Merlwood Timber celebrates 25 years in the industry

Founded in 1996 by Mike James and Jeff Lloyd, Merlwood has grown from a team of seven to 20, with three of the original members still working for the company today; Mike, Jeff and sawmill foreman and machinist Jason Llewellyn.

Operating from a three-acre site in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire with other strategic dockside locations across the UK, the company was bought by Premier Forest Group, securing jobs and the future of the company.

It continued to operate under the Merlwood Timber brand, while gaining the benefits of Premier Forest’s experience and reach, which has led to a doubling of turnover since 2018.

“After the first months of trading in 1996 we wondered if we had made the right decision, but that was short lived and after only nine months Merlwood Timber was in profit,” said Mike James, co-founder of Merlwood Timber.

“From there the only way was up. “Apart from selling the company to Premier, other career highlights include completing the first full Russian shipment through Pembroke Dock, staying profitable during the 2008/9 recession, travelling across the world to meet new suppliers and creating long-lasting relationships with suppliers, customers and fellow timber traders.

“We are also incredibly proud to have been able to support the NHS in 2020 by supplying materials to help build the Nightingale Hospitals in England and Wales.”

“Acquiring Merlwood Timber was a great decision, and we’ve both been rewarded with invaluable improvements and significant growth in turnover as a result,” said Terry Edgell, CEO and co-founder of Premier Forest Group. “We are looking forward to celebrating this key milestone in person as soon as regulations permit.”