Stannah welcomes unique wood specialist to the Group

Stannah, a world-leading stairlift manufacturer, has acquired, 3D Ply Limited, one of its long-time suppliers as part of a strategic investment that will allow for growth and an increase in Stannah’s level of service to its customers.

3D Ply is a specialist in the manufacture of laminated three-dimensional formed plywood, solid wood components and veneered panels. The business, which employs around 20 people, makes and supplies mainly seat frames to a wide range of customers for seating applications including seat frames for most of Stannah’s stairlift products.

Stannah will retain the 3D Ply name and the company will continue to operate as an independent unit at its Blandford site, but now with the support of the Stannah Group. 3D Ply will sit alongside Global Upholstery Solutions (GUS), the upholstery business within the Stannah Group, and work in close partnership creating a one-stop shop approach that will deliver a simple and effective solution for all customers.

This partnership under the Stannah Group will harness the very rare capabilities of GUS to sew and upholster in large quantities as an independent company and couple it with the special wood and ply forming ability of 3D Ply – one of the only doing so in the UK – to create a very unique manufacturing offer that will provide security for customers, suppliers and team members and enables the businesses to target long term growth.

Stannah is a long-standing British, family-owned manufacturing business with the fifth generation steering at the helm, which marries well with the values of 3D Ply and its owners Paul and Carrie Kean who will be taking retirement.

Commenting on the sale, Paul Kean said, “It was important to Carrie and I that the business continues to grow and develop following our retirement and we felt Stannah could not only provide the strategic vision and investment, but also shared our ethos. Our suppliers, customers and the wonderful employees who have helped Carrie and I build our business are in safe hands at Stannah.”

3D Ply will fall under the responsibilities of Lee Ness, also General Manager of GUS. Lee commented, “Our products are sold in over 40 countries around the globe and the purchase of 3D Ply allows us to secure a key element of our supply chain for all our existing and future customers. I’d like to thank Paul and Carrie for their commitment to Stannah over the years and I wish them a long and happy retirement. I am excited to work with the 3D Ply team on the next chapter for the business.”