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The Donaldson Group, has acquired the UK’s leading timber frame manufacturer, Stewart Milne Timber Systems (SMTS), marking the Donaldson Group’s entry into the timber frame market.
Established in 1975 as the timber frame arm of the Stewart Milne Group, Aberdeen-based SMTS is a UK pioneer in timber frame technology and manufacturing, operating throughout the country from three manufacturing plants in Aberdeen, Witney and a new facility in Falkirk. All staff and operations will continue unchanged. Alex Goodfellow (Stewart Milne Group managing director – strategic development) will transfer with the business into the role of CEO, Donaldson Offsite Manufacturing and join Rod Allan (SMTS managing director) and the current Board of Directors in continuing to drive the business. The Donaldson Group is committed to the Board’s growth plans and supporting SMTS achieve its ambition. With 160 years of expertise in timber importing and distribution, as well as decades of experience in timber engineering and merchanting, this acquisition strategically and operationally complements the Donaldson Group portfolio, allowing the Group to offer a stronger timber package for residential and commercial applications to all their current and future customers.
Announcing the acquisition, Andrew Donaldson, CEO of the Donaldson Group, said: “We’re delighted and proud to have successfully acquired this terrific timber frame business. This deal secures the future for a leading UK-based business; enabling the growth plans for it to reach its full potential, while providing reliability and stability for its existing and new customers. SMTS is a natural fit for the Donaldson Group; it offers a similar family-owned ethos and has a strong reputation and track record for investment and innovation. We’re pleased to welcome all 411 employees to our family business and look forward to working closely with Alex and the full team.
“This is an exciting move for the Donaldson Group, as we venture into the timber frame market at a time when interest in the material has never been higher. The use of timber frame is anticipated to double in the next five years as housebuilders turn to modern methods of construction and renewable sources to achieve crucial net-zero carbon targets. This acquisition supports the Donaldson Group’s commitment to sustainability: building a sustainable business and supporting a sustainable industry.” Alex Goodfellow, CEO, Donaldson Off-site Manufacturing, added: “We have secured the perfect partner who is committed to our growth strategy and who will support us to achieve our vision. The Donaldson Group has a strong reputation for partnerships, reliability and integrity and we are clearly aligned both strategically and operationally which can only help strengthen our market-leading position.”
Stuart MacGregor, chief executive of Stewart Milne Group, said: “This deal represents an exceptional outcome for both parties. The scale of the opportunity in the growing timber frame market and the stellar growth of SMTS presented a highly compelling investment proposition and we are pleased to have found the right buyer who will continue to invest in the business and its people. The sale of SMTS will enable Stewart Milne Group to strengthen our investment in our thriving homes business which has seen record levels of sales in the last 18 months and, with our differentiated approach to place-making and new homes range, is now superbly positioned for future growth.”
SMTS joins the Donaldson Group portfolio of leading independent brands: MGM Timber, Donaldson Timber Engineering, James Donaldson Timber, James Donaldson Insulation, Smith & Frater, Rowan Manufacturing, Nu-Style Products, Kitchens International and Stonecare.
Stability returns to UK timber supply chain
After a year of near record imports, the timber industry is likely to find itself entering a period of greater stability in 2022, says the Timber Trade Federation (TTF). The latest TTF statistics show the volume of timber imported between January and October 2021 to be 28% higher than the same period in 2020 – reaching a total of 10.3 million m3 in the year to date.
Yet even as this milestone is reached these statistics reveal a significant shift in timber import patterns with volumes 16% lower in October 2021 than in the corresponding month in 2020. This marks the first month in 2021 where the volume of timber imported was below its corresponding level from 2020, and the end of 15 months of continual growth in UK imports of timber and panel products. Softwood import volumes reflected these changes with just 557,000m3 entering the UK in October 2021 – which is very close to the average volume of softwood imports seen between 2015 to 2018 (559,000m3). These shifts seen in the timber industry’s import patterns can likely be attributed to a return to more ‘regular’ demand for new housing and RM&I seen in Q4 2021.
Nick Boulton, TTF head of technical and trade policy, said: “After such a long period of volatility in the structural softwood sector, it is good to see the October import statistics showing a return to stability. As predicted throughout, with stocks having been replenished throughout the supply chain we are seeing price pressure reduce and import volumes return to more normal parameters.
