A surge of business created by the buoyant housing market has led MDF mouldings manufacturer W Howard Ltd to invest £1m in new facilities.
The Manchester-based firm, confident in increasing demand for high specification products, has ordered a range of new machinery and is increasing its warehouse space.
Managing director Jonathan Grant said skirting boards and architraves would be developed the most.
He said: ‘We’ve found a lot of people want large skirting boards for large houses. They are often small volumes but people want that individuality.
‘I am a great believer in positive thinking. You can talk yourself into a recession. There is positive business out there, it’s a matter of going out and getting it.’
New equipment to be installed in September includes a £400,000 double MDF moulding finishing line, a third £100,000 beam saw, a £200,000 new handling system, a £36,000 sideloader and six diamond machining tools costing £35,000.
Building work is already under way at the company’s Astley site to provide 10,000ft² of new warehouse space plus new offices.
Output is expected to be up to three times higher after the new equipment becomes operational in November.
The firm also makes dado rails, window boards, door casings and linings.
Howard, whose trade name is Primer Mould, was established in 1958 as a timber merchant but now only manufacture mouldings.
It makes the Torus and Ogee brand of skirting boards.
