Timber firm keeps construction business local
20th February 2008
Chandos Timber, a local manufacturer of timber framed houses, based in Sparthbottoms is the latest company to benefit from millions of pounds of Housing Market Renewal investment, thanks to Artisan Construction Group and local labour in construction initiative, J21.
Artisan Construction Group (ACG), part of the Barratt Artisan regeneration partnership (BASE) are set to build hundreds of new homes across East Central Rochdale over the next few years.
The partnership has also secured a major scheme in Sheffield worth £80million, which will benefit Chandos if they secure the contract to supply the timber framed houses.
One of aims of housing market renewal is to ensure this investment develops skills and employment, and benefits the local economy; so far, ACG has directly employed five local people and placed orders with local firms, thanks to the support of J21, who have been pushing the local agenda.
Many of the homes ACG are building in Rochdale will be constructed from timber, using the latest off-site manufacturing technology to meet stringent environmental standards.
Designers at Chandos Timber, a market leader in timber products, have been working alongside ACG to develop a cost effective housing solution; this will likely result in the first order for 215 housing units being placed by April, which are expected to be the first of many.
John Sutton, Head of Sales and Marketing at Chandos said, ”HMR has brought new opportunities for Chandos on our doorstep; this will help us realise our growth strategy. J21 has helped facilitate this and we will continue to work with them to open new doors and recruit our future workforce.”
Peter Millett, Construction Director for ACG said, “Our intention is to use local suppliers who can respond to our needs; this also helps sustain the local economy which is important to us. I’m delighted with the service provided by Chandos and look forward to building a long-term relationship that benefits us all.”
Sarfraz Arfan, J21 Manager said, “This approach demonstrates the wider benefits that can derive from joined-up action. The economic benefits that will stem from this huge public and private investment will help sustain local employment and enterprise, in the true spirit of regeneration”.