Michael Ball, CEO of the UK’s leading chimney manufacturers, Schiedel Chimney Systems, takes a look at his company, and the way it has evolved to supply the many needs of today’s UK market. It’s not just a matter of chimneys and vents – it’s an area where an expanding company sees its role in the wider economy and the local community as being increasingly important.

It is ten years’ since Schiedel Chimney Systems acquired Rite Vent in December 2004, and in that time the company has established itself as the leading player in the UK in its field. We are an exciting and evolving company, responsive to new challenges, and providing new products to meet the ever-altering demands of governments, changing energy fuel sources and policies. We are continuously developing new ways products can be installed, and training the next generation of engineers that will install and maintain the systems needed to heat our homes and workplaces without, as they say, costing the earth.

Schiedel is a UK leader and a world brand. We constantly aim to deliver value for all our stakeholders – whether they are customers, shareholders, or employees. Answering the needs of all three is central to our success. We have 65 years of experience and leadership in providing innovative and tailor-made solutions for customers that are future-proof, represent value for money, and are energy efficient and climate friendly.

We also recognise the role we have to play in our local community, where we manufacture our products. Not only are we employers, doing what we can to bring success to the region, we also engage in community activity – and are keen supporters and sponsors of a number of local sports clubs.

INEXHAUSTIBLE CHANGES

Major changes both in the economy and the heating industry over the last decade have resulted in a number of new developments in the chimney sector.

The industry had been in a state of flux as manufacturers and suppliers dealt with the downturn in demand as a result of the recession, but is now benefitting from the new opportunities presented by alternative energy.

Fortunately, we are now emerging from the economic downturn, which saw an industry-wide setback due to cutbacks in public spending especially on public sector schemes such as schools and hospitals.

Now money is returning to the market, and in addition to traditional heating systems, demand is being generated through the trend for a switch from traditional gas and oil towards alternative energy sources. For chimney manufacturers and suppliers, the growth of biomass wood burning is set to play a key role in the coming years.

It’s likely there will be continued Government backing too on the renewable side, because unless there is an increase the uptake of renewable technologies, the UK is unlikely to meet its target to reduce CO2 emissions. Both public sector organisations and private sector businesses will be looking at renewable technologies as part of efforts to reduce their carbon footprints, which are now recorded in mandatory full energy audits.

The renewable sector is still relatively young in the UK, but companies are increasingly considering renewables and the Government’s energy policies when they are reviewing or renewing their heating systems. There is also the international gas market to consider. Events in Russia and the Ukraine have highlighted how volatile this can be and the greater security of supply for fuels such as biomass are also likely to impact on commercial decisions.

NEW OPPORTUNITIES – NEW PRODUCTS

To meet the needs both of the infant renewables industry and traditional fuels, chimney products have evolved considerably over the last 10 to 15 years. We have seen changes in gas and oil systems, with chimneys suitable for condensing systems now used far more commonly than traditional dry chimney systems.

Schiedel Chimney Systems is the UK’s no.1 manufacturer, producing more than 500 km of System Chimneys, Connecting Flue Pipes and Chimney Liners in the UK each year. To maintain this position, it’s vital to be committed to product development and rigorous quality standards. To cover the Non Residential market, we have a full design office, where we offer a bespoke service to contractors, and are able to carry out a supply and install job from start to finish.

At the end of the day, a chimney is a chimney; it is simple engineering but CE approvals are our stamps of quality and are not easy to secure. New products can take up to two years to properly research and develop before they ready for the market.

Ease of installation is one of the key demands from the commercial market. We produce an HP 5000, which is a flanged system, that is simple to install, and because it has a graphite gasket, there is no need for any sealant. In addition to the time saving aspects, the product has proved popular because it comes in an aesthetically pleasing polished stainless steel, which can also be painted to blend in with a building – an important consideration during the planning process – or to match the business’ corporate colours.

Schiedel has a track record in innovating to meet the needs of the market. In the 1990s, we extended our product ranges with the Prima Plus Single Wall System and the ICS Double Wall Insulated System Chimney, to meet the requirements of the new ranges of high efficiency and condensing boilers as well as the more traditional and high temperature applications.

Developments continued during the first decade of the 21^st century with the introduction of ICS5000 – the push fit system for diesel generator applications, offering major timesavings on site for installers. We also launched kits to meet the demand for a one-stop shop.

During this decade, we have launched a flanged multi-purpose prefabricated ducting system for commercial customers plus a range of products for the domestic market. These include a revolutionary new range of screw fit accessories for Flexible Liners, as well as aesthetic ranges of connecting flue pipes Prima Smooth and Eco ICID – the Twin Wall Insulated System Chimney – for the increasingly popular stove market.

SMART INSTALLATION  – WE GET MOBILE!

To support the installation of the Eco ICID, ICS, Flex and Prima Smooth range of products we have launched a comprehensive smartphone mobile app.

The Schiedel Installation Assistant app provides a quick and straightforward reference for installers, includes video breakdowns of each stage of the installation process, from connection to the appliance through to termination. It also highlights the safety critical areas where the chimney penetrates floors, ceilings, roof and walls. The app incorporates frequently asked questions information at each stage of the installation process, in line with building regulations, and an easy-to-use system for downloading full product information and installation instructions.

There is also a built in function for registering installations for product warranty, making life simpler for the installers.

Built using a mobile first methodology, the app is compatible with most smartphone, tablet and desktop technology and is available to download free via our company’s website.

TRAINING THE NEXT GENERATION

As a company we have massive expertise, and manufacturing experience, and are totally committed to ensuring that this is passed onto the next generation.

Manufacturing has an ageing workforce and here at Schiedel we are very keen to and encourage more young people into manufacturing industry. We currently have a workforce in excess of 100 staff, and have an apprenticeship/school scheme in place giving opportunities for young people to gain vital experience in UK manufacturing.

We currently employ four apprentices at our Washington site, aged between 16 and 21 on a range of schemes. They are each working in specialist divisions within the company which includes Mechanical Engineering, Electrical & Mechanical Maintenance, Commercial and Finance. They are all from the North East region and are each supported by both in-house and external assessors.  Each apprentice has a mentor and each is aiming for a long – term career within the company.

 OFFERING OPPORTUNITIES TO FUTURE PROOF THE INDUSTRY

The biomass industry is seeing huge growth but there is a serious lack of trained installation engineers in the UK. Building on our industry experience, Schiedel Chimney Systems offers the full portfolio of HETAS approved courses: including the H005 Biomass Installer Course and H005DE Biomass Building Regulation and Standards Course.

Taking place at Schiedel’s HETAS accredited training centre in Washington, Tyne & Wear, the courses combine theory and practical work and include a factory visit and the opportunity to get hands-on with state of the art Biomass appliances and ancillary equipment.

In addition to these courses, Schiedel also offers free of charge half day Biomass awareness seminars, which are ideal for people, exploring potential in this new area for the first time.

COMPETING ON A WORLD STAGE

The chimney industry is experiencing an influx of European manufacturers from countries including Spain, Germany and Eastern Europe, all aiming to benefit from the UK’s stable economy. Domestic manufacturers are also, of course, facing competition from China.

Schiedel is one of only around five UK chimney manufacturers. Between us, we sustain hundreds of jobs and are responsible for producing very high quality products, manufactured, tested and approved to the relevant UK and European EN1856-1 and EN1856-2 Chimney Standards. To guarantee your products meet these standards and quality, it remains important for businesses to buy British.

Michael Ball has extensive experience of the industry both with Schiedel and in the wider chimney sales sector.

http://www.schiedel.co.uk/