RTK chief executive Ron Easton said the semi-automated line would improve the company’s manufacturing operations and allow it to meet the demands of an expanding and increasingly competitive market.
The line, which has doubled production speeds, comprises a Weinmann framing station, roller beds, existing machinery and a hoist.
RTK has timed external panel production at 42m/hour on the equipment, compared to 22m/hour on the old line.
“We are experiencing substantial year-on-year growth and we needed this extra capacity to cope with this added volume,” he said.
Mr Easton said the line would increase shift capacity while giving added flexibility to service varying seasonal demands.
“We knew that going the full automation route would have limited our capacity at some point in the future. Full automation only works when capacity is exactly matched by demand, so we decided on semi-automation.”
The hoist has been added to prevent the build up of completed panels at the end of the production line.
RTK, which has a further factory in Elgin, expects to post record end-of-year results for the third year in a row. Its turnover last year was £22m.
The company has also signed supply deals with Pasquill Roof Trusses Ltd and Woodbridge Timber, which will supply CLS Timber.
