Vastern Timber partly resumes operations

22 April 2020


UK sawmiller Vastern Timber has partly resumed work at its Wiltshire sawmills after being closed for several weeks due to the coronavirus crisis.

“We are very pleased to be back, although it’s not business as usual,” said Tom Barnes, Vastern managing director.

The Wootton Bassett-based company resumed limited operations following updated government guidelines for manufacturers.

Fourth-generation family firm Vastern employs 50 people and operates two sawmills, at Wootton Bassett and Studley producing timber cladding, flooring, planks and beams from British grown wood.

“To keep everyone safe we are bringing back a limited team to service orders placed by phone or email only,” said Mr Barnes.

“We are unable to accept visitors, but we can arrange delivery or collection by appointment. Safety is our first priority, so please bear with us as we adapt to the guidelines on social distancing at work.”

Vastern is planning to build a solar-powered production unit at the Wootton Bassett site for its Brimstone branded thermally-modified timber cladding and decking.

“These plans may be delayed by the coronavirus but I’m optimistic that in the near future these plans will progress,” Mr Barnes added.

“I want to say thank you to our team and our customers for their patience and support in these last few weeks. I look forward to welcoming customers back to our showroom as soon as possible, and meanwhile we’ll do our best to deliver in the current circumstances.”