Timber merchant relocates businesses after site acquisition
THE W.Howard Group is relocating two of its businesses, one of which it acquired last year, after buying a 4575 sq ft site in Lancashire.
The Astley-based business will move Eccleston Engineering and RC Perry into the site on Greenfold Way in Leigh.
The move comes following the group’s acquisition of metal labels manufacturer RC Perry in July 2015 and will see it expand its offering of sheet metal fabrication, welding and design.
The W.Howard Group, which has operated out of the North West since 1958, employs 105 people including eight at this site.
Already invested into the new premises is a complete refurbishment of the unit and the acquisition of a £120,000 Amada 7 Axis 100 tonne Press Brake which the company says offers a greater range of products to customers and increased production capacity.
W.Howard Group managing director Graham Williams said: “Previously both businesses had been operating out of leased properties, so it has been a strategic move and one which illustrates a clear commitment to the future of Eccleston Engineering and RC Perry as two historic local businesses.
“The acquisition of W.Howard Group-owned premises for the accommodation of both businesses also shows our continued commitment to employing local skilled and unskilled people, with the immediate recruitment of apprentices and experienced engineers.”
The W Howard Group was established as a traditional timber merchant, serving the local house building and construction industries in the North West.
In 1995, the current group chief executive, Jonathan Grant and his father Alan Grant decided to invest in plant to manufacture and distribute primed MDF profiles.
The business has become one of the UK and Europe’s preferred partners to merchants, manufacturers and distributors within the construction and manufacturing industries and operates from three main UK sites.
The head office is in Astley near Manchester featuring a 100,000 sq ft factory and a 80,000 sq ft distribution centre.
There is also a dedicated collection and distribution depot based in West Thurrock, which services the south east of the UK.
