Making windows the Whiteline way!

windows being manufactured at the Whiteline Manufacturing facilityEastbourne window and door fabricator Whiteline Manufacturing has been in business for 34 years. A privately-owned business, Whiteline is run by Managing Director Steve Milham with a team of 100 in support.

Supplying mainly home improvement companies who sell into the retail market, Whiteline covers the whole of the South of England, delivering North as far as Ipswich, Cambridge and Colchester.

Whiteline offers uPVC (Liniar) and aluminium (ALUK) window and door systems, and the company has developed its own retail brand and a host of exclusive products in order to offer something truly different in a busy, competitive market.

Whiteline and Liniar in partnership

Under the PlatinumNRG brand, Whiteline offered a uPVC range which in 2008 was due to be discontinued. The timing was perfect as Liniar had just launched its chamfered, energy-efficient 70mm window system with a number of patents, so discussions commenced. Whiteline wanted Liniar to develop a slim window that was exclusive to them, and after several meetings it was agreed that the company would work with Liniar’s design team, launching the SlimSash chamfered range as a bespoke system.

This focus has continued since, with the Flush Sash system being developed together with Liniar and Whiteline having exclusivity on the system for the first two years.  The Revival system was then developed to add another exclusive product to the Whiteline range.  This window system incorporates an 85mm outer frame and deep timber look cill with optional deep bottom rail and working peg stay.

Excellence

One of the first to join the Liniar Approved Fabricator scheme when it was launched, proving excellence in manufacturing to Liniar’s high standards, Whiteline states its mission as offering products of the highest possible quality. Whiteline was the first Liniar customer to achieve acoustic ratings of 44 decibels from BM Trada, certificate number 001.

In order to continue this commitment to excellence, Whiteline was also delighted to become one of the first Liniar fabricators to be CORGI Fenestration Scheme registered.

Liniar marketing materials on a table with a Liniar banner beyond it
A range of Liniar marketing support on display at Whiteline’s recent open days

Whiteline seeks business partners, not customers – seeing itself as a facilitator in helping customers develop themselves. With this in mind, Whiteline offers its customers whole support packages, not just windows.

Investment

Over the last two years, Whiteline has made a significant investment in facilities, machinery and people. New machinery has been custom designed and built to Steve’s exact specification, ensuring no one else anywhere in the world will be able to make a ‘Whiteline standard’ window.

Steve comments: “When it comes to windows, I’m a perfectionist. I want everything we produce to be of the same high standard – and that can only be achieved by the highest quality machinery. Automation equals perfection – consistently – so the new machinery ensures we can deliver precision cutting, welding and finishing of each product, all to the same high standards. Every window leaves our factory the same – the machinery removes human error.”

Whiteline Manufacturing showroom showing different door options

Support

In the same way Whiteline sets itself apart from its competitors, it recognises the need to help its customers offer something to differentiate themselves to consumers.

In addition to spending around £1.6 million on machinery, the company has also invested in a brand new showroom for customers to use, together with a training suite.

Over the last few years, Whiteline has been scoping and developing software tools that are quick and easy for customers to use, and which will help them streamline their installation businesses.

A bespoke CRM system includes lead capture and order processing facilities; customers can create their own customised brochures and even a website – and the latest software, due to be launched in 2018, offers a full end-to-end app for installers to use in front of their customers.

New app for customers

Fengo2 is linked to Whiteline’s Window Designer software and covers the full product range. Installers will be able to demonstrate the different options available to the consumer and build their ideal quotation as they go. The software will produce a quote and all necessary paperwork, and will even allow consumers to visualise different product options on a photograph of their own home, helping the decision making process move more quickly.

Once orders are confirmed, the app allows the installer to send its order straight to Whiteline so production can commence – further helping to speed up lead times.

Open day at Whiteline Manufacturing
Whiteline MD Steve Milham talks to customers during one of the recent open days

Customer-focused

The software developed by Whiteline is available to all of its customers, those using it already are experiencing the benefits.  As a result, customers who come to Whiteline stay with the company.

But as well as keeping long-standing relationships going, Whiteline is also keen for a younger generation of window installers to see the benefits of its offering and is hoping its bespoke software and apps will facilitate this. The two open days in December 2017 were testament to the relationships the company has with its customers, with over 100 attending to tour the facilities and meet Whiteline’s suppliers, including Liniar.

Long-standing customer

Window Wise (Sussex) has been a customer of Whiteline since 1992. Managing Director Tim Briggs attended the open day and was nothing but complimentary about the company and its team.

