CR Smith sees a window of opportunity in the north

CR SMITH, the family-owned windows and conservatories firm, is expanding its Factory Direct business into the north of Scotland to meet demand from construction companies and self-build customers.

The operation, which sells but doesn't fit windows and conservatories, was recently trialled in Inverness and saw its 800 monthly unit sales rise by an eighth. All of the windows sold through Factory Direct are manufactured at CR Smith's factory in Fife.

The firm expects to recruit staff in Inverness and Aberdeen as a result of the move.

Colin Eadie, who heads up Factory Direct, said: "Building work is still going on in the north of Scotland, albeit on a smaller scale and we're happy to support that.

"Since the start of the year, CR Smith has been investing in all areas of its business and this is now paying off. We are seeing a steady growth in our business and we are in a position to expand and take on new staff.

"A pilot operation for Factory Direct in Inverness started out with just a team of two and no contacts. Within a very short space of time we were supplying over 100 units. We now want to grow that team to six and will open operations in Aberdeen."