Vellacine is one of South Wales' manufacturers that's still enjoying growth despite foreign competition and a sluggish market. City Life spoke to Managing Director Mark Nayler to find out more.
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IGHT H
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When you walk through Vellacine's offices, one of the first things that strikes you is a real sense of professionalism. Perhaps not what you'd expect from a 'double glazing' industry that is awash with one-man bands, but the sense of 'expertise' here is palpable.
Mark shows us through the offices to a gallery window overlooking Vellacine's workshops. Down below, the Vellacine team are busying themselves on several of the company's recent contract wins. Mark is clearly proud of what Vellacine stands for. "We manufacture all our products right here in Hadfield Road. Besides our many private customers, we work with numerous demanding clients in the commercial sector, from schools and local councils to architects and developers."
The recent work for developer Charles Church in Llanelli is an example of Vellacine at its absolute best: working with the client to ensure all aspects of the project were delivered on time and all their requirements met. "Developers and construction companies know they can rely on us,"
Mark says proudly. Mark is keen to stress Vellacine's abilities: "We manufacture a wide range of products: windows, doors, conservatories, bi-fold doors in different materials - aluminium, uPVC - and in a wide range of colours. You name it, we can manufacture it."
The tour fills us with confidence. We are shown to a second large workroom where a large set of bi-fold doors is being manufactured.
"These are becoming increasingly popular," says Mark. "We've completed three sets this week! Patio and French doors are still popular but these are the in-thing."
There's a real sense with Vellacine that they're doing well, and doing so because, first and foremost, they're very good at what they do and, second, they haven't forgotten the customer is king. "We're only as good as our last job," Mark says with a confident but serious smile. "Customers can be sure that when they order from us, they'll get the very best standards of manufacture and uncompromising customer service. Lots of companies talk the talk but we really do deliver."
Perhaps it's that complete understanding of what their customers want that sets Vellacine apart. It certainly isn't luck. You don't build a business like this just on luck. It takes determination, but, more than that, it takes clarity of vision.
