High-quality projects and community support have led Arkoni to become one of the UK’s leading metalwork companies
Arkoni is one of the UK’s most recognized names when it comes to the design, manufacture, and installation of innovative and practical metalwork solutions, including fire-rated glazing, steel curtain walling, and architectural or bespoke works. Having gained a reputation for quality craftsmanship, Arkoni has worked on some of the UK’s major projects, including St James’s Square, Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, Bulstrode House, and the Grade II listed Silver Arcade.
Based on a clear philosophy of quality, professionalism, and integrity, Arkoni prides itself on offering an honest and transparent service for its customers from initial enquiry through to project completion. Working closely with architects, specifiers, contractors, and end users, the company ensures its projects are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also obtain the correct specification and meet safety requirements.
Founded in 1991, Arkoni has since grown to become one of the UK’s major metalworking companies. Lee O’Donnell, Managing Director, and Bob Lyons, Technical Sales Director, sit down with the Manufacturing Today team to tell us more about the company’s evolution.
“Arkoni started out producing stainless steel chocolate hoppers for the food industry, and gradually expanded to all kinds of metalworking before progressing into the fire industry and to where we are today,” Lee begins. “For several years, we specialized specifically on architectural metal work, and although we still do this for some clients, we’ve moved to focus on the fire and safety sectors.”
Bob adds: “I first worked at Arkoni in 2000, and although I’ve had other jobs, something has always brought me back here. When I first joined the company, we were aiming to achieve a turnover of £80,000, but we’re now on track to reach around £5 million, so it’s safe to say the business has grown substantially as we’ve won more large contracts.”
Today, Arkoni’s product portfolio encompasses fire-rated windows and doors, security-rated glazing and doors, ballistic-rated glazing and doors, thermally broken steel doors and windows, and a range of architectural metalwork covering staircases, balustrades, canopies, balconies, and bespoke work.
“All of our products and systems are designed to hit clients’ safety standards, which can vary depending on the system requirements,” Bob explains. “A school or hospital will require higher specifications than a private company office, for instance. We work closely with the client to understand their expectations and requirements, ensuring we go above and beyond to reach client satisfaction on every project.”
Perhaps one of Arkoni’s most prestigious projects was working on the world’s first iron-framed building, Shrewsbury Flaxmill Maltings, which was built in 1797. This project saw Arkoni manufacture 111 state-of-the-art thermally broken steel windows to replicate the original window style while providing strength, security, elegance, and installation. With specialist requirements to modernize the mill while paying homage to its history, this project demonstrates how Arkoni can seamlessly adapt to varying client demands.
Furthermore, the business has recently announced a collaboration with a repeat client, Aldi UK. Arkoni will supply and install internal fire-rated door sets for Aldi’s expansive new distribution center in Leicestershire, England, which will be the largest distribution center in Europe, standing at an impressive 1.3 million square feet. Dedicated to compliance, quality, and precision, it comes as no surprise that Aldi has selected Arkoni to carry out this extensive contract.
Aside from projects, Arkoni has remained dedicated to the communities in which it operates throughout its successful growth. The team are particularly passionate about motorcycle racing, sponsoring several racing teams and events with the most recently announced being TeamValley Racing. Supporting its own employees, Arkoni has partnered with Unmasked Mental Health, a local charity providing mental health support to adults in and around Halifax, to provide employees with the opportunity to speak with qualified counsellors. This is not only testament to the company’s commitment to supporting the personal and professional development of its employees, but also reflects Arkoni’s recognition that the fast-paced and demanding environment of the construction industry can take a toll on mental health.
To support the safety and wellbeing of the local community, Arkoni has also installed a new defibrillator at its premises in Brighouse, which is available for public use in the event of a cardiac emergency. “We’re proud to have installed the defibrillator and we’re encouraging local businesses and organizations to spread awareness of this resource,” Lee says. “The defibrillator is available roadside to ensure easy and immediate access for people in need. We’ve also completed several fundraising activities to raise money for the Danny Jones Defib Fund, including completing the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge where the team displayed perseverance and sheer determination to cover 24 miles in 11 hours.”
Such community extends to sustainability, as Arkoni is improving its credentials both internally and externally. The company has adopted several initiatives such as paperless systems and implementing hybrid or electric vehicles into its fleet. Externally, Arkoni is building an extensive portfolio of eco-friendly projects, including its involvement with the University of Leicester’s Centre for Medicine, which was later awarded the title of largest Passivhaus project in the UK.
As our conversation draws to a close, Lee looks ahead to 2025. “We’ve worked hard this year, as always, and we’re on track to hit multiple targets,” he states. “We’re very business-minded and there are several projects on the horizon for us, which we’re excited to kickstart in the new year.
“Further afield, we must consider the succession of bringing younger people into the industry through apprenticeships as well as ensuring our culture is attractive to younger generations,” Lee concludes. “Part of this is adding new machinery and automation to reduce challenging tasks, and alongside our projects, we’ll continue to implement sustainability initiatives as we strive to become a more environmentally aware company.”