Busy year ahead for Shropshire-based windscreen company
Bosses of a Shropshire autoglazing firm are planning to give the county a jobs boost with business expected to soar in 2013.
John Smallman, who became the new director of National Windscreens three months ago, and co-director James Morgan, want to increase sales as well as staff in his bid to make National Windscreens the leading autoglazing company in the region.
The pair want the three branches they own in Oswestry, Telford and Wolverhampton to reflect the 74 per cent growth of the National Windscreens group across the country.
They also plan to start an apprenticeship scheme to give youngsters a chance to learn the windscreen fitting trade when they leave school.
Mr Smallman said: “Business has been good for National Windscreens but in 2013 I really want to make our independently-owned company even more successful.
“I am really enjoying running the company and will be working hard to do what I can to make sure we continue to grow.
“It is important that we build on our existing excellent reputation and develop relationships with our customers because it will mean that people will continue to use our services and put their trust in us.”
Mr Smallman’s three branches handle all aspects of vehicle glass repair and replacement.
Nationally, business has been boosted after National Windscreens secured high profile contracts with companies such as Chubb Insurance and Brit Insurance.
Mr Smallman said: “I am really excited about continuing to move the company forward. I am proud of my staff and the service we provide
“We have an excellent team of fitters across the three branches who offer a 24/7 service and we will be building on that.”
Mr Morgan, whose parents set-up one of the founding firms of National Windscreens and retired after appointing Mr Smallman, said: “We want to give opportunities to youngsters who enjoy practical work and do not want to face the huge financial burden of going off to university.
“2013 will be a very exciting year for our whole team at National Windscreens.”
It is the second time Mr Smallman has been at National Windscreens after he first joined the firm about 21 years as a windscreen technician.
The 41-year-old worked his way up the promotional ladder to company manager during his 15 years’ service before leaving the firm to concentrate on his family.
Five years on the father-of-two from Lawley Village has returned to the company after being appointed director by Dave and Janet Morgan, who owned the firm, shortly before they retired and is now embarking on his first full year in the post.
