In January, following numerous invitations, the leadership team from DRS Aluminium Fabricators travelled to Cortizo headquarters in Santiago, Spain, reinforcing a successful partnership that has grown over the past four years.
Managing Director, James Cardno, Paul Redman Operations Director, Connor Cashin Operations Manager, and Sarah Cardno Engagement Officer, arrived on 12 January for a three-day collaboration visit focused on learning, innovation, and strengthening relationships. The team were warmly welcomed and collected from the airport by Gervasio, Cortizo’s driver, beginning an engaging and insightful experience headed up by Martin Sanjurjo Garcia UK Sales Representative.
Cortizo is the leading company in Spain and an international benchmark in the sector, with 9 factories across Spain, France, Poland and Slovakia. Operating in 87 countries, the company integrates the entire production process to deliver high-value, innovative systems, and has a team of nearly 4,000 people, driving the company forward as a family-owned business with a global outlook.
Day One: Innovation, Design and Investment in People
The first stop was the showroom, where the DRS team were, in their own words “like kids in a sweet shop” – it was so impressive and Martin proudly demonstrated the extensive range of systems, colours and textures available. The team explored curtain walling solutions and were treated to a video presentation highlighting major international projects delivered worldwide. They also explored new products they are planning to introduce to their own product range.
They moved on to visit the Technology Centre where communications with over 30 countries is managed before meeting the Research & Development department. The scale of investment and development was clear. And the meticulous organisation, immaculate environment and thoughtful work space design left a lasting impression. The team were then given a guided tour of employee-focused facilities, including the Health and Wellbeing Centre for staff with on-site cinema, demonstrating Cortizo’s belief that people, culture, and quality are central to performance.
The day concluded with a visit to the testing plant where each product is rigorously assessed to ensure the highest performance standards are achieved.
Day Two: Sustainability & Scale
Martin showcased Cortizo’s manufacturing capability and sustainability leadership. Starting with the recycling plant where the aluminium production cycle starts – the team were once again impressed with the immaculate condition of the facility.
They then began a full factory tour by golf buggy, necessary due to the immense size of the production facility. Seeing the scale of operations and the integration of production processes provided valuable insight into the systems, quality controls, and environmental responsibility behind Cortizo products. The team were genuinely impressed!
Day Three: Training & Future Growth
The final day focused on hands-on training in the manufacturing processes for potential new products, strengthening technical knowledge and reinforcing confidence in expanding the DRS product offering.
The visit provided the DRS leadership team with a deeper understanding of the Cortizo ethos — innovation, quality manufacturing, sustainability, and investment in employee wellbeing as drivers of long-term success. The experience left the team feeling inspired and energised, returning with fresh ideas and a renewed focus for the year ahead.
DRS MD James, said:
“Seeing the full Cortizo operation — from recycling through to finished product testing — was incredibly motivating. The scale, innovation and attention to detail were outstanding. We’ve come back energised, with fresh ideas and a real drive to build on our partnership. It truly feels like a new year and a new opportunity to build on our shared success.”
DRS Operations Director Paul, added:
“I wish we had taken the opportunity to come sooner – it’s been a huge success – what really stood out was how closely aligned we are with Cortizo when it comes to quality and always looking to improve. The way they invest in their people — alongside their manufacturing — was genuinely inspiring and has given us plenty of ideas to take back and build on at DRS. I am excited for our future and am keen to bring some of those ideas to life in our own company.”
Cortizo Sales Representative UK, Martin commented:
“It was great to finally welcome the DRS team to Santiago. Partnerships like this are hugely important to us, and getting together in person helps us all, strengthen relationships and keep moving forward together. I am pleased they found it helpful and informative and I look forward to our continued working together.”
After four years of collaboration, the visit marked another milestone in the DRS–Cortizo partnership, setting a really positive tone for the year ahead and reinforcing a shared commitment to innovation, quality, and sustainable growth.
