Award-winning Ipswich-based KLH Architects have merged with another local architectural practice, which led to an expansion of its service offering. Poole and Pattle, the architectural practice based in Ipswich and run by Neil Poole and John Pattle, will be joining the 28-strong team this month bringing a wealth of experience
The North East will celebrate everything built with wood as the first WoodFest comes to Newcastle in December, with an exciting line-up of events organised by the UK timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle will bring together architects, engineers, placemakers, planners, developers, contractors, politicians and local businesses specialising
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone
Ibstock Brick is celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors at this year’s Brick Awards. The annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA), saw three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the
External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for a contemporary-style new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary webertherm XP system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs
As a society, we seem to be more conscious of our wellbeing than ever before. In all aspects of life, we’re more aware and informed of the things that have an impact on our bodies and minds, and an ongoing stream of new research continues to fuel that fire. Amidst
A steel manufacturer is aiming to grow its turnover by £1million and create new jobs after securing a substantial grant. Fabweld Steel Products (FSP) was awarded £30,000 from the European Regional Development (ERDF)’s Business Growth Programme as part of an overall £94,500 investment to improve production process and systems at
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the UK’s leading manufacturer of structural timber components, today (Thursday 1st November) announces the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition has an excellent geographic fit with DTE’s present business and will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the manufacturer of structural timber components, has expanded its offering with the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the UK. “The acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss further extends our reach in
Award-winning Ipswich-based KLH Architects have merged with another local architectural practice, which led to an expansion of its service offering. Poole and Pattle, the architectural practice based in Ipswich and run by Neil Poole and John Pattle, will be joining the 28-strong team this month bringing a wealth of experience particularly in the retail and commercial sectors. “We are thrilled to welcome the team from Poole and Pattle under the KLH umbrella. Their expertise will help bolster our offering as a firm and enables us to provide a more diverse service to our clients,” said Martyn Goodwin, director at KLH Architects. The 32-year-old firm has worked on notable projects including the extensive redevelopment of Coes clothing store in Ipswich and the extension and refurbishment of Ipswich’s New Wolsey Theatre. “When the opportunity arose for us to join the team at KLH we knew it was the right move for us as a firm. They are a fantastic practice with a reputation of delivering high quality buildings throughout East Anglia and London,” said Neil, director of Poole and Pattle. “KLH have the same principles as us – being totally client-focused and delivering buildings and facilities that exceed the expectations of clients, stakeholders and users.” This decision follows the recent news of Bryan Wybrow’s promotion to director bringing the total to five directors. “This is an exciting time for the firm and we have experienced substantial growth. We are currently undertaking a major extension and renovation project on our offices to accommodate the growth and welcome the new team members,” added Martyn. KLH Architects is an RIBA chartered practice which provide design, planning and project management expertise in healthcare, residential, commercial and leisure development in East Anglia and London.
The North East will celebrate everything built with wood as the first WoodFest comes to Newcastle in December, with an exciting line-up of events organised by the UK timber industry’s campaign, Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle will bring together architects, engineers, placemakers, planners, developers, contractors, politicians and local businesses specialising in timber to promote the innovative and striking ways that wood can be used in the built environment in the North East. Christiane Lellig, Wood for Good campaign director, said: “The first in a series of regional WoodFests, this as a fantastic opportunity to bring all those involved with the built environment to explore what industry and politics can achieve together. “Each event is a chance to learn and share about the use of timber in architecture, particularly around health and wellbeing and offsite construction. It provides a platform to discover what’s happening in the region and to be inspired by timber design.” The week begins with a behind-the-scenes tour of wood-based materials manufacturer, Egger’s site in Hexham on 10 December. In the