Global joinery manufacturer JELD-WEN plans to use its UK business as a platform for growth into the European market after completing the latest stage of its investment programme.

The company, which has just introduced a £1.5m automated door-finishing line at its Sheffield factory, is launching a brand awareness campaign this spring promoting “Reliability for Real Life” and has chosen the UK as its European R&D centre.

JELD-WEN says its heavy investment since acquiring Rugby Joinery in 1999 (inlcuding the Boulton & Paul and John Carr brands) had coincided with “one of the most significant booms in the UK construction sector”.

During the past three years, JELD-WEN says it has improved production quality and turnaround speed, achieving 97% on time and complete deliveries.

Its investment programme has included new finishing lines at Melton Mowbray and Lowestoft, a £2.5m automated assembly line at Darlington and a £700,000 foil doors line for Penrith.

&#8220Not only are we happy with the progress of our UK investments, we have also chosen the UK as our base for the company’s European R&D centre”

Randy Cox, chief executive and vice-president in charge of JELD-WEN European operations

The company also recently introduced the Titan electronic manufacturing and ordering system, which will go live at Darlington later this year.

Chief executive and vice-president in charge of European operations Randy Cox said: “We’re working to a global business development plan that forms part of our overall drive to become a world-class supplier.

“Not only are we happy with the progress of our UK investments, we have also chosen the UK as our base for the company’s European R&D centre, which focuses the technological skill and experience of all our businesses throughout Europe.”