The Hadleigh Timber Group is one of the leading timber product distributors in the UK. Stephen Powney met up with its CEO, Chris Rudd, to be updated on the Group’s developments and ambitions.
The Hadleigh Timber Group has ambition – in fact, very big ambitions in the UK wood product industries.
The Hadleigh name has been synonymous with growth and expansion over recent years and operates some of the leading timber product distribution companies – Meyer and Panelco being the foremost with their panel products focus, with its Timbmet operation recently bolstered by the acquisition of CP Timber – creating Timbmet Trade for hardwoods and specialist softwood products.
The Meyer and Timbmet operations have been significantly changed over the years, as a new, lean nationwide distribution model was implemented, and the recruitment of a number of experienced key executives has created the conditions for the Group’s next phase of growth.
It’s been more than eight years since TTJ last sat down with Hadleigh – on that occasion it was chairman Martyn Meade. This time CEO Chris Rudd presented the company’s ambition, vision and desire to strengthen customer partnerships while improving efficiency and value across the UK wood products sector.
Hadleigh predicting large growth
Mr Rudd told TTJ that the positioning of the business, its plans and a coming market recovery could see the Group reach a major growth milestone in the next 18 months – an organic target not considering acquisitions. The 18-month target would equate to annual sales of around 800,000m³, he added.
The 18-month growth aim for Meyer and Panelco is for each to achieve approximately £200m turnover, with Timbmet reaching around £100m.
These figures would clearly position the business near the top of the UK timber distribution sector.
The business’s turnover in 2024 was £237m, a figure which is expected to exceed £300m in 2025.
Group sales in 2025 to date are up 15%, with Hadleigh taking market share – due, Mr Rudd says, to its comprehensive customer service and consistent reliability.
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