Meet the Team: Darren Bates - UK Operations Director for ARBO

3 Years. 

We have some exceptional products in our range to support our overall strategy of being a leading specifier in the world of building envelope solutions.  From standard silicone sealants and coatings, through to hybrid technology with our remarkable MS Polymer products that literally do everything and more.  But the product group that’s really exciting everyone at the moment, is the new ARBOShield Façade system.  We are talking next level, game changing market leading potential with this new A rated fire protection system.  Watch this space.

I think the most significant way we have supported our customers is by taking what was an unsatisfactory customer delivery performance level in 2021, to a sustained and customer accepted target level >90%.  In 2021, we weren’t doing things as well as we could have, including insufficient forecasting, no definition between what needed to be made to order and make to stock, insufficient lead times and a general lack of priority and these problems were significantly exacerbated by the global supply chain challenges resulting from the pandemic. 

As a complete business across all functions, these problems really highlighted to the team what needed to be improved.  I’m very pleased to say that we’ve come through it with a significantly improved business model, clear direction with razor focused strategic aims, and a team culture that’s proactive towards our customer performance.   

Being part of the positive change we’ve made in the last 3 years within the business. From introducing operational excellence via our Carlisle Operating System (COS), really establishing our Quality and Environmental Management Systems (ISO9001/14001), through to turning the business into a customer focused and professionally run unit. All done through our brilliant and engaged people. It’s been a truly remarkable experience watching us grow and mature and something I’m really proud to be part of. We still have a lot of opportunity to improve, and the journey never ends to make us the No.1 partner of choice for our customers.