It’s hard to believe that just two decades ago, WIFI and Google were in their infancy, and we managed to somehow get through the day without smartphones, social media or Netflix. Britney was on the radio, England failed to make it out of the group stages at the Euros, Big Brother arrived on Channel 4, and we’d survived the Millennium Bug.
The year 2000 was also the year John Hewitt and Jason Thompson founded Glazerite from a 1000 sq. ft factory in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. They had just four members of staff and one product – the VEKA Matrix 58mm – and a target of 40 frames per week.
VEKA has been with Glazerite since the beginning with the company now growing into one of their largest customers. VEKA MD, Dave Jones, has worked closely with Jason and John from the very start. He believes the relationship between the supplier and fabricator has been built on a ‘mutually successful, open and honest partnership.’
Dave says: “Together, VEKA and Glazerite deliver the best possible products and services, and have continued to do so, even during tough times in the industry. We have always stood and worked together, and we’re both stronger for it.”
Today, Glazerite employs over 270 staff who each strive to make us a ‘best-in-class’ supplier for our installer partners. Our product range has evolved into one of the most comprehensive in the industry and from humble beginnings and 40 frames in 2000, we now have a capacity to manufacture in excess of 4000 frames per week.
2020 will also see the full effects of the £1 million investment we poured into the business last year, with improved efficiencies and capacity at our Northwest division thanks to the expansion of our Bolton site, and broader reach thanks to new vehicles in our delivery fleet.
So what will 2020 be remembered for? Definitely Brexit, and hopefully a better performance at the Euros. For Glazerite though, we intend to make it the beginning of another two decades of growth, cementing our position as the fabricator of choice and continuing on in our mission to help our installer partners achieve their own business goals.
On 29th February, we will be marking our 20 years in business by holding an event at Sywell Aerodrome for all staff members. This will be in recognition of all employees hard work and dedication in helping the business reach this impressive milestone.