Recognising the continuing trend towards outsourcing by companies which cease to manufacture, one of the UK's largest and most successful trade fabricators, Total Glass has launched a comprehensive guide for firms planning to go down this more profitable route.

Liverpool-based Total Glass has over 17 years of experience helping businesses to make more profits by 'buying-in' their frames. It says more than 50% of its turnover comes from former window manufacturers and claims none of these has since returned to manufacturing.

Throughout 2005, the company gained an average of one new ex-manufacturing customer every three weeks as businesses struggled to maintain profit margins in the face of tougher trading conditions and rising raw material prices.

"Making profit from making windows remains a difficult challenge and we expect this to continue for smaller manufacturers," comments Frank Deary, Total Glass Managing Director. "Hence we have launched the Total Glass Guide to Outsourcing packed with all the information potential outsourcers need to make that all-important step towards a more profitable business and successful future."

With the average manufacturing net profit in the industry at just 2.56%, Total says buying in frames makes sound economic sense and claims that in eight out of 10 cases, it can increase customers' net profit to over 10%.

"Our 100,000 sq ft production facility has the latest automated, state-of-the-art machinery, so we can produce frames at volumes and prices that the smaller companies just cannot achieve," explains Frank. "We remove the headaches of producing frames, doors and conservatories for our customers, so the resulting financial savings can be re-invested to allow them to concentrate on supply and installation."

The guide explains the wide range of services offered by Total Glass, from machinery disposal, new uses for redundant premises and employment issues to advice on planning and executing the move to outsourcing. "Changing to outsourcing can be plain sailing because we have the experience and know-how to help tackle all the associated issues, as well as answer any questions throughout the entire process," adds Frank. "All it takes is a phone call to us for a strictly confidential no-obligation appraisal of the facts."