Category Archives: Team

As 2025 draws to a close, our Managing Director Sam reflects on a year that’s tested the team and strengthened the business. From complex installations to new markets, here’s what defined the past twelve months at DFMK – and what we’re taking into 2026.

2025 has pushed the DFMK team hard. We took on complicated projects that pushed our technical abilities to the limit and we’ve come out the other side with new fabrication methods we didn’t have twelve months ago. The whole team have performed above and beyond, working long hours to meet tight deadlines and delivering when it matters.

All of that has set us up for 2026. Here’s a look back at what defined the year and what we’re taking forward.

The big projects

We completed a fountain manufacture, footprint ceiling panels and a spiral staircase supply and installation.

The spiral staircase was the toughest one, with over 300 sheets of HIMACS thermoformed and installed on a site in London. We had six men on-site for seven months to get it done.

There’s no room for error when you’re dealing with that scale and timeline. Every sheet had to be thermoformed precisely and the installation had to be exact. You solve problems as they come up and keep going. In the end the team delivered an impressive result.

Growing the business

The business has continued to grow this year. We’ve taken on new customers in areas we haven’t worked in before, like supplying wash troughs and Lowerators for cruise liners. It’s completely new territory for us, and that’s how you grow.

We’ve also expanded our contract kitchen business. We’re nearly at the end of a 52-storey high-rise development in Birmingham now, which has been a real lesson in consistency. Fifty-two floors means fifty-two opportunities to get it wrong. You need the same quality, the same finish and the same attention to detail on every single floor, and that’s what we’re delivering.

What customers are asking for

We’ve seen more people asking for recycled materials this year, like Durat, Polygood, Smile Plastics and certain HIMACS colours that have pre-consumer recycled content.

This is coming mainly from architects and designers who need cradle-to-cradle materials. It’s not just something people talk about anymore – they’re actually specifying these materials and following through with orders.

We’ve always worked with materials that perform well and last. It’s good to see that lining up with what sustainability-conscious clients are looking for.

What we learned

Taking on complex projects that pushed our technical abilities to the limit meant we had to learn new fabrication methods. Those will be useful as we take on more challenging work in 2026.

When you’re up against a problem you haven’t solved before, you either find a new way to do it or you don’t deliver, and we found new ways. The balance we always try to strike is taking on projects that push us but making sure we can actually deliver them. This year proved we can do both.

Looking ahead to 2026

Right now, we’re all looking forward to a break. Then it’s back to work fabricating and installing high-quality worksurfaces from our range of solid surface materials. We’ve got plenty planned for 2026 already, including a large external facade project we’ll be installing. It’s the kind of work that needs precision and attention to detail, which is exactly where we’re strongest.

If you need solid surface expertise for a project in 2026, get in touch. Straightforward or complex, we’re always interested in work that tests what we can do.

2024 has been a year of collaboration and progress for DFMK. While it hasn’t been without its challenges, we’ve built strong momentum throughout the year, with an especially busy and successful second half. Throughout it all, our team’s expertise and dedication to quality have remained constant. Reflecting on the year, Stuart Daniels, Sales Director, shares: “We’ve put together a great team, and this year’s successes are a testament to their dedication and expertise.”

A year of diverse projects

At DFMK, we love seeing how our premium acrylic surfaces can transform a space. We’ve had the chance to work on some fantastic projects this year, from creating sleek healthcare environments in Harley Street to crafting innovative retail and contract kitchens.

Our portfolio has grown in exciting ways throughout 2024 – whether we’re designing workstations that make a library more functional, creating eye-catching bar tops for a theatre or installing shower trays and wall cladding that look as good as they perform. Each project brings its own unique challenges, but our ability to tackle even the most complex designs sets us apart. As Stuart notes, “DFMK is becoming a trusted manufacturer and a preferred choice for solid surface works.”

Technical expertise

As approved fabricators for leading solid surface brands including Corian, HIMACS, Staron, Hanex and Krion, we bring proven expertise to every project. “At DFMK, we thrive on solving the most complex challenges, and that’s a reflection of our team’s technical precision and problem-solving skills,” Stuart says.

Our team’s confidence in handling projects with high levels of technical precision means we can take on the most complicated designs.  Whether working with thermoforming for curved surfaces, integrating advanced technology or creating seamless joins, our team’s skills mean we deliver exceptional results every time.  

Spotlight on success: Biotech reception project

One standout project this year was our collaboration with Bespoke Wizard to create a reception desk for an international biotech company. The brief called for more than just a standard desk – we needed to deliver a design that would make an impact in their entrance space while also solving some complex technical challenges.

The finished desk, created in Glacier White Corian, integrated large flat screens for corporate branding while keeping the clean, monolithic look the client wanted. Despite working to tight deadlines, our team’s expertise and quick response times meant everything came together smoothly. Robin Dussek of Bespoke Wizard said we were “a joy to work with,” and the final result exceeded expectations.

Read the case study: Biotech Reception Desk

Manufacturing excellence

This year, we focussed on improving our manufacturing efficiency, and we’ve made some exciting improvements to our manufacturing set-up. By reorganising our factory and bringing in leaner processes, we’ve found better ways to work that boost our output while cutting down on waste. These improvements help us work more efficiently while maintaining quality.

We’ve also built stronger relationships with our suppliers, which helps us offer competitive prices without ever compromising on the premium finish our clients expect. These changes mean we’re better equipped than ever to take on complex projects while upholding the high standards we’re known for.

Looking ahead to 2025

We’re looking forward to a strong start in 2025, with our January order book already looking very healthy. The commercial sector remains at the heart of what we do, and we’re preparing for major projects across marine applications, façade cladding and interior fit-outs, as well as our continued work in bathrooms and kitchens for both residential and contract markets.

The industry is always evolving, bringing both opportunities and challenges. While we’re seeing rising material and energy costs, along with increasing focus on the circular economy, we’re well prepared to adapt. With strong relationships with our existing customers and promising discussions with new clients, we’re confident in the opportunities 2025 holds.

Quality and service

Being a family-run business with over 40 years of experience gives us a unique perspective. We combine our technical expertise with a personal, friendly approach, working closely with architects, designers and contractors to deliver premium surfaces that exceed expectations.

We’re grateful to all our customers and partners who’ve put their trust in DFMK this year. As we move into 2025, we’re looking forward to continuing what we do best – delivering exceptional quality, on-time delivery and customer-centric service on every project we’re part of.

Ready to transform your space with premium solid surfaces? Get in touch today and let’s bring your vision to life.