74 | Feature: Millworks
SUMMARY
■ Millworks was launched just over four years ago
■ It recently invested in a high output Weinig moulder
■ The company has developed a growing business in interior cladding or panelling
■ It has a state-of-the-art Makor coating line
TECHNOLOGY MAKES MILLWORKS WORK
The Cambridge-based cladding, decking and fencing specialist, Millworks, has successfully navigated pandemic and emerged equipped for growth. Mike Jeffree reports
It’s been a testing time for the timber trade across the board. But for start-ups and small to medium-sized businesses the test has no doubt been toughest of all – dealing with pandemic lockdowns and consequent economic turmoil and uncertainty, followed by a market turnaround characterised by raw materials price inflation and supply issues. For some companies, coming through the crisis is probably success enough. But hi-tech profiled product specialist Millworks, manufacturer of decking, cladding and contemporary fencing, has done more than survive. It’s continued to grow and develop, increasing capacity and capabilities. Founder Steven Newman puts its resilience down to sticking with the strategy adopted from the outset, which has to date delivered
30% growth annually. That means responding rapidly to market demand in terms of product development and meeting customers’ precise, bespoke requirements, including on high spec architectural projects.
It’s also meant a commitment to using latest processing equipment to drive productivity, quality and flexibility and, in a clear indication of its positive outlook, Millworks has just completed one of its biggest investments to date. Its new high output Weinig moulder came on stream in the new year. “We’ve always kept a close eye on technology, including through the pandemic, and we decided this was the right time to implement a new production line,” said Mr Newman. “And it’s proved the right decision.
Not only is the Weinig helping us increase efficiency and keep pace with growing demand, we’re already seeing ways we can go further with it.”
Coming from a background in home- grown timber supply, Mr Newman launched Millworks just over four years ago. “I saw an opening in the market for high end custom mouldings, specialising in surface textures and coatings, all manufactured in- house,” he said.
“Besides exterior cladding, decking and fencing, we’ve also developed a growing business in interior cladding or panelling. The focus from the start was on quality, durability and style, which in turn led to our committing to the latest and best technology. In fact, the new Weinig moulder is our third.” Millworks operates on a five-acre site in Bottisham near Cambridge. Its modern production unit is a converted agricultural building and it has another barn nearby for raw materials storage. “We’re ideally placed. Cambridge itself is a dynamic, fast developing location, we’re near London and have good access to the motorway, enabling us to offer nationwide service,” said Mr Newman.
Above: Millworks supplied both the Larch House and the Zinc House TTJ | July/August 2021 |
www.ttjonline.com
Millworks’ timber range and selection reflects the diversity and quality orientation of its products; a mix of material sourced via agents and imported direct. It includes western red cedar, Siberian larch – super long lengths a speciality – redwood thermowood, western hemlock, European oak, and Accoya. It also supplies sawn and machined packs in cedar, larch, oak and thermowood. Two years ago, the company installed a
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