Leading specialist construction firm, Henley Group, has expanded its offering within the construction industry by investing £2.1 million into the launch of a new division, HZS Stainless Steel, based in Wakefield.
The new steelwork division will manufacture stainless steel components such as brackets, restraints, and fixings for GRC (Glass-fibre Reinforced Concrete) projects. The new division complements the Group’s established GRC cladding, stonework, and masonry offering, completed under its Henley Stone Specialists division.
The new HZS division aims to increase efficiency and accuracy for clients by eliminating the need for multiple contractors. Henley Group can now manufacture and install steelwork components needed for projects inhouse, meaning cost and lead time efficiencies for customers, resulting in greater transparency for the end client.
To deliver the offering, Henley Group has acquired a 10,000 sqft factory in Ossett, strategically placed adjacent to J39 of the M1. The Group has invested £500,000 on industry-leading equipment and machinery, including CNC machines, press brake folding machines and a state-of-the-art laser cutter. A team of eight specialists have recently been recruited within the new division, including two welders, one of whom brings over 30 years of welding experience.
The new division will be headed up by Robert Gettings, recently appointed as Project Director. Robert has over 14 years of experience in the industry and was a project manager, delivering stainless steel components for the Barking Riverside Project, which at the time, was one of the largest regeneration sites in Europe.
Robert, who previously worked at Dalkia UK within EDF, commented on his new role: “I’m honoured to be heading up the new HZS division and leading an experienced team to deliver excellent manufactured components to site.”
Founded by Shaun Henley in 2012, Henley Group is a leading and award-winning construction group working with commercial and high-end residential customers to deliver specialist services and products to the construction industry. HZS is the newest division to launch within Henley Group, alongside Henley Stone Specialists, Henley Restoration and Remedials, and Henley Rail Services.
Robert continued: “When Shaun came to me with the proposition of leading the new HZS division, I jumped at the chance. I have always been aware of Henley Group and its reputation from living locally and I’ve seen Henley Group grow from just Shaun to a team of 150 people, so I couldn’t wait to be part of such an exciting company.
“I hope to bring my expertise and work ethic to HZS Stainless Steel – this role will be very diverse; I will be responsible for managing various jobs and a large volume of individual clients – all expecting to have jobs delivered to the utmost quality. Henley Group is delivering some of the most exciting GRC and stone masonry projects in the UK and overseas and by expanding its portfolio, we are now able to offer greater efficiencies and quality guarantees to customers.
“It’s also brilliant that we are to be able to contribute to the local community, providing jobs in our new factory which requires certain skills and craftmanship. As we expand, we hope to create more jobs for local tradesmen and those wanting to learn the craft.”
Shaun, Managing Director of Henley Group, added: “It’s incredibly exciting to have Robert on board leading our new venture. I knew he was the person for the job instantly given his experience and proven track record. He will play a significant role in helping deliver the end goal for our clients whilst ensuring our work is of the highest standard – meeting deadlines while maintaining Henley Group’s safety standards will be a key focus too.
“HZS Stainless Steel is already supplying to internal and external customers, with a growing project pipeline. We’re looking forward to working and building relationships with contractors and industry specialists in this niche steelwork sector, and continuing relationships with existing customers.”
Henley Group is now accredited with the UKCA, EN 1090-2 for HZS, which will run parallel to Henley Group’s Quality Management Systems.
