Part of something bigger

In 2015, leading PVCu systems company Liniar was purchased by US-based, NYSE-listed Quanex Building Products. This acquisition meant little change ‘on the ground’, with both companies having similar cultural values. Having acquired world class facilities, Quanex has continued with the philosophy of regular investment to support customer service and future proof the business in terms of headroom for growth (Plant and People).
As time has passed, the businesses have become even closer – and six years in, Liniar explains how being a “Part Of Something Bigger” within Quanex has benefited its business practices, ethos and culture.

Firm foundations
Before the acquisition, Liniar had a well-earned reputation for a friendly, flat structure and innovative, forward-thinking business practices. Many wondered how joining a larger group would change how Liniar operated and whether being a part of an American group would alter its culture. The short answer: it hasn’t; in fact, it has only enhanced it.
Quanex, in part, was chosen as Liniar’s parent because its ethos aligned perfectly with that of Liniar. As a global giant, Quanex has provided further support and structure to Liniar, including the introduction of four stakeholder groups – Customers, Employees, Communities and Shareholders – each with equal importance and focus.

Customers
Liniar has built a well-earned reputation for putting its customers first – and this is no different for its parent company. For Liniar, this comes in the shape of open, honest communication – most recently about products, shortages, lead times, inflationary pressure and any news that will impact their supply from Liniar.
Alongside Safety, Customer Service is a top priority at Liniar, across every department. Making deliveries ‘On Time In Full’ is a prime focus for all teams, who take it personally if ever orders can’t be fulfilled on time. OTIF is a KPI that’s reported daily at Liniar, and it’s recently been affected by supply chain constraints – reducing slightly from the usual 99%+ to 96% in recent months. This will never be accepted as the norm and is still a daily focus at Liniar.

Employees
The number one operational priority for Liniar and its parent company is the safety of all employees, as well as anyone who visits the company’s facilities. Liniar’s Senior Management Team meets twice per week, with Safety always at the top of the agenda. Liniar has recently introduced a Safety Committee, made up of employees from all sectors of the business, who meet regularly to discuss any issues, make suggestions and help make the business an even safer place to work.
An business wide employee engagement survey in 2021 continued the process of open, honest and transparent communication, with a number of initiatives and improvements already embedded as a result of the survey feedback.
Over the years, Liniar has introduced a number of additional benefits for employees, including a Salary Extras Scheme offering discounts for food, shopping, and experiences and an Employee Assistance Programme to help when they need guidance about mental health and family challenges. The wellbeing of employees at Liniar really is at the heart of its business, just as it is at Quanex.

Communities
Whether working at Liniar or in one of Quanex’ locations around the world, we’re all “Part Of Something Bigger” – our surrounding communities.
Giving back to the community is something the team at Liniar has always been passionate about, and with the backing of Quanex, the level of community support offered has grown from strength to strength. In 2021 Liniar joined Investors in Community – a platform connecting businesses with community projects and charities – giving it clarity and a more structured purpose.
Over the last 12 months, Liniar has participated in 15 different initiatives to benefit the local area, including financial donations, collecting Easter eggs, toiletries and food items, and donating and installing its products in local schools and nurseries. Current projects include collecting food for a homeless support charity, with each item collected being matched financially by Quanex, along with installing decking and fencing at Ripley Junior School, with members of the Liniar senior management team giving up their time to help.

Shareholders
With the support and investment provided by Quanex, Liniar continues to deliver the outstanding performance it has always been renowned for, and regards return on investment for shareholders to be a by-product of ‘Doing the right thing.’

An exciting future
“Liniar has always been a part of something bigger, as a component supplier within the complex fenestration industry,” comments Liniar Group Managing Director, Martin Thurley.

“Being part of the Quanex group has facilitated continued investment and innovation as well as enabling us to have a much larger impact on the surrounding community.

“We’re fortunate to have a parent company that aligns with Liniar’s culture and supports us in our philosophy; it’s exciting to be a part of that future!”

For more information about Quanex, visit www.quanex.com.
For more information about Liniar’s community work or to see its full product range, visit www.liniar.co.uk/about/.