Glazed Balcony Assemblies for New Build Apartments

When a leading UK balcony supplier won a major contract, Alpha up-scaled assembly operations to meet a demanding schedule.

Customer: A Leading UK Balcony Supplier

Sector: Construction

Product: Glazed Balconies

Quantity: 100

Duration: 5 Weeks

 

Project Background

This client, a leading UK balcony supplier, conducted an extensive procurement process before choosing Alpha as their chosen precision sheet metal fabrication partner for the manufacture and assembly of their products.

Having won a contract to supply and fit 100 glazed balconies to new build apartments, they placed their order with Alpha.

The project required Alpha to manufacture, assemble and store 100 unique, patent protected glazed balconies, before delivering all balconies to site in one.

Project Challenge

Initially, Alpha’s customer required a complete prototype including timber decking and glazing, with Alpha’s design team working closely with the customer initially. Once signed off, full production began with all 100 balconies required within 5 weeks of order.

The glazing element of the project was a new challenge for Alpha, having never worked with glass panes previously. Glass handling equipment was acquired and training quickly implemented.

New assembly and storage facilities were also quickly secured to accommodate the project and Alpha’s assembly teams were expanded.

Project Outcome

Alpha completed the initial prototype ahead of project commencement, working closely with the client to value engineer the design. Once the prototype was signed off, manufacturing of components began with new assembly areas set simultaneously up in preparation.

Having not produced complete balconies prior to this project, Alpha put in place several new resources to ensure the successful completion of the project.

A new dedicated assembly area was put in place, with Alpha acquiring new premises specifically for balcony build projects.

Assembly teams were up-skilled and trained in glass handling, using new lifting and handling equipment.

Both the implementation of the assembly resource and the build plan were carefully managed to ensure that all agreed deadlines were met, adhering to the delivery schedule.

What our Customer said…

     

“As the UK’s leading balcony specialist, we were looking to take our supply chain to the next level. I visited numerous factories across UK and Europe, following which we chose to form a partnership with Alpha. We chose them because we were very impressed with their lean set up, substantial investment in excellent equipment, and a consistent culture across all those we spoke with which was passionate about creating quality products. We are looking forward to a long partnership together.”

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