Spec Finish

www.thefis.org 29 NEWS COMMUNITY Ceiling systems manufacturer, Zentia, has launched a formal apprenticeship programme at its two factories in the UK. The company has taken on six recruits in a variety of roles for its ceiling tiles and grid/ suspension system factories in Gateshead, Tyne andWear. They include a laboratory technician, two process operators, a manufacturing engineer, HR administrator and HSE technician, some of whom are combining on-the-job training with a day a week at college, over 18 to 42 months. Zentia already employs seven former apprentices from as long ago as the 1990s in roles ranging from engineering supervisor, project engineer, process improvement engineer and junior control systems engineer to shift maintenance technician. Zentia’s Head of HRNicky Gallagher explained that the company had historically had a level of success in recruitingmechanical and electrical apprentices and seeing their careers develop as they moved on into permanent roles. But these opportunities had been on an ad-hoc, sporadic basis rather than in set numbers or annually. She said: “As we look to further grow our business, people development is high on our agenda and apprenticeships formpart of this activity. I’mdelighted we now have the opportunity to launch the Zentia Apprenticeship Programme, and our plan is to recruit further apprentices each year.” Six raw recruits join Zentia’s new apprenticeship programme Former and current Zentia apprentices James Latham has released a carbon calculator designed to direct customers towards more sustainable products. Built in partnership with the BioComposites Department at the University of Bangor, it is based upon detailed research into the embodied and biogenic carbon impacts of the products that they supply. The calculator covers just over 70% of the total Lathams range and focuses on timber products. Ewa Bazydlo, Environmental Manager at Lathams, said: “Reducing the environmental impact of our buildings is one of the key issues of our time. However, the understanding around sustainability is not consistent across the industry. “We’ve developed the calculator to help our customers to better understand the sustainability of thematerials they choose as well as the expected performance levels that they offer.” The tool calculates environmental impact by looking at the carbon footprint of products, from production through to delivery to Lathams depots. It also looks at how much carbon is stored within the wood’s structure, known as biogenic carbon. James Latham strengthen position in Northern Ireland Timber and materials supplier, James Latham, has strengthened its position in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of IJK Timber Group Ltd, a division of Sarcon (No155) Limited trading as IJK Timber and Northern Hardwood. While the companies have now become part of the Latham Group, they will continue to trade with no disruption to regular service. Former owners and Directors of the company, Graham Knox and Peter Elwood, will continue to run the business as part of the Latham management team. This strategic acquisition for James Latham strengthens its business footing in the region with an experienced team to provide an excellent ex-stock service from stocks held in Northern Ireland Find out more at: www.lathamtimber. co.uk/carbon-calculator STOP PRESS! James Latham supplied more than £300k of machined and engineered Florian European Oak for the Magdalene College Library project, which went on to win the overall Gold winning project at the 2021 TRADA Wood Awards. The company went on to win in two categories at the British Woodworking Federation Awards in November for their recently developed Finish Line Cladding Collection. www.lathamtimber.co.uk Addressing the “lack of carbon understanding” in industry Magdalene College Library