George Barnsdale eyes growth with new machinery investment

Lincolnshire timber window and doors manufacturer, George Barnsdale, has invested in new sustainable technology to boost production, cut carbon emissions and increase output by 75% before 2030.

George Barnsdale, a fifth-generation firm based in Donington, has installed a Weinig CNC Profiling Centre, supported by a £675,000 Green Asset Finance package from Lloyds, which includes discounted funding.

Linked directly to its ERP software, the new machine can reportedly automatically cut, shape and drill timber components to exact specifications. From tall doors to curved sash windows, every element, including locks and fittings, is precision-made to order, saving time and improving accuracy.

The profiling centre is said to be less energy-intensive than the older machines it replaces, and can feed unused electricity back into the system. This single upgrade will reportedly deliver a substantial share of George Barnsdale’s five‑year carbon‑reduction goal.

The company has already cut its carbon footprint by over 13% since it began benchmarking emissions in 2023.

Alongside the new machinery, George Barnsdale operates a biomass heating system powered by waste timber and energy-efficient extraction fans that run only when required. The biomass heating system, together with significant solar PV installations, is helping to avoid around 243 tonnes of carbon per annum, reducing total site emissions by approximately 60%.

The investment marks the latest chapter in a story that began in 1884, when 21-year-old George Barnsdale bought a plot of land in Donington Market Place and opened a small carpentry workshop.

Timber was his trade, but it was creativity that helped set the business apart, with one early commission involving the construction of a full-size “Wall of Death” for a travelling motorbike stunt show.

Now led by the next generations of George’s family, the company continues to balance heritage craftsmanship with modern manufacturing.

Its long-standing apprenticeship programme remains central to the culture of the business, with several of today’s senior factory joiners and directors having started their careers there as teenagers during the 1980s and 90s.

Tom Wright, Director at George Barnsdale, said: “We’ve been working with timber for over 140 years and it’s still at the heart of everything we do. What started as a small construction business has grown into something much bigger, but our focus on craft and quality hasn’t changed.

“This new machine is a big step forward and means we can continue to grow without compromising on the standards we’re known for. It also helps us tackle two big challenges – hitting our sustainability goals and preparing for the future, especially with fewer young people coming into the joinery trade.

“From here, we’re continuing to invest, with the next step to further enhance our market leading coating systems and application machinery, as well as extend our product options and add more technology, such as AI, to support the way our teams work on the factory floor.”

Lee McAllister, Associate Director at Lloyds Bank, added: “George Barnsdale is a brilliant example of how a long-established business can embrace innovation and sustainability without losing its identity. They’ve found that balance between heritage and progress, and it’s what makes them such a front runner in their line of work.

“It was great to work closely with Tom and the team to ensure the Green Asset Finance facility was the right fit for their next stage of growth, enabling the business to invest in equipment that supports its sustainability goals.”

For more information about George Barnsdale, visit: Homepage – George Barnsdale