Brooks Bros’ Sunderland branch has moved into larger premises which will allow it to stock a wider range of timber.
The operation, Brooks Bros (NE) Ltd, will also merge into parent company Brooks Bros (UK) Ltd to streamline internal costs, IT systems and administration.
The new 60,000ft² warehouse and offices of the branch are effectively double the size of the nearby former Woodbine Street site and will allow Brooks Bros to further increase its range of ex stock hardwoods, clear softwoods and redwoods at Sunderland.
The branch’s machining operation will be transferred to Brooks Bros’ Skelmersdale branch, which is being expanded with additional machinery to double its capacity, leading to the addition of five staff.
Brooks Bros set up the Sunderland branch a year ago when it bought the trading assets and goodwill of Quality Timber Ltd in a move which consolidated Brooks Bros’ business in the north of England, giving it a local base in the north-east.
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