Premier Forest Products has strengthened its timber engineering capability with the acquisition of National Timber Systems in addition to the Arnold Laver depots in Manchester, Reading and now Hull from the administrators of National Timber Group, which entered administration in late November last year.
National Timber Systems supplies national and regional housebuilders, as well as the construction and modular sectors, with a range of engineered timber products and services including the BBA-accredited NTSROOF® panelised roof system, roof trusses, engineered joists and specialist roof and floor cassette solutions. The acquisition secures continuity for NTS’s operations, customers and manufacturing footprint, safeguarding 160 jobs at NTS, with the new owners highlighting “plans to grow this number to 250.”
Terry Edgell, Co-founder and CEO of Premier Forest Products, commented: “With our strategic experience in timber and long-term financial stability, we see National Timber Systems as an excellent fit for Premier Forest. NTS aligns with and enhances our existing Mon Timber Engineering offer within the Premier group, and broadens our engineered timber solutions for customers across the UK.
“This acquisition will help support faster, more efficient housebuilding and modular construction through continued product innovation and the potential for additional manufacturing capacity in the future.”
Nick Kershaw, Managing Director of National Timber Systems, added: “I am delighted to be joining such a well-established timber distribution and manufacturing specialist. Premier Forest has a strong reputation for quality and service, and we see them as an excellent cultural fit, enabling NTS to continue to grow and develop.
“On behalf of my team, I would like to thank Premier Forest Products for the trust and confidence they have shown in NTS and its senior leadership team. We look forward to achieving further growth in 2026 and beyond.”
The transaction sees Premier Forest acquiring NTS operations in Bristol (pictured), Newcastle and Catterick, and follows the recent purchase of the Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading from the administrators of National Timber Group England.
The Newport-headquartered business has now also added the Arnold Laver Hull operation, further strengthening its timber distribution, manufacturing and logistics capability across the north and north-east of England. The purchase safeguards 18 jobs, following the safeguarding of more than 36 jobs at the Manchester and Reading operations.
Plans are now said to be “underway to recruit for all three branches, with the number of staff likely to reach 150.”
Speaking of the Hull acquisition specifically, Terry Edgell added: “This latest acquisition is another important step in strengthening Premier Forest’s presence across the north and north-east of England. The Hull operation significantly extends our geographic coverage and delivery capability, enabling us to better support customers across Yorkshire, the Humber and the wider north-east with a broader range of timber products and faster, more resilient supply.
“Alongside our recent acquisitions of the Arnold Laver sites in Manchester and Reading, this reinforces Premier Forest’s long-term commitment to investing in high-quality operations that enhance our offer and service for customers across the UK.”
Main image (top): The Arnold Laver site in Hull
