As Sigma 3 marks its 50th anniversary, Brian Lakin, chairman & founder, looks back on the highlights, the biggest challenges, the incredible journey of the Masterclass Kitchens brand, and how the kitchen industry itself has changed over the past 5 decades.
Q: Sigma 3 Kitchens is celebrating its 50th anniversary – in what key ways has the business evolved over that period of time?
A: When I began making furniture, it was obviously a small operation – just me and one other making quality cabinetry for family and friends. Fast forward 50 years, and Sigma 3 now operates from 2 state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities, has 6 retail showrooms and supports a nationwide distribution network for Masterclass Kitchens. Plus, the business serves trade professionals and developers through our dedicated divisions. The scale is entirely different now, and the range of products we offer has expanded significantly. What started as a limited range now spans an extensive portfolio that caters to every lifestyle and design preference. The growth in product choice and sophistication reflects not only our evolution but also the ever-changing needs of our customers. It’s been a great journey so far and we’re proud to have built a legacy of quality, innovation and exceptional service.
Q: Do you think the kitchen industry itself has changed?
A: Yes – over the years, the industry has become significantly more professional, driven by rising customer expectations and the demand for greater choice. Today’s customers expect kitchens that not only look stunning but also meet their practical needs with precision – and we’ve worked hard to deliver on that. That said, delivering a high-quality kitchen remains a complex task, and there’s always more to do to enhance the customer experience. The industry has made great progress, but the focus on improving service and efficiency never stops. It’s an ongoing journey, and we’re committed to meeting – and exceeding – our customers’ expectations.
Q: What would you say are the biggest challenges the business has had to overcome in the last 5 decades?
The past 50 years haven’t been without challenges. We suffered a catastrophic factory fire in 1995, which was an exceptionally difficult time. It required a tremendous team effort to overcome and took a year to rebuild and equip a new factory, but in reality, it took us 3 years to fully regain our energy. The financial crisis between 2008 and 2012 was another major hurdle, with consumer confidence at an all-time low, particularly impacting big-ticket items in the building industry. More recently, the COVID-19 pandemic created substantial supply chain disruptions, followed by further issues in 2022-2023 with raw material shortages, labour challenges, and inflation. Navigating through these difficulties has truly been an all-hands-on-deck effort. These moments tested us, but they also reinforced the importance of adaptability and resilience.
Q: What have been the high points?
A: For me, the biggest high point has been the people – working alongside talented colleagues and seeing their dedication pay off. Over the years, our investments in new facilities, technology, and product development have delivered excellent results. Every milestone reflects the hard work and passion of our entire team. Seeing those efforts translated into growth and customer satisfaction has been the ultimate highlight.
Q: What do you think are the key ingredients to a successful retail business?
A: Talking from personal experience, after running 6 successful retail showrooms, we credit a lot of success to understanding and listening to the customer. Each of our customers are unique, and their kitchens should reflect their lifestyles and needs. That’s why quality design is so important – it helps us create spaces that truly work for them. But it doesn’t stop there. The backend operations are equally important. Ensuring that every kitchen arrives exactly as specified is essential to building trust and delivering excellence. Our 5-star Trustpilot rating is a testament to this commitment. We’re proud to create real kitchens for real people – spaces that become the heart of their homes.
Q: Tell us about the major investment the company is making and your ambitious growth plans
A: We’re making a significant investment to expand our manufacturing capabilities and adopt new technologies. This includes major upgrades at our new Bridgend plant, enabling us to produce high-quality kitchens with unmatched efficiency and precision. Alongside this, we’re heavily investing in product development to ensure our ranges continue to lead the market. We’re really excited about what’s to come. Upskilling our workforce remains a priority, as equipping our teams to embrace new technologies and drive operational excellence is a key focus. Each of these investments are about more than just growth – they’re about cementing our position as an industry leader for decades to come.
Q: What are you doing to celebrate the major milestone?
A: Our 50th anniversary is a moment to recognise the tremendous people behind our success. We’re planning celebrations focused on our employees, acknowledging the hard work and dedication of staff across all areas of our business, from our manufacturing teams to showroom staff and our road-based teams. These events are a way to say 'thank you' and reflect on everything we’ve achieved together. Our journey wouldn’t have been possible without their efforts, and this milestone is as much theirs to celebrate as it is ours. Our greatest thanks go to our customers, whose loyalty has been at the heart of our journey, with many supporting us throughout these 50 years. We’re also grateful to our suppliers, whose partnerships have been vital in delivering quality and innovation. This milestone is a shared achievement, and we’re proud to celebrate it together.
