Leading Cheshire based glazing specialists, RED Systems have announced the launch of their new SFS Division, RED Optimal.
The new division was formed following RED Systems’ acquisition of Liverpool based Optimal Building Solutions (OBS) earlier this year.
Headed up by owner, Steve Williams, OBS had been operating successfully in the SFS and fit-out sectors for over 20 years.
Steve Williams will now join the RED team as Managing Director of RED Optimal, to help integrate the new division into the company and provide invaluable expertise in the SFS space.
By combining their market-leading expertise in commercial glazing, curtain walling and SFS, the RED group will now be able to offer a single, competitively priced solution for two critical path packages, which in turn will improve envelope procurement and delivery for their clients.
The wide-ranging benefits of this approach for the main contractor includes less packages to let, one design solution, fully covered by PI, with coordinated delivery on site that is all fully Building Safety Act compliant.
Speaking about the new venture, Mike Green, Managing Director of RED Systems said: ‘This development will offer huge benefits for our clients here at RED. The advantages of appointing a single contractor to deliver the combined SFS & Glazing package are massive in terms of logistics, programme delivery and cost and we are delighted to be working with Steve and the team on this new venture.’
RED Optimal will offer complete building structure and shell solutions. Driven by early engagement, the team will provide a full design service at pre-construction stage, working in tandem with the glazing team to provide a full scope review of projects I order to deliver the most appropriate solution.
RED Optimal Managing Director, Steve Williams commented: ‘By combining our expertise, we will be able to offer clients a speedy, accurate, compliant and cost-effective solution, with one point of contact, which will add value of every stage of project delivery.’
The RED Optimal partnership has already been successful in delivering a full glazing / SFS, dry envelope solution for the high-profile Stockport Interchange scheme. Working with colleagues from Willmott Dixon, the team installed 3,570 m2 of windows and curtain walling, utilising Metal Technology products including: 5-35 hi+ glazing system and System 17 for the curtain walling aspect.
Feedback from colleagues at Willmott Dixon was universally positive with Principal Surveyor, Michael Blackburn commenting: “From our perspective, RED Systems performance on Stockport Interchange was exemplary. The quality of in the installation, the attitude of their supervisor, the productivity on site as well as how they worked with us on any programme or commercial matters and their knowledge of wider issues in the industry, such as Reg 38, meant for us, they were one of our highest performing Supply Chain Partners on the project.
Combining the SFS and Curtain Walling packages with one partner worked fantastically well for us. It allowed for greater co-ordination on site and gave us tangible programme benefits. The use of protection screens meant that the sequence between trades was critical, and RED pulled out all the stops for us.”
The RED Optimal team have also been successful in securing the SFS and glazing package for the new Manchester College City Campus (Phase 2) at the former Boddingtons Brewery site on Great Ducie Street.
‘Early engagement and helping educate our clients on the benefits of full envelope procurement is key,’ commented Mike Green. ‘We have been delighted with the feedback from our key clients so far and look forward to working on some exciting schemes over the next few months and beyond.’
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