'Moving toward national coverage'

In its modern equipped factory in Zwaag, GevelNed produces high-quality plastic frames, windows, doors and sliding doors for, among others, assembly and sales companies, aimed at the private renovation market. All products are sold and supplied through an extensive Select Windows soft franchise network, with around 20 independently operating partner companies spread across the country. Select Windows supports all partners through extensive purchasing support, local marketing and promotion, management information, and technical and sales support, allowing those partners to sell in peace and quiet.

"Our ambition for the coming years is to achieve full national coverage," says Theo van Gorkom, general manager of GevelNed and Select Windows. "To this end, we are still looking for partner companies in Zeeland, Utrecht, Drenthe, northern Overijssel and Limburg, among others, that want to include our plastic frames, windows, doors and sliding doors in their product range. Companies that join our soft franchise network can count on a long-term commitment, a healthy working area and optimal sales support, without compromising their own identity."

Expansion of production capacity

Select Windows' partner companies are growing an average of 5 to 10% per year, Van Gorkom says. "To cope with this growth and the new, nationwide coverage, GevelNed's production capacity must be scaled up. In the second half of 2020, the factory in Zwaag will therefore be expanded by 1,500 m² of production space. The layout will be changed and a number of new machines will be added. Moreover, the Select Windows software package is currently being revamped, allowing partners to make their quotations, place orders, create delivery and assembly schedules and set up service even faster and easier (in the cloud). This leaves dealers with even more time for their core business."

"Our ambition for the coming years is to achieve full national coverage."
explains Theo van Gorkom, general manager of GevelNed and Select Windows.

The corona crisis as an opportunity

GevelNed's factory employs about 70 production workers every day. "Well before the schools closed due to the COVID-19 outbreak, we already decided to work in shifts," Van Gorkom says. "Not only for safety reasons, but also out of social commitment. After all, many employees were faced with childcare problems. The new approach - which will continue at least until the summer break - is proving enormously efficient. Although employees work one hour less per day, our production has increased significantly. This allows us to continue to supply all our partners even during the corona crisis without problems and within the familiar delivery times. Even as their order books grow."

Custom production, without restrictions

At the basis of GevelNed's plastic frames, windows, doors and sliding doors are high-quality Schüco profiles, which are fully custom finished. "To ensure optimal aesthetics of the facade, in accordance with the original building condition, customers can order all possible sizes, colors and finishes from us," says Van Gorkom.

"Without limitations. Traditionally, we produce and supply, among other things, our Holland Accent system, which is characterized by a chic, classic look with the well-known Schüco accent nose. We were also the first party in the Netherlands to add the Schüco LivIng product line to our range, with which - in addition to a high-quality, sleek and modern look and feel with Hollands Blok (6 degrees sloping) and Hollands Facet (15 degrees sloping) - we also ensure optimum thermal insulation. With this, we offer a suitable solution for every customer, all housing types and every project request."

Following the window frames, associated hinges are also finished to a high standard, in the color of the frame. "A few years ago, we introduced a specific hinge that is barely noticeable on the pivot," Van Gorkom says. "For the LivIng system, we have also developed an innovative and technically advanced hinge that no longer interrupts the seal and ensures optimal wind and water tightness. In addition, our LivIng product line has recently been expanded to include a LivIng Slide lift-and-slide door, with a sash depth of 82 mm and advanced 4-chamber technology that results in Uf values of up to 1.3 W/(m²K). With all these developments, we are ready for the future, even in this special time, when all of the Netherlands seems to be renovating their homes."