Edmont expands joinery production by 50%

Joinery, fit-out and construction firm Edmont is set to boost production by more than 50% with the opening of a new multi-million pound joinery workshop at its Swindon base.

The investment, comprising a new building and associated machinery, takes production capacity to 27,000m². It is expected to add further employment to the Swindon workforce, which is currently over 100 people, and increase the firm’s £21 million turnover. A second phase to the expansion programme is scheduled for completion in 2016.

Edmont was founded by chairman Les Clark and his father-in-law in 1971, operating as a two-man joinery business from premises in the centre of Swindon.  In 1980, Les moved the operation to the current site on land provided by, and next to, Arkell’s Brewery at Upper Stratton.

Edmont’s craftsmen produce bespoke joinery and cabinet making, finished in lacquer, polish or paint. Traditional craftsmanship is blended with leading edge technology, including automated CNC machinery to cut materials quickly and precisely.

All types of wood

The firm works with all types of wood, wood based and solid surface materials and can incorporate glass, metals, plastics, graphics, upholstery and pre-wired electrics.  Solid surface materials include HI-MACS and DuPont™ Corian® thermoformed to produce perfectly rounded edges and shapes.

While joinery manufacture is still a major part of Edmont’s business, the firm has seen significant expansion into national construction and fit-out contracting.

Projects range from multiple-retail fit-outs at Heathrow and other airports to refurbishing high street shops and banks, from sensitive heritage restorations in the Cotswolds to constructing new homes, schools, pubs and leisure centres.

Best tradesmen

Chairman Les Clark said:  “Growing the business from two men in a shed to what we have today has been a long journey. And it would not have been possible without a highly skilled and dedicated team, with their commitment to quality and service.  The calibre of our people, more than anything else, has got us to where we are today and will continue to shape our future. I have no doubt that we have some of the best tradesmen in the country.”

The new workshop was officially opened in December 2015 by North Swindon MP Justin Tomlinson. He was joined by the mayor of Swindon, Cllr Andrew Bennett and Edmont co-founder and chairman Les Clark. Edmont managing director Craig Morton and joinery director Melanie Fyans were also in attendance with staff, clients and suppliers.