International Timber continues its growth with a 70% increase in machining capacity and an imminent move to a seven-day working week at its Trafford Park mill.

The company has taken on 20 extra staff and will increase its shift pattern from August 1 to take operations to seven days, a move it believes is unique for a timber importer within the industry.

New machinery installed at the mill in April cost £300,000 and includes two Weinig Hydromat quick-setting moulders, a multi-rip and re-saw, plus an upgrade to the tool room. This follows the installation of a new extraction system at the beginning of the year.

International Timber says the investment gives it one of the largest, most flexible and modern milling facilities for hardwoods in the country.

&#8220Improved capacity and efficiency within our operations gives us the flexibility to be responsive to diverse customer needs and offer fast turn-around on pre-finished products”

International Timber managing director John Bagshaw

John Bagshaw, managing director, said: “Improved capacity and efficiency within our operations gives us the flexibility to be responsive to diverse customer needs and offer fast turn-around on pre-finished products.”

He said the new machinery increased capacity by 40% overnight, leading the company to radically change working practices. It is also helping to build a “platform of added-value principles”.

Further investment at other sites is planned, including Grangemouth where almost £100,000 will be spent on new racking and improving the use of shed space to stock the site’s hardwood.

The company has been implementing a major investment plan since Christmas across its four sites as part of a strategic drive to provide timber solutions to its wider customer base.