PERI is celebrating a significant milestone as it marks 25 years since the opening of its depot and UK headquarters in Rugby.
Founded in 1998, this facility has played a pivotal role in the company’s journey to provide safe, innovative, and efficient temporary works systems for construction projects across the United Kingdom.
Recognising the increasing demand for its comprehensive range of formwork and scaffolding services, PERI strategically chose Rugby as its central location for its second depot and UK headquarters. This decision was driven by the town’s excellent access to the road network and the availability of a skilled local workforce.
PERI’s presence in the United Kingdom dates back to 1989, when it established its first UK site in Dartford. This initial venture aimed to support constructing the cable-stayed bridge crossing the Thames, marking the company’s debut project in the UK.
Commenting on this remarkable achievement, Ian Hayes, PERI UK Managing Director, stated, “It’s incredible that the Rugby depot has been supporting customers throughout the UK for 25 years. In that time, not only has the range of products manufactured by PERI grown, but the services offered have also expanded to meet demand. What is gratifying is the number of employees in Rugby who have been with PERI from the start, measuring their careers in decades, not years.”
Emphasising PERI’s commitment to sustainability, Hayes added, “As part of PERI’s climate protection and emissions reduction strategy, the roof of the Rugby facility has recently been fitted with 690 photovoltaic cells. This solar array is capable of generating 24,000kWh of clean energy in an average month, which is 80% of all the energy used on site.”
PERI’s Rugby headquarters has weathered economic challenges throughout the years, including the financial crisis of 2008, Brexit, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite these obstacles, the company has maintained its strong performance, with Rugby playing a vital role in its success.
Hayes expressed optimism about the future: “The UK market continues to present PERI with new and exciting opportunities for further growth, driven by our commitment to innovation and unrivalled customer service. The future is bright, and we expect Rugby to remain at the heart of our operations in the UK for another 25 years at least.”
Steve Wightman, Workshop Manager at PERI Rugby, reflected on the journey since the facility’s inception in 1998. “When I started here in 1998, it was a basic site,” he recalled. “But then we started recruiting carpenters, some of whom are still with us. Now, Rugby is home to our main fabrication facility in the UK.”
Wightman also highlighted the unique projects that have originated from Rugby, including the bespoke formwork for the V&A museum in Dundee. “A large part of the work was undertaken in Rugby by a team of talented engineers and carpenters, which peaked at 26 in the three years of its construction,” he explained.
As PERI celebrates 25 years in Rugby, the company looks forward to a future filled with innovation, growth, and a commitment to excellence in formwork and scaffolding solutions.
