Investment in manufacturing sees McMullen rise to new heights

A significant new pre-production and separate storage facility is providing improvements 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 significantly improve efficiency within the factory, where McMullen produce a range of high quality bespoke solutions including glazing systems and pre-assembled unitised panels.

The ongoing investment programme has helped establish McMullen as the UK’s major manufacturer of unitised façade solutions. With a current capacity in excess of 400 units per week, this is expected to grow to 600 units per week over the next 12 months depending on the complexity of the unitised panels.

The capital investments, together with the recruitment of almost 30 new staff members this year to date, has supported the growing demand for complex, technically challenging façade projects in particular, high-rise residential contracts.

Ted McMullen, managing director of McMullen Facades, commented: “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, an increase of 11% from the 2014 figure of £86m, with profits before tax up 23% from £1.99m to £2.44m. The company is on course to build on this strong performance, with turnover expected to exceed £100m this year and circa £130m in 2017.