Thurston Group invests in Wakefield manufacturing operations
Modular building specialist Thurston Group is undertaking a six-figure operational upgrade at its Wakefield manufacturing headquarters following its rescue acquisition by GCH Corporation, as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen production capability and improve factory efficiency.
The investment includes the introduction of a new multidirectional Combiliſt straddle carrier, designed specifically to improve the movement and handling of modular building components around the company’s manufacturing site. The specialist vehicle has been introduced to support the transfer of completed modules, materials and equipment, helping streamline yard operations and improve flexibility within the production environment.
The upgrade forms part of Thurston Group’s wider programme of operational improvements aimed at strengthening factory logistics and supporting increased manufacturing throughput. According to the company, the new equipment will improve dispatch performance, increase handling capacity and provide greater control over the movement of modules through the manufacturing process.
The Combiliſt straddle carrier has been selected for its ability to operate in environments where space, manoeuvrability and safe handling are important considerations. Its introduction will allow Thurston Group to move large modular units more efficiently around its Wakefield site, supporting the final stages of production before buildings are transported to customer locations.
The investment follows Thurston Group’s acquisition by GCH Corporation aſter the modular specialist entered administration in 2025. The acquisition secured the continuation of the business, including its Wakefield manufacturing operations and existing workforce, while providing a platform for further investment and development.
Since the acquisition, Thurston Group has focused on improving operational processes across its manufacturing activities. The latest investment in handling equipment is aimed at improving the efficiency of the factory environment and supporting the company’s ongoing delivery of modular buildings.
Efficient factory logistics are a key part of modular manufacturing, as completed units must move safely and effectively through production areas before being transported to site. Improvements to equipment and processes can help reduce delays, improve workflow and support the management of multiple projects running simultaneously.
Alongside investment in its manufacturing operations, Thurston Group has continued to participate in industry activity, including technical learning sessions focused on areas such as fire safety, compliance and best practice.
The Wakefield upgrade represents a practical investment in the company’s manufacturing infrastructure, providing additional capability within the site’s day-to-day operations as Thurston Group continues trading under new ownership. The company said the improvements will support its production requirements and help maintain efficient delivery of modular buildings from its Wakefield facility.
P McVey appointed to £80m Scottish public sector modular framework
P McVey Building Systems has strengthened its position in the Scottish modular construction market aſter being appointed to a new public sector framework worth up to £80 million.
The Glasgow-based modular specialist has secured a place on the Scottish Procurement Alliance (SPA) Modular Buildings Framework, providing public sector organisations with access to factory-manufactured building solutions across education, healthcare, commercial and community sectors.
The framework is designed to support public bodies seeking faster and more efficient routes to delivering additional accommodation, with modular construction offering an alternative approach where speed, quality and reduced disruption are key priorities.
P McVey, which has almost 40 years’ experience delivering offsite solutions, specialises in the design, manufacture and installation of modular buildings. The company has delivered projects across Scotland and the wider UK, including facilities for schools, councils, healthcare providers and commercial clients.
The appointment provides the manufacturer with a route to future projects while allowing public sector organisations to access an experienced MMC supplier without undertaking separate procurement exercises for every scheme.
The framework comes at a time when demand for modular construction continues to increase across Scotland, where public bodies are seeking ways to address ageing estates, capacity pressures and the need for more sustainable construction methods.
Factory-based manufacturing enables much of the building process to take place away from the final site, helping reduce programme times and minimise disruption.
It also allows greater control over quality, materials and waste compared with many traditional construction approaches. For P McVey, the appointment represents another opportunity to support the wider adoption of MMC across Scotland. The company has continued investing in its manufacturing capability as clients increasingly look towards offsite solutions for permanent buildings.
The latest framework demonstrates the growing role of modular construction within public sector procurement. By creating a simplified route to market for established suppliers, agreements such as the SPA framework are helping accelerate the delivery of factory-built facilities across Scotland.
Summer 2026 M40 7
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