‘Great oaks from little acorns grow’. Most, if not all of us have heard of this expression, before. There are several variants, but they all originate from as far back as the mid-fourteenth century and share the same meaning - that for anything new to become big and successful, must first start small. This is a true reflection of JCP Fixings, the specialist fixings division of Owlett-Jaton, which has grown to become one of the largest fixing’s brands in the UK today, and celebrates twenty years this year.
In 2001, Owlett-Jaton were already recognised as one of the UK’s largest fixings suppliers, but did not offer their own brand. The decision was taken to launch their own fixings brand, and so JCP (‘Jaton Construction Products’) Fixings was born.
Since then, JCP has grown in stature, including an ever-increasing range of high-quality products and packaging options, all built on a great reputation. Keeping up with the ever-changing demands of the construction industry is something which JCP prides itself on.
Nick Beardon, General Manager at JCP Fixings, joined the company in 2003 and explains: “It is a broad spectrum of where changes are generated, from legislation, through to consumer expectations. Regulations and standards in the Construction industry are by no means set in stone - they (rightly) adapt over time. For example, we have seen a rise in demand for certified products as a result, distributors, architects, engineers, and specifiers alike, recognising the overall advantages of specifying certified products. Consumer buying needs continually change too, for example, improved packaging for the consumer. Any form of change - irrespective of origin, inevitably has an impact on the supply chain; identifying, responding, and adapting appropriately to change is a fundamental element of our survival, and indeed, success”.
PRODUCT PORTFOLIO
As JCP products are used in the construction industry, it is understandably imperative that the right product is used first time, every time; inexpensive and inferior alternatives can be potentially dangerous, and almost inevitably result in avoidable complications (and ultimately cost) at some stage, or another. Since its inception, JCP has only offered a range of high-quality products, often certified and regulated, including CE approved, ETA Certified, WRAS (Water Regulations Advisory Scheme), and Fire Resistance products. Over the twenty years, the product range has grown year-on-year, and this is a trend that is set to continue; on that note, the new 2021 JCP Fixings catalogue will be landing on desks from mid-February and will include even more items than ever before.
PACKAGING
JCP now offer ‘trade’ and ‘retail’ bags, branded with the JCP Fixings logo and livery. Split into four categories (medium-duty, heavy-duty, nylon and cavity, and self-drilling screws) each product is clearly colour coded. The label also shows base material icons for which the product is recommended, clear instructions for installation, along with extended technical details ensuring the application is correct; the packaging also includes a QR code that takes you through to the relevant Technical data sheet on the JCP Fixings website.
Nick comments: “This is a great example of where we responded to a change in the market. Today’s society has higher expectations regarding the retail environment, and coinciding with this, the quality of packaging. The result? An improved retail experience, where the branded packaging is striking, regimental in appearance, and much more inviting. It is even easier for customers to find what they want, and the clear instructions help consumers choose the right product; all of this often leads to an increase in sales for our customers, and ultimately, us too”.
TECHNICAL SUPPORT
This is where JCP excels, offering numerous forms of service, including an in-depth technical website, onsite product testing, training session opportunities, and ECAP Membership.
In-depth Technical Website
The JCP website was originally launched in late 2008 and offered technical datasheets. It was redesigned in 2013, with the introduction of interactive software. The website is continually updated to deliver the most up-to-date information, keeping in line with changes in the product offering, legislation, and market demands. Product information, load and range data, performance data sheets, installation instructions, base material guidance, are just some of the options available. It has been developed with the distributor, architect, engineer, and specifier in mind, and includes the Anchor Calculation Program (ACP), which is designed to simplify specifying connections to floors, ceilings, and walls, and factors in loadings, spacing, and edge distances.
Today’s technology enables the user to (even) be on site with a screen (mobile phone/tablet/laptop) and use the ACP ‘there and then’. The programs must be updated regularly to ensure they are compliant with any changes in legislation or industry standards. But what is the best bit about the ACP? That is easy - it is free of charge to download and is available to anybody.
Onsite Product Testing
Where required, JCP offer onsite product testing by their highly experienced Area Sales Managers, right across the UK. Nick explains: “There has been a shift in the construction industry, whereby we have seen an increase in such requests. Whether it is in line with a building regulation requirement, or for peace of mind, our Area Sales Managers provide advice on behalf of our customers. We are visiting sites on an almost daily basis performing testing to demonstrate the suitability of our products”. The JCP Fixings technical support team also provides troubleshooting technical back up when required.
Training Session Opportunities
The technical department offers training sessions for distributors, project managers, and designers, at their dedicated training centre. With three levels of training to choose from, they can all be tailored to meet the needs of the audience. The training provides an opportunity for people to get a hands-on-experience with products from the JCP Fixings range.
ECAP Membership
JCP is a member of ECAP (European Consortium of Anchor Producers) - a group of European producers, where the members influence the standardisation of their products. This helps to ensure that their own technical needs are considered and secured in European Standardisation and Technical Assessments, as well as enhance the technical development of their products.
THE FUTURE
And what for the future of JCP? Nobody can say for sure where JCP will be in another twenty years, but what is certain is their commitment to their customers. As technologies and innovation continue to improve, JCP will be at the forefront of ensuring that the ‘right’ products are sourced and supplied.
The website will be continually monitored to offer visitors the most up-to-date technical information, as well as being developed to offer even more support. JCP Fixings staff will still be providing the best level of support possible; indeed, they have a new Technical Manager - Reza Jafari, who replaces Brian Deluce, who recently retired after having joined JCP in September of the same year it was launched. Reza has a degree in Structural Engineering from the Milan Polytechnic and qualified as a Bachelor of Civil Engineering. Reza’s technical knowledge, coupled with having previously worked with design engineers, brings a new level of expertise to the Technical department. And if he continues in the footsteps of Brian, he will be there to enjoy celebrating JCP Fixings reaching the big ‘4’ ‘0’.
