Welsh company Holbrook Timber Frame has been judged the fastest growing manufacturer in Wales.
The Bridgend-based business topped the list of the fastest growing manufacturing businesses in a project organised by national newspaper, the Western Mail.
Based on a percentage increase in turnover between 2003-2005, Holbrook saw sales rise 189%, from £261,000 to £2.1m – a result that was also good enough for third place overall in the Fast Growth 50 competition.
Holbrook designs, manufactures and erects timber frame structures for the construction industry, with clients including national housebuilders, regional building contractors and architects.
Director Neil Smith believes the result reflects a “lot of hard work” but also a growing acceptance of timber frame as a method of construction.
“We came into the business in a real upswing in the market,” he said. “We’ve come from a construction background, which means we focus as much on what’s going on outside of the factory as we do in it.”
He said the business was also “very customer focused”, and had enjoyed growth through repeat business.
Mr Smith has set a target of £8m turnover by 2009 – a figure that Holbrook looks well on the way to achieving.
“It is hard to keep growing year-on-year, but we aim to continue to keep doing that while retaining a high level of customer service,” he added.