“This suggests an end to some of the market disruption we saw last year where our industry was working above and beyond to ensure exceptionally high construction demand was met. However, the market is still some way off ‘normality’ as Brexit, HGV driver shortages and Covid-19 disruption continue to affect supply and demand, as well as labour availability. Given the increasing demand for low-carbon construction products to help us build in a climate crisis, timber will remain an essential sector to building back better in 2022.”
More at ttf.co.uk/download/ttf-monthly-stats-january-2022/
Forestry and Land Scotland look to 2022 after Storm Arwen damage
While many outdoor businesses wound down for winter, Forestry and Land Scotland (FLS) geared up for its busiest time of year, as a huge tree planting effort gets underway. This year’s routine planting season – over the winter months to March – comes at the same time as efforts to tackle the widespread damage caused by Storm Arwen.
FLS estimates that up to 900 hectares – the equivalent of 738 football pitches – in forests that it manages, were damaged across the East Coast, Perthshire, Aberdeenshire and south Scotland in November 2021. This is the equivalent of nearly a third of the annual FLS tree felling programme in a single night. Many of these were mature trees, ready for harvesting, but the fact that they have been blown over makes the work of extracting them more difficult.
Over the next 12 months, FLS aims to plant approximately 25 million new tree seedlings to create new woodlands and restock existing forests where older trees have been felled, as well as repairing storm damaged woodlands. Tree species include native species such as birch, oak, aspen, rowan and commercial conifers such as Scots pine and Sitka spruce; around half are grown in FLS’s dedicated tree nursery near Elgin.
All the new forestry, especially the productive forestry that’s grown for much-needed timber, will help contribute to meeting Scotland’s climate change targets by locking up carbon. Increasing the proportion of productive forestry is also vital to reduce the UK’s dependence on timber imports (currently around 80% of the timber we use is imported) so that we can supply more of what we need, from our own sustainably managed forests.
Doug Knox, FLS head of technical services group said: “The damage caused by Storm Arwen to publicly managed forests that FLS manages is only half the story, and privately owned forests have been just as badly affected. The scale of the damage is making significant demands on the forestry sector. In one night, the equivalent of nearly one third of our annual tree felling program blew over because of Storm Arwen.
FLS is also restructuring Scotland’s forests, increasing the species mix both to benefit conservation work and biodiversity by creating a ‘mosaic’ of different habitats instead of the mono-culture forestry of 40 years ago. In 2022 FLS, which manages almost 30% of Scotland’s woodland, will plant 25 million trees: a mix of conifers (Lodgepole pine, Scots pine, Sitka and Norway spruce) and broadleaf (Oak, Birch, Rowan, Alder, Aspen, Beech). Over the last five years, FLS has planted approximately 3,282 ha of new forest, approximately 70% broadleaf, 30% conifer. It will harvest around nine million trees generating £410 million in gross value added for the Scottish economy.
More at www.forestryandland.gov.scot
Premier Forest Group announce high level appointment
One of the UK’s leading timber groups has made a high-level appointment to consolidate their position within the industry and drive the business forward to reach ambitious growth targets.
Andrew Francis has joined Premier Forest Group as their new UK sales director to lead the experienced sales team. As part of this exciting new role, he will help grow both the scale and profitability of the business, across all the group brands, with both new and existing customers and suppliers.
With over 30 years of experience in the timber industry, Andrew brings a wealth of sales and management experience to Premier. He previously worked for Norbord Europe Ltd for over 20 years, progressing from area sales manager to UK & Ireland sales director. Norbord (now West Fraser) has long been an important strategic supply partner for Premier Forest Products. Andrew’s appointment will ensure that relationship remains strong whilst being able to further develop opportunities for the benefit of all parties. His exceptional knowledge of both the panel products industry and Premier’s product range and capabilities mean Andrew is perfectly placed to help push Premier on to even greater growth.
