IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT OUR LEAD TIMES!
9th September, 2020
As much as full lockdown may seem a distant memory, we have to be mindful that we are still part of a pandemic and we wanted to share a bit about our current situation and how we’re moving forwards.
We have capacity and we have capability. As you can imagine, lockdown meant that no tools were lifted for 2 months, no windows fitted, manufactured and no service calls attended! Nowadays our factory operates with strict social distancing in place and despite facing higher post-lockdown demand, we are also dealing with a much slower supply chain and deliveries of many of our components remain affected which results in longer lead times and postponed installation dates. Currently every major systems company, hardware and glass manufacturer is struggling to meet supply. The availability of glass, certain profiles, foiled product and some hardware is forcing us to push out lead times. If we look elsewhere in the building sector there has been a considerable shortage of materials including plaster, drainage and insulation, and so we are not alone in our segment.
Our well-respected partners and suppliers, are also responsible employers and have implemented strict social distancing within their facilities. As a result they aren’t yet manufacturing at full capacity which, combined with the post-lockdown boom, means that things are moving along much slower in times when our supply chain is creaking under exponential growth in demand. This supply chain can also potentially further be interrupted by local lockdowns.
We need to emphasise that all lead times are only estimates and, especially now when all component deliveries are affected (until further notice), we ask you not to book third party trades until your installation is confirmed with you. Due to the current supply chain conditions we can only confirm your final date of installation once we have physically received all components. If your installation / delivery date changes, please be assured we are working as fast as we can to have your order with you as soon as possible, maintaining the high quality that you associate with our product.
We hope that gives you an insight into how things are for us at the moment, we understand it’s also a frustrating time for you if you’re waiting for an installation to be completed. We understand that every site is different and every project has been impacted in an individual way. That is why we’re trying to accommodate your wishes wherever possible, however we ask you to bear in mind that, as each of our orders is bespoke, your installation date might be amended, even up to 24h before the scheduled installation date.
We appreciate your ongoing patience and can’t thank you enough. If you do have an enquiry you can call us on 020 8685 9651, or email info@grabex.co.uk but please bear in mind we are experiencing a high volume of calls.
We’ve also put together a few of the most common queries:
>>Is your showroom opened?
Our Orpington showroom is currently opened by appointment only, so please book your visit in advance via our booking form. We operate our showroom in line with strict social distancing and government guidelines for retail spaces and we ask you to bring a face-covering for when you visit. Book a showroom visit >>
Currently we are also running the fundraising campaign for our local Demelza Hospice Care for Children (please spare a moment to find out more about Demelza and our fundraising campaign). That is why if you visit our showroom without a face mask you can use our disposable face masks available onsite and we will ask you to make a donation for Demelza as a favour in return.
>>Do you offer any alternatives to face-to-face meetings?
Some of our team members carry on working remotely, where possible and our sales advisors can also speak to you remotely via video conferencing software about your project, so you can schedule a virtual appointment with our sales advisor from the comfort of your own home.
If you know all details and the measurements of the products you require or have plans, drawings showing all dimensions - send us all the information, plans, and any pictures of your current and desired look and we can prepare you quotations based on your detailed information. Get an online quote >>
>>What safety measures are in place when conducting installation?
Our installers are following strict measures to keep our customers and colleagues safe and ensuring your home remains a safe place. We do ask you to keep us informed if anyone at your household is displaying the symptoms of covid.
Our installation teams are working in accordance with Government approved Safe Guides prepared by Fensa and the GGF (Glass and Glazing Federation) to ensure that the work being carried out in your home is done safely and professionally.
