A family-owned Welshpool company which has been at the forefront of the engineered timber technology since its formation in 1982, has been recognised with a Powys Business Award.

A. C. Roof Trusses Ltd won the Small Business Award – under 30 employees – sponsored by The County Times & Express, at the annual awards dinner held at Dering Lines, Brecon last Friday night.

Organised by Mid Wales Manufacturing Group, Powys Business Awards showcase business excellence across the county.

“We have worked very hard for the past 12 months and this award shows that hard work pays off,” said Tom Jones, A. C. Roof Trusses’ managing director. “Winning this Powys award is just as good as winning a national award and it will take pride of place in our reception.”

Director Paul Sumner added:

“We have developed a very good culture within the business, are very clear in what we want to achieve and look after the people who work for us.”

Established by Charles Jones to meet local demand for roof trusses, A. C. Roof Trusses employs 29 staff and has a turnover approaching £5 million.

The company is a leading supplier of roof trusses within the UK and offers a full engineered package of timber frame, Posi-Joists and roof trusses all designed and manufactured from two factories in Welshpool. All timber comes from sustainable sources.

Over the last three years, the company has seen a transition with the retirement of Charles Jones and other senior management colleagues who had a combined service of more than 60 years.

Charles’ son Tom has taken over as managing director and he and director Paul Sumner have introduced a new management structure which has resulted in exceptional growth, leading to a strong increase in turnover, profit and efficiency.

As part of a five-year business plan to grow the company, £490,000 has been invested in its delivery fleet, machinery, forklift trucks and a factory extension. A further £300,000 investment is planned this year on a truss press and laser system and office and yard improvements.

The company decided to target small to medium sized house builders and self-builders with its sales and marketing and developed its product range to offer off-site manufacture solutions, such as pre-insulated timber frame panels, spandrel and gable frames, to respond to a changing trend.

Believing that developing staff is key to the company’s future success, young designers are being trained through the Trussed Rafter Association and software suppliers Mitek.

The award judges said:

“The new team re-organised and led by Tom Jones since becoming CEO were committed, professional and dynamic.  Strong financial performance and commitment to embracing new technology were very evident on our visit.”