Members of the UK timber trade are lamenting the planned closure of the Trafford Park site of International Timber.
Traders have been leaving numerous comments on LinkedIn after the company announced a review of the business would lead to the closure of the Trafford Park site in Manchester by December 20.
Many timber traders highlighted the site as a long established and notable hub for the industry, with many having worked there in the past and fondly remembering the positive impact it had on them.
International Timber says it intends to move business accounts from Trafford Park to its Parkend, Purfleet and Grangemouth teams where possible from January 2025.
Phil Taylor, International Timber regional sales director, posted a message on LinkedIn to give further clarity to the situation.
He said the business review had been designed to enable International Timber to respond to market conditions and support its customers in the best possible way.
“The business concluded the review and are now progressing with plans to unfortunately close our Trafford Park operations by 20 December 2024,” said Mr Taylor.
“This means that we intend to move business accounts to be supported by our Parkend, Purfleet & Grangemouth teams where possible from January 2025. These sites remain fully operational and will continue to trade as normal under the International Timber banner.
“In the meantime, our suppliers, and my team here at Trafford Park remains committed to looking after our valued customers business requirements as usual.”
Mr Taylor thanked everyone who had shown concern for staff at Trafford Park, and customers for their ongoing loyalty and custom.
An earlier statement on the International Timber website said the business would continue to fully support staff through a period of consultation to explore how the changes may impact their roles.
One timber trader reacting to the news said he was sad to hear of the impending closure “as it signals the end of a long successful era [at Trafford Park}”.
“The branch will live on in the annals of the wood trade, and in the minds of those that have worked there, have visited and bought,” commented another.
“International Timber Trafford Park exceeds the highest of standards of customer service and quality,” said a further timber trader. “A huge loss to the North West for the timber trade.”
