IKO Invests in Growth and Infrastructure
Our trusted partner, IKO, is making strides in their industry by investing in U.S. infrastructure and a long-term growth strategy. The tactics employed by vice president of U.S. sales for IKO, Keith Lowe, and the company as as whole are aimed towards having a greater market presence. By accomplishing this goal, IKO hopes to benefit not only themselves, but the many customers who recognize the value the company holds. Lowe stated that IKO’s sales people do an incredible job of selling the value of the brand and its’ products, but “it’s the investment in our people, processes and facilities that help us deliver that value to our distributors, the contractor and the homeowner.”
New Modern Facilities
IKO was founded in Canada, but has a solidified presence in the U.S. market. The IKO headquarters in the United States is located in Wilmington, Delaware. In the past eight years alone, the company has added three new 4-wide shingle production facilities in a time where many manufacturers had chosen to cut back or downsize. The newest of the facilities was deemed “the most modern of of its kind anywhere in North America” by Lowe.
Dedication to Bringing More Value to the Customer
These new facilities are directed towards helping customers in the long run, but IKO’s efforts to assist customers in the short run are already underway. On time and on demand delivery is of the upmost importance to the company. Their unique vertical integration organization of sales and operations allows them to significantly increase their speed and flexibility. According to Lowe, “the vertical integration of our operation allows greater control over the raw material supply and quality coming to our plants.” This allows IKO to meet supplier demands at both local and national levels. By implementing a system in
which products from one plant can be used with products manufactured at another, IKO maximizes efficiency. The company works hard to meet with customers in order to gauge the future status of the market and through this, is able to combat fluctuations in the market. Their ultimate goal in operations is to eliminate “wasted time, wasted motion, wasted effort” because they want to eliminate anything that doesn’t add value for the customer. In environmental efforts, the company has managed to reduce manufacturing waste generated by more than 10% in each of the last four years. Lastly, IKO has heavily invested in enhanced process control including updated control equipment, as well as an investment in people with the knowledge and expertise to better process control, control plans and process capability.
Spreading Knowledge And Power to the Roofing Industry
IKO isn’t just investing in new facilities and smoother operations, but also is staying on top of the latest developments in the roofing industry. The company doesn’t keep this knowledge compiled in storage, but rather goes around the country to educate fellow roofers. From instructional and educational videos, to online told and in-person seminars, IKO wants contractors to succeed. Lowe also takes customer and contractor feedback seriously and modifies operations in order to alleviate customer concerns, and better their products and services. These extensive investments in IKO have “transformed the company from a multi-regional company to a national supplier, capable of providing and servicing the U.S. marketplace from coast to coast.” As a last remark, Lowe concluded with “We are now selling and shipping to 47 states, and we’re not done yet.” Congratulations on all your efforts IKO! We are proud to work with a company that is always striving for the best!
About Us
Here at Chase Construction North West Inc., we have been installing IKO products for over 13 years and are well aware of the value of the brand and its’ products. We are an IKO ShieldPro Plus roofing contractor and have extensive knowledge and expertise on their products as well as many others. Summer is upon us and the best time to get your commercial or residential reroof is now Puget Sound! Call us today and we will show you we are the ones to trust for the job! We provide services in King County and Pierce County, along with major cities such as Seattle, Tacoma, Puyallup, Federal Way, Renton, Auburn, Des Moines and all of the surrounding cities. If you are in need of roofing, decking, waterproofing, or skylight installation services contact Chase Construction North West, Inc. today. Fill out our free estimate form or call us today at (253) 544-3651.