Construction partner in aluminum facade solutions goes for completely independent position in the market

Intal is a fast-growing and inspiring building partner that produces circular aluminum facade solutions using self-developed aluminum window, door and curtain wall systems. Intal is part of The Intal Group, which now also includes the companies Thermal Breaks, IJdema and Intal+. Rudy Schipper, director of The Intal Group, says: "The group of companies we now form means we are increasingly independent and therefore stronger in the market."

Back in 2021, Schipper said, "We are going to further expand our product range in the coming years and at the same time further integrate the business chain." Intal was then already responsible for the entire process: from working exclusively with its own profiles to the end result. The goal after that: to integrate all steps, including thermal insulation and/or powder coating of profiles in order to truly offer 100% Intal to the customer. 

Continuity

When asked why The Intal Group is strategically aiming for complete independence from major suppliers in the column, Schipper replies, "That has mainly to do with continuity and manufacturability. The demands on the Dutch Manufacturing industry are getting higher and higher: customers want (and demand) cheaper and better products that also have to be delivered faster. That can be quite a challenge if you are dependent on the delivery times of other parties, who are sourcing internationally and thus exposed to political and economic whims." This has become painfully obvious, particularly during the corona crisis (and now again with the other crises at play). "Fortunately, Intal 100% has remained supply-reliable: we-and thus our customers-have not gone wrong on any part. That's really because we are a lot more independent as a group and have further good agreements with our suppliers." 

Reliable construction partner

In terms of independence, Schipper is referring to the fact that IJdema Powder Coating and Thermal Breaks fall under The Intal Group (see the article about this elsewhere in this edition, ed.). "Being able to offer combined thermal insulation as well as wet painting and powder coating, has created a unique market position where our customers are optimally relieved." This makes The Intal Group a reliable partner for the entire building and facade construction industry. Schipper continues to look ahead critically: "We are still dependent on other parties for some elements that we cannot make ourselves, such as glazing or sandwich panels. But we are already trying to get a better grip on this and exercise influence. The fine continuity of the past few years reinforces the idea of taking further steps in this area in the future, so that we can safeguard the reliability towards our customers even further."

Reduce delivery times

In this regard, quality, speed and sustainability are crucial factors, according to Schipper. "There is an increasing flow of 'configure to order' (CTO). Customers can configure and order their product, and we can deliver quickly because we are a fully owned organization and have most of the production in-house. Because reducing delivery times is an important goal. Schipper is therefore proud that the trust in the market towards Intal has been growing. "It is great to see that we are involved in almost all major projects and the number of returning satisfied customers continues to grow. Therefore, I dare say that we are a fine textbook example of the Dutch Manufacturing Industry."

Future Vision

The future vision of The Intal Group? Schipper: "We have embarked on a path where we serve the market with our own high-quality products, which we especially want to be able to deliver quickly to our customers. Therein lies the foundation of the creation of this group of companies. The goal for the coming years is to become even more independent, to focus on automation and to bring everything under one roof. This, in turn, will result in fewer internal transport movements and a lower carbon footprint." A great endeavor that could make The Intal Group the largest in the Netherlands within the aluminum window, door and curtain wall systems industry, if they are not already.