Whilst only a few months have gone by since Snows Timber completed its MBO, the company is already demonstrating its intent with further investment in its distribution and production facilities alongside the launch of a new composite decking range. PBM reports.
Having finalised the Management Buyout of the business from the Bradfords Group back in March, the senior executive team of Snows Timber is continuing to introduce further change and development to the organisation. With its head office in Towcester, the national timber distributor operates sites in Andover and Mansfield with the latter serving as the primary production hub.
Not least because all of Snows Timber’s machined products are milled through the site, the company recognised that further changes need to be implemented in order to keep up with customer demand and to achieve its ambition of being the “Amazon of Timber” — or more simply put, getting product delivered on a 24 hour lead time.
Changes at the Mansfield Distribution Centre have included an increase in its operational hours to pick and mill more products. Adjusting the shift patterns on site has increased the capacity to pick and mill more orders, meaning they can be turned around on shorter lead times.
The company says that such a change in operation has been long awaited, and whilst there will be a period of catching up with current high demand, the full benefits should be felt by its customers by the end of the year through a distinct improvement in product availability and delivery.
Whilst Snows has built up a reputation for its quality softwood decking, importing an overall total of more than 150,000 cubic metres of sawn softwood each year, the company has chosen to complement its range with a capped composite decking option through a new partnership with US manufacturer AZEK Building Products to introduce the TimberTech brand into its range.
Made with a mix of wood particles and recycled plastic, TimberTech is said to provide a product that looks like natural wood but is more sustainable, longer-lasting, and low-maintenance. Immediately available to order, the range will include a 4-sided capped composite from the TimberTech PRO line of decking which is described as offering more protection than its 3-sided capped composite alternatives.
The premium offering, meanwhile, has what Snows declares is a market leading a 30-Year Limited Product Warranty and 30-Year Fade & Stain Warranty. For customers electing the Terrain Collection, maximum protection and coverage is offered through the use of ‘Mold Guard Technology’.
Ian Church, MD of Snows Timber, explained: “We are pleased to complement our range with a product that has seen real growth in recent years. We have listened to our customers and believe that adding this high-quality composite to our offering will ensure they can get all of their decking products in one place and help them meet the needs of their customers.”
