Delivering Your Commitments

+44 (0)1237 439 152

sales@principaldoorsets.co.uk

Riverside Road, Pottington Business Park

Barnstaple, Devon, EX31 1QN

Welcome

Principal Doorsets - Delivering your commitments

Our Story

Principal Team

Principal Doorsets, having a wealth of experience in doorset manufacturing, was established in 2014 by Rob Llewellyn and Stan Bond who had been multisite Directors of a major doorset manufacturer that had one of its larger successful sites in North Devon. The Principal Doorsets commercial and manufacturing teams have been in the doorset industry with a combined service well in excess of 400 years. Having positively supplied over this time extensively to prestigious buildings in Healthcare, Education, Leisure, Commercial Building, Hotels and "high end" Residential properties with the most demanding specification and finish requirements. The Company are committed to continue the heritage of door manufacturing within Devon.

The 80,000 sq. ft. unit on a 3.75 acre site in North Devon is geared specifically to manufacture to the most demanding of specifications for you. Accredited to ISO 9001, Q-Mark, PAS24 and FSC® standards with third party support on Environmental, Health and Safety to National Standards. A capital investment program with carefully selected process machines to deliver the quality, reliability and more importantly, consistency necessary to ensure the best product and service is presented to our customers. The latest CNC machinery gives guaranteed precision and flexibility. You can rest assured that their fresh approach is supported by generations of experience to provide you the support service and quality that you demand.

We seek to set ourselves apart by focusing on our service experience, quality and value for money that is best in market. Call today or send us your enquiry on this link.



Our Team

The Principal Doorset Commercial team are dedicated to ensuring your projects run as smoothly as possible. With a broad knowledge of our product offering and market place requirements, they will not merely produce a quote but help in the design process with regard to regulations, technical requirements, overall appearance and cost control.

The Principal Doorsets Company

The Principal Doorsets team has combined, in excess of 400 years experience in performance doorset provision. With their own in house Dip GAI Lead Project Managers they are able to assist along with leading brand ironmongery partners. The Investment in manufacturing processes, systems and people ensure the provision of service from tender to completion that is second to none. Care has been taken to recruit industry professionals in key positions throughout all disciplines within the business.

Team Member

Rob Llewellyn

Managing Director & Co-founder

Rob joined Shapland and Petter in August 1985 as a joinery apprentice. Following the completion of an advanced craft joinery apprenticeship, he moved to the commercial department where he worked with customers in the translation of their requirements in to manufacturing instruction including the co-ordination and management of their projects through to delivery; progressing to manage this section.

Through his 29 years with the UK’s largest bespoke manufacturing business and through the various changes of ownership, Rob has progressed through the business acquiring a comprehensive knowledge of all sections having managed Material procurement, Stock control, Group and site business planning, IT / systems development and deployment, Manufacturing, Distribution, product specification, internal sales and estimating, Sales order processing, Commercial and project management functions. As Manufacturing and Commercial Director for a number of years, Rob understands this business from front to back.

Team Member

Stan Bond

Director & Co Founder

Stan originates from a heavy engineering background. Since 1990 has worked in senior operations positions reporting to main board in a range of businesses. An experienced senior executive performing at strategic and operational levels in blue chip and private equity companies, moved into door manufacturing in 2005.

Since 2005, Stan has led many aspects of a large-scale door manufacturing business. Commencing within operations, developing supply chain through to leading the manufacturing unit with 245 employees, restructuring and reengineering of the business and introduction of new production processes and streamlining existing through the deployment of modern manufacturing techniques. Took the planning and strategic initiative and project management of an across business root and branch business process reengineering. Focused upon developing sales and estimating function that grew and delivered to plan. Established a customer service team that administered and targeted business improvement.

Team Member

Nigel Griffiths

Manufacturing Manager

Nigel Griffiths is a highly skilled and experienced time server woodworking professional with a background that includes serving an apprenticeship at Shapland and Petter, where he specialised in manufacturing componentry for doorsets in their machine shop. His career progression led him to excel in site planning and management, where he oversaw the operations of two manufacturing sites and demonstrated his exceptional planning and team-building capabilities.

With a proven track record as a manufacturing manager in their joinery shop, Nigel later transitioned to a pivotal role as a site planner for a prominent pharmaceutical manufacturer in North Devon. In 2016, he joined Principal Doorsets, where he contributed significantly to his purchasing role and subsequently in 2023 has thrived as the manufacturing manager.

Nigel Griffiths embodies a dedicated, results-oriented professional with a deep passion for woodworking and manufacturing, complemented by his adeptness at fostering a positive and collaborative work environment. His extensive experience and people-centric approach make him a valuable asset to any team or organisation in need of a skilled and effective leader.