evening, Dr Oliver G.F. Jones, architecture professor and expert in human-environment interaction at Northumbria University, will give the keynote speech at a seminar on wellbeing, residential design and healthy homes. Taking place at Ryder Architecture’s home in Cooper’s Studios, Westgate Road, Newcastle, Dr Jones will be joined by a panel of experts including local housing providers and design professionals to explore biophilic design, light, space and air quality among other issues. Offsite construction steals the show on 12 December with an evening seminar debating whether modern methods of construction are the future for homes in the North East. Hosted by Ryder at Cooper’s Studios, an expert panel will explore Home England’s strategic plan incorporating offsite construction and will ask if it’s the silver bullet to deliver much-needed homes. A site visit to the unique self-build home, Shawm House, takes place on 11 December. Designed by Newcastle-based MawsonKerr Architects, the timber home won four regional RIBA awards, a national RIBA award and was shortlisted for Grand Designs ‘House of the Year’ in 2017. This is a rare opportunity to hear the homeowner’s story and experience the house for yourself. Taking place throughout the week is an exhibition at Cooper’s Studios, exploring healthy buildings and driving the design and construction quality agenda through the use of modern methods of construction. The finale for WoodFest Newcastle is the Superwood Conference on Friday 14 December at Northumbria University, hosted by Confor. Looking at how forestry and timber can drive a low carbon economy, the conversation will explore the opportunities for increasing forestry in the North East and the lessons that can be learned from Scotland. Speakers include Paul Brennan, MEP for the North East, Adam James from Ryder Architecture, Councillor Peter Jackson, leader of Northumberland County Council, Dr Dan Ridley-Ellis from Edinburgh Napier University, Beccy Speight from the Woodland Trust, Neil Sutherland from Makar, Stuart Goodall from Confor, Simon Hart from Egger Forestry and Christiane Lellig from Wood for Good. WoodFest Newcastle is organised in collaboration with regional partners Constructing Excellence, Egger, Mawson Kerr, RIBA North East, and Ryder Architecture. Book your place for the WoodFest Newcastle events here: https://woodforgood.com/index/woodfest-newcastle/ More information will be released soon about other regional WoodFests taking place throughout the country in 2019. If you would like to get involved in WoodFest please contact Wood for Good campaign director, Christiane Lellig, at christiane.lellig@woodforgood.com www.woodforgood.com
Loughborough-based Adey Steel Group has announced plans to grow its presence as a specialist steel fabricator in the rail and energy sectors and has targeted the housebuilding sector to continue its construction growth. The changes will see Adey Steel Group, which have been established for 90 years, increase its focus on working with rail, energy and specialist clients, while taking a more selective approach to work in the broader construction industry. Managing Director, Andrew Adey, commented, “It is in these niche rail, energy and specialist sectors that we have enjoyed the most success in recent years, so we are looking to maximise our opportunities there and exercise caution in other, more volatile sectors.” Over the past five years, Adey Steel has developed key specialisms that have enabled them to establish a strong position as an expert supply chain partner to key national infrastructure projects, such as Sellafield, Hinkley Point, the Midland Mainline and Crossrail. Andrew Adey added, “We see growth opportunities presenting themselves in rail ahead of the CP6 and HS2 projects, combined with heavy investment in the nuclear and energy sectors, so we are structuring our business to ensure we are well positioned to support those initiative and deliver on our growth plans.” In addition, Adey SteelShop Ltd, a sister company in the Adey Steel Group, is increasing its activity in the UK housebuilding sector, supplying structural steel and architectural metalwork to many of the most prominent regional and national housebuilders. Adey is targeting the sector to service its unique requirements and to meet the very specific challenges involved with dealing with the UK’s growing housing shortage.
BAL – market-leaders in full tiling solutions – are launching two new uncoupling mat solutions for problem floors. Following the launch of the revolutionary and award-winning BAL Rapid-Mat in 2014, the Flexbone range offers two very different solutions to the UK market with the launch of Flexbone 2Easy and Flexbone VAried. Unique to the UK, and bound to excite fixers, contractors and distributors alike, BAL Flexbone 2Easy is a floating mat system – where NO adhesive is needed underneath the mat system i.e. the mat is truly uncoupled. David Wilson, UK Head of Technical at BAL said: “Because no adhesive is required, preparation of the substrate is reduced to a quick sweep of the floor. No removal or residue, no removal of laitance and no priming of the surface is needed. This means that contaminated and stained floors, wooden floors, cracked screeds and mixed substrates can be tiled immediately. “It can also be