Business profile
Clear way to success M
title headline
A combination of natural growth and shrewd selection of niche markets has been the keystone of success for Sonic Windows
anufacturing and installing security and communication window systems, Sonic was founded in 1926 as the Brixton & Clapham Ball Bearing Company, changing its name in both the 1950’s and latterly the 1980’s to its current name. The recession in general engineering work in the 1980’s prompted changes in direction, company style and location and it was decided to concentrate solely on windows; move to Bexhill from London and change the name to the more manageable Sonic Windows. A new generation of communication windows was emerging into
general use and Sonic seized the opportunity to apply the family’s engineering expertise to this sector.
During the last few years, Sonic has formed close links with many train operators including Southeastern, Southern, South West Trains, First Capital Connect, London Overground, C2C, Greater Anglia and Central Trains during the massive refurbishment programmes of the stations under their control. This meant installing security windows systems to blend in with all surroundings, from the most modern stainless steel and hi tech plastic to the high gothic styles and traditional materials in Victorian and Edwardian booking offices, many with listed status. A common reason for refurbishment is progress and the most
modern standards of unimpeded entry, safety and security for customers and staff have been Sonic’s priority.
Sonic could see the importance of emerging computerised
technology and decided to specialise in communication windows. Working with rail companies countrywide, it has manufactured and installed ticket offices, work stations and windows for well over 1000 railway stations. Some stations were brand new, but many were listed buildings requiring delicate treatment where scientific progress had to match and complement 19th and early 20th century architecture. Examples where such work has taken place are Sutton Coldfield station, which is an extremely busy station for the Cross City Line, Moor Street station in the heart of Birmingham, Huntingdon, Stamford and the neo-Palladian gem of Bromley North. This work was not confined solely to restoration, and included modernisation of many of the station’s facilities including the booking office in the fine vaulted entry hall. To combine graceful design with the practical needs of travellers and station staff, Sonic supplied a new ticket office work station, which was designed to compliment the existing architecture.
Another example where old meets new is the refurbishment of
Loughborough station. Built in 1872 and a exceptionally fine example of Midland Railway architecture, it is a very important rail junction, catering for well over 1.25 million passengers per year. A recent major refurbishment of the listed building included conservation work on the unusual colonnaded glass canopies over the platforms while
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