Bala based Williams Homes – which specialises in low carbon eco-build timber framed homes – has created thirty new jobs after a major investment at its premises, supported by the Welsh Government.
Brothers Sion and Owain Williams, who are joint managing directors, recently bought their premises on Bala Enterprise Park from the Welsh Government and have invested a total of £360,000 on the property to increase efficiencies, maximise the available space, boost capacity to meet demand and provide improved facilities for staff.
The investment was supported by £240,000 from the Wales Economic Growth Fund to create 17 new jobs and safeguard an additional 13 jobs. Williams Homes exceeded expectations and created thirty new jobs, bringing the headcount up to fifty. It has also taken on several apprentices under the Welsh Government’s Jobs Growth Wales programme.
Congratulating the company, Economy Minister Edwina Hart said: “The Welsh Government is committed to promoting the use of timber in construction and improve the energy efficiency of homes so this project supports these objectives and has created a significant number of jobs in the area.
“It is a great outcome and I am delighted to hear that Williams Homes has benefited from the Fund which was set up to help businesses in Wales grow and take advantage of market opportunities. “
The company’s two units which accommodated a joinery and storage for timber frame structures – have been completely revamped and the space reconfigured to improve the layout. The improved premises now include new offices, a staff canteen, meeting rooms, a boardroom, improved security and additional racking. The company also upgraded its IT infrastructure and is currently benefiting from the Superfast Cymru broadband programme.
Sion Williams explained: “We were operating at full capacity and space constraints meant we were not able to work as efficiently and effectively as we would have liked and did not have any available space to take on more staff to meet the growing demand for our products.
“Buying our own premises gave us the incentive to invest in the property and support from the Economic Growth Fund was invaluable. It helped us invest in improvements and create jobs while also supporting indirect employment at a number of sub-contractors that we use regularly.”
Williams Homes – one of the largest employers in the area – has also invested substantially in R&D activities in-house to develop low carbon, high performance , fuel efficient homes. It secured innovation funding from the WG to support a research study to focus on design and performance monitoring from the construction of the timber framed homes through to occupancy.
The company makes a range of products at its joinery, including low carbon triple glazed windows, doors and timber framed buildings using locally sourced wood where possible.
Its UK wide customer base includes the John Lewis Partnership where Williams Homes has worked on a number of their Hotel properties, the National Trust, Cadw, National Resources Wales and several Dog Rehoming Charities.
Williams Homes has recently completed work on the Plas yn Dre Development in Bala comprising retail units with six flats above facing the high street and a terrace of houses facing a Grade II Listed Edwardian terrace. The development ,as well as the existing restaurant, is heated by a Biomass powered District Heating System which will also heat a planned holiday letting complex to the rear of the property.