www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
Machine cutting complicated liner shapes to exact dimensions in a matter of minutes
CompanySpecial AUG 2012 SPN
55
Swimming pool covers production area
Welding pool covers
Twin needle sewing machine halves the time taken to attach straps to a cover
goods which remains a market leader (and are also available as ‘own brand’). The business moved again in 2001, to its current premises in St Leonards, as more production space was needed. The Plastica team includes some well-respected longstanding employees. Edward mentions a few. “Will Dando has been with us for over 27 years as a technical guru particularly for commercial custom designs. Clare Crouch has been managing our complex production schedules for over 20 years and Lindsey Challis has been in our customer service department for over 10 years.” The business believes in continuous investment in the best manufacturing technology available. In recent years the liner department has purchased a machine that cuts the most complicated liner shapes to exact dimensions from CAD plans in a matter of minutes. Other high specification machines have speeded up the welding process while maintaining a quality finish. This has meant that lead times are short and there is an error rate of less than 0.5%.
The pool covers department has two of the latest twin needle sewing machines that have nearly halved the time taken to attach straps to a cover, while making further improvements to the overall quality of the Plastica covers. In 2012 the moulding department are bringing in two new injection moulding machines which will improve lead times and product quality.
However, the business would not have been a success without its efforts in customer service.
Cale Sinfield, Customer Services Manager, said: “We are absolutely focused on doing what we promise, ensuring our trade customers have everything they need and directing end users to their local dealers.”
The company has led the way in using a range of communication tools with its customers. These include an email newsletter, a number of dynamic web sites and online ordering, to Facebook, Twitter, You Tube and blogging. Cale added: “We are really enjoying the two way conversation and relationship building that these new platforms provide.”
The company has also recently invested in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems to further improve internal and external communication and production efficiencies. This will lead to customers having reduced lead times and all staff having quick access to detailed product information.
A recent development has been the creation of the Plastica ultimate quick reference guide for filter cartridges. It helps the pool and spa trade save an enormous amount of time working out which cartridges are compatible. The company is an approved UK distributor for Pleatco cartridges – now recognised as the leading cartridge due to its technology, 100% customer satisfaction guarantee and no minimum orders. The company remains strong in its production origins. Ian Storr, Managing Director at Falcon
Pools said: “Plastica were the only company that could help us with manufacturing a very large winter debris cover for Wentworth golf club’s outdoor pool – as it is over 30m in length. It fits perfectly and came at a fair price.” Its manufacturing and industry knowledge creates a real foundation for many more years of success. Customers sing their praises in design, manufacturing, installation and service. Chris
“We are absolutely focused on doing what we promise...”
Walker, Contract Manager at the London Swimming Pool Company Ltd, added: “Plastica were selected for St Nicholas school in Wiltshire due to the quality and design of their cover and reel system, the remote control system and their expertise in managing complex installations with building constraints.”
So Plastica remains very motivated after its 40 year span. Watch this space. spn
i FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
F PLASTICA ( 01424 857802 :
www.plasticapools.net
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