JJ Smith & Archwood Group – both King’s Award recipients – collaborate to advance sustainable timber manufacturing

Following the announcement of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, JJ Smith and Archwood Group have strengthened their partnership to drive sustainable innovation in timber manufacturing. JJ Smith – recently honoured for International Trade – and Archwood Group – recognised for Sustainable Development – will combine their expertise to lead the industry in eco-friendly practices and advanced production technology.

Managing Director of JJ Smith Rachael Baker and Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group

Archwood Group – a leader in sustainable timber products – has invested over £500,000 in CNC machinery from JJ Smith, a trusted partner for over 35 years. This cutting-edge equipment enhances Archwood’s production capabilities for its Richard Burbidge brand, supporting increased efficiency while reinforcing the company’s sustainability targets.

Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, commented: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development was a proud moment for everyone at Archwood. Strengthening our partnership with JJ Smith enables us to continue advancing sustainability while expanding our production capabilities. Their advanced machinery supports our goals of reducing emissions and minimising environmental impact.”

Lee Burford, Operations Director of Archwood Group, highlighted: “Investment in state-of-the-art machinery from our long-standing partner, JJ Smith, demonstrates our commitment to UK manufacturing. It broadens the company’s manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to offer a wider range of products to our customer base, including new and innovative designs.”

Rachael Baker and Josh Burbidge during the recent visit and exclusive tour of Archwood’s North Wales production facility

To celebrate this shared success, Archwood Group hosted JJ Smith’s Managing Director, Rachael Baker, for an exclusive tour of Archwood’s North Wales production facility. During the visit, both teams reviewed current projects and explored new opportunities for further automation and innovation in sustainable timber manufacturing.

Rachael Baker added: “We’re thrilled to partner with Archwood Group on its sustainability journey. Our long-standing collaboration is founded on shared values and a mutual commitment to creating a positive environmental impact. Together, we’re pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the woodworking industry.”

As two of the UK’s most well-known family businesses, Archwood Group and JJ Smith are setting a new standard for innovation in the timber industry. Their King’s Award achievements highlight a strong commitment to sustainable development and international trade. This ongoing collaboration is poised to drive further advancements in environmentally friendly timber production.

To find out more about JJ Smith, visit www.jjsmith.co.uk and for further information on Archwood Group and Richard Burbidge, see www.richardburbidge.com.