active recruiter in the local area, including a number of school graduates. A number have even risen to senior positions within the company, with Dessian championing their progression by offering Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs) and wider qualifications such as forklift certifications.

According to Jorge, central to the company’s established business relationships is both their staff and partnership with supplier Rehau. He explained: “This industry is all about trust, reliability and innovation, and having longstanding staff and a reliable supplier enables us to offer this.

“We have been fabricating Rehau frames since the very start, supported in Scotland by our Rehau area sales manager, Hormoz Nouri, along with our Rehau commercial sales manager, Samsara McDonald. In turn, this allows us to act with confidence when quoting to customers, as we know Rehau always provides 100% excellent customer service and will go the extra mile every time. Thanks to this approach, we’ve been able to maintain some very long-term business relationships.”

Perhaps the strongest example of this in action is Misted Double Glazing – Dessian Scotland’s first customer, who still buys from the company today. Managing director, Brian McMeechan, commented: “I have partnered with Dessian for 25 years, buying the first ever window frame the company sold back in 1999.

“With their great products, support, and service, my own business has gone from strength to strength. Having been in the window business for 40 years, I can honestly say that the reliability that I enjoy from Dessian is invaluable. I enjoy a great partnership and friendship with all the staff.”