Alpro Architectural Hardware
Contemporary Design
Fully Responsive
Custom-Built Stockist Locator
WordPress CMS Allowing Client Updates
Online Product Catalogue with Over 80 Products
Bespoke Build Ordering System Coming Soon
- 6th June
- 5 minute read
A Complete Digital Refresh, Handled with Care
When Alpro Architectural Hardware approached us for a digital overhaul, their aim was clear: to showcase their expansive product catalogue, streamline their sales process, and strengthen their brand identity — all while making sure no one mistook them for a yoghurt company!
We designed and built a brand new website for Alpro in WordPress, enabling their team to take full control of the platform moving forward. The result is a slick, responsive and content-rich site that supports their internal workflows and reflects the professionally, engineered precision of their product line.
At the heart of the new site is a powerful content management system (CMS) tailored for flexibility and scalability. Alpro’s marketing and sales teams can now manage all their product data, downloads, and updates independently — without the need for ongoing development input. With nearly 80 products listed, each with detailed technical specs and downloadable datasheets, the site acts as a fully-fledged digital shop window.
A particularly innovative feature is the Nearest Stockist Locator. By simply entering a postcode or location, users are instantly provided with their nearest supplier with no fuss, or need to go hunting through pages. This tool not only improves user experience but also helps drive traffic to Alpro’s trusted distributors.
Looking ahead, we're also developing a brand-new Build Your Order feature. This interactive tool will allow customers to assemble their own orders directly on the site by selecting products and custom specifications. Once complete, the order will be sent straight to Alpro’s team, who will generate a tailored quote within 24 hours — significantly speeding up the customer journey.
And our relationship with Alpro goes beyond just the web. Tide Marketing is also responsible for managing Alpro’s social media — a channel we’ve used to both inform and entertain. One of the key challenges? Helping people understand that this Alpro doesn’t make yoghurt, or offer alternative milk!
To solve that, we devised a cheeky and distinctive campaign: “We DON'T do …!” Paired with hashtags like #DONTdoyoghurt, #notTHATalpro and #handlewithcare, the campaign injects personality while clearly differentiating the brand from its dairy-free namesake. It’s been warmly received — a tasty mix of humour and clarity.
In fact, Handle with Care has since become more than a campaign. It’s evolved into a new brand strapline — one that captures Alpro’s ethos, product quality, and customer service philosophy. Whether it’s a sleek magnetic lock or a robust door control system, Alpro products are designed to be handled with precision, durability, and yes, with care.
Approach
1
Understanding the Clients Needs
Through a series of scoping and discovery sessions with the client, we gained a clear understanding of their needs and were able to shape a well-defined brief - to create something fresh and contemporary while putting measures in place to futureproof the website at the same time.
2
Careful Planning
For any website build, careful planning is essential. We created a sitemap, user flows, and wireframes to provide a clear direction from the outset, helping the project stay on track and avoiding rebuilds and time-consuming revisions later on.
3
Choosing the Right Tech
After years of relying on a static website with no ability to make updates in-house, we recommended a comprehensive WordPress build with a full CMS and bespoke customisation, giving Alpro complete control and the flexibility to update content.
4
Database Integration
We developed a custom-coded integration that connects the client’s stockist database to their website, enabling users to easily search for and locate the nearest stockists.
5
Data Migration and Link Audit
We carried out a full audit of all existing indexed links to ensure they were retained in the new site, while efficiently migrating all essential legacy data.
6
Testing & Optimisation
Before launch, we worked closely with the client to conduct thorough testing, ensuring the site was fully optimised for all platforms and performed well under performance checks.
Challenges
Helping the Client Adapt
We built in dedicated time to train the client on the new CMS, ensuring they felt confident managing and updating the site regularly and with ease.
Hosting Solution
We had to provide full hosting services for the Alpro website, delivering a WordPress-optimised and scalable solution with capacity to support their ever-growing product range.
Minimal Downtime
With downtime not an option at launch, we planned meticulously and performed a seamless rollout, ensuring a smooth transition without disruption.
"Alpro and IEC Engineering have worked with Tide for six years, during which time they’ve managed many aspects of our marketing and built the Alpro website. We value their creative approach, especially their willingness to challenge traditional thinking in our markets. Tide is a highly valued extension of our marketing team."
Mark Freeman
Sales and Marketing Director