Our #madeinsandwell Monday star this week is Howells Patent Glazing Limited of Woods Lane, Cradley Heath.

Howells has been supplying the region with aluminium powder-coated roof glazing solutions since 1973, when the company was founded by Walter Howells in Walsall. It began by offering installation only but quickly expanded and started manufacturing patent glazing products too.

The company started out as a family business and remains so today, with Walter’s children in key roles of sales, accounts and marketing.

Tracey Jackson, marketing manager, said: “At Howells we take pride in the fact that the business is not only run by family but it actually feels like a family too. As a small business we really care about our customers’ needs as well as the future of the company”.

Howells’ patent glazing roof light and canopy products are manufactured at its factory complex in Cradley Heath. The company supplies the domestic, commercial and public sectors with a wide range of products, including covered walkways, rooflights, barrel vaults, canopies and single and double-pitched roofs.

Tracey said being located in Sandwell is important to Howells for several reasons.

“There is a level of support here that is unique to Sandwell Council – whether this be general information, financial, business procurement or training,” she explained.

Howells’ customers include railway stations, care homes, shopping centres, schools, retail complexes, heritage buildings, domestic applications and factory units. The company has even carried out works at the prestigious Millennium Point in Digbeth, Birmingham, installing 5,000 square metres of coloured U-profiled glazing.

Howells places great value in its workforce, encouraging people to grow by offering promotion within the company whenever possible as well as appropriate NVQ qualifications, in conjunction with Dudley College. These qualifications include ICT and leadership and management.

“As our company goes from strength to strength we hope to continue to thrive and support local talent in our workforce. This year we’re appearing at the NEC for our very first trade show [FIT Show, taking place from Tuesday 23 May] and we have been shortlisted for the Construction News Awards 2017 ‘Training Excellence of the Year’ category,” said Tracey.

Congratulations Howells! Keep up the good work and we wish you all the best for the Construction News Awards. #madeinsandwell Monday is a celebration of the talent and diversity of businesses in our borough. If you’re interested in being considered for a #madeinsandwell Monday profile, read this.