Sawn timber stocks are being transferred from Smee Timber Ltd in Cheshire to Whitmore’s Timber in Leicestershire as part of a “focused restructuring” of the group of timber companies built up by Michael Smee.
The company says the move will enable a “far superior distribution service” due to Whitmore’s central location.
Some distribution will still be handled from Smee’s Winsford premises and sister companies Smee Profiles and British Wood Floors will also continue to operate from the site.
The restructuring follows Mr Smee’s decision to step back from day-to-day running of the business after 51 years and the appointment of Richard Stoneman as managing director of the timber companies.
Mr Stoneman said the changes will also give customers a wider choice of products, with the sales forces of the different businesses having access to each other’s ranges.
Regrettably, he added, there will also be around 20 redundancies at Smee Timber Ltd as a result of the developments.
“In the current market, companies have to adapt to customers’ needs, or face the consequences,” he said. “We’re fortunate to have a strong financial position where we can implement a restructuring programme that will benefit customers and set the platform for growth.”
