This month Windows Active takes a look at The Omega Group, which celebrated
its 20th anniversary in June this year. 2007 also marks the Peterborough-based
fabricator's 20th anniversary with Spectus Window Systems. Omega has always
enjoyed a close working-relationship with its supplier. Managing Director Rob Morley,
who helped found Omega in 1987, has in depth knowledge of the leading systems
company having previously worked as Technical Sales Manager for Spectus.

Over the intervening years, Omega has grown to become a national fabricator
supplying PVC-U windows, doors and conservatories to installers, trade customers
and other fabricators across the whole of the UK.

Rob has been in the window industry for 28 years. When he first set up Omega,
all the windows were being manufactured for the trade in a 10,000 sq ft factory.
Business grew rapidly and soon Omega expanded into the retail sector, selling
directly to the public. Another three 2,500 sq ft factories were bought at Maxey near
Peterborough, but once Omega began fabricating the Spectus Sightline profile
it became obvious more space was needed to keep up with growing demand.
Twelve years ago Omega relocated to its current 50,000 sq ft factory
and began installing in the commercial sector too.

Today the company employs over 80 people, producing on average 900 frames per
week using Spectus' Elite 70 profile, together with around 1500 sealed units per week.
Although Omega's focus remains in the trade and commercial markets it is applying
what Rob refers to as a 'retail sales approach' towards selling.
Rob is clearly keen to draw upon the skills and experience of retail sales
and to adopt a more active and ambitious approach to selling to the trade.

New beginnings for Omega . .

"The market is changing," states
Rob. "The market for first time
window replacements is reaching
saturation point and trade sales
fluctuate constantly because they
are affected by the economy,
interest rates, holidays and
marketing strategies.
But the commercial and new build
markets are booming for us.
Our experience in the retail market
has taught us to be proactive and
aggressive when it comes to getting
any new business, and I believe
this adds to Omega's success."

In fact, over the last four months Omega has been working on two large new build
contracts with Leach Homes and Integra. Spectus recommended Omega after
being approached by the contractors. The contracts involve fabricating and installing
Spectus' Elite 70 windows and doors for 75 large houses and 48 apartments, as well
as some communal buildings. Overall the value of the job will come to over £250,000.

Omega has also recently won a large new build project in Peterborough with a
Kier Group Company installed to Secured by Design standards. The project raised
a number of interesting technical issues and potential pitfalls. The success of the
venture therefore rested on not only a great product but also 100% commitment and
quality customer support. In short, it was exactly the sort of the project Omega excels
at. "We are fabricating and installing tilt-and-turn windows as well as doors with grey
on white foil to 640 properties," explains Rob. "The buildings are timber framed so we
have had to work closely with the architects to allow for the fact that timber and outer
building materials compress at different rates. For the new build, commercial and
public sector markets, we have to be the experts and ready to offer detailed technical
support. Offering a range of products that match and work together is important too,
because housebuilders want a complete solution."

Stand and deliver

The company is clearly pulling out all the stops, and all the effort is bringing in results.
Omega's turnover in 2006 was £5.9 million. Between July and October this year, the
company had its most successful four months ever with turnover almost double that
for the same period last year. Turnover for 2007 is expected to be £7.2 million.
"But we refuse to sit back and let the good times roll!" exclaims Rob.
"We constantly strive to reduce error, and provide the best service and most
up-to-date products for our customers. With £350,000 worth of new Promac
machinery being installed in the next three months, quality and speed of production
will be higher than ever. We only accept an order when we know we can deliver
on time and in full so our customers know exactly where they stand with us.
This investment will have a very positive impact on our production capacity -
which is great news for all our customers."

Omega's customers vary from small local companies to national firms.
Although Rob sees Omega as a 'one-stop-shop' for trade & commercial installers,
he makes it clear that all of his customers are treated as individuals.
Spectus provides a comprehensive, modern and high quality range which allows
Omega to pass on the complete package.

"By offering such a wide, coherent product range, we can give our customers exactly
what they want. And in a word that means more choice." Omega is able to offer its
customers the choice of both glass and polycarbonate roofs, a full range of door
panels and hardware, together with all foil ranges and finishes in PVC-U.
Always looking for ways to improve the range of options Omega can offer
customers, Rob recognises that to remain one step ahead of the pack, Omega
must be prepared to invest in the future.

Most recently, for instance, the company put £100,000 into fabricating aluminium
products. The goal was to offer customers a broader range and also to gain tighter
control over lead times and quality assurances. Production started in October this
year and now Omega supply everything from casements to curtain walling.
But Rob's ambitious plans don't stop here. In the New Year Omega will start offering
an A-rating on all windows using Edgetech's Superspacer. All casement windows,
residential doors and tilt and turns have Secured By Design (SBD), and Omega will
be the first Spectus fabricator to get SBD on French doors. On top of this, they also
offer their customers an 'Exclusive Range' to differentiate themselves, which includes
the Spectus Vertical Slider, fold slide doors, tilt and slide patio doors & stable doors.

Omega takes great pride in the choice and quality of the products it brings to the
market. But Rob is keen to stress that product alone isn't everything. His mission
is to offer a complete package and ensure that Omega's superb product range is
backed up and matched by the service and support provided to customers.
"We offer our trade customers a comprehensive marketing support package
which includes brochures, price lists and showroom support. Our service in both
fabrication and installation is second to none and complaints are few & far between.
Everyone can offer a great product and service, but we deliver our promises."

First and last: a passion for plastic

Despite having worked in the industry for nearly three decades, Rob still has
enthusiasm and passion for what he does. He works full-time and hasn't lost direct
contact with his customers since the day he began. "It's hard to get bored in a job
that is constantly changing with the market. Hitting the new build market has
emphasised the importance of having a good relationship with our supplier -
we've been able to move with a changing industry.
Choosing the right systems company has never been so important."

FACTS AND FIGURES:

Factory location: Woodston, Peterborough
Factory size: 50,000sq ft

Production capacity: 1200 frames/week + 2500 sealed units
Product range: PVC-U and aluminium internally glazed windows, doors,
conservatories, door panels, composite doors, glass roofs, sealed units,
curtain walling, hardware.

Staff numbers: 80+
Managing Director: Rob Morley
Telephone: 01733 239922