Grange has expanded its range with new designs such as the Urban Collection, which is designed to appeal to a younger consumer
‘A fence panel is not just a fence panel’
Grange Fencing managing director Neil Taylor believes the company’s heritage and reputation stand it in good stead as it looks to the future
F
rom an educational early career in the automotive industry, working in sales and marketing for automotive components, to general management roles including VP for EMEA for Carrier and positions with Chubb Fire & Security, it could have been difficult for Grange Fencing managing director Neil Taylor to move into the sector. However, since joining in January he has enjoyed getting to grips with the industry and wants to continue developing the business. “It was a very interesting challenge coming into Grange,” he says. “All the companies that I’d worked for previously, even though they were in different industries, all had one thing in common, and that was a strong heritage. They
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went back, in most cases, more than a hundred years. So when I had the opportunity to come to Grange, the first thing I did was to look back at the history of the company, which, believe it or not, goes back to the 19th century, including making ammunition boxes for troops in WW1, among other things.
“My research demonstrated a good steady company, with good quality product, and a very good responsive supply chain, but also a business I felt I could join and lead and bring something to, both in the front end with greater differentiation for customers and in making a contribution to the supply chain side to make it more efficient and more responsive. It’s a very interesting company and I’m very pleased I’ve joined it.”
Grange Fencing, specifically, has not been around quite as long, but has an established reputation. “The history of Grange Fencing goes back about 35 years,” Neil explains. “In the industry we’re known for good quality fence panels, by and large, and as a manufacturer of quality product. That continues, but what is changing, and what has changed at Grange, and has really been led by customers, is that we’ve moved more and more into the decorative side of ‘defining’ gardens.” That includes new branding, although Neil says: “It’s not just a logo, it’s trying to respond to what customers want in their gardens. I see Grange moving from just a traditional flat panel fence supplier to a much broader company, over time, which is helping customers and
GCU November 2015
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