National housebuilder Westbury plc says its Space4 modular timber frame factory has managed to break even and is on course to record a “significant” growth in output this year.
The company made the upbeat assessment of its Castle Bromwich facility in its annual results, which show a 28% rise in group pre-tax profits to £106.6m – an 11th consecutive year of profit.
Westbury said Space4 had achieved a 100% increase in output for the year ending February 29, producing 1,300 house shells and attaining break-even in the finals months of the year.
Martin Donohue, group chief executive, said: “We anticipate a significant increase in Space4 output during the current year, capitalising on the interest shown by other major private housebuilders and housing associations, as well as the growth from our homes business.”
He said Space4 is set to deliver a steadily improving performance as it builds towards its ultimate capacity of more than 5,000 shells per year.
Mr Donohue said the continuing skills shortages in the construction industry had underscored the wisdom of Westbury’s strategic decision to invest in off-site manufacturing.
