'We're really excited': New windows and doors business launched in Offaly
Norlux Windows opened its doors to the public with its launch in Cloghan on Saturday, August 15
A brand new windows and doors business officially launched in Cloghan on Saturday afternoon, August 15. Norlux Windows will supply and install high-performance windows and doors for homeowners, developers, and architects from the heart of the Midlands.
The business was set up recently by Belmont native Joey Feeney upon his return to Offaly following an 11-year stint in Australia. The 36-year-old had a strong background in the window industry after working in his family-run business from a young age before moving down under.
Joey wasted no time creating and preparing the business for launch since his return to the Faithful County. He said: “Myself and my wife Elisha took the plunge to move back to Ireland in November last year. We were only back home four or five days before I made the initial step to set up the business so we’re really excited to get established here in Offaly.”
Norlux Windows’ showroom is located beside Grogan’s Cloghan Service Station and Joey highlighted the importance of finding the right location for the business.
“It was a hidden gem. We spent a couple of weeks looking at places in Tullamore and I just couldn’t get a feel for any of them. We pulled into the Cloghan service station one day coming home and my wife said, ‘What about here?’ so I have to give her the credit.”
He added: “She was thinking outside the box because it’s not the typical industrial area but it’s busy with lots of traffic and we’ve seen that with the walk-ins we’re getting. We immediately felt the support of the community from the local people to builders, engineers, architects and Martin from the shop so we’re very happy with it.”
Joey is adamant that having a showroom for customers to visit ahead of any purchase is a vital element of the business rather than only working from a catalogue or brochure.
“People can come into the showroom to view the products first hand and get a feel for what they're buying. When a customer is spending money on one of our products, they will always have the opportunity to see what they’re getting whether that’s viewing the multiple colour options or experiencing the features they include.”
Joey has big plans for the business moving forward and insists that there is huge potential for growth in the industry. “It's hard to put a cart before the horse but I want to have Norlux Windows in more than one space and hopefully across several counties. I will find the right people that share the same vision and drive for the business as myself and my wife and we’d be hoping to have a few Norlux outlets opened over the next 18 months.”
When asked what separates Norlux Windows apart in the Irish market, Joey detailed that their partnership with European giants Internorm will offer customers ultra modern products with bespoke solutions for their properties.
“Internorm are in a league of their own, it's a very high-end product. They have some great features such as integrated blinds and keyless doors which use fingerprints. All of these things can be managed remotely off the phone as well so we’re glad to be offering these products to customers across the Midlands and beyond.”
Joey says that providing strong customer service is paramount for the business from the appointments in the showroom to the support after installation. “The service right from the first meeting to the aftercare has to be on the ball down to the smallest thing. We’ll prioritise calling out to our customers if there are any issues and each of our products have a minimum warranty of 15 years.”
Norlux Windows operates as a dedicated family-run business. Alongside Joey and his wife Elisha, the company relies on close family members who provide vital support in managing daily operations.
Joey commented: “People often say that family and business don’t mix well but it’s been great. I can’t speak about my wife Elisha highly enough; I’m often the face of the company but if I didn’t have her, I’m not sure where I’d be, she’s a diamond. The rest of the family has been brilliant too, giving a helping hand with everything and anything; from our organisation and planning to providing excellent support right here in the showroom.”
Additionally, Joey extended his thanks to local Shane Claffey Media, who is a family connection & has been contributing to the media aspect of the business
Although Joey has ambitious plans for the future, he says that getting established in Offaly is the most important thing at the moment. “Cloghan will be the heart of the operation as it's quite close to home, allowing us to do lots of overtime only being ten minutes away. We will also be opening late on a Thursday because people have busy schedules so we will try to accommodate for that. We have a three year plan at the moment so we’ll see how that progresses.”
The dad of two concluded by detailing how immensely proud he is to be back home in Offaly starting up Norlux Windows after more than a decade abroad. “We’re delighted to be starting the business back home in the local community, I’m passionate about windows and it’s something I really enjoy so we’re hoping to be around for a long time and continue to grow as a business.”