Huws Gray has launched its own timber merchanting operation in Ayr, at the site formerly operated by National Timber Group (NTG) under its Thornbridge brand.
NTG entered administration in late 2025 and the move secures the jobs of several experienced employees, with further recruitment anticipated in the coming months, whilst maintaining continuity for customers.
The Ayr site is said to offer customers a high-quality purchasing environment, with all timber stored inside and therefore protected from the challenging Scottish weather conditions. Eddie Hernon, Managing Director at PDM Huws Gray, commented: “Following our recent investment in our flagship timber mill in Grangemouth, the expansion of our timber merchanting capabilities is a key strategic focus for Huws Gray in Scotland.
“After the news surrounding NTG broke in November, we began exploring how this opportunity could be realised, and I’m delighted that we have now agreed to take on the lease of this impressive Ayr site.”
The branch will continue to be managed by Lynne Douglas and her experienced team. Lynne said: “The team has built strong, long-standing relationships with our local customer base, and we’re delighted to be able to continue supporting them.
“As part of the wider Huws Gray business, we’re now even better positioned to enhance the customer experience, with access to a broader product range and additional support. I’m also really looking forward to working with our new colleagues.”
In addition to a full rebrand in the coming weeks, the branch will be prepared to support a more diversified product range, complementing its core timber offering, with Eddie concluding: “While continuity of service for existing customers remains our immediate priority, we’re equally committed to enhancing the overall offering at Ayr.
“We’ll be reviewing how we can meaningfully expand the product range, and customers can expect to see new lines introduced over the coming months. As part of this growth, we currently have two vacancies at the Ayr branch and look forward to welcoming new colleagues to the team.”
The news follows developments earlier this month which saw Jewson acquire the National Timber Group’s sites in Loanhead, South Edinburgh – which also traded under the Thornbridge brand – and the former Rembrand Timber branch on Portree, Isle of Skye.
This is in addition to Premier Forest Products taking over National Timber Systems and securing several former Arnold Laver depots, alongside to Roger Group Holdings purchasing the Motherwell branch of Thornbridge Timber and taking over the wider brand name.
