The h&b buying group has named International Plywood as its 2021 Supplier of the Year.
The award, presented at the group’s Annual Members Event at the Belfry late last year, commended International Plywood not only for its “excellent service levels”, but also its “commitment to the Group and the assistance it gives h&b members, going the extra mile to help merchants at a time of significant shortages in the sector”.
The Gloucester-based company provides h&b members with a wide range wood-based panel products including chipboard, hardboard, and block board as well as the eponymous plywood. Like so many h&b members, it is a well-established independent business, that prides itself on “offering a friendly, informal service combined with professional results so it is able to respond quickly to h&b members customers throughout the UK”.
International Plywood’s Director Stuart Watts said: “It’s a genuine honour to receive the recognition from the h&b members. From the beginning of the pandemic we have walked into the unknown with different challenges thrown at us on a daily basis. A fractured supply chain, shortages of raw material coupled with increasing global demand and runaway inflationary pressures has made for an interesting 18 months of trading. Very much like h&b and its members, being independent has allowed us to face these issues head on and adapt to an ever changing environment whilst maintaining our customer focus.”
International Plywood beat off competition from finalists Mannok, Evergreen (t/a Artificial Grass), Iko Plc, Bostik and PJH Group to win the top h&b award.
h&b has 110 merchant members who trade from more than 285 branches, in partnership with more than 280 suppliers. Sales through the group are now said to be approaching £1bn a year.