used direct onto difficult substrates such as bitumen, fresh sand:cement screeds or new anhydrite screeds that are not fully cured (up to 1.5% CM residual moisture). Lengthy waiting times on new screeds can be avoided with no more projects on hold while new screeds are dry enough to be tiled directly, or fixed with a traditional bonded system. “Fast track installation in possible as any residual moisture in the substrate is distributed evenly through a system of channels and can also ventilate via the covering joints through perforations in the mat.” As well as time savings from the lack of preparation, materials costs are also significantly reduced with no need for primers, plus a massive adhesive saving of 2kg/m², when compared to laying bonded cavity mat systems. Time trials indicate the removal of subfloor preparation for installations provides a circa 50% time saving. Because BAL Flexbone 2Easy is laid loose as a floating system, it is perfect for heritage projects where it is necessary to protect historic, sensitive substrates, plus areas where the ability to change the floor regularly is a requirement – e.g. rental properties. BAL Flexbone VAried is a bonded mat system, with the same installation process as other fixed cavity mat systems in the market. Unique to BAL Flexbone is the patented GripLock Technology and unique bone structure. The patented design has been independently tested to provide the highest shear strength (providing more accommodation of higher levels of lateral movement) and the highest tensile strength (to stops tiles ‘popping-off’ or cracking under pressure). These highly flexible and deformable properties ensure all tile installations are protected from lateral movement and pressures, while a special fleece provides for vapour pressure compensation. “As well as providing long-term benefits in terms of strength and flexibility, the unique bone structure also makes for significantly faster installations as the design ensures the trowelling-out of adhesive on the surface layer is fast and easy,” added David Wilson. “Fixer trials have shown that the unique bone-shaped cavities are much easier and faster to fill with adhesive than the conventional square or round cavities. “Less adhesive is required on the mat surface, and trials indicate adhesive can be spread on the mat surface circa. 30% faster.” BAL Flexbone VAried can be used anywhere – for a varied number of installation environments! BAL Flexbone VAried provides a waterproof layer, meaning no tanking is needed in wet areas such as bathrooms, showers and wetrooms when BAL Flexbone VAried is installed. The bonded mat is perfect for high load-bearing and commercial areas such as shopping malls, airports, car showrooms, office building and hospitals, as well as light or medium traffic areas. Both mats are available in 20m rolls or easy to install 2x1m sheets (ideal for small bathrooms) or wetrooms – and are suitable for use with all tile types, including natural stone. As with all BAL products, BAL Flexbone uncoupling mats come with the manufacturer’s unique 25-year guarantee – unlike other cavity mats available. When used with BAL adhesives, grouts, and sealants, this provides a fully guaranteed tiling system. To find out more about BAL’s new uncoupling solutions visit www.bal-adhesives.com
Ibstock Brick is celebrating the success of architects and brick contractors at this year’s Brick Awards. The annual awards ceremony, organised by the Brick Development Association (BDA), saw three outstanding projects using products from the Ibstock Brick range named as winners, with a further two projects receiving commendations from the expert judging panel. Ibstock Brick also proudly sponsored three awards; Individual Housing Development, Architect’s Choice and Supreme winner. The Architect’s Choice Award was voted for by the public from a selection of shortlisted projects in other categories. It was awarded to the BPTW Architects designed project at Creek Road in the heart of Greenwich. The project utilised the Funton Old Chelsea Yellow brick to mirror the existing bricks whilst adding a contemporary twist. Marlborough Primary School (Architect: Dixon Jones) was the winner in the Education category whilst Royal Albert Wharf was the winner in the Large Housing Development category with Blackfriars Circus also picking up a commendation in this category, with both projects being designed by Maccreanor Lavington. Scala Yard (Architect: DLA Design Group) received a commendation in the Small Housing development category. Anglian Brickwork Ltd, who were the winners of the Specialist Brickwork Contractor award, used Ibstock Bricks in one of their winning projects at the David Attenborough Building (Architect: Nicholas Hare). Darren Bowkett, Operations Director of Ibstock Brick, commented: “Each year the standard of entries for the Brick Awards improves. As the market leading brick manufacturer we are delighted to be associated with the celebration of brick as a modern building material. We would like to congratulate everybody involved with the award-winning projects for their success in showcasing how brick can be used within creative and contemporary architecture. Ibstock Brick is committed to providing products which offer design flexibility for the most innovative building facades.”
