Premier Forest Products has further reshaped the face of UK timber distribution with a bold move to acquire both the Arnold Laver Hull operation and National Timber Systems.
Premier announced the move on January 5 as acquisitions from administrators of the National Timber Group. It comes after the company acquired former Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading.
The saving of many jobs will be welcome news in the UK timber sector and shows companies are seeing opportunities to position themselves for future growth, despite ongoing tough economic conditions.
Premier said the acquisition of Arnold Laver’s Hull operation further strengthened its timber distribution, manufacturing and logistics capability across the north and north-east of England.
The purchase of the Hull operation safeguards 18 jobs, following the safeguarding of more than 36 jobs at the Manchester and Reading operations. Plans are underway to recruit for all three branches, with the number of staff likely to reach 150.
“The Hull operation significantly extends our geographic coverage and delivery capability, enabling us to better support customers across Yorkshire, the Humber and the wider north-east with a broader range of timber products and faster, more resilient supply,” said Terry Edgell, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Premier Forest.
“This latest acquisition is another important step in strengthening Premier Forest’s presence across the north and north-east of England.”
Meanwhile, the acquisition of National Timber Systems (NTS) enhances Premier’s expertise and solutions in timber engineering.
Premier said the acquisition secures continuity for NTS’s operations, customers and manufacturing footprint. The acquisition safeguards 160 jobs at NTS, with plans to grow this number to 250.
The transaction sees Premier Forest acquiring NTS operations in Bristol, Catterick and Newcastle, plus the assets of the Sheffield site, with the aim to return to full production capacity to meet customer demand.
NTS supplies national and regional housebuilders, as well as the construction and modular sectors, with a range of engineered timber products and services. These include the BBA-accredited NTSROOF® panelised roof system, roof trusses, engineered joists, and specialist roof and floor cassette solutions.
“With our strategic experience in timber and long-term financial stability, we see National Timber Systems as an excellent fit for Premier Forest,” added Mr Edgell.
“NTS aligns with and enhances our existing Mon Timber Engineering offer in south-Wales and the south-west and broadens our engineered timber solutions for customers across the UK.”
National Timber Group UK went into administration in November, with hundreds of job losses.
Premier Forest Products is headquartered in Newport, Wales, and is one of the UK’s leading independent timber distribution and manufacturing groups, supplying customers nationwide across housebuilding, construction, manufacturing and modular sectors.
The company won the TTJ Timber Trader of the Year 2025 at the annual TTJ Awards last September.
