When the conditions are right for us to fully align with our clients, the results are always incredible. We’re working with Pasquill to help equip our industry for the next generation of construction projects.
We enjoy offering all our clients a collaborative, supportive service. But sometimes we meet an organisation whose very DNA is so aligned with our own that everything clicks. Pasquill, part of Saint-Gobain, is the UK market leader in engineered timber solutions. From our very first residential project together, our brands forged a lasting connection.
In that time, our relationship has become more integrated than most, with Pasquill working with our Posi-Joist, machinery, PAMIR, Wood Engine, 3D software and our Dedicated Services. Being able to rely on those products and services quickly unlocked serious growth potential for Design Director Chris Powell and his team.
Collab and conquer: Building success
Working with MiTek so closely has allowed Pasquill to continue to grow its business and helped MiTek gain its position as market leader. Part of the Saint-Gobain group, Pasquill has the resource and portfolio to lead the way on a timber engineered project.
The relationship with MiTek spans the entire project lifecycle; from using MiTek PAMIR and 3D software to streamline design, to the efficient offsite manufacture of components on first class, high-tech machinery, through to the quick installation of prefabricated Posi trusses, rafters, and floor joists on site, Chris explains:
“When PAMIR was introduced into the business, -this was a game changer for us. The new engineering and layout software has revolutionised things. So, the ability to take a CAD drawing and import it into PAMIR with relative ease, creating efficiencies in accuracy, and removing the need for rework. It’s the market leading software and that’s acknowledged by my colleagues who use the software day in day out. We’re definitely seeing the benefits, and there’s more to come.
“MiTek take the time to understand your business and how their software can help. Over the past few years we’ve grown together and remain open about where we are going as a business and how MiTek can support that growth.”
The team at Pasquill use Dashboard Live to track the business’ performance in real time and spot more opportunities. But success brings its own challenges. With Posi-Joist, for example, Chris is firmly of the opinion that anyone who buys more of it will end up selling more, “demand is always there. Everyone wants to build with it.” However, the industry could soon find itself bumping its head against a number of looming constraints.
Protecting the future
Chris’ design team, includes 90 technical designers, with a desire to expand further. However, the people with the skills to fill those roles are in desperately short supply. But our Dedicated Services, provides access to all the qualified talent they need. They work with an 18-strong design team based in Vietnam, on call whenever Pasquill needs that extra capacity.
But in the long run, Chris knows the UK industry will benefit hugely from having the required talent onshore. Pasquill is a big supporter of the Trussed Rafter Association’s Designer Development Programme, recently launched and spearheaded by our very own UK Managing Director.
“Having more designers with that mark of confidence strengthens our sector”, says Chris. “Even if they don’t work with Pasquill right away, talent moves around over the course of careers.” Chris knows he’s not supporting the competition; in reality, he’s helping his future colleagues.
In return, MiTek throws its full support behind Pasquill’s deep focus on modern methods of construction (MMC). Shifting focus to efficiency and sustainability is a goal we share. Our ultimate aim is easing the UK housing crisis without harming the environment or our domestic manufacturing industry.
It’s easy to see how the close partnership between our two companies is a powerful force driving this philosophy. More efficient digital design, more pre-fabricated parts being transported to the site and installed more quickly, leads to more sustainable solutions. “Together, we’re helping the industry think differently by showing what’s truly possible”, says Chris.
Some projects really let us push those boundaries as a team, projects like the 2022 Serpentine Pavilion: Black Chapel.
Constructing a new generation
Making the world a better home is Pasquill’s driving ambition. To achieve that, they’re always examining their day-to-day business. Small, regular improvements to stock profiles, equipment, recruitment and development quickly snowball into significant growth.
Constantly moving forward requires a fearless mindset, one shared by Chris and his design team. “You can’t be afraid to let go of traditions and question the status quo. The partnership between Pasquill and MiTek enables this mindset, making us greater than the sum of our parts.”
Unlocking access to talent today, while nurturing the talent of tomorrow. Championing futureproof design principles and putting them into practice. Relying on market-leading partners to produce definitive results. We look forward to many more years of collaboration, with Pasquill and all the partners we’ve yet to meet.
