Can you tell us about Laminform?
Established in 1988, we manufacture decorative laminate components and solid surface materials.
Our core business is the supply of laminated toilet cubicles, vanity units and duct panels to provide washrooms but also supply specialist types of laminated components for healthcare and education among others.
Our factory is based in Hebburn and employs over twenty people, many of whom have been with us for a long time, which makes for a great team. The business is now ready to start growing again since COVID and we have a 2-year and 5-year plan to progressively increase sales and market share.
What is your role?
I am general manager, dealing with the day to day running of Laminform, covering manufacturing, sales, procurement, administration, personnel and ensuring client quotes, orders and deliveries are on time and work flow is progressive. The business is evolving and a new management team is creating a more fluid operation, enhancing quality and delivery. A happy client and repeat work make for a happy general manager and team.
How has your career progressed at the company?
I was initially brought in for general admin duties, typing quotes and letters for directors before the days of computers – we had one electric typewriter. I progressed to purchasing materials, liaising with customers and running installation works, oh, how time has changed!! I have worked for Lamniform for over thirty years now and, as general manager, I am excited about the next phase of growth with enhanced technologies and capacities.
Tell us about your team and the areas you operate in
The new management team has years of experience and we will continue to take advantage of this. We have a tender and drawing production department, once a tender is successful, we then progress to production drawing and manufacture and procurement of the base material. Once materials arrive these works progress to production, the factory and various stages including cutting, lamination fixing and packaging which are all managed through document process and quality control. A final quality control check is undertaken prior to delivery and installation on site. Our team on site work to drawings and contractors’ requirements to client sign off.
What is your proudest business achievement?
Being made general manager of a company where I have worked for 30 years, that’s most of my adult life!
How has the industry changed since you began your career?
Obviously, technology has paid a big part, CNC machines allow a greater diversity in manufactured goods.
Privacy, especially in some schools is also a huge issue with the requirement of floor to ceiling cubicles, to avoid mobile phones being slipped under/over. Online procurement and national delivery are the next stage and we are in the process of enhancing our BIM models for clients and architects, exciting times!
What do you think are the opportunities going forward?
We will expand our product range and increase volume on current ranges by using integrated technologies such as BIM. Stable and controlled business growth is the plan and that will be achieved thanks to all the investment we are putting in place.