Team Member

Neil Batty

Manufacturing Manager

Neil Batty is an experienced Manufacturing Manager with a proven track record in leading and optimising manufacturing operations. Currently Manufacturing Manager at Principal Doorsets Ltd since February 2023. In this role, Neil is responsible for overseeing the manufacturing processes and ensuring efficient production.

Prior to joining Principal Doorsets Ltd, Neil worked at TT Electronics PLC as a Production Manager for 12 months. During his tenure, he contributed to improving production efficiency and streamlining operations.

Prior to this, Neil served at Anglo-Krempel as a Manufacturing Team Lead for an impressive 8 years and 5 months, from November 2013 to March 2022. His tenure highlights his commitment and dedication to the manufacturing industry.

Neil's career at TE Connectivity spans over 17 years and 6 months, where he held various positions. For 12 years, from April 2010 to March 2022, he was a Production Supervisor, demonstrating his ability to lead teams and deliver results. He also worked as a Lean Consultant for 1 year and 6 months from November 2008 to April 2010. In this role, he played a key role in identifying and eliminating waste in the manufacturing process, showcasing his expertise in process optimisation.

With a Level 5 diploma in Management, acquired from 2008 to 2009, Neil has equipped himself with the necessary knowledge and skills to excel in his managerial roles.

Overall, Neil Batty is a seasoned Manufacturing Manager who brings extensive experience, leadership, and a focus on continuous improvement to the organisations he serves.

Team Member

Dave Holland

Senior Manufacturing Manager

Started with Principal Doorsets in January 2015. Dave is a highly experienced professional in the timber doorset manufacturing industry, with a successful track record of managing large manufacturing sites. His expertise spans technical, commercial, production control, manufacturing, and site services, providing him with a comprehensive understanding of all aspects of doorset provision. From manufacturing requirements to the complexities of demanding building projects, Dave's unique set of skills and knowledge enables him to navigate and excel in various processes.

A true woodworking enthusiast, Dave is deeply committed to preserving and enhancing the reputation of door manufacturing in the North Devon area. He actively mentors and trains apprentices, imparting his specialised knowledge and ensuring they are well-equipped to meet the specific demands of doorset manufacture. With a keen focus on process control and quality assurance, Dave dedicates significant time refining the shopfloor scheduling plan, ultimately delivering outstanding results in every endeavour. His dedication and passion for the industry leave a lasting legacy that benefits both the company and the broader community.



Our Technical Expertise

Project Management, Product Development, Design consultation, Manufacturing, Technical, Compliance, Customer Service, Delivery and Aftersales. You will be supported through the information gathering process by our team of knowledgeable experts who will offer solutions to ensure your project is delivered to specification, on time and at cost. Our experience operating across a variety of market sectors, means we can provide you with products and solutions for Health, Education, Leisure, Commercial and high quality residential projects. Our Focus is on you, our customers and helping to deliver your commitments.

With many years of experience in the door supply business both manufacturing and on site installation, we are more than happy to share with you to ensure that your project is delivered on time, to specification, to budget and consistently to a high quality finish.

Technical Expertise

Our Service

It’s not just words, it’s a goal at our very core, guided by four promises for all to see. 
Promises we’ve created by speaking to customers like you. And that we plan to deliver against by always providing the best quality service, no matter how you interact with us:

We put our customers' needs first



We will listen and then help you find solutions that meet your needs

We make doorset supply easier



We will help you work with us in the simplest and most convenient way

We are there whenever you need help



We will take personal responsibility when you need support from us

We are fair and honest



We will explain the features and pricing of our products clearly and simply


We want to step up to the mark, if you think we have fallen short at any time, we want to know - you can be sure we will always listen and work to put it right.



Our Product Range

Cores

  • Principal - solid timber core
  • HSS - tri-layered particle board 
  • Mineral - vitreous fibre
  • Classic - stile & rail around flax
  • Sound - multi layered cores
  • X-Ray - solid core with lead lined
  • Passivhaus - Timber Lamels highly insulated

Performance

  • Fire - Non rated to 120 minutes
  • Sound up to Rw42dB
  • Residential Security (PAS24) 
  • Security (Health & Penal)
  • Postform doors and framing
  • Reduced Swing Doorsets
  • Edge Protection
  • Safehinge
  • Anti ligature Ironmongery
  • Passivhaus Doorsets
  • Severe Duty & Heavy Duty

Frames

  • Solid Plain Lining (SPL)
  • Once Rebated Lining (ORL)
  • Integral Split Lining (ISL)
  • Engineered Plain Lining (EPL)
  • Cleanform Frame Integral (CFI)
  • Safehinge compatible profile (ALU30)

Finishes

  • Veneer
  • PVC 
  • Laminate
  • Fully Painted
  • Prime
  • Polish