Why supplier choice matters

Following the component supplier’s recent win at the G-Awards, Thermoseal Group’s Sales Director Mark hickox gives five reasons why careful supplier choice can make a bit impact on the build quality of your IGUs.

If you build IGUs from a selection of components, why should it matter where they come from??

As an IGU manufacturer, should you choose warehouse-based businesses that just sell third-party products based solely on price, or do you choose your suppliers based on an assessment of their broader offering and how they can improve your profitability in other areas??

Using Thermoseal’s business model as a guide, I’m going to give you five reasons why who you buy from actually matters.

1.???? Investment in infrastructure

A warehouse-based business buys in components, stores them, then sends them out again on third-party carriers. It is a business model that has many areas where things can go wrong, including products that arrive damaged.

Thermoseal invests in manufacturing equipment, testing laboratories, and our own delivery infrastructure to ensure that what we produce is perfect, and that it is delivered in one piece. For example, we have spent ￡hundred-of-thousands on steel stillages so that our Thermobar is transported safely.

2.???? Full testing capability

In 2010 we established our Technical Centre and EN1279 test laboratory, which today is operated by qualified chemists using the latest technology?and equipment.

We test all our components together – including spacer, sealant, Georgian bar, desiccant, corner keys etc –?to ensure that there is no chance of cross-contamination. In IGUs where products are sourced from multiple manufacturers and suppliers, a lack of compatibility could affect the lifespan of the product. For example, chemicals could migrate from the cloth tape that would compromise the spacer adhesion, which could allow moisture to enter the unit.

We also batch test everything that leaves our manufacturing facility to guarantee that all tolerances are met, and we can provide full traceability on everything that leaves Thermoseal Group.

Please contact me if you would like more information, and even a site visit.

3.???? Ongoing product research and development

Our testing facilities are central to our programme of research and development. At every stage of that journey, we can continually test to see what works and what doesn’t.

And we constantly launch new products to meet the shifting market demands. For example, we recently invested in new injection moulding tools for our new Georgian Bar Anchor and Thermobar Straight Connector, both of which promise to increase efficiencies, reduce waste, and improve product quality for IGU manufacturers.

While not very interesting to look at, these went through a rigorous R&D process, which relied on a solid testing capability.

The Georgian Bar Anchor, for example, comes in two designs: a stepped version for manual application, and a ridged version for securing frames into flexible spacer systems using auto-applicators. It allows Georgian bars to be connected to flexible and rigid warm edge spacer bars without using staples (thus leaving the gas barrier intact), giving a cleaner, more aesthetically pleasing finish than alternative methods.

4.???? Investment in People

While we are a highly automated business, skilled employees are central to our operational success.

Recognising this, we are an enthusiastic participant of the Investors in People scheme, and this year, the scheme recognised that our employees actively engaged in Thermoseal Group’s growth plans.

The report said: “As a result of this investment, a number of people are learning new skills and ways of working, helping to ensure that the company remains highly competitive.”

We could have the best machinery, but it would be nothing without the right people.

5.???? Expert advice

This leads me neatly on to the last reason on my list here (this isn’t exhaustive!) – technical sales.

In July 2024, Thermoseal Group was acquired by FENZI Official . As a result, we now offer the most comprehensive range of IGU components in the industry.

So, not only we can meet your requirements for all your needs, but we can offer advice that isn’t influenced by a narrow product offering – we offer it all, so our only interest is ensuring our customers get exactly what they need.?

As a manufacturer and supplier, we are fully invested in our customers’ success, which is why we continue to invest in every area of our business. This way, you get exactly what you need to build the perfect IGU.

For more information, please visit www.thermosealgroup.com, or call 0121 331 3955.