CERTIKIN 50th ANNIVERSARY: PART ONE
was very much at the forefront of Certikin’s modus operandi. In 1997 the Certikin Gas Pool Heater (based on a Raypak design), was manufactured in the UK by Malvern Boilers Ltd and supplied by Certikin. The warehouse in Witney was extended to incorporate a further 15,000 sq ft of space. In the following year, AireBank Covers Ltd, a Leeds based cover manufacturer was purchased and Certikin’s Cover and Liner Division, now known as Certikin North, was established.
THE NOUGHTIES – FURTHER EXPANSION
Change came again in 2003 when Certikin International Ltd was acquired by the Spanish leisure group Aquaria. Now known as Fluidra, it is based in Sabadell near Barcelona and Certikin is part of its European Division. Diversification came with the purchase in 2004 of Endless Summer Ltd, a manufacturer of swimming pool enclosures and a brand new division bearing that name was created. Such massive business expansion meant the premises needed to be extended again so in 2005, a purpose-built ‘Goods In’ warehouse and an additional 4,000 sq ft of storage space were added.
Meanwhile the swimming pool trade related assets of cover and liner manufacturer, Power Plastics were purchased. Already manufacturing its own liner range, Certikin North moved into new purpose-built premises in Leeds. This same year, Neil Murray took over as Certikin’s Managing Director and Patrick Thorpe became Chairman. As Certikin’s sales growth continued, so more space was called for and in 2009 another warehouse was opened at its Witney site giving an additional 15,000 sq ft of warehousing for CEPEX valves, pipe and fittings as well as space for the manufacture of Endless Summer enclosures and above-ground wooden pools.
THEPRESENT DAY As the UK’s leading pool equipment manufacturer and distributor for the last 50 years Certikin knows that it holds a privileged and responsible position in the marketplace but it recognises the need to continue striving to source new products and enter new markets. The anniversary celebrations that are
planned for throughout 2013 are designed as a thank you both to its customers and staff for getting the company to this covetable position. Who better to launch the anniversary celebrations than the Prime Minister David Cameron and Certikin was delighted to play host to him on a recent visit.
During the visit, he was given a tour of Certikin’s impressive manufacturing and warehouse facilities and was able to see for himself the cutting-edge technology and innovative thinking behind the development of a number of products. He then cut a special anniversary cake and gave an entertaining and tailored speech to assembled staff. David Cameron said: “I was delighted to be able to join Certikin International in their celebrations. Not only does Certikin bring jobs and a real boost to the local economy in West Oxfordshire but it also brings business and manufacturing to Britain. It is businesses like this which are helping to lift our economy out of a very difficult time and making sure that Britain thrives in the global race. I wish them every success for the future.” Replying, MD, Neil Murray, said: “We were delighted and honoured to play host to the Prime Minister. Certikin bears testament to the fact that from acorns, oak trees grow. Thanks to a dedicated and conscientious workforce we have gone from strength to strength. This year we are celebrating our heritage but standing, as we do, at the forefront of innovation and development, our focus is also on the future. It is our dedication and commitment to the industry we serve that will continue to define and set us apart.”
THESECRET OFCERTIKIN’SSUCCESS It’s the people that make a successful business! This may be a truism but in Certikin’s case, it is worth restating. MD Neil Murray says: “Certikin has come a long way in its 50 year history and we are conscious that our longevity is due as much to our customers’ loyalty and the dedication and commitment of our staff as it is to the premium quality of the goods we sell and the high level of service that we pride ourselves on giving.”
The company is justifiably proud of the fact that over 10% of its workforce have clocked up more than 25 years service, proving it must be a great place to work. Longevity extends from the company’s Chairman, Patrick Thorpe through to a significant number of warehouse staff. Two of the latest names to join these hallowed ranks are Executive Sales Manager Bruce Coppuck and Customer Service Manager, Jane Berry. Bruce who first joined Peter Geekie Pools as a Saturday lad working in the warehouse, says: “It’s great to be recognised for my 25 years contribution to Certikin. Unsurprisingly, I have enjoyed every minute. The team at Certikin are amazingly enthusiastic and have been so friendly. It’s entirely possible I could make another 25 years!” MD, Neil Murray, says: “I am so proud that we have developed a working environment that not only encourages people to want to stay but that even those few who have left, want to come back. We are firm believers in education and training and we do all that we are able to support our staff and help them to enjoy a career in an industry that I believe is one of the best to work for in the country.”Those who have given 25 years or more sterling service to the company:
Alan Rowe – Export Dispatch Supervisor; Jasper Walsh – Returns Administrator; Patrick Thorpe – Chairman; Richard Way – Sales Director; Ben Studdy – Commercial Director; Bruce Coppuck – Executive Sales Manager; Jane Berry – Customers Service Manager; Jimmy Bowers – Goods-In; Adie Becket – Warehouse and George Bowers – Warehouse.
Certikin International 01993 778855
www.certikin.co.uk
SPN
MD Neil Murray with just some of the Certikin team exhibiting at SPATEX
www.swimmingpoolnews.co.uk
MD Neil Murray welcomes PM David Cameron to the Witney HQ to launch the 50th celebrations
SPN June 2013 45
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