FEATURE PANEL PRODUCTS
New Face for Key Industry Supplier
As has been widely reported, Norbord UK is now part of West Fraser. With Norbord a very familiar name in the industry – who are West Fraser and what does the acquisition bring to the UK market and product range?
W
est Fraser is a diversified wood products company with more than 60 facilities in Canada, the United States and Europe and was founded in 1955 when three brothers – Sam, Bill and Pete Ketcham – pooled their resources
to buy a small planing mill in Quesnel, British Columbia, Canada. From responsibly-sourced and sustainably-managed forest resources, West Fraser produces timber, engineered wood (OSB, LVL, MDF, plywood, particleboard), and many other products including wood chips. Norbord UK had many well-known brands and products in its range – but will these be changing or being developed into new brands under West Fraser? And will the move to West Fraser change the focus of the business in the UK and Europe? “Absolutely nothing has changed for our customers,” says David Connacher, marketing manager, West Fraser. “The two companies are much aligned and share many common values, including a commitment to safety, efficient manufacturing facilities, a focus on continuous improvement and teamwork, as well as manufacturing sustainable products that are essential
David Connacher, marketing manager, West Fraser
for a low-carbon economy. Product development and efficient supply chains will also be at the crux of the new organisation due to the merging of
“We supply all areas of the housebuilding and construction industry
experienced teams. The people are the same, the products are the same, the plants are the same – Norbord Europe now becomes the European arm
with West Fraser products and the merchant network is a vital part of our
of West Fraser following the acquisition.”
supply chain. The relationships we have built up with the merchants are
The SterlingOSB Zero, CaberFloor, CaberFix and CaberWood MDF
important to us. We’ve adapted the way we work during the pandemic.
ranges are incredibly successful brands and are known and respected
Our base of merchants has reacted and we are working in tandem very well.
throughout the construction industry, so while the logo will change, the
We keep in touch with Zoom or Teams meetings – we are communicating
familiar brand names will remain.
much more, with more people in one place, and in much less time which is
“West Fraser’s high quality boards are available in a wide range of
good for everyone. “Merchants and suppliers alike now seem easier to access and results
grades and, with minimal finishing required, speed up construction,” says David. “The products are incredibly versatile, offer value for money and
are quicker to realise. As the customers now order on a click-and-collect
have good environmental credentials with a low carbon footprint as all
basis in the main, their online presence is crucial. In turn, we are supporting
are made in the UK. In fact, all West Fraser panel products are net carbon
our customers with online sales and product training and, if a conversation
negative and so can help the builder achieve sustainability targets. Support
is needed, our team is ready. The relationships we nurtured as Norbord have
on a product and technical basis is provided as and when required through
been taken over to West Fraser and the merchants have the reassurance of
dedicated product support and technical advice teams.
working with the same people.”
Timber Trader UK Magazine
Summer 2021
18
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