Kenny Macfarlane, who won the 2010 TTJ Career Development Award (under-25 category), has started Handrail Creations with his father Martin, specialising in timber handrails for feature staircases, using hardwoods, including exotic timbers.
The company opened for business this month on a site in Burnden Business Park and has invested a significant amount in manufacturing technology, such as an SCM Routech Chronos five-axis CNC machining centre with 5m-long bed. Other smaller equipment includes saws and specialist finishing tools.
Mr Macfarlane told TTJ that the project to start up a business snowballed.
"My father has set up businesses in the past, he had been a precision engineer for 30 years working with CNC machines," said Mr Macfarlane.
"My experience is with these [handrail] products and the market, with accolades and qualifications in business management. So we sat down and got our heads together."
Considerable funding support from a bank allowed Handrail Creations to get off the ground.
"There are very few companies in the UK who offer these products," said Mr Macfarlane.
Handrail Creations’ service includes survey, design, manufacture and installation, using 3D concepts and photo-realistic images, with the stated ability to tackle complex projects.
Staircase manufacturers are the main customer base, with architects and contractors also served.
Mr Macfarlane, who is managing director of the new firm, said he was ambitious for Handrail Creations to succeed and expand. "We want to expand the business, and quickly," he added.
