Pace Timber Systems of Milton Keynes has bought roof truss manufacturer Llewellyn Timber Engineering from Rok Property Solutions plc for an undisclosed sum.

Llewellyn Timber, also of Milton Keynes, will be renamed Pace Timber Engineering Ltd.

The acquisition comes just two months after Pace established a timber frame operation in the north with the purchase of West Yorkshire-based Greenframe Ltd. The move is part of Pace’s long term strategy to develop a group of inter-related businesses – as well as its timber frame and roof truss capabilities it operates a dry lining division.

Pace Timber Systems managing director Phil Key said Llewellyn Timber Engineering’s client base includes many national blue chip housebuilders and developers.

&#8220Llewellyn has the capacity to design, supply and erect comprehensive structural roof packages that often include ancillary products.”

Pace Timber Systems managing director Phil Key .

He added: “As a roof truss specialist they are also unique in that, unlike most manufacturers, the supply of product forms only part of the business. Llewellyn has the capacity to design, supply and erect comprehensive structural roof packages that often include ancillary products such as rafters, soffits, bargeboards and so on.”

Llewellyn’s 30-strong workforce and management team will be retained and investment plans for new plant and machinery are being drawn up for the facility, which currently produces up to 3,000 roof trusses per week, with a view to developing other timber engineered products such as engineered floor joists and roof panels.

Pace Timber Systems expects to supply timber frame for 1,200 units in 2003, with an additional 500 units forecast for Pace Northern. Pace Dry Lining division is expected to reach a £1.5m turnover this year.