Glass company has a clear view of future
Jun 30 2009 by Karen Dent, The Journal
A FAMILY firm is coping with the effects of the recession – and the particular downturn among its key construction industry customers – by expanding and diversifying its core business.
Donwood Glass, which is based in Gateshead, originally specialised in producing double glazing for windows.
But business owners, brothers Andrew and Darren Donnelly, realised they needed to look at alternative markets to deal with the challenges of the current economic climate.
Managing director Andrew said: “Our business, like every other related to the construction industry, has suffered from the downturn.
“But we are determined to take this as an opportunity to look at what we are doing and focus our glass business on where we can add the most value for our clients.
“Every business has to provide quality products, on time and at a fair price – that’s a given. We are concentrating our efforts on finding other ways that we can be of even greater service to our clients.”
The firm, which has more than 20 years’ experience in the glass industry and employs 50 people, has now branched out into glass processing and design and has opened a new showroom.
It is now making products for sectors ranging from domestic customers to interior designers, as well as its traditional building clients.
The Donnellys received advice from Business Link on developing their new brand image and marketing strategy, as well as launching a new website.
The organisation also helped Donwood Glass to develop staff training programmes and pointed the business in the direction of making a successful funding application to the North East England Investment Centre.
Indi Sen, account manager at Business Link, said: “It has been a privilege working with the two brothers, Andrew and Darren.
“I wish them every success with their glass designing and processing service and look forward to developing an even stronger relationship with Donwood Glass as the business continues to grow.”
