Renowned for its premium, bespoke conservatories, orangeries and summerhouses, Amdega has experienced a 25% increase in exports to the Far East, Europe and the States since the turn of the year, as well as 10% growth in new orders in the UK during May and June.
The company recently unveiled a new environmental policy, making it the first in its sector to make the formal move from utilising traditionally sourced hardwoods to temperate American (and other) hardwoods, North American Douglas Fir and high grade European engineered timbers. Waste materials including sawdust, off-cuts, paper, glass and metal are all being recycled and even the timber treatment solution used is long term bio-degradable. As a result of this policy, the company has seen a 30% reduction in waste and over 50% less materials going to landfill. So far, every customer who has been offered the choice of changing their order from traditional hardwoods to the new choice of timbers has made the move, signalling 100% support for Amdega’s industry-leading environmental approach.
Paul Cruddace, Amdega’s International Business Director commented; “We have already achieved an overall 12% increase in orders compared to 2007 and we have still have the second half of the year to go. Despite the widely reported ‘credit crunch’, Amdega is performing strongly and we are confident that our end of year figures will achieve expectations. We have recently recruited six new designers and are looking to take on further design expertise both in the UK and overseas.”
He continued; “With people losing confidence in the property market, many customers are viewing an Amdega conservatory as a premium investment in their home, adding value and extra space without the need to move house. And thanks to our increased 15 year structural warranty, a bespoke Amdega conservatory continues to be a byword for excellence in design, quality and durability.”
As well as making a combined £250,000 investment to enable the move from traditional hardwoods, Amdega is investing a further £300k+ in its new Amdega Academy, which offers ten employees per year the opportunity to undertake a 3 year business management degree. The scheme is open to all employees with a view to developing junior to middle management, with the goal that eventually thirty employees will achieve the qualification.
Paul explained; “If the company is to fulfil the growth objectives that we have set, we need to offer our staff the opportunity to grow with us and achieve their potential. Armed with their new business management degrees, we hope our staff will continue to be motivated, hard working and committed to taking Amdega forward. We are fully confident that we will achieve our projected turnover in 2008 and 2009.’
Amdega was launched in 1874 and employs some 315 people in the UK, with the majority based at its workshops in Darlington. The company also has representatives in 15 countries worldwide. Annual turnover, which includes a significant proportion of international trade, reached £29 million in 2007.
The company is renowned for excellence in design and quality across its range of traditional and contemporary conservatories, orangeries, summerhouses and pool houses. All commissions are individually designed to suit the specific needs and lifestyles of each customer.
