City windows firm has smashing sales
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Inverness manufacturer Cairngorm Windows recorded an unexpected 66 per cent leap in domestic sales in the last six months of 2020.
“If you’d suggested that to me in March, I’d have thought you were mad,” admitted David Dowling, who has stepped aside as managing director to become chairman of the 68-year-old family-owned group.
“We’ve probably made up for the three months we were shut during lockdown.
“Windows sales are up by 70 per cent from July to December compared to the same period in 2019, while conservatories and fitted kitchens each increased by 30 per cent.
“This is our busiest-ever six months and a great way to end a challenging year. In addition, we enter 2021 with a strong forward order book to take us through to next July – which we couldn’t have imagined when everyone was on furlough.”
Cairngorm has benefited from people using money they might have otherwise spent on holidays to carry out home improvements, while the resumption of housebuilding has resulted in clients such as Tulloch Homes, Springfield Homes, Scotframe, Compass and Pat Munro placing significant orders.
Cairngorm, which has been making its own windows in the Highland capital for 32 years, created 10 new jobs in November to cope with the sales surge – taking the workforce to 105.
“These six-month figures and the strong order book make for an ideal background against which to step aside from day-to-day involvement to focus on what the business needs for the future,” Mr Dowling said.
The business, which began in 1953 by his grandfather, has trebled in size during David Dowling’s 20 years as managing director.
Mr Dowling’s sons Chris and Scott, who have a combined 40 years in the business, are the new joint managing directors. They presented their father with a special watch to mark his move to chairman.
Mr Dowling, who is also a director of Brora Rangers FC, started with the company as a 13-year-old part-time worker, going full-time two years later in 1973.
