Keylite Roof Windows, part of The Keystone Group, has acquired the em.glaze and ray.lux flat glass rooflight ranges from Whitesales as part of a “multi-million-pound growth strategy for the company.”
This move brings Whitesales’ flagship flat glass product lines into Keylite’s “rapidly expanding portfolio of roof‑glazing solutions, further strengthening its offering across both pitched and flat roof applications.”
Alongside its own range, Keylite has been the largest reseller of the supply-only flat roof windows division of the Whitesales business for the past 14 years. The purchase of this part of the business is designed to “enable greater operational efficiencies for both Keylite and Whitesales, as well as a simplified supply chain for customers.”
In parallel with the acquisition, Whitesales and Keylite have also agreed a strategic partnership under which Keylite will take over the servicing of Whitesales’ merchant reseller customer base, including major roofing merchants, builders’ merchants and online resellers. This “gives merchants a single ordering point through Keylite while maintaining existing products, pricing structures and service standards.”
The management teams of both businesses have worked closely to ensure a seamless transition, stating that “customers will continue to have access to the same products, with the same names, pricing and service levels that Whitesales is recognised for, now supported and promoted by Keylite’s nationwide field sales team, further enhancing customer support.”
Moving forward, Whitesales will focus on its bespoke roof glazing systems and concept-to-completion service model. In addition, the Whitesales em.dome range will continue to be fulfilled by Whitesales but, for merchant customers, will be ordered through Keylite under this new partnership arrangement.
Jim Blanthorne, Managing Director at Keylite, said: “Discussions between Keylite and Whitesales regarding an acquisition have been ongoing for several years. It was essential for both businesses that such a move occurred at the right time and for the benefit of both our customers. Having had a long-standing relationship, we understand customer service the Whitesales way, and we are committed to ensuring that this continues.
“Our aim is not to change what Whitesales has done but to strengthen it. By bringing the supply-only flat roof windows division into Keylite, we simplify the supply chain and improve operational efficiency, enabling us to be faster, more agile and responsive to customer needs, while remaining focused on delivering the same quality and care as before.”
Jim continued: “The acquisition will help accelerate a multi-million-pound growth strategy for Keylite, enhancing and expanding our manufacturing capabilities. For customers, that translates into greater availability of stock, faster lead times and even better technical expertise.”
Chester White, Managing Director at Whitesales, added: “We saw in Keylite a business that truly reflects our own values. It is a family-owned, well-managed, high-performing business with deep, established customer relationships and a clear commitment to operating with integrity. Much like Whitesales, the team at Keylite takes real pride in providing innovative, high-quality roof light solutions to its customers, matched by a superior level of customer service. This was paramount to the Whitesales team when agreeing to the sale.
“This supply-only flat roof windows division has the backing of the whole Keylite operation, and the customer experience will only improve. Though the acquisition has taken place, it is very much business as usual, with very little difference in day-to-day activity for customers – a significant amount of effort has gone into maintaining the status quo from products, pricing, warranties, customer contacts and service levels.”
Chester concluded: “Ultimately, this acquisition marks a step towards both businesses becoming stronger, more resilient and capable – qualities our customers can rely on today and into the future.”
For more information on Whitesales, visit www.whitesales.co.uk. For more on Keylite, visit www.keyliteroofwindows.com.
Whitesales has more than 30 years of expertise in the design, manufacture, installation and distribution of rooflights, overhead roof glazing and bespoke daylighting solutions for commercial and domestic markets.
Keylite, meanwhile, provides a comprehensive range of roof windows, blinds, timber loft ladders, flashings, electric operations kits and accessories.
