Capricorn Timber Ltd intends to capitalise on an “unprecedented boom time” for the timber trade by opening a new £3.25m site near Uttoxeter.
The clear grade softwoods and hardwoods specialist is centralising its operations on the new 187,500ft2 site, which is more than three times bigger than its former facilities. Previously, Capricorn operated from four sites – an office, mill and two storage depots.
The 16 acre site, currently being refurbished, features a 25,000ft2 mill, which is five times bigger than the company’s old mill. Capricorn’s timber stocks have already been transferred to the premises’ 162,500ft2 of undercover storage.
“The timber trade and in particular our specialised area is at the beginning of an unpredented boom time fuelled by the Kyoto Protocol, government carbon emission targets, the 2012 Olympics and radical changes in the global supply chain,” said Capricorn’s managing director Roger Arveschoug.
“With this substantial investment in larger and more efficient premises and machinery we intend to capitalise on this tremendous opportunity. It will mean vastly improved levels of customer service and added value for Capricorn Timber.
“This is the culmination of 14 years of solid and continuous growth for the company and will be a huge step in the consolidation of the business and a springboard for the future.”
Capricorn sales director Simon Thomas said enthusiasm and confidence was high throughout the company and the new site provided a proper base to satisfy the company’s potential.
The new mill building is expected to be in full production by March. Machinery being installed includes two Weinigs, various cross-cuts and bandsaws, a Mandle baulk planer and a Martin planer/moulder.
