Leading trade fabricator Modplan is celebrating its 50th anniversary in July 2023. David Burles, CEO, who founded the business in 1973, said: “We are delighted to be celebrating this important business milestone. It’s an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come – but also where we want to go next.”
The business has certainly come a long way since 1973. It started as a DIY and light builders’ outlet in South Wales. Today, it’s a multi-million-pound turnover trade business manufacturing a comprehensive range of PVC-U windows, door and conservatory roofs. It operates from four impressive manufacturing sites in Abercarn, Gwent, housing eight fabrication plants and covering over 165,000 sq. ft. It employs over 250 people.
The company first moved into the fenestration industry in the early 1980s when it started to manufacture single-glazed aluminium windows for the Welsh retail market. In 1985, David spotted a new opportunity and moved into PVC-U window fabrication.
Over the years, the company has continued to expand and evolve. It set up the National Plastics chain of trade counters and has a presence in the Scandinavian outdoor living market. It invested in and introduced the Leka System of innovative, lightweight solid roof solutions. Its partnership with VEKA UK stretches back over 25 years and it also partners with retail and leisure group Leekes, and systems supplier Liniar.
Throughout its 50-year history, Modplan has weathered some challenging times, including several economic downturns, the miners’ strikes and high interest rates, not to mention today’s cost-of-living crisis.
Surviving and thriving despite the challenges is down to two things.
The first is the ‘Modplan Mission’ – the laser focus on continually exceeding customers’ increasing expectations. It strives to stay ahead of the market curve and to offering its customers a quality portfolio supported by a proactive partnership ethos. It’s an approach that means many customers have been with the company for decades.
The second is the strength and longevity of the team over the years. David has been front and centre of the business from the start and remains focussed on driving Modplan forward whilst developing additional businesses within the Burles Group portfolio. He’s supported by Managing Director Heidi Sachs, who joined the company in 1983, starting a formidable 40-year business partnership that has been instrumental to the company’s success. Vital too is the wider team – in fact, there is over 1,700 years of experience in the business, which adds incredible value. David is also keen to point out the huge contribution made by his mother, Mrs Burles, who began the business journey with him in 1973 and only stepped down from Modplan at the age of 92!
Fifty years is an incredible milestone, but it’s clear the company is still ambitious for the future. David concluded: “We have a growing business portfolio and we’re looking forward to continuing the journey with our customers and our team. Here’s to the next chapter of the Modplan journey.”
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