After achieving record turnover in 2022, Benx Facades is optimistic for continued growth in 2023 and beyond. Last year's total sales of £35 million reflect increases across its core business segments – New Build, Retrofit and Trade Counter, with offsite construction showing notable strength.
Although Benx expects each of its segments to continue to grow, it is the group's activity supporting offsite which arguably holds the most promise in the long run. The overall proportion of construction activity conducted offsite is set for rapid growth in the coming years as the industry continues to embrace modern methods of building. Offsite has long been seen as a more efficient way to construct buildings, but with advances in technology and materials, it's now possible to build faster and with more accuracy than ever before. According to Group Chairman, Ian Wilson, 'having supplied customers using offsite processes for several years now, it feels like the transition is approaching a tipping point; we know MMC is still in the early stages, but the momentum seems to be growing'. And Wilson believes the group's innovative façade systems are ideally suited to support offsite construction.
Benx's proprietary Supertech® weatherboard rain screen facade is one such system. A lightweight, yet durable, cladding solution that combines strength and stability with the appearance of traditional timber, Supertech® has been well-received by housebuilders. To meet increasing demand, Benx has invested in a state-of-the art automated spray paint line to coat the weatherboards in-house – dramatically scaling capacity, while ensuring consistent product quality. Benx also worked with a leading international coatings manufacturer to create an A-1 (non-combustible) fire-rated coating - the first of its kind. These initiatives have helped to dramatically increase the sales of Supertech® and provide a platform for continuing growth.
The most recent addition to the Benx portfolio is its innovative SLIPFAST® brick slip system. Following customer feedback that existing mechanical-fix systems were 'too heavy, too slow to install, or too expensive', Benx set about creating something which 'ticks all the boxes'. SLIPFAST® utilizes a unique 'rail and clip' mechanical fixing system, allowing its clay slips to be attached very quickly, without the need for skilled operatives. Stainless steel fixings as standard, makes it suitable for coastal environments and it also carries an A-1 fire-rating. Since its launch in mid-2022, SLIPFAST® has been getting a lot of attention, with several large projects underway and a growing project pipeline.
Benx has also been ramping up its fabrication activity. In addition to cutting Y-Wall and Multipurpose sheathing boards for both offsite and site-based applications, the business has been busy supplying 'made-to-measure' Swisspearl facades and support framing for Volumetric Modular's iconic MODULHAUS™ housing units. Among other fabrication activities, it is also supplying facades for new schools, delivered through the DfE Offsite Framework.
To meet the growing demand for its products and services, Benx is planning further expansion of its production footprint in 2023 and is currently hiring new team members for its fabrication division. The business also spends significant sums each year on testing, and it is believed to have the strongest portfolio of BBA/KIWA agrément certifications in its sector. Continuous professional development and training are considered vital to Benx's future success and this is equally important for employees in every function – new employee induction includes sessions installing the group's façade systems onto a test wall. Group CEO Kevin Ruane comments 'if we don't continue to invest in our products, our people and our production facilities we won't fulfill our enormous potential'.
Notwithstanding its success, Benx recognizes that offsite construction is a developing realm which will require it to continuously improve its processes, invest, and always listen to customer feedback . According to Ruane, 'Benx is a learning organization – we strive to get better all the time'. Wilson adds 'we never forget that like everyone, we are finding our way and, as the processes evolve, the goalposts will continue to move – so we must continue to adapt, while using our experience to help shape the future of facades'.
Source: www.benx.co.uk
Image - SoloHaus courtesy of Volumetric Modular Limited