External Wall Insulation (EWI) by Saint-Gobain Weber has been specified for a contemporary-style new build in a designated conservation area in South West England. The revolutionary webertherm XP system has been used on the walls of the property while weberpral M through-coloured render has been used extensively to long runs of concrete walling. The planning term ‘conservation area’ all too often results in unimaginative new build designs mimicking the surrounding aesthetics rather than offering creative architecture that enhances the area. This stunning new home in Somerset illustrates perfectly how architectural flare and modern building techniques are fused to deliver a property that contributes greatly to the local environment. The 430m² private residence has extensive glazing to capture the glorious rural views and to encourage the benefits of maximum natural light. Sleek expanses of webertherm XP EWI with webertherm M1 through-coloured render enhances the profile of the house from all aspects. By embracing the topography of the site, which placed the front entrance at first floor level, and letting the rest of the house flow down to a lower ground floor layout, the house presents a low and softened profile to the onlooker. An enlightened planning approval was achieved for this privately commissioned design by Jason Jackson of Jackson Architects Ltd, Taunton. “An earlier traditional design was not considered suitable by local planners and we were asked to offer alternative designs for this family home. The client was immediately excited about a minimalist and modern design idea and asked us to submit the application. After careful negotiation with the conservation and planning officers, they agreed that the contemporary architectural style of the building would make a highly individual but fitting addition to the very traditional properties in the area. The only significant condition imposed on the planning approval was the removal of the permitted development rights so as to protect the purity of the design! We were really quite amazed and flattered to get this acknowledgement,” smiles Jason Jackson. Matching the dramatic visual appeal of this unique property is the construction formula and advanced thermal efficiency that has been achieved. The external walls are constructed as a single skin formed with 215mm thermal blocks that are protected by webertherm XP EWI using 50mm of high performance phenolic insulation. webertherm M1, an advanced one-coat, polymer modified, mineral render, is factory batched and designed for spray application to reduce on-site labour time and access costs and has been used in White. A decorative scraped texture finish has been applied to the White render which catches and holds the light. Mark Pickthall, of M P Plastering, Somerset, carried out the insulation and render application for contractor Fry Developments Limited. The applicator also specified weberend aid to create a key coat before applying weberpral M through-coloured render, in Chalk, to surface finish long runs of poured concrete walling running from the house to the drive and garage areas. “The superb smart finish of the house structure achieved with the scraped surface of the 250m² of webertherm M1 render really underlines the beautiful architecture of this house which makes a great statement in the locality. We are all pleased to have been part of this exciting project,” reports Mark. Simon Fry, Fry Developments, is equally proud of this new build and pleased to have accepted the recommendation to use the webertherm EWI system. “My experience has only been with traditional sand and cement renders but Mark highlighted the qualities of the Weber system and I must say the result is superb. It’s a ‘no risk’ decision now for Fry Developments to use Weber products on my future contracts.” For more information about this project, or for technical support, please contact Saint-Gobain Weber on 08703 330 070, or visit www.uk.weber A free download of the new WeberApp for iPhone and iPad users is also available from iTunes and from Google Play for Android smartphones and tablet users. Follow Saint-Gobain Weber on Twitter @SGWeberUK for the latest company news and updates.
As a society, we seem to be more conscious of our wellbeing than ever before. In all aspects of life, we’re more aware and informed of the things that have an impact on our bodies and minds, and an ongoing stream of new research continues to fuel that fire. Amidst a sea of eye-opening discoveries, architecture and building design stand as two islands of opportunity – and within this field, glazing has proven to be a key influencing factor for progression. Over the past few decades, innovations in our use of glass have been some of the most important developments in the design and construction industries. Facilitating some of the most progressive work in architecture, and opening the door to a whole new avenue of biophilic and sustainable design, glass is helping us build a world geared towards productivity and wellness. Here’s how: Glazing for healthier building design: An area of significant importance to an increasingly large cohort within the field of architecture, wellbeing and design have proven to be symbiotic. We now know that our buildings have a direct impact on how we feel, both physically and mentally, in a number of specific ways. Air quality, acoustics, interior climate, aesthetics, and importantly lighting all have a part to play. This isn’t speculation – specific cells in the hippocampal part of our brains have been identified as directly attuned to our spacial awareness and the geometry of the physical environments in which we spend time. One of the most significant factors in this is the amount of natural light we are exposed to. We now know that our circadian rhythms – our internal ‘body clocks’, are massively impacted by our exposure to natural light. We spend a huge amount of time indoors, and if our buildings are going to galvanise our wellbeing, they need to provide us with plenty of natural light. Several new design and architecture schools and initiatives have emerged, which focus on creating ‘healthy’ buildings that actively contribute to the wellness of their inhabitants. Structural glazing is central to many of these designs, presenting an opportunity for buildings to include literal ‘walls of light’ and flood interior spaces with sunlight throughout the day. With new innovations in silicone bonding, and glass beams now viable as a structural support solution, it’s possible to ‘chain’ glazing installations together, and create entire sections of a building from low-iron glass (which is clearer, with less of the ‘green tinge’ glazing can sometimes suffer from). This means