A privately-owned business, Window Wise has a showroom and offices in Haywards Heath, mid-Sussex. It covers the central Sussex area, with around a 30-mile radius, and was established in 1990.

Tim Briggs, MD of Window Wise (Sussex) with Shauna Burke, Whiteline's Business Development Manager
Tim Briggs, MD of Window Wise (Sussex) with Shauna Burke, Whiteline’s Business Development Manager

With a turnover of £2.2m, four installation teams, three sales representatives and a team of 16 in total, the company first selected Whiteline through geographic convenience. Only 40 minutes’ drive away, it was ideal for being able to pop in and for ensuring speedy deliveries.

Window Wise also liked the uPVC profile Whiteline was using – so when Whiteline was thinking of changing to Liniar in 2008, it could have been a potential issue. Tim comments:

“We were delighted that Whiteline wanted us, along with other key customers, to be a part of the decision to move to Liniar. I was invited to Liniar’s head office in Derbyshire and was instantly impressed with the high standard of the facilities – along with the team’s willingness to develop the SlimSash system as a point of differentiation for Whiteline’s customers, including us.

“There was also the attraction of moving to a UK-made uPVC profile – the Liniar system was new and innovative and we could see how we would be able to demonstrate its benefits. We also knew of Roger Hartshorn’s excellent industry reputation and wanted to be part of Liniar’s future success.”

Why still a customer?

25+ years later, Window Wise is still a Whiteline customer and is still impressed with the level of service it consistently receives. Tim says:

White windows in the Whiteline showroom

“Over the years, of course we’ve looked around from time to time – but Whiteline has consistently impressed and looked after us.  The systems, the customer service, the fact Whiteline never sits still. The company is always looking for new products, for new ways of doing things – and that gives us more to offer to our own customers.

“The quality of the product itself goes without saying – not just profile but hardware too. We receive one or two deliveries every week, and the service levels are always very good.

“We’ve looked at the software in the past and now feel ready to take it on. It will streamline our processes and help the homeowner to make decisions more easily and quickly. Steve understands our needs and can see things from both sides of the fence – both fabricator and installer.

“I think we get on so well as we both have a similar mindset – we’re focused in the same direction, and that includes quality, high standards and reputation. We don’t advertise at all – it says a lot that all of our work comes from word of mouth.

Tim concludes: “I feel ours is a prime example of a long-standing, highly successful and mutually beneficial working relationship, and I look forward to many more successful years ahead.”

From left: Whiteline's Shauna Burke, Adam Boulter and Renny King from GX Home Improvements, and Jim Corby, Director at Whiteline
From left: Whiteline’s Shauna Burke, Adam Boulter and Renny King from GX Home Improvements, and Jim Corby, Director at Whiteline

New customer

An example of a more recent convert to Whiteline’s customer base is GX Home Improvements from Buckinghamshire, which was represented at the open day by Renny King and Adam Boulter.

The firm, which focuses mainly on the retail market with a small amount of commercial work including Eton College, has three fitting teams and started working with Whiteline in early 2017 after meeting with Business Development Manager Shauna Burke.

Renny and Adam explain why the company made the decision to move to Whiteline.

“We were getting a lot of flush sash work, mainly based on its appearance – we’re finding many homeowners love the sleek ‘timber replica’ look of these windows, especially the mechanically jointed system. As the Revival range is unique to Whiteline, it means we can offer something other installers can’t – and that really appealed to us.

“We’re also pleased that Whiteline makes sure they don’t take on other customers in the same area as us, which means we’re not competing with the same product offering.

Liam Gilsenan (right) of CORGI Fenestration presents Jim Corby and Steve Milham with their certificate, making them the first Liniar fabricator to take advantage of the new scheme
Liam Gilsenan (right) of CORGI Fenestration presents Jim Corby and Steve Milham with their certificate, making them the first Liniar fabricator to take advantage of the new scheme

“Another reason we chose Whiteline was for the support they could offer.  The knowledge and expertise within the Whiteline team are second to none – they understand what the customer needs, and offer solutions before you even know you need them in some cases! It goes without saying that the product quality and the customer service are both excellent too.

“Whiteline has offered better service, lead times, quality, access to expertise, marketing support and resources – the whole package really.”

Adam concludes: “Since working with Whiteline we’ve been able to work more efficiently, increase productivity and increase sales. I have confidence that Whiteline will always be there to support us – and we’re looking forward to building a long-lasting relationship.”

Find out more about Whiteline Manufacturing, Window Wise (Sussex) and GX Home Improvements.

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