New team to lead at innovation hub in Durham | The Northern Echo

These prefabricated utility cupboards (PUC) are increasingly used in the construction sector, as they arrive on site fully-assembled and ready to install.

Directors of Apex Wiring Solutions, Mike and Dave Lewis, are creating the UK’s largest specialist PUC manufacturing facility at its base in Littleburn Industrial Estate, on the outskirts of Durham City, and it will be overseen by a team of pioneers from the niche sector.

The team will be made up of those who developed the technology. Contracts manager, James Moore; production manager, Paul Cooper and production supervisor, Kaspars Netlis have been recruited from Prism Offsite Manufacturing, and will oversee design, development and production of the new product.

Dave Lewis said: “Modular solutions save developers time, reduce waste, cost less and are safe all things that are vital if the Government is to truly address the housing crisis and build more homes, particularly starter homes.

“James, Paul and Kaspars have developed the technology. They have spent the last six years refining and perfecting PUC design and development, so when they became available it was a no-brainer for us to recruit them to lead this exciting project.”

The one of its kind facility will produce fully-assembled and tested cupboards, housing the core functions required to keep a home running. The Apex Core provides a comprehensive pre-built solution for homes of any shape and size.

Mr Moore said: “I played a major role in introducing utility cupboards as a specialist product in 2013, since then, they have been enhanced, refined and are becoming increasingly popular to speed up residential development projects.

“Apex has a long and impressive track record of success in commercialising new, cutting-edge industry developments and I see no reason why the Apex Core won’t be another considerable success.”

Mr Cooper said: “When we discussed the project with Mike and Dave, it was clear they had a clear vision for the Apex Core and were willing to back it with considerable investment.

“It was a no-brainer for us to get on board. We’ve spent the last six years developing PUCs, now we will be perfecting them and launching them on the market.”

Mr Netlis, who is originally from Poland, but has relocated to Durham, said: “We will be the only factory in the UK with a fully robotic production line, the only one with automated pipe bending and the only one that is producing PUCs as a standalone product, rather than an add-on to their existing service.

“It is exciting to be playing such a key role in the development of the UK’s first high-volume PUC manufacturing plant here in Durham.”