A WELSH timber company has been purchased by one of the country's largest importers. 

Newport-based Premier Forest Products will now oversee South Wales' Monmouthshire Timber Supplies, a distributor of timber products, joinery, and roof trusses. 

With Premier having experienced substantial increases in turnover and profitability over the last two years, bosses at both firms say the move will allow them to "capitalise on the favourable market conditions". 

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“Joining Premier Forest Products marks the beginning of a new period in our 48-year history,” said Chris Worthy, managing director of Mon Timber. “There is great synergy between our businesses, not only culturally, but also through our complementary product portfolio, service offering and customer-base.”

Established in 1974, Mon Timber operates from three sites between Newport and Cardiff. 

“I am positive that Premier will be excellent custodians of the Mon Timber brand and I am thrilled to continue with my role at Mon Timber guided by Premier’s leadership team,” added Josh Worthy. “The opportunities that come with being part of a larger group support our ambitious growth plans for the future.”

As part of ambitious expansion plans, Premier has purchased a number of firms in recent years, including Haverfordwest-based timber importer Merlwood Timber. 

Terry Edgell, co-founder and CEO of Premier Forest Products, said: “Acquisitions sit at the heart of our five-year strategy for growth, but they have to be the right choice for us.

“So, when I received a positive reception to our approach to Mon Timber’s shareholders, I was delighted. This purchase constitutes an excellent fit for Premier, dovetailing neatly into our ongoing plans for diversification and vertical integration, with each business being able to benefit from the strengths of the other.

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“Mon Timber will further extend Premier’s product portfolio and service capabilities, whilst Premier is able to bring clear benefits of scale, both financially and through its substantial distribution and purchasing network.

“We have no doubt that our shared resources will unlock further potential for both businesses, benefitting employees, customers and suppliers alike.”