About us

At Archwood Group, continuous investment in people, technology and manufacturing capability is helping us deliver greater efficiency, support innovation and strengthen our UK production operations. As part of our ongoing commitment to modern manufacturing, we have recently upgraded key machinery at our Chirk manufacturing facility, reducing production times by up to 50% on several high-volume stairparts components while creating new opportunities for product development.  The investment forms part of a wider programme focused on increasing productivity, expanding manufacturing flexibility and ensuring we can continue producing high-quality timber products in the UK. Investing in Advanced CNC Technology A key part of the programme has been the replacement of our Maka ME machine with a new Masterwood CNC machine. The upgrade has significantly increased production capacity while enabling the manufacture of more complex components that were previously difficult or impractical to produce.  Alongside this investment, we have introduced a Comec Top XXL and an Intorex TMC 5-axis machining centre, providing enhanced capability for the manufacture of intricate timber components and supporting future product innovation. Creating New Opportunities for Product Development Modern manufacturing technology is not only helping us improve efficiency but also expanding what is possible from a design and engineering perspective. One example is the development of Richard Burbidge's Purra stairparts system, which combines advanced CNC machining, innovative product design and skilled programming. The range demonstrates how investment in technology can help transform new ideas into commercially viable products while supporting more efficient manufacturing processes.  Using 3D Modelling to Improve Development We are also embracing digital technology through the use of 3D modelling, allowing potential design and manufacturing challenges to be identified before physical prototypes are produced. This enables our teams to collaborate with customers earlier in the development process, ensuring products can be manufactured efficiently while maintaining their design intent. Technology Supporting People While automation and advanced machinery play an increasingly important role in manufacturing, people remain at the heart of our business. Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, said: “Automation has never been about replacing people with machines. It is about giving our people better tools to solve harder problems, create better products and help our customers grow. ‘Capital investment shouldn't only make today's range faster; it should make tomorrow's range possible.’” As machinery takes on more repetitive tasks, our employees are able to focus on developing specialist skills in areas such as CNC programming, technical problem-solving and process improvement, building on the expertise that exists throughout the business.  Continuous Improvement Across Manufacturing Alongside new machinery investments, we are also improving existing equipment. Working with machinery specialist JJ Smith, we have retrofitted auto-feeders to selected profiling machines, helping to increase productivity while extending the lifespan of equipment that continues to perform effectively.  By combining advanced manufacturing technology with targeted upgrades and skilled teams, Archwood Group is continuing to improve efficiency, support innovation and develop the products of the future.

When you’re working with a smaller home, every design choice can make a difference. A staircase can have a big impact on how open or enclosed a hallway, landing or living space feels.  While a traditional balustrade can add definition to a staircase, solid materials can also block light and interrupt the view between floors. Glass stair panels offer a simple way to keep the staircase feeling open, while still giving you the safety and structure you need.  Let More Light Through  One of the easiest ways to make a small space feel bigger is to make the most of the light you have. Glass allows light to pass through the stairwell rather than stopping it at the balustrade.  This can be especially useful in hallways and landings that don't receive much natural light. With fewer visual barriers, the staircase feels less enclosed and the space around it can feel brighter and more spacious.  Keep Your Staircase Connected to the Room  A staircase doesn't have to feel separate from the rest of your interior. Glass panels help maintain clear sightlines, making it easier for the staircase to sit naturally within the wider space.  This works particularly well in open-plan homes, where the staircase may be close to a living room, kitchen or entrance hall. Instead of breaking up the room, a glass balustrade can help the different areas feel connected.  Find a Style That Works for Your Home  Glass doesn't have to mean a completely minimalist look. Richard Burbidge glass panels are available across the Fusion, Elements, and Elements Inset collections, giving you different options depending on the style of your staircase.  You can choose panels with or without metal fittings. Fittings can add a subtle industrial or architectural detail, while a more minimal installation keeps the focus on the glass and the space around it.  A Practical Choice for Smaller Homes  As well as helping to open up a staircase visually, Our toughened glass panels are designed with strength, safety and style in mind, making them suitable for both new staircase projects and updating an existing staircase.  If you're looking to make the most of a compact hallway, landing or open-plan space, glass could be the detail that makes the difference. By allowing more light through and keeping views open between floors, glass panels can help a smaller home feel brighter, lighter and more connected.  Explore the full range of Richard Burbdige products here; https://richardburbidge.com/shop/stairparts/glass-panels