Pace Timber Systems Ltd is relocating its entire manufacturing and head office operation to larger premises to accommodate a sharp growth in timber frame production.
The 70,000ft2 facility in Milton Keynes, secured on a £3m long-term lease, is more than double the size of its existing city site and will allow Pace to boost output from a projected 2,250 units during 2004 to 4,500 units within two years. It will also enable the company to grow into a £40m turnover business within the same period.
The phased move to Kiln Farm Industrial Estate, expected to be completed by the end of 2004, will also support the manufacture of a closed wall panel system to be unveiled later this year. Pace says it is close to finalising a partnership agreement with a leading registered social landlord for the system.
Managing director Phil Key said the move demonstrates Pace’s commitment to supporting the government’s calls for more modern methods of construction (MMC) and development of “sustainable communities”.
He said: “We aim to demonstrate that timber frame continues to be the way forward for construction here in the UK. In fact, we believe that by adopting MMC initiatives we will continue to support our clients’ requirements and contribute towards the government’s aim of increased affordable housing and key worker accommodation.”
Mr Key said the closed panel system involved an initial £250,000 investment in automated machinery, which would run alongside current manufacturing technologies. Pace will also recruit more staff.
The company’s other operations are unaffected by the move.
