“A clear focus on working as closely as possible with every customer to achieve scaffolding, access and protection results that are both technically advanced and creative – our success has always depended on this philosophy and is now clearly demonstrated by our full stockyards and committed approach to addressing the current situation. ”As Layher Ltd. marks its 75th anniversary, UK Managing Director, Sean Pike, is clear about the platform upon which the company’s international success continues to be built.
“Today, both our head office and satellite depots are fully stocked with our wide range of equipment and have structures in place to ensure continuing, reliable supply and support,” he says. “It underlines our growth from little more than a single production building in 1945 to a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility, global sales and support network and a track record of which everyone at the company is extremely proud.” Sean Pike believes that, while it is unfortunate that the company is currently prevented from holding its planned series of celebratory events, Layher can still extend a genuine thank you to everyone who has made its history possible – “and, more importantly, who now place us all in an excellent position for the future,” he adds.
While building and construction have naturally been central to Layher’s operation over the years, the company has also built a leading reputation in other, perhaps more niche, sectors. These range from the rail industry and offshore oil exploration to the event sector and industrial maintenance.
In all cases, a relentless focus on innovation has been central to the organisation’s approach – much of which has been inspired by market feedback. Invariably this looks to improve customers’ safety and the ergonomic performance of the equipment.
Recent developments such as Allround Lightweight, FlexBeam, a choice of purpose-designed bridging systems and the company’s Scaffold Information Modelling (SIM) software, for instance, have all enabled Layher to work closely with its contracting customers to provide solutions for a vast number of projects. These range from simple façade scaffolds to the provision of access and protection on one of the world’s most iconic buildings – the Elizabeth Tower, home to the famous Big Ben.
“Our growth in the UK since we started at our Letchworth head office in 1986 reflects these key factors,” continues Sean Pike. “Importantly, we place great emphasis on making our equipment and support services as available as possible at local level which has seen us regularly grow our nationwide network and storage depots over the years. ”Today, Layher’s headquarters is supplemented by facilities in Livingston in Scotland, Eggborough in Yorkshire and Dublin in Ireland while the latest facility in West Bromwich in the West Midlands opened its doors at the end of last year.
“During the current situation, we are fully aware of the need to provide as much support as possible, and to do so while following government advice within our own facilities and those of our customers,” continues Sean Pike. “To an extent, this has gained from the preparations that we had already made to address the Brexit transition process – so the provision of adequate material supplies and our ongoing ability to react quickly to customer needs, for example, are already areas that have been addressed.”
Under the banner of ‘75 Years of Future’, Layher is now looking towards the next phase of its success, particularly as many of its user industries emerge from the current difficulties. At the same time, it is still hoping to undertake commemorative activity in due course to emphasise both its track record and optimism for the years ahead.
“This positive view has been developed on the firm foundation of success in the past and an understanding of how important it is to maintain close links with both our scaffolding contractor customers and, ultimately, their own clients. This has always enabled everybody involved to remain at the leading edge of the industry,” concludes Sean Pike. “We continue to be committed– particularly now – to ensuring that Layher’s equipment and support capability always creates opportunities and more possibilities.”
