Industry
Duralock Performance Fencing has a global reputation within the equestrian and racing markets, however, that’s not how it all began! Chairman, Marcus Wheeler, talks about the breakthrough for the company which now supplies racecourses and other venues across the world
Duralock Janet and Marcus Wheeler A
buzz of productivity surrounds the Duralock headquarters as we pay a visit to the main office and manufacturing facilities in the middle of the Cotswolds. Having
relocated from their original West Country position, the company has grown considerably since its humble days in the early 90s, as Chairman Marcus Wheeler explains.”'My wife, Janet and I were fortunate enough to retire early after the sale of our previous business. We had a love of horses and some spare time and, when we saw the unique design of the Duralock fencing system, we knew immediately that there was a great opportunity within the equestrian industry.” The Duralock fencing system, with its two- chamber design, had originally been designed for the residential market, which it
124 I PC APRIL/MAY 2016
A winning team...
served extremely well; the distinct lack of deep-digging, compared to other fencing on the market and the easy installation method, made it ideal for homeowners. “We loved the fact that it really catered to
the needs of the market; easily installed, took out all the tricky bits - like copious amounts of nails - and required no maintenance compared to the continuous labour of wooden fencing. The PVC was extremely modern for its time and the design even won the Sunday Times award for innovation.'
The smooth edges and safety features of
the fencing, including the way it would not splinter or shatter allowed Marcus and Janet to see the future, shifting Duralock into the realm of the equestrian and ultimately, the horseracing environment. “We started to develop the PVC profiles
we had to suit the needs of the equestrian market. From what was basically a cow-shed in Cornwall, we started to expand the company product portfolio; our swan-necks were born and the racerail which can now be seen at prestigious racecourses across the world began to take shape. Taking advantage of the latest technology in composites - additional UV stabilisers and impact modifiers - meant that our products could meet the high demands of the equestrian market and the company has developed strength on strength ever since.” “Growth of the business was initially slow
as the market remained unconvinced about the rigidity and performance of the new PVC product we were offering compared to the mainly aluminium systems which were being used at that time. However, as time developed, those doubts were proved wrong
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