Smee Timber has re-emerged as Whitmore’s Timber and Smee Profiles following the completion of a restructuring of the group of companies built up by Michael Smee.

Sawn timber stocks have now been transferred from Smee Timber in Cheshire to Whitmore’s Timber Co Ltd in Leicestershire.

The Smee premises in Winsford will still handle some distribution, and Smee Profiles and the group’s flooring business will continue to be based at the site.

The company says the move will enable a “far superior distribution service” due to Whitmore’s central location.

“The only change for customers, apart from an increased product range and improved distribution, is the name,” a spokesperson said.

The changes follow the decision by Mr Smee to step down after 51 years.

Group managing director Richard Stoneman said: “The changes are good news for Whitmore’s customers as they now have access to an increased product range, while Smee’s will gain access to Whitmore’s century of experience in European oak.”

Most Smee Timber staff transferred between the companies, but there were some job losses.

Whitmore’s specialises in sawn hardwoods and clear grade softwoods, Smee Profiles in on machined timber including components and veneer-wrapped profiles.