that as things like biophilic design become increasingly popular, it will become increasingly easier to construct buildings that keep our bodies in tune with the outside world. This in turn makes us more productive, attentive, and improves both physical and mental health. Sustainability With new research into the impact of humankind on the environment emerging regularly, few can deny the importance of sustainability in construction. As we build onto the natural world, the multiple ways we can reduce any negative consequences are becoming more apparent, and both our choice of materials – and the way we use them – are two key areas for concern. This is another area in which glass has a big role to play, particularly when it comes to energy efficiency. Windows are typically one of the most significant areas of thermal loss in a building, particularly if those windows are built using dated construction techniques such as single glazing. Even with the emergence of double glazing in the mid 20th Century, the energy efficiency of a home is still usually dictated by its windows – but thankfully new glazing technology is minimising this problem. Triple glazing is now an increasingly viable option, and innovative technology such as ‘low-e glass’ is improving the thermal capabilities of windows, doors, and other glazing solutions. A new era of glazing As we move ever further into the era of integrated ‘smart design’, glass is also becoming an intrinsic part of a new era of building design and construction. With the ‘Internet of Things’ (physical devices and installations working together through wireless online connection) now a popular part of many modern homes and commercial spaces, it isn’t just the smart devices we’re filling our buildings with that are changing the way we live – it’s the buildings themselves Glazing specialists have been working to develop new solutions that can improve the functionality of a building – particularly when it comes to the ways glass can integrate with other ‘smart solutions’ for things including interior climate, and lighting. Glass doors and windows can now integrate with remote electronic control systems, and technology such as switchable glazing means architects and designers can still feature glazing even when privacy is an issue. Glass is also now viable as a construction material in its own right. ‘Structural glazing’ is now an industry standard term, and using toughened glass, entire walls and glass facades can be built that are able to bear weight in their own right. This opens entirely new avenues for conceptual design, and creatively speaking, means architects are able to approach spaces in entirely new ways. Walls aren’t the only installations that benefit from advances in architectural glass technology – glass roofs and even glass floors are now no longer solely the remit of large-scale commercial architecture. As manufacturing and installation techniques improve, even small-scale residential projects can now feature these kind of installations in both practical and aesthetic ways. There have also been leaps forward in the application of glazing for security. As well as long-standing safety features such as lamination and tempering, bullet-proof and even bomb-proof glass can now be used for all kinds of installations.The result is a universally broad spectrum when it comes to the use of glass in architecture: almost any project, of any scope, can use almost any type of glazing, in any solution. Could glass be the future? While the overall functionality of glazing has developed rapidly and undeniably, there are also encouraging signs that glass could be at
A steel manufacturer is aiming to grow its turnover by £1million and create new jobs after securing a substantial grant. Fabweld Steel Products (FSP) was awarded £30,000 from the European Regional Development (ERDF)’s Business Growth Programme as part of an overall £94,500 investment to improve production process and systems at its factory in Telford, Shropshire. FSP, which designs and manufactures fabricated steel access covers and associated drainage products, says the programme of work will result in greater efficiency and manufacturing capacity and should help it win new contracts within the construction industry. That will lead to the creation of five new roles including a sales administrator, laser operator and welder/fabricators. The Enterprise Telford team at the Marches Growth Hub Telford & Wrekin supported FSP in its grant application. The Business Growth Programme is available to businesses across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin and offers grants to small and medium-sized businesses through a range of funding schemes designed to help them grow and target new markets. Managing Director Richard Hilton said the investment was paying for new equipment and the reorganisation of the shop floor. “The previous layout created bottlenecks in production so the restructure will simplify and speed up processes. We will be introducing new handling equipment and increasing our internal storage capacity. “Carrying out this programme of enhancements will give us more capacity to win new contracts and allow us to respond more quickly to customer demands. We are hopeful it will add £1m to our existing turnover within 24 months. “Without the grant funding, we would have had to carry out the work in stages. This wouldn’t have been as effective and would have reduced the opportunities that a quicker production time will bring.” “An increased turnover and market share will ultimately lead to a more sustainable future for the business, our staff and our supply chain,” he added. Mark Shaw, Account Manager for Enterprise Telford, said: “FSP is one of our long standing businesses and we were delighted to be able to help them as they forge ahead with their plans for growth. We look forward to providing continued support for Richard and the team as they realise the benefits from this investment which, importantly, includes the creation of jobs.” FSP has also received a £7,000 grant from the Business Energy Efficiency Programme, which is part-funded by the ERDF. The programme aims to help businesses reduce CO2 emissions through lowering energy consumption, which in turn reduces running costs and improves profitability while increasing environmental awareness. FSP has put the grant towards a £17,000 package of measures which included installing air heat pump systems for office heating, adding demand controls to its welding extract system, upgrading to LED lighting and raising awareness among staff of energy management. Richard said: “We recognise the benefits that improvements in energy efficiency can bring in operational efficiency, working conditions, and profit.”
