Bennett Windows is to step up production and create more jobs following the purchase of an additional 29,000ft² unit adjacent to its Ratby, Leicestershire site. The 1.5 acre property, which represents an investment of ‘hundreds of thousands of pounds’, will grow potential capacity by at least 50%.
Bennett says that, under the Benlowe Group banner following a management buyout in 1999, it has completed its first year well ahead of budget. Current orders are worth over £2m – more than 50% up on the same time last year.
The new unit will house glazing and factory-finishing equipment, and will allow the com-pany to ‘get to a level significantly ahead of where we are now,’ said Benlowe chief executive Clyve Perkin.
‘We will increase production progressively over the next one to two years.’
He said the growing demand was the result of several factors. ‘We’re concentrating on quality factory finishing and glazing, and some new homes are now going back to wooden windows,’ he said. The company also wanted to reduce lead times.
Bennett, which has funded the expansion from its own cash resources, will be looking to recruit 20-30 new staff in due course. Further investment is planned.
