Delivering superior cost and performance benefits

2009-02-11

Scotts of Thrapston is forging ahead with a programme of investment, aimed at reinforcing its position as a market leader in the design and supply of timber applications for the building industry. In the words of chairman, David Scott, “The business is fitter, faster and more efficient than a year ago, and in robust mood.”

New machinery, software and supply vehicles at the company’s 240,000 sqft headquarters in Thrapston, Northamptonshire, are having an immediate and direct affect on the speed of delivery from the point of order. This growth in productivity has come at a time when the company is increasingly being turned to by developers and architects for its expertise in taking a simple concept through the design process, to completion and installation.

Scotts ‘design to manufacture’ service has evolved with a trend by developers to opt for more environmentally friendly materials. The switch to using timber, wherever possible, is emerging as a popular shift that coincides with a general move away from man made materials. Kevin Lester, divisional manager for the truss division at Scotts says: “Timber is of course a natural choice; it’s inherently strong and can deliver superior cost and performance benefits in most applications. It is also incredibly versatile, with timber trusses capable of clear spanning over 16 metres – the design software employed by Scotts is capable of creating structurally stable, longer span roofs with stunning design options if required.”

Similarly, the Joinery division at Scotts is noticing a resurgence in the demand for timber windows, due to customers becoming increasingly aware of the environmental advantages timber brings over PVC. They have seen a consistent order book over the past 12 months despite the economic climate.

With a healthy order book and in a move aimed at bringing more developers into a newly discovered ‘comfort zone’ with timber, its myriad of uses and savings, Scotts has opened its doors for customers to attend the factory and witness their order being crafted by the company’s skilled joiners. “Our willingness to invite customers along to watch how we produce their order has been very well received,” says Ian Hodgkin, general manager for joinery. “We are proud of our manufacturing heritage and expertise here at Scotts, so feel privileged to demonstrate this, along with the versatility timber represents, in the factory, to customers new and old.”

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