Modplan: Onwards and Upwards

Quad Welder at Modplan

For everyone, including Modplan, 2020 has been a challenging year in many ways. From lockdown measures to unprecedented demand throughout the fenestration industry, adaptability has been key for everyone in business.

As a company whose business has spanned more than four decades, leading trade fabricator Modplan of Newport, South Wales has proven it has what it takes to stand the test of time, despite any economic and industry challenges.

Change in a challenging world

Urban corner cleaner at Modplan Early in 2020, Modplan had begun the steps to start adding the Liniar 70mm window system to its comprehensive product offering. The set-up happened just as the country was beginning to feel the effects of COVID-19 and before the first nationwide lockdown in March.

During this time and with a policy of continued investment, the Modplan team began to further prepare their business for the future.

“We knew we needed to invest in new machinery, and had two distinct focuses,” explains Modplan’s Managing Director, Heidi Sachs. “Firstly, we wanted to update machines that were reaching the end of their usable life and replace them with more technologically advanced models. Secondly, we needed to expand our manufacturing operations, including our dedicated flush casement factory, where we decided a new Quad Welder and Corner Cleaner were required.”

“Our overall goal was to ensure that we could continue to offer the best in product quality with exceptional manufacturing efficiencies across our multiple manufacturing sites. To achieve these goals with minimal disruption to our operations was crucial.”

Putting plans into motion

The list of machines Modplan required was lengthy, ranging from two-head uni welders to bead saws and corner transom cleaners. Procuring all the machines and helping to bring these goals to fruition would require a machinery company that could work with Modplan to fit into their production schedule, with the ability to offer machinery on short lead times.

Only one company could do this, together with giving support to Modplan throughout the process – Avantek Machinery.

Support, supply and beyond

Heidi commented, “Avantek offered a complete turnkey solution to meet the needs of our business. We needed a machinery provider who could work with us across multiple sites throughout the business and provide the best in machine technology to support our ever-growing business.”

Avantek is well-known for incredibly short lead times, thanks to its policy of investing in stocked machinery in the UK. In addition, Avantek’s support is unrivalled – from the very first factory layout discussion to advice about machinery requirements, through to delivery, installation and training.

With after-care and service options, including spare parts stocked in the UK, Avantek Machinery always puts its customers first.

Planning is key

For Modplan, this meant planning out an installation schedule that would be rolled out across 12 weeks, with minimum disruption to the fabricator’s operations whilst gearing them up for operational efficiencies.

“We’re delighted with the service and support we’ve received so far from

PVCu window frames at Modplan

Avantek,” says Heidi. “These machines will help us to continue to offer the best in product quality whilst ensuring our manufacturing process is incredibly efficient.

“Our business is built on offering high-quality products and a competitive turnaround time. This means all our fabrication machinery has to support these criteria while also allowing us to increase our capacity to support growing demand from our customers.”

Some of the machinery Modplan required has already been installed at its facilities. The remainder is booked in to be delivered from now until the New Year. For updates on this and all other Avantek Machinery customer projects, visit www.avantekmachinery.co.uk.

For more information about Modplan and its products, visit www.modplan.co.uk.