You've placed an order for a Samson canopy to fit on your pickup and your deposit is paid. So what happens behind the scenes? And why is the lead time so long? To answer the lead time question, the short answer is 'because our canopies outshine the competition!'. The longer answer is below:
We are great at what we do from design to manufacture to fitting.
Over 90% of our business is from word of mouth or repeat custom!
Due to the above two facts, it is rare that we have less than 60 canopies in our build queue. At the time of writing this, we have closer to 80 canopies to build.
Every canopy is built to order and to bespoke requirements, so they are not items we can churn out to build up stock.
We understand the lead time is long, however our recommendations and repeat business are proof that they are worth the wait! Other companies may be quicker or cheaper, but you know what they say? Buy cheap, buy twice.
So what is the build process?
Step 1
Your order is written onto a magnetic tile and placed in the queue on the board. As the canopies move through the process, the tiles are moved along the board. When you pay a deposit, you have secured your place in the queue.
Step 2
A list is put together of all the canopies that must be drawn using CAD software. A senior engineer will check the order specification and contact you if there are any details that require more explanation.
The drawings are then emailed to the laser cutters and we take sheets of aluminium for them to cut out the canopy parts.
Once we receive notification that the parts are ready, we arrange to collect them.
Step 3
When we bring the canopy parts back from the laser cutters, they are assigned to a Welder Fabricator who will be responsible for building your canopy.
Your assigned Welder Fabricator will have a copy of your order sheet and they will bend and cut the parts to your exact specification.
Step 4
Your unpainted canopy parts are then welded together to transform the canopy from flat pieces to a recognisable canopy shape!
Step 5
At this point, if your canopy is going to be colour coded to match your vehicle or powder coated, we will arrange to take the canopy and separate doors to the paint shop or the powder coaters.
We are unable to control the workload of the paint shop and powder coaters, so sometimes it is a quick turnaround and sometimes we have to wait a little while - this can have a knock-on effect on your lead time.
Step 6
When your canopy is brought back from the paint shop or powder coaters, we can then assemble the canopy. We will add the finishing parts, such as a flettner for ventilation.
Step 7
As soon as your canopy is ready for fitting or delivery, we will contact you to book you into the fitting calendar or confirm your delivery address.
Here's a look at a few examples of the styles of canopies we have fitted recently.
If you haven't yet placed your order, call us now to get in the queue! 01200 429955