What should an architect or developer be considering when looking for kitchen suppliers? Here is a quick guide from Tim Spann, Head of UK Sales at Keller Kitchens.
Experience and expertise
A supplier’s ability to meet the high-volume demands of the construction industry is crucial. You need a partner with proven experience; not a company still ramping up. You don’t want their growing pains! Ask how many kitchens they produce weekly and whether they have the spare capacity to handle your projects within your schedules. A seasoned kitchen supplier will know how to navigate the complexities of contract kitchens from seamless planning to timely delivery, and post-installation support through to completion. Good aftercare is imperative.
Quality assurance
Reliability is non-negotiable. Suppliers must adhere to rigorous industry standards, and demonstrate robust quality control along with efficient management systems. Warranty length and terms should align with your expectations to ensure peace of mind long after installation.
Range and flexibility
The best suppliers offer a wide range of products and materials and can adapt to design trends and meet specific project needs quickly. Their flexibility allows for creative solutions, helping projects stand out from the competition.
Price and value
Price is important, but value is paramount. A supplier who cuts corners to offer rock-bottom prices creates long-term risks, including supply chain disruptions. Open, honest budgeting fosters strong, dependable partnerships that help achieve project goals without sacrificing quality.
Sustainability
True sustainability is essential and goes way beyond “greenwashing.” A supplier’s commitment to sustainable practices reduces a developer’s environmental footprint while providing lasting financial and health benefits. Choose a partner who’s genuinely invested in sustainability—because good kitchens shouldn’t cost the earth.
Happily, at Keller/DKG we can provide all of the above. We have been fine-tuning our contract kitchen offer for over 89 years, since our business was formed by the Keller family in 1935. Our first major contract success was winning a contract order for 1,000 kitchens in 1945 and the rest is our history. Amongst the numerous milestones since was becoming Carbon Neutral in 2017, leading the way in sustainable manufacturing of kitchens.
For further information, please visit www.kellerkitchens.com.
