Partnering - the way ahead

For local authorities and housing associations, best value is what matters most. At L.B. Plastics we know that embracing a partnering approach is the best way to deliver best value.

With unrivalled experience - and expertise - L.B. Plastics has evolved its approach to create an effective partnering framework.

Our approach is straightforward - from concept to completion we achieve quality targets and make progressive improvements against agreed performance indicators to deliver best value - exceeding the requirements for public sector service enshrined in government policy (Local Government Act 1999, Local Government Bill 2000, DETR Best Value in Housing Framework 2000).

As more and more professional specifiers are acknowledging, it is our commitment, our market awareness, our product range and quality and our service delivery - coupled with our genuinely partnering approach - which makes the difference.

Exceeding standards - delivering best value

Listening to customers - specifiers, housing officers, tenants - and exceeding requirements is the cornerstone of our successful approach.

Whilst every partnering arrangement has its own unique features, each has core facets to which we adhere:

Quality is at the core of customer care. At L.B. Plastics, measuring quality is an integral part of the process. That applies to design, manufacture, delivery and installation.

Independent standards approvals are just one measure of our quality approach:

L.B. Plastics has its own full range of weather-test, cyclic test and security test equipment to British Standards. Its technical services operation, testing laboratory and facilities are available to customers for product testing and evaluation.

MRP2 - state of the art production and stock control, backed by a multi-million pound stock holding, ensures customers have access to what they want, when they want it. Complete on time order deliveries on over 5000 individual components exceed 99.7%.

EDI - L.B. is fully capable of administering order purchase, and invoicing electronically where partners wish to reduce admin and book-keeping costs.

A fundamental criterion in a partnering relationship is the ability of the supplier to provide the right product.

At L.B. Plastics, investment in product development - averaging over £1.5 million pa over the last 10 years - has resulted in some of the most innovative advances in window design since the introduction of PVC profile.

This has created manufacturing efficiencies and significant thermal performance improvements for Sheerframe windows which also offer the most extensive range of high-performance style options including casement, tilt & turn, traditional sash, pivot and reversible windows - all with egress capability.

Exceeding BVPIs

British, privately owned, L.B. Plastics Ltd - part of the Litchfield Group of Companies - is excellently credit rated. With a history spanning 80 years, it is based on secure financial foundations.

Working with our approved installers, we ensure that tenants are consulted at every stage and in the following ways:

• Videos - purpose-designed videos show tenants what's involved in the installation process.
• Care cards - care cards show them how to look after their new windows.
• Satisfaction - Questionnaires monitor their satisfaction with the service.

We happily set up briefing sessions for tenant groups, or attend tenant liaison meetings where appropriate.

The introduction of four-chambered profiles has enhanced still further the thermal performance of Sheerframce windows. L.B. Plastics works closely with specification teams to ensure the correct choice of window glazing to meet the thermal efficiency regulations. Computer modelling, expertise and separate testing by the National Physical Laboratory to ensure L.B. Plastics can offer data and recommendations to meet the highest thermal standards.

Continuity of supply has a major impact on reducing the average weekly repair cost. In addition many of the hardware components on Sheerframe windows - several designed and manufactured by the Litchfield Group - carry extended warranties, to guarantee programme reductions in repair costs. PVC profiles are rarely discontinued ensuring the long term availability of spare parts long term.

L.B. Plastics has a policy of 100% recyclability of its customers' waste products, and its own in-house waste. This is processed at the company's recycling plant in Derbyshire.

L.B. Plastics also subscribes to the Vinyl 2010 Voluntary Commitment to recycle the majority of post-use collectable frames. In 2005, this surpassed the 50% mark.

Co-extrusion of weather-seals and gaskets plays a major part in the 100% recyclability of Sheerframe products.

Sheerframe PVC windows are amongst the world's most environmentally sustainable building products - in manufacture, in use, in disposal.

Sheerframe - the pedigree

For over 20 years, Sheerframe windows and door systems, from UK company L.B. Plastics, have been the most widely specified by social housing providers throughout the UK.

Sheerframe has been chosen for some of the most demanding applications, and in the UK's biggest partnering contracts. Unique design features - four chambered profiles, co-extruded technology, and more - combine with an unrivalled range of styles and options, to make Sheerframe first choice for specifiers.

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