The gates at long established timber merchant Griggs Timber in Gloucester closed for the final time on March 13.
A skeleton staff had been clearing the site after the business shut at the end of 2025 following a decision by owner Kellaway Building Supplies Ltd to close the business, which was originally founded in 1875 and had been operating in Gloucester since 1917.
The Bristol Road site on the banks of the Gloucester and Sharpness Canal is now up for sale.
Griggs had diversified from its merchanting base over the decades. Roof trusses, engineered timber joists and timber frame were added, as well as specialist timber products and a machining service.
Kellaway Building Supplies Ltd took the decision to close Griggs Timber in December 2025 after the latter had made a loss for the past three financial years.
In the Group’s annual accounts for the financial year ended August 31, 2025 – posted on February 26, 2026 – Group managing director Julian Milligan said the closure of the loss-making subsidiary would have a positive impact on cashflow and profitability in the Group.
“Through investment and acquisition, the core builders merchant business now has a very strong branch network in our geographic operating area, with capacity to grow revenue buy 30%. While the current economic outlook may slow that growth, medium term growth in sales and profitability of the merchant business will be strong.”
The Group made a pre-tax loss of £1.63m for the financial year (2024: pre-tax loss of £208,157), with a turnover of £50.04m (2024: £49.7m).
Nicks Timber, which adjoins the Griggs site, is believed to be the last remaining traditional timber merchant in Gloucester, with a history going back 170 years.
