UK DIY News
Howdens Opens Major Multi-Million Pound Factory Extension
Howdens, the UK’s number one specialist trade kitchen supplier, continues to implement its strategy of increasing its manufacturing capacity in the UK. As part of this strategy, it plans to expand the site in Howden, East Riding, Yorkshire from 75 to 100 acres.
Howdens is today [27th January] unveiling its latest investment, a state of the art, multi-million pound high gloss kitchen door frontal line, which was opened by David Davis, the local MP for Haltemprice and Howden, and Howdens’ Chief Executive, Andrew Livingston. Guests were welcomed to the opening with a guided tour of the new extension and presentation by Howdens’ apprentices and members of its on-call fire service.
Image : David Davis MP and Andrew Livingston meeting Howdens' apprentices
The new line measures over one kilometre in length from end to end and is one of the largest of its type in Europe. Once fully commissioned the company will manufacture over two million kitchen door frontals and décor ends in high gloss finishes to support Howdens thriving kitchen and joinery business.
Howdens currently imports these products from Italy, and the new line will enable more production to move to the UK, at the same quality as it can source externally but at a lower cost and reduced lead time. The company has also recently invested in a second high speed painted architrave and skirting line which more than doubles its capacity, enabling the company to service in-house the substantial increase in demand for these products.
The continued investment in Howdens’ UK manufacturing operation will create up to 100 new jobs for the area, including machinists and engineering technicians.
Image : Howdens Factory extension opening - David Davis MP speaking with Andrew Livingston
Lee Parish, Director of Manufacturing, Howdens, said: “We are continuing to invest in increasing capacity at our two major manufacturing sites in the UK to support Howdens ambitious expansion plans in the UK but also internationally. The new factory extension strengthens our commitment to UK manufacturing and provides our trade customers with more high-quality kitchen and joinery products at the best local price, while always being in stock.”
David Davis, MP for Haltemprice and Howdens, adds: “Howdens is a fantastic success story, providing quality products, and creating jobs and opportunities with this welcome investment in the region.”
Howdens’ ambition is to be the UK’s leading responsible kitchen business. In January 2022, the company achieved carbon-neutral manufacturing at its key manufacturing sites in Howden and Runcorn certified by The Carbon Trust. Howdens’ manufacturing and distribution facilities also reached zero waste to landfill in 2019, and 99% of all Howdens UK depot waste avoids landfill.
Image : David Davis MP meeting Howdens on-call firefighters
To find out more about Howdens please visit www.howdens.com
Source : Howdens
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