UK timber company rescued from administration by rival after £6.3m loss | UK | News
House building industry supplier Premier Forest Products has acquired engineered timber specialist National Timber Systems (NTS) in a deal that ensures the future of the business after the failure of National Timber Group England late last year. The Newport-based firm purchased NTS from administrators after the parent group collapsed in November.
The acquisition safeguards 160 jobs across National Timber Systems, with Premier Forest Products stating that it plans to significantly expand the workforce to approximately 250 as it increases production capacity and invests in new product development.
National Timber Systems supplies engineered timber products to national and regional house builders, as well as customers in the construction and modular housing sectors. Its product range includes panelised roof systems, roof trusses, engineered joists and specialist roof and floor cassette solutions.
Premier Forest said the deal strengthens its existing timber engineering operations and expands its ability to offer off-site and engineered timber solutions across the UK.
Co-founder and chief executive Terry Edgell said the company viewed NTS as a strong strategic fit.
He said Premier Forest’s experience in the timber sector and its long-term financial stability would help support and grow the business, while broadening the group’s engineered timber offering nationwide.
The transaction covers National Timber Systems operations in Bristol, Newcastle and Catterick. It follows Premier Forest’s recent purchase of Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading, also acquired from the administrators of National Timber Group England.
The collapse of National Timber Group England sent shockwaves through the timber and construction supply sector. The Sheffield-based business, founded in 1920 by Arnold Laver, employed more than 1,000 people and operated a nationwide network under brands including Arnold Laver, National Timber Systems, SV Timber and NORclad.
Despite generating close to £200 million in turnover in 2023, the England division of the group recorded pre-tax losses of £6.3 million, highlighting the financial pressures facing parts of the construction supply chain amid a slowdown in house building.
Industry analysts say the rescue of National Timber Systems provides a rare piece of positive news for the sector, preserving jobs and maintaining supply capacity at a time when many construction-related firms continue to face challenging trading conditions.
