As BPC Building Products approaches its 50th anniversary, the company stands as a testament to the enduring strength of family values, industry expertise and a relentless drive for innovation. Now part of The Vista Group, the company was originally founded in 1977 by the parents of Managing Director, Gareth Simister, evolving from humble beginnings into a key player in the UK’s builders’ metalwork sector.
“We’ve been manufacturing in the UK for nearly 50 years and during that time our product range has grown considerably,” outlines Gareth. “At the same time, manufacturing techniques have changed and we’ve continued to invest heavily to keep pace with technology advances and ensure that our customers receive unrivalled service and quality.”
Those investments have paid off handsomely, and seven years ago BPC was acquired by the Vista Group, a move that positioned the company as the UK’s largest independent manufacturer of builders’ metalwork. “Vista is a family business as well,” Gareth explains. “I had dealt with Phil Travis at Vista for decades and the product ranges we manufacture bolt-on perfectly side-by-side, so it was a move that enhanced product offering and service levels to the benefit of both our customer bases.”
BPC’s growth has been marked not just by expansion, but by a commitment to innovation. This approach was underlined by a newly opened Innovation Centre in Kirkcaldy, Scotland, which is set to become a hub for product development and technical collaboration. “We’re continuing to invest in manufacturing techniques and new product development. The newly opened Innovation Centre will house a state-of-the-art test lab and going forward will enable BPC and Vista Group to launch new and unique products to market.”
Further highlighting its desire to maintain the forward momentum, BPC’s structural connectors are now supported by software like MiTek’s PAMIR platform, widely used by roof truss fabricators and timber frame manufacturers across the UK and Ireland.
Despite the growth that has stemmed from its forward-thinking approach, BPC remains grounded in its core philosophy. “We ensure that we maintain the values of a family business and as part of the Vista Group, BPC aligns with three core values: Proven Products, Reliable Support and Competitive Prices. These principles guide the company’s operations and its vision for the future” outlines Gareth. “We have strong relationships with our customers—many of whom we’ve been supplying for decades.”
That client-first ethos is reflected in BPC’s partnerships with major national retailers, as well as its support for independent merchants across the UK and Ireland (via selected distribution partners). The company is also investing in the future of the industry through its collaboration with Leeds College of Building, as Gareth outlines: “We’re providing students with technical information and product samples to assist them in their learning. They’re the generation of the future—our future builders, plasterers, and joiners – so we’re keen to do our bit to help give them the best possible start to their careers.”
This approach is mirrored in BPC’s own operations, as the company strives to foster a culture of development and loyalty. “We have a significant number of employees with a long service history, some of our staff have been here up to 36 years, which always tells a story, as people don’t stay where they’re not happy.”
As well as further developing its workforce, BPC is planning a major move by consolidating its operations into a single, purpose-built facility. “We’re currently in the process of designing the building, having found a suitable plot. We are now in talks with architects and local planners to push the process forward. The aim is to build the ‘Factory of the Future’ —hopefully in time for our 50th anniversary.”
Sustainability is also high on the agenda. “We’re looking at easier handling, less material, but equal or better strength,” Gareth says. “We want to reduce our carbon footprint and become more sustainable, both for ourselves and the customer. The key next step is to look at our software systems, integrate AI, and be more efficient—not just in manufacturing, but in our business systems.”
Automation plays a key role in this strategy, but not at the expense of jobs. “We’re not aiming to remove jobs, but rather educate staff in other areas. For every cobot or robot, you need someone who can monitor and program it, providing opportunities to learn new skills.
“Investing in automation also helps from a health and safety point of view, which remains our top priority. Fundamentally we want all our people to go home safely. Thanks to the strength of our approach, we have extremely low rates of accidents and near misses, which we’re very proud of.”
With nearly five decades of experience, a strong leadership team, and a clear roadmap for innovation and sustainability, BPC is poised to continue its legacy of excellence. “It’s a really ambitious place to be,” Gareth concludes. “We thrive on challenging ourselves and learning new techniques. That’s how you grow.”
This is a formula that has served BPC Building Products well so far and is sure to continue to do so as it approaches its 50th anniversary and beyond.