2 minute read - 31st January 2023
Howdens opens multi-million pound factory extension
Specialist trade kitchen manufacturer Howdens is continuing to implement its strategy of increasing manufacturing capacity in the UK with plans to expand its site in Howden, East Riding, Yorkshire, from 75 to 100 acres.
Howdens latest investment is a state-of-the-art, multi-million pound high gloss kitchen door frontal production line, which was opened by David Davis, the local MP for Haltemprice and Howden, and Howdens chief executive, Andrew Livingston (pictured below).
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 its kitchen and joinery business.
Howdens has opened a multi-million pound factory extension to increase manufacturing capacity in the UK. Up to 100 new jobs will also be created. / Picture: Howdens
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 its UK manufacturing operations will create up to 100 new jobs for the area, including machinists and engineering technicians.
Lee Parish, director of manufacturing at 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, added: “Howdens is a fantastic success story, providing quality products, and creating jobs and opportunities with this welcome investment in the region.”
Opened by MP David Davis, the new line will manufacture products that were previously imported from Italy. / Picture: Howdens
Howdens also has a large focus on sustainability with an ambition 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. Its manufacturing and distribution facilities also reached zero waste to landfill in 2019, and 99% of all Howdens UK depot waste avoids landfill.