James opens new chapter at Dortech

ALUMINIUM glazing contractor Dortech Architectural Systems has appointed James Sutherland as managing director.

James steps up from his role as commercial director as his father Stephen is reducing his day-to-day involvement with the business to spend more time in his role as chairman for a number of companies in which Yorkshire-based buyout fund Endless has invested in.

Stephen Sutherland, 55, will retain his position as chairman of Huddersfield-based Dortech which is an independent contractor offering design, manufacture and installation of high performance aluminium glazing including curtain walling, doors, windows and ground floor framing to the construction industry.

Mr Sutherland bought Dortech in 2004 and his son James, 27, joined as small works manager in 2005.

When he bought the business it made a loss of £250,000 a year on turnover of £3.5m and in the 12 months to September 2007 it made a profit of £650,000 on turnover of £9.6m.

Colin Glass, non-executive finance director said, “It has been a privilege for me to work with Steve on the acquisition of Dortech and to be involved with the development of the company. Steve's professionalism and management experience have been key elements in that development. His decision three years ago to introduce James and “put him through the mill” has paid dividends, resulting in a deserved board appointment and now promotion to managing director. I am looking forward to working with him to build on what has been achieved to date.”

Stephen Sutherland said: “I am very pleased and proud to be able to announce this decision. I'm delighted that I was able to entice James into the business some three years ago, as he has proved to be such an invaluable and innovating member of the team. One of James' key strengths is his ability to think strategically, particularly relevant with respect to product development and new ideas. He is particularly customer focused and has developed a unique balance of boardroom skills with operational and marketing expertise that will help ensure the continued growth of Dortech.”

In response to his appointment, James said: “I am delighted by the board's decision to back my appointment. We have a proactive, customer focused team and it is invigorating to be part of such a dynamic group of people. The company's future looks incredibly exciting.”