The new operation opens for business at the beginning of March. It will provide customers with technical and sales support and promises a range of new product developments in its first year.
Richard Jarvis heads the division, which he describes as a response to growth and “ increasing dynamism” in the UK market, with demand for engineered timber connectors rising and diversifying in the trussed rafter and timber frame sectors and for use with I-joists and metal web beams.
“Timber frame is forecast to account for 25% of new housing by 2008, annual I-joist consumption is 18 million linear metres and, while the trussed rafter market is more static, there are opportunities to develop the business through use of more and more advanced connectors,” said Mr Jarvis. “There are great prospects for us and our customers and our aim is to make the most of them with a comprehensive service and a stream of new products.”
Other appointments to the division are John Young as national I-joist manager, Paul Reynolds – national trussed rafter manager, Jon Head – national timber frame manager, Susan Kennedy – internal sales support manager and Sue Hand heading customer care.
Customer training will be another focus, with a range of courses offered at Simp-son Strong-Tie’s Tamworth “Academy” or in situ. These include a programme specifically for trussed rafter businesses aimed at giving staff confidence to use a wider range of connectors and tackle more demanding projects.
The division’s product launch target from its Tamworth factory is a new con-nector a month, with the first, the ITBS I-joist hanger, already on the market.
A high-profile promotional campaign for the engineered wood business also starts March.
