In order to be stronger, understanding others and becoming self sufficient creates a more robust service.
2017 represented 55 years of Jack Arnold UK Metal Fabrication, there are always new disciplines to learn and to become better at, no matter what age a company is.
Lets look back at some highlights from 2017 and a look into what 2018 has in store.
The Biggest Change
Perhaps one of the biggest milestones in the history of Jack Arnold UK, is that 2017 was the year when all divisions of the company went in-house, mainly factory fabrication.
Similar to many companies, over the years work had been sub-contracted out to suppliers with whom we had built a solid and understanding relationship with. It was a decision to have full control to offer a 100% Jack Arnold UK stamp on everything with guarantees on our fabrication, installation and coatings.
Alongside bringing the full scope of work internally, this also means ensuring there is a strong team, at every customer touch point.
As we come to the end of the year, we have a solid base of management, fabricators, estimators, surveyors designers and fitting teams all within one place. If 2017 has represented control, those within the Jack Arnold UK family know every aspect of a project and who is accountable.
Bringing a sense of personality and knowing which person has accountability for each stage of a project is important. There is a clear process: an order comes in; we focus on the design work (such as producing the CAD drawings); this is sent to the client; the manufacturing is from our head office in North London.
What this means heading into 2018 is that Jack Arnold UK becomes an even more very transparent company. There are processes we work to and visibility through each stage.
Working with Countryside Homes for The Mount
Other Areas That Saw A Noted Change
Within 2017 we saw a change in demand from many client’s for increased bespoke steelwork orders ranging from cantilevered balconies balustrades, staircases, railings, gates and stainless fabrication.
To compliment this demand, from February 2018, we are introducing a powder coating and zinc spraying department (more to be announced early next year). This way, anything that relates to metal fabrication is centred and delivered from one place (the Jack Arnold UK, HQ in London).
With the output of products related to architectural metalworks, this has seen a diverse range of industries and projects we have worked on. From working with Arsenal Football Club, Arbour Park Slough FC upgraded ground to the new Ned Hotel in London, EC2, variety is certainly an element that we have taken onboard and achieved success.
We have seen our sector focus within new build, education, civil and social housing develop and grow. This is where our efforts concentrate and develop within, as we look forward to what is in store.
A sector though, that probably provides a real sense of personal achievement and reward is working on social housing projects. Working with Mears Group for the Roupell Park Estate (circa £2m) and Waltham Estate (circa £600k), both in Lambeth have been two good examples when there is a case of transforming a landscape that is already in place.
Regeneration work improves areas, it transforms communities and makes a mark for generations to come. In the words of project manager, Cliff Byles, from Mears Group when asking him about the Roupell Park Estate project and the new balustrade and balcony systems, “The final product transformed the whole estate and we have received many positive comments from those walking past to residents. This now looks like a private residential block, a complete transformation.”
Working with Slough Town FC
What About 2018 As A Metal Fabrication Company?
The government recently announced to spend £2billion on a ‘new generation‘ of council and housing association homes. This means 25,000 more homes for social rent to be potentially created.
If this means that we can support this new initiative to create safe and long-lasting communities then this provides an outlet for our teams to develop and focus within.
Looking into the new year, the way that the business is set-up means that we have flexibility. No matter what industry or client, we have the entire structure centralised within one place.
Working with Lawtech for the Watling Gardens project.
Lets Conclude
Whilst 2017 represented another milestone year for Jack Arnold UK Metal Fabrication, it also highlights the need to be continually relevant within a marketplace.
By being relevant, this means products and services that make it easy for companies to make a choice and understand that they are going to be looked after.
We have always said that it is the old fashioned values of understanding, empathy and trust that need to be magnified today. As we look forward with anticipation to what the following year has in store, it is always the values that have already been built, that provides the staying power.