In his new role, Andrew will be tasked with helping to develop the already strong sales team and leading Premier’s sales operations across the country. Andrew said: “After working alongside Premier Forest Group for over 15 years, I’ve always admired their entrepreneurial attitude and positive, team-focused culture, which have helped them reach the strong market position they enjoy today. I’m looking forward to helping develop the team whilst aiding the business in strengthening their market position across the UK. Even though I know some of them already, I’m keen to get to know the team better; it already feels like a great fit and I’m sure we’ll succeed together.”
On the new appointment, Joe Walker, managing director at Premier Forest Group, added: “Andrew knows the emphasis we place on product quality and has seen first-hand the excellent customer service that we offer. I am confident that he will be a huge asset to Premier Forest Group
£1.4 million investment at Port of King’s Lynn to keep pace with timber demand
Associated British Ports (ABP) has officially opened its Vancouver Timber Terminal at the Port of Kings Lynn. Timber volumes at the port have seen a year-on-year uplift of 85% to keep pace with increased demand for use in construction, manufacturing and DIY in 2021.
Named after Captain George Vancouver who originated from the town, the new facility provides 3000m2 of undercover storage. ABP has invested over £1.4 million in the new Dutch Barn undercover storage facility which is 130m x 25m and can accommodate 120 stacked double decker buses. Now that works are complete, it is expected that the facility will soon be full to the brim.
Building and civil engineering company Britcon completed the works at the port with construction taking over five months and supporting 20 jobs. James Wild, MP for NorthWest Norfolk said:
“This investment in new facilities to support high demand from construction and other sectors are a vote of confidence in Norfolk. As the economy continues to bounce back, ABP King’s Lynn’s crucial trading links are playing an important role in driving growth across the country.”
Andrew Harston, director of Wales and Short Sea Ports for ABP said: “I am delighted to see this facility open and ready to meet our growing demand. ABP King’s Lynn has handled increased volumes of timber this last year and we expect that this trend will continue.” The 39-hectare (97 acre) Port of King’s Lynn handles around 500,000 tonnes of goods each year, comprising dry bulks, forest products, steel and other metals. Working tirelessly towards ABP’s mission of ‘Keeping Britain Trading’, the port continues its commitment to support the recovery of the UK economy, and the variety of industries in which ABP’s customers are involved.
ABP is the UK’s leading ports operator with 21 ports and other transport related businesses creating a unique national network capable of handling a vast array of cargo. ABP’s Ports of East Anglia, King’s Lynn, Lowestoft and Ipswich contribute £360 million to the UK economy every year, supporting 3,700 jobs in the region and 5,300 jobs nationally. Ports in East Anglia handle over 2 million tonnes of agribulks and 170,000 tonnes of timber annually.
More at www.abports.co.uk
Orchard Timber Products Limited (Orchard Timber) has joined National Timber Group (NTG). NTG is a leading, independent, addedvalue timber processing and distribution group. Orchard Timber, established in 2004, is a specialist distributor of timber, sheet materials, kitchens, doors, solid wood flooring, and decking, supplying a range of local housebuilders, contractors, and RMI-focused joiners.
Orchard Timber is the national distribution partner for Kährs Flooring and Kährs’ largest stockist in the UK, carrying over 20,000m2 of solid wood flooring at any given time. Headquartered in Forfar, Scotland, the company has a second depot in Livingston and a sales office in Aberdeen. Orchard Timber employs 90 people and, in 2021, achieved £27m in revenue. With shared customer service values, this acquisition fulfils two strategic objectives for NTG. Geographically, it complements NTG’s footprint by extending its presence into West Lothian and up the North-East coast of Scotland, filling gaps in the Group’s branch network. Secondly, Orchard Timber’s strengths in solid wood flooring provide NTG with a highly complementary extension to its existing product range. Orchard Timber and its customers will benefit from access to the processing and bespoke moulding capabilities of NTG following the deal.
Orchard Timber joins NTG’s Scottish division and will continue to trade under its successful trading name and brand. Scott McKinlay, Kevin Golder, and Stuart Fraser, Orchard Timber’s owners, will remain in the business, working with Nick Ratcliffe, managing director of NTG’s Scottish division, to ensure its smooth integration into the Group and to realise the opportunities that this transaction offers for future growth.