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the UK’s leading manufacturer of structural timber components, today (Thursday 1st November) announces the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition has an excellent geographic fit with DTE’s present business and will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the UK. Fife-headquartered DTE is the UK’s largest and longest established manufacturer of roof trusses, engineered joists, beams and spandrel panels, with over 30 years’ experience. Adding to the company’s eight manufacturing sites across the UK, this acquisition provides DTE with a unique national distribution network. Established in 2014, Cambridge Roof Truss limited (CRTL) designs, manufactures and supplies roof trusses, joists and spandrel panels to leading housebuilders and construction companies in the UK. The company has built a reputation for being a marketing-led, sales driven business with a renowned customer service ethos, and it is this professionalism and dedication to the client that makes the CRTL team a compelling fit with the DTE family. The Board of Directors at CRTL felt that strategically, the time was right to secure the future of the company, knowing that DTE has the infrastructure needed to continue to satisfy its growing customer base. Jonathan Fellingham, Managing Director at DTE, comments: “The acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss further extends our reach in the UK, meaning wherever our customers are, we are on their doorstep; providing the best in quality and local service with a national distribution network. It’s a fantastic business, and we’re extremely pleased to be bringing the full team into the DTE family.” Cambridge Roof Truss Managing Director, Jack McMinn, said: “I am very proud of the reputation we have built, and for putting our customers and the service we provide to them at our core. By joining forces with DTE, we can offer a broader set of manufacturing capabilities with the resource and operational experience necessary to fully support our customers.” Sue Mills, Sales & Marketing Director for CRTL, will take on the role of branch manager, leading a team of 29 staff. With an investment plan already in place, the branch can potentially double its production output in the new year. Sue Mills adds: “DTE provides the perfect fit for our business. Our whole ethos of excellent customer service and quality matches well with that of DTE and we will be working hard to ensure that we continue to provide the level of service our customers have become accustomed to. With DTEs sustainability credentials, we couldn’t wish for a better partner.” In practical terms, there will be no changes for clients or suppliers of CRTL. Payment and banking details remain as is.
Donaldson Timber Engineering (DTE), the manufacturer of structural timber components, has expanded its offering with the acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss. The strategic acquisition will further supplement its existing product offering across Southern and Midlands regions of the UK. “The acquisition of Cambridge Roof Truss further extends our reach in the UK, meaning wherever our customers are, we are on their doorstep; providing the best in quality and local service with a national distribution network. It’s a fantastic business, and we’re extremely pleased to be bringing the full team into the DTE family,” said Jonathan Fellingham, Managing Director of DTE. Fife-based DTE is the UK’s largest and longest established manufacturer of roof trusses, engineered joists, beams and spandrel panels, with over 30 years’ experience. Adding to the company’s eight manufacturing sites across the UK, this acquisition provides DTE with a unique national distribution network. Cambridge Roof Truss Limited (CRTL) was established in 2014 and it designs, manufactures and supplies roof trusses, joists and spandrel panels to leading housebuilders and construction companies in the UK. The company has built a reputation for being a marketing-led, sales driven business with a renowned customer service ethos. “I am very proud of the reputation we have built, and for putting our customers and the service we provide to them at our core. By joining forces with DTE, we can offer a broader set of manufacturing capabilities with the resource and operational experience necessary to fully support our customers,” said Cambridge Roof Truss Managing Director, Jack McMinn. There will be no changes for clients or suppliers of CRTL.