Hardwood importer and distributor Smee Timber Ltd has reported a successful start to its diversification into the clear grade softwood business.
The company’s clear grade softwoods division has turned over about £250,000 in its first two months, while planning permission has recently granted for a new warehouse specifically to hold softwood stocks.
Ian Freeman, who joined Smee to head up the division at Smee subsidiary GR Wiltshire & Co, told TTJ that much of its orders were going into the commercial sector for cladding applications.
“Clear grade softwoods are an obvious add-on for Smee,” he said. “The company has never sold them before but was attracted to them as an addition to its existing joinery business.”
Mr Freeman said the target was to achieve sales of £5-7m within five years, selling to both merchants and the construction trade. Stocks with a value of up to £500,000 will be built up over the next 6-12 months.
Products include western red cedar, Douglas fir, Siberian larch, thermowood, hemlock and pitch pine. Cedar and Douglas fir will make up the lion’s share of stock.
Mr Freeman, who joined with Robert Grant to set up the division, said the commercial sector was holding up well in the current market. Contracts have included a project for Carillion in Broadstairs, Kent.
“With the Olympics coming up we are hopeful of getting some work for the new buildings on site,” added Mr Freeman.
Meanwhile, Smee marketing manager Robert Weighill said the group was planning to relaunch its website and new company branding in September.
