Explore Wernick Group’s national expansion journey as it launches a new division  

Family-owned and run since its establishment in 1934, Wernick Group (Wernick) possesses 45 operating centres across 39 locations throughout the UK. As Britain’s largest independent manufacturer and hirer of portable and modular buildings, site accommodations, and off-grid power solutions, the company works extensively across both the public and private sectors. Over a year ago, we had the pleasure of learning more about the business from CEO Jonathan Wernick. We meet up again with Jonathan to catch up on the latest developments within the company.  

“Despite economic pressures such as inflation, lack of confidence, and the turbulence caused by changes in government, we have been growing across all of our companies over the past 12 months. As a result, we remain highly optimistic about where we are going, encouraging us to invest £100 million into the business last year. Around £70 million of this investment was allocated to our rental fleet, with the remainder predominantly focused on expanding our property network by buying new sites. We own all of our sites, which is really important to us as it enables us to invest in them. Indeed, these properties provide a solid foundation for securing future growth, enabling us to support our staff with the tools and facilities needed to deliver amazing solutions to our customers.  

Enhanced product portfolio 

“While we have faced a few challenges, broadly speaking, the past year has been very positive. I recently spoke at a seminar with our team, during which we reflected on our progress over the last two years. Our team members are feeling good about the future, considering we have increased spending with existing customers and successfully secured new accounts. Additionally, we have launched various new products across our companies,” he recounts.  

“One of our most significant recent developments is the launch of a new specialist division within the Group which focuses on the rental of modular buildings for non-construction markets. While we already have a strong track record in providing modular accommodation for construction sites, we are now expanding into new sectors, most notably education and healthcare. 

“In education, we’re supplying temporary buildings for decant schools, and in healthcare, we’re exploring modular hospital wings, with future potential for operating theatres. These sectors require a different approach, particularly in procurement and contract management, which is why a dedicated team is essential. This new division brings that focus, enabling us to tailor our services to meet the distinct needs of these markets. Formally launched this year, the division is being led by some of the most experienced professionals in the modular building industry. To support its growth, we’ve secured a brand-new ten-acre site in Cannock, currently under development, which will include new workshops, office space, and welfare and storage facilities. Once complete, the team will consolidate at this location. 

We believe this new division has the potential to generate more than £30 million in annual turnover within just a few years.”  

Investing in facilities 

In addition to its newly acquired facilities, Wernick has been investing in its existing infrastructure to enhance its operations. “Our property network has evolved substantially over the last 12 months. At present, we have a brand-new depot in Dunston near Newcastle and another in Dundee, Scotland. We have also massively upgraded and expanded our depot in Cornwall, completed a new depot for our power division in Aldridge, just north of Birmingham, and in the next couple of months, we will open another depot for our power division in Glasgow. Regarding other ongoing projects, we have the large new depot in Cannock for our upcoming modular division, and we are planning to build an additional factory for our AV Danzer division in Nottingham, which will expand our capacity and productivity. Furthermore, we have development plans for our existing depots in Manchester and Bury St Edmunds. 

“Investing in our facilities is crucial, as we have been growing rapidly and keep outgrowing our sites. This leaves us with two options: expand our existing depots if there is room or relocate them. As long as we continue to grow, I do not foresee an end to these property investments. Through this approach, we stand out from many competitors who do not own their sites and instead rely on rental agreements, which come with uncertainties such as potential eviction or rent increases. Owning these sites is one of our core strengths, allowing us to invest as much as we wish without fear of losing them. As a generational business trading for 91 years, we think in terms of decades and generations and always take the long-term view, which is that it is better to own than rent our facilities,” Jonathan says.  

Premier provider 

Beyond growing its footprint and capabilities, Wernick has also worked on some notable projects in the past year. “Since our last conversation, the most significant project we have undertaken across the group is our role as one of three suppliers working for the Department for Education to provide temporary modular buildings for schools impacted by crumbling reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC). Numerous schools across the UK have been affected by this concrete, leading to some buildings being condemned. In response to this crisis, the Department for Education sought solutions for accommodating students, and we are proud to be one of the suppliers helping solve this issue. What makes this project particularly exciting is that it entails collaboration between two of our operating companies. The buildings have all been manufactured by Wernick Buildings, our largest manufacturing company based in South Wales, while the Department for Education is renting these buildings from Wernick Hire,” he ends. 

As Wernick continues investing in strategic growth, its property portfolio and diversified solutions cement its status as the UK’s premier modular and portable building provider.   

www.wernick.co.uk