ASHFIX Tightens The Screws On Focus DIY Business Plan


A £14 million pound extension has been completed at a distribution site for one of the UK's top three DIY retailers, using Ash & Lacy's Ashfix colour headed fasteners in goosewing grey in conjunction with Ward insulated composite panels. Focus DIY completed another phase of their business plan in November 2005 by expanding their distribution warehouse in Tamworth by a further 225,000sq ft, bringing the total area to a giant 555,000sq ft, and creating over 70 further jobs at the site.

Approved for use by many of the UK's leading cladding manufacturers Ashfix fasteners were the preferred choice of Northern Cladding Ltd, the Roofing contractor. A spokesperson for the company commented that Ash & Lacy were their regular suppliers of roof system products due to their quality product offering and technical back-up which is superior to that of the competition.

Offering unrivalled product quality and performance, the extensive Ashfix range of stainless steel, carbon steel and colour headed options provide the ultimate fixing solution for light and heavy section built-up and composite panel applications. Fastener lengths are available to accommodate all current construction elements and drill points are designed to accommodate UK steel thickness. This optimises hole diameter to thread engagement thus ensuring maximum performance of holding power. All fasteners are available with Grade 66 UV stabilised integral colour heads in a full range of BS and RAL colours for improved aesthetics and life expectancy.

"It has always been an aim of the Focus business plan to extend the distribution centre at Tamworth as business grew and developed", revealed Archie Travers, Focus Logistics Director. "The site in Tamworth has served Focus well over the last 11 years and will continue doing so, providing a central location for access to the motorway network." It is intended that this site will provide a central distribution service, increasing the number of products provided to Focus DIY stores, whilst limiting the number of deliveries from suppliers to individual stores.

Operations with Ash & Lacy were reported to run smoothly and efficiently throughout by spokespersons from both main contractors McLaren Construction Ltd and roofing contractors Northern Cladding, with the project being completed ahead of time in November 2005 to the satisfaction of all parties involved.