SCA wins Wickes timber supply deal

The four-year supply chain agreement, which commences in July, was announced on Tuesday. The size of the deal remains undisclosed.

SCA is taking over as supplier from Metsä Wood, which had been working with Wickes for 15 years.

“SCA has been consistenly growing its UK market share in recent years using our category management approach,” said Stephen King, commercial director at SCA Timber Supply UK.

“The agreement increases the size of our UK operations and simultaneously will strengthen our ability to service our existing and expanding customer base in the DIY retail and builders merchant sectors.”

SCA had been supplying decking products to Wickes for the past year. It is also involved in supplying timber to Homebase.

Metsä Wood said discussions between itself and Wickes last year resulted in the non-renewal of the contract to supply goods to Wickes Ltd, with the contract concluding at the end of December 2012.

“We would like to thank all at Mets? Wood for the excellent working relationship over the past 15 years, and for their professionalism during these difficult discussions,” said Dan Lowans, Wickes commercial director.

Both parties are actively working towards a smooth exit, and Mets? Wood will continue to supply Wickes through the first half of 2013.

“After many successful years of working together we have parted on good terms and we will support the Wickes business to the last delivery with the dedication they have come to expect,” said a spokesperson from Metsä Wood.