At just two years old, DIRICKX Systems may be a relatively young company, but it brings a great deal of experience to bear. Backed by PICOT, a leading French manufacturer of fences, gates and access control, DIRICKX Systems was established by a group of industry experts with more than 100 years’ combined experience in the design, manufacture and installation of expeditionary barriers and force protection solutions.
In such a competitive marketplace, it’s not just their proven track record which sets DIRICKX Systems apart from the competition. Adam Robinson, Operations Director explains:
“Our reputation is founded on our ability to provide market-leading customer support, products which demonstrate tried-and-tested quality, and bespoke design solutions. Taken together, this means our customers get what they need, when they need it most.” Recently, this meant delivering a substantial order to support services in Ukraine, with minimal notice.
Customer-Focused
After growing the business from scratch to over 20 members of staff within just 24 months, Robinson says that rather than offering the lowest price product, DIRICKX Systems’ strategy is to focus on providing a value-added solution. He says: “We have a significant amount of experience in this industry, which we’re able to share with customers in a supportive way. We wouldn’t be here if we didn’t believe there was a gap in the market. Some competitors take a different approach, but we are all about providing a service and value for money for our customers.”
This focus on customer service includes a willingness to travel to remote locations – often at the drop of a hat – including recently Iraq, Ukraine or Somalia, to support customers and ensure that installations are fit for purpose. That purpose? Protecting people, assets and infrastructure against a multitude of real-world threats.
Robinson adds: “Luckily for our customers, our team includes former Royal Engineers with extensive field experience. Everyone within the DIRICKX Systems team has a commitment to customer service, backed by a passion for the product. After so many years, it’s in our DNA.”
This end-to-end service means that, unlike its competitors, the company doesn’t just provide a product and ship to order. Instead, they support clients – wherever they are in the world – with global logistics, onsite training and installation. Rather than being just a manufacturer, DIRICKX Systems has positioned itself as a solutions provider.
Quality Assured
The company prides itself on the quality of its products and uses only materials which have been subject to rigorous raw material testing, both in the lab and in the field.
In the lab, load testing has been carried out on DIRICKX Systems’ EB01; stacking units to test their load-bearing capacity. In the field, military-grade blast testing in Europe and the US ensures that the barriers, and especially their welded mesh and geotextile components are all fit for purpose.
“Our products are either protecting people, or very expensive assets, which is why product testing is of paramount importance,” Robinson tells us. “One of our most important messages to the market is that we prioritise quality, and we impose high standards on our supply chain and manufacturing processes in the UK. In order to ensure that we supply our customers with the most appropriate barrier, of the correct size and at the right time. We trust our products and everyone involved in their design, production and assembly.”
This exhaustive approach to product testing and quality assurance is all about credibility. “As a new business, it’s not easy to convince customers to switch from their current supplier. It takes time and effort to show them they are in safe hands. And one way to do that is by being able to demonstrate that our products are second to none.”
Experts in Their Field
Despite its international reach, DIRICKX Systems is very much a local company. Based in Leeds, which Robinson describes as the “home of the expeditionary barrier”, the company works closely with West Yorkshire Combined Authority and Leeds City Council to support local employment within the West Yorkshire region.
Working with an experienced local workforce is an essential part of the company ethos. “Given the hands-on nature of the work, our people are critical to our success. The team consists of product experts in each of their fields, and everyone understands their role. Starting any new business is a challenge, but we have the confidence that comes from having all the experts in the right place.”
Robinson adds that providing a safe work environment is a high priority. The company invests in regular training for its staff and boasts an impressive safety record.
What The Future Holds
With ambitious plans to expand into the US, DIRICKX Systems is already a key player in the global marketplace. “To meet this increasing demand, we’re already making investments in infrastructure and machinery to continue the significant growth we have already realised, which will likely involve a move into larger premises in the near future.”
Another key focus for the business is product development and innovation. The company’s commitment to providing its clients with the very best service and products means the team is constantly looking to improve on existing designs.
“We are considering a range of other solutions in addition to the expeditionary barrier. I’m particularly excited about some overhead protection and subterranean developments we are currently working on.”
Commercially active in Europe, the USA, Africa, Middle and the Far East, DIRICKX Systems has already established itself as a market leader, fulfilling significant contracts for Babcock Land Defence, UK Ministry of Defence and NSPA (NATO), and business shows no sign of slowing down.
“It’s what we do,” says Robinson. “We understand the defence market and our customers’ needs”.
There is no doubt that for DIRICKX Systems, the future is bright.
