Grant helps mouldings firm push forward

Timber company Dresser Mouldings says it is going from strength to strength thanks to a grant by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA).

Bill Gunn, managing director of Dresser’s Rochdale operation, said the £230,000 NWDA phased grant had been a key driver of new business growth for the Bolton-based firm.

Mr Gunn said the grant had allowed the company to lease the former Wood Street site in Rochdale formerly occupied by Timbmet, as well as the machinery and staff on the premises.

“Dresser Mouldings has been concentrating very heavily on architectural timber mouldings and the pub side of the business,” said Mr Gunn. “But the bottom of the market had clearly fallen out.”

He said the grant had enabled Dresser Mouldings to stay in the market and expand.

“The key to it was the machinery that Timbmet had, they had some fantastic kit and we were able tom pick it up at a fraction of the normal price.

“It has been a difficult six months but we’ve now hit the right mark and can offer a one-stop shop, including CNC machining, vacuum coating, laminating and assembly.”

Dresser Mouldings has picked up a number of new clients in the hardwood trade and also does work for Timbmet. Mr Gunn said Dresser’s ability to do specialist work was a key factor in attracting new business.

Timbmet decided to close its Wood Street operation earlier this year following a review of manufacturing and distribution sites.

“Following the restructure of our manufacturing services earlier this year we have engaged the services of Dresser Mouldings and other companies to assist in the manufacture of Timbmet's products,” Timbmet said.

“Timbmet continues to manufacture products using our own in-house manufacturing resources, and employs external support where required.”