Managing director Tom Compton said that the government’s increase in the annual investment allowance to £250,000 from January 1 had helped persuade the company to go ahead with capital spending at its site in Cocking, West Sussex.
"We were planning these developments, but obviously this made the decision easier to make," he said. "So, well done George Osborne!"
The company’s new 50kW NWT Solar PV system will meet half its electricity needs.
"Solar was a long-term hedge against increasing electricity costs, and will secure Feed-in Tariff income for 25 years," said Mr Compton.
English Woodlands’ new dust extraction equipment and briquetter were supplied by Air Plants Ltd.
"The dust extraction system will increase capacity of our Weinig moulder and the briquetter will convert sawdust to a product that can be sold while reducing handling costs and mess," said Mr Compton.
English Woodlands specialises in home-grown hardwoods, including oak, sweet chestnut, ash and beech, but also sells imported varieties.
Mr Compton said that business recently had been steady, with pick-up from April.
