Melmerby-based Duffield’s expansion follows its decision to quit hardwood log sawmilling earlier this year.
WLH’s staff and principal woodworking machines have been re-located to the new factory, while Duffield has also bought machinery to help with its move towards more value-added processing.
The factory includes a Weinig six-head moulder, a Wadkin moulder, an SCM multi-rip saw, an Armentia braking ripsaw, cross-cuts, a new toolroom, stacking machines, dust extraction equipment and an automatic finishing line for the lacquering of linear mouldings and components.
“We have ceased sawmilling round logs,” said Duffield’s managing director Howard Duffield. “It’s been a shrinking market due to the pressure of imports.
“Hardwood sawmilling in this country is not viable from a commercial point of view.”
Mr Duffield said the company already had a moulding division but WLH gave it an opportunity to grow its moulding business, as well as offering synergy benefits.
He said the business was now moving in a new direction, relying on imported lumber, including boules, to produce a range of value-added profiles and cut-to-size timber.
Duffield, which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2007, supplies hardwood and softwood products for a variety of end uses, including cabinet making, contract furniture, shopfitting, joinery and restoration projects.
