Ambitious expansion for construction company as it launches steelwork division

Specialist construction firm, Henley Group, has expanded its offering within the construction industry by investing £2.1m into the launch of a new division, HZS Stainless Steel, based in Wakefield. 

The steelwork division will manufacture stainless steel components such as brackets, restraints, and fixings for GRC (Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete) projects.

It complements the group’s established GRC cladding, stonework, and masonry offering, completed under its Henley Stone Specialists division. 

HZS aims to increase efficiency and accuracy for clients by eliminating the need for multiple contractors.

Henley Group can now manufacture and install steelwork components needed for projects in-house, meaning cost and lead time efficiencies for customers, resulting in greater transparency for the end client. 

To deliver the offering, Henley Group has acquired a 10,000 sq ft factory in Ossett.

The Group has invested £500,000 on equipment and machinery, including CNC machines, press brake folding machines and a state-of-the-art laser cutter.

A team of eight specialists have been recruited within the new division, including two welders, one of whom brings over 30 years of welding experience. 

The new division will be headed by Robert Gettings, recently appointed as project director.

Gettings has over 14 years of experience in the industry and was a project manager, delivering stainless steel components for the Barking Riverside Project, which at the time, was one of the largest regeneration sites in Europe.

Gettings, who previously worked at Dalkia UK within EDF, said: “I’m honoured to be heading up the new HZS division and leading an experienced team to deliver excellent manufactured components to site.” 

Founded by Shaun Henley in 2012, Henley Group works with commercial and high-end residential customers to deliver specialist services and products to the construction industry.

HZS is the newest division to launch within Henley Group, alongside Henley Stone Specialists, Henley Restoration and Remedials, and Henley Rail Services. 

Gettings added: “When Shaun came to me with the proposition of leading the new HZS division, I jumped at the chance.

“I hope to bring my expertise and work ethic to HZS Stainless Steel – this role will be very diverse; I will be responsible for managing various jobs and a large volume of individual clients – all expecting to have jobs delivered to the utmost quality.

“It’s brilliant that we are to be able to contribute to the local community, providing jobs in our new factory which requires certain skills and craftmanship.

“As we expand, we hope to create more jobs for local tradesmen and those wanting to learn the craft.”

Shaun Henley, managing director of Henley Group, said: “It’s incredibly exciting to have Robert on board leading our new venture.

“I knew he was the person for the job instantly given his experience and proven track record.

“He will play a significant role in helping deliver the end goal for our clients while ensuring our work is of the highest standard – meeting deadlines while maintaining Henley Group’s safety standards will be a key focus too.”