Selsey: Oceanair invests in aluminium Venetian blind production

Oceanair, whose factory is based at Selsey near Chichester, has made a significant investment in new equipment for the manufacture of aluminium Venetian blinds. This is the largest investment to date from Oceanair (apart from the establishment of the factory itself). The new venture includes a remodelling of the factory workspace to include an extended mezzanine floor for a new Venetian-blind work cell.

New equipment purchases, including the latest in aluminium Venetian technology from Hunter Douglas, the blind specialist, enable Oceanair to produce 50mm aluminium blind slats without the need for using major bought-in, pre-punched components.

Oceanair’s decision to invest, was in response to the increasing demand for bespoke and customised blinds from customers in the marine and residential markets, who typically have complex design needs. As the design of yachts and buildings evolves, window shapes increasingly require tailored blind shaping. Previously, Oceanair would hand-cut Venetian slats during final assembly, using guides to meet the various shaping requirements. This was a tricky and time-consuming process. The new equipment can be programmed to cut slats incrementally longer or shorter than the last, whilst aligning the punching holes correctly to produce a shaped finish.

The new equipment is capable of three times the volume of previous machines and offers much higher levels of productivity. Another key factor in the investment is the accurate handling and precision which the new equipment provides and which allows not only experts but trainee staff to use the machinery confidently.