Lakesmere bought McMullen out of administration in December 2012, since when it has strengthened its position as the as the UK’s major manufacturer of unitised façade solutions.
Lakesmere has invested £1m in equipment to expand McMullen’s manufacturing facility in Moira. A new pre-production and separate storage facility has improved in the flow and management of materials. This has also enabled a 50% increase in the assembly area at the main factory. Investment in a new fabrication conveyor system alongside the incorporation of lean manufacturing techniques has also allowed McMullen to increase output, streamline production and improve efficiency within the factory, where McMullen produces glazing systems and pre-assembled unitised panels.
Current capacity is in excess of 400 units a week but this is expected to grow to 600 units a week over the next 12 months.
McMullen Facades managing director Ted McMullen said: “This is a really exciting time for McMullen Façades and the Lakesmere Group as we continue to build upon our position as the only UK-based company capable of simultaneously delivering several complex façade projects in excess of 40 storeys. Our recent investment in a number of high calibre staff and the implementation of LEAN production processes, alongside investment in cutting-edge technology and automation has positioned McMullen Facades at the forefront of our sector and as a strong rival for our European competitors”.
The recent growth experienced by McMullen Facades and the wider Lakesmere Group in the major glass facades market, demand for which been fuelled by the recent high-rise building boom in London and other major cities, has contributed to the specialist contractor recording its most successful financial results to date for the period ending 31st January 2015. Group turnover has grown to £95.6m, up 11% from the 2014 figure of £86m, with pre-tax profits up 23% from £1.99m to £2.44m. The company is on course for turnover to exceed £100m this year and £130m in 2017.
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