Rob Barclay, chief executive of National Timber Group said: “We are delighted to welcome Orchard to the Group. We both share a strong commitment to our customers and a passion for timber products, which makes this an obvious and complementary partnership. Together, we will increase our offering in the timber flooring category and improve our footprint in Scotland, enhancing our customers’ experience.”
Scott McKinlay, managing director of Orchard Timber said: “For some time my fellow shareholders, Stuart Fraser, Kevin Golder, and I have been considering how best to develop Orchard Timber Products further. When the opportunity came about to partner with National Timber Group, we were delighted to find we share the same passion and determination to drive the business forward. After this, the decision to join the Group was an easy one. I look forward with real enthusiasm to this new chapter in Orchard’s history.”
More at www.nationaltimbergroup.com
PEFC announces departure of CEO
Global forestry certification organisation PEFC has announced that its long-time leader Ben Gunneberg is departing as Secretary General/CEO.
“The PEFC global alliance is grateful for Mr Gunneberg’s outstanding service and commitment to PEFC, as well as his significant accomplishments over his distinguished tenure,” said Eduardo Rojas Briales, chair of PEFC International. “Under his leadership, PEFC has made a real and measurable difference in forests around the world and in the lives of people who depend on these forests.
“Mr Gunneberg has been the leading advocate for PEFC and for our common objective of promoting sustainable forest management during his 22 years of service. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering dedication, loyalty, and outstanding service.
“The entire PEFC alliance thanks him for his exemplary enthusiasm, commitment, and persistence in taking the vision of the PEFC founders, and creating, building, and shaping PEFC into an international organisation that enjoys respect globally. PEFC wishes Mr Gunneberg the best in his future endeavours, which we are sure he’ll undertake with the same dedication and passion he gave to PEFC.”
PEFC is now in the process of recruiting a successor. For the transition period, Michael Berger, PEFC’s deputy secretary general and head of technical unit, has taken over the role of acting secretary general from beginning of January.
Carbon negative. Positive future.
At West Fraser (formerly known as Norbord) all our engineered wood panels have been certified as being net carbon negative. We lock up more carbon in our products than we emit making them, helping the UK construction sector comply with net zero targets.
uk.westfraser.com/carbon-negative
Covers celebrates 175 years of trading with anniversary year events
Covers Timber & Builders Merchants will be celebrating its 175th year of trading in 2022 with a range of special events, offers and activities for its customers, staff and suppliers.
The family run builders’ merchants, which opened its first depot in Chichester, West Sussex now operates from 14 different locations across the south of England supplying specialist timber services and products to the building trade and for home DIY.
Originally founded by William Cover, who was eventually joined by his son David in the 1850s, the company has remained a family run business throughout after it was bought by the Green family in the 1940s. Today, Covers has more than 400 staff and its annual sales exceed £90 million. It is the leading familyowned timber and builders’ merchant in the south of England.
The 175th anniversary year marks an important milestone for the company and to celebrate the occasion Covers will be hosting a range of special events, competitions and discounts, including supplier demo days, exclusive offers and the chance to win some top prizes such as televisions, iPads and gift cards worth £175. In keeping with the spirit of its mission to serve and support communities, Covers will also be making a variety of donations throughout the year to local charities and community projects in honour of its anniversary.
Rupert Green, chairman of Covers Timber & Builders Merchants, said: “Our 175th year of trading is a huge landmark in the company’s history, and we are absolutely delighted to be celebrating it with our customers, staff and suppliers. We are extremely proud to be part of a company that is so rich in heritage and intrinsically connected to the communities it serves.
“We have come a long way since the early days, consistently investing in our depots, vehicles and state-of-the-art timber machinery so we can offer unrivalled products and service to our trade and DIY customers. Covers has grown due to a dedicated team of staff – many of whom have been with us for twenty to forty years or more. We are excited for our forthcoming programme of celebrations and hope that our customers and suppliers will join us in wishing Covers a very happy anniversary.”
James Latham picks up IJK Timber Group
James Latham has strengthened its position in Northern Ireland with the acquisition of IJK Timber Group Ltd. Offering a comprehensive range of panel products, softwoods and hardwoods from two established sites, IJK is a division of Sarcon (No155) Limited and trades as IJK Timber and Northern Hardwood.
Whilst the companies have now become part of the Latham Group, they will continue to trade in the same way with no disruption to regular service. Former owners and Directors of the company Graham Knox and Peter Elwood will continue to run the business as part of the Latham management team. This is a strategic acquisition for James Latham to strengthen its business footing in the region and provides the platform along with an experienced team to provide an excellent ex-stock service for both existing and new customers from stocks held in Northern Ireland.
Commenting on the acquisition, Nick Latham, chairman of James Latham, said: “We are delighted to have acquired IJK which will allow us to increase our panel product and timber offering in Northern Ireland. We see a great opportunity to further grow and develop our products in the region, which will complement our Abbey Woods business in the Republic of Ireland and the business we do into Ireland from our Leeds depot. We have known the IJK directors, Graham Knox and Peter Elwood, for many years, and are excited to be working with them and the whole IJK team and welcome them to the Latham family.”
IJK can trace its roots back to 1799. Trading as IJK the company has built up a successful business and enviable reputation, providing customers with a wide variety of premium brand panel and timber products from its base in Northern Ireland. It is Lathams’ intention to continue to develop this range of products to reflect customers growing expectations and invest in facilities and services as we have in other parts of the Business to attract a wider range of timber and panel customers across the whole of Ireland.
More at www.lathamtimber.co.uk
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Travis Perkins continues carbon reduction drive
Travis Perkins plc – the UK’s largest supplier of building materials – has announced that it has formally been accredited by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) who have recognised Travis Perkins’ commitments to reduce its total greenhouse gas emissions.
The SBTi has formally recognised Travis Perkins’ plans to reduce its scope 1 and 2 emissions by 80% before 2035 from a 2020 base year. The SBTi have also accredited the Group’s plans to reduce its total scope 3 emissions by 63% within the same timeframe. This means SBTi has determined that all targets are in line with a 1.5°C trajectory.
Travis Perkins has committed to investing in its buildings to continually improve energy efficiency, using low carbon, renewable energy systems where possible, while also installing energy saving solutions such as utilising LED lighting, solar panels and electric vehicle charging points across the Group’s estate. Measures have also been put in place to optimise the Group’s 4,000-strong transport fleet by utilising fleet management systems, transitioning to alternative fuels and adopting low carbon technology.
Travis Perkins will also work with suppliers and customers to reduce supply chain emissions, in particular in-use emissions from products sold and the embodied carbon in products, as part of the broader Scope 3 emissions commitment.
Alongside this SBTi accreditation, the Group also today announces that it has moved to a 100% renewable electricity tariff for all its UK based operations. The tariff, supplied by Drax, will see all Travis Perkins businesses in the UK supplied with 100% renewable source electricity across the total UK portfolio of almost 1,700 stores, branches and offices nationwide.
The renewable sources used to generate this electricity would typically consist of a mixture of biomass, wind and solar power, and over the four-year duration of the contract, this would save an estimated 54,600 tonnes of carbon compared to current levels; enough to power 80,000 homes.
Commenting on the news, CEO Nick Roberts said: “Achieving SBTi recognition for our emissions targets is an important step forwards as part of our broader sustainability plans. This adds great endorsement and credibility to the work we will lead with both suppliers and customers to decarbonise our industry. The measures we have put in place with regards to our fleet, the use of low-carbon technologies and our estate are already having a tangible impact on our emissions, and I look forward to building on this positive momentum. As such, I am delighted to announce that we have moved to a 100% renewable energy tariff for all of our UK operations, another key step forward as part of our long-term sustainability plans.” Drax chief commercial officer Paul Sheffield, added: “Climate change is the biggest challenge the world faces and it’s essential that businesses play their part in addressing this crisis. Drax has a worldleading ambition to be carbon negative by 2030 using bioenergy with carbon capture and storage to permanently remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
“Drax supplies 100% renewable electricity and the contract with Travis Perkins is testament to the high level of service we provide, supporting businesses to reach their sustainability goals. We work in partnership with our customers, creating tailored solutions that meet their sustainability needs. As we look towards a post-Covid, green recovery, it’s more important than ever for businesses to build back better, helping the UK reach its net zero by 2050 goal.”
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