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Timber supplier Premier Forest Products is to restarting timber operations at its 10-acre Croespenmaen site following the closure of SDL Sawmills.
The phased restart will see a number of former SDL employees return to work as operations are progressively re-established. Premier Forest, which leases the site, and sub-let it to SDL, plans to develop it into a centre of excellence for fencing and landscaping timber products, supported by an on-site timber treatment facility.
The investment will further strengthen Premier Forest Products’ national manufacturing and distribution network, enabling it to supply customers across the UK from the strategically important operation.
Neil Davies, chief financial and operating officer of Premier Forest Products, said: “The closure of SDL was obviously disappointing, particularly for the employees affected and their families. As soon as we became aware of the situation, our priority was to look at how we could secure the future of timber operations at the site. The site will become an important hub within our UK manufacturing and distribution network.”
As part of the relaunch, Deborah Llewellyn has been appointed operations manager and Rhys Watkins will be sales manager for the site. Both have extensive experience of the operation and strong relationships with customers and suppliers, providing continuity as the business enters its next chapter.
Davies added: “While there is a great deal of work ahead, we are excited about the opportunity to build a strong, sustainable operation that will benefit our customers, create employment and further strengthen Premier Forest’s position as one of the UK’s leading timber distributors.”
