A Bradford-based steelwork company has launched a second string to its bow to exploit a gap in the commercial construction market for metal staircases.

Barrett Steel Buildings has launched Cougar Steel Stairs to complement its design and build steelwork packages and as a standalone operation.

The company, on Cutler Heights Lane, is targeting contracts to design and make metal stairways for industrial and commercial projects in the public and private sectors.

Cougar has clinched its first contract to provide staircases for distribution centres for retailer River Island at Milton Keynes, for which the parent group is providing the steel structure.

Barrett Steel Buildings is also about to start a £3 million contract to produce and erect the steel frame for the new Barnsley College building.

Joint managing director Sue Sharples expected the contract to be the firm’s flagship project in 2010.

Work is also continuing on providing steelwork for several waste recycling sites in Greater Manchester.

Last year, Barrett Steel Buildings completed one of its biggest ever contracts designing, processing and erecting 3,000 tonnes of framework for the Prologis site a mile away on Rooley Lane. The site houses a new Marks & Spencer distribution centre.

Mrs Sharples said the decision to launch Cougar Steel Stairs was taken due to a shortage of suppliers.

Sue said: “We noticed the shortage, as well as other contractors we were dealing with.

“We felt thare was a gap in the market that we could exploit for the benefit of the whole business.

“We have been able to launch Cougar at relatively low cost as we are using the same staff and the same factory.

“It enables us to provide clients with a package as most projects require stars “Integrating metal stairs into the steelwork package offers substantial benefits to the client.

“It integrates the technical details, provides shorter lead times and better co-ordination of site activities and improves site safety.

“For us, it also means that if we do not win the work for the main framework we can offer a specialised service designing and producing the stairways as well as designing stairs as a self-contained operation.

“It provides us with an extra string to our bow and shows that we are thinking ahead and looking for new ways to develop the business.”

She said there were some signs of an upturn in the market but prices were being driven down to a point where some jobs were undertaken below cost.

The Cougar operation has been launched and is being managed by her husband David who has returned to Barretts after working for a stairway contractor. He has 25 years of experience in the steelworks business and met Mrs Sharples when he previously worked for Barretts.