Key changes at Challenger

Established in 2006, the company has grown a reputation as a leading supplier of awning components to the window furnishings industry. The company has experienced a number of changes over the past two years, with James Kirkpatrick taking over as General Manager. James has been with Challenger for nine years, starting with the company in internal sales, spending time on the warehouse floor, and five years ago moved into the role of operations manager.  This broad experience has enabled him to implement a number of procedural changes to help increase efficiency and productivity.

More recently, Challenger has hired Luke Painter as its National Sales Manager. Luke has been in the industry for 19 years and has been the Managing Director for Lukris Trading for the past 12 years.  Luke will provide Challenger with a fresh set of eyes and his manufacturing experience will help improve the current product range whilst focusing on new product developments.  As a previous customer of Challenger over the past ten years, his product knowledge is a great fit to fill the sales position.

“With new changes comes a new logo. Something that reflects what we do best.  Whilst we are experiencing the challenges of working under COVID restrictions, we continue to roll form our products to the highest standard.  With the ever increasing popularity of side retention blinds, our in-house manufactured 78mm tube has become an essential part of not only our business, but also to a large part of our clientele.  Our roll forming division offers three tube sizes: 78mm, 63.5mm, and 50mm. Alongside our tube range we also offer over-roll hooding, under-roll hooding and 5-Sided Bottom Rail, all available in 15 colours.  To complement this we also stock 85mm and 70mm tubes.”

“To support our roll formed products, Challenger has an extensive range of awning componentry.  Historically we have supplied components such as springs, guides, and brackets to manufacture Auto and Fixed Guides Systems.  As blinds have evolved we’ve added gear boxes, drives, idlers, pivot pins, and the like.  The next step for Challenger is to develop products for the future, becoming an industry leader in the next wave of awning products.”