House maker is all set to build back a better future
A Wearside-based offsite homes firm is aiming to ‘build back better’ as it prepares for a post-pandemic future.
Fencehouse Roof Truss had chalked up year-onyear growth until the pandemic brought construction sites to a standstill and was forced to furlough a number of workers.
Despite that, the company has since seen orders return to pre-pandemic levels and has ambitious plans for the future.
Steve Harris, co-founder and director, said: “My business partner Steve Brown and I set up the firm 15 years ago and have since gone on to employ 44 people at our factory in Houghton.
“Originally, we set out to create roof trusses and metal web joists.
"However, three years ago we made the decision to begin producing off-site timber frame houses and the company has grown year-on-year ever since.”
“Customers, more than ever, are realising the importance of sustainable living and that has really helped us build a reputation as a highquality, ethical supplier.”
Fence House Truss invested close to £500,000 in new machinery in the months prior to the pandemic but was forced to close as orders ground to a halt.
Steve added. “Luckily, we were able to tap into funding from Sunderland City Council’s Covid grant scheme.
"The grant we secured from the council helped us a lot.”
The firm is now back to full production – buoyed by the launch of the Government’s ‘Project Build’ initiative and is anticipating a return to pre-pandemic growth levels.
Steve added: “We’ve already seen orders return to near pre-pandemic levels and are confident that our recent investment in new machinery and the skilled workforce who have served us so well will help us kick on.”
Cllr Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said: “It’s fantastic that we have businesses in the city that are innovating, and delivering products that are kind to the planet too.
"I’m delighted the business has bounced straight back and wish the team the very best after a year of so many challenges.”