Gateshead-based fabricator Ace Windows (NE) is ‘Pulling all the aces’

Gateshead-based Ace Windows (NE) is a flourishing fabricator that has been forging a reputation for supplying a wide range of products into a variety of sectors of the market. Under the guidance of Managing Director Abe Rabin and Sales Director Abraham Bolel, the company has been working closely with their PVC-U systems supplier Selecta Systems to answer the needs of its growing customer base. The company has a rich history, having been trading successfully as Ace Glazing for over 39 years. When the previous owner decided to retire, Abe and Abraham saw it as the ideal opportunity to own their own company. Abe takes up the story: “I was working in the construction industry at the time and with a growing family I was looking for an opportunity to become my own boss. So when our window supplier came up for sale due to retirement, I snapped up the chance and haven’t looked back since.”

This move gave the new owners the opportunity to restructure and make immediate changes that included rebranding the company as ACE Windows (NE). Part of the restructure also included inaugurating a dedicated team of staff to improve product quality, health and safety and most importantly customer support. Abe was keen to move the company forward and prepare for the future: “We have invested greatly in new advanced technology and machinery enabling us to offer exemplary products and customer care. This took the company from strength to strength and resulted in the doubling of turnover in our first year in charge. We quickly outgrow our premises and had to lease additional work space and employ more office and fitting staff.”

It was important to formulate a strategy for sustained growth and this centred on anticipating market developments and shaping a company that would compete in the marketplace. “We have reacted to the changes in market by working hard on keeping our overheads down and shoring up our foundations of the business by increasing the landlord and property agencies that we work with. This has not been without challenge, but looking back we have come far. We have also been looking forward and have been further investing improving our accreditation, documentation and staff training to enable us to work on development and building sites. Over the last couple of years we have carried out a number of such jobs and have seen great success,” points out Abraham.

Important to the company’s success has been its good working relationship with key suppliers. One such supplier is Selecta Systems, who was the company’s PVC-U systems partner when Abe and Abraham took over the reins. The support Selecta gave to the two Directors was invaluable, as Abraham is keen to emphasis: “When we took over the business Selecta were already in place as the profile supplier. Although we had experience in the construction industry, we had very little experience in the window side of this industry. Without the Selecta team, from director, technical, marketing, sales and transport personnel, we would not be where we are today. Their support, assistance, guidance, and advice is way beyond the call of duty. It has made it a very pleasurable experience and we do truly feel part of the Selecta family.”

Part of the growth strategy has centred on developing new markets. With a thriving retail and trade business, Ace Windows (NE) were keen to investigate and replicate this success in different market sectors. With a wide product range in place, the company has been able to take advantage of a perceived gap in the market, as Abe explains: “Over the years we have found a strong gap in light commercial market with small companies shying away from commercial work. With only a hand full of local larger companies and with my background in development and construction we have managed to set up an infrastructure that can manage these works. We have been successful in securing a number of commercial schemes from student accommodation, care homes, large refurbishment schemes and PD conversions. Importantly we have also still maintained the personal small company service that is important for retail and trade customers.”

Both Abe and Abraham realise it is always important to keep ahead of the market and have prided themselves on answering the latest needs of customers. With the support of Selecta, they have been able to bring to market coloured foiled windows, flush casement windows and solid core composite doors. The next 18 months are important for Ace Windows (NE) and they are already focused on implementing their plans for this period: “We are hoping to increase our reactive landlord work. This is the foundation of our business and will prop up the company from the bottom just up in case of a downturn in market. We are working to increase our development and conversion works which means we need to keep up to date with the ever changing regulation surrounding this industry,” adds Abe. Abraham is positive about the future and ends by saying: “There is a lot of opportunity out there that we are just beginning to tap into and with the ongoing personal support from Selecta we are hoping to advance and grow the business to become a leading go to brand in the region.”

Tel: 0191 482 2187