Q+A WITH SKINS2GO

WFA: So Andrew from an exhibitor perspective, tell us a little about Skins2go and Ultra Stainless Security’s experience at this year’s Super Expo.

AL: I’ve been to seven SuperExpos throughout my career in the industry, and from a personal viewpoint I saw this year’s as the largest and most innovative. The embracing of technology and advancements in fabrics and systems were outstanding. All exhibitors should be very proud of their efforts.

For our company it was a perfectly timed opportunity for us to introduce to the industry that we are now a full wholesale manufacturer of not just window coverings products, but also stainless steel security products through our Ultra Stainless Security branding. Skins2go has always been recognised as the largest supplier of cut-to-size fabric skins to the Australian industry; however it was exciting to discuss the wholesale side to our business with visitors to our stand.

WFA: Given the show takes place every three years, what new innovation in product (or materials) received the most attention at this year’s Expo?

AL: A real passion for the management at Skins2go is keeping abreast of the latest innovations so we do communicate regularly with all of our suppliers and had earlier insight into most of the new product on display.

Having said that, it’s always a great gauge for us to see how those products are received by the retailers who sell our product.

Of particular interest for Skins2go was the major advancements in app based Wi-Fi motorisation which now is Apple compatible. To recognise the way the world is moving and to move with it the way that our industry has done recently is a credit to the companies involved. Consumers expect easy and convenient operation, and for me our industry has taken major steps in the past couple of years of achieving that.

At each show we also see new fabric ranges that embrace the latest design trends, meaning new on trend colours and designs. With Skins2go being a supplier of so many different fabrics historically through our skin service, we remain neutral with the fabric suppliers so always look forward to seeing what fantastic products their design teams come up with.

WFA: Skins2go has experienced some significant growth since its inception in 2012, Can you tell us a little more about the background behind the cut-to-size fabric service and what was on display as this year’s show?

AL: The concept of Skins2go was the brainchild of our

Director Dyson Wood and was initially about keeping an automated cutting table operating all week. Some retail companies prefer to do some assembly themselves so Skins2go offers the service of cutting the exact skin sizes for their roller blinds, or vertical blind blades. It’s also advantageous for these companies as it means they don’t have to hold as much stock as what a larger wholesaler would and enables them to keep their operations lean. That aspect of our business has continued to grow considerably but it’s the latest growth that really excites us.

Our company has been manufacturing internal window coverings for a few years now for local builders, and has committed, trained staff who do a fantastic job for us. The natural evolution for Skins2go has been to now release these products on a wholesale level to retailers and commercial clientele looking for another wholesale supply option. Because we offer such a large range of fabric, component and motorisation options through the original concept of the business we find that now as a full wholesale manufacturer we can be more flexible with existing and potential clients and tailor our offerings to them to better suit their requirements.

The wholesale manufacturing release was the key focus for us at the BMAA SuperExpo to really announce ourselves as a full national supplier. For our display it was important that we supported as many of our fantastic suppliers as possible by exhibiting their products.

We were fortunate enough to have some of the new products on our stand that were being released at the show by our suppliers. It’s the support of our suppliers that has really got Skins2go and Ultra Stainless to where they sit today, and where we aim to move to in future.

WFA: You’re currently busy fitting out a new 2,800 square metre dedicated production facility for Skins2go. Can you tell us more about the expansion and what will it allow you to provide new and existing customers?

AL: It’s been an extremely busy but exciting time for us this year. With our current purpose-built facility which we moved into five years ago on the Gold Coast, the factory space is split 50/50 between our Ultra Stainless Security manufacturing and our blind manufacturing. To accommodate the growth, we’ve already experienced this year and to ensure we have room for the future, we will be splitting the divisions across two separate facilities. The new premises located approximately one km from our existing facility will be exclusively for Skins2go, whilst the Ultra Stainless Security will expand across our existing building ensuring room for new machinery, more local staff and better efficiencies.

The new Skins2go facility will enable us to also expand our offerings to include more products such as awnings and curtains, and also assists with achieving expected lead-times for our clients.

One of the most exciting things happening at the new factory is the introduction of our brand new fourth Aeronaut fabric cutting table. This 12 metre Ultra-sonic table will sit alongside our 12 metre knife cut table, and also our two 7.2m tables (1x Ultra-sonic & 1x knife cut).

Also the introduction of awnings sees us introduce a five metre computerised welder for the fabrics. Whilst the main strategy behind separating the locations is improving capacity, we are also introducing the state-of-the-art machinery to assist the staff and make it an enjoyable workplace.

WFA: There seems to be a big push in all things motorised; what products does Skins2go offer in the automated and home integration space?

AL: The advancement in motorisation has been phenomenal. Skins2go offer a number of options for motorisation and predominantly stock the full suite of Rollease Acmeda motorisation and also have available Somfy and Alpha products. With the move towards App based technology and home integration systems, we as a business have embraced the technology and are constantly updating our staff to ensure we remain abreast of the movement. It’s become so much more user friendly for the consumer but also for the manufacturer and installers, which I feel, is only going to increase the popularity of motorisation.

WFA: You also had on display the latest offering from Ultra Stainless Security, can you tell us a little more about the custom range of security screens and doors that Ultra have available and some of their key features?

AL: Ultra Stainless Security offers screens and doors, featuring the inclusion of 316 Marine Grade Stainless, EGP retention method, and a range of colour options that complements and integrates with the home.

Our company has great experience in security products and a little known fact is how the Directors of our group the Wood family initially began. The Ultra Stainless Security branding is something we are very proud of and feel it’s an offering to the industry that’s high on quality on par or better than anything else currently available. With 316 Stainless mesh and the unique EGP retention method which ensures the mesh doesn’t touch the aluminium surround frame, it’s a product that will stand the test of time. Available in a wide range of powdercoat colour options, locking options and operating systems, it’s the perfect fit for retailers who currently do security but are looking at getting away from locked in contracts, and high expense. Moving forward from August, the manufacturing space of our Ultra Stainless Security will double and we will also be commissioning a second guillotine again to improve efficiencies and lead-times.

WFA: Finally, Skins2go offers an easy online ordering system of Australia’s largest range of cut-to-size fabrics. Who are some of the key fabric and component suppliers that you stock in your range?

AL: We work with well-known brands such as Rollease Acmeda,

Blindware, ScottFree, Wilson, Mermet, Four Families, Hunter Douglas, Texstyle and Shaw.

Skins2go offers two options for clients to place orders with our company. Our website is a Shopify style website where orders can be placed directly from the site. Skins2go use the BUZ Software online ordering portal for all aspects of our business to simplify the process for us and our clients. Orders are simply placed using the system, then all worksheets associated with the manufacturing are generated out from there. Management also utilises aspects of BUZ for reporting and our accounting. With such a large offering and different aspects to our business, we are always so appreciative of our suppliers who keep us on the forefront and have been so supportive and share our growth vision. Fabrics we currently offer are from Shaw, Texstyle, Hunter Douglas, Wilson, Blindware, Mermet, Specialties and as soon as available the new Louvolite range. Components and motorisation options are from Acmeda, Scott Free, Blindware, Somfy, and Alpha.