Member Article

SMART Balustrades expands team with production manager

Staffordshire-based SMART Balustrades has recruited a new production manager to drive and coordinate growth of the manufacturing side of the business.

Tom Dopierala has joined the company, which is part of the Unitech Group, with a wealth of experience in manufacturing and a background as an experienced welder and fabricator.

SMART Balustrades provides a range of bespoke glass and stainless-steel balustrades and glass Juliet balconies, which are manufactured at its Burntwood production facility. The firm has extensive experience in the fit-out sector and works heavily in the hotel and leisure markets.

Due to a continued demand for its specialist products and having previously outsourced a lot of the manufacturing processes, SMART Balustrades now does much of this in-house, and as production manager, Tom will be responsible for leading the manufacturing processes onsite.

David Hough, managing director of SMART Balustrades, said: “We’re pleased to welcome Tom to the SMART Balustrades team. His newly created role as production manager will allow us to bring more manufacturing processes in-house. Being able to take on more of these processes has great benefits to our clients; as we can be more competitive on price and can control quality and lead times.

“Tom has the ideal expertise for this position having previously worked within manufacturing for our sister company Unitech Engineering for nine years, before working for another balustrade company. He came highly recommended and many have spoken of the quality of his workmanship.

“In the short time he’s been with us, his attention to detail and the quality of his work is exceptional. Most importantly he’s a good guy and is a great fit with our team. I’m sure he will have a longstanding and successful career with us.” On his new role as production manager, Lichfield-based Tom, said: “SMART Balustrades is operating in a large and competitive market and has proven to be a highly professional company with great potential for further expansion, so I’m delighted to have joined the team. “With over 16 years of experience in engineering, fabrication, welding and machining, the role is ideal for me. My main responsibility is to organise the manufacturing process, whilst ensuring the company provides its customers with the best service, precision and high-quality standards, always on time. I’m relishing this new challenge and the opportunity to make a difference.” With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the construction industry and some developments currently on pause, much of the SMART Balustrades team are working remotely, with manufacturing staff safely distanced according to government guidelines in the factory.

SMART Balustrades was set up by brothers David and Jonathan Hough and its current commercial portfolio includes luxury hotels, universities, retail and leisure facilities.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Eloise Cantello .