Wirral-based timber frame manufacturer SticX Ltd is expanding its facilities after acquiring three industrial units previously owned by Wirral Council.
The Seacombe company had originally approached the council in late 2023 about acquiring vacant council owned warehouses next to their existing facility. Both parties have been working since then to help achieve SticX’s growth plan, which includes expanding the current 48-strong workforce to 76 by 2031 and doubling the production capacity.
“The sale of these assets, which are surplus to the council’s requirements, have the two-fold benefit of helping an innovative local business expand and bring about new jobs and opportunities locally, while also providing some income to the council and removing an asset which no longer needs to be maintained at council taxpayer expense,” said Leader of Wirral Council, Cllr Paula Basnett.
SticX produces timber structures for residential developments, spanning social housing, student accommodation and self-build, with floor, wall, and roof systems in its offering.
“These are exciting times for SticX.,” said John Maddock, director.
“The Government’s commitment to building many more homes using structural timber has given us the confidence to spend over £1m in the expansion of our factory in Seacombe.”
SticX’s capabilities means it is helping to deliver many new homes to be built in The Wirral area.
“For those that live in Wirral, the potential jobs and retention of money within the local economy are as important as the new homes themselves,” added Mr Maddock.
The Council’s Economic Growth Service, in partnership with the Liverpool City Region Freeport Team at the Combined Authority, has been supporting the company to understand eligibility for incentives provided through the UK Freeport programme, which can include stamp duty relief, employer’s national insurance relief on new jobs created and capital allowances where eligible.
