Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The purchase of Howie Forest Products by BSW Timber will boost the latter’s annual sawn timber capacity to more than one million cubic metres.
Howie Forest Products, based in Dalbeattie, Kirkcudbrightshire is the largest single-site sawmill company in the country. The 56-hectare sawmill has an annual turnover of £30m and was opened by Robin Howie in 1976.
BSW Timber supplies a full range of complementary products to the construction, pallet, packaging, fencing, garden and DIY Retail sectors. and has benefited from significant investment.
Tony Hackney, BSW Chief Executive, said: “The Dalbeattie site is an impressive addition to the BSW group of companies. It’s benefited from significant and recent investment in the latest leading edge technology in sawmilling including the UK’s largest Linck and Springer primary production line and new kilning operations.
“Moreover, it is a well established, profitable business which is well managed and deserves its rightful position as GB’s no 1 sawmill. I’m delighted to welcome the team into the BSW organisation where we intend to strengthen our position in the development of the UK timber industry through the synergies of the deal. This deal shows our commitment to continued investment in a sustainable future.”
Howie is the only member of the existing management team who will step down. The remaining executives join the enlarged BSW Group and continue in their current positions, including Howie’s daughter Laura Smith, the group’s sales director.
Earlier this year, BSW completed the initial development phase of its planned new sawmill in Corpach, Fort William, investing £10 million in site infrastructure including new kilns and preservative treatment tanks. Plans are already underway for phase two of the integrated site.
