MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

Twelve homes for British Forces in Falklands

Lakeland Timber Framed Homes, of East Holywell near Whitley Bay, has picked up a one million pounds order from the United Kingdom's Ministry of Defence to build twelve cabin homes in the Falkland Islands, reports Monday's editions of The Journal, Northern Business Daily from Newcastle.

The company was approached by MoD contractor Interserve to quote for the homes, which will be used as married quarters for some of the 2,000 forces personnel on the Falklands. And if this contract proves successful, there could be a lot more demand from the MoD, according to The Journal.

The company apparently won the MoD contract partly because other UK firms were not prepared both to build and erect the houses. Lakeland project director Des Hedley said the company was flattered to be approached for such a substantial MoD contract and hoped the Falklands work would lead to orders for many more homes elsewhere. He said: "The contract came about from a merchant who knew we made this type of product.

"With quoting for the MoD, for a company of our size to get anything is not expected. But we priced it, went through the tender and then we were asked to manufacture and supply 12 of these units."

If the work meets with MoD approval, Mr Hedley is aware there is potentially a five-year contract following for 60 more homes. He said: "The company behind the contract, Interserve Defence - they act on behalf of the MoD in South Georgia, Cyprus, Gibraltar, Ascension Island - says there could be a lot of work. And with the MoD, it tends to be that if something works, they stick with it. This could be a real stepping stone for a company of our size."

Lakeland Timber frame currently turns over £4.5m to £5m and employs 20 people. Mr Hedley says about 25 workers will be needed to go out to the Falklands, made up of staff and some specially hired.

"It's essentially a timber-clad bungalow. We manufacture off-site in our factory and the whole thing is pre-plumbed and pre-wired. There is not a massive amount to do on site as all the risky work is done in the factory", said Mr. Hedley.

Once made, the components will be packed in containers, driven to Hampshire, shipped out to the Falklands in November, arriving in early December. Lakeland crews will fly out in January, at the height of summer there, to put up the bungalows. The homes will have 1,400sqft of living space, four bedrooms, one en suite, a bathroom, a kitchen and a conservatory.