Worcestershire-based Forest Garden has employed 100 new workers to meet peak production demand of replacement fence panels and garden sheds as a result of the high winds and gales this winter.

Based on Hartlebury Trading Estate, just outside Kidderminster, the new workers have largely joined as part of Forest’s in-house production and manufacturing teams. With production levels reaching in excess of four times the norm, the increase in staff numbers will help Forest to ensure rapid delivery of its products to garden centres and retailers across the country as consumers look to replace fencing and sheds that have been damaged in the recent storms.

This growth also comes shortly after Forest announced the acquisition of M&M Timber, another Worcestershire based garden timber manufacturer. Acquired in late 2013, the combination of the two businesses means that together the larger group will be able to explore wider market opportunities, thanks to their complementary product ranges and resources.

Talking about the expansion, Guy Grainger, Group Chief Executive of Forest Garden, and John Gomersall, Sales & Marketing Director, issued this statement...

“We’re extremely pleased to be able to report the significant expansion of our team here at Forest. 

The beginning of 2014 has brought with it some incredibly challenging weather, and as a result we have had to ramp up our production levels to meet demand for product across the board. 

"The introduction of 100 new workers will allow us to continue to meet this demand, whilst also demonstrating our commitment to our business and employment in the local area.”