Top FiveHARDWARE'S FAB FIVEJohn Mitchell, technical manager at Carl F Groupco, highlightsthe top five facets of a hardware distribution organisation thatthe company feels are key to supporting fabricators.HARDWARE & ACCESSORIES1Consultancy service:To have a true fabricator focus, it isessential that your distributor provides afull service. We appreciate that invariably therewill be time pressures relating to your order.Additionally, consideration needs to be given toyour customer’s requirements and the project’soverall objectives. As such, it is essential thatyour hardware distributor doesn’t just stock andship products, you need your supplier to go theextra mile with advice and industry knowledge.A distributor needs to be a lot more than merelya warehouse – we recommend that you look for aconsultancy service with experienced staff who areprepared to support you over the phone or on-site.2Product advice and technicalsupport:A good hardware distributor willdemonstrate strong partnerships with itsmanufacturer suppliers. Look for product trainingprogrammes provided by the distributor for allstaff that interact with customers – we believe“It is essential that yourhardware supplier isaware of regulations”that it shouldn’t only be field personnel thatare educated in the products we supply, weensure that personnel in every department areknowledgeable about all of our ranges. Closemanufacturer relationships ensure that we arefully trained in all the products we supply – ifwe can’t immediately answer a question, we getanswers rapidly from our partners.3Wide ranging advice includingstandards:It is essential that your hardwaresupplier is aware of regulations, standards andlegislation to understand the implications andto be in a position to share the most effectivemeans of compliance. We are well versed inthe methods of testing and we work with ourcustomers, hardware manufacturers and profilemanufacturers to assist with testing needs.Security standards, such as PAS 24, TS 007 andTS 008, evolve rapidly and it is important thatcustomers are advised on correct hardware toensure their windows and doors are compliantand that they pass security tests.4An extensive product range:At Carl F Groupco we know that, when itcomes to hardware, choice is a primaryconsideration – time is of the essence andyou need a one-stop-shop. With one of theindustry’s most comprehensive ranges, we offerover 7,000 product lines. Sourcing only the besthardware from leading manufacturers, over £3million worth of stock is held to ensure a rapidresponse. Combined, our warehouses hold almost1.9 million components, which facilitates thedespatch of around 3,000 orders per month.5Delivery reliability:None of the above is relevant if yourdistributor doesn’t commit to an ‘on timein full’ delivery philosophy. Excellent advice, anapproachable, expert team and extensive choicemeans nothing if you can’t order in confidence –this is a key service that should be provided byany good hardware supplier.When it comes to window and door fittings,Carl F Groupco is well placed to support andadvise fabricators. With distribution centres inPeterborough and Cumbernauld, the companyserves the fabrication industry across the UKand Ireland, including the Scottish Highlandsand offshore islands.Practical, proactive support with a fabricator focus is offered by Carl F Groupco.Contact Carl F Groupco01733 393330www.carlfgroupco.co.uk@Carl_F_Groupco46 T F FEB/MAR 2020 CONNECTING THE WINDOW, DOOR & ROOF FABRICATION SUPPLY CHAIN
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