THE door industry journal winter 2025 14 Industry News Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Maximising Profit and Efficiency through Component Strategy and Operational Excellence As he turned out of the factory, the sat nav voiced the next instruction: ‘Please turn left in 294 kilometres.’ Australia is a big country, and heading up to the Onslow Mineral Resources mine on the remote west coast can make installing even the simplest of industrial doors a long trip. On his recent visit to the UK, we spoke to Jochen Bourges, managing director of GfA Australia, and Andy Collett, managing director of GfA UK, about maximising profit and improving efficiencies with a proactive strategy for remote and challenging installation sites - for when remote means very remote, and getting it wrong is a high price to pay. Bourges says that when being recalled to a remote installation for a problem can cost you a three-day road trip, your strategy for making money and efficiency starts way before you get on the road. For door manufacturers, sustained profitability hinges on two critical factors: minimising post-installation costs and maximising on-site efficiency. Analysis of industry best practices reveals that a strategic shift from commoditised component sourcing to reliance on premium, supportive partners is the most effective way to achieve market leadership and maximise margins. 1. The Quality Mandate: Eliminating the Hidden Costs of Callbacks The single greatest drain on profit is the cost associated with site callbacks, warranty claims, and return visits. Leading manufacturers consistently report that when they transition to superior, reliable components, their failure rates drop dramatically. Actionable Strategy: • Establish a Zero-Tolerance Reliability Benchmark: Focus purchasing decisions on components recognised as the “industry standard” for quality, even if the initial outlay is higher. This commitment signals to customers that the manufacturer’s product is robust and dependable, fostering trust. One UK manufacturer reported reducing callbacks from one in every 50 installations to “one in a thousand” by committing to premium drives and proving that product excellence directly reduces operational headaches. • Prioritise Consistency: Select suppliers whose product characteristics (drives, panels) are consistent over time, featuring improvements but not fundamental changes. This consistency allows internal teams and installation partners to know “what you’re going to get” every time, ensuring dependability. The Door Manufacturers’ Blueprint:
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