WORKING WITH ROSEVIEW
Willy’s retirement present to Jade Engineering marks a decade plus.
After more than 30 years with the UK’s leading manufacturer of replacement vertical sliding windows, Roseview Windows, Willie Kerr has stepped away from the firm, having stated his intention to step down three years ago whilst serving as Managing Director. Willie leaves a huge legacy, including the launch of Award-Winning products such as Ultimate Rose, which won a coveted G Awards Product of the Year trophy.
One of Willie’s final projects was to launch a revised Mk3 version of Ultimate Rose, for which he worked with Coventry-based machinery and tooling manufacturer Jade Engineering Ltd to develop fabrication techniques and processes to ensure the efficient production of Roseview’s flagship product.
The new version of the Ultimate Rose includes changes that further enhance the product’s reputation for authenticity, including a number of options such as deep cills, run-through and no horn choices, staff beads, new astragal bars and a number of other features. Jade Engineering’s Technical Manager Suk Singh worked closely with the Roseview technical team to develop the new manufacturing processes which were first proved with manual equipment, then written for execution using complex CNC machinery that coincidentally was supplied by Jade sister company Kombimatec.
The consultancy work completed by Jade Engineering was highly complex but also fitting, as the firm had provided advice and basic machinery for the manufacture of the original Ultimate Rose window more than 10 years earlier. Jade has supplied Roseview with more than 30 standalone end millers and punch tools during a relationship that began in 2010, with the distinctive Jade livery visible throughout the Roseview factories at Olney and Wollaston in Northamptonshire.
Reflecting on the relationship with Jade Engineering Willie said: “The people at Jade are always approachable, direct and good communicators. They have excellent skills and working with them has enabled a highly efficient and successful launch of the Mk3 Ultimate Rose, to help us maintain our market leadership.”
Jade Engineering’s Sean Mackey was quick to acknowledge the relationship with Willie: “Willie’s technical background always enabled him to be precise in his needs and we enjoyed working with him and the team at Roseview, with some of our finest work going into developing the manufacturing techniques used in the Roseview factory. We will miss Willie but wish him an enjoyable retirement, though I doubt it will involve him putting his feet up,” added Sean.
Indeed, Willie says that the opposite will be the case, as he intends to increase his involvement with running, including coaching the sport.
“The people at Jade are always approachable, direct and good communicators. They have excellent skills and working with them has enabled a highly efficient and successful launch of the Mk3 Ultimate Rose, to help us maintain our market leadership.”
