Rixonway cook up money saving kitchen deal
13.08.2007
Kitchen supplier Rixonway and Sovereign Development Consortium have signed a landmark deal to provide quality kitchens in thousands of new affordable homes, resulting in significant savings for members of the 12-strong social landlord alliance.
The tender process took account of all business aspects and Sovereign undertook detailed assessments of our every working practice".
In the first agreement of its kind in the country, the four-year deal is expected to see Rixonway supply more than 1700 new kitchens a year to the Consortium, its partners and its asset management and maintenance teams operating right across the southeast and southwest of England.
Sovereign Development Consortium (SDC) whittled down 16 kitchen manufacturers to just three before choosing Rixonway to work alongside its building contractors and major developers on dozens of sites from Horsham to Plymouth, and Slough to Bristol.
Mark Jarrett, Head of Supply Chain Management for SDC said: "We were very impressed by Rixonway’s commitment to low costs, customer service, and product quality. When choosing a kitchen supplier, we have to think not only about providing the right product for our residents, but minimising the whole-life costs over a 25-year period. We’re delighted that this deal will both save us significant initial costs per kitchen and minimise our future repair and replacement costs."
Rixonway Regional Business Development Manager, William Martindale, added: "Needless to say, we are in an enviable position of offering customers high quality, sustainable, products and services that meet their needs and those of their residents."
Mark Jarrett concluded: "A key feature of this agreement is that by addressing the whole life cost implications of our selection, it provides a unified solution across development, refurbishment work, voids and maintenance. Also by teaming up with our partners in Westworks, the collaborative group of 17 landlords in the West of England, we have the potential to further increase the efficiency of our procurement arrangements."
Rixonway joins an elite group of partners in the SDC - led by Sovereign Housing Group - including four building contractors and nine construction consultants, with window and door manufacturers, boiler suppliers, and timber frame experts, all soon to be appointed. This unique partnership is providing a one-stop shop for councils and government agencies seeking quality affordable homes built quickly and cost effectively.
In joining the SDC, Rixonway will also be committing to the Consortium’s continuous improvement programme as they seek further ongoing increases in operational efficiencies, service improvements and customer satisfaction.
