Inverness windows maker Cairngorm Group has a clear vision of the future after posting strong performance
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Inverness-based windows manufacturer Cairngorm Group has recorded its strongest first half year performance since 2018.
Group chairman David Dowling revealed:”We’re at our highest levels ever for home improvements, with people undertaking domestic projects instead of going away on holiday.
“Our conservatory division is going like a fair, particularly in Inverness, while home extensions are extremely popular.
“We’ve also seen a 10 per cent increase in sales to housebuilders since January – with Scotframe, Springfield Homes and Tulloch Homes leading the way with developments rolling out in phenomenal fashion.”
Cairngorm’s 100 staff are now all off furlough and Mr Dowling added:”It’s hugely encouraging to put the pandemic behind us in business terms.
“The current building boom is excellent for us, but we accept that it will return to more normal levels eventually.
“Rising prices of materials is a growing issue, including timber costs up by over 50 per cent inside 12 months. One client tells me he priced a house self-build kit a year ago and has now found it has risen by £8000.”
With a presence across the north the firm is celebrating its current success by reopening its fire-damaged premises in Thurso, which were hit by a blaze back in February 2019. Mr Dowling said: “We’ve invested £55,000 in completely upgrading and renovating the place.
“The showroom there has new design styles for windows, doors and conservatories, and we’ve installed two brand new kitchens. Several new orders received in the first few days since reopening is highly encouraging.
"Catering for the Highland market, we make higher strength windows because we know the area can come in for horrendous weather at times – and they know that, too, in the far north.”
