After a spell out of the limelight, leading manufacture of sliding and folding door hardware PC Henderson is returning to a focus on the specifier market. Nicky Roger finds out what’s in store
PC Henderson is back! In fairness the sliding door hardware specialist hasn’t been away, but it’s back on the radar having rejoined as a GAI member and has a refreshed focus on the specifier market.David Newton, sales and commercial director, explains. “We are well known within the architectural ironmongery sector, but we did move away from the market a bit, stopping some of the support we used to offer. But we have made the decision to raise our profile once more. We are relaunching to architectural ironmongers.”
This refreshed profile started with joining the GAI last year and launching a new range of products over the past 18 months aimed at the specification sector and architectural ironmongers. “This is key,” says Newton. “There has been a lot of investment in new products and we are about to launch a new brochure which is full of technical content, which is great for AIs.”
The improved products over the past 18-24 months include:
- Husky 120 Pro – a new straight sliding solution which has low initial friction – the product comes with a range of accessories such as dual soft close, simultaneous action, new low headroom kit, etc
- New Upgrade Pocket Door and Pocket Door Pro ranges – with Pocket Door Pro taking 11 minutes to install.
- New upgrade Securefold Pro external bifolding door hardware.
- Shutterslide – an automated or manual system for shutters in residential or commercial applications.
- Automated Evolve Pocket Door Pro – ideal for disabled access applications. The firm is in the process of completing a project in Scotland with approximately 200 systems for this product.
Newton says the products have been well received and had two aims: to develop products with the architectural ironmongers and specification channel in mind and to develop products that are easy to install – “fitter friendly”.
As part of a five-year generation plan for the business, this product development will continue. “We will continue to work to offer products that are easy to install for the residential, commercial, and industrial sectors,” says Newton. “We have already introduced automated systems to our range, we have also sees demand for automated system increase and we will continue to develop our product in this area too.”
Newton stresses the company’s great technical service. “We have very experienced staff here who can specify products from scratch. So if somebody contacts us with a query we can specify that and get a full technical quotation back to them.”
There has been a lot of investment in new products and we are about to launch a new brochure full of technical content which is great for AIs"
David Newton
Newton says this knowledge staff hold is a huge benefit to clients. “We have people in the office who’ve been here nearly 30 years and they know all the products inside out. That knowledge is something that you you can’t buy.”
PC Henderson’s trust pilot score is 4.6 and its NPS score is among the highest in the ASSA ABLOY group which it became part of in June 2010.
UK made, globally sold
The company sells itself on its quality, expertise and heritage. It is over 100 years old, has its own in-house design and R&D teams and manufactures in the UK which is part of its appeal globally. It sells to over 70 different countries around the world and has offices in China and Middle East where the demand for British made goods is high. “The Made in Britain tag is massive in Dubai and in China and Hong Kong,” says Newton. “In China we have been selling our product for 40 years, aiming for the top end of the market, marketing our quality product and high value. We’re not competing with budget brands.”
The firm is ISO 9001, and ISO 14001 accredited and products come with 10 years warranty. “We have people contact us about products that have been installed for decades that are still working fine.”
The ISO 14001 links to environmental credentials, another important strand for the business especially since joining ASSA ABLOY. “ASSA ABLOY has goals with regards to the environment and carbon footprint and we work towards that as well. It’s a prerequisite for being part of the group and we are happy to do that.”
With new products already on the market and more to come with a specifier focus, it’s a warm welcome back to PC Henderson.
