Leeds independent builders’ merchant B&TS has expanded its Ilkley-based timber operation with help from racking supplier Filplastic UK.
The merchant, which has branches in Ilkley, Otley and Yeadon, has built a Dutch-barn style shed at the site on Lower Wellington Road, to protect timber from the Yorkshire weather. Family firm B&TS appointed Filplastic to carry out design work on the building, to maximise space for timber storage.
Filplastic also supplied cantilever racking to the project, which measures around 180m2 and occupies most of the storage yard.
Mathew Houldsworth, B&TS Branch Manager at Ilkley, said the move was part of a drive to expand timber supplies. He said: “We decided to grow the timber side because we were getting builders coming in for everything they needed, but they had to go elsewhere for timber. There was an opportunity that needed realising. So, we changed suppliers and in some cases started buying straight from the mill. We buy timber much better nowadays.
“Of course, we needed somewhere to store it and ensure it was protected. Because the Ilkley branch isn’t the biggest, we needed to ensure we used the space we had as well as possible. That’s why we appointed Filplastic. By partnering with them, we knew we would be able to achieve what we set out to do and end up with a really professional job.”
The work follows a similar, but much larger job, Filplastic carried out at B&TS’s Yeadon branch.
Mathew added: “I always use Filplastic. We price check them, obviously, because we’re in business. But they did a great job this time and always do. The service and price are always excellent, and they know the industry so well, which makes our lives much easier.”
Gary Winter, Filplastic Business Development Manager for the north, said the building was a fantastic addition to B&TS’s Ilkley branch. He commented: “We’re really pleased with this job. Because space was at a premium, we needed to come up with ways of really utilising it well. We worked closely with B&TS to put the right design in place, and, once they had finished the canopy, install the cantilever racking.
“The end result is a fantastic storage unit which will enable B&TS to grow their reputation as first class timber merchants.”
