SIEGENIA-AUBI - On Top Form

International recognition and a 20% increase in sales have got SIEGENIA-AUBI general manager Léann Hearne's year off to a flying start.

This year, her UK subsidiary edged into the top three at the SIEGENIA-AUBI international sales conference annual awards, sealing its place as one of the group's top global performers.

Says Léann; ‘There are currently 22 global subsidiaries, and the awards are based on contract wins and losses over a twelve-month period.

‘I knew we'd had a very good year and our sales manager was confident we were in with a chance, but I wasn't convinced. I've been to too many of these things before and it's always the same faces - the subsidiaries with huge turnover - that win.

‘You can imagine my surprise when we were called up to the stage! I was so proud of the team, it's fantastic to be recognised in this way within the group, and it reaffirms the success we've enjoyed in 2007.’

SIEGENIA-AUBI recorded a 20% increase in UK turnover last year against its 2006 performance. This, says Léann, is largely down to two key product areas:

‘Sales of our folding sliding FS Portal door hardware went from strength to strength last year,’ she says. ‘The industry is establishing itself and more and more people are getting involved, but we've been here since the beginning, seeing scope for folding sliding doors in the UK several years ago and creating a market for our product.

‘Our Trident three-in-one casement hardware really took off in 2007, too. More and more fabricators are enjoying its time saving benefits and new fabricators are coming on board with the product every week.’

With a couple of new faces on the team and a healthy start to the year, Léann is looking forward to the challenges 2008 will bring.

‘It's not easy and everyone's feeling the pinch to some extent,’ she says. ‘It's important to know your market and your customers, stay focused and identify key growth areas so you can direct your efforts accordingly. We've had a great start to the year and we're looking forward with optimism.’

Web: http://www.siegenia-aubi.